Hydrophobic coatings obtained from perfluoropolyethers and metal oxides for fouling mitigation on heat transfer surfaces

The scope of this research is to develop hydrophobic coatings for fouling protection on heat transfer metal surfaces. \u3b1-\u3c9 substituted perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) were used for obtaining nano-range fluorinated layers on steel surfaces; static and dynamic contact angle measurements attested the obtainment of hydrophobic surfaces (water contact angle 120\ub0-145\ub0), with a relatively high hysteresis (6-14\ub0). In order to assess the coatings efficiency in fouling mitigation a heat exchanger pilot plant has been built. Mitigation of crystallization fouling was studied by considering the thermodynamic performance of a coated heat exchanger respect to an uncoated one. Results obtained shown a significant increase in heat transfer resistance due to scaling on the uncoated heat exchanger respect to the coated one. Further studies are developing about the possibility to obtain anti-fouling metal oxides coatings; siloxane-TiO2 coatings for metal surfaces have been prepared and surface investigation attested coatings superhydrophobicity (CA>150\ub0) and very low hysteresis (about 1\ub0). Resistance tests in liquid media highlighted very high resistance of this metal oxide coatings to chemical aggressive environments, but low resistance to high temperatures

Anti-inflammatory activity of Echinacea angustifolia fractions separated on the basis of molecular weight

Five fractions of an aqueous extract obtained from the roots of Echinacea angustifolia were separated on the basis of molecular weight. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions has been evaluated in mice using the Croton oil ear test. The fraction with a molecular weight between 30,000 and 100,000 was the most active in inhibiting the oedema; it also reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The activity of this fraction was comparable with that of a raw polysaccharidic extract obtained from E. angustifolia roots by differential solubility. The high-molecular weight polysaccharides are therefore proposed as the anti-inflammatory principles of the plant

Multimessenger Diagnostics of the Engine behind Core-collapse Supernovae

Core-collapse supernova explosions play a wide role in astrophysics by producing compact remnants (neutron stars or black holes) and the synthesis and injection of many heavy elements into their host galaxy. Because they are produced in some of the most extreme conditions in the universe, they can also probe physics in extreme conditions (matter at nuclear densities and extreme temperatures and magnetic fields). To quantify the impact of supernovae on both fundamental physics and our understanding of the universe, we must leverage a broad set of observables of this engine. In this paper, we study a subset of these probes using a suite of one-dimensional, parameterized mixing models: ejecta remnants from supernovae, ultraviolet, optical and infrared light curves, and transient gamma-ray emission. We review the other diagnostics and show how the different probes tie together to provide a more clear picture of the supernova engine. Join us in improving and evolving this document through active community engagement. Instructions are provided at this link: https://github.com/clfryer/MM-SNe. © 2023. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

International collaboration as a tool for diagnosis of patients with inherited thrombocytopenia in the setting of a developing country

Background:\u2002Inherited thrombocytopenias (IT) are heterogeneous genetic disorders which frequently represent a diagnostic challenge. Requirement of highly specialized tests for diagnosis represents a particular problem in resource-limited settings. To overcome this difficulty, we applied a diagnostic algorithm and developed a collaboration program with a specialized international center in order to increase the diagnostic yield in a cohort of patients in Argentina. Methods:\u2002Based on the algorithm, initial evaluation included collection of clinical data, platelet size, blood smear examination and platelet aggregation tests. Confirmatory tests were performed according to diagnostic suspicion, and included platelet glycoprotein expression, immunofluorescence for myosin-9 in granulocytes and platelet thrombospondin-1 and molecular screening of candidate genes. Results:\u2002Thirty-one patients from 14 pedigrees were included, age was 32 (4-72) years, platelet count was 72 (4-147) x10(9) /L. Autosomal dominant inheritance was found in 9 (64%) pedigrees, 10 (71%) had large platelets and 9 (29%) patients presented with syndromic forms. A definitive diagnosis was made in 10 of 14 pedigrees and comprised MYH9-related disease in 4, while classic and monoallelic Bernard-Soulier syndrome, gray platelet syndrome, X-linked thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenia 2 (ANKRD26 mutation) and familial platelet disorder with predisposition to acute myelogenous leukemia were diagnosed in 1 pedigree each. Conclusions:\u2002Adoption of an established diagnostic algorithm and collaboration with an expert referral center proved useful for diagnosis of IT patients in the setting of a developing country. This initiative may serve as a model to develop international networks with the goal of improving diagnosis and care of patients with these rare diseases. \ua9 2012 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Detection of EBV-DNA in serum samples of an immunosuppressed child during a three years follow-up: association of clinical and PCR data with active infection Detecção de EBV-DNA em amostras de soro de criança imunodeprimida durante três anos de seguimento: associação de dados clínicos e de PCR com a infecção ativa

Twenty-four whole blood and serum samples were drawn from an eight year-old heart transplant child during a 36 months follow-up. EBV serology was positive for VCA-IgM and IgG, and negative for EBNA-IgG at the age of five years old when the child presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute infectious mononucleosis. After 14 months, serological parameters were: positive VCA-IgG, EBNA-IgG and negative VCA-IgM. This serological pattern has been maintained since then even during episodes suggestive of EBV reactivation. PCR amplified a specific DNA fragment from the EBV gp220 (detection limit of 100 viral copies). All twenty-four whole blood samples yielded positive results by PCR, while 12 out of 24 serum samples were positive. We aimed at analyzing whether detection of EBV-DNA in serum samples by PCR was associated with overt disease as stated by the need of antiviral treatment and hospitalization. Statistical analysis showed agreement between the two parameters evidenced by the Kappa test (value 0.750; p < 0.001). We concluded that detection of EBV-DNA in serum samples of immunosuppressed patients might be used as a laboratory marker of active EBV disease when a Real-Time PCR or another quantitative method is not available.<br>Vinte e quatro amostras de sangue total e de soro foram colhidas durante seguimento por 36 meses de criança de oito anos de idade, imunodeprimida devido a transplante cardíaco. O paciente apresentou VCA-IgG e IgM positivos e EBNA-IgG negativo aos cinco anos de idade quando foi diagnosticada mononucleose infecciosa. Quatorze meses depois o VCA-IgG e o EBNA-IgG eram positivos e o VCA-IgM negativo. Este padrão sorológico persiste desde aquela época mesmo durante episódios sugestivos de reativação. As amostras de sangue total e de soro foram analisadas pela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) que amplificou fragmento oriundo da gp220 do EBV (detecção de 100 cópias virais). Todas as 24 amostras de sangue total e 12 amostras de soro foram positivas por PCR. Com o objetivo de verificar se a detecção de DNA do EBV em soro estaria associada à reativação da doença, os resultados de PCR foram analisados em relação à necessidade de hospitalização e uso de anti-viral. O teste de Kappa mostrou que existe concordância entre a presença de DNA do EBV em soro e a necessidade de hospitalização e tratamento com anti-virais (valor de 0,750; p < 0,001). Concluímos que a detecção de DNA do EBV em amostras de soro de pacientes imunosuprimidos poderia ser usada como marcador laboratorial de atividade da infecção quando técnicas quantitativas de amplificação não estiverem disponíveis