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Highlights • Code comparisons build confidence in simulators to model interdependent processes. • International hydrate reservoir simulators are compared over five complex problems. • Geomechanical processes significantly impact response of gas hydrate reservoirs. • Simulators yielded comparable results, however many differences are noted. • Equivalent constitutive models are required to achieve agreement across simulators. Geologic reservoirs containing gas hydrate occur beneath permafrost environments and within marine continental slope sediments, representing a potentially vast natural gas source. Numerical simulators provide scientists and engineers with tools for understanding how production efficiency depends on the numerous, interdependent (coupled) processes associated with potential production strategies for these gas hydrate reservoirs. Confidence in the modeling and forecasting abilities of these gas hydrate reservoir simulators (GHRSs) grows with successful comparisons against laboratory and field test results, but such results are rare, particularly in natural settings. The hydrate community recognized another approach to building confidence in the GHRS: comparing simulation results between independently developed and executed computer codes on structured problems specifically tailored to the interdependent processes relevant for gas hydrate-bearing systems. The United States Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, (DOE/NETL), sponsored the first international gas hydrate code comparison study, IGHCCS1, in the early 2000s. IGHCCS1 focused on coupled thermal and hydrologic processes associated with producing gas hydrates from geologic reservoirs via depressurization and thermal stimulation. Subsequently, GHRSs have advanced to model more complex production technologies and incorporate geomechanical processes into the existing framework of coupled thermal and hydrologic modeling. This paper contributes to the validation of these recent GHRS developments by providing results from a second GHRS code comparison study, IGHCCS2, also sponsored by DOE/NETL. IGHCCS2 includes participants from an international collection of universities, research institutes, industry, national laboratories, and national geologic surveys. Study participants developed a series of five benchmark problems principally involving gas hydrate processes with geomechanical components. The five problems range from simple geometries with analytical solutions to a representation of the world's first offshore production test of methane hydrates, which was conducted with the depressurization method off the coast of Japan. To identify strengths and limitations in the various GHRSs, study participants submitted solutions for the benchmark problems and discussed differing results via teleconferences. The GHRSs evolved over the course of IGHCCS2 as researchers modified their simulators to reflect new insights, lessons learned, and suggested performance enhancements. The five benchmark problems, final sample solutions, and lessons learned that are presented here document the study outcomes and serve as a reference guide for developing and testing gas hydrate reservoir simulators.

Background Atherosclerosis is one of the main mechanisms of stroke and cardiovascular diseases and is associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events. Intima-medial thickness (IMT) is a well-known surrogate marker of atherosclerosis and has been used to predict stroke and cardiovascular events. However, the clinical significance of IMT and IMT change in stroke has not been investigated in well-designed studies. The PreventIon of CArdiovascular events in iSchemic Stroke patients with high risk of cerebral hemOrrhage—Intima-Media Thickness (PICASSO-IMT) sub-study is designed to investigate the effects of cilostazol, probucol, or both on IMT in patients with stroke. Methods PICASSO-IMT is a prospective sub-study of the PICASSO study designed to measure IMT and plaque score at 1, 13, 25, 37, and 49 months after randomization. Results The primary outcome is the change in mean carotid IMT, which is defined as the mean of the far-wall IMTs of the right and left common carotid arteries, between baseline and 13 months after randomization. Conclusion PICASSO-IMT will provide the largest IMT data set in a stroke population and will provide valuable information about the clinical significance of IMT in patients with ischemic stroke.

This Letter presents a flexible wire-driven linear actuator using a bio-inspired sealing method that allows to replace a rigid rod by a flexible one and reduce the size of a robot link containing pneumatic or hydraulic linear actuators. Conventional pneumatic or hydraulic linear actuator sealing hinders the use of flexible wires as actuator rods. In contrast, the proposed tube sealing resembles a long balloon wrapping around the wire and stretching or contracting with the wire rod motion. Therefore, the wire is separated from the chamber and prevents fluid leakage through the flexible wire rod. This sealing method is inspired by earthworm which has slippery skin and stretching or contracting motion. The authors fabricated a prototype wire rod pneumatic linear actuator using the proposed tube seal and conducted leakage tests. In addition, the authors evaluated linearity between the input pressure and output force to determine the linear actuator performance.

