bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural damage detection and localization using decision tree ensemble and vibration data
Authors: Mariniello Giulio , Pastore Tommaso , Menna Costantino , Festa Paola , Asprone Domenico
Published: November 2020

This paper explores the capabilities of decision tree ensembles (DTEs) for detecting and localizing damage in structural health monitoring (SHM). Unlike research on many other learning models, the goal of this study is to identify damage with a localization accuracy down to the single structural element, rather than limiting the evaluation to the story scale. The SHM methodology herein discussed, denoted as D2‐DTE, is based on decision trees ensemble and belongs to the class of vibration‐based approaches, being the health assessment of the structure obtained by analyzing dynamic properties of the structural system, namely, mode shapes and natural frequencies. The proposed damage detection method is validated for three different test cases, including both numerical simulations and experimentally recorded data, which consider a wide array of damage configurations, including single and multiple damages; different damage types and severities; and the presence of random noise levels associated with dynamic properties acquisition. The performances of the D2‐DTE are evaluated in terms of accuracy, confidence of probabilistic predictions, and measurements of physical distances in localization errors. Additionally, two of the investigated test cases are based on available benchmarks, thus allowing a direct comparison with a state‐of‐the‐art methodology. This comparative analysis evidences competitive performances of the DTE learning method.
Closing Arguments for the Defence
Authors: Hinton Timothy
Published: November 2020

Howard Robinson believes, and would have the rest of us believe, that Gareth Moore was the equivalent of an atheist. To which I say, once again: there is not a single good reason to believe that Gareth was any such thing. I begin with a reminder about our duty to think of Gareth as innocent until proven guilty. I then argue that Gareth's insistence that there is no such thing as an invisible person named ‘God’ did not commit him to atheism. I show that people such as Herbert McCabe, whose orthodoxy is unimpeachable, say the same sort of thing. I then demonstrate that Gareth said nothing that would imply that, on his view, ‘God’ is not a referring expression. I end by explaining that Gareth embraced a theory of truth fully consistent with moderate expressivism.
Intrinsic cholinergic innervation in the human sigmoid colon revealed using CLARITY, three‐dimensional (3D) imaging, and a novel anti‐human peripheral choline acetyltransferase (hpChAT) antiserum
Authors: Yuan Pu‐Qing , Bellier Jean‐Pierre , Li Tao , Kwaan Mary R. , Kimura Hiroshi , Taché Yvette
Published: November 2020

Background

We previously reported the specificity of a novel anti‐human peripheral choline acetyltransferase (hpChAT) antiserum for immunostaining of cholinergic neuronal cell bodies and fibers in the human colon. In this study, we investigate 3D architecture of intrinsic cholinergic innervation in the human sigmoid colon and the relationship with nitrergic neurons in the enteric plexus.

Methods

We developed a modified CLARITY tissue technique applicable for clearing human sigmoid colon specimens and immunostaining with hpChAT antiserum and co‐labeling with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibody. The Z‐stack confocal images were processed for 3D reconstruction/segmentation/digital tracing and computational quantitation by Imaris 9.2 and 9.5.

Key Results

In the mucosa, a local micro‐neuronal network formed of hpChAT‐ir fibers and a few neuronal cell bodies were digitally assembled. Three layers of submucosal plexuses were displayed in 3D structure that were interconnected by hpChAT‐ir fiber bundles and hpChAT‐ir neurons were rarely co‐labeled by nNOS. In the myenteric plexus, 30.1% of hpChAT‐ir somas including Dogiel type I and II were co‐labeled by nNOS and 3 classes of hpChAT‐ir nerve fiber strands were visualized in 3D images and videos. The density and intensity values of hpChAT‐ir fibers in 3D structure were significantly higher in the circular than in the longitudinal layer.

Conclusions and Inferences

The intrinsic cholinergic innervation in the human sigmoid colon was demonstrated layer by layer for the first time in 3D microstructures. This may open a new venue to assess the structure‐function relationships and pathological alterations in colonic diseases.
Grandparental dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles when caring for preschool‐aged grandchildren: A systematic mixed methods review
Authors: Marr Colette , Reale Sophie , Breeze Penny , Caton Samantha J.
Published: November 2020

Grandparents are frequently relied upon to care for their preschool‐aged grandchildren. These early years are a crucial age in the development of dietary habits and preferences. This review aims to determine grandparental dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles when caring for their preschool‐aged grandchildren. Medline, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched in January 2020. A systematic mixed methods approach was used to synthesize the qualitative (n= 13) and quantitative (n= 7) articles describing grandparents' feeding styles (n= 9), feeding practices (n= 14) and dietary provision (n= 18). Grandparents are serving large portion sizes and encouraging their grandchildren to eat frequently. Results are mixed for the types of foods provided; grandparents provide discretionary foods high in sugar and fat, and some also choose more expensive core foods as treats (e.g., berries). Grandparents engage in feeding practices that promote healthy eating (e.g., creating a healthy feeding environment) and promote autonomy and independence (e.g., considering their grandchild's preferences). However, they also use some coercive feeding practices (e.g., using food as a reward) and may be using indulgent feeding styles, which can be conducive to obesogenic dietary intakes. Interventions targeting grandparents could be an effective way to improve dietary‐related health outcomes in young children.
Cloning and characterization of a putative orthologue of the wheat vernalization (VRN1) gene in perennial wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum)
Authors: Cabrera Adoración , Copete‐Parada Alejandro , Madrid Eva
Published: November 2020

Flowering time is important in the adaptation of crop plants to different environments and impacts the economic value of agricultural crops. Wheatgrass is a perennial Triticeae species and one of the most important grasses for pasture and forage in temperate regions of the world. Late heading is of interest in forage crop breeding programmes. Increasing the time to heading by molecular means may be facilitated by the identification and characterization of floral genes. In addition, the characterization of orthologous genes in wheatgrass is useful for establishing genetic relationships between grasses. In this study, we characterized a wheatgrass orthologue of the hexaploid wheat VRN‐A1 gene involved in the vernalization response. High sequence similarity of this gene, designated VRN‐P1, to both VRN‐A1 and VRN‐H1 and its localization on the 5PL chromosome arm in Agropyron cristatum indicated that VRN‐P1 is orthologous to VRN1 from wheat and barley. VRN‐P1 retains the VRN1 exon/intron organization and encodes a MADS‐box transcription factor. Phylogenetic and amino acid analyses confirmed that the isolated sequence represents VRN1. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the deduced protein sequence revealed an intimate genetic relationship between VRN‐P1 and VRN1 from Triticeae species.
Congenital fibrous hamartoma of the tip of the tongue: A novel peculiar entity
Authors: Di Altobrando Ambra , Patrizi Annalisa , Misciali Cosimo , Virdi Annalucia , Tarsitano Achille , Vara Giulio , Baraldi Carlotta , Neri Iria
Published: November 2020

Congenital fibrous hamartoma of the tip of the tongue, a peculiar and novel entity, consists of one or two asymptomatic pearly or yellowish nodules, not exceeding 0.5 cm in maximum diameter, at the tip of the tongue, ventrally or dorsally. Unlike other localizations, congenital fibrous hamartoma of the tip of the tongue is not associated with cleft lip or palate, or with feeding problems. Surgical excision should be avoided, reserved only for dubious cases, since the lesions are benign and stable over time.
Tracing sources of carbon and hydrogen to stored lipids in the migratory moth, Mythimna unipuncta using stable isotopes (δ2H, δ13C)
Authors: Anparasan Libesha , McNeil Jeremy N. , Hobson Keith A.
Published: November 2020

Stable isotope measurements of insect tissues can be used to determine origin and migratory patterns. The isotopic links between diet and stored lipids in laboratory reared true armyworm moths (Mythimna unipuncta, Haw.) were investigated using δ13C and δ2H measurements. Newly emerged moths were fed synthetic nectars, consisting of different carbohydrate and water sources that were isotopically distinct from those in the larval diet. After 4 days of feeding, insects were sacrificed, and fat‐body lipids were extracted for isotopic analysis. When held on a constant nectar source, adult diet contributed ∼87% of the C and 44% H of lipids. For H, 27% and ∼ 17% of lipid was derived from carbohydrates and water, respectively, with the remainder presumably from the larval stage. When the isotopic composition of the nectar source was switched there was rapid and exponential temporal change in lipid isotopic profiles. The relevance of our findings to tracing origins of stored lipids in migrant Lepidoptera is discussed.
Exogenous β‐cyclocitral treatment primes tomato plants against drought by inducing tolerance traits, independent of abscisic acid
Authors: Deshpande S. , Manoharan R. , Mitra S.
Published: November 2020

Drought is the most devastating stress for crops. Intensity and duration of drought determine the magnitude of plant damage; similarly, plant ability to counteract drought determines its tolerance capacity. Recent studies revealed that exogenous apocarotenoid treatment confers abiotic stress tolerance to plants. However, much less is known about the role of β‐cyclocitral (βCC), the major apocarotenoid, in drought tolerance. Here, we demonstrate βCC’s role in improving plants' tolerance against drought stress.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were independently treated with water and βCC and grown under either water‐limited or irrigated conditions. The βCC‐treated drought‐exposed (BD) and βCC‐treated irrigated (BH) plants were analysed for the major drought tolerance associated traits; water‐treated drought‐exposed (CD) and water‐treated irrigated plants (CH) were used as controls.

On exposure to drought, unlike controls, βCC‐treated plants showed no wilting, higher RWC and stomatal conductance, unchanged ABA levels and stomatal closure. The BD plants had increased photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and enhanced root, but not shoot, growth. In addition, βCC treatment enhanced proline accumulation and activity of SOD in both drought‐exposed and well irrigated plants.

Taken together, βCC was identified as a potential candidate that improves tomato osmolyte accumulation and superoxide elimination, independent of ABA, and prepares the plant for upcoming drought stress. Our results suggest that βCC can be used to prime crops against drought stress.
Phosphorus supplementation modulates nitric oxide biosynthesis and stabilizes the defence system to improve arsenic stress tolerance in mustard
Authors: Khan M. I. R. , Khan N. A. , Jahan B. , Goyal V. , Hamid J. , Khan S. , Iqbal N. , Alamri S. , Siddiqui M. H.
Published: November 2020

The interaction of mineral nutrients with metals/metalloids and signalling molecules is well known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of phosphorus (P) in mitigation of arsenic (As) stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.).

