Terms Of Handling Research Articles

Mandibular two-implant telescopic overdentures.

To stabilize mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients, various connector types which can be attached to between two and four implants placed in the anterior mandible are possible. Treatment using non-rigid telescopic connectors on two interforaminal implants for overdenture stabilization began in 1989. The objective of this study is to investigate soft- and hard-tissue conditions as well as prosthesis function after a period of 10 years. This also involved an evaluation of correlations between radiographic and clinical parameters. Twenty-three subjects with 46 interforaminal implants (ITI solid screw implants, 12 mm in length, 4.1 mm in diameter; 10.4 years in situ, range, 8-12.8 years) were investigated. Modified plaque index (mPI), sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR), modified sulcus bleeding index (mBI), probing depth (PD), distance from implant crown margin to the coronal border of the peri-implant mucosa (DIM), attachment level (AL), width of keratinized mucosa (KM), Periotest values (PTVs) and prosthesis function were evaluated. In the radiographic evaluation, the distance between implant shoulder and first crestal bone-implant contact (DIB) in mm and the horizontal bone loss (HBL) in mm were measured. The relatively high mPI scores (mean, 0.82; score, 0 in 44.4%; SD, 0.83) did not result in increased SFFR scores (mean, 12; min, 3, max, 38; SD, 7.43) or higher mBI scores (mean, 0.35; score, 0 in 70.8%; SD, 0.59), which was commensurate with healthy peri-implant mucosa. A mean PD value of 2.15 mm (min, 1 mm; max, 5 mm; SD, 0.96) and a mean DIM value of 0.28 mm (min, 0 mm; max, 2 mm; SD, 0.52) were measured. The implants were stable, showing a mean Periotest value of -1.91 (max, 02, min, -6; SD, 1.76). A mean DIB of 3.19+/-0.95 mm (range, 1.3-5.16 mm) and a mean HBL of 1.6+/-1.52 mm (range, 0.28-8.33 mm) were calculated. A correlation was found between DIB and the parameters SFFR (P=0.060), DIM (P=0.042), AL (P=0.050) and especially PTV (P<0.01), leading to the assumption that these clinical parameters may be useful indicators of peri-implant bone loss. The results of the 10-year follow-up examination show that non-rigid telescopic connectors with two interforaminal implants for overdenture stabilization appear to be an efficient and effective long-term treatment modality in severely resorbed edentulous mandibles. Particularly in geriatric patient treatment this concept may provide advantages in terms of handling, cleaning and long-term satisfaction.

Mobile decision support for transplantation patient data

In high-critical medical fields instant information delivery is essential. Task-flow analyses within the transplantation unit of the Technische Universität München revealed that valuable time could be saved in pre-transplantation management being able to retrieve data of organ receivers ubiquitously. Inspired by this clinical scenario, a mobile application was designed and implemented providing surgeons with decision-relevant information on potential organ receivers. It assists them in considering the prospects of forthcoming organ transplantations and facilitates decision making and documentation with regard to high security demands. The described system services three organ receiver lists and is used by the surgeons in every transplantation procedure. After a 6-month period of clinical usage, the system has been evaluated in terms of handling, clinical benefit and total time savings. Intuitive, ubiquitous access to decision-relevant patient data and authenticated documentation were the major improvements with average total time savings of 50 min in comparison to the old system.

Mobile decision support for transplantation patient data

In high-critical medical fields instant information delivery is essential. Task-flow analyses within the transplantation unit of the Technische Universität München revealed that valuable time could be saved in pre-transplantation management being able to retrieve data of organ receivers ubiquitously. Inspired by this clinical scenario, a mobile application was designed and implemented providing surgeons with decision-relevant information on potential organ receivers. It assists them in considering the prospects of forthcoming organ transplantations and facilitates decision making and documentation with regard to high security demands. The described system services three organ receiver lists and is used by the surgeons in every transplantation procedure. After a 6-month period of clinical usage, the system has been evaluated in terms of handling, clinical benefit and total time savings. Intuitive, ubiquitous access to decision-relevant patient data and authenticated documentation were the major improvements with average total time savings of 50 min in comparison to the old system.

Close Look at Construction Issues and Performance of Four Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bridge Decks

Four different fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) panel systems were installed in a 207 m, five-span, three-lane bridge in an effort to assess the constructability, performance, and applicability of bridges with fiber-reinforced polymer composite decks. This paper examines whether four common deck systems are able to realize many of the anticipated benefits of using FRP composites in lieu of conventional reinforced concrete bridge decks. Particular installation issues, connection details, and specific construction techniques for each deck system are described, along with a discussion of the shortcomings in terms of handling, performance, and serviceability. Other factors such as key design parameters (e.g., impact factor and thermal characteristics) and unexpected responses are used to further quantify the performance of four FRP representative deck systems under identical traffic and environmental constraints.

Advanced lithography for compound semiconductor applications

This paper focuses on state-of-the-art lithography technology for advanced applications in compound semiconductor material processing. The need for thinned substrate materials in high frequency as well as power devices creates new challenges in the handling of extremely fragile and costly substrates. The risk of damage is increased by the multiple processing steps required, and again when using backside processing for vias generation. This paper describes solutions for automated lithography processing in terms of handling and prealignment technologies.

