bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of Normal Magnetization Curves of Soft Magnetic Alloys
Authors: Mészáros István , Vértesy Gábor
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we present an application of the so-called hyperbolic model of magnetization. The model was modified and it was applied for nine different soft magnetic alloys. The tested samples were electro-technical steels (FeSi alloys) and a permalloy (FeNi alloy) with strongly different magnetic properties. Among them, there are top, medium and definitely poor quality soft magnetic materials as well. Their minor hysteresis loops and normal magnetization curves were measured by alternating current measurement. The hyperbolic model of magnetization was applied for the experimental normal magnetization curves. It was proved that the applied model is excellent for describing mathematically the experimental magnetization curves.
Correlations between Combustion Type Additives and Expansion after Extrusion of Clay Bricks
Authors: Kristály Ferenc , Kocserha István
Published: September 2010

Experimental work was conducted on illite-chlorite and kaolinite-carbonate rich clays to investigate effects of pore forming additive materials. Three types of additives were applied: vegetal materials like sawdust, sunflower seeds hull and rice husks; lignite, as high organic content mineral material; fuel-grade coke, as synthetic additive. Raw materials were characterized regarding their composition, thermal behavior, microstructure and chemical composition. Expansion of extruded samples was detected after pressing release. Correlations were determined between the type and cellulose content of vegetal materials and expansion caused. The mineral and synthetic additive does not produce expansion, but lowers the working moisture needed.
Demand of Energy for Chip Removal
Authors: Kári-Horváth Attila , Valasek István
Published: September 2010

The development of the elements in the machine-tool – tool – lubricant – work-piece system is not even. The improvement of one element forces the development of the others thus resulting in the progress of the whole system. The aim of the present paper is to shed light on the facts that the lubrication technologies used today are inefficient and pollute the environment. Therefore development of this area is inevitable. Among the present-day developmental trends MQL (Minimum Quantity of Lubricant) is one that promises immediate results. Hopefully, it will also bring about the total paradigm shift in the machine manufacture technology.
In this work we show the results of our experiments in which we investigated the effect of different factors of the cooling system – the lubricant, the dosage of the lubricants and several complementary cooling factors as the spontaneously, the induced emission and the Doppler-cooling – for the demand of energy of the cutting. We have found that numerous variations of the different factors can decrease the demand of energy. The effects for the grain structure of the active volume of the cutting have been investigated, as well.
Reduction Possibilities of Electrical Losses in Plastic Working Equipments
Authors: Kővári Attila , Kádár István
Published: September 2010

Plastic working technologies are frequently applied nowadays, as parts can be produced
with larger productivity and smaller material loss compared to other technologies, at the same time
the mechanical properties of parts are more favorable. Usually large tensile, pressure, bending or
torsional forces, torques are required during plastic working. While pneumatic, hydraulic or electric
energy is required to generate these. Used energy is determined by the losses of the energy required
for working and that of energy conversion. The losses of working equipment are determined by
mechanical losses and the losses of the energy converters applied, as well as by the manufacturing
algorithm operating the working equipment. The advantage of electric driven working equipment
over pneumatic and hydraulic driven ones is the better efficiency of energy converters, as well as the
lower price of electric power. The disadvantage of electric converters is the large dimensions
compared to hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Due to the development of electric servo drives the
pneumatic and hydraulic drives are to be changed to electric drives in working equipment improving
their control and accuracy features besides efficiency. In this paper the loss decreasing possibility of
the working equipment with electric servo is investigated.
Investigation of the Applicability of the Thermo Photo Analysing Method in Die Casting Technology
Authors: Tokár Monika , Tóth Levente , Rick Tamás , Mende Tamás
Published: September 2010

As customer requirements are continuously growing in connection with up-to-date castings, it is essential for firms interested in the international market to use modern fittings and instruments, which serve for high quality controls, even for manufacture control within each manufacturing process. For example, the thermo camera is such a measuring instrument we can use for measuring the thermo loss of the furnace, concluding to the inadequately insulating parts, or can even make the thermo profile of the surface of the die.
In our work, we were analysing the temperature distribution of the die surface by using a thermo camera, during the manufacture of aluminium casting of automotive industry made by high pressure die casting technology. In pressure die casting, spraying the surface of the casting die with detaching material is a really important technological step, and spraying time – as a part of cycle time influencing productivity – is a very significant parameter. The main functions of spraying include cooling the hot surfaces of die halves, lubrication of the moving parts and helping the ejection of the casting. During our analyses we changed the spraying time of the die, and we took temperature distribution photographs of the stationary die plate by a thermo camera. The only function of the analytical method using a thermo camera is to make the differences in temperature, caused by the changes of the spraying time in the die, comparable in a moment in time. The temperatures taken by us are exact, real temperature values of the die, but these are strongly time-dependent and refer to a certain period of cycle time. It makes possible to compare the temperatures of the die surface in different places in a certain moment in time. We elaborated an analytical method, by which it can be decided if the analysis of the thermo photos is a suitable method for examining the effect – on the casting structure – of spraying time of the die.
Injection Molding of Degradable Interference Screws into Polymeric Mold
Authors: Oroszlany Ákos , Nagy Péter , Kovács József Gábor
Published: September 2010

