Production and Evaluation of Encapsulated Zinc Oxide on Performance, Ileal Digestibility and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Broiler Chicken

The present study was undertaken for the production of encapsulated zinc and its evaluation in broiler chicken diet. The process of microencapsulation involved the use of polymers, gum arabic and maltodextrin with a maximum encapsulation of efficiency of 66%. Encapsulated material contained about 20% zinc oxide (ZnO) as core material following the freeze-drying process. One hundred and ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were distributed in four groups in six replications having eight birds in each. The four groups comprised control (inorganic source of zinc), En-Zn-100 (encapsulated zinc at 100% of control), En-Zn-50 (encapsulated zinc at 50% of control), and Org-Zn-50 (Zn-methionine at 50% of control). The experiment was carried out for 35 days following standard management practices. The live weight gain, feed intake and FCR were comparable among groups. Plasma and muscle zinc (ppm) content was unaffected by the level or source of zinc supplementation. The zinc apparent ileal digestibility coefficient was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in En-Zn-50 fed groups, while crude protein digestibility was not affected by the level or form of Zn supplementation. Bone weight, length, and zinc content were comparable, and bone ash content was significantly different among the groups. Relative expression of ZnT2 was significantly upregulated in encapsulated zinc-fed groups. From the study, it could be concluded that supplementation of zinc either as encapsulated or organic form at 50% of inorganic source (ZnO) could be sufficient to maintain the growth performance, serum, tissue and bone mineral content in broiler chicken.

Mathematical Analysis of a COVID-19 Epidemic Model by Using Data Driven Epidemiological Parameters of Diseases Spread in India

This paper attempts to describe the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) via an epidemic model. This virus has dissimilar effects in different countries. The number of new active coronavirus cases is increasing gradually across the globe. India is now in the second stage of COVID-19 spreading, it will be an epidemic very quickly if proper protection is not undertaken based on the database of the transmission of the disease. This paper is using the current data of COVID-19 for the mathematical modeling and its dynamical analysis. We bring in a new representation to appraise and manage the outbreak of infectious disease COVID-19 through SEQIR pandemic model, which is based on the supposition that the infected but undetected by testing individuals are send to quarantine during the incubation period. During the incubation period if any individual be infected by COVID-19, then that confirmed infected individuals are isolated and the necessary treatments are arranged so that they cannot taint the other residents in the community. Dynamics of the SEQIR model is presented by basic reproduction number R ₀ and the comprehensive stability analysis. Numerical results are depicted through apt graphical appearances using the data of five states and India.

Mathematical Analysis of a COVID-19 Epidemic Model by Using Data Driven Epidemiological Parameters of Diseases Spread in India

This paper attempts to describe the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) via an epidemic model. This virus has dissimilar effects in different countries. The number of new active coronavirus cases is increasing gradually across the globe. India is now in the second stage of COVID-19 spreading, it will be an epidemic very quickly if proper protection is not undertaken based on the database of the transmission of the disease. This paper is using the current data of COVID-19 for the mathematical modeling and its dynamical analysis. We bring in a new representation to appraise and manage the outbreak of infectious disease COVID-19 through SEQIR pandemic model, which is based on the supposition that the infected but undetected by testing individuals are send to quarantine during the incubation period. During the incubation period if any individual be infected by COVID-19, then that confirmed infected individuals are isolated and the necessary treatments are arranged so that they cannot taint the other residents in the community. Dynamics of the SEQIR model is presented by basic reproduction number R 0 and the comprehensive stability analysis. Numerical results are depicted through apt graphical appearances using the data of five states and India.

Spin-state transition of Co ion (S2S5/2) in hole substituted 1D chain of Ca3Co2O6

We have discovered spin-state transition (S= 2 toS= 5/2) of Co ions due to Mg substitution in the Ca₃Co₂O₆apparent in the magnetic susceptibility, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and first-principles study. We also examine the effect of Mg substitution on the magnetic and electronic structure of Ca₃Co₂O₆by first-principles calculations. It involves generalized gradient approximation with Coulomb interaction (U) in exchange-correlation energy functional. Our study shows a reasonable agreement between effective magnetic moment (μ_eff) determined from the Curie-Weiss fit with that from the XPS analysis and first-principles calculations study. We have attributed the decrease in positive intra-chain exchange interaction constant (J₁/k_B) to the antiferromagnetically coupled induced Co⁴⁺ions (S= 5/2) arising from the Mg²⁺ions substitution. The in-field metamagnetic transitions in the isothermalM(H) curves below the critical field (H_c) have been accurately mapped and successfully explained by the change in magnetic entropy (ΔS) calculations and Arrott plots. Electronic structure study reveals hole-type doping of Mg atom, and the Fermi level (E_F) shifts below. Density of state and band structure calculation indicates strong hybridization between partial states of Co-3d and O-2p orbitals for the Mg-doped compound due to which the band crossing at Fermi level is observed, and a hole-type Fermi surface is formed.

