bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of a Portable Hepa-Filtered Body Exhaust System on Airborne Microbial Contamination in a Conventional Operating Room
Authors: Bohn William W. , McKinsey David S. , Dykstra Mark , Koppe Susan
Published: May 2019

Objective:To study the effect of a portable HEPA-filtered air exhaust system (Stackhouse Freedom Surgical Helmet System) on airborne microbial contamination in a modern conventional operating room.

Design and Setting:Microbial air sampling was done with a two-stage Anderson sampler at the wound site during 46 total joint replacements. All operations were performed by the same surgeon in the same operating room at a large community hospital.

Results:In 18 cases done without air exhaust hoods, the number of bacterial and fungal colony-forming units (CFU) ranged from 0.6 to 11.7 (mean, 3.6). Air sampling during 28 operations with the operating team in air exhaust hoods revealed a mean of 3.6 CFU (range, 0 to 11.4). Bacterial CFU averaged 3.4 without hoods and 3.2 with exhaust hoods. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common isolates (48% of isolates with hood, 55% without hood). No infections occurred.

Conclusion:We conclude that these air exhaust hoods did not lower airborne microbial contamination detectable with this air sampling method, as compared to standard head cover and mask, in a modern conventional operating room.
An Outbreak of Fatal Nosocomial Infections Due to Group A Streptococcus on a Medical Ward
Authors: Ramage L. , Green K. , Pyskir D. , Simor A.E.
Published: May 2019

Group A streptococcus is an uncommon but important cause of nosocomial infections. Outbreaks of infection most often have occurred in surgical or obstetrical patients. We describe an outbreak of severe group A streptococcal infections that occurred on a medical unit of a community hospital. Within an 8-day period, three patients developed fatal nosocomial skin and soft-tissue infection due to group A streptococcus. Three nurses who had provided care to one or more of these patients subsequently developed strepto-coccal pharyngitis, and three other nurses were treated with antibiotics for pharyngitis (cultures not obtained). Patient isolates were serotype M-nontypeable, T-11, opacity factor-positive, and shared identical DNA profiles when typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; staff isolates were not available for typing. To prevent further spread of infection, the ward was closed to new admissions, and symptomatic staff were treated with antibiotics and relieved of patient-care duties. This outbreak demonstrates the ability of group A streptococcus to spread rapidly in a hospital setting and to cause severe life-threatening disease in hospitalized patients.
Influenza Vaccination of Medical Residents at the University of Virginia: 1986 to 1994
Authors: Fedson David S.
Published: May 2019

During the 9-year period from 1986 to 1994, medical residents at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center were offered free influenza vaccine in the General Medicine Clinic (GMC). Vaccination rates rose from 24% in 1986 to 99% in 1991. With changes in the GMC staff, the rates during the next 2 years dropped to 82% and 63%, respectively. Renewed attention to the vaccination program in 1994 led to a vaccination rate among eligible residents of 97%. Although the Employee Health Service also conducted its own vaccination programs for hospital personnel, the GMC accounted for most of the influenza vaccinations given to the medical residents throughout the 9-year period. The success of the GMC program demonstrates the importance of offering influenza vaccine to healthcare workers at their worksites and of focused responsibility to ensure that this is done.
The Communicative Development Inventory-WORDS Short Form as an index of language production
Authors: Corkum Valerie , Dunham Philip
Published: May 2019

This longitudinal study was designed to examine the CDI-WORDS Short Form vocabulary checklist (Reznick & Goldsmith, 1989) as an index of language production. In particular, we were curious about: (1) the concurrent associations between the CDI-WORDS Short Form checklist measure and directly observed measures of lexical production; (2) the associations between Short Form checklists administered at different ages; and (3) the predictive associations between Short Form scores and subsequent measures of more general intellectual abilities (i.e. the Wechlser Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence; WPPSIR; Wechsler, 1989). In a sample of 32 children, significant correlations were found between CDI-WORDS Short Form scores and directly observed measures of lexical production at both 1;6 and 2;0. Further, both the Short Form checklist and the observed measure of lexical production were found to predict WPPSI-R Verbal IQ scores but not the Performance IQ scores at 4;0. Additional analyses demonstrated the predictive and convergent validity of the CDI-WORDS Short Form, and underscored the additional value of direct observational measures of lexical production during early lexical development.
The development of segmental phonological production in a bilingual child: a contrasting second case
Authors: Schnitzer Marc L. , Krasinski Emily
Published: May 2019

A longitudinal diary-and-videotape study of the production of phonological segments by a Spanish—English bilingual child, age 1;6–4;6, revealed a consistent separation of the phonological systems of the two languages from the earliest period, with minimal interference at later times. These results are in contrast to results obtained from another child in a similar study (Schnitzer & Krasinski, 1994). The relevance of these data to the issue of whether bilingual children first use a single system before acquiring two discrete languages is discussed, as is the general question of how to interpret the early phonological production of bilinguals.
Resolving apparent contradictions: adults' and preschoolers' ability to cope with non-classical negation
Authors: Sharpe Dean , Eakin Laurel , Saragovi Carina , Macnamara John
Published: May 2019

