Stepwise Design Research Articles

2410 ライフサイクルシナリオに基づく製品設計のための計算機環境の開発 : 第1報 シナリオとの連携による製品モデルの段階的詳細化(OS12-3 ライフサイクル設計とサービス工学III,OS12 ライフサイクル設計とサービス工学)

2410 ライフサイクルシナリオに基づく製品設計のための計算機環境の開発 : 第1報 シナリオとの連携による製品モデルの段階的詳細化(OS12-3 ライフサイクル設計とサービス工学III,OS12 ライフサイクル設計とサービス工学)

Fabrication of Plasma Treated Nano Zinc Oxide/PP/PLA Composites Filaments Using Melt Spinning

The Melt spinning technique of Nano Zinc Oxide/PP/PLA composites filaments fabricated by plasma treated Nano Zinc Oxide（NZOP） was studied in the present investigation. The experimental results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of Nano Zinc Oxide/PP/PLA composites filaments depended on the following factors of the percentage of NZOP, the percentage of maleic anhydride (MAH), the plasma treatment parameters, helium gas flow rate, output power, sample treatment or stationary time and oxygen gas flow rate. Among them the oxygen gas flow rate had the significant influence on the filament properties of tensile modulus, the yield strength, the melting temperature and the crystallization temperature. Stepwise multiple regressions orthogonal design method of system optimization was used to determine the percent of contribution of each factor. It was found that the four indicators were different by these analyses. The experimental results indicated that the optimized conditions by stepwise multiple regressions were better than that by traditional analysis.

Calculation Steps for the Design of Different Components of Heat Pump Dryers Under Constant Drying Rate Condition

Heat pump–assisted dryers are an alternative method for drying heat-sensitive food products at low temperature and less relative humidity with lower energy consumption. The mathematical models of a heat pump dryer consist of three submodels; namely, drying models, heat pump models, and performance models. Heat and mass balance of both refrigerant and air circuits in all components of the system are used for development of mathematical models. The models are used for design of different components of heat pump dryers operating under constant drying rate condition. A simple stepwise design procedure for batch-type, closed-loop heat pump dryer is also presented.

Rational strain selection and engineering creates a broad-spectrum, systemically effective oncolytic poxvirus, JX-963

Replication-selective oncolytic viruses (virotherapeutics) are being developed as novel cancer therapies with unique mechanisms of action, but limitations in i.v. delivery to tumors and systemic efficacy have highlighted the need for improved agents for this therapeutic class to realize its potential. Here we describe the rational, stepwise design and evaluation of a systemically effective virotherapeutic (JX-963). We first identified a highly potent poxvirus strain that also trafficked efficiently to human tumors after i.v. administration. This strain was then engineered to target cancer cells with activation of the transcription factor E2F and the EGFR pathway by deletion of the thymidine kinase and vaccinia growth factor genes. For induction of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we further engineered the virus to express human GM-CSF. JX-963 was more potent than the previously used virotherapeutic Onyx-015 adenovirus and as potent as wild-type vaccinia in all cancer cell lines tested. Significant cancer selectivity of JX-963 was demonstrated in vitro in human tumor cell lines, in vivo in tumor-bearing rabbits, and in primary human surgical samples ex vivo. Intravenous administration led to systemic efficacy against both primary carcinomas and widespread organ-based metastases in immunocompetent mice and rabbits. JX-963 therefore holds promise as a rationally designed, targeted virotherapeutic for the systemic treatment of cancer in humans and warrants clinical testing.

