bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal adverse drug reactions: an analysis of reports to the French pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Kaguelidou Florentia , Beau‐Salinas Frédérique , Jonville‐Bera Annie Pierre , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne
Published: June 2016

Aim

Term and preterm neonates are at high risk for serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Methods

A descriptive study of reports registered in the French pharmacovigilance database from 1986 to 2012 were obtained. All reports concerning neonates (≤1 month of life) with direct drug exposure were retrieved. Characteristics of the reports, including reported ADR(s), drug(s) and the causality assessment using the French causality assessment method, were described.

Results

A total of 1688 reports were analyzed and more than half of them were classified as serious (n = 995). Median age at ADR occurrence was 9 days. Overall, 3127 ADRs were described in these reports in relation to 2238 suspect/interacting drugs. The most commonly reported system organ classes (SOCs) were injury, poisoning and procedural complications (16%), general disorders and administration site conditions (12.5%) and blood and lymphatic system disorders (12%). In the majority of ADRs reported (73%), infants fully recovered and less than 4% of neonates deceased as a consequence of the reported ADR. One out of five ADRs was associated with drug administration errors. Therapeutic classes commonly incriminated were anti‐infectives, nervous system and alimentary tract drugs. Substances most frequently related to serious ADRs were zidovudine, ibuprofen and nevirapine. Among the 10 most frequently encountered drug−ADR pairs, two substances were mainly implicated, zidovudine in haematological adverse reactions and phytomenadione in maladministrations.

Conclusions

Anti‐infective drugs, mainly antiretroviral therapy, account for the majority of ADRs reported in neonates. The specific issue of drug maladministration and medication errors remains to be addressed in neonates.
Using Critical Junctures to Explain Continuity: The Case of State Milk in Neoliberal Chile
Authors: WEIL JAEL GOLDSMITH
Published: June 2016

This paper advances the concept of path‐prolonging critical junctures, a category used for eventful historical episodes marked by high levels of contingency that lock in path maintenance. It contributes to recent debates in comparative‐historical social science, adding a pathway of continuity that is the product of agency and activism. The analysis is grounded in the 1985 interruption of Chile's long‐standing state milk programme and argues that against a backdrop of economic, social and policy turmoil, expert and grassroots efforts combined to pressure the military regime to reverse retrenchment. The implications of this juncture help explain Chile's favourable infant malnutrition and mortality indices and the maintenance of a state‐run infant‐maternal primary healthcare network despite neoliberal reform.
Herpes simplex virus keratitis: an update of the pathogenesis and current treatment with oral and topical antiviral agents
Authors: Tsatsos Michael , MacGregor Cheryl , Athanasiadis Ioannis , Moschos Marilita M , Hossain Parwez , Anderson David
Published: June 2016

Ophthalmic herpes simplex viral keratitis is responsible for a range of ocular manifestations from superficial epithelial disease to stromal keratitis and endotheliitis. The Herpetic Eye Disease Study has guided the management of herpetic eye disease for almost twenty years, but newer medications such as valacyclovir are now available and are considered to have better bioavailability than acyclovir. In this review, we examine the existing evidence on the pathogenesis of different ophthalmic herpes simplex viral keratitis disease modalities and the role of oral and topically administered antiviral drugs in the treatment of herpes simplex viral keratitis.
Cartilage‐hair hypoplasia associated with isolated hypoganglionosis: A case report
Authors: Yasui Yoshitomo , Kohno Miyuki , Nishida Syouichi , Shironomae Tsubasa , Satomi Miwa , Kuwahara Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Sadayoshi , Niida Yo
Published: June 2016

Cartilage‐hair hypoplasia is a rare metaphyseal chondrodysplasia characterized by diverse clinical manifestations and a high incidence of Hirschsprung disease. We present a male patient with cartilage‐hair hypoplasia associated with severe intestinal obstruction. Genetic analysis of ribonuclease mitochondrial RNA‐processing complex gene identified compound heterozygous mutations consisted with previously reported mutations: n.‐14_3dupGAAGCTGAGGACGTGGT and n.183G > T. First, we considered that intestinal obstruction was due to an extensive type of Hirschsprung disease, but it was later confirmed as isolated hypoganglionosis. Isolated hypoganglionosis is rare and its therapeutic strategies are not well established. In cases of cartilage‐hair hypoplasia associated with severe intestinal obstruction, the differential diagnosis of not only Hirschsprung disease, but also isolated hypoganglionosis, should be considered.
Is genome size of Lepidoptera linked to host plant range?
Authors: Calatayud P.‐A. , Petit C. , Burlet N. , Dupas S. , Glaser N. , Capdevielle‐Dulac C. , Le Ru B. , Jacquin‐Joly E. , Kaiser‐Arnauld L. , Harry M. , Vieira C.
Published: June 2016

Genome size varies considerably among organisms, largely as the result of differences in the content of non‐coding and/or repetitive DNA, such as introns, pseudogenes, or transposable elements, as well as whole‐genome duplications. Genome size is known to correlate with metabolic rates. Because polyphagy also affects the metabolism, a correlation between diet specialization and genome size can be expected. To test this hypothesis, a study was undertaken with five closely related species of stem borers which are easy to rear under artificial conditions, namely Busseola fusca (Fuller), Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola nairobica Le Ru, Sesamia calamistis Hampson, and Sesamia nonagrioides Lefebvre (all Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). However, as the number of species was too low for correlating diet with genome size in Lepidoptera in general, literature data from 16 Lepidoptera species were used in addition. The results pointed to a relationship between genome size and the insect's host plant range in Lepidoptera, but below the family level only, with larger genomes in polyphagous compared to specialist species. In addition, the genome size appeared to be influenced not only by host plant range but also by environmental/climatic conditions. Studies to test this hypothesis should be done strictly below the family level.
Scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) in Syria
Authors: Basheer A. M. , Asslan L. , Saleh A. , Diab N. , Mohamed E.
Published: June 2016

Scale insects in Syria were surveyed between 2009 and 2015. This study showed that Diaspididae and Coccidae were the most common families, comprising 5 and 8 species, respectively. The remaining families found comprised 1 species each. New records of Coccoidea fauna from Syria were Parlatoria blanchardi, Phoenicococcus marlatti, Coccus hesperidum, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum and Chionaspis etrusca.
CRISPR guide RNA design for research applications
Authors: Mohr Stephanie E. , Hu Yanhui , Ewen‐Campen Benjamin , Housden Benjamin E. , Viswanatha Raghuvir , Perrimon Norbert
Published: June 2016

The rapid rise of CRISPR as a technology for genome engineering and related research applications has created a need for algorithms and associated online tools that facilitate design of on‐target and effective guide RNAs (gRNAs). Here, we review the state of the art in CRISPR gRNA design for research applications of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system, including knockout, activation, and inhibition. Notably, achieving good gRNA design is not solely dependent on innovations in CRISPR technology. Good design and design tools also rely on availability of high‐quality genome sequence and gene annotations, as well as on availability of accumulated data regarding off‐targets and effectiveness metrics.
Carbon emission along a eutrophication gradient in temperate riverine wetlands: effect of primary productivity and plant community composition
Authors: Grasset Charlotte , Abril Gwenaël , Guillard Ludovic , Delolme Cécile , Bornette Gudrun
Published: June 2016

Eutrophication increases primary productivity and favours the predominance of floating vegetation in wetlands. Carbon (C) fluxes in wetlands are strongly driven by primary productivity and can differ by vegetation type. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of eutrophication in C fluxes has rarely been assessed.

Consequently, we aimed to measure the seasonal variation in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes at six aquatic sites in four temperate wetlands, ranging along a gradient of sediment total phosphorus content, and determine whether C fluxes correlate with above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) and plant community composition along this eutrophication gradient.

Daytime CO2 emissions were significantly and negatively correlated with wetland net primary productivity as a result of the greater C fixation by photosynthesis during the peak of production. Conversely, CH4 emissions were significantly and positively correlated with wetland ANPP, possibly due to higher litter production and anaerobic decomposition.

The highest CH4 emissions were observed above floating vegetation, which favoured hypoxic conditions in the water column. CH4 emissions including ebullition were higher above macroalgal belts than above vascular plants with floating leaves. CH4 emissions without ebullition (i.e. resulting from plant transport and diffusion) better correlated with the abundance of macroalgae than with the abundance of vascular plants with floating leaves.

Our results suggest that eutrophication may greatly modify CO2 and CH4 emissions from wetlands through changes in vegetation type and productivity.
Unexpected mitochondrial matrix localization of Parkinson's disease‐related DJ‐1 mutants but not wild‐type DJ‐1
Authors: Kojima Waka , Kujuro Yuki , Okatsu Kei , Bruno Queliconi , Koyano Fumika , Kimura Mayumi , Yamano Koji , Tanaka Keiji , Matsuda Noriyuki
Published: June 2016

