Efficient calculation of self/mutual impedances in MoM analysis ofa monopole in free space

This paper presents an analysis of a monopole in free space. The result is given in a concise form that facilitates numerical programming. Moreover, the calculation involves no numerical integration and, thus, the computation is extremely fast     

Polyvinylidene fluoride monofilament sutures: can they be used safely for long-term anastomoses in the thoracic aorta?

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) represents an attractive alternative to polypropylene as a monofilament vascular suture because of its satisfactory physicochemical properties, it ease of handling, and its good biocompatibility. However, the polymer's ability to remain mechanically and chemically stable when exposed to a mild hydrolytic environment over the long term has yet to be demonstrated. One in vitro study involved the comparison of the long-term relative resistance of PVDF and polypropylene sutures to hydrolysis for a period of 9 years. The PVDF suture showed major molecular rearrangements from the original ratio of three crystalline structures to the single beta crystalline phase. The observation of some surface oxidation and water inhibition did not significantly modify the tensile strength of the PVDF suture, which retained 92.5% of its original value. In contrast, the polypropylene sample did not undergo any recrystallization but was associated with more oxidation byproducts and more water molecules near the surface, which contributed to a 46.6% loss in initial tensile strength. An in vivo study confirmed that PVDF sutures are biocompatible and are able to maintain satisfactory biostability when used to anastomose thoracic aortic allografts for a period of 6 months in the dog. The cellular reaction of fresh allografts as well as the control autografts to PVDF sutures was minimal. In other allografts that had been preserved in a supplemented medium for 1 week prior to implantation, the PVDF sutures healed satisfactorily with the formation of neocollagen and few macrophages surrounding the monofilament. No evidence of instability at the allograft-host artery junction was observed, confirming that the PVDF sutures were able to ensure a secure anastomosis in the thoracic aorta. PVDF sutures have demonstrated superior long-term biostability in vitro and minimal tissue response in vivo. These are two essential requirements when evaluating the use of a suture for vascular surgery in general and thoracic aortic surgery in particular.     

Fractals by Multigenerators

Abstract: Non-classical fractals generated by many generators are of interest. Random fractals caused by the random action of given generators and by random generrrtors are discussed The generators may have different scales. The fractal spectral function, the generalized fractal dimensions and scaling index are derived explicitly. Examples include the cracking patterns of concrete mix.     

SED88: a Pascal program for the analysis of sedimentation equilibrium data

Analytical ultracentrifugation is commonly used for the determination of molecular weights (sedimentation equilibrium) and sedimentation coefficients (sedimentation rate) of biological macromolecules in solution. A Turbo Pascal program for the analysis of sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation data produced by absorbance optical systems is described. The user may enter data from a scan of absorbance versus distance from the centre of rotation, via a graphics tablet (or ASCII file). This is subsequently manipulated to yield an apparent weight average molecular weight for the given sample. Plots of ln (absorbance) versus (radius2) may also be produced. The method described uses readily available computational equipment requiring only a graphics tablet in addition to an IBM PC compatible computer. This technique and the software developed have been used to investigate the molecular weight range of two International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) reference samples from the Suwannee River.     

A kinetic investigation into the removal of carbobenzyloxy group from protected amines via hydrogenolysis reaction

Hydrogenolysis of a carbobenzyloxy group (CBz) was studied utilizing molecular hydrogen in the presence of carbon-supported palladium catalyst. It was demonstrated that the kinetics of the reaction are greatly influenced by the presence of the CO₂ by-product. It was found out that the presence of CO₂ determines whether the reaction is first or zero order since it causes deactivation of the catalyst via inhibition. The effect of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) and triethylamine (TEA) as additives was investigated. A considerable solvent effect was also observed that may be explained by the variation of dispersion of the catalyst from one solvent to another.     

Annular slot-coupled dielectric resonator antenna

An annular slot-coupled dielectric resonator antenna is investigated experimentally. As compared with the previous rectangular-slot version, the new configuration offers a much wider bandwidth of 18%. The return loss, radiation patterns, and antenna gain of the configuration have been measured and are discussed     

Influence of regular aerobic exercise on psychological health: A randomized, controlled trial of healthy middle-aged adults.

Evaluated 120 healthy, sedentary, middle-aged adults randomly assigned to either a 6-mo home-based aerobic exercise training program or to an assessment-only control condition. Adherence across the 6-mo period by the exercise group was demonstrated by self-report and heart rate microprocessor methods to exceed 75%. A 14-item Likert rating scale was used to measure a variety of psychological variables. Significant between-groups differences favoring the exercise group were found on scale items closely associated with actual physical changes that occurred with exercise (satisfaction with shape/appearance, perceived fitness). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

EFFECT OF THE RATIO Th/U ON TL DATING ACCURACY

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