Significant Phase Differences Research Articles

High-Fidelity Structural Loads Analysis of the ONERA 7A Rotor

The ONERA 7A rotor wind-tunnel test data are investigated to assess the accuracy of analytical tools in the calculation of rotor airloads and structural loads. Comprehensive analysis codes, HOST and RCAS, and coupled computational fluid dynamics/comprehensive analysis codes, elsA/HOST and Helios/RCAS, are used to examine the ONERA 7A rotor-blade dynamics, trim, airloads, and structural loads, and the calculated results are compared with the measured data for both high-speed and high-thrust conditions. The present elsA and Helios analyses include the test-stand modeling. Comprehensive analyses show significant phase differences for the airloads and structural loads. The phase correlation is substantially improved by the coupled analyses for both high-speed and high-thrust conditions. In general, the coupled analyses also improve the half peak-to-peak correlation of structural loads compared to the comprehensive analyses. The majority of the predictions from the coupled analyses in half peak-to-peak blade structural loads are within 20% of the measured data. The present study shows unprecedented correlation of structural loads for the 7A rotor, consistently better than the previous structural loads correlation for the UH-60A rotor using Helios/RCAS analysis.

Influence of chewing behaviour on memory and spatial learning in albino BALB/c mice

IntroductionSince the relationship between chewing and cognitive functions has not been fully elucidated, this study aimed to determine the impact of chewing behaviour on spatial learning and memory in albino male BALB/c mice. MethodsTwenty mice aged 8 weeks were divided into 2 equal groups. The regular chewing group was fed with uncrushed grains (the same diet given to all 20 mice since they were weaned) and the limited chewing group was fed with crushed grains. At 16 weeks of age, the mice were evaluated over 5 days, including a 4-day acquisition phase prior to a probe test of spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze on the fifth day. ResultsA comparison of the regular chewing group and the limited chewing group found no significant differences in either the acquisition phase or the probe test. However, there were significant differences in the acquisition phase for just the regular chewing group when comparing results from the first day to those from the other 3 days. ConclusionsThe results suggest that regular chewing affects spatial learning and memory since mice in the regular chewing group decreased their times to find the hidden platform during the acquisition phase.

Abstract P313: Dog Walking is Associated With Increased Home-based Exercise in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Introduction: Dog ownership and dog walking have been associated with increased physical activity in the general population. Although evidence suggests an association between pet ownership and increased survival in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), little is known about how dog ownership and dog walking may be associated with exercise habits in CHD patients. Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine dog ownership and dog walking and their relationship with frequency of home- and hospital-based CR exercise in patients with CHD. It was hypothesized that CHD patients who walk their dogs would report more frequent home- and hospital-based CR exercise. Methods: The study was based on Self-Determination Theory. A prospective observational design was used. A total of 122 patients with CHD completed a dog ownership and walking survey during their hospitalization and were asked to complete the Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Participation Tool by mail at 3, 8 and 12 months later. Patients self-selected whether they walked or biked in a home- or hospital-based Phase II CR exercise setting and self-reported number of days per week of exercise in each setting. Results: The sample was predominantly male (n=82; 67.2%) with a mean age of 64.7±9.1 years. Forty-two patients (34.4%) reported owning a dog. There were no differences in participation in home or Phase II CR exercise in dog owners versus non-dog owners (home CR: 57.1% vs. 62.5%, p=0.57 and Phase II CR: 31.0% vs. 32.5%, p=0.86). Among dog owners, 23 (54.8%) reported walking their dog at least 1 day/week. There were no significant differences in Phase II CR exercise among non-dog owners, dog owners who did not dog walk, and those who walked their dogs at least 1 day/week (owners/walkers: 34.8%, owners/non-walkers: 26.3%, non-owners: 32.5%; p=0.83). However, patients who owned but did not walk their dog reported significantly lower levels of home exercise compared to patients who owned and walked their dogs at least 1 day/week (owners/non-walkers: 36.8% vs. owners/walkers: 73.9%, p=0.019) and compared to non-dog owners (owners/non-walkers: 36.8% vs. non-owners: 62.5%; p=0.047). Conclusions: Results suggest that dog ownership is not equivalent to dog walking when examining exercise frequency in CHD patients. Dog owners were no more likely to exercise than non-dog owners. However, findings show a beneficial effect on home-based exercise for CHD patients who walk their dogs at least one day a week. Healthcare professionals should encourage CHD patients who are dog owners to walk their dogs as a strategy to increase home-based exercise.

