bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Evaluation of Recalling Elasticity due to Surface Roughness by Finite Element Modeling of Human Skin
Authors: Yamamoto Tomohisa , Sakuma Atsushi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Among human sensations, tactile perception has an important role in physics and in living comfortably. It is already known that surface roughness greatly affects the feel of solid objects, but the mechanics of the relationship between feeling and physics, as well as their effects, are difficult to determine. This study, aims to clarify the numerical relationship between elastic tactile perception and surface roughness of a rigid body by designing various products with surfaces comfortable to touch. The finite element method (FEM) has been adopted for this clarification, and a numerical model of human skin with 3 layers, epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous, has been developed to discuss the mechanical effects of touch movement. This skin model is used to evaluate the distribution of skin deformations during the process of touch movement, and the analysis of the tactile perception is done by discussing the distribution change due to touching objects. The change in distribution of deformation is mainly discussed in terms of pressure under the epidermis, and various patterns of distribution are inspected by changing the diameters and pitch ratio of a uniformly spread ball used as a plain surface. By comparing the relationship between distributions of rigid and elastic surfaces, similar distributions of pressure in the skin model were observed, and the relationships of the distribution are summarized to solve the mechanics of touch feeling. In this summarization, the maximum pressure and the maximum gradient of pressure distribution are adopted as parameters for the analysis. The analysis shows that it is numerically possible to represent the elasticity recalled by the rigid surface from its relationship with the elastic surface when they have the same maximum pressure and maximum inclination of pressure. The importance of maximum inclination of pressure for touch feeling is also shown here.
Experimental Determination of Axial Viscoelasticity of Braided Steel Cables Through the Design of a Special Purpose Machine
Authors: Zamora-Garcia Diego A. , Acosta-Carrion Luis Miguel , Corona-Lira Ma. Pilar , Ramirez-Reivich Alejandro C. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Braided steel cables have the potential for improving the mechanisms providing them several advantages in comparison with rigid elements. Nevertheless, a limitation in the use of cable mechanism is that due to the inherent flexibility, the problem of vibration arises. In this research, we investigate the axial viscoelastic behavior of 1/32″ braided steel cables. The essential idea is to determine the parameters of elasticity (k) and viscosity (b) as a function of the length of the cable in its axial direction. It was achieved through the design and construction of a test bench and the design of an experiment. The test bench is a free vibration particular design machine. One end of the cable is fixed to the structure, and in the other end, a load is attached. Then, the load is released, and the free vibration of the cable in the axial direction is registered. The factor of the experiment is the length of the cable. There are six levels, and these were repeated four times. We demonstrated that the braided steel cables have a viscoelastic behavior like a Kelvin-Voigt. Also, we found a relation between the effective length of the cables and the parameters of elasticity and viscosity.
Shoulder Proprioception Device (S.P.D.): A Novel Design for Measuring Shoulder Joint Proprioception
Authors: Schnipke Jeremy R. , Rounds Thomas G. , Sroka Jacob P. , Lowe Zachary B. , Freisinger Gregory M. , Nowicki Margaret A. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Hotaling Brittany R. , Westrick Richard B. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Shoulder injuries are a serious and costly issue, particularly in physically intensive professions like athletics and the military. Previous data indicates a dangerous feedback mechanism between reduced shoulder proprioception due to previous injury and higher probability of re-injury due to reduced proprioception. It is therefore important for organizations to possess a device that can accurately and efficiently evaluate and track an individual’s shoulder proprioception, especially following injury. Existing technologies that fill this role are generally impractical or do not quantify proprioception to the necessary levels of accuracy. The Shoulder Proprioception Device (SPD) therefore strives to measure and quantify three-dimensional shoulder proprioception in a highly accurate, user-friendly, and cost-effective manner. This device employs two Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) with nine degrees-of-freedom attached to the lateral and frontal sides of the upper arm. These sensors are connected to a microcontroller board with a touch screen and datalogger. The screen displays the shoulder angles in real-time and allows the user to store discrete angle positions for further analysis through the data-logger. The system is compact (390 cubic centimeter volume), light (0.34 kilograms), and cost effective ($179 per unit). This device is capable of measuring, in a total procedural time of seven minutes, shoulder proprioception within two degrees of accuracy along the three anatomical planes of motion: sagittal flexion/extension, frontal abduction/adduction, and transverse abduction/adduction. This device is able to both aid upper extremity research and provide data to those making return to duty decisions following injury.
Recycling Li-Ion Batteries: Robotic Disassembly of Electric Vehicle Battery Systems
