Coupled Flexible Multibody Dynamics and Hydraulic Simulation for a Load Device

A hydraulic driven load device is actuated by two hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to opposite sides of the rotating frame of the load device. At the start of the work cycle cylinders receive half of the fluid flow generated by the flow source. After a while regenerative loading cycle is used. In regenerative loading one cylinder receives full fluid flow from the flow source and the other cylinder feeds itself. This causes cylinder forces that have different magnitude and opposite direction for each hydraulic cylinder. These forces affect the load devices structure with torsion. To determine deformations for the structure a coupled flexible multibody dynamics and hydraulics simulation is done. Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) method is used for flexibility of a part of the structure for multibody simulation. CMS method is a linear modal analysis based method. Flexible multibody model is driven by a hydraulic system model. Due to contact nonlinearities in load devices structure, joint forces are imported to non-linear dynamic analysis to determine deformations caused by the load cycle. Results of interest for the hydraulic system are the pressures in different places, cylinder forces and velocities and fluid flow rate in hydraulic pipes. Joint forces caused by the hydraulic system are the primary results which are transferred as boundary conditions for the second simulation that calculates deformations of the structure

Microfabrication of heated nebulizer chips for mass spectrometry

Microfabrication technologies originating from the semiconductor industry were applied to the instrumentation of analytical chemistry. Heated nebulizer (HN) chips made of silicon and glass were developed. The HN chips are used to vaporize a sample prior to detection by a mass spectrometer. The chips can be used with both liquid and gaseous samples and they are compatible with multiple atmospheric pressure ionization techniques, which enables wide applicability with different separation methods and various types of analytes. Better sensitivity, flexibility and operation with a lower sample and nebulizer gas flow rates was achieved by the miniaturization of the heated nebulizer. The chips can operate with 50 nL min-1 to 5 µL min-1 sample flow rates typical of microfluidic separation systems. Silicon and glass microfabrication methods - etching, wafer bonding and thin film technology - were developed and applied to the fabrication of the HN chips in 40 different layout and process variations. The thermal behaviour of the chips and the shape of the gaseous jet produced by the chips was studied. A method was developed for measuring the temperature distribution of a gaseous jet using a miniature thermocouple attached to a computer controlled xyz stage. Different methods for making capillary tube and electrical interconnections to the chips were also studied. Liquid chromatography (LC) column chips were developed resulting in an integrated chip having both an LC column and a heated nebulizer on a single chip. At the end of the LC column there is a high aspect ratio micropillar frit which enables packing the column with particles. The novel chips developed in this work extend the available ionization methods and the range of suitable analytes compared to the previously presented chips for mass spectrometry

IL-10 polymorphisms+434T/C,+504G/T, and-2849C/T may predispose to tubulointersititial nephritis and uveitis in pediatric population

Background Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and uveitis syndrome (TINU) are likely to be autoimmune diseases. Based on previous studies, adults with isolated idiopathic uveitis have polymorphisms in interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-alpha) genes. We aimed to evaluate the presence of IL-10 and TNF-alpha polymorphisms in a nationwide cohort of pediatric TIN/TINU patients. Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-10 (+434T/C, +504G/T, -1082G/A, -2849C/T) and in TNF alpha (-308G/A, -238G/A, -857C/T) genes were genotyped in 30 well-defined pediatric patients with idiopathic TIN/TINU syndrome. Control group frequencies for these SNPs were obtained from 393 independent Finnish subjects. Results The homozygous minor allele in IL-10 +434T (rs2222202) and IL-10+504G (rs3024490) was found in all patients with TIN or TINU syndrome while the frequency of these minor alleles in the control population was 44% and 23%, respectively (p <0.001). In IL-10 SNP -2849 (rs6703630) a significant difference was found with genotype TT in all patients (p = 0.004) and in subgroups with TINU syndrome (p = 0.017) and TINU syndrome with chronic uveitis (p = 0.01) compared to reference population. There were no statistical differences in any of the studied TNF-alpha genotypes between TIN/TINU patients and control population. Conclusions A significant difference in the frequency of IL-10+434T and +504G alleles was found between TIN/TINU patients and control population. Genotype -2849TT was more frequently present in patients with TINU syndrome than in the reference subjects. Genetic variation in the inflammatory mediators may predispose to autoimmune nephritis and uveitis.Peer reviewe

A comprehensive model for measuring real-life cost-effectiveness in eyecare : automation in care and evaluation of system (aces-rwm (TM))