Focus group data as a tool in assessing effectiveness of a hand hygiene campaign

Routine handwashing has been proven to decrease incidence of health care-associated infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), spawning numerous attempts to "advertise" its importance. However, most control measures fail to evaluate systematically the efficacy of handwashing initiatives. The purpose of this study was to implement a hand hygiene program in an academic medical center, utilizing visual cues developed with periodic input from hospital personnel. After estimation of baseline compliance (20%), visual cues in the form of 11'' x 17'' posters were developed in a sequential fashion, based on suggestions from participants. The stepwise approach was supported by data collected via focus groups. These data were used to design target-specific messages and to understand better the benefits of utilizing participant input. Postexposure compliance rates indicated a modest improvement over baseline, increasing to 37% during the 12-month study. In addition, the stepwise design proved to be highly useful in guiding the intervention process. Analysis of qualitative data also elucidated numerous routes through which effective hand hygiene campaigns could be implemented. Through diligent observation and participant feedback, the research team was able to develop and market educational cues to meet service demands of health care professionals in a unified effort to control health care-associated infections. Future interventions should employ incremental evaluation designs supported by participant input to develop effective hand hygiene initiatives.

Spacing Instructions in Approach: A Stepwise Design

A new allocation of tasks between controller and flight crew is envisaged as one possible option to improve air traffic management, in particular the sequencing of arrival flows. It relies on a set of new spacing instructions. The flight crew can be tasked by the controller to maintain a given spacing with respect to a designated aircraft. To assess feasibility, benefits and limitations of these instructions, after an initial air-ground experiment, two streams of independent air and ground experiments were conducted with a unified perspective. This paper only reviews the ground experiments. They initially focussed on upstream sectors highlighting a positive impact on controller activity and on control effectiveness. However, the application to downstream sectors appeared as an issue. The paper shows how this issue was addressed, in particular how the organisation of roles, working method and airspace have been gradually refined for the effective use of spacing instructions. The proposed working method, though implying significant changes as compared with today, seemed easy to use and assimilate. Overall feedback from controllers was positive. The analysis of instructions and eye-fixations shows a positive impact on controller activity (relief from late vectoring and earlier flow integration). The analysis of inter aircraft spacing on final approach shows more regular spacing than with current day operations. Next step will consist in investigating interactions between upstream and downstream sectors.

CONTROL SYSTEMS DESIGN DRIVEN BY WORST-INITIAL-ENERGY SENSITIVITY

For automatic control purposes, various time-weighted indices of performance are considered. The sensitivity with respect to the controller matrix is derived and included for stepwise system design. The dependence on initial conditions is excluded by using a selected worst-case per-unit condition. A phobia effect is observed and used for preserving stability during the system design process. The method is advisable for improving linear system behavior based on eigenvalue assignment with imperfect eigenvalue assumptions. The sensitivity expressions are also utilized for adaptation in order to smooth chaotic motion in nonlinear control.

Minimum anesthetic concentration of sevoflurane with different xenon concentrations in swine.

In a previous study, we described a partial antagonism of xenon (Xe) in combination with isoflurane. One hypothetical explanation suggested that Xe and isoflurane probably induced anesthesia via different pathways at the neuronal level. This warranted investigating the combination of Xe with other inhaled anesthetics to examine the relationship between Xe and volatile anesthetics in general. We therefore investigated the influence of Xe on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane. The study was performed in 10 swine (weight 30.8 kg +/- 2.6, mean +/- SD) ventilated with xenon 0%, 15%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 65% in oxygen. At each Xe concentration, various concentrations of sevoflurane were administered in a stepwise design. For each a supramaximal pain stimulus (claw clamp) was applied. The appearance of a withdrawal reaction was recorded. The sevoflurane MAC was defined as the end-tidal concentration required to produce a 50% response rate. At each Xe concentration, the animals' responses to the pain stimulus were categorized and a logistic regression model was fitted to the results to determine sevoflurane MAC. Sevoflurane MAC was decreased by inhalation of Xe in a linear manner from 2.53 with 0% Xe to 1.54 with 65% Xe. In contrast to Xe and isoflurane, the anesthetic effects of Xe and sevoflurane appear to be simply linear. We investigated the influence of the anesthetic gas, xenon, on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) for the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane. The study was performed in 10 swine ventilated with fixed xenon and various concentrations of isoflurane. The sevoflurane MAC is decreased by inhalation of xenon in a linear relationship.

