bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The general procedure of numerical analysis related to a fatigue damage on the cyclically loaded construction
Authors: Lehner Petr , Pařenica Přemysl , Krejsa Martin , Křivý Vít , Brožovský Jiří , Seitl Stanislav , Kala Zdeněk
Published: March 2020

The paper presents a general procedure of numerical analysis of the steel structure in case of cyclic loading. The basic recommendations that can be applied to different details, are discussed. The article shows examples of the truss structure loaded with a crane track, but also applicable to other types of constructions. There are basic ideas of the whole process, which is divided into several parts. The beginning of the process is to determine the influence line from the simplified model of the whole structure. A stochastic estimation of the load effect associated with the load history in combination with the influence line is utilized. The complex 3D FEM model for estimation of residual life of the chosen detail is the main result of the analysis.
Propagation conditions of an eccentric crack in a semi-circular disk loaded in I+II mixed mode
Authors: Malíková Lucie , Miarka Petr , Šimonová Hana
Published: March 2020

Multi-parameter fracture mechanics concept is applied to investigate crack propagation conditions during a three-point bending (3PB) test performed on an asymmetrical semi-circular disk under I+II mixedmode loading. The asymmetry is represented by an eccentricity of the angled crack as well as by different distances of both supports during the 3PB test from the middle of the specimen. The Williams series expansion is used for the crack-tip stress field approximation and fracture response of the crack is assessed by means of the combination of the numerical and analytical solution. Comparison between the individual configurations is carried out and discussion on the importance of the higher-order terms considered in the Williams expansion for various cases of asymmetry is presented.
Numerical model of time-dependent diffusion of chlorides in the concrete based on 2D four-node isoparametric element
Authors: Lehner Petr , Konečný Petr
Published: March 2020

The enhancement of 2D model for the diffusion of chloride ions into reinforced concrete considering the time-dependent diffusion coefficient is discussed in the article. The non-stationary Finite Element Model is based on the four-node isoparametric element. The algorithm is implemented in MatLab compatible environment and an important part of source code is presented. The results of Finite Element Analysis are compared with the results of 2D analytical diffusion model.
New information about practical application of the modified magnetoelastic method
Authors: Klier Tomáš , Míčka Tomáš , Polák Michal , Plachý Tomáš , Hedbávný Milan , Krejčíková Lenka
Published: March 2020

In the technical practice there is very often a need of axial force determination in the important structural elements of a building during its construction or operational state with adequate precision. The magnetoelastic method is one of the five experimental techniques usually used for that purpose in civil engineering practice. The modified magnetoelastic method is especially aimed on experimental evaluation of the axial forces in the prestressed steel reinforcements on prestressed concrete structures and it is usable not only for newly built structures but in particular for existing ones. New information and knowledge about practical application of the new approach based on the magnetoelastic principle is introduced in the paper. The results of three experiments are summarized, which were realized on the full locked cable PV 150 standardly used as a cable stay strand, on the MUKUSOL threadbar 15FS 0000 generally applied as a temporary prestressed reinforcement and on some prestressed tendons of an existing concrete road bridge, which is about thirty years old.
Complementary analyses of concrete characteristics performed on cores taken from concrete pavements
Authors: Frýbort Aleš , Štulířová Jana , Grošek Jiří
Published: March 2020

The basic assessment of cement concrete pavement condition is performed by a visual inspection, when the surface faults which are macroscopically distinguishable are documented. Detailed data on concrete condition require further tests performed on cores. Apart from common standard tests, such as layer thickness, compressive and tensile strength, resistance against water and chemical defrosting agents, other macroscopic and microscopic analyses have become useful. Some of the most important ones include petrographic assessment of aggregates (based on the fraction and type of rocks), quantification of cracks (expressed by e.g. cracking index or damage rating index), analyses of air void characteristics in concrete (expressed by e.g. spacing factor test), indication of type and extent of expansion reactions with the help of chemical reagents that visually mark the affected concrete parts. The information can be complemented and adjusted through a suitable combination of microscopic methods. Prepared thin sections are used to determine types of aggregates including the specification of its harmfulness. In combination with concrete fragments taken at least from three height levels of the core (surface-centre-bottom), differences or conformity of concrete porousness, and level and type of mineralization of pores and cracks created by secondary phases, are determined. The identification of created phases and their correlation with applied aggregates can be used for prediction of potential risks. The paper describes additional test methods that can be performed on cores from concrete structures and that are based on macroscopic and microscopic analyses.
Analysis of the observed rainfall intensities in the territory of the Eastern Slovakia
Authors: Repel Adam , Zeleňáková Martina , Galas Slávka , Hlavatá Helena
Published: March 2020

