Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific to gilthead seabream Sparus auratus Linnaeus, 1758 phagocytes

In the present study; we produced and characterised three monoclonal antibodies that react with phagocytes of the gilthead seabream Sparus auratus Linnaeus; 1758. Their usefulness in basic and applied research is discussed.En el presente estudio se han obtenido y caracterizado tres anticuerpos monoclonales que reconocen específicamente los fagocitos de dorada, Sparus auratus Linnaeus, 1758. Se discute su utilidad en la investigación básica y su aplicación en la piscicultura.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

Retinal nerve fiber layer atrophy is associated with physical and cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis

Studying axonal loss in the retina is a promising biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) techniques to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with MS, and to explore the relationship between changes in the RNFL thickness with physical and cognitive disability. We studied 52 patients with MS and 18 proportionally matched controls by performing neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation using the Brief Repetitive Battery-Neuropsychology and RNFL thickness measurement using OCT and HRT. RESULTS: We found that both OCT and HRT could define a reduction in the thickness of the RNFL in patients with MS compared with controls, although both measurements were weakly correlated, suggesting that they might measure different aspects of the tissue changes in MS. The degree of RNFL atrophy was correlated with cognitive disability, mainly with the symbol digit modality test (r=0.754, P<0.001). Moreover, temporal quadrant RNFL atrophy measured with OCT was associated with physical disability. CONCLUSION: In summary, both OCT and HRT are able to detect thinning of the RNFL, but OCT seems to be the most sensitive technique to identify changes associated with MS evolution

Search for radio jets from massive young stellar objects. Association of radio jets with H₂O and CH₃OH masers

Context. Recent theoretical and observational studies debate the similarities of the formation process of high- (>8 M⊙) and low-mass stars. The formation of low-mass stars is directly associated with the presence of disks and jets. Theoretical models predict that stars with masses up to 140 M⊙ can be formed through disk-mediated accretion in disk-jet systems. According to this scenario, radio jets are expected to be common in high-mass star-forming regions. Aims. We aim to increase the number of known radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions by searching for radio-jet candidates at radio continuum wavelengths. Methods. We used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to observe 18 high-mass star-forming regions in the C band (6 cm, ≈1′′.0 resolution) and K band (1.3 cm, ≈0′′.3 resolution). We searched for radio-jet candidates by studying the association of radio continuum sources with shock activity signs (e.g., molecular outflows, extended green objects, and maser emission). Our VLA observations also targeted the 22 GHz H2O and 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser lines. Results. We have identified 146 radio continuum sources, 40 of which are located within the field of view of both images (C and K band maps). We derived the spectral index, which is consistent with thermal emission (between − 0.1 and + 2.0) for 73% of these sources. Based on the association with shock-activity signs, we identified 28 radio-jet candidates. Out of these, we identified 7 as the most probable radio jets. The radio luminosity of the radio-jet candidates is correlated with the bolometric luminosity and the outflow momentum rate. About 7–36% of the radio-jet candidates are associated with nonthermal emission. The radio-jet candidates associated with 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser emission are preferentially thermal winds and jets, while a considerable fraction of radio-jet candidates associated with H2O masers show nonthermal emission that is likely due to strong shocks. Conclusions. About 60% of the radio continuum sources detected within the field of view of our VLA images are potential radio jets. The remaining sources could be compact H I

Computing the zeros of the partial sums of the Riemann zeta function

In this paper, we introduce a formula for the exact number of zeros of every partial sum of the Riemann zeta function inside infinitely many rectangles of the critical strips where they are situated

SOLIS XVII: Jet candidate unveiled in OMC-2 and its possible link to the enhanced cosmic-ray ionisation rate

