bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and calibration for cyclic soil-structure interface behaviour
Authors: Kullolli Borana , Cuéllar Pablo , Baeßler Matthias , Stutz Hans Henning
Published: June 2019

The structural performance of many geotechnical systems (e.g. axially-loaded pile foundations), depends on the shearing resistance at the soil interface, which may govern the load bearing capacity of the foundation. Experimental investigations have shown that this interaction is mainly localised within a narrow shear band next to the structure. Under cyclic loading, a contraction of the soil at the interface may arise (net volume loss), possibly leading to a stress relaxation and thus to a reduction of the load bearing capacity (the so-called friction fatigue). Based on the constitutive similarities between soil continua and interfaces, we propose here the adaption of a Generalized Plasticity model for sandy soils for the numerical analysis of interface problems. In this contribution, the results of an experimental campaign for the parameter calibration of the constitutive model are presented. The tests have been conducted with a ring shear device involving different normal stresses, roughness of the steel plates as well as cyclic loading. The new modelling approach shows promising results and has the additional practical advantage that the interface zone and the soil continuum can both be described with the same constitutive model in general boundary value problems.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of mechanical properties of soil-tire mixture by discrete element method
Authors: Asadi Mohsen , Mahboubi Ahmad
Published: June 2019

Soil engineering properties can be improved employing different methods. Among them is mixing soil with tire derived additives (TDA). TDAs generally increase some parameters of mixture such as damping ratio, permeability, ductility and also in some cases shear strength. Various properties of TDAs from mechanical properties to their geometry can affect the mixture behavior. In this paper using the YADE platform, simulations of triaxial tests on sand tire mixtures are presented. To take compressibility into consideration, each rubber crumb particle is made of several spheres connected elastically to each other. For sand particle generation the clump technique was employed. Shapes of both sand and rubber particles are inspired from real grains. As properties of sand and rubber are different, especially Young modulus, rubber sand interaction is considered as soft rigid contact. Therefor harmonic average and arithmetic average was used to compute contact Young modulus (and then stiffness). The model was validated by comparison of results of triaxial tests simulation on pure rubber sample with literature ones which both exhibited linear stress-strain curve. Then triaxial tests with different sand to rubber ratio were simulated to see whether harmonic average or arithmetic average gives the best match to literature. The results show shear strength reduces by decreasing of sand to rubber ratio. This is the same as what is reported in literature.
Modelling of shale rock pore structure based on gas adsorption
Authors: Das Arghya , Basu Sumit , Kumar Ankit
Published: June 2019

Shale rock consists of a complex matrix structure due to presence of nano-scale pores. Owing to such complexity determination and/or prediction of the mineralogical, mechanical, and petrophysical properties (e.g., permeability, porosity, pore size distribution, etc.) of shale is a challenging task. A preliminary estimation of these properties is essential before shale gas exploration. In this study, experimental and numerical analyses are conducted to estimate the permeability, porosity, and pore size distribution of a typical shale sample. Gas adsorption experiments were conducted to characterize the pore spaces of the shale via analysing the isotherms. Using conventional theories, such as BET and BJH methods, surface area, pore volume, and pore size distributions were estimated. On the other hand, gross porosity of the shale samples was measured by conducting gas pycnometry experiment. Finally based on the obtained results an equivalent pore network model is constructed which accounts for the pore size distributions and low pore connectivity in the shale matrix. We have simulated gas flow through the network to estimate permeability of the shale. This model considers Knudsen diffusion and the effects of gas slippage on permeability. Further parametric study shows that the apparent permeability primarily depends on the reservoir pressure, pore coordination number and porosity.
Seismic Response of Soft Soil Deposit Using Simplified Models
Authors: Villalobos Miguel , Romanel Celso
Published: June 2019

Near surface soils can greatly influence the amplitude, duration, and frequency content of ground motions. Surveys of the damage caused by earthquakes indicates that the lowest levels of damage occur in structures founded on rock or hard soil, while most of the damage occurs usually in structures founded in soft soil sites. With the aim to understand better the seismic response of soft soils deposits, not susceptible to liquefaction, this study made a comparison between the real seismic response registered in soft soil deposit in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake (Mw=9.1), with the response predicted by a propagation analysis with the equivalent linear method using the computer program SHAKE2000 [1]. An additional comparison is made applying the simplified method of Carlton (2014), developed specifically for soft soils. The site chosen for this analysis was a soft soil deposit, with NEHRP site classification type F, monitored by the seismic station TKCH07 of the KiK-net network located in Hokaiddo, Japan. The estimated response showed and acceptable approximation with the real response, although the response calculated with SHAKE2000 predicted high levels of amplification near the natural frequencies of the soft soil deposit.
Macro-element modelling of suction-embedded plate anchors for floating offshore structures
Authors: Peccin Da Silva Anderson , Diambra Andrea , Karamitros Dimitris
Published: June 2019

This work presents a new macro-element model to predict the behaviour of Suction Embedded Plate Anchors (SEPLAs) for floating offshore structures during keying and loading stages. Differently from previously published models for anchors, this new model is characterised by (i) a non-associated plastic potential with the aim of improving the prediction of anchor trajectory for the whole displacement domain and for a large range of padeye offsets; and (ii) by a strain-hardening rule enabling to predict the force and displacement mobilisation from the early stages of the keying process. The model was calibrated against LDFE analyses and compared with a broad set of LDFE and centrifuge tests results. The model proves capable of reproducing anchor rotation and displacement with good accuracy for a wide range of padeye offsets and distinct studies from the literature.
Numerical simulation of concrete pile groups' response bored in cemented sand deposit under axial static load testing
Authors: Aghayarzadeh Mehdi , Khabbaz Hadi
Published: June 2019

