Reduction Of Protrusion Research Articles

Optimization of the Interface Between Catalyst Layer and Proton Exchange Membrane via Rolled Technique

Optimization of the interface between the catalyst layer (CL) and the proton exchange membrane (PEM) plays an important role in performance enhancement in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Here, a rolled technique was used to optimize the PEM∣CL interface to obtain a smooth CL surface with decreased roughness from 0.347 to 0.266 μm due to the reduction of protrusions after the rolled process. Advantages of the optimized PEM∣CL interface formed after decal transfer method were carefully evaluated. First, the internal resistance of the rolled CL is significantly reduced from 61.5 to 47.5 mΩ cm2@2000 mA cm−2, which is ascribed to the higher contact area between CL and PEM. Meanwhile, owning to the alleviation of liquid water accumulation at the interface, the oxygen transport resistance at no back pressure of CL dropped from 0.21 to 0.15 s cm−1. The relieved ohm polarization and mass transfer polarization promote a 28.5% increase of performance. Rolled technique with proper calendrer roll space could result in an optimized interface with well-maintained internal structural integrity of CL. However, a lower calendrer roll gap will damage the structure of CL and have a negative effect on the interface optimization.

Polynomial kernels for hitting forbidden minors under structural parameterizations

We investigate polynomial-time preprocessing for the problem of hitting forbidden minors in a graph, using the framework of kernelization. For a fixed finite set of connected graphs F, the F-Deletion problem is the following: given a graph G and integer k, is it possible to delete k vertices from G to ensure the resulting graph does not contain any graph from F as a minor? Earlier work by Fomin, Lokshtanov, Misra, and Saurabh [FOCS'12] showed that when F contains a planar graph, an instance (G,k) can be reduced in polynomial time to an equivalent one of size kO(1). In this work we focus on structural measures of the complexity of an instance, with the aim of giving nontrivial preprocessing guarantees for instances whose solutions are large. Motivated by several impossibility results, we parameterize the F-Deletion problem by the size of a vertex modulator whose removal results in a graph of constant treedepth η.We prove that for each set F of connected graphs and constant η, the F-Deletion problem parameterized by the size of a treedepth-η modulator has a polynomial kernel. Our kernelization is fully explicit and does not depend on protrusion reduction or well-quasi-ordering, which are sources of algorithmic non-constructivity in earlier works on F-Deletion. Our main technical contribution is to analyze how models of a forbidden minor in a graph G with modulator X, interact with the various connected components of G−X. Using the language of labeled minors, we analyze the fragments of potential forbidden minor models that can remain after removing an optimal F-Deletion solution from a single connected component of G−X. By bounding the number of different types of behavior that can occur by a polynomial in |X|, we obtain a polynomial kernel using a recursive preprocessing strategy. Our results extend earlier work for specific instances of F-Deletion such as Vertex Cover and Feedback Vertex Set. It also generalizes earlier preprocessing results for F-Deletion parameterized by a vertex cover, which is a treedepth-one modulator.

New horizontal v-shaped osteotomy for correction of protrusion of the zygoma and the zygomatic arch in East Asians: indication and results

Protrusion of the zygoma is commonly considered undesirable and unattractive among East-Asians, and many try to achieve a harmonious oval midface by having various cosmetic operations. However, effective contouring for a severe protruding zygoma has rarely been reported .The objectives of this study therefore were to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a horizontal V-shaped ostectomy for correction of protrusion of the zygoma and zygomatic arch, and to discuss its indications. From January 2008 to December 2011 we treated 27 patients by contouring of the zygoma with a horizontal V-shaped ostectomy through intraoral and preauricular incisions. The effectiveness was then evaluated with cephalometric radiographs, 3-dimensional computed tomography, and standard facial photographs taken before and after operation. The postoperative appearance of all 27 patients showed that the protrusion had been effectively reduced with no serious complications, and the facial contour had improved. The final aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory for both surgeons and patients. The horizontal V-shaped osteotomy is a good technique for the reduction of protrusion of the zygoma and zygomatic arch, and it has the advantages of more convenient multishifting, better results, and fewer complications. It also ensures the integrity of the structure of the malar complex.

Commentary on: Metabolic and structural effects of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate injections on subcutaneous fat: a randomized, controlled trial.

In their article entitled, “Metabolic and Structural Effects of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate Injections on Subcutaneous Fat: A Randomized, Controlled Trial,” Reeds et al analyzed the effects of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate (PC-DC) treatments on body composition, adipocyte function, and mechanisms responsible for fat loss. Thirteen women were enrolled; only 7 completed the study. This small sample size renders statistically significant calculations virtually impossible. The authors maintain that PC-DC injections have become increasingly popular. This may be true in Seoul, Korea, where over 6000 vials of Lipobean1 are injected monthly into human subcutaneous fat for the purpose of fat reduction. However, in many countries around the world, the practice of injection lipolysis has been banned.2 Popularity of these injections in the United States has dwindled,3 in part due to the lack of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved agent and also due to the lack of efficacy in treating larger body regions.4 The side effects, although not morbid, are unpleasant. Noninvasive treatments such as Liposonix (Solta Medical, Inc, Bothell, Washington) and Tite FX (Invasix, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada)5,6 offer much more fat reduction without the cholinergic side effects that can be seen with higher-dose PC-DC injections. Despite the shortcomings of injection lipolysis as currently practiced, there has been a resurgence of interest in the topic,7 especially in Europe and Asia. There are many reasons for this, including the expansion of the practice of aesthetic medicine and the desire of practitioners who mainly perform injections to have an injectable solution for reduction of protrusions. If aesthetic practitioners can fill hollow regions, they may also want to reduce or take away volume. The ability to do this precisely with an injection would be an excellent addition to the …

The Mechanistic Basis for Sexual Dysfunction in Male Transforming Growth Factor β1 Null Mutant Mice

The cytokine transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFB1) is implicated in male sexual function. Previous behavioral studies show that Tgfb1 null mutant mice mount and display limited intromission behavior with receptive females but are unable to complete successful copulation. The studies presented here explore the physiologic basis for sexual dysfunction in Tgfb1 null mutant males. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface of the penis in Tgfb1 null mutant males was abnormally coated in superficial keratinized epithelial cells. There was a significant reduction in protrusion of penile spines through the superficial tissue in Tgfb1 null mutant mice; in some mice, the spines were almost completely embedded. Histologic analysis revealed reduced skin thickness in the penis of Tgfb1 null mutant males. Nerve fibers, endothelial cells, smooth muscle actin, macrophages, and neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase were present in similar abundance and location in Tgfb1 null mutant mice compared with wild-type controls; however, an increase in collagen I deposition was detected. Behavioral studies revealed that Tgfb1 null mutant males undergo spontaneous noncontact erections, albeit at a reduced rate compared with control mice, and engage in less frequent genital grooming activity. These studies suggest that Tgfb1 null mutation may adversely influence copulatory behavior through effects on both altered structural integrity of the penile skin and impaired tissue compliance leading to erectile dysfunction.

Early protrusion reduction—two phase malocclusion correction: A case report

What is early treatment? Does early treatment imply early correction? There is confusion as to what these terms mean in clinical orthodontics today. This case report of two phase malocclusion correction addresses the issue of early treatment verses early correction. It attempts to add some perspective to the two terms and give the clinical orthodontist some sound guidelines as to whether to initiate two “phases” of treatment. (Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1997;112:523-37.)