Nowadays the need for faster development cycle can be found all over in the industry. Rapid prototyping has become a common tool in product development, but available materials in these technologies can not always substitute the materials needed for product. Rapid tooling makes it possible to produce a small series of a product with the same technology and materials as that of the final product. In our work we have used the Polyjet technology (Objet Geometries Ltd.) to produce mold for the injection molding of biodegradable interference screws. Our goal was to produce enough quantity of interference screws for biomechanical measurements, with a technology that is more cost efficient than selective laser sintering (SLS). Two types of mold materials were tested. The first mold was prepared from Fullcure720, an acrylic based, UV curing resin on an Object ALARIS machine. The second mold was prepared with resin casting from AH-12/T-58 (100:40) epoxy resin filled with 25 m% Al2O3 powder. For injection molding Natureworks 3051D polylactide (PLA) was used. After injection molding the weight and the geometry of the screws were measured. The results showed that the molds can withstand 5-10 injection cycles, and the screws manufactured meet the requirements for biomechanical tests on porcine knees.
Scaled Experimental Stand for Testing Control Algorithms on Brake Systems with Anti-Lock Capability
Authors: Ciupe Valentin , Vatau Steliana , Maniu Inocentiu
Published: September 2010

The paper presents a scaled experimental stand for applying different algorithms onto a braking system with anti-lock capability, in order to determine the best way to control the braking process. The stand consists of a test wheel with an electro-mechanic brake caliper rolling against a powered tambour track. The angular velocities of both rolling wheel and track are monitored by a PC using custom hardware and software. The functional parameters of the test stand can be modified, thus employing different approaches for the anti-lock function of the braking process.
Modeling and Analysis of Soccer Robot Tasks Using Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets
Authors: Coman Daniela , Bizdoaca Nicu , Petrisor Anca , Ionescu Adela , Florescu Mihaela
Published: September 2010

Robot soccer competition provides an excellent opportunity for robotics research. In particular, the soccer robots must perform real-time visual recognition, navigate in a dynamic field, avoid the obstacle, collaborate with teammates, and kick the ball in the correct direction. All these tasks demand robots that are autonomous (sensing, thinking, and acting as independent creatures), efficient (functioning under time and resource constraints), cooperative (collaborating with each other robot to accomplish tasks that are beyond individual’s capabilities), and intelligent (reasoning and planing actions and perhaps learning from experience). This paper proposes a method of defining and analysing the attacking robot tasks using Petri nets. Attacking soccer robot behaviors are modeled using the generalized stochastic Petri nets. Using Petri nets allows qualitative and quantitative analysis of the task execution. Petri net model is implemented in Petri Net Toolbox under MATLAB environment. Therefore, it is validated the net topology, the evolution of (their dynamics), the structural and behavioral properties (corresponding to checking if resources usage is stable and the model have no deadlocks), as well as the stochastic performance.
Triangulation 3D Scanning Method in Biomedical Reconstruction
Authors: Comsa Andrei , Maniu Inocentiu , Lovasz Erwin Christian
Published: September 2010

In this paper is presented the 3D acquisition and reconstruction process of complex geometry objects: two types of hip and cervical-cephalic prosthesis. The reconstruction process is based on triangulation single camera solution method with a 3D optical non-contact scanner which uses an emitted laser beam to sweep the object surfaces.
Determination of Generalized Coordinates and Forces for Generation of the Three Dimensional Curves with Torsion by PKM (Parallel Kinematik Machines)
Authors: Orlandea N.V.
Published: September 2010

The paper describes the definition of a set of generalized coordinates and forces (kinematic control parameters) necessary to satisfy a specific job. Specifically, the generation of a three dimensional curve with torsion described by a Frenet reference system. The method employed to accomplish this task is using the Original ADAMS program alias MCADA. The analysis results indicate that the method can be successfully applied when designing motion simulators; however, there are accuracy restrictions for high precision six axis machining.
Workspace Analysis of the 6 Degrees of Freedom PARTNER Parallel Robot
Authors: Csiszar Akos , Brisan Cornel
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a modular method to compute the workspace of parallel robot with 6 degrees of freedom. For the generation of the workspace also the mechanical constrains of both the active and passive joints are taken into consideration.
Path Following System for Cooperative Mobile Robots
Authors: Dinulescu Ionut , Popescu Dorin , Nitulescu Mircea , Predescu Alice
Published: September 2010

