[Morphometrical-statistical structure analysis of human striatum, pallidum and subthalamic nucleus]. 1. A morphometric-statistical analysis was carried out of fifteen hemispheres of thirteen normal brains of human adults. 2. A comparison of the volumes and the cell densities studied in serial sections is only meaningful if the results are corrected for shrinkage, which varies interindividually to a great extent. 3. The mean of the fresh volume of the striatum of the male subjects (10.2 cm3) was 12% higher than that of the female subjects (9.0 cm3), the difference not being significant. The putamen was 13% bigger on the average than the caudate nucleus. The size of the two nuclei was strictly correlated (r = 0.81). 4. The relative volume of the striatum in percent of the hemisphere volume amounted to 1.87% in males and 1.97% in females, of the putamen 0.99% (male) and 1.05% (female), of the caudate nucleus 0.88% and 0.92%, respectively. 5. The mean of the numerical density of small striatal nerve cells (kl. Nz) -- corrected for shrinkage -- came to 1100 kl. Nz/mm3, without evidence of being dependent of sex or age. 6. The corrected numerical density of the large striatal nerve cells (gr. Nz) had a mean of 65 gr. Nz/mm3 with a wide range of 49 to 78 gr. Nz/mm3, without a significant influence of sex or age. 7. The relation of kl. Nz/gr. Nz was on an average of 171:1 with a range of 130:1 to 258:1. 8. The mean of the corrected numerical density of glial cells (Gz) was found to be 41000 Gz/mm3 with a range of 34500 to 49200. Neither a difference between sexes nor a dependency of age was found. 9. The glia index (Gz/Nz) showed a mean of 37:1 with a range of 3.2:1 to 4.7:1. 10. The total number of small striatal cells averaged 100 million for males and 105 Million for females; for the large striatal cells the means were 670 thousand (male) and 570 thousand (female). Differences due to sex failed to be significant. 11. The total number of glial cells decreases with age. The mean of 408 million for males exceeded the mean of 380 million for females by 7% but without significance. 12. The volumetric density of nerve cells of males (4.03 Vol.-%) and females (4.14 Vol.-%) differed very little. 13. The mean fresh volume of a single small nerve cell in the striatum was calculated to be about 3600 mum3, ranging from 2600 to 4600 mum3. 14. The striatal nerve cells reached a total volume of 423 mm3 in males and 374 mm3 in females. 15. The mean of the diameter of the nucleus of the small nerve cells was calculated to be 8.64 mum in males and 8.70 mum in females.


[Afferents of vagus nerve to intercalary nucleus]. In 11 rabbits operations of intracranial transection of IXth and Xth cranial nerves and transections of vagal nerve on its several levels were performed. After survival 271-327 days karyometric investigations of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes contained in intercalary nuclei of both sides of medulla were performed. It was stated that after transection of the vagus nerve on the levels proximally to the arising of the recurrent laryngeal nerve the volume of cross-area of neurons and nuclei of astrocytes decreases on the operated side. The authors concluded that atrophic changes found in the intercalary nucleus may be probable of transsynaptic in character. It indicated, that intercalary nucleus receives afferents from the vagus nerve.


[Morphometrical-statistical structure analysis of human striatum, pallidus and subthalamic nucleus. II. Globus pallidus]. 1. The pallidum of 13 hemispheres of 11 human brains of normal adults was studied by morphometric-statistical methods. 2. The values obtained on paraffin-embedded frontal serial sections were corrected individually for shrinkage in order to get comparable fresh values. 3. The mean fresh volume of the pallidum laterale of males (1220 mm3) was 13% higher than that of females (1065 mm3). The corresponding mean values of the pallidum mediale were 520 mm3 (male) and 430 mm3 (female), the difference being 17%. The difference between sexes failed to be significant. The lateral segment accounted for about 70% of the total volume of the pallidum. 4. The pallidum occupied 0,32% or ca. 1 over 300 of the volume of the hemisphere. 5. The numeric cell densities showed no significant age or sex differences. The mean value of the lateral pallidum was 437 nerve cells/mm3 and of the medial part 327 nerve cells/mm3, the difference being highly significant (p less than 0,001). 6. The pallidum laterale showed a numerical density of 66000 glial cells/mm3, the medial segment had 62000 glial cells/mm3, the difference just reaching the 5% -- level of significance. 7. On the average the ratio of glial cells to nerve cells was 158:1 in the lateral pallidum, and 159:1 in the medial part. The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0,01). 8. The mean of the total number of nerve cells in the pallidum laterale amounted to 540000 for males and 465000 for females. The corresponding values of the medial part were 171000 (male) and 143000 (female). The total number of pallidal nerve cells is just about as high as the number of large striatal nerve cells (670000 (male) and 570000 (female). 9. In the pallidum laterale we calculated the total number of glial cells to be 82 million for males and 63 million for females. In the medial pallidum we found 32 million (male) and 26 million (female). 10. The total numbers of nerve and glial cells were well correlated in the lateral as well as in the medial segment (r = 0,636 and r = 0,734, respectively). 11. The volumetric nerve cell densities showed no significant differences between sexes. The values were 0,36 Vol.-% lateral and 0,31 Vol.-% medial. This difference failed to be significant. 12. The volumetric densities of the glial cell nuclei were equal in both segments, the value being 0,43 Vol.-%. They were strictly correlated (r = 0,830). 13. The mean volume of a nerve cell in the medial segment (9600 mum3) was 19% higher (p less than 0,05) than in the lateral segment (8100 mum). 14. The mean volume of a nucleus of a glial cell showed only insignificant differences, being lateral 65 mum3 and medial 70 mum3. 15. The various morphometric data indicated a closer correlation between striatum and pallidum laterale than between striatum and pallidum mediale. Within the striatum, the putamen showed a better correlation with the pallidum than the nucleus caudatus.


Combined approach for massive nasopharyngeal fibroma. A combined approach by the transpalatal and transmaxillary routes has proved to be a better technique for total surgical extirpation of extensive nasopharyngeal fibroma, and it has been used already in seven cases without recurrence over a period of three years. The transmaxillary route includes removal of the middle one-third of the maxilla, i.e. the lateral, medial and posterior walls of the maxilla with the inferior turbinate bone.


The effect of oestrogen on the nasal respiratory mucosa. An experimental histopathological and histochemical study. An experimental histopathological and histochemical work carried out in thirty guinea-pigs of an average weight of 475 gm. receiving oestrogen in the form of ethynyl oestradiol in a dose of 10 microgram/animal/day and aiming at a study of the effects of oestrogen on the respiratory nasal mucosa. The histopathalogical lesions of the respiratory nasal mucosa were in the form of squamous metaplasia and spongiosis of the lining epithelium, with oedema of the underlying corium, glandular hyperplasia submucosal cellular infiltration, increased vascularity and some vascular changes in the form of endothelial proliferation with intimal thickening. Histochemical enzymatic alterations were in the form of increased succinic dehydrogenase activity in the epithelium as well as in the hyperplastic submucous glands, intensified reaction of the acid phosphatase in the cells of the corium, and the appearance of alkaline phosphatase activity in the apical parts of the cells lining the glands, indicating increased secretory activity. All the changes obtained in the histopathological and histochemical studies can be attributed to hormonal stimulation of the nasal mucosa.


Aplasia of the first and second branchial arches. This case report of an otocephalic monster gave the opportunity to study severe orofacial anomalies with a view to clarifying the present position in regard to the so-called first and second arch syndrome. Finding the causal mechanism of this syndrome will eventually lead to prevention and, it is hoped, eradication of this syndrome.


Physiological tympanostomy. A new technique of middle ear ventilation. Physiological tympanostomy is advanced as a 'substitute' eustachian tube because it opens regularly only on swallowing, as does the 'natural' eustachian tube. The efficacy of the physiological tympanostomy operation was first proved in experimental animals (two dogs). Subsequently, six patients with eustachian insufficiency were successfully managed by this new surgical technique within period of one year, with no post-operative complications. The hearing improved and the middle ears remained air-filled. The method seems to have the following merits: permanent ventilation of the tympanum with preservation of an intact drum (from the functional point of view); no tympanophonia or autophonia; simple technique, short operative period (five minutes); no risk of postoperative complications; and no danger of ascending infection of the middle ear from the ear canal. The demerits appear to be: drainage not ensured; no facility to increase the middle ear pressure by the Valsalva manoeuvre or, Politzerization.


Bilateral transnasal cauterization of the vidian nerve in vasomotor rhinitis. A brief report of twenty cases of bilateral cauterization of the Vidian Nerve Canals in intractable non-atopic chronic Vasomotor Rhinitis by a Trans-Nasal approach not previously described is given. The authors find this approach to be a much safer and simpler procedure than either the Trans-Septal or the Trans-Antral routes. The advantages of this approach to the Vidian Nerve Canal over the Trans-Septal and Trans-Antral routes are discussed.


Computer simulation of flagellar movement. III. Models incorporating cross-bridge kinetics. A computer simulation procedure is used to analyze the generation of propagated bending waves by flagellar models in which active sliding is generated by a cycle of cross-bridge activity. Two types of cross-bridge cycle have been examined in detail. In both cycles, cross-bridge attachment is followed immediately by a configurational change in the cross-bridge, which transfers energy to a stretched elastic element and generates a shearing force between the filaments. In the first model, which has cross-bridge behavior close to current ideas about cross-bridge  behavior in muscle, cross-bridge attachment is proportional to curvature of the flagellum and detachment is an exponential decay process. The configurational change is equivalent to an angular deviation of pi/5 radians. In the second type of  cross-bridge cycle, cross-bridge attachment occurs rapidly when a critical curvature is reached, and detachment occurs when a critical curvature in the opposite direction is reached. With this cycle, an unrealistically large angular deviation of the cross-bridges, equivalent to 3.0 radians, is required to obtain bending waves of normal amplitude. Both models generate bending wave patterns similar to those obtained in earlier work. However, the behavior of the second type of cross-bridge model more closely matches the actual behavior of flagella under experimental conditions: the chemical turnover rate per beat cycle remains constant as the viscosity is increased, and reduction in the number of active cross-bridges can cause a reduction in beat frequency, with little change in amplitude or wavelength.


