G2 Values Research Articles

Mycobiota and molecular detection of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus aflatoxin contamination of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) fruits

Strawberry fungi were isolated from fresh fruits and juice on the two types of media (Sabouraud dextrose agar, SDA and potato-dextrose agar, PDA) at 28 °C. Nineteen fungal species belong to 12 genera were isolated from fruits and juice on both isolation media. The most common fungal genera and species were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Mucor racemosus, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma harzianum. Twenty A. flavus and A. parasitics isolates were assayed for their abilities to produce aflatoxins. The concentration of aflatoxins ranged between 25.8–75.2 and 23.6–71.1 ng/ml at 350 and 365 nm, respectively. Among A. flavus and A. parasiticus strains tested, aflatoxin B contributed 30–60% of total isolates. However, G type contributed 85–90%. The Rf values of B1, B2, G1 and G2 were 0.79, 0.61, 0.44 and 0.32, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of extracts revealed the presence of aflatoxins with variable levels.

Combined test of serum CgA and NSE improved the power of prognosis prediction of NF-pNETs.

PurposeChromogranin A (CgA) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are important markers for neuroendocrine tumors; however, the clinical value of combining these markers has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the utility of each marker individually and in combination for patients with nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs).Patients and MethodsIn this study, NF-pNET patients and controls were recruited from December 2011 to March 2016; 784 serum samples from peripheral vein were collected. The clinical characteristics and biomarker values of all the individuals were recorded and analyzed. Tumor burdens were calculated by CT/MRI scan. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic predictive values; sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine the cut-off value. Therapeutic responses reflected on the changes of the biomarkers’ concentration were assessed by the RECIST criterion. Clinical relations between the prognosis and the biomarker values were also analyzed. Statistical significance was defined as P value less than 0.05.ResultsAmong the 167 NF-pNETs patients, 82 were males (49.1%) and the mean age was 50.0 (17.4). The mean CgA values of G1, G2 and G3 NF-pNENs were 75, 121 and 134 μg/L (P < 0.05), respectively. In NF-pNETs, CgA correlated with the WHO tumor grade (WHO G1 vs G2, P < 0.05); the linear regression relationships were found between the tumor burdens (both in pancreas and liver) and CgA concentration (P < 0.001); changes in CgA and NSE concentrations also reflect treatment response (P < 0.001).ConclusionCgA and NSE are important diagnostic and follow-up markers in patients with NF-pNETs. The combined monitoring of CgA and NSE possesses more accuracy than individual values of CgA and NSE at predicting prognosis and disease progression.

Evaluation of two amoxicillin protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis in implant placement surgeries

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two amoxicillin protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis in implant placement surgeries. Methods A clinical study was performed with 66 volunteers of both genders (mean 51,9 ± 2,5 years) that met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=35) - oral administration of amoxicillin (2g) 1 hour before the surgical procedure and Group 2 (n=31) oral administration of amoxicillin (2g) 1 hour before the surgical procedure and 500mg every 8 hours during 7 days after the surgeries. The following clinical parameters were evaluated: adverse reactions, pain and implants failure. The pain was evaluated in the surgery day (before, immediately after and at night), 24h, 48h, 72h and one week after the surgery and other clinical parameters were evaluated in daily appointments until the third postoperative day, 7 days and three months after the surgeries. Data were analyzed and statistical significance was 5%. Results Adverse reactions (headache, diarrhea, stomachache and nauseas) and implant failure occurred only in G2 (4 volunteers and 3 implants, respectively). Regarding pain, higher values for G2 on “at the night (p=0.0043), 24h (p=0.0013), 48h (p=0.0187) e 72h (p=0.0445) were observed. Conclusion The present study showed that a single dose of amoxicillin was effective in antibiotic prophylaxis in implant placement surgeries, suggesting that the use of amoxicillin in the postoperative period did not bring additional benefit.

Comparative Study of Creep and Relaxation Characteristic of Serrate Structure Surface

The creep and stress relaxation tests of dentate discontinuity poured by cement mortar are carried out by using biaxial creep machine under the same normal stress and shear stress levels. According to the creep and stress relaxation test results: If don't consider the instantaneous deformation of creep curve, there are many similarities of the creep curve and stress relaxation curve, but the trend of the creep curve was opposite to that of the stress relaxation curve; Creep equation and relaxation equation of Burgers model is selected to fit the creep curve and stress relaxation curve, the fitted curves agree well with the experimental data and correlation coefficient is higher. The values of G1 of the creep equation and relaxation equation are close, but the values of G2, η1 and η2 of the creep equation is one magnitude order higher compared with that of the relaxation equation, so it is not simply considered that creep and relaxation are equivalent.

