Background:Mammalian cells possess molecular clocks,the adequate functioning of which is decisive for metabolic health.Exercise is known to modulate these clocks,potentially having distinct effects on metabolism depen...Background:Mammalian cells possess molecular clocks,the adequate functioning of which is decisive for metabolic health.Exercise is known to modulate these clocks,potentially having distinct effects on metabolism depending on the time of day.This study aimed to investigate the impact of morning vs.evening moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glucose regulation and energy metabolism in healthy men and women.It also aimed to elucidate molecular mechanisms within skeletal muscle.Methods:Using a randomized crossover design,healthy men(n=18)and women(n=17)performed a 60-min bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in the morning and evening.Glucose regulation was continuously monitored starting 24 h prior to the exercise day and continuing until 48 h post-exercise for each experimental condition.Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry during exercise and at rest before and after exercise for 30 min.Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected immediately before and after exercise to assess mitochondrial function,transcriptome,and mitochondrial proteome.Results:Results indicated similar systemic glucose,energy expenditure,and substrate oxidation during and after exercise in both sexes.Notably,transcriptional analysis,mitochondrial function,and mitochondrial proteomics revealed marked sexual dimorphism and time of day variations.Conclusion:The sexual dimorphism and time of day variations observed in the skeletal muscle in response to exercise may translate into observable systemic effects with higher exercise-intensity or chronic exercise interventions.This study provides a foundational molecular framework for precise exercise prescription in the clinical setting.展开更多
An artificial neural network and regression procedures were used to predict the recovery and collision probability of quartz flotation concentrate in different operational conditions. Flotation parameters, such as dim...An artificial neural network and regression procedures were used to predict the recovery and collision probability of quartz flotation concentrate in different operational conditions. Flotation parameters, such as dimensionless numbers （Froude, Reynolds, and Weber）, particle size, air flow rate, bubble diameter, and bubble rise velocity, were used as inputs to both methods. The linear regression method shows that the relationships between flotation parameters and the recovery and collision probability of flotation can achieve correlation coefficients （R2） of 0.54 and 0.87, respectively. A feed-forward artificial neural network with 3-3-3-2 arrangement is able to simultaneously estimate the recovery and collision probability as the outputs. In testing stages, the quite satisfactory correlation coefficient of 0.98 was achieved for both outputs. It shows that the proposed neural network models can be used to determine the most advantageous operational conditions for the expected recovery and collision probability in the froth flotation process.展开更多
AIM To present the incidence of heterotopic ossification after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7(rhB MP-7) for the treatment of nonunions.METHODS Bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs) promote bone ...AIM To present the incidence of heterotopic ossification after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7(rhB MP-7) for the treatment of nonunions.METHODS Bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs) promote bone formation by auto-induction. Recombinant human BMP-7 in combination with bone grafts was used in 84 patients for the treatment of long bone nonunions. All patients were evaluated radiographicaly for the development of heterotopic ossification during the standard assessment for the nonunion healing. In all patients(80.9%) with radiographic signs of heterotopic ossification, a CT scan was performed. Nonunion site palpation and ROM evaluation of the adjacent jointswere also carried out. Factors related to the patient(age, gender), the nonunion(location, size, chronicity, number of previous procedures, infection, surrounding tissues condition) and the surgical procedure(graft and fixation type, amount of rhB MP-7) were correlated with the development of heterotopic ossification and statistical analysis with Pearsons χ~2 test was performed.RESULTS Eighty point nine percent of the nonunions treated with rh BMP-7, healed with no need for further procedures. Heterotopic bone formation occurred in 15 of 84 patients(17.8%) and it was apparent in the routine radiologi-cal evaluation of the nonunion site, in a mean time of 5.5 mo after the rh BMP-7 application(range 3-12). The heterotopic ossification was located at the femur in 8 cases, at the tibia in 6, and at the humerus in οne patient. In 4 patients a palpable mass was present and only in one patient, with a para-articular knee nonunion treated with rhB MP-7, the size of heterotopic ossification affected the knee range of motion. All the patients with heterotopic ossification were male. Statistical analysis proved that patient's gender was the only important factor for the development of heterotopic ossification(P = 0.007). CONCLUSION Heterotopic ossification after the use of rh BMP-7 in nonunions was common but it did not compromise the final clinical outcome in most cases, and affected only male patients.展开更多
Interlinked positive feedback loops,an important building block of biochemical systems,can induce bistable switching,leading to long-lasting state changes by brief stimuli.In this work,prevalent mutual activation betw...Interlinked positive feedback loops,an important building block of biochemical systems,can induce bistable switching,leading to long-lasting state changes by brief stimuli.In this work,prevalent mutual activation between two species as another positive feedback is added to a generic interlinked positive-feedback-loop model originating from many realistic biological circuits.A stochastic fluctuation of the positive feedback strength is introduced in a bistable interval of the feedback strength,and bistability appears for the moderate feedback strength at a certain noise level.Stability analysis based on the potential energy landscape is further utilized to explore the noise-induced switching behavior of two stable steady states.展开更多
This work evaluates sperm head morphometric characteristics in adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age, and the effect of varicocele. Volunteers between 150 and 224 months of age （mean 191, n = 87）, who had reached o...This work evaluates sperm head morphometric characteristics in adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age, and the effect of varicocele. Volunteers between 150 and 224 months of age （mean 191, n = 87）, who had reached oigarche by 12 years old, were recruited in the area of Barranquilla, Colombia. Morphometric analysis of sperm heads was performed with principal component （PC） and discriminant analysis, Combining seminal fluid and sperm parameters provided five PCs： two related to sperm morphometry, one to sperm motility, and two to seminal fluid components. Discriminant analysis on the morphometric results of varicocele and nonvaricocele groups did not provide a useful classification matrix. Of the semen-related PCs, the most explanatory （40%） was related to sperm motility. Two PCs, including sperm head elongation and size, were sufficient to evaluate sperm morphometric characteristics. Most of the morphometric variables were correlated with age, with an increase in size and decrease in the elongation of the sperm head. For head size, the entire sperm population could be divided into two morphometric subpopulations, SP1 and SP2, which did not change during adolescence. In general, for varicocele individuals, SP1 had larger and more elongated sperm heads than SP2, which had smaller and more elongated heads than in nonvaricocele men. In summary, sperm head morphometry assessed by CASA-Morph and multivariate cluster analysis provides a better comprehension of the ejaculate structure and possibly sperm function. Morphometric analysis provides much more information than data obtained from conventional semen analysis.展开更多
Sperm quality is evaluated for the calculation of sperm dosage in artificial reproductive programs. The most common parameter used is motility, but morphology has a higher potential as a predictor of genetic quality. ...Sperm quality is evaluated for the calculation of sperm dosage in artificial reproductive programs. The most common parameter used is motility, but morphology has a higher potential as a predictor of genetic quality. Morphometry calculations from CASA-Morph technology improve morphological evaluation and allow mathematical approaches to the problem. Semen from 28 Holstein bulls was collected by artificial vagina, and several ejaculates were studied. After general evaluation, samples were diluted, packaged in 0.25 ml straws, and stored in liquid nitrogen. Two straws per sample were thawed, and slides were processed and stained with Diff-Quik. Samples were analyzed by a CASA-Morph system for eight morphometric parameters. In addition to the ＂classical＂ statistical approach, based on variance analysis （revealing differences between animals, ejaculates, and straws）, principal component （PC） analysis showed that the variables were grouped into PC1, related to size, and PC2 to shape. Subpopulation structure analysis showed four groups, namely, big, small, short, and narrow from their dominant characteristics, representing 31.0%, 27.3%, 24.1%, and 17.7% of the total population, respectively. The distributions varied between animals and ejaculates, but between straws, there were no differences in only four animals. This modern approach of considering an ejaculate sperm population as divided into subpopulations reflecting quantifiable parameters generated by CASA-Morph systems technology opens a new view on sperm function. This is the first study applying this approach to evaluate different ejaculates and straws from the same individual. More work must be done to improve seminal dose calculations in assisted reproductive programs.展开更多
Dogs have been under strong artificial selection as a consequence of their relationship with man. Differences between breeds are evident that could be reflected in seminal characteristics. The present study was to eva...Dogs have been under strong artificial selection as a consequence of their relationship with man. Differences between breeds are evident that could be reflected in seminal characteristics. The present study was to evaluate differences in sperm head morphometry between seven well-defined breeds of dog： the British Bulldog, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, Staffordshire Terrier, and Valencian Rat Hunting dog. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation and smears stained with Diff-Quik. Morphometric analysis （CASA-Morph） produced four size and four shape parameters. Length, Ellipticity, and Elongation showed higher differences between breeds. MANOVA revealed differences among all breeds. Considering the whole dataset, principal component analysis （PCA） showed that PC1 was related to head shape and PC2 to size. Procluster analysis showed the British Bulldog to be the most isolated breed, followed by the German Shepherd. The PCA breed by breed showed the Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, and Staffordshire Terrier to have PC1 related to shape and PC2 to size, whereas the British Bulldog, Valencia Rat Hunting dog, and German Shepherd had PC1 related to size and PC2 to shape. The dendrogram for cluster groupings and the distance between them showed the British Bulldog to be separated from the rest of the breeds. Future work on dog semen must take into account the large differences in the breeds＇ sperm characteristics. The results provide a base for future work on phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of dogs, based on their seminal characteristics.展开更多
AIM To assess in rodent and human adipocytes the antilipolytic capacity of hexaquis(benzylammonium)decavanadate(B6V10),previously shown to exert antidiabetic effects in rodent models,such as lowering free fatty acids(...AIM To assess in rodent and human adipocytes the antilipolytic capacity of hexaquis(benzylammonium)decavanadate(B6V10),previously shown to exert antidiabetic effects in rodent models,such as lowering free fatty acids(FFA)and glucose circulating levels.METHODS Adipose tissue(AT)samples were obtained after informed consent from overweight women undergoing plastic surgery.Comparison of the effects of B6V10 and reference antilipolytic agents(insulin,benzylamine,vanadate)on the lipolytic activity was performed on adipocytes freshly isolated from rat,mouse and human AT.Glycerol release was measured using colorimetric assay as an index of lipolytic activity.The influence of B6V10 and reference agents on glucose transport into human fat cells was determined using the radiolabelled 2-deoxyglucose uptake assay.RESULTS In all the species studied,B6V10 exhibited a dosedependent inhibition of adipocyte lipolysis when triglyceride breakdown was moderately enhanced byβ-adrenergic receptor stimulation.B6V10 exerted on human adipocyte a maximal lipolysis inhibition of glycerol release that was stronger than that elicited by insulin.However,B6V10 did not inhibit basal and maximally stimulated lipolysis.When incubated at dose≥10μmol/L,B6V10 stimulated by twofold the glucose uptake in human fat cells,but-similarly to benzylamine-without reaching the maximal effect of insulin,while it reproduced one-half of the insulin-stimulation of lipogenesis in mouse fat cells.CONCLUSION B6V10 exerts insulin-like actions in adipocytes,including lipolysis inhibition and glucose transport activation.B6V10 may be useful in limiting lipotoxicity related to obesity and insulin resistance.展开更多
International students choosing to study abroad face a change in self-identity, which in many cases takes them by surprise and which is affected by a multiplicity of factors. Within the framework of Tajfel＇s Social I...International students choosing to study abroad face a change in self-identity, which in many cases takes them by surprise and which is affected by a multiplicity of factors. Within the framework of Tajfel＇s Social Identity Theory, we examine the nature of identity and the many contexts in which it is shaped, mainly in reference to the ESL （English as a Second Language） classroom, but with broader implications for the students＇ experiences in Western classroom as a whole. We discuss the challenges facing not only students, but also faculty who wish to assist students in the formation of their new identities展开更多