Climate change has a significant impact on many sectors, including water management. A very important parameter in the designing of water management objects and systems (for example sewers, water retention facilities etc.) is rainfall intensity, which expresses the amount of precipitation per time. In Slovakia, the design values of rainfall intensities from 1973 are still in use. These values are outdated and probably currently unsatisfactory. This paper is focused on analysis of observed rainfall intensities in the territory of Eastern Slovakia. Observed rainfall data of 10 minutes’ rainfall for time period 2000-2018 was compared to design values of rainfall intensities from 1973. The data from two rainfall station Poprad and Košice were considered. In the paper, there are compared observed (measured) and designing rainfall intensities for the duration of rain 10, 30 and 60 minutes.
Protection of the slab-column structures against progressive collapse
Authors: Wieczorek Barbara
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the problem of protection of reinforced concrete slab-column structures against the occurrence of a progressive collapse caused by punching in the support zone. The experimental studies and effects of recorded collapses indicate the necessity to use the appropriate reinforcement type, which will significantly increase the load capacity of the slab-column connection after punching. One of the ways to protect the structure is to use an integrity reinforcement as the most optimal method of strengthening. The contents explain the reasons for the application and description of issues related to this type of reinforcement. The conclusions from the use of this reinforcement based on the results of laboratory tests were presented.
Numerical analysis of the impact of removing a corner column in a continuous slab-column structure in relation to the experimental model
Authors: Wieczorek Miroslaw
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the numerical analysis of the impact of removing a corner column on the behavior of a continuous slab-column structure. The model uses the minimal reinforcement amount compliant with Eurocodes. The basis for numerical modelling was the experimental research of a piece of a slab-column structure with the dimensions of 3.0×3.0 m in column axes. The article includes a detailed description of the assumed conditions of the model support, the method of loading and reading of the results. The paper also compares the obtained results of numerical calculations with experimental results.
Experimental research of the impact of upper reinforcement on the tension membrane action of narrow three-span reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Wieczorek Miroslaw
Published: March 2020

The aim of the paper was to demonstrate the influence of reinforced steel parameters and quantity on the failure mechanism of four three-span models of reinforced concrete strips with the dimensions 7140×500×190 mm. Two models had only bottom reinforcement, while two were reinforced at the bottom and upper sides. The paper contains the description of the experimental stand and models along with the results of experimental tests which were compared with the results of the calculations based on traditional methods.
Verification of the initial setup of experimental device compared to the FEM model
Authors: Kapolka Lukáš , Štulerová Lenka , Kmeť Stanislav
Published: March 2020

This paper compares and verifies the experimental membrane device with the model created in FEM software. At first, the experimental device needs to be properly set up and prepared. This includes settings of all input factors such as the placement of the technical fabric, the pretensioning of the edge ropes, the functionality of the actuators or load cells placed on the anchor rods. The numerical model in FEM software was created to confirm the functionality of the experimental device. Based on the results obtained by simple load cells measurements and the load results in the numerical model, it was confirmed that the behaviour of the experimental device coincided with the assumed behaviour of the membrane structure.
Unified theory of beam bending within flexoelectricity with including piezoelectricity
Authors: Sladek Vladimir , Sladek Jan
Published: March 2020

The behaviour of small size dielectric elastic beams is described within higher-grade theory with including electric polarization. The coupling between strain gradients and polarization is incorporated into the constitutive laws in the form of flexoelectricity, while piezoelectricity is involve in the classical form. Both the governing equations and boundary conditions are derived using variational formulation for electro-elastic continuous media and deformation assumptions employed in three various beam bending theories such as the classical theory (Euler-Bernoulli theory), the 1st order shear deformation theory (Timoshenko theory) and 3rd order shear deformation theory. The unified formulation allows switching between theories with various bending assumptions by a proper selection of two key factors.
Wie zufrieden sind angehende Fachkräfte mit der Anleitung durch erfahrene MTRA?
Authors: Holzweißig Elias , Koch Sebastian
Published: March 2020

Eine deutliche Zunahme an freien Arbeitsplätzen, eine nahezu konstante Anzahl an medizinischen Berufsfachschulen und Ausbildungsplätzen sowie ein kontinuierlicher Bewerberrückgang kennzeichnen den Fachkräftemangel im Berufsfeld der Medizinisch-technischen RadiologieassistentInnen (MTRA). Die Ursache dafür ist bisher unzureichend geklärt. In der vorliegenden Zusammenfassung einer Studie 1, soll die Frage beantwortet werden, wie zufrieden sind die angehenden Fachkräfte mit der Anleitung durch erfahrene MTRA in der Praxis.
Ex vivo konfokale Laserscanmikroskopie – die neue Bedside-Histologie
Authors: Hartmann D.
Published: March 2020

