The Effect of Krill Oil Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Markers of Immune Function

Date of Acceptance: 08/09/2015 Acknowledgments We thank the technical support of the Institute of Medical Sciences Musculoskeletal Programme and the Iain Fraser Cytometry Centre.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Dark-ages Reionization and Galaxy Formation Simulation -- XIX: Predictions of infrared excess and cosmic star formation rate density from UV observations

We present a new analysis of high-redshift UV observations using a semi-analytic galaxy formation model, and provide self-consistent predictions of the infrared excess (IRX) -- $\beta$ relations and cosmic star formation rate density. We combine the Charlot & Fall dust attenuation model with the Meraxes semi-analytic model, and explore three different parametrisations for the dust optical depths, linked to star formation rate, dust-to-gas ratio and gas column density respectively. A Bayesian approach is employed to statistically calibrate model free parameters including star formation efficiency, mass loading factor, dust optical depths and reddening slope directly against UV luminosity functions and colour-magnitude relations at z ~ 4-7. The best-fit models show excellent agreement with the observations. We calculate IRX using energy balance arguments, and find that the large intrinsic scatter in the IRX -$\beta$ plane is driven by the specific star formation rate. Additionally, the difference among the three dust models suggests a factor of two systematic uncertainty in the dust-corrected star formation rate when using the Meurer IRX - $\beta$ relation at z > 4.Comment: 15 pages, 10 figure. Accepted for publication in MNRA

Posterior Contraction Rates for the Bayesian Approach to Linear Ill-Posed Inverse Problems

We consider a Bayesian nonparametric approach to a family of linear inverse problems in a separable Hilbert space setting with Gaussian noise. We assume Gaussian priors, which are conjugate to the model, and present a method of identifying the posterior using its precision operator. Working with the unbounded precision operator enables us to use partial differential equations (PDE) methodology to obtain rates of contraction of the posterior distribution to a Dirac measure centered on the true solution. Our methods assume a relatively weak relation between the prior covariance, noise covariance and forward operator, allowing for a wide range of applications

Depolarization of sperm membrane potential is a common feature of men with subfertility and is associated with low fertilization rate at IVF

STUDY QUESTION. Are significant abnormalities in outward (K+) conductance and resting membrane potential (Vm) present in the spermatozoa of patients undertaking IVF and ICSI and if so, what is their functional effect on fertilization success? SUMMARY ANSWER. Negligible outward conductance (≈5% of patients) or an enhanced inward conductance (≈4% of patients), both of which caused depolarization of Vm, were associated with a low rate of fertilization following IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY. Sperm-specific potassium channel knockout mice are infertile with defects in sperm function, suggesting that these channels are essential for fertility. These observations suggest that malfunction of K+ channels in human spermatozoa might contribute significantly to the occurrence of subfertility in men. However, remarkably little is known of the nature of K+ channels in human spermatozoa or the incidence and functional consequences of K+ channel defects. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION. Spermatozoa were obtained from healthy volunteer research donors and subfertile IVF and ICSI patients attending a hospital assisted reproductive techniques clinic between May 2013 and December 2015. In total, 40 IVF patients, 41 ICSI patients and 26 normozoospermic donors took part in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS. Samples were examined using electrophysiology (whole-cell patch clamping). Where abnormal electrophysiological characteristics were identified, spermatozoa were further examined for Ca2+ influx induced by progesterone and penetration into viscous media if sufficient sample was available. Full exome sequencing was performed to specifically evaluate potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M α 1 (KCNMA1), potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily U member 1 (KCNU1) and leucine-rich repeat containing 52 (LRRC52) genes and others associated with K+ signalling. In IVF patients, comparison with fertilization rates was done to assess the functional significance of the electrophysiological abnormalities. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE. Patch clamp electrophysiology was used to assess outward (K+) conductance and resting membrane potential (Vm) and signalling/motility assays were used to assess functional characteristics of sperm from IVF and ICSI patient samples. The mean Vm and outward membrane conductance in sperm from IVF and ICSI patients were not significantly different from those of control (donor) sperm prepared under the same conditions, but variation between individuals was significantly greater (P< 0.02) with a large number of outliers (>25%). In particular, in ≈10% of patients (7/81), we observed either a negligible outward conductance (4 patients) or an enhanced inward current (3 patients), both of which caused depolarization of Vm. Analysis of clinical data from the IVF patients showed significant association of depolarized Vm (≥0 mV) with low fertilization rate (P= 0.012). Spermatozoa with electrophysiological abnormities (conductance and Vm) responded normally to progesterone with elevation of [Ca2+]i and penetration of viscous medium, indicating retention of cation channel of sperm (CatSper) channel function. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION. For practical, technical, ethical and logistical reasons, we could not obtain sufficient additional semen samples from men with conductance abnormalities to establish the cause of the conductance defects. Full exome sequencing was only available in two men with conductance defects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS. These data add significantly to the understanding of the role of ion channels in human sperm function and its impact on male fertility. Impaired potassium channel conductance (Gm) and/or Vm regulation is both common and complex in human spermatozoa and importantly is associated with impaired fertilization capacity when the Vm of cells is completely depolarized

