3rd Pair Research Articles

Investigation of dynamical flexibility of D5SIC-DNAM inside DNA duplex in aqueous solution: a systematic classical MD approach.

Incorporation of artificial 3rd base pairs (unnatural base pairs, UBPs) has emerged as a fundamental technique in pursuit of expanding the genetic alphabet. 2,6-Dimethyl-2H-isoquiniline-1-thione: D5SIC (DS) and 2-methoxy-3-methylnaphthalene: DNAM (DN), a potential unnatural base pair (UBP) developed by Romesberg and colleagues, has been shown to have remarkable capability for replication within DNA. Crystal structures of a Taq polymerase/double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) complex containing a DS-DN pair in the 3' terminus showed a parallelly stacked geometry for the pre-insertion, and an intercalated geometry for the post-insertion structure. Unconventional orientations of DS-DN inside a DNA duplex have inspired scientists to investigate the conformational orientations and structural properties of UBP-incorporated DNA. In recent years, computational simulations have been used to investigate the geometry of DS-DN within the DNA duplex; nevertheless, unresolved questions persist owing to inconclusive findings. In this work, we investigate the structural and dynamical properties of DS and DN inside a ds-DNA strand in aqueous solution considering both short and long DNA templates using polarizable, and non-polarizable classical MD simulations. Flexible conformational change of UBP with major populations of Watson-Crick-Franklin (WCF) and three distinct non-Watson-Crick-Franklin (nWCFP1, nWCFP2, nWCFO) conformations through intra and inter-strand flipping have been observed. Our results suggest that a dynamical conformational change leads to the production of diffierent conformational distribution for the systems. Simulations with a short ds-DNA duplex suggest nWCF (P1 and O) as the predominant structures, whereas long ds-DNA duplex simulations indicate almost equal populations of WCF, nWCFP1, nWCFO. DS-DN in the terminal position is found to be more flexible with occasional mispairing and fraying. Overall, these results suggest flexibility and dynamical conformational change of the UBP as well as indicate varied conformational distribution irrespective of starting orientation of the UBP and length og DNA strand.

Post-Traumatic Complete Paralysis of the III Pair of Cranial Nerves at Sikasso Hospital: A Case Report

Public road accidents (AVP) are frequent and serious and are responsible for numerous cranioencephalic and neurological lesions. Paralyzes of the oculomotor nerves are frequently reported, especially in young subjects during these AVPs. We report the case of complete paralysis of the third pair of cranial nerves in a 22-year-old young lady, following a road accident. Clinical examination revealed intrinsic and extrinsic paralysis of the 3rd pair of cranial nerves. Computed tomography showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. After 7 days of hospitalization under analgesics and hyperhydration, a complete regression of the lesions was obtained. An angio-scan performed 3 months after the accident showed a slight non-significant stenosis of 25. 54% of the left internal carotid without anomaly of the intracranial vascular network. Paralyzes of the third cranial pair, total or partial, most often regress within variable periods of 6 months to 2 years. The prevention of accidents on the public highway requires the application of road safety measures.

Two new millipede species of the genus Coxobolellus Pimvichai, Enghoff, Panha & Backeljau, 2020 (Diplopoda, Spirobolida, Pseudospirobolellidae).

Two new millipede species of the genus Coxobolellus Pimvichai, Enghoff, Panha & Backeljau, 2020 from Thailand are described: Coxobolellussaratani sp. nov. from Loei Province and Coxobolellusserratoligulatus sp. nov. from Uttaradit Province. The descriptions are based on gonopod morphology and two mitochondrial gene fragments (COI and 16S rRNA). The phylogenetic mtDNA analysis assigned the two new species unequivocally to the consistently well-supported Coxobolellus clade, in which they form a fifth subclade that was well supported by maximum likelihood analysis of 16S rRNA, though neither by Bayesian inference nor by COI. The two new Coxobolellus species share four conspicuous gonopodal synapomorphies of the genus: (1) the protruding process on the coxae of the 3rd (and sometimes 4th) pair of male legs, (2) a large, triangular coxae on the 4th-5th pair of legs, (3) a short process of the preanal ring protruding as far as, or slightly beyond, the anal valves, and (4) the posterior gonopod telopodite divided into two parts, with a conspicuous pore opening at the mesal margin at the end of the coxal part of the posterior gonopod. Thus, the two new species provide further evidence of the well-defined monophyly of the genus Coxobolellus. Finally, the paper provides an updated morphological identification key to all currently described Coxobolellus species.

