Home About us Contact | |||
Static
Kinds of Static Terms modified by Static Selected AbstractsAN OBTRUSIVE REMARK ON CAPITAL AND COMPARATIVE STATICSMETROECONOMICA, Issue 1 2009Gaetano Bloise ABSTRACT We present a simple comparative statics analysis of steady-state equilibria in overlapping generations economies with capital accumulation. We regard comparative statics as paradoxical whenever an exogenous increase in saving propensity induces a decrease (an increase) in consumption at the steady state when interest rate is positive (negative). It is shown that there is an exact relation between paradoxical comparative statics and a perverse intersection of properly identified curves of demand for and supply of capital in value. The demand curve for capital in value coincides with that of neo-Ricardian analysis. We relate our conclusions to some old and recent issues in capital theory. [source] A COMPLETE THEORY OF COMPARATIVE STATICS FOR DIFFERENTIABLE OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMSMETROECONOMICA, Issue 1 2006M. Hossein Partovi ABSTRACT A new comparative statics formalism using generalized compensated derivatives is presented that, in contrast to existing methodologies, directly yields constraint-free semidefiniteness results for any differentiable, constrained optimization problem. The formalism provides a natural and powerful method of constructing comparative statics results, free of constraints and unrestricted in scope. New results on envelope relations, invariance conditions, rank inequalities and non-uniqueness are derived that greatly extend their utility and reach. The methodology is illustrated by deriving the comparative statics of multiple linear constraint utility maximization models and the principal-agent problem with hidden actions, both highly nontrivial and hitherto unsolved problems. [source] Acute toxicity of para -nonylphenol to saltwater animals,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2000Suzanne M. Lussier Abstract para -Nonylphenol (PNP), a mixture of alkylphenols used in producing nonionic surfactants, is distributed widely in surface waters and aquatic sediments, where it can affect saltwater species. This article describes a database for acute toxicity of PNP derived for calculating a national saltwater quality criterion. Using a flow-through exposure system with measured concentrations, we tested early life stages of four species of saltwater invertebrates and two species of fish. Static 96-h tests were also conducted on zoeal Homarus americanus, embryo-larval Mulinia lateralis, and larval Pleuronectes americanus. The number of organisms surviving the flow-through test was measured at 2, 4, 8, and 12 h and daily through day 7. Mortality for most species plateaued by 96 h. The ranked sensitivities (96-h 50% lethal concentrations, measured in micrograms per liter) for the species tested were 17 for Pleuronectes americanus, 37.9 (48-h 50% effective concentration) for Mulinia lateralis, 59.4 for Paleomonetes vulgaris, 60.6 for Americamysis bahia (formerly Mysidopsis bahia), 61.6 for Leptocheirus plumulosos, 70 for Menidia beryllina, 71 for Homarus americanus, 142 for Cyprinodon variegatus, and > 195 for Dyspanopius sayii. Values for the seven most sensitive of these species ranged over a factor of only 4.2. The narrow range of responses for PNP implies that exceeding a threshold concentration would endanger a large proportion of the aquatic community. [source] Functional consequences of cartilage degeneration in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint: quantitative assessment of cartilage stiffnessEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2005H. BROMMER Summary Reasons for performing study: No quantitative data currently exist on the relationship of the occurrence of cartilage degeneration and changes in site-specific biomechanical properties in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in the horse. Objectives: To gain insight into the biomechanical consequences of cartilage deterioration at 2 differently loaded sites on the proximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1). Hypothesis: Static and dynamic stiffness of articular cartilage decreases significantly in degenerated cartilage. Methods: Cartilage degeneration index (CDI) values were measured at the lateral dorsal margin (Site 1), lateral central fovea (Site 2) and entire joint surface of P1 (CDIP1) in 30 horses. Group 1 contained joints without (CDIP1 values <25%, n = 22) and Group 2 joints with (CDIP1 values >25%, n = 8) signs of cartilage degeneration. Cartilage thickness at Sites 1 and 2 was measured using ultrasonic and needle-probe techniques. Osteochondral plugs were drilled out from Sites 1 and 2 and subsequently tested biomechanically in indentation geometry. Young's modulus at equilibrium and dynamic modulus were determined. Results: Cartilage thickness values were not significantly different between the 2 groups and sites. Young's modulus at Site 1 was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2; at