bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The consequences of the inappropriate use of ventilation systems operating in indoor swimming pool conditions - analysis
Authors: Pietkun-Greber Izabela , Suszanowicz Dariusz
Published: July 2018

Increasingly more leisure facilities, such as water parks or indoor swimming pools are being built in Poland nowadays. In order to ensure the air quality required by standards for such leisure facilities it is necessary to fit them with effectively functioning ventilation. For the removal of excess humidity, as well as chlorine ions occurring as a result of the disinfection of water as well as the carbon dioxide emitted by people using the facility, the ventilation system needs to be appropriately designed and efficient. For this reason, studies into the air quality in such facilities were undertaken. The paper presents the causes and consequences of the inappropriate operation and maintenance of ventilation systems in swimming pools. The study found that the causes of deterioration in the technical condition of the system which was operated in an environment with chlorine ions were: an inappropriate manufacture of its components and the wrong choice of construction materials for the given environment of operation. Furthermore, failure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the components of the ventilation system greatly precipitated its degradation and the occurrence of sick building syndrome in the swimming pool. Solutions were found and proposed in order to improve the efficiency of the ventilation system in the given swimming-pool facility.
The use of artificial neural networks for analyzing the sensitivity of a retention tank
Authors: Pochwat Kamil
Published: July 2018

Designing retention facilities is a complex engineering process that requires the collection of the detailed hydrological data of a catchment and hydraulic sewerage system. The acquired data are necessary to prepare a model of the retention tank in appropriate software for hydrodynamic modelling. The article shows the results of tests concerning the analysis of the sensitivity of a sewerage model of a rainwater retention tank which may be implemented in this software. The results of tests allowed determining the impact of the individual hydraulic characteristics of the catchment and the sewerage system on the required retention capacity of a tank. A planned analysis is performed based on artificial neural networks and the required data are acquired by hydrodynamic simulations in SWMM 5.1.
The critical condition of a sewage network
Authors: Raganowicz Andrzej , Dziopak Józef
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the methodology formulated for determining the critical technical state of operating sewer pipes which is based on statistical-stochastic modeling. It describes the theoretical boundary between the area comprised of pipes that do not show any signs of damage or require only maintenance measures, and the area comprised of pipes that require renovation. The study includes concrete collectors with dimensions of DN 600/1100-900/1350 mm, stoneware pipes (DN 200-400 mm), and stoneware connections (DN 100-200 mm). The modeling phase was carried out using the Weibull distribution in combination with Monte-Carlo mathematical simulations.
Hydrodynamic modeling of the impact of residential rainwater harvesting systems on stormwater runoff and drainage networks
Authors: Stec Agnieszka
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the results of hydrodynamic modeling of urbanized catchment, where rainwater harvesting systems (RWH) was applied. The catchment model was developed in the Storm Water Managment Model program and RWH was simulated as one of the LID practices available in this program - rain barrels (RB). The research was carried out for various rain barrels implementation scenarios (50% -100%) in a single-family housing estate. However, the results of the research showed that the use of rain barrels (RB) to capture rainwater discharged from the roof of buildings was not effective in significantly reducing the outflow of water from the catchment, and thus reducing the occurrence of pressure flows in the analyzed sewage system.
An optimization model for transport, treatment and disposal of medical waste: a case study of Podlaskie Province
Authors: Walery Maria Jolanta , Leszczyński Jacek
Published: July 2018

The article describes optimization studies aimed at analysing the impact of capital and current cost changes for combustion waste storage on the cost of its system management and structure. The study was conducted using the example of an analysis of the system of medical waste management in Podlaskie Province, in north-eastern Poland. The scope of operational research carried out under the optimization study was divided into two stages of optimization calculations with assumed technical and economic parameters of the system. In the first stage, the lowest cost of functioning of the analysed system was generated, whereas in the second one the influence of the input parameter of the system, i.e. capital and current costs of combustion waste storage process on the economic efficiency index (E) and the spatial structure of the system was determined. Optimization studies were conducted for the following cases: with a 25% increase in capital and current costs for the storage process, followed by 50%, 75% and 100% increase. As a result of the calculations, the highest cost for system operation was achieved at the level of 1655 PLN/Mg with the assumption ca. 100% increase in capital and current costs for the storage process. There was an increase in the economic efficiency index (E) by about 4% in relation to first course of optimization studies.
Stormwater quality modeling in urbanized areas
Authors: Zawilski Marek , Dziedziela Błażej
Published: July 2018

Stormwater quality modeling with the use of Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) is presented. The model has been calibrated on the basis of measurements of flow and stormwater quality performed on a real catchment in Łódź, Poland. Calibrated model parameters and the correlations between the quality indexes are given. This will allow application of the model to other urban catchments equipped with storm drainage systems.
Water in the city. The development of permeable surfaces in urban areas
Authors: Jopek Dorota
Published: July 2018

