The importance of the results of pretreatment pelvic lymphographies in the prognosis of carcinomas of the uterine cervix. A critical evaluation of the proposal to classify these tumors according to the TNM system (author's transl)

Between 1966 and 1969, 494 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix stages I a to IV were admitted in our hospital for primary treatment. In 420 of these patients with carcinoma of the cervix stage I b to IV, complete results of bilateral pretreatment pelvic lymphography are available. The correlation between the results of the lymphographies, the choice of the operative treatment and the cure rates in these 420 cases are reported. All the correlations between the results of the pretreatment lymphography and the prognosis are described. A positive lymphography was in our series of high prognostic value. A plea is therefore made to include the results of the pretreatment lymphography into the classification of carcinoma of the cervix. Classification of the carcinoma of the cervix into the TNM categories is desirable. Our series is reported in these TNM categories. The advantages of such classification are described. The morbid entity of carcinoma of the cervix becomes more transparent to the observer and the choice of operative therapy becomes easier. The prognosis is more clearly established. The proposals of the TNM committee of the UICC for the classification of carcinoma of the cervix according to the TNM categories and the staging according to these categories are discussed critically.     

An investigation of the effect of porosity and diluents on micropyretic synthesis

A numerical model of combustion/micropyretic synthesis of a composite system is developed. The new features of the model include the consideration of melting of each constituent of the reactants and products and the inclusion of considerations involving dilution and porosity. The effect of porosity is to change both the thermal conductivity and density. The model for the porosity which is considered in this article shows the significance of its effect on the velocity and the type of the combustion front. Different values of porosities are considered for the reactants and products. For an illustrative analysis, a systematic study of the variation of porosity of reactants and products is carried out for the combustion synthesis of TiB₂ and TiC. The numerical results indicate that as the reactant porosity values are decreased, the combustion velocity first increases because of an increase in the thermal conductivity. The combustion velocity, after reaching a maximum, decreases with a further decrease in the porosity. As the porosity is varied, there is a considerable effect on the nature of propagation of the combustion front, which may change from a steady state to an oscillatory mode. Results indicate that as the reactant porosity is decreased, the frequency of oscillations of the combustion front first increase and then decrease with a further decrease in the reactant porosity. The differences in the mechanism for the decrease in velocities at very low values of reactant porosities for the two systems TiC and TiB₂ are identified. The results of considering different values of porosities in the reactants and the product are also presented. For the study of the effect of diluents, the product itself is considered as the diluent. The effect of adding the diluent to the initial reactants is to decrease the combustion temperature and the combustion velocity. The diluent also changes the mode of combustion. An increase in the amount of the diluent results in the decrease of the frequency of oscillations.     

Sucking effect of diaphragm and its significance in drainage of abdominal cavity during hepatic surgery

Investigation of the value of the sucking effect of the diaphragm in 44 patients was carried out. The first group consisted of 28 patients who have not undergone hepatic resection. The second group included patients after hepatic resections of various volume in local pathology. The balloon method in modification of this clinic was used for measurement of the value of the sucking effect. In patients of the first group the value of sucking effect was almost two times more under the right cupula of the diaphragm (130.33 + 4.78 mm of water column) in comparison with the left infradiaphragmatic space. It is responsible for presence of the slot between the right half of the liver and the diaphragm, which aggravates the sucking effect. In the second group of patients the value of the sucking effect under the right diaphragmatic cupula was practically the same as in patients of the first group. After right-sided hemihepatectomy the value of the sucking effect under right cupula of the diaphragm has significantly diminished. After resection of the right lobe of the liver as well as after left-sided hemihepatectomy, or without them, the value of sucking effect under left cupula of the diaphragm did not significantly differ. The investigations showed that vacuum-aspiration with vacuum of not less than 150 mm water column should be used for effective drainage of infradiaphragmatic space.     