Study of diffusion weighted imaging in combination with conventional MRI signs for inflammation activity of chronic hepatitis B

Objective: To study the correlation between ADC values of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and the pathological grading in inflammation activity of chronic hepatitis B, and combined with conventional MRI features to predict the diagnosis effectiveness. Methods: A total of 142 cases of patients with chronic hepatitis B were selected as inflammatory group in 302 Hospital of PLA from January 2014 to December 2015, while 20 cases of healthy subjects without history of liver disease were chosen as control group.All patients underwent MR plain scan and dynamic contrast enhancement and DWI examinations (b=0, 800 s/mm(2)) for liver, and were performed liver biopsy within two days.According to the degree of inflammation activity (G), the inflammation group was divided into G1, G2 and G3-4 level.The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and the MRI features of each group were analyzed. Results: The ADC values showed statistical difference (F=8.392, P<0.01) within inflammation group of chronic hepatitis B from different pathologic grading, and there was significant negative correlation between ADC values and liver inflammation activity grading (r=-0.613, P<0.01). The ADC value of inflammation group and control group was (1.31±0.16), (1.12±0.15)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The ADC value of G1, G2 and G3-4 level was (1.22±0.12), (1.05±0.12), (0.98±0.10)×10(-3) mm(2)/s respectively, and there was statistical difference (P<0.05) between G1 and G2, G1 and G3-4. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in diagnosis of equal and above G2 level showed the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.880, the sensitivity and the specificity was 82.4% and 76.8% respectively, the diagnostic cut-off value was 1.09×10(-3) mm(2)/s.Besides, the detection rate of portal around its orbit and gallbladder wall edema in inflammation group had statistical difference (P<0.05), and there was no statistical difference in the detection rate of abnormal liver arterial enhancement, hilus lymph node increases and ascites in inflammation group(P>0.05). The ROC in diagnosis of equal and above G2 level by ADC values combined with the MRI characteristic signs showed AUC was 0.938, the sensitivity and the specificity was 88.4% and 88.9% respectively. Conclusions: ADC values can predict the inflammation activity of chronic hepatitis B with quantitatively and non-invasively.Combining with characteristic MRI signs, ADC values can improve the diagnosis efficiency.

Fungi Associated with Maize and Sorghum Grains and their Potential for Amylase and Aflatoxins Production

USING direct-plating technique, thirty-nine species belonging to 16 fungal genera were isolated from maize and sorghum grain samples (20 samples each) on Czap ek’s agar (Cz) and Czap ek’s supplemented with 40% sucrose agar (Cz40S) media at 28oC. Widest spectrum of genera and species were recorded on sorghum (16 genera and 35 species) compared with maize grains (8 and 19). The highest total counts (139 CFUs/ 100 grains) and the number of genera (14) and species (27) were identified from sorghum grains on Cz medium. The most common fungi on the grains tested were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Eurotium amstelodami, E. rubrum, E. repens, Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer. Among 129 isolates screened for their abilities to produce amylase enzyme, 102 isolates could produce this enzyme, of which A. terreus exhibited the highest production (EI=1.73). HPLC analysis revealed that out of 6 strains of A. flavus tested, strain No. AUMC 11311 showed the highest production of aflatoxin B1 and B2, while the highest value of aflatoxin G2 was produced by strain No. AUMC 11317. It could be concluded that fungi growing on grains and their abilities for producing enzymes and aflatoxins might cause deterioration and spoilage of these grains.

Stattic Enhances Radiosensitivity and Reduces Radio-Induced Migration and Invasion in HCC Cell Lines through an Apoptosis Pathway.