In the coming years, cities will face new challenges from a rapidly changing climate. Many physical infrastructure and building projects will face new or more severe risks from extreme flooding, precipitation and heat events. At the same time, environmental conditions are also projected to change, posing chronic hazards as average yearly temperatures rise. The natural cycle of water circulation in contemporary cities is often very disturbed as a result of improper management of space. The necessity to protect the natural environment, and in particular respect for water rights, in the face of climate change and constant pressure of urbanization - requires a radical change in the approach to rainwater and surface water management in Polish cities. It is necessary to improve the integration of spatial planning with water management in many areas. The purpose of this research is to determine the effective role of space management processes to provide permeable surfaces in the urban areas as an important element of the system of rainwater management. The article will present an analysis of the possibilities of increasing the absorptivity of the areas in selected areas of Cracow.
Innovative technologies in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Sweden to improve Baltic Sea water quality
Authors: Trela Józef , Płaza Elżbieta
Published: July 2018

The article presents new trends in the treatment of municipal wastewater in Sweden caused by the constantly increasing requirements for discharging pollutants into Baltic Sea waters. The development of new technologies for nitrogen removal, pharmaceutical residues removal and the possibility of using membrane processes in wastewater treatment is presented. The state of research on innovative wastewater treatment processes at the level of pilot-scale tests and their implementation in full technical scale has been described. These technologies can allow the application of new, economical and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment processes based on biological, chemical and physical methods. Swedish wastewater treatment plants are preparing to meet the new conditions required for discharged wastewater with a value of 6 mg N/L for total nitrogen and 0.2 mg P/L for total phosphorus. This requires large investments in the reconstruction of municipal wastewater treatment plants and the introduction of new treatment processes.
Porous asphalt pavement for traffic noise reduction and pavement dewatering – the pollution problem
Authors: Bichajło Lesław , Kołodziej Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

The paper characterizes the porous asphalt mixture used in pavement construction. This kind of pavement can reduce traffic noise and reduce the slipperiness of the road pavement. The effectiveness of the porous asphalt depends on many design and technological aspects, but especially on the air-void clearance in the pavement layer. The paper includes the results of water permeability research based on laboratory tests of specimens from actual road pavement. The research shows the differences between the contamination of the road pavement sections located inside and outside the city. The paper includes recommendations for using porous asphalt based on experiences under Polish conditions.
Life cycle assessment: Assessing the environmental impact in the railway maintenance
Authors: Hegedić Miro , Štefanić Nedeljko , Nikšić Mladen
Published: July 2018

The railway sector plays an important role in the European transport sector and its environmental sustainability is a highly important issue today recognized by all the main stakeholders, including the European Commission. EU-28 railway transport network consisted of 220,000 km of railway lines in 2013. Such a big railway transport network requires maintenance. Maintenance of a railway infrastructure is a resource- and cost-demanding activity that has as well a considerable impact on the environment. This paper presents the results of the environmental assessment of an innovative new product which aims to decrease the environmental impact of the railway maintenance processes. Life cycle assessment methodology was used and results show that the biggest environmental impact, in all impact categories, is achieved in the use and maintenance phase. In the end, the normalized data of the environmental impact were presented using the standard functional unit for the freight trains: tonne for kilometre (tkm). Additionally, authors have compared two different functional units that could be used in Life cycle assessment of the self-propelled freight railway vehicles, proposing the use of the new functional unit: tonne for working hour (twh). Use of such customized functional unit is more appropriate because of the specific nature of work that selfpropelled bulk carriages have.
Application of supercapacitors in electric traction storage systems
Authors: Lewandowski Miroslaw , Orzylowski Marek , Wieczorek Maciej
Published: July 2018

Energy storage systems (ESS) are based on electrochemical batteries and supercapacitors (SC). SCs have a lower energy density compared to batteries, but have an advantage over them in power density. The combined use of the two in a hybrid ESS (HESS) gives both high energy density and high power density of ESSs. Fractional-order impedance describes the SC dynamics better than commonly used integer order impedance. Such a description can be based on the dielectric relaxation equations e.g. Cole-Cole equation used in this work. The paper compares results of the impedance approximation of a number of SC’s with various fractional and integer models, on the basis of which the time responses are analysed. The methods of capacitance and ESR measurement recommended by the IEC standard are examined. They are compared with the methods used in practice by SC producers. The problem of energy losses in ESS with respect to charging/discharging current pulses is presented. A proper ESS designing requires an accurate approximation of the SC impedance over the frequency band in which the dominant part of the power spectrum of current pulses is located.
Bilateral power supply of the traction network as a first stage of Smart Grid technology implementation in electric traction
Authors: Bartłomiejczyk Mikołaj
Published: July 2018

Since 2001, trolleybus system in Gdynia has been involved in many activities related to the reduction of power consumption, both in terms of implementation and research and development. In PKT, in cooperation with SESTO company, started applications of Smart Grid technologies in supply network: the bilateral supply. The paper presents results of this this novel investment.
Experimental study of the use of electric car powered with stationary solar and electrochemical batteries in Northern Poland
Authors: Karkosiński Dariusz , Pacholczyk Michał , Sienkiewicz Łukasz
Published: July 2018

