bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition of trade and investment between Guangzhou and BRI countries: an empirical analysis based on Export Similarity Index
Authors: Luo Xiaofei , Han Yonghui , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2018

Trade and investment are significant aspects in economic cooperation between Guangzhou and BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) countries. To solve its economic dilemma in export and manufacturing sector, Guangzhou should try to identify the BRI regions to promote overseas production capacity cooperation, especially in trade and investment. By dividing the BRI countries into six regional groups and using a modified ESI (Export Similarity Index) model, this paper aims to examine the level of competition between Guangzhou and various BRI regional groups from perspectives of trade and investment. From the results, we find that Guangzhou has the highest competition level with ASEAN and South Asian countries in trade while in investment, ASEAN and Central and Eastern Europe are the most potent competitors for Guangzhou. We think there are insightful implications within the empirical analysis and could promote the efficiency of Guangzhou's trade and outward investment under the BRI framework.
An Improved K-means Method with Density Distribution Analysis
Authors: Xue Huiwen , Li Haochen , Wang Yanfei
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a novel K-means clustering algorithm is proposed. Before running the traditional Kmeans, the cluster centers should be randomly selected, which would influence the time cost and accuracy. To solve this problem, we utilize density distribution analysis in the traditional K-means. For a reasonable cluster, it should have a dense inside structure which means the points in the same cluster should tightly surround the center, while separated away from other cluster canters. Based on this assumption, two quantities are firstly introduced: the local density of cluster centerρiand its desperation degreeδi, then some reasonable cluster centers candidates are selected from the original data. We performed our algorithm on three synthetic data and a real bank business data to evaluate its accuracy and efficiency. Comparing with Traditional K-means and K-means++, the results demonstrated that the improved method performs better.
Simple Analysis on the Cause of the Development of Furniture Designer’s Brand Industry -- Take MORELESS and OPAL for Example
Authors: Xingyin Liu , Wenying Dong
Published: July 2018

This article analyzes the characteristics of different types of furniture brands based on ordinary brands and designer brands. We also investigates and studies the causes of the development and growth of designer brands, and further combines the successful cases of domestic excellent furniture designer brands to summarize the specific reasons for the formation of the brand of furniture designers, design principles and methods. This paper discusses the development direction, design principles and methods of furniture designer brand, and provides references for the comprehensive exploration of furniture designer's brand development.
Design Factors Extraction and Application of Five Dynasties Yaozhou Porcelain Decoration
Authors: Song Qin , Yi Wang
Published: July 2018

For the better development of Yaozhou Kiln, the article is proposed a research method about cultural and creative products based on the example of extracting the lotus patterns on the Yanzhou Kiln in the Five Dynasties. By collecting data and extracting forms, through the combination of qualitative and quantitative, it mines the obscure information of the Yaozhou porcelain ornamentation in the Five Dynasties. The article analyzes the form evaluations of the 18 representative lotus patterns in the Five Dynasties by semantic difference method, extracts their stylized inheritance and recessive genes and makes the conclusion to guide the cultural and creative products design of the Yaozhou Kiln, which not only supplies a fresh design perspective for the innovation development of the famous domestic traditional kilns as a reference, but also a useful supplements for the research of the design art methodology.
The Concept Transformation of Design Education Based on Internationalized Teaching Exchange
Authors: Jiao Xu , Ming a XU
Published: July 2018

In the perspective of globalization, the internationalization of education has become an inevitable trend in the development of current design education. The original intention of internationalization of education is to promote the reform of design education by absorbing and learning from international advanced educational resources. This paper combines many years of practical experience of international design education exchanges in Central South University, and has conducted beneficial discussions in teaching concepts, teaching methods, teaching modes, etc., and proposes new ideas for value education, process control, and modeless teaching, which are powerful promoting the reform of design education and achieving a close connection with international advanced design education.
Online Learning Space and Wisdom Teaching
Authors: Wu Yanxia
Published: July 2018

Online Learning Space is a virtual learning environment which has evolved with the development of information technology and the continuous deepening of educational concepts. The wisdom teaching is a teaching by using teaching methods and teaching strategies rationally based on the Online Learning Space, to complete the transition from knowledge to wisdom, so that students can become intelligent talents. The wisdom teaching has two goals: to promote the individual growth and to foster innovative talents. Online Learning Space in different stages provides different support for Wisdom teaching activities, and realizes the goal of Wisdom teaching in different degrees.
Big Data in Medical Research and Application
Authors: Yilin Teng , Gaofang Cao , Rui Wang
Published: July 2018

With the advanced instruments and information technology integrated in biomedical science more and more extensively, the advent of the big data era has had a significant impact on biomedical research, making human awareness of themselves and diseases more profound. The future medicine tends to combine data and medicine, to master gene database and medical human disease data, then to apply data statistics and analysis and application in healthcare. New techniques of big data in medicine are bound to make medical research and application more predictable. This paper introduces the main sources and characteristics of medical big data, points out the necessity of big data research in medical field, summarizes the current research in medical big data and its application in disease prediction, clinical assistance and pharmaceutical research and development. In other aspects, it analyses the problems of medical big data in applied research.
Study on Man-machine Design of Armoured Vehicles Operation Space
Authors: Hemin Du , Ting Wang
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes an improved armoured vehicle control room based on ergonomic theory and computer-aided design technology to create efficiency by improving panel layout and seat design. Current design of existing control rooms that do not maximize ergonomics can create operator fatigue and user error. Optimal control room design was created by considering console size, console layout, and user seat dimensions and were entered into JACK software for simulation tests.
Constructing a framework of user experience for museum based on gamification and service design
Authors: Liu Shunli , Zaffwan Idris Muhammad
Published: July 2018