If the logic of natural language negation were classical – a simple matter of true and false – then it would be a disaster to answer a question likeIs this essay good?withYes and no. The overwhelming majority of adults (N= 40) asked to resolve this apparent contradiction were found to do so by appealing to the structure of the essay (e.g.Its thesis was good but its argument was not). Three-year-olds (N= 24), when suitably prepared, also appealed to object structure to resolve a similar apparent contradiction. These results are discussed in relation to a non-classical logical model that can handle object structure.
Typing and subtyping for mobile processes
Authors: Pierce Benjamin , Sangiorgi Davide
Published: May 2019

The π-calculus is a process algebra that supports mobility by focusing on the communication of channels. Milner's presentation of the π-calculus includes a type system assigning arities to channels and enforcing a corresponding discipline in their use. We extend Milner's language of types by distinguishing between the ability to read from a channel, the ability to write to a channel, and the ability both to read and to write. This refinement gives rise to a natural subtype relation similar to those studied in typed λ-calculi. The greater precision of our type discipline yields stronger versions of standard theorems on the π-calculus. These can be used, for example, to obtain the validity of β-reduction for the more efficient of Milner's encodings of the call-by-value λ-calculus, which fails in the ordinary π-calculus. We define the syntax, typing, subtyping, and operational semantics of our calculus, prove that the typing rules are sound, apply the system to Milner's λ-calculus encodings, and sketch extensions to higher-order process calculi and polymorphic typing.
Higher-order intersection types and multiple inheritance
Authors: Compagnoni Adriana B. , Pierce Benjamin C.
Published: May 2019

We study a natural generalization of SystemFωwith intersection types, establishing basic structural properties and constructing a semantic model based on partial equivalence relations to prove the soundness of typing. As an application of this calculus, we define a simple typed model of object-oriented programming with multiple inheritance.
On outward and inward productions in the categorical graph-grammar approach and Δ-grammars
Authors: Schneider Hans J.
Published: May 2019

We consider the relationship between three ways of defining graph derivability. That the traditional double-pushout approach and Banach's inward version are equivalent in the case of injective left-hand sides is proved in a purely categorical setting. In the case of noninjective left-hand sides, equivalence can be shown in special categories if the right-hand side is injective. Both approaches have the same generative power in the category of graphs if the pushout connecting the outward production with the inward one is a pullback as well. Finally, it is shown that Banach's point of view establishes a close relationship between the categorical approach and Kaplan's Δ-grammars, allowing a slight generalization of Δ-grammars and making them an operational description of the categorical approach.
Uniqueness typing for functional languages with graph rewriting semantics
Authors: Barendsen Erik , Smetsers Sjaak
Published: May 2019

We present two type systems for term graph rewriting: conventional typing and (polymorphic) uniqueness typing. The latter is introduced as a natural extension of simple algebraic and higher-order uniqueness typing. The systems are given in natural deduction style using an inductive syntax of graph denotations with familiar constructs such as let and case.

The conventional system resembles traditional Curry-style typing systems in functional programming languages. Uniqueness typing extends this with reference count information. In both type systems, typing is preserved during evaluation, and types can be determined effectively. Moreover, with respect to a graph rewriting semantics, both type systems turn out to be sound.
Horizontal and vertical structuring of typed graph transformation systems
Authors: Heckel Reiko , Corradini Andrea , Ehrig Hartmut , Löwe Michael
Published: May 2019

Using a categorical semantics that has been developed recently as a basis, we study composition and refinement as horizontal and vertical structuring techniques for typed graph transformation systems. Composition of graph transformation systems with respect to common subsystems is shown to be compatible with the semantics,i.e., the semantics of the composed system is obtained as the composition of the semantics of the component systems. Moreover, the structure of a composed graph transformation system is preserved during a refinement step in the sense that compatible refinements of the components induce a refinement of the composition. The concepts and results are illustrated by a sample development of a small information system using entity relationship modelling techniques.
Fetal Motherhood: Toward a Compulsion to Generate Lives?
Authors: Bonnicksen Andrea L.
Published: May 2019

A scientist at Edinburgh University announced in 1994 that he had removed ovaries from, mouse fetuses and transplanted them, to adult mice. The ovaries released eggs, and conceptions occurred. Although this was not the first such attempt with mice, the study attracted attention because the researcher suggested, that fetal to adult ovarian transplants were a theoretical possibility for humans. If aborted, fetuses were used, as egg sources in assisted conception, a new entity would arise: the never-born genetic mother. Using eggs from aborted fetuses for conception would lead to quixotic and novel family ties. Its use would echo surrogate gestational motherhood, in which a child has both a genetic mother who contributed her egg and a gestational mother who contributed her uterus for gestation and childbirth. With fetal egg use, however, the child's genetic mother would be a never-born fetus without sentience or known, physiology.
A Communitarian Approach to Physician-Assisted Death
Authors: Miller Franklin G.
Published: May 2019