The subject of this paper is an experimental analysis of a Nissan LEAF electric car equipped with 24 kWh battery, powered from the standalone photo-voltaic (PV) charging station in Gdańsk, Poland. The calculations of charging process efficiency and range of test drives were conducted in two extreme situations (winter and summer) of sunlight and road conditions. Experiments were performed in the Laboratory of Innovative Power Technologies and Integration of Innovative Energy Sources (LINTE^2) at Gdańsk University of Technology. The car was night-charged with the stationary electrochemical battery, which, in turn, was powered with PV panels during the day. The impact of sunlight and ambient temperature changes on daily urban and highway drive ranges was analysed. The efficiency of energy conversion in multiple current converters was determined.
Dual Active Bridge (DAB) DC-DC converter for multilevel propulsion converters for electrical multiple units (EMU)
Authors: Adamowicz Marek , Krzemiński Zbigniew , Stec Paweł
Published: July 2018

Semiconductor power devices made from silicon carbide (SiC) reached a level of technology enabling their widespread use in power converters. Two different approaches to implementation of modern traction converters in electric multiple units (EMU) have been presented in recent years: (i) 3.3-kV SiC MOSFET-based three-level PWM inverter with regenerative braking and (ii) 6.5-kV IGBT-based fourquadrant power electronic traction transformer (PETT). The former has successfully reached optimized dimensions and efficiency but still requires a bulky line frequency transformer for multisystem applications. The latter characterizes inherent galvanic isolation from AC traction, which is realized by cascaded system of power electronic cells containing medium frequency transformers (MFT). The downsizing of the 6.5-kV IGBT-based cells is, however, problematic. The present paper proposes a different approach, that involves the use of a fast switching 1.2-kV SiC MOSFETS. The SiC-based PETT proposed in the paper is dedicated first for the DC traction. For multi-system application the input voltage of the proposed PETT can be adjusted using weight-optimized adjusting autotransformer. Thanks to utilization of fast-switching SiCbased power modules the weight and size of the power electronic cells can be optimized in a convenient way.
Comprehensive approach to risk assessment and evaluation regarding constructioning of the first 25 kV 50 Hz AC traction power supply sections in Poland
Authors: Pawlik Marek
Published: July 2018

Railway lines in Poland are either equipped with 3 kV DC traction system or not electrified for traction purpose. Presently maximum line speed is 200 km/h while maximum train speed is 250 km/h. Speeding up limit for 3 kV DC traction is estimated to be around 220-230 km/h. Already present in Poland trains for 250 km/h are equipped with three electric power supply systems: 3 kV DC used in Poland, 15 kV 16,7 Hz AC used in Germany, and 25 kV 50 Hz AC foreseen to be used in Poland on high speed lines. Introducing 25 kV 50 Hz AC traction power supply will be associated with safety challenges, which have to be taken into account already during constructioning, starting even at the predesigned phase. Two key questions arise. First of all question regarding methodology, which should be used for safety level acceptance and secondly how to ensure that all safety aspects will be taken into account. Answering first question for railway safety experts seems to be easy – let’s apply risk assessment and evaluation methodology described by EU regulation under Railway Safety Directive. The challenge is however to define risk acceptance criteria which will be required, and that is analysed in the paper. The second challenge is even more challenging. Author proposes using 10-by-10 safety matrix which was defined by the author in previous publications [9, 10]. Its concept as well as principles for its application for new type of power supply is also presented in the paper.
Inductive influence of 25 kV, 50 Hz electrified single rail traction system
Authors: Milesevic Bosko , Uglesic Ivo
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the methodology for calculation and measurement of induced voltage caused by railway system operation on the sensitive metallic structures. The arrangement and characteristics of railway system 25 kV, 50 Hz are provided. The procedures of short-circuit current calculation and supply current measurement in the railway system are described. The basic theoretic background of inductive interference is explained. The reduction factors of the communication cable, railway system and environment are mentioned and clarified. On a case study, the results of the induced voltage calculation and measurement is compared. It is proved that induced voltage directly depends of supply current or shortcircuit value.
Parameters of DC high-speed circuit-breakers
Authors: Rojek Artur
Published: July 2018

DC high-speed circuit-breakers (HSCB) are the basic protection to cut off short-circuit and overload currents. People’s and railway infrastructure devices’ safety depend on their reliability and parameters. High-speed circuit-breakers, like any other electrical devices, display several electrical and mechanical characteristic parameters, which in many cases are interconnected. The article features these parameters of DC high-speed circuit-breakers that affect the operation safety of electric traction power supply systems. Moreover, it presents ways of their determination basing on laboratory and operational tests. Furthermore, requirements to be met directly and indirectly by DC high-speed circuit-breakers imposed by legal and standardization documents are described. Correlations between the breakers’ construction and their parameters are outlined. Basing on tests of leading European producers’ breakers, the article presents the impact of parameters of circuit where they are tested as regards HSCB parameters. It also deals with the problem of coordination of short-circuit protection and breaking currents of low values with respect to high-speed circuit-breakers used in Poland.
Evaluation passenger car unit for motorcycle in Indonesia Highway Capacity Manual (Case study: Bandung and Semarang)
Authors: Najid
Published: July 2018

