Different Types Of Vessels Research Articles

Robust optimisation of liner shipping network on Yangtze River with considering weather influences

With robust optimisation and considering the weather influences, liner shipping network on Yangtze River is designed. A model optimising shipping network is built based on the attributes of the river to determine the network, the fleet size and the operation frequency. To consider the bad weather, the robust optimisation method is used to evolve the former model to a robust one. A numerical examination is done by taking 12 ports and 28 cities along the river as the nodes. It is shown that only one type of vessel will be used if the weather influences are considered, while when the weather influences are not considered different types of vessels should be used in different river segments. In the robust network, containers may change from waterway to highway and the profit of waterway declines by 30.5%, while the reliability of the transportation in the region along the river increases by 25%.

The Vessel Scheduling Problem in a Liner Shipping Route with Heterogeneous Fleet

Increasing volumes of the international seaborne trade force liner shipping companies to improve efficiency of their operations to remain competitive. Many of liner shipping companies continue increasing size of their vessels, as larger vessels provide lower voyage costs per container due to their economies of scale. Larger vessels also allow liner shipping companies more efficiently share the demand with the alliance partners. Nowadays, many of liner shipping routes are served by vessels of different types (e.g., small, medium, large). However, the key assumption of studies on vessel scheduling, conducted to date, is homogeneous nature of the vessel fleet (i.e., all vessels in the fleet, serving a given liner shipping route, have the same technical characteristics). This study proposes a novel mathematical model for the vessel scheduling problem with heterogeneous fleet. The objective of a mixed integer non-linear model is to minimize the total vessel turnaround cost. Due to high non-linearity of the proposed mathematical model a non-linear optimization solver is used to solve it. Numerical experiments are performed to evaluate efficiency of the proposed solution approach and the novel methodology. Results demonstrate a computational efficiency of the adopted solution approach. Furthermore, vessel schedules are found to be more sensitive to introduction of larger vessels in the fleet as compared to increase in the unit bunker cost.

MTSS -- A Marine Traffic Simulation System and Scenario Studies for a Major Hub Port

Hub ports need to ensure that their navigational networks can fulfill increased demand in marine traffic. They also need to assess the possible impacts of an accident resulting in partial or complete closure of navigation channels. For lack of adequate analytical tools, modeling and simulation are the only means for such studies. To date, however, no adequate simulation tool exists for modeling and simulating the complex traffic at a large-scale hub port. The challenge is to efficiently model the large number of interacting vessels while accurately reflecting the navigational behaviors of various types of vessels whose movements must comply with prevailing protocols in a location- and situation-aware fashion. We present a systematic approach that enables the construction of a marine traffic simulation system called MTSS. MTSS was calibrated based on detailed analysis of historical records obtained from a major hub port, and it was validated by the domain experts. MTSS was used in a capacity study of marine traffic at a hub port that is unique in the scale and complexity of its waterway networks, the intricacies of its traffic patterns, and the required accuracy of the navigational behaviors of different types of vessels. The usefulness of MTSS is further demonstrated by applying it to assess the impacts of partial closure of a waterway under an emergency scenario. For large-scale hub ports, MTSS now opens up new possibilities of realistic scenario studies and disruption management.

Method of assessing the role of short sea shipping in sustainable development of transport

The article presents the analysis of short sea shipping in the context of European sustainable transport. One of the goals of sustainable transport is to shift road freight transport to other modes of transport. Direct comparison of external costs generated in road and sea transport leads to erroneous conclusions. Sea transport is a part of a land-sea transport chain which additionally includes pre-haulage links and transhipment. This article presents a methodology of assessing external costs generated in land-sea transport chains and in alternative road transport. The model is based on actual consumption of fuel by vehicles. It takes into account the specific nature of short sea shipping, the external costs generated in transport nodes, pre-haulage transport and emissions generated by different types of vessels. The model can be applied to evaluate external benefits of infrastructure investment or a new shipping line. It also presents the practical application of the model.

