Sensitivity analysis of finite element-based equilibrium problems using Padé approximants

Finite element analysis is commonly used to analyze structures. It is often desirable to use the solution of finite element problems as part of the objective function for structural optimization;Since finite element solutions can be quite demanding numerically, it is a common practice to approximate the finite element solution in the neighborhood of an original design for the purpose of simplifying the calculation of the objective function. This procedure is called sensitivity analysis. The range of validity of the approximation is very important. The range usually depends on whether high order terms are included in the expansion and, if they are included, on the convergence of the expansion;This thesis presents the sensitivity analysis of finite element-based equilibrium problems using Pade approximants. The goal is to provide an approximation valid for a large design change. The thesis lays the foundation for Pade approximants in a finite element context and illustrates their use through several examples

The effect of low-dose intravenous bisphosphonate treatment on osteoporosis in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy

PurposeQuadriplegic children with cerebral palsy are more susceptible to osteoporosis because of various risk factors that interfere with bone metabolism. Pamidronate is effective for pediatric osteoporosis, but there are no guidelines for optimal dosage or duration of treatment in quadriplegic children with osteoporosis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose pamidronate treatment in these patients.MethodsTen quadriplegic patients on antiepileptic drugs (6 male, 4 female patients; mean age, 10.9±5.76 years), with osteoporosis and gross motor function classification system level V, were treated with pamidronate (0.5–1.0 mg/kg/day, 2 consecutive days) every 3–4 months in a single institution. The patients received oral supplements of calcium and vitamin D before and during treatment. The lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) z score and biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured regularly during treatment.ResultsThe main underlying disorder was perinatal hypoxic brain damage (40%, 4 of 10). The mean cumulative dose of pamidronate was 4.49±2.22 mg/kg/yr, and the mean treatment period was 10.8±3.32 months. The BMD z score of the lumbar spine showed a significant increase from −4.22±1.24 before treatment to −2.61±1.69 during treatment (P=0.008). Alkaline phosphatase decreased during treatmentn (P=0.037). Significant adverse drug reactions and new fractures were not reported.ConclusionLow-dose pamidronate treatment for quadriplegic children with cerebral palsy increased lumbar BMD and reduced the incidence of fracture

Ultrahigh-efficiency solution-processed simplified small-molecule organic light-emitting diodes using universal host materials

Although solution processing of small-molecule organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has been considered as a promising alternative to standard vacuum deposition requiring high material and processing cost, the devices have suffered from low luminous efficiency and difficulty of multilayer solution processing. Therefore, high efficiency should be achieved in simple-structured small-molecule OLEDs fabricated using a solution process. We report very efficient solution-processed simple-structured small-molecule OLEDs that use novel universal electron-transporting host materials based on tetraphenylsilane with pyridine moieties. These materials have wide band gaps, high triplet energy levels, and good solution processabilities; they provide balanced charge transport in a mixed-host emitting layer. Orange-red (similar to 97.5 cd/A, similar to 35.5% photons per electron), green (similar to 101.5 cd/A, similar to 29.0% photons per electron), and white (similar to 74.2 cd/A, similar to 28.5% photons per electron) phosphorescent OLEDs exhibited the highest recorded electroluminescent efficiencies of solution-processed OLEDs reported to date. We also demonstrate a solution-processed flexible solid-state lighting device as a potential application of our devices.

Computer-Aided Designing and Manufacturing of Lingual Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Using 2D/3D Registration Software and Rapid Prototyping

The availability of 3D dental model scanning technology, combined with the ability to register CBCT data with digital models, has enabled the fabrication of orthognathic surgical CAD/CAM designed splints, customized brackets, and indirect bonding systems. In this study, custom lingual orthodontic appliances were virtually designed by merging 3D model images with lateral and posterior-anterior cephalograms. By exporting design information to 3D CAD software, we have produced a stereolithographic prototype and converted it into a cobalt-chrome alloy appliance as a way of combining traditional prosthetic investment and cast techniques. While the bonding procedure of the appliance could be reinforced, CAD technology simplified the fabrication process by eliminating the soldering phase. This report describes CAD/CAM fabrication of the complex anteroposterior lingual bonded retraction appliance for intrusive retraction of the maxillary anterior dentition. Furthermore, the CAD/CAM method eliminates the extra step of determining the lever arm on the lateral cephalograms and subsequent design modifications on the study model

