Breed differences in placental development during late gestation between Chinese Meishan and White crossbred gilts in response to intrauterine crowding

The objective of this study was to evaluate placental development during late gestation (day 100) between Chinese Meishan (CM; n = 7) and White crossbred (WC; n = 5) gilts following intrauterine crowding induced by unilaterally hysterectomy-ovariectomy. Gross placental morphology and areolae density as well as histological morphology (i.e., folded bilayer and placental stroma) were analyzed using computer-assisted morphometry for placentas of the smallest and largest fetuses within each litter. There was a breed by fetal size interaction (P \u3c 0.01) for areolae density in which placentas for large CM fetuses had greater areolae density compared to small CM fetuses, but the density of areolae was greater for CM fetuses compared to WC fetuses, irrespective of fetal size. The width of the folded bilayer was greater (P \u3c 0.01) in placentas for WC gilts compared to CM gilts, irrespective of fetal size. Placentas for small fetuses had greater (P \u3c 0.01) folded bilayer width compared to large fetuses, irrespective of breed. The placental stromal width was greater (P \u3c 0.01) in placentas for large fetuses compared to small, irrespective of breed. The difference between stromal width in placentas between divergent-sized littermates, however, was greater (P = 0.05) in WC gilts compared to CM gilts, indicating there was a limited response to intrauterine crowding in CM gilts. These results indicate there is an altered placental development during late gestation in CM compared to WC gilts, thus, there are likely different mechanisms for responding to intrauterine crowding between breeds

Demonstration of Bunch Triple Splitting in the CERN PS

A technique for splitting bunches into three has recently been proposed as an alternative to debunching-rebunching in a synchrotron[1]. The preservation of longitudinal emittance and the possibility of maintaining a gap in the bunch train are key features expected from this new process. A proof of principle has been established experimentally at the CERN PS in 1999. This showed that the nominal longitudinal characteristics of the proton beam for the LHC could be achieved at the exit of the PS with the help of triple splitting. The method is described and experimental results presented. Other possible applications are sketched

Molecular Cloning and Endometrial Expression of Porcine Amphiregulin

The porcine amphiregulin gene was previously reported to be within the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for uterine capacity on chromosome 8. Because amphiregulin stimulates cell proliferation, the amphiregulin gene might be responsible for this QTL. The objectives of this study were to clone amphiregulin cDNA and compare endometrial expression of its mRNA in pregnant Meishan (M) and White composite (WC) pigs. We obtained two amphiregulin cDNAs, one with 1,221 bp and another with 1,109 bp. The 112 bp difference corresponded to exon 5 of the human amphiregulin gene, which codes for the cytoplasmic domain. Endometrial mRNA expression of amphiregulin was significantly lower in M pigs than in WC pigs during early pregnancy (day 15–40 of gestation). Amphiregulin mRNA expression in the endometrium of both M and WC pigs increased (P \u3c 0.01) from days 15 to 20, decreased (P \u3c 0.01) from days 20 to 30, and did not change between days 30 and 40. This may result in reduced amphiregulin protein production leading to the slower development of M conceptuses, contributing to greater uterine capacity and litter size in prolific Chinese M pigs. Porcine genomic sequences isolated from a bacterial artificial chromosome genomic library contained exon 5, suggesting that the deletion of exon 5 in the mRNA may be due to differential splicing. The amphiregulin gene consisted of six exons and five introns spanning 10.3 kb

Epigenetic Control of Virulence Gene Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a LysR-Type Transcription Regulator

Phenotypic variation within an isogenic bacterial population is thought to ensure the survival of a subset of cells in adverse conditions. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa variably expresses several phenotypes, including antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and the production of CupA fimbriae. Here we describe a previously unidentified bistable switch in P. aeruginosa. This switch controls the expression of a diverse set of genes, including aprA, which encodes the secreted virulence factor alkaline protease. We present evidence that bistable expression of PA2432, herein named bexR (bistable expression regulator), which encodes a LysR-type transcription regulator, controls this switch. In particular, using DNA microarrays, quantitative RT–PCR analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and reporter gene fusions, we identify genes directly under the control of BexR and show that these genes are bistably expressed. Furthermore, we show that bexR is itself bistably expressed and positively autoregulated. Finally, using single-cell analyses of a GFP reporter fusion, we present evidence that positive autoregulation of bexR is necessary for bistable expression of the BexR regulon. Our findings suggest that a positive feedback loop involving a LysR-type transcription regulator serves as the basis for an epigenetic switch that controls virulence gene expression in P. aeruginosa

