bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Studies of Blood Coagulation in Hibernating and Non-Hibernating Frogs (Rana tigrina)
Authors: Ahmad Nasreen , Dube B , Agarwal G P , Dube Rama Kanta
Published: August 2018

1. During hibernation in frogs (Rana tigrina) there occurs prolongation of several clotting tests, viz, whole blood clotting time, plasma recalcification time, cephalin time and prothrombin time.

2. The ambient body temperature of the frog during winter hibernation is low and the retarded blood clotting at lower temperature may play an important protective role against intravascular thrombosis.

3. Shorter plasma recalcification time in low-spun plasma as compared to high-spun plasma indicated the presence of procoagulant activity in platelets/leucocytes of frogs.
Kinetic Studies on the Selectivity of a Synthetic Thrombin-Inhibitor Using Synthetic Peptide Substrates
Authors: Huikata A , Okamoto S , Kikumoto R , Tamao Y
Published: August 2018

The synthetic thrombin-inhibitor termed No. 205 (N-α-dansyl-L-arginine-4-ethyl-piperidine amide) found in our laboratories was studied kinetically using synthetic peptide substrates. The following results were obtained. 1. No. 205 inhibited thrombin competitively with bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA and the Ki value obtained was extremely small, 3.7 × 10-8 M. 2. No. 205 also inhibited trypsin competitively with bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA but the Ki value obtained was far larger than that for thrombin, 1.0 × 10-5 M. 3. No. 205 inhibited F. Xa, plasmin and urokinase only to a small extent when estimated using 2 × 10-4 M D-Val-Leu- Lys-pNA, bz-Ile-Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA and Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA, respectively. 4. No. 205 differed from APPA in its specific inhibitory spectrum for thrombin as compared to trypsin, plasmin and F. Xa. The above results indicate that No. 205 is an extremely potent and highly selective reversible thrombin-inhibitor.
Biological Properties of the Thromboplastins and Plasmas Included in the ICTH/ICSH Collaborative Study on Prothrombin Time Standardization
Authors: Loeliger E A , van Halem-Visser L P
Published: August 2018

The fourteen types of thromboplastin included in the ICTH/ICSH Collaborative Study on Prothrombin Time Standardization were investigated with respect to their sensitivity for factor VII, activation products, and PIVKAs. All of these thromboplastins displayed sufficient factor VII sensitivity, and all were sensitive to activation products. After correction for the overall sensitivity slope, rabbit plain thromboplastins were the most sensitive preparations and human as well as rabbit diluted the least sensitive; bovine brain thromboplastin lost its exceptional position. Sensitivity to activation products explains why factors II, VII, and X present in artificially prepared abnormal plasmas may be difficult to assess accurately. Also, all thromboplastins appear to be sensitive for both PIVKA VII and PIVKA X. PIVKA VII acts as a procoagulant which increases the amount of factor VII measured by the one-stage assay technique. PIVKA X inhibits and thus reduces the activity of factor X. The procoagulant activity of PIVKA VII is particulary pronounced for the two lung-brain rabbit thromboplastins (Lyoplastin and Simplastin), whereas the anticoagulant action of PIVKA X is strongest with bovine brain thromboplastin (Thrombotest). Considered as a group, rabbit thromboplastins appear to be less sensitive for PIVKA X and more sensitive for PIVKA VII.

As judged from thromboplastin calibration results, all three types of lyophilized reference plasmas are to some degree distinguishable from fresh patient plasmas. Primary calibration of a thromboplastin must therefore still be performed with freshly prepared normal as well as patient plasmas.
Results of Calibration by the Dutch National Reference Laboratory of the Thromboplastins Included in the ICTH/ ICSH Collaborative Study of Prothrombin Time Standardization
Authors: Loeliger E A , van Halem-Visser L P
Published: August 2018

Results obtained with the original calibration procedure of Biggs and Denson obtained by one expert laboratory compare well with those obtained from the ICTH/ICSH collaborative study.

The simplified calibration procedure described in 1975 should only be used for the assessment of inter-batch variability of a given brand of thromboplastin; for the calibration of unlike thromboplastins, the simplified procedure should be revised by using more than two abnormal plasmas, e.g. different plasmas representing seven levels of anticoagulation between international calibrated ratios (ICRs) from 1.5 to 4.5.

The formula for the calculation for the proposed ICRs based on the calibration constant should be modified to allow for instances where the calibration line for dissimilar thromboplastins, fitted in the therapeutic range, does not pass through the origin of ratio 1,1.
The Stability of the WHO Reference Thromboplastin NIBS & C 67/40
Authors: Ingram G I C
Published: August 2018

The International Reference Preparation of human brain thromboplastin coded 67/40 has been thought to show evidence of instability. The evidence is discussed and is not thought to be strong; but it is suggested that it would be wise to replace 67/40 with a new preparation of human brain, both for this reason and because 67/40 is in a form (like Thrombotest) in which few workers seem to use human brain. A �plain� preparation would be more appropriate; and a freeze-dried sample of BCT is recommended as the successor preparation. The opportunity should be taken also to replace the corresponding ox and rabbit preparations. In the collaborative study which would be required it would then be desirable to test in parallel the three old and the three new preparations. The relative sensitivities of the old preparations could be compared with those found in earlier studies to obtain further evidence on the stability of 67/40; if stability were confirmed, the new preparations should be calibrated against it, but if not, the new human material should receive a calibration constant of 1.0 and the new ox and rabbit materials calibrated against that.