The study was conducted to investigate potential of 30 mg P·kg−1 soil P supplement (diammonium phosphate) to cope up with the adverse effects of As stress (24 mg As·kg−1 soil) in mustard plants

Supplementation of P influenced nitric oxide (NO) generation, which up‐regulated proline metabolism, ascorbate–glutathione system and glyoxalase system and alleviated the effects of on photosynthesis and growth. Arsenic stress generated ROS and methylglyoxal content was scavenged through P‐mediated NO, and reduced As translocation from roots to leaves. The involvement of NO under P‐mediated alleviation of As stress was substantiated with the use of cPTIO (NO biosynthesis inhibitor) and SNP (NO inducer). The reversal of P effects on photosynthesis under As stress with the use of cPTIO emphasized the role of P‐mediated NO in mitigation of As stress and protection of photosynthesis

The results suggested that P reversed As‐induced oxidative stress by modulation of NO formation, which regulated antioxidant machinery. Thus, P‐induced regulatory interaction between NO and reversal of As‐induced oxidative stress for the protection of photosynthesis may be suggested for sustainable crops.
Transcriptome profiling analysis reveals distinct resistance response of cucumber leaves infected with powdery mildew
Authors: Zheng L. , Zhang M. , Zhuo Z. , Wang Y. , Gao X. , Li Y. , Liu W. , Zhang W.
Published: November 2020

Powdery mildew is the main disease affecting cucumber cultivation and causes severe economic loss. So far, research on cucumber resistance to powdery mildew has not yielded feasible solutions.

This study selected two inbred cucumber lines, XY09‐118 (resistant) and Q10 (susceptible) and investigated their responses to powdery mildew infection (harvested 24 and 48 h after inoculation) using RNA sequencing.

More than 20,000 genes were detected in cucumber leaves both with and without powdery mildew infection at the above two time points. Among these, 5478 genes were identified as differently expressed genes (DEGs) between XY09‐118 and Q10. Based on the databases GO and KEGG, the functions of DEGs were analysed. Moreover, the complex regulatory network for powdery mildew resistance was assessed, which involves plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant–pathogen interaction and the MAPK signalling pathway. In particular, genes encoding WRKY, NAC and TCP were highlighted. In addition, genes involved in plant hormone biosynthesis, metabolism and signal transduction, pathogen resistance and abiotic stress response were analysed. Co‐expression analysis indicated that the transcription factors correlated with plant hormone signal pathway and metabolism, defence and abiotic response. The expression of several genes was validated by qRT‐PCR. The pathogen resistance regulatory network was identified by comparing resistant and susceptible inbred lines infected with powdery mildew.

The transcriptome data provide novel insights into cucumber response to powdery mildew infection and the identified pathogen resistance genes will be highly useful for breeding efforts to enhance the resistance of cucumber to powdery mildew.
Aberrant regulation of RNA methylation during spermatogenesis
Authors: Zhong Dandan , Chen Mengjie , Zhang Lei , Chen Hong , Shi Deshun , Liu Qingyou , Li Hui
Published: November 2020

Natural modifications of cellular RNA include various chemical modifications, such as N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), which enable the orderly metabolism and function of RNA structural diversity, thereby affecting gene expression. Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiating developmental process, which includes the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells, spermatocyte meiosis and sperm maturation. Emerging evidence has shown that RNA methylation can influence RNA splicing, exportation and translation, which are controlled in the male germline in order to ensure coordinated gene expression. In this review, we summarize the typical characteristics of different types of RNA methylation during the process of spermatogenesis. In particular, we emphasize the functions of the RNA methylation effectors during the male germ cell development.
Algorithmic governance: A modes of governance approach
Authors: Gritsenko Daria , Wood Matthew
Published: November 2020

This article examines how modes of governance are reconfigured as a result of using algorithms in the governance process. We argue that deploying algorithmic systems creates a shift toward a special form of design‐based governance, with power exercisedex antevia choice architectures defined through protocols, requiring lower levels of commitment from governing actors. We use governance of three policy problems – speeding, disinformation, and social sharing – to illustrate what happens when algorithms are deployed to enable coordination in modes of hierarchical governance, self‐governance, and co‐governance. Our analysis shows that algorithms increase efficiency while decreasing the space for governing actors' discretion. Furthermore, we compare the effects of algorithms in each of these cases and explore sources of convergence and divergence between the governance modes. We suggest design‐based governance modes that rely on algorithmic systems might be re‐conceptualized as algorithmic governance to account for the prevalence of algorithms and the significance of their effects.
Airport Exposure to Lightning Strike Hazard in the Contiguous United States
Authors: He Yiyi , Lindbergh Sarah , Graves Coolidge , Rakas Jasenka
Published: November 2020

