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This study is aimed to determine whether postoperative low dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging is necessary after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or the surgeon's intraoperative assessment of residual fragments (RF) is sufficient and avoidance of postoperative imaging with reduction of radiation exposure can be achieved. Data of all 610 patients who underwent PCNL in prone position in our institution from February 2009 to September 2020 was collected. Parameters such as age, gender, BMI, ASA-Classification, stone related parameters and the surgeon's assessment of stone-free status were analyzed. The LDCT performed postoperatively was compared to the intraoperative assessment of the surgeon regarding RF. The mean age of patients was 52.82 years; the mean BMI was 28.18 kg/m2. In 418 cases, the surgeon made a clear statement about the presence of RF and postoperative LDCT was carried out. The discrepancy between the two methods (surgeon´s assessment vs. LDCT) was significant at p < 0.0001. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the surgeon when assessing RF were 24.05%, 99.45%, 98.28% and 50%. Stone free rate (SFR) after primary PCNL was 45.57%. The overall SFR at discharge was 96.23%. Although the surgeon´s assessment of RF was reliable, postoperative LDCT imaging should still be performed if endoscopic stone clearance is suspected due to the high false negative rate and the low negative predictive value. The optimal timing of postoperative imaging following PCNL remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammoth ivory was used by humans to manufacture personal ornaments, sculptures or music instruments during the Upper Palaeolithic. These objects are among the first and most precious witnesses of ancient artistic behaviour. Archaeological ivory, however, has been subjected to complex alteration processes due to exchange with its burial environment over time. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the diagenetic phenomena in order to develop adequate conservation measures for ivory artefacts. The element-analytical study of ivory artefacts can shed light on these processes and can help to track the origin of these objects. In this work we studied twelve mammoth ivory samples and ten bone samples coming from the Palaeolithic site Hohle Fels located in the Swabian Jura. Mammoth bone samples were included in the study in order to find eventual differences in the diagenetic changes between ivory and bone material. We performed ion beam analysis (PIXE/PIGE) at the microfocus beamline of the accelerator NewAGLAE at C2RMF and micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mappings at the PUMA beamline at synchrotron SOLEIL. The obtained PIXE/PIGE results are consistent with previous studies of ivories from Hohle Fels and other contemporaneous European sites in terms of possible site-specific (Zn, Br, Sr contents) and diagenetic markers (F content). XRF mappings and their semi-quantitative analyses confirm former observations and provide additional criteria for the classification of endogenous and exogenous elements. Based on our results we could not find significant difference in the diagenetic alterations between archaeological ivory and bone samples for the studied archaeological site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-assembly of a metal-free porphyrin bearing two pyridyl coordinating sites and two pentyl chains at trans meso positions was investigated under ultrahigh vacuum on a Ag(111) surface by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The STM measurements revealed a well-ordered close-packed structure with a rhombic unit cell for coverages ≤1 monolayer with their molecular plane parallel to the surface. The growth direction of the molecular islands is aligned along the step edges, which are restructured due to molecule-substrate interactions. The shorter unit cell vector of the molecular superstructure follows the ⟨1-10⟩ direction of the Ag(111) substrate. Hydrogen bonds between pyridyl and pyrrole groups of neighboring molecules as well as weak van der Waals forces between the pentyl chains stabilize the superstructure. Deposition of cobalt atoms onto the close-packed structure at room temperature leads to the formation of a hexagonal porous network stabilized by metal-ligand bonding between the pyridyl ligands and the cobalt atoms. Thermal annealing of the Co-coordination network at temperatures >450 K results in the transformation of the hexagonal network into a second close-packed structure. Changes in the molecule-substrate interactions due to metalation of the porphyrin core with Co as well as intermolecular interactions can explain the observed structural transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performances of Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) at the New AGLAE accelerator external microfocus beamline and those of Synchrotron Radiation micro-X-Ray Fluorescence (SR-XRF) at the PUMA beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron are compared for non-invasive characterization of archaeological ivory. Based on the examination of ivory artefacts from the Palaeolithic site Hohle Fels in South-western Germany, the informative value of this combination of methods is evaluated with regard to archaeological questions. Parameters such as depth of information, elemental sensitivity as a function of atomic number and imaging capacity are considered. We obtain an almost complete coverage of the chemical composition of ivory (C to Pb). Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) allows the identification of collagen and PIXE/PIGE provide a higher sensitivity for light elements while SR-XRF offers high resolution imaging for heavier elements. Both facilities provide different depths of information that can be exploited to better distinguish exogenous and endogenous elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the mRNA expression of B-MYB and MDM2 together with their p53 relatedness in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: Genes were screened for their mRNA expression from 529 patients in a publicly available ccRCC cohort (TCGA). A cohort of 101 patients with ccRCC served as validation by qRT-PCR mRNA tissue expression analysis. Results: Expression: B-MYB expression was significantly higher in high-grade tumours (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.048) and in advanced stages (p = 0.005 and p = 0.037) in both cohorts. Correlation: p53-B-MYB as well as MDM2-B-MYB showed significant correlations in local and low-grade ccRCCs, but not in high grade tumours or advanced stages (r < 0.3 and/or p > 0.05). Survival: Multivariable Cox regression of the TCGA cohort revealed B-MYB upregulation and low MDM2 expression as predictors for an impaired overall survival (OS) (HR 1.97; p = 0.0003; HR 2.94, p < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 2.86; p = 0.0005; HR 1.58, p = 0.046). In the validation cohort, the results were confirmed for OS by univariable, but not multivariable regression: high B-MYB expression (HR = 3.05, p = 0.035) and low MDM2 expression (HR 3.81, p value 0.036). Conclusion: In ccRCC patients with high-grade tumours and advanced stages, high B-MYB expression is common and is associated with poorer OS and PFS. These patients show a loss of their physiological B-MYB–p53 network correlation, suggesting an additional, alternative regulatory, oncogenic mechanism. Assuming further characterization of its signalling pathways, B-MYB could be a potential therapy target for ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexation of NpO2+ with lactate in aqueous solution is studied as a function of the total ligand concentration ([Lac−]total), ionic strength (Im = 0.5–4.0 mol kg−1 Na+(Cl−/ClO4−)) and temperature (T = 20–85 °C) by Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy. The formation of two NpO2+ lactate species with the stoichiometry NpO2(Lac)n1−n (n = 1, 2) is observed at the studied experimental conditions. The temperature dependent conditional stability constants log βj′(T) at different ionic strengths are calculated with the law of mass action. The conditional data are extrapolated to IUPAC reference state conditions (Im = 0) with the specific ion interaction theory (SIT). With increasing temperature up to 85 °C log β 01 (20 °C) = 1.92 ± 0.14 decreases by 0.12 and