bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Torque estimation of spark ignition engines via cylinder pressure measurement
Authors: Park Seungbum , Sunwoo Myoungho
Published: April 2011

Indicated torque estimation and load torque observation algorithms are presented and appear to be a feasible alternative to the use of the engine torque maps in a modern torque-based engine management system. The proposed method, which uses a cylinder pressure sensor, has advantages of simplicity from the elimination of the requirement for a complex indicated torque model. Moreover, the proposed algorithms are accurate and robust to the variations in the environmental factors that affect the torque production procedure. The indicated torque is estimated from the peak pressure and its location, and the load torque is observed on the basis of the estimated indicated torque. The proposed torque estimation algorithms may provide new ideas for many application areas such as engine diagnostics, torque-based engine control, traction control via engine control, and vehicle dynamics control.
Combustion characteristics of compressed natural gas/diesel dual-fuel turbocharged compressed ignition engine
Authors: Shenghua Liu , Longbao Zhou , Ziyan Wang , Jiang Ren
Published: April 2011

The combustion characteristics of a turbocharged natural gas and diesel dual-fuelled compression ignition (CI) engine are investigated. With the measured cylinder pressures of the engine operated on pure diesel and dual fuel, the ignition delay, effects of pilot diesel and engine load on combustion characteristics are analysed. Emissions of HC, CO, NOx and smoke are measured and studied too. The results show that the quantity of pilot diesel has important effects on the performance and emissions of a dual-fuel engine at low-load operating conditions. Ignition delay varies with the concentration of natural gas. Smoke is much lower for the developed dual-fuel engine under all the operating conditions.
Tractable model development and system identification for longitudinal vehicle dynamics
Authors: Ganguli A , Rajamani R
Published: April 2011

Longitudinal vehicle models that include engine and powertrain dynamics tend to be either very detailed or empirical. Detailed cycle-by-cycle engine models, for instance, are of high order and require knowledge of a large number of parameters. Empirical models, on the other hand, are tractable but have to be obtained by extensive dynamometer testing. In this paper a spark ignition engine model is presented that does not require extensive dynamometer testing and at the same time is tractable enough to be useful for adaptive cruise control, speed control, diagnostics and other longitudinal control applications. The model is obtained by modifying existing dynamic models from the literature through a set of reasonable approximations so as to obtain a model that is amenable to parameter identification. The parameter identification is based on a least-squares error algorithm and utilizes sensor measurements obtained directly from on-the-vehicle road tests. The model and the parameter identification technique are experimentally evaluated using experimental data from a three-car platoon. The cars in the three-vehicle platoon are identical. The vehicle parameters are identified using the data from the lead car while data from cars 2 and 3 serve as experimental validation for the identified parameters. Results show that the model developed in the paper provides good estimates of the state variables except at discontinuous speed variations that occur during gear changes.
Multi-objective H ∞ optimal control for four-wheel steering vehicle based on yaw rate tracking
Authors: Lv H-M , Chen N , Li P
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a lateral controller is designed for four-wheel steering (4WS) vehicles. The linear lateral dynamics of 4WS vehicles are deduced and then analysed, aided with three-dimensional graphs. To improve vehicle handling and stability at high speed, a multiobjective H ∞ optimal control algorithm is presented, while yaw rate is the only feedback signal. Simulation shows that the sideslip angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration of the 4WS vehicle follow and maintain preferable characteristics. The 4WS vehicle is agile and consistent with the steering input and does not understeer excessively.
The effect of swirl on combustion and exhaust emissions in heavy-duty diesel engines
Authors: Benajes J , Molina S , García J M , Riesco J M
Published: April 2011

The effect of in-cylinder air swirl on diesel combustion and exhaust emissions has been studied in a heavy-duty diesel engine. A 1.8 L single-cylinder diesel engine fitted with a device to modify the swirl rate was used. This device allowed variation of the mean swirl ratio, a parameter related to the ratio of the angular velocity of the air within the combustion chamber and crankshaft angular rotation, from 0 to 5.33. Although no single optimum swirl level has been found, the results presented here give an insight into swirl effects on diesel engine combustion and exhaust emissions over a wide range of engine operating conditions.
Fundamental test results of a hydraulic free piston internal combustion engine
Authors: Hibi A , Ito T
Published: April 2011

The hydraulic free piston internal combustion engine pump that has been constructed and tested in this work is the opposed piston, two-stroke cycle, uniflow scavenging, direct fuel injection, and compression ignition type. The opposed engine pistons reciprocate the hydraulic pump pistons directly and the hydraulic power to be used in the hydraulic motors is generated. The hydraulic pressure generated is substantially constant. The opposed free pistons rest after every gas cycle and hydraulic power is continuously supplied by a hydraulic accumulator during the free pistons' rest. The smaller the hydraulic flow output, the longer the duration of the rest. Every gas cycle is performed under a fixed working condition independent of hydraulic power output. The test results in this work indicate that the number of gas cycles per second of the free piston engine pump is directly proportional to hydraulic flow output. The opposed free pistons operate every 53.2 s when hydraulic flow output is 1.02 cm3/s; at that time hydraulic power output is 0.0124 kW. Hydraulic thermal efficiency, the ratio of hydraulic energy produced to fuel energy consumed, has been measured in the range 0.0124 kW to 4.88 kW of hydraulic power output and it has become clear that hydraulic thermal efficiency in this range is constant. The measured value of hydraulic thermal efficiency is 31 per cent. It has been demonstrated that hydraulic thermal efficiency is kept constant even if hydraulic power output is very small.
New type of combustion system for a direct injection diesel engine, using spray impingement close to the slanting wall
Authors: Ronghua Huang , Xiaobei Cheng , Guang Hong
Published: April 2011

This paper is concerned with a new type of combustion system for a direct injection (DI) diesel engine, using spray impingement close to the slanting wall. The macrospray characteristics of the fuel jet impinging close to the slanting wall are investigated with the advanced particle image velocimetry (PIV) measuring technique in a constant-volume vessel. A single-cylinder DI diesel engine with the new combustion system is tested using different schemes. The experimental results obtained show that the new combustion system can improve the performance under medium and low engine loads. Even better performance will be obtained through further improvement.
Non-linear tyre forces estimation based on vehicle dynamics observation in a finite time
Authors: Cadiou J C , El Hadri A , Chikhi F
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a new method for estimating tyre forces. The tyre-road contact set in play the dynamics of the vehicle. Through the reconstruction of the vehicle dynamics, the tyre forces can be estimated. The approach used here to reconstruct the vehicle dynamics and to estimate the tyre forces is based on the techniques of sliding-mode observers. The structure of the observer is developed on the basis of a four-wheeled vehicle model. The latter is a rigid-body model with 14 degrees of freedom. Then a vehicle dynamics state is defined with the tyre forces considered as variables with unknown dynamics. A step-by-step algorithm based on the sliding-mode observer is designed in order to reconstruct the vehicle dynamics in finite time and gives the estimation of the tyre forces. To examine the validity of the proposed approach, field-test data are used.
On the roll-up of a trailing vortex sheet in the very near field
Authors: Heyes A L , Hubbard S J , Marquis A J , Smith D A
Published: April 2011

This paper addresses a discrepancy found between the rate of roll-up of a trailing vortex sheet calculated from point vortex simulations and that from measured data. Measurements of the wake behind a rectangular planform NACA 0012 section wing at 7.5° angle of attack show that some 50 per cent of the circulation in the wake is already present in the vortex core or “rolled-up region” at the trailing edge of the wing, and that there is no increase in the circulation contained within this region within one chord length downstream of the trailing edge. This conflicts with two-dimensional point vortex simulations of sheet roll-up which predict no initial core at the trailing edge and a constantly increasing value of circulation in the vortex in the downstream direction. A modification to include the effect of the tip vortex in the simulation is proposed and is shown to represent the behaviour of the vortex sheet in the very near field accurately.
Probabilistic neural networks for validation of on-board jet engine data
Authors: Mathioudakis K , Romessis C
Published: April 2011

A method is presented for identification of faults in the readings of sensors used to monitor the performance and the condition of jet engines. Probabilistic neural networks are used to detect the presence and identify the location and magnitude of faults (biases) in sensor readings. The faults can be detected on sets comprising a limited number of instruments, typical of those available for on-board monitoring of jet engines. An engine performance model is used to support the constitution of a network. Training information is built using the model to produce data for a comprehensive set of healthy and faulty situations. The network performance in detecting and quantifying sensor faults is validated on a large number of fault cases, also generated by a model, which are used for testing the network and cover a wide range of conditions that can be encountered in practice. An engine, representative of current large civil engine designs (large bypass, partially mixed turbofan), serves as the test vehicle for demonstration of the way the method is materialized.
Hybrid singular elements in fracture mechanics
Authors: Bismarck-Nasr M N , Fernandes J L C
Published: April 2011

A method using the concept of singular hybrid finite element for the determination of the stress intensity factor and the T stress of cracked panels submitted to plane stress and plane strain states is presented. A complete formulation of a hybrid equilibrium singular superelement is presented. This superelement includes linear, bilinear, and quadratic shape functions, allowing its use with linear, bilinear, and quadratic displacementbased conventional finite elements. The method is applied to various typical configurations of cracked rectangular plates, including stiffened panels. The results obtained are discussed and compared with previous available data.
Small satellite projects in the European Space Agency (ESA)
Authors: Creasey R , Whitcomb G P
Published: April 2011

Small satellites are becoming more important in the ESA programme for, by investing in small satellite technology, ESA expects to apply the results and experience gained to larger missions with a view to reducing the cost. Also, small satellite design and project management is good training for the engineers and managers who will take responsibility for larger projects in the future. To date ESA has launched one small satellite, which was built in a very short time-scale by young graduate students and ESA staff. Two others are in preparation: the PROBA mission, which addresses technology developments in general for future missions, and the SMART-1 mission, which is specifically aimed at proving the use of electric propulsion.
Spacecraft thermal design: Particular problems with small satellites
Authors: Butcher M R
Published: April 2011

Small satellites (less than 100 kg) are becoming increasingly utilized as an economical means of experimentation and research in orbit. The analysis of such systems presents unique challenges to the thermal engineer since the mass, power and volume available are all very limited, prohibiting use of some methods of thermal control. The experiments and subsystems must still be maintained within specified temperature limits, regardless of these problems and the extreme environments and changing power conditions (internally and externally) of the satellites. Analysis techniques, together with a comprehensive testing programme, ensure the thermal success of satellites throughout all phases of their intended missions. DERA has experience in the design of small satellites following the successful missions of the STRV 1a and 1b [1]. This technical paper details the unique thermal problems and their solution to achieve a functioning design of the subsequent satellites (STRV 1c and 1d).
Development of the MiniSIL™ structural design
Authors: Aglietti G S , Wicks A , Barrington-Brown A J
Published: April 2011

There is a wide range of launch opportunities currently available for small- and medium-sized satellites, although the launcher constraints and costs are quite variable. In order to reduce the cost of small satellites it is desirable to define a spacecraft bus which is compatible with as wide a range of vehicles as possible. One of the most promising methods of providing this compatibility for mini-satellites in the range 100–500 kg is by using a stack configuration where the mini-satellite is positioned between a launcher primary payload (LPP) and the launch vehicle. This paper describes the design process for the structure of MiniSIL™, a small satellite bus which is being designed and produced by Space Innovations Limited.
SIL SGS-2.4 S-band ground station
Authors: Aglietti G S , Wicks A , Barrington-Brown A J
Published: April 2011

The Space Innovations Limited SGS-2.4 ground station is a flexible low-cost system designed specifically for small satellite missions in a low Earth orbit using S- and X-band communications links. The ground station is compatible with ESA and NASA communications standards. These features, as well as its high tracking speeds, make the system widely compatible and capable of supporting many mission types. The paper describes the overall system configuration and covers the mechanical design of the antenna and its drive system.
Modelling and simulation of the dynamics of a powered paraglider
Authors: Ochi Y , Watanabe M
Published: April 2011

This article describes the detailed derivation of a non-linear dynamic model of a powered paraglider (PPG) and a linear dynamics analysis using a linear model obtained from the non-linear model. In the modelling, the PPG, which consists of a payload and a propulsion unit connected to a canopy at two joints, is assumed to have eight degrees of freedom. This assumption allows all the internal forces or tensions on the suspension lines between the canopy and the payload to be eliminated analytically from the equations of motion. As a result, the dynamic model is explicitly obtained in the form of a state-vector equation. Non-linear simulation demonstrates the validity of the proposed model through a comparison with the flight experiment data for a manned paraglider. Furthermore, mode analysis using the linear model clarifies the dynamic characteristics, and state transformation between the canopy states and the payload states facilitates the flight control design.
Evaluate the impact of hospital types on the availability of antidotes for the management of acute toxic exposures and poisonings in Malaysia
Authors: Al-Sohaim Sulaiman I , Awang Rahmat , Zyoud Sa’ed H , Rashid Sazaroni Md , Hashim Sirajuddin
Published: April 2011

Introduction: The availability of antidotes may be considered essential and lifesaving in the management of certain poisonings. Surveys carried out in a number of countries have demonstrated inadequate availability of a variety of poisoning antidotes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of antidote stocking at hospitals, based on published guidelines for antidote stocking, and to evaluate the impact of hospital types on the availability of antidotes for the management of acute toxic exposures and poisonings in Malaysia. Methods: A questionnaire on the availability of antidotes was sent to all government accident and emergency departments in Malaysia. The list of commonly required antidotes and essential drugs was compiled from published guidelines. Collected data were analysed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive and comparative analysis. Results: The response rate was 59.06%. None of the responding hospitals stocked all of the antidotes on the lists. In relation to hospital type, there was great variability in the availability of antidotes (there were significant differences between hospitals for 13 antidotes). The availabilities of most antidotes were far better in the General Hospitals and the District Hospitals with specialists compared to District Hospitals without specialists. Calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, atropine sulphate, naloxone, flumazenil, vitamin K, and pyridoxine were available at all general hospitals. Atropine sulphate and naloxone were available at all district hospitals with specialists. Conclusion: Most Malaysian government hospitals stocked some important antidotes. Raising awareness of the importance of antidotes by education, regular review of antidote storage, distribution plans, and appropriate legislation might provide solutions. Coordination between Malaysian hospitals and the National Poison Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia is also important.
Assessment of flares in lupus patients enrolled in a phase II/III study of rituximab (EXPLORER)
Authors: Merrill JT , Buyon JP , Furie RA , Latinis KM , Gordon C , Hsieh H-J , Brunetta P
Published: April 2011