Purpose Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) is involved in tumorigenesis, development, and radioresistance of many solid tumors. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of stattic (an inhibitor of STAT3) on the radiosensitivity and radio-induced migration and invasion ability in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. Methods HCC cells were treated with stattic, and cell survival rate was analyzed through CCK-8 assay. Radiosensitivity was evaluated using cloning formation analysis; STAT3, p-STAT3, and apoptosis related proteins were detected by western blot. Radio-induced migration and invasion ability in HCC cells were analyzed by wound-healing assay and transwell test. Results Stattic inhibits the expression of p-STAT3 and reduces cell survival in a dose-dependent manner in HCC cell lines, and the IC50 values for Hep G2, Bel-7402, and SMMC-7721 are 2.94 μM, 2.5 μM, and 5.1 μM, respectively. Cloning formation analysis shows that stattic enhances the radiosensitivity of HCC cells. Wound-healing assay and transwell test show that stattic inhibits radio-induced migration and invasion. Further study indicates that stattic promotes radio-induce apoptosis through regulating the expression of apoptosis related proteins in HCC cells. Conclusion Stattic enhances radiosensitivity and reduces radio-induced migration and invasion ability in HCC cells probably through apoptosis pathway.

Back Analysis Procedure for Identification of Anisotropic Elastic Parameters of Overcored Rock Specimens

This paper presents a back analysis procedure for identification of the elastic parameters of transversely isotropic rock cores, containing an overcoring triaxial strain probe, from the strains measured during a biaxial test. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed to simulate the biaxial test on the overcored rock specimen and to compute the strains at the location of the strain gauges. Different optimisation algorithms were tested and the most suitable one was selected. The back analysis procedure was tested for identification of the five elastic parameters and the two orientation angles that characterise a transversely isotropic rock core. Despite that, with the developed methodology, convergence was reached and all those parameters could be identified, sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results obtained were not stable, and therefore, they were not reliable. By introducing constrains based on common practice and previous experience, a stable and robust methodology was achieved: the three elastic parameters, E 1, E 2 and ν 2, are reliably identified using the value of G 2 calculated with Saint–Venant expression and a fixed value of ν 1, while the orientation parameters are obtained from observation of overcored rock. Analysis of the results shows that application of this methodology represents an enormous step forward when compared with the traditional use of isotropy. Besides, the methodology is general and can also be used with other types of overcoring equipment. The five elastic parameters and the two orientation angles obtained can then be used, together with the overcoring strains, to compute the complete in situ state of stress.

Creep Recovery of Wet Gluten and High‐Molecular‐Weight Glutenin Subunit Composition: Relationship with Viscoelasticity of Dough and Breadmaking Quality of Hard Red Winter Wheat

Effects of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits on viscoelasticity of wet gluten, and its relationships with mixing, extensibility, and breadmaking parameters, were investigated by creep recovery using the Kelvin–Voigt model on 19 hard red winter wheat flours. Gluten samples with Glu‐A1 1 and 2* showed significant differences in retardation time (λ2), whereas subunit 17+18 in Glu‐B1 showed higher elastic moduli (G0, G1, and G2) and viscosity coefficients (η0, η1, and η2) compared with subunits 7+8 and 7+9. Wheats with Glu‐D1 5+10 had higher values of G0, G1, G2, η0, η1, and η2 compared with Glu‐D1 2+12. Gluten samples were on average 5.5, 3.1, and 1.6 times less stiff than dough when comparing G0, G1, and G2, respectively; these differences suggest that the nongluten components have high influence in the instantaneous and first Kelvin–Voigt elements of the model, and they are manifested more quickly compared with gluten components. Higher explanation of variance of loaf volume was found in parameters η2 and G2 (r = 0.57 and 0.58, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001) compared with η1 and G1 (r = 0.45 and 0.56, P &lt; 0.01 and 0.0001, respectively). These findings indicate that large structures formed primarily by crosslinking and agglomeration of glutenins of long chain sizes (second Kelvin–Voigt element) had major effects on quality compared with short chain sizes (first element).

Localization of Interictal Epileptic Spikes With MEG: Optimization of an Automated Beamformer Screening Method (SAMepi) in a Diverse Epilepsy Population.

To describe and optimize an automated beamforming technique followed by identification of locations with excess kurtosis (g2) for efficient detection and localization of interictal spikes in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Synthetic aperture magnetometry with g2 averaged over a sliding time window (SAMepi) was performed in seven patients with focal epilepsy and five healthy volunteers. The effect of varied window lengths on detection of spiking activity was evaluated. Sliding window lengths of 0.5 to 10 seconds performed similarly, with 0.5- and 1-second windows detecting spiking activity in 1 of the 3 virtual sensor locations with highest kurtosis. These locations were concordant with the region of eventual surgical resection in these seven patients who remained seizure-free at 1 year. Average g2 values increased with increasing sliding window length in all subjects. In healthy volunteers, kurtosis values stabilized in data sets longer than 2 minutes. SAMepi using g2 averaged over 1-second sliding time windows in data sets of at least 2 minutes of duration reliably identified interictal spiking and the presumed seizure focus in these seven patients. Screening the five locations with highest kurtosis values for spiking activity is an efficient and accurate technique for localizing interictal activity using magnetoencephalography. SAMepi should be applied using the parameter values and procedure described for optimal detection and localization of interictal spikes. Use of this screening procedure could significantly improve the efficiency of magnetoencephalography analysis if clinically validated.

