NR2A at CA1 synapses is obligatory for the susceptibility of hippocampal plasticity to sleep loss.

A loss in the necessary amount of sleep alters expression of genes and proteins implicated in brain plasticity, but key proteins that render neuronal circuits sensitive to sleep disturbance are unknown. We show that mild (4-6 h) sleep deprivation (SD) selectively augmented the number of NR2A subunits of NMDA receptors on postsynaptic densities of adult mouse CA1 synapses. The greater synaptic NR2A content facilitated induction of CA3-CA1 long-term depression in the theta frequency stimulation range and augmented the synaptic modification threshold. NR2A-knock-out mice maintained behavioral response to SD, including compensatory increase in post-deprivation resting time, but hippocampal synaptic plasticity was insensitive to sleep loss. After SD, the balance between synaptically activated and slowly recruited NMDA receptor pools during temporal summation was disrupted. Together, these results indicate that NR2A is obligatory for the consequences of sleep loss on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These findings could advance pharmacological strategies aiming to sustain hippocampal function during sleep restriction

The kinematics of the quadrupolar nebula M1-75 and the identification of its central star

The link between the shaping of bipolar planetary nebulae and their central stars is still poorly understood. The kinematics and shaping of the multipolar nebula M 1-75 are hereby investigated, and the location and nature of its central star are briefly discussed. Fabry-Perot data from GHaFAS on the WHT sampling the Doppler shift of the [N II] 658.3 nm line are used to study the dynamics of the nebula, by means of a detailed 3-D spatio-kinematical model. Multi-wavelength images and spectra from the WFC and IDS on the INT, and from ACAM on the WHT, allowed us to constrain the parameters of the central star. The two pairs of lobes, angularly separated by ~22 degrees, were ejected simultaneously approx. ~3500-5000 years ago, at the adopted distance range from 3.5 to 5.0 kpc. The larger lobes show evidence of a slight degree of point symmetry. The shaping of the nebula could be explained by wind interaction in a system consisting of a post-AGB star surrounded by a disc warped by radiative instabilities. This requires the system to be a close binary or a single star which engulfed a planet as it died. On the other hand, we present broad- and narrow-band images and a low S/N optical spectrum of the highly-reddened, previously unnoticed star which is likely the nebular progenitor. Its estimated V-I colour allows us to derive a rough estimate of the parameters and nature of the central star.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Garbage collection auto-tuning for Java MapReduce on Multi-Cores

MapReduce has been widely accepted as a simple programming pattern that can form the basis for efficient, large-scale, distributed data processing. The success of the MapReduce pattern has led to a variety of implementations for different computational scenarios. In this paper we present MRJ, a MapReduce Java framework for multi-core architectures. We evaluate its scalability on a four-core, hyperthreaded Intel Core i7 processor, using a set of standard MapReduce benchmarks. We investigate the significant impact that Java runtime garbage collection has on the performance and scalability of MRJ. We propose the use of memory management auto-tuning techniques based on machine learning. With our auto-tuning approach, we are able to achieve MRJ performance within 10% of optimal on 75% of our benchmark tests

A possible explanation for the discrepancy between ELISA and neutralising antibodies to tetanus toxin

The structure and protective activity of tetanus antibodies elicited in rabbits after whole-cell pertussis diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DTPw) vaccination was studied. ELISA antibody levels and toxin neutralisation activity (TNT) were measured in individual serum samples. The ratio of symmetric and asymmetric (functionally monovalent) IgG molecules was determined by concanavalin A (Con A) chromatography. This test is based on the fact that the carbohydrate group responsible for the molecular asymmetry has high affinity for the lectin Con A. Asymmetric molecule ratio was observed to increase with immunisation time, as well as differences between TNT and ELISA levels. All serum samples were overestimated by ELISA as compared to TNT assay, in line with the markedly higher proportion of asymmetric molecules which have lower toxin neutralising activity. Protective levels could not be predicted reasonably from ELISA results below 0.222 IU/ml, because this methodology fails to discriminate between both types of antibodies and only an in vivo serum neutralisation procedure (TNT) reflects the true neutralising serum activity. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.Fil: Dokmetjian, Jose Christian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Della Valle, C.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Lavigne, V.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: De Luján, Calcagno M.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Físico Matemática; ArgentinaFil: Manghi, Marcela Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; Argentin

The central structure of Broad Absorption Line QSOs: observational characteristics in the cm-mm wavelength domain