Rolling of metal balls

The rolling of balls (diameter 93 and 125 mm) of precise mass in helical grooves is simulated by means of QForm-3D and DEFORM-3D software. A model of a virtual rolling mill is created. Analysis of the stress state at characteristic points along the rolling axis focuses on the effective stress, the components of the stress tensor, and the mean normal stress. The mass of balls rolled on new and worn rollers is measured. The quality of internal metal layers is verified, and the hardness of rolled balls over the vertical and horizontal symmetry axes is measured. Modeling of ball rolling shows that the hot blank (a rod of hot-rolled steel) is satisfactorily captured by the rollers. Rolling is stable, without slipping. The blank completely fills the grooves; no gaps are observed between the metal and the walls. The crosslinks between the balls are completely eliminated within the rollers. The crosslinks are cut by the rim of the rollers and pressed into the body of the ball. The individual balls continue to roll along the finishing section of the groove; the stubs of the crosslinks are smoothed; and a completely shaped ball with a smooth surface emerges from the rollers. In modeling the stress–strain state, all the components of the stress tensor are negative. In other words, all the components of the stress tensor are compressive in rolling of the balls. Statistical analysis of the data from weighing of the rolled balls (diameter 93 and 125 mm) shows that the mass deviates from the required value by no more than 1%. Measurement of the hardness over the diametric cross section of the balls shows that there is no decline in hardness in the internal layers. That indicates high quality of the ball core.     

连铸方坯中心线凝固行为波动现象及变化规律

连铸坯中心线区域钢液的凝固行为与中心偏析缺陷的形成及控制密切相关。基于中碳钢连铸方坯纵断面的实际凝固组织,以中心偏析点内部二次枝晶间距计算局部冷却速率,揭示了铸坯中心线局部冷却速率的波动特征。结合连铸三维凝固模型,研究了铸坯中心线固相率波动引起局部冷却速率波动并最终影响铸坯中心组织和性能的均匀性的机理;对不同工况铸坯中心线固相率和局部冷却速率波动的周期性进行了分析对比,提出了连铸坯凝固终点位置的周期性波动机理并得到了不同拉速下凝固终点波动距离的判断方程,对于所选连铸方坯,凝固终点波动距离为25.0～27.5 mm;在此基础之上,研究了拉速对中心线固相率波动程度的影响规律,并分析了凝固终点波动距离变化对末端电磁搅拌(final electromagnetic stirring, F-EMS)和轻压下(mechanical soft reduction, MSR)作用均匀性的影响。结果表明,拉速由1.8 m/min提高至2.4 m/min后,虽然液相穴长度增加可能增加整体偏析程度,但铸坯中心线固相率波动程度降低了20%,这有利于减轻中心线偏析沿拉坯方向的波动性,提高铸坯中心质量的均匀性。并...     

Reliability-Based Optimal Design of Truss Structures Using Particle Swarm Optimization

In this work, the particle swarm optimization method is employed for the reliability-based optimal design of statically determinate truss structures. Particle swarm optimization is inspired by the social behavior of flocks (swarms) of birds and insects (particles). Every particle’s position represents a specific design. The algorithm searches the design space by adjusting the trajectories of the particles that comprise the swarm. These particles are attracted toward the positions of both their personal best solution and the best solution of the swarm in a stochastic manner. In typical structural optimization problems, safety is dealt with in a yes/no manner fulfilling the set of requirements imposed by codes of practice. Considering uncertainty for the problem parameters offers a measure to quantify safety. This measure provides a rational basis for the estimation of the reliability of the components and of the entire system. Incorporating the reliability into the structural optimization framework one can seek a reliability-based optimal design. For the problems examined herein, the reliability indexes of the structural elements are obtained from analytical expressions. The structure is subsequently analyzed as a series system of correlated elements and the Ditlevsen bounds are used for the calculation of its reliability index. The uncertain-random parameters considered in this work are the load, the yield-critical stress; and the cross sections of the elements. The considered design variables of the optimization problem are the cross-sectional areas of the groups, which control the size of the truss, and the heights and lengths that control the shape of the truss. The results of the optimization are presented for a 25-bar truss and a 30-bar arch and the robustness of the optimization scheme is discussed.     

