For nearly 20 years, the Test Feeder Working Group of the Distribution System Analysis Subcommittee has been developing openly available distribution test feeders for use by researchers. The purpose ...of these test feeders is to provide models of distribution systems that reflect the wide diversity in design and their various analytic challenges. Because of their utility and accessibility, the test feeders have been used for a wide range of research, some of which has been outside the original scope of intended uses. This paper provides an overview of the existing distribution feeder models and clarifies the specific analytic challenges that they were originally designed to examine. Additionally, this paper will provide guidance on which feeders are best suited for various types of analysis. The purpose of this paper is to provide the original intent of the Working Group and to provide the information necessary so that researchers may make an informed decision on which of the test feeders are most appropriate for their work.
Ralstonia solanacearum
is one of the causal agent of bacterial wilt in Brazil. This is the main bacteriosis in tomato plants, which can cause losses of up to 100% in their production. The use of ...resistant cultivars is the main form of control. Thus, the study of genetic control of resistance provides essential information for the conduct of breeding programs. The objective of this work was to study the genetic control of tomato plant ‘Yoshimatsu’ resistance to
R. solanacearum
. The experiments were conducted in greehouse with the Yoshimatsu and IPA-7 parents; F
1
, F
2
, RC
11
, RC
21
generations; and F
2:3
progenies. All plants were inoculated using a
R. solanacearum
isolate from the collection of the Phitobacteriology Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. The severity of bacterial wilt were assessed through a descriptive scale of scores at 10 and 20 days after inoculation. The resistance to
R. solanacearum
in the ‘Yoshimatsu’ cultivar is associated with recessive alleles, in which the genetic control of resistance is determined by two independent genes of greater effect with only additive effects, plus polygenes associated with additive and dominance effects.
•Central AT1R-mediated ERK1/2 activation is involved in sodium appetite in SHRs.•AT1R-mediated ERK1/2 activation is involved in central ANG II-induced pressor response in SHRs.•Central injections of ...U0126 or PEP7 reduce NaCl intake and pressor responses in SHRs.•Acute inhibition of central ERK1/2 pathway does not change baseline blood pressure in SHRs.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) have increased daily or induced sodium intake compared to normotensive rats. In normotensive rats, angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced sodium intake is blocked by the inactivation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase, also known as extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2). Here we investigated if inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway centrally would change sodium appetite and intracerebroventricular (icv) ANG II-induced pressor response in SHRs. SHRs (280−330 g, n = 07–14/group) with stainless steel cannulas implanted in the lateral ventricle (LV) were used. Water and 0.3 M NaCl intake was induced by the treatment with the diuretic furosemide + captopril (angiotensin converting enzyme blocker) subcutaneously or 24 h of water deprivation (WD) followed by 2 h of partial rehydration with only water (PR). The blockade of ERK1/2 activation with icv injections of U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor, 2 mM; 2 μl) reduced 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by furosemide + captopril (5.0 ± 1.0, vs. vehicle: 7.3 ± 0.7 mL/120 min) or WD-PR (4.6 ± 1.3, vs. vehicle: 10.3 ± 1.4 mL/120 min). PEP7 (selective inhibitor of AT1 receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation, 2 nmol/2 μL) icv also reduced WD-PR-induced 0.3 M NaCl (2.8 ± 0.7, vs. vehicle: 6.8 ± 1.4 mL/120 min). WD-PR-induced water intake was also reduced by U0126 or PEP7. In addition, U0126 or PEP7 icv reduced the pressor response to icv ANG II. Therefore, the present results suggest that central AT1 receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation is part of the mechanisms involved in sodium appetite and ANG II-induced pressor response in SHRs.
Recurrent 15q13.3 microdeletions were recently identified with identical proximal (BP4) and distal (BP5) breakpoints and associated with mild to moderate mental retardation and epilepsy.
To assess ...further the clinical implications of this novel 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, 18 new probands with a deletion were molecularly and clinically characterised. In addition, we evaluated the characteristics of a family with a more proximal deletion between BP3 and BP4. Finally, four patients with a duplication in the BP3-BP4-BP5 region were included in this study to ascertain the clinical significance of duplications in this region.
