bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Falsified by History’: Menzies, Asia and Post‐Imperial Australia
Authors: Clausen Mads
Published: May 2008

This essay won the 2007

History Compass

Graduate Essay Prize, Australasia & Pacific Section.

Former Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies gave the East‐West Center's 1969 Dillingham Lecture at the University of Hawaii. Menzies, then almost four years into retirement, seized the opportunity not only to give his assessment of contemporary politics in the Asia‐Pacific, but also to assert that he had been ‘the first Australian Prime Minister to put Australia squarely into the Pacific rather than the Atlantic world’. In recent years, senior Liberals have echoed this sentiment and, like the Dillingham Lecture, pointed to Menzies's April 1939 radio address as initiating ‘engagement with Asia’. In this address, Menzies had suggested that: ‘In the Pacific we have what I might call primary responsibilities and primary risks’. The Dillingham Lecture constitutes Menzies's most considered attempt to claim ownership of Australia's regional relations, but similar arguments can be found in his autobiographical writings. Several Liberal contemporaries made similar assertions in the mid‐to‐late‐1960s, attempting to align themselves with increasingly resonant narratives about an emergent Asia. While acknowledging that the emergence of Australia's regional dialogue with Asia has been a bipartisan process, this article argues that such narratives, rather than confirming and extending the teleologies posited by past and contemporary policymakers, instead issued from the decline of Britishness as a foundational national story and the exigencies of Australia's emergence into post‐imperial nationhood. As such, they can more usefully be understood as interventions in a longstanding conversation about nation and belonging than as markers of a putative shift in foreign policy orthodoxy or, alternatively, as concern about material Asian realities.
Isolation of monocytes from leukapheretic products for large‐scale GMP‐grade generation of cytomegalovirus‐specific T‐cell lines by means of an automated elutriation device
Authors: Perseghin Paolo , D'Amico Giovanna , Dander Erica , Gaipa Giuseppe , Dassi Maria , Biagi Ettore , Biondi Andrea
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DC) act as antigen‐presenting cells in immune response–mediated mechanisms against malignant cells and/or viral or fungal pathogens. CD14+ monocytes have been so far isolated by techniques of plastic adherence or by using immunomagnetic methods. Here the effectiveness of a commercially available cell separation system (Elutra, Gambro BCT) in the separation of monocytes and the large‐scale production of cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific T‐cell lines were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Six mononuclear cell (MNC) collections were processed with the Elutra system. Monocyte‐enriched fraction was differentiated into DCs by addition of granulocyte‐macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin (IL)‐4. After 6 days of culture, DCs were matured in the presence of interferon (IFN)‐γ, IFN‐α, IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and poly(I:C) and pulsed with a pool of 48 MHC Class I and II–binding CMV peptides. Lymphocytes were then stimulated with mature autologous CMV peptide–pulsed DCs.

RESULTS: After elutriation, the mean monocyte yield was 0.89 × 109 ± 0.65 × 109, with a 51.0 ± 31.6 percent recovery and a 51.1 ± 35.4 percent purity. A significant correlation was observed when basal monocyte content was related to the postelutriation recovery (p < 0.0116). More than 60 percent of plated monocytes were differentiated into DCs, which after pulsing with CMV peptides, were able to stimulate a robust enrichment in CMV antigen–specific T cells in all tested samples (mean percentage of pentamer‐positive CD8+ cells, 35% compared to the initial 2%).

CONCLUSION: Our findings might be helpful for an appropriate MNC collection, to maximize the efficiency of the elutriation system and subsequently obtain an optimal monocyte‐enriched yield for further DC generation and T‐cell stimulation.
Disparity in the management of iron overload between patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia who received transfusions
Authors: Fung Ellen B. , Harmatz Paul R. , Milet Meredith , Balasa Vinod , Ballas Samir K. , Casella James F. , Hilliard Lee , Kutlar Abdullah , McClain Kenneth L. , Olivieri Nancy F. , Porter John B. , Vichinsky Elliott P. ,   the Multi‐Center Iron Overload Research Group
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Transfusion therapy is frequently used to prevent morbidity in sickle cell disease (SCD), and subsequent iron overload is common. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current standard of care in monitoring iron overload and related complications in patients with SCD compared to thalassemia (Thal).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross‐sectional study was conducted at 31 hematology clinics in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Patients who received transfusions with a mean serum ferritin level of least 2000 ng per mL were eligible. A total of 199 patients with SCD (113 female; 24.9 ± 13.2 years) and 142 with Thal (66 female; 25.8 ± 8.1 years) were recruited, and data were collected between 2001 and 2003 by interview and medical record review.

