bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression profiles of p53/p73, NME and GLI families in metastatic melanoma tissue and cell lines
Authors: Ozretić Petar , Hanžić Nikolina , Proust Bastien , Sabol Maja , Trnski Diana , Radić Martina , Musani Vesna , Ciribilli Yari , Milas Ivan , Puljiz Zvonimir , Bosnar Maja Herak , Levanat Sonja , Slade Neda
Published: August 2019

Unlike other tumours, TP53 is rarely mutated in melanoma; however, it fails to function as a tumour suppressor. We assume that its functions might be altered through interactions with several families of proteins, including p53/p73, NME and GLI. To elucidate the potential interplay among these families we analysed the expression profiles of aforementioned genes and proteins in a panel of melanoma cell lines, metastatic melanoma specimens and healthy corresponding tissue. Using qPCR a higher level of NME1 gene expression and lower levels of Δ40p53β, ΔNp73, GLI1, GLI2 and PTCH1 were observed in tumour samples compared to healthy tissue. Protein expression of Δ133p53α, Δ160p53α and ΔNp73α isoforms, NME1 and NME2, and N′ΔGLI1, GLI1FL, GLI2ΔN isoforms was elevated in tumour tissue, whereas ∆Np73β was downregulated. The results in melanoma cell lines, in general, support these findings. In addition, we correlated expression profiles with clinical features and outcome. Higher Δ133p53β and p53α mRNA and both GLI1 mRNA and GLI3R protein expression had a negative impact on the overall survival. Shorter overall survival was also connected with lower p53β and NME1 gene expression levels. In conclusion, all examined genes may have implications in melanoma development and functional inactivity of TP53.
Retrospective analysis reveals significant association of hypoglycemia with tramadol and methadone in contrast to other opioids
Authors: Makunts Tigran , U Andrew , Atayee Rabia S. , Abagyan Ruben
Published: August 2019

Tramadol is one of the most commonly used analgesics worldwide, classified as having a low abuse potential by U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and often recommended in pain management guidelines. Its pain-relieving mechanism of action is attributed to mild μ-opioid receptor agonism, serotonin and norepinephrine mediated nociception modulation, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, NMDAR, antagonism. However, recent case reports and case-control studies have shown an association between tramadol use and hypoglycemia. The growing concern over increasing tramadol use and unexpected side effects warranted a further comparative and quantitative analysis of tramadol adverse reactions. In this study we analyzed over twelve million reports from United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System and provided evidence of increased propensity for hypoglycemia in patients taking tramadol when compared to patients taking other opioids, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and drugs affecting NMDAR activity. Additionally, we identified that only methadone from the opioid cohort behaves similarly to tramadol and has an association with hypoglycemia.
Single-molecule nanoscale drug carriers with quantitative supramolecular loading
Authors: Zou Lei , VandenBerg Michael A. , Webber Matthew J.
Published: August 2019

Efficient, high-yielding dendrimer synthesis is coupled with tunable high-affinity host macrocycles to enable modular drug carriers.
Construction of multi-scale vascular chips and modelling of the interaction between tumours and blood vessels
Authors: Nie Jing , Gao Qing , Xie Chaoqi , Lv Shang , Qiu Jingjiang , Liu Yande , Guo Mengzi , Guo Rui , Fu Jianzhong , He Yong
Published: August 2019

Here, we constructs a whole vascular system, from arteries and capillaries to veins with a high resolution 3D printing. A bulk breast tumor tissue with a functional vascular network was built. The interaction between tumors and vessels is investigated.
The grain growth mechanism of nano-CaO regenerated by nano-CaCO3 in calcium looping
Authors: Liu Hao , Pan Fanfeng , Wu Sufang
Published: August 2019

The sintering mechanism of nano-CaO in calcium looping was studied by decoupling three sub-steps of regeneration experimentally.
The fabrication of an Ni6MnO8 nanoflake-modified acupuncture needle electrode for highly sensitive ascorbic acid detection
Authors: Jia Hongliang , Zhao Jianwei , Qin Lirong , Zhao Min , Liu Gang
Published: August 2019

An Ni6MnO8 nanoflake layer-modified microneedle sensor was constructed for highly sensitive ascorbic acid detection.
Impact of soft protein interactions on the excretion, extent of receptor occupancy and tumor accumulation of ultrasmall metal nanoparticles: a compartmental model simulation
Authors: Sousa Alioscka A.
Published: August 2019

A compartmental model simulation shows that the blood and tumor pharmacokinetics of ultrasmall metal nanoparticles can be modulated by soft interactions with plasma proteins.
Effectiveness of metal oxide catalysts for the degradation of 1,4-dioxane
Authors: Heck Kimberly N. , Wang Yehong , Wu Gang , Wang Feng , Tsai Ah-Lim , Adamson David T. , Wong Michael S.
Published: August 2019

FTIR and surface poisoning results suggest 1,4-dioxane adsorbs to Lewis acid sites on metal oxide surfaces and is degraded by surface radical species.
Synthesis and thermal stability of ZrO2@SiO2 core–shell submicron particles
Authors: Finsel Maik , Hemme Maria , Döring Sebastian , Rüter Jil S. V. , Dahl Gregor T. , Krekeler Tobias , Kornowski Andreas , Ritter Martin , Weller Horst , Vossmeyer Tobias
Published: August 2019