The 15q13.3 microdeletion in our series was associated with a highly variable intra- and inter-familial phenotype. At least 11 of the 18 deletions identified were inherited. Moreover, 7 of 10 siblings from four different families also had this deletion: one had a mild developmental delay, four had only learning problems during childhood, but functioned well in daily life as adults, whereas the other two had no learning problems at all. In contrast to previous findings, seizures were not a common feature in our series (only 2 of 17 living probands). Three patients with deletions had cardiac defects and deletion of the KLF13 gene, located in the critical region, may contribute to these abnormalities. The limited data from the single family with the more proximal BP3-BP4 deletion suggest this deletion may have little clinical significance. Patients with duplications of the BP3-BP4-BP5 region did not share a recognisable phenotype, but psychiatric disease was noted in 2 of 4 patients.
Overall, our findings broaden the phenotypic spectrum associated with 15q13.3 deletions and suggest that, in some individuals, deletion of 15q13.3 is not sufficient to cause disease. The existence of microdeletion syndromes, associated with an unpredictable and variable phenotypic outcome, will pose the clinician with diagnostic difficulties and challenge the commonly used paradigm in the diagnostic setting that aberrations inherited from a phenotypically normal parent are usually without clinical consequences.
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key coordinators of biological and cellular processes. Characterizing lncRNA expression across cells and tissues is key to understanding their role in ...determining phenotypes, including human diseases. We present here FC-R2, a comprehensive expression atlas across a broadly defined human transcriptome, inclusive of over 109,000 coding and noncoding genes, as described in the FANTOM CAGE-Associated Transcriptome (FANTOM-CAT) study. This atlas greatly extends the gene annotation used in the original
resource. We demonstrate the utility of the FC-R2 atlas by reproducing key findings from published large studies and by generating new results across normal and diseased human samples. In particular, we (a) identify tissue-specific transcription profiles for distinct classes of coding and noncoding genes, (b) perform differential expression analysis across thirteen cancer types, identifying novel noncoding genes potentially involved in tumor pathogenesis and progression, and (c) confirm the prognostic value for several enhancer lncRNAs expression in cancer. Our resource is instrumental for the systematic molecular characterization of lncRNA by the FANTOM6 Consortium. In conclusion, comprised of over 70,000 samples, the FC-R2 atlas will empower other researchers to investigate functions and biological roles of both known coding genes and novel lncRNAs.
A Superconducting Wavelength Shifter (SWLS) capable of achieving a peak magnetic field of 6.6 T is currently being designed for a future hard X-ray beamline of Sirius, the new Brazilian Light Source. ...Due to the machine requirements, a narrow field profile in the central pole region (FWHM < 30 mm) is a constraint to the electromagnetic design. The superconducting racetrack coils, made of NbTi wires, are being designed to be conduction cooled with an operating margin above 20% at 5 K. Two designs are required, the lateral coils with 180 turns and the central coils with 1080 turns, both wound layer by layer with fiberglass insulation and then vacuum impregnated with epoxy resin. The proposed coils design and fabrication route will be presented, as well as the proposed setup for testing them.
In this work, we have constructed and experimentally investigated frustrated arrays of dipoles forming two-dimensional artificial spin ices with different lattice parameters (rectangular arrays with ...horizontal and vertical lattice spacings denoted by a and b respectively). Arrays with three different aspect ratios γ = a/b = Formula: see text, Formula: see text and Formula: see text are studied. Theoretical calculations of low-energy demagnetized configurations for these same parameters are also presented. Experimental data for demagnetized samples confirm most of the theoretical results. However, the highest energy topology (doubly-charged monopoles) does not emerge in our theoretical model, while they are seen in experiments for large enough γ. Our results also insinuate that the string tension connecting two magnetic monopoles in a pair vanishes in rectangular lattices with a critical ratio γ = γ
= Formula: see text, supporting previous theoretical predictions.
•Viscoelastometric haemostatic assays allow targeted correction of fibrinogen ≤2 g/L.•Correction of fibrinogen ≤2 g/L with escalated care reduced PPH progression.•Reduced progression was greatest in ...women with fibrinogen ≤2 g/L at first testing.•These data support fibrinogen ≤2 g/L as a therapeutic target in obstetric bleeding.
Viscoelastometric haemostatic assays (VHA) give rapid information on coagulation status, allowing individualised resuscitation.
This paper compares outcomes from two observational studies of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in the same institution, before and after practice changed from fixed ratio empirical transfusion of coagulation products with laboratory coagulation testing to VHA-guided fibrinogen replacement incorporated into an enhanced PPH care bundle.
