Critical current density and vortex pinning in tetragonal FeS1−x_{1-x}Sex_{x} (x=0,0.06x=0,0.06)

We report critical current density ($J_c$) in tetragonal FeS single crystals, similar to iron based superconductors with much higher superconducting critical temperatures ($T_{c}$'s). The $J_c$ is enhanced 3 times by 6\% Se doping. We observe scaling of the normalized vortex pinning force as a function of reduced field at all temperatures. Vortex pinning in FeS and FeS$_{0.94}$Se$_{0.06}$ shows contribution of core-normal surface-like pinning. Reduced temperature dependence of $J_c$ indicates that dominant interaction of vortex cores and pinning centers is via scattering of charge carriers with reduced mean free path ($\delta$$l$), in contrast to K$_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$ where spatial variations in $T_{c}$ ($\delta$$T_{c}$) prevails.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Magnetism in La2O3(Fe1-xMnx)2Se2 tuned by Fe/Mn ratio

We report the evolution of structural and magnetic properties in La2O3(Fe1-xMnx)2Se2. Heat capacity and bulk magnetization indicate an increased ferromagnetic component of the long-range magnetic order and possible increased degree of frustration. Atomic disorder on Fe(Mn) sites suppresses the temperature of the long-range order whereas intermediate alloys show a rich magnetic phase diagram.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

THE INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR FERTILIZATION WITH ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON THE YIELD AND THE CHEMICAL CONTENT OF POTATOES GROWN IN STRUMICA REGION

The effect of foliar fertilization with organic fertilizers on the yield and the chemical content of potatoes grown in Strumica region were studied, in the period from the year of 2011-2012. The experiment was set in four variants and three repetitions. The variants in the experiment were: Control (no-fertilizing variant); Humusil (organic matter 1.86%; organic carbon 1.08%; humin acids 0.14%; N 224 mg/L; P2O5 71 mg/L; K2O 1024 mg/L; CaO 180 mg/L); Humustim (organic matter 58.63 %; dry matter 12.38 %; humin acids 20.40 %; fulvo acids 2.15%; N 3%; P2O5 1.02%; K2O 7.92%; Ca 3.70 %; Mg 1.03%); Ingrasamant foliar (N 0 %; P2O5 130 g/L; K2O 130 g/L; ME in helate form and plant extracts 0.005 g/L). The experiment was arranged in 12 rows and in each variant and repetition was involved 100 plants, total in all experiment were involved 1200 plants. The planting was made in rows at a distance of 60 cm row by row and 20 cm in the rows. The row’s length was 20 m. Three foliar treatments were applied with given above fertilizers at a concentration of 0.4%. The soil where the experiment was carried had a good fertility with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The foliar fertilization had a positive influence on potatoes yield in all of the variants treated with different organic fertilizers. The highest potatoes yield of 54.62 t ha-1 was established in variant 4. The foliar fertilization had a positive influence on the chemical content of tubers potato, too. In three variants treated with different fertilizers, higher content of all tested parameters was found, compared to the control untreated variant. The highest average content of vitamin C (2.60 mg/100g), phosphorus (0.90 %), and potassium (1.30 %) was determined in the tubers potato in variant 3

Hydrophilic titanium surface‐induced macrophage modulation promotes pro‐osteogenic signalling

Objectives: As biomaterial‐induced modulation of mediators of the immune response may be a potential therapeutic approach to enhance wound healing events, the aim of this study was to delineate the effects of titanium surface modification on macrophage phenotype and function. Material and methods: Rodent bone marrow‐derived macrophages were polarized into M1 and M2 phenotypes and cultured on micro‐rough (SLA) and hydrophilic modified SLA (modSLA) titanium discs. Macrophage phenotype and cytokine secretion were subsequently assessed by immunostaining and ELISA, respectively. Osteoblast gene expression in response to culture in the M1 and M2 macrophage conditioned media was also evaluated over 7 days by RT‐PCR. Results: M1 macrophage culture on the modSLA surface promoted an M2‐like phenotype as demonstrated by marked CD163 protein expression, Arg1 gene expression and the secretion of cytokines that significantly upregulated in osteoblasts the expression of genes associated with the TGF‐ß/BMP signalling pathway and osteogenesis. In comparison, M2 macrophage culture on SLA surface promoted an inflammatory phenotype and cytokine profile that was not conducive for osteogenic gene expression. Conclusions: Macrophages are able to alter or switch their phenotype according to the signals received from the biomaterial surface. A hydrophilic micro‐rough titanium surface topography elicits a macrophage phenotype associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced pro‐osteogenic signalling

Effect of oral calcium carbonate on aortic calcification in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice with chronic renal failure

