681 research outputs found

    Infrared Thermography for the Ante Mortem Detection of Bruising in Horses Following Transport to a Slaughter Plant

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    Undetected injury of horses sustained during road transport to slaughter is a welfare concern. This study evaluated digital infrared thermography (DT) for the detection of ante-mortem bruising in horses following transport to a slaughter plant. The sensitivity and specificity of DT for the detection of bruises following transport was evaluated. DT images were obtained from 93 horses (2–3 horses per load; 40 loads) at a Canadian federally approved slaughter plant. From an elevated platform 5 m from the horses, left and right lateral DT images, and one caudal pelvic area image were obtained from each horse. After slaughter the carcasses were examined for bruising (a visually discolored area on the carcass caused by damage to the blood vessels) and findings documented. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for DT assessment of bruising. The prevalence of bruising on post mortem inspection was 54%. The DT approach to bruise detection at the region of interest level of 93 horses (n = 186 sides) resulted in a sensitivity of 42% and specificity of 79%. As the sensitivity was low, a more sensitive DT camera and allowing for a longer equilibration time for horses after transport may improve this approach to post transport assessment of subclinical injury

    IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells promote experimental cerebral malaria by modulating CD8+ T cell accumulation within the brain.

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    It is well established that IFN-γ is required for the development of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) during Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection of C57BL/6 mice. However, the temporal and tissue-specific cellular sources of IFN-γ during P. berghei ANKA infection have not been investigated, and it is not known whether IFN-γ production by a single cell type in isolation can induce cerebral pathology. In this study, using IFN-γ reporter mice, we show that NK cells dominate the IFN-γ response during the early stages of infection in the brain, but not in the spleen, before being replaced by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Importantly, we demonstrate that IFN-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells, but not innate or CD8(+) T cells, can promote the development of ECM in normally resistant IFN-γ(-/-) mice infected with P. berghei ANKA. Adoptively transferred wild-type CD4(+) T cells accumulate within the spleen, lung, and brain of IFN-γ(-/-) mice and induce ECM through active IFN-γ secretion, which increases the accumulation of endogenous IFN-γ(-/-) CD8(+) T cells within the brain. Depletion of endogenous IFN-γ(-/-) CD8(+) T cells abrogates the ability of wild-type CD4(+) T cells to promote ECM. Finally, we show that IFN-γ production, specifically by CD4(+) T cells, is sufficient to induce expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 within the brain, providing a mechanistic basis for the enhanced CD8(+) T cell accumulation. To our knowledge, these observations demonstrate, for the first time, the importance of and pathways by which IFN-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells promote the development of ECM during P. berghei ANKA infection

    Electrical and Optical Performance Characteristics of p/n InGaAs Monolithic Interconnected Modules

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    There has been a traditional trade-off in ThermoPhotoVoltaic (TPV) energy conversion development between system efficiency and power density. This trade-off originates from the use of front surface spectral controls such as selective emitters and various types of filters. A Monolithic Interconnected Module (MIM) structure has been developed which allows for both high power densities and high system efficiencies. The MIM device consists of many individual Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) devices series-connected on a single semi-insulating Indium Phosphide (InP) substrate. The MIMs are exposed to the entire emitter output, thereby maximizing output power density. An InfraRed (IR) reflector placed on the rear surface of the substrate returns the unused portion of the emitter output spectrum back to the emitter for recycling, thereby providing for high system efficiencies. Initial MIM development has focused on a 1 sq cm device consisting of eight (8) series interconnected cells. MIM devices, produced from 0.74eV InGaAs, have demonstrated V(sub infinity) = 3.2 volts, J(sub sc) = 70 mA/sq cm and a fill factor of 66% under flashlamp testing. IR reflectance measurements (greater than 2 microns) of these devices indicate a reflectivity of greater than 82%. MIM devices produced from 0.55 eV InGaAs have also been demonstrated. In addition, conventional p/n InGaAs devices with record efficiencies (11.7% AM0) have been demonstrated

    Sensory Impact of Extended Maceration and Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

