A maximum-entropy length-orientation closure for short-fiber reinforced composites.

We describe an algorithm for generating fiber-filled volume elements for use in computational homogenization schemes which accounts for a coupling of the fiber-length and the fiber-orientation. For prescribed fiber-length distribution and fiber-orientation tensor of second order, a maximum-entropy estimate is used to produce a fiber-length-orientation distribution which mimics real injection molded specimens, where longer fibers show a stronger alignment than shorter fibers. We derive the length-orientation closure from scratch, discuss its integration into the sequential addition and migration algorithm for generating fiber-filled microstructures for industrial volume fractions and investigate the resulting effective elastic properties.

Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing perioperative outcomes of emergency appendectomy performed by trainee vs trained surgeon.

Background: Appendectomy is a benchmark operation for trainee progression, but this should be weighed against patient safety and perioperative outcomes.

Methods: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis comparing outcomes of appendectomy performed by trainees versus trained surgeons.

Results: Of 2086 articles screened, 29 studies reporting on 135,358 participants were analyzed.

Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing perioperative outcomes of pediatric emergency appendicectomy performed by trainee vs trained surgeon.

Appendicectomy is a common pediatric surgical procedure performed by trainees and surgeons with varying reported outcomes. It is a benchmark procedure for trainee progression and training benefits should be weighed against patient safety and perioperative outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated any differential perioperative outcomes dependent on the grade of the operating surgeon.

Incidence of amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth in the rural population of Loni.

Aims: Since the incidence of gingival overgrowth induced by amlodipine remains poorly defined, this study was carried out with an aim to determine the incidence.

Materials And Methods: Dental patients who received amlodipine (N = 115), for more than 3 months were studied to determine the drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Clinical diagnosis of drug-induced overgrowth was verified by disappearance or decreased severity of gingival overgrowth after withdrawal of the causative drug.

Fast, electrically controlled polarization modulation of multimode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers by RF frequency modulation.

We report on a study of polarization properties of asymmetric, multimode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) subjected to electrical RF modulation. When subjected to RF modulation, complex frequency-dependent polarization properties, especially near the polarization switching point are revealed. We propose a scheme of rapidly switching the two RF frequencies modulating the VCSEL, in order to achieve fast polarization modulation in these VCSEL.

Secondary cell wall polysaccharides of Bacillus anthracis are antigens that contain specific epitopes which cross-react with three pathogenic Bacillus cereus strains that caused severe disease, and other epitopes common to all the Bacillus cereus strains tested.

The immunoreactivities of hydrogen fluoride (HF)-released cell wall polysaccharides (HF-PSs) from selected Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus strains were compared using antisera against live and killed B. anthracis spores. These antisera bound to the HF-PSs from B.

Fiber-optic beam shaper based on multimode interference.

A new method of fiber-optic based beam shaping is investigated both numerically and experimentally. A cylindrically symmetric method of lines (MoLs) is developed to simulate the device. The device is fabricated by fusion splicing a predetermined length of multimode fiber (MMF) to a single-mode fiber.

Design and optimization of space-variant photonic crystal filters.

A space-variant photonic crystal filter is designed and optimized that may be placed over a detector array to perform filtering functions tuned for each pixel. The photonic crystal is formed by etching arrays of holes through a multilayer stack of alternating high and low refractive index materials. Position of a narrow transmission notch within a wide reflection band is varied across the device aperture by adjusting the diameter of the holes.

Spatially polarizing autocloned elements.

A space-variant polarization converting element is introduced that utilizes an autocloning effect to produce high aspect ratio from birefringent gratings. This method utilizes a multilayer deposition process on a template to convert a linearly polarized incident beam to an azimuthally polarized output at a wavelength of 1.55 microm with more than 90% efficiency.

Synthesis and antigenic analysis of the BclA glycoprotein oligosaccharide from the Bacillus anthracis exosporium.

The glycoprotein BclA is an important constituent of the exosporium of Bacillus anthracis spores. This glycoprotein is substituted with an oligosaccharide composed of a beta-L-rhamnoside substituted with the previously unknown terminal saccharide, 2-O-methyl-4-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanamido)-4,6-dideoxy-D-glucopyranose, also referred to as anthrose. Anthrose has not been found in spores of B.