bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential extreme events in the Polish wind energy sector, based on historical data
Authors: Jurasz Jakub , Mikulik Jerzy , Ciapała Bartłomiej
Published: July 2018

Wind energy is beginning to play a significant role in the Polish energy sector, in terms of both installed capacity and delivered energy. However, as a highly variable source, wind energy makes management of the power system complicated, especially when extreme events occur. Therefore, the objective of this paper was twofold. Firstly, it aims to simulate the operation of the Polish wind sector based on available satellite-derived wind speed data and the known spatial distribution of wind parks. Secondly, based on the created model and hourly wind speed values covering the period 01.1980–08.2017 we have analysed the statistical parameters of potential wind generation, concentrating mainly on extreme events (such as low generation and ramp rates). The results show that for an installed capacity of 5.8 GW the likelihood of generation going below 250 MWh for 1 hour is 0.26%, and, for 5 hours, is 0.1%. Ramp rates exhibit significant seasonal patterns and the highest (on an hourly time scale) can be as much as 1,295 MWh and -1,698 MWh (up and down, respectively).
Concept of experimental platform to investigate aeroponic systems in microgravity conditions
Authors: Jurga Anna , Kuźma Joanna , Płuszka Paweł , Chmielewski Piotr , Bobrowska Edyta , Draguła Maciej
Published: July 2018

The article presents the concept of experimental research system to investigate aeroponic cultivation in microgravity condition. The main scientific objective is to define the forces acting in droplet-root system exposed to microgravity conditions especially the adhesion and cohesion phenomena. The concept of a research platform is presented in this paper and includes electrical, hydraulic and optical system.
Separation of cationic biocide by means of ultrafiltration process
Authors: Klimonda Aleksandra , Kowalska Izabela
Published: July 2018

The usefulness of ultrafiltration process for removal of quaternary ammonium compound has been assessed. Intersep Nadir membranes with a cut-off of 5 kDa made of cellulose and polyethersulfone were tested. The concentration of cationic surfactant in the feed solutions amounted to 50–3500 mg/L. It was found that polymer type affects the removal efficiency of cationic biocide. The polyethersulfone membranes allowed to remove above 63% of BAC from the feed solution of concentration equal to 100 mg/L, while for cellulose membranes the highest retention (i.e. 27%) was obtained for process with 3500 mg/L. During the tests surfactant affected on membranes’ hydraulic properties. For experiments with polyethersulfone membranes, the relative flux obtained was in the range 80-20% (depending on pollutant concentration) of distilled water flux. Cellulose membranes were less fouling susceptible. Moreover, in experiment with surfactant concentration equal to 1000 mg/L an increase in membrane permeability (comparing to distilled water flux) was pronounced.
Analysis of the impact of a flexible photovoltaic tile shape on its performance
Authors: Kurz Dariusz , Morawska Lena , Piechota Robert , Trzmiel Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

This paper addresses the subject of the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The flexible thin-film CIGS module has been subjected to testing in order to investigate its electrical parameters and the possibilities of adaptation to the building structure. During analysis of performance of the tested building in real conditions, particular attention has been paid to changes in its parameters depending on the inclination angle and the shape of its surface in relation to the incident solar radiation. Current-voltage characteristics and power curves in the selected configuration of module deflections have been analysed. Changing the module’s inclination angle from the optimal 40° to 0° (horizontal arrangement of the module on the ground) reduced the value of generated current (by approx. 26%), voltage increase (by approx. 4%) and output power reduction by approx. 25%. The module generated a lower power compared to the basic test due to the irradiation limit reaching its surface (decrease in the irradiance value of less than 60% from 800 to 330 W/m2). Bending the module at an angle 90° to the ground affected the large unevenness of solar radiation values reaching its surface and even greater losses of generated energy. The values of idle voltage, short-circuit current and voltage in MPP did not change much in relation to the base measurement, however, a large drop in the value of current in MPP was noted, which led to a significant reduction of output power. Thus, the need to strive for the most advantageous exposure of BIPV elements in relation to the sun was demonstrated and the losses on energy yields resulting from the integration of photovoltaic tiles into the body of the building have been estimated.
The annual gas demand forecasting in air-source gas-fired absorption heat pumps
Authors: Langowski Piotr , Doroszkiewicz Jakub , Jadwiszczak Piotr
Published: July 2018

The forecasting of fuel demand is required for decision-making and management of heating systems. A simple methodology of gas demand forecasting in heating systems based on air-source gas-fired absorption heat pumps (GAHP) was presented and evaluated on real gas consumption data. The methodology was developed by Gazuno, based on experience and long-term measurements in real GAHP heating systems in Polish climate conditions. Methodology takes into account main factors influencing the gas consumption: the variability of heat pumps’ gas utilization efficiency (GUE), the operation conditions and the operation time. In air-source gas-fired heat pump technology the GUE changes in operation time according to the external air temperature and heating system temperature. The presented simple methodology is dedicated for decision-making on early design stage, to simple assessment of future gas demand in the GAHP heating systems.
Extended evaluation of quality of swimming pool water - importance of selected pollutant fractions
Authors: Łaskawiec Edyta , Dudziak Mariusz , Wyczarska-Kokot Joanna
Published: July 2018