RESULTS: Although both groups were recruited on the basis of significant iron overload, the likelihood of performing a liver biopsy for routine iron monitoring was significantly higher (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2‐5.3) in Thal than SCD. Thal patients were also more likely to be screened for iron‐related organ injury including an echocardiograph for cardiomyopathy (OR, 2.6; p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.6‐4.2), alanine aminotransferase for liver function (OR, 8.3; CI, 1.05‐64.4), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone for hypothyroidism (OR, 12.3; CI, 7.0‐21.5). For adult SCD patients, those maintained on simple transfusion with a serum ferritin level of greater than 2500 ng per mL were the least likely to have a liver biopsy (p < 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the unsystematic monitoring of iron and related organ injury in SCD. Until the relationship between iron and related comorbidities is better understood, routine monitoring of iron overload in SCD patients who receive transfusions should be considered a standard part of clinical care.
Evaluation of the Roche cobas s 201 system and cobas TaqScreen multiplex test for blood screening: a European multicenter study
Authors: Jarvis Lisa , Becker Janine , Tender Alzira , Cleland Alexander , Queiros Lucinda , Aquiar Ana , Azevedo Joana , Aprili Giuseppe , Bressan Fausto , Torres Pilar , Nieto Serafin , Ursitti Antonella , Montoro Jose , Vila Enrique , Ramada Concha , Saldanha John
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The Roche cobas TaqScreen test, an automated, multiplex nucleic acid test for blood screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) groups M and O, and HIV‐2 RNA, on the cobas s 201 platform, was evaluated by six European blood screening laboratories.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 95 percent limit of detection (LOD) of the cobas TaqScreen test for HBV, HCV, and HIV‐1, using dilutions of the WHO International Standards, were evaluated. The clinical performance was determined by testing between 2000 to 6000 routine donor samples. Some laboratories evaluated the robustness, cross‐contamination, and workflow.

RESULTS: The mean 95 percent LOD (95% lower and upper confidence intervals) for HBV, HCV, and HIV‐1 across all the laboratories were 3.8 (range, 3.0‐5.2), 10.8 (range, 8.4‐14.4), and 56.7 (range, 43.0‐79.2) IU/mL, respectively. A total of 23,716 donors were tested in pools of 6. Fourteen initially reactive pools were detected, of which 6 contained a reactive donation, giving a positive predictive value of the pool results of 43 percent. One of the reactive donations was a HBV yield case (hepatitis B surface antigen–negative/anti‐HBc–positive). Evaluation of the workflow for the system showed that an optimized batch loading in which a pipettor (Hamilton Microlab Star IVD) was utilized to half capacity was better than a full batch loading.

CONCLUSION: The 95 percent LOD for the three viruses were comparable to those obtained by Roche. The test and platform were shown to be sensitive, specific, flexible, and robust.
A combined flow cytometry–based method for fetomaternal hemorrhage and maternal D
Authors: Radel Darcie J. , Penz Connie S. , Dietz Allan B. , Gastineau Dennis A.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The fetomaternal bleed assay by flow cytometry is a semiquantitative test used to determine the volume of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH). We have enhanced this method by combining the fetomaternal bleed assay with a D antibody in the same tube to determine the maternal D as well as the need for Rh immune globulin (RhIG) administration.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The performance of the FMB/D assay was compared against the Kleihauer‐Betke (KB) acid elution method for the quantitation of fetal bleed and tube method for the maternal D determination. Peripheral blood cells from the pregnant women were fixed and permeabilized, incubated with monoclonal antibodies directed against fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) and D, and analyzed by flow cytometry. The relative concentration of Hb F‐containing cells to adult cells was used to determine the volume of the FMH. In addition, the cells were identified as D+ or D−.

RESULTS: D typing of nonpregnant adult donors matched in all cases with the tube method with a mean value of 0.01% Hb F‐positive cells (n = 25). D typing of pregnant or postpartum samples matched in all cases (n = 100), and the RhIG dose calculated by the percentage of Hb F for each method matched 97 percent (n = 36; p = 0.324). The one discrepant sample was consistent with the acknowledged overestimation when using the KB method.

CONCLUSION: The highly precise anti‐Hb F flow cytometric method was combined with maternal D determination by anti‐D. This method correlates well with standard assays eliminating the need for additional testing without sacrificing clinical information.
Recombinant human immunoglobulin (Ig)A1 and IgA2 anti‐D used for detection of IgA deficiency and anti‐IgA
Authors: Nielsen Leif K. , Dziegiel Morten H.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: To avoid anaphylactic reactions, immunoglobulin (Ig)A‐deficient patients with anti‐IgA should be transfused with IgA‐deficient blood components. There is a need for fast and robust assays for demonstration of IgA deficiency and for detection of anti‐IgA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Recombinant human IgA1 and IgA2 anti‐D molecules were constructed, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and purified. These antibodies were used to sensitize group O D+ red blood cells (RBCs) for use as indicator cells, either in the format of a passive hemagglutination inhibition assay for detection of IgA deficiency or in a passive hemagglutination assay for detection of anti‐IgA. Both assays were performed in gel card.

RESULTS: The sensitivity for IgA detection was adjusted to approximately 100 ng per mL. The assay for demonstration of IgA deficiency correlated with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for quantification of IgA. Anti‐IgA were easily detected, and the reactivity with IgA anti‐D–sensitized RBCs could be inhibited by purified IgA1 and/or IgA2 and by normal plasma containing IgA but not by IgA‐deficient plasma. Anti‐IgA was found in 64 percent of IgA‐deficient donors with less than 3 ng of IgA per mL.

