Plasma Components Research Articles

Primordial black holes induced stochastic axion-photon oscillations in primordial magnetic field

Primordial black holes (PBHs) can be produced in the very early Universe due to the large density fluctuations. The cosmic background of axion-like particles (ALPs) could be non-thermally generated by PBHs. In this paper, we investigate the ALPs emitted by ultra-light PBHs with the mass range 10g ≲ M PBH ≲ 109 g, in which PBHs would have completely evaporated before the start of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) and can therefore not be directly constrained. In this case, the minimal scenario that ALPs could interact only with photons is supposed. We study the stochastic oscillations between the ALPs and photons in the cosmic magnetic field in detail. The primordial magnetic field (PMF) can be modelled as the stochastic background field model with the completely non-homogeneous component of the cosmic plasma. Using the latest stringent limits on PMF, we show the numerical results of ALP-photon oscillation probability distributions with the homogeneous and stochastic magnetic field scenarios. The PBH-induced stochastic ALP-photon oscillations in the PMF may have the effects on some further phenomena, such as the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the cosmic X-ray background (CXB), and the extragalactic gamma-ray background (EGB).

Soft X-Ray Spectral Diagnostics of Multithermal Plasma in Solar Flares with Chandrayaan-2 XSM

Spectroscopic observations in X-ray wavelengths provide excellent diagnostics of the temperature distribution in solar flare plasma. The Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) on board the Chandrayaan-2 mission provides broadband disk-integrated soft X-ray solar spectral measurements in the energy range of 1–15 keV with high spectral resolution and time cadence. In this study, we analyze the X-ray spectra of three representative GOES C-class flares obtained with the XSM to investigate the evolution of various plasma parameters during the course of the flares. Using the soft X-ray spectra consisting of the continuum and well-resolved line complexes of major elements like Mg, Si, and Fe, we investigate the validity of the isothermal and multithermal assumptions on the high-temperature components of the flaring plasma. We show that the soft X-ray spectra during the impulsive phase of the high-intensity flares are inconsistent with isothermal models and are best fitted with double-peaked differential emission measure distributions where the temperature of the hotter component rises faster than that of the cooler component. The two distinct temperature components observed in differential emission measure models during the impulsive phase of the flares suggest the presence of the directly heated plasma in the corona and evaporated plasma from the chromospheric footpoints. We also find that the abundances of low first ionization potential elements Mg, Si, and Fe reduce from near coronal to near photospheric values during the rising phase of the flare and recover back to coronal values during the decay phase, which is also consistent with the chromospheric evaporation scenario.

A BOUT++ extension for full annular tokamak edge MHD and turbulence simulations

For tokamak edge plasma simulation, a plasma simulation framework BOUT++ employs a dual coordinate system to simulate moderate-n and high-n plasma instability with reasonable computational cost, where n is the toroidal mode number. This coordinate system however limits the computational domain to the toroidal wedge (full torus divided into N parts in the toroidal direction) for computational efficiency and the use of flute-ordering approximation in the field solver calculating the flow potential from the vorticity which may not be valid for low-n modes. Improving numerical treatment of low-n modes is however indispensable to address simulations of low-n current-driven edge localized mode (ELM), ELM control by resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs), edge turbulence with RMPs and so on. In this work, BOUT++ is extended to simulate the interplay between n=0, low-n and high-n plasma components in a full annular tokamak edge domain through hybrid modeling of the flow potential and the vorticity. Low-n modes of flow potential are calculated in an orthogonal flux surface coordinate and high-n modes in the dual coordinate system separately in Fourier space. The proposed scheme can capture an interplay between n=1 global modes and high-n turbulence during pedestal collapse in a full annular torus domain with a circular cross section.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study of nine bioactive components in osteoarthritis rat plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after single and combined oral administration of Epimedii Folium and Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts.