Authors: Kay Ian , Esmaeeli Roja , Hashemi Seyed Reza , Mahajan Ajay , Farhad Siamak 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the application of robotics for the disassembly of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery (LIB) packs for the purpose of recycling. Electric vehicle battery systems can be expensive and dangerous to disassemble, therefore making it cost inefficient to recycle them currently. Dangers associated with high voltage and thermal runaway make a robotic system suitable for this task, as the danger to technicians or workers is significantly reduced, and the cost to operate a robotic system would be potentially less expensive over the robots lifetime. The proposed method allows for the automated or semi-automated disassembly of electric vehicle LIB packs for the purpose of recycling. In order to understand the process, technicians were studied during the disassembly process, and the modes and operations were recorded. Various modes of interacting with the battery module were chosen and broken down into gripping and cutting operations. Operations involving cutting and gripping were chosen for experimentation, and custom end of arm tooling was designed for use in the disassembly process. Path planning was performed offline in both MATLAB/Simulink and ROBOGUIDE, and the simulation results were used to program the robot for experimental validation.
Plasma Decomposition of Carbon Dioxide: Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Wright Kamau , Galvez Robert 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Simulations and experiments are conducted to model, simulate, test and demonstrate the effect of plasma discharges on decomposition of carbon dioxide (CO2). A pin-to-plane discharge is employed in gas samples containing CO2. A high voltage plasma system is used which was previously shown to be able to decrease CO2 concentration in gas samples. The discharge is modeled and described, including monitoring electrical parameters such as current and voltage. The present study investigated plasma decomposition of carbon dioxide experimentally, and through simulation. A plasma micro-discharge was utilized to better understand plasma-CO2 interactions. Enhancements are suggested to help increase the efficiency and yield of the plasma-CO2 decomposition process. Gas samples are analyzed over time using a CO2 meter.
Dynamic Brake Force Distribution for Heavy Commercial Road Vehicles Using Wheel Slip Regulation
Authors: Challa Akhil , Devika K. B. , Subramanian Shankar C. , Vivekanandan Gunasekaran , Sivaram Sriram 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Wheel lock is an undesired phenomenon in Heavy Commercial Road Vehicles (HCRVs) and wheel slip control within a desired range is of crucial importance for stable and effective braking. This study proposes a framework to distribute brake force dynamically between the front and rear wheels, primarily to avoid instability by preventing wheel lock. Further, it ensures the maximum utilization of the available traction force at the tire-road interface that varies during the course of braking due to factors like load transfer. Wheel slip regulation provides an approach to maximize braking performance that subsumes the effects of varying road, load and braking conditions that occur during vehicle deceleration. The methodology proposed consists of a wheel slip controller that calculates the required brake force distribution parameters, which are then provided to the brake controller for control action. Sliding mode control was used because of the nonlinear nature of the longitudinal vehicle dynamic model considered and for robustness towards different parameter variations. The algorithm was implemented on a Hardware-in-Loop test setup consisting of a pneumatic air brake system, interfaced with IPG-TruckMaker® (a vehicle dynamic simulation software), and co-simulated with MATLAB-Simulink®. It was found that this algorithm improved the braking performance of a HCRV both in terms of stopping distance and vehicle stability.
Sustainable Waste Water Treatment Using Solar Energy by Heat Localization Through Porous Media
Authors: Jaladi Divya , Languri Ethan , Piras Bob 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Efficient utilization of solar energy can be a sustainable technology for wastewater treatment and desalination of seawater. However, the methods and optical concentrators used in the current process of treatments are hindering the application due to its high cost and low efficiencies. Here, we demonstrate a scalable approach for treating fertilized wastewater using acid treated carbon foam of different porosities at 1 Sun (1 kW/m2) solar illuminations by avoiding heat losses. This solar heat-localized distillation approach may be used independently or in connection with an existing active distillation method. In this approach, we incorporate the heat localization process to accelerate the evaporation rates of the liquid and then condense the vapor, thereby collecting distilled liquid. Various potential applications of this method include seawater desalination and water reclamation. In this paper, we will report the evaporation rates of fertilized water used in hydroponic greenhouses to analyze the distillation rate and quality of water obtained from evaporating and condensing for reusability.
Effect of Build Direction in Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) of Inconel 718 on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Alya Sachin , Vundru Chaitanya , Singh Ramesh , Thool Khushahal , Samajdar Indradev , Saigal Anil 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) technology is gaining enormous popularity in the manufacturing industries. The continuous improvements made in the AM processes features development of 3D metallic prototypes as well as fully functional end-use components. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a pre-placed powder bed based technique, in which a thin layer of powder is place over the build tray and the areas need to be sintered are exposed to the laser. In the current work the microstructural and mechanical behavior of Inconel 718 parts produced by DMLS are investigated. As the DMLS produces parts in a layer by layer fashion, the orientation of parts with respect to the build direction is an important criterion. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the produce differs depending upon the orientation. This paper emphasize on the variation of grain sizes and grain orientations developed in the components built with different orientations. Another common issue with the additive manufacturing is the development of the residual stresses in the components arising due to the differential thermal gradients experienced during processing. The variation of the residual stress generated in the produced parts has also been characterized and modeled.
Mechanical Behavior of Lattice Structures Fabricated by Direct Light Processing With Compression Testing and Size Optimization of Unit Cells
Authors: Peto Marinela , Ramirez-Cedillo Erick , Uddin Mohammad J. , Rodriguez Ciro A. , Siller Hector R. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Lattice structures used for medical implants offer advantages related to weight reduction, osseointegration, and minimization of stress shielding. This paper intends to study and to compare the mechanical behavior of three different lattice structures: tetrahedral vertex centroid (TVC), hexagonal prism vertex centroid (HPVC), and cubic diamond (CD), that are designed to be incorporated in a shoulder hemiprosthesis. The unit cell configurations were generated using nTopology Element Pro software with a uniform strut thickness of 0.5 mm. Fifteen cuboid samples of 25mm × 25mm × 15 mm, five for each unit cell configuration, were additively manufactured using Direct Light Printing (DLP) technology with a layer height of 50μm and a XY resolution of 73μm. The mechanical behavior of the 3D printed lattice structures was examined by performing mechanical compression testing. E-silicone (methacrylated silicone) was used for the fabrication of samples, and its mechanical properties were obtained from experimental tensile testing of dog-bone samples. A methodology for size optimization of lattice unit cells is provided, and the optimization is achieved using nTopology Element Pro software. The generated results are analyzed, and the HPVC configuration is selected to be incorporated in the further design of prosthesis for bone cancer patients.
Laser Ablation Tomography for 3D Tissue Imaging and Analysis
Authors: Lanba Asheesh , Hall Benjamin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Laser ablation tomography (LATscan) can produce 3D tissue models at micron-scale resolution within a few minutes, being amenable to high-throughput applications. The RGB images obtained from LATscan allow for enhanced and accurate feature segmentation and quantification. The technology uses an ultrafast, ultraviolet pulsed laser to continually ablate a sample as it is fed into the laser ablation plane. The ultrafast nature of the laser pushes the process into being athermal, minimizing structural damage to the material being imaged. The surfaces are imaged at the ablation plane. Precise motion control allows for sub-micron separation between consecutive images. The ablation results in color images due to the ultraviolet laser inducing multi-spectral fluorescence. The LATscan system can also be programmed allow for co-registration of cross-sections under different lighting conditions. The images are then stacked, further processed and reconstructed into volume renderings with a voxel size that can go down to 0.2 μm3 for further analysis and virtual dissection. Image processing allows for the 3D visualization and quantification of desired anatomy. LATscan has been successfully applied in the fields of plant science, entomology and materials science. It shows great promise for biomedical imaging and tissue analysis, and this paper presents a few results from the LATscan imaging of murine tissue. Various murine organs have been imaged, including the gut, kidney, and brain (inside the skull). The imaging and analysis combined have the potential to provide pathologists, researchers and diagnosticians with insights and solutions not available to them before.
Impact of emergency care centralisation on mortality and efficiency: a retrospective service evaluation
Authors: Price Christopher , McCarthy Stephen , Bate Angela , McMeekin Peter 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveEvidence favours centralisation of emergency care for specific conditions, but it remains unclear whether broader implementation improves outcomes and efficiency. Routine healthcare data examined consolidation of three district general hospitals with mixed medical admission units (MAU) into a single high-volume site directing patients from the ED to specialty wards with consultant presence from 08:00 to 20:00.MethodsConsecutive unscheduled adult index admissions from matching postcode areas were identified retrospectively in Hospital Episode Statistics over a 3-year period: precentralisation baseline (from 16 June 2014 to 15 June 2015; n=18 586), year 1 postcentralisation (from 16 June 2015 to 15 June 2016; n=16 126) and year 2 postcentralisation (from 16 June 2016 to 15 June 2017; n=17 727). Logistic regression including key demographic covariates compared baseline with year 1 and year 2 probabilities of mortality and daily discharge until day 60 after admission and readmission within 60 days of discharge.ResultsRelative to baseline, admission postcentralisation was associated with favourable OR (95% CI) for day 60 mortality (year 1: 0.95 (0.88 to 1.02), p=0.18; year 2: 0.94 (0.91 to 0.97), p<0.01), mainly among patients aged 80+ years (year 1: 0.88 (0.79 to 0.97); year 2: 0.91 (0.87 to 0.96)). The probability of being discharged alive on any day since admission increased (year 1: 1.07 (1.04 to 1.10), p<0.01; year 2: 1.04 (1.02 to 1.05), p<0.01) and the risk of readmission decreased (year 1: 0.90 (0.87 to 0.94), p<0.01; year 2: 0.92 (0.90 to 0.94), p<0.01).ConclusionA centralised site providing early specialist care was associated with improved short-term outcomes and efficiency relative to lower volume ED admitting to MAU, particularly for older patients.
A man with intolerant vomiting
Authors: Liang Ya-Chin , Tsai Tou-Yuan 
Published: January 2020

Case presentationA 57-year-old man was in a healthy state until 6 hours before presenting to the emergency department, when he suffered from more than 10 episodes of vomiting after a large meal at lunchtime. On physical examination, vital signs were unremarkable. Tenderness was noted over the epigastrium on palpation. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the abdomen is shown in figure 1 and online supplementary video 1.Supplementary videoFigure 1Transverse (A) and longitudinal (B) ultrasonography of the epigastrium.QuestionWhat is the most likely diagnosis?Hypertrophic pylorus stenosisAortic dissectionSuperior mesentery artery (SMA) syndromeVolvulusFor answer see page 2
A Four-Chemokine Signature Is Associated with a T-cell–Inflamed Phenotype in Primary and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Romero Joan M. , Grünwald Barbara , Jang Gun-Ho , Bavi Prashant P. , Jhaveri Aaditeya , Masoomian Mehdi , Fischer Sandra E. , Zhang Amy , Denroche Robert E. , Lungu Ilinca M. , De Luca Angela , Bartlett John M.S. , Xu Jing , Li Niandong , Dhaliwal Sharon , Liang Sheng-Ben , Chadwick Dianne , Vyas Foram , Bronsert Peter , Khokha Rama , McGaha Tracy L. , Notta Faiyaz , Ohashi Pamela S. , Done Susan J. , O'Kane Grainne M. , Wilson Julie M. , Knox Jennifer J. , Connor Ashton , Wang Yifan , Zogopoulos George , Gallinger Steven 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
The molecular drivers of antitumor immunity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are poorly understood, posing a major obstacle for the identification of patients potentially amenable for immune-checkpoint blockade or other novel strategies. Here, we explore the association of chemokine expression with effector T-cell infiltration in PDAC.

Experimental Design:
Discovery cohorts comprised 113 primary resected PDAC and 107 PDAC liver metastases. Validation cohorts comprised 182 PDAC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 92 PDACs from the Australian International Cancer Genome Consortium. We explored associations between immune cell counts by immunohistochemistry, chemokine expression, and transcriptional hallmarks of antitumor immunity by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and mutational burden by whole-genome sequencing.

Results:
Among all known human chemokines, a coregulated set of four (CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10) was strongly associated with CD8+ T-cell infiltration (P &lt; 0.001). Expression of this “4-chemokine signature” positively correlated with transcriptional metrics of T-cell activation (ZAP70, ITK, and IL2RB), cytolytic activity (GZMA and PRF1), and immunosuppression (PDL1, PD1, CTLA4, TIM3, TIGIT, LAG3, FASLG, and IDO1). Furthermore, the 4-chemokine signature marked tumors with increased T-cell activation scores (MHC I presentation, T-cell/APC costimulation) and elevated expression of innate immune sensing pathways involved in T-cell priming (STING and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, BATF3-driven dendritic cells). Importantly, expression of this 4-chemokine signature was consistently indicative of a T-cell–inflamed phenotype across primary PDAC and PDAC liver metastases.

Conclusions:
A conserved 4-chemokine signature marks resectable and metastatic PDAC tumors with an active antitumor phenotype. This could have implications for the appropriate selection of PDAC patients in immunotherapy trials.
Low- Versus Moderate-Sodium Diet in Patients With Recent Hospitalization for Heart Failure
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Andreas , Papadimitriou Lampros , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki V. , Dunbar Sandra B. , Skopicki Hal , Butler Javed 
Published: January 2020

Background:
We conducted a pilot study to assess feasibility, on-study retention, trends in natriuretic peptide levels, quality of life, and safety of a 12-week feeding trial with 1500- versus 3000-mg daily sodium meals in high-risk patients with heart failure.

Methods:
Of 196 patients with recent (≤2 weeks) hospitalization for heart failure, ejection fraction ≤40%, on optimal medical therapy, functionally independent, and able to communicate, 83 (47%) consented to participate. Of these, 27 (age, 62±11 years; 22 men; 20 white; ejection fraction, 26±8%) had 24-hour urine sodium ≥3000 mg and agreed to randomly receive either 1500-mg (N=12) or 3000-mg (N=15) sodium meals.

Results:

On-study retention at 12 weeks was 77% (82% versus 73%;
P
=0.53); 6 patients (2 in 1500-mg, 4 in 3000-mg arm) withdrew before study completion. Food satisfaction questionnaires indicated that both diets were well tolerated. Quality of life improved in the 1500-mg arm at 12 weeks but did not change in the 3000-mg arm. Average compliance with meals was 52% (based on urinary sodium) and was not significantly different between arms (42% versus 60%;
P
=0.25). Study meals reduced 24-hour urinary sodium by 137±21 mmol (1500-mg arm) and 82±16 mmol (3000-mg arm), both
P
<0.001; between-arms difference was 55 mmol (95% CI, 3–107;
P
=0.037). NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) was not affected. Hospitalizations and low blood pressure events did not differ significantly between arms. Serum creatinine decreased more (by 0.17 mg/dL [95% CI, 0.06–0.28];
P
=0.003) in the 1500-mg arm. Creatinine increases >0.5 mg/dL over baseline only occurred in 1 patient in the 3000-mg arm.

Conclusions:
Even with prepared meals, investigating optimal dietary sodium in heart failure comes with challenges, including need for extensive screening, reluctance to participate, and compliance issues. Because both diets reduced urinary sodium without adverse safety or quality of life signals, a larger trial, with modifications to improve participation and compliance, would be ethical and feasible.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02467296