log β 02 (20 °C) = 2.10 ± 0.13 decreases by 0.17. The thermodynamic stability constants correlate linearly with the reciprocal temperature according to the integrated Van't Hoff equation. Thus, linear regression analyses yield the standard reaction enthalpy ΔrH0 and entropy ΔrS0 for the complexation reactions. In addition, the sum of the SIT specific binary ion–ion interaction coefficients Δεj,k(T) of the complexation reactions are determined by variation of the ionic strength. Structural parameters of the formed complex species and the coordination mode of lactate towards the NpO2+ ion are investigated as a function of pHc by extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT IR). The results show, that the coordination mode of lactate changes from end-on (coordination via only the COO− group) to side-on (formation of chelate rings involving the OH-group) with increasing pHc. The experiments are supported by quantum chemical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the electron transport in disordered assemblies of weakly coupled nano-sized metal clusters is important for many applications. Here, we investigate experimentally and theoretically the electron transport properties of metal cluster assemblies in the form of discontinuous gold films. Discontinuous films of different average island size are produced by sputter deposition, and the resistance and the non-linear current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the films are measured as a function of temperature. To interpret the experimental electron transport data, a conduction percolation model is employed where broad probability distributions for both the tunnel junction gaps and the Coulomb blockade energies are used. Excellent agreement between experimental data and model calculations is found. In particular, the non-Arrhenius resistive behavior, the I-V power-law behavior, and the I-V characteristics at large bias voltage are all shown to be due to a conduction percolation mechanism governing disordered networks of nano-sized metal islands connected by tunnel junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The room temperature thermoelectric properties of a three-dimensional array of molecular junctions are calculated. The array is composed of n-doped silicon nanoparticles where the surfaces are partially covered with polar molecules and the nanoparticles are bridged by trans-polyacetylene molecules. The role of the polar molecules is to reduce the band bending in the n-doped silicon nanoparticles and to shift the electronic resonances of the bridging molecules to the nanoparticle conduction band edges where the molecular resonances act as electron energy filters. The transmission coefficients of the bridging molecules that appear in the formulas for the Seebeck coefficient, the electrical conductance, and the electronic thermal conductance, are calculated using the nonequilibrium Green’s function technique. A simple tight-binding Hamiltonian is used to describe the bridging molecules, and the self-energy term is calculated using the parabolic conduction band approximation. The dependencies of the thermoelectric properties of the molecular junctions on the silicon doping concentration and on the molecule-nanoparticle coupling are discussed. The maximal achievable thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of the array is estimated as a function of the phononic thermal conductance of the bridging molecules and the doping of the nanoparticles. The power factor of the array is also calculated. For sufficiently small phononic thermal conductances of the bridging molecules, very high ZT values are predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant magnetocaloric effect was observed in Mn1.1Fe0.9P1-xGex (x=0.2, 0.24) melt-spun ribbons. The maximum magnetic entropy change |ΔSM| of Mn1.1Fe0.9P0.76Ge0.24 reaches 35.4 J/kg K in a field change from 0 to 5 T at around 317 K. This value is superior to that reported for Mn1.1Fe0.9P0.76Ge0.24 synthesized by mechanical alloying (∼30 J/kg K at 306 K). The large magnetocaloric effect results from a more homogenous element distribution related to the very high cooling rate during melt spinning. The excellent magnetocaloric effect properties, the low material cost, and the accelerated aging regime make the melt-spun-type MnFePGe materials an excellent candidate for magnetic refrigerant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is remarkable that in over three decades since the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) in cuprates, no other class of materials has been found to exhibit this property above the liquid nitrogen boiling point at ambient pressure. Here, we describe the conformation of hole and electron bipolarons in doped cuprates and tungstates. Important similarities and differences between them are discussed. Both hole and electron bipolarons can percolate forming filaments or clusters in the bulk or on the surfaces as well. Upon cooling, these electronic objects can show superconducting properties. It is proposed that oxygen-reduced tungsten oxide WO3−x in bulk or thin film form is a promising material to explore the HTS. Such material would be another example of bipolaronic superconductivity similar to cuprates. However, there is also an important difference: in the cuprates, holes predominantly enter the oxygen orbitals and hole bipolarons are composed of three-spin polarons, whereas in the tungstates, doped electrons are located on tungsten ions and W5+-O2−-W5+electron bipolarons form from 5d1 W5+ polarons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix factorization is at the heart of many machine learning algorithms, for example, dimensionality reduction (e.g. kernel PCA) or recommender systems relying on collaborative filtering. Understanding a singular value decomposition (SVD) of a matrix as a neural network optimization problem enables us to decompose large matrices efficiently while dealing naturally with missing values in the given matrix. But most importantly, it allows us to learn the connection between data points' feature vectors and the matrix containing information about their pairwise relations. In this paper we introduce a novel neural network architecture termed similarity encoder (SimEc), which is designed to simultaneously factorize a given target matrix while also learning the mapping to project the data points' feature vectors into a similarity preserving embedding space. This makes it possible to, for example, easily compute out-of-sample solutions for new data points. Additionally, we demonstrate that SimEc can preserve non-metric similarities and even predict multiple pairwise relations between data points at once. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The extent of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), along with immunomodulatory ligands, tumor-mutational burden and other biomarkers, has been demonstrated to be a marker of response to immune-checkpoint therapy in several cancers. Pathologists have therefore started to devise standardized visual approaches to quantify TILs for therapy prediction. However, despite successful standardization efforts visual TIL estimation is slow, with limited precision and lacks the ability to evaluate more complex properties such as TIL distribution patterns. Therefore, computational image analysis approaches are needed to provide standardized and efficient TIL quantification. Here, we discuss different automated TIL scoring approaches ranging from classical image segmentation, where cell boundaries are identified and the resulting objects classified according to shape properties, to machine learning-based approaches that directly classify cells without segmentation but rely on large amounts of training data. In contrast to conventional machine learning (ML) approaches that are often criticized for their "black-box" characteristics, we also discuss explainable machine learning. Such approaches render ML results interpretable and explain the computational decision-making process through high-resolution heatmaps that highlight TILs and cancer cells and therefore allow for quantification and plausibility checks in biomedical research and diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the measurement of the zero-field transport critical current density of polycrystalline YBa[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7-δ]. Theory; Preparation of the samples.

