Suitable Interval Research Articles

Quality assurance program for CMM in production

This paper talks about the design and development of a Measurement Assurance Program (MAP) for Measurement with CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) in a production center and in particular, on how to ensure the validity of the measurement process used in the control of manufacturing. It also deals with how to obtain the optimum performance of the control means and the determination of the most suitable calibration interval.

Combined effect of cup abduction and anteversion angles on long-term wear evolution of PCD-on-PCD hip bearing couple

This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) modelling for the estimation of wear evolution on the acetabulum cup against the femoral head for the combinations of different abduction angle (35°, 45° and 55°) and anteversion angle (0°, 10°, 20°, 30° and 40°) for PCD-on-PCD hip bearing components. By implementing the actual physiological hip gait loading conditions and the rotational movement of a normal walking cycle in the FE model, the contact pressure and the sliding distance were calculated to predict the wear. The cup surface was updated in a suitable interval of gait cycles for the estimation of wear. Wear was simulated for 20 years implant's life in a human body. Simulation results showed that higher abduction angle and lower anteversion angle result in the least linear and volumetric wear as compared to other conditions considered.

Combined effect of cup abduction and anteversion angles on long-term wear evolution of PCD-on-PCD hip bearing couple

This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) modelling for the estimation of wear evolution on the acetabulum cup against the femoral head for the combinations of different abduction angle (35°, 45° and 55°) and anteversion angle (0°, 10°, 20°, 30° and 40°) for PCD-on-PCD hip bearing components. By implementing the actual physiological hip gait loading conditions and the rotational movement of a normal walking cycle in the FE model, the contact pressure and the sliding distance were calculated to predict the wear. The cup surface was updated in a suitable interval of gait cycles for the estimation of wear. Wear was simulated for 20 years implant's life in a human body. Simulation results showed that higher abduction angle and lower anteversion angle result in the least linear and volumetric wear as compared to other conditions considered.

Effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibition on pattern separation performance in mice

Introduction: Schizophrenia and anxiety disorders place a great burden on the patients suffering from it and on society. The cognitive symptoms of both diseases can be caused partly by impaired pattern separation. Pattern separation is the ability to make distinct representations out of highly overlapping information. Improving pattern separation could slow down the progression of the above mentioned disorders and thus improve the quality of life of the patients. Alterations in gene expression can lead to differences in pattern separation performance. Methylation of DNA is one of the epigenetic changes controlled by DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) that can alter such gene expression levels without changing the underlying DNA sequence. In this study, the DNMT inhibitor RG108 was given to mice in order to investigate its effect on pattern separation performance. Methods: 36 male C57BL/6 mice were used. Pattern separation performance was measured using the novel Object Pattern Separation task. It consists of two trials with two identical objects. In the second trial one of the objects is replaced along a vertical axis, while the second object stays in the same position. For the assessment of pattern separation the object is replaced at increasingly distinct locations. The most suitable inter-trial interval and position were assessed and pattern separation performance was measured after an intraperitoneal injection of either saline, 0.1mg/kg RG108 or 0.3mg/kg RG108. After 48 hours mice received a saline injection and pattern separation performance was measured again to check for carry-over effects. Lastly, a 24 hour inter-trial interval was used to unravel RG108 effects on long-term memory. After the behavioral task, the mice were decapitated and the dorsal hippocampus was dissected to quantify the expression of six target genes with qPCR. Results: RG108 leads to an acute, dose-dependent increase in pattern separation. This effect vanishes after 48 hours. Furthermore, RG108 administration is not sufficient to 89 enhance pattern separation in such a way that animals can still remember the object’s location after 24 hours. Whereas BDNF4, BDNF9, GRIA1, HDAC2 and HEY1 expressions do not change after acute administration of RG108, BDNF1 expression increases and can be the underlying reason for the improvement in pattern separation. Future studies are needed to reveal the possible methylation changes and to study the effect of chronic treatment with this drug.