Study of photometric phase curve with new brightness model: refining phase function system parameters of asteroid (107) Camilla

We characterize the morphology of the photometric phase curve model of an asteroid with a three-parameter magnitude phase function H — G1 — G2 system by considering the effect of brightness variation arising from a triaxial ellipsoid representing the asteroid's shape. Applying this new model and a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, we refine the photometric phase curve of asteroid (107) Camilla and obtain its absolute magnitude H = 7.026−0.054+0.052 mag, and phase function parameters G1 = 0.489−0.044+0.043 and G2 = 0.259−0.023+0.023. Meanwhile, we also determine (107) Camilla's orientation of pole (74.1°−4.5°+4.3°, 50.2°−5.0°+5.4°) with rotational period of 4.843928−0.00001+0.000001 h, and axial ratios a/b = 1.409−0.020+0.020 and b/c = 1.249−0.060+0.063. Furthermore, according to the values of phase function parameters G1 and G2, we infer that asteroid (107) Camilla is an X-type asteroid.

Selective cytotoxicity of a Vietnamese traditional formula, Nam Dia long, against MCF-7 cells by synergistic effects.

BackgroundNam Dia Long (NDL) is a Vietnamese traditional formula used for the treatment of some chronic diseases, including cancers, but which lacks evidence-based support. We investigated the selective cytotoxicity of NDL on some tumor cell lines and possible interactions among its ingredients leading to the overall activity.MethodsCrude aqueous extracts of NDL, its ingredients including Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata, Sauropus androgynous (L.) Merr and different ingredient combinations were used for the treatment of MCF-7, Hep G2, NCI-H460 cells and normal fibroblasts. The IC50 of NDL on tumor and normal cells were determined by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and used to calculate a selectivity index (SI). Apoptosis induction activity of NDL was determined by acridine orange - ethidium bromide (AO-EB) staining, genomic DNA and cell cycle analysis. The combination index (CI) reflecting the types of interactions among ingredients was calculated based on the median-effect principle. Real-time cell growth monitoring by the xCELLigence system was used to determine the kinetic profile of the treated MCF-7 cells.ResultsNDL exerted cytotoxicity on all tumor and normal cells, with the highest effect on MCF-7 cells. SI values for MCF-7, Hep G2 and NCI-H460 were 6.45, 1.61 and 1.29, respectively, indicating a high selective cytotoxicity of NDL toward MCF-7 cells. Profiles of cell death differed for MCF-7 cells and fibroblasts suggesting different mechanism of action of NDL toward these two cell types. The cytotoxicity of NDL against MCF-7 cells was due to apoptosis induction. NDL caused a cell cycle non-phase-specific effect on MCF-7 cells. CI indicated synergistic interactions among the ingredients leading to the overall activity of the complete formula. The real-time monitoring of MCF-7 cells growth after being treated with NDL and three-component combinations suggested that the presence of all ingredients was needed to reach the full cytotoxic activity. The growth kinetic profile of MCF-7 cells treated with different combinations also indicated a synergistic effect of all ingredients.ConclusionNDL exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 cells. This effect probably resulted from synergistic interactions among the NDL ingredients. NDL should be explored for breast cancer treatment.

On the anomalous mass defect of strange stars in the Field Correlator Method

We investigate general aspects of the mass defects of strange stars in the context of the Field Correlator Method, without magnetic field. The main parameters of the model that enter the corresponding nonperturbative equation of state of the quark gluon plasma are the gluon condensate G2 and the large distance static QQ¯ potential V1.We calculate mass defects of stellar configurations in the central density range 11<log⁡ρc<18. In general, the mass defects are strongly dependent on the model parameters. For a large range of values of G2 and V1, we obtain anomalous mass defects with magnitudes around 1053 erg, of the same order of the observed energies of gamma-ray bursts and neutrino emissions in SN1987A, and of the theoretically predicted energies of the quark-novae explosions.

