bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous improvement of the dielectric constant and leakage currents of ZrO2 dielectrics by incorporating a highly valent Ta5+ element
Authors: Park Bo-Eun , Oh Il-Kwon , Park Jong Seo , Seo Seunggi , Thompson David , Kim Hyungjun
Published: September 2018

Ta doping into ZrO2 suppresses the oxygen vacancy formation and changes the crystal structure, leading to simultaneous improvement of dielectric constant and leakage currents.
Butterfly-shaped asymmetric squaraine dimers for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Xiao Qi , Li Yibin , Wu Fei , Han Mengmeng , Xie Meiling , Li Zhen , Zhu Linna , Li Zhong’an
Published: September 2018

Three new butterfly-shaped dimeric squaraines with different connecting bridges and side chains were developed as donor materials in BHJ-OSCs.
Positional isomerism effect of spirobifluorene and terpyridine moieties of “(A)n–D–(A)n” type electron transport materials for long-lived and highly efficient TADF-PhOLEDs
Authors: Bian Mengying , Wang Yuanxun , Guo Xuan , Lv Fang , Chen Zhijian , Duan Lian , Bian Zuqiang , Liu Zhiwei , Geng Hua , Xiao Lixin
Published: September 2018

Positional isomerism of “(A)n–D–(A)n” type electron transport materials which combine spirobifluorene with terpyridine moieties for long-lived and highly efficient TADF-PhOLEDs.
Nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis is attenuated by CDMP-2 through regulating oxidative damage under the hyperosmotic environment
Authors: Jiao Shouguo , Li Jingxiang , Liu Binbin , Yang Ming , Xiu Jiangli , Qu Daokui
Published: September 2018

Disc nucleus pulposus (NP) cell experiences periodic osmolarity alterations during daily activities, which has been proved to affect cell biology in vitro. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 (CDMP-2) on NP cell apoptosis under the hyperosmolarity culture and the potential mechanism. Isolated rat NP cells were cultured in the in situ-osmolarity medium or hyperosmolarity medium for 3 days. CDMP-2 was added into the hyperosmolarity medium to investigate its effects on NP cell apoptosis. Cell apoptosis rate, caspase-3 activity, gene expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3, and protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed to evaluate NP cell apoptosis. Additionally, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were analyzed to investigate the potential role of oxidative damage in this process. In the hyperosmolarity culture, NP cells showed a significantly increased cell apoptosis rate and caspase-3 activity, an up-regulated expression of Bax and caspase-3/cleaved-caspase-3 and a down-regulated expression of Bcl-2. However, CDMP-2 partly inhibited these effects of hyperosmolarity culture on NP cells. Additionally, the hyperosmolarity culture significantly increased ROS content and decreased the total SOD activity compared with the in situ-osmolarity culture, whereas exogenous CDMP-2 partly decreased the ROS content and increased the total SOD activity in the hyperosmolarity culture. In conclusion, CDMP-2 is effective in attenuating hyperosmolarity environment-induced NP cell apoptosis, and this process may be mediated through inhibiting oxidative stress damage. The present study indicates that CDMP-2 may be helpful to retard hyperosmolarity niche-mediated disc degeneration.
Measuring the Wilson depression of sunspots using the divergence-free condition of the magnetic field vector
Authors: Löptien B. , Lagg A. , van Noort M. , Solanki S. K.
Published: September 2018

Context. The Wilson depression is the difference in geometric height of unit continuum optical depth between the sunspot umbra and the quiet Sun. Measuring the Wilson depression is important for understanding the geometry of sunspots. Current methods suffer from systematic effects or need to make assumptions on the geometry of the magnetic field. This leads to large systematic uncertainties of the derived Wilson depressions.

Aims. We aim to develop a robust method for deriving the Wilson depression that only requires the information about the magnetic field that is accessible from spectropolarimetry, and that does not rely on assumptions on the geometry of sunspots or on their magnetic field.

Methods. Our method is based on minimizing the divergence of the magnetic field vector derived from spectropolarimetric observations. We have focused on large spatial scales only in order to reduce the number of free parameters.

Results. We tested the performance of our method using synthetic Hinode data derived from two sunspot simulations. We find that the maximum and the umbral averaged Wilson depression for both spots determined with our method typically lies within 100 km of the true value obtained from the simulations. In addition, we applied the method to Hinode observations of a sunspot. The derived Wilson depression (∼600 km) is consistent with results typically obtained from the Wilson effect. We also find that the Wilson depression obtained from using horizontal force balance gives 110–180 km smaller Wilson depressions than both, what we find and what we deduce directly from the simulations. This suggests that the magnetic pressure and the magnetic curvature force contribute to the Wilson depression by a similar amount.
The development characteristics of the discontinuous leader under the positive switching impulse with low rate of voltage rising
Authors: Xie Yaoheng , Yishi Yue , Ye Huisheng , Yun Liu , Zhong Yongheng , Zhao Xiangeng
Published: September 2018