Modelling Carbon Emissions in Calluna vulgaris-Dominated Ecosystems when Prescribed Burning and Wildfires Interact.

A present challenge in fire ecology is to optimize management techniques so that ecological services are maximized and C emissions minimized. Here, we modeled the effects of different prescribed-burning rotation intervals and wildfires on carbon emissions (present and future) in British moorlands. Biomass-accumulation curves from four Calluna-dominated ecosystems along a north-south gradient in Great Britain were calculated and used within a matrix-model based on Markov Chains to calculate above-ground biomass-loads and annual C emissions under different prescribed-burning rotation intervals. Additionally, we assessed the interaction of these parameters with a decreasing wildfire return intervals. We observed that litter accumulation patterns varied between sites. Northern sites (colder and wetter) accumulated lower amounts of litter with time than southern sites (hotter and drier). The accumulation patterns of the living vegetation dominated by Calluna were determined by site-specific conditions. The optimal prescribed-burning rotation interval for minimizing annual carbon emissions also differed between sites: the optimal rotation interval for northern sites was between 30 and 50 years, whereas for southern sites a hump-backed relationship was found with the optimal interval either between 8 to 10 years or between 30 to 50 years. Increasing wildfire frequency interacted with prescribed-burning rotation intervals by both increasing C emissions and modifying the optimum prescribed-burning interval for minimum C emission. This highlights the importance of studying site-specific biomass accumulation patterns with respect to environmental conditions for identifying suitable fire-rotation intervals to minimize C emissions.

Energy consumption and rice milling quality upon drying paddy with a newly-designed horizontal rotary dryer

Paddy drying is an energy-intensive process which affects final product quality. Energy consumption and rice milling quality upon drying paddy with an industrial horizontal rotary dryer (IHRD) developed in northern Iran were investigated and compared with those of the conventional industrial batch-type bed dryer (IBBD) at five paddy final moisture levels (8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, and 12.0%, w.b.). The results indicated that the IHRD consumed specific electrical energy between 5.5 and 17.41 MJ kg−1 water evaporated compared to 2.64–7.48 MJ kg-1 water evaporated in IBBD and specific thermal energy between 11.5 and 36.44 MJ kg−1 water evaporated in IHRD compared to 7.78–22.09 MJ kg−1 water evaporated in IBBD with a decrease in paddy final moisture content in the range of 12.0%–8.0% (w.b.). Thermal energy use efficiency was estimated to be as 38.8% and 26.3% for IBBD and IHRD, respectively, at moisture drop range of 14.5%–12%, w. b. Major milling quality attributes of the final product of paddy dried with IHRD were significantly superior to those of IBBD. It was concluded that the drying time of IHRD can be cut down about 26% without any significant changes in final milled rice quality; resulting to reduce the IBBD's total specific energy use around 10.43 MJ kg−1 water evaporated. Completely discharging the drying air and kick turning the drying drum of IHRD with a suitable time interval were proposed as a subject of investigation to improve the energy efficiency of the tested dryer.

Biofilm production and beta-lactamic resistance in Brazilian Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis.

Staphylococcus spp. play an important role in the etiology of bovine mastitis. Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most relevant species due to the production of virulence factors such as slime, which is required for biofilm formation. This study aimed to evaluate biofilm production and its possible relation to beta-lactamic resistance in 20 S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitic milk. The isolates were characterized by pheno-genotypic and MALDI TOF-MS assays and tested for genes such as icaA, icaD, bap, agr RNAIII, agr I, agr II, agr III, and agr IV, which are related to slime production and its regulation. Biofilm production in microplates was evaluated considering the intervals determined along the bacterial growth curve. In addition, to determine the most suitable time interval for biofilm analysis, scanning electron microscopy was performed. Furthermore, genes such as mecA and blaZ that are related to beta-lactamic resistance and oxacillin susceptibility were tested. All the studied isolates were biofilm producers and mostly presented icaA and icaD. The Agr type II genes were significantly prevalent. According to the SEM, gradual changes in the bacterial arrangement were observed during biofilm formation along the growth curve phases, and the peak was reached at the stationary phase. In this study, the penicillin resistance was related to the production of beta-lactamase, and the high minimal bactericidal concentration for cefoxitin was possibly associated with biofilm protection. Therefore, further studies are warranted to better understand biofilm formation, possibly contributing to our knowledge about bacterial resistance in vivo.

Establishment of reference intervals for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free and total thyroxine, and free and total triiodothyronine for the Beckman Coulter DxI-800 analyzers by indirect method using data obtained from Chinese population in Zhejiang Province, China.

In order to establish suitable reference intervals of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free (unbound) T4 (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total thyroxine (T4), and total triiodothyronine (T3) for the patients collected in Zhejiang, China, an indirect method was developed using the data from the people presented for routine health check-up. Fifteen thousand nine hundred and fifty-six person's results were reviewed. Box-Cox or Case Rank was used to transform the data to normal distribution. Tukey and Box-Plot methods were used to exclude the outliers. Nonparametric method was used to establish the reference intervals following the EP28-A3c guideline. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the correlation between hormone levels and age, while Mann-Whitney U test was employed for quantification of concentration differences on the people who are younger and older than 50years old. Reference intervals were 0.66-4.95mIU/L (TSH), 8.97-14.71pmol/L (FT4), 3.75-5.81pmol/L (FT3), 73.45-138.93nmol/L (total T4), and 1.24-2.18nmol/L (total T3) in male; conversely, reference intervals for female were 0.72-5.84mIU/L (TSH), 8.62-14.35pmol/L (FT4), 3.59-5.56pmol/L (FT3), 73.45-138.93nmol/L (total T4), and 1.20-2.10nmol/L (total T3). FT4, FT3, and total T3 levels in male and FT4 level in female had an inverse correlation with age. Total T4 and TSH levels in female were directly correlated. Significant differences in these hormones were also found between younger and older than 50years old except FT3 in female. Indirect method can be applied for establishment of reference intervals for TSH, FT4, FT3, total T4, and total T3. The reference intervals are narrower than those previously established. Age factor should also be considered.

Fire management strategies to maintain species population processes in a fragmented landscape of fire‐interval extremes

Changed fire regimes have led to declines of fire-regime-adapted species and loss of biodiversity globally. Fire affects population processes of growth, reproduction, and dispersal in different ways, but there is little guidance about the best fire regime(s) to maintain species population processes in fire-prone ecosystems. We use a process-based approach to determine the best range of fire intervals for keystone plant species in a highly modified Mediterranean ecosystem in southwestern Australia where current fire regimes vary. In highly fragmented areas, fires are few due to limited ignitions and active suppression of wildfire on private land, while in highly connected protected areas fires are frequent and extensive. Using matrix population models, we predict population growth of seven Banksia species under different environmental conditions and patch connectivity, and evaluate the sensitivity of species survival to different fire management strategies and burning intervals. We discover that contrasting, complementary patterns of species life-histories with time since fire result in no single best fire regime. All strategies result in the local patch extinction of at least one species. A small number of burning strategies secure complementary species sets depending on connectivity and post-fire growing conditions. A strategy of no fire always leads to fewer species persisting than prescribed fire or random wildfire, while too-frequent or too-rare burning regimes lead to the possible local extinction of all species. In low landscape connectivity, we find a smaller range of suitable fire intervals, and strategies of prescribed or random burning result in a lower number of species with positive growth rates after 100years on average compared with burning high connectivity patches. Prescribed fire may reduce or increase extinction risk when applied in combination with wildfire depending on patch connectivity. Poor growing conditions result in a significantly reduced number of species exhibiting positive growth rates after 100years of management. By exploring the consequences of managing fire, we are able to identify which species are likely to disappear under a given fire regime. Identifying the appropriate complementarity of fire intervals, and their species-specific as well as community-level consequences, is crucial to reduce local extinctions of species in fragmented fire-prone landscapes.