Museum plays an integral part in modern society. For nearly four decades, museums around the world have experienced a shift in their focus from “object” to “people”, and attempted to enhance the visitors’ experience through various means. In the context of museum open to the public, however, the museum has not become a place frequently visited by people in China. This paper focuses on exploring a method of constructing a model to achieve a desirable user experience (UX) in museum through adapting the role of Gamification and Service Design. The purpose of this study is to inspire potential visitors, specifically the young generation, to have their own motivations to constantly visiting the museum.
Artefakte in der Dermatologie – erkennen und dann?
Authors: Rapp G.
Published: July 2018

Selbstverletzendes Verhalten, welches verschiedene Aspekte beinhaltet, wird als nichtsuizidales, (fast immer) bewusstes Verhalten mit direktem Schaden an der Haut beschrieben. Selbstverletzungen sind ein häufiges Phänomen unter Jugendlichen, insbesondere während der Pubertät. Jedoch auch unter Erwachsenen ist die Prävalenz des selbstverletzenden Verhaltens höher als angenommen. Dermatologen sehen sich somit regelmäßig mit diesen Krankheitsbildern konfrontiert und sollten sich des schweren psychologischen Leids, das meist hinter dem Verhalten steckt, bewusst sein. Eine reine Behandlung der Haut wird dem Leid nicht gerecht. Die Basis der Behandlung stellt die Arzt-Patient-Beziehung dar. Oft ist ein multidisziplinärer Ansatz für die Behandlung der verschiedenen Arten des selbstverletzenden Verhaltens notwendig.
Rehabilitation von Menschen mit einer peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit im Kontext aktueller Leitlinien. Eine Analyse auf Basis von Routinedaten
Authors: Falk Johannes , Haaf Hans-Günter , Brünger Martin
Published: July 2018

Ziel der Studie Die Arbeit untersucht die Versorgungssituation von Patienten mit peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit (PAVK) in der medizinischen Rehabilitation im Kontext aktueller Leitlinien.

Methodik Alle 2014 in der Trägerschaft der Rentenversicherung abgeschlossenen Rehabilitationen mit Erstdiagnose PAVK (ICD-10: I70.2) wurden analysiert. Soziodemografische und sozialmedizinische Merkmale sowie das Leistungsgeschehen wurden ausgewertet und aktuellen Leitlinienempfehlungen gegenübergestellt.

Ergebnisse In die Analyse gingen 1289 Rehabilitanden mit PAVK ein (mittleres Alter 56,1 Jahre; 78,3% Männer). Sozialmedizinische Parameter skizzieren eine Kohorte mit hoher Krankheitslast und schlechter Erwerbs- und Überlebensprognose. Während einerseits evidenzbasierte Therapieleistungen (u. a. Gehtraining 58%, Gefäßtraining 63%, spezifische PAVK-Schulung 64%) nur bei etwas mehr als der Hälfte der Rehabilitanden durchgeführt wurden, fanden sich für andere Leistungen Hinweise auf Übererfüllung (z. B. für Massagen).

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse legen ein insgesamt hohes Versorgungsniveau von Patienten mit PAVK in der Rehabilitation nahe. Die schlechte sozialmedizinische Prognose und die teilweise nur geringe Erfüllung von Leitlinienempfehlungen lassen jedoch Verbesserungspotenzial erkennen. Die Entwicklung spezifischer Empfehlungen für die Rehabilitation bei PAVK könnte daher sinnvoll sein.
Effect of γ-Substituted Proline Derivatives on the Performance of the Peptidic Catalyst H-dPro-Pro-Glu-NH2
Authors: Wennemers Helma , Schnitzer Tobias
Published: July 2018

Substituents at Cγ of proline are valuable probes to tune the trans/cis ratio of Xaa–Pro bonds. We investigated the effect of Cγ-substituents on the reactivity and stereoselectivity of the peptidic catalyst H-dPro-Pro-Glu-NH2. Derivatives that bear electron-withdrawing and -donating substituents (OH, F, N3, and SMe) at Cγ of the middle Pro-residue were examined. The results show that substituents at a 4R-configured Cγ hardly affect the stereoselectivity of the peptidic catalyst whereas substituents at a 4S-configured Cγ can be used to tune and improve the catalytic performance.
An Efficient and Ecofriendly Three-Component Reaction for the Rapid Synthesis of 2-Amino-4H-chromenes Catalyzed by a DABCO­-Based Ionic Liquid
Authors: Xu Da-Zhen , Li Cheng-Bin , Li Yu-Wei
Published: July 2018

