bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Metamodels for Composable and Reusable Additive Manufacturing Process Models
Authors: Witherell Paul , Feng Shaw C. , Simpson Timothy W. , Saint John David B. , Michaleris Pan , Liu Zi-Kui , Chen Long-Qing , Martukanitz Rich
Published: January 2015

Though the advanced manufacturing capabilities offered by additive manufacturing (AM) have been known for several decades, industry adoption of AM technologies has been relatively slow. Recent advances in modeling and simulation of AM processes and materials are providing new insights to help overcome some of the barriers that have hindered adoption. However, these models and simulations are often application specific, and few are developed in an easily reusable manner. Variations are compounded because many models are developed as independent or proprietary efforts, and input and output definitions have not been standardized. To further realize the potential benefits of modeling and simulation advancements, including predictive modeling and closed-loop control, more coordinated efforts must be undertaken. In this paper, we advocate a more harmonized approach to model development, through classification and metamodeling that will support model composability, reusability, and integration. We review several types of AM models and use direct metal powder bed fusion characteristics to provide illustrative examples of the proposed classification and metamodel approach. We describe how a coordinated approach can be used to extend modeling capabilities by promoting model composability. As part of future work, a framework is envisioned to realize a more coherent strategy for model development and deployment.
Investigation of a Planetary Differential for Use as a Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: Randall Austin B. , Todd Robert H.
Published: January 2015

With gas prices and pollution on the rise, the production of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles has been a focus of all major automobile manufacturers. The further advancement of this technology must not only continue to focus on fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles, but also decrease their cost to make them more available and enticing to the general public.

Results from this research include one potential solution to reduce the cost of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. An exploration of the functionality of a Planetary Differential (PD) has shown that it can simplify expensive and complex electronic control systems for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. This research is a furtherance of work performed previously and its main purpose is to discover a more efficient solution than what was already tested under similar circumstances. Recommendations for future work and implementation of the PD in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are presented herein.
Investigation of Dual-Frequency Excitation and the Influence of Excitation Phase on a Constrained Cantilevered Beam System
Authors: Huang Wei , Atzil Aaron M. , Dick Andrew J.
Published: January 2015

Many types of nonlinear phenomena have been studied in atomic force microscopy (AFM). As a tool for performing topographical measurements and material characterizations at the micro- and nano-scales, improving the understanding of the dynamic AFM system will impact many areas of research. The authors’ previous studies have shown that in dynamic AFM, with dual-frequency excitation, influence of attractive and repulsive interaction forces can be revealed by the presence of specific frequency components in the response. Motivated by the phenomenon predicted in the AFM system, a macro-scale test platform is used in this effort in order to qualitatively investigate the relationships between the dual-frequency excitation, interaction conditions, and the specific frequency components observed in the response. The experimental setup includes a base driven cantilever with a tip, a soft material as the sample and an electromagnet behind the sample to provide attractive interaction forces. The components in the experimental setup are characterized and the system is studied by using numerical and experimental methods. A thorough numerical and experimental study of the influence of the phase difference between the two frequency components in the excitation signal is investigated in this work.
A Technique to Detect Fatigue in the Lower Limbs
Authors: Alwasel Abdullatif A. , Abdel-Rahman Eihab M. , Haas Carl T.
Published: January 2015

As muscles fatigue, their passive and active mechanical properties change increasing the susceptibility of the human body to damage. The state-of-the-art technique for muscle fatigue detection, EMG signals, is cumbersome. This paper presents a technique to detect fatigue by tracking a kinematic parameter of the musculoskeletal system. The method uses the time-history of a single joint angle to detect fatigue in the lower limbs. A sensor is mounted to the knee joint to measure the knee flexion angle. Time delay embedding is used to track the orbit of knee joint motions in a reconstructed phase-space. The reconstructed phase-space allows us to obtain information about other body parts and joints of the lower limb in addition to the knee joint, since they are all connected in an open kinematic chain. Long-time drift in the orbit location and shape in phase-space is quantified and used as a measure of lower limb fatigue. The proposed technique presents a mobile, wireless, and cheap method to assess fatigue that can act as an early warning system for the lower limb.
Brownian Dynamics Simulation of the Dynamics of Stretched DNA
Authors: Ivenso Ikenna D. , Lillian Todd D.
Published: January 2015

