Delaying Injection of prostaglandin F2α in an ovsynch protocol

Our objective was to determine whether delaying the PGF2αinjection by 24 or 48 hr after the first GnRH injection in an Ovsynch protocol (from a standard 7 days) altered ovar-ian characteristics in lactating dairy cows. Es-trous cycles were synchronized in 36 Hol-steins after removal of a progesterone-releasing controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert and injection of PGF2α. On day 6 of the estrous cycle, cows were administered 100 μg of GnRH (81 ± 2 days postpartum) and assigned randomly to receive a treatment in-jection of PGF2α7, 8, or 9 days later. Timed artificial insemination (TAI) was performed at 48 hr after PGF2α, at which time a second in-jection of GnRH was administered. Ovarian structures were mapped by ultrasonography on day 0 (first GnRH injection), on day 2 to de-termine responses to the first GnRH injection, at PGF2αinjection, and daily thereafter through 72 hr after PGF2αto monitor ovula-tion of preovulatory follicles. Blood was col-lected on day 0, day 2, at PGF2αinjection, and at 24 and 48 hr after PGF2α, to monitor serum changes estradiol-17ß and progesterone. On the basis of serum progesterone and ovarian exams, 2 cows were eliminated because of anestrus and their failure ovulate a follicle in response to the first GnRH injection. Two other cows in which luteolysis failed to occur after PGF2αtreatment also were eliminated. Final numbers of cows per treatment were: 7 days (n = 13), 8 days (n = 9), and 9 days (n = 10). Twenty-nine of 32 cows ovulated (90.6%) in response to the first GnRH injec-tion. Despite a 24- or 48-hr delay between first GnRH and PGF2αinjections, the diameter (mm) and volume (mm3) of the ovulatory fol-licle did not differ among treatments. In all 32 cows, at least 1 follicle ovulated after treat-ment, but ovulation rates did not differ. Serum concentrations of estradiol-17ß did not differ among treatments. Two cows in the 7-day treatment and 2 cows in the 8-day treatment were inseminated 24 hr late and were ex-cluded before assessing conception rates: 5/9 (55.6%), 5/9 (55.6%), and 1/10 (10%), respec-tively. We concluded that delaying PGF2αin-jection by 24 hr had little effect on outcomes.; Dairy Day, 2006, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 2006

Modeling and High-Resolution-Imaging Studies of Water-Content Profiles in a Polymer-Electrolyte-Fuel-Cell Membrane-Electrode Assembly

Water-content profiles across the membrane electrode assembly of a polymer-electrolyte fuel cell were measured using high-resolution neutron imaging and compared to mathematical-modeling predictions. It was found that the membrane held considerably more water than the other membrane-electrode constituents (catalyst layers, microporous layers, and macroporous gas-diffusion layers) at low temperatures, 40 and 60 C. The water content in the membrane and the assembly decreased drastically at 80 C where vapor transport and a heat-pipe effect began to dominate the water removal from the membrane-electrode assembly. In the regimes where vapor transport was significant, the through-plane water-content profile skewed towards the cathode. Similar trends were observed as the relative humidity of the inlet gases was lowered. This combined experimental and modeling approach has been beneficial in rationalizing the results of each and given insight into future directions for new experimental work and refinements to currently available models

Investigating the Role of Inattention and/or Hyperactivity/impulsivity in Language and Social Functioning Using a Dimensional Approach

© 2020 Elsevier Inc. The current study parsed out the distinct components of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology to examine differential relations with language and social ability. Using a research domain criteria (RDoC) framework, we administered standardized tests and previously developed and validated questionnaires to assess levels of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptomatology, language, social responsivity and social competency in 98 young adults. Those with higher inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptomatology had reduced language comprehension, social responsivity, and social competency. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity both predicted language comprehension, but not language production. Interestingly, inattention uniquely contributed to social responsiveness and social competency, but hyperactivity/impulsivity did not. Findings suggest that inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, inattention in particular, may be especially important for social skills programs geared towards individuals with attention limitations

Inadequacy of protein intake in older UK adults

The current dietary recommendation for protein intake in the UK is 0.75 g/kg/day, however, this population-wide recommendation does not necessarily reflect altered requirements for older adults to maintain muscle protein synthesis, nor does it encompass the potential impact of intake timing. Optimal muscle protein synthesis in older adults requires both higher intake requirements and a distribution of protein intake above a 25 g threshold, three times across the day. This study aimed to describe the protein intake of older adults in a UK region and compare the results to recommendations. The study re-assessed two existing datasets with rich diet information for older adults in the South Yorkshire area. Data were extracted from food diaries of 256 adults aged between 65 and 89 years old (mean ± SD 72.4 ± 5.3 years). Quantity and timing of intake were coded using Nutritics software and compared to recommendations. The relationship between body mass index (BMI), age, and protein intake was explored. Fewer than 50% of the participants met current UK recommendations (0.75 g/kg/day) and fewer than 15% met the ESPEN 1.2 g/kg/day age-specific recommendation. Only one participant met the 25 g/meal recommendation across three meals. These findings suggest that the older adult population is not achieving recommendations to maintain muscle protein synthesis. Nonetheless it identifies several straightforward opportunities for improvement, notably elevation of morning intake

Scale Setting in QCD and the Momentum Flow in Feynman Diagrams

We present a formalism to evaluate QCD diagrams with a single virtual gluon using a running coupling constant at the vertices. This method, which corresponds to an all-order resummation of certain terms in a perturbative series, provides a description of the momentum flow through the gluon propagator. It can be viewed as a generalization of the scale-setting prescription of Brodsky, Lepage and Mackenzie to all orders in perturbation theory. In particular, the approach can be used to investigate why in some cases the ``typical'' momenta in a loop diagram are different from the ``natural'' scale of the process. It offers an intuitive understanding of the appearance of infrared renormalons in perturbation theory and their connection to the rate of convergence of a perturbative series. Moreover, it allows one to separate short- and long-distance contributions by introducing a hard factorization scale. Several applications to one- and two-scale problems are discussed in detail.Comment: eqs.(51) and (83) corrected, minor typographic changes mad

