bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in hydrophobic chain length of co-adsorbents to improve dye-sensitized solar cell performance
Authors: da Silva Luciano , Freeman Harold
Published: July 2019

Improving the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with the right choice of the molecular structure of the co-adsorbents.
LuPO4:Yb phosphor with concerted UV and IR thermoluminescent emissions by quantum cutting at high temperatures
Authors: Zeler Justyna , Zych Eugeniusz , Jedoń Joanna
Published: July 2019

Thermoluminescence of LuPO4:0.1%Yb3+ sintered ceramics was investigated and simultaneous infrared 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 and UV-blue (YbCT3+)* → O2− charge transfer emissions of the Yb3+ impurity were observed around 150 °C (423 K) for the first time.
Extent of conjugation in diazonium-derived layers in molecular junction devices determined by experiment and modelling
Authors: Van Dyck Colin , Bergren Adam Johan , Mukundan Vineetha , Fereiro Jerry A. , DiLabio Gino A.
Published: July 2019

This paper shows that molecular layers grown using diazonium chemistry on carbon surfaces have properties indicative of the presence of a variety of structural motifs.
Surface coating effects on the sorption and dissolution of ZnO nanoparticles in soil
Authors: Elhaj Baddar Zeinah , Matocha Chris J. , Unrine Jason M.
Published: July 2019

Soil pH and dissolved organic matter (DOM) content are among the most important factors affecting the bioavailability of Zn and the binding and dissolution of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs).
Continuous separation of cytochrome-c PEGylated conjugates by fast centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Santos João H. P. M. , Ferreira Ana M. , Almeida Mafalda R. , Quinteiro Paula S. G. N. , Dias Ana C. R. V. , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G. , Rangel-Yagui Carlota O. , Ventura Sónia P. M.
Published: July 2019

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) were applied in fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) for the purification of PEGylated cytochrome c conjugates.
Clinical translation of microfluidic sensor devices: focus on calibration and analytical robustness
Authors: Gowers Sally A. N. , Rogers Michelle L. , Booth Marsilea A. , Leong Chi L. , Samper Isabelle C. , Phairatana Tonghathai , Jewell Sharon L. , Pahl Clemens , Strong Anthony J. , Boutelle Martyn G.
Published: July 2019

Modular platform providing the building blocks to translate specialised microfluidics from the laboratory to a clinical environment.
Molecular evolution of peptides by yeast surface display technology
Authors: Linciano Sara , Pluda Stefano , Bacchin Arianna , Angelini Alessandro
Published: July 2019

This review provides a detailed analysis of the diverse genetically encoded peptides that have been evolved by using yeast surface display technology.
Copper relay path through the N-terminus of Wilson disease protein, ATP7B
Authors: Shanmugavel Kumaravel Ponnandai , Wittung-Stafshede Pernilla
Published: July 2019

In human cells, copper (Cu) ions are transported by the cytoplasmic Cu chaperone Atox1 to the Wilson disease protein (ATP7B) in the Golgi for loading of Cu-dependent enzymes. ATP7B is a membrane-spanning protein which, in contrast to non-mammalian homologs, has six cytoplasmic metal-binding domains (MBDs). To address the reason for multiple MBDs, we introduced strategic mutations in which one, two or three MBDs had been blocked for Cu binding via cysteine-to-serine mutations (but all six MBDs are present in all) in a yeast system that probes Cu flow through Atox1 and ATP7B. The results, combined with earlier work, support a mechanistic model in which MBD1-3 forms a regulatory unit of ATP7B Cu transport. Cu delivery via Atox1 to this unit, followed by loading of Cu in MBD3, promotes release of inhibitory interactions. Whereas the Cu site in MBD4 can be mutated without a large effect, an intact Cu site in either MBD5 or MBD6 is required for Cu transport. All MBDs, expressed as single-domain proteins, can replace Atox1 and deliver Cu to full-length ATP7B. However, only MBD6 can deliver Cu to truncated ATP7B where all six MBDs are removed, suggesting a docking role for this structural unit.
Design of nickel donor–acceptor dithiolenes for 2nd order nonlinear optics: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Attar Salahuddin S. , Marchiò Luciano , Pilia Luca , Casula Maria F. , Espa Davide , Serpe Angela , Pizzotti Maddalena , Marinotto Daniele , Deplano Paola
Published: July 2019

This study, concerning the influence on the NLO properties of a remote functionality in the donor of D–Ni–A dithiolenes 1–4, allows to point out the relationship between NLO properties and the donor capability in modulating the low-energy absorption.
Simple carbazole-based hole transporting materials with fused benzene ring substituents for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Al-Zohbi Fatima , Jouane Youssef , Benhattab Safia , Faure-Vincent Jérôme , Tran-Van François , Vedraine Sylvain , Bouclé Johann , Berton Nicolas , Schmaltz Bruno
Published: July 2019

Carbazole-based HTMs with fused benzene rings as substituents show a power conversion efficiency exceeding 17% (13.7% forSpiro-OMeTADunder the same conditions).
Biosynthetic nanobubbles for targeted gene delivery by focused ultrasound
Authors: Tayier Baihetiya , Deng Zhiting , Wang Yu , Wang Wei , Mu Yuming , Yan Fei
Published: July 2019

