text:
Handbook of Genetic Counseling/Cleft Lip - Isolated, Unilateral, Incomplete

Cleft Lip - Isolated, Unilateral, Incomplete

Contracting

 * Acknowledge previous contact
 * What were you hoping to gain from today's session?
 * What concerns and questions do you have?
 * Outline session agenda
 * Interim history
 * Dr. will examine to rule out possible syndromes associated with CL
 * We aren't expecting Dr. to find anything that makes him suspicious.

Family History

 * Have you found out anything new about the family history?
 * Any new births, deaths, or diagnoses?

Cleft lip and palate

 * Before genetic counseling can be given, numerous syndromes must be excluded.
 * Definition: CL/CP due to a failure of the union of the frontonasal process of the face with the lateral maxillary prominence at about 3-4 weeks post conception (35 days gestation)
 * Classification of clefts
 * Nonsyndromic vs. syndromic
 * 80% are unilateral, 20% bilateral, extends to the palate in 70% of unilateral cases and 85% of bilateral cases
 * Incomplete or complete (involving the lip and the anterior maxilla vs. involving the lip, anterior maxilla, hard and soft palate)
 * Unilateral clefting commonly occurs on the left (2x more frequently than right)
 * Male to female ratio is 2:1

Incidence

 * CL +/- CP occurs in 1:1000 Caucasian births, 1.7:1000 Asian births and 1:2500 AA
 * Isolated cleft lip and palate account for 25% of the cases of clefting
 * Left unilateral clefts, right unilateral clefts, and bilateral clefts occur at a 6:3:1 ratio.

Inheritance and Recurrence Risks

 * Most isolated occurrences are inherited multifactorially
 * Background risk: 0.1% (Harper)
 * RR- 3-7%, empiric
 * 2-4% risk for offspring of an affected parent
 * 2nd degree relative: 0.6% risk (Harper)

Risks

 * Specific factors increase the risk for CL/CP
 * Severity of the trait (unilateral vs. bilateral; complete vs. incomplete)
 * Number of affected relatives
 * Sex affected (whether the person is of the sex opposite the most often affected)
 * How closely the individual is related to the affected person)

Multifactorial Inheritance and Genetic counseling

 * A condition that is caused by several genes and the environment
 * Threshold model- baby inherits genes from both parents that increase the risk for cl/cp, then in combination with certain environmental factors the risk goes beyond the threshold level and the baby develops a cleft
 * Although there are multiple genes involved 3 predisposing genes have been identified.
 * Explaining this to parents:
 * Children with cl/cp inherit genes in a random way from their parents
 * Parents cannot control which genes they pass on
 * Some of these genes contribute to facial development. We know that there are over 100 genes that contribute to the development of the lip and palate; there have been 3 genes found that we call predisposing genes- which means that in animal models we have been able to show that disruption or changes in this gene can lead to clefting.
 * when the lip forms in early development, cells migrate together to close the lip
 * Multiple genes tell those cells to move the way that they are supposed to
 * It takes more than genetic factors for someone to develop a cleft
 * Environmental factors play a big role.
 * We know some of the factors that interact with genes to cause clefts (smoking, alcohol, some medications) but we don't know them all.
 * There are some protective factors- folic acid
 * Timing is important, the lip is completely closed by the 35th day of gestational development (medicine or other factors after this time wouldn't have an effect on the lip)
 * Reassurance: you did everything within your control to have a healthy baby. Even if risk factors were present (smoking, drinking etc.) the mother should be reassured that even without these factors the baby could have been born with a cleft.
 * Currently there is no way to guarantee that a baby isn't born with a cleft. The best thing to do in future pregnancies is to avoid smoking, drinking, and certain medications (anticonvulsants, retinoic acid), and to take folic acid periconceptionally.

What's next?

 * Feeding issues? Make sure the baby is getting enough nutrition. Infants with isolated cleft lip (without cleft palate) seldom have problems feeding by breast or bottle.
 * Surgery: objective- to close the lip to create a pleasing face that will develop normally with minimal scarring.
 * Closure is performed when the baby is approximately 3 months old at weighs at least 10 pounds.
 * Correction of the nasal deformity is usually performed at the time of the lip repair.
 * Additional surgeries will be necessary to enhance the appearance of the lip and/or nose.
 * Initial surgery lasts ~2-3 hours and the hospital stay is usually 2-4 days.
 * During this time special considerations are necessary for feeding and positioning. Elbows are restrained from bending. Positioning the child in an infant seat prevents rolling over and injuring the lip/nose. No pacifiers or nipples allowed. Fed with a special syringe feeder with a soft tube. It takes about 3 weeks for the wound to heal enough to stop these special precautions.
 * The lip scar is initially red and swollen, but begins to mature and improve in appearance in ~6 months.
 * Isolated cleft lip- no expected problems with hearing or speech.
 * Possible problems with teeth…there can be missing or crooked teeth in the area of the cleft.

Follow up

 * Pediatrician for routine care
 * Contact craniofacial team- referral made, scheduled for the Nov. infant/toddler meeting- letter has been sent.
 * help with feeding, special bottles, positioning of the baby
 * The craniofacial team has a psychologist that can help with the emotional concerns of having a child with a facial cleft. Interested in scheduling an appointment?
 * Follow up with Dr. Billmier
 * and Dental services?


text:
Handbook of Genetic Counseling/Cleft Palate - Pierre Robin Sequence-1

Cleft Palate - Pierre Robin Sequence

Contracting

 * Introduction
 * Do you have any concerns or questions you would like us to address?
 * Address any immediate concerns
 * Discuss reasons for being followed by genetics
 * Discuss how the genetics visit will include
 * Asking some standard questions about his health
 * Reviewing the family history
 * Tricia will discuss feeding issues and do a physical exam
 * Reviewing what we believe to be the reason for the problems he's experienced
 * We want to help make sure that you have all the resources and support possible

Cleft Palate

 * Prevalence 1:2000 live births
 * More likely to be associated with a syndrome than cleft lip with or without cleft palate
 * At Super Duper Medical Center craniofacial team about 55% of children seen with cleft palate have underlying syndrome

Etiology

 * Can be part of a sequence or syndrome
 * Sequence - anomaly or pattern of anomalies that arise from a single known or presumed anomaly or mechanical factor (usually known sequence of events with one thing that triggered it)
 * Syndrome - often due to an underlying genetic explanation or a common suspected cause for anomalies that are often associated with each other (often the characteristics are variable and often have multiple primary defects)

Pierre Robin Sequence

 * Common cause of cleft palate (horseshoe shaped)
 * Associated with an underlying syndrome in over 50% of cases
 * Can occur in isolation
 * Not a diagnosis, but more of a description of the pathogenesis of cleft palate
 * Small jaw (micrognathia) due to interference of normal development of jaw at 9 wks
 * Forces tongue to remain high and tongue gets in the way and keeps the palate or roof of the mouth from closing off completely

Characteristics in Pierre Robin

 * Often born with tongues positioned posteriorly
 * Can cause blockage of pharynx and airway (glossoptosis)
 * Affects feeding and breathing

Medical Management

 * Place in prone position so gravity allows tongue to fall forward
 * Sometimes require nasopharyngeal airway (sometimes needed until 3-4 mths old)
 * Some require tracheostomy (tube directly in trachea to bypass upper airway obstruction
 * Usually in place until palate repair (about 14 mths ?)
 * Prevents most vocalizations which can exacerbate speech issues in future
 * Feeding difficulty occurs in most cases - difficulty coordinating breathing, sucking, swallowing
 * May require nasogastric tube for feeding or a gastrostomy tube (g tube)
 * FOR SYNDROMES ASSOCIATED WITH PIERRE ROBIN ALSO SEE CHARTS ATTACHED

Stickler Syndrome (possible differential)

 * Most common identifiable cause cleft palate
 * AD disorder variable expressivity
 * Heterogeneous
 * At least 4 genes can cause
 * Diagnosis made clinically

Classic Phenotype

 * Pierre Robin Sequence
 * Cleft palate
 * Early onset osteoarthritis
 * Myopia -- Can be severe most mod to high
 * High risk for retinal detachments (follow close)
 * Sensorineural hearing loss common (follow with serial audiograms)
 * Facial Features
 * Micrognathia in infancy
 * Flat facial profile
 * Epicanthal folds
 * Midface hypoplasia
 * Development usually typical
 * No increased risk for LD
 * Problems related to cleft, hearing loss, tracheostomy

VCF (probably not as likely of a differential)

 * 1 in 4000 live births
 * deletion 22q11 in 90% of patients diagnosed
 * most new deletions but 10-20% have affected parent
 * highly variable characteristics
 * most common --VPI
 * second most common - cleft palate
 * associated with Pierre Robin Sequence
 * congenital heart defects most commonly conotruncal
 * facial characteristics
 * microcephaly
 * narrow palpebral fissures
 * wide nasal root
 * bulbous nasal tip
 * thin upper lip
 * long face
 * micrognathia
 * many possible medical problems
 * developmental disabilities

Recurrance Risks

 * Vary depending on the diagnosis
 * Pierre Robin Sequence 1-5% recurrence (ref #3)
 * What do you and Dr. Saal quote?
 * Stickler and VCF if new mutation than small risk probably 1%?
 * If parent affected than 50% recurrence

Support Group and Patient Info.

