bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gyroscope-Free Link Parameter Measurement Using Accelerometers and Magnetometer
Authors: Vikas Vishesh , Crane Carl D. 
Published: January 2015

Knowledge of joint angles, angular velocities is essential for control of link mechanisms and robots. The estimation of joint angles and angular velocity is performed using combination of inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) which are contactless and flexible at point of application. Different estimation techniques are used to fuse data from different inertial sensors. Bio-inspired sensors using symmetrically placed multiple inertial sensors are capable of instantaneously measuring joint parameters (joint angle, angular velocities and angular acceleration) without use of any estimation techniques. Calibration of inertial sensors is easier and more reliable for accelerometers as compared to gyroscopes.
The research presents gyroscope-less, multiple accelerometer and magnetometer based sensors capable of measuring (not estimating) joint parameters. The contribution of the improved sensor are four-fold. Firstly, the inertial sensors are devoid of symmetry constraint unlike the previously researched bio-inspired sensors. However, the accelerometer are non-coplanarly placed. Secondly, the accelerometer-magnetometer combination sensor allows for calculation of a unique rotation matrix between two link joined by any kind of joint. Thirdly, the sensors are easier to calibrate as they consist only of accelerometers. Finally, the sensors allow for calculation of angular velocity and angular acceleration without use of gyroscopes.
Mechanical Design and Control of a 2 Degree of Freedom Robotic Hand Rehabilitation Device
Authors: Murphy Patrick , Kong Qing Chao , Mavroidis Constantinos 
Published: January 2015

Robotic neurorehabilitation is a rapidly growing field in both research and industry. Robotics offer the ability to create less labor-intensive rehabilitation for therapists, while providing an interactive experience for patients. Furthermore, the ability to implement assistive robotic therapy in the home setting has the potential to increase the frequency of patient rehabilitation sessions while decreasing the overall cost of therapy. Therefore, the design, control, and initial testing of an actuated 2 degree of freedom hand rehabilitation device is presented.
A 2 degree of freedom hand rehabilitation device, named the Navigator, is mechanically capable of assistive or resistive mode exercise for flexion and extension of the fingers, as well as pronation and supination of the wrist. A series elastic actuator incorporating a rack and pinion provides actuation to flexion and extension of the fingers. A belt drive is used to provide actuation to pronation and supination of the wrist. Position and load sensors are integrated into both actuators to provide feedback for the control system.
The implementation of an impedance control system utilizing position, force, and torque feedback is also presented. Automated control results as well as preliminary pilot data of resistive mode exercises are presented. The impedance controller interacts with a virtual environment. Preliminary results of the controller confirm the efficacy of the device’s mechanical design.
In-Vivo Obstetric Pressure Measurements for Patient-Specific Epidural Simulator
Authors: Vaughan Neil , Dubey Venketesh N. , Wee Michael Y. K. , Isaacs Richard 
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to measure changing pressures during Tuohy epidural needle insertions for obstetric parturients of various BMI. This has identified correlations between BMI and epidural pressure. Also we investigated links between BMI and the thicknesses and depths of ligaments and epidural space as measured from MRI and ultrasound scans. To date there have been no studies relating epidural pressure and ligament thickness changes with varying Body Mass Indices (BMI).
Further goals following measurement of pressure differences between various BMI patients, were to allow a patient-specific epidural simulator to be developed, which has not been achieved before. The trial has also assessed the suitability of our in-house developed wireless pressure measurement device for use in-vivo. Previously we conducted needle insertion trial with porcine for validation of the measurement system.
Results showed that for each group average pressures during insertion decrease as BMI increases. Pressure measurements obtained from the patients were matched to tissue thickness measurements from MRI and ultrasound scans. The mean Loss of Resistance (LOR) pressure in each group reduces as BMI increases. Variation in the shape of the pressure graphs was noticed between two epiduralists performing the procedure, suggesting each anaesthetist may have a signature graph shape. This is a new finding which offers potential use in epidural training and assessment. It can be seen that insertions performed by the first epiduralist have a higher pressure range than insertions performed by second epiduralist.
Regulating Bearing Reactions in Spring-Aided Static Balancing of Linkages Under Constant Loads
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Jorapur Nikhil S. , Ananthasuresh G. K. 
Published: January 2015

Minimizing the bearing reactions in statically balanced linkages reduces the loads experienced by the frame; and making the bearing reactions constant in all configurations makes the linkages run smoothly. Current techniques for static balancing of a linkage using only springs and no auxiliary bodies have free parameters to be chosen by the designer. We describe methods that utilize these free parameters to impose additional conditions that make the magnitude of all bearing reactions constant in all configurations. We also show additional conditions that also minimize the constant bearing reactions. The conditions required for constant bearing reactions for a statically balanced planar 1R crank and a statically balanced planar 2R linkage are derived in this paper. These results are then generalized for any planar linkage with revolute joints.
The main contribution of this paper is in overcoming inherent disadvantages of static balancing using only springs. One disadvantage is concerned with large bearing reactions that vary with the configuration of the linkage. The second disadvantage is large pre-load in the balancing springs. The former is addressed in this paper and the latter was addressed in a prior work. In this paper, we show that simultaneous minimization of constant bearing reactions and pre-loads is not always possible. Hence, we discuss a tradeoff between the two as a practical way to regulate bearing reactions and spring loads. Practical examples of linkages are used to illustrate the application of the proposed methods.
Farm Characteristics, Allergy Symptoms, and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoid Neoplasms in the Agricultural Health Study
Authors: Hofmann Jonathan N. , Hoppin Jane A. , Lynch Charles F. , Poole Jill A. , Purdue Mark P. , Blair Aaron , Alavanja Michael C. , Beane Freeman Laura E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground: Because of unique exposures, studies among farmers may yield insights into the relationship between allergies and non-Hodgkin lymphoid (NHL) neoplasms. We evaluated farm characteristics, allergic symptoms and conditions, and risk of NHL including specific subtypes in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort of farmers and spouses from North Carolina and Iowa.Methods: We identified 710 incident cases of NHL (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma) among 82,370 participants with baseline data on crop and animal exposures, including 454 cases among 52,850 participants with baseline data on recent allergy symptoms (rhinitis) and living on a farm during childhood. HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable-adjusted proportional hazards models.Results: We observed reduced risks of NHL among farmers and spouses with rhinitis at baseline (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51–0.79), related to growing soybeans (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67–0.96), and among farmers who handled stored grains or hay (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52–0.82). Growing up on a farm was associated with increased NHL risk (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.15–1.98). Results did not differ significantly by NHL subtype.Conclusions: Both the reduced risk of NHL among those with allergy symptoms and specific farm exposures in adulthood, and the increased risk among those who grew up on a farm suggest that the host immune response to agricultural allergens may influence NHL development.Impact: This prospective study is, to our knowledge, the first to investigate the relationship between allergy symptoms and NHL risk in farmers; confirmation of these findings in other farming populations is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(3); 587–94. ©2015 AACR.
Protease inhibition by Heterodera glycines cyst content: evidence for effects on the Meloidogyne incognita proteasome
Authors: Masler Edward P. 
Published: January 2015

Proteases from Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita juveniles were inhibited by heat-stable content from H. glycines cysts (hHglCE), and by a polyphenol (EGCG) similar to a compound previously identified in Globodera cysts. General protease activities detected using the nematode peptide KSAYMRFa were inhibited by EGCG (IC50 1.19 mM, H. glycines; 0.34 mM, M. incognita) but not by hHglCE. However, hHglCE and EGCG each inhibited proteasome-associated chymotrypsin-like (CT-L) activity. EGCG IC50 values were 0.47 mM (H. glycines) and 0.15 mM (M. incognita). hHglCE IC50 values were 0.16 and 0.005 mM hHglCEeq μl−1 for H. glycines and M. incognita, respectively. Across all substrate-inhibitor combinations, M. incognita proteases were inhibited more robustly than those from H. glycines, particularly by hHglCE. In addition to CT-L protease, post-glutamate peptide hydrolysing (PGPH) and trypsin-like (T-L) proteasome proteases were detected in M. incognita, and each of these was also strongly inhibited by hHglCE. hHglCE inhibited CT-L, PGPH and T-L proteases within catalytic subunits from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and human proteasomes. Proteasome inhibitors MG-132 and aclacinomycin A each inhibited M. incognita CT-L and PGPH activities by more than 80% at 20-100 μM, and hHglCE inhibited the same proteases by 70-80% at 0.04 hHglCEeq μl−1. hHglCE completely inhibited M. incognita T-L activity, but CT-L activity in native content from H. glycines cysts was not inhibited. Evidence that H. glycines cysts contain inhibitors of all proteases associated with the proteasome establishes the cyst as an important new target to explore for potential nematode control compounds. In addition, characterisation of protease activities from a core cellular metabolic component using M. incognita is novel for plant-parasitic nematodes.
Connexin‐Related (DFNB1) Hearing Loss
Authors: Dahl John P. , Stadler Michael E. , Huang Benjamin Y. , Miao Di , Patel Mihir R. , Adunka Oliver F. , Buchman Craig A. , Fine Jason P. , Zdanski Carlton J. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesDetermine if routine computed tomography (CT) imaging is necessary in the workup for children with connexin‐related (DFNB1) sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).Study DesignCase‐control retrospective chart and imaging review.SettingTertiary care otolaryngology practice.Subjects and MethodsHigh‐resolution temporal bone CT scans of children (n = 21) with DFNB1 SNHL were compared to age‐matched controls with either conductive hearing loss (CHL, n = 33) or a nonsyndromic, non‐DFNB1 SNHL (n = 33). Sixteen measurements of cochleo‐vestibular structures were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using a repeated analysis of variance model that controlled for both age and gender. Area under the curve (AUC) and multidimensional AUC (MAUC) analyses were also performed.ResultsOverall, no statistically significant differences were found between the 3 experimental groups. In addition, comparisons between the DFNB1 and CHL groups, DFNB1 and non‐DFNB1 SNHL groups, and CHL and non‐DFNB1 SNHL groups failed to demonstrate any statistically significant differences. AUC and MAUC analyses also failed to detect any significant differences between the 3 groups.ConclusionsPatients with DFNB1 SNHL do not have significant anatomic differences on temporal bone CT scans when compared to non‐DFNB1 SNHL and CHL control groups. Based on the above analysis, it is reasonable to avoid routine CT imaging of the temporal bones in children with known DFNB1 SNHL unless otherwise clinically indicated.
Impact of Carbon Monoxide/Heme Oxygenase on Hydrogen Sulfide/Cystathionine‐γ‐lyase Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Allergic Rhinitis in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Yu Shaoqing , Yan Zhiqiang , Che Na , Zhang Xiaolin , Ge Rongming 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThe discovery of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as pathogenic signaling molecules in airway‐related diseases has led to significant insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the development of allergic rhinitis (AR). The potential crosstalk between CO and H2S signaling pathways in AR has not been adequately investigated. This study was performed to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between CO and H2S in AR.Study DesignExperimental prospective animal study.SettingAnimal laboratory of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.Subjects and MethodsA well‐established model of AR was used whereby guinea pigs (N = 24) were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (n = 6 for each group): The first group received ovalbumin only; the second group was administered exogenous hemin, a CO‐binding metalloporphyrin; the third group received zinc protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of heme oxygenase‐1. A control group was challenged using only saline. Symptoms of AR were recorded, and quantitation of plasma CO and H2S levels was performed. Expression of heme oxygenase‐1 and H2S‐generating enzyme cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) were measured from nasal mucosa.ResultsPlasma CO and heme oxygenase‐1 expression levels of nasal mucosa were significantly increased in the AR group compared to controls, whereas H2S concentrations were significantly decreased. Exogenous administration of CO exacerbated allergic symptoms, resulting in higher levels of both CO and heme oxygenase‐1 expression, and a further reduction in H2S levels and CSE expression. Zinc protoporphyrin decreased CO concentrations and increased levels of both H2S and CSE expression.ConclusionsResults indicated an inverse relationship between H2S levels and CO in the pathogenesis of AR.
Improving communication with primary care to ensure patient safety post-hospital discharge
Authors: Shivji Faiz S , Ramoutar Darryl N , Bailey Chris , Hunter James B 
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Successful communication between hospitals and primary care is of paramount importance to enable continuity of care and maintain patient safety post-discharge. Discharge summaries are the simplest way for GPs to obtain information about a patient's hospital stay. A quality improvement study was conducted with the aim of increasing the content of discharge summaries for inpatients in the authors' department. Methods: A prospective review of 60 electronic discharge summaries was conducted over a 6-week period. The content of discharge summaries was reviewed in accordance with local trust guidelines. Targeted, intensive, cost and time-effective educational interventions were then conducted. A post-intervention review of 60 discharge summaries was performed. A further review of 60 discharge summaries was performed after 12 months. Results: Initial results pre-intervention confirmed suboptimal content of discharge summaries. Post-intervention results showed each component of discharge summaries improved in terms of content, with six of eight components having a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase. This was maintained after 12 months. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated how simple, intensive educational sessions can lead to an improvement in discharge summaries and communication with primary care.
Reservoir Model for the Alameda Central Waterflood
Authors: Randall T.E. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The methods used in developing the mathematical model have been referred to in the literature as being " probabilistic" rather than of the " deterministic" or " black box" types. The basic approach used in developing the model to characterize the Alameda Central Unit Waterflood assumes continuity of the reservoir mechanics with time. The past performance was analyzed to describe the reservoir, and future performance was assumed to follow the established patterns. To develop a mathematical picture of the Alameda Central Unit reservoir, a two-dimensional single-phase steady state model was used in conjunction with material balance calculations, real-time conversion methods and oil-water interface advance calculations.
The model was developed to optimize water injection allocation, determine the configuration of the frontal advance and evaluate the success of the waterflood. The model also provides a basis for continuing review and revision of the basic concepts of reservoir operation.
The results of the reservoir study have confirmed the apparent lack of permeability orientation in the pool and indicate that the waterflood is progressing better than originally anticipated. Based on the results, recommendation was made to the working interest owners that the assumed water saturation value be reduced to 35 per cent and the recovery factor be increased to 35 per cent with a corresponding increase in accepted ultimate recoverable oil from the Unit area.
Unsteady-State Pressure Distribution in a Finite Reservoir with Partial Well-Bore Opening
Authors: Seth M.S. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
A generalized analytical expression is presented which can be used to calculate the unsteady-state pressure distribution in a reservoir of radial geometry. The mathematical model accommodates one or more partial wellbore openings, each of which can be arbitrarily located. Both infinite and finite reservoir systems can be studied with this model. It was found that, for a reservoir boundary sufficiently removed from the well bore, the influence of the boundary on the pressure transient is invariant with the size of the well-bore openings. Vertical pressure gradients are generally significant only in the vicinity of the well bore, and these gradually grow with time. Finally, the magnitude of the pressure drop near the well bore decreases as the size of the opening is increased and/or the opening is moved toward the center of the well bore.
A rare new species of Metrioppia (Acari: Oribatida: Peloppiidae) from a Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest
Authors: Lindo Zoë 
Published: January 2015

AbstractI present the systematics and distribution of a new species of oribatid mite in the genus Metrioppia Grandjean, 1931 (Oribatida: Peloppiidae) from western North America. Metrioppia walbranensisnew species is diagnosed on the basis of adult morphology using the following character states: shape and dentition of the rostrum, length of lamellae, shape of lamellar cusps, length of the interlamellar setae, and number of posterior notogastral setae. The known distribution of M. walbranensis is provided based on sampling and museum collections. Metrioppia walbranensis has been collected only from a small number of locations on south-west Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, while its congener M. oregonensis Woolley and Higgins, 1969 has been collected widely within the Pacific Northwest, including sites on Vancouver Island. However, the two species do not appear to co-occur. Nucleotide sequence of the COI gene firmly places Metrioppia within the family Peloppiidae.
Tim-1 Is Essential for Induction and Maintenance of IL-10 in Regulatory B Cells and Their Regulation of Tissue Inflammation
Authors: Xiao Sheng , Brooks Craig R. , Sobel Raymond A. , Kuchroo Vijay K. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractT cell Ig and mucin domain (Tim)-1 identifies IL-10–producing regulatory B cells (Bregs). Mice on the C57BL/6 background harboring a loss-of-function Tim-1 mutant showed progressive loss of IL-10 production in B cells and with age developed severe multiorgan tissue inflammation. We demonstrate that Tim-1 expression and signaling in Bregs are required for optimal production of IL-10. B cells with Tim-1 defects have impaired IL-10 production but increased proinflammatory cytokine production, including IL-1 and IL-6. Tim-1–deficient B cells promote Th1 and Th17 responses but inhibit the generation of regulatory T cells (Foxp3+ and IL-10–producing type 1 regulatory T cells) and enhance the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mechanistically, Tim-1 on Bregs is required for apoptotic cell (AC) binding to Bregs and for AC-induced IL-10 production in Bregs. Treatment with ACs reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in hosts with wild-type but not Tim-1–deficient Bregs. Collectively, these findings suggest that in addition to serving as a marker for identifying IL-10–producing Bregs, Tim-1 is also critical for maintaining self-tolerance by regulating IL-10 production in Bregs.
Population perception of surgical approach in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Inoue Shogo , Kajiwara Mitsuru , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio 
Published: January 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to better understand the impact that public opinion might have on surgical approaches in urologic minimally invasive surgery (MIS).Methods: We collected surveys from 400 participants, including the general population (n = 220) and paramedical staff (n = 180). Participants were anonymous. The survey included 16 questions on the characteristics and preference for the surgical approach if a urologic MIS were performed on them.Results: The responders preferred the transumbilical approach (57.0%) to the subcostal approach (43.0%). In particular, the preference for a transumbilical approach was significantly higher in females (65.1% vs. 49.3%, p = 0.0014). Similarly, when participants were divided into two groups (<50 years and >50 years), the preference for the transumbilical approach was significantly higher in the younger group (60.8% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.0187). Logistic regression analysis revealed that preference for this approach was about 2 times more likely to rise in the females (p = 0.032).Conclusions: Preference for the transumbilical approach was significantly higher young female respondents. This patient subset most values the cosmetic benefits of transumbilical approach in urologic MIS.