Value of Passenger Car Unit or commonly known as PCU value is a value that is given to any vehicle that is classified into heavy vehicles, light vehicles (passenger car) and motorcycles. The value of passenger car unit on Indonesia Highway Capacity Manual (IHCM) set up in 1997 is based on a study conducted from 1980-1990 in several cities in Indonesia At the time of the study, the traffic conditions are very different to the current traffic conditions. That affects of difference traffic conditions are the composition of traffic, traffic regulations, traffic density, traffic discipline and the presence of mass transit, so that the results of traffic analysis do not always correspond to reality as there are anomalies in the determination of the level of road service (Najid, 2014). As well the incompatibility of the capacity value which is considered due to the incompatibility value of Passenger Car Units (PCU). Evaluation PCU become very important to get the value of traffic parameters into compliance with actually occur. In accordance with the traffic density is higher actually, then it is necessary to study for evaluation against PCU current value and the need to approach or to get the value of PCU more in line with current traffic conditions. Data collected at two cities, those are Bandung and Semarang. Based on analysis found PCU’s value that got from survey have difference but not all significantly with PCU value in IHCM.
Determining the advertisement of tax priority on urban road based on road performance
Authors: Nuring Haryati Nunung , Agus Winarno Wahyu , Sulistyono Sonya
Published: July 2018

Each region has the potential to be explored as a source of income without necessarily harming people and the environment. One of them is the utilization of public space as a media campaign or advertisement. The advertisement placement should be planned to have a function, adding the aesthetic aspect of urban space and not disturbing the comfort and safety of the community. Promotional media can take advantage of active and passive outdoor space. The active outer space is a space that is deliberately created as a public outdoor space such as city park, pedestrian and road. While the passive outer space is a outer space that is not accidentally created or already exist by it, such as river banks, railroads and natural green spaces. Promotional media nowadays is not only in physical, but also in electronic form. Placement of advertisement associated with the tax burden. The amount of tax can be determined from road performance. Where the more crowded the urban space, the more people see the advertisement. This can certainly be used as one of the parameters in determining which points are having the biggest impact on tax value.
Electric public transport vehicle with composite material body diagnostic - user safety
Authors: Escobar Marcela , Cadena Daniel , Francisco Castañeda Leonel
Published: July 2018

The project contemplated the elaboration of modules of composite material, with which a bus body of less weight was built, compared with the traditional kind, and adapted for the chassis that are currently being used in the city. The structure was prepared for the evaluation of the security space of the future users. The panels were instrumented with different sensors and configured to the conditions of the test by means of a data acquisition system. The test was carried out following the procedure of regulation 66 of the UNECE. The results obtained demonstrated the feasibility of using this type of bodywork in public transport.
Operation of car turbochargers – selected problems
Authors: Wojciechowski Hubert , Żdanowicz Czesław , Hope A. Tony
Published: July 2018

In order to increase the filling of the cylinder in the engine, a so-called charge is applied, which consists in increasing the amount of air input under increased pressure and at an unchanged temperature. This increases the density of that air and increases the mass in the engine cylinder. In most cars, the charging is carried out by an exhaust gas turbocharger or a mechanical compressor. This paper presents the issues that concern the failure of turbochargers resulting from their balance by weight reduction method. Selected aspects concerning consequences of incorrect balancing and methods of reducing unbalanced rotor mass. A key part of the work includes a proposal to balance turbochargers of automotive vehicles using the "weight-adjustment"method. In this scope, preliminary studies were presented, and conclusions observed during their implementation were described.
Impact of the operating time and loading of an engine with spark ignition powered with biogas on selected parameters of engine oil
Authors: Kaszkowiak Jerzy , Markiewicz-Patalon Marietta , Kaszkowiak Ewa
Published: July 2018

Engines powered with biogas obtained from wastes obtained from a municipal waste water treatment plant were subject to studies. The engines powered the electric current generators. It was found, that after 800 operating hours, differentiation in the contents of iron, zinc and copper depending on the mode of their loading occurred in the engine oil. In the group of engines loaded in about 60% of power, higher contents of iron, copper and zinc in the engine oil than in the engines loaded in 85% of power, was found. Occurrence of other statistically important differences in the contents in oil of manganese, chromium and aluminum was found.
Wheel rim state assessment using modal and geometrical parameters
Authors: Rychlik Arkadiusz
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the concept of a non-invasive method for assessing the wheel rim state to determine its technical status. The research procedure includes an analysis of the wheel rim frequency spectrum in a trial at a diagnostic station, which involves applying vibration forces with specific parameters on the wheel rim. The distribution of the wheel rim’s natural frequencies in rotation angle and unbalanced value with its positioning and radial run-out and axial run-out for the wheel rim bead in relation to the wheel disc centring hole on the internal and external wheel rim surfaces, are established based on the analysis and calculations. These parameters also serve to determine the condition of joints (fusion-welded, pressure-welded, etc.) and to identify the cracks or loss of integrity in the wheel rim structure. This method can be applied for tests of both new wheel rims during the quality control and used rims used for passenger cars, special vehicles and slow-running vehicles.
Defects of Smartphones reported by users in social media and questionnaires
Authors: Kostek Robert , Samek Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

