The aim of the presented study was to establish the conception rate in Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes submitted to estrus synchronization via Presynch/Ovsynch protocol applied in non-breeding and ...breeding season. The experiment was conducted in 24 buffaloes with at least 40 days postpartum, allotted into two groups according to the treatment season: Group I (n=8) – non-breeding season, Group II (n=16) – breeding season. On day 0 and day 35 after artificial insemination, the buffaloes were examined by transrectal ultrasound to identify ovarian structures and prove pregnancy, respectively. The initial ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a corpus luteum and a follicle with a diameter ≥10 mm in 33.33% (8/24) of all cases, solely a follicle ≥10 mm in 45.84% (11/24) and follicles with a diameter <10 mm in 20.83 % (5/24). The total conception rates between Group I (37.50%, 3/8) and Group II (43.75%, 7/16) did not differ significantly (P = 0.39), and the overall conception rate after estrus synchronization (41.67%, 10/24) was within the normal range for the species. The applied protocol leads to successful conceptions of buffaloes in both seasons. The high percentage of conception is registered in the hormonal treatment of buffaloes with follicle > 10 mm.
Advanced detector R&D requires performing computationally intensive and detailed simulations as part of the detector-design optimization process. We propose a general approach to this process based ...on Bayesian optimization and machine learning that encodes detector requirements. As a case study, we focus on the design of the dual-radiator Ring Imaging Cherenkov (dRICH) detector under development as a potential component of the particle-identification system at the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The EIC is a US-led frontier accelerator project for nuclear physics, which has been proposed to further explore the structure and interactions of nuclear matter at the scale of sea quarks and gluons. We show that the detector design obtained with our automated and highly parallelized framework outperforms the baseline dRICH design within the assumptions of the current model. Our approach can be applied to any detector R&D, provided that realistic simulations are available.
The herbal protocols, used instead of hormones in buffalo breeding for reproduction optimisation, do not provide information of their effect on the milk quality of treated animals. This research ...analysed whether the herbal preparation AyuFertin (Indian Herbs Specialities Pvt. Ltd, Saharanpur), applied in postpartum period for recovering the ovary cycling, had a side effect on the milk composition. The experiment was conducted with buffaloes of the Bulgarian Murrah breed at average age of 50 months during May-June 2019, divided into control (n=6) and experimental (n=7) groups. The experimental buffaloes received AyuFertin orally for three consecutive days at a dose of 3 g/100 kg live weight since the 21st postpartum day. The animals without signs of estrus were treated again after 10 days. The milk samples were collected at test-days, before and after treatments. The fatty acid composition of the milk and Ayufertin was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Quantification of the identified fatty acids in milk was made by the area normalisation method. In general, the fatty acids composition did not differ after the treatment with AyuFertin. Deviation in the amounts of some fatty acids was established. The content of medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric and capric was decreased, while the amount of long-chain acids such as 11-hexadecanoic and stearic was increased in the experimental group. The main active components of AyuFertin - trienoic acids were not transferred into the milk of treated animals. In conclusion, due to the ability of AyuFertin to affect the fatty acids amount in the milk of treated buffaloes, farmers should strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the dose and duration of AyuFertin treatment to avoid negative effects on milk quality.
Excellent particle identification (PID) is an essential requirement for a future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) detector. Identification of the hadrons in the final state is critical to study how ...different quark flavors contribute to nucleon properties. A detector based on the Detection of Internally Reflected Cherenkov light (DIRC) principle, with a radial size of only a few cm, is a perfect solution for those requirements. The R&D process performed by the EIC PID consortium (eRD14) is focused on designing a high-performance DIRC that would extend the momentum coverage well beyond the state-of-the-art, allowing 3 standard deviations or more separation of π/K up to 6 GeV/c, e/π up to 1.8 GeV/c, and p/K up to 10 GeV/c. A key component to reach such a performance is a special 3-layer compound lens. This article describes the status of the High-Performance DIRC R&D for the EIC detector, with a focus on the detailed Monte Carlo simulation results and performance tests of the 3-layer lens.
Purpose of work: The study was aimed to assess the antineoplastic activity of justicidin B in vitro and to search for its general toxicological profile in vivo. The anti-neoplastic activity of the ...arylnaphthalene lignin, justicidin B, was assessed in a panel of human lymphoma cell lines and compared with etoposide as a reference compound. A screening of the cytotoxicity after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure was performed by the MTT-dye reduction assay. Dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed and the IC₅₀ values ranged from 0.17 µM (RPMI-8226, 72 h) to 183 µM (U-266, 24 h) and more than 200 µM (HD-MY-Z, 24 and 48 h). Activation of caspase 3 and 8 was involved in the induction of programmed cell death in DOHH-2 cell line. NF-κB modulation occurred in DOHH-2 and HH cells. The general toxicity in mice after i.p. injection was also tested. The highest applied dose (50 mg/kg = 137.25 µM) did not show any toxicity. Justicidin B possesses definite and potent selective antineoplastic activity, related to its ability to induce programmed cell death in NHL-derived human cell lines at concentrations that can be reached in mice without toxicity.