Abstract B21: Tertiary lymphoid organs within pancreatic ductal carcinoma tissue are a favorable prognosticator, being strongly associated with blood vessels not infiltrated by cancer cells

Abstract Purpose: It has been speculated that immune system relates closely to vascular system in cancer stroma, although there has been few studies in human cancers. Host immunity plays critical roles in tumor surveillance. Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are induced in various inflamed tissues including cancers, although it remains poorly characterized how TLOs are affected by cancer invasion and related to vascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and pathobiological characteristics of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDC) with TLOs. Methods: We examined PDCs to investigate the clinicopathological impact of TLOs and their association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells, the cytokine milieu, and tissue characteristics including vascular system. Two cohorts were used, which included consecutive patients (n=308 and 226) who underwent initial surgical resection for PDC in our center between 1990 and 2004, and between 2005 and 2009, respectively. TLOs are organized lymphoid structures similar to lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, although TLOs are not encapsulated and supplied by afferent lymphatics. We defined tumor-associated TLOs as either intratumoral, i.e. a TLO located within the PDC tissue, or peritumoral, i.e. a TLO located outside the PDC tissue and attached to it. Tumor area was detected by microscopic observation and was marked with ink on tissue slides, and then we evaluated the position of TLOs. If a TLO existed on the line of tumor border, it was counted as a peritumoral TLO. There was no patient having PDC without any TLOs and almost all the patients had peritumoral TLOs. Patients were divided into two groups by the presence or absence of intratumoral TLOs for survival and correlation analyses. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression multivariate survival analysis were performed. After immunohistochemistry to detect each immune cells and vessels, quantitative evaluation of tumor-infiltrating immune cells or vessels was carried out. Double or triple immunofluorescence was also performed to detect different types of vessels. Expression of genes related to immune-microenvironment was measured by real-time RT-PCR. Results: There were two different localizations of PDC-associated TLOs, intratumoral and peritumoral. 15.9% (49/308) of PDCs had intratumoral TLOs. A better outcome was observed in patients with intratumoral TLOs, and this was independent of other survival factors. The results were confirmed by our investigation using another cohort. The PDC tissues with intratumoral TLOs showed significantly higher infiltration of CD8+ T, CD4+ T, and CD20+ B cells and lower infiltration of immunosuppressive cells such as FOXP3+ regulatory T cells and CD163+ M2 macrophages, as well as significantly higher expression of Th1- and Th17-related genes. TLOs had a strong association with arterioles, venules, and nerves. These vessels were significantly reduced their numbers and were frequently involved by cancer invasion in PDC tissues without intratumoral TLOs compared to PDC tissues with intratumoral TLOs. The numbers of CD31+ endothelial cells in PDC tissue with intratumoral TLOs were higher than those in PDC tissue without intratumoral TLOs. The PDC tissues with intratumoral TLOs also had significantly frequent capillaries consisting of ERG+VE-cadherin+ endothelial cells covered by alpha-SMA+ pericytes. Conversely, the density of endothelial cells composed of abnormal blood vessels lacking a covering of pericytes was higher in PDC tissue without intratumoral TLOs. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of intratumoral TLOs represents a microenvironment that is less susceptible to cancer invasion, has an active immune reaction, and shows a relatively intact vascular network retained. Citation Format: Nobuyoshi Hiraoka. Tertiary lymphoid organs within pancreatic ductal carcinoma tissue are a favorable prognosticator, being strongly associated with blood vessels not infiltrated by cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Angiogenesis and Vascular Normalization: Bench to Bedside to Biomarkers; Mar 5-8, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B21.

METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STAINING FOR von WILLEBRAND FACTOR IN TISSUES OF UTERO-PLACENTAL AREA AND MYOMETRIUM IN PREGNANCY

Introduction. There are different methods of morphological examination of uterine-placental area (UPA) and myometrium. The most effective of them is biopsy of tissues, taken within cesarean section. Biopsy specimens are applicable for the whole spectrum of modern morphological methods, including immunohistochemical staining. Development of the procedure for von Willebrand factor (vWF) detection in the myometrium of pregnant uterus is very important, as it was never used for these tissues. Aim and objectives. This research was aimed to assess methodologically the prospects and practical value of immunohistochemical staining for vWF in uterine-placental area and myometrium in pregnancy. Material and methods. UPA and myometrial biopsy specimens were taken by own original method. Tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution for 22-24 hours, followed by ethanol dehydration and paraffin embedding. Multiple paraffin sections at the 5 mkm thickness were used for three methods: 1) immunohistochemical vWF staining with an antigen thermal exposure (DAKO); 2) differentiated histochemical fibrin and collagen staining by N.Z.Slinchenko; 3) hematoxylin and eosin staining. Digital images were analyzed with a special computer program ImageJ for histological studies (1.48v, free license, W. Rasband, National Institute of Health, USA, 2015). The evaluation of optical color density (ranging from 0 to 1 ) was based on logarithmic transformations of brightness values (in 0to255 skale). We also calculated the arithmetic mean and its error For optical density (computer program PAST 3.06, free license, O.Hammer, 2015). Results and discussion. Pronounced positive staining for vWF most often was observed in endothelial cells of formed blood vessels. Distribution of vWF staining intensity in endothelial cells is promising for studying endothelial dysfunction in different types of vessels of various localization (myometrium or UPA). The procedure outlined here has shown the ability to identify desquamated endothelial cells in the vascular lumen, whereas precise morphological verification of these cells is usually not impossible due to immediate anoikis processes in them (a type of apoptosis). In histological sections we have detected some groups of cells, forming new blood vessels in myometrial stroma and particularly in UPA. Thus, immunohistochemical staining for vWF in myometrium and UPA allows to estimate not only the angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones), but also vasculogenesis (formation of new blood vessels when there are no pre-existing ones). The study has shown that given method of staining for vWF might reveal intravascular blood clots in myometrium and UPA on early stage of thrombosis, especially under the slow blood flow. Besides, this technique is more precise, compared to classic fibrin tests. There also was interesting finding of vWF UPA fibrinoid. This is to confirm, that immunohistochemical staining for vWF can detect as late, as early phases of UPA fibrynoid formation (even before fibrin formation). The lust is an ultimate condition for fibrinoid changes of uterus walls and for rearrangement of uterine spiral arteries, which are the most favorable for the normal fetus development. Conclusion. Immunohistochemical staining for vWF in utero-placental area and myometrium of pregnant women methodologically allows to evaluate the processes of angiogenesis (restructuring of existing vessels); vasculogenesis (formation of new blood vessels); endothelial dysfunction in different types of blood vessels; the processes of early and late thrombosis; processes of gestational reorganization of spiral arteries and, finally, formation of fibrynoid in uterine-placental area.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CLINICAL VALUE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF VESSELS INTO A TISSUE OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES IN PATIENTS WITH GASTRIC CANCER