Silica encapsulation dramatically enhances the thermal stability of zirconia submicron particles by grain growth inhibition and tetragonal phase stabilization.
Pressure-induced enhancement of thermoelectric power factor in pristine and hole-doped SnSe crystals
Authors: Su Na , Qin B. C. , Zhu K. J. , Liu Z. Y. , Shahi P. , Sun J. P. , Wang B. S. , Sui Y. , Shi Y. G. , Zhao L. D. , Cheng J.-G.
Published: August 2019

The thermoelectric power factor of SnSe is enhanced by three times under a hydrostatic pressure of 22.5 kbar.
The dynamic CO2 adsorption of polyethylene polyamine-loaded MCM-41 before and after methoxypolyethylene glycol codispersion
Authors: Wang Xia , Zeng Wulan , Zhang Hongyan , Li Dan , Tian Hongjing , Hu Xiude , Wu Qian , Xin Chunling , Cao Xiaoyu , Liu Wenjing
Published: August 2019

To reduce the cost of CO2 capture, polyethylene polyamine (PEPA), with a high amino density and relatively low price, was loaded into MCM-41 to prepare solid sorbents for CO2 capture from flue gases.
Dilution of contact frequency between superenhancers by loop extrusion at interfaces
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Schiessel Helmut
Published: August 2019

The extrusion of chromatin at the interface of a droplet by cohesin generates lateral pressure. It may drive the Ostwald ripening that changes the size of the droplet.
Layered double hydroxide nanostructures and nanocomposites for biomedical applications
Authors: Yan Li , Gonca Sevil , Zhu Guangyu , Zhang Wenjun , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2019

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanostructures and related nanocomposites have attracted significant interest in biomedical applications including cancer therapy, bioimaging and antibacterial treatment.
Thermally induced multicolor emissions of upconversion hybrids with large color shifts for anticounterfeiting applications
Authors: Hu Yanqing , Shao Qiyue , Deng Xinyi , Song Dongdong , Han Shouyu , Dong Yan , Jiang Jianqing
Published: August 2019

By utilizing opposite luminescence temperature-dependences between lanthanide-doped microrods and nanocrystals, upconversion hybrids with color-tunable emissions are developed for more secure anticounterfeiting applications.
Significant enhancement of cathode-ray scintillation for a conductive Bi-SMOF via in situ partial rare earth ion replacement
Authors: Lu Jian , Zhao Xiu-Hui , Bai Bing , Zheng Fa-Kun , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: August 2019

Through in situ partial replacement of Bi3+ ions with rare earth ions like Eu3+ in a conductive Bi(iii)–MOF matrix, the cathode-ray luminescence performance gets significantly enhanced.
Test–Retest Reliability of Cervical and Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential With Simultaneous and Sequential Recording
Authors: E. Anupriya , Kumar Kaushlendra
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Simultaneous recording of cervical (cVEMP) and ocular (oVEMP) vestibular evoked myogenic potentials aids in reducing the testing time when compared to conventional sequential recordings. The purpose of this study was to examine the test–retest reliability of sequential and simultaneous acquisitions of cVEMP and oVEMP.

Method

cVEMP and oVEMP were recorded in 35 normal-hearing individuals. The cVEMP and oVEMP were obtained using sequential and simultaneous methods. The VEMP recordings were performed across 3 sessions. The 1st 2 recording sessions were consecutive with a gap of 5 min between sessions. The 3rd recording session was after a gap of 3–5 days.

Results

Both simultaneous and sequential recordings showed fair-to-good test–retest reliability for latencies and amplitude of cVEMP and oVEMP.

Conclusion

Simultaneous cVEMP and oVEMP recordings can be used to obtain fast VEMP recording with test–retest reliability comparable with that of sequential recording.
The Effect of Fatigue on Working Memory and Auditory Perceptual Abilities in Trained Musicians
Authors: Jain Saransh , Nataraja Nuggehalli Puttareviyah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Many perceptual processing processes, such as cognition, vision, sensation, and audition, are affected due to fatigue. Musicians are prone to fatigue because of long working hours and demanding profession. The research on assessing working memory abilities in musicians is heterogeneous, as none of the studies has controlled the effect of fatigue. This study was thus designed to assess the effect of fatigue on working memory and auditory perception in trained instrumental musicians.

Method

Twenty-six trained instrumental musicians and 25 nonmusicians participated in this study. The effect of fatigue was assessed by administering the working memory and auditory perception tests in prefatigue and postfatigue conditions. The fatigue was assessed using a 100-point visual analog scale. The working memory was assessed using Operation Span, Reading Span, and Digit Span (Forward and Backward) tests (Knutson et al., 1991). Auditory perception was assessed using speech-perception-in-noise and temporal integration tests.

Results

Working memory and speech perception were affected due to fatigue. Musicians, despite having better working memory abilities than nonmusicians, are equally prone to fatigue-related distress.

