bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In‐situ imaging of Li intercalation in graphite particles in an Li‐ion battery
Authors: TAKATA KEIJI
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the imaging of the expansion and contraction of graphite particles at the anode of a lithium‐ion battery. The intercalation and deintercalation of Li ions in the graphite particles induced by charging and discharging lead to expansion and contraction of the layered materials. These changes in volume were imaged through current collectors using scanning probe microscopy, which permitted in‐situ observation of the Li ion shift with high resolutions. We were able to evaluate the properties of each individual graphite particle.

Here, we present variations in the images obtained by two methods of charging/discharging. In one method, the applied fields are changed, forcing the ions to move back into the graphite particles. Images showing detailed structures were obtained, allowing us to investigate the fine structures of the graphite particles. In the other method, the amount of ions is periodically injected into the graphite, which did not reveal the detailed structure but clearly distinguished inactive from active particles.
TNF‐α (−308G>A) and TNF‐R1 (36A>G) single nucleotide polymorphisms are strong risk factors for odontogenic keratocystic tumor development
Authors: Ilic Branislav , Nikolic Nadja , Andric Miroslav , Jelovac Drago , Milicic Biljana , Jozic Tanja , Krstic Slobodan , Milasin Jelena
Published: February 2017

Background

Polymorphisms in genes encoding tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and its receptor TNF‐R1 have been shown to affect one person's susceptibility to develop certain neoplastic diseases. The aim of the present association study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF‐α (−308G>A) and TNF‐R1 (36A>G) genes modulate the susceptibility for keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) development in Serbian patients.

Methods

Genotyping was performed in 60 KCOT patients and 125 healthy individuals, using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

A significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies was found between patients and controls for both SNPs (P < 0.05). Carriers of the TNF‐α A variant had an eightfold increase of KCOT risk (OR = 8.12, 95% CI = 3.98–16.56, P < 0.0001), while carriers of the TNF‐R1 G variant had approximately a fourfold increase of KCOT risk (OR=3.65, CI: 1.60–8.40, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the two polymorphisms are strong risk factors for KCOT development in Serbian population.
Stories of change: the text analysis of handovers in an Italian psychiatric residential care home
Authors: Accordini M. , Saita E. , Irtelli F. , Buratti M. , Savuto G.
Published: February 2017

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

There is a growing emphasis on communication as a result of the move towards the more inclusive approach associated with the community‐based rehabilitation model. Therefore, more importance is attached to handovers.

Besides ensuring transfer of information, handovers enhance group cohesion, socialize staff members to the practices of the service and capture its organizational culture.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

While handovers are mainly used for information transfer and to manage the services' daily routine, this paper offers an insight on how handovers can be conceived as valuable instruments to document cultural and organizational change.

Only a limited amount of studies has focused on handovers in mental healthcare settings, and most of them only consider the perspectives of psychiatric nurses, while embracing a broader perspective, this paper provides valuable insights into the perspectives of various service providers.

The overcoming of the dichotomy deficit‐based vs. recovery‐oriented model is possible if professionals use handovers to reflect upon their practice and the ways in which their cultural models are affected by the environmental context.

What are the implications for practice?

Handovers are valuable instruments to document organizational change.

It would be important for psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities to keep track of the handover records over time as they may provide insightful information about cultural change and the transformations in the core values and beliefs held by professionals.

Handovers assure a timely and correct information transfer while socializing workers to the service's culture; however, no study describes them as instruments to document organizational change and only a few have focused on psychiatric settings.

Aim

To investigate the change in the culture of an Italian psychiatric residential care home as perceived by its mental health workers (MHWs) over the course of two decades.

Method

Emotional text analysis (ETA) was used to analyse the MHWs' handovers completed from 1990 to 2011.

Results

The analysis generated four clusters and three main factors illustrating the change in the MHWs’ representations of the residential care home and its occupants. The factors showed: (1) the shift from an individualistic, problem‐focused view to an inclusive, community‐based approach; (2) the presence of a descriptive as well as a specialized language; and (3) the presence of a double focus: on patients and professionals.

Conclusions

Handovers transcripts document the following changes: (1) a shift from a symptom‐based to a recovery‐oriented approach; (2) a modification of the MHWs values towards an holistic view of the patient; (3) a growing importance assigned to accountability, services integration and teamwork. The paper shows that handovers can be used diachronically to document organizational change.
Involvement of CD147 in alveolar bone remodeling and soft tissue degradation in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Yang D. , Liu R. , Liu L. , Liao H. , Wang C. , Cao Z.
Published: February 2017

Background and Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible roles of clusters of differentiation 147 (CD147) in bone resorption and mineralization through the bone markers of bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), trabecular structure of alveolar bone and number of osteoclasts. We also investigated the effects of CD147 on inflammation and collagen breakdown.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of seven animals each: healthy group, periodontitis group, periodontitis + saline group and periodontitis + anti‐CD147 groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used for histological assessment. Alveolar bone loss and trabecula microstructure were evaluated using micro‐computed tomography. Collagen fiber breakdown was assessed via picrosirius red staining. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining was conducted for osteoclast analysis. The expressions of ALP, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and osteopontin were evaluated using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Anti‐CD147 treatment significantly inhibited alveolar bone loss and osteoclastogenesis, and improved the bone volume/tissue volume, and the trabecular thickness of alveolar bone. Histological staining revealed that anti‐CD147 significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammation and limited the fractions of degraded areas in collagen fibers. The expression of bone markers (ALP, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and osteopontin) was enhanced by anti‐CD147 treatment.