Nonperturbative Effects from the Resummation of Perturbation Theory

Using the general argument in Borel resummation of perturbation theory that links the divergent perturbation theory to the nonperturbative effect we argue that the nonperturbative effect associated with the perturbation theory should have a branch cut only along the positive real axis in the complex coupling plane. The component in the weak coupling expansion of the nonperturbative amplitude, which usually includes the leading term in the weak coupling expansion, that gives rise to the branch cut can be calculated in principle from the perturbation theory combined with some exactly calculable properties of the nonperturbative effect. The realization of this mechanism is demonstrated in the double well potential and the two-dimensional O(N) nonlinear sigma model. In these models the leading term in weak coupling of the nonperturbative effect can be obtained with good accuracy from the first terms of the perturbation theory. Applying this mechanism to the infrared renormalon induced nonperturbative effect in QCD, we suggest some of the QCD condensate effects can be calculated in principle from the perturbation theory.Comment: 21 Pages, 1 Figure; To appear in Phys Rev

Effect of biosurfactants on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in a BioFlux channel

Recent studies have indicated that biosurfactants play a role both in maintaining channels between multicellular structures in biofilms and in dispersal of cells from biofilms. A combination of caprylic acid (0.01 % v/v) together with rhamnolipids (0.04 % v/v) was applied to biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 9144 and a mixed culture under BioFlux flowthrough conditions and caused disruption of the biofilms. The biofilms were also treated with a combination of rhamnolipids (0.04 % v/v) and sophorolipids (0.01 %). Control treatments with PBS 1× had no apparent effect on biofilm disruption. The Gram-positive bacterium (S. aureus ATCC 9144) was more sensitive than P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 in terms of disruption and viability as shown by Live/Dead staining. Disruption of biofilms of P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 was minimal. Oxygen consumption by biofilms, after different treatments with biosurfactants, confirms that sophorolipid on its own is unable to kill/inhibit cells of P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442, and even when used in combination with rhamnolipids, under static conditions, no decrease in the cell viability was observed. Cells in biofilms exposed to mono-rhamnolipids (0.04 % v/v) showed behaviour typical of exposure to bacteriostatic compounds, but when exposed to di-rhamnolipids (0.04 % v/v), they displayed a pattern characteristic of bactericidal compounds

Protein for Life: Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults

With an ageing population, dietary approaches to promote health and independence later in life are needed. In part, this can be achieved by maintaining muscle mass and strength as people age. New evidence suggests that current dietary recommendations for protein intake may be insufficient to achieve this goal and that individuals might benefit by increasing their intake and frequency of consumption of high-quality protein. However, the environmental effects of increasing animal-protein production are a concern, and alternative, more sustainable protein sources should be considered. Protein is known to be more satiating than other macronutrients, and it is unclear whether diets high in plant proteins affect the appetite of older adults as they should be recommended for individuals at risk of malnutrition. The review considers the protein needs of an ageing population (>40 years old), sustainable protein sources, appetite-related implications of diets high in plant proteins, and related areas for future research

Together, yet still not equal? Sex integration in equestrian sport

Sex segregation is a core organising principle of most modern sports and is a key element in the marginalisation and subordination of girls and women in sport and beyond. In this article I explore the only Olympic-level sport which is not organised around sex segregation – equestrian sport – in order to consider the implications of sex integration for female participants. I draw on a study conducted on elite riders that found that although sex integration in equestrian sport does not lead to female participants being excluded from high-level competition, men continue to perform disproportionately well. This suggests that although sex integration may be an important step towards breaking down gender hierarchies in sport, without accompanying wider changes in gender norms and expectations, sex integration alone will not be enough to achieve greater gender equality in equestrian sport

Ionic current changes underlying action potential repolarization responses to physiological pacing and adrenergic stimulation in adult rat ventricular myocytes

This study aimed to simulate ventricular responses to elevations in myocyte pacing and adrenergic stimulation using a novel electrophysiological rat model and investigate ion channel responses underlying action potential (AP) modulations. Peak ion currents and AP repolarization to 50% and 90% of full repolarization (APD50-90) were recorded during simulations at 1–10 Hz pacing under control and adrenergic stimulation conditions. Further simulations were performed with incremental ion current block (L-type calcium current, ICa; transient outward current, Ito; slow delayed rectifier potassium current, IKs; rapid delayed rectifier potassium current, IKr; inward rectifier potassium current, IK1) to identify current influence on AP response to exercise. Simulated APD50-90 closely resembled experimental findings. Rate-dependent increases in IKs (6%–101%), IKr (141%–1339%), and ICa (0%–15%) and reductions in Ito (11%–57%) and IK1 (1%–9%) were observed. Meanwhile, adrenergic stimulation triggered moderate increases in all currents (23%–67%) except IK1. Further analyses suggest AP plateau is most sensitive to modulations in Ito and ICa while late repolarization is most sensitive to IK1, ICa, and IKs, with alterations in IKs predominantly stimulating the greatest magnitude of influence on late repolarization (35%–846% APD90 prolongation). The modified Leeds rat model (mLR) is capable of accurately modeling APs during physiological stress. This study highlights the importance of ICa, Ito, IK1, and IKs in controlling electrophysiological responses to exercise. This work will benefit the study of cardiac dysfunction, arrythmia, and disease, though future physiologically relevant experimental studies and model development are required