tRNA^(Glu)-derived fragments from embryonic extracellular vesicles modulate bovine embryo hatching

Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs)have been shown to be involved in early embryo development and repression of endogenous retroelements in embryos and stem cells.However,it is unknown whether tsRNAs also regulate embryo hatching.In this study,we mined the sequencing data of a previous experiment in which we demonstrated that the microRNA(miRNA)cargo of preimplantation embryonic extracellular vesicles(EVs)influences embryo development.We thus profiled the tsRNA cargo of EVs secreted by blastocysts and non-blastocysts.The majority of tsRNAs was identified as tRNA halves originating from the 5'ends of tRNAs.Among the 148 differentially expressed tsRNAs,the 19 nt tRNA fragment(tRF)tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in EVs derived from non-blastocysts.RT-qPCR assays confirmed its significant up-regulation in non-blastocyst embryos and their conditioned medium compared to the blastocyst group(P<0.05).Inhibition of tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 by supplementing antagomirs to the conditioned medium improved embryo hatching(P<0.05).Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 antagomirs further showed differential expression of genes that are associated with embryo hatching and implantation.In summary,tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 is up-regulated in non-blastocyst embryos and their secretions,and inhibition of tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 promotes embryo hatching,while influencing embryo implantation-related genes and pathways.These results indicate that embryonic EVs containing specific tRFs may regulate preimplantation embryo development.

Warhead fragments motion trajectories tracking and spatio-temporal distribution reconstruction method based on high-speed stereo photography

High speed photography technique is potentially the most effective way to measure the motion parameter of warhead fragment benefiting from its advantages of high accuracy,high resolution and high efficiency.However,it faces challenge in dense objects tracking and 3D trajectories reconstruction due to the characteristics of small size and dense distribution of fragment swarm.To address these challenges,this work presents a warhead fragments motion trajectories tracking and spatio-temporal distribution reconstruction method based on high-speed stereo photography.Firstly,background difference algorithm is utilized to extract the center and area of each fragment in the image sequence.Subsequently,a multi-object tracking(MOT)algorithm using Kalman filtering and Hungarian optimal assignment is developed to realize real-time and robust trajectories tracking of fragment swarm.To reconstruct 3D motion trajectories,a global stereo trajectories matching strategy is presented,which takes advantages of epipolar constraint and continuity constraint to correctly retrieve stereo correspondence followed by 3D trajectories refinement using polynomial fitting.Finally,the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately track the motion trajectories and reconstruct the spatio-temporal distribution of 1.0×10^(3)fragments in a field of view(FOV)of 3.2 m×2.5 m,and the accuracy of the velocity estimation can achieve 98.6%.

A cloud model target damage effectiveness assessment algorithm based on spatio-temporal sequence finite multilayer fragments dispersion

To solve the problem of target damage assessment when fragments attack target under uncertain projectile and target intersection in an air defense intercept,this paper proposes a method for calculating target damage probability leveraging spatio-temporal finite multilayer fragments distribution and the target damage assessment algorithm based on cloud model theory.Drawing on the spatial dispersion characteristics of fragments of projectile proximity explosion,we divide into a finite number of fragments distribution planes based on the time series in space,set up a fragment layer dispersion model grounded in the time series and intersection criterion for determining the effective penetration of each layer of fragments into the target.Building on the precondition that the multilayer fragments of the time series effectively assail the target,we also establish the damage criterion of the perforation and penetration damage and deduce the damage probability calculation model.Taking the damage probability of the fragment layer in the spatio-temporal sequence to the target as the input state variable,we introduce cloud model theory to research the target damage assessment method.Combining the equivalent simulation experiment,the scientific and rational nature of the proposed method were validated through quantitative calculations and comparative analysis.