In vitro production of desired sex ovine embryos modulating polarity of oocytes for sex-specific sperm binding during fertilization

The present study aimed to modulate the oxidative status-mediated polarity of the oocytes for sex-specific sperm fertilization to generate desired sex embryos. In vitro embryos were produced at different oxidative status, varying O₂ concentrations, and without/with l-carnitine in maturation and culture media. The majority of the embryos produced at high oxidative stress were males whereas; low oxidative status favoured female embryos production. Low O₂ doubled the proportion of female embryos (10.59 vs 21.95%); however, l-carnitine supplementation in media increased approximately seven-folds of the female embryos (12.26 vs. 77.62%) production. Oocytes matured at high oxidative status were in the repolarized state favouring positively charged Y sperm fertilization to produce significantly more male embryos. Low oxidative status favoured negatively charged X sperm fertilization to the oocytes in the depolarized state to produce more female embryos. Intracellular ROS was significantly low in female embryos than in males; however, female embryos were more stressful than males. The study concluded that the oxidative status-mediated alteration in pH of the medium to modulate the intracellular positive ions is the main critical factor to influence the sex of embryos through sex-specific sperms fertilization to the oocytes as per their polarity.

1534 A rare operation: resection of a complex malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour deemed inoperable by a national centre

We present this rare case which was led by spinal surgeons at Leeds after being deemed not suitable for operative input by a national centre.

A 54-year-old lady who presented with 2-month history of worsening left flank pain on a background of four years. She was otherwise fit and well. CT confirmed aggressive left-sided paraspinal tumour with epidural encroachment, extending from T8 to T10 vertebral levels. Its deep surface was well-defined and extending superficially through the chest wall with destruction of ribs. The mass grew in size in course of days requiring urgent attention due to risk of cord compression. Biopsy proved high grade MPNST.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare type of sarcoma, 5-10% of sarcoma cases. MPNST is most common in young adults and middle-aged adults. About 25% to 50% of people with MPNST have NF1. 8% to 13% of people with NF1 will get MPNST in their lifetime.

An MDT approach involving spinal, thoracic, vascular and plastic surgeons opined it requiring extensive surgery due to its complexity. It was performed in stages – embolisation then aortic stent placement followed by final resection of the tumour with chest well reconstruction using an LD flap.

A multidisciplinary and multispecialty approach has led to a positive prognosis for this patient who is on the road to recovery.

Design and Simulation of Extended Interaction Cavities for a Ka band Multi beam Klystron

This article reports about the design approach, electromagnetic simulation and analysis results of high-frequency ladder-type input, output, and intermediate RF cavaties for Ka-band multi-beam extended interaction klystron. Several parameters of the cavity, such as quality factor, shunt impedance, etc., have been investigated by the assistance of electromagnetic software CST microwave studio.

Nano zinc supplementation in goat (Capra hircus) ration improves immunity, serum zinc profile and IGF-1 hormones without affecting thyroid hormones