Accounting for ~20% of the total QSO population, Broad Absorption Line QSOs are still an unsolved problem in the AGN context. They present wide troughs in the UV spectrum, due to material with velocities up to 0.2 c toward the observer. The two models proposed in literature try to explain them as a particular phase of the evolution of QSOs or as normal QSOs, but seen from a particular line of sight. We built a statistically complete sample of Radio-Loud BAL QSOs, and carried out an observing campaign to piece together the whole spectrum in the cm wavelength domain, and highlight all the possible differences with respect to a comparison sample of Radio-Loud non-BAL QSOs. VLBI observations at high angular resolution have been performed, to study the pc-scale morphology of these objects. Finally, we tried to detect a possible dust component with observations at mm-wavelengths. Results do not seem to indicate a young age for all BAL QSOs. Instead a variety of orientations and morphologies have been found, constraining the outflows foreseen by the orientation model to have different possible angles with respect to the jet axis

Performance of global retention models in the optimisation of the chromatographic separation (I): Simple multi-analyte samples

Conventional retention models lead to accurate descriptions of the elution behaviour from the fitting of data for single solutes or from a set of solutes, one by one. However, the simultaneous fitting of several solutes through a regression process that separates the contributions of column and solvent from those of each solute is also possible. The result is a global retention model constituted by a set of equations with some common parameters (those associated with column and solvent), whereas others, specific to each solute, differ for each equation. This work explores the possibilities, advantages, and limitations of global models when they are applied to the optimisation of chromatographic resolution. A set constituted by 13 drugs (diuretics and β-blockers) and a training experimental design of seven multi-linear gradients are considered. Since standards for all compounds were available, the optimisation based on global models could be compared with the conventional optimisation, which is based on individual models. In their current state, global models do not predict changes in elution order, but they do allow for incorporating additional solutes (e.g., new analytes or matrix peaks) with only one new experiment. This possibility is explored by extending the model for the 13 analytes to include 26 peaks associated with a contamination in the injector. The combination of individual and global models allows an optimisation where the effects of matrix peaks on the separation of analytes can be integrated.Fil: Peiró Vila, P.. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Villamonte, María Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Luján Roca, I.. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Torres Lapasió, J.R.. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: García Alvarez Coque, M. C.. Universidad de Valencia; Españ

Factor de crecimiento placentario (PlGF) y su receptor FLT-1 en placentas caprinas restringidas nutricionalmente durante la etapa prepuberal

En caprinos, el crecimiento y supervivencia fetal depende en gran medida del transporte placentario dado por el desarrollo de una extensa red vascular. Sin embargo, en condiciones extensivas como las que prevalecen en nuestro país, el estado nutricional puede incidir sobre su eficiencia reproductiva. Por lo tanto, es de suma importancia determinar si la restricción energética en la hembra prepúber afecta el normal desarrollo vascular placentario en gestaciones futuras. El factor de crecimiento placentario (PlGF) es una proteína que promueve el crecimiento vasculas y de la placenta. Actúa sobre células no endoteliales, uniéndose al receptor Flt-1. El objetivo fue determinar la expresión de PlGF y su receptor Flt-1 mediante la técnica inmunohistoquímica, en placentas caprinas a término provenientes un ensayo de restricción nutricional durante la etapa prepuberal. Se trabajó con placentas de 10 cabrillonas prepúberes, asignadas según peso vivo a dos grupos: C: grupo control n:5, animales con consumo de materia seca a voluntad y R: grupo restringido n:5, animales sometidos a una restricción del 30 % del consumo potencial en hembras del grupo C. El estudio inmunohistoquímico reveló que la inmunoreactividad de PlGF en R, se extendió a lo largo del citoplasma celular del epitelio trofoblástico y mesénquima fetal. Mientras que la inmunoexpresión en placentas C, se limitó al citoplasma celular del epitelio trofoblástico. Por su parte, Flt-1 no presentó diferencias entre tratamientos. El sistema PlGF/Flt-1 reveló un aumento estadísticamente significativo en placentas restringidas con respecto a los controles (p <0,05), indicando que el factor PlGF cumple un rol fundamental, en relación a los procesos de vasculogénesis, angiogénesis y desarrollo embrionario, uniéndose a Flt-1. En conclusión, hembras restringidas nutricionalmente expresan una adaptación fisiológica vascular para garantizar el correcto funcionamiento placentario; dado por la actividad sinérgica de diferentes vías angiogénicas y del medio establecido por proteínas de matriz extracelular

Detection of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus GI.2/RHDV2/b in the Mediterranean Pine Vole ( Microtus duodecimcostatus) and White-Toothed Shrew ( Crocidura russula)

The European wild rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key prey species on the Iberian Peninsula, and several predator species that are at risk of extinction are dependent on them as prey. A new rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus genotype (GI.2/RHDV2/b) emerged in 2010 and posed a threat to wild rabbit populations. During a survey aimed at investigating RHD epidemiology in wild rabbits, GI.2/RHDV2/b was detected by duplex real-time PCR in carcasses of one Mediterranean pine vole ( Microtus duodecimcostatus) and two white-toothed shrews ( Crocidura russula). Laboratory New Zealand white rabbits that were challenged with inocula obtained from the liver of the small mammals died showing RHD lesions, confirming the infectiousness of the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP60 gene nucleotide sequences showed complete homology between the isolates from the two small mammal species and a high degree of similarity, but not complete homology, to GI.2/RHDV2/b sequences from wild rabbits. The GI.2/RHDV2/b genotype has not been reported in species outside the order Lagomorpha

Efecto de la restricción nutricional sobre la vascularización placentaria en cabras. Estudio preliminar

La placenta caprina se clasifica como sinepiteliocorial, cotiledonaria y adecidua. Se caracteriza por poseer áreas de interdigitación denominadas placentomas, allí es donde se realiza el intercambio de nutrientes entre la madre y el feto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar los cambios microvasculares en placentas caprinas a término restringidas nutricionalmente durante el segundo y tercer tercio de gestación. Para ello se utilizaron 10 cabras mestizas, dividas en dos grupos luego de confirmar su preñez: grupo control (n=5) que consumieron materia seca a voluntad durante toda la preñez y grupo restringido (n=5) recibieron un 70% (restricción energética) de la dieta del grupo control del día 50 al parto. Se recolectaron las placentas al parto y se tomaron muestras para la técnica histológica convencional, tinciones de hematoxilina/eosina e inmunohistoquímica para CD31. Se realizó un análisis digital de imágenes con el software Axiovision 4.8.2 para determinar las variables morfométricas: número de vasos sanguíneos, área y densidad vascular. El marcador endotelial, CD31, permitió diferenciar el endotelio de los vasos sanguíneos del tejido conectivo que los rodea, permitiendo su cuantificación y medición. Se observó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el número de vasos en placentas de cabras restringidas respecto de los controles (p <0,05). En cuanto al área y la densidad vascular no se observaron diferencias en el análisis estadístico (p >0,05), sin embargo, se halló un aumento estadísticamente significativo del perímetro vascular medio en placentas de cabras restringidas (p <0,05). Este aumento del perímetro vascular medio podría compensar la disminución de vasos sanguíneos en placentas de cabras del grupo restringido para asegurar el flujo sanguíneo adecuado y el desarrollo fetal

Quantification of aflatoxin M1 carry-over rate from feed to soft cheese

From January to December 2016, samples of milk and feeds of dairy cattle were monthly collected. The concentration of mycotoxins in all matrices was determined using the enzymatic immunoassay technique. The average concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in feed was 3.01, 218.5 and 467 ug/kg, respectively. The average AFB1 carry-over rate was 0.84% with a variation between 0.05 to 5.93%. Particle size of the feed (P = 0.030) and individual milk production (P = 0.001) affected this rate. Mini-soft cheeses were produced using milk naturally contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) as raw material to study its distribution both in whey and in cheese. The average level of AFM1 in milk was 0.014 μg/l. None of milk samples exceeded the maximum level accepted for AFB1 by the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) legislation (0.5 μg/l) and only 5.5% of samples exceeded the European Union (UE) regulations (0.05 μg/l). After the cheese elaboration, the concentration of AFM1 was determined in whey and in cheese. The greatest proportion (60%) was detected in whey while 40% AFM1 remained in the cheese. However, the concentration of AFM1 was higher in the cheese compared to the original milk.Fil: Costamagna, D.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Gaggiotti, M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Chiericatti, C. A.. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería Química; ArgentinaFil: Costabel, L.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Audero, Gabriela María de Luján. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Taverna, Miguel Angel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Signorini Porchietto, Marcelo Lisandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; Argentin