bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement and Analysis of Vibration and Temperature Levels in Global Intermodal Container Shipments on Truck, Rail and Ship
Authors: Singh S. Paul , Saha K. , Singh J. , Sandhu A. P. S. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYThis paper reviews various previous studies conducted on measurement of physical and climatic conditions that occur inside International Standard Organization intermodal containers and their impact on packaging. The study measured vibration and temperature levels in two different shipments from India to USA where recorders measured the acceleration levels and temperature data while the instrumented and loaded containers travelled on truck, rail and ship. Measured data shows that extreme vibration levels occur while containers travel on trucks on poor road conditions followed by rail and ship travel. Highest temperature levels occur inside these containers when they are stationary and are at dry docks, as opposed to when they are travelling on truck or rail. Lowest vibration levels and temperature extremes occur when they are loaded on a ship and are travelling on sea. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a medical robot system for minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Feng Mei , Fu Yili , Pan Bo , Liu Chang 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundRobot‐assisted systems have been widely used in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) practice, and with them the precision and accuracy of surgical procedures can be significantly improved. Promoting the development of robot technology in MIS will improve robot performance and help in tackling problems from complex surgical procedures.MethodsA medical robot system with a new mechanism for MIS was proposed to achieve a two‐dimensional (2D) remote centre of motion (RCM). An improved surgical instrument was designed to enhance manipulability and eliminate the coupling motion between the wrist and the grippers. The control subsystem adopted a master–slave control mode, upon which a new method with error compensation of repetitive feedback can be based for the inverse kinematics solution. A unique solution with less computation and higher satisfactory accuracy was also obtained. Tremor filtration and trajectory planning were also addressed with regard to the smoothness of the surgical instrument movement.ResultsThe robot system was tested on pigs weighing 30–45 kg. The experimental results show that the robot can successfully complete a cholecystectomy and meet the demands of MIS.ConclusionsThe results of the animal experiments were excellent, indicating a promising clinical application of the robot with high manipulability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive fault‐tolerant control framework with agent‐based systems
Authors: Perk S. , Shao Q.M. , Teymour F. , Cinar A. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYAn adaptive hierarchical framework for process supervision and fault‐tolerant control with agent‐based systems is presented. The framework consists of modules for fault detection and diagnosis (FDD), system identification and distributed control, and a hierarchical structure for performance‐based agent adaptation. Multivariate continuous process monitoring methodologies and several fault discrimination and classification techniques are implemented in the FDD modules to be used by multiple agents. In the process supervision layer, the continuous intramodular communication between FDD and control modules communicates the existence of an abnormality in the process, type of the abnormality, and affected process sections to the distributed model predictive control agents. In the agent management layer, the performances of all FDD and control agents are evaluated under specific process conditions. Performance‐based consensus criteria are used to prioritize the best‐performing agents in consensus decision making in every level of process supervision and fault‐tolerant control. The collective performance of the supervision system is improved via performance‐based consensus decision making and adaptation. The effectiveness of the proposed adaptive agent‐based framework for fault‐tolerant control is illustrated using a simulated continuous stirred‐tank reactor network. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled balance losing in random step environment for path planning of a teleoperated crawler‐type vehicle
Authors: Magid Evgeni , Tsubouchi Takashi , Koyanagi Eiji , Yoshida Tomoaki , Tadokoro Satoshi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRescue robotics is the application of robotics to the search and rescue domain, aimed at extending the capabilities and increasing the safety of the rescuers. Deployed on a site during a rescue mission, a mobile robot is teleoperated by a human operator from a safe place. To suggest to the operator a good direction to traverse the three‐dimensional (3D) debris environment, we develop a pilot system, which requires a special path search algorithm on debris and a proper definition of a search tree. Although the main goal of the algorithm is to keep the robot maximally stable at every step of its path, in some cases we need the robot to change a 3D orientation discontinuously through losing its balance. Losing balance on purpose is an essential feature for safe climbing up and going down debris, and it is the central issue of this paper. Exhaustive simulations were used to structure and analyze data. Experiments with a real robot verified our approach to removing unsuitable search directions from the search tree and gave important feedback to the algorithm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of an autonomous unmanned aerial system to collect time‐stamped samples from the atmosphere and localize potential pathogen sources