The authors of the study attempted to determine the fraction of selected impurities in the filter backwash water from the pool circuit (hot tub). Ultrafiltration membranes were used for the separation process. The main parameter informing about the content of impurities in a given fraction was total carbon (including the total organic carbon). In the studies, fractions with the following sizes of > 200 kDa, 50–200 kDa, < 50 kDa were separated. The fraction distribution in > 5 kDa and < 5kDa was also analyzed. The percentage content of inorganic carbon and total organic carbon changed depending on the ultrafiltration membrane with different distribution characteristics. The concentration of total organic carbon decreased gradually with a decrease in the MWCO value of the membrane. On the basis of the total carbon value, it was found that the tested washings contained: 30.40 wt.% of > 200 kDa fraction, 55.62 wt.% of fraction in the range of 50–200 kDa and 13.98 wt.% of fraction < 50kDa.
Influence of building shape and orientation on heating demand: simulations for student dormitories in temperate climate conditions
Authors: Mokrzecka Martyna
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of preliminary design decisions such as building shape and orientation on its heating demand. After analysing plans of forty student dormitories located in heating dominated climate (Dfb and Cfb), eight typical plan layouts were identified and chosen for further analysis. Eight buildings were modelled using these plans and uploaded to dynamic simulation tool, Sefaira. Buildings have the same characteristics (surface, height, thermal properties, location etc.). The next step was to rotate the buildings at 45° intervals and simulate the annual heating demand for each case. The results show that the shape influences the heating energy consumption. The difference between minimum and maximum heating demand in the chosen sample was 50%. The square – shaped buildings have advantages in terms of heating energy consumption over L, U and C-shaped buildings as well as over rectangles with different shape factor. Orientation does not substantially influence the consumption in well insulated buildings. Last step of the research was to analyse the influence of functional layout on heating energy and internal comfort in a square-shaped building.
Modelling technique of interaction between pressure and gravity sewage systems
Authors: Nowogoński Ireneusz , Ogiołda Ewa
Published: July 2018

The article presents the issue of cooperation between gravity and pressure elements realized in a common simulation model. The analysis was based on examples characterized by different levels of complexity. It was found that the SWMM model is possible to apply for the analysis of complete gravity-pressure systems, even in the event of a few pumping stations pumping to a common pressure pipeline. The possibility of applying models prepared in such a manner for the assessment of the correctness of pump selection in terms of the time sewage is stored and frequency of the pump starting up.
The prevalence of virulence genes specific for Escherichia coli in wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants with the activated sludge process
Authors: Osińska Adriana , Korzeniewska Ewa , Harnisz Monika , Niestępski Sebastian
Published: July 2018

Treated wastewater evacuated into the aquatic environment is a potential reservoir of pathogenic and virulent bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of genes encoding virulence in E. coli bacteria in samples of untreated (UWW) and treated (TWW) wastewater from 13 wastewater treatment plants deploying various sewage treatment methods. Wastewater samples were passed through polycarbonate membrane filters, and genomic DNA was extracted. Virulence genes specific for E. coli were detected by standard PCR and were grouped according to their association with different pathotypes. The stx2 gene was most prevalent in samples of UWW, and the eae gene was most frequently detected in samples of TWW. An analysis of virulence markers revealed a predominance of genes characteristic of STEC and EIEC pathotypes. The highest variability of virulence genes was observed in wastewater treatment plants where sewage is treated mechanically and biologically, and the lowest variability was noted in plants deploying the A2/O treatment process (3-stage Bardenpho). In several plants, the prevalence of virulence genes increased after treatment. The results of this study suggest that wastewater treatment plants are significant reservoirs of virulent bacteria. The evacuation of TWW into water bodies can contribute to the dissemination of virulence genes in the environment, which poses a serious health hazard for humans and animals.
The effectiveness of organic matter removal in unit processes of the technological groundwater treatment system
Authors: Pietrzyk Andżelika , Papciak Dorota
Published: July 2018

The study evaluated the content of hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic substances in water subjected to purification in the technological system: coagulation, filtration on anthracite-sand deposits and biofiltration on granular activated carbons. The estimation of the removal efficiency of individual NOM fractions was made on the basis of fractionation method using polymeric resins (DAX-8, XAD-4 and IRA-958). The obtained results allowed to state that the applied water treatment system is effective in removing organic matter and its effectiveness in relation to individual parameters was: 55% for total organic carbon (TOC), 49% for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), 80% for particulate organic carbon (POC), 68% for UV absorbance, 83% for permanganate value and 100% for colour. In the intaken groundwater, the value of the hydrophobic fraction was 84%. The dominant fraction was very hydrophobic acid (VHA), whose content was 4.87 mg C/L (65% DOC). On the grounds of the information on the content of the NOM fraction in the intaken waters, the effectiveness of their removal in the unit processes of the technological system cannot be unequivocally determined. The content of NOM fractions established on the basis of the fractionation procedure and the SUVA parameter does not give explicit results. Further research should be carried out in this respect.
Heat loss analysis in the semi-buried anaerobic digester in Northeast Poland
Authors: Rynkowski Piotr
Published: July 2018

A thermal model was used to compare an actual and a computational heat losses in an existing the semi-buried anaerobic digester (AD) during the winter season in Northeast Poland. This work is an attempt to answer the question whether the cause of the temperature decrease of the manure AD is underestimated the heat exchanger or its low efficiency. The answer to this question is important for manager to take appropriate action. Understanding the heat loss of biogas digester is important to use these technologies to produce the biogas on assumed level in cold environment - like winter in Northeast Poland. From anaerobic digester point of view, the maintaining of optimal fermentation temperature is crucial. In the current study 2-D axisymmetric steady heat transfer model was carried out to calculate heat loss of AD for a real biogas plant located in north-eastern Poland and compared with actual state.
Variability of dairy wastewater characteristics in Piatnica – one of the largest and most advanced milk processing plants in Poland
Authors: Struk-Sokolowska Joanna
Published: July 2018

The problem of industrial wastewater treatment from food processing, including dairy, is not completely solved. The aim of this study was to determine the variability of dairy sewage characteristics in one of the largest and most advanced milk processing plants in Piatnica, East-North Poland and review the opportunities for biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. The study was conducted in the milk processing plant and WWTP in 2016 and 2017. The ratio of organic compounds for biogenic compounds in dairy wastewater were determined. During the two year study period there were no instances when the ratio of organic compounds for total phosphorus in Piatnica raw wastewater was lower than 25 gBOD5·gP-1. This indicates that in modern and innovative milk processing plants there are no instances when the amount of organic matter in dairy sewage is insufficient to remove phosphorus below 1.0 mgP·dm-3.
Assessment of water quality contaminated with arsenic using diatoms and Ostracodtoxkit F test
Authors: Szmigielska Magda , Wróbel Magdalena , Rybak Justyna
Published: July 2018

The release of such contaminants as metals into aquatic environment and its accumulation in sediment is a great concern due to the potential effect to the whole ecosystem. Water biocoenosis can change completely with the introduction metals into the water course. The aim of the study was to compare the water quality of three small streams contaminated with arsenic on the basis of multimetric diatom index IO and microbiotest designed to evaluate sediment toxicity (The Ostracodtoxkit F). The quality of three small streams located within Złoty Stok community in Lower Silesia (SW, Poland) has never been assessed with the biological methods before. What is more, the impact of arsenic on water biocoenosis has been rarely studied worldwide. Such studies have not been conducted before in Poland. The findings showed that each of used method classifies similarly three studied streams. The obtained results confirmed that the biological methods are the most reliable in the assessment of water quality.
Performance of the anammox sequencing batch reactor treating synthetic and real landfill leachate
Authors: Tomaszewski Mariusz , Cema Grzegorz , Twardowski Tomasz , Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process is one of the most energy efficient and environmentally-friendly bioprocess for the treatment of the wastewater with high nitrogen concentration. The aim of this work was to study the influence of the high nitrogen loading rate (NLR) on the nitrogen removal in the laboratory-scale anammox sequencing batch reactor (SBR), during the shift from the synthetic wastewater to landfill leachate. In both cases with the increase of NLR from 0.5 to 1.1 – 1.2 kg N/m3d, the nitrogen removal rate (NRR) increases to about 1 kg N/m3d, but higher NLR caused substrates accumulation and affects anammox process efficiency. Maximum specific anammox activity was determined as 0.638 g N/g VSSd (NRR 1.023 kg N/m3d) and 0.594 g N/g VSSd (NRR 1.241 kg N/m3d) during synthetic and real wastewater treatment, respectively. Both values are similar and this is probably the nitrogen removal capacity of the used anammox biomass. This indicates, that landfill leachate did not influence the nitrogen removal capacity of the anammox process.
Eco-development aspect in modernization of industrial system
Authors: Turski Michał
Published: July 2018

In financing mechanism of National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management it is necessary to achieve energy savings of at least 20%. However, not always achieving such energy savings means an increase in economic and ecological efficiency. Therefore, the article presents possibilities of investment leading to energy savings, reducing consumption of primary energy contained in the fuel by increasing production efficiency and reducing energy losses directly in the source. This solution will allow to keep economic and ecological savings. Proposed solutions are crucial for the implementation of investment. The improvements proposed in the article, if they have not been implemented so far, should give significant effects in all cases. The study was conducted for the medium-sized Polish company. The company can be considered as representative of food processing industry. The study was conducted on basis of energy efficiency auditing. Based on the obtained results it can be stated that the use of cogeneration, heat recovery and alternative methods of cooling at an appropriate balancing may allow the average annual primary energy saving of 563 toe/year and the reduction in CO2 emissions by 2,413 t/year. Thus achieved energy efficiency index may reach approx. 20%, eco-efficiency index may reach approx. 40% and economic efficiency index may reach approx. 30%.
The concept of sustainable development in spatial management of mountain settlement units
Authors: Wojtas-Harań Anna
Published: July 2018

Relationship between the built environment and nature is particularly noticeable in areas with valuable natural assets. The special physiographic conditions over there often initiate the development of towns, becoming even the impetus for the new, modern settlement. Many times the environmental advantages, paradoxically turn into theirs doom. Building imprints mark. Initially, it becomes the model complement with the natural world, until it does not exceed the difficult to define boundaries. The aim of this thesis is to search for solutions that will allow for spatial sustainability between the built and natural environments of the Karkonosze. The attractive mountain area used for sports and tourism now meets with the processes of urbanization. These issues are subject to analysis by the use of comparative method providing the different concepts of towns located in the high mountain areas of Austria. Described resorts with well-developed ski and tourism infrastructure can be examples of saving the scale and unique character, despite growing new needs and expectations of tourists and athletes. There is a chance to evolve their own local standards for space use in the Karkonosze. Key findings relate inter alia the size and the level of density of the villages. Because they affect the possibility of maintaining a proper relationship between man and nature. The issue of protection and use of historical complexes in the context of efficient space management is not without a significance.
Green computing and energy storage systems
Authors: Żygadło Monika , Kotowski Jerzy , Oko Jacek
Published: July 2018

Because of growing amount of the data(known as „big data”) needed to be store and process there is a rapid growth of usage electricity and emission. In this paper we present the IT solution of this problem: green computing, solutions to storage and manage the energy and IT support needed to manage and control those systems. The article presents the main idea and already implemented solutions.
Small UAV Target Detection Model Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Wang Xianyu , Zhang Ke , Cai Yilun , Liu Yue
Published: July 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has relatively small size and weak visual characteristics. The recognition accuracy of traditional object detection methods can decrease sharply when complex background and distraction objects exist. In this paper, we proposed a novel deep neural network (DNN) model for small UAV target recognition task. Based on the visual characteristics of surveillance image and UAV target, a multi-channel DNN is designed. Training and optimization of the DNN are completed with self-constructed UAV image database. Simulation results show that the proposed DNN model can achieve good results in recognizing the variable-scale UAV target and have compatible performance in distinguishing the interference and that the proposed model is robust and has a great potential prospect for engineering application.
Nonlinear Characteristics of Electrocardiograph Signals Based on Fractal
Authors: Liu Yan , Ding Dongxiao
Published: July 2018

In view of the nonlinear properties of Electrocardiograph (ECG) signal, the application of fractal methods from nonlinear system theory for the analysis of ECG signals has gained increasing interest.In this study, analysis of the objects are ECG signals of four sinus rhythms. Some important phenomena and conclusions have been captured and drawn after analyzing with and plotting the graphics of multi-fractal spectrum and auto-correlation functions. Additionally, the Hurst(H) parameters illustrate that self-similarity is a common property of the ECG signals, but the smaller H of the normal sinus rhythm(NSR) cause the obvious randomness of NSR. The further research of multi-fractal spectrum shows that the ECG signals all present local singular characteristics, but there are inconsistencies in the same type of sinus rhythm ECG signal. While, the inconsistency led to obvious classification, especially in NSR. As the conclusion, the results can be used as an effective complementary method for non-invasive diagnosis and early warning of heart disease.
Real-time Detection and Tracking Method of Landmark Based on UAV Visual Navigation
Authors: Li Jing , Ma Xiaodong , Chen Huaimin , Duan Xiaojun , Zhang Yanlong
Published: July 2018

A real-time detection and tracking method of landmark based for UAV visual navigation and fixed landing was proposed. This method used the SVM classification algorithm to train the offline classifier based on SURF-BoW features extracted from samples, which can recognize the landing landmark accurately and complete the initialization of the tracker. Afterwards, tracked the landmark via the improved median flow algorithm to ensure the reliability and integrity of the tracking target. Finally, based on the classifier and the principle of similarity between two adjacent frames' target, this paper designed a target re-search algorithm to ensure that the target can be retrieved quickly even if the target is lost or the target tracking fails, which makes the entire set of algorithm track the target accurately for a long time. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has good tracking performance under the conditions of the change of target scale, illumination changes and motion blur.
A Comprehensive Evaluation Method of Network Public Opinion Based On Similarity Measure Between Vague Soft Sets
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Junsheng , Zhu Zhixiang , Yang Wenchao
Published: July 2018

Aiming at the limitation of existing similarity measure method based on Vague soft sets, the similarity measure formula between Vague soft sets is modified and a novel similarity measure between Vague soft sets in consideration of the difference of interval center of Vague values is introduced, the axiomatic proof is given too. The experimental results of comprehensive evaluation of the network public opinion show that this method is reasonable, effective and practical, which has a good application prospect and effect in the study of internet public opinion.
Prospective comparative study of endoscopic submucosal dissection and gastrectomy for early neoplastic lesions including patients’ perspectives
Authors: Libânio Diogo , Braga Vânia , Ferraz Sílvia , Castro Rui , Lage Jorge , Pita Inês , Ribeiro Cátia , Abreu De Sousa Joaquim , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro
Published: July 2018

Background There are no prospective studies comparing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and gastrectomy, especially evaluating patient-reported outcomes. Our aim was to compare the safety and impact on quality of life (QoL) of ESD and gastrectomy in patients with early gastric neoplasia.

Methods This prospective study included consecutive patients presenting with early gastric neoplasia in a tertiary center from January 2015 to August 2016. Data collection included curative resection, adverse events (AEs), and patient-reported outcomes (questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC STO-22, EQ-5D-5 L, and Assessment of Survivor Concerns) before and after interventions (after 1 month, 3 – 6 months, and 1 year).

Results 254 patients with early lesions were included: 153 managed by ESD and 101 by gastrectomy, the former being significantly older and with less advanced lesions. Mean procedural time and length of stay were significantly higher in the surgery group (164 vs. 72 minutes and 16.3 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001). Complete resection was higher in the surgical group (99 % vs. 90 %; P = 0.02); ESD was curative in 79 % of patients. Severe AEs and surgical re-intervention were significantly more frequent in the gastrectomy group (21.8 % vs. 7.8 % and 11 % vs. 1 %, respectively). Endoscopic treatment was associated with a positive impact on global health-related QoL at 1 year (net difference + 9.9; P = 0.006), role function and symptom scales (fatigue, pain, appetite, eating restrictions, dysphagia, and body image). Concerns about recurrence did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions In patients with early gastric neoplasia, ESD is safer and is associated with a positive impact on health-related QoL when compared with gastrectomy, without increasing fear of recurrence and new lesions.
The Activation of Human Factor X in Sodium Citrate: the Role of Factor VII
Authors: Aronson D. L , Mustafa A. J
Published: July 2018

Human factor X was purified by several different procedures yielding products which had varying amounts of factor VII and factor IX. Treatment with CHC13 during the fractionation of the factor X removed 95% of the factor VII and factor IX activity and the resulting factor X activated more slowly when incubated in 25% sodium citrate. Removal of residual factor VII by DEAE cellulose chromatography yielded a factor X which activated still more slowly and less completely. When the factor VII, removed by chromatography, was added to the chromatographed factor X, the ability to be activated in 25% sodium citrate was restored. Confirmatory evidence for the role of factor VII in this reaction was the inhibition of the conversion of the factor X by both DFP and SBTI.
The Effect of Defibrinogenation on Pulmonary Embolism in Dogs
Authors: Meissner Alfred G. , O’Sullivan Gerald , Macbeth Robert A.
Published: July 2018

The role of fibrinogen in the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism is not clearly understood. A study was therefore performed in order to determine the effect of defibrinogenation on the sequelae of experimental pulmonary embolization in the canine model. Total defibrinogenation was achieved by treating 15 dogs with Defibrase over a period of three days, and these were studied and compared with 15 control animals. The embolus was produced by injection of a homologous clot into the superior vena cava. A 27 per cent mortality rate was observed after embolism in the control group, but there were no deaths in the Defibrase-treated animals. Hemodynamic and pulmonary gas exchange disturbances occuring in the control group were more severe than those in the treated group and were associated with marked fibrinogen consumption. It is suggested, therefore, that defibrinogenation reduces the mortality and severity of the pathophysiological changes associated with pulmonary embolization probably by inhibition of pulmonary intravascular coagulation and by changing the rheological properties of the blood.
Inhibition of Fibrinolysis in the Burned-Infected Rat: Antiplasmin Induced by Burn Wound Infection
Authors: Andes W. A , Lindberg R. B , McEuen D. D , Baron J. P
Published: July 2018

Infection is the leading cause of death in the burned patient. To study the effects of uncomplicated and lethally-infected burn wounds on certain hematologic indices, a dorsal scald burn was administered to 250 rats. One group was then infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These rats expired within 10 days. A burned, uninfected, group survived. Sequential determinations were made of fibrinogen, fibrinolysis, antiplasmins, plasminogen antiactivators, cultures, and autopsy findings.

Fibrinogen concentrations were higher in the infected animals within 2 days postbum and at day 3 (p <0.05). Plasminogen levels fell precipitously 3 days postburn in the burned-infected group. Acid neutralization of antiplasmins was not entirely effective. Serum from infected animals markedly prolonged the lysis time of clots in a standard test system, lowered plasmin activity in the caseinolytic assay, and transiently prolonged the euglobulin lysis time.

The cause of these findings remains unknown. The marked fall in plasminogen in the infected animals may be entirely due to unneutralized antiplasmin activity and was coincident with a decline in fibrin-related antigens. These antiplasmins may exert deleterious effects on microcirculatory dynamics and were closely linked to the animals’ demise.
Platelet Preservation. II. The Response of Human Platelet Suspensions to Hypotonic Stress
Authors: Odink J
Published: July 2018

1. Platelet suspensions were exposed to hypotonic stress. Several parameters of the changes in light absorbance were investigated i. a. the initial decrease in absorbance (Amin), the maximal rate of the recovery process (Vmax), and the value of the absorbance two hours after mixing the platelet suspension with the hypotonic solution.