Effect of lopping interval on the growth and fodder yield of Gliricidia sepium

An experiment was conducted during 2010 – 2012 to find out the suitable lopping interval of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) on sandy loam soil. There were six treatments viz., T1: lopping once in 2 months, T2: lopping once in 4 months, T3: lopping once in 6 months, T4: lopping once in 8 months, T5: lopping once in 10 months and T6: lopping in 12 months and replicated thrice. The results showed that lopping at shorter time interval i.e once in 2 months or 4 months resulted in more number of branches, leaves, leaf weight, leaf branch ratio and increased yield. Further, early lopping resulted in succulent leaves and branches which are highly suitable for the animals to consume.

Cell-cycle-controlled radiation therapy was effective for treating a murine malignant melanoma cell line in vitro and in vivo.

Radiotherapy is a commonly used regimen for treating various types of intractable cancers, although the effects depend on the cell cycle of the targeted cancer cell lines, and for irradiation purposes it is therefore critical to establish a protocol for controlling the cell cycle. Here, we showed that a common murine melanoma cell line B16BL6 was more vulnerable to irradiation during the early S phase, and that synchronisation of the cell cycle greatly increased the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. Cell-sorting experiments, according to cell-cycle phase, using B16BL6 cells demonstrated that cells in the early S phase were the most susceptible to radiotherapy. Gemcitabine, a clinically utilised anti-cancer drug, induced cell-cycle arrest during the early S phase in B16BL6 cells, and thus a synergistic therapeutic effect was observed when irradiation was administered at the right time. Human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 exhibited similar properties to B16BL6 in terms of its radiosensitivity during the S/G2/M phase and also demonstrated a synergistic effect of cell cycle synchronisation. These results show the importance of cell-cycle control in the application of irradiation and suggest a suitable time interval between chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as providing useful information for treating intractable cancer.

Action spectrum of melanoblast maturation and involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates melanocyte activation and skin tanning. We hypothesized that the AHR also mediates melanoblast-to-melanocyte maturation. In a cloned cell line, NCCmelb4, derived from mouse neural crest cells, we investigated AHR expression in melanoblasts stimulated by UV irradiation and AHR agonists. We irradiated the cells with UV, ranging from 280 to 380nm in 10-nm increments, using a multiwavelength irradiation spectral apparatus. Tyrosinase expression significantly increased with bimodal peaks at 310 and 360nm. Although melanoblast activation peaked 48hours after irradiation, the most suitable irradiation interval was 24hours. AHR expression significantly increased at 360nm, but not at 310nm. The AHR agonist, VAF347, and water-soluble tobacco smoke extract induced melanoblast maturation and AHR activation. The culture supernatant derived from the NS47 fibroblast cell line also induced melanoblast maturation and AHR activation. These findings suggest that UV and environmental stimulation of melanoblast-to-melanocyte maturation are enhanced via the AHR pathway.

Influence of irrigation depth and interval under drip irrigation method on productivity of rabi groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in water scarce regions

Due to depletion of underground water, the farmers have been facing many problems in irrigating the crops by traditional methods. In such situations, the drip method ofirrigation proved efficient. However, to identify optimum irrigation depth and suitable irrigation interval under drip method of irrigation to rabi groundnut, field experiments were conducted during rabi 2006-07 to 2007-08 with two irrigation depths viz., 10 mm and 15 mm each scheduled at 3 intervals i.e. on 2nd day, 3rd day and 4th day and were compared with traditional check-basin method. In both the years, significantly higher pod yield was recorded with 10 mm depth of irrigation, scheduled on every third day which was at par with 15 mm depth given on 3rd day and 15 mm depth of irrigation on 2nd day. Significantly lowest groundnut pod yield was with check basin method at IW/CPE 1.0, which was 187% and 21% lower than that of 10 mm depth scheduled on 3rd day during 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively. Highest field water use efficiency was with 10 mm depth of irrigation scheduled on 3rd day during 2006-07 (7.7 kg/hamm) and 10 mm depth scheduled on 4th day during 2007-08 (5.0 kg/hamm). When the quantity of irrigation water available is equal to that of check basin method, irrigations could be scheduled with 10 mmdepth of water on every 4th day so that 136 times additional area could be brought under similar set of irrigation treatment. Thus, the reduction in pod and haulm yields with this treatment could be compensated by bringing additional area through diverting the saved water.

