On Logistics and Motion Planning - An Informal Axiomatic Approach

Through the introduction of an informal axiomatic framework, this paper aims to contribute to the development of a general theory of logistics, which is currently still a blindspot in logistics research. It aims to combine the precision of robotic motion planning concepts with established logistics terminology, forging a link that balances the robustness of a mathematically rigorous theory with the rich semantic understanding inherent in logistics models. Centered around the notion of designing a logistic space, a possible way of structuring this space by grid-based and continuous spatial structures is discussed. The axiomatic framework is extended to include a new definition of logistics, queues, and other related concepts, providing a comprehensive view of logistics systems. Continuous spatial structures are semantically assigned to an idealized transport system, while the grid-based structure is recognized as an idealized storage system

miR-200c sensitizes breast cancer cells to doxorubicin treatment by decreasing TrkB and Bmi1 expression.

Acquired resistance to classical chemotherapeutics is a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Doxorubicin is frequently used in breast cancer therapy either as single-agent or in combination with other drugs like docetaxel and cyclophosphamide. All these chemotherapies have in common that they are administered sequentially and often result in chemoresistance. Here, we mimicked this pulse therapy of breast cancer patients in an in vitro cell culture model, where the epithelial breast cancer cell line BT474 was sequentially treated with doxorubicin for several treatment cycles. In consequence, we obtained chemoresistant cells displaying a mesenchymal-like phenotype with decreased levels of miR-200c. To investigate the involvement of miR-200c in resistance formation, we inhibited and overexpressed miR-200c in different cell lines. Thereby, the cells were rendered more resistant or susceptible to doxorubicin treatment. Moreover, the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB and the transcriptional repressor Bmi1 were identified as miR-200c targets mediating the drug resistance. Hence, we provide a mechanism of acquired resistance to doxorubicin that is caused by the loss of miR-200c. Along with this, our study demonstrates the complex network of microRNA mediated chemoresistance highlighting the challenges in cancer therapy and the importance of novel microRNA-modulating anticancer agents

Aerodynamic inverse design of multistage turbomachinery blading

A recently developed inverse method for single blade rows is extended to 2-D and quasi 3-D multi-stage application. In that method, the pressure distribution on the blade surfaces or alternatively, the blade loading and their thickness distribution are specified and the blade shape is sought using a virtual wall movement. The blade walls move with a virtual velocity distribution that is derived from the difference between the current and the target pressure distribution on the blade surfaces. The scheme is fully consistent with the viscous flow assumption and it is implemented into the time accurate solution of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations that are expressed in an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) form to account for mesh movement. A cell-vertex finite volume method of the Jameson type is used to discretize the equations in space; time accurate integration is obtained using dual time stepping. An algebraic Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model is used for turbulence closure. In order to extend the present method to multistage applications a mixing plane approach using flux averaged flow conditions is employed to couple the vane (stator) and blade (rotor) regions and non-reflecting boundary conditions are implemented at the interface between the two regions to account for short distances between blade leading and trailing edges and the corresponding inlet and exit boundaries. The method is validated on two different cases. Finally three different stages are redesigned: The E/TU-3 single stage turbine, the E/TU-4 2.5 stage turbine and the E/CO-5 2.5 stage compressor. For all cases presented in this thesis the blade pressure distributions and pressure loadings, respectively were selected as design variables, and, by modifying the original profile, it was possible to improve the aerodynamic performance

Introducing a multivariate model for predicting driving performance: The role of driving anger and personal characteristics

Introduction: Maladaptive driving is an important source of self-inflicted accidents and this driving style could include high speeds, speeding violations, and poor lateral control of the vehicle. The literature suggests that certain groups of drivers, such as novice drivers, males, highly motivated drivers, and those who frequently experience anger in traffic, tend to exhibit more maladaptive driving patterns compared to other drivers. Remarkably, no coherent framework is currently available to describe the relationships and distinct influences of these factors. Method: We conducted two studies with the aim of creating a multivariate model that combines the aforementioned factors, describes their relationships, and predicts driving performance more precisely. The studies employed different techniques to elicit emotion and different tracks designed to explore the driving behaviors of participants in potentially anger-provoking situations. Study 1 induced emotions with short film clips. Study 2 confronted the participants with potentially anger-inducing traffic situations during the simulated drive. Results: In both studies, participants who experienced high levels of anger drove faster and exhibited greater longitudinal and lateral acceleration. Furthermore, multiple linear regressions and path-models revealed that highly motivated male drivers displayed the same behavior independent of their emotional state. The results indicate that anger and specific risk characteristics lead to maladaptive changes in important driving parameters and that drivers with these specific risk factors are prone to experience more anger while driving, which further worsens their driving performance. Driver trainings and anger management courses will profit from these findings because they help to improve the validity of assessments of anger related driving behavior