bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen, Factor VII and PAI-1 Genotypes and the Risk of Coronary and Peripheral Atherosclerosis: Edinburgh Artery Study
Authors: Lee A. J. , Fowkes F. G. R. , Lowe G. D. O. , Connor J. M. , Rumley A.
Published: June 2019

There are now many epidemiological studies that have shown a relationship between haemostatic factors and subsequent risk of both coronary and peripheral arterial disease. However, there is less information on the association between genetic variation in these factors and the risks of coronary and peripheral arterial disease. As part of the five-year follow-up of the Edinburgh Artery Study, polymorphisms of the fibrinogen (-455G/A), factor VII (R/Q353) and PAI-1 (HindIII) genes were measured in men and women aged 60-79 years, together with their plasma levels. Using widely accepted criteria, 88 subjects were identified as having peripheral arterial disease (PAD), 195 having coronary artery disease (CAD) and 423 subjects comprised a “healthy” group. The -455AA genotype of the fibrinogen gene was found to be more frequent among those subjects with PAD. This genotype also showed the highest plasma fibrinogen levels in both disease groups and in the healthy group. Using logistic regression, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking and plasma level, the -455AA genotype was associated with over twice the risk of PAD compared with the -455GG genotype, the odds ratio reaching marginal significance (p″0.10). Combining those with genotype -455AA with the heterozygotes in order to increase the power of the study resulted in a more significant multiple-adjusted risk of PAD (p″0.05). These data provide evidence that a polymorphism of the β fibrinogen gene is associated with an increased risk of peripheral atherosclerosis.
Tissue Factor Reduction and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Release after Heparin Administration
Authors: Gori A. M. , Pepe G. , Attanasio M. , Falciani M. , Abbate R. , Prisco D. , Fedi S. , Giusti B. , Brunelli T. , Comeglio P. , Gensini G. F. , Neri Serneri G. G.
Published: June 2019

Elevated plasma levels of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and large amounts of monocyte procoagulant activity (PCA) have been documented in unstable angina (UA) patients. In in vitro experiments heparin is able to blunt monocyte TF production by inhibiting TF and cytokine gene expression by stimulated cells and after in vivo administration it reduces adverse ischemic outcomes in UA patients. TF and TFPI plasma levels and monocyte PCA have been investigated in 28 refractory UA patients before and during anticoagulant subcutaneous heparin administration (thrice daily weight- and PTT-adjusted for 3 days) followed by 5000 IU × 3 for 5 days. After 2-day treatment, immediately prior to the heparin injection, TF and TFPI plasma levels [(median and range): 239 pg/ml, 130-385 pg/ ml and 120 ng/ml, 80-287 ng/ml] were lower in comparison to baseline samples (254.5 pg/ml, 134.6-380 pg/ml and 135.5 ng/ml, 74-306 ng/ml). Four h after the heparin injection TF furtherly decreased (176.5 pg/ml, 87.5-321 pg/ml; -32.5%, p<0.001) and TFPI increased (240.5 ng/ml, 140-450 ng/ml; +67%, p<0.0001).

After 7-day treatment, before the injection of heparin, TF and TFPI plasma levels (200 pg/ml, 128-325 pg/ml and 115 ng/ml, 70-252 ng/ml) significantly decreased (p<0.05) in comparison to the pre-treatment values. On the morning of the 8th day, 4 h after the injection of heparin TF plasma levels and monocytes PCA significantly decreased (156.5 pg/ml, 74-259 pg/ml and from 180 U/105 monocytes, 109-582 U/105 monocytes to 86.1 U/105 monocytes, 28-320 U/105 monocytes; - 38% and -55% respectively) and TFPI increased (235.6 ng/ml, 152-423 ng/ ml; +70%, p<0.001). In conclusion, heparin treatment is associated with a decrease of high TF plasma levels and monocyte procoagulant activity in UA patients. These actions of heparin may play a role in determining the antithrombotic and antiinflammatory properties of this drug.
Phospholipase A2 Enzymes Regulate αIIbβ3-mediated, but not FcγRII Receptor-mediated, pp125FAK Phosphorylation in Platelets
Authors: Haimovich Beatrice , Ji Ping , Ginalis Ernest , Kramer Ruth , Greco Ralph
Published: June 2019

The αIIbβ3 integrin and FcγRII receptors mediate, respectively, platelet adhesion and spreading on fibrinogen and immunoglobulin (IgG) coated surfaces. Platelet adhesion to fibrinogen resulted in a partial conversion of the faster to the slower migrating (phosphorylated) form of Ca+2-sensitive cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) but failed to trigger arachidonic acid (AA) release. Full mobility shift of cPLA2 and a massive release of AA release were stimulated by platelet adhesion to IgG or addition of thrombin to the fibrinogen adherent platelets. IgG and thrombin induced AA production were blocked by methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), an irreversible inhibitor of cPLA2 and the Ca+2-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2). In contrast, bromoenol lactone (BEL), a specific inhibitor of iPLA2 had no effect on the release of AA. MAFP and BEL prevented pp125FAK phosphorylation and platelet spreading on fibrinogen having no effect on pp125FAK phosphorylation or platelet spreading on immobilized IgG. We conclude that αIIbβ3-mediated pp125FAK phosphorylation and platelet spreading on fibrinogen are regulated by PLA2 enzymes.

Abbreviations: cPLA2, cytosolic calcium-dependent phospholipase A2; iPLA2, calcium-independent phospholipase A2; BSA, bovine serum albumin; mAB, monoclonal antibody; MAFP, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate; pp125FAK, focal adhesion kinase; BEL, bromoenol lactone; AA, arachidonic acid.
First Workshop for Detection of Heparin-induced Antibodies: Validation of the Heparin-induced Platelet-activation Test (HIPA) in Comparison with a PF4/Heparin ELISA
Authors: Eichler P. , Budde U. , Haas S. , Kroll H. , Loreth R. M. , Meyer O. , Pachmann U. , Pötzsch B. , Schabel A. , Albrecht D. , Greinacher A.
Published: June 2019

Background. No data exist regarding the inter-laboratory reproducibility of the heparin-induced-platelet-activation (HIPA) test, the most widely used functional assay in Germany for the detection of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibodies. Methods. Nine laboratories used an identical protocol to test eight different sera with the HIPA test. Five laboratories also tested the sera with a platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin-complex ELISA. Cross-reactivity with danaparoid-sodium was assessed using 0.2 aFXa units instead of heparin in the HIPA test. Results. Two of nine laboratories had no discrepant HIPA test results. Four laboratories differed in one sample, one reported two discrepant results, and two laboratories reported more than two discrepant results. Cross-reactivity with danaparoid-sodium test results differed among laboratories. PF4/heparin ELISA results were identical in all five laboratories. Conclusion. The HIPA test requires strict quality control measures. Using both a sensitive functional assay (HIPA test) and a PF4/heparin ELISA will allow detection of antibodies directed to antigens other than PF4/heparin complexes as well as detection of IgM and IgA antibodies with PF4/heparin specificity.
Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor—A Diagnostic Challenge: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Maheshwari Ekta , Ram Roopa , Pandey Tarun , Bajaj Gitanjali , Jambhekar Kedar
Published: June 2019

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a rare lesion of unknown origin, characterized by proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and invasion of inflammatory cells. Although benign, it has the propensity to mimic malignant masses given its nonspecific symptoms and imaging manifestations. We present a case of hepatic IPT with variable interpretation on different imaging modalities, called as abscess on computed tomography (CT) and neoplasm on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thus posing a diagnostic dilemma. Hence it is important to recognize this as a distinct clinical entity and include it in the differential of liver masses with atypical imaging findings.
Retrospective Study of Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomography-Based Staging of Wilms’ Tumor in the Era of Multidetector Computed Tomography
Authors: Pathak Garima , Kembhavi Seema , Popat Palak , Qureshi Sajid , Ramadwar Mukta , Vora Tushar
Published: June 2019

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)–based staging of Wilms’ tumor (WT) in comparison with surgical-pathological staging (reference standard) and to assess the interobserver agreement in predicting CT stage for WT.

Method Retrospective audit of 50 consecutive cases of WT meeting our eligibility criteria was performed, and an electronic database of CT scan findings, intraoperative findings, and final histopathology staging were created. Two radiologists blinded to surgical and histologic findings reviewed the CT scans, using multiplanar reformations to assess various parameters pertaining to tumor extent and assign a possible stage, which was then compared with the final surgical-pathological stage. Interobserver agreement was assessed using κ-coefficient.

Results CT scan correctly staged 31 (62%) of 50 WT cases (both observers’ consensus data, all stages combined). CT accuracy was 37.5% in stage I disease, 66% in stage II disease, and 75% in stage III. There was substantial interobserver agreement (in 80% of the cases) in assigning the stage. Subset analysis showed a 100% positive predictive value (PPV) in detecting renal vein thrombosis. The negative predictive value (NPV) for ureteric involvement was 91 to 93%, and that for retroperitoneal adenopathy, it was 93 to 97%.

Conclusion The accuracy of CT in staging WT is dependent on the disease stage. While it overestimates the extent of the disease in early stage, it predicts the advanced stage with very good accuracy and can be used to avoid upfront surgeries in locally advanced WT.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Maheshwari Ekta , Bajaj Gitanjali , Jambhekar Kedar , Pandey Tarun , Ram Roopa
Published: June 2019

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the pretreatment assessment of primary rectal cancer. The success of this technique depends on obtaining good-quality high-resolution T2-weighted images of the primary tumor, orthogonal to rectal lumen. The goal of magnetic resonance staging is to identify patients who will benefit from neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery to minimize postoperative recurrence and planning of optimal surgical approach. MRI also facilitates optimal identification of important prognostic factors, which improves both treatment selection and posttreatment follow-up. The objective of this article is to review the existing literature and provide a concise update on various aspects of rectal cancer imaging, discuss the current role of advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging in the evaluation of rectal cancer, and to assess response to therapy.
An Interesting Case of a Large Cystic Mesothelioma of the Omentum in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Periyasamy Gnanasekar , Kumarasamy Sivasundhar , Sekhar Karumuri Srinivas , Vaithyanathan Malathi , Sengottaiyan Saravanakumar , Shanmugasundaram Saravanan Thangam , Gnanasambandam Kumaragurubaran
Published: June 2019