A NOÇÃO DE UMA CULTURA DA JUVENTUDE ROMÂNTICA EM WALTER BENJAMIN

Neste artigo apresenta-se a noção de uma cultura da juventude romântica em Walter Benjamin e as ideias relacionadas a ela, a saber: crítica, espírito e formação. Analisa-se a crítica do autor quanto ao conceito de experiência, relacionada ao adulto/filisteu, e sua proposta para o cultivo da cultura da juventude. Utilizam-se os ensaios Experiência, Sobre o programa da filosofia futura e A vida dos estudantes

A CRÍTICA ROMÂNTICA NO PENSAMENTO EDUCACIONAL DO JOVEM BENJAMIN

Este artigo procura abordar a crítica à cultura e às instituições de ensino feitas pelo jovem Benjamin diante das reformas técnicas realizadas no gymnasium e nas universidades alemãs. Benjamin parte da constatação de que há uma atrofia ou esgotamento do sentido formativo nas instituições educativas. Em seus escritos enquanto estudante, Benjamin recupera, com sua crítica, a necessidade de olhar a arte, a literatura, a educação, em suma, toda a cultura humana, como um conjunto reunido de experiências históricas. Em razão desse modo de pensar, o filósofo questiona, através de sua escrita e fala, qual o papel do jovem enquanto crítico. Desse modo, busca-se evidenciar como a necessidade da reforma espiritual é premente e a ideia da crítica do jovem pela sua escrita é indicada como tarefa (Aufgabe)

Global Journalist: An International Perspective on the 2003 California Governor’s Race

This August 8, 2003 program had host Stuart Loory speak with three international journalists to learn how the 2003 California governor's race, which notably included then-candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger, was being covered internationally

Fungos endofíticos de Aristolochia triangularis (cipó-mil-homens) com potencial no controle biológico das doenças do morangueiro