Conclusion

The results of the anti‐CD147 treatment indicate that CD147 was involved in alveolar bone mineralization, osteoclastogenesis and trabecular microstructure. The inhibition of CD147 could increase the expression level of osteogenic markers, alveolar bone crest height and suppressed collagen fiber degradation.
Blood Transfusions in Dogs and Cats Receiving Hemodialysis: 230 Cases (June 1997–September 2012)
Authors: Langston C. , Cook A. , Eatroff A. , Mitelberg E. , Chalhoub S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Multiple factors exist that contribute to anemia in dogs and cats receiving hemodialysis, can necessitate transfusion.

Objectives

To describe blood product usage in dogs and cats with acute and chronic kidney disease that were treated with intermittent hemodialysis to determine risk factors associated with the requirement for blood product transfusion.

Animals

83 cats and 147 dogs undergoing renal replacement therapy at the Animal Medical Center for acute or chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review of all dogs and cats receiving renal replacement therapy for kidney disease, from June 1997 through September 2012.

Results

Blood products (whole blood, packedRBCs, or stromal‐free hemoglobin) were administered to 87% of cats and 32% of dogs. The number of dialysis treatments was associated with the requirement for transfusion in cats (adjustedOR2.21, 95%CI1.13, 4.32), but not in dogs (adjustedOR0.98, 95%CI0.95, 1.03). Administration of a blood product was associated with a higher likelihood of death in dogs (OR3.198, 95%CI1.352, 7.565;P= .0098), but not in cats (OR1.527, 95%CI0.5404, 4.317,P= .2).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Veterinary hospitals with a hemodialysis unit should have reliable and rapid access to safe blood products in order to meet the needs of dogs and cats receiving dialysis.
Interaction of mammary bovine ABCG2 with AFB1 and its metabolites and regulation by PCB 126 in a MDCKII in vitro model
Authors: Manzini L. , Halwachs S. , Girolami F. , Badino P. , Honscha W. , Nebbia C.
Published: February 2017

The ATP‐binding cassette efflux transporter ABCG2 plays a key role in the mammary excretion of drugs and toxins in humans and animals. Aflatoxins (AF) are worldwide contaminants of food and feed commodities, while PCB 126 is a dioxin‐like PCB which may contaminate milk and dairy products. Both compounds are known human carcinogens. The interactions between AF and bovine ABCG2 (bABCG2) as well as the effects of PCB 126 on its efflux activity have been investigated by means of the Hoechst H33342 transport assay in MDCKII cells stably expressing mammary bABCG2. Both AFB1 and its main milk metabolite AFM1 showed interaction with bABCG2 even at concentrations approaching the legal limits in feed and food commodities. Moreover, PCB 126 significantly enhanced bABCG2 functional activity. Specific inhibitors of either AhR (CH233191) or ABCG2 (Ko143) were able to reverse the PCB 126‐induced increase in bABCG2 transport activity, showing the specific upregulation of the efflux protein by the AhR pathway. The incubation of PCB 126‐pretreated cells with AFM1 was able to substantially reverse such effect, with still unknown mechanism(s). Overall, results from this study point to AFB1 and AFM1 as likely bABCG2 substrates. The PCB 126‐dependent increased activity of the transporter could enhance the ABCG2‐mediated excretion into dairy milk of chemicals (i.e., drugs and toxins) potentially harmful to neonates and consumers.
Punishment within Prison: An Examination of the Influences of Prison Officials’ Decisions to Remove Sentencing Credits
Authors: Steiner Benjamin , Cain Calli M.
Published: February 2017

Despite considerable research directed toward understanding the factors that affect punishment decision-making leading to imprisonment, few studies have examined the influences of punishment decisions within prisons. Punishment decisions made within prisons can affect an individual's liberty during their imprisonment and/or the timing of their release from prison if the punishment results in the loss of sentencing credits or influences parole decision-making. Moreover, if punishment disparities result from these decisions, then some offender groups may endure a greater loss of liberty relative to others. In this study, we examine the factors that influence prison officials’ decisions to remove sentencing credits in response to prison rule violations. Analysis of collected data from a Midwestern state prison system reveal that prison officials are primarily influenced by the seriousness and type of the rule violation, along with an inmate's violation history. Other relevant factors include those proximately connected to an inmate's risk of subsequent misbehavior such as gang membership and those that are linked to practical consequences and constraints associated with the organizational environment and particular inmates such as the proportion of their sentence an inmate has served and whether an inmate has mental health problems.
Restating the common law? The Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015
Authors: Goudkamp James
Published: February 2017

The Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 entered into force on 13 April 2015. It is too soon for it to have been considered judicially, and it has not yet been subjected to sustained academic analysis. Accordingly, this article considers its impact. In doing so, it situates the Act in its social context and draws attention to the fact that it is part of a large network of statutes that share the same objectives. It is argued, contrary to prevailing views, that parts of the Act change the law. It is also maintained that the Act’s reach is not confined to personal injury cases or even to tort cases. It potentially applies far more widely, including to contractual actions that allege a failure to take reasonable care. In addition to analysing the Act, this article investigates why the legislature might want to restate the common law (which is what the Act does in part), whether replicating the common law is desirable and, if the legislature is bent on restating the common law, how it should go about doing so.
Inibitory effects of linalool on fungal pathogenicity of clinical isolates of Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum
Authors: Silva Kaltz V. S. , Lima Maria I. O. , Cardoso Gustavo N. , Santos Aldeir S. , Silva Gezaíldo S. , Pereira Fillipe O.
Published: February 2017

In humans worldwide, Microsporum sp. is a frequent agent of dermatophytsosis. When considering the emergence of resistant fungi and the clinical relevance of dermatophytosis, terpene antifungal activity is of great interest. Linalool is a monoterpene alcohol with pharmacological properties. In this study, antifungal in vitro activity of linalool and ketoconazole (as a positive control) were evaluated against clinical isolates of M. canis and M. gypseum. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of each drug were determined by broth microdilution. The effects of the drugs (1/2MIC, MIC, 2xMIC) on radial mycelial growth, conidial production and germination were analysed. The effect on the fungal cell membrane (release of intracellular material) was also investigated. Linalool (MIC: 128 μg/mL) and ketoconazole (MIC: 64 μg/mL) were effective in inhibiting all dermatophytes studied. The MFC values of linalool ranged between 128 and 256 μg/mL, whereas ketoconazole showed MFC values of from 64 to 256 μg/mL. Linalool (at MIC and 2xMIC) and ketoconazole (at 1/2MIC, MIC, 2xMIC) inhibited mycelial growth (P < 0.05). The drugs (1/2MIC, MIC, 2xMIC) were also active on conidiogenesis and conidia germination, causing complete inhibition (P < 0.05). Linalool caused leakage of intracellular material. Our study supports the use of linalool as a potential antifungal agent against M. canis and M. gypseum.
Factors associated with reduction of left ventricular mass in children on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Yu Jeong Jin , Jun Hyun Ok , Shin Eun Jung , Baek Jae Suk , Lee Joo Hoon , Kim Young‐Hwue , Park Young Seo , Ko Jae‐Kon
Published: February 2017

Aim

This study aimed to investigate sensitive factors involved in left ventricular mass reduction in children with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Methods

Thirty‐five subjects on peritoneal dialysis were enrolled. Two successive echocardiographic and clinical data for each subject were obtained. Blood pressure and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were indexed through a division with the normal 95th percentile value. Differences in numeric data between two datasets were calculated.

Results

The mean age was 12.9 ± 4.6 years. Predictors of left ventricular hypertrophy and its persistence were systolic blood pressure index (P = 0.019 and P = 0.046) and E’ velocity (P = 0.035 and P = 0.031) in univariate analysis. However, differences in these predictors between the datasets were not related to the change in indexed LVMI. Reduction in indexed LVMI was correlated to a reduction of indexed left atrial volume (R = 0.638, P = 0.001), trans‐mitral A velocity (R = 0.443, P = 0.011), and serum blood urea nitrogen level (R = 0.372, P = 0.028) and an elevation of haemoglobin level (R = −0.374, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

The extent of circulating volume expansion is potentially the main predictive factor for change of LVMI, because the volume dependent diastolic functional variables correlate to the change of LVMI. Further study with a large number of ESRD children including a group under fluid volume control is needed to investigate the role of volume expansion on the change of LVMI.
Agronomic traits of soybean cultivars released in different decades after grafting record‐yield cultivar as rootstock
Authors: Li Shengyou , Teng Fei , Rao Demin , Yao Xingdong , Zhang Huijun , Wang Haiying , Song Shuhong , St. Martin Steven K. , Xie Futi
Published: February 2017