We present an interesting case of a large intra-abdominal cystic lesion in a 14-year-old girl who presented with abdominal discomfort and pain. The patient was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and found to have a large septated cystic lesion arising from the gastrohepatic omentum. She underwent surgery, and the diagnosis of cystic mesothelioma was confirmed in the histopathology. To the best of our knowledge, only a few cases of benign omental mesothelial cysts have been reported.
Inflammatory Periimplant Diseases and the Periodontal Connection Question
Authors: Passariello Claudio , Di Nardo Dario , Testarelli Luca
Published: June 2019

Implant therapy has become a widespread reality in modern dentistry. Nevertheless, dental implants can fail due to different causes, among which inflammatory peri-implant diseases (IPDs) are a major challenge, with prevalences that are much higher than previously believed.

Specific searches were undertaken for each question raised between October and November 2017, in the PubMed website database (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland, United States). Only articles written in English and published from 2007 onward were considered initially. The following keywords were used in the searches “periimplantitis (PI),” “periimplant mucositis (PM),” “dental implant failure,” “periimplant microbiota,” “periodontal microbiota,” “implant failure” (no temporal limit), and “foreign body reaction” (no temporal limit). The selection process resulted in the selection of 239 articles that were analyzed in detail in elaborating this review. The reference list was limited to the 47 most relevant articles due to editorial limits of this Journal.

Intrinsic differences between natural teeth and dental implants are able to give rise to inflammatory diseases that share only minor and scarcely relevant characters, and would consequently deserve different and specifically designed instruments and strategies, for both diagnosis and therapy.
The Radiologist and the Surgeon: The Journey from a Support Staff to the Most Valuable Player of the Clinical Team
Authors: Ramamurthy Anand
Published: June 2019

Advancement in understanding of disease and availability of state-of-the-art tools for diagnosis and management have brought the radiologist and the surgeon closer. Close cooperation between them starting from initial presentation to postoperative follow-up spanning diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, interventions to management of disease sequelae, and complications has become the norm. This has benefited both clinicians and patients alike. Although better tools help in increasing accuracy, accuracy by itself does not imply precision. Technology cannot be a substitute for good clinical acumen or interaction between the surgeon and the radiologist. It is desirable that radiologists working in tertiary referral centers focus on two or three system-based specialties, so that they can keep pace with the latest developments in the field and deliver quality care. The new-age radiologist and surgeon should adapt to this changing scenario and increasing expectations. In the pursuit of clinical excellence, the radiologist has become the most valuable player in the clinical team.
Quantum mechanics as a noncommutative representation of classical conditional probabilities
Authors: Hofer-Szabó Gábor
Published: June 2019

The aim of this paper is to analyze the reconstructability of quantum mechanics from classical conditional probabilities representing measurement outcomes conditioned on measurement choices. We will investigate how the quantum mechanical representation of classical conditional probabilities is situated within the broader frame of noncommutative representations. To this goal, we adopt some parts of the quantum formalism and ask whether empirical data can constrain the rest of the representation to conform to quantum mechanics. We will show that as the set of empirical data grows, conventional elements in the representation gradually shrink and the noncommutative representations narrow down to the unique quantum mechanical representation.
Effects of forming gas annealing on luminescence properties of erbium silicate thin films
Authors: Vipin Devika , Modi Nikhil , Reynolds Tyler , Zhang Bin , Tabassum Natasha , Bhowmik Gourav , Nikas Vasileios , Chakraborty Subha , Gallis Spyros , Huang Mengbing
Published: June 2019

While hydrogen passivation has led to enhanced luminescence in many erbium doped materials, its effects on Er oxides/silicates compounds has rarely been demonstrated. Here we report effects of forming gas annealing on the luminescence properties in such Er compound materials. A broad band photoluminescence in the ultraviolet/visible range, likely arising from structural defects in the material, is significantly suppressed after forming gas annealing. Concurrently, the Er near-infrared luminescence intensity and its lifetime increase by about a factor of two and three, respectively. The samples are further characterized with Rutherford backscattering for composition information, optical absorption for optically excitable Er concentrations and extended x-ray absorption fine structures for Er local environments. We discuss the hydrogen passivation effects in the context of diffusion limited relaxation processes and suggest pathways to further improving near-infrared luminescence properties in Er compound materials.
Novel spatially coordinated in-situ Raman and nanoscale wear analysis of FCVA-deposited DLC film
Authors: Rouhani Mehdi , Hobley Jonathan , Hong Franklin Chau-Nan , Jeng Yeau-Ren
Published: June 2019

A novel combined in-situ system, integrating Raman spectroscopy and depth-sensing techniques, was applied to analyze the wear induced transformation on the microstructure of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film deposited on Si substrates using a filtered cathodic arc vacuum (FCVA) deposition system. Using this synchronized characterization technique it was demonstrated that upon wear-induced removal of upper surface layers, the intensity ratio (ID/IG) for the area inside wear tracks decreases. On the other hand, while the peak position for the D line (PD) shifts to higher wavenumbers, the peak position for the G line (PG) shifts to lower wavenumbers. The coefficient of friction shows significant reduction upon increasing the depth of the wear tracks. These results confirm our previous preliminary report on the possible existence of layers rich in sp2 in the surface region. It was also shown that the wear debris is more graphitized.
Prediction of the photoelectron spectra of C122 by computing Franck-Condon factors
Authors: Chang Jia-Lin , Wang Ya-Chiao , Chang Mu-Fong , Huang Yun-Jhu
Published: June 2019

The computation of Franck-Condon factors plays a key role for unraveling vibronic spectra and nonradiative process of molecules. In this work the photoelectron spectra of C122 were predicted by computing Franck-Condon factors. The equilibrium geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies of five allotropes of C60C2C60 with dumbbell structures, including their cations and anions, were calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. To facilitate the computation of Franck-Condon factors, a prescreening process for selecting transitions with stronger intensities was developed. The efficiency was further improved by rearranging the order of normal mode as the larger the maximum vibrational quantum number, the higher the order. The photoelectron spectra of C122- → C122 + e- and C122 → C122+ + e- were simulated. The simulated spectra are distinct for each molecule, indicating that the five allotropes of C122 can be identified by the experiment of photoelectron spectroscopy.
The mechanism of stick-slip phenomenon during friction process at low temperature environment
Authors: La Shiren , Liu Cong , Zhang Xingyi
Published: June 2019

When a material is immersed in a low-temperature medium, e.g., liquid nitrogen, its Young’s modulus and surface roughness will change as the temperature of the material decreases as a result of different friction behaviors. In this study, a high-precision friction test device was constructed to perform a detailed comparative study on the friction properties of a pure copper strand immersed in liquid nitrogen, air, and water. The force and displacement resolutions of the experimental system were as high as 0.01mN and 0.03μm, respectively. It was found that the stick-slip phenomenon in the liquid nitrogen was significant, while the slope of the stick-slip was larger than those observed in the air and water media. These experimental results were simulated using a spring-slider model that considered the influence of hydrophilicity on surface roughness. The roughness was shown to change the amplitude of the friction curve with time, while the slope of the stick-slip was dominated by the modulus’ magnitude variety.
Cats in Australia
Authors: Woinarski John , Legge Sarah , Dickman Chris
Published: June 2019

Across the world, cats are loved as pets or are kept or tolerated for their role in controlling some animal pests. But cats, both pets and feral, also kill many native animals and this toll can be enormous. Cats have been remarkably successful in Australia, spreading pervasively across the continent and many islands, occurring in all environments, and proving to be adept and adaptable hunters. A large proportion of Australia’s distinctive fauna is threatened and recent research highlights the significant role that cats play in the decline and extinction of native species.
Cats in Australia brings this research together, documenting the extent to which cats have subverted, and are continuing to subvert, Australia’s biodiversity. But the book does much more than spotlight the impacts of cats on Australian nature. It describes the origins of cats and their global spread, their long-standing and varying relationship with people, their global impacts and their ecology. It also seeks to describe the challenge of managing cats, and the options available to constrain their impacts.
A review of US wildland firefighter entrapments: trends, important environmental factors and research needs
Authors: Page Wesley G. , Freeborn Patrick H. , Butler Bret W. , Jolly W. Matt
Published: June 2019

Wildland firefighters in the United States are exposed to a variety of hazards while performing their jobs. Although vehicle accidents and aircraft mishaps claim the most lives, situations where firefighters are caught in a life-threatening, fire behaviour-related event (i.e. an entrapment) constitute a considerable danger because each instance can affect many individuals. In an attempt to advance our understanding of the causes of firefighter entrapments, a review of the pertinent literature and a synthesis of existing data were undertaken. Examination of the historical literature indicated that entrapment potential peaks when fire behaviour rapidly deviates from an assumed trajectory, becomes extreme and compromises the use of escape routes, safety zones or both. Additionally, despite the numerous safety guidelines that have been developed as a result of analysing past entrapments, we found issues with the way factual information from these incidents is reported, recorded and stored that make quantitative investigations difficult. To address this, a fire entrapment database was assembled that revealed when details about the location and time of entrapments are included in analyses, it becomes possible to ascertain trends in space and time and assess the relative influence of various environmental variables on the likelihood of an entrapment. Several research needs were also identified, which highlight the necessity for improvements in both fundamental knowledge and the tools used to disseminate that knowledge.
Flexural properties of three-dimensional printed continuous wire polymer composites
Authors: Ibrahim Yehia , Melenka Garrett W. , Kempers Roger
Published: June 2019

