Inhibition by metiamide of secretagogue-induced gastric acid secretion in the conscious Heidenhain pouch rat. 1. The inhibition by metiamide of gastric of gastric acid secretion in response to histamine, pentagastrin and bethanechol has been investigated in the conscious Heidenhain pouch rat. 2. Histamine alone stimulated only a low rate of acid secretion. This response was markedly potentiated in the presence of mepyramine. 3. Metiamide at a dose of 0.15 mumole . kg-1 . min-1 I.V. significantly inhibited the acid secretory responses to histamine (in the presence of mepyramine) and pentagastrin. In each case the inhibition of acid output was the result of a significant decrease in both secretory volume and acid concentration. 4. Metiamide at a dose of 0.15 mumole . kg-1 . min-1 I.V. did not inhibit bethanechol-stimulated acid secretion. Increasing the dose of metiamide to 1.0 mumole . kg 1 . min-1 I.V. did produce a significant inhibition. In contrast with histamine and pentagastrin, metiamide inhibited bethanechol-stimulated secretion only by reducing acid concentration; there was no significant decrease in the gastric secretory volume. 5. It is concluded that these results are consistent with the view that histamine and pentagastrin share a common pathway in stimulating gastric acid secretion in the rat. The role of histamine in the control of bethanechol-stimulated acid secretion remains unclear.


Coding of information about tactile stimuli by neurones of the cuneate nucleus. 1. The responses of cuneate neurones to controlled tactile stimulation of the foot pads were examined in unanaesthetized, decerebrate cats. The neurones were divided into three functional classes; one sensitive to steady tactile stimuli, and two dynamically sensitive classes which could be readily differentiated by their responsiveness to cutaneous vibration. Each class appeared to receive an exclusive input from only one of the three known groups of tactile receptors associated with the foot pads, namely the Pacinian corpuscles, the Merkel endings and the intradermal, encapsulated endings known as Krause or Meissner corpuscles.  2. Cuneate neurones responsive to steady indentation of the skin displayed approximately linear or sigmoidal stimulus-response relations over indentation ranges up to approximately 1.5--2 mm. Response variability at a fixed stimulus intensity was relatively low and showed little systematic change over the full range of the stimulus-response curves. 3. One class of dynamically sensitive cuneate neurones responded to cutaneous vibration over a range of approximately 5-80 Hz with maximal responsiveness around 30 Hz. The other class, the Pacinian neurones, responded over a range of approximately 80- greater than 600 Hz with maximal responsiveness at 200-400 Hz. The thresholds and combined band width of vibratory sensitivity of these populations were comparable with known subjective thresholds and range of cutaneous vibratory sensibility. 4. Responses of cuneate neurones were phase-locked to the vibratory stimulus suggesting that information about vibration frequency could be coded by the patterns of impulse activity. Quantitative measures indicated that maximal phase-locking occurred in responses to vibration frequencies of 10-50 Hz with a progressive decline at higher frequencies. Above 400 Hz, impulse activity occurred almost randomly throughout the vibratory stimulus cycle and therefore carried little further signal of vibratory frequency. The decline, with increasing frequency, in the ability of cuneate neurones to signal information about vibratory frequency parallels the known subjective capacities for frequency discrimination. 5. A switch-over occurred at approximately 80 Hz in the population of cuneate neurones able to provide the more reliable signal of vibratory frequency; above 80 Hz, the Pacinian neurones; below 80 Hz, the neurones receiving intradermal, rapidly adapting receptor input from the pads. 6. The observed properties of cuneate neurones are compatible with a role in signalling information which could contribute to subjective tactile abilities.