For a safe foundation to perform as desired, the ultimate strength of each pile must fulfil both structural and geotechnical requirements. Pile load testing is considered as a direct method of determining the ultimate bearing capacity of a pile. Pile groups are commonly used in foundation engineering and due to the difficulties and cost of full-scale load tests, most pile group tests are scaled down regardless of whether performed in the field or laboratory. In this paper, it is aimed to simulate the behaviour of concrete bored pile groups under axial static load testing using PLAXIS 3D software and to compare the obtained results with measured curves in an experimental study introduced in the literature. In numerical simulation, to account for the stiffness variation existing inside the pile group and to achieve a reasonable correlation between measured and predicted load-settlement curves three different analyses, including linear elastic, completely non-linear, and a combination of non-linear and linear analyses were performed. The results indicate that the combined non-linear and linear analysis seems a suitable analysis for pile group behaviour prediction.
Bearing resistance property of diameter-expanded anchorage in sandy ground
Authors: Sawamatsu Toshikazu , Nitta Takehiko , Miyatake Hiroaki , Otsubo Masahide
Published: June 2019

Based on a past centrifugal model test and complementary discrete element method (DEM) simulation, this paper provides insights into bearing resistance of diameter-expanded anchorage with its anchor body expanded. In the centrifugal model test, an anchor body model set at a depth of 100 mm and a diameter of 27 mm in sand was pulled horizontally in a centrifugal acceleration of 30 G. The behaviour of the model ground during pulling was portrayed through the DEM modelling. Spherical particle and non-spherical particle composed of two spherical particles connected rigidly were used as analogues of soil particles in the simulation. The simulation result of spherical particle with inter-particle friction coefficient of 0.5 was similar to the ground deformation and the pull-out resistance obtained from the experiment.
Cyclical changes in deformation process in granular material in active state
Authors: Pietrzak Magdalena
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a detailed study of a selected small scale model test, performed on a sample of surrogate granular material, retained by a rigid wall (typical geotechnical problem of earth thrust on a retaining wall). The experimental data presented in this paper show that the deformation of granular sample behind retaining wall can undergo some cyclic changes. The nature of these cycles is not clear – it is probably related to some micromechanical features of granular materials, which are recently extensively studied in many research centers in the world. Employing very precise DIC (PIV) method can help to relate micro and macro-scale behavior of granular materials.
Compacted states and physical properties of soil controlled by the degree of saturation during compaction
Authors: Tatsuoka Fumio , Miura Toru
Published: June 2019

For satisfactory performance of soil structures, it is necessary to properly control soil compaction ensuring the physical properties of compacted soil required in design. Usually the dry density ρd and the water content w are controlled in relation to the maximum dry density (ρd)maxand the optimum water content wopt determined by laboratory compaction tests on a chosen representative sample at a certain compaction energy level CEL. Although CEL and soil type affect significantly (ρd)max, wopt and physical properties, they change inevitably, sometimes largely, in a given project while field CEL may not match the value used in the laboratory compaction tests. In comparison, the optimum degree of saturation (Sr)opt(i.e., Srwhen (ρd)maxis obtained) and the normalized compaction curve (i.e., ρd/(ρd)maxvs. Sr- (Sr)optrelation) for given CEL and soil type are insensitive to variations in CEL and soil type and they are essentially fixed in a given project. Besides, the stress-strain and hydraulic properties of compacted soil are controlled by ρd and “Srat the end of compaction relative to (Sr)opt”. It is proposed to control w and CEL so that Sr= (Sr)optwhile ρd becomes large enough to ensure the physical properties required in design fully taking advantage of available field CEL on site. A case history of earth-fill dam construction in Japan following this soil compaction control method is reported.
Effects of compaction on soil undrained shear strength deteriorating during undrained cyclic loading and controlling seismic stability of embankment
Authors: Duttine Antoine , Tatsuoka Fumio , Ueno Kazuhiro
Published: June 2019

Effects of compaction on the undrained shear strength of saturated earth-fill dam materials are presented. Poorly and well compacted saturated soils may exhibit undrained shear strengths, respectively, significantly lower and higher than corresponding drained shear strength and this trend is amplified as the undrained strength deteriorates by preceding undrained cyclic loading. These features are implemented in a new simplified seismic analysis to evaluate residual deformation of earth-fill dams. The analysis consists of: 1) a modified Newmark sliding block analysis; and 2) a pseudo-static non-linear FEM analysis, both formulated in a unified framework based on the cumulative damage concept, total stress earthquake response analysis and a direct total stress modelling of undrained monotonic and cyclic stress-strain behaviours obtained by triaxial tests. The analysis simulates very well the collapse of an earth-fill dam by the 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake, Japan, and indicates a substantially higher seismic stability under the same conditions of the newly restored dam completed in 2017. Paramount effects of soil compaction on the seismic stability of earth-filled dam are demonstrated.
Dynamic cooperative advertising strategy in OAO supply chain with customer return
Authors: Cao Duanyang , Zhang Xumei , Yang Lingli , Xiao Jian
Published: June 2019

