Towards hydrogen-rich ionic (NH4)(BH3NH2BH2NH2BH3) and related molecular NH3BH2NH2BH2NH2BH3

Attempts of synthesis of ionic (NH4)(BH3NH2BH2NH2BH3) using metathetical approach resulted in a mixture of the target compound and a partly dehydrogenated molecular NH3BH2NH2BH2NH2BH3 product. The mixed specimen was characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopies, and the crystal structure of their cocrystal was solved from powder x-ray diffraction data, and supplemented by theoretical density functional theory calculations. Despite their impressive hydrogen content, and similarly to ammonia borane, both title compounds release hydrogen substantially polluted with borazine, and traces of ammonia and diborane.Comment: 8 pages, 10 Figures, 2 Tables, and electronic supplement of 19 page

Advantages of Al based GEM detector aimed at plasma soft-semi hard X-ray radiation imaging

Development of gaseous detectors, more specifically Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based detectors, for application at tokamak plasma radiation monitoring/imaging in Soft−Semi Hard X-ray (S−SH) region is an ongoing research activity aiming to deliver valuable information on plasma shape, magnetic configuration, non-axisymmetry phenomena of the plasma, etc. Wide radiation range and brightness of plasma radiation impose some restrictions on choice of materials in the detecting chamber, as their interaction with the incident radiation may disrupt original signals. This work proposes usage of aluminum as GEM foils electrodes for the first time. The detector based on these foils was constructed and examined. The operational characteristics and spectral capabilities of such detector were compared with the ones based on the standard (commonly used) copper GEM foils. The laboratory tests were performed using X-ray tube and 55Fe sources to examine detectors’ capabilities in energy-resolved imaging. Additionally, simulations of origin and number of the generated electrons, which determine the detector signal, were performed for Al and Cu GEM foils for a wide energy range of incident photons. The experimental and modelling data demonstrated that Cu based GEM detector produces higher parasitic signal than Al one necessitating total elimination of copper from detector’s chamber

Development of 2D GEM-based SXR plasma imaging for DTT device: focus on readout structure

Creation and development of a new diagnostics useful for future thermonuclear reactors and helpful in studying impurity profiles, MHD modes/localization, and imaging are among urgent tasks in plasma research field. Global SXR imaging for DTT device in support of power exhaust programme and its consecutive impact for plasma core is an example of applicability of such diagnostics. This contribution presents the results of the ongoing development of the elaborated plasma X-ray imaging technology focusing on the design of the relevant structure of readout electrode. In order to achieve that, the details on the expected plasma radiation for the selected scenario for DTT machine were assessed. Then, the spatial distribution of plasma radiation intensity flux that will be reaching the detector window of the GEM based detector was simulated. Taking it into account along with the physical properties of the detector, the spatial and temporal distributions of charge cloud that will be reaching the readout plane were evaluated. The special design of the readout structure has been proposed that fulfil critical conditions originated from technological and physical constraints. The final effectiveness of the GEM based detector was evaluated proving that such detector is well suited for an effective plasma radiation imaging

New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.

Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms

język angielski

Abstract: Degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is one of the most common diseases of the human musculoskeletal system and a significant public health problem. The main manifestation of degenerative spine disease is back pain, which in most cases is treated symptomatically rather than causally. The diagnosis of degenerative spine disease has been previously based on medical history and diagnostic imaging. Recently, much attention has been devoted to the biochemical indicators of bone and cartilage metabolism, which are well understood among patients with osteoporosis. Bone turnover markers indicate the metabolic activity of bone and cartilage. They occur in blood serum, urine, and synovial fluid in the form of collagen-derived proteins or enzymes, involved in the formation or resorption of bone and cartilage tissue. The study below was aimed at assessing the usefulness of determining the markers of bone turnover and cartilage damage in the blood serum of people with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine diagnosed by MRI. The biochemical diagnostics included the measurement of inflammatory parameters. The results show that the degenerative disease of the spine is local, accompanied by inflammation, and vitamin D deficiency is among the factors leading to its development

Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Health Benefits, Potential Applications in Infant Formulas, and Pharmacology

The first months of life are a special time for the health development and protection of infants. Breastfeeding is the natural and best way of feeding an infant, and positively influences their development and health. Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for the infant and contains countless bioactive ingredients such as immunoglobulins, hormones, oligosaccharides and others. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a very important and interesting constituent of human milk, and are the third most abundant solid component after lactose and lipids. They are a structurally and biologically diverse group of complex indigestible sugars. This article will discuss the mechanisms of action of HMOs in infants, such as their anti-adhesive properties, properties modulating the immune system, and impact on bacterial flora development. Many health benefits result from consuming HMOs. They also may decrease the risk of infection by their interactions with viruses, bacteria or protozoa. The commercial use of HMOs in infant formula, future directions, and research on the use of HMOs as a therapy will be discussed

Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers’ Levels in Obese Patients

In view of research suggesting a possible beneficial impact of vitamin D on systemic inflammatory response, the authors decided to investigate an influence of vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of certain inflammatory markers in obese patients. The current study included such biomarkers as interleukin-6 (IL-6), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CX3CL1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and nitric oxide (NO). The measurements were performed with the ELISA method before and after 3-month-long supplementation of 2000 IU of vitamin D orally. The results showed that the therapy did not induce any statistically significant changes in serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, CX3CL1, and PACAP. The supplementation was related to a significant increase in measurements of NO and AOPP levels, although the correlation analysis between vitamin D concentration after its supplementation and the concentration of the molecular parameters did not show significant relation. In conclusion, our study seems to contradict certain aspects of findings available in the literature regarding the vitamin D’s impact