Recent advances in the domains of social and life artificial intelligence have constituted the basis for a new discipline that studies cooperation in multi-robot systems and its utility in applications where some tasks cannot be carried out by a single robot. This paper introduces a trajectory generator which is used for determination of the most appropriate trajectory which a robot needs to track in order to perform different tasks specific to cooperative robots, such as moving in a given formation or pushing an object to a given destination. Different algorithms are described in this paper, starting from simple polyline and circular paths to complex Bezier trajectories. Simulation results of the proposed path generation system are also provided, along with the description of its implementation on real mobile robots. An implementation of real robots is also presented in this paper.
Design, Modeling and Control of an Omni-Directional Mobile Robot
Authors: Doroftei Ioan , Stirbu Bogdan
Published: September 2010

One of the main issues of a mobile robot is to move in tight areas, to avoid obstacles, finding its way to the next location. These capabilities mainly depend on the wheels design. An omni-directional drive mechanism is very attractive because it guarantees a very good mobility in such cases. This paper provides some information about the mechanical design of an omni-directional robot, as well as about its control. This report is the result of the cooperation between researchers from Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Faculties, at “Gh. Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Romania.
Specialized Positioners and Manipulators for Robotic Welding
Authors: Joni Nicolae , Dobra Andreea
Published: September 2010

The paper deals with the kinematics structures of the peripheral devices used in robotic welding systems. There are two categories of such devices: either manipulators for extending the working range of the existing robots or positioners for supporting the parts to be processed. In certain cases, the last ones are also turning the welding parts, contributing to the technological movement. Starting from the kinematics structures a series of these devices, some theoretical models as well as practically built machines on their basis are shown.
Rapid Control Prototyping in Design Process of Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Lapusan Ciprian , Maties Vistrian , Balan Radu , Hancu Olimpiu
Published: September 2010

In the design process of mechatronic systems rapid control prototyping had became an indispensable method for developing and testing control strategies. The paper presents an approach using Matlab and dSpace platforms for implementing rapid control prototyping method. The advantages of using dSpace platform are shown. The method is applied in the design of a parallel robot with 6 DOF. The simulation and experimental results are presented and compared; also the advantages of using rapid control prototyping are presented.
Self-Balanced Conco-Balancer Manipulator with Band Mechanism
Authors: Lovasz Erwin Christian , Perju Dan , Dehelean Nicolae Mircea , Dehelean Liana Maria , Maniu Inocentiu , Moldovan Cristian
Published: September 2010

The manipulators, used to handling products or devices in industrial departments, needs to be self-balanced in order to compensate the different weight of the load in its position in the workspace. The known technical solution for self-balancing with counterweight, springs and actuators can be substituted through a band mechanism. The paper proposed a new self-balancing solution for the conco-balancer manipulator with band mechanism and presents its synthesis approach. The non-circular profile of the band mechanism permits the variation of the compensated moment in order to be easy manipulated the load by the operator.
Formulations about Dynamics of Mobile Robots
Authors: Negrean Iuliu , Schonstein Claudiu , Kacso Kalman , Negrean Calin , Duca Adina
Published: September 2010

In this paper the dynamics equations for a mobile robot, named PatrolBot, will be developed, using new concepts in advanced mechanics, based on important scientific researches of the main author, concerning the kinetic energy. In keeping the fact that the mathematical models of the mobile platforms are different besides the other robots types, due to nonholonomic constraints, these dynamic control functions, will be computed, according to these restrictions for robot motion.
CAD Based Design Optimization of Planar Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Arrouk Khaled Assad , Bouzgarrou Belhassen Chedli , Stan Sergiu Dan , Gogu Grigore
Published: September 2010

In this paper a new method for determination and optimization of the workspace of parallel manipulators is presented. The proposed method is based on a geometrical approach, and offers the possibility to generate automatically the workspace in a CAD environment. Thus, the relationship between the geometrical design parameters of the parallel manipulator and its workspace can be analyzed without difficulty. Optimization problem considered in this paper consists in determining the dimensions of a parallel manipulator having the closest workspace to a prescribed task region. Finally, numerical applications of two types of planar parallel manipulators are presented in order to illustrate the proposed approach.
Comparative Dynamic Analysis of Two Parallel Robots
Authors: Rat Nadia Ramona , Neagoe Mircea , Stan Sergiu Dan
Published: September 2010