The standard argument in favor of the practice of voluntary physician-assisted death, by means of assisted suicide or active euthanasia, rests on liberal, individualistic grounds. It appeals to two moral considerations: (1) personal self-determination—the right to choose the circumstances and timing of death with medical assistance; and (2) individual well-being—relief of intolerable suffering in the face of terminal or incurable, severely debilitating illness. One of the strongest challenges to this argument has been advanced by Daniel Callahan. Callahan has vigorously attacked the practice of physician-assisted death and the goal of legalization as deep affronts to values of community: “By assuming that the relief of suffering is a goal important enough to legitimate killing as a way of achieving it, we corrupt the idea of such relief as a social goal and duty. We cease helping to bear one another's suffering, but eliminate altogether the person who suffers. We thereby jeopardize both the future of self-determination and the kind of community that furthers its members' capacity to bear one another's suffering. Why bear what can be eliminated altogether?” In another passage Callahan remarks, “For there is a deep sense in which suicide and euthanasia are likely to represent, at least in part, a failure of the community, whether that of the intimate community of family and friends, or the larger civic community, to respond to the needs of another.”
Genethics: “Planned Parenthood”
Authors: MacKay Charles R. , Green Ronald M. , Fibison Wendy J. , Hughes Mark R.
Published: May 2019

This case is another in a series intended to highlight the new questions emerging from advances in mapping the human genome and the application of genetic findings to clinical practice. The National Human Genome Research Institute, a component of the National Institutes of Health, by law is directed to designate a portion of its annual budget to furthering understanding of the ethical, legal, and social questions emerging from research on the human genome. As part of the effort, the Institute supports research by scientists and scholars around the nation with the aim of clarifying and resolving the tough ethical and research choices facing this endeavor. But recently it has launched an intramural program, which is expected to take a catalytic role in grappling with the array of issues the researchers face in carrying out investigations in human genetics.
Perspective: Death: Right or Duty?
Authors: Lamm Richard D.
Published: May 2019

Too often, the limits of our language are the limits of our thinking. “If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought,” warned George Orwell. How we label something too often controls how we think about it. We get particular concepts in our head and they are hard to change. They govern how we think and how we act. “Disease” and “death” used to be considered as “God's will,” and it took hundreds of years and no small number of martyrs to get that corrected. It was very hard to develop modern medicine when so many subjects were thought of as outside of human control. Similarly, the number of children a woman had was thought to be “God's will,” and that has made the development of contraception controversial to this day. Human control over any part of human destiny is usually opposed vigorously. Humankind has the tendency to confuse the familiar with the necessary.
Freeze-substitution and Postembedding Immunocytochemistry on Rat Taste Buds: G-Proteins, Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide, and Choline Acetyl Transferase
Authors: Menco Bert Ph.M. , Yankova Maya P. , Simon Sidney A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract: We have explored freeze-substitution combined with low-temperature embedding in rat taste buds for postembedding immunocytochemistry. A major difference in taste bud cells that were rapidly frozen without prior chemical fixation and those that were fixed and cryoprotected before freezing was that electron-dense core granules were virtually absent. The antibodies used in these initial studies were directed against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a peptide commonly found in nociceptive neurons; the α-subunits of two G-proteins involved in bitter and sweet taste transduction; and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), an enzyme involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine. Anti-CGRP immunolabeled a subpopulation of unmyelinated perigemmal neurons; anti-Gqα labeled a larger subpopulation of these neurons and the microvilli of cells that were most likely from Type II vallate taste buds. α-Gustducin was found in cytoplasm of Type II and/or III cells and probably in microvilli of Type I cells of vallate taste buds. The best labeling results were obtained with anti-ChAT, which stained microvilli and lateral membranes of some Type II vallate taste bud cells, and the cytoplasm of some other Type II and/or III vallate cells. In addition, anti-ChAT labeled electron-opaque materials inside taste bud pores of vallate papillae, but, under the same conditions, not granules of Type I cells or most of the vesicles in von Ebner's glands. These data suggest that we can not assume a priori that the contents of the electron-dense core granules of Type I cells, or even of those of von Ebner's glands, contain the precursors of the taste bud pore–dense substances.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis in Jiangxi province, China
Authors: Luo Dong , Chen Qiang , Xiong Guangchu , Peng Yiping , Liu Tao , Chen Xiaowen , Zeng Lingbing , Chen Kaisen
Published: May 2019

Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a severe health threat to human beings; however, the epidemic and molecular characteristics exist along with the change in the geographic environment and genealogy. Jiangxi province is located in southeast China, which is a high-MDR-TB burden area. Rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) are the most important first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. The major drug target genes include rpoB for RIF and katG, inhA, and ahpC for INH. To determine the frequency and distribution of mycobacterial mutations in these genes, we sequenced specific genes of M. tuberculosis that are associated with resistance to RIF and INH in 157 phenotypic MDR isolates. At the same time, RD105 DTM-PCR and 15 loci MIRU-VNTR were performed to demonstrate the genetic lineage. It was shown that the Beijing genotype was predominant (84.1%) among these strains. The results also showed mutations within the 81 bp core region of rpoB in 93.6% of strains and mutations in a structural gene (katG) and two regulatory regions (the promoter of inhA and intergenic region of oxyR-ahpC) were shown in 88.5% of phenotypic MDR isolates. There were no significant differences in codon mutations between the Beijing and non-Beijing genotypes, as well as the clustered and no-clustered strains. The most prevalent mutations involved in RIF and INH were Ser531Leu in rpoB (55.4%) and Ser315Thr in KatG (56.1%), respectively. There was no significant difference in RIF and INH resistance between MDR-TB and other drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). The results demonstrated that some MDR-TB patients are predicted to have recent transmission.
Regulating response and leukocyte adhesion of human endothelial cell by gradient nanohole substrate
Authors: Huang Li-Hua , Cui Long-Hui , Kim Dae Hwan , Joo Hyung Joon , Seo Ha-Rim , Choi Seung-Cheol , Noh Ji-Min , Lee Kyu Back , Hong Soon Jun
Published: May 2019

