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To present long-term experience with buccal mucosa posterior urethroplasty (BMPU) for refractory posterior urethral stenosis (PUS) or vesicourethral anastomosis stenosis (VUAS) either by perineal approach (PA) or by endourethroplasty (EUP). A single-center retrospective study of 38 consecutive patients operated on between 1999 and 2022. BMPU consisted of the transfer of onlay or tubular buccal mucosa grafts into dilated and/or incised strictures through an open or endourological approach. If VUAS or PUS recurred with short stenosis within the first 12 months after surgery, it was transected by a cold-knife direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU), referred to as an "auxiliary" DVIU. The primary outcome was 3-year stricture recurrence-free survival (SRFS). BMPU by perineal approach and EUP were performed in 27 (71%) and 11 (29%) patients, respectively. The 3-year SRFS was 65% for the whole cohort, with rates of 63% for the perineal approach and 73% for endourological approach. With permitted auxiliary DVIU, 3-year SRFS for the whole cohort was 81%. De novo incontinence occurred in 2 out of 18 preoperatively continent patients. Limitations include the retrospective nature of the single-center study and a small, heterogenous cohort of patients. We present 2 techniques of substitution urethroplasty with BMG in the management of PUS and VUAS with a low rate of recurrence or de novo incontinence. A novel endourological approach (EUP) is a promising minimally invasive alternative to the perineal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with radical cystectomy (RC) is the recommended treatment for muscle invasive bladder tumors (MIBC). However, more than half of patients are unable to undergo NAC due to contraindications. The aim of the study is to evaluate the long-term oncological results from one tertiary center and thus demonstrate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder tumors. Methods: In the years 2010-2021, 100 patients with MIBC underwent neoadjuvant (for cN0) / induction (for cN+) chemotherapy - most often as a combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine. Patients with cT3-4 or cN+ were indicated for NAC; in the subgroup of cT2N0, the patients were selected according to risk factors. Out of a of 100 patients, 49 were without lymphadenopathy (cN0) and 51 with enlarged nodes (cN1-3). Progression occurred in 8 patients during NAC (2× in cN0, 6× in cN+), two patients refused surgical treatment after NAC. Subsequent radical cystectomy was performed in 47/49 cN0 and 43/51 cN1-3 patients. The study evaluated the intention-to-treat population, even the patients who did not undergo surgical treatment were included. We assessed five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared survival within subgroups using the log-rank test. Response to chemotherapy was defined as complete (pCR - ypT0N0), partial (pPR = ypT1N0) or no response (non-R; =ypT2N0-3). The influence of clinical and histopathological parameters on progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated using the Cox regression model. Median follow-up was 43 months (IQR 16-87). Results: The average age of the patients was 64 years, men and women comprised 76% and 24% of the cohort, respectively. The extent of the primary tumor was cT2 in 39 and cT3-4 in 61 cases. The median number of lymph nodes removed during procedure was 24 (IQR 19;29). Five-year CSS reached 84% in cT2-4N0 and 52% in cT2-4N1-3. Five-year CSS was not different for cN1 versus cN2-3 (53% and 50%, respectively). We recorded a response to chemotherapy (cCR+pCR) in 34/49 (69%) patients with cN0 and in 24/51 (47%) cN1-3. Achieving response to chemotherapy improved 5-year CSS in both subgroups, in cN0 patients 93% versus 60% (p=0.001), in cN1-3 85% versus 27% (p<0.001). In the entire group, the 30-day and 90-day mortality reached 0% and 3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of progression-free survival were initial nodal involvement (HR 2.92; p=0.007) and failure to respond to NAC (HR 6.56; p=0.001). Conclusion: In patients with invasive bladder cancer who are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy, excellent oncological results can be achieved in clinically localized disease. Even in the case of clinical lymphadenopathy, up to half of patients survive five years. Achieving a response to chemotherapy and the absence of lymphadenopathy at the time of diagnosis reduce the risk of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to engineer the interactions in assemblies of nanoscale magnets is central to the development of artificial spin systems and spintronic technologies. Following the emergence of the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) in thin film magnetism, new routes have been opened to couple the nanomagnets via strong chiral interactions, which is complementary to the established dipolar and exchange coupling mechanisms. In this Perspective, we review recent progress in the engineering of synthetic magnets coupled by the interlayer and intralayer DMI. We show how multilayer chiral magnetic structures and two-dimensional synthetic antiferromagnets, skyrmions, and artificial spin systems can be realized by simultaneous control of the DMI and magnetic anisotropy. In addition, we show that, with the combination of DMI and current-induced spin–orbit torques, field-free switching of synthetic magnetic elements is obtained as well as all-electric domain wall logic circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to organize and elaborate on the conception of stages in the ritualization of experience. Erikson frames the ritualization as a process of playful adaptation that individualizes formal and informal ritual practices. Despite the many inspirations Erikson brought to psychology and play theory, the relation between ontogenesis, ritualization, and playfulness is not fully explored. This paper advocates the important role of playfulness during human development drawing on conclusions from contemporary research and play theory. Subsequently, the eight stages of ritualization are put in a context of ego integrity construction. According to Erikson, play forms the mental space in mind and reality that enables ego to develop mastery over reality and achieve greater coherence. The later stages of life are emphasized here to propose the potential role of playfulness in successful aging and coping with death. Playfulness is then discussed as an idealistic principle of general development and as the specific style of ego integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brillouin light spectroscopy is a powerful and robust technique for measuring the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in thin films with broken inversion symmetry. Here, we show that the magnon visibility, i.e., the intensity of the inelastically scattered light, strongly depends on the thickness of the dielectric seed material--SiO2. By using both, analytical thin-film optics and numerical