Reliability of the air transportation system heavily depends on the performance of communication, navigation, and surveillance facilities in the National Airspace System (NAS). These facilities are prone to outages caused by convective weather, such as lightning. Current lightning safety standards and risk assessments focus solely on lightning occurrence and omit the effect of lightning intensity from hazard characterization. We propose methods that incorporate lightning intensity and occurrence parameters to better understand the impact of lightning strike on the NAS using the National Lightning Detection Network and Federal Aviation Administration NAS facilities and equipment outage databases. Spatial analysis and clustering reveal different exposure profiles for 436 U.S. airports. Kernel Density estimation and Hot Spot analysis show that regardless of lightning intensity, Southern state airports are the most exposed to lightning hazards.K‐means clustering reveal five different lightning exposure profiles that mimic the spatial patterns produced by the Kernel Density estimation and Hot Spot analysis. A scoring system ranks all airports according to their exposure profile taking into consideration lightning occurrence and intensity. It is complemented with a rising trend exposure analysis, which identifies airports whose exposure could be underestimated under the current standards, identifying airports with fewer lightning occurrences but higher intensities. Finally, a comparison between the exposure patterns and lightning‐induced outages provide insights into U.S. lightning impact patterns. Similar patterns between lightning exposure and outages indicate that the results of the proposed lightning hazard assessment provide useful information for prioritizing airport hardening investments at the national scale and reducing lightning risk.
Expanded understanding of student conceptions of engineers: Validation of the modified draw‐an‐engineer test (mDAET) scoring rubric
Authors: Thomas Julie , Hawley Leslie R. , DeVore‐Wedding Beverly
Published: November 2020

With this research, we sought to expand the pool of engineering education assessment instruments. We drew upon earlier efforts to define an expanded protocol for prompting children's drawings of engineers; and evaluate the reliability of a new scoring rubric for the modified Draw‐an‐Engineer Test (mDAET). An earlier paper introduced our ground theory approach in gathering theoretical propositions derived from children's drawings, explanations of engineers (n = 940) to develop the mDAET Scoring Rubric. Here we evaluate the reliability of the mDAET, a component of the larger mDAET rubric validation process. In the current study, eight participants scored twelve sets (including anchor sets) of drawings (n = 36) and, scores across drawings were evaluated by percentage match with the known‐score and interrater reliability. Kappa values for exact matches across eight raters met the threshold for “substantial” agreement and matches that were exact or adjacent indicated “almost perfect” agreement. Notably, 92% of the possible matches among common anchor items were either exact or adjacent matches. These results indicate adequate inter‐rater reliability evidence of the mDAET scoring rubric and demonstrate the feasibility of largescale administration that may no longer require individual child interviews.
Centralised–decentralisation: State program of poverty reduction for ethnic minorities in Vietnam’s northern upland region
Authors: Lam Minh Chau
Published: November 2020

Building on ethnographic fieldwork in Vietnam’s northern upland region, this article uses the case of state programs of poverty reduction for the country’s ethnic minorities to add insights to scholarly understandings of the composition and workings of socialist states in today’s Asia. Scholars have widely rejected the idea of Asian socialist states as monolithic, totalising entities in favour of seeing those states as internally divided. However, they have mostly examined how Asian socialist states are divided vertically into the central government and local authorities, which either manipulate central policies for local interests or side with villagers to defy central superiors. The approach leaves the central government relatively intact as a unified, coherent whole. This article argues that the Vietnamese state is equally divided at the central level by documenting ethnographically the striking lack of coordination and synchronisation amongst central agencies responsible for implementing poverty reduction programs. This dysfunction is caused by what I term ‘centralised–decentralisation’, meaning that each of those central agencies has remarkable autonomy to decide how to implement the programs assigned to them, even in ways in conflict with other central state organisations.
New Zealand teachers' generation problem misconceptions
Authors: Renelle Amy , Budgett Stephanie , Jones Rhys
Published: November 2020

Everyone, including teachers, is prone to randomness misconceptions. In this article, we investigate the perceptions of randomness held by New Zealand secondary school teachers. The responses to a question asked in an online, anonymous questionnaire sent to New Zealand teachers will be explored. One question asked participants to create a sequence of 20 heads and tails such that it mimics a truly random process. From this, the number of heads, the longest run, and the number of runs in each sequence will be considered. Further, the mean for each of these sequence characteristics will then be compared to the findings from a previous study with Spanish pre‐service teachers. Overall, we recommend further research into the misconceptions relating to generation problems, including an exploration of professional development opportunities.
Experience of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in two kidney transplant recipients living with HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Chowdary Prashanth , Shetty Shraddha , Booth John , Khurram Muhammad Arslan , Yaqoob Magdi , Mohamed Ismail Heyder
Published: November 2020

There is still no consensus on the optimal management of COVID‐19 within the general population due to the emerging evidence base. High‐risk groups, including kidney transplant recipients living with HIV present unique additional challenges. Here we discuss two kidney transplant recipients living with HIV with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and their clinical course, and review the existing literature for this subset of challenging patients.
A pilot study of immunosuppression resumption following BK viremia resolution
Authors: Alquadan Kawther F. , Santos Alfonso H. , Leghrouz Muhannad , Ozrazgat‐Baslanti Tezcan , Bozorgmehri Shahab , Gupta Gaurav , Womer Karl L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Immunosuppression reduction for BK viremia is associated with de novo humoral responses, which are a risk factor for rejection and graft loss. In this pilot project, we tested a protocol of immunosuppression resumption to standard dose after viral clearance for optimal protection against humoral immunity in patients undergoing treatment for BK viremia.