Nowadays many manufacturers are increasingly adopting their own online direct channel and the offline retail channel to sell their products as the quick development of e-commerce and third party logistics. To gain more and more market share, the manufacturer and the retailer implement unconditional return strategy, which does not affect secondary sales. We build a differential game model for the optimal advertising and the optimal advertising cost sharing proportion for centralized and decentralized OAO (Online and Offline) supply chain considering customer returns rates. We further analyze how the returns rates affect the optimal decisions of the manufacturer and the retailer. The results show that the returns rates, the brand reputation and the influence factors of retail channel goodwill on demand of online direct channel strongly influence the optimal advertising decisions. Furthermore, the retailer does not support for the manufacturer advertising efforts in Stackelberg game. Compared with the centralized OAO supply chain, the decentralized system results in channel inefficiency. To coordinate the channels, we design a two-way advertising cost-sharing contract. By this contract, each member of the supply chain reaches a win-win situation and is willing to cooperate. Numerical studies verify the conclusions of this paper.
In-vitro-Untersuchungen zur Hemmung der Angiogenese und der Tumorzellmigration durch einen wässrigen Extrakt aus Viscum album ssp. album, Mali
Authors: Felenda Jennifer E. , Gruber Kim , Turek Claudia , Stintzing Florian C.
Published: June 2019

Hintergrund und Ziel Mistelpräparate, insbesondere aus der Apfelbaummistel (Viscum album ssp. album, Mali), werden häufig von Mammakarzinom-Patientinnen als komplementäre Therapiemaßnahme nach Resektion, Chemo- oder Radiotherapien angewendet. In klinischen Studien wurde bereits der Nutzen von Mistelpräparaten nachgewiesen. Da die dahinter liegenden Wirkmechanismen bisher nicht vollständig aufgeklärt sind, sollten die potenziell antitumoralen Effekte eingehender untersucht werden.

Material und Methoden Es wurden In-vitro-Untersuchungen zu den Effekten eines wässrigen Extrakts aus Viscum album ssp. album, Mali (Iscucin® Mali) auf die Zellviabilität, auf verschiedene Phasen der Angiogenese (Zellproliferation und Kapillarausbildung) sowie auf die Zellmigration humaner Tumorzellen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Zwei verschiedene Assays gaben Hinweise auf antiproliferative Effekte mit einer halbmaximalen Hemmung bei Konzentrationen<100 µg/ml. Es zeigten sich außerdem hemmende Effekte auf die Kapillarausbildung. Die Migrationsfähigkeit verschiedener Tumorzelllinien wurde durch Iscucin® Mali mit unterschiedlicher Effektivität gehemmt, vergleichbar mit der Referenzsubstanz Bosutinib bei den Zelllinien LN229, SK-N-SH, DLD-1, HeLa und etwas besser bei Caki-2.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Ein Panel aus verschiedenen Untersuchungsmethoden zeigte in Abhängigkeit von der Zelllinie antitumorale Effekte von Iscucin® Mali, vor allem im Bereich der Kapillarausbildung und der Zellmigration. Dies lässt vermuten, dass sowohl das Tumorwachstum als auch die Metastasierung verzögert werden können. Weitere Studien sind erforderlich, um die Relevanz der gewonnenen Daten im klinischen Bereich zu untermauern.
Die Pankreastransplantation
Authors: Niess Isabell , Wunsch Andreas
Published: June 2019

Die Pankreastransplantation zählt zu den etablierten Therapiemöglichkeiten bei
bestehendem Diabetes mellitus. Eine Transplantation wird in erster Linie bei
niereninsuffizienten Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus vom Typ I angestrebt. Das
Pankreas wird deshalb in den meisten Fällen in Kombination mit einer Niere
transplantiert. Eine erfolgreiche Transplantation führt zur fast vollständigen
Regulierung des Glukosestoffwechsels und trägt somit zu einer erheblichen
Verbesserung der Lebensqualität sowie einer Verlängerung der Überlebenszeiten
bei.
Barriers to cancer rehabilitation: healthcare professionals’ perspective in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlJohi Amani A. , AlKathiri Fatimah M. , Ajaj Kawthar F. , Buragadda Syamala , Madi Sanaa M.
Published: June 2019

Background Cancer has a major impact on societies across the world and there is a significant rise in the global cancer burden. Due to advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the number of cancer survivors is increasing. However, they face physical and cognitive challenges, which may affect their quality of life. The study aims to identify current clinical practice patterns and barriers to cancer rehabilitation from the perspective of Saudi healthcare professionals.

Method All healthcare professionals providing care for cancer patients at King Fahad Medical City were invited to participate. Two semi-structured focus groups and 9 interviews were conducted. Participants were physicians and allied health professionals. The researcher led the discussions and recorded comments, facial expressions, and other non-verbal communication nuances. Content analysis was performed to identify and summarize themes.

Results Four key themes related to barriers in cancer rehabilitation are identified: healthcare providers’ competencies and knowledge, communication barriers, limited rehabilitation services for cancer patients, and patient- and family-related barriers.

