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Ground-based and satellite observations have revealed dust temperatures as low as ∼5−7 K in the centre of low-mass, pre-stellar cloud cores, where star formation takes place. However, external heating may rise the outer core temperatures up to ∼15−20 K. Such low temperatures at the centre of pre-stellar cores are a key factor to constrain the conditions that lead to the formation of gravitationally bound protostellar systems as was recently captured by highly-resolved Atacama large millimeter/submillimeter array observations. Here, we report consistent smoothed particle hydrodynamics collapse calculations of cold cores that demonstrate the formation of close protobinary systems via small-scale fragmentation of a gravitationally unstable protostellar disc. The results indicate that mean binary separations, of tens of astronomical units, are a consequence of disc fragmentation in cold pre-stellar cores. Cloud cores initially with temperatures ≤6 K and a low amplitude (a = 0.1), m = 2 density perturbation formed close protobinaries that were followed deep into the non-isothermal collapse for several orbital periods and appeared to survive as independent stellar entities. At temperatures ≥7 K disc fragmentation is no longer observed and the calculations terminate with the formation of a wide protobinary, which may occasionally be accompanied by small substellar objects emerging by fragmentation of the circumbinary disc. When the perturbation amplitude is raised to a = 0.25, disc fragmentation occurs again only in cores with initial temperatures ≤6 K. Therefore, increasing the perturbation amplitude does not necessarily imply that there will be disc fragmentation at higher core temperatures.

The swirling secondary flow in curved pipes is studied in three-space dimensions using a weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (WCSPH) formulation coupled to new nonreflecting outflow boundary conditions. A large eddy simulation (LES) model for turbulence is benchmarked with existing experimental data. After validation of the present model against experimental results for a 90 deg pipe bend, a detailed numerical study aimed at reproducing experimental flow measurements for a wide range of Reynolds numbers has been performed for different pipe geometries, including U pipe bends, S-shaped pipes, and helically coiled pipes. In all cases, the SPH calculated behavior shows reasonably good agreement with the measurements across and downstream the bend in terms of streamwise velocity profiles and cross-sectional contours. Maximum mean-root-square deviations from the experimentally obtained profiles are always less than ∼1.8%. This combined with the very good matching between the SPH and the experimental cross-sectional contours shows the uprising capabilities of the present scheme for handling engineering applications with streamline curvature, such as flows in bends and manifolds.

$Aims.$ We present a database of 43,340 atmospheric models ($\sim$80,000 models at the conclusion of the project) for stars with stellar masses between 9 and 120 $M_{\odot}$, covering the region of the OB main-sequence and Wolf-Rayet (W-R) stars in the Hertzsprung--Russell (H--R) diagram. $Methods.$ The models were calculated using the ABACUS I supercomputer and the stellar atmosphere code CMFGEN. $Results.$ The parameter space has six dimensions: the effective temperature $T_{eff}$, the luminosity $L$, the metallicity $Z$, and three stellar wind parameters: the exponent $\beta$, the terminal velocity $V_{\infty}$, and the volume filling factor $F_{cl}$. For each model, we also calculate synthetic spectra in the UV (900-2000 A), optical (3500-7000 A), and near-IR (10000-40000 A) regions. To facilitate comparison with observations, the synthetic spectra can be rotationally broadened using ROTIN3, by covering vsin(i) velocities between 10 and 350 km s$^{-1}$ with steps of 10 km s$^{-1}$. $Conclusions.$ We also present the results of the reanalysis of $\epsilon$ Ori using our grid to demonstrate the benefits of databases of precalculated models. Our analysis succeeded in reproducing the best-fit parameter ranges of the original study, although our results favor the higher end of the mass-loss range and a lower level of clumping. Our results indirectly suggest that the resonance lines in the UV range are strongly affected by the velocity-space porosity, as has been suggested by recent theoretical calculations and numerical simulations., Comment: 22 pages, 18 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Introduction: The objective of the present study was to determine that a relationship exists between gallstones or cholecystectomy in patients with metabolic syndrome Hospital II - Essalud, Huanuco 2014. Methods: A study of cases and controls was performed on a case-A crosssectional study was conducted on 360 subjects (213 men and 147 women) all insured patients EsSalud and were evaluated to be part of program "Reform of life" in the same institution. 180 people with metabolic syndrome (cases) and 180 who did not have metabolic syndrome (controls) were included; is excluded people under 18 and people with psychiatric illness. A survey that asked people their age, gender, type of diet, family medical history, metabolic syndrome and cholecystectomy was performed. Results: Of the 360 subjects, compared to cholecystectomy, it was found that 162 (51.3%) were not cholecystectomy and did not have metabolic syndrome; 154 (48.7%) had metabolic syndrome cholecystectomy yes, that is a significant relationship (p = 0.198) was found, but quality can be attributed risk for metabolicsyndrome (OR = 1.519, CI = 0801-2882). As for gallstones, those who did not present calculations 171 (50.4%) had metabolic syndrome and 168 (49.6%) had metabolic syndrome itself, but which had bile, 9 (42.9%) did make calculations metabolic syndrome and 12 (57.1%), then no significant relationship (p = 0.5 was found, however, gallstones itself constitutes a risk factor. the male gender was the highest estimated incidence of metabolic syndrome, these were 111 (52.1%), on the other hand, were over 35 139 (47.1% of them) those with metabolic syndrome. When considering diet significantly (p = 0) is, but depending on the level of consumption fat. Conclusions: There is no significant relationship between cholecystectomy or gallstones with the metabolic syndrome.

