An experimental investigation on the machining characteristics of microscale end milling

This paper discusses an experimental approach to assess the machining characteristics in microscale end milling operation through a systematic experimentation procedure. Microchannels were machined on brass plates using a carbide end mill of 1?mm diameter to analyze the effect of chip load (feed per tooth) and cutting speed on the surface roughness, specific cutting pressure, and cutting forces during microend milling operation. The tangential and radial components of forces were analyzed with the help of a three-dimensional model using the force signals acquired through KISTLER dynamometer. Feed per tooth and the interaction of cutting speed and chip load were identified as the critical parameters affecting the surface roughness of microchannel. Applying the concept of elastic recovery on the side wall surface of microchannels, the minimum chip thickness during the above micromilling operation was evaluated as 0.97???m, and the result was validated by the drastic increase in specific cutting pressure and erratic behavior of cutting forces below a chip load of 1???m.     

From volatility to value: analysing and managing financial and performance risk in energy savings projects

Many energy-related investments are made without a clear financial understanding of their values, risks, and volatilities. In the face of this uncertainty, the investor—such as a building owner or an energy service company—will often choose to implement only the most certain and thus limited energy-efficiency measures. Conversely, commodities traders and other sophisticated investors accustomed to evaluating investments on a value, risk, and volatility basis often overlook energy-efficiency investments because risk and volatility information are not provided. Fortunately, energy-efficiency investments easily lend themselves to such analysis using tools similar to those applied to supply side risk management. Accurate and robust analysis demands a high level of understanding of the physical aspects of energy-efficiency, which enables the translation of physical performance data into the language of investment. With a risk management analysis framework in place, the two groups—energy-efficiency experts and investment decision-makers—can exchange the information they need to expand investment in demand-side energy projects. In this article, we first present the case for financial risk analysis in energy efficiency in the buildings sector. We then describe techniques and examples of how to identify, quantify, and manage risk. Finally, we describe emerging market-based opportunities in risk management for energy efficiency.     

5-GHz 32-bit integer execution core in 130-nm dual-V/sub T/ CMOS

A 32-bit integer execution core containing a Han-Carlson arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), an 8-entry /spl times/ 2 ALU instruction scheduler loop and a 32-entry /spl times/ 32-bit register file is described. In a 130 nm six-metal, dual-V/sub T/ CMOS technology, the 2.3 mm/sup 2/ prototype contains 160 K transistors. Measurements demonstrate capability for 5-GHz single-cycle integer execution at 25/spl deg/C. The single-ended, leakage-tolerant dynamic scheme used in the ALU and scheduler enables up to 9-wide ORs with 23% critical path speed improvement and 40% active leakage power reduction when compared to a conventional Kogge-Stone implementation. On-chip body-bias circuits provide additional performance improvement or leakage tolerance. Stack node preconditioning improves ALU performance by 10%. At 5 GHz, ALU power is 95 mW at 0.95 V and the register file consumes 172 mW at 1.37 V. The ALU performance is scalable to 6.5 GHz at 1.1 V and to 10 GHz at 1.7 V, 25/spl deg/C.     

Efficacy of anterior, posterior and total fundoplication in an experimental model

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effect of different types of laparoscopic fundoplication on an incompetent lower oesophageal sphincter to test their effectiveness at preventing gastro-oesophageal reflux in the early postoperative period. METHODS: An experimental porcine model was used. Initial oesophageal myotomy ensured an incompetent lower oesophageal sphincter with free reflux of 'intragastric fluid'. Anterior, posterior or total fundoplication was then performed laparoscopically in 15 laboratory pigs (five in each group). Fundoplication competence and efficacy were determined 2 weeks after laparoscopic antireflux surgery by inflating the stomach with liquid through a gastrostomy cannula. Some animals were also studied at 4 and 6 weeks. Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was determined using a water-perfused oesophageal manometry catheter incorporating a Dent sleeve. RESULTS: All three types of fundoplication produced similar increases in postoperative resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and restored adequate competence to the gastro-oesophageal junction. CONCLUSION: All three variants of laparoscopic fundoplication restore gastro-oesophageal competence in the early postoperative period.     

Modulation of biochemical activity of hepatocytes in culture by matrix substratum

If critical care nurses and advanced practice nurses could identify patients with an increased risk of an unsuccessful outcome from cardiac arrest resuscitation in the hospital, such patients could be monitored with a heightened vigilance. This is the first nursing study to examine pre-existing variables and outcome of cardiac arrest resuscitation in hospitalized patients. The investigators found that heart rate and respiratory rate increased significantly 8 hours before the cardiac arrest in patients with an unsuccessful outcome of resuscitation.     

Stages of estrous mediate the stress-induced impairment of associative learning in the female rat

EAST is a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) substrate. It interacts with Eps15, another EGFR substrate which is involved in receptor endocytosis. In this study we show that EAST associates with focal adhesions and actin filaments. First, in immunofluorescence and electron microscopy analysis, an extensive codistribution of EAST with vinculin, paxillin and actin filaments was seen. Second, overexpression of the NH2 terminus of EAST led to a formation of actin-rich microspikes and membrane protrusions. Third, in cosedimentation assay EAST showed a direct association with actin. These results suggest that EAST is involved in the EGFR-regulated reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and may be part of a link between cytoskeleton and endocytic machinery.     

Compatibility problems after intravenous immunoglobulin--a case report

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are changes in anterior and posterior glenohumeral translation after arthroscopic, nonablative, thermal capsuloplasty with a laser. Two anteriorly and two posteriorly directed loads were sequentially applied to the humerus of nine cadaveric glenohumeral joints, and anterior and posterior translation of the humerus on the glenoid was measured. The glenoid was rigidly fixed, and the glenohumeral joint was positioned simulating 90 degrees of shoulder abduction and 90 degrees of external rotation. Using the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, thermal energy was then applied to the anterior capsuloligamentous structures and anterior and posterior translation measurements were then repeated. The results showed a significant reduction in anterior and posterior translation after laser anterior capsuloplasty. Anterior translation decreased from 10.9 +/- 2.0 mm (mean +/- SEM) to 6.4 +/- 1.5 mm with the 15-N load; and from 13.4 +/- 2.1 mm to 8.9 +/- 1.8 mm with the 20-N load. Posterior translation decreased from 7.2 +/- 1.2 mm to 4.4 +/- 0.6 mm with the 15-N load and from 10.4 +/- 1.4 mm to 6.5 +/- 0.9 mm with the 20-N load. These results indicate that the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser can be used to decrease glenohumeral joint translation and may be an effective treatment for glenohumeral joint instability.     

Frequency tunable metallo-dielectric structure for backscattering reduction

Electromagnetic scattering behaviour of a superstrate loaded metallo-dielectric structure based on Sierpinski carpet fractal geometry is reported. The results indicate that the frequency at which backscattering is minimum can be tuned by varying the thickness of the superstrate. A reduction in backscattered power of /spl sim/44 dB is obtained simultaneously for both TE and TM polarisations of the incident field.