DJ‐1 has been identified as a gene responsible for recessive familial Parkinson's disease (familial Parkinsonism), which is caused by a mutation in the PARK7 locus. Consistent with the inferred correlation between Parkinson's disease and mitochondrial impairment, mitochondrial localization of DJ‐1 and its implied role in mitochondrial quality control have been reported. However, the mechanism by which DJ‐1 affects mitochondrial function remains poorly defined, and the mitochondrial localization of DJ‐1 is still controversial. Here, we show the mitochondrial matrix localization of various pathogenic and artificial DJ‐1 mutants by multiple independent experimental approaches including cellular fractionation, proteinase K protection assays, and specific immunocytochemistry. Localization of various DJ‐1 mutants to the matrix is dependent on the membrane potential and translocase activity in both the outer and the inner membranes. Nevertheless, DJ‐1 possesses neither an amino‐terminal alpha‐helix nor a predictable matrix‐targeting signal, and a post‐translocation processing‐derived molecular weight change is not observed. In fact, wild‐type DJ‐1 does not show any evidence of mitochondrial localization at all. Such a mode of matrix localization of DJ‐1 is difficult to explain by conventional mechanisms and implies a unique matrix import mechanism for DJ‐1 mutants.
Efficacy of XP‐endo finisher files in the removal of calcium hydroxide paste from artificial standardized grooves in the apical third of oval root canals
Authors: Wigler R. , Dvir R. , Weisman A. , Matalon S. , Kfir A.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To compare the efficacy of the XP‐endo finisher file (XP) (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland) to that of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional syringe and needle irrigation (SNI) in the removal of calcium hydroxide paste from an artificial standardized groove in the apical third of root canals.

Methodology

The root canals of 68 mandibular incisors with single oval canals were prepared using Mtwo instruments (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) up to size 40, .04 taper. Each tooth was split longitudinally, and in one half of the root, a standardized groove was prepared in the apical part of the specimen. The grooves were filled with Ca(OH)2, and the root halves were reassembled. The roots were randomly divided into two control groups (n = 4) and three experimental groups (n = 20) according to the Ca(OH)2 methods used: XP, PUI and SNI. The amount of remaining medicament was evaluated under X25 magnification using a 4‐grade scoring system. Kappa values were calculated for intra‐ and interobserver agreement evaluation. The differences in the Ca(OH)2 scores amongst the different groups were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

None of the tested methods could completely clean the Ca(OH)2 from the artificial standardized groove in the apical third of the root canals. XP and PUI removed significantly more Ca(OH)2 than SNI (P < 0.001), with no significant differences between them (P = 0.238).

Conclusions

XP and PUI were more effective in removing Ca(OH)2 from artificial standardized grooves in the apical third of root canals than SNI.
Cost‐utility analysis of magnetoencephalography used to inform intracranial electrode placement in patients with drug resistant epilepsy: a model based analysis
Authors: Berrigan Patrick , Bardouille Tim , MacLellan Matt , Mohamed Ismail S , Murthy Manjari
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We estimated the cost‐effectiveness of adding magnetoencephalography to a standard assessment for epilepsy surgery consisting of neuropsychology, magnetic resonance imagining, scalp electroencephalography, video electroencephalography and intracranial electroencephalography, in the capacity of informing intracranial electroencephalography electrode placement.

Methods

We used Microsoft Excel (2007) to construct a decision model. Discounted costs and quality adjusted life years are aggregated to calculate incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to assess robustness of findings.

Results

Our base case analysis yielded a result of $14 300 per quality adjusted life year gained. A total of 82.7% of probabilistic sensitivity analysis iterations resulted in incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios below $100 000 in 2014 Canadian dollars.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of Magnetoencephalography in the assessment for epilepsy surgery in the capacity of informing intracranial electroencephalography electrode placement is likely not cost saving but does represent a reasonable allocation of resources from a value for money perspective.
Empathic responsiveness and helping behaviours in young children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Plesa Skwerer D. , Tager‐Flusberg H.
Published: June 2016

Background

Anecdotal and caregiver reports often highlight the sociability and empathy of children with Williams syndrome (WS), a genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a distinctive, cognitive and social phenotype. Despite these characteristics, people with WS have many difficulties navigating the social world. In this study, we investigated whether the heightened social motivation and empathy demonstrated by children with WS lead to prosocial behaviours such as instrumental helping.

Methods

We compared 2;8 to 5;8 year olds with WS to an age‐matched and developmental quotient‐matched group of children with Down syndrome (DS) and an age‐matched group of typically developing children, in their responses to semi‐structured naturalistic situations designed to elicit empathic and helping behaviours.

Results

Children with WS showed more empathic concern than both comparison groups towards a person in distress but did not differ from controls in their level of helping behaviour. Children in both the WS and DS groups consistently received higher ratings on empathy than on helpfulness, in contrast to the balanced profile shown by the typically developing children.

Discussion

Findings suggest that the heightened emotional responsivity displayed by children with WS or DS does not readily translate into other forms of socially competent behaviour.