An efficient, economical, and green strategy for the construction of biologically relevant 2-amino-4H-chromene scaffolds via a tandem Knoevenagel–Pinner cyclization–Michael reaction has been successfully developed. In the presence of DABCO-based ionic liquids, two different 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives, 2-amino-4-(indol-3-yl)-4H-chromenes and 2-amino-4-(pyrazol-4-yl)-4H-chromenes, were prepared in good to excellent yields (81–97%) within short reaction times under mild conditions. All the products are purified by simple crystallization. The catalyst could be recycled for at least five times.
Crossreactivity of Antibodies Directed against Cardiolipin, DNA, Endothelial Cells and Blood Platelets
Authors: Hasselaar Paula , Derksen Ronald H W M , Blokzijl Laya , Groot Philip G de
Published: July 2018

The interrelationship of antibodies directed against cardiolipin (CL), double stranded DNA (dsDNA), endothelial cells (EC) and blood platelets was investigated. IgG fractions, reactive with these antigens, were isolated from the plasmas from 8 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and tested for crossreactivity with anionic phospholipids (CL, phosphatidylserine, phos-phatidylinositol), zwitterionic phospholipids (phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine), dsDNA, EC and platelets by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and for lupus anticoagulant (LAC) activity with a coagulation assay.

Our results demonstrate the frequent occurrence of crossreactivity between antibodies to anionic phospholipids, EC and platelets. Crossreactivities between these antibodies and antibodies to dsDNA or zwitterionic phospholipids are exceptional. LAC activity was found in the anti-CL, anti-EC and anti-platelet fractions of only one patient. These findings support the hypothesis that subpopulations of antibodies directed against negatively charged phospholipids can bind to EC and blood platelets, which may have implications for the pathogenetic potential of antiphospholipid antibodies.
Extrinsic Activation of Human Blood Coagulation Factors IX and X
Authors: Bom V J J , Reinalda-Poot J H , Cupers R , Bertina R M
Published: July 2018

We studied activation of human coagulation factors IX and X by factor VIIa in the presence of calcium ions, phospholipid (phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine, 50/50, mol/mol) and purified tissue factor apoprotein. Activation of factor IX and factor X was found to occur without a measurable lag-phase and hence initial rates of factor IXa and factor Xa formation could be determined. Like previously observed for the activation of factor X, the activation of factor IX was saturable with respect to factor VIIa, tissue factor apoprotein and phospholipid. The results suggested that in the presence of a Ca2+ ions the same ternary complex of factor VIIa-tissue factor apoprolein-phospholipid is responsible for the activation of factor IX and factor X. Roth the apparent Km of 22 nM-factor IX and the apparent Kcat of 28 min−1 were about 3-fold lower than the coiicsponding parameters of factor X activation by this complex. Hence, the catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of factor IX and factor X activation was about equal. However, the two substrates inhibited the activation of each other by competition for the same catalytic sites. The apparent Kinh of factor IX for inhibition of extrinsic factor X activation is 30 nM. The apparent Kinh of factor X for inhibition of extrinsic factor IX activation is 116 nM. From these kinetic data it was calculated that at plasma concentration of factors IX and X, the rate of extrinsic factor IX activation would be half the rate of factor X activation. These relative rates of extrinsic factor IX and factor X activation in combination with previously reported kinetic data on the activation of factor X by factor IXa in the presence of factor VIIIa provide support for the concept that at low levels of tissue factor, factor IXa formation might play an important role in the extiinsic pathway of coagulation in vivo.
Neutralization of Enoxaparine-lnduced Bleeding by Protamine Sulfate
Authors: Van Ryn-McKenna J , Cai L , Ofosu F A , Hirsh J , Buchanan M R
Published: July 2018

It has been suggested that protamine sulfate is a poor antidote for the bleeding side-effeets of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) in vivo, since protamine sulfate does not completely neutralize the anti-factor Xa activity of LMWHs in vitro or ex vivo. Therefore, we performed experiments to compare directly the abilities of protamine sulfate to neutralize the anticoagulant activities of the LMWH, enoxaparine, and unfractionated heparin ex vivo, with its ability to neutralize the bleeding side-effeets of both compounds in vivo. Bleeding was measured as the amount of blood lost from 5 cuts made in rabbits ears before and after treatment with enoxaparine or unfractionated heparin ± protamine sulfate. Plasma anti-factor Xa and anti-thrombin activities ex vivo, were measured chromogenically. Doses of 400 and 1,500 anti-factor Xa U/kg of heparin and enoxaparine, respectively, were required to enhance blood loss to the same extent. Protamine sulfate completely neutralized blood loss induced by both compounds, but did not neutralize the anti-factor Xa nor antithrombin activities ex vivo. We conclude that protamine sulfate is an effective antidote for the bleeding side-effeets of enoxaparine and unfractionated heparin, despite its inability to completely neutralize their anticoagulant activities.
Dose-Response Studies on the Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Lipids and Haemostasis
Authors: Berg Schmidt E , Varming K , Ernst E , Madsen P , Dyerberg J
Published: July 2018

We have studied the dose-response effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA’s) on lipids and haemostasis. Ten healthy males were each given 1.3 g,4 g or 9 g of n-3 PUFA’s daily for 6-week periods. Bleeding time, HDL-cholesterol and plasminogen activator inhibitor increased with the dose of n-3 PUFA. Plasma fibrinogen and triglyceride levels were reduced in a dose-dependent fashion.

