Hosing of a Long Relativistic Particle Bunch in Plasma.

Experimental results show that hosing of a long particle bunch in plasma can be induced by wakefields driven by a short, misaligned preceding bunch. Hosing develops in the plane of misalignment, self-modulation in the perpendicular plane, at frequencies close to the plasma electron frequency, and are reproducible. Development of hosing depends on misalignment direction, its growth on misalignment extent and on proton bunch charge. Results have the main characteristics of a theoretical model, are relevant to other plasma-based accelerators and represent the first characterization of hosing.

Sediment analysis and water quality assessment in the Pixquiac basin: drinking water supply of Xalapa city (Veracruz, Mexico).

Fluvial sediment analysis and water quality assessment are useful to identify anthropic and natural sources of pollution in rivers. Currently, there is a lack of information about water quality in the Pixquiac basin (Veracruz state, Mexico), and this scarcity of data prevents authorities to take adequate measures to protect water resources. The basin is a crucial territory for Xalapa, the capital city of Veracruz state, as it gets 39% of its drinkable water from it. This research analyzed 10 physicochemical parameters and 12 metal concentrations in various rivers and sources during two seasons. Dissolved metals presented average concentrations (µg/L): Al (456.25) > Fe (199.4) > Mn (16.86) > Ba (13.8) > Zn (7.6) > Cu (1.03) > Pb (0.27) > As (0.12) > Ni (0.118) (Cd, Cr and Hg undetectable). Metals in sediment recorded average concentrations (ppm): Fe (38575) > Al (38425) > Mn (460) > Ba (206.2) > Zn (65.1) > Cr (29.8) > Ni (20.9) > Cu (16.4) > Pb (4.8) > As (2.1) (Cd and Hg undetectable). During the rainy season, Water Quality Index (WAWQI) classified stations P17 and P18's water as "unsuitable for drinking" with values of 110.4 and 117.6. Enrichment factor (EF) recorded a "moderate enrichment" of Pb in sediment in P24. Pollution was mainly explained by wastewater discharges in rivers but also because of erosion and rainfall events. Statistical analysis presented strong relationships between trace and major metals which could explain a common natural origin for metals in water and sediment: rock lixiviation.

Protein and genetic expression of CDKN1C and IGF2 and clinical features related to human umbilical cord length.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord (UC) abnormalities are related to neurological outcome and death; specific molecular factors that might be involved are, as yet, unknown; however, protein-coding genes insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C) have been identified as potential candidates. METHODS: An analytical observational study was carried out. Newborn UCs were collected, along with their clinical and morphological features. Immunohistochemical analysis was made on paraffin-embedded sections and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed in fresh UC tissue for the assessment of gene expression. RESULTS: A total of 100 newborns were included. A significant association was found between long UC and prematurity [odds ratio (OR) 9] and long UC and respiratory distress (OR 4.04). Gestational diabetes (OR 8.55) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (OR 4.71) were found to be related to short UCs. The frequency for abnormal UC length was higher than expected. UC length was positively correlated with maternal, newborn and placental weight. No statistical association was found between IGF2 and CDKN1C (p57) expression and UC length; however, there was a tendency for higher CDKN1C expression in short UCs, while, on the contrary, higher IGF2 expression for long UCs. CONCLUSION: UC length was observed to be associated with maternal and newborn complications. Protein expression, messenger RNA (mRNA) activity and the activity of said genes seem to be related to UC length.

Influence of the main cereal and feed form of the rearing phase diets on performance, digestive tract, and body traits of brown-egg laying pullets from hatch to 17 weeks of age.

