The Ring Sign

Abdominal Radiology -     

The influence of the sacrificial agent nature on transformations of the Zn(OH)2/Cd0.3Zn0.7S photocatalyst during hydrogen production under visible light

Photocatalysts based on zinc hydroxide and a solid solution of CdS and ZnS were prepared via the precipitation method and used for photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous solutions of inorganic (Na₂S/Na₂SO₃) and organic (ethanol) sacrificial agents. The photocatalysts were tested in cyclic experiments for hydrogen evolution and studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Different transformations of the β-Zn(OH)₂ co-catalyst were observed in the presence of inorganic and organic sacrificial agents; namely, ZnS was formed in Na₂S/Na₂SO₃ solution, whereas the formation of ε-Zn(OH)₂ was detected in solution with ethanol. The composite Zn(OH)₂/Cd_1−xZn_xS photocatalysts have great potential in various photocatalysis processes (e.g., hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, and the oxidation of organic contaminants) under visible light.

The nature of the sacrificial agent affects the transformations of a Zn(OH)₂ co-catalyst during photocatalytic hydrogen production.     

Statistical Models Supporting the High-Performance Self-Compacting Concrete (HPSCC) Design Process for High Strength

The type of test ingredients used for obtaining self-compacting high-performance concrete (HPSCC) has been carefully selected to be universal. For this purpose, an extensive statistical analysis of the obtained results of the literature research was carried out. Then, universal and adapted to the typical range, highly fit statistical models are presented that can support the HPSCC design process for achieving high strength. For this purpose, a broad plan of statistical research was used, namely multivariate selection of sidereal points, which allowed the use of as many as five variable factors at three levels of variability. The sidereal points were equal to the respective minimum and maximum input values. Additionally, based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for factorial systems with the interaction of the obtained test results, the significance of the impact of the tested material factors on the compressive strength of the HPSCC tested was determined.     

Brief Report: RedChIP identifies noncoding RNAs associated with genomic sites occupied by Polycomb and CTCF proteins

Nuclear noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and chromatin organization. The progress in studying nuclear ncRNAs depends on the ability to identify the genome-wide spectrum of contacts of ncRNAs with chromatin. To address this question, a panel of RNA–DNA proximity ligation techniques has been developed. However, neither of these techniques examines proteins involved in RNA–chromatin interactions. Here, we introduce RedChIP, a technique combining RNA–DNA proximity ligation and chromatin immunoprecipitation for identifying RNA–chromatin interactions mediated by a particular protein. Using antibodies against architectural protein CTCF and the EZH2 subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 2, we identify a spectrum of cis- and trans-acting ncRNAs enriched at Polycomb- and CTCF-binding sites in human cells, which may be involved in Polycomb-mediated gene repression and CTCF-dependent chromatin looping. By providing a protein-centric view of RNA–DNA interactions, RedChIP represents an important tool for studies of nuclear ncRNAs.     

Nutritional Therapy in Persons Suffering from Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Immunological, genetic, and environmental factors, including diet, play a part in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Metabolic syndrome or its components are frequent co-morbidities in persons with psoriasis. A change of eating habits can improve the quality of life of patients by relieving skin lesions and by reducing the risk of other diseases. A low-energy diet is recommended for patients with excess body weight. Persons suffering from psoriasis should limit the intake of saturated fatty acids and replace them with polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 family, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. In diet therapy for persons with psoriasis, the introduction of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and selenium is extremely important. Vitamin D supplementation is also recommended. Some authors suggest that alternative diets have a positive effect on the course of psoriasis. These diets include: a gluten-free diet, a vegetarian diet, and a Mediterranean diet. Diet therapy for patients with psoriasis should also be tailored to pharmacological treatment. For instance, folic acid supplementation is introduced in persons taking methotrexate. The purpose of this paper is to discuss in detail the nutritional recommendations for persons with psoriasis.     

Pavement Texture–Friction Relationship Establishment via Image Analysis Methods

Pavement surface texture is one of the prevailing factors for friction realization on pavement surfaces. In this paper, an overview of pavement texture properties related to the pavement frictional response is given. Image analysis methods used for pavement texture characterization are thoroughly analyzed together with their potential for the establishment of a pavement texture–friction relationship. Digital pavement surface models derived from photogrammetry or laser scanning methods enable the extraction of texture parameters comparable to the ones acquired by common pavement surface measuring techniques. This paper shows the results of a preliminary small-scale research study of the pavement texture–friction relationship. This research was performed in a laboratory which produced asphalt samples, primarily to analyze the potential of developing a methodology for the digital pavement texture model setup. Furthermore, the relationship between selected 2D texture parameters calculated from the digital texture model and measured friction coefficient expressed as SRT value was analyzed. A significant correlation was established for standard texture indicator mean profile depth (MPD) and SRT values (R = 0.81). Other texture parameters showed moderate correlation with the frictional response of the surface, with absolute values of correlation coefficients varying from 0.7 to 0.75. A further analysis of this relationship will be performed by inclusion of other texture parameters that can be determined from the digital texture model acquired by the established methodology.     

The Use of Chitosan and Starch-Based Flocculants for Filter Backwash Water Treatment

Inorganic aluminum or iron salts supported with synthetic polymers are commonly used to eradicate colloidal particles from water in coagulation and flocculation processes. Nevertheless, these agents have several disadvantages, such as large volumes of sludge produced or environmental toxicity. Recently biodegradable polymers have been suggested as eco-friendly flocculants for water treatment. This study aimed to investigate the possibilities of using starch and chitosan and their oxidized derivatives as flocculants for filter backwash water treatment. Dialdehyde starch (DST) and dialdehyde chitosan (DCT) were synthesized by periodate oxidization of natural starch from corn and low molecular weight chitosan. The obtained materials have been characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, we studied the flocculation properties of polysaccharide flocculants in a series of jar tests. The effectiveness of chitosan and starched-based flocculants was compared to synthetic polymers commonly used to treat iron ions-rich filter backwash water. The environmental aspects of these chemicals, particularly the biodegradability of post-flocculation residues, were also addressed. It was found that oxidized starch and chitosan derivatives can be used as ecological flocculating materials to treat potable water or sludge.     

Basal cell carcinoma—Primary closure of moderate defect of mid forehead

This is a case presentation of successful defect repair after radical surgical excision of a moderately large basal cell carcinoma by a simple procedure taking advantage of a patient's individual face features.     

Neurocritical Care Resource Utilization in Pandemics: A Statement by the Neurocritical Care Society

Neurocritical Care -