The types of evidence available for monitoring the long-term stability of a thromboplastin are discussed.
β-Thromboglobulin in Antecubital Vein Blood - The Influence of Age, Sex and Blood Group
Authors: Dewar H A , Marshall T , Weightman D , Prakash V , Boon P J
Published: August 2018

Samples of blood for estimation of beta-thromboglobulin (B. T. G.) in normal subjects have been obtained both from blood donors at the end of their donation and from other volunteers by standard venepuncture. The former was a satisfactory method in males only.

By standard venepuncture females have on average lower values than males and in the pre-menopausal age groups the difference is statistically significant.

Mean values vary little up to 59 years after which they rise slowly but steadily. There is no significant difference in the mean B. T. G. values between the ABO blood groups.
Study of Platelet Agglutination Induced by the Antibiotics of the Vancomycin Group: Ristocetin, Ristomycin, Actinoidin and Vancomycin
Authors: Boda Zoltan , Solum Nils Olav , Sztaricskai Ferenc , Rak Kalman
Published: August 2018

Four antibiotics which belong to the vancomycin group have been examined in respect of their effects on the factor VIII dependent platelet agglutination. A striking similarity between ristocetin and ristomycin was observed both in qualitative and quantitative terms, therefore ristomycin could be used to determine the so called ristocetin cofactor.

Actinoidin and vancomycin inhibited platelet agglutination induced by ristocetin or ristomycin in citrate-PRP or EDTA-PRP as well as in systems containing formaldehyde- treated platelets, but did not inhibit agglutination induced by bovine factor VIII.

All the four antibiotics caused plasma protein precipitation. Actinoidin was the least and vancomycin the most effective in this respect; ristocetin and ristomycin also possess this property, the effect of the latter is more considerable.

Actinoidin and vancomycin did not block the immediate increase in light absorbancy in aggregometer caused by the addition of ristocetin or ristomycin to fixed platelets at concentrations which totally inhibited platelet agglutination in the presence of protein cofactor. Inhibition of this »direct effect« of ristocetin and ristomycin was observed only at higher concentrations indicating that this effect may be unrelated to the agglutination.

According to our results with ristomycin derivatives the methylated carboxyl and the free phenolic hydroxyl groups may be of prime importance in the binding of ristomycin to the platelet membrane and/or to its protein cofactor. Similar data from other laboratories are confirmed and some new findings are offered.
Collagen-Induced Platelet Aggregation: -Evidence Against the Essential Role of Platelet Adenosine Diphosphate
Authors: Nunn Barbara
Published: August 2018

The hypothesis that platelet ADP is responsible for collagen-induced aggregation has been re-examined. It was found that the concentration of ADP obtaining in human PRP at the onset of aggregation was not sufficient to account for that aggregation. Furthermore, the time-course of collagen-induced release in human PRP was the same as that in sheep PRP where ADP does not cause release. These findings are not consistent with claims that ADP alone perpetuates a collagen-initiated release-aggregation-release sequence. The effects of high doses of collagen, which released 4-5 μM ADP, were not inhibited by 500 pM adenosine, a concentration that greatly reduced the effect of 300 μM ADP. Collagen caused aggregation in ADP-refractory PRP and in platelet suspensions unresponsive to 1 mM ADP. Thus human platelets can aggregate in response to collagen under circumstances in which they cannot respond to ADP. Apyrase inhibited aggregation and ATP release in platelet suspensions but not in human PRP. Evidence is presented that the means currently used to examine the role of ADP in aggregation require investigation.
Macrophage Inhibition of Collagen-Induced Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Mørland Berit
Published: August 2018

Collagen was incubated with cells or media fractions of mouse peritoneal macrophage cultures, and its aggregating effect on human platelets was tested. Incubation with lysates of cultured cells completely abolished the normal collagen-induced platelet aggregation, while incubation with media fractions only caused partial inhibition. The latter inhibition was more pronounced after macrophage phagocytosis of latex particles, while endocytosis of endotoxin had no effect.

Corresponding macrophage cultures were also tested for specific collagenase activity, using 14C-glycine labelled collagen as substrate. Collagenase activity was found in the culture media fractions only, and the enzyme activity could be enhanced by endocytosis of latex as well as endotoxin.

It appears that the effect of macrophage lysates and media on collagen-platelet interaction cannot be ascribed only to secretion of collagenase from macrophages.
In Vivo Recovery of Factor VIII: A Comparison of One-Stage and Two-Stage Assay Methods
Authors: Nilsson I M , Kirkwood T B L , Barrowcliffe T W
Published: August 2018

The recovery and half-life of VIII: C in the plasma of severely haemophilic patients was measured by one-stage and two-stage assays after injection of two Factor VIII concentrates (Hemofil, Hyland and Fraction I-O, Kabi). Plasma volumes were measured with an Evans� Blue technique, and both concentrates and post-infusion samples were measured against the same plasma standard.

There was a highly significant difference in recoveries estimated by the two assay methods. The one-stage assays gave the most consistent results, in that the average recovery was 100%, whereas the two-stage assays gave only about 80% of the value expected from in vitro assays. There was no difference in recoveries between the two concentrates.