The effects of the main cereal and feed form of the rearing phase diets on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract characteristics, and body traits were studied in brown-egg pullets from hatch to 17 wk of age. Eight dietary treatments that were a combination of 2 main cereals (corn vs. wheat) and 4 feeding programs were used. The feeding program consisted in feeding crumbles from 0 to 5, 0 to 10, or 0 to 17 wk of age followed by mash until 17 wk, or feeding mash continuously from 0 to 17 wk. Each treatment was replicated 9 times. From hatch to 17 wk of age, pullets fed corn had similar ADG but poorer feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.001) than pullets fed wheat. Also, pullets fed crumbles continuously (0 to 17 wk) had greater ADG (12.3 vs. 11.5 g; P < 0.001) and better FCR (4.21 vs. 4.36; P < 0.001) than pullets feed mash continuously, with pullets that were changed at any age of the rearing period from crumbles to mash feeding showing intermediate results. At 17 wk of age, the relative weights (% BW) of the gastrointestinal tract and gizzard were greater in pullets fed corn than in pullets fed wheat (P < 0.01) but the relative length (cm/kg full BW) of the small intestine, body, and tarsus was not affected. Pullets fed crumbles continuously had lighter gizzards (P < 0.001), higher gizzard pH (P < 0.001), and were shorter (P < 0.01) than pullets fed mash continuously, with pullets fed the other 2 treatments being intermediate. In summary, wheat can be used in substitution of corn in pullet diets without any adverse effect on growth performance. Feeding crumbles improves pullet performance but hinders gizzard and gastrointestinal tract development. Growth performance, gastrointestinal tract, and body traits of the pullets re-adapt quickly to changes in feed form of the rearing diets.

Inclusion of fiber in diets for brown-egg laying pullets: Effects on growth performance and digestive tract traits from hatching to 17 weeks of age.

We investigated the effects of fiber inclusion in the diet on growth performance and digestive traits in pullets from hatching to 17 wk of age. The control diets of the 3 feeding periods (0 to 5 wk, 5 to 10 wk, and 10 to 17 wk) were based on corn and soybean meal and did not include any additional fiber source. The experimental diets included 2 or 4% of cereal straw or sugar beet pulp (SBP) at the expense (wt:wt) of the control diet. From 0 to 5 wk of age, fiber inclusion did not affect pullet performance. From hatch to 17 wk of age, the inclusion of straw had little effect on pullet performance but the inclusion of 4% SBP reduced (ADG) (P < 0.05) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.001). Pullets fed straw had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and better energy conversion ratio (P < 0.01) than pullets fed SBP. An increase in fiber from 2 to 4% reduced FCR (P < 0.05). Body weight uniformity was not affected by diet. Fiber inclusion increased the relative weight (% BW) of the gizzard at 5 wk (P = 0.056) and 10 wk (P < 0.01) of age, but no differences were detected between fiber sources. At same ages, the relative length (cm/kg BW) of the pullets (P = 0.058 and P < 0.01, respectively) and tarsus (P = 0.079 and P < 0.05, respectively) was higher in pullets fed SBP than in pullets fed straw. Fiber inclusion, however, did not affect any of these traits at 17 wk of age. In summary, the inclusion of 2% straw at the expense (wt:wt) of the whole diet did not affect pullet performance at 17 wk of age. An increase in the level of straw from 2 to 4% reduced FCR but did not affect ADG. The inclusion of SBP, however, reduced pullet growth, with effects being more pronounced at the higher level.

Feed form and energy concentration of the diet affect growth performance and digestive tract traits of brown-egg laying pullets from hatching to 17 weeks of age.

The influence of feed form and energy concentration of the diet on growth performance and the development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was studied in brown-egg laying pullets. Diets formed a 2 x 5 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. crumbles) and 5 levels of energy differing in 50 kcal AMEn/kg. For the entire study (0 to 17 wk of age) feeding crumbles increased ADFI (52.9 vs. 49.7 g; P < 0.001) and ADG (12.7 vs. 11.6 g; P < 0.001) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR; 4.18 vs. 4.27; P < 0.001). An increase in the energy content of the diet decreased ADFI linearly (P < 0.001) and improved FCR quadratically (P < 0.01) but energy intake (kcal AMEn/d) was not affected. BW uniformity was higher (P < 0.05) in pullets fed crumbles than in those fed mash but was not affected (P > 0.05) by energy content of the diet. At 5, 10, and 17 wk of age, the relative weight (RW, % BW) of the GIT and the gizzard, and gizzard digesta content were lower (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) and gizzard pH was higher (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) in pullets fed crumbles than in pullets fed mash. Energy concentration of the diet did not affect any of the GIT variables studied. In summary, feeding crumbles improved pullet performance and reduced the RW of the GIT and gizzard, and increased gizzard pH at all ages. An increase in the energy content of the diet improved FCR from 0 to 17 wk of age. The use of crumbles and the increase in the AMEn content of the diet might be used adventageously when the objetive is to increase the BW of the pullets. However, crumbles affected the development and weight of the organs of the GIT, which might have negative effects on feed intake and egg production at the beginning of the egg laying cycle.