Site 2, the difference was not significant. Dynamic modulus values were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 at both sites. Conclusions: Degenerative cartilage changes are clearly related to loss of stiffness of the tissue. Absolute changes in cartilage integrity in terms of CDI are greatest at the joint margin, but concomitant changes are also present at the centre, with a comparable decrease of the biomechanical moduli at the 2 sites. Therefore, significant cartilage degradation at the joint margin not only reflects local deterioration of biomechanical properties, but is also indicative of the functional quality in the centre. Potential relevance: These findings may be important for improving prognostication and developing preventative measures. [source] Images From Headache: White Matter Lesions of Migraine Are Not StaticHEADACHE, Issue 2 2010Todd D. Rozen MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Frictional properties of skin: proposal of a new approachINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2000Koudine Synopsis Phenomena occurring at the interface between skin and a glass pad, alternatively moved at its surface, are described by direct observation and measured by recording the force on the pad induced by the skin displacement. Static and dynamic friction coefficients are determined as a function of the load applied on the pad. Influence on the recordings of the friction coefficient of some cosmetic treatments applied on the skin are described. Results show that discontinuous phenomena, due to compression and distortion of the skin microrelief, occur during the beginning of the sliding process. Friction coefficients are depending on the load applied on the pad. Our studies confirm the increase of friction coefficient after hydration of the skin surface and suggest that the fluctuations in the frictional force amplitude could supply an objective, although indirect, measurement of skin smoothness. Résumé Un nouveau dispositif expérimental permet à la fois de décrire les phénomènes qui se passent à l'interface entre la peau et une demi-sphère en verre et de mesurer les forces induites par le déplacement de la peau. Le coefficient de friction (statique et dynamique) peut aussi être mesuré en fonction de la charge appliquée sur la demi-sphère. Les effets de quelques traitements cosmétiques sur les enregistrements des forces de frottement sont aussi discutés. Les résultats montrent que des phénomènes discontinus probablement dus à des mécanismes de compression et d'étirement du microrelief cutané, prennent place à l'interface entre la demi-sphère et la surface de la peau. D'autre part, le coefficient de friction est diminué dans le cas de fortes charges. Nos résultats confirment l'augmentation du coefficient de friction avec l'hydratation de la surface cutanée et suggèrent que l'amplitude des fluctuations de la force de frottement serait une mesure indirecte mais objective de la douceur cutanée. [source] Laser Pruning of Carbon Nanotubes as a Route to Static and Movable Structures,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 4 2003K.Y. Lim A simple focused laser beam pruning method is used to fabricate unique two- and three- dimensional structures (see Figure and the cover), without a pre-patterned substrate and under ambient conditions. The construction of microscopic movable carbon nanotube (CNT) structures that are controlled by laser light are also reported. The technique allows a wide range of 3D CNT microstructures to be created. [source] First hyperpolarizabilities of vinylogue organometallic sesquifulvalene chromophores: A DFT studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2006Chaoyong Mang Abstract Static first hyperpolarizabilities of vinylogue mono- and bimetallic sesquifulvalene chromophores, [(,5 -C5H5)M{,,(,5 -C5H4)CHCH(,6 -C7H7)}]+ (M = Fe, Ru, and Os) and [(,5,C5H5)M{,,(,5 -C5H4)CHCH(,6 -C7H7)}Cr(CO)3]+ (M = Fe, Ru, and Os) have been calculated within DFT theoretical approach. The results agree well with the recent Hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) measurements. The coordinated transition metals reduced the magnitude of dipole moment and first hyperpolarizability. The metal-to-ligand charge-transfer contributes to the first hyperpolarizability and, as a result, the rational substitution of coordinated metal could modulate the first hyperpolarizability of the organometallic chromophores. The study would be helpful to understand optical nonlinearities in organometallic complexes. © 2006 Wlley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006 [source] Static and adaptive routing in ISL networks from a constellation perspectiveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 6 2002Laurent Franck Abstract This paper presents and evaluates different routing schemes in a constellation of non-geostationary satellites. Routing decisions may or may not take into account the state of the network. While taking into account the network state is likely to bring an improvement in both the network utilization and the quality of service, it also makes the routing architecture more complex. This paper proposes to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these different design approaches for routing. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Recovery of Trabecular and Cortical Bone Turnover After Discontinuation of Risedronate and Alendronate Therapy in Ovariectomized RatsJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2008Robyn K Fuchs Abstract Alendronate (ALN) and risedronate (RIS) are bisphosphonates effective in reducing bone loss and fractures associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, it is uncertain how long it takes bone turnover to be re-established after treatment withdrawal, and whether this differs between the two drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the time required to re-establish normal bone turnover after the discontinuation of ALN and RIS treatment in an animal model of estrogen-deficiency osteoporosis. Two hundred ten, 6-mo-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and 6 wk later were randomized into baseline controls (n = 10) and four treatment groups (n = 50/group): vehicle-treated controls (CON; 0.3 ml sterile water), ALN (2.4 ,g/kg), low-dose RIS (RIS low; 1.2 ,g/kg), and high-dose RIS (RIS high; 2.4 ,g/kg). Treatments were administered 3 times/wk by subcutaneous injection. Baseline controls were killed at the initiation of treatment. Other groups were treated for 8 wk, and subgroups (n = 10/ treatment group) were killed 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk after treatment was withdrawn. Static and dynamic histological analyses were performed for cortical (tibial diaphysis) and trabecular (proximal tibia and L4 vertebrae) bone. DXA and mechanical testing was performed on the L5 vertebra. After 8 wk of treatment, trabecular bone turnover rates were significantly suppressed in all drug-treated animals. Trabecular bone formation rate (BFR/BS) remained significantly lower than vehicle in bisphosphonate-treated animals through 12 wk. Sixteen weeks after treatment withdrawal, trabecular BFR/BS in the proximal tibia was re-established in animals treated with RIS but not in animals treated with ALN compared with controls. BMD of the fifth lumbar vertebra remained significantly higher than controls 16 wk after treatment withdrawal in ALN-treated animals but not in RIS-treated animals. Despite reductions in BMD and increases in bone turnover, ultimate force of the fifth lumbar vertebra remained significantly higher in all drug-treated animals through 16 wk after withdrawal. [source] Making Rats Rise to Erect Bipedal Stance for Feeding Partially Prevented Orchidectomy-Induced Bone Loss and Added Bone to Intact RatsJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2000Wei Yao Abstract The objectives of this study were to investigate the different effects on muscle mass and cancellous (proximal tibial metaphysis [PTM]) and cortical (tibial shaft [TX]) bone mass of sham-operated and orchidectomized (ORX) male rats by making rats rise to erect bipedal stance for feeding. Specially designed raised cages (RC) were used so that the rats had to rise to erect bipedal stance to eat and drink for 12 weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) were used to estimate the lean leg mass and bone mineral. Static and dynamic histomorphometry were performed on the triple-labeled undecalcified sections. We found that making the intact rats rise to erect bipedal stance for feeding increased muscle mass, cortical bone volume, and periosteal bone formation. Orchidectomy increased net losses of bone next to the marrow by increasing bone turnover. Making the ORX rats rise to erect bipedal stance increased muscle mass, partially prevented cancellous bone loss in the PTM, and prevented net cortical bone loss in TX induced by ORX by depressing cancellous and endocortical high bone turnover and stimulating periosteal bone formation. The bone-anabolic effects were achieved mainly in the first 4 weeks in the PTM and by 8 weeks in the TX. These findings suggested that making the rats rise to erect bipedal stance for feeding helped to increase muscle mass and cortical bone mass in the tibias of intact rats, increase muscle mass, and partially prevented cancellous and net cortical bone loss in ORX rats. [source] Optimal Velocity Planning of Wheeled Mobile Robots on Specific Paths in Static and Dynamic EnvironmentsJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 12 2003María Prado This paper deals with optimal temporal-planning of wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) when navigating on predefined spatial paths. A method is proposed to generate a time-optimal velocity profile for any spatial path in static environments or when mobile obstacles are present. The method generates a feasible trajectory to be tracked by fully exploiting velocity, acceleration and deceleration boundaries of the WMR, and by ensuring the continuity of the velocity