Studies spatiotemporal evolution of a low-pressure glow discharge. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Focuses on a study that reported the deposition of aluminum, aluminum nitride and aluminum oxide produced by evaporation. Details of the experiment; Experimental and theoretical results and discussion; Conclusion.

Deals with a study wherein various processing routes for making permanent magnets based on samarium and iron have been developed. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Abstract: Background: Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) are very common among fair‐skinned individuals. A disease continuum from AK to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been frequently postulated. AK and NMSC may influence quality of life (QL) of patients, and it can be suspected that disease progression entails a QL reduction. The purpose of this study was to document QL in patients with NMSC and AK using the health‐outcome questionnaire EQ‐5D‐5L. Methods: The study was designed as a non‐interventional, prospective, cross‐sectional study. Patients with AK, SCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or multiple diagnoses were enrolled in this study in 29 dermatological centres across Germany. Patients were asked to complete the EQ‐5D‐5L (compromising EQ Index and EQ VAS), and the dermatologists provided diagnosis, disease history and treatment data. Results: A total of 1184 patients were enrolled and diagnosed as follows: 73% AK, 49% BCC and 17% SCC. 66% had a single diagnosis, 28% two different diagnoses and 6% three different diagnoses. QL was strongly associated with patients’ diagnosis. Patients with a single AK diagnosis had significantly higher mean EQ VAS (78) than patients with BCC (74), SCC (72), and BCC plus SCC (69), P < 0.050. When the effects of disease progression were calculated, patients with AK plus SCC reported significantly less mean EQ VAS (71) than patients with a single AK diagnosis (78), P < 0.011. Conclusions: While rarely being imminently life‐threatening, NMSC and AK have an impact on QL as quantified by the EQ‐5D‐5L. This impact is associated with diagnosis (AK vs. NMSC) and clinical progression (AK vs. AK plus SCC). Both lead to a clear decline in QL. This shows that disease progression is perceived and judged as detrimental by patients and that AK and NMSC should be diligently treated to preserve and restore QL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural textiles are applied as a protective barrier against birds and insects, but also as ground covers against weeds and as protection from environmental factors. To protect plants from insects and other pests, pesticides and other protective agents are also used since a textile barrier is often insufficient or is not feasible. As these products have to be applied regularly, their use is costly and time-consuming. The situation also becomes more complicated when a textile is used to protect the field against other influences (e.g. frost). The application of pesticides and other protective agents in or on to the agricultural textile itself, enabling the active substances to be continuously released by the textile, is a viable alternative. Insecticides used in the agricultural sector pose an environmental problem, which cannot be solved even by incorporating them into textiles. A silica-based, ecological alternative will therefore be presented in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author reviews polaronic basis for high-temperature superconductivity. Topics discussed include concept of Jahn–Teller (JT) polarons; antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulating lattice of the Copper; and bipolaron model for the reproduction of hole-doped cuprate phase diagram for the superconductivity.

Contents The objective of this study was to evaluate mitochondria in immature and in vitro-matured domestic cat oocytes and to assess for the first time the effect of vitrification on mitochondrial traits. Mitochondrial distribution and aggregation were assessed using confocal microscopy after staining with the fluorescent dye-MitoTracker® Red CMXRos. Only cells at the germinal vesicle and the metaphase II stages of nuclear development, representing immature and mature oocytes, respectively, were included in our study. Our study shows that 80% of immature and 100% of mature oocytes exhibit a peripheral pattern of mitochondria distribution, indicating that, in contrast to the situation in other species, the mitochondria of cat oocytes are not dispersed throughout the cell after in vitro maturation but instead maintain a strong affinity for the oocyte periphery near the membrane. However, a loss of aggregation was observed during in vitro maturation-78% of immature oocytes showed homogeneous granulation versus only 18% of mature oocytes ( p < .001). The increased intensity of MitoTracker® Red CMXRos staining after in vitro maturation ( p < .05) may be tentatively attributed to an increase in mitochondrial activity but could likewise reflect a concomitant appearance of sulphhydryl groups in cytoplasm (known to be targeted by the dye). Mitochondrial distribution did not change upon vitrification; however, dye intensity decreased ( p < .05) and mitochondrial aggregation was intensified in both immature and mature vitrified cat oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents AWN is a porcine ( Sus scrofa domestica) seminal plasma protein and has been linked to a variety of processes related to fertilization. To acquire the protein in sufficient amount and purity for functional studies, we established its recombinant expression in E. coli and a three-step purification protocol based on different chromatographies. The test for AWN-phospholipid interaction revealed phosphatidic acid and cardiolipin as potential binding partners. As phosphatidic acid is surmised to play a role in cation-induced membrane destabilization and fusion events, we propose a membrane protective function of the presented binding affinity. Further studies with recombinant AWN will allow new insights into the mechanism of sperm-spermadhesin interaction and might provide new approaches for artificial reproduction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and magnetic entropy change of melt-spun LaFe11.57Si1.43 ribbons have been investigated. Here, the 1:13 phase with cubic NaZn13-type structure is obtained by a short-time annealing (1000 °C/1 h) in melt-spun-type materials, which in contrast, requires a much longer time annealing at high temperature to develop in the bulk alloy. The Curie temperature is increased from 192 K in bulk alloy to 198 and 210 K in the melt-spun ribbons prepared at 20 and 40 m/s, respectively, which is attributed to more Si dissolved in the 1:13 phase when the cooling rate increases. The maximal magnetic entropy changes with a change in the magnetic field of 0–5 T are 21.2 and 17.8 J/kg K in the melt-spun ribbons prepared at 20 and 40 m/s, respectively, which are close to that of bulk alloy with the same composition subjected to a prolonged heat treatment (21.1 J/kg K). Further analysis confirms the occurrence of a first-order field-induced transition in these three samples. The significantly reduced magnetic and thermal hysteresis and the large value of magnetic entropy change