[Reactions of neurons in the associative thalamic nuclei to peripheral stimulation of different modality].

Reactions of 252 neurons of the mediodorsal nucleus (MD) and 329 cells of the pulvinar-posterior-lateral complex (Pulv-LP) of the thalamus to separate the complex peripheral stimulations (visual, auditory and somatosensory) were studied in acute experiments on cats anaesthetized with a mixture of chloralose and nembutal. According to the character of the neuronal responses to peripheral stimuli three types of reactions were found: acceleration of the background activity (32.0% neurons in Pulv-LP and 20.6% in MD), inhibition (21.0% neurons in Pulv-LP and 24.2% in MD) and mixed (8.8% neurons in Pulv-LP and 4.0% in MD). No responses were observed in 37.4% neurons of Pulv-LP and in 51.2% of MD. Along with certain similarity, some specific features in the organization of Pulv-LP and MD were found. According to the response latency, the neuronal reactions to stimulation were divided into three groups: with short (less than 20 ms), medium (21--40 ms) and long (over 41 ms) latent period. The second group was the most numerous.


[Analysis of the spike activity of pairs of caudate nucleus neurons in cats].

Spike activity of pairs of neurons was recorded simultaneously with a single microelectrode in the caudate nucleus of lightly anaesthetized immobilized cats. A high time correlation was observed in discharges of two neurons when their background activity showed group discharges. In case of unitary background activity, correlation between spike trains was observed only in 50% of the cells; it could be both of excitatory and inhibitory type. Many neuronal pairs exhibited negative short latency correlation in the 0--4 ms range. Electrical stimulation of different afferent inputs of the caudate nucleus caused minimal correlation between neuronal discharges and, on the contrary, abolished correlation between spontaneous discharges of the same pair of neurons. The presented results are discussed from the point of view of the caudate nucleus as an associative cerebral nucleus.


[Effect of stimulation of the preoptic region of the hypothalamus on the activity of individual optic tract fibers in rabbits].

Statistical background characteristics and impulse activity of some fibres of the optical tract evoked by light flashes were compared before and after stimulation of the preoptic hypothalamic region in listenin-immobilized rabbits. It was shown that the influence of the high frequency preoptical hypothalamus stimulation correlates with the pattern of responses to light flashes observed when recording from the optical tract fibres. In most cases the preoptical hypothalamus stimulation caused an increase of the background activity and facilitation of responses to light flashes. Phasic response to a light flash with short latency (42 ms), consisting of a long train of pulses and tonic responses with long latency (155 ms) were facilitated to a greater extent. The facilitation of short-latent (35 ms) phasic responses to a light flash consisting of a short train of phases after the preoptical hypothalamus stimulation was not clearly pronounced or was inhibited.


[Evoked responses of the lateral geniculate body to photic stimulation in intact and visually deprived rabbits].

Flash-evoked responses were recorded from the contralateral lateral geniculate nucleus and from the primary visual cortex in 2--3-month-old dark-reared rabbits. Experiments were performed under nembutal anaesthesia in dark-adapted animals. It was found that, in contrast to a significant decrease in the cortical primary response amplitude of visually deprived rabbits, there were no apparent differences either in amplitude or latency and duration of the geniculate nucleus response between dark-reared and control animals. These results suggest that the abnormalities evoked in visually deprived rabbits were localized mainly at the cortical level. Hypothetical mechanisms of functional abnormalities in dark-reared rabbits are discussed.


[Effect of local iontophoretic application of acetylcholine and serotonin on rabbit superior cervical ganglion neurons].

The effect of iontophoretically applied acetylcholine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) on the neurons of the rabbit isolated superior cervical ganglion was studied by means of intracellular recording. It is found that the ganglion cell soma has only nicotinic receptors and no muscarinic receptors; nicotinic receptors are dispersed nonuniformly on the surface of the soma membrane. Spontaneous EPSPs were observed due to ACh application, which indicates excitation of presynaptic terminals. In about a half of ganglion neurons the soma possessed serotonin receptors.


[Extracranial internal carotid aneurysms in closed brain injuries (author's transl)].

Six cases of traumatic aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery are presented. It has been an unexcepted finding in all patients without actual clinical importance. Angiography has been repeated in two cases. Possible sequale of these lesions are discussed.


[Increased intracranial pressure. Methods of measurement, pathophysiology and treatment (author's transl)].

After describing the various methods for measuring the intracranial pressure, the causes of the rise of pressure within the skull and the possibilities for compensation are discussed. The elasticity of the brain tissue, which can be determined by pressure/volume stress, plays a crucial role in compensating for pressure. A reciprocal influence exists between intracranial pressure, cerebral circulation and brain oedema, as well as between intracerebral pressure and peripheral circulation. The treament of raised intracranial pressure is possibly by CSF drainage, hyperventilation and hypothermia, as well as by drugs such as steroids and diuretics.


The effects on intracranial pressure of stopping controlled ventilation in patients with head injuries.

The effects on intracranial pressure (ICP) of stopping artificial ventilation, were studied in 34 of 75 patients with severe head injuries in whom early long-term respirator treatment was undertaken. The changes in ICP after switching off the ventilator appeared to be correlated with paCO2 and paO2 levels, brain elasticity and vascular reactivity.


[Two neurinomas of the cauda in a patient with a suspected disk lesion (author's transl)].

Multiple neurinomas in the cauda equina were found in a 56-year-old patient, who had been suffered from left-sided sciatica for about one and half years. The origins were suspected in right L3 nerve root and left L4 nerve root. Multiple tumours in the cauda equina are not common; therefore, the authors discuss in this paper how rare the case is and about the difficulties of the differential diagnosis between herniated disk and tumour in the cauda equina.


CAT-follow up of communicating hydrocephalus after subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Consecutive CAT-Scans demonstrate the consequences of increased ventricular pressure after SAH and indicate when a shunt procedure may be necessary.


[Carotid fibromuscular dysplasia].

An uncommon case, probably the first in Mexico, of fibromuscular dysplasia involving the internal, extra and intracranial carotid artery, histologically demonstrated in an 18-year old young man is presented. The few bibliographical references on the subject are reviewed and emphasis is placed on the importance of angiographic studies for the establishment of the aethiology of the disease in all cases of occlusive cerebrovascular accident.


[Perception of your body. A psychoanalytical approach].

This paper discusses body-perception from a psychoanalytic point of view. Ia attempts a "totalizing" view of human behavior which integrates the whole of perception-thought-action-perception as a single process of organism-environment interaction. The underlying episthemological framework implies the rejection of lineal causal deterministic explanations in favor of a dynamic conception, in terms of feed-back mechanisms. Thus it discards the various false oppositions between "body-perception" and "object-perception"; and between cognition, affectivity and connation. The former is resolved through the recognition of the fact that perception is always a comparative process, which results from the organism-environment interaction. The comparative element for body-perception is the dynamic unconsious body scheme. The latter opposition is resolved through the application of the basic psychoanalytic model, which integrates the primary models for cognition, affectivity and connation.


Glial fibrillary acidic protein in human gliomas.

The presence of GFA protein, an astrocyte specific antigen, was investigated in surgical biopsies of ninety-five gliomas using an immunoperoxidase detection method. In some cases electron microscopy was added and also in one tumour immunoelectron microscopy. The results were correlated with the histological classification and grading of the tumours. In astrocytomas, the number of GFA positive cells decreased with increasing malignancy. Some malignant oligodendrogliomas surprisingly showed GFA in oligodendroglial and gemistocytic tumour cells. Thus, transition from oligodendroglial into astrocytic tumour cells seems to occur. In the mixed astrocytoma/oligodendrogliomas, theoli godendroglioma areas were negative. Subependymomas were strongly GFA positive, whereas ependymomas and medulloblastomas were negative. The presence or absence of GFA seems to contribute a 'hard' criterion for classifying gliomas and may be helpful in grading them according to the degree of malignancy.


Kinetics of cell proliferation in the postnatal rat dentate gyrus.

Cell cycle parameters in the dentate gyrus of the postnatal rat hippocampus were measured, using the method of percentage labelled mitoses. In animals aged 1, 6 and 12 days, cell cycle times range from 15.1 to 17.7 h, S phase duration from 10.1 to 11.7 h, length of the G2 phase from 2.5 to 3.3 h and G1 from 1.1 to 2.4 h. These figures are similar to those obtained for other precursor cell populations in the brain. On the day after birth the labelling index in the dentate hilus is 4.5% and estimated turnover time 220 h, while on day 6 the labelling index is 3.7% and estimated turnover time 310 h. It is calculated that precursor cells outnumber granule cells by at least 3:1 at birth and 2:1 by day 6.


Cellular reactions to subependymal plate haemorrhage in the human neonate.

The most important cause of death in human premature babies at the present time is intraventricular haemorrhage consequent to haemorrhage in the subependymal plate. Lesser degrees of plate haemorrhage can also have serious effects. It was possible to observe the reaction to such haemorrhages in twenty-seven cases whose range of gestational age extended from 23 to 36 weeks and survival from 4 to 59 days. The haemorrhage occurs in the first week of life, usually in the first few days. The earliest reaction at 4 days was the presence of mononuclear phagocytes around the haemorrhage, these evolved to iron pigment macrophages which were present in eighteen of the twenty-two cases in which some reaction was detected. Subependymal astrocytic proliferation was seen at 11 days, related to ependymal disruption, but an astrocytic reaction around the haemorrhage and related to it was not seen until 14 days. Within the subependymal plate this reaction was scanty in fibril production and the cells were thought to be derived from differentiating astrocytes in the plate. In one case a more marked reaction was detected to hypoxic damage in the adjacent thalamus. The source of the phagocytes in these sites and the reasons for the rather slow astrocytic reaction are discussed.


Lysosomal storage in Swainsona spp. toxicosis: an induced mannosidosis.