Conclusion The study identifies current clinical practice patterns and various barriers to cancer rehabilitation from Saudi health care professionals’ perspective. The findings may help policy makers and stake holders to design effective rehabilitation guidelines for cancer rehabilitation.
Alternative Knochenanalyse bei Neugeborenen – Quantitativer Ultraschall des peripheren Skeletts
Authors: Basemann Elena , Dawczynski Kristin , Proquitté Hans , Hübler Axel , Mentzel Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2019

Ziel Bestimmung des quantitativen Ultraschallparameters Schallgeschwindigkeit (Speed of Sound, SOS) bei Neugeborenen zur Erhebung von Referenzdaten und Untersuchung von Einflussfaktoren.

Material und Methoden 219 Neu- und 14 Frühgeborene (28. – 41. Schwangerschaftswoche) mit Geburtsgewicht zwischen 590 und 4930 g wurden in den ersten Lebenstagen mit Sunlight Omnisense 7000 P untersucht. Referenzdaten für SOS wurden bei 178 eutrophen Neugeborenen an der Tibia erhoben.

Ergebnisse SOS-Referenzwerte an der Tibia liegen bei 3028±92 m/s<40. SSW und 3057±96 m/s ≥ 40. SSW. Zwischen SOS und Gestationsalter besteht eine signifikante Korrelation, männliche Neugeborene weisen signifikant höhere SOS auf. Bei Geburtsgewicht<3800 g besteht eine Korrelation zwischen SOS und Gewicht (p<0,05). Frühgeborene haben signifikant niedrigere SOS als eutrophe Neugeborene (p<0,05).

Schlussfolgerungen Der Ultraschallparameter SOS kann bei Früh- und Neugeborenen suffizient an der Tibia ermittelt werden. Die erhobenen Referenzdaten von kaukasischen Neugeborenen sind geeignet, um eine Frühgeborenen-Osteopenie zu identifizieren.
Die Krätze wächst Deutschland über den Kopf
Authors: Weigl Josef
Published: June 2019

Die Krätze hat in den letzten Jahren erheblich zugenommen und betrifft immer häufiger auch Schulen und Kitas. Eine Ansteckung oder ein Ausbruch erfolgt umso wahrscheinlicher, je mehr Krätze in der Bevölkerung vorkommt und je länger und enger der Kontakt zwischen Menschen ist. Um proaktiver intervenieren zu können, ist eine Meldepflicht nach §6 Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) unumgänglich. Enge Kontaktpersonen von Erkrankten müssen unbedingt mitbehandelt werden. Eine Governance und ein offener Umgang sind unabdingbar für die Kontrolle dieser Plage.
Compound Heterozygosity (554-589 del, C515-T Transition) in the Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα Gene in a Patient with a Severe Bleeding Tendency
Authors: Margaglione Maurizio , D’Andrea Giovanna , Grandone Elvira , Brancaccio Vincenzo , Amoriello Aldo , Di Minno Giovanni
Published: June 2019

Giant platelets in the blood smear, absent in vitro platelet agglutination in response to ristocetin, and normal aggregation, ATP secretion and thromboxane B2 formation were found in a young patient with a life-long bleeding tendency. Ristocetin-induced von Willebrand factor binding to her platelets was less than 10% of normal. Flow cytometric analysis with monoclonal antibodies LJ-Ib-1, LJ-Ib-10, and LJ-P3 was consistent with the latter finding. SDS-PAGE analysis of solubilized platelets showed a marked reduction of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα. Genetic characterisation demonstrated that the patient and her father were heterozygous for a deletion of 36 nucleotides (positions 554-589) leading to a mutant GPIbμ (deletion of aminoacids from residue 169 to 180 and a Glu → Lys substitution at residue 181). In addition, a C → T transition at nucleotide 515 in the other allele of the GPIbα gene was found in the patient and in her mother that results in the substitution of alanine for valine in codon 156 (Bernard-Soulier type Bolzano). These variations occurred within the VI and VII leucine-rich repeats. The novel variant of Bernard-Soulier syndrome identified further suggests that the integrity of leucine-rich repeats is important for normal function of the GP Ib-IX-V receptor complex.
Application of a Diagnostic Clinical Model for the Management of Hospitalized Patients with Suspected Deep-vein Thrombosis
Authors: Wells Philip S. , Anderson David R. , Bormanis Janis , Guy Fred , Mitchell Michael , Gray Lisa , Clement Cathy , Robinson K. Susan , Lewandowski Bernard
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the determination of pretest probability using a simple clinical model and the SimpliRED D-dimer could be used to improve the management of hospitalized patients with suspected deep-vein thrombosis. Consecutive hospitalized patients with suspected deep-vein thrombosis, had their pretest probability determined using a clinical model and had a SimpliRED D-dimer assay. Patients at low pretest probability underwent a single ultrasound test. A negative ultrasound excluded the diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis whereas a positive ultrasound was confirmed by venography. Patients at moderate pretest probability with a positive ultrasound were treated for deep-vein thrombosis whereas patients with an initial negative ultrasound underwent a single follow-up ultrasound one week later. Patients at high pretest probability with a positive ultrasound were treated whereas those with negative ultrasound underwent venography. All patients were followed for three months for the development of venous thromboembolic complications. Overall, 28% (42/150), and 10% (5/50), 21% (14/71) and 76% (22/29) of the low, moderate and high pretest probability patients, respectively, had deep vein thrombosis. Two of 111 (1.8%; 95% CI = 0.02% to 6.4%) patients considered to have deep vein thrombosis excluded had events during three-month follow-up. Overall 13 of 150 (8.7%) required venography and serial testing was limited to 58 of 150 (38.7%) patients. The negative predictive value of the SimpliRED D-dimer in patients with low pretest probability was 96.2%, which is not statistically different from the negative predictive value of a negative ultrasound result in low pretest probability patients (97.8%). Management of hospitalized patients with suspected deep-vein thrombosis based on clinical probability and ultrasound of the proximal deep veins is safe and feasible.