2. The ratio Vmax/Amin appeared to be independent of both platelet concentration and, within a specific range, decrease in osmolarity.

3. Cryoprotectants appeared to disturb the response to hypotonic stress.

4. Cryopreservation caused a decrease in the light absorbance of the platelet suspension, of Amin, and of the recovery process.
The Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on In Vitro Platelet Function
Authors: Schiffer Charles A. , Whitaker Caroline L. , Schmukler Morton , Aisner Joseph , Hilbert Steven L.
Published: July 2018

Although dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used extensively as a cryopreservative for platelets there are few studies dealing with the effect of DMSO on platelet function. Using techniques similar to those employed in platelet cryopreservation platelets were incubated with final concentrations of 2-10% DMSO at 25° C. After exposure to 5 and 10% DMSO platelets remained discoid and electron micrographs revealed no structural abnormalities. There was no significant change in platelet count. In terms of injury to platelet membranes, there was no increased availability of platelet factor-3 or leakage of nucleotides, 5 hydroxytryptamine (5HT) or glycosidases with final DMSO concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10% DMSO. Thrombin stimulated nucleotide and 5HT release was reduced by 10% DMSO. Impairment of thrombin induced glycosidase release was noted at lower DMSO concentrations and was dose related. Similarly, aggregation to ADP was progressively impaired at DMSO concentrations from 1-5% and was dose related. After the platelets exposed to DMSO were washed, however, aggregation and release returned to control values. Platelet aggregation by epinephrine was also inhibited by DMSO and this could not be corrected by washing the platelets. DMSO-plasma solutions are hypertonic but only minimal increases in platelet volume (at 10% DMSO) could be detected. Shrinkage of platelets was seen with hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride or sucrose suggesting that the rapid transmembrane passage of DMSO prevented significant shifts of water. These studies demonstrate that there are minimal irreversible alterations in in vitro platelet function after short-term exposure to DMSO.
The Prothrombin Time Test: Effect of Varying Citrate Concentration
Authors: Ingram G. I. C , Hills M
Published: July 2018

Blood samples from 12 normal subjects and 46 patients on oral anticoagulants were divided so that each was anticoagulated with four concentrations of trisodium citrate solution in the range 0.09–0.15 M, 9 vol blood being added to 1 vol citrate solution in each case. Citrated blood haematocrit and plasma prothrombin time was measured on each subsample; 0.025 M CaCl2-solution was used for recalcification throughout. Three laboratories participated, each using a different prothrombin-time technique.

The haematocrit of the citrated blood fell progressively as the molarity of the citrate increased, showing a mean reduction of 0.2%/0.01 increase in molarity in the citrate reagent. With rising citrate concentration, two laboratories showed a progressive lengthening of the prothrombin time in the plasmas of anticoagulated patients, but one did not.

A uniform concentration of trisodium citrate solution should be used: 3.2% trisodium citrate. 2H20 (0.109 M) is suggested. A chart is provided for obtaining a constant proportion between citrate and plasma volumes, from the patient’s haematocrit.
Competitive Inhibition by Lithium and Hydrogen lons of the Effect of Calcium on the Aggregation of Rabbit Platelets
Authors: Anderson Esther R. , Foulks J. G
Published: July 2018

ADP-induced platelet aggregation and shape change were monitored optically in citrated rabbit platelet-rich plasma (PRP) diluted with isotonic salt solutions. Lithium (Li) produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the rate of platelet aggregation but had no discernible effect on the shape change which precedes aggregation. When PRP was pre-incubated with Li, the inhibitory effect of the ion was independent of the duration and temperature of the treatment. The inhibitory effect of Li also was observed in heparinized PRP or when 5-HT was used as the aggregation-inducing agent. When Li was combined with aggregation inhibitors which enhance platelet cyclic AMP content either by activating adenylate cyclase or by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, only additive effects were observed. The inhibitory effect of Li was opposed by added calcium. Kinetic evaluation of the interaction between Li and Ca indicated that their antagonism was competitive. Added calcium also displayed competitive antagonism toward the aggregation inhibiting effect of increased hydrogen ion concentration in the pH range between 6 and 8.
Reactions of Polylysine with Human Platelets in Plasma and in Suspensions of Washed Platelets
Authors: Guccione M. A , Packham M. A , Kinlough-Rathbone R. L , Perry D. W , Mustard J. F
Published: July 2018