Breeders have seldom considered the selection for root traits during the genetic improvement in soybean. It is hypothesized that grain yield would be increased by the root function improvement, especially for the current cultivars. The objective of this grafting experiment was to determine the effect of record‐yield cultivars L14 or Z35 as rootstocks on agronomic traits of cultivars released in different decades. A total of 11 cultivars, released in different decades, were used to graft onto L14 or Z35 rootstocks. The agronomic traits were measured in the pot‐culture experiments. Grafting cultivars released in different decades onto L14 or Z35 rootstocks resulted in higher yield, 100‐seed mass and apparent harvest index as compared with those of non‐grafted or self‐grafted plants. Grain yield gain of cultivars grafted onto record‐yield cultivar rootstocks was 0.40 g/plant/year from 1966 to 2006, which was larger than that of non‐grafts and self‐grafts (0.27 g/plant/year). The yield of current cultivars should increase more if their root functions were improved.
Genuine Wealth Per Capita as a Measure of Sustainability and the Negative Impact of Corruption on Sustainable Growth in Sub‐Sahara Africa
Authors: Forson Joseph Ato , Buracom Ponlapat , Chen Guojin , Baah‐Ennumh Theresa Yaaba
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we argue that the answer to the question of whether the impact of corruption on development is homogenous, is no. Our optimism rest on how development may be conceptualised. When equated to a narrow measure in economic‐wise which fundamentally ignores critical issues, then there is a possibility the outlook could be positive. But when conceptualised using a broad‐based approach such as sustainable development, then the outlook could be negative. We assess a panel of 22 economies in Sub‐Sahara Africa with the most recent dataset (1996–2013) from the World Bank and other reputable agencies. Our finding is quite robust. It holds in pooled OLS, Fixed effects and GMM within IV settings; and it also holds for different measures of institutions and different measures of development using growth per capita GDP and genuine wealth per capita, respectively. Taking stock of major policy blue‐prints of selected countries in the region on the fight against corruption, we are able to point out that institutions play important role in insulating citizens against the devastation caused by corruption. Overall, through this comparison, we are able to signal that both incidental and systematic corruption poses a long‐term threat to sustainable development.
Altered miR‐155 Expression in Allergic Asthmatic Airways
Authors: Malmhäll C. , Johansson K. , Winkler C. , Alawieh S. , Ekerljung L. , Rådinger M.
Published: February 2017

We and others have previously identified microRNAs (miRNAs) with pathological roles in animal models of asthma, where miR‐146a and miR‐155 have been described to play important roles in inflammatory responses. To date, few studies have investigated miRNA expression in human asthmatics. In the current study, significantly lower levels of miR‐155 were detected in cell‐free sputum from allergic asthmatics compared to healthy controls. Induced sputum isolated from allergic asthmatics in and out of pollen season revealed that miR‐155 expression, but not miR‐146a, is reduced in lymphocytes in season compared to post‐season. In contrast, miR‐155 was found to increase, whereas miR‐146a decreased in PBMCs and cell‐free PBMC culture media upon T cell receptor stimulation via αCD3/CD28 in both allergic asthmatics and healthy controls. Our findings suggest that miR‐155 is differentially expressed ex vivo in airways of allergic asthmatics compared to healthy controls, which may have implications in the local immune response in allergic asthma.
A Commentary on a Workshop ‘To Reveal the Foundational Concepts of Immune Regulation’ (i.e. Tolerance)
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: February 2017

A summary of the workshop with its laudatory goal ‘to reveal the foundational concepts in immunology’ was recently published in SJI with an invitation to outsiders to comment. In the end, a foundational concept is one upon which we can all agree. This requires debate and meaningful experimentation. The goal of this commentary is to provide some of that. Most of immunology is description of an observation (i.e. a fact). However, what ties all the facts together as a discipline is theory or conceptualization that gives a general context to observation and predicts the next step. This is what is meant by ‘foundational concepts’.
The Politics of the U.S. Federal Judiciary's Requests for Institutional Reform
Authors: Hughes David A. , Vining Richard L. , Wilhelm Teena
Published: February 2017

Objectives

We ask whether the requests the federal judiciary makes to Congress are conditioned either on political factors or on its actual institutional needs. Methods. We build a new measure of the yearly well‐being of the federal courts from 1978 through 2013 using factor analysis. We specify two formal models to generate testable hypotheses that help to untangle equilibria behavior resulting from competing claims on judicial preferences for court reforms. We test these claims using data from the chief justice's Year‐End Reports on the Federal Judiciary. Results. We find that requests are not conditioned upon the courts' actual institutional needs but instead upon their ideological proximity to the Senate. Conclusion. We conclude that the federal judiciary views its own administration in a similarly political fashion as its elected counterparts.
Testing the Median Voter Model and Moving Beyond its Limits: Do Personal Characteristics Explain Legislative Shirking?
Authors: Portmann Marco , Stadelmann David
Published: February 2017

Objectives

This study quantifies the quality of the median voter model (MVM) and analyzes whether personal characteristics explain legislative shirking.

Methods

We employ a natural measure for divergence between politicians and voter preferences by matching final roll‐call votes of politicians with referendum results. The relevance of personal characteristics for legislative shirking is analyzed by means of logit regressions.