Ingestion of Swainsona spp. by grazing livestock results in a chronic disease characterized by neurological disturbances and intense vacuolation of cells in most organs. Experiments were carried out using Swainsona canescens and evidence is presented to show that tissues from affected animals contain high levels of mannose-rich oligosaccharides and that the plant contains an inhibitor of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase. It is concluded that ingestion of Swainsona induces a lysosomal storage disease, biochemically and morphologically similar to genetically determined mannosidosis. The role of this process in relation to Swainsona toxicosis is discussed.


Hemiparkinsonism with infarction of the ipsilateral substantia nigra.

An elderly man suffering from dementia associated with hypertension developed right-sided parkinsonism marked by rigidity and flexion. At autopsy the brain showed generalized vascular changes chiefly in the white matter, diffuse plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation in the temporal cortex, and a discrete gliotic scar in the right substantia nigra. Hemiparkinsonism with a strictly unilateral lesion confined to the substantia nigra has, to our knowledge, not been described before, and the fact that it was ipsilateral adds to its theoretical interest.


Microsurgical evaluation of the pterional approach to aneurysms of the distal basilar circulation.

The microsurgical correlates the pterional approach to the distal basilar circulation were evaluated in 20 cases of posterior circulation aneurysms, 50 human cadaver dissections, and a variety of other intracranial surgical lesions. The pterional approach permitted successful clipping of the aneurysm in 13 of 15 basilar bifurcation aneurysms, 1 of 2 basilar-posterior cerebral aneurysms, and 2 of 3 basilar-superior cerebellar aneurysms. In each of the failed attempts via the pterional approach, the subtemporal route ultimately resulted in proper clip application. The interposition of the posterior clinoid process was the impediment to successful clipping in three of the four cases that could not be managed via the pterional approach. All 3 of these patients had a basilar bifurcation that was below the level of the posterior clinoid on angiography, whereas none of the remaining 17 aneurysm patients demonstrated a low-lying bifurcation. Posterior displacement of the basilar artery away from the posterior clinoid exceeded 1 cm in only 13% of our cases and was not an impediment to successful clipping of the aneurysm via the pterional route. We conclude that, when the anatomical situation is appropriate, the pterional approach offers the advantages of less brain retraction and better visualization of the parent arteries and important perforating branches when compared to the subtemporal approach.


Changes in brain cholinesterases in senile dementia of Alzheimer type.

Acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase activities have been measured biochemically in normal brain tissue, in senile dementia of Alzheimer type and in mental disorders without Alzheimer-type abnormalities. Acetylcholinesterase was significantly reduced and butyrylcholinesterase significantly increased, compared with the normal, in the hippocampus and temporal cortex of the Alzheimer cases. No significant enzyme changes were seen in the other diseases investigated including multi-infarct dementia, schizophrenia and depression. There was no correlation between age and acetylcholinesterase activity, but a significant positive correlation between the butyrylcholinesterase activities with increasing age (60-90 years) was found in the hippocampus. The possible connection between cholinergic system pathology and these cholinesterase abnormalities in Alzheimer dementia is discussed.


General disease in 120 necropsy-proven cases of multiple sclerosis.

The general pathology in 120 necropsy-proven cases of multiple sclerosis has been compared with that of matched neurological and general controls. There was no significant difference in the incidence of coronary thrombosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral haemorrhage, thyroid atrophy and splenic haemosiderosis. There was also no significant difference in malignancy in the three groups. The implications of these findings with particular reference to immunopathology are discussed. 74% of patients with multiple sclerosis died from complications of the disease; 26% died from apparently unrelated diseases.


Shunt-associated glomerulonephritis.

Six patients with glomerulonephritis in association with a ventriculovascular shunt were treated with three basic modes of therapy. Direct intraventricular instillation of antibiotic was used on seven occasions in five patients either as the definitive mode of therapy or as an adjunct to shunt removal. Ventricular fluid antibiotic concentrations were monitored in two patients and demonstrate that effective levels as compared to the specific minimal inhibitory concentration can only be achieved by this method. With resolution of the shunt infection, improvement in the clinical and laboratory parameters of renal function was noted. A recommended treatment protocol is outlined, including specific dosages for intraventricular antibiotics. The need for detailed and frequent post-treatment examination including serum immunoglobulin profile is stressed.


Cerebral cysticercosis: occurrence in the immigrant population.

Six cases of cerebral cysticercosis have been diagnosed at the Neurological Institute of New York during the past 18 years. Three recent cases are discussed, with emphasis on the variability of signs and symptoms and the best available diagnostic techniques. One must have a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients who have immigrated to the United States from endemic areas, although the disease may be acquired through food contaminated by carriers in nonendemic areas. Conventional radiography (e.g., plain films and pneumography) and, more recently, computerized tomography are the most effective tests to confirm this diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum eosinophilia and indirect hemagglutination titers are nonspecific but occasionally helpful. Therapy is currently confined to surgical excision of lesions where possible and symptomatic treatment otherwise.


Servo-controlled lumbar infusions: a clinical tool for the determination of CSF dynamics as a function of pressure.

The variable rate lumbar subarachnoid infusion technique allows rapid quantitative study of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment. Numerous pressure plateaus are studied in a brief time period with a servo-controlled system. The test determines the difference between rates of CSF absorption and formation as a function of pressure. On-line computer data analysis increases experimental efficiency to guarantee statistical significance. Animal and patient data are presented in the report.


Concussion: comparison of humans and rats.

Concussion is the most primitive and probably the most simple central nervous system response to an outside agent. Although millions of neurons undergo a very rapid reversal with loss and restoration of function, many physicians argue that every knockout blow leaves some residual damage, i.e., some or all of these neurons stop short of recovery. Clinical experience shows a wide discrepancy in the appearance or persistence of certain signs and symptoms after all types of head injury, but particularly after concussing blows, when third party or grievance cases are involved. Using slow motion filmstrips of boxing ring knockouts, we established a grading system for concussion and duplicated these grades in nonanesthetized rats. When we compared the performance, learning, and memory of concussed rats with their preconcussion performance and with the performance of nonconcussed controls, we were unable to find any differences.


Transoral exposure of the atlantoaxial region.

A broad spectrum of disease entities affects the atlantoaxial-clival region. This area is readily accessible through a transoral approach, which offers capabilities for canal decompression and fusion. A case is reported that required transoral odontoidectomy with concurrent excision of an osteophyte from the base of an ununited odontoid fracture. Operative preparation, technique, and postoperative management are described in detail. The advantage and applications of the procedure are discussed.


Saccular aneurysm associated with absence of the left cervical carotid arteries.

The authors report successful surgical treatment of a patient with an anterior communicating artery aneurysm associated with absence of all of the left cervical carotid arteries. A review of the previous reports of 15 cases of intracranial aneurysm in association with absence of the internal carotid artery emphasizes the rarity of this lesion. Aneurysms with such an association have a distinct distribution different from that observed in the usual population. The data suggest that intracranial aneurysm develops more frequently in the absence of the internal carotid artery as a result of altered hemodynamics.


Posterior fossa subdural hematoma in a hemophiliac.

A successfully managed case of posterior fossa subdural hematoma occurring in a hemophiliac is reported, and the rarity of this lesion is mentioned. The management of the hemophiliac who is a victim of craniocerebral trauma is discussed, with emphasis on the use of computerized tomographic scanning to obtain rapid diagnosis. The importance of prophylactic Factor VIII replacement is emphasized, and appropriate methods of Factor VIII administration are outlined.


Sarcoidosis of the cervical spinal canal: case report.

A patient with sarcoidosis presenting as an intradural extramedullary space-occupying lesion in the cervical spinal canal is described.


Smoking during pregnancy. Its effect on maternal metabolism and fetoplacental function.

The effects of smoking during pregnancy on maternal body composition and the fetoplacental unit were investigated serially in well-matched groups of 29 normal, healthy primigravid smokers and 31 nonsmokers. The babies of smokers were lighter by an average of 138 g, and there was a greater proportion of small-for-dates infants among smokers compared with nonsmokers. There was a failure in expansion of mean plasma volume and total body water in patients who smoked throughout pregnancy compared with nonsmokers. No differences were demonstrated in serum protein, intravascular protein mass, serum albumin, intravascular albumin mass, serum electrolytes, serum osmolality, urinary estriol excretion, fetal biparietal diameter, or weekly growth rate between the 2 groups. The concentration of serum heat-stable alkaline phosphatase at 34 and 38 weeks' gestation, during the second stage of labor, and in the early puerperium was significantly higher in smokers. It is postulated that smoking unfavorably alters maternal body composition which is manifested in poor overall performance with the consequent production of smaller infants. The effects of tobacco smoke on the fetus may possibly be mediated via the placenta.


Unconjugated estriol and cortisol in maternal and cord serum and amniotic fluid in normal and abnormal pregnancy.

This study investigated unconjugated E3 and cortisol in normal and abnormal (diabetes and chronic stress) pregnancies and the compartmental (maternal, fetoplacental, amniotic fluid) concentrations and relationships in simultaneous samples. It was demonstrated that in labor both steriods are higher in all compartments than in patients having an elective cesarean section. Diabetic pregnancies do not differ radically from normal, but the stressed gestations have lower E3 and elevated fetal cortisol levels. That the maternal serum unconjugated E3 reflected fetoplacental function was confirmed. Twin pregnancies that were studied presented some conflicting data.


Spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes after amniocentesis.

Three hundred eighty amniocenteses in 200 parturients were reviewed for success or failure in obtaining amniotic fluid, number of attempts for each amniocentesis, premature rupture of the fetal membranes, presence of blood, and the perinatal outcome. The highest success rate was in cases in which amniocentesis was performed between the symphysis and the presenting part of the fetus. The total incidence of spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes within 5 days after the last amniocentesis was 13.5%. When the amniocentesis was performed behind the fetal neck, the membranes ruptured significantly more frequently (P less than 0.05) than after amniocentesis at other sites. It is concluded that the area behind the fetal neck should be avoided if possible at amniocentesis. There were no severe be avoided if possible at amniocentesis. There were no severe fetal or neonatal complications from amniocentesis in these patients.


Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein levels in cholestasis of pregnancy.

Plasma concentrations of pregnancy specific beta-1-glycoprotein (PSBG) were measured by specific radioimmunoassay in 211 samples from 123 normal women during the third trimester of pregnancy and in 166 samples from 68 patients with cholestasis of pregnancy. At 37--38 weeks of gestation patients with cholestasis had significantly lower PSBG levels than the normal pregnant women (P less than 0.005), whereas the levels in patients in the cholestasis had not been significantly different from those for normal pregnant women before 37 weeks. At 37--38 weeks of gestation patients with cholestasis showed a slight correlation between placnetal weight and plasma PSBS levels (r = 0.362; P less than 0.05), whereas this was not found in patients with normal pregnancy. No correlation was found between infant weight or length at birth and the PSBG concentrations in either group, and no difference was noted in PSBG concentrations between cases with and without fetal distress.


Ultrasonic diagnosis of the large-for-dates infant.

Data on consecutive measurement of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and fetal chest area in 42 normal weight infants (birthweight 10--90th percentile) and 30 large-for-dates (birthweight above the 90th percentile) are presented. Pregnancy duration varied from 32 to 40 weeks. In the normal weight group fetal BPD and chest area were above the 95th percentile fo the normal curve in 7% and 5% of the cases; in the large-for-dates group the figures were 7% and 47%. Head to chest ratio fell below the fifth percentile of the normal curve in 53% of the large-for-dates against only 2% of the normal weight infants. In the detection of the large-for-dates infant ultrasonic measurement of fetal chest area appears to be superior to ultrasonic measurement of fetal BPD.


Vacuum extraction. Use in a community hospital setting.

The history of vacuum extraction and its use in a specific community hospital setting is reviewed. Basic principles for successful use of the extractor are cited. Two hundred twenty-eight consecutive vacuum extraction cases occurring in an 18-month period are evaluated for indications and outcome. The most common indications were fetal distress, 41.6%; malposition of the vertex 35%; and dysfunctional labor 14.6%. Several subjects exhibited more than one condition influencing the decision to use the extractor. Particular reference is made to the occurrence of significant trauma to the fetal scalp in 18.7% of cases. Careful choice of candidates for vacuum extraction and adherence to principles of application and traction technique are emphasized to reduce the incidence of fetal scalp trauma.


Improved neonatal survival through maternal transport.

Data on outcome from 239 consecutive infants requiring neonatal intensive care following in utero maternal transport to a regional perinatal center were contrasted with those of 642 infants born in outlying hospitals and consecutively transported as newborns to regional intensive care centers during the same 30-month period (January 1974 through June 1976). Neonatal mortality was lower for maternal transport than for newborn transport infants in comparable groups of mortality risk (based on birthweight and gestational age), reaching levels of significant difference (P less than .05) for groups of premature infants weighing less than 1500 g and born prior to 34 weeks' gestation. A high-risk maternal transport system developed subsequent to a well established newborn transport and intensive care system broadens the scope of patients afforded neonatal intensive care and further reduces neonatal mortality and morbidity in the region it serves.


Fetal arrhythmia.

Seven human fetuses with intermittently recurring cardiac arrhythmias of ectopic origin were studied intensively during labor and the early neonatal period. Neonatal outcome, judged by Apgar scores and neonatal acid-base parameters, was favorable in all 7 patients. Three of the seven arrhythmias reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm within 72 hours, and six of the seven resolved by 5 days of age. One neonate, with supraventricular tachycardia, developed congestive heart failure, necessitating digitalization, but was free of symptoms at 6 weeks and showed no evidence of congenital heart disease. The literature on fetal cardiac arrhythmias is reviewed. A number of etiologic mechanisms and several methods of pharmacologic therapy of these irregularities have been proposed. These cases suggest, however, that fetal arrhythmias of ectopic origin need not represent signs of fetal distress or cardiac anomaly and may be inocuous. Evidence to date indicates that in utero pharmacologic treatment of fetal arrhythmias is not indicated.


Effect of maternal alcohol exposure on fetal ovarian lactate dehydrogenase.

Pregnant inbred mice strain Balb/c injected intraperitoneally with 100 mu1 of 70% ethanol for 7 consecutive days (9th through 16th day of gestation). One group of mice were also injected with diethylstibestrol (DES) dissolved in 70% ethanol. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured 90 days postpartum in the crude extracts of ovarian tissues (obtained from mothers and offspring) as well as in testicular tissues of the male offspring. The data show that the electrophoretic pattern of LDH in these tissues does not change, but the ovarian LDH is inhibited by alcohol. The testicular LDH on the other hand is not affected by the alcohol treatment. Because of the effect of alcohol itself, the effect of DES could not be determined.


Elevated serum cathepsin B1 and vaginal pathology after prenatal DES exposure.

Activities of the lysosomal enzymes, cathepsin B1 (CBI), beta-glucuronidase, and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase, as well as sialyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and placenta-like alkaline phosphatase, were determined on blind-coded serums from 99 women exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero and 40 unexposed subjects of comparable age range. Cathepsin B1 averaged 100%, 1040% (P less than 0.001), 2720 % (P less than 0.001), and 4760% (P less than 0.001) of controls in DES-exposed women with no genital tract abnormalities (N = 11), adenosis (N = 68), adenosis with concomitant dysplasia (N = 15), and clear-cell adenocarcinoma (N = 5), respectively. The later two groups also exhibited 0.01). Activities of the other four enzymes in serums of DES-exposed women were unchanged from those controls, suggesting that alterations in CBI were not due to generalized increases in lysosomal membrane instability or other gross cellular damage. In 2 DES-exposed women with clear-cell adenocardinoma, from whom serial samples were available, preoperative levels of serum CBl fell from a mean of 4280% to values indistinguishable from controls by 7--12 days after tumor excision, concurrently with objective signs of remission. Recrudescence of serum CBI levels preceded by at least 3 months clinical evidence of persistent adenosis accompanied by vaginal dysplasia. Although the nature of the increments in CBI-like activity in the majority of subjects with DES-related pathology remains to be determined, the findings may complement present methods of physical diagnosis and prognosis.


A comparative study between radioreceptor assay and radioimmunoassay for hCG in patients with trophoblastic disease.

The results of a urinary quantitative radioreceptor assay (RRA) were compared with those obtained with an established specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for hCG in a group of patients with trophoblastic disease. A good correlation (r = 0.95) was found between the two methods for values greater than 10 mIU/ml of hCG. A specific RIA for hCG should be used when the hCG levels fall below 10 mIU/ml. With the use of this urinary RRA, the clinician can follow patients with hydatidiform more for up to 10 weeks after evacuation and have the hCG titer available on the same day the specimen is obtained.


Abnormalities of lymphocyte transformations in women with intraepithelial carcinoma of the vulva.

Cellular immunity of the delayed type in women with intraepithelial carcinoma (carcinoma is situ) of the vulva was investigated by an in vitro assay of mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformations. Test results from 9 patients were compared to those of 23 age-matched control subjects. Lymphocyte transformation responses in counts per minute were significantly lower for women with carcinoma in situ of the vulva than for control subjects for phytohemagglutinin-P (at 50 microgram/ml) 6238 and 28,102 (P less than 0.0001); for phytohemagglutinin-P (at 165 microgram/ml 7222 and 21,417 (P less than 0.001); for concanavallin A, 14,988 and 41,888 (P less than 0.0001); and pokeweed mitogen, 20,861 and 49,601 (P less than 0.001). No significant differences in lymphocyte transformations were noted between these two groups to the specific antigens, Candida or streptokinase-streptodornase. Four patients with carcinoma in situ of the vulva were also found to have intraepithelial carcinoma of the cervix and/or vegina. The occurrence and clinical course of carcinoma in situ of the vulva in some women may be related to an underlying defect in cellular immunity. Immunosuppression may also explain the frequent association noted between carcinoma of the vulva and the development of other malignant neoplasms.


A temporary response of recurrent granulosa cell tumor to adriamycin.

A case is reported of recurrent granulosa cell tumor of the ovary that had failed irradiation therapy and alkylating agent plus antimetabolite chematherapy. Of particular note is the dramatic complete response to single-agent therapy with Adriamycin.


Enhanced red cell oxygen transport in a pregnant woman with hemoglobin SD disease.

An anemic pregnant black primigravida with hemoglobin SD disease was studied throughout pregnancy and parturition. Hemoglobin SD disease was established by agar gel electrophoresis at pH 6.2. The patient carried to term a healthy femlae infant, an unusual occurrence in a patient homozygous for hemoglobin SD disease. The increase in the red cell concentration of 2,3 disphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG) of 18--21 micrometer/g Hb (normal 12 +/- 2 micrometer/g Hb) was associated with a decrease in red cell oxygen affinity. The patient's in vitro P50 value ranged between 35 and 45 mm Hg (normal 28 +/- 1 mmHg). The function of red cells with increased 2,3 DPG levels and decreased affinity for oxygen in a pregnant woman with hemoglobin SD disease is discussed.


Pregnancy following removal and chemotherapy of ovarian endodermal sinus tumor.

The first reported case of successful pregnancy following unilateral adnexectomy and combination chemotherapy for nedodermal sinus tumor is presented. The rationale for conservative management of this virulent neoplasm is discussed.


Benign cystic teratoma of the fallopian tube.

There have been 45 cases of cystic teratomas reported in the literature and, although all reports have been extensive, they were not summarized until 1972. Because this condition is rare, it is important to develop accurate statistics on cystic teratoma. The case reported here is the 46th to be reported and the 45th case of benign cystic teratoma.


Intraoperative photography A sterile system.