The two-stage assays gave a slightly shorter half-life than the one-stage assays, and the half-life of Hemofil was also shorter than that of Fraction I-O.
The Released Proteins from Avian Thrombocytes
Authors: Wachowicz Barbara , Krajewski Tadeusz
Published: August 2018

The effect of aggregating agents on the amounts and nature of released proteins from washed goose and chicken thrombocytes was studied. The released protein material was separated on Sepharose 4B. Protein fractions with low molecular weight were next chromatographed on Sephadex G-200. The released proteins from thrombin aggregated pig platelets were analysed in the same way. It was shown that during aggregation avian thrombocytes release protein material containing a well separated fraction (the major component) which seems to correspond to a platelet specific β-thromboglobulin.
Low Dose Heparin in the Prevention of Deep-Vein Thrombosis after Aortic Bifurcation Graft Surgery
Authors: Belch J J F , Lowe G D O , Pollock J G , Prentice C R M
Published: August 2018

An optimal inhibition of tissue fibrinolysis, studied by a histochemical fibrin slide technique in the rat stomach, was obtained by administration of tranexamic acid in a dose of 60 mg/100 g body weight. A significant fibrinolysis inhibition was found within 5 min, when tranexamic acid in this dose was given either intravenously or intragastrically. A prolonged duration of fibrinolysis inhibition was observed after intragastric administration. After 4 hr no inhibitory effect of tranexamic acid could be recorded, irrespective of the route of administration.
Studies of Heparin Binding to Antithrombin III by Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis
Authors: Barrowcliffe Trevor W
Published: August 2018

The technique of crossed immunoelectrophoresis has been used to study the binding to purified antithrombin III (At III) of heparin and other mucopolysaccharides. The technique was unable to detect differences among samples of whole heparin from various manufacturers, but proved useful in studying the binding of heparin fractions; at the same molarities, low and high molecular weight heparin fractions displayed equal binding ability to At III. A semi-synthetic heparin analogue showed no evidence of binding to At III, but a sample of heparan sulphate did interact with At III at a concentration 3 times that of heparin. Samples of purified At III from four different manufacturers all displayed heterogeneity with respect to heparin binding. A proportion of the total At III did not bind to heparin and, in one sample, this non-binding material constituted about 40% of the total. An antiserum made against purified At III contained antibodies with different cross-reactivities against heparin bound and non-heparin bound At III.
Separation of Heparin into Subtractions by DEAE-Cellulose Chromatography
Authors: Yue Robert H , Starr Toby , Gertler Menard M
Published: August 2018

Commercial porcine heparin can be separated into three distinct subtractions by using DEAE-cellulose chromatography and a stepped salt gradient. Gram quantities of heparin can be fractionated by this technique. All three heparin subtractions can accelerate the inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin III with different efficiency. The specific activities of the high activity heparin, intermediate activity heparin and low activity heparin are 228 units/mg, 142 units/mg and 95 units/mg, respectively. Both the uronic acid content and the quantity of N-SO4 for all three heparin subfractions have been evaluated. The high activity heparin has the lowest uronic acid and N-SO4 content. The successful separation of commercial heparin into three distinct subfractions by means of ion-exchange chromatography suggests that the net charge on these three heparin components will serve as a model system in the elucidation of the structure and activity relationship to the biological function of heparin.
Decreased Heparin Sensitivity of Cyclohexanedione-Modified Factor Xa
Authors: Blaskó György , Machovich Raymund
Published: August 2018

Modification of 12 arginine residues of bovine Factor Xa with 1,2-cyclohexanedione has resulted in a decrease in heparin sensitivity of the reaction between enzyme and antithrombin-III, whereas the antithrombin-III sensitivity of modified Factor Xa was only slightly affected. It is suggested that heparin accelerates the Factor Xa-antithrombin-III reaction by interacting with Factor Xa.
Creatine Phosphate in Rat Platelets Decreased by ADP or Thrombin
Authors: Shibata Sachiko
Published: August 2018

ADP or thrombin caused a transient change in creatine phosphate (CP) content of rat platelets. At 25°C the CP content decreased most 30 sec after the addition of ADP or thrombin and recovered thereafter. ATP or AMP was without effect. The rat platelets aggregated at 25° C by ADP or thrombin, but the changes in CP content by these inducers were also observed in the platelet preparations unable to aggregate by the lack of Ca2+. A persistent chilling made the platelets lose their ability to change CP content. It was suggested that in rat platelets CP is consumed in the early stage of the response to the aggregating agents, presumably donating the energy for shape change.
Platelet Aggregation Evoked In Vitro and In Vivo by Phosphatidic Acids and Lysoderivatives: Identity with Substances in Aged Serum (DAS)
Authors: Schumacher K A , Classen H G , Späth M
Published: August 2018

In serum incubated at 36° C for 18-24 hours a factor (DAS) develops which on intravenous injection into cats evokes platelet aggregation followed by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). This change in PVR is mediated via the platelets since it significantly correlates with the preinjection platelet count. There is evidence that phosphatidic acids (PA) and lysophosphatidic acids (LPA) are the active components of DAS. Investigations performed on platelet-rich plasma from man, cat, pig, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, and rat demonstrate that only human and feline platelets exposed to PA or to LPA are aggregated. Feline platelets are more sensitive to either compound than are the platelets from men; however, human platelets exhibit two exceptional properties, a) the sensitivity rapidly declines with time, b) pretreatment with subthreshold concentrations of LPA or PA induces a specific tachyphylaxis.
Fibrinolytic Activity of Lung and Spleen Extracts Observed in Conventional but not in Germ-Free Rats
Authors: Okamoto Utako , Yamamoto Jun-ichiro , Nagamatsu Yoko , Horie Noboru
Published: August 2018

