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C Falcon

Publications and source records attributed to C Falcon.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Localized states in bistable pattern-forming systems.

We present a unifying description close to a spatial bifurcation of localized states, appearing as large amplitude peaks nucleating over a pattern of lower amplitude. Localized states are pinned over a lattice spontaneously generated by the system itself. We show that the phenomenon is generic and requires only the coexistence of two spatially periodic states. At the onset of the spatial bifurcation, a forced amplitude equation is derived for the critical modes, which accounts for the appearance of localized peaks.

Journal Article↗

Additive noise induces front propagation.

The effect of additive noise on a static front that connects a stable homogeneous state with an also stable but spatially periodic state is studied. Numerical simulations show that noise induces front propagation. The conversion of random fluctuations into direct motion of the front's core is responsible of the propagation; noise prefers to create or remove a bump, because the necessary perturbations to nucleate or destroy a bump are different. From a prototype model with noise, we deduce an adequate equation for the front's core. An analytical expression for the front velocity is deduced, which is in good agreement with numerical simulations.

Journal Article↗

Detection of lupus-like anticoagulants by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a partial thromboplastin as antigen; a comparative study.

Clotting assays allow qualitative rather than quantitative detection of the lupus anticoagulant. We have therefore studied the usefulness of an ELISA using a commercial partial thromboplastin, Throombofax, as antigen; the results obtained on 146 selected patient plasmas were compared to the results of coagulation tests (kaolin clotting time, tissue thromboplastin inhibition test, activated partial thromboplastin time) and of ELISAs using cardiolipin or phosphatidylserine as antigen. While satisfactory agreement was found within the group of coagulation tests or that of ELISAs, only a moderate agreement was obtained between clotting tests and ELISAs, the best being with the partial thromboplastin ELISA using low plasma dilutions. The study further indicates that ELISA techniques cannot entirely replace coagulation tests for the detection of a lupus anticoagulant, even when a partial thromboplastin is used as antigen. On the other hand, coagulation tests are less sensitive than ELISAs for the detection of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Antigens↗

R68070, a combined thromboxane/endoperoxide receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor, inhibits human platelet activation in vitro and in vivo: a comparison with aspirin.

We have investigated the effects of R68070 on platelet function in vitro and in vivo. The drug inhibits U46619-induced aggregation (IC50 = 1.2 x 10(-6) mol/L), blocks serum thromboxane formation (IC50 = 1 x 10(-7) mol/L), and increases serum prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels, indicating that it combines thromboxane receptor blocking and thromboxane synthase inhibiting properties. The thromboxane-dependent aggregation of blood platelets is blocked by R68070, whereas no inhibition of thromboxane independent pathways occurs. A double-blind, randomized, cross-over study was performed on nine volunteers, comparing 400 mg placebo, 400 mg aspirin, and 400 mg R68070. Thromboxane-dependent aggregations were significantly inhibited by R68070 and by aspirin, the latter still having the most pronounced action. However, R68070 was clearly more powerful than aspirin (P less than .0005) in prolonging the bleeding time. Serum TxB2 formation was completely inhibited with both treatments, whereas serum 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 and intralesional 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were inhibited after aspirin and stimulated after R68070. We conclude that R68070 inhibits platelet thromboxane synthase and its thromboxane receptor both in vitro and in vivo; local reorientation of cyclic endoperoxide metabolism toward prostacyclin induces a stronger inhibition of hemostasis than that produced by aspirin.

Aspirin↗

Bull influences on conception percentage and calving date in Angus Hereford, Brahman and Senepol single-sire herds.