and acceleration functions. As an additional benefit for the tracking process the jerk is also bounded. The algorithm is not time consuming, since it mostly uses closed mathematical expressions, nonetheless iteration strategies are presented to solve specific situations. However, such situations are not expected to occur when the spatial paths are planned as smooth curves. The success of the algorithm was tested by experimental and simulation results on the WMR "RAM." © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] OXYGEN TRANSMISSION RATE THROUGH MICRO-PERFORATED FILMS: MEASUREMENT AND MODEL COMPARISONJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2001V. GHOSH ABSTRACT Static and flow-through techniques were used to experimentally measure the oxygen transmission rate of micro-perforated films. The static method simulates the actual package conditions but is very time consuming. Whereas, the flow-through method is relatively simple and takes less time to give the results, but it gave higher values than that obtained by the static method. A regression equation was developed to correlate the data obtained by these two methods. Published models for predicting gas exchange through micro-perforations were evaluated. The predicted data by these models were compared with the experimental data obtained by the static method and the flow-through method for six different films. The model proposed by Fishman et al. (1996) (J=-D(c-cA)/Lh; Lh= thickness of the film + radius of the perforation) had very good agreement with the experimental data from the static method. [source] Differential effects of static and dynamic compression on meniscal cell gene expressionJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 6 2003Maureen L. Upton Abstract Cells of the meniscus are exposed to a wide range of time-varying mechanical stimuli that may regulate their metabolic activity in vivo. In this study, the biological response of the meniscus to compressive stimuli was evaluated in vitro, using a well-controlled explant culture system. Gene expression for relevant extracellular matrix proteins was quantified using real-time RT-PCR following a 24 h period of applied static (0.1 MPa compressive stress) or dynamic compression (0.08,0.16 MPa). Static and dynamic compression were found to differentially regulate mRNA levels for specific proteins of the extracellular matrix. Decreased mRNA levels were observed for decorin (,2.1 fold-difference) and type II collagen (,4.0 fold-difference) following 24 h of dynamic compression. Decorin mRNA levels also decreased following static compression (,4.5 fold-difference), as did mRNA levels for both types I (,3.3 fold-difference) and II collagen (,4.0 fold-difference). Following either static or dynamic compression, mRNA levels for aggrecan, biglycan and cytoskeletal proteins were unchanged. It is noteworthy that static compression was associated with a 2.6 fold-increase in mRNA levels for collagenase, or MMP-1, suggesting that the homeostatic balance between collagen biosynthesis and catabolism was altered by the mechanical stimuli. These findings demonstrate that the biosynthetic response of the meniscus to compression is regulated, in part, at the transcriptional level and that transcription of types I and II collagen as well as decorin may be regulated by common mechanical stimuli. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source] Synthesis of poly(n -hexyl isocyanate- b - N -vinylpyrrolidone) block copolymers by the combination of anionic and nitroxide-mediated radical polymerizations: Micellization properties in aqueous solutionsJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 19 2006Panayiotis Bilalis Abstract A combination of anionic and nitroxide-mediated radical polymerizations (dual initiator) was employed for the synthesis of poly(n -hexyl isocyanate- b - N -vinylpyrrolidone) (PHIC- b -PNVP) block copolymers. The samples were characterized with a size exclusion chromatograph equipped with refractive-index and light scattering detectors as well as 1H NMR spectroscopy. Relatively good control over the molecular weights was achieved. However, rather broad molecular weight distributions were obtained. The micellar properties of the PHIC- b -PNVP block copolymers were studied in water, which is a selective solvent for the poly(N -vinylpyrrolidone) blocks. Static and dynamic light scattering revealed the presence of equilibrium between the micelles and clusters. The clusters partially deaggregated with increasing temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5719,5728, 2006 [source] Thermosensitive noncovalently bonded block copolymerlike micelles from interpolymer complexesJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 24 2004Dimitra Topouza Abstract Interpolymer complexes between polystyrene- b -poly(2-vinylpyridine), (PS-P2VP), and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA), have been studied in dioxane. Dioxane is a good solvent for PS-P2VP copolymers but it is a nonsolvent for PMAA at room