Analytical prediction of abnormal temporary overvoltages due to ground faults in MV networks

The paper deals with the temporary overvoltages that build up in radial MV distribution networks following the inception of a 1-phase-to-ground fault. It will be demonstrated that, for extended cable/overhead MV distribution networks with ungrounded neutral, in case of low resistance faults at critical locations along overhead lines, the neutral voltage can reach very large values, significantly higher than 1 p.u. (up to 2.5 p.u.). The attendant temporary overvoltages on healthy phases can be very large, much higher than √3 p.u. (up to 3.5 p.u.). Fault currents are also affected, reaching twice the value calculated with simplified methods, i.e. neglecting series impedances. Quick yet accurate analytical formulas for the prediction of maximum overvoltages, fault currents and critical fault distances are presented, together with their validation by detailed ATP-EMTP simulations. The results of a study on an existing Italian 15 kV–50 Hz extended mixed cable/overhead distribution network are finally presented and discussed.     

Human brain metabolic response to caffeine and the effects of tolerance

OBJECTIVE: Since there is limited information concerning caffeine's metabolic effects on the human brain, the authors applied a rapid proton echo-planar spectroscopic imaging technique to dynamically measure regional brain metabolic responses to caffeine ingestion. They specifically measured changes in brain lactate due to the combined effects of caffeine's stimulation of glycolysis and reduction of cerebral blood flow. METHOD: Nine heavy caffeine users and nine caffeine-intolerant individuals, who had previously discontinued or substantially curtailed use of caffeinated products because of associated anxiety and discomforting physiological arousal, were studied at baseline and then during 1 hour following ingestion of caffeine citrate (10 mg/kg). To assess state-trait contributions and the effects of caffeine tolerance, five of the caffeine users were restudied after a 1- to 2-month caffeine holiday. RESULTS: The caffeine-intolerant individuals, but not the regular caffeine users, experienced substantial psychological and physiological distress in response to caffeine ingestion. Significant increases in global and regionally specific brain lactate were observed only among the caffeine-intolerant subjects. Reexposure of the regular caffeine users to caffeine after a caffeine holiday resulted in little or no adverse clinical reaction but significant rises in brain lactate which were of a magnitude similar to that observed for the caffeine-intolerant group. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide direct evidence for the loss of caffeine tolerance in the human brain subsequent to caffeine discontinuation and suggest mechanisms for the phenomenon of caffeine intolerance other than its metabolic effects on elevating brain lactate.     

Upper tibial hyperextension fractures in infants: another occult toddler''s fracture

Our study describes a newly designed stapedotomy prosthesis which consists of two components: (1) a platinum ribbon, and (2) a Teflon shaft. The first innovation is a flattened 'tab' on the posterior aspect of the platinum ribbon. The second innovation concerns the dual diameter cylinder-like shaft. Our prosthesis was implanted into 25 individuals, who underwent stapedotomy for stapes fixation, and the results are shown and discussed. Our innovations offer a proper and safe insertion of the prosthesis into the oval window associated with excellent manipulation and handling. At the same time, maximum visualization of the surgical field is achieved, while the stepped-down design of the shaft prevents the prosthesis protruding into the vestibule.     

Combination antiretroviral therapy and recent declines in AIDS incidence and mortality

The reasons for recent declines in AIDS incidence and mortality may include advances in treatment, but these may be confounded by earlier declines in the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. To determine whether the declines in AIDS and mortality may, in part, stem from wider use of combination antiretroviral therapy, 622 HIV-positive men with well-characterized dates of seroconversion were followed. In this group, combination therapy came into widespread use in only 1996. In a Cox proportional hazards model, the 1996 calendar period was significantly associated with slower progression to AIDS (relative hazard [RH]=0. 19, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.69, P=.01) and death (RH=0. 45, 95% CI, 0.21-0.95, P=.04). Declines in incidence of HIV infection, changes in HIV virulence, and end-point underreporting cannot fully explain the decline in AIDS and death in 1996. The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy as the standard of care may already have had measurable effects.     

The use of ceramic onlays for restoring the occlusal surface of the teeth

Computer-aided milling of ceramic insertions helped more effectively repair the masticatory surface of teeth, minimize the incidence of errors, rule out the laboratory stage of making the insertions and the technological errors made at this stage, retain physical and mechanical characteristics of ceramics, optimize marginal adherence of the insertion to the tooth, retain the height of the lower part of the face, and thus prevent the maxillodental dysfunction.