bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Assessments of Firmness: A Comparison of Methods Using Rubber Cylinders and Steel Springs
Authors: Sheppard D. , Scott Blair G. W.
Published: March 2008

Scott Blair and Coppen's work on comparisons of firmness of rubber cylinders by handling has been extended to include steel springs.

Small differences in firmness of rubber cylinders can be detected with considerably greater accuracy than can those for steel springs over the same range. This would seem to be at least partly due to the yielding nature of the rubber surfaces, since covering them with light rigid disks raises the threshold to the level of that of the springs. Moreover, if the ends of the springs are faced with rubber caps, though the firmness of the springs only and not of the rubber caps is varied, a greater acuity is obtained, the threshold lying about half-way between that for uncapped rubbers and that for springs. This suggests that cutaneous cues play a much larger part in such judgments than Scott Blair and Coppen had supposed.

A comparison of simultaneous with successive squeezing methods shows marked differences between subjects, but, on the average, no appreciable difference to threshold. While a single squeeze is inadequate for the best judgments, three squeezings show no advantage and perhaps a slight disadvantage as compared with two squeezings. In the case of steel springs, changing the whole range of firmness within reasonable limits does not alter the position of the threshold curve but, using subjects already familiar with the previous range, there is a marked increase in scatter. Varying the heights of the cylinders produces peculiar and partly unexplained changes in acuity; but in general, taller cylinders are judged relatively firmer than shorter ones. Preliminary experiments using an absolute method suggest the importance of the temperature of the samples and the relative unimportance of even quite long intervals (∼ several weeks) between tests, unless experiments on samples having a different range of firmness intervene.
A Pendulum Phenomenon in the Visual Perception of Apparent Movement
Authors: Hall K. R. L. , Earle A. E. , Crookes T. G.
Published: March 2008

In setting up an apparatus for studying the phenomenon of apparent movement it was noticed that, when a metronome was employed for making the electrical contacts in the light-circuits, the path of apparent movement between the two lights was curved instead of straight. This deviation could not be attributed to the presence of any distorting structure in the visual field, and an experimental investigation of the conditions of the phenomenon was begun. So far five different display conditions have each been observed by ten or eleven subjects individually. No subject saw more than one condition in the experimental series, and their reports indicate that the following factors, in order of importance, are effective in leading to the perception of curved apparent movement: (1) the shape of the light-stimuli, (2) the regularity of the rhythm of presentation, (3) the gradient of brightening and dimming of the lights and (4) the sound of the metronome in synchrony with the appearance of the lights.

The possible role of past experience in the perceptual process, and the relationship of this “pendular” phenomenon to Johansson's (1950) “wandering” phenomenon and to normal stroboscopic movement, are briefly discussed.
Asymmetry of Perception of Size between the Right and Left Hands in Normal Subjects
Authors: McPherson A. , Renfrew S.
Published: March 2008

A method of measuring the perception of size in the hands was applied to 4 0 right handed and 40 left-handed normal subjects.

It was found that objects of equal size held simultaneously in each hand tend to be judged to be unequal, and that, in the majority of subjects, the object held in the dominant hand is perceived to be the smaller.

These results are discussed in the light of previous work, and some reference is made to the examination of pathological cases.
Further Studies in the Perception of a Changing Shape
Authors: Langdon J.
Published: March 2008

Koffka's hypothesis of “invariant relation” holding between tilt and perceived shape of an object is discussed from the standpoints both of logical tenability and of experimental findings.

After discussion of certain shortcomings in the method of investigation devised by Stavrianos, two experiments are suggested, the first, of a simple character, intended to follow out in practice the hypothetical conclusions of Koffka's argument, the second to test the hypothesis under conditions which attempt to ensure the preservation of the perceptual object throughout the arc of tilt. For this purpose subjects attempt to match two shapes, one of which is stationary whilst the other revolves at a constant speed. The comparison shapes cover the range of the possible arc of tilt.

The results of the first experiment, whilst appearing to contradict the requirements of the hypothesis, are by no means conclusive. The second experiment, though not absolutely conclusive, gives little support to Koffka. The main conclusion drawn is that there occur non-systematic variations in perceptual constancy throughout the arc of tilt. These are of a phasic character and are qualitatively different from results obtained by matching stationary shapes. There appears to be no simple function which would result in exhibiting a uniform constancy value for the entire arc of orientation.
The Effect on a Difficult Co-Ordination Task of the Frequency of Signals
Authors: Day R. H.
Published: March 2008

Subjects were required to direct, by moving hand and foot controls, a fugitive spot of light into one of four positions in accordance with changes in the source of signals, and simultaneously, to extinguish two lights using a left-hand response. Two groups of subjects have been tested on this complex co-ordination task. Increasing the frequency of the signals from four successively but irregularly functioning sources was found to increase significantly the “error” scores in controlling the fugitive spot. Variations in signal frequency did not affect the other part of the task requiring left hand responses to a different set of signals. The order of a sequence of 4-signal frequencies over four trials had no effect on the efficiency with which the task was performed.
Tactile Localization
Authors: Elithorn Alick , Piercy Malcolm F. , Crosskey Margaret A.
Published: March 2008

Clinical studies suggested that errors of tactile localization made by leucotomized subjects were due to a failure of analysis of a conceptual type.