Geopolymer binders from metakaolin using sodium waterglass from waste glass and rice husk ash as alternative activators: A comparative study

Rice husk and waste glass from sources in Cameroon were used for producing sodium waterglass (NWG) solution denoted S1 and S2 respectively as alternative activators to prepare metakaolin-based geopolymer binder. Metakaolin-based geopolymer binders (G1, G2) were obtained using freshly prepared NWG with a mass ratio NWG/MK=0.83. The IR spectra of S1, S2 using ATR and KBr methods show the presence of SiQ0, SiQ1, SiQ2 units, and S1 contained also SiQ3 and SiQ4 units. The mechanical testing, environmental scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy, amount of binders and thermogravimetric analysis are investigated to study the properties of the geopolymer binders. The results show that the compressive strength values of geopolymer G2 (22.9, 27.6, 32.6, 36 and 39.7MPa) are higher than that of G1 (17.7, 19.1, 21.2, 29.9 and 32.8MPa) at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56days respectively. The microstructure of G2 is more compact with fewer unreacted metakaolin particles. It can be concluded that sodium waterglass from waste glass and rice husk ash are suitable alternative activators for the production of metakaolin-based geopolymers. In addition, they constitute a better ecological choice when compared to commercial sodium silicate from melting process.

Profiles and biological analysis of lncRNAs in RAW264.7 macrophages infected by space mutagenized Escherichia coli after simulated microgravity

ObjectiveTo explore the difference expression of long non‐coding RNAs(LncRNAs) of RAW264.7 macrophages infected by space mutagenized Escherichia coli(E.coli) after simulated microgravity.MethodsRAW264.7 macrophages were randomly divided into four groups. G1 and G2 were cultured in normal gravity for 72 hours. G3 and G4 were cultured in simulated microgravity for 72 hours, then G2 and G4 were infected for 6 hours by space mutagenized E.coli in Shenzhou 10 spacecraft, G1 and G3 were cultured for 6 hours in normal culture media. Total RNA was extracted from the cells in four groups. The profile of lncRNAs were detected with SBC‐lncRNA chips and the significant difference expression of lncRNAs were screened (fold change≥2; P≤0.05). The significant signaling pathways were enriched from the different expression of gene in G2 vs G2 and G4 vs G1. The Pathway‐Network was constructed based on the pathways with significant differences to get the key signaling pathway. The gene network graph was constructed based on the expression values of G2 and G4 to screen the key genes in the coexpression network.ResultsDifferently expressed lncRNAs were detected as follows(fold change≥2, P≤0.05): there were 5843 lncRNAs detected totally in G2 vs G1, in which there were 2140 up‐regulated lncRNAs and 3703 down‐regulated lncRNAs. G4 vs G1 detected totally 7187 lncRNAs, in which 3230 lncRNAs were up‐regulated and 3957 lncRNAs were down‐regulated. G4 vs G2 detected totally 31 lncRNAs, in which there were 27 up‐regulated and 4 down‐regulated lncRNAs. The Csf3, Ripk2, A130077B15Rik were recognized as key genes in coexpression network. The most different expression gene was Csf3, which only existed in G2 but not existed in G4, and related with PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, Cytokine‐Cytokine receptor interaction and Jak‐STAT signaling pathway. Ripk2 is related with immunologic function and can induce cell apoptosis by activating the NF kB signaling pathway. A130077B15Rik, as a LncRNA, might be associated with immunity and inflammation.ConclusionOur work explored the difference expression of LncRNAs in RAW264.7 macrophages infected by space mutagenized E. coli after simulated microgravity, which established the basis for the research of LncRNAs mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity in spaceflight.Support or Funding InformationFunded by National Basic Research Programs of China, No.2014CB744404

EFFECT OF FEEDING STRAWBERRY (Fragariax ananas) VINES HAY ON DIGESTIBILITY, PHYSIOLOGICAL CASE AND MILK PRODUCTION OF LACTATING DAMASCUS GOATS UNDER HOT CONDITIONS IN EGYPT

