Features Of Instrument Research Articles

The Si K Edge Gas and Dust Optical Depths Toward the Galactic Bulge

Knowledge of the dust content in interstellar matter is important to our understanding of the composition and evolution of the interstellar medium. The Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) Spectrometer provides a unique opportunity to measure X-ray absorption of interstellar dust and its compositions through the X-ray edge absorption structure. We measure gas and dust optical depths at Si K toward nine bright low-mass x-ray binaries in the Galactic Bulge with very high-precision and pileup-free spectra. We include a likely instrumental feature affecting the Si K edge structure in our analysis. While gas optical depths grow consistently with broadband hydrogen-equivalent columns, the dust optical depths do not. Calculations including dust self-shielding show that the observed dust optical depths can be explained by variations in dust grain columns between various lines of sight. At least three grain column regimes can be identified toward the Galactic Bulge. While grain sizes define the self-shielding effect, variations in grain size distributions do not seem relevant. This shows that the gas-to-dust optical depth ratio toward sources in the Galactic Bulge is not homogeneous. The dust optical depths also roughly correlate with molecular hydrogen columns. Lowly ionized Si K contributions toward the Galactic Bulge were detected but are very small. We also find Si xiii absorption with velocity widths of 800–1100 km s−1, which we attribute to the circumbinary medium.

ADONHERS (Aged DONor HEart Rescue by Stress echo) protocol for heart donation from marginal donor hearts: monocentric retrospective study on recipients survival after 10-year follow-up

Abstract Purpose Amelioration of therapies and increased survival in heart failure (HF) is leading to a growing number of patients affected by advanced HF, with an overall 1-year prognosis ranging from 25 to 75%. The gold standard treatment for end stage HF is heart transplantation (Htx), but lack of organs donors remains an important limitation. Marginal hearts can potentially improve and be utilized after a re-evaluation by “aggressive” assessment of donor left ventricular dysfunction, with an important increase of utilization rates (from 38–59%) in the latest years. In our study we analysed if recipients of marginal donor hearts, selected by dipyridamole stress echocardiography, had different outcome compared to recipients with acceptable donor hearts. Methods Data collected from 2006 and 2014 of patients who received orthotopic Htx were retrospectively analysed. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental features were evaluated and patients with homogenous baseline characteristics were selected to reduce biases among the two groups. Dipyridamole stress echo was performed on donors >55 years old or <55 with comorbidities/mildly dysfunctional left ventricle. Results Twenty-two recipients were included (eleven patients with a marginal donor heart, group 1, and eleven with acceptable donor heart, group 2). Mean donors age was 41±23, 45±29 years for group 1 vs 36±12 for group 2. The average follow-up was 113 months. Age, cardiovascular risk and morpho-functional characteristics of the left ventricle were comparable between the two population (P>0.05) (see Table 1). Left atrial size was significantly higher in marginal hearts (Optimal: p=0.007; Marginal: p=0.003). Optimal donors showed a higher impact of CAV (p=0.019) together with more elevated values of cholesterol and triglycerides (p=0.048 and p=0.012 respectively). No rejection differences were found between the two groups. Four patients deceased, 3 had received a standard donor heart and 1 was from the marginal donor group, with and overall median time to death of 124 months. Conclusions No mortality difference was detected among the two heart donor groups with a lower incidence of CAD in the marginal heart donor population. Our study shows how Htx from selected marginal donor heart can implement shortage of organs without difference in survival with acceptable donor hearts. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Left bundle branch block and ventricular dysfunction: the importance of QRS duration over strict morphological criteria; data from the RECOrd-LBBB registry