make the melt-spun-type materials prepared at 20 m/s more appropriate for magnetic refrigerant applications, compared with conventional bulk alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria parasites have a complex, multistage life cycle and there is a widely held view that each stage displays a distinct set of antigens presented to the immune system. Yet, molecular analysis of malaria parasites suggests that many putative antigenic targets are shared amongst the different stages. The specificities of these cross-stage antigens and the functions of the immune responses they elicit are poorly characterized. It is well-known that CD8+ T cells play opposing immune functions following Plasmodium berghei ( Pb) infection of C57 BL/6 mice. Whilst these cells play a crucial role in protective immunity against pre-erythrocytic stages, they are implicated in the development of severe disease during blood stages. Recently, CD8+ T cell epitopes derived from proteins supposedly specific for either pre-erythrocytic or blood stages have been described. In this brief report, we have compiled and confirmed data that the majority of the mRNAs and/or proteins from which these epitopes are derived display expression across pre-erythrocytic and blood stages. Importantly, we provide evidence of cross-stage immune recognition of the majority of these CD8+ T cell epitopes. Hence, our findings provide a resource to further examine the relevance of antigen-specific cross-stage responses during malaria infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose We investigated non-acute headache patients' long-term satisfaction with a telemedicine consultation and consultation preferences in northern Norway. We hypothesized that patients were not less satisfied with telemedicine than traditional consultations. We also examined the influence of gender, age and education on satisfaction. Methods For 2.5 years, patients were consecutively screened, recruited and randomly assigned to telemedicine or traditional visits with a consultation at a neurological outpatient department. The primary endpoint was frequency of satisfied patients at 3 and 12 months. Secondary endpoints were satisfaction with consultation, communication, information, diagnosis, advice and prescriptions, and preferred visit form at 12 months. Results Of 402 participants, 279 (69.4%) answered questionnaires at both 3 and 12 month, and 291 (72.4%) responded at 12 months. The long-term satisfaction of telemedicine patients was 124/145 (85.5%) compared with 118/134 (88.1%) in the traditional group ( P = 0.653). The groups did not differ with respect to secondary endpoints, but females were more satisfied with telemedicine communication ( P = 0.027). In the telemedicine group, 99/147 (67.3%) were indifferent to the type of consultation. Age and education did not alter the primary results. Conclusions At 1 year after a specialist evaluation for headache, telemedicine patients did not express less satisfaction than those with traditional consultation. Telemedicine specialist consultations may be a good alternative for headache patients in secondary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed information on neptunium(V) speciation on montmorillonite and corundum surfaces was obtained by batch sorption and desorption studies combined with surface complexation modelling using the Diffuse Double-Layer (DDL) model, in situ time-resolved Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) and X-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopies. The pH-dependent batch sorption studies and the spectroscopic investigations were conducted under carbonate-free conditions in 10 mM NaClO 4 or 10 mM NaCl. Solid concentrations of 0.5 g/l and 5 g/l were used depending on the experiment. The neptunium(V) desorption from the two mineral surfaces was investigated at pH values ranging from 8 to 10, using the replenishment technique. Neptunium(V) was found to desorb from the mineral surface, however, the extent of desorption was dependent on the solution pH. The desorption of neptunium(V) was confirmed in the ATR FT-IR spectroscopic studies at pH 10, where all of the identified inner-sphere complexed neptunium(V), characterized by a vibrational band at 790 cm −1 , was desorbed from both mineral surfaces upon flushing the mineral films with a blank electrolyte solution. In XAS investigations of neptunium(V) uptake by corundum, the obtained structural parameters confirm the formation of an inner-sphere complex adsorbed on the surface in a bidentate fashion. As the inner-sphere complexes found in the IR-studies are characterized by identical sorption bands on both corundum and montmorillonite, we tentatively assigned the neptunium(V) inner-sphere complex on montmorillonite to the same bidentate complex found on corundum in the XAS investigations. Finally, the obtained batch sorption and spectroscopic results were modelled with surface complexation modelling to explain the neptunium(V) speciation on montmorillonite over the entire investigated pH range. The modelling results show that cation exchange in the interlayer space as well as two pH-dependent surface complexes are required to fully explain the neptunium(V) speciation on the montmorillonite surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the last years, dual-energy CT imaging has shown clinical value, thanks to its ability to differentiate materials based on their atomic number and to exploit different properties of images acquired at two different energies. C-arm CT systems are used to guide procedures in the interventional suite. Until now, there are no commercially available systems that employ dual-energy material decomposition. This paper explores the feasibility of implementing a fast kV-switching technique on a clinically available angiographic system for acquiring dual-energy C-arm CT images. Methods: As an initial proof of concept, a fast kV-switching approach was implemented on an angiographic C-arm system and the peak tube voltage during 3D rotational scans was measured. The tube voltage measurements during fast kV-switching scans were compared to corresponding measurements on kV-constant scans. Additionally, to prove stability of the requested exposure parameters, the accuracy of the delivered tube current and pulse width were also recorded and compared. In a first phantom experiment, the voxel intensity values of the individual tube voltage components of the fast kV-switching scans were compared to their corresponding kV-constant scans. The same phantom was used for a simple material decomposition between different iodine concentrations and pure water using a fast kV-switching protocol of 81 and 125 kV. In the last experiment, the same kV-switching protocol as in the phantom scan was used in an in vivo pig study to demonstrate the clinical feasibility. Results: During rapid kV-switching acquisitions, the measured tube voltage of the x-ray tube during fast switching scans has an absolute deviation of 0.23±0.13 kV compared to the measured tube voltage produced during kV-constant acquisitions. The stability of the peak tube voltage over different scan requests was about 0.10 kV for the low and 0.46 for the high energy kV-switching scans and less than 0.1 kV for kV-constant scans, indicating slightly lower stability for kV-switching