Cationic biosynthetic nanobubbles combined with ultrasound lead to significantly improved gene transfection efficiency.
Robust hollow nanocomposites with ruthenium–bipyridine complexes for heterogeneous catalysis of logic-controlled RAFT polymerization
Authors: Huang Ya , Zhang Xi Rong , Ye Sunjie , Li Jia Le , Li Xue , Cai Tao
Published: July 2019

Logic-controlled RAFT photopolymerization has become a powerful and eco-friendly toolkit to create well-defined macromolecular buildups while exhibiting composition, sequence and spatiotemporal control.
Light-induced reversible hydrophobization of cationic gold nanoparticles via electrostatic adsorption of a photoacid
Authors: Zhang Hang , Junaid Muhammad , Liu Kai , Ras Robin H. A. , Ikkala Olli
Published: July 2019

Photo-switching between the zwitterionic and anionic forms of a photoacid allows reversible hydrophobization and assembly of cationic gold nanoparticles.
Active nematic–isotropic interfaces in channels
Authors: Coelho Rodrigo C. V. , Araújo Nuno A. M. , Telo da Gama Margarida M.
Published: July 2019

The hydrodynamic behavior of the interface between nematic (N) and isotropic (I) phases of a confined active liquid crystal is investigated using numerical simulations.
Multi-colour electrochromic materials based on polyaromatic esters with low driving voltage
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Xing Xing , Wang Yueyi , Murtaza Imran , He Yaowu , Cameron Joseph , Ahmed Shuja , Skabara Peter J. , Meng Hong
Published: July 2019

Design strategy of polyaromatic esters.
Structural insights into SUMO E1–E2 interactions in Arabidopsis uncovers a distinctive platform for securing SUMO conjugation specificity across evolution
Authors: Liu Bing , Lois L. Maria , Reverter David
Published: July 2019

SUMOylation of proteins involves the concerted action of the E1-activating enzyme, E2-conjugating enzyme and E3-ligases. An essential discrimination step in the SUMOylation pathway corresponds to the initial interaction between E1 ubiquitin-fold domain (UFD) and E2 enzymes. Although E2 orthologs possess high sequence identity, the E2 binding region of the UFD domains has diverged across evolution. Moreover, in reciprocal in vitro conjugation reactions Arabidopsis E1 and E2 SCE1 fail to interact efficiently with cognate human E2 Ubc9 and E1 partners, respectively. To gain more insights into the properties of this interface in evolutionary distant organisms, we solved the crystal structure of SUMO E2 SCE1 and its complex with E1 UFD in Arabidopsis. In addition to a few common structural determinants, the interface between the E1 UFD and E2 in Arabidopsis is distinct compared with human and yeast, in particular by the presence of a longer α-helix in the Arabidopsis UFD domain. Despite the variability of E1 UFD domains in these surfaces, they establish specific interactions with highly conserved surfaces of their cognate E2 enzymes. Functional analysis of the different E2 interface residues between human and Arabidopsis revealed Val37 (Met36 in human), as a determinant that provides specificity in the E1–E2 recognition in plants.
Down-regulation of lncRNA XIST inhibits cell proliferation via regulating miR-744/RING1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Jinglu , Cai Haibo , Dai Zhaoxia , Wang Gang
Published: July 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to be potential factors in promoting tumor progression. However, the function and mechanism of lncRNA XIST in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains poorly understood. The expression levels of lncRNA XIST in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were detected with real-time PCR, and the correlation of the expression level of XIST with histopathological characteristics and prognosis was analyzed. The biological function of lncRNA XIST was validated through assays in vivo and in vitro. The expression of lncRNA XIST was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC tissues. In addition, overexpression of XIST was positively correlated with the advanced clinical status of tumors, as well as poor overall survival and DFS. A tumor suppressive effect was presented via functional knockdown of lncRNA XIST. Up-regulation of XIST enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of NSCLC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, it was indicated that XIST could serve as an endogenous competitive RNA modulating miR-744, leading to the miR-744/RING1 signaling pathway inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation. Taken together, it was confirmed here that XIST overexpression is associated with tumor progression phenotype and the newly discovered XIST/miR-744/RING1 axis, which could serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Numerical simulation of the effective permittivity of low‐density polyethylene composite filled by carbon black
Authors: Azizi Sohrab , David Éric , Fréchette Michel F. , Ouellet‐Plamondon Claudiane M.
Published: July 2019

The effective permittivity of low‐density polyethylene with the conductive carbon black (CB) was modelled by COMSOL. The impact of CB content on the electric properties of the composites with different geometry of the inclusions was investigated. The modelling outcomes evidenced that the simulation was in good agreement with the experiment results at low‐filler concentration. The effect of moisture on the effective permittivity of the composites was also investigated. A thin layer of adsorbed water on the surface of the CB particles was found to significantly increase the conductivity, which is in agreement with experimental results.
Planet formation and stability in polar circumbinary discs
Authors: Cuello Nicolás , Giuppone Cristian A.
Published: July 2019

Context. Dynamical studies suggest that most circumbinary discs (CBDs) should be coplanar (i.e. the rotation vectors of the binary and the disc should be aligned). However, some theoretical works show that under certain conditions a CBD can become polar, which means that its rotation vector is orthogonal with respect to the binary orbital plane. Interestingly, very recent observations show that polar CBDs exist in nature (e.g. HD 98800).