A practical, sterile system for intraoperative photography by the surgeon has been developed and evaluated in numerous operative procedures. No operative or postoperative complications have occurred. Emphasis is placed on simplicity, speed, and low cost, while high quality photographic results are consistently obtained, even by a surgeon who has no specialized skill as a photographer. Details of the procedure, results, and benefits over conventional systems are presented. The potential impact of widespread use of this system on medical education, research, medical jurisprudence, and other areas is discussed. Photographs of in situpathologic processes obtained by this system will make documentation more complete when no tissue is submitted for histologic examination or where gross findings and results or microscopic examination are disparate.


The closure of maternity services in Massachusetts. The impact on the obstetricians.

A survey is presented of Massachusetts physicians who were staff members at hospitals which closed their obstetric services. Both personal and practice impacts are presented as well as the physicians' evaluation of their present maternity units in comparison to the closed units. The personal impact on responding physicians was small. Few reported significant financial or patient loss. While significant practice changes were reported, adverse comments were few, and the present obstetric unit was viewed as an improvement over the closed unit in ever one-half the cases. These findings support the concept of consolidation as a component of programs for regional planning of maternity care.


Gastro-intestinal tumors in mice of three strains maintained on fat-enriched diets.

Mice of three strains were used in the present experiments. The control mice (group 1, 7 and 9) have been kept on Purina chow only. For the experimental mice of the T.M. strain the Purina chow was supplemented with refined corn oil (group 2), crude corn oil (group 3), regined corn oil plus free fatty acids (group 4), Monoolein (group 5) and Monostearin (group 6). For the experimental mice of the BALB/c and C57 Br. strains (group 8 and 10) Purina chow was supplemented with raw egg yolk. Very few of the control mice developed tumors of the forestomach (3/195 mice in group 1 and 1/165 mice in group 9) and none of them developed pyloric or intestinal tumors. Among the mice maintained on the fat-enriched diets the incidence of tumors of the forestomach and of the pyloric glandular part of the viscus was relatively high, except for the mice in group 6, maintained on Purina chow supplemented with monostearin. Intestinal tumors were found only in mice of the BALB/c and C57 Br. strains maintained on Purina chow supplemented with egg yolk. The tumors were for the most part polyps, except for adenocarcinomas developed by three C57 Br. mice from group 10. The difference between mice of the T.M. strain, (which did not develop intestinal tumors), and those of the BALB/c and C57 Br. strains, (which developed intestinal tumors), may be due to a difference in their susceptibility or to the difference in their diets.


Eicosatrienoic acid omega9 in human hepatoma transplanted into athymic nude mice.

Fatty acid compositions of human hepatoma transplanted successively into athymic nude mice were analysed. Eicosatrienoic acid omega9, which occurred as an unusual positional isomer of eicosatrienoic acid in the original hepatoma tissues, was preserved in these hepatoma tissues over three transplant generations, while the content of linoleic acid in liver was higher in nude mice than in humans. It appears, therefore, that the synthesis of eicosatrienoic acid omega9 is one of the essential metabolic aberrations of human hepatoma, quite independent of nutritional condition.


Correlation of immune response with clinical stage in Lewis lung tumor-bearing mice.

The effect of Lewis lung tumor growth in mice on the induction of primary immune response to SRBC, was investigated by PFC assay for measuring antibody activity and by footpad test as a correlate for delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. With the appearance of micrometastases in the lungs there was a decline in the humoral and cellular immune response to the SRBC. An increase of number and size of metastases in the lungs led to a further depression of the immune reactivity. Since the reduction of general immune response in mice bearing this tumor is not due to a direct influence of tumor cells, it might be assumed that suppressor cells or factors, are actively abrogating the general and also the tumor directed immune reactions.


The effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on two tumor cell lines in culture.

The effect of vitamin C on cell proliferation and DNA synthesis was investigated using two tumor cell lines Hep2 and KB. The results show that there was an increase in the ratio of dead to live cells and a decrease in the rate of DNA synthesis. The results also agree with other work carried out on animal experimental models which claimed that vitamin C may be involved in the arrest of neoplastic cell proliferation.


Acetylator phenotype in patients with breast cancer.

Acetylator phenotype was established by the method of Evans in 41 patients with breast cancer and 38 female controls. The results showed that the group of patients with advanced breast cancer included relatively more "rapid" --acetylating females (68% of "rapid and 32% of "slow" acetylators) as compared with controls (37% of "rapid" and 63% of "slow" acetylators). Moreover, the level of acetylating in both "rapid" and "slow" acetylating breast cancer patients were found to be higher than in corresponding groups of controls. A possible association between changes in the activity of acetylation in breast cancer patients and the genetic regulation processes in tumor growth is discussed.


Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. V. Helminths in sheep on dryland pasture on the Transvaal highveld.

The seasonal incidence of helminth infestation on a farm in the Transvaal Highveld was determined by the slaughter of tracer lambs exposed on pasture for periods of approximately 6 weeks. Haemonchus contortus, the most prevalent nematode, was recovered in the greatest numbers from January--May 1974. Peak counts of Ostertagia circumcincta were made during March and April 1974 and in January 1975, while Trichostrongylus spp. were mainly encountered from March--June. Cooperia spp. were generally recovered from November--May and Moniezia expansa from October--April. H. contortus, O. circumcincta and Cooperia spp. all exhibited increasing degrees of arrested development in the 4th larval stage from February--June.


Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. VI. Helminths in calves on irrigated pastures on the transvaal highveld.

Sets of tracer calves, which were exposed for 2 months on irrigated pasture and then slaughtered, provided evidence of the extent of seasonal helminth infestation. Haemonchus spp. were the most abundant nematodes, the largest numbers of which were generally recovered from May--August. Marked inhibition of development in the 4th larval stage was noted from May--November. Trichostrongylus spp. were recovered in modest numbers with the highest burdens generally present in May, June and October. In the first year of the survey Cooperia spp. were recovered in small numbers, but in the second year burdens increased from February--June.


Recovery of nematodes from ruminants by migration from gastro-intestinal ingesta and mucosa gelled in agar: preliminary report.

When gastro-intestinal ingesta and mucosa containing larvae or adult Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia circumcincta. Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Strongyloides papillosus, Nematodirus spathiger, Gaigeria pachyscelis, Oesophagostomum columbianum or Chabertia ovina were suspended in 0,75--1,00% agar gel and incubated in physiological saline, a mean of 93,6% of the helminths migrated from the agar-ingesta or agar-mucosa into the physiological saline. The lowest suitable concentration of agar was 0,85--0,90% for one batch of agar and 0,65% for another. Although most of the worms had migrated from the agar gel after 3--4 h of incubation, migration usually continued for longer than 7 h. While low concentrations of formalin partially inhibited migration from the gel, slightly more worms were recovered from agar containing 1% bile than from agar alone.


The activity of insect juvenile hormone mimics in larval Amblyomma hebraeum Koch (Acarina: Metastriata: Ixodidae).

A total of 14 insect juvenile hormone mimics was tested for activity in Amblyomma hebraeum by exposing newly engorged larvae to filter paper impregnated with hormone mimics. The most active compounds used in this assay were HS 103 (6-ethyl-3-pyridyl geranyl ether; EC50=0,0018 mg/cm2), ZR 512 (Ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate; EC50=0,0022 mg/cm2), HS 2 (6-methyl-3-pyridyl geranyl ether; EC50=0,0035 mg/cm2), ZR 615 (N-ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dieneamide; EC50=0,0035 mg/cm2), ZR 777 (Prop-2-ynyl 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate; EC50=0,0039 mg/cm2) and ZR 515 (Isopropyl-11-methoxy 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate; EC50=0,0094 mg/cm2). Activity in this assay was similar to that reported in insects and was consistent with the susceptibility of these compounds to metabolic inactivation. The results suggest that ZR 615 may be of possible use in tick control.


[Taxonomic analysis of Pegosomum asperum and P. saginatum (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)].

Morphology, ecology and chromosomes of P. asperum and P. saginatum were investigated. The both species have a diploid set consisting-of 20 chromosomes with similar morphology and size of bivalents. Their karyotypes are supposed to be identical. According to their morphology and ecology the both species are clearly differentiated. A conclusion is drawn on the distinct status of these trematodes having originated as a result of simpatric speciation.


[Embryonic and postembryonic development of Cucullanus cirratus Müller, 1777 (Nematoda, Cucullanidae)].

Embryonal development of C. cirratus is described for the first time. The cortical activity at the first stages of cleavage has been noted. The extrusion of one of thdiate type, however there are some peculiarities. At first, the blastopore has a slit-like form, then closes in the middle and thus two openings are formed. The "tadpole" embryo appears in 3--4 days. Hatching of the first stage larvae take place on the 10-th--12-th day after the cleavage starts. The description of it is given. The moulting occurs in water. The description of the second stage larva is also given.


[Simplified methods for the isolation and preservation of axenic Lamblia cultures].

The complexity and high cost of the existing methods of obtaining and preserving axenic cultures of Giardia (Meyer, 1970) have motivated the authors to look for new ways and means of simplifying the procedure. Solid media gave fair results which substantially simplified and accelerated the process and proved to be favourable for preserving the cultures longer without repassaging. Accordingly, the method recommended by the above authors facilitates the elimination of yeast from the cultures of Giardia in 15 to 24 days and the preservation of the axenic cultures over a period of 4 to 6 months without passaging, and within first two months at least the cultivation of new populations is guaranteed.


[Micromorphological study of the skin-muscular sac of the nematode Ascaridia galli exposed to anthelmintic compounds].

The effect of antihelmintic compounds on the cuticle, hypoderm and muscular cells of Ascaridia galli was investigated in vitro. Morphological changes were studied by means of light microscopy. The most pronounced changes in the musculocutaneous sac were found to be caused by santonin, hetrasan, piperasin and phenasal. Less effective are phenotiasin, naphtamon and enteroseptol.


Hybridization between Brugia patei, B. pahangi and sub-periodic B. malayi.