Ventilation distribution and small airway function in patients with systemic sclerosis

BackgroundDespite the importance of traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in managing systemic sclerosis (SSc), many patients with pulmonary disease diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) present with normal PFTs. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the nitrogen single-breath washout (N2SBW) test in diagnosing SSc and to correlate N2SBW parameters with the PFT indexes used in the follow-up of these patients, clinical data, and CT findings. MethodsCross-sectional study in which 52 consecutive SSc patients were subjected to spirometry, body plethysmography, analysis of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), analysis of respiratory muscle strength, N2SBW testing, and CT analysis. ResultsTwenty-eight patients had a forced vital capacity (FVC) that was <70% of the predicted value. In the N2SBW test, 44 patients had a phase III slope (Phase III slopeN2SBW) that was >120% of the predicted value, while 15 patients had a closing volume/vital capacity (CV/VC) that was >120% of the predicted value. A significant difference in Phase III slopeN2SBW was observed when the patients with predominant traction bronchiectasis and honeycombing were compared to the patients with other CT patterns (p<0.0001). The Phase III slopeN2SBW was correlated with FVC (rs=−0.845, p<0.0001) and DLCO (rs=−0.600, p<0.0001), and the CV/VC was correlated with FVC (rs=−0.460, p=0.0006) and residual volume/total lung capacity (rs=0.328, p=0.017). ConclusionVentilation heterogeneity is a frequent finding in SSc patients that is associated with restrictive damage, changes in pulmonary diffusion, and CT patterns. In addition, approximately one-third of the patients presented with findings that were compatible with small airway disease.

Effect of an Unstable Load on Primary and Stabilizing Muscles During the Bench Press.

Ostrowski, SJ, Carlson, LA, and Lawrence, MA. Effect of an unstable load on primary and stabilizing muscles during the bench press. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 430-434, 2017-Unstable resistance exercises are performed to increase activity of stabilizing muscles. The premise is that this increase in activity will yield greater strength gains than traditional resistance exercises. The purpose of this study was to determine if an unstable load increases muscle activity of stabilizing muscles during a bench press as compared with a standard bench press with a typical load. Fifteen resistance-trained males (age 24.2 ± 2.7 years, mass 84.8 ± 12.0 kg, height 1.77 ± 0.05 m, weight lifting experience 9.9 ± 3.4 years, and bench press 1 repetition maximum [1RM] 107.5 ± 25.9 kg) volunteered for this study. Subjects pressed 2 sets of 5 repetitions in both stable (75% 1RM) and unstable (60% 1RM) conditions using a standard barbell and a flexible Earthquake bar, respectively. Surface electromyography was used to detect muscle activity of primary movers (pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps) and stabilizing musculature (latissimus dorsi, middle and posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and upper trapezius). Muscle activity was compared using a multivariate analysis of variance to determine significant (p ≤ 0.05) phase and condition differences. The right and left biceps and the left middle deltoid were significantly more active in the unstable condition. Some of the stabilizing muscles were found to be significantly more active in the unstable condition with 15% less weight. Therefore, bench pressing with an unstable load appears promising in activating stabilizing musculature compared with pressing a typical barbell.

Kawasaki Disease with Fever and Cervical Lymphadenopathy as the Sole Initial Presentation.

Background and ObjectivesSome patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) present with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy alone. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features of these unusual KD patients and determine whether this is a severe form of KD associated with increased risks of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary artery lesions (CALs).Subjects and MethodsA total of 146 children with KD were reviewed retrospectively, and classified into two groups according to initial clinical features. Those presenting with only fever and cervical lymphadenopathy (LKD) were classified as LKD patients. Other-KD patients included all except the LKD patients.ResultsAmong 146 KD patients, 13 (8.9%) were classified as LKD patients. The LKD patients were significantly older and admitted earlier. The duration between fever onset and KD diagnosis was significantly longer in the LKD patients (5.9 days vs. 4.9 days, p=0.023). The frequency of IVIG resistance was not different between the two groups., In the LKD patients, the incidence of CALs was significantly higher in the acute phase, and without significant difference in the convalescent phase. The percentage of neutrophils and C-reactive protein, albumin, and total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in LKD patients.ConclusionEven though LKD patients were older, admitted earlier, and had higher inflammatory marker levels, they did not have a greater risk of CALs or IVIG resistance. However, echocardiography may be helpful in the acute stage if patients have only fever and cervical lymphadenopathy and are unresponsive to empirical antibiotics.