Aims. We test the predictions of CBD alignment around eccentric binaries based on linear theory. In particular, we compare prograde and retrograde CBD configurations. Then, assuming planets form in these systems, we thoroughly characterise the orbital behaviour and stability of misaligned (P-type) particles. This is done for massless and massive particles.

Methods. The evolution of the CBD alignment for various configurations was modelled through three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations. For the orbital characterisation and the analysis stability, we relied on long-term N-body integrations and structure and chaos indicators, such as Δe and MEGNO.

Results. We confirm previous analytical predictions on CBD alignment, but find an unexpected symmetry breaking between prograde and retrograde configurations. More specifically, we observe polar alignment for a retrograde misaligned CBD that was expected to become coplanar with respect to the binary disc plane. Therefore, the likelihood of becoming polar for a highly misaligned CBD is higher than previously thought. Regarding the stability of circumbinary P-type planets (also know as Tatooines), polar orbits are stable over a wide range of binary parameters. In particular, for binary eccentricities below 0.4 the orbits are stable for any value of the binary mass ratio. In the absence of gas, planets with masses below 10−5 M⊙ have negligible effects on the binary orbit. Finally, we suggest that mildly eccentric equal-mass binaries should be searched for polar Tatooines.
Do native white-clawed crayfish impact macroinvertebrate assemblages in Mediterranean limestone headwaters?
Authors: Arce Juan A. , Alonso Fernando , Camacho Antonio , Rico Eugenio
Published: July 2019

Crayfish are among the largest aquatic macroinvertebrates in rivers and streams. Their trophic ecology is important for the understanding of the functioning of benthic communities. This is relevant in key areas, such as headwaters, as they partly condition the processes occurring downstream. To shed light on the effects of native white-clawed crayfish,Austropotamobius pallipes, on local macroinvertebrate assemblages from running headwaters, a three-month mesocosm-based field study was designed. Collection and subsequent analysis of benthic samples under different crayfish density levels yielded a set of metrics indicative of short-term impacts at general and taxonomic scales. Neither significant positive nor negative effects on the community were evident in terms of richness, diversity, dominance and biomass. A combination of highly patched distributions of macroinvertebrates along with a weak impact of crayfish foraging activity is considered to explain this lack of effects. Only temporal changes associated with particular biological cycles appeared for some of the main taxa. Based on the results, we are not able to determine whether the white-clawed crayfish perceptibly disturbs the structure and composition of the local macroinvertebrate assemblages in the short-term. Thus, its use in future restocking projects is supported.
Stable decompositions of hp-BEM spaces and an optimal Schwarz preconditioner for the hypersingular integral operator in 3D
Authors: Karkulik Michael , Melenk Jens Markus , Rieder Alexander
Published: July 2019

We consider fractional Sobolev spaces Hθ(Γ), θ∈[0, 1] on a 2D surface Γ. We show that functions in Hθ(Γ) can be decomposed into contributions with local support in a stable way. Stability of the decomposition is inherited by piecewise polynomial subspaces. Applications include the analysis of additive Schwarz preconditioners for discretizations of the hypersingular integral operator by the p-version of the boundary element method with condition number bounds that are uniform in the polynomial degree p.
Analysis of technical condition of footbridges over the railways in danger of collapse
Authors: Chmielewski Ryszard , Bąk Aleksandra
Published: July 2019

The article presents issues related to the maintenance of small engineering structures, such as footbridges over railways. These types of objects, usually are simple both in structure and construction. Design and construction errors usually, do not endanger the safety of the structure, although unrepaired ones may shorten the usability of the object. Particular attention should be paid to the elements of drainage, because effective rainwater management has significant influence to engineering structures usability. Regular inspections should ensure the operation of facilities that allow to avoid excessive deterioration of functional properties or maintaining objects in a proper technical and aesthetic condition. Structural collapses, that took place between 2014 and 2017 constitute only 2.85% [3], which indicates the improvement of quality of both design and implementation. However, it should be noted that maintenance errors are the second cause of structural failures. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize crucial role of people performing periodic inspections of buildings, whose recommendations should be adhered and implemented by facility managers. The article presents examples of two footbridges over railways, that due to improper maintenance were excluded from use. Further operation of these footbridges threatened with construction collapse.
Analysis of the technical condition of a railway bridge at risk of failure
Authors: Piechota Mieczysław , Rogojsz Grzegorz
Published: July 2019