Protease-like activity which split plasminogen-free fibrin was demonstrated in 2 M KSCN extracts of the lung and spleen of conventional rats. The activity was virtually undetectable in tissue extracts from germ-free rats. The extracts from the conventional rat tissues split fibrin and fibrinogen remarkably at neutral pH, but not casein, when examined using fibrin, fibrinogen-agar and casein-agar plates. The fibrinolytic activity was inhibited by STI and DFP, indicating a serine protease nature. The activity was not inhibited by TLCK, t-AMCHA or dansyl-L-arginine-methylpiperidine amide (a selective synthetic thrombin inhibitor, OM189). It was neither activated nor inhibited by cysteine, KCN or iodoacetic acid. The results obtained indicate that the protease-like activity of the lung and spleen extracted with 2 M KSCN from conventional rats has properties which differ from those of trypsin, plasmin, plasminogen-activator, thrombin, and cathepsin A, B and C.
Generation of a PGI2-Like Activity by Deendothelialized Rat Aorta
Authors: Ts’ao Chung-hsin , Holly Charlotte M , Serieno Margaret A , Galluzzo Theresa S
Published: August 2018

We have tested a platelet aggregation inhibitor in the incubation fluid of deendothelialized fragments of the rat aorta and compared it with that of “intact” fragments. Some of the properties of the aortic inhibitor, and its effects on platelet adhesion to collagen fibrils, on platelet factor-3 (PF-3) availability, and on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) were also evaluated in comparison with similar effects exerted by PGI2. We found that the incubation fluid of deendothelialized aortic samples contained inhibitor activity comparable with that of “intact” samples. The aortic inhibitor had similar properties to PGI2. The aortic inhibitor and PGI2 slightly inhibited light transmission changes of EDTA-PRP following exposure to collagen. However, scanning electron microscopy showed no appreciable difference in platelet adhesion to collagen fibrils. PGI2 and the aortic inhibitor inhibited Kaolin-induced PF-3 availability, but did not prolong the APTT or TT.
Purification of Urokinase by a Beta-Naphthamidine Affinity Column
Authors: Åstedt B , Holmberg L , Wagner G , Richter P , Ploug J
Published: August 2018

Urokinase was purified by affinity chromatography using 6-amino-naphthamidine-(2), a new specific ligand based on the urokinase inhibitor β-naphthamidine. Urokinase was firmly bound at pH 7.0 and could be eluted at pH 3.0. The protein which passed the column at pH 7.0 without being bound did not contain any urokinase activity. This is an important property because it can be utilized for raising a monospecific urokinase antiserum by absorbing unspecific antibodies with only a minor loss of antiserum titre.
The Changing Paradigm for the Surgical Treatment of Large Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Tuleasca Constantin , Rocca Alda , George Mercy , Pralong Etienne , Schiappacasse Luis , Zeverino Michele , Maire Raphael , Messerer Mahmoud , Levivier Marc , Daniel Roy
Published: August 2018

Objective Planned subtotal resection followed by Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in patients with large vestibular schwannoma (VS) has emerged during the past decade, with the aim of a better functional outcome for facial and cochlear function.

Methods We prospectively collected patient data, surgical, and dosimetric parameters of a consecutive series of patients treated by this method at Lausanne University Hospital during the past 8 years.

Results A consecutive series of 47 patients were treated between July 2010 and January 2018. The mean follow-up after surgery was 37.5 months (median: 36, range: 0.5–96). Mean presurgical tumor volume was 11.8 mL (1.47–34.9). Postoperative status showed normal facial nerve function (House–Brackmann I) in all patients. In a subgroup of 28 patients, with serviceable hearing before surgery and in which cochlear nerve preservation was attempted at surgery, 26 (92.8%) retained serviceable hearing. Nineteen had good or excellent hearing (Gardner–Robertson class 1) before surgery, and 16 (84.2%) retained it after surgery. Mean duration between surgery and GKS was 6 months (median: 5, range: 3–13.9). Mean residual volume as compared with the preoperative one at GKS was 31%. Mean marginal dose was 12 Gy (11–12). Mean follow-up after GKS was 34.4 months (6–84).

Conclusion Our data show excellent results in large VS management with a combined approach of microsurgical subtotal resection and GKS on the residual tumor, with regard to the functional outcome and tumor control. Longer term follow-up is necessary to fully evaluate this approach, especially regarding tumor control.
Improvement of the shadow tracking setup as a method to measure the velocities values of dark dust in order to reduce the risks of radioactive releases or explosions
Authors: Malizia A. , Rossi R. , Cacciotti I.
Published: August 2018