Cinemicrographic analysis of the movement of flagellated bacteria. I. The ratio of the propulsive velocity to the frequency of bodily rotation. On the basis of the hydrodynamic model that the propulsion of flagellated bacteria in a fluid is a consequence of the propagation of helical waves along the length of flagella or flagellar bundles, it is predicted that propulsion must be accompanied by a rotation of bacterial body about the direction of translation (Chwang and Wu, 1971), and that propulsive velocity u is directly proportional to the frequency of bodily rotation fB, the  proportional constant being a complicated function of various parameters describing the sizes and shapes of body and flagella. In this study we have measured not only u but also fB by cinemicrography or sometimes by dual cinemicrography, using a mono- trichously flagellated Pseudomonas strain and a multitrichously flagellated Salmonella strain, and calculated the ratio u/fB. Though the values of u/fB thus determined for a number of bacteria of each strain scattered in a wide range, average values of u/fB were likely to be independent of u, in support of the theoretical prediction. Moreover, in Pseudomonas as well as in Salmonella, it was found that the experimental values of u/fB were in semiquantitative agreement with theoretical values expected from the hydrodynamic model for appropriate values of the geometrical parameters. Taking into account these results, it was concluded that the validity of this model has been supported experimentally.


The relationship between erythropoietin-dependent cellular differentiation and colony-forming ability in prenatal haemopoietic tissues. Levels of haem synthesis achieved by foetal liver erythroblasts responding to erythropoietin in vitro are similar in dissociated cell cultures and in cultures of organized tissues. Erythroid colony-forming cells reach maximum numbers on the sixteenth day of gestation. Their presence in foetal liver is associated with the period of most rapid production of erythrocytes, and with in vitro sensitivity to erythropoietin measured as enhanced haem synthesis. It is concluded that at least a proportion of erythroid colony-forming cells in the foetal liver are dependent on erythropoietin in situ and that these cells are separated from the earliest recognizable pro-erythroblast by 1-2 cell divisions. Populations of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells change independently of erythroid colony-forming cell numbers.


Cell proliferation in the developing wing-bud of normal and talpid3 mutant chick embryos. Previous measurements on mitotic division rate or cell cycle time have been made on samples from a few discrete limb regions or by continuous sampling, but only down a unidimensional limb axis, disregarding morphological discontinuities such as the presence or absence of cartilage. This study presents a new analysis on normal and talpid3 mutant chick embryos, measuring mitotic rate and also cell density through the central proximo-distal axis and at the limb periphery, taking into account the development of cartilage regions. Differentiation of cartilage is correlated with a marked drop in mitotic rate, accounting for a proximo-distal gradient of mitosis in central counts which was not observed at the limb periphery. Talpid3 limbs at an early stage show a central mitotic gradient, but the reverse of that observed in normal limbs.


[Effects of vinblastine on the morphogenesis of the chick embryo limb. Histological aspects]. Vinblastine was injected into the amniotic cavity of 6-5-day-old chick embryos. Acropods were fixed 0, 2, 3-5, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 h after treatment and 1 mum thick sections were prepared from the region of digit IV and interdigit III-IV. Cell counts were mainly performed in a distal zone (see Fig. 2) comprising the ectodermal apical ridge, the distal non-ridge ectoderm and the distal underlying mesoderm. In control non-treated embryos, the mitotic index does not vary significantly in either of the three tissues between 6-5 and 8 days except for a temporary increase at 7 days in the mesoderm. In treated embryos, the mitotic index increases rapidly in the non-ridge ectoderm and in the mesoderm to a maximum of 44 and 35% respectively, 18 h after injection, after which it decreases almost as rapidly to a level of about 15% 36 h after injection. In the apical ridge ectoderm, the increase of the mitotic index is much slower and reaches its maximum value of about 30% only 36 h after injection. This suggests that most of the cells participating in the AER do not arise within the ridge but are generated in more proximal zones of the ectoderm. Due to mitotic arrest, the number of mesodermal cells is thus decreased to approximately half the normal value within 36 h and the AER disappears earlier than normal. These alterations are the direct cause of the hypophalangy observed at the morphological level. A particular distribution pattern of arrested mitoses is revealed: in the digital as well as in the interdigital mesoderm, the majority of blocked metaphases is located in a dorsal and a ventral wing-shaped subectodermal 500 mum long area whose thickness is maximal at the level of the marginal sinus and gradually decreases in proximal direction. In the central-part of the mesoderm blocked mitoses are relatively rare. The present results are discussed in view of the recent literature on the morphogenetic processes of limb development.


Studies on the gastrulation of amphibian embryos: light and electron microscopic observation of a urodele Cynops pyrrhogaster. The course of gastrulation in embryos of a urodele, Cynops pyrrhogaster, was studied with 1 mum Epon sections and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. During the initial period of gastrulation, the bottle cells and a groove are formed in the dorsal part. The outer ends of the bottle cells have many microvilli, an electron-dense layer and many small vesicles. Microtubules are present parallel to the long axis of the bottle cells, and a yolk-platelet-free region is observed at the inner end. Thereafter, the archenteric roof makes contact with the inner surface of the blastocoelic wall. Cells of the archenteric roof form lobopodia, filopodia and lamellipodia. These cells make many focal contact, having gaps of less tha 20 nm, with the blastocoelic wall. Invaginating mesodermal cells of the lateral and ventral parts also form pseudopodia, and are in contact with the blastocoelic wall. Some of these cells appear to flatten against the wall. These observations suggest that, after the bottle cells and the blastoporal groove are formed, the invaginating cells actively migrate along the inner surface of the blastocoelic wall, and that these locomotive forces have an important role in the morphogenetic movements during gastrulation.


Mitotic activity of germ cells during normal development of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Data on the spatio-temporal pattern of germ cell proliferation in Xenopus laevis tadpoles were obtained, tracing the germ cells from the cloacal position forward. This spatial pattern in germ cell distribution and its change during normal development clearly coincided with histological observations of germ gland development. By application of regression lines to the analysis of this complex pattern, an interesting conclusion about the mitotic activity of germ cells was suggested. While the mitotic activity of germ cells before sexual differentiation shows a regional difference along the germ-cell-containing ridge (GCCR), the doubling time of sexually differentiated gonia seems to show a uniform value over the whole GCCR.


Morphogenesis of intestinal villi. II. Mechanism of formation of previllous ridges. Villi lining the avian intestine originate from longitudinal folds (previllous ridges) running the length of the embryonic intestine. The morphogenetic events that occur in the epithelium during initial ridge formation in the chick embryo duodenum were examined by light and electron microscopy. The epithelium, in cross-section, undergoes three stages prior to the formation of ridges; termed the circle (4 1/2-6 days), the ellipse (6-8 1/2 days), and the triangle (5 1/2-9 days).  At about 9 days of development three ridges form with three more forming one day later. The mechanisms responsible for folding of the epithelium were examined. Microdissection followed by organ culture demonstrated that constriction by the surrounding circular smooth muscle cannot account for folding of the epithelium. Mitotic pressure within the epithelium also cannot account for folding since there is no difference in the number of epithelial cells per cross-section between the ellipse and the triangle stages and the epithelial tube is not restricted from expanding. Active constrictions in groups of epithelial cells, mediated by bands of microfilaments, are thought to cause folding. Bundles of microfilaments are localized in the apical region of all epithelial cells at all stages studied and are localized in the basal region of those cells occupying the crests of the forming ridges. Cytochalasin B-treatment prevented ridge formation and disrupted the bundles of microfilaments.


Water flow dynamics in the respiratory tract of the carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Simultaneous measurements of water velocity in the buccal chamber, and buccal and opercular hydrostatic pressure of carp have revealed surprisingly high water velocities. The high flow velocities mean that, at times, the kinetic energy of flow makes a substantial contribution to the total fluid energy. This suggests that there may be unequal distribution of hydrostatic pressures within the buccal chamber. Anatomical examinations showed that fluid channels in the buccal chamber and gill raker sieve are complex and can be expected to vary spatially and temporally throughout the respiratory cycle. It appears that there is a potential for error in many of the previous analyses of 'gill resistance and energetics of fish breathing based solely on hydrostatic pressure measurements and the simplifying assumption of steady-state conditions.


Reflex modulation of motoneurone activity in the cheliped of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus. 1. The reflex activity elicited by movement of the mero-carpopodite (M-C) joint in the cheliped of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus is investigated and the role of the different proprioceptors (chordotonal and myochordotonal organs) separately studied. 2. The reflex discharge involves mainly the tonic motoneurones of the extensor (E), the flexor (F) and the accessory flexor (AF) muscles. 3. M-C joint posture is also regulated by the cuticular stress detector (CSD2) afferents: they increase mainly the F discharge and secondarily the AF command. 4. The activity of the motor axons supplying the muscles of the meropodite can be also influenced by a variety of natural stimuli applied to other appendages. The effect usually produced is a general flexion reaction which is characterized by a reciprocity between E and F  involving both central and peripheral mechanisms. 5. The AF muscle is innervated by two antagonistic motoneurones, an excitatory neurone functionally linked in its discharge with one of the four excitors supplying F and an inhibitory motoneurone, common with E. The resulting competitive effect between these two neurones has been recorded intracellularly in AF muscle fibres. 6. The role of the myochordotonal organ (MCO) in the crayfish is discussed. In particular the modulation of the AF command in relation to the discharges of the motor nerves to the main muscle E and F  is studied.


Sound localization by the bottlenose porpoise Tursiops truncatus. 1. Sound localization was measured behaviourally for the Atlantic bottlenose porpoise (Tursiops truncatus) using a wide range of pure tone pulses as well as clicks simulating the species echolocation click. 2. Measurements of the minimum audible angle (MAA) on the horizontal plane give localization discrimination thresholds of between 2 and 3 degrees for sounds from 20 to 90 kHz and thresholds from 2-8 to 4 degrees at 6, 10 and 100 kHz. With the azimuth of the animal changed relative to the speakers the MAAs were 1-3-1-5 degrees at an azimuth of 15 degrees and about 5 degrees for an azimuth of 30 degrees. 3. MAAs to clicks were 0-7-0-8 degrees. 4. The animal was able to do almost as well in determining the position of vertical sound sources as it could for horizontal localization. 5. The data indicate that at low frequencies the animal may have been localizing by using the region around the external auditory meatus as a detector, but at frequencies about 20 kHz it is likely that the animal was detecting sounds through the lateral sides of the lower jaw. 6. Above 20 kHz, it is likely that the animal was localizing using binaural intensity cues. 7. Our data support evidence that the lower jaw is an important channel for sound detection in Tursiops.


The branchial chloride pump in the goldfish Carassius auratus: relationship between Cl-/HCO3- and Cl-/Cl-- exchanges and the effect of thiocyanate. 1. The effect of thiocyanate on chloride and sodium fluxes across the gill was studied in the goldfish Carassius auratus. At low external chloride concentrations, addition of SCN- to the bathing solution markedly inhibited chloride influx and efflux, the net flux being reversed, SCN- injection was without effect. SCN- had no effect on sodium fluxes when injected or added to the external medium. 2. The inhibition of chloride influx by SCN- was of a mixed type involving simultaneous modifications of the affinity constant of the carrier for Cl- and of the maximal Cl- influx. The affinity constant of the carrier for SCN- was 10 times lower than that for Cl-. 3. The gill of the goldfish was found to be practically impermeable to SCN-. 4. In the presence of external SCN-, the Cl-/HCO3- exchange was reversed: Cl- was lost against HCO3- which is absorbed. This suggests an obligatory exchange. 5. Exchange diffusion for chloride was also demonstrated. 6. A kinetic model is proposed to explain chloride and bicarbonate transport across the gill of Carassius auratus.


Allometry of post-flight cooling rates in moths: a comparison with vertebrate homeotherms. 1. The rates of post-flight cooling in 25 saturniid moths of 8 genera ranging in weight from 81 to 2650 mg were measured and compared with cooling rates in sphingids, birds and mammals. 2. The initial and terminal cooling rates of the saturniids did not differ significantly. 3. Large saturniids have relatively smaller thoraxes than small ones. 4. In saturniids the rate of post-flight cooling is inversely related both to thoracic volume and total weight. 5. Cooling rate is less dependent on thoracic volume in saturniids than in sphingids. 6. Weight-specific conductance calculated on the basis of total weight, shows that moths are not as well insulated as birds or mammals. However, when considered on the basis of thoracic weight, the weight-specific conductance of saturniids and sphingids closely approximates that predicted by the regression of weight-specific conductance on total body weight in birds and mammals. 7. Since the insulation of saturniids and sphingids is no more effective for animals of their size than is that of birds and mammals, their high body temperatures during activity appear to depend primarily on high levels of heat production.


Pursuit and prediction in the tracking of moving food by a teleost fish (Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus). 1. The path, eye and body movements of a teleost fish (the leatherjacket Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus) approaching and taking food were measured by cinematography. 2. Fixation of the food by movement of the eyes is an invariable feature of the approach. The eyes then remain aligned with the target while the body moves forward and round to bring the mouth to the food. 3. When pursuing pieces of food moving vertically at constant velocity through the water these fish normally trace out the pathway that can be calculated by assuming the fish aims constantly at the food. Predictive pathways that imply anticipation of the point of intersection with the food are not regularly seen. 4. Deviations from pursuit occur sporadically, usually in the direction of a predictive path, particularly when the fish approach falling food from below. 5. The geometry of the situation suggests that predictive paths may sometimes be generated if the alignment of eye and body during the pursuit of moving food can be delayed. In approaches from below this may be because forward movement of the fish would tend to stabilize the image of the falling food in the retina. 6. We suggest that a simple linked control system using both eye and body movements to fixate retinal images will on occasions generate predictive pathways without any need for the central nervous system to calculate them in advance.


The colloid osmotic pressures of invertebrate body fluids. Colloid osmotic pressures of the body fluids of twenty invertebrate species were measured directly. The results, which are generally lower than predicted values for the same species, pertain to several physiological questions: (1) they do not quantitatively explain the frequently observed hyperosmoticity of body fluids in species believed to be osmoconformers, indicating that the condition cannot be merely a consequence of a Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium; (2) the excess of hydrostatic over colloid osmotic pressure is very small. This result supports the hypothesis that the oxygen transport function of bloods with extracellular haemocyanins and haem proteins is limited by their colligative properties; (3) the pressure relationships and the absence of colloid osmotic activity in urine indicates that filtration contributes to urine formation in several species.


An automatic respirometer for determining oxygen uptake in crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet)) over periods of 3-4 days. 1. An automatic respirometer has been developed for continuous measurements over 3-4 days on 1-15 g crayfish. The sensor is a modified Mackereth oxygen electrode. Respiration is recorded on a millivolt potentiometric pen recorder during closed periods when the O2 concentration in the medium falls to a predetermined level. A solenoid-operated valve is then opened via a relay circuit energized by a reed switch mounted on the recorder. Medium flows through the respirometer until the O2 concentration is raised back to another predetermined level. Artificial media containing little or no nutrient salts are used to restrict the growth of microbes. 2. Respiration was determined chiefly on crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) with body wet weights of 7-0-12-5 g at 10-0 degrees C. In unrestrained but relatively quiescent animals, standard metabolism is described by the regression equation, ln O2 uptake = 3-3037 + 1-002 ln body wt. In restless crayfish active metabolism is described by the equation, ln O2 uptake = 4-4412 + 0-861 ln body wt.


Respiration in relation to ion uptake in the crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet). 1. O2 uptake was determined for periods of 23-46 h in salt-depleted crayfish held in deionized water (DW) or Na-free media at 10 degrees C. These media were replaced by artificial lakewater media (ALW) containing 0-2-0-6 mM Na and O2 uptake was again determined for periods of 24-66 h. 2. During net ion uptake in ALW the metabolic rate was either elevated or depressed. Standard metabolism in ALW altered by amounts equivalent to 0-1 - 15-5% (mean 6-4 (15) +/- 4-4% S. D.) of the metabolic rate measured during salt-depletion. On three occasions the metabolic rate was elevated by 22-0 - 66-7%, but some of this increase may have been due to locomotor activity. 3. The calculated values for thermodynamic work involved in ion transport were 0-056 - 0-268 J/10 g. h at 10 degrees C, or 1-5 - 7-2% of the mean standard metabolic rate. Most of the observed changes in metabolic rate lie within the limits of experimental error (ca. +/- 7%). Hence the energetic cost of ion transport is too small for direct measurement in intact crayfish.


The significance of palpation by the maxillary palps of Locusta migratoria (L): an electrophysiological and behavioural study. Palpation increases the amount of sensory input reaching the central nervous system compared with that obtained from sustained contact but that increase is not essential to allow discrimination. During a meal on favoured food, phagostimulatory input from the palps is not needed to drive feeding. When less favoured food is taken, phagostimulatory input from the palps may enhance feeding. Even with favoured food, the palps are important in registering inhibitory substances.


Co-ordinating interneurones of the locust which convey two patterns of motor commands: their connexions with flight motoneurones. 1. Some flight motoneurones receive two superimposed rhythms of depolarizing synaptic potentials when the locust is not flying; a slow rhythm which is invariably linked to the expiratory phase of ventilation, and a fast rhythm with a period of about 50 ms which is similar to the wingbeat period in flight. 2. By recording simultaneously from groups of motoneurones, the synaptic potentials which underly these rhythms have been revealed in 30 flight motoneurones in the three thoracic ganglia. The inputs occur in elevator motoneurones and some depressors but are of lower amplitude in the latter. The inputs have not been found in leg motoneurones. 3. The rhythmic depolarizations are usually subthreshold but sum with sensory inputs to evoke spikes in flight motoneurones at intervals equal to or multiples of the wingbeat period in flight. 4. Both rhythms originate in the metathoracic ganglion and are mediated by the same interneurones. They can be adequately explained by supposing that there are two symmetrical interneurones which each make widespread connexions with left and right flight motoneurones in the three ganglia. 5. The slow rhythm is coded in the overall burst of interneurone spikes during expiration and the fast rhythm in the interval between the spikes of a burst.


Co-ordinating interneurones of the locust which convey two patterns of motor commands: their connexions with ventilatory motoneurones. 1. The interneurones which make widespread connexions with flight motoneurones also synapse upon ventilatory motoneurones so that in all 50 motoneurones receive synapses. They influence three aspects of ventilation; (a) the closing and opening movements of the thoracic spiracles, (b) some aspects of abdominal pumping movements and (c) the recruitment of some motoneurones controlling head pumping. 2. The two closer motoneurones of a particular thoracic spiracle receive the same excitatory synaptic inputs (EPSPs) during expiration. The EPSPs match those in appropriate flight motoneurones. 3. The closer motoneurones of each thoracic spiracle whose somata are in the pro-, meso- or metathoracic ganglia all receive the same excitatory synaptic inputs. These inputs are an adequate explanation of the pattern of spikes in the closer motoneurones. Both the slow ventilatory and fast rhythms of synaptic potentials are expressed as spikes; the slow as the overall expiratory burst of spikes and the fast as the groups of spikes within that burst. This establishes a ventilatory function for the interneurones. All thoracic closer motoneurones therefore receive the same excitatory commands which will tend to synchronize the movements of each spiracle. 4. Spiracular opener motoneurones are inhibited during expiration, their IPSPs matching the EPSPs in flight or closer motoneurones. Therefore the interneurones have reciprocal effects on the antagonistic motoneurones of the spiracles. 5. The interneurones synapse upon some motoneurones which control the pumping movements of the abdomen and which have their somata in the metathoracic or first unfused abdominal ganglion. Motoneurones in four separate ganglia therefore receive inputs from these interneurones. 6. The interneurones also synapse upon motoneurones which control an auxiliary form of ventilation, head pumping.