Methods

Thirty‐six consecutive kidney transplant recipients who developed BK viremia from 7/1/2014 to 11/18/2016 underwent immunosuppression reduction. After 4 weeks of absent viremia, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was increased by 500mg/day every 2 weeks up to standard dosage, followed by increase of tacrolimus trough levels to 5‐7 ng/mL. If viremia recurred during the increase, immunosuppression was reduced in this same stepwise fashion, with stepwise increase again after 2 months of negative viremia.

Results

Mean tacrolimus trough level (ng/mL) was 8.3 ± 2.7 at viremia onset, 5.3 ± 3.6 at resolution, and 5.6 ± 2.0 at study end date. Mean daily dose (mg) of MMF was 1574 ± 355 at onset, 910 ± 230 at resolution, and 1377 ± 451 at study end date. Only one patient developed low level viremia recurrence (peak 2875 copies/mL) during the period of immunosuppression resumption that ultimately resolved.

Conclusions

The results of our pilot project indicate that following BK viremia resolution, resumption of standard immunosuppression can be achieved safely without BK viremia recurrence. Larger trials with long‐term follow up are required to determine whether such an approach improves long‐term graft survival.
MtSUPERMAN plays a key role in compound inflorescence and flower development in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Rodas Ana L. , Roque Edelín , Hamza Rim , Gómez‐Mena Concepción , Minguet Eugenio G. , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Beltrán José P. , Cañas Luis A.
Published: November 2020

Legumes have unique features, such as compound inflorescences and a complex floral ontogeny. Thus, the study of regulatory genes in these species during inflorescence and floral development is essential to understand their role in the evolutionary origin of developmental novelties. The SUPERMAN (SUP) gene encodes a C2H2 zinc‐finger transcriptional repressor that regulates the floral organ number in the third and fourth floral whorls of Arabidopsis thaliana. In this work, we present the functional characterization of the Medicago truncatula SUPERMAN (MtSUP) gene based on gene expression analysis, complementation and overexpression assays, and reverse genetic approaches. Our findings provide evidence that MtSUP is the orthologous gene of SUP in M. truncatula. We have unveiled novel functions for a SUP‐like gene in eudicots. MtSUP controls not only the number of floral organs in the inner two whorls, but also in the second whorl of the flower. Furthermore, MtSUP regulates the activity of the secondary inflorescence meristem, thus controlling the number of flowers produced. Our work provides insight into the regulatory network behind the compound inflorescence and flower development in this angiosperm family.
The expected frequency and amount of free peritoneal fluid estimated using the abdominal FAST‐applied abdominal fluid scores in healthy adult and juvenile dogs
Authors: Lisciandro Gregory R. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Romero Luis A. , Hauke Samantha M. , Bridgeman Courtney H.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To estimate the frequency and amount of free peritoneal fluid in juvenile and adult dogs using the abdominal focused assessment with sonography for trauma (AFAST) abdominal fluid scoring system.

Design

Prospective case series.

Animals

Healthy, privately owned juvenile and adult dogs.

Procedures

Dogs undergoing routine surgical sterilization were evaluated at induction with AFAST and assigned measurements and fluid scores. A surgeon scored the degree of peritoneal fluid found during ovariohysterectomy.

Results

Ninety‐two dogs were enrolled (46 juveniles and 46 adults). Ninety‐three percent and 52% were AFAST positive for peritoneal fluid, respectively. The AFAST‐positive view frequency for right lateral recumbency in juveniles was diaphragmatico‐hepatic (DH) 100%, spleno‐renal (SR) 20%, cysto‐colic (CC) 40%, and hepato‐renal (HR) 20% versus adults, DH 60%, SR 20%, CC 0%, and HR 0%, respectively. The AFAST‐positive view frequency for left lateral recumbency was DH 93%, SR 44%, CC 24%, and HR 12% in juveniles, and DH 50%, SR 3%, CC 3%, and HR 10% in adults. Overall abdominal fluid scores (AFS) in juvenilles were 0 (n = 3), 1 (n = 14), 2 (n = 22), 3 (n = 6), and 4 (n = 1); and in adults, scores were 0 (n = 22), 1 (n = 18), 2 (n = 6), and 3 and 4 (n = 0). The AFS differed between adults and juveniles (P < 0.001). Most dogs had maximum fluid dimensions ≤3 × 3 mm and width of fluid stripes ≤3 mm. The AFS was positively correlated to fluid amount observed during ovariohysterectomy with fair agreement (kappa = 0.233, P = 0.012).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This study establishes the frequency and amount of free peritoneal fluid in healthy juvenile and adult dogs during AFAST. Maximum fluid pocket dimensions of ≤3 × 3 mm and fluid stripe widths of ≤3 mm in dogs with AFS 1 and 2 may be normal. The DH view was most frequently positive.
Induction of dynamic hyperinflation by expiratory resistance breathing in healthy subjects – an efficacy and safety study
Authors: Urban Matthias Helmut , Mayr Anna Katharina , Schmidt Ingrid , Margulies Eduard , Grasmuk‐Siegl Erwin , Burghuber Otto Chris , Funk Georg‐Christian
Published: November 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The study aimed to establish a novel model to study the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)‐related cardiopulmonary effects of dynamic hyperinflation in healthy subjects.