The paper presents an analysis of the technical condition of a railway bridge structure with a span structure in the form of welded girders. Static diagram of the structure consists of two simply supported beams. The theoretical span of the spans is 2 x 14.50 m, their overall length is 14.90 m, and the total length of the crossing is 30.6 m. The reasons for the formation and development of bridge degradation were analysed. In addition, the actual load capacity of the structure was determined and the possibility of its further operation was evaluated. Particular attention was given to the quality of workmanship and the degradation progress of welded joints, which led to the exclusion of the object from use. The main purpose of the presented analyses is to formulate general recommendations, whose implementation in a direct or indirect form may contribute to reducing the degradation process of railway steel bridge structures. When inspecting welded railway bridges, particular attention should be paid to the condition of welds and to control and prevent the structure from cracking.
Impact of improper storage and installation of glazed fire rated walls on their performance
Authors: Kinowski Jacek , Sulik Paweł , Sędłak Bartłomiej
Published: July 2019

The article describes issues related to fire resistance of glazed elements. The influence of the method of storage, transport, seasoning, manufacturing defects, irregularities in the scope of fixing the glass and the thickness of the glass sheet on the effectiveness of the partition in terms of fire resistance is presented.
Analysis of failure in landfill construction elements
Authors: Koda Eugeniusz , Grzyb Małgorzata , Osiński Piotr , Vaverková Magdalena D.
Published: July 2019

The paper presents issues related to the failure of construction elements on landfills. The study investigates threats deriving from landfills, which are the result of emergency events. It reviews landfill failures of different types, showing how they may affect the natural environment, human health and safety. The research is aimed at identifying the causes of these events and at presenting the schedule of remedial works and methods of removing the effects of failures occurring in a selected landfill. Based on the analysis, the use of the geophysical testing method to identify the origin and extent of the failure has been demonstrated as a method crucial for the design of repair works.
An Example of Failure of an Office Building in Upper Silesia
Authors: Konieczny Kazimierz , Słowik Leszek
Published: July 2019

The paper describes an example of a failure of an office building in Upper Silesia, Poland. Following a technical description of the building, the authors describe the damage to the building structure and damage development. The causes of damage of the building structure are assessed and discussed. The main cause is a long-term failure of the water supply system that resulted in deterioration in the foundation subsoil. The investigations also showed previously unidentified subsoil deformation left after old mining exploitation. The paper concludes with the discussion of the ongoing restoration of the technical efficiency of the building.
Rectification and stabilization of the foundation as an opportunity in reference to preventing construction failures as regards transformer station facilities located on a wind farm
Authors: Kuszyk Rafał , Gniwek Anna , Walczak Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

In the paper, the results of inclination measurements of 9 transformostation objects are presented. The inclination was caused by uneven settlement of the ground below the foundation level. The causes of uneven settlements are described and the method of performed rectification works is presented.
Excavation support – geotechnical failures in the context of design and execution errors as well as formal and economic conditions
Authors: Maca Natalia , Sierant Jakub
Published: July 2019

Deep excavations carried out in the difficult ground conditions, demand particular care both in a design and execution phase, as well as reliably conducted supervision by personnel having the appropriate skill and experience, but also well-defined responsibility map. In the paper the consequences in omissions in some of these aspects are presented. Description of several deep excavation projects implemented with different techniques and in various ground conditions, in which failure or pre-failure state occurred are introduced. The results of the analysis failure causes analysis are characterized. On that basis, the tendencies in the scope of the most frequently occurring causes of failures in geotechnical project carried out in Poland are defined. Finally, an attempt is made to indicate the direction of changes needed in order to improve the situation – to reduce the number of construction failures in geotechnical projects. The paper contains also observations about uniqueness of the geotechnical structures comparing to other branches of civil engineering works and highlights risks and sources of problems in deep excavation projects. The discussion about vulnerability and high percentage of failure in that kind of projects in context of formal end economical conditions of public tender procedures is presented.
Analysis of removal method of a 19th church‘s deflection
Authors: Gromysz Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

A historic mid-19th C. church building is located on the area affected by the impact of underground coal mining. In the past, the building was secured many times against an adverse effect of the mining area deformation by providing massive reinforced-concrete reinforcements. As uneven depressions have emerged, caused by underground coal mining, the structure has become vertically deflected by 39 mm/m in the eastern direction. With the building length of 51 m, the corners have been vertically displaced in relation to each other by 1.99 m. The existing deflection impedes the structure‘s usage, decreases its value and threatens the stability of its furnishings. The deflection should therefore be removed. Due to the building‘s historic character and the presence of massive reinforcements installed already during its operation, three scenarios of deflection rectification were assessed. After the assessment, a scenario was chosen where the building is detached with the use of hydraulic jacks in the floor level, and then straightened by uneven raising. The lifting height of the corners is up to 1.99 m. The article presents the results of the building model calculations and the reinforcements proposed for the time of straightening. It was assumed that the structure, with the total weight of 810,000 tonnes, will be straightened by means of 178 jacks. The outlined procedure will restore the building‘s architectural assets and value and will allow the church goers to use the church comfortably.
Selected problems of failures and repairs of historic masonry vaults
Authors: Nowak Rafał , Orłowicz Romuald
Published: July 2019

The paper discusses the technical condition (state) of existing vaults. Several examples of critical conditions of vaults are presented. Analysis and proper modelling of vaults is discussed. Repair methods were proposed with respect to historical heritage preservation. The maintenance methods of vaults were discussed with pointing the crucial elements. It was noticed that in situ tests are necessary for proper model calibration and repair results verification.
Considerable cracking in the foundation slab in a multi-storey underground garage
Authors: Maj Marek , Tamrazyan Ashot , Ubysz Andrzej
Published: July 2019