A gradient-based optimization method for producing a contoured beam by using a single-fed reflector antenna is presented. First, a quick and accurate pattern approximation formula based on physical optics(PO) is adopt...A gradient-based optimization method for producing a contoured beam by using a single-fed reflector antenna is presented. First, a quick and accurate pattern approximation formula based on physical optics(PO) is adopted to calculate the gradients of the directivity with respect to reflector's nodal displacements. Because the approximation formula is a linear function of nodal displacements, the gradient can be easily derived. Then, the method of the steepest descent is adopted, and an optimization iteration procedure is proposed. The iteration procedure includes two loops: an inner loop and an outer loop. In the inner loop, the gradient and pattern are calculated by matrix operation, which is very fast by using the pre-calculated data in the outer loop. In the outer loop, the ideal terms used in the inner loop to calculate the gradient and pattern are updated, and the real pattern is calculated by the PO method. Due to the high approximation accuracy, when the outer loop is performed once, the inner loop can be performed many times, which will save much time because the integration is replaced by matrix operation. In the end, a contoured beam covering the continental United States(CONUS) is designed, and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.展开更多
This study was designed to analyze the sperm kinematic and morphometric subpopulations in the different fractions of the ejaculate in normozoospermic men. Ejaculates from eight normozoospermic men were collected by ma...This study was designed to analyze the sperm kinematic and morphometric subpopulations in the different fractions of the ejaculate in normozoospermic men. Ejaculates from eight normozoospermic men were collected by masturbation in three fractions after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. Analyses of sperm motility by computer-assisted sperm analysis （CASA-Mot）, and of sperm morphometry by computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis （CASA-Morph） using fluorescence were performed. Clustering and discriminant procedures were performed to identify sperm subpopulations in the kinematic and morphometric data obtained. Clustering procedures resulted in the classification of spermatozoa into three kinematic subpopulations （slow with low ALH [35.6% of all motile spermatozoa], with circular trajectories [32.0%], and rapid with high ALH [32.4%]）, and three morphometric subpopulations （large-round [33.9% of all spermatozoa], elongated [32.0%], and small [34.10%]）. The distribution of kinematic sperm subpopulations was different among ejaculate fractions （P 〈 0.001）, with higher percentages of spermatozoa exhibiting slow movements with low ALH in the second and third portions, and with a more homogeneous distribution of kinematic sperm subpopulations in the first portion. The distribution of morphometric sperm subpopulations was also different among ejaculate fractions （P〈 0.001）, with more elongated spermatozoa in the first, and of small spermatozoa in the third, portion. It is concluded that important variations in the distribution of kinematic and morphometric sperm subpopulations exist between ejaculate fractions, with possible functional implications.展开更多
Publicly available building energy data are exploding--thirteen American cities and 14 states now require them by law. This emergence of data nudges building owners and tenants to reduce energy consumption by comparin...Publicly available building energy data are exploding--thirteen American cities and 14 states now require them by law. This emergence of data nudges building owners and tenants to reduce energy consumption by comparing their usage to that of similar buildings. However, vast untapped energy reductions and deeper physical understandings can still be extracted from these data. This paper extends the energy saving impact and provides key insight into building performance through publicly-disclosed data by describing three initiatives at a large design finn. An internal high performance design reporting program compares projects from around the world and across offices. A case study of 706 buildings in New York City illustrates the value of tracking large-scale patterns to a design firm. Per capita energy and carbon usage is correlated to life expectancy to better inform neighborhood and city design. As more data freely flow out into the public, engineers must strategically engage it.展开更多
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from waste is a major environmental problem. Globally, the waste management sector contributes an estimated 5% of the total anthropogenic GHG emissions. This paper estimates GHG emissions...Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from waste is a major environmental problem. Globally, the waste management sector contributes an estimated 5% of the total anthropogenic GHG emissions. This paper estimates GHG emissions from football clubs in the England, where football is the highest profile and most popular sport, with large numbers of spectators and significant quantities of waste being produced. Football clubs should be more committed to reducing their GHG emissions by improving their waste management. The amount of GHG emitted from eight football tiers in England is assessed through methods including interviews, observations and questionnaires. The results reveal that in the 2012/13-football season, over 9 million spectators watched football in the lower leagues, with mean waste per spectator of 3.27 kg. 30,146,000 kg of waste was generated at the 8 football tiers, and the amount of waste sent to the landfill was about 74,000,000 kg, which resulted in GHG emissions of approximately 2,100,000 kg CO2e. The implications for better waste management at football leagues are outlined.展开更多
This study was designed to characterize morphometric sperm subpopulations in normozoospermic men by using different statistical methods and examining their suitability to classify correctly different sperm nuclear mor...This study was designed to characterize morphometric sperm subpopulations in normozoospermic men by using different statistical methods and examining their suitability to classify correctly different sperm nuclear morphologies present in human ejaculates. Ejaculates from 21 normozoospermic men were collected for the study. After semen collection and analysis, samples were prepared for morphometric determination. At least 200 spermatozoa per sample were assessed for sperm morphometry by computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis （CASA-Morph） using fluorescence. Clustering and discriminant procedures were performed to identify sperm subpopulations from the morphometric data obtained. Clustering procedures resulted in the classification of spermatozoa into three morphometric subpopulations （large-round 30.4%, small-round 46.6%, and large-elongated 22.9%）. In the second analysis, using discriminant methods, the classification was made independently of size and shape. Three morphological categories according to nuclear size （small 〈10.90 μm^2, intermediate 10.91-13.07 μm^2, and large 〉13.07 μm^2） and four categories were defined on 400 canonical cells （100 × 4） from 10 men according to sperm nuclear shape （oval, pyriform, round, and elongated）. Thereafter, the resulting classification functions were used to categorize 4200 spermatozoa from 21 men. Differences in the class distribution were observed among men from both clustering and discriminant procedures. It was concluded that the combination of CASA-Morph fluorescence-based technology with multivariate cluster or discriminant analyses provides new information on the description of different morphometric sperm subpopulations in normal individuals, and that important variations in the distribution of morphometric sperm subpopulations may exist between men, with possible functional implications.展开更多