Discontinuous leader development is the most important discharge process under the application of the switching impulse voltage with the low rate of voltage rising, which is of great significance to study the external insulation characteristics of ultra-high voltage (UHV) large scale air gap. Based on the CMOS high-speed camera, a discharge test with different operating impulse voltage is carried out by constructing a comprehensive observation platform of rod-plate air gap discharge, and a clear discontinuous leader development process picture is captured. Moreover, the leader current, injection charge and leader channel unit length charge, and their characteristics of the change trend are also obtained. Further analysis based on the experimental results shows that the discontinuous leader development under the action of the impulse voltage with low rate of voltage rising has two different laws. Finally, this paper uses the thermodynamic equation, combined with the test results, the channel temperature changes in the discontinuous leader development stagnation stage were calculated. The results show that the leader channel temperature is still greater than 1500 K in the hundreds of microsecond time scales in the leader stagnation stage, and the subsequent leader can continue to develop on the original leader channel.
Concurrent operation of 10 gyrotrons at W7-X experience and improvement opportunities
Authors: Braune H. , Brunner K.J. , Laqua H.P. , Marsen S. , Moseev D. , Noke F. , Purps F. , Schneider N. , Schulz T. , Stange T. , Uhren P. , Wilde F. ,   the W7-X team at IPP, IGVP Stuttgart and KIT Karlsruhe
Published: September 2018

At the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) is the main heating system for steady-state operation and was the only available heating system during the operation phase OP1.2a in 2017. The ECRH, equipped with 10 operational 140 GHz gyrotrons [1], was used for different tasks at W7-X such as wall conditioning, controlled plasma start-up from the neutral gas up to steady state plasma control and different heating scenarios such as X2-mode and O2-mode heating as well as current drive (ECCD). The operational experiences and improvement opportunities of the ECRH plant will be discussed.
Comparative study of two elasto-plastic work-hardening spatial models for concrete
Authors: Lewiński Paweł M. , Zygowska Marta
Published: September 2018

A concept of elasto-plastic, work-hardening constitutive models for the multiaxial behaviour of concrete under short-term loading and the comparison with test results is presented in this paper. Two failure surfaces are utilized: the criterion of Podgórski and the three-parameter surface of Willam and Warnke. Both triaxial failure criteria have been calibrated in terms of different multiaxial strength tests. A non-associated flow rule has been used. The plastic potential function has been assumed in the form of the Drucker-Prager cone with variation of the angle of the cone side surface. In order to cover the plastic hardening behaviour, the equivalent uniaxial stress-strain curve has been adopted. An incremental stress-strain relationship has been formulated. The results of the numerical analysis performed by a direct integration of the constitutive relationships for the biaxial stress regime have been compared with the test data.
A general form of Drucker-Prager type smooth and convex plastic potential. Part 2: Implementation in elastoplastic damaged material
Authors: Kamińska Inez
Published: September 2018

The new potential proposed in [1] is used to modify Concrete Damaged Plasticity [2] model. The formulas for plastic multiplier and elastoplastic stiffness tensor are derived and simple numerical test are performed to confirm validity of the change. Predictions of the modified model and the original model are compared. The comparison shows similar character of the resultant curves, although for some cases a distinct quantitative difference between the models is revealed.
Probabilistic assessment of pile capacity based on CPTu probing including random pile foundation depth
Authors: Wyjadłowski Marek , Bagińska Irena , Reiner Jakub
Published: September 2018

The modern recognition of subsoil with the use of CPTu static probes allows to obtain detailed information necessary for the designing. Registered basic two quantities, i.e. cone resistance qc and friction on the sleeve fs, often become direct data, which allow to estimate bearing capacity of the base and the side surface of the pile. Direct methods use similarity of the pile work and piezo-cone work during the examination. An important design stage is the appropriate development of measurement data prior to the commencement of the procedure of determining the pile bearing capacity. Algorithms generated on the basis of empirical experiments are often applied with the simultaneous use of test loads. The probabilistic approach is also significant, because it enables objective assessment of the reliability level of performed design calculations. This work contains an analysis of the impact on the estimated bearing capacity and reliability of a pile of variable random depth of the pile base. It also includes the determination of probabilities of obtaining the assumed safety index for the designed solution at random foundation depth.
The influence of RCA addition on selected parameters of concrete
Authors: Jaskulski Roman , Supera Marcin , Kubissa Wojciech , Koteš Peter , Brodňan Miroslav
Published: September 2018

The main goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) of an average quality as a 50% replacement for natural coarse aggregate. A total of 26 concrete mixtures were prepared, 13 containing RCA as a 50% of coarse aggregate and the same number of mixes only with natural aggregate (NA). The results show the influence of the RCA incorporation on concretes for the same w/c ratio. Both mechanical and durability parameters of the concretes made with recycled aggregate are worse, and the differences increase for low w/c ratio. Despite the reduction of these parameters in relation to concretes with only NA, both mechanical and durability test results obtained for concrete series with RCA can be described as good.
Non-invasive tests of precast cantilever balcony in OWT-67 system
Authors: Bieranowski Piotr , Knyziak Piotr
Published: September 2018