Dr. Philip Wells and Dr. David Anderson are the recipients of Research Scholarships from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Prevalence of Three Common Polymorphisms in the A-subunit Gene of Factor XIII in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kohler H.P. , Futers T.S. , Grant P.J.
Published: June 2019

Activated blood coagulation factor XIII has an important role in the final stage of the clotting cascade by the covalent crosslinking of α- and γ-fibrin chains. We have recently shown that a functional polymorphism in exon 2, codon 34 of the FXIII A-subunit gene is protective against myocardial infarction. To investigate the prevalence of three other common point mutations in the A-subunit gene (codon 564, C to T, 650 G to A and 651 G to C) and their association with FXIII activity and antigen levels, 275 patients with coronary artery disease and 196 controls were studied. There was no difference in the prevalence of the polymorphisms between patients and controls or between patients with or without MI. Only genotype at codon 564 was associated with FXIII activity with lower activities in subjects possessing the T allele. There was evidence of linkage disequilibrium between codon 34 and codon 564. These results suggest that FXIIIVal34Leu is the only common polymorphism in the coding region of the A-subunit gene of FXIII associated with coronary artery disease.
Predictive Value of PAI-1 Plasma Activity and Thallium Perfusion Imaging for Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Clinically Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Gottsauner-Wolf Michael , Sochor Heinz , Hornykewycz Stephan , Beckmann Renate , Lang Irene , Probst Peter , Binder Bernd R. , Huber Kurt
Published: June 2019

Background. The main long-term complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is restenosis that occurs in 30-50 percent of all primary successful cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of changes in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity and of thallium dipyridamole perfusion imaging performed 3 months after successful angioplasty. All patients were asymptomatic at evaluation. The results of these two noninvasive tests were compared with the angiographic outcome after 6 months.

Methods and Patients. Twenty-five patients were included in this prospective study. All patients had single vessel disease, successful angioplasty and were free of clinical symptoms 3 months after angioplasty that would suggest late restenosis. In 12/25 patients (48%) angiographic restenosis (percent diameter stenosis >50%) was determined by follow-up angiography 6 months after angioplasty. PAI-1 plasma activity was determined by a functional titration assay and increase or decrease of PAI-1 plasma activity was evaluated between values obtained before and 3 months after angioplasty. In 7/25 (28%) patients PAI-1 plasma activity increased to more than 90% of pre-angioplasty values. This increase correlated with angiographic restenosis evaluated 6 months after angioplasty (sensitivity 42%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 71%, and negative predictive value 61%). Tl-201-perfusion imaging was performed 3 months after angioplasty. This test was indicative for subsequent restenosis in 5/25 patients (sensitivity 33%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 62%, and negative predictive value 100%). In 10/25 (40%) patients at least one of the two non-invasive tests performed 3 months after angioplasty predicted angiographic restenosis at 6 months; the combined use of PAI-1 and Tl-201-perfusion imaging resulted in increased sensitivity (67%) and high specificity (85%).

Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that an increase of PAI-1 plasma activity may improve the predictive value for restenosis of Tl-201-scintigraphy performed 3 months after angioplasty even in asymptomatic patients.
APC Resistance and other Haemostatic Variables during Pregnancy and Puerperium
Authors: Kjellberg U. , Andersson N.-E. , Rosén S. , Tengborn L. , Hellgren M.
Published: June 2019

Forty-eight healthy pregnant women were studied prospectively and longitudinally. Blood sampling was performed at 10-15, 23-25, 32-34 and 38-40 weeks of gestation, within one week and at eight weeks postpartum. Classic and modified activated protein C ratio decreased as pregnancy progressed. In the third trimester 92% of the ratios measured with the classic test were above the lower reference level whereas all modified test ratios were normal. Slight activation of blood coagulation was shown with increased levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2, soluble fibrin and D-dimer. Fibrinogen, factor VIII and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and type 2 increased. Protein S and tissue plasminogen activator activity decreased. Protein C remained unchanged. No correlation was found between the decrease in classic APC ratio and changes in factor VIII, fibrinogen, protein S, prothrombin fragment 1+2 or soluble fibrin, nor between the increase in soluble fibrin and changes in prothrombin fragment 1+2, fibrinogen and D-dimer.
Circadian Variations in Natural Coagulation Inhibitors Protein C, Protein S and Antithrombin in Healthy Men: A Possible Association with Interleukin-6
Authors: Ündar Levent , Ertugğrul Cemal , Altunbas Hasan , Akça Serdar
Published: June 2019

Recent observations describe an increase in platelet aggregability and a decrease in fibrinolytic activity in the early morning hours. To determine whether anticoagulant proteins also show such a circadian variation we measured protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin (AT) and heparin cofactor-II (HC-II) levels on venous plasma samples taken from 10 healthy men at three-hour intervals throughout a 24-hour period. To investigate the possible temporal mapping of circadian periodicity, we also measured plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin (β-TG) as an indicator of platelet activation, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as one of the possible regulatory factors that drive this rhythm.

Blood samples were drawn at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and midnight. PC, IL-6 and β-TG were measured by ELISA, PS and AT by latex immune assay and HC-II by chromogenic substrate method. A significant circadian variation was found in PC, PS, AT, β-TG and IL-6, but not in HC-II levels. PC, PS, IL-6 and β-TG were at their peaks at 6 a.m., and nadirs at a time from noon to midnight. AT peak was at 6 p.m. and nadir at noon. The regression of PS on IL-6 was significant. Although the fluctuations of PS and AT were within the normal ranges during the day, some PC levels of two subjects were below the lower normal limit (0.70).

These data indicate that PC, PS, and AT show a marked circadian periodicity as the other components of the blood coagulation and fibrinolytic system do. The similar trends in plasma concentrations of PC, PS, β-TG and IL-6 may be coincidental, but could reflect a common regulatory mechanism or an effect on each other. The clinical implications of these physiological changes in coagulation inhibitors and the role of IL-6 in the anticoagulant response deserve further studies.
Differential Role of Components of the Fibrinolytic System in the Formation and Removal of Thrombus Induced by Endothelial Injury
Authors: Matsuno Hiroyuki , Kozawa Osamu , Niwa Masayuki , Ueshima Shigeru , Matsuo Osamu , Collen Désiré , Uematsu Toshihiko
Published: June 2019

The role of fibrinolytic system components in thrombus formation and removal in vivo was investigated in groups of six mice deficient in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (u-PA-/-, t-PA-/- or PAI-1-/-, respectively) or of their wild type controls (u-PA+/+, t-PA+/+ or PAI-1+/+). Thrombus was induced in the murine carotid artery by endothelial injury using the photochemical reaction between rose bengal and green light (540 nm). Blood flow was continuously monitored for 90 min on day 0 and for 20 min on days 1, 2 and 3. The times to occlusion after the initiation of endothelial injury in u-PA+/+, t-PA+/+ or PAI-1+/+ mice were 9.4 ± 1.3, 9.8 ± 1.1 or 9.7 ± 1.6 min, respectively. u-PA-/- and t-PA-/- mice were indistinguishable from controls, whereas that of PAI-1-/- mice were significantly prolonged (18.4 ± 3.7 min). Occlusion persisted for the initial 90 min observation period in 10 of 18 wild type mice and was followed by cyclic reflow and reocclusion in the remaining 8 mice. At day 1, persistent occlusion was observed in 1 wild type mouse, 8 mice had cyclic reflow and reocclusion and 9 mice had persistent reflow. At day 2, all injured arteries had persistent reflow. Persistent occlusion for 90 min on day 0 was observed in 3 u-PA-/-, in all t-PA-/- mice at day 1 and in 2 of the t-PA-/-mice at day 2 (p <0.01 versus wild type mice). Persistent patency was observed in all PAI-1-/- mice at day 1 and in 5 of the 6 u-PA-/- mice at day 2 (both p <0.05 versus wild type mice). In conclusion, t-PA increases the rate of clot lysis after endothelial injury, PAI-1 reduces the time to occlusion and delays clot lysis, whereas u-PA has little effect on thrombus formation and spontaneous lysis.
Effects of Endotoxemia on Thrombopoiesis in Men
Authors: Stohlawetz Petra , Folman Claudia C. , von dem Borne Albert E. G. Kr. , Pernerstorfer Thomas , Eichler Hans-Georg , Panzer Simon , Jilma Bernd
Published: June 2019

Background. Febrile conditions are often associated with increased platelet turnover and refractoriness to platelet transfusions, although several pyrogenic cytokines enhance thrombopoiesis. This study aimed to characterize the effects of experimental human endotoxemia on platelet turnover and thrombopoiesis. Methods. Endotoxin (4 ng/kg) was infused into 30 healthy men to study the regulation of thrombopoiesis in systemic human inflammation. Platelet counts, plasma thrombopoietin (TPO) and glycocalicin levels, and reticulated platelets (RP) were measured to evaluate the effect of acute endotoxemia on thrombopoiesis. Ten subjects received pretreatment with 1000 mg aspirin po. to evaluate possible effects of aspirin on platelet turnover, and ten subjects received paracetamol to control for effects of anti-pyresis. Results. Platelet counts dropped by about 15% (p <0.001) one hour after LPS infusion, began to recover at 24 h, and exceeded baseline values by 8% (CI: 5-12; p <0.001) at 7 days after LPS iv. Reticulated platelet counts increased from 1.62% (CI: 1.24-2.0) to a maximum of 2.39% (CI: 1.81-2.98; p = 0.003) at 6 h. TPO levels increased from baseline values of 10 A.U/ml (CI: 8.8-11.2) to 15.5 A.U/ml (CI: 13.6-17.3) at 24 h (p <0.001), whereas plasma glycocalicin was not changed (p >0.05). The number of circulating platelet-neutrophil aggregates increased more than 100% at 6 h (p <0.001). Neither aspirin nor paracetamol affected changes in any of the parameters measured. Conclusion. Low grade endotoxemia induces a rapid fall of platelet counts, which is followed by an early increase in reticulated platelets and TPO levels but not of glycocalicin levels. Finally peripheral platelet counts increase several days after LPS infusion.
Inventory of Exogenous Hemostatic Factors Derived from Arthropods
Authors: Arocha-Piñango C. L. , Marchi R. , Guerrero B.
Published: June 2019

In many arthropods agents have been detected which affect the hemostatic mechanism. Some agents, such as those identified in hematophagus arthropods, seem to have evolved to help the animal in the feeding process while, in others, the function cannot be explained, but may be part of a defense mechanism (see Refs. 1-3).