The present experiment examines the normal mechanisms of localizing stimuli to different sites on the hands by measuring the time taken to make a correct response as well as by an analysis of the errors made under conditions of stress (the reaction-time situation). It is demonstrated that healthy subjects of above-average intelligence have appreciable difficulty in determining which of their fingers has been touched. The degree of this difficulty depends on which finger has been stimulated. The results strongly support the hypothesis that normal tactile localization involves the analysis of primary sensory data in terms of a few simple parameters of orientation. It is suggested that some of the errors which occur are due to contamination between different systems of conceptual analysis.
Figural After-Effects, Retinal Size, and Apparent Size
Authors: Sutherland N. S.
Published: March 2008

The results of earlier experiments on the question of whether figural after-effects are affected by apparent as opposed to retinal size are shown to be inconclusive. A new hypothesis is proposed namely that both factors may be responsible for producing figural aftereffects, and four experiments have been made to test it. Situations were used in which the apparent sizes of the figures were determined by the size-constancy effect. It was found that where retinal sizes of test and inspection figures are the same and apparent sizes are different, figural after-effects in the direction which would be predicted on the basis of apparent sizes are obtained. It was further shown that where retinal and apparent sizes are in conflict, whether a figural after-effect is seen or not, and the direction of the figural after-effect, depends upon the balance between these two factors.
The Effects of Position in a Display upon Problem Solving
Authors: Kay Harry
Published: March 2008

Sixty-four subjects, aged between 15 and 72 years were told how to carry out a problem-solving task, whose difficulty could be varied by changing the position of an index card in relation to a display and control.

The outstanding feature, particularly of the older group's performance was the repetition of the same two kinds of mistake. Their failure seemed mainly due to an inability to rid themselves of their wrong “solutions,” in spite of the constant information indicating the mistake at each position. Whilst these differences between the age groups were hot pronounced at the easiest task, they were at the most difficult.

It is suggested that: Firstly, the procedure of giving a subject the solution to a problem and observing how he reconciles his information with it, though only operating in a circumscribed area of problem-solving, is a genuine example of thinking, and, particularly where certain kinds of mistake can be predicted, it enables the experimenter to gain a more exact impression of what a subject is doing. Secondly, the manipulation of spatial contiguities lends itself to flexible and fairly precise measurement, and the principle might usefully be extended to other variables such as size, time intervals, colour, etc.
Experiments on Habit Reversal in the white Rat following Electro-Convulsive Treatment
Authors: Frankenhaeuser Marianne
Published: March 2008

Rats in a T-maze were taught two opposite habits successively, the first being heavily over learned compared to the second. One group of 14 rats was then given a series of 6 electroconvulsive shocks. The control group of 11 rats underwent a dummy procedure.

Tested subsequently the control group maintained the second habit but among the shocked animals some adopted the second habit and some the first. This was no evidence of habit reversal, however, for the behaviour of the shocked animals at the choice point was not distinguishable statistically from random behaviour.

The data of earlier workers are re-examined and, in all cases, animals said to have undergone habit reversal act as if at random.
Relation of Skin Temperature to Pain Threshold
Authors: Hall K. R. L.
Published: March 2008

Two recent studies have established a very close relationship between environmentally-induced changes in skin temperature and the pain threshold for radiant heat stimuli. The present experiment was designed to verify the relationship by using as pain test area the skin surface of the back of the hand, as the skin temperature here is likely to vary from individual to individual much more than for the forehead.

Subjects were 50 neurotic and depressed patients of both sexes, age range 20–79. Skin temperatures were recorded on the right hand until a steady level was reached, then radiant heat stimuli were applied to a blackened area of the left hand. Results showed a highly significant negative correlation between pain threshold and skin temperature level, while differences due to age and sex were negligible. Drops in skin temperature were a common reaction during pain testing.

The significance of this finding is discussed in terms of the adaptive function of skin temperature changes and their relation to tissue damage. The results are consistent with the view that the pain experience, although having its distinctive sensory components, is intimately related to, and affected by, central factors of autonomic regulation. Some implications for general experimental and clinical research on pain are briefly outlined.
A Technique for Comparing the Threshold Concentrations for Olfactory, Trigeminal, and Ocular Irritations
Authors: Moncrieff R. W.
Published: March 2008

A new technique is described for comparing the threshold concentrations that will produce olfactory, trigeminal, and ocular irritation when odorous irritants are exposed to the nose and eyes. It depends on the reduction of concentration of an odorous irritant in air, when the air is passed through an adsorbent.