Abstract Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) has been associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction. LBBB may appear as an ominous sign in the natural course several heart diseases, or may play a causative role in the development of a “dyssynchronopathy” (LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy). LBBB represents an important therapeutic target in heart failure (HF) patients, since cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) aims to restore mechanical synchrony. Over the last 10 years different electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria (by the American Heart Association – AHA, and by Strauss) have been proposed to better identify and select patients suitable for CRT. The real usefulness of these criteria has been recently questioned. Purpose Aims of this single center registry were: 1) to describe the clinical and instrumental (ECG and echocardiographic) features in patients with LBBB hospitalized due to both cardiac and non-cardiac causes in a tertiary university hospital; 2) to identify the prevalence of LV remodeling/dysfunction, and its potential determinants. Methods One hundred eighty-six patients underwent clinical evaluation, 12-lead ECG, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Exclusion criteria were: 1) prior myocardial infarction with extensive anterior necrosis; 2) prior cardiac surgery or transcatheter aortic valve implantation; 3) complex congenital heart diseases; 4) permanent pacing with right ventricular stimulation. Results One hundred and three (55%) were males. Median age was 74.5 (IQR 66–82) years. Arterial hypertension was the most prevalent (65%) cardiovascular risk factor. Twenty-one patients had atrial fibrillation. Median QRS duration was 140 (IQR 140–160) msec, 70% of patients had a LBBB according to the AHA criteria, while 85% was diagnosed as having a “true” LBBB according to Strauss definition. A discordant LBBB was found in 56% of patients. Median LV ejection fraction (EF) was 42%, and LV systolic dysfunction was found in 66% of patients. There was a weak, although statistically significant, inverse correlation between QRS duration (msec) and LVEF (rho −0.23; p=0.0026). There was a significant difference in terms of QRS duration (160 vs 140 msec; p=0.008) between patients with and without LV dysfunction, while LBBB morphological criteria did not differentiate the two groups. QRS duration resulted to be the only independent determinant of LV systolic dysfunction (OR 1.022 [95% CI]=1.022 [1.002–1.042], p=0.029) on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusions In a non-selected cohort of patients with LBBB, the use of strict morphological criteria does not predict the presence of LV dysfunction. QRS duration seems to be the only independent predictor of LV dysfunction. These results emphasize the complex relationship between LBBB and cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

CONCERTO: readout and control electronics

The CONCERTO spectral-imaging instrument was installed at the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) 12-meter telescope in April 2021. It has been designed to look at radiation emitted by ionised carbon atoms, [CII], and use the “intensity Mapping” technique to set the first constraints on the power spectrum of dusty star-forming galaxies. The instrument features two arrays of 2152 pixels constituted of Lumped Element Kinetic Inductance Detectors (LEKID) operated at cryogenic temperatures, cold optics and a fast Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS). To readout and operate the instrument, a newly designed electronic system hosted in five microTCA crates and composed of twelve readout boards and two control boards was designed and commissioned. The architecture and the performances are presented in this paper.

Simulation of grid morphology’s effect on ion optics and the local electric field

Electric field ion optics are employed by many scientific instruments for investigating ions, e.g., using time-of-flight mass spectrometers. A common design feature of such instruments is the grounded grid that provides boundaries between regions that need to have different electric fields. In order to save computer memory, these grids are often modeled by indefinitely thin conducting sheets. This approximation does not include the effects of the grid morphology on the electric field. This paper investigates these grid morphology effects on both the electric field and the trajectories of ions passing through the grids using finite element analysis. The simulations in this paper indicate that a significant amount of the electric potential will leak through a grid’s empty space. The leakage of this field through the grid slows an ion down relative to the speed that it would be assumed to have based on the indefinitely thin sheet model. The ions are then eventually accelerated back to the energy that they would have if the grid were a thin sheet. However, this deceleration and acceleration result in the lengthening of the ion time of flight, independent of the size of the drift region. The deflection of the ions passing through the grid increases with the ion’s proximity to the grid struts, the size of the acceleration region, and the shape of the grid cell. This deflection also results in a small but potentially significant loss of focus and changes in the path length.