DNA is a long flexible polymer and is involved in several fundamental cellular processes such as transcription, replication and chromosome packaging. These processes induce forces and torques in the DNA which deform it. These deformations in turn affect the structure and function of DNA. However, understanding of the dynamic response of DNA to the various forces that act on it is still far from complete. Several experiments have been carried out to study these responses most of which use a micron sized magnetic bead attached to the DNA molecule to both manipulate it and to observe its dynamics. One limitation of this approach is that the dynamics of the DNA molecule has mostly been characterized “indirectly” by observing the dynamics of the magnetic bead. It is also reasonable to expect that, because of the size of the bead relative to that of the DNA, the magnetic bead dynamics will obscure that of the DNA. We adapt existing coarse-grained Brownian dynamics models of DNA to develop a model capable of representing the dynamics of DNA without any of the artifacts inherent to the experiments. This model accounts for bending, torsion, extension, electrostatics, hydrodynamics and the random thermal forces acting on DNA in an electrolyte solution. We then carry out Brownian dynamics simulations with our model to benchmark with well established theoretical results of a stretched polymer in solution. Finally, we employ our model to predict the relaxation time scale for single molecule experiments which sets the framework for future studies in which we plan to further shed light on the dynamics of DNA over long length and time scales.
Enhancing Design Problem Formulation Skills for Engineering Design Students
Authors: Dinar Mahmoud , Shah Jami J.
Published: January 2015

Problem formulation is an essential design skill for which assessment methods have been less commonly developed. In order to evaluate the progress of a group of graduate students in mechanical engineering design in regard with the problem formulation skill, they were asked to work on three design problems using the Problem Formulator web tool during their course work. Changes in a set of measures elicited from this data were examined in addition to sketches, simulations, and working prototypes. Inventories of requirements and issues, as well as concepts derived from morphological charts were created to assess designers’ skills and outcomes.
Using the Simple Structural Beam (SSB) Model to Optimize and Analyze Automotive Structures for Bending Stiffness and Natural Frequency
Authors: Wood Ian , Barari Ahmad , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim
Published: January 2015

When designing a vehicle structure, an optimum design is desired because the structure has a significant impact on its performance. The structure impacts other components in the vehicle as well. The designing process usually involves complex iteration. Analyses must be done at the early stage of the vehicle’s development (body-in-white) to minimize the amount of parameter changes needed during the late stage of development. Successfully implementing this strategy reduces the time and cost required to develop an effective vehicle structure. A method known as Simple Structural Surfaces can be used to model the vehicle structure as several planar sheets, as well as determine the forces in each sheet. The downside of using this method is that by using it, determining the deflections in the structure is difficult. In order to eliminate this difficulty, the vehicle is modeled as several beam elements instead. In this method, a finite element method is used to numerically solve for the deflections, reaction forces, and internal loading on each element of the structure. This Simple Structural Beam model can be adapted to allow optimization of the static property of the structure bending stiffness. Dynamic properties of the vehicle structure are also examined through vibration analysis, by determining the fundamental natural frequency of the structure. Vibration also has a large impact on the structure’s performance. The goal of the research is to obtain a design that will optimize the static and dynamic properties of the vehicle’s structure. In the beam elements, the parameters involved are the length, orientation, cross-sectional area, and moment of inertia. The optimizing process is automated and determines the beam dimensions with largest stiffness to weight ratio. The fundamental natural frequency calculated must be distant from the frequency of the engine, as resonance is also a concern for structural performance. Resonance occurs when the natural frequency of the system is equal to the frequency of a connecting component. This increases the amplitude of vibration significantly and is undesirable for any structural design.
Collision Prediction: Conservative Advancement Among Obstacles With Unknown Motion
Authors: Lu Yanyan , Xi Zhonghua , Lien Jyh-Ming
Published: January 2015

Collision detection is a fundamental geometric tool for sampling-based motion planners. On the contrary, collision prediction for the scenarios that obstacle’s motion is unknown is still in its infancy. This paper proposes a new approach to predict collision by assuming that obstacles are adversarial. Our new tool advances collision prediction beyond the translational and disc robots; arbitrary polygons with rotation can be used to better represent obstacles and provide tighter bound on predicted collision time. Comparing to an online motion planner that replans periodically at fixed time interval, our experimental results provide strong evidences that our method significantly reduces the number of re-plannings while maintaining higher success rate of finding a valid path.
A New Multi-Objective Mixed-Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Tong Weiyang , Chowdhury Souma , Messac Achille
Published: January 2015

Complex system design problems tend to be high dimensional and nonlinear, and also often involve multiple objectives and mixed-integer variables. Heuristic optimization algorithms have the potential to address the typical (if not most) characteristics of such complex problems. Among them, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm has gained significant popularity due to its maturity and fast convergence abilities. This paper seeks to translate the unique benefits of PSO from solving typical continuous single-objective optimization problems to solving multi-objective mixed-discrete problems, which is a relatively new ground for PSO application. The previously developed Mixed-Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (MDPSO) algorithm, which includes an exclusive diversity preservation technique to prevent premature particle clustering, has been shown to be a powerful single-objective solver for highly constrained MINLP problems. In this paper, we make fundamental advancements to the MDPSO algorithm, enabling it to solve challenging multi-objective problems with mixed-discrete design variables. In the velocity update equation, the explorative term is modified to point towards the non-dominated solution that is the closest to the corresponding particle (at any iteration). The fractional domain in the diversity preservation technique, which was previously defined in terms of a single global leader, is now applied to multiple global leaders in the intermediate Pareto front. The multi-objective MDPSO (MO-MDPSO) algorithm is tested using a suite of diverse benchmark problems and a disc-brake design problem. To illustrate the advantages of the new MO-MDPSO algorithm, the results are compared with those given by the popular Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II).
A Serious Game: Assessing Teaching and Learning in a Mechatronics Course
Authors: Özkil Ali Gurcan
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a game that is developed to help the assessment of teaching and learning activities in a mechatronics course. The game is played with a mobile phone and it follows the dynamics of a ‘treasure hunt’ where participants follow a route and answer a series of questions that are encrypted in 2D barcodes. Participants interact with the game through a website; which allows to record various types of information related to the gameplay. In addition to gamifying the learning experience for students, the game allows the teacher to quantitatively assess the progression of the students and identify the topics that are challenging to comprehend.
ISO 26262 Concept Phase Analysis on Distributed Electro-Hydraulic Braking System: The Influence of System Architecture on ASIL Decomposition
Authors: Wang Zhizhong , Yu Liangyao , Pan Ning , Zhang Lei , Song Jian
Published: January 2015