The trial was aimed at evaluating probable superiority, if any of nano zinc (NZn) over inorganic zinc (Zn) on immunity, serum minerals and T₃ , T₄ , and IGF-1 hormone profiles in goats. NZn was synthesized by using 0.45 M aqueous solution of Zn nitrate and 0.9 M aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (average particle size 74 nm). Twenty-four male goats were grouped into four groups as per their body weight and were supplemented with either a basal diet with concentrate and straw at 50:50 ratio (Negative control, NC) alone or supplemented with 50 mg/kg Zn (Control) from inorganic Zn source, that is ZnO (IZn-50), 50 mg/kg Zn from NZn (NZn-50) or 25 mg/kg Zn from NZn (NZn-25). No change was observed in thyroid hormone status on zero and 90th day of experimental feeding, but NZn supplementation improved (p < 0.05) IGF-1 level on 90th day serum samples. Zn supplementation improved the humoral immunity in all the groups irrespective of the source. Similarly, cell-mediated immunity (CMI) measured by skinfold thickness after injecting Con-A, was also improved in Zn supplemented groups than control at 6, 12 and 48 h of incubation. NZn-50 animals showed highest HI (haemagglutination inhibition) titre as well as skin thickness. The CD 4 + (cluster of differentiation in %) was more (p < 0.05) in Zn supplemented groups. NZn-50 showed higher (p < 0.05) CD 8 + count than NC and similar (p > 0.05) to IZn-50 and NZn-25 groups without affecting (p > 0.05) the ratio of CD 4 + , CD 8 + among the treatment groups. Thus, NZn supplementation at 25 mg/kg had similar immunity and serum T₃ , T₄ and IGF-1 profiles compared with IZn at 50 mg/kg dose.

Spin induced exchange bias and lattice modulation in Nd1-x Eu x CrO3

We report the evolution of coupled phonons and exchange bias (EB) in perovskite-type Nd1-x Eu x CrO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05, and 0.10) samples by means of temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and dc magnetization measurements. We observed a non-monotonic behavior of the EB field around the temperature T *, which lies between the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature (T N) and spin-reorientation transition temperature (T SR). The temperature dependence of phonon modes related to antistretching and bending of CrO6 octahedra and Nd3+/Eu3+ ion vibration below T N confirms the strong spin-phonon coupling. The T * found from the non-monotonicity of the EB is imprinted with the additional anomaly observed in the low-temperature spin-phonon behavior. The phonon modes and phonon anomaly are also verified using the density functional theory-based calculations.

Investigation of emission characteristics of NMVOCs over urban site of western India

This is the first study to characterize the variation and emission of C₂-C₅ non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) in a semi-urban site of western India based on measurements during February-December 2015. Anthropogenic NMVOCs show clear seasonal dependence with highest in winter and lowest in monsoon season. Biogenic NMVOCs likes isoprene show highest mixing ratios in the pre-monsoon season. The diurnal variation of NMVOC species can be described by elevated values from night till morning and lower values in the afternoon hours. The elevated levels of NMVOCs during night and early morning hours were caused mainly by weaker winds, temperature inversion and reduced chemical loss. The correlations between NMVOCs, CO and NOx indicate the dominant role of various local emission sources. Use and leakage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) contributed to the elevated levels of propane and butanes. Mixing ratios of ethylene, propylene, CO, NOx, etc. show predominant emissions from combustion of fuels in automobiles and industries. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) source apportionments were performed for the seven major emission sectors (i.e. Vehicular exhaust, Mixed industrial emissions, Biomass/Fired brick kilns/Bio-fuel, Petrochem, LPG, Gas evaporation, Biogenic). Emissions from vehicle exhaust and industry-related sources contributed to about 19% and 40% of the NMVOCs, respectively. And the rest (41%) was attributed to the emissions from biogenic sources, LPG, gasoline evaporation and biomass burning. Diurnal and seasonal variations of NMVOCs were controlled by local emissions, meteorology, OH concentrations, long-range transport and planetary boundary layer height. This study provides a good reference for framing environmental policies to improve the air quality in western region of India.

Dietary boron supplementation enhances sperm quality and immunity through influencing the associated biochemical parameters and modulating the genes expression at testicular tissue

INTRODUCTION

Dietary boron improves immune and antioxidant status and calcium metabolism in mammals. However, till date the effects of dietary boron supplementation on male reproduction, especially on sperm production and sperm quality in farm animals are not documented.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was aimed to investigate the influence of dietary boron on semen production, semen quality, immunity and molecular changes in the testis, blood and seminal plasma and to assess the interrelationship with other minerals in male goats.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in 21 adult male goats divided into 3 groups (control, boron and selenium supplemented groups, n = 7 each). In boron group, boron was supplemented at 40 ppm and in selenium group, selenium was supplemented at 1 ppm over and above the basal level. In control group, only the basal diet was fed without supplementary boron or selenium. The feeding trial was carried out for 60 days. Selenium was taken as a positive control for the dietary boron supplementation experiment. Following feeding trials, the sperm concentration, kinematics and functional attributes, immunity and molecular level changes in the testis, biomolecular changes in the blood and seminal plasma and also interrelationship with other minerals were studied.