This work provides information on the blue fox ejaculated sperm quality needed for seminal dose calculations. Twenty semen samples, obtained by masturbation, were analyzed for kinematic and morphometric parameters by ...This work provides information on the blue fox ejaculated sperm quality needed for seminal dose calculations. Twenty semen samples, obtained by masturbation, were analyzed for kinematic and morphometric parameters by using CASA-Mot and CASA-Morph system and principal component （PC） analysis. For motility, eight kinematic parameters were evaluated, which were reduced to PC1, related to linear variables, and PC2, related to oscillatory movement. The whole population was divided into three independent subpopulations： SP1, fast cells with linear movement; SP2, slow cells and nonoscillatory motility; and SP3, medium speed cells and oscillatory movement. In almost all cases, the subpopulation distribution by animal was significantly different. Head morphology analysis generated four size and four shape parameters, which were reduced to PC 1, related to size, and PC2, related to shape of the cells. Three morphometric subpopulations existed. SPI： large oval cells; SP2： medium size elongated cells; and SP3. small and short cells. The subpopulation distribution differed between animals. Combining the kinematic and morphometric datasets produced PC1, related to morphometric parameters, and PC2, related to kinematics, which generated four sperm subpopulations - SPI.. high oscillatory motility, large and short heads; SP2; medium velocity with small and short heads; SP3. slow motion small and elongated cells; and SP4. high linear speed and large elongated cells. Subpopulation distribution was different in all animals. The establishment of sperm subpopulations from kinematic, morphometric, and combined variables not only improves the well-defined fox semen characteristics and offers a good conceptual basis for fertility and sperm preservation techniques in this species, but also opens the door to use this approach in other species, included humans.展开更多
The problems associated with the subjective assessment of human sperm morphology have been well aired in another Asian Journal of Andrology Special Issue1 that marked the publication of the 5th edition of the WHO Seme...The problems associated with the subjective assessment of human sperm morphology have been well aired in another Asian Journal of Andrology Special Issue1 that marked the publication of the 5th edition of the WHO Semen analysis manual, and contrary views have subsequently been presented） However, the vagaries of the eye-brain system in assessing whether a sperm head is large or small can be eliminated by objective assessment where definitive structures are defined by their dimensions. These can then be classified automatically into as many categories as the data permit, conventionally on the basis of preset upper and lower limits, but also by more comprehensive analysis as discussed here.展开更多
The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima(TTA)region is one of the main olive oil producing regions in Morocco.Little is devoted to characterize olive oil physicochemical traits from TTA hence the originality of this study.It ai...The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima(TTA)region is one of the main olive oil producing regions in Morocco.Little is devoted to characterize olive oil physicochemical traits from TTA hence the originality of this study.It aimed at investigating variation in olive oil quality produced from three Moroccan cultivars‘Moroccan Picholine’,‘Menara’,and‘Haouzia’and their blends.Sampling was performed in five provinces fromTTA(Northern Morocco)during four consecutive crop-seasons(2018-2021)considering three extraction technologies(ET):traditional discontinuous press system(SP)and continuous extraction systems including decanter of three outlets(3O)and decanter of two outlets(2O).Physicochemical measurements consisted of routinely quality parameters namely free acidity(FA),peroxide value(PV),UV absorption parameters(K232,K270,andΔK),chlorophylls(Chl)and carotenoids(Car)contents,total phenolic compounds(TPC)and oxidative stability(OS).Crop season showed its superiority impacts on K232,OS,TPC,Chl,and OS.While cultivar was the main variability source in both PV and K270,and FA was mainly determined by ET.Important variations(p<0.05)were reported among crop seasons and locations due to pedoclimatic differences.‘Menara’and‘Haouzia’had higher pigments content,TPC,and OS,and the blends displayed low pigments concentration,TPC,and OS.Expectedly,continuous ET(2O and 3O)had the greatest values of pigments content,TPC,and OS as revealed by principal component analysis.Strong correlations were highlighted among basic quality parameters,TPC,pigments,and OS.Simple linear regression was used to describe the relationships between OS and TPC(R^(2)=0.856)and OS regressed against Chl(R^(2)=0.690)and Car(R^(2)=0.760),while TPC were regressed on Chl(R^(2)=0.670)and Car(R^(2)=0.680)and finally Chl against Car(R^(2)=0.931).In conclusion,compared to technological,genotypic,and geographic effects,climatic conditions were the main factor driving olive oil stability and associated phenolics and pigments;oil cultivar blend seems to have negative effects on pigments concentration and total phenolic compounds as well as oxidative stability.展开更多
Using a double-blind,randomized and counterbalanced,cross-over design,we assessed naproxen's effects on gastrointestinal(GI)distress and performance in eleven volunteers(6 male,5 female).Participants completed 4 t...Using a double-blind,randomized and counterbalanced,cross-over design,we assessed naproxen's effects on gastrointestinal(GI)distress and performance in eleven volunteers(6 male,5 female).Participants completed 4 trials:1)placebo and ambient);2)placebo and heat;3)naproxen and ambient;and 4)naproxen and heat.Independent variables were one placebo or 220 mg naproxen pill every 8 h(h)for 24 h and ambient(22.7±1.8℃)or thermal environment(35.7±1.3℃).Participants cycled 80 min at a steady heart rate then 10 min for maximum distance.Perceived exertion was measured throughout cycling.Gastrointestinal distress was assessed pre-,during,post-,3 h post-,and 24 h post-cycling using a GI index for upper,lower,and systemic symptoms.No statistically significant differences occurred between conditions at any time for GI symptoms or perceived exertion,distance,or heart rate during maximum effort.A 24 h naproxen dose did not significantly affect performance or cause more frequent or serious GI distress when participants were euhydrated and cycling at moderate intensity in a thermal environment.展开更多
Earlyin his investigations, Leeuwenhoek （1670s）1 deduced that spermatozoawere alive and an integral part of semen, rather than artifacts or parasites. He eventually observed spermatozoa in the semen of men, dogs, ho...Earlyin his investigations, Leeuwenhoek （1670s）1 deduced that spermatozoawere alive and an integral part of semen, rather than artifacts or parasites. He eventually observed spermatozoa in the semen of men, dogs, horses, birds, fishes, amphibians, molluscs, and many insects, and concluded that they must be a universal feature of male reproduction.展开更多