Temperature compensation in a low cost frequency domain (capacitance based) soil moisture sensor

Frequency Domain Analysis is a well established technique in soil moisture determination, using the change in electrical capacitance of probes inserted into the soil caused by the presence of water. However it is known that temperature affects the determination of this capacitance. Here two different techniques are used, the first passing a fixed frequency through the soil via insulated probes, then measuring the amplitude of the resultant signal. The second uses the soil capacitance as the controlling component in a variable frequency oscillator, measuring the resultant times to charge and discharge. The measured capacitance is seen to be affected both by the temperature of the soil and, due to the sensitive nature of the monitoring electronics, also the temperature of critical components in the measurement circuits. Results from these experiments show that these two effects are complementary, soil temperature adding to the measured capacitance, whilst electronics temperature effectively decreases the measured capacitance. The daily profiles of the soil and electronics temperatures, whilst both rising during the day, and falling at night, show significant phase difference and therefore do not simply cancel out. Further, the strength of temperature compensation required is shown to vary with technique and moisture level. This paper explores these phenomena using results from a recently developed, four probe Frequency Domain capacitance based sensor costing around 12 Euros. These measurements are compared to those achieved by a commercial soil moisture system costing over 250 times this price. Preliminary results are presented from temperature compensation algorithms intended to minimize these effects.

Dimerization of emission centers in Eu-doped GaN red light-emitting diode: cooperative charge capturing using valence states coupling

Despite the recent progress in red light-emitting diodes (LED) made of gallium nitride doped with europium (GaN:Eu) having sharp emission lines due to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+, unexpected subsidiary Eu emission centers radiate several satellite lines. We investigated these subsidiary emission centers by analyzing the harmonic contents through electronic means, and observed the originally forbidden even harmonics in a specific frequency region of 23–45 MHz. The even-harmonic generation was formulized with a binary response caused by the electronic coupling of emission centers in valence states, i.e. dimerization. The coupling was consistent with the results of the optical analyses of former studies. The binary response was experimentally quantified by using a parameter such as the phase difference between the responses of coupled centers, and a significant phase difference of 63° was observed at 36 MHz. The injection charges were cooperatively captured by the coupled emission centers and were branched into the constituent centers for recombination, resulting in undesired satellite emission lines.

Cyp3a11-mediated testosterone-6β-hydroxylation decreased, while UGT1a9-mediated propofol O-glucuronidation increased, in mice with diabetes mellitus.

The db/db mouse is one of the most popular animal models for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but changes in the activities of important P450s and UGTs are still not completely clear. This study was designed to investigate the alterations of major hepatic cytochrome P450s and UDP-glucuronyltransferase enzymes in db/db mice. Mouse liver microsomes (MLMs) were obtained from male db/db mice and their wild type littermates. After incubation of the substrates separately with MLMs, the samples were pooled and analysed by high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system for the simultaneous study of nine phase I metabolic reactions and three glucuronidation conjugation reactions to determine the activity of the metabolic enzymes. Compared with normal controls, the Clint estimate for testosterone-6β-hydroxylation was lower (46%) (p<0.05), while the Vmax and Clint estimates for propofol O-glucuronidation were 5-fold higher (p<0.01) in the liver microsomes from db/db mice. There was no significant difference in phase I metabolic reactions of phenacetin-O-deethylation, coumarin-7-hydroxylation, bupropion-hydroxylation, omeprazole-5-hydroxylation, dextromethorphan-O-demethylation, tolbutamide-4-hydroxylation, chlorzoxazone-6-hydroxylation and midazolam-1-hydroxylation and in glucuronidation reactions of estradiol 3-O-glucuronidation, and 3-azido-3-deoxythymidine glucuronidation. The data suggest that, in db/db mice, the activity of Cyp3a11, catalysing testosterone-6β-hydroxylation, decreased, while the activity of UGT1a9, catalysing propofol O-glucuronidation, increased. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The interaction between gravity waves and solar tides in a linear tidal model with a 4‐D ray‐tracing gravity‐wave parameterization

AbstractGravity waves (GWs) play an important role in atmospheric dynamics. Due to their short wavelengths, they must be parameterized in current weather and forecast models, which cannot resolve them explicitly. We are here the first to report the possibility and the implication of having an online GW parameterization in a linear but global model that incorporates their horizontal propagation, the effects of transients and of horizontal background gradients on GW dynamics. The GW parameterization is based on a ray‐tracer model with a spectral formulation that is safe against numerical instabilities due to caustics. The global model integrates the linearized primitive equations to obtain solar tides (STs), with a seasonally dependent reference climatology, forced by a climatological daily cycle of the tropospheric and stratospheric heating, and the (instantaneous) GW momentum and buoyancy flux convergences resulting from the ray tracer. Under a more conventional “single‐column” approximation, where GWs only propagate vertically and do not respond to horizontal gradients of the resolved flow, GW impacts are shown to be significantly changed in comparison with “full” experiments, leading to significant differences in ST amplitudes and phases, pointing at a sensitive issue of GW parameterizations in general. In the full experiment, significant semidiurnal STs arise even if the tidal model is only forced by diurnal heating rates. This indicates that an important part of the tidal signal is forced directly by GWs via their momentum and buoyancy deposition. In general, the effect of horizontal GW propagation and the GW response to horizontal large‐scale flow gradients is rather observed in nonmigrating than in migrating tidal components.

HIV-1-RNA Decay and Dolutegravir Concentrations in Semen of Patients Starting a First Antiretroviral Regimen.

The objective of this study was to quantify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 RNA decay and dolutegravir (DTG) concentrations in the semen of HIV-infected patients receiving DTG-based first-line therapy. This was a prospective, single-arm, open-label study including 15 HIV-1-infected, antiretroviral therapy-naive men starting once-daily treatment with DTG (50 mg) plus abacavir-lamivudine (600/300 mg). HIV-1 RNA was measured in seminal plasma (SP) and blood plasma (BP) at baseline, on days 3, 7, and 14, and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. The HIV-1 RNA decay rate was assessed using nonlinear mixed-effects models. Total and free DTG concentrations were quantified 24 hours after the dose at weeks 4 and 24 by means of a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Viral decay was faster in BP than in SP in the first decay phase (half-life, 4.5 vs 8.6 days; P = .001) with no statistically significant differences in the second phase. HIV-1 RNA suppression (<40 copies/mL) was reached earlier in SP (4 vs 12 weeks; P = .008) due to lower baseline HIV-1 RNA levels. The median total DTG 24 hours after the dose in SP was 119.1 ng/mL (range, 27.2-377 ng/mL), which represents 7.8% of BP exposure. The median DTG free-fraction in SP was 48% of the total drug. Seminal protein-unbound DTG concentrations exceeded the in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration (0.21 ng/mL) by a median of 214-fold. DTG concentrations in SP are sufficient to contribute to rapid seminal HIV-1 RNA suppression.

Dystrophin Is Required for Proper Functioning of Luminance and Red–Green Cone Opponent Mechanisms in the Human Retina

Visual information is processed in parallel pathways in the visual system. Parallel processing begins at the synapse between the photoreceptors and their postreceptoral neurons in the human retina. The integrity of this first neural connection is vital for normal visual processing downstream. Of the numerous elements necessary for proper functioning of this synaptic contact, dystrophin proteins in the eye play an important role. Deficiency of muscle dystrophin causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X-linked disease that affects muscle function and leads to decreased life expectancy. In DMD patients, postreceptoral retinal mechanisms underlying scotopic and photopic vision and ON- and OFF-pathway responses are also altered. In this study, we recorded the electroretinogram (ERG) while preferentially activating the (red-green) opponent or the luminance pathway, and compared data from healthy participants (n = 16) with those of DMD patients (n = 10). The stimuli were heterochromatic sinusoidal modulations at a mean luminance of 200 cd/m2. The recordings allowed us also to analyze ON and OFF cone-driven retinal responses. We found significant differences in 12-Hz response amplitudes and phases between controls and DMD patients, with conditions with large luminance content resulting in larger response amplitudes in DMD patients compared to controls, whereas responses of DMD patients were smaller when pure chromatic modulation was given. The results suggest that dystrophin is required for the proper function of luminance and red-green cone opponent mechanisms in the human retina.