What is the main finding and its importance?

A model of expiratory resistance breathing (ERB) was established in which dynamic hyperinflation was induced in healthy subjects, expressed both by lung volumes and intrathoracic pressures. ERB outperformed existing methods and represents an efficacious model to study cardiopulmonary mechanics of dynamic hyperinflation without potentially confounding factors as present in COPD.

Dynamic hyperinflation (DH) determines symptoms and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The induction of DH is used to study cardiopulmonary mechanics in healthy subjects without COPD‐related confounders like inflammation, hypoxic vasoconstriction and rarefication of pulmonary vasculature. Metronome‐paced tachypnoea (MPT) has proven effective in inducing DH in healthy subjects, but does not account for airflow limitation. We aimed to establish a novel model incorporating airflow limitation by combining tachypnoea with an expiratory airway stenosis. We investigated this expiratory resistance breathing (ERB) model in 14 healthy subjects using different stenosis diameters to assess a dose–response relationship. Via cross‐over design, we compared ERB to MPT in a random sequence. DH was quantified by inspiratory capacity (IC, litres) and intrinsic positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEPi, cmH2O). ERB induced a stepwise decreasing IC (means (95% CI): tidal breathing: 3.66 (3.45–3.88), ERB 3 mm: 3.33 (1.75–4.91), 2 mm: 2.05 (0.76–3.34), 1.5 mm: 0.73 (0.12–1.58) litres) and increasing PEEPi (tidal breathing: 0.70 (0.50–0.80), ERB 3 mm: 11.1 (7.0–15.2), 2 mm: 22.3 (17.1–27.6), 1.5 mm: 33.4 (3.40–63) cmH2O). All three MPT patterns increased PEEPi, but to a far lesser extent than ERB. No adverse events during ERB were noted. In conclusion, ERB was proven to be a safe and efficacious model for the induction of DH and might be used for the investigation of cardiopulmonary interaction in healthy subjects.
In pursuit of the unicorn
Authors: Tipton M. J. , Corbett J. , Eglin C. M. , Mekjavic I. B. , Montgomery H.
Published: November 2020

This short review was prompted by The Physiological Society's recent online symposium on variability. It does not deal with a specific methodology, but rather with the myth that certain environmentally‐induced clinical conditions can be identified, quantified, simplified and monitored with a single methodology. Although this might be possible with some clinical conditions, others resist the prevailing reductionist approach of minimizing rather than exploring variation in pathogenesis and pathology, and will not be understood fully until the variation in cause and effect are embraced. This is likely to require comprehensive methodologies and collaboration.
Characterization of Acetabular Cup Insertion Forces in Cancellous Bone Proxy for Validation of an Invasive Sensing Model and Development of Automatic Prosthesis Installation Device: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Behzadi Kambiz , Rusk Jesse
Published: November 2020

Total hip replacement is a widespread medical procedure, with over 300,000 surgeries performed each year in the United States alone. The vast majority of total hip replacements utilize press fit fixation. Successful seating of the implant requires a delicate balance between inserting the implant deep enough to obtain sufficient primary stability, while avoiding fracture of bone. To improve patient outcomes, surgeons need assistive technologies that can guide them as to how much force to apply and when to stop impacting. The development of such technology, however, requires a greater understanding of the forces experienced in bone and the resulting cup insertion and implant stability. Here, we present a preliminary study of acetabular cup insertion into bone proxy samples. We find that as the magnitude of force on the acetabular cup increases, cup insertion and axial extraction force increase linearly, then nonlinearly, and finally plateau with full insertion. Within the small nonlinear zone, approximately 90% of both cup insertion and extraction force are achieved with only 50% total energy required for full seating, posing the question as to whether full seating is an appropriate goal in press-fit arthroplasty. For repeated impacts of a given energy, cup displacement and force experienced in bone (measured force profile—MFP) increase correspondingly and reach a plateau over a certain number of impacts (number of impacts to seating—NOITS), which represents the rate of insertion. The relationship between MFP and NOITS can be exploited to develop a force feedback mechanism to quantitatively infer optimal primary implant stability.
Fuzzy Data Type Modeling With EXPRESS
Authors: Ma Z. M. , Zhang W. J. , Ma W. M.
Published: November 2020