Understanding signals in the microenvironment that regulate endothelial cell behavior are important in tissue engineering. Although many studies have examined the cellular effects of nanotopography, no study has investigated the functional regulation of human endothelial cells grown on nano-sized gradient hole substrate. We examined the cellular response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by using a gradient nanohole substrate (GHS) with three different types of nanohole patterns (HP): which diameters were described in HP1, 120–200 nm; HP2, 200–280 nm; HP3, 280–360 nm. In results, HP2 GHS increased the attachment and proliferation of HUVECs. Also, gene expression of focal adhesion markers in HUVECs was significantly increased on HP2 GHS. In vitro tube formation assay showed the enhancement of tubular network formation of HUVECs after priming on GHS compared to Flat. Furthermore, leukocyte adhesion was also reduced in the HUVECs in a hole-diameter dependent manner. To summarize, optimal proliferations with reduced leukocyte adhesion of HUVECs were achieved by gradient nanohole substrate with 200–280 nm-sized holes.
5-Oxo-1-[(2,3,6,7-tetramethoxy-9-phenanthrenyl)methyl]-L-proline Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus Entry
Authors: Nguyen Lap P. , Park Chorong , Luong Trang T. D. , Park Eun-Mee , Choi Dong-Hwa , Han Kang Min , Mai Han N. , Nguyen Huu C. , Lim Yun-Sook , Hwang Soon B.
Published: May 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major causative agent of chronic liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The recent development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of HCV patients. However, these DAAs are exorbitantly expensive for the majority of HCV patients worldwide. Moreover, these drugs still show genotypic difference in cure rate and have some resistant-associated variants. Tylophorine, a natural compound derived fromTylophora indicaplants, is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous growth activities. In the present study, we showed that two tylophorine intermediates, 5-Oxo-1-[(2,3,6,7-tetramethoxy-9-phenanthrenyl) methyl]-L-proline (O859585) and 2,3,6,7-tetramethoxy-9-phenanthrenecarboxylic acid (T298875), displayed anti-HCV activity with an EC50of 38.25 µM for T298875 and 29.11~35.3 µM for O859585 in various HCV genotypes. We demonstrated that O859585 efficiently blocked HCV attachment by neutralizing free viral particles without affecting other stages of the HCV life cycle and interferon stimulation. O859585 interrupted binding between HCV E2 and CD81. Of note, co-treatment of O859585 with either interferon alpha (IFNα) or sofosbuvir exerted either an additive or synergistic antiviral activity in HCV-infected cells with no measurable effect on cell viability. Most importantly, O859585 in combination with IFNα and sofosbuvir exhibited synergistic effects on anti-HCV activity in primary human hepatocytes. Collectively, these data suggest that O859585 may be a novel antiviral agent for HCV therapy.
(Neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and interdigitated split-course hyperfractionated radiation in high risk soft tissue sarcoma – Results from a large single-institution series
Authors: Nevala Riikka , Tukiainen Erkki , Tarkkanen Maija , Böhling Tom , Blomqvist Carl , Sampo Mika
Published: May 2019

A single-institution series using a (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and interdigitated hyperfractionated split-course radiation therapy (CRT) treatment protocol for soft tissue sarcoma was reviewed. Our specific aims were to study recurrence rates and long-term toxicity. Between 1998 and 2016, 89 patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma were treated with surgery combined with six courses of doxorubicin and ifosfamide and hyperfractionated radiation therapy (42–60 Gy/1.5 Gy twice daily). Patients were considered being at high risk if tumour malignancy grade was high and the tumour fulfilled at least two of the following criteria: size >8 cm, presence of necrosis or vascular invasion. The mean age of the patients was 50.7 years. With a median follow-up of 5.4 years for survivors, the local control rate was 81.4%. Six (7%) patients progressed during neoadjuvant CRT. Seven (8%) patients discontinued the treatment due to toxicity. Eighty-six patients were operated and three (3%) of these developed a long-term complication. The estimated metastasis-free survival was 47.6% and overall survival 53.0% at five years. The limb-salvage rate was 93%. The limb-salvage rate, local control and complication rates were good in these patients with high risk soft tissue sarcoma. Metastases-free survival and overall survival rates were less satisfactory, reflecting the aggressive nature of these tumours.
Ultrasensitive detection of long non-coding RNAs based on duplex-specific nuclease-actuated cyclic enzymatic repairing-mediated signal amplification
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Xin-yan , Su Xianwei , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: May 2019

