BACKGROUND: In contrast to the technique of conventional freezing, the vitrification of spermatozoa requires high cooling rates (720 000°K/min), which could be damaging for spermatozoa. The aim of ...our study was to compare slowly frozen and vitrified spermatozoa in terms of their post‐thaw DNA integrity and motility. METHODS: Semen samples were prepared according to the routine swim‐up technique and divided into aliquots for comparison of fresh, conventionally frozen and vitrified spermatozoa from the same ejaculate in the presence or absence of cryoprotectants. Spermatozoa motility and DNA integrity were determined. RESULTS: The motility of spermatozoa conventionally (slowly) frozen with a cryoprotectant was similar to that recorded for spermatozoa vitrified in the absence of cryoprotectant (47 versus 52%). The DNA integrity was unaffected by the cryopreservation method or presence of cryoprotectants. CONCLUSION: The vitrification of human spermatozoa in the absence of conventional cryoprotectants is indeed feasible. The DNA integrity of vitrified sperm is comparable with that shown by standard slow‐frozen/thawed spermatozoa, yet the method is quick and simple and does not require special cryobiological equipment.
ABSTRACT
We report the results of optical échelle spectroscopy with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) of the mass donor star BSDL923 in the neutron star (NS) high-mass X-ray binary XMMU ...J051342.6−672412 associated with the LMC supernova remnant (SNR) MCSNR J0513−6724. We found that BSDL923 is a B0.7 III star with double peaked emission lines originating in a circumbinary disc-like structure. Modelling with the stellar atmosphere code fastwind was used to derive Teff = 27 000 K, log g = 3.22, $v\sin i\approx 100\, {\rm \, km\, s^{-1}}$ and $\log (L_*/\rm \, L_\odot)=5.46$ of BSDL923, as well as to show that the surface of this star is polluted with α-elements from the supernova ejecta. We found also that the NS is orbiting BSDL923 in an eccentric orbit with the orbital period of 1.280 d and the semimajor axis of $17\pm 3 \,R_\odot$, which is less than or equal to the radius of BSDL923 of $25\pm 5 \,R_\odot$. We speculate that the NS is embedded in the atmosphere of BSDL923 either because it was kicked at birth towards this star or because of inflation of BSDL923 caused by the energy input from the supernova blast wave. Using long-slit spectroscopy with SALT, we searched for possible signs of the SNR shell in the 2D spectrum, but did not find them. This lack of detection is consistent with the young age of this SNR, implying that it is still in the adiabatic phase.
Abstract
We performed long-slit spectral observations of two SB-type galaxies: NGC 5347 and UGC 1344. They were previously suspected as the galaxies with unusually low mass-to-light ratios (on the ...ground of mass estimates from the H i linewidths), which are in conflict with their observed colours. The observations were conducted at the Russian 6-m telescope. The aim of this study was to clarify the kinematics and structure, as well as the properties of stellar populations of the galaxies. The results of observations disproved the peculiarly low mass-to-light ratios of both galaxies. The most probable reasons of underestimation of their masses are discussed. We tried to reproduce the main observed features of kinematical profiles of the galaxies in the N-body simulations of barred galaxies. We found that both galaxies possess central components of different structures. Indeed, the age and velocity dispersion of stellar population in NGC 5347 are low in its innermost part in comparison to that of the bulge or a bar, which agrees with the presence of nuclear kinematically decoupled disc. It probably was formed due to the bar that supplied the inner region with gas. The kinematical profiles of the second galaxy UGC 1344 give evidence in favour of the central peanut-shaped bulge. In spite of the different luminosities of the two galaxies, they possess nearly equal (close to solar) central stellar abundance and the flattening of the stellar metallicity gradient in the bar regions. However, in the less luminous NGC 5347, the mean stellar age is younger than that in UGC 1344.
The development of cloud technologies enables companies to actively implement technologies for cost management and risk reduction in their financial and economic activities. The use of cloud-based ...models of risk management in the financial and economic activities of the enterprise will help small and medium-sized companies in the agro-industrial sector in Russia to make structural and strategic changes, as well as discover new opportunities for business expansion. The purpose of the study is to develop models for cost management and reduction of risks in the financial and economic activities of companies based on the OLAP technology for application in Russian agro-industrial enterprises. The study employs a qualitative approach based on the case study methodology. The paper discloses and substantiates the authors’ conceptual model of a cost management system that allows executives to make decisions proceeding from four types of cost prices. The distinguishing feature of the management system is the use of a digital twin, which makes it possible to manage risks at the early stages of decision-making. The application of OLAP systems improves the quality of analysis and visualization methods as part of the cost management system. In addition, the study provides practical insight into how the applied model will help small and medium-sized agro-industrial enterprises to develop different business vision strategies based on cost reduction, manage the level of risk at the early stages of decision-making, and analyze information from a geographically dispersed logistics chain of divisions (production facilities, warehouses, stores).