Authors: Gonzalez Felipe , Castro Marcos P.G. , Narayan Pritesh , Walker Rod , Zeller Les 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper presents the hardware development and testing of a new concept for air sampling via the integration of a prototype spore trap onboard an unmanned aerial system (UAS). We propose the integration of a prototype spore trap onboard a UAS to allow multiple capture of spores of pathogens in single remote locations at high or low altitude, otherwise not possible with stationary sampling devices. We also demonstrate the capability of this system for the capture of multiple time‐stamped samples during a single mission. Wind tunnel testing was followed by simulation, and flight testing was conducted to measure and quantify the spread during simulated airborne air sampling operations. During autonomous operations, the onboard autopilot commands the servo to rotate the sampling device to a new indexed location once the UAS vehicle reaches the predefined waypoint or set of waypoints (which represents the region of interest). Time‐stamped UAS data are continuously logged during the flight to assist with analysis of the particles collected. Testing and validation of the autopilot and spore trap integration, functionality, and performance is described. These tools may enhance the ability to detect new incursions of spores. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Attenuate Contact Hypersensitivity via Prostaglandin E2-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Su Wen-Ru , Zhang Qun-Zhou , Shi Shi-Hong , Nguyen Andrew L. , Le Anh D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated in several autoimmune/inflammatory disease models, but their contribution to the mitigation of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) remains unclear. Here, we report a new immunological approach using human gingiva-derived MSCs (GMSCs) to desensitize and suppress CHS and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that systemic infusion of GMSCs before the sensitization and challenge phase dramatically suppress CHS, manifested as a decreased infiltration of dendritic cells (DCs), CD8+ T cells, TH-17 and mast cells (MCs), a suppression of a variety of inflammatory cytokines, and a reciprocal increased infiltration of regulatory T cells and expression of IL-10 at the regional lymph nodes and the allergic contact areas. The GMSC-mediated immunosuppressive effects and mitigation of CHS were significantly abrogated on pretreatment with indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenases. Under coculture condition of direct cell-cell contact or via transwell system, GMSCs were capable of direct suppression of differentiation of DCs and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated activation of MCs, whereas the inhibitory effects were attenuated by indomethacin. Mechanistically, GMSC-induced blockage of de novo synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by MCs is mediated partly by the tumor necrosis factor-alpha/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) feedback axis. These results demonstrate that GMSCs are capable of desensitizing allergic contact dermatitis via PGE2-dependent mechanisms.
Prospective detection of open spina bifida at 11–13 weeks by assessing intracranial translucency and posterior brain
Authors: Chaoui R. , Benoit B. , Heling K. S. , Kagan K. O. , Pietzsch V. , Sarut Lopez A. , Tekesin I. , Karl K. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe describe a case series of six fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB) from four different prenatal units, where the anomaly was detected at the routine 11–13‐week ultrasound examination. Crown–rump length ranged from 49 to 78 mm. All cases were first suspected during nuchal translucency thickness measurement in the mid‐sagittal plane of the face. OSB was lumbosacral in five fetuses and cervical in one. The intracranial translucency (IT) was obliterated in two cases, but some fluid was found in the other four cases. However, in all cases the typical landmarks of a normal posterior brain and normal IT were absent. In all six cases the ratio of brainstem diameter to brainstem–occipital bone distance was increased (≥ 1). This detection of an abnormal posterior brain led to a targeted examination and detection of the spinal lesion during the same examination in five cases, whereas in one suspicious case the patient was recalled at 17 weeks, when the abnormality was detected. Two fetuses had both multiple anomalies and trisomy 18. These prospective cases demonstrate the feasibility of using the standard mid‐sagittal plane commonly used for NT measurement to assess the IT and the posterior brain and to determine the presence of OSB during NT screening. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What Information Do Cancer Genetic Counselees Prioritize?