The mobilisation of dust is a key security issue in nuclear and industrial plants because it can provoke both explosions (in particular temperature and pressure conditions) and dangerous radioactive releases. This work is focused on the tungsten dust resuspension inside small tank for aerosol removal and DUST (STARDUST)-Upgrade, an experimental facility used to reproduce different conditions typical of the loss of vacuum accidents. In this paper, the authors present the facility and the materials used to mount the experimental setup together with the methods and algorithms implemented to track the dust velocity vectors. Tungsten dust is also analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction to find some correlation between the variation of the dust morphology, due to the different experimental conditions, with the dust mobilisation paths. The materials and methods together with the experimental results are analyzed and discussed to demonstrate the implementation with the shadow tracking setup presented in the previous facility STARDUST.
The ring-opening channel and the influence of Rydberg states on the excited state dynamics of furan and its derivatives
Authors: Schalk O. , Geng T. , Hansson T. , Thomas R. D.
Published: August 2018

One important relaxation pathway for photo-excited five-membered heterocyclic organic molecules is ring-opening via a dissociative πσ* state. In this study, we investigate the influence of this pathway in furan and several hydrogenated and methylated derivatives by combining time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy with time-dependent density functional theory and coupled cluster calculations. We find strong experimental evidence that the ring-opening channel is the major relaxation channel in furan, 2,3-dihydrofuran, and 2-methylfuran (2-MF). In 2,5-dimethylfuran (25-DMF), however, we observe that the molecules relax either via a π3s Rydberg state or through a direct return to the ground state by undergoing ring-puckering motions. From the supporting calculations, for 2-MF and 25-DMF, we predict that there is strong mixing between the πσ* state and the π3s Rydberg state along the ring opening pathway. However, in 25-DMF, no crossing between the πσ*/π3s state and the initially excited ππ* state can be found along the ring opening coordinate, effectively blocking this channel.
Influence of non-linearity of medium on the laser induced filamentation instability in magnetized plasma
Authors: Dashtestani Sepideh , Parvazian Akbar , Mohammadi Hamidreza
Published: August 2018

The effects of non-linearity of a medium on the growth rate of filamentation instability in a magnetized plasma interacting with an intense laser pulse is investigated. The non-linearity of the medium, modeled by Kerr non-linearity, is an important factor, which determines the rate of instability growth. The sensitivity of the rate of filamentation growth to the Kerr non-linear coefficient could be adjusted by the external magnetic field and the laser intensity.
Optimized quasi-optical cross-polarization scattering system for the measurement of magnetic turbulence on the DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Rhodes T. L. , Lantsov R. , Wang G. , Ellis R. , Peebles W. A.
Published: August 2018

Simulations and laboratory tests are used to design and optimize a quasi-optical system for cross-polarization scattering (CPS) measurements of magnetic turbulence on the DIII-D tokamak. The CPS technique uses a process where magnetic turbulence scatters electromagnetic radiation into the perpendicular polarization enabling a local measurement of the perturbing magnetic fluctuations. This is a challenging measurement that addresses the contribution of magnetic turbulence to anomalous thermal transport in fusion research relevant plasmas. The goal of the new quasi-optical design is to demonstrate the full spatial and wavenumber capabilities of the CPS diagnostic. The approach used consists of independently controlled and in vacuo aiming systems for the probe and scattered beams (55-75 GHz).
Substitutability analysis of a numerically simulated surface and an actual rough surface
Authors: Sun Qingchao , Mu Xiaokai , Xu Jiawen , Sun Wei , Wang Lintao , Yuan Yongliang
Published: August 2018

This paper develops a method to generate a numerically simulated surface to replace an actual rough surface, and then the contact performance of the mating surfaces is analyzed. First, we use a 3D surface profilometer to obtain the morphology information of an actual rough surface. Second, a numerically simulated rough surface is generated by using the Gaussian simulation theory, which correspond to the same surface morphology features as the actual rough surface. Third, the reverse engineering technology is used to generate the rough surface model and the interface contact models for the morphology features of the actual rough surface and the numerically simulated surface, respectively. Finally, we compare the contact stiffness and the contact area of the numerically simulated surface and the actual rough surface. The mean errors of the contact pressure for the numerically simulated surface and the actual rough surface are 30.31% (grinding rough surface) and 25.12% (milling rough surface), and the mean errors of the contact area percentage for different contact states are 28.46%, 33.85%, and 35.51% (grinding rough surface) and 27.37%, 21.37%, and 23.42% (milling rough surface), respectively. These results indicate that there are differences between the surface morphology of the numerically simulated surface and the actual rough surface. Therefore, in terms of surface morphology, the numerically simulated surface cannot be used to replace the actual rough surface. This paper lays a theoretical foundation for the accurate substitution of an actual rough surface.
Ultrafast laser induced nanostructured ITO for liquid crystal alignment and higher transparency electrodes
Authors: Solodar A. , Cerkauskaite A. , Drevinskas R. , Kazansky P. G. , Abdulhalim I.
Published: August 2018

Femtosecond laser nanostructured indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass is shown to act both as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer and as an electrode with higher transparency. The nanopatterns of the 120 nm period were created using ultrashort laser pulses directly on ITO films without any additional spin coating materials or lithography process. Nine regions of laser-induced nanostructures were fabricated with different alignment orientations and various pulse energy levels on top of the ITO confirming the follow-up of the LC director to the line orientation. The device interfacial anchoring energy was found to be ∼1μ J/m2, comparable to the anchoring energy of nematic LC on photosensitive polymers. The transparency as an electrode was found to improve due to the better antireflection and lower absorption expected from a nanostructured surface.
Tears of an evaporating methanol meniscus on a silicon substrate
Authors: Chakraborty Monojit , Weibel Justin A. , Garimella Suresh V.
Published: August 2018

