Class II Correction with the Cantilever Bite Jumper

Objective: To identify the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue changes that occur during Class II correction with the Cantilever Bite Jumper (CBJ). Materials and Methods: This prospective cephalometric study was conducted on 26 subjects with Class II division 1 malocclusion treated with the CBJ appliance. A comparison was made with 26 untreated subjects with Class II malocclusion. Lateral head films from before and after CBJ therapy were analyzed through conventional cephalometric and Johnston analyses. Results: Class II correction was accomplished by means of 2.9 mm apical base change, 1.5 mm distal movement of the maxillary molars, and 1.1 mm mesial movement of the mandibular molars. The CBJ exhibited good control of the vertical dimension. The main side effect of the CBJ is that the vertical force vectors of the telescope act as lever arms and can produce mesial tipping of the mandibular molars. Conclusions: The Cantilever Bite Jumper corrects Class II malocclusions with similar percentages of skeletal and dentoalveolar effects. (Angle Orthod. 2009:79;)

Offline Detection, Identification, and Correction of Branch Parameter Errors Based on Several Measurement Snapshots

This paper proposes a three-stage offline approach to detect, identify, and correct series and shunt branch parameter errors. In Stage 1 the branches suspected of having parameter errors are identified through an Identification Index (II). The II of a branch is the ratio between the number of measurements adjacent to that branch, whose normalized residuals are higher than a specified threshold value, and the total number of measurements adjacent to that branch. Using several measurement snapshots, in Stage 2 the suspicious parameters are estimated, in a simultaneous multiple-state-and-parameter estimation, via an augmented state and parameter estimator which increases the V - theta state vector for the inclusion of suspicious parameters. Stage 3 enables the validation of the estimation obtained in Stage 2, and is performed via a conventional weighted least squares estimator. Several simulation results (with IEEE bus systems) have demonstrated the reliability of the proposed approach to deal with single and multiple parameter errors in adjacent and non-adjacent branches, as well as in parallel transmission lines with series compensation. Finally the proposed approach is confirmed on tests performed on the Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie network.

Friction loss correction in flowing well discharge tests

Artesian confined aquifers do not need pumping energy, and water from the aquifer flows naturally at the wellhead. This study proposes correcting the method for analyzing flowing well tests presented by Jacob and Lohman (1952) by considering the head losses due to friction in the well casing. The application of the proposed correction allowed the determination of a transmissivity (T = 411 m(2)/d) and storage coefficient (S = 3 x 10(-4)) which appear to be representative for the confined Guarani Aquifer in the study area. Ignoring the correction due to head losses in the well casing, the error in transmissivity evaluation is about 18%. For the storage coefficient the error is of 5 orders of magnitude, resulting in physically unacceptable value. The effect of the proposed correction on the calculated radius of the cone of depression and corresponding well interference is also discussed.

A Family of Autoconnected Transformers for 12-and 18-Pulse Converters-Generalization for Delta and Wye Topologies

Multipulse rectifier topologies based on autoconnections are increasingly applied as interface stages between mains and power electronics converters. These topologies are attractive and cost-effective solutions for meeting the requirements of low total harmonic distortion of line current and high power factor. Furthermore, as only a small fraction of the total power required by the load is processed in the magnetic core, the overall resulting volume and weight are reduced. This paper proposes a mathematical analysis based on phasor diagrams that results in a single and general expression capable of unifying all delta and wye step-up or step-down autotransformer connections for 12-and 18-pulse ac-dc converters. The expression obtained allows the choice of a wide range of input/output voltage ratio for step-up or step-down autotransformer, and this general expression is also presented in a graphical form for each converter. Moreover, it simplifies the procedure for determining turn ratios and polarities for all windings of the autotransformer. A routine for easy and fast calculations is developed and validated by a design example. Finally, experimental results are presented along with comments on a 6-kW 220-V line voltage, 400-V rectified voltage, and 18-pulse delta-autoconnected prototype.