CONCLUSION: The assays for detection of IgA and anti‐IgA described in this article are fast and robust. Furthermore, they are applicable in all standard blood typing laboratories and are therefore well suited for immediate investigation of transfusion reactions.
Resource and environmental management: connecting the academy with practice
Authors: MITCHELL BRUCE
Published: May 2008

The rewards and challenges related to a research program that involves interactions between basic and applied research are shared. Specific experience is examined regarding integrated water resource management, capacity enhancement in developing countries and writing textbooks. Key lessons include the manner in which applied research and practice inform and enhance basic research, the role of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in guiding applied research, the need to understand the distinction between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary models and the importance of facilitating evolution from visions, strategies and plans to action.
The dynamic nature of social disadvantage: implications for hazard exposure and vulnerability in Greater Vancouver
Authors: ANDREY JEAN , JONES BRENDA
Published: May 2008

Urbanization and re‐urbanization continually alter spatial patterns of social disadvantage and hazard exposure, which in turn affect social vulnerability. The current study explores vulnerability to hazards in Greater Vancouver over a 15‐year period (1986 to 2001). Results illustrate how social disadvantage is multi‐dimensional and emerges from the social geography of a city. The study illustrates the speed with which both the structure and spatial patterns of social disadvantage can change in cities experiencing rapid growth or redevelopment. The study also suggests that Greater Vancouver does not display consistent patterns of minority‐ or income‐based environmental inequity in hazard exposure, which raises questions about the role of various policies in ameliorating vulnerability to natural and technological hazards.
Delivering drugs by the transdermal route: review and comment
Authors: Tanner T. , Marks R.
Published: May 2008

Background: There are many advantages to administering drugs by routes that bypass the gastrointestinal tract. One such route is the transdermal in which the drug agent is applied to the skin in a patch or device of some type so that sufficient quantity penetrates the skin to exert a systemic effect. There are several theoretical advantages to this approach not the least of which is that the drug avoids being metabolized by the liver after absorption and that gastrointestinal irritation is avoided.

Aims: To discuss the various ways in which drugs can be persuaded to cross the skin barrier and also to discuss the adverse effects of transdermal administration. Technical advances have permitted an increasing number of drugs to be offered in the transdermal format.
How Much Does National Culture Constrain Organizational Culture?
Authors: Gerhart Barry
Published: May 2008

The assumption of strategy approaches like the resource based view is that, despite environmental constraints, ample room remains for organizations to differentiate on the basis of organizational culture (together with related human resource practices) to achieve sustained competitive advantage. In contrast, other perspectives assume that management practice and organizational culture mirror, or are constrained by, national culture. To the degree that such a constraint exists, within-country variance in culture should be small and between-country variance large. In statistical terms, the first question is: what is the magnitude of the effect size for country? The larger the effect, the more likely it is a constraint. Second, what portion of the country effect size is due to differences in national culture? My review finds that most of the variance in organizational cultures is not explained by country; of the variance that is explained by country, only a minority is due to national culture differences. As such, there may be more room for organizational differentiation than typically recognized. Third, under what circumstances will country and national culture effects be larger or smaller? I present a model suggesting more room for differentiation in countries having greater individual level variance in cultural values and related variables.
Credit this: How the Banks Decide Your Credit Score
Authors: Edelman David
Published: May 2008

In February, internet bank Egg announced its decision to cancel the credit cards of 161 000 of its customers. Egg were “not comfortable with the level of risk” that these customers represented. Bank customers are judged by their credit scores. So what is credit scoring? How do lenders assess your creditworthiness? And how can you improve your credit score with them?David Edelman provides some answers.
School League Tables: What can they Really Tell Us?
Authors: Goldstein Harvey , Leckie George
Published: May 2008

School league tables are eagerly scanned by parents hoping to find the best school for their child, and by teachers hoping to see their school rise in the rankings. But do they tell parents what they need to know?Harvey Goldstein and George Leckie argue that league tables are not fit for that purpose, and say it is time that their publication should cease.
Acquisition, retention and dispersal of soilborne plant pathogenic fungi by fungus gnats and moth flies
Authors: El‐Hamalawi Z.A.
Published: May 2008

Adult fungus gnats and moth flies were experimentally demonstrated to function as potential above‐ground vectors for three soilborne plant pathogens: Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium acuminatum and Thielaviopsis basicola. The adult insects externally acquired the conidia of the pathogens after exposure to the cultures as confirmed by scanning electron microscope photography. The intestinal contents and frass deposits of larvae exposed to fungal cultures contained viable fungal propagules. Internally infested larvae developed into internally infested pupae; however, the emerging adults were free of fungal structures. Because of the maintenance of a high level of inoculum on the external body surface and the ability of these adult insects to fly, they can be a significant factor in the dispersal of soilborne fungi in greenhouse agriculture. The rate of dispersal of T. basicola by adult fungus gnats was 1.78 cm2 h−1 per insect and by adult moth flies was 1.17 cm2 h−1 per insect. The area over which the pathogen was dispersed by the adult insects increased with the increase in exposure time. The study demonstrated that adult insects are efficient distributors of soilborne plant pathogenic fungal propagules.
The mixture of kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid, an excellent alternative controlling grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Zhang C.‐Q. , Zhang Y. , Zhu G.N.
Published: May 2008