scans. The tube current resulted in a relative deviation of -1.6% for the low and 6.6% overestimation for the high tube voltage of the kV-switching scans compared to the kV-constant scans. The pulse width showed no deviation for the longer pulse width and only minor deviations (0.02±0.02 ms) for the shorter pulse widths compared to the kV-constant scans. The phantom experiment using different iodine concentrations showed an accurate correlation (R² > 0.99) between the extracted intensity values in the kV-switching and kV-constant reconstructed volumes, and allows for an automatic differentiation between contrast concentration down to 10% (350 mg/ml iodine) and pure water under low-noise conditions. Preliminary results of iodine and soft tissue separation showed also promising results in the first in vivo pig study. Conclusions: The feasibility of dual-energy imaging using a fast kV-switching method on an angiographic C-arm CT system was investigated. Direct measurements of beam quality in the x-ray field demonstrate the stability of the kV-switching method. Phantom and in vivo experiments showed that images did not deviate from those of corresponding kV-constant scans. All performed experiments confirmed the capability of performing fast kV-switching scans on a clinically available C-arm CT system. More complex material decomposition tasks and postprocessing steps will be part of future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which calculated and discussed coercivity and nucleation fields for dimensional inhomogenities in aligned magnets. Methods; Results; Discussion.

This article presents the results of two series of micro-PIXE/PIGE analysis on mammoth ivory samples from four Aurignacian sites in France (Abri Castanet, Grotte d'Isturitz) and Germany (Hohle Fels, Vogelherd). Specifically, we report variation in ivory preservation as indicated by fluorine (F) content and ratios of MgO/CaO from Aurignacian horizons known to contain ivory industries. Though all samples derive from respectively homogenous sedimentary contexts, results show very different pattern of F-content variation among sites. F uptake in ivory is a more complex process than that observed for bone, and the structural/morphological reasons for this are explained. High-resolution data on the archaeological context of the samples from Abri Castanet also allows for examination of the effects of horizontal and vertical distribution on F-content and the sorting of F-content data by sedimentary unit. A definitive model for fluorine uptake during ivory diagenesis will require further investigation, but a close examination of the current data provides novel insight into processes of taphonomy and diagenesis in this exceptional and highly valued raw material, as well as further evidence to support regionally distinct strategies of ivory procurement in the Early Aurignacian. In combination with additional lines of faunal and archaeological evidence, it is demonstrated that ivory procurement in the Swabian Jura focused on fresh local sources of ivory, while procurement strategies in Northern Aquitaine focused on ivory collection from natural deposits of varying age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crosslinked polyurethanes (PU) are employed as structural adhesives. Research has been done extensively on the interaction of water with thermoplastic PU but is still largely unexplored in the case of PU networks. A chemically simple but well-defined PU is utilized here as a starting point to understand the influence of water in this kind of polymer. For up to 15 days of immersion in water, no changes in the chemical composition of the PU were observed in the IR spectra. Depending on temperature, water saturates the PU samples much earlier. Plasticization is the result as a significant decrease of the mechanical modulus and a glass transition shift to lower temperature is observed in the polymer. Interestingly, only some 70% of the water saturation is sufficient for maximum plasticization. It is concluded from the IR spectra that water debilitates the interactions between polymer chains within the network. The bridging of at least a part of the originally hydrogen-bonded urethane groups is substituted by hydrogen bonds between water and the urethane moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To allow for a purely image-based motion estimation and compensation in weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography of the knee joint. Methods: Weight-bearing imaging of the knee joint in a standing position poses additional requirements for the image reconstruction algorithm. In contrast to supine scans, patient motion needs to be estimated and compensated. The authors propose a method that is based on 2D/3D registration of left and right femur and tibia segmented from a prior, motion-free reconstruction acquired in supine position. Each segmented bone is first roughly aligned to the motion-corrupted reconstruction of a scan in standing or squatting position. Subsequently, a rigid 2D/3D registration is performed for each bone to each of K projection images, estimating 6×4×K motion parameters. The motion of individual bones is combined into global motion fields using thin-plate-spline extrapolation. These can be incorporated into a motion-compensated reconstruction in the backprojection step. The authors performed visual and quantitative comparisons between a state-of-the-art marker-based (MB) method and two variants of the proposed method using gradient correlation (GC) and normalized gradient information (NGI) as similarity measure for the 2D/3D registration. Results: The authors evaluated their method on four acquisitions under different squatting positions of the same patient. All methods showed substantial improvement in image quality compared to the uncorrected reconstructions. Compared to NGI and MB, the GC method showed increased streaking artifacts due to misregistrations in lateral projection images. NGI and MB showed comparable image quality at the bone regions. Because the markers are attached to the skin, the MB method performed better at the surface of the legs where the authors observed slight streaking of the NGI and GC methods. For a quantitative evaluation, the authors computed the universal quality index (UQI) for all bone regions with respect to the motion-free reconstruction. The authors quantitative evaluation over regions around the bones yielded a mean UQI of 18.4 for no correction, 53.3 and 56.1 for the proposed method using GC and NGI, respectively, and 53.7 for the MB reference approach. In contrast to the authors registration-based corrections, the MB reference method caused slight nonrigid deformations at bone outlines when compared to a motion-free reference scan. Conclusions: The authors showed that their method based on the NGI similarity measure yields reconstruction quality close to the MB reference method. In contrast to the MB method, the proposed method does not require any preparation prior to the examination which will improve the clinical workflow and patient comfort. Further, the authors found that the MB method causes small, nonrigid deformations at the bone outline which indicates that markers may not accurately reflect the internal motion close to the knee joint. Therefore, the authors believe that