temperature. In this way noncovalent bonded micelles are formed after mixing the solutions of the polymers at 60 °C and then allowing them to cool at room temperature. Static and dynamic light scattering as well as viscosity measurements have been used to study the dependence of aggregate mass and size as a function of the molar ratio of functional groups in PS-P2VP/PMAA mixtures, as well as temperature. Plots of apparent average molecular weight and hydrodynamic radius of the aggregates versus amine to carboxyl group ratio show a maximum at a ratio close to one. The size of the aggregates decreases at higher ratios because of the formation of more stable micelles with smaller cores. In all cases rather compact structures were formed, as evidenced by viscometry. The mass of the aggregates was found to decrease by an increase in temperature while hydrodynamic radii were increased. This was attributed to the increase of the thermodynamic quality of the solvent toward PMAA as temperature increases. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 6230,6237, 2004 [source] Bone mineral metabolism and histomorphometry in rats with cholestatic liver diseaseLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2002Zvi Ackerman Abstract: Background: The etiology of osteopenia in cholestatic liver disease is uncertain. An animal model is needed in order to study the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Aims: In order to characterise the bone disease in rats with cholestatic liver disease. Methods: Four-month old male Sprague,Dawley bile duct-ligated (BDL) and sham-operated (SO) rats were studied. Twenty-eight days after surgery serum osteocalcin, a bone-formation marker, urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) cross-links, a resorption marker, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were determined. Static and dynamic (tetracycline-based) histomorphometric analysis was performed on femurs and tibiae. Results: All BDL rats developed biliary cirrhosis. Bile duct-ligated rats had lower bone mass, reflected in statistically significantly 13.5% lower femoral dry-weight, 16% lower femoral ash-weight, 42.7% lower tibial cancellous bone area and 19% lower trabecular thickness, compared with SO rats. Bile duct-ligated rats exhibited decreased bone formation manifested by statistically significantly 70% lower tetracycline double-labelling, 40% lower mineralising surface, 51% lower bone-formation rate and 47% lower osteocalcin compared with SO rats. Deoxypyridinoline levels were 20% lower in BDL rats. Bile duct-ligated rats had 52% lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level, but no significant increase in cortical osteoid area. Conclusions: Bile duct-ligated rats develop osteopenia characterised by low bone-formation rate, and can be used for studying therapeutic agents for patients with cholestatic liver disease displaying similar bone changes. [source] Double-Grafted Cylindrical Brushes: Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(lauryl methacrylate) BrushesMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 15 2007Youyong Xu Abstract Double-grafted cylindrical brushes with poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) as the side chains were synthesized using the grafting-from strategy via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The polyinitiator poly[2-(2-bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate] (PBIEM) with ,=,240 and 1,500 served as the backbone. The PLMA side chains of the brushes carry long alkyl chains. GPC and 1H NMR measurements confirmed the successful formation of the PLMA cylindrical brushes. The side chains were cleaved from the cylindrical brushes by transesterification. GPC and 1H NMR results indicate that the initiating efficiency of the bromoester groups on the backbone for the bulky monomer was in the range of 0.34,,,f,,,0.67. Static and dynamic light scattering show that the ratio of the radius of gyration to the hydrodynamic radius, Rg/Rh, is in the range of 1.2,1.3, indicating that the LMA cylindrical brushes are semiflexible in solution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show that short PLMA brushes exhibit a spherical morphology while the long brushes exhibit a worm-like structure. DSC displayed melting peaks at around ,30,°C, indicating the alkyl side chains of the PLMA chains in the double-grafted cylindrical brushes are crystallizable. [source] Navigator gating and volume tracking for double-triggered cardiac proton spectroscopy at 3 TeslaMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 6 2004Michael Schär Abstract Respiratory motion compensation based on navigator echoes for double-triggered cardiac proton spectroscopy at 3.0T is presented. The navigators measure the displacement of the liver,lung interface during free breathing. This information allows for double triggering on a defined window within the respiratory cycle and on a defined trigger delay after the R-wave based on the ECG. Furthermore, it allows the excitation