 * See attached sheet
 * http://www.pierrerobin.org/index.html (good patient resource offers support e-mail network and information that is easy to understand and seemed mostly accurate)
 * http://www.widesmiles.org/cleftlinks/WS-901.html ( patient literature and correspondence)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


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Handbook of Genetic Counseling/Cleft Palate - Pierre Robin Sequence-2

Pierre Robin Sequence

Contracting

 * How have things been going since your last visit to genetics?
 * What questions or concerns would you like to discuss today?
 * Set agenda for session

Etiology

 * Association of micrognathia, cleft palate, and glossoptosis
 * Multiple anomalies caused secondarily by a structural anomaly
 * Micrognathia or retrognathia at 9-11 weeks of embryonic development prevents tongue from descending from between palatal shelves
 * Tongue prevents palatal shelves from growing together horizontally and fusing
 * Causes tongue to be displaced, blocking airway
 * About 80% of cases may be caused by a multiple anomaly syndrome
 * 34% of Pierre Robin due to Stickler syndrome
 * Due to mutations in COL2A1 gene usually at 12q13
 * Also could be due to mutations in COL11A1 (1p21) or COL11A2 (6p21)
 * Autosomal dominant disorder with 50% recurrence risk
 * 11% of Pierre Robin due to VCF
 * Deletion of 22q11
 * Recurrence risk 50% if one parent has deletion
 * Many other single gene disorders, some X-linked recessive disorders, recessive disorders
 * Teratogenic exposure
 * Fetal alcohol syndrome
 * Fetal hydantoin syndrome
 * Retinoic acid embryopathy
 * Isolated Pierre Robin sequence
 * May be due to fetal crowding due to presence of multiple fetuses, abnormal fetal position, uterine anomalies, or oligohydramnios
 * Associated deformities may also occur
 * Multifactorial inheritance
 * Recurrence risk if one child with cleft palate 3-5%
 * Recurrence risk if two children with cleft palate 10-12%
 * Affected individual has 3-5% chance of having a child with cleft palate
 * Incidence is about 1/2500 births for cleft palate

Clinical Features and Natural History

 * Craniofacial
 * Often U-shaped cleft involving both hard and soft palate
 * Small and symmetrically receded mandible
 * May cause dental crowding
 * Jaw may "catch up" in adolescence if due to mechanical constraint
 * Flattened base of nose
 * Growth and Feeding difficulties (long-term feeding problems 50%)
 * Failure to thrive evident in neonatal period
 * Poor suck due to cleft palate
 * Inability to nurse, irritability, aspiration
 * Often due to respiratory difficulties
 * Respiratory complications
 * Upper airway obstruction often present at birth or shortly after
 * Deep pectus excavatum
 * Cyanosis not common but may occur
 * May be due to glossoptosis obstructing the epiglottis
 * Complications of continuing airway disorder may include sudden death, failure to thrive, persistent deformation of sternum, decreased pulmonary function, cognitive effects of hypoxia
 * Ears and Hearing
 * Middle ear disease due to cleft palate
 * Chronic ear infections may lead to conductive hearing loss
 * Cognitive and motor development normal in isolated Pierre Robin sequence

Testing Options

 * Genetic testing may be offered if genetic syndrome is suspected
 * Chromosome analysis
 * FISH for deletion of 22q11
 * DNA testing for mutations in collagen genes indicated in Stickler syndrome
 * Level II ultrasound prenatally at 18-20 weeks gestation for cleft palate but difficult to identify

Management and Treatment

 * Overcoming feeding difficulties
 * Important that baby learns to actively suckle
 * Establish feeding routine that requires short feeding time
 * Use special cleft palate nursing bottle
 * Reflux may be treated with medication or regular breaks to burp
 * May require NG tube or g-tube
 * Cleft palate repaired surgically 9-18 months
 * Weight, size of airway are factors in when surgery performed
 * Must be sure lower jaw is wide enough to accommodate tongue once palate repaired
 * Usually requires 1-3 day hospital stay
 * Jaw distraction surgery now being performed on infants in some hospitals
 * Tracheostomy may e required if severe airway issues
 * Special services
 * Speech therapy to prevent speech and language delays
 * May require IEP from school or other services, particularly if caused by underlying genetic syndrome
 * Chronic middle ear infections treated aggressively with antibiotics or PE tubes to avoid conductive hearing loss, speech and language delays

Differential Diagnosis

 * Most commonly associated with VCF or Stickler syndrome
 * Some other associated syndromes include Myotonic Dystrophy, Campomelic dysplasia, Lenz syndrome, Nager syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, and Turner syndrome

Psychosocial

 * Frustration, impatience due to feeding difficulties in newborns
 * Difficulty relating to baby due to physical appearance, inability to breastfeed
 * Guilt, anxiety, depression, anger about diagnosis
 * Assess support system

Resources

 * Pierre Robin Network
 * http://www.pierrerobin.org/

 * American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
 * http://www.cleft.com/
 * 800-242-5338


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Bookbinding/Thread

Traditionally, unbleached linen thread is the preferred material for bookbinding, but unbleached long-staple cotton will do almost as well. The key is that it is a natural fiber comparable in expected lifetime to the paper and the cover material, and that it have very long fibers, giving it great strength. For less traditional projects, carpet thread, strong nylon thread, or even waxed dental floss can also be used.

The thread should be heavy, heavy enough that you might be as likely to call it fine cordage as you are to call it heavy thread! Thread diameters of close to a millimeter (when uncompressed and not under tension) are quite reasonable. The thread should compress to about 1/2 millimeter when successive turns are wrapped tightly around a pencil.

Before you start sewing, it helps (but is not strictly necessary) to wax the thread with beeswax. To do this, clamp the thread against a block of beeswax with your thumb and pull it through with your other hand. The thread will tend to cut a slot in the wax, so keep changing the angle of pull to even out the wear on the wax. Do this two or three times with the full length of thread before you start sewing.

title: Bookbinding/Thread


text:
Talk:OCR A-Level Physics/Equation Sheet

v equals change in s over t (commonly, v = (Greek capital Delta) / time Similarly, a equals change in v over t I tried to change this, but failed. Sorry.

W:Help:Formula should help you out. I'll change it myself once I get a chance to get on my own computer --Krackpipe 09:18, 18 November 2005 (UTC)

Do we need all the deltas
I know it is technically correct to put a delta every time there is a change - but I feel that this makes this otherwise very useful reference MUCH harder to use quickly. Could they please be toned down a bit! Conrad.Irwin 08:58, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

title: Talk:OCR A-Level Physics/Equation Sheet


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Talk:Mythology

There are requests for:
 * Roman Mythology
 * Norse Mythology
 * Egyptian Mythology
 * Celtic Mythology
 * Chinese Mythology

Someone said that these sections should be added to this book, opposed to having their own books... at least until they are large enough.

--Remi0o 05:22, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

I realized that this book was, in some ways, acting as an index to established mythological books, and in other ways acting as a base of writing for new mythological books. I have created a policy statement on the front page to reflect that attitude. That is: if the subject of a culture's mythology has large enough content here, it should be separated into a new book. I believe that Although there are many books out there which are stubs, I see no reason to turn current mythology stubs into new books. Book stubs, although inevitable in some cases, are not desirable, and it is fine to keep a culture's mythology as a module until it grows enough content to be appropriate as a book. -Monk 02:09, 4 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 1) This statement reflects previous actions in the organization of this book
 * 2) This is a wise policy to follow, as to avoid having books within books, and to avoid created dozens of books which others have not shown the will to work on.

British and Irish Mythologies
The British and Irish Mythologies should be listed as

British and Irish Isles

 * English mythology
 * Celtic mythology
 * Brythonic mythology
 * Breton mythology
 * Cornish mythology
 * Welsh mythology
 * Goidelic (Gaelic) mythology
 * Irish mythology
 * Manx mythology
 * Scottish mythology

and not as listed since it doesn't show how the regions (specifically the celtic mythology regions) spread out and developed their own mythologies.
 * British and Irish Mythology
 * /English Mythology/
 * /Scottish Mythology/
 * /Irish Mythology/
 * /Welsh Mythology/

On another note you might look at the wiki article on Lists of Mythologies which breaks all the mythologies down to their continents and regions.

title: Talk:Mythology


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Template talk:POV

Discussion
I am changing the wording from "will be subject to deletion" to "might be subject to deletion". My idea is that most NPOV violations should be left for eventual editing instead of deleted. Also, they probably are not speedy-deletion candidates (unless they also violate WB:WIW) so WB:VFD might vote to keep the page.