Here we present preliminary results for the gain performance of commercially available 3-mum and 6-mum pore-size single-anode microchannel-plate photomultipliers (MCP PMTs) in magnetic fields up to 5 ...T and for various orientations of the sensor relative to the field direction. The measurements were performed at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, VA. Our results show that smaller-pore-size PMTs have better gain performance in magnetic fields. At various angles, the shape of the gain dependence on the strength of the magnetic field strongly depends on the type of the sensor. Also, for each sensor, the azimuthal dependence is strongly correlated with the polar angle. Overall, the sensors exhibit a reasonable performance up to 2 T, although that upper limit depends on the sensor, the applied high voltage, and the orientation of the sensor relative to the field. To optimize the operational and design parameters of MCP PMTs for performance in high magnetic fields, further measurements and simulation studies will be pursued. Our studies are part of an R&D for development of a Detector of Internally Reflected Cherenkov Light for the central detector of a future U.S. Electron Ion Collider.
A radially-compact subsystem providing particle identification (e/pi, pi/K, K/p) over a wide momentum range is an essential requirement for the central detector of an Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). ...With a radial size of only a few cm, a detector based on Detection of Internally Reflected Cherenkov light (DIRC) principle is a very attractive solution. The R&D undertaken by the EIC PID consortium achieved the goal of showing feasibility of a high-performance DIRC that would extend the momentum coverage well beyond state-of-the-art allowing 3sigma separation of pi/K up to 6 GeV/c, e/K up to 1.8 GeV/c and p/K up to 10 GeV/c. A key component to reach such a performance is a special 3-layer spherical compound lens. This article describes the status of the design and R&D for the DIRC at EIC detector, with a focus on the detailed Monte Carlo simulation results for the high-performance DIRC.
In its latest Long Range Plan for Nuclear Science Research in the U.S., the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee to the Department of Energy recommended that in regards to new nuclear-physics ...facilities, the construction of an Electron Ion Collider (EIC) be of the highest priority after the completion of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. In order to carry out key aspects of the scientific program of the EIC, the EIC central detector must be capable of hadron particle identification (PID) over a broad momentum range of up to 50 GeV/c. The goal of the EIC-PID consortium is to develop an integrated program for PID at EIC, which employs several different technologies for imaging Cherenkov detectors. Here we discuss the conceptual designs and the expected PID performance of two of these detectors, as well as the newest results of gain evaluation studies of photon sensors that are good candidates to read out these detectors. Development of a gas-aerogel dual-radiator Ring Imaging Cherenkov (dRICH) detector with outward focusing mirrors is being pursued for the hadron endcap. Simulations demonstrate that the dRICH can provide a continuous ≥3σ π/K/p separation from 2.5 GeV/c to 50 GeV/c. A modular aerogel Ring Imaging Cherenkov (mRICH) detector with a Fresnel lens as a focusing element is being pursued for the electron endcap. The design provides for hadron identification over a momentum range of 3 GeV/c–10 GeV/c. The working principle of the mRICH design has been proven in a beam test with a first prototype. The location of the sensor readout planes of the Cherenkov detectors in the magnetic field of the central-detector solenoid, which is expected to be within 1.5 T–3 T, makes is necessary to evaluate the limit of the acceptable performance of commercially available photosensors, such as microchannel-plate photomultipliers (MCP PMTs). Here we present the results of gain evaluation of multi-anode MCP PMTs with a pore size of 10 μm. Overall, our preliminary results suggest that the 10-μm pore-size sensors can be operated in a magnetic field with magnitude up to Bmax of 2 T. The value of Bmax depends on the relative orientation between the sensor and the field.
Abstract Background In an attempt to establish how treatment with inhaled extra-fine beclomethasone/formoterol (I-EF-BDP/F) formulation differs from other combinations of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) ...and long acting beta-agonist (LABA), we studied lung function and markers of airway inflammation upon switching to the extra-fine formulation and after 8 weeks of treatment with it. Methods We carried out a real-life clinical observation of undercontrolled asthmatic patients switched over from dry powder inhalers of fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol to I-EF-BDP/F (Foster® , Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Italy). The effects of 8-weeks of treatment were documented by means of visual analog scale (VAS), quality of life by Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), spirometry and markers of airway or systemic inflammation: exhaled breath temperature (EBT), blood eosinophils (Eos), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). Before/after treatment differences between forced vital capacity percent of predicted (%FVC), a simple indicator of small airways involvement, were calculated and subjects were ranked accordingly to reflect the magnitude of the therapeutic response. Subjects above the 75th percentile ( n = 15), “top responders”, were then compared with those below the 25th percentile ( n = 15) “poor responders”. Results On average, the 59 patients completing the study (mean age± SD 51 ± 12 years, 38 women) had significant improvement in VAS and QLQ scores at the end of the treatment period (49.1 ± 2.4 vs. 73.1 ± 2.05 and 146.1 ± 2.7 vs. 176.7.1 ± 3.4 respectively, P < 0.001), but not in the inflammatory indicators (EBT, CRP and Eos). However, when comparing the “top responders” with the “poor responders”, significant improvement in these inflammatory indicators was observed: EBT significantly decreased from 34.04/mean/± 0.30/s.e.m./°C to 33.57 ± 0.33, P = 0.003, Eos in blood fell from 381.7 ± 91.2 cells/μL to 244.2 ± 43.2, P = 0.02. Before/after treatment differences in hsCRP decreased significantly in the top responders compared with the poor responders (Mann–Whitney test, P = 0.04). Conclusion Asthmatic subjects who had the most improvement in FVC after transition to I-EF-BDP/F from other combined ICS/LABA preparations also demonstrated a significant decrease in some indicators of airway/systemic inflammation. These results support the notion that I-EF-BDP/F exerts an effect also at the level of the small airways through a reduction of the level of air trapping. Patients in whom inflammation of the small airways plays an important clinical role are the ones to derive most benefit from this small airways tailored treatment. However, improved compliance due to the “promise of a new drug” effect should also be considered as contributing to the treatment results.
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