Introduction: Features of angiogenesis in regional lymph node (RLN) in patients with gastric cancer are not well understood. The aim of our study is to give morphological characteristics and clinical evaluation of different types of vessels in the tissue of RLN in patients with gastric cancer. Materials and methods : Specimens of RLN without metastases in 32 patients with gastric cancer were investigated. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with CD34 antibodies was performed. Results : It was found that the density of cells expressing CD34 in lymphocytes of LN is correlated with the ПМС in the cortical layer of LN (r = 0.483, p = 0.005), with cell density in LN (r = 0.550, p = 0.01) and with the number of lymphocytes in gastric mucosa (r = 0.576, p = 0.001). The density of cells expressing CD34 in lymphocytes in LN was higher in gastric mucosa with multiple lymphocytes (7.21 + 2.91 and 13,47 + 6.45 respectively in gastric mucosa with single and multiple lymphocytes, p = 0.006). Tin tissues of RLN identified 3 types of vessels having different morphology and clinical significance: capillaries with usual structure, dilated capillaries and atypical vessels. ПМС in cortex layer of LN correlated with the stage of gastric cancer (r = -0,410, p = 0.01) and the number of metastases in RLN (r = -0,440, p = 0.01). ПМС was lower in cases of locally advanced gastric cancer (28.4 + 4.91, 32.5 + 13.32 and 23.79 + 6.193 in microvessels on УЕП , at the stage of T1-2N0M0, T3N0M0 and T2-4N1-2M0, respectively, p1 -3 = 0.02) and in multiple metastases in the RLN (29.8 + 8.51, 25.2 + 5.82 and 22.7 + 6.63 respectively in microvessels on УЕП in the absence of single and multiple metastases, p1 - 3 = 0.001). The presence of multiple atypical vessels was also correlated with the stage of gastric cancer (r = 0,390, p = 0.04) and with 3-year disease-free survival (r = 0,630, p = 0.002). For early stages of gastric cancer it was characterized the absence of abnormal blood vessels in paracortical layer. Whereas in locally advanced gastric cancer atypical vessels were often detected. When there are multiple atypical vessels into a tissue of LN, a decrease of 3-year relapse-free survival from 87% to 42.9% was established (p = 0.03). While when the sinuses in the LN were preserved it was associated with its increase (83.8% and 57.1% for the presence and the absence of sinuses in RLN respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion : these data suggest a close relationship between lymphoproliferative processes in the lymph nodes and in the gastric mucosa with each other and with the processes of angiogenesis. The origin of the abnormal vessels requires further research.

A Multi-method Analysis of the Accessibility of the Izmir Ferry System

This paper reports the results of a multi-method study of the accessibility of the ferry system in service in Izmir, the third largest metropolis in Turkey. Mobility is a precondition for social inclusion and quality of life; starting from this premise, the Izmir Municipality has been developing a strategic plan aimed at improving the physical accessibility of the city, including its urban transit network. Izmir fleet of ferries is composed by a mix of vessels with different characteristics – single hull or multi-hull, passenger ships and car ferries, old and new units. Thus, it is an interesting subject of research. The study was developed through the integration of three methods: (1) unstructured field observation conducted on all the different types of vessels, (2) survey on 233 passengers, and (3) key-informant interviewing to delegates of the service operator and to expert members of associations for persons with disabilities. The study was carried out in the last quarter of 2014, and it is part of a wider study aimed at assessing and improving the usability of short-route ferries for all passengers.

Classical Endothelial Markers Fail to Highlight Bone Marrow Sinusoids in the Marrow of Healthy Patients and Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes

IntroductionThe vascular compartment of bone marrow encompasses a complex network of different types of vessels which serve various functions providing support, nutrient supply, and modes of egress for the developing hematopoietic elements. One of the most abundant vessels in this network is the bone marrow sinusoid, which serves as the site of megakaryopoiesis and exit for mature elements to the bloodstream. Marrow capillaries are surrounded by maturing myeloid precursors. Previous work in mouse models have shown that murine sinusoids specifically express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) and that the bone marrow vasculature is critical for bone marrow engraftment following stem cell transplantation (Hooper et al. Cell Stem Cell. 2009 Mar 6;4(3):263-74). In this study, we sought to further characterize the human bone marrow sinusoid in the context of normal marrow and in marrow from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).MethodsTissue microarrays were constructed from formalin fixed paraffin embedded rapidly decalcified bone marrow biopsies from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (101 cores) and healthy controls (52 cores). Sections were cut and stained with several vascular markers: CD31, CD34, CD105, nestin, and VEGFR3. Sinusoids were morphologically defined as thin-walled, serpiginous and often gaping vessels often containing RBC’s and/or hematopoietic elements; capillaries were defined as round vessels with a visible pericyte layer and a lumen the size of an RBC or less; and arterioles as round vessels with a smooth muscle layer and lumina the size of two RBCs or more. Vessels were evaluated in duplicate on a semi-quantitative scale for extent and intensity of staining.ResultsThe classic vascular markers CD31 and CD34 as well as nestin showed a predominantly capillary pattern of staining, whereas CD105 was predominantly sinusoidal in distribution (Figures 1 and 2). Capillaries showed significantly stronger staining for CD31 (χ2 = 126.9, p<0.0001), CD34 (χ2 = 112.1, p<0.0001), and nestin (χ2 = 193.5, p<0.0001) than sinusoids. Arterioles showed a similar staining pattern to capillaries. Conversely, sinusoids showed significantly stronger staining for CD105 (χ2 = 134.7, p<0.0001) than capillaries. Of the three capillary-staining markers, nestin was the most specific for capillaries as compared to sinusoids; we therefore enumerated of CD105+ and nestin+ blood vessels to assess the relative density of these vessel types (Figure 3). Nestin+ vessels are more numerous than CD105+ vessels on average (Mann-Whitney independent samples test, p=0.0029) and the density of the two types of vessels within a given core differed significantly (Wilcoxon test paired samples test, p=0.0004). This was reflected in the weak but statistically significant positive correlation between CD105+ and nestin+ vessel density (Spearman rank correlation co: rho=0.359, p=0.0002). VEGFR3 showed rare weak staining in sinusoids but was predominantly lacking and was negative in arterioles and capillaries. Vascular marker expression patterns in marrow samples from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes were not significantly different than those in healthy controls.ConclusionsCD105 (endoglin) is the most sensitive marker thus for bone marrow sinusoids in intact human bone marrow core biopsies.Different bone marrow vessel types show different expression profiles with sinusoids showing a CD105 (strong), CD31 (weak), CD34(weak), nestin (weak) profile in comparison to capillaries and arterioles, which show a CD105 (weak), CD31 (strong), CD34 (strong), nestin (strong) profile.There is no significant difference in the expression of tested markers on either sinusoids or capillaries in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes as compared to healthy controls. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Hazard Identification and Probablistic Scenario Selection for Shipship Collision Accidents

In collision risk-based design frameworks it is necessary to accurately define and select a set of credible scenarios to be used in the quantitative assessment and management of the collision risk between two ships. Prescriptive solutions and empirical knowledge are commonly used in current maritime industries, but are often insufficient for innovation because they can result in unfavourable design loads and may not address all circumstances of accidents involved. In this study, an innovative method using probabilistic approaches is proposed to identify relevant groups of ship-ship collision accident scenarios that collectively represent all possible scenarios. Ship-ship collision accidents and near-misses recently occurred worldwide are collated for the period of 21 years during 1991 to 2012. Collision scenarios are then described using a set of parameters that are treated individually as random variables and analysed by statistical methods to define the ranges and variability to formulate the probability density distribution for each scenario. As the consideration of all scenarios would not be practical, a sampling technique is applied to select a certain number of prospective collision scenarios. Applied examples for different types of vessels are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the method.

Dynamic model for the economical evaluation of different technical solutions for reducing naval emissions

The new regulations for the prevention of marine pollution are compelling the shipping industry to a change of strategy. This research provides an economical analysis of the short term alternative options for ship owners: to fit exhaust gas cleaning system on board using heavy fuel oil; to burn marine gas oil or to switch from heavy fuel oil to low sulfur fuel entering emissions controlled areas. An economic evaluation model of investments has been developed in order to compare the different solutions. Based on technical data of engines and operative vessel profiles, the model provides possible measurement tools to consider for the investment choice in the defined reference scenario. Different scenarios can be created by modifying investment conditions, environmental regulations and fuel price forecasts. The results of the model application to three real vessels of different types encourage the ship owners to adopt the option of the seawater scrubber.