Comparison in terms of handling and performances between two new leads for left ventricular pacing through coronary sinus: Medtronic 4191 (SW) and guidant easy-track (OW)

Comparison in terms of handling and performances between two new leads for left ventricular pacing through coronary sinus: Medtronic 4191 (SW) and guidant easy-track (OW)

Comparison in terms of handling and performances between two new leads for left ventricular pacing through coronary sinus: Medtronic 4191 (SW) and guidant easy-track (OW)

Comparison in terms of handling and performances between two new leads for left ventricular pacing through coronary sinus: Medtronic 4191 (SW) and guidant easy-track (OW)

Development of techniques for the neutron radiography of CF188 flight control surfaces

A neutron radiography facility previously installed on the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor at the Royal Military College of Canada has been used to gain experience with the inspection of flight control surfaces from the CF188 fighter aircraft. Through operating the facility in a temporary manner in terms of handling and shielding for this application, over 500 radiographs were made for more than three aircraft. Moisture and corrosion were discovered in the honeycomb structure and hydration was found in the composite and adhesive layers. The experience also indicated a need to characterize the neutron beam, to decrease the exposure time by finding a faster film and conversion screen combination, and to develop a gauge to evaluate the moisture trapped in the honeycomb cells of flight control surfaces.

Low-load Lateral-compression Behaviour of Woven Fabrics

The low-load compression behavior of woven fabrics is very important in terms of handle and comfort. The chief concern of the present work is to describe the pressure–thickness relationship of woven cotton fabrics in low-load regions by a mathematical expression. Although the surface structures of wool and cotton fabrics are different, in the present work, it is suggested that the equation proposed originally by van Wyk (van Wyk's law) is applicable to a cotton fabric's pressure–thickness relationship, which was applied to wool fabrics by de Jong et al. From this study, it is clear that the fit of the equation to the experimental curves may be improved considerably by using a non-linear-regression method. The comparison of fabric geometrical and mechanical thicknesses supports the layer theory of fabrics proposed by de Jong et al. However, a five-layer rather than a three-layer structure is revealed after this comparison, and the four outer layers consisting of crimp crowns and not only protruding hairs for most woven cotton fabrics are discussed. In this structure, the two primary outer layers on either side of a fabric contain hairy fibres and the crowns above the average geometrical thickness; the secondary layers on either side of a fabric represent another two compressible layers, which form the firm structure of the fabric; in the middle is the incompressible core of a fabric. The primary and secondary outside layers of this structure obey van Wyk's law. The incompressible core layer possesses about 40%; of the whole fabric thickness, which indicates that fabrics are highly incompressible; the two secondary layers have more than 20% and the first outside layers about 40%, which shows that the irregularity of the fabric surface is very great.

Tritiated Waste Management - Tritiated Oil Packaging and Decontamination

Tritium Handling facilities often have oil lubricated vacuum pumps in active portions of tritium systems. The interaction of tritium with the oil can lead to the formation of various classes of tritiated species, both volatile and non-volatile. These tritiated species can cause problemats in terms of handling, dosimetry and ultimate waste disposal. Knowledge of these species and their relative concentrations will allow the safe and cost effective use of oil-filled pumps in tritium environments. In order to understand more accurately the specific dosimetry hazards, improve handling procedures and minimize waste volumes, the distribution of tritium amongst the several classes of tritiated species was determined. The change in tritium content and distribution over time was also determined.

Evaluation of Mediterranean fruit‐fly traps for use in sterile‐insect‐technique programmes

AbstractThis paper contains information on a 5‐year experimental programme, coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.), on Mediterranean fruit‐fly (medfly); Ceratitis capitata (Diptera, Tephritidae) trapping. The aim of the experiments was to standardize trapping methods for use in sterile‐insect‐technique programmes under various climatic and ecological conditions. The experiments were conducted in Greece during the months July‐September, 1987–1991, in a citrus orchard on the island of Chios. Seven different trap types and several trap treatments consisting of combinations of visual and olfactory (food, sexual) attractants were tested according to the coordinated protocol. Additional trap types and treatments were also assessed in additional experiments. Among the treatments tested, the most effective in terms of total captures was the International Pheromones' Plastic McPhail Trap (IPMT), baited with a water solution containing the protein Nulure 9%, borax 3 % and having a Trimedlure (TML) plug in a basket hung from the trap ceiling. This treatment captured predominantly males and was relatively selective for medflies since, apparently, TML has repellent effects on non‐target insects and in part, on medfly females. The same treatment without TML was almost as effective as the above treatment, capturing predominantly females but also a large number of non‐target insects which renders it problematic. The IPMT was as effective as the other McPhail Trap version tested, including the classical glass trap. The internationally used Jackson Trap baited with a TML plug was the most convenient in terms of handling and performed well under low to medium population densities. However, with high populations, its sticky surface was too small to capture the corresponding proportions of males. Under high population densities, larger sticky traps or dry traps with a much bigger carrying capacity are more suitable. Some of the Nadel‐type traps such as a Hawaiian and a Moroccan version (the Maghrebmed trap), or even a dry IPMT baited with TML and DDVP, were very effective and are probably suitable for dry and dusty areas. However, with some of the traps, such as the Hawaiian type, most of the captured flies were frequently removed by yellowjacket wasps (Vespula germanica L.) entering into the trap.

