bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of a Lightweight Shape Memory Alloy Stroke-Amplification and Locking System in a Transradial Prosthetic Arm
Authors: Bishay Peter , Aguilar Christian , Amirbekyan Arshak , Vartanian Kevin , Arjon-Ramirez Martin , Pucio David 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Shape memory alloy (SMA) wires have been used to actuate prosthetic arms and robotic grippers, among other interesting applications. This work presents a compact system that amplifies the stroke of SMA wire actuators in a prosthesis’ forearm and locks them after actuation to save energy. The proposed system, called the “Clever Lever & Locking” (CLL) system, is located in the forearm space close to the elbow. It includes an array of levers with built-in ratchets that are locked in place using two spring-supported pawls. Solenoids are used to release the levers when an unlocking signal is received. Then, the CLL system amplifies the finger restoring forces, and applies them as bias forces on the SMA actuators. The CLL system highly reduces the amount of SMA wires required to fully deform the fingers, thus enables reducing the overall size and weight of the prosthesis. The locking aspect of the system avoids supplying current to the SMA wires once the final finger deformation is reached, thus saves energy, and prevents the wires from staying at high temperature for a long time. The need to operate a cooling system during finger relaxation is also reduced. The CLL system was manufactured and tested to prove the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed design.
Human Acceptance As Part of the Soft Robot Design
Authors: van Adrichem Romeo C. , Jovanova Jovana 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
As machines and robots become a increasingly larger part of society, it is important that they are fully accepted. If the machines are not utilized as intended, it is not only a waste of time and energy, but also of valuable resources. This acceptance by humans of robots is based on how well the interaction with robots is trusted. Trust of robots can be based on three approaches: physical safety, operational understanding, and the social aspect of training. It is important to also consider these aspects when designing machines that will interact with humans, since acceptance by the people is key for the correct utilization of the machines. A possible approach to solve the issues around trust are soft robots. These machines are adaptable to a situation by either a physical flexibility or a digital anticipation due to sensing and control. This adaptiveness to humans in different ways makes Soft Robotics easier to accept then regular rigid machines. With their reduced or prevented effect if collided with humans they are safer. Because of the reduced operational complexity and digital simulations they are therefore easier to understand. Training becomes also easier as operator can experience the flexible nature of soft material themselves as well have augmented reality or virtual reality to assist them in training and operating. All these benefits of Soft Robotics will eventually lead to better acceptance of robots and should therefore be taken into account when designing robots to enable a flourishing automatized society.
A Novel Flexible Bio-Inspired Pneumatic Valve Adapter for Soft Robotic Vasculature
Authors: Saunders Benjamin O. , Swensen John P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel flexible pneumatic valve adapter that seeks inspiration from vascular systems found in nature. Evolved vascular systems, such as the human cardiovascular system, pump fluid through a complex system composed of a single reservoir/pump. These systems regulate flow by systematically closing and opening valves appropriately through soft biological material constriction. The proposed pneumatic valve emulates this with two concentric flexible tubes with a single hole on the inner tube and patterned holes on the outer tube. This allows it to decrease the quantity of tubes and valves required for pneumatically actuated soft robots, with the trade-off being increased motion of the valve spool (the inner tube). Previous versions of this adapter used rigid members which decreased the number of tubes tethering the robot to a pressure source, but also hindered the soft robotic nature and movement. This adapter utilizes flexible materials to minimize the valve’s effect on the robot’s range of motion. The tubes have holes that are patterned by custom design determined by the needs of the soft robot with which it is to be used. The inner tube can be moved rotationally or translationally within the outer tube to align with designated holes to pressurize and depressurize chambers in a soft robot with only a single lightweight valve.
Time Series Forecasting for Structures Subjected to Nonstationary Inputs
Authors: Chowdhury Puja , Conrad Philip , Bakos Jason D. , Downey Austin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a method for real-time forecasting of the dynamics of structures experiencing nonstationary inputs is described. This is presented as time series predictions across different timescales. The target applications include hypersonic vehicles, space launch systems, real-time prognostics, and monitoring of high-rate and energetic systems. This work presents numerical analysis and experimental results for the real-time implementation of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based approach for time series forecasting. For this preliminary study, a testbench structure that consists of a cantilever beam subjected to nonstationary inputs is used to generate experimental data. First, the data is de-trended, then the time series data is transferred into the frequency domain, and measures for frequency, amplitude, and phase are obtained. Thereafter, select frequency components are collected, transformed back to the time domain, recombined, and then the trend in the data is restored. Finally, the recombined signals are propagated into the future to the selected prediction horizon. This preliminary time series forecasting work is done offline using pre-recorded experimental data, and the FFT-based approach is implemented in a rolling window configuration. Here learning windows of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 s are considered with different computation times simulated. Results demonstrate that the proposed FFT-based approach can maintain a constant prediction horizon at 1 s with sufficient accuracy for the considered system. The performance of the system is quantified using a variety of metrics. Computational speed and prediction accuracy as a function of training time and learning window lengths are examined in this work. The algorithm configuration with the shortest learning window (0.1 s) is shown to converge faster following the nonstationary when compared to algorithm configuration with longer learning windows.
