bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Prototyping and Characterization of Circular Dielectric Electro-Active Polymers (DEAP) With Different Geometries
Authors: Hau Steffen , York Alexander , Seelecke Stefan 
Published: December 2014

Dielectric electro-active polymer (DEAP) technology holds promise enabling lightweight, energy efficient and scalable sensors and actuators [1]. The circular DEAP configuration (also known as cone or diaphragm actuator) in particular shows potential in applications such as pressure or weight sensors [2, 3], pumps [4, 5], valves, micro-positioners and loudspeakers [6]. The geometric parameters of the circular DEAP dictate the stroke and work output performance of actuators and the sensitivity as well as the resolution of sensors.
The scalable geometric design allows DEAP actuators and sensors to be adapted to a variety of different applications. This paper presents a rapid prototyping technique and experimental characterization of DEAP actuators with various geometries. The DEAP’s consist of a silicone based elastomer and a carbon ink based electrode held together with a rigid frame. The rapid prototyping utilizes high resolution 3D printing technology to manufacture various shaped framing structures designed with computer aided design (CAD) software. The framing structure defines the DEAP geometry resulting in quick prototyping of various DEAP shapes and sizes.
After prototyping, these DEAP’s are tested for mechanical and electrical properties while loaded mechanically and electrically (constant voltage and constant force test). The measurement results for the different size actuators are then documented and compared. The measurements reveal that for increased size of the manufactured actuators, there is a linear increase in force and stroke output. This information allows us to predict the actuation performance and will be used for future modeling efforts.
Development and Testing of a Hybrid SMA/MR Passive Clutch
Authors: Bucchi Francesco , Elahinia Mohammad , Forte Paola , Frendo Francesco 
Published: December 2014

The reduction of consumption and emissions is a key factor in modern vehicle design. The overall vehicle efficiency is pursued in several ways, including the reduction of consumption of the auxiliary devices (e.g. water pumps, oil pumps, vacuum pumps etc.). In this paper, using two different smart materials (i.e. magnetorheological fluids and shape memory alloys) a device aimed at disengaging the vacuum pump was developed.
The conceived device is composed of a magnetorheological (MR) clutch excited by permanent magnets coaxially manufactured with a sliding spline sleeve moved by shape memory alloys (SMA) springs. In the MR clutch, the magnet can move under the effect of a passive pneumatic system. The magnetic field in the fluid varies with the magnets displacement and two steady positions are possible: the engaged clutch (ON) and the disengaged clutch (OFF). The torque in the ON configuration is high enough to drive the vacuum pump during normal operating conditions, whereas the low torque value in the OFF condition guarantees power saving up to 150 W.
In particular operating conditions (i.e. at low environmental temperatures) the torque necessary to start the vacuum pump may exceed the maximum transmissible torque of the MR clutch. For this reason a sliding spline sleeve, led by two SMA springs which counteract the force of two traditional springs was developed. A dummy plain sliding sleeve with SMA and conventional springs was numerically developed and tested. The fairly good agreement of the results confirmed the feasibility of the combined SMA/MR device.
Embedded Catalytic Healing Agents for the Repair of Fibre-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Everitt Daniel , Trask Richard , Wass Duncan , Bond Ian 
Published: December 2014

The inclusion of latent catalytic healing agents (CHAs) during layup of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite specimens yields a functionalised composite material with the capability to self-repair. Strategies for preventing the reaction of CHAs with prepreg resins during curing of the host material are explored.
The inclusion of catalyst as an interleave on the composite mid-plane was found to be detrimental to the fracture toughness of the double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens. A potential application for this effect includes damage redirection, whereby propagating damage is steered into self-healing features. This will be an area of interest for future investigation.
Upon failure of the composite, healing is achieved by addition of a low-viscosity epoxide monomer and heating the material to activate the curing agent. Specimens featuring embedded Sc(OTf)3 healed for 2 hours at 200°C showed a mean recovery in peak load of 79%.
Design and Realization of a Compliant Adaptable Wing
Authors: Molinari G. , Quack M. , Arrieta A. F. , Morari M. , Ermanni P. 
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the design, optimization, realization and testing of a novel wing morphing concept based on compliant structures actuated by Macro Fiber Composites. The geometry of the compliant morphing ribs is determined through multidisciplinary optimizations. The static and dynamic behavior of the wing, and the effect of activating the actuators, is assessed using 3-D aeroelastic simulations. The performance and manufacturability of a wing designed according to this approach are investigated. The achieved active deformations produce sufficient roll control authority to replace conventional ailerons.
The numerical simulation for the conformal shape adaptation of the wing is compared to experimental results, showing good agreement. The aerodynamic and structural behavior of the introduced concept is investigated through a validated finite element model, revealing the potential of the presented morphing wing.
A closed-loop controller driving high-voltage electronics counteracts the nonlinearity and hysteresis of the piezoelectric actuators, allowing for controlling the wings’ morphing level.
Experimental Investigation on the Efficiency of a Control Dependent NiTi-Based Cooling Process
Authors: Schmidt Marvin , Schütze Andreas , Seelecke Stefan 
Published: December 2014

Energy efficient systems and environmentally friendly solutions are the focus of many commercial development projects. Current refrigeration technology carries a significant share of global energy consumption and exploring alternative refrigeration principles has become increasingly important. Shape memory alloys (SMA’s), especially Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloys, generate a large amount of latent heat during solid-state phase transformations, which can lead to a significant cooling effect in the material. These materials not only provide the potential for an energy efficient cooling process, they also minimize the impact on the environment by reducing the need for conventional ozone-depleting refrigerants.
This paper presents the first experimental results obtained in a project within the DFG Priority Programme SPP 1599 “Ferroic Cooling”. It focuses on the performance of a control-dependent process of a NiTi-based cooling system. First, a suitable cooling process is introduced and the underlying mechanisms of the process are explained. Then different process variations are developed, which influence the efficiency of the cooling process. These process variations are systematically analyzed with a novel, experimental testing system capable of tuning process parameters independently. The testing system is able to measure force, displacement, temperature distribution and heat simultaneously. The coefficient of performance (of the cooling process) can then be determined by which the influence of the control process on the efficiency can be observed.
Modeling of a Heaving Buoy Wave Energy Converter With Stacked Dielectric Elastomer Generator
Authors: Moretti Giacomo , Fontana Marco , Vertechy Rocco 
Published: December 2014

This paper introduces a novel architecture of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) provided with a Dielectric Elastomer (DE) Power Take–Off (PTO) system. The device, named Poly–Buoy, includes a heaving buoy as primary interface, that captures the mechanical energy from waves, and a DE Generator (DEG), made by stacked layers of silicone elastomer, that converts mechanical energy into electricity.
A mathematical model of the Poly–Buoy is proposed, which includes analytical electro–hyperlastic equations for the DEG and a linear model for wave-buoy hydrodynamics.
Procedures for the design and optimization of different layouts and control strategies for the DE–PTO are introduced that specifically consider single–DEG and dual–DEG architectures. A numerical case study is also reported for specific geometrical dimensions of the buoy and specific wave climate data.
Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation of the Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of a Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Beam During Bending
Authors: Ullrich Johannes , Schmidt Marvin , Schütze Andreas , Wieczorek André , Frenzel Jan , Eggeler Gunther , Seelecke Stefan 
Published: December 2014

Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are typically used in applications where the martensitic phase transformation is exploited for its reversible, large deformation such as medical applications (e.g. stents).
In this work, we focus on the mechanical and thermal behavior of a Nickel-Titanium SMA strip in bending mode. One possible application of this mode is to provide a restoring force when used in joints of SMA wire actuator systems making the need for an antagonistic SMA actuator redundant. In these applications mentioned above, typically only the mechanical properties are of interest while the temperature is considered constant, even though the martensitic phase transformation in SMA is a thermo-mechanically coupled process.
As a part of the DFG (German Research Association) Priority Programme SPP1599 “Ferroic Cooling” which aims at advancing the development of solid state cooling devices, we have an equally large interest for the thermal evolution of Nickel-Titanium SMA during deformation and its induced phase transformation.
In this paper we investigate the thermal and the mechanical response of a SMA beam during bending experiments in which the deformation is induced by holding one end of a SMA strip fixed while the other end is subject to a prescribed deflection. Sensors and high speed thermal cameras are used to capture reaction forces, deformations and temperature changes. We compare these experimental results with numerical simulation results obtained from Finite Element simulations where a thermo-mechanically coupled SMA model is implemented into a finite deformation framework.
Smart Disaster Mitigation in Italy: A Brief Overview on the State of the Art
Authors: Felli Ferdinando , Paolozzi Antonio , Vendittozzi Cristian , Paris Claudio 
Published: December 2014

Italy is notoriously exposed to several natural hazards, from hydrological to volcanic and, above all, to seismic activity that affects a large part of the national territory. Historically the devastating effects of tsunamis have also been recorded, despite the peninsula is confined in the Mediterranean basin (i.e. Messina earthquake in 1908, and more recent the activity of the undersea volcano “Marsili”). Since Italy is particularly exposed to such hazards, many research institutions are involved in campaigns about monitoring, prevention and mitigation of the effects of such phenomena, with the aim to secure and protect human lives, and secondly, the remarkable cultural heritage.
The present paper will first make a brief excursus on the main Italian research projects aimed at the mitigation of environmental disasters, referring to projects of national and international relevance, being implemented, such as the MOSE (for the containment of the tides and of high water, for the preservation of cultural and artistic heritage of Venice and of the entire ecosystem of the lagoon); the research in earthquake-resistant structures performed for instance by ENEA and finally the COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) program of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which has among its purposes the environmental monitoring and surveillance applications for the management of exogenous, endogenous and anthropogenic risks.
Furthermore in the paper, it will be described some new ideas concerning the use of smart materials and structures capable of self-monitoring and self-diagnosis of the risk of failure and adapting itself to environmental condition variations, in order to avoid catastrophic effects, thanks to an integrated network of sensors and actuators.
The Salmonella Type III Secretion System Virulence Effector Forms a New Hexameric Chaperone Assembly for Export of Effector/Chaperone Complexes
Authors: Tsai Chi-Lin , Burkinshaw Brianne J. , Strynadka Natalie C. J. , Tainer John A. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Bacteria hijack eukaryotic cells by injecting virulence effectors into host cytosol with a type III secretion system (T3SS). Effectors are targeted with their cognate chaperones to hexameric T3SS ATPase at the bacterial membrane's cytosolic face. In this issue of the
Journal of Bacteriology
, Roblin et al. (P. Roblin, F. Dewitte, V. Villeret, E. G. Biondi, and C. Bompard, J Bacteriol 197:688–698, 2015,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JB.02294-14
) show that the T3SS chaperone SigE of
Salmonella
can form hexameric rings rather than dimers when bound to its cognate effector, SopB, implying a novel multimeric association for chaperone/effector complexes with their ATPase.
Prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in middle-class urban participants in India
Authors: Gupta Arvind , Gupta Rajeev , Sharma Krishna Kumar , Lodha Sailesh , Achari Vijay , Asirvatham Arthur J , Bhansali Anil , Gupta Balkishan , Gupta Sunil , Jali Mallikarjuna V , Mahanta Tulika G , Maheshwari Anuj , Saboo Banshi , Singh Jitendra , Deedwania Prakash C 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of diabetes and awareness, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors in population-based participants in India.MethodsA study was conducted in 11 cities in different regions of India using cluster sampling. Participants were evaluated for demographic, biophysical, and biochemical risk factors. 6198 participants were recruited, and in 5359 participants (86.4%, men 55%), details of diabetes (known or fasting glucose>126 mg/dL), hypertension (known or blood pressure>140/>90 mm Hg), hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol>200 mg/dL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (men <40, women <50 mg/dL), hypertriglyceridemia (>150 mg/dL), and smoking/tobacco use were available. Details of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were also obtained.ResultsThe age-adjusted prevalence (%) of diabetes was 15.7 (95% CI 14.8 to 16.6; men 16.7, women 14.4) and that of impaired fasting glucose was 17.8 (16.8 to 18.7; men 17.7, women 18.0). In participants with diabetes, 27.6% were undiagnosed, drug treatment was in 54.1% and control (fasting glucose ≤130 mg/dL) in 39.6%. Among participants with diabetes versus those without, prevalence of hypertension was 73.1 (67.2 to 75.0) vs 26.5 (25.2 to 27.8), hypercholesterolemia 41.4 (38.3 to 44.5) vs 14.7 (13.7 to 15.7), hypertriglyceridemia 71.0 (68.1 to 73.8) vs 30.2 (28.8 to 31.5), low HDL cholesterol 78.5 (75.9 to 80.1) vs 37.1 (35.7 to 38.5), and smoking/smokeless tobacco use in 26.6 (23.8 to 29.4) vs 14.4 (13.4 to 15.4; p<0.001). Awareness, treatment, and control, respectively, of hypertension were 79.9%, 48.7%, and 40.7% and those of hypercholesterolemia were 61.0%, 19.1%, and 45.9%, respectively.ConclusionsIn the urban Indian middle class, more than a quarter of patients with diabetes are undiagnosed and the status of control is low. Cardiovascular risk factors—hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and smoking/smokeless tobacco use—are highly prevalent. There is low awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in patients with diabetes.
Redesigning the ‘choice architecture’ of hospital prescription charts: a mixed methods study incorporating in situ simulation testing
Authors: King Dominic , Jabbar Ali , Charani Esmita , Bicknell Colin , Wu Zhe , Miller Gavin , Gilchrist Mark , Vlaev Ivo , Franklin Bryony Dean , Darzi Ara 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo incorporate behavioural insights into the user-centred design of an inpatient prescription chart (Imperial Drug Chart Evaluation and Adoption Study, IDEAS chart) and to determine whether changes in the content and design of prescription charts could influence prescribing behaviour and reduce prescribing errors.DesignA mixed-methods approach was taken in the development phase of the project; in situ simulation was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the newly developed IDEAS prescription chart.SettingA London teaching hospital.Interventions/methodsA multimodal approach comprising (1) an exploratory phase consisting of chart reviews, focus groups and user insight gathering (2) the iterative design of the IDEAS prescription chart and finally (3) testing of final chart with prescribers using in situ simulation.ResultsSubstantial variation was seen between existing inpatient prescription charts used across 15 different UK hospitals. Review of 40 completed prescription charts from one hospital demonstrated a number of frequent prescribing errors including illegibility, and difficulty in identifying prescribers. Insights from focus groups and direct observations were translated into the design of IDEAS chart. In situ simulation testing revealed significant improvements in prescribing on the IDEAS chart compared with the prescription chart currently in use in the study hospital. Medication orders on the IDEAS chart were significantly more likely to include correct dose entries (164/164 vs 166/174; p=0.0046) as well as prescriber's printed name (163/164 vs 0/174; p<0.0001) and contact number (137/164 vs 55/174; p<0.0001). Antiinfective indication (28/28 vs 17/29; p<0.0001) and duration (26/28 vs 15/29; p<0.0001) were more likely to be completed using the IDEAS chart.ConclusionsIn a simulated context, the IDEAS prescription chart significantly reduced a number of common prescribing errors including dosing errors and illegibility. Positive behavioural change was seen without prior education or support, suggesting that some common prescription writing errors are potentially rectifiable simply through changes in the content and design of prescription charts.
