Background: Knowledge on endothelial dysfunction and its relation to atherosclerosis in mastocytosis is limited. Aim: To investigate the endothelial function in mastocytosis by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and biomarkers related to vascular endothelia, the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Method: Forty-nine patients with mastocytosis and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included. FMD and CIMT during transthoracic echocardiography, biomarkers including endocan, endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in sera of participants. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined as inflammatory biomarkers. Result: The mean FMD% was lower in the patients than HCs (11.26±5.85% vs 17.84±5.27% p<0.001) and was the lowest in the advSM and SSM group among the patients (p=0.03). The median value of VEGF was significantly higher in patients than HCs. [73.30 pg/mL; min-max (32.46-295.29) pg/mL vs (46.64 pg/mL; min-max 11.09-99.86 pg/mL; p:0.001] and it was the highest in the advSM and SSM group (p:0.01). FMD was inversely correlated with endocan (r:-.390, p:0.006), ET-1 (r:-.363, p:0.01) and VEGF (r:-.402, p:0.004) but there were no correlations between FMD and TNF-α, IL-6, and hsCRP. No differences in CIMT values between patients and HCs and no correlation between CIMT and the biomarkers were observed. Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction in mastocytosis becomes evident with decreased FMD and elevated serum VEGF, in the absence of atherosclerosis or systemic inflammation and is related to disease severity. Keywords: CIMT, Endocan, Endothelial function, Endothelin-1, FMD, VEGF

Case 1. An 82-year-old man with history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and multiple admissions due to acute decompensated heart failure was evaluated for moderate to severe secondary MR due to atrial dilation (atrial functional MR). TTE showed severe biatrial enlargement with a left atrial volume of 117mL and a left atrial volume index of 65.5ml/m2. It also showed LV of normal size, left ventricular LVIDd of 4.5cm and LVEF of 55%. En face view revealed two central jets arising from the coaptation gaps between posterior mitral leaflet indentations (P1/P2 and P2/P3) (Panel A). (Panel B) Transillumination rendering on 3D TEE, highlighted two distinct coaptation gaps between posterior mitral leaflet scallops. Case 2. A 63-years-old woman with medical history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (35%) was evaluated for moderate to severe secondary MR. TTE showed the LV dilation with LVIDd of 5.7cm. TEE revealed severe eccentric MR. (Panel C) 3D color Doppler TEE imaging of the mitral valve showed a severe regurgitant jet, originated in-between P2 and P3 posterior scallops. (Panel D) Transillumination rendering on 3D TEE, view from left atrium, in systole highlighted the coaptation gap. (Panel E) 3D color Doppler TEE imaging showed residual mild MR after a mitral clip was deployed grasping the medial aspect of P2 and A2 scallops covering the coaptation defect. (Panel F) Transillumination rendering on 3D TEE, view from LV, showed complete resolution of the coaptation gap between posterior scallops after clip deployment.

Background and Purpose: The intracellular second messenger cGMP mediates signals by activating two types of cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG), PKG I and PKG II, differentially expressed in different cells. In platelets, cGMP mediates biphasic signals that stimulate and inhibit platelet activation, and the downstream signaling of cGMP is mediated by PKG I, the only PKG known to be expressed in platelets. However, functional defects of PKG I knockout platelets did not fully explain the roles of cGMP and the effect of PKG inhibitors on platelet activation. Experimental Approach: To determine if PKG II is present in platelets and plays a role in platelet activation, we performed RT-PCR and isolation of PKG II protein using cGMP-conjugated beads. We further determined platelet aggregation and ATP release in vitro, and FeCl3-injured carotid artery thrombosis as well as tail bleeding time in vivo. Key Results: PKG II is expressed in platelets and plays an important role in selectively stimulating platelet activation but not in the negative regulatory role of cGMP. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion were reduced in PKG II-deficient mice but not PKG I-deficient mice. In contrast, low-dose thrombin-induced platelet activation depended on PKG I but not PKG II. Tail bleeding time and FeCl3-induced artery thrombus formation were significantly prolonged in PKG II knockout mice. Conclusion and Implication: PKG II-mediated cGMP signals are important in platelet activation, thrombosis and haemostasis in vitro and in vivo.

Introduction: Among the many medical challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, management of the majority of COVID-19 patients in community outpatient settings rather than in hospital is crucial for the resource allocation of healthcare systems. This real-life study describes COVID-19 patients in three management settings: two outpatient settings and one inpatient. Methods: A retrospective database cohort study was conducted in a large Israeli Health Maintenance Organization. All laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed 2/28/2020-6/20/2020, were included. Cases in the community setting were managed by physicians and other healthcare personnel through a nationwide remote monitoring center, using preliminary telehealth triage, 24/7 virtual care , all based on the individual patient’s clinical and social circumstances. Data were extracted from medical records. Outcome parameters included hospital admission, disease severity, need for respiratory support and mortality. Results: 5,525 cases tested positive. Seventy-seven cases who live in long- term facilities were excluded. 5448 cases, aged 36.36±20.31 (range 0-97 years) were enrolled. 88.7% were initially managed as outpatient either at home or in designated hotels, and 11.3% were hospitalized. 3.1% and 2.1% of the patients who were initially allocated for home or hotel stay, respectively, later required hospitalization. The main reason for hospitalization was dyspnea; twelve were diagnosed with severe disease. Fifty-six patients (1.3%) died, five (0.1%) of whom were initially allocated to the outpatient settings. Conclusions: Care for appropriately selected COVID-19 patients in the community provides a safe and effective option. This can contribute to reducing the hospitalization burden, with no evidence of increased morbidity or mortality.

Purpose: Since the beginning of the Covid 19 outbreak, many signs of the disease have been identified. It is known that Covid 19 uses the mouth area as an entrance to the respiratory tract. As with all diseases, early diagnosis and treatment is effective in the course of the disease in Covid 19. We aimed to identify the oral lesions of Covid 19 for detecting disease at early stages. Methods: Seventy-four patients whom detected Covid 19 in their nasopharyngeal swab were included in this study. Results: Fifty-eight of seventy-four patients had oral lesions. Aphthous-like ulcer was the most common oral lesion (n: 27). Respectively, other findings were erythema (n: 19) and lichen planus (n:12). The most common location of lesions was tongue (n: 23). Respectively, other lesion areas were buccal mucosa (n: 20), gingiva (n:11) and palate (n:4). Conclusion: In the study, more than half of Covid 19 patients had oral lesions. Therefore, oral evaluation is important in early diagnosis in cases whom suspected Covid 19.

Objective To develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for treatment of perinatal depression Design Systematic overview of outcomes reported in the literature and consensus development study using a Delphi survey and modified nominal group technique. Setting International. Population Two hundred and twenty-two participants, representing thirteen countries. Methods A systematic overview of outcomes reported in recently published research, a two-round Delphi survey, a consensus meeting at which the final COS was decided. Main results In the literature search, 1772 abstracts were identified and evaluated, 284 papers/protocols were assessed in full and 165 studies were finally included in the review. In all, 106 outcomes were identified and thus included in the Delphi survey. 222 participants registered for the first round of the Delphi survey and 151 (68%) responded. In the second round, 123 (55%) participants responded. The following 9 outcomes were agreed upon for inclusion in the final COS: self-assessed symptoms of depression, diagnosis of depression by a clinician, parent to infant bonding, self-assessed symptoms of anxiety, quality of life, satisfaction with intervention, suicidal thoughts, attempted or committed suicide, thoughts of harming the baby, and adverse events. Conclusions The relevant stakeholders prioritised outcomes and reached consensus on a COS comprising nine outcomes. We hope that this COS will contribute to consistency and uniformity of outcome selection and reporting in future clinical trials involving treatment of perinatal depression Funding This article is adapted from a report by SBU, which provided funding for the study. Keywords: perinatal depression, postpartum depression, antenatal depression, COS

Abstract Purpose: Recombinant proteins have become increasingly important items in research and industry. Due to its low cost, high yield and rapid growth rate, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the first choice as host for the production of recombinant proteins. The expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli systems often result in inclusion bodies lacking proper folding and structure. In silico bioinformatics prediction tools may be promising in optimal expression of soluble recombinant proteins. Materials and methods: In this review, we aimed at making critical recommendations on how to improve the soluble expression of recombinant proteins. Furthermore, we compared the solubility of recombinant proteins using bioinformatics prediction tools versus experimental results. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Some recommendations worthy of consideration in gene design and expression were reminded. The results of a comparison between bioinformatics and experimental methods revealed that no significant coordination existed. RPSP and SOLpro showed higher sensitivity (43.5% and 56.5%, respectively) and specificity (52.9% and 47.1%, respectively), when compared to FoldIndex and PSoL. The results from p-value and roc curve indicated the effect of MW, helix percentage and aliphatic index on protein solubility (p-value< 0.05). Conclusions: This review discusses efficient expression of soluble recombinant proteins. The bioinformatics prediction tools were examined for their sensitivity and specificity. MW, helix percentage and aliphatic parameters should be considered in gene design.

Most works in peace studies concern interventions in conflict situations – such as conflict management – or projects seeking to sustain peace after a conflict, such as conflict resolution and peace education. However, using a peace lens, this study affirms culture as one of the means the Yorùbá utilize to sustain peace in their community. The paper ascertains the presence of conflict and proceed to discuss how some features of Yorùbá culture facilitate harmony. This article is based on a primary research among the Yorùbá within 2014 and 2020, the bulk of which is taken from chapter 5 of the dissertation.

Background: Safely liberalizing the diet to include an allergenic food may accelerate resolution of food allergy. The outcome of liberalization, however, varies among patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study to identify factors associated with outcome for egg allergy 1 year after oral food challenge (OFC). We enrolled children < 72 months-old who had egg allergy and underwent OFC for determination of the safe intake quantity of egg allergen. At enrollment, each child’s clinical background was recorded. The Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire–Parent Form (FAQLQ–PF) was administered to the caregivers to assess their children’s QoL. Dietary advice based on the OFC result was then provided to support safe consumption of eggs. At 1 year after OFC, the quantity of egg each child safely consumed in daily life was surveyed. We classified the egg allergy outcome as Outgrowing (Group O) if the quantity increased during the 1 year, or as Non-outgrowing (Group N) if it did not. Factors associated with the outcome were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 93 children were enrolled, and after 1 year 57 finished in Group O and 36 in Group N. The mean FAQLQ-PF score at baseline was significantly lower (i.e., better QoL) in group O than in group N. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified comorbid asthma, comorbid atopic dermatitis and a poor QoL as factors predicting an unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: QoL may affect food allergy outcome. Intervention focusing on QoL may promote outgrowing food allergies.

We report a dermoscopic diagnostic clue for non-pigmented eccrine poroma found in a collarette, which is thought to be a nonspecific site.

Background Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is a kind of congenital heart disease, which is currently widely treated by cone reconstruction. However, prediction of postoperative recovery is still challenging. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on EA cases undergoing cone reconstruction from January 2010 to January 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, with postoperative adverse events defined as dependent variable and pre- and intra-operative parameters defined as independent variables. Predictive capacity of preoperative SPO2 and Great Ormond Street (GOS) score was evaluated using areas under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results Preoperative SPO2 was 95.7 ± 5.20%. Cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamp, postoperative mechanical ventilation, and hospitalization time were 101.7 ± 28.26 min, 60.9 ± 18.04 min, 16 hours (8, 22), and 8 days (7, 11), respectively. The incidence of total postoperative adverse events including low cardiac output syndrome, mechanical ventilation more than 3 days, postoperative hospitalization more than 2 weeks, postoperative re-intubation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation assistance, and death was 13.1% (n=13). Low pre-operative SPO2 (P=0.001, OR=0.834), GOS score (P=0.021, OR=0.368), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (P=0.034, OR=1.021) were risk factors for adverse events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low preoperative SPO2 (P=0.002, OR=0.846) and GOS score (P=0.043, OR=0.577) were independent risk factors for adverse events. The areas of SPO2 and GOS score under the ROC curve were 0.764 and 0.740, respectively. Conclusions Low pre-operative SPO2 and GOS score were predictors of adverse events after cone reconstruction, and SPO2 was more convenient and objective than GOS score.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a multiple-copy immune gene family in vertebrates. Its genes are highly variable and code for antigen-presenting molecules. Characterization of MHC genes in different species and investigating the mechanisms that shape MHC diversity is an important goal in understanding the evolution of biological diversity. Here we developed a next generation sequencing (NGS) protocol to genotype the MHC class I genes of 326 Godlewski’s buntings (Emberiza godlewskii) sampled in the Western mountain area of Beijing from 2014 to 2016. A total of 184 functional alleles were identified, including both non-classical and classical alleles. Classical alleles could be clustered into nine supertypes. Compared with other passerine birds, the individual diversity of MHC class I genes in Godlewski’s buntings is intermediate. Ten amino acid sites in the antigen-binding domain showed signatures of positive selection and eight of them exhibit high amino acid polymorphism. These findings indicate the action of balancing selection and provide a framework for subsequent investigation of selection acting on MHC genes in Godlewski’s buntings.

In the last decades, the overlapping areas of intervention between cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists are rocketing, especially in the field of treatment of heart valve disease. But, while for the aortic valve the competition, even for non-high risk patients, has become tightened, in the context of mitral regurgitation, the surgery seems to not have competitors .In fact looking the results of studies published so far, a question arises: Is surgery the fair competitor for the Mitraclip? The meta-analysis by Abdul Khader et al summarized few evidences present in this field, only 11 observational studies and 1 randomized trial, providing an awesome response: “NO”. Is therefore not a case if recently two trials, MITRA-FR and COAPT, chose to use as competitor for MitraClip, more rightly, medical therapy instead of surgery. In conclusions, in case of mitral regurgitation, surgery is still largely the gold standard treatment and so MitraClip cannot be mention at all as competitor of surgery. It can be the right choice of case of primary MR where patients showed high risk for surgery. In case of secondary MR, especially with large and poor left ventricle we should wait for a clear answer on its role, yet.

Hybridization is a common and important stage in species formation in plants and animals. The evolutionary consequences of hybridization depend not only on reproductive compatibility between sympatric species, but also on factors like vulnerability to each other’s predators and parasites. We examine infection patterns of the blood parasite Haemoproteus lophortyx, a causative agent of avian malaria, at a site in the contact zone between California quail (Callipepla californica) and Gambel’s quail (C. gambelii). We tested whether species identity, sex, and year predicted infection status and intensity. While we found no effect of sex on the status or intensity of infection, we found differences in infection status and intensity across species and between years. The prevalence of infection in California and hybrid quail was lower than in Gambel’s quail. Once infected, however, California and hybrid quail had higher infection intensities than Gambel’s quail. California and hybrid quail exhibited no significant differences in prevalence or intensity of infection. These findings suggest that infection by H. lophortyx has the potential to influence species barrier dynamics in this system, however, more work is necessary to determine the exact evolutionary consequences of this blood parasite.

Background. The use of transcutaneous near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the monitoring of the perfusion of renal allografts in paediatric population has been proposed in the last years. This device might detect early decrease in allograft oxygenation allowing prompt detection of vascular complications. Methods. A systematic review of literature about the use of transcutaneous NIRS in monitoring allograft perfusion was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. The authors screened 1313 papers. The search yielded five pertinent articles. Three of them reported the experience of NIRS in kidney transplantation, for a total of 53 paediatric patients and 50 adults. In these studies, NIRS measurements was significantly related to serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (u-NGAL), serum lactate, resistive index assessed by doppler-ultrasonography and systolic blood pressure. In the paediatric studies no vascular complications were encountered. Conclusions. Preliminary studies have related NIRS monitoring to renal allograft perfusion and function. Further investigation is needed to establish the normal range of NIRS values for renal allografts and the factors influencing NIRS monitoring.

Pediatric histiocytic neoplasms are hematopoietic disorders frequently driven by the BRAF-V600E mutation. Here we identified two BRAF gene fusions (novel MTAP-BRAF and MS4A6A-BRAF) in two aggressive histiocytic neoplasms. In contrast to previously described BRAF fusions, MTAP-BRAF and MS4A6A-BRAF do not respond to the paradox breaker RAF inhibitor (RAFi) PLX8394 due to stable fusion dimerization mediated by the N-terminal fusion partners. This highlights a significant and clinically relevant shift from the current dogma that BRAF-fusions respond similarly to BRAF-inhibitors. As an alternative, we show suppression of fusion-driven oncogenic growth with the pan-RAFi LY3009120 and MEK inhibition.

Negli ultimi anni l'inquinamento ambientale rappresenta una tematica di notevole rilievo, dal momento che la salute umana e l'equilibrio dell'ecosistema si basano su una corretta gestione delle varie risorse. In riferimento alle risorse idriche si evince come l'inquinamento delle acque progredisca rapidamente, a causa della continua immissione di sostanze inquinanti nei corpi idrici recettori. È per tale motivo che assume particolare importanza gestire e trattare opportunamente le acque reflue, in modo da poterle smaltire in totale sicurezza, così come previsto dalla normativa vigente. A tal proposito sono state introdotte nuove biotecnologie capaci di assicurare una resa depurativa maggiore, ossia gli impianti MBR (Membrane Biological Reactor). I bioreattori a membrana sono caratterizzati dalla combinazione dei processi di degradazione biologica a fanghi attivi e della filtrazione su membrana. Di recente, tra le varie configurazioni dei sistemi MBR, è stata posta l'attenzione sui bioreattori a membrana operanti in condizioni anaerobiche, in quanto consentono il recupero di biogas. 

Background: The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 has necessitated trial of several drugs searching for a potential cure. We have published an article to justify adoption of nitazoxanide/azithromycin for early cases of COVID-19 followed by two other articles providing the theoretical basis to add non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the protocol which is described in this manuscript. Patients and methods: Twenty-two consented confirmed and highly suspected COVID-19 Egyptian patients including 11 adult males, 6 adult females, 2 pregnant patients as well as 3 children. All patients have received a 5-day-regimen of NSAIDs (diclofenac potassium, ibuprofen or ketoprofen)/nitazoxanide/azithromycin either in full or in part as illustrated in the manuscript. The primary endpoint of this protocol was full relief of all significant/hazardous COVID-19 symptoms and signs like fever, progressive cough, moderate/severe dyspnea or disturbed level of consciousness. Results: The primary endpoint of this protocol was fully achieved in all patients within two weeks. Most of the patients treated early with the protocol have recovered during the five days; the lymphocytic count was significantly improved for those with prior lymphopenia. No significant adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: A novel short course COVID-19 protocol using inexpensive FDA approved drugs is illustrated.

In this study, we propose to derive an accurate numerical procedure to solve the mathematical model which describes the electrical R-L circuit composed of resistors and inductors driven by a voltage of current source, which is the fractional-order model for the electrical RL-circuit. Our study depends on the spectral collocation method via the useful properties of the Chebyshev polynomials of the third-kind. Some theorems about the convergence analysis are given. The study concludes by comparing the resulting approximate solutions of the proposed model with the exact solution in the classical case. Illustrative graphical and numerical analysis of the derived results are also included in this study.

Dense leaf trichomes can directly decrease gas fluxes through increased gas diffusion resistance and indirectly increase gas fluxes through increased leaf temperature due to increased heat diffusion resistance, which may contribute to adaptation to dry and/or low‐temperature conditions. However, it remains unclear whether the leaf‐trichome resistance increases or decreases the gas‐exchange rates through combined direct and indirect effects. We focused on Metrosideros polymorpha, a dominant tree species inhabiting a large range of environmental gradients in the Hawaiian Islands, whose leaves have an enormous variation in trichome thickness on the lower surface. In five elevational sites, we measured leaf morphological and physiological traits including trichome thickness, gas‐exchange characteristics, and leaf temperature. The trichome thickness was largest in the coldest and driest site and thinnest at the wettest site. Leaf temperature was significantly increased with trichome thickness. With biophysical and physiological models, we show that leaf trichomes can increase the daily photosynthesis through increasing leaf temperature only in the cold alpine area. The daily water‐use efficiency can be lower with increasing leaf trichomes at any elevational sites. Therefore, in terms of diffusion resistance, the leaf trichomes of M. polymorpha can contribute to the adaptation to low‐temperature environments but not to dry environments.

In this study, we introduce concepts of norms of elliptic complex matrices and derive the least squares solution, the pure imaginary least squares solution, and the pure real least squares solution with the least norm for the elliptic complex matrix equation AX=B by using the real representation of elliptic complex matrices. To prove the authenticity of our results and to distinguish them from existing ones, some illustrative examples are also given. Elliptic numbers are generalized form of complex and so real numbers. Thus, the obtained results extend, generalize and complement some known least squares solutions results from the literature.

Decomposition of forest litter plays a major role in nitrogen (N) dynamics in soil. But to which extent that forest litter affects soil N and how much soil N is derived from the new litter remains unknown. An in-situ soil column experiment with 14-month litter decomposition was conducted to examine the effect of litter retention on soil N dynamics in a typical forest of subtropical China in 2018. Litter removal in the soil column was used as a control treatment, while natural litter or identical amount of 15N labeled litter was added to soil columns as litter retention treatment. The results showed that litter removal caused a continuous decrease in concentration of soil soluble organic nitrogen (SON) in the first 5 months, and then SON began to accumulate and its concentration went up in spring showing obvious seasonal change. Litter retention accelerated the reduction of soil SON concentration in the first 2 months, while maintained a high concentration after that period. Soil NH4+-N derived from litter was nitrified rapidly, and newly formed NO3–N was quickly immobilized or lost. Only 1.8% of soil SON came from litter N and 98.2% from indigenous soil N under the decomposition of labeled litter. Litter provided supplementation N to form new soil SON continuously, however, only a small part of SON was relatively stable, and SON played the role of reserve and regulatory pool. Soil SON and TN were formed after long-term litter accumulation and decomposition.

Asphaltene was fractionated into four subfractions with different polarities, and used to conduct the hydrate formation and dissociation experiments. It was observed that the more polar fraction could result in a higher tendency of self-aggregation and fewer asphaltenes adsorbing at the water-oil interface mainly due to the larger C/H ratio, higher aromaticity, and shorter length of the alkyl side chain. The nucleation rate decreased with the presence of asphaltenes, and the induction time increased with a reduction in asphaltene polarity in water-in-oil emulsions. The results showed that the formed amount of hydrates were reduced by the addition of asphaltenes. For the asphaltene containing emulsions, less hydrate was formed with the presence of a more polar asphaltene fraction. The presence of asphaltenes was also found to affect the growth rate of hydrate, which varies with the polarity. Meanwhile, all four asphaltene fractions were found to promote the dissociation of hydrate.

Immobilized enzymes as biocatalysts are expected to solve issues of pollution and economic inefficiency in industrial catalysis. In order to obtain an immobilized enzyme with high activity and stability, the design of substrate geometric structure and surface properties is desirable. Here, TiO2 with controlled pore size and surface properties was designed and synthesized for lipase immobilization, resulting in an efficient biocatalyst. The activity of TiO2 immobilized lipase is improved with the increasing pore size of TiO2 from 10 to 100 nm. Compared to geometric structure impact, regulation of surface properties plays a greater role on the immobilization of lipase on TiO2. Among them, the relative activity of ethenyl triethoxy silane (ETS) modified TiO2 immobilized lipase is as high as 365.85 % over the pristine lipase. This research provides experimental evidence for studying the adsorption of enzyme molecules on the supports under the synergistic effect of geometric structure and surface properties.