This article presents a non-invasive tests report of precast cantilever balcony support in OWT-67 large-panel system. During field testing, the balcony's reinforced concrete structure was subjected to radiometric analysis in the context of thermal energy distribution as well as from the point of view of mycology - to the possible presence of spores of domestic fungi. The temperature distribution tests carried out by means of the electromagnetic wave detection in the infrared spectrum clearly confirmed the significant losses of thermal energy caused by the effect of the thermal constructional bridge located in the balcony. Mycological diagnosis was carried out using the rapid test of the Mycometer bacterial meter, which allows fluorimetric evaluation of the presence of the enzyme presence in filamentous fungi. In the conducted study, no spores of the house mushroom were found on the inside surface of the Z-type balcony supporting beam as a place where condensation of water vapor may occur. The summary also presents a design solution that allows to eliminate this physical problem.
Mathematical modeling of groundwaters pressure distribution in the underground structures by cylindrical form zone
Authors: Telichenko Valeriy , Rimshin Vladimir , Eremeev Vladimir , Kurbatov Vladimir
Published: September 2018

A mathematical model is developed for studying the distribution of groundwater pressure and its variation in the zone of underground structures of a cylindrical shape. Based on the created model, the influence of the thickness of the aquifer, the soil porosity, the filtration coefficient, the viscosity coefficient and the piezoelectric conductivity coefficient on the pressure that groundwater exerts on the lower part of the underground structure is investigated. The analysis of the possibility of pushing the structure and breaking the foundation under the influence of pressure caused by groundwater is analyzed. Analytical formulas are obtained for estimating the stresses in the foundation and predicting the possibility of its destruction.
Assessment of shear capacity. Part II: Experimental test
Authors: Włodarczyk Maria
Published: September 2018

Results of experiments carried out on beams with varying shear reinforcement are presented. Depending on the amount of transverse reinforcement different failure modes with different ultimate loads were recorded. The results were compared to theoretical load capacity estimates. Three models for shear capacity were used: classical, EC and Zararis described in the accompanying paper [1]. When shear failure mode governs beam behaviour, theoretical results according to the EC and Zararis are in good compatibility with experiments.
Analysis of Changes of Forces and Normal Stress in Extradosed Tendons of the MS-3B Bridge Located on the Ring Road in Ostróda
Authors: Stefanowski Tadeusz , Supeł Piotr , Trochymiak Wojciech
Published: September 2018

The article discusses the analyses of a numerical model of an extradosed bridge built as part of the project called “Construction of S7 expressway connecting Miłomłyn and Olsztynek, together with construction of Ostróda Bypass as a section of national road no. 16.” The constructed facility fits in with the global trends of construction of next generation concrete bridges with tensioned tendons. The bridge is the best in its class in Europe in terms of the length of its main span. It is also one of the first concrete bridges in Poland which have been built using cantilever technology in which the extradosed tendons were stressed during construction process. The article contains, in particular, the selected results of the analyses related to changes of forces and normal stresses in extradosed tendons depending on live loads to which the bridge was exposed during the service phases, while accounting for environmental and rheological as well as passage of time.
Reliability-Oriented Method of Flexible Pavement Management
Authors: Uglova Evgenia , Tiraturyan Artem , Aslanyan Grigory
Published: September 2018

The article dwells on the reliability-oriented method of flexible pavement management. The research revealed the limitation of the existing method in the field of highway condition assessment. The proposed approach was applied using the data obtained during the field tests from the operated sections of the M-4 DON Highway. Within the framework of the study the assessment criteria scale for the condition of flexible pavement designs was developed. The integral indicator of the road safety and the pre-failure condition coefficient was calculated with the subsequent designation of repair measures at the sites. Also, the analysis of the results was carried out on the basis of which a pavement strength failure rate curve was plotted. The results of the study were compared with the results obtained in foreign studies on fatigue fracture research.
Investigations of the regularity of the formation of a dip over the mine
Authors: Dolzhikov Peter , Prokopov Albert , Prokopova Marina , Hamidullina Natalya
Published: September 2018

The article presents the results of physical simulation of the formation of a dip over the mine workings. For this purpose, similarity criteria are substantiated and an experimental stand is developed. On samples of quaternary loam and clay it is proved that the velocity of the motion of the dip depends nonlinearly on the moisture content and exponentially damps in time.
Analysis of stability of railway embankment including horizontal forces in light of Eurocode
Authors: Brzeziński Karol , Rybicki Tomasz , Józefiak Kazimierz
Published: September 2018