Financing of Large Infrastructure Projects: Chinese Experience and Russian Practice

The purpose of this work is to research the problems of financing large infrastructure projects in Russia and abroad (on the example of China) and suggest ways to improve and develop financing in Russia. The tasks of this work are as follows:Consider the theoretical aspects of financing large infrastructure projects.Make a solution of the problem distribution of project risks of infrastructure construction in Russia.Identify the prospects for improving the Russian practice of financing infrastructure projects based on foreign experience.Explore and find the best financing option for major infrastructure projects.Find new features of financial instruments in the Russian financial market that may create new condition for infrastructure projects.In this work methods of scientific knowledge have been used such as induction, deduction, analysis, synthesis, generalization, description. The object of the research was financing of large infrastructure projects. The subject — problems of financing large infrastructure projects in Russia and abroad (on the example of China).

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. A case report

In 19-26% of patients hospitalized with suspected stroke, the cause of neurological symptoms are not cerebrovascular diseases. In this case of newly diagnosed thyrotoxic periodic paralysis we presented the clinical, laboratory and instrumental features of the disease. The search for the cause of periodic paralysis allowed to identify an endocrinological disease - diffuse toxic goiter, prescribe antithyroid therapy. The data of prospective patient observation are presented. We discussed a differential diagnostic range of diseases with acute low paraparesis, including rupture of an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery, bilateral infarction in territory of anterior cerebral arteries, thrombosis of upper sagittal sinus, acute spinal strokes and Guillain - Barre syndrome. The need to include thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in patients with acute lower paraparesis in the differential diagnostic series is substantiated.

Enhancing high-resolution mass spectrometry performance for NPS analysis with improved sensitivity and characterization

The aim of this presentation is to introduce the instrument features on the ZenoTOF 7600 system that provide qualitative flexibility combined with quantitative power for NPS detection and characterization. The presentation will demonstrate that these new technological advancements on the system can be leveraged to provide more confidence in the quantified amounts of drugs and metabolites detected in discarded authentic case samples which is critical when determining the cause of death following an accidental overdose. Drugs and metabolites were extracted from human whole blood using a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) procedure. HPLC separation was performed on an ExionLC system using a Phenomenex Kinetex C18 column Mobile phases were ammonium formate and formic acid in methanol and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min with a total LC runtime of 15.5 minutes. The injection volume was 10 μL. MS and MS/MS data were collected for each sample using Zeno IDA for optimal sensitivity on the ZenoTOF 7600 system. Fragmentation was performed using both collision-induce dissociation (CID) and electron-activated dissociation (EAD) to compare the generated fragment ions. Data acquisition consisted of a TOF MS scan to collect accurate mass precursor ions from 100 to 700 Da, followed by a TOF MS/MS full scan ranging from 25 to 700 Da to ensure all fragments were captured for identification using a maximum of 16 candidate ions. Data was acquired using SCIEX OS software 2.1. The use of a hybrid collision cell (which offers an alternative fragmentation capabilities) in combination with the Zeno trap technology (which improves MS/MS duty cycle) was leveraged for the characterization of structurally related isomeric species present at low levels in discarded postmortem case samples. The depth of information extracted from the unique fragmentation capabilities of electron-activated dissociation (EAD) enabled differentiation of structurally related isomeric species that were not previously discernable using convention collision-induced dissociation (CID). In addition, the improved MS/MS sensitivity resulted in confident identification of potent novel synthetic opioids and metabolites at concentration levels that were not previously achievable. Overall, the use of the ZenoTOF 7600 system provided a means to characterize and monitor low-levels of ultra-potent NSO in poly-drug intake scenarios. These advancements are shown to support the case of combined opioid drug toxicity leading to death, which offers a clearer picture for help in determining the cause of death. A novel fragmentation technique combined with a highly-sensitive QTOF system for the screening and identification of low-level potent NSO and metabolites in discarded postmortem case samples is described. The depth of information extracted from EAD-based MS/MS spectra combined with the improved MS/MS sensitivity were leveraged for characterization of structurally related isomeric species present at low levels. The results demonstrate that the new technological advancements on the ZenoTOF 7600 provide high levels of confidence in the quantified amounts of drugs and metabolites detected in authentic case samples, which is critical when determining the cause of death following an accidental overdose.