The complex relations between empathy and prosocial behaviours in typical and atypical development are discussed.
Influence of the calf presence during milking on dairy performance, milk fatty acid composition, lipolysis and cheese composition in Salers cows during winter and grazing seasons
Authors: Cozma A. , Martin B. , Cirié C. , Verdier‐Metz I. , Agabriel J. , Ferlay A.
Published: June 2016

The milking of Salers cows requires the presence of the calf. The removal of the calf would simplify the milking routine, but it could also modify the milk yield and the milk and cheese composition. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of calf presence during milking during sampling period (winter or grazing periods), on dairy performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, lipolysis and cheese yield and composition. Nine and 8 Salers lactating cows were milked in the presence (CP) or absence (CA) of their calves respectively. During winter, the cows were fed a hay‐based diet and then they only grazed a grassland pasture. Calf presence during milking increased milk yield and milk 16:0 concentration and decreased milk fat content and milk total odd‐ and branched‐chain FA (OBCFA) concentrations. Calf presence only increased initial lipolysis in milk collected during the winter season. Milk from CP cows compared to CA cows resulted in a lower cheese yield and ripened cheeses with lower fat content. Milk from the grazing season had lower saturated medium‐chain FA and OBCFA concentrations and higher 18:0, cis‐9‐18:1, trans‐11‐18:1 and cis‐9, trans‐11‐CLA concentrations than that from the winter season. Initial milk lipolysis was higher in the winter than in the grazing season. These variations could be due to seasonal changes in the basal diet. Furthermore, the effect of calf presence during milking on milk fat composition was lower than that on dairy performance, cheese yield and composition. Removing the calf during the milking of Salers cows seems feasible without a decrease in milked milk, and with a positive effect on cheese yield and fat content, under the condition that we are able to select cows having the capacity to be milked easily without the calf.
Effectiveness of subarachnoid drug infusion for pediatric tumor‐related pain
Authors: Higuchi Tsukasa , Shimada Kazuhiro , Cho Yoshiaki , Minami Kisei , Takeuchi Kouichi , Sakamoto Akiyuki
Published: June 2016

Although the effectiveness of subarachnoid continuous drug infusion has been established in cancer pain management, its clinical use in children is rare. A 14‐year‐old girl with neurofibromatosis type I complained of right leg pain stemming from a growing tumor on her right buttock. Continuous and breakthrough right leg pain were unbearable, even at high doses of systemic opioids that caused severe constipation and deep sedation. Subsequent continuous infusion of bupivacaine and morphine through a subarachnoid catheter effectively relieved the girl's pain. The corresponding decrease in systemic opioid also improved her activities of daily living. The patient eventually died of cachexia due to the rapidly growing buttock lesion that was pathologically confirmed post‐mortem as a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Subarachnoid continuous drug infusion may be very useful in controlling severe pain with few side‐effects, even in the field of pediatric palliative care.
Severe Polyethylene Wear Requiring Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Three Dogs
Authors: Nesser Valerie E. , Kowaleski Michael P. , Boudrieau Randy J.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To describe the occurrence of severe polyethylene wear of the acetabular component in 3 dogs that ultimately led to implant failure, and to report the outcome of revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in these cases.

Study Design

Case report

Animals

Dogs (n=3).

Results

Three dogs with hip dysplasia underwent routine THA before 2 years of age. All dogs became acutely lame 4–5 years after THA. Radiographs revealed acetabular cup wear in all cases, shell fragmentation in 2 cases, and additional stem failure in 1 case. All dogs underwent successful revision surgery, during which severe polyethylene wear and metallosis was observed. Revision surgery provided an excellent clinical outcome in all dogs from 10 months to 4 years post revision.

Conclusion

Polyethylene wear and implant failure may be a significant long‐term complication of THA not previously recognized, which may be especially true when placed at an early age in a large breed, active dog, or in a dog with significant morbidity associated with other limbs. A successful revision was achieved in all 3 dogs. Additional investigation is warranted to document the risk factors associated with severe polyethylene wear in canine THA.
Voltage‐gated calcium channels and their auxiliary subunits: physiology and pathophysiology and pharmacology
Authors: Dolphin Annette C.
Published: June 2016

Voltage‐gated calcium channels are essential players in many physiological processes in excitable cells. There are three main subdivisions of calcium channel, defined by the pore‐forming α1 subunit, the CaV1, CaV2 and CaV3 channels. For all the subtypes of voltage‐gated calcium channel, their gating properties are key for the precise control of neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction and cell excitability, among many other processes. For the CaV1 and CaV2 channels, their ability to reach their required destinations in the cell membrane, their activation and the fine tuning of their biophysical properties are all dramatically influenced by the auxiliary subunits that associate with them. Furthermore, there are many diseases, both genetic and acquired, involving voltage‐gated calcium channels. This review will provide a general introduction and then concentrate particularly on the role of auxiliary α2δ subunits in both physiological and pathological processes involving calcium channels, and as a therapeutic target.