Authors: Hayat Roshanai Afsaneh , Lampic Claudia , Ingvoldstad Charlotta , Askmalm Marie Stenmark , Bjorvatn Chathrine , Rosenquist Richard , Nordin Karin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis study explored the informational needs of individuals attending genetic counseling for hereditary cancer, using a free‐choice and a forced choice method. Prior to the consultation the informational needs of 334 counselees from Sweden and Norway were assessed by the QUOTE‐gene (ca) questionnaire and by a study specific forced choice method, using Q‐methodology. Questionnaire responses indicated that counselees’ major concerns pertained to the need to be taken seriously, to be provided with sufficient risk estimation and medical/genetic information and to be involved in the decision making process. Furthermore, prior to counseling, counselees noted that the counselors’ consideration and skillfulness were also extremely important. Analysis of the Q‐sorting results revealed that counselees’ needs could be assigned to one of five groups: the “need for facts; caring communication and medical information; information and support in communicating the genetic information to others; practical care and practical/medical information”. Particularly noteworthy, counselees with varying backgrounds characteristics prioritized different needs. Cancer genetic counselees probably have different needs due to their medical and demographic background when attending genetic counseling. Addressing counselees’ specific concerns more sufficiently and thereby increasing the overall effectiveness of the counseling session requires increased insight into individual needs, by for instance, utilizing screening methods such as QUOTE‐gene (ca) prior to the counseling session.
The decay of turbulence generated by a class of multiscale grids
Authors: Valente P. C. , Vassilicos J. C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA new experimental investigation of decaying turbulence generated by a low-blockage space-filling fractal square grid is presented. We find agreement with previous works by Seoud & Vassilicos (Phys. Fluids, vol. 19, 2007, 105108) and Mazellier & Vassilicos (Phys. Fluids, vol. 22, 2010, 075101) but also extend the length of the assessed decay region and consolidate the results by repeating the experiments with different probes of increased spatial resolution. It is confirmed that this moderately high Reynolds number${\mathit{Re}}_{\lambda } $turbulence (up to${\mathit{Re}}_{\lambda } \simeq 350$here) does not follow the classical high Reynolds number scaling of the dissipation rate$\varepsilon \ensuremath{\sim} {u{}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } }^{3} / L$and does not obey the equivalent proportionality between the Taylor-based Reynolds number${\mathit{Re}}_{\lambda } $and the ratio of integral scale$L$to the Taylor microscale$\lambda $. Instead we observe an approximate proportionality between$L$and$\lambda $during decay. This non-classical behaviour is investigated by studying how the energy spectra evolve during decay and examining how well they can be described by self-preserving single-length-scale forms. A detailed study of homogeneity and isotropy is also presented which reveals the presence of transverse energy transport and pressure transport in the part of the turbulence decay region where we take data (even though previous studies found mean flow and turbulence intensity profiles to be approximately homogeneous in much of the decay region). The exceptionally fast turbulence decay observed in the part of the decay region where we take data is consistent with the non-classical behaviour of the dissipation rate. Measurements with a regular square mesh grid as well as comparisons with active-grid experiments by Mydlarski & Warhaft (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 320, 1996, pp. 331–368) and Kang, Chester & Meveneau (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 480, 2003, pp. 129–160) are also presented to highlight the similarities and differences between these turbulent flows and the turbulence generated by our fractal square grid.
