Bicarbonate-Triggered In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa Conveys an Increased Relative Abundance of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Cation (TRPC) Channels 3, 4, 6 and 7 and of CatSper-γ Subunit mRNA Transcripts

Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, γ and δ subunits and TRPC-channels 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in pig spermatozoa, after triggering in vitro capacitation by bicarbonate ions at levels present in vivo at the fertilization site. For this purpose, we analyzedfive5 ejaculate pools (from three fertile adult boars) before (control-fresh samples) and after in vitro exposure to capacitation conditions (37 mM NaHCO3, 2.25 mM CaCl2, 2 mM caffeine, 0.5% bovine serum albumin and 310 mM lactose) at 38 °C, 5% CO2 for 30 min. In vitro capacitation using bicarbonate elicits an increase in the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all studied Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1 (significantly reduced). These findings open new avenues of research to identify the specific role of each channel in boar sperm capacitation and elucidate the physiological meaning of the changes on sperm mRNA cargo

Fertilización fosfatada en trigo en la zona semiárida: su influencia sobre el rendimiento y la eficiencia en el uso del N y del agua

Dentro de la zona semiárida, el trigo es el cultivo que ocupa la mayor superficie en el sudoeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Un factor clave en los sistemas productivos de esta zona es el manejo del recurso agua, primer limitante de los rendimientos, seguido por el fósforo y el nitrógeno (según el sitio). Por ello se evaluó la respuesta a la fertilización con fósforo y su influencia sobre la nutrición del cultivo y la eficiencia en el uso del agua.Fil: López, Fernando Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Duval, Matias Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); ArgentinaFil: Martinez, Juan Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); ArgentinaFil: Galantini, Juan A.. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); Argentin

Nitrogen use efficiency for wheat in semiarid region of Buenos Aires (Argentina): effects of the dose and timing application

En las regiones semiáridas, la erraticidad de las precipitaciones dificulta la optimización de la fertilización. El objetivo fue analizar la influencia de la variabilidad climática sobre la respuesta a diferentes dosis y momentos de fertilización en la productividad del trigo y en la eficiencia en el uso del nitrógeno en un sitio de la región semiárida bonaerense. Durante cinco años se realizaron ensayos de fertilización con trigo, combinando dosis de N (0, 25, 50 y 100 kg ha-1) y momentos de fertilización: siembra (Ns) y macollaje (Nm). Se evaluó la eficiencia agronómica en el uso del fertilizante aplicado (EUF) para la producción de materia seca (MS) y de grano, así como la recuperación aparente del nitrógeno (RAN). Se detectaron interacciones entre variables y las eficiencias. Para Nm se encontraron correlaciones significativas de todos los parámetros con las precipitaciones de octubre. La proteína en ambos momentos estuvo significativa e inversamente correlacionada con las precipitaciones del ciclo. Se observaron correlaciones significativas de EUF de MS y grano siguiendo el orden: Prec. Ciclo completo>Prec. primavera> Prec. Oct > Prec. Set. La variabilidad climática interanual demostró la mayor influencia sobre las eficiencias en el uso del N, independientemente del momento de aplicación.In semiarid regions optimal fertilization is difficult due to erratic rainfall. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of climate variability on the response to different rates and timing of fertilization on wheat productivity and on efficiencies in the use of nitrogen in a site of the semiarid region of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. For five years, fertilization trials were conducted in wheat combining N rates (0, 25, 50 y 100 kg ha-1) and times of fertilization: Seeding (Ns) and tillering (Nm). Agronomic efficiency (EUF) for dry matter (MS) and grain, and apparent recovery of nitrogen (RAN) were evaluated. Interactions between variables (year, rates and times) and efficiencies were found. In Nm, significant correlations of all parameters were found with October rainfall. Protein for Ns and Nm was significantly and inversely correlated with full cycle rainfall. Significant correlations were found in EUF of MS and grain in this order: Full cycle rainfall> Spring rainfall> Oct rainfall> Set rainfall. Interannual climate variability showed the greatest influence on the nitrogen use efficiencies, regardless the application timing.Fil: Martinez, Juan Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Galantini, J. A.. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Landriscini, Maria Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentin

Phase-sensitive correlation optical time-domain reflectometer using quantum phase noise of laser light

Abstract: We propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple approach to realize a phase-sensitive correlation optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) suitable for detection and localization of dynamic perturbations along a single-mode optical fiber. It is based on the quantum phase fluctuations of a coherent light emitted by a telecom DFB diode laser. Truly random probe signals are generated by an interferometer with the optical path difference exceeding the coherence length of the laser light. Speckle-like OTDR traces were obtained by calculating cross-correlation functions between the probe light and the light intensity signals returned back from the sensing fiber. Perturbations are detected and localized by monitoring time variations of correlation amplitude along the fiber length. Results of proof-of-concept experimental testing are presented

On the Whitham hierarchy: dressing scheme, string equations and additional symmetrie

A new description of the universal Whitham hierarchy in terms of a factorization problem in the Lie group of canonical transformations is provided. This scheme allows us to give a natural description of dressing transformations, string equations and additional symmetries for the Whitham hierarchy. We show how to dress any given solution and prove that any solution of the hierarchy may be undressed, and therefore comes from a factorization of a canonical transformation. A particulary important function, related to the $\tau$-function, appears as a potential of the hierarchy. We introduce a class of string equations which extends and contains previous classes of string equations considered by Krichever and by Takasaki and Takebe. The scheme is also applied for an convenient derivation of additional symmetries. Moreover, new functional symmetries of the Zakharov extension of the Benney gas equations are given and the action of additional symmetries over the potential in terms of linear PDEs is characterized