We identify the formation of an unstable rim at the three-phase contact line of an evaporating methanol meniscus due to the autophobic nature of the liquid. Undulations along the rim rupture at a consistent frequency, leaving behind a regular pattern of droplet tears as the contact line recedes. We characterize the geometry and undulation dynamics of the rim. The rim movement exhibits slip at the contact line; the measured ratio of rim width to undulation wavelength matches the critical unstable Rayleigh ratio for an intermediate slip regime. Unlike previously observed rim instabilities, the rim volume here is replenished from the evaporating bulk meniscus and maintains a constant width, such that the instability wavelength remains constant and droplets are generated with a consistent, nano-liter volume and deposited in a regular pattern. Occurrence of this unstable rim during an evaporation-driven dewetting process may allow for rapid, controlled deposition of small droplets from the fast-moving contact line of a highly volatile fluid.
Asymmetric transmission based on magnetic resonance coupling in 3D-printed metamaterials
Authors: Wang Shengxiang , Wei Guochao , Wang Xiaochuan , Qin Zhengpeng , Li Yuan , Lei Wen , Jiang Zhi Hao , Kang Lei , Werner Douglas H.
Published: August 2018

The resonance based strong light-matter interaction in metamaterials offers unprecedented opportunities to manipulate polarization of electromagnetic waves. In this work, we fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) metamaterial consisting of 90°-twisted split-tube resonators using a 3D printing technique and demonstrate the corresponding asymmetric transmission for linearly polarized electromagnetic waves in the Ku band with near-unity polarization conversion efficiency. Experimental results reveal a 90° polarization rotation and an incident polarization angle dependent asymmetric transmission at a frequency around 15.2 GHz. The experimental results are in good agreement with simulations. Possessing the merits of both flexibility of response tailoring and ease of fabrication, the proposed 3D-printed metamaterials have great potential for compact polarization-control devices exhibiting unidirectional transmission at both microwave and terahertz frequencies.
Study on the influence of O2 on the breakdown voltage and self-recovery characteristics of c-C4F8/N2 mixture
Authors: Xiao Song , Tian Shuangshuang , Cressault Yann , Zhang Xiaoxing , Tang Ju , Li Yi , Deng Zaitao
Published: August 2018

The c-C4F8 gas is considered to have great potential as a gaseous medium for use in gas-insulated equipment due to its good insulation properties and its relatively low greenhouse gas potential (Global warming potential, GWP) relative to SF6. In this paper, the breakdown characteristics of c-C4F8/N2 gas mixtures are explored through the experimental and theoretical calculations and the influence of a small amount of oxygen in the mixtures is discussed. The breakdown tests were conducted under AC voltage. With the mixing ratio of c-C4F8 at 15%, the breakdown voltage of different oxygen contents was tested at 0.15 MPa. At the same time, the self-recovery performance of gas mixture was tested by several times breakdown test, and the breakdown voltage of mixed gas was calculated according to the Townsend self-sustaining discharge condition. The results show that the addition of O2 significantly reduced the breakdown voltage of the c-C4F8/N2 mixed gas, and the self-recovery characteristics of the mixed gas containing 3% O2 are significantly lower than that of the c-C4F8/N2 without O2. The calculation results of breakdown voltage are consistent with the test results. It is considered that the content of oxygen in the mixed gas of c-C4F8 should be strictly controlled.
Influences of temperature gradient and distance on the morphologies of MoS2 domains
Authors: Yang Yong , Pu Hongbin , Di Junjie , Zhang Shan , Hu Jichao , Zang Yuan , Gao Chunyan , Chen Chunlan
Published: August 2018

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (m-MoS2) has attracted significant interest owing to its unique electronic and optical properties. Chemical vapor deposition has been well recognized as one of the preferred methods to prepare MoS2 film. Little is known, however, about the effect of the temperature gradient from MoO3 powder to growth substrate on shape, size evolution and growth mechanism. Herein, by controlling the temperature gradient from the pre-vaporization temperature of MoO3 powder to the pre-nucleation temperature of growth substrate at nucleation stage, the inversive, equal, positive temperature gradient (ITG, ETG and PTG) are originally designed. Additionally, we investigate the morphology variation from monolayer to multilayer domains with the change in the temperature gradient on the basis of classical crystal growth theory and the Antonie equation. Also, the IGT could effectively suppress the nuclei density and facilitate the growth of m-MoS2 domains. The results suggest introducing temperature gradient is a significant way for tuning the morphological evolution and achieving the controllable shape of monolayer MoS2 film. And thus, the conclusion will further lay the foundation for expanding the process window of m-MoS2 growth.
Plasticity of marine sponge habitat preferences with regard to light and water motion: the example of Batzella inops (Topsent, 1891) in submerged caves
Authors: Nemoy P. , Spanier E. , Kashtan N. , Israel A. , Angel D. L.
Published: August 2018

