Size estimation in schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic subjects.

Studied size estimation in 120 male acute and chronic schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients. No significant group differences were found in the size estimation levels, or when the groups were subdivided on the basis of both premorbid adjustment and paranoid status. All Ss increased their size estimation levels over the 3 trial blocks. The thematic content of the stimuli produced a significant effect in the chronic schizophrenic group, with the nonthreatening scenes being overestimated relative to the threatening scenes. Some methodological problems common to size estimation studies are noted, and the growing inconsistency in the size estimation literature is hypothesized to be due to these problems. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Artificial graft patch reconstruction of infiltrated inferior vena cava in renal adenocarcinoma

Our understanding of fetal vascular anatomy is rudimentary. This article evaluates the rate of fetal vascular branch-point development at different gestational ages using a porcine model. The consistent biphasic, vascular branch-point development provides an improved understanding of fetal vascular anatomy, although further studies on fetal growth and the effects of anesthetic agents and vascular response to surgical techniques at the various gestational stages are needed. This will enhance fetal-maternal safety as the clinical use of fetal surgery broadens in the future.     

A comparison of a 30-cluster survey method used in India and a purposive method in the estimation of immunization coverages in Tamil Nadu

The reaction mechanisms of p-nitrophenyl phosphate hydrolysis catalyzed by two rat liver isoenzymes of the low M(r) phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase (AcP1 and AcP2) were compared. Furthermore, the effect of some heterocyclic compounds on their activities were tested. Cyclic GMP and guanosine causes a particularly high activation of the isoenzyme AcP2, whereas its effect on AcP1 is very poor. A study on the mechanism of cyclic GMP activation was carried out. The results suggest that cyclic GMP activates the AcP2 isoenzyme by increasing the rate of the step that leads to the hydrolysis of the covalent enzyme-substrate phosphorylated complex formed during the catalytic process. The physiological significance of cyclic GMP activation of only one of the two isoenzymes (AcP2) remains uncertain.     

Size estimation in schizophrenics: A review and reanalysis.

Attempts to sort out the sources of some of the inconsistent findings in terms of a detailed examination of between-studies differences in task and S variables. It is concluded that acute good premorbid schizophrenics show small but consistent size underestimation. Acute poor premorbid schizophrenics show a small but reliable tendency toward size overestimation. Paranoid schizophrenics underestimate, while nonparanoids overestimate, stimulus size. Among all schizophrenic groups the effects of drug status and relative acuteness or chronicity are at present not well specified. More research on task variables such as memory and viewing time is clearly required. A reanalysis of some previous data indicates that schizophrenics did not differ from normals in perceptual accuracy. The question of attributing differences in size estimation to a sensory process is raised. The present theories of flexibility, scanning, and redundancy do not provide complete explanations of the data. With the relevant variables more precisely identified, progress toward a more complete theory may be made. (28 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A non-destructive dental method for age estimation

Dental radiographs have rarely been used in dental age estimation methods for adults and the aim of this investigation was to derive formulae for age calculation based on measurements of teeth and their radiographs. Age-related changes were studied in 452 extracted, unsectioned incisors, canines and premolars. The length of the apical translucent zone and extent of the periodontal retraction were measured on the teeth while the pulp length and width as well as root length and width were measured on the radiographs and the ratios between the root and pulp measurements calculated. For all types of teeth significant, negative Pearson's correlation coefficients were found between age and the ratios between the pulp and the root width. In this study also, the correlation between age and the length of the apical translucent zone was weaker than expected. The periodontal retraction was significantly correlated with age in maxillary premolars alone. Multiple regression analyses showed inclusion of the ratio between the measurements of the pulp and the root on the radiographs for all teeth; the length of the apical translucency in five types; and periodontal retraction in only three types of teeth. The correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.48 to r = 0.90 between the chronological and the calculated age using the formulae from this multiple regression study. The strongest coefficients were for premolars. These formulae may be recommended for use in odontological age estimations in forensic and archaeological cases where teeth are loose or can be extracted and where it is important that the teeth are not sectioned.     

Plastic reconstruction of mastoid cavity in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

The paper explains the causes of incorrect sphygmogram recording and describes the physical principle of a pulse wave recording device, its designing and technical features. Evidence is given for the advantages of pneumatic pressing over mechanic one, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and accuracy of pulse wave recording. Trials have indicated that the use of the proposed device needs much less time for making pulse diagnosis.     