The EXPLORER study was designed to assess the response to rituximab versus placebo in patients with moderate to severe extrarenal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving background immunosuppression. The definition of response required reduced clinical activity without subsequent flares over 52 weeks, and the study did not meet its efficacy endpoint. The current exploratory analysis assessed flare rates in patients who achieved initial low disease activity response (British Isles Lupus Assessment Group [BILAG] C or better in all organs) during the study. Exploratory reanalysis of data from the EXPLORER trial was conducted, considering alternative definitions for flare. No difference was found between rituximab and placebo in preventing or delaying moderate to severe flares. However, when severe (BILAG A) flares alone were examined, rituximab reduced the risk of a subsequent first A flare (hazard ratio = 0.61; p = 0.052) and lowered mean ± SD annualized A flare rates (0.86 ± 1.47 vs. 1.41 ± 2.14; p = 0.038). Eighty-four (49.7%) rituximab-treated patients achieved low disease activity without subsequent A flares versus 31 (35.2%) placebo-treated patients ( p = 0.027). Prednisone rescue for A flares was similar in rituximab- (24%) and placebo-treated (14%) patients ( p = 0.204). This post hoc analysis evaluates the hypothesis that assessment of BILAG A flares may distinguish potential treatment effects with greater sensitivity than assessment of BILAG B flares.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene haplotype association with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: AlFadhli S , AlTamimy B , AlSaeid K , Haider MZ
Published: April 2011

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) catalyses the production of nitric oxide, which has been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). eNOS gene polymorphism may have an effect on eNOS gene expression, eNOS protein synthesis and enzymatic activity. We investigated the influence of eNOS gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to SLE. eNOS T-786C, G894T and intron 4 27-base pair tandem repeat (VNTR4) polymorphisms were investigated in 152 SLE patients and 184 controls using RFLP-PCR, direct sequencing and fragment analysis. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequency comparisons, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis were performed. No significant association was detected between SLE and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) T-786C and G894T. VNTR4 allele 4b was associated with susceptibility to SLE (OR 1.89, p = 0.023), as was the genotype 4bb (OR 2.41, p = 0.007). However, allele 4a was protective (OR 0.53, p = 0.023), as was genotype 4ab (OR 0.41, p = 0.007). T-786C and VNTR4 were in high LD ( r2 = 0.34). Haplotypes T4bC and C4aG of the three tested polymorphisms had a susceptibility effect on SLE (OR 1.89 and 4.23 at p = 0.005 and 0.001, respectively), while haplotypes T4aG and C4bG had a protective effect (OR 0.06 and 0.11 at p = 0.000001 and 0.0005, respectively). The novel finding in our study is that individual eNOS polymorphisms probably do not exert a major influence on susceptibility to SLE, but they have significant effects when combined within a specific haplotype.
Reversible diffuse neurological deficits in systemic lupus erythematosus: Report of a case
Authors: Chattopadhyay P , Dhua D , Philips CA
Published: April 2011

We report a case of lupus presenting with focal as well as diffuse neurological deficits with intracranial and subarachnoid haemorrhages and diffuse hyperintense lesions in T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images of brain magnetic resonance imaging proved by further investigation as demyelination, which completely recovered with intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. During the patient’s hospital stay there was one episode of transient hypertensive episode lasting a few hours, promptly reverting to normal with low-dose ramipril therapy. Complete neurological and radiological recovery of such diffuse leucoencephalopathy-like central nervous system lesions has been rarely reported before.
Functional Patterns in International Organizations for University Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: López Daniel A. , López Daniel C. , Andrade Lorenzo I. , López Boris A.
Published: April 2011

This study analyzes the coverage, organizational patterns, problems and trends of international organizations for university cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 30 international organizations for cooperation currently operating in Latin America and the Caribbean were identified. Two groups of institutions with more than 60% similitude were established by the Bray-Curtis index, according to the countries of origin of member universities. Multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that variables measuring levels of affiliation are more effective in accounting for integration into a given group than those variables associated with coverage or past experience. These organizations show highly redundant and territorial concentration. The most recurrent management problems, evaluated by analyzing the content of documents and interviews, are related to: budgets, information and university culture. In spite of favorable conditions for internationalization, performance observed in international organizations for university cooperation reveal limited impact on higher education and academic development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Experience of Living With Diabetes Following a Self-Management Program Based on Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Minet Lisbeth K. Rosenbek , Lønvig Else-Marie , Henriksen Jan Erik , Wagner Lis
Published: April 2011