The effects of polylysine on human platelets have been examined in citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and in suspensions of washed platelets in various media. In PRP, polylysine caused aggregation after a lag phase. Heparin inhibited this completely. At certain concentrations of polylysine, two phases of aggregation occurred, the second being associated with release of 14C-serotonin from prelabelled platelets; this phase was inhibitable with prostaglandin E1, acetylsalicylic acid, sulphinpyrazone, adenosine, apyrase, or creatine phos- phate/creatine phosphokinase. Polylysine-induced release also occurred in PRP with EDTA or hirudin as anticoagulant. In suspensions of washed platelets in Tyrode solution containing 0.35% or 4% albumin, or 1% gelatin, polylysine caused immediate platelet-to-platelet adherence and very little release of 14C-serotonin or platelet lysis. Heparin inhibited aggregation, but acetylsalicylic acid, prostaglandin E1, adenosine, apyrase, creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase or EDTA did not. In a modified Tyrode-albumin medium containing 1 mM magnesium but no calcium, polylysine-induced aggregation was associated with the release of 14C-serotonin which could be inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid or indomethacin; this is similar to the effect of ADP in this medium. In Tyrode solution without albumin or gelatin, polylysine-induced platelet aggregation was associated with release of a large percentage of 14C-serotonin, together with as much as 18% lysis; indomethacin inhibited this release reaction.
Severe Antithrombin III Deficiency in an Infant Associated with Multiple Arterial and Venous Thromboses
Authors: Mendelsohn Geoffrey , Gomperts Edward D. , Gurwitz Dennis
Published: July 2018

Inherited antithrombin III (AT-II, heparin cofactor) deficiency is a rare condition, presenting with thrombotic disease in adult life. This paper reports an 8 months old South African Black male infant with multiple large vessel venous and arterial thromboses, and E. coli septicaemia. This was associated with an extremely low plasma AT-II level. Micronodular cirrhosis and intracytoplasmic hyaline globules in the liver cells were present. These globules were eosinophilic, and PAS-positive after diastase. They measured approximately 5 μ to 30 μ in diameter, occurred singly in the liver cells and were located mainly in the periportal areas. The histological findings in the liver are similar to those observed in α1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency in which the intracytoplasmic globules represent accumulation of altered AAT. Immunochemical studies carried out on formalin fixed tissue failed to detect cross reaction material with anti-α1 antitrypsin or anti-AT III antiserum. This is the first case report of AT-III deficiency presenting in infancy. It is also the first case associated with distinctive liver pathology.

The available data presented are insufficient to distinguish between an inborn defect and acquired causes of the severely depressed AT-III plasma level and the distinctive liver pathology.
The Influence of Ethanol Feeding on the Activities of Factors II, VII, VIII, IX and X in Rats
Authors: Mørland Jørg , Holm Turid , Prydz Hans
Published: July 2018

The effect of chronic administration of ethanol to rats in a controlled regimen upon the activities of the coagulation factors II, VII, VIII, IX and X has been studied.

No significant differences were found for factor II, IX and X between the ethanol-treated rats and the control group given an isocaloric diet with carbohydrate replacing ethanol. Factor VII activity was somewhat higher and factor VIII activity decreased significantly in the experimental group when ethanol treatment was combined with an approximately two-fold increase in dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Bleeding Disorder with Abnormal Wound Healing, Acid-Soluble Clots and Normal Factor XIII
Authors: Ragaz Stefan , Kemp Graham , Furlan Miha , Beck Eugene A.
Published: July 2018

An unusual bleeding disorder clinically resembling factor XIII deficiency is presented. The only detectable coagulation abnormality was rapid clot dissolution in 1% monochloroacetic acid. This abnormality was ascribed to the sustained increase of a pepsin-like plasma protease which is activated at low pH. A systematic search for similar phenomena revealed that massive blood transfusion may also enhance plasma-clot solubility in acid, possibly by release of a red cell protease. We conclude that the acid clot solubility test is not a specific indicator of factor XIII deficiency, but this simple assay is recommended for further studies of acid plasma protease activity. The diagnostic relevance and pathophysiologic importance of increased pepsin-like activity in plasma remain to be elucidated.
Parenteral Anticoagulation with the Heparinoid Lomoparan (Org 10172) in Patients with Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis
Authors: Ortel Thomas L , Gockerman Jon P , Califf Robert M , McCann Richard L , O’Connor Christopher M , Metzler Diane M , Greenberg Charles S
Published: July 2018

Progressive thrombocytopenia may develop in as many as 5% of patients receiving heparin anticoagulation. In these patients, the risk of thromboembolic complications as well as continued thrombocytopenia necessitates discontinuation of heparin and initiation of an alternative anticoagulant when indicated. The heparinoid Lomoparan (Org 10172) is a mixture of several nonheparin low molecular weight glycosaminoglycans with proven anticoagulant efficacy that is generally non-reactive with platelets in the presence of plasma from patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia, whereas standard heparin will induce platelet aggregation. We evaluated the role of heparinoid as a potential alternative anticoagulant in patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia. During a 6 month period, we identified six patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia who required an alternative parenteral anticoagulant, four as primary treatment for specific medical problem, and two as anticoagulation during a necessary surgical procedure. Heparinoid was used successfully in both medical and surgical patients requiring parenteral anticoagulation. In no case was there an exacerbation of the thrombocytopenia nor thromboembolic complications while on heparinoid therapy. Three of our patients sustained hemorrhagic complications, predominantly in the post-surgical setting in association with elevated anti-factor Xa levels and additional anticoagulant agents. We feel that these results confirm the utility of heparinoid anticoagulation in a select subset of patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia who require continued parenteral anticoagulation.
Immune Status of Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Hemophiliacs: Randomized, Prospective, Two-Year Comparison of Treatment with a High-Purity or an Intermediate-Purity Factor VIII Concentrate
Authors: Mannucci P M , Gringeri A , de Biasi R , Baudo F , Morfini M , Ciavarella N
Published: July 2018