Double casing warhead with sandwiched charge:The axial distribution of fragments velocities

The double casing warhead with sandwiched charge is a novel fragmentation warhead that can produce two groups of fragments with different velocity,and the previous work has presented a calculation formula to determine the maximum fragment velocity.The current work builds on the published formula to further develop a formula for calculating the axial distribution characteristics of the fragment velocity.For this type of warhead,the simulation of the dispersion characteristics of the detonation products at different positions shows that the detonation products at the ends have a much larger axial velocity than those in the middle,and the detonation products have a greater axial dispersion velocity when they are closer to the central axis.The loading process and the fragment velocity vary with the axial position for both casing layers,and the total velocity of the fragments is the vector sum of the radial velocity and the axial velocity.At the same axial position,the acceleration time of the inner casing is greater than that of the outer casing.For the same casing,the fragments generated at the ends have a longer acceleration time than the fragments from the middle.The proposed formula is validated with the X-ray radiography results of the four warheads previously tested experimentally and the 3D smoothedparticle hydrodynamics numerical simulation results of several series of new warheads with different configurations.The formula can accurately and reliably calculate the fragment velocity when the lengthto-diameter ratio of the charge is greater than 1.5 and the thickness of the casing is less than 20%its inner radius.This work thus provides a key reference for the theoretical analysis and the design of warheads with multiple casings.

Nestedness of bird assemblages in the karst forest fragments of southwestern Guangxi, China

The limestone region in southwestern Guangxi contains the most typical karst landforms in the world. Due to their destruction, the original forests mainly survive in nature reserves in the form of fragmented areas. From June 2009 to September 2010 we conducted an investigation of 13 relatively isolated habitats or sites, selected from each of the 13 nature reserves in southwestern Guangxi, with the least amount of anthropological activity and the largest presence of the original vegetation, in order to study the distribution of birds on forest fragments. The distribution patterns of the birds and the factors which affect them were analyzed by using the 'BINMATNEST' software and the Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, to determine: 1) whether nested patterns of birds in the karst area of southwestern Guangxi exist or not and 2) which factors are correlated with the nested patterns and the effect of these factors on forming nested patterns. The results show that the birds had statistically significant nested patterns in the karst area and the specificity of the habitat of the birds had a significant effect on the nested patterns. We suggest possible reasons for these results, based on the characteristics of the seasonal tropical rain forests in the study area and on neutral theory. We also urgently recommend that close attention be paid to the protection of the diversity of the environment for birds in all fragmented habitats.

Cloning and Sequencing of Two Acetylcholinesterase cDNA Fragments from Cotton Aphid,Aphis gossypii Glover

Two acetylcholinesterase (AChE) genes cDNA fragments,Ag.acel and Ag.ace2,have been cloned from cotton aphid,Aphis gossypii Glover using degenerate primers with RT-PCR technique.Ag.acel gene cDNA fragment is of 282?bp encoding 94 amino acids,and Ag.ace2 gene cDNA fragment is of 264?bp encoding 88 amino acids.Both two putative AChE genes cDNA fragments share numerous similarities with those cloned from other insects.This is the first report of two AChE cDNA fragment sequences in the insect species,which provided the direct evidence of multiple AChE existence in insects.

Uncertainty in Measuring Construct-specific Fragments of Genetically Modified Maize MON863 by Real Time Quantitative PCR

[Objective] The study aimed at evaluating the uncertainty in measuring the construct-specific fragments of genetically modified maize MON863 by real time quantitative PCR.[Method] The content of construct-specific fragments in MON863 samples was determined by real time quantitative PCR,and then the uncertainty of measurement result was evaluated according to the sources of uncertainty like the PCR system,the data processing and the micropipette.[Result] Type A evaluation of uncertainty（uA） in the measurement was 1.7×10^-2;Type B evaluation of uncertainty（uB） was 9.0×10^-4;the combined standard uncertainty（uC） was 1.7×10^-2;the expanded uncertainty（U95） was 0.036 and the finally measured result was 1.08%±0.036.[Conclusion] The main uncertainty of the result measured by real time quantitative PCR came from the randomizing effect in the experimental process.

^(99m)Tc-labeled HAb18 McAb Fab fragment for radioimmunoimaging in nude mice bearing human hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To establish a method of labeling anti hepatoma McAb (HAb18) Fab fragment modifier with 99m Tc. METHODS HAb18 Fab was modified with 2 iminotholane and labeled with 99m Tc by transchelation from 99m Tc GH. Labeling yield, radiochemical purity and immunoreactivity were determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC SG), paper chromatography (PC), gel chromatography (GC) and cell binding assay, respectively. The nude mice bearing human hepatoma were used for radioimmunoimaging (RII). RESULTS A radiolabeling yield of 50%-80% was obtained, and immunoreactivity (IR) was 30%-40%. Radioimaging results showed that 99m Tc HAb18 McAb Fab fragment was concentrated in the tumor 4-8 hours after injection, and the maximum concentration was seen in 12-24 hours, and the T/NT value was 5 18 and 7 48 at 6h and 8h after the injection. CONCLUSION 99m Tc HAb18 McAb Fab fragment could be specifically localized in the tumor of nude mice bearing human hepatocellular carcinoma within 24 hours and this method might be effectively used for labeling McAb Fab fragment with