Mast cells in common wolffish Anarhichas lupus L.: Ontogeny, distribution and association with lymphatic vessels

The morphology, ontogeny and tissue distribution of mast cells were studied in common wolffish (Anarhichas lupus L.) at the larval, juvenile and adult life stages using light and electron-microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Fish were sampled at 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-hatching in addition to 6 and 9 months and 2 years and older. From 8 weeks post-hatching, mast cells in common wolffish mainly appeared as oval or rounded cells 8–15 μm in diameter with an eccentrically placed, ovoid nucleus and filled with cytoplasmic granules up to 1.2 μm in diameter. Granules were refractile and eosinophilic to slightly basophilic in H&E and stained bright red with Martius-scarlet-blue and purple with pinacyanol erythrosinate in formalin-fixed tissues. Mast cells stained positive for piscidin 4 and Fc ɛ RI by immunohistochemistry. From 1 day to 4 weeks post-hatching, immature mast cell containing only a few irregularly sized cytoplasmic granules were observed by light and electron-microscopy in loose connective tissue of cranial areas. From 1 day post-hatching, these cells stained positive for piscidin 4 and Fc ɛ RI by immunohistochemistry. From 12 weeks post-hatching, mast cells showed a primarily perivascular distribution and were particularly closely associated with lymphatic vessels and sinuses. Mast cells were mainly located at the peripheral border of the adventitia of arteries and veins, while they were in intimate contact with the endothelium of the lymphatic vessels. Numerous mast cells were observed in the intestine. A stratum compactum, as described in salmonids, was not observed in wolffish intestine, nor were mast cells confined to a separate layer, a stratum granulosum. Lymphatic vessels consisting of endothelium, intimal connective tissue and a poorly developed basal lamina were observed in the intestine. Scanning electron microscopy was used to compare the structure and localization of intestinal mast cells of common wolffish and rainbow trout. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed endothelial surface features and confirmed the existence of three distinctly different types of vessels in the wolffish intestine. Rainbow trout mast cell granules appeared as intact globular structures while empty vacuoles were observed in common wolffish. Mast cells were closely associated with lymphatic vessels in common wolffish, but not in rainbow trout.

Levosimendan and its metabolite OR-1896 elicit KATP channel-dependent dilation in resistance arteries in vivo

BackgroundLevosimendan and its long-lived metabolite OR-1896 produce vasodilation in different types of vessels by activating ATP-sensitive (KATP) and other potassium channels. MethodsIn the present study we applied intravital videomicroscopy to investigate the in situ effects of levosimendan and OR-1896 on the diameters of real resistance arterioles (rat cremaster muscle arterioles with diameters of ~ 20μm). ResultsLevosimendan and OR-1896 induced concentration-dependent (1nM – 100μM) dilations to similar extents in these arterioles (maximal dilation from 23±2 to 33±2μm and from 22±1 to 32±1μm, respectively). The arteriolar dilations induced by the selective KATP channel opener pinacidil (1nM – 10μM) (maximal dilation from 22±4μm to 35±3μm) were diminished in the presence of the selective KATP channel blocker – glibenclamide (5μM) (maximal diameter attained: 22±1μm). Glibenclamide also counteracted the maximal dilations in response to levosimendan or OR-1896 (to 23±3μm or 22±5μm, respectively). ConclusionsIn conclusion, this is the first demonstration that levosimendan and OR-1896 elicit arteriolar dilation in vivo, via activation of KATP channels in real resistance vessels in the rat.