Actually, Deletion policy suggests that NPOV violations should be edited, not deleted. But NPOV dispute describes {[tl|npov}} (which redirects here) as a temporary state. The only alternative to an eventual edit is an eventual deletion.

This template happens to be a good demonstration of includeonly and noinclude tags. --Kernigh 06:33, 18 November 2005 (UTC)

title: Template talk:POV


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Template talk:Upcoming deletion

Discussion
See also Wikibooks talk:Deletion policy

I am adding a link to WB:WIW to this template. When the staff lounge discussion is archived, the link to Staff lounge would be removed from this template. --Kernigh 06:40, 18 November 2005 (UTC)

User:Jimbo Wales reverted the wording from "might be deleted" to "will be deleted". This is not a problem for TTY2006 (so far), but Jokebook, the other book that uses this template, is still in WB:VFD. Currently, voters are leaning toward deletion but there are still some significant keep votes.

So, use with  for books in WB:VFD when most votes are to delete, but voting is not closed. Books less likely to be deleted use vfd only, while books more likely to be deleted are already deleted. --Kernigh 00:54, 26 November 2005 (UTC)

Rewording to mention why the template was added
Could we change the template or split it up to add some clarification of why it was added? --Swift 16:24, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

title: Template talk:Upcoming deletion


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User talk:70.137.151.81

Please stop adding nonsense to Wikibooks. It is considered vandalism. If you would like to experiment, use the sandbox. Thank you.

title: User talk:70.137.151.81


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Talk:Introduction to Theoretical Physics

Yahooiscool2 (talk) 01:31, 27 February 2008 (UTC)

golden ratio wave mechanics and hydrogen:clue to constructive charge collapse and therefore gravity?
It is clear that planck length times powers of golden ratio virtually precisely predicts multiple hydrogen radii www.goldenmean.info/goldenproof

evidence suggests golden ratio may be the most generalized solution to constructive wave interference www.goldenmean.info/matrix

and as such play a fundamental role in the 'cause' of gravity? www.goldenmean.info/gravityislove

comments invited danwinter@fractalfield.com

Planck's constant
When I read "if a beam of light illuminated a target for 3 seconds", I imagine too replacing 3s by the period of the frequency to get the energy delivered for this period, so for one cycle. In this case whatever the frequency the energy will always have the value of h, the same for a frequency of 1Hz. Why don't add this in this article ? Malypaet (discuss • contribs) 22:14, 26 September 2023 (UTC)

 * This section is totally wrong, not only concerning the physics, but also historically. The phrase "the energy delivered would be h × 3 × 540 × 10¹² joules" implies that Planck's constant is dimensionless, but it has dimension $$\mathsf{M} \mathsf{L}^{2} \mathsf{T}^{-1}.$$ Planck did originally not believe that the mathematical quantization allowing a derivation of his law corresponded to something "physically real". The now commonly accepted theory that light is transmitted in actual "energy quanta" is entirely due to Einstein; Planck initially opposed this idea. Lambiam (discuss • contribs) 17:04, 28 September 2023 (UTC)
 * The section might be based on Ref. 6 (Suntola). That reference is not mainstream science, but some form of QM/relativity denialism. Jähmefyysikko (discuss • contribs) 18:57, 1 October 2023 (UTC)


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Talk:Botany/Phycology

My botany professor used the story of how Dr. Kathleen Drew discovered the oyster burrowing diploid life cycle of Nori- which helped seaweed farmers to increase production of the haploid nori. This whole story was to help us understand alternation of generations. It's kinda good because it starts with the assumption that the plant has a simpler life cycle and the story discovers alternation of generations and explains it.

 * Can you write it up?

Also, the article on Nori in wikipedia says that some edible seaweed products incorportate blue green algae- how can that be true?

 * It is true that some blue-greens are grown in aquaculture to produce a number of products, perhaps best known being a food supplement known as Spirolina. There a very few cyanobacteria regarded even marginally as "seaweeds", and none I'm aware of are worth eating, so I'm not sure what the statement is alluding to. - marsh 17:43, 19 November 2005 (UTC)

title: Talk:Botany/Phycology


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Nepal Bhasa

Contents

 * /Introduction/

Grammar

 * /Basic Nepāl Bhāsā/
 * /Nouns/
 * /Verbs/
 * /Pronouns/
 * /Adjectives/
 * /Counting/
 * /Simple sentences/

Appendices

 * /Nepal Bhasa Literature/
 * /History of Nepal Bhasa/

title: Nepal Bhasa


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Talk:Botany/Pinophyta

Does this article suggest a chapter between it and horsetails about extinct pre-gymnosperms, ginkoes, cycads and the rest?

 * Yes, I would agree. That might be helpful. One reason modules are not numbered (just titled) is to provide flexibility.  I would just have to fix the ToC to fit in a new chapter - marsh 17:37, 19 November 2005 (UTC)

evolution side notes
So far I have been throwing in my evolutionary side notes here and not in wikipedia articles, because they define inbetween articles- but maybe there should be something about a vascular cambium in the gymnosperm article. Or maybe a pre-gymnosperm article. 66.41.66.213 20:52, 15 December 2005 (UTC)
 * Great idea(s). Just need to develop them.  We can always rearrange to better suit lessons once something is written up - marsh 20:55, 15 December 2005 (UTC)

how to draw life cycle of clas angiospermae

title: Talk:Botany/Pinophyta


text:
Clarinet/Clarinet Basics/Tone/Creating Good Tone Quality

Basics
Good tone production has a lot of factors in it when playing the clarinet. All the factors this book has already talked about are what create a good tone, but there's still more to think about when trying to create a good sound. All of this stuff might seem overwhelming, but it is not meant to be learned all at once, just try taking these ideas one at a time. Soon you will not have to think about it, and by that time you'll know that you'll be ready for the more advanced steps.

Tight and correct embouchure
Keep your embouchure loose, pucker your chin muscles to make a nice flat chin, this is super important for quality tone production. Sometimes using a mirror will help you keep your embouchure positioned correctly.

High and backward tongue positioning Make a toooo sound with the clarinet in your mouth, to do so notice that your tongue is positioned low and backward to make the sound. This is the way your tongue should be positioned at all times throughout the clarinet register. Doing this will slow down the air, and aim the air flow at the reed so that it will vibrate more steadily, resulting in a steady and velvety tone output. This is the real deal for proper tone production; this is really the most important aspect in clarinet tone production along with air support from the diaphragm and good embouchure.

Student Tips
Make sure you sit up straight, and if you can't get a sound out try a note higher, look for leaks, or if you are a beginner, try and get a squeak out of your clarinet's mouth piece. If none of these work talk to your local band director or take it to a music store. A size 2 or 2.5 reed is recommended for beginners.

Good Posture
Sit at the end of your chair; back straight and feet flat on the floor for the best tone quality.

Reed Hardness
Reed hardness is measured on a scale from one to five. Beginners usually start out with a 2.5 hardness reed but will move up when the tone gets too flat. The strength of the reed does not determine how good a player is.

Mouth Piece
The mouth piece that came with your clarinet is probably of less than superb quality. Invest in a good rubber mouth piece that will cost around $10.

Develop your mouth
As you progress in becoming a clarinetist, your mouth muscles will become stronger, allowing you to play the instrument with better tone. Also, tightening up your embouchure might help as well.

Fast Air
Always use fast air with the air coming from the diaphragm.

Kларинет/Стварање тона


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Wikijunior:Big Cats/Keeping cats

Captive management of big cats is part of a strategy to keep endangered species from becoming extinct. It also provides a source of education and inspiration to zoo visitors and helps us study what these cats need to survive and thrive. What follows is from an interview with John Burkitt of Tiger Touch, a non-profit organization that keeps cats.

The Four Types of Fitness
Once zoos were terrible places for big cats. Their needs were poorly understood, and therefore poorly met. Today we understand that there are four types of fitness, all equally important. Physical Fitness is more than basic life support. Animals evolved in a complex environment, and meeting their whole range of needs makes their life longer and better. Mental Fitness is as important in captivity as it is in the wild. It promotes natural social behavior within and between species and reduces neurotic behaviors such as pacing and self-injury. Emotional Fitness is the cornerstone of a humane, trusting partnership between man and animal. When we bring life into the world, we owe it happiness and contentment. Moral Fitness is a clear understanding of rules and expectations by man and animal that promotes trust, minimizes stress, reduces accidents, and helps cooperation.