Background. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the intake of calcium-based phosphate binders is associated with a marked progression of coronary artery and aortic calcification, in contrast to patients receiving calcium-free phosphate binders. The aim of this study was to reexamine the role of calcium carbonate in vascular calcification and to analyse its effect on aortic calcification-related gene expression in chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods. Mice deficient in apolipoprotein E underwent either sham operation or subtotal nephrectomy to create CRF. They were then randomly assigned to one of the three following groups: a control non-CRF group and a CRF group fed on standard diet, and a CRF group fed on calcium carbonate enriched diet, for a period of 8 weeks. Aortic atherosclerotic plaque and calcification were evaluated using quantitative morphologic image processing. Aortic gene and protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and Q-PCR methods. Results. Calcium carbonate supplementation was effective in decreasing serum phosphorus but was associated with a higher serum calcium concentration. Compared with standard diet, calcium carbonate enriched diet unexpectedly induced a significant decrease of both plaque (p < 0.05) and non-plaque-associated calcification surface (p < 0.05) in CRF mice. It also increased osteopontin (OPN) protein expression in atherosclerotic lesion areas of aortic root. There was also a numerical increase in OPN and osteoprotegerin gene expression in total thoracic aorta but the difference did not reach the level of significance. Finally, calcium carbonate did not change the severity of atherosclerotic lesions. Conclusion. In this experimental model of CRF, calcium carbonate supplementation did not accelerate but instead decreased vascular calcification. If our observation can be extrapolated to humans, it appears to question the contention that calcium carbonate supplementation, at least when given in moderate amounts, necessarily enhances vascular calcification. It is also compatible with the hypothesis of a preponderant role of phosphorus over that of calcium in promoting vascular calcification in CR

Point defect-enhanced optical and photoelectrochemical water splitting activity of nanostructured Zn1-xFeyO(1-x+1.5y)

Even has been under study since 1935, zinc oxide (ZnO) based materials still attract a huge scientific attention. Owing to a wide band gap energy (3.37 eV at room temperature) and a large exciton binding energy (60 meV) ZnO has a variety of application, e.g. in electronics, optoelectronics, spintronics and photocatalysis. Besides, it has been shown that zinc oxide-based materials have a great potential as photoelectrocatalysts in the processes of water splitting, yielding an increased both photocurrent density and photoconversion efficiency. However, with a band gap energy of 3.37 eV, ZnO is restricted to absorb UV light only. This restriction can be overcome by modifying optical properties of zinc oxide particles. During the years different approaches have been applied to modify the visible light photocatalytic activity of ZnO materials, for example: (1) metal and nonmetal ion doping, (2) hydrogenation, (3) the incorporation of crystalline defects in the form of vacancies and interstitials, (4) the modification of particles morphology and surface topology, etc. In this study we employed 3d metal ion substitution to improve visible light-driven photoactivity of zinc oxide particles. We investigated the influence of Fe concentration in Zn1-xFeyO(1-x+1.5y) nanoparticles on crystal structure, textural, optical and photoelectrocatalytic properties. Zn1-xFeyO(1-x+1.5y) nanoparticles with nominally 5, 10, 15 and 20 at.% of Fe ions were synthesized by microwave processing of a precipitate. The crystal structure and phase purity of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Mössbauer spectroscopy was carried out to clarify the valence state of the iron ions in the ZnO crystal structure. Effects of the iron ions concentration on particles morphology and texture properties were observed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE–SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with elemental mapping, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm, respectively. The optical properties were studied using UV–Vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical activity of the Zn1-xFeyO(1-x+1.5y) samples as anode material was evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry in Na2SO4 electrolyte; the oxygen evolution kinetics were determined and compared. In addition, a series of first principles calculations were performed to address the influence of the iron concentration on the electronic structure of Zn1-xFeyO(1-x+1.5y) samples

Severe peripheral joint laxity is a distinctive clinical feature of spondylodysplastic-ehlers-danlos syndrome (Eds)-b4galt7 and spondylodysplastic-eds-b3galt6

Variations in genes encoding for the enzymes responsible for synthesizing the linker region of proteoglycans may result in recessive conditions known as “linkeropathies”. The two phenotypes related to mutations in genes B4GALT7 and B3GALT6 (encoding for galactosyltransferase I and II respectively) are similar, characterized by short stature, hypotonia, joint hypermobility, skeletal features and a suggestive face with prominent forehead, thin soft tissue and prominent eyes. The most outstanding feature of these disorders is the combination of severe connective tissue involvement, often manifesting in newborns and infants, and skeletal dysplasia that becomes apparent during childhood. Here, we intend to more accurately define some of the clinical features of B4GALT7 and B3GALT6-related conditions and underline the extreme hypermobility of distal joints and the soft, doughy skin on the hands and feet as features that may be useful as the first clues for a correct diagnosis