Loan portfolio structure: the impact of foreign and Islamic banks

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the role of bank ownership (foreign versus domestic) and the type of service (Islamic versus conventional) on bank lending to large enterprises and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachBased on previous literature, the study proposes that foreign banks lend more to large enterprises and less to SMEs than domestic banks do. It also proposes that Islamic banks lend more to SMEs than conventional banks do. It utilizes unique hand-collected data of Jordanian banks from 2007 to 2018 to carry out its investigation. It applies regression estimation methods and propensity score matching to test its hypotheses.FindingsConsistent with prior empirical evidence, the findings show that foreign banks lend significantly less (more) to SMEs (large enterprises) than their domestic counterparts. However, the findings indicate that Islamic banks lend significantly less to SMEs than their conventional counterparts. Further analysis shows that Islamic banks operating in Jordan are ultimately owned by foreign investors hence their incentives to adopt full features of Islamic financial instruments are confounded by their incentives to utilize transaction lending technologies which in turn attenuates the expected positive impact of Islamic banking services on SMEs finance.Originality/valueThis research provides novel evidence on the impact of Islamic banks on SMEs finance as the results suggest that the success of Islamic finance in bridging the gap of SMEs finance is conditional on embracing its full features.

ПРАВОВІ ІНСТРУМЕНТИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ СТРАТЕГІЧНИХ НАПРЯМІВ РОЗВИТКУ СИСТЕМИ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ МІСТА: МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ТА ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКИЙ РІВНІ

The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of legal instruments for the implementation of strategic directions of the city’s environmental security system based on the separation of relevant blocks of international and European levels, including certain activities and facilities that are formed in the context of globalization and social transformation. An analysis of the basic sources of Environmental law and Urban law, which allowed to identify the main legal urbanenvironmental and modern environmental-urban instruments, respectively. A close coherence of urban provisions in modern strategic programs of European Environmental law has been established. At the same time, the saturation of environmental standards of the latest European documents and initiatives in the field of urban relations is even more obvious. counteract these negative consequences, but also about these relations. Along with strategic legal instruments for the development of urban environmental security in the form of strategies, declarations, concepts, charters, treaties, agreements, resolutions, commitments, the European Union uses their operational groups — programs, plans, agendas, initiatives, platforms, sections, titles, awards, meetings, forums, conferences. It is argued that international and European experience will be extremely important for Ukraine in the process of restoring the environmental security of cities that have been affected by the military.

Droplet size distribution, atomization mechanism and dynamics of dental aerosols

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining safety in dental operations has challenged health care providers and policy makers. Studies on dental aerosols often focus on bacterial viability or particle size measurements inside dental offices during and after dental procedures, which limits their conclusions to specific cases. Fundamental understanding on atomization mechanism and dynamics of dental aerosols are needed while assessing the risks. Most dental instruments feature a build-in atomizer. Dental aerosols that are produced by ultrasonic or rotary atomization are considered to pose the highest risks. In this work, we aimed to characterize dental aerosols produced by both methods, namely by Mectron PIEZOSURGERY® and KaVo EXPERTtorque™. Droplet size distributions and velocities were measured with a high-speed camera and a rail system. By fitting the data to probability density distributions and using empirical equations to predict droplet sizes, we were able to postulate the main factors that determine droplet sizes. Both dental instruments had wide size distributions including small droplets. Droplet size distribution changed based on operational parameters such as liquid flow rate or air pressure. With a larger fraction of small droplets, rotary atomization poses a higher risk. With the measured velocities reaching up to 5 m s−1, droplets can easily reach the dentist in a few seconds. Small droplets can evaporate completely before reaching the ground and can be suspended in the air for a long time. We suggest that relative humidity in dental offices are adjusted to 50% to prevent fast evaporation while maintaining comfort in the office. This can reduce the risk of disease transmission among patients. We recommend that dentists wear a face shield and N95/FFP2/KN95 masks instead of surgical masks. We believe that this work gives health-care professionals, policy makers and engineers who design dental instruments insights into a safer dental practice.