The study of the early phases of star and planet formation is important to understand the physical and chemical history of stellar systems such as our own. In particular, protostars born in rich clusters are prototypes of the young Solar System. In the framework of the Seeds Of Life In Space (SOLIS) large observational project, the aim of the present work is to investigate the origin of the previously inferred high flux of energetic particles in the protocluster FIR4 of the Orion Molecular Cloud 2 (OMC-2), which appears asymmetric within the protocluster itself. Interferometric observations carried out with the IRAM NOEMA interferometer were used to map the silicon monoxide (SiO) emission around the FIR4 protocluster. Complementary archival data from the ALMA interferometer were also employed to help constrain excitation conditions. A physical-chemical model was implemented to characterise the particle acceleration along the protostellar jet candidate, along with a non-LTE analysis of the SiO emission along the jet. The emission morphology of the SiO rotational transitions hints for the first time at the presence of a collimated jet originating very close to the brightest protostar in the cluster, HOPS-108. The NOEMA observations unveiled a possible jet in the OMC-2 FIR4 protocluster propagating towards a previously measured enhanced cosmic-ray ionisation rate. This suggests that energetic particle acceleration by the jet shock close to the protostar might be at the origin of the enhanced cosmic-ray ionisation rate, as confirmed by modelling the protostellar jet.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publications in A&

Complex organic molecules in protostellar environments in the SKA era

Molecular complexity builds up at each step of the Sun-like star formation process, starting from simple molecules and ending up in large polyatomic species. Complex organic molecules (COMs; such as methyl formate, HCOOCH$_3$, dymethyl ether, CH$_3$OCH$_3$, formamide, NH$_2$CHO, or glycoaldehyde, HCOCH$_2$OH) are formed in all the components of the star formation recipe (e.g. pre-stellar cores, hot-corinos, circumstellar disks, shocks induced by fast jets), due to ice grain mantle sublimation or sputtering as well as gas-phase reactions. Understanding in great detail the involved processes is likely the only way to predict the ultimate molecular complexity reached in the ISM, as the detection of large molecules is increasingly more difficult with the increase of the number of atoms constituting them. Thanks to the recent spectacular progress of astronomical observations, due to the Herschel (sub-mm and IR), IRAM and SMA (mm and sub-mm), and NRAO (cm) telescopes, an enormous activity is being developed in the field of Astrochemistry, extending from astronomical observatories to chemical laboratories. We are involved in several observational projects providing unbiased spectral surveys (in the 80-300 and 500-2000 GHz ranges) with unprecedented sensitivity of templates of dense cores and protostars. Forests of COM lines have been detected. In this chapter we will focus on the chemistry of both cold prestellar cores and hot shocked regions, (i) reviewing results and open questions provided by mm-FIR observations, and (ii) showing the need of carrying on the observations of COMs at lower frequencies, where SKA will operate. We will also emphasize the importance of analysing the spectra by the light of the experimental studies performed by our team, who is investigating the chemical effects induced by ionising radiation bombarding astrophysically relevant ices.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figure

Seeds of Life in Space (SOLIS): XI. First measurement of nitrogen fractionation in shocked clumps of the L1157 protostellar outflow

Context. The isotopic ratio of nitrogen presents a wide range of values in the Solar System: from 140 in meteorites and comets to 441 in the solar wind. In star-forming systems, we observe evena higher spread of ~150-1000. The origin of these differences is still unclear. Aims. Chemical reactions in the gas phase are one of the possible processes that could modify the 14N/15N ratio. We aim to investigate if and how the passage of a shock wave in the interstellar medium, which activates a rich chemistry, can affect the relative fraction of nitrogen isotopes. Theideal place for such a study is the chemically rich outflow powered by the L1157-mm protostar, where several shocked clumps are present. Methods. We present the first measurement of the 14N/15N ratio in the two shocked clumps, B1 and B0, of the protostellar outflow L1157. The measurement is derived from the interferometeric maps of the H13CN (1-0) and the HC15N (1-0) lines obtained with the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) interferometeras part of the Seeds of Life in Space (SOLIS) programme. Results. In B1, we find that the H13CN (1-0) and HC15N (1-0) emission traces the front of the clump, that is the apex of the shocked region, where the fast jet impacts the lower velocity medium with an averaged column density of N(H13CN) ~ 7 × 1012 cm-2 and N(HC15N) 2 × 1012 cm-2. In this region, the ratio H13CN (1-0)/HC15N (1-0) is almost uniform with an average value of ~5 ± 1. The same average value isalso measured in the smaller clump B0e. Assuming the standard 12C/13C = 68, we obtain 14N/15N = 340 ± 70. This ratio is similar to those usually found with the same species in prestellar cores and protostars. We analysed the prediction of a chemical shock model for several shock conditions and we found that the nitrogen and carbon fractionations do not vary much for the first period after the shock. The observed H13CN/HC15N can be reproduced by a non-dissociative, C-type shock with pre-shock density n(H) = 105 cm-3, shock velocity Vs between 20 and 40 km s-1, and cosmic-ray ionization rate of 3 × 10-16 s-1; this agrees with previous modelling of other chemical species in L1157-B1. Conclusions. Both observations and chemical models indicate that the rich chemistry activated by the shock propagation does not affect the nitrogen isotopic ratio, which remains similar to that measured in lower temperature gas in prestellar cores and protostellar envelopes