Productive performance of brown-egg laying pullets from hatching to 5 weeks of age as affected by fiber inclusion, feed form, and energy concentration of the diet.

The effects of fiber inclusion, feed form, and energy concentration of the diet on the growth performance of pullets from hatching to 5 wk age were studied in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, there was a control diet based on cereals and soybean meal, and 6 extra diets that included 2 or 4% of cereal straw, sugar beet pulp (SBP), or sunflower hulls (SFHs) at the expense (wt/wt) of the whole control diet. From hatching to 5 wk age fiber inclusion increased (P<0.05) ADG and ADFI, and improved (P<0.05) energy efficiency (EnE; kcal AMEn/g ADG), but body weight (BW) uniformity was not affected. Pullets fed SFH tended to have higher ADG than pullets fed SBP (P=0.072) with pullets fed straw being intermediate. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (P<0.05) with 2% than with 4% fiber inclusion. In Experiment 2, 10 diets were arranged as a 2×5 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. crumbles) and 5 levels of AMEn (2,850, 2,900, 2,950, 3,000, and 3,050 kcal/kg). Pullets fed crumbles were heavier and had better FCR than pullets fed mash (P<0.001). An increase in the energy content of the crumble diets reduced ADFI and improved FCR linearly, but no effects were detected with the mash diets (P<0.01 and P<0.05 for the interactions). Feeding crumbles tended to improve BW uniformity at 5 wk age (P=0.077) but no effects were detected with increases in energy concentration of the diet. In summary, the inclusion of moderate amounts of fiber in the diet improves pullet performance from hatching to 5 wk age. The response of pullets to increases in energy content of the diet depends on feed form with a decrease in feed intake when fed crumbles but no changes when fed mash. Feeding crumbles might be preferred to feeding mash in pullets from hatching to 5 wk age.

A miniaturized piezoelectric Mössbauer spectrometer with feedback control.

A Mössbauer spectrometer was built and evaluated using an amplified piezoelectric actuator under feedback control for the Doppler velocity drive. The actuator was driven with a quadratic displacement waveform, giving a linear velocity profile. The optimization of the piezoelectric Doppler drive under feedback control was performed with measurements from a laser Doppler vibrometer. 57Fe Mössbauer spectra of α-iron in transmission geometry show minimal peak distortions. The performance of this piezoelectric Doppler drive makes Mössbauer spectrometry possible in applications requiring small size, mass, and low cost.

Dipolar order in an amphidynamic crystalline metal-organic framework through reorienting linkers.

Amphidynamic crystals, which possess crystallinity and support dynamic behaviours, are very well suited to the exploration of emergent phenomena that result from the coupling on the dynamic moieties. Here, dipolar rotors have been embedded in a crystalline metal-organic framework. The material consists of Zn(II) nodes and two types of ditopic bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-based linkers-one that coordinates to the Zn clusters through two 1,4-aza moieties, and a difluoro-functionalized derivative (the dipolar rotor) that coordinates through linked 1,4-dicarboxylate groups instead. Upon cooling, these linkers collectively order as a result of correlated dipole-dipole interactions. Variable-temperature, frequency-dependent dielectric measurements revealed a transition temperature Tc = 100 K, when a rapidly rotating, dipole-disordered, paraelectric phase transformed into an ordered, antiferroelectric one in which the dipole moments of the rotating linkers largely cancelled each other. Monte Carlo simulations on a two-dimensional rotary lattice showed a ground state with an Ising symmetry and the effects of dipole-lattice and dipole-dipole interactions.

ß-Caryophyllene exerts protective antioxidant effects through the activation of NQO1 in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the selective death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. ß-caryophyllene (BCP) is a phytocannabinoid with several pharmacological properties, producing anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects. In addition, BCP protects dopaminergic neurons from neuronal death induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), yet it remains unclear if this effect is due to its antioxidant activity. To assess whether this is the case, the effect of BCP on the expression and activity of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) was evaluated in mice after the administration of MPTP. Male C57BL/6 J mice were divided into four groups, the first of which received saline solution i.p. in equivalent volume and served as a control group. The second group received MPTP. The second group received MPTP hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, i.p.) daily for seven consecutive days. The third group received BCP (10 mg/kg) for seven days, administered orally and finally, the fourth group received MPTP as described above and BCP for 7 days from the fourth day of MPTP administration. The results showed that BCP inhibits oxidative stress-induced cell death of dopaminergic neurons exposed to MPTP at the same time as it enhances the expression and enzymatic activity of NQO1. Also, the BCP treatment ameliorated motor dysfunction and protected the dopaminergic cells of the SNpc from damage induced by MPTP. Hence, BCP appears to achieve at least some of its antioxidant effects by augmenting NQO1 activity, which protects cells from MPTP toxicity. Accordingly, this phytocannabinoid may represent a promising pharmacological option to safeguard dopaminergic neurons and prevent the progression of PD.

