Qualitative Modifications Research Articles

Impact of Newtonian Liquid Jets on Smooth and Patterned Solid Walls

Immersed jets impact on smooth and patterned solid surfaces was investigated experimentally. The same fluid was used for the jet and as the surrounding fluid. The analyzed flow is in the laminar domain. Six different cases were analyzed, depending on the needle inner diameter, the distance between the nozzle and the walls, the imposed flow rate and the geometrical characteristics of the plates. The study focused on the jet evolution and on the jet impact with the walls. The results were examined in order to determine the influence of the pattern type upon the location of the detachment / separation point of the boundary layer of the vortex ring. The visualizations also show the qualitative modifications in the flow spectrum. This work provides important information for developing new applications related to cooling technology for heat dissipation, microfluidics field and bioengineering.

Qualitative and quantitative modifications of root mitochondria during senescence of above-ground parts of Arabidopis thaliana

This work studied modifications experienced by root mitochondria during whole plant senescence or under light deprivation, using Arabidopsis thaliana plants with YFP tagged to mitochondria. During post-bolting development, root respiratory activity started to decline after aboveground organs (i.e., rosette leaves) had senesced. This suggests that carbohydrate starvation may induce root senescence. Similarly, darkening the whole plant induced a decrease in respiration of roots. This was partially due to a decrease in the number of total mitochondria (YFP-labelled mitochondria) and most probably to a decrease in the quantity of mitochondria with a developed inner membrane potential (ΔΨm, i.e., Mitotracker red- labelled mitochondria). Also, the lower amount of mitochondria with ΔΨm compared to YFP-labelled mitochondria at 10d of whole darkened plant, suggests the presence of mitochondria in a “standby state”. The experiments also suggest that small mitochondria made the main contribution to the respiratory activity that was lost during root senescence. Sugar supplementation partially restored the respiration of mitochondria after 10d of whole plant dark treatment. These results suggest that root senescence is triggered by carbohydrate starvation, with loss of ΔΨm mitochondria and changes in mitochondrial size distribution.

Targeted Lipidomic Analysis of Myoblasts by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS.

Lipids represent ∼10% of the cell dry mass and play essential roles in membrane composition and physical properties, energy storage, and signaling pathways. In the developing or the regenerating skeletal muscle, modifications in the content or the flipping between leaflets of membrane lipid components can modulate the fusion capacity of myoblasts, thus constituting one of the regulatory mechanisms underlying myofiber growth. Recently, few genes controlling these qualitative and quantitative modifications have started to be unraveled. The precise functional characterization of these genes requires both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of a global lipid profile. Here, we describe a lipidomic protocol using mass spectrometry, allowing assessing the content of fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, and cholesterol in the routinely used C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line, or in primary cultures of mouse myoblasts.

Pseudomonas putida – Induced response in phenolic profile of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.) infected by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis

Efficacy of Pseudomonas putida (CKPp9) was tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions for their ability to plant growth promoting characteristics in tomato seedlings against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CmmGo2) infection. A significant difference was observed between bacterized tomato seedlings with P. putida (CKPp9) and the other treatments (P<0.01). Also, CmmGo2 was detected significant difference the least plant growth parameters for tomato seedlings (P<0.01). To correlate the induction of phenolic compounds by the CKPp9 with disease resistance, qualitative and quantitative modifications of phenolic compounds in tomato seedlings were observed in different treatments. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of the leaves of the CKPp9-treated, CmmGo2-treated, and non-treated (control) plants showed the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, catechin and rutin with varied amounts in the CKPp9 treated as well as CmmGo2-treated and non-treated (control) plants. Maximum accumulation of catechin was observed in plants treated with the CKPp9 strain+CmmGo2 strain which was almost 10 times higher than the CKPp9-treated plants and also significantly high when compared to other treatments. A direct relationship between the level of catechin and seedling survivability was observed. P. putida-mediated induction of phenolic compounds as a biochemical barrier in tomato seedlings against C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis infection is envisaged.