Ex vivo konfokale Laserscanmikroskopie (ex vivo KLM) bietet eine schnelle histopathologische Untersuchung des frisch exzidierten Gewebes mit der Möglichkeit, eine schnittrandkontrollierte Chirurgie (Mohs-Chirurgie) direkt intraoperativ durchzuführen. Die aktuelle Literatur zeigt vielversprechende Ergebnisse insbesondere bei der Beurteilung von Basalzellkarzinomen. Überdies hinaus gibt es zahlreiche Hinweise, dass man diese innovative diagnostische Maßnahme auch bei der Untersuchung anderer nicht melanozytärer und melanozytärer Hautneoplasien sowie für entzündliche und infektiöse Dermatosen einsetzen kann. Dieser Beitrag fasst bisherige Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen zur ex vivo KLM zusammen und bietet eine Übersicht der aktuellen Literatur zu diesem Thema.
Neurofibrome an der kindlichen Hand – Fallbericht und Literaturrecherche
Authors: Biehl C. , Schäfer C. , Heiss C. , Brobeil A. , Dreyer T. , Gattenlöhner S. , Szalay G.
Published: March 2020

Neurofibrome treten im Kindesalter selten vor dem 7. Lebensjahr auf. An der Hand sind sie eine Rarität, insbesondere wenn diese mit Sensibilitätsstörungen und Beeinträchtigung der Greiffunktion einhergehen. Wir berichten über ein bei der Erstvorstellung 9-jähriges Mädchen mit symptomatischem Neurofibrom des dritten und vierten Strahls der rechten Hohlhand.
Paraplegiologie – Wissen und Behandlungsansatz für das Querschnittsyndrom
Authors: Kurze Ines
Published: March 2020

In Deutschland sind jedes Jahr etwa 1800 Menschen neu von einer Querschnittlähmung betroffen. Rund 40 % davon sind Frauen. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über Hintergründe, Klassifikation und Symptome des Querschnittsyndroms und beschreibt ein Behandlungskonzept am Beispiel des Querschnittgelähmten-Zentrums der Klinik für Paraplegiologie und Neuro-Urologie in Bad Berka.
Intraocular Pressure Elevation in Keratoconus with Coexisting Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: How Important is the Method of Measurement?
Authors: Zabek Olga , Panos Georgios D. , Sagri Despoina , Gugleta Konstantin , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Gatzioufas Zisis
Published: March 2020

Objective In this report, we investigated the association between the intraocular pressure (IOP) values by two different measurement methods and the corneal biomechanical properties in a patient with keratoconus and secondary glaucoma due to pseudoexfoliation syndrome who developed a marked elevation of intraocular pressure in the right eye.

Methods IOP was measured over a period of 3 days with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and dynamic contour tonometry (Pascal tonometry, DCT). Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were estimated with the aid of an ocular response analyzer (ORA).

Results CH and CRF were significantly reduced in the right eye compared to the left eye throughout the period of observation (paired t-test, p < 0.001). The difference between both methods of IOP measurement in the right eye was statistically significant for IOP < 30 mmHg by GAT (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.004). For IOP values > 30 mmHg by GAT, there was no statistically significant difference between DCT and GAT (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.0625).

Conclusions This observation supports the clinical hypothesis that a significant decrease in CH translates to a decreased correlation of CH and IOP recordings by GAT and, furthermore, suggests that after a critical point of CH reduction, the impact of CH on GAT may be comparable to that on DCT.
Outcomes of the treatment of trigger digits by extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
Authors: Zyluk Andrzej , Mosiejczuk Hanna
Published: March 2020

Background Currently, extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been widely used in tendinopathies, including trigger fingers.

Purpose The objective of this study was evaluation of effectiveness of ESWT for trigger digits in a short and mid-term follow-up.

Patients and methods Thirty-two patients, 28 women and 4 men, in a mean age of 60 years, with a total of 50 affected digits underwent local extracorporal shock wave treatment. Each patient received 3 applications in a weekly interval. Results were assessed at 1 week and 3 months follow-up, using numeric rank scale for pain and Froimson scale for clinical severity.

Results One-week post-treatment, pain and triggering ceased completely or reduced significantly in 30 patients (94%). At 3 month follow-up, in 30 patients (94%) the symptoms resolved completely and they were considered recovered. Two patients (6%) failed to improve and in these cases the treatment was considered ineffective.

Conclusion ESWT is an effective therapy for trigger digits in II° i III° severity grade and may be an alternative for other, noninvasive measures such as physiotherapy or steroid injection.
Clinical Study of the Lateral Supramalleolar Flap in the Soft Tissue Reconstruction around the Ankle Region
Authors: Nambi G. I. , Varanambigai T. K. Arudra
Published: March 2020

Objective The purpose of this study is to present the efficiency of the lateral supramalleolar flap which is a very useful and yet underutilized in the soft tissue reconstruction of the regions extending from the distal leg, ankle, and foot.

Methods Over a period of 3 years, 20 flaps were used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the region extending from the distal leg, ankle, and foot. The location of the defects, the etiology, possible alternative flaps, outcome, and the complications were studied and presented.

Results The follow-up period of the cases was from 1 month to 18 months after surgery. Seventeen flaps survived and three were lost. All the three lost flaps were those used over the tendocalcaneal region. The lost flaps were later replaced with split skin graft after the wound was debrided and was later covered with granulation tissue.