The subject of this paper is analysis of the influence of horizontal forces estimated on the basis of Eurocode on the stability of an exemplary railway embankment located in the horizontal curve. The work begins with an overview of the methods for determining the earthworks stability. The methods are presented along with a reference to the recommendations contained in Eurocode 7. On the basis of the Eurocode, the loads acting on the analyzed embankment are presented together. In addition to the standard vertical interactions (from the rolling stock, the weight of the track structure and ground), the calculations also take into account horizontal forces caused by: wind forces on rolling stock, centrifugal forces and nosing force of the rolling stock as well as thermal stresses in the rails. Next, there are 15 load combinations calculated according to the Eurocode guidelines. At the end of the work the values of safety factors of the embankment obtained by shear strength reduction method are presented. The obtained results show a significant influence of horizontal forces calculated on the basis of the Eurocode on the stability of the railway embankment analyzed in the work.
Application of geotextile ropes in slope erosion protection
Authors: Nguyen Giang , Broda Jan , Grzybowska-Pietras Joanna
Published: September 2018

Paper deals with application of geotextile ropes in erosion protection of slope of gravel pit in Nieboczowy, Poland. For protection of the slope the segments formed from thick ropes were applied. The ropes with the diameter of 120 mm were produced by the Kemafil technology. Ropes were made from strips of stitch-bonded nonwoven produced from a mixture of recycled natural and synthetic fibres and strips of wool needle-punched nonwoven. The protected slope had the length of 4 to 6 m, slope inclination from 1:1 to 1:1.8 and total area of approximately 150 m2. It will be shown that installed ropes restrain soil so there is no slope failure in protected section even in case of low soil shear strength parameters and unfavourable hydraulic conditions. Generally slope surface in protected section is without rills and gullies. This case also shows that plants are very good anti-erosion measure. Thanks ropes installed on the slope, favourable conditions for plants growth are created and maintained.
Innovative components of sustainable development in construction
Authors: Lazareva Natalia
Published: September 2018

The innovative vector of accelerating the development of construction organization involves the creation of an effective innovation system. The use of advanced achievements of science and technology at the corporate level, as the determining factor of competition, increases the requirements for the adaptability of the subsystem of scientific and technical support for construction. This subsystem, due to the transformation of scientific and technical projects into innovative ones, should ensure the progressive and sustainable development of the construction organization, its reliability and stability. Between the elements of the system of investment and construction activities there are various and complex flows of labor, material, technical, energy, information and financial resources, which are described by a large number of direct and reverse links. The totality of the scientific and technical projects of the construction organization, which gradually turn into innovative ones, form an internal innovation cluster, and independent small venture companies, from the nearest external environment of the company, form an external innovation cluster. The article suggests a mechanism for activating and stimulating scientific, technical and innovative activities at the corporate level based on the organization of cluster systems by the method of disaggregation.
Deep bed filtration with multiple pore-blocking mechanisms
Authors: Kuzmina Liudmila , Osipov Yuri
Published: September 2018

A one-dimensional model for the deep bed filtration of a monodisperse suspension in a porous medium with variable porosity and permeability and multiple pore-blocking mechanisms is considered. It is assumed that the small pores are clogged by separate particles; pores of medium size, exceeding the diameter of the particles, can be blocked by arched bridges, forming stable structures at the pore throats. These pore-blocking mechanisms - size-exclusion and different types of bridging act simultaneously. Exact solutions are obtained for constant coefficients, on the concentrations front and at the porous medium inlet.
Application of monolithic foam concrete in building envelopes of a cottage, used in conditions of intermittent heating
Authors: Vytchikov Yuri , Saparev Mikhail , Golikov Vladislav
Published: September 2018

The paper focuses upon the peculiarities of application of monolithic foam concrete as a heat-insulating layer in building envelopes of houses used in conditions of intermittent heating. The researchers analyze thermal characteristics, review literature describing the application of foam concrete in construction and demonstrate this material applicability at outer walls insulating, taking buildings and constructions with variable thermal behaviour as an example. The paper outlines main criteria that building envelopes of such structures should meet. To assess the effectiveness of monolithic foam concrete in building envelopes application, the authors carried out thermo-technical calculation of the outer walls, insulated with monolithic foam concrete. The graphs of dependence of multilayer building envelope heating time upon thickness of a heat-insulating layer and upon heat transmission resistance of the construction was obtained on the basis of these calculations. The dependence of specific energy consumption upon the heating time is also given in the paper. The study reveals the optimal range of thickness and density of monolithic foam concrete for insulating outer walls of buildings, used in in conditions of intermittent heating. This calculation also proves that the application of foam concrete as an insulant on the inside of the outer wall makes it possible to reduce the load on the building foundation.
Water permeability of argillite-based ceramic tiles
Authors: Lazareva Yana , Kotlyar Anton , Orlova Marina , Lapunova Kira
Published: September 2018