Of the four odorous irritants used in this investigation, three, viz. acetic anhydride, formaldehyde and triethylamine, first irritated the eye, then became perceptible to smell and finally irritated the nasal membranes as their concentration was gradually increased. The order of sensitivity of the three senses towards them was in each case: eye irritation > smell > nasal irritation. It was not found possible to separate the three sensations when ammonia was the odorous irritant, all three seeming to appear and to disappear together.
Evolution of open access publishing in Chinese scientific journals
Authors: CHENG Weihong , REN Shengli
Published: March 2008

Based on the 1,608 journals covered by the Chinese Science & Technology Journal Citation Reports (2005 edition), we analyzed the open access (OA) publishing situation of Chinese scientific journals. From this database we identified 91 journals offering full OA; a further 139 journals offered delayed OA. Data collected at three different time points (January 2006, July 2006, and January 2007) showed that the OA status of these journals is not stable; some OA journals subsequently became non‐OA. Most of the Chinese OA journals are not part of a larger aggregation, but are published independently. Relatively more OA journals are published in the fields of medicine and biology. Citation indicators of OA journals were found to be higher than those of non‐OA journals.
Trends in the use of ISI citation databases for evaluation
Authors: PRINGLE James
Published: March 2008

This paper explores the factors shaping the current uses of the ISI citation databases in evaluation both of journals and of individual scholars and their institutions. Given the intense focus on outcomes evaluation, in a context of increasing ‘democratization’ of metrics in today's digital world, it is easy to lose focus on the appropriate ways to use these resources, and misuse can result.
Foxn4 directly regulates tbx2b expression and atrioventricular canal formation
Authors: Chi Neil C. , Shaw Robin M. , De Val Sarah , Kang Guson , Jan Lily Y. , Black Brian L. , Stainier Didier Y.R.
Published: March 2008

Cardiac chamber formation represents an essential evolutionary milestone that allows for the heart to receive (atrium) and pump (ventricle) blood throughout a closed circulatory system. Here, we reveal a novel transcriptional pathway between foxn4 and tbx genes that facilitates this evolutionary event. We show that the zebrafish gene slipjig, which encodes Foxn4, regulates the formation of the atrioventricular (AV) canal to divide the heart. sli/foxn4 is expressed in the AV canal, and its encoded product binds to a highly conserved tbx2 enhancer domain that contains Foxn4- and T-box-binding sites, both necessary to regulate tbx2b expression in the AV canal.
Post-transcriptional down-regulation of Atoh1/Math1 by bone morphogenic proteins suppresses medulloblastoma development
Authors: Zhao Haotian , Ayrault Olivier , Zindy Frederique , Kim Jee-Hae , Roussel Martine F.
Published: March 2008

Bone morphogenic proteins 2 and 4 (BMP2 and BMP4) inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation of cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) and primary GNP-like medulloblastoma (MB) cells. This occurs through rapid proteasome-mediated degradation of Math1 (Atoh1), a transcription factor expressed in proliferating GNPs. Ectopic expression of Atoh1, but not of Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-regulated Gli1 or Mycn, cancels these BMP-mediated effects and restores Shh-dependent proliferation of GNPs and MB cells in vitro and in vivo. Genes regulating the BMP signaling pathway are down-regulated in mouse MBs. Thus, BMPs are potent inhibitors of MB and should be considered as novel therapeutic agents.
Cooperative regulation in development by SMRT and FOXP1
Authors: Jepsen Kristen , Gleiberman Anatoli S. , Shi Can , Simon Daniel I. , Rosenfeld Michael G.
Published: March 2008

A critical aspect of mammalian development involves the actions of dedicated repressors/corepressors to prevent unregulated gene activation programs that would initiate specific cell determination events. While the role of NCoR/SMRT corepressors in nuclear receptor actions is well documented, we here report that a previously unrecognized functional interaction between SMRT and a forkhead protein, FOXP1, is required for cardiac growth and regulation of macrophage differentiation. Our studies demonstrate that SMRT and FOXP1 define a functional biological unit required to orchestrate specific programs critical for mammalian organogenesis, linking developmental roles of FOX to a specific corepressor.
Fgf-dependent depletion of microRNA-133 promotes appendage regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Yin Viravuth P. , Thomson J. Michael , Thummel Ryan , Hyde David R. , Hammond Scott M. , Poss Kenneth D.
Published: March 2008

Appendage regeneration is defined by rapid changes in gene expression that achieve dramatic developmental effects, suggesting involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we find dynamic regulation of many miRNAs during zebrafish fin regeneration. In particular, miR-133 levels are high in uninjured fins but low during regeneration. When regeneration was blocked by Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) receptor inhibition, high miR-133 levels were quickly restored. Experimentally increasing amounts of miR-133 attenuated fin regeneration. Conversely, miR-133 antagonism during Fgf receptor inhibition accelerated regeneration through increased proliferation within the regeneration blastema. The Mps1 kinase, an established positive regulator of blastemal proliferation, is an in vivo target of miR-133. Our findings identify miRNA depletion as a new regulatory mechanism for complex tissue regeneration.
Interpretation of cytokine signaling through the transcription factors STAT5A and STAT5B
Authors: Hennighausen Lothar , Robinson Gertraud W.
Published: March 2008