Information with imprecision and uncertainty is inherently presented in engineering design and manufacturing. The nature of imprecision and uncertainty is incompleteness. Product data model, being a core of intelligent manufacturing system, consists of all concerned data in the product life cycle. It is possible that crisp data as well as incomplete data are involved in product data model. So EXPRESS, being a powerful tool to develop a product data model, should be extended for this purpose. This paper extends the data types in EXPRESS to make it possible to represent fuzzy information.
Estimating Reduction in Development Time for Implementing a Product Platform Approach
Authors: Siddique Zahed
Published: November 2020

Many market forces are driving companies to improve their targeting of increasingly small market niches. To accomplish this efficiently, products are organized into product families that typically share common platforms. In industries with short product lifecycles, the decision to move towards a common platform approach, even for some components, requires estimating the reduction in development time. One of the problems encountered in estimating development time is that initially, before implementing a platform approach, hard information related to product family design and development is not available. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the design and development time using simple activity models, when moving towards a platform approach. The product family models are developed from existing single product design activities, which are modified and extended to reflect activities related to development of product platform and subsequent product members of the family from the platform. Uncertainty associated with time for each activity is also included in the model, which is solved using Monte Carlo simulation. The approach is demonstrated using a hard disk drive spindle motor platform development for a family of hard disks.
Mathematical Modeling of a DC Motor With Encoder Feedback Using Real Time Simulation
Authors: Rahnamai Kourosh , Yanke Brian
Published: November 2020

Real-time simulation is used to model and perform parameter identification of a dc motor with encoder feedback. Using a fast DSP board, a permanent-magnet dc motor is controlled through a proportional position feedback, while running in parallel a real-time simulation of the mathematical model of the same system. Parameters of the mathematical model are adjusted in real time, such that the error between actual system and math model are minimized. This method allows a fast and efficient method for calculating and verifying math model of a dynamic system.
Physics Based B-Spline Heterogeneous Object Modeling
Authors: Qian Xiaoping , Dutta Debasish
Published: November 2020

The task of modeling material heterogeneity (composition variation) is a critical issue in the design and fabrication of heterogeneous objects. Existing methods cannot efficiently model the material heterogeneity, due to the formidable size of the degrees of freedom for the specification of heterogeneous objects. In this research, we provide an intuitive way to model the object heterogeneity by using only a few parameters. These parameters carry physical meanings, such as diffusion coefficients in the diffusion process. We use a B-spline representation to model heterogeneous objects and material properties. We use diffusion equations to generate heterogeneous material composition profile. We then use finite element techniques to solve the material composition equations for the diffusion process. Finally we extend this method to the direct manipulation of material properties in heterogeneous objects.
Intelligent Compressor Design in a Network-Centric Environment
Authors: Röhl Peter J. , Kolonay Raymond M. , Paradis Michael J. , Bailey Michael W.
Published: November 2020

The concept of a federation of distributed devices on a network which enter the federation through a process of “discover and join”, by which they register with a service request broker and publish the services which they perform is applied to engineering software tools. A highly flexible computer architecture is developed, leveraging emerging web technologies like Sun Microsystems’ Jini™, RMI, JavaSpaces, in which engineering software tools like CAD, CAE, PDM, optimization, cost modeling, etc. act as distributed service providers and service requestors. The individual services communicate via so-called context models, which are abstractions of the master model data of a particular product. A human user interacts with the framework through a thin client like a web browser from anywhere in the world, where proper security measures to prevent unauthorized access to proprietary data is maintained. The paradigm of the CAD Master Model is extended with the introduction of the Intelligent Master Model (IMM), which, in addition to the what, captures the why and how of a design through the use of knowledge-based engineering tools. The framework is applied to the intelligent scaling and detailed finite element analysis of a compressor rotor and compressor blades. A KBE system scales the compressor rotor based on high-level information like mass flow and resulting flowpath geometry. The scaled geometry is validated through detailed high-fidelity stress analysis of critical features, which is associatively linked to the scaled master geometry.
Design and Implementation of the Intelligent Hydraulic Valve System
Authors: Li Weibo , Li Wei , Wang Yu , Wu Genmao
Published: November 2020

This paper describes the design consideration and implementation of an intelligent hydraulic valve system, which can be used for controlling and monitoring valve states. This fieldbus based power line communication network development is a result of a desire to have a dedicated, open, low-cost and easily installed system in the field with robust reliability, which could support the communication needs of devices which are normally interconnected by “low voltage” wiring. The paper covers the contents of development goals, communication system selection, media characteristics, signalling technique, network protocol and device interfaces.
Sheet Modeling and Thickening Operations Based on Non-Manifold Boundary Representations
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: November 2020

This paper describes sheet modeling and thickening operations based on a non-manifold topological representation for efficient solid modeling of thin-walled plastic or sheet metal parts. Since the existing methods have adopted boundary representations for solid models, it is difficult to represent the exact adjacency relations between topological entities in a sheet model, and to describe a mixture of wireframe and sheet objects that appear in the intermediate steps of sheet modeling operations. Accordingly, it is difficult to devise and implement the algorithms for sheet modeling and thickening operations. To solve these problems, we introduce a non-manifold boundary representation as a topological framework and propose a sheet thickening algorithm by presenting variations to a general non-manifold offset algorithm that is based on the mathematical definition of offsets. In addition, to facilitate sheet modeling operations, not only a set of generalized Euler operators for non-manifold models are provided, but also sheet modeling capabilities, including adding, bending, and punching functions with two-dimensional curve editors.
Metamodeling Development for Vehicle Frontal Impact Simulation
Authors: Yang R. J. , Wang N. , Tho C. H. , Bobineau J. P. , Wang B. P.
Published: November 2020