The paper presents a comparative dynamic modeling and VR (virtual reality) simulation for two 3 DOF medical parallel robots: a three coupled motions structure (Orthoglide robot) versus two coupled motion parallel structure (robot of type 1PRRR+2PRPaR). Kinematical and dynamical models, followed by a VR application with control aspects are presented for these two parallel robots. The innovative user interface for high-level control of the two parallel robots, presented in the paper, was developed in MATLAB - Simulink and SimMechanics environment, while the closed form dynamic models were obtained in MAPLE program. This kind of parallel robots can be successfully applied for medical applications where accuracy and high dynamic behavior are required. This research will lay a good foundation for the development of medical parallel robots.
A Novel Method for Automated Tool Path Optimisation for CNC Machining Operations
Authors: Shojaeipour Shahed
Published: September 2010

In this article, a new method for rapid tool movement in CNC machines is presented. Firstly, a single digital camera, installed on the Z-axis, captures the image of the workpiece on the work table. Image processing techniques, implemented using MATLAB, are then used to convert the image into a binary black and white image. This allows the locations of protruding edge sections on the workpiece, which could impede tool movement, to be identified. Quadtree decomposition is then performed on the binary image, and possible paths from the tool current location to its target location are found. These paths are then analysed based on the tool diameter clearance and the distance to the goal, and the shortest path with sufficient tool clearance is selected. A Visual Basic program then converts the selected path into G-code commands that provides instructions to the CNC machine tool such that this path is followed. With this method, the workpiece fixture location would not have to be precise as the imaging system would be able to automatically identify the target location with respect to the tool current location, along with the optimal path to reach it.
Main Aspects Regarding the Mechanism of the Prosthesis for Human Hand - Synthesis, Analysis, Design and Functional Simulation
Authors: Staretu Ionel
Published: September 2010

In this paper are described the main stages of structural and cinematic synthesis and analysis, design and functional simulation regarding the mechanism of the human hand prosthesis. For the structural scheme, one uses three pivot joints only, and one movement for closing the palm. The technical project is complete. One command scheme is shown too. The functional simulation has been made in CAD and virtual reality for to identify the best solutions and to optimize the constructive solution and to use the prosthesis by human operator.
Motion Identification of the Human Agent's Arm in Case of Grabbing a Cylindrical Object and Transposing these in Control Rules for an Industrial Robot
Authors: Stoica Mihai , Calangiu Gabriela Andreea , Sisak Francisc
Published: September 2010

Regarding the grabbing of the objects by the robots, countless researches have been made. In particular it has been researched for obtaining the models for the human hand and the way it acts when the human agent wants to grab an object.
In this paper a few elements obtained after a research concerning the natural grab of object by human, has been made. In our research, we have made measurements for the motion coordinates of human agent arm, when he desires to grab a cylindrical object. The aim was to identify the grabbing motions and to transpose them in acting models (acting rules) used for programming an industrial robot, placed into a flexible fabrication cell.
Aspects Regarding 3D Road Modeling in Virtual Reality Scenarios for Driving Simulators
Authors: Vasiu Razvan Vlad , Brisan Cornel
Published: September 2010

Road design aims at the selection of geometric design parameters resulting in a road environment which can be used in driving simulators, in accordance with real situations. The following chapters present the road alignment parameters with respect to their geometric representation in virtual reality, focused on two road profiles, horizontal and vertical alignment. This paper discusses and presents the graphical representation of roads in Matlab m-code as virtual reality models with respect to safety regulations.
Mechatronic Design of a Planar Parallel Robot Actuated by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Besoiu Sorin , Măties Vistrian , Radu Donca
Published: September 2010

The pneumatic actuation is widely used in robotics. The actuators based on pneumatic artificial muscles are unconventional actuation systems which use the shortening by increase of the volume property which generate an axial force. They have a very good force/volume ratio and some advantages compared with conventional pneumatic actuation. This paper presents the mechatronic design of a PRRRP Biglide planar parallel robot actuated by four artificial muscles in antagonist configuration. The control system is based on an 8-bit microcontroller based development board and the position and force control is made by means of pressure regulation using proportional pressure regulators. It was determined the workspace of PRRRP Biglide parallel robot for different strokes of actuators using discretisation method in Matlab environment.
Robot Motion Synchronization in Cooperative Tasks
Authors: Borangiu Theodor , Anton Florin Daniel , Anton Silvia
Published: September 2010

This paper discusses the problem of synchronizing multiple robots in cooperative tasks. The problem is divided in two parts: first the problem of synchronizing robots which are handling large objects that cannot be manipulated only by one robot (hard connected robots) is discussed; the problem is approached from the point of view of path planning, kinematics, and movement synchronization. An alternative of control using the force control and dynamics which solved by using a decentralized control structure is also presented. The second problem concerns robot synchronization in a shared workspace; here is presented a method of control for collision avoidance and time optimization for the robot tasks (assembly / disassembly). In the conclusion section the results from the experiments conducted on two SCARA type robots (Adept Cobra s600) are presented.
Social Interaction in Systems of Humans and Mobile Robots
Authors: Budisan Ovidiu , Ignat Iosif , Vacariu Lucia , Florea Cristian
Published: September 2010