Conclusion

The advantage of music training for the working memory abilities may be reduced due to fatigue; hence, measures to reduce fatigue should be employed by the musicians. Fatigue should also be treated as a variable in all future research related to assess cognitive processing in musicians.
Energy management system for residential buildings based on fuzzy logic: design and implementation in smart‐meter
Authors: Chojecki Adrian , Rodak Michał , Ambroziak Arkadiusz , Borkowski Piotr
Published: August 2019

Advances in distributed generation and increased contribution of renewable energy source (RES) require development of smart grid technologies. Smart metering systems, as a part of smart grid technologies, in cooperation with modern buildings equipped with building management system allows for improvement of energy efficiency. It is possible to partially cover the power demand of a building from the local RESs. However, in order to ensure maximum added value, energy management system (EMS) is essential. This article presents the project and practical implementation of an EMS implemented in smart‐meter. The designed system is based on an original algorithm using fuzzy logic. The rule base was created in FCL language and the implementation was carried out in C++ with the object‐oriented programming (OOP). For the efficiency rating indicator, peak‐to‐average ratio (PAR) was selected. This ratio depending on the daily load profile decreased within a range from 15 to 54%, and the average value was 30%. The proposed energy management algorithm helps to reduce energy consumption at peak demand by 34%, with the total reduction of energy consumption during the day of 7%. The described solution demonstrates a potential for real implementation and was tested in hardware.
Production of concrete compatible biogranules for self-healing concrete applications
Authors: Sonmez Merve , Ersan Yusuf Cagatay
Published: August 2019

Recently, cost-efficient nitrate reducing biogranules were suggested as an alternative to axenic microbial cultures for development of microbial self-healing concrete. In a marine environment, biogranule containing microbial self-healing concrete showed simultaneous self-healing of cracks and immunisation against rebar corrosion. Yet, information about the production strategy of these biogranules and their compatibility with a mortar matrix is limited. This study presents the production of biogranules and their compatibility with mortar specimens when incorporated at dosages between 0.36% to 4.30% w/w cement (0.25% to 3% of bacteria w/w cement). In-house produced biogranules composed of 70% bacteria and 30% of minerals w/w of biogranule were used for the compatibility tests. In test mortars, calcium formate (CF) and calcium nitrate (CN) were used as regular nutrient admixtures, and nutrient content was set identical in every batch. Up to 2.9% incorporation, biogranules had no significant influence on the fresh properties of mortar. More than 2.9% incorporation caused poor workability and a 26% decrease in 3-Day compressive strength of biomortar specimens. Overall, the biogranules produced are compatible with a cementitious matrix up to 2.9% w/w cement, and even up to 3.6% if early age strength is not essential, which makes biogranules one of the most compatible microbial healing agents among the suggested agents in the literature.
Effect of micro-climate variations on carbonation rate of concrete in the inland environment
Authors: Aminu Alhassan Yunusa , Apeh Sunday
Published: August 2019

In an inland environment, carbonation is the primary cause of initiation for potential corrosion of steel in reinforced concrete. This problem has been exacerbated over recent years by increased urbanisation and vehicular traffic, resulting in higher atmospheric carbon dioxide contents – a problem typical of economically active cities throughout the world. It is important that designers of reinforced concrete structures respond to these variations through appropriate specifications to ensure that structures perform satisfactorily over their intended service lives. This paper is part of a study undertaken to assess the carbonation of concretes exposed to a range of micro-climate variations in inland environments, particularly with variations in carbon dioxide content, temperature and relative humidity conditions with the intent of developing a prediction model for the rate of carbonation. Concretes samples were prepared using three binder types representing variations of blends with FA, GGBS and four w/b ratios ranging from 0.4 to 0.75 and subjected to different degrees of initial water curing (3, 7, 28 days). These samples were placed in three exposure conditions: indoors in laboratory air, outdoors sheltered from rain and sun and outdoors fully exposed to the elements. The depths of carbonation of these samples were monitored over a period of 24 months in order to determine the rates of carbonation. Concrete samples in the outdoor sheltered sites presented the highest rate of carbonation. Although samples in this exposure site carbonated faster, the risk of reinforcement corrosion is likely to be low because the samples are protected from direct moisture effect. Keywords: Carbonation, Corrosion, Reinforced concrete, Micro climate, Inland environments
Prediction of the swelling capacity of salt-insensitive superabsorbent polymers in concrete by rheological measurements
Authors: Mazanec Oliver , Assmann Alessander , Eissmann Diana
Published: August 2019

