We study critical properties of the continuous Abelian sandpile model with anisotropies in toppling rules that produce ordered patterns on it. Also, we consider the continuous directed sandpile model perturbed by a weak quenched randomness, study critical behavior of the model using perturbative conformal field theory, and show that the model has a random fixed point.

Crack propagation across interlayers separating adjoining brittle plates in flexure was studied using a model glass/epoxy/glass system. A transverse starter crack in the center glass plate was made to propagate to the nearest epoxy interface, where it arrested. System failure occurred at some higher load by crack reinitiation from pre-existing flaws in the adjoining glass surface, not by contin...

duodenojejunal flexure and the final one about 4 cm from the caecum. The nylon string was cut and retrieved through the perforations. The patient was put in the Lloyd-Davis position and the lower part of the tube removed from the rectum: one operator pulled from below while another pushed the faecal matter containing the string gently down from within the abdomen. The entire distal end of the t...

This paper presents the effect of the accuracies of flexure hinge compliance equations (the accuracies vary with a geometrical ratio, t/R of a hinge) on the output compliances of RRR and 3-RRR micro-motion stages. Closed-form output compliance models of the stages are derived (with flexure hinge compliances as one of the variables) to investigate the aforementioned effect. The output compliance...

INTRODUCTION Volvulus of the splenic flexure (VSF) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction (1). Patients usually present with recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction and there is a slight female preponderance. The affected patients usually have identifiable risk factors including previous surgery involving mobilization of the splenic flexure with resultant adhesions, congenital absence o...

BACKGROUND The treatment of colon cancer located in splenic flexure is not standardized. Laparoscopic approach is still considered a challenging procedure. This study reviews two Institutions experience in laparoscopic treatment of left colonic flexure cancer. Intraoperative, pathologic and postoperative data from patients undergoing laparoscopic splenic flexure resection were analyzed to asses...

PURPOSE Few studies about laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer have been published. This study aims to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer with those of conventional open surgery. METHODS From January 2004 to December 2010, 51 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stages I-III splenic flexure c...

mucous coat seen through the thinned outer coats ; mucous membrane congested and thickened, especially along free border of colon; in sigmoid flexure thickening is all round, and congestion most intense, thickening from interstitial deposit, ulceration in different stages; ulcers from 4 to 5 lines by 2 lines broad, placed transversely along whole length of colon; one large ulcer placed in sigmo...

This paper presents a summary of the tests performed within a VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards) round robin to examine the measurement of mode II interlaminar fracture toughness using four different test methods based on: End Notched Flexure (ENF), Stabilised End Notched Flexure (SENF), End Loaded Split (ELS), and four point End Notched Flexure (4ENF) carbon fibre r...