In vitro expression of n-cadherin adhesion molecule during early cardiac morphogenesis

The aim of the present study was to investigate, "in vitro", the degree of organogenetic potentiality of the cells of the cardiogenic area during the early developmental stages of the chick embryo. Embryos from between the end of the presomitic stage to the 8 somite stage were studied. The subcephalic fold was cultured in liquid medium for up to 7 days. After 24 hs of culturing, an extended migration ring was observed. In the explants, from 3 somite stage, onwards, beating masses were noted, the shape and size of which suggested a vascular-like structure. Sections of the cultures were processed for the detection of the N-Cadherin adhesion molecule. The observations stated that the diffusion and intensity of expression of this receptor is related to the stage od development of the embryo. Cultures from the presomitic stage to 3 somite stage did not express the molecule. Instead, expression took place in those cultures of embryos at the 3 somite stage, onwards. In the cultures to which the antiserum against N-Cadherin had been to the medium, the formation of vascular-like structures was affected. The changes depended on the age of the embryos. These observations suggest that the expression of the N-Cadherin is related to the potentiality of the presumptive myocardic cells to organize themselves, at least "in vitro", to form a well-defined tridimensional structure. The expression of the adhesion molecule and the potentiality of the cells to build tubular structures were transient features, "in vitro" in our cultures. This suggests that "in vivo" the expression of the N-Cadherin must be aided by factors which, at present, are unidentified.     

Ecology of flea groups of the species conformis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae: Xenopsylla) of the fauna of Russia and adjacent countries (review)

Within the boundaries of the former USSR, the northern part of the conformis group distribution is located. It spreads over the arid regions of the Trans-Cacucasus, Pricaspijckaja lowland, Kazakhstan and Middle Asia. In this area 10 species and subspecies occur. They are mainly parasites of gerbillins. Unlike many other Siphonaptera the conformis fleas, when in the host's home, do not concentrate in the nest but inhabit the passages of burrow and food chambers throughout the year. On this reason the preimaginal development and existence of the adults take place not at the temperature of the habitable nest, which is heated by the host body, but at the temperature of the soil at a depth of burrow. The temperature threshold for preimaginal development of conformis fleas is reported to be 10-12 degrees. Temperature below the threshold is fatal for all immature instars. On the contrary the imago can survive at freezing temperature. The annual cycle of the conformis fleas is characterized by the presence of adults throughout the year. They breed in the warmer season and overwinter in the state of reproductive diapause. In this state the fleas are able to attack the host and to feed but do not deposit eggs. In the north deserts the reproduction begins at the early April and terminates at the early September. Southern, the reproductive period is longer. Furthermore, the complete interruption of the reproduction in the autumn-winter time may be absent as it was observed in X. gerbilli gerbilli and X. hirtipes in the south of the Middle Asia. On the other hand it is noted that in southern deserts the rate of oviposition falls in the most hot time. The number of generation per year in the conformis fleas varies from 2-3 in north deserts to 6-7 in south ones. The flea populations peak in late autumn when the insects cease to bread. The high abundance is maintained until springtime. After the diapause is ceased and the fleas begin breeding their abundance declines. In the late spring and early summer the emergence of adults begins and the populations increase. In a mild of summer the second fall takes place and then the fall is replaced by the autumnal peak. On their main hosts the conformis fleas prevail over all other species of Siphonaptera especially for warmer time when their quota among other fleas does not descend as a rule below 90% but more oftently it approaches to 100%. The fleas of this group and especially species parasitizing Rhombomys opimus are remarkable for the high level of their abundance. In the northern deserts in the periods of the most high abundance (late autumn, winter and early spring) the number of fleas per burrow occupied by family of Rh. opimus exceeds usually 1000 specimens and sometimes it can reach several thousands. In the southern deserts the abundance of the fleas is lower but the period of their active parasitizing is longer. In the species parasitizing Rh. opimus it is shown that in a complex burrow only some part of fleas has the possibility to feed regularly. In the spring and summer the percentage of fleas daily attacking the host varied from 17 to 86% and from 10 to 150 ectoparasites feed daily on one animal depending on the quantity of fleas and of hosts in the burrow. The number of attacking fleas is regulated by behaviour of the hosts, which change the used parts of burrow when the fleas are crowded there.     