volume to be shifted by the determined respiratory displacement within the defined window in real-time (volume tracking). Static and motion phantom experiments were performed in this study, and it was demonstrated that volume tracking permits the suppression of signal from tissue next to the localized volume. However, triggering on a defined respiratory position is still necessary to achieve high spectral quality, because shimming and water suppression calibration are only optimal for a small window of the respiratory cycle. Single-volume spectra obtained in the myocardial septum of healthy subjects are presented. Magn Reson Med 51:1091,1095, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A review of penetrometers for subsurface access on comets and asteroidsMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008David L. GLASER Because they offer desirable scientific capabilities and relative mechanical simplicity, penetrators and penetrometers, which use only axial force to push beneath the surface, are a good choice for near-term missions. Penetrometers are instruments, generally deployed from a larger vehicle, that measure subsurface mechanical properties and may also contain additional scientific instruments. There are three basic types: "fast" penetrometers are released from above and plunge into the surface. Static and dynamic (collectively referred to as "slow") penetrometers use, respectively, a constant slow penetration speed and periodic hammering impulses. The low gravity environment of asteroids and comets presents a key challenge to instrument deployment and also greatly affects the mechanical properties of surface materials, and in turn penetrometer performance. The Rosetta mission, currently en route to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, will be the next mission to try both fast and slow, dynamic penetrometry, when it arrives in 2014. We present some new concepts of static penetrometers for small body exploration that are adapted to the low gravity environment. The low gravity environment also presents challenges for the testing of penetrometers on Earth and a number of previous solutions are described and new methods suggested. In the next generation of missions to study comets and asteroids, penetrometers could provide important data on their mechanical, seismic, thermal, electromagnetic, and chemical characteristics, as well as sample collection. [source] Static and dynamic mechanics of the temporomandibular joint: plowing forces, joint load and tissue stressORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2009J Nickel Structured Abstract Authors,,, Nickel J, Spilker R, Iwasaki L, Gonzalez Y, McCall WD, Ohrbach R, Beatty MW, Marx D Objectives,,, To determine the combined effects 1) of stress-field aspect ratio and velocity and compressive strain and 2) joint load, on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc mechanics. Setting and Sample Population,,, Fifty-two subjects (30 ,; 22 ,) participated in the TMJ load experiments. Material and Methods,,, In the absence of human tissue, pig TMJ discs were used to determine the effects of variables 1) on surface plowing forces, and to build a biphasic finite element model (bFEM) to test the effect of human joint loads and 2) on tissue stresses. In the laboratory, discs received a 7.6 N static load via an acrylic indenter before cyclic movement. Data were recorded and analysed using anova. To determine human joint loads, Research Diagnostic Criteria calibrated investigators classified subjects based on signs of disc displacement (DD) and pain (+DD/+pain, n = 18; +DD/,pain, n = 17; ,DD/,pain, n = 17). Three-dimensional geometries were produced for each subject and used in a computer model to calculate joint loads. Results,,, The combined effects of compressive strain, and aspect ratio and velocity of stress-field translation correlated with plowing forces (R2 = 0.85). +DD/,pain subjects produced 60% higher joint loads (anova, p < 0.05), which increased bFEM-calculated compressive strain and peak total normal stress. Conclusions,,, Static and dynamic variables of the stress-field and subject-dependent joint load significantly affect disc mechanics. [source] Determination of Soot Particle Size in a Premixed Flame: a Static and Dynamic Light Scattering StudyPARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION, Issue 2 2003Gert Kroner Abstract In this contribution we report upon our static and dynamic light scattering experiments to characterize soot particles in flames. We studied sooting laminar premixed flame with acetylene as fuel mixed with air as oxidizer. The air equivalence ratio of the combustion was larger than one. We used a Kaskan type burner with circular geometry and a stabilizing flow of nitrogen around the flame. We focused on the determination of the size of the soot particles in the center of the flame as a function of height above burner. In addition we investigated the influence of the mixing ratio of the gases on the size of the particles. Our results