Safety
Ideally, safety is guaranteed for the animals, their staff, and the visiting public. The animals are protected as well as possible against items thrown over the fence that may injure the cats or be eaten. When big cats eat the wrong sort of objects, such as toys or bottle fragments, it causes potentially deadly blockages of the intestines. The staff is protected by the use of "lockouts" and "air locks". "Lockouts" are areas where big cats can be confined while someone performs maintenance on their living area. It is the only safe way to remove wastes, cut grass, remove foreign objects, or repair fixtures. "Air Locks" are small chambers with a door on each end that allow people to enter and exit a cat enclosure without having an opening clear to the outside at any one moment. People come in the outer door, close it behind them, then open the inner door to enter the cat enclosure. At no time can a cat push past the keeper and escape. Guard rails around certain exhibits keep visitors at least five feet (1.8 meters) away from the animal's outer fence at all times. This prevents people from being tempted to touch animals through the mesh or bars and get injured. Such injuries are more often fatal to the cat than to the visitor since most states require the animal to be killed and tested for rabies if the victim refuses to take precautionary rabies vaccination shots. Zoo visitors that follow the rules are completely safe. One less obvious safety feature of zoos and animal parks are the off-hours security systems that protect the animals against nighttime intruders. Motion sensors, infrared cameras, and perimeter fences prevent people from disturbing the animals after hours. Finally, the animals are usually confined to smaller areas during off hours, and only released into their large enclosures shortly before opening time.

Species Survival Plans
One function of zoos is to provide safe places where endangered animals can breed. To be effective in producing healthy cats that are genetically diverse (born to unrelated parents), zoos will often ship animals long distances to find mates that would make a good match. If you let closely related cats have offspring together, their young would be considered inbred, which means they don't have a healthy mix of different backgrounds in their physical makeup. Inbred animals are prone to be sick or even die. Computer technology helps zoos be sure which animals would make the best mates for each other and avoid inbreeding.

Animals used in a Species Survival Plan are sometimes taken out of the public viewing areas for a private, less stressful area to breed and care for their offspring in the first critical weeks. Usually you can tell if animals on display in a zoo are involved in an SSP because there will be a sign posted on their enclosure.

One of the most important differences in zoos today from zoos long ago is that they are more than just living museums. They are also valuable partners in the battle to save endangered species.

Food Preparation
Food has to be wholesome and free from disease and parasites. It may be meat, a prepared diet such as ZuPreem or Mazuri, or a combination of both. Food is served raw to prevent nutrient loss from cooking. Additives make up for the loss of calcium and micronutrients available in regular prey. Finally as part of good animal husbandry, food is individually prepared for each animal based on weight control and medication needs.

Veterinary Care
Like all other animals in captivity, zoo animals require occasional trips to the vet. The veterinarians that handle zoo animals are specially trained in exotic medicine, the diseases and conditions of animals not usually kept as pets. Veterinary care usually is done at the zoo in a special health care building that has the special equipment needed to fill cavities in a tiger's teeth or perform surgery on a lion.

The Nursery
When, for one reason or another, the parents of young big cats cannot raise their own offspring, the cubs and kittens are sent to a nursery where specially trained zoo staff and volunteers provide them with the food, stimulation, and affection. Young cats of all species cannot properly pass solid wastes on their own. A warm, wet washrag or sponge is used to wipe the backside of kittens and cubs to stimulate them to pass wastes, something they usually do in the wild when their mother cleans them with her tongue. Proper nursing is especially important: cubs and kittens are never given milk while they are lying on their back. This can cause pneumonia. The milk given to cats is different than the milk given to human children in a number of ways. Zoo personnel know the right way to mix milk for the different species of large and small cats in their care. Temperature is carefully controlled since these young animals are not as good at controlling their body temperature as are adults.

Enrichment
Keeping animals happy as well as healthy is a challenge. The best way is a combination of several things: physical interaction with others of its own kind or specially-trained human companions, desirable features in the enclosure such as swimming pools and ledges for perching and sleeping, and toys to play with. Sometimes food is hidden about or put on ropes where it can be jerked away to stimulate chase, hunt, and play behaviors and reduce boredom. Many zoo animals are fond of visitors and develop routines to impress the people that come to see them. Large, natural enclosures give the animals more freedom of movement and encourage physical activity.

Training
While most modern zoos do not teach animals to perform "tricks", they do train animals to respond to certain commands to make them safer to handle, move and examine. This training emphasizes rewards for good behavior rather than punishment for bad behavior. Using the reward system not only makes training easier and more humane, it avoids the ever-present danger that an angry cat may find a chance to lash out at its tormentor. That only needs to happen once briefly for tragedy to occur.

End of Life Issues
Although it is unpleasant to think about, death is a part of life. When a decision is made by the zoo staff that a certain cat is in too much pain to have a good life, the life of that cat is humanely ended. The phrase put to sleep or put down is not accurate and does not confer the dignity that usually accompanies the act. Zookeepers almost always experience grief when one of their long-term friends dies. Whenever possible, someone the cat loves is allowed to be with them as the drug is administered. This special drug is designed to calm the cat and lull it to sleep before death occurs. After death has been certified by the veterinarian, a necropsy (animal autopsy) is performed to determine the exact cause of the animal's illness or injury. This information is used to help protect other animals. Many zoos, and most sanctuaries and animal parks, have special plots where beloved animals are laid to rest. These are rarely open to the public. Animals that are not buried are usually cremated (burned) for health reasons or used to provide skeletons and skins for educational use at the zoo or in museums and universities.

Next Topic: Cat Classification

Wikijunior Großkatzen/ Katzenhaltung

title: Wikijunior:Big Cats/Keeping cats


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Cookbook talk:Chicken Tikka

Where are the ingredients?? —the preceding unsigned comment is by 24.48.145.250 (talk • contribs)
 * A vandal removed them; I've put them back. David Johnson 23:26, 22 November 2005 (UTC)

Why is mustard seed oil "unfit for human consumption"??

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Tagalog/Lesson 1

Aralin 1 — Mga Alpabeto

Tagalog today is written in the Latin alphabet. However, in the past, it was written using Baybayin. While this article will cover mostly the Latin alphabet and its history, a brief history on Baybayin will also be covered.

Ang Baybayín (Baybayin)
Baybayin, was the old Tagalog alphabet that is a direct descendant of Kavi, the script used to write Old Javanese. The alphabet contained seventeen letters where three letters (the vowels a,e/i,o/u) were considered double-use. Related scripts include the Kulitan, Hanunóo, Buhid, and Tagbanwa scripts and the script was used in the past to write the Ilocano and Pangasinan languages.

Each letter has a vowel sound. By default, Baybayin letters are consonants ending with the vowel "A". To produce another vowel sound, a special mark (known as a kudlít) was placed either on the top of the letter (for "E" and "I" sounds) or on the bottom (for "O" and "U" sounds). The kudlít does not apply to stand-alone vowels, as they have their own letters.

In the original form, stand-alone consonants (consonants without the vowel sound) could not be formed. This was particularly hard for Spanish friars, who were working on translating books into Tagalog. In 1620, Father Francisco Lopez rectified the problem by inventing his own kudlít in the form of a cross sign ("+") that removed the vowel sound. The kudlít functions exactly the same way the virama functions in the Devanagari script used to write Hindi. This is called TAGALOG SIGN VIRAMA by Unicode.

Baybayin eventually died out as the Latin alphabet introduced by the Spanish continued to be imposed in the colonial era.

Ang Alpabetong Latino (The Latin alphabet)
The Latin alphabet gained prominence as the Spanish continued their colonization and evangelization of the Philippines. During those times, Tagalog was written in various ways using Spanish orthography, one of the most popular being the Abecedario, using all Spanish letters at the time.

A sample of the Spanish letters is as follows:

 * A, B, C, Ch, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, Ll, M, N, Ñ, N͠g, O, P, Q, R, Rr, S, T, U, V, X, Y, Z

After Spanish rule, two alphabet standards were used: the Abakada and the Alpabetong Filipino

Abakada
Abakada was devised during the American colonial era by Lope K. Santos, a linguist and one of the brainchilds of the national language. He devised an alphabet with twenty letters, directly derived from the letters of Baybayin and pronounced in the same way. Also, letters C, Ch, F, J, Ll, Ñ, Q, Rr, V, X, and Z have been removed.

The new alphabet contained the following letters:

 * A, B, D, E, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, Ng, O, P, R, S, T, U, W, Y

At that time, other phonemes that would be included much later in additions of the alphabet did not exist yet. This especially was the focus of languages such as Pilipino, where the emphasis was to use pure Tagalog (which uses the phonemes listed above) before word borrowings even took place.

Alpabetong Filipino
In 1973, the National Language Institute adopted Abakada and later, in 1976, expanded the alphabet as the need for borrowed words arose. The alphabet then contained 31 letters, using the entire Spanish alphabet and the Ng of Tagalog. In practice, however, the digraphs Ch, Ll and Rr were considered as two separate letters.