Understanding pseudo-albinism in sole (Solea senegalensis): a transcriptomics and metagenomics approach

Pseudo-albinism is a pigmentation disorder observed in flatfish aquaculture with a complex, multi-factor aetiology. We tested the hypothesis that pigmentation abnormalities are an overt signal of more generalised modifications in tissue structure and function, using as a model the Senegalese sole and two important innate immune barriers, the skin and intestine, and their microbiomes. Stereological analyses in pseudo-albino sole revealed a significantly increased mucous cell number in skin (P < 0.001) and a significantly thicker muscle layer and lamina propria in gut (P < 0.001). RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of the skin and gut identified 573 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs, FDR < 0.05) between pseudo-albino and pigmented soles (one pool/tissue from 4 individuals/phenotype). DETs were mainly linked to pigment production, skin structure and regeneration and smooth muscle contraction. The microbiome (16 S rRNA analysis) was highly diverse in pigmented and pseudo-albino skin but in gut had low complexity and diverged between the two pigmentation phenotypes. Quantitative PCR revealed significantly lower loads of Mycoplasma (P < 0.05) and Vibrio bacteria (P < 0.01) in pseudo-albino compared to the control. The study revealed that pseudo-albinism in addition to pigmentation changes was associated with generalised changes in the skin and gut structure and a modification in the gut microbiome.Agência financiadora H2020 European Funds MSCA-RISE project 691102 Portuguese national funds from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology UID/Multi/04326/2019 Portuguese national funds from the operational programme CRESC Algarve 2020 EMBRC. PT ALG-01-0145-FEDER-022121 Portuguese national funds from the operational programme COMPETE 2020 EMBRC. PT ALG-01-0145-FEDER-022121 European Union (EU) 654008 Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) SFRH/BPD/84033/2012 Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training 0068/ET/18info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Computational and analytical studies of the harmonic index on Erdös-Rényi models

A main topic in the study of topological indices is to find bounds of the indices involving several parameters and/or other indices. In this paper we perform statistical (numerical) and analytical studies of the harmonic index H(G), and other topological indices of interest, on Erdos-Rényi (ER) graphs G(n, p) characterized by n vertices connected independently with probability p ∈ (0, 1). Particularly, in addition to H(G), we study here the (−2) sum-connectivity index χ−2(G), the modified Zagreb index MZ(G), the inverse degree index ID(G) and the Randic index R(G). First, to perform the statistical study of these indices, we define the averages of the normalized indices to their maximum value: {H(G)}, {χ−2(G)}, {MZ(G)}, {ID(G)}, {R(G)}. Then, from a detailed scaling analysis, we show that the averages of the normalized indices scale with the product ξ ≈ np. Moreover, we find two different behaviors. On the one hand, hH(G)i and hR(G)i, as a function of the probability p, show a smooth transition from zero to n/2 as p increases from zero to one. Indeed, after scaling, it is possible to define three regimes: a regime of mostly isolated vertices when ξ 10 (H(G), R(G) ≈ n/2). On the other hand, hχ−2(G)i, hMZ(G)i and hID(G)i increase with p until approaching their maximum value, then they decrease by further increasing p. Thus, after scaling the curves corresponding to these indices display bell-like shapes in log scale, which are symmetric around ξ ≈ 1; i.e. the percolation transition point of ER graphs. Therefore, motivated by the scaling analysis, we analytically (i) obtain new relations connecting the topological indices H, χ−2, MZ, ID and R that characterize graphs which are extremal with respect to the obtained relations and (ii) apply these results in order to obtain inequalities on H, χ−2, MZ, ID and R for graphs in ER models.J.A.M.-B. acknowledges financial support from FAPESP (Grant No. 2019/ 06931-2), Brazil, CONACyT (Grant No. 2019-000009-01EXTV-00067) and PRODEP-SEP (Grant No. 511-6/2019.-11821), Mexico. J.M.R. and J.M.S. acknowledge financial support from Agencia Estatal de Investigación (PID2019-106433GB-I00/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033), Spain

Incidence of Hypertension in a Cohort of Spanish University Graduates:The SUN Study

Hypertension is a major public health problem. However, no estimates of age- and sex-specific incidences are available for the Spanish population. Our objective was to estimate the incidence of hypertension in a cohort of university graduates in Spain. We followed up 5648 individuals aged 25-65 years who were initially free of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease for a median of 30 months. New diagnoses of hypertension were identified using mailed questionnaires. We validated the self-reported diagnosis of hypertension. In 18 250 person-years of follow-up, we identified 248 new cases of hypertension. The unadjusted incidences of hypertension in women and men were 8.2 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 6.7-10.1) and 21.8 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 18.6-25.4), respectively. The cumulative probability of receiving a medical diagnosis of hypertension by the age of 65 years was 50% among women and 72% among men. In conclusion, we have provided new evidence confirming that hypertension is one of the most important public health problems in Spain

On the Whitham hierarchy: dressing scheme, string equations and additional symmetrie

A new description of the universal Whitham hierarchy in terms of a factorization problem in the Lie group of canonical transformations is provided. This scheme allows us to give a natural description of dressing transformations, string equations and additional symmetries for the Whitham hierarchy. We show how to dress any given solution and prove that any solution of the hierarchy may be undressed, and therefore comes from a factorization of a canonical transformation. A particulary important function, related to the $\tau$-function, appears as a potential of the hierarchy. We introduce a class of string equations which extends and contains previous classes of string equations considered by Krichever and by Takasaki and Takebe. The scheme is also applied for an convenient derivation of additional symmetries. Moreover, new functional symmetries of the Zakharov extension of the Benney gas equations are given and the action of additional symmetries over the potential in terms of linear PDEs is characterized