After ingestion of 1.3 g of n-3 PUFA’s plasma fibrinogen decreased from 9 to 7 μmol/l and HDL-cholesterol increased from 1.2 to 1.3 mmol/l. The bleeding time was prolonged from 5 to 6.5 min while triglyceride levels decreased from 1.2 to 0.9 mmol/l after ingestion of 4 g of n-3 PUFA’s. Dietary supplementation with the highest daily dose (9 g) reduced plasma levels of triglycerides, fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, while bleeding time, plasminogen activator antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol increased.
Antithrombotic Effects of Recombinant Hirudin in Experimental Angioplasty and Intravascular Thrombolysis
Authors: Kaiser Brigitte , Simon Antje , Markwardt Fritz
Published: July 2018

The effect of recombinant desulphatohirudin CGP 39393 (rH) on arterial thrombus formation and especially on thrombotic reocclusion after experimental angioplasty as well as after thrombolysis was investigated in rabbits. In the femoral artery thrombi were induced after endothelial damage of the vessel wall by a balloon catheter and following stasis. After removing the thrombus by angioplasty or after lysing it by streptokinase reocclusion of the artery was observed within a relatively short period of time. Subcutaneous injection of rH reduced the incidence of both primary thrombus formation and reocclusion in dependence on the dose administered. After a dose of rH of 2 mg/kg s.c. arterial thrombus formation was completely prevented and after administering 4 mg/kg s.c. thrombotic reocclusion did also not occur. Comparative studies with heparin showed that similar antithrombotic effects were only achieved at doses of 12 mg heparin/kg s.c. The results obtained suggest a clear potential of rH for prevention of thrombotic reocclusion in clinical states.
Relationships between Euglobulin Clot Lysis Time and the Plasma Levels of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1
Authors: Urano Tetsumei , Sakakibara Kenji , Rydzewski Andrzej , Urano Shoko , Takada Yumiko , Takada Akikazu
Published: July 2018

The relationships between tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), its fast acting inhibitor (PAI-1) and euglobulin clot lysis time (ELT) were investigated with healthy volunteers’ plasma. Turbidimetric clot lysis assay by the microtiter plate reader was utilized for ELT with a slight modification. Both tPA and PAI-1 showed the significant correlation with ELT. tPA had a significantly positive, not negative, correlation with ELT (R = 0.387, p <0.001). Higher correlation coefficients (R = 0.580, p <0.001 and R = 0.599, p <0.001) were obtained between ELT and total PAI-1 or free PAI-1 than tPA or tPA-PAI-1 complex (R = 0.427, p <0.001). The positive correlation was also obtained between tPA and PAI-1. These data suggest that PAI-1 is a highly important factor for ELT, especially, the amounts of free PAI-1 being the key factor to determine the ELT, which can represent the potential activity of the fibrinolytic system.
Plasma Fibrinolytic Profile in Patients with Brain Tumors
Authors: Sawaya Raymond , Ramo Juhani O , Glas-Greenwalt Pia , Wu Shu Z
Published: July 2018

Changes in the fibrinolytic and coagulation values measured preoperatively in brain tumor patients have not been done systematically using individual rather than global assays. Such measurments can provide meaningful information on the status of tumor-host interactions and could potentially help in predicting thromboembolic and hemorrhagic tendencies.

A complete fibrinolytic profile including total fibrinolytic activity (TFA), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasmin inhibitor (PI), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), protein C (PC) and plasminogen (PLG) was obtained preoperatively in 114 brain tumor patients.

PLG and PI did not show much variation among the groups. TEA was slightly reduced (15%) in patients with malignant brain tumors. t-PA, however, was abnormally low in several patients and in almost 40% of patients with brain metastasis. PAI was above the upper limit of normal in approximately 50% of the patients but particularly in glioma, glioblastoma and metastasis patients. Finally, mean PC was abnormally increased in the glioblastoma and metastasis groups (p <0.001). This is the first study that has measured protein C in brain tumor patients.

In conclusion, plasma fibrinolytic levels show marked changes in a substantial number of brain tumor patients prior to surgery - suggesting an ongoing tumor-host interaction.
Heparin Cofactor II Deficiency in Renal Allograft Recipients: No Correlation with the Development of Thrombosis
Authors: Toulon P , Moulonguet-Doleris L , Costa J M , Aiach M
Published: July 2018

Heparin cofactor II (HC II) is a thrombin inhibitor in human plasma which displays great similarities with antithrombin III (AT III). Hereditary HC II deficiency was recently reported to be associated with thrombophilia. Since thromboembolism constitutes an important post-operative complication after renal transplantation, we measured HC II and AT III in the plasma of 118 healthy renal allograft recipients (RAR) and found stable low HC II and high AT III levels. Administration of azathioprine (AZA), cyclosporine A (CSA) or both as immunosuppressive therapy did not affect HC II levels, but CSA seems to have raised plasma AT III. The proportion of patients with HC II deficiency was significantly higher in RAR than the proportion we previously found (11) in healthy individuals (16.9% vs 1.5%). However, the proportions with low plasma HC II were not different in healthy RAR and in ten RAR with thrombotic events, suggesting that in transplanted patients, HC II deficiency is not in itself a risk factor for the development of thrombosis.
D-Dimers, Thrombin Antithrombin III Complexes and Prothrombin Fragments 1 + 2: Diagnostic value in Clinically Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Boneu B , Bes G , Pelzer H , Sié P , Boccalon H
Published: July 2018