Design of Biofunctional Assemblies on Solids through Recombinant Spherical Bacterial Protein Lumazine Synthase

The stepwise design of large protein assemblies such as actin-myosin complexes on solid supports is presented. The functional entities are anchored to the solid surface or solid-supported membranes through lumazine synthase, a 15 nm icosahedral capsid which can be functionalized by recombinant coupling of different linkers to the protomer, as shown in the cartoon. Separating the protein assemblies from the solid by 15 nm spaces avoids protein denaturing by nonspecific adsorption.

2102 信頼性設計を段階的に支援する故障情報マネージメントシステムの提案と構築(OS2 IT活用)

2102 信頼性設計を段階的に支援する故障情報マネージメントシステムの提案と構築(OS2 IT活用)

A Completely Integrated Approach to Developing, Implementing, Evaluating Distributed Active Database Management and its OS Support

This paper constitutes a work-in-progress report on the first, mostly conceptual phase of a major international effort in building and evaluating a distributed testbed for database application systems in safetycritical real-time environments. Given that safety/ reliability requirements and real-time constraints are in conflict there cannot be a closed form solution or design, and all system functions have to dynamically adapt to the unpredictable environmental situation in safety-critical real-time systems. Over the past years groups headed by the authors had pursued novel concepts and approaches on a novel tailored LINUX kernel, safety-critical application operating system support (MELODY project) and Active Database levels (concurrency control under data replication). In the research project a complete integration of these achievements from the basic OS kernel through the application levels is the major theme. While quite a number of research and design problems stemming from the partial insights or incomplete functionality on the various levels posed serious challenges the integration itself requires. and gives rise to, extensions, modifications, or refinements of the functions involved for ensuring system survivability. The paper will describe the technical details of these implications from the integration for the whole project as well as the stepwise design and evaluation of the different functions and models.- To our knowledge this is the first fully integrative attempts in the area of distributed safety-critical real-time systems.

Formalising and Acquiring Modelbased Hypertext in Medicine: an Integrative Approach

Combining a knowledge acquisition methodology with a powerful data model we present an approach to the acquisition, maintenance and browsing of scientific medical hypertext. The hypergraph-based data model supports the consistent treatment of cyclic data structures, the nesting of complex object and provides an elegant way of path declaration to represent time-dependent medical processes or large hypertext tours. It encourages a stepwise schema design and therefore supports a spiral-shaped acquisition process. We formally define view mechanisms on the basis of a rule-based query and modification language. The views enable a context-sensitive presentation of medical knowledge according to the informational needs of the physician. Our approach has been applied to the implementation of an authoring and tutoring environment for a computer-based hypermedia reference book for cerebrovascular diseases (NeuroN). During the acquisition process the expressive power and flexibility of the representational formats have been evaluated.

Adaptive analog equalization and receiver front-end control for multilevel partial-response transmission over metallic cables

This paper deals with multilevel partial-response class-IV (PRIV) transmission over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cables. Specifically, transmission at a rate of 155.52 Mb/s over data-grade UTP cables for local-area networking is considered. As a low-complexity method used to compensate for cable-length dependent signal distortion, adaptive analog equalization with two controlled parameters is proposed: one parameter determines a frequency-independent receiver gain, the other parameter controls the transfer characteristic of a variable analog receive-filter section. For the stepwise design of the transmit and receive filters, a combination of analytic techniques and simulated annealing is employed. First, the variable equalizer section, then the remaining fixed analog receive filter section are developed and finally the analog transmit filter is determined. The paper also describes the adjustment of the equalizer section, and the control of the sampling phase in the receiver front-end. The two equalizer parameters are controlled by an algorithm that operates on the sampled signals and adjusts these parameters to optimum settings independently of the sampling phase. The latter is controlled by a decision-directed phase-locked loop algorithm that becomes effective when equalization has been achieved. The dynamic behaviour and mean-square error in steady-state obtained with these control algorithms are investigated.