Transcription factors from the family of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) are activated by numerous cytokines. Two members of this family, STAT5A and STAT5B (collectively called STAT5), have gained prominence in that they are activated by a wide variety of cytokines such as interleukins, erythropoietin, growth hormone, and prolactin. Furthermore, constitutive STAT5 activation is observed in the majority of leukemias and many solid tumors. Inactivation studies in mice as well as human mutations have provided insight into many of STAT5’s functions. Disruption of cytokine signaling through STAT5 results in a variety of cell-specific effects, ranging from a defective immune system and impaired erythropoiesis, the complete absence of mammary development during pregnancy, to aberrant liver function. On a molecular level, STAT5 has been linked to cell specification, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Evidence is growing that the diverse outcomes of STAT5 signaling are not only determined by the expression of specific receptors but also by the interaction of STAT5 with cofactors and the cell-specific activity of members of the SOCS family, which negatively regulate STAT function. In this review, we focus on emerging concepts and challenges in the field of Janus kinase (JAK)–STAT5 signaling. First, we discuss unique functions of STAT5 in three distinct systems: mammary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and regulatory T cells. Second, we present an example of how STAT5 can achieve cell specificity in hepatocytes through a physical and functional interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Third, we focus on the relevance of STAT5 in the development and progression of leukemia. Next, we discuss lessons derived from human mutations and disease. Finally, we address an emerging issue that the interpretation of experiments from STAT5-deficient mice and cells might be compromised as these cells might reroute and reprogram cytokine signals to the “wrong” STATs and thus acquire inappropriate cues. We propose that mice with mutations in various components of the JAK–STAT signaling pathway are living laboratories, which will provide insight into the versatility of signaling hardware and the adaptability of the software.
THE ROLE OF LONG ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR IN NEONATAL THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: MAISEY M. N. , STIMMLER L.
Published: March 2008

Ten pregnant women with a history of past or present hyperthyroidism were investigated. Three of these patients had evidence of LATS activity in their serum. Two of these had infants who had LATS activity in their cord blood; a pair of twins, and a singleton. These three infants developed neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Serial samples of blood from these infants indicated a half life LATS disappearance of 4.1, 6.7 and 7.6 days respectively.
THE EFFECT OF METHANDROSTENOLONE ON PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION IN PREPUBERTAL CHILDREN
Authors: LARON Z. , HOCHMAN I. H. , KERET R.
Published: March 2008

The effect of methandrostenolone on plasma growth hormone levels was studied in twenty‐two apparently healthy prepubertal children (nineteen males and three females) with idiopathic growth retardation, following insulin hypoglycaemia (eight children) or arginine infusion (fourteen children). The tests were performed before and after 5 days or 34 months of peroral administration of methandrostenolone (0.1 54.33 or 0.03‐0.05 mg/kg/day, respectively).
STIMULATION TESTS OF PITUITARY‐LEYDIG CELL FUNCTION IN NORMAL MALE SUBJECTS AND HYPOGONADAL MEN
Authors: ANDERSON D. C. , MARSHALL J. C. , YOUNG J. L. , RUSSELL FRASER T.
Published: March 2008

The Leydig cell reserve was assessed by measuring plasma 17 ß‐hydroxy androgens (17 OHA) after two injections of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 2000 i.u. 3 days apart. In fifteen normal men the 17 OHA rose by a mean of 109%, to above 11 ng/ml, between 1 and 3 days after intramuscular injection. In cryptorchid boys the response was much slower, adult levels being reached in 1‐4 weeks. In panhypopituitarism 17 OHA levels rose rapidly to the normal range, whereas in isolated gonadotrophin deficiency the response was much more variable. Subjects with chromatin‐positive Klinefelter's syndrome also responded to HCG. No response was seen in patients with complete testicular degeneration. Peak serum HCG levels occurred at 24 hr.

Pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) production was tested with clomiphene citrate 3 mg/kg/day for 10 days. In nine normal men LH levels rose by a mean of 107% to above the normal range, and the 17 OHA by a mean of 114% to above 11.5 ng/ml. No response was seen in early puberty, in panhypopituitarism or in isolated gonadotrophin deficiency where LH and 17 OHA levels remained low. In Klinefelter's syndrome and testicular degeneration the high LH levels were unchanged.

The HCG test is of value in confirming the presence of functioning Leydig cells, while the principal use of the clomiphene test is in diagnosing gonadotrophin deficiency, where basal LH levels may be only borderline low.
A TRIAL OF MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE IN ACROMEGALY
Authors: RAKE J.S. , HAFIZ S.A. , LESSOF M.H. , SNODGRASS G. J. A. I.
Published: March 2008

In a series of acromegalic patients treated with radiotherapy to the pituitary high growth hormone levels were frequently found to persist after treatment. However, a late fall in the fasting plasma level of growth hormone was often seen. There was no evidence as to its cause.

The use of medroxyprogesterone in a dose of 10 mg 6‐hourly over a period of 3 months resulted in a fall in growth hormone level in three cases out of thirteen. Twelve of the treated patients had previously received radiotherapy to the pituitary.

As judged by growth hormone levels there was no evidence that medroxyprogesterone offers an effective treatment for acromegaly. The urinary excretion of hydroxyproline fell significantly during treatment, and this requires further evaluation.
SKIN COLLAGEN AND THICKNESS IN ACROMEGALY AND HYPOPITUITARISM
Authors: BLACK M. M. , SHUSTER* SAM , BOTTOMS EVA
Published: March 2008

The thickness of the forearm skin and its collagen content and density were measured in a group of patients with acromegaly and hypopituitarism. In acromegaly the total content, thickness and collagen density were all increased. There was a smaller and less consistent increase in percentage collagen content. In hypopituitarism total skin collagen and thickness were both decreased and collagen density and percentage collagen content remained normal.
URINARY PREGNANEDIOL AND PREGNANETRIOL IN THE SALT‐LOSING AND NONSALT‐LOSING FORMS OF C‐21‐HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY
Authors: HAMILTON WILLIAM , GRAY CHRISTINA E.
Published: March 2008

Six patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21‐hydroxylase defect were investigated by administering both metyrapone and corticotrophin during an acute 3 day test. Urinary pregnanediol and pregnanetriol were estimated in the third day urine. Three patients had salt‐loss while three were without salt‐loss.

