Introducing standardized protocols for anthropological measurement of virtual subadult crania using computed tomography

Objectives This study introduces and assesses the precision of a standardized protocol for anthropometric measurement of the juvenile cranium using three-dimensional surface rendered models, for implementation in forensic investigation or paleodemographic research. Materials and methods A subset of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) DICOM datasets (n=10) of modern Australian subadults (birth—10 years) was accessed from the “Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Virtual Osteological Database” (n>1200), obtained from retrospective clinical scans taken at Brisbane children hospitals (2009–2013). The capabilities of Geomagic Design X™ form the basis of this study; introducing standardized protocols using triangle surface mesh models to (i) ascertain linear dimensions using reference plane networks and (ii) calculate the area of complex regions of interest on the cranium. Results The protocols described in this paper demonstrate high levels of repeatability between five observers of varying anatomical expertise and software experience. Intra- and inter-observer error was indiscernible with total technical error of measurement (TEM) values ≤0.56 mm, constituting <0.33% relative error (rTEM) for linear measurements; and a TEM value of ≤12.89 mm2, equating to <1.18% (rTEM) of the total area of the anterior fontanelle and contiguous sutures. Conclusions Exploiting the advances of MSCT in routine clinical assessment, this paper assesses the application of this virtual approach to acquire highly reproducible morphometric data in a non-invasive manner for human identification and population studies in growth and development. The protocols and precision testing presented are imperative for the advancement of “virtual anthropology” into routine Australian medico-legal death investigation.

Contemporary challenges in e-learning

Technology is impacting on most elements of organisations today and workforce development professionals have been some of the leading proponents of embracing technologies and the benefits they offer. E-learning has emerged as at least a complementary offering to face-to-face training, and in some cases has totally replaced more traditional forms of workforce development. This chapter explores the use of learning technologies and the benefits and drawbacks of their use. In particular it focuses on further exploring the issue of a perceived lack of interaction in some e-learning offerings; a factor identified as critical to address in order to ensure effective e-learning. The chapter discusses the issues of interaction and social presence to address feelings of isolation and offers some key considerations for those considering integrating technology into workforce development.

Numerical study of lid-driven square cavity with heat generation using LBM

In this study, the mixed convection heat transfer and fluid flow behaviors in a lid-driven square cavity filled with high Prandtl number fluid (Pr = 5400, ν = 1.2×10-4 m2/s) at low Reynolds number is studied using thermal Lattice Boltzmann method (TLBM) where ν is the viscosity of the fluid. The LBM has built up on the D2Q9 model and the single relaxation time method called the Lattice-BGK (Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook) model. The effects of the variations of non dimensional mixed convection parameter called Richardson number(Ri) with and without heat generating source on the thermal and flow behavior of the fluid inside the cavity are investigated. The results are presented as velocity and temperature profiles as well as stream function and temperature contours for Ri ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 with other controlling parameters that present in this study. It is found that LBM has good potential to simulate mixed convection heat transfer and fluid flow problem. Finally the simulation results have been compared with the previous numerical and experimental results and it is found to be in good agreement.

Structures of life : the role of molecular structures in scientists' work

The visual and multidimensional representations like images and graphical structures related to biology provide great insights into understanding the complexities of different organisms. Especially, life scientists use different representations of molecular structures to answer biological questions and to better understand cellular processes. Combining results from two field studies, we explore the role of molecular structures in life scientists’ current work from a humanfactors perspective. Our main conclusion is that different representations of molecular structures, due to their visual nature, are important for supporting collaboration, constructing new knowledge and supporting scientists’ professional activities in general.

Influence of tilt and surface roughness on the outflow wind field of an impinging jet

A physical and numerical steady flow impinging jet has been used to simulate the bulk characteristics of a downburst-like wind field. The influence of downdraft tilt and surface roughness on the ensuing wall jet flow has been investigated. It was found that a simulated downdraft impinging the surface at a non-normal angle has the potential for causing larger structural loads than the normal impingement case. It was also found that for the current impinging jet simulations, surface roughness played a minor role in determining the storm maximum wind structure, but this influence increased as the wall jet diverged. However, through comparison with previous research it was found that the influence of surface roughness is Reynolds number dependent and therefore may differ from that reported herein for full-scale downburst cases. Using the current experimental results an empirical model has been developed for laboratory-scale impinging jet velocity structure that includes the influence of both jet tilt and surface roughness.

Validation tool for traction force microscopy

Traction force microscopy (TFM) is commonly used to estimate cells’ traction forces from the deformation that they cause on their substrate. The accuracy of TFM highly depends on the computational methods used to measure the deformation of the substrate and estimate the forces, and also on the specifics of the experimental set-up. Computer simulations can be used to evaluate the effect of both the computational methods and the experimental set-up without the need to perform numerous experiments. Here, we present one such TFM simulator that addresses several limitations of the existing ones. As a proof of principle, we recreate a TFM experimental set-up, and apply a classic 2D TFM algorithm to recover the forces. In summary, our simulator provides a valuable tool to study the performance, refine experimentally, and guide the extraction of biological conclusions from TFM experiments.

Numerical estimation of 3D mechanical forces exerted by cells on non-linear materials

The exchange of physical forces in both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions play a significant role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, such as cell migration, cancer metastasis, inflammation and wound healing. Therefore, great interest exists in accurately quantifying the forces that cells exert on their substrate during migration. Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) is the most widely used method for measuring cell traction forces. Several mathematical techniques have been developed to estimate forces from TFM experiments. However, certain simplifications are commonly assumed, such as linear elasticity of the materials and/or free geometries, which in some cases may lead to inaccurate results. Here, cellular forces are numerically estimated by solving a minimization problem that combines multiple non-linear FEM solutions. Our simulations, free from constraints on the geometrical and the mechanical conditions, show that forces are predicted with higher accuracy than when using the standard approaches.