Grey mould, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most destructive diseases in greenhouses for which serious fungicide resistance has developed. Between 2003 and 2005, 213 isolates of B. cinerea from two geographical regions were characterised for baseline sensitivity to kresoxim‐methyl. In the absence of salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), the mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) values were 6.67 ± 0.61 (mean ± SD) and 0.37 ± 0.10 mg L−1 during growth and germination, respectively. In the presence of 100 mg L−1 SHAM, baseline sensitivities were distributed as unimodal curves with mean EC50 values of 2.38 ± 0.21 and 0.28 ± 0.09 mg L−1 for inhibiting growth and inhibiting germination, respectively. The mixture of kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid showed good control efficacy against strawberry grey mould disease. After the mixture was extensively used on strawberry for 2 years, 50 isolates were collected and determined for their sensitivity to kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid, respectively. The mean EC50 of germination inhibition by boscalid was 0.39 ± 0.08 mg L−1. The mean EC50 of germination inhibition by kresoxim‐methyl was 0.26 ± 0.07 mg L−1 in the presence of 100 mg L−1 SHAM. Sensitivities of B. cinerea to both kresoxim‐methyl and boscalid did not show any significant decrease. These results suggest that their mixture is a satisfactory alternative candidate for management of grey mould disease in greenhouses.
Soul and Self: Comparing Chinese Philosophy and Greek Philosophy
Authors: Yu Jiyuan
Published: May 2008

Comparative philosophy has been interested in issues such as whether the familiar Western concepts of the soul and self can be applied in understanding Chinese philosophy about human selfhood and whether there are alternative Chinese modes of thinking about these concepts. I will outline a comparison of the main concerns of the Greeks and Chinese philosophers in their discussion about the soul and self, and examine some of the major comparative theories that are recently developed. The comparative discussion is significant in helping us understand each tradition's views of soul and self in its own terms, and in identifying alternatives to familiar modes of thinking. However, we should avoid looking for simplified uniformity in each tradition and overgeneralizing the contrasts between China and Greece.
Traumatic Rupture of the Bladder in the Dog — A Clinical Study of Nine Cases
Authors: MEYNARD J. A.
Published: May 2008

Abstract— The author describes the clinical characteristics of traumatic rupture of the bladder from observations on 9 male dogs. The methods of treatment are described as well as the nature of the renal complications sometimes encountered. Eight cases out of the nine recovered in a satisfactory manner.

Résumé— L'auteur décrit les caractéres cliniques de la rupture traumatique de la vessie tels qu'il les a notés chez 9 chiens mǎles. Les modalités du traitement chirurgical sont envisagées ainsi que la nature des complications néphrkéiques parfois notées. Huit cas sur neuf se sont remis d'une façon satisfaisante.
The Photomotor Reflex as an Indicator of Consciousness in the Immobilized Dog
Authors: CROFT PHYLLIS G.
Published: May 2008

Abstract— When a relaxant is used in conjunction with light general anaesthesia, it is not possible to distinguish between true unconsciousness, and consciousness masked by immobilization, by the usual reflexes involving voluntary muscle. Experiments are described which show that the photo‐motor reflex (contraction of the pupil of the eye with increase in intensity of light stimulus), unlike the other reflexes commonly used for testing anaesthesia, gave a reliable indication of returning consciousness in a dog immobilized by a relaxant. The reflex was not affected by premedication with atropine, provided that the dose of atropine did not exceed 0.032 mg./kg. body‐weight. The reflex is valid when anaesthesia is induced by barbiturate alone, or by a combination of barbiturate and ether.
The EEG as an Aid to Diagnosis of Nervous Diseases in the Dog and Cat
Authors: CROFT PHYLLIS G.
Published: May 2008

Abstract— A simple technique for recording EEGs from out‐patient dogs and cats is described. The EEGs which are found in a variety of pathological conditions of the central nervous system are described, and their use in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is discussed.

Résumé— Une technique simple pour enregistrer l'E.E.G. chez le chien et le chat. Les E.E.G.s qui se rencontrent dans une variété de troubles du système nerveux central sont décrits et leur emploi dans le diagnostic, le pronostic et le traitement est discuté.