calculations, we reproduce the experimental data. We therefore provide a guideline for the maximization of the signal by adapting the substrate properties to the geometry of the measurement. Such a boost-up of the signal eases the magnon visualization in ultrathin magnetic films, speeds-up the measurement and increases the reliability of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effect of habitual regulation of massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) playing on the problematic (addictive) usage and excessiveness of gaming (time that user spent playing weekly, per session, and in relation to his other leisure activities). We developed the approach to assess the strength of habitual regulation that was based on sensitivity to situational cues. We defined cues as real-life or in-game conditions (e.g., work to be done, activities with friends or family, need to relax, new game expansion) that usually promote gaming (proplay cues) or prevent it (contraplay cues). Using a sample of 377 MMORPG players, we analyzed relationships between variables through partial least squares path modeling. We found that proplay cues sensitivity significantly positively affected the excessiveness of gaming (playing time) as well as the occurrence of problematic usage symptoms. Conversely, contraplay cues sensitivity functioned as a protective factor from these conditions; significant negative effects were found for playing time and problematic usage. Playing time was confirmed to be a mediating variable, affected by cues sensitivity and at the same time affecting problematic usage symptoms. We obtained moderately strong coefficients of determination for both endogenous variables ( R2 = 0.28 for playing time; R2 = 0.31 for problematic usage) suggesting that the proposed variables possess good explanatory power. Based on our results, we argue that the strength of habitual regulation within MMORPG usage has both positive and negative effects on excessive and problematic usage, which is a new and important finding within the area of Internet gaming addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problematic internet use (PIU) has adverse effects on adolescent health. Parenting may play an important role in the prevention of this condition, but the associations between PIU and parental behavior are unknown. This meta-analysis examined the associations between adolescent PIU and general and media-specific parenting. Studies were obtained using searches in scientific databases and using references identified from bibliographies. Searches covered English written journal articles, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations from the year each database started until April 2022. Studies were included if they (a) measured PIU, (b) measured parenting, (c) used data obtained from children or adolescents, and (d) reported a valid analysis. Two coders decided whether each study met the required criteria. Data were pooled using a random effects model. We found weak negative associations between PIU and general parenting, namely, warmth (r = -0.17, [-0.13, -0.20], k = 24; N = 58401), control (r = -0.10, [-0.01, -0.18], k = 10, N = 12199), and authoritative parenting (r = -0.12, [-0.02, -0.21], k = 8, N = 5431), but the associations between PIU and media-specific parenting, namely, active mediation (r = -0.02, [-0.07, 0.02], k = 11, N = 30545) and restrictive mediation (r = 0.01, [-0.10, 0.11], k = 16, N = 36997), were non-significant. In older adolescents, the association between restrictive mediation and PIU was significant but positive. Media parenting has only weak association with PIU and thus restrictions should be used cautiously, especially in older adolescents. Additional prospective studies on parenting and specific PIU activities are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin-orbit interaction is an inherent part of magnetism, which links up the independent world of spins to the atomic lattice, thus controlling many functional properties of magnetic materials. In the widely used 3d transition metal ferromagnetic films, the spin-orbit interaction is relatively weak, due to low atomic number. Here we show that it is possible to enhance and tune the spin-orbit interaction by adding 5d platinum dopants into permalloy (Ni81Fe19) thin films by a cosputtering technique. This is achieved without significant changes of the magnetic properties, due to the vicinity of Pt to meeting the Stoner criterion for the ferromagnetic state. The spin-orbit interaction is investigated by means of transport measurements (the anisotropic magnetoresistance and anomalous Hall effect), ferromagnetic resonance measurements to determine the Gilbert damping, as well as by measuring the x-ray magnetic circular dichroism at the L3 and L2 x-ray absorption edges to reveal the ratio of orbital to spin magnetic moments. It is shown that the effective spin-orbit interaction increases with Pt concentration within the 0%-10% Pt concentration range in a way that is consistent with theoretical expectations for all four measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate magnetization switching in out-of-plane magnetized Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires by current pulse injection along the nanowires, both with and without a constant and uniform magnetic field collinear to the current direction. We deduce that an effective torque arising from spin-orbit effects in the multilayer drives the switching mechanism. While the generation of a component of the magnetization along the current direction is crucial for the switching to occur, we observe that even without a longitudinal field thermally generated magnetization fluctuations can lead to switching. Analysis using a generalized Neel-Brown model enables key parameters of the thermally induced spin-orbit torques-driven switching process to be estimated, such as the attempt frequency and the effective energy barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions (DMIs) in perpendicularly magnetized thin films of Pt/Co/Pt and Pt/Co/Ir/Pt. To study the effective DMI, arising at either side of the ferromagnet, we use a fielddriven domain wall creep-based method. The use of only magnetic field removes the possibility of mixing with current-related effects such as spin Hall effect or Rashba field, as well as the complexity arising from lithographic patterning. Inserting an ultrathin layer of Ir at the top Co/Pt interface allows us to access the DMI contribution from the top Co/Pt interface. We show that the insertion of a thin Ir layer leads to reversal of the sign of the effective DMI acting on the sandwiched Co layer, and therefore continuously changes the domain wall structure from the right- to the left-handed Néel wall. The use of two DMI-active layers offers an efficient way of DMI tuning and enhancement in thin magnetic films. The comparison with an epitaxial Pt/Co/Pt multilayer sheds more light on the origin of DMI in polycrystalline Pt/Co/Pt films and demonstrates an exquisite sensitivity to the exact details of the atomic structure at the film interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the precise tumour localization in radical prostatectomy specimens. Based on the study outcome, we are proposing a modification to the prostate biopsy strategy with the goal of increasing the tumour detection rate. Material and methods: Between May 2008 and June 2011 we evaluated whole mount section of 33 prostates (specimens were obtained by 23 radical retropubic and 10 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies). Tumour localization was assessed according to McNeal's prostate zonal anatomy scheme. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi- -square test. Results: In all cases, the tumour was localized in the peripheral zone (PZ) of the prostate. In 30% of specimens a tumour was also found in the transitional zone (TZ). Neither of the TZ findings involved index tumours. In 15% of cases, separate tumour foci were found in the TZ, which did not affect the patient's prognosis. In the remaining 15% of cases, a large peripheral tumour infiltrated the TZ. We failed to detect a case with the tumour focus presenting with TZ only. In cases of TZ tumour localization, 60 % of patients presented with a locally progressive disease. In the case of tumours localized to the PZ, locally advanced prostate cancer was diagnosed in only 13% of the specimens (statistically significant difference, p = 0,005). In TZ tumours, PSA progression after radical prostatectomy was seen more frequently (in 50 % of patients), in contrast to non-TZ tumours where progression developed in 30% of cases. This difference was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: During its early stages, prostate cancer is always localized in the PZ. In all cases where the tumour was found in the TZ locations, it was associated with a simultaneous PZ tumour focus or with a central progression of PZ tumour. It is therefore necessary to direct the biopsies into the PZ and we propose the use of a peripheral zone biopsy not only in the course of the initial biopsy, but also in the rebiopsy. A TZ biopsy is indicated when a saturation biopsy is performed in cases where there is suspicion of prostate cancer due to PSA elevation above 10 ng/ml, in addition to repeated prostate biopsies with negative histology findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have proved to be remarkably successful in various domains, in particular for implementing complex functions and performing sophisticated tasks. However, their vulnerability to adversarial noise undermines their reliability for safety‐critical tasks. Despite attempts to improve the robustness using algorithmic approaches, an effective hardware implementation is still lacking. Here an artificial probabilistic neuron device is proposed based on arrays of coupled nanomagnets, referred to as artificial spin ices, which return a nonlinear function with built‐in stochasticity in response to an ultrafast laser‐induced excitation. By exploiting solid‐state ionic gating, the magnetic coupling is electrically modulated, as a result of the magnetic anisotropy‐mediated competition of the symmetric exchange interaction and Dzyaloshinskii‐Moriya interaction, and hence tune the stochastic property of the neuron device at run‐time. Stochastic DNNs are then constructed with an output layer comprising several of probabilistic neuron devices. Compared to conventional DNNs, the stochastic DNNs exhibit an order of magnitude greater resistance to adversarial noise, providing a significant improvement in robustness. This approach opens the way to more secure and reliable DNNs, enabling broader uses in real‐world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a model system for micromagnetic studies, i.e., ferrimagnetic Gd1-xCox thin films with controlled composition gradient and, therefore, a controlled magnetization gradient along the film. By employing extraordinary Hall effect measurements and Kerr microscopy, we have studied magnetization reversal and shown that, around compensation, varying magnetization with temperature or composition is equivalent. In particular, the coercive field diverges close to the compensation temperature or close to the compensation interface. The position of the compensation interface is very sensitive to temperature and can be used as a probe of sample heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste-to-Energy facility location with practical insights into its economic sustainability is assessed by two mathematical models. The first model minimising transportation and investment costs leads to a mixed-integer linear problem, for which commercial solvers perform very well. However, economic performance, which is needed for long-term projects requiring large investments, is not met when the capacity of the plant is not fully utilised. This can be resolved by a revenue model defining gate fees for potential plant capacities. Therefore, a second model including penalty co st functions associated with reduced energy sales and unutilised capacity of plants is developed. This leads to a non-linear model where solvers perform well for small and medium-size instances and so a modified meta-heuristic algorithm is proposed. Both models are applied to data from the Czech Republic. Insights into performance of the models and their economical sustainability using demand influence on the energy sales are provided. While the solution of the linear model proposes a higher number of facilities with less total capacity repletion, the non-linear model suggests a smaller number of facilities with higher total repletion presenting a reasonable sustainable solution. The strategy supports the decision-making of authorities for the sustainable planning of new projects. • Mathematical programming used to suggest an optimal site for Waste-to-Energy plants. • Two models were developed and their results compared to evaluate sustainability. • Energy utilisation included through its real sales to enhance economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) can be exploited in magnetic thin films to realize lateral chirally coupled systems, providing a way to couple different sections of a magnetic racetrack and realize interconnected networks of magnetic logic gates. Here, we systematically investigate the interplay between spin–orbit torques, chiral coupling, and the device design in domain wall racetracks. We show that the current-induced domain nucleation process can be tuned between single-domain nucleation and repeated nucleation of alternate domains by changing the orientation of an in-plane patterned magnetic region within an out-of-plane magnetic racetrack. Furthermore, by combining experiments and micromagnetic simulations, we show that the combination of damping-like and field-like spin–orbit torques with DMI results in selective domain wall injection in one of two arms of a Y-shaped device depending on the current density. Such an element constitutes the basis of domain wall based demultiplexer, which is essential for distributing a single