The Distributed Electro-hydraulic Braking system (DEHB) is a wet type brake-by-wire system. As a safety critical automotive electrical and/or electronic (E/E) system, DEHB shall be designed under the guideline of ISO 26262 in order to avoid unreasonable risk due to the malfunctions in the item. This paper explores how the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) decomposition in the concept phase is influenced by the system architectures of DEHB. Based on a typical hazardous event, analysis on DEHB with the same system architecture as the Electro-mechanical Braking system (EMB) is carried out, which is taken as the basis for comparison. Two types of DEHB with different system architectures are then analyzed. Results show that the adoption of hydraulic backup enables ASIL decomposition in the pedal unit. The adoption of both hydraulic backup and normally open balance valves offers the opportunity to perform ASIL decomposition in the brake actuator system of DEHB.
Robustness and Efficiency of an Optimization-Based Damage Detection Technique
Authors: Yang Chulho , Adams Douglas E.
Published: January 2015

A structural damage identification method based on sensitivity functions and optimization algorithms is discussed in this paper. The suggested sensitivity analysis technique can be effectively used for the damage identification process because it requires only measured frequency response functions to calculate the sensitivity of system responses to each component parameter. The optimization algorithm finds the best combination of changes in design variables to minimize the object function that is defined as the difference between the measured and calculated FRFs for the damaged structure. Various parameters and factors in the optimization process and structural dynamics are studied in this work to enhance the efficiency and robustness of the damage identification process. This study shows that the proposed technique can improve the accuracy of damage identification.
Postoperative 3D Analysis Based on X-Ray Images
Authors: Vigneron Lara , Lawrenchuk Mike , Delport Hendrik , Beski Danielle , De Boodt Sebastian
Published: January 2015

This work presents the results of a postoperative analysis using X-rays images and shows that results reach the same order of accuracy than with CT image.
Biomechanical Analysis in the Lumbar Spine During Two-Step Traction Therapy
Authors: Kim Yoon Hyuk , Park Won Man , Kim Kyungsoo
Published: January 2015

Traction therapy is a widely used conservative treatment for low back pain. However, the effects of traction therapy on lumbar spine biomechanics are not well known. We investigated biomechanical effects of two-step traction therapy, which consists of global axial traction and local decompression, on the lumbar spine using a validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine. One-third of body weight was applied at the center of the L1 vertebra toward the superior direction for the first axial traction. Anterior translation of L4 spinal bone was considered as the second local decompression. The lordosis angle between the superior planes of the L1 vertebra and sacrum was 44.6° at baseline, 35.2° with global axial traction, and 46.4° with local decompression. The fibers of annulus fibrosus in the posterior region, and intertransverse and posterior longitudinal ligaments experienced stress primarily during global axial traction, these stresses decreased during local decompression. A combination of global axial traction and local decompression would be helpful for reducing tensile stress on the fibers of the annulus fibrosus and ligaments, and intradiscal pressure in traction therapy. The present study could be used to develop a safer and more effective type of traction therapy.
Spine Flexion and Extension Model for Epidural Simulator
Authors: Vaughan Neil , Dubey Venketesh N. , Wee Michael Y. K. , Isaacs Richard
Published: January 2015

The aim of this research was to create novel computer graphics models of the human spine which can bend, flex and twist. The model aims to realistically duplicate the shape of the spine during various sitting positions adopted by patients during epidural anaesthesia and surgery. The extent of bending and flexing is kept within the limits of spine flexibility. Also the model vertebrate adapt in size and shape to match weight and height of specific patient bodies. The flexible spine model can be of benefit to epidural simulators which require accurate models of spinal vertebrae for needle insertion procedures.
Importance of Bacterial Replication and Alveolar Macrophage-Independent Clearance Mechanisms during Early Lung Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Camberlein Emilie , Cohen Jonathan M. , José Ricardo , Hyams Catherine J. , Callard Robin , Chimalapati Suneeta , Yuste Jose , Edwards Lindsey A. , Marshall Helina , van Rooijen Nico , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Brown Jeremy S.
Published: January 2015