We develop a new method for sensitive detection of long noncoding RNAs using duplex-specific nuclease-actuated cyclic enzymatic repairing-mediated signal amplification.
The π-acidity/basicity of cyclic trinuclear units (CTUs): from a theoretical perspective to potential applications
Authors: Zheng Ji , Yang Hu , Xie Mo , Li Dan
Published: May 2019

Au(i)/Ag(i)/Cu(i) cyclic trinuclear units display highly adjustable π-acidity/basicity and relevant multiple superior potential applications.
Amine-induced phase transition from white phosphorus to red/black phosphorus for Li/K-ion storage
Authors: Li Yang , Jiang Song , Qian Yong , Han Ying , Zhou Jie , Li Tieqiang , Xi Longchang , Lin Ning , Qian Yitai
Published: May 2019

A novel approach of phase transition via amines-induced is designed to obtain red phosphorus and black phosphorus.
Synthetic iron pyrite across length scales: interfacial defects and macroscopic properties
Authors: Roberts Dennice M. , Russek Stephen E. , Stoldt Conrad R.
Published: May 2019

Iron pyrite (FeS2) has long represented a materials science challenge because of the immense sensitivity of its macroscopic behavior to defect structure.
Triplet–triplet annihilation based photon up-conversion in hybrid molecule–semiconductor nanocrystal systems
Authors: Ronchi Alessandra , Brazzo Paolo , Sassi Mauro , Beverina Luca , Pedrini Jacopo , Meinardi Francesco , Monguzzi Angelo
Published: May 2019

Photon up-conversion based on triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) in a hybrid system exploits the annihilation of optically dark triplets of an organic emitter, sensitized by a semiconductor nanocrystal, to produce high-energy singlets that generate high energy emission.
Direct transformation of lignin into fluorescence-switchable graphene quantum dots and their application in ultrasensitive profiling of a physiological oxidant
Authors: Wang Ruibin , Xia Guangjie , Zhong Wentao , Chen Lei , Chen Liheng , Wang Yanggang , Min Yonggang , Li Kaixin
Published: May 2019

Lignin-based graphene quantum dots are fabricated by a two-step bottom up method and their fluorescence mechanism is elaborated by DFT calculations.
Highly biocompatible zwitterionic dendrimer-encapsulated platinum nanoparticles for sensitive detection of glucose in complex medium
Authors: Cui Yanshuai , Zhang Jin , Yu Qingyu , Guo Xiaolei , Chen Shengfu , Sun Haotian , Liu Sihang , Wang Longgang , Lai Xiang , Gao Dawei
Published: May 2019

The sensitive detection of glucose using zwitterionic dendrimer-encapsulated platinum nanoparticles was not affected by proteins.
Liposomes as models for membrane integrity
Authors: Routledge Sarah J. , Linney John A. , Goddard Alan D.
Published: May 2019

Biological membranes form the boundaries to cells. They are integral to cellular function, retaining the valuable components inside and preventing access of unwanted molecules. Many different classes of molecules demonstrate disruptive properties to the plasma membrane. These include alcohols, detergents and antimicrobial agents. Understanding this disruption and the mechanisms by which it can be mitigated is vital for improved therapeutics as well as enhanced industrial processes where the compounds produced can be toxic to the membrane. This mini-review describes the most common molecules that disrupt cell membranes along with a range of in vitro liposome-based techniques that can be used to monitor and delineate these disruptive processes.
Plasma environment effects on K lines of astrophysical interest
Authors: Deprince J. , Bautista M. A. , Fritzsche S. , García J. A. , Kallman T. , Mendoza C. , Palmeri P. , Quinet P.
Published: May 2019

Aims. In the context of accretion disks around black holes, we estimate plasma-environment effects on the atomic parameters associated with the decay of K-vacancy states in highly charged iron ions, namely Fe XVII– Fe XXV.

Methods. Within the relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) framework, the electron–nucleus and electron–electron plasma screenings were approximated with a time-averaged Debye–Hückel potential.

Results. Modified ionization potentials, K thresholds, wavelengths, radiative emission rates, and Auger widths are reported for astrophysical plasmas characterized by electron temperatures and densities in the ranges 105 − 107K and 1018 − 1022cm−3, respectively.

Conclusions. We conclude that the high-resolution microcalorimeters on board future X-ray missions such as XRISM and ATHENA are expected to be sensitive to the lowering of the iron K edge due to the extreme plasma conditions occurring in accretion disks around compact objects.
Magnetic Bearing Proposal Design for a General Unbalanced Rotor System enhanced because of using sensors/actuators based in nanostructures
Authors: Calderón Jesus A. , Barriga Eliseo B. , Mas Roland , Chirinos Luis , Barrantes Enrique , Alencastre Jorge , Tafur Julio C. , Melgarejo Oscar , Lozano John H. , Heinrich Bjorn , Aguilar Enrique , Lengua Juan C.
Published: May 2019