Purpose: Atypical femoral fracture (AFF), periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPFF) and femoral nonunion (FNU) are recalcitrant challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Teriparatide (TPTD) had been demonstrated to have anabolic effects on bone in various studies. We postulated that adjuvant TPTD after operation would enhance biologic stimulation for bone formation. We investigated (1) whether the adjuvant TPTD could achieve satisfactory union rate of surgically challenging cases such as displaced AFF, PPFF and FNU; (2) whether the adjuvant TPTD could promote development of abundant callus after surgical fixation; (3) whether the adjuvant TPTD had medically serious adverse effects. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients who agreed to off label use of TPTD in combination of operation were included in this retrospective case series. Median patients’ age was 68.7 years, and there were three male and ten female patients. Their diagnoses were nonunion in six patients and acute fracture in seven. Medical records and radiographic images were reviewed. Results: Twelve of thirteen fractures were united both clinically and radiologically within a year after adjuvant TPTD. Union completed radiologically median 5.4 months and clinically 5.7 months after the medication, respectively. Callus appeared abundantly showing median 1.4 of fracture healing response postoperatively. There was no serious adverse reaction of medication other than itching, muscle cramp, or nausea. Conclusion: Even appropriate surgical treatment is a mainstay of treatment for AFF, PPFF, and FNU, the current report suggested that adjuvant TPTD combined with stable fixation results in satisfactory outcome for the challenging fractures of femur.

Phase transformation behavior of the quasicrystalline icosahedral phase (I-phase) and mechanical properties in a Ti 41.5 Zr 41.5 Ni 17 alloy have been investigated using suction-casted bulk samples with various sample sizes (ϕ = 2, 3 and 5 mm). For 2 and 3 mm diameter rod samples, micrometer size dendritic β-(Ti,Zr) phases are precipitated in the matrix and continuously I-phases are developed in the vicinity of the primary β-(Ti,Zr) phases. With further increase of the sample size (i.e. decrease of cooling rate; ϕ = 5 mm), the length scale and volume fraction of primary β-(Ti,Zr) dendritic phase are continuously increased and the constitution of matrix phase is changed from I-phase to eutectic lamella composed of bcc β-(Ti,Zr) and hcp C14 Laves phases. The characterization of mechanical properties was carried out by compression and microhardness tests at room temperature. Depending on the selection, size and volume fraction of constituent phases, the values of hardness and compressive fracture strength are varied. The fracture surface morphologies of failed samples exhibit cleavage and quasi-cleavage patterns revealing the typical brittle failure characteristics.

This study was to examine single or combined in vitro effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on boar sperm characteristics, oxidative stress damage in sperm and development of porcine IVF embryos. Addition of various concentration of NP (10, 20, 30μM), DBP (10, 50, 100 μM) and BPA (1, 5 or 10 μg/ml) on boar sperm characteristics such as percentages of sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were dose-dependently decreased within 3, 6 or 9 hr incubation period (p

We fabricated the field effect transistor using single crystalline ZnO nanowires synthesized by a conventional thermal evaporation method and investigated their basic properties under the various conditions such as ultraviolet irradiation, reducing gas and electrolyte. The typical carrier concentration and mobility of the single crystalline ZnO nanowire with a diameter of 100 nm and length of 5 um were and , respectively. The current of ZnO nanowire under ultraviolet irradiation significantly increased about 400 times higher as compared to in the darkness. In addition, the ZnO nanowire showed typical sensing characteristics for and CO due to well-known surface reactions and typical current-voltage characteristics under the 0.1 M NaCl electrolyte.

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidative effects of pyruvate, taurine and melatonin on sperm characteristics(motility, membrane integrity) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) for in vitro storage of boar semen. Semen was treated with various antioxidants such as pyruvate(1mM), taurine(50mM) and melatonin(100nM) with or without 100uM H2O2. Antioxidant treatments were significantly increased the sperm motility when compare to control group in all incubation periods(P≤0.05). Hypoosmotic swelling test(HOST), membrane integrity was similar to the result of motility. In lipid peroxidation measurement by TBA reactions of spermatozoal plasma membrane, malondialdehyde(MDA) level in control and antioxidant treatments were lower than those of antioxidant plus H2O2 or H2O2 treatment for 3 to 6 h incubation period. Relationships of evaluation methods for sperm viability were investigated by motility, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation. Among evaluation methods, LPO vs motility and membrane integrity vs LPO were negatively correlated(－0.23~－0.92 and －0.68~－0.85), but membrane integrity vs motility was positively correlated (0.53~0.94) in all treatments. These experiments indicate that supplementation of antioxidant to the semen extender can increase the sperm motility and membrane integrity and decrease the lipid peroxidation of spermatozoal plasma membrane. The HOST might be utilized to evaluate the sperm quality instead of lipid peroxidation or motility.

Prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca) is a novel plant growth regulator that inhibits the late stages of gibberellins (GAs) biosynthesis in plants, thus reducing the vegetative growth of the plant. Pro-Ca was applied to field-grown rice cultivar Ilpumbyeo to evaluate its effect on growth and yield components and endogenous GAs, when applied at different rates and timings. This study illustrated that Pro-Ca application decreased the internode length, stem length, panicle length, shoots fresh weight and stem lodging index, while stem breaking force was increased in all treatments. The effect of Pro-Ca was more pronounced in 20 ppm concentration than 10 ppm. The number of panicles m -2 , ripened grain ratio and 1000 grain weight and milled rice yield parameters, increased with the application of Pro-Ca, though the number of grains per panicle decreased insignificantly. The endogenous bioactive GA 1 contents significantly decreased with the application of Pro-Ca, as the GA biosynthesis was interrupted at later stages, when GA 20 conversion to GA 1 was blocked, thus drastically reducing GA 1 and GA 8 levels, but only insignificant changes were observed for intermediates from GA 12 to GA 20 . The levels of the endogenous GAs in rice shoots were measured by GC-MS-SIM using 2 H 2 -labelled GAs as internal standards. Present results also illustrated that early application of Pro-Ca was more effective than its late application for effective control of different growth parameters and thus reducing lodging in rice plants.

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has developed a residual gas analyzer (RGA) calibration system and measured gas sensitivities for two different types QMSs using nitrogen, argon, and helium. Different gas sensitivities were identified according to mass and pressure, so it was revealed that the gas sensitivity correction is necessary for proper use of mass spectrometers.

When performing cementless hip arthroplasty, it is critical to achieve firm primary mechanical stability followed by biological fixation. In order to achieve this, it is essential to fully understand characteristics of implant design. In this review, the authors review fixation principles for a variety of implants used for cementless hip replacement and considerations for making an optimal selection.

A bio-detection method and devices based on RF electric signals and MEMS are proposed and demonstrated by a label free method. We have fabricated a transmission line, an inductive device, and a capacitive device with silicon-based MEMS technology. Main issues are fabrication of devices by MEMS technology, surface modification from hydrophobic to hydrophilic of a benzocyclobutene (BCB) layer by plasma radiation and RF signal measurement before and after bio-processing. The devices made by MEMS technology consist of a BCB polymer and Cu metal patterns on a silicon substrate. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and poly dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride (PDAC) are used as a biomolecule target and probe. The measured output of power loss is 0.8 dB at 1.9 GHz, and its value is pretty distinguishable from the noise level. From the above-mentioned results, it is clear that the proposed RF method and designs are very effective and powerful as a label free detection system.

New method for evaluation of heat transfer coefficient is proposed. In general, many researchers have been studied about inverse problem in order to calculate the heat transfer coefficient on three-dimensional heat conduction problem. But they can get the time-dependent heat transfer coefficient only through inverse problem. In order to acquire temperature-dependent heat transfer coefficient, it requires much time for numerous repetitive calculation and inconvenient manual modification. In order to solve these problems, we are using the SQP(Sequential Quadratic Programming) as an optimization algorithm. When the temperature history is given by experiment, the optimization algorithm can evaluate the temperature-dependent heat transfer coefficient with automatic repetitive calculation until difference between calculated temperature history and experimental ones is minimized. Finally, temperature-dependent heat transfer coefficient evaluated by developed program can used on various heat transfer problem.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of organic and detergent degradation in a combined Ozone/UF system for domestic laundry wastewater reclamation. Formation of by-product was investigated by GC/MS for the reclaimed water. Ozone was injected into the raw wastewater in a 10 L contact tank and the wastewater was circulated through the membrane module for inner pressurized cross-flow filtration. The concentrate was returned back to the contact tank. The membrane used in this experiment was hollow fiber polysulfone UF membrane with MWCO 10,000. It has an effective filtration area of 0.06 m2. The experiment was carried out with intermittent ozone injection, 5 min injection and 10 min idling. Ozone was dosed at the concentration of 1.5 mg/L. The flux of the UF could be maintained at 0.24 m/d under filtration pressure 40-45 kPa and water temperature, 20-22°C. The organic removal efficiency by the system was 90% in terms of COD. Ozone was considerably effective to degrade organics in the wastewater. Molecular weight of organics in the raw waste was mostly greater than 10,000 (72% of 950 mgCOD/L). However 86% of effluent COD (94-100 mg/L) was composed of organics smaller than MWCO 500 by ozone injection. No harmful by-products by ozone contact were detected from the analysis of treated water using GC/MS. It was identified that residual organics in the treated water were 1,1′-Oxybisbenzene, Octadecanoic acid, Squalene and Benzenmethanol, etc., which were additives contained originally in the detergent. Consequently the reclaimed water quality could be estimated safe enough to recycle for the rinsing cycle in a washing machine.