input to any one of the multiple outputs in logic circuits. Our results provide input for the design of reliable and multifunctional domain wall circuits based on chirally coupled interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growing data indicates that thiamine deficiency occurs during acute illness in the absence of alcohol use disorder. Our primary objective was to measure clinical factors associated with thiamine deficiency in patients with sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and oncologic emergencies. Methods: This was an analysis of pooled data from cross-sectional studies that enrolled adult emergency department (ED) patients at a single academic center with suspected sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and oncologic emergencies. We excluded patients who had known alcohol use disorder or who had received ED thiamine treatment prior to enrollment. Investigators collected whole blood thiamine levels in addition to demographics, clinical characteristics, and available biomarkers. We defined thiamine deficiency as a whole blood thiamine level below the normal reference range and modeled the adjusted association between this outcome and age. Results: There were 269 patients, of whom the average age was 57 years; 46% were female, and 80% were Black. Fifty-five (20.5%) patients had thiamine deficiency. In univariate analysis, age >60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–4.5), female gender (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.4), leukopenia (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.3–10.3), moderate anemia (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.3), and hypoalbuminemia (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1) were associated with thiamine deficiency. In adjusted analysis, thiamine deficiency was significantly higher in females (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.1), patients >60 years (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–3.8), and patients with leukopenia (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3–11.3). Conclusion: In this analysis, thiamine deficiency was common and was associated with advanced age, female gender, and leukopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is composed mainly of carbohydrates which are represented by mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, pentasaccharides, and oligosaccharides. The content and proportions of individual carbohydrates reveal information about the origin and technological properties of honey. A total of 5 987 samples of natural honeys originating from the Czech Republic and harvested during a period of nine consecutive years were analysed to research their carbohydrate content, sum of fructose and glucose (Fru + Glc), fructose and glucose ratio (Fru/Glc), and electrical conductivity (Ec). Monosaccharides, melezitose (Mel), and Ec varied according to the source of nectar or honeydew. Sucrose (Suc) content was low 0.87 ± 1.26 g (100 g)-1 and did not exceed 15 g (100 g)-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic domain walls (DWs) in perpendicularly magnetised thin films are attractive for racetrack memories, but technological progress still requires further reduction of the operationing currents. To efficiently drive these objects by the means of electric current, one has to optimize the damping-like torque which is caused by the spin Hall effect (SHE). This not only requires a high net spin Hall angle but also the presence of a Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) to produce magnetic textures sensitive to this type of the torque. In this work, we explore the coexistence and importance of these two phenomena in epitaxial Pt/Co/Pt1−xAux films in which we control the degree of inversion symmetry-breaking between the two interfaces by varying x. Gold is used as a material with negligible induced magnetic moment and SHE and the interface between Co/Au as a source of a small DMI. We find no current-induced DW motion in the symmetric Pt/Co/Pt (x = 0) trilayer. By fitting a one-dimensional model to the DW velocity as a function of drive current density and in-plane applied field in samples with non-zero values of x, we find that both net DMI strength and spin Hall angle rise monotonically as Au is introduced. They reach values of 0.75 ± 0.05 mJ m−2 and 0.10 ± 0.01, respectively, for Pt/Co/Au (x = 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melissopalynology is an important analytical method to identify botanical origin of honey. Pollen grain recognition is commonly performed by visual inspection by a trained person. An alternative method for visual inspection is automated pollen analysis based on the image analysis technique. Image analysis transfers visual information to mathematical descriptions. In this work, the suitability of three microscopic techniques for automatic analysis of pollen grains was studied. 2D and 3D morphological characteristics, textural and colour features, and extended depth of focus characteristics were used for the pollen discrimination. In this study, 7 botanical taxa and a total of 2482 pollen grains were evaluated. The highest correct classification rate of 93.05% was achieved using the phase contrast microscopy, followed by the dark field microscopy reaching 91.02%, and finally by the light field microscopy reaching 88.88%. The most significant discriminant characteristics were morphological (2D and 3D) and colour characteristics. Our results confirm the potential of using automatic pollen analysis to discriminate pollen taxa in honey. This work provides the basis for further research where the taxa dataset will be increased, and new descriptors will be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic domain walls are objects whose dynamics is inseparably connected to their structure. In this Letter, we investigate magnetic bilayers, which are engineered such that a coupled pair of domain walls, one in each layer, is stabilized by a cooperation of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction and flux-closing mechanism. The dipolar field mediating the interaction between the two domain walls links not only their position but also their structure. We show that this link has a direct impact on their magnetic-field-induced dynamics. We demonstrate that in such a system the coupling leads to an increased domain wall velocity with respect to single domain walls. Since the domain wall dynamics is observed in a precessional regime, the dynamics involves the synchronization between the two walls to preserve the flux closure during motion. Properties of these coupled oscillating walls can be tuned by an additional in-plane magnetic field enabling a rich variety of states, from perfect synchronization to complete detuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annunces that all the online versions of the article "Making the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction visible," published in the June 13, 2017 issue were corrected on June 14, 2017.