Results

The MVM outperforms a random decision benchmark when predicting the behavior of politicians regarding the revealed preferences of their constituencies, but the model fails to account for a substantial part of its theoretical prediction. Personal characteristics of politicians do not explain overall legislative shirking.

Conclusions

Policy predictions based on the MVM should be carefully considered because of failing convergence. Majority elections tend to crowd out personal characteristics of politicians as potential explanations for legislative shirking.
Incidence and risk factor of hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic transplantation with fludarabine, busulfan, and anti‐thymocyte globulin myeloablative conditioning
Authors: Lam Wilson , Storek Jan , Li Haocheng , Geddes Michelle , Daly Andrew
Published: February 2017

Background

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), associated with factors such as BK polyomavirus reactivation, age, conditioning regimen, and presence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The incidence and impact of HC in patients receiving fludarabine (Flu), busulfan (Bu), and anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) conditioning is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study of patients undergoing SCT at our center between January 1, 2003 and Dec 31, 2012, to determine the incidence of HC and its effect on patient outcomes including overall survival (OS), relapse, non‐relapse mortality (NRM), GVHD, and healthcare resource use.

Results

In total, 94 cases of HC were identified and matched to controls based on age, donor type, disease type, and disease status at transplantation. The total incidence of HC was 17.7% (117 of 661 patients). Cases had a higher rate (43.6% vs 27.1%, P=.0394) of acute GVHD (Grade II‐IV), and chronic GVHD requiring systemic steroids (34.9% vs 18.6%, P=.004). Male gender was found to be a risk factor (hazard ratio [HR]=1.725, P=.017). OS and progression‐free survival did not differ between cases and controls (OS HR=1.128, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7807‐1.639; progression‐free survival HR=0.8809, 95% CI 0.6320‐1.234), however the rate of NRM was higher in cases (HR=1.632, 95% CI 1.007‐2.830). Median length of hospitalization was longer for patients with HC than matched controls (65.5 days vs 40.5 days, P<.0001).

Conclusion

HC is common in patients undergoing allogeneic SCT with FluBuATG conditioning, and affects the duration of hospitalization. Rate of GVHD is higher among patients with HC. While OS is not affected, an association was seen with higher NRM in our study. Improvement in treatment for HC may lead to reductions in morbidity and healthcare resource utilization.
Single‐dose intravenous iron infusion or oral iron for treatment of fatigue after postpartum haemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Holm C. , Thomsen L. L. , Norgaard A. , Langhoff‐Roos J.
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a single‐dose intravenous infusion of iron isomaltoside compared with current treatment practice with oral iron measured by physical fatigue in women after postpartum haemorrhage.

Materials and Methods

Single‐centre, open‐label, randomized controlled trial. Participants received intravenous iron (n = 97) or oral iron (n = 99), and completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and haematological and iron parameters were measured. Primary outcome was the aggregated change in physical fatigue score from baseline to 12 weeks postpartum.

Results

The difference in physical fatigue score was −0·97 (95% CI: −1·65; −0·28, P = 0·006) in favour of intravenous iron, but did not meet the predefined difference of 1·8. Across visits, we found statistically significant differences in fatigue and depression scores, as well as in haematological and iron parameters, all in favour of intravenous iron. There were no serious adverse reactions.

Conclusion

A single dose of intravenous iron was associated with a statistically significant reduction in aggregated physical fatigue within 12 weeks after postpartum haemorrhage compared to standard medical care with oral iron below the prespecified criteria of clinical superiority. As patient‐reported outcomes improved significantly and intravenous iron resulted in a fast hematopoietic response without serious adverse reactions, intravenous iron may be a useful alternative after postpartum haemorrhage if oral iron is not absorbed or tolerated.
Treatment of septic arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in 12 foals
Authors: Barceló Oliver F. , Russell T. M. , Uprichard K. L. , Neil K. M. , Pollock P. J.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To describe the clinical signs, surgical treatment, and outcome of septic arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in foals.

Study Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Sample Population

Foals (n = 12) with confirmed sepsis of the coxofemoral joint.

Methods

Lameness was localized to the coxofemoral joint based on physical examination. Sepsis was confirmed by cytological analysis of synovial fluid obtained under ultrasonographic guidance, during general anesthesia or standing sedation. Intra‐articular analgesia was used as an adjunct diagnostic modality in 2 foals. Surgical lavage of the affected joint was performed via arthroscopy or needle lavage, with repeated lavage performed in 7 foals.

Results

Synovial fluid contained 4.4 to 173 × 109/L white blood cells (WBCs), and 38‐63 g/L total protein. Cultures were positive in 10/12 foals. Isolated organisms included Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Rhodococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Staphylococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. Ten foals were discharged from hospital (83%). One of these was euthanized 15 days later due to chronic intestinal salmonellosis and renal failure, and 9 foals survived with no residual lameness detected 1 year after discharge from hospital.