基金funded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport,Consejo Superior de Deportes,Plan de Recuperación,Transformación y Resiliencia,Unión Europea,Next Generation EUAyudas Europeas a Proyectos de Investigaci on Aplicada a la Actividad Física Beneficiosa para la Salud y la Medicina Deportiva(EXP_77437)+9 种基金by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation(PID2022-141506OB-I00)the European Regional Development Funds(ERDF)by the University of Granada Plan Propio de Investigación-Excellence actions:Unit of Excellence on Exercise Nutrition and Health(UCEENS)supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education,Culture and Sport(FPU19/03745 and FPU20/05530,respectively)supported by the Juan de la Cierva Formación Grant FJC2020-044453-I funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci on/Agencia Estatal de Investigaci on MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033European Union Next Generation,Plan de Recuperación,Transformación y Resilencia(EU/PRTR)“Ramón y Cajal fellowship 2013-2017”funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and“El Fondo Social Europeo invierte en tu futuro”partially supported by the Grant PID2020-114054RA-I001001100482funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033supported by a grant from the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033,Spain,and the ERDF(PID2021-126788OB-I00).
文摘Background:Mammalian cells possess molecular clocks,the adequate functioning of which is decisive for metabolic health.Exercise is known to modulate these clocks,potentially having distinct effects on metabolism depending on the time of day.This study aimed to investigate the impact of morning vs.evening moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glucose regulation and energy metabolism in healthy men and women.It also aimed to elucidate molecular mechanisms within skeletal muscle.Methods:Using a randomized crossover design,healthy men(n=18)and women(n=17)performed a 60-min bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in the morning and evening.Glucose regulation was continuously monitored starting 24 h prior to the exercise day and continuing until 48 h post-exercise for each experimental condition.Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry during exercise and at rest before and after exercise for 30 min.Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected immediately before and after exercise to assess mitochondrial function,transcriptome,and mitochondrial proteome.Results:Results indicated similar systemic glucose,energy expenditure,and substrate oxidation during and after exercise in both sexes.Notably,transcriptional analysis,mitochondrial function,and mitochondrial proteomics revealed marked sexual dimorphism and time of day variations.Conclusion:The sexual dimorphism and time of day variations observed in the skeletal muscle in response to exercise may translate into observable systemic effects with higher exercise-intensity or chronic exercise interventions.This study provides a foundational molecular framework for precise exercise prescription in the clinical setting.
文摘An artificial neural network and regression procedures were used to predict the recovery and collision probability of quartz flotation concentrate in different operational conditions. Flotation parameters, such as dimensionless numbers （Froude, Reynolds, and Weber）, particle size, air flow rate, bubble diameter, and bubble rise velocity, were used as inputs to both methods. The linear regression method shows that the relationships between flotation parameters and the recovery and collision probability of flotation can achieve correlation coefficients （R2） of 0.54 and 0.87, respectively. A feed-forward artificial neural network with 3-3-3-2 arrangement is able to simultaneously estimate the recovery and collision probability as the outputs. In testing stages, the quite satisfactory correlation coefficient of 0.98 was achieved for both outputs. It shows that the proposed neural network models can be used to determine the most advantageous operational conditions for the expected recovery and collision probability in the froth flotation process.
基金The European Union(European Social Fund-ESF)Greek national funds through the Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" of the National Strategic Reference Framework(NSRF)-Research Funding Program:Heracleitus Ⅱ
文摘AIM To present the incidence of heterotopic ossification after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7(rhB MP-7) for the treatment of nonunions.METHODS Bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs) promote bone formation by auto-induction. Recombinant human BMP-7 in combination with bone grafts was used in 84 patients for the treatment of long bone nonunions. All patients were evaluated radiographicaly for the development of heterotopic ossification during the standard assessment for the nonunion healing. In all patients(80.9%) with radiographic signs of heterotopic ossification, a CT scan was performed. Nonunion site palpation and ROM evaluation of the adjacent jointswere also carried out. Factors related to the patient(age, gender), the nonunion(location, size, chronicity, number of previous procedures, infection, surrounding tissues condition) and the surgical procedure(graft and fixation type, amount of rhB MP-7) were correlated with the development of heterotopic ossification and statistical analysis with Pearsons χ~2 test was performed.RESULTS Eighty point nine percent of the nonunions treated with rh BMP-7, healed with no need for further procedures. Heterotopic bone formation occurred in 15 of 84 patients(17.8%) and it was apparent in the routine radiologi-cal evaluation of the nonunion site, in a mean time of 5.5 mo after the rh BMP-7 application(range 3-12). The heterotopic ossification was located at the femur in 8 cases, at the tibia in 6, and at the humerus in οne patient. In 4 patients a palpable mass was present and only in one patient, with a para-articular knee nonunion treated with rhB MP-7, the size of heterotopic ossification affected the knee range of motion. All the patients with heterotopic ossification were male. Statistical analysis proved that patient's gender was the only important factor for the development of heterotopic ossification(P = 0.007). CONCLUSION Heterotopic ossification after the use of rh BMP-7 in nonunions was common but it did not compromise the final clinical outcome in most cases, and affected only male patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants 11372017,11272024,and 11371046)the General Research Program of Science and Technology at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(Grant NJZY14130)
文摘Interlinked positive feedback loops,an important building block of biochemical systems,can induce bistable switching,leading to long-lasting state changes by brief stimuli.In this work,prevalent mutual activation between two species as another positive feedback is added to a generic interlinked positive-feedback-loop model originating from many realistic biological circuits.A stochastic fluctuation of the positive feedback strength is introduced in a bistable interval of the feedback strength,and bistability appears for the moderate feedback strength at a certain noise level.Stability analysis based on the potential energy landscape is further utilized to explore the noise-induced switching behavior of two stable steady states.