The herb pair Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma (EF-CR), derived from the classical traditional Chinese medicine 'Xian Ling Pi San', has a distinctive compatibility therapeutic profile and is clinically safe and effective. This study aimed to investigate and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of nine analytes in osteoarthritis (OA) rat plasma after the oral administration of EF, CR or a combination of these two herbs. We developed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with quadrupole linear ion-trap mass spectrometry to simultaneously quantify and assess the pharmacokinetics of icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariside I, icariside II, ferulic acid, ligustilide and senkyunolide A of the EF-CR pair in the plasma of osteoarthritic rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that the absorption of multiple components was significantly enhanced and residence time was prolonged in the EF-CR group (P < 0.05) compared to the single-herb group. These parameters revealed that the combination of EF and CR exhibited synergistic effects of the nine bioactive components, suggesting the potential application of the EF-CR combination for the treatment of OA.

Multiplex quantitation of 17 drug-derived components in human plasma after administration of a fixed herbal preparation of Sailuotong using combined online SPE-LC-MS/MS methods

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSailuotong (SLT) is a standardized herbal medicine formula made from extracts of ginseng (the dried root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), ginkgo (the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.), and saffron (the stigma of Crocus sativus L.). It is prescribed compatibly for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD) following the TCM principle of Qi-invigorating and Blood-activating. Ginseng is widely used as a tonic for the restoration of strength in China. Ginkgo and saffron have been traditionally used for a long time as medicines with the main effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Aim of the studySLT has been proven to be a promising medicine for VaD by existing pharmacological and clinical evidence. To understand how the formula herbs and their active ingredients cooperate to produce comprehensive effects, the present study aimed to establish a highly sensitive and accurate quantitative method to reveal the plasma exposure profile of SLT in humans. Material and methodsMultiplex quantitation of a total of 17 SLT-derived components in human plasma was fulfilled by using online SPE for sample extractions followed by LC-MS/MS determinations. Among them, 8 ginsenoside (Rg1, Re, F1, Rf, Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd) were determined in ESI+ mode, and ginkgo flavonoids of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin were in ESI- mode. Improved sensitivity was achieved through optimizing the condition of sample extraction and LC separation, as well as mass parameters. 4 ginkgolides, including ginkgolide A, B, C and bilobalide, and 2 crocins of crocin-1 and its metabolite crocetin, were analyzed concurrently in negative ion mode, and their stability was ensured by a series of protective solutions. ResultsThe lower limit of quantitation was achieved to be extremely sensitive at 0.078 ng/mL for all ginsenosides, 0.033 ‒ 0.2 ng/mL for ginkgo flavonoids, 0.75 or 1.5 ng/mL for ginkgolides and 3 ng/mL for crocins. The methods were fully validated to be accurate and precise, and applicability was demonstrated by the analysis of clinical samples from 2 healthy volunteers. ConclusionThe developed methods should be useful in further detailed clinical pharmacokinetic research for clarifying the effect mechanism of SLT and formulating its rational therapeutic regimens.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of 11 components from the active part of Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba after oral administration in control and asthmatic mice.

Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba, a traditional Chinese medicine, is often employed to treat such lung-related diseases as coughs, asthma, and pulmonary carbuncles in southwest China. Our previous study demonstrated that its active fraction, prepared from Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba, exerts an obvious beneficial effect on asthma. However, the pharmacokinetics of its major constituents remain unclear. Therefore, an ultra-performance mass spectrometry-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method was successfully established to simultaneously perform the pharmacokinetics of the main 11 components of the active fraction between normal and ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice. Compared to the normal group, in asthmatic mice the peak concentration of arbutin, marmesin, caffeoylquinic acids, and flavonoid glycosides clearly increased, while for luteolin it significantly declined; the area under the curve for arbutin and luteolin showed an increase, but the values of marmesin, caffeoylquinic acids, and flavonoid glycosides revealed a decline; the peak time for arbutin, caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoid glycosides decreased, while for marmesin and luteolin it significantly augmented; apart from marmesin, the half-life for all compounds shortened significantly. It is indicated that the pathology of asthma could lead to an alteration in the pharmacokinetic profiles of the 11 components in plasma, providing a reference for further exploration of the pharmacodynamic basis of the anti-bronchial effect of Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba.