Chaos and nonlinearities in high harmonic generation

Linearity is a fundamental postulate of quantum mechanics which is occasionally the subject of debate. This paper investigates the possibility of checking this assumption by using a laser field. We study the corrections caused by the presence of a small nonlinearity in the Hamiltonian of a quantum system. As a model we use a simplified two-level quantum system whose states are coupled by a small off-diagonal term proportional to the population of the upper level. The nonlinearity causes spontaneous decay of the upper level, shift and broadening of the line and the sensitive dependence of the final state on the initial condition. The presence of a strong laser field, resonant with the atomic transition, enhances the population transfer among the levels and introduces quantitative and qualitative modifications of the spectra of high order harmonic generation (HHG); these are cumulative effects which can be subject to experimental checks. Experiments are needed in order to set an upper limit to the nonlinear term.

Structure–Property Relationships in the Y2O3–ZrO2Phase Diagram: Influence of the Y-Content on Reactivity in C1 Gases, Surface Conduction, and Surface Chemistry

The C1 chemistry of Y-doped ZrO2 samples (3, 8, 20, and 40 mol % Y2O3; 3-YSZ, 8-YSZ, 20-YSZ, and 40-YSZ) was comparatively studied with respect to the correlation of electrochemical properties and surface chemistry in CH4, CO, and CO2 atmospheres by electrochemical impedance (EIS) and spectroscopic (FT-IR) methods up to 1273 K to unravel the influence of the Y-doping level. A consistent picture with respect to qualitative and quantitative surface modifications as a function of temperature and gas-phase composition evolves by performing highly correlated operando/in situ measurements. A detailed study of carbon deposition in CH4 and CO and adsorption of CO and CO2, but also proof of the strong influence of the surface chemistry, is included. Carbon deposition during treatment in CH4 and CO at temperatures T ≥ 1023 K is a common feature on all materials, irrespective of the Y content. On the 40-YSZ sample, the thinnest, but at the same time fully percolated, carbon layer was generated, and hence, “metallic”...

Aging, inflammation, immunity and periodontal disease.

The increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease have long been associated with aging, such that this oral condition affects the majority of the adult population over 50years of age. Although the immune system is a critical component for maintaining health, aging can be characterized by quantitative and qualitative modifications of the immune system. This process, termed 'immunosenescence', is a progressive modification of the immune system that leads to greater susceptibility to infections, neoplasia and autoimmunity, presumably reflecting the prolonged antigenic stimulation and/or stress responses that occur across the lifespan. Interestingly, the global reduction in the host capability to respond effectively to these challenges is coupled with a progressive increase in the general proinflammatory status, termed 'inflammaging'. Consistent with the definition of immunosenescence, it has been suggested that the cumulative effect of prolonged exposure of the periodontium to microbial challenge is, at least in part, a contributor to the effects of aging on these tissues. Thus, it has also been hypothesized that alterations in the function of resident immune and nonimmune cells of the periodontium contribute to the expression of inflammaging in periodontal disease. Although the majority of aging research has focused on the adaptive immune response, it is becoming increasingly clear that the innate immune compartment is also highly affected by aging. Thus, the phenomenon of immunosenescence and inflammaging, expressed as age-associated changes within the periodontium, needs to be more fully understood in this era of precision and personalized medicine and dentistry.

The neuron-astrocyte-microglia triad involvement in neuroinflammaging mechanisms in the CA3 hippocampus of memory-impaired aged rats

We examined the effects of inflammaging on memory encoding, and qualitative and quantitative modifications on proinflammatory proteins, apoptosis, neurodegeneration and morphological changes of neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads in CA3 Stratum Pyramidale (SP), Stratum Lucidum (SL) and Stratum Radiatum (SR) of young (3months) and aged rats (20months).Aged rats showed short-term memory impairments in the inhibitory avoidance task, increased expression of iNOS and activation of p38MAPK in SP, increase of apoptotic neurons in SP and of ectopic neurons in SL, and decrease of CA3 pyramidal neurons. The number of astrocytes and their branches length decreased in the three CA3 subregions of aged rats, with morphological signs of clasmatodendrosis. Total and activated microglia increased in the three CA3 subregions of aged rats. In aged rats CA3, astrocytes surrounded ectopic degenerating neurons forming “micro scars” around them. Astrocyte branches infiltrated the neuronal cell body, and, together with activated microglia formed “triads”. In the triads, significantly more numerous in CA3 SL and SR of aged rats, astrocytes and microglia cooperated in fragmentation and phagocytosis of ectopic neurons.Inflammaging-induced modifications of astrocytes and microglia in CA3 of aged rats may help clearing neuronal debris derived from low-grade inflammation and apoptosis. These events might be common mechanisms underlying many neurodegenerative processes. The frequency to which they appear might depend upon, or might be the cause of, the burden and severity of neurodegeneration. Targeting the triads may represent a therapeutic strategy which may control inflammatory processes and spread of further cellular damage to neighboring cells.