Efferent and afferent connections of the nucleus lateralis posterior thalami ("pulvinar") in the albino rats (author's transl)

The efferent and afferent connections of the lateral posterior nucleus (LP) of the albino rat were investigated light microscopically with the silver-degeneration-methods and the HRP-methods as well. The results are: 1. The main projection region of the LP is the area of 18a of the peristriate visual cortex. Most degenerating axons terminate in layer IV. A few fibers pass layers III and II and terminate in layer I. It is not sure if there are also terminating fibers in layer IV. We could not find a topistic relation between LP and area 18 a. 2. We observed a small number of degenerating fibers in area 17, too. 3. A part of the degenerating fibers runs to the temporal cortex end enters area 20. 4. There is no evidence for a projection of the LP to both the subcortical regions and to the superior colliculus. 5. The majority of the LP's afferent fibers originates - on the subcortical level - from the superior colliculus. Especially the lamina III (Str. opticum) of the ipsilateral and of the contralateral side is here the source of fibers terminating in the LP. 6. Other subcortical sources of fibers terminating in the LP are: the pretectal region, the ventral part of the LGN, the Zona incerta, the thalamic reticular formation, and the dorsal raphe nucleus. 7. There exists a fiber projection of the area 17 to the LP. The axons originate mainly from pyramidal cells in layer V. It is discussed whether the area-17-fibers terminating in the LP are collaterals of the fibers terminating in the superior colliculus. The projection of the area 18a to the LP is of greater importance. The axons of this area originate mainly from cells of the layer VI. It becomes obvious that the thalamic relay-station of the second visual pathway seems to project nearly exclusively to the neocortex. In contrast to the dorsal LGN, however, the LP is not only a simple relay-station for visual information as also non-visual information arrives here. The morphological basis for these inputs has not yet been clarified completely. We have to take into consideration as well as the connections with the superior colliculus and the pretectal region and the cortical connections. It is remarkable that there exists also a projection of LP-fibers to a region outside the classical visual cortex. In mammals of higher evolution that kind of projection extends increasingly. It is discussed if - under comparative-anatomical aspect - the morphological changes in the pulvinar region are an expression of the neocorticalization, whereas the morphological changes in the dorsal LGN reflect mainly the functional specialization of the visual system.     

Phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) focusing visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: In the Americas, Lutzomyia longipalpis has been incriminated as the vector of visceral leishmaniasis in almost all the areas in which this disease has been reported. The notification of human cases of visceral leishmaniasis and the presence of dogs with an appearance suggestive of the disease in the country of Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, led us to undertake an entomological investigation in this area, for the purpose of identifying the phlebotomine vector. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The county of Corumbá is located in the Pantanal region and its urban area is situated at 18 degrees 59' 44" South and 57 degrees 39' 16" West. The research project was carried out in peri and intradomiciliary environments, in three urban districts, one of which was central and the other two on the outskirts, and in a cave situated outside the urban perimeter. Most of the captures were made weekly with light automatic traps, in the period from February 1984 to December 1986. Meteorological data for this period were obtained from the city's meteorological station and those for the period from 1925 to 1982 from the literature. RESULTS: The urban phlebotomine fauna consisted of eight species and was similar to that of the cave, except that in the latter the species were more abundant. Lutzomyia cruzi was predominant in the peri and intradomiciliary environments. Its prevalence in the central district was of 90.3% and lower in the outskirts. Lu. forattinii presented considerable prevalence (39.0%) in one of the outlying districts too. In the cave, Lu. corumbaensis was the predominant species, followed by Lu. sordellii, Lu. forattinii, Lu. peresi and Lu. cruzi. The impact of the climatic condition and the action of insecticides in the urban area on the frequency of the species, as well as the use of the cave as a breeding ground by the phlebotomines, in view of the changes in the sex rate, are commented. Data on anthropophily and captures of Lu. forattinii using dog bait have been added. CONCLUSION: The predominance of Lu. cruzi in the urban area; the great prevalence of Lu. forattinii in most of the outlying areas studied and the anthropophily of this latter species, as well as the strong affinity of these species with Lu. longipalpis, the main vector of visceral leishmaniais in other areas of the Americas, suggest the participation of both in the transmission of the disease in Corumbá.     