Magnetically coupled nanomagnets have multiple applications in nonvolatile memories, logic gates, and sensors. The most effective couplings have been found to occur between the magnetic layers in a vertical stack. We achieved strong coupling of laterally adjacent nanomagnets using the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. This coupling is mediated by chiral domain walls between out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic regions and dominates the behavior of nanomagnets below a critical size. We used this concept to realize lateral exchange bias, field-free current-induced switching between multistate magnetic configurations as well as synthetic antiferromagnets, skyrmions, and artificial spin ices covering a broad range of length scales and topologies. Our work provides a platform to design arrays of correlated nanomagnets and to achieve all-electric control of planar logic gates and memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) has been shown to stabilize homochiral Néeltype domain walls in thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and as a result, permit them to be propagated by a spin Hall torque. In this study, we demonstrate that in Ta/Co20Fe60B20/MgO, the DMI may be influenced by annealing. We find that the DMI peaks at D = 0:057 ±0:003mJ/m² at an annealing temperature of 230 °C. DMI fields were measured using a purely field-driven creep regime domain expansion technique. The DMI field and the anisotropy field follow a similar trend as a function of annealing temperature. We infer that the behavior of the DMI and the anisotropy are related to interfacial crystal ordering and B expulsion out of the CoFeB layer as the annealing temperature is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transport of bulk materials at angles of inclination, which considerably exceed the permissible angle of inclination of the transport of belt conveyors of a classic design. • Belt conveyor of a special design, the methodology of the laboratory measurement. • Measured horizontal compressive forces of bulk material acting on conveyor rollers. • The structural design of the pressing mechanism of the covering. • Measurement proposal, ultrasonic sensor S18UIA, force sensor U9C, strain gauge apparatus DS NET, DEWESoft X2 SP5 software. Using certain belt conveyors of a special design, it is possible to transport bulk material at angles of transport inclination significantly exceeding the permissible angle of inclination for traditional design. A special design of such a belt conveyor, described in this paper, uses the so-called cover belt to transport bulk materials at inclination angles from 20 to 90 degrees. By applying its weight or employing pressure, it exerts pressure on the surface of the layer of the transported material that is spread on the surface of the carrying belt. This paper aims to describe the laboratory measurement methodology and to detect the magnitude of the horizontal compressive forces of the transported bulk material acting on conveyor rollers (idlers). The article lists in the tables horizontal compressive forces obtained by measuring, which help to deduce the height of a bulk material column and its cross-section S 2 [m2], defined by the width b [m] and height h [m] of the belts interspace. Knowledge of the magnitude of horizontal forces acting on conveyor rollers allows us to suitably design the stiffness of the compression coil spring in the pressing mechanism. It eliminates the undesirable shifts of working surfaces from the conveyor belts (carrying and covering), which prevents the flow of the transported material grains over the edges of the conveyor belts. One of the possible designs for the pressure mechanism is presented in this article. The article shows the values of the difference between the ratio of the measured compressive forces against the value of theoretically calculated stresses for different heights of the bulk material column and different heights of the interspace. For the maize material, the largest difference in the ratio of the measured compressive forces to the value of the theoretically calculated stresses was 78.1% and for river gravel, it was 71.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on current-induced domain wall motion in Ta/CO20Fe60B20/MgO nanowires. Domain walls are observed to move against the electron flow when no magnetic field is applied, while a field along the nanowires strongly affects the domain wall motion velocity. A symmetric effect is observed for up-down and down-up domain walls. This indicates the presence of right-handed domain walls, due to a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) with a DMI coefficient D = +0.06 mJ/m2. The positive DMI coefficient is interpreted to be a consequence of B diffusion into the Ta buffer layer during annealing, which was observed by chemical depth profiling measurements. The experimental results are compared to one-dimensional model simulations including the effects of pinning. This modeling allows us to reproduce the experimental outcomes and reliably extract a spin-Hall angle θSH = -0.11 for Ta in the nanowires, showing the importance of an analysis that goes beyond the model for perfect nanowires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evening primrose (Oenothera paradoxa Hudziok) seeds are a rich source of not only a valuable oil containing an essential fatty acid - ᵧ-linolenic acid (GLA) - but also polyphenols which can be obtained from the biomass remaining after oil pressing. The aim of our studies was to evaluate the influence of a polyphenol extract from defatted seeds of evening primrose on human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell proliferation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) synthesis and activity. To assess the effect of evening primrose extract on Caco-2 cell proliferation, crystal violet staining and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays were used whereas mRNA expression and activity of MMPs were evaluated by RT-PCR and gelatin zymography. The results revealed that the examined polyphenol extract had little influence on Caco-2 proliferation, but effectively in a time- and dose-dependent manner inhibited MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-14 mRNA synthesis induced by TNF-α and TPA. Additionally, zymographic analysis revealed that after 24 h, the polyphenol extract at a concentration of 50 μmol/L GAE caused a 10-fold reduction in MMP-9 synthesis. Moreover, this extract might be a potent inhibitor of MMP activity. The results showed that polyphenol extract from evening primrose inhibited PBMC-derived MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymatic activity in dose-dependent manner. The obtained results indicate that the polyphenol extract from evening primrose seeds could be an inhibitor of proteases involved in tumor progression and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in plant polyphenols (including flavanols) that exhibit pleiotropic biological activities