Multilevel underground garages are often an ambitious geotechnical task in urban agglomeration. Lower levels of foundation slabs are often located below the groundwater level, which requires effective protection of the structure against groundwater invasion. The constructor’s task is to design slabs and walls so that no cracks will form to allow groundwater infiltration. In practice, this requires the development of a correct recipe for concrete; moreover, all factors affecting the total state of normal and tangential stresses as well as technologies allowing for correct execution of the facility must be considered. Additionally, long-term destructive factors ought to be taken into account. The article presents problems that arose during the use of an underground garage, which occurred as a result of failure to take into account at the design stage some rheological processes, as well as the assessment of the possibility of using the facility despite the damage.
Analysis of the causes of damage to the RC floor slab in the underground garage
Authors: Matysek Piotr , Witkowski Michał
Published: July 2019

The article presents the results of testing a damaged reinforced concrete slab, which is located in the underground garage constituting the two lowest floors of a residential and service building. During the tests numerous cracks in the slab were inventoried. Some cracks covered the entire thickness of the RC slab and floor layers made of synthetic resin. The result of these damages was penetration through the slab of water from molten slush and the need to limit the parking places on the lower level of the garage. Conducted analysis of technical documentation, analysis of damage morphology, control material tests and structure computations allowed assessment of the causes of existing damages to the floor slab and ability to develop recommendations regarding the methods of its repair.
Effectiveness of strengthening pre-loaded RC beams with CFRP strips in conventional and accelerated strengthening procedures
Authors: Michałowska-Maziejuk Dorota , Goszczyńska Barbara , Trąmpczyński Wiesław
Published: July 2019

This paper analyses the results obtained from the testing of reinforced concrete beams additionally strengthened with composite materials pressed into the concrete cover using the near-surface-mounted reinforcement (NSMR) method. The testing program comprised two series of beams with cross-sectional dimensions of 0.12 x 0.30 x 3.30 m. The series differed in the amount of longitudinal steel reinforcement, 0.51% and 1.00%. Three beams were cast in each series. One beam was assigned as the control beam, while two other beams were strengthened with carbon fibre strips. A two-component thixotropic epoxy resin was used as a bonding agent. One of the two beams was cured for 7 days (to the product information document). The bonding process in the other beam was accelerated to last 1.5 hours by heating the strip up to 70°C. As the strengthening of "new" elements is not an accepted practice in engineering, the beams were pre-loaded. The load was maintained during the strengthening procedure and curing period (for 7 days and 1.5 hours) and then the beams were monotonically loaded to failure. The comparison of load capacity results for the CFRP strengthened and control beams revealed the effectiveness of the strengthening method. The paper also presents the strengthening technique in the NSMR application with the prototype heating device.
Mitigation of early-age cracking in concrete structures
Authors: Schindler Anton , Byard Benjamin , Tankasala Aravind
Published: July 2019

Early-age cracking can adversely affect the behavior and durability of concrete elements. This paper will cover means to mitigate early-age cracking in concrete bridge decks and mass concrete elements. The development of in-place stresses is affected by the shrinkage, coefficient of thermal expansion, setting characteristics, restraint conditions, stress relaxation, and temperature history of the hardening concrete. The tensile strength is impacted by the cementitious materials, the water-cementitious materials ratio, the aggregate type and gradation, the curing (internal/external) provided, and the temperature history of the hardening concrete. In this study, restraint to volume change testing with rigid cracking frames (RCF) was used to directly measure and quantify the combined effects of all variables that affect the development of in-place stresses and strength in a specific application. The laboratory testing performed involved curing the concrete in the RCF under sealed, match-cured temperature conditions to simulate concrete placement in concrete bridge decks and mass concrete. Experimental results reveal that the use of low heat of hydration concretes, concretes that use fly ash and slag cement, and lightweight aggregate concretes (because of reduced modulus of elasticity and coefficient of thermal expansion), are very effective to reduce the risk of early-age cracking in these elements.
Ultrasonic evaluation regarding the effects of biological corrosion of historical roof trusses
Authors: Skowroński Wojciech , Stawiski Bohdan
Published: July 2019

For many years work has been performed to obtain sufficiently accurate correlation between the results of ultrasonic tests and the results of strength tests for evaluation of the strength parameters of wood in a structure. It is also important to ensure the development of methods which will facilitate the work of construction mycologists; that is, non-invasive methods of determining the volume of missing materials caused by biological corrosion. The study presents the idea of the objective examination of the thickness of a corroded layer by measuring the velocity of ultrasonic pulse along the fibre length using for this spot heads with thin waveguides. Another testing method presented in the study is controlling the velocity of ultrasonic wave in the direction tangential to annual growth rings by conducting tests on the corner of the corroded beam.
Analysis of causes of structural failures of buildings using TQC tools
Authors: Czajkowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2019