NaCl adaptation in Rana ridibunda and a comparison with the euryhaline toad Bufo viridis. The physiological adaptation of the frog Rana ridibunda to saline environment was studied. It was found that blood was always hypertonic to the external solution, but at the highest salinity tolerated (i.e. 300 mOsM) the osmotic gradient across the skin was nearly abolished. Water uptake by the living frog remained unchanged, whereas sodium transport across the skin decreased markedly. Neurohypophyseal hormone increased water uptake and sodium transport to levels similar to those in tap water frogs. Water content of the tissues was not affected by saline adaptation, although it varied appreciably under acute conditions. Oxygen consumption increased in dehydrated frogs, but not in adapted ones. The results are discussed and compared to the euryhaline toad Bufo viridis; the importance of high urea levels for high salt adaptation is stressed.


An electrophysiological analysis of extra-axonal sodium and potassium concentrations in the central nervous system of the cockroach (Periplaneta americana L.). Simultaneous intracellular and sucrose-gap recordings showed, in contrast to previous findings, that the electrical parameters of giant axons were similar to intact and desheathed connectives bathed with the 'extracellular Ringer' of Yamasaki & Narahashi. This implies that the extra-axonal sodium concentration, in situ, is likely to be lower than had been previously supposed. Axonal responses showed that, despite the high blood concentration of 24-2 mM-K+ measured by flame photometry, the effective concentration in the blood was 10-15 mM-K+ which corresponds to the measurements made with potassium-selective electrodes. The activity of the blood potassium ions caused a marked reduction in the amplitude of the action potentials following surgical desheathing or disruption of the blood-brain barrier with hypertonic urea. It is suggested that a regulatory mechanism exists in the central nervous system which counteracts the effects of the high blood potassium level.


[Current aspects of the myotonic syndromes]. On the basis of a clinical and physiological definition of the myotonic syndrome, the author define the scope of their research in two directions: a) the true myotonic syndromes, b) the related syndromes. Amongst the former, two entities are studied from the point of view of the recent discoveries in the field : Thomsen's disease, with some new anatomopathological and genetic considerations; Steinert's disease, concerning which there is much more new evidence in regard to clinical findings (ocular, endocrine, digestive, nervous and, in particular, cardiac symptoms) as well as biological and morphological tests. The genetic aspects are of great interest, for they lead to practical applications in genetic counselling (linkage). A brief therapeutic survey follows. Amongst the related syndromes, the best known is Eulenburg's congenital paramyotonia, the main characteristics of which are briefly described.


[Clinical and genetic aspects of the early form of Steinert's dystrophia myotonica]. Observations relating to 18 cases of the neonatal form of myotonic dystrophy are described. These consisted of 9 cases of severe forms incompatible with survival, characterised by major respiratory disorders, hypotrophia and difficulty in swallowing, associated with a facial diplegia and pes equinus. The other 9 patients suffered from more moderate, not lethal forms. In addition to muscular troubles manifested by precocious hypotonia, the disease involved serious mental retardation. The absence of myotonia was constant in the very young infants. Anomalies in pregnancies resulting in the birth of children suffering from a neonatal form of myotonic dystrophy are analysed and their frequency is emphasized. From the genetic point of view, the elective transmission of myotonic dystrophy by the mothers was found in all the cases. The knowledge of neonatal forms must be taken into consideration for genetic counseling.


[A multidisciplinary study of infantile Steinert's syndrome]. The authors studied from several points of view 10 patients suffering from a neo-natal form of Steinert's disease. They analyse the variety of the family histories, of dysembryoplastic symptoms, of neo-natal difficulties and the subsequent impairment of mental development. They could not find any correlation between this latter evolution and the severity of the neurological damage, judged by the mentioned symptoms. They conclude that the mental retardation is proportional to the low quality of the early socio-emotional environment and believe that this hypothesis is confirmed by the fact that maxillo-facial malformations are mocise speech and mimicry in their early childhood.


Cytochemistry of cultured fibroblasts in myotonic muscular dystrophy. The cytoplasm of cultured skin fibroblasts derived from four unrelated and from three related patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy exhibits high amounts of metachromatic granular material and of alcianophilic material with Alcian blue containing 0.1 M MgCl2. Alcianophilia disappears when the staining solution contains 0.3 M MgCl2, i.e. is probably due only to carboxyl group of glycosaminoglycans.


[The cutaneous symptoms of tuberous sclerosis]. Tuberous sklerosis is an autosomal dominant disease with a pleiotropic pattern of its clinical picture. The skin symptoms because of their early appearance are of great importance for the diagnosis of this disease, though not for evaluation of its progression and prognosis. Among the cutaneous lesions "white leaf-shaped macules" are the most frequent and earliest symptoms. Of similar importance is the "adenoma sebaceum", whereas the other skin signs are less relevant.


[Systematic registration of malformations]. This study concerns 727 cases of deformed children born in the Rhône-Alpes region in 1973. 61 maternity hospitals, out of 181 in the region, took part in the study. Data concerning sex, mortality, mother's age, age of gestation, gemellity, body weight and length, as well as frequency of genetic findings in the families are published. A classification of the types of malformation in relation to their frequencies is reported.


[Studies of the mitotic and meiotic chromosomes in infertile males]. The analysis of meiotic chromosomes in sterile males is all the more interesting as it is liable to disclose anomalies whilst the mitotic chromosomes are normal. We have described a pathological meiotic sequence observed in ten patients, very probably linked to their sterility. It would not appear an exaggeration to state that a combined study of mitotic and meiotic chromosomes tends to indicate that at least 15% of all cases of male sterility have chromosomal origin.


Breaking action of ascorbic acid on nucleic acids. The lowering of the viscosity of DNA solution was caused by the action of AsA or EA and facilitated in the presence of CU2+. However, the action of AsA-3-P was very weak. By sucrose density gradient centrifugation, it was observed that single- and double-strand scissions of DNA were provoked by AsA or EA and enhanced with Cu2+, while only a single-strand scission was caused by AsA-3-P and Cu2+. Similar action of AsA or AsA-3-P was also observed for RNA. Thus, the result indicates that the enediol group of AsA takes an essential part in the breakage of nucleic acids, and Cu2+ enhances the action. It was shown that Apu was mainly decomposed by AsA, whereas Apy not, suggesting that some pyrimidine cluster may be one of the regions attacked by AsA. During the reaction with DNA, the reducing activity of AsA decreased first to some extent and then increased, whereas the reducing activity of AsA-3-P was much lower than that of AsA and decreased steadily. The priming activity of DNA for DNA polymerase was changed after treatment with AsA according to the condition. It was enhanced when DNA was treated under mild conditions but decreased with severer action.


Demonstration of two different vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding proteins in rat intestinal mucosa. The characteristics and location of rat intestinal proteins with calcium binding properties were reexamined using both a 45Ca-equilibrated Sephadex G-100 column and the chelex 100 method in the assay of 45Ca binding activity. The rat intestinal mucosa was found to have three different proteins with calcium binding properties. Two of these proteins were found to be vitamin D-dependent and were examined in detail. The larger vitamin D-dependent protein, found predominantly in the jejunum and ileum, had a molecular weight of 27,000 and demonstrated low affinity for calcium; the detection of this protein by the chelex 100 assay was very difficult. The smaller vitamin D-dependent protein, which was associated mainly with duodenum and jejunum, had a molecular weight of 12,500, and demonstrated a high affinity for calcium.


Mechanism of inactivation of bacteriophage deltaA containing single-stranded DNA by ascorbic acid. The mechanism of inactivation of a single-stranded DNA phage, deltaA of Escherichia coli, by AsA was investigated as a part of the study on the mechanism of inactivation of viruses by AsA. Bubbling air or oxygen gas through the reaction mixture, and the addition of oxidizing agents or transition metals into the reaction mixture enhanced the inactivation of the phage by AsA. In contrast, nitrogen gas bubling, and the addition of reducing agents, chelating agents or radical scavengers prevented inactivation. The rate of inactivation was faster in the AsA solution preincubated for several minutes than in the freshly prepared AsA solution. DAsA, an oxidized form of AsA, demonstrated little effect on the activity of the phage. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide which were theoretically produced by the autoxidation of AsA had no effect on the phage. The results indicated that the free radical intermediates produced during the course of the autoxidation of AsA participated in the inactivation. The radicals attacked the DNA of the phage to introduce strand scissions in the DNA, which might be mainly responsible for the inactivation.


Curative effects of 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol on calcium metabolism and bone disease in patients with chronic renal failure. Synthetic 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1alpha-OH-D3) was given intravenously in a dose of 2.5-10 mug per day to three patients with chronic renal failure. As little as 10 mug of 1alpha-OH-D3 daily for a week improved intestinal calcium absorption to a normal level, raised serum calcium, and reduced serum alkaline phosphatase. Severe rickets which had not responded to large amounts (greater than 200 mg in total) of vitamin D2 was markedly cured with 2.5 mug of 1alpha-OH-D3 given daily for 3 weeks. These clinical data hold promise that is certainly useful in the improvement of intestinal malabsorption of calcium and bone diseases in renal failure.


Effect of dietary protein on proteolytic activities in the pancreatic tissue and contents of the small intestine in rats. The time-courses of proteolytic activities in pancreatic tissue and the contents of the small intestine (the intestinal contents) were determined in rats maintained on a diet containing 30% of various proteins after a switchover from a diet containing 12% casein. 1. The proteolytic activity of the pancreatic tissue quickly responded to change of dietary proteins--within 1 to 6 days--with respect to organ weight, nitrogen content and proteolytic activity, in rats receiving diets containing 30% casein, ovalbumin, lactalbumin, gluten, gelatin or zein. 2. However, the proteolytic activity in the intestinal contents did not necessarily coincide with the pancreatic digestive function; an approximately threefold increase of enzyme activity was demonstrated on the fifth day of feeding in rats receiving gluten. 3. The proteolytic activity in the intestinal contents returned to the initial level on the eighth day in the gluten-fed rats, but those rats maintained on a lysine-supplemented gluten diet exhibited no such elevation of proteolytic activity. 4. No significant difference in pancreatic composition was shown up to the eighth day between the group receiving gluten alone in diet and that receiving the same diet but supplemented with lysine, under the condition of equally restricted food intake. Intestinal trypsin and chymotrypsin levels, however, were higher in the gluten-fed rats, suggesting that the depressed rate of enzyme inactivation in the small intestine might be the principal cause of the finding described under (2) above.