ANTITUMOR EFFECTS OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY FAB’FRAGMENT—CONTAINING IMMUNOCONJUGATES

Objective.Using monoclonal antibody (mAb) Fab′ fragment to develop mAb immunoconjugates for cancer. Methods.Fab′ fragment of mAb 3A5 was prepared by digestion of the antibody with pepsin and then reduced by dithiothreitol (DTT),while Fab′ fragment of mAb 3D6 was obtained by digestion of the antibody with ficin and subsequently reduced by β mercaptoethanol.The conjugation between Fab′ fragment and pingyangmycin (PYM),an antitumor antibiotic,was mediated by dextran T 40.Immunoreactivity of Fab′ PYM conjugates with cancer cells was determined by ELISA,and the cytotoxicity of those conjugates to cancer cells was determined by clonogenic assay.Antitumor effects of the Fab′ PYM conjugates were evaluated by subcutaneously transplanted tumors in mice. Results.The molecular weight of Fab′ fragment was approximately 53 kD,while the average molecular weight of Fab′ PYM conjugate was 170 kD.The Fab′ PYM conjugates showed immunoreactivity with antigen relevant cancer cells and selective cytotoxicity against target cells.Administered intravenously,Fab′ PYM conjugates were more effective against the growth of tumors in mice than free PYM and PYM conjugated with intact mAb. Conclusion.Fab′ PYM conjugate may be capable of targeting cancer cells and effectively inhibiting tumor growth,suggesting its therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.

Establishing Submersed Macrophytes via Sinking and Colonization of Shoot Fragments Clipped off Manually

In this paper, sinking and growth of apexes and mid-stems of Myriophyllum spicatum L., Hydrilla verticillata （L.f.） Royle and Ceratophyllum demersum L. in concrete ponds containing eutrophic water and sediment were investigated. Sinking rates of apexes and mid-stems reached 34.8% and 4.4% at the 6 th day and 91.1% and 66.7% at the 22 nd day for M. spicatum, 57.8% and 55.6% at the 6 th day and 100% and 97.8% at the 22 nd day for H. vertieillata, 18.9% and 86.7% at the 6 th day and 95.6% and 100% at the 22 nd day for C. demersum, respectively. Most sunken fragments established themselves successfully with significant growth. Total shoot length ofplantlets developed from apexes and mid-stems increased by 399% and 61% for M. spicatum, 593% and 256% for H. vertieillata and 114% and 104% for C. demersum, respectively. The results showed that it was feasible to establish submersed macrophytes via sinking and colonization of shoot fragments clipped off manually.

Microcrack analysis of Sanya grantite fragments from rockburst tests

Fractures running along a plane reflect the cracking progress.In this paper uniaxial and rockburst tests on a group of granite specimens from Sanya province are described.Scanning electron microscopic imaging was used to characterize the fragments.Fractal fracture mechanics were used to analyze the microcracks in terms of both the crack type and the mineral constituent.A statistical analysis showed that the area of inter-granular cracking exceeds that of intra-granular cracking.Several types of crack were observed in the cracked areas.The percentage of intra-granular cracks in fragments from rockburst tests exceeds that from uniaxial compression tests.The results also showed that feldspar deformation was the main cause of fracture and that the consolidation along quartz grain boundaries was another weak area in the granite.Cracking along quartz grains had enough energy to enter the quartz crystal in the rockburst samples.All these results contribute to further research on rockburst mechanics.