Response surface methods or metamodels are commonly used to approximate large engineering systems. This paper presents a new metric for evaluating a response surface method or a metamodeling technique. Five response surface methods are studied: Stepwise Regression, Moving Least Square, Kriging, Multiquadratic, and Adaptive and Interactive Modeling System. A real world frontal impact design problem is used as an example, which is a complex, highly nonlinear, transient, dynamic, large deformation finite element model. The optimal Latin Hypercube Sampling method is used to distribute the sampling points uniformly over the entire design space. The Root Mean Square Error is used as the error indicator to study the accuracy and convergence rate of the metamodels for this vehicle impact analysis. A hybrid approach/strategy for selecting the best metamodels of impact responses is proposed.
An Agent Based Optimization Approach to Manufacturing Process Planning
Authors: Deshpande Saurabh , Cagan Jonathan
Published: November 2020

Many optimization problems, such as manufacturing process planning optimization, are difficult problems due to the large number of potential configurations (process sequences) and associated (process) parameters. In addition, the search space is highly discontinuous and multi-modal. This paper introduces an agent based optimization algorithm that combines stochastic optimization techniques with knowledge based search. The motivation is that such a merging takes advantage of the benefits of stochastic optimization and accelerates the search process using domain knowledge. The result of applying this algorithm to computerized manufacturing process models is presented.
Position Analysis of a New Family of 3-DOF Translational Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Carricato Marco , Parenti-Castelli Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

This article presents the position analysis of a new family of 3-limbed 3-dof parallel manipulators, whose output links exhibit a motion of pure translation with respect to the base. Each limb contains four revolute joints and a prismatic pair, which can be mounted anywhere along the kinematic chain or replaced by a fifth revolute one. A univariate polynomial has been found that solves the direct position problem wherever the actuators are placed. The inverse analysis has been carried out in closed-form for all possible locations of the actuated joints. Finally, numerical examples are provided.
Rapid Manufacturing by Laser Aided Direct Metal Deposition Process: Issues and Examples
Authors: Choi J. , Mazumder J.
Published: November 2020

Development of a new product takes several phases — conceptual design, assembly layouts, detail design, prototype, testing, and then production. Competitiveness hinges on reducing these phases in time for new products. Rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid production are the concept that is aimed specifically at that goal. The essence of RP and rapid production is the formation of a solid 3-D object directly from CAD dimensions. Laser aided direct metal/material deposition (LADMD) offers the ability to make a metal component directly from 3-D CAD dimensions. 3-D CAD data can be converted to machine tool code after the 3-D object is sliced down layer by layer. Repeating laser cladding pass layer by layer, a 3-D object can be formed with the help of CAD data. The key of this build-up mechanism is the effective control of powder to be delivered and laser power to be irradiated into the melt-pool. Adaptive deposition associated with varied thickness deposition is more effective to build up layers quickly than uniform thickness deposition. The rational for this deposition strategy is how quickly and how soundly it can be deposited. Fabricated example parts are presented. This paper also reviews important issues regarding geometrical integrity as well as material integrity in developing LADMD process.
Design of Compliant Force and Displacement Amplification Micro-Mechanisms
Authors: Parkinson Matthew B. , Jensen Brian D. , Kurabayashi Katsuo
Published: November 2020

In many MEMS applications, it is desirable to amplify the force or displacement of an actuator or transducer. Devices that amplify force or mechanical advantage typically achieve this at the expense of displacement or geometric advantage. Likewise, devices that amplify geometric advantage do so at the expense of mechanical advantage. This paper proposes a device topology based on a four-link mechanism with compliant segments in place of hinges. Finite-element analysis and optimization were used to develop a Pareto set of solutions quantifying the force / displacement trade-off for a variety of loading conditions. Depending on these conditions, this device is capable of multiplying force inputs by as much as 23.7 and displacement inputs by as much as 588. Efficiency of these designs improves as the two objectives (mechanical and geometric advantage) are considered jointly in a multicriteria optimization problem rather than individually.
Expansion Approach for Layout Design of Complex Planar Gear Transmission System
Authors: Lu Yiping , Cha Jianzhong
Published: November 2020

Layout design plays important role in design process of complex gear transmission system. Its automation will significantly increase the design efficiency and quality. In this paper, a new method, the expansion method, is proposed for design automation of gear transmission. Expansion method is a kind of algorithm method that finds positions of layout items by putting expansion and repulsion operations among their imaginary size-reduced counterparts. Before it can be used in layout design of gear transmission, the method is modified to make it suitable for operating with gearing specialties, such as special gearing constraints and complex gearbox structure. Automatic layout design of multi-spindle house is discussed in this paper as a specific example topic.