Rotor systems need bearings in order to keep uniformity of rotational movement transmission. However, bearingsgenerate friction and energy losses due to heating transmisssion through the friction; for this reason, mechanicak bearings are replaced by magnetic bearings owing to avoid energy losing because of friction. We designed Active Magnetic Bearings (AMB) to transmit rotational movement from source of movement (motor) through the rotor to the movement receptor (such as a conveyor belt). Magnetic Bearings need accuracy during System Identification process and a sophisticated control algorithm to get an uniform rotation movement transmission. In this work also it was analyzed and proved by simulations that Active Magnetic Bearings composed with sensors /actuators based in nanostructures are faster and robust compared with AMB based in traditional sensors/actuators. It because, nanostructures receive and send signals better way tan traditional sensors/actuators, because of high oredered nanoarrays improve sensor/actuator properties.
Usage of the VORNE 800XL production monitoring and indicator visualization system for the development of the project "Effect in a minute“
Authors: Liszcz Jakub , Drobek Klaudia
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, in most of the manufacturing factories, entrepreneurs tries to “slim down” their processes. To achieve that they attempts to implement some of the “Lean Manufacturing” methodology’s methods and tools with better or worst effects. Most of the failures results from the wrong approach to that subject. Leaders wants their teams to do anything faster and cheaper but too often their teammates does not exactly know why they have to do something as they do not see the goal of them. The easiest way to improve the understanding of implementation of “Lean Manufacturing” is to train whole team and arrange workshops that can educate everyone and lead the team to the common objective. One of the ideas of such an activity is the project called “Effect in a minute” created by the students from the student research group called “Management” from University of Science and Technology from Cracow (AGH- Kraków). In this article, there will be described the practical aspect of such an activity and prospect of the project’s development based on the usage of production monitoring and indicator visualization system called VORNE 800XL.
Astroparticle Physics with H.E.S.S.: recents results and nearfuture prospects
Authors: Moulin Emmanuel
Published: May 2019

H.E.S.S. is an array of five Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes located in Namibia. It is designed for observations of astrophysical sources emitting very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays in the energy range from a few ten GeVs to several ten TeVs. The H.E.S.S. instrument consists of four identical 12 m diameter telescopes and a 28 m diameter telescope placed at the center of the array. An ambitious Astroparticle Physics program is being carried out by the H.E.S.S. collaboration searching for New Physics in the VHE gamma-ray sky. The program includes the search for WIMP dark matter and axion-like particles, tests of Lorentz invariance, cosmic-ray electron measurements, and search for intergalactic magnetic fields. I will present the latest results on dark matter search from the observations of the Galactic Centre region, the search for Lorentz invariance violation with the 2014 flare observation of Markarian 501, and the first measurement of the cosmic-ray electron spectrum up to 20 TeV. The future of the H.E.S.S. Astroparticle Physics program will be discussed.
Acetal Metathesis: Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Pemba Alexander G. , Miller Stephen A.
Published: May 2019

The origins and recent applications of acetal metathesis are discussed in the context of synthesizing polyacetals via acetal metathesis polymerization (AMP). A kinetic study of the acid-catalyzed acetal metathesis reaction suggests the rate = k[H+][acetal]2, with MeOCH2OMe and EtOCH2OEt interchanging to yield MeOCH2OEt, achieving the statistical 1:2:1 equilibrium distribution in 4 hours at 80 °C and in 1 hour at 90 °C. Upon heating 1,10-decanediol and diethoxymethane, polydecylene acetal is formed with sequential distillation of ethanol, followed by diethoxymethane. A full mechanism for this polymerization is proposed, which begins with a transacetalization sequence to convert the diol into a bisacetal, followed by acetal metathesis to yield a high-molecular-weight polymer.
Antibodies To F.VIII/vWF Subunit And Conformational Antigenic Determinants. Demonstration Of Distinct Abnormalities In Variants Of vWD
Authors: Girma J P , Pietu G , Meyer D , Lavergne J M , Larrieu M J
Published: May 2019

Antibodies (Ab) specific for either the subunit (MW 2.4 × 105) or conformational antigenic determinants of F.VIII/vWF were prepared in order to investigate further the abnormal antigenic reactivity in variants of von Willebrand’s disease (vWD). Goat anti-human F.VIII/vWF Fab were immuno-dsorbed with F.VIII/vWF subunits bound to activated thiol-Sepharose and the “anti-subunit” Ab was eluted at pH 2.5. Antibodies which did not bind to the beads were designated as “anti-conformation” Ab. The “anti-subunit” Ab specifically reacted by IRMA with the F.VIII/vWF subunits and with all subunit-containing multimers (MW 4.8 x 105 to 20 × 106). The “anti-conformation” Ab failed to react with F.VIII/vWF subunits but reacted with native (MW 1 to 20 x 106) or partially reduced (MW 4.8 x 105) F.VIII/vWF. It was thus specific for antigenic sites resulting from the association of subunits in dimers or multimers of F.VIII/vWF. In 8 patients with a variant of vWD (Type II A), an abnormal antigenic reactivity in plasma, characterized by a dose-response curve non parallel to that of control, was consistently observed by IRMA using the “anti-subunit” Ab. Six showed a normal dose-response curve using the “anti-conformation” Ab while two unique patients also demonstrated an abnormal (non-parallel) response. This study 1) allows the distinction between subunit and conformational antigenic sites on F.VIII/vWF, 2) demonstrates that the decreased antigenicity in type II A vWD is associated in all cases with an abnormality of F.VIII/vWF subunits and in some patients with an additional defect of polymerization and 3)further emphasizes the heterogeneity of variants of vWD.
Heterogeneity of Storage Pool Deficiency
Authors: Pareti F. I. , Mannucci L. , Capitanio A. , Mills D. C. B.
Published: May 2019