Measuring Quality of Life in Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia Patients and Informal Carers: A Scoping Review.

To review quality of life (QOL) instruments for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients and informal carers, and their use in QOL and cost-utility analysis (CUA) studies. CLTI is a global health problem with significant morbidity affecting patients and informal carers. QOL is increasingly measured for holistic outcomes assessment and CUA. However, measurement instruments in CLTI are poorly understood. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, COSMIN, PROQOLID, CEA registry, and NHS EED databases were searched for all English language studies up to May 2021. Features of instruments, evidence of measurement property appraisal, and trends in use were assessed. Prospective protocol registration (Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KNG9U ). A total of 146 studies on QOL instruments (n=43), QOL outcomes (n=97), and CUA (n=9) were included. Four disease-specific QOL instruments are available for lower extremity arterial disease (intermittent claudication or CLTI). VascuQoL-25 and VascuQoL-6 have been used in CLTI. There is no CLTI-specific instrument. Of 14 generic instruments, SF-36, EQ-5D-3L, NHP, and WHOQOL-BREF were most common. Studies reporting partial measurement property appraisal favored VascuQoL-25, VascuQoL-6, and SF-36. Feasibility considerations include mode of administration and responder burden. None of 4 available carer-specific instruments have been used in CLTI. Since 1992, the number of QOL studies has increased considerably, but CUA studies are scarce. Informal carers have not been assessed. This review provides a comprehensive reference for QOL measurement in CLTI that helps end-users with instrument selection, use, and interpretation. However, a CLTI-specific instrument is needed. There is an opportunity to benefit society through future CUA studies and evaluation of QOL in informal carers.

Клінічна та лабораторно-інструментальна характеристика мультисистемного запального синдрому в дітей

Purpose - to improve diagnostics and making multisystem inflammatory syndrome diagnosis in children based on the study of the clinical course and determination of laboratory and instrumental features. Materials and methods. 15 cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children who were hospitalized in the Infectious Diseases Boxed Department No.1 of the Vinnytsya Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital in 2021 were analyzed. Results. The most common symptom was fever. Gastrointestinal disorders (53.33%), neurocognitive and vegetative symptoms (86.67%) were also found in children. Arthralgias, myalgias and pains in the lower extremities were in 33.33% of children, respiratory symptoms - in 20.00% of ones. Almost half of the children had skin rashes at physical examination. Scleritis and conjunctivitis was also noted in the quarter children. Leukocytosis was detected in 8 children (53.33%) in the results of blood count. Majority of children had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. D-dimer was increased in all children. 46.67% of children, according to chest ultrasound had fluid in the pleural cavity up to 7-10 mm, signs of interstitial pulmonary edema, increased echo-signals along the axillary line and the consolidation zone in the middle right lung from 3 mm to 6 mm. 60.0% of children had enlarged liver, spleen, fluid in the abdomen and enlarged multiple mesenteric lymph nodes according abdominal ultrasound. Conclusions. The diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome should be made according to the main criteria. It requires differential diagnosis with a number of infectious and systemic diseases. Prolonged fever and neurocognitive symptoms were the most common symptoms in hospitalized patients. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, skin rashes prevailed. Typical laboratory changes were elevated markers of inflammation, evidence of coagulopathy and markers of previous coronavirus infection. Significant features among echosonographic changes were enlargement of parenchymal organs and signs of effusion in the cavities. Child protection from the impact of coronavirus infection should be improved. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors. Keywords: multisystem inflammatory syndrome, MIS-C, SARS-CoV-2, children.