Self-management is an important part of diabetes treatment, but the promotion of self-care activities is still a challenge. In this study, we explored how living with diabetes in everyday life was experienced following a self-management intervention program based on motivational interviewing. We conducted seven focus group interviews, each comprising 3 to 5 participants diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Data analysis based on a phenomenological method revealed three main themes concerning diabetes self-management: becoming a self-regulating practitioner, managing the rules of self-management, and creating a supportive social network. Narrative analysis revealed a divergence in patients’ self-perceived competence in handling diabetes. The study findings indicate that people with diabetes have specific needs for support in the daily responsibility of managing diet, exercise, medication, and blood glucose monitoring. A meaningful treatment from the patient’s perspective would appear to be one aimed at overcoming problems the patient experiences in self-management of diabetes.
A Month in an Acute Palliative Care Unit
Authors: Elsayem Ahmed , Calderon Bianca B. , Camarines Eden M. , Lopez Gabriel , Bruera Eduardo , Fadul Nada A.
Published: April 2011

Background: Few cancer centers have developed acute palliative care units (APCUs). The purpose of this study is to highlight clinical interventions and financial outcomes during a typical 1-month period on an APCU. Methods: We evaluated consecutive patients admitted to our APCU from February 1 to 28, 2009, regarding demographic information, sources of and reasons for admissions, resuscitation status, clinical interventions, disposition, and reimbursement data. Results: Forty-two patients were admitted during a 1-month period. Of these, 30 (71%) were referred from the inpatient palliative care consultation team. In all, 10 (24%) patients had a full code status on admission, and 8 had their status changed to do not resuscitate (DNR) prior to discharge. A total of 11 (26%) patients were discharged home with hospice care, 12 (29%) died on the APCU, and 10 (24%) were discharged home with outpatient follow-up visits. All patients received intravenous medications and the majority received intravenous antibiotics. All patients met acute care criteria for hospitalization, and financial reimbursement was satisfactory and comparable to that of other oncology patients. Conclusion: The APCU model is designed for the care of very complex advanced cancer patients. Palliative interventions are given simultaneously with other medical interventions. The APCU is labor intensive and well reimbursed.
Modular Development of Product Service Systems
Authors: Wang P.P. , Ming X.G. , Li D. , Kong F.B. , Wang L. , Wu Z.Y.
Published: April 2011

Since the early 1990s, the driver in our economy has been changing from production of material goods to product-service offers based on knowledge and information. More and more researchers, institutes, and programs paid attention to product service systems (PSS) in the last decade because PSS integrates tangible artifact and intangible service to achieve sustainable, improve enterprise competitiveness, and meet customer needs better. In order to respond to the industrial trend towards PSS and guide enterprises to develop PSS, this article aims to propose a framework of modular development for PSS. After a brief review on PSS development, six dimensions of modular product-service were introduced which are the basis of modular development. The process of modular development was proposed which are divided into three parts by order: functional, product, and service modularizations. Functional modularization realizes the planning of product-service family and the design of interface dimension and collaboration dimension. Product modularization realizes the product dimension and production dimension. Service modularization realizes the service dimension and process dimension. Finally, a case study on PSS development was proposed according to the method of modular development.
Web Service with Parallel Processing Capabilities for the Retrieval of CAD Assembly Data
Authors: Chul Kim Byung , Mun Duhwan , Han Soonhung
Published: April 2011

Since CAD data is used as master data throughout the lifecycle of a product, it is important to provide a means for efficiently sharing CAD data among systems used for collaborative product development. Web Services, a type of distributed object technology, is adequate for this purpose; in a previous study [7], the authors proposed the architecture of Web Services for CAD (WSC) for the retrieval of CAD data. CAD data are classified into CAD assembly and part data. Since product design is typically modeled in the form of CAD assembly data, it is worth to consider this application when implementing a service for CAD data retrieval. In this study, the authors first propose a concept of parallel Web Service, which is an extension of WSC and whose goal is the rapid retrieval of CAD assembly data. They then discuss the technical details that can lead to its realization. Finally, experimental results regarding the performance of assembly data retrieval by the parallel Web Service are presented and compared with analogous performance by a single Web Service.
Flooded Communities
Authors: Hopkins Daniel J.
Published: April 2011

This article uses the post-Katrina migration as an exogenous shock to test theories of racial threat while minimizing concerns about selection bias. Drawing in part on a new survey of 3,879 respondents, it demonstrates that despite the national concern about issues of race and poverty following Katrina, people in communities that took in evacuees became less supportive of spending to help the poor and African Americans. The results suggest a novel hypothesis that threatened responses to newcomers hinge on both local conditions and the frames that develop around their arrival.
The “Palin Effect” in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Knuckey Jonathan
Published: April 2011