Lymphocyte Disturbances in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Application to Venous Thromboembolism Follow-Up.

Among patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the persistent detection of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (Ab) represents an independent high risk factor for recurrence. However, oral anticoagulation vitamin K antagonist therapy, frequently used in these patients, is problematic in assessing and/or confirming a diagnosis of primary aPL syndrome (pAPS), suggesting use of alternative strategies. For this reason, and by analogy with other autoimmune diseases, a flow cytometer approach testing peripheral T cell subsets (CD3, CD4, and CD8), B cell subsets (B1, transitional, naive, and memory), and NK cells can be proposed. As an example and to validate the concept, pAPS patients selected from the monocentric VTE case-control EDITH's cohort were selected during their follow-up. As suspected and in contrast to non-APS VTE patients, other autoimmune diseases, and controls, pAPS VTE patients displayed specific lymphocyte disturbances. Quantitative and qualitative modifications were related to total CD4+ T cell reduction, a lower CD4/CD8 ratio, and disturbance in B cell homeostasis with increased proportions of B1 cells, transitional B cells (CD24++CD38++), and naive B cells (IgD+CD27-), while memory B cells (IgD+CD27+ and IgD-CD27+) were reduced. Interestingly, the absolute number of CD4+ T cells positively correlated with IgG anti-cardiolipin Ab levels. Altogether, disturbances of T and B cell homeostasis characterized pAPS VTE patients during their follow-up. This suggests a means of profiling that could be used in addition to existing criteria to characterize them.

Hemostatic properties and protein expression profile of therapeutic apheresis plasma treated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A for pathogen inactivation.

The INTERCEPT Blood System (IBS) using amotosalen-HCl and ultraviolet (UV)A inactivates a large spectrum of microbial pathogens and white blood cells in therapeutic plasma. Our aim was to evaluate to what extent IBS modifies the capacity of plasma to generate thrombin and induces qualitative or quantitative modifications of plasma proteins. Plasma units from four donors were collected by apheresis. Samples were taken before (control [CTRL]) and after IBS treatment and stored at -80°C until use. The activities of plasma coagulation factors and inhibitors and the thrombin generation potential were determined using assays measuring clotting times and the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT), respectively. The proteomic profile of plasma proteins was examined using a two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) method. Nearly all of the procoagulant and antithrombotic factors tested retained at least 78% of their initial pre-IBS activity. Only FVII and FVIII displayed a lower level of conservation (67%), which nevertheless remained within the reference range for conventional plasma coagulation factors. The thrombin generation profile of plasma was conserved after IBS treatment. Among the 1331 protein spots revealed by 2D-DIGE analysis, only four were differentially expressed in IBS plasma compared to CTRL plasma and two were identified by mass spectrometric analysis as transthyretin and apolipoprotein A1. The IBS technique for plasma moderately decreases the activities of plasma coagulation factors and antithrombotic proteins, with no impact on the thrombin generation potential of plasma and very limited modifications of the proteomic profile.

Surface Reactivity of YSZ, Y2O3, and ZrO2toward CO, CO2, and CH4: A Comparative Discussion