This paper analyses structural failures of buildings over a period of ten years. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of structural failures caused by human mistakes. The analysis was performed according to two criteria: the stage of the building‘s life cycle and the type of works conducted in the area of the building site. The analysis was performed using a quality management tool (histogram and Pareto-Lorenza diagram), which allowed for identification of the causes responsible for the highest number of events. The analysis showed that three causes account for 64,61% of the structural failures that occurred.
Localization and identification of gas infrastructure defects by acoustic emission
Authors: Świt Grzegorz , Krampikowska Aleksandra
Published: July 2019

Durability, reliability and usability are three foundations of reliable construction, crucial in economic and social context. Because localization and monitor of potential defect and assessment of its impact on condition of the construction are part of the durability assessment, we should develop appropriate methods, which would detect the beginning of technical condition process getting worse and could allow monitoring its progress during exploitation of the construction, not only at areas chosen subjectively or based on unverifiable computer models. One of this NDT methods complied with user expectations is acoustic emission method based on analysis of active destruction processes. The article presents results of AE applications to locate, monitor and identify destruction processes caused by exploitation burdens made to assessment the technical condition of gas infrastructure made from cast iron, steel and plastic.
Causes of hot and cold water system failure
Authors: Szaflik Władysław
Published: July 2019

The paper presents causes of the failures of hot and cold water systems. Most often they occur in the case of installations built with metal pipes and result from the use of improper materials and the adoption of wrong solutions. Failures are caused by chemical and electrochemical corrosion resulting from design and manufacturing errors. Further on, the corrosion process is briefly described. The most common causes of corrosion of hot water installations are discussed and examples of them are presented. On the basis of observations it can be stated that despite the knowledge about corrosion of hot and cold water installations, some of the them are improperly designed and constructed and exhibit high failure rates. The summary discusses the most common errors for different installation solutions.
Is There a Need to Alter the Timing of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Measurement During the Menstrual Cycle?
Authors: Gorkem Umit , Togrul Cihan
Published: July 2019

Introduction There are numerous conflicting studies which have addressed the question whether the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations should be done at a certain time during the menstrual cycle. We aimed to investigate AMH fluctuations during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and to determine whether AMH variations, if present, might influence the clinical utility of ovarian reserve markers.

Materials and Methods A total of 257 infertile women eligible for inclusion were categorized into three groups based on their total antral follicle count: 1. hypo-response group (< 7 follicles, n = 66), 2. normo-response group (7 – 19 follicles, n = 98), and 3. hyper-response group (> 19 follicles, n = 93).

Results Mean follicular AMH levels were elevated compared to levels in the luteal phase in all response groups (p < 0.001). There were significant and strong positive correlations between follicular and luteal AMH levels in all response groups (Spearmanʼs r = 0.822, r = 0.836, and r = 0.899, respectively; p < 0.001 for all groups). Fisherʼs Z-test comparisons of these correlations in all response groups demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference (Z = 0.277, Z = − 1.001, and Z = − 1.425, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusion We found that serum AMH levels in the follicular phase were higher than those in the luteal phase in all three response groups. In current practice, fluctuations in serum AMH concentrations are not large enough to alter the timing of AMH measurements during the menstrual cycle. The issue is important for the assessment of ovarian reserve in infertile women with AMH levels near to the cut-off value.
Shoulder Stiffness – How to Treat?
Authors: Cucchi Davide , Walter Sebastian Gottfried , Wirtz Dieter Christian , Friedrich Max Julian
Published: July 2019

Shoulder stiffness is a condition of restricted glenohumeral range of motion, which can arise spontaneously or as consequence of a known cause, including surgical procedures on the shoulder. Several approaches to shoulder stiffness have been proposed and high-level evidence is available to analyze and discuss their results. The aim of this review was to summarize the current concepts on conservative and operative treatment of shoulder stiffness and discuss the results of the available studies with a high level of evidence, which should be considered to guide clinical practice. Treatment of shoulder stiffness should be tailored to the patientʼs clinical situation and the stage of its shoulder pathology and should aim at pain reduction, restoration of range of motion, functional regain and shortening of symptoms duration. When possible, known risk factors for primary shoulder stiffness and causes of secondary shoulder stiffness should be addressed to avoid relapse. Conservative therapy is the mainstay of treatment for shoulder stiffness and should include a multimodal and activity-oriented program. Intra-articular injection of a low dose of corticosteroid is safe and effective, provides immediate benefits, and is recommended in combination to an appropriate rehabilitation protocol. In conservative refractory cases, arthrolysis and capsular release can be performed with an arthroscopic approach.
Psyche und Arbeitswelt
Authors: Kuhn Joseph , Brettner Johannes
Published: July 2019

Seit vielen Jahren kann eine Zunahme der Krankschreibungen infolge von psychischen Störungen beobachtet werden. Auch die krankheitsbedingten Frühberentungen mit dieser Diagnose haben zugenommen. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt relevante Daten und Datenquellen zur Häufigkeit psychischer Belastungen sowie zu Beanspruchungen und Ressourcen am Arbeitsplatz vor. Zu den bedeutsamsten Belastungen zählen in der Arbeitswelt Leistungsdruck und Monotonie. Der Ausfall an Bruttowertschöpfung infolge psychischer Störungen betrug in Deutschland 2017 ca. 20 Milliarden Euro. Um das Thema auch auf Länderebene besser beobachten und ggf. Schwerpunkte bei Interventionen setzen zu können, wäre der Ausbau der Gesundheitsberichterstattung zur psychischen Gesundheit auf dieser Ebene notwendig.
Arbeit und psychische Erkrankung
Authors: Brieger Peter , Menzel Susanne
Published: July 2019