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An Experimental Study on Head Loss of Prototypical Fibrous Debris Beds During Loss-of-Coolant Accident Conditions
Authors: Ali Amir , Blandford Edward D.
Published: June 2016

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initiated a generic safety issue (GSI-191) assessing debris accumulation and resultant chemical effects on pressurized water reactor (PWR) sump performance. GSI-191 has been investigated using reduced-scale separate-effects testing and integral-effects testing facilities. These experiments focused on developing a procedure to generate prototypical debris beds that provide stable and reproducible conventional head loss (CHL). These beds also have the ability to filter out chemical precipitates resulting in chemical head loss. The newly developed procedure presented in this paper is used to generate debris beds with different particulate to fiber ratios (η). Results from this experimental investigation show that the prepared beds can provide reproducible CHL for different η in a single and multivertical loops facility within ±7% under the same flow conditions. The measured CHL values are consistent with the predicted values using the NUREG-6224 correlation. Also, the results showed that the prepared debris beds following the proposed procedure are capable of detecting standard aluminum and calcium precipitates, and the head loss increase (chemical head loss) was measured and reported in this paper.
Increasing the Heating Value of Ethanol Using Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Gilani Neda , Hendijani Arash Dostani , Seyedin Farid
Published: June 2016

In this study, the applicability of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as an additive to increase ethanol heating value has been examined. CNTs were grown within pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), fabricated at the voltages of 40 V and 60 V. Accordingly, CNTs with tubular and Y-branched structures were obtained. Then, CNTs were carboxylated in 10 ppm solution of ethanol and its heating value was examined. Results indicated that Y-branched CNTs only lead to 0.1% increase in ethanol heating value. Tubular CNTs with 16 nm wall thickness raised heating value up to 0.38%. Therefore, Y-branched CNTs resulted in lower increase in ethanol heating value than tubular CNTs. In order to enhance the heating value of this sample, the amine groups including butylamine, dodecylamine, and octadecylamine were used to functionalize the related CNTs. The results showed that the heating values of 10 ppm solutions of functionalized CNTs are higher than pure ethanol about 0.65–2.4%. Moreover, the highest heating value belonged to the solution containing CNTs functionalized by Octadecylamine. Various concentrations of these functionalized CNTs showed that they were stable in 80 ppm ethanol solutions and their heating value and octane number increased by 6.4% and 7.8%, respectively.
Study on Sensitivity of Control Rod Cell Model in Reflector Region of High-Temperature Engineering Test Reactor
Authors: Honda Yuki , Fujimoto Nozomu , Sawahata Hiroaki , Takada Shoji , Sawa Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

The high-temperature engineering test reactor (HTTR) is a block-type high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). There are 32 control rods (16 pairs) in the HTTR. Six of the pairs of control rods are located in a core region and the remainder are located in a reflector region surrounding the core. Inserting all control rods simultaneously at the reactor scram in a full-power operation presents difficulty in maintaining the integrity of the metallic sleeve of the control rod because the core temperature of the HTTR is too high. Therefore, a two-step control rod insertion method is adopted for the reactor scram. The calculated control rod worth at the first step showed a larger underestimation than the measured value in the second step, although the calculated results of the excess reactivity tests showed good agreement with the measured result in the criticality tests of the HTTR. It is concluded that a cell model for the control rod guide block with the control rod in the reflector region is not suitable. In addition, in the core calculation, the macroscopic cross section of a homogenized region of the control rod guide block with the control rod is used. Therefore, it would be one of the reasons that the neutron flux distribution around the control rod in control rod guide block in the reflector region cannot be simulated accurately by the conventional cell model. In the conventional cell model, the control rod guide block is surrounded by the fuel blocks only, although the control rods in the reflector region are surrounded by both the fuel blocks and the reflector blocks. The difference of the neutron flux distribution causes the large difference of a homogenized macroscopic cross-section set of the control rod guide block with the control rod. Therefore, in this paper, the cell model is revised for the control rod guide block with the control rod in the reflector region to account for the actual configuration around the control rod guide block in the reflector region. The calculated control rod worth at the first step using the improved cell model shows better results than the previous one.
Turbulence Characteristics of Vegetated Channel With Downward Seepage
Authors: Bebina Devi Thokchom , Sharma Anurag , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: June 2016

Experimental studies were carried out for investigating changes in flow characteristics with the presence of flexible vegetation in a channel. The study focuses on the effect of introducing downward seepage on velocity profiles, Reynolds shear stress (RSS), and different turbulent length scales in a vegetative channel. The presence of vegetation provides drag and reduces the flow velocity. The turbulence generation mainly comes from the oscillations occurring near the top of the vegetation as is evident from the achievement of maximum Reynolds stress near the top of the vegetation. Application of downward seepage results in a higher velocity zone in the lower vegetation zone and a higher Reynolds stress. Quadrant analysis shows that sweep and ejection contribute most to Reynolds stress. The dominance of sweep event over ejection event is more with the application of downward seepage which means more bed transport. Different turbulent length and time scales increase with increase in downward seepage percentage due to reduction in energy dissipation. The increase in the length scale and time scale with downward seepage infers that higher level of turbulence prevail near the bed with an increased eddy size resulting in higher Reynolds stresses with downward seepage. The universal probability distribution functions (PDFs) of velocity fluctuations, RSS, and conditional RSS of vegetative channel follow Gram Charlier (GC) series based on exponential distribution except that a slight departure of inward and outward interactions of conditional RSS is observed which may be due to weaker events.
High-Speed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Reflectance Imaging of Drop Coalescence during Condensation and Evaporation
Authors: Konduru Vinaykumar , Shin Dong Hwan , Allen Jeffrey S. , Choi Chang Kyoung , Lee Seong Hyuk , Choi Young-Ki , Cheon Sosan , Kihm Kenneth D.
Published: June 2016

