Using three-dimensional fractal dimension to analyze the complexity of fetal cortical surface from magnetic resonance images

This study aims to investigate the complexity of the developing fetal cortical surface based on the notion of fractal dimension (FD). Forty-four fetal MR images were selected at 22–36 weeks of gestational age (GA) and distributed between two groups: 32 normal fetal brains (excluding twins) and 12 abnormal fetal brains, including twins, mild ventricular dilatation, Cornelia de Lange syndrome (small brain), and cortical dysplasia (developmental delay). We adopted the commonly used box-counting (BC) method to estimate the FD of the developing fetal cortical surface. Results from normal fetal brains show that the increase of cortical complexity is highly correlated with fetal developing weeks of GA. In addition, after 28 weeks of GA, the value of FD increases more rapidly because of the faster development of convolved folds. In comparison with results from the normal fetal group, the abnormal fetal brains were examined and the results show that: (1) mild ventricular dilatation has no significant developing difference compared with normal fetal brains; (2) twins had lower FD than that of normal fetal brains, which may be a delay of 2–3 weeks; (3) the case of cortical dysplasia also had low FD, indicating that developing delay may mean less cortical complexity. The results of the normal group are in good agreement with fetal brain development and demonstrate the effectiveness of FD as a promising means for the quantification of complexity of the fetal cortical surface.     

On the applicability of soil water finite difference models to operational trafficability models

Certain current operational trafficability models (e.g. SMSP) use soil moisture models which are empirically based and have a relatively coarse time increment. It is proposed that the inclusion of a soil water finite difference model may more realistically represent the detailed soil water flux changes that occur near the surface, and thus provide an improved forecasting capability. Results are present which show the important role evaporation can play in its effect upon rating cone index values, emphasizing the need need to have a dynamic soil water model in trafficability modelling.     

Two-state dynamic gain scheduling control applied to an F16 aircraft model

The feasibility and benefits of applying a novel multi-variable dynamic gain scheduling (DGS) approach to a complex ‘industry-scale’ aircraft model are investigated; the latter model being a non-linear representation of the intrinsically unstable F16 aircraft incorporating detailed aerodynamic data. DGS is a novel control approach, which involves scheduling controller gains with one (or more) of the system states whilst accounting for the ‘hidden coupling terms’ ensuring a near-ideal response. It is effective for non-linear systems exhibiting rapid dynamic changes between operating points. Recently, this approach has been extended to a multi-variable and multi-input context. Hence, unlike previous DGS work on realistic aircraft models, relevant feedback gains are to be scheduled with all (i.e. two) state variables in order to demonstrate the ability of the approach to compensate for non-linearity during rapid manoeuvres and consequently achieving better flying qualities over a range of conditions than standard gain scheduling. Time history simulations are used to draw comparisons with the more traditional ‘static’ gain scheduling and input gain scheduling methods.     

Effects of polar cortical cytoskeleton and unbalanced cortical surface tension on intercellular bridge thinning during cytokinesis

To probe the contributions of polar cortical cytoskeleton and the surface tension of daughter cells to intercellular bridge thinning dynamics during cytokinesis,we applied cytochalasin D(CD) or colchicine(COLC) in a highly localized manner to polar regions of dividing normal rat kidney(NRK) cells.We observed cellular morphological changes and analyzed the intercellular bridge thinning trajectories of dividing cells with different polar cortical characteristics.Global blebbistatin(BS) application was used to obtain cells losing active contractile force groups.Our results show that locally released CD or colchicine at the polar region caused inhibition of cytokinesis before ingression.Similar treatment at phases after ingression allowed completion of cytokinesis but dramatically influenced the trajectories of intercellular bridge thinning.Disturbing single polar cortical actin induced transformation of the intercellular bridge thinning process,and polar cortical tension controlled deformation time of intercellular bridges.Our study provides a feasible framework to induce and analyze the effects of local changes in mechanical properties of cellular components on single cellular cytokinesis.     

Psychophysiology,Cortical Arousal and Dynamical Complexity (DCX)

Recent studies in brain dynamics have utilized a dependent variable calculated from the electroencephalogram (EEG) known as dimensional complexity (DC _x ), where variables such as scalp locus, cognitive task difficulty, or cortical arousal, are manipulated to test quantitative hypotheses regarding brain-state changes. The technique has been criticised on technical and theoretical grounds, yet its application to experimental time series in many domains has succeeded in yielding information about cortical activity which either complements or surpasses spectral band analysis, and other linear-stochastic techniques. The aim of this paper is to provide a pedagogical review of the contribution of dimensional complexity studies in understanding the psychophysiology of cortical arousal by outlining strategies for the successful estimation of DC _x as an empirical measure.     