Hemorheological Alterations and Physical Activity

Elucidating the complex processes that determine the ability of the human body to adapt to specific intense training programs is critical to improving athletic performance in elite athletes. The present work aims to describe the main hemorheological changes as a result of physical exercises of different intensity, frequency, duration and modes of loading. Sport and physical exertion induce a hemorheological response of different nature and degree, structured in the present paper as follows: erythrocyte aggregation; change in the concentration of basic plasma components; changes in blood flow; changes in blood volume; changes in the endothelial cells of the vascular walls; changes in blood pressure; changes resulting from tissue hypoxia; interacting, different in nature hemorheological consequences. The studied and described original models of hemorheological response can contribute to a more successful adaptation of the training programs—In order to improve the health status of the participants and to optimize the sports form of the elite athletes. Physical loads of different frequencies, intensities and durations induce a different hemorheological response in athletes. The effect of “regular, moderate and properly dosed physical activity” during training is also strictly individual. This fact suggests approaching the training regime of each elite athlete personally, practicing specific to his preparation, well-chosen, balanced physical exercises. This will help to achieve the so-called state of hemorheological fitness. Extensive future research is needed to elucidate the cellular, tissue and molecular mechanism of hemorheological changes in blood, blood cells, and blood plasma. It is essential to study the vascular characteristics and biomechanical properties of blood under physical loads with different regimes and variable parameters, taking into account the individual, professional, biological and mechanical profile of each athlete.

Study protocol for periodontal tissue regeneration with a mixture of autologous adipose-derived stem cells and platelet rich plasma: A multicenter, randomized, open-label clinical trial.

IntroductionAdipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) secrete various growth factors to promote wound healing and to regenerate various tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and fat tissue. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a considerable cell source in clinical practice and can be collected relatively easily and safely under local anesthesia. Moreover, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a plasma component containing many platelets purified by centrifuging the collected blood, also promotes wound healing. PRP can be easily gelled and is therefore attracting attention as a scaffolding material for transplanted cells. The usefulness of a mixture of ASCs and PRP for periodontal tissue regeneration has been in vitro demonstrated in our previous study. The aim of this study is to present the protocol of translation of tissue regeneration with ASCs and PRP into practical use, evaluating its efficacy.MethodsThis study is a multicenter, randomized, open-label comparative clinical trial. Fifteen patients will be randomly assigned to the treatment with mixture of ASCs and PRP or enamel matrix derivate administration into periodontal tissue defects. Increase in height of new alveolar bone in the transplanted area will be evaluated. The evaluation will be performed using dental radiographs after 36 weeks of transplantation. Occurrence of adverse events will be evaluated as secondary outcome.ResultsThis clinical study was initiated after meeting the regulations to be complied with, including ethical review and regulatory notifications.ConclusionsIf effective, this cell therapy using autologous mesenchymal stem cells can represent a useful medical technology for regeneration of periodontal defects.

On Role of Plasma Electrons in CVD Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructures with Addition of Plasma Component of Carbon-Containing Gas

On Role of Plasma Electrons in CVD Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructures with Addition of Plasma Component of Carbon-Containing Gas

A comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal major metabolic pathways and potential biomarkers of human preeclampsia placenta.