This study was performed to determine the accuracy of D-Dimer fibrin derivatives, thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complexes and prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 (F 1 + 2) determinations for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). One hundred and sixteen consecutive patients referred to the angiology unit of our hospital for a clinically suspected DVT were investigated. They were submitted to mercury strain gauge plethysmography and to ultrasonic duplex scanning examination; in cases of inconclusive results or of proximal DVT (n = 35), an ascending phlebography was performed. After these investigations were completed, the diagnosis of DVT was confirmed in 34 and excluded in 82. One half of the patients were already under anticoagulant therapy at the time of investigation. The 3 biological markers were assayed using commercially available ELISA techniques and the D-Dimer was also assayed with a fast latex method. The normal distribution of these markers was established in 40 healthy blood donors. The most accurate assay for the diagnosis of DVT was the D-Dimer ELISA which had both a high sensitivity (94%) and a high negative predictive value (95%). The D-Dirner latex, TAT complexes and F 1 + 2 were far less sensitive and provided negative predictive values which ranged between 78 and 85%. In spite of positive and significant correlations between the levels of ihe 3 markers, their association did not improve their overall accuracy for detecting D\/L Therefore, with the exception of the D-Dimer ELISA, these markers were of little value for the diagnosis of DVT in this specific population.
Tissue Factor Released from Leukemic Cells
Authors: Kubota Tatsumi , Andoh Kiyoshi , Sadakata Hiroto , Tanaka Hiroshi , Kobayashi N
Published: July 2018

Using clotting assay and radioimmunoassay (RIA), tissue factor activity (TFA) and TF related antigen (TFR:AG) were determined in an extracellular culture medium of HL-60 cells. After 12 h incubation, TFA and TFR:AG in the medium with endotoxin (EDX: 1 μg/ml) reached maximums which were 1.8 and 2.1 times greater than those in the medium without EDX, respectively. In the leukemic cells of 10 patients with acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL), TFR:AG showed a significant correlation with TFA (p <0.01). On day 1 of the induction chemotherapy, TFR:AG in the 7 patients with DIC significantly increased to 288.9 ± 153.1 ng/ml (p <0.01), whereas no increase in TFR: AG was recognized in the 3 patients without DIC. These results suggest that TF may be released from leukemic cells into the culture medium or blood stream, and that this may correlate with the development of DIC.
The Effect of Noradrenalin Infusion on Plasma and Platelet Lipids and Platelet Function in Man
Authors: Nordøy A , Gjesdal K , Jaeger S , Berntsen H
Published: July 2018

Noradrenalin was given as an intravenous infusion in a dosage of 0.1 μg/kg/h over a period of 30 minutes to 5 healthy male subjects. Blood samples were collected before, at the end of and 24 hours after the infusion. A significant increase in the number of circulating platelets and a marked increase of plasma FFA, reflecting an increase of all the main components of the FFA fraction were observed. No significant changes were observed in the similar lipid fraction in platelets and except for a moderate increase in platelet factor 3 activity, no significant changes in other platelet function tests were present.
Isolation and Preliminary Characterization of a Vitamin K Dependent Peptide from Human Prothrombin
Authors: Elion J , Benarous R , Labie D
Published: July 2018

A peptide containing the vitamin K dependent Ca2+ binding region of human prothrombin has been isolated by adsorption of the tryptic digest of the native protein on barium citrate. Its aminoacid composition has been determined. The N- and C-terminal residues have been characterized. The obtained results are showing some slight differences with the corresponding bovine peptide. Since they were not strictly identical for two different preparations, the eventuality of a molecular heterogeneity is discussed.
The Effect of Antithrombin III on the Activity of the Coagulation Factors VII, IX and X
Authors: Østerud B , Miller-Andersson M , Abildgaard U , Prydz H
Published: July 2018

Antithrombin III, purified to homogeneity according to Polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis, inhibited the activity of purified factor IXa and Xa, whereas factor VII was not inhibited either in the active or in the native form.

Antithrombin III is the single most important inhibitor of factor Xa in plasma. Factor Xa does not, however, reduce the activity of antithrombin III against thrombin.
X-Linked Thrombocytopenia and Thrombocytopathia: Attenuated Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
Authors: Stormorken H , Hellum B , Egeland T , Abrahamsen T G , Hovig T
Published: July 2018

Detailed studies on the rare disorder X-linked thrombocytopenia showed that it resembles the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) in inheritance, clinical bleeding tendency, platelet morphology, marked thrombocytopenia and microplatelets. The calculated platelet mass was 5% of normal. Functional and biochemical studies indicated qualitatively normal aggregation and release mechanisms, whereas a moderate storage pool defect was present. The classical platelet membrane glycoproteins and lymphocyte sialophorin (CD 43) were normal.