Tissue and plasma catecholamines and dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity of various animal species after neurogenic sympathetic stimulation. 1. The effects of reserpine and exposure to a stressing atmosphere containing 20% CO2 for 5 hr on catecholamine (CA) levels and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity of adrenal, spleen and plasma of cat, rabbit, rat and guinea-pig were studied. 2. Twenty-four hr after an I.P. injection of reserpine, the CA contents of the adrenals and spleens were markedly reduced in all the four species studied. Adrenal and splenic DBH activity was unchanged in reserpine treated cats and rats. The enzyme activity decreased by 28 and 36% in adrenals of rabbits and guinea-pigs, and a 33% diminution was observed in the spleens of both species. 3. A marked rise in guinea-pig plasma DBH activity was obtained 24 hr after reserpine, while plasma DBH activity was unchanged in the rat. 4. Exposure of rats to a stressing atmosphere containing 20% CO2 for 5 hr increased the circulating noradrenaline (NA) levels by 600%, but plasma DBH activity remained unchanged. CO2 exposure caused both, an increase in plasm NA levels and DBH activity in the guinea-pig (950% and 100%, respectively). 5. The combined treatment with reserpine plus immediate exposure to CO2 produced a 230% rise in rat plasma NA with no concomitant change in DBH activity. A similar treatment caused a 75% fall of NA levels and an increase in DBH activity of 600% in the guinea-pig. 6. The ratios of total DBH activity to CA in the spleen and adrenal were much higher in the guinea-pig than in the rat. The fraction of the total DBH activity that can be solubilized by osmotic shock of purified adrenomedullary chromaffin granules was 28% in the rat and 71% in the guinea-pig. If one makes the assumption that 'soluble' and 'releasable' DBH may be equated, the amount of 'releasable' DBH into the circulation is much greater in the guinea-pig than in the rat. 7. The results suggest that the guinea-pig is a better model than the rat to study circulating DBH activity as an index of exocytotic CA release from adrenergic neurones and adrenal medulla, and therefore of sympathetic activity. The results also indicate that previous data trying to correlate sympathetic activity with circulating DBH activity carried out in the rat have to be reconsidered in the light of data obtained in the guinea-pig.


Further observations on back-firing in the motor nerve fibres of a muscle during twitch contractions. 1. The tension developed by a muscle in response to a single supramaximal nerve volley is often the sum of two contractions, the second resulting from re-excitation of some nerve terminals during the first contraction. Re-excitation or back-firing can be prevented if the muscle nerve is stimulated twice with the second volley arriving in the muscle at a time when muscle fibres are still refractory following the first volley (Brown & Matthews, 1960). 2. Back-firing has been studied here in the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the spinal cat and responses have been recorded, either representing the summed activity of the muscle's motor supply or discharges of single functional motor axons. 3. When stimulating at a distance from the muscle, the second of two shocks is effective in suppressing back-firing over a narrower range of stimulus intervals than when stimulating close to the muscle. 4. The amount of back-firing can be reduced by stretching the muscle. At a length corresponding to the optimum for a twitch little if any back-firing remains. 5. Measurements of threshold to electrical stimulation of single functional motor axons suggests that low threshold axons are more likely to show back-firing. In the majority of cases, most or all of the motor units in the muscle have to be active before back-firing can be observed.


Effect of actively transported hexoses on afferent nerve discharge from rat small intestine. 1. The afferent discharge of mesenteric nerves has been recorded while perfusing salines of different composition through the lumen of rat ileum. The p.d. across the ileum and hexose absorption have also been measured. 2. The ileal mesenteric nerves were sensitive to actively transported hexoses. The discharge recorded increased dramatically on perfusion with 10 or 50 mM-glucose, quietening within 3 min of returning to glucose-free saline. A similar response was obtained with galactose. 3. No change in afferent discharge could be detected on perfusion of mannitol or the slowly transferred hexose, mannose. It is concluded that the response to glucose and galactose is not dependent on the stimulation of non-specific luminal osmoreceptors. 4. Phlorhizin prevented glucose from increasing the afferent nerve discharge. Subsequent perfusion with saline removed the phlorhizin and an afferent nerve response to glucose was restored. It is concluded that this response requires glucose transfer beyond the phlorhizin-sensitive glucose entry mechanism at the luminal side of the mucosal epithelial cell. 5. Very small amounts of glucose or galactose were absorbed under the conditions employed. The time course for the change in p.d. correlated well with that described for the alteration in afferent nerve discharge. 6. Electron micrographs show that ileal nerves consist of bundles of small non-myelinated fibres of approximately 1 micron diameter. 7. The significance of the findings is discussed remembering that carbohydrate absorption is considered to be completed normally in the jejunum.