This paper describes a holistic, yet simple and comprehensible, ecosystem model to deal with multiple and complex challenges in eyecare. It aims at producing the best possible wellbeing and eyesight with the available resources. When targeting to improve the real-world cost-effectiveness, what gets done in everyday practice needs be measured routinely, efficiently and unselectively. Collection of all real-world data of all patients will enable evaluation and comparison of eyecare systems and departments between themselves nationally and internationally. The concept advocates a strategy to optimize real-life effectiveness, sustainability and outcomes of the service delivery in ophthalmology. The model consists of three components: (1) resource-governing principles (i.e., to deal with increasing demand and limited resources), (2) real-world monitoring (i.e., to collect structured real-world data utilizing automation and visualization of clinical parameters, health-related quality of life and costs), and (3) digital innovation strategy (i.e., to evaluate and benchmark real-world outcomes and cost-effectiveness). The core value and strength of the model lies in the consensus and collaboration of all Finnish university eye clinics to collect and evaluate the uniformly structured real-world outcomes data. In addition to ophthalmology, the approach is adaptable to any medical discipline to efficiently generate real-world insights and resilience in health systems.Peer reviewe

Long-term outcome of biopsy-proven idiopathic tubulointersitial nephritis with or without uveitis in children-a nationwide follow-up study

Background Only a few studies reporting the long-term outcome of children with idiopathic tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and uveitis syndrome (TINU) are available. We studied the long-term kidney and ocular outcome in a nationwide cohort of children with TIN or TINU.Methods All patients followed up for a minimum of 1 year by a paediatrician and an ophthalmologist were enrolled. The data on plasma creatinine (P-Cr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, hypertension and uveitis were collected retrospectively.Results Fifty-two patients were studied. Median age at time of diagnosis was 13.1 (1.8-16.9) years and median follow-up time was 5.7 (1.1-21.2) years. Forty-five (87%) patients were initially treated with glucocorticoids. The median of the maximum P-Cr was 162 mu mol/l (47-1,016) and that of eGFR 47 ml/min/1.73m(2) (8-124). Uveitis was diagnosed in 33 patients (63%) and 21 (40%) patients developed chronic uveitis. P-Cr normalised in a median of 2 months. Eleven (21%) patients had nephritis recurrence during or after discontinuation of glucocorticoids. At the latest follow-up, 13 (25%) patients had eGFR Conclusions Our study questions the previously reported good long-term kidney and ocular outcome of patients with TIN/TINU. Decreased kidney function and/or ocular co-morbidities may persist for several years; thus, both kidney and ocular follow-up for at least 1 year is warranted.</div

The Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye Study: Design and baseline characteristics

Peer reviewe

A comprehensive model for measuring real-life cost-effectiveness in eyecare: automation in care and evaluation of system (aces-rwm™)

This paper describes a holistic, yet simple and comprehensible, ecosystem model to deal with multiple and complex challenges in eyecare. It aims at producing the best possible wellbeing and eyesight with the available resources. When targeting to improve the real-world cost-effectiveness, what gets done in everyday practice needs be measured routinely, efficiently and unselectively. Collection of all real-world data of all patients will enable evaluation and comparison of eyecare systems and departments between themselves nationally and internationally. The concept advocates a strategy to optimize real-life effectiveness, sustainability and outcomes of the service delivery in ophthalmology. The model consists of three components: (1) resource-governing principles (i.e., to deal with increasing demand and limited resources), (2) real-world monitoring (i.e., to collect structured real-world data utilizing automation and visualization of clinical parameters, health-related quality of life and costs), and (3) digital innovation strategy (i.e., to evaluate and benchmark real-world outcomes and cost-effectiveness). The core value and strength of the model lies in the consensus and collaboration of all Finnish university eye clinics to collect and evaluate the uniformly structured real-world outcomes data. In addition to ophthalmology, the approach is adaptable to any medical discipline to efficiently generate real-world insights and resilience in health systems

A 6-Month Study Comparing Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of the Preservative-free Fixed Combination of Tafluprost 0.0015% and Timolol 0.5% versus Each of Its Individual Preservative-Free Components