Some arthropods possess several agents while in others one agent has different activities, i.e., antithrombin activity as well as inhibition of platelet aggregation. Many agents have been only partially characterized while others have been cloned and prepared in recombinant form.The majority of the agents are small proteins. As to the nomenclature, some agents have been described by the authors but have not been assigned proper names.
Watch What You Swallow!—A Rare Cause of Not So Rare Entity Presenting to the Emergency Room
Authors: Mukherjee Pratik , Peng Daniel Wu , Chawla Ashish
Published: June 2019

Foreign-body ingestion is a rare cause for acute appendicitis. The authors report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain for 3 days. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a foreign body in the appendix with peri-appendicular inflammatory changes. The patient underwent a successful appendectomy with complete recovery.
Wrinkles with changing orientation and complexity in a single piece of thin film
Authors: Feng Lichao , Chen Minghui , Qian Yue , Tian Jingwei , Liu Jiachen , Niu Shuang , Muhammad Hanif , Dong Mingdong , Zhong Jing
Published: June 2019

Wrinkles, as a form of mechanical instability, can be employed in many different areas, including self-cleaning coating, flexible electronics, smart adhesion, channel for microfluidic devices, and mechanical property measurements. After two decades of research, the wavelength and amplitude of wrinkles can be well controlled by proper design of physical properties of thin films and substrates. However, it is still very difficult to change their orientations and complexity in a single piece of thin film, which is critically important for many practical applications. In previous studies, the orientation of all the wrinkles are either along the same direction or can only be controlled to some extent by the patterning of relief structures which rely on the complicated lithography techniques and cannot be adjusted for a given substrate. Here, we employed the shape memory polymer (SMP) as a smart substrate, combined with local/selective heating to control the boundary conditions for the strain field, and realized the gradual change in the orientation of wrinkles in a single piece of thin film. The wrinkles with a gradual change in orientations exhibited angle-dependent colors. Furthermore, by changing the sequence of thin film coating and partial triggering of an SMP, complex surface features with a sharp interface can be obtained. Finite element simulation investigations uncover the basic principles and requirements that need to be satisfied, as well as the limitations of our method, to generate wrinkles with controlled orientations in a single piece of thin film.
Simplified exact SICS
Authors: Appleby Marcus , Bengtsson Ingemar
Published: June 2019

In the standard basis, exact expressions for the components of SIC vectors (belonging to a symmetric informationally complete positive operator valued measure or POVM) are typically very complicated. We show that a simple transformation to a basis adapted to the symmetries of a fiducial SIC vector can result in a massive reduction in complexity. We rely on a conjectural number theoretic connection between SICs in dimension dj and SICs in dimension dj+1 = dj(dj − 2). We focus on the sequence 5, 15, 195, … We rewrite Zauner’s exact solution for the SIC in dimension 5 to make its simplicity manifest and use our adapted basis to convert numerical solutions in dimensions 15 and 195 to exact solutions. Comparing to the known exact solutions in dimension 15, we find that the simplification achieved is dramatic. The proof that the exact vectors are indeed SIC fiducial vectors, also in dimension 195, is guided by the standard ray class hypothesis about the algebraic number fields generated by the SICs. In the course of the calculation, we introduce SIC adapted generators for the ray class field. We conjecture that our result generalizes to every dimension in the particular sequence we consider.
A laboratory study of class III Bragg resonance of gravity surface waves by periodic beds
Authors: Peng Ji , Tao Aifeng , Liu Yuming , Zheng Jinhai , Zhang Jisheng , Wang Risheng
Published: June 2019

When moderately steep waves travel over a periodic rippled bed, class III Bragg resonance may occur due to the third-order quartet wave-bottom interaction among one bottom and three surface wave components. The theory, however, has not been experimentally confirmed. To verify the existence of class III Bragg resonance, we consider the simplest possible case involving a single incident wave and conduct a series of physical experiments. The experiments show that as the theory predicts, class III Bragg resonance could generate not only the reflected waves (from subharmonic resonance) but also the transmitted waves (from superharmonic resonance), and the reflection and transmission coefficients vary linearly along the rippled bottom patch. Furthermore, the experimental data of the reflected and transmitted waves (due to class III resonance) agree quantitatively well with the prediction by high-order spectral (HOS) method computations. To further understand the characteristics of class III resonance, we apply HOS simulations to study the more general cases including the presence of two incident waves of different frequencies as well as the presence of an incident wave group with Gaussian envelope. The results show that in addition to class I and class II Bragg resonances, class III Bragg resonance can significantly influence the evolution of surface wave fields passing over a rippled bottom, especially in the case of shallow water.
A load-based thermopower measurement setup in the temperature range of 5–330 K
Authors: Tarachand  , Saxena Monika , Mukherjee Bodhoday , Okram Gunadhor S.
Published: June 2019