such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Here, we report for the first time the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell viability and invasiveness by an evening primrose flavanol preparation (EPFP). We observed a decrease in MDA-MB-231 viability of 50% vs. a control after 72 h of incubation with EPFP at a concentration of 58 μM gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and an inhibition of their invasiveness of 65% vs. a control at 75 μM GAE after 48 h of incubation. EPFP caused a 10-fold reduction in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity at 100 μM GAE. Furthermore, through modulation of mRNA expression, EPFP reduced the expression levels of the following proteins: antiapoptotic Bcl-2, angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and 2 transcription factors (c-Jun, c-Fos). Moreover, analysis by flow cytometry revealed that EPFP induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, our data shows that EPFP inhibits cell viability by increasing apoptosis and decreases cell invasiveness by decreasing angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Polyphenols are natural compounds of high structural diversity which translates into a very wide spectrum of biological activities, including chemoprevention. Here we report that a Japanese quince fruit flavanol preparation (JQFFP) caused favorable changes inBax/Bcl-2mRNA ratio, which rendered normal and cancer cells more resistant and more sensitive, respectively, to apoptosis. DU145 human prostate cancer cells were characterized by the most advantageousBax/Bcl-2ratio. The growth and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells were strongly suppressed by JQFFP, which was accompanied with a decrease in MMP-9 activity and stimulation ofTIMP-1expression. Importantly, JQFFP did not decrease normal human prostate PNT1A cell number, whereasBax/Bcl-2ratio decreased which implies increased resistance to apoptosis. In conclusion, JQFFP exhibited a potent antiproliferative effect against cancer cells, inhibited their invasiveness, and decreased expression level of several genes involved in apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pineal gland is involved in the regulation of collagen accumulation in peripheral wounds and scars of the infarcted heart. This study is aimed to provide an explanation of whether the pineal gland and melatonin (MLT) is involved in the regulation of α1 (I) and α1 (III) procollagen gene expression. A secondary aim is the investigation of whether the mechanism of changes could be explained by the direct influence of MLT on myofibroblasts isolated from the scar. Myocardial infarction was induced by left coronary artery ligation in all rats. Animals were divided into groups: control, vehicle-treated rats, those injected with MLT, sham-operated animals, pinealectomized (Px) rats, and Px rats injected with vehicle or treated with MLT. In the second part of the study, cells from the scar of the infarcted heart were isolated and cultured with MLT at concentrations of 10−7 and 10−9 M. Both α1 (I) and α1 (III) procollagen gene expressions were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Neither MLT given to intact animals nor pinealectomy alone have an influence on procollagen gene expression. However, administration of MLT to the Px animals increased the expression of α1 (I) and α1 (III) procollagen genes. Cells isolated from the heart scar were identified as myofibroblasts. MLT did not influence collagen gene expression in cultured myofibroblasts. The results indicate that MLT has an influence on procollagen gene expression in Px animals. Because the pineal product does not have an influence on the myofibroblast of the scar, the indirect mechanism of MLT action is suggested. This study may have practical implications in patients with a low level of MLT (elderly subjects, patients treated with β-adrenergic blockers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of spintronic oscillators is driven by their potential applications in radio frequency telecommunication and neuromorphic computing. In this work, we propose a spintronic oscillator based on the chiral coupling in thin magnetic films with patterned anisotropy. With an in-plane magnetized disk imprinted on an out-of-plane magnetized slab, the oscillator takes a polar vortex-like magnetic structure in the disk stabilized by a strong Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. By means of micromagnetic simulations, we investigate its dynamic properties under applied spin current, and by placing an ensemble of oscillators in the near vicinity, we demonstrate their synchronization with different resonant frequencies. Finally, we show their potential application in neuromorphic computing using a network with six oscillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen analysis is a method used for verification of the botanical and geographical honey origin. Currently, much effort is being made to introduce automated systems with the use of image analysis programs. The automatic analysis is impeded by the insufficient depth of field of objects when using a light microscope, however, this can be avoided by using image reconstruction from images obtained from different focal planes. In this method, testing was performed on the normal focus (NF) and extended-depth-of-focus(EDF) images. These two methods were compared and statistically evaluated. The number of pollen grains and selected morphometric characteristics were compared. For EDF images, a higher number of pollen grains was obtained for the analysis, and except for the length/width ratio, a statistically significant difference was observed in the characteristics of pollen grains between the compared NF and EDF methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and constructing model systems that embody the statistical mechanics of frustration is now possible using nanotechnology. We have arranged nanomagnets on a two-dimensional square lattice to form an artificial spin ice, and studied its fractional excitations, emergent magnetic monopoles, and how they respond to a driving field using X-ray magnetic microscopy. We observe a regime in which the monopole drift velocity is linear in field above a critical field for the onset of motion. The temperature dependence of the critical field can be described by introducing an interaction term into the Bean-Livingston model of field-assisted barrier hopping. By analogy with electrical charge drift motion, we define and measure a monopole mobility that is larger both for higher temperatures and stronger interactions between nanomagnets. The mobility in this linear regime is described by a creep model of zero-dimensional charges moving within a network of quasi-one-dimensional objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is an unconventional machining method for manufacturing complex-shaped, precise components. Considering the high-energy intensity of the wire erosion process, its effective implementation requires a maximum cutting speed while still ensuring