Lack of Effect of Metyrapone and Exogenous Cortisol on Early Porcine Conceptus Development

In many species, including swine, fetal plasma glucocorticoids such as cortisol increase as term approaches and are responsible for final maturational changes in numerous tissues (e.g. Silver, 1990; Sangild et al. 1993, 1994; Fowden et al. 1995). On the contrary, excessive exposure to glucocorticoids during gestationmay cause intra-uterine growth retardation, developmental abnormalities or death, or lead to increased incidence of certain diseases during adult life (Blackburn et al. 1965; Reinisch et al. 1978; Seckl et al. 2000). Hence, one might speculate that a closely regulated glucocorticoid exposure is necessary throughout gestation to ensure appropriate development and survival (Klemcke et al. 1999). We have previously demonstrated in pregnant and cyclic pigs that intra-uterine cortisol increases 4- to 6.7-fold between days 10 and 19 of pregnancy (Klemcke et al. 1998). At this time (days 10–19) in conceptus (embryo plus associated extra-embryonic membranes) development, the blastocyst is undergoing quite dramatic changes (Marrable, 1971; Anderson, 1978; Anderson et al. 1993). Part of this development involves the allantois, which rapidly expands between days 18 and 30 owing to water accumulation (Bazer et al. 1981) that might in part result from Na+,K+-ATPase-generated water movement (Macknight & Leaf, 1977). Corticosteroids are known to regulate Na+,K+-ATPase in various tissues (e.g. Verrey et al. 1996)

Lack of Effect of Metyrapone and Exogenous Cortisol on Early Porcine Conceptus Development

In many species, including swine, fetal plasma glucocorticoids such as cortisol increase as term approaches and are responsible for final maturational changes in numerous tissues (e.g. Silver, 1990; Sangild et al. 1993, 1994; Fowden et al. 1995). On the contrary, excessive exposure to glucocorticoids during gestationmay cause intra-uterine growth retardation, developmental abnormalities or death, or lead to increased incidence of certain diseases during adult life (Blackburn et al. 1965; Reinisch et al. 1978; Seckl et al. 2000). Hence, one might speculate that a closely regulated glucocorticoid exposure is necessary throughout gestation to ensure appropriate development and survival (Klemcke et al. 1999). We have previously demonstrated in pregnant and cyclic pigs that intra-uterine cortisol increases 4- to 6.7-fold between days 10 and 19 of pregnancy (Klemcke et al. 1998). At this time (days 10–19) in conceptus (embryo plus associated extra-embryonic membranes) development, the blastocyst is undergoing quite dramatic changes (Marrable, 1971; Anderson, 1978; Anderson et al. 1993). Part of this development involves the allantois, which rapidly expands between days 18 and 30 owing to water accumulation (Bazer et al. 1981) that might in part result from Na+,K+-ATPase-generated water movement (Macknight & Leaf, 1977). Corticosteroids are known to regulate Na+,K+-ATPase in various tissues (e.g. Verrey et al. 1996)

Controlled Longitudinal Emittance Blow-Up in the CERN PS

The longitudinal emittance of the bunches in the CERN PS must be increased before transition crossing to avoid beam loss due to a fast vertical instability. This controlled blow-up is essential for all high-intensity beams in the PS, including those for transfer to the LHC. The higher harmonic 200MHz RF system (six cavities) used for this blow-up has to generate a total RF voltage which, for the most demanding blow-up, is comparable to the voltage of the main RF cavities. The system is presently subject to a major upgrade and a possible reduction in the number of higher harmonic RF cavities installed is under consideration. To determine the minimum required, detailed simulations and machine development studies to optimize the longitudinal blow-up have been performed. Further options to produce the required longitudinal emittance using other RF systems are also analyzed. The results obtained for the different scenarios for the longitudinal blow-up are presented and compared in this paper