A study on the macroscopic viscosity of a flowable, fine-grained high-strength mortar was conducted in order to estimate the swelling capacity of two salt-insensitive superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). In doing so, rotational rheometer measurements of the mortar modified with dry pre-mixed SAP were performed at several water-to-cement ratios (W/C), i.e. in the range 0.32 to 0.40. The swelling capacity of each SAP was estimated by correlating the fitted macroscopic viscosity vs. solid particle fraction curve with the curve of the plain mortar without addition of SAP, produced at the same W/C. The swelling capacities were found to yield 28 g pore water per g dry SAP (g/g) and 35 g/g, respectively. In addition to this new approach, two more practical relevant test methods were evaluated with respect to swelling capacity: first, comparative mortar spread tests, which were based on the use of the same fresh mortars but with less amount of superplasticizer, and second, tea bag tests with plain SAP immersed in an artificial pore solution. Only minor differences were found for the estimated swelling capacities. Hence the conclusion may be drawn that all three test methods are suitable for determining the swelling capacity of SAP in a cementitious environment.
New developments for corrosion protection of concrete structures in Australia
Authors: Cheaitani Atef , Cheytani Samir
Published: August 2019

The corrosion protection, repair and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures located along the coast of Australia has been a challenging task for engineers and asset owners over the past thirty years. Most of these structures are bridges and wharves which are situated in marine environments and are subject to tidal exposure. These environmental conditions create challenges in planning repair work, especially if electrochemical systems such as cathodic protection are installed for corrosion protection of these assets. While impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is a proven technology which can provide long-term corrosion prevention solutions for marine structures, this technology has been viewed by many asset owners as overly complex and expensive. There is the perception that ICCP systems require costly permanent monitoring programs and have high maintenance costs. These perceptions have been supported by the frequent failure of power supply units, and in some cases, widespread defects associated with ICCP systems such as grout acidification in concrete elements situated in tidal zones. The perception about the complexity of ICCP technology has led to the selection of less effective galvanic-based systems for the protection of assets, and systems which require no monitoring and have low maintenance requirements. This paper will present information on the new developments which have emerged from long-term experience and research work related to the simplification in the design, installation and improved monitoring of ICCP systems.
Galvanic chloride extraction by an embedded zinc anode: Ion distribution mapped by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Schwarz W. , Wilsch Gerd , Pichlhöfer A. , Ebell G. , Völker T.
Published: August 2019

An important aspect with regard to the service life of zinc based galvanic anodes and the durability of the corrosion protection of steel in concrete is the “galvanic chloride extraction”. Chloride ions move in the electric field generated by the current, flowing between the galvanic anode and the cathodic steel. Migration leads to an accumulation of anions, e.g. chloride ions, at the anode and depletion of chlorides near the steel rebar surface. The ion migration was studied on steel reinforced concrete specimens admixed with 3 wt.% chloride/wt. cement and galvanically protected by a surface applied embedded zinc anode (EZA). The zinc anode was embedded and glued to the concrete surface by a geo-polymer based chloride free binder. The EZA was operated over a period of 1 year and the ion distribution between anode (EZA) and cathode (steel reinforcement) was studied by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) after 5 months, 7 months and 12 months. The results show that chloride ions efficiently migrate in the direction of the zinc-anode and accumulate there. Chloride distribution in the EZA correlates with the distribution of zinc ions generated by the anodic dissolution of the zinc anode in the binder matrix. The microstructure of the binder matrix and its interface to the zinc-anode are studied by REM/EDX – preliminary results will be reported.
Implications upon using exterior post-tensioning tendons to retrofit a low strength concrete waffle slab
Authors: Faur Andrei , Jacint Virág
Published: August 2019

A common problem when casting reinforced concrete structures is to have a lower concrete compressive strength as opposed to what has been assumed in design. The deflections that may occur under the serviceability conditions can exceed the maximum allowed. Although less frequent nowadays, there is still an ongoing demand to offer simple and practical retrofitting solutions for such situations. To cast a new concrete layer above an existing waffle slab facing these problems is sometimes, only by appearance, the simplest retrofitting method. The major disadvantages reside in the growth of the overall steel consumption and overall weight of the structure. Additional reinforcement is needed for the new slab and at the interface of the two concretes. Interventions that are not always simple and accessible to the builder may still be needed to satisfy the strength demands of the already cast elements. Therefore, a post-tensioning system placed bellow the existing concrete seems to be a better solution. The present study refers to a real-case investigation on a 5-level residual building where a low concrete class was identified for several waffle slabs. Casting an overall top concrete slab or applying an exterior post-tensioning system were the two main retrofitting solutions offered by the designer. Both solutions are compared in terms of structural performance and cost efficiency.
Influence of the surface modification by sanding of carbon textile reinforcements on the bond and load-bearing behavior of textile reinforced concrete
Authors: Morales Cruz Cynthia , Raupach Michael
Published: August 2019

In the context of the application of carbon Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) layers for the durable repair of building surfaces, uniaxial tensile tests on rectangular TRC samples were carried out to compare the bond and load-bearing behavior of an epoxy-impregnated carbon textile and its surface modified version. The aim of the surface modification, consisting of a subsequent coating with epoxy resin and sanding with quartz sand, is the improvement of the composite material regarding crack width reduction and an increase of the load-bearing capacity. A total of 15 series were examined and the parameters: reinforcement type, orientation and ratio were varied. In addition, long-term load tests were conducted. An optical 3D-video measuring system in combination with a DIC-software was used, which allowed the analysis of the process of crack formation during the entire testing time. With the surface modified reinforcement the formation of approx. 1.5 times the number of cracks with averagely 33 % smaller crack widths and up to 50 % smaller crack spacings were observed, regardless of the ratio of reinforcement. The residual behaviour of the series subjected to a permanent load of 1500 MPa over 1000 h showed no reduction of the tensile stress compared to short-term tests.
New warning sensors to detect corrosion risk in reinforced concrete
Authors: Khadra Mahdi , Marie-Victoire Elisabeth , Bouichou Myriam , Crémona Christian , Vildaer Stéphanie
Published: August 2019