Evaluation of breed effects onn-3 PUFA metabolism with dietary flaxseed oil supplementation in dogs
Authors: Purushothaman Dharma , Yvonne Brown Wendy , Wu Shu-Biao , Vanselow Barbara 
Published: October 2011

PUFA are important for human and animal health. To our knowledge, previous studies investigating the metabolism of PUFA in dogs have not examined breed differences. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential to elongate PUFA in two pure breeds of dogs. Plasma fatty acid composition (%) was measured in dogs during 3 weeks supplementation with flaxseed oil (57 % α-linolenic acid (ALA) and 17 % linolenic acid (LA)) at the rate of 100 ml/kg food following 4 months of feeding an identical standard basal diet. Plasma extracted at fasting state from five beagles and five greyhounds was analysed by GC. Plasma ALA, EPA and LA increased steadily and significantly from days 0 to 22 (P < 0·05); however, no significant breed differences were shown. Plasma DHA levels, on the other hand, showed no significant increase over time, but a significant breed difference was observed, with beagles having higher plasma level from day 0 (P = 0·002). This breed difference requires further investigation. Levels of ALA and EPA were still rising significantly between days 15 and 22, indicating that PUFA levels in plasma had not stabilised in 3 weeks. These findings together suggest that flaxseed oil could be a useful source of PUFA in dogs, especially ALA and EPA, and that breed differences may be important.
Nitrogen metabolism of four raw meat diets in domestic cats
Authors: Kerr Katherine R. , Beloshapka Alison N. , Morris Cheryl L. , Swanson Kelly S. 
Published: October 2011

Little nutritional information has been collected from domestic cats fed raw meat diets. The objective of the present study was to evaluate differences in N metabolism of domestic cats fed raw beef-based diet (66 % crude protein (CP) and 20 % fat), bison-based diet (49 % CP and 39 % fat), elk-based diet (79 % CP and 6 % fat) and horse-based diet (60 % CP and 26 % fat). A total of eight intact adult female cats were fed to maintain body weight in a cross-over design. Daily food intake, faecal and urinary outputs, and N metabolism were measured. Dietary N was highly digestible (96·8 (sem0·7)) for all treatments. Urinary N accounted for a majority of total N excretion, and differences in total N excretion reflect differences in urinary N. Differences in N intake and N absorption were due to differences in CP levels among diets. N retention was similar to values reported in the literature for domestic cats fed purified and traditional extruded diets. Despite differences in protein concentrations and N intake, all raw meats tested maintained N metabolism.
The intravenous glucose tolerance and postprandial glucose tests may present different responses in the evaluation of obese dogs
Authors: Antonio Brunetto Márcio , César Sá Fabiano , Prudente Nogueira Sandra , de Oliveira Sampaio Gomes Márcia , Gullo Pinarel Amanda , Toloi Jeremias Juliana , José Albuquerque de Paula Francisco , Cavalieri Carciofi Aulus 
Published: October 2011

The present study compared the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and the glucose postprandial response (GPPR) test for the evaluation of glucose metabolism in obese dogs. A total of ten owned obese dogs (body condition score (BCS) of 9; fat mass, 45·7 (sem 1·51) %) were used. These dogs had their weight reduced by 20 % (BCS, 8; fat mass, 33·5 (sem 1·92) %; P < 0·001), designated as weight-reduced (WR) group. A control group of ten Beagle dogs was also included (BCS, 4·5; fat mass, 18·3 (sem 1·38) %; P < 0·01). Glucose tolerance was measured by two methods: IVGTT (infusion of 0·5 g of glucose/kg body weight) and GPPR (consumption of cooked rice to achieve 6 g of starch/kg body weight). When using the IVGTT, the area under the curve (AUC) for glucose and maximum glycaemia were higher for obese dogs compared with controls (P < 0·05), with intermediate results for the WR group (P>0·05). Basal insulin, insulin response peak, insulinogenic index and the AUC for insulin increment from 0 to 15 min and from 60 to 120 min were higher for the obese group (P < 0·05), while the WR group and control dogs showed similar results (P>0·05). When using the GPPR test, the AUC for insulin increment from 0 to 120 min was higher for the obese group compared with the control group (P < 0·05) and intermediate for the WR group (P>0·05). However, the AUC for insulin increment from 120 to 360 min was similar between the obese and WR groups (P>0·05), while it was lower for the control group (P < 0·05). The IVGTT showed that the loss of 20 % body weight resulted in an improvement of glucose control with reduced insulin secretion, and these same WR dogs showed higher insulin secretion with values similar to those of obese dogs when the GPPR test was used.