Orientadora : Profª Drª Ida Chapaval PimentelCoorientadora : Profª Drª Rodrigo Makowiecky StuartDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciencias Biológicas (Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Básica). Defesa: Curitiba, 22/02/2017Inclui referências : f. 55-74Resumo: A cultura do morango é uma das mais importantes ao redor do mundo, tanto por sua relevância econômica como pela geração de empregos. Os frutos desta cultura são muito sensíveis, tornando comum o aparecimento de fungos fitopatogênico na pré e pós-colheita. Dois dos principais fungos fitopatogênicos que assolam esta cultura são o Botrytis cinerea (Pers.), causador do mofo cinzento e o Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenb.), causador da podridão do Rhizopus. Por serem doenças de fácil disseminação e difícil controle, acabam gerando a aplicação indiscriminada de agroquímicos, que causam danos ao bioma onde são aplicados e problemas à saúde do consumidor, tornando necessária a utilização de metodologias alternativas para controle destes patógenos, como o controle biológico. Um dos principais agentes de biocontrole são os fungos endofíticos, que apresentam imenso potencial para produzir metabólitos secundários, similares ou iguais à sua planta hospedeira, e quando isolados de plantas medicinais podem demonstrar diversas aplicações na indústria e medicina. A planta Aristolochia triangularis é amplamente utilizada na medicina popular como antiinflamatória, antimicrobiana, antimicobacteriana, dentre outras aplicações. Neste trabalho, buscamos isolar fungos endofíticos de A. triangularis e testar o potencial dos isolados em promover o controle biológico de B. cinerea e R. stolonifer e sua capacidade de produzir metabólitos secundários bioativos. Este é o primeiro relato de fungos endofíticos desta planta, o que torna este trabalho inédito neste contexto. Foram 263 fungos isolados do cipó, caule, fruto, folhas jovens e folhas maduras. A técnica de ARDRA foi realizada buscando um agrupamento molecular dos isolados, para tal foram utilizadas as enzimas de restrição Mbo I e Hae III. Um total de 26 padrões de haplótipos diferentes foram gerados, demonstrando grande diversidade molecular. 10% dos fungos de cada haplótipo, 50 no total, foram aleatoriamente selecionados e submetidos à sequenciamento do gene ITS. Foi detectada similaridade com os gêneros Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Xylaria, Trichoderma, Nectria, Phomopsis, Stenocarpella, Phylosticta, Ascochyta, Neurospora, Yarrowia, Gibberela e Botryosphaeria. O cálculo do índice de Shannon foi baseado no número de gêneros presentes em cada parte da planta. O cipó demonstrou maior diversidade (H': 1.4402), seguido pelo fruto (H': 1.0035), caule (H': 0.7889), folhas maduras (H': 0.2378) e folhas jovens (H': 0.2074). Após identificação dos gêneros e para avaliar seu potencial no biocontrole de B. cinerea e R. stolonifer, os 50 fungos sequenciados foram submetidos ao teste de cultura pareada. Destes, 13 isolados, pertencentes aos gêneros Trichoderma, Colletotrichum, Botryosphaeria, Stenocarpella, Nectria, Phomopsis e Gibberella, controlaram o crescimento de B. cinerea e 7 isolados, pertencentes aos gêneros Trichoderma, Botryosphaeria, Nectria, Phomopsis e Gibberella, controlaram o crescimento de R. stolonifer. Isto demonstra que os fungos isolados de A. triangularis são capazes de promover o antagonismo destes patógenos in vitro. Os 263 isolados foram submetidos à PCR para avaliação da presença do gene PKS I, que está intimamente relacionado à produção de metabólitos secundários bioativos em microrganismos. Sessenta e seis apresentaram a presença do gene e destes, seis promoveram o biocontrole in vitro de B. cinerea e R. stolonifer, podendo o biocontrole visualizado estar relacionado à produção de metabólitos secundários. Palavras-chave: Biocontrole. Endófitos. ARDRA. PKS I. Metabólitos secundários. Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne. Botrytis cinerea. Rhizopus stolonifer.Abstract: The strawberry culture is one of the most important cultures around the world. Its fruit is sensitive and susceptible to several pre- and post-harvest fungal diseases. Grey mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea (Pers.), and Rhizopus rot, caused by Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehreb.), are the most important strawberry diseases, due to their easy spread and difficult control. These and other factors lead to indiscriminate agrochemical applications, causing negative environmental impacts and health damage. Thus, alternative methods to control these pathogens are required, as biological control, which is based on using an organism to control the population density of another organism. One of the most representative group of biocontrol agents is the group of endophytic fungi. These organisms are capable to produce several bioactive metabolites and metabolites that are similar to those produced by their hosts. Therefore, the isolation of endophytic fungi from medicinal plants is an excellent strategy to find those fungi that are producers of bioactive metabolites. In this work, we evaluate the presence of endophytic fungi in the medicinal plant Aristolochia triangularis. This plant posses antiinflamatory, antimicrobial, antimycobacterium activities, among others. This is the first report of endophytic fungi isolated from A. triangularis. The total of 263 endophytes were isolated from fruit, vine, stem, young and mature leaves. These isolates were submitted to ARDRA technique, using Mbo I and Hae III restriction enzymes, to form groups based on genotypes differences. A total of 26 haplotypes were identified and 10% of the isolates of each haplotype, 50 in total, were selected for ITS sequencing. We found similarity with Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Xylaria, Trichoderma, Nectria, Phomopsis, Stenocarpella, Phylosticta, Ascochyta, Neurospora, Yarrowia, Gibberella and Botryosphaeria genus. Shennon diversity index was based on sequencing analysis and showed greater diversity on vine (H': 1.4402), followed by fruit (H': 1.0035), stem (H': 0.7889), mature leaves (H': 0.2378) and young leaves (H': 0.2074). After identification, we proceded the antagonism test in order to evaluate the capability of those 50 endophytes to promote the biological control of B. cinerea and R. stolonifer. Thirteen isolates distributed on Trichoderma, Colletotrichum, Botryosphaeria, Stenocarpella, Nectria, Phomopsis and Gibberella genus, showed activity against B. cinerea. Seven isolates distributed on Trichoderma, Botryosphaeria, Nectria, Phomopsis and Gibgerella genus showed activity against R. stolonifer. These data show that endophytic fungi isolated from A. triangularis are capable of promoting the biological control of these strawberry pathogens. All the 263 isolates were tested for the presence of PKS I gene, wich is related to the biochemical pathway responsible for producing bioactive compounds in fungi. Of these, 66 showed the presence of PKS I gene, and 6 were related to those that promoted in vitro biocontrol of strawberry diseases. The presence of PKS I gene, indicated that these isolates may produce several bioactive compounds that could be related to the biological control observed. Key-words: Biocontrol. Endophytes. ARDRA. PKS I. Secondary metabolites. Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne. Botrytis cinerea. Rhizopus stolonifer

Challenges of beef cattle production from tropical pastures

The live weight gain of cattle on tropical pastures is reviewed and found to be low and dependent on the length of the growing season. Supplements may be added to address the primary limiting nutrient, which, in the dry season, is crude protein. The response relationships of live weight gain to level of supplement (protein or energy) that have been developed for animals on pasture in Brazil and Australia have been compared and found to be very similar. This gives confidence in recommending a supplementation strategy for cattle on tropical pastures. Response in the wet season was very low and likely to be uneconomic compared with dry season supplementation. Supplementation is costly and should only be used as a last resort, but the strategy needs to be viewed in the context of a growth path to a defined market or slaughter weight. In Australia, high inputs in the first dry season are risky as subsequent compensatory growth can reduce or eliminate the weight advantage of a supplement. There is less financial risk in using supplements towards the end of the growth path. Growth paths can follow many forms and there is no need to maximise live weight gain in each period. Targeted supplements in the second dry season, leucaena based systems, other special-purpose pastures or crops, and feedlots offer the most economical way for cattle to meet market targets. The expected annual live weight gain and weaning weight are other major factors which determine the growth path, target market which can be achieved, and the level of intervention (supplements, legumes, feedlots, etc) which are required and when. Some recent results on growth paths in Australia are presented