Corrosion is the most frequent but also the most deleterious deterioration mechanism affecting reinforced concrete. In addition to the economic impact of the repair works, for historical concrete structures, corrosion can generate irreversible losses of original material of great cultural value. If the usual non-destructive electrochemical methods have highlighted their efficiency in evaluating on-going corrosion activity, they also have pointed out their drawbacks for accurate extrapolation and prevention. To prevent the corrosion phenomenon, by detecting the penetration of aggressive agents, a new warning sensor system has been developed. The principle of the technique is to embed thin metallic sheets (called orphan blades) in the concrete cover, at different distances from the surface to the reinforcing bars. Then the corrosion of those very reactive orphan blades is followed during the propagation of the carbonation front and/or the penetration of chloride ions using stimulated infrared thermography. The corrosion of the sensors at different depths is indicative of the ingress speed of the front and can alert about the risk of corrosion of reinforcing bars in the concrete. The purpose of this study is to present this new technique and the first results obtained in the laboratory on corroded and non-corroded sensors.
Challenges of preserving modernist concrete
Authors: Harrer Ann , Gaudette Paul
Published: August 2019

Exposed architectural concrete is often a defining characteristic of modernist structures. Concrete, like other construction materials, eventually deteriorates over time and with exposure to environmental factors. With any historic structure, challenges exist in the development of an appropriately sensitive rehabilitation strategy to address existing distress, including structural repairs, use of compatible materials, development of repair procedures without unnecessary removal of historic material, and sustainable practices, as well as to meet the requirements of governing standards or jurisdictions. It is important to understand the structure’s construction, including material constituents of the concrete, unique characteristics, and extent and causes of deterioration, as well as project requirements and goals. Following a condition assessment, the rehabilitation strategy can be developed, taking into account the sensitive nature of the structure. Appropriateness and compatibility of repairs, together with technical soundness, are key to the success of the repair design. In addition, poor or incomplete repairs will have a minimal service life and can result in additional distress or other problems with the structure. This paper will describe challenges encountered in the preservation of modern concrete structures, focusing on architectural concrete. Case studies of several iconic modernist concrete structures, including the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, for which the authors have developed that highlight approaches to address these challenges.
Comparison between the predicted performance curve and the Markov Chain models for structural performance of infrastructure components
Authors: Semaan Nabil , Dib Youssef
Published: August 2019

This paper compares the PPC model to a Markov Chain (MC) stochastic deterioration model. First, inspection data from the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) is gathered and analyzed. Then Transition Probability Matrices (TPM) are developed, and, using Matlab, MC deterioration curves are developed. Comparison between MC and the PPC deterioration curves is performed for subway station walls and slabs. The comparison has shown that the useful service life can be as low as 2 years for components having many inspection history records, and very high as 30 years for components having very few inspection history records. The PPC model has always a higher useful service life estimate. Also, the MC has a ten times higher deterioration rate (0.2 per year) compared to the PPC model (0.02 per year). It can be concluded that the MC deterioration model requires a high amount of inspection data, and it is mathematically difficult to generate since most practicing managers and engineers have no background in Markov Chain modeling.
Structural condition assessment of a reinforced concrete driveway
Authors: Berkowski Piotr , Dmochowski Grzegorz
Published: August 2019

The reinforced concrete structure of a driveway built in the eighties of the 20th century is under consideration. It is a single-storey structure with a length of approx. 66.00 m, made in the form of a reinforced concrete skeletal structure, consisting of 7 frames with cantilevers, spaced at 9.00 m: 3 frames in the horizontal part of the driveway are three-span ones, and 4 in the sloping part are single-span frames. The driveway frame main beams have a rectangular cross-section and are based on pillars that have been placed on the spread footing these elements form a monolithic structure. Prefabricated reinforced concrete hollow floor plates were laid on them in the central part of the driveway, and in the outer parts the driveway floor was made of hollow clay slab blocks (Ackerman type). At the time of investigation, the upper layers of the driveway consisted of a surface waterproofing layer, a concrete slab of approx. 10 cm thickness made on a 1 cm sand layer. However, no internal waterproofing layer was found as was in the original design. The paper describes the process of determining the current technical condition of the reinforced concrete driveway structure, paying attention to the design and construction of the object, its operation (including the issues of durability of concrete under the conditions of possible impacts of the marine environment). Static and strength calculations were also performed (supported by concrete and reinforcement tests) and the conditions for further operation of the driveway were analyzed as well as concepts of rehabilitation.
Concrete repair challenges in the Middle East
Authors: Brueckner Rene
Published: August 2019

The root cause analysis, determination of the extent of concrete defects and identification of an appropriate repair strategy can be straightforward, but it also often provides significant challenges to both contractors and engineers. The challenges can be due to a lack of QA/QC documentation, locally available investigation equipment, repair material and techniques and accepting actually feasible solutions.