RESULTS

The average sperm concentration (million/ml) and the total sperm production (million/ejaculate) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in boron supplemented group when compared to selenium and control groups. The boron levels in blood plasma (r = 0.65) and seminal plasma (r = 0.54) showed a positive correlation with sperm progressive motility. Blood and seminal plasma metabolic biomarker namely, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower in the boron and selenium supplemented group than control, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) was significantly lower in the boron supplemented group than selenium and control group. There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of serine proteinase inhibitor (SERPIN) and interferon γ (IFNγ) in the testis of boron supplemented than the control group. Boron supplementation up-regulated the immune-regulatory gene, interleukin 2 (IL2) and antioxidant gene, catalase (CAT) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). On contrary, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA expression was significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated in boron and selenium supplemented groups.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that dietary boron supplementation increased the sperm output, sperm motility and enhanced the immune and antioxidant defense capacity in male goats. The improved semen quality can be attributed to enhanced expression of testicular SERPIN, a crucial protein for the regulation of spermatogenesis process.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Effect of Supplementation of Nano Zinc Oxide on Nutrient Retention, Organ and Serum Minerals Profile, and Hepatic Metallothionein Gene Expression in Wister Albino Rats

A study was conducted to validate the effects of nano form of zinc (NZn) on nutrient digestibility, zinc retention, organ and serum zinc profile, and hepatic metallothionein gene expression in Wistar albino rats (WAR). Nano zinc (NZn) was synthesized through chemical method, by using 0.45 M zinc nitrate [Zn(NO₃)₂.6H₂O] and 0.9 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The NZn particle in its oxide form was characterized by TEM-EDAX and XRD, and found to be in nano range (below 100 nm. Zinc was supplemented to the Wistar albino rats (WAR) through synthetic semi-purified diet either without Zn, or as inorganic zinc (IZn; 25 mg/kg), or as synthesized NZn (25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125 or 50 mg/kg DM) for 60 days. The zinc content was observed to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in liver, bone, kidney, and serum due to NZn supplementation where NZn-50 had highest zinc content and control had the least, without affecting Fe, Mn, and Cu. NZn at 12.5 mg/kg group rats were either comparable or better than IZn at 25 mg/kg in terms of zinc retention, CP digestibility, zinc level in serum, liver, bone, and kidney suggesting its better bioavailability simultaneously also reduced fecal excretion of zinc to the environment. Metallothionein mRNA expression was upregulated in NZn at 25 mg/kg and NZn at 50 mg/kg than IZn at 50 mg/kg. Thus, in WAR, NZn at half of the ICAR recommendation (25 mg/kg DM) is as effective as inorganic zinc at 100% of recommended dose.

Predicting gas phase entropy of select hydrocarbon classes through specific information-theoretical molecular descriptors

The usefulness of five specific information-theoretical molecular descriptors was investigated for predicting the gas phase entropy of selected classes of acyclic and cyclic compounds. Among them, total information on atomic number (TI^Z), graph vertex complexity (H^V) and total information on bonds (TIB^AT), considered together showed the best correlation along with a low standard deviation (r² = 0.97, s = 21.14) with gas phase entropy values of 130 compounds. The multiple regression equation treating these three indices as independent variables was statistically highly significant which was evident from the F-statistics. In particular, very small difference between r² and r²-pred values indicates that the regression model is not overfitted and is, therefore, suitable for prediction purposes. When truly used as a training set to predict (from regression equation) 40 additional compounds we get a very high correlation (r² = 0.975), which remains almost identical (r² = 0.97) for the combined data set of 170 compounds. The three indices appear to be useful descriptors producing correlation that remains stable with the change in the size of the data set. Also, the information-theoretical measures appear to capture an additive-cum-constitutive nature of gas phase entropy yielding an acceptable statistical fit.

P76 Skip laminectomy versus cervical laminectomy, an analysis of patient reported outcomes, spinal alignment and re-operation rates: the leeds spinal unit experience (2008–2016)

Objectives

To compare clinical, radiological and complication results between skip laminectomy and cervical laminectomy for posterior cervical decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Design

Retrospective single institution cohort study.

Subjects

Subjects underwent primary skip or cervical laminectomy between 2008–2016.