The efficacy, safety and tolerability of the preservative-free (PF) fixed combination (FC) of tafluprost 0.0015\% and timolol 0.5\% (once daily) were compared to those of the individual components (PF tafluprost 0.0015\% once daily and PF timolol 0.5\% twice daily) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension inadequately controlled on prior timolol or prostaglandin monotherapy for 6\ua0months.A stratified, double-masked, randomized, multicenter phase III study was conducted. A total of 189 prior timolol users were randomized within the timolol stratum (TS) to receive either FC (n\ua0=\ua095) or timolol 0.5\% (TIM; n\ua0=\ua094). Furthermore, a total of 375 prior prostaglandin analog (PGA) users were randomized within the prostaglandin stratum (PS) to receive either FC (n\ua0=\ua0188) or tafluprost 0.0015\% (TAF; n\ua0=\ua0187). To be eligible for participation in the study, the patients were required to have an intraocular pressure (IOP) of\ua0 6522\ua0mmHg when on timolol (TIM) or of\ua0 6520\ua0mmHg when on PGA in either treated eye at the screening and end-of-run-in visits. In addition to these, the study included visits at baseline, 2 and 6\ua0weeks, 3 and 6\ua0months and at a post-study visit. IOP was measured at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.In the TS, a significant reduction from baseline IOP was seen with FC and TIM throughout the study. Average diurnal IOP change from baseline at month 3 was -8.55\ua0mmHg (32\%) for FC and -7.35\ua0mmHg (28\%) for TIM. The model-based treatment difference (FC-TIM) was -0.885\ua0mmHg [95\% confidence interval (CI) -1.745 to -0.024; p\ua0=\ua00.044] demonstrating the superiority of FC over TIM. In the PS, a significant reduction in IOP was seen with both FC and TAF throughout the study. The average diurnal IOP change from baseline at month 3 was -8.61\ua0mmHg (33\%) for FC and -7.23\ua0mmHg (28\%) for TAF. The model-based treatment difference (FC-TAF) was -1.516\ua0mmHg (95\% CI -2.044 to -0.988; p\ua0<\ua00.001) demonstrating the superiority of FC over TAF. In the TS, related ocular adverse events (AEs) were more frequent for patients treated with FC compared to TIM (16.8\% versus 6.4\%), whereas related non-ocular AEs were more frequent with TIM compared to FC (2.1\% versus 0.0\%). In the PS, AEs were similarly distributed between FC and TAF. The frequency of conjunctival hyperemia of FC was low (6.4\%).The preservative-free fixed combination of tafluprost and timolol provided a substantial and significant IOP reduction in both strata. The IOP reduction was superior to both tafluprost 0.0015\% and timolol 0.5\% when given as monotherapies. Overall, the study treatments were safe and well tolerated.Santen Oy, Tampere, Finland

Konepalveluyrityksen lisäinvestointitarpeen selvitys

Opinnäytetyön tarkoituksena oli selvittää joutsalaisen Konetyö A. & A. Saarela Ay:n investointitarve kuorma-autolle. Kuorma-autoa käytettäisiin lähinnä hakkeen kuljetukseen, mutta tarkoituksena oli selvittää sille muitakin sopivia työtehtäviä. Opinnäytetyöhön kuului myös työtehtäviin sopivan kuorma-auton ja lisälaitteiden suunnittelu. Tavoitteena oli kustannus- ja investointilaskelmien avulla saada aikaan ehdotus investoinnin kannattavuudesta. Opinnäytetyön teoria koostuu kolmesta osasta, joista ensimmäisessä käydään läpi kuljetusjärjestelmiä, niiden suunnittelua ja logistista verkkoa. Toisessa kerrotaan biomassojen logistiikasta lähinnä metsähakkeen ja turpeen osalta. Kolmannessa osassa käsitellään investointilaskentaa. Tutkimus toteutettiin selvittämällä yrityksen palveluiden nykytilannetta, joista lähempään tarkasteluun valittiin hakkeen kuljetus sekä likakaivojen tyhjennys. Näiden työmäärää selvitettiin historiatiedoista ja raportissa esitellään tärkeimmät asiakkaat. Tämän jälkeen suunniteltiin työtehtäviin sopiva kuorma-autokalusto, jonka perusteella tehtiin kustannus- ja investointilaskelmat. Vertailun vuoksi laskelmat tehtiin myös liikennetraktorille. Opinnäytetyön tulokseksi ei saatu selkeää kyllä tai ei -vastausta, sillä investointipäätöstä ei voida tehdä pelkkien taloudellisten lukujen perusteella. Ongelmaksi muodostuivat lämpölaitosten varastot, jotka ovat liian pieniä kuorma-autolla toimimiseen. Nykyisellä hakkeen kysynnällä investointi ei kannata, mutta jos toiminta laajentuu sekä etäisyyksien että määrien puolesta, hankinta olisi kannattava.The aim of the thesis was to find out the need for a truck investment at Konetyö A. & A. Saarela Ay. Mainly the truck would be used for the transportation of woodchips, but other tasks could be considered, too. The aim was also to design a truck suitable for the needs and find out the profitability of the investment through investment calculation and cost accounting. The thesis theory was divided into three parts: transportation systems, the logistics of biomass and investment calculation. The research was conducted by figuring out the work load needed for woodchips transportation and sewage tank emptying, which were to be the main tasks for the truck. After this the designing of the truck and its accessories was done, and then cost accounting and investment calculation. These calculations were also made for a tractor, so that the comparison could be made between a truck and a tractor. The result of the thesis was not simply giving an answer “yes” or “no”, because the investment decision could not be made only by looking at the financial figures. There could be some practical problems with using a truck in woodchips transportation, especially at the warehouses which are too small. Having the current demand of woodchips, the investment would not be profitable. But if the demand increase and transportation distances grow, a truck would be a profitable investment