Identification and isolation of Mu-flanking fragments from maize

Transposable elements have been utilized as mutagens to create mutant libraries for functional genomics. Isolation of genomic segments flanking the insertion Mutator （Mu） is a key step in insertion mutagenesis studies. Herein, we adopted a modified AFLP method to identify and isolate Mu-flanking fragments from maize. The method consists of the following steps： 1） double-digestion of genomic DNA with Bgl II/Msp I and ligation of digested fragments to the Bgl II- and Msp I-adaptors; 2） enrichment of a subset of Bgl II/Msp I fragments followed by selective amplification of the Mu-flanking fragments; 3） simultaneous display of AFLP bands derived from the flanking regions for both insert and native Mu transposons; 4） identification and isolation of AFLP bands resulting from Mu insertions by comparing the banding profiles between Mu-induced mutants and their parental lines; and 5） confirmation of flanking fragments related to these Mu insertions. Using this approach, we have isolated flanking fragment（s） resulting from Mu insertion for every Mu-induced mutant, and one such fragment, M196-FF, is found to contain a partial sequence of the DNA topoisomerase I gene Topl. Moreover, the modified AFLP method including all restriction enzymes, adaptors and primers has been optimized in this study. The modified AFLP method has been proved to be simple and efficient in the isolation of Mu-flanking fragments and will find its usefulness in the functional genomics of maize.

Projected area and drag coefficient of high velocity irregular fragments that rotate or tumble

3 degrees of freedom(DOF)exterior ballistic computer models are used in fragment studies to calculate individual trajectories of each fragment based on drag coefficient and the projected(presented)area in the direction of velocity of center of mass.The expectation of a randomly distributed projected area is commonly used for fragments that tumble(random rotation)during flight.We forecast a model where the expected drag coefficient is dependent of shape and Mach number.Rotation or tumbling only affects the expected projected area.Models of projected areas during tumbling and rotation are presented.An examination of the data by Mc Cleskey(1988)indicates that the volume of the fragment to the power of2/3 is a better parameter to characterize the drag coefficient of the fragments than the maximum projected area.Hydrocode simulations are used to verify results and to study projected area and drag coefficient of fragments.

Use of chondral fragments for one stage cartilage repair: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the state of the art regarding Cartilage Autograft Implantation System(CAIS) or Particulated Juvenile Allograft Cartilage(PJAC).METHODS: The authors searched the English literature regarding CAIS and PJAC. The search strategy was:(particulated cartilage) OR autologous cartilage fragments. All basic science articles were included. Clinical articles with less than 10 patients treated and less than 6 mo of follow-up were excluded. With these criteria, a total of 17 articles were available for the present review. RESULTS: PJAC and CAIS are relatively novel techniques for cartilage repair. Good basic science evidence was described to support the concept. Although the preliminary clinical reports show encouraging results, clinical data are still limited, especially for CAIS. The indications for both techniques need to be precisely defined(age of the patients, size of the lesion, and involvement of the subchondral bone), together with other debated issues. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the authors can state that encouraging preliminary results are available for both techniques. However, further studies are necessary to precisely determine the indications, surgical techniques, and long term outcomes for PJAC and CAIS.

Concurrent removal of intravitreal lens fragments after phacoemulsification with pars plana vitrectomy prevents development of retinal detachment

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of "concurrent vitrectomy" to retrieve dislocated lens fragment during phacoemulsification.METHODS: In a retrospective, observational case series, data of patients who underwent "concurrent" pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) for dislocated lens fragments between the period 2000 and 2008 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, pre-operative visual acuity, intra-operative occurrence of retinal breaks, duration of follow up, post-operative intraocular pressure, final best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),presence of cystoid macular edema(CME) and occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD).· RESULTS: A total of 58 eyes of 58 patients were included in the study. At 12 mo the mean postoperative BCVA was log MAR 0.17(20/30) with a range of log MAR0 to 0.69(20/20 to 20/100), with 96.6%(56/58) of patients showing post- operative improvement in visual acuity(P =0.005). None of the patients developed postoperative retinal detachment, endophthalmitis or non-resolving uveitis at 12 mo.CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest concurrent PPV for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery is beneficial and may decrease the risk of glaucoma and prevent development of RRD.

Estimation of projected surface area of irregularly shaped fragments

The essence and the main contribution of this paper are consisted of the suggested novel method for estimation of a projected surface area of an irregularly shaped fragment, which represents a significant step toward a new method of an aerodynamic force estimation of a fragment motion through a resistive medium. The suggested method is to use a tri-axial ellipsoid that has a continuous surface(given as a mathematical function) to approximate an irregularly shaped fragment so that the fragment trajectory can be estimated faster taking into consideration that the aerodynamic force is proportional to a projected surface area of the fragment.During their motion, fragments can take any orientation relative to the velocity vector and aerodynamic force is proportional to a projected surface area of fragment perpendicular to the velocity vector,so it is necessary to have a method for correct estimation of the projected area in an arbitrary direction relatively to the fragment.The model was validated with analytical and CAD techniques, and verified using 3D model of a real fragment. The comparison of the projected surface area values for the fragment, obtained using the CAD tools and using our model, are generally in good agreement, This method represents a step toward modeling that does not require a CFD result for estimation of the aerodynamic force of irregularly shaped bodies.

