A comparison of transformation methods for evaluating two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals

Accurate numerical evaluation of integrals arising in the boundary element method is fundamental to achieving useful results via this solution technique. In this paper, a number of techniques are considered to evaluate the weakly singular integrals which arise in the solution of Laplace's equation in three dimensions and Poisson's equation in two dimensions. Both are two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals and are evaluated using (in a product fashion) methods which have recently been used for evaluating one‐dimensional weakly singular integrals arising in the boundary element method. The methods used are based on various polynomial transformations of conventional Gaussian quadrature points where the transformation polynomial has zero Jacobian at the singular point. Methods which split the region of integration into sub‐regions are considered as well as non‐splitting methods. In particular, the newly introduced and highly accurate generalized composite subtraction of singularity and non‐linear transformation approach (GSSNT) is applied to various two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals. A study of the different methods reveals complex relationships between transformation orders, position of the singular point, integration kernel and basis function. It is concluded that the GSSNT method gives the best overall results for the two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals studied. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in children

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure is an accepted treatment for adults with complications of portal hypertension. We performed a retrospective review of all pediatric TIPS placements performed at the University of California, San Francisco between 1990 and 1996. Twelve procedures were attempted in nine children, with a mean age (+/- SD) of 9.4 +/- 3.9 years (range, 5 to 15 years) and a mean weight of 31 +/- 18 kg (range, 16 to 70 kg). The indications for TIPS placement were portal hypertension complicated by chronic variceal hemorrhage not controlled with sclerotherapy (n = 7) and hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia (n = 2). TIPS placement was successfully completed initially in seven of nine (78%) patients. Unfavorable vascular anatomy was the cause of failure in two cases. The seven patients who underwent successful TIPS placement were followed up for an average of 136 days (range, 1 to 800 days); two still have patent shunts, three underwent liver transplantation, one had a splenorenal shunt after stenosis, and one died of underlying liver disease. Variceal bleeding was controlled in four of five patients who successfully underwent TIPS placement. Shunt occlusion occurred in four patients; patency was restored by transjugular shunt revision in three, and a splenorenal shunt was performed in one.     

Animal models of bacterial gastritis: the role of host, bacterial species and duration of infection on severity of gastritis

Gastric bacteria from cheetahs with gastritis were used to inoculate specific-pathogen free kittens and conventional mice. Helicobacter sp. and Gastrospirillum sp. colonized kittens, while only Gastrospirillum sp. colonized mice. In kittens, both bacterial species induced mild lymphofolliclar gastritis which did not change over the course of the 11 months observation period. In mice, Gastrospirillum sp. induced lymphoplasmacytic and follicular gastritis which increased in severity over 6 months and persisted for the 12 month observation period. Gastric ulcers and gastric mucosal hypertrophy were present in chronically infected mice. These results indicate that host but not bacterial factors influence the severity of gastritis, and that in mice, bacterial gastritis increases in severity with time and may lead to gastric ulceration in some individuals.     

Vitamin C elevates red blood cell glutathione in healthy adults

Pre-transplant nephrectomy was done in a 25-year-old man for calculous pyelonephritis using a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach with a newly devised ligature applicator-dissector- kidney retractor.     

Review of The parent-child connection.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 31(2) of Canadian Psychology Psychologie Canadienne (see record 2007-08913-001). In the October 1989 issue (Vol. 30, No. 4, p. 697), Arnold Rincover's affiliation with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education was incorrectly given as Associate Professor. He has been an Extramural Instructor at O.I.S.E.] Reviews the book, The parent-child connection by Arnold Rincover (1988). The parent-child connection is a well written book that offers valuable advice to help parents of young children evaluate and understand their children's behaviour. It also offers useful suggestions on managing child behaviour, although these parenting tips are most likely to be useful to those parents who least need them (i.e., those with numerous personal and social resources, whose children are presenting only minor behavioural difficulties). The two general themes of the book, child behaviour as communication and developmental norms as guidelines for deciding if behaviour is problematic, are well-suited to the purposes of a parent reference book. They offer an appropriate framework for discussing specific child behaviours and helping parents to determine if these behaviours are problematic in their children. This book is a welcome addition to the list of available parenting books, and may prove particularly useful for younger parents in need of accurate and understandable information about normal child development and behaviour. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)