Analysis of periodic changes in ventilation in new-born infants. 1. Ventilation was recorded in thirty term infants during the first week after delivery using the trunk plethysmograph, during periods of rapid eye movement sleep (r.e.m.) and quiet sleep (n.r.e.m.). 2. Continuous histograms of tidal volume (VT) and instantaneous respiration rate (f) were samples at 0.5 sec intervals, passed through a digital filter to remove long-term trends in the data, and then subjected to frequency analysis. 3. In all the infants oscillations in VT and f were detected, with mean periods varying from 6.7 to 12.5 sec. The amplitude of these oscillations was higher during r.e.m. than n.r.e.m. sleep in all the infants. 4. The oscillations in VT tended to be out of phase with those for f, particularly during n.r.e.m. sleep; this contrasted with in-phase oscillations in VT and f found during periodic breathing in an additional six premature infants studied.


Extracellular nucleotides in exercise: possible effect on brain metabolism. ATP and other nucleotide derivatives have potent extracellular effects. Sensitive and rapid techniques of ATP detection have shown that ATP is (1) released from active skeletal muscle in vasodilator quantities and (2) released from isolated heart cells in response to hypoxia. Release of nucleotides from active brain tissue has also been demonstrated (Pull and McIlwain, 1972). It is calculated that active cerebral tissue releases sufficient ATP to satisfy local vasodilator requirements in the brain. Intracarotid infusions of ATP have the effect of stimulating oxygen uptake in brain tissue and profoundly increasing the cerebral blood flow. It is not understood how the ATP can exert these effects beyond the blood : brain barrier. Since exercising skeletal muscle releases ATP and other nucleotide derivatives into the circulation, it is postulated that the metabolism of the brain can be significantly affected in exercise. These data, together with the studies by Pritchard et al. (1975) on uptake and supply of purine compounds by the liver, prompt the suggestion that there exists a system of "metabolic communication" in the body mediated by circulating purine compounds.


Cardiac intracellular and blood electrolytes in chronic mitral insufficiency. A study of the alterations in the intracellular electrolytes in the left failing heart due to induced mitral insufficiency was made in dogs. The extracellular space increased significantly. There was no significant change in the plasma Na+ and Ca++. However, there was a significant decrease in the plasma K+. The ratio of wet weight to dry weight increased during mitral insufficiency, although not significantly. There were no significant changes in the tissue Na+, K+ and Ca++. However, there were significant decreases in the intracellular Na+ and Ca++, and tendency for an increase in the intracellular K+ during mitral insufficiency. These results suggest that the decrease in the myocardial contractility in chronic heart failure due to mitral insufficiency might be due to a decrease in the intracellular Ca++ and associated changes in Na+ and K+ as a result of increased sarcolemmal ATPase.


[Energy metabolism of the king penguin chick - Aptenodytes patagonicus (J.F. Miller) - during growth (author's transl)]. The growth of the subantarctic King penguin chick is distinguished from that of other penguins by its long winter fasting period (from 2 weeks to 3 months). From the moment of hatching the unfledged chicks are brooded by their parents until they are able to maintain their own body temperature. Body temperature increases gradually from 34.3 degrees C after hatching to 39.2 degrees C by about 20 days of age; measured air temperature (Ta) was 16 degrees C on average. Unlike antarctic Penguins, homeothermy and full emancipation does not occur at the same time. This suggests that emancipation may be determined by insulation after thermogenesis mechanisms have become efficient. Close to 90 kcal.kg-1.day-1 after hatching (Ta = 15.8 +/- 3.6 degrees C), the resting metabolic rate increases by 125% during the first three days and then decreases progressively; this appears to be linked with insulation generated by the down. By two months of age, the resting metabolic rate reaches 47 kcal.kg-1.day-1 on average for Ta = 4.3 +/- 1.4 degrees C and then does not evolve significantly until the moult.