Objetivo. Determinar si existe relación entre el antecedente de litiasis biliar crónica o colecistectomía con Síndrome Metabólico premorbido en pacientes tamizados por el programa “Reforma de Vida”. Materiales y Métodos. Estudio de casos y controles. Se escogieron a 360 pacientes asegurados en EsSalud, quienes fueron evaluados para detectar Síndrome Metabólico pre-morbido. Se incluyeron 180 personas con síndrome metabólico (casos) y 180 que no presentaban síndrome metabólico (controles). Se consultó a los pacientes sobre el antecedente de colecistitis crónica c/s colecistectomía, adicionalmente se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos (edad, género), tipo de alimentación, antecedentes patológicos familiares. Resultados. Se encontraron 21 casos de litiasis biliar (5.8%) y 44 pacientes que refirieron haber sido sometidos a colecistectomía (12.2%). No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre estas condiciones y el diagnostico de síndrome metabólico pre-mórbido en el modelo multivariado (OR: 0.81; IC 95%: 0.23-2.86, p=0.741), ni en el modelo ajustado por sexo masculino (OR: 1.12; IC 95%: 0.21-5.96, p=0.892). Conclusión. No hay una relación significativa entre colecistectomía o litiasis biliar con el diagnostico de síndrome metabólico pre-morbido.

In order to measure automatically the equivalent width of the Balmer lines in a database of 40,000 atmosphere models, we have developed a computer program that mimics the work of an astronomer in terms of identifying and eliminating secondary spectral lines mixed with the Balmer lines. The equivalent widths measured have average errors of 5%, which makes them very reliable. As part of the FITspec code, this program improves the automatic adjustment of an atmosphere model to the observed spectrum of a massive star.

We present a database of 45,000 atmospheric models (which will become 80,000 models by the end of the project) with stellar masses between 9 and 120 \( {\text{M}}_{ \odot } \), covering the region of the OB main sequence and W-R stars in the H–R diagram. The models were calculated using the ABACUS I supercomputer and the stellar atmosphere code CMFGEN. The parameter space has 6 dimensions: the effective temperature Teff, the luminosity L, the metallicity Z, and three stellar wind parameters, namely the exponent β, the terminal velocity V∞, and the volume filling factor Fcl. For each model, we also calculate synthetic spectra in the UV (900–2000 A), optical (3500–7000 A), and near IR (10000–30000 A) regions. To facilitate comparison with observations, the synthetic spectra were rotationally broaden using ROTIN3, by covering v sin i velocities between 10 and 350 km/s−1 with steps of 10 km/s−1, resulting in a library of 1 575 000 synthetic spectra. In order to demonstrate the benefits of employing the databases of pre-calculated models, we also present the results of the re-analysis of e Ori by using our grid.

In the original article, the affiliation number 16 for authors E. Berti and S. Alberti Violetti was incorrect. It originally read: 'Dermatologic Clinic, University of Milano, Milano, Italy' and has now been changed to 'Department of Dermatology, Fondazione Cà Granda, IRCCS,OMP, Milano, Italy'. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

In this paper, we describe a program that identifies in the optical spectrum the main parameters of a spectral line, namely the initial and final wavelengths, and the line depth. Moreover, using numerical calculations, it identifies and removes adjacent lines. Next, the program calculates the equivalent width and the FWHM. The software was tested in a sample of 300 lines in two databases of synthetic spectra generated by the CMFGEN and PoWR codes, and 300 lines in observed spectra from the IACOB database, showing a Gaussian distribution of relative errors, from which it is inferred that 80% of the measured lines have errors less than 17% and only 5% of the lines have errors greater than 26%. The program was also run on the entire database of 45,000 CMFGEN and 202 POWR synthetic spectra, generating a library of H i, He i, and He ii lines necessary to feed the FITspec code for the derivation of stellar parameters: effective temperature, surface gravity, and luminosity.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin belonging to the group of trichothecenes. The main effects of dietary exposure of animals to DON are weight gain suppression, anorexia and altered nutritional efficiency. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an anti-mycotoxin additive to reduce the toxic effects of weaned pigs after consuming food contaminated with 3,200 μg/kg of DON (21 days). 48 weaned pigs were selected and divided in three treatments of 2 pigs with 8 repetitions and one of the diets was assigned: T1 negative control group, without DON; T2 positive control group, contaminated with DON; T3 challenge group, with 1.5 kg/t of the anti-mycotoxins additive and DON. The piglets were weighed at the beginning of the experiment (28 days of age) and later each week until the end of the experiment. Blood samples were obtained for hematic biometry, hepatic and renal profiles. The information obtained was analyzed by the Tukey test where the significance value was based on 0.05 probability. From the 14 and 21 days of experimentation, there were statistically significant differences between treatments in weight gain, feed intake and concentration of the glutamyl transferase enzyme serum. Intestinal integrity was affected in the DON group. The results obtained show that in the DON present in the diet of the intoxication group affected the consumption of food and consequently the weight gain. The additive used at a rate of 1.5 kg/t feed for this experiment had a protective effect on the weight gain of 71%.

There is an urgent need in the University Teachers to create their own digital educational materials, (MED) that they allow them to customize and contextualize their areas of knowledge with an inclusive approach to support their academic practice as mediators' elements in the teaching-learning process. From this perspective, this text aims, guide, orient, and promote from the theory to practice in the design and production of digital teaching resources, through the paradigm of Learning Objects (OA) without the necessity to be a computer expert and taking into consideration and agile mythologies standards for construction.

In this paper we describe the FIT\textit{spec} code, a data mining tool for the automatic fitting of synthetic stellar spectra. The program uses a database of 27\,000 {\sc cmfgen} models of stellar atmospheres arranged in a six-dimensional (6D) space, where each dimension corresponds to one model parameter. From these models a library of 2\,835\,000 synthetic spectra were generated covering the ultraviolet, optical, and infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Using FIT\textit{spec} we adjust the effective temperature and the surface gravity. From the 6D array we also get the luminosity, the metallicity, and three parameters for the stellar wind: the terminal velocity ($v_\infty$), the $\beta$ exponent of the velocity law, and the clumping filling factor ($F_{\rm cl}$). Finally, the projected rotational velocity ($v\cdot\sin i$) can be obtained from the library of stellar spectra. Validation of the algorithm was performed by analyzing the spectra of a sample of eight O-type stars taken from the {\sc iacob} spectroscopic survey of Northern Galactic OB stars. The spectral lines used for the adjustment of the analyzed stars are reproduced with good accuracy. In particular, the effective temperatures calculated with the FIT\textit{spec} are in good agreement with those derived from spectral type and other calibrations for the same stars. The stellar luminosities and projected rotational velocities are also in good agreement with previous quantitative spectroscopic analyses in the literature. An important advantage of FIT\textit{spec} over traditional codes is that the time required for spectral analyses is reduced from months to a few hours., Comment: 26 pages, 9 figures

Neurological examinations were made of 67 children and adults with congenital iodine-deficiency disorder (endemic cretinism) in four rural villages in highland Ecuador. There was a distinct and readily identifiable pattern of neurological deficits. These included, to varying degrees: deaf-mutism or lesser degrees of bilateral hearing-loss or dysarthria; spasticity, particularly involving the proximal lower extremities; mental deficiency of a characteristic type; and rigidity and bradykinesia. Not all of these elements were found in all cases. Less common features were strabismus, kyphoscoliosis and frontal-lobe signs. There were exceptional cases with hypotonia. In contrast, cerebellar function was largely spared, as were functions of emotion and attention, vegetative and autonomic functions, social interaction, and probably memory, except in the most severely involved.

We hypothesized that particular genetic backgrounds enhance rates of colonization, increase severity of enteritis, and allow for extraintestinal spread when inbred IL-10(-/-) mice are infected with pathogenic C. jejuni. Campylobacter jejuni stably colonized C57BL/6 and NOD mice, while congenic strains lacking IL-10 developed typhlocolitis following colonization that mimicked human campylobacteriosis. However, IL-10 deficiency alone was not necessary for the presence of C. jejuni in extraintestinal sites. C3H/HeJ tlr4(-/-) mice that specifically express the Cdcs1 allele showed colonization and limited extraintestinal spread without enteritis implicating this interval in the clinical presentation of C. jejuni infection. Furthermore, when the IL-10 gene is inactivated as in C3Bir tlr4(-/-) IL-10(-/-) mice, enteritis and intensive extraintestinal spread were observed, suggesting that clinical presentations of C. jejuni infection are controlled by a complex interplay of factors. These data demonstrate that lack of IL-10 had a greater effect on C. jejuni induced colitis than other immune elements such as TLR4 (C3H/HeJ, C3Bir IL-10(-/-)), MHC H-2g7, diabetogenic genes, and CTLA-4 (NOD) and that host genetic background is in part responsible for disease phenotype. C3Bir IL-10(-/-) mice where Cdcs1 impairs gut barrier function provide a new murine model of C. jejuni and can serve as surrogates for immunocompromised patients with extraintestinal spread.