Using data from the American National Election Studies, this article addresses whether the Sarah Palin affected vote choice in 2008. Findings indicate not only that evaluations of Palin were a strong predictor of vote choice—even when controlling for confounding variables—but also that Palin’s effect on vote choice was the largest of any vice presidential candidate in elections examined dating back to 1980. Theoretically, the article offers support for the proposition that a running mate is an important short-term force affecting voting behavior. Substantively, the article suggests that Palin may have contributed to a loss of support among “swing voters.”
Large-Cell Lung Carcinoma With Basaloid Architecture and Neuroendocrine Differentiation: A New Type of Combined Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Morbini Patrizia , Inghilleri Simona
Published: April 2011

One of the main differential diagnostic issues in pulmonary large-cell carcinomas is that involving neuroendocrine (NE) and basaloid histotypes. The differential diagnosis of basaloid versus large-cell NE carcinoma requires immunohistochemical determination of NE markers because of morphological overlap between the 2 entities. The authors report a unique case of lung carcinoma with basaloid architecture and NE immunohistochemical features observed in a 64-year-old male smoker who underwent upper left lobectomy for a neoplastic stenosis of the lobar bronchus. The patient died 14 months after surgery. Histological examination showed multiple peripheral nodules of moderately enlarged neoplastic cells with irregular nuclei, with granular chromatin and frequent nucleoli, and diffuse in situ neoplasia involving bronchi, peribronchial glands, and small airways. Immunohistochemistry documented diffuse expression of CD56 in neoplastic cells and isolated cell groups immunoreactive for basal cell markers. The reported case was considered an as-yet-undescribed tumor showing both basaloid and NE differentiation.
Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder With Exuberant Pseudosarcomatous Stromal Reaction Following Radiation Therapy
Authors: Ambrosini-Spaltro Andrea , Melissari Massimo
Published: April 2011

An 82-year-old man, with 6-year history of radical prostatectomy followed by radiotherapy performed for prostatic carcinoma, underwent transurethral resection of a papillary tumor of the bladder lateral walls. Histologically, the lesion displays 2 distinct components: epithelial and stromal. The epithelial component was composed of a noninvasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, predominantly low grade and focally high grade. The stromal component exhibited extensive myxoid changes with increased cellularity but lacking cellular atypia and mitoses. The epithelial component was immunoreactive for pan-cytokeratins and negative for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin. The stromal component exhibited focal positivity for pan-cytokeratins and SMA, and diffuse immunoreactivity for vimentin. The ki67 reached 70% in the epithelial component and 20% in the stromal component. Papillary intraurothelial carcinoma following radiotherapy may be associated with pseudosarcomatous stromal proliferation. The clinical history and the lack of cellular atypia and mitoses point toward the correct diagnosis.
Mutations in K-ras and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Korean Patients With Stages III and IV Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lee Won-Suk , Jeong Heum Baek  , Jung Nam Lee  , Woon Kee Lee
Published: April 2011

K-Ras somatic mutations in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) can predict resistance to mAbs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The relationships between K-ras mutations and the EGFR status have not yet been examined, especially in Korean patients. A total of 82 colorectal tumors (stage III-IV) were analyzed. K-Ras mutations at codons 12 and 13 were detected by polymerase chain reaction—single strand conformational polymorphism. The EGFR expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry, and these were graded according to a modified EGFR expression scoring system. The relationships between the patients’ characteristics and the survival time and the gene mutation status were analyzed. The EGFR expression was positive in 69 patients (84.1%) and negative in 13 patients (15.9%). The K-ras mutation rate was 35.4%. In all, 20 (68.9%) cases were mutated at codon 12 and 9 (31.1%) cases were mutated at codon 13. No relationship was observed between the EGFR status and K-ras mutation. The median overall survival (OS) was 68.1 months. There was no difference between the K-ras mutant group and the wild type group for overall survival (30.3% vs 21.0%, respectively, at 36 months, P = .777). K-ras mutation and the EGFR status were not independent prognostic factors for OS ( P = .105 and P = .499, respectively). For the Korean patients with CRC, the rate of an EGFR protein expression was greater than that for the patients in Western countries, and the rate of K-ras mutations was lower than that for patients in Western countries. This study found no correlation between the EGFR status and K-ras mutations in colorectal tumors.
Understanding Social Support’s Role in the Relationship Between Maltreatment and Depression in Youth With Foster Care Experience
Authors: Salazar Amy M. , Keller Thomas E. , Courtney Mark E.
Published: April 2011