Effects of denervation on the reduction of sarcomere number in cat soleus muscle immobilized in shortened position during seven days. 1) Immobilization of cat soleus muscle in shortened position for only seven days was sufficient to elicit a marked reduction in the sarcomere number of individual muscle fibres and a considerable decrease in extensibility. 2) These effects were similar to those observed in previous experiments (TABARY et al., 1972) during which the muscles were immobilized for four weeks. 3) When a denervation was made just prior to immobilization, then one noted a marked difference in the change: the sarcomere number was only slightly reduced and there was a very small change of extensibility. The contralateral non denervated side showed the expected reduction of sarcomere number and decrease of extensibility. 4) These results contrast with previous observations made on denervated muscles immobilized for a period of four weeks. 5) It is proposed that the differences in sarcomere number adaptation observed in denervated and non denervated immobilized soleus are caused by differences of sarcomere length between the two muscles caused by the absence of presence of muscle contraction.


Kinetics of the co-transport of phenylalanine and sodium ions in the guinea-pig small intestine. 1. Phenylalanine fluxes. The kinetics of phenylalanine influx into guinea-pig small intestinal rings at different external sodium-ion concentrations have been examined. A change in the sodium concentration alters the value of Kt for phenylalanine influx without affecting the Jmax for the process. By studying the relationship between the value of Kt and the sodium-ion concentration, the applicability of various models to the overall process of sodium-coupled phenylalanine influx has been considered. The results are most consistent with a general non-compulsory model for the formation of a ternary complex between carrier, phenylalanine molecule and a sodium ion, which can be formed from either binary complex, i.e., either species can combine first to the carrier. The consistency of the model was tested by determining phenylalanine influx as a function of the sodium-ion concentraion at different amino-acid concentrations, and a good fit was obtained with the predictions of the non-compulsory model.


Kinetics of the co-transport of phenylalanine and sodium ions in the guinea-pig small intestine. II. Sodium fluxes and flux ratios. The validity of a general non-compulsory model for the description of the co-transport of sodium and phenylalanine in the small intestinal mucosa of the guinea-pig has been examined by measuring the influx of sodium and the flux ratios. The simultaneous influxes of sodium and phenylalanine have been determined by incubating intestinal tissues at a fixed sodium and variable phenylalanine concentrations. The experiment was repeated at a number of sodium concentrations, and a straight-line relationship between the fluxes was always obtained. The slope of this line, the flux ratio, is dependent on the sodium concentration; the function is biphasic inasmuch as it rises with sodium concentration at low external sodium, but decreases when the sodium concentration is raised above a level of about 70 mM. This response is compatible with the model under examination. No saturable component of sodium influx could be detected in the absence of phenylalanine, but the values of this influx corresponded with those predicted from the flux ratio experiment. In the presence of phenylalanine, sodium influx could be resolved into saturable and non-saturable components, and the Kt for sodium influx via the saturable mechanism agreed with that predicted from the constants derived from measurements of phenylalanine influx. The maximal velocity for sodium influx was similar to the maximal velocity for phenylalaline influx. Equations were derived to examine the behaviour of sodium influx as a function of the external phenylalanine concentration, and a Kt for phenylalanine was deduced which agrees closely with that obtained by studying phenylalanine fluxes directly. These results provide evidence in favour the applicability, in this species, of a model involving no compulsory pathway for the formation of a ternary complex between the carrier, a sodium ion and the phenylalanine molecule. Examination of the literature suggests that in other species different models may describe more accurately this co-transport mechanism.


Kinetics of the co-transport of sodium and phenylalanine in the guinea-pig samll intestine. III - Influence of harmaline on sodium and phenylalanine fluxes. The effect of harmaline on sodium and phenylalanine influxes in guinea-pig small intestine has been examined kinetically. Harmaline behaves as a fully competitive inhibitor of the saturable component of sodium influx; this property has been revealed from experiments in which the sodium concentration was varied and the harmaline concentration maintained constant, and from a second series in which sodium was constant and harmaline levels were altered. A Ki-value for harmaline of 1.61 mM was deduced from these experiments. The effect of harmaline on phenylalanine influx is more complex, since only that component of entry which occurs in the form of the ternary complex is sensitive to the drug. Within the framework of a non-compulsory model for co-transport which appears to describe phenylalanine influx in this tissue, equations were derived to calculate the different components of influx under given experimental conditions. tJøala, the influx to phenylalanine in the form of the ternary complex, was found to be a Michaelis-Menten function of the sodium concentration. Assuming that the component in the form of the binary complex is unchanged by harmaline, that occurring in the ternary form in the presence of the drug can be evaluated by subtraction. This fraction is also a Michaelis-Menten function of the sodium concentration; the inhibition by harmaline is released on raising the sodium concentration. From these expressions, a Ki for harmaline under these conditions of 1.66 mM was derived. These observations support the proposal that harmaline interferes with the interaction of sodium with its specific sites on the carrier in the intestinal brush-border membrane.


