Polycapillary x-ray lenses for single-shot, laser-driven powder diffraction

X-ray diffraction measurements to characterize phase transitions of dynamically compressed high-Z matter at Mbar pressures require both sufficient photon energy and fluence to create data with high fidelity in a single shot. Large-scale laser systems can be used to generate x-ray sources above 10 keV utilizing line radiation of mid-Z elements. However, the laser-to-x-ray energy conversion efficiency at these energies is low, and thermal x-rays or hot electrons result in unwanted background. We employ polycapillary x-ray lenses in powder x-ray diffraction measurements using solid target x-ray emission from either the Z-Beamlet long-pulse or the Z-Petawatt (ZPW) short-pulse laser systems at Sandia National Laboratories. Polycapillary lenses allow for a 100-fold fluence increase compared to a conventional pinhole aperture while simultaneously reducing the background significantly. This enables diffraction measurements up to 16 keV at the few-photon signal level as well as diffraction experiments with ZPW at full intensity.

Neurolinguistic programming as an adjunct to other psychotherapeutic/hypnotherapeutic interventions

The therapeutic dissociative techniques of "anchoring" and "three-part dissociation," neurolinguistic programming (NLP) treatment paradigms incorporating the idea of division into ego states, are effective in crisis intervention and as a stimulus for catharsis. Using the anchoring technique in the first session, a patient with severe anxiety, manifested by episodes of hyperactivity, was able to superimpose inner resources upon the situations which led to the episodes. Utilizing three-part dissociation, the patient experienced the hyperactive episodes "for the very last time" and terminated them permanently. Hypnotic exploration and ideomotor signaling were used with a patient presenting with uncomfortable feelings associated with intense anger. After the origin of the anger was determined, a three-part dissociation produced an abreaction and catharsis. Interaction at a cognitive level integrated the feelings and knowledge into personal consciousness.

A randomised comparison of polydioxanone (PDS) and polypropylene (Prolene) for abdominal wound closure

Two hundred and eighty four patients undergoing laparotomy by vertical incision were randomly allocated to closure with interrupted mass sutures of No. 1 polydioxanone (PDS) or No. 1 polypropylene (Prolene). Dehiscence occurred in 0.7% of the PDS group but in 6.4% of the Prolene group (P = 0.018). Wound infection occurred in 8.6% of the PDS group and 15.4% of the Prolene group (P = 0.1). One hundred and ninety patients attended for review at a minimum of one year. Incisional herniation, usually asymptomatic, was present in 11% of each group. Knots were palpable in 2% of the PDS patients but in 12% of the Prolene: wound pain occurred in 12% of the PDS group but in 23% of the Prolene group (P = 0.06). These results suggest that PDS may be useful for abdominal closure.

Optimal electrical stimulus for prevention of deep vein thrombosis

The most effective electrical stimulus to the calf muscles which prevents stasis in the soleal veins during operation was determined. This was subsequently used in a clinical trial and was shown to produce a 92% relative reduction in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis as determined by the (125)I-fibrinogen test.

Venous stasis and deep-vein thrombosis

A venographic technique for studying stasis in the deep veins of the legs of conscious patients is described. A second technique involving the clearance of radioactive material from the veins has been developed for use during operation. The results of the two methods correlate closely.

There is considerable stasis of the blood, particularly in the soleal veins, in conscious patients with the legs horizontal, and it is prolonged considerably during surgery. Using these new techniques the effectiveness of various methods said to prevent stasis has been assessed.

Prostatectomy and deep-vein thrombosis

In a study of 50 patients who had undergone prostatectomy the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis was measured, using the 125I-fibrinogen test. Of these, 12 (24 per cent) developed deep-vein thrombosis. This preliminary study showed that in patients who had had a transurethral resection the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis was 6·8 per cent, while in patients who had had a retropubic prostatectomy it was 47·6 per cent.

Deep-vein thrombosis in patients with fractures of the femoral neck

Fifty patients with fractures of the femoral neck have been studied, using the 125I-labelled fibrinogen test for diagnosing deep-vein thrombosis (D.V.T.). There was an overall incidence of D.V.T. of 54 per cent in fractured limbs. In pertrochanteric fractures there was an incidence of 75 per cent and in subcapital fractures the incidence was 34 per cent.

The radioactive fibrinogen test is a most useful method of screening for D.V.T. under the conditions presented by these patients.

Cavernous chylangioma of jejunal mesentery

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