Zusammenfassung— Es wird eine einfache Technik zur ambulanten Aufnahme des E.E.G. von Hunden und Katzen beschrieben. Es werden die E.E.G.s beschrieben, die bei einer Vielzahl von pathologischen Veränderungen des Z.N.S. gefunden wurden und ihr Wert für die Diagnose, Prognose und Therapie wird besprochen.
Has Minority Foreign Investment in China's Banks Improved Their Cost Efficiency?
Authors: Laurenceson James , Qin Fengming
Published: May 2008

Since 2001, foreign investors have been permitted to acquire minority ownership stakes in China's banks. This paper assesses whether there is any evidence of a cost efficiency payoff in those banks that have taken on foreign investment. Data envelopment analysis is first used to generate measures of cost efficiency for China's banks over the period 2001—2006. A second stage regression is then performed to determine whether foreign investment has an impact on cost efficiency. The results indicate a positive relationship, although one that is not statistically significant. Policy implications are discussed.
Evidence for a Nonbase Stacking Effect for the Environment‐sensitive Fluorescent Base Pyrrolocytosine—Comparison with 2‐Aminopurine
Authors: Hardman Samantha J. O. , Botchway Stanley W. , Thompson Katherine C.
Published: May 2008

Pyrrolocytosine (PC), is a highly fluorescent analog of the natural nucleobase cytosine. The fluorescence of PC is quenched upon helix formation but the origin of the quenching is not known. We investigated the effects of base stacking in the aqueous phase by following the fluorescence of dinucleotides and trinucleotides containing PC. The quantum yields and lifetimes (ns) (in parenthesis) obtained at 25°C were: PC‐T, 0.026 (2.0), PC‐C, 0.033 (2.5), PC‐A, 0.032 (2.7), PC‐G, 0.021 (2.0), T‐PC‐T, 0.044 (3.0) and G‐PC‐G, 0.036 (0.65 and 2.6), compared with 0.038 (2.9) for PC and 0.028 (2.1) for the nucleoside triphosphate. The results show that base stacking does not, except in the case of guanine, quench the fluorescence of PC; indeed the increased solvent shielding can enhance the emitted fluorescence. In the case of G‐PC‐G the guanines do shield the fluorescent base from the solvent but a particular environment of PC between two guanines also appears to allow a rapid nonradiative pathway, suggested to be electron transfer to the excited PC, to depopulate the excited state leading to the shorter fluorescence lifetime.
Interaction Between N‐terminal Loop and β‐Scaffold of Photoactive Yellow Protein†,‡
Authors: Harigai Miki , Kataoka Mikio , Imamoto Yasushi
Published: May 2008

During the photoreaction cycle of photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a physiologically active intermediate (PYPM) is formed as a consequence of global protein conformational change. Previous studies have demonstrated that the photocycle of PYP is regulated by the N‐terminal loop region, which is located across the central β‐sheet from the p‐coumaric acid chromophore. In this paper, the hydrophobic interaction between N‐terminal loop and β‐sheet was studied by characterizing PYP mutants of the hydrophobic residues. The rate constants and structural changes of the photocycle of L15A and L23A possibly participating in such an interaction were more similar to wild‐type than F6A, showing that the CH/π interaction between Phe6 and Lys123 is the most essential as reported previously. To better understand the interactions between N‐terminal tail and β‐sheet of PYP, Phe6 and Phe121 were replaced by Cys and linked by a disulfide bond. Since the photocycle kinetics, structural change and thermal stability of F6C/F121C were similar to F6A, the CH/π interaction between Phe6 and Lys123 is not substitutable. It is likely that the detachment of position 6 from position 123 substantially alters the nature of PYP.
G‐protein‐coupled receptors and melanoma
Authors: Lee Hwa Jin , Wall Brian , Chen Suzie
Published: May 2008

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) are the largest family of receptors with over 500 members. Evaluation of GPCR gene expression in primary human tumors identified over‐expression of GPCR in several tumor types. Analysis of cancer samples in different disease stages also suggests that some GPCR may be involved in early tumor progression and others may play a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Currently, >50% of drug targets to various human diseases are based on GPCR. In this review, the relationships between several GPCR and melanoma development and/or progression will be discussed. Finally, the possibility of using one or more of these GPCR as therapeutic targets in melanoma will be summarized.
Will improvement of knowledge lead to improvement of compliance with glaucoma medication?
Authors: Hoevenaars Juliette G. M. M. , Schouten Jan S. A. G. , Van Den Borne Bart , Beckers Henny J. M. , Webers Carroll A. B.
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  To identify specific items on knowledge and need for information that could be used to improve compliance with glaucoma medication.

Methods:  Forty‐four randomly selected ophthalmologists assigned 166 consecutive glaucoma patients to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed systematically based on focus group interviews, consultation of experts and a pilot test. Items included knowledge about glaucoma and its treatment, need for information and compliance with therapy.

Results:  No statistically significant correlation was found between the total level of knowledge and compliance. Concerning knowledge of glaucoma, one out of 19 items had a statistically significant negative correlation with compliance. Concerning knowledge of glaucoma treatment, one out of 18 items had a statistically significant positive correlation with compliance.

Regarding total need for information, no statistically significant correlation with compliance was found. Three out of 22 items had a statistically significant positive correlation with compliance.