Effects of protein deficiency on the rate of radioactivity loss from body constituents in adult rats given 14C-amino acids. The effect of protein deficiency on the rate of loss of radioactivity from body constituents was studied in adult rats administered 14C-Chlorella protein hydrolysate or 14C-lysine. Rats were kept on a protein-free diet for 3 weeks and then injected with labelled amino acids and fed on a protein-free diet for 3 more days to allow 14C deposition in tissues. Then they were given experimental diets (protein-free diet, 1% and 10% wheat gluten diets pair-fed with the protein-free diet, and 10% wheat gluten diet ad libitum) for 7 days and sacrificed. The rates of loss of radioactivity from tissue proteins became low in general with the extent of protein deficiency. This increased capacity of tissues to retain 14C-amino acids may result from higher efficiency of protein utilization in protein deficiency. The reutilization of free amino acids and the rate of catabolism of tissue proteins are discussed on the basis of the results. The half-life of muscle protein was too long to observe the effects of experimental diets given for 7 days on the rate of loss of radioactivity.


Bone growth changes in pyridoxine-deficient rats. Male and female rats were fed a commercial diet lacking pyridoxine. Using radiological and histological methods the growth of the long bones in the pyridoxine-deficient rats from 2 wk to 6 mth of age was compared with that in paired-fed and in paired-weight-gain control rats of the same age and sex given the same diet supplemented by daily injections of pyridoxine hydrochloride. Measurements of tibial bone length were significantly reduced in the deficient male rats but not females, possibly due to the reduced requirements for growth in the female. Thin epiphyseal plates were a feature of the limb radiographs in all the pyridoxine-deficient rats. Histologically the growing long-bone ends showed a diminished activity of endochondral ossification with thin epiphyseal cartilage and fewer shorter, broad and irregular bone trabeculae in the metaphyses of the deficient rats. These metaphyseal changes resemble those described in starvation.


Long-term organ culture of human skin: an ultrastructural and immunochemical study. Human skin grown in tissue culture medium for periods of up to 18 wk undergoes characteristic morphological changes. After an initial period of degeneration, new foci of epidermal cells arise at the dermo-epidermal junction and by rapid proliferation these cells spread out to form a complete second epidermal layer beneath the degenerating original strata. Stratification occurs in this new epidermis with incomplete keratinisation. The individual keratinocytes show ultrastructural similarities with fetal cells. There is a loss of complexity of the cytoplasm typified by a marked reduction in the numbers of keratin filaments and a decrease in the numbers of desmosomal contact areas. In addition, the formation of cilia and accumulation of glycogen in the cell cytoplasm are characteristic. The cytoplasm of the basal cells contains numerous polyribosomes and there is evidence of synthetic activity as illustrated by the proliferation of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. Fluorescent and EM immunocytochemical staining with an anti-fetal antiserum demonstrates the development of fetal substances on the surface of cells during the regeneration stage occurring in the cultured skins. The significance of these observations concerning transplantability of cultured tissues is discussed.


Histopathological changes in the liver following a paracetamol overdose: correlation with clinical and biochemical parameters. The histological appearances of the liver damage occurring after a paracetamol overdose are described in liver biopsies from 104 patients, of whom 38 developed fulminant hepatic failure. Confluent centrilobular necrosis of varying extent was followed by rapid disappearance of necrotic cells, leaving areas of reticulin collapse and a usually mild inflammatory reaction. The histological recovery in even the most severe cases was remarkable, and only one of the 17 survivors whose initial biopsy showed the pattern of interlobular bridging necrosis had appreciable residual fibrosis in a follow-up biopsy taken after 1 yr. A quantitative estimate was made of the amount of surviving liver parenchyma using a morphometric technique and the hepatocyte volume fraction (HVF) in biopsies performed within 10 days of the overdose correlated well with the clinical course and both the maximal prolongation of the prothrombin time and the peak plasma bilirubin concentration in the first 10 days. An HVF value (normal 85 +/- 5 per cent.) of less than 40 per cent. in a biopsy taken within 10 days of the overdose was found only in patients who died. However, HVF measurements on biopsies from three survivors taken later than 10 days after the overdose shows that survival is possible below this critical level.


Effects on the liver in the rat of ingestion of Indigofera spicata, a legume containing an inhibitor of arginine metabolism. The non-protein amino acid indospicine, which occurs in the free state in high concentration in the tropical pasture legume Indigofera spicata, causes toxic liver lesions in ruminants. Indospicine is a specific antagonist of arginine and an inhibitor of protein synthesis. The liver lesion was studied in rats at four dose levels by feeding diets containing 96, 48, 24 and 15 per cent. of the seed. The too higher levels caused death of most animals in 2-6 wk. Females were more susceptible than males. The rats fed the 24 per cent. seed diet developed a nodular cirrhosis by 6 wk and survived up to 18 wk. The rats fed the 15 per cent. seed diet developed cirrhosis at 16 wk and survived up to 28 wk. Prior to the onset of cirrhosis the liver showed a characteristic lesion consisting of hepatomegaly, periportal fatty change, portal cellularity due to proliferation of ovoid and cuboidal duct cells, gross enlargement of the hepatocyte cytoplasm nuclei and nucleoli in spite of brisk mitotic activity, and focal centrilobular necrosis. The lesion was interpreted as a restricted hepatic response to a growth stimulus, possibly the mobilisation of tissue amino acids. Improvement occurred in the rats fed the two lower dosage levels after nodular cirrhosis developed, producing a new parenchyma. An attempt is made to relate the lesions to the biochemical derangement induced by a specific amino acid antagonist.


Nature of muscular change in osteomalacia: light- and electron-microscope observations. Thirteen muscle biopsy specimens (mainly the gluteus maximus) from 12 patients with laboratory confirmation of osteomalacia and proximal muscle weakness in 10 were examined by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy revealed mild diffuse non-specific atrophy of the muscle fibres in 10 cases, severe generalised atrophy in one and patchy group atrophy in one. There was no myopathic change in specimens from cases with either a nutritional aetiology, or a mixed aetiology. The former, mostly women gave a history of severe chronic malnutrition often accompanied by repeated pregnancies and prolonged lactation; those with a mixed aetiology gave, in addition, evidence of a metabolic or endocrine disorder such as hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, uraemia, or treatment with anti-epileptic drugs or were of uncertain origin. Electron-microscope examination of muscle from the nutritional group showed atrophic changes in the fibres, such as loss of myofibrils, prominence of mitochondria and glycogen, loosening and folding of the basement-membrane but good preservation of the remaining myofibrils. In contrast muscle from cases of mixed aetiology showed, in addition to the atrophic features, clear degenerative changes in the myofibrils and the mitochondria, accumulation of amorphous material at the site of myofibrillar loss and of lipofuscin in muscle fibres, vascular endothelium and satellite cells. The earliest degenerative change was in the "I" band, involving actin filaments and "Z" line. The triads were generally preserved but the sarcoplasmic reticulum appeared affected in a patient with tetany and severe mitochondrial degeneration. In a patient with thyrotoxicosis, proliferation of central nuclei, "Z" line streaming and formation of "T" tubular aggregates were seen. In one patient with hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcaemia, severe myofibrillar degeneration and mitochondria showing osmiophilic deposits, possibly of calcium phosphate, were encountered. It is concluded: (1) that all osteomalacic muscle weakness is not myopathic but a non-specific atrophy occurring probably on the basis of disuse and malnutrition, and (2) patients with an added metabolic or endocrinological disorder show in addition to the atrophy, degenerative changes in the muscle fibre and its sub-cellular components consistent with myopathy, and these patients should be clearly distinguished from those with a background of malnutrition only.


The relative roles of platelets and macrophages in clearing particles from the blood; the value of carbon clearance as a measure of reticuloendothelial phagocytosis. The correlation between detailed kinetic studies and ultrastructural localisation of particles during carbon clearance in normal animals illustrates that single order kinetics are not always obtained and phagocytosis is not always the major clearing process. During the early stages of clearance adherence of particles to platelets and to macrophage surfaces without immediate phagocytosis, as well as aggregation of particles within the blood are important controlling factors in the usual light absorbance techniques used to measure rates of clearance. The importance of the various processes involved varies depending upon the dose of carbon used and the time for which clearance is followed. The ultrastructural studies suggest an early constant rate of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells despite wide changes in dose of particles. At doses of 1 or 2 mg/100 g body weight of colloidal carbon the ultrastructural evidence shows that phagocytosis is the major early clearing process while at doses of 8 mg/100 g body weight and above the other processes are more important in the early clearance. Most clearance studies in the literature do not provide sufficient information to be certain that phagocytosis is the major process involved and such information can only be provided by detailed kinetic studies correlated with ultrastructural localisation of the particles. Many previous studies have used doses of colloidal carbon which invoke a major degree of the clearance processes other than phagocytosis and such studies are often based on a limited number of samples taken over a period when phagocytosis is not the only rate-controlling factor. Particle clearance studies should at least provide information concerning the possible role of platelets before the rates are considered to be measures of phagocytic function.


Calcification in human breast carcinomas: ultrastructural observations. Calcification in human breast carcinomas has been studied ultrastructurally. Multiple deposits of needle-shaped crystals intimately associated with electrondense material were observed among tumour cells. Similar deposits were present in intracytoplasmic lumina and the adjacent stroma. Cytoplasmic calcification was seen in membrane-bound vesicles and as partially membrane-bound clusters of crystals. It is suggested that the calcification is the result of an active secretory process rather than calcified necrotic or degenerate tumour cells. The possible mechanisms of calcification are discussed. Both electron diffraction and electron probe analysis show that the crystaline material is hydroxyapatite.


The elasticity of the internal lamina.

