Integrated Process Chain for Aerostructural Wing Optimization and Application to an NLF Forward Swept Composite Wing

This contribution introduces an integrated process chain for aerostructural wing optimization based on high fidelity simulationmethods. The architecture of this process chain enables two of the most promising future technologies in commercial aircraft design in the context of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO). These technologies are natural laminar flow (NLF) and aeroelastic tailoring using carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). With this new approach the application of MDO to an NLF forward swept composite wing will be possible. The main feature of the process chain is the hierarchical decomposition of the optimization problem into two levels. On the highest level the wing planform including twist and airfoil thickness distributions as well as the orthotropy direction of the composite structure will be optimized. The lower optimization level includes the wing box sizing for essential load cases considering the static aeroelastic deformations. Additionally, the airfoil shapes are transferred from a given NLF wing design. The natural laminar flow is considered by prescribing laminar-turbulent transition locations. Results of wing design studies and a wing optimization using the process chain are presented for a forward swept wing aircraft configuration. The wing optimization with 12 design parameters shows a fuel burn reduction in the order of 9% for the design mission

Quantitative RT-PCR methods for evaluating toxicant-induced effects on steroidogenesis using the H295R cell line

Gene expression profiles show considerable promise for the evaluation of the toxic potential of environmental contaminants. For example, any alterations in the pathways of steroid synthesis or breakdown have the potential to cause endocrine disruption. Therefore monitoring these pathways can provide information relative to a chemical's ability to impact endocrine function. One approach to monitoring these pathways has been to use a human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line (H295R) that expresses all the key enzymes necessary for steroidogenesis. In this study we have further developed these methods using accurate and specific quantification methods utilizing molecular beacon-based quantitative RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR). The assay system was used to analyze the expression patterns of 11 steroidogenic genes in H295R cells. The expression of gene transcripts was measured using a real-time PCR system and quantified based on both a standard curve method using a dilution series of RNA standards and a comparative C t method. To validate the optimized method, cells were exposed to specific and nonspecific model compounds (inducers and inhibitors of various steroidogenic enzymes) for gene expression profiling. Similar gene expression profiles were exhibited by cells treated with chemicals acting through common mechanisms of action. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the present assay can facilitate the development of compound-specific response profiles, and will provide a sensitive and integrative screen for the effects of chemicals on steroidogenesis. © 2005 American Chemical Society.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Multidisciplinary management of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: literature review and updated recommendation

Summary The management of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) requires a multidisciplinary approach, encompas sing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies. The Mul t idiscipl inar y Panel on Neuropathic Pain has publ ished recommendat ions on the management of painful DPN and provides here an update that emphasises the importance of good glycaemic control for all patients with diabetes, and includes newly published epidemiological studies and clinical evidence for the management of painful DPN. Based on published clinical evidence and international guidelines, first-line agents for DPN include α2δ-ligands, tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. If a reasonable trial of a first-line agent does not relieve pain effectively, combination therapy with or switching to another first-line agent should be considered. Tramadol can be considered as a second-line treatment option. 摘要 糖尿病性末梢神經病變引起的疼痛，需由不同學科的醫 療團隊以藥物及非藥物方式進行治療。跨學科研究神經 病變性疼痛小組在最近發表治療糖尿病性末梢神經病變 的建議時，強調所有糖尿病患者在控制血糖水平的重要 性，並引述最新處理糖尿病末梢神經病變性疼痛的流行 病學研究和臨床實證。據已發表的臨床實證和國際指 引，治療糖尿病性末梢神經病變的第一線藥物包括α2δ- 配體、三環類抗抑鬱藥和選擇性血清素及正腎上腺素再 吸收抑制劑。當第一線藥物未能有效紓緩痛楚時，可考 慮轉換另一種第一線藥物或同時使用兩種一線藥物；而 曲馬朵 (tramadol) 可作為第二線治療選擇。link_to_OA_fulltex

Multidisciplinary optimization of an NLF forward swept wing in combination with aeroelastic tailoring using CFRP

This article introduces a process chain for Commercial aircraft wing multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) based on high fidelity simulation methods. The architecture of this process chain enables two of the most promising future technologies in commercial aircraft design in the context of MDO. These technologies are natural laminar flow (NLF) and aeroelastic tailoring using carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). With this new approach the application of MDO to an NLF forward swept composite wing will be possible. The main feature of the process chain is the hierarchical decomposition of the optimization problem into two levels. On the highest level the wing planform including twist and airfoil thickness distributions as well as the orthotropy direction of the composite structure will be optimized. The lower optimization level includes the wing box sizing for essential load cases considering the static aeroelastic deformations. Additionally, the airfoil shapes are transferred from a given NLF wing design and the natural laminar flow is considered by prescribing laminar-turbulent transition locations. Optimization results of the multidisciplinary process chain are presented for a Forward swept wing aircraft configuration on conceptual design level. The results show a fuel burn reduction in the order of 9% for the design mission