Recently, continuous fibre reinforcement has been combined with three-dimensional (3D) printing to create stiffer printed components. This study investigates the effect of wire volume fraction, type of polymer matrix, and wire treatment on the flexural properties of 3D printed continuous wire polymer composites (CWPCs) through a design of experiment study. CWPC samples were printed using a modified, open-source 3D printer. The flexural properties were measured and compared to non-reinforced samples. An analytical model was developed to describe the stress distribution across unidirectional CWPCs as a function of the geometrical printing parameters, reinforcement dimensions, and material properties. Sample failure analysis was performed to investigate failure modes and offer insight into further enhancement of the composite's properties.
Analysis of the Escherichia coli extracellular vesicle proteome identifies markers of purity and culture conditions
Authors: Hong Jiwon , Dauros‐Singorenko Priscila , Whitcombe Alana , Payne Leo , Blenkiron Cherie , Phillips Anthony , Swift Simon
Published: June 2019

Bacteria release nano‐sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the extracellular milieu. Bacterial EVs contain molecular cargo originating from the parent bacterium and have important roles in bacterial survival and pathogenesis. Using 8‐plex iTRAQ approaches, we profiled the EV proteome of two Escherichia coli strains, uropathogenic (UPEC) 536 and probiotic Nissle 1917. For these strains, we compared the proteome of crude input EVs prepared by ultracentrifugation alone with EVs purified by either density gradient centrifugation (DGC) or size exclusion chromatography (SEC). We further compared the proteome of EVs from bacterial cultures that were grown in iron‐restricted (R) and iron‐supplemented (RF) conditions. Overall, outer membrane components were highly enriched, and bacterial inner membrane components were significantly depleted in both UPEC and Nissle EVs, in keeping with an outer membrane origin. In addition, we found enrichment of ribosome‐related Gene Ontology terms in UPEC EVs and proteins involved in glycolytic processes and ligase activity in Nissle EVs. We have identified that three proteins (RbsB of UPEC in R; YoeA of UPEC in RF; BamA of Nissle in R) were consistently enriched in the DGC‐ and SEC‐purified EV samples in comparison to their crude input EV, whereas conversely the 60 kDa chaperonin GroEL was enriched in the crude input EVs for both UPEC and Nissle in R condition. Such proteins may have utility as technical markers for assessing the purity of E. coli EV preparations. Several proteins were changed in their abundance depending on the iron availability in the media. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD011345. In summary, we have undertaken a comprehensive characterization of the protein content of E. coli EVs and found evidence of specific EV cargos for physiological activity and conserved protein cargo that may find utility as markers in the future.

Abbreviation: DGC: density gradient centrifugation; DTT: 1,4‐dithiothreitol; EV: extracellular vesicles; FDR: false discovery rate; GO: Gene Ontology; R: iron‐restricted; RF: iron‐supplemented; iTRAQ: isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation; OMV: outer membrane vesicle; SWATH‐MS: sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra; SEC: size exclusion chromatography.
Formation of ultrathin MoS2films using laser-based methods
Authors: Fominski V Yu , Romanov R I , Nevolin V N , Fominski D V , Komleva O V , Popov V V
Published: June 2019

A comparative analysis of the abilities of several novel methods to produce ultrathin molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) films containing from 1 to 10 molecular layers was carried out. To deposit MoSxfilms and MoOxprecursor films, the atomic flux was formed by laser ablation of Mo, MoS2, and MoO3targets. Saturation with sulphur of the deposited layers was performed using a reactive gas (hydrogen sulphide) or by thermally activated treatment of thin-film precursors in a sulphur vapor. It has been established that the use of hydrogen sulphide makes it possible to obtain ultrathin MoS2films at relatively low temperatures ∼ 350 °C. However, these films contained local defects which were absent in the films prepared by the treatment of thin film MoOxprecursors in sulphur vapours at higher temperatures (≥ 650°C).
Selection of pulsed laser deposition conditions for preparation of perfect thin-film MoSx hydrogen evolution catalysts
Authors: Nevolin V N , Fominski D V , Romanov R I , Esin M I , Fominski V Y , Kartsev P F
Published: June 2019

The influence of pulsed laser deposition conditions in the geometry “off-axis” on the catalytic properties of MoS
x
films in the hydrogen evolution reaction is investigated. For the deposition of MoS
x
films from MoS2 target, pulsed laser radiation from the IR and UV wavelength ranges was used. The angle of incidence of the laser-induced plume on the surface of the substrate in a buffer gas was varied to check the influence of large in-size Mo-enriched particles. The efficiency of the catalyst was estimated from the results of the turnover frequency (TOF) measurement, which made it possible to minimize the influence of the “loading” of the catalyst on its characteristics. The effects of the chemical composition, local structure, and properties of the catalyst–substrate interface on the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction are analysed. The regime of pulsed laser deposition of more effective thin-film MoS
x
catalysts is determined.
Laser Milling Ceramics Dioxide Zirconium and Disilicate of Lithium
Authors: Panov D V , Petrovskiy V N , Ushakov D V , Osintsev A V , Dzhumaev P S , Polskiy V I
Published: June 2019

The paper considers the possibility of using laser milling technology for precision processing of ceramic samples from pre-sintered and sintered ceramics zirconia and lithium disilicate. To find the best radiation source were compared different lasers. To find highest removal rate with acceptable accuracy was studied influence laser and scanning system parameters on ceramics. Accuracy problem of laser milling was considered. Examples of surfaces of prostheses were made.
Generalization of the discrete and continuous Shannon entropy by positive definite functions related to the constant of motion of the non-linear Lotka-Volterra system
Authors: Dubois Daniel M
Published: June 2019

In cybernetics, the Shannon formula is a positive function that measures the entropy of discrete probability distributions. The conversion of this formula to continuous probability distributions gives the infinity and negativity catastrophes, similar to the problem of renormalisation in physics. This paper suggests a solution to these two open problems, in starting from the derivation of positive definite functions from the Shannon entropy. These definite positive functions are related to the constant of motion of the non-linear Lotka-Volterra system. Then these positive definite functions are generalized for exchange of information with both discrete and continuous probability distributions. These functions generalized the Kullback-Leibler and Wiener information gain. A practical example is presented which shows a remarkable result with a scale invariance of the information gain. Then in this paper, we recall the properties of the differential equations of the non-linear Volterra predator-prey system and of the autocatalytic system of Lotka. As this paper deals with the conversion of discrete information to continuous information, we have developed the presentation of the discrete Lotka-Volterra equations. The numerical simulation of the hyperincursive discrete Lotka-Volterra equations shows an orbital stability. Moreover it is demonstrated that the hyperincursive discrete Lotka-Volterra equations are separable into two alternating discrete incursive Lotka-Volterra equations, similar to the hyperincursive discrete harmonic oscillator.
Instability physics: Consciousness and collapse of the wave function
Authors: Hankey Alex
Published: June 2019

Roger Penrose has long supported the view that wave function collapse, or more accurately wave packet reduction, is one of the defining aspects of consciousness In collaboration with Stuart Hameroff, he has suggested that it can be achieved by quantum gravity, giving rise to their well-known Orch OR theory of wave function collapse Their theory has a fundamental disadvantage, however Quantum gravity is too general; it applies at all points where matter is present, ie in all kinds of circumstance where wave packet reduction is not observed There is no hint as to why cell interiors are of special importance That assumption cannot be justified However, the Orch OR approach does acknowledge that only a situation governed by purely non-linear physics can offer circumstances where quantum wave-packets will be reduced; non-linearity must be at the heart of the theory This paper identifies a biological condition of non-linearity providing an advantageous way to explain objective reduction, OR, of wave packets: critical instability in complexity biology, known as ‘criticality’ The condition provides a rigorous reason why wave packet reduction should occur; one grounded in well-accepted modern biology, complexity biology This paper develops the idea further: it demonstrates how critical instabilities are found not in the cytoplasmic reticulum where Penrose and Hameroff site their Orch OR, but under the very circumstances where one would expect consciousness to be located: at the loci of control of biological regulatory systems Wave packet reduction can then select the future that the organism desires, doing so on a microscopic quantum level
Quantum extension for Newton’s law of motion
Authors: Kamalov T F
Published: June 2019

The main idea of I. Newton in Principia is a description of the laws of motion by a second-order differential equation. Classical Newtonian physics can describe stability trajectories in Inertial Reference Frames and some Non-Inertial ones. The variation of the action functional S of stability trajectories equals to zero. The observational error is including the influence of the random fields’ background to the particle. Can we use another description in the form of a high-order differential equation? The high-order derivatives can be used as additional variables accounting for the influence of random fields background. Trajectories due the influence of the random fields’ background can be called instability random trajectories. They can be described by high order derivatives. Then the stability classical trajectories to be complemented by additional instability random trajectories. Quantum objects are described by the trajectory with neighborhoods. Quantum Probability can describe quantum objects in random fields. The variation of the action functional S is defined by the Planck constant. For the common description of quantum theory and high-order theory, let us compare r-neighborhoods of quantum action functional with r-neighborhoods of the action functional of a high-order theory.
The use of impulse electric and magnetic fields in obtaining permanent joints
Authors: Strizhakov E L , Nescoromniy S V , Ageev S O , Vinogradov V G
Published: June 2019

The article discusses the possibility of using electromagnetic influence in the production of permanent compounds such as metal–ceramics, metal–glass, as well as composite compounds from powder materials. It is proposed to use magnetic pulse action to form such joints in the solid phase: in the atmosphere with the position of parts at an angle; in vacuum with preheating and subsequent radial action. When consolidating powder materials (sintering with simultaneous pressing), a scheme of synchronous action of electromagnetic energy is proposed: thermal and mechanical.
SHS membranes based on materials of mica-like structure
Authors: Uvarov V I , Alymov M I , Kachin A R , Loryan V E , Shustov V S , Fedotov A S , Tsodikov M V
Published: June 2019

The possibility of synthesizing a functional porous material of a mica-like structure to manufacture filter membranes for purification of liquids and gases, in particular tap water, was investigated. Mixtures of available powders based on mineral raw materials — quartz sand (SiO2) and Karelian schungite with reducing agents and secondary cryolite, a product of processing of fluorine-containing wastes of aluminum production, were used for the synthesis. The synthesis was carried out in the furnace at T = 930°C in the atmosphere of air at P = 1 atm. A ceramic filter membrane 40 mm in diameter and ~ 5 mm in height was synthesized. The size of the open pores in the synthesized sample, which is measured according to GOST 26849-86, is 1-3 μm. The bending strength is 5.5–6 MPa. The product has a porosity of ~ 60% and an open porosity of up to 98%. The synthesized sample efficiently purifies the tap water from the high content of heavy metal ions and reduces the hardness of the water by 30%.
Clusterin accumulates in synapses in Alzheimer’s disease and is increased in apolipoprotein E4 carriers
Authors: Jackson Rosemary J , Rose Jamie , Tulloch Jane , Henstridge Chris , Smith Colin , Spires-Jones Tara L
Published: June 2019

One of the major challenges in developing effective therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease is understanding how genetic risk factors contribute to neurodegeneration. The apolipoprotein epsilon 4 isoform (APOE4) and variants in the Clusterin (CLU) gene (also known as apolipoprotein J) are associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Our previous work demonstrated that APOE4 exacerbates synapse degeneration and synaptic accumulation of toxic oligomeric amyloid beta in human Alzheimer’s and mouse models of disease. Here, we observe clusterin in synapses in human Alzheimer's disease brain. The percentage of synapses containing clusterin is higher in APOE4 carriers than APOE3 carriers. Furthermore, we observe oligomeric amyloid beta accumulation within synapses containing clusterin which is also higher in APOE4 carriers. These data link two genetic risk factors with synapse degeneration in Alzheimer’s and support a potential role for clusterin working with APOE in causing synaptic damage.
Quantitation of dietary dihydrochalcones in Indian crabapple (Malus sikkimensis) using validated high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Dixit Shalini , Maurya Priyanka , Srivastava Madhumita , Shanker Karuna , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar U , Gupta Madan M , Rai Lalit Kumar
Published: June 2019

In the present study, a systematic validated method was developed for the determination of two key dietary dihydrochalcones (DHC) viz. phloridzin (PZ) and phloretin (PT) in the leaves of Sikkim crabapple (Malus sikkimensis) using HPLC-Photo Diode Array (PDA). Chromatographic separation was optimized on a C18 column using a gradient elution of water/acetonitrile with the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 25°C at 280 nm. Sample preparation approach is rapid and energy efficient, and it requires no pre-concentration before analysis. Validation showed a good analytical performance in terms of specificity, linearity (r2 > 0.999), precision (% RSD < 1.08), recovery (97–100.4%) and sensitivities (limits of detection: 12.48 and 14.95 ng/mL; limit of quantification: 41.61 and 49.85 ng/mL) of PZ and PT, respectively. Developed approach was employed for targeted phytochemical analysis in the bark and fruits of M. sikkimensis. The PZ content in the bark and leaves was highest (12–13 mg/100 mg), about 90-fold higher than fruits. PT was only present in the leaves (0.57 mg/100 mg). The comparative data on PZ and PT content in various wild apple species/cultivar from different countries have also been discussed. The reliability of the validated method was established by analyzing global and expanded uncertainties in two DHC determinations in wild apple. The present method fulfills the technical requirement of ISO 17025:2017 for quality control of M. sikkimensis.
Urbanization and elevated cholesterol in American Crows
Authors: Townsend Andrea K , Staab Hannah A , Barker Christopher M
Published: June 2019

Although urban areas can be sources of abundant food for wildlife, anthropogenic foods may be lower in quality than natural food sources, with possible consequences for birds. We examined how urbanization and anthropogenic food were linked to cholesterol levels, condition, and survival of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). We collected cholesterol and landscape data from 140 crow nestlings along an urban-to-rural gradient in Davis, California, USA. We also ran a supplementation experiment with high-cholesterol fast food (McDonald’s cheeseburgers) on 86 nestlings in a rural population in Clinton, New York, USA. Plasma cholesterol increased with percentage of impervious surface along the urban-to-rural gradient. Cholesterol levels were sensitive to anthropogenic foods: crows supplemented with fast food cheeseburgers had higher cholesterol levels than unsupplemented crows. Elevated cholesterol levels had no detectable effects on survival and were associated with higher indices of body condition, although urbanization itself was linked to lower survival. Elevated cholesterol levels could indicate access to high-calorie, high-fat anthropogenic foods, which might, in some contexts, improve body condition, potentially offsetting other negative effects of urbanization. Observations over a longer time scale, assessing additional indices of health and fitness, are needed to evaluate long-term costs or benefits of elevated cholesterol for urban crows.
DOZ047.07: Parental feeding concerns of infants and children with esophageal atresia
Authors: Menzies Jessica , Hughes Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Background

Feeding problems have been described in children with esophageal atresia (EA). This can cause high levels of parental/caregiver concern.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to determine specific feeding concerns of parents/caregivers of infants and young children with EA, including introducing solids and grading up to family foods.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed for parents/caregivers of infants/children with EA, aged 12 months to 6 years. Questionnaires were completed by 20 parents of infants/children attending a multidisciplinary EA clinic between June 2016 and June 2017. All children had type C EA. Demographics, feeding history, and parental concerns around feeding were assessed. The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale was also completed by parents.