Introducing the June Issue [From the Editor

Welcome to the June 2022 issue of <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine</i> ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">GRSM</i> )! Our theme for this issue is “Building Upon a Legacy of Remote Sensing to Advance Our Future.” Supporting this theme, the 12 features in this issue cover instruments and techniques that build upon the long heritage of societal benefits from remote sensing as well as introduce some new and innovative ideas taking the field in exciting new directions.

Analytic theory of multicavity klystrons

Multicavity Klystron (MCK) is a high power microwave vacuum electronic device used to amplify radio frequency (RF) signals. MCKs have numerous applications, including radar, radio navigation, space communication, television, radio repeaters, and charged particle accelerators. The microwave-generating interactions in klystrons take place mostly in coupled resonant cavities positioned periodically along the electron beam axis. Importantly, there is no electromagnetic coupling between cavities. The cavities are coupled only by the flow of bunched electrons drifting from one cavity to the next. We advance here a Lagrangian field theory of MCKs with the space being represented by a one-dimensional continuum. The theory integrates into it the space-charge effects, including the so-called debunching (electron-to-electron repulsion). The corresponding Euler–Lagrange equations are ordinary differential equations with coefficients varying periodically in the space. Utilizing the system periodicity, we develop the instrumental features of the Floquet theory, including the monodromy matrix and its Floquet multipliers. We use them to derive closed form expressions for a number of physically significant quantities. Those include, in particular, the dispersion relations and the frequency dependent gain foundational to the RF signal amplification. We assume that MCKs operate in the voltage amplification mode associated with the maximal gain.

POS0896 CRYOFIBRINOGEN-ASSOCIATED SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: POSSIBLE CORRELATIONS WITH SCLERODERMA DIGITAL ULCERS AND PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

BackgroundCryofibrinogenemia (CF) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein in the plasma that precipitates when cooled and redissolves at room temperature (1). CF is rarely symptomatic, therefore it is often underestimated. Nevertheless, the cryoprecipitation of native fibrinogen could induce thrombotic occlusion of small and medium sized vessels; as a consequence, this condition could become potentially lethal without the proper treatments. CF is classified into an essential and secondary form. The association of CF with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is described in literature (2-4); however, the role of this phenomenon it is not completely clarified, especially because some clinical aspects could be similar in both conditions.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to analyze the clinical, laboratory, instrumental and therapeutic features of SSc patients with cryofibrinogenemia, with particular attention to the possible prevention strategy and appropriate therapy of SSc digital ulcers.Methods101 SSc patients (M:F 1:13) referring to the SSc Unit-Rheumatology Unit of our University Hospital have been tested both for cryofibrinogen and cryoglobulins from February 2020 to January 2022. Clinical, laboratory, instrumental features and ongoing therapies were collected.ResultsPatients with diffuse cutaneous form, limited cutaneous form, and sine-scleroderma subsets were 20 (19,8%), 79 (78,2%), and 2 (2,0%), respectively. The overall positivity for CF was 69,3%, of which 90,7% as isolated CF and 9,3% in addition to cryoglobulins. No correlation between CF positivity and positivity for rheumatoid factor, Scl-70, CENP B, anti-fibrillarin, anti-U1RNP, anti-Th/To, anti-Ku, anti-MDA5, anti-mitochondrial, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-citrullinated peptide, anti-phospholipids, anti-CORE, and anti-HCV antibodies was observed. An inverse correlation trend between CF positivity and anti-RNAP3 antibodies positivity (OR=0.0577, 95% CI 0.0029-1.1537, p=0.0620) was noted. No significant correlation between CF positivity and interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), history of digital ulcers, and amputation was recorded; however, considering cryocrit sample ≥1%, a correlation between the presence of an estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (ePASP) higher than 30 mmHg and the positivity of CF was obtained (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.01-7.28, p=0.0482). The same association was achieved if we considered patients without endothelin receptor antagonist therapy (n=47) and CF positivity (OR=6.19, 95% CI 1.19-32.2, p=0.0304). Furthermore, no correlation between CF positivity and the presence of digital ulcers at the moment of the blood sampling was verified; however, if we stratified patients according to their ongoing treatments (absence of an endothelin receptor antagonists therapy plus PDE5 inhibitors), a significant correlation between digital ulcers and CF positivity emerged (OR=8.14, 95% CI 1.03-64,5, p=0.0470, n=91).ConclusionOur preliminary results on this issue are extremely interesting as they can open new perspectives on the identification of cryofibrinogen as possible prognostic marker that could be involved in the pathogenesis of scleroderma digital ulcers and PAH. Moreover, therapies which are currently used for the treatment of PAH and the management of digital ulcers, could determine circulating cryofibrinogen disappearance, with possible challenging future impact on SSc therapeutic approaches.