In vitro ictogenesis and parahippocampal networks in a rodent model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a chronic epileptic disorder involving the hippocampal formation. Details on the interactions between the hippocampus proper and parahippocampal networks during ictogenesis remain, however, unclear. In addition, recent findings have shown that epileptic limbic networks maintained in vitro are paradoxically less responsive than non-epileptic control (NEC) tissue to application of the convulsant drug 4-aminopyridine (4AP). Field potential recordings allowed us to establish here the effects of 4AP in brain slices obtained from NEC and pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats; these slices included the hippocampus and parahippocampal areas such as entorhinal and perirhinal cortices and the amygdala. First, we found that both types of tissue generate epileptiform discharges with similar electrographic characteristics. Further investigation showed that generation of robust ictal-like discharges in the epileptic rat tissue is (i) favored by decreased hippocampal output (ii) reinforced by EC-subiculum interactions and (iii) predominantly driven by amygdala networks. We propose that a functional switch to alternative synaptic routes may promote network hyperexcitability in the epileptic limbic system.

Human mesenchymal stromal cells from adult and neonatal sources: comparative analysis of their morphology, immunophenotype, differentiation patterns and neural protein expression.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow (BM) has been recognized as the main source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC); however, MSC have also been detected in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and placenta (PL). In the present study, we obtained MSC from these three sources and characterized them in a comparative manner. METHODS: MSC were obtained from BM, UCB and PL samples and analyzed to determine their morphology, cell-surface antigen (Ag) expression and differentiation potential. Particular emphasis was placed on the expression of neural markers. RESULTS: MSC were detected in 9/9, 11/104 and 5/5 samples from BM, UCB and PL, respectively. MSC populations comprised several morphologically distinct cell types, including neural-like cells. MSC were positive for 'mesenchymal' Ag (CD105, CD73 and CD90), although CD90 expression was very heterogeneous. Interestingly, CD13 expression was high in all three sources. In all cases, MSC showed osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation; however, UCB MSC showed no adipogenic potential. Furthermore, MSC from UCB produced a different type of cartilage compared with MSC from BM and PL. It is noteworthy that in all three sources we detected the expression of neural proteins without any neural differentiation stimuli. A significant increase in the proportion of neural marker-positive MSC was observed in the presence of neural inducers. DISCUSSION: Our results indicate that PL may prove to be a more appropriate source for obtaining MSC than UCB, and suggest the possibility that a subpopulation of MSC may possess neural potential, which is favored by neural inducers.

Particle size affects short-term preference behavior of brown-egg laying hens fed diets based on corn or barley.

We studied the influence of particle size of the main cereal of the diet on preference behavior by laying hens. Diets formed a 2 × 5 factorial with 2 main cereals (corn vs. barley) and 5 grinding sizes of the cereal (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm screen). Each treatment was replicated 5 times (10 hens each). After a fasting period of 8 h, hens received their respective experimental diets from 06.00 to 14.00 hours. The geometric mean diameter (GMD) and the geometric standard deviation of the residuals in the feeder were determined every 2 hours. In addition, CP, ash, and Ca contents of the feeds were determined at the start and at the end of the experimental period. The experimental design was completely randomized with data analyzed as repeated measures with particle size and cereal as main effects. The GMD of the original feeds increased with increases in screen size and was greater for the barley than for the corn diets. The difference in GMD between the original diets and the residuals measured at 2 h intervals decreased as the experiment progressed (P < 0.001 for the interaction). Crude protein, ash, and Ca concentrated in the coarse fraction of the original diets and of the uneaten feed, an effect more pronounced for the minerals. Independent of the coarseness of the feed sieve, ash and Ca contents were higher in the uneaten feed at 14.00 h than in the original diets. Hens showed a clear preference for coarse particles irrespective of the concentration of CP, ash, or Ca in the different fractions of the diets. Data showed that birds under-consumed Ca during the morning, a period in which the requirements for mineral deposition are low. In summary, hens showed a significant preference for coarser particles, an effect that was more evident when the cereals were ground coarse. Hens, however, did not show any preference for consuming those feed fractions with greater CP, ash, or Ca contents.