Characterizing dynamic load propagation in cohesionless granular packing using force chain

When dynamic load is applied on a granular assembly, the time-dependent dynamic load and initial static load (such as gravity stress) act together on individual particles. In order to better understand how dynamic load triggers the micro-structure's evolution and furtherly the ensemble behavior of a granular assembly, we propose a criterion to recognize the major propagation path of dynamic load in 2D granular materials, called the “dynamic force chain”. Two steps are involved in recognizing dynamic force chains: (1) pick out particles with dynamic load larger than the threshold stress, where the attenuation of dynamic stress with distance is considered; (2) among which quasi-linear arrangement of three or more particles are identified as a force chain. The spatial distribution of dynamic force chains in indentation of granular materials provides a direct measure of dynamic load diffusion. The statistical evolution of dynamic force chains shows strong correlation with the indentation behaviors.     

Coupled lateral-torsional-axial vibrations of a helical gear-rotor-bearing system

Considering the axial and radial loads, a math- ematical model of angular contact ball bearing is deduced with Hertz contact theory. With the coupling effects of lateral, torsional and axial vibrations taken into account, a lumped-parameter nonlinear dynamic model of helical gearrotor-bearing system （HGRBS） is established to obtain the transmission system dynamic response to the changes of dif- ferent parameters. The vibration differential equations of the drive system are derived through the Lagrange equation, which considers the kinetic and potential energies, the dis- sipative function and the internal/external excitation. Based on the Runge-Kutta numerical method, the dynamics of the HGRBS is investigated, which describes vibration properties of HGRBS more comprehensively. The results show that the vibration amplitudes have obvious fluctuation, and the frequency multiplication and random frequency components become increasingly obvious with changing rotational speed and eccentricity at gear and bearing positions. Axial vibration of the HGRBS also has some fluctuations. The bearing has self-variable stiffness frequency, which should be avoided in engineering design. In addition, the bearing clearance needs little attention due to its slightly discernible effect on vibration response. It is suggested that a careful examination should be made in modelling the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a helical gear-rotor-bearing system.     

Damage assessment of tensegrity structures using piezo transducers

This paper presents the application of surface-bonded piezo-transducers for damage assessment of tensegrity structures through dynamic strain measurement and electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) technique. The two techniques are first applied on a single module tensegrity structure, 1 m×1 m in size and their damage diagnosis results compared. A single piezoelectric-ceramic (PZT) patch bonded on a strut measures the dynamic strain during an impact excitation of the structure. Damage is identified from the changes in global frequencies of the structure obtained from the PZT patch’s response. This is compared with the damage identified using the EMI technique, which is a signature based technique and operates at frequencies of the order of kHz. The dynamic strain approach, which requires commonly available hardware, is found to exhibit satisfactory performance vis-à-vis the EMI technique for damage assessment of tensegrity structures. The damage diagnosis exercise is then extended to a tensegrity grid structure, 2 m×2 m size, fabricated using galvanized iron (GI) pipes and mild steel wire ropes. The damage is localized using changes in natural frequencies observed experimentally using the dynamic strain approach and the corresponding mode shapes of the undamaged structure derived numerically. The dynamic strain approach is found to be very expedient, displays competitive performance and is at the same time cost effective for damage assessment of tensegrity structures.     

Nonlinear dynamic analysis and sliding mode control for?a?gyroscope system

This paper employs differential transformation (DT) method to analyze and control the dynamic behavior of a gyroscope system. The analytical results reveal a complex dynamic behavior comprising periodic, subharmonic, quasiperiodic, and chaotic responses of the center of gravity. Furthermore, the results reveal the changes which take place in the dynamic behavior of the gyroscope system as the external force is increased. The current analytical results by DT method are found to be in good agreement with those of Runge?CKutta (RK) method. In order to suppress the chaotic behavior in gyroscope system, the sliding mode controller (SMC) is used and guaranteed the stability of the system from chaotic motion to periodic motion. Numerical simulations are shown to verify the results. The proposed DT method and controlling scheme provide an effective means of gaining insights into the nonlinear dynamics and controlling of gyroscope systems.     

基于气动力降阶模型的跨音速气动弹性稳定性分析

基于离散型输入输出差分模型,运用非定常CFD方法训练信号,然后运用最小二乘方法进行参数辨识,得到降阶的非定常气动力模型,再将该离散差分模型转换为连续时间域内的状态方程。耦合气动状态方程和结构状态方程,得到耦合系统的气动弹性状态方程。求解不同动压下状态矩阵的特征值,根据根轨迹图分析系统的稳定性特性。分析结果与直接耦合CFD/CSD方法结果相吻合,可以计算跨音速非线性气动弹性问题。其计算效率比直接耦合CFD/CSD方法提高1~2个数量级。针对Isogai wing在跨音速出现的S型颤振边界进行了较为细致的分析,阐述了该现象是由于系统诱发颤振的分支随着速度(来流动压)的提高而发生转移所导致的。     

弹性地基上含孔隙功能梯度材料板的自由振动和动力响应

为研究弹性地基上含孔隙的材料特性沿厚度呈Sigmoid函数变化的功能梯度材料(S-FGM)板的振动特性,本文基于改进的Voigt模型,分别建立了孔隙为均匀分布和非均匀分布两种类型的功能梯度材料的物性参数模型.根据复合材料薄板理论导出了弹性地基上含孔隙的功能梯度材料板的运动方程,用伽辽金法寻求四边简支边界条件下板自由振动...     

基于径向基点插值法的旋转Mindlin板高次刚柔耦合动力学模型

将无网格径向基点插值法(radial point interpolation method,RPIM)用于中心刚体?旋转柔性板的动力学分析.基于浮动坐标系方法和一阶剪切变形理论即Mindlin板理论,考虑剪切变形的影响,并计入板面内变形的非线性耦合变形项,采用径向基点插值法描述板的变形场,保留动能中有关非线性耦合变形项...     

不同尺寸砂岩动态力学性质和应力平衡性的试验研究

采用大直径分离式霍普金森压杆系统获得的不同尺寸试样的实验冲击动态力学参数有差异,因此在直径100 mm压杆上进行了3种直径（50、75和100 mm）和5种长径比（0.4、0.5、0.6、0.8和1.0）的砂岩试样冲击试验,分析了不同尺寸试样应力-应变曲线和应变率曲线随尺寸的变化,提出了用于比较波形对齐重合度的波形叠加系数,并与应力平衡因子共同构建了动态应力平衡性研究体系,由此确定大直径霍普金森压杆试验的试样建议尺寸。同时,利用高速摄影机监测试样的动态破坏状况。结果表明:当长径比相同时,直径75与100 mm岩石试样的动态抗压强度测试值相近,直径50 mm试样具有更明显的长度效应;随着试样直径的增大,应变率曲线从单峰变为双峰;小尺寸试样更易发生轴向劈裂破坏,大尺寸试样受内部应力波叠加影响产生了较大的拉应力,易发生层裂拉伸和轴向劈裂的复合型破坏;对直径75 mm且长径比0.3~0.4的试样,波形对齐后重合度较高,在起始破坏前拥有充足的应力平衡时间,应变率加载效果较好。获得了砂岩试样冲击压缩试验的尺寸效应,可为大直径岩石试样的尺寸选择提供参考。     

薄壁件加工系统动态响应分析

薄壁件在铣削加工中容易产生共振或变形,直接影响加工稳定性及加工精度。采用主轴-刀具-工件整体铣削系统连续梁模型,系统研究在动态铣削力作用下,刀具端部与工件端部的动态响应之间的相互影响关系以及对整体系统动态响应影响较大的薄壁件尺寸。结果表明,工件横截面高度对系统共振的影响较为明显,当高度尺寸较小时,工件的低频共振会通过动态铣削力直接反映到刀具端部的振动频响上。工件横截面底边宽度尺寸的增大虽然对共振频率的改变不太明显,但会导致激发出来的刀具共振幅度出现明显降低。研究成果可以为薄壁件铣削加工系统的稳定性控制提供理论基础。     

Control and analysis of epilepsy waveforms in a disinhibition model of cortex network

Considering the disinhibition circuit between inhibitory neuronal populations with different time scales in cortical neural networks, here we propose a novel model to describe the occurrences and transitions of epilepsy waveforms. With the model we can successfully simulate poly-spike complexes, which are common in electrophysiological experiments and focal epilepsy patients. Meanwhile, we focus on the dynamic transitions between epilepsy waveforms and normal state and are devoted to exploring effective electrical stimulation strategies. Results show that disinhibition can induce an epileptic bidirectional transition, which is from spike and wave discharges, to poly-spike complexes and then to low-voltage rapid discharge activity, or it is reversed. And fascinating dynamical transition behaviors can be induced by varying average inhibitory synaptic gain. Interestingly, after applying two different control signals (deep brain stimulation and oscillatory input) to the system, all epilepsy waveforms can be suppressed or even eliminated. Results shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and guide clinical treatment from a theoretical viewpoint.

     

Analysis of fetal cortical complexity from MR images using 3D entropy based information fractal dimension

The fetal cortical complexity is a significant quantification for assessing the development of fetal brain. This study attempts to quantify the development of fetal cortical complexity using the concept of fractal dimension (FD) analysis. Thirty-two fetal MR images were selected from Taipei Veterans General Hospital at 27–37 weeks of gestational age (GA). To investigate the FD of fetal cortical complexity, the entropy based information fractal dimension method (FD _EBI), which is modified from Box-Counting method, was adopted and extended from 2D to 3D. The FD results from overall whole fetal brains show that the increase of cortical complexity is highly correlated with the gestational age of the fetus. Moreover, the FD values of right hemispheric brain are larger than those of left hemispheric brain, show that the development of right hemispheric fetal cortical complexity earlier than the left. These results are in good agreement with normal fetal brain development and suggest that the FD is an effective means for the quantification of fetal cortical complexity.     

Static and dynamic behavior of disk bearings for OSPG railway bridges under railway vehicle loading

The aim of the present study is to investigate the static and dynamic behavior of disk bearings under railway vehicle loadings. A disk bearing is operated as an elastic bearing in the vertical direction and is composed of a Polyether Urethane (Polyurethane) disk for elastic support and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to accommodate lateral movements. Static tests are conducted in a laboratory to determine the static behavior of a Polyurethane disk. Finite Element (FE) analysis is also performed to assess the friction and the role of the pin inside a disk bearing. For dynamic behavior, four disk bearings having the identical Polyurethane disk, which are used in the static tests, are installed in a real railway bridge and tested under a running locomotive. From the test results, the static and dynamic stiffness of disk bearings are estimated and compared with each other. The estimated static stiffness of the disk bearing is almost half of that under dynamic loading. In addition, under relatively light loads the dynamic stiffness of a fixed disk bearing is approximately 80% greater than that of an expansion disk bearing since the PTFE deflects and the gap is closed in the expansion bearing. Deformation of the disk bearings in the real bridge is measured with varying locomotive speeds. The deformation of the disk bearings does not vary significantly with changes in the locomotive’s speed.     

Effect of ventricle motion on the dynamic behaviour of chorded mitral valves

An Immersed Boundary (IB) model is employed to investigate the dynamic behaviour of a novel chorded mitral prosthesis, which is in the early stages of its development, under physiological flow conditions. In vivo magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the left ventricle are analysed to determine the relative motion of the mitral annulus and the papillary muscle regions of the ventricle. The dynamic boundary conditions are incorporated into IB simulations to test the valve in a more realistic dynamic geometric environment. The IB model has successfully identified the effect of the dynamic boundary conditions on the mechanical behaviour of the valve and revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the current mitral design. The mechanical performance of the prosthesis is compared with recent studies of native porcine valves; differences in mechanical behaviour are observed. Potential improvements for the design of the prosthesis are proposed.     

Modeling Historical Development: Fitting a Competing Practices System to Coded Archival Data

This project used curve fitting to refine an ecological model of historical development. Dirlam (1972, 1980, and 1996) constructed multidimensional classifiers for coding sociocultural practices by using theories of children's drawing, students' writing, and developmental researchers' methods. The last involved an eleven-dimensional classifier based mostly on Danziger's (1990) insights. An NDS analysis began with Van Geert's (1991) variant of the Lotka-Volterra two-species model, which was generalized by Dirlam (1997) to many competing species, each embodying an evolutionary strategy. Excellent fits to codings of research strategies in 599 articles from Child Development and Developmental Psychology, 1969-1992, revealed chaotic growth unless suppressed by new strategies. In this paper, coding was extended to 313 new articles published from 1930-1968. A refined model using Levins' (1969) logistic weed produced more meaningful parameter values and suggested dynamic differences between evolutionary strategies and sociocultural practices. Statistically adequate solutions with both low growth and high growth were found. To differentiate solutions, we proposed independent experimental testing and examining the scientific meaning of parameter values. The analysis identified two novel dynamic entities: default and polarized practices. Removing the person-practice link and coding many dimensions at once extends dynamic modeling to a greatly enriched variety of cultural and historical processes.     

Dynamic characteristic analysis of spur gear system considering tooth contact state caused by shaft misalignment

The effect of gear contact state change due to shaft misalignment on meshing stiffness is usually neglected in the traditional stiffness calculation model with misalignment error, the further influence mechanism of shaft misalignment on gear dynamic characteristics is also unclear. To address these shortcomings, a new mesh stiffness calculation model with misaligned gear considering the effects of tooth contact state is proposed by combining the improved loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) model. Then the effects of tooth contact state changes aroused by shaft misalignment on the meshing stiffness excitation are investigated. Moreover, a dynamic model of the misaligned gear system with 8 degrees of freedom (DOF) is established, and based on which the dynamic characteristics of the gear system are investigated and verified by experiment. The study results indicate that the proposed model can be used to evaluate the stiffness excitation and dynamic characteristics of the misaligned gear system with the tooth contact state taken into consideration. This study can provide a theoretical method for evaluating and identifying shaft misalignment errors.