Conclusion:  Given the number of related items, their direction and limited strength of correlation and the difficulty of hypothesizing a causal relation for some items, it is unlikely that further improving knowledge will greatly improve compliance with glaucoma medication. Interventions focused on attitude and discipline may be of more benefit in improving compliance with therapy.
Near-Wall Turbulent Heat Transfer at Prandtl Numbers 1 to 54
Authors: Bergant Robert , Tiselj Iztok , Hetsroni Gad
Published: May 2008

Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of fully developed turbulent flow in a flume was used to study the heat transfer near the wall. The Reynolds number has very weak influence on the turbulent heat transfer statistics (mean temperature, RMS-fluctuations, turbulent heat fluxes), therefore our goal was to analyze the influence of the increasing Prandtl number. Three different studies were performed at three different Prandtl numbers (Pr = 1, Pr = 5.4 and Pr = 54) at the same friction Reynolds number Reτ = 171. It should be emphasized that simulation with Pr = 54 cannot be called DNS due to the unresolved smallest thermal scales but results are in expected regions anyway. The obtained results at various Prandtl numbers also allowed us to make some predictions (RMS-fluctuations) for intermediate Prandtl numbers.
EMBench: A Rapid Prototyping Environment for Numerical Control Systems
Authors: Jain Sachin , Yuan Chengyin , Ferreira Placid
Published: May 2008

In this paper we describe an environment for performing both mechanical and control design for flexible automation systems. The environment provides a means of layering and encapsulating services so that complex multi-axis numerical control systems can be configured, detailed electromechanical simulations performed and then deployed. The system uses IEC-61499 as a means for modularization and reuse of implemented control services. Using IEC-61499 function blocks and a service-layer architecture, control services ranging for basic servoing of a joint, to kinematic co-ordination of joints of a mechanism, to trajectory interpolation, to language parsing and HMI processing, can be configured for an application. The environment facilitates a modular, component-based design of services for numerical control systems.
Practical Dimensional Error Control and Surface Roughness Inspection in Turning
Authors: Shiraishi M. , Yamagiwa T. , Ito A.
Published: May 2008

Monitoring of machine tools and optimization of manufacturing processes require accurate values of in process measured quantities such as dimensional error, force, and surface roughness. The measurement as workpiece is in particular important because the final output in machining is evaluated as the quality machined workpiece itself. A new hybrid sensor using pneumatic and optical method has been developed which can monitor the dimensional error and surface roughness in turning. Satisfactory results were obtained through several experiments.
Characteristics of Flow and Heat-and-Mass Transfer in a Falling Liquid Film With Three-Dimensional Interfacial Waves
Authors: Nagasaki Takao , Akiyama Hirokuni , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Ito Yutaka
Published: May 2008

Numerical simulations have been made on the flow and heat-and-mass transfer in a laminar liquid film falling down along a vertical wall by using a boundary-fitted coordinate system. The development of a two-dimensional wave was successfully predicted, which consists of a large solitary wave and ripple waves in front of it. In the large wave a circulating flow exists, and the heat and mass transfer is enhanced by the wave. Further, it was shown by a three-dimensional calculation that a two-dimensional wave becomes unstable with the increase of Re number, resulting in U-shaped three-dimensional wave. The mass transfer rate increases with the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional waves. The calculated mass transfer coefficient roughly agrees with empirical correlations.
Exponential Tracking Control of a Hydraulic Proportional Directional Valve and Cylinder via Integrator Backstepping
Authors: Chen J. , Dixon W. E. , Wagner J. R. , Dawson D. M.
Published: May 2008

Hydraulic systems are widely used in manufacturing processes and transportation systems where energy intensive operations are performed and “machine” control is vital. A variety of flow control products exist including manual directional control valves, proportional directional control valves, and servo-valves. The selection of a control valve actuation strategy is dependent on the system response requirements, permissible pressure drop, and hardware cost. Although high bandwidth servo-valves offer fast response times, the higher expense, susceptibility to debris, and pressure drop may be prohibitive. Thus, the question exists whether the economical proportional directional control valve’s performance can be sufficiently enhanced using nonlinear control strategies to begin approaching that of servo-valves. In this paper, exponential tracking control of a hydraulic cylinder and proportional directional control valve, with spool position feedback, is achieved for precise positioning of a mechanical load. An analytical and empirical mathematical model is developed which describes the transient behavior of the integrated components. A nonlinear backstepping control algorithm is designed to accommodate inherent system nonlinearities.
A Project-Centered Freshman Engineering Graphics and Design Course
Authors: Barr Ronald E. , Krueger Thomas J. , Aanstoos Ted A.
Published: May 2008

Our group is developing a new project-centered “Freshman Engineering Graphics and Design” course. The project-centered approach emphasizes a desire for individual learning, teamwork, and communication abilities using modern computer graphics tools. The modular graphics and design curriculum emphasizes the development of a 3-D geometric computer model and application of this digital database to design analysis, simulation, prototyping, and documentation. The students work as a team to dissect a common mechanical assembly. They measure the parts, make hand sketches, build computer models, perform various analyses, and make rapid prototypes of their assembly. At the conclusion of this integrated graphics and design project, the team assembles a final report. This paper presents some preliminary results in implementing these new course objectives in the Spring 2002 semester.
Pro/ENGINEER and I-DEAS Based Courses Favorite Among Mechanical Engineering Students
Authors: Nikolic Vojin
Published: May 2008