The paper aims to present and exemplify the ways in which a mixed system of humans and sociable robots co-operate. To do so, an airport boarding multi-agent system was developed based on Tropos methodology. Some of its agents are in fact virtual robots with which the human can interact using a computer software interface.
Software System for Mechanism and Robot Simulation
Authors: Buium Florentin , Atanasiu Virgil , Rusu Danut
Published: September 2010

This paper present under a general manner, a software elaborated by the authors and their research teams, during a research project. So, we have worked out a toolbox (SIMMECH) of an ample program, done by dr. Rusu a few years ago, entitled Pythagoras. Both Pythagoras and Simmech packages was performed using the Java platform. In this stage of research, Simmech toolbox is able to simulate planar linkages and robots only. The simulation of a mechanism or robot of the specified category begins with its building, using specialized buttons on the graphic interface of the program, then we may visualize the movement of the mechanism for a imposed segment of time and we can also visualize the kinematical diagrams of the elements or joints. We hope in future to extend our research to the spatial mechanisms and robots.
Replication Past the γ‐Radiation‐Induced Guanine‐Thymine Cross‐Link G[8,5‐Me]T by Human and Yeast DNA Polymerase η
Authors: Raychaudhury Paromita , Basu Ashis K.
Published: September 2010

γ‐Radiation‐induced intrastrand guanine‐thymine cross‐link, G[8,5‐Me]T, hinders replication in vitro and is mutagenic in mammalian cells. Herein we report in vitro translesion synthesis of G[8,5‐Me]T by human and yeast DNA polymerase η (hPol η and yPol η). dAMP misincorporation opposite the cross‐linked G by yPol η was preferred over correct incorporation of dCMP, but further extension was 100‐fold less efficient for G∗:A compared to G∗:C. For hPol η, both incorporation and extension were more efficient with the correct nucleotides. To evaluate translesion synthesis in the presence of all four dNTPs, we have developed a plasmid‐based DNA sequencing assay, which showed that yPol η was more error‐prone. Mutational frequencies of yPol η and hPol η were 36% and 14%, respectively. Targeted G → T was the dominant mutation by both DNA polymerases. But yPol η induced targeted G → T in 23% frequency relative to 4% by hPol η. For yPol η, targeted G → T and G → C constituted 83% of the mutations. By contrast, with hPol η, semi‐targeted mutations (7.2%), that is, mutations at bases near the lesion, occurred at equal frequency as the targeted mutations (6.9%). The kind of mutations detected with hPol η showed significant similarities with the mutational spectrum of G[8,5‐Me]T in human embryonic kidney cells.
novoMIR	: De Novo Prediction of MicroRNA‐Coding Regions in a Single Plant‐Genome
Authors: Teune Jan-Hendrik , Steger Gerhard
Published: September 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small regulatory, noncoding RNA molecules that are transcribed
as primary miRNAs (pri‐miRNA) from eukaryotic genomes. At least in plants, their
regulatory activity is mediated through base‐pairing with protein‐coding messenger RNAs
(mRNA) followed by mRNA degradation or translation repression.
We describe novoMIR, a program for the identification of miRNA genes in plant
genomes. It uses a series of filter steps and a statistical model to discriminate a pre‐miRNA
from other RNAs and does rely neither on prior knowledge of a miRNA target nor on
comparative genomics. The sensitivity and specificity of novoMIR for detection of premiRNAs
from Arabidopsis thaliana is ~0.83 and ~0.99, respectively. Plant pre‐miRNAs
are more heterogeneous with respect to size and structure than animal pre‐miRNAs. Despite
these difficulties, novoMIR is well suited to perform searches for pre‐miRNAs on a
genomic scale.
novoMIR is written in Perl and relies on two additional, free programs for prediction
of RNA secondary structure (RNALfold, RNAshapes).
Die assimilasie van lidmate in die plaaslike geloofsgemeenskap
Authors: Basson Enrich F.
Published: September 2010

The assimilation of church members into the local faith community In this article, the assimilation of members into the faith community is discussed. When a church has found its identity in being a ‘missional faith community’, the outcome is growth. Growth cannot take place if the church is unable to assimilate new members into church life. People are only assimilated into the faith community when they are interconnected through relationships, and experience a fundamental sense of belonging. This article discusses aspects of membership assimilation, namely intention, active participation, and culture. A model is proposed whereby leaders can evaluate the functional worth of people for the faith community at any level of assimilation. This model can also assist leaders in creating processes to assimilate members more effectively.
Prognostic significance of the lung scintigraphy scan result and corresponding chest X-ray in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism
Authors: Al-Adhami AS , Simpson AJ , Reid JH , MacDougall M , Murchison JT
Published: September 2010

Aim: To determine whether the survival of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) relates to radiological probability of acute PE assessed using lung scintigraphy scans (LSS).