This study investigated whether more complex maltreatment experiences predicted higher levels of depressive symptomatology for young adults and examined the role of social support during late adolescence in that association. Specifically, the study tested whether social support had a direct effect on depression and whether it mediated and/or moderated the relationship between self-reported maltreatment and depression in a sample of 513 youth exiting the child welfare system. Indices of maltreatment types (neglect and physical, sexual, psychological abuse) experienced during two periods (precare and during-care) were used in conjunction with a measure of perceived social support (reflecting support availability and social network sufficiency) in negative binomial regression models predicting depressive symptoms. Both precare and during-care maltreatment were associated with depressive symptoms as a young adult. Social support had a direct effect on depressive symptoms as well as moderation and partial mediation effects on the relationship between maltreatment and depression. Social support’s buffering effect was stronger for those experiencing fewer types of maltreatment. This buffering effect appears to diminish as maltreatment histories become more complex.
Turning Toward Tincup: A Story of a Home Death
Authors: Hocker Joyce L.
Published: April 2011

The following autoethnography explores the experience of one family as they accompany their mother/wife to a cabin where the mother spends her last days. The author explores her decision to write this story, drawing on her journal and dreams as prompts to do so. The author’s relationship with her mother, past and present, unfolds as the dying process continues. As the mother makes her end-of-life decisions, the family takes on primary responsibilities for this home death. They confront their own feelings about death and each other as they become primary caregivers. The author compares childbirth experiences in the 1940s with what has become unusual—a death in a remote cabin, away from medical care. The story ends as the family completes the process a year later with the physical labor of tending the cemetery grounds.
Further evidence of complex motor dysfunction in drug naïve children with autism using automatic motion analysis of gait
Authors: Nobile Maria , Perego Paolo , Piccinini Luigi , Mani Elisa , Rossi Agnese , Bellina Monica , Molteni Massimo
Published: April 2011

In order to increase the knowledge of locomotor disturbances in children with autism, and of the mechanism underlying them, the objective of this exploratory study was to reliably and quantitatively evaluate linear gait parameters (spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters), upper body kinematic parameters, walk orientation and smoothness using an automatic motion analyser (ELITE systems) in drug naïve children with Autistic Disorder (AD) and healthy controls. The children with AD showed a stiffer gait in which the usual fluidity of walking was lost, trunk postural abnormalities, highly significant difficulties to maintain a straight line and a marked loss of smoothness (increase of jerk index), compared to the healthy controls. As a whole, these data suggest a complex motor dysfunction involving both the cortical and the subcortical area or, maybe, a possible deficit in the integration of sensory-motor information within motor networks (i.e., anomalous connections within the fronto-cerebello-thalamo-frontal network). Although the underlying neural structures involved remain to be better defined, these data may contribute to highlighting the central role of motor impairment in autism and suggest the usefulness of taking into account motor difficulties when developing new diagnostic and rehabilitation programs.
Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum problems: a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Sivertsen Børge , Posserud Maj-Britt , Gillberg Christopher , Lundervold Astri J , Hysing Mari
Published: April 2011

This study examined the prevalence and chronicity of sleep problems in children who manifest problems believed to be typical of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Using data from a longitudinal total population study, symptoms of ASD, insomnia and potential explanatory factors were assessed at ages 7–9 and 11–13. Children were included in a group defined as having Autism Spectrum Problems (ASP) if they scored above a strict threshold on the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). Twenty-eight (0.8%) of 3700 children fulfilled the selected criteria for ASP at both waves, and the prevalence of chronic insomnia was more than ten times higher in these children compared to the controls. Children with ASP developed more sleep problems over time, with an incidence rate at wave 2 of 37.5% compared to 8.6% in the controls. The sleep problems were more persistent over time, with a remission rate of 8.3% compared to 52.4% in the controls. ASP was a strong predictor of sleep problems at wave 2 (OR = 12.44), and while emotional and behavioural problems explained a large proportion of this association, the effect of ASP on insomnia remained significant in the fully adjusted model (OR = 3.25). These findings call for increased awareness of sleep problems in children with ASP.
Anime fandom and the liminal spaces between fan creativity and piracy
Authors: Denison Rayna
Published: April 2011

Anime fan subtitling and online distribution offer rare insights into the relationship between fan creativity and industry conceptualizations of piracy. This article attempts to de-polarize this debate (wherein fans are presented as invaluable amateur producers or, alternatively, as overt pirates) in order to examine the roles played by these liminally situated fan producers in relation to the wider anime fan and industrial communities. These active fans are now represented as good or bad dependent on other groups’ investments in their practices, and unpacking these conceptualizations provides a better view of how anime fandom may be indicative of larger changes in online fan community construction.
Negotiating (socialist) girlhood(s): The case of the only girls’ magazine in socialist Yugoslavia
Authors: Senjković Reana
Published: April 2011

