Parameters of TSMG Process for Y1.5Ba2Cu3O x System with CeO2 Addition

The TSMG process of YBCO bulk superconductors with Y_1.5Ba₂Cu₃O _x composition and 1 wt% CeO₂ addition has been studied. It is shown that the window for isothermal growth of single-crystalline sample grown from Sm123 seed is between 988 ^°C and 1003 ^°C. At lower temperatures of this window, Y123 crystals grow with higher growth rate but the quality of crystals is worse due to the formation of steps at the growth front. During an isothermal dwell at the optimized temperature, the growth of Y123 single-crystal stops due to decreasing peritectic temperature with increasing CuO concentration in the melt. Additional slow cooling 1 ^°C/hour from the temperature of isothermal growth leads to epitaxial growth of Y123 crystal over the entire sample. Only very narrow part at the rim of the sample contains CuO phase and blocky Y123 crystals are formed there due to self-nucleation.     

The stretch zone of automotive steel sheets

The paper deals with an experimental determination of the stretch zone dimensions in the notch tip in thin steel sheets. The stretch zone dimensions depend on steel grade, on the rolling direction as well as on the loading rate. Stretch zones were observed and measured on three steel grades. Fracture area and stretch zones were analysed by SEM. Stable crack growth was monitored by videoextensometry techniques on CT (Compact Tension) specimens. Specimens were loaded under two loading rates by eccentric tension, whereby the deformation in the notch surrounding area was recorded using a non-contact measurement–videoextensometry technique. Linear relation between the stretch zone dimensions was determined.     

An Overview,Advantages and Therapeutic Potential of Nonpeptide Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor

Due to uncomfortable injection regimens of peptidic agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), orally available nonpeptide positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GLP-1Rs are foreseen as the possible future mainstream therapy for type 2 diabetes. Herein, current GLP-1R PAMs are reviewed. Based on the effectiveness and in silico predicted physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity, possible candidates for further development as oral drugs were selected. The suggestion is that GLP-1R PAMs might be used orally alone or in combination with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which could offer an optimal treatment option next to metformin monotherapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus, or in a wider spectrum of indications. Quercetin acts as a GLP-1R PAM and DPP-4 inhibitor, and therefore, might be considered as a pioneering agent with a dual mechanism of action, in terms of GLP-1R positive allosteric modulation and DPP-4 inhibition for potentiating GLP-1 dependent effects.     

The functionality of woven fabric from air-jet yarn from the mixture of CO/PA and CO/PES fibres in the weft direction

The purpose of presented research is to find out the influence of air-jet yarn from the mixture of CO/PA (50/50) and CO/PES (67/33) fibres on functionality of woven fabric in the plain weave.The first part of the study is directed to the mechanical and physical properties of air-jet yarns (16.7 tex) from CO/PA and CO/PES fibres, while the second part of the study focuses on permeability properties of fabrics with air-jet yarns in the weft. The results show that air-jet yarn in the weft direction influences on the water vapor transmission and thermal conduction increase and air permeability decrease.Incorporation of air-jet yarn in the weft direction also improves breaking extension level.The results of presented research also show that the incorporation of air-jet yarn in the weft has statistical important influence on thermal conduction, water-vapor and air permeability changes.     

Cost estimation in road construction using artificial neural network

Neural Computing and Applications - Road construction projects on the territory of the Republic of Croatia are characterized by the overrun of planned costs. The experience of the contractor on...     

Stationary and Progressive Phenotypes Caused by the p.G90D Mutation in Rhodopsin Gene

Mutations in rhodopsin gene (RHO) are a frequent cause of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and less often, congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). Mutation p.G90D has previously been associated with CSNB based on the examination of one family. This study screened 60 patients. Out of these 60 patients, 32 were affected and a full characterization was conducted in 15 patients. We described the clinical characteristics of these 15 patients (12 male, median age 42 years, range 8–71) from three families including visual field (Campus Goldmann), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electrophysiology. Phenotypes were classified into four categories: CSNB (N = 3, 20%) sector RP (N = 3, 20%), pericentral RP (N = 1, 6.7%) and classic RP (N = 8, 53.3% (8/15)). The phenotypes were not associated with family, sex or age (Kruskal–Wallis, p > 0.05), however, cystoid macular edema (CME) was observed only in one family. Among the subjects reporting nyctalopia, 69% (22/32) were male. The clinical characteristics of the largest p.G90D cohort so far showed a large frequency of progressive retinal degeneration with 53.3% developing RP, contrary to the previous report.