Probiotical Cell Fragments (PCFs) as “Novel Nutraceutical Ingredients”

Probiotical cell fragments (PCFs) are structural components of the probiotic cell lysate(s) and exhibit similar beneficial effects on the host as live probiotic bacteria. With cell fragment technology (CFT?), the structural fragments are isolated and purified from live probiotic cells. While observed to be strain-dependent as in the case of live probiotics, orally administered PCFs demonstrated a broad spectrum of immune modulation functions;anti-allergy;anti-inflammation;anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties;anti-mutagenic;and radioprotective and detoxification abilities in humans and animals. The PCFs mechanisms of action include events of motifs of cell wall peptidoglycans, DNA motifs, nucleotide containing components, lipoteichoic acids (LPAs), surface layer (S-layer) proteins, and cytoplasmic proteins. Different immunological in vivo-in vitro tests have shown that PCFs, essentially, have the ability to stimulate the macrophages, and induce cytokines such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons (IFNs), and natural killer (NK) cells. PCFs may be used as ingredients for foods and beverages or as nutritional supplements with long term stability and shelf-life up to 5 years. PCFs may also be used as health restorative ingredients in cosmetic products. The outcome of probiotics CFT? stands as an advantage to the food and pharmaceutical industries, regarding the formulation of novel products with unadulterated sensory characteristics of origin. Hence, PCFs are being characterized here as “novel nutraceutical ingredients” for health maintenance in both humans and animals.

Isospin effects on intermediate mass fragments at intermediate energy-heavy ion collisions

In this study,we investigated the isospin properties of intermediate mass fragments(IMFs)for the central collisions of^(112,124)Sn+^(112,124)Sn at a beam energy of50 MeV per nucleon using an improved quantum molecular dynamics model(ImQMD)coupled with a sequential decay model(GEMINI).Three observables were analyzed:(1)the average center-of-mass kinetic energy per nucleon<Ec.m./A>of fragments as a function of their charge number Z;(2)the average neutron number to proton number ratio(<N>/Z)of fragments with a given charge number Z as a function of their center-of-mass kinetic energy per nucleon(Ec.m./A);and(3)the average total neutron number to total proton number ratio(ΣN/ΣZ)and double ratio(DR(N/Z))of IMFs with Z=3-8 as a function of their center-of-mass kinetic energy per nucleon Ec.m./A.Our calculations revealed that the sensitivity of the isospin properties of IMFs relative to the stiffness of the symmetry energy remains even after sequential decay.By comparing the calculations ofΣN/ΣZ and DR(N/Z)with the data,it was found that the soft symmetry energy,i.e.,γ=0.5,is favored.

Simplified Approach to Velocities of Axial Forward Projection Fragments from the End of a Warhead

A warhead with axial forward projection fragments is one of the most important forms of aimable warheads. For such warheads the axial forward projection fragments are placed at the end of the explosive charge and form a fragment beam with high fragment density and high speed by the blast, which will obviously increase the damage to the targets. Experimental data showed that the velocities of the forward projection fragments on the convex end of a warhead which was initiated at the opposite end do not match that predicted by the Gurney equation for cylindrical warheads. A new approach for addressing the velocities of fragments of this kind of warhead is proposed. Two limiting conditions are defined, i.e. for fragment on the circumference of a cylindrical charge and fragments on the end of cylindrical charge, respectively.

Azimuthal distributions of final-state particles and fragments and transverse structure of emission source in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions

The azimuthal distributions of final-state particles and fragments produced in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions are described by a modified multisource ideal gas model which contains the expansions and movements of the emission sources. The transverse structures of the sources are given in the transverse plane by momentum components Px and Py, and described by parameters in the model. The results of the azimuthal distributions, calculated by the Monte Carlo method, are in good agreement with the experimental data in nucleus-nucleus collisions at high energies.