Although the importance of alveolar macrophages for host immunity during early
Streptococcus pneumoniae
lung infection is well established, the contribution and relative importance of other innate immunity mechanisms and of bacterial factors are less clear. We have used a murine model of
S. pneumoniae
early lung infection with wild-type, unencapsulated, and
para
-amino benzoic acid auxotroph mutant TIGR4 strains to assess the effects of inoculum size, bacterial replication, capsule, and alveolar macrophage-dependent and -independent clearance mechanisms on bacterial persistence within the lungs. Alveolar macrophage-dependent and -independent (calculated indirectly) clearance half-lives and bacterial replication doubling times were estimated using a mathematical model. In this model, after infection with a high-dose inoculum of encapsulated
S. pneumoniae
, alveolar macrophage-independent clearance mechanisms were dominant, with a clearance half-life of 24 min compared to 135 min for alveolar macrophage-dependent clearance. In addition, after a high-dose inoculum, successful lung infection required rapid bacterial replication, with an estimated
S. pneumoniae
doubling time of 16 min. The capsule had wide effects on early lung clearance mechanisms, with reduced half-lives of 14 min for alveolar macrophage-independent and 31 min for alveolar macrophage-dependent clearance of unencapsulated bacteria. In contrast, with a lower-dose inoculum, the bacterial doubling time increased to 56 min and the
S. pneumoniae
alveolar macrophage-dependent clearance half-life improved to 42 min and was largely unaffected by the capsule. These data demonstrate the large effects of bacterial factors (inoculum size, the capsule, and rapid replication) and alveolar macrophage-independent clearance mechanisms during early lung infection with
S. pneumoniae
.
Slow Leakage of Ca-Dipicolinic Acid from Individual Bacillus Spores during Initiation of Spore Germination
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Setlow Peter , Li Yong-qing
Published: January 2015

When exposed to nutrient or nonnutrient germinants, individual
Bacillus
spores can return to life through germination followed by outgrowth. Laser tweezers, Raman spectroscopy, and either differential interference contrast or phase-contrast microscopy were used to analyze the slow dipicolinic acid (DPA) leakage (normally ∼20% of spore DPA) from individual spores that takes place prior to the lag time,
T
lag
, when spores begin rapid release of remaining DPA. Major conclusions from this work with
Bacillus subtilis
spores were as follows: (i) slow DPA leakage from wild-type spores germinating with nutrients did not begin immediately after nutrient exposure but only at a later heterogeneous time
T
1
; (ii) the period of slow DPA leakage (Δ
T
leakage
=
T
lag
−
T
1
) was heterogeneous among individual spores, although the amount of DPA released in this period was relatively constant; (iii) increases in germination temperature significantly decreased
T
1
times but increased values of Δ
T
leakage
; (iv) upon germination with
l
-valine for 10 min followed by addition of
d
-alanine to block further germination, all germinated spores had
T
1
times of less than 10 min, suggesting that
T
1
is the time when spores become committed to germinate; (v) elevated levels of SpoVA proteins involved in DPA movement in spore germination decreased
T
1
and
T
lag
times but not the amount of DPA released in Δ
T
leakage
; (vi) lack of the cortex-lytic enzyme CwlJ increased DPA leakage during germination due to longer Δ
T
leakage
times in which more DPA was released; and (vii) there was slow DPA leakage early in germination of
B. subtilis
spores by the nonnutrients CaDPA and dodecylamine and in nutrient germination of
Bacillus cereus
and
Bacillus megaterium
spores. Overall, these findings have identified and characterized a new early event in
Bacillus
spore germination.
No consistent association between processes-of-care and health-related quality of life among patients with diabetes: a missing link?
Authors: Casillas Alejandra , Iglesias Katia , Flatz Aline , Burnand Bernard , Peytremann-Bridevaux Isabelle
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered a representative outcome in the evaluation of chronic disease management initiatives emphasizing patient-centered care. We evaluated the association between receipt of processes-of-care (PoC) for diabetes and HRQoL.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used self-reported data from non-institutionalized adults with diabetes in a Swiss canton. Outcomes were the physical/mental composites of the short form health survey 12 (SF-12) physical composite score, mental composite score (PCS, MCS) and the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL). Main exposure variables were receipt of six PoC for diabetes in the past 12 months, and the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) score. We performed linear regressions to examine the association between PoC, PACIC and the three composites of HRQoL.

Results

Mean age of the 519 patients was 64.5 years (SD 11.3); 60% were male, 87% reported type 2 or undetermined diabetes and 48% had diabetes for over 10 years. Mean HRQoL scores were SF-12 PCS: 43.4 (SD 10.5), SF-12 MCS: 47.0 (SD 11.2) and ADDQoL: −1.6 (SD 1.6). In adjusted models including all six PoC simultaneously, receipt of influenza vaccine was associated with lower ADDQoL (β=−0.4, p≤0.01) and foot examination was negatively associated with SF-12 PCS (β=−1.8, p≤0.05). There was no association or trend towards a negative association when these PoC were reported as combined measures. PACIC score was associated only with the SF-12 MCS (β=1.6, p≤0.05).

