We report the effect of topographical features on gold nanowire assemblies in a vertically applied AC electric field. Nanowires 300 nm in diameter ×2.5 μm long, and coated with ∼30 nm silica shell, were assembled in aqueous solution between top and bottom electrodes, where the bottom electrode was patterned with cylindrical dielectric posts. Assemblies were monitored in real time using optical microscopy. Dielectrophoretic and electrohydrodynamic forces were manipulated through frequency and voltage variation, organizing nanowires parallel to the field lines, i.e., standing perpendicular to the substrate surface. Field gradients around the posts were simulated and assembly behavior was experimentally evaluated as a function of patterned feature diameter and spacing. The electric field gradient was highest around these topographic features, which resulted in accumulation of vertically oriented nanowires around the post perimeters when dielectrophoresis dominated (high AC frequency) or between the posts when electrohydrodynamics dominated (low AC frequency). This general type of reconfigurable assembly, coupled with judicious choice of nanowire and post materials/dimensions, could ultimately enable new types of optical materials capable of switching between two functional states by changing the applied field conditions.

Prediction of failure mechanisms in concrete is a fairly complex task due to heterogeneous concrete microstructure, localization process triggered by cracks, multiple crack interactions during their growth and coalescence, and different dissipative mechanisms in a fracture process zone prior to localized failure and in a localization zone during the failure. None of the currently used phenomenological models can represent the full set of 3D failure modes. This work presents an attempt to solve this with the 3D meso-scale model based on discrete lattice approach. In particular we show that we can capture such complexities at the meso-scale, which is able to represent microcracks in fracture process zone along with the localized failure represented in terms of embedded strong discontinuity and accompanied with softening constitutive law. The model can also successfully simulate salient features of concrete response, such as order of magnitude of reduction in strength in uniaxial tension versus compression, strength increase in biaxial loading or hydrostatic tension. Moreover, macro-scale representation of failure surfaces obtained with presented model for different loading programs confirms the need for failure concrete criterion of multi-surface kind. Part I of this work presents the proposed meso-scale based on extensive number of numerical simulations with multiple realizations of different concrete specimens, along as the optimal deterministic fit for several common concrete failure models. The ultimate interest of the work is to provide detailed data set for different failure modes which can be used for identification of probability distribution of material parameters for different criteria. Such task is carried in Part II of this work.

The numerous and diverse applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) have the potential to change all areas of daily life of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. The vision of a pervasive IoT spans a wide range of application domains and addresses the enabling technologies needed to meet the performance requirements of various IoT applications. In order to accomplish this vision, this paper aims to provide an analysis of literature in order to propose a new classification of IoT applications, specify and prioritize performance requirements of such IoT application classes, and give an insight into state-of-the-art technologies used to meet these requirements, all from telco’s perspective. A deep and comprehensive understanding of the scope and classification of IoT applications is an essential precondition for determining their performance requirements with the overall goal of defining the enabling technologies towards fifth generation (5G) networks, while avoiding over-specification and high costs. Given the fact that this paper presents an overview of current research for the given topic, it also targets the research community and other stakeholders interested in this contemporary and attractive field for the purpose of recognizing research gaps and recommending new research directions.

Introduction: Up to 50% of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF group)1. Due to diverse activated pathophysiological pathways, there should be a difference in biomarkers release in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). BNP is the best studied biomarker in AHF, but we want to investigate difference in release of troponin (marker of myocytes stress and injury), tumor marker CA125 (marker of congestion and volume overload om HF) and cystatin C (marker of interstitial fibrosis).