Pregnanediol and pregnanetriol were detected in all cases suggesting that 21‐hydroxylation of progesterone (P) and 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17P) is defective in both types. Contrary to the view that salt‐loss is due to a complete enzyme defect while nonsalt‐loss is due to partial enzyme defect, more pregnanediol and pregnanetriol was excreted by nonsalt‐losers than by salt‐losers. This suggests that the basic difference in the two types is not simply a quantitative enzyme defect. The findings, supported by quoted work of other authors, suggest either that metabolic pathways in this condition may be different from the accepted normal or alternatively there is a difference in the availability of precursor substrate in the two clinical types.
ENDOCRINE PROFILES IN PREMENSTRUAL TENSION
Authors: ADAMOPOULOS D. A. , LORAINE J. A. , LUNN S. F. , COPPEN A. J. , DALY R. J.
Published: March 2008

Studies on pituitary and ovarian function as assessed by the urinary output of total gonadotrophic activity, the three classical oestrogens, pregnanediol and, in some cases, testosterone and epitestosterone, were conducted in eight patients suffering from premenstrual tension. Major abnormalities in endocrine function were not a feature of the condition. Ovulation, as judged by pregnanediol assays, was absent in seven out of the fifteen cycles investigated. Contrary to traditional belief, the symptoms of premenstrual tension could exist in the presence of cycles with anovulatory hormonal patterns.
PATTERN OF SERUM THYROXINE, TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND THYROTROPHIN AFTER TREATMENT OF THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: BELLABARBA D. , BÉNARD B. , LANGLOIS M.
Published: March 2008

Serial measurements of the levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyrotrophin (TSH) have been made in sixty‐two patients with thyrotoxicosis during the management of their disease. Thirty‐six patients received 131I, twenty antithyroid drugs and six underwent thyroidectomy. All have been followed for 1–2 years. Serum T4 concentrations were determined by a modification of the Murphy technique (N: 5–12 μg/100 ml). Serum T3 values were assessed by the method of Sterling et al. (N: 150–270 ng/100 ml). TSH was measured by radioimmunoassay (N: 0–8 μU/ml). The following hormonal and clinical patterns were observed.

 Euthyroidism, with normal T4, T3 and TSH in forty‐four patients.

 Persistence of hyperthyroidism with high serum T3 (370–676 ng/100 ml), normal T4 and undetectable TSH, in four patients treated with 131I and in four managed with antithyroid drugs.

 In four out of six patients, clinically euthyroid after 131I therapy, serum TSH became elevated (32–93 μU/ml). In this group serum T4 was decreased (1.3–3.6 μg/100 ml), but T3 was normal or somewhat elevated (170–348 ng/100 ml). Three of these patients eventually developed hypothyroidism and T3 levels fell below normal.

 Four patients showed a transient (2–4 months) fall of serum T4 below the normal level. Serum T3 was normal and they were clinically euthyroid.

These results show that during the management of thyrotoxicosis, serum T4 may be misleading. The measurement of T3 and TSH, in addition to T4, provides a better correlation between clinical status and laboratory findings.
STEROID 17, 20‐DESMOLASE DEFICIENCY: A NEW CAUSE OF MALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM
Authors: ZACHMANN M. , VÖLLMIN J. A. , HAMILTON W. , PRADER A.
Published: March 2008

In a child with male pseudohermaphroditism (ambiguous external genitalia, XY sex chromosomal constitution and normal adrenocortical function), incubations of testicular tissue with pregnenolone/progesterone, 17α‐hydroxy‐pregnenolone/17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione/dehydroepiandrosterone showed that testosterone could be formed from androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone only, but not from other substrates. In urine, testosterone did not increase after HCG, but small amounts of pregnanetriolone were found, which increased after HCG and ACTH. There was no DHA increment after ACTH.

It is concluded that this patient, as well as a first cousin and a gonadectomized maternal 'aunt' with the same clinical and urinary steroid findings have testicular and adrenal steroid 17,20‐desmolase deficiency, causing a defect of androgen biosynthesis, which has not previously been described. The heredity of this condition seems to be autosomal or X‐chromosomal.
PLASMA THYROTROPHIN AND ITS RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE IN ENDEMIC GOITRE
Authors: RASTOGI G. K. , DASH R. J. , KANNAN V. , SINHA M. K.
Published: March 2008

The basal plasma thyrotropin (TSH) level and the thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) induced TSH secretion were measured in euthyroid goitrous subjects and non‐goitrous subjects; both groups lived in a known endemic area under iodide prophylaxis in North India. The results were similar in both groups. Elevated TSH levels are not necessary for goitre maintenance.
THE HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES AND HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE CONTENT OF THE PHARYNGEAL PITUITARY GLAND IN NORMAL AND ENDOCRINOLOGICALLY‐DISTURBED PATIENTS
Authors: McPHIE J. L. , BECK J. SWANSON
Published: March 2008

The pharyngeal pituitary was studied in forty‐seven patients who did not have evidence of endocrine disturbance and in nineteen patients with some evidence of endocrine disorder. Various histological patterns were encountered: the ‘activated’type showed adenohypophyseal differentiation, the ‘inactivated’type showed squamous epithelium or undifferentiated cells and the ‘mixed’type contained elements of the other two types of tissue. The appearance of squamous foci in the pharyngeal pituitary was shown to be an ageing phenomenon. Human growth hormone was detected by immunofluorescence in scattered cells of some glands with adenohypophyseal differentiation. There was no evidence of hyperplasia of HGH‐containing cells in the pharyngeal pituitary in patients with virtually complete sellar pituitary ablation: in anencephaly, basophil cells predominated and HGH‐containing cells were scanty: ‘pregnancy cells’were not identified in the pharyngeal pituitary of a parturient woman.
Calcium absorption and excretion in the gut in acromegaly
Authors: SIGURDSSON G. , NUNZIATA V. , REINER M. , NADARAJAH A. , JOPLIN G. F.
Published: March 2008

In twenty patients with active acromegaly, twenty‐five measurements of radiocalcium absorption and fourteen measurements of gut excretion were made. Calcium absorption in this group was greater than normal, and was positively correlated with both the serum calcium level and the urine calcium output. Endogenous faecal calcium was usually normal. It is suggested that increased calcium absorption from the gut is a major factor in determining any elevation in serum and urine calcium levels in acromegaly.
ABNORMALITIES OF GLUCAGON METABOLISM IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: DAY J. L. , ANDERSON J.
Published: March 2008

Fasting plasma glucagon has been measured by a specific radioimmunoassay in twenty‐three untreated maturity onset diabetic patients and twenty‐three matched normal controls. Significant fasting hyperglucagonaemia was demonstrated in the diabetic subjects in spite of their raised blood glucose and insulin concentrations.

Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on ten diabetic subjects and ten normal controls and variations in blood glucose, insulin and glucagon concentration studied. Glucagon concentration was shown to increase significantly after oral glucose in the diabetic subjects and to fall in the normal controls. The differences between the changes in glucagon concentration in the two groups could not be related to the differences in insulin response. It is proposed that these findings provide evidence of derangement of metabolism within the alpha cell in maturity onset diabetes.
SERUM LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE IN NORMAL CHILDREN AND PATIENTS WITH VARIOUS CLINICAL DISORDERS
Authors: LEE PETER A.
Published: March 2008

Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined in 329 normal children and 185 individuals with endocrinological abnormalities or variations of development. A significant increase of gonadotrophins is noted at the onset of puberty among the boys and at menarche for girls. The values are compared with serum concentrations of LH and FSH in children with abnormalities of sexual development, pituitary malfunction as well as other clinical abnormalities. Comparable levels for age and stage of development were found for premature thelarche, premature adrenarche, cryptorchidism, male pseudohermaphroditism and pubertal gynaecomastia. Hypogonadal individuals (Klinefelter's and Turner's syndrome, pure ovarian dysgenesis and testicular dysgenesis) have markedly elevated values while those with pituitary hypofunction had low values. Patients with sexual prococity tended to have elevated concentrations.
LONG‐ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR AND THYROID FUNCTION IN RELATIVES OF PATIENTS WITH GRAVES’DISEASE
Authors: BONNYNS M. , VANHAELST L. , GOLSTEIN J. , CAUCHIE C. , ERMANS A. M. , BASTENIE P. A.
Published: March 2008

In ten families, fifty relatives and seven husbands of ten patients with untreated Graves’disease were submitted to clinical examination, biological and immunological investigations. They were compared with fifty control subjects. In the relatives, thyroid diseases were found in 26%, positive LATS‐IgG responses in 30%, thyroid antibodies in 23% and abnormal NBEI in 30%. The mean LATS response was significantly greater than in controls. With one exception no overt hyperthyroidism was found in the relatives on the basis of serum PBI, T3 resin uptake test, total T4 and TSH level. From the analysis of the pedigrees, no definite mode of inheritance can be found for LATS and NBEI. These data suggest the existence of a thyroid metabolic anomaly in the families of patients with thyrotoxicosis and argue against LATS as the cause of the hyperthyroidism of Graves’disease.
EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC ORAL OESTROGENS IN NORMAL MEN AND PATIENTS WITH PROSTATIC CARCINOMA: LACK OF GONADOTROPHIN SUPPRESSION BY CHLOROTRIANISENE
Authors: BAKER H. W. G. , BURGER H. G. , de KRETSER D. M. , HUDSON B. , STRAFFON W. G.
Published: March 2008

The effects of the oral synthetic oestrogens, diethylstiboestrol and chlorotrianisene, have been studied in healthy male volunteers and in patients with prostatic carcinoma. The plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone decreased significantly during treatment with diethylstilboestrol. Although plasma levels of testosterone decreased during treatment with chlorotrianisene, levels of follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones were not significantly suppressed. This pattern of response was observed both in healthy males and in patients with prostatic carcinoma, regardless of whether chlorotrianisene was used as the primary therapy in the latter group or following therapy with diethylstilboestrol or orchidectomy. The capacity of the sex steroid binding globulin for testosterone was increased following prolonged administration of both agents. It is concluded that suppression of plasma testosterone levels observed during chlorotrianisene therapy is the result of a direct effect on the testis and that this agent may be of value in studies of gonadotrophin physiology.