In 1987, those digraphs were removed and the alphabet was reduced to today's 28 letters.

Ang alpabeto ngayón (The alphabet today)
Today, Tagalog is written using the Alpabetong Filipino. However, many dictionaries still use Abakada.

The alphabet today uses the following letters: However, consonants in Abakada are pronounced as they were in Baybayin (Ba, Ka, Da, etc.). The letter "Ñ" is pronounced the same way as it is in Spanish.

Below is a table of the modern Tagalog alphabet. There are two pronunciation columns: one for pronunciation in Abakada and the other for pronunciation in the Alpabetong Filipino. The fourth column is the sound column, to approximate with English. If there are no notes in the notes column, the letter is written and/or is pronounced the same way as its English equivalent.

Palatuldikan (Diacritics)
Diacritics are normally not written in everyday usage, be it in publications or personal correspondence. The teaching of diacritics is inconsistent in Filipino schools and many Filipinos do not know how to use them. However, diacritics are normally used in dictionaries and in textbooks aimed at teaching the languages to foreigners.

There are three kinds of diacritics used in Tagalog:

 * Acute accent or pahilís : Used to indicate primary or secondary stress on a particular syllable; talagá. It is usually omitted on words that are stressed on the penultimate (second to last) syllable; umága = umaga. It is possible that there is more than one stressed syllable in a word, meaning that that pahilís mark may appear multiple times, as in Repúbliká. If there is no diacritic on the last two syllables of a word, then it means that there is stress on the penultimate syllable; kásayahan is actually stressed on two syllables:  ká sa ya han.

 * Grave accent or paiwà : It indicates that there is a glottal stop (/ʔ/) at the end of the word; akalà. This mark may only appear at the end of a word that ends in a vowel. This mark does not indicate stress. Therefore, following the previously stated rule on stress, akalà is stressed on the second to the last syllable: a ka là.

 * Circumflex accent or pakupyâ : It indicates that the final syllable of a word receives stress while there is a glottal stop (/ʔ/) that follows; sampû. This is because it is a combination of the pahilís and paiwà marks. This mark may only appear at the end of a word that ends in a vowel. dálitâ = dá li tâ

title: Tagalog/Lesson 1


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Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Magic/Disappearing Cabinets

Overview
Disappearing Cabinets or Vanishing Cabinets are cabinets into which you put things, and the things then disappear, normally reappearing somewhere else.

Extended Description
We first see a Vanishing Cabinet, though it is not identified as such, in chapter 4, At Flourish And Blotts of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Harry has ended up in Borgin and Burkes after a slight mishap with Floo powder, and has to hide to avoid Draco Malfoy and his father. The place he chooses to hide is "a large black cabinet".

Another Vanishing Cabinet appears in chapter 8, The Deathday Party, of the same book. Here, Nearly Headless Nick has convinced Peeves to drop a large black and gold cabinet just above Filch's office, in hopes of distracting Filch from punishing Harry for some infraction. Filch identifies the artifact at that time as "a very valuable Vanishing Cabinet".

Vanishing cabinets also form a major plot point in the sixth book of the series. As that constitutes a spoiler, that information is in the Greater Picture section, following a spoiler warning.

Analysis
It is interesting that Vanishing Cabinets first appear in book 2, and provide a major plot point in book 6. As vanishing cabinets are a classic part of many stage-"magic" illusionist acts, it's not surprising that they would be part of a world that uses significant magic; what we can't know is whether the plot device these cabinets represent was in fact at least partially worked out in book 2 where these cabinets are introduced, or whether their existence and mention in book 2 triggered their use as the plot device in book 6. We rather suspect preplanning, but we have no way to be certain at this point.

Greater Picture
Apparently the above two cabinets are linked. After repairing the Hogwarts cabinet, Malfoy uses the cabinets to allow Death Eaters into Hogwarts in his 6th year. We will note that there's significant foreshadowing in that book; the cabinet in Borgin and Burkes is specifically mentioned as it blocks Harry's view of Malfoy's transaction there; and the cabinet in the Room of Requirement, where it got shuffled off to after Peeves dropped it, is mentioned as a landmark when Harry is hiding his Potions book.

The question has been raised, why does Harry not get transported to Hogwarts when he hides inside the cabinet in Borgin and Burke's, in his second year? The Hogwarts cabinet is not dropped until later that year, so it should have simply transported him there. The answer is extremely simple: Harry never completely closed the door of the cabinet he was hiding in. From Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: "he shot inside it and pulled the doors to, leaving a small crack to peer through." He was able to see what was going on in the shop throughout Malfoy's visit, and so the doors must have stayed open that one small crack until Harry was finally able to sneak out of the shop. If he had ever closed the doors completely, likely he would have ended up at Hogwarts.

One of the things that is stressed over and over is that Hogwarts is "unplottable", that it cannot be put on a map, and that you cannot apparate to or within it. Additionally, both in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince it is mentioned that there are spells preventing entrance via any means save the gates, which in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban are guarded by Dementors, and in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by locks that can be opened only by professors. Much of the action in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban involves the secret ways in and out of the castle, and we as an audience are left with the impression that all such passageways are known. The Disappearing Cabinets are a way around this protection that has not as yet been guarded against.

There are two main sub-themes to the series; one, of course, is the issue of pure-blood versus muggle and the nature of prejudice. A second, less stressed theme is the idea of just consequences: Draco Malfoy tries to Jinx Harry in the Entrance Hall and is punished by being turned into a ferret; Fred and George are playing with Blood Blisterpods and get into trouble when Katie Bell gets an incurable nose bleed; Lucius Malfoy is sent to Azkaban after the battle in the Ministry and so forth. Every now and again Fred and George do something mischievous but harmful, as when they "push Montague into the old broken vanishing cabinet on the second floor" in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and then don't get into trouble for it; however, in this case, this leads indirectly to Dumbledore's death, as it is while Montague is trapped in the vanishing cabinet that he discovers that it is connected to the one in Borgin and Burke's. Montague passes this information on to Draco Malfoy, who makes use of it as we have already seen.


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Electric Vehicle Conversion

An electric vehicle conversion is the modification of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) driven vehicle to battery electric propulsion, creating a battery electric vehicle. Much of the information in this article is also applicable to the design and construction of electric vehicles from materials and components, as is commonly done by hobbyists assembling kit cars with ICEs.

Introduction and disclaimers
While some conversions of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have been performed by major automobile manufacturers in the United States, all such programs have been terminated due to (to quote the manufacturers) "lack of consumer demand" for these vehicles. A few specialty rebuilders offer new or remanufactured conversions to  satisfy a rather limited demand. The demand is low primarily due to the costs of completed vehicles, which are up to twice that of a comparable ICE vehicle. Some of these are built on new vehicles, purchased from the original equipment manufacturer but without the various ICE components.

This article is concerned mainly with the hobbyist conversion of ICE vehicles to electric propulsion. It is not intended to be a complete instruction manual, but rather a general guide to performing your own conversions and for purchasing or modifying an EV conversion. Some representative types of vehicle conversions will be presented.

For those not interested in conducting their own electric vehicle conversion, there are many electric vehicle conversions specialists throughout the United States.

In this article "electric vehicle" (EV) refers to various hobby conversions, not to high-end manufactured vehicles. Also, only technologies available to the hobbyist are considered in depth.

Branded products may be illustrated where such are commonly used in EV conversions. This should not be considered to be promotional or an endorsement, which otherwise might be considered to be in violation of Wikibooks policy.

Note the presence of hazardous materials and conditions that must be approached with proper precautions and procedures to avoid damaging, injurious, or even fatal consequences.