Conclusion The lateral supramalleolar flap is a very useful flap in the regional soft tissue reconstruction around the ankle except in the tendocalcaneal region.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of Blood Test Parameters in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Boqiu , Huang Youcheng , Yang Rongrong , Yang Liu
Published: March 2020

Objective The present meta-analysis was conducted to identify the diagnostic and prognostic significance of routine blood test parameters in patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), in particular for white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet level, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8) level, fasting blood glucose level, plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, etc.

Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant articles. The potential risk factors were analyzed when patients were divided into groups using different standards.

The meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan software. After screening, data from the 26 papers were used for meta-analysis.

Results Some factors with potential diagnostic and prognostic value, and others with no value, were identified. Specifically, WBC counts had an association with later survival; CRP and platelet levels had limited indicative roles; higher plasma glucose levels were associated with more serious complications and poorer survival; fatal progression was correlated with increased IL-8 and NT-proBNP levels. There was great heterogenicity between studies.

Conclusion Blood factors, especially WBC counts, plasma glucose level, IL-8, and NTproBNP levels are associated with the severity and outcome of HFMD.
The Extent of Periodontal Awareness and Treatment Modalities among Patients from North Malabar Region
Authors: Chandran Anu , Bhandary Rahul , Shenoy Nina , Ramesh Amitha , Thomas Biju
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to explore and understand the patient’s views on their periodontal condition, their attitudes to oral health, awareness of different periodontal treatment modalities as well as oral-systemic disease link with the help of a questionnaire survey. A total of 370 patients comprising of 201 males and 169 females were included in the study. The patients were interviewed on a questionnaire basis. A questionnaire contained 22 questions relating to oral hygiene measures, knowledge and awareness regarding periodontal condition, its various treatment modalities, and the relation between oral and systemic disease. The completed questionnaires were then analyzed statistically to obtain percentage data. The results showed an extreme lack of awareness of the periodontal condition and oral hygiene measures as well as limited knowledge regarding different periodontal treatment modalities. Only 5.6% of the study population were aware of the relationship between oral and systemic disease. Since the level of awareness in this regard is at a bare minimum, there is an urgent need to educate and raise awareness of different treatment modalities available to improve periodontal health among general population groups.
Long-time behavior for a class of extensible beams with nonlocal weak damping and critical nonlinearity
Authors: Zhao Chunxiang , Ma Shan , Zhong Chengkui
Published: March 2020

This paper is devoted to establishing the long-time behavior of extensible beam equation with the nonlocal weak damping on a bounded smooth domain of Rn with hinged (clamped) boundary condition. It proves the well-posedness by means of the monotone operator theory and the existence of a global attractor when the growth exponent of the nonlinearity f(u) is up to the critical case in natural energy space.
Vertically clamped flexible flags in a Poiseuille flow
Authors: Wang Shuai , Ryu Jaeha , Yang Jongmin , Chen Yujia , He Guo-Qiang , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: March 2020

Vertically clamped flexible flags in an oncoming Poiseuille flow were numerically modeled to investigate the hydrodynamic interaction and dynamics of the flexible flags using the immersed boundary method. The number of flags modeled was increased step by step: a single flag, double flags, triple flags, and a large array of multiple flags were modeled. The flexible flags displayed a flapping mode or a fully deflected mode, depending on the relationship between the elastic inner force and the hydrodynamic force. The bending angle (α), flapping amplitude (A), and period (T) of the single flag decreased as the bending rigidity (γ) increased. In the double and triple flag systems, the bending angle of the first flag reached a steady state as the gap distance (d) increased. The gap distance affected the position of the flag relative to the vortical structures. The vortical structures merged and formed a large vortex. Small vortical structures penetrated the large gap to drive flag flapping and force flag bending. In a large array of multiple flags, all flags were present in the fully deflected mode for a small gap distance. As the gap distance increased, the interactions between the flags increased. The flags were significantly influenced by the inlet and exit conditions.
Inherent mechanism of frequency drift affected by constraint conditions for rotary piezoelectric motors
Authors: An Dawei , Huang Weiqing
Published: March 2020

The optimum drive frequency of rotary piezoelectric motors is in the vicinity of the resonance frequency of piezoelectric vibrators. Previous studies reveal that the resonance frequency is inconstant and is drifting with the variation of constraint conditions, of which the solutions generally focused on optimizing the drive circuits and control algorithms, while the working principle and equivalent modeling about frequency drift are still indistinct. By introducing the unknown parameters including stiffness coefficients and loss factors, the equivalent physical models and mathematical derivation are investigated. Based on the measured values of the impedance characteristics, the relationship between the piezoelectric parameters and the varying constrained boundaries is discussed. Then, the introduced parameters are identified and utilized as the input parameters for modifying the traditional finite element method. The numerical results agree well with the measured values and are compared with the traditional calculation, which reveals that the identified parameters and physical models are effective for illustrating the inherent mechanism of frequency drift. In addition, the mathematical equations and numerical simulation are both analyzed for the undamped and damped vibrating system, which demonstrates that the piezoelectric motor is a small damping vibration system and the effect of the loss factor on frequency calculation can be omitted.
Synergy in the organization of near-wall and bulk turbulence structures in viscoelastic turbulent channel flow in the high drag reduction regime
Authors: Kim Kyoungyoun , Sureshkumar Radhakrishna
Published: March 2020