This is a report on the development of an automated precision load-based measurement setup for thermoelectric power (S) of different types of samples in the temperature range of 5–330 K. The problems in the old spring-based setup have been solved in this load-based setup. This setup takes nearly 4 h for each run, and the typical error is within 5%. High quality calibration has been demonstrated using high purity platinum wires and cylinders.
A coarse-grain model for entangled polyethylene melts and polyethylene crystallization
Authors: Hall Kyle Wm. , Sirk Timothy W. , Klein Michael L. , Shinoda Wataru
Published: June 2019

The Shinoda-DeVane-Klein (SDK) model is herein demonstrated to be a viable coarse-grain model for performing molecular simulations of polyethylene (PE), affording new opportunities to advance molecular-level, scientific understanding of PE materials and processes. Both structural and dynamical properties of entangled PE melts are captured by the SDK model, which also recovers important aspects of PE crystallization phenomenology. Importantly, the SDK model can be used to represent a variety of materials beyond PE and has a simple functional form, making it unique among coarse-grain PE models. This study expands the suite of tools for studying PE in silico and paves the way for future work probing PE and PE-based composites at the molecular level.
2D layering of silicon nanocrystals at TiO2/CuI heterojunction for enhanced charge transport
Authors: Elangovan Hemaprabha , Kesavan Arul Varman , Chattopadhyay Kamanio , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: June 2019

We prepared a two-dimensional layer of silicon nanoparticles at the CuI/TiO2 p-n junction heterophase interface by spray coating of colloidal ink of nanoparticles. The particles are prepared by a physical process of milling at room temperature and further etched to obtain a nanometric size distribution with a mode at ∼2 nm. These particles at the interface act as traps for electrons. However, the traps fill up quickly in a diode configuration due to the dense band structure of the nanoparticles, and overflowed electrons can tunnel through the junction, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency as reflected by a large increase in the diode current. A qualitative model is developed in terms of discrete band states at the interface to explain the above phenomena. The results offer opportunities for developing high-performance semiconducting devices.
Atomic-resolution imaging of carbonyl sulfide by laser-induced electron diffraction
Authors: Karamatskos Evangelos T. , Goldsztejn Gildas , Raabe Sebastian , Stammer Philipp , Mullins Terry , Trabattoni Andrea , Johansen Rasmus R. , Stapelfeldt Henrik , Trippel Sebastian , Vrakking Marc J. J. , Küpper Jochen , Rouzée Arnaud
Published: June 2019

Measurements on the strong-field ionization of carbonyl sulfide molecules by short, intense, 2 µm wavelength laser pulses are presented from experiments where angle-resolved photoelectron distributions were recorded with a high-energy velocity map imaging spectrometer, designed to reach a maximum kinetic energy of 500 eV. The laser-field-free elastic-scattering cross section of carbonyl sulfide was extracted from the measurements and is found in good agreement with previous experiments, performed using conventional electron diffraction. By comparing our measurements to the results of calculations, based on the quantitative rescattering theory, the bond lengths and molecular geometry were extracted from the experimental differential cross sections to a precision better than ±5 pm and in agreement with the known values.
A high sensitivity quartz resonant pressure sensor with differential output and self-correction
Authors: Zhang Quanwei , Li Cun , Zhao Yulong , Li Bo , Han Chao
Published: June 2019

A high sensitivity quartz resonant pressure sensor with differential output and self-correction is proposed. Although compared to other resonant devices, quartz resonators have less influence on external environmental factors due to their own high quality factor Q; the influence of external environment such as temperature, vibration, and humidity cannot be ignored in high-precision applications. These errors need to be eliminated or compensated. Therefore, this paper divides the core unit of the sensor into two parts: the working unit and the reference unit. The working unit provides the differential outputs which not only improves the sensitivity but also suppresses some interference such as time drift and temperature drift, and it is rarely used in quartz resonant pressure sensors. The reference unit can effectively detect and offset the interference of temperature and vibration which is named as self-correction, and it can also provide temperature measurement. Double-ended tuning fork quartz resonators used in both units are manufactured by micromachining technology. Bellows and flexible mechanisms used as pressure conversion units are manufactured using modern mechanical technology. The test results show that the sensor has the conformity accuracy of the fitting formula of 0.0148% full scale (FS), the good basic accuracy of 0.06% FS, and the high sensitivity of 36.58 Hz/kPa which meets well with the theoretical result. It is shown by the experiments that the reference unit can effectively correct the interference of temperature and vibration. The theoretical analysis and experimental results prove the feasibility of the resonant pressure sensor which can meet the application requirements of pressure measurement in the high-tech industries.
A comprehensive dataset for the accelerated development and benchmarking of solar forecasting methods
Authors: Pedro Hugo T. C. , Larson David P. , Coimbra Carlos F. M.
Published: June 2019

We describe and release a comprehensive solar irradiance, imaging, and forecasting dataset. Our goal with this release is to provide standardized solar and meteorological datasets to the research community for the accelerated development and benchmarking of forecasting methods. The data consist of three years (2014–2016) of quality-controlled, 1-min resolution global horizontal irradiance and direct normal irradiance ground measurements in California. In addition, we provide overlapping data from commonly used exogenous variables, including sky images, satellite imagery, and Numerical Weather Prediction forecasts. We also include sample codes of baseline models for benchmarking of more elaborated models.