Cytokines are secreted proteins that act as local immunological mediators. Increased seminal cytokine concentrations are associated with fertility problems. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of IL-2alpha, and IL-2beta receptors on fresh and isolated sperm by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Twenty sperm samples from oligospermic men were incubated with CD25, a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for IL-2alpha-chain receptor, and CD122, a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for IL-2beta-chain receptor. The strong initial fluorescence intensity and, subsequently, a labeling index yielded by CD25 and CD122 decreased in sperm centrifuged on a Percoll gradient (p.05). The expression of CD25 and CD122 correlated negatively with fresh sperm concentration, but in sperm centrifuged on a Percoll gradient there was no correlation. Labeling with CD25 and CD122 antibody was evident on the head and the middle piece in fresh sperm, while in sperm centrifuged on a Percoll gradient a weak labeling was observed only on the principal piece. The authors have identified and localized cytokine receptors on human sperm for the first time. Cytokine receptors may be involved in the regulation of pathophysiological events in sperm cell functions and male infertility. The exact pathway involved in modulation of these receptors requires further investigation. These results contribute to the understanding of cytokine-sperm relationships.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effect of catalase (CAT) on frozen/thawed ibex epididymal sperm recovered post mortem, and to detect any harmful effect this might have on sperm fertilisation capacity. Epididymal spermatozoa were diluted using a Tris-citric acid-glucose medium (TCG) composed of 3.8% Tris (w/v), 2.2% citric acid (w/v), 0.6% glucose (w/v), 5% glycerol (v/v), and 6% egg yolk (v/v). Sperm masses from the right epididymis were diluted with TCG medium, while those from the left were diluted with TCG medium supplemented with 200. IU/mL CAT. Heterologous in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was used to assess the fertilisation capacity of this sperm. The addition of CAT to the extender did not improve frozen/thawed sperm variables. Moreover, a reduced fertilisation capacity was detected sperm diluted with TCG provided 25.5% 2PN zygotes, while just 13.2% was recorded for that diluted with TCG-CAT (P

It's well known N-fertilization can greatly affect both plant photosynthesis and denitrifying activity of soil in agroecosystems. Moreover it's noteworthy soil biological processes such as denitrification can interfere on soil-plant relationship because of competitive demand of microbial community for N-mineral source. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interactions between photosynthetic activity and biological denitrification of soil in a Mediterranean cropland under irrigated field conditions. This is of great concern since actually only few data are available for Mediterranean agroecosystems. The experimental site, also registered as contributing to the FLUXNET network, is located near Eboli, in Campania region, South Italy. Even if the parent material of the soil at the site is carbonate, most of the material has an alluvial origin, with a clay texture in the top 0.2 m, then more sandy and silty-clay at 1.2 m, moreover it is very rich in carbonates and is characterized by hydromorphic traits related to winter waterlogging. After manuring and maize sowing, three plots were determined in the field with three different mineral-N supply: 5q/ha control (C), 3q/ha low mineral-N fertilization (N-), high mineral-N fertilization 7q/ha (N+). Measurements of gas exchange (portable gas exchange system Li-Cor 6400, NE, USA), denitrification rate (Acetylene Inhibition Technique, on intact soil cores) and N2O fluxes from soil by closed chambers were performed in each different plot, at two different stages of maize growth (35 days and 50 days). Analyses of nitrate concentration, pH, soil temperature, WFPS and organic matter were also carried out. On the first sampling date, no differences were detected in NO- 3 concentration between C and N- plots, while significant higher NO- 3 values were found at the N+ plot. In response to the NO- 3 pattern, the highest denitrification rate and N2O fluxes were measured at N+ plot, moreover despite the similar NO- 3 concentrations, an higher denitrification activity was found in C as compared to N-, according to the higher WFPS in this plot. Differently from denitrifying activity, comparable values of maize photosynthesis were found at the three plots, suggesting that CO2 assimilation was not affected by the different amount of NO- 3 concentrations at this stage of maize growth. On the second sampling data, no decrease was detected in NO- 3 pool concentration in all the plots, probably because of the slow release to the soil of mineral-N from the manure applied on the field. Also denitrification rates in N+ and N- did not show significant changes referring to the first sampling, with the highest value being detected in N+. On the contrary very low denitrifying activity and N2O fluxes from soil were observed in C, probably ascribed to the low WFPS at the sampling time. The measure of photosynthetic activity has shown significant difference among plots, in particular the higher and the lower values were found in N- and N+ plots, respectively, as compared to control. It may be hypothesized that different NO- 3 concentrations affect CO2 fixation mainly in the late stage of maize growth, indicating that a reduction in nitrogen supply induces limitation in the photosynthetic performance during the full development of photosynthetic apparatus. Nevertheless it could be suggested that the higher photosynthetic rate in N+ plot is due to a prolonged ontogenesis derived by richness of N supply. It may be that an interaction between plant and soil systems occurred. In fact despite no significant changes between the two samplings in denitrifying activity in N+ and N-(at similar values of WFPS), a steep decrease in N2O emissions was found on the second date in both plots. It's well known plant-derived C in soil can affect denitrifier bacteria, so it might be argued that the roots of the growing maize plants could have released some metabolizable C compounds able to modify the N2O/(N2+N2O) ratio