Prolonged incubation of Storage Pool Deficient (SPD) platelets with 14C-5HT is followed by abnormally rapid catabolism of the amine. When a 1:1 mixture of normal and SPD platelets was incubated with 14C-5HT such abnormal metabolism was not detectable due to the compensatory effect of normal platelets. SPD or normal platelets were incubated with 2 μM 14C-5HT for 5 minutes, washed and resuspended in buffer. Addition of 20 μM imipramine was followed by a rapid efflux from SPD platelets of 14C-5HT, which was not degraded. Normal platelets were not affected. In mixtures of normal and SPD platelets treated with imipramine the efflux of 14C-5HT was proportional to the SPD platelet fraction and still evident when only 30% of SPD platelets were present. In three non-typical cases of congenital SPD no metabolism of exogenous 14C-5HT was observed. In two of these, platelets incubated with 14C-5HT, washed and treated with imipramine, showed a rapid efflux of 5HT, comparable to that seen in a 30% normal-70% abnormal mixture, suggesting that the defect only involves a part of the platelet population. In a third patient no efflux of 14C-5HT was seen after imipramine. Imipramine additiion to platelets preincubated with 14C-5HT appears to be a good way of distinguishing among different types of SPD and of investigating the presence of a similar defect in acquired SPD in which only a part of the platelet population is likely to be involved.
Absence of Fibroblast-Induced Fibrin Clot Retraction in a Patient with Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia and Abnormal Wound Healing
Authors: Gaetano G. de , Remuzzi G. , Balconi G. , Donati M. B.
Published: May 2019

Platelets and fibroblasts from normal individuals induce fibrin clot retraction(FCR). Absence of platelet-induced FCR is a characteristic abnormality of Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) patients. The purpose of this study vas to evaluate whether fibroblasts from a 16-year old girl with severe GT (Thromb. Haemost. 1976, 36, 286) would induce FCR.

Fibroblast culture was established from skin biopsy from the inner arm of the patient; fibroblasts were grown and FCR was evaluated as described previously (Europ. J. Cancer 1976, 12, 823). No clot retraction was observed in the samples containing GT fibroblasts during a 24-hour observation period. In control samples FCR started after about 3 hours and appeared to be completed within 12 hours (70–85%).Since fibrin-fibroblast interaction could play a role in normal tissue repair, the process of healing of the wound produced in this patient by the skin biopsy was followed. Neither haemorrhagic complications nor infections occurred during the first 10 days after the biopsy; at that time stiches were removed and the lips of the wound appeared to be well in line. However, abnormal tissue repair (lips swollen, out of the line and interwoven by recent granulation tissue) was evident 20 days later and persisted till the last outpatient control (6 months after biopsy).

These results would suggest that in GT the cellular abnormality, as indicated by absent FCR, is not restricted to platelets. Whether the abnormal platelet and fibroblast interaction with fibrin might be somehow related to defective wound healing following skin biopsy is not yet known.
The Role of Cyclic Nucleotides and Prostaglandins in the Mechanisms of Aggregation of Thrombocytes
Authors: Andreev S. V. , Kubatiev A. A. , Mamedov Ya. D.
Published: May 2019

In a comparative study into the mechanisms of aggregation of thrombocytes under the influence of various agents, two types of reactions were established, one realized through the system of cyclic 3′5-AMP and the other, through the system of cyclic 3′5-GMP. The former type of reaction was observed when ADP and thrombin were used as aggregation inductors; the latter was induced by serotonin. The initial link in the development of aggregation of thrombocytes induced by ATP and thrombin was an increase in the level of prostaglandin EI (by 32%), under the effect of which the activity of adenyl cyclase rose more than by 41%, and the amount of 3’5-cAMP increased by almost 180% as compared with the initial level. Unlike ADP and thrombin, stimulation of thrombocytes with serotonin brought about, as a rule, an increase in the level of prostaglandins F2 (by 60%) , which subsequently led to activation of guanyl cyclase and marked augmentation in the content of 3′5-cGMP (by 300%). The application of proteolytic enzymes with thrombolytically oriented properties caused inhibition of biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides with a clearcut disaggregating effect.
Relationship Between Aggregation and Prostaglandin (PG)-Biosynthesis in Rat Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Authors: Bult H. , Bragt P. C. , Bonta I. L.
Published: May 2019

The importance of PG biosynthesis in aggregation has been studied by comparing PRP from normal and essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) rats. The latter show a marked lack of the PG precursor, arachidonic acid (AA).

No differences were observed in aggregation with collagen (from 10 μg/ml), ADP (from 0.8 μM) or the PG-endoperoxide PGH2 (1 μg/ml). PGH2 induced only a small, transient aggregation. However, with a collagen dose that produced a 50% response in normal PRP, the aggregation of EFAD PRP was 94% reduced. This correlated with reduced (84–89%) biosynthesis of thromboxane A2 and PGE-like material (PGE), both assessed by bioassay. The PG synthetase of EFAD PRP was unaltered, since PGE and malondialdehyde production were normal when exogenous AA was added. AA, up to 0.33 mM, did not aggregate normal PRP, but high amounts of PGE were formed.