Drop condensation and coalescence is visualized using high-speed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) reflectance microscopy. SPR microscopy is a label-free technique that can characterize thin films (less than 1µm) by detecting the changes in the refractive index of the test medium. The sensing surface is a 50 nm thick gold film on a 2.5 nm thick Ti layer is deposited on a borosilicate substrate. P-polarized monochromatic light (632 nm) is incident on the gold film in a total internal reflection mode. Free electrons in the gold film are excited by the incident light when a resonance condition is met. The result is a decrease in the reflected intensity. Resonance depends upon wavelength, incident angle, and refractive index of prism and test medium. To induce condensation, a water bridge is created between the SPR gold film and an ITO coated glass slide. When the ITO coated slide is heated water evaporates from the bridge and condenses on the gold film. The sequence of images on the process of droplet deposition and drop coalescence are captured at 1500 frames per second. Experiments were conducted at an SPR angle of 44o, which is slightly above the minimum intensity angle for air at 43.8o. Therefore, the brightest and darkest regions correspond to the areas on the gold film covered with bulk water and a very thin film of water, respectively. The thickness of the film is proportional to the intensity of reflected light.
Experimental and Numerical Visualization of Counter Rotating Vortices
Authors: Park Jeongmoon , Pagan-Vazquez Axy , Alvarado Jorge L. , Chamorro Leonardo P. , Lux Scott , Marsh Charles
Published: June 2016

Visualization of the flow structure generated by passive vortex generators continues to be a matter of research in the fluid mechanics and heat transfer communities. In this study, self-sustaining counter-rotating vortex pairs (CVP) generated from a series of vortex generators (VG) have been characterized numerically and experimentally to understand the effects of the VG parameters on vortical flow structure formation. Four different types of VGs were considered by varying the taper angle from 0° to 19.3° at a fixed inclination angle of 24.5° and a Reynolds number of 1965. Flow fields were experimentally visualized using a smoke technique. Each VG induced a coherent CVP flow structure in the wake region despite the fact that the upstream flow was laminar. CVPs initially dominate flow dynamics over a certain streamwise length; however, Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability appears to affect the spatial evolution of CVP longitudinally. The CVP within the stability region were reconstructed digitally in 3D by interpolating several 2D smoke images taken at various spanwise planes. The smoke results indicate that as taper angle decreases, the onset location of KH instability decreases. Furthermore, the CVP trajectory within the stability region was observed to be predominantly controlled by a two-dimensional inviscid process, while the effects by the free stream were not significant. Based on the experimental observations and the numerically reconstructed 3D CVP flow structures, VG with smaller taper angle results in CVPs with higher circulation, which is a positive aspect for mass and heat transfer applications. Preliminary numerical simulations based on RANS have shown that heat transfer enhancement is about 50% in the region near the rectangular vortex generator.
Toward an Automated Model-Based Geometric Method of Representing Function Failure Propagation Across Uncoupled Systems
Authors: Ramp Isaac J. , Van Bossuyt Douglas L.
Published: June 2016

The complex engineered systems being designed today must rapidly and accurately be developed to satisfy customer needs while accomplishing required functions with a minimum number of failures. Failure analysis in the conceptual stage of design has expanded in recent years to account for failures in functional modeling. However, function failure propagation across normally uncoupled functions and subsystems has not been fully addressed. A functional model-based geometric method of predicting and mitigating functional failure propagation across systems, which are uncoupled during nominal use cases, is presented. Geometric relationships between uncoupled functions are established to serve as failure propagation flow paths. Mitigation options are developed based upon the geometric relationships and a path toward physical functional layout is provided to limit failure propagation across uncoupled subsystems. The model-based geometric method of predicting and mitigating functional failure propagation across uncoupled engineered systems guides designers toward improved protection and isolation of cross-subsystem failure propagation.
Conceptual Design Optimization With Economic Uncertainty: An Application to Interactions Between Designers and Airlines
Authors: Waycaster Garrett , Bes Christian , Bilotkach Volodymyr , Gogu Christian , Haftka Raphael , Kim Nam-Ho
Published: June 2016