Background: The etiology of preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear. With the utilization of metabolomics, dysregulated production of several metabolic components in human plasma, such as lipids, amino acids, androgens and estrogens, was found to be important in the pathogenesis of PE. Transcriptomics adds more in-depth information, and the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics may yield further insight into PE pathogenesis than either one alone. Objectives: We investigated the placental metabolomics and transcriptomics of PE patients to identify affected metabolic pathways and potential biological targets for exploring the disease pathogenesis. Methods: Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to analyze five paired human placentas from patients with severe PE and normal pregnancies. This was followed by further validation of our findings in a publicly available dataset of 173 PE vs. 157 control placentas. In addition, weighted gene coexpression network construction was performed to assess the correlation between genetic alterations and diseases. Results: We identified 66 and 41 differentially altered metabolites in negative and positive ion modes, respectively, in the PE group compared to the control group, and found 2,560 differentially expressed genes. Several pathways were aberrantly altered in the PE placenta at both the metabolic and transcriptional levels, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, the cAMP signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, taste transduction and prion diseases. Additionally, we found 11 differential metabolites and 11 differentially expressed genes involved in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway, indicating impaired metabolism of steroid hormones in the PE placenta. Furthermore, we found that CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and HSD17B6 are highly correlated with diseases. Conclusion: Our findings provide a profile of the dysregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis in PE placenta, we observed a dysregulated cortisol-to-cortisone ratio, testosterone accumulation, decreased testosterone downstream metabolites, impaired production of estrone and estriol, and aberrant hydroxylation and methylation of estradiol. Disorders of placental steroid hormone metabolism might be a consequence or a compensatory change in pathological placentation in PE, which underscores the need to investigate the physiology of steroid hormone metabolites in the etiology of PE.

Albumins as Extracellular Protein Nanoparticles Collaborate with Plasma Ions to Control Biological Osmotic Pressure.

IntroductionPlasma albumins as protein nanoparticles (PNs) exert essential functions in the control of biological osmotic pressure (OP), being involved in regulating water metabolism, cell morphology and cell tension. Understanding how plasma albumins and different electrolytes co-determine biological OP effects is crucial for correct interpretation of hemodynamic disorders, and practical treatment of hypo/hyper-proteinemia.MethodsOptical measurement based on intermediate filament (IF) tension probe was used for real-time evaluation of transmembrane osmotic effects in live cells. Ion fluorescent probes were employed to evaluate intracellular ion levels, and a current clamp was used to measure membrane potential, thus exploring association of electrochemical and osmotic effects.ResultsAlbumins are involved in regulation of intracellular osmolarity by a quantitative relationship. Extracellular PNs can alter membrane potentials by adsorbing counterions, induce production of intracellular PNs and further control the opening of ion channels and ion flow, contributing to electrochemical and osmotic re-equilibrium. Furthermore, various ions interplay with extracellular PNs, showing different osmotic effects: increased levels of calcium ions result in a hypotonic effect, whereas potassium ions induce hyper-osmolarity.ConclusionExtracellular PNs and Ca2+/K+ display antagonistic or synergetic effects in regulating biological OP. Live cells can spontaneously regulate osmotic effects through changing membrane potential and controlling intracellular ion content. Various plasma components need to be comprehensively analyzed, further developing a diagnostic index that considers the biological OP effects of various blood components and improves the evaluation of symptoms and diseases, such as calcium/potassium-hemodynamic disorders and edema.

Shocks in the Outflow of the RS Oph 2021 Eruption Observed with X-Ray Gratings

The 2021 outburst of the symbiotic recurrent nova RS Oph was observed with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Gratings (HETG) on day 18 after optical maximum and with XMM-Newton and its Reflection Grating Spectrographs (RGS) on day 21, before the supersoft X-ray source emerged and when the emission was due to shocked ejecta. The absorbed flux in the HETG 1.3–31 Å range was 2.6 × 10−10 erg cm−2 s−1, three orders of magnitude lower than the γ-ray flux measured on the same date. The spectra are well fitted with two components of thermal plasma in collisional ionization equilibrium, one at a temperature ≃ 0.75 keV and the other at a temperature in the 2.5–3.4 keV range. With the RGS we measured an average flux of 1.53 × 10−10 erg cm−2 s−1 in the 5–35 Å range, but the flux in the continuum and especially in the lines in the 23–35 Å range decreased during the 50 ks RGS exposure by almost 10%, indicating short-term variability on a timescale of hours. The RGS spectrum can be fitted with three thermal components, respectively at plasma temperatures between 70 and 150 eV, 0.64 keV, and 2.4 keV. The post-maximum epochs of the exposures fall between those of two grating spectra observed in the 2006 eruption on days 14 and 26: they are consistent with a similar spectral evolution, but in 2021 cooling seems to have been more rapid. Iron is depleted in the ejecta with respect to solar values, while nitrogen is enhanced.

Influence of surface morphology on erosion of plasma-facing components in H-mode plasmas of ASDEX Upgrade

• Net erosion of plasma-facing materials investigated at the outer strike-point region of the ASDEX Upgrade divertor during H-mode discharges with small and frequent ELMs. • Increasing surface roughness reduces net erosion but less than what is the case in l -mode. • Net-erosion rates are generally 2–5 times higher in H-mode than in l -mode. • Exposure in H-mode conditions results in strong local variations in the poloidal and toroidal erosion/deposition profiles. • Both erosion and deposition require detailed analyses at the microscopic scale and the deposition patterns may be drastically different for heavy and light impurities. • Local plasma parameters have a huge impact on PFC erosion rates and surface morphology and its temporal evolution have to be taken into account for quantitative estimates of erosion rates and PFC lifetime under reactor-relevant conditions. Net erosion of plasma-facing materials was investigated at the low-field-side (outer) strike-point area of the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) divertor during H-mode discharges with small and frequent ELMs. To this end, Au and Mo marker samples with different surface morphologies and geometries were exposed to plasmas using the DIM-II divertor manipulator. The results were compared to existing erosion and deposition patterns from various L- and H-mode experiments, in the latter case the main difference was the size and frequency of the ELMs. We noticed that increasing surface roughness reduces net erosion but less than what is the case in L-mode. On the other hand, net-erosion rates in H-mode are generally 2–5 times higher than the corresponding L-mode values, in addition to which exposure in H-mode conditions results in strong local variations in the poloidal and toroidal erosion/deposition profiles. The latter observation we associate with the large migration length, on the order of several cm, of the eroded material, resulting in strong competition between erosion and re-deposition processes especially at poloidal distances > 50 mm from the strike point. Considerable net erosion was measured throughout the analysed poloidal region unlike in L-mode where the main erosion peak occurs in the vicinity of the strike point. We attribute this qualitative difference to the slow decay lengths of the plasma flux and electron temperature in the applied H-mode scenario. Both erosion and deposition require detailed analyses at the microscopic scale and the deposition patterns may be drastically different for heavy and light impurities. Generally, the rougher the surface the more material will accumulate on locally shadowed regions behind protruding surface features. However, rough surfaces also exhibit more non-uniformities in the quality or even integrity of marker coatings produced on them, thus complicating the analyses of the experimental data. We conclude that local plasma parameters have a huge impact on the PFC erosion rates and, besides incident plasma flux, surface morphology and its temporal evolution have to be taken into account for quantitative estimates of erosion rates and PFC lifetime under reactor-relevant conditions.