the best possible quality of the machined surface. For this latter purpose, we conducted a design of experiment (DoE) comprising 33 cycles and five input factors, or machine setting parameters: Gap voltage, pulse on time, pulse off time, discharge current, and wire feed. In this context, we statistically evaluated the cutting speed in Hadfield steel, as related to machine setting parameters, and also analyzed the machined surfaces of the applied samples. The actual experiment involved examining in detail the topography of the surfaces, using one contact and three non-contact profilers. The surface morphologies were observed via electron microscopy, and a lamella was prepared to facilitate the chemical composition analysis (EDX) with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). To study the subsurface layer and its defects, we produced metallographic specimens of all the samples; the items were observed by means of light and electron microscopes. With a maximum cutting speed the highest quality of the machined surface was achieved; however, the burned cavities can affect the life expectancy of the machined parts. The TEM lamella revealed that the individual alloying elements had segregated into regions, exhibiting high volumes of both manganese and the recast layer and, due to the use of WEDM, a manganese separation layer had formed at the boundary of the recast layer and the base material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is an unconventional machining method indispensable especially for the aeronautical and automotive industries. In this context, the effective manufacturing of high surface quality components from aluminum alloy 7475-T7351 requires comprehensive knowledge of the applied production procedures. We therefore performed a designed experiment comprising 33 cycles (with systematic alteration of machine setting parameters such as gap voltage, pulse on time, pulse off time, discharge current, and wire feed), enabling us to evaluate systematically the cutting speeds in the relevant samples. The machined areas were subjected to a thorough analysis involving both the surface and the subsurface layers. The actual topography was assessed using a non-contact profiler, and the entire operation concentrated on 12 parameters within the areal, profile, and basic and bearing profile categories. To observe the surface relief, we employed several instruments, including the semi-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique, a digital microscope, and a non-contact 3D profiler. Another major step then consisted in examining the morphology and surface defects, a process suitably complemented with a chemical composition analysis (EDX). The distribution of individual elements within the material was investigated in detail using a lamella, whose subsequent inspection relied on a transmission electron microscope (TEM) as the principal tool. To study the subsurface layer and its defects, we prepared metallographic specimens (cross-sections) of the samples and observed them by means of light and electron microscopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 38-year-old female with a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hypothyroidism was, admitted to hospital for chest pain and was diagnosed with hyperandrogenism and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

The double-differential cross sections of promptly produced J/Ψ and t/Ψ(2.S) mesons are measured in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV as a function of transverse momentum pT and absolute rapidity. ∣y∣. The analysis uses . J/Ψ and Ψ(2S) dimuon samples collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.55 and 4.90 fb-1, respectively. The results are based on a two-dimensional analysis of the dimuon invariant mass and decay length, and extend to p T = 120 and 100 GeV for the J/Ψ and Ψ(2S), respectively, when integrated over the interval ∣y∣ < 1.2. The ratio of the Ψ//(2S) to J/Ψ cross sections is also reported for ∣y∣ < 1.2, over the range 10 < p T < 100 GeV. These are the highest p T values for which the cross sections and ratio have been measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in plant polyphenols which exhibit pleiotropic biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. The objective of our study was to evaluate the influence of an evening primrose extract (EPE) from defatted seeds on viability and invasiveness of three human cell lines: PNT1A (normal prostate cells), DU145 (prostate cancer cells) and MDA- -MB-231 (breast cancer cells). The results revealed that after 72 h of incubation the tested extract reduced the viability of DU 145 and MDA-MB-231 with IC50 equal to 14.5 μg/mL for both cell lines. In contrast, EPE did not inhibit the viability of normal prostate cells. Furthermore, EPE reduced PNT1A and MDA-MB-231 cell invasiveness; at the concentration of 21.75 μg/mL the suppression of invasion reached 92% and 47%, respectively (versus control). Additionally, zymographic analysis revealed that after 48 h of incubation EPE inhibited metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP- 9) activities in a dose-dependent manner. For PNT1A the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 decreased 4- and 2-fold, respectively, at EPE concentration of 29 μg/mL. In the case of MDA-MB-231 and DU 145 the decrease in MMP-9 activity at EPE concentration of 29 μg/mL was 5.5-fold and almost 1.9-fold, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests that EPE may exhibit antimigratory, anti-invasive and antimetastatic potential towards prostate and breast cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoprevention has recently gained a new dimension due to the possibility of studying the mechanisms of action of chemopreventive agents at the molecular level. Many compounds have been proved to inhibit early stages of carcinogenesis in experimental models. These compounds include both recognized drugs (such as tamoxifen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and natural constituents of edible and therapeutic plants, particularly polyphenols. Phenolics are characterized by high structural diversity and, consequently, a very broad spectrum of biological activities. They are increasingly looked upon as a valuable alternative or a support for synthetic drugs, as evidenced by a growing number of clinical trials regarding the use of phenolic compounds and polyphenol-rich extracts in chemoprevention and therapy. In the present work, we discuss the effectiveness of natural polyphenols as cancer preventive and therapeutic agents resulting from their synergy with synthetic or semisynthetic anticancer drugs as well as with other phenolic compounds of plant origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are important leads in drug discovery. The search for effective plant-derived anticancer agents or their synthetic analogues has continued to be of interest to biologists and chemists for a long time. In this report, cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of new synthetic