The reason for the bleeding tendency was concluded to be deficient hemostatic plug formation resulting from the low platelet mass and a moderate storage pool defect.

The only clear distinction from WAS was the normal immunofunctional tests, the moderate tendency to infections and the absence of eczema. We therefore consider the trait as an attenuated form of WAS. That women are affected may indicate a particular variant.
On the Intraindividual and Gender Variability of Haemostatic Components
Authors: Blombäck M , Eneroth P , Landgren B-M , Lagerström M , Anderson O
Published: July 2018

The intraindividual variability in terms of coagulation analyses was explored in 10-16 samples collected from each of 15 women during one menstrual cycle. For comparison, six men were sampled six times during a period of 30 days. The following variables were analysed: FVII, FVIII, FX, vWF:Ag, vWF: ristocetin cofactor, fibrinogen, antithrombin, plasminogen and antiplasmin.

The results demonstrated mean coefficients of variation ranging between 4.5 (plasminogen) and 20.7 (vWF:Ag). In certain individuals, the intraindividual variability amounted to nearly 40%, in particular in the assays of FVIII and vWF: Ag. No direct relation between these two factors and oestradiol, progesterone or testosterone levels could be observed in our individuals.

The implications of these variations are discussed in terms of disease prediction and diagnosis of coagulation disorders.
A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Dermatan Sulphate for Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hip Fracture
Authors: Agnelli Giancarlo , Cosmi Benilde , Filippo Paolo Di , Ranucci Valeria , Veschi Franca , Longetti Mauro , Renga Cinzia , Barzi Francesco , Gianese Francesco , Lupattelli Luciano , Rinonapoli Emanuele , Nenci Giuseppe G
Published: July 2018

Dermatan sulphate (MF 701) is a natural glycosaminoglycan that catalyses thrombin inhibition by heparin cofactor II. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MF 701 for prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with hip fracture. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used to assess two dose regimens of MF 701 in two consecutive study phases. Treatment was started within 48 h from the trauma and continued for 14 days for non-operated patients or until the 10th postoperative day. Bilateral mandatory venography was used to assess the end-point. Eighty patients were included in the first phase (40 MF 701, 40 placebo). MF 701, 100 mg IM b. i. d., did not reduce incidence of DVT from that on placebo and did not induce any bleeding. In the second phase 126 patients were included, with a randomisation ratio of 2:1 (84 MF 701, 300 mg IM b.i.d., 42 placebo). Bilateral venography was obtained for 110 patients. The incidence of DVT was 64% (23/36) in the placebo group and 38% (28/74) in the MF 701 group (p = 0.01; odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence limits [CL] = 0.15-0.80); proximal DVTs were 42% (15/36) and 20% (15/74), respectively (p = 0.02; OR = 0.36, CL = 0.15-0.89). No significant differences were found in haemorrhagic complications (2.4% in each group), blood loss from drains, blood transfusions, haemoglobin and haematocrit values. This study is the first demonstration that dermatan sulphate is a clinically effective antithrombotic agent without bleeding effects. It also provides evidence of the biological role of heparin cofactor II.
Determinants of the Formation and Activity of Factor V-phospholipid Complexes I. Influence of Phospholipid Structure
Authors: Kandall Carol L , Shohet Stephen B , Akinbami T. K , Colman Robert W
Published: July 2018

Previous studies showed that factor V consists of multiple oligomeric forms including a minor component (form L) which contained lipid and was eluted in the excluded volume of a Sepharose 4B column. In the present and following study the hypothesis that factor V is a lipid requiring protein rather than a lipoprotein has been tested. Modification of a previous purification procedure resulted in the separation of factor V from lipoprotein. The lipid extracted from this lipoprotein was qualitatively similar to that previously isolated from form L. Removal of this lipoprotein by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation resulted in the isolation of factor V of high specific activity which contained no detectable phospholipid and less than 0.2% cholesterol. No component was excluded from Sepharose 4B after gel filtration of this purified preparation. It is concluded that factor V is not a lipoprotein, but rather a protein which requires lipid for its coagulant properties.

To define this requirement further the ability of factor V-phospholipid complexes to accelerate the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin by factor Xa in the presence of calcium was tested. The rate of thrombin formation was highly dependent on the phospholipid employed with each active phospholipid exhibiting a characteristic optimal concentration. At 250 μM, the order of activity was phosphatidyl ethanola-mine > phosphatidyl inositol > cardiolipin > phosphatidyl choline. Phosphatidyl serine was inert at all concentrations employed. No single fatty acid was consistently present in active lipid preparations, nor was a specific fatty acid absent from those which had no clotting activity. In comparing different lipid classes, a direct relationship between the overall degree of unsaturation and activity was not observed. However, bovine phosphatidyl inositol, which is highly unsaturated, is active, while plant phosphatidyl inositol, which contains only trace amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, was inert. At lipid concentrations below 300 μM, saturated phosphatidyl ethanolamine produced by hydrogenation of bovine phosphatidyl ethanolamine was less active than an equal concentration of the native lipid. In mixtures containing both lipids, artificially saturated phosphatidyl ethanolamine potentiated the activity of the native compound.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Al-Mondhiry Hamid
Published: July 2018