Since 1998 the author has been developing and teaching computer aided design and computer aided engineering courses intended for mechanical engineering students using the Pro/ENGINEER and I-DEAS software systems. An outline of one of these courses is given and the experience related to another such course is discussed in detail. Students find these courses challenging and enjoyable. The success rate has regularly been very high. By taking such CAD/CAE courses and learning these widely used industry-standard, high-end software systems the students gain valuable experience directly applicable as they join the workforce. The participating students have regularly rated these courses among the most popular ones. The paper discusses the author’s experiences in developing and teaching courses in CAD and CAE, which utilize high-end software. It is intended to provide two examples of successful blends of theoretical and practical topics that have worked very well.
An Efficient CFD Model for Air/Particle Saltating Flows
Authors: Ji S. , Gerber A. G. , Sousa A. C. M.
Published: May 2008

The study reports on the development of a computational-fluid-dynamics model is presented suitable for computationally efficient evaluation of particle transport along loose surfaces. These surfaces can be described within the context of an interaction with a two-phase air/particle mixture in a state of combined suspension and saltation. The results suggest an approach for approximating the two-phase system with coupling to a moving surface, along with the inclusion of impact and entrainment fluxes at the surface that is generally extendable to a wide range of particle/surface conditions. The model results are compared to available experimental data on particle concentration profiles along saltating surfaces, and applied to geometry involving complex three-dimensional flow to show the generality of the approach.
Effect of Fin Thickness on Flow and Heat Transfer in Multi-Louvered Fins
Authors: Zhang X. , Tafti D. K.
Published: May 2008

High-resolution time-dependent numerical simulations are used to investigate the effect of thickness ratio on fluid flow and heat transfer performance in multi-louvered fins. Results for three fin thickness ratios, two louver angles, and a fin pitch to louver pitch ratio of one are reported for Reynolds number ranging from 50 to 1200. Thickness ratio is found to have a significant effect on flow efficiency, especially in geometries with small louver angles. For small louver angles, increasing thickness to louver pitch ratio from 0.05 to 0.15, decreases the flow efficiency by as much as 35–40%. As expected, increasing thickness ratio increases total pressure drop, most of which results from an increase in form drag. Heat transfer coefficient, on the other hand, is not influenced strongly by the thickness ratio. The increase in flow acceleration and local Reynolds number with increase in thickness ratio, on one hand, is offset by low flow efficiencies and recirculation zones on the other. As a consequence, some heat transfer degradation is found at low Reynolds numbers, however the degradation diminishes as the Reynolds number increases beyond 300. In general, larger thickness ratios lead to a lower ratio of j/f.
Transient Heat Transfer in Microscale Porous Materials Heated by Microsecond Laser Pulse of High Power Density
Authors: Jiang Fangming , Liu Dengying , Chen Jim S.-J. , Cohen Richard S.
Published: May 2008

A novel experimental method was developed to measure the rapid transient temperature variations (heating rate > 107 K/s) of porous samples heated by high surface heat fluxes. With a thin film (0.1 μm thick) resistance thermometer of platinum as the temperature sensor and a super-high speed digital oscilloscope (up to 100 MHz) as the data recorder, rapid transient temperature variation in a porous material heated by a microsecond laser pulse of high power density is measured. Experimental results indicate that for high heat transfer cases (q′ > 109 W/m2) with short durations (5 – 20 μs) of heating, non-Fourier heat conduction behaviors appear. The non-Fourier hyperbolic heat conduction model and the traditional Fourier parabolic model are employed to simulate this thermal case respectively and the FDM is used to perform the numerical analysis. The hyperbolic model predicts thermal wave behavior in qualitative agreement with the experimental data.
Performance Guarantees for Hazard Based Lateral Vehicle Control
Authors: Rossetter Eric J. , Gerdes J. Christian
Published: May 2008

Today’s vehicles are incorporating many advanced driver assistance systems and in the near future it will be likely to have increased capabilities such as lanekeeping assist systems. These systems will be an integral part of the driving experience, aiding the driver in avoiding hazardous obstacles. One approach for these systems is to represent the hazards as artificial potential fields that add control inputs to move the vehicle towards safe regions on the road. This paper focuses on bounding the lateral motion of a vehicle for a lanekeeping system. A Lyapunov approach is used where the bounding function consists of the artificial potential energy associated with the controller, the kinetic energy in the lateral and yaw modes, and energy terms that are dependent on vehicle heading. In order to achieve this bound, a condition has to be met for the lookahead distance and the location of the control force (which can also be interpreted as a condition on the decoupling of lateral and yaw modes). Using this bound, a potential field gain can be chosen to guarantee collision avoidance with fixed lateral obstacles.
Modal Characteristics of Simply Supported Lightweight Long Cylinders
Authors: Moxey L. , Hamidzadeh H.
Published: May 2008

In the study of free vibration of solid cylinders a linear viscoelastic cylinder of an infinite length models the medium. The analytical modeling is based on three dimensional wave propagation utilizing constant complex moduli. The solution is achieved by determining the displacement and stress on the surface, and by complying with requirements at the boundary. Analysis was conducted to express displacement stresses at any point of the solid cylinder to boundary stress. Dimensionless natural frequencies and mode shapes for different circumferential and axial wave numbers are determined.
Development and Validation of Online Parameter Estimation for HVAC Systems
Authors: Wen Jin , Smith Theodore F.
Published: May 2008