Identifying selection signatures for litter size in Guangxi Bama Xiang pigs.

Litter size is an important economic trait in pig production. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying varying litter size in Guangxi Bama Xiang pigs remain unknown. To identify selection signatures for litter size in Guangxi Bama Xiang pigs, we obtained 297 Illumina PorcineSNP50 BeadChip array data and the average born number (ABN) from parity one to nine in Guangxi Bama Xiang pigs. Fixation index (Fst) methods were used to identify the selection signature of the litter size, and three phenotypic gradient differential population pairs (according to the ABN) in individuals were used to reduce the false positives of signature selections. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the VEGFA promoter and exons. The general linear model was used to analyse the differences in distinct genotypes after they were typed using three-round multiplex PCR technology. Finally, the transcriptome factor and CpG island in the VEGFA promoter were predicted. A total of 328, 328 and 317 significant loci were identified in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd population pairs, respectively. After removing the false positives, 25 SNPs were defined as the selection signatures in relation to litter size. Ten (VEGFA, USP49, USP25, SRPK1, SLC26A8, RPL10A, PPARD, MAPK14, HMGA1 and CHRDL2) out of 52 genes in the selection regions were annotated as the candidate genes of litter size, respectively, VEGFA. There were no SNPs in the VEGFA exon region, but we obtained three SNPs (rs786889605, rs343769603 and rs323942424) in the VEGFA promoter regions. The ABN in CC was significantly higher than that in TT in rs786889605, and the ABN in TT was significantly lower than that in GG in rs323942424. Meanwhile, the mutation of the VEGFA promoter result in the loss of Sp1 and NF-1 and the formation of Oct-1. In summary, we obtained ten candidate genes, and two mutations in the VEGFA promoter that could be important potential molecular biomarkers for litter size in Bama Xiang pigs.

CNS O2 toxicity and Seizure Genesis: Hyperbaric radio telemetric recordings of activity in the motor cortex and dorsal medulla oblongata or cerebellum during exposure to hyperbaric O2 ± CO2 in freely behaving Sprague‐Dawley rats

We have adapted a radio telemetry method developed in mice (Weiergräber et al. 2005, Brain Res Protocols 14:154‐164; and Papazoglou et al. 2016, jove doi:10.3791/54216) for use in unrestrained rats during exposure to hyperbaric atmospheres, including hyperoxia (HBO2), hypercapnic hyperoxia (HBO2CO2), and Heliox (HBHeO2). We used this method to test the hypothesis that seizures (Sz) induced during exposure to HBO2 ± CO2 (CNS oxygen toxicity, CNS‐OT) originate in subcortical areas before onset of ictal activity in the motor cortex and visible behavioral Sz. A 4ET 4‐channel telemetry module plus battery (DSI) were implanted in the abdominal cavity of male Sprague‐Dawley rats (284‐396g) under isoflurane anesthesia using sterile surgical methods. Telemetry leads were secured as follows: in the chest wall at the insertion of the diaphragm with the intercostal muscles (rmEMG); in the muscles over the heart (ECG); the 3rd & 4th pairs of leads were tunneled sc towards the head. The 3rd pair of leads was placed caudal to Bregma (motor cortex, ECoG) and the negative lead of the 4th pair was placed over the cerebellum (reference electrode). The deep intracerebral electrode was fashioned from tungsten wire (FHC, Inc.), bent to a 90°angle. Insulation was removed from the horizontal arm of the tungsten wire and the vertical arm was cut to a length required to penetrate the skull, epidural space, and dorsal medulla oblongata (8.5‐9mm, EBulboG) or cerebellum (5‐5.2mm, ECerG). The horizontal arm of the tungsten wire was slid between the insulation and wire of the positive 4th telemetry lead and secured in place with a knotted suture and Vetbond glue. The horizontal arm of the tungsten electrode was held using a bulldog clip attached to the manipulator of a stereotaxic apparatus and lowered into position through a predrilled hole in the skull. All leads were fixed in place using dental cement and the incision closed with wound clips. At least 1 week later, after removing the wound clips, the rat was placed in an animal chamber inside a hyperbaric chamber; the animal chamber was ventilated continuously with air, 100% O2, or 1.75‐2.5% CO2 in O2 and pressed in parallel with the air‐filled hyperbaric chamber (1‐5 ATA). For HBHeO2, 4% O2 in He was used to produce normoxia at 5 ATA. Our initial findings show that ECoG activity remains relatively quiet until onset of generalized Sz. In contrast, activity in the cerebellum (Figs. 1 & 2) and dorsal medulla, once activated, is intermittent and begins during compression, later on during HBO2 exposure, or just prior to activation of ECoG activity and visible motor Sz. During and after Sz, ECoG and ECerG/EBulboG activities appear synchronized (Fig. 2). Exposure to HBO2CO2 accelerates Sz genesis and increases the intensity and duration of the Sz. To identify the position of the deep electrode, the anesthetized rat was perfused with PFA fixative (after removal of the telemetry module). The head and deep electrode were imaged via CT scan to capture the internal skull geometry, which is then co‐registered with rat brain templates (Barriere et al., 2019 SIGMA rat brain atlas; atlases for multimodal MRI data analysis). Our initial findings suggest that subcortical regions of the CNS are activated early on during exposure to HBO2 and presumably function as “ox tox trigger zones” during the early phase of Sz genesis (Ciarlone et al., 2019 Redox Biol., doi:10.1016/j.redox.2019.101159).