SUFU haploinsufficiency causes a recognisable neurodevelopmental phenotype at the mild end of the Joubert syndrome spectrum
Authors: Serpieri Valentina , D’Abrusco Fulvio , Dempsey Jennifer C , Cheng Yong-Han Hank , Arrigoni Filippo , Baker Janice , Battini Roberta , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Borgatti Renato , Christman Angela K , Curry Cynthia , D'Arrigo Stefano , Fluss Joel , Freilinger Michael , Gana Simone , Ishak Gisele E , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Loucks Hailey , Manti Filippo , Mendelsohn Nancy , Merlini Laura , Miller Caitlin V , Muhammad Ansar , Nuovo Sara , Romaniello Romina , Schmidt Wolfgang , Signorini Sabrina , Siliquini Sabrina , Szczałuba Krzysztof , Vasco Gessica , Wilson Meredith , Zanni Ginevra , Boltshauser Eugen , Doherty Dan , Valente Enza Maria 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundJoubert syndrome (JS) is a recessively inherited ciliopathy characterised by congenital ocular motor apraxia (COMA), developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability, ataxia, multiorgan involvement, and a unique cerebellar and brainstem malformation. Over 40 JS-associated genes are known with a diagnostic yield of 60%–75%.In 2018, we reported homozygous hypomorphic missense variants of the SUFU gene in two families with mild JS. Recently, heterozygous truncating SUFU variants were identified in families with dominantly inherited COMA, occasionally associated with mild DD and subtle cerebellar anomalies.MethodsWe reanalysed next generation sequencing (NGS) data in two cohorts comprising 1097 probands referred for genetic testing of JS genes.ResultsHeterozygous truncating and splice-site SUFU variants were detected in 22 patients from 17 families (1.5%) with strong male prevalence (86%), and in 8 asymptomatic parents. Patients presented with COMA, hypotonia, ataxia and mild DD, and only a third manifested intellectual disability of variable severity. Brain MRI showed consistent findings characterised by vermis hypoplasia, superior cerebellar dysplasia and subtle-to-mild abnormalities of the superior cerebellar peduncles. The same pattern was observed in two out of three tested asymptomatic parents.ConclusionHeterozygous truncating or splice-site SUFU variants cause a novel neurodevelopmental syndrome encompassing COMA and mild JS, which likely represent overlapping entities. Variants can arise de novo or be inherited from a healthy parent, representing the first cause of JS with dominant inheritance and reduced penetrance. Awareness of this condition will increase the diagnostic yield of JS genetic testing, and allow appropriate counselling about prognosis, medical monitoring and recurrence risk.
Skin Disinfection in the Hyperbaric Environment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Goad R. F. , Page B. , Nichols G. , Lightfoot N. F. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTAn opportunity was taken to carry out a pilot study on human skin disinfection during a recent long term saturation dive at extremely high pressure. Despite a number of difficulties, results were sufficiently encouraging to suggest that, given ideal conditions, sterilisation of the skin in preparation for surgical/anaesthetic procedures in a hyperbaric environment is possible.
An interim report on highly selective vagotomy in the Royal Navy: early return to duty
Authors: Dewar E. P. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryHighly selective vagotomy (HSV) is the newest of the surgical treatments for peptic ulcer disease. The effectiveness of HSV in comparison with the more traditional operations and the research carried out to demonstrate this are discussed.The four year period during which HSV became the elective surgical treatment for duodenal ulcer at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, has been analysed and reveals that HSV results in a considerable reduction in the time before a Serviceman is fit to return to full duty in medical category P2.
Results of recent research on life-jackets
Authors: Herrmann R. , Störmer A. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryInternational regulations governing the specifications for life-jackets deal in general with materials, buoyancy, flotation and minimum mouth to water distances. Within these general guidelines, manufacturers are free to adopt design styles of their choice.This paper reports the results of an evaluation of a variety of life-jackets when used in conjunction with a specialized anthropometric dummy in a wave height of 80 cms. The results show that the mouths of the wearers of many of these life-jackets—which satisfy the accepted design criteria—will be flooded periodically, leading to drowning.
Excessive Lateral Pressure as a Cause of Patello-Femoral Pain syndrome
Authors: Osborne A. H. , Farquharson-Roberts M. A. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to show that a significant number of patients presenting with patello-femoral pain have excessive lateral pressure (ELP) which can be diagnosed using clinical, radiographic and arthroscopic examinations.The aetiology of ELP as a cause of patello-femoral pain is discussed. A series of 93 patients are presented, many of whom showed some of the four suggested signs of ELP. The investigations and findings are shown in relation to the varying aetiologies of patello-femoral pain.
Pes anserinus transfer for antero-medial instability of the knee
Authors: Walker A. , Osborne A. H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThirty patients are assessed who underwent pes anserinus transfer for antero-medial instability of the knee. Twenty one of these returned to a normal seagoing category after a mean period of 5 months 1 week. The value of pes anserinus transfer in the treatment of antero-medial instability is discussed.
Anthropometry in the Royal Navy
Authors: Reeves Maureen L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe increase in technology has resulted in greater demands being placed on machine operators. In order to promote greater efficiency and economy it is important to ensure the user and the equipment are well matched. Staff at the Institute of Naval Medicine are beginning a major anthropometric survey of Royal Navy personnel. This article introduces the reader to some relevant concepts of anthropometry and to the methods to be adopted during the survey.
An anaesthetic technique employing the Accutronic VS-150 High Frequency Jet Ventilator
Authors: Squires S. J. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryAn anaesthetic technique is described for microlaryngeal surgery which employs high frequency jet ventilation via a narrow-bore nasotracheal catheter. In a series of 18 patients the method was assessed for ease of administration, maintenance of arterial bloodgases and adequacy of the surgical field.The technique was found to be simple to administer, providing good conditions for operative microscopy. Arterial blood-gas analysis showed excellent oxygenation and significant improvement in hypercapnia resulting from deep inhalational induction (p<0.05), but pre-induction carbon dioxide levels were not achieved.Intraoperative monitoring revealed no serious cardiovascular problems and postoperative recovery was without serious complications, however, it is recommended that the technique is unsuitable for patients in whom mild hypercapnia for up to 20 minutes is undesirable.
Bronchogenic and enteric cysts presenting as asymptomatic mediastinal masses at routine chest radiography
Authors: Hogg J. I. C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRoutine radiographic chest screening—as employed upon entry and release from the Royal Navy—is intended to identify pathology which may be clinically covert. Occasionally, asymptomatic lesions of wholly benign appearance are identified. In these circumstances, clinicians may feel obliged to undertake a series of increasingly complex investigations, even exploratory surgery, in order to confirm the diagnosis. This course of events may also follow chest radiographs taken for unrelated reasons—eg exclusion of skeletal injury following trauma.Mediastinal cysts (eg Bronchogenic and Enteric) may present as asymptomatic mediastinal masses with benign features. Two such cases are reported in which a prominent mediastinal mass was revealed at routine or post trauma chest radiography and a brief review of bronchogenic and enteric cysts is presented.
Vagotomy confined to the acid-secreting mucosa of the stomach
Authors: Dewar E. P. , Williams N. S. , Dixon M. F. , Johnston D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChemoneurolysis, using varying concentrations of ethyl alcohol, was performed in dogs with a total gastric fistula in an attempt to denervate selectively only the acid-secreting mucosa, leaving the muscle innervated. Tests of gastric secretion and histological examination of gastric wall biopsies were performed both before and after chemoneurolysis. Chemoneurolysis resulted in a significant reduction in the number of parasympathetic fibres in the submucosa (p<0.01) and a decrease in insulin and pentagastrin stimulated acid secretion. The appearances of the myenteric plexus and gastric musculature were unchanged. The destruction of the submucosal neural tissue was, however, insufficient to produce a therapeutically significant decrease in gastric acid output.
Do We Survive with Survival Suits?
Authors: Herrmann R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe availability of immersion suits on board merchant ships is recommended in 1983 Amendments to the international convention for the safety of life at sea, 1974 (IMO). Suits approved by the Federal German Republic were tested in a wave tank using an immersible dummy. Extra buoyancy in the head region was required to correct the horizontal floating position. Buoyancy from a life-jacket was preferred to other sources. At 1 m wave height, flooding time of the face varied from 0.3% for one suit to 100% for another. Suits lined with non-absorbent material gave the best results.
A Nutritional Analysis of Food provided to Royal Naval Personnel at Sea
Authors: Alexander D. C. C. , Doyle Wendy 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the nutritional content of the foods provided to, and the confectionery purchased by, personnel serving at sea in British warships. Data were collected from the stores accounts of six ships over a period of 32,354 man victualling days. Analysis was carried out at the Nuffield Laboratories of Comparative Medicine. The food from the ships galleys provided mean daily intakes of 3,750 Kcals, of which 42% were derived from fats (17% from saturated fats) and 9% from added sugars. In taking account of confectionery purchased from NAAFI sources the total energy intake was raised to 4,200 Kcals of which 40% were derived from fats (15% saturated fats) and 12% from added sugars. The results do not compare favourably with the recommendations of the reports of expert committees.
An Audiological Survey of Aircrew
Authors: Jones D. G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA cross sectional survey of Royal Naval aircrew was performed to measure the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and assess its relationship to flying experience. The quality of routine audiometry undertaken at annual aircrew medical examinations was assessed and the requirement for further hearing conservation measures amongst Fleet Air Arm personnel considered.Analysis of the results indicated that 3.8% of aircrew had possible noise induced hearing loss, in 1.6% this was probably due to flying and none of these cases had less than 2,000 hours flying experience.Further surveys should concentrate on experienced aviators and on aircraft maintainers and handlers.As noise-induced hearing loss does not appear to be affecting aircrew with less than 10 years flying experience there is a potential saving in time and expense by ceasing to do routine audiometry on this group.
Igneous and sedimentary ‘limestones’: the puzzling challenge of a converging classification
Authors: Stoppa Francesco , Cirilli Simonetta , Sorci Andrea , Broom-Fendley Sam , Principe Claudia , Perna Maria Grazia , Rosatelli Gianluigi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The vast majority of extrusive carbonatites are calcitic rocks which may be confused with sedimentary limestones, thus requiring a disambiguation criterion. Extrusive carbonatites are classified based on quantitative criteria that tend to avoid genetic mechanisms. Carbonatite nomenclature is in progress but regulated by the International Union of Geological Sciences norm for igneous rocks. Carbonate sedimentary rock nomenclature is mainly regulated by the Dunham, Embry and Klovan, and Sibley and Gregg classification systems. These limit the description of rock types from various depositional mechanisms and makes comparison with sedimentary rocks difficult. Igneous and sedimentary carbonate rocks display no apparent differences in the field and at meso–micro-scale. They may be layered, massive crystalline or show discrete clasts in a matrix, which make both rock types resemble one another. The study analyses the situations in which classification inconsistencies are most common. Adopting these guidelines may increase confidence, reliability and value in the petrographic classification of igneous and sedimentary lithologies. This study poses a challenging target. Can igneous carbonate rocks be classified using the same approach that is used for sedimentary carbonate rocks and vice versa? So far, the scheme chosen has been arbitrary or limited to the aim of the study being undertaken. The authors start an unexperienced dialogue for the first time between volcanologists and sedimentologists by examining a range of sedimentary and volcaniclastic rock textures which may resemble each other.
Values of Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm-Based Low-Dose Computed Tomography Imaging in Clinical Diagnosis of Cerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Yifei , Chen Ying , Fang Jincai , Song Yunnong , Shen Jianguo , Wang Jianchao 
Published: October 2021

In this study, the sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) technology combined with low-dose computed tomography (CT) scanning technology was applied to scan patients with cerebral hemorrhage to evaluate the application value of this combined technology in the diagnosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage. 132 patients with cerebral hemorrhage admitted to the hospital were selected randomly as the research objects in this study. According to the patients’ wishes, all of them were rolled into an experimental group and a control group. Besides, patients who were willing to use low-dose CT imaging scanning technology based on the SAFIRE algorithm were classified into the experimental group, and those who received simple low-dose CT scans were classified into the control group. Subjective score, objective score (mean CT value), image noise (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-noise ratio (CNR) were used to analyze and compare the two groups of detection methods. The results showed the following: (1) The average result of CT images was 4.05 ± 0.28 points for the control group and 4.43 ± 0.59 points for the experimental group. According to the classification, the excellent and good rates of the experimental group (89.9%) were markedly higher than the rates of the control group (65.8%), with a statistically obvious difference (

P

< 0.05). (2) The standard deviation (SD), image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-noise ratio (CNR) results of gray matter, white matter, and cerebral hemorrhage lesions of patients from the experimental group were better than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P

< 0.05). In conclusion, the image quality of a low-dose CT scan reconstructed by the SAFIRE algorithm was superior to that of a simple low-dose CT scan. In other words, the image quality of CT images could be guaranteed by the SAFIRE technology under the condition of reducing radiation dose. It enabled patients with cerebral hemorrhage to carry out diagnostic examinations with guaranteed accuracy under the risk of low radiation and provided better imaging services for patients with cerebral hemorrhage.