Band-Averaged Response Sensitivity Study of an Imaging Spectrometer for the CLARREO Pathfinder Mission

Prelaunch absolute, SI-traceable radiometric calibration of satellite-based sensors is key to ensuring the utility of imaging spectrometer-based data products. The development of detector-based calibration techniques leads to the feasibility of meeting the 0.3% uncertainty level needed to provide climate quality data sets. Detector-based calibration is a method in which a well-understood and stable transfer radiometer is calibrated in a standards laboratory to SI-traceable standards, and transported to a facility calibrating a sensor of interest. The transfer radiometer provides the calibration of the source used in the radiometric calibration. A detector-based calibration approach is part of the prelaunch calibration of the CLARREO (Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory) Pathfinder (CPF) sensor with the Goddard Laser for Absolute Measurement of Radiance (GLAMR) system. The SI-traceability of GLAMR is through the electric watt as part of the absolute radiometric calibration of the detectors at the National Institute of Standards and Technology using the Primary Optical Watt Radiometer. The current work uses GLAMR data collected with a visible and near-infrared imaging spectrometer calibration demonstration system to develop a source/sensor modeled calibration data set as part of a sensitivity study to evaluate uncertainties from the spectral sampling and processing methods that accompany the GLAMR calibration process. The spectral “supersets” include realistic instrumental features as well as effects from the GLAMR source. The methods needed to ensure that spurious sensor and GLAMR data are excluded are described. Results are given from the sensitivity study related to GLAMR spectral sampling and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) effects, sensor integration time, and frame averaging of the imaging spectrometer data. The study shows that the 6 nm bandwidth sensor simulation requires a 1 nm spectral sampling of the GLAMR source with a radiance level that provides an in-band peak SNR &gt; 200 to ensure that climate quality accuracies can be achieved. The results are also used to refine the test plan for the independent calibration for the CLARREO Pathfinder sensor calibration to optimize test time while meeting the required accuracy levels.

Features of the cardiovascular system in newborns, carrying out the cerebral ischemia

Aim. To identify the features of the function of the cardiovascular system in newborns with cerebral ischemia (CI) of hypoxic origin.&#x0D; Materials and methods. In the neurological department of the children's hospital in 64 newborns coming from maternity hospitals with CI, a clinical and instrumental examination confirmed the diagnosis of CI of hypoxic origin after excluding structural damage to cardiomyocytes, infectious, traumatic and dysmetabolic causes of its occurrence; 12.2% of children were diagnosed with CI of easy degree, 81.2% CI of moderate severity; the control group consisted of 24 healthy full-term children, comparable in age. All patients were examined by a pediatric cardiologist with an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiographic ultrasound screening assessment of the heart (ECHO-CG), Holter electrocardiogram monitoring, cardiointervalography.&#x0D; Results. In newborns, who underwent CI, there is a higher heart rate, more often there is a single supraventricular extrasystole. Bradycardia with heart rate less than 100 beats/min, sino-atrial block II degree, atrioventricular block II degree were recorded only in newborns after CI. According to ECHO-CG data, a hypokinetic type of hemodynamics takes place in newborns with CI. A decrease in cardiac output reflects a narrowing of the adaptive range of its regulation. In every second child with CI, homeostasis is achieved by a sharp overstrain of the autonomic nervous system regulatory systems, which is most likely based on a shift in regulation from the reflex vegetative to the humoral-metabolic type. As the severity of CI progresses, depletion of reserves to support reflex and humoral homeostasis has been established.&#x0D; Conclusion. In connection with the revealed clinical and instrumental features of the cardiovascular system, newborns with CI who came under the supervision of pediatricians at children's clinics, at the age of one month, in addition to a neurological examination, an examination of a pediatric cardiologist with an ECG is shown. If, according to ECG data, heart rhythm and conduction abnormalities, fluctuations in the duration of the QT interval are detected, CI and/or HM-ECG are indicated to determine further observation tactics.