文摘This work evaluates sperm head morphometric characteristics in adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age, and the effect of varicocele. Volunteers between 150 and 224 months of age （mean 191, n = 87）, who had reached oigarche by 12 years old, were recruited in the area of Barranquilla, Colombia. Morphometric analysis of sperm heads was performed with principal component （PC） and discriminant analysis, Combining seminal fluid and sperm parameters provided five PCs： two related to sperm morphometry, one to sperm motility, and two to seminal fluid components. Discriminant analysis on the morphometric results of varicocele and nonvaricocele groups did not provide a useful classification matrix. Of the semen-related PCs, the most explanatory （40%） was related to sperm motility. Two PCs, including sperm head elongation and size, were sufficient to evaluate sperm morphometric characteristics. Most of the morphometric variables were correlated with age, with an increase in size and decrease in the elongation of the sperm head. For head size, the entire sperm population could be divided into two morphometric subpopulations, SP1 and SP2, which did not change during adolescence. In general, for varicocele individuals, SP1 had larger and more elongated sperm heads than SP2, which had smaller and more elongated heads than in nonvaricocele men. In summary, sperm head morphometry assessed by CASA-Morph and multivariate cluster analysis provides a better comprehension of the ejaculate structure and possibly sperm function. Morphometric analysis provides much more information than data obtained from conventional semen analysis.
文摘Sperm quality is evaluated for the calculation of sperm dosage in artificial reproductive programs. The most common parameter used is motility, but morphology has a higher potential as a predictor of genetic quality. Morphometry calculations from CASA-Morph technology improve morphological evaluation and allow mathematical approaches to the problem. Semen from 28 Holstein bulls was collected by artificial vagina, and several ejaculates were studied. After general evaluation, samples were diluted, packaged in 0.25 ml straws, and stored in liquid nitrogen. Two straws per sample were thawed, and slides were processed and stained with Diff-Quik. Samples were analyzed by a CASA-Morph system for eight morphometric parameters. In addition to the ＂classical＂ statistical approach, based on variance analysis （revealing differences between animals, ejaculates, and straws）, principal component （PC） analysis showed that the variables were grouped into PC1, related to size, and PC2 to shape. Subpopulation structure analysis showed four groups, namely, big, small, short, and narrow from their dominant characteristics, representing 31.0%, 27.3%, 24.1%, and 17.7% of the total population, respectively. The distributions varied between animals and ejaculates, but between straws, there were no differences in only four animals. This modern approach of considering an ejaculate sperm population as divided into subpopulations reflecting quantifiable parameters generated by CASA-Morph systems technology opens a new view on sperm function. This is the first study applying this approach to evaluate different ejaculates and straws from the same individual. More work must be done to improve seminal dose calculations in assisted reproductive programs.
文摘Dogs have been under strong artificial selection as a consequence of their relationship with man. Differences between breeds are evident that could be reflected in seminal characteristics. The present study was to evaluate differences in sperm head morphometry between seven well-defined breeds of dog： the British Bulldog, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, Staffordshire Terrier, and Valencian Rat Hunting dog. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation and smears stained with Diff-Quik. Morphometric analysis （CASA-Morph） produced four size and four shape parameters. Length, Ellipticity, and Elongation showed higher differences between breeds. MANOVA revealed differences among all breeds. Considering the whole dataset, principal component analysis （PCA） showed that PC1 was related to head shape and PC2 to size. Procluster analysis showed the British Bulldog to be the most isolated breed, followed by the German Shepherd. The PCA breed by breed showed the Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, and Staffordshire Terrier to have PC1 related to shape and PC2 to size, whereas the British Bulldog, Valencia Rat Hunting dog, and German Shepherd had PC1 related to size and PC2 to shape. The dendrogram for cluster groupings and the distance between them showed the British Bulldog to be separated from the rest of the breeds. Future work on dog semen must take into account the large differences in the breeds＇ sperm characteristics. The results provide a base for future work on phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of dogs, based on their seminal characteristics.
基金Supported by Institut National de la Santéet de la Recherche Médicale to the INSERM U1048
文摘AIM To assess in rodent and human adipocytes the antilipolytic capacity of hexaquis(benzylammonium)decavanadate(B6V10),previously shown to exert antidiabetic effects in rodent models,such as lowering free fatty acids(FFA)and glucose circulating levels.METHODS Adipose tissue(AT)samples were obtained after informed consent from overweight women undergoing plastic surgery.Comparison of the effects of B6V10 and reference antilipolytic agents(insulin,benzylamine,vanadate)on the lipolytic activity was performed on adipocytes freshly isolated from rat,mouse and human AT.Glycerol release was measured using colorimetric assay as an index of lipolytic activity.The influence of B6V10 and reference agents on glucose transport into human fat cells was determined using the radiolabelled 2-deoxyglucose uptake assay.RESULTS In all the species studied,B6V10 exhibited a dosedependent inhibition of adipocyte lipolysis when triglyceride breakdown was moderately enhanced byβ-adrenergic receptor stimulation.B6V10 exerted on human adipocyte a maximal lipolysis inhibition of glycerol release that was stronger than that elicited by insulin.However,B6V10 did not inhibit basal and maximally stimulated lipolysis.When incubated at dose≥10μmol/L,B6V10 stimulated by twofold the glucose uptake in human fat cells,but-similarly to benzylamine-without reaching the maximal effect of insulin,while it reproduced one-half of the insulin-stimulation of lipogenesis in mouse fat cells.CONCLUSION B6V10 exerts insulin-like actions in adipocytes,including lipolysis inhibition and glucose transport activation.B6V10 may be useful in limiting lipotoxicity related to obesity and insulin resistance.