Review of the coagulation laboratory records and medical records at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center over a three year period (1971-1974) revealed 89 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The diagnosis of DIC was made if laboratory studies showed evidence of quantitative and qualitative changes in fibrinogen and significant thrombocytopenia. The patients included 19 with leukemia (17 acute), 3 with multiple myeloma, 15 with lymphoma, 46 with metastatic solid tumors, (10 lung, 9 breast, 8 gastrointestinal, 12 genitourinary, 7 miscellaneous) 4 with vascular tumors, and 3 without tumor. Other conditions which might have precipitated or initiated DIC such as gram-negative sepsis, liver impairment, or mucin secreting tumors were present in the majority of patients. Bleeding occurred in 75% of the patients and was fatal in 36%. Thromboembolism occurred in 22.5%. Thirteen percent were asymptomatic. Serum lactic dehydrogenase was elevated in over 75 % of the patients at the time of, or subsequent to the occurrence of DIC. Treatment with heparin was helpful in only three of twenty patients. Eighty percent of the patients died within one to over 30 days of the onset of DIC. Post mortem evidence of DIC was present in 18 of 43 autopsies. Results of this study indicate that DIC is a frequent complication of a wide variety of tumors and that its occurrence causes morbidity and mortality in a significant number of patients. Treatment with heparin is of little help unless remission is induced and the precipitating factor(s) are reversed.
Decreased Myocardial Fibrinolytic Activity Following Temporary Ischaemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Cherry George W , Opie L. H
Published: July 2018

The effect of temporary myocardial ischaemia (x 52 mins) and reperfusion (x 23 hrs 8 mins) on myocardial tissue fibrinolysis and 12 5I fibrinogen incorporation into fibrin was investigated in nine baboons.

Fibrinolytic activity was reduced by 54% in the endocardium of the ischaemic reperfused myocardium and the 12 5I fibrinogen activity was elevated by 480%.

The reduction in myocardial fibrinolytic activity following ischaemia and reperfusion may be due to endothelial damage.
Dependence of Platelet Adenyl Cyclase System on Oxidative Phosphorylation
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichi , Shibata Sachiko , Kobayashi Bokro
Published: July 2018

The radioactive adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) level derived from 8-14C adenine in intact rabbit platelets decreased in the presence of mitochondrial inhibitor (potassium cyanide) or uncoupler (sodium azide), and markedly increased by the addition of NaF, monoiodoacetic acid (MIA), or 2-deoxy-D-glucose. The stimulative effect of the glycolytic inhibitors was distinctly enhanced by the simultaneous addition of sodium succinate. MIA did neither directly stimulate the adenyl cyclase activity nor inhibit the phosphodiesterase activity. These results suggest that cyclic AMP synthesis in platelets is closely linked to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
The Influence of Ascorbic Acid on Platelet Structure and Function
Authors: Cowan Dale H , Graham Richard C , Shook Patricia , Griffin Ronda
Published: July 2018

To determine the effect on platelet behavior of transient exposure of platelets to ascorbic acid, studies of platelet function and ultrastructure were done before exposure to ascorbic acid at pH 6.5, during exposure to pH 6.5, and after restoration of pH to pre-acidifìcation levels. The effect of ascorbic acid (A. A.) was compared to that of HCl and citric acid (C. A.). ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation of normal platelets were significantly impaired by both A. A. and C. A. but were less affected by HCl. The release of 14C-serotonin was significantly reduced by each agent. The ultra-structure of normal platelets brought to pH 6.5 by A.A. was normal. After neutralization, there was marked dilatation of the open channel system and loss of the disc shape. When platelets were brought to pH 6.5 by A. A., then neutralized, the aggregates which formed after stimulation by ADP or collagen were smaller than normal, the platelets were less closely approximated, and degranulation was less complete. The data show that exposure of platelets to ascorbic acid for short intervals impairs their function when measured after restoration of pH to levels compatible with maximal responses. Platelet survival studies using autologous platelets labelled with 51Cr in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid showed that the recovery of normal platelets was unaffected by ascorbic acid, whereas recovery of platelets from patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, idiopathic thrombocythemia, and alcohol-related thrombocytopenia was markedly reduced. The injury resulting from the use of ascorbic acid in preparing platelets for studies of platelet survival in patients with disorders affecting platelets may impair the recovery of the cells, resulting in artifactual changes in the survival studies.
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Incidence and VTE-Associated Survival among Olmsted County Residents of Local Nursing Homes
Authors: Petterson Tanya , Smith Carin , Emerson Jane , Bailey Kent , Ashrani Aneel , Heit John , Leibson Cynthia
Published: July 2018

