Impact of turbulence models and shape parameterization on robust aerodynamic shape optimization

Aerodynamic design optimization is typically performed at fixed flight conditions, without considering the variation and uncertainty in operating conditions. The objective of robust aerodynamic optimization is to design an aerodynamic configuration, which will keep its optimum performance under varying conditions such as the speed of aircraft. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the impact of turbulence models used in RANS simulations on the 2-D airfoil and 3-D wing designs obtained with gradient-based deterministic and robust optimization in transonic, viscous, turbulent flows. The main contribution of this research to the aerodynamic design area was to quantify the impact of turbulence models (Spalart-Allmaras and Menter\u27s Shear Stress Transport) and shape parameterization techniques (Hicks-Henne bump functions, B-Spline curves and Free-Form Deformation) on the computational cost, optimal shape, and its performance obtained with robust optimization under uncertainty. The effect of changing the relative weight of mean drag reduction and robustness measures used in the objective function was also investigated for the 3-D robust design. The robustness of the final design obtained with stochastic optimization approach was demonstrated over the Mach number range considered as the uncertain operating condition in this study. The results of the 2-D study show that the shape parameterization technique has a larger impact on the computational cost than the turbulence models in both deterministic and robust design. The results of the 3-D study show that the effect of the weight distribution in the objective function is more significant than the effect of turbulence model on the final design obtained with robust optimization below the design Mach number value. In general, robust optimization tends to reduce the impact of the turbulence model selection on the optimum shape and performance over the uncertain Mach number range considered, whereas the effect of the turbulence model becomes significant at off-design conditions for the optimal shapes obtained with deterministic design --Abstract, page iii

Development of Half Scale Dress Forms in Active Body Positions for Bicycle Clothing Design and Fit

In this study, we explore potential use of 3D body scanning technology and half scale form development of active body positions. The ultimate goal is to provide a quick, practical and less costly method of developing and fit testing activewear designs. Although 3D body scanners only capture static body shapes, active postures can be identified and captured statically. This technique has been used to study the change of body dimensions in active poses (Choi & Ashdown, 2010). Achieving data from active positions for a half scale form could provide a useful tool for design and pattern development, fit adjustments and customization opportunities for activewear. Among a variety of possible sports activities, male cyclists were chosen as the subject for this study, as the body motions during cycling provide dynamic poses with repeating patterns

Fit Analyses of Bicycle Clothing in Active Body Poses

We present a project experimenting with new approaches for fit analyses in active body poses, using half scale fit models made from 3D body scans, and compression sensors. Participants chosen as fit models for size categories of bicycle apparel were body scanned in active and standing positions. Half scale dress forms were 3D printed of one of the participant\u27s scans, and both half scale and full scale bicycle shorts were made in two styles. Fit tests were conducted using compression sensors on the fit model with the full scale shorts and on the dress forms with the half scale shorts. Results are promising, with some correlations in the results from the two tests. Testing fit on half scale forms in active positions could contribute to the design process for activewear. Further research is needed to test results in each size in the range

Prediction of coronary artery disease severity in lower extremity artery disease patients: A correlation study of TASC II classification, Syntax and Syntax II scores

Background: Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is a well-established risk factor for concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD). There are no published data combining all three lower limb arterial segments (aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and below the knee vessels) in order to estimate CAD severity in LEAD patients. Herein has been derived a new scoring system for this purpose, which uses the wellknown TASC II classification, Syntax score and, for the first time in medical literature, a Syntax II score. Methods: The study population consisted of 178 patients who underwent lower limb and coronary diagnostic angiography for assessment of LEAD and CAD at the same session. Syntax and Syntax II scores were calculated. TASC II classifications of the lower limb arteries were done. A new scoring system, called “Total Peripheral Score” (TPS), for lower limbs was also calculated. Results: A positive correlation was found between TPS and Syntax score and a less prominent positive correlation between TPS and Syntax II score (p < 0.001). A cut-off value of ‘6’ for the new score was found for estimating high risk subgorup of CAD (Syntax score > 32; p < 0.001). Critical femoropopliteal arterial segment stenosis was the most predictive lower limb arterial zone for presence of severe CAD (Syntax score > 32; p = 0.011). Conclusions: Taking into account all lower limb arterial segments for predicting CAD during lower limb arterial angiography was recommended. A TPS of more than ‘6’ is the practical cut-off value for estimating severe CAD. Femoropopliteal arterial critical stenosis is the most predictive arterial zone for estimating severe CAD.

Potential role of the geriatric nutritional risk index as a novel risk factor for the development of non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure

PURPOSE: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a simple and objective nutritional assessment tool for elderly patients. Lower GNRI values are associated with a worse prognosis in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Our aim is to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and follow-up cardiovascular (CV) events in HFrEF. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 362 patients with HFrEF. The baseline GNRI was calculated at the first visit. The patients were divided into three groups according to the GNRI: >98, no-risk group; 92 to <= 98, low risk group; 82 to <92, moderate-to-high-risk group. The study endpoint was a composite of follow-up CV events, including all-cause mortality, non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) , need for cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy, HfrEF-related hospitalizations and need for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). RESULTS: Follow-up data showed that the group with moderate-to-high risk had a significantly higher incidence of NVAF, PCIs and all-cause mortality compared to other groups (p0.05). Mean GNRI value was 83.3 in NVAF patients and 101.1 in patients without NVAF (p<0.001). Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed that patients from the group with moderate-to-high risk had a significantly worse survival rate (p < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the group with moderate-to-high risk (HR =3.872) and ICD implantations (HR = 4.045) were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: The GNRI value may have a potential role for predicting future events, especially NVAF in patients with HfrEF