Virgin females of Brugia malayi, B. pahangi and B. patei were mated with males of species other than their own to determine whether they would hybridize. Microfilariae were produced in all but one cross (that between B. pahangi males and B. malayi females). Hybrid infective larvae, produced in mosquitoes and inoculated intraperitoneally into jirds, grew to adults but these were unable to produce microfilariae because hybrid males did not produce spermatozoa. Hybrid females were fertile and produced microfilariae when crossed with males of their parental species.


[Digestion of blood by Leptopsylla segnis fleas].

The digestion of blood by L. segnis was investigated by hystological and hystochemical methods. The protease activity in the stomachs of these flease was found to be very high. After the feeding erythrocytes do not stick together and fibrin precipitates only in a shape of filaments. As a result a dense clot of formed elements and plasma-proteins does not appear. Hemolysis of erythrocytes in adult fleas (maintained 7 to 10 days in the nest with the host prior to the test) ceases within 15--20 minutes while in young ones (up to 24 hours old)--within 1--1.5 hour.


Experimental studies of infection dynamics: infection of the definitive host by the cercariae of Transversotrema patialense.

The number of cercariae of Transversotrema patialense which attach to the fish host Brachydanio rerio, during a fixed exposure period, is shown to be directly proportional to cercarial density within an experimental infection arena. The distribution of successful infections/host is shown to change from a random pattern to an over-dispersed form as cercarial exposure density or duration of host exposure to infection increases. A stochastic simulation model is used to demonstrate that small differences in host susceptibility to infection, within a population of hosts, can generate patterns of dispersion in parasite numbers/host similar to those observed in the experimental studies. Differences in host behaviour, during the period of exposure to infection, are thought to generate variability in host susceptibility to cercarial infection.


[Dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii distribution in the organs and tissues of white mice with an acute infestation].

The dynamics of the distribution and concentration of toxoplasms of strain RH in organs and tissues of white mice infected subcutaneously was studied by the titration method during the toxoplasmatic infection. The distribution of toxoplasms in the organism was found to be active in the first 30 to 60 minutes with a subsequent fall of their concentration. In 24 hours no parasites were discovered by the bio-assay method. On the next days toxoplasms in the organs reached such abundance that caused the death of the animal. In the brain toxoplasms were found only after 3 days.


Population dynamics of snail infection by miracidia.

The essential biological features of snail infection by miracidia are incorporated into a simple model which describes the rate of change with respect to time of the number of miracidial infections/host. The model is based on the assumption that the net rate of infection is directly proportional to the density of both miracidia and hosts. Empirical evidence is provided to support this assumption. The basic framework of the model is expanded to take into account demographic stochasticity in infection and is used to predict the percentage of snails that become infected after exposure to a known number of miracidia for a set period of time. The influence of miracidial mortalities and age-dependent infectivity are examined and theoretical predictions are compared with a range of experimental results. Underlying heterogeneity in the distribution of the number of infections/snail is shown to generate an artifactual decrease in infection rates as exposure density rises, if rate estimation procedures are based on an assumption of randomness. Empirical evidence is presented to illustrate the generation of over-dispersion in the number of miracidial infections/snail under tightly controlled laboratory conditions, using supposedly homogeneous snail populations. Biological causes for underlying patterns of heterogeneity are discussed in relation to snail susceptibility to infection and 'attractiveness' to infective stages.


[Case of the transmission of the rat trypanosome by lice].

Data are given on the laboratory spontaneous occurrence of trypanosomiasis in young rats. It was demonstrated that the louse Polyplax spinulosa is the main mechanical vector of Trypanosoma lewisi. Unlike the case of the real host, the flea, the trypanosomes do not undergo the whole developmental cycle in the louse.


Schistosoma mansoni: evidence for a role of serum factors in protecting artificially transformed schistosomula against antibody-mediated killing in vitro.

Artificially transformed schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni develop a consistent but small protection against the lethal effects of antibody plus complement when cultured for 24 h in a chemically defined medium. In contrast, they become rapidly resistant to antibody plus complement, when cultured in the presence of a complex medium consisting of equal parts of heat-inactivated rabbit serum and Earle's/lactalbumin or in defined medium supplemented with small amounts of heat-inactivated rabbit serum. Sephadex G-200 gel filtration revealed that the protective factor in rabbit serum is a macromolecule with a molecular weight between 7 and 19 S. Parasites cultured at 10 degrees C or in the presence of 200 microgram of puromycin show less serum-induced protection against the lethal effects of antibody plus complement than do controls.


Studies on the mode of action of beclotiamine on Eimeria tenella.

The thiamine antagonist beclotiamine showed anticoccidial activity against Eimeria tenella, although metabolites and related substances were inactive. Oocyst production in experiments employing unilateral caecal ligation suggested that the drug reached parasitized cells by downward movement through the intestinal lumen, rather than by absorption and systemic transport. In chickens given 100 p.p.m. beclotiamine in the feed over a period of 7 days, duodenal drug concentrations of approximately 5.8 p.p.m. were achieved and maintained, while concentrations in the caeca were lower, but gradually increased to 1.2 p.p.m. Caecal levels were slow to fall following drug withdrawal, whereas duodenal levels showed an immediate decrease. [3H]thiamine absorption from the caeca of normal chicks or of chicks infected with E. tenella was inhibited by oral administration of beclotiamine. Pyrithiamine showed slight anticoccidial activity at 30 p.p.m. as did 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) at 100 p.p.m. A combination of 40 p.p.m. beclotiamine and 200 p.p.m. 2,4-DNP was quite effective although weight gains were not as good as with 120 p.p.m. beclotiamine alone.


[New species of Meloidodera (Nematoda, Heteroderidae) from the Maritime Territory].

A new species of endoparasitic nematodes, Meloidodera sikhotealiniensis, is described. The species was found on the roots of Betula mandshurica (Rgl.) Nakai and Spiraea sp. in the woods of the Primorye Territory. M. Sikhotealiniensis differs from the close species M. floridensis by a small size of the body and the structure of the cephalic end of females, large stylet and long gubernaculum of males, thin digitate terminus of larvae. The new species differs from M. charis in an oval shape and size of the body of females, large stylet of females and larvae, low place of the entry of the dorsal duct into the oesophagal lumen, long and slender tail of larvae.


Excessive masturbation of childhood: a symptom of tactile deprivation?

Five cases of excessive masturbation are presented. All cases represent adequate parent-child relationships altered by parental change of behavior toward the child. Upon reinstitution of affectionate tactile contact by the parents, the excessive masturbation ceased. Theoretical considerations are discussed.


Evaluation of programs designed to increase the protection of infants in cars.

Three in-hospital educational programs for postpartum women, designed to increase the crash protection of infants in cars, were evaluated in comparison to a group that received no education. The programs consisted of (1) literature, plus making infant carriers readily accessible and convenient to purchase; (2) literature, plus a personal discussion, plus making infant carriers readily accessible and convenient to purchase; and (3) literature, plus the offer of a free infant carrier. The programs increased the extent to which infant carriers were used to transport babies in cars, but had little or no effect on the key outcome measure: use of infant carriers fastened by the car seat belt so that crash protection is provided. Rates of such use were low in all groups. It is concluded that ways of providing increased crash protection to infant and child travelers in addition to use of restraint systems requiring the active, voluntary cooperation of parents must be encouraged. "Passive" (automatic) protection techniques, such as air bags and vehicle interior modifications, have great potential in this regard.


Simultaneous administration of live attenuated measles vaccine with DTP vaccine.

Live attenuated measles vaccine was administered to Cameroonian children 12 to 39 months of age alone or with either diphtheria-tetanus toxoids or diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Among children who were initially seronegative for measles hemagglutination inhibition antibodies, seroconversion rates and postvaccination geometric mean titers were similar in all groups. Pertussis antigen in the DTP vaccine was judged to be potent by laboratory potency testing and serologic response in recipients of the vaccine. Thus, the two vaccines may be administered simultaneously without compromising their immunogenicity. These results allow greater flexibility in planning individual or mass immunization schedules.


Neonatal neurobehavior in the first 48 hours of life: effect of the administration of meperidine with and without naloxone in the mother.

The early neonatal neurobehavioral scale was administered to three groups of newborns at 2, 4, and 24 hours of age. Group 1 consisted of 28 babies whose mothers had received no narcotics during labor, group 2 of 33 babies whose mothers had received meperidine hydrochloride alone during labor, and group 3 of 40 babies whose mothers had received meperidine followed by 0.4 mg of naloxone hydrochloride intravenously approximately 15 minutes before delivery. Babies who were not exposed to meperidine showed a statistically significantly greater percentage of high scores than those exposed to meperidine alone for all items on the neurobehavioral scale at 2 and 4 hours and for all items except tone and Moro response at 24 hours. Similarly, babies whose mothers had received meperidine and naloxone showed a significantly greater percentage of high scores than those whose mothers had received meperidine alone at 2 hours of age. At 4 hours a difference was found for tone and rooting and at 24 hours for overall score, placing, and total decrement score. It is concluded that naloxone given intravenously to the mother reverses the effect of meperidine on neonatal neurobehavior for approximately two hours after birth. At 4 and 24 hours, however, the neurobehavior of neonates exposed to meperidine and naloxone is depressed almost as much as that of babies exposed to meperidine alone.


Early-onset Haemophilus sepsis in newborn infants: clinical, roentgenographic, and pathologic features.

Nine infants with early-onset Haemophilus sepsis were seen between January 1973 and July 1977. Of the five isolated strains that were typed, only one was type B. All infants had respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, and large alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference gradients. Eight infants weighed less than 1,500 gm and died; one infant weighed 1,701 gm and survived. Roentgenograms in six of eight showed hyaline membrane disease. Pulmonary pathologic specimens in eight infants revealed hyaline membranes in six and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the alveolar spaces in four. In two infants, small Gram-negative bacilli were noted within proteinaceous exudates in alveolar ducts. The route and time of infection in these infants with early-onset Haemophilus sepsis are unclear. However, the possibility that the infection occurs before birth and that these infants represent septically aborted prematures is suggested by the high incidence of prematurity in infants with early-onset Haemophilus sepsis and early detection of bacteremia in three infants.