This study focuses on the practical application of high concentration powdered activated carbon coupled membrane bio-reactor to domestic wastewater reclamation. The study was conducted in three parts, such as analysis of secondary domestic wastewater effluent, design and operation parameter evaluation and reclaimed water quality estimation for stream restoration. The organic concentration was 25.2-80.2 mgCODCr/L for the effluent of three domestic wastewater treatment plants. Around 50-75% of the COD was low molecular substances less than 1,000 which were quite biodegradable. The sawdust PAC was estimated to be proper adsorbent for the organics in the secondary effluents. Its Freundlich constant, K value was 5.847 and 1/n, 0.36. Using a system consists of single reactor with high concentration PAC (80 g/L) and submerged hollow fiber MF membrane module with nominal pore size of 0.1 μm, design and operation parameters were obtained, such as HRT of the bioreactor (2.5 hr), PAC concentration (80 g/L), the initial ßux (less than 0.5 m/day) and intermittent suction cycle (12 min. suction and 3 min. idling). Organic removal by the system was high enough to produce reclaimed water for urban stream restoration The effluent organic concentration was at the level of 2 mg/L in terms of TOC (around 5 mg/L as CODCr). Substances with molecular weight cut off

A fundamental question in the formation of the nervous system is the extent to which a neurotransmitter contributes to the development of the neurons that synthesize and release it. A complementary question is whether neurotransmitter signaling contributes to the development of postsynaptic targets. Prior studies have suggested that adrenergic signaling may promote adrenergic neuronal proliferation or survival and may be critical for the postnatal development of the cerebellum. To test these possibilities genetically, we studied mice that are unable to synthesize norepinephrine and epinephrine (NE/E), the endogenous adrenergic receptor ligands, due to a disruption the gene for dopamine β-hydroxylase. These mice develop postnatally in the absence of NE/E. Here we report that the adrenergic neurons of these mutant mice are present in normal numbers and locations and exhibit typical innervation patterns throughout the central nervous system (CNS), as assessed by immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and the NE transporter. Furthermore, cerebellar cortical development (size, foliation, layering, cell number, and position), which proceeds to a large degree postnatally, is unaltered in the mutants. These results indicate that the fate and innervation pattern of the adrenergic neurons, as well as the development of the cerebellum, do not depend on postnatal signaling by NE/E. The results also suggest that when restoration of adrenergic signaling is performed in this mutant mouse model (by administering a synthetic precursor of NE), reversal of phenotypes is due to the synthesis and release of NE/E from adrenergic terminals that are distributed normally within the CNS. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:300–309, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Purpose of review The supraclavicular artery island flap is a rotation flap that offers a versatile reconstructive option for head and neck defects. Recent anatomical studies have improved our understanding of the vascular supply of the supraclavicular artery island flap. Furthermore, several published large series describe the utility and reliability of this flap. In this article, we review the scientific literature describing the vascular anatomy of the supraclavicular artery island flap, its clinical application, and limitations in reconstructing defects in the head and neck region. Recent findings The vascular anatomy and surface markings, optimal flap design, surgical techniques employed to improve reliability, and aesthetic and functional outcomes of the supraclavicular artery island flap in head and neck reconstruction are well documented in the literature. Summary The supraclavicular artery island flap offers a versatile and well tolerated option in reconstruction of head and neck defects with several advantages over more traditional regional flaps and distant-free flaps.