Conclusions

PoC for diabetes did not show a consistent association with HRQoL in a cross-sectional analysis. This may represent an effect lag time between time of process received and health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to study this complex phenomenon.
Plant sampling uncertainty: a critical review based on moss studies
Authors: Dołęgowska Sabina , Migaszewski Zdzisław M.
Published: January 2015

Estimates of the distribution, migration, and accumulation of trace elements using mosses as bioindicators have successfully been used in biomonitoring studies since at least the 1970s. Chemical analysis of moss samples is also an important tool for assessing concentrations of elements in analyzed material at a given time. To achieve satisfactory accuracy in environmental studies, the best sampling approach must be used. Methods for the estimation of uncertainty derived from analytical procedures are well recognized, but the errors generated as a result of sampling are very often overlooked. Sampling uncertainty can be managed by a judicious selection of the sampling method, the amount of samples collected, and by following appropriate type of sampling protocols. The sampling protocol generally contains information about location of sampling sites, time of sampling (e.g., season), the species collected, type of sample (single, sub-sample), and monitored parameters (e.g., climate, analyzed substances). Information about seasonal variability; topographic, climatic, edaphic, and hydrologic conditions (type and amount of precipitation, rosewind); age; and part of plant that was collected is often ignored. There is no precise information on how these factors affect the sampling step and overall uncertainty over what procedures must be followed to reduce errors derived from plant sampling. This information is necessary when long-range and comparative studies are conducted. In this paper, we review how individual factors, such as (i) type of sampling strategy, (ii) representative sampling, (iii) seasonal variability, and (iv) which part of the plant is collected, may influence the concentration of trace elements in moss tissues and the level of uncertainty associated with sampling. In addition, we also discuss plant sample preparation techniques and how this may cause an uncontrolled element loss.
Waterfalls and the Romantic traveller
Authors: Hudson Brian J.
Published: January 2015

Waterfalls have long attracted the attention of travellers, some of whom were writers and artists who have left us a cultural legacy of their observations and interpretations. Likewise, geologists have studied and recorded these landscape features since the infancy of their science. An examination of travellers’ experiences of waterfalls since the emergence of Romanticism in eighteenth-century Europe reveals a variety of responses, both utilitarian and aesthetic. Seen as valuable sources of renewable energy, impediments to navigation, beautiful, sublime or picturesque natural wonders and resources for tourism, waterfalls continue to appeal to the Romantic traveller and the pleasure-seeking tourist. Increasingly, waterfalls are being threatened by schemes to exploit them, especially for power generation or intensive tourism development. In many parts of the world, this presents a serious challenge to those responsible for the management of this often spectacular aspect of geodiversity. This paper explores these various themes which are contextualized within the historical and cultural framework of Romanticism.
The Impact of Microgravity and Hypergravity on Endothelial Cells
Authors: Maier Jeanette A. M. , Cialdai Francesca , Monici Monica , Morbidelli Lucia
Published: January 2015

The endothelial cells (ECs), which line the inner surface of vessels, play a fundamental role in maintaining vascular integrity and tissue homeostasis, since they regulate local blood flow and other physiological processes. ECs are highly sensitive to mechanical stress, including hypergravity and microgravity. Indeed, they undergo morphological and functional changes in response to alterations of gravity. In particular microgravity leads to changes in the production and expression of vasoactive and inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules, which mainly result from changes in the remodelling of the cytoskeleton and the distribution of caveolae. These molecular modifications finely control cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the state of the art on how microgravity and hypergravity affect cultured ECs functions and discusses some controversial issues reported in the literature.
A Tissue Retrieval and Postharvest Processing Regimen for Rodent Reproductive Tissues Compatible with Long-Term Storage on the International Space Station and Postflight Biospecimen Sharing Program
Authors: Gupta Vijayalaxmi , Holets-Bondar Lesya , Roby Katherine F. , Enders George , Tash Joseph S.
Published: January 2015