EVALUATION OF CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FINDINGS OF THERAPEUTIC PLASMAPHERESIS IN CHILDREN

Therapeutic plasmapheresis is an extracorporeal treatment method. The abnormal component of the patient's plasma is removed from the blood and replaced with the remaining blood components with a selected replacement fluid. We aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, procedure indications, procedure methods, differences between pre- and post-procedure laboratory parameters, and procedure-related complications of pediatric patients who underwent therapeutic plasma exchance (TPE). Pediatric patients who underwent therapeutic plasmapheresis in Adana City Training and Research Hospital between 2018-2021 were included in our study. In this period, the number of pediatric patients who underwent therapeutic plasmapheresis was 61, and the total number of procedures was 238. The data of the patients were obtained from the files of the apheresis unit and the hospital registry system by retrospective analysis. Statistical analysis of the study was made with the SPSS v20 program. 25 patients were female, 36 patients were male. Youngest patient was 6 months old and eldest was 17 years old. Patients weight range was between 5 and 104 kilograms. 191 of the procedures were TPE, 47 of them were lipid apheresis. The most common indications were hepatic failure, familial hyperlipidemia, neurological disorders, hematological disorders, sepsis with MODS and intoxications. 119 transactions were in ASFA category-1. Complications were observed on 59 (%24,8) procedures. The most common complications are; vascular access releated (obstruction) (21/59), hypotension (11/59), urticaria (7/59), technical malfunctions (7/59) and hypocalcemia (4/59). No exitus was observed due to the procedures. Therapeutic plasmapheresis procedure doesn't cause serious undesirable changes in laboratory values ​​and serious complications are rare. Therapeutic plasmapheresis can be safely applied to pediatric patients in appropriate indications by making necessary adjustments.

Dissipative instabilities in beam-plasma systems

It is known that all types of beam-plasma instabilities (Cherenkov, cyclotron, etc.) at a high level of dissipation turn into dissipative instability (DI). Until recently, only one type of DI was known in the beam-plasma interaction theory. Its maximal growth rate depends on the beam density n b and the collision frequency ν in the plasma as . However, recent studies have shown the existence of two new, previously unknown types of DI. Here, the new DI are briefly justified from the same viewpoint. This became possible due to the developed approach, which makes it possible to solve completely the classical problem of the development of an initial perturbation for various flow instabilities. The first new DI arises in the results of solving of the problem in systems with weak beam-plasma coupling. Its maximal growth rate is inversely proportional to frequency of collisions in plasma . The second new DI manifests itself in the results of the same problem in a magnetized plasma waveguide with an over-limiting e-beam. Its maximal growth rate is . Besides, the presented method of solving the classical problem deserves attention in itself as it is applicable to all instabilities caused by relative motion of plasma components (all types of beam-plasma instabilities, Buneman instability, etc.).

Bull sperm and seminal plasma proteins and their relationship with fertility: a review

The efficiency of artificial insemination (AI) is greatly influenced by the quality of semen. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma are found in semen, which play a role in the reproductive process and its ability to fertilize an egg and maintain the development of an embryo. Various factors will determine the fertility capacity of a sperm, both from the intrinsic factors of the sperm and the plasma component of the semen. Seminal plasma proteins are crucial for maintaining the stability of the membrane, viability, motility of spermatozoa, acrosome reactions, maintaining osmotic pressure and helping the fertilization process. Good quality semen will support the fertilization process. The purpose of this scoping review is to increase our understanding of protein from sperm and seminal plasma of bulls and their relationship with fertility. The sperm proteins that were significantly correlated with fertility were Outer Dense Fiber protein 2 (ODF2), Protamine (PRM), Testis specific histine 2B (TH2B), Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP4), and Ubiquinol-cytochrome-c reductase complex core protein 2 (UQCRSC2). Meanwhile, the seminal plasma proteins positively correlated with fertility were Osteopontin (OPN), Phospholipasea 2 (PLA2), P25b, Acidic seminal fluid proteins (aSFP), Alpha-L-fucosidase (a-L-fucosidase), and Binder of sperm (BSPs).