Structures in polymer drag-reduced turbulence have been examined by using a direct numerical simulation of viscoelastic turbulent channel flow for a high drag reduction (HDR) rate of ∼60%. In drag-reduced flow, the length scale of turbulence structures significantly increases, especially in the streamwise direction. Moreover, the outer turbulence structures in the viscoelastic flow differ from those in Newtonian flow. Two-point correlations and conditionally averaged flow fields suggest that in HDR flow, near-wall structures for both upper and lower walls can be organized by an outer-region co-supporting cycle whose wall-normal extent is approximately equal to the height of the whole channel.
Guided vascularization strategy on bioartificial tissue in rat hearts shows interesting results
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: March 2020

Researchers can transiently guide the growth of vessels into bioartificial tissue implanted on a rat heart
Corrigendum to: Wild seedlings of a tree endemic on granite outcrops show no evidence of inbreeding depression
Authors: Bezemer Nicole
Published: March 2020

Plant communities on granite outcrops are characterised by high biodiversity and endemism, and strong population genetic structuring. The floristic diversity and structure of inselberg flora receives much attention in international conservation research, yet our understanding of how recruitment influences population genetic structure of plants endemic to granite outcrops is limited. To determine the immediate genetic consequences of recruitment and to quantify mating and dispersal patterns by parentage analysis, I conducted an opportunistic study following a wildfire in a stand of the lignotuberous tree Eucalyptus caesia Benth. (Myrtaceae) at Boyagin Nature Reserve. The entire adult stand (n=180) plus seedlings (n=115) were genotyped with 14 microsatellite loci. Compared with adults, seedlings had low heterozygosity and a high inbreeding co-efficient, but similar levels of allelic diversity. There was no evidence of post-germination selection against homozygous seedlings over the 20 month survey period. Seedlings that resulted from cross-pollination were more heterozygous than seedlings resulting from selfing, but could not be distinguished based on height measurements or survivorship. Parentage analysis in CERVUS revealed mostly limited seed dispersal, assuming that candidate parents closest to seedlings were the maternal parent. By comparison, pollen movement was more extensive, yet still restricted to plants within the stand. Recruitment has increased the population size, but appears insufficient to enhance genetic diversity in the Boyagin stand of E. caesia. Nonetheless, E. caesia appears adept at persisting as extremely small populations.
Effect of N supply on the carbon economy of barley when accounting for plant size
Authors: Alves Negrini Ana Clarissa , Evans John R. , Kaiser Brent N. , Millar A. Harvey , Kariyawasam Buddhima C. , Atkin Owen K.
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen availability and ontogeny both affect the relative growth rate (RGR) of plants. In this study of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) we determined which growth parameters are affected by nitrate (N) availability, and whether these were confounded by differences in plant size, reflecting differences in growth. Plants were hydroponically grown on six different nitrate (N) concentrations for 28 days, and nine harvests were performed to assess the effect of N on growth parameters. Most growth parameters showed similar patterns of responses to N supply whether compared at common time points or common plant sizes. N had a significant effect on the biomass allocation: increasing N increased leaf mass ratio (LMR) and decreased root mass ratio (RMR). Specific leaf area (SLA) was not significantly affected by N. RGR increased with increasing N supply up to 1 mM, associated with increases in both LMR and net assimilation rate (NAR). Increases in N supply above 1 mM did not increase RGR as increases in LMR were offset by decreases in NAR. The high RGR at suboptimal N supply suggest a higher nitrogen use efficiency (biomass/N supply). The reasons for the homeostasis of growth under suboptimal N levels are discussed.
Circadian control of interferon-sensitive gene expression in murine skin
Authors: Greenberg Elyse Noelani , Marshall Michaela Ellen , Jin Suoqin , Venkatesh Sanan , Dragan Morgan , Tsoi Lam C. , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Nie Qing , Takahashi Joseph S. , Andersen Bogi
Published: March 2020