The present study was planned to evaluate the nutritive values of strawberry vine hay and the possibility of inclusion this residues as a source of protein and energy in lactating goats under hot conditions of the year and the effect of this residues on physiological status, blood components, milk yield and components. Twenty eight Damascus healthy lactating does (aged 3 - 4 years and weighed 35- 40 kg were divided into four similar groups according to weight, (7 lactating does in each) to investigate the effect of replacing 0%, 30%, 70% and 100% from berseem hay by strawberry vine hay on dray matter basis(G1, G2, G3 and G4) plus concentrate feed mixture to cover 100% NRC requirements. Four digestibility trials were carried out to evaluate the four rations using. 12 mature bucks (3 in each)for digestibility trials. Ambient air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH %) were recorded at the times of carrying out the Maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was estimated. Thermoregulatory parameters were recorded biweekly with blood sample. Milk samples were obtained every week, daily milk yield and milk components were determined. Feed conversion and economical efficiency were calculated. Results showed that the lowest values of feed intake as g/h/d was recorded by G4, while the other groups (G1, G2 and G3) were nearly similar. The G2 had the highest values of Relative intake (% of body weight) and g DMI/Kg W0.75. Digestion coefficients of experimental rations showed that the OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE digestibility were higher in G2 and G3 than in G1 and G4. The feeding value as TDN were significantly higher in G2 than G1 and G4 and the difference between G1 and G3 was not significant, while DCP value of G2 was insignificantly higher than G1 and significantly higher than G3 and G4. The effects of feeding type on physiological measurements showed that the differences among hair surface temperature in all groups were not significant, while hair deep temperature (HDT), skin temperature and rectal temperature were significantly higher in G4 and G3 than G1 and G2 respectively, while the differences between G1 and G2 or G3 and G4 were not significant. Ear temperature in G1 and G2 were significantly lower than in G3 and G4, while the differences between G1 and G2 or G3 and G4 were not significant. Pulse rate and respiration rate of G2 was significantly lower than other groups, but the differences between G1 and G3 were not significant while the G4 was significantly higher than other groups. GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) of G2 blood serum was significantly lower than other groups. The highest values were recorded in G1 and G4, while the differences between G1 and G3 were not significant. Total protein and albumin was significantly higher in G2 than other groups, while the differences among other groups were not significant. Calcium and phosphorus in G2 blood plasma was significantly higher than in other groups. The highest average daily milk yield and 4% fat Corrected Milk (FCM) showed in G2, while the lowest value recorded in G4. Milk yield of G1 and G3 were nearly similar. The differences of chemical composition of milk among all groups were not significant. The best feed conversion (Kg DMI and Kg TDN / Kg FCM) were recorded with G2, while the bad feed conversion were recorded with G4. The highest economical efficiency was showed in G3 then followed G2, G4 and G1, respectively.

Dark matter fraction of low-mass cluster members probed by galaxy-scale strong lensing

We present a strong lensing system, composed of 4 multiple images of a source at z = 2.387, created by two lens galaxies, G1 and G2, belonging to the galaxy cluster MACS J1115.9+0129 at z = 0.353. We use observations taken as part of the Cluster Lensing and Supernova survey with Hubble, CLASH, and its spectroscopic follow-up programme at the Very Large Telescope, CLASH-VLT, to estimate the total mass distributions of the two galaxies and the cluster through strong gravitational lensing models. We find that the total projected mass values within the half-light radii, R_{e}, of the two lens galaxies are M_{T,G1}(< R_{e,G1}) = (3.6 +/- 0.4) x 10^{10}M_{Sun} and M_{T,G2}(< R_{e,G2}) = (4.2 +/- 1.6) x 10^{10}M_{Sun}. The effective velocity dispersion values of G1 and G2 are (122 +/- 7) km/s and (137 +/- 27) km/s, respectively. We remark that these values are relatively low when compared to those of ~200-300 km/s, typical of lens galaxies found in the field by previous surveys. By fitting the spectral energy distributions of G1 and G2, we measure projected luminous over total mass fractions within R_{e} of 0.11 +/- 0.03, for G1, and 0.73 +/- 0.32, for G2. The fact that the less massive galaxy, G1, is dark-matter dominated in its inner regions raises the question of whether the dark matter fraction in the core of early-type galaxies depends on their mass. Further investigating strong lensing systems will help us understand the influence that dark matter has on the structure and evolution of the inner regions of galaxies.

A giant negative magnetoresistance effect in an iron tetrabenzoporphyrin complex.