the proposed method is a promising alternative to MB motion management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Oestrous suppression by intrauterine devices ( IUDs) is caused by prolongation of luteal function, but the biological mechanism is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate mechanisms which could explain the action of IUDs. Thirty mares were age-matched and either inseminated ( AI, n = 15) or fitted with an IUD ( IUD, n = 15) and subsequently divided into four groups: AI-P, pregnant (n = 8); AI-N, non-pregnant (n = 7); IUD-P, prolonged luteal phase (n = 7); and IUD-N, normal luteal phase (n = 8). The median ages were 5.5 and 7 years in AI-P and IUD-P groups and 14 and 11 years in AI-N and IUD-N groups, respectively. On Day 15 after ovulation, an endometrial biopsy was obtained to study histomorphological and immunohistochemical expression patterns of uterine proteins (uteroferrin, UF; uterocalin, UC; uteroglobin, UG), oestrogen and progesterone receptors ( ER, PR), proliferation marker Ki-67 and content of inflammatory cells. Expression of UF was higher in IUD mares; the difference between pregnant and IUD-P mares was significant. Mares exhibiting a prolonged luteal phase ( AI-P, IUD-P) showed only mild angiosclerosis and lower expression of both ER and PR than mares with a normal luteal phase ( AI-N, IUD-N). No significant differences were detected in the numbers of inflammatory cells, with the exception of macrophages, which were more numerous in AI-P than AI-N mares. Although inflammatory cells were not detected in IUD mares, increased UF levels may indicate chronic inflammation. Young age and normality of the endometrial blood vessels may improve the efficacy of IUDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forward acceptance of the LHCb detector allows it to probe proton-ion collisions in a unique kinematic range, complementary to the other LHC experiments. The production of J/Ψ and Υ-mesons decaying into two muons is studied at the LHCb experiment in proton-lead collisions at a proton-nucleon centre-of-mass energy √ sNN = 5 TeV. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.6 nb-1. The nuclear modification factor and the forward-backward production ratio are determined for J/Ψ and Υ(1S) mesons. Clear suppression of prompt J/Ψ production is observed with respect to the production in proton-proton collisions at large rapidity, while the suppression of J/Ψ from b-hadron decays is less pronounced. The nuclear modification factor for Υ(1S) mesons in the forward region is found to be similar to those for J/Ψ from b-hadron decays. Furthermore, a first observation of Z bosons at large rapidities in proton-lead collisions is reported. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and stability of the L1 0 phase in Mn–Ga binary alloys with compositions in the range 50–75 at% Mn (in steps of 5 at%) has been studied. Of these, single-phase L1 0 structure was successfully produced in the 55, 60 and 65 at% Mn alloys by annealing the high temperature phases, which had been retained to room temperature following arc melting. Further annealing and thermal analysis were used to determine the phase transformation temperatures in the alloys and the results were used to guide further processing. The saturation magnetisation, M s , and the anisotropy field, H a , were determined in applied fields up to 14 T. For Mn 55 Ga 45 , µ 0 M s =0.807 T and µ 0 H a =4.4 T were observed. Mechanically milled Mn 55 Ga 45 powder had coercivity of µ 0 H c =0.393 T, which was a twentyfold increase compared to the bulk material but the magnetisation was reduced ( cf. powder: µ 0 M 5 T =0.576 T, bulk: µ 0 M 5 T =0.780 T). Annealing the powder at 400 °C led to recovery of the magnetisation but reduced the coercivity, which was still 10 times as high as the bulk value. A degree of texture of 0.45 was achieved by magnetic alignment of the powder particles, leading to a remanence of 0.526 T. Furthermore, isotropic hot compacts of powders were produced with packing density from 83% to 99%, in which the improved coercivity of the powders was partially retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the anabolic steroid testosterone on the testicular vascularization, angiogenesis and expression of angiogenic factors, and their receptors in testes of peripubertal stallions. Seven peripubertal stallions were treated with Durateston and castrated either 4 (treatment group 1 [TG1]) or 12 weeks (TG2) after the last injection. The castration of seven untreated control stallions (control group [CG]) took place within the same time. In the testicular specimens, volume density (VD), numerical density (ND), and area of vessels were determined morphometrically. Immunohistochemically, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGF-R2; angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) and its receptor Tie2 as well as of transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) was investigated. Morphometrically, the VD of TG1 (P = 0.000) and TG2 (P = 0.001) vessels and the ND of arterioles and venules and capillaries were higher (TG1, TG2: P < 0.05), and the area of capillary cross sections was smaller (TG1, TG2: P < 0.05) than that in the CG. Compared to TG2 horses, TG1 animals showed a higher (P < 0.05) VD and ND of vascular structures and a smaller (P < 0.05) area of capillary cross sections. In numerous vascular structures, especially of TG1, the TGF-α and, to a less extent, the Ang2 and VEGF-R2 expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CG. Sertoli cells in TG2 were characterized by a significantly higher expression (P < 0.05) of VEGF-R2 than in the CG. In summary, the most and smallest vessels could be detected in the testes of TG1. Most likely this is explainable by the highest expression of some angiogenic factors (TGF-α, Ang2) and receptors (VEGF-R2) investigated. This expression behavior may be stimulated by testosterone. As a significant decrease of morphometric parameters could be detected in TG2 compared to TG1, the stimulatory effect of testosterone seems to be temporary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In this study we evaluated the autonomic neural function in Parkinson's disease (PD) by combining the use of clinical scoring, functional evaluation with head-up tilt test (HUTT) and morphological studies of the vagus nerve (VN) with nerve ultrasound (NU). This allowed us to correlate morphological changes of the VN with markers of parasympathetic dysfunction from HUTT. Patients/Methods. In our study we used NU to compare the mean values of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the VNs of 80 PD patients with those of controls (n=40) and patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (n=76). In 69 cases HUTT data was analyzed concerning the presence of orthostatic hypotension (OH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and chronotropic incompetence (CI). Functional haemodynamic parameters in HUTT were used to evaluate parasympathetic functions and correlate them with VN CSA (n=65). Results. In PD, the CSA of right / left VN was significantly smaller compared to the right/left VN of the control and CIDP patients (Table 1). Based on HUTT, 60.5 % of the patients were diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction (OH n=11, CI n=31, POTS n=1). Patients with OH showed significantly higher UPDRS-III values than those with CI (p=0.025). The CSA of the VN correlated inversely with heart rate and positively with parameters representing parasympathetic modulation through vagal activity (Fig. 1). Conclusion. By using NU significant morphological differences of the CSA of the VN were detected in CIDP, PD and a healthy control group. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that anatomical characteristics of the VN correlate with parameters of parasympathetic function from the spectral analysis of cardiovascular parameters in HUTT for PD. This finding enables a new interpretation of the anatomical characteristics of the VN for PD patients and diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction. ▪ Fig. 1. Schematic presentation of the inverse correlation of the cross-sectional area of the right vagus nerve with the heart rate. Positive correlation with markers of parasympathetic activity HFnu-RRI. (Spearman Correlation). Abbreviations: HR=heart rate, HFnuRRI = high frequency power of the RR-Interval, bpm= beats per minute, CSA= cross-sectional area Table 1. Demographical and epidemiological characteristics as well as the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vagus nerve. All values are provided as mean ± standard deviation. ▪ Abbreviations: INCAT/ODSS = inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment/overall disability sum score, MDS-UPDRS III= MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, SCOPA-AUT= Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease- Autonomic Dysfunction, PDQ39 = Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, CSA = cross sectional area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doped tungstates exhibit superconductivity as indicated to occur mainly at the surface of the WO grains present. To generate bulk 3D superconducting material of doped tungstates, it is proposed to employ the recently discovered UV-generated synthesis of complex oxides from mixed simple oxides by illuminating the mixture with ultraviolet light at modest temperatures, as found in Shengelaya's group in Tbilisi, and to generate a percolating 3D network of 2D superconducting sheets using the smallest basis oxides as the starting material. The latter procedure was demonstrated recently to be very effective in a collaboration with the present author (Daraselia et al., J. Appl. Phys. 121, 145104, 2017). If this proposition is successful, it would establish the doped tungstates as a second group of HTS besides the copper oxides that could be chosen for certain applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbed spermatogenesis is a common problem in felines. Studying spermatogenesis in the domestic cat can improve the understanding of the biological background and help to counteract fertility problems in other feline species. Here, we analyzed 3 relaxin family peptides (relaxin, relaxin-3, and INSL3) and their receptors (RXFP1, RXFP2, and RXFP3) as potential spermatogenic factors involving their expression in the testis at different stages of its development. It may be concluded from its stage-dependent expression that relaxin, together with RXFP1, appears to be involved in the first stage of spermatogenesis, whereas relaxin-3 via binding to RXFP3 influences spermiogenesis. Furthermore, correlations were observed between relaxin, relaxin-3, RXFP1, RXFP2 and RXFP3 messenger RNA expression, and the relative numbers of haploid cells in testes. The peptide INSL3 was highly expressed at all testis development stages. Because of the low and stage-independent expression of its receptor RXFP2, an auto- and/or paracrine function of INSL3 in spermatogenesis seems unlikely. In the adult testis, messenger RNA expression of relaxin, RXFP1, and RXFP3 predominantly occurs in the tubular testis compartment, whereas INLS3 is mainly expressed in the interstitium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the observation of suppression and revival of coherent backscattering of ultracold atoms launched in an optical disorder in a quasi-2D geometry and submitted to a short dephasing pulse, as proposed by Micklitz, Muller, and Altland [Phys. Rev. B 91, 064203 (2015)]. This observation demonstrates a novel and general method to study weak localization by manipulating time reversal symmetry in disordered systems. In future experiments, this scheme could be extended to investigate higher order localization processes at the heart of Anderson (strong) localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actin binding proteins (ABPs) not only set the structure of actin filament assemblies but also mediate the frequency-dependent viscoelastic moduli of cross-linked and bundled actin networks. Point mutations in the actin binding domain of those ABPs can tune the association and dissociation dynamics of the actin/ABP bond and thus modulate the network mechanics both in the linear and non-linear response regime. We here demonstrate how the exchange of a single charged amino acid in the actin binding domain of the ABP fascin triggers such a modulation of the network rheology. Whereas the overall structure of the bundle networks is conserved, the transition point from strain-hardening to strain-weakening sensitively depends on the cross-linker off-rate and the applied shear rate. Our experimental results are consistent both with numerical simulations of a cross-linked bundle network and a theoretical description of the bundle network mechanics which is based on non-affine bending deformations and force-dependent cross-link dynamics. Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive use of online computer games which leads to functional impairment and distress has recently been included as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in Section III of the DSM-5. Although nosological classification of this phenomenon is still a matter of debate, it is argued that IGD might be described best as a non-substance-related addiction. Epidemiological surveys reveal that it affects up to 3 % of adolescents and seems to be related to heightened psychosocial symptoms. However, there has been no study of prevalence of IGD on a multi-national level relying on a representative sample including standardized psychometric measures. The research project EU NET ADB was conducted to assess prevalence and psychopathological correlates of IGD in seven European countries based on a representative sample of 12,938 adolescents between 14 and 17 years. 