Many engineering problems involve interactions between multiple decisions makers, or stakeholders, each with their own objectives and uncertainties. Considering these interactions during design optimization allows us to account for new sources of uncertainty, which we refer to as economic uncertainty. In this paper, we consider an application of optimization considering interactions between aircraft designers and airlines based on the design of a commercial transport aircraft wing. We consider that the aircraft designer makes their design decisions first, and therefore must predict the reaction of the airline. We focus on the effect of two economic uncertainties: uncertainty that would normally only affect the airline and uncertainty due to asymmetric information, or errors in the designers’ understanding of the airlines’ preferences. We find that these uncertainties play a significant role in the optimal decisions by both airlines and designers. We also show that asymmetric information may actually be beneficial for both stakeholders in certain cases, where both players benefit from the aircraft designer underestimating the operating costs of the airline.
Dynamic Behavior Models and Their Modeling Depth in the Design Process of Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Lochbichler M. , Oestersötebier F. , Trächtler A.
Published: June 2016

Model-based design is an important part in the development of mechatronic systems. Models are used in various fields of this process, for example, to specify the actuators and sensors, as well as to design the controller, or to describe and analyze the dynamic behavior of the system. These models consist of mechanical, electrical and software components and many more. Hence, developers need a discipline-spanning knowledge in order to model and analyze mechatronic systems, as well as methods for the development of these systems are needed. We divide the design process of mechatronic systems into a discipline-spanning design phase and a concurrent engineering phase in the respective disciplines [1]. Both phases rely on model-based design. The selection of an appropriate modeling depth is essential, and one of the most challenging parts during modeling process [2,3]. An aim of the design method [1] is the preparation of solution knowledge in order to reuse it in future developments. The challenge is to find and select an appropriate dynamic behavior model with a sufficient modeling depth in order to fulfill all modeling objectives. A quantification of modeling depth is required in order to be able to classify models for reuse, and to automate their selection. Therefore, our first step is to classify models by defining four levels of detail. Based on the modeling objectives a level of detail is recommended to the developer. However, models typically consist of many elements from several disciplines and of different levels of detail. In this case, mapping to the four levels of modeling depth is not obvious. That is why our second step defines an index to describe the modeling depth of combined models. This index is based on the state variables of the dynamic behavior models and independent from the composition/modularization of the system model. With these two criteria, it is possible to classify the modeling depth of dynamic behavior models. Our method is shown and validated with the help of an application example.
Methodology for a Partly Automated Parameter Identification for the Validation of Multi-Domain Models
Authors: Kruse D. , Schweers C. , Trächtler A.
Published: June 2016

The paper presents a methodology for a partly automated parameter identification that is to validate multi-domain models. To this end an identification tool under MATLAB has been developed. It enables a partly automated procedure that uses established methods to identify parameters from complex, nonlinear multi-domain models. In order to integrate such multi-domain models into the tool, an interface based on the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard can be used. The interface makes the required identification parameters from the multi-domain model automatically available to the identification tool. Additionally a guideline is developed which describes the way in which the respective domain expert has to mark the required identification parameters during modeling.

The needs for this methodology as well as its application are shown by a practical example from the industry, using Dymola, the FMI-standard, and MATLAB. The practical example deals with the model-based development of a new washing procedure. The paper presents a partly automated parameter identification for the validation of the absorption part of the multi-domain model. Besides, new approaches to the modelling of this kind of absorption effects will be detailed.
Performance Decomposition and Integration of a Five-Degrees-of-Freedom Compliant Hybrid Parallel Micromanipulator
Authors: Gao Zhen , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2016

The research and development of parallel manipulators generally has two major streams, i.e. the macro/meso stream and the micro/nano stream, in which the former one has been thoroughly investigated in recent decades, while the latter one still remains many performance related open issues that significantly affect their application potentials in critical situations such as high-precision automated cell manipulation. This research is to develop a novel methodology called performance decomposition and integration for governing the design optimization process of complicated micromanipulator. A new five degrees-of-freedom (DOF) compliant hybrid parallel micromanipulator which is configured with five identical PSS limbs and one constraining UPU limb is proposed as a case study. The performance visualization, finite element analysis, and dimensional optimization are implemented. The proposed methodology is generic and feasible for the design improvement of different kinds of compliant/parallel mechanisms.
Fast and Robust Method for Boolean Operations on Triangulated Solids Based on Signed Octree
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Hong Jun , Wang Wei , Li Baotong , Gao Xianming
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a fast and robust method for Boolean operations on triangulated solids is presented. It is applied to regularized Boolean operations including union, difference, and intersection. This approach is less time costing because a signed Octree and several optimizations are introduced in the algorithm. The operation starts with the minimum bounding box of the models to form the root node of the Octree, which is then continuously divided into sub-nodes, until triangles in each sub-node only have a number of triangles from both meshes, or the sub-node reaches a certain depth. After the Octree division, we run a traverse of the Octree to calculate intersection points between two meshes. This only occurs with triangles from each mesh in the very bottom sub-node of the Octree. With an in/out sign addicted to triangle’s data structure, the final facet selection process is greatly simplified. The computational complexity is highly reduced through this method with the accuracy remains to the same level. This hierarchical Octree based method enables us to do Boolean calculation on very complex models. In the end, we give some sample results and some comparisons with other algorithms and commercial software.
Analysis on the Three-Dimensional Wire Orientation of ‘Kana-Ami’ Metal Network Between Expert and Non-Expert
Authors: Zelong Wang , Tsuji Ken-ichi , Tsuji Toru , Goto Akihiko , Takai Yuka , Yang Yuqiu , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2016

