Ultrastructure of the turkey's basilar papilla and the damping elements in the scala media. The ultrastructure of the turkey's inner ear was investigated by use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. It was shown that hair cells of the basilar papilla are separated from each other by microvilli of the supporting cells. Organized compartments in the lower surface of the tectorial membrane of the turkey are arranged in polarized fashion as are the hair bundles. Kinocilia were not identified in the hair bundles examined in this study. Well-organized filamentous elements were observed in the cutucular plates. The continuation of these filamentous elements into the stereocilia indicates that the theory of adjustable resistor in generating cochlear potential may be closely associated with these elements. Membrane bound homogeneous material was found in the scala media between the tegmentum vasculosum and the tectorial membrane. The presence of this homogeneous damping material is believed to be essential in offsetting the sensitivity and enhancing the time resolution ability of the relatively short avian cochlea.


Influence of exogenous avian pancreatic polypeptide on gastrointestinal motility in turkeys. To determine the influence of avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP) on avian GI motility, strain-gauge transducers were implanted on the glandular stomach, thick caudodorsal and thin caudoventral muscles of the muscular stomach, and on the duodenum (cranial tract) of five young turkeys. Implants were also made on the ileum, cecum, and colon (caudal tract) of three other turkeys. Isovolumic injections of APP at six (cranial tract preparations) or four (caudal tract preparations) levels were made via a chronic jugular catheter while recording GI contractile activity in fasted birds. Injections of 2 or 5 micrograms/kg caused no statistically significant change in motility of the cranial tract. Significant depression in contraction frequency during the first 10 min post-injection resulted from an injection of 8 micrograms/kg. Injections of 10, 20, and 30 micrograms/kg depressed motility throughout the entire 30 min post-injection period. Motility of the caudal tract usually was not significantly affected by injections of 5 and 10 micrograms/kg doses. Larger doses (20 and 30 micrograms/kg) significantly depressed caudal tract motility during the first 10 min post-injection but not throughout the 30 min post-injection period. In both cranial and caudal portions of the tract, depression of contractile activity by injections of APP persisted longer following larger doses. The highest plasma APP levels in turkeys, found at about 1 hr post-prandially, were still less than plasma levels following IV injection of 5 micrograms/kg. Since the latter injection caused no apparent alteration in Gi motility, APP may have little or no physiological role in regulation of avian GI motility.


Plasma corticosterone values in genetic hypertensive and hypotensive strains of turkeys. Plasma corticosterone levels of hypertensive and hypostensive turkeys were 2.50 and 2.19 micrograms/dl, respectively. Male turkeys of both strains had a mean plasma levels of 2.47 micrograms/dl and female turkeys had a mean level of 2.21 micrograms/gl. The average plasma corticosterone level for all turkeys was 2.35 micrograms/dl. Although the plasma corticosterone levels were higher at 1200 hr than at either 0800 or 1600 hr, the differences were not statistically significant. It was condluded that blood pressure selection had no significant effect on plasma corticosterone levels.


Response of hens to various dietary levels of tannic acid. One-hundred-twenty Babcock B-300 ehns, 17 months of age, were placed one bird per cage with six replicates of five birds each per treatment. Four levels (0, 1, 2, and 4%) of technical grade tannic acid were added to a standard corn-soy layer diet. With the exception of feed comsumption during the second and third week, there were no significant differences for feed consumption, egg production, feed efficiency, fertility, or hatchability amond the control birds and those receiving tannic acid at the 1% level. The addition of tannic acid at levels of 2 and 4% resulted in significantly decreased feed consumption and egg production during the six-week experimental period. Fertility and hatchability were not significantly affected by dietary tannic acid.


Practical immunization of chickens against coccidiosis using an attenuated strain of Eimeria tenella. Three floor-pen trials were conducted to compare two attenuated strains of Eimeria tenella (Wis-F-96 and Wis-F-125) with the strain of E. tenella used in a commercial planned immunization program (Coccivac). Broiler cockerels were started in floor pens on new pine shavings litter. Immunizing oocysts were administered in the drinking water during the first week with total dose per bird of 175 oocysts of the control strain (Coccivac); 175, 350, or 700 oocysts of the Wis-F-125; 350 oocysts of Wis-F-96; or no oocysts (non-seeded control). The control strain was more pathogenic than the Wis-F-125 or the Wis-F-96 strains as indicated by significantly higher lesion scores 17 days after initial exposure and by loss of two birds in the control strain exposed groups. Low lesion scores and no deaths due to coccidiosis characterized the use of the Wis-F-125 strain. Flock immunity, as determined by immunity challenge, was equivalent between the control strain and the higher dosages of Wis-F-125. The Wis-F-96 strain did not adequately immunize chickens in these experiments.


Effects of feeding tylosin to layers exposed to Mycoplasma gallisepitcum. Two experiments are reported in which the effect of tylosin upon the development of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection in replacement layers was monitored by serological and cultural methods. Concentrations of tylosin tested included 0, 22, 38.5, and 55 ppm. Egg production and feed consumption data were collected for one year. Tylosin slowed the rate of spread of MG infection as measured by serological and cultural methods. The effect of tylosin on the spread of MG infection was dose related. Hen day egg production peaked at 85 to 87% in the mediated groups, while controls peaked at 81 to 84%. The magnitude of tylosin effect on production increased with time to a maximum difference of 10 to 12% at 52 weeks. Feed efficiency was markedly improved by all concentration of tylosin ranging from 5% at peak production to 12 to 18% at 52 weeks. The incidence of shell-less or soft shelled eggs was markedly reduced in the tylosin treated group.


A darkness induced eye abnormality in the domestic chicken. Two-hundred broiler-type chickens were reared under either normal lighting or darkness for 16 weeks. Each week, birds were subjected to applanation tonometry for measurement of intraocular pressures (IOP). The birds were then weighed, eye enucleated, and dimensions measured. All eyes were prepared for histological examination. Chickens reared in darkness for 4 to 6 weeks displayed an abnormal eye enlargement, accompanied by an increase in IOP in comparison to chickens reared under conventional management. From the 6th to the 16th week, the eyes of dark-reared chickens continued to enlarge while IOP decreased. The sclera, choroid, retina, and retinal layers of dark-reared chicks were not as thick as controls throughout the 16 weeks. Two principle retinal pathologies were induced by darkness. One appeared as darkened areas of the peripheral retina. In histological sections the darkened retinal areas had a thin choroid and thin retinal layers. The second retinal abnormality was one or more white, nonpigmented bands directed perpendicular to the pectin. Histologically, the depigmented bands were areas in which the vessels of the choroid, the pigmented epithelium, and the outer retinal layers were absent. The corneas of dark-reared chicks exhibited a reduction in their curvature and thickness compared to control corneas.


A comparison of methods for exposing chickens to Coccidiosis in floor-pen trials. Three floor-pen trials were conducted for the purpose of evaluating 4 methods of exposing broiler chickens to coccidiosis. The methods were compared on the basis of their effect on weight, feed efficiency, histological lesions, and mortality. In each of the individual trials, birds exposed to coccidiosis via the feed had significantly (P is less than 0.5) higher incidence of light to severe histological lesions that those exposed via "seeder birds" or contaminated litter. On the basis of pooled data from the three trials, birds exposed via the feed had lower feed efficiency, higher mortality, and significantly (P is less than 0.5) lower weight at 8 weeks than those exposed via the other techniques. However, the feed method of exposure resulted in a significantly higher variability (P is less than 0.1) in mortality among pens. For uniformity of infection, it was concluded that the most satisfactory method of exposing birds to coccidiosis in floor pen trials was to spread laboratory sportulated oocysts over the litter.


Effect of sexual experience, location, malnutrition, and repeated sampling on concentrations of testosterone in blood plasma of Gallus domesticus roosters. Five studies were conducted with mature White Leghorn roosters to study variables associated with concentrations of testosterone in blood sampled from a wing vein. Testosterone in blood plasma was unchanged 15, 30, or 45 min after collection of semen artificially whether or not roosters were trained for collection of semen. Likewise, cohabitation with hens for 7 to 8 hr was without effect. However, trained roosters had higher (P less than .05) plasma testosterone concentrations after 7 to 8 hr in a new location than untrained roosters. Furthermore, both groups in the new location had higher testosterone concentrations than the controls not translocated. Plasma testosterone was decreased (P less than .01) about 50% within 2 weeks by feeding a diet low in crude protein (2%) which decreased feed intake 33% and caused weight loss; those fed 12% crude proteins were unchanged. Variations in concentrations of testosterone among sequential samples of blood collected at 45 min intervals for 3 hr indicated random pulsatile releases of testosterone as reported for mammals. Sequential sampling at 15 min intervals for 1 to 2 hr revealed that the testosterone increases (up to 10 ng/ml) lasted for about 1 hr and that the returns to basal concentrations required about 1 to 1.5 hr. The interval between pulsatile releases may be as long as 3 hr in some roosters. These results indicate that roosters have spontaneous and pulsatile releases of testosterone as expected, because roosters release luteinizing hormone episodically during both light and dark cycles of the day.


Floor pen studies on the anticoccidial efficacy of arprinocid in turkeys. Arprinocid was tested against coccidiosis in turkeys reared in floor pens. Contamination of pens with Eimeria meleagrimitis, E. adenoeides, and E. gallopavonis was accomplished by the infected seeder bird technique. Performance improved with increasing levels of arprinocid through 120 ppm, but weight gains were depressed at 180 ppm. Lesion scores were significantly and progressively reduced by treatment with 60, 90, 120, and 180 ppm of arprinocid. Control of lesion scores and performance of birds treated with 120 ppm of arprinocid were comparable to the amprolium (125 ppm) treatment. In a separate experiment, the oocyst passage of E. meleagrimitis and of E. adenoeides was progressively reduced by increasing levels of arprinocid, and sporulation rate was decreased. Sportulation was not obtained in oocysts from birds fed arprinocid at 120 ppm or higher.


Residues and effects from feeding high concentrations of hexachlorobenzene to broiler cockerels. Eight-day old broiler cockerels received 0, 1, 10, or 100 ppm dietary hexachlorobenzene (HCB) for 25, 38, or 52 days. Treated birds grew faster for the first 25 days, but the trend was reversed at later times so there was no net weight difference at 52 days. Birds receiving 100 ppm dietary HCB had significantly enlarged adrenal glands at 38 days and enlarged livers at 38 and 52 days. Equilibrium concentrations in adipose tissue 12 to 13 times the dietary concentration were reached by 23 days in birds receiving 10 or 100 ppm HCB. Birds receiving 1 ppm concentrated HCB more effectively in the fat and did not reach equilibrium until 23 to 38 days.


Effects of different short-term dietary phosphorus levels on egg specific gravity and blood phosphorus of hens. In the first 2 experiments, laying hens were fed a diet containing .30% phosphorus for a preliminary period of 3 days. At the beginning of the experimental period, hens were fed .30, .75, or 1.40% phosphorus with 3.50% calcium. Another group of hens was fed .75% phosphorus and 1.40% calcium. Specific gravity of the eggs and blood serum inorganic phosphorus were determined and compared with those from control hens continuously fed a diet containing .75% phosphorus and 3.50% calcium. Both high phosphorus and/or low calcium decreased the specific gravity of eggs and increased the serum phosphorus level. In experiment 2, hens were fed different levels of phosphorus at different times of the day. Birds receiving 1.40% phosphorus between 0700 and 0930 hr and .30% phosphorus between 0930 and 2000 hr (Treatment 2) laid eggs with higher specific gravity than hens fed .30% phosphorus between 0700 and 0930 hr and 1.40% phosphorus between 0930 and 2000 hr (Treatment 3). there was no further improvement in egg shell quality over that from hens fed .75% phosphorus for both time periods (0700 to 2000 hr). In both experiments it was apparent that the dietary phosphorus level affected egg shell quality.


A rapid purification procedure for L-asparaginase from Vibrio succinogenes. A simple procedure has been developed for the purification of L-asparaginase from Vibrio succinogenes. Only two steps of ion-exchange chromatography are required. A higher yield and higher specific activity are obtained than previously reported.


Isolation and partial characterization of kinin-like peptides formed by acid protease from murine fibroblast L-929. A kinin-forming acid protease was isolated and purified from a stationary cell culture of murine fibroblasts L-929 (Biochem. Pharmacol. 26: 1187, 1977). The enzyme formed kinins at an optimal pH of 4.0 from Murphy-Sturm lymphosarcoma tissue and rat plasma kininogen substrate. This study reports on the isolation and partial chemical characterization of two fibroblast kinins. The 12,000 g fraction of L-929 fibroblast homogenates was incubated with rat plasma at 37 degrees, pH 4.0, for 92 hours, and the kinins extracted with ethyl alcohol-p-toluene sulfonic acid. Two fibroblast kinins, FKI and FKII, were separated and purified on the following chromatographic columns: G-25 Sephadex (1 X 115 cm), CM-C50 Sephadex (2.5 X 15 cm), and Biogel P-4 (1 X 115 cm). Kinin activity was bioassayed on the perfused isolated rat uterus preparation. The purity of the kinins was ascertained by thin layer chromatography coupled with dansylation. The estimated molecular weight of FKI was 1450 with a 14-amino acid composition (determined by automatic AA analysis) that included AspThrSerProGluGlyAlaValLeuTyrPheLysHisArg. FKII had an estimated molecular weight of 1000 with a 12-amino acid composition including AspSerProGluGlyAlaLeuTyrLysHisArg. The kinins were relatively rich in arginine and did not contain the bradykinin sequence.


Preparation and isolation of dityrosine. A new procedure for the isolation of dityrosine has been developed. Tyrosine was oxidized by means of incubation both with hydrogen peroxide and horse-radish peroxidase. The reaction mixture was separated by permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-10 being monitored at 280 and 310 nm spectrophotometrically. The dityrosine fraction was freeze-dried and purified on a cation-exchange column (in acidic citrate buffer). The purified fraction was desalted and freeze-dried. The yield was 96 mg of homogenous dityrosine per 1 g of D,L-tyrosine. Some physico-chemical constants of the preparation were measured (optical characteristics with U.V. and I.R. spectra, fluorescence spectra, chromatography on an amino acid analyzer).


Isolation of human C1q as a by-product of routine fractionation. Clq can be isolated as a by-product of large scale fractionation. The euglobulins of fraction III are submitted to chromatography on CM-cellulose in a batch-procedure. The active fraction being frequently contaminated by lysozyme the protein can be further purified by gel-filtration in the presence of carbohydrates. The purified Clq is suitable for the detection of immune complexes.


Preparation polyacrylamide-agarose gel electrophoresis of proteins and RNAs by the use of new device. Quantitatively reproducible results were obtained by using a new device for preparation gel electrophoresis combined with polyacrylamide-agarose composite gel. When an adequate gel-buffer system was selected according to the procedure described in this paper, proteins and RNA's were well separated and recovered. The new device for preparative gel electrophoresis and the method for preparation of polyacrylamide-agarose composite gel are presented together with the elution profiles of the recovered substances.


Isolation, stabilization, and characterization of a toxin from timber rattlesnake venom. A rapid and convenient method for the purification of a toxin from timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus horridus, venom using carboxymethyl cellulose ion-exchange chromatography has been devised. The toxicity of this venom component is labile, but it is stabilized by the addition of 20+ V/V glycerol to the buffer solution. This toxin has a molecular weight of 15,000 +/- 700 as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis. It is both heat and protease resistant. Treatment of this venom component with 2-mercaptoethanol followed by G-50 Sephadex chromatography causes no loss of toxicity although incubation of the toxin with 1% SDS and 1% 2-mercaptoethanol prior to electrophoresis does result in a faster migrating species. The toxin does not affect neuromuscular junctions but does appear to act on the nervous system. It causes no local responses in mice.


[Effect of radioactive iodine therapy and surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis on the blood level of thyrotropin]. The radioimmunological method was applied to the study of the thyrotropic hormone (TTH) content in the blood of 308 patients with thyrotoxicosis at various stages of therapy with radioactive iodine and surgical treatment. After 131I treatment and elimination of the thyrotoxicosis symptoms TTH rose 1 to 2 years and 5 to 10 years after the onset of remission, this being regarded as an adaptive response to the changing thyroid activity. The hypothalamo-hypophysio-thyroid interaction was restored after the successful 131I therapy. However, surgical treatment of thyrothoxicosis did not lead to restoration of such interaction for 5 years--no changes of the TTH level followed either the "primary" subtotal thyroidectomy or repeated operation for the relapsing form of the disease.


[Blood vasopressin concentration is patients of different ages with hypertension]. The concentration of blood vasopressin was investigated in apparently healthy persons and in patients with I--II degree hypertension, aged from 20 to 80 years. Vasopressin concentration was determined by the biological method according to the antidiuretic effect of ethanol-anesthetized and constantly hydrated rats on an original 5-channel apparatus. The results obtained showed the blood vasopressin concentration to increase with age. In patients with the I--II degree hypertensive disease the mentioned concentration was significantly higher than in healthy persons of the same age. Close correlation coefficient was revealed between the blood vasopressin concentration and minimal arterial blood pressure values.


[Platelet aggregation in diabetes mellitus at various stages of development of retinopathy]. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was investigated in patients with diabetes mellitus at various stages of the development of retinopathy. Two parameters were used to evaluate the aggregation activity of platelets: the degree of aggregation and the dysaggregation percentage. There was revealed a direct correlation between the platelet hyperaggregation and the degree of diabetic retinopathy. A sharp elevation of the degree of aggregation and low dysaggregation percentage (up to its complete absence) were noted in patients with proliferating retinopathy; this could be supposed to be due to the supervention of the activating action of the altered vascular wall on the platelet aggregation. No reduction of platelet hyperaggregation under the effect of a brief treatment with such drugs as prodectin and dicion was revealed.


[Effect of angioprotectors on the glomerular filtration rate and vascular permeability in diabetic angiopathies]. Renal function (glomerular filtration) and vascular permeability under the effect of an angioprotector were studied by means of labeled renotropic compounds in 55 patients with diabetic angiopathies. The patients were divided into 3 groups: the first group comprised 23 patients treated with anginin or prodectin alone; the second one--16 patients given dicinon or docsium, and the third one--16 patient who were given combined treatment. The best effect was noted in the latter group of patients.


[Regulation of incorporation of amino acids into the thyroid gland proteins by thyroid hormones]. The effect of thyroid hormones and of iodide (1 x 10(-7)M, 5 x 10(-5)M) on the protein synthesis in the cell-free system made of the nodular goiter cells was investigated. As revealed, with the action of thyroid hormones the 14C-amino acids incorporation into the trichloracetic acid-precipitated proteins was considerably diminished. The greatest inhibition of the 14C-amino acids incorporation was observed in toxic (5 x 10(-5)M) hormone concentration. The inhibitory action of triiodthyronine was more expressed than that of thyroxin. Addition of potassium iodide into the incubation medium led to a slight inhibition of the labeled amino acids incorporation. The results obtained permit to regard thyroid hormones as highly specific inhibitors of protein synthesis in the thyroid gland.


[Insulin and proinsulin content in the blood plasma in diabetes mellitus, determined by means of the gel filtration method]. With the aid of a simplified method of gel filtration the authors carried out separate determination of the immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and immunoreactive proinsulin (IRP) in 11 obese patients with diabetes mellitus and in 7 healthy persons during oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). In the presence of higher IRI, IRP, and general immunoreactivity (GIR) levels in patients in comparison with healthy persons the changes in IRI were similar to those of GIR in both groups: in healthy individuals the peak was observed 60, and in patients--120 minutes after glucose administration. A rise of IRP content occurred in both groups in 90 minutes, but in sick persons it was preceded by reduction of its level. In comparison with healthy individuals, the percentage of IRP from the sum total immunoreactivity was increased in the group of obese diabetes mellitus patients.


[Cytophotometric evaluation of the total protein content in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm of the hepatocytes in experimental hypothyroidism]. In rats with hypothyroid condition induced by bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy or mercazolyl feeding a comparative cytophotometric study of the protein content in the nuclei and the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and their area was carried out. The animals of both experimental groups displayed a marked reduction of the protein-synthesis function and also atrophy of the mentioned hepatocyte structures. However, in animals given mercazolyl these changes occurred earlier and were more pronounced, this indicating the combined effect of thyroid insufficiency and mercazolyl. Irrespective of the method of induction of the hypothyroid state (surgical or by drugs) disturbance of protein synthesis in the hepatocyte nuclei took place much earlier and was more intensive than in the cytoplasm.


[Structural and cytochemical characteristics of the heart in the progeny of animals given mercazolyl during pregnancy and lactation]. Morphological and cytochemical features of the heart were studied in ratlings aged 1, 14, 21, 30, and 45 days born of animals which were given mercazolil (3 mg per 1 kg of body weight) during pregnancy and lactation. The relative heart weight of the progeny of the experimental animals proved to be considerably less during the postnatal period under study in comparison with control. A number of structural and cytochemical changes were displayed by the myocardium pointing to its dysfunction.


[Comparative evaluation of secretion of testicular androgens and excretion of their metabolites in young and old dogs]. It was shown experimentally that in old dogs a sharp reduction of testosterone and androstendion secretion by the testes was accompanied by a marked reduction of their metabolites (androsterone and ethiocholanolone) excretion. In the presence of a general reduction of the testicular androgen secretion and their urinary metabolite excretion there was noted a relative prevalence of fractions with low activity: of androstendion over testosterone in the blood, and of ethiocholanolone over androsterone in the urine. As postulated, in aged dogs hormonal background was characterized not only by quantitative, but also by qualitative changes, prerequisites for the development of visceral and metabolic disturbances.


[Analytical ion-exchange and gel chromatography of radioisotope-labeled protein (polypeptide) hormones]. On the example of prolactin-I125 the author presents his experience in the use of gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography for complete characterization of homogeneity and immunological properties of labeled hormones preparations. These methods can be used in studying various aspects of protein and polypeptide hormones metabolism, including various stages of their action mechanism, and also to characterize the hormones manufactured. It was shown that the formation of prolactin complex with gamma-globulins was accompanied by additional polarization of the hormone molecules, this leading to an increased energy of interaction with the ion exchange surface. The effect of polarization of the hormone molecules on the biological properties of the hormones themselves, their complexes with serum proteins and membrane receptors is discussed.


Nuclear resonant scattering of gamma rays--a new technique for in vivo measurement of body iron stores. A technique for the measurement of body iron utilising nuclear resonant scattering of gamma rays has been developed. 847 keV photons emitted from a gaseous 56MnCl2 source are resonantly scattered from 56Fe present in the body. Measurement is made using large volume Ge(Li) detectors. The spatial uniformity of activation, the sensitivity of the detection system and the limits of detection have been investigated. Measurements were made on a liver phantom. The resonance scattering technique permits determination of normal levels of Fe in the liver with a radiation dose of 2 rem.


Merit of Ge and Na(Tl) detectors as determined by imaging efficiency and scatter rejection. Deep-lying cold lesions are often of marginal object contrast. Any contrast reduction caused by the detector may hinder their detectability. The capabilities of Ge and NaI(Tl) detectors are compared on the basis of imaging efficiency and scatter rejection capability. When the NaI(Tl) baseline is at 126 ke V (for 99Tcm), the void contrast obtainable with Ge detectors is 50% higher than that with NaI(Tl) using collimators having equally high resolution. If the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) with Ge is not equal to or higher than that with NaI(Tl), this contrast advantage can be masked by excessive statistical noise. Since the lower detection efficiency of Ge crystals largely offsets their higher contrast, to obtain equal S/N in equal imaging times the Ge detection area must be comparable to that of NaI(Tl). When the NaI(Tl) baseline is at 145 keV, the window efficiency is reduced but the contrast is nearly as high as that with Ge. The Ge detection area for equal S/N is then only 40% of the NaI(Tl) area. Thus, a Ge detector having only half the area of NaI(Tl) is of questionable merit. Ge detector arrays comparable in area to NaI(Tl) are feasible and would clearly be superior imaging devices.


X-ray emission analysis of human plasma by proton excitation of thick samples in air. Thick plasma samples have been irradiated in air by 2.3 MeV protons for trace elemental analysis by proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy. Accurate calibration curves were obtained for Fe, Zn and Sr and detection limits in dry plasma were estimated to be 0.08 PPM for Fe, 0.065 PPM for Zn and 0.12 PPM for Sr. Low temperature ashing of these samples improved the detection limits by a factor of 3 but reduced the precision and resulted in loss of bromine from the plasma. Mass absorption coefficients for low energy X-rays in dry plasma were measured and X-ray attenuation in the sample was found to prevent the detection of trace elements with Z less than 26. The method was used to determine Sr in plasma from a patient with bone disease, the Sr being a non-radioactive bone-seeking tracer element. The results, which were in the 3--13 PPM range, were in good general agreement with the analysis of the same samples by flame photometry.


Energy dependence of the neutron sensitivity of C--CO2, Mg--Ar and TE--TE ionisation chambers. The neutron sensitivity relative to 60Co of commercially available C--CO2, Mg--Ar and TE--TE ionisation chambers was measured as a function of energy from 1 to 44 MeV. The sensitivity function was obtained by the method of Kuchnir, Vyborny and Skaggs from differences in measurements made at two angles in mixed fields having an isotropic gamma-ray component. Such fields were produced by bombardment of a thick beryllium target with 16 and 28 MeV deuterons, 44 MeV 3He-ions and 35 and 46 MeV protons. The results show that the relative neutron sensitivity of the C--CO2 and Mg--Ar chambers increases continuously with energy, whereas that of the TE--TE chamber is relatively constant.


A modified lead attenuation method to determine the fast neutron sensitivity kU of a photon dosemeter. Various lead attenuation techniques to determine the fast neutron sensitivity kU of a photon dosemeter are reviewed and a modified method is proposed to determine the kU value of a commercially available Geiger--Müller detector. The dependence on the 'effective' photon energy of the gamma-component of the mixed n--gamma field is illustrated and the most probable photon energy is deduced from measurements outside the radiation field. Using the relevant photon mass attenuation coefficient, measurements carried out with a well-collimated neutron beam at the MRC Cyclotron, Hammersmith Hospital, London, show that the Dg component contributes 2.41 +/- 0.13% to the total radiation field. Using a detector with a PTFE sleeve in the place of a Perspex sleeve, highly consistent results are obtained and the enhancement of the kU value by the Perspex is demonstrated. The neutron sensitivities of two MX 163 GM detectors with Perspex and PTFE sleeves were respectively determined as 0.73 +/- 0.07% and 0.98 +/- 0.14%.


The fast neutron sensitivity of a Geiger--Müller counter photon dosemeter by the time-of-flight technique. The time-of-flight technique was used to measure the ratio of the sensitivity of an energy compensated Geiger--Müller counter dosemeter to 5 and 15.5 MeV neutrons, respectively, to its sensitivity to gamma rays (ku value).


Stripping of X-ray bremsstrahlung spectra up to 300 kVp on a desk type computer. The direct result of a spectrometric measurement is a pulse height distribution. In the energy region up to 300 keV three corrections in particular need to be applied to get the photon spectrum: corrections for K-escape, Compton scattering and inefficient photon absorption. A simple 'stripping' procedure is described which may be implemented on a desk type computer. All data necessary are either available in the literature or may be derived from the measurement of very heavily filtered X-ray spectra. The accuracy of the procedure is better than +/- 5% of the peak value. Results are compared with a more detailed stripping procedure, based on Monte Carlo calculated data.


Image formation by back-projection: a reappraisal. The theory of image formation by simple summation of an object's projections, without further processing, is considered. Calculations are presented of the resultant image from a point, a rectangle, an annulus, and three rotationally symmetric objects. The general features of these images are discussed and it is postulated that for many objects of interest a limited compensation for edge unsharpening would suffice to produce recognition of the objects.


The direct use of CT numbers in radiotherapy dosage calculations for inhomogeneous media. Techniques by which the quantitative anatomical data inherent in a CT scan can be directly used in treatment planning are described. The correction algorithms used in the RAD-8 system, based on an effective path length, have been extended to a pixel-by-pixel approach. By calibrating the X-ray transmission CT scanner in terms of electron densities (electron cm-3) inhomogeneity corrections may be made automatically.


Reflexes evoked by group II afferent fibers from muscle spindles. The purpose of this paper is to review research on the reflex action of group II afferent fibers originating in the muscle spindle. Although the reflex actions of the Ia afferent fibers from muscle spindles are well defined, the reflex action of the group II afferent fibers is not clearly understood. Experiments on animals whose spinal cord had been transected gave rise to the idea that group II afferent fibers facilitate flexor muscles and inhibit extensor muscles regardless of the origin of the fibers. This concept has been accepted by neurophysiologists and has even been incorporated into therapeutic exercise procedures by physical therapists. However, accumulating evidence is presented that challenges this classical concept. Physical therapists, when trying to incorporate the reflexes evoked by the group II afferent fibers into treatment, must become better aware of the complex reflex actions of which these fibers are capable.


Competency: the what, why, and how of it. Competency is a frequently used term in the physical therapy profession, but many physical therapists are unclear about its definition and its meaning in professional activity. This article describes the operational definition of competency as used in the practice of physical therapy by members of the Association; describes the development of the manual, Competencies in Physical Therapy: An Analysis of Practice; offers direction in possible uses of the manual; and suggests future uses for the manual in Association activity.


Salary and status differences between male and female physical therapists. The purpose of this study was to compare employment profiles of men and women employed as physical therapists. A survey on salary and on demographic and professional characteristics was mailed to 500 male and 500 female physical therapists throughout the United States, and 658 (65.8%) were used in the data analysis. Several striking differences between the employment profiles of male and female physical therapists were identified, including: 1) men were more likely to be self-employed, 2) men were more likely to hold supervisory positions, and 3) men tended to have significantly higher incomes even when compared to women with similar employment characteristics. The salary and status differences between men and women in physical therapy approximate those found in other occupations in which women are in the majority. The findings of this study constitute strong evidence that sex discrimination exists in the physical therapy profession.


Structure of ethics teaching in physical therapy: a survey. Courses called "Ethics" have long been included in physical therapy education programs. This paper reports the findings of a survey designed to assess current practices in teaching ethics in baccalaureate-level physical therapy programs. Of 59 questionnaires sent, 29 were returned and analyzed. The findings are compared with similar recent surveys of medical and nursing schools. Suggestions are made for assuring that the high standard of teaching maintained in other areas of physical therapy professional preparation also are maintained in ethics teaching.


Improved ambulation in a hemiplegic patient following phenol block. Within one week after the phenol block, the patient made significant functional gains in areas in which he had previously reached a plateau. He progressed in walking from needing assistance to being independent. Although he still required an orthosis and an ambulation aid, his need for them was greatly reduced. Follow-up, both after discharge and approximately three months after having the phenol block, revealed good results. The patient had maintained his highest functional level as an independent community ambulator.


One preventable cause of spontaneous deflation of inflatable mammary prostheses. Spontaneous "overnight" deflation of inflatable prostheses is rather uncommon, but we have had a 5.7% incidence of it in a 24-month period in which we used implants with a suturable tab and fastened them to the subjacent fascia. At exploration we found these tabs had torn the bag of the implant, usually at the vulcanized seam. We now believe that fixing a suture tab on a breast implant to underlying fascia may cause undue stresses upon the implant at that point and result in an otherwise avoidable deflation.


Correction of major defects of the vermilion with a cross-lip vermilion flap. A method is described to correct major vermilion defects by using a transverse, cross-lip, vermilion flap. Sizable defects can be easily filled in to obtain an upper lip with better contour and simultaneously reduce the unpleasant fullness of the lower lip to produce better balance between the two lips.


Results of the Matev operation for correction of Boutonnière deformity. Between December 1971 and December 1977, 41 patients with long-standing boutonnière deformities were treated by Matev's operation. The average follow-up time was 13 months (range 8 to 18 months). The duration of their lesions varied from 32 to 176 days. The digits most affected were the long finger (14) and the ring finger (11). Postoperatively, all patients showed excellent flexion of the fingers with only a very slight deficit in extension of the PIP joint. Eight of them also had some deficit in extension of the DIP joint, with flexion there of 10 degrees to 15 degrees, but little real disability. The results indicate that when the Matev operation is clearly indicated and properly performed, it is an excellent one for the treatment of this condition.


Rerouting vessels and nerves from other digits in replanting an avulsed and degloved thumb. In avulsion and degloving injuries of amputated thumbs, we have rotated nearby neurovascular bundles and dorsal digital vessels to restore circulation and sensation. This has been done in 5 patients, and 3 thumbs survived with preservation of length and good function.


Experimental use of free gastric flaps for the repair of pharyngoesophageal defects. The repair of large pharyngoesophageal defects was accomplished experimentally in 16 dogs with revascularized free flaps from the greater curvature of the stomach. These flaps were based on the gastroepiploic vessels, and they were anastomosed to the carotid artery and external jugular vein in the neck. The procedure had a low mortality and did not lead to peptic ulceration or hyperchlorhydria in these animals.


Capsular contracture and steroid-related complications after augmentation mammaplasty. A preliminary study. Ninety-one patients who had had augmentation mammaplasties were evaluated retrospectively. The intra-implant use of steroids appeared to reduce the incidence of breast firmness--at least over the short follow-up period--but there were complications from this which appear to be dose related (mg of Solu-Medrol/100 cc saline). A long-term evaluation of such patients is desirable. Meanwhile, our limited data strongly suggest that the intra-implant use of steroids should be used only with caution as to the dose and with a careful follow-up.


The omental sandwich reconstruction for a full-thickness cheek defect. We present a case in which a large full-thickness cheek defect was successfully repaired in one stage by the "omental sandwich technique." We transferred the omentum as a free flap, anastomosing the middle omental vessels with the end stumps of the gastroepiploic vessels after they had been brought to the neck through a subcutaneous tunnel. Skin grafts were applied then on both sides of the revascularized omentum.


Hand replantation in an 83-year-old woman--the oldest replantation? A replantation of the hand was performed in an 83-year-old woman. There was good survival and the early functional return was satisfactory. However, after a personal tragedy and after the physiotherapy slowed down there was rapid deterioration in her hand function. Disuse atrophy became so marked after two years that the replanted hand became a stiff organ with little function.


Use of Trendelenburg position to reveal open blood vessels and prevent hematomas in face lifts. We have had a substantial decrease in the number of postoperative hematomas following face lifts since we started putting the patients in extreme Trendelenburg position after all the cutting was done, to reveal any potential bleeding points. These are then coagulated or ligated to obtain more complete hemostasis.


Physiological and pharmacological basis for the chemotherapy of enuresis. Enuresis is a disorder of micturition occuring in the absence of an organic urinary tract lesion. To understand its possible causation, the mechanisms controlling micturition are described together with the possible sites of action of various anti-enuretic agents, particularly imipramine. It is concluded that further research into the central control of micturition is required before the precise actions of centrally-acting anti-enuretic agents can be elucidated. Knowledge of these may give insight into the nature of the defect causing enuresis.


The Eating Attitudes Test: an index of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Data on the development of a 40-item measure of the symptoms in anorexia nervosa are reported. The scale (EAT) is presented in a 6-point, forced choice, self-report format which is easily administered and scored. The EAT was validated using 2 groups of female anorexia nervosa patients (N = 32 and 33) and female control subjects (N = 34 and 59). Total EAT score was significantly correlated with criterion group membership (r = 0.87, P less than 0.001), suggesting a high level of concurrent validity. There was very little overlap in the frequency distributions of the 2 groups and only 7% of the normal controls scored as high as the lowest anorexic patient. Female obese and male subjects also scored significantly lower on the EAT than anorexics. Recovered anorexic patients scored in the normal range on the test, suggesting that the EAT is sensitive to clinical remission.


The effect of temporal lobe surgery on electrodermal activity: implications for an organic hypothesis in the aetiology of schizophrenia. It has recently been suggested that the bilateral asymmetry of electrodermal activity (EDA) reported in schizophrenia may be related to unilateral temporal lobe dysfunction. To test this hypothesis, 3 aspects of EDA--skin conductance level (SCL), number of spontaneous fluctuations (SF), and skin conductance response (SCR)--were measured bilaterally in 10 patients who had undergone unilateral temporal lobectomy. No differences could be detected between the operated and non-operated sides within the patient group, nor between the patient and control groups. The implications of these findings are discussed.


Follow-up of 11 XYY males with impulsive and/or sex-offending behaviour. Eleven behaviourally abnormal XYY males who had been treated in a structured combined programme of antiandrogen medication and counseling were followed up 1 year after cessation of the programme. Behavioural ratings were made in each of 5 categories: assault against people, destructiveness against things, threatening behaviour, stealing, and self-harming. On examining the follow-up findings, therapeutic success appeared questionable.


Hysterical traits and variability of mood in normal men. In a study of 40 normal men it was found that self-ratings on variability of mood were positively correlated with self-ratings on hysterical traits. These results are similar to those found in normal women and lend support both to the validity of the concept of hysterical personality and to the idea that men and women experience fluctuations of mood in a similar way.


The Leyton Obsessional Inventory: an analysis of the responses of 73 obsessional patients. The Leyton Obsessional Inventory was administered to 73 obsessive-compulsive neurotics, and their responses compared with those of 100 normal subjects. The ratio of the mean patient to normal scores ranged from 2.4:1 for obsessional traits and 3.2:1 for symptoms to 6.2:1 for resistance and 12.5:1 for interference with other activities. A principal components analysis on the patients' replies produced 3 unitary components (household order, personal contamination, and doubting) plus 2 bipolar components (checking/parsimony and desire for closure/unpleasant ruminations). These appeared to be more definitive representations of components identified from a similar analysis on normal subjects, suggesting that obsessional neurotics differ from normal subjects quantitatively rather than qualitatively. A cluster analysis on the patients' responses produced 3 subgroups. Thirty-two patients were predominantly hesitant and indecisive ('doubters'), 30 were concerned with bodily and clothing contamination ('contaminators'), and 7 were preoccupied with checking ('checkers').


Application to the alcohol dependence syndrome of a method of determining the sequential development of symptoms. Temporal ordering of core items in the alcohol dependence syndrome was investigated in 38 men admitted to an alcoholism treatment unit. An analysis of rank sums yielded a modal sequence which resembled classical descriptions of alcoholism, though 'loss of control' appeared very early.


Classification of depression and response to amitriptyline therapy. Fifty-four patients suffering from primary depressive illness were rated on the Newcastle diagnostic scale while taking part in a pharmacokinetic study of amitriptyline therapy, and their clinical response was assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. Patients with a Newcastle score of 4-8 showed the best response to amitriptyline. Patients with low Newcastle scores, representing the non-endogenous or neurotic group, responded poorly. Patients with high scores on the Newcastle scale, representing those with marked endogenous features, also responded poorly.


Determinants of the ability of general practitioners to detect psychiatric illness. This study of psychiatric illness among 4098 patients attending 91 general practitioners compares 2 methods of case identification: 'conspicuous morbidity' by the doctor's own assessments, and 'probable prevalence' by the patients' responses to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). In general, the latter gives somewhat higher estimates than the former, but there are wide variations in morbidity between practices. The ability of each general practitioner to detect psychiatric illness was measured by computing Spearman's correlation coefficient between his assessments and the GHQ scores of his patients. The mean correlation coefficient was + 0.36, but the range was very wide (0.09-0.60). The first part of the study deals with various demographic characteristics of the patients themselves which are associated with an increased likelihood of the doctor detecting a psychiatric illness; such factors include unemployment, female sex, and marriages which have ended by separation, divorce or death. The second part of the study examines characteristics of the doctors themselves in an attempt to account for the wide variation between them in their ability to detect psychiatric illness. A research psychiatrist made detailed observations on 2098 interviews carried out by 55 general practitioners. Each doctor's verbal and non-verbal styles were recorded minutely, and in addition various global ratings were made. The doctors completed personality inventories and supplied details of training and professional background. It was possible to account for 67% of the variance of correlation coefficient mainly in terms of 2 dimensions: 'interest and concern' and 'conservatism'. The way in which the doctor interviews his patients is shown to be important, but there are interactions between interview style and the doctor's personality.


Variations in referral pattern to the psychiatric services by general practitioners. Referral rates to psychiatric services in North-East Scotland by 147 individual urban and rural general practitioners were calculated. Among city doctors, the greater the number of years since qualification the more patients were referred. Single-handed city doctors also had very high referral rates. Subsequent interviews were conducted with 76 general practitioners. Topics covered included reasons for referral to psychiatric services. Psychotics, severely depressed patients, alcoholics and violent patients were the most frequently referred groups.


Informing the consultant psychiatrist--the problems of communication. There is considerable difficulty in providing clinicians with statistics relating to their work which are both relevant in content and suitable in style. As a contribution towards the solution of the problem for psychiatrists, a new type of statistical feedback, the Hospital/National Comparison Tables, has been produced in Scotland. In these tables the work of individual hospitals is compared with the work of all other hospitals of the same type. These are critically examined, together with examples of analyses showing the uses to which the data can be put.


Genetic and physical studies of male children with psychological gender disturbances. Twelve male children were diagnosed with psychological gender disturbances by 3 independent clinical psychologists using independent data sources focusing on behavioural deviance from  normal comparison groups, on conventional psychological testing, and on parent report instruments which had been validated on normal comparison samples. These children received a paediatric evaluation consisting of a medical history, complete physical examination, chromosome analysis including 2 cells karyotyped and 15 counted, and sex chromatin studies. All gender disturbed boys were found to be normal genetically and physically with the exception of one subject with one undescended testicle.


Tranylcypromine ('Parnate') overdose: measurement of tranylcypromine concentrations and MAO inhibitory activity and identification of amphetamines in plasma. A case of tranylcypromine overdose is reported. Tranylcypromine, amphetamine methamphetamine and phenylethylamine were detected in the plasma by gas chromatography and their identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. The data suggested that the amphetamines were metabolic products of tranylcypromine. Platelet monoamine oxidase activity was more than 95% inhibited during the 72 h after the overdose despite complete clinical recovery by that time. The possible role of amphetamines and phenylethylamine in causing the clinical manifestations of tranylcypromine overdose is discussed.


Overachievement and catecholamine excretion in an achievement-demanding situation. We have studied the relationship between overachievement (defined as high school achievement in relation to intelligence) and catecholamine output (adrenaline and noradrenaline). The subjects were 176 children aged 13 yr. Adrenaline and noradrenaline excretions were measured in (1) a neutral situation (attending a nonexciting film), and (2) in an achievement-demanding situation. In the achievement-demanding situation, overachieving boys had much higher adrenaline excretion levels than the other boys. This difference was not found for girls. For boys, overachievement in combination with overambition (as rated by teachers) was related to a higher output of both adrenaline and noradrenaline in an achievement-demanding situation.


Resentful and reflective coping with arbitrary authority and blood pressure: Detroit. Two hypotheses about coping with an arbitrary authority, an angry boss, were tested: (1) styles of handling anger vary with social status, and (2) these styles are in turn related to blood pressure levels. Two styles of coping were tested: model R-R, Resentful vs. Reflective, and model I/O/R, Anger-In, Anger-Out, and Reflective. Handling an angry boss by Reflection is reported by more women than men, by those in middle-class areas rather than lower class, and does not vary by race. Working class report more use of Anger-Out than middle class who in turn report more use of Reflection. In general, the Anger-In response did not vary by race, sex, or area of residence (12-18%). For model R-R, Reflection of boss's anger was related to lower blood pressure when compared to Resentful responses, within sex, race, and residence groups. For model I/O/R, working-class, high stress persons who expressed Anger-Out showed the highest mean levels. Reflection is an appraisal response related to vascular and neural deceleration in stress experiments. This mode can be learned, and may aid in handling daily emotional-loaded stimuli to control blood pressure, along with learning a relaxation response.


Impact of Event Scale: a measure of subjective stress. Clinical, field, and experimental studies of response to potentially stressful life events give concordant findings: there is a general human tendency to undergo episodes of intrusive thinking and periods of avoidance. A scale of current subjective distress, related to a specific event, was based on a list of items composed of commonly reported experiences of intrusion and avoidance. Responses of 66 persons admitted to an outpatient clinic for the treatment of stress response syndromes indicated that the scale had a useful degree of significance and homogeneity. Empirical clusters supported the concept of subscores for intrusions and avoidance responses.


Taste detection and preferences in diabetics and their relatives. In order to determine whether a generalized defect in glucose recognition exists in diabetes, taste detection and preference were measured in adult onset diabetics (AOD), juvenile onset diabetics (JOD), and healthy first-degree relatives of diabetics (NR). Controls (C) were age and sex matched nondiabetics without first-degree diabetic relatives. The AOD and NR gorups showed significantly higher glucose thresholds than their controls. In contrast, glucose threshold in JOD was not different from C. The AOD group also demonstrated a higher sucrose threshold than C. This difference was not present for JOD or NR groups. No difference in salt detection was seen in any of the groups. Taste preference was assessed by two choice situations and ratings of test solutions of varying concentrations. No significant difference in glucose or sucrose preference were noted, but both the AOD and NR groups preferred lower salt concentrations than C. These findings indicate that thery may be a widespread impariment of cellular glucose recognition in AOD and their relatives, while JOD have a specific beta cell defect.


The epidemiology of burn injury in New York. A population-based study of all patients hospitalized for burns in a 2-year period was conducted in up-state New York. The objective was to provide data for setting burn injury prevention priorities and for formulating treatment facility plans. The incidence rate of hospitalization for burns was 27 per 100,000 population per year. The mean estimated size of the burn wounds was 9 percent of the body surface, and fewer than 10 percent of the patients had large wounds (more than 20 percent of the body). Burn patients were admitted to hospitals of all capabilities, including 89 percent of 223 hospitals. Substantial numbers of patients with large and deep wounds were treated in hospitals with little burn treatment experience. High-risk groups were the young, blacks, and males. Burn injuries occurring at work were common. Burn injuries resulting in hospitalization occurred less frequently, and the wounds were smaller in size than would have been expected based on reports in the literature.


Infant mortality in Newark, New Jersey. A study of sociodemographic and medical factors. Newark, a metropolitan industrial town, experienced the highest infant mortality of any major city in the United States in the 1960s and early 1970s. Between 1970 and 1973, however, infant mortality among non-whites in this city declined strikingly. This decline could not be directly related to declines (a) in birth rates, (b) in the proportions of babies of low birth weight, (c) in the proportions of babies born to mothers in unfavorable age groups, (d) in the general fertility rates, or (e) in the illegitimacy rates. The decline may have been related (a) to the removal from childbearing cohorts of the group of females in the population--as yet undefined--whose babies would have been at high risk of infant mortality, (b) to the falling birth rate, (d) to better postnatal care--or to all of these factors. The study data suggest a multifactorial basis for the precipitous decline and also suggest that further major reductions in infant mortality among both nonwhites and whites will require better definition of the causes of low birth weight.


Effects of modulated RF energy on the EEG of mammalian brains. Effects of acute and chronic irradiations. The effects of modulated radio frequency fields on mammalian EEGs were investigated using acute and chronic irradiations at non-thermal level. The EEG signals were computer processed to obtain power spectra. Rabbits were exposed to the field for 2 h a day for 6 weeks at 1-10 MHz (15 Hz modulation) at the level of 0.5-1 kV/M. Silver electrodes placed on the skull surface were used for recording of the EEG. Usually they were removed immediately after initial recordings of the EEG and reinserted before the final and intermediate EEG recordings. With this arrangement, modulated RF fields produced a change in EEG patterns by enhancing the low frequency components and decreasing high frequency activities. On the other hand, acute irradiations did not produce noticeable changes in the EEG at the level of 0.5-1 kV/M (1-30 MHz, 60 Hz modulation) as long as the use of intracranial electrodes was avoided.


Contrasting oxygen-effects in the inactivation of ribonuclease A by N.3, (SCN).-2 and .OH radicals. N.3 exhibits higher efficiency than .OH in the inactivation of RNase in de-acerated (neutral) aqueous solution. In O2-saturated solution the .OH-induced inactivation is enhanced, but N.3 and (SCN).-2 become remarkably inefficient. Our results suggest that semi-oxidized tyrosine, the predominant initial defect induced by N.3 and (SCN).-2 but not by  .OH2 can be re-reduced upon reaction with O.-2 or cysteine.


Effects of 226Ra and X-irradiation on the proliferative and differentiative ability of mouse hemopoietic stem cells. The ability of hemopoietic stem cells to repopulate spleens of heavily irradiated syngeneic hosts in form of macroscopically visible clonal colonies of differentiating cells was studied in mice exposed for 32 and 4 weeks to internally deposited 226Ra (0.56 and 0.46 muCi per mouse respectively) or to 100 rad X-irradiation. Exocolonizing test and cytological techniques were used for quantitative evaluation. The size of stem cell compartment was reduced and the function of the surviving stem cells was altered by radium and X-ray irradiation. The proliferation and maintenance of hemopoietic cell populations were found to depend not only on the numbers of stem cells but also on their multiplicative and differentiative capability.


Rate constants studies of the dye-sensitized photoinactivation of lysozyme. The rate constants for the photodynamic inactivation of hen egg-white lysozyme at different temperatures were studied. Arrhenius plots of the methylene blue sensitized photo-inactivation of lysozyme gave an experimental activation energy of 7.5 kcal/mol. The rate constants for the photodynamic inactivation of lysozyme in the presence of riboflavin decreased almost linearly in the temperature range 4-38 degrees C. The photosensitized oxidation of lysozyme at -20 degrees C in freezing and non-freezing solvents was possible only in the presence of riboflavin. The effect of dye concentration on the quantum yield and rate constant for the photodynamic inactivation of lysozyme was examined. The quantum yields were lower when the concentrations of methylene blue used were low, and increased on increasing dye concentration, getting to a maximum and then declined at higher dye concentrations. It was found that in the case of riboflavin sensitized photo-inactivation of lysozyme both the rate constant and the quantum yield increased as the dye concentration increased. No maximum was observed over the range of dye concentrations studied. A new mechanism is postulated for the photodynamic action of lysozyme in the presence of riboflavin.


Changes in production, yield, and chemical composition of corn (Zea mays) after ultrasound treatments of the seeds. In the spring of each year (1972-1974) air-dry grains of two inbred lines of Z. mays (7275-13-1 and 106) were exposed for 17 h to a low level (25 kHz) of ultrasound and subsequently planted in the field together with untreated controls and grown to maturity. In the fall of each year the ears of each group were harvested and the number of broken stalks, the yield and weight of grains and grain parts and the alcohol-soluble amino acid complement of the grain parts were determined. Broken stalks and yields were unaffected, however the embryos from the treated groups retained more moisture than their respective controls, dry weights were also significantly increased. The alcohol-soluble amino acid composition of the embryos was markedly changed, levels of proline were severely depressed in the embryos of both lines and generally increased in the endosperms. Sonication resulted in an overall decrease of up to 40% in totalled alcohol-soluble amino acids in the grains of 7275-13-1.


Hypophysectomy-induced inhibition of augmented acetylcholine responses of the rat bowel following adrenalectomy and/or whole body irradiation. Functional changes in the intestinal responsiveness to a fixed dose of acetylcholine were studied in muscle strips removed from young adult male rats previously exposed to whole body gamma radiation. In the irradiated rat the responsiveness to a fixed dose of acetylcholine was found to be augmented in the small intestine but not in the colon. Similar motor patterns for the small intestine were found when muscle strips from adrenalectomized rats were studied. Preradiation adrenalectomy further exaggerated the post-radiation sensitivity of the rat small intestine to acetylcholine. Hypophysectomy prior to either adrenalectomy and/or whole body radiation was associated with an absence of augmented small intestinal motor activity following administration of acetylcholine. The response of the large bowel to acetylcholine, however, was not modified by adrenalectomy and/or hypophysectomy. These observations suggest an endocrine component to the acute 3--5 day intestinal radiation syndrome.


Tube growth stimulation of pine pollen by low doses of irradiation. Dose rate, reproducibility and comparison between UV-light and ionizing rays. Stimulation of the tube growth of pine pollen by low doses of UV-light or X-rays is a reproducible process, but it depends strongly of the dose rate applied. It can be proved that the observed effect is more determined by dose rate and irradiation time than by the dose itself which can vary by nearly one order of magnitude for achieving the same increase in tube elongation. The range of absorbed energy at which the stimulation effect can be observed is rather broad and overlapping between UV and X-rays. In the average the UV-energy needed is 5 times higher than X-ray energy.


Changes in the circular dichroic spectrum of calf thymus solubilized chromatin caused by ultraviolet irradiation. UV irradiation of the chromatin caused an increase of the positive circular dichroic band in the vicinity of 275 nm (corresponding to DNA) and a deepening of the negative band of proteins at about 225 nm. These changes in the circular dichroic spectrum are monotonous in the range of doses studied (less than 6 X 10(4) J.m-2). The increase of the positive circular dichroic band probably reflects the occurrence of local conformational changes in DNA, which include changes in base position (tilting, distance from helix axis) in the close neighborhood of photoproducts. The presence of photoproducts in chromatin reduces changes in its circular dichroic spectra with temperature.


[The action of hyperthermia on DNA repair (author's transl)]. The time-course of DNA repair after gamma irradiation was measured in HeLa cells at various temperatures. Unscheduled DNA synthesis was estimated by incorporation of 3H-thymidine in presence of hydroxyurea. To detect the ligase reaction, the number of single strand breaks (SSB) was determined by centrifugation in alcaline sucrose as well as by hydroxylapatite chromatography after partial denaturation. In addition, the temperature dependence of DNA polymerase and DNase reaction in cell-free systems were measured. These data were compared with the reduction of colony-forming ability of the cells caused by gamma irradiation and following repair at various temperatures. All steps of repair proceed faster at 41--43 degrees than at 37 degrees but cells are most resistant to gamma irradiation at 37 degrees. We therefore assume that the DNA repair process at 42 degrees is faster but more error prone than at 37 degrees.


Occupational dose from natural radionuclides in phosphate fertilizers. In this investigation the occupational exposure of single persons due to the gamma radiation of the natural radionuclides in rock phosphates and phosphate fertilizers and their contribution to the population dose in the FRG has been determined. The exposure rates in the working fields production, transport, loading and storage or rock phosphates and phosphate fertilizers and due to their application in agriculture have been measured by means of scintillation dose rate meters or LiF-thermoluminescence dosemeters or have been estimated from specific activities. Mean additional exposure rates of 2--26 muR/h, with local maximum values up to 190 muR/h, were observed. From these values, together with statistical data for the number of occupied persons and annual working times in the various working fields, the mean and maximum annual dose of individuals and the contribution to the mean population dose have been estimated. The results show that a maximum annual dose to individuals from 0.4 mrem/y (agriculture) up to 45 mrem/y (production plants or storehouses) can occur. The corresponding mean annual doses are 0.05--20 mrem/y. The contribution of the occupational radiation exposure due to rock phosphates and phosphate fertilizers to the mean population dose is 174 man . rem/y related to whole body. To this, fertilizer production contributes 40 man . rem/y, transport and loading 45 man . rem/y, agricultural storehouses 31 man . rem/y, and agriculture 58 man . rem/y. Altogether, this investigation shows that an occupational radiation exposure of individuals may occur which corresponds to the mean terrestrial radiation exposure in the FRG. The contribution of the occupational collective doses due to phosphates to the population dose, however, is negligibly small.


Influence of caffeine on sparing effect of dose fractionation in housefly larvae. Caffeine, given during interfraction interval, abolishes the sparing effect of dose fractionation observed for delay of pupariation in Musca domestica larvae. When given as postirradiation treatment after single exposure, caffeine increases the delay in the synergistic manner. Pretreatment of the larvae with ascorbic acid for 3 h protects from radiation-induced delay whereas pretreatment with caffeine does not have any effect. Combination of ascorbic acid and caffeine pretreatment protects the larvae only at low concentration (0.05%) and not at high concentration (0.1%).


Radiation induced chromosome aberrations and the Poisson distribution. Data on the distribution of dicentrics and acentrics observed when human lymphocytes are cultured for 48 h after irradiation by X-rays, gamma-rays, and neutrons are presented. Analysis shows that for dicentrics, the observed distribution for X-rays, gamma-rays, and fission neutrons may be described by Poisson statistics but for higher energy neutrons overdispersion is observed. The phenomenon of overdispersion is also observed for acentrics irrespective of the radiation used. The possibility that overdispersion results from the variations of dose in sensitive sites leads to the conclusion that for dicentrics the site size is considerably larger than the 1--2 micrometer diameter derived by applying the dual action theory to the dose effect relationships. This larger site may well be the cell nucleus.


The adult male urethra: normal anatomy, pathology, and method of urethrography. Detailed knowledge of the normal anatomy of the urethra and adjacent structures is essential to an understanding of the normal radiologic landmarks on urethrography, and is prerequisite to the radiologic interpretation of the diseased urethra. The nature of fibrosis in the urethra must also be clearly understood, since radiologic interpretation of urethral scarring influences surgical management. No longer is it sufficient for the radiologist to delineate a tight structure in the urethra and leave the operative decision solely to clinical assessment. Dynamic retrograde urethrography allows the radiologist to direct the attention of the urologist to the membranous urethra and to the possibility that transsphincter urethroplasty may be required. While voiding urethrography is an integral part of the examination and may provide additional information, voiding urethrography without dynamic retrograde urethrography without dynamic retrograde urethrography may be misleading in that soft scarring of the urethra may be missed.


Adjustable compensating filters for pediatric 72-inch spine radiography. The difficulty in producing a uniformly penetrated radiograph of the upright spine at 72 inches is alleviated by the use of compensating filters. These filters are finely machined, adjustable and easy to position. High quality, uniform density radiographs are now easily obtained on patients of all sizes. Most importantly, patient dose has been reduced by a factor of 2.4 to 6.9, a feature that makes their use mandatory in pediatric spine radiography.


Radiation dose in neurological computed tomographic scanning. Patient dose and dose distribution during neurological computed tomography examinations were determined with five different computed tomography scanners. Maximum intracranial doses ranged from 1.17 to 2.67 rads. Doses to the lens of the eye ranged from 0.23 to 2.81 rads. These levels are considered and compared with patient doses reported for other computed tomography studies and for conventional tomographic examinations. In general, patient dose during computer tomographic examinations is less than one quarter of that during conventional tomography of the head.


Improving patient cooperation.

Improving patient cooperation. Patient anxiety and poor cooperation are more apt to be socio-psychological in origin rather than mental or physical. Therefore, it is important that the technology curriculum provide sufficient emphasis on behavioral psychology, motivation and control techniques, and communication skills. Studies show that if the patient and his family are adequately informed of what to expect when they go to the radiology department, through interviews, videotapes, etc., their anxieties decrease. Use of anxiety-reducing techniques can decrease uncooperative behavior, examination time, and misunderstandings that cause a poor professional image.


Etiologic diagnosis of focal pulmonary infection in immunocompromised patients by fluoroscopically guided percutaneous needle aspiration. Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous needle aspiration of focal pulmonary lesions was performed in 108 presumed infectious episodes in 82 immunocompromised patients in whom prior diagnostic studies, including transtracheal aspiration, were negative to inconclusive. Two-thirds of the lesions were 4 cm or smaller. Single (61/79) or multiple (18/79) organisms were recovered, for a diagnostic yield of 73% (79/108). Complications were pneumothorax (26%), half of which required tube drainage, and limited hemoptysis (3%). This technique can be quickly performed and frequently repeated with existing personnel and equipment in institutions currently employing it for suspected pulmonary neoplasm, and is a productive study in the evaluation of "opportunistic pneumonia".


Digital radiology in trauma using small-dose exposure. The microdose radiology system produces a large-field examination within thirty seconds on a video monitor. This video image can be manipulated in the same manner as a computed tomography (CT) scan. The system was installed at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Services (MIEMS) to examine severely injured patients. No major abnormalities were overlooked during the examination of these patients. The microdose system is useful in providing extensive radiologic information immediately applicable to the care of massively traumatized patients.


Gastric varices secondary to splenic vein occlusion: radiographic diagnosis and clinical significance. The radiographic appearance and clinical significance of gastric varices in the absence of esophageal varices and secondary to splenic vein occlusion were studied. Eighteen patients were evaluated through medical records, angiography, and barium studies of the stomach and esophagus. The presence of splenic vein occlusion was determined by arteriography in 18 patients and its etiology confirmed by surgery in 17 patients. This condition should be suspected in patients with chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and iron deficiency anemia who show fundal polypoid filling defects or prominent gastric folds on an upper GI series.


Therapeutic embolization of facial arteriovenous fistulae. Two cases of percutaneous transfemoral embolization of facial hemangiomas and arteriovenous (AV) malformations are reported. In both cases, Ivalon shavings were injected through a percutaneously placed catheter to permanently occlude peripheral feeders of the AV malformation. In one case, because of the size of the large venous sacs associated with the malformation, a steel coil was introduced to form a baffle, over which several additional strands of surgical silk were introduced to obliterate these sacs. These cases emphasize the need for embolization of small feeding arteries to prevent recurrence by collateral channels. To achieve this, specific-sized emboli are necessary; Ivalon is a suitable embolic material.


Angiography of intussusception of the small bowel. Angiography demonstrated intussusception in a patient with recurrent unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhage after outside barium studies had been interpreted as normal. Magnification arteriography provided an unusually clear depiction of the anatomic derangement of intussusception.


The patient's role in assessing the value of diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests are usually evaluated for their informational content and effect on health outcomes. Yet patient attitudes toward taking risks and the morbid sequelae associated with either the diagnostic test or its consequences are seldom considered. The authors present a prototypical model which incorporates patient attitudes into the evaluative process. Based on traditional indices of test efficacy, preoperative searches for occult metastases in patients with presumably operable bronchogenic carcinoma should never be performed. However, if patient attitudes toward perioperative death are considered, many should have preoperative staging tests. The exact percentage of patients benefiting from testing varies with test sensitivity and specificity. This integrative approach is appropriate for oncologic patients who frequently undergo treatment.


Familial congenital bowing with short bones. The case reports of 2 brothers with congenital bowing and short broad bones are discussed. In this apparently new familial bowing syndrome, the rhizometic portions of the limbs are more severely involved, particularly the femora. In early infancy the metaphyses are moderately flared and irregular, but these improve dramatically during childhood. Clinical abnormalities are limited primarily to the thorax. Prognosis appears good except for the persisting disproportionately short stature. These 2 patients may resemble one or both patients previously reported by Khajavi et al. under the label of short-limbed campomelic syndrome, normocephalic type (1).


Aortic aneurysms in children.

Aortic aneurysms in children. Three children with aneurysms of the thoracic aorta were studied. The clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and etiologic factors are discussed. These lesions are associated with a poor prognosis and only one patient survived. The radiographic appearance of an enlarging mediastinal mass close to the aorta should suggest an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta.


Catheter and material selection for transarterial embolization: technical considerations. I. Catheters. In this first part of the report, the authors discuss the selection of catheterization techniques and delivery systems. These include various introducer sheaths, tapered and non-tapered conventional catheters, and double-lumen, single-lumen, flow-guided single-lumen, and detachable balloon catheters. The selection is discussed with regard to the specifics of the lesion, such as location of the lesion and number and size of feeding arteries. The authors' experience with experimental embolizations in dogs and the clinical material in 34 patients in whom 61 embolization procedures were performed are presented.


Catheter and material selection for transarterial embolization: technical considerations. II. Materials. In this second part of the report, the authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of several embolization agents. These include Gelfoam, silicone spheres, polyvinyl alcohol foam (PVA), isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate (IBCA), silicone fluid mixtures, and tantalum powder. The techniques employed and conditions under which these materials should be used are discussed.


Computed tomography of paranasal sinus tumors. Thirty-two patients with histologically proved malignant disease involving the paranasal sinuses were studied by CT. The radiological features of tumor were sinus opacification, a soft-tissue mass, bone erosion and/or displacement, sclerosis, and new-bone formation. Measurements of tissue densities were not helpful in distinguishing tumor from benign disease. Significantly greater tumor extent was demonstrated by CT than by conventional methods in 15 patients; the additional tumor most commonly involved the pterygoid region or orbit. The clinical importance of various directions of tumor spread is emphasized.


Specific value of computed tomographic breast scanner (CT/M) in diagnosis of breast diseases. CT/M study of the breast yields specific information about lesions and may provide the diagnosis when mammography fails to demonstrate the lesion or is unable to display the information necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. By using contrast medium to increase attenuation, very small carcinomas may be identified, even in dysplastic breasts.


Computed vs. conventional tomography in evaluation of primary and secondary pulmonary neoplasms. One hundred patients, ultimately proved to have chest malignancies, were evaluated prospectively with conventional chest tomography and computed tomography. In 58 patients with primary malignancies, conventional tomograms were more useful in evaluation of the hilus than CT scans. The mediastinum was better assessed by CT. Thus, evaluation of the presence of neoplasia is better accomplished by conventional examination, while extent of disease is best assessed by CT. Thoracotomy for curative resection was not attempted (in the latter cases of this series) based on CT findings of mediastinal involvement. In 42 patients with metastases to the chest, CT scans of the lung parenchyma were more sensitive than whole lung tomography but had little additional impact on patient treatment. Nevertheless, in 18 patients the results of CT or whole lung tomography directly affected patient therapy.


Diagnosis of Caroli disease by computed tomography: report of two cases. Two patients are discussed in whom Caroli diseases was diagnosed with the aid of computed tomography (CT). One patient had the pure form of the disease, characterized primarily by saccular dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and clinically manifesting as recurrent cholangitis. The second patient had a form ccharacterized primarily by hepatic fibrosis and clinically manifesting as portal hypertension. These are the first patients studied with CT to be reported to the authors' knowledge; CT is recommended as the optimal noninvasive method to evaluate such patients.


Computed tomographic demonstration of intraarterial air following hepatic artery ligation. A branching pattern of intrahepatic air is usually attributed to air within the portal venous or biliary system. A case of such a pattern is reported in a patient with hepatic adenoma who had recently undergone hepatic artery ligation. Possible mechanisms for this phenomenon are discussed.


Ultrasound evaluation of the posterior pelvic compartment. The posterior pelvic compartment, defined as consisting primarily of the rectosigmoid colon and peritoneal-lined cul-de-sac, was evaluated in 104 patients. Tumors and pseudotumors (fluid- and feces-filled loops of bowel) were ultrasonographically analyzed according to: (a) morphology and echo characteristics, and (b) location within either the cul-de-sac or rectosigmoid colon. On routine examination, a striking similarity between pathological processes and pseudotumors was demonstrated; these were diagnosed correctly only by the use of a technique in which the rectosigmoid colon is filled with water. Combined distension of the urinary bladder and rectosigmoid colon also enabled localization and differentiation of abnormalities within the cul-de-sac.


The sonographic appearance of acute pyelonephritis. Acute pyelonephritis and acute ureteral obstruction often present with similar clinical and urographic findings. Ultrasound, however, can easily detect the presence of obstruction as well as demonstrate characteristic findings suggestive of acute pyelonephritis, and thus allows differentiation. In two patients with acute pyelonephritis, the ultrasonic findings consisted of a large swollen kidney with an increased anechoic corticomedullary area, with multiple scattered low-level echoes. Each of the two cases is discussed in detail.


Reliability of doppler scanning of the carotid bifurcation: angiographic correlation. The results of continuous wave Doppler scanning of 96 common carotid arteries and their immediate branches were compared with those of selective angiography. The overall accuracy of the Doppler technique for the assessment of the common, internal and external carotid arteries was 98%, 81% and 86%, respectively with a sensitivity of 60%, 70% and 54%, and a specificity of 100%, 93%, and 96%. When stenoses of 50% were considered hemodynamically insignificant, the overall accuracy of the assessment of the common, internal and external carotid arteries rose to 100%, 93% and 93%, but the sensitivity was only 100%, 83% and 53%, whereas the specificity was 100%, 96% and 96%. This modality did not prove useful in the detection of intimal ulcers and plaques nor could the degree of stenosis be accurately graded. The above data indicate that contrast angiography remains imperative prior to surgery.


Inability to show clot: one limitation of ultrasonography of the abdominal aorta. Ultrasonography is accurate for diagnosis of abdominal aneurysms and clots within them. However, due to technical factors, occlusive clots within the aorta can be missed even at high gain. The authors report three cases in which total occlusion of the abdominal aorta was misdiagnosed as a free lumen occupied by a small clot. An explanation for the shortcomings of ultrasound is offered.


Exercise radionuclide ventriculography: practical considerations and sensitivity of coronary artery disease detection. Eighty-nine patients were evaluated for coronary artery disease (CAD) with exercise radionuclide ventriculography (ERV) and contrast coronary angiography. In 70 patients with documented lesions the ERV was abnormal in 65 for a sensitivity of 93%. In patients with normal coronary arteries, the ERV was abnormal in none for a specificity of 100%. Sensitivity of ERV for detecting CAD was affected by the level of exercise achieved. In patients with documented CAD who achieved adequate exercise (i.e., pressure rate product (PRP) greater than 250 or the development of angina or ST segment depression during exercise), the sensitivity was 98% (56 of 57 patients). In those with documented CAD who failed to achieve adequate exercise, the sensitivity was 69% (9 of 13 patients).


Exercise radionuclide ejection fraction: correlation with exercise contrast ventriculography. Thirty-one patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease or aortic valvular disease were studied at rest and during supine bicycle exercise with radionuclide and contrast left ventriculography. The radionuclide ejection fractions calculated independently by three observers correlated well at rest (r = 0.96) and with exercise (r = 0.94). The calculated values also correlated well with those obtained for contrast ventriculography using the area-length method Dodge (r = 0.89 at rest and r = 0.90 with exercise). The results suggest that further clinical applications of exercise radionuclide ventriculography are justified.


Computed tomography of the heart using thallium-201 in children. Thallium-201 emission computed tomography (ECT) was performed in 3 pediatric patients in whom conventional scintigraphy was normal but there was a strong clinical suspicion of myocardial disease. Abnormalities in the distribution of myocardial perfusion appeared sharply. Single photon ECT provides a three dimensional reconstruction which results in greater enhancement since activity in overlying structures does not interfere. Its widespread use is limited only by the cost of the imaging device.


Pancoast tumor: the value of high dose radiation therapy. Twenty-six patients with superior pulmonary sulcus (Pancoast) tumors were evaluated. Twelve patients were treated with high dose radiotherapy with NSD over 1 900 rets and 10 with NSD less than 1 900 rets. Four patients were treated with combined radiation and surgery. High dose radiotherapy resulted in relief of pain in all patients but apparently did not change survival. Low dose radiotherapy offered relief of pain to only half the patients. Distant metastasis was noted in 30% of patients (15% to brain, 3.8% to liver), rib destruction in 65% and supraclavicular nodes in 19%. Only 4 patients went to surgery and 2 died during operation. We thus conclude that Pancoast tumor is essentially an inoperable disease.


A simulation study of aliasing in computed tomography. Aliasing in CT images is the result of discrete sampling in the data-taking process. Artifacts associated with aliasing, while object-dependent, also depend on fundamental parameters such as beam width and the number of rays and views. This dependence has been studied in simulation with a phantom designed to represent a transaxial section through the lower head. Although the simulation program assumes a stationary detector system, the results do not depend strongly on geometry. Aliasing has also been compared with other sources of artifact which are often more significant, such as beam hardening, machine alignment and noise.


Dose tables for 125I seed implants.

Dose tables for 125I seed implants. Dose tables are given for 125I implants, as well as detailed information about the dose distribution which is calculated for different square planar and cubic volume implants using recently published depth dose data. Minimum peripheral and maximum central doses are evaluated for different areas and volumes for seeds with 1 mCi (37 MBq) equivalent activy and spaced 1 cm apart. The dose delivered at any specific point in a permanent implant is the dose rate at that point multiplied by the mean life (2,080 hrs) and the activity per seed (1 mCi). The effect of spacing is studied and a spacing rule is suggested.


Synergistic biological effects of ultrasound and ionizing radiations evaluated in vitro. The effects of diagnostic ultrasound on growing asynchronous cultures of Chinese hamster ovarian cells were evaluated, with particular attention to possible synergism with ionizing radiations. Measurements of cellular growth rate/survival and changes in morphology indicated that synergistic biological effects were absent.


The toposcopic catheter: a design for maneuvering through tortuous vessels. The toposcopic catheter is an everting tube that advances within a vessel without moving over the endothelium. It easily passed through simulated tortuous vessels which other catheters could not negotiate and was also successful in the external carotid, vertebral, hepatic, renal and coronary arteries in dogs. The catheter advances to its full length (30 cm) or until wedged in small peripheral arteries.


A hybrid computerized fluoroscopy technique for noninvasive cardiovascular imaging. The excellent linearity of digital image storage and retrieval permits hybrid analog-digital subtraction to extend the spatial resolution of two previously developed algorithms which employed entirely digital apparatus. A low resolution, time-integrated preinjection digital mask image is reconverted to analog form and subtracted from live analog video images of iodine administered by peripheral intravenous injection to produce a high resolution display of the cardiovascular system with contrast ten times greater than conventional fluoroscopy. Preliminary studies in dogs are compared with images obtained with our digital subtraction algorithms.


A mechanical aid for the treatment of carcinoma of the breast. A relatively inexpensive mechanical aid is described which, in primary or adjuvant irradiation for breast carcinoma, allows easy and stable reproducibility of the abducted arm position, unobstructed access for lateral tangential portals, and leveling of the anterior chest for regional nodal irradiation. The device may be constructed de novo or from a commonly available treatment-table accessory.


Radiation exposure to medical personnel during iodine-125 seed implantation of the prostate. Radiation exposure to operating room personnel was measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters and an ionization chamber during a simulated iodine-125 seed implantation of the prostate gland. The exposure rates at points around the implanted phantom were measured and compared with the calculated values. The data suggested that even with a schedule of 25 prostate implants per year, exposure levels would not exceed 5% of the recommended maximum limits for occupationally exposed personnel.


Abdominal compression: a new technique for improved computed tomographic images. A technique utilizing abdominal compression during CT scanning with resultant improvement in image quality is described. Advantages included decrease or elimination of streak artifacts; differentiation of nonopacified bowel from other soft tissue densities; and better delineation of tissue planes.


Single mini-catheter technique for abdominal aortography and selective injection. A single mini-catheter technique for abdominal aortography and selective injection using 4.1 and 5 French polyethylene catheters in the Shepherd's Crook configuration is described. Studies made in 365 patients were of high quality and without complications. This technique is easily learned, less time consuming, and safer than previous pig-tailed mini-catheter and larger catheter techniques.


Symmetrical anteroposterior projections of the sternoclavicular joints with motion studies. A radiographic technique is described for the symmetrical visualization of the sternoclavicular joints in the anteroposterior projection. A short focal-spot patient distance is used with an ultra-fine focal-spot tube, so that differential magnification projects the sternoclavicular joints to either side of the thoracic spine. The supine position is comfortable for the symptomatic patient. Motion studies are made.


Lateral C1-2 puncture for myelography: posterior approach. The lateral C1-2 puncture approach for myelography is a modification of the technique for percutaneous radiofrequency cervical cordotomy. Positioning of the needle in the posterior, rather than anterior, one third of the canal avoids injury to anomalous vertebral artery branches which lie in the anterior half of the neural canal at this level.


Balloon catheters for investigating carotid cavernous fistulas. A simple and reliable technique is described for investigating the precise location of an arteriovenous fistulous communication and its hemodynamics by temporary and complete vessel occlusion with a double-lumen balloon catheter.


An isocentric technique for treatment of carcinoma of the prostate in large patients. An isocentric technique for treatment of carcinoma of the prostate of a large patient was investigated for a 4-MV linear accelerator. A split course, two four-field technique was found to deliver an appropriate high-dose zone while not exceeding tissue tolerances.


Scattered radiation from trimmer bars in the cobalt-60 teletherapy machines. The amount of scattered radiation resulting from four Cobalt-60 teletherapy units in four different hospitals when trimmer bars were fully extended was studied. Scatter was present for all machines checked at between 10% and 20% of the central axis dose. Clinical significance is also discussed.


Basioccipital clefts.

Basioccipital clefts. Two cases of rare basioccipital clefting are reported. In one patient, 10-year follow-up indicates that the radiologic appearance of the clefts does not change with time. Findings in the other case indicate that additional anomalies may occur in adjacent bone structures developing in sequence. A review of the embryological development and discussion of the radiological findings are presented.


Evaluation of brain circulation by rapid rotational computed tomography. Continuous rapid rotational CT brain scanning now permits the study of brain circulation. The parameters studied are related to the transit time of circulation and to blood flow differences within small portions of the brain. For ease of description, this study is called regional brain circulation (rBC). This preliminary report is based on our experience with 75 consecutive cases studied since August 1, 1978. Displays of normal brain, cerebral ischemia, and arteriovenous malformations are analyzed in this paper. The normal graphic display of rBC includes peak concentration, transit time, washin and washout phases. Clinical application to medical-surgical treatment is illustrated.


Experimental brain abscess evolution: computed tomographic and neuropathologic correlation. Brain abscess evolution was studied in dogs by correlating the CT appearance with the neuropathologic findings. The abscess, produced by direct inoculation, progressed from an area of cerebritis to a well encapsulated abscess over 14 days. Ring enhancement was seen in the cerebritis stage prior to capsule formation. The ring reached its maximum size at this stage and correlated best with the area of cerebritis surrounding the developing necrotic center; the rim of this ring increased in thickness, resulting in progressive diminution of the central lucent area on scans delayed up to 60 min. The diameter of the ring decreased as cerebritis receded. Once the capsule had formed, the central lucent area was similar and no longer filled in on delayed scans.


Atherosclerotic subintimal hematoma of the carotid artery. A presumed new radiological-pathological entity of atherosclerotic subintimal of the carotid artery is described. Subintimal hematomas were found in 12 of 50 (24%) carotid bifurcations during surgery for repeated transient ischemic attacks in a single hemispheric distribution; only 33% were associated with ulcerations. The typical angiographic appearance was a sharply marginated, rounded, eccentric filling defect located near the extracranial carotid bifurcation, although occasionally it may simulate a typical smooth or even ulcerated atherosclerotic plaque. Pathological mechanisms responsible for the hemorrhage into the atherosclerotic plaque resulting in the hematoma are discussed.


A comparative evaluation of computed tomography and laryngography. A prospective study of 66 patients was conducted to evaluate the relative merits of computed tomography (CT) and laryngography in the assessment of laryngeal disorders. CT complemented direct laryngoscopy and biopsy for treatment planning and was superior to both modalities for showing deep infiltration, invasion of cartilage, and extension to the soft tissues of the neck. The subglottic space can be studied adequately by CT, which could also be useful in diagnosis of lymph node metastases. Distortion of the thyroid cartilage can be shown by CT. CT was equal to or better than laryngography in approximately 90% of cases.