Background A captive Red Panda developed a regenerative anemia with Heinz bodies after being sprayed by a skunk. A definite cause-and-effect relationship between skunk musk and oxidative erythrocyte damage has not been reported, but it was suspected in one reported case of a dog with Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Objective The objective was to determine whether skunk musk induces oxidative HGB damage in vitro. Methods Plasma and RBC were harvested from heparinized blood of 3 dogs, 3 cats, and a Red Panda. Skunk musk was solubilized in ethanol and mixed with plasma from each species to make stock solutions of 4% musk and 4% ethanol. Aliquots of RBC were resuspended in autologous stock solutions and solvent controls to yield musk concentrations of 0%, 0.04%, and 0.4% (by volume). Aliquots were incubated at 37°C for 4–72 hours and assessed for oxidative damage by visual inspection, optical absorbance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and light microscopy after Wright and vital New Methylene Blue staining. Results Dose-dependent brown color and absorption changes characteristic of methemoglobin were present by 4 hours and increased over 24 hours (Red Panda) and 72 hours (dog and cat). Similarly, there were time-dependent (all species) and dose-dependent (dog and cat) increases in the number of Heinz bodies, which were present by 4 hours and numerous by 24 hours. Conclusions In vitro, skunk musk causes Heinz body and methemoglobin formation in canine, feline, and Red Panda RBC, supporting the clinical association between Heinz body hemolytic anemia and skunk spray exposure.

Biochemical surface modifications occur during the capacitation and acrosome reaction of human sperm and among those, variations in the expression of carbohydrates moieties. A sequential study was performed with electronic microscopy and flow cytometry techniques, where the binding of 4 lectins was assessed on normal human sperm samples during in vitro induction of the acrosome reaction with calcium ionophore A-23187. Triticum vulgaris agglutinin (WGA) was shown to bind strongly the whole surface of sperm before induction of the acrosome reaction, and in lesser amounts after incubation with calcium ionophore. Arachis hypogea agglutinin (PNA) and mostly Concanavalia ensiformis agglutinin (Con-A) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-1) binding evolved in an opposite pattern with an increase of the labeling parallel to that of GB24 antibody binding. Electron microscopy showed that the fluorescence patterns observed correlated with increased access to the inner membrane of the acrosome. This was significant 60 min after the induction of acrosome reaction. Lectin binding could be a useful tool to examine the ability of sperm samples to undergo the acrosome reaction.

We present a tool for analysis and fit of stellar spectra using a mega database of 15,000 atmosphere models for OB stars. We have developed software tools, which allow us to find the model that best fits to an observed spectrum, comparing equivalent widths and line ratios in the observed spectrum with all models of the database. We use the Hα, Hβ, Hγ, and Hδ lines as criterion of stellar gravity and ratios of He II λ4541/He I λ4471, He II λ4200/(He I+He II λ4026), He II λ4541/He I λ4387, and He II λ4200/He I λ4144 as criterion of Teff.

Inflammatory myoglandular polyp (IMGP) is a rare nonneoplastic polyp of the large bowel, characterized by inflammatory granulation tissue in the lamina propia, proliferation of smooth muscle and hyperplastic glands with variable degree of cystic changes. Clinical course is benign and etiology unclear, but it has been associated to chronic inflammation due to fecal stasis and abnormal colonic motility. Clinically may be asymptomatic or produce hematochezia. At endoscopy the appearance may be that of a pedunculated or semi-pedunculated polyp, with soft or lobulated surface, with hyperemia and even partial erosions. We present a 33 year-old male with hematochezia caused by an IMGP in the descending colon. Initial diagnosis was a well differentiated adenocarcinoma, which proved to be an IMGP on final pathology. Hematochezia resolved after resection.

ISM, abundances, planetary nebulae, individual (NGC 6826), stars: abundances, stars, atmospheres, stars, rotation, stars, winds, outflows.