The linear smoothing spline estimator is modified to remove boundary bias effects. The resulting estimator can be calculated efficiently using an O(n) algorithm that is developed for the computation of fitted values and associated smoothing parameter selection criteria. The asymptotic properties of the estimator are studied for the case of a uniform design. In this case. the mean squared error properties of boundary corrected linear smoothing splines are seen to be asymptotically competitive with those for standard second order kernel smoothers.

Comparative investigations of the effects of steel-making practices on impact and fracture toughness were studied. From these examinations, impact and fracture toughness of the steels by vacuum carbon deoxidation (VCD) offered the required values; however, those of the steels by modified VCD and silicon-killing practices were secure. The fracture toughness (KIC) was significantly improved by the silicon-killing and the modified VCD. These resulted from the fineness of austenitic grain size and reduction of sulphidic inclusion. It was observed that the grain size of steels by modified VCD and silicon-killing practices was 20 μm, while that of steel by VCD was 50 μm. The sulphidic inclusion contents were reduced in the steels by modified VCD and silicon-killing practices. Furthermore, the effects of cooling rates from austenitizing temperature on the impact toughness in the steel by VCD were also investigated. The impact toughness of the steel by VCD was closely related to the cooling rate. To obtain the secure impact toughness in the steel by VCD, it seems that the recommended minimum cooling rate from the austenitizing temperature should be 15°C min−1.

Five bound nd 1 Δ g ( n = 11-15) electronic states have been investigated using optical-optical double resonance excitation followed by ionization detection using an ultrasensitive space charge limited diode, which detects ion signals (presumably K + 3 produced by associative ionization). The molecular constants and the Rydberg-Klein-Rees potential curves for these states have been generated. The dissociation energies, additional binding energies, and molecular constants due to the weakly bound Rydberg bonding δ g orbitals are discussed.

The molecular constants of the previously unobserved 5 and 6 1 Σ + g states of K 2 are determined and the potential curves are constructed using the Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) method. The absolute vibrational numbering of the 5 1 Σ + g state is obtained by comparing the intensities of resolved fluorescence spectra with calculated Franck-Condon (FC) factors.

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have implicated a range of genes from discrete biological pathways in the aetiology of autism. However, despite the strong influence of genetic factors, association studies have yet to identify statistically robust, replicated major effect genes or SNPs. We apply the principle of the SNP ratio test methodology described by O'Dushlaine et al to over 2100 families from the Autism Genome Project (AGP). Using a two-stage design we examine association enrichment in 5955 unique gene-ontology classifications across four groupings based on two phenotypic and two ancestral classifications. Based on estimates from simulation we identify excess of association enrichment across all analyses. We observe enrichment in association for sets of genes involved in diverse biological processes, including pyruvate metabolism, transcription factor activation, cell-signalling and cell-cycle regulation. Both genes and processes that show enrichment have previously been examined in autistic disorders and offer biologically plausibility to these findings. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Hydrogen attack and the associated change in mechanical properties in a 3Cr–1Mo–0.25V steel subjected to a simulated welding thermal treatment were investigated to show the influence of welding conditions on the heat affected zone. The maximum peak temperature reached in the simulated welding process affected the microstructure, which in turn is related to the occurrence of different quantities of methane bubbles.

In this work, in order to realize the possible defects at the cable joint interface, four different types of artificial defects are provided such as conducting, insulating substances, void and scratches. The analysis related to the PD patterns has been performed by means of Phase Resolved Partial Discharge Analysis (PRPDA) and Chaotic Analysis of Partial Discharge (CAPD) as well. The results show that it could be pointed out that each defect has shown particular characteristics in its pattern respectively and that the nature of the defect causing partial discharge could be identified more distinctively when the CAPD is combined with a conventional statistical method, PRPDA.