Retention of endothelium-dependent properties in human mammary arteries after cryopreservation

We investigated the effects of cryopreservation and antibiotic treatment on endothelium-dependent vasomotor properties of human internal mammary arteries (IMAs). Sixty IMA specimens from routine coronary artery bypass grafting procedures were randomly assigned to six groups. Group I (controls) were immediately tested after harvest. Remaining groups were prepared according to a stepwise design: group II, 6 hours of warm ischemia; group III, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours at 4 degrees C (without antibiotics); group IV, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4 degrees C antibiotic disinfection; group V, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours at 4 degrees C (without antibiotics) + cryopreservation; and group VI, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4 degrees C disinfection+cryopreservation. The IMA specimens were cut into rings and the tension of vascular smooth muscle was recorded. The IMA rings were contracted with norepinephrine (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) and tested with cumulative concentrations of acetylcholine (from 1 x 10(-9) to 1 x 10(-5) mol/L), contracted with endothelin-1 (from 1 x 10(-11) to 1 x 10(-6) mol/L), and contracted with the nitric oxide-synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (1 x 10(-4) mol/L). Rings were also tested for their capacity to generate 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 (the stable metabolite of prostacyclin), and endothelial cell viability rate was finally evaluated with the trypan blue dye exclusion method. Our results show that a complete cryopreservation protocol does not significantly modify (p > 0.05) the relaxant activity to acetylcholine in norepinephrine-precontracted IMA rings (controls; 90.2% +/- 4.2% vs group VI, 77.1% +/- 6.2%) or the vasoconstrictor response induced by endothelin-1 (controls, 62.6% +/- 2.8% versus group VI, 73.7% +/- 4.8%) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (controls, 22.4% +/- 1.5% versus group VI, 18.9% +/- 1.9%). Furthermore, IMA cryopreservation does not significantly modify (p > 0.05) the endothelial release of prostacyclin either in basal conditions (-20% versus controls) or during pharmacologic intervention with acetylcholine (-18% versus controls), endothelin-1 (-17% versus controls), and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (-18% versus controls). We conclude that the IMA endothelial function does not seem significantly injured by any of the current steps of disinfection and cryopreservation.

An alternative arterial conduit: The radial artery

We investigated the effects of cryopreservation and antibiotic treatment on endothelium-dependent vasomotor properties of human internal mammary arteries (IMAs).Sixty IMA specimens from routine coronary artery bypass grafting procedures were randomly assigned to six groups. Group I (controls) were immediately tested after harvest. Remaining groups were prepared according to a stepwise design: group II, 6 hours of warm ischemia; group III, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours at 4°C (without antibiotics); group IV, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4°C antibiotic disinfection; group V, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours at 4°C (without antibiotics) + cryopreservation; and group VI, 6 hours of warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4°C disinfection + cryopreservation. The IMA specimens were cut into rings and the tension of vascular smooth muscle was recorded. The IMA rings were contracted with norepinephrine (3 × 10−6 mol/L) and tested with cumulative concentrations of acetylcholine (from 1 × 10−9 to 1 × 10−5 mol/L), contracted with endothelin-1 (from 1 × 10−11 to 1 × 10−6 mol/L), and contracted with the nitric oxide-synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (1 × 10−4 mol/L). Rings were also tested for their capacity to generate 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 (the stable metabolite of prostacyclin), and endothelial cell viability rate was finally evaluated with the trypan blue dye exclusion method.Our results show that a complete cryopreservation protocol does not significantly modify (p > 0.05) the relaxant activity to acetylcholine in norepinephrine-precontracted IMA rings (controls; 90.2% ± 4.2% vs group VI, 77.1% ± 6.2%) or the vasoconstrictor response induced by endothelin-1 (controls, 62.6% ± 2.8% versus group VI, 73.7% ± 4.8%) and NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (controls, 22.4% ± 1.5% versus group VI, 18.9% ± 1.9%). Furthermore, IMA cryopreservation does not significantly modify (p > 0.05) the endothelial release of prostacyclin either in basal conditions (−20% versus controls) or during pharmacologic intervention with acetylcholine (−18% versus controls), endothelin-1 (−17% versus controls), and NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (−18% versus controls).We conclude that the IMA endothelial function does not seem significantly injured by any of the current steps of disinfection and cryopreservation.

CIM Reference Model Based FMS Design with Concurrent Engineering Approach

As a CIM system is a complex, expensive and long-term investment it is necessary to have a good reference model as a first step to deal with the design and operation such systems. The only way tocreate an acceptable handable process for the stepwise design, planning, etc. and implementation of a ClM system and its subsystems is to describe the system on different levels, from different views in different stages of realization by models. This paper introduces a reference model in details that was developed from functional point of view and consists of different submodels. The model is based on the CIM-OSA Architectural Framework. Some hints are given on how our model can be used for the concurrent design of workpieces and flexible manufacturing systems.

Preimplantation alteration of adenine nucleotides in cryopreserved heart valves

To assess the initial metabolic phase of cellular injury from cardiac valve processing, high-energy phosphate concentrations were analyzed in valve leaflets subsequent to critical processing steps. Using a porcine model, valves were processed in a manner identical to human homografts, with 58 randomly assigned to five groups representing distinct preparation phases. Group I (controls) sustained 40 minutes of warm ischemia concluded by liquid nitrogen immersion. Remaining groups similarly endured 40 minutes of ischemia, but were subsequently prepared according to stepwise design: II, warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4 °C ischemia; III, warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4 °C antibiotic disinfection; IV, warm ischemia + 24 hours at 4 °C (without antibiotics) + cryopreservation (−1 °C/min cryoprotected freezing); and V, warm ischemia + disinfection + cryopreservation. At each regimen's conclusion leaflet extracts were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography for high-energy adenine nucleotides (adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate) and catabolites. A 47% and 86% decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate level was observed in group III and group V leaflets, respectively. The level of total adenine nucleotides was maintained up to cryopreservation; thereafter a 74% decrease was noted. Catabolite analysis confirmed incomplete degradation of adenine nudeotides indicating cellular metabolic resilience throughout standard homograft preparation in valves previously exposed to 40 minutes of warm ischemia.

Stepwise design of real-time systems

The joint action approach to modeling of reactive systems is presented and augmented with real time. This leads to a stepwise design method where temporal logic of actions can be used for formal reasoning, superposition is the key mechanism for transformations, the advantages of closed-system modularity are utilized, logical properties are addressed before real-time properties, and real-time properties are enforced without any specific assumptions on scheduling. As a result, real-time modeling is made possible already at early stages of specification, and increased insensitivity is achieved with respect to properties imposed by implementation environments.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Hierarchical Modeling Approach for Production Planning

Abstract Production management problems are complex owing to large dimensionality, wide variety of decisions of varying scope, focus and time-horizon, and disturbances. A hierarchical approach to these problems is a way to address this complexity, wherein the global problem is decomposed into a series of top-down sub-problems. We advocate that a single planning architecture cannot be employed for all planning problems. We propose a multi-layer hierarchical decomposition which is dependent on the complexity of the problem, and identify the factors influencing complexity. A systematic stepwise design approach for the construction of the hierarchy and inputs required are presented. The subsequent operation of the hierarchy in an unreliable environment is also explained. Aggregation schemes for model reduction have been developed and blended with a time-scale decomposition of activities to provide the theoretical foundation of the architecture. It is also hoped that this methodology can be applied to other such large-scale complex decision making problems.

Stepwise design of real-time systems

The joint action approach to modeling of reactive systems is presented and augmented with real time. This leads to a stepwise design method where temporal logic of actions can be used for formal reasoning, superposition is the key mechanism for transformations, the advantages of closed-system modularity are utilized, logical properties are addressed before real-time properties, and real-time properties are enforced without any specific assumptions on scheduling. As a result, real-time mod- eling is made possible already at early stages of specification, and increased insensitivity is achieved with respect to properties imposed by implementation environments.