A diet with a struvite relative supersaturation less than 1 is effective in dissolving struvite stonesin vivo
Authors: Houston Doreen M. , Weese Heather E. , Evason Michelle D. , Biourge Vincent , van Hoek Ingrid 
Published: October 2011

Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) is one of the most common minerals found in feline uroliths. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of acidifying calculolytic diets (inducing urine pH < 6·5), in dissolving struvite stones in cats. Recent work in our laboratory found that wet and dry test diets induce a struvite urinary relative supersaturation (RSS) < 1 and that the urine of healthy cats fed the dry test diet dissolved feline struvite stonesin vitro. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the efficacy of those test diets on naturally occurring struvite urocystoliths in cats. A total of twenty-one cats were used, of which seventeen completed the study. Of the seventeen cats, eight were fed the wet test diet and nine the dry test diet. Uroliths dissolved in a median of 18 (10–55) d. In the remaining four cats, uroliths failed to dissolve and were removed surgically. Quantitative analysis showed that these uroliths contained either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. The present study demonstrates that diets that induce a struvite RSS < 1 result in struvite stone dissolutionin vivo.
Use of pedometers to measure the relationship of dog walking to body condition score in obese and non-obese dogs
Authors: Warren Barbour S. , Wakshlag Joseph J. , Maley Mary , Farrell Tracy J. , Struble Angela M. , Panasevich Matthew R. , Wells Martin T. 
Published: October 2011

The objective of the present study was to utilise an accurate canine pedometer methodology and to assess the relationship between activity and body condition score (BCS) in dogs. Initial methodology validation used videography and pedometer step measurements to assess actual steps taken in comparison with pedometer readings for twenty large, medium and small dogs. During the validation, dogs considered to be medium or large breed showed no significant difference between pedometer readings and actual steps taken. A total of seventy-seven obese and non-obese dogs over 35 cm (14 inches) shoulder height and over 10 kg were recruited from a dog obesity clinic and a community sample to assess daily walking activity. Body condition scoring and pedometer steps were assessed on three separate weeks during a 10-week period. During the activity monitoring, daily step counts ranged from 5555 to 39 970 steps/d among the seventy-seven medium and large dogs. Dogs’ BCS were inversely correlated with average daily steps (Spearman's ρ = − 0·442, P < 0·0001). The present study identified a significant inverse correlation between daily walking steps and BCS over a range from 4 to 9 out of 9 (P < 0·0001).
Energy expenditure and water turnover in hunting dogs in winter conditions
Authors: Ahlstrøm Øystein , Redman Paula , Speakman John 
Published: October 2011

Hunting with dogs in winter conditions is practised in the Nordic countries. The present study aimed at determining daily energy expenditure (DEE) and body water turnover (BWT) by the doubly labelled water technique in eight hunting dogs (body-weight (BW) range 14–27 kg) working 3 h/d for 3 d ( − 6°C) on ground covered with 20–40 cm of loose snow, to provide information on energy and water requirements. The mean distance run during the hunting period was recorded by the global positioning system and averaged 19·4 km/d. DEE increased with increasing BW (P < 0·001) and varied between 7·20 and 16·6 MJ/d (mean 11·0 MJ/d) corresponding to 950–1350 kJ/kg BW0·75per d (mean 1170 kJ/kg BW0·75per d). The larger dogs tended to run longer than the smaller dogs and therefore spent more energy per kg BW0·75but not significantly (P>0·05). DEE values determined were close to the values measured for hunting dogs running for 3 h/d in hot climates, suggesting that climate within the range of the two studies has little impact on energy expenditure per h running activity. Compared with the work of sled dogs per km travelled running on a track, the work performed by the hunting dogs was suggested to be higher when running in a loose snow layer. However, DEE was much lower because sled dogs ran for a longer distance each day. Mean BWT was 217 ml/kg BW0·75or 19 ml/kJ metabolisable energy.