文摘International students choosing to study abroad face a change in self-identity, which in many cases takes them by surprise and which is affected by a multiplicity of factors. Within the framework of Tajfel＇s Social Identity Theory, we examine the nature of identity and the many contexts in which it is shaped, mainly in reference to the ESL （English as a Second Language） classroom, but with broader implications for the students＇ experiences in Western classroom as a whole. We discuss the challenges facing not only students, but also faculty who wish to assist students in the formation of their new identities
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51805399)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(JB180403)+2 种基金the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)"Light of West China" Program(2017-XBQNXZ-B-024)the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(2015CB857100)the Operation,Maintenance and Upgrading Fund for Astronomical Telescopes and Facility Instruments,budgeted from the Ministry of Finance of China(MOF)and administrated by the CAS
文摘A gradient-based optimization method for producing a contoured beam by using a single-fed reflector antenna is presented. First, a quick and accurate pattern approximation formula based on physical optics(PO) is adopted to calculate the gradients of the directivity with respect to reflector's nodal displacements. Because the approximation formula is a linear function of nodal displacements, the gradient can be easily derived. Then, the method of the steepest descent is adopted, and an optimization iteration procedure is proposed. The iteration procedure includes two loops: an inner loop and an outer loop. In the inner loop, the gradient and pattern are calculated by matrix operation, which is very fast by using the pre-calculated data in the outer loop. In the outer loop, the ideal terms used in the inner loop to calculate the gradient and pattern are updated, and the real pattern is calculated by the PO method. Due to the high approximation accuracy, when the outer loop is performed once, the inner loop can be performed many times, which will save much time because the integration is replaced by matrix operation. In the end, a contoured beam covering the continental United States(CONUS) is designed, and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
文摘This study was designed to analyze the sperm kinematic and morphometric subpopulations in the different fractions of the ejaculate in normozoospermic men. Ejaculates from eight normozoospermic men were collected by masturbation in three fractions after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. Analyses of sperm motility by computer-assisted sperm analysis （CASA-Mot）, and of sperm morphometry by computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis （CASA-Morph） using fluorescence were performed. Clustering and discriminant procedures were performed to identify sperm subpopulations in the kinematic and morphometric data obtained. Clustering procedures resulted in the classification of spermatozoa into three kinematic subpopulations （slow with low ALH [35.6% of all motile spermatozoa], with circular trajectories [32.0%], and rapid with high ALH [32.4%]）, and three morphometric subpopulations （large-round [33.9% of all spermatozoa], elongated [32.0%], and small [34.10%]）. The distribution of kinematic sperm subpopulations was different among ejaculate fractions （P 〈 0.001）, with higher percentages of spermatozoa exhibiting slow movements with low ALH in the second and third portions, and with a more homogeneous distribution of kinematic sperm subpopulations in the first portion. The distribution of morphometric sperm subpopulations was also different among ejaculate fractions （P〈 0.001）, with more elongated spermatozoa in the first, and of small spermatozoa in the third, portion. It is concluded that important variations in the distribution of kinematic and morphometric sperm subpopulations exist between ejaculate fractions, with possible functional implications.
文摘Publicly available building energy data are exploding--thirteen American cities and 14 states now require them by law. This emergence of data nudges building owners and tenants to reduce energy consumption by comparing their usage to that of similar buildings. However, vast untapped energy reductions and deeper physical understandings can still be extracted from these data. This paper extends the energy saving impact and provides key insight into building performance through publicly-disclosed data by describing three initiatives at a large design finn. An internal high performance design reporting program compares projects from around the world and across offices. A case study of 706 buildings in New York City illustrates the value of tracking large-scale patterns to a design firm. Per capita energy and carbon usage is correlated to life expectancy to better inform neighborhood and city design. As more data freely flow out into the public, engineers must strategically engage it.
文摘Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from waste is a major environmental problem. Globally, the waste management sector contributes an estimated 5% of the total anthropogenic GHG emissions. This paper estimates GHG emissions from football clubs in the England, where football is the highest profile and most popular sport, with large numbers of spectators and significant quantities of waste being produced. Football clubs should be more committed to reducing their GHG emissions by improving their waste management. The amount of GHG emitted from eight football tiers in England is assessed through methods including interviews, observations and questionnaires. The results reveal that in the 2012/13-football season, over 9 million spectators watched football in the lower leagues, with mean waste per spectator of 3.27 kg. 30,146,000 kg of waste was generated at the 8 football tiers, and the amount of waste sent to the landfill was about 74,000,000 kg, which resulted in GHG emissions of approximately 2,100,000 kg CO2e. The implications for better waste management at football leagues are outlined.
文摘This study was designed to characterize morphometric sperm subpopulations in normozoospermic men by using different statistical methods and examining their suitability to classify correctly different sperm nuclear morphologies present in human ejaculates. Ejaculates from 21 normozoospermic men were collected for the study. After semen collection and analysis, samples were prepared for morphometric determination. At least 200 spermatozoa per sample were assessed for sperm morphometry by computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis （CASA-Morph） using fluorescence. Clustering and discriminant procedures were performed to identify sperm subpopulations from the morphometric data obtained. Clustering procedures resulted in the classification of spermatozoa into three morphometric subpopulations （large-round 30.4%, small-round 46.6%, and large-elongated 22.9%）. In the second analysis, using discriminant methods, the classification was made independently of size and shape. Three morphological categories according to nuclear size （small 〈10.90 μm^2, intermediate 10.91-13.07 μm^2, and large 〉13.07 μm^2） and four categories were defined on 400 canonical cells （100 × 4） from 10 men according to sperm nuclear shape （oval, pyriform, round, and elongated）. Thereafter, the resulting classification functions were used to categorize 4200 spermatozoa from 21 men. Differences in the class distribution were observed among men from both clustering and discriminant procedures. It was concluded that the combination of CASA-Morph fluorescence-based technology with multivariate cluster or discriminant analyses provides new information on the description of different morphometric sperm subpopulations in normal individuals, and that important variations in the distribution of morphometric sperm subpopulations may exist between men, with possible functional implications.