Congestive heart failure adherence redesign trial: a pilot study
Authors: Mangla Ashvarya , Doukky Rami , Powell Lynda H , Avery Elizabeth , Richardson DeJuran , Calvin James E 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveHeart failure (HF) continues to be a leading cause of hospital admissions, particularly in underserved patients. We hypothesised that providing individualised self-management support to patients and feedback on use of evidence-based HF therapies (EBT) to physicians could lead to improvements in care and decrease hospitalisations. To assess the feasibility of conducting a larger trial testing the efficacy of this dual-level intervention, we conducted the Congestive Heart failure Adherence Redesign Trial Pilot (CHART-P), a proof-of-concept, quasi-experimental, feasibility pilot study.SettingA large tertiary care medical centre in Chicago.ParticipantsLow-income patients (<US$30 000/year) hospitalised for exacerbation of systolic HF (ejection fraction ≤50%) and their physicians. Twenty physicians and 33 patients were enrolled, of whom 23 patients completed the study.InterventionsPhysicians received HF guidelines and periodic individualised feedback on their adherence to EBT. Patients received HF education, support and self-management training for diet and medication adherence by a trained nurse through 11 interactive sessions over a 4-month period. Evaluations were conducted pre-enrolment and 1 month postintervention completion.Outcome measuresFeasibility was assessed by the ability to deliver intervention to patients and physicians. Exploratory outcomes included changes in medication and sodium intake for patients and adherence to EBT for physicians.ResultsEighty-seven per cent and 82% of patients received >80% of interventions at 1 month and by study completion, respectively. Median sodium intake declined (3.5 vs 2.0 g; p<0.01). There was no statistically significant change in medication adherence based on electronic pill cap monitoring or the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS); however, there was a trend towards improved adherence based on MMAS. All physicians received timely intervention.ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrated that the protocol was feasible. It provided important insights about the need for intervention and the difficulties in treating patients with a variety of psychosocial problems that undercut their effective care.
CD1d expression in renal cell carcinoma is associated with higher relapse rates, poorer cancer-specific and overall survival
Authors: Chong Tsung Wen , Goh Fera Yiqian , Sim Mei Yi , Huang Hong Hong , Thike Daw Aye Aye , Lim Weng Khong , Teh Bin Tean , Tan Puay Hoon 
Published: December 2014

AimsWe hypothesised that CD1d expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may play a role in modifying the host immune response. Our aims were to investigate the expression of CD1d and to correlate this with histopathology and clinical outcomes in a cohort study of patients with RCC.MethodsGene expression and tissue microarray studies on a panel of RCC tissue were performed. Clinicopathological correlation was analysed using χ2/Fisher's exact test. Relapse-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival were calculated for both CD1d high and low expressors. Survival outcomes were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using Cox regression analysis.ResultsGene expression microarray showed significant expression of CD1d in RCC versus normal renal tissue. By immunohistochemistry, we found that CD1d expression significantly associated with tumour stage/grade, higher relapse rates, poorer cancer-specific and overall survival.ConclusionsCD1d expression on RCC correlated with aggressive disease and poorer clinical outcomes.
MDM2–p53 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Meng Xuan , Franklin Derek A. , Dong Jiahong , Zhang Yanping 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAbnormalities in the TP53 gene and overexpression of MDM2, a transcriptional target and negative regulator of p53, are commonly observed in cancers. The MDM2–p53 feedback loop plays an important role in tumor progression and thus, increased understanding of the pathway has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of human cancer; yet, the current treatment for HCC is less effective than those used against other cancers. We review the current studies of the MDM2–p53 pathway in cancer with a focus on HCC and specifically discuss the impact of p53 mutations along with other alterations of the MDM2–p53 feedback loop in HCC. We also discuss the potential diagnostic and prognostic applications of p53 and MDM2 in malignant tumors as well as therapeutic avenues that are being developed to target the MDM2–p53 pathway. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7161–7. ©2014 AACR.