The circadian clock coordinates a variety of immune responses with signals from the external environment to promote survival. We investigated the potential reciprocal relationship between the circadian clock and skin inflammation. We treated mice topically with the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist imiquimod (IMQ) to activate IFN-sensitive gene (ISG) pathways and induce psoriasiform inflammation. IMQ transiently altered core clock gene expression, an effect mirrored in human patient psoriatic lesions. In mouse skin 1 d after IMQ treatment, ISGs, including the key ISG transcription factor
IFN regulatory factor 7
(
Irf7),
were more highly induced after treatment during the day than the night. Nuclear localization of phosphorylated-IRF7 was most prominently time-of-day dependent in epidermal leukocytes, suggesting that these cell types play an important role in the diurnal ISG response to IMQ. Mice lacking
Bmal1
systemically had exacerbated and arrhythmic ISG
/Irf7
expression after IMQ. Furthermore, daytime-restricted feeding, which affects the phase of the skin circadian clock, reverses the diurnal rhythm of IMQ-induced ISG expression in the skin. These results suggest a role for the circadian clock, driven by BMAL1, as a negative regulator of the ISG response, and highlight the finding that feeding time can modulate the skin immune response. Since the IFN response is essential for the antiviral and antitumor effects of TLR activation, these findings are consistent with the time-of-day–dependent variability in the ability to fight microbial pathogens and tumor initiation and offer support for the use of chronotherapy for their treatment.
Review of graphene modulators from the low to the high figure of merits
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Khan Zia Ullah , Wang Cong , Zhang Han , Sarjoghian Siamak
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the basic physics of modulator are discussed and traditional silicon modulator in the early years is involved as a comparison. Fifty-seven research articles about graphene modulators are reviewed in detail. All the figure of merits including modulation depth, modulation speed, footprint, modulation bandwidth, operation bandwidth, and insertion loss of these modulators are well studied. The challenges and problems for graphene modulators are addressed by analyzing the first twenty-five references while the last thirty-five references of graphene modulators are reviewed to address the higher figure of merits that are still developing. Physics of other 2D materials are also mentioned as a comparison, especially a modulator by black phosphorus. We believe this review will give a good roadmap to develop better graphene modulators that solves the challenges and problems in this field.
Tantalum oxide thin films for electrochemical pH sensor
Authors: Sharma Nancy , Kumar Mukesh , Kumari Neelam , Deep Akash , Goswamy J K , Sharma Amit L
Published: March 2020

Present work demonstrates the fabrication and utilization of tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) thin films as prominent pH sensing electrode material. Ta2O5 film of 1 μm thickness was deposited on glass substrates using physical vapor deposition technique. Structural and morphological studies were performed on these thin films. Electrochemical studies were carried out on these films using amperometry, linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry techniques. These Ta2O5 coated substrates were found to be sensitive to various assorted pH solutions and hence were used as pH sensing electrode. The performance of the electrode was studied in terms of stability, reusability and selectivity. Results reveal that the films were found to be suitable pH sensing material in 1.0–12.0 pH range. The sensing electrodes were found to be reliable and reusable with less than 5 s response time.
Gold nanoparticle modified silicon nanowire array based sensor for low-cost, high sensitivity and selectivity detection of mercury ions
Authors: Huang Zonglin , Chen Shixing , Wang Yuelin , Li Tie
Published: March 2020

Heavy metals are the main factor of water pollution which seriously threaten residents and aquatic life. Here, we demonstrated a mercury ion (Hg2+) sensing device based on gold nanoparticles modified silicon nanowire array for highly sensitive, selective and stable detection of mercury ion. Decorated with gold nanoparticles to increase the number of the thiol groups serving as Hg2+ sensitive probe and improve performance, the silicon nanowire array based sensor had a large response electric signal in detecting low concentration mercury ion. Importantly, the devices exhibits excellent mercury ion sensing attributes in the range of 1 ng/l-10 μg l−1 with a fairly low detection limit of 0.06 pM. With similar accuracy to ICP-MS, we detected a know sample (1 μg l−1) and unknown sample in less than 1 min. Additionally, the low-cost fabricated process and label free analysis in river water sample make it a potential method in inspecting mercury in water quality.
Multicenter validation of a novel medication-regimen complexity scoring tool
Authors: Newsome Andrea Sikora , Smith Susan E , Olney William J , Jones Timothy W
Published: March 2020

Background

The MRC-ICU, a novel regimen complexity scoring tool, provides an objective measure of medication regimen complexity in critically ill patients. The MRC-ICU may have the ability to evaluate the impact of critical care pharmacists on patient outcomes but requires further validation. The objective of this study was to confirm the external validity of the MRC-ICU scoring tool at multiple institutions and intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

Methods

This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study. The electronic medical record was reviewed to collect patient demographics and patient outcomes, and the medication administration record was reviewed to collect MRC-ICU scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and ICU discharge. Validation was performed by assessing convergent and divergent validity of the score. Spearman rank-order correlation was used to determine correlation.