This study investigates the ability of sucrose to protect spermatozoa against mitochondrial damage, artificial cryoinduction of capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Spermatozoa were isolated using ...the swim-up procedure performed using three different media: (a) human tubal fluid (HTF, control) medium; (b) HTF with 1% human serum albumin (HSA); and (c) HTF with 1% HSA and 0.25 M sucrose. From each group, 30 μl suspensions of cells were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen and stored for at least 24 h. Cells were thawed by quickly submerging the spheres in HTF with 1% HSA at 37 °C with gentle agitation. Sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential integrity, spontaneous capacitation, and acrosome reaction were investigated. Sperm viability, acrosome reaction, and capacitation were detected using the double fluorescence chlortetracycline-Hoechst 33258 staining technique. Mitochondrial function was evaluated using a unique fluorescent cationic dye, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1-1',3,3'-tetraethyl-benzamidazolocarbocyanin iodide, commonly known as JC-1. The number of progressively motile spermatozoa was significantly higher in the sucrose-supplemented medium group (57.1±3.2%, P<0.05) when compared with controls (19.4±1.9%). The combination of HSA and sucrose (65.2±2.6%) has a stronger cryoprotective effect on the integrity of mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05) compared with HSA alone (32.6±4.7%). In conclusion, vitrification of human spermatozoa with non-permeable cryoprotectants such as HSA and sucrose can effectively cryopreserve the cells without significant loss of important physiological parameters.
ABSTRACT
We report the discovery of a square axisymmetric circumstellar nebula around the emission-line star HD 93795 in the archival Spitzer Space Telescope 24 $\rm{\mu m}$ data. We classify HD ...93795 as a B9 Ia star using optical spectra obtained with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). A spectral analysis carried out with the stellar atmosphere code fastwind indicates that HD 93795 only recently left the main sequence and is evolving redward for the first time. We discuss possible scenarios for the origin of the nebula and suggest that HD 93795 was originally a binary system and that the nebula was formed because of the merger of the binary components. We also discuss a discrepancy between distance estimates for HD 93795 based on the Gaia data and the possible membership of this star of the Car OB1 association, and conclude that HD 93795 could be at the same distance as Car OB1.
This study aimed to compare the quality of human spermatozoa vitrified by direct plunging into liquid nitrogen vs. liquid air. Spermatozoa were divided into three groups: fresh spermatozoa (Group F) ...were used as a control. Spermatozoa suspension (20 μl) was vitrified in open granules by direct dropping into liquid nitrogen (Group LN) or clean liquid air (Group LA). After warming at 37°C, the progressive motility rate of Group F was reduced from 65.9 ± 2.5% to 34.0 ± 1.9% (Group LN) and 38.1 ± 2.3% (Group LA), respectively (P1-2,3 < 0.05). The reductions in viability were 65.6 ± 2.2%, 29.0 ± 1.8%, and 36.6 ± 2.6% for Groups F, LN, and LA, respectively (P1-2,3 < 0.05). Comparing spermatozoa vitrified in liquid nitrogen vs. liquid air, no significant differences were detected in motility (34.0 ± 1.9% vs. 38.1 ± 2.3%), viability (29.0 ± 1.8% vs. 36.6 ± 2.6%), early apoptosis (13.8 ± 1.5% vs. 14.3 ± 1.8%), late apoptosis (45.5 ± 1.8% vs. 43.7 ± 2.2%), and necrosis (19.5 ± 2.0% vs. 15.0 ± 1.8%; p>0.01 for all respective differences). There was a statistical tendency for increasing rates of “progressive motility” and “viability” and decreasing rates of “apoptosis” and “necrosis” when comparing spermatozoa vitrified in liquid air vs. liquid nitrogen. It is concluded that cryoprotectant-free vitrification by the direct dropping of human spermatozoa in a clean cooling agent (liquid air) is a good alternative to the use of nonsterile liquid nitrogen and can be used to cool cells while minimising the risk of microbial contamination.
Aims. Though S0 galaxies are usually thought to be “red and dead”, they often present weak star formation organized in ring structures in their outer disks. We try to clarify the nature of this ...phenomenon and its difference from star formation in spiral galaxies. The nearby luminous S0 galaxy NGC 1211 is studied here. Methods. By applying Fabry-Perot scanning interferometry at the Russian 6m telescope, we measured the gas rotation in the outer ring of the galaxy. We studied the pattern and properties of the brightest star formation regions with the tunable filter Mapper of Narrow Galaxy Lines (MaNGaL) at the 2.5 m telescope of the Caucasian Mountain Observatory of the SAI MSU. Results. The gas excitation is strongly inhomogeneous along the ring: in the eastern part, HII-type excitation dominates, while the western part of the ring is partly excited by shocks, as revealed by the emission-line diagnostic diagram. The gas metallicity of the emission clumps in the outer ring also has a broad distribution. The star formation rate is currently falling and is in general too weak for the galaxy gas content. We conclude that the gas in the ring has been accreted recently, about 300 Myr ago, probably from an inclined direction, and that the accretion event has provoked a brief, ineffective starburst.
The glass transition temperature (
T
g) of a sample is an important parameter that determines its stability during storage. While
T
g can be measured by a variety of methods, it is a time-consuming ...procedure, especially if the sample is to be kept at subzero temperatures, in anhydrous conditions, or if sampling a portion of the specimen for analysis is cumbersome. Hence, predicting rather than directly measuring
T
g as a function of the content of the constituents of a blend, mixture, or solution can be a powerful tool. Two main models for predicting
T
g have been proposed: Couchman–Karasz (C–K) and Gordon–Taylor (G–T) formalisms. However, many aspects of both are theoretical/terminological in nature, and substantial controversy exists about the various experimental approaches to measuring
T
g as well. Here, we compare C–K and G–T formalisms, as well as related problems that arise from the variety of definitions and methods of measuring
T
g. Water–trehalose solutions are used as an example for application of the analysis. However, the same conclusions can be expanded to any other solutions so thermodynamical parameters (
T
g, Δ
C
p, and
k) of 20 other commonly used solutes are provided. Practical pitfalls related to determining water content, including experimental data on thermal gravimetry, are also discussed.
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