Multidimensional entropy evaluation of non-uniform distribution of assembly features in precision instruments

The non-uniform distribution of assembly features such as form error and stress has a significant influence on the accuracy and stability of precision instruments. Therefore, to improve assembly precision, non-uniformly distributed assembly features must be evaluated in terms of value non-uniformity as well as location non-uniformity. However, the current effective non-uniformity evaluation methods for assembly features only consider the value non-uniformity without considering the influence of the data location. This study proposes a multidimensional entropy evaluation method (MDEEM) and establishes multidimensional entropy evaluation indexes (MDEEIs) to evaluate the non-uniformity of assembly features in a plane region considering both their value and location. First, the mathematical model and MDEEIs for non-uniform data in a one-dimensional (1D) geometric space were developed and verified, wherein the concept of control distance was introduced and the information entropy theory was adopted. Then, the MDEEIs for non-uniform data in a two-dimensional (2D) geometric space were established and verified based on those in the 1D space. Subsequently, the MDEEM was proposed to demonstrate the non-uniformity evaluation process for assembly features in a 2D plane region. Finally, the proposed MDEEM was applied to reveal the distribution characteristics of two types of assembly features that mainly affect the assembly quality, namely form error and stress. This study provides an evaluation method for the non-uniform distribution of various assembly factors in a plane region and aids in the optimization of precision assembly processes.

Quick and Easy Isolation of Immune Cells From Large-Volume Samples

Abstract Large-scale cell isolation is commonly performed in labs and core facilities for cell banking and drug discovery, and as a critical step in cell therapy manufacturing. Current methods can be a significant bottleneck in a lab’s workflow, often requiring a full day for sample processing and cell isolation. To address this need, we have developed two methods: manual column-free isolation using the Easy 250 EasySep™ magnet, and automated cell isolation in a closed system using RoboSep™-C. The Easy 250 magnet allows users to isolate cells from a full leukopak of up to 20 billion cells in under 30 minutes by simply pipetting out their target cells. Negative selection protocols have been optimized to achieve 95.3% T cell, 97.2% CD4+ T cell, 91.9% CD8+ T cell, 99.4% B cell, 96.5% NK cell, and 91.5% monocyte purities. Positive selection protocols obtain 95.4% CD3+ cell, 94.4% CD4+ T cell, 93.9% CD8+ T cell, and 96.2% CD14+ cell purities. RoboSep™-C automates this cell isolation procedure, along with the cell washing steps for sample preparation, in as little as 50 minutes. The instrument features a scale tower, pump and clamp modules to direct fluid through defined paths, and a magnet for separation of labelled cells. The system uses a sterile single-use tubing set that incorporates a cartridge for cell washing and concentration, and a magnet chamber for cell separation. Starting with fresh leukopaks, we obtained 95.9% T cell, 95.8% CD4+ T cell, and 89.6% CD8+ T cell purities following negative selection, and 92.0% CD4+ T cell and 89.5% CD8+ T cell purities following positive selection. These approaches offer efficient and user-friendly cell isolation that allow researchers to scale up their operations, and can be easily integrated upstream of existing workflows.