This study examined the effects of environmental conditions on the distribution of marine sponges. We measured the abundance of the sponge Batzella inops (Topsent, 1891) in two contrasting habitats: inside submerged caves and on the surfaces of submerged boulders. We hypothesised that caves are a preferred habitat for B. inops over the boulder surfaces, and tested this by descriptive (quadrate sampling) and manipulative (reciprocal transplantation) experiments. In addition, we tested B. inops in situ for the presence of photosynthetic activity. We found that B. inops is more abundant inside the caves (mean ± s.e.m., 1.2 ± 0.6individualsm–2) than on the outside boulder surfaces (0.15 ± 0.19individualsm–2). We also detected photosynthetic activity in B. inops in both habitats. The results of transplantation experiments suggested that the sponge prefers the transfer from inside to outside the cave rather than vice versa. Therefore, we conclude that although B. inops is more abundant in sheltered habitats, such as submerged caves, adult individuals of this sponge can survive transfer to exposed conditions. Altogether, our findings point to the plasticity of B. inops habitat preferences and may aid further research into conservation or mariculture of this and possibly other sponge species.
Short-term effects on soil of biogas digestate, biochar and their combinations
Authors: Cardelli Roberto , Giussani Gabriele , Marchini Fausto , Saviozzi Alessandro
Published: August 2018

The use of the residual material from waste aerobic digestion and biochar as amendments is currently discussed in the literature concerning the positive and negative effects on soil quality. We assessed the suitability of digestate (D) from biogas production and green biochar (B) to improve soil biological activity and antioxidant capacity and investigated whether there is an interaction between digestate and biochar applied to soil in combination. In a short-term (100-days) laboratory incubation, we monitored soil chemical and biological parameters. We compared soil amendments with 1% D (D1), 5% D (D5), 1% B (B), digestate–biochar combinations (D1+B and D5+B), and soil with no amendment. In D5, CO2 production, antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and dehydrogenase activity (DH-ase) and the contents of microbial biomass C, DOC and alkali-soluble phenols increased to the highest level. The biochar increased the total organic C (TOC) and TEAC of soil but decreased DOC, CO2 production, microbial biomass C, and DH-ase. The addition of biochar to digestate reduced soluble compounds (DOC and phenols), thus limiting the amount and activity of the soil microbial biomass (CO2 production and DH-ase). After 100 days of incubation D5+B showed the highest TOC content (82.8% of the initial amount). Both applied alone and in combination with digestate, the biochar appears to enrich the soil C sink by reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
Multitemporal LiDAR improves estimates of fire severity in forested landscapes
Authors: Hoe Michael S. , Dunn Christopher J. , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: August 2018

Landsat-based fire severity maps have limited ecological resolution, which can hinder assessments of change to specific resources. Therefore, we evaluated the use of pre- and post-fire LiDAR, and combined LiDAR with Landsat-based relative differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (RdNBR) estimates, to increase the accuracy and resolution of basal area mortality estimation. We vertically segmented point clouds and performed model selection on spectral and spatial pre- and post-fire LiDAR metrics and their absolute differences. Our best multitemporal LiDAR model included change in mean intensity values 2–10 m above ground, the sum of proportion of canopy reflection above 10 m, and differences in maximum height. This model significantly reduced root-mean-squared error (RMSE), root-mean-squared prediction error (RMSPE), and bias when compared with models using only RdNBR. Our top combined model integrated RdNBR with LiDAR return proportions <2 m above ground, pre-fire 95% heights and pre-fire return proportions <2 m above ground. This model also significantly reduced RMSE, RMSPE, and bias relative to RdNBR. Our results confirm that three-dimensional spectral and spatial information from multitemporal LiDAR can isolate disturbance effects on specific ecological resources with higher accuracy and ecological resolution than Landsat-based estimates, offering a new frontier in landscape-scale estimates of fire effects.
Moving beyond panaceas in fisheries governance
Authors: Young Oran R. , Webster D. G. , Cox Michael E. , Raakjær Jesper , Blaxekjær Lau Øfjord , Einarsson Níels , Virginia Ross A. , Acheson James , Bromley Daniel , Cardwell Emma , Carothers Courtney , Eythórsson Einar , Howarth Richard B. , Jentoft Svein , McCay Bonnie J. , McCormack Fiona , Osherenko Gail , Pinkerton Evelyn , van Ginkel Rob , Wilson James A. , Rivers Louie , Wilson Robyn S.
Published: August 2018

In fisheries management—as in environmental governance more generally—regulatory arrangements that are thought to be helpful in some contexts frequently become panaceas or, in other words, simple formulaic policy prescriptions believed to solve a given problem in a wide range of contexts, regardless of their actual consequences. When this happens, management is likely to fail, and negative side effects are common. We focus on the case of individual transferable quotas to explore the panacea mindset, a set of factors that promote the spread and persistence of panaceas. These include conceptual narratives that make easy answers like panaceas seem plausible, power disconnects that create vested interests in panaceas, and heuristics and biases that prevent people from accurately assessing panaceas. Analysts have suggested many approaches to avoiding panaceas, but most fail to conquer the underlying panacea mindset. Here, we suggest the codevelopment of an institutional diagnostics toolkit to distill the vast amount of information on fisheries governance into an easily accessible, open, on-line database of checklists, case studies, and related resources. Toolkits like this could be used in many governance settings to challenge users’ understandings of a policy’s impacts and help them develop solutions better tailored to their particular context. They would not replace the more comprehensive approaches found in the literature but would rather be an intermediate step away from the problem of panaceas.
Long noncoding RNA
NEAT1
(nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1) is critical for phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ahmed Abu Shufian Ishtiaq , Dong Kunzhe , Liu Jinhua , Wen Tong , Yu Luyi , Xu Fei , Kang Xiuhua , Osman Islam , Hu Guoqing , Bunting Kristopher M. , Crethers Danielle , Gao Hongyu , Zhang Wei , Liu Yunlong , Wen Ke , Agarwal Gautam , Hirose Tetsuro , Nakagawa Shinichi , Vazdarjanova Almira , Zhou Jiliang
Published: August 2018

