Crack Resistance of Lightly Reinforced Concrete Structures.

The crack resistance of concrete structures with low reinforcement ratios requires a broader examination. It is particularly important in the case of foundations working in changing subsoil conditions. Unfavorable phenomena occurring in the subsoil (e.

Development and Analysis of High-Modulus Asphalt Concrete Predictive Model.

The main purpose of this paper is to present the development of a new predictive model intended for the calculation of stiffness modulus |E*| determined by a four-point bending beam test (4PBB or 4PB-PR). The model developed, called model A, was based on the Witczak model, which was developed for the dynamic-modulus (DM) method. Most of the asphalt mixtures used to develop the model were high-modulus asphalt concrete (HMAC).

Protein overproduction alters exosome secretion in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Despite the abundance of available cell lines, nearly 70% of all recombinant therapeutic proteins today are produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The impact of protein overproduction on the secretion of exosomes by CHO cells has been investigated here. Increased secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by protein overexpressing CHO cells was demonstrated with protein content assay, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and capillary electrophoresis.

Thermal Diffusivity of Concrete Samples Assessment Using a Solar Simulator.

The thermal properties of pavement layers made of concrete with varying bulk densities are a particularly interesting topic in the context of development road technologies. If a hybrid layer system is used as a starting point, with thin asphalt layers (from 1 cm to 4 cm) laid on top of a foam concrete layer, thermal properties begin to play a crucial role. The main research problem was to create a test method enabling the assessment of the influence of solar heating on the thermal parameters of the building material, especially cement concrete.

Glioblastoma hijacks neuronal mechanisms for brain invasion.

Glioblastomas are incurable tumors infiltrating the brain. A subpopulation of glioblastoma cells forms a functional and therapy-resistant tumor cell network interconnected by tumor microtubes (TMs). Other subpopulations appear unconnected, and their biological role remains unclear.

Length Effect at Testing Splitting Tensile Strength of Concrete.

Tensile strength of concrete is the basic property when estimating the cracking resistance of the structure and when analysing fracture processes in concrete. The most common way of testing tensile strength is the Brazilian method. It has been noticed that the shape and size of specimens influence the tensile splitting strength.

A branching process model for dormancy and seed banks in randomly fluctuating environments.

The goal of this article is to contribute towards the conceptual and quantitative understanding of the evolutionary benefits for (microbial) populations to maintain a seed bank consisting of dormant individuals when facing fluctuating environmental conditions. To this end, we discuss a class of '2-type' branching processes describing populations of individuals that may switch between 'active' and 'dormant' states in a random environment oscillating between a 'healthy' and a 'harsh' state. We incorporate different switching strategies and suggest a method of 'fair comparison' to incorporate potentially varying reproductive costs.

Study on Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Modified Asphalt Binders Relaxation at Low Temperature.

The paper presents the results of laboratory investigation on asphalt binders relaxation at low temperature, carried out in a ductilometer using the tensile test with continuous force measurement. Polymer modified asphalt binder samples consisting of a 50/70 penetration grade bitumen mixed with a concentrate of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen-a 160/220 penetration grade bitumen modified with a SBS copolymer in the amount of 9%-were tested. Therefore, polymer modified binders containing 3%, 4.

Experimental Study of Tensile Properties of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Modified Asphalt Binders.

The requirements imposed on road pavements are ever increasing nowadays, necessitating the improvement of the properties of paving materials. The most commonly used paving materials include bituminous mixtures that are composed of aggregate grains bound by a bituminous binder. The properties of bitumens can be improved by modification with polymers.

Assessment of Impact of Aramid Fibre Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Selected Asphalt Mixtures.

Various additives to asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures improving their properties are being used more and more frequently in order to improve the durability of road pavements. Such additives include various types of fibres, including aramid fibres. Tests concerning the impact of aramid fibre addition on the properties of selected asphalt mixtures have been described herein.

Expression of the PIM2 gene is associated with more aggressive clinical course in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Background: The PIM2 gene belongs to the PIM family, which encodes serine/threonine kinases involved in cell survival and apoptosis. The relation between the expression of the PIM2 gene and the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been fully determined.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of the PIM2 gene as a marker of CLL malignancy and its importance as a predictive and prognostic factor.

Elevated serum concentrations of metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) in patients with Graves' orbitopathy.

Background: Graves' orbitopathy (GO), also known as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, is characterized by dramatic tissue reactivity. Both inflammation and tissue remodeling characterize the clinical course of GO. Some data has been found regarding the association of MMPs and TIMPs in GO.

Primary Intraocular Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Diagnostic Difficulties in Deep Retinal Infiltrations with Vitritis.