Bull breeding soundness parameters, semen characteristics and sexual behavior were evaluated for effects on reproductive performance in single-sire beef herds. A total of 155 cow herds (Angus, 50 herds; Hereford, 40 herds; Brahman, 46 herds; and Senepol, 19 herds) bred to bulls of the same breed were observed for 8 yr. All bulls produced adequate quality semen and had scrotal circumference (SC)>or=30 cm. Reproductive performance was evaluated by the conception rate (CON), conception rate during the first 21 d of the breeding season (21dCON), mean calving date (MCD), and mean calving date of the first half of the herd to calve (HHCD). Correlations were determined between breeding soundness parameters and reproductive performance for all bulls combined, by breed, and by age. The Cp statistic was used to select models for the effects of parameters on CON, 21dCON, MCD and HHCD. Breeding season length and breed had significant effects. The percentages of normal cells, proximal droplets, detached heads and the semen score (motility plus percentage of normal cells) had a significant effect on CON when all bulls were considered. After the effect of season was deleted, the most significant parameter affecting CON in the Brahman was the percentage of detached sperm heads. In the Angus, motility was significantly correlated with all reproductive performance indices. In the Hereford, breeding soundness examination score (BSE) was positively correlated with 21dCON.

Journal Article↗

Platelet aggregation in whole blood--studies with a platelet counting technique--methodological aspects and some applications.

We describe a method for measuring platelet aggregation in whole blood by single platelet counting. The importance of a low stirring speed (100 rpm) to obtain agonist-specific aggregation is stressed. Despite this low stirring speed, the sensitivity to agonists equals that of the turbidometric technique in platelet-rich plasma. The optimal concentration of formaldehyde for fixing the aggregates, the effects of storage times and anticoagulant are studied. Applicability to the study of platelet function inhibitors or of inherited platelet function disorders is illustrated. It is concluded that this technique, used under the appropriate conditions, combines the advantage of measuring platelet aggregation in a more physiologic environment with the advantages of the turbidometric technique such as high sensitivity.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

The platelet insulin receptor: detection, partial characterization, and search for a function.

A direct demonstration and partial characterization of the insulin receptor on human platelets was obtained by immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal antibody against the human insulin receptor. Two subunits were detected, one with a MW of 95 KD, which dose-dependently was phosphorylated upon challenge of the platelets with insulin and another with a MW of 69 KD that does not become phosphorylated. Retention on wheat germ agglutinin indicates that at least part of the receptor protein is glycosylated. In a search for cellular effects provoked by insulin on platelets, no changes could be detected in cAMP formation or degradation, inositol phosphate formation or phosphorylation of proteins other than the receptor itself.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

HLA typing used with cultured amniotic and chorionic villus cells for early prenatal diagnosis or parentage testing without one parent's availability.

Like fetal fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells, cultured chorionic villus cells can also be HLA typed with selected typing sera after preincubation with gamma interferon to promote better antigen expression. A modified procedure now in use would also allow any of these cell types to be tested for the presence or absence of all known HLA A,B,C, and DR antigens with standard preplated typing trays. This procedure was used to confirm that an on-going pregnancy had resulted from the successful in vitro fertilization and implantation of an anonymous donor's ovum and could also be of major use in rape or artificial insemination cases when the identity of the possible father(s) is not known.

Amnion↗

Inhibition of human platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production by melatonin. Correlation with plasma melatonin levels.

Plasma melatonin concentrations and the effect of melatonin on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced aggregation and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) production by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were examined in five normal male volunteers, sampled at 2 hr intervals from 21:30 to 09:30 hr. Peak plasma melatonin concentration was found at 03:30 hr. Inhibition by 10(-6) M melatonin of AA-induced PRP aggregation was observed only in samples taken at 01:30 hr. Assessment of the inhibitory effect of 10(-9)-10(-6) M melatonin on AA-induced TxB2 production indicated that melatonin activity was greater at 01:30 h as compared to late night. Assessed as a global effect, the inhibitory activity of melatonin on PRP TxB2 showed a maximum at 01:30 hr and minimal effects at 03:30 hr, at the time when plasma concentrations of melatonin were highest. These results indicate the existence of a nocturnal variation in sensitivity of human platelets to melatonin, with a peak that precedes the maximum in circulating melatonin levels.

Adult↗