Methods: Lung scintigraphy scan results from a venous thromboembolism database were categorised as high, indeterminate or low probability using the modified PIOPED criteria and corresponding chest X-rays (CXRs) as normal or abnormal. Mortality data on these cases were obtained from the General Register Office for Scotland, and survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Of the 1,818 LSS analysed, 941 (51.8%) were normal, 532 (29.3%) indeterminate and 345 (19.0%) high probability. After an adjustment for age and gender, no significant survival difference was found between patients with normal and high probability LSS (p=0.182). However, patients with indeterminate LSS had significantly lower survival than patients in the other groups. This difference persisted after adjustment for CXR result.

Conclusions: Indeterminate LSS results are associated with a poor prognosis. Careful follow-up of patients with inderminate LSS would appear to be justified.
Toxicities associated with bleomycin
Authors: Fyfe AJ , McKay P
Published: September 2010

Bleomycin is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic used in chemotherapeutic regimens for Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular tumour and Kaposi’s sarcoma and to induce chemical pleurodesis in malignant effusions. Bleomycin toxicity predominantly affects the skin and lungs. Skin toxicity classically presents as flagellate erythema, a rare drug rash, where the patient appears to have been whipped. Bleomycininduced pneumonitis is more commonly recognised and can occasionally prove fatal. Although both these conditions are well documented in the literature, in clinical practice they are uncommon. Indeed, in our institution (a teaching hospital with a large lymphoma practice) we cannot recall a previous case of flagellate erythema. Both skin and lung toxicities induced by bleomycin usually respond to discontinuation of the drug and steroid therapy. We present two case studies of patients with bleomycin-related toxicity and a short synopsis of current literature.
Drug-induced sensorineural deafness caused by antithyroid drugs: a rare side effect
Authors: Raja UY , Kumar A , Possamai V , Warner D , Barton D
Published: September 2010

Acute ototoxicity is a rare but important complication of antithyroid drugs. Although previous cases have been reported in the medical literature, these cases occurred in younger patients with serological evidence of lupus-like syndrome with positive antidouble-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. We describe the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian male who developed deafness and tinnitus one week after being prescribed carbimazole. The management options include stopping the culprit drug, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and referring the patient for urgent thyroidectomy. Healthcare professionals who prescribe antithyroid drugs should be aware of this rare but potentially serious complication, so that early drug withdrawal and referral for surgery can be considered.
Applying evidence-based device care in cardiovascular patients: which patient with heart failure and what device?
Authors: Cleland JG , Buga L , Ghosh J , Nasir M
Published: September 2010

In terms of engineering, clinical understanding and application, device therapy remains in its infancy. In clinical trials, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) have greatly reduced the rate of sudden death and had a modest impact on mortality in a relatively broad range of patients. They do not generally improve symptoms and may make them worse. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices have been used more selectively – probably far too selectively – and have shown substantial improvement in symptoms and a large reduction in mortality both by reducing sudden death and death due to heart failure. These effects are not explained solely by improved ventricular function, and the clinical response to therapy has so far not been predicted well by any method of assessing cardiac function or dyssynchrony. Reduction in brady-arrhythmia-triggered sudden death may be an underestimated benefit of biventricular pacing. In recent trials, heart failure patients implanted with a device have had a remarkably low mortality. This forces the clinical community to contemplate universal device use for patients with heart failure, except in those who have irremediable, life-limiting, non-cardiac disease. For most patients this should be CRT or a combination of CRT and an ICD (CRT-D).
Hyponatraemia
Authors: Ball SG
Published: September 2010

Hyponatraemia is present in 15–20% of non-selected emergency admissions to hospitals in the UK. It is associated with increased mortality and morbidity as well as increased duration of stay, independent of the cause for admission. Hyponatraemia is therefore common and important, driving the need for a rational but practical management strategy. This must encompass a stratified approach based on clinical presentation, balancing diagnostic uncertainty and the relative merits of different interventions to achieve the best outcome.
The Peacock versus the louse (pediculus humanus corporis): one soldier’s contribution to combating trench fever in the First World War
Authors: Peacock A , Pearson W
Published: September 2010