1.6 % of the adolescents meet full criteria for IGD, with further 5.1 % being at risk for IGD by fulfilling up to four criteria. The prevalence rates are slightly varying across the participating countries. IGD is closely associated with psychopathological symptoms, especially concerning aggressive and rule-breaking behavior and social problems. This survey demonstrated that IGD is a frequently occurring phenomenon among European adolescents and is related to psychosocial problems. The need for youth-specific prevention and treatment programs becomes evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-Proton Induced X-ray and Gamma-ray Emission (micro-PIXE/PIGE) provide non-destructive methods for the evaluation of the major, minor and trace element compositions of archaeological material. The current study applies micro-PIXE/PIGE analysis to mammoth ivory artefacts from four Palaeolithic sites (Abri Castanet, Vogelherd Cave, Grottes de la Verpillière I and II) in France and Germany in order to assess the effectiveness of this approach to material older than 30,000 y BP. It has thus far not been established whether such methods of analysis can yield results of scientific and archaeological interest on ivory material that has undergone such extended periods of diagenesis. This approach evaluated preservation state in terms of mean elemental concentrations (Mg vs. Ca) and a comparative assessment of F-content as an indication of relative burial time. The results also indicate that analysis of trace elements (Sr, Zn, Br) can provide chemical markers of archaeological provenance. The results of this study are compared to data in the existing database established by the same methods of analysis on ivory objects from several different time periods and archaeological sources. The implications of these results for the study of archaeological ivories from Palaeolithic contexts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxides are the only materials that have transition temperatures, T, well above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, with a maximum $T_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {m}}$ of 162 K under pressure. Their structure is layered, with one to several CuO planes, and upon hole doping, their transition temperature follows a dome-shaped curve with a maximum of $T_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {m}}$. In the underdoped regime, i.e., below $T_{\mathrm {c}}^{\mathrm {m}}$, a pseudogap Δ* ∝ T* is found, with T* always being larger than T, a property unique to the copper oxides. In the superconducting state, Cooper pairs (two holes with antiparallel spins) are formed that exhibit coherence lengths on the order of a lattice distance in the CuO plane and one order of magnitude less perpendicular to it. Their macroscopic wave function is parallel to the CuO plane near 100 % d at their surface, but only 75 % d and 25 % s in the bulk, and near 100 % s perpendicular to the plane in yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) [1]. There are two gaps with the same T [2]. As function of doping, the oxygen isotope effect is novel and can be quantitatively accounted for by a vibronic theory or by the presence of bipolarons [2, 3]. These cuprates are intrinsically heterogeneous in a dynamic way. In terms of quasiparticles, bipolarons are present at low doping and aggregate upon cooling [2] so that probably ramified clusters and/or stripes are formed, leading over to a more Fermi liquid-type behavior at large carrier concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand pastoral soils have the potential to develop water-repellent conditions irrespective of regional climate and soil orders. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the temporal dynamics of soil water repellency (SWR), the mechanisms leading to this transient soil condition and its effect on pasture productivity. Topsoil actual and potential SWR, water contents and pasture production were monitored at monthly to bi-monthly intervals on two hill country pastures located in Hawke's Bay and the Waikato, New Zealand, between December 2009 and March 2012. Clear seasonal dynamics of SWR were observed with peaks during dry and warm periods and breakdown of SWR after wet periods. While the actual persistence of SWR was negatively correlated with the soil water content, it was not directly related to rainfall. But it was significantly and negatively correlated to the soil moisture deficit. Low soil fertility promoted SWR. These results confirm that soil water content alone is not a reliable predictor for the appearance and disappearance of SWR. We also conclude that a large contact angle indicates not only a high degree of SWR, but also a high persistence. One potential explanation for the high variability of the potential of SWR might be that hydrophobic organic substances causing SWR are partly and periodically leached out of the soil profile. During the summer months, pasture productivity was reduced by 48% at the Hawke's Bay site, and 48% of the observed variability in dry matter production during the entire investigation period of 2 years could be explained by the degree and the potential persistence of SWR. Our results confirm that SWR is an issue for New Zealand pastoral production that requires development of mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High on-treatment platelet reactivity is associated with short-term major cardiovascular (CV) events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Maximum and final aggregation assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) have both been used to predict short-term outcome after PCI, however their long-term prognostic impact remains controversial. There is currently no information regarding the prognostic role of deaggregation and its added value in combination with established aggregation parameters. About 1279 patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing PCI were enrolled in this monocentric study. On-treatment platelet aggregation under clopidogrel maintenance therapy, as well as deaggregation was determined by maximum and final aggregation (5 min after adding of the agonist). Deaggregation was defined as slope of the tangent between Aggmax +0.5 min. Primary endpoints were the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and CV death or stent thrombosis according to the ARC criteria. Low deaggregation, defined as values in the lowest tertile (<1.5), was more frequent in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) compared to patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), ACS: 29.6% vs. SAP: 22.0%, p = 0.001. The combination of high on-treatment platelet reactivity, defined by the upper tertile of Aggmax and low deaggregation, was associated with significantly increased risk for combined long-term CV events. The combination of low deaggregation and high on-treatment platelet reactivity is associated with higher risk for recurrent events in patients with CAD undergoing PCI. Thus, deaggregation might be a more sensitive parameter providing added value in terms of risk prediction for long-term recurrent CV events in relation with established aggregation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the modification of feed formulations by replacing cereals with fat and supplementation with lysolecithin and/or multi-non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) enzyme upon performance. The study implemented 480 weaned piglets starting at 8.1 kg and finishing at 27.6 kg. Piglets were assigned to four treatments (control, control supplemented with fat at 7.0 g/kg, control supplemented with lysolecithin at 0.5 g/kg, with lysolecithin and a multi-NSP enzyme at 0.5 g/kg each). The study was divided in first phase 1–15 days and second phase 16–40 days. Feed conversion was significantly improved in the group supplemented with lysolecithin and multi-enzyme compared to control during the second phase of the experiment (P< 0.05), while the rest performance parameters did not differ significantly between treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]