α-methylene-δ-lactones was tested against two breast cancer cell lines, invasive, hormone-independent MDA- MB-231 and hormone-dependent MCF-7. Cytotoxicity was examined using MTT assay. The ability to induce apoptosis and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential was studied by flow cytometry. The expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Cancer cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and Matrigel assays. Additionally, secretion of proteins associated with invasiveness, metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) and urokinase plasminogen activator ( uPA) was investigated using commercial ELISA kits and MMP-9 activity by gelatin zymography. A natural sesquiterpene lactone, parthenolide, was used as a positive control. Screening results showed all four analogues to be highly cytotoxic. The most potent compound of the series, 1- isopropyl-2-methylene-1,2-dihydrobenzochromen-3-one, designated DL-3, which reduced the number of viable MDA- MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with the IC50 values of 5.3 μM and 3.54 μM, respectively, was selected for further research. DL-3 activated the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, associated with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and changes in Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio. DL-3 also inhibited the movement of both types of breast cancer cells. Suppression of cell migration and invasion was the result of the decreased secretion of enzymes responsible for the degradation of the extracellular matrix, MMP-9 and uPA. These findings show that the synthetic α-methylene-δ-lactone, DL-3, displays potential to be further explored in the development of new anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of the demagnetization induced by an ultrashort laser pulse in GdCo and GdCoFe alloys is shown to be substantially different from the expected trend. We find that the intersublattice exchange interaction between Gd and Co(Fe) is used as an additional route of heat transfer during the demagnetization process and leads to a temporary cooling of the Co(Fe) spin subsystem. The observed results are described by a four-temperature model (4T model) in which electrons, lattice, and 4f and 3d spins represent four reservoirs of heat energy. In this model, the coupling between the electron and spin reservoirs is responsible for an ultrafast demagnetization, while the intersublattice exchange coupling gives rise to an immediate remagnetization and serves as a thermal link between the Co(Fe) and Gd spins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is currently the most important marker for prostate cancer, but still belongs to markers where is the necessity to disrupt damaged tissue. Therefore, markers, through which it would be possible to identify prostate cancer by analysis of urine, are being looked for. Non-protein amino acid sarcosine is one of the substances whose potential could be used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer from urine. According to several studies, sarcosine is rated as significantly better marker of developing prostate cancer than PSA, and therefore the aim of this study was to optimize a simple test for sarcosine in the urine of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and healthy controls. For determination of sarcosine, there were used 55 male urine samples, 23 controls and 32 patients. In this study, we confirmed that the concentration of sarcosine were determinable (within the range from 120 to 1500 µM with average of 505 ± 410 µM) in urine samples of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sarcosine concentrations in healthy subjects were below detection limit of the method. The obtained positive results suggest that detection of sarcosine might have a potential in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological activities of parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from feverfew, have been attributed to the presence of the α-methylene-γ-lactone skeleton. The lactone skeleton can react via the Michael type addition with sulfhydryl groups of enzymes and other functional proteins, interfering with key biological processes in the cell. In the present study, we describe an efficient method of preparation of 3-isopropyl-2-methyl-4-methyleneisoxazolidin-5-one (MZ-6), a synthetic compound with α-methylene-γ-lactone ring, as in parthenolide, additionally modified by introduction of a nitrogen atom. Furthermore, we investigated the cytotoxic activity and anti-metastatic potential of MZ-6 in comparison with parthenolide. Both compounds showed considerable cytotoxicity against breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and were then evaluated for their anti-metastatic potential. The experimental results showed that MZ-6 and parthenolide suppressed, to a similar degree, migration of MCF-7, but not more aggressive MDA-MB-231 cells. In both cell lines, tested compounds down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of metalloproteinase-9 and urokinase plasminogen activator, the key proteases involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix and dissemination of cancer cells. The obtained results indicate that simple analogs of α-methylene-γ-lactones can be good substitutes for more complex structures isolated from plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using 100 fs laser pulses, a high-frequency exchange and a low-frequency ferromagnetic resonance mode have been excited and detected in an amorphous Gd1-xCox (78≤x≤85) ferrimagnetic thin film, on both sides of its angular momentum compensation composition. The excitation efficiency of these modes strongly depends on the amount of laser-induced heating. Ways of selectively and efficiently exciting either one or both of these two coexisting magnetic modes by adjusting laser pulse intensity are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current methods for diagnosis of prostate carcinoma do not enable us to distinguish aggressive tumours (significant tumours) from clinically latent tumours (non-significant tumours). This study aims to determine levels of potential clinically important tumour markers such as * alpha-methyl CoA-racemase (AMACR), * caveolin-1, * metallothionein (MT), * p53, * NF-κB, * c-FOS, * c-JUN, * Ki-67, * prostate-specific antigen (PSA), ZIP1 and ZnT-1 in prostatic tissue represented by 22Rv1 (tumour) and PNT1A (healthy) cell lines and in blood serum of patients with histologically evaluated adenocarcinoma (82 tumour patients and 51 healthy volunteers). Based on mRNA expression, it was found that Cav-1, NF-κB, c-FOS and c-JUN were down-regulated and MT, AMACR, PSA, Ki-67, MMP-9 and zinc transporters ZIP1 and ZnT-1 were up-regulated. In serum, the level of MT was significantly enhanced above 1 µM. Caveolin-1 levels were significantly increased in high-grade tumours, which points to the possibility of using this protein as a marker for the aggressive form of prostate carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]