show that static light scattering is better suited than dynamic light scattering for a fast and reliable characterization of soot particles in flames. The latter needs detailed a priori information about the flame to allow the unique determination of sizes from the diffusion measurements. The soot particles grow monotonously with height above burner and with decreasing air equivalence ratio. The aggregates have a fractal dimension lower than two. [source] Antioxidative Responses of Two Marine Microalgae During Acclimation to Static and Fluctuating Natural UV RadiationPHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Paul J. Janknegt Photoacclimation properties were investigated in two marine microalgae exposed to four ambient irradiance conditions: static photosynthetically active radiation (PAR: 400,700 nm), static PAR + UVR (280,700 nm), dynamic PAR and dynamic PAR + UVR. High light acclimated cultures of Thalassiosira weissflogii and Dunaliella tertiolecta were exposed outdoors for a maximum of 7 days. Dynamic irradiance was established by computer controlled vertical movement of 2 L bottles in a water filled basin. Immediate (<24 h), short-term (1,3 days) and long-term (4,7 days) photoacclimation was followed for antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione cycling), growth and pigment pools. Changes in UVR sensitivity during photoacclimation were monitored by measuring UVR-induced inhibition of carbon assimilation under standardized UV conditions using an indoor solar simulator. Both species showed immediate antioxidant responses due to their transfer to the outdoor conditions. Furthermore, upon outdoor exposure, carbon assimilation and growth rates were reduced in both species compared with initial conditions; however, these effects were most pronounced in D. tertiolecta. Outdoor UV exposure did not alter antioxidant levels when compared with PAR-only controls in both species. In contrast, growth was significantly affected in the static UVR cultures, concurrent with significantly enhanced UVR resistance. We conclude that antioxidants play a minor role in the reinforcement of natural UVR resistance in T. weissflogii and D. tertiolecta. [source] Synthesis, static, and dynamic light scattering studies of soluble aromatic polyamidePOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 9 2008Sonia Zulfiqar Abstract Aromatic polyamide was synthesized via condensation polymerization of 4-aminophenyl sulfone (APS) with isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) using N,N -dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) as a solvent under anhydrous conditions. The purified aramid was studied by laser light scattering (LLS) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a thermodynamically good solvent at 20°C. Static and dynamic light scattering studies permitted to determine the weight average molecular weight , radius of gyration , second virial coefficient A2, the hydrodynamic radius RH, and the diffusion coefficient D. Light scattering experiments were conducted at five concentrations ranging from 0.27 to 2.5,g/L. LLS measurement is also a very useful technique to study the aggregation or association in a polymer system as long as the large "clusters" are reasonably stable in time. The intensity autocorrelation function obtained on the quasi-elastically scattered light showed a simple diffusive relaxation mode. The ratio of radius of gyration to the hydrodynamic radius, i.e. ,,,1.3 indicates that the polyamide chain has coil conformation in DMSO at 20°C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Phase stability in ferroelectric bismuth titanate: a first-principles studyACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 3 2008Anurag Shrinagar Experimental data on the structure of ferroelectric oxide bismuth titanate suggest two different kinds of structures, i.e. orthorhombic and monoclinic. Density-functional-theory-based (DFT) first-principles calculations have been performed to determine the most stable structure of bismuth titanate among experimentally observed structures. Orthorhombic and monoclinic phases are optimized to zero pressure and lattice parameters were determined as a = 5.4370, b = 5.4260, c = 32.6833,Å and Z = 4 for the structure with space group B2cb, and a = 5.4289, b = 5.4077, c = 32.8762,Å, , = 90.08° and Z = 4 for the structure with space group B1a1. Static and relaxation calculations show that the monoclinic structure with space group B1a1 is the most stable structure. [source] Quasiperiodic plane tilings based on stepped surfacesACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 3 2008A. V. Shutov Static and dynamic characteristics of layerwise growth in two-dimensional quasiperiodic Ito,Ohtsuki tilings are studied. These tilings are the projections of three-dimensional stepped surfaces. It is proved that these tilings have hexagonal self-similar growth with bounded radius of neighborhood. A formula is given for the averaged coordination number. Deviations of coordination numbers from