A feasible sampling unit for monitoring Chrysoperla spp. eggs and their potential in biological control on Coffea arabica L.

Chrysopids are potential biological control agents of arthropods. Chysopid larvae prey on eggs, nymphs, larvae and pupa of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) pests. The objective of this study was to determine a sampling unit for Chrysoperla spp. eggs in coffee plants. We evaluated commercial fields of C. arabica cv. Catuaí 144 and determined the number of Chrysoperla spp. eggs on a pair of leaves located on a branch with the greatest leaf frequency. The third pair of leaves from the middle part of plant canopy was selected as the best location to sampling Chrysoperla spp. Sample unit validation showed a positive and significant relationship between the total number of eggs on the plant and the number of eggs on the 3rd to 5th pairs of coffee leaves. The selected sampling unit reduced the time required to sample Chrysoperla spp. by 71.7%. Sampling eggs of Chrysoperla spp. should focus on the abaxial surface of 3rd pair of coffee leaves.

Different breeding conditions affect the morphological variability in larvae of Platytrombidium fasciatum (Trombidiformes: Microtrombidiidae)

The impact of temperature and light/dark cycle on morphological traits of Platytrombidium fasciatum was examined in larvae obtained from field-collected females. The eggs laid by 65 females at laboratory conditions were assigned to four experimental groups. Varied thermal conditions affected the values of nine out of 46 (nonparametric MANOVA) and 26 out of 37 (LDA) morphometric traits in larvae. As many as six quantitative traits differed significantly irrespective of the method (MANOVA, LDA) applied. The analysis of the metric traits within the dorsal sclerites revealed that the lower mean temperature over the period of egg incubation, translated into longer duration of development, was associated with an increase in distance between the bases of 3rd pair of non-sensillary setae on scutum at the decrease in distance between the bases of 2nd pair of non-sensillary setae as well as in distance between the level of sensilla and the posterior edge of the sclerite. In the case of 40 measurable traits in larvae of P. fasciatum, the variability going beyond the hitherto knowledge on the species was observed.

On the taxonomic status of Asthenodipsas vertebralis (Boulenger, 1900) (Squamata: Pareidae) in Borneo with the description of a new species.

The taxonomic status of Asthenodipsas vertebralis in Borneo has been plagued with uncertainty over the last eighty years. An examination of museum collections resulted in the discovery of a voucher specimen of A. vertebralis from Sarawak, East Malaysia that confirms the presence of the species in Borneo and a previously unrecognised species, Asthenodipsas ingeri sp. nov. from Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. Asthenodipsas ingeri sp. nov. can be differentiated from its congeners by the combination of an absence of preoculars and suboculars, 1st and 3rd pair of infralabials in contact, two pairs of posterior inframaxillaries, supralabials 3-5 (sometimes 3 4) in contact with orbit, 15/15/15 rows of dorsal scales, presence of sharp vertebral keel, and divided subcaudals. This study highlights the importance of careful re-examination of museum collections that could potentially harbour new species hiding in plain sight. These discoveries also add to the growing number of reptile and amphibian species being described from Borneo that shows no signs of abating but are already potentially threatened by the continued deforestation and developments on the island.