[Bis(2-pyridylmeth­yl)amine]dichloridomercury(II)

The Hg atom in the title complex, [HgCl2(C12H13N3)], adopts a square-pyramidal geometry, being ligated by three N atoms of the tridentate bis­(2-pyridylmeth­yl)amine ligand and two Cl atoms, with one of the latter occupying the apical position. Disorder is noted in the amine portion of the ligand and this was modelled over two sites, with the major component having a site-occupancy factor of 0.794 (14)

N-(3,4-Difluoro­phen­yl)-2-(3,4-dimethoxy­phen­yl)acetamide

In the title amide, C16H15F2NO3, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 53.7 (1)°. Mol­ecules are linked in the crystal structure by an inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bond involving N—H and C=O functionalities of the amide group. A one-dimensional network is thus formed along the [001] direction. No significant inter­chain contacts are observed

Calcified Carcinoma of the Gallbladder with Calcified Nodal Metastasis Presenting as a Porcelain Gallbladder: A Case Report

Porcelain gallbladder is regarded as a risk factor of gallbladder cancer. A porcelain gallbladder with calcified regional lymph nodes was found using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 43-year-old man who presented with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. His cholecystectomy specimen showed diffuse wall thickening and contained small gallstones. Histological examination revealed diffuse infiltrative adenocarcinoma with extensive intratumoral calcification (calcified carcinoma). The majority of the calcified material was located within or replaced the tumor glands, and was not found in the stroma. A lymph node was totally replaced with a calcified metastatic adenocarcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of calcified lymph node metastasis from a calcified carcinoma of the gallbladder has been previously reported in the literature. We herein add a case of calcified carcinoma of the gallbladder with calcified lymph node metastasis, presenting as a porcelain gallbladder on CT and MRI

Optical and microstructural studies of atomically flat ultrathin In-rich InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells

Optical and microstructural properties of atomically flat ultrathin In-rich (UTIR) InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well were investigated by means of photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL (TRPL), and cathodoluminescence (CL) experiments. The sample exhibits efficient trapping of the photoexcited carriers into quantum wells (QWs) and the effect of internal electric field in the QWs was found negligible by excitation power-dependent PL and TRPL. These phenomena were attributed to the nature of UTIR InGaN QWs, indicating the potential of this system for application in optoelectronic devices. Variation of TRPL lifetime across the PL band and spatially resolved monochromatic CL mapping images strongly suggest that there is micrometer-scale inhomogeneity in effective band gap in UTIR InGaN/GaN QWs, which is originated from two types of localized areas.open141

Development of multifocal nodular lesions of a liver mimicking hepatic metastasis, following resection of an insulinoma in a child

Insulinoma, which arises from insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, is a rare tumor in children. Only 5%-10% of insulinomas are malignant and undergo metastasis. We report a case of an 11-year-old girl who experienced hypoglycemia-related seizures induced by an insulinoma; after resection of the primary tumor, she developed hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Laboratory test results indicated marked hypoglycemia with hyperinsulinemia. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography results were normal; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a solid mass in the pancreatic tail. Therefore, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was performed. Two months after the surgery, an abdominal MRI revealed multiple nodular lesions in the liver. An US-guided liver biopsy was then performed, and histological examination revealed FNH without necrosis or mitotic activity. The patient has been free of hypoglycemia for 2 years, and recent MRI studies showed a decrease in the size of FNH lesions, without any evidence of metastasis. Even though no metastatic lesions are noted on imaging, close observation and follow-up imaging studies are required in a child with insulinoma that has malignant potential on histopathologic findings