The Expression of Plasma Protein in Bali-polled Bulls Using 1D-SDS-PAGE

The fertility rate of bulls in a breeding program is not only described by the quantity and quality of semen. Factors, such as the interstice factor of the sperm and the plasma component of semen, affect the fertility rate of bulls. The fertility rate can also be determined by identifying the protein content of semen plasma. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify the relationship between seminal plasma protein molecular weight and semen quality of Bali-polled bulls. The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Semen Processing, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia, the Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia and the Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology Center, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia from November 2021 to January 2022. The samples came from 5 Bali-polled and 5 Bali-horned bulls. Semen collection was conducted twice a week using an artificial vagina. The concentration of seminal plasma protein was determined by the Bradford method of 1D-SDS-PAGE. The study results showed that fresh semen of Bali-polled and Bali-horned bulls was considered a normal category. Seminal plasma proteins of Bali-polled and Bali-horned bulls were classified using 8 bands to categorize molecular weight; 150 kD (IGF-1), 110 kD (A-kinase anchoring protein 3), 93 kD (A-kinase anchoring protein 4), 54-87 kD (Arylsulfatase-a), 44-62 kD (N-Acetyl-ß-Guicosaminidase), 44kD (Phosphoglycerate kinase), 15-30 kD (BSP A1/A2, BSP-A3 and BSP-30 [BSP1, BSP3, and BSP5]) and 12-14 kD (Acidic seminal fluid proteins). The findings indicated that both Bali-polled and Bali-horned bulls could have a high reproductive rate. In conclusion, protein analysis based on molecular weight using 1D-SDS-PAGE can be used as a biomarker for semen quality in Bali-polled bulls. Therefore, evaluating the semen quality with a molecular basis as an additional indicator of superior bull in the selection process is an alternative method.

Wider perspectives: It's a changing world-The use of ABO-incompatible plasma for resuscitating massively bleeding patients.

Wider perspectives: It's a changing world-The use of ABO-incompatible plasma for resuscitating massively bleeding patients.

What aspects of solar flares can be clarified with mm/submm observations?

This paper identifies several unsolved questions about solar flares, which can potentially be answered or at least clarified with mm/submm observations with ALMA. We focus on such questions as preflare phases and the initiation of solar flares and the efficiency of particle acceleration during flares. To investigate the preflare phase we propose to use the extraordinary sensitivity and high spatial resolution of ALMA, which promises to identify very early enhancements of preflare emission with high spatial resolution and link them to the underlying photospheric magnetic structure and chromospheric flare ribbons. In addition to revealing the flare onsets, these preflare measurements will aid in the investigation of particle acceleration in multiple ways. High-frequency imaging spectroscopy data in combination with the microwave data will permit the quantification of the high-energy cutoff in the nonthermal electron spectra, thus helping to constrain the acceleration efficiency. Detection and quantification of secondary relativistic positron (produced due to nonthermal accelerated ions) contribution using the imaging polarimetry data will help constrain acceleration efficiency of nonthermal nuclei in flares. Detection of a “mysterious” rising spectral component with high spatial resolution will help determine the emission mechanism responsible for this component, and will then help in quantifying this either nonthermal or thermal component of the flaring plasma. We discuss what ALMA observing mode(s) would be the most suitable for addressing these objectives.

304 The Paternal Programming of Periconception Development

Abstract There is now a significant body of human and animal model data which identify common associations between perturbed development during gestation, disproportionate fetal growth and poor adult cardiovascular and metabolic health. Typically, these studies focus on the impact of poor maternal health on offspring development and well-being. However, a growing evidence base now indicates that sub-optimal paternal factors (such as diet) can also program adult offspring ill-health. While the link between paternal health and offspring well-being is becoming established, attention is being focused on defining the underlying mechanism(s). Here, the father may influence post-fertilization development through two main pathways, the integrity and status of the sperm genome (including epigenome) and through components of the seminal plasma. We have used mouse models of poor-quality diet to study the impact sub-optimal paternal nutrition has on the quality and epigenetic status of the sperm, embryonic development and fetal growth. We have also used our models to study the relative seminal plasma and sperm contributions to adult offspring cardiovascular and metabolic health. Our studies identify a continuum of changes ranging from testicular morphology, sperm epigenetic status, preimplantation embryo development, fetal growth and adult offspring cardio-metabolic ill-health in response to either over or undernutrition. Interestingly, we also observed that these long-term offspring effects appear mediated through specific sperm and seminal plasma specific mechanisms. Our data highlight the significance of a father’s diet at the time of conception for the development and well-being of his offspring.