Enterobacter aerogenes primary bacteremia in pediatric patients.

Enterobacter aerogenes bacteremia associated with the infusion of contaminated admixed intravenous (IV) fluid occurred in seven patients in a pediatric hospital over a five-day period. Clinical illness was characterized by spiking fever in all patients. The temporal clustering of cases allowed for rapid recognition of the problem. The primary control measure was the prompt replacement of the IV fluids, although IV antibiotics were also administered. Hospital pharmacy practices for admixing IV solutions should follow published recommendations to minimize this source of potential contamination of fluids.


Decreased heart rate variation in decerebration syndrome: quantitative clinical criterion of brain death?

Heart rate variation (HRV) was measured in 12 children with brain death. Computer analysis demonstrated an overall heart rate variation (RMSM) of 3.5 to 9.6 msec (mean, 6.0 msec). The respective figures for beat-to-beat variation (RMSSD) were 4 to 16 msec (mean, 7.7 msec). Normal infants (RMSM, 20 to 30 msec) and children (RMSM, 50 to 90 msec) and infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RMSM, 10 to 20 msec) have a clearly higher HRV than those with brain death. In all subjects a periodic component of the HRV with a cycle length of 5.9 +/- 0.26 seconds was discovered. In five patients an additional periodic component was found that corresponded exactly to the rate of artificial respiration. This study demonstrated the value of accurate digital techniques in the characterization of fixed heart rate in decerebration. This phenomenon could be considered one clinical criterion of brain death.


Chromosome damage in infants and children after cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography.

Current diagnostic cardiac studies in infants and children result in longer x-ray exposure times and in more angiocardiograms per patient. Blood samples removed before and immediately after such studies in 20 infants and children have shown chromosome damage in all. The damage was equal to an in vitro absorbed dose in the range of 20 to 50 rads. Since the effect was considerably greater than that calculated from the x-ray exposure dose to the patient, it is concluded that the damage is mainly due to the contrast agent used in angiocardiography. Long-term follow-up studies on such patients are indicated.


Echographic ventricular systolic time intervals in normal term and preterm neonates.

Right ventricular and left ventricular systolic time intervals (RVSTIs and LVSTIs) were measured in normal term and preterm infants from 1 hour to 90 days of life. LVSTIs in both term and preterm infants were similar in the first five days of life. The ratio of left pre-ejection period (LPEP) to left ventricular ejection time (LVET) was lower in preterm infants older than age 5 days. Estimated gestational age had no influence on LVSTI. The ratio of right pre-ejection period (RPEP) to right ventricular ejection time (RVET) was lower in preterm infants (0.32) than in term newborns (0.37). The preterm RPEP/RVET ratio decreased with age, but at a slower rate than in term babies. This was consistent with the lower pulmonary vascular resistance present in preterm infants.


Ventricular tachyarrhythmia due to cardiac sarcoidosis in a child.

Cardiac involvement by systemic sarcoidosis is well known, but occurs rarely. It usually manifests as either heart block, heart failure due to direct myocardial involvement, or cor pulmonale. We present the case of a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis who had ventricular tachycardia and congestive heart failure. Although there was other organ system involvement, the cardiac manifestation was the first to become clinically apparent. Therapy consisted of quinidine sulfate to control the arrhythmias and chronic diuretic therapy to control congestive heart failure. Steroid therapy was initially associated with recurrence of the ventricular tachycardia and was discontinued. It was reinstituted 18 months later when other organ system involvement developed with no recurrence of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The patient responded well to therapy and is currently doing well. This case is presented to illustrate a somewhat unusual, but nevertheless important, etiology of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The recognition of underlying sarcoidosis is critical because of the propensity for other organ system involvement by this disease process.


Evaluating indirect blood pressure measurement techniques: a comparison of three systems in infants and children.

The systemic arterial blood pressures obtained in infants and children utilizing three indirect measuring devices--Arteriosonde 1010. Infrasonde 3000, Pedisphyg system--were compared to each other and to intra-arterial pressure measured directly. The results indicate that Arteriosonde performs considerably better than Infrasonde; nevertheless, the Arteriosonde values are often only approximations of true systole and diastole. The Pedisphyg system yields accurate, reproducible values for systole; however, the system is not designed to determine diastolic blood pressure.


Sodium concentration of homemade baby foods.

Ingestion of excess salt may be an important factor in the development of hypertension in individuals who are predisposed to this disease genetically or through environmental factors. Some physicians and consumer groups have encouraged mothers to prepare their own baby foods, in part because of their concern that the physiologically unnecessary salt that is added by some commercial baby food manufacturers may lead to hypertension in adult life. This study presents data on the sodium concentration in 70 samples of homemade baby foods prepared by 36 mothers. The mean estimated amount of added salt was 0.41%/weight--64% higher than the maximum recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Home-prepared foods had a sodium concentration 1,005% higher than similar baby food products made by Heinz and Beech-Nut and 24% higher than products made by Gerber. The data suggest that advice to parents to prepare their own baby food or to feed their infant food from the table should be tempered with the knowledge that these foods may contain higher salt concentrations than the commercial baby foods.


Hemorrhagic retinopathy in a patient with cystic fibrosis.

A 21-year-old woman with a history of chronic lung disease secondary to cystic fibrosis (CF) developed an acute hemorrhagic retinopathy during exposure to moderately high altitude. Although retinal hemorrhages are known to occur in patients with CF, we speculate that the retinopathy in this case was partially related to altitudinal change and that patients with chronic hypoxemia may be predisposed to high-altitude retinopathy at much lower altitudes.


Ultrasonic diagnosis of gynecologic disorders in children.

During the last five years we have applied diagnostic ultrasound to more than 350 girls under the age of 15 for suspected obstetric and gynecologic disorders. More than 60% of these patients were pregnant and were studied before elective abortion. Many other children were studied for amenorrhea or for the evaluation of a pelvic mass. Sonography has allowed us to successfully distinguish pelvic masses of ovarian origin from those of uterine origin. We have also been able to rule out functioning endocrine tumors in children with precocious puberty. In cases of intersex, sonography has been useful in the older child prior to reconstructive surgery but has played an ancillary role to more invasive procedures in the infant.


Sustained-release theophylline therapy for chronic childhood asthma.

The efficacy of continuous, around-the-clock sustained-release (S-R) theophylline therapy, adjusted to approximate serum or plasma steady state theophylline concentrations (Tc) of 15 microgram/ml three hours following the last dose, was assessed in 18 children suffering from moderately severe chronic asthma. Two of the three formulations studied, Slo-Phyllin Gyrocaps and Theo-Dur, had excellent bioavailability and produced stable therapeutic Tc throughout an eight-hour dosing interval, using average doses of 8.7 +/- 0.5 and 8.4 +/- 0.6 (SE) mg/kg/dose, respectively. Pulmonary function responses paralleled Tc and were also stable throughout the dosing interval. Aerolate provided comparatively less stability, and higher doses (11.3 +/- 0.7 mg/kg) were necessary to produce therapeutic Tc. Toxicity was not evident when dosage was adjusted to avoid Tc exceeding 20 microgram/ml. S-R theophylline therapy, with the use of formulations of acceptable bioavailability, provides excellent control of chronic childhood asthma, offers the advantage of extended dosing intervals, and encourages improved patient cooperation in drug compliance.


Child psychiatric consultation in pediatrics.

The results of a three-month study of the incidence of child psychiatric consultation requests in three different locations (emergency room, primary care center, and pediatric wards) within a pediatric service in a teaching hospital are reported here. Future trends and roles for child psychiatry and pediatric collaboration are discussed.


Split-interval illusion: size of effect with pulse-bounded durations.

The magnitude of the split-interval illusion was measured by method of constant stimuli, with variable intervals between 700 and 1300 msec. and a 1000-msec. standard. All intervals were bounded by 20-msec.-1-kHz pulses and contained a single 20-msec.-2-kHz pulse which either split the interval in a 25:75 ratio or a 75:25 ratio. Intervals split early were overestimated relative to equivalent intervals split late by an average of 8.4% of the 1000-msec. standard.


WAIS subtest score characteristics of institutionalized mentally retarded samples.

Scaled scores on WAIS subtests were compared among five samples of institutionalized mentally retarded (aged 16 to 71 yr.) from the East Coast (N = 509), West Coast (N = 436), and three from the Midwest (Ns = 113, 51, and 111). Four of the five samples showed high correlations between the mean profiles suggesting that the performance of the mentally retarded is reliable across geographical locations. Reasons for the discrepancies between these four samples and the fifth sample are discussed.


Failure to relate academic ability to the lateral eye-shift in elementary school children.

Correlates of academic ability such as creativity, language use, locus of control, and achievement were not related to the lateral eye-shift for 147 sixth grade children. The lack of findings suggests a developmental emphasis in future research.


Correlates of the tourniquet ischemia pain ratio.

The Tourniquet Ischemia Pain Ratio was developed as a measure of pain. The present study examined the relationship between the ratio and other measures thought to be relevant to a patient's perception of, and reaction to, chronic pain. The ratio was correlated with the patient's estimate of the pain, the perceived impact of the pain on daily life, the degree of reactive depression, and a measure of hypochondriasis. The ratio relates to both pain and hypochondriacal tendencies.


Effects of speech therapy on aphasics' responses to Functional Communication Profile.

Protocols of the Functional Communication Profile were compared for 17 treated and 18 untreated aphasic patients. All subjects were post-CVA, right-handed, right hemiplegic native speakers of English representing fluent, non-fluent and global aphasics. All treated patients received a minimum of a half hour of individual and an hour of group speech therapy daily, for 8 wk. during a period between 4 and 12 wk. post-onset. Statistical comparisons of treated and untreated groups did not yield significant differences. Patients who received traditional speech therapy could not be differentiated from untreated control patients.