文摘This work provides information on the blue fox ejaculated sperm quality needed for seminal dose calculations. Twenty semen samples, obtained by masturbation, were analyzed for kinematic and morphometric parameters by using CASA-Mot and CASA-Morph system and principal component （PC） analysis. For motility, eight kinematic parameters were evaluated, which were reduced to PC1, related to linear variables, and PC2, related to oscillatory movement. The whole population was divided into three independent subpopulations： SP1, fast cells with linear movement; SP2, slow cells and nonoscillatory motility; and SP3, medium speed cells and oscillatory movement. In almost all cases, the subpopulation distribution by animal was significantly different. Head morphology analysis generated four size and four shape parameters, which were reduced to PC 1, related to size, and PC2, related to shape of the cells. Three morphometric subpopulations existed. SPI： large oval cells; SP2： medium size elongated cells; and SP3. small and short cells. The subpopulation distribution differed between animals. Combining the kinematic and morphometric datasets produced PC1, related to morphometric parameters, and PC2, related to kinematics, which generated four sperm subpopulations - SPI.. high oscillatory motility, large and short heads; SP2; medium velocity with small and short heads; SP3. slow motion small and elongated cells; and SP4. high linear speed and large elongated cells. Subpopulation distribution was different in all animals. The establishment of sperm subpopulations from kinematic, morphometric, and combined variables not only improves the well-defined fox semen characteristics and offers a good conceptual basis for fertility and sperm preservation techniques in this species, but also opens the door to use this approach in other species, included humans.
文摘The problems associated with the subjective assessment of human sperm morphology have been well aired in another Asian Journal of Andrology Special Issue1 that marked the publication of the 5th edition of the WHO Semen analysis manual, and contrary views have subsequently been presented） However, the vagaries of the eye-brain system in assessing whether a sperm head is large or small can be eliminated by objective assessment where definitive structures are defined by their dimensions. These can then be classified automatically into as many categories as the data permit, conventionally on the basis of preset upper and lower limits, but also by more comprehensive analysis as discussed here.
文摘The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima(TTA)region is one of the main olive oil producing regions in Morocco.Little is devoted to characterize olive oil physicochemical traits from TTA hence the originality of this study.It aimed at investigating variation in olive oil quality produced from three Moroccan cultivars‘Moroccan Picholine’,‘Menara’,and‘Haouzia’and their blends.Sampling was performed in five provinces fromTTA(Northern Morocco)during four consecutive crop-seasons(2018-2021)considering three extraction technologies(ET):traditional discontinuous press system(SP)and continuous extraction systems including decanter of three outlets(3O)and decanter of two outlets(2O).Physicochemical measurements consisted of routinely quality parameters namely free acidity(FA),peroxide value(PV),UV absorption parameters(K232,K270,andΔK),chlorophylls(Chl)and carotenoids(Car)contents,total phenolic compounds(TPC)and oxidative stability(OS).Crop season showed its superiority impacts on K232,OS,TPC,Chl,and OS.While cultivar was the main variability source in both PV and K270,and FA was mainly determined by ET.Important variations(p<0.05)were reported among crop seasons and locations due to pedoclimatic differences.‘Menara’and‘Haouzia’had higher pigments content,TPC,and OS,and the blends displayed low pigments concentration,TPC,and OS.Expectedly,continuous ET(2O and 3O)had the greatest values of pigments content,TPC,and OS as revealed by principal component analysis.Strong correlations were highlighted among basic quality parameters,TPC,pigments,and OS.Simple linear regression was used to describe the relationships between OS and TPC(R^(2)=0.856)and OS regressed against Chl(R^(2)=0.690)and Car(R^(2)=0.760),while TPC were regressed on Chl(R^(2)=0.670)and Car(R^(2)=0.680)and finally Chl against Car(R^(2)=0.931).In conclusion,compared to technological,genotypic,and geographic effects,climatic conditions were the main factor driving olive oil stability and associated phenolics and pigments;oil cultivar blend seems to have negative effects on pigments concentration and total phenolic compounds as well as oxidative stability.
文摘Using a double-blind,randomized and counterbalanced,cross-over design,we assessed naproxen's effects on gastrointestinal(GI)distress and performance in eleven volunteers(6 male,5 female).Participants completed 4 trials:1)placebo and ambient);2)placebo and heat;3)naproxen and ambient;and 4)naproxen and heat.Independent variables were one placebo or 220 mg naproxen pill every 8 h(h)for 24 h and ambient(22.7±1.8℃)or thermal environment(35.7±1.3℃).Participants cycled 80 min at a steady heart rate then 10 min for maximum distance.Perceived exertion was measured throughout cycling.Gastrointestinal distress was assessed pre-,during,post-,3 h post-,and 24 h post-cycling using a GI index for upper,lower,and systemic symptoms.No statistically significant differences occurred between conditions at any time for GI symptoms or perceived exertion,distance,or heart rate during maximum effort.A 24 h naproxen dose did not significantly affect performance or cause more frequent or serious GI distress when participants were euhydrated and cycling at moderate intensity in a thermal environment.
文摘Earlyin his investigations, Leeuwenhoek （1670s）1 deduced that spermatozoawere alive and an integral part of semen, rather than artifacts or parasites. He eventually observed spermatozoa in the semen of men, dogs, horses, birds, fishes, amphibians, molluscs, and many insects, and concluded that they must be a universal feature of male reproduction.