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    Irrigation practices such as regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and winemaking practices such as extended maceration have been experimentally evaluated from a chemical perspective but their impacts on sensory composition and interactive effects merit scientific attention. This study evaluated the sensory impact of extended maceration applied to Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from a vineyard subjected to four RDI treatments: replenishment of 100%, 70%, and 25% of full-vine crop evapotranspiration (ETc) from fruit set until veraison followed by 100% ETc until harvest (labeled 100% ETc, 70% ETc, and 25% ETc, respectively) and 25% ETc from fruit set to veraison followed by 100% ETc from veraison to harvest (labeled 25/100% ETc). Each RDI treatment was replicated four times (n = 4) and made into wine, with two replicates designated as controls (10 day skin contact) and two as extended maceration (30 day skin contact). Wines were evaluated by descriptive analysis with a trained panel (n = 15) and chemical and sensory data were correlated using canonical correlation analysis. Wine-perceived saturation and purple component ratings were highest in 25% ETc wines and were highly correlated with the concentration of flavonols, malvidin- and delphinidin-derivatives, and small polymeric pigments. Fruit-based aroma descriptors were highest in the 25/100% ETc and 70% ETc wines. Extended maceration increased perceived astringency and bitterness, which were in turn correlated with the concentration of flavan-3-ol and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These results suggest that moderate RDI protocols such as 70% ETc and 25/100% ETc impact positively the fruity aroma component (black and red fruit), whereas extended maceration lowered fruity aromas, possibly due to the masking effect of the oxidized character perceived in these wines.EEA MendozaFil: Casassa, Luis Federico. Washington State University. Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. School of Food Science; Estados Unidos. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza. Centro de Estudios de Enología; Argentina.Fil: Larsen, Richard C. Washington State University. Viticulture and Enology Program; Estados UnidosFil: Beaver, Christopher W. Washington State University. Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. School of Food Science; Estados UnidosFil: Mireles, María S. Washington State University. Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. School of Food Science; Estados UnidosFil: Keller, Markus. Washington State University. Department of Horticulture; Estados UnidosFil: Riley, William R. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Estados UnidosFil: Smithyman, Russell. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Estados UnidosFil: Harbertson, James F. Washington State University. Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. School of Food Science; Estados Unido

    Mechanisms underlying capsaicin effects in canine coronary artery: implications for coronary spasm

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    AIMS: The TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1, agonist capsaicin is considered to be beneficial for cardiovascular health because it dilates coronary arteries through an endothelial-dependent mechanism and may slow atheroma progression. However, recent reports indicate that high doses of capsaicin may constrict coronary arterioles and even provoke myocardial infarction. Thus far, the mechanisms by which TRPV1 activation modulates coronary vascular tone remain poorly understood. This investigation examined whether there is a synergistic interplay between locally acting vasoconstrictive pro-inflammatory hormones (autacoids) and capsaicin effects in the coronary circulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Experiments were performed in canine conduit coronary artery rings and isolated smooth muscle cells (CASMCs). Isometric tension measurements revealed that 1-10 μM capsaicin alone did not affect resting tension of coronary artery rings. In contrast, in endothelium-intact rings pre-contracted with a Gq/11-coupled FP/TP (prostaglandin F/thromboxane) receptor agonist, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α; 10 μM), capsaicin first induced transient dilation that was followed by sustained contraction. In endothelium-denuded rings pre-contracted with PGF2α or thromboxane analogue U46619 (1 μM, a TP receptor agonist), capsaicin induced only sustained contraction. Blockers of the TP receptor or TRPV1 significantly inhibited capsaicin effects, but these were still observed in the presence of 50 μM nifedipine and 70 mM KCl. Capsaicin also potentiated 20 mM KCl-induced contractions. Fluorescence imaging experiments in CASMCs revealed that the Gq/11-phospholipase C (PLC)-protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca(2+)-PLC-PKC pathways are likely involved in sensitizing CASMC TRPV1 channels. CONCLUSION: Capsaicin alone does not cause contractions in conduit canine coronary artery; however, pre-treatment with pro-inflammatory prostaglandin-thromboxane agonists may unmask capsaicin's vasoconstrictive potential

    Discontinuous metric programming in liquid crystalline elastomers

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    Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are shape-changing materials that exhibit large deformations in response to applied stimuli. Local control of the orientation of LCEs spatially directs the deformation of these materials to realize spontaneous shape change in response to stimuli. Prior approaches to shape programming in LCEs utilize patterning techniques that involve the detailed inscription of spatially varying nematic fields to produce sheets. These patterned sheets deform into elaborate geometries with complex Gaussian curvatures. Here, we present an alternative approach to realize shape-morphing in LCEs where spatial patterning of the crosslink density locally regulates the material deformation magnitude on either side of a prescribed interface curve. We also present a simple mathematical model describing the behavior of these materials. Further experiments coupled with the mathematical model demonstrate the control of the sign of Gaussian curvature, which is used in combination with heat transfer effects to design LCEs that self-clean as a result of temperature-dependent actuation properties

    Financial Doping in the English Premier League

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    Whilst the relationship between money and success in elite sport is acknowledged, the exact nature, extent and implications of this relationship is one that has not been carefully examined. In this paper we have three main aims. Firstly, to provide empirical evidence of the extent that money buys success in the English Premier League. Secondly, to evaluate this evidence from a sports ethics perspective, and, finally, to discuss potential solutions to the problem. We argue that the evident performance advantage teams gain through financial investments is contrary to the spirit of sport as it undermines athletic excellence and the ‘sweet tension of uncertainty of outcome’ that is central to good competition. Consequently, financial investments in elite football ought to be regulated and controlled. We argue, however, that current attempts to do so (via Financial Fair Play Regulations) are inadequate as they focus on issues concerning financial health, rather than the health of the game in terms of spirit and fairness
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