The main aim of this article is to identify the most frequent damage of Smartphones and problems reported by users in a questionnaire and on social media. Social media are a relatively new issue; they are used by companies to get information about offered products and advertise them. On the other hand, they are used by users to exchange opinion about products and write recommendations; thus these opinions are studied. At the same time planned obsolescence is applied, which makes shorter the replacement cycle. Some of damage and problems observed by users are the results of planned obsolescence. The obtained data were processed statistically.
Vibration diagnostics of concrete block
Authors: Żółtowski Mariusz , Liss Michał , Melcer Jozef
Published: July 2018

Presented study indicates the possibility of using complex estimators of vibrational energy flow used in quality testing of concrete blocks, as part of a dedicated research methodology and detailed methodologies developed in many previous studies by the author. Theoretical analysis and practical verification of the sensitivity testing measures of complex vibration processes indicate the wide possibilities of their applications. Recognizing the need to improve the testing methods of building structures for assessing their degradation status - this paper presents significant results of the research procedure in the field of effectiveness verification of proposed mutual measures in wall element bench tests.
Verification of the method of equivalent amplitude determination based on two - parameter fatigue characteristic
Authors: Karolewska Karolina , Ligaj Bogdan
Published: July 2018

In the most causes the loads which are affected on structural components are various over time and their character changes is stochastic. The stochastic character of operational loads of construction elements in various machine types is depended on many factors, included : work forces variability, environmental conditions, physical properties of components etc. Fatigue life calculation for this type of loads are conducted on the basis of determined sinusoidal cycles set through to use of the cycles counting method. The cycles which are contained to the sinusoidal cycles set are characterized by extensive range of amplitude Sai variation and mean values Smi. Application of Sa-N curve in fatigue life calculations caused disregard of the cycle mean value. This may affect the accuracy of calculations. Taking into account the cycle mean value Sm in the calculations may be realized by determining a substitute cycle with an average value Sm=0 and a substitute amplitude Saz≠Sa.
Empfehlungen zur Anwendung der indirekten und direkten Antikoagulanzien zur langfristigen Sekundärprophylaxe nach venösen Thromboembolien
Authors: Kroeger Knut , Pleye Jürgen , Pourhassan Siamak , Peter Jochen , Noppeney Thomas
Published: July 2018

Die Dosierungen der direkten oralen Antikoagulanzien für die langfristige Erhaltungstherapie nach akuter tiefer Venenthrombose und Lungenembolie erfordern im Alltag häufig eine individuelle Entscheidung, da für die Präparate Apixaban und Rivaroxaban jeweils 2 Dosen zur Verfügung stehen, für die es keine festgelegten separaten Indikationsspektren gibt. Daher hat die Arbeitsgemeinschaft der niedergelassenen Gefäßchirurgen und Gefäßmediziner Deutschlands e. V. dieses Positionspapier entwickelt. Patienten mit einem klar identifizierbaren und passageren Triggerfaktor für die venöse Thromboembolie (z. B. Trauma, Operation, akute internistische Erkrankung, orale Kontrazeption, Schwangerschaft) oder einer isolierten Unterschenkelvenenthrombose haben ein geringes Rezidivrisiko und werden i. d. R. nicht dauerhaft antikoaguliert. Besteht eine hohes Rezidivrisiko bei fortbestehendem Triggerfaktor (z. B. fortbestehende aktive Tumorerkrankung, zweifelsfrei nachgewiesenes Antiphospholipidsyndrom sowie ein Gerinnungsinhibitormangel von Protein C, Protein S oder Antithrombin bei positiver Familienanamnese bez. venöser Thromboembolien [VTE], Erstereignis einer Lungenembolie, mehrfachen Rezidiven einer VTE) ist eine verlängerte Erhaltungstherapie indiziert, sofern nicht ein sehr hohes Blutungsrisiko dagegen spricht. Bei allen Patienten mit einer abgelaufenen VTE, bei denen man grundsätzlich die Antikoagulationsphase beenden würde, kann eine verlängerte Prophylaxe fortgeführt werden, da auch diese Patienten ein höheres Rezidivrisiko haben als ein Mensch, der noch nie eine VTE gehabt hat.
Alterations in Vascular Endothelial Cell-related Plasma Proteins In Thalassaemic Patients and their Correlation with Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Butthep P , Bunyaratvej A , Funahara Y , Kitaguchi H , Fucharoen S , Sato S , Bhamarapravati N
Published: July 2018