This article presents the results of the study of the only girls’ magazine in Socialist Yugoslavia, which was published from 1971 to 1976. The analysis is based on a reading of all the issues of the Yugoslav Tina, and on some 50 unstructured conversations with its former readers, editors and journalists. The first issues were modeled on the contemporary West European girls’ magazines, because it was assumed that this would generate a profit for the publishing house. In time, the editorial policy started to diverge from its Western models, which was accompanied by an evident increase in the magazine’s circulation figures. Therefore, the results of the analysis are compared with the results of Angela McRobbie’s analysis of Jackie, the most popular British girls’ magazine at the time, and the interpretation of the departure from the Western model is inspired by Alexei Yurchak’s insight into the Soviet popular culture of the period.
Microstructure and mechanical behaviour of the isothermally forged Ti–6Al–7Nb alloy
Authors: Barbosa P F , Button S T
Published: April 2011

The mechanical properties of the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy, used to manufacture high-strength prostheses, are highly dependent on its microstructure. This work presents the microstructural changes of this alloy under isothermal hot working. It is shown that the microstructure is strongly affected by the strain rate, temperature and strain. The possible precipitation of intermetallic phases is also evaluated. To define the best processing conditions, compression tests were performed at temperatures varying from 750 to 1030°C and deformation speeds of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mm/s. Tests were carried out in the (α+β) and β-phase regions. Experimental results showed that the best microstructure (recrystallized with equiaxial refined white α grains and acicular dark grains within a β-transformed matrix) was obtained in tests at 950°C and 0.01 mm/s.
Wrought and high-velocity oxy fuel sprayed Inconel 625—examination of corrosion aspects
Authors: Neville A , Perry J M , Hodgkiess T , Chua H P
Published: April 2011

Metallic high-velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) coatings are increasingly being used to provide corrosion protection in process engineering environments. In this paper the microstructural and corrosion characteristics of HVOF-sprayed Inconel 625 are considered and compared with wrought Inconel 625. Electrochemical techniques (a.c. and d.c.) have been used to characterize the corrosion behaviour of the coating and wrought alloy in static saline conditions at ambient temperature (18°C) and at a higher temperature (50 °C). Galvanic corrosion tests between Inconel 625 and carbon steel have been conducted. Using a combined electrochemical monitoring and microstructural examination methodology, it has been shown that HVOF-sprayed Inconel 625 suffers localized corrosion not evident on the wrought alloy. In addition it has been demonstrated that no benefits in corrosion performance are gained by using a vacuum impregnation technique to seal the surface of the coating.
Designing composite structures for optimum in-service performance with reference to the Firefly aircraft and the Jetstream baggage pod
Authors: Foster N G
Published: April 2011

When designing high-quality composites that are optimized for cost, weight and durability, the advantages and disadvantages of the materials used must be considered. This paper will discuss problems expected in the life of a composite structure, as well as the airworthiness certification of composites. In the last 20 years of Slingsby composite design and manufacture, no noteworthy in-service problems have occurred. The emphasis in this paper will therefore be on how potential in-service problems are covered by careful design and testing.

The discussion of in-service performance of composites will concentrate on Slingsby Aviation's experience with the design, testing and manufacture of the Firefly all-composite aircraft. The Firefly is a two-seat aerobatic training aircraft manufactured using glass fibre and hand wet lay-up techniques.

Reference will also be made to Slingsby test data relating to the performance of glass/Kevlar/Nomex honeycomb structures. This type of structure is used in the ventral baggage pod for the Jetstream 41 aircraft.
Woven composite design for extreme events using a damage mechanics methodology
Authors: Iannucci L
Published: April 2011

Current predictive techniques for the analysis of composite structures and components near and beyond their ultimate strength are simplistic, using basic failure functions and traditional failure envelopes to determine the degree of damage in some arbitrary composite component or structure subjected to a biaxial or triaxial loading regime. Similarly, the design procedure usually assumes that the composite structure remains elastic throughout any potential applied loading.

The analysis methodology proposed in this paper reflects a state-of-the-art dynamic modelling technique based on finite elements (FE) that can be used to model a wide range of problems, from extreme events, such as an explosion, to non-linear static problems that can occur near discontinuities or free edges.

The damage mechanics approach presented in this paper uses a scalar damage variable assigned to each observed damage mode. As damage is cumulative and related to the engineering constants, such as the Young's modulus, the technique allows initial and/or post-dynamic static loads to be applied to the composite structure or component, so potentially a cradle-to-grave composite design methodology could be developed.

The forms of the stress-strain curve for woven glass composite and the relevance of experimentally measured material damage constants are discussed. The proposed damage mechanics approach has been implemented as a new material failure model in the explicit dynamic DYNA3D FE code. Results are presented for two high-velocity (bird strike) impact events on a woven glass composite.