The C1-surface chemistry of catalytically and technologically relevant oxides (YSZ, ZrO2, and Y2O3) toward CH4, CO, and CO2 was comparatively studied by electrochemical impedance (EIS) and spectroscopic (FT-IR) methods. Highly correlated in situ measurements yield a consistent picture with respect to qualitative and quantitative surface modifications as a function of temperature and gas phase composition. This includes not only a detailed study of carbon deposition in methane and adsorption of CO and CO2 but also proof of the strong influence of surface chemistry. On all studied oxides, carbon deposited during methane treatment grows dynamically forming interconnected islands and eventually a continuous conducting carbon layer at T ≥ 1073 K. Before methane dissociation via gas phase radical reactions/H-abstraction and carbon growth, a complex redox interplay of total oxidation as well as formate and carbonate formation leads to associated surface and grain conductivity changes. For CO adsorption, these measurements yield data on the time and temperature dependence of the adsorbate- and carburization-induced conductivity processes. In that respect, an equivalent circuit model in dry CO allows to disentangle the different contributions of grain interiors, grain boundaries, and electrode contributions. For YSZ, temperature regions with different charge carrier activation energies could be identified, perfectly corresponding to significant changes in surface chemistry. Hydroxyl groups, carbonates, or formates strongly influence the impedance properties, suggesting that the conductivity properties of YSZ, e.g., in a realistic reforming gas mixture, cannot be reduced to exclusive bulk ion conduction. Because of the different degree of hydroxylation and the different ability to chemisorb CO and CO2, the influence of the surface chemistry on the electrochemical properties is varying strongly: in contrast to ZrO2, the impact of the studied C1-gases on YSZ and Y2O3 is substantial. This also includes the reoxidation/reactivation behavior of the surfaces.

Diagnostics of liquid properties by the example of bioorganic solutions

Two methods of monitoring the structure modifications of protein solutions are considered: using the speckle patterns in real time and using crystallograms. It is shown that the proposed methods of image processing correlate with each other and allow the tracing of the qualitative structure modifications.

Parametric Functional Analysis of Variance for Fish Biodiversity Assessment

Due to the increasing impact of human activities, water conservation has become a primary aim of environmental management policies. In this context, fish biodiversity represents a good measure of water quality because changes in ecological factors involve qualitative modifications in species composition. For this reason, the analysis of the interaction between biodiversity and environmental characteristics becomes crucial. This paper aims to analyse the effects of habitat and seasonality on fish biodiversity in freshwater environments. In particular, we applied functional data analysis to the beta diversity profile. The proposed approach allows us to overcome the limitations of the classical biodiversity indices, highlighting its multidimensional aspect. More in detail, our research focuses on the functional data analysis of variance in order to quantify the effects exerted on a functional observation by some factors. This model is applied to a real data set concerning ichthyic biodiversity of 104 streams in the province of Arezzo (Central Italy). We consider first the fish zonation and then the seasonality as factors; the results show that species diversity fluctuates seasonally whereas the zonation has no significant effect in influencing the biodiversity. Our proposal is a powerful tool for the analysis of the relationship between qualitative variables and a functional response. Since the diversity profile is a function of the relative abundance vector in a fixed domain, this method is particularly suited to the beta profile and it could be very helpful to monitor or to identify areas of high environmental risk.

Effect of consuming novel foods consisting high oleic canola oil, barley β-glucan, and DHA on cardiovascular disease risk in humans: the CONFIDENCE (Canola Oil and Fibre with DHA Enhanced) study – protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) has been identified as a major contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current recommendations for dietary management of people with MetS involve quantitative and qualitative modifications of food intake, such as high consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods. The results from our previous human trials revealed the potential of the dietary components high-oleic acid canola oil (HOCO)-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and high molecular weight barley β-glucan individually in managing CVD risk factors. Foods with a combination of HOCO-DHA and barley β-glucan have never been tested for their effects on CVD risk. The objective is to determine the effects of consuming novel foods HOCO-DHA, and barley β-glucan on managing CVD risk factors in people with MetS.Methods/DesignWe are conducting a randomized, single-blind crossover trial with four treatment phases of 28 days each separated by a 4-week washout interval. Participants (n=35) will be provided with weight-maintaining, healthy balanced diet recommendations according to their energy requirements during the intervention periods. Participants will receive muffins and cookies as treatment foods in a random order and will consume at least one meal per day at the research center under supervision. The four treatments include muffins and cookies consisting of (1) all-purpose flour and HOCO-DHA (50 g/day); (2) barley flour (4.36 g/day of β-glucan) and a blend of sunflower oil, safflower oil, and butter as control oil (50 g/day); (3) barley flour (4.36 g/day of β-glucan) and HOCO-DHA (50 g/day; dosage of DHA would be 3 g/day); and (4) all-purpose flour and control oil (50 g/day). At the beginning and end of each phase, we will evaluate anthropometrics; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; blood lipid profile; low-density lipoprotein subfractions and particle size; 10-year Framingham CVD risk score; inflammatory status; and plasma and red blood cell fatty acid profiles, fecal microbiome, and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ConclusionCholesterol synthesis will also be studied, using a stable isotope approach. The proposed study will lead to innovation of novel food products, which may result in improvement in the overall cardiovascular health of humans.Trial registrationClinical trials.gov identifier: NCT02091583. Date of registration: 12 March 2014.