The elasticity of the internal lamina. The elasticity has been investigated post mortem of the external iliac artery from 48 cases, matched normotensives and hypertensives, males and females, from the 3rd to the 8th decades. The lamina is shown to be truly elastic in that it resists stretch, for there is no increase in the length of the lamina, measured histometrically, in arterial cross-sections when segments of the artery are distended by pressures equivalent to the lifetime systolic blood pressure, or indeed much higher pressures even to the point of rupture. In this process gaps in the lamina, the representation on histological slides of fenestrae, become wider than in the undistended state. With advancing age there is a very slight increase in the length of the lamina but this is not accompanied by any increase in the number of gaps except in the case of male normotensives over the age of 60 yr. Between the 3rd and 8th decades gaps do not increase in size in the laminae of arteries from normotensives. The gaps do show an increase in size in hypertensives but only those above the age of 60 yr.


Heart rate in fetuses and neonates in normal conditions and with mild depression. The continuous recording of fetal and neonatal heart rate gives reliable information on the condition of the fetus and neonate. In the present study the results obtained in vigorous and mildly depressed newborns, by the continuous recording of fetal heart rate during labor and of neonatal heart rate during 90 minutes after birth, are presented. Twenty three pregnant women were studied during labor, as well as their newborns. They fulfilled the following conditions: --Mothers without known complications and good prenatal care. --Term pregnancies with single fetuses in vertex presentation with birthweight normal for age. --All labors started, progressed and delivered spontanously withoug signs of fetal distress. No drugs were given to the mother during labor or to the neonate. The umbilical cord was clamped immediately after birth. Seventeen neonates were vigorous at 1 and 5 minutes (Apgar score 7 or higher). Six neonates were slightly depressed at the first minute but all of them recovered at 5 minutes. Both groups are studied separately. Figure 1 shows the average values of BFHR and NHR corresponding to 17 vigorous newborns (Apgar scores 7-10 at the first and fifth minutes of life). No major variations were found in the average values of BFHR in the time period studied. No statistically significant differences were found in the BFHR of the same fetus at 60, 30 and 8 minutes before delivery (Fig. 2). A decrease in BFHR occurred during the 6 minutes preceding birth (fig. 1). After birth the average values of NHR were higher than the fetal ones (Fig. 1). This post-natal increase in heart rate (32 beats/min) is statistically significant when BFHR values 30 minutes before delivery are compared with NHR values recorded 10 minutes after birth (Fig. 3). After this initial increase, NHR starts a gradual fall, lasting about 50 minutes and then becomes stable at a level similar to that of fetal heart rate (Fig. 1). Figure 1 shows that puncture of the heel causes an increase in NHR. The difference between NHR before and after the puncture is significant (Fig. 6). The heart rate of 6 newborns which were slightly depressed at the first minute of life (Apgar score 4-6) but vigorous at the fifth minute, are not significantly different from those of the vigorous group of 17 neonates (Fig.7). The cases chosen for this study have been carefully selected with the aim of establishing the "normal" pattern of fetal and neonatal heart rate. We concluded that in normal term labors BFHR remains stable from 90 until 10 minutes before delivery; there is a tendency to fall during the last 6 minutes preceeding birth. Immediately after birth, neonatal heart rate rises significantly, then falls gradually and becomes stabilized 50 minutes after delivery, at levels similar to those of BFHR.


Cerebrospinal fluid studies in an intensive care nursery. Prospective and retrospective data were collected from 394 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations performed in premature and full term infants in a neonatal intensive care unit from October, 1969, to April, 1973.Premature infants had an average of 6 WBCs/mn and 180 mg/100 ml protein in their CSF in the first week, and 3 WBCs/mm and 117 mg/100 ml protein in the fourth week of life. Full term infants had an average of 5 WBCs/mm and 117 mg/100 ml protein in the CSF during their first week, and 5 WVCs/mm and 74 mg/100ml protein in their fourth week of life. Thus, increasing age at the time of lumbar puncture was associated with decreased cell number and lower protein in the CSF. Infants with bacterial meningitis, intracranical hemorrhage and those born of diabetic mothers had the highest values of CSF protein and WBCs. The highest number of RBCs in the CSF was seen in infants with intracranial hemorrhage and infants born of diabetic mothers.  Fifteen (4%) of the 394 CSFs examined yielded a virus or bacteria: 5 E. coli, 6 group B beta hemolytic streptococci, and 1 each a pneumococcus, cytomegalo-virus, Coxsackie, and ECHO virus. The CSF findings in the population of infants afflicted with the variety of illnesses studied are not strikingly different from published "normals". Thus, some degree of patient heterogeneity must have been present in previous series.


Self-presentation: managing the impression of consistency when reality interferes with self-enhancement. The manner in which an individual's self-perceptions affect related self-presentations was investigated. One hundred and twenty subjects believed that they would participate in a group task where their individual performance would either be known to the group or be completely anonymous. On the basis of bogus feedback from prior tests, subjects expected to perform either extremely well or very poorly on the group task; control groups received no such feedback. Before the task began, group members exchanged personal information that allowed them to vary their self-presentations. Factor analysis revealed two self-presentational factors: competence and interpersonal relations. A Performance Expectations X Anonymity interaction was obtained on self-presentational claims to personal competence. Under public performance conditions (where future public events could invalidate an unrealistically positive self-presentation), self-presentations were consistent with subjects' expectations of actual performance. However, under anonymous conditions, self-presentations were quite favorable and unaffected by expectations of actual performance. The results support an incentive model and fail to support a consistency model. Subjects seemed to desire as self-enhancing and approval gaining a public image as possible but conceded to the demands of public reality when necessary.


Effects of cue prominence and palatability on the drinking behavior of obese and normal humans. This study examines the effects of cue salience and palatability (water temperature) on the water drinking of obese and normal subjects. Obese subjects drink more than do normal subjects when the water cue is prominent but do not do so when this cue is remote. Palatability does not differentially affect the drinking behavior of obese and normal subjects. These results support the extension to nonfood stimuli of the hypothesis of the hyperreactivity of the obese to prominent cues.


Encoding and decoding nonverbal cues of emotion. Subjects ("senders") encoded six emotions twice, first via facial expressions and second via tone of voice. These expressions were recorded and presented for decoding to the senders and an additional group of judges. Results were as follows: (a) the ability to encode and the ability to decode both visual and auditory cues were significantly related; (b) the relationship between encoding and decoding cues of the same emotion appeared low or negative; (c) the ability to decode visual cues was significantly related to the ability to decode auditory cues, but the correlations among encoding (and decoding) scores on different emotions were low; (d) females were slightly better encoders, and significantly better decoders, than males; (e) acquaintance between sender and judge improved decoding scores among males but not among females; (f) auditory decoding scores were higher than visual decoding scores, particularly among males; (g) auditory decoding scores were relatively high if sender and judge were of the same sex, while visual decoding scores were relatively high if sender and judge were of opposite sexes; (h) decoding scores varied according to channel of communication and type of emotion transmitted.


Rate of participation and expertise as factors influencing leader choice. Seventy-two female subjects were placed in four-person problem-solving groups. A confederate in each group was identified as either expert or inexpert, made expert or inexpert contributions, and either talked a lot or relatively little. The problem was made high or low in ambiguity. It was hypothesized that, as previous studies have shown, a high rate of participation would influence choice of the confederate as leader in the inexpert condition but that talkativeness would not be influential in the expert condition. The results supported the hypothesis. The characteristics of the confederate were somewhat less influential when the problem was low in ambiguity. The results were discussed in terms of what talkativeness may signify to other group members. When talkativeness is not resisted by the group it is tentative evidence that the talker is perceived as an appropriate, qualified, and legitimate leader.


Sociocultural context of individual creativity: a transhistorical time-series analysis. Hypotheses were stated which specify individual creativity as a function of developmental and productive period variables. It was then argued that these hypotheses could be better tested by examining generational fluctuations in creativity. Information from cultural and political archival sources was thus aggregated to form time series spanning 127 generations of European history. Data quality checks, control variables, data transformations, time-lagged comparisons, and trend analyses were used to improve the validity of the causal inferences. While the results varied according to the type of creativity (discursive or presentational) and the degree of achieved eminence, creative development was found to be affected by the following: (a) role model availability, (b) political fragmentation, (c) imperial instability, and (d) political instability.


Empathy and altruism.

Empathy and altruism. The psychophysiological responses of 60 subjects were measured as they observed a performer play a roulette game. Half of the subjects were led to believe that they were similar to the performer in personality and values, and half were led to believe that they were dissimilar. Half of the subjects in each condition believed that the performer won money and experienced pain as he played the game, and half believed that he performed a cognitive and motor skill task. Subjects who observed a performer who ostensibly experienced pleasure and pain exhibited greater psychophysiological reactions than subjects who did not. Subjects who believed they were similar to the performer tended to react more strongly than subjects who believed they were different from him. Similar subjects also reported identifying most with the performer and feeling the worst while he waited to receive shocks. It was concluded that the similar subjects empathized most with the performer who appeared to experience pleasure and pain. When required to make a choice between helping themselves at a cost to the performer or helping the performer at a cost to themselves, the subjects who reacted most empathically behaved most altruistically. The results were interpreted as casting some light on century-old questions about the human capacity for altruism.


Differentiation of affective and denotative meaning systems and their influence in personality ratings. The present study presents an empirical example of the dichotomy of affective and denotative meaning systems and their influence on individual differences in personality ratings. The three-mode factor analytic technique with a newly developed transformation methodology for the scale mode was applied to data collected by Hogenraad from 50 French-speaking Belgians, rating 40 personality concepts against 40 semantic differential scales. Results indicated that three affective dimensions (evaluation, potency, and activity) proved to be dominant in the indigenous factor structure of personality impressions and that three dimensions in the "other" space, orthogonal to affect, are clearly interpretable denotative semantic features of personalities. Three idealized individual differences on interactions of these two meaning systems with four concept factors were highlighted by the final rotated inner core matrix. The present methodology along with the semantic differential technique and three-mode factor analysis can be applied to various types of subjects and/or concept domains for better understanding of intra- and intercultural differences.