Influence of technological and environmental factors on the behaviour of the reinforcement anchorage zone of prestressed concrete sleepers

The article analyses the influence of technological factors on variations in the stress and strain state during the production of prestressed concrete sleepers. The paper focuses on technological damage to the anchorage zone and its influence on concrete and the pretensioned reinforcement of the last prestressed concrete sleepers located by abutments. The article presents the calculation principles of stresses caused by thermal and humidity deformations, compares theoretical and experimental results and specifies the nature of damages. The paper deals with concrete structure and an interface between reinforcement and concrete of new and three years old prestressed concrete sleepers, explores the results of laboratory tests on deteriorating the ends of new prestressed concrete sleepers under freezing and thawing cycles, looks at changes in concrete structure and the interface between reinforcement and concrete at the ends and in the middle of prestressed concrete sleepers applying a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Secondary ettringite formation (DEF) in concrete micro-cracks and at the interface between reinforcement and concrete and elemental composition of the formed crystals have been determined. Significant difference in concrete structure and new solid phases at the ends of used and new sleepers has been defined. Concrete structure in the middle of the three years old railway sleeper has remained almost unchanged. The obtained results show that technological factors are affecting the deterioration nature of the ends of prestressed concrete sleepers.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging predicts malignant potential in small hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundPoor differentiation and microvascular invasion are indicators of poor outcome after hepatectomy for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AimsWe investigated whether gadoxetic acid-enhanced and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could predict these factors before hepatectomy. MethodsBetween July 2008 and April 2012, 75 patients who underwent hepatectomy for small HCCs (diameter: ≤3cm, tumor number: ≤3) were consecutively enrolled. In gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, the signal intensity in the tumor was corrected to that in the paraspinous muscles, and the relative enhancement was calculated. In diffusion-weighted imaging, we measured the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). We then investigated the correlations between relative enhancement or ADC and histological grade, microvascular invasion and recurrence-free survival. ResultsPoorly differentiated HCCs showed significantly lower ADC than well-differentiated and moderately differentiated HCCs. There was no significant difference in the hepatobiliary phase. Only ADC was an independent predictor of microvascular invasion, and the best cut-off point of its prediction was 1.175×10−3mm2/s. Additionally, the recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter in low-ADC group than in high-ADC group. ConclusionADC is useful for predicting poorly differentiated HCCs and microvascular invasion, and low ADC is associated with increased recurrence risk for small HCCs after hepatectomy.

Value of gemstone spectral CT imaging in diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule

To observe the diagnostic efficiency of gemstone spectral CT imaging in diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). A total of 114 patients with SPN proved by pathology (from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and 13 cooperative hospitals) underwent spectral CT from July 2014 to July 2015.All the patients were divided into malignant group(63 cases), inflammatory group(32 cases) and tuberculosis group(19 cases) .Iodine concentration(IC), normalized iodine concentration(NIC) and slope rate of spectral curve(40-80 keV) in both arterial and venous phase were measured and calculated.The one-way ANOVA and LSD were used to analyze parameters among 3 groups.ROC curves were taken to calculate the diagnostic efficiency and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity . IC, NIC and slope rate of spectral curve had statistically significant differences in both phases (all P<0.05). The malignant group was the highest, and the tuberculosis group was the lowest(all P<0.05). When NIC(venous phase)>0.31, NIC>0.28, NIC>0.21, the sensitivity of diagnosing malignant and inflammatory SPN, malignant and tuberculosis SPN, inflammatory and tuberculosis SPN were respectively 81.0%, 85.7%, 84.4%, and the specificity of them were 71.9%, 94.7%, 84.2%, respectively. Spectral CT imaging is helpful to diagnosis of SPN, and venous phase NIC can get high sensitivity and specificity for qualitative diagnosis of SPN.

Role of surface synergistic effect on the performance of Ni-based hydrotalcite catalyst for highly efficient hydrogenation of furfural

The selective vapor phase hydrogenation of furfural at ambient pressure has been investigated using a facile and robust hydrotalcite derived Ni containing mixed oxide catalyst. The systematic characterization results conferred that the difficulty in the reduction of Ni species due to the strong interaction between Ni and support, which facilitated from the homogeneous distribution of hydrotalcite structure. It was also found that the structure and catalytic performance of the catalysts were greatly influenced by Ni loading. Through fine-tuned surface elemental sites and reaction conditions, furfural conversion of 98% with 95% of furfuryl alcohol selectivity was achieved over a MAN-2 catalyst containing two molar ratio of Ni. The results have demonstrated that the incorporation of Mg significantly enhances the Ni-support interaction, Ni dispersion and catalytic performance. The high efficiency of the Ni-based hydrotalcite derived catalyst was mainly attributed to the surface synergistic interaction between the catalytically active metallic Ni sites and the strong basic sites, which furnished an eco-benign and sustainable catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of furfural. Furthermore, the spent catalyst analysis substantiated that no significant difference in the catalyst phase was observed even after 48h of reaction stream.

Subthalamic local field potentials in Parkinson's disease and isolated dystonia: An evaluation of potential biomarkers

Local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) demonstrate prominent oscillations in the beta (13–30Hz) frequency range, and reduction of beta band spectral power by levodopa and deep brain stimulation (DBS) is correlated with motor symptom improvement. Several features of beta activity have been theorized to be specific biomarkers of the parkinsonian state, though these have rarely been studied in non-parkinsonian conditions. To compare resting state LFP features in PD and isolated dystonia and evaluate disease-specific biomarkers, we recorded subthalamic LFPs from 28 akinetic-rigid PD and 12 isolated dystonia patients during awake DBS implantation. Spectral power and phase-amplitude coupling characteristics were analyzed. In 26/28 PD and 11/12 isolated dystonia patients, the LFP power spectrum had a peak in the beta frequency range, with similar amplitudes between groups. Resting state power did not differ between groups in the theta (5–8Hz), alpha (8–12Hz), beta (13–30Hz), broadband gamma (50–200Hz), or high frequency oscillation (HFO, 250–350Hz) bands. Analysis of phase-amplitude coupling between low frequency phase and HFO amplitude revealed significant interactions in 19/28 PD and 6/12 dystonia recordings without significant differences in maximal coupling or preferred phase. Two features of subthalamic LFPs that have been proposed as specific parkinsonian biomarkers, beta power and coupling of beta phase to HFO amplitude, were also present in isolated dystonia, including focal dystonias. This casts doubt on the utility of these metrics as disease-specific diagnostic biomarkers.

2-Aminoacetophenone Is the Main Volatile Phase I Skatole Metabolite in Pietrain × Baden-Württemberg Hybrid Type Boars.

Skatole metabolites have been considered as putative contributors to boar taint. Recently, 2-aminoacetophenone, a volatile phase I skatole metabolite, was identified in back fat samples from boars of Pietrain × Baden-Württemberg hybrid type. This paper addresses the question of the physiological origin of the observed 2-aminoacetophenone in these pigs. Microsomal fractions from nine boars were isolated, and formation of skatole metabolites was subsequently analyzed by stable-isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Significant breed-related differences in phase I skatole metabolism were observed, explaining the high levels of 2-aminoacetophenone in Pietrain × Baden-Württemberg hybrid type boars.