Quantum criticality at the Anderson transition: A typical medium theory perspective

We present a complete analytical and numerical solution of the Typical Medium Theory (TMT) for the Anderson metal-insulator transition. In this theory, we self-consistently calculate the typical amplitude of the electron wave-We present a complete analytical and numerical solution of the Typical Medium Theory (TMT) for the Anderson metal-insulator transition. This approach self-consistently calculates the typical amplitude of the electronic wave-functions, thus representing the conceptually simplest order-parameter theory for the Anderson transition. We identify all possible universality classes for the critical behavior, which can be found within such a mean-field approach. This provides insights into how interaction-induced renormalizations of the disorder potential may produce qualitative modifications of the critical behavior. We also formulate a simplified description of the leading critical behavior, thus obtaining an effective Landau theory for Anderson localization.

Detecting horses’ sickness: In search of visible signs

Assessing sickness in animals, by which we refer to non-specific states involving both physical discomfort and negative emotional states, is a real challenge. In this review, we demonstrate the need for clear and simple indicators of sickness in horses, a species in which suffering is largely underestimated. We provide a critical review of existing tools available to assess sickness in equids, which include composite pain scales and scores and welfare assessment scoring. Many such scales and scoring systems involve subjective assessments and lack of clear definitions. We discuss possible objective, visible indicators (qualitative and quantitative behavioural modifications and some postures) associated with sickness in horses, highlighting the two predominant modalities of expression (becoming unresponsive to environmental stimuli and “lethargic”, or becoming aggressive and hostile). Much work is still needed before an agreement can be achieved on the indicators of sickness in horses; there are however signs that, even if non-specific, should attract the owners’ attention on the horses’ welfare states.

Differential responses of Oryza sativa secondary metabolism to biotic interactions with cooperative, commensal and phytopathogenic bacteria.

Profiling of plant secondary metabolite allows to differentiate the different types of ecological interactions established between rice and bacteria. Rice responds to ecologically distinct bacteria by altering its content of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Plants' growth and physiology are strongly influenced by the biotic interactions that plants establish with soil bacterial populations. Plants are able to sense and to respond accordingly to ecologically distinct bacteria, by inducing defense pathways against pathogens to prevent parasitic interactions, and by stimulating the growth of root-associated beneficial or commensal bacteria through root exudation. Plant secondary metabolism is expected to play a major role in this control. However, secondary metabolite responses of a same plant to cooperative, commensal and deleterious bacteria have so far never been compared. The impact of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Azospirillum lipoferum 4B on the secondary metabolite profiles of two Oryza sativa L. cultivars (Cigalon and Nipponbare) was compared to that of a rice pathogen Burkholderia glumae AU6208, the causing agent of bacterial panicle blight and of a commensal environmental bacteria Escherichia coli B6. Root and shoot rice extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Principal component analyses (PCAs) pinpointed discriminant secondary metabolites, which were characterized by mass spectrometry. Direct comparison of metabolic profiles evidenced that each bacterial ecological interaction induced distinct qualitative and quantitative modifications of rice secondary metabolism, by altering the content of numerous flavonoid compounds and hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivatives. Secondary metabolism varied according to the cultivars and the interaction types, demonstrating the relevance of secondary metabolic profiling for studying plant-bacteria biotic interactions.

Cholesterol trafficking-related serum lipoprotein functions in children with cholesteryl ester storage disease