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems of buildings consume nearly 50 percent of the world’s energy. To improve energy efficiency, to increase occupant comfort, and to provide better system operation and control for these systems, online estimation of system parameters, including system thermophysical parameters and thermal loads, is desirable. Several reported studies have presented simulation results and assumed that the thermal loads are known. A difficulty in HVAC system parameter estimation is that most HVAC systems are nonlinear, have multiple and time varying parameters, and require an estimate of the thermal load for a building zone. In this study, the building zone and variable-air-volume unit are modeled. The system parameters including the thermal load are estimated using the recursive-least-squares method with variable forgetting factor. The sensitivity of the estimation results to different factors is examined. Different experiments are used to validate the estimation results. The comparisons between the experiments and the estimation results show good agreement.
Optimum Robot Design Based on Task Specifications Using Evolutionary Techniques and Kinematic, Dynamic, and Structural Constraints
Authors: Shiakolas P. S. , Koladiya D. , Kebrle J.
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we discuss optimum robot design based on task specifications using evolutionary optimization approaches. The three evolutionary optimization approaches employed are Simple Genetic Algorithms, Genetic Algorithms with elitism, and Differential Evolution. These approaches were used for the optimum design of SCARA and articulated type manipulators. The objective function minimizes the torque required for the motion subject to deflection and physical constraints with the design variables being the physical characteristics of link (length and cross sectional area parameters). In this work, we experimented links with various cross sections. The main findings of this research are that the differential evolution converges quickly, requires significantly less number of iterations and achieves better results.
Design and Prototyping of an Artificial Finger With a Novel Actuation Mechanism and Quick Connect Disconnect Capabilities
Authors: Shiakolas P. S. , Belligundu S.
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we present the design and prototyping of a three degree of freedom artificial finger. This finger has a Quick Connect Disconnect (QCD) feature that provides the means for easily exchanging the whole finger from the supporting structure. The designed QCD provides the means for transferring the required actuation power. The power transfer is accomplished through a novel power screw type of arrangement; the rotational actuator motion is transformed into linear motion through the QCD. The designed finger uses belts for motion instead of tendons and springs for maintaining tension. The belt-spring arrangement does not require a dedicated tensioning device since tensioning is continuously provided by the spring. The First Generation three degree-of-freedom artificial finger has been designed and prototyped. Initial experiments were conducted that verified the novel approaches implemented.
The Motion of a Compliantly Suspended Rigid Body Constrained by Multi-Point Frictionless Contact
Authors: Huang Shuguang , Schimmels Joseph M.
Published: May 2008

In this paper, the motion of an elastically suspended rigid body unilaterally constrained by contact at multiple locations is studied. In this problem, each individual contact may or may not constrain the body’s motion. Whether a contact provides an active constraint or not is determined by: 1) the commanded motion of the body’s compliant support, 2) the direction of the constraining surface normal, 3) the number and direction of other potentially constraining surfaces, and 4) the elastic properties of the support. Here, the investigated problem is restricted to quasistatic motion and frictionless contact. We show that the set of possible constraints that are active for a given set of contacts, elastic behavior, and commanded motion is unique. We also develop a procedure to determine the set of active constraints. This procedure is then used as part of a larger procedure to determine the compliant motion of the rigid body.
An Anthropometric Arm for the Humanoid Robot: Design and Analysis of the Tyche-Arm
Authors: Yih T. C. , Shurpali Madhu V. , Pemmaraju Sankar
Published: May 2008

This paper is concerned with the development of an anthropometric robot arm for the humanoid robot – Tyche. The design was based on physiology and anthropometry of the human arm. The Tyche-arm uses a skew-pantograph mechanism, as the control device, that helps in magnifying the input. The link lengths of the structure are determined based on topological studies and avoidance of the singularity condition. A fault tolerant design for the linear actuator is incorporated in the design. The kinematic and dynamic analyses of the Tyche-arm are performed on the weight lifting activity, with the upper arm fixed in five different positions. The kinematic parameters, axial forces in the links and the torques for each joint are obtained and plotted with respect to time.
Comparing Single Phase Heat Transfer to Arrays of Impinging Jets and Sprays
Authors: Pereira Ricardo H. , Braga Sergio L. , Parise Jose´ A. R.
Published: May 2008

The single phase heat transfer characteristics of square arrays of impinging water sprays were investigated experimentally. A total of 230 experimental points, covering a wide range of flow rates and different spray array geometries were obtained with three different models of commercially available full cone spray nozzles. Results were compared to an available correlation for the area average heat transfer coefficient of impinging arrays of submerged jets. It is shown that spray impingement techniques may provide the same heat transfer coefficient obtained with impinging jets under much smaller coolant flow rates per unit heated area. Coolant pumping power required by both techniques was also compared. It is shown that spray arrays require, for the establishment of a given area average heat transfer coefficient, more pumping power than submerged jet arrays.