An increased level of plasma thrombomodulin (TM) in α- and β- thalassaemia was demonstrated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nonsplenectomized patients with β-thalassaemia/ haemoglobin E (BE) had higher levels of TM than splenectomized cases (BE-S). Patients with leg ulcers (BE-LU) were found to have the highest increase in TM level. Appearance of larger platelets in all types of thalassaemic blood was observed indicating an increase in the number of younger platelets. These data indicate that injury of vascular endothelial cells is present in thalassaemic patients.
Tissue Factor Expression on Mesothelial Cells is Induced during in vitro Culture – Manipulation of Culture Conditions Creates Perspectives for Mesothelial Cells as a Source for Cell Seeding Procedures on Vascular Grafts
Authors: Verhagen Hence J M , Heijnen-Snyder Glenda J , Vink Tom , Pronk Apollo , Vroonhoven Theo J M V van , Eikelboom Bert C , Sixma Jan J , Groot Philip G de
Published: July 2018

Lining the luminal surface of prosthetic small diameter bypasses with endothelial cells (EC) will lower its thrombogenicity. Unfortunately, human EC are only scarcely available. Mesotheliai cells (MC) have antithrombotic properties in vivo and can be harvested in large numbers, from the omentum. Recent work demonstrated that the expression of tissue factor (TF) is induced in MC after isolation and culture. Different culture conditions were studied to suppress TF-expression.

MC grown in pooled human serum (HS) are procoagulant (717 ± 119 pM factor Xa/min.105 cells). Replacing HS for fetal calf serum, precoating the surface with extracellular matrix and the addition of the xanthine-oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, inhibited TF expression by 90% (p <0.001). Allopurinol clearly reduced TF-mRNA levels.

TF expression on cultured MC is an in-vitro effect due to culture conditions and the formation of oxygen free radicals. By reducing TF expression by 90%, we have established conditions in which MC are a good alternative for EC for seeding on synthetic grafts.
Factor V Leiden (FV R506Q) in Families with Inherited Antithrombin Deficiency
Authors: van Boven H H , Reitsma P H , Rosendaal F R , Bayston T A , Chowdhury V , Borg Jeanne-Yvonne , Bauer K A , Scharrer I , Conard J , Lane D A
Published: July 2018

We investigated the presence of the gene mutation of factor V, FV R506Q or factor V Leiden, responsible for activated protein C resistance, in DNA samples of 127 probands and 188 relatives from 128 families with antithrombin deficiency. The factor V mutation was identified in 18 families. Nine families were available to assess the mode of inheritance and the clinical relevance of combined defects.

The factor V and antithrombin genes both map to chromosome 1. Segregation of the defects on opposite chromosomes was observed in three families. Co-segregation with both defects on the same chromosome was demonstrated in four families. In one family a de novo mutation of the antithrombin gene and in another a crossing-over event were the most likely explanations for the observed inheritance patterns.

In six families with type I or II antithrombin deficiency (reactive site or pleiotropic effect), 11 of the 12 individuals with both antithrombin deficiency and the factor V mutation developed thrombosis. The median age of their first thrombotic episode was 16 years (range 0-19); this is low compared with a median age of onset of 26 years (range 20-49) in 15 of 30 carriers with only a defect in the antithrombin gene. One of five subjects with only factor V mutation experienced thrombosis at 40 years of age. In three families with type II heparin binding site deficiencies, two of six subjects with combined defects experienced thrombosis; one was homozygous for the heparin binding defect.

Our results show that, when thrombosis occurs at a young age in antithrombin deficiency, the factor V mutation is a likely additional risk factor. Co-segregation of mutations in the antithrombin and factor V genes provides a molecular explanation for severe thrombosis in several generations. The findings support that combinations of genetic risk factors underly differences in thrombotic risk in families with thrombophilia.
Purification, Characterization and cDNA Cloning of a Novel Anticoagulant of the Intrinsic Pathway, (Prolixin-S), from Salivary Glands of the Blood Sucking Bug, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Sun Jianxin , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Yuda Masao , Miura Ken , Takeya Hiroyuki , Hirai Makoto , Matsuoka Hiroyuki , Ando Katsuhiko , Watanabe Takashi , Suzuki Koji , Chinzei Yasuo
Published: July 2018

The salivary glands of the blood sucking insect, Rhodnius prolixus, have an anticoagulant, prolixin-S, which was reported as a specific inhibitor of intrinsic coagulant pathway. Prolixin-S was purified from the salivary glands extract of Rhodnius prolixus by gel filtration and anion exchange HPLC by assaying prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The isolated protein specifically inhibited factor IXa-catalyzed activation of factor X in the presence of Ca2+ and phospholipids irrespective of the presence or absence of factor Villa. The anticoagulant factor had red color and a specific absorbance peak at 402 nm and thus it was identified as a heme protein. A Rhodnius prolixus salivary gland cDNA library was prepared, screened with an antibody against prolixin-S and its complete cDNA sequence was determined. cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences showed that prolixin-S is a novel anticoagulant of 19,922 Da, which has no sequence homology with any other anticoagulant reported so far.
The Significance of Hypofibrinolysis for the Risk of Recurrence of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Schulman S , Wiman B ,   the Duration of Anticoagulation (DURAC) Trial Study Group
Published: July 2018

An impaired fibrinolytic function has been described in several case-control studies of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the present study the correlations between some fibrinolytic compounds and future recurrent VTE were investigated. Blood samples for analysis of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen before and after 10 min of venous occlusion (V.O.) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity were taken at 6 months after the first episode of VTE or the first recurrent VTE in 784 and 207 patients, respectively, who were anticoagulated for 1.5 or 6 months (first VTE) and 6 months or indefinitely (first recurrence). During a follow-up of 3-6 years from the event which qualified for inclusion there have been 177 recurrences. All initial and recurrent events were verified with objective diagnostic methods. Using cut off points of 10.0 ng/ml for t-PA antigen before V.O. and 30 AU/ml for PAI-1 in samples taken at rest, there were more patients above those levels in the groups with than without further recurrence (t-PA antigen, 50% versus 36%, p = 0.001; PAI-1, 18% versus 12%, p = 0.045). In the 495 patients, who received oral anticoagulation for 6 months, t-PA antigen at rest discriminated better, with 59% versus 34% of patients above 10 ng/ml in the groups with and without recurrence, respectively (p <0.001). The t-PA antigen levels after V.O. and the fibrinolytic capacity (t-PA antigen after V.O. minus t-PA antigen before V.O.) were distributed similarly in patients with and without new recurrences. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between age and t-PA antigen (p <0.001), and by analysis of covariance the difference between the groups with and without further recurrence regarding t-PA antigen disappeared.

In conclusion, increased levels of PAI-1 and t-PA antigen in VTE-patients correlate with development of recurrent VTE within the next 3–6 years, but the value of these components in predicting future events for the individual patient is limited.
Collagens Of the Normal and Atherosclerotic Aortic Wall. Studies in authentict issue and In Organ And Cell Cultures
Authors: Aumailley M , Bricaud H
Published: July 2018

In the vessel wall collagen is present as genetically different types. During atherogenesis intimal smooth muscle cell(SMC)proliferationand col lagen accumulation predispose to thrombosis. Therefore the aim of our study was first to characterize the authentic collagens in normal and atherosclerotic tissue, more specially type V col lagen, and second to find out whether there was a change in atherosclerosis in the newly synthesized collagens AH the investigations were carried out using normal and atherosclerotic tissue derived from animal and human aortas minus adventitia. From authentic tissue, pepsin solubi lized col lagens were submitted to ion-exchange chromatographies and identified using molecular sieve chromatographyandelectrophoresis(PAGE)astype I, III and V collagens. Using PAGE and studying SLS-crystal I ites type V col lagen was found to be present in intimaaswell asinmedia of normal and atherosclerotic aortas.

After pulse-label experiments in organ culture of healthy and atherosclerotic specimens the newly synthesized col lagens were isolated using pepsin treatment and subsequent molecular sieve chromatography .Interstitial col lagens(type I and III)represented 80-85% of the total newly^yn- thesized col I age ns .Type III accounted for 16-31 % in explants from young specimens, for 30-36% when the explants were derived from older specimens and for 35-48%when the tissue were atherosclerotic. SMC were grown out from these tissue and investigated for their col lagen synthesis in primary and secondary cultures. With respect to relative distribution of the interstitial col lagens the data obtained were in the same range than in organ culture .Furthermore most of the interstitial col lagens were secreted into the incubation medium whereas type V collagen was found to be preferentially associated with the cell layer .These results showed that type I, III and V col lagen are present i n normal and atherosclerotic aortas from various sources. In atherosclerosis a slight change occurs in the newly synthesized col lagens. Furthermore with respect to these studies organ and cel I cu I ture systems I ead to simi lar resuIts.
New Morphological Findings On Platelets In Bernard-Soulier Syndrome
Authors: Mori K , Suzuki S , Sugai K , Hisa S , Hosoya A , Sakai H
Published: July 2018

The mechnism of large platelet formation in Bernard- Soulier Syndrome has not yet been clarified. In this paper we present new morphological findings on large platelets in this disease.

Case: A 30 year-old-male. He was admitted to our Department to evaluate hemorrhagic diathesis, because of his repeated nasal bleeding. Methods: l) Platelet retention was measured by the modified Salzman’s method and platelet aggregation test by various agents were performed using a Lumi -Aggregometer. 2) Glycoproteins in the platelet membrane were determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 3) Light and electronmicroscopic examinations of the platelet and megakaryocyte were done.

Results: Hematological examinations showed a prolonged bleeding time, mild thrombocytopenia, giant platelets in the peripheral blood and normal activities of all plasma clotting factors. The platelet function tests indicated normal platelet aggregation and release of ATP induced by ADP, collagen and thrombin by means of a Lumi-Aggregometer. However, they have markedly decreased by ristocetin and bovine fibrinogen. From these findings, the diagnosis of Bernard-Soulier Syndrome was made. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of platelet membrane in this case showed decreased amount of fraction I in the glycoproteins, that is, a deficiency of negatively charged sialic acid. No abnormalities of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow were found by light microscopy, but electronmicroscopic examinations revealed that some platelets were clearly demarcated into two or three parts by circumferential microtubules.