Interscalenic approach to the cervico-brachial plexus

The concept of a closed peri-neurovascular space surrounding the cervicobrachial plexus, introduced by A. Winnie, allows the blockade of the cervical and brachial plexuses by means of a single puncture technique. The single puncture has positive advantages: 1. The rapidity of the blockade; 2. The simplicity of the blockade; 3. Comfort for the patient. The landmarks are easy to make. As with epidural blockade, the injection level and the volume of local anesthetic determine the quality and extent of the block. The traditional indication is surgery of the shoulder and of the supraclavicular area. A new indication seems to be the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Complications often quoted in literature are Horner syndrome-a minor complication-and blockade of the ascending branches of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and of the phrenic nerve. The risk of a pneumothorax is almost nil.     

Hazelden''s model of treatment and its outcome

1. Effects of d-amphetamine on the frequency of spontaneous contraction of the longitudinal muscle of the portal vein were studied in Wistar rats. Its effects on the circular muscles of the pulmonary artery and stomach also were tested. 2. d-Amphetamine increased the frequency of the spontaneous contraction of the portal vein. The ratio of the frequency of the spontaneous contraction of the portal vein before and after d-amphetamine treatment also was increased. The effect was not affected in the presence of prazocin, (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide, atropine and haloperidol. These results that the d-amphetamine-elicited response was not due mainly to the activation of adrenergic, serotoninergic (5-HT), cholinergic or dopaminergic receptors. 3. Increasing extracellular calcium or sodium ion concentrations decreased the frequency of the spontaneous contraction of the portal vein. However, the ratios of the frequency of the spontaneous contraction of the rat portal vein before and after d-amphetamine treatment in media containing different extracellular calcium or sodium concentrations were not significantly altered. Tetrodotoxin did not alter the effect of d-amphetamine on the frequency of spontaneous contractions. It appeared that calcium and sodium ions may not take part in the effects of d-amphetamine on the frequency of the portal vein. 4. An increase in extracellular potassium ion concentrations increased the frequency of the spontaneous contractions of the portal vein. In addition, the ratios of the frequency of the spontaneous contractions of the rat portal vein before and after d-amphetamine treatment in media containing different extracellular potassium ion concentrations were significantly altered. Tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) increased the spontaneous contractions of the portal vein. However, TEA and 4-AP did not increase the d-amphetamine-elicited increasing effect on the frequency of spontaneous muscle contractions. 5. Levochromakalim, a potassium channel opener, decreased the frequency of the spontaneous contractions of the portal vein. Levochromakalim also decreased the effect of d-amphetamine on the frequency of spontaneous contractions of the muscle. It appeared that potassium ion may be associated with the effects of d-amphetamine on the activity of the portal vein. 6. d-Amphetamine potentiated, whereas prazosin decreased, the noradrenaline-elicited contracture of the rat pulmonary artery in a dose-dependent manner. 7. d-Amphetamine elicited contracture of the circular muscle of rat stomach, whereas it did not alter the frequency of the spontaneous contraction of the muscle. 8. Both 5-HT and d-amphetamine elicited the contracture of the circular muscle of rat stomach. Ketanserin decreased the 5-HT-elicited response, whereas it did not alter the d-amphetamine-elicited response in the muscle. d-Amphetamine did not alter the frequency of the spontaneous contraction of the stomach. 9. It is concluded that d-amphetamine has different effects on the frequency of spontaneous smooth muscle contractions. It increased the frequency in the portal vein, but it did not alter the frequency in stomach circular muscle.     

Transfection of Escherichia coli by Mu DNA

The total amount of noradrenaline (NA) in the male accessories increases with normal growth of the organs and also with the age of the rat. The ductus deferens of the old rat has about twice as high NA concentration as that of the young rat. Castration of the prepuberal rat or the puberal rat leads to retardation or cessation, respectively, of the increase in NA amount of the male genital tract. Only in the old rat does castration produce a definite decrease in NA amount of the tract. Castration always raises the NA concentration of the sex accessories. Testosterone treatment of the puberal rat or the old rat produces minor or no increase, respectively, in total amount of NA of the male sex accessories. Testosterone treatment of old prepuberally castrated rats produces a marked increase in NA content of the male organs. It is concluded that androgens have no substancial direct effect on the adrenergic innervation per se, but affects the transmitter levels of the male organs indirectly through changes in number, size and relative proportion of the target cells of the adrenergic nerves i.e. the smooth muscle cells.     

Alternative operative exposures of the posterior aspect of the humeral diaphysis with reference to the radial nerve

An anatomical study was performed to define the course of the radial nerve in the posterior aspect of the arm, with particular reference to its relationship to operative exposures of the posterior aspect of the humeral diaphysis. In ten cadaveric specimens, the radial nerve was found to cross the posterior aspect of the humerus from an average of 20.7 +/- 1.2 centimeters proximal to the medial epicondyle to 14.2 +/- 0.6 centimeters proximal to the lateral epicondyle. As it crossed the posterior aspect of the humerus in each specimen, the nerve had several branches to the lateral head of the triceps; however, no branches were found innervating the medial head of the triceps in the posterior aspect of any of the specimens. At the lateral aspect of the humerus, the nerve trifurcated into a branch to the medial head of the triceps, the lower lateral brachial cutaneous nerve, and the continuation of the radial nerve into the distal part of the upper arm and the forearm. Three operative approaches were performed in each specimen. The posterior triceps-splitting approach exposed an average of 15.4 +/- 0.8 centimeters of the humerus from the lateral epicondyle to the point at which the radial nerve crossed the posterior aspect of the humerus. For the second approach, the radial nerve was mobilized proximally to allow an additional six centimeters of the humeral diaphysis to be visualized. The third approach (the modified posterior approach) involved the identification of the radial nerve distally as it crossed the lateral aspect of the humerus, followed by reflection of both the lateral and the medial heads of the triceps medially. This exposure permitted visualization of 26.2 +/- 0.4 centimeters of the humeral diaphysis from the lateral epicondyle proximally. The results after use of the modified posterior approach in seven patients were also reviewed.     

The forensic value of the length and weight of newborns, the placental weight and the correlation between placental and newborn weight in the evaluation of paternity (author's transl)

The length of the infant, the weight of the infant, the weight of the placenta, and the correlation between the weight of the placenta and the weight of the infant are coarse parameters for the estimation of the maturity of an infant. We plotted these parameters of 20,000 deliveries in relationship to the stated length of gestation from 23--46 weeks. Our results correspond to those quoted in the literature. The values of the parameters show a marked variation which is accentuated by the small number of cases with very short or very prolonged gestation. These parameters are only of limited value in the determination of the paternity. The mean values including the first standard deviations are of some importance.     

A study of anterior guidance

PURPOSE: This study focuses on the curvature and inclination of the lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth from the transition point on the cingulum to the incisal edge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On 32 sets of mounted casts, 768 measurements were made of the curvature of the lingual surfaces utilizing radius gauges. The inclination of the lingual surface relative to the occlusal plane was recorded. The relationship of the incisal edge of the mandibular teeth to the transition point on the cingulum of the maxillary teeth was determined. Centric occlusion contact was noted on each tooth. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the measured areas of any one tooth and between the types of teeth. The average radius ranged from 20.5 mm on the mesial ridge of the canine to 5.3 mm in the fossa of the central. The average inclination of the lingual surfaces was 46 degrees. In centric occlusion, 97% of the canines and 59% of the centrals and laterals were in contact with the opposing teeth. These contacts occurred 2.8 mm incisal to the transition point. The centrals contracted two opposing teeth (45%), and canines contacted one opposing tooth (53%). CONCLUSIONS: The function and curvature of the incisor teeth vary considerably from those of the canines. Overcontouring the lingual surfaces of the maxillary incisors to gain contact is not normal and may be detrimental.     

Role of the cervix uteri at labor onset from ultrasound studies

The cervix uteri is of greatest importance for the environment of the fetus. The sonographic imaging of the cervix uteri can be done by transabdominal, perineal and transvaginal route. Each of these methods are associated with specific advantages and disadvantages. During the time of gestation the cervix uteri can be measured sonographically concerning the length, the thickness, the width of the cervical canal and in addition the diameter of the internal and the external os. At the beginning of labour the cervix shows a transformation: a shortening with an increase of thickness. The phase of contraction is followed by a phase of reformation. Individual formations of the cervix regarding the a premature opening of the internal os or the external os could be demonstrable without clinical symptoms. By W. Eppel a score-like formula "Incompetence-Factor" was described for a quantification of these measurements.