PI control of discrete linear repetitive processes

Repetitive processes are a distinct class of 2D systems (i.e. information propagation in two independent directions) of both systems theoretic and applications interest. They cannot be controlled by direct extension of existing techniques from either standard (termed 1D here) or 2D systems theory. In this paper, we exploit their unique physical structure to show how two term, i.e. proportional plus integral (or PI) action, can be used to control these processes to produce desired behavior (as opposed to just stability).     

Plane Problem for Layered Composites with Periodic Array of Interfacial Cracks Under Compressive Static Loading

The current paper addresses the problem of 2-D modelling of the onset of failure process in a layered composite with periodic array of interfacial cracks under static compression along layers. The statement of the problem is based on the most accurate approach, the model of piecewise-homogenous medium. The condition of plane strain state is considered. The shear and the extensional buckling modes are examined. The laminae are modelled by transversally isotropic material (a matrix reinforced by continuous parallel fibres). The complex non-classical failure mechanics problem is solved utilizing finite element analysis. It is found that the 0°-plies volume fraction, the crack length and the mutual position of cracks influence the critical strain in the composite.     

Influence of surface modification of alumina on bond strength in Al2O3/Al/Al2O3 joints

The subject of the work was to study the effect of Ti thin film on alumina ceramic on mechanical strength and fracture character of Al₂O₃/Al/Al₂O₃ joints. The joints were formed by liquid state bonding of alumina substrates covered with titanium thin film of 800 nm thickness using Al interlayer of 30μm thickness at temperature of 973 K in a vacuum of 0.2 mPa for 5 min. The bend strength was measured by four–point bending test at room temperature. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were applied for detailed characterization of interface structure and failure character of fractured joint surfaces. Result analysis has shown that application of the Ti thin film on alumina leads to decrease of bond strength properties of Al₂O₃/Al/Al₂O₃ joints along with the change either of structure and chemistry of interface or of failure character.     

Galanin Receptors (GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3) Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissue and Correlations to the Overall Survival and Poor Prognosis of CRC Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the third in men. The postoperative pathomorphological evaluation of patients with CRC is extremely important for future therapeutic decisions. Although our previous studies demonstrated high galanin (GAL) presence within tumor tissue and an elevated concentration of GAL in the serum of CRC patients, to date, there is a lack of data regarding GAL receptor (GalR) protein expression in CRC cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of all three types of GalRs (GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3) within epithelial cells of the human colon and CRC tissue with the use of the immunohistochemical method and to correlate the results with the clinical-pathological data. We found stronger immunoreactivity of GalR1 and GalR3 in CRC cells compared to epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa of the large intestine. No differences in the GalR2 protein immunoreactivity between the studied tissues were noted. We also found that the increased immunoexpression of the GalR3 in CRC tissue correlated with the better prognosis and longer survival (p < 0.0079) of CRC patients (n = 55). The obtained results suggest that GalR3 may play the role of a prognostic factor for CRC patients. Based on data from the TCGA-COAD project deposited in the GDC Data Portal, we also found that GalR mRNA in cancer samples and the adjacent normal tissue did not correlate with immunoexpression of the GalR proteins in CRC cells and epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa.     

Synthesis of Novel Phosphonic‐Type Activity‐Based Probes for Neutrophil Serine Proteases and Their Application in Spleen Lysates of Different Organisms

Neutrophils are a type of granulocyte important in the “first line of defense” of the innate immune system. Upon activation, they facilitate the destruction of invading microorganisms by the production of superoxide radicals, as well as the release of the enzymatic contents of their lysozymes. These enzymes include specific serine proteases: cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, as well as the recently discovered neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4). Under normal conditions, the proteolytic activity of neutrophil proteases is tightly regulated by endogenous serpins; however, this mechanism can be subverted during tissue stress, thereby resulting in the uncontrolled activity of serine proteases, which induce chronic inflammation and subsequent pathology. Herein, we describe the development of low‐molecular‐weight activity‐based probes that specifically target the active sites of neutrophil proteases.     

Impact of Users’ Security Awareness on Desktop Security Behavior: A Protection Motivation Theory Perspective

This article uses the protection motivation theory to study the impact of information security awareness on desktop security behavior. It contributes to the literature by examining the roles played by awareness, an important antecedent to the cognitive processes in the protection motivation theory. The findings indicate that security awareness significantly affects perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost. Constructs in the coping appraisal process (except response cost), in turn, significantly impact recommended security behavior.     

Equal access to the energy infrastructure as a precondition to promote competition in the energy market. The case of European Union

In many EU countries, the infrastructures for supplying electricity and gas (electricity networks, gas pipelines, and storage facilities) are still properties of the so-called vertically integrated undertakings (VIU) responsible for the extraction or generation, supply, and transmission and distribution of the energy. While competition can be promoted in the generation/production and supply side of the vertical integration, transmission and distribution segments remain natural monopolies that hinder market mechanisms. Vertical integration simply raises the possibility for incumbents to favor their own divisions and to block new entrants. As a result, non-discriminatory and equal access to the electricity and gas transmission and distribution networks, also LNG and storage facilities, is crucial to foster competition in politically delicate structures of the electricity and gas markets.