Collection and processing of tissues to preserve space flight effects from animals after return to Earth is challenging. Specimens must be harvested with minimal time after landing to minimize postflight readaptation alterations in protein expression/translation, posttranslational modifications, and expression, as well as changes in gene expression and tissue histological degradation after euthanasia. We report the development of a widely applicable strategy for determining the window of optimal species-specific and tissue-specific posteuthanasia harvest that can be utilized to integrate into multi-investigator Biospecimen Sharing Programs. We also determined methods for ISS-compatible long-term tissue storage (10 months at −80°C) that yield recovery of high quality mRNA and protein for western analysis after sample return. Our focus was reproductive tissues. The time following euthanasia where tissues could be collected and histological integrity was maintained varied with tissue and species ranging between 1 and 3 hours. RNA quality was preserved in key reproductive tissues fixed in RNAlaterup to 40 min after euthanasia. Postfixation processing was also standardized for safe shipment back to our laboratory. Our strategy can be adapted for other tissues under NASA’s Biospecimen Sharing Program or similar multi-investigator tissue sharing opportunities.
Regulation of ICAM-1 in Cells of the Monocyte/Macrophage System in Microgravity
Authors: Paulsen Katrin , Tauber Svantje , Dumrese Claudia , Bradacs Gesine , Simmet Dana M. , Gölz Nadine , Hauschild Swantje , Raig Christiane , Engeli Stephanie , Gutewort Annett , Hürlimann Eva , Biskup Josefine , Unverdorben Felix , Rieder Gabriela , Hofmänner Daniel , Mutschler Lisa , Krammer Sonja , Buttron Isabell , Philpot Claudia , Huge Andreas , Lier Hartwin , Barz Ines , Engelmann Frank , Layer Liliana E. , Thiel Cora S. , Ullrich Oliver
Published: January 2015

Cells of the immune system are highly sensitive to altered gravity, and the monocyte as well as the macrophage function is proven to be impaired under microgravity conditions. In our study, we investigated the surface expression of ICAM-1 protein and expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in cells of the monocyte/macrophage system in microgravity during clinostat, parabolic flight, sounding rocket, and orbital experiments. In murine BV-2 microglial cells, we detected a downregulation of ICAM-1 expression in clinorotation experiments and a rapid and reversible downregulation in the microgravity phase of parabolic flight experiments. In contrast, ICAM-1 expression increased in macrophage-like differentiated human U937 cells during the microgravity phase of parabolic flights and in long-term microgravity provided by a 2D clinostat or during the orbital SIMBOX/Shenzhou-8 mission. In nondifferentiated U937 cells, no effect of microgravity on ICAM-1 expression could be observed during parabolic flight experiments. We conclude that disturbed immune function in microgravity could be a consequence of ICAM-1 modulation in the monocyte/macrophage system, which in turn could have a strong impact on the interaction with T lymphocytes and cell migration. Thus, ICAM-1 can be considered as a rapid-reacting and sustained gravity-regulated molecule in mammalian cells.
Adaptive Stabilization Control for a Class of Complex Nonlinear Systems Based on T-S Fuzzy Bilinear Model
Authors: Xing Jinsheng , Shi Naizheng
Published: January 2015

This paper proposes a stable adaptive fuzzy control scheme for a class of nonlinear systems with multiple inputs. The multiple inputs T-S fuzzy bilinear model is established to represent the unknown complex systems. A parallel distributed compensation (PDC) method is utilized to design the fuzzy controller without considering the error due to fuzzy modelling and the sufficient conditions of the closed-loop system stability with respect to decay rateαare derived by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Then the errors caused by fuzzy modelling are considered and the method of adaptive control is used to reduce the effect of the modelling errors, and dynamic performance of the closed-loop system is improved. By Lyapunov stability criterion, the resulting closed-loop system is proved to be asymptotically stable. The main contribution is to deal with the differences between the T-S fuzzy bilinear model and the real system; a global asymptotically stable adaptive control scheme is presented for real complex systems. Finally, illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results proposed in this paper.
Clinical Outcome after the Use of a New Craniocaudal Expandable Implant for Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment: One Year Results from a Prospective Multicentric Study
Authors: Noriega David , Krüger Antonio , Ardura Francisco , Hansen-Algenstaedt Nils , Hassel Frank , Barreau Xavier , Beyerlein Jörg
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this prospective multicentric observational study was to confirm the safety and clinical performance of a craniocaudal expandable implant used in combination with high viscosity PMMA bone cement for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Thirty-nine VCFs in 32 patients were treated using the SpineJack minimally invasive surgery protocol. Outcome was determined by using the Visual Analogue Scale for measuring pain, the Oswestry Disability Index for scoring functional capacity, and the self-reporting European Quality of Life scores for the quality of life. Safety was evaluated by reporting all adverse events. The occurrence of cement leakages was assessed by either radiographs or CT scan or both. Statistically significant improvements were found regarding pain, function, and quality of life. The global pain score reduction at 1 year was 80.9% compared to the preoperative situation and the result of the Oswestry Disability Index showed a decrease from 65.0% at baseline to 10.5% at 12 months postoperatively. The cement leakage rate was 30.8%. No device- or surgery-related complications were found. This observational study demonstrates promising and persistent results consisting of immediate and sustained pain relief and durable clinical improvement after the procedure and throughout the 1-year follow-up period.
Drought and Grain Crop Yields over the East European Plain under Influence of Quasibiennial Oscillation of Global Atmospheric Processes
Authors: Cherenkova Elena , Semenova Inna , Bardin Mikhail , Zolotokrylin Alexander N.
Published: January 2015