It has been postulated that high-purity factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates, since they contain less alloantigenic proteins than intermediate-purity concentrates, might cause lesser deterioration of the immune systems of hemophilic patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To evaluate this hypothesis, we have prospectively compared T-lymphocytes subsets and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to skin tests in 17 asymptomatic HIV-positive hemophiliacs randomly assigned to continue treatment with an intermediate-purity concentrate with those of 16 hemophiliacs changed to a high-purity concentrate. For both groups, during the 24-month follow-up period CD4 cell counts showed similar rates of fall from baseline values. There was also no difference in the number of patients anergic to skin tests. Three patients treated with the intermediate purity concentrate and one treated with the high-purity concentrate developed symptoms of HIV infection. On the whole, no striking benefit is conferred to the immune status of asymptomatic HIV-positive hemophiliacs by using this high-purity concentrate for 2 years.
Pharmacological Properties of a Low Molecular Weight Butyryl Heparin Derivative (C4-CY 216) with Long Lasting Effects
Authors: Saivin S , Petitou M , Lormeau J C , Dupouy D , Sié P , Caranobe C , Houin G , Boneu B
Published: July 2018

We have investigated the pharmacological properties of an O-acylated butyryl derivative of the low molecular weight heparin CY 216 (C4-CY 216). In a purified system the ability of C4-CY 216 to catalyze thrombin and factor Xa inhibition was comparable to that of CY 216. The antithrombin and antifactor Xa catalytic efficiencies of C4-CY 216 were reduced 217 and 12 times respectively when albumin (10 mg ml-1) was added to the reagents, while those of CY 216 were essentially unchanged. In plasma, the antifactor Xa specific activity of C4-CY 216 was close to that of CY 216 but the antithrombin specific activity was 2 times lower. After bolus and continuous intravenous injection to rabbits, the clearances of the two activities of C4-CY 216 were on average half the corresponding values of CY 216. After subcutaneous injection, the bioavailability of C4-CY 216 was comparable to that of CY 216. C4-CY 216 was as potent as CY 216 in preventing venous thrombosis in the thromboplastin-Wessler model and the duration of the antithrombotic effect was longer than that of the parent compound. The chemical alteration of CY 216 did not enhance the prohaemorrhagic effect in the rat tail transection model. Therefore, the new concept of heparin derivative having a low clearance and long lasting effects that we have recently reported for unfractionated heparin may also be applied to a low molecular weight heparin.
Anticoagulant Efficacy and Immunogenicity of the Selective Factor Xa Inhibitor Antistasin Following Subcutaneous Administration in the Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Dunwiddie Christopher T , Nutt Elka M , Vlasuk George P , Siegl Peter K S , Schaffer Linda W
Published: July 2018

The antithrombotic efficacy and duration of action of a single subcutaneous administration of the selective factor Xa inhibitor recombinant antistasin (rATS) was evaluated in a rhesus monkey model of mild disseminated intravascular coagulation. rATS (1 mg/kg) was shown to be fully effective and comparable to standard heparin (1,000 U/kg) in the suppression of thromboplastin-induced fibrinopeptide A generation for at least 5 h following a single subcutaneous administration. The absorption rate of rATS, as measured by ex vivo activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT), mirrored that of standard heparin exhibiting peak anticoagulant activity between 1 and 2 h post administration. The anticoagulant effects of a single rATS dose lasted for longer than 30 h maintaining an aPTT value at least 2-fold higher than baseline. Repeated subcutaneous administrations of rATS resulted in the generation of fully neutralizing antibodies. These results suggest that specific factor Xa inhibition may be as effective as standard heparin in the treatment of venous thrombosis. Due to its antigenicity however, rATS is probably not suitable for chronic subcutaneous anticoagulant therapy.
Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β)Inhibits Expression of Fibrinogen and Factor VII in a Hepatoma Cell Line
Authors: Hassan Jane H , Chelucci Cristiana , Peschle Cesare , Sorrentino Vincenzo
Published: July 2018

We have investigated the effect(s) of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and interleukin (IL)-6 on the expression of fibrinogen and blood coagulation factors VII, IX, X mRNAs in a hepatoma cell line (Hep 3B). The results indicate that TGF-β induces a decrease of the basal level of fibrinogen and factor VII mRNAs, but does not affect factor X expression. Furthermore, TGF-β efficiently antagonizes the IL-6 induction of fibrinogen mRNA at late (12-48 h) but not early (6 h) times: this effect is apparently mediated by posttranscriptional mechanism(s). These findings, together with previously reported data on the inhibitory effect of TGF-β on acute phase genes (e.g., ApoAl and albumin), suggest a role for TGF-β in the regulation of liver genes expression. The early stimulatory and late inhibitory effect exerted by IL-6 and TGF-β respectively on fibrinogen mRNA level may play a role in the regulatory mechanism(s) of clot formation in a variety of conditions.