The paper presents a case study of a bridge in the Middle East where the root cause analysis was found to be straightforward but the determination of the extent of non-visible defects and the implementation of a feasible repair strategy proved to be much more complicated. The root cause analysis of the defects was carried out by visual inspection, representative intrusive investigations and a comprehensive document review. The determination of the extent of the defects using GPR techniques proved to be challenging under the local conditions. Even more difficulties were encountered by implementing the developed repair strategies to address the various defects to ensure that the required 120 years design life in a very aggressive environment can be achieved. Several revisions to the repair strategy were necessary to identify the most appropriate solution and to accelerate the programme.
Structural failure of old reinforced concrete river wharf
Authors: Dmochowski Grzegorz , Berkowski Piotr
Published: August 2019

According to the archival documentation the river harbour wharf was constructed around 1912. The quay was divided into 6 separated segments with a length of 32.0 m each. The structure of the wharf consists of the reinforced concrete frames situated perpendicularly to the riverbed. At ground level, the frames are connected by a reinforced concrete deck and longitudinal beams, located along the side of the river and the quay. The frames are also connected along the riverside by the concrete cap situated at the top of the retaining wall made of prefabricated panels and embedded in the bottom of the river. That wall constitutes a direct strengthening and protection of the embankment against the influence of the flowing river water. Basing on the performed inventory inspections, material examination, structural calculations and hydro-geotechnical analyses, the main reasons for the failure of the reinforced concrete wharf of the Odra River were defined. They were: very poor technical condition of the structure, lack of stabilizing anchors at the level of the wharf structure frames, and sudden fluctuations in water level in the river and their impact on the structure of the wharf. Moreover, from a static point of view, the embankment under the wharf was in an unstable equilibrium and at any time it could be damaged if additional horizontal forces were applied to it. Additionally, the possible impact of anchoring to the piers of the wharf of two river barges on wharf structure capacity was also analyzed.
Study on estimation of creep behaviour of concrete at early age considering temperature effect
Authors: Ohashi Kayo , Arai Jun-ichi , Mizobuchi Toshiaki
Published: August 2019

Clarifying the creep behaviour of concrete at early age not only improves the accuracy of temperature stress analysis but also contributes to prediction accuracy and control measures in cracks caused by thermal stress. However, most past researches on creep behaviour were investigated after 28 days. Currently, it is difficult to accurately perceive the creep behaviour of concrete at an early age in the test method of creep which is generally carried out. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the creep behaviour of concrete at early age and to establish a convenient test method to estimate the creep behaviour. Therefore, in this study, experiments were carried out for concrete at early age within one week. As the result of the experiments, it was shown that the creep strain is proportional to the load stress of concrete at an early age and the strain of specific creep decreases as the loaded age increases. In addition, based on the experimental results, an estimation equation for creep strain at early age was proposed. Within the scope of this experimental result, it was confirmed that the estimation equation proposed in this study accurately represented the creep behaviour of concrete at early age.
Research and practices of large composite external wall panels for energy saving prefabricated buildings
Authors: Shi Yunxing , Zhang Yangang , Ni Kun , Liu Wei , Luo Ye
Published: August 2019

The production process and application of large composite external wall panels (composite panels for short) are introduced in this paper. Composite panels with both load bearing and thermal insulation were formed by pouring normal concrete (NC) and ceramsite foamed concrete (CFC) continuously according to particular technological requirements, which made two layers into a seamless whole. The layers of NC and CFC are for load bearing and thermal insulation respectively. The composite panels were manufactured in the scale of industrial production, and applied to several energy saving prefabricated buildings successively, instead of polystyrene sandwich composite panels (sandwich panel for short) as external wall panels. There are several obvious advantages of the composite panel over the sandwich panel or outer benzoic board. Firstly, it solved the problems of durability of polystyrene and the complex production process of the sandwich pane, the production process of the external wall was thus greatly simplified. In addition, the fire risk was much reduced.
A Real-Time Flight Safety Alarm System for Multiple UAVs
Authors: San Khin Thida , Chang Yoon Seok
Published: August 2019

Airborne heterogeneous UAVs can encounter flight control or sensor failures while performing flight tasks. To protect against this, safety alarm systems (SAS) are typically implemented in ground control systems (GCS) to prevent crashes or other failures. Tracing the failure for a single UAV is relatively easy, but it is difficult to manually monitor multiple UAVs flying in a distributed open area. The current paper aims to fulfil this SAS deficiency, a deficiency that is still frequently ignored during GCS development. Our SAS alerts users of no-fly zones as well as navigation, battery, GPS and communication failures. The system can monitor simultaneous multiple UAV-flight failures in real time so that GCS can send appropriate commands to each UAV encountering a problem.
The Investigation of Mutual Interference Vortex Flow around Two Circular Cylinders by Flow Visualization and Pressure Measurement
Authors: Yokoi Yoshifumi , Vitkovičová Rut
Published: August 2019