Results

A total of 230 patients were evaluated across both centers in both medical ICUs and surgical ICUs. Differences between the original center and the new site included that total number of orders (29 vs 126; P < 0.001) and total number of medication orders (17 vs 36; P < 0.001) were higher at the new site, whereas the original site had higher overall MRC-ICU scores (14 vs 11; P = 0.004). The MRC-ICU showed appropriate convergent validity with number of orders and medication orders (all P < 0.001) and appropriate divergent validity with no significant correlation found between age, weight, or gender (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

External validity of the MRC-ICU has been confirmed through evaluation at an external site and in the surgical ICU population. The MRC-ICU scoring tool requires prospective evaluation to provide objective data regarding optimal pharmacist use.
The Things They Carry: Diphyllobothriasis at Sea, a Case Report
Authors: Reilly David F
Published: March 2020

Diphyllobothrium, also known as the “Broad Tapeworm” or “Fish Tapeworm,” is a genus of Cestoda acquired through the consumption of undercooked fish. Although infection by a Diphyllobothrium spp. in the United States is rare, it remains an important global zoonosis, with an estimated burden of approximately 20 million people worldwide. A seldom on the Primary Care Physician’s differential diagnosis in the United States, Diphyllobothrium spp. should be considered more readily when treating operational service members as they are exposed to endemic regions more frequently than the civilian population. This case presents one such service member diagnosed with Diphyllobothrium while aboard a U.S. naval vessel at sea, illustrating the importance of military medical providers considering Tapeworm infection even when risk factors seem remote. Diagnostic considerations, practical limitations of the Ova and Parasite (O&P) exam, particulars of specimen collection and handling, and recommendations for empiric treatment in the operational setting will be reviewed.
MR-guided focused ultrasound increases antibody delivery to nonenhancing high-grade glioma
Authors: Brighi Caterina , Reid Lee , White Alison L , Genovesi Laura A , Kojic Marija , Millar Amanda , Bruce Zara , Day Bryan W , Rose Stephen , Whittaker Andrew K , Puttick Simon
Published: March 2020

Background

High-grade glioma (HGG) remains a recalcitrant clinical problem despite many decades of research. A major challenge in improving prognosis is the inability of current therapeutic strategies to address a clinically significant burden of infiltrating tumor cells that extend beyond the margins of the primary tumor mass. Such cells cannot be surgically excised nor efficiently targeted by radiation therapy. Therapeutic targeting of this tumor cell population is significantly hampered by the presence of an intact blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we performed a preclinical investigation of the efficiency of MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS) to temporarily disrupt the BBB to allow selective delivery of a tumor-targeting antibody to infiltrating tumor.

Methods

Structural MRI, dynamic-contrast enhancement MRI, and histology were used to fully characterize the MR-enhancing properties of a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) orthotopic mouse model of HGG and to develop a reproducible, robust model of nonenhancing HGG. PET–CT imaging techniques were then used to evaluate the efficacy of FUS to increase 89Zr-radiolabeled antibody concentration in nonenhancing HGG regions and adjacent non-targeted tumor tissue.

Results

The PDX mouse model of HGG has a significant tumor burden lying behind an intact BBB. Increased antibody uptake in nonenhancing tumor regions is directly proportional to the FUS-targeted volume. FUS locally increased antibody uptake in FUS-targeted regions of the tumor with an intact BBB, while leaving untargeted regions unaffected.

Conclusions

FUS exposure successfully allowed temporary BBB disruption, localized to specifically targeted, nonenhancing, infiltrating tumor regions and delivery of a systemically administered antibody was significantly increased.
Dancing with the Archive
Authors: O'Malley Evelyn
Published: March 2020

Historically the appearance of twelve men dressed as satyrs, who are introduced as “having danced before the king” in The Winter’s Tale, have assisted with dating Shakespeare’s play in the same year as Ben Jonson’s masque, Oberon, The Fairy Prince (1611). Stone No More, a devised performance created by the author for the Exeter Northcott Theatre, United Kingdom, took this moment of intertextuality as its inspiration, and, working with what is known of the dances, music, and written texts for the two sources, set out to reimagine the progression from chaos to harmony in both works, considering tensions at the boundaries of reconstruction and adaptation. While an emphasis on historical reconstruction in early dance practice can be read alongside narratives of “authenticity” or “original” practices in Shakespeare, the chapter argues that implementing early dance can invigorate Shakespearean adaptations in an alternative context by refiguring fragments and dancing with the archive.
Practical Issues Concerning Epigraphic Work in Tombs and Temples
Authors: Gaber Hanane
Published: March 2020

The recording of texts and scenes is the basis of their study in all monuments. This article focuses on how practical issues of working in tombs and temples determine the choice of epigraphic system and how new technologies help to solve problems in epigraphy, such as copying decoration on columns and atop high walls. This study also presents the problems and, accordingly, the recording methods chosen during epigraphic work in the tombs of Amennakht, Nebenmaat, and Khameteri (TT 218, TT 219, and TT 220) in Deir el-Medina and the complex of Sokar and Nefertem in the temple of Seti I in Abydos. According to this working experience in both monuments, the epigrapher could have the best results when taking into consideration the specific work circumstances of each site; the impact of new technology, whether choosing classic or new tools to record texts and figures; and, if applicable, how epigraphic techniques can be combined.
Palaeographic Interpretation in the Wake of a Logic of Writing-Imagery as Applied to the Formative Phase of Writing in the Pre- and Early Dynastic Periods
Authors: Morenz Ludwig
Published: March 2020