Effects of angiotensin II on fluid transport, transmural potential difference and blood flow by rat jejunum in vivo. A method has been described for the measurement of fluid transport by rat jejunum in vivo over two consecutive 30 min periods. 2. Subpressor infusion rates of angiotensin (0-59 ng/kg per minute) stimulate fluid transport, while high (pressor) infusion rates (590 ng/kg per minute) inhibit fluid absorption. 3. Both the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of angiotensin on fluid transport are not accompanied by any change in the transmural p.d., total blood flow to the jejunum or distribution of blood flow within the wall of the jejunum. 4. These results are discussed in relation to the mechanism of action of angiotensin on fluid transport and its role in sodium and water homoeostasis.


Vibration-induced discharge patterns of single motor units in the masseter muscle in man. Single motor unit potentials were recorded with small bipolar wires from intact masseter muscles in the adult man and a detailed parametric analysis of the effects of muscle vibration on motor unit discharges was carried out. 2. When the vibration amplitude was kept constant, each unit started firing at a definite threshold of vibration frequency. With higher frequencies the rate of firing rapidly reached a maximum. Units recruited at higher frequencies presented a lower maximum rate of firing. 3. When the vibration frequency was kept constant, each masseter unit discharged at a definite threshold of vibration amplitude. With higher amplitudes the unit quickly reached a maximum rate of discharge. Units with a higher frequency threshold tended to also present a higher amplitude threshold. Motor unit "excitability" curves could be plotted using the combined threshold conditions for frequency and amplitude of applied vibrations. 4. With a given parametric set of vibration, the units only started firing at a given delay after the onset of vibration. The delay was quite different for different units and it increased considerably, sometimes by several seconds, when the vibration amplitude was made smaller. 5. In all the experimental conditions tested, and even when the unit discharge did not start until several seconds after vibration onset, the unit potential presented a close and highly consistent temporal relation to the vibration cycles. The slow recruitment process is thought to involve a polysynaptic excitatory mechanism which progressively depolarizes the masseter motoneurones close to their threshold, the actual firing being triggered by monosynaptic excitatory post-synaptic potentials from I(a) afferents, hence the small latency jitter recorded. This special pattern of tonic vibration reflex in jaw-closing muscles in man may result from the lack of reciprocal inhibition from the jaw-opening muscles.


Changes in statistical release parameters during prolonged stimulation of preganglionic nerve terminals. 1. An analysis has been made of the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the preganglionic nerve terminals of the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the guinea-pig during prolonged repetitive stimulation (10 Hz), using the amplitude of the excitatory post-synaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) as a measure of the amount of ACh released. 2. The decline in the mean amount of ACh released by each impulse over 20 min of continuous stimulation was accompanied by a small decrease in the mean miniature (min.) e.p.s.p. amplitude (less than 20%), both in the presence and absence of supplementary choline (3 x 10(-5) M). During stimulation in the presence of hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) (2 x 10(-5) M), the fall in min.e.p.s.p. amplitude was significantly larger. 3. Amplitude-frequency histograms of e.p.s.p.s evoked at different times after the beginning of stimulation were usually well predicted by binomial statistics, using the min.e.p.s.p.s released during each sample period as a measure of the quantal unit. In the other cases, histograms could be predicted using Poisson's Law. 4. A decline in quantal content, m, occurred in all experiments. In the presence of synthesis, with or without added choline, this was always associated with a decrease in the binomial parameter, n, and, in many cases, with a decrease in the binomial parameter, p. During stimulation in the presence of HC-3, a larger fall in p was observed in all experiments. 5. The results suggest that depletion of the ACh stored in the terminal decreases both the size and number of quanta available for release, and that the decrease in the amount of ACh in each quantum reduces the probability of its release.


The effect of sympathetic nerve stimulation on serum gastrin, gastric acid secretion and mucosal blood flow responses to meat extract stimulation in anaesthetized cats. Chloralose anaesthetized cats were prepared with fundic and antral pouches. Fundic mucosal blood flow was measured by the amidopyrine technique and serum gastrin was measured by radioimmunoassay. 2. Meat extract suspension in the pyloric antrum produced a highly significant sixfold increase in arterial serum gastrin concentration (P less than 0-001). 3. The mean ratio of the fundic mucosal blood flow to acid secretory responses (deltaMBF/deltaH+ ratio) of 0-142 +/- 0-026 (25) ml./muequiv H+, is very similar to the values previously published for exogenous gastrin stimulation. 4. Splanchnic nerve stimulation, during responses to meat extract stimulation, produced significant reductions in gastric acid secretion (P less than 0-025), fundic mucosal blood flow (P less than 0-02), Arterial serum gastrin concentration (P less than 0-01) And gastrin delivered to the mucosa (P less than 0-001). 5. In the 30 min period following the end of splanchnic nerve stimulation only arterial serum gastrin concentration remained significantly reduced.


The slow wave in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig stomach. The slow wave in the circular muscle of guinea-pig stomach was investigated with the double sucrose-gap method. 2. The amplitude of the slow wave was reduced by depolarization, and it was increased by a small hyperpolarization (5-10 mV). With hyperpolarization greater than 15 mV the amplitude decreased, and the slow wave became reduced, and less dependent on polarization. This residual was not abolished by strong hyperpolarizing current pulses. 3. The frequency of the slow waves was not much affected by membrane polarization. The change was only 15-20% by depolarization or hyperpolarization of 12mV. 4. Rythmic inward currents could be recorded under voltage-clamp conditions. The frequency of the inward currents was the same as that of the slow wave. The intensity of inward current was little affected by membrane polarization. 5. Lowering the temperature reduced the frequency of the slow wave. The rates of rise and fall of the component which remained during strong hyperpolarization were similarly decreased by lowering the temperature. The Q10 of the frequency was about 2-7. 6. It is suggested that the slow wave consists of two different components. One is generated by a potential independent process, and triggers the second component which is potential dependent. The first component may be controlled by some metabolic process.


Some central mechanisms of thirst in the dog. Measurements of water intake were made on a population of trained conscious dogs of both sexes prepared with chronic third ventricle cannulae. 2. Injection of 100 ng angiotensin II into the third ventricle lead to a prompt stimulation of drinking, the mean water intake over a 5 min period being 503 +/- 89 ml. (n=6) compared with controls. This dipsogenic effect of angiotensin II was abolished by prior central administration of 10 mug saralasin acetate or 100 ng atropine. 3. Injection of 1 mug carbachol into the third ventricle produced a small, variable increase in drinking. 4. Injection of 0-2 ml. 5% NaCl into the third ventricle stimulated drinking, a response that was not affected by prior administration of 10 mug saralasin acetate or 100 ng atropine. 5. Following a 24 hr period of water deprivation there was an increase in plasma osmolality and plasma-renin activity. The drinking following this period of water deprivation was not affected by prior control administration of either 10 mug saralasin acetate or 100 ng atropine. 6. In two acute dogs, intracarotid infusion of 125I angiotensin II was not followed by significant appearance of radioactivity in the third ventricle or cisterna magna c.s.f. 7. The relevance of these results to the control of water intake is discussed.


Milk secretion in the rabbit: changes during lactation and the mechanism of ion transport. Changes in the yield and composition of milk and in the permeability of the mammary epithelium to labelled disaccharides and ions have been studied during lactation in rabbits of the Dutch breed. 2. Milk yield increased to reach a peak on day 20 of lactation and then declined, but by 30-32 days the yield was still relatively high. Milk [protein] and [fat] increased in late lactation; [Na] and [Cl] decreased from early to established lactation (11-14 days) and then increased, whereas milk [K] and [lactose] showed an inverse pattern to that displayed by[Na] and [Cl]. 3. At all stages of lactation [Na] and [Cl] were both inversely related to milk [lactose] while [K] showed a positive correlation. 4. Labelled lactose and sucrose were found to cross the mammary epithelium at all stages but in increased amounts during late lactation. Sucrose entry from blood into milk was positively correlated with milk [Na], and inversely correlated with [K] and [lactose]. 5. The entry of (24)Na and (36)Cl into milk from blood paralleled the changes in milk [Na] and [Cl]. 6. Intracellular ionic composition determined in vitro was similar for [Na] and [K] in both established (11-14 days) and late (25-28 days) lactation, but [Cl] was higher in late lactation. 7. Intracellular potentials recorded in vivo were -31 mV (mean) and -36 mV in established and late lactation respectively. Transepithelial p.d. was close to zero at both stages. 8. It is suggested that ions and lactose and other small molecules can cross the mammary epithelium by a paracellular, as well as by a transcellular route, throughout lactation and that the paracellular pathway is increased in late lactation. 9. The site of the proposed paracellular pathway and the implications of such a pathway's presence on ion transport are discussed, and a scheme is suggested to account for the ionic composition of milk in this species.


The effects of prolactin and oxytocin on milk secretion and on the permeability of the mammary epithelium in the rabbit. The effects of prolactin or oxytocin on milk secretion and the permeability of the mammary epithelium have been investigated in rabbits. 2. Milk yield was increased by prolactin treatment in late (25-28 days) but not in established (11-14 days) lactation. 3. Prolactin treatment increased milk [lactose] and [K] and decreased [Na] and [Cl] in late lactation, and thus reversed the normal changes in late lactation, but had no significant effect in established lactation. 4. [14C]sucrose movements from blood to milk were significantly decreased to levels characteristic of established lactation, following prolactin treatment in late lactation. No significant effect was evident with treatment in established lactation. Na and Cl movements showed similar trends. 5. It is suggested that prolactin in some way affects paracellular movements of ions and small molecules like lactose across the mammary epithelium, and that this mechanism is responsible for the changes in the composition of the aqueous phase of milk. 6. Immediately following a single dose of 100 m-u. oxytocin no significant effects on milk composition were evident but after 1 u. milk [Na] and [cl] were significantly increased. 7. Twenty-four hr after 1 u. oxytocin, milk [Na] and [cl] were decreased while [K], [lactose], [fat] and [protein] were increased. 8. During an I.V. infusion of oxytocin milk [Na] and [Cl] increased while [K] and [lactose] decreased. The passage of [(14)C]sucrose, 24Na and (36)Cl from blood to milk also increased. 9. These effects of oxytocin are discussed in relation to the permeability of the mammary epithelium and the pathways for ion movements, and to other studies on milk composition in the rabbit involving the administration of oxytocin to aid in the evacuation of milk.