A taxonomic revision of Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864 (Squamata: Pareidae) with a description of a new species from Borneo.

A reappraisal of the taxonomic status of the Dark-necked Slug Snake (Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864) across its range revealed that populations from Borneo are not conspecific with true A. malaccana from the Thai-Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and is therefore described herein as new. Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. malaccana and other congeners by the absence of a preocular and suboculars, seven or eight supralabials with 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit, 4-7 infralabials with 2nd or 3rd pair in contact, two pairs of posterior inframaxillaries, 15/15/15 rows of dorsal scales, presence of sharp vertebral keel, divided subcaudals, maximum recorded SVL=441 mm, 166-179 ventrals, 35-48 subcaudals, head white to greyish brown and dorsum beige to orange-brown with a conspicuous dark-brown or black patch on the neck followed by multiple, narrow, vertical, dark bands along the rest of the body and tail. This discovery adds to a growing number of new slug snake species recently described from Southeast Asia and highlights the underestimated diversity in this family, especially in Borneo. Taxonomic revisions of the reptiles and amphibians of Borneo are still needed before the true diversity of the island and the relationships of the various taxa can be fully understood.

Embryonic Development of Macrobrachium idae (Heller, 1862)

The egg laying usually takes place between 6 and 20 hrs after mating. The laying of one whole batch of eggs is usually completed within 20 mins. The eggs are extruded through the female genital pores into the brood chamber, first on one side then the other. The chamber between the 4th pair of pleopods is filled first, then those between the 3rd, 2nd and 1st pairs, successively. The eggs are held in bundles like grapes by an extremely thin elastic membrane which is believed to be secreted by the ovigerous setae. During the development in prawns the colour of the eggs changed through greenish opaque, light green, brownish-yellow and dull whitish in colour. The embryonic stages are very much useful in recognizing the stages of development of the species. The process of embryonic development includes nuclear division, cleavage (blastomeres), segmentation, formation of optic vesicle, eye pigment development and larva formation. At third minute after mating the sperm fused with the egg membrane and subsequently the male pronucleus entered the egg’s cytoplasm. The first and second nuclear divisions were completed without any corresponding division of the cell. Third division begun at 8 h and eight nuclei were formed after 9 hrs. Subsequent divisions of sixteen and thirty two nuclei stage took place at about 1 to 1.30 hrs interval and segmentation was completed at 22-24 hrs. Embryonic development follows the normal blastula and gastrula stages, ending with the closing of the blastopore. When larva hatches out from the eggs, they undergo a series of development stages before metamorphosing to juvenile. During this period, they exhibit marked variations in morphological features. These variations are unique for each and every species according to the developmental stages.

