Group counseling with underachieving tenth grade pupils.

Thesis (M.Ed.

P75 neurotrophin receptor is sequestered in the Golgi apparatus of the U-87 MG human glioblastoma cell line.

International audienceThe P75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a cell surface receptor that can induce apoptosis in many cell types. This receptor plays a major role in the development of the central nervous system and is expressed in some adult brain cells. Its implication in cell apoptosis or survival is probably of major importance in cellular homeostasis and thus p75NTR could be implicated in tumor resistance to death. In this study, we investigated the intracellular expression of p75NTR in a human glioblastoma cell line. Detection of p75NTR receptor in Golgi apparatus by immunofluorescence microscopy, or after Golgi apparatus extraction, could be correlated with a decrease of cell apoptosis leading cells to become tumorous. This hypothesis is supported by a loss of ligand-induced apoptosis in this cell line. Our observations show that p75NTR can be sequestered in the Golgi complex and could then be, in part, responsible for the cell resistance to apoptosis and for brain tumor formation

Preparing eugregarine parasites and their cricket host Acheta domesticus as a model for gregarine infection studies

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordData availability: Data will be made available on request.The increasing global demand for house crickets (Acheta domesticus) necessitates effective health measures. Despite their abundance, the effects of gregarines on these hosts remain underexplored. We present a method for controlled gregarine infection and maintenance of gregarine-free cricket populations. This system, adapted from prior work, is essential for experiments on gregarine infection dynamics, providing insights into parasite evolution and host-parasite interactions within the Apicomplexa group. This protocol includes rearing and maintenance of gregarine-free cricket populations for experimental purposes, gregarine production for oocyst solution and cricket infection, and gregarine infection assessment.European Union Horizon 202

Test Results from the PF Conductor Insert Coil and Implications for the ITER PF System

In this paper we report the main test results obtained on the Poloidal Field Conductor Insert coil (PFI) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), built jointly by the EU and RF ITER parties, recently installed and tested in the CS Model Coil facility, at JAEA-Naka. During the test we (a) verified the DC and AC operating margin of the NbTi Cable-in-Conduit Conductor in conditions representative of the operation of the ITER PF coils, (b) measured the intermediate conductor joint resistance, margin and loss, and (c) measured the AC loss of the conductor and its changes once subjected to a significant number of Lorentz force cycles. We compare the results obtained to expectations from strand and cable characterization, which were studied extensively earlier. We finally discuss the implications for the ITER PF system

Harmful and beneficial symbionts of Tenebrio molitor and their implications for disease management

The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, is currently one of the most important insect species produced for livestock feed and human consumption. High-density rearing conditions make the risk of disease and infections by parasitic symbionts a challenge in the mass production of these insects. However, certain symbionts are beneficial and should be favoured in order to promote healthy insect populations. Knowledge of parasitic symbionts and their management is essential for the insect rearing industry and its associated research. Here we review the documented microbial infectious agents, invertebrate parasites, and beneficial symbionts occurring in T. molitor. Furthermore, we discuss detection, prevention, and treatment methods for disease management in T. molitor production systems to inform future management and decision making in T. molitor rearing

Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray ultra-microscopy—SEM and XuM

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) produces images at 500 000 times magnification and better than 1 nm resolution to characterize inorganic and organic solid morphology, surface topography, and crystallography. An electron beam interacts with the material and generates secondary electrons (SE) and backscattered electrons (BSE) that detectors capture. Coupled with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (X-EDS), SEM-EDS identifies elemental composition. X-ray ultra-microscopy (XuM) traverses particles to identify phase changes and areas of high density and voids without slicing through the solids by microtome. Although SEM instrument capability continuously evolves with higher magnification and better resolution, desktop SEMs are becoming standard in laboratories that require frequent imaging and lower magnification. Hand-held cameras (800–1500×) have the advantage of low cost, ease of use, and better colours. SEM depth of field is better than visible light microscopy, but image stacking software has narrowed the gap between the two. Modern user interfaces mean that today's SEM instruments are easier to operate and data acquisition is faster, but operators must be able to select the right technique for the application (e.g., SE vs. BSE). Furthermore, they must understand how operating parameters like probe current, accelerating voltage, spot-diameter, convergence angle, and working distance compromise sample integrity. The number of articles the Web of Science indexes that mention SEM has grown from 1000 in 1990 to over 40 000 in 2021. A bibliometric map identified four clusters of research: mechanical properties and microstructure; nanoparticles, composites, and graphene; antibacterial and green synthesis; and adsorption and wastewater

Optimisation of ITER Nb3Sn CICCs for coupling loss, transverse electromagnetic load and axial thermal contraction

The ITER cable-in-conduit conductors (CICCs) are built up from sub-cable bundles, wound in different stages, which are twisted to counter coupling loss caused by time-changing external magnet fields. The selection of the twist pitch lengths has major implications for the performance of the cable in the case of strain sensitive superconductors, i.e. Nb3Sn, as the electromagnetic and thermal contraction loads are large but also for the heat load from the AC coupling loss. Reduction of the transverse load and warm-up cool-down degradation can be reached by applying longer twist pitches in a particular sequence for the sub-stages, offering a large cable transverse stiffness, adequate axial flexibility and maximum allowed lateral strand support. Analysis of short sample (TF conductor) data reveals that increasing the twist pitch can lead to a gain of the effective axial compressive strain of more than 0.3 % with practically no degradation from bending. For reduction of the coupling loss, specific choices of the cabling twist sequence are needed with the aim to minimize the area of linked strands and bundles that are coupled and form loops with the applied changing magnetic field, instead of simply avoiding longer pitches. In addition we recommend increasing the wrap coverage of the CS conductor from 50 % to at least 70 %. The models predict significant improvement against strain sensitivity and substantial decrease of the AC coupling loss in Nb3Sn CICCs, but also for NbTi CICCs minimization of the coupling loss can be achieved. Although the success of long pitches to transverse load degradation was already demonstrated, the prediction of the combination with low coupling loss needs to be validated by a short sample test.Comment: to be published in Supercond Sci Techno

Long-term safety in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer treated with niraparib versus placebo: Results from the phase III ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial

OBJECTIVE: Niraparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor approved for use in heavily pretreated patients and as maintenance treatment in patients with newly-diagnosed or recurrent ovarian cancer following a response to platinum-based chemotherapy. We present long-term safety data for niraparib from the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial. METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of niraparib for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive either once-daily niraparib 300 mg or placebo. Two independent cohorts were enrolled based on germline BRCA mutation status. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, reported previously. Long-term safety data were from the most recent data cutoff (September 2017). RESULTS: Overall, 367 patients received niraparib 300 mg once daily. Dose reductions due to TEAEs were highest in month 1 (34%) and declined every month thereafter. Incidence of any-grade and grade ≥ 3 hematologic and symptomatic TEAEs was also highest in month 1 and subsequently declined. Incidence of grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia decreased from 28% (month 1) to 9% and 5% (months 2 and 3, respectively), with protocol-directed dose interruptions and/or reductions. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were reported in 2 and 6 niraparib-treated patients, respectively, and in 1 placebo patient each. Treatment discontinuations due to TEAEs were <5% in each month and time interval measured. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the importance of appropriate dose reduction according to toxicity criteria and support the safe long-term use of niraparib for maintenance treatment in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01847274