Methods

Statistical analysis compared pre- and post-operative differences in Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index and radiological differences in sagittal alignment of the vertebral bodies. Analysis of re-operation rates was performed.

Results

A total of 42 and 29 patients had skip and cervical laminectomy respectively. Median follow up was 32±23.1 (Range: 1–325) weeks. Post-operatively there was no difference in patient reported outcomes namely Visual Analogue Scale and Neck Disability Index between skip laminectomy and cervical laminectomy groups compared to pre-operatively (p=0.64, p=0.75). No difference was seen in sagittal alignment between both groups following surgery (p=0.65). Three patients (7.1%) in the skip laminectomy group and two patients (6.9%) in the cervical laminectomy group required revision surgery to the cervical spinal region at a different level to the original surgery. No patients needed further instrumentation.

Conclusions

Both skip laminectomy and cervical laminectomy appear to deliver similar outcomes with regards to patient reported outcomes, preserving sagittal alignment and re-operation rates over this short follow-up period.

Effect of immobilized fungal phytase on growth performance and bone traits of broilers fed with low dietary calcium and phosphorus

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phytase which was laboratory produced by Aspergillus foetidus on the growth performance, mineral retention, and bone traits of broilers fed with low dietary calcium and phosphorus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extracellular phytase enzyme secreted into the crude filtrate was concentrated by ammonium sulfate precipitation to obtain an activity of 500 phytase units (FTU). A total of 90 1-day-old chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into three treatment groups with five replicates having six birds each. Dietary treatment, T1, was with 0.45% non-phytate P (NPP) during starter and 0.40% during finisher phase with 1% Ca. Dietary treatment, T2, had 0.37% NPP during starter and 0.32% in finisher phase with 1% Ca and supplemental lab phytase at 500 FTU/kg. Dietary treatment, T3, was similar to T2 with a lower Ca of 0.8%.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference among the dietary treatments with regard to body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and Ca retention (p>0.05). However, a significant improvement in retention of P by birds was observed in phytase supplemental groups T2 and T3 (p<0.05). Dry weight of tibia (2.58-2.78 g/kg live weight) and ash content (39.7-41.8%) was comparable among treatments. A similar trend was observed for bone Ca, P, and Mn content.

CONCLUSION

The study indicated that 500 FTU/kg phytase can be effectively supplemented in a broiler diet with low phosphorus (0.37% in starter and 0.32% NPP in finisher diet) and low calcium (0.8% in diet) for better growth performance and with successful replacement of dietary P by 0.08 % and reduced P excretion into the environment in broiler chicken.

Abundant and equipotent founder cells establish and maintain acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

High frequencies of blasts in primary acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) samples have the potential to induce leukaemia and to engraft mice. However, it is unclear how individual ALL cells each contribute to drive leukaemic development in a bulk transplant and the extent to which these blasts vary functionally. We used cellular barcoding as a fate mapping tool to track primograft ALL blasts in vivo. Our results show that high numbers of ALL founder cells contribute at similar frequencies to leukaemic propagation over serial transplants, without any clear evidence of clonal succession. These founder cells also exhibit equal capacity to home and engraft to different organs, although stochastic processes may alter the composition in restrictive niches. Our findings enhance the stochastic stem cell model of ALL by demonstrating equal functional abilities of singular ALL blasts and show that successful treatment strategies must eradicate the entire leukaemic cell population.

Parameter uncertainty in biomathematical model described by one-prey two-predator system with mutualism

In this paper, a three-species system consisting of two predators which are in mutualism with each other and preying on the same single prey is considered. Also, the prey and first predator are harvested under optimal conditions. The values of the biological parameters depend on the collection of data from the experts as well as on the nature of the environment in which prey–predator system are considered. So the biological parameters are not precise in reality. This paper presents a different approach to study the prey–predator model with imprecise biological parameters. All the possible equilibrium points are identified and the local as well as global stability criteria under impreciseness are discussed. The possibility of existence of bionomic equilibrium is discussed. The optimal harvesting policy is studied using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Numerical examples are provided to support the proposed approach.