Trench fever became a major worry for the Allied High Command during the First World War because of its debilitating effects on troop performance. The causes of the fever were not previously known, but entomological research identified the body louse (pediculus humanus corporis) as the carrier, and the Royal Army Medical Corps developed effective methods of control through disinfestation. These were markedly influenced by the researches of a young entomologist, Alexander David Peacock, which were conducted under campaign conditions. Peacock subsequently occupied a Chair of Zoology at St Andrews University for 30 years.
The Triple Qualification examination of the Scottish medical and surgical colleges, 1884–1993
Authors: Dingwall HM
Published: September 2010

The Triple Qualification (TQ) examination of the three Scottish medical colleges was founded in 1884 in the aftermath of the Medical Act of 1858, to offer a medical qualification that would have equal status with that of the universities and other medical schools. Continued efforts to amend the Act had threatened that the universities might dominate basic medical education to the exclusion of the colleges, which opposed this perceived threat to their viability. The TQ proved surprisingly durable and catered for a changing constituency of candidates over the century of its existence, offering a route to medical qualification for individuals from Great Britain and Ireland, the dominions and such diverse groups as exiled Jews from Europe and Rhodesians following independence. This article examines the origins and structure of the examination and assesses the changing candidate profile over the century of its existence.
Modelling the impact of prescribed global warming on runoff from headwater catchments of the Irrawaddy River and their implications for the water level regime of Loktak Lake, northeast India
Authors: Singh C. R. , Thompson J. R. , French J. R. , Kingston D. G. , Mackay A. W.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Climate change is likely to have major implications for wetland ecosystems, which will include altered water level regimes due to modifications in local and catchment hydrology. However, substantial uncertainty exists in the precise impacts of climate change on wetlands due in part to uncertainty in GCM projections. This paper explores the impacts of climate change upon river discharge within three sub-catchments of Loktak Lake, an internationally important wetland in northeast India. This is achieved by running pattern-scaled GCM output through distributed hydrological models (developed using MIKE SHE) of each sub-catchment. The impacts of climate change upon water levels within Loktak Lake are subsequently investigated using a water balance model. Two groups of climate change scenarios are investigated. Group 1 uses results from seven different GCMs for an increase in global mean temperature of 2 °C, the purported threshold of ''dangerous'' climate change, whilst Group 2 is based on results from the HadCM3 GCM for increases in global mean temperature between 1 °C and 6 °C. Results from the Group 1 scenarios show varying responses between the three sub-catchments. The majority of scenario-sub-catchment combinations (13 out of 21) indicate increases in discharge which vary from <1% to 42% although, in some cases, discharge decreases by as much as 20%. Six of the GCMs suggest overall increases in river flow to Loktak Lake (2–27%) whilst the other results in a modest (6%) decline. In contrast, the Group 2 scenarios lead to an almost linear increase in total river flow to Loktak Lake with increasing temperature (up to 27% for 6 °C), although two sub-catchments experience reductions in mean discharge for the smallest temperature increases. In all but one Group 1 scenario, and all the Group 2 scenarios, Loktak Lake water levels are higher, regularly reaching the top of a downstream hydropower barrage that impounds the lake and necessitating the release of water for barrage structural stability. Although elevated water levels may permit enhanced abstraction for irrigation and domestic uses, future increases in hydropower generation are limited by existing infrastructure. The higher water levels are likely to exacerbate existing ecological deterioration within the lake as well as enhancing problems of flooding of lakeside communities.
Titanium Alloy Lattice Structures with Millimeter Scale Cell Sizes
Authors: Moongkhamklang Pimsiree , Wadley Haydn N. G.
Published: September 2010

Titanium sandwich panels with cellular cores of a uniform 1–5 mm diameter open cell size are well suited for impact energy absorption and cross flow heat exchange applications. Periodic cellular structures (lattices) made from high specific strength, high temperature alloys are preferred for these multifunctional uses. A diffusion bonding method has been applied here to make cellular lattice structures from a Ti–6A1–4V alloy. To illustrate the approach, lattice structures with both square and diamond collinear topologies, a 2 mm open cell size, and a relative density of 15% were made from 254 µm diameter titanium alloy wires. These structures were found to have a compressive strength of 40 ± 5 MPa that was controlled by plastic yield followed by buckling of the struts. The cellular structures have been brazed to titanium alloy face sheets to create sandwich panel structures that appear well suited for multifunctional applications up to 420 °C.
Prototypes for Bone Implant Scaffolds Designed via Topology Optimization and Manufactured by Solid Freeform Fabrication
Authors: Challis Vivien J. , Roberts Anthony P. , Grotowski Joseph F. , Zhang Lai‐Chang , Sercombe Timothy B.
Published: September 2010