Palaeography was a factor in the history of writing, which appears to be an interaction with many other aspects. When considered in terms of the history of writing, it is clear that the formative phase of Egyptian culture was a remarkable time for the development of writing and also especially for writing-images. By its very nature as a phonographic notation system, writing requires, more than traditional imagery, the formation of a coherent system, therefore, a certain conventionalization, normalization, and standardization of the cultural technique of writing. At the same time, there was a remarkably high degree of tolerance for variation in the Egyptian writing system in several areas (from sign forms to orthography). Furthermore, a close look at palaeography opens insights into the development of media and, sometimes, mentality.
When Ancient Egyptians Copied Egyptian Work
Authors: Bács Tamás A.
Published: March 2020

Repetition or the practice of copying preeminently structured artistic activity in ancient Egypt. Besides its role in training, as a technique of learning to practice an art, and also serving documentary purposes in creating record copies, it served as a conscious artistic strategy in the act of representation. Different modes of the practice coexisted, such as replication or the effort to reproduce perfect replicas, differential reproduction that encouraged variation as well as emulation and could result in transformation, and finally eclectic imitation that characterized “archaism.” What were deemed as appropriate to serve as models for imitation in ancient Egyptian visual culture at any moment depended not only on the particular aesthetic and historical contexts but also on their accessibility, be it physical or archival.
Tolling Bells and Otherworldly Voices
Authors: Dister Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

The early twentieth century saw an explosion in musical works dedicated to Joan of Arc, fueled in part by the saint’s canonization in 1920 and the five-hundred-year anniversary of her martyrdom in 1931. Rising national fervor and French aesthetic battles of the 1930s and 1940s further contributed to French composers’ interest in composing so-called johannique music. As composers attempted to portray the mysterious medieval world Joan inhabited, they developed a coherent sonic backdrop that included tolling bells, otherworldly timbres such as the celesta and ondes Martenot, and references to music of the past (ranging from actual plainchant borrowings to pseudo-folksongs). Most significantly, however, many of these works featured unusual combinations of speaking and singing as a means of portraying the boundaries of the human world and unearthly realms, presumed to heavily overlap in composers’ imaginations of Joan’s medieval world. This essay analyzes how French composers of the early twentieth century—including Paul Paray, Manuel Rosenthal, Maurice Jaubert, and Arthur Honegger—portrayed Joan’s own voice as well as the angelic voices she claimed to hear. Ultimately, these works reveal an early twentieth-century French fascination with an imagined, idealized medieval world populated by saints, angels, demons, and mystical vibrations.
From the Music of the Ainur to the Music of the Voice-over
Authors: Meyer Stephen C.
Published: March 2020

Scholars have long recognized the many ways in which Tolkien based his Lord of the Rings novel on medieval texts such as Beowulf and the Prose Edda. Tolkien borrowed directly from these works, but he also to some extent replicated what he held to be their fundamental worldview. It is in this sense that we may speak of the deep or structural medievalism of Tolkien’s novel. Central to this deep medievalism is the dialectical relationship between history and myth, a dialectic that is framed as a process of (dis)enchantment. This chapter will examine the ways in which this dialectic finds expression in the soundscape for the voice-over prologue to The Fellowship of the Ring and the extent (if any) to which Tolkien’s deep medievalism may pass into the cinematic realm.
Hope against Fate or Fata Morgana? Music and Mythopoiesis in Boorman’s Excalibur
Authors: Clem David
Published: March 2020

This essay examines Excalibur, John Boorman’s 1981 recreation of Arthurian legend, through the lens of music. The chapter argues that the music evokes an intertextual discourse by contextualizing the film within the register of the mythic medieval. On the one hand, the original cues provided by Trevor Jones evoke this register by using semiotic gestures and textures that are commonly associated with filmic tropes. The preexisting music, on the other hand, opens up the film to intertextual discourse with other modern versions of medieval mythologies. A thorough analysis of both yields a broader picture of Boorman’s myth that is helpful in contextualizing the film as a particular manifestation of cultural medievalism in the twentieth century.
“Ramble On”
Authors: Carlos Caitlin Vaughn
Published: March 2020

Although first published in 1954, the cultural impact of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings arguably began in earnest only during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As Terrence Malley explained in 1972, Tolkien’s writings seemed “particularly relevant in our own age of anti-heroes, in this time when we can readily identify with the small and the apparently powerless.” This chapter considers the role of The Lord of the Rings in the music of Led Zeppelin between 1969 and 1971, focusing on three songs that directly reference Tolkien’s works: “The Battle of Evermore,” “Misty Mountain Hop,” and “Ramble On.” By considering previous incarnations of medievalism and romanticism in British history as well as Tolkien’s own participation in antiquarianism and constructions of Britishness, this chapter suggests that Led Zeppelin’s allusions to Tolkien’s literature rely on cultural memory to actively participate in a dialogue of urban criticism and a romanticized vision of rural Britain.