Study of the sign change of exchange bias across the spin reorientation transition in Co(Cr1-x Fe x )2O4 (x = 0.00-0.125)

We present the evolution of novel phenomena of magnetic compensation effect, exchange bias (EB) effect and the field induced anomalies in '[Formula: see text]' substituted multiferroic compound [Formula: see text]. A few percent of '[Formula: see text]' substitution for '[Formula: see text]' in [Formula: see text] results in the reversal of field cooled magnetization under low applied fields below compensation temperature T _comp. Further, increase in the field leads to the spin reorientation transition (T _SR). Signature of EB in a narrow temperature window in the vicinity of T _SR and its sign change across T _SR is observed. Magnitude of EB depends on the amount of compensation and rigidity of the spin reorientation. We also notice the appearance of positive EB below the lock-in transition (T _L). Presence of unidirectional anisotropy developed in the commensurate spin-spiral below T _L could be responsible for the appearance of EB below T _L.

Stability and Bionomic Analysis of Fuzzy Prey-Predator Harvesting Model in Presence of Toxicity: A Dynamic Approach

This paper deals with a prey-predator model in which both the species are infected by some toxicants which are released by some other species or source with fuzzy biological parameters. The application of fuzzy differential equation in the modeling of prey-predator populations with the effect of toxicants is presented. The dynamical behavior and harvesting of the fuzzy exploited system are studied by using the utility function method. Sufficient conditions for the local stability of the positive equilibrium are obtained by analyzing the characteristic equation. Furthermore, the possibility of the existence of bionomic equilibrium is studied under imprecise biological parameters. The study of the presence of toxic substance and harvesting in the modeling system can have significant impact on the existence of both the species, which is in line with reality. Numerical simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical analysis.

Long-term in vitro maintenance of clonal abundance and leukaemia-initiating potential in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Lack of suitable in vitro culture conditions for primary acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cells severely impairs their experimental accessibility and the testing of new drugs on cell material reflecting clonal heterogeneity in patients. We show that Nestin-positive human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) support expansion of a range of biologically and clinically distinct patient-derived ALL samples. Adherent ALL cells showed an increased accumulation in the S phase of the cell cycle and diminished apoptosis when compared with cells in the suspension fraction. Moreover, surface expression of adhesion molecules CD34, CDH2 and CD10 increased several fold. Approximately 20% of the ALL cells were in G0 phase of the cell cycle, suggesting that MSCs may support quiescent ALL cells. Cellular barcoding demonstrated long-term preservation of clonal abundance. Expansion of ALL cells for >3 months compromised neither feeder dependence nor cancer initiating ability as judged by their engraftment potential in immunocompromised mice. Finally, we demonstrate the suitability of this co-culture approach for the investigation of drug combinations with luciferase-expressing primograft ALL cells. Taken together, we have developed a preclinical platform with patient-derived material that will facilitate the development of clinically effective combination therapies for ALL.

Low temperature neutron diffraction studies on Co(Cr1−xFex)2O4 (x = 0.05 and 0.075)

We report the magnetic structures of an Fe substituted cobalt chromite system, Co(Cr_1−xFe_x)₂O₄ (x = 0.05 and 0.075), determined from the analysis of temperature dependent neutron diffraction measurements.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

Electroencephalographic coherence and cortical acetylcholine during ketamine-induced unconsciousness. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2015; 114(6): 979-89, DOI 10.1093/bja/aev095

This article was published by mistake in the June issue of BJA due to an administrative error. It was supposed to go into this special issue on Memory and Awareness in Anaesthesia. The article can be accessed free of charge at the following link: http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.1093/bja/aev095 The Publisher apologizes for the error.

Electroencephalographic coherence and cortical acetylcholine during ketamine-induced unconsciousness

BACKGROUND

There is limited understanding of cortical neurochemistry and cortical connectivity during ketamine anaesthesia. We conducted a systematic study to investigate the effects of ketamine on cortical acetylcholine (ACh) and electroencephalographic coherence.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=11) were implanted with electrodes to record electroencephalogram (EEG) from frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices, and with a microdialysis guide cannula for simultaneous measurement of ACh concentrations in prefrontal cortex before, during, and after ketamine anaesthesia. Coherence and power spectral density computed from the EEG, and ACh concentrations, were compared between conscious and unconscious states. Loss of righting reflex was used as a surrogate for unconsciousness.

RESULTS

Ketamine-induced unconsciousness was associated with a global reduction of power (P=0.02) in higher gamma bandwidths (>65 Hz), a global reduction of coherence (P≤0.01) across a broad frequency range (0.5-250 Hz), and a significant increase in ACh concentrations (P=0.01) in the prefrontal cortex. Compared with the unconscious state, recovery of righting reflex was marked by a further increase in ACh concentrations (P=0.0007), global increases in power in theta (4-10 Hz; P=0.03) and low gamma frequencies (25-55 Hz; P=0.0001), and increase in power (P≤0.01) and coherence (P≤0.002) in higher gamma frequencies (65-250 Hz). Acetylcholine concentrations, coherence, and spectral properties returned to baseline levels after a prolonged recovery period.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine-induced unconsciousness is characterized by suppression of high-frequency gamma activity and a breakdown of cortical coherence, despite increased cholinergic tone in the cortex.

Medium modification of jet fragmentation in Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV measured in direct photon-hadron correlations

The jet fragmentation function is measured with direct photon-hadron correlations in p+p and Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The p(T) of the photon is an excellent approximation to the initial p(T) of the jet and the ratio z(T)=p(T)(h)/p(T)(γ) is used as a proxy for the jet fragmentation function. A statistical subtraction is used to extract the direct photon-hadron yields in Au+Au collisions while a photon isolation cut is applied in p+p. I(AA), the ratio of hadron yield opposite the photon in Au+Au to that in p+p, indicates modification of the jet fragmentation function. Suppression, most likely due to energy loss in the medium, is seen at high z(T). The associated hadron yield at low z(T) is enhanced at large angles. Such a trend is expected from redistribution of the lost energy into increased production of low-momentum particles.

Evaluation of Antitumor and Antioxidant Activity of Melothria heterophylla (Lour.) Cogn

Melothria heterophylla (Lour.) Cogn., (family-Cucurbitaceae) popularly known as kundari, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects. The main objective was to isolate active constituents of the plant extract. In this study, the ability of M. heterophylla to induce apoptosis was studied in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. Treatment of the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells with a variety of concentrations of the ethanol extracts of M. heterophylla and gallic acid (100-1000 μM), to determine the sequences of events marked by apoptosis, assayed by the spectrofluorometric method. Gallic acid and rutin were isolated from plant extract which were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicate that ethanol extracts of M. heterophylla and gallic acid-induced apoptotic cell death in a dose dependent manner could be due to the generation of reactive oxygen species, especially H2O2, which is confirmed by caspase 3 activation. Treatment of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice with varied doses (200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.) of plant extract significantly reduced tumor volume and viable tumor cell count and improved hemoglobin content, RBC count, mean survival time, tumor inhibition, and percentage life span. The enhanced antioxidant status in extract-treated animals were evident from the decline in the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased levels of glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. The data suggest that M. heterophylla exerts anticancer activity, valuable for application in food and drug products.

Optimal harvesting of prey-predator system with interval biological parameters: a bioeconomic model

The paper presents the study of one prey one predator harvesting model with imprecise biological parameters. Due to the lack of precise numerical information of the biological parameters such as prey population growth rate, predator population decay rate and predation coefficients, we consider the model with imprecise data as form of an interval in nature. Many authors have studied prey-predator harvesting model in different form, here we consider a simple prey-predator model under impreciseness and introduce parametric functional form of an interval and then study the model. We identify the equilibrium points of the model and discuss their stabilities. The existence of bionomic equilibrium of the model is discussed. We study the optimal harvest policy and obtain the solution in the interior equilibrium using Pontryagin's maximum principle. Numerical examples are presented to support the proposed model.

Measurement of direct photons in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We report the measurement of direct photons at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. The direct photon signal was extracted for the transverse momentum range of 4 GeV/c<p(T)<22 GeV/c, using a statistical method to subtract decay photons from the inclusive photon sample. The direct photon nuclear modification factor R(AA) was calculated as a function of p(T) for different Au+Au collision centralities using the measured p+p direct photon spectrum and compared to theoretical predictions. R(AA) was found to be consistent with unity for all centralities over the entire measured p(T) range. Theoretical models that account for modifications of initial direct photon production due to modified parton distribution functions in Au and the different isospin composition of the nuclei predict a modest change of R(AA) from unity. They are consistent with the data. Models with compensating effects of the quark-gluon plasma on high-energy photons, such as suppression of jet-fragmentation photons and induced-photon bremsstrahlung from partons traversing the medium, are also consistent with this measurement.