The mechanical properties of guidewires
Stiffness is always one of two factors that determine frictional resistance. The other factor, the coefficient of friction, depends on the surface characteristics. Teflon coating reduces the sliding friction to one-half, and a hydrophilic plastic coat to about one-sixth compared with steel.
A new guidewire with kink-resistant core and low-friction coating
A new guidewire constructed from kinkresistant titanium-nickel alloy, polyurethane, and hydrophilic polymer is described. We have used this wire in 119 angiographic and 49 interventional procedures without complications. In numerous applications, it offers significant advantages over other guidewires. It is particularly helpful for angiography and interventional procedures requiring catheterization through markedly tortuos vessels, tight stenoses, or occlusions.
The mark of sexual preference in the interpretation of texts: preface to a homosexual reading.
Since reading is an interaction or confrontation between the reader and the text-an interaction that depends upon the background and perspectives of the reader as well as on the text being read-we can assume that the dynamics of sexuality and sexual object choice will influence how readers ascribe meaning to literary texts. In fact, although other aspects of our identities come into play when we read, sexual identity is unique and central because of the role that it plays in the creation of subjectivity. Specifically, male homosexuality informs and structures the reading of texts. But what does it be a homosexual reader or to effectuate a homosexual reading of a particular text?