Conclusion: These evidences strongly suggest that giant platelets of Bernard-Soulier Syndrome are made from fusion of membrane of two or three platelets while they circulate in the peripheral blood stream.
Activation Of Factor XII By Dextran Sulfate: A Convenient Assay For Factor XII
Authors: Tankersley D L , Alving B M , Finlayson J S
Published: July 2018

The rapid reciprocal activation of Factor XII and prekallikrein by negatively charged surfaces requires the presence of high Mr kininogen. Our studies have demonstrated that high Mr kininogen is not required for the activation of Factor XII by the soluble activator, dextran sulfate (Mr 500,000). Incubation of normal, prekallikrein deficient, Factor XI deficient, or high Mr kininogen deficient plasma (1:1000 dilution) with prekallikrein in the presence of dextran sulfate (5 μg/ml) resulted in the formation of kallikrein (∼50% activation in three minutes) as determined by hydrolysis of D-Pro-Phe-Arg-p-nitroanilide. No activation (>0.5%) occurred in the absence of dextran sulfate, or with Factor XII deficient plasma. When mixtures of Factor XII deficient and normal plasma were assessed for the ability to generate kallikrein by this method, the amount of kallikrein produced in three minutes was directly proportional to the Factor XII content of the mixture. Purified Factor XII (20 ng/ml final concentration) similarly activated prekallikrein in the presence of dextran sulfate, but not in its absence. Studies of the time-dependence of the activation process demonstrated a short lag period followed by an abrupt increase in kallikrein concentration, suggesting that there is rapid, complete activation of Factor XII and subsequent, progressive conversion of prekallikrein to kallikrein by the Factor XIIa.
Polymerization Sties Of Desialated Fibrinogen
Authors: Allison P M , Bang N U
Published: July 2018

It has long been known (Laki and Chandrasekhar, Nature, 197:1267,1963) that the enzymatic removal of sialic acid (SA) frcm fibrinogen (F) shortens the thrccabin clotting time. Martinez et al. (J. Lab. Clin. Med., 89:367, 1977) demonstrated that this phenomenon is due to enhanced fibrin monomer polymerization. To more accurately identify the mechanisms involved we examined the binding of normal F, V. cholerae neuraminidase - treated F (NF) and their plasmic digests. Mean SA content of F of 4.5 residues / molecule decreased to unmeasurable levels in NF with a concomitant 10s shortening of the thrombin clotting time. F, NF, and plasmin digests of F (FP) and NF (NFP) were subjected to fibrin-monomer-Sepharose chromatography (FMSC) essentially according to Kudryk and Blcmback (J.Biol. Chan., 249:3322, 1974) and effluent fractions analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under nonreducing conditions. Mean values for F retained on FMSC and eluted with acid urea buffer was 61%, for NF 86%, for for FP 65%, for NFP 78%. In NFP and FP 3 fragments D (D1, D2 D3) of Mr 103K, 89K, and 83K were discerned by SDS-PAGE. D1 in FP and NFP was almost quantitatively retained on FMSC, whereas little, if any, D3 was retained frcm either digest. FMSC resulted in poor retention of D2 for FP and virtually complete retention of this fragment from NFP. Fragments E were not retained on FMSC of either FP or NFP. The data suggests that desialation of F exposes additional polymerization sites present in D2 but not D3 of F.
Effect Of Two Soluble "Activators" On The Activity Of Factor XII And Factor XIIa (Hageman Factor)
Authors: Greengard Judith S , Griffin John H
Published: July 2018

Certain activators of the contact system of coagulation have been reported to induce full activity in the singlechain form (80,000 MW) of Factor XII (FXII). The effects of soluble ellagic acid (EA) and dextran sulfate (DXS) (∼500,000 MW) on purified components of the contact system were studied. Soluble EA (<40 yM) was found to exert a dose-dependent procoagulant effect on purified FXII added to FXII-deficient plasma although the maximal activity observed was much less than that elicited by kaolin in the same mixtures. 5 μM soluble EA increased the amidolytic activity of FXII against H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-pNA from 2.5 to 5.0 mol substrate/mol enzyme/min. Purified β-FXIIa (28,000 MW) or FXII that had been preincubated with trypsin hydrolyzed 900 mol substrate/mol enzyme/min in the presence or absence of soluble EA. Thus, soluble EA induces minimal (≤0.3%) amidolytic activity in FXII. We also examined the generation of FXIa in the presence of 5 μM soluble EA, FXI, high MW kininogen, and FXII or α-FXIIa (two-chain form, 80.000 MW). The rate of cleavage of 125I-FXI in the presence of 10 μg/ml DXS, FXI, high MW kininogen, and FXII or α-FXIIa was also measured. In the presence of either DXS or soluble EA under the concentrations and conditions employed, α-FXIIa exhibited an initial rate of FXI activation that was 20 times higher than that achieved by single-chain FXII. In addition, the presence of both high MW kininogen and either EA or DXS enhanced the activity of α-FXIIa 20 fold in the activation of FXI. The results show that single chain FXII in the presence of either DXS or soluble EA expresses less than 5% of the enzymatic activities of its proteolytically derived forms whereas either “activator” greatly enhances the action of α-FXIIa on FXI in the presence of high MW kininogen.