Conclusions

Sepsis of the coxofermoral joint can be effectively treated with a combination of arthroscopic lavage and the use of systemic and local antimicrobials.
Speeding Up Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms With a Pseudorigid-Body Model
Authors: Venkiteswaran Venkatasubramanian Kalpathy , Turkkan Omer Anil , Su Hai-Jun
Published: February 2017

This paper seeks to speed up the topology optimization using a pseudorigid-body (PRB) model, which allows the kinetostatic equations to be explicitly represented in the form of nonlinear algebraic equations. PRB models can not only accommodate large deformations but more importantly reduce the number of variables compared to beam theory or finite element methods. A symmetric 3R model is developed and used to represent the beams in a compliant mechanism. The design space is divided into rectangular segments, while kinematic and static equations are derived using kinematic loops. The use of the gradient and hessian of the system equations leads to a faster solution process. Integer variables are used for developing the adjacency matrix, which is optimized by a genetic algorithm. Dynamic penalty functions describe the general and case-specific constraints. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated with the examples of a displacement inverter and a crimping mechanism. The approach outlined here is also capable of estimating the stress in the mechanism which was validated by comparing against finite element analysis. Future implementations of this method will incorporate other pseudorigid-body models for various types of compliant elements and also try to develop multimaterial designs.
Coupled Chaotic and Hyperchaotic Dynamics of Actuated Butterfly Valves Operating in Series
Authors: Naseradinmousavi Peiman , Bagheri Mostafa , Krstić Miroslav , Nataraj C.
Published: February 2017

In this effort, we focus on determining the safe operational domain of a coupled actuator-valve configuration. The so-called “Smart Valves” system has increasingly been used in critical applications and missions including municipal piping networks, oil and gas fields, petrochemical plants, and more importantly, the US Navy ships. A comprehensive dynamic analysis is hence needed to be carried out for capturing dangerous behaviors observed repeatedly in practice. Using some powerful tools of nonlinear dynamic analysis including Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré map, a comprehensive stability map is provided in order to determine the safe operational domain of the network in addition to characterizing the responses obtained. Coupled chaotic and hyperchaotic dynamics of two coupled solenoid actuated butterfly valves are captured by running the network for some critical values through interconnected flow loads affected by the coupled actuators’ variables. The significant effect of an unstable configuration of the valve-actuator on another set is thoroughly investigated to discuss the expected stability issues of a remote set due to others and vice versa.
Coupled Operational Optimization of Smart Valve System Subject to Different Approach Angles of a Pipe Contraction
Authors: Naseradinmousavi Peiman , Bagheri Mostafa , Nataraj C.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we focus on interconnected trajectory optimization of two sets of solenoid actuated butterfly valves dynamically coupled in series. The system undergoes different approach angles of a pipe contraction as a typical profile of the so-called “Smart Valves” network containing tens of actuated valves. A high fidelity interconnected mathematical modeling process is derived to reveal the expected complexity of such a multiphysics system dealing with electromagnetics, fluid mechanics, and nonlinear dynamic effects. A coupled operational optimization scheme is formulated in order to seek the most efficient trajectories of the interconnected valves minimizing the energy consumed enforcing stability and physical constraints. We examine various global optimization methods including Particle Swarm, Simulated Annealing, Genetic, and Gradient based algorithms to avoid being trapped in several possible local minima. The effect of the approach angles of the pipeline contraction on the amount of energy saved is discussed in detail. The results indicate that a substantial amount of energy can be saved by an intelligent operation that uses flow torques to augment the closing efforts.
Optimal Longitudinal Slip Ratio Allocation and Control of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle With eAWD Capabilities
Authors: Velazquez Alcantar Jose , Assadian Francis , Kuang Ming , Tseng Eric
Published: February 2017

This paper introduces a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) with eAWD capabilities via the use of a traditional Series-Parallel hybrid transaxle at the front axle and an electric Rear Axle Drive (eRAD) unit at the rear axle. Such a vehicle requires proper wheel torque allocation to the front and rear axles in order to meet the driver demands. A model of the drivetrain is developed using Bond Graphs and is used in co-simulation with a vehicle model from the CarSim software suite for validation purposes. A longitudinal slip ratio control architecture is proposed which allocates slip ratio to the front and real axles via a simple optimization algorithm. The Youla parametrization technique is used to develop robust controllers to track the optimal slip targets generated by the slip ratio optimization algorithm. The proposed control system offers a unified approach to longitudinal vehicle control under both traction and braking events under any road surface condition. It is shown in simulation that the proposed control system can properly allocate slip ratio to the front and rear axles such that tires remain below their force saturation limits while vehicle acceleration/braking is maximized while on a low friction road surface.
Boundary Control of Fickian Gaseous Diffusion Process in Polymers
Authors: Devasia Santosh , Kumar Vipin , Mescher Ann M.
Published: February 2017