Muscular compliance during isometric contraction. The changes in compliance during the development of maximal isometric contraction were studied at 0 degree C in isolated frog (Rana temporaria) sartorii. Three types of method were compared: controlled release from the plateau of tetanic tension (P0); controlled release at various times during the development of tension; and evaluation of the elastic stretching by means of an additional compliance. The length variations were performed at constant velocity under the control of an electromagnetic ergometer. It was confirmed that muscular compliance decreased with increase in developed tension. Furthermore, for a given value of tension, the compliance determined during the elastic lengthening was found to be significantly higher than the compliance measured during the elastic shortening. It was concluded that the variation in compliance during stretching and releasing seems to be due to a difference in behaviour of the elastic material.


[Bioassay for acetylcholine from the rat cervical sympathetic ganglion (author's transl)]. 1. A bioassay for acetylcholine (Ach), with a sensitivity of 0.1 picomoles in 30 microliters (microliter) (Fig. 3), was developed using the powerful musculature of the common leech (Haemopis sanguisuga).  2. Ach was extracted from a pool of ganglia with sodium tetraphenylborate in 3-heptanone and analysed using gas chromatography. The chromatograph confirmed that the "Ach like effect" measured with bioassay was due to acetylcholine and not to one of its derivatives (Fig. 5 and 6). 3. An incubation chamber for perfusing the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the rat is described, with which it is possible to do electrophysiological experiments and to sample the Ach lost or released by the ganglion (Fig. 2). 4. Using this system, the results obtained from the resting or stimulated rat ganglion incubation in-vitro, were similar to those obtained with the cat ganglion perifused in situ. 5. Experiments were also performed to investigate the effect of removing the two precursors of Ach, glucose (Table I) and choline (Fig. 9), from the incubation medium.


Resolution by graphical methods of the equations for allosteric competitive inhibition and activation in Michaelian enzyme and transport systems. Application to the competitive inhibition of glucose transport in brain by phlorizin and phloretin. A brief exposition of the theory of competition in systems conforming to simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics is given. Emphasis is placed on an operational distinction between: 10 True competition between substrate and inhibitor for a single, common binding site: fully competitive inhibition, type IA. 20 False competition between S and I for two separate sites that are associated allosterically: pseudocompetitive inhibition, type Ib. 30 A simple graphical test is presented that differentiates between the two types of inhibitor and permits calculation of the four dissociation constants governing the partial reactions of a two-site allosteric model. This test is equally applicable to certain cases of activation: affinity-type activation, type Ib. 40 The usefulness of the proposed test is illustrated using data from the literature, dealing with the effect of phlorizin and phloretin on the D-glucose transport system in brain.