Total bilirubin and fasting plasma glucose levels are associated with coronary collateral development in elderly patients

Background and objective: We aimed to investigate biochemical factors affecting coronary collateral circulation development in an elderly population aged 75 years and over. Material and methods: The study group consisted of patients with a prior coronary angiography for stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with total occlusion of at least one vessel were included in the study. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups, good collateral (GC; n = 73) and bad collateral (BC; n = 55), in accordance with the Cohen-Rentop’s classification system. Results: In comparison to the GC group, bilirubin levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were significantly higher in the BC group (p = 0.026). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the BC group when compared to the GC group (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Backward elimination stepwise logistic regression analysis identified bilirubin and FPG as variables that strongly predicted the presence of a well-developed coronary collateral circulation and a poorly developed coronary collateral circulation, respectively. Conclusion: Bilirubin and FPG were seemed as the most important factors affecting coronary collateral circulation development in patients with stable CAD who were older than 75 years

Serum Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 Related Factor-2 (NRF2) as an Indicator of Oxidative Stress is Related to Coronary in-Stent Restenosis

Objective: In the treatment of coronary artery disease, stent implantation has become the standard treatment, but development of in-stent restenosis (ISR) limits the benefit of this treatment modality. Methods: Based on the connection between oxidative stress and thiol/disulphate and NRF2, it was intended to measure NRF2 and thiol/disulphate levels. Results: Coronary angiography images of 76 stable angina pectoris patients were evaluated. Of the 51 patients with a history drug eluting stent implantation, we determined 25 patients with ISR (Group 1) and 26 patients without ISR (Group 2). Twenty-five patients with normal coronary arteries were included in the study as control group (Group 3). NRF2 level was found to be significantly higher in patients who did not develop ISR (p=0.01). Total thiol was significantly higher in group 3 (738.76 micromole/L) compared to group 1 (626.11 micromole/L) and group 2 (630.27 micromole/L) (p=0.014). Native thiol was also significantly higher in group 3 (570.53 micromole/L) compared to group 1 (483.91 micromole/L) and group 2 (501 micromole/L) (p=0.006). Conclusion: We think that total and native thiol levels might be useful as an indicator of oxidative stress in early diagnosis of coronary artery disease, and the NRF2 level can be used in predicting patients who might develop coronary ISR

Clinicopathologic features of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study is to review all features of incidentally discovered prostate adenocarcinoma in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The medical charts of 300 male patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer between 1997 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 62 (range 51-75) years.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Prostate adenocarcinoma was present in 60 (20%) of 300 specimens. All were acinar adenocarcinoma. Of these, 40 (66.7%) were located in peripheral zone, 20 (33.3%) had pT2a tumor, 12 (20%) had pT2b tumor, 22(36.7%) had pT2c and, 6 (10%) had pT3a tumor. Gleason score was 6 or less in 48 (80%) patients. Surgical margins were negative in 54 (90%) patients, and tumor volume was less than 0.5 cc in 23 (38.3%) patients. Of the 60 incidentally detected cases of prostate adenocarcinoma 40 (66.7%) were considered clinically significant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Incidentally detected prostate adenocarcinoma is frequently observed in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens. The majority are clinically significant.</p

Creative Reverse Engineering – from remote sensuality to haptic metrology

Our ongoing experimentation in close-range Photogrammetry has overcome common challenges to generate accurate, high-resolution 3D models using a single DSLR camera and innovative approaches and computer-coded devices. More recent investigations across disciplines sought to bridge the gap between traditional creative skills and modes of visualisation, and what can be made possible through digital means. Working as artists and designers alongside museums and historians, we have developed new photogrammetry equipment and approaches to help overcome the complex fluid geometry, shadowy occlusions and delicate lamina edges of challenging monochromatic garments. The resulting 3D models have allowed the rapid extraction of faithful seams and surfaces direct from the processed ‘mesh’ and into CAD modelling environments for the production of new designs, patterns and production tooling. Current collaborations seek to apply these developments to the capture, visualisation and reverse engineering of iconic garments and museum artefacts, alongside the 'remote sensing' of traditional pattern cutters whose eyes, minds and hands are the equivalent of the digital approaches explored in our paper. The second phase sought to unpick some of the familiar structures of object- and asset creation in and for Virtual and Augmented Reality. Experimenting with equipment, methods and processing techniques allowed us to explore the potential of 3D visualisations and readily available tools within Virtual and Augmented Reality for garment design and other forms of object-based creative ideation, sketching and prototyping. In the next stages of our ongoing research we explored a more haptic form of CAD-enabled modelling and metrology, aiming to bring these approaches within the reach of a wider range of creative users: enabling artists, designers and makers to move more seamlessly between digital tools and virtual environments, and actual things in real time and space

Fit Analyses of Bicycle Clothing in Active Body Poses

We present a project experimenting with new approaches for fit analyses in active body poses, using half scale fit models made from 3D body scans, and compression sensors. Participants chosen as fit models for size categories of bicycle apparel were body scanned in active and standing positions. Half scale dress forms were 3D printed of one of the participant's scans, and both half scale and full scale bicycle shorts were made in two styles. Fit tests were conducted using compression sensors on the fit model with the full scale shorts and on the dress forms with the half scale shorts. Results are promising, with some correlations in the results from the two tests. Testing fit on half scale forms in active positions could contribute to the design process for activewear. Further research is needed to test results in each size in the range.</p