Managing Highway Bridges against Climate-Triggered Extreme Loading in Cold Regions

Highway bridges represent a significant investment by Governments at both Provincial and Federal levels and their importance is underscored by the fact that every citizen derives a benefit, directly or indirectly, from public transportation infrastructure. As with any engineering product, highway bridges must be well designed and robust to avoid any malfunction that could jeopardise the lives of people. Further, highway bridges deteriorate over time and need preservation intervention applied at suitable intervals over the bridge’s service life. Determining the timing and order of implementation of preservation work among deficient bridges in a highway bridge inventory is an important function of bridge management. The doctoral research reported in this thesis aimed to devise a method for the resilience/vulnerability rating of highway bridges against climate-triggered extreme events/ loads. The research also sought to devise a ranking technique for bridge projects’ programming by pursuing a one-directional, non-iterative, method that could maximize the value function and significantly cut down the computer run time for the ranking analysis. The research outcomes include a weighted-criteria method for the multi-criteria ranking, a practical tool for the resilience/vulnerability rating of highway bridges against extreme events such as deck flooding and abutment washout, and a method for determining the magnitude of climate-triggered extreme load (e.g. ice accretion, pier scour) that could potentially cause bridge failure. The projects’ ranking method developed in this research, including the development of a weighted criteria formulation, could potentially be adopted by bridge management systems in North America and elsewhere. Further, it is expected that the method will influence future development of multi-criteria ranking in bridge management and other fields. Similarly, the proposed new method for climate change resilience rating of highway bridges is a significant effort at translating the general scientific and engineering impacts’ discussion of climate change into an engineering tool for the continuous management of bridges. Finally, it will be important for transportation agencies to determine beforehand what magnitude of climate-triggered extreme load would produce bridge distress and potential failure, and this thesis provides a solution to that problem.

Effect of potassium channel openers in acute and chronic models of glaucoma

PurposeGlaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The effect of nicorandil and pinacidil on IOP in experimentally induced acute and chronic models of glaucoma and the mechanism of action involved were studied. MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits were used for the study. After the measurement of IOP, nicorandil (1%), pinacidil (1%), and pilocarpine as standard (1%) were instilled topically into the left eye. The other eye served as control. Dextrose (5%) was used to induce acute glaucoma. IOP changes were recorded every 15 minutes until the pressure became normal. Freshly prepared α-chymotrypsin solution was introduced in the posterior chamber to induce chronic glaucoma. Rabbits with ocular hypertension were selected for the study. Similar drug solutions were used to study the effect on IOP. Glibenclamide, pilocarpine, and indomethacin (1%) were used to study the mechanism of action of both drugs. The IOPs were measured just prior to drug instillation and at suitable time intervals using a tonometer. ResultsPretreatment with topical nicorandil and pinacidil significantly lowered the rise in IOP in the acute model. Nicorandil and pinacidil initially caused rise in IOP for 15–30 minutes in chronic glaucoma. This was followed by reduction in IOP. Pretreatment with indomethacin and pilocarpine did not modify the effect of nicorandil and pinacidil on IOP. Pretreatment with glibenclamide blocked IOP from the lowering effect of nicorandil and pinacidil. ConclusionThe oculohypotensive effect shown by these drugs appears to be attributable to enhancement of the aqueous humor outflow. This effect is perhaps mediated through potassium channels.