Analiza cytogenetyczna zespołów mielodysplastycznych*

ABSTRAKTWstęp: Zespoły mielodysplastyczne (myelodysplastic syndromes – MDS), wg klasyfikacji Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia nowotwory mielodysplastyczne, to heterogenna grupa klonalnych chorób komórki macierzystej szpiku charakteryzująca się nieefektywną hematopoezą, cytopeniami we krwi obwodowej oraz skłonnością do transformacji w ostrą białaczkę szpikową. Celem pracy była ocena aberracji chromosomowych dorosłych pacjentów z zespołem mielodysplastycznym metodami cytogenetyki klasycznej i molekularnej. Materiały i metody: Materiał badawczy stanowił wynik badania szpiku kostnego. Dla każdego pacjenta została założona 24-godzinna niestymulowana hodowla szpiku kostnego. Na preparatach uzyskanych po hodowli in vitro wykonano analizę technikami cytogenetyki klasycznej GTG oraz fluorescencyjnej hybrydyzacji in situ (FISH). Poszczególne etapy pracy obejmowały analizę wyników badania kariotypu oraz wybranych aberracji chromosomów Y, 3, 5, 7, 8 i 20 pary za pomocą techniki FISH. Porównano skuteczność metod klasycznych i molekularnych w diagnostyce cytogenetycznej zespołów mielodysplastycznych oraz przeprowadzono analizę statystyczną badającą korelację uzyskanych wyników cytogenetycznych z danymi klinicznymi pacjentów. Badanie cytogenetyczne przeprowadzono u wszystkich 38 pacjentów, analizy statystycznej dokonano u 30, u których potwierdzono klinicznie zespół mielodysplastyczny. Wyniki: Aberracje chromosomowe wykryto u 14 (47%) chorych. Do najczęściej występujących zmian cytogenetycznych należały: delecja długiego ramienia chromosomu 5 pary (13,3%), trisomia chromosomu 8 pary (6,6%) oraz delecja długiego ramienia chromosomu 20 pary (6,6%). Wyniki analizy statystycznej wykazały istotny statystycznie związek pomiędzy wiekiem zachorowania na MDS a płcią pacjentów (p = 0,035) oraz zbliżony do progu istotności statystycznej związek pomiędzy wiekiem zachorowania pacjentów z prawidłowym wynikiem badania kariotypu i pacjentów z wynikiem kariotypu obejmującym charakterystyczne aberracje chromosomów (p = 0,07). Wnioski: Powyższe wyniki dowodzą zasadności wykonywania badań kariotypu oraz badań techniką FISH u pacjentów z podejrzeniem MDS. Analiza cytogenetyczna w połączeniu z innymi kryteriami diagnostycznymi zwiększa skuteczność diagnostyczną, a także pozwala na dokładniejsze określenie grup ryzyka oraz wybór odpowiedniej metody leczenia pacjentów z MDS.

Nitrogen metabolism-related enzymes in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum after Botrytis cinerea infection

We compared C3 and CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) states in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, a facultative CAM species, with respect to the involvement of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and nitrogen metabolismrelated enzymes in plant response to Botrytis cinerea infection. The enzyme activities were monitored both in pathogeninoculated 2nd leaf pair and non-inoculated 3rd leaf pair. The control activities of most studied enzymes were dependent on the mode of photosynthesis. Compared to C3 plants, those performing CAM exhibited higher PEPC, nitrate reductase (NR), and deaminating glutamate dehydrogenase (NAD-GDH) activities but lower glutamine synthetase (GS) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. Regardless of the mode of photosynthetic carbon assimilation, the plants responded to infection with enhancement of PEPC and inhibition of NR activities in the inoculated leaves. Whereas the activity of GS remained unaffected, those of all glutamate-yielding enzymes, namely ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase (Fd-GOGAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, and aminating glutamate dehydrogenase (NADHGDH) were altered after infection. However, the time-course and extent of the observed changes differed in C3 and CAM plants. In general, CAM plants responded to infection with an earlier increase in PEPC and Fd-GOGAT activities as well as later inhibition of NR activity. Contrary to C3 plants, in those performing CAM the activities of PEPC, Fd-GOGAT, NADH-GDH, and AST in the non-inoculated 3rd leaf pair were similarly influenced by infection as in leaves directly inoculated with the pathogen. This implies that the local infection induced an alteration of carbon/nitrogen status in healthy upper leaves. This reprogramming resulting from changes in PEPC and nitrogen metabolism-related enzymes was C3- and CAM-specific.

Effect of leaf position on nutrients composition in Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

The present study was conducted to explicate the influence of leaflets position on nutrients composition for two commercially growing litchi cultivars ‘calcuttia’ and ‘dehradun’ under sub mountane zone of sub tropics in north India. Samples of leaves were collected in March (September-October flush) from tagged branches after panicle emergence starting from 1st leaflet pair position to 6th leaflet pair from the terminal apex of the shoot. The collected leaf samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Mg, ca, Fe, Zn, cu and Mn concentrations on dry weight basis. Primary macro (N, P, K) leaf nutrients gradually decreased; whereas, secondary nutrients (ca, Mg) were increased in leaflet pair starting from top of the shoot to the lowest pairlet. Among the micro-nutrients, concentrations of Fe and Mn, increased from apex to basal leaflet pair while leaf Zn was decreased. Leaf Cu content showed inconsistent trends with respect to position of pair of leaflets. Wide fluctuations were observed among leaf micro-nutrients content and ‘dehradun’ litchi cultivar possessed higher mean concentrations of leaf nutrients than ‘calcuttia’ cultivar. In general, about 5–6 months old leaves, positioned at 2nd or 3rd pair of leaflet from the shoot apex should be collected in March to assess the leaf indexing in litchi cultivars under northern India conditions.