In order to understand the aspect of the mutual interference flow from two circular cylinders, the visual observation experiment and the pressure measurement experiment were performed by use a water flow apparatus. Two circular cylinders with a diameter of D=10mm were used, and they have been arranged at staggered or tandem. The flow velocity was U=0.25m/s (Re=UD/í, í is kinematic viscosity of fluid). The dye oozing streak method was used in the visualization experiment. In the pressure measurement experiment, the pressure on the surface of a circular cylinder was detected by the single tube manometer, and measurement was performed by image processing using a computer. As a result, distribution of the circular cylinder surface pressure coefficient CP corresponding to the flow pattern and it in each circular cylinder arrangement was obtained. The drag coefficient CD was calculated from the pressure coefficient CP, and change of the resistance in each arrangement was found.
Endocuff Vision is safe to use for dysplasia surveillance in patients with ulcerative colitis: a feasibility study
Authors: Fang Wendy C. , Haridy James , Keung Charlotte , Van Langenberg Daniel , Saunders Brian P. , Garg Mayur
Published: August 2019

Background and study aims Endocuff Vision improves adenoma detection rates in patients without inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of Endocuff Vision-assisted high-definition white light endoscopy (HDWLE) with dye-spray chromoendoscopy for detection of dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Patients and methods Patients with clinically inactive ulcerative colitis due for dysplasia surveillance were recruited. Procedural endpoints included safety, cecal intubation rate (CIR), terminal ileum intubation rate (TIR), withdrawal time, polyp detection rate, dysplasia detection rate (DDR), and sessile serrated lesion detection rate.

Results Twenty-five patients (9 female, median age 57 [range 28 – 82] years) were studied. Endocuff Vision-assisted HDWLE was completed in all participants, with a CIR of 100 %, in a median 4 minutes (range 2 – 16), and a TIR of 88% in a median of 6.5 minutes (range 3 – 19). Median withdrawal time was 18 minutes (range 10 – 55), including application of dye-spray, biopsies and polypectomy. The Mayo Endoscopic subscore was 0 in 11, 1 in 9, and 2 in 5 patients. The DDR was 24 % (6 patients had a total of 12 dysplastic lesions) and sessile serrated lesion detection rate was 12 % (3 patients had a total of 4 sessile serrated polyps). No serious adverse events occurred, with one patient developing clinically insignificant minor mucosal bleeding.

Conclusion Endocuff Vision-assisted HDWLE is feasible and safe in patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing dysplasia surveillance. Further studies are required to assess superiority of this technique compared with standard high-definition white light endoscopy with chromoendoscopy.
Analyse von Gesichtsasymmetrien bei Patienten mit Schiefnasen
Authors: Lindemann Jörg , Schmadl Anna , Scheithauer Marc Oliver , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Sommer Fabian , Grossi Anna-Sophia , Stupp Franziska
Published: August 2019

Hintergrund Das chirurgische Management der Schiefnase stellt selbst für erfahrene Rhinochirurgen eine Herausforderung dar, obwohl zahlreiche Techniken zur Korrektur beschrieben sind. Nicht selten besteht zusätzlich zur Schiefnase eine Asymmetrie des Gesichtes, die das ästhetische Ergebnis der Operation beeinflusst. In dieser Studie sollte festgestellt werden, wie häufig bei Patienten mit einer Schiefnase zusätzlich eine anthrometrische Asymmetrie des Gesichtes besteht.

Material und Methoden Hierzu wurden retrospektiv die Daten von Patienten mit Schiefnasen (n = 607, 304 Frauen, 303 Männer, mittleres Alter 30 Jahre) ausgewertet. Die präoperativen Fotos des Gesichtes wurden standardisiert anthrometrisch anhand von Winkelmessungen ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse 382 der 607 Patienten hatten eine C-förmige (63 %) und 225 eine I-förmige (37 %) Schiefnase. Mehr als Dreiviertel der Patienten wiesen eine Gesichtsasymmetrie bezüglich der Pupillenverbindungs-/Nasenbasislinie auf. 49 % der Patienten gaben ein Nasentrauma in der Vorgeschichte an, dieses hatte jedoch keinen relevanten Einfluss auf die Häufigkeit einer Gesichtsasymmetrie.

Schlussfolgerungen Eine vorbestehende Gesichtsasymmetrie ist sehr häufig und kann das ästhetische Operationsergebnis erheblich beeinträchtigen. Dies sollte im Rahmen der präoperativen Aufklärung angesprochen werden. Insbesondere sollte erwähnt werden, dass das Operationsergebnis bei Schiefnasen ästhetisch erheblich hinter den Erwartungen bleiben kann und nicht selten eine Revisionsoperation notwendig werden kann.
Multistate Models: Accurate and Dynamic Methods to Improve Predictions of Thrombotic Risk in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Carmona-Bayonas Alberto , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula , Garrido Marcelo , Custodio Ana , Hernandez Raquel , Lacalle Alejandra , Cano Juana María , Aguado Gema , Martínez de Castro Eva , Alvarez Manceñido Felipe , Macias Ismael , Visa Laura , Martín Richard Marta , Mangas Monserrat , Sánchez Cánovas Manuel , Longo Federico , Iglesias Rey Leticia , Martínez Lago Nieves , Martín Carnicero Alfonso , Sánchez Ana , Azkárate Aitor , Limón María Luisa , Hernández Pérez Carolina , Ramchandani Avinash , Pimentel Paola , Cerdá Paula , Serrano Raquel , Gil-Negrete Aitziber , Marín Miguel , Hurtado Alicia , Sánchez Bayona Rodrigo , Gallego Javier
Published: August 2019