Automatic reconstruction of the arterial and venous trees on volumetric chest CT

This paper introduces a novel approach to classify pulmonary arteries and veins from volumetric chest computed tomography (CT) images. Although there is known to be a relationship between the alteration of vessel distributions and the progress of various pulmonary diseases, there has been relatively little research on the quantification of pulmonary vessels in vivo due to morphological difficulties. In particular, there have been few efforts to quantify the morphology and distribution of only arteries or veins through automated algorithms despite the clinical importance of such work. In this study, the authors classify different types of vessels by constructing a tree structure from vascular points while minimizing the construction cost using the vascular geometries and features of CT images. First, a vascular point set is extracted from an input volume and the weights of the points are calculated using the intensity, distance from the boundaries, and the Laplacian of the distance field. The tree construction cost is then defined as the summation of edge connection costs depending on the vertex weights. As a solution, the authors can obtain a minimum spanning tree whose branches correspond to different vessels. By cutting the edges in the mediastinal region, branches can be separated. From the root points of each branch, the cut region is regrouped toward the entries of pulmonary vessels in the same framework of the initial tree construction. After merging branches with the same orientation as much as possible, it can be determined manually whether a given vessel is an artery or vein. Our approach can handle with noncontrast CT images as well as vascular contrast enhanced images. For the validation, mathematical virtual phantoms and ten chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) noncontrast volumetric chest CT scans with submillimeter thickness were used. Based on experimental findings, the suggested approach shows 9.18 ± 0.33 (mean ± SD) visual scores for ten datasets, 91% and 98% quantitative accuracies for two cases, a result which is clinically acceptable in terms of classification capability. This automatic classification approach with minimal user interactions may be useful in assessing many pulmonary disease, such as pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease and COPD.

Behçet disease in association with Budd-Chiari syndrome and multiple thrombosis - Case report

Behçet's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology, characterized by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcerations, uveitis, skin lesions and other multisystem affections associated with vasculitis. Different types of vessels, predominantly veins, can be affected in Behçet's disease. The frequency of vascular lesions in Behçet's disease, such as superficial and deep venous thromboses, arterial aneurysms and occlusions, ranges between 7-29%. Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare and serious complication of Behçet's disease and implies thrombosis of the hepatic veins and/or the intrahepatic or suprahepatic inferior vena cava. We report a case of a 25-year-old man with Behçet's disease that developed Budd-Chiari syndrome. The correlation of dermatological, pathological and imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis.

Architecture of the Subendothelial Elastic Fibers of Small Blood Vessels and Variations in Vascular Type and Size

Most blood vessels contain elastin that provides the vessels with the resilience and flexibility necessary to control hemodynamics. Pathophysiological hemodynamic changes affect the remodeling of elastic components, but little is known about their structural properties. The present study was designed to elucidate, in detail, the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of delicate elastic fibers in small vessels, and to reveal their architectural pattern in a rat model. The fine vascular elastic components were observed by a newly developed scanning electron microscopy technique using a formic acid digestion with vascular casts. This method successfully visualized the 3D architecture of elastic fibers in small blood vessels, even arterioles and venules. The subendothelial elastic fibers in such small vessels assemble into a sheet of meshwork running longitudinally, while larger vessels have a higher density of mesh and thicker mesh fibers. The quantitative analysis revealed that arterioles had a wider range of mesh density than venules; the ratio of density to vessel size was higher than that in venules. The new method was useful for evaluating the subendothelial elastic fibers of small vessels and for demonstrating differences in the architecture of different types of vessels.

Mechano‐sensing and transduction by endothelial surface glycocalyx: composition, structure, and function