Study Regarding the Speed Analysis on Approach at Junior III, Pole Vault Salt

One of the most complex, fascinating and challenging athletic events is the pole vault. One of the key factors to achieve performance in athletics, in jumping in general and at pole vault sault in particular, is on approach speed achieved. Hypothesis we started in conducting the research was to determine whether approach affects the final performance obtained. The aim of the study was to determine the approach speed at the pole vault jumper in the final stage of Athletics National Championship Junior III held in Bacau, in March 2014. For this purpose, we have used Microgate race timer 2 device for data collection. The speed was measured in the last 10 m of the approach run as follows: the first pair of photocells was set to 4 m from the end of the box support the second pair of photocells were located at 9 m from the end of the box support and 5 m from the first pair of photocells, the 3rd pair of photocells were set at 14 m from the end of the box support and a 5 m from the second pair of photocells and 10 m from the first pair of photocells. Thus we obtain the speed on the last 10m and the results can indicate if we have an accelerate or decelerating speed on approach. The results were analyzed using SPSS 20 software and also the results were compared with those of world champions at this athletic event.. A higher value for the parameters of specific speed V1 and V2 leads to the possibility of using higher pols with a higher flexibility index and this final leads to a better result

Proteção local, não sistêmica, do silicato de potássio reduz os sintomas da ferrugem do cafeeiro

In the first experiment, coffee plants with three pairs of leaves were sprayed with potassium silicate (K2SiO3), epoxiconazole, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), and distilled water in two different ways: spraying the 3rd pair of leaves from the apex and protecting the 2nd pair of leaves or spraying the two pair of leaves on the left side of the plant and protecting the pair of leaves on the right side. After 24 h, the abaxial surface of the protected pair of leaves was inoculated with Hemileia vastatrix. In the second experiment, the 3rd pair of leaves from the apex was sprayed with K2SiO3, ASM, and distilled water and the 2nd pair of leaves was protected. At 1, 5, 15, 25, and 35 days after products application, the abaxial surface of 2nd (systemic protection) and the 3rd pair of leaves (local protection) of eight plants per treatment were inoculated with H. vastatrix. The K2SiO3 spray on the 3rd pair of leaves or on the pair of leaves on the left side was ineffective in increasing silicon concentration and also decreasing the intensity of sporulation (IE), the total number of pustules (TNP) per leaf, and rust severity on the 2nd pair of leaves or in the pair of leaves on the right side, unlike the epoxiconazole and the ASM, which exhibited systemicity in the plant. The K2SiO3 sprayed in the 3rd pair of leaves also did not guarantee, due to its non-systemic action, reduction in the IE, TNP, and rust severity compared to its local protection. The findings of this study show the possibility of using potassium silicate spray to reduce the intensity of coffee leaf rust preventively.

A study on tooth modification and radiation noise of a manual transaxle

In recent years, there is a trend that lower gear noise levels are demanded for drivers to avoid annoyance and fatigue during operation. For the manual transaxle, meshing transmission error (T.E.) is the excitation that leads to the tonal noise known as gear whine, and radiated gear whine is also the dominant source of noise in the whole gearbox. This paper presents a method for the various interaction analysis of gear tooth profile and lead crowning modification, and the prediction of transmission error under the loaded torques for the 3rd gear pairs of two proposalsin the manual transaxle. And transmission error, root stress and contact stress are also calculated and compared before and after tooth micromodification under one torque. At last, the gear whine noise of the 3rd gear in WOT (Wide Open Throttle) and the coasting operation condition is investigated and compared between the two proposals. The simulation and test show that the transmission error and contact stress under the loaded torque can be minimized by the appropriate tooth modification. It is a good approach which the simulated result is used to improve the design in order to minimize the radiation gear whine noise.