Teaching Teachers for the Future : an Australian government national project

This paper describes the Teaching Teachers of the Future (TTF) Project – a national project funded ($8.8mil AUD) by the Australian Government. The project was aimed at building the capacity of student teachers to use technology to improve student learning outcomes. It discusses the aims and objectives of the project, its genesis in a changing educational and political landscape, the use of TPACK as a theoretical scaffold, and briefly reports on the operations of the various components and part-ners. Further, it discusses the research opportunities afforded by the project includ-ing a national survey of all PSTs in Australia gauging their TPACK confidence and the use of the Most Significant Change (MSC) methodology. Finally the paper dis-cusses the outcomes of the project and its future.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation and turbomachinery code validation of a high pressure ratio radial-inflow turbine

The present study explores reproducing the closest geometry of a high pressure ratio single stage radial-inflow turbine applied in the Sundstrans Power Systems T-100 Multipurpose Small Power Unit. The commercial software ANSYS-Vista RTD along with a built in module, BladeGen, is used to conduct a meanline design and create 3D geometry of one flow passage. Carefully examining the proposed design against the geometrical and experimental data, ANSYS-TurboGrid is applied to generate computational mesh. CFD simulations are performed with ANSYS-CFX in which three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Results are compared with numerical and experimental data published in the literature in order to generate the exact geometry of the existing turbine and validate the numerical results against the experimental ones.

Measurement studies on Superhydrophobic materials

Superhydrophobicity is directly related to the wettability of the surfaces. Cassie-Baxter state relating to geometrical configuration of solid surfaces is vital to achieving the Superhydrophobicity and to achieve Cassie-Baxter state the following two criteria need to be met: 1) Contact line forces overcome body forces of unsupported droplet weight and 2) The microstructures are tall enough to prevent the liquid that bridges microstructures from touching the base of the microstructures [1]. In this paper we discuss different measurements used to characterise/determine the superhydrophobic surfaces.

Impact of child labor on academic performance : evidence from the program "Edúcame Primero Colombia"

In this study, the effects of different variables of child labor on academic performance are investigated. To this end, 3302 children participating in the child labor eradication program “Edúcame Primero Colombia” were interviewed. The interview format used for the children's enrollment into the program was a template from which socioeconomic conditions, academic performance, and child labor variables were evaluated. The academic performance factor was determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The data were analyzed through a logistic regression model that took into account children who engaged in a type of labor (n = 921). The results showed that labor conditions, the number of weekly hours dedicated to work, and the presence of work scheduled in the morning negatively affected the academic performance of child laborers. These results show that the relationship between child labor and academic performance is based on the conflict between these two activities. These results do not indicate a linear and simple relationship associated with the recognition of the presence or absence of child labor. This study has implications for the formulation of policies, programs, and interventions for preventing, eradicating, and attenuating the negative effects of child labor on the social and educational development of children.

Stature estimation of a contemporary Australian sub-population: An evaluation of the Trotter and Gleser method using computed tomography of the femur

Utilising computed tomography scans to allow a virtual analysis of three-dimensional reconstructions of the femur, this project confirms that the traditional 1952 Trotter and Gleser stature estimation equations are inapplicable for a contemporary Queensland population. Therefore, this study introduces modern stature estimation equations for femoral length and fragmentary femoral remains using Bayesian statistics for application in forensic anthropological casework. In addition, it was found that caution needs to be applied when comparing estimated stature to reported stature on the missing persons database due to inaccuracy in Queensland drivers' licences.

Co-occurring anger in young people with Asperger's syndrome

Objectives: The co-occurrence of anger in young people with Asperger's syndrome (AS) has received little attention despite aggression, agitation, and tantrums frequently being identified as issues of concern in this population. The present study investigated the occurrence of anger in young people with AS and explores its relationship with anxiety and depression. Method: Sixty-two young people (12-23 years old) diagnosed with AS were assessed using the Beck Anger Inventory for Youth, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, and Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale. Results: Among young people with AS who participated in this study, 41% of participants reported clinically significant levels of anger (17%), anxiety (25.8%) and/or depression (11.5%). Anger, anxiety, and depression were positively correlated with each other. Depression, however, was the only significant predictor of anger. Conclusion: Anger is commonly experienced by young people with AS and is correlated with anxiety and depression. These findings suggest that the emotional and behavioral presentation of anger could serve as a cue for further assessment, and facilitate earlier identification and intervention for anger, as well as other mental health problems.

Identification of direct transcriptional targets of V600EBRAF/MEK signalling in melanoma

Oncogenic mutations in BRAF are common in melanoma and drive constitutive activation of the MEK/ERK pathway. To elucidate the transcriptional events downstream of V600EBRAF/MEK signalling we performed gene expression profiling of A375 melanoma cells treated with potent and selective inhibitors of V600EBRAF and MEK (PLX4720 and PD184352 respectively). Using a stringent Bayesian approach, we identified 69 transcripts that appear to be direct transcriptional targets of this pathway and whose expression changed after 6 h of pathway inhibition. We also identified several additional genes whose expression changed after 24 h of pathway inhibition and which are likely to be indirect transcriptional targets of the pathway. Several of these were confirmed by demonstrating their expression to be similarly regulated when BRAF was depleted using RNA interference, and by using qRT-PCR in other BRAF mutated melanoma lines. Many of these genes are transcription factors and feedback inhibitors of the ERK pathway and are also regulated by MEK signalling in NRAS mutant cells. This study provides a basis for understanding the molecular processes that are regulated by V600EBRAF/MEK signalling in melanoma cells.