The article presents the results of experiments to determine the interconnection between water impermeability and water absorption of ceramic tiles obtained on the basis of argillite-like clays that are widespread in the Southern Russia. It is shown that with a decrease in water absorption, the permeability of ceramics is normally reduced. It is found out that with 5% water absorption, a tile can be considered guaranteed waterproof. In this case, the index is independent of the tile thickness. It has been proved that it is possible to reduce the water absorption and increase the bending strength of tiles based on argillite-like clays by finer grinding of raw material or increasing the burning temperature. It is justified that the production of ceramics with high strength and low water absorption makes it possible to produce tiles with a smaller thickness and weight, as well as with lesser probability of biological corrosion.
Analysis of the efficiency of low noise barrier using STERED material
Authors: Zvolenský Peter , Pultznerová Alžbeta , Grenčík Juraj
Published: September 2018

When reducing noise, especially around the so-called corridor railway tracks, but also at the hump yard, the most suitable structure and composition of acoustic barrier materials are searched. It is also issue of the durability and stability parameters of the acoustic properties of the materials used for different climatic conditions. In the paper the experimental verification of the required and the expected acoustic properties of the newly-designed low acoustic barriers exposed to real noise from the hump yard are.
Life Cycle Equivalent Annual Cost (LCEAC) as a Comparative Indicator in the Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Buildings with Different Lifetimes
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta , Zima Krzysztof , Wieczorek Damian
Published: September 2018

The paper deals with the issue of the life cycle cost in the construction. It also focuses on the part of the model for the calculation of the life cycle cost of buildings with consideration of the risk that allows the calculation of the life cycle cost of buildings with different lifetimes. For the construction of this part of the model, the authors used the life cycle equivalent annual cost indicator (LCEAC). The operation of this part of the model was presented on the example of three scenarios of the life cycle of pneumatic sports halls for which the estimated service life of the building (ESLB) was ranged from 19 to 30 years.
Cost minimization of locating construction machinery park with the use of simulation and optimization algorithms
Authors: Anysz Hubert , Zawistowski Jacek
Published: September 2018

Every construction project requires a plan of construction site, where storage areas, temporary roads, social containers, machinery parks etc. are shown. The location of the machinery park on a building site is very important. Cost is the most important factor for both, civil engineering structures and buildings in terms of the machinery movement. The everyday building machinery transport from the park to the working positions is time and cost consuming. Four possible solution of the location of temporary roads, necessary for such transport of the construction machinery, were discussed. Finding the optimum location of machinery park was presented, and case study calculations were made. Two dimension problem simulation has been applied, enhanced by heuristic algorithms to solve the discussed matter.
Towards unusual mechanical properties of tensegrity lattice metamaterial
Authors: Al Sabouni-Zawadzka Anna , Gilewski Wojciech
Published: September 2018

In the present paper a novel cellular metamaterial based on a tensegrity pattern is presented. The material is constructed from supercells, each of which consists of eight 4-strutsimplexmodules. The proposed metamaterial exhibits some unusual properties. It is possible to control its mechanical characteristics by adjusting the level of self-stress or by changing the properties of structural members. A discrete model is introduced to identify the properties of the considered metamaterial and to estimate how the applied self-stress and the characteristics of cables and struts affect the whole structure. The performed analyses is an attempt to the future design of tensegrity lattices which can be recognised as a metamaterial for engineering applications.
Robust design of flash evaporators for must concentration applications in wine production
Authors: Quirante Thomas , Ledoux Yann , Sebastian Patrick
Published: September 2018

In recent years, flash evaporation processes have received an increased attention in the wine industry for must concentration applications. Specific constraints related to the wine industry area had lead to many improvements of flash evaporators initially designed for seawater desalination. In particular the quality of the vintage, the transportability of the system and the environmental impact are of main interest. Moreover, the preliminary design of such systems must also consider robustness criteria. Obviously, variations of temperatures and flow rates of liquids at the inlet of the process can dramatically impact the quality of the product at the system outlet. In particular, deviations from the target values of temperature and alcoholic volume fraction can lead to a severe degradation of the vintage. As it is common in product design to have multiple performance measures, the robust design problem is addressed using a multi-objective approach. A trade-offs is introduced between two main design objectives: (i) the improvement in overall performance (product quality, transportability, environmental impact and costs) and (ii) the lowering of the sensitivity of the product quality under uncertainty. These main objectives are related to several elementary objectives corresponding to design criteria and a preference aggregation method is used to formulate the two different design objectives. Objectives are linked to weighting parameters values equivalent to priority levels. The selection of the most preferred design solution is discussed according to different trade-off strategies. The generation of the Pareto set is addressed by the non dominated sorting genetic algorithm NGSAII. From computing results, our recommendations concern the compromise between performance and robustness of flash evaporators. In this context, the final alcoholic volume fraction of the wine is the most sensitive parameter, which justify to maintain a high value of evaporative capacity when designing this type of system.
CFD simulation of air effect on flow field characteristics of hydro-viscous clutch with constant speed difference
Authors: Zheng Xudong , Xie Fangwei , Wu Diancheng , Guo Xinjian , Zhang Bing , Nguyen Van Xo , Wang Yun
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this paper is to study the air effects on transmission characteristics of hydro-viscous clutch and reveal the distribution law of the flow field of the oil film. The computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) simulation model of oil film with radial oil grooves between friction pairs is taken as the study object. Considering the air effects, the pressure field, two-phase distribution, transmission torque and temperature field of the oil film are analyzed comparatively by using the CFD technology. The results show that the presence of air changes the pressure and temperature distributions of the oil film. With increase of the absolute rotational speed, the air volume fraction increases and the radius value of the air-liquid boundary decreases under condition of constant speed difference, which makes the coverage rate of the oil film on the surface of the friction disks reduce and the transmission torque of the oil film decrease. These simulation results are attributed to the study of hydro-viscous-drive and its applications. This paper also can provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism of power transmission through oil film in the presence of air effects.
Aus dem Gleichgewicht – die Vereinbarkeit von
Lebensbereichen als Herausforderung
Authors: Spieler Ines , Hauser Alexandra
Published: September 2018