its average are quasiperiodic. Ito,Ohtsuki tiling can be decomposed into one-dimensional sector layers. These sector layers are one-dimensional quasiperiodic tilings with properties like Ito,Ohtsuki tilings. [source] A numerical evaluation of chamber methodologies used in measuring the ,13C of soil respirationRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 17 2009Nick Nickerson Measurement of the ,13C value of soil-respired CO2 (,r) has become a commonplace method through which ecosystem function and C dynamics can be better understood. Despite its proven utility there is currently no consensus on the most robust method with which to measure ,r. Static and dynamic chamber systems are both commonly used for this purpose; however, the literature on these methods provides evidence suggesting that measurements of ,r made with these chamber systems are neither repeatable (self-consistent) nor comparable across methodologies. Here we use a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical soil-atmosphere-chamber model to test these chamber systems in a ,surrogate reality'. Our simulations show that each chamber methodology is inherently biased and that no chamber methodology can accurately predict the true ,r signature under field conditions. If researchers intend to use ,r to study insitu ecosystem processes, the issues with these chamber systems need to be corrected either by using diffusive theory or by designing a new, unbiased ,r measurement system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Relationship of Static and Dynamic Mechanisms in Vestibuloocular Reflex Compensation,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2005FACS, Shawn D. Newlands MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that recovery of dynamic oculomotor behavior (specifically the vestibuloocular reflex [VOR]) after a unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) is independent from static deficit recovery (e.g., spontaneous nystagmus). This hypothesis predicts that VOR recovery from peripheral vestibular lesions that do not cause static symptoms, such as unilateral semicircular canal plugging (UCP), would have a similar time course and magnitude as recovery from a lesion that creates both a static and dynamic imbalance, such as UL. Furthermore, animals compensated after UCP would be expected to retain their compensated VOR response after the additional insult of ipsilateral labyrinthectomy. Study Design: An experimental study in the Mongolian gerbil animal model. Methods: The horizontal VOR was measured from both eyes using infrared video-oculography on gerbils before and after UCP, UL, or ipsilateral labyrinthectomy after a previous UCP. Eye movements were recorded during yaw rotation in the dark. Results: UL resulted in a more severe acute deficit than the UCP. Over several weeks, the UCP animals compensated their horizontal VOR, particularly on rotation toward the intact side, quicker and more completely than the UL animals. Animals that underwent ipsilateral labyrinthectomy 8 to 11 weeks after UCP demonstrated preservation of the improved gain, particularly on rotation toward the intact labyrinth. However, the difference between the UL groups with or without precedent UCP was not retained after 72 hours, and long-term compensation was poorest in the UL after UCP group. Conclusions: Plasticity in dynamic vestibular reflexes induced by UCP is preserved after a subsequent UL. However, neurologic events during the first and second day after UL appear to limit, change, or suppress the long-term dynamic compensation of the VOR, regardless of whether the animal had a previous UCP. [source] PPPs in Health: Static or Dynamic?AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 2010Anneloes Blanken Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), or in the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) form throughout the Anglo-Saxon world, are gaining in popularity for the provision of hospitals. Increasingly common around the world and seen as a potential solution that will both overcome the bottlenecks associated with more conventional approaches to hospital provision and generate ,value for money'(VfM), these PFI-PPPs represent a major, but so far under-evaluated, concept. This article analyses whether public-private partnerships do deliver the benefits claimed. It endeavors to assess the potential of hospital PFI-PPPs, and their empirical performance on achieving VfM, through addressing the way the contractual arrangements are structured and the extent of flexibility they generate. Initial lessons arising from the current provisioning of English and Australian hospital facilities by PFI-PPPs are identified so they can be taken into consideration in future projects. [source] Static resting splints in early rheumatoid arthritis were not effective in improving grip strength, ulnar deviation, dexterity, hand function or painAUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Margaret Wallen No abstract is available for this article. [source] |