Why have an electric vehicle?
The greatest fans of electric vehicles are those who have obtained and used them. Owing to the fact that electric vehicles have not been promoted by the major manufacturers in the United States, this is a self-selected group, so their enthusiasm may be misleading. Fans point out the following:

 * Range is adequate if not the only vehicle in household or if long commutes are not required. Fans point out that most trips in non-commute vehicles are for shopping, school drop-off/pick-up, visiting, and other errands within a 10 to 20 mile (15 to 30 km) radius. Long range is simply not needed for such trips and an operating range of 30 to 40 miles (50 to 65 km) is quite sufficient.
 * Fueling at home requires but seconds to plug in for overnight charging followed by a few extra moments in the morning. Some find this to be more convenient than driving to obtain gasoline whose availability and cost is less predictable.
 * The homeowner can install on-grid solar photovoltaic rooftop power or residential wind generation and so produce most of the energy required for personal transportation with zero pollution. Since the vehicles can be charged during low demand times the photovoltaics provide a larger societal benefit by helping to satisfy local peak demand, greatly reducing overall pollution and reducing transmission line loads. Additional benefits can also flow to the user through time sensitive pricing/payback schemes, significantly reducing the cost of a system that will support transportation needs. Once a commitment to producing power is made it becomes an easy decision to commit to producing all household and local transportation power needs. Thus there is a societal benefit from electric vehicles beyond transportation.
 * Electric vehicles are quiet. Even if not completely silent, they do not produce the low frequency rumble that can easily penetrate household walls and windows.
 * Owners take pride in the non-polluting nature of their vehicles. Some point out that knowing that your vehicle is non-polluting quickly leads to a realization how stinky and noxious even modern, well tuned non-electric vehicles actually are — something that tends to be ignored when you are part of the problem.
 * Some EV fans with a left of center political bias or of a "green" inclination claim that when combined with household photovoltaics, electric vehicle users are not assisting (through their fuel purchases) despotic governments in oil-rich countries, nor the politically powerful companies that prepare and distribute their products, nor the politically powerful coal interests, nor the domestic politicians that serve and protect these companies and countries. Many electric vehicle owners and operators express great satisfaction in this aspect of electric vehicle use, even while acknowledging that this use can have only little effect on these matters unless adopted more widely and produced in greater quantities.
 * Some EV fans with a right of center political bias believe that EVs will free the country from foreign sources of energy to ones domestically produced. This can make a country less strategically dependent on non-democratic oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia.
 * Some USA EV fans have accused the three major domestic manufacturers, General Motors, Chrysler Corporation and Ford Motor Company of deliberately sabotaging their own electric vehicle efforts through several methods: failing to market, failing to produce appropriate vehicles, failing to satisfy demand, and using lease-only programs with prohibitions against end of lease purchase. They also point to the Chrysler "golf cart" program as an insult to the marketplace and to mandates, accusing Chrysler of intentionally failing to produce a vehicle usable in mixed traffic conditions. The manufacturers, in their own defense, have responded that they only make what the public wants. Of the various electric vehicles marketed by the "Big Three", only the General Motors EV1 (manufactured by GM) and the Th!nk City (imported and marketed by Ford) came close to being appropriate configurations for a mass market. However, at the end of their programs GM destroyed its fleet, to avoid the continuing expense necessary to continue to provide maintenance and support for these vehicles. Ford's Norwegian-built "Th!nk" fleet was covered by a three-year exemption to the standard U.S. Motor Vehicle Safety laws, after which time Ford had planned to dismantle and recycle its fleet; the company was, however, persuaded by the Norwegian Government and others to not destroy its fleet but return them to Norway and sell them as used vehicles. Ford also sold a few lead-acid battery Ranger EVs and has allowed a small percentage of lease returns into a limited market (after crushing and destroying 90 percent of the fleet, without saving any components), and some fleet purchase Chevrolet S-10 EV pickups are being refurbished and sold on the secondary market.
 * Both Honda and Toyota also manufactured electric only vehicles. Honda followed the lead of the other majors and terminated their lease-only programs. Toyota offered vehicles for both sale and lease. While Toyota has terminated manufacture of new vehicles it continues to support those manufactured and is allowing for some institutional lease returns to be placed in the marketplace. It is actually possible to see a RAV-4 EV on the road but this is indeed a rare sight.

Why convert or purchase a converted ICE to get an electric vehicle?
In Europe and some parts of Asia vehicle buyers have the choice of ICE or electric - it is actually possible to obtain reliable, well engineered and road-worthy electric vehicles and to have them maintained by a dealer. Other than for a beginning market for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), is not possible in the United States for economic, political, and market-restraint reasons. Nor is it possible for a person to easily import a new electric vehicle from Europe or Asia. Certain restrictive safety regulations (such as the requirement for safety glass rather than tempered glass in windshields, airbag requirements, lighting regulations, plus the destructive testing by barrier collisions all operate to inhibit the use of offshore manufactured vehicles. In contrast there are few restrictions on the personal conversion of an ICE vehicle to BEV (battery electric vehicle). This anomaly is distinctly cultural in English speaking North America and is emblematic of a dichotomy in the American political psyche: On the one hand, social and political pressures force the government to protect consumers in the marketplace from exploitation by corporations and large corporations prefer legislation that restricts the entry of new players into the marketplace, while the preservation of individual freedom to tinker in one's garage or workshop is considered sacred, being in the spirit of great inventors such as Edison and the Wright brothers.

Note that battery technology is rapidly improving in cost/performance ratios due to the use of batteries in ICE-electric hybrid vehicles. The EV that is converted today will be upgradeable by future battery (and perhaps charger) replacement.

Recent history of the electric vehicle in California
Beginning in the 1990s, the California Air Resources Board was looking for a way to combat air pollution and when General Motors began work with their EV1 it caught the attention of the Air Resources Board (Jananne Sharpless, Who Killed the Electric Car Interview). They also saw that the state was spending over $5 billion on air pollution-related illness. There was also a study done in 1989 that reported one out of four 18- to 25-year-olds had severe to moderate lung lesions. The Resources board eventually passed a mandate that stated by 2003, 10% of all vehicles sold in the state would be zero emission vehicles (ZEV). Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Ford, and Nissan all built limited production runs of battery-powered vehicles. For a variety of reasons; some say lack of advertising from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), others say the lack of purchase (they were only available by closed-end leases); still others say that the limited production runs kept costs too high to make them affordable by the average buyer. Almost all of the leased cars were collected at the end of their lease and then destroyed, despite the protestations of willing buyers. The CARB charter was not necessarily intended to drive up the production of electric vehicles, but rather to reduce air pollution. The manufacturers successfully argued for changes to the rules. The CARB specifications were modified from zero emissions to an equivalent emission reduction by the mandated production of very low emission vehicles, SULEVs (SUper Low Emission Vehicles) — vehicles producing about one tenth the previously mandated emission levels. This effectively created a hole in the mandate, because the U.S. Federal Government is the only governing body allowed to "mandate" MPG; these are called CAFE standards, they also have not changed (until 2008) since the oil embargo of the 1970s. Later on, GM, followed by DaimlerChrysler and several dealerships, would sue CARB. It would not be until the Federal government would come on board, as well as the Bush administration, to help kill the electric car. Not much later, President Bush would commit more than a billion dollars to hydrogen fuel cells, while totally ignoring current and past 170-year-old EV technology, established by analysis to be far more efficient source-to-sink than the proposed hydrogen schemes.

Attitude
In general, you should not attempt to maintain and operate a "home made" electric vehicle unless you have some interest and perhaps at least modest skills concerning mechanical and electric devices. Such skills are difficult to come by in many states due to the generally low volume of shop and industrial arts classes in current intermediate and high school programs. However, if you are the kind of person who will at least take apart a malfunctioning small appliance, and can sometimes at least identify the problem (e.g., needs regreasing or new motor brushes) you should have little problem with maintaining an EV.

A professionally built conversion will often be designed to be ignored, being engineered, constructed, and tested to survive with only minor maintenance on the operator's part and regular charging, combined with a regular professionally performed maintenance schedule. On the other hand, a non-professional conversion will probably require regular inspections of details like battery and motor electrical and mechanical connections, security of auxiliary systems, and inspection of wires and cables for chafing and loose connectors in order to avoid more extensive problems. While these tasks do not require a large amount of time, this time is more than is usually required of a conventional internal combustion vehicle, where tasks such as oil changes can be purchased as a service.

Operating costs
The direct operating costs will generally be confined to expenses for tires, battery replacement, battery water (where required), and electricity for recharging. Although the cost of electricity for charging these vehicles is generally much less than the cost of fuel for ICE vehicles, the cost of battery replacement can be very high. In general, the overall cost per mile for an EV — including periodic battery replacement — may be greater or less that for a conventional ICE vehicle of similar size and performance, depending largely upon the battery type used. For example, if the cost of electricity is (US) $0.12/kWh, the battery pack costs $1200 to replace (a low cost based upon the lowest cost technology), and lasts 20,000 miles (an optimistic number when using lead-acid batteries), and the vehicle uses 400 Wh/mile (a rather high number), the combined cost per mile will be ($960+$1200)/(20,000 miles), or less than $0.11/mile, comparable to an ICE vehicle getting 25 mpg at a fuel cost of $2.75 per gallon. This does not count avoided costs, such as engine oil changes (about $0.01/mile), smog inspections (about $0.002/mile), and various repairs required to maintain smog certification (which can be costly on an older ICE vehicle, probably between $0.005 and $0.015 per mile ), so the costs are currently roughly comparable at current fuel prices. With more expensive gasoline or the use of more expensive but longer lasting batteries, the costs further favor the electric conversion in the long run.

