Stochastic multi-objective optimisation of the cure process of thick laminates

A stochastic multi-objective cure optimisation methodology is developed in this work and applied to the case of thick epoxy/carbon fibre laminates. The methodology takes into account the uncertainty in process parameters and boundary conditions and minimises the mean values and standard deviations of cure time and temperature overshoot. Kriging is utilised to construct a surrogate model of the cure substituting Finite Element (FE) simulation for computational efficiency reasons. The surrogate model is coupled with Monte Carlo and integrated into a stochastic multi-objective optimisation framework based on Genetic Algorithms. The results show a significant reduction of about 40% in temperature overshoot and cure time compared to standard cure profiles. This reduction is accompanied by a reduction in variability by about 20% for both objectives. This highlights the opportunity of replacing conventional cure schedules with optimised profiles achieving significant improvement in both process efficiency and robustness

The Contribution of Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Imaging in the Preoperative Assessment of Breast Tumors: A Preliminary Report

Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the value of 3D and 3D Power Doppler sonography in the detection of tumor malignancy in breast lesions and to find new diagnostic criteria for differential diagnosis. Methods. One hundred and twenty five women with clinically or mammographically suspicious findings were referred for 3D Power Doppler ultrasound prior to surgery. Histological diagnosis was conducted after surgery and compared with ultrasound findings. Sonographic criteria used for breast cancer diagnosis were based on a system that included morphological characteristics and criteria of the vascular pattern of a breast mass by Power Doppler imaging. Results. Seventy-two lesions were histopathologically diagnosed as benign and 53 tumors as malignant. Three-dimensional ultrasound identified 49 out of 53 histologically confirmed breast cancers resulting in a sensitivity of 92.4% and a specificity of 86.1% in diagnosing breast malignancy (PPV: 0.83, NPV:0.94). Conclusions. 3D ultrasonography is a valuable tool in identifying preoperatively the possibility of a tumor to be malignant

Optimisation of an in-process lineal dielectric sensor for liquid moulding of carbon fibre composites

A dielectric sensor appropriate for process monitoring of carbon fibre composites manufacturing has been optimised and implemented in Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). The sensor comprises a pair of twisted insulated copper wires and can be adapted to monitor both flow and cure. To simulate the dielectric response of the sensor, an electric field model was developed. The model was coupled with a multi-objective optimisation genetic algorithm to optimise the sensor design. The optimisation showed that increasing wire radius and decreasing coating thickness increases sensor sensitivity. Different sensor designs were implemented and used in a series of RTM trials to validate the technology in industrial conditions. The sensor operated successfully at pressures up to 7 bar and temperatures up to 180°C. A low diameter sensor using copper wire coated with polyimide showed the best response monitoring flow with an accuracy of 95%, whilst also following the cure and identifying vitrificatio

Uterine prolapse in pregnancy: A rare condition an obstetrician should be familiar with

Uterine prolapse complicating pregnancy is a rare event. Early recognition is essential in order to avoid possible maternal and fetal risks. We report the case of a 37-year-old pregnant woman who presented to the antenatal outpatient clinic with uterine prolapse at 31+1 weeks of gestation. Sonographic examination revealed an enlarged fibromatous uterus. She was conservatively treated on an inpatient basis. Two weeks later she underwent an emergency cesarean section because of preterm uterine contractions. A live male neonate weighing 1,900 g was delivered. We believe that conservative management with bed rest, followed by an elective cesarean section, may ensure an uncomplicated gestation and an uneventful delivery. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG

Erythrocyte membrane AChE, Na+, K+-ATPase and Mg 2+ ATPase activities in mothers and their premature neonates in relation to the mode of delivery

Aim. To investigate erythrocyte membrane AChE, Na+, K +-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities in mothers and their full-term or premature newborns in relation to the mode of delivery. Methods. Blood was obtained from mothers pre- and post-delivery and the umbilical cord (CB) of their full-term newborns: Group A1 (n = 16) born with vaginal delivery (VD), Group B1 (n = 14) full-terms with scheduled cesarean section (CS), Group A2 (n = 12) prematures with VD, Group B2 (n 14) prematures with CS. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and common laboratory tests were measured with routine methods, and the membrane enzyme activities spectrophotometrically. Results. TAS was reduced in mothers post VD and in the CB whereas remained unaltered in CS mothers and their newborns. AChE and Na +, K+-ATPase were increased in mothers post VD. AChE was lower in the CB of prematures than that of full-terms independently of the mode of delivery. Na+, K+-ATPase activity was increased in the groups of mothers post VD and decreased in prematures. The enzyme was higher in prematures with CS than that with VD. Mg2+-ATPase activity was unchanged. Conclusion. The increased maternal AChE and Na+, K +-ATPase activities may be due to the low TAS determined post VD, whereas their decreased activities in prematures to their immaturity. © 2010 Informa Healthcare

Gitelman syndrome-associated severe hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia: Case report and review of the literature

We report a case of a woman with Gitelman syndrome who presented to our hospital mainly due to hyperemesis. Following her admission, intravenous potassium and magnesium supplementation was commenced to counter the observed hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Hyperemesis receded and although serum potassium remained low, she became asymptomatic. Oral potassium and magnesium supplementation was administered throughout pregnancy and biweekly ion level measurements were scheduled. Despite the intensive replacement, ion levels remained constantly low. She delivered at 38 weeks with an elective caesarean section because of a breech presentation, a healthy female baby weighing 3350g. Neonatal electrolyte profile was normal. © 2010 Informa UK, Ltd

Combined ultrasonographically guided drainage and methotrexate administration for treatment of endometriotic cysts

We report an effective alternative for the management of endometriotic cysts with transabdominal drainage under ultrasonographic control, followed by injection of 30 mg of methotrexate

Fetal intravascular transfusion for hydropic disease due to rhesus isoimmunization

Objective: To evaluate the management of hydropic fetuses, due to rhesus isoimmunization, with fetal intrauterine intravascular transfusions. Material and Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of 18 rhesus-negative pregnant women presenting at our hospital with fetal hydrops during a 7-year period. All cases were managed with serial intrauterine intravascular transfusions with the goal of delivery by cesarean section beyond 33 weeks of gestation. All patients received prophylactic ampicillin and ritodrine for 4 days after the procedure. Results: There were 11 mildly and 7 severely hydropic fetuses. All fetuses with mild hydrops and 5 of the 7 with severe hydrops were delivered alive after 32 weeks of gestation in a good condition. Two fetuses both with severe hydrops died in utero, at 28 weeks of gestation. Intrauterine reversal of hydrops occurred in 90.9% of fetuses with mild hydrops and in 57.1% of severely hydropic fetuses. Conclusions: The survival rate for the hydropic fetuses in our study was 88.9% and it was associated with the severity of fetal hydrops. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel