bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active motion control of fixed offshore platforms using an extended state observer
Authors: Hillis A J
Published: October 2009

This paper describes an investigation into the application of an active control strategy for reducing the motion of offshore platforms in waves. The simulated structure is augmented with an active mass damper with a passive component tuned to the natural frequency of the platform. An actuator force under feedback control is used to improve the performance of the device. Simulations with realistic wave loadings are conducted and the performance is compared with that achieved using a passive tuned mass damper. A robust output feedback control strategy is utilized, which includes an extended observer to simultaneously estimate the system states and disturbance force. It is shown that significant performance improvements can be achieved when compared with passive control devices, and that the application is feasible within practical constraints, at least for smaller platforms.
Predictions of the effects of piston-liner crevices on flow motion and emissions in three-dimensional diesel engine simulations
Authors: Lee C-W , Reitz R D
Published: October 2009

Computational fluid dynamics predictions of the flow field and pollutant emissions in a high-speed direct-injection diesel engine operating at high load and rated speed are presented. Piston-liner crevice flows during the expansion stroke can give rise to vortex motions whose characteristics depend on the piston crevice configuration. Both a realistic and a simplified crevice volume that consists of a neck area and a reservoir to keep the surface—volume ratio realistic are considered. In the simplified crevice approach, with moderate intensity of the crevice flow, the vortex enhances mixing and engine-out carbon monoxide (CO) emissions are reduced. However, when the crevice flow intensity is above a certain level, a strong tumble motion is created in the bulk mixture in the squish area, which isolates a region of high CO concentration and prevents oxidation. The results also show that proper timing of the crevice flow into the combustion chamber lowers the mixture temperature and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. Calculations with a realistic crevice flow geometry and a crevice flow submodel also predict squish region vortex motion.
Numerical simulation of diesel combustion with a high exhaust gas recirculation rate
Authors: Yamamoto S , Nagaoka M , Ueda R , Wakisaka Y , Noda S
Published: October 2009

A series calculation method from injector nozzle internal flow to in-cylinder combustion in diesel engines has been developed. In this study, the calculation results of in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate, and NO concentration are compared with experimental results for conventional combustion conditions as well as an advanced combustion condition, which combines a high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, high boost pressure, and high pressure injection. The calculated pressure and heat release rate histories are in reasonable agreement with those of experiments, but the NO concentration is underestimated especially on the higher EGR rate condition. Therefore, an investigation to improve the quantitative accuracy of NO concentration is performed. The probability density function (PDF) method is one way to estimate the accurate mean reaction rate containing the reaction rate fluctuation by turbulence. In this study, the PDF method only applied for NO calculation is developed to balance the calculation accuracy and the computational cost. The result shows that the reaction rate fluctuation, on NO formation, has a small effect on conventional combustion conditions, but increases with decreasing combustion temperature.
Where Did All the Gps Go? Increasing Supply and Geographical Equity in England and Scotland
Authors: Goddard Maria , Gravelle Hugh , Hole Arne , Marini Giorgia
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To examine the effect on geographical equity of increases in the total supply of general practitioners (GPs) and the ending of entry restrictions in 2002 and to explore the factors associated with the distribution of GPs across England.

Methods

Calculation of Gini coefficients to measure geographical equity in GPs per 100,000 population in England and Scotland. Multiple regression of GPs per capita and change in GPs per capita on demographics, morbidity, deprivation and measures of amenity in English Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

Results

Equity in England rose between 1974 and 1994 but then decreased, and in 2006 it was below the 1974 level. After 2002, England had a greater percentage increase in GP supply than Scotland and a smaller increase in inequity. The level of GP per capita supply in 2006 was positively correlated with morbidity and PCT amenity, and negatively correlated with unemployment and poor air quality. The increase in per capita supply between 2002 and 2006 was not significantly associated with morbidity, deprivation or amenities.

Conclusions

Reducing geographical inequity in the provision of GPs requires targeted area level policies.
Wind Resource Investigation of Terengganu in the West Malaysia
Authors: Muzathik A.M. , Nik W.B. Wan , Ibrahim M.Z. , Samo K.B.
Published: October 2009

The analysis of wind data collected from the Renewable Energy Research Center, University Malaysia Terengganu (RERC UMT) using NRG Symphonie data retriever in Kuala Terengganu between the years 2004 and 2007. The RERC UMT station is located at 4°13.6′ N and 103°26.1′ E. Wind data were recorded at a height of 18 m above the ground level. This paper presents wind characteristics of the study site in Terengganu. The daily, monthly and annual wind speed values have been studied together with their prevailing direction. The monthly average wind speed and yearly mean wind speed for Kuala Terengganu ranged from 2.0–5.2 m/s and 2.9 m/s respectively. Northeast monsoon season (November to March) mean wind speed was 3.9 m/s for the same period. The average Weibull shape parameter k and scale parameter c were 1.76 and 3.21 m/s respectively for this period. The wind power is lowest during southwest monsoon season and highest during the northeast monsoon season (mean value 84.60 W/m2). The wind energy density is lowest at 11.33 W/m2 in June 2005, highest at 154.02 W/m2 in January 2007. The monthly average wind energy density and probability of wind to exceed of electricity generation wind speed 2.5 m/s were found as 40.52 W/m2 and 0.51 based on Weibull distribution, respectively. The annual average turbulence intensities were 0.58 and no significant seasonal variation in turbulence intensity was observed. In conclusion, wind energy could be used to provide power during the northeast monsoon season at the study site, using small (kW range) wind machines.
p16INK4a Expression Analysis as an Ancillary Tool for Cytologic Diagnosis of Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Nakazawa Kumiko , Murata Shin-ichi , Yuminamochi Tsutomu , Ishii Yoshio , Ohno Shikine , Nakazawa Tadao , Kondo Tetsuo , Katoh Ryohei
Published: October 2009

We immunochemically studied p16INK4a expression in 116 urine cytologic samples and compared results with 190 histologic samples. The cytologic samples were classified into 4 groups: 1, mild cellular atypia; 2, moderate cellular atypia; 3, severe cellular atypia; and 4, malignancy. Overexpression of p16INK4a was detected in none of 32 cases in group 1, 8 (16%) of 50 cases in group 2, 5 (42%) of 12 cases in group 3, and 11 (50%) of 22 cases in group 4. In addition, by histologic analysis, p16INK4a overexpression was not detected in nonneoplastic urothelium, except for a few cases of reactive atypia, but it was detected in about 50% of urothelial carcinomas. In particular, a high incidence (16/20 [80%]) of p16INK4a overexpression in high-grade carcinomas was noted in cytologic samples. Immunocytologic analysis of p16INK4a expression in cytologic samples is a useful ancillary tool for detection of urothelial carcinoma with infiltrating potential.
Clinical Performance of JAK2 V617F Mutation Detection Assays in a Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
Authors: Cankovic Milena , Whiteley Lisa , Hawley Robert C. , Zarbo Richard J. , Chitale Dhananjay
Published: October 2009

The presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation is now part of clinical diagnostic algorithms, and JAK2 status is routinely assessed when BCR/ABL− chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance of 3 screening and 1 quantitative method for JAK2 V617F detection. For the study, 43 samples (27 bone marrow aspirates and 16 peripheral blood samples) were selected. The screening assays were the JAK2 Activating Mutation Assay (InVivoScribe, San Diego, CA), JAK2 MutaScreen kit (Ipsogen, Luminy Biotech, Marseille, France), and a home-brew melting curve analysis method. Ipsogen’s JAK2 MutaQuant assay was used for quantification of mutant and wild-type alleles. The limit of detection was 1% for the kit-based screening methods and 10% for the melting curve method. The JAK2 MutaQuant assay demonstrated analytic sensitivity of 0.01%. All 4 methods detected cases of BCR/ABL− MPNs and gave negative results with BCR/ABL+ chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and normal cases.
Medication Use Across Transition Points from the Emergency Department: Identifying Factors Associated with Medication Discrepancies
Authors: Manias Elizabeth , Gerdtz Marie Frances , Weiland Tracey J , Collins Marnie
Published: October 2009

Background:

As patients move across transition points of care, medication discrepancies are likely to occur. In the emergency department (ED), patients are vulnerable to medication discrepancies because they are in an environment in which rapid decisions need to be made under high levels of stress.

Objective:

To identify the patient-, environment-, and medication-related factors involving unexplained medication discrepancies across transition points after ED presentation.

Methods:

Using a retrospective chart review design, a stratified, random sampling of data was undertaken over a 12-month period. Information was obtained from an electronic administrative database and medical records as patients moved from the ED to another transition point of care. Medication discrepancies were classified into 2 outcome groups: (1) no discrepancies and situations in which discrepancies were adequately explained and (2) discrepancies that had no adequate explanation.

Results:

For the 12-month period, 210 randomly selected patients were included; 73 (34.8%) had at least one unexplained medication discrepancy. Binary logistic regression modeling showed 4 factors that were statistically significant in determining the incidence of at least one unexplained medication discrepancy. Benefit card holders (individuals who receive benefits from government insurance programs comparable to the US-based Medicare and Medicaid initiatives, which include the elderly, the disabled, low income earners, and unemployed persons) had 3.73 greater odds of experiencing an unexplained medication discrepancy (95% CI 1.72 to 8.07; p = 0.001). Patients prescribed 5 or more drugs at discharge from the ED had 12.22 greater odds of having at least one unexplained medication discrepancy (95% CI 5.52 to 27.08; p < 0.001). Patients who were first seen by a physician within 1 hour of a change in working shift had 3.70 greater odds of having an unexplained medication discrepancy (95% CI 1.67 to 8.18; p = 0.001). For each additional minute of wait time for a physician, the odds of having an unexplained medication discrepancy increased by a factor of 1.01 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.01; p = 0.042).

Conclusions:

Patient-, environment-, and drug-related factors contribute to the risk of medication discrepancies across transition points from the ED.
Lacosamide: An Adjunctive Agent for Partial-Onset Seizures and Potential Therapy for Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Harris Jacklyn A , Murphy Julie A
Published: October 2009

Objective:

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of lacosamide, a new agent for use as adjunctive treatment in partial-onset seizures and a potential agent for treatment of neuropathic pain.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search (1966–July 2009) was conducted using the key words lacosamide, harkoseride, SPM-927, ADD-234037, epilepsy, anticonvulsant, and neuropathic pain. Bibliographies of all articles retrieved were also reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All studies including humans and published in English with data describing lacosamide for the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures and for treatment of neuropathic pain were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Lacosamide is a functionalized amino acid molecule that selectively enhances the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels and interacts with the collapsin-response mediator protein-2. With its bioavailability of approximately 100%, minimal protein binding, and few drug–drug interactions, lacosamide has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Recent data suggest that lacosamide may have a role as adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures. Open-label studies showed a 14-47% reduction in seizure frequency, while placebo-controlled trials demonstrated a 26-40% reduction in seizure frequency. The 50% responder rates ranged from 32.7% to 41.2% with varying doses of lacosamide. Although lacosamide use is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of neuropathic pain, studies demonstrated reductions of 2.01–3.60 in pain scale scores. The most common adverse effects, occurring in greater than 10% of subjects in the clinical trials, include arthralgia, ataxia, blurred vision, diplopia, dizziness, fatigue, headache, injection site pain (only in intravenous studies), nausea, tremor, upper respiratory tract infection, and vomiting.

Conclusions:

Lacosamide is an effective agent for adjunctive treatment of refractory partial-onset seizures. Its exact role in the treatment of neuropathic pain needs to be determined.
Characteristics of Australian Teachers of Young Children With Special Needs and Their Relationship With Their Students
Authors: Dempsey Ian
Published: October 2009

The number of students with a disability and other special needs has recently increased in Australia and much of this increase has occurred in regular classrooms. This trend, along with legislative changes for school support of students with a disability, focuses attention on school and teacher variables associated with outcomes for students with a disability. This article reviews the characteristics of Australian teachers of young students with special needs who participated in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. For the 650 teachers with a child with special needs in their class who took part in the 2006 wave of the study, there were significant differences across inclusive and segregated settings in some of the teachers' demographic features as well as their reported relationships with students with special needs.
Proteomic Analysis Uncovers Novel Actions of the Neurosecretory Protein VGF in Nociceptive Processing
Authors: Riedl Maureen S. , Braun Patrick D. , Kitto Kelley F. , Roiko Samuel A. , Anderson Lorraine B. , Honda Christopher N. , Fairbanks Carolyn A. , Vulchanova Lucy
Published: October 2009

Peripheral tissue injury is associated with changes in protein expression in sensory neurons that may contribute to abnormal nociceptive processing. We used cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons as a model of axotomized neurons to investigate early changes in protein expression after nerve injury. Comparing protein levels immediately after DRG dissociation and 24 h later by proteomic differential expression analysis, we found a substantial increase in the levels of the neurotrophin-inducible protein VGF (nonacronymic), a putative neuropeptide precursor. In a rodent model of nerve injury, VGF levels were increased within 24 h in both injured and uninjured DRG neurons, and the increase persisted for at least 7 d. VGF was also upregulated 24 h after hindpaw inflammation. To determine whether peptides derived from proteolytic processing of VGF participate in nociceptive signaling, we examined the spinal effects of AQEE-30 and LQEQ-19, potential proteolytic products shown previously to be bioactive. Each peptide evoked dose-dependent thermal hyperalgesia that required activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. In addition, LQEQ-19 induced p38 phosphorylation in spinal microglia when injected intrathecally and in the BV-2 microglial cell line when appliedin vitro. In summary, our results demonstrate rapid upregulation of VGF in sensory neurons after nerve injury and inflammation and activation of microglial p38 by VGF peptides. Therefore, VGF peptides released from sensory neurons may participate in activation of spinal microglia after peripheral tissue injury.
Predicting the Unpredictable: Weighted Averaging of Past Stimulus Timing Facilitates Ocular Pursuit of Randomly Timed Stimuli
Authors: Collins C. J. S. , Barnes Graham R.
Published: October 2009

In motor control, prediction of future events is vital for overcoming sensory-motor processing delays and facilitating rapid and accurate responses in a dynamic environment. In human ocular pursuit this is so pervasive that prediction of future target motion cannot easily be eliminated by randomizing stimulus parameters. We investigated the prediction of temporally randomized events during pursuit of alternating constant-velocity (ramp) stimuli in which the timing of direction changes varied unpredictably over a given range. Responses were not reactive; instead, smooth eye velocity began to decelerate in anticipation of each target reversal. In the first experiment, using a continuous-motion stimulus, we found that the time at which this occurred was relatively constant regardless of ramp duration, but increased as mean ramp duration of the range increased. Regression analysis revealed a quantitative association between deceleration timing and the previous two or three ramp durations in a trial, suggesting that recent stimulus history was used to create a running average of anticipatory timing. In the second experiment, we used discrete motion stimuli, with intervening periods of fixation, which allowed both target velocity and reversal timing to be varied, thereby decoupling ramp duration and displacement. This enabled us to confirm that the timing of anticipatory deceleration was based on the history of timing, rather than displacement, within the stimulus. We conclude that this strategy is used to minimize error amid temporal uncertainty, while simultaneously overcoming inherent delays in visuomotor processing.
Resolving Response, Decision, and Strategic Control: Evidence for a Functional Topography in Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Venkatraman Vinod , Rosati Alexandra G. , Taren Adrienne A. , Huettel Scott A.
Published: October 2009

The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) plays a central role in aspects of cognitive control and decision making. Here, we provide evidence for an anterior-to-posterior topography within the DMPFC using tasks that evoke three distinct forms of control demands—response, decision, and strategic—each of which could be mapped onto independent behavioral data. Specifically, we identify three spatially distinct regions within the DMPFC: a posterior region associated with control demands evoked by multiple incompatible responses, a middle region associated with control demands evoked by the relative desirability of decision options, and an anterior region that predicts control demands related to deviations from an individual's preferred decision-making strategy. These results provide new insight into the functional organization of DMPFC and suggest how recent controversies about its role in complex decision making and response mapping can be reconciled.
Prostaglandin E2-Induced Masculinization of Brain and Behavior Requires Protein Kinase A, AMPA/Kainate, and Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Signaling
Authors: Wright Christopher L. , McCarthy Margaret M.
Published: October 2009

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) mediates the masculinization of adult sex behavior in rats in response to the surge in serum testosterone at approximately birth. Measures of behavioral masculinization correlate with a twofold increase in spinophilin protein and the density of dendritic spines in the medial preoptic area (POA). Of the four receptors for PGE2, EP2and EP4are required for the masculinization of behavior by PGE2. EP2and EP4couple to Gs-proteins, activating protein kinase A (PKA). By using H89 (N-[2-(p-bromo-cinnamylamino)-ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfon-amide 2HCl) and Ht31, disruptors of PKA signaling, we have determined that PKA signaling is required for the masculinization of behavior by PGE2. Glutamatergic signaling often mediates PGE2signaling; therefore, we tested whether inhibition of AMPA/kainate and metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) signaling prevents PGE2-induced behavioral masculinization and whether activation of glutamate receptors mimics PGE2. Females treated neonatally with NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfonyl-benzo[f]quinoxaline) plus LY341495 [(2S)-2-amino-2-[(1S,2S)-2-carboxycycloprop-1-yl]-3-(xanth-9-yl) propanoic acid] combined (AMPA/kainate and mGluR inhibitors, respectively) before PGE2did not exhibit as many mounts or intromission-like behaviors or initiate these behaviors as quickly as animals treated with PGE2alone. Animals neonatally treated with kainate, (±)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (ACPD) (type I mGluR agonist), or the two combined mounted as frequently and initiated mounting behavior as quickly as those given PGE2. Ht31 does not prevent the masculinization of behavior by ACPD plus kainate cotreatment; rather, the coadministration of NBQX plus LY341495 prevents the forskolin-induced formation of POA dendritic spine-like processes. We conclude that PKA, AMPA/kainate, and metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling are necessary for the effects of PGE2, that each receptor individually suffices to organize behavior, and that PKA is upstream of the glutamate receptors.
The TC10–Exo70 Complex Is Essential for Membrane Expansion and Axonal Specification in Developing Neurons
Authors: Dupraz Sebastián , Grassi Diego , Bernis María Eugenia , Sosa Lucas , Bisbal Mariano , Gastaldi Laura , Jausoro Ignacio , Cáceres Alfredo , Pfenninger Karl H. , Quiroga Santiago
Published: October 2009

Axonal elongation is one of the hallmarks of neuronal polarization. This phenomenon requires axonal membrane growth by exocytosis of plasmalemmal precursor vesicles (PPVs) at the nerve growth cone, a process regulated by IGF-1 activation of the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase) pathway. Few details are known, however, about the targeting mechanisms for PPVs. Here, we show, in cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurons and growth cones isolated from fetal rat brain, that IGF-1 activates the GTP-binding protein TC10, which triggers translocation to the plasma membrane of the exocyst component exo70 in the distal axon and growth cone. We also show that TC10 and exo70 function are necessary for addition of new membrane and, thus, axon elongation stimulated by IGF-1. Moreover, expression silencing of either TC10 or exo70 inhibit the establishment of neuronal polarity by hindering the insertion of IGF-1 receptor in one of the undifferentiated neurites. We conclude that, in hippocampal pyramidal neurons in culture, (1) membrane expansion at the axonal growth cone is regulated by IGF-1 via a cascade involving TC10 and the exocyst complex, (2) TC10 and exo70 are essential for the polarized externalization of IGF-1 receptor, and (3) this process is necessary for axon specification.
Tibet's Relocated Schooling: Popularization Reconsidered
Authors: Postiglione Gerard A. , Jiao Ben
Published: October 2009

China has popularized relocated boarding schools for Tibetans in China. This paper examines the origin and development of these neidi schools, and the perspectives of their graduates. Despite their popularity among Tibetan households, this paper argues that their sustainability over the longer term is less certain.
Surface Reading: An Introduction
Authors: Best Stephen , Marcus Sharon
Published: October 2009

In the text-based disciplines, psychoanalysis and Marxism have had a major influence on how we read, and this has been expressed most consistently in the practice of symptomatic reading, a mode of interpretation that assumes that a text's truest meaning lies in what it does not say, describes textual surfaces as superfluous, and seeks to unmask hidden meanings. For symptomatic readers, texts possess meanings that are veiled, latent, all but absent if it were not for their irrepressible and recurring symptoms. Noting the recent trend away from ideological demystification, this essay proposes various modes of "surface reading" that together strive to accurately depict the truth to which a text bears witness. Surface reading broadens the scope of critique to include the kinds of interpretive activity that seek to understand the complexity of literary surfaces---surfaces that have been rendered invisible by symptomatic reading.
Narratology in the Archive of Literature
Authors: Cohen Margaret
Published: October 2009

To chart accurately the contours of the novel, literary historians are in the process of recovering the variety and complexity of its generic practice across its history. "Narratology in the Archive" surveys this recovery and discusses its methodology, differentiating this recovery from symptomatic reading. The article then illustrates this method with the recovery of sea adventure fiction as an influential transnational practice of the novel from Defoe to Conrad. I suggest that sea adventure plots are defined by readers' playful manipulation of information to solve problems posed by the text.
ANTI-OVULATORY ACTIVITY OF STEROIDS ADMINISTERED BY GAVAGE IN THE ADULT OESTRUS RABBIT
Authors: Kind Fred A. , Dorfman Ralph I.
Published: October 2009

Thirty-seven steroids have been studied as orally effective inhibitors of ovulation in the mated oestrus rabbit. Norethisterone served as the reference standard and a dose response curve was established between the 0.31 and 1.25 mg dose levels. Nine highly active anti-ovulatory compounds are described listed in a decreasing order of potency with norethisterone having the arbitrary value of one: 6-chloro-Δ6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (35), 6α-methyl-Δ1-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (≥ 10), 6-fluoro-Δ6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone(9), 6-methyl-Δ6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (5), Δ6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (≥ 3), 6α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (2.6), 6-chloro-Δ1,6-bisdehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (≥ 2), 2-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-17β-hydroxyandrostan-3-one (≥ 2), and 6α-fluoro-16α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (≥ 1.25).

The anti-ovulatory activity of a compound was not related necessarily to the progestational activity of a compound nor to the anti-gonadotrophic activity as measured in parabiotic rats.

6-Chloro-Δ60dehydro-17-acetoxyprogesterone was as effective by gavage as previously shown by subcutaneous injection. 2-Hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-17β-hydroxyandrostan-3-one was at least 2.5 times more active by gavage than by injection.

While 17α-acetoxyprogesterone was a very weak anti-ovulatory steroid, modifications of the structure by addition of methyl or halogen at the 6α position with or without unsaturation greatly increased the activity.

6-Chloro-Δ6-dehydro-27α-acetoxyprogesterone was the most active compound in this series showing a relative potency of 3500 times that of the parent compound 17α-acetoxyprogesterone.
CHANGES IN THE ADRENAL GLANDS AND OTHER ORGANS OF INTACT AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS FOLLOWING ACTH AND ADRENAL STEROIDS
Authors: Wexler Bernard C.
Published: October 2009

Intact and hypophysectomized rats were injected with ACTH, pitressin, DOCA, cortisone, 9-alpha-fluorohydrocortisone, and combinations of ACTH with these steroids. Adrenal ascorbic acid and cholesterol, gravimetric and histologic changes in several organs as well as in specific adrenal cortical zones were observed. It was found that 9-alpha-fluoro. was the most potent catabolic hormone, showing both gluco- and mineralocorticoid activity, and that the dose of ACTH required to prevent steroid-induced adrenal atrophy was larger for 9-alpha-fluoro.-treated animals than for cortisone-treated animals. Pitressin caused lipid depletion of the zona glomerulosa and ascorbic acid depletion in intact animals but was not effective in maintaining the weight or the normal histology of the adrenal gland in hypophysectomized animals.

ACTH provided maintenance of adrenal weight and histology of both hypophysectomized animals and animals chronically treated with high doses of steroid. This effect could be correlated with the dose of ACTH employed. The lipids of the zona glomerulosa were specifically depleted by mineralocorticoids, the lipids of the zona fasciculata by glucocorticoids. These specific zonal effects may be altered with time, by the functional state of the animal, or by the concomitant administration of ACTH with a given steroid. Ulcers, myocardial scarring, pneumonic involvement, fatty livers, renal tubular necrosis and infarction in these animals was found to be conditioned by the state of hyper- or hypoadrenocorticism.
DETERMINATION OF MICRO QUANTITIES OF ANDROSTERONE, AETIOCHOLANOLONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE BY GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: France John T. , McNiven Neal L. , Dorfman Ralph I.
Published: October 2009

A convenient, sensitive and reproducible method for the determination of androsterone, aetiocholanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone, as their trimethylsilyl ether derivatives, has been described. The conditions include: 3.3 % XE-60 on Anakrom ABS (90-100 mesh), 6 ft. × 3.8 mm i. d. stainless steel column, 225° column temperature, 327° vaporizer temperature, nitrogen pressure 11.0 p. s. i. (34 ml/min flow). The % variation between duplicate samples for androsterone, aetiocholanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone respectively was 1.5, 4.5 and 1.8 at the 0.3 μg level. Quantitation at the 0.05 μg level appears possible.
AKUTER HYPERPARATHYREOIDISMUS
Authors: Jores A. , Dittert J.
Published: October 2009

A case of a 38 year old male patient is described who was admitted because of severe vomiting and signs of incipient renal insufficiency. Except for a low specific gravity of the urine and an elevated NPN there were no findings compatible with the diagnosis of acute or chronic nephritis or nephrosclerosis. Several months previous to the admission he complained of severe thirst accompanied by a peculiar dryness of the pharyngeal mucous membranes suggesting the diagnosis of hypercalcaemia, which incidently proved to be correct. Values of up to 19.3 mg/100 ml were estimated. At this time the nephrocalcinosis had already progressed so far that a few days later the patient died as the result of renal failure. The possible aetiologies of this acute illness are discussed. There is sufficient evidence for believing that the suppression of the fluid intake and the intravenous calcium injections were the causative factors in this case.
HUMAN PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE VII. IN VITRO LIPOLYTIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Li Choh Hao , Tanaka A. , Pickering B. T.
Published: October 2009

The in vitro lipolytic activity of human growth hormone (HGH) has been assayed on fat pads from rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Results of various experiments suggest that lipolytic activity is an intrinsic property of HGH and that the active sites for the growth-promoting and lipolytic potencies are located in different areas of the HGH molecule.
ON THE USE OF N-PROPANOL FOR THE EXTRACTION OF 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROID CONJUGATES
Authors: Nielsen Jan
Published: October 2009

A preliminary report on the use of n-propanol, alone and in mixtures, for the extraction of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid conjugates is presented.
STEROIDHORMONAUSSCHEIDUNG BEI PATIENTEN MIT ERKRANKUNGEN DER PROSTATA UNTER BEHANDLUNG MIT NATÜRLICHEN UND SYNTHETISCHEN OESTROGENEN
Authors: Zimmermann Wilhelm , Büscher Hans-Kaspar , Taupitz Artur , Thewalt Klaus
Published: October 2009

Thirteen patients with carcinoma of the prostate were treated partly with oestradiol-undecylate, partly with diethyl-dioxistilben-diphosphate. 17-Ketosteroids, corticoids and the oestrogens: oestrone, oestradiol and oestriol were determined. At the same time a group of 12 patients with adenoma of the prostate were investigated for comparison. Before the treatment the steroids were essentially normal, sometimes they were found to be higher, e. g. the oestrogens. Treated with oestradiol-undecylate as well as with diethyl-dioxistilben-diphosphate a decreased excretion of 17-ketosteroids and corticoids was found, partly also of oestrogens in patients, which were severely ill; but when the illness is less pronounced, sometimes an elevated elimination of 17-ketosteroids and corticoids was found. It is believed that this could be a sign of a success of anabolic therapy. One could assume that the quotient of 17-ketosteroids to oestrogens can be used prognostically, as quotients of 1 and below 1 were found in milder cases, but quotients above 1 in prognostically bad cases.
AN ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY OF HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES, INCUBATED WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS AND SULFHYDRYL REACTIVE SUBSTANCES
Authors: Agarwal Kailash N. , Hjertén Stellan
Published: October 2009

Corticosteroids (prednisolone-tetrahydrophtalate and aldosterone) and sulfhydryl inhibitors (p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and N-ethylmaleimide) do not change the red cell mobility.

Determinations of migration velocities of these substances showed that prednisolone-tetrahydrophtalate has about the same mobility as red cells, while PMB migrates with double the speed. Aldosterone and NEM are, as expected, characterized by a mobility of about zero.

As PMB is absorbed by the red cells, but does not affect their mobility, it seems probable that this sulfhydryl inhibitor is bound to sites inside the cell surface.
WHEAT GERM OIL AND REPRODUCTION A REVIEW
Authors: Dukelow W. Richard
Published: October 2009

Wheat germ oil is a biochemical complex containing many substances. Many of these are unidentified at the present time.

In the past, confusion has existed due to the assumed equivalence of wheat germ oil and vitamin E and this has resulted, in several instances, of misinterpretation of research data. With recent discoveries of beneficial effects of wheat germ oil on reproductive processes in humans, cattle, sheep and laboratory animals, as well as the physiological effects on oxygen uptake and endurance of both wheat germ oil and octacosanol, it appears that a reevaluation of these natural products would be in order.
EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE ON THE METABOLISM OF THE ISOLATED LEVATOR ANI MUSCLE OF THE RAT
Authors: Arvill A. , Hjalmarson Å.
Published: October 2009

The effects of growth hormone (GH) were investigated in the levator ani muscle and the diaphragm from hypophysectomized and from normal male rats. GH was added to the incubation media and/or injected daily for four days to the rats before the in vitro experiments.

GH, added in vitro, stimulated the rate of accumulation of D-xylose-14C in the two muscles from hypophysectomized but not from normal rats.

GH, in vitro, increased the distribution ratio of α-aminoisobutyric acid-14C (AIB-14C) in the diaphragm from hypophysectomized rats to a much higher degree than in muscles from normal rats. In vivo injections of GH to hypophysectomized rats which were not stimulating in itself, made the diaphragm insensitive to GH added in vitro.

In the levator ani muscle, however, a different effect was obtained on the AIB-14C distribution ratio. GH in vitro did not stimulate muscles from hypophysectomized rats more than those from normal rats. Furthermore, administration of GH to hypophysectomized rats, which not was stimulating in itself, gave an additional effect with GH in vitro in this muscle.

The accumulation rate as well as the incorporation into protein of glycine-3H increased in both muscles from hypophysectomized rats after in vivo as well as in vitro administration of GH.

The results are discussed in connection to our present knowledge of the different effects of GH.
INFLUENCE OF GROWTH HORMONE ON THE SENSITIVITY OF RAT DIAPHRAGM TO INSULIN
Authors: Hjalmarson Å.
Published: October 2009

The in vitro effects of insulin (0.1—1.0 mU/ml) on the rate of intracellular accumulation of 14C-labelled α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB-14C) and D-xylose-14C were much more pronounced in the intact diaphragm from hypophysectomized rats than in that of normal rats. Similar differences in sensitivity were also found for GH (25 μg/ml).

Injections of GH intramuscularly for 4 days or intravenously together with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone 3 hours before start of incubation did not reduce the in vitro effect of insulin (0.1 and 0.5 mU/ml) on the uptake of D-xylose-14C in the diaphragm from hypophysectomized rats. The injection of both GH and dexamethasone significantly decreased the uptake of D-xylose-14C both in the presence and absence of insulin.

Preincubation of the diaphragms from hypophysectomized rats with GH (5 μg/ml), which has been found to completely abolish the subsequent effect of GH (Hjalmarson 1968), did not reduce the effect of insulin (0.1 mU/ml) on the accumulation of AIB-14C and D-xylose-14C. Neither did dexamethasone (0.1 μg/ml) change the sensitivity to insulin in a similar experiment. However, preincubation with both GH and dexamethasone for 3 hours significantly reduced the accumulation rate of AIB-14C and D-xylose-14C in the diaphragms both in the presence and absence of insulin (0.1 and 1.0 mU/ml). This pretreatment also reduced the effect of insulin on the uptake of AIB-14C in diaphragms from both normal and hypophysectomized rats. No such insulin antagonistic effect of GH and dexamethasone in vitro was, however, obtained on the accumulation of D-xylose-14C.
Enzymic Correlates of Development, Secretory Function and Regression of Follicles and Corpora Lutea in the Bovine Ovary. PART I: Growth and Maturation of Follicles
Authors: Lobel B. L. , Levy E.
Published: October 2009

Activities of several hydrolytic enzymes (acid and alkaline phosphatases, ATP-ase and β-glucuronidase) as well as several dehydrogenases (succinic dehydrogenase, NADP and NADPH2 diaphorases, Δ5-3β-, 17β- and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) were studied during the growth and maturation of follicles from primordial to pre-ovulatory in the bovine ovary. Follicular growth apparently commenced with enlargement of the oocyte, and enzymic activities (alkaline phosphatase, ATP-ase, β-glucuronidase and the diaphorases) of this stage were strong in the granulosa; vesicular follicles exhibited strong enzymic activities mainly in the theca. Steroid dehydrogenases were demonstrable in both theca and granulosa of vesicular follicles only. Luteinization of pre-ovulatory follicles, as judged by cytochemical and morphological characteristics, began prior to rupture. A correlation was observed between cytochemically demonstrable enzymic activities and secretory function.
CHEMISTRY OF GONADOTROPHINS IN RELATION TO THEIR ANTIGENIC PROPERTIES
Authors: Butt W. R.
Published: October 2009

Several chemical differences between FSH, LH and HCG have been reported: thus LH and HCG are richer in proline than FSH and FSH and HCG contain more N-acetyl neuraminic acid than LH.

Sub-units of LH are formed by treatment with urea, guanidine or acid. HCG also may contain two sub-units. The sub-units from LH are biologically inert but retain their immunological activity: biological activity is restored when the sub-units are incubated together.

There is much evidence from chemical and enzymic reactions that antigenic groups are distinct from those parts of the molecule essential for biological activity. N-acetyl neuraminic acid and probably other carbohydrates in FSH and HCG are not involved in immunological activity but are necessary for biological activity. Histidine, methionine and possibly cysteine appear to be essential for biological but not immunological activity of FSH, while tryptophan and possibly tyrosine are not essential for either.

A few highly specific antisera to gonadotrophins have been prepared in rabbits and guinea pigs to crude antigens: there is no evidence that purified antigens are more likely to produce specific antisera.

Differences in the immunological reactivities of urinary compared with pituitary gonadotrophins have been observed both by radioimmunoassay and by the complement fixation technique. The latter may be particularly useful for detecting structural differences in the hormones.
BIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIGONADOTROPHIC PROFILES
Authors: Robyn C.
Published: October 2009

During the past few years a series of papers (Robyn et al. 1968; Robyn & Diczfalusy 1968a,b,c; Robyn et al. 1969; Petrusz et al. (1970) were published from this laboratory on the problems of statistically valid bioassays of gonadotrophin neutralizing potencies of antisera. These bioassays were based on the principle of »simple additivity« (or rather, subtractivity) of Hormone (H) and Antiserum (AS). Experiments conducted at several levels of neutralization of H by AS, ranging from 20 to 90 %, supported the validity of the principle of »simple additivity«. The human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) neutralizing potencies of rabbit anti-HCG sera, anti-human hypophysial gonadotrophin (anti-HHG) sera and anti-human menopausal gonadotrophin (anti-HMG) sera were estimated comparatively. The establishment of such antigonadotrophic profiles of antisera has several advantages. It makes it possible to improve the biological specificity of antisera by absorption procedures carried out on a strictly quantitative basis by selecting an appropriate amount of a gonadotrophin preparation with the adequate LH:FSH ratio. Also, it makes possible to improve the biological specificity of gonadotrophin preparations by absorption procedures carried out on a quantitative basis by selecting the appropriate excess of an antiserum with the adequate anti-LH:anti-FSH ratio. Finally the characterization of the antigonadotrophic profile of antisera together with that of the gonadotrophic profile of antigens provides improved tools for the study of the very complex relationships between the biological activities and the antigenic properties of gonadotrophic molecules. It is hoped, therefore, that the use of these methods will be of assistance in improving the specificity of current immunoassays for gonadotrophins.
INFLUENCE OF IMMUNIZATION PROCEDURES ON THE TITER, AFFINITY AND SPECIFICITY OF ANTISERA TO GLYCOPOLYPEPTIDES
Authors: Odell William D. , Abraham Guy , Raud H. Randar , Swerdloff Ronald S. , Fisher Delbert A.
Published: October 2009

HLH, HTSH, HCG and HFSH are glycopolypeptides with similar molecular weights and immunological properties. Production of antisera useful in specific radioimmunoassays has been difficult. Immunization of rabbits with each of these hormones homogenized in complete Freund's adjuvant is routinely followed by antiserum production. Titers rise progressively with repeated immunizations for ten weeks or more and then the rate of increase falls. Rabbits producing higher titers of antiserum after two immunizations generally continue to produce higher titers during additional immunizations, thus selection of animals early during immunization is possible. Affinity of the antisera against all four hormones generally also increases during the course of immunization. Several ways of estimating affinity of antisera are presented. Specificity of antisera is variable, particularly against HFSH. Review of published techniques and our own experience reveals that all specific anti HFSH has been obtained after two to four immunizations; those after five or more immunizations have shown complete cross reaction with HLH, HTSH, and HFSH. These observations may explain the failure of some investigators to obtain specific antisera. For HFSH antisera, affinity progressively increases, but specificity appears to decrease with frequency of immunization. For HTSH and HCG antisera, specificity is retained or increases with repeated immunizations, and specific high affinity antisera are more regularly produced. Antisera capable of use to produce specific radioimmunoassays need not necessarily contain only antibodies against the hormone to be measured. Thus antisera against LH might be present in an antiserum used to quantify HFSH, if the anti HLH did not bind HFSH in either radioactive or nonradioactive form. Specificities of antisera vary a great deal and consideration of the nature of cross reacting substances would be effective in producing specificity. Thus when HLH reacted completely and equally with HFSH in an HFSH assay, absorbtion would completely neutralize all anti HFSH antibodies. If HLH and HFSH had dose response curves with quite different slopes (and hence different affinities for the anti HFSH), absorbtion is possible. When two or more populations of antibodies against HFSH are demonstrable by the presence of biphasic dose response curves in the assay, and if one population is specific, absorbtion of the nonspecific population may be possible.
BIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GONADOTROPHIC PROFILES
Authors: Petrusz P.
Published: October 2009

The studies of Robyn et al. (1968) and Robyn & Diczfalusy (1968a,b) indicate that the characterization of the biological and immunological profiles of gonadotrophin preparations and antigonadotrophic sera, respectively, permits

selective and complete neutralization of a given gonadotrophic activity and preparation of biologically pure gonadotrophins;

selective neutralization of a given antigonadotrophic activity and preparation of biologically monospecific antigonadotrophic sera.

Experimental work directed towards the above two goals is presented. Complete neutralization of a given HCG* activity, selective neutralization of the FSH-like activity present in HCG preparations and selective neutralization of the LH activity present in HMG preparations was demonstrated and the biological effects of the FSH-free HCG and LH-free FSH were studied.

To facilitate the quantitative neutralization of certain antibodies present in heterospecific antisera, a new bioassay system is described for the estimation of the antigonadotrophin neutralizing potency of gonadotrophin preparations. The comparison of the anti-FSH neutralizing potencies of several HCG, HMG and HPG preparations indicates, that the anti-FSH neutralizing factor is not necessarily associated with the biological FSH activity. To improve the specificity of both antigens and antisera, it seems necessary to study – in addition to the biological characteristics – the antiserum neutralizing potency of gonadotrophins.
LABELLING OF ANTIGENS BY VARIOUS ISOTOPES
Authors: Eshkol Aliza
Published: October 2009

Isotopically labelled protein or polypeptide hormones are chemically and/or structurally different from the native material. This may be a major handicap when biological studies or radioimmunoassays are performed. Labelling procedures with 131I, 125I or by introduction of 3H (exchange, acetylation, alanylation) are described, and the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods are outlined. The specific activity and biological and immunological properties of the labelled end products are discussed. The review presented should enable the individual investigator to choose the appropriate method of labelling according to his specific requirements.
DISCREPANCIES AND SIMILARITIES OF SERUM FSH AND LH PATTERNS AS EVALUATED BY DIFFERENT ASSAY METHODS
Authors: Taymor Melvin L. , Miyata Jun
Published: October 2009

In general the patterns of serum levels of FSH and LH during the menstrual cycle are similar from laboratory to laboratory. Some of the minor differences in patterns may be due to different population sampling. Significant quantitative differences exist which vary in amount in different parts of the cycle. Therefore, these quantitative differences are not due to the use of different standards alone, but possibly to the use of different antisera, different dilutions, and significant differences in methodology.