The linking of computational design with precision solid freeform fabrication has tremendous potential for producing tissue scaffolds with tailored properties. We consider a new approach to optimizing the architecture of scaffolds based on jointly maximizing scaffold stiffness and diffusive transport in the interconnected pores. The stiffness of the scaffolds is matched to that of bone by choosing a suitable scaffold porosity. Moreover, the templates can be scaled to achieve target pore sizes whilst preserving their elastic and diffusive properties. The resultant structures have two major design benefits. First, the scaffolds do not have directions of low stiffness. In contrast, the Young's modulus of conventional layered‐grid designs can be 86% less under diagonally‐aligned loads than under axis‐aligned loads. Second, the mass of the scaffold is used efficiently throughout the structure rather than being clumped in non load‐bearing regions. We fabricate prototypes of the implants using selective laser melting and test their elastic properties. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment provides important confirmation of the viability of this route to scaffold design and fabrication.
Microstructural Modulations Enhance the Mechanical Properties in Al–Cu–(Si, Ga) Ultrafine Composites
Authors: Park Jin Man , Pauly Simon , Mattern Norbert , Kim Do Hyang , Kim Ki Buem , Eckert Jürgen
Published: September 2010

Adding small amounts of Si or Ga (3 at.%) to the eutectic Al83Cu17 alloy yields an ultrafine bimodal eutectic composite microstructure upon solidification. The as‐solidified alloys exhibit a distinct microstructural length‐scale hierarchy leading to a high fracture strength of around 1 GPa combined with a large compressive plastic strain of up to 30% at room temperature. The present results suggest that the mechanical properties of the ultrafine bimodal eutectic composites are strongly related to their microstructural characteristics, namely phase evolution, length‐scales, and distribution of the constituent phases.
Bifunctional Nanocomposites with Magnetic and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Vollath Dieter
Published: September 2010

Many applications require nanoparticles that exhibit high magnetic moment and luminescence. Compounds exhibiting this combination of properties do not exist. However, this combination of properties may be obtained by nanocomposites. There are two possible configurations for these composites: the core–shell design, leading to the smallest composite particles, and agglomerates containing separated particles with the properties in question. The magnetic core is, in most cases, maghemite or magnetite, whereas the luminescence carrier is either an organic molecule or an inorganic quantum dot. One of the basic problems in designing such composites, to be overcome by the appropriate layout choice, is the potential incompatibility between the magnetic core and the lumophore. Experimentally realized solutions of these problems are presented.
Self‐Healing Materials
Authors: Hager Martin D. , Greil Peter , Leyens Christoph , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2010

Self‐healing materials are able to partially or completely heal damage inflicted on them, e.g., crack formation; it is anticipated that the original functionality can be restored. This article covers the design and generic principles of self‐healing materials through a wide range of different material classes including metals, ceramics, concrete, and polymers. Recent key developments and future challenges in the field of self‐healing materials are summarised, and generic, fundamental material‐independent principles and mechanism are discussed and evaluated.
Primate seed dispersers as umbrella species: a case study from Kibale National Park, Uganda, with implications for Afrotropical forest conservation
Authors: Lambert Joanna E.
Published: September 2010

Almost half of the world's extant primate species are of conservation concern [IUCN, International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species,2008]. Primates are also effective seed dispersers. The implications of and interactions between these two facts are increasingly understood, and data demonstrating the consequences of losing primates for forest ecology are now available from throughout the tropics. However, a reality is that not all species—and the mutualisms among them—can be protected. Conservation managers must make difficult decisions and use shortcuts in the implementation of conservation tactics. Using taxa as “umbrellas” is one such shortcut, although a lack of an operational definition of what an umbrella speciesisand how to choose one has made implementing this tactic difficult. In this study, I discuss primates as umbrellas by defining a selection index in terms ofrichness/co‐occurrence,rarity, andsensitivityto anthropogenic disturbance. I evaluate the anthropoid assemblage of Kibale National Park, Uganda, in light of the selection index and determine thatCercopithecusis the genus best fitting the criteria for umbrella status. I then evaluate the functional significance—in terms of seed dispersal—of usingCercopithecusmonkeys (guenons) as umbrellas. Results from 1,047 hr of observation of focal fruiting trees in Kibale indicate thatCercopithecus ascaniuswas the most commonly observed frugivore visitor (July 2001–June 2002). These data corroborate earlier data collected in Kibale demonstrating that guenons are highly effective seed dispersers. Patterns ofrichness/co‐occurrence,rarity, andsensitivityobserved in Kibale are reflected in Afrotropical forests more generally, with the genusCercopithecustending to exhibit greatest richness/co‐occurrence with taxonomically similar species, to be neither extremely rare nor ubiquitous, and also to be moderately sensitive to human disturbance. Moreover, in all available evaluations of frugivory in Afrotropical forests, guenons emerge as among the most important seed dispersers relative to other taxa. Am. J. Primatol. 73:9–24, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.