Although the palliative effect of treating prostatic carcinoma with synthetic oestrogens such as diethylstilboestrol (DES) and chlorotrianisene (CTA) has been known for many years, the mechanism of this action is obscure. It is generally believed that reduction of circulating androgens secondary to suppression of pituitary gonadotrophin secretion is the main effect, but it is possible such drugs have direct effects both on the testis and the carcinoma. During investigations designed to evaluate the mode of action of these two drugs, an interesting difference emerged between their effects on serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). An earlier study had demonstrated that when a patient who had been previously treated with DES was given CTA, plasma levels of testosterone remained low despite rising levels of FSH and LH (Burger et al., 1972). This paper reports the results of more detailed investigations of the effects of DES and CTA in healthy volunteers and in patients with carcinoma of the prostate.
EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN ADMINISTRATION ON TESTOSTERONE METABOLISM IN NORMAL MEN
Authors: CLARK A. F. , CARSON G. D. , DeLORY B. , CLEMOW M. E. , BIRD C. E.
Published: March 2008

The effects of oestrogen administration on various parameters of testosterone metabolism (metabolic clearance rate, plasma concentration, production rate, level of binding to plasma proteins) were studied in normal men. Oral oestrogen administration (ethinyl oestradiol, 0.05 mg b.i.d. for 4 days) decreased the metabolic clearance rate (32%), plasma concentration (49%) and production rate (65%) and increased the level of binding of testosterone to plasma proteins (4.6%); the testosterone‘free index’ (plasma concentration X% unbound) decreased by 75%. An intravenous infusion of oestrogen (i.v. injection of 5 mg stilboestrol diphosphate followed by constant infusion of 47.5 μg/min for 30 min prior to and during the experiment) had no significant effects on the above parameters. The net effect of oral oestrogen administration is to decrease the amount of testosterone available for entry into tissues. The testosterone ‘free index’ showed a significant correlation with the metabolic clearance rate.
THYROTROPHIN RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN‐RELEASING HORMONE IN OPHTHALMIC GRAVES' DISEASE: CORRELATION WITH OTHER ASPECTS OF THYROID FUNCTION, THYROID SUPPRESSIBILITY AND ACTIVITY OF EYE SIGNS
Authors: ORMSTON B. J. , ALEXANDER L. , EVERED D. C. , CLARK F. , BIRD T. , APPLETON D. , HALL R.
Published: March 2008

Thirty‐four patients with ophthalmic Graves' disease were investigated by routine thyroid function tests, by measurement of the serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) response to thyrotrophin‐releasing hormone (TRH) and by measurement of the serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels.

The patients could be divided into four groups according to their response to TRH—normal, impaired, absent and exaggerated. Those with normal responses had routine thyroid function tests and serum T3 levels which in general did not differ from normal control values. Those with impaired and with absent responses showed routine thyroid function tests which approached the hyperthyroid range together with significant elevation of serum T3 levels. It is suggested that they might represent examples of ‘subclinical T3 thyrotoxicosis’. Patients with exaggerated responses had routine thyroid function tests near the lower end of the normal range and could be regarded as suffering from ‘subclinical hypothyroidism’. There was a good correlation between a normal TRH response and normal thyroid suppressibility by T3, and between impaired and absent responses and impaired thyroid suppressibility. It is evident that the TRH test which is safer, shorter and more convenient, can replace the T3 suppression test in routine clinical practice. The response to TRH also provided information on the activity of the eye signs, a normal response was associated with improving eye signs whereas impaired, absent or exaggerated responses were associated with static signs or actual deterioration. The TRH test is of value in the diagnosis of unilateral exophthalmos since about three‐quarters of the patients in this series showed some abnormality. The wide range of TRH response and of circulating thyroid hormone levels is to be expected since the thyroid is not subject to the normal finely‐balanced negative feed‐back mechanism via TSH.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE DATA IN NORMAL AND MILDLY DIABETIC SUBJECTS
Authors: HARDING P. E. , OAKLEY N. W. , WYNN VICTOR
Published: March 2008

Plasma glucose, plasma insulin and blood pyruvate levels were measured during two identical oral glucose tolerance tests carried out a few days apart on fifty‐two normal or mildly diabetic subjects. No systematic differences could be detected between the first and second test. Several different functions derived from the tests were examined both for reproducibility and sensitivity in detecting departures from normal: a ‘clinical value index’ as calculated for each of these functions taking both reproducibility and sensitivity into account. This index was higher for the area under the glucose tolerance curve than for the glucose value at any single selected point during the test or for the ‘H’ index. The coefficient of variation for the glucose area was found to increase with increasing impairment of glucose tolerance, and confidence limits for this function were defined, enabling a significance of a single abnormal test to be assessed. Day‐to‐day variations in glucose tolerance were found not to be the result of fluctuations in the insulin response, nor to be related to the fasting pyruvate level before the test. It seems most likely that these variations result from fluctuations in glucose absorption and distribution.
HYPERPARATHYROIDISM: THE RISK OF RECURRENCE
Authors: And PHILIP MARSDEN , DAY JOHN L.
Published: March 2008