Wenn Lebensbereiche aneinander reiben, kostet das wertvolle Ressourcen. Bei der
Definition, Diagnostik und Therapie von Burnout stehen meist individuelle
Faktoren oder die Arbeitsbedingungen im Vordergrund. Jedoch kann auch die
Schnittstelle von Arbeits- und Privatleben durch ständige Neuverhandlung von
Rollen oder die Entgrenzung von Lebensbereichen zur Entstehung von Burnout oder
Erschöpfung beitragen.
Die psychosomatische Sprechstunde im Betrieb – Angebot mit
Konsiliarcharakter
Authors: Rothermund Eva , Hölzer Michael , Wegewitz Uta
Published: September 2018

Durch eine psychosomatische Sprechstunde im Betrieb (PSIB) können Mitarbeiter
früher im Erkrankungsverlauf erreicht werden. Durch die rechtzeitige
Weichenstellung und Begleitung der Beschäftigten kann die Chronifizierung
verhindert werden. Der Beitrag plädiert für die Einbettung der PSIB in das
betriebliche Gesundheitsmanagement und zeigt, wie Vorsorge- und
Früherkennungsangebote für die Gesundheit im Arbeitsalltag genutzt werden
können.
Plötzlicher, unerwarteter Tod bei Epilepsie: Mechanismen und Prävention
Authors: Pensel Max , Surges Rainer
Published: September 2018

SUDEP ist ein Akronym aus dem Englischen (sudden, unexpected death in epilepsy) und benennt den plötzlichen, unerwarteten Tod von Menschen mit Epilepsie. Es handelt sich um eine seltene, aber gravierende Gefahr für Epilepsiepatienten. Im Folgenden soll gezeigt werden, welche Mechanismen und Risikofaktoren eine Rolle spielen und wie das Auftreten von SUDEP verhindert werden kann.
Neuroimaging in Autoimmune and Neuroinflammation-Related Epilepsies
Authors: Altinok Deniz , Kumar Ajay , Saleem Sheena
Published: September 2018

Autoimmune encephalitis is increasingly recognized as a cause of new onset altered mental status and seizures with a wide range of neuroimaging findings. We will describe the neuroimaging findings in autoimmune and neuroinflammation-related epilepsies.
Biomechanical Responses of Neonatal Brachial Plexus to Mechanical Stretch
Authors: Singh Anita , Shaji Shania , Delivoria-Papadopoulos Maria , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the biomechanical responses of neonatal piglet brachial plexus (BP) segments—root/trunk, chord, and nerve at two different rates, 0.01 mm/second (quasistatic) and 10 mm/second (dynamic)—and compared their response to another peripheral nerve (tibial). Comparisons of mechanical responses at two different rates reported a significantly higher maximum load, maximum stress, and Young's modulus (E) values when subjected to dynamic rate. Among various BP segments, maximum stress was significantly higher in the nerve segments, followed by chord and then the root/trunk segments except no differences between chord and root/trunk segments at quasistatic rate. E values exhibited similar behavior except no differences between the chord and root/trunk segments at both rates and no differences between chord and nerve segments at quasistatic rate. No differences were observed in the strain values. When compared with the tibial nerve, only mechanical properties of BP nerves were similar to the tibial nerve. Mechanical stresses and E values reported in BP root/trunk and chord segments were significantly lower than tibial nerve at both rates. When comparing the failure pattern, at quasistatic rate, necking was observed at maximum load, before a complete rupture occurred. At dynamic rate, partial rupture at maximum load, followed by a full rupture, was observed. Occurrence of the rate-dependent failure phenomenon was highest in the root/trunk segments followed by chord and nerve segments. Differences in the maximum stress, E values, and failure pattern of BP segments confirm variability in their anatomical structure and warrant future histological studies to better understand their stretch responses.
Orbital Skull Base Reconstruction with Temporalis Muscle: The Sphenoid Keyhole Technique
Authors: Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Bahrami Arash , Cohn Jason , Kadakia Sameep , Mourad Moustafa , Ducic Yadranko
Published: September 2018

The temporalis flap is a common flap used in head and neck reconstruction. In this article, the authors present a new modification of the use of the temporalis muscle flap for orbital skull base reconstruction with the use of a sphenoid keyhole. This technique confers multiple advantages in reducing the arc of rotation and providing a tension-free reconstruction of the orbital skull base.
Novel Interpositional Vein Grafting for Pedicle Extension of Island Pedicle Flaps
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei , Koshima Isao , Nagamatsu Shogo , Yokota Kazunori , Yamashita Shuji , Harima Mitsunobu , Tashiro Kensuke
Published: September 2018

Background Island pedicle flaps often have the problem of limited reach. In such cases, free flaps are useful for reconstruction but often have the issue of unavailability of suitable recipient vessels. Therefore, it would be helpful if the pedicle of an island flap could be extended as far as necessary.