ФЕНОЛОГІЧНІ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕННЯ ЗА РОЗВИТКОМ ВЕРОНІКИ ЛІКАРСЬКОЇ

&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;THE PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS OF VERONICA OFFICINALIS DEVELOPMENT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;I.I&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Milian, &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;M&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;.V.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Melnyk, &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;S.M.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Marchyshyn, &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;S. Yu.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cholach&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;SHEI "Ternopil State Medical University byI. Ya. Gorbachevskogo Ministry of Health ofUkraine "&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;SHEI "Ivano-FrankivskNationalMedicalUniversity"&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Veronica officinalis - wild plant of plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It grows on sandy soils in light forests throughoutUkraine. Veronica belongs to the species that are found on the edges, clearings, glades, forest meadows and among shrubs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Natural reserves of Veronica Officinalis decrease every year, while the demand of pharmaceutical industry inUkrainefor raw materials of wild medicinal plants remains high. The purpose of our work is to study the features of Veronica Officinalis in the terms of culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Phenological observations were conducted by the methodics of the State Commission agricultural crops species-analysis on the research areas and in natural plant communities in the 3 - 10 - multiple repetition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Analyzing the structure of morphogenesis of Veronica Officinalis, peculiarities of the formation and life of the parent bush were studied. Plants were planted ( on April 16) in the ground with the aisle 45h70 cm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Gradual change of the shape of leaves of the plants was observed. The appearance of the first buds coincides with the period of intensive growth - from early June until the third decade of June. Budding phase continues until the first blooming flower. During this period, growing activity of the plant is reduced.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Change of day rhythm of bloom depends on temperature and humidity. Optimum conditions for flowers blooming can be considered air temperature 18 -22 Cand humidity 50 - 60%, while in the morning hours there is a maximum number of flowers in bloom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The average duration of flowering in nature conditions is 20 days. In natural plant communities in late phases of development of Veronica Officinalis begins.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If after flowering generative shoots are removed comes the second, less intense wave of flowering begins in the end of August.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Phase of growth and formation begins after fertilization, and further ripening and seed maturation take place. Maturation is accompanied by gradual dehydration of a plant leaves and stems become dry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fructification phase comprises three stages: milk, wax and full ripeness. Milk maturity is characterized by wreath shedding and the formation of ovaries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Maturation of boxes takes place in stages. Average time of maturation boxes on experimental plots on average is - 26 days, in the natural plant communities - 36 days. Seeds storage is carried in the stage of full maturity. Height of the plant the ranged from 15 -30 cm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Depending on the place of growth and meteorological conditions significant differences in all phenological phases are observed. Thus, plants Veronica Officinalis that grow in natural condition beginning of regrowth and flowering delay ruiting period for 10 - 15 days. During phenological observations on experimental plots of Veronica Officinalis differences in the onset phase of development are not significant. This indicates that the plants that grow in the same abiotic and edaphic conditions have the same type of occurrence of all phases of organogenesis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; As a result of phenological observations it was found that to create favorable conditions for the development of Veronica Officinalis on research areas it is important to take into account the soil type, the availability of moisture, lighting and so on.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Beydeman Y..N. Metodyka yzuchenyya fenolohyy rastenyy y rastytelʹnykh soobshchestv / Y..N. Beydeman. – Novosybyrsk : Nauka, 1974. – 155 s.&lt;br /&gt; 2. Yzotova M. A. Travnyk. Luchshye retsepty narodnoy medytsyny / M. A. Yzotova, T. F. Plotnykova, YU. Y. Kyrova, N. A. Sarafanova. ― M. : Éksmo, 2009. ― 896 s.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Minarchenko V. M. Resursna znachushchistʹ vydiv likarsʹkykh roslyn Ukrayiny / V. M. Minarchenko, T. P. Harnyk // Fitoterapiya. ― 2013. ― № 4. ― S. 37―40.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Morozyuk S. S. Alʹbom z botaniky / S. S. Morozyuk, V. V. Protopopova . – K. : Radyansʹka shkola, 1979. – 151s.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Pro vnesennya zmin do nakazu MOZ Ukrayiny vid 16 lyutoho 2009 roku № 95: nakaz MOZ Ukrayiny № 118 vid 14.02.2013r. [Elektronnyy resurs] Rezhym dostupu do inf.: https://www.moz.gov.ua/ua/portal/dn_ 20130214 _0118. html&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Roslynnyy svit ta lisovi resursy [Elektronnyy resurs] Rezhym dostupu do inf.: http://ukrmodno.com.ua/health/1-roslinnij-svit-ta-lisovi-resursi/ main.html&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;

The neural dynamics of somatosensory processing and adaptation across childhood: a high-density electrical mapping study

Young children are often hyperreactive to somatosensory inputs hardly noticed by adults, as exemplified by irritation to seams or labels in clothing. The neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying changes in sensory reactivity are not well understood. Based on the idea that neurodevelopmental changes in somatosensory processing and/or changes in sensory adaptation might underlie developmental differences in somatosensory reactivity, high-density electroencephalography was used to examine how the nervous system responds and adapts to repeated vibrotactile stimulation over childhood. Participants aged 6-18 yr old were presented with 50-ms vibrotactile stimuli to the right wrist over the median nerve at 5 blocked interstimulus intervals (ranging from ∼7 to ∼1 stimulus per second). Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) revealed three major phases of activation within the first 200 ms, with scalp topographies suggestive of neural generators in contralateral somatosensory cortex. Although overall SEPs were highly similar for younger, middle, and older age groups (6.1-9.8, 10.0-12.9, and 13.0-17.8 yr old), there were significant age-related amplitude differences in initial and later phases of the SEP. In contrast, robust adaptation effects for fast vs. slow presentation rates were observed that did not differ as a function of age. A greater amplitude response in the later portion of the SEP was observed for the youngest group and may be related to developmental changes in responsivity to somatosensory stimuli. These data suggest the protracted development of the somatosensory system over childhood, whereas adaptation, as assayed in this study, is largely in place by ∼7 yr of age.