Activity analysis of operant behavior following methylphenidate administration.

13 male Long-Evans hooded rats were tested on a CRF-50 reinforcement schedule. Total response time as well as time and total activity responses away from the bar were significantly influenced by injections of methylphenidate (1.2 mg/kg I.P.). In general, the data supported previous findings of reduced response rate to the drug. However, methylphenidate (a CNS stimulant) increased activity that was not related to bar pressing. Analysis of activity response to drug should include total time and activity as well as operant rates.


Effects of tobacco, time on task, and stimulus speed on judgments of velocity and time.

16 college students were required to predict the time of target arrival for a stimulus apparently moving horizontally to a point of occlusion and to reproduce the time interval the stimulus was present under smoking and no-smoking conditions. Tobacco resulted in underestimations of velocity and time judgments particularly in the early stage of the task and for the slowest stimulus speed.


On validity of hypotheses derived from the Rorschach: IV. The unique affective pull of the cards.

Content analysis of the Rorschach had led to the notion that each card possessed some unique affective pull. Research testing the validity of that hypothesis was reviewed. Of all the cards only three seemed to have a unique affective connotation, viz., Cards III and X elicit pleasant affective responses, Card IV unpleasant ones. The research methodology was critically assessed and recommendations for future research were offered.


Field independence and attitudes toward population control.

The hypothesis that differences between field independence and dependence would lead to different attitudes about population control activities was tested using 37 students as subjects. The Hidden Figures Test was used to measure field independence while an author-developed scale assessed attitudes. Expected relationships were found; field-independent persons were more independent of the opinions of others, agreed with active population control measures, and were in favor of smaller family size.


Diagnostic efficiency of the Trail Making Test as a function of cut-off score, diagnosis, and age.

This study is a reinvestigation of the effectiveness of the Trail Making Test in discriminating between brain-damaged (n = 51) and pseudoneurologic (n = 72) subjects. All subjects were hospitalized male veterans at the Allen Park Veterans Administration Hospital. An analysis of covariance showed that the pseudoneurologic subjects performed at a significantly higher level than the brain-damaged subjects. Further analysis with two different cut-off scores exhibited unequal discriminatory power throughout the whole range of Trail Making Test scores. These results suggested diagnosing only when the scores were 9 or lower and 13 or higher. This use of extreme scores resulted in an over-all hit rate of 87% in the study. Comparisons with five major subgroupings of the pseudoneurologic subjects yielded only one significant difference: more accurate discrimination with the 12 cut-off score between 10 general-medical and peripheral nerve-damaged subjects (100% correct) and 18 psychotic subjects (39% accuracy).


Failure of the Bender-Gestalt and Wechsler tests to differentiate children with and without seizure disorders.

The Bender-Gestalt and WISC or WISC-R performances of two groups of 19 emotionally disturbed children matched in age age (9-1 to 16-7) and Full Scale IQ were compared. Each child is one group had a medically documented seizure disorder; a matched child in the other group had no present or past indications of organicity. Neither Bender-Gestalt errors nor Wechsler IQs or Deviation Quotients differed significantly between the two groups. The emotionally disturbed children with seizure disorders could not be differentiated from the other emotionally disturbed children solely on the basis of Bender-Gestalt and Wechsler test scores.


Some clinical interpretations of the Haptic Intelligence Scale for adult blind.

The structure of the over-all test and subtest designs of the Haptic Intelligence Scale for Adult Blind fosters inferences that what is being measured is the same, or similar to, the Performance subscales of the WAIS. The implied assumption that, while the task is similar, performance without seeing may not be interpreted differently is questioned. Theoretical notions, in part, derived from the Dutch psychologist, Révész, are employed to interpret what is being assessed in terms of non-visual sensory input, resultant differences in modes of recognition and structuring of the stimulus, and tasks involved. Analysis is done on two levels: (a) The over-all test results as a measure of non-verbal cognitive adaptation to and ability to employ touch and movement in a variety of tasks; and (b) the subtests as to mental functions involved, the clinical cues that can be derived from performance of the tasks, and instances of marked differences in scores earned on one subtest relative to other subtests.


A novel reinforcement procedure for use in perceptual experiments with normal and language-impaired children.

A novel reinforcement procedure for use with young children with or without language impairments has been devised which adds intrinsic interest to otherwise tedious clinical or experimental sessions and has a low rate of satiation. The procedure involves the child "winning" colorful stickers to make a picture throughout testing sessions.


Empathy, gender, and training as factors in the identification of normal infant cry-signals.

The effects of empathy, gender, and training on the ability to identify 4 infant cry-signals (birth, hunger, pain, and pleasure) were studied in 89 college students (ages 18 to 30 yr.), all of whom were low in experience as caregivers to infants. Subjects with training scored significantly higher than those without in identifying all but the pleasure cry-signal. Subjects low in empathy scored significantly better than subjects high in empathy in recognizing the birth cry-signal. Gender made no difference. Brief training may make the crucial difference in the development of this ability. Implications for parenting and infant care are discussed.


Psychometric correlates of pain perception.

There is disagreement in the literature as to whether responsivity to painful stimuli possesses psychometric correlates. A series of methodological and statistical factors are specified in this paper which could account for the equivocality of the literature. A series of experiments were performed in which (a) various methodological and statistical issues were first resolved and (b) psychometric correlates of pain perception were then identified by means of a stepwise multiple regression procedure. The criterion variable consisted of the psychophysical judgment of pain during a 2-min. exposure to a 3,000 gm. force on the periosteum of the left fore-finger's second digit. The predictor variables consisted of selected psychological states and traits measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Somatic Perception Questionnaire, Depression Adjective Checklist, Profile of Mood States, Eysenck Personality Inventory, and the Embedded Figures Test. The test-retest reliability of the pain test ranged from .64 to .84 across trials separated by a 3-wk. period. In the first experiment significant multiple regressions ranging between .57 and .72 were observed and psychological traits (field dependence, extraversion and trait anxiety) accounted for the variance in these analyses. In the next experiment significant multiple Rs ranging from .62 to .68 were observed. This served as cross-validation for the first experiment. The major difference was that psychological states (depression and vigor) as well as traits entered the multiple regression equations for certain of the analyses. It was concluded that selected psychological states and traits are significantly correlated with the perception of pain.


Taste profiles from single human taste papillae.

Earlier psychophysical research on single human fungiform taste papillae employed a procedure which limited subjects to selecting only one taste to describe the sensations they experienced. That procedure precludes the possibility of determining whether single papillae can mediate complex tastes, i.e., tastes consisting of more than one sensation experienced simultaneously. By using highly trained subjects and allowing them freedom to describe all sensations simultaneously elicited by a given taste stimulus, single papilla taste profiles were obtained. It is suggested that obtaining taste profiles may increase the utility of single papillae as models for study of the taste system.


Perceptions of movement patterns: recall of movement.

The present study attempted to characterize the perception retention, and recall of kinaesthetic information regarding movement sequences (patterns). An attempt was made to draw on and extend conclusions relevant to simple movements (movement amplitude). One group of 10 blindfolded subjects recalled criterion movement patterns that had been actively commanded and 10 subjects recalled passively induced movements. The following conclusions were made. (1) Previous reports of algebraic errors in the recall of simple movement amplitudes are consistency with the finding that criterion perimeter, area, and depth of features were underestimated when recalled. (2) Measures of the accuracy of kinaesthetic perception do not alone account for the generally low level of pattern recall, the large range of individual differences or the underestimation of amplitude. The process of percept formation and of translating a percept into recalled movement are implicated. (3) Conclusions based on the short-term retention and recall of simple movements do not account for the coding, retention, and recall of movement sequences (patterns). (4) Percepts were formed, and patterns were recalled as a sequence of features but not as a sequence of key positions. (5) No direct difference was demonstrated between the recall of actively commanded and passively induced criterion movement patterns. However, the finding of a high gross angle change in the active condition was explained in terms of an unfavourable interaction between corollary discharge and sensory information.


Field independence and recognition of trait names in an incidental learning paradigm.

Field-dependent individuals are known to be superior to field-independent individuals at recognizing socially relevant material in an incidental learning paradigm. The present study tested the hypothesis that this superiority is moderated by the target-relatedness of distractors. The stimuli were trait names. To assess recognition memory a recognition list was used with distractors differing in degrees of relatedness to the targets. Results indicate that the relationship of field-dependence to false recognition of distractor traits is moderated by the target-relatedness of the latter.


Anxiety levels of beginning Scuba students.

Anxiety levels of 29 beginning Scuba students in college classes were determined at rest and prior to standardized Scuba tests. Resting trait and state anxiety levels were significantly lower than norms. Only moderate increases in state anxiety were noticed throughout the testing sequence.


Sex differences in hemispheric asymmetry revisited.

56 male and 56 female familial right-handers were given a tachistoscopic task requiring recognition of trigrams presented binocularly and vertically in the right or left visual field for individuality determined brief durations. Both males and females obtained a significant superiority in the right visual field and significant laterality coefficients indicative of processing by the left hemisphere. Implications for research on sex differences in hemispheric asymmetry are discussed.


Sex, video-taped feedback and modeling effects on motor performance.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the interaction of augmented information feedback and sex on accuracy and form of an overarm throwing pattern. In Exp. 1, a female model on video-tape was  employed for instruction and recall of imposed form by 16 male and 16 female undergraduates. The original hypothesis that indeed there would be an interaction between the subjects' sex and type of augmented information feedback was not observed. In Exp. 2, essentially the same procedures were employed with another, similar group of subjects and several significant results were observed. The data suggest successive investigations to explore the possible effects of the model's sex on motor performance.


Temporal patterns of the use of non-prescribed drugs: some behavioral correlates.