Experimental study of tracheal patch reconstruction with a covered expandable metallic stent

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy of tracheal patch reconstruction with a covered expandable metallic stent (EMS) with omentoplasty. METHODS: After resecting the right half of the circumferential wall of two tracheal rings in adult beagle dogs, we inserted a covered EMS to reconstruct the defect interiorly. Then, through laparotomy, we made an omental pedicle flap and wrapped it around the EMS-interposed area. For comparison with the group without omentoplasty, we periodically examined the healing process macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS: Bronchofiberscopic observations revealed that incorporation of the covered EMS progressed with the passage of time and tracheal luminal patency was maintained well in both groups. However, polyplike granulation developed gradually at both ends of the EMS. Histologically, epithelium was regenerated in the patched area 4 weeks postoperatively and the area was covered with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium at 12 weeks postoperatively. Quantitative analysis of the macroscopic and histologic findings showed that the inflammatory polyps were reduced and epithelialization was promoted in the group with omentoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal patch reconstruction with a covered EMS, when combined with omentoplasty, promoted early epithelial regeneration and suppressed the development of inflammatory polyps.     

A radio-enzymatic method for the estimation of L-leucine-specific radioactivity

A method is presented for the estimation of L-leucine concentration and radioactivity in biological samples. The sample L-leucine is specifically bound to tRNA and its radioactivity estimated in the presence of either added labelled L-leucine or cold L-leucine (in the same proportion), as well as in the presence of a large excess of cold L-leucine. The latter gave the measurement of non-leucine radioactivity present in the sample. The measurements in the presence and absence of labelled/cold L-leucine allowed the estimation of L-leucine levels and radioactivity by using a simple set of calculations and a standard curve built with known cold L-leucine concentrations in the presence of a fixed known amount of [14C]L-leucine.     

Composite resection and reconstruction for oral cavity and oropharynx cancer. A functional approach

Composite resection, the standard surgical approach for treating cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx, results in considerable functional and cosmetic deformity, whether primary closure or flap reconstruction is employed. To minimize these problems, an alternate surgical approach has been developed. Essentials of the procedure include use of a non-lip-splitting visor flap for exposure and excision of the lesion, reconstruction with a skin or dermis graft formed into a pouch to fill dead space created by resection, and routine use of intermaxillary fixation for immobilization of the reconstructed area. In 16 patients undergoing this procedure, the approach had no adverse effect on short-term survival. Complication rate with skin and dermis graft reconstruction was acceptably low. Cosmetic improvement has been gratifying. Skin or dermis graft reconstruction has resulted in very satisfactory functional results in terms of tongue mobility, articulation, mastication, and swallowing.     

A modified design of the buried radial forearm free flap for use in oral cavity and pharyngeal reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: We present a new design for the radial forearm flap that includes a small monitor segment that is connected to the primary skin paddle by a fascial subcutaneous segment of tissue. This design modification permits buried flaps to be easily monitored and provides vascularized tissue coverage of the flap vessels as well as the great vessels in the neck. Immediate augmentation of the radical neck deformity can be achieved. SETTING: This study was conducted at a referral center. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients with squamous cell cancer of the pharynx and tongue base were included in this study. The defects in these patients were judged to be best reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. RESULTS: All free flaps in this series survived. There was one case, described in detail, in which the fascial subcutaneous portion of the flap was exposed to salivary contamination. The flap vessels remained well protected and flap viability was unimpaired.     

Comparison of the Carpentier and Duran prosthetic rings used in mitral reconstruction

This clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the Duran flexible ring and the Carpentier rigid ring in terms of mitral annulus motion, transmitral flow and left ventricular function. Twenty-six patients (11 receiving rigid rings and 15, flexible rings) with normal sinus rhythm and with no or only trivial mitral valve regurgitation after surgical repair were selected. Angiograms demonstrated no significant differences in left ventricular systolic function between the two groups of patients. The area of the mitral annulus with the flexible ring significantly changed during the cardiac cycle. There were significant differences in the left ventricular fractional shortening (rigid ring, 35.8%; flexible ring, 43.4%) and in the peak velocity (rigid ring, 222 cm/s; flexible ring, 186 cm/s) at peak exercise. These data suggest that the flexible ring interferes less with the normal movements of the mitral annulus during the cardiac cycle, and that, under exercise conditions, it performs better than the rigid ring. We therefore conclude that mitral valve reconstruction using the Duran flexible ring is advantageous in patients with mitral regurgitation due to degenerative disease and sinus rhythm.     

一种基于WBS的嵌入式软件估算方法

为确保嵌入式软件项目能够按照预定成本、进度顺利完成,提出一种基于WBS的嵌入式软件估算方法,并结合具体实例对规模/工作量估算、成本估算、进度估算、关键计算机资源估算和风险估算的内容进行了细致的描述.利用基于WBS的嵌入式软件估算方法进行估算,该结果与以往相类似软件实际结果比较,各项数值的误差均在±10%以内.该方法为有效规划和管理嵌入式软件项目制定合理可行的软件开发计划提供了有力的支持.     

Release of O-sulfate groups under mild acid hydrolysis conditions used for estimation of N-sulfate content

The treatment of chondroitin sulfate isolated from cultured B16 mouse melanoma cells with 0.04 M HCl at 100 degrees C for 90 min released up to 45% of O-sulfate residues as free inorganic sulfate. In addition to the release of inorganic sulfate, extensive degradation of this polysaccharide as well as of cartilage chondroitin sulfate, pig rib cartilage proteoglycan, heparin and hyaluronic acid was also evident under these conditions. The above hydrolysis conditions are used for characterizing 35S-labeled heparan sulfates synthesized by cultured cells and to calculate ratio of N- and O-sulfates in these molecules. Our results suggest that caution is necessary in interpreting the results of mild acid hydrolysis of glycosaminoglycans.     

Magnetovisual method for monitoring thermal demagnetization of permanent magnets used in magnetostrictive actuators

The design and measuring potential of the latest generation of the magnetic scanner called Magscanner-Maglab System （MMS） was presented. It enabled the fast acquisition of 3D signals from magnetic sensors and their visualization as digitalized mag- netic images. This system was used for monitoring of a thermal demagnetization process of permanent magnets. The original method and measurement devices were capable for examination of magnetic, mechanical and thermal defects in cylindrical rods made of NdFeB and non-rare earth components. Effectiveness of the method and device was tested for the reference demagnetized magnet dedicated for magnetostrictive actuators.     

Restriction as a method for reducing bias in the estimation of direct effects

The direct effect of a treatment on some outcome is that part of the treatment's effect not referred through a specified covariate intermediate on the pathway between treatment and outcome. Such direct effects are often of primary interest in a data analysis. Unfortunately, standard methods of analysis (for example, stratification or modelling) do not, in general, produce consistent estimates of direct effects whether or not the covariate is 'controlled'. Robins and co-authors have proposed two methods for estimation of direct effects applicable when reliable information is available on the covariate. We propose a third approach for reducing bias: data restriction. By restricting the analysis to strata of the data in which the effect of treatment on the covariate is small, we can (under certain assumptions) reduce bias in estimating treatment's direct effect. We discuss these points with reference to difference and ratio measures of treatment effect. The approach will sometimes be applicable even with an unmeasured or poorly measured covariate. We illustrate these points with data from an observational study of the effect of hormone replacement therapy on breast cancer.     

A shortcut method for estimation of Escherichia coli in Sewage and receiving water

A simplified method not yet widespread in Scandinavia for the assessment of E. coli in sewage and recipients with McConkey broth for 24 hours at 44 degrees C is recommended. 87 pairs of samples were examined at 37 degrees C and later at 44 degrees C, and directly at 44 degrees C. Also the reduction of the incubation time from 48 to 24 hours was studied. Direct incubation gave a loss of half a tube per sample, while shortening of the incubation period from 48 to 24 hours gave a smaller loss. The proposed alteration of the procedure for the examination of sewage and recipients means a slight loss of precision but this is more than compensated for by the possibility of examining more samples. The survey of the recipients can therefore be better and the control more effective.     

喷雾式烟气排放冷却塔的设计方法

为提升烟气排放冷却塔后的集尘装置性能,大多企业已将以往使用的电除尘器更换为布袋除尘器。烟气冷却分为湿式冷却法和干式冷却法两种。采用干式冷却法不需要排放,也不需要进行排水处理,优点是喷雾水量少于湿式冷却法。介绍了干式冷却法的设计方法包括喷嘴的布置、风道实验和模拟测试方法。     

An indirect method for absorption rate estimation: flurothyl-induced seizures

This paper develops a method to estimate a minimal amount of flurothyl necessary to induce the seizures (the seizure threshold). A simple mathematical model is proposed which permits one to determine the drug absorption rate from the amount which has been administered and from the measured latency to onset of seizure. Experimental animal (rats) were exposed to a continuous intake of flurothyl in two different situations: either being alone in the airtight chamber or sharing it in a pair. In the latter case, we assume that the two rats uniformly share the infused drug. Our calculations estimate that approximately 20 microliters of flurothyl is necessary to induce twitches, whereas 25 microliters of flurothyl is the dose required for the induction of clonic seizures. The model can be used to estimate the threshold amounts of any drug producing obvious behavioral changes irrespective of the route of administration.     

Immediate insertion of two types of implants into vascularized bone grafts used for mandibular reconstruction in miniature pigs

Genomic DNAs of metallothionein I and II in Caenorhabditis elegans (CeMT-I and CeMT-II) were isolated by YAC library/polytene filter hybridization followed by subcloning of corresponding cosmid clones. Both genes are mapped at chromosome V. Although the similarities of 5'-flanking regions and coding regions have shown only 55-58%, the introns are split at the same position in both genes, indicating that these two genes are originally from the same gene. While several metal responsive elements are conserved among eukaryotes, only one metal responsive element was found in the promoter region in CeMT-II and not in CeMT-I. Indeed, neither of 5'-flanking regions of CeMT-I nor CeMT-II connected to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene is responsive to heavy metals in mammalian culture cells by transient transfection analysis. These results would suggest that the metal regulatory factors in C. elegans might be different from those conserved in invertebrates and vertebrates, although the MTs in C. elegans revealed the similarities to mammalian MTs in several points.