Since converted vehicles are usually of an older vehicle, such vehicles may need other maintenance due to accumulated wear, perhaps wheel bearings, brakes rotors or drums, brake pads or shoes, suspension bushings and the like, and other components that are not usually replaced, but keep the vehicle up to date and show pride in ownership such as upholstery, door seals, and body paint. Such work is generally not cost effective in an ICE vehicle if performed by hire, while an interested hobbyist may do much work at quite modest cost and obtain substantial enjoyment in learning and performing various craft skills.

While a worn ICE vehicle of comparable condition would be simply scrapped, you will likely want to maintain and even improve your conversion, so you should consider maintenance (and even improvement) expenses to be a normal part of maintaining an older vehicle. A more common vehicle may be cheaper to maintain when in the seven to twenty year age range than a rare, special interest, or very old vehicle due to the availability of low cost usable parts from automotive recycling yards. Some special interest vehicles have enabled the creation of a robust secondary parts market, although such vehicles are generally best left as ICE vehicles, unless especially suitable for conversion to electric power.

Skills needed
A wide range of skills is needed by a converter of a vehicle. Fortunately, there will often be fellow EV enthusiasts in an area that are willing and able to assist the novice builder. Although skill is needed but there should be a willingness along with a team of professionally qualified engineers.

Automobile survey
A builder should be able to identify problems in a potential conversion vehicle. These are the same skills required to identify and purchase a good used ICE vehicle and are especially useful if a conversion (complete or partial) is purchased from another builder. Note that it may be possible to purchase a used EV conversion that only needs batteries - the owner may want to build another vehicle using the proceeds from the sale of an earlier conversion but not wish to invest in new batteries for a vehicle about to be sold. A careful survey of such a vehicle will go beyond that stated above as it is very important that latent electrical defects be identified and corrected, e.g.: the presence of chafing points in the electrical system that could lead to short circuits and an awareness of the possible necessity for the addition of primary or secondary electrical and operational safety equipment and circuits.

Basic mechanics
A builder should be able to fabricate small brackets for mounting sensors, switches, and relays. This can be done using simple hand tools - a small vice, hacksaw, shears, hammer, pliers, and various drills and files.

Machine shop skills
Most machining requires expensive equipment and extensive skills. Machine shop skills will not be needed if the converter can obtain "off the shelf" components (components made to order from known specifications). In the case of exotic conversions the converter may have to have specialized work done locally, or ship the transmission to a specialty vendor. The more machine shop skills a builder has the more work that builder will be able to perform, and will be more skilled at selecting professional help. Creation of the motor coupling and the motor to transmission adapter usually require skills and experience of a high order (a typical automotive machinist will not usually be able to perform the work satisfactorily). A knowledgeable converter will be better able to judge the qualifications of the machinist to be employed, and a cooperative machinist may be willing to allow the converter to perform some of the lower skilled and lower risk tasks. It is also important that the machine shop tasks be well planned out and broken down into the component subtasks, something that a converter of modest machine shop skills will be able to do. Work in a machine shop may be done at fixed price (in which case the enumeration of tasks will aid in bid preparation) or performed using an hourly rate, in which case the estimate will be more accurate. For an exotic conversions where components must be designed a good relationship with a cooperative machine shop is essential to completing a successful and cost-effective project.

Welding
For conversion of a unit body vehicle it is especially important that the batteries be well secured. This is typically done by creating racks from angle steel stock or boxes from sheet metal welded into forms suitable for the batteries and vehicle. These racks or boxes are then welded to the unit body or secured to the vehicle's frame (if accessible). This requires care in avoiding warpage of the primary vehicle structure. For popular conversions it is possible to obtain manufactured racks designed for a pre-engineered layout, so this skill may be considered optional but dependent upon the vehicle selected for conversion. For light truck conversions with in-bed batteries no welding is necessary - all retention may be done with appropriate bolted hardwood components. Welding additionally requires special attention regarding the choice of base metal, fillet, type and size of weld. The weld size must be calculated such that it carrys the load with least weld thickness.

Automotive mechanics
The ability to remove, disassemble, rebuild, and install major ICE components such as transmissions, engines, and suspension components is useful but may be performed by a specialty conversion shop. The builder–owner should be especially cautious in the employment of ICE auto mechanics for these tasks as they may be unfamiliar with specialized EV procedures and requirements.

Basic electrical
A builder should be sufficiently knowledgeable about basic electricity to safely work on household and EV electrical systems. Note that an EV pack can provide extremely high currents, which can rapidly heat wires or misused tools, causing burns, and that batteries so overloaded can explode with consequent hazards of acid and toxic materials. Most traction packs and the associated high voltage accessory wiring (heater and twelve volt converter) supply or use potentially lethal voltages. Specific electrical arrangements are used to minimize the hazards present and it is important that the builder/operator observe proper precautions and maintain the equipment in a safe configuration.

Basic electronics
While the systems used in EV safety are not exotic, the builder should have sufficient skill to design and implement basic relay and diode logic for control and alarms. The smaller relays needed may be obtained at a local electronics supply shop or through an EV parts supplier. Some specialty components are obtained from EV parts suppliers or sometimes from automotive parts recyclers.

Application
Electric vehicles (EVs) are appropriate for short to medium range commuting. Longer ranges are possible if charging may be obtained at both ends of the commute.

EVs are appropriate for local errands where long range is not important. While Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs, essentially enhanced electric golf cars) are available from several manufactures, such vehicles are not considered here for hobby conversion as they are readily available from manufacturers and are not suitable for most suburban locations (although they may be well suited for operation in some urban environments and many self-contained communities).

Vehicle
While almost any vehicle can be converted to electric power, one should be cautious about converting a vehicle simply because it is available (such as a family vehicle with a non-functioning engine). One should first consider the performance envelope that is both desired and affordable (see below) and then find a suitable vehicle that will satisfy these needs when converted. A good used vehicle in running condition may be a better choice than a vehicle with a major defect, as one can test the running components such as transmission, differential, suspension, and other components by road test. If the parts to be removed are in good condition it may be possible to obtain a good price by selling the engine while it can be demonstrated in the vehicle. A purchaser will thus have some confidence in the quality of the engine and may be willing to pay more than for one of unknown quality that has been removed from the vehicle. A later model may be available with advanced safety features and better brakes than would be available on a fifteen or twenty year old vehicle.

Performance envelope
As a minimum, an EV conversion should have sufficient performance so as not to impede conventional traffic operating within the speed limits of the roadway. This does not mean that it is necessary to obtain a level of performance equivalent to an ICE vehicle, although a short range performance vehicle may be constructed which will significantly outperform ICE vehicles below 30 mph (50 km/h).

Some designers point out that a specific type of electric vehicle offers comfort, utility and quickness, sacrificing only range. This is called a short range electric vehicle. This type may be built using high performance lead–acid batteries, but of only about half the mass that would be expected to obtain a 60 to 80 mile range. The result is a vehicle with about a thirty mile range, but when designed with appropriate weight distribution (40/60 front to rear) does not require power steering, offers exceptional acceleration in the lower end of its operating range, is freeway capable and legal, and costs less to build and maintain. By including a manual transmission this type of vehicle can obtain both better performance and higher efficiency than the single speed types developed by the major manufacturers. Unlike the converted golf carts used for neighborhood electric vehicles, these may be operated on typical suburban throughways (40 to 45 mph or 70 km/h speed limits are typical) and can keep up with traffic typical to these roads and to the short on and off segments of freeways that are common in suburban areas.

Operating costs vs. capital costs
Relative to an ICE vehicle an EV can offer substantially lower cost per mile in some applications but not all. An ICE can be very cheap to buy and maintain (until old and worn) but expensive for purchase of fuel and for "smog" inspections and oil changes.

An EV can be expensive to build and to replace batteries, yet quite inexpensive to operate if the cost of electricity is low. An EV is especially attractive if a homeowner has installed sufficient net metering photovoltaic (solar electric) panels, particularly if the net metering applies time of use rates.

Novelty vehicle
Above: Bob Schneeveis demonstrates his Silver Sofa to the delight of his passengers. This can spin rapidly in place like a carnival ride and its batteries are recharged by the solar panels.

A novelty vehicle or an electric powered art car may not be suitable for on road use. Applications include electric vehicle show demonstrations, parades, parade floats, float towing, and eclectic off-road gatherings such as Burning Man.

Shoebox racer
A prelude to larger vehicles, intended for the education of middle school students, these are fabricated from a standardised box of components, with the overall design and gear ratios determined by the builder. A building team will typically consist of two students and an adult advisor.

Electric cart
Suitable for educating youth in the technologies of electric vehicles, technically advanced versions of the cart can exhibit high efficiency in energy use and are a natural prelude to later developing pure solar electric racing vehicles or the conversion of ICE vehicles to electric drive. Speeds are typically limited to about seven MPH so a running adult can overtake and stop a vehicle. Some classes allow a great freedom in design by having a class first disassemble the previous constructions, returning components to appropriate bins. This disassembly task informs the students on design methods and equipment assembly. The students, in small teams, then design and construct new vehicles.