In both studies, all blood samples were taken near 1000 mL qualitative blood loss (QBL). In Study One, QBL started once PPH was identified, and resuscitation with coagulation blood products was empirical or based on laboratory tests of coagulation. In Study Two, QBL started at delivery and VHA was used to guide fibrinogen replacement if FIBTEM A5 was <12 mm (Claus fibrinogen ≤2 g/L) or to withhold coagulation products if FIBTEM A5 was >12 mm.
Improved PPH outcomes were observed in Study Two, with rates of measured blood loss ≥2500 mL, ≥4 units red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, fresh frozen plasma transfusion and ≥8 units of any blood product transfusion all reduced (P < 0.01). Clinically significant improvements occurred in women with fibrinogen ≤2 g/L at study entry, where the proportion of women who received ≥4 units RBC transfusion fell from 67% in Study One to 0% in Study Two (P = 0.0007).
These results suggest that use of VHA as part of an early bundle of PPH care targeting fibrinogen ≤2 g/L with fibrinogen concentrate reduces PPH progression. The greatest benefit was seen when fibrinogen levels were ≤2 g/L at first testing.
•A prospective observational study recruited women with postpartum haemorrhage.•Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM Sigma) samples matched with laboratory tests.•Low fibrinogen ≤2 g/L was the most ...frequent coagulation deficit.•Fibtem A5 ≤11 mm sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.96 for detecting low fibrinogen.•Clinical use of the ROTEM algorithm was effective in identifying low fibrinogen.
Point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assays such as rotational thromboelastometry (including ROTEM and TEG) have been used in the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). This study compared results obtained from the automated ROTEM Sigma with laboratory tests of coagulation and platelet count during PPH.
A prospective observational cohort study recruited women with PPH ≥1000 mL (or clinical concern of bleeding). The Fibtem A5, Extem CT and Pltem (Extem A5 – Fibtem A5) results were compared with laboratory tests of fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and platelet count.
521 women were recruited, including 274/277 (98.9%) of women with PPH ≥1500 mL. Fibtem A5 results were matched with laboratory fibrinogen in 552/644 (85.7%) samples. The incidence of abnormal laboratory results was low: fibrinogen ≤2 g/L 23/464 (5.0%), PT or APTT >1.5 × midpoint of reference range 4/464 (0.9%), and platelet count <75 × 109/L 11/477 (2.3%). Area-under-the-receiver operator characteristic curve for Fibtem A5 to detect fibrinogen ≤2 g/L was 0.96 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.94 to 0.98, P<0.001), with sensitivity and specificity of Fibtem A5 ≤11 mm to detect fibrinogen ≤2 g/L of 0.76 and 0.96. Prolonged Extem CT results improved after treatment of hypofibrinogenaemia alone. Intervention points for platelet and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion based on ROTEM Sigma parameters could not be established.
During PPH (≥1000 mL or cases of clinical concern about bleeding), ROTEM Sigma Fibtem A5 can detect fibrinogen ≤2 g/L and guide targeted fibrinogen replacement. Laboratory results should continue to be used to guide platelet and FFP transfusion.
Management of variability in germplasm banks is essential for genetic improvement, so that the breeder can estimate the genetic similarity between cultivars, as well as maintain genetic diversity in ...breeding programs. Elephant grass is a forage crop plant native to Africa of great socio-economic and environmental importance; it can be used for animal feed and for bioenergy production. Understanding the genetic variability of elephant grass is essential for breeding programs. In this context, we examined the genetic divergence of elephant grass accessions using the Gower algorithm. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brazil. All 85 elephant grass accessions belonging to the Active Elephant Grass Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Gado de Leite were included. These genotypes are commercial varieties from various countries. They were evaluated for morphoagronomic, morphological and phenological characteristics. The experimental design was randomized blocks with two repetitions. The plots were composed of 5.5-meter rows, with 2.0-meter spacing between the planting rows, totaling 11.0 m2. The useful area was a sample in the center of the plot. We generated an illustrative dendrogram, obtained by the UPGMA method and the Tocher clustering, based on the Gower algorithm. Data were examined by means of the GENES statistical programs and the R program. According to the dissimilarity matrices based on the Gower algorithm, the genetic distances varied between 0.08 and 0.56, and the mean distance of the 85 evaluated accessions was 0.25, suggesting, consequently, that there is wide genetic variability between the accessions. Of the 85 genotypes, seven presented genetic distances smaller than 0.1, being indicative of duplicates in the germplasm bank, which could be eliminated without risk of loss of genetic variability.
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