Significance

Many occlusive vascular diseases in humans are largely dependent upon vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching from a contractile to a proliferative phenotype, contributing to the formation of intimal lesions that eventually block the blood flow. Previous studies showed that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)
NEAT1
is critical for tumorigenesis. In this report, we showed that
NEAT1
expression was not only induced in VSMCs during phenotypic switching but functionally was critical for the smooth muscle phenotypic change. Our study demonstrates an unexpected role of the lncRNA
NEAT1
in VSMCs and suggests that
NEAT1
is a novel therapeutic target for treating occlusive vascular diseases in humans.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–6Li–xAl–0.8Sn alloys
Authors: Ma Lina , Yang Yan , Wang Xianglan , Fu Xuesong , Hu Jiawei , Shao Hongyan , Peng Xiaodong
Published: August 2018

As-cast and as-extruded Mg–6Li– xAl–0.8Sn ( x = 0, 1, 3 and 5 wt-%) alloys were prepared. The microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated and discussed. The experimental results show that the Mg–6Li–0.8Sn alloy is composed of three phases: α-Mg, Mg2Sn and Li2MgSn. With the addition of Al, the test alloys display typical α-Mg + β-Li duplex structures. The new Mg17Al12 and LiMgAl2 phases were found in the Mg–6Li–1Al–0.8Sn alloy. The lamellar-type AlLi phase was formed whereas the Mg17Al12 phase disappeared in Mg–6Li–3Al–0.8Sn alloy. The LiMgAl2 phase vanished in the Mg–6Li–5Al–0.8Sn alloy. The mechanical properties of as-extruded alloys were remarkably improved. The as-extruded Mg–6Li–3Al–0.8Sn alloy exhibited the best mechanical properties, with a yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of 209.8 MPa, 242.6 MPa and 15.5%, respectively.
Spatial control of Draper receptor signaling initiates apoptotic cell engulfment
Authors: Williamson Adam P. , Vale Ronald D.
Published: August 2018

The engulfment of apoptotic cells is essential for tissue homeostasis and recovering from damage. Engulfment is mediated by receptors that recognize ligands exposed on apoptotic cells such as phosphatidylserine (PS). In this study, we convert Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells into proficient phagocytes by transfecting the Draper engulfment receptor and replacing apoptotic cells with PS-coated beads. Similar to the T cell receptor (TCR), PS-ligated Draper forms dynamic microclusters that recruit cytosolic effector proteins and exclude a bulky transmembrane phosphatase, consistent with a kinetic segregation-based triggering mechanism. However, in contrast with the TCR, localized signaling at Draper microclusters results in time-dependent depletion of actin filaments, which facilitates engulfment. The Draper–PS extracellular module can be replaced with FRB and FKBP, respectively, resulting in a rapamycin-inducible engulfment system that can be programmed toward defined targets. Collectively, our results reveal mechanistic similarities and differences between the receptors involved in apoptotic corpse clearance and mammalian immunity and demonstrate that engulfment can be reprogrammed toward nonnative targets.
American Cultural History: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Avila Eric
Published: August 2018

American Cultural History: A Very Short Introduction provides a chronological look at American culture—the values, attitudes, beliefs, and myths of a particular society and the objects through which they are organized—addressing literature, music, art, architecture, theater, film, television, and the Internet. In doing so, it emphasizes culture’s role in the shaping of national identity and how previous generations of Americans have imagined themselves, their nation, and their relationship to rest of the world. Across the lines of race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, generation, and geography, diverse Americans have forged a national culture with a global reach, inventing stories to underscore the problems and possibilities of an American way of life.
1. Early abolitionism
Authors: Newman Richard S.
Published: August 2018

Among the first documented slave rebellions was a 1522 uprising of captive Africans in the Spanish Caribbean. “Early abolitionism: prophets versus profits” describes how new allies of enslaved people helped put abolition on the Atlantic World’s political and cultural radar during the late-1600s and early-1700s. However, as European empires built New World economies, they created massive labor needs. The first formal challenge to bondage in colonial America was the Quakers’ Germantown Protest in 1688. The work of influential abolitionist figures such as Anthony Benezet is described along with the progress of abolitionism during the Age of Revolution. American abolitionists had to overcome political fears about disunion as well as pro-slavery arguments about bondage’s economic importance.
3. The time is now
Authors: Newman Richard S.
Published: August 2018

Organized abolitionism had been in operation for nearly fifty years when it took a radical turn during the 1830s. “The time is now: The rise of immediate abolition” describes how a new generation of Anglo-American abolitionists made immediate emancipation the movement’s standard, spawning wide-ranging debates about abolitionist radicalism. Led by a diverse and multicultural constellation of activists, abolition’s second wave embraced a crusading brand of reform that refused to defer to slaveholders’ or politicians’ concerns. Experimenting with new tactics—from mail campaigns that bombarded slaveholders with antislavery literature to the physical defense of fugitive slaves—abolitionists became full-time activists and professional reformers. It was an explosive era of activism.