Research into cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) entails managing dynamic data that pose an analytical challenge. Thus, methods that assume proportional hazards to investigate prognosis entail a risk of misinterpreting or overlooking key traits or time-varying effects. We examined the AGAMENON registry, which collects data from 2,129 patients with advanced gastric cancer. An accelerated failure time (AFT) multistate model and flexible competing risks regression were used to scrutinize the time-varying effect of CAT, as well as to estimate how covariates dynamically predict cumulative incidence. The AFT model revealed that thrombosis shortened progression-free survival and overall survival with adjusted time ratios of 0.72 and 0.56, respectively. Nevertheless, its prognostic effect was nonproportional and disappeared over time if the subject managed to survive long enough. CAT that occurred later had a more pronounced prognostic effect. In the flexible competing risks model, multiple covariates were seen to have significant time-varying effects on the cumulative incidence of CAT (Khorana score, secondary thromboprophylaxis, high tumor burden, and cisplatin-containing regimen), whereas other predictors exerted a constant effect (signet ring cells and primary thromboprophylaxis). The model that assumes proportional hazards was incapable of capturing the effect of these covariates and predicted the cumulative incidence in a biased way. This study evinces that flexible and multistate models are a useful and innovative method to describe the dynamic effect of variables associated with CAT and should be more widely used.
A Novel Pathogenic Variant of the CFTR Gene in a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis Phenotype—c.4096A > T
Authors: Arslan Ahmet Burak , Zamani Ayşe Gül , Pekcan Sevgi , Yıldırım Mahmut Selman
Published: August 2019

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic multisystemic disease originating from functional alterations in CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein. To date, more than 300 pathogenic variants have been described in the literature. However, the diagnosis of CF, which was thought to become easier after the CFTR gene was identified, became more complicated due to the enormous amount of variations. In this study, we present a patient whose clinical findings were consistent with cystic fibrosis (CF) and showed a homozygous missense change that is not previously reported in the CFTR gene as pathogenic. In the next-generation sequencing analysis, homozygous c.4096A > T single-nucleotide exchange (I1366F [p.Ile1366Phe], missense) was shown in both alleles of the patient' CFTR gene. According to our database analysis, this variant has not yet been previously reported (VarSome, ClinVar, MutationTaster, Ensembl, dbSNP, PubMed). We do consider the change as pathogenic since the patient's findings were compatible with CF and the data analysis was in favor of pathogenicity. The most recent consensus report published in 2017 emphasized the importance of CFTR gene analysis, and this study emphasizes the difficulties of associating CFTR gene variations with a clinical picture and constitutes a new data on the genotype–phenotype correlation of CFTR variants. Also, considering the frequency of CF (according to World Health Organization data, every 1 out of 2,000–3,000 infants is born with CF in European Union countries and every 1 out of 3,500 in the United States) as well as the increasing rate of molecular studies performed on CF patients worldwide, reporting novel variation has an additional value.
Evaluation of a Training Program to Improve Organizational Capacity for Health Systems Analytics
Authors: Miller Steven D. , Stablein Phillip , Syed Jay , Smothers Valerie , Marx Emily , Greene Peter , Lehmann Harold , Nagy Paul G.
Published: August 2019

Objective The Leadership in Analytics and Data Science (LEADS) course was evaluated for effectiveness. LEADS was a 6-month program for working biomedical and health informatics (BMHI) professionals designed to improve analytics skills, knowledge of enterprise applications, data stewardship, and to foster an analytics community of practice through lectures, hands-on skill building workshops, networking events, and small group projects.

Methods The effectiveness of the LEADS course was evaluated using the Kirkpatrick Model by assessing pre- and postcourse knowledge, analytics capabilities, goals, practice, class lecture reaction, and change in the size of participant professional networks. Differences in pre- and postcourse responses were analyzed with a Wilcoxon signed rank test to determine significance, and effect sizes were computed using a z-statistic.

Results Twenty-nine students completed the course with 96% of respondents reporting that they were “very” or “extremely” likely to recommend the course. Participants reported improvement in several analytics capabilities including Epic data warehousing (p = 0.017), institutional review board policy (p = 0.005), and data stewardship (p = 0.007). Changes in practice patterns mirrored those in self-reported capability. On average, the participant professional network doubled.

Conclusion LEADS was the first course targeted to working BMHI professional at a large academic medical center to have a formal effectiveness evaluation be published in the literature. The course achieved the goals of expansion of BMHI knowledge, skills, and professional networks. The LEADS course provides a template for continuing education of working BMHI professionals.