Stability of a rod subjected to a random stationary longitudinal force considering transverse shear

It is well known that consideration of deformations in shear has a considerable effect on the dynamics and stability of structures if their shear rigidity is rather low. This is the case, for example, in structures that are made of composites. This paper analyzes the effect of deformations in shear when the structure is subjected to a parametric load that is a random stationary process.     

Fiber laser with passive Q-switching based on photoinduced fiber resonance oscillations

Automodulation oscillations in the intensity of a fiber laser in the regime of passive Q-switching based on resonance bending oscillations of a fiber segment representing an element of the laser cavity have been studied. It is shown that the proposed scheme can be used for the creation of fiber-optic transducers.     

Preoperative sonographic diagnosis of acute appendicitis caused by Ascaris lumbricoides

Acute appendicitis caused by Ascaris lumbricoides is an uncommon variant of a common disease. We describe a case in which sonography was used for preoperative diagnosis of ascaris appendicitis.     

A protocol to evaluate semi-rigid pedicle screw systems

The objective of the current study was to develop an in vitro testing protocol to evaluate semi-rigid pedicle screw devices. A corpectomy model protocol exists to evaluate rigid spinal implants; however, semi-rigid devices are contraindicated for this condition. This paper describes a technique that simulates more closely the conditions a semi-rigid device would see in vivo. Finally, the new testing protocol is used to evaluate the DDS pedicle screw-cable system. Benefits and shortcomings of the new protocol are discussed.     

Bilateral elastofibroma: a case report and review of the literature

Elastofibroma, or elastofibroma dorsi as it was first described, is an uncommon tumor-like process that characteristically appears as an ill-defined mass in the infrascapular region of elderly patients. This lesion can occur bilaterally and may appear asynchronously. The occurrence of elastofibroma in other anatomic sites has been reported, although with much less frequency. Elastofibromas display typical diagnostic histologic, cytologic, and electron microscopic features. The use of magnetic resonance imaging can lead to a presumptive diagnosis in elderly individuals with suprascapular lesions. It is important to differentiate this lesion from other soft-tissue lesions, such as sarcomas and desmoid tumors. This study presents a case of bilateral elastofibromas in a 72-year-old man and a review of the literature.     

Report from the Maryland Epidemiology Schizophrenia Linkage Study: no evidence for linkage between schizophrenia and a number of candidate and other genomic regions using a complex dominant model

Our collaborative group has undertaken a linkage study of schizophrenia, using a systematic sample of patients admitted to Maryland hospitals. An initial sample of 39 families, each having two or more affecteds, was available for genotyping candidate genes, candidate regions, and highly polymorphic markers randomly distributed throughout the genome. We used a single complex dominant model (with a disease gene frequency of 0.005 and age-dependent penetrance for affected phenotype: for under 35, penetrance = .45; for 35 and older, penetrance = .85). We report here 130 markers, which met the exclusion criteria of LOD score < -2.00 at theta > 0.01 in at least 10 informative families, and no evidence for heterogeneity. We also report here markers that were tested as candidates for linkage to the schizophrenic phenotype. They were selected based on the following criteria: a) proximity to reported chromosomal rearrangements (both 5q and 11q), b) suggestions of linkage from other families (5q), or c) presence of a candidate gene (5q, 11q, 3q: Dopamine receptors 1, 2, and 3, respectively). We also tested for mutations of codon 717 in exon 17 of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and were unable to detect the C to T substitution in our schizophrenic group.     

International classification of diseases (tenth revision)

Today, when the number of high-risk patients is increasing, special attention should be paid to polyresistant gram-positive microorganisms staphylococci and enterococci, whose role in infective complications and septic states is increasing. The author analyzes published reports on the rate of isolation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) and enterococci in different countries and relationship of this parameter with antibiotic policy. Special attention is paid to unjustified wide use of third-generation cephalosporines and their role in selection of polyresistant bacteria. The rate of MRS isolation vs. all other staphylococci at intensive care wards for newborns is as high as 63.9%. The incidence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (most often S. epidermidis) in clinical material (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine) from high-risk patients increased 2-3 times during two recent years. Glycopeptides vancomycin and teicoplanine are drugs of choice for the treatment of infections caused by such microorganisms (sepsis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, etc.). These drugs should be listed among obligatory antibiotics for resuscitation and intensive care wards as life-saving drugs.