Arbeit hat auch bei psychisch erkrankten Menschen eine überwiegend salutogenetische Bedeutung – sie macht nicht krank, sondern gesund. Der Artikel stellt Veränderungen der Arbeitswelt durch den gesellschaftlichen Wandel dar, er diskutiert, welche Auswirkungen dies auf psychisch kranke Menschen haben kann und welche Ansatzpunkte es für eine diesbezüglich bessere Versorgung gibt.
Operative Therapie bei postpartalen rektovaginalen Fisteln: die gynäkologische Sicht
Authors: Reisenauer Christl
Published: July 2019

Selten können Geburtsverletzungen rektovaginale Fistelbildungen (RVF) zur Folge haben. Ziel dieser retrospektiven Studie war es, Ursachen und Management geburtshilflicher rektovaginaler Fisteln bei Patientinnen, die in der Universitäts-Frauenklinik Tübingen im Zeitraum Januar 2015 bis April 2019 operiert wurden, zu evaluieren. Fünf der 12 operativ versorgten rektovaginalen Fisteln waren Primärfisteln, in 7 Fällen lag ein Fistelrezidiv vor. Die operative Versorgung erfolgte über einen transvaginalen Zugang im Anschluss an die Geburt oder im Rahmen einer darauffolgenden Geburt. Die letztgenannte Vorgehensweise wählten wir bei Patientinnen mit hohem Rezidivrisiko bzw. bei denen, die ein hohes Risiko für postoperative funktionelle Beschwerden aufwiesen. Erstmalig wurden die schwangerschaftsbedingten Veränderungen der Vagina genutzt, um die Erfolgsraten eines Fistelverschlusses zu optimieren. 11 der 12 postpartalen rektovaginalen Fisteln konnten in unserem Patientenkollektiv verschlossen werden. Die Therapie einer geburtshilflich bedingten rektovaginalen Fistel hängt von dem Lokalbefund, den Voroperationen, den Wünschen der Patientinnen und der Erfahrung des Operateurs ab. Die Versorgung der Fisteln in Zentren ist eindeutig von Vorteil.
Der Niedergang eines Stars der „rationalen Phytotherapie“
Authors: Uehleke Bernhard
Published: July 2019

Das Spektrum von arzneilichen Zubereitungen mit Weißdorn war in der 2. Hälfte des 20. Jhs. sehr breit und reichte von Arzneitees, Tinkturen (sog. Tonika) bis hin zum Frischpflanzenpresssaft aus den Beeren; es gab feste orale Formen mit Droge und Trockenextrakt bis hin zu injizierbaren Lösungen. Ferner gab es verschiedenste Kombinationen mit beispielsweise pflanzlichen oder sogar chemischen Sedativa. Das führende Monopräparat war zunächst ein alkoholischer Fluidextrakt unter dem Namen Crataegutt®, dem später unter demselben Namen auch Kapseln mit standardisiertem Trockenextrakt folgten. Dieses Arzneimittel stand immerhin bei den GKV-verordneten Präparaten über Jahrzehnte in der Mitte der Top 20! Dies entsprach dem Verordnungsverhalten der Hausärzte, bei älteren Menschen mit grenzwertiger Herzinsuffizienz dieses quasi nebenwirkungsfreie Präparat zu verordnen, bevor man dann bei fortgeschrittener Herzinsuffizienz mit chemisch definierten Digitalis-Präparaten das Herz zu stärken suchte.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Decrease Platelet Ordering Errors and a Proposed Model for Evaluating Clinical Decision Support Effectiveness
Authors: Yarahuan Julia Whitlow , Billet Amy , Hron Jonathan D.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives Clinical decision support (CDS) and computerized provider order entry have been shown to improve health care quality and safety, but may also generate previously unanticipated errors. We identified multiple CDS tools for platelet transfusion orders. In this study, we sought to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of those CDS tools while creating and testing a framework for future evaluation of other CDS tools.

Methods Using a query of an enterprise data warehouse at a tertiary care pediatric hospital, we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess baseline use and performance of existing CDS for platelet transfusion orders. Our outcome measure was the percentage of platelet undertransfusion ordering errors. Errors were defined as platelet transfusion volumes ordered which were less than the amount recommended by the order set used. We then redesigned our CDS and measured the impact of our intervention prospectively using statistical process control methodology.

Results We identified that 62% of all platelet transfusion orders were placed with one of two order sets (Inpatient Service 1 and Inpatient Service 2). The Inpatient Service 1 order set had a significantly higher occurrence of ordering errors (3.10% compared with 1.20%). After our interventions, platelet transfusion order error occurrence on Inpatient Service 1 decreased from 3.10 to 0.33%.