Results

Eleven (55%) parents agree/strongly agree that they were concerned about their child's feeding prior to the introduction of solids and about moving from a smooth puree to more textured solids. The most common concerns were choking and food impaction for both time points. Twelve (60%) parents agree/strongly agree that the majority of mealtimes in their child's first 1–2 years of life were stressful. Thirteen (65%) parents reported avoiding particular foods due to their child's EA. The majority of children (n = 17) had no feeding difficulty according to an objective scale, with the rest minor.

Conclusions

This study highlights that parental concern around feeding still exists in infants and children without a severe feeding difficulty and needs to be addressed. Multidisciplinary involvement including a dietitian and speech pathologist from an early age is important for infants and children with EA. Further education provided to parents/caregivers may assist with reduced stress around feeding and create more positive mealtime behaviours.
DOZ047.110: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula tracheoscopic chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid
Authors: Lara D P R , Riveros L V M , Pineda L R S , Padilla P O , Cañón I C , Luengas P , Garces A F , Machado C V
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to report the experience of two centers in the treatment of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF), by tracheoscopic chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TCA). A surgical approach to RTEF has high morbidity and mortality. Some endoscopic techniques have been developed but nevertheless, optimal treatment is still not determined because of the low number of patients, short term of follow-up, and different techniques.

Materials and Methods

From January 2016 to March 2019, 12 patients with RTEF were selected for endoscopic management in two centers. Eleven had RTEF after primary repair of esophageal atresia/TEF and one had a second fistula with misdiagnosis, all of them by a thoracotomy approach. In all cases the diagnosis was confirmed by clinical evaluation, esophagram, and bronchoscopy. Under general anesthesia, a rigid pediatric bronchoscope with a 0° rod lens telescope telemonitoring was used to localize and refresh the fistula with a small endoscopy brush of 2–3 mm. Cotton soaked with 50% TCA was applied on the fistula for 30 seconds. The procedure had to be repeated two times.

Results

Fistulae were closed in 10 patients. The closure was confirmed by esophagram or bronchoscopy after 2 months of the procedure. It remains completely obliterated and the patients are asymptomatic. There were only two patients with progressive decrease in the diameter of the fistula; one patient died for some other medical reason and another patient is being treated. The mean number of procedures in each patient was 1.3, and the follow-up was 12 months on average (2–36). Two patients had bronchospasms as postoperative complication.

Conclusion

The tracheoscopic chemocauterization of RTEF with the use of 50% TCA is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique. It has fewer complications and avoids the morbidity of open surgery.
DOZ047.115: Quality and readability of esophageal atresia information on the Internet
Authors: O’Connor B R , Doherty E , Friedmacher F , Vernon L , Paran T S
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Increasingly in pediatric surgical practice, patients, their parents, and surgeons alike use the Internet as an easily and quickly accessible source of information about conditions and their treatment. The quality and reliability of this information may often be unregulated. We aim to objectively assess the online information available relating to esophageal atresia and its management.

Methods

We performed searches for ‘oesophageal atresia’ and ‘esophageal atresia’ using the Google, Yahoo, and Bing engines to encompass both European and American spellings. We assessed the first 20 results of each search and excluded duplicates or unrelated pages. The DISCERN score and the Health on the Net Foundation Code (HONcode) toolbar were utilized to assess the quality of information on each website. We evaluated readability with the Flesch reading ease (FRE) and the Flesch–Kincaid grade (FKG).

Results

Of the original 120 hits, 61 were excluded (51 duplicates, 10 unrelated). Out of 59 individual sites reviewed, only 13 sites were HONcode approved. The mean overall DISCERN score was 52.55 (range: 22–78). The mean DISCERN score for the search term ‘oesphageal atresia’ was 57 (range: 22–78) in comparison to 59.03 for ‘esophageal atresia’ (range: 27–78). Google search had the lowest overall mean DISCERN score at 54.83 (range: 35–78), followed by Yahoo at 58.03 (range: 22–78), and Bing with the highest overall mean score of 61.2 (range: 27–78). The majority of websites were graded excellent (≥63) or good (51–62), 43% and 27%, respectively; 20% were scored as fair (39–50), with 10% being either poor (27–38) or very poor (≤26). In terms of readability, the overall Flesch Reading Ease score was 33.02, and the overall Flesch–Kincaid grade level was 10.3.

Conclusions

The quality of freely available online information relating to esophageal atresia is generally good but may not be accessible to everyone due to being relatively difficult to read. We should direct parents towards comprehensive, high-quality, and easily readable information sources should they wish to supplement their knowledge about esophageal atresia and its management.