Grain boundary properties of ice doped with small concentrations of potassium chloride (KCl).

The grain boundary (GB) migration rate was studied in ice bicrystals obtained from 1 to 10 µmol l(-1) (0.02 to 0.2 ppm) potassium chloride (KCl) water solutions and annealed at temperatures above -20 °C for 170 days. GB mobility was determined as a function of annealing temperature and solute concentration. The GB mobility values obtained show a systematic dependence on the solute concentration. For the first time, it was observed in ice that small concentrations of impurity decrease the GB mobility, as occurs in other materials. The results also indicate possible changes of the GB structure in the annealing temperature range studied.

Influence of particle size of the main cereal of the diet on egg production, gastrointestinal tract traits, and body measurements of brown laying hens1.

The influence of the screen size used to grind the main cereal of the diet on egg production, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, and body measurements was studied in hens from 17 to 49 wk of age. Diets formed a 2 × 5 factorial with 2 main cereals (corn vs. barley) and 5 screen sizes of the cereal (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm). Each treatment was replicated 5 times. No interactions between main cereal and screen size were observed for any of the traits studied. Cereal type and screen size did not affect feed intake, egg production, BW gain, or quality traits of the eggs. Eggs tended to be larger (P = 0.092) in hens fed the barley diet than in hens fed the corn diet. Also, feed conversion ratio tended to increase (P = 0.081) when the cereal of the diet was ground with a 4-mm screen as compared with the average of the other diets. At 49 wk of age, the relative weight (% BW) of the GIT and gizzard was greater (P < 0.05) in hens fed barley than in hens fed corn. An increase in the screen size increased linearly the relative weight of the GIT (P = 0.089), gizzard (P < 0.01), and liver (P = 0.056). None of the other GIT traits or body measurements was affected by the main cereal or the screen size. In summary, barley can substitute up to 45% of the corn in diets for laying hens without any adverse effect on egg production. Therefore, the use of one or other cereal will depend on their relative cost. An increase in screen size improved gizzard development but had little effect on hen productivity. Within the range studied, the size of the screen used for grinding the cereal had little effect on hen productivity, although the use of a 4-mm screen might increase feed conversion ratio and gizzard development.

Effect of level of fiber of the rearing phase diets on egg production, digestive tract traits, and body measurements of brown egg-laying hens fed diets differing in energy concentration.

This research studied the effects of additional fiber in the rearing phase diets on egg production, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits, and body measurements of brown egg-laying hens fed diets varying in energy concentration from 17 to 46 wk of age. The experiment was completely randomized with 10 treatments arranged as a 5 × 2 factorial with 5 rearing phase diets and 2 laying phase diets. During the rearing phase, treatments consisted of a control diet based on cereals and soybean meal and 4 additional diets with a combination of 2 fiber sources (cereal straw and sugar beet pulp, SBP) at 2 levels (2 and 4%). During the laying phase, diets differed in energy content (2,650 vs. 2,750 kcal AMEn/kg) but had the same amino acid content per unit of energy. The rearing diet did not affect any production trait except egg production that was lower in birds fed SBP than in birds fed straw (91.6 and 94.1%, respectively; P < 0.05). Laying hens fed the high energy diet had lower feed intake (P < 0.001), better feed conversion (P < 0.01), and greater BW gain (P < 0.05) than hens fed the low energy diet but egg production and egg weight were not affected. At 46 wk of age, none of the GIT traits was affected by previous dietary treatment. At this age, hen BW was positively related with body length (r = 0.500; P < 0.01), tarsus length (r = 0.758; P < 0.001), and body mass index (r = 0.762; P < 0.001) but no effects of type of diet on these traits were detected. In summary, the inclusion of up to 4% of a fiber source in the rearing diets did not affect GIT development of the hens but SBP reduced egg production. An increase in the energy content of the laying phase diet reduced ADFI and improved feed efficiency but did not affect any of the other traits studied.