The endothelial cells (ECs) lining every blood vessel wall are constantly exposed to the mechanical forces generated by blood flow. The EC responses to these hemodynamic forces play a critical role in the homeostasis of the circulatory system. To ensure proper EC mechano-sensing and transduction, there are a variety of mechano-sensors and transducers that have been identified on the EC surface, intra- and trans-EC membrane and within the EC cytoskeleton. Among them, the most recent candidate is the endothelial surface glycocalyx (ESG), which is a matrix-like thin layer covering the luminal surface of the EC. It consists of various proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and plasma proteins, and is close to other prominent EC mechano-sensors and transducers. The ESG thickness was found to be in the order of 0.1-1 µm by different visualization techniques and in different types of vessels. Detailed analysis on the electron microscopy (EM) images of the microvascular ESG revealed a quasi-periodic substructure with the ESG fiber diameter of 10-12 and 20 nm spacing between adjacent fibers. Atomic force microscopy and optical tweezers were applied to investigate the mechanical properties of the ESG on the cultured EC monolayers and in solutions. Enzymatic degradation of specific ESG glycosaminoglycan components was used to directly elucidate the role of the ESG in EC mechano-sensing and transduction by measuring the shear-induced productions of nitric oxide and prostacyclin, two characteristic responses of the ECs to the flow. The unique location, composition, and structure of the ESG determine its role in EC mechano-sensing and transduction.

Endothelial adherens junctions at a glance

Adherens junctions have an important role in the control of vascular permeability. These structures are located at cell-to-cell contacts, mediate cell adhesion and transfer intracellular signals. Adhesion is mediated by cadherins, which interact homophilically in trans and form lateral interactions in cis. VE-cadherin (also known as CDH5 and CD144) is the major component of endothelial adherens junctions and is specific to endothelial cells. Endothelial cells from different types of vessels, such as lymphatic vessels, arteries and veins, show differences in junction composition and organization. Vascular permeability is increased by modifications in the expression and function of adherens junction components. In some cases these defects might be cause of pathology. In this Cell Science at a Glance article, we present the example of the so-called cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), where adherens junctions are dismantled in the vessels contributing to brain microcirculation. This causes the loss of endothelial cell apical-basal polarity and the formation of cavernomas, which are fragile and hemorrhagic. Other diseases are accompanied by persistent alterations of vascular morphology and permeability, such as seen in tumors. It will be important to achieve a better understanding of the relationship between vascular fragility, malformations and junctional integrity in order to develop more effective therapies.

The influence of two morphactins on forming of tissues in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) stem

The influence of two morphactins (IT 3233 and IT 3456) on tissue formation in sunflower stem was studied. The seeds were wetted with water solutions of morphactins in concentrations of 10 ppm and 50 ppm. The stems of the treated plants were thinner and they had less nodes. The diminution of stem thickness took place as a result of the decrease of central cylinder parenchyma cells in size. There also appeared histological changes in the composition of vascular bundles. The diminution of the number of bundles was ascertained together with an increase of their size. Arched intrabundle cambium and xylem exhibited an inclination to partial surrounding of phloem. A considerable increase of the number oftracheal elements was observed. Their diameter was much smaller. Spiral vessels and tracheids arose after treatment with IT 3456 10 ppm. Different types of vessels appeared in the remaining combinations. The disruption and obliteration of many vessels of protoxylem and also disruption of the parenchyma adhesing to them took place.

Estimating the Impacts of Water Depth and New Infrastructures on Transport by Inland Navigation: A Multimodal Approach for the Rhine Corridor

This paper focuses on the impacts of water depth on inland navigation transport, focusing specifically on activity along the Rhine corridor. Using the geographic multimodal transport model NODUS The authors analyze the competitive position of this inland navigation transport versus alternative modes, rail and trucking. The NODUS software uses a variety of algorithms to assign transport traffics between modes and means over the multimodal trans-European network of roads, rails and rivers or canals. This paper describes the three modes’ trans-European networks along with transport demands and costs. They also assess discuss the impact of water level variations and consider the implications for different types of vessels. The impact of climate change over time is assessed and potential impacts up to the year 2050 are modeled. Modeling long-term wet and dry scenarios, the authors conclude that possible climate changes from 2005 to 2050 are not likely to be strong enough to induce any significant shift in modal shares. They suggest, however, that a drier scenario would justify maintaining more small vessels in operation despite any planned improvements in waterway infrastructure.