Summary In a first paper, we concluded that the muscular region of the interventricular septum is developed by the trabecular branches and showed evidence that the developing interventricular septum elongates in a direction opposite to that of atria. Nevertheless, to date the literature is lacking precise information on the importance of myocardial proliferation not only in this process but also in the morphogenesis of the ventricular cavities. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of high-intensity foci of cycling myocytes in the ventricular region of the heart of chicken embryos during cardiac septation. Histological studies, detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen by light and confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis were carried out. The results corroborate that the developing interventricular septum grows in a direction opposite to that of atria. A remoulding mechanism that results in fenestrated trabecular sheets and trabecular branching is discussed. Our findings allowed us to summarize the normal morphogenesis of the muscular region of the interventricular septum in a way that is different from that suggested by other researchers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate uterine activity at farrowing in sows with different gestation lengths (GL), and its effect on the metabolic profile, blood gases and daily weight gain of neonate piglets. The experiment covered a period of 25 weeks and involved 200 Yorkshire-Landrace sows. The animals were assigned to four groups of 50 sows each and distributed according to GL, as follows: GL1: 107–109 days; GL2: 110–113 days; GL3: 114–116 days; GL4: 117–119 days. The productive indicators of the sows were recorded, as were the survival outcomes of the neonatal pigs. Fetal cardiac frequency and both intensity and frequency of myometrial contractions were monitored using a Corometrics Fetal monitor. The blood gases, electrolytes and glucose levels of the neonates were obtained by means of an automatic blood gas and electrolyte analyser. The GL groups GL1 and GL2 had more prolonged births (>226.26 ± 4.95 min) regardless of litter size (P < 0.05). Of the four groups, GL1 presented the longest duration (P < 0.05) of the expulsion phase (P < 0.05), the highest number of uterine contractions (P < 0.05), and the highest and lowest number of intra-partum deaths (P < 0.05) and live births, respectively. The live birth piglets in this group had both the lowest birthweights (P < 0.05) and the highest incidences of hypercapnia, hyperlactatemia and hypercalcaemia (P < 0.05), which later resulted in lower rates of daily weight gain (P < 0.05). In conclusion, premature births increase the number of intra-partum deaths and result in lower birthweights, the presence of apnoea, and severe metabolic alterations in piglets.

Campylobacter jejuniis a globally distributed cause of human food-borne enteritis and has been linked to chronic joint and neurological diseases. We hypothesized thatC. jejuni11168 colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of both C57BL/6 mice and congenic C57BL/6 interleukin-10-deficient (IL-10−/−) mice and that C57BL/6 IL-10−/−mice experienceC. jejuni11168-mediated clinical signs and pathology. Individually housed mice were challenged orally withC. jejuni11168, and the course of infection was monitored by clinical examination, bacterial culture,C. jejuni-specific PCR, gross pathology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and anti-C. jejuni-specific serology. Ceca ofC. jejuni11168-infected mice were colonized at high rates: ceca of 50/50 wild-type mice and 168/170 IL-10−/−mice were colonized. In a range from 2 to 35 days after infection withC. jejuni11168, C57BL/6 IL-10−/−mice developed severe typhlocolitis best evaluated at the ileocecocolic junction. Rates of colonization and enteritis did not differ between male and female mice. A dose-response experiment showed that as little as 106CFU produced significant disease and pathological lesions similar to responses seen in humans. Immunohistochemical staining demonstratedC. jejuniantigens within gastrointestinal tissues of infected mice. Significant anti-C. jejuniplasma immunoglobulin levels developed by day 28 after infection in both wild-type and IL-10-deficient animals; antibodies were predominantly T-helper-cell 1 (Th1)-associated subtypes. These results indicate that the colonization of the mouse gastrointestinal tract byC. jejuni11168 is necessary but not sufficient for the development of enteritis and that C57BL/6 IL-10−/−mice can serve as models for the study ofC. jejunienteritis in humans.

To characterize the rpoB gene mutations of the rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis strains isolated in pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Mexico.Thirty-seven clinical M. tuberculosis isolates cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen media and obtained from consecutive tuberculosis patients in 5 public hospitals were analyzed by PCR and the INNO-LiPA Rif TB for amplification and detection of mutations associated with rifampicin resistance, respectively.Twenty-three out of 37 isolates (62.2%) were found to be wild type (rifampicin susceptible), while 14 isolates (37.8%) contained mutations associated with rifampicin resistance. Seven out of the 37 isolates (18.9%) had a delta S1 mutation, in the nucleotide position number 511; one (2.7%) had a R4b mutation, in nucleotide H526D; five (13.5%) contained a R5 mutation, in nucleotide S531L; and one (2.7%) showed a double mutation delta S1/R4b.According to the marker used (rifampicin resistance), at least five different strains of M. tuberculosis circulate among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Mexico. rpoB gene mutations associated with rifampicin resistance are common in Mexico. A single mutation in nucleotide 511 was the most frequently observed, followed by single mutations in nucleotides S531L and H526D.