Methods Here, we describe the use of interpositional vein grafts to extend island pedicle flaps for the reconstruction of an ischemic above-knee amputation stump in one case and to seal an intractable fistula on the buttock after radiation therapy in another case. In the patient with the ischemic stump, a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was extended by 6 cm using the great saphenous vein harvested from the contralateral side, allowing successful coverage of the stump. In the patient with an intractable fistula on the buttock, a thoracodorsal artery and vein graft that was extended by 25 cm using the cephalic vein harvested from the right forearm to upper arm allowed successful sealing of the fistula.

Results Circulation was satisfactory in both cases and both flaps survived. The operative procedure was straightforward.

Conclusion Interpositional vein grafts may be a feasible option for the extension of island pedicle flaps to include the features of an island pedicle flap and a free flap.
Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Pure and Microemulsified Bullfrog Oil in Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Davim André , Dantas Tereza , Pereira Márcia
Published: September 2018

Infectious diseases account for more than a third of all hospital admissions, and are highly prevalent in intensive care units. Currently, sepsis is one of the diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, with death rates reaching up to 60% among intensive care patients, according to statistics from low-income countries. The prominence of multi-resistant microorganisms is rising, while the possibilities of development of new target drugs are being exhausted. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of bullfrog oil in its pure state and in a microemulsion system in an experimental model of sepsis. Mice were separated into three groups and treated with bullfrog oil in its pure state, in a microemulsion, and with saline solution, and subsequently submitted to induction of sepsis. Bronchoalveolar lavages were performed for cell counts, as well as analyses of lung tissue samples. When the washings were analyzed, no statistically significant difference was observed in cell migration between the experimental groups, but a difference was observed between these groups and the saline solution group. When the lung tissue samples were analyzed, intense tissue wear was observed in the bullfrog oil groups, with the presence of cellular infiltrate and rupture of respiratory bronchioles and alveoli. However, in the microemulsion group, no major tissue wear was observed, and the pulmonary parenchyma was more preserved. Thus, we concluded that bullfrog oil in pure form and in a microemulsion system are good modulators of the inflammatory response, with the microemulsion system being more efficient in protecting lung tissue.
Strain Elastography: A Valuable Additional Method to BI-RADS?
Authors: Zhao Xin-Bao , Yao Ji-Yi , Zhou Xin , Hao Shao-Yun , Mu Wen , Li Lu-Jing , Zhong Wen-Jing , Hui Zhi
Published: September 2018

Background Breast lesions classified as BI-RADS-US 3 are probably benign and observation was recommended, while a considerable number of BI-RADS-US 4 lesions were benign, resulting in excessive biopsies. We focus exclusively on BI-RADS-US 3 and 4 lesions and hypothesize that improved diagnostic performance can be achieved by integrating real-time elastography (strain ratio) into the BI-RADS-US classification system.

Method From April 2010 to September 2015, 1071 lesions were included in the final analysis. After the conventional ultrasound examination, the BI-RADS-US (2013) classification was used to evaluate the lesions. Then the strain ratios were calculated, and the final diagnosis was made on the basis of histological results. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were calculated and the AUCs were compared. Additionally, an analysis of the diagnostic performance expressed by the pretest and posttest probability of disease (POD) was performed in BI-RADS-US 3 and 4A lesions.

Results With the cutoff point of 2.98, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the strain ratio method were 86.9 %, 86.6 % and 82.6 %, respectively. In BI-RADS-US 3 lesions, a suspicious strain ratio significantly modified the POD from 1.3 % to a posttest POD of 29.8 %. In BI-RADS-US 4A lesions, a suspicious strain ratio significantly modified the POD from 8.5 % to a posttest POD of 48.7 %.