Conclusion We successfully reduced platelet transfusion ordering errors by redesigning our CDS tools. We suggest that the use of collections of clinical data may help identify patterns in erroneous ordering, which could otherwise go undetected. We have created a framework which can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of other similar CDS tools.
Seiberg-Witten theory with SpinH structure
Authors: Kim Inkang
Published: July 2019

In this note, we develop the SpinH structure on quaternionic Kähler manifolds and show a similar result to Taubes’s theorem on symplectic manifolds.
Central limit theorem for Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Rademacher Simone , Schlein Benjamin
Published: July 2019

We consider a Bose gas trapped in the unit torus in the Gross-Pitaevskii regime. In the ground state, we prove that fluctuations of bounded one-particle observables satisfy a central limit theorem.
Giant electrocaloric effect at the antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase boundary in Pb(ZrxTi1–x)O3
Authors: Kimmel A. V. , Gindele O. T. , Duffy D. M. , Cohen R. E.
Published: July 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations predict a giant electrocaloric effect at the ferroelectric-antiferroelectric phase boundary in PZT (PbTiO3-PbZrO3). These large-scale simulations also give insights into the atomistic mechanisms of the electrocaloric effect in Pb(ZrxTi1–x)O3. We predict a positive electrocaloric effect in ferroelectric PZT, but antiferroelectric PZT exhibits a negative-to-positive crossover with the increasing temperature or electric field. At the antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric phase boundary, we find complex domain patterns. We demonstrate that the origin of the giant electrocaloric change of temperature is related to the easy structural response of the dipolar system to external stimuli in the transition region.
Direct observation of delithiation as the origin of analog memristance in LixNbO2
Authors: Howard Sebastian A. , Singh Christopher N. , Paez Galo J. , Wahila Matthew J. , Wangoh Linda W. , Sallis Shawn , Tirpak Keith , Liang Yufeng , Prendergast David , Zuba Mateusz , Rana Jatinkumar , Weidenbach Alex , McCrone Timothy M. , Yang Wanli , Lee Tien-Lin , Rodolakis Fanny , Doolittle William , Lee Wei-Cheng , Piper Louis F. J.
Published: July 2019

The discovery of analog LixNbO2 memristors revealed a promising new memristive mechanism wherein the diffusion of Li+ rather than O2− ions enables precise control of the resistive states. However, directly correlating lithium concentration with changes to the electronic structure in active layers remains a challenge and is required to truly understand the underlying physics. Chemically delithiated single crystals of LiNbO2 present a model system for correlating lithium variation with spectroscopic signatures from operando soft x-ray spectroscopy studies of device active layers. Using electronic structure modeling of the x-ray spectroscopy of LixNbO2 single crystals, we demonstrate that the intrinsic memristive behavior in LixNbO2 active layers results from field-induced degenerate p-type doping. We show that electrical operation of LixNbO2-based memristors is viable even at marginal Li deficiency and that the analog memristive switching occurs well before the system is fully metallic. This study serves as a benchmark for material synthesis and characterization of future LixNbO2-based memristor devices and suggests that valence change switching is a scalable alternative that circumvents the electroforming typically required for filamentary-based memristors.
Effect of electron-phonon interaction on lattice thermal conductivity of SiGe alloys
Authors: Xu Qian , Zhou Jiawei , Liu Te-Huan , Chen Gang
Published: July 2019

While it is well-known that electron-phonon scattering often determines the electron mobility, its impact on lattice thermal conductivity is less clear. Dominant phonon scattering mechanisms that determine the lattice thermal conductivity have been attributed to phonon-phonon and phonon-defect interactions. However, recent studies in silicon have shown that strong electron-phonon interaction can also lead to significant phonon scatterings at high carrier concentrations. Here, we use first-principles simulations to study thermal transport in SiGe alloys and show that the effect of electron-phonon interaction on thermal transport is even more significant than that in Si because mass disorder scattering leaves long mean free path phonons behind, which are more strongly scattered by electrons. At the carrier concentration of 1 × 1020 cm−3, the room temperature lattice thermal conductivity of the Si0.9Ge0.1 alloy including electron-phonon interaction is only 40% of the value without this interaction. The results show that thermal transport in alloys at a high doping level can be significantly impacted by the free carriers, providing important insights into heat conduction mechanisms in thermoelectric materials which are mostly based on heavily doped alloys.
Non-coalescence of oppositely charged droplets in viscous oils
Authors: Chen Xue , Liu Peng , Qi Cheng , Wang Tianfu , Liu Zhou , Kong Tiantian
Published: July 2019

Oppositely charged droplets coalesce or pinch off, depending on a critical angle upon which noncoalescence occurs. For charged droplets in inviscid dielectric phases, the critical angle is constant; droplet properties and the applied electric field strength are irrelevant. In this paper, we find that for charged droplets in viscous oil systems, the critical angle for coalescence-to-pinch-off transition increases as the oil viscosity increases. We develop a simple yet effective model to account for electrohydrodynamic behaviors of charged droplets in viscous oils by balancing electric, viscous, and interfacial tension effects. We further verify the predictions of this model by demonstrating that the contacting electric field strength and water/oil interfacial tension also affect the critical angle. Our systematic investigations provide important insights into understanding electrohydrodynamics of charged droplets in viscous dielectric phases; the results could inspire methods to control electrified droplets for various applications.