Tour del Sol
The ultimate in efficiency is exhibited by solar powered electric cars with highly refined chassies, electrics, and aerodynamics. These are designed and assembled by college teams with the support of various businesses, especially those involved with solar power, batteries, electric propulsion, or automotive manufacturing. Competitions are traditionally biennial, with the most widely recognized event being the World Solar Challenge in Australia, an 1800 mile race from Darwin to Adelaide. In the North American Solar Challenge teams race 2500 miles from Austin, Texas through Winnipeg, Manitoba finishing in Calgary, Alberta.

Electric bicycle
An electric bicycle is a class of bicycles that are fitted with an electric motor. Often they are powered by rechargeable batteries however some experimental electric bicycles run directly on or recharge their batteries via solar panels, fuel cells, gas generators or other alternatives energy sources. Some experimenters have even used super capacitors to store energy. Using an on-board generator may impact the legal jurisdictional definition of an electric bicycle. A few types of electric bicycles are able to re-capture energy from braking and can re-charge the batteries while braking or travelling down hills (regenerative braking). With the advent of newer technology further features can be expected.

Some electric bikes have features where the motor can move the bicycle by itself if the rider chooses not to pedal, while others require the rider to pedal at all times. (see the Wikipedia article motorized bicycle).

The conversion of a bicycle to electric power is probably the lowest cost means of learning conversion methods. Battery packs are usually lead acid gel cells since these are available in small sizes suitable for this application. It is also practical to experiment with more expensive battery types since only a small pack is required. It is possible to repurpose battery packs and chargers intended for powering toys and similar small electrical devices.

Electric Scooter
Not typically suitable for on the road use these may be configured for either standing or sitting use

Electric motorcycle
A specialty niche, this can offer an opportunity to build a relatively low cost electric vehicle. Most of these use a two wheel configuration, although the two types of three wheel vehicle (and sometimes four wheel vehicles) are classified as motorcycles in many jurisdictions if their weight is sufficiently low (typically around 1000 pounds maximum). If a tricycle layout is employed the single wheel should be at the back, with normal automotive type front wheel steering, as the single wheel forward type is notoriously unstable in handling.

Economy coupe
A light vehicle can make an excellent choice if care is taken in component selection and placement and use restrictions are accepted. It is possible to obtain conversion kits for some popular light vehicles, most notably the rear motor, rear drive Volkswagen "Beetle", its "Type 3" evolution, and its successor, the front motor/drive VW "Rabbit". One should not expect to convert such a vehicle and then use it to transport four full size (or oversize) adults - the cars simply do not have the safe load carrying capacity for that. Instead, count on simply removing the rear seat to obtain space for light luggage. Rear wheel drive vehicles are especially suitable for high performance applications as the weight transfer due to acceleration will increase the traction on the driven wheels.

By converting a light vehicle it is possible to use a smaller motor, which both weighs and costs less than a larger motor. Lighter overall vehicle weight will reduce power consumption in start and stop traffic and so increase range in many practical driving conditions.

(At least one commercial converter, Solectria, has converted the front wheel drive General Motors Metro for electric use, creating the Solectria Force.)

Compact sedan or coupe
A compact sedan, compared to a subcompact, may have better load capacity and more room for battery placement. But, it is also heavier, and will generally have higher wind drag. This means, compared to a subcompact, they will require larger and more expensive motors, a more expensive controller, and more batteries ( higher weight and cost). Some commercial EV Conversions use vehicles in this size range. One example is a 1992 Honda Civic (http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/542.html). In this conversion, the back seat was retained, and there is still enough room to sink nine flooded lead acid batteries low in the trunk where the spare tire was located, as well as another nine batteries under the hood. With suspension modifications, (increasing shock length & spring rating), one will want to make certain that the vehicle is below GVWR to avoid an illegal and dangerous situation. The car should never be driven if the total vehicle weight is above the GVWR, or if either axle weight is above the maximum designed load for that axle. ( This is typically listed in the glove box, or on one of the door sills of the car)

Full size sedan
Full size sedans and minivans are generally considered to be less attractive candidates for EV conversion than smaller cars. It may be easier to obtain upgraded components for some smaller vehicles, since these may be used for sports racing (particularly autocross). Starting with a heavy vehicle and adding batteries will result in poor performance in acceleration, handling, braking, and economy of operation.

Sports car
For a person interested in sports car performance a satisfying conversion will likely lead to a number of difficulties in such details as battery disposition, as such vehicles generally have available space distributed in small volumes around the vehicle. This leads to complexity in securing and wiring batteries. Such vehicles can offer stunning performance in the lower speed ranges owing to light weight and rear wheel drive and may also offer good range from their superior aerodynamics.

By far the most often converted sports car is the Porsche 914 from the early 1970's. An unusually robust chassis, combined with a large interior storage volume for batteries has made this the vehicle of choice for many successful conversions.

Light truck
Light trucks are especially suitable for hobbyist conversion owing to the fact that it is easy to locate batteries remote from the passenger compartment and there is a good load handling capacity for the use of heavy batteries such as the flooded lead-acid batteries commonly used in golf carts. Light trucks also offer substantial utility in use simply because they are trucks. Even if a portion of the weight capacity is removed by the presence of batteries within or below the cargo bed, much of the spacial utility remains. A light truck is highly recommended as a first conversion effort owing to the simplicity of component layout. Furthermore, a light truck (being a utility vehicle) can reasonably be maintained to a lower level of cosmetic standards - paint and body work may be repaired to a lower standard of fit and finish than would be expected for a sedan, coupe, or sports car. (A simple light truck conversion example: http://www.campbellot.com/electric-s10/.) Light trucks of the early 21st century have outgrown their original design envelope, being made far taller and more bulky then needed. The last small light truck marketed in the early 2000s was the Nissan Frontier, now, in its current incarnation, "pumped up" with additional bulk and an unstable high center of gravity. The Toyota Hilux, while still manufactured, is not marketed within the USA. The most suitable light trucks for conversion are built on frames, and date from 1975 to the late 1990's and are almost all import brands.

Hotrod
While this type of vehicle is usually made to be a "street legal" performance machine it may also be developed for occasional use as a drag racing vehicle. The leading vehicle in this field was a Mazda RX-7 sports car converted from  rotary engine to electric. This vehicle can outrun Dodge Viper sports cars in quarter mile drag races. Faster still is John Wayland's White Zombie. This conversion of a 1972 Datsun 1200 sedan is currently the world's quickest & fastest Street legal car(in the 1/4 mile, per NEDRA).

Autocross racer
EVs may prove to be especially suitable for autocross contests as low speed acceleration is especially important to success in this type of racing. Specific classes for electric autocross (called "electrocross" )are being introduced in some venues. Vehicles for these will typically be economy car conversions or custom built chassies but with excess rear weight bias to allow agile handling under the control of an experienced driver (such rearward balance may be dangerous for everyday use).

Drag racer
Intended only for specialized straight line quarter mile (acceleration) racing this type of vehicle is used only "off road" at specialized "drag strips".

High speed straight line racer
Even more specialized than the drag racer this is intended to obtain high speeds on long, straight, and flat raceways, such as the dry lakebeds found in locations such as the Bonneville Salt Flats

Custom chassis
Suitable for a builder who is capable of constructing a kit car, with good abilities and equipment in machining and welding this can result in a unique vehicle. It is especially suitable for the construction of a lightweight vehicle that can offer exceptional performance.

Other trucks - full size and most SUVs
These are rarely converted due to their excessive weight, and inefficiencies (namely due to poor aerodynamics). To make the situation worse, many modern trucks/SUVs continue to get bulkier and heavier. As a direct result, the payload carrying capacity of the vehicles goes down. Such a trait is not desirable because it limits the weight of the battery pack that can be carried, limiting the maximum battery-to-vehicle weight ratio that could be achieved for the vehicle when converted to an EV. For a given battery type, reducing the battery-to-vehicle weight ratio always results in reduced vehicle range per charge. However, despite these mostly unavoidable limitations, several SUVs and larger trucks have been successfully converted to electric power by hobbyists. Some examples include the "Gone Postal" van converted to an EV racer by Roderick Wilde and Suckamps EV Racing, the 1971 Land Rover EV converted by Wilde Evolutions, and the 1988 Jeep Cherokee EV converted by Nick Viera.

title: Electric Vehicle Conversion


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Template:Electric Vehicle Conversion/Index

Electric Vehicle Conversion Index
 * 1) Technologies
 * 2) Powertrain
 * 3) Battery disposition, security, and wiring
 * 4) Auxiliary systems and control
 * 5) Chassies, suspension, and running gear
 * 6) High power electrical
 * 7) Controls, interlocks, indicators, and alarms
 * 8) Conversion of concrete vehicles
 * 9) Resources