Technique for using a geometry and visualization system to monitor and manipulate information in other codes

A technique was developed to allow the Aero Grid and Paneling System (AGPS), a geometry and visualization system, to be used as a dynamic real-time geometry monitor, manipulator, and interrogator for other codes. This technique involves the direct connection of AGPS with one or more external codes through the use of Unix pipes. AGPS has several commands that control communication with the external program. The external program uses several special subroutines that allow simple, direct communication with AGPS. The external program creates AGPS command lines and transmits the line over the pipes or communicates on a subroutine level. AGPS executes the commands, displays graphics/geometry information, and transmits the required solutions back to the external program. The basic ideas discussed in this paper could easily be implemented in other graphics/geometry systems currently in use or under development

Processing Parameters for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of Gold

Research into laser processing of different metals has enabled Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) processes to produce parts for a wide variety of applications. However, less focus has been made on the processing of precious metals. Currently little research has been reported on the processing of precious metals and alloys using the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process. Here we present an initial investigation into the processing of 24 carat gold (Au) powder using a SLM system. Gold powder was tested for apparent density, tap density, particle shape and size distribution. A quality check of the specimen was carried out using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for sinterability and occurrence of porosity. Significant processing parameters were also identified.Mechanical Engineerin

Fabrication of X-Graded H13 and Cu Powder Mix Using High Power Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser

The manufacturing of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) parts using Solid Free Form manufacturing technologies has been carried out since early 1980. At present, most of the powder manufacturing techniques are being focused on layering powder with different powder blend compositions with Z gradients (graded in direction of layer build). Although, there are a few researchers working on multi powder feeder and deposition system, the study of laser fusion of the deposited powder (by a powder deposition system) is minimum or not known to date. Consequently, the manufacturing of functionally graded structures is still geometry limited. This work was focused on the manufacturing of X-graded (graded along the powder bed plane) specimens with H13 tool steel and Cu mix. Five bimodal powder blends were used with a multi-container feed hopper to spread powder layers for the selective laser fusion of the powder. The powder was fused using a high power Nd:YAG pulsed laser using a specific scanning strategy to reduce porosity. Specimens were produced with graded Cu within the H13 matrix. The specimens were analysed for dimensional accuracy, microstructure, porosity, cracks and micro hardness of the FGM.Mechanical Engineerin

Cooperative solutions coupling a geometry engine and adaptive solver codes

Follow-on work has progressed in using Aero Grid and Paneling System (AGPS), a geometry and visualization system, as a dynamic real time geometry monitor, manipulator, and interrogator for other codes. In particular, AGPS has been successfully coupled with adaptive flow solvers which iterate, refining the grid in areas of interest, and continuing on to a solution. With the coupling to the geometry engine, the new grids represent the actual geometry much more accurately since they are derived directly from the geometry and do not use refits to the first-cut grids. Additional work has been done with design runs where the geometric shape is modified to achieve a desired result. Various constraints are used to point the solution in a reasonable direction which also more closely satisfies the desired results. Concepts and techniques are presented, as well as examples of sample case studies. Issues such as distributed operation of the cooperative codes versus running all codes locally and pre-calculation for performance are discussed. Future directions are considered which will build on these techniques in light of changing computer environments

Analysis of Droplet Train/Moving Substrate Interactions in Ink-Jetting Processes

Ink-jetting technology has been applied to several processes in solid free-form fabrication (SFF) wherein droplets impinge onto a substrate to deposit the build material. Droplet impact behaviour on a surface has been the interest of many researchers; however, few studies have been undertaken to investigate the interaction of droplets with the moving substrate. This paper reports the impact behaviour of the droplets jetted at different frequencies onto a substrate moving over a range of velocities. The phenomena associated with the interaction were classified into three main regimes.Mechanical Engineerin

Human papillomavirus 16/18 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Sixteen cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (eight anaplastic and eight well differentiated squamous types) were examined for the presence of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 genomes using the polymerase chain reaction on paraffin wax embedded biopsy specimens. Although nasopharyngeal carcinoma, particularly the anaplastic type, is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus, other factors may be involved in its pathogenesis. No DNA of either human papillomavirus subtype was detected. It is concluded, therefore, that these two 'high risk' types of human papillomavirus are not implicated in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The number of cases in this series was small, however, and further studies are warranted using fresh biopsy material and including other viral subtypes.published_or_final_versio

Subjective wellbeing in people living with dementia: exploring processes of multiple object handling sessions in a museum setting.

Background: Dementia care guidance highlights the importance of supporting people living with dementia to access engaging and meaningful activities to promote their quality of life. There is a growing evidence base for the efficacy of heritage settings and arts-based interventions to provide social prescribing opportunities to help support wellbeing in this population. This study extended previous research and explored the potential processes underlying this effect in multiple small group object handling sessions in a museum setting. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used comprising a measure of subjective wellbeing and thematic analysis to explore in-the-moment session content across multiple sessions. Four people with dementia participated in three, one-hour group object handling sessions led by two facilitators. Results: Pre-post wellbeing scores showed increases after each session though this was largely not significant. Qualitative findings provided more compelling results, however, and identified four key themes: facilitating, interest in exploring objects, active participation, and group collaboration; interpretations were made around the dynamic interaction of themes and subthemes over the course of three sessions. Conclusions: This is the first study we are aware of that has taken an in-depth look at multiple museum-based group object handling sessions for people living with dementia. Findings offer ways to optimise object handling sessions for people with dementia by providing in-depth information about the processes involved across multiple object handling sessions facilitated by museum/heritage professionals in a museum setting. This has useful implications for community-based activities as part of dementia care planning and public health programming. The study contributes to a deeper understanding and elucidates the processes that enhance wellbeing for this population who participate in such sessions. It also helps to develop further theoretical understanding about why these types of activities are helpful in community-based dementia care. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed

THoR: a tool for domain discovery and curation of multiple alignments

We describe a tool, THoR, that automatically creates and curates multiple sequence alignments representing protein domains. This exploits both PSI-BLAST and HMMER algorithms and provides an accurate and comprehensive alignment for any domain family. The entire process is designed for use via a web-browser, with simple links and cross-references to relevant information, to assist the assessment of biological significance. THoR has been benchmarked for accuracy using the SMART and pufferfish genome databases

Genome cartography through domain annotation

The evolutionary history of eukaryotic proteins involves rapid sequence divergence, addition and deletion of domains, and fusion and fission of genes. Although the protein repertoires of distantly related species differ greatly, their domain repertoires do not. To account for the great diversity of domain contexts and an unexpected paucity of ortholog conservation, we must categorize the coding regions of completely sequenced genomes into domain families, as well as protein families

Research into a Novel Support Material for Jetting Based RM Process

Jetting of caprolactam is a new Rapid Manufacturing process currently in the early phases of research at Loughborough University. Support material is required to successfully build a part using this method. This work is therefore, aimed at finding a suitable support material for jetting of caprolactam. Pluronic F-127 with a non aqueous solvent was investigated using different experimental techniques such as heating and cooling between 25 to 1500C, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Polarization Microscopy and the possibility of use of these systems as a support material is discussed. The results suggested that when Pluronic F-127 in ethylene glycol is heated, it does not form a gel at concentrations lower than 25% (w/w) whereas at 25%, a gel state was observed near 500C. All concentrations studied formed a white wax like solid upon cooling due to a changed conformational structure of PEO chains. Although, a gel/solid state was not observed at high temperatures, these compositions can provide a possible support material for a low temperature (i.e. 250C) build environment.Mechanical Engineerin