Anxiety and Verbal Memory Performance in Apoe-4 Carriers and Noncarriers Aged 50 Years and Above

AIMS: The current study sought to explore the relationship between state and trait anxiety and delayed verbal memory performance in APOE-4 carriers and noncarriers who were aged 50 years and above. MATERIALS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis of 267 participants aged 50 years and above who had completed genetic testing for APOE status, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included three delayed verbal memory measures (Wechsler Memory Scale - 3rd Edition, Logical Memory and Verbal Pairs subtests and the Buschke Selective Reminding Test). RESULTS: An inverse relationship was found between state anxiety and delayed verbal memory performance. No difference in level of anxiety was found between APOE-4 carriers versus noncarriers. CONCLUSION: State anxiety, but not trait anxiety, was found to have an inverse relationship with delayed verbal memory performance. For example, as self-reported state anxiety increased, delayed verbal memory scores decreased. This relationship did not appear to be influenced by the presence or absence of the APOE-4 allele.

Effects of RNA interference on CTGF expression and collagen metabolism of keloid fibroblasts

Objective To investigate the influence of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) onthe collagen metabolism in human keloid fibroblasts with RNA interference (RNAi).Methods Human keloid fibroblasts (KFB) in vitro were transfected by 3 pairs of specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) CTGF plasmid synthesized for human CTGF,respectively.Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) contributed to the screening of the best siRNA in interfering of CTGF expression in human keloid fibroblasts to construct the plasmids,with the application of RNAi,to test the changes of expression level and collagen content of CTGF in transfected keloid fibroblasts through RT-PCR and Western blotting compared to its control groups.Results The 3rd pair (C3) siRNA- CTGF expression of genes and proteins was remarkably inhibited after being interfered with human keloid fibroblasts,with inhibitory rates of 86.8 ％ and 65.6 ％.Conclusions Keloid fibroblasts transfected by plasmid siRNA-CTGF effectively inhibite the expression of CTGF and deposition of collagen,and CTGF promotes the collagen synthesis in keloid development. Key words: Keloid; Fibroblasts; RNA interference; Connective tissue growth factor

TU‐C‐303A‐07: Pediatric Organ Motion Evaluated by Respiratory‐Correlated CT with a Pressure‐Sensitive Abdominal Belt

Purpose: We present the first report of pediatric thoracic and abdominal organ motion extent measured using respiratory‐correlated CT with an abdominal sensor belt. The knowledge is essential for defining internal target volumes and planning organ at risk volumes. It is also critical for safe employment of treatment techniques producing high dose gradient such as IMRT and intensity‐modulated proton therapy. Methods and Materials: Seventeen pediatric patients have undergone radiotherapy simulation including a respiratory‐correlated 4D CT scan in supine position for evaluation of target and internal organ motion. A pressure‐sensitive belt was wrapped around the abdomen just below the diaphragm. The pressure change was used as a respiratory surrogate. Each respiration cycle was divided into eight phases. Liver, left and right kidneys, and the representative 3rd, 7th, and 11th rib pairs were contoured on each of the eight CT datasets. Results: The center‐of‐mass displacements of kidneys in the lateral and anterior/posterior directions due to respiration were small (0–2mm). The superior/inferior displacement was larger (0.6–4.6mm). Younger pediatric patients tend to have smaller kidney motion than their older counterparts. Diaphragm motion (4–10mm) was larger than kidney motion. The magnitude of diaphragm motion did not predict the magnitude of kidney motion. The rib motion ranged from 0.5 to 2mm maximum displacement in the lateral direction and 2 to 4mm in the anterior/posterior and superior/inferior directions. The 11th pair of ribs had smaller respiratory motion than the 3rd and the 7th pair. Conclusion: Pediatric internal organ motion was smaller compared to adult data reported in the literature. Conventional large planning margin of 5–10mm may be reduced for tumors neighboring these organs such as neuroblastoma or chest wall sarcoma if treated with 3D conformal technique and verified with on‐treatment imaging. Whether motion management is required for proton beam scanning in children needs further investigation.

Desempenho de leitões lactentes e produção de leite de acordo com o teto da mamada

The study evaluated the performance of suckling piglets according to the location of the mammary gland and daily milk yield. In the first trial piglets were distributed in birth weight categories: light (?1.4kg), medium (1.41-1.75kg) and heavy (>1.75kg). Piglets were weighted at 7, 14 and 21 days of life. Teats were classified in three classes: 1 (first pair), 2 (2nd, 3rd and 4th pairs) and 3 (5th, 6th and 7th pairs). In all weight classes, piglets suckling in class 3 presented lower (P 0.05). Light piglets suckling in class 3 had the worst performance. Milk yield was higher (P KEY WORDS: Performance, piglet, milk production, teat, weight gain.