Three-phase harmonic distortion state estimation algorithm based on evolutionary strategies

This paper presents a new methodology to estimate unbalanced harmonic distortions in a power system, based on measurements of a limited number of given sites. The algorithm utilizes evolutionary strategies (ES), a development branch of evolutionary algorithms. The problem solving algorithm herein proposed makes use of data from various power quality meters, which can either be synchronized by high technology GPS devices or by using information from a fundamental frequency load flow, what makes the overall power quality monitoring system much less costly. The ES based harmonic estimation model is applied to a 14 bus network to compare its performance to a conventional Monte Carlo approach. It is also applied to a 50 bus subtransmission network in order to compare the three-phase and single-phase approaches as well as the robustness of the proposed method. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Harmonic Distortion State Estimation Using an Evolutionary Strategy

This paper presents a new methodology to estimate harmonic distortions in a power system, based on measurements of a limited number of given sites. The algorithm utilizes evolutionary strategies (ES), a development branch of evolutionary algorithms. The main advantage in using such a technique relies upon its modeling facilities as well as its potential to solve fairly complex problems. The problem-solving algorithm herein proposed makes use of data from various power-quality (PQ) meters, which can either be synchronized by high technology global positioning system devices or by using information from a fundamental frequency load flow. This second approach makes the overall PQ monitoring system much less costly. The algorithm is applied to an IEEE test network, for which sensitivity analysis is performed to determine how the parameters of the ES can be selected so that the algorithm performs in an effective way. Case studies show fairly promising results and the robustness of the proposed method.

Harmonic Distortion of Unstrained and Strained FinFETs Operating in Saturation

The harmonic distortion (HD) exhibited by un-strained and biaxially strained fin-shaped field-effect transistors operating in saturation as single-transistor amplifiers has been investigated for devices with different channel lengths L and fin widths W(fin). The study has been performed through device characterization, 3-D device simulations, and modeling. Nonlinearity has been evaluated in terms of second- and third-order HDs (HD2 and HD3, respectively), and a discussion on its physical sources has been carried out. Also, the influence of the open-loop voltage gain AV in HD has been observed.

Harmonic distortion of 2-MOS structures for MOSFET-C filters implemented with n-type unstrained and strained FINFETS

This work investigates the harmonic distortion (HD) in 2-MOS balanced structures composed of triple gate FinFETs. HD has been evaluated through the determination of the third-order harmonic distortion (HD3), since this represents the major non-linearity source in balanced structures. The 2-MOS structures with devices of different channel lengths (L) and fin widths (W(fin)) have been studied operating in the linear region as tunable resistors. The analysis was performed as a function of the gate voltage, aiming to verify the correlation between operation bias and HD3. The physical origins of the non-linearities have been investigated and are pointed out. Being a resistive circuit, the 2-MOS structure is generally projected for a targeted on-resistance, which has also been evaluated in terms of HD3. The impact of the application of biaxial strain has been studied for FinFETs of different dimensions. It has been noted that HD3 reduces with the increase of the gate bias for all the devices and this reduction is more pronounced both in narrower and in longer devices. Also, the presence of strain slightly diminishes the non-linearity at a similar bias. However, a drawback associated with the use of strain engineering consists in a significant reduction of the on-resistance with respect to unstrained devices. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Harmonic distortion analysis of double gate graded-channel MOSFETs operating in saturation

In this work we present an analysis of harmonic distortion (HD) in graded-channel (GC) gate-all-a round (GAA) devices operating in saturation region for analog applications. The study has been performed through device characterization and two-dimensional process and device simulations. The overall study has been done on the total and third order HDs. When applied in the saturation regime as an amplifier, the GC outperforms conventional GAA transistors presenting simultaneously higher transconductance, lower drain output conductance and more than 15 dB improved linearity. The influence of channel length reduction on the H D is also analyzed. Although slight linearity degradation is observed in both the conventional and the GC devices when reducing the channel length, the HD presented by the GC transistor is significantly lower than the one showed by conventional device for any Studied channel length. This allows AC input signal amplitude up to 20 times higher than the conventional GAA for a same specified distortion level. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surgical Correction of Aesthetically Deformed Eyebrows Using Local Transposition Flaps

Eyebrow positions differ in many ways. They vary in shape, thickness, length, and distance between the eyebrows, making the face more or less harmonious. When a large distance exists between the eyebrows and the medial brow is slanting downward, the glabellar area is larger, giving the face an awkward appearance. To correct this deformity, the authors propose using two Z-plasties to allow transposition of flaps in the region of the medial brow. The Z-shaped flap is outlined at the medial third of the brow, in the glabellar region, with the eyebrow centered in the lower portion of the ""Z"" and the hairless skin in the upper portion. The flaps then are transposed and sutured. Transposition of the flaps, lifting the brow flap to the glabellar region, results in horizontal positioning of the medial and central third of the eyebrow. The proposed transpositioning of ""Z"" flaps in this region corrects this type of deformity of the medial and central portions of the eyebrows, with an aesthetically satisfactory result.

Myotomy of the Levator Labii Superioris Muscle and Lip Repositioning: A Combined Approach for the Correction of Gummy Smile

Background: Treatment of excessive gingival display usually involves procedures such as Le Fort impaction or maxillary gingivectomies. The authors propose an alternative technique that reduces the muscular function of the elevator of the upper lip muscle and repositioning of the upper lip. Methods: Fourteen female patients with excessive gingival exposure were operated on between February of 2008 and March of 2009. They were filmed before and at least 6 months after the procedure. They were asked to perform their fullest smile, and the maximum gingival exposures were measured and analyzed using ImageJ software. Patients were operated on under local anesthesia. Their gingival mucosa was freed from the maxilla using a periosteum elevator. Skin and subcutaneous tissue were dissected bluntly from the underlying musculature of the upper lip. A frenuloplasty was performed to lengthen the upper lip. Both levator labii superioris muscles were dissected and divided. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful in all of the patients. The mean gingival exposure before surgery was 5.22 +/- 1.48 mm; 6 months after surgery, it was 1.91 +/- 1.50 mm. The mean gingival exposure reduction was 3.31 +/- 1.05 mm (p < 0.001), ranging from 1.59 to 4.83 mm. Conclusion: This study shows that the proposed technique was efficient in reducing the amount of exposed gum during smile in all patients in this series. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 126: 1014, 2010.)

Surgical correction of Tessier number 0 cleft

The no. 0-14 cleft involves the midline of the face and cranium. It may include both a true and a false median cleft lip, with or without associated hypotelorism or hypertelorism. The no. 0 cleft is the most common of the craniofacial clefts. The objective of this study was to review the functional outcome and aesthetic results of the different techniques applied for each case. We have conducted a retrospective analysis of our series consisting of 32 cases of Tessier no. 0 cleft, in the period between 1997 and 2007. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with the true median cleft and those with the false median cleft. The clinical findings, lip malformation, alveolar cleft, nasal appearance, septal involvement, associated deformities, and surgical procedures, were all reviewed. Holoprosencephaly was present in 9 cases, with a false median cleft upper lip and an absence of the premaxilla, septum, and columella (only 1 patient underwent lip and columella reconstruction at 2 years of age). Nine patients had an incomplete median cleft lip. Seven of these cases had associated median alveolar cleft, and 1 had an intranasal tumor, associated with lipoma of corpus callosum, characteristic of the Pai syndrome. Six cases of a bifid nose were seen, 2 of which were associated with an alveolar median cleft and hypertelorism. An isolated median alveolar cleft was present in 7 cases, 2 of them associated with a no. 30 cleft. This article presents a large series of Tessier no. 0 cleft, describing the differences between the false and the true median cleft. The surgical procedures may vary in relation to the type of involvement.

