Crystallization kinetics: A solution for geometrical impingement

Starting from the wrong derivation by Erukhimovitch and Baram of an equation alternative to the classical Kolmogoroff-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami one for the transformed fraction in an infinite specimen, undergoing an isothermal first-order phase transformation, it is shown that a different exact solution of the geometrical problem of impingement can be obtained. Such solution is equivalent to the empirical one already presented by Austin and Rickett more than sixty years ago and allows to better fit experimental results for isothermal transformations. This also suggests that perhaps different statistical derivations could allow to reach the same result.651

Epithelial lining of the endometrium during the luteal phase in patients under controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

The endometrium is receptive for the embryo and presents an implantation window for a limited time. This study is aimed at highlighting an alternation in pinopod expression and to provide more analysisof the structural characteristics of epithelial lining of the endometrium during luteal phase in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimmulation (COH). Twelve oocyte donors were used. Theyunderwent two endometrial biopsies 2-7 days after human chronic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. Endometrial epithelial surface appearance was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Microvillibecame more uniformly distributed as the luteal phase progressed. Also the central aspects of the cells appeared to protrude more into the endometrial lumen as the cycle progressed. Apical protrusions(pinopods) were noted to develop and regress during the midluteal phase after HCG administration. Pinopods began development in the region of the glandular orifices to become much denser at the glandular orifices than in regions further away from the glands. In conclusion, epithelial lining ofendometrium in stimulated cycle during the luteal phase progresses in an orderly manner. This advanced development may result in an alteration of the window of implantation between the developing endometrium and the developing blastocyst and affect pregnancy rates in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimmulation

Rekayasa Alat Tanam Bibit Padi (Transplanter) Sederhana dengan Sistem Crank Untuk Empat Baris yang Ergonomis, Terjangkau, dan Memotivasi Pemenuhan Kelangkaan Energi Bidang Pertanian

One of the activities that absorb a lot of labor is the activity of planting rice seedlings (transplanting seedlings). These activitiesrequire about 25% of the labor needs of rice cultivation. the scarcity of labor in agriculture and the declining interest of youngpeople in the agricultural sector is one of the obstacles in the agricultural sector. These constraints can threaten the uniformity ofplanting time, increase productivity and shrinking rice crops in a stretch or area that will ultimately disturb the achievement ofnational self-sufficiency rice targets. So the need for an alternative use of mechanization technology for this move plantingactivity is simple, easy and cheap.The objective of this research is to make transplanter with crankcatching system for two rows which are ergonomic, affordableand suitable for the condition and habits of rice farmers in Indonesia.The design approach for the design of this machine uses a method developed by Gerhardt Pahl and Wolfgang Beitz described inthe Engineering Design book, so that the design approach is based on a functional design approach and a structural designapproach. Stages of design of this machine include the identification of problems, formulation and refinement of ideas, theselection of design concepts, analysis and drawing work, prototype tool making, testing and refinement prototype tool.The output in this study is a simple planting tool (transplanter) with a crank system for four lines that are ergonomic, affordable,and ready to apply. Plant spacing on the tool is arranged by referring to Government recommendation that is using plantingsystem of legowo, with spacing between line 20 cm, 40 cm, 20 cm, spacing in line 12 cm, while tool width 80 cm. Tests usingseedlings that have been seedlings for 20 days, with the average seed height 22 cm.Field testing showed that the rice seedlings plant has a working capacity of 0.16 ha / hour, at a road speed of 2 km / h, the numberof seeds per clump of 2 seeds / grove, 5.2 cm planting depth, 90o plant resistance angle, empty 20%, percentage of seeds collapsed5%, percentage of seeds scattered 5%. Keywords—field, rice, seedlings,tool, transplante

Systems impact of zinc chelation by the epipolythiodioxopiperazine dithiol gliotoxin in Aspergillus fumigatus: a new direction in natural product functionality.

The non-ribosomal peptide gliotoxin, which autoinduces its own biosynthesis, has potent anti-fungal activity, especially in the combined absence of the gliotoxin oxidoreductase GliT and bis-thiomethyltransferase GtmA. Dithiol gliotoxin (DTG) is a substrate for both of these enzymes. Herein we demonstrate that DTG chelates Zn2+ (m/z 424.94), rapidly chelates Zn2+ from Zn(4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol) (Zn(PAR)2) and also inhibits a Zn2+-dependent alkaline phosphatase (AP). Zn2+ addition rescues AP function following DTG-associated inhibition, and pre-incubation of DTG with Zn2+ completely protects AP activity. Zn2+ (1-50 μM) also significantly relieves the potent gliotoxin-mediated inhibition of Aspergillus fumigatus ΔgliT::ΔgtmA (p < 0.05), which infers in vivo dithiol gliotoxin-mediated sequestration of free Zn2+ or chelation from intracellular metalloenzymes as inhibitory mechanisms. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that excess Zn2+ alters the effect of gliotoxin on A. fumigatus ΔgliT, with differential abundance of secondary metabolism-associated proteins in the combinatorial condition. GtmA abundance increased 18.8 fold upon co-addition of gliotoxin and Zn2+ compared to gliotoxin alone, possibly to compensate for disruption to GtmA activity, as seen in in vitro assays. Furthermore, DTG effected significant in vitro aggregation of a number of protein classes, including Zn2+-dependent enzymes, while proteins were protected from aggregation by pre-incubating DTG with Zn2+. We conclude that DTG can act in vivo as a Zn2+ chelator, which can significantly impede A. fumigatus growth in the absence of GliT and GtmA

Pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways which compromise sperm motility and survival may be altered by L-carnitine

The testis is an immunologically privileged organ. Sertoli cells can form a blood-testis barrier and protect sperm cells from self-immune system attacks. Spermatogenesis may be inhibited by severe illness, bacterial infections and chronic inflammatory diseases but the mechanism(s) is poorly understood. Our objective is to help in understanding such mechanism(s) to develop protective agents against temporary or permanent testicular dysfunction. Lipopolysaccaride (LPS) is used as a model of animal sepsis while L-carnitine (LCR) is used as a protective agent. A total of 60 male Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups (15/group). The control group received Saline; the 2nd group was given LCR (500 mg/kg i.p, once). The third group was treated with LPS (5 mg/kg i.p once) and the fourth group received LCR then LPS after three hours. From each group, five rats were used for histopathological examination. Biochemical parameters were assessed in the remaining ten rats. At the end of the experiment, animals were lightly anaesthetized with ether where blood samples were collected and testes were dissected on ice. Sperm count and motility were evaluated from cauda epididymis in each animal. Also, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring testicular contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-HDG, the DNA adduct for oxidative damage) in testicular DNA. The pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) in addition to lactate dehydrogenase (LDHx) isoenzyme-x activity as an indicator for normal spermatozoal metabolism were assessed in testicular homogenate. Serum interlukin (IL)-2 level was also assessed as a marker for T-helper cell function. The obtained data revealed that LPS induced marked reductions in sperm's count and motility, obstruction in seminiferous tubules, hypospermia and dilated congested blood vessels in testicular sections concomitant with decreased testicular GSH content and LDHx activity. Moreover, the testicular levels of MDA, 8-HDG (in testicular DNA) and NO as well as serum IL-2 level were increased. Administration of LCR before LPS returned both sperm count and motility to normal levels. Also, contents of testicular GSH, MDA, 8-HDG and NO returned back to the corresponding control values. In addition, serum IL-2 level as well as histological abnormalities were markedly improved in LCR + LPS-treated rats. In conclusion, LPS increased proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the testis leading to a marked testicular dysfunction. L-carnitine administration ameliorates these effects by antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory mechanisms suggesting a protective role against male infertility in severely infected or septic patients

Engineering of Ergonomic and Affordable Rice Planting Tool for Efforts to Meet the Energy Scarcity of Agriculture

The aim of this research to develop a simple rice seedling transplanter with a crank system for two lines, the manufacturing costs are cheap and affordable, ergonomic, lighter and easy maintanance. Agricultural activities are mostly found in rural areas and many land conditions are divided into small plots, making it difficult to implement mechanized machinery, especially planting machines of the field rice seedlings, this causes farmers to be reluctant to use these machines in addition to expensive prices. Expectations of the results of this study can motivate farmers to implement rice seedlings planting tools that begin with simple technology and can overcome the scarcity of planters so as to support the food security program. The design approach is based on a functional design and structural design. The stages of designing this machine include problem identification, formulation and refinement of ideas, selection of draft concepts, analysis and creation of working drawings, manufacturing of prototype tools, testing and refinement of prototype tools. Field testing showed that this rice seedling planter had a working capacity of 0.03ha/hour, at road speed of 0.5km/hour. 1. Introductions Transplanter of rice seedlings is a tec

A Simple Iterative Model Accurately Captures Complex Trapline Formation by Bumblebees Across Spatial Scales and Flower Arrangements

PMCID: PMC3591286This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited

Giant Cell Tumor of the Mandible

A 53-year-old woman presented with left mandibular area pain, trismus, and facial numbness that had persisted for 4 years. Physical examination revealed a 3×5 cm, hard, non-tender, and round mass on the left mandibular area. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansile tumor involving the left mandibular ramus and temporomandibular joint area with bone destruction, extending to the base of middle cranial fossa and left zygomatic bone. The mass at the segment of left mandible and zygomatic bone, and base of middle cranial fossa was removed. Pathological examination of the mass revealed a giant cell tumor. The defect was reconstructed with iliac bone for the mandible and temporal bone and fascia for the cranial bone and dura. The case is described along with a review of the literature