Thirty‐three cases of primary hyperparathyroidism have been followed up after initial diagnosis for a mean period of 5 years and 5 months. The recurrence rate over the follow‐up period was 15%. Recurrence was limited to cases with involvement of other endocrine glands, a family history of hyperparathyroidism or multiple involvement of the parathyroid glands discovered at operation. These three factors can therefore be regarded as prognostic indices of a high recurrence risk; they are common, occurring in an estimated 39% of cases. When they exist, an attempt to visualize all parathyroid tissue at operation should be made and, if multiple gland involvement is present, the treatment of choice is subtotal para‐thyroidectomy.
PARATHYROID FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH PAGET'S DISEASE TREATED WITH SALMON CALCITONIN
Authors: BURCKHARDT P. M. , SINGER F. R. , POTTS J. T.
Published: March 2008

To study the possibility of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with Paget's disease treated with calcitonin over a long period, we investigated parathyroid function in eleven patients treated with salmon calcitonin (CT) for up to 23 months and in one patient treated with human CT. Basal plasma calcium, immuno‐reactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum phosphorus levels were all in the normal range before and after the treatment and did not change significantly during the treatment. In all patients, an acute fall in calcium and a rise in PTH occurred after the initial injection of CT. The rise in PTH was proportional to the fall in calcium and similar to that observed in normal subjects. After treatment, the rise in plasma PTH remained the same in relation to the fall in calcium, indicating that the responsiveness of the parathyroid glands to the hypocalcaemic challenge was unaltered, and that secondary hyperparathyroidism was not present in these patients.
THE TSH, FSH AND PROLACTIN RESPONSES TO CONTINUOUS INFUSIONS OF TRH AND THE EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN ADMINISTRATION IN NORMAL MALES
Authors: MORTIMER C. H. , BESSER G. M. , GOLDIE D. J. , HOOK JANET , McNEILLY A. S.
Published: March 2008

Four normal males received a constant infusion of 0.9% NaCl for 1 hr followed immediately by 500 μg of TRH infused over the same period. A rise in serum TSH was observed in all subjects while in three there was also a significant FSH response. The prolactin response, unlike that of TSH, was markedly pulsatile indicating that different mechanisms exist for the release of these two hormones from the pituitary after TRH. Circulating levels of LH were unaffected.

Ethinyl oestradiol, 30 μg daily for 3 days, was administered to two of the subjects and the infusions were repeated. Both basal FSH and LH levels were depressed, as was the FSH response to the infusion of TRH. By contrast, however, the TSH response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone was enhanced after oestrogen. In one subject the basal prolactin levels were significantly higher while in both there was an augmented prolactin response to TRH, the pulsatile pattern of release being maintained.
THYROTROPHIN RESPONSES TO INTRAVENOUS THYROTROPHIN‐RELEASING HORMONE IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC AND PITUITARY DISEASE
Authors: McLAREN E. H. , HENDRICKS S. , PIMSTONE B. L.
Published: March 2008

Plasma immunoreactive thyrotrophin (TSH) responses to synthetic thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) have been measured in forty‐five patients with pituitary or hypothalamic disease (largely non‐functioning and functioning pituitary tumours) tested before and/or after ablative treatment. Subnormal TSH responses usually indicated impaired pituitary function but were less sensitive indices than those of human growth hormone (HGH) after hypoglycaemia. High basal TSH values with exaggerated rises after TRH were occasionally found with hypothyroidism and impaired HGH and cortisol secretion. Delayed TSH responses were indicative of hypothalamic disease in some cases, but in others were associated with pituitary tumours without overt hypothalamic disease. Normal TRH tests were found with hypothyroidism, while five abnormal tests (four delayed) were found in euthyroid patients. Patterns of TSH response to TRH in hypothalamic‐pituitary disease are complex and their significance is not always clear.
HYPERCORTISOLAEMIA AND LACK OF SKELETAL RESPONSE TO OESTROGEN IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: AITKEN J. M. , HALL P. E. , RAO L. G. S. , HART D. M. , LINDSAY R.
Published: March 2008

Measurements of plasma ‘cortisol’ and metacarpal mineral content were made in seventy‐two postmenopausal women of whom one half had been taking 20‐40 μg mestranol daily for 1‐3 years. Urinary free ‘cortisol’ (UFC) was also measured in just over one half of these women. Significant increases in plasma ‘cortisol’ and metacarpal mineral content were found in the mestranol treated women. The greatest bone mineral response was found in those women with plasma ‘cortisol’ concentrations in the range 36‐45 μg/100 ml. A significant inverse relationship was found between UFC and metacarpal mineral change. These findings imply that failure of the skeleton to respond to oestrogen therapy might result from a relative increase in adrenocorticoid activity. It is suggested that the measurement of plasma ‘cortisol’ and UFC may be of value in monitoring the treatment of patients on long‐term oestrogen therapy.