A dissociation between fever and prostaglandin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid. 1. Sustained fever has been induced in conscious rabbits by I.V. injection and infusion of endogenous pyrogen. 2. Cerebrospinal fluid (e.s.f.) was sampled from the cisterna magna at hourly intervals. The concentration of prostaglandin increased in parallel with rectal temperature. The prostaglandin was identified as one of the E series. 3. When sodium salicylate (1-5 m-mole followed by a continuous infusion of 9 mumole/min) was started 1 hr before endogenous pyrogen, the febrile response to the pyrogen was not significantly diminished but no rise of prostaglandin concentration was detected in c.s.f. 4. This dissociation between fever and prostaglandin concentration means that changes in cisternal prostaglandin concentration cannot be accepted as evidence that prostaglandin mediates the febrile response.


Catecholamine release from bovine adrenal medulla in response to maintained depolarization. Prolonged exposure of venous-perfused bovine adrenal glands to high K in the presence of external Ca produces a transient increase in catecholamine output that reaches a maximum after about 1 min and then declines with a half-time of about 1-2 min. 2. The time course of the transient secretory response to high K does not depend appreciably on the total catecholamine output which indicates that depletion of releasable catecholamine is unlikely to be responsible for the transient nature of the response. 3. Application of 3-6 mM-Ba stimulates secretion from a gland after many minutes exposure to high K, when catecholamine output has declined close to resting levels. This provides further evidence that depletion does not play a major role in the transient response and shows that maintained depolarization does not inhibit the secretory mechanism. 4. Exposure to high K solutions in which Ca has been replaced isomotically by Mg does not evoke any catecholamine output. Subsequent application of Ca always elicits some secretion although the size of this response to added Ca declines rapidly during exposure to Ca-free, high K solutions. The failure of the secretory response in these experiments is more rapid, and earlier in onset than the declining phase of the normal secretory response evoked in the presence of calcium. 5. Pre-treatment with Ca-free solutions of intermediate K content reduces the response to subsequent simultaneous application of high K and Ca. There is a roughly sigmoidal relation between the reduction in response and the logarithm of the K concentration used for pre-treatment. 6. Thin slices of bovine adrenal medulla show qualitatively similar responses on exposure to high K. Examination of the flourescent signal from slices dyed with the potential-sensitive dye DiS-C(3)-(5) suggests that maintained exposure to high K produces a stable depolarization. 7. The most likely explanation for these results is that K-depolarization first activates and subsequently inactivates a potential-sensitive Ca permeability channel. This inactivation is time and possibly potential dependent. 8. The effect of high K on calcium movements in medullary slices was examined. Exposure to 72 mM-K increases (45)Ca uptake, the increase being greatest during the first 10 min. The efflux of Ca is also increased on exposure to high K in the presence of Ca. The net Ca uptake in 72 mM-K is smaller than the tracer uptake of Ca. These findings indicate that K depolarization stimulates a Ca-Ca exchange process. They are also consistent with, but do not offer strong positive support for, the idea that K-depolarization first activates and subsequently inactivates Ca entry. 9. It is suggested that Ca inactivation might play a role in the modulation of neurosecretion and neurotransmitter release by changes in membrane potential.


[The radiologic aspects after highly selective vagotomy (author's transl)]. The purpose of this study is to report the early radiologic modifications observed among 72 patients operated for duodenal ulcer. Each patient has been subjected to a double control, the first eight days and the second eight weeks after the operation. The first transit permits to judge the efficacity and quality of the highly selective vagotomy and shows the permanent and transistory modifications of the cardia, the stomac, the duodenum and the small bowel; the second permits to study the condition of the ulcer.


[Small intestinal occlusion by primary neoplastic stenosis. Concerning 10 patients (author's transl)]. The authors present 10 cases of primary cancer of the small intestine which had led to occlusive disorders. After eliminating occlusion due to strangulation and confirming the simple mechanical nature of the obstacle on confrontation of the clinical signs (Koenig's syndrome) and data from the plain X-rays of the unprepared abdomen, they carried out contrast radiography using barium, which enabled them in 6 cases to suspect the malignant nature of the stenosis.


[Radiological aspects of the lower esophagus rings of adults (author's transl)]. The authors propose an easy radiological classification of the various lower esophageal rings. They distinguish between the ring which are linked with a disorders at the gastroesophageal junction such as Schatzki's mucous rings and the peptic rings and those which are not such a congenital and muscular rings. The first category is the most frequent.


[Intravenous duodenography: a routine investigation (author's transl)]. The authors present their experience of intravenous duodenography using tiemonium methyl sulphate which they described in 1963. This simple, regular and safe techniques enables one to obtain at the end of the investigations, a duodenography by first intention, by means of the intravenous injection of tiemonium. Parietal lesions, extrinsic compression of small or large dimension, within the duodenal outline are easily demonstrated. Gastroduodenal investigation must of course be comprised of pictures during collapse, semi-collapse and repletion of the entire duodenal outline; once out of every two times, one has to recourse to intravenous duodenography which has become a routine investigation.


[The radiological diagnosis of pyelocaliceal tumors. Accent placed on the value of arteriography, especially after the angiotensin test (author's transl)]. From a study of 22 cases of excretory pathway tumors, which had undergone simple selective arteriography, complemented in certain cases by an angiotensin test, the authors were able to draw the following conclusions: -In those forms which show a pyelocaliceal lacuna on intravenous pyelography, arteriography does not help in making a diagnosis; in particular it does not help in distinguishing malignant forms from benign forms. It is therefore of no practical value and is not indicated in such cases. -In those forms showing caliceal amputation or a non functioning kidney on intravenous pyleography, arteriography nearly always enables the diagnosis of a tumor and confirms considerable parenchymal invasion. Its practical value is evident and it seems that it is always indicated in such cases. -Interpretation of the documents must always be thorough, looking for minor signs, while being aware of possible causes of error.


[Critical analysis of angiography in renal traumatology (author's transl)]. From this analysis of a series of 39 cases of trauma submitted to angiography, it can once again be said that surgical indications and tactics are essentially determined by vascular involvment. Renal arteriography is therefore alone capable of answering two primordial questions: "Must surgery be undertaken and when operating, what surgical tactics to adopt". It must be preceded by full arteriography which enables one to evaluate associated lesions (spleen 15%), at the same time as it orientates selective arteriography. The I.V.P. is a correct means of approach but is only significant in 60% of cases. Abstention from radiological investigation as a primary requisite is unpardonable and can leave irreversible sequels. (10% of cases).


[Study of the growth of a mammary cancer and of one of its pulmonary metastases (author's transl)]. A kinetic difference between a mammary cancer and one of its pulmonary metastases progressing simultaneously, has been quantified. The time in which the primary tumor doubled was 72 hours whereas that of the pulmonary metastasis was 20 days. This difference is probably related to variations in the local conditions of tumor proliferation. It is found in certain series where primary tumors and pulmonary metastase shad been seperately studied.


[Dynamic telethermography and strategy in cancerology (author's transl)]. Infrared thermography supplies new elements in the systematic screening for cancer of the breast, in the early diagnosis of other localizations (malignant cutaneous melanomas, uterine cervix, osseous sarcomas), in the check-up of extension of these cancers (in particular distant metastases) and especially in the study of their behaviour (rapid growing cancer) and in their prognosis. It can also be of great help in the treatment of numerous cancers in the choice of tactical objectives (thermovisual definition of targets), in the choice of a strategic plan (chronology of therapeutic combinations) and especially for better post-therapeutic follow-up.


[Novel contribution of dynamic telethermography in the diagnosis of dysplasia and cancer of the uterine cervix (author's transl)]. At the present time when maximum information, obtained without practising an incision, on anomalies of the cervix take on the greater importance, thermivision provides novel data. Hot dysplasia was revealed to be true early cancer, cold dystrophy was near to hot subclinical cancer and "screened" in a way and picked up by routine thermovisual investigations. An elevated thermogenesis, even of a colposcopically benign lesion should maintain clinical alertness. Disagreement between the results of colposcopy, thermovision and cervico-uterine cytology, instead of leading to the rejection of these methods, must on the contrary make one look for the reasons for these divergences. D.T.T. in introducing new data, undoubtedly provides an element of uterine cervical physiology. Faced with an evident early cancer, study of the thermal emission enables one to precisely show the degree of local extension of this cancer and sometines its multifocal nature. It is an event, an approach to the physiology of malignancy. Furthermore it is remarkable to note the cooling after ionizing irradiation, rapid and complete cooling. D.T.T. is therefore called upon to take its place which is even greater as new non-mutilating therapeutic methods such as cryosurgery for example develop.


[Contribution of xerography in the discovery of radiolucent billiary calculi (author's transl)]. Used in 100 patients, in whom the gall bladder was badly opacified, and apparently contained no stones, xeroradiography led to the appearance of images of radiolucent calculi on 8 occasions. Furthermore, it enabled a differential diagnosis between lacunae due to lithiasis and gaseous pseudo-lacunae. The weak system transfer density however prevented it being considered other than as a complementary method. Undoubtedly, however it announces the wider possibilities for electronic radiography, of which the images are comparable with a greatly reduced irradiation.


[Estimate of coronary blood flow by simple fixation measurement of 86Rb on the cardiac muscle (author's transl)]. The method for measuring coronary blood flow, which is described here, is based on the estimate, by external detection, of the quantity of 86Rb fastened on the cardiac muscle about ten minutes after the injection. The discussion which follows after this report, shows that the use of such a late time for the measurements does not contradict the fondamental hypothesis but allows to work in perfect technical conditions. The results obtained,widely superposable to those which have been published until to-day, prove a posteriori the availability of the method.


[Double venoma (varicosity) of the neck in an 8 year old child (author's transl)]. Venous ectasia in the neck, can for esthetic reasons, justify radical surgical treatment. But as it is a benign condition, the decision to operate also depends on the topography of the ectasia. The authors present the case of a double jugular localization, internal and external, explored by the techniques of direct and retrograde phlebography.