ObjectiveSerum lipoproteins influence cell cholesterol content by delivering and removing cholesterol to/from cells, functions mainly exerted by LDL and HDL, respectively. Especially in the case of HDL, structure and composition are crucial for function, beyond serum levels. Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) is caused by LIPA gene mutations and reduced activity of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), the enzyme responsible for hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters and TG. CESD patients typically present dyslipidaemia, liver damage and premature atherosclerosis. The objective of this work was to evaluate serum HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and serum cholesterol loading capacity (CLC) in CESD pediatric patients and to study lipoprotein qualitative modifications. MethodsHDL CEC was evaluated by radioisotopic techniques, serum CLC was measured by a fluorimetric assay, HDL subclasses were determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis. ResultsCESD patients (n = 3) displayed on average increased LDL cholesterol (+163%; p = 0.019), TG (+203; p = 0.012), phospholipids (+40%; p = 0.024) and lower HDL cholesterol (−57%; p = 0.012) compared to controls (n = 9). CESD HDL CEC was impaired both as a whole (average reduction of 26%; p < 0.0001) and with respect to specific membrane cholesterol transporters (−23% for aqueous diffusion; p = 0.005; −32% for ABCA1-efflux; p = 0.0002; −60% for SR-BI-efflux; p < 0.0001; −42% for ABCG1-efflux p = 0.0003). A marked reduction in the pre-β HDL concentration (−69%; p = 0.012) was detected. Finally, CESD serum CLC was significantly increased (+21%; p = 0.0007). Conclusion: These new data demonstrate that the pro-atherogenic modifications of serum include disturbances in lipoprotein functions involved in cell cholesterol homeostasis occurring from very early age in CESD patients.

Qualitative and quantitative modifications of von Willebrand factor in patients with essential thrombocythemia and controlled platelet count

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is characterized by increased platelets and prevalent thrombosis. An acquired von Willebrand factor (VWF) disease has been hypothesized and inconsistently associated with extreme thrombocytosis or rare bleeding in ET.Whether VWF is modified in ET patients with controlled platelet count remains unclear. We studied different VWF- and platelet-associated parameters in ET patients treated according to current recommendations. Sixty-nine ET patients (M=29; median age, 62 [48-70]years; platelets, 432 [337-620]×10(3) μL(-1) ), 69 matched controls and 10 subjects with reactive thrombocytosis (RT) were studied. VWF:antigen (Ag), activity (act), electrophoretic patterns, VWF:propeptide, plasma glycocalycin (GC), glycoproteinV (GpV), ADAMTS-13, elastase, C-reactive protein and serum thromboxane (TX)B2 were measured. In ET patients, VWF:Ag was increased by 31±13% vs. controls (P<0.01), without dependence of blood groups, while VWF:act was reduced by 21±12% vs. controls and by 50±24% vs. RT (P<0.01). The VWF:act/VWF:Ag ratios in ET were reduced by 35±17% vs. controls and RT patients (P<0.001) and significantly associated with: immature or total platelet counts, GC, GpV and TXB2 . In multivariable analysis, only GC inversely predicted ET patients' VWF:act/VWF:Ag ratios (β=-0.42, P=0.01). By electrophoresis analyses, high-molecular-weight VWF multimers were variably reduced with atypical cleavage bands in ET only. VWF:propeptide, ADAMTS-13 and elastase levels were normal in ET patients. Platelet-associated ADAM-10 and ADAM-17 hydrolyzed VWFm invitro, showing patterns similar to those in ET samples. In ET patients with controlled platelet counts, the VWF:act/VWF:Ag ratio is decreased and predicted by GC, a product of platelet activation. ADAM-10 and/or ADAM-17 might be involved. In vivo platelet activation, which characterizes ET, might contribute to disease-specific VWF alterations.

Study of chemical modifications in acidified ignitable liquids analysed by GC–MS

In this work, mixtures of gasoline with sulphuric acid and diesel fuel with sulphuric acid were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results showed considerable qualitative and semi-quantitative modifications in the chromatographic profiles of the ignitable liquids (ILs). In the case of acidified gasoline, the alteration of the abundances of aromatic compounds and the hydrolysis of an oxygenated compound such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), in addition to the immediate and unexpected appearance of tert-butylated compounds were observed. In the case of acidified diesel fuel, the alteration of aromatic compounds occurred. These sequential changes were then studied in detail in order to explain the chemical modifications taking place. These extensive chemical modifications may be considered as a new chromatographic profile distortion effect, the acidification of ILs. As such modifications are not generally taken into account in the criteria followed to assess the classification of an IL, we propose some recommendations helping to the identification of acidified ILs. This information can be especially useful to detect and identify non-burned ILs from seized or failed improvised incendiary devices made with mixtures of sulphuric acid–IL, or ILs altered intentionally with the aim to modify their composition.