Conclusion Ultrasonographic elastography (strain ratio) yields additional diagnostic information in the evaluation of BI-RADS-US 3 and 4 breast lesions. The strain ratios should be integrated into the BI-RADS-US classification system and into daily practice.
Strategies for improvement of cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyan , Xiao Xiong , Martin Graeme B. , Li Nan , Ling Wenhui , Wang Mingyu , Li Yuemin
Published: September 2018

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a powerful tool that is being applied in a variety of fields as diverse as the cloning and production of transgenic animals, rescue of endangered species and regenerative medicine. However, cloning efficiency is still very low and SCNT embryos generally show poor developmental competency and many abnormalities. The low efficiency is probably due to incomplete reprogramming of the donor nucleus and most of the developmental problems are thought to be caused by epigenetic defects. Applications of SCNT will, therefore, depend on improvements in the efficiency of production of healthy clones. This review has summarised the progress and strategies that have been used to make improvements in various animal species, especially over the period 2010–2017, including strategies based on histone modification, embryo aggregation and mitochondrial function. There has been considerable investiagation into the mechanisms that underpin each strategy, helping us better understand the nature of genomic reprogramming and nucleus–cytoplasm interactions.
Assessing genetic potential of elite interspecific and intraspecific advanced lentil lines for agronomic traits and their reaction to rust (
Authors: Kumari Madhu , Mittal Raj Kumar , Chahota Rakesh Kumar , Thakur Kalpna , Lata Swaran , Gupta Dorin
Published: September 2018

The narrow genetic base of lentil (Lens culinaris) has challenged the efforts of breeders to increase its productivity under changing environmental conditions. Inclusion of wild species and diverse cultivated genotypes offers an opportunity to generate new variation through wide hybridisation to broaden the genetic base of cultivated lentil. We evaluated 96 elite, interspecific (L. culinaris × L. orientalis) and intraspecific advanced lentil genotypes along with four checks to determine the extent of genetic variation, resistance to lentil rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae), and the nature and magnitude of their genetic divergence. Sufficient genetic variability was revealed for all of the traits. High heritability and genetic advance were recorded for number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant and biomass per plant. A positive correlation was recorded between grain yield and ten important plant traits. Statistical (D2) and molecular analyses grouped all genotypes into two main clusters and revealed sufficient genetic diversity among advanced lines. Our study showed promising results for creating new variation through wide hybridisation and identified lines L-354 and L-437-1 (rust-resistant) and HPLL-32 (moderately rust-resistant) superior for seed yield and related traits.
Stock delineation of the long-whiskered catfish, Sperata aor (Hamilton 1822), from River Ganga by using morphometrics
Authors: Khan M. Afzal , Nazir Aafaq
Published: September 2018

Long-term isolation of populations and interbreeding can lead to morphometric variations among fish populations. This study was conducted with the objective to delineate stock structure of Sperata aor on the basis of morphometric characters, using truss network of the fish body. In total, 407 S. aor samples were collected from the four sampling locations of the Ganga River, viz. Narora, Kanpur, Varanasi and Bhagalpur. In total, 28 truss distance measurements were created by joining 13 morphometric landmarks on the fish body. MANCOVA showed significant (P<0.001) morphological variance among the sampling locations for the target fish species. Univariate ANOVA showed significant (P<0.001) differences in each of the morphometric measurements among the fish from different sampling locations. Wilk’s lambda test of canonical discriminant function analysis showed significant (P<0.001) differences in morphometric measurements of the fish from all sampling locations. Discriminant function analysis using Jackknife (leave-one-out) cross-validation classification showed 87.5% correct classification of the individuals into their original populations. Mantel test showed an overall good correlation between the genetic and morphometric datasets in the selected fish species. The results of this study can be employed in formulating stock-specific management strategies for S. aor from River Ganga.
Interpreting cognitive decline in the face of cognitive reserve
Authors: Bialystok Ellen , Anderson John A. E. , Grundy John G.
Published: September 2018

Evaluation of the cognitive level of older adults, including decisions about meeting clinical thresholds for dementia, is typically based on behavioral levels of performance. However, individuals with high cognitive reserve will outperform the levels typically associated with their brain structure, providing inaccurate assessments of their status. We define cognitive reserve as the relation between brain integrity and cognitive level, and use the case of bilingualism as a source of cognitive reserve to illustrate how information from only one can distort the interpretation of the individual’s cognitive status.
Joining the club: explaining alliance preferences in the South Caucasus
Authors: Abbasov Namig , Siroky David
Published: September 2018

Foreign policy alliance formation among small states in the aggregate has been extensively examined in the literature, but mass opinion and preferences on alliance formation in these states remains understudied. To address this gap, this article examines individual alliance preferences in two small states in the South Caucasus region: Georgia and Armenia. While most Armenians seem to support Armenian membership in CSTO and most Georgians appear to believe that Georgia should pursue NATO membership, some Armenians and Georgians prefer equal relations with both security alliances. The paper suggests that threat perception influences alliance formation preferences at the individual level and advances three testable pre-registered propositions. First, individuals who perceive Azerbaijan or Turkey as the primary threat to their state tend to support alignment with the Russian-led CSTO. Second, individuals who view the main threat to their state coming from Russia are predisposed to support NATO membership. Finally, individuals who believe that tensions between Russia and the West are detrimental to their country are more inclined to support equal relations with both NATO and CSTO. In general, the evidence is consistent with these conjectures. We conclude with important qualifications and key implications for the study of mass opinion on alliance formation.