Purpose: Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a rare malignancy with an aggressive clinical course. It is usually considered as a subset of primary central nervous system lymphoma. Differential diagnosis should include infectious and non-infectious aetiologies, particularly the common masqueraders sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, viral retinitis and syphilis.

Mycotic Infections of the Eye.

Fungal infections of the eye are an important cause of significant visual loss and blindness in some regions of the world, especially developing countries. Ocular mycoses remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist. Corneal infection is the most frequent presentation, but the orbit, eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, conjunctiva, sclera and internal structures of the eye can also be affected.

Elevated PIM2 gene expression is associated with poor survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

The PIM2 gene encodes the serine/threonine kinase involved in cell survival and apoptosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of the PIM2 gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to examine its role in apoptosis of the blastic cells. We analyzed the PIM2 expression in 148 patients: 91 with AML, 57 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 24 healthy controls by Real-Time PCR and Western blot.

The Role of Hypothermia Coordinator: A Case of Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest Treated with ECMO.

We present a description of emergency medical rescue procedures in a patient suffering from severe hypothermia who was found in the Babia Gora mountain range (Poland). After diagnosing the symptoms of II/III stage hypothermia according to the Swiss Staging System, the Mountain Rescue Service notified the coordinator from the Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center (CLHG) Coordinator in Krakow and then kept in constant touch with him. In accordance with the protocol for managing such situations, the coordinator started the procedure for patients in severe hypothermia with the option of extracorporeal warming and secured access to a device for continuous mechanical chest compression.

Increased expression of metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2), and EMMPRIN (CD147) in multiple myeloma.

Introduction: Activity of metalloproteinases (MMP) is controlled both by specific tissue inhibitors (TIMP) and activators (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, EMMPRIN). There are few data available concerning concentration the bone marrow of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, or EMMPRIM expression by bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Patients And Methods: We studied 40 newly diagnosed, untreated patients: 18 males and 22 females with de novo MM and 11 healthy controls.

[Etiology and own experience in the primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children].

Unlabelled: Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is the most frequent (85%) type of enuresis in children. It remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to establish its etiology and implement a proper treatment.

Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the causes of PMNE in children on the basis of own investigations and assess factors having influence over PMNE etiology, which would enable the choice of effective therapy.

[Etiology primary, monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children. Own research].

Introduction: Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis is the most frequent (85%) type of enuresis in children. Establishing its causes enables the choice of effective therapy.

Aim: To establish the causes of primary, monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children on the basis of own investigations.

Expression of PIM-2 and NF-κB genes is increased in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is associated with complete remission rate and overall survival.

Introduction: PIM-2 is a proto-oncogene that encodes for a serine/threonine kinase that interacts with various signaling molecules. PIM-2 is highly expressed in neoplastic tissues and in leukemic and lymphoma cell lines, which is consistent with its role during oncogenic transformation. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway appears to be deregulated in a variety of tumors, with sustained activity of NF-κB leading to apoptotic resistance in tumor cells.

CD8+CD28-lymphocytes in peripheral blood and serum concentrations of soluble interleukin 6 receptor are increased in patients with Graves' orbitopathy and correlate with disease activity.

Background: The extrathyroid, orbital manifestation of Graves' disease (GD)--Graves' orbitopathy (GO)--presents a difficult clinical problem. The immunological status of GO patients is still under investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the serum concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R), and CD8+CD28- lymphocytes in GO patients and to evaluate if these parameters were associated with disease activity.

Soluble CTLA-4 receptor an immunological marker of Graves' disease and severity of ophthalmopathy is associated with CTLA-4 Jo31 and CT60 gene polymorphisms.

Objective: Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder with genetic and environmental background. CTLA-4 is a candidate gene for thyroid autoimmunity. Increased serum levels of soluble CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) were found in some autoimmune diseases.

Identification of novel cystinuria mutations in pediatric patients.

Objective: Cystinuria is a common inherited disorder of renal reabsorption of cystine and the dibasic amino acids. So far, mutations in two genes (SLC3A1 and SLC7A9) have been identified in cystinuria patients. Molecular searches for cystinuria mutations show that their distribution depends on the ethnic origin of the patients, but have not allowed the detection of 100% of variants.

Electrohydrodynamic flow and colloidal patterning near inhomogeneities on electrodes.

Current density inhomogeneities on electrodes (of physical, chemical, or optical origin) induce long-range electrohydrodynamic fluid motion directed toward the regions of higher current density. Here, we analyze the flow and its implications for the orderly arrangement of colloidal particles as effected by this flow on patterned electrodes. A scaling analysis indicates that the flow velocity is proportional to the product of the applied voltage and the difference in current density between adjacent regions on the electrode.