Nursing home (NH) residency is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the VTE burden within the NH population is uncertain. This study estimates VTE incidence and VTE-associated mortality among NH residents. We identified all NH residents in any NH in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, 1 October 1998 to 31 December 2005 and all first lifetime VTE among county residents to estimate VTE incidence while resident of local NHs (NHVTE), using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Minimum Data Set and Rochester Epidemiology Project resources. We tested associations between NHVTE and age, sex and time since each NH admission using Poisson modelling. Additionally, we tested incident NHVTE as a potential predictor of survival using Cox proportional hazards, adjusting for age, sex and NH residency. Between 1 October 1998 and 31 December 2005, 3,465 Olmsted County residents with ≥1 admission to a local NH, contributed 4,762 NH stays. Of the 3,465 NH residents, 111 experienced incident NHVTE (2.3% of all eligible stays), for an overall rate of 3,653/100,000 NH person-years (NH-PY). VTE incidence was inversely associated with time since each NH admission, and was highest in the first 7 days after each NH admission (18,764/100,000 NH-PY). The adjusted hazard of death for incident NHVTE was 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–2.62). In conclusion, VTE incidence among NH residents was nearly 30-fold higher than published incidence rates for the general Olmsted County population. VTE incidence was highest within 7 days after NH admission, and NHVTE was associated with significantly reduced survival. These data can inform future research and construction of clinical trials regarding short-term prophylaxis.
Effects of Concomitant Administration of Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitor with Insulin on Hemoglobin A1c, Body Mass Index and Serum Lipid Profile in Japanese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kusunoki Masataka , Natsume Yukie , Miyata Tetsuro , Tsutsumi Kazuhiko , Oshida Yoshiharu
Published: July 2018

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who show suboptimal blood glucose control under insulin therapy alone, concomitant treatment with an additional hypoglycemic agent that differs in its mechanism of action from insulin may be considered. We conducted this clinical trial to explore whether further control of increased blood glucose level can be achieved with concomitant use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor as concomitant with other hypoglycemic therapy, as compared to SGLT2 inhibitor monotherapy, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus showing decrease in blood glucose level but less than the effect of insulin monotherapy and there was no significant differences. In the SGLT2 inhibitor monotherapy group, decreases of the serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and serum triglyceride, and elevation of the serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were observed as compared to the baseline values. In the type 2 diabetic patients under insulin therapy who received combined insulin plus SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, however decreases in the body weight and BMI, with only a tendency towards decrease of the serum HbA1c value, not reaching statistical significance, were observed. The combined therapy group also showed no appreciable changes of the serum triglyceride level, while the serum adiponectin level increased. The present study data indicate that combined insulin plus SGLT2 inhibitor treatment failed to afford any further improvement of the blood glucose control, as compared to SGLT2 monotherapy, in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.
Improving underwater localization accuracy with machine learning
Authors: Rauchenstein Lynn T. , Vishnu Abhinav , Li Xinya , Deng Zhiqun Daniel
Published: July 2018

Machine learning classification and regression algorithms were applied to calibrate the localization errors of a time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA)-based acoustic sensor array used for tracking salmon passage through a hydroelectric dam on the Snake River, Washington, USA. The locations of stationary and mobile acoustic tags were first tracked using the approximate maximum likelihood algorithm. Next, ensembles of classification trees successfully identified and filtered data points with large localization errors. This prefiltering step allowed the creation of a machine-learned regression model function, which decreased the median distance error by 50% for the stationary tracks and by 34% for the mobile tracks. It also extended the previous range of sub-meter localization accuracy from 100 m to 250 m horizontal distance from the dam face (the receivers). Median distance errors in the depth direction were especially decreased, falling from 0.49 m to 0.04 m in the stationary tracks and from 0.38 m to 0.07 m in the mobile tracks. These methods would have application to the calibration of error in any TDOA-based sensor network with a steady environment and array configuration.
Derivation and well-posedness of the extended Green-Naghdi equations for flat bottoms with surface tension
Authors: Khorbatly Bashar , Zaiter Ibtissam , Isrwai Samer
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we will derive the two-dimensional extended Green-Naghdi system {see Matsuno [Proc. R. Soc. A 472, 20160127 (2016)] for determination in a various way} for flat bottoms of order three with respect to the shallowness parameter μ. Then we consider the 1D extended Green-Naghdi equations taking into account the effect of small surface tension. We show that the construction of solution with a standard Picard iterative scheme can be accomplished in which the well-posedness in Xs=Hs+2(R)×Hs+2(R) for some s>32 of the new extended 1D system for a finite large time existence t=O(1ε) is demonstrated.
Local structures and temperature-driven polarization rotation in Zr-rich PbZr1-xTixO3
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Nan , Yokota Hiroko , Glazer A. M. , Yoneda Yasuhiro , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: July 2018

PbZr1-xTixO3, which has abundant structural variations in the corresponding physical properties, has been used in a large variety of applications. To understand the effect of the structure on its high-performance piezoelectric properties, its local and average structures are studied. Total scattering data have been obtained from high-energy synchrotron powder diffraction experiments at 20 K and 300 K. Using the reverse Monte Carlo method, information on cation displacements has been extracted from X-ray Pair Distribution Function data. This suggests that the local disorder of the B cations is mainly driven by thermal motion, while the local disorder of Pb is most likely caused by more complex factors, such as displacive disorder. Both rhombohedral and monoclinic local polarizations are observed in Zr-rich PZT, whose directions depend on temperature.