359 research outputs found

    Effect of the GaAsP shell on optical properties of self-catalyzed GaAs nanowires grown on silicon

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    We realize growth of self-catalyzed core-shell GaAs/GaAsP nanowires (NWs) on Si substrates using molecular-beam epitaxy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of single GaAs/GaAsP NWs confirms their high crystal quality and shows domination of the zinc-blende phase. This is further confirmed in optics of single NWs, studied using cw and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). A detailed comparison with uncapped GaAs NWs emphasizes the effect of the GaAsP capping in suppressing the non-radiative surface states: significant PL enhancement in the core-shell structures exceeding 2000 times at 10K is observed; in uncapped NWs PL is quenched at 60K whereas single core-shell GaAs/GaAsP NWs exhibit bright emission even at room temperature. From analysis of the PL temperature dependence in both types of NW we are able to determine the main carrier escape mechanisms leading to the PL quench

    Sport, social change and the public intellectual

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    This article argues that the role of the public intellectual in sport is desperately needed. The research for the article draws upon key interviews and newspaper reports. The paper examines three questions: (i) What is the role of the public intellectual in sport? (ii) Do we wish to encourage the role of the public intellectual in sport? (iii) How does one balance the objective of challenging unseen silences in sport with its potential transformative capacity to produce change (or at least be a resource for hope) in many communities. The challenge is for today’s sociologists of sport and others not to accept the narrow job description of the academic but instead to ensure that the social study of sport is one of these very public, visible forms of activity and engagement

    Validation of Individual Computerized Sow Feeding Systems in Lactation

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    Two experiments evaluated the accuracy of individual computerized feed delivery systems for lactating sows (GESTAL Solo, JYGA Technologies Inc., St-Lambert-de-Lauzon, Quebec, Canada). The feeders volumetrically dispense feed based on rotations of a screw auger. In Experiment 1, 29 prototype feeders were used across 3 farrowing groups. On d 0, 1 feeder was selected to calibrate the computer system to the bulk density of the lactation diet. Feeders were programmed for 5 feeding periods per day with feeding period allowing up to 4 feed drops triggered by the sow. Sows activate a trigger within the feed bowl to receive a targeted amount of feed (1.5 lb) and the computerized feeder records the delivery amount based on calibration values. In addition, total lactation feed intake was recorded by weighing the quantity of feed provided to the feeding system for each sow throughout lactation. Feed delivered by a single trigger activation on d 0, d 10, and d of weaning was collected and weighed with a scale and compared to the computer record. Additionally, total feed delivered over the lactation period was compared between the recorded computer measurement and scale weight. Average percentage difference between the two measurements ranged from 0.01 to 36.6% for a single trigger event. Computer-recorded total lactation feed intake was marginally less (P \u3c 0.089) than the actual weight of feed delivered (230.3 vs. 239.9 lb; SEM 5.43). Individual feeders had recorded total feed delivery ranging from 77 to 122% of actual weight delivered. Based on these results, a new feeder design, identical to the commercially marketed GESTAL Solo (plastic hopper manufactured with injection mold instead of rotational mold), was tested in Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, 29 feeders were used in a single farrowing group to evaluate the new sow feeders. Feeders were calibrated and data were collected using the same procedures as Experiment 1, except individual feed drops were collected 8 times per feeder throughout lactation. Average percentage difference across all feeders ranged from 3.8 to 13.4%. There was no evidence (P \u3c 0.542) of difference between the computer-recorded total lactation feed and actual weight of feed delivered (279.6 vs. 272.8 lb; SEM 4.03). Individual feeders had recorded total feed delivery ranging from 90.4 to 106.4% of actual weight delivered. Overall, this study shows the new feeder model was less variable in feed drops and total feed delivery than the old prototype

    Structure-based design and synthesis of antiparasitic pyrrolopyrimidines targeting pteridine reductase 1

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    The treatment of Human African Trypanosomiasis remains a major unmet health need in sub-Saharan Africa. Approaches involving new molecular targets are important and pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1), an enzyme that reduces dihydrobiopterin in Trypanosoma spp. has been identified as a candidate target and it has been shown previously that substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines are inhibitors of PTR1 from T. brucei (J. Med. Chem. 2010, 53, 221-229). In this study, 61 new pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines have been prepared, designed with input from new crystal structures of 23 of these compounds complexed with PTR1, and evaluated in screens for enzyme inhibitory activity against PTR1 and in vitro antitrypanosomal activity. 8 compounds were sufficiently active in both screens to take forward to in vivo evaluation. Thus although evidence for trypanocidal activity in a stage I disease model in mice was obtained, the compounds were too toxic to mice for further development

    Molecular analysis of WWOX expression correlation with proliferation and apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme

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    Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults. WWOX is a tumor suppressor gene involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression in many different neoplasms. Reduced WWOX expression is associated with more aggressive phenotype and poor patient outcome in several cancers. We investigated alternations of WWOX expression and its correlation with proliferation, apoptosis and signal trafficking in 67 glioblastoma multiforme specimens. Moreover, we examined the level of WWOX LOH and methylation status in WWOX promoter region. Our results suggest that loss of heterozygosity (relatively frequent in glioblastoma multiforme) along with promoter methylation may decrease the expression of this tumor suppressor gene. Our experiment revealed positive correlations between WWOX and Bcl2 and between WWOX and Ki67. We also confirmed that WWOX is positively correlated with ErbB4 signaling pathway in glioblastoma multiforme

    Effects of Timing and Amount of Feed Prior to Farrowing on Sow and Litter Performance Under Commercial Conditions

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    A total of 727 mixed parity (mean = 3.8) sows were used to evaluate the effects of timing and size of meals before farrowing on sow and litter performance. Upon entry to the farrowing house (d 113), sows were blocked by weight within parity and allotted to 1 of 3 feeding management strategies until farrowing: 1) 6.0 lb lacta­tion diet (1.15% standardized ileal digestible lysine and 1,150 kcal/lb NE) once daily at 0700 h; 2) 4 daily meals of 1.5 lb (0100 h, 0700 h, 1300 h, 1900 h); 3) ad libitum lactation diet and encouraged to consume feed at 0100 h, 0700 h, 1300 h, and 1900 h. After farrowing, all sows were provided lactation diet ad libitum until weaning. Data were analyzed for treatment effects within parity category in a mixed model with block as a random effect. Feeding sows ad libitum before farrowing tended to reduce sow body weight loss (P = 0.077) and reduce backfat loss (P = 0.003) from entry into the farrowing house until weaning compared to sows fed 4 daily meals, with sows fed once daily intermediate. Litter gain from 24 h to weaning tended to be greater (P = 0.064) in sows fed ad libitum or 4 times daily prior to farrowing compared to sows fed one meal. Piglet weaning weight increased (P = 0.050) in sows fed ad libitum before farrowing compared to those fed one meal, with those fed 4 times daily intermediate. There was no evidence for difference in farrowing duration, stillborn rate, colostrum yield, or 24 h piglet survival regardless of treatment. However, from 24 h after farrowing to weaning, sows fed one daily meal prior to farrowing had an increased (P = 0.012) percentage of fall-behind pigs compared to sows fed ad libitum, and increased (P = 0.027) preweaning mortality compared to sows fed four daily meals, resulting in reduced (P = 0.006) weaned percentage compared to sows fed four daily meals. There was no evidence for difference (P \u3e 0.10) in subsequent reproductive performance regardless of treatment. In conclusion, when sows were fed ad libitum from 2 to 3 days before farrowing there was an observed improvement in sow body weight and backfat maintenance, and piglet weaning weight during lactation. Increased frequency of meals prior to farrowing improved the survival of pigs to weaning compared to sows fed a single meal prior to farrowing

    The Scottish Bladder Cancer Quality Performance Indicators Influencing Outcomes, Prognosis, and Surveillance (Scot BC Quality OPS) Clinical Project

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    The aim of the Scot BC Quality OPS clinical project is to create a reliable prospective data set for evaluating real-world effectiveness and efficiency consequent to standardisation and monitoring of bladder cancer treatment (through the national Quality Performance Indicator programme) and streamlined surveillance in Scotland. Several work packages have been created, reflecting wide clinical and research collaboration

    One Scaffold, Three Binding Modes: Novel and Selective Pteridine Reductase 1 Inhibitors Derived from Fragment Hits Discovered by Virtual Screening†

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    The enzyme pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a potential target for new compounds to treat human African trypanosomiasis. A virtual screening campaign for fragments inhibiting PTR1 was carried out. Two novel chemical series were identified containing aminobenzothiazole and aminobenzimidazole scaffolds, respectively. One of the hits (2-amino-6-chloro-benzimidazole) was subjected to crystal structure analysis and a high resolution crystal structure in complex with PTR1 was obtained, confirming the predicted binding mode. However, the crystal structures of two analogues (2-amino-benzimidazole and 1-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-2-amino-benzimidazole) in complex with PTR1 revealed two alternative binding modes. In these complexes, previously unobserved protein movements and water-mediated protein-ligand contacts occurred, which prohibited a correct prediction of the binding modes. On the basis of the alternative bindingmode of 1-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-2-amino-benzimidazole, derivatives were designed and selective PTR1 inhibitors with low nanomolar potency and favorable physicochemical properties were obtained
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