Previous studies of the temporal patterns of the use of non-prescribed psychoactive drugs have been primarily limited to users' self-reports. Two behavioral indicators, times of arrest for driving while intoxicated and times of calls to a drug information service, yield temporal patterns very similar to those obtained from users' reports.


Effect of heart-rate control training on heart-rate discrimination.

4 subjects were exposed to discrimination-testing procedures before and later biofeedback training to increase and decrease their heart rates. Results indicated significant increases and decreases in heart rate, as well as a significant improvement in accuracy of discrimination. The results suggest improvements in discrimination may occur as a function of feedback training.


Job satisfaction and perceived congruence of attitude between workers and supervisors in a mental health setting.

The Community Mental Health Ideology Scale and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were administered to the staff of an outpatient treatment facility. Perceived congruence of attitude and job satisfaction including working conditions, pay, agency policy, and other variables were examined. Congruence of attitude between worker and supervisor was positively related to satisfaction with supervisor and agency policy. There were differences among the various disciplinary groups with those workers who had the least education tending to be satisfied in more spheres than those with more education or advanced professional degrees.


Rorschach human movement responses of acting-out and withdrawn adolescents.

Rorschach human movement responses of 20 male and 20 female acting-out and withdrawn adolescents were scored according to flexor/extensor/blocked categories. Comparison of the two groups showed: (a) All subjects produced more extensor M than the other two M categories, (b) Acting-out adolescents produced more extensor M than the withdrawn subjects, (c) The two groups did not differ in number of flexor or blocked M. Extensor M seems to tap a propensity for acting-out, while flexor and blocked M do not differentiate the two groups of children.


Information variables in voluntary control and classical conditioning of heart rate: field dependence and heart-rate perception.

Two experiments focused on two information variables relevant to changes in heart rate, field dependence and the ability to perceive one's own heart rate. In Exp. I, 14 field-independent and 17 field-dependent subjects completed a heart-rate perception and a voluntary heart-rate control task. The anticipated superiority in heart-rate control by field-independent subjects was detected although no evidence was found for a relationship between the amount of biofeedback available in the situation and voluntary control of the cardiovascular system. Exp. II involved 9 field-independent and 8 field-dependent subjects in a classical conditioning paradigm involving shock sensitivity. In contrast with Exp. I, in this phase of the study heart-rate increases were correlated with the ability of the subject to discriminate heart beats, especially for the field-independent group. It was concluded that field dependence and heart-rate perception are related to classically conditioned heart-rate increase for some subjects and further that field dependence may be a potent variable operating in those situations involving the voluntary control of heart rate without exteroceptive feedback.


A review of heart-rate variability and evaluation.

A review of the literature concerning heart rate and various forms of heart-rate variability and studies of behavior associated with these variables has been presented. Emphasis has been placed on the apparent discrepancies and inconsistencies reported within the literature as well as major methodological differences which make the integration of the data presented by various researchers almost impossible.


Apparent movement of successively generated subjective figures.

In the present studies a pair of random-dot frames was constructed so that two areas in the first frame (f1) were correlated with two areas in the second frame (f2). The alternation of the pair of frames (an f1--f2 sequence) gave rise to two subjective figures. When two pairs of randomdot frames (an f1--f2 sequence and an f3--f4 sequence), each of which produced two subjective figures in different locations, were thmeselves alternated, the subjective figures from the f1--f2 sequence interacted with the subjective figures from the f3--f4 sequence to produce apparent movement. With any one of the four general kinds of displays which we constructed, subjects usually perceived only one of two types of subjective-figure movement. The type of movement that was perceived with a given display depended primarily upon the degree of change (across the interval between an f1--f2 and an f3--f4 sequence) of the internal structure of the successively generated subjective figures. Relative intensity differences between the subjective figures and their backgrounds influenced the type of apparent movement seen, whereas variations in the density of elements in a display did not. We tentatively propose a two-stage model to explain the apparent movement of the subjective figures: the first stage is assumed to generate the subjective figures by means of a cross-correlation of the intensity distributions of the two frames within an f1--f2 sequence and within an f3--f4 sequence; on the basis of inputs from the first stage, the second stage generates apparent movement signals for the subjective figures.


Reaching in very young infants.

It has been claimed that reaching to visually presented targets is a valid indicator of perceptual capacity in very young infants. In a previous report we failed to replicate the findings on which that claim is based. Here we reanalyze some of the tapes of the first report, using a less restricted criterion for what constitutes a reach, and a much more detailed analysis of the various components of reaching behaviour. A number of components are readily distinguished and reliably observed. Infants of seven to twenty-one days show great individual variation in their reaching, from no such behaviour to a great deal. Certain clusters of the components of reaching can be used to define different reaching "styles". The infants who reached most frequently in our sample all showed a dominant pattern of reaching, which in certain respects appears to be more mature than that of other babies. The finer analysis revealed no differences in the reaching behaviour to objects and pictures of objects, even among the most active reachers.


Generation of synthetic male and female walkers through manipulation of a biomechanical invariant.

Synthetic versions of human walkers were generated by computer as point-light displays. Previously it had been determined that the natural gaits of males and females differ according to the extent of movement at the shoulder and the hip. These movements were measured and then used to synthesize the stimuli used in the present study. These stimuli are shown here to be identified by untrained viewers as male when the shoulder movement is greater than the hip movement, and female when the configuration is reversed. Because of the coherence of the display lights representing the shoulder and hip are not necessary for gender recognition, although they do increase performance level. Hypernormality and heavy-footedness in gait are also discussed. Finally, all results are linked to an underlying biomechanical invariant, the center of moment.


Form-colour aftereffects: selectivity to local luminance contrast.

For long periods observers fixated low spatial frequency coloured gratings. Black and white test gratings of the same spatial frequency and orientation as the adapting gratings appeared coloured with the hue complementary to the adapting patterns when the dark test stripes fell on retinal areas previously occupied by the dark adapting stripes; no colour or very weak colour was seen when the test gratings were reversed in phase (contrast reversed). No colour aftereffects were produced with coloured gratings that lacked luminance contrast. The selectivity to the polarity of local luminance contrast can be explained by mechanisms that respond conjointly to colour and luminance contrast. The aftereffects are selective to spatial phase.


Form aftereffect contingent upon a colour shift.

After prolonged fixation of coloured gratings of low spatial frequency, images of the gratings can be elicited up to 90 min thereafter when the colour of a spatially homogeneous test field is suddenly changed. Only adapting gratings with luminance contrast induce clear aftereffects. Control experiments rule out afterimages as an explanation of the aftereffects.


Contrast sensitivity function for stereopsis.

Contrast thresholds for stereopsis from narrow-band-filtered random-dot stereograms were compared with contrast thresholds for simple detection of similar narrow-band noise. Centre frequencies of filters were in the range 2.5--15 cycles deg(-1). It was found that the contrast sensitivity function for stereopsis is similar in shape to that for detection, suggesting that as far as contrast requirements are concerned the mechanisms of global stereopsis do not show a bias in sensitivity to any particular spatial frequency but instead require a constant level of suprathreshold contrast regardless of spatial frequency.


Stereopsis masking in humans is not orientationally tuned.

A stereopsis signal carried by an oriented random texture and masked by a similar noise texture is not unmasked when the orientation of the noise is rotated. This result is discussed in connection with the orientational tuning of local and global stereopsis processes.


The cat's response to stimulus difference as attention focus and cue.

The cat's response to visual difference targets in figure-ground and figure-figure arrays (a unique target figure in a field of contrasting identical figures) was studied. Subjects approached the targets of the figure-ground arrays readily when they were presented in a training series, learning to use them as cues to the location of a food reward, and showing no disturbance when stimulus aspects of the arrays were reversed. Response to the figure-figure targets during training was more variable. Some were approached promptly, but others, especially those involving interchanging of target and background elements, required considerable training before consistent approach was achieved. Subjects selected the target with significant frequency in test series with novel figure-ground arrays, even after only brief training; they did not, however, select the target in novel figure-figure arrays until they had extended experience with training stimuli.


Analysis of the detection of a moving line.

A model is proposed to explain the effects of line motion on visual sensitivity. The model incorporates recent evidence for parallel "pattern" and "flicker" systems. An element of either system consists of a spatial filter followed by a temporal filter; the characteristics of these filters were derived from previous psychophysical measurements. The model may be used to demonstrate why visual sensitivity to optimum triangular-wave motion is greater than for optimum square-wave motion, which, in turn, is greater than for on-off presentation. The predictions of the model are in reasonable agreement with threshold-amplitude data for triangular-wave and square-wave motion; the model is also consistent with threshold-frequency data for small-amplitude sinusoidal motion.


Lability of odor pleasantness: influence of mere exposure.

Subjects judged the pleasantness of various odorants both before and after intensive exposure to a pleasant, a neutral, or an unpleasant odorant, or a short period of relaxation. Intensive exposure comprised a 30 min task of intensity discrimination. The outcome implied that exposure to an odorant can modify its own pleasantness readily, but not so readily that of other odorants. Exposure to the pleasant lemon-smelling substance citral reduced its subsequent pleasantness, whereas exposure to the unpleasant rancid-smelling substance isobutyric acid reduced its subsequent unpleasantness. The results were compatible with the notion of affective habituation. Variability of the pleasantness judgments was uniform throughout the hedonic continuum. That is, subjects agreed as much about hedonically neutral odors as about extremely pleasant and unpleasant odors.


Illusory dilatation of square surfaces.

The aim of the present research was to study illusory dilatation of surfaces isolating some factors contributing to this phenomenon. A series of displays (8.5 cm x 8.5 cm) was prepared: a white square card and five square cards with a uniform pattern of black dots, increasing gradually. The displays were presented to two different groups of subjects, according to the method of paired comparisons and according to the method of limits (under conditions of reduced viewing) respectively. The subjects were asked to evaluate the relative magnitude of the displays. The textured cards significantly differed from the white standard and also among themselves. Up to a threshold, as the dots increase, the surfaces expand as well.