Assessment of immediate conservative breast surgery reconstruction: A classification system of defects revisited and an algorithm for selecting the appropriate technique

Background: Although various techniques have been used for breast conservation surgery reconstruction, there are few studies describing a logical approach to reconstruction of these defects. The objectives of this study were to establish a classification system for partial breast defects and to develop a reconstructive algorithm. Methods: The authors reviewed a 7-year experience with 209 immediate breast conservation surgery reconstructions. Mean follow-up was 31 months. Type I defects include tissue resection in smaller breasts (bra size A/B), including type IA, which involves minimal defects that do not cause distortion; type III, which involves moderate defects that cause moderate distortion; and type IC, which involves large defects that cause significant deformities. Type II includes tissue resection in medium-sized breasts with or without ptosis (bra size C), and type III includes tissue resection in large breasts with ptosis (bra size D). Results: Eighteen percent of patients presented type I, where a lateral thoracodorsal flap and a latissimus dorsi flap were performed in 68 percent. Forty-five percent presented type II defects, where bilateral mastopexy was performed in 52 percent. Thirty-seven percent of patients presented type III distortion, where bilateral reduction mammaplasty was performed in 67 percent. Thirty-five percent of patients presented complications, and most were minor. Conclusions: An algorithm based on breast size in relation to tumor location and extension of resection can be followed to determine the best approach to reconstruction. The authors` results have demonstrated that the complications were similar to those in other clinical series. Success depends on patient selection, coordinated planning with the oncologic surgeon, and careful intraoperative management.

Age-Related Metabolic Profiles in Cognitively Healthy Elders: Results from a Voxel-Based [(18)F]Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron-Emission Tomography Study with Partial Volume Effects Correction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Functional brain variability has been scarcely investigated in cognitively healthy elderly subjects, and it is currently debated whether previous findings of regional metabolic variability are artifacts associated with brain atrophy. The primary purpose of this study was to test whether there is regional cerebral age-related hypometabolism specifically in later stages of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging and FDG-PET data were acquired from 55 cognitively healthy elderly subjects, and voxel-based linear correlations between age and GM volume or regional cerebral metabolism were conducted by using SPM5 in images with and without correction for PVE. To investigate sex-specific differences in the pattern of brain aging, we repeated the above voxelwise calculations after dividing our sample by sex. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed 2 large clusters of age-related metabolic decrease in the overall sample, 1 in the left orbitofrontal cortex and the other in the right temporolimbic region, encompassing the hippocampus, the parahippocampal gyrus, and the amygdala. The division of our sample by sex revealed significant sex-specific age-related metabolic decrease in the left temporolimbic region of men and in the left dorsolateral frontal cortex of women. When we applied atrophy correction to our PET data, none of the above-mentioned correlations remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that age-related functional brain variability in cognitively healthy elderly individuals is largely secondary to the degree of regional brain atrophy, and the findings provide support to the notion that appropriate PVE correction is a key tool in neuroimaging investigations.

Quantitative Ventricular Neuroendoscopy Performed on the Third Ventriculostomy: Anatomic Study

BACKGROUND: One of the key elements for a successful endoscopic intervention in the ventricular system is the ability to recognize the anatomic structures and use them as a reference. OBJECTIVE: To measure the choroid plexus with endoscopy in the interventricular foramen, together with the structures on the third ventricle floor, and to compare these variables. METHODS: An observational prospective study was carried out on 37 brains of cadavers for which the cause of death was assessed at the Death Check Unit of the University of Sao Paulo in April 2008. This study was done on adults of both sexes with a rigid neuroendoscope. Endoscopic images were recorded, submitted for correction of distortion, and then measured. RESULTS: The measurements of the choroid plexus in the interventricular foramen, laterolateral distance of mammillary bodies, distance from the infundibular recess to the mammillary bodies, and area of the triangle in the tuber cinereum were 1.71 +/- 0.77 mm, 2.23 +/- 0.74 mm, 3.22 +/- 0.82 mm, and 3.69 +/- 2.09 mm(2), respectively. The ventricle floor was opaque in 84% of cases. The internal distance of mammillary bodies was absent in 89%. Associations between the translucent floor of the third ventricle and laterolateral distance of mammillary bodies, internal distance of mammillary bodies, and age were identified. CONCLUSION: Before this research, there was no record of the measurements of the choroid plexus in the interventricular foramen. The remaining variables of the present study show a greater number in normal brains compared with others.