We developed a self-consistent stellar-nebular model for NGC 7009. This model reproduces the available observations ranging from optical to UV. The combined approach to the modeling process produces more constraints and thus more trustworty results. After obtaining the model, we perform a comparative study of the chemical composition of He, N, O, Ne, Cl, and S in the nebula and its central star. Concluding that the stellar composition agrees with the nebular composition with t2 ≠ 0.00.

We report in this work a quantitative procedure developed to evaluate the acrosomal reaction and vitality of human spermatozoa, with three color staining simultaneously. Twenty normal human sperm were labeled with GB24 monoclonal antibody, a fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated lectin and propidium iodide (supravital stain). Four conjugated lectins were investigated: WGA, Con-A, PNA and UEA-1. Acrosome reaction was induced with calcium ionophore A-23187. Analyses were made by flow cytometry and electron microscopy. A high percentage of spermatozoa that stained with propidium iodide was found. The results of four lectins show an interaction between GB24 and lectin binding. Significant differences of fluorescence index were obtained between the samples with calcium ionophore A-23187 and the samples without it. The WGA-GB24 association shows an independent behavior and this may depend on the fact that WGA binds to the cytoplasmic membrane of human spermatozoa and GB24 antibody bind inner acrosome membrane. Using Con-A, PNA and UEA-I a crowded staining is likely to occur because these lectins and GB24 antibody mainly bind to acrosome membranes, and our results then show a close relation.

Vista Research, Inc., has developed an innovative technology for the detection of small leaks in underground pipelines that are part of the aviation fueling systems found at commercial airports and military airfields. These include hydrant fuel distribution lines, which are typically 10 in. or more in diameter and up to several miles long, as well as the smaller fuel-farm pipelines associated with aboveground or bulk underground storage tanks that supply fuel to the hydrant lines. The fuel farm lines are typically 8 to 10 in. in diameter and are generally less than 1,000 ft long. On the hydrant lines, the new technology is implemented as a computer-controlled system called the Fully Automatic Line Tester, or FALT. On the underground lines associated with fuel-farm tanks, it is implemented as a system called the MAnual Line Tester (MALT). The MALTplus is a MALT that is equipped an electronic data acquisition system. The MALT, MALTplus and FALT can be used as portable systems and transported from line to line for quarterly, semi-annual or annual tightness testing, or they can be permanently installed for periodic monitoring on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. A tightness test can be completed in approximately 2 h, and a test for monitoring purposes in approximately 1 h. They are attached to the line at a single location by means of a valve; any location along the line is suitable. No additional instrumentation or sensors have to be installed. These systems make a direct measurement, at the operating pressure of the line, of the rate of change in liquid volume that is due to a leak. The MALT, MALTplus and FALT achieve high performance because they compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the product as part of the test protocol. To achieve a similar level of performance with conventional pressure or volumetric leak detection systems would require a pre-test waiting period of 24 to 48 h after the cessation of normal operations to allow the thermal changes to subside. The FALT was demonstrated at the Miami International Airport, on a 1.86-mile-long underground hydrant line containing 45,750 gal of Jet-A fuel. Testing was conducted between midnight and 5:00 A.M. each day, after fueling operations had been terminated for the night. During each of two demonstration tests conducted, personnel simulated a leak in the line by withdrawing a small, measured volume of fuel. Agreement between the amount withdrawn and the rate of flow measured by the FALT was within 0.07 gal/h during the first test and within 0.31 gal/h during the second. The MALT and the MALTplus were demonstrated at the Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Coronado, as part of the Naval Environmental Leadership Program (NELP). Over a three-day period, nine leak detection tests were conducted on a 650-ft, 8-in.-diameter underground line containing 1,700 gal of diesel marine fuel. During three of the tests, leaks of 0.08, 0.13, and 0.16 gal/h, respectively, were induced. Measurements of volume rate made by the MALT and MALTplus were in excellent agreement with the actual status of the line; for all nine tests, the one standard deviation uncertainty in the test results was 0.012 gal/h. The results of the demonstration indicated that the MALT and MALTplus could detect leaks as small as 0.1 gal/h accurately and reliably.

It was shown by the following three different types of measurements that the effect of thiocyanate on electrodeposition processes involving cobalt, nickel and lead could be predicted by regarding the thiocyanate as a bridging anion for deposition the transition elements and merely as a blocking agent for the deposition of the non-transition elements. 1. (1) Voltammetric methods showed that the thiocyanate increased the rate of deposition of the transition elements, cobalt and nickel, but only inhibited the deposition of the non-transition elements lead and hydrogen. 2. (2) Current efficiency measurements showed that addition of thiocyanate ions increased the current efficiency for the deposition of the transition elements cobalt and nickel, but decreased the current efficiency for deposition of the non-transition element lead. 3. (3) Alloy deposition studies showed that addition of thiocyanate ions increased the percentage of cobalt and nickel in cobalt-lead and Ni-Pb alloys.

Iodinated oil (Ethiodol, 1 or 2 ml) was administered po or by im administration to adult women and older children in rural highland Ecuador who were either well nourished or malnourished to determine the effect of nutritional status on the disposal rate of iodine. These subjects resides in a region previously severely deficient in iodine, but this had been corrected in these subjects by prior administration of iodinated oil or by use of iodized salt or both. Malnutrition as determined by the conventional standards of height for age was associated with a significantly shortened retention time of the administered iodine, whether given po or im. The half life of retention was approximately half in the malourished of that in the well nourished. If these findings can be extrapolated to chronically iodine deficient subjects, then malnourished populations in need of iodine supplementation should either receive higher dosages than those conventionally employed or more frequent dosage.

Hand radiographic assessment has revealed the pattern of skeletal growth and maturation among Ecuadorian Indian villagers where iodine deficiency has resulted in an endemia of goiter and cretinism. This is intended to provide base line information for future attempts to learn about physical impairment among people living under inadequate iodine nutriture.

Nearly 6% of the inhabitants of two villages in Ecuador are deaf-mute and mentally retarded cretins. These communities are situated in the Andean highlands where environmental and dietary stores of iodine are extremely scarce. Endemic goiter and cretinism are widespread, and 10% of the cretins are additionally burdened with dwarfism and facial dysmorphia. Those with obvious involvement of the skeletal system were selected in order to study the extent of craniofacial malformation. Their appearance is characterized by midface hypoplasia, a broad nose with a depressed bridge, and a conspicuous circumoral prominence. Radiographic evaluation demonstrates a vertical displacement of the cranial base with an associated upward tilt of the midface. The flattened frontal bone, reduced frontal sinus pneumatization, and diminutive nasal bones collectively create a backward sloping face. The defect in the craniofacial skeleton of these Ecuadorian cretins is characteristic, and it readily sets them apart from the dysmorphism of those cretins with myxedema.

The results of tests of intellectual and psychomotor performance and school performance in a group of school children from a rural impoverished and iodine deficient Andean community whose mothers received injections of iodinated oil prior to the end of the first trimester of pregnancy have been compared with results in children from a neighboring comparable community whose mothers had received no iodinated oil. Subjects between ages 8 and 15 were studied. Statistically significant differences were not observed between the two groups in tests of intellectual function, but children of mothers who had received iodinated oil performed better on tests of psychomotor maturation. The group whose mothers had received oil performed distinctly better when assessed in terms of school drop-out rates, grades achieved, grades repeated, and in overall performance as judged by teacher notes in school records. Performance of both groups on standard tests of intellectual and psychomotor function was lower than standard scores. This may be a result of social and cultural deprivation, the general malnutrition prevailing in the region or other unidentified factors. The improved scoring and school performance exhibited by the children of mothers who received iodinated oil underlines the importance of prophylaxis with iodine in iodine deficient regions as one important contributor to community development.

Analysis of iodide deficiency, thyroid function, altitude, neural and motor dysfunction and a variety of social and economic variables to ascertain the prevalence of endemic goiter in eight rural Andean villages showed that as many as 54 per cent of the population in certain villages had goiter, and neural and motor abnormalities characteristic of cretinism were present in up to 10 per cent of the population. All villages with goiter had severe iodine deficiency. Intercurrent unidentified socioeconomic and biologic factors in the community may have modified the severity of the endemic. High altitude seemed to depress goiter formation. With increasing severity of the endemic, there was a rising prevalence of nodular goiter, and an increase in goiter in children, in goiter in men as compared to women and in the average size of the glands. Endemic cretinism, deaf-mutism and motor abnormalities were highly correlated with the severest intensity of endemic goiter. The cretins studied did not appear to...

Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions from several Italian croplands along a latitudinal gradient were analyzed and the fertilizer induced emission (FIE) factor, for each single fertilization event, was calculated. Data show that the average emission factor was between 0.7 and 0.3 %, hence much lower than the IPCC EF used for temperate croplands. The relationship between N 2 O production and applied N fertilization rate was exponential and not linear, although the rate of exponential increase was lower than previously reported. Maximum N 2 O emission rate was correlated with magnitude of the total FIE, whereas it was inversely related to the length of FIE, which varied from a minimum of 8–56 days. Overall data suggest that the internationally applied emission factors for temperate crops, which are empirically derived from sites with cooler and wetter climates than the Mediterranean, would overestimate N 2 O emissions for Italian crops, in particular those developing between spring and summer.