By measuring the electrical resistivity in TPP[FeIII(tbp)(CN)2]2 (TPP = tetraphenylphosphonium and tbp = tetrabenzoporphyrin) under the application of a static magnetic field, a giant negative magnetoresistance (MR) effect with high anisotropy is observed. More specifically, the MR ratio at 13 K under a field of 9 T perpendicular to the c axis is -70%, whereas the MR ratio under a field parallel to the c axis is -40%. Furthermore, electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements indicate large anisotropy in the principal g-values of d spin (S = 1/2) in the [FeIII(tbp)(CN)2] unit; the g1 value almost perpendicular to the tbp plane and the g2 and g3 values almost parallel to the tbp plane are 3.60, 1.24, and 0.39, respectively. It is revealed that the anisotropy in the MR effect arises from the anisotropy in the d spin, suggesting that the d spins in TPP[FeIII(tbp)(CN)2]2 affect the π-conduction electron via the intramolecular π-d interaction. The anisotropy and magnitude in the giant negative MR effect for TPP[FeIII(tbp)(CN)2]2 are smaller than the corresponding values for the isostructural phthalocyanine (Pc) analogue TPP[FeIII(Pc)(CN)2]2. This is consistent with the fact that the intermolecular antiferromagnetic d-d interaction in TPP[FeIII(tbp)(CN)2]2 (suggested by the Weiss temperature: Θ = -8.0 K) is weaker than that in TPP[FeIII(Pc)(CN)2]2 (Θ = -12.3 K). This indicates that the minor modification in coordination complexes can significantly affect the MR effect via tuning the intermolecular d-d interaction as well as the intermolecular π-π overlap.

Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Method Specific for the Detection of G-Group Aflatoxins.

To detect and monitor G-group aflatoxins in agricultural products, we generated class-specific monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognized aflatoxins G1 and G2. Of the final three positive and stable hybridomas obtained, clone 2G6 produced a monoclonal antibody that had equal sensitivity to aflatoxins G1 and G2, and did not cross-react with aflatoxins B1, B2, or M1. Its IC50 values for aflatoxins G1 and G2 were 17.18 ng·mL−1 and 19.75 ng·mL−1, respectively. Using this new monoclonal antibody, we developed a competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CI-ELISA); the method had a limit of detection of 0.06 ng·mL−1. To validate this CI-ELISA, we spiked uncontaminated peanut samples with various amounts of aflatoxins G1 and G2 and compared recovery rates with those determined by a standard HPLC method. The recovery rates of the CI-ELISA ranging from 94% to 103% were comparable to those of the HPLC (92% to 102%). We also used both methods to determine the amounts of G-group aflatoxins in five peanut samples contaminated by aflatoxin B1-positive, and their relative standard deviations ranged from 8.4% to 17.7% (under 20%), which demonstrates a good correlation between the two methods. We further used this CI-ELISA to assess the ability of 126 fungal strains isolated from peanuts or field soils to produce G-group aflatoxins. Among these, seven stains producing different amounts of G-group aflatoxins were identified. Our results showed that the monoclonal antibody 2 G6-based CI-ELISA was suitable for the detection of G-group aflatoxins present in peanuts and also those produced by fungi.

Prospective PET image quality gain calculation method by optimizing detector parameters.

Lutetium-based scintillators with high-performance electronics introduced time-of-flight (TOF) reconstruction in the clinical setting. Let G' be the total signal to noise ratio gain in a reconstructed image using the TOF kernel compared with conventional reconstruction modes. G' is then the product of G1 gain arising from the reconstruction process itself and (n-1) other gain factors (G2, G3, … Gn) arising from the inherent properties of the detector. We calculated G2 and G3 gains resulting from the optimization of the coincidence and energy window width for prompts and singles, respectively. Both quantitative and image-based validated Monte Carlo models of Lu2SiO5 (LSO) TOF-permitting and Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) TOF-nonpermitting detectors were used for the calculations. G2 and G3 values were 1.05 and 1.08 for the BGO detector and G3 was 1.07 for the LSO. A value of almost unity for G2 of the LSO detector indicated a nonsignificant optimization by altering the energy window setting. G' was found to be ∼1.4 times higher for the TOF-permitting detector after reconstruction and optimization of the coincidence and energy windows. The method described could potentially predict image noise variations by altering detector acquisition parameters. It could also further contribute toward a long-lasting debate related to cost-efficiency issues of TOF scanners versus the non-TOF ones. Some vendors re-engage nowadays to non-TOF product line designs in an effort to reduce crystal costs. Therefore, exploring the limits of image quality gain by altering the parameters of these detectors remains a topical issue.