As well known, Kyoto has been the capital city of Japan for one thousand years. The long ancient culture brings out a serious of traditional craft products, such as ‘Kana-ami’ — a kind of metal wire network. ‘Kana-ami’ was all made by hand work, for this reason there was no industrial pollution produced during the manufacturing process. In other words, ‘Kana-ami’ is a kind of green manufacturing product, and its processing motion and working experience make a big effect on final products’ quality. Product’s quality was judged by the standard structure of ‘Kana-ami’, which was established after a long period of history and culture accumulation. That aesthetical standard has already been consistently rooted into Japanese peoples’ heart deeply. Dated back to around 50 years, there were about 30 handmade wire net shops in Kyoto. However, it has decreased dramatic until 7 shops now. Therefore, it is urgent time to pay attention to this severe reality and try to do something to keep this traditional culture wealth and continue green manufacturing technique and skill to the next generation.

In this study, the expert and non-expert were employed as the target investigated subject from ‘Kanaami Tsuji’ workshop. Investigated subjects were required to fabricate a Kana-ami product, which was investigated by 3D motion capture during product’s fabrication. The structural features of final products by expert and non-expert were illustrated and compared by the numerical analysis. The moment of scoop tofu was recorded by high-speed camera in order to clarify the small differences on product performance. In a word, the great effort is to reduce the final products impact to the surface of tofu.
Model Development and Design Optimization of a Novel Reciprocating Engine Technology
Authors: Hamel Josh , Allphin Devin , Elroy Joshua
Published: June 2016

A novel reciprocating steam engine technology that utilizes reed valves has been developed, prototyped and patented by researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA. To assist in proper sizing of this new technology in follow-on development efforts, and to better understand the interactions between various parameters, a system level computational model of the engine was developed from first principles. This model was developed for the express purpose of performing design optimization studies of the engine technology, and thus various modeling decisions were made in an effort to balance desired model accuracy with necessary computational speed. The developed model takes as inputs various environmental, geometric and kinematic parameters of the engine system and calculates the resulting power, work, torque and thermal efficiency of the proposed engine design. The model consists of numerous sub-models including a flow model for the intake fluid physics as it enters the engine, a dynamic model of the intake valve response, a pressure model of the engine cylinder, a kinematic model of the engine piston movement, and an output model that determines engine performance parameters. In order to capture the performance of the engine over time, a crank angle discretization strategy was employed and each of the engine design sub-models was evaluated for each crank angle position considered producing results based on the data obtained from the sub-model evaluations at the previous crank angle position. This strategy was determined to be necessary for accurately modeling the performance of the engine over time and crank angle position, but obviously created a computational effort challenge in that it required that various flow models and differential equations be solved iteratively within the overall model. To produce a model with sufficient computational speed to be useful within the desired optimization studies various simplifying assumptions and modeling approximations were utilized. The model was tested by performing a set of multi-objective design optimization case studies on the engine model using the geometry and operating conditions of the prototype engine developed by LLNL as a baseline. The results produced were determined to properly capture the fundamental interactions of the engine and demonstrated that the design of engine technology could be improved over the baseline through the use of the developed model.
Design of a Cam-Actuated Robotic Leg
Authors: Peters Diane L. , Chen Steven
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a concept for a single-degree-of-freedom robotic leg, where the lower and upper leg are each controlled by a cam. The two cams are mounted on a common shaft, and are rotating at the same speed. The relevant equations for the mechanism’s kinematics are first developed, to express the position of the foot in terms of the cam’s angular displacement and various design parameters such as link lengths. Next, the design problem is formulated as an optimization, where the objective is to minimize an error metric that compares the foot position to the desired trajectory of the foot. The constraints in the optimization problem include important parameters such as the pressure angle of the cams, as well as a set of constraints to ensure that the leg will fit on an appropriately sized legged robot. Finally, the results are discussed, with a focus on what the advantages and disadvantages of this leg design might be as compared to other types of robotic leg designs.