New benchmark problems for verification of the curve-to-surface contact algorithm based on the generalized Euler–Eytelwein problem

Development of the numerical contact algorithms for finite element method usually concerns convergence, mesh dependency, etc. Verification of the numerical contact algorithm usually includes only a few cases due to a limited number of available analytic solutions (e.g., the Hertz solution for cylindrical surfaces). The solution of the generalized Euler–Eytelwein, or the belt friction problem is a stand alone task, recently formulated for a rope laying in sliding equilibrium on an arbitrary surface, opens up to a new set of benchmark problems for the verification of rope/beam to surface/solid contact algorithms. Not only a pulling forces ratio $_{0}^{ }$ , but also the position of a curve on a arbitrary rigid surface withstanding the motion in dragging direction should be verified. Particular situations possessing a closed form solution for ropes and rigid surfaces are analyzed. The verification study is performed employing the specially developed Solid-Beam finite element with both linear and 1 -continuous approximations together with the Curve-to-Solid Beam (CTSB) contact algorithm and exemplary employing commercial finite element software. A crucial problem of "contact locking" in contact elements showing stiff behavior despite the good convergence is identified. This problem is resolved within the developed CTSB contact element

Astragaloside II promotes intestinal epithelial repair by enhancing L-arginine uptake and activating the mTOR pathway

Astragaloside II (AS II) extracted from Astragalus membranaceus has been reported to promote tissue wound repair. However, the effect of AS II on inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. We investigated the effects and mechanism of AS II on intestinal wound healing in both in vitro and in vivo models. Human intestinal Caco-2 cells were treated with multiple concentrations of AS II to assess cell proliferation, scratch wound closure, L-arginine uptake, cationic amino acid transporter activity, and activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. These effects were also measured in a mouse model of colitis. AS II promoted wound closure and increased cell proliferation, L-arginine uptake, CAT1 and CAT2 protein levels, total protein synthesis, and phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K, and 4E-BP1 in Caco-2 cells. These effects were suppressed by lysine or rapamycin treatment, suggesting that the enhanced arginine uptake mediates AS II-induced wound healing. Similar results were also observed in vivo. Our findings indicate that AS II can contribute to epithelial barrier repair following intestinal injury, and may offer a therapeutic avenue in treating irritable bowel disease

Influence of environment in electro-chemical quality of tomato

The aim of the research was to investigate the impact of different cultivation environments of tomato cultivars, the electro-chemical and the qualitative traits of the tomato fruits. The quality of tomato fruit harvesting was evaluated at the Laboratory of Institute of Horticulture and Viticulture University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna. Two hybrids of tomatoes were tested Belle-F1 and AmaF1, in two locations and two different treatments (open field and plastic tunnels). Model of experimental fields was based on random method and included three replications. Following parameters were analyzed and tested: pH, Rh, P-Value, Nitrates and the content of vitamin C. The values of pH for treatment in the open field and indoor production system were not significant (4.47 to 5.05). For P-Value derived from the two treatments the maximal values were without significant differences, while minimal values were significant. Study has shown also that the highest values of nitrate content (16.34 mg, open field) compared to average value differences were + 0.384 mg or 43.83% higher. In indoor production the nitrate content was lower in compared with plants cultivated in open fields, so these differences were +3.81 mg or 26.4 0%, and highly significant for both levels. In relation to vitamin C content, the highest value was identified in the indoor systemof 298.6mg, with variations from the overall average of 16.43% or + 42.15 mg. The coefficient of variation values for both levels was of 29.96 respectively 27.31%

Activation and contraction of human ‘vascular’ smooth muscle cells grown from circulating blood progenitors

Blood outgrowth smooth muscle cells offer the means to study vascular cells without the requirement for surgery providing opportunities for drug discovery, tissue engineering and personalised medicine. However, little is known about these cells which has meant their therapeutic potential remains unexplored. Our objective was to investigate for the first time the ability of blood outgrowth smooth muscle cells and vessel derived smooth muscle cells to sense the thromboxane mimetic U46619 by measuring intracellular calcium elevation and contraction. U46619 (10 26 -6 M) increased cytosolic calcium in blood outgrowth smooth muscle cells fibroblasts. Increased calcium signal peaked between 10-20 seconds after U46619 in both smooth muscle cell types. Importantly, U46619 (10-9 to 10-6 M) induced concentration-dependent contractions of both blood outgrowth smooth muscle cells and vascular smooth muscle cells but not in fibroblasts. In summary, we show that functional responses of blood outgrowth smooth muscle cells are in line with vascular smooth muscle cells providing critical evidence of their application in biomedical research

Influence of environment in electro-chemical quality of tomato

The aim of the research was to investigate the impact of different cultivation environments of tomato cultivars, the electro-chemicaland the qualitative traits of the tomato fruits. The quality of tomato fruit harvesting was evaluated at the Laboratory of Institute of Horticultureand Viticulture University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna. Two hybrids of tomatoes were tested Belle-F1 and AmaF1,in two locations and two different treatments (open field and plastic tunnels). Model of experimental fields was based on random method andincluded three replications. Following parameters were analyzed and tested: pH, Rh, P-Value, Nitrates and the content of vitamin C. The valuesof pH for treatment in the open field and indoor production system were not significant (4.47 to 5.05). For P-Value derived from the twotreatments the maximal values were without significant differences, while minimal values were significant. Study has shown also that the highestvalues of nitrate content (16.34 mg, open field) compared to average value differences were + 0.384 mg or 43.83% higher. In indoor productionthe nitrate content was lower in compared with plants cultivated in open fields, so these differences were +3.81 mg or 26.4 0%, and highlysignificant for both levels. In relation to vitamin C content, the highest value was identified in the indoor systemof 298.6mg, with variations fromthe overall average of 16.43% or + 42.15 mg. The coefficient of variation values for both levels was of 29.96 respectively 27.31%

Distributed ledger technology for trust management optimisation in M2M

Decentralised environments with a high number of end-users and M2M devices used in several M2M services increase the importance of a secure trust management and comprehensive trust evaluation system to avoid frauds from malicious nodes. Blockchain, as part of the distributed ledger technology (DLT), helps to improve the overall security in a decentralised M2M community in various aspects. This research publication summarises several existing trust management and evaluation approaches, concluding with their benefits and limitations. Besides these, it highlights the advantages of the distributed ledger technology with the focus on blockchain and consensus mechanisms. In this context, most relevant consensus mechanisms are reviewed and an optimisation concept is proposed. Finally, a blockchain-based trust evaluation system is presented which can be used for trust evaluation and computation of decentralised M2M services part of an M2M community