A NEW METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE DEFORMATION MONITORABLE INDICATOR OF POINT CLOUD

Abstract. With the continuous development of the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technique, the precision of the laser scanning has been improved which makes it possible that TLS could be used for high-precision deformation monitoring. A deformation monitorable indicator (DMI) should be determined to distinguish the deformation from the error of point cloud and plays an important role in the deformation monitoring using TLS. After the DMI determined, a scheme of the deformation monitoring case could be planned to choose a suitable instrument, set up a suitable distance and sampling interval. In this paper, the point error space and the point cloud error space are modelled firstly based on the point error ellipsoid. Secondly, the actual point error is derived by the relationship between the actual point cloud error space and the point error space. Then, the DMI is determined using the actual point error. Finally, two sets of experiments is carried out and the feasibility of the DMI is proved.

A NEW METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE DEFORMATION MONITORABLE INDICATOR OF POINT CLOUD

With the continuous development of the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technique, the precision of the laser scanning has been improved which makes it possible that TLS could be used for high-precision deformation monitoring. A deformation monitorable indicator (DMI) should be determined to distinguish the deformation from the error of point cloud and plays an important role in the deformation monitoring using TLS. After the DMI determined, a scheme of the deformation monitoring case could be planned to choose a suitable instrument, set up a suitable distance and sampling interval. In this paper, the point error space and the point cloud error space are modelled firstly based on the point error ellipsoid. Secondly, the actual point error is derived by the relationship between the actual point cloud error space and the point error space. Then, the DMI is determined using the actual point error. Finally, two sets of experiments is carried out and the feasibility of the DMI is proved.

Humanoid Robot's Visual Imitation of 3-D Motion of a Human Subject Using Neural-Network-Based Inverse Kinematics

A sequence of 3-D motion images of a human facing an imitator [i.e., a humanoid robot (HR)] is captured using a stereo-vision system installed on the HR. After acquiring enough motion sequences via image ratio and background registration, the estimation of seven feature points (i.e., the head, two arm tips, two leg tips, and two elbows) of the human are obtained. Using five feature points (i.e., the head, two arm tips, and two leg tips), the extraction of key posture frames from the recorded videos is achieved. To ensure a stable imitation motion of the HR, the human motions of the lower body (LB) and the upper body (UB) are imitated separately. All 11 stable motions for the LB are classified by the motion direction, the motion state, and the support phase, whereas only the two arm tips are employed to imitate the motions of the UB. Due to the disadvantages of traditional inverse kinematics (IK), neural-network-based IK is developed to reduce the computation time and improve the accuracy of the time response of the system. Finally, the combined motions of the LB and the UB with suitable interpolation and time intervals are applied to imitate the 3-D motion of a human. The corresponding experimental results confirm the efficacy of the proposed technique.

The effect of time interval of bus location data on real-time bus arrival estimations

ABSTRACTOne of the key components of real-time bus information systems is knowledge of bus locations in real time. With recent advancements in sensing and communication technologies, location data can be obtained frequently and incorporated into the estimation models. One important issue is determining the suitable time interval at which location data should be chosen as input for estimation models. This paper explores the impact of the time interval of real-time bus location data on the accuracy of bus arrival estimation. It also examines by how much, and at what distance, real-time arrival information can outperform information provided from a static schedule for a given estimation technique. This study also investigates the ‘cutoff horizon,’ the threshold horizon beyond which real-time information no longer outperforms information based on a particular static schedule, and how the cutoff horizon changes with the time interval of bus location data.

Some modified conjugate gradient methods for unconstrained optimization

Conjugate gradient methods are highly useful for solving large scale optimization problems because they do not require the storage of any matrices. Motivated by the construction of conjugate gradient parameters in some existing conjugate gradient methods, we propose four modified conjugate gradient methods, named NVLS, NVPRP*, NVHS* and NVLS* respectively, and prove that these methods with the strong Wolfe line search possess sufficient descent property, and are globally convergent when the parameter in line search conditions is restricted in some suitable interval. Preliminary numerical results show that the NVPRP*, NVHS* and NVLS* methods are more efficient than many existing conjugate gradient methods for a large number of test problems from a CUTEr collection.