Morphological characteristics of the lip grooves in citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia determined by Cheiloscopy

Introduction: Cheiloscopy is defined as the study of the sulci labiorum, known as "lip prints". Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of the lip grooves in the three dominant nationalities in the Republic of North Macedonia (Macedonians, Albanians, Roma) and to compare the obtained results with the morphological characteristics of the lip grooves in three other populations from different geographical regions. Material and methods: In this research, we included 150 examinees aged 25-50 years and divided them into three groups: Macedonians (50), Albanians (50) and Roma (50). The lip prints were taken using microscopic slides and detected using the dactyloscopic powder and brush method. We used the Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification to typify the lip prints. Results: The most common type of lip grooves in the population of the Republic of North Macedonia was the type II grooves. There was no significant difference in the presence of different types of lip grooves in the four quadrants between males and females, nor between Macedonians, Albanians and Roma. The comparative analysis showed that populations from different geographical areas had different anthropological and morphological characteristics of the lip grooves. Conclusion: Type II lip grooves are the most common in the population of the Republic of North Macedonia and there is no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of different types of lip grooves in the three nationalities in this study. Considering the large number of factors that can affect the quality of the lip print, we recommend that a swab should always be taken before collecting the lip print in order to attempt to extract DNA material from the found trace

Morphology of the Auroral Tail of Io, Europa, and Ganymede From JIRAM L-Band Imager

Jupiter hosts intense auroral activity associated with charged particles precipitating into the planet's atmosphere. The Galilean moons orbiting within the magnetosphere are swept by the magnetic field: the resulting perturbation travels along field lines as Alfven waves, which are able to accelerate electrons toward the planet, producing satellite-induced auroral emissions. These emissions due to the moons, known as footprints, can be detected in various wavelengths (UV, visible, IR) outside the main auroral emission as multiple bright spots followed by footprint tails. Since 2016 the Juno spacecraft orbiting Jupiter has surveyed the polar regions more than 30 times at close distances. Onboard the spacecraft, the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) is an imager and spectrometer with an L-band imaging filter suited to observe auroral features at unprecedented spatial resolution. JIRAM revealed a rich substructure in the footprint tails of Io, Europa, and Ganymede, which appear as a trail of quasi-regularly spaced bright sub-dots whose intensity fades away along the emission trail as the spatial separation from the footprint increases. The fine structure of the Europa and Ganymede footprint tails is reported in this work for the first time. We will also show that the typical distance between subsequent sub-dots is the same for all three moons at JIRAM resolution in both hemispheres. In addition, the sub-dots observed by JIRAM are static in a frame corotating with Jupiter. A feedback mechanism between the ionosphere and the magnetosphere is suggested as a potential candidate to explain the morphology of the footprint tails

Utilisation of an operative difficulty grading scale for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background A reliable system for grading operative difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy would standardise description of findings and reporting of outcomes. The aim of this study was to validate a difficulty grading system (Nassar scale), testing its applicability and consistency in two large prospective datasets. Methods Patient and disease-related variables and 30-day outcomes were identified in two prospective cholecystectomy databases: the multi-centre prospective cohort of 8820 patients from the recent CholeS Study and the single-surgeon series containing 4089 patients. Operative data and patient outcomes were correlated with Nassar operative difficultly scale, using Kendall’s tau for dichotomous variables, or Jonckheere–Terpstra tests for continuous variables. A ROC curve analysis was performed, to quantify the predictive accuracy of the scale for each outcome, with continuous outcomes dichotomised, prior to analysis. Results A higher operative difficulty grade was consistently associated with worse outcomes for the patients in both the reference and CholeS cohorts. The median length of stay increased from 0 to 4 days, and the 30-day complication rate from 7.6 to 24.4% as the difficulty grade increased from 1 to 4/5 (both p < 0.001). In the CholeS cohort, a higher difficulty grade was found to be most strongly associated with conversion to open and 30-day mortality (AUROC = 0.903, 0.822, respectively). On multivariable analysis, the Nassar operative difficultly scale was found to be a significant independent predictor of operative duration, conversion to open surgery, 30-day complications and 30-day reintervention (all p < 0.001). Conclusion We have shown that an operative difficulty scale can standardise the description of operative findings by multiple grades of surgeons to facilitate audit, training assessment and research. It provides a tool for reporting operative findings, disease severity and technical difficulty and can be utilised in future research to reliably compare outcomes according to case mix and intra-operative difficulty