Monthly precipitation and the 3-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) were used to reveal the patterns of rainfall and severe drought frequency over the East European Plain in the period 1953–2011 in the opposite phases of the quasibiennial oscillation (QBO). Differences of precipitation and severe drought frequency in May and in June in the westward and eastward phases of the QBO phases are explained by circulation variations. The analysis indicates less frequent severe drought events over Ukraine and at the center of the European part of Russia in May in the westward QBO phase due to the intensification of the storm track over the East European Plain. The weather conditions in May and in June in the years of the westward QBO phase were more favorable for the yield. The difference of spring wheat yield in the westward and eastward QBO phase exceeds the same difference of winter wheat yield in the Central Black Earth region and in the south regions. Ukraine and the region to the east of the Sea of Azov are the most vulnerable areas of increased risk of severe drought during the active growing season at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century.
Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Endometrial Cancer in the United States: A Study in the SEER–Medicare Linked Database
Authors: Trabert Britton , Wentzensen Nicolas , Felix Ashley S. , Yang Hannah P. , Sherman Mark E. , Brinton Louise A.
Published: January 2015

Background: Metabolic syndrome and its component feature, central obesity, are associated with endometrial cancer risk. It remains unclear whether associations with the other metabolic factors that comprise metabolic syndrome are independent of the obesity–endometrial cancer association. Furthermore, the link with specific endometrial cancer subtypes remains ill-defined, despite evidence of etiologic heterogeneity among these tumors.

Methods: In a case–control study within the SEER–Medicare linked database, we examined whether metabolic factors, individually or combined, were associated with endometrial cancer. Cases (n = 16,323) were women diagnosed with endometrial cancer from 1993 through 2007. Controls (n = 100,751) were a 5% sample of female Medicare enrollees residing in the same SEER registry area as cases. Metabolic syndrome was defined using ICD-9-CM codes from inpatient/outpatient diagnoses 1 to 3 years before case diagnosis and a comparable time period in controls. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results: Endometrial cancer risk was associated with metabolic syndrome [OR (95% CI): 1.39 (1.32–1.47)] and its component factors: overweight/obesity [1.95 (1.80–2.11)], impaired fasting glucose [1.36 (1.30–1.43)], high blood pressure [1.31 (1.25–1.36)], and high triglycerides [1.13 (1.08–1.18)]. After adjusting for overweight/obesity, the increased risks associated with the metabolic syndrome factors remained. Heterogeneity of associations by subtype were not identified (Pheterogeneity = 0.82).

Conclusions: Among women age 65 and older in the United States, metabolic syndrome, and its component factors, increased endometrial cancer risk similarly across endometrial cancer subtypes.

Impact: Strategies to reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome factors might have a favorable effect on endometrial cancer incidence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 261–7. ©2015 AACR.
Pharmacogenomic Determinants of the Cardiovascular Effects of Dalcetrapib
Authors: Tardif Jean-Claude , Rhéaume Eric , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Grégoire Jean C. , Feroz Zada Yassamin , Asselin Géraldine , Provost Sylvie , Barhdadi Amina , Rhainds David , L’Allier Philippe L. , Ibrahim Reda , Upmanyu Ruchi , Niesor Eric J. , Benghozi Renée , Suchankova Gabriela , Laghrissi-Thode Fouzia , Guertin Marie-Claude , Olsson Anders G. , Mongrain Ian , Schwartz Gregory G. , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2015

Background—

Dalcetrapib did not improve clinical outcomes, despite increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 30%. These results differ from other evidence supporting high-density lipoprotein as a therapeutic target. Responses to dalcetrapib may vary according to patients’ genetic profile.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a pharmacogenomic evaluation using a genome-wide approach in the dal-OUTCOMES study (discovery cohort, n=5749) and a targeted genotyping panel in the dal-PLAQUE-2 imaging trial (support cohort, n=386). The primary endpoint for the discovery cohort was a composite of cardiovascular events. The change from baseline in carotid intima-media thickness on ultrasonography at 6 and 12 months was evaluated as supporting evidence. A single-nucleotide polymorphism was found to be associated with cardiovascular events in the dalcetrapib arm, identifying the
ADCY9
gene on chromosome 16 (rs1967309;
P
=2.41×10
–8
), with 8 polymorphisms providing
P
<10
–6
in this gene. Considering patients with genotype AA at rs1967309, there was a 39% reduction in the composite cardiovascular endpoint with dalcetrapib compared with placebo (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.92). In patients with genotype GG, there was a 27% increase in events with dalcetrapib versus placebo. Ten single-nucleotide polymorphism in the
ADCY9
gene, the majority in linkage disequilibrium with rs1967309, were associated with the effect of dalcetrapib on intima-media thickness (
P
<0.05). Marker rs2238448 in
ADCY9
, in linkage disequilibrium with rs1967309 (
r
2
=0.8), was associated with both the effects of dalcetrapib on intima-media thickness in dal-PLAQUE-2 (
P
=0.009) and events in dal-OUTCOMES (
P
=8.88×10
–8
; hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.78).

Conclusions—

The effects of dalcetrapib on atherosclerotic outcomes are determined by correlated polymorphisms in the
ADCY9
gene.