These results indicate that internal PG biosynthesis is only essential for aggregation with threshold doses of collagen. At higher collagen doses endogenous PG production does not seem to be important for aggregation. It is unlikely that residual formation of PG-endoperoxides in EFAD PRP, at high doses of collagen, is sufficient for a normal aggregation, since normal rat platelets form PG-endoperoxides from exogenous AA without aggregation.
Evaluation of Urokinase Therapy for Cerebrovascular Occlusive Diseases
Authors: Abe T. , Kazama M. , Maruyama I. , Fukuda R.
Published: May 2019

Urokinase (UK) was administered to 55 cases, of possibly occlusive cerebrovascular accidents and its clinical effects were analyzed. The indication was considered by the elapsing time from the onset, the gravity of clinical signs, the localization and size of brain damage, the angiographical feature and the supposed pathohistological changes in brain. UK administration was controlled mainly by PT, PTT, fibrinogen-, FDP-content, ELT, platelet count and its functions as the monitoring parameters. Average doses of UK for adults, 30,000 IU twice daily, were continued for the first week, and then decreased by half every two or three days. The thrombolytic treatment was maintained for two to three weeks. Administration of Warfarrin or dextran sulfate was started several days before the discontinuation of UK therapy and continued for some weeks.

Depending on the response of the patients to this therapy, they were divided into five classes;

a) clinical improvement with visible resolution of thrombi proved by angiography or computerized tomography (14 cases),

b) clinical improvement without visible agniographic findings (35 cases),

c) no improvement in clinical and laboratory findings (3 cases),

d) clinical improvement with worsening of partial clinical signs (3 cases), and

e) clinical exacerbation without any effect (no case).
Simulation of Coupled Enzyme Assays for a New Determination of Plasminogen Via the Clotting Time
Authors: Richter O. , Jacobi E.
Published: May 2019

The enzymatic assay for the determination of plasminogen via the clotting time (JACOBI et al., Dtsch. med. Wochenschr. 101 (1976) 1220–1222

0.2 ml plasminogen reagent (test-kit Behringwerke/Hoechst AG)

0.1 ml plasma, diluted 1:100, incubation time 3 min. 37°C

0.05 ml thrombine (3 NIH U/ml), clotting time

is based on the following sequence of reactions: (plasminogen reagent = fibrinogen, bovine plasminogen and streptokinase, which does not react with bovine plasminogen) human plasminogen and streptokinase form an activator, which converts bovine plasminogen to bovine plasmin, which splits fibrinogen during the incubation time. The thrombine clotting time of the resulting mixture containing fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation products depends on the amount of bovine plasmin in the assay, which is in turn a function of human plasminogen concentration. The assay is described by a kinetic model in terms of non-linear differential equations. On the basis of this model the clotting time can be computed as a function of the parameters of the assay: concentration of fibrinogen, human plasminogen, bovine plasminogen and incubation time. By computer simulation an optimal parameter set is obtained for which the resulting calibration curve is linear and not sensitive against the variances of the reagent. Furtermore, the model gives a detailed insight into the mechanism involved in the interaction of human plasminogen, fibrinogen, bovine plasminogen and thrombine.
Survival of Radiolabelled Human Factor VIII in Vivo
Authors: Over J. , Sixma J. J. , Trieschnigg A. M. C. , Vlooswijk H. A. A. , Bruïne M.H.M. Doucet-de , Beeser-Visser N. , Bouma B. N.
Published: May 2019

Bennett and Ratnoff(1972) reported that in haemophiliacs the coagulant activity of factor VIII(F VIII:C) disappeared faster than the factor VII-related antigen (F VIIIR:AG). We decided to investigate this phenomenon with radiolabelled factor VIII. This also allowed us to study the behaviour of various factor VIII fractions after infus i on. Human factor VIII was purified from cryoprecipitate, labelled with 125 I by “the lactoperoxydase-glucose oxydase method, mixed with a human albumin solution and sterilized by filtration through a Millipore filter. F VIII:C,F VIIIR:AG,F VIIIR:WF assays, gelchromatography, crossed Immunoelectrophoresis and PAGE studies were carried out. No significant changes due to the procedure were observed. The radiolabel in the plasma after in vivo administration was for more than 95% bound to F VIIIR:AG as demonstrated with immunoadsorption with an antiserum prepared against a subunit of factor VIII purified by PAGE. About 1.5–6% of free 125 I was also present. Yield and survival were studied in 6 normal volunteers. The yield was somewhat lower (79%) than expected after transfusion. The survival curve was biphasic showing half lives of

hours and 20 hours. In 4 haemophiliacs the yield and disappearance were essentially similar. The F VIII:C in these patients who also received cryoprecipitate of 20 donors disappeared with the same kinetics as the radiolabel. Evidence was obtained indicating that the highest molecular weight forms of factor VIII disappeared more rapidly, while losing the F VIIIR:WF, than the lower molecular weight forms. Radio label in cryoprecipitate showed a biphasic, more rapid disappearance ; label in cryosupernatant plasma disappeared slower.