Patent Evaluation: DNA Expression Systems Based on Alphaviruses

SummaryNovelty: A novel expression system based on the animal alphavirus is disclosed. This expression system is said to offer both simplicity and safety in terms of handling and protein production, as well as a broad host range. The modified viral expression system has particular utility in the production of chimaeric virus particles or recombinant viruses for protein production.Biology: A modified positive-stranded alphavirus, Semliki Forest virus (SFV), was used for the expression vector. The SFV cDNA was ligated into a plasmid and placed downstream of an SP6 RNA polymerase promoter. Further modifications included deletion of the viral cDNA sequences encoding structural proteins and the insertion of a polylinker sequence. An alternative construction utilizes a full-length cDNA sequence where an exogenous DNA fragment encoding an epitopic peptide can be inserted in a region encoding the viral structural protein.

Reaction calorimeter - a useful tool in chemical engineering

For elaboration of chemical processes and construction of production plant a good number of process data is required. For this the reaction calorimetry is a sophisticated and practically orientated method. The user can investigate the reaction under realistic conditions in a small laboratory reactor. Today there are four types of instruments available on the market, which are more or less equal in terms of handling but totally different in the measuring principle. In the following report the main differences between all calorimeters will be presented. Furthermore, the special features of one measuring principle using heat flow sensors are demonstrated on a short example in the field of polymerization.

Loop-corrected string field equations from world-sheet Weyl invariance

We investigate short distance singularities inside the Polyakov path integral in an arbitrary closed bosonic string background due to vertex operators and small handles or holes. The latter are represented in terms of handle or hole operators, which we construct explicitly. The requirement of global Weyl invariance generates loop-corrected equations of motion for the string modes including tadpole terms and self-energy corrections. The relation to theS-matrix and superstrings are discussed briefly.

The diffusion of industiral robots in the OECD countries and the impact thereof

The paper describes and compares the patterns of diffusion of industrial robots in the oecd countries from the mid 1970s up till 1985. The pattern of application of robots in terms of handling, process and assembly robots, as well as a more specific categories is discussed. It is shown that, in some countries, assembly robots form the most rapidly growing category out of the three main ones mentioned. The industrial distribution of the use of robots is then addressed. The dominance of the engineering industry ( isic 38) is confirmed, but within this industry the pattern of diffusion varies considerably between countries. In some countries transport equipment ( isic 384) dominates. In others it is non-electrical machinery ( isic 382) and in some it is metal products ( isic 381). Electrical machinery ( isic 383) seems to be a minor user of robots, except in the case of Japan. With regard to types of user firms, large firms dominate heavily, but there are some signs that also small ones are increasingly investing in robots. In the short run and in a limited perspective, reduced costs for unskilled and semiskilled labour is the most important reason for most robot investments. The profitability of robots is generally somewhat lower than for average investments in machinery. This is not suprising since many robot investments are made for strategic reasons, and since the benefits from such investments are not realized except in the long run and thereby not reflected in the usual investment calculations. In the long run robot investments should be seen as a part of more comprehensive automation processes. The capital prductivity (e.g. work in progress) can be substantially improved. In some larger companies, robot investments are already part of a capital (and labour) rationalization process.

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The paper proposes an integrated adaptive coordination technique for active front steering (AFS) and direct yaw moment control (DYC). The main contribution is to present an integrated multi-input multi-output (MIMO) adaptive control method to manage the variations of vehicle mass and tire-road friction coefficient as parameter uncertainties. The proposed integrated control strategy encompasses two: upper and lower control layers. At the upper control layer, there is a model reference adaptive controller responsible for generating additive steering angle and corrective yaw moment. The coordination between AFS and DYC is realized using a gain scheduling mechanism based on a stability index. At the lower control layer, the desired yaw moment is converted to the brake torque before being applied to the rear wheels. Three critical and important high-speed lane-change maneuvers are considered. The simulation results confirm that the proposed control structure can reduce the sideslip angle and lateral acceleration. Furthermore, the system tracking performance in terms of handling and stability in different maneuvers is improved.

Interaction of shock intensity, age, and handling effects on avoidance conditioning.

180 rats aged 3 or 300 days were either handled for 20 consecutive days or were unhandled. 40 days after treatment, rats learned a discriminated avoidance task, with 1 of 3 UCS (shock) intensities. Handling improved avoidance performance of both 3- and 300-day-old Ss with mild (0.5-ma.) and moderate (1.0-ma.) shock intensities. Avoidance performance of infantile-handled rats was superior to performance of other Ss at lower shock levels but was inferior to other groups with a stronger shock level (2.0 ma.). Performance of older unhandled Ss was very poor with low shock but improved consistently with increases in shock intensity. These findings are interpreted in terms of handling and age effects on responsiveness to painful stimulation.