This article considers the problem of achieving a desired supersaturated gas concentration profile inside a polymer part by controlling the gas concentration on the part boundaries at elevated pressure. Such controlled gas concentration can be used to achieve a desired cell-structure inside the polymer when foaming the gas inside as the part is rapidly heat-treated. The goal is to achieve the interior gas concentration at the end of the controllable pressurization, i.e., right before the heat treatment. When the gas diffusion dynamics is Fickian, the main contribution of this article is to show that any specified concentration profile can be achieved provided a sufficiently large relatively-flat offset of the concentration profile is acceptable. This is demonstrated by showing that the interior gas concentration is controllable by changing the gas concentration at the boundary, and the use of an offset ensures that the control input (the outside concentration) remains positive. The controllability, in turn, allows the use of standard optimal control to achieve the state transition to the desired interior gas concentration before the heat treatment. A model-based simulation is used to illustrate the proposed approach.
Control-Oriented Energy-Based Modeling of a Screw Extruder Used for 3D Printing
Authors: Drotman Dylan , Diagne Mamadou , Bitmead Robert , Krstic Miroslav
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes an energy-based approach for modeling a screw extruder used for 3D printing. This approach was used due to the difficulty in measuring the salient variables associated with regulation of the process state. The control-oriented steady-state model for the screw extruder is based on the reliably available process variables of heater current and screw speed, which constitute the manipulated variables. The controlled variable for this extrusion process is the extrusion rate. This model is based on balancing the energy between the work done by the screw, the heat delivered by the heater at the nozzle, and the enthalpy of the extruded product stream. The fine measurement available is the current commanded by the heater control system to maintain a fixed temperature at the nozzle. An array of thermistors are used as feedback for the temperature profile along the extruder. The screw speed is calibrated for a stepping motor used for conveying the material. This steady state model can then be helpful for developing a dynamic model for a controller capable of accurate flow control based on preview of the extrusion rate but with a simple yet robust hardware requirement.
A New Method in Estimating Vehicle Center of Gravity Position Parameters Based on Ackermann’s Steering
Authors: Yu Zitian , Wang Junmin
Published: February 2017

The determination of vehicle’s center of gravity position is an important but challenging task for control of advanced vehicles such as automated vehicles, especially under daily usage condition where the system configurations and payload condition may change. To address this problem, a new method is proposed in this paper to estimate the vehicle’s 3-dimensional center of gravity position parameters without relying on detailed suspension configuration parameters or lateral tire force models. In the estimation problem, the vehicle’s planar dynamic equations are synthesized together to reduce the number of unknown lateral tire forces, then the condition of Ackermann’s Steering Geometry can be found to eliminate the influence of the remaining unknown front wheel lateral tire forces. When the unknown tire forces are cancelled, the recursive least squares (RLS) regression technique is used to identify the 3-dimensional center of gravity position parameters. The vehicle model with the sprung mass modeled as an inverted pendulum is developed to assist the analysis and conversion of sensor measured signals. Simulations conducted in a high-fidelity CarSim® vehicle model have demonstrated the capability of this proposed method in estimating the vehicle’s center of gravity position parameters.
Modeling and Control of a Cable-Driven Robot for Inspection of Wide-Area Horizontal Workspaces
Authors: Montgomery Forrest , Vaughan Joshua
Published: February 2017

Cable Driven Parallel Manipulators (CDPMs) utilize flexible wire to actuate an end-effector, allowing rapid accelerations across large workspaces. CDPMs are predominantly modeled with rigid cables, greatly simplifying the analysis. This model is satisfactory for small, fixed masses traveling short distances. However, as cable length increases, the flexibility of the cables, including the variation in stiffness and damping as length changes, cannot be ignored. In addition, the end-effector, which may be modeled as a pendulum, will rotate and contribute to the motion. This paper presents the modeling and control of a large-scale, cable-driven parallel manipulator, with application to inspection of large workspaces. The multi-degree-of-freedom model developed takes into account flexibility of cables and the oscillatory dynamics of the end effector. The dominant dynamics are identified and used to design a control system to limit vibration.
Tracking Control Design for Variable Mass and Configuration Robotic Systems
Authors: Jarzębowska Elżbieta
Published: February 2017

The paper addresses control of variable mass and configuration mechanical systems subjected to holonomic or nonholonomic constraints, which are imposed due to systems desired performance, tracking specified motions or other control needs. The control design is model-based and an analytical dynamics modeling framework underlying controller design is presented. The framework novelty is that constraints, including nonholonomic ones and these on variable mass, can be merged into variable mass system dynamics and final motion equations are free of the constraint reaction forces so they can be used directly to control design. Many mechanical systems change their mass or configuration when they move, e.g. inertia-based propelled underwater vehicles, mobile robots and manipulators transporting loads or space vehicles flying their space missions.

The dynamics modeling framework presented in the paper can be applied to all variable mass system examples mentioned above. An underwater inertia-based propelled vehicle model dynamics and control performance illustrate the theoretical development presented in the paper. The paper contribution is two folded. It presents a unified approach to constrained variable mass or configuration systems modeling and introduces analytical dynamics methods to the nonlinear control domain.
Dynamic Modeling of Twin-Roll Steel Strip Casting
Authors: Browne Florian , Chiu George , Jain Neera
Published: February 2017

We consider the problem of dynamic coupling between the rapid thermal solidification and mechanical compression of steel in twin-roll steel strip casting. In traditional steel casting, molten steel is first solidified into thick slabs and then compressed via a series of rollers to create thin sheets of steel. In twin-roll casting, these two processes are combined, thereby making control of the overall system significantly more challenging. Therefore, a simple and accurate model that characterizes these coupled dynamics is needed for model-based control of the system. We model the solidification process with explicit consideration for the mushy (semi-solid) region of steel by using a lumped parameter moving boundary approach. The moving boundaries are also used to estimate the size and composition of the region of steel that must be compressed to maintain a uniform strip thickness. A novelty of the proposed model is the use of a stiffening spring to characterize the stiffness of the resultant strip as a function of the relative amount of mushy and solid steel inside the compression region. In turn this model is used to determine the force required to carry out the compression. Simulation results demonstrate key features of the overall model.
Region of Attraction for a Vehicle Pose Estimator Utilizing Monocular Vision and Lane Marker Maps
Authors: Leary Robert D. , Brennan Sean
Published: February 2017

Currently, there is a lack of low-cost, real-time solutions for accurate autonomous vehicle localization. The fusion of a precise a priori map and a forward-facing camera can provide an alternative low-cost method for achieving centimeter-level localization. This paper analyzes the position and orientation bounds, or region of attraction, with which a real-time vehicle pose estimator can localize using monocular vision and a lane marker map. A pose estimation algorithm minimizes the residual pixel-level error between the estimated and detected lane marker features via Gauss-Newton nonlinear least-squares. Simulations of typical road scenes were used as ground truth to ensure the pose estimator will converge to the true vehicle pose. A successful convergence was defined as a pose estimate that fell within 5 cm and 0.25 degrees of the true vehicle pose. The results show that the longitudinal vehicle state is weakly observable with the smallest region of attraction. Estimating the remaining five vehicle states gives repeatable convergence within the prescribed convergence bounds over a relatively large region of attraction, even for the simple lane detection methods used herein. A main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate a repeatable and verifiable method to assess and compare lane-based vehicle localization strategies.
System Safety Surveillance and Control System Concept for Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Systems Fall-Back Layer Realization
Authors: Hägele Georg , Söffker Dirk
Published: February 2017

Autonomous and semi-autonomous aerial systems (AES) are often needed to perform tasks in complex and dynamic environments, especially in search and rescue applications. The safe navigation assurance as well as safety assurance of AES are open research issues. This paper investigates modeling of fall-back layer for AES assurance. To realize given advanced requirement the System Safety Surveillance and Control (SSSC) system concept is introduced. To fulfill safety requirements also for software developments formal requirements are formulated, to be realized with the formal modeling technique Strictly Formalized Situation-Operator-Modeling (sf-SOM). Fall-back system integration into AES can achieve system safety by separated safety consideration and emergency behavior integration and realization. Universally concept design permits the fall-back layer realization also for other applications. This in turn allows the first proof of concept of sf-SOM based SSSC system for fall-back layer realization using an experimental example. Here a Three-tank system is used to show the successful fall-back layer realization and the concept transferability to the introduced AES example.
Optimization of Trajectory-Based HCCI Combustion
Authors: Zhang Chen , Sun Zongxuan
Published: February 2017

Previously, the authors have proposed a novel combustion control enabled by the free piston engine (FPE), e.g. the piston trajectory-based HCCI combustion control. Extensive simulation results show that, by employing specific piston trajectories, the FPE is able to increase the engine thermal efficiency significantly, and reduces the emissions production simultaneously. However, a systematic approach to designing the optimal piston trajectory, according to variable working conditions and versatile fuel properties, still remains elusive. In this paper, the study of this optimization is presented. First, a control-oriented model, which includes thermodynamics of the in-cylinder gas and chemical kinetics of the utilized fuel, is adapted for the optimization study. The unique phase separation method was also implemented into the presented model to sustain sufficient chemical kinetics information and reduce the computational burden at the same time. Two optimization methods are then proposed in this paper: one is converting the original problem to parameters optimization; the other is transforming it to a constrained nonlinear programming and solving it via the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method. The corresponding optimization results and detailed discussions are followed, which clearly demonstrate the advantage of the trajectory-based HCCI combustion with regard to FPE output work and NOx emission.