In this study, we prepared plasma polymerized styrene films, using the Ar and CH/sub 4/ mixture gas to investigate the potential effects of CH/sub 4/-containing reactive carrier gas on the plasma polymerized films. We investigated the variation of properties in the plasma polymerized styrene films prepared while changing the mixture ratio of CH/sub 4/ and Ar. From the results of Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FT-IR), it was confirmed that the peak strength of products prepared under CH/sub 4/ containing carrier gas increased 1.5 /spl sim/ 2 times than that of products only under Ar gas and the deposition rates were linearly proportional to CH/sub 4/ mixture ratio. Molecular weight distribution was studied by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography (PyGC). In this analysis, we found out that CH/sub 4/ carrier gas resulted in the increase of deposition rates and the drop of cross-linking degrees. And these effects are considered to result from the influence of CH/sub 4/ reactive gas inflow in films. According to these results, in the case of plasma polymerization with reactive gas, it is possible to make functional thin films which have the properties of initial monomers and these films are suitable for sensors, optoelectric devices, and as resists for lithography.

The polyimide thin films, which are synthesized with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (DDE), are fabricated by the vapor deposition polymerized method of dry processes. In order to analyze the characteristics required for inter-layer insulation films of semiconductor devices, the molecular structure and uniformity, the variation of the internal composition element, the permeation depth of the upper electrode, and the breakdown strength are experimentally investigated.

To understand the effect of crosslinking in polyethylene on the water tree propagation, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and Co/sup 60/ gamma -ray irradiated polyethylene were used for water treeing tests. Injection molded samples were made of LDPE using the CNRS laboratory model, and some of them were irradiated at different dose rates to produce crosslinking. The aged specimens were subjected to microscopic investigation, using scanning electron microscopy to study the morphology of the fractured surface and polarizing microscopy to study the structure of spherulite. It appears that the different structures found in the irradiated and nonirradiated materials polyethylene could account for the different water tree propagation in these materials. >

A clear spectral difference between the water-treed region and the untreed region has been observed using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) microspectroscopy by virtue of the pure LDPE (low-density polyethylene) laboratory model, based on the water needle method. The oxidation level of the water-treed region is found to be higher than that of the untreed region. The water-treed zone produced under N/sub 2/ atmosphere is more oxidized than that produced under O/sub 2/ atmosphere. There seems to be a growth temperature effect on the oxidation level of the water-treed region. The effect of the annealing atmosphere does not appear to predominate over the oxidation of the water tree. >

In this study, experimental investigation has been carried out for the defect detecting capability of two different way of the OW (oscillating wave) voltage test, such as with-cable-charging and without-cable-charging method. For this purpose, two types of OW voltage tests have been performed at the laboratory on the 22.9 kV CN/CV cables in which artificial needle-type and knifecut-type defects were well integrated. Based on the test results, it could be remarked that the with-cable-charging method is more appropriate to the after laying test due to its consistency of the test condition regardless of the cable length under testing.

The purpose of ALT (Accelerated life test) lies in evaluating the failure rate of an item by obtaining expedient information on the lifetest distribution of a material or product by applying stress levels more severe than those specified by standard conditions, in order to greatly reduce the time needed to observe stress reactions or to magnify such reactions within a given time frame so as to ultimately reduce the time, cost, and effort required to evaluate the item. It is not difficult to determine the failure rate at the component level using ALT. However failure rate prediction at the circuit board level is difficult with ALT, because various electrical parameters at the component level have to be taken into account, and determination of accelerated factors is not so easy. This paper describes temperature ALT conducted for the purpose of estimating failure rates and analyzing forms of failure during operation at the circuit board level of a telecommunication system. In this method, a temperature higher than the operational temperature of an item was applied to it in order to generate failure rate data within a short period of time to estimate the failure rate during actual system operation. We proposed systematically the test temperature, test duration, and the sample size for high temperature ALT of the circuit board of a telecommunication system.

The fabrication of /spl beta/"-alumina films, as a thermoelectric material, by thermal plasma processing based on the forced constrictive type reactor was investigated. Under both atmospheric and low pressure, /spl beta/"-alumina films were successfully synthesized from mixed powder of /spl alpha/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ and MgO. The jet power and substrate position strongly affect the properties of plasma processed /spl beta/"-alumina, which was found to be correlated with jet temperature. For both pressures, the films show good thermoelectric properties.

Endometriosis is characterized by an abnormal existence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, typically occuring within the pelvis of women in reproductive age. We report two cases with endometriosis of the abdominal wall; the first one in the rectus abdominis muscle and the second one in the surgical scar of previous caesarean incision along with the rectus abdominis muscle. Pre-operative evaluation included magnetic resonance imaging. The masses were dissected free from the surrounding tissue and excised with clear margins. Diagnosis of the excised lesions were verified by histopathology.