Computational classifiers for predicting the short-term course of Multiple sclerosis

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of clinical, imaging and motor evoked potentials (MEP) for predicting the short-term prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We obtained clinical data, MRI and MEP from a prospective cohort of 51 patients and 20 matched controls followed for two years. Clinical end-points recorded were: 1) expanded disability status scale (EDSS), 2) disability progression, and 3) new relapses. We constructed computational classifiers (Bayesian, random decision-trees, simple logistic-linear regression-and neural networks) and calculated their accuracy by means of a 10-fold cross-validation method. We also validated our findings with a second cohort of 96 MS patients from a second center. RESULTS: We found that disability at baseline, grey matter volume and MEP were the variables that better correlated with clinical end-points, although their diagnostic accuracy was low. However, classifiers combining the most informative variables, namely baseline disability (EDSS), MRI lesion load and central motor conduction time (CMCT), were much more accurate in predicting future disability. Using the most informative variables (especially EDSS and CMCT) we developed a neural network (NNet) that attained a good performance for predicting the EDSS change. The predictive ability of the neural network was validated in an independent cohort obtaining similar accuracy (80%) for predicting the change in the EDSS two years later. CONCLUSIONS: The usefulness of clinical variables for predicting the course of MS on an individual basis is limited, despite being associated with the disease course. By training a NNet with the most informative variables we achieved a good accuracy for predicting short-term disability

European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) immune status and disease resistance are impaired by arginine dietary supplementation

Infectious diseases and fish feeds management are probably the major expenses in the aquaculture business. Hence, it is a priority to define sustainable strategies which simultaneously avoid therapeutic procedures and reinforce fish immunity. Currently, one preferred approach is the use of immunostimulants which can be supplemented to the fish diets. Arginine is a versatile amino acid with important mechanisms closely related to the immune response. Aiming at finding out how arginine affects the innate immune status or improve disease resistance of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) against vibriosis, fish were fed two arginine-supplemented diets (1% and 2% arginine supplementation). A third diet meeting arginine requirement level for seabass served as control diet. Following 15 or 29 days of feeding, fish were sampled for blood, spleen and gut to assess cell-mediated immune parameters and immune-related gene expression. At the same time, fish from each dietary group were challenged against Vibrio anguillarum and survival was monitored. Cell-mediated immune parameters such as the extracellular superoxide and nitric oxide decreased in fish fed arginine-supplemented diets. Interleukins and immune-cell marker transcripts were down-regulated by the highest supplementation level. Disease resistance data were in accordance with a generally depressed immune status, with increased susceptibility to vibriosis in fish fed arginine supplemented diets. Altogether, these results suggest a general inhibitory effect of arginine on the immune defences and disease resistance of European seabass. Still, further research will certainly clarify arginine immunomodulation pathways thereby allowing the validation of its potential as a prophylactic strategy.European Union's Seventh Framework Programme AQUAEXCEL (Aquaculture Infrastructures for Excellence in European Fish Research) [262336]; AQUAIMPROV [NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000038]; North Portugal Regional Operational Programme (ON. 2 - O Novo Norte) , under the National Strategic Reference Framework, through the European Regional Development Fund; North Portugal Regional Operational Programme (ON. 2 - O Novo Norte), under the National Strategic Reference Framework through the COMPETE - Operational Competitiveness Programme; Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia; Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia [SFRH/BD/89457/2012, SFRH/BPD/77210/2011]; Generalitat Valenciana through the project REVIDPAQUA [ISIC/2012/003]; [PEst-C/MAR/LA0015/2013]; [UID/Multi/04423/2013]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio