bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of functional haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from cryopreserved human umbilical cord blood
Authors: Eom J.‐E. , Kim D. S. , Lee M. W. , Yu D.‐K. , Jin K. S. , Shin S. , Lee S. H. , Sung K. W. , Koo H. H. , Yoo K. H. 
Published: February 2014

Background and ObjectivesTransplantation of cryopreserved umbilical cord blood (UCB) can be used to treat a multitude of haematologic and immunological diseases. In this study, we examined the quality of UCB cryopreserved for 2 (group I), 4 (group II) and 6 (group III) years.MethodsThe following parameters and procedures were used to test individual units of cryopreserved UCB: the number of total nucleated cells (TNC), cell viability, CFU‐GM assay, T‐cell activation in vitro and haematopoietic stem cell engraftment in NOD/SCID mice in vivo.ResultsThe TNC recovery rates for groups I, II and III were 106·2 ± 6·17%, 96·69 ± 6·39% and 100·38 ± 5·27%, respectively, and the mean percentages of viable cells after thawing were 86·88%, 86·38% and 87·43%. When TNC were plated at 5 × 103, the number of CFU‐GM was 13·6 (group I), 13·8 (group II), 14·2 (group III) and 14·7 (fresh UCB). We confirmed that the huCD4+ and huCD8+ T cells within cryopreserved UCB are functionally responsive by assessment of activated huCD25+ cells. Moreover, the percentage of huCD45+ cells in the bone marrow was 4·32 ± 1·29% (group I), 4·48 ± 1·11% (group II), 4·40% ± 1·12% (group III) and 4·50% ± 0·66% (fresh UCB), and that in the peripheral blood was 14·69 ± 3·08% (group I), 15·24 ± 4·05% (group II), 15·74 ± 3·43% (group III) and 17·48 ± 3·74% (fresh UCB) in NOD/SCID mice infused with isolated huCD34+ cells.ConclusionThese results indicated that cryopreserved UCB units efficiently retrieve in functionally competent form and are suitable for transplantation.
Implementation and public acceptability: lessons from food irradiation and how they might apply to pathogen reduction in blood products
Authors: Heddle N. M. , Lane S. J. , Sholapur N. , Arnold E. , Newbold B. , Eyles J. , Webert K. E. 
Published: February 2014

Background and ObjectivesThe issues around food irradiation (FI) have both similarities and differences to pathogen reduction (PR) in blood products. We performed a systematic search of the FI literature to identify lessons that could help to inform the implementation of pathogen reduction technology for blood products.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in EMBASE. MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO, CINAL and Physiological Abstracts for articles related to FI that met predefined eligibility criteria. A coding scheme was developed by the investigators, and relevant information from the articles was coded using NVivo 9. Reports for each code were generated and summarized.ResultsOne thousand two hundred and sixty‐six articles were identified by the broad search, and 50 met the study eligibility criteria for inclusion. The implementation of FI was slow and has been met by significant controversy, sparked by concerns from the public and social groups about the acceptability of irradiated food. Numerous factors influenced public acceptability including: demographic factors; perceptions of safety and risk; endorsement of and trust in the FI industry and social institutions that serve as opinion leaders; knowledge and the provision of scientific information including benefits and cost; and the availability of choice.ConclusionThere are a number of lessons from the FI literature that may be generalizable to the implementation of PR of blood products. Based on findings from this study, six recommendations are made to facilitate public implementation of this new technology.
Rigid Front Underride Protection Device (FUPD): Compatibility and Development via Optimization
Authors: MacDonald Todd , El-Gindy Moustafa , Ghantae Srikanth , Ramachandra Sarathy , Critchley David 
Published: February 2014

Front underride involving tractor-trailers and small passenger vehicles remains a concern to those wishing to improve highway safety. Although a number of Front Underride Protection Device (FUPD) designs have been studied for effectiveness with respect to performance under crash scenarios, the development process of such devices has been seemingly restricted to a disconnected method. This is to say; in order to truly optimize an FUPD, all influencing factors should be studied together as a unit, while conducting intelligent parameter variation to improve performance. NCAC’s 2010 Toyota Yaris Finite Element model is subjected to multiple rigid bar crash testing in order to investigate compatibility with changing ground clearance and contact bar cross sectional height.
Three FUPDs are then modeled using topology and multi-objective parametric optimization including shape variation in conformity with ECE R93 static load standards. These guards are then subjected to dynamic testing versus the Yaris model.
Disappearance of Resonance Tongues
Authors: Ruelas Rocio E. , Rand Richard H. 
Published: February 2014

We investigate a phenomenon observed in systems of the form dx/dt=a1tx+a2tydy/dt=a3tx+a4ty
where ait=Pi+εQicos2t
where Pi, Qi and ε are given constants, and where it is assumed that when ε = 0 this system exhibits a pair of linearly independent solutions of period 2π. Since the driver cos2t has period π, we have the ingredients for a 2:1 subharmonic resonance which typically results in a tongue of instability involving unbounded solutions when ε >0. We present conditions on the coefficients Pi, Qi such that the expected instability does not occur, i.e., the tongue of instability has disappeared.
The Application of Parametric Excitation in MEMS Gyroscopes
Authors: Gallacher Barry J. , Hu Zhongxu , Harish Kiran Mysore , Bowles Stephen , Grigg Harry 
Published: February 2014

Parametric excitation, via electrostatic stiffness modulation, can be exploited in resonant MEMS gyroscopes. In the case of the Rate gyroscope, which is by far the most common type of MEMS gyro, parametric excitation may be used to amplify either the primary mode of the gyro or the response to the angular rate. Both approaches will be discussed. In the more complex mode of operation, known as “Rate Integrating” the output of the gyro is angle directly as opposed to angular velocity in the case of Rate gyro. In this rate integrating mode of operation parametric excitation does offer an effective energy control used to initiate, sustain the vibration and minimise damping perturbations.
Parametric amplification of the primary mode of the rate gyroscope is presented and supported with experimental results. In this implementation parametric excitation is combined with external harmonic forcing of the primary mode in order to reduce electrical feedthrough of the driving signal to the sense electrodes. A practical parametric excitation scheme implemented using Digital Signal Processing has been developed to enable either amplification of the primary mode of the gyroscope or amplification of the response to the applied angular velocity. Parametric amplification of the primary mode of the gyroscope is achieved by frequency tracking and regulation of the amplitudes of the harmonic forcing and parametric excitation to maintain a desired parametric gain by closed loop PID control. Stable parametric amplification of the primary mode by a factor of 20 is demonstrated experimentally. This has important benefits regarding the minimisation of electrical feedthrough of the drive signal to the sense electrodes of the secondary mode. By taking advantage of the phase dependence of parametric amplification and the orthogonality of the Coriolis force and quadrature forcing, the response to the applied angular velocity may be parametrically amplified by applying excitation of a particular phase directly to the sensing mode. The major advantage of parametric amplification applied to MEMs gyroscopes is that it can mechanically amplify the Coriolis response before being picked off electrically. This is particularly advantageous for sensors where electronic noise is the major noise contributor. In this case parametric amplification can significantly improve the signal to noise ratio of the secondary mode by an amount approximately equal to the parametric amplification. Preliminary rate table tests performed in open loop demonstrate a magnification of the signal to noise ratio of the secondary mode by a factor of 9.5.
Alternate Models of Replicator Dynamics
Authors: Wesson Elizabeth N. , Rand Richard H. 
Published: February 2014

Models of evolutionary dynamics are often approached via the replicator equation, which in its standard form is given by x.i=xifix-ϕ,i = 1,…, n, where xi is the frequency, or relative abundance, of strategy i, fi is its fitness, and ϕ=∑i=1nxifi is the average fitness. A game-theoretic aspect is introduced to the model via the payoff matrix A, where Ai,j is the expected payoff of i vs. j, by taking fi(x) = (A·x)i. This model is based on the exponential model of population growth, ẋi = xifi, with ϕ introduced in order both to hold the total population constant and to model competition between strategies. We analyze the dynamics of analogous models for the replicator equation of the form x.i=gxifi-ϕ,
for selected growth functions g.
Link-Based Performance Optimization of Spatial Mechanisms
Authors: Yihun Yimesker , Bosworth Ken , Perez-Gracia Alba 
Published: February 2014

In the design of spatial linkages, the finite-position kinematics is fully specified by the position of the joints in space. However, most of the tasks have additional requirements regarding motion smoothness, obstacle avoidance, force transmission or physical dimensions. Many of these additional performance requirements are independent of the finite-position kinematic task and can be solved using link optimization for an already defined set of joints.
In this paper we develop a methodology to optimize spatial mechanisms after a first kinematic synthesis stage, by considering the links as anchored to sliding points of a given set of joint axes, which have to meet constraints including link dimension, restricted region of operation and force transmission. The optimization is performed using a hybrid algorithm, including a genetic algorithm (GA) and a gradient-based minimization solver.
The methodology has been applied to a spatial CRR-RRR, one-degree-of-freedom closed linkage. The additional requirements in this example are used to control the position and size of the mechanism, and for reducing friction loads at the joints.
The combination of the kinematic synthesis together with the link optimization developed in this paper allows interactive monitoring and control of the objectives and constraints, to yield practical solutions for realistic spatial mechanism design problems.
Optimal Motion Generation for Exiting a Parallel Manipulator From a Type 2 Singularity
Authors: Pagis Georges , Briot Sébastien , Bouton Nicolas , Martinet Philippe 
Published: February 2014

Parallel robots have proved they can have better performances than serial ones in term of rigidity and payload-to-weight ratio. Nevertheless their workspace is largely reduced by the presence of singularities. In particular, the Type 2 singularities (parallel singularities) separate the workspace in different aspects, corresponding to one (or more) robot assembly modes. In order to enlarge the workspace size, it has been proved that a mechanism can cross the singularity loci by using an optimal motion planning. However, if the trajectory is not robust to modeling errors, the robot can stop in the singularity and stay blocked.
Therefore, the objective of this paper is to show new general procedure that allows the exit of a parallel manipulator from a Type 2 singularity. Two strategies are presented. The first one proposes the computation of an optimal trajectory that makes it possible for the robot to exit the singularity. This trajectory must respect a criterion that ensures the consistency of the robot dynamic model all along the singularity loci. The second trajectory consists in declutching one of the robot actuator in order to change the kinematic and dynamic behavior of the mechanism so that no singularity exists anymore. Theoretical works are illustrated, discussed and analysed through simulations achieved on a planar five-bar mechanism.
Impactless Biped Walking on Stairs
Authors: Gong Lulu 
Published: February 2014

A motion/force control scheme was proposed to investigate biped impactless walking, which has proven to be used effectively to achieve stable walking on slopes. This paper aims to investigate the efficiency of walking stairs. Good trajectory generation and effective control method are important for operating and ensuring the stability of biped walking on stairs.
Walking is illustrated by a seven-link biped with six control actuators, the number of which always equals to that of motion and force specifications. In order to avoid impacts, the specified motion of the biped and its ground reactions are controlled. Control torques, ground reaction forces and consumption energy of the biped lower limb joints are calculated for ascending stairs, walking on flat terrain and descending stairs. Three different locomotion velocities are studied in order to compare the energetic performance of the biped walking up-and-down stairs.
Sustained CAD Integration: A Proposed Method to Resolve Deficiencies Related to Data Export/Import
Authors: Kirkwood Robert , Sherwood James A. 
Published: February 2014

Export/import based CAD integration is perceived by industry to be a second-rate integration. There have been various proposals to enhance such integration by refining and extending formats, generally via new formatting standards. The basic format for solid models has been stable for the last 20 years, so perhaps formatting standards are not the problem. In this paper, a different view of export/import issues for CAD models is proposed and evaluated using a rudimentary solid model where the export/import translation is perfect, but sustained integration still fails. The failure is found to be due to resequenced identifiers on the geometric entities, i.e. id-resequence. Various ways that id-resequence manifests itself in broken integration for subsequent versions of the solid model are explored in examples where the id-resequencing problem may remain hidden through the first few revisions before it “breaks” the integration. An explanation as to why integration via export/import is sometimes unavoidable is discussed.
Manually fixing the id-resequence enables sustained integration and solves most of the integration problems associated with export/import. Practical alternatives to manually fixing are assessed where one might repair or prevent the id-resequence problem, e.g. format/standard-extensions or application protocols, are explored and a proposed (recommended) new approach using virtual persistent identifiers is presented. This new approach offers a way to solve the id-resequence problem entirely from the import side. The approach also offers a way to repair/recover broken integration after the point where most might believe the damage has rendered the integration irreparable.
The results of an assessment for various proprietary CAD systems and also for STEP are evaluated. The evaluation shows that some applications are nearly ready to support sustained integration via export/import, while other applications require varying degrees of effort. The potential for virtual persistent identifiers to facilitate migration to STEP as the long-term solution for sustained integration is discussed.
An Integrated Approach to Information Modeling for the Sustainable Design of Products
Authors: Eddy Douglas , Krishnamurty Sundar , Grosse Ian , Wileden Jack , Witherell Paul , Lewis Kemper 
Published: February 2014

The design of more sustainable products can be best accomplished in a tradeoff-based design process that methodically handles conflicting objectives. Such conflicts are often seen between, environmental impact, cost, and product performance. To support such a process, we propose the development of an environment where sustainability considerations are explicitly introduced early into the design process. This explicitness is provided by integrating the requirements information of sustainability standards and regulations directly into the design process. The emergence of the semantic web provides an interoperable environment in which the context and meaning of knowledge about the relationships among various domains can be shared.
This work presents an ontological framework designed to represent both the objectives that pertain to sustainable design and the applicable sustainability standards and regulations. This integrated approach not only can ease the adoption of the standards and regulations during a design process but can also influence a design toward sustainability considerations. The usefulness of this model integration is demonstrated by an illustrative brake disk rotor and pads case study. The results show that both the standards and criteria may be considered at early design stages by using this methodology. Furthermore, it can be used to capture, reveal, and propagate the design intent transparently to all design participants.
Energy Harvesting for Smart Shoes: A Real Life Application
Authors: Frontoni Emanuele , Mancini Adriano , Zingaretti Primo , Gatto Andrea 
Published: February 2014

Advanced technical developments have increased the efficiency of devices in capturing trace amounts of energy from the environment (such as from human movements) and transforming them into electrical energy (e.g., to instantly charge mobile devices). In addition, advancements in microprocessor technology have increased power efficiency, effectively reducing power consumption requirements.
In combination, these developments have sparked interest in the engineering community to develop more and more applications that utilize energy harvesting for power. The approach here described aims to designing and manufacturing an innovative easy-to-use and general-purpose device for energy harvesting in general purpose shoes. The novelty of this device is the integration of polymer and ceramic piezomaterials accomplished by injection molding. In this spirit, this paper examines different devices that can be built into a shoe, (where excess energy is readily harvested) and used for generating electrical power while walking. A Main purpose is the development of an indoor localization system embedded in shoes that periodically broadcasts a digital RFID as the bearer walks. Results are encouraging and real life test are conducted on the first series of prototypes.
Virtual Test Environment for Self-Optimizing Systems
Authors: Stöcklein Jörg , Baldin Daniel , Müller Wolfgang , Xie Tao 
Published: February 2014

In our paper we present a virtual test environment for self-optimizing systems based on mutant based testing to validate user tasks of a real-time operating system. This allows the efficient validation of the code coverage of the test cases and therefore helps to detect errors in order to improving the reliability of the system software.
Technically we are able to run and test the software on both systems. By writing application software and setting up the virtual test environment properly, we define our test cases. To validate the code coverage for our test cases, we use the approach of mutant based testing. By running this mutated code on our virtual prototype in the virtual test environment, we are able to efficiently validate the code coverage and are able to detect bugs in the application code or detect dead code that is not executed. Finding non-executing code leads to redefinition of our test cases by either changing the test environment or the application code in the case of dead code.
We implemented the virtual test environment on top of the third party low cost VR system Unity 3D, which is frequently used in entertainment and education. We demonstrate our concepts by the example of our BeBot robot vehicles. The implementation is based on our self-optimizing real-time operating system ORCOS and we used the tool CERTITUDE(TM) for generating the mutations in our application code. Our BeBot virtual prototype in our virtual test environment implements the same low-level interface to the underlying hardware as the real BeBot. This allows a redirection of commands in ORCOS to either the real or the virtual BeBot in order to provide a VR based platform for early software development as well as ensures comparable conditions under both environments.
Our example applies a virtual BeBot that drives through a labyrinth utilizing its IR sensors for navigation. The mutant based testing checks if all situations implemented by the software to navigate through the labyrinth are covered by our tests.
Peer Learning Using Smart Devices: A Report on Work-in-Progress
Authors: Okudan Kremer Gül E. , Akashesh Firas , Siddique Zahed , Abou-Nassar Guy 
Published: February 2014

Our approach is to capitalize on the research findings on linkages between higher-order thinking and peer learning to create and evaluate a learning environment, entitled Teaching to Learn (TeatoL). TeatoL blends mobile smart devices and traditional approaches to enhance critical thinking and competencies essential for students to solve open-ended problems. The main objective is to understand, develop, implement and evaluate a peer-learning environment utilizing mobile technologies and devices. The focus is on peer learning mode, where students are instructors to share their experience and then learn from fellow student instructors.
In this paper, we present our vision of this learning medium along with the foundation we have built it upon. Within TeatoL students are introduced to a “flatter” instructional environment; all participants have dual roles as students and instructors who are embedded in a collaborative environment where all learn collectively from each other’s experiences, even the instructor. We also discuss hypothesized benefits and our on-going work on initial implementation and its assessment. We close the paper with observations from our initial implementations across three data collection sites.
Integration of Education and Research in Mechatronics Engineering Programs
Authors: Vantsevich Vladimir V. 
Published: February 2014

Based on extensive experience of establishing and teaching new mechatronic systems engineering courses and M.Sc.-degree program since 2006 at Lawrence Technological University, this paper concentrates on the integration of education and engineering research processes.
The paper analyzes challenges such as the content of each academic course and cross-lists all the courses to provide the continuity of education/research process in the mechatronic systems engineering program, selection of modeling and design techniques, usage of software products in the courses and research projects, different educational degrees (including students with PhD degrees) and professional backgrounds of mechatronics students, domestic/international student ratio, and part time/full time student ratio.
Based on the analysis of the challenges, a key plan for the education-research integration was developed and implemented. Details are in the paper.