Clinical Trial Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT00658515 and NCT01059682
New species of Didemnidae (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) from the tropical coast of Brazil
Authors: DA ROCHA ROSANA MOREIRA , NEVES ISABELA MONTEIRO , GAMBA GUSTAVO ANTUNES
Published: January 2015

The family Didemnidae includes 20% of all known ascidians with six genera in the Atlantic. Here, we describe five new species in the Didemnidae from central coastal Brazil. Four species are in the genus Didemnum and were found in Bahia (D. aurantium, D. flammacolor, D. lambertae, D. longigaster), while one Diplosoma (D. citrinum) was found both in Bahia and Espírito Santo.
Desired images, regulating figures, constructed imaginaries: The future as an apriority for society to be possible
Authors: Cantó-Milà Natàlia , Seebach Swen
Published: January 2015

This article deals with the future as a crucial element for the webbing of our individual and social life. In accordance with Simmel’s reflections on the apriorities for the very possibility of society, the authors maintain that the webbing of society as we know it would not be possible without its members imagining at least some kind of future. To illustrate the importance of the future for webbing any kind of social relationship, and in order to analyse the possibilities of creating different imaginaries of the future, the authors present a case study of 60 autobiographic interviews of men and women from different class contexts collected in Germany and Spain. The authors look for what they call the images, figures and imaginaries of the future – images as the concrete objects, moments or relationships that are expected, feared, or hoped for in the future, figures as the archetypes that give meaning, inform and shape the contours of our future imaginations, and imaginaries as the webbing together of the figures and images in a narration in the future tense of our own life story, relating this imaginary to other cultural practices. The results of this research show how deep the certainty of a future, and the concrete imaginaries of the future to come, mould and shape who we are, and the directions in which we wish, can and will go.
An Estimation of Finger-Tapping Rates and Load Capacities and the Effects of Various Factors
Authors: Ekşioğlu Mahmut , İşeri Ali
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to estimate the finger-tapping rates and finger load capacities of eight fingers (excluding thumbs) for a healthy adult population and investigate the effects of various factors on tapping rate.

Background:

Finger-tapping rate, the total number of finger taps per unit of time, can be used as a design parameter of various products and also as a psychomotor test for evaluating patients with neurologic problems.

Method:

A 1-min tapping task was performed by 148 participants with maximum volitional tempo for each of eight fingers. For each of the tapping tasks, the participant with the corresponding finger tapped the associated key in the standard position on the home row of a conventional keyboard for touch typing.

Results:

The index and middle fingers were the fastest fingers for both hands, and little fingers the slowest. All dominant-hand fingers, except little finger, had higher tapping rates than the fastest finger of the nondominant hand. Tapping rate decreased with age and smokers tapped faster than nonsmokers. Tapping duration and exercise had also significant effect on tapping rate.

Conclusion:

Normative data of tapping rates and load capacities of eight fingers were estimated for the adult population. In designs of psychomotor tests that require the use of tapping rate or finger load capacity data, the effects of finger, age, smoking, and tapping duration need to be taken into account.

Application:

The findings can be used for ergonomic designs requiring finger-tapping capacity and also as a reference in psychomotor tests.
A federated simulation method for multi-modal transportation systems: combining a discrete event-based logistics simulator and a discrete time-step-based traffic microsimulator
Authors: Wall Thomas A , Rodgers Michael O , Fujimoto Richard , Hunter Michael P
Published: January 2015

The primary focus of computer simulation in transportation engineering has been to model individual systems using modeling software packages designed for the specific system under investigation. However, this limits the ability to explore interactions between multiple disparate transportation systems in a dynamic modeling environment. To address this gap, this study develops and tests a technique to federate two transportation models, each constructed using different simulation software packages: (1) a discrete event-based simulation model of a freight trucking terminal and (2) a discrete time-step-based traffic microscopic simulation model of the network serving the terminal. The federation technique is tested to consider potential feedback loops that may arise between the models during a single simulation run. It is then applied in a notional case study of the Port of Savannah to further assess its capabilities. The findings suggest that this federated simulation technique captures the dynamic interaction of the two systems being modeled. A comparison of the observed versus expected time-based characteristics of the interactions are shown to yield statistically significant correlation.
Goal Variability and Perceived Resolvability in Serial Argumentation
Authors: Worley Timothy R. , Samp Jennifer
Published: January 2015

A fundamental premise of much interpersonal communication scholarship is that communicators’ goals may change during the course of interaction. Yet, the implications of these changes remain underexplored. This study examines the associations between goal variability and perceived resolvability of serial arguments. Seventy-five heterosexual romantic couples discussed a current serial argument and reported their interaction goals at 1-minute intervals, using a video-recall method. Within-interaction variability in self-focused and relational goals had positive curvilinear (i.e., U-shaped) associations with at least one partner’s perceptions of perceived resolvability in each model tested. This study demonstrates the potential for goal variability to shape global interaction outcomes in the context of relational conflict.