[Production and metabolism of corticosteroids in the marsh frog, Rana ridibunda Pallas (author's transl)]. Aspects of corticosterone and aldosterone metabolism have been studied in the marsh frog Rana ridibunda Pallas, kept in breeding conditions at a temperature of 16 degrees C. The effects of hypophysectomy on corticosteroid dynamics were also assessed. Two methods, single injection and continuous infusion, were adapted to measure the Metabolic Clearance Rate (MCR), the Secretion Rate (SR) and the half-time (T1/2) of these two hormones, using 3H-corticosterone and 3H-aldosterone as tracers. 10 The two methods provided similar values for the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) when, after the single injection, the MCR was estimated by integrating the area under each disappearance curve of radioactive corticoid. Estimates of MCR by compartmental analysis were not satisfactory. 20 The method of continuous infusion, although carried out in anesthetized animals, is more satisfactory than the single injection in unanesthetized frogs, as the plasma corticosterone in the latter increases significantly during the measurements time. On the contrary, the corticosterone concentration is constant during the infusion, at a little higher than basal level. 30 When measured at the temperature of 20 degrees C, the metabolic clearance rate for corticosterone was higher than that for aldosterone (8.08 +/- 0.29 ml/min/kg versus 5.32 +/- 0.20 ml/min/kg). These values are higher than in fish and lower than in homeothermic vertebrates. 40 The confusion between the adrenal secretory rate and the total production rate, possible for aldosterone, is somewhat hazardous for corticosterone, but production of this steroid from peripheral precursors has not been proved. 50 Adenohypophysectomy reduces the metabolic clearance rate and the secretory rate for corticosterone as well as for aldosterone.


Children's comprehension of grammatical structures in context. Children from nursery school, kindergarten, and first grade were asked to select pictures which correctly represented the propositional content of six grammatical structures-active, passive, cleft-agent, cleft-patient, prepositional beneficiary, indirect object-presented under three context conditions-appropriate, inappropriate, isolation. In the appropriate-context condition the relationship between the target structure and its prior context sentence followed known discourse regularities about the allocation of given and new information, while in the inappropriate-context condition the relationship between the target structure and prior context violated these discourse regularities. Comprehension of two of the grammatical structures tested--the passive and the cleft-patient--was better under the appropriate-context treatment than under the inappropriate-context treatment, indicating that young children are in fact sensitive to discourse regularities about the allocation of given and new information.


Sentence repetition in preschoolers: effects of length, complexity, and word familiarity. Seventy-two sentences presented to ten preschool children for repetition were designed so that three sentence construction factors varied independently. The factors were (1) length in number of words, (2) complexity of personal pronouns and main verbs as scaled by Lee (1974), and (3) word familiarity, defined as common vocabulary or the substitution of a nonsense word in place of a typical noun or verb in the model sentence. Three methods were employed for scoring the children's responses: (1) number of retained words, (2) Developmental Sentence Scoring (Lee, 1974), and (3) Stephens's Categories (Stephens, 1974). Eighteen sentences were re-presented for the assessment of reliability. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that length was the important contributing factor in the children's responses to the model sentences and that Stephens's Category Scale of response scoring was the most sensitive method for detecting the influence of the three sentence factors on the children's responses.


Some psychological relations between action and language structure. This study investigated the relationship between complex grammatical structures and complex action sequences. A developmental progression of strategies for combining seriated cups identified in an earlier study (Greenfield et al., 1972) was used to demonstrate some psychological consequences of formal parallels between language and action. The role of grammatical complexity and situational structure in language-action relations was explored. The results have implications for understanding the organization and development of complex action, its control by verbal commands, and the basic processes of speech comprehension.


[A screening test in looking for adrenal tumors (author's transl)]. 2600 abdominal ultrasound examinations done over a period of one year were reviewed. Six cases of adrenal tumors were amongst them and proved to be two carcinomas, two simple cysts and two metastases of bronchial carcinoma. The ultrasonic signs of adrenal tumors are discussed. Ultrasonography is recommended as a fairly good screening test in looking for adrenal tumors.


[Cervical involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]. The authors studied 577 records of rheumatoid arthritis examined radiologically in the Department of Radiology B of Cochin Hospital: 165 patients showed evidence of lesions of the cervical spine. The risk of cervical involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is thus not negligeable: 28%. This involvement may occur at any time during the course of the disease and presents as pain or by rare and more or less slight neurological manifestations. Radiologically emphasis must be placed upon the orientation points of straight and lateral films, and the value of lateral films with the neck in flexion. Atlanto-axial dislocation is the commonest lesion, usually measured by the distance separating the anterior arch of the atlas from the odontoid peg. However, other lesions are possible, in particular involvement of the lateral masses and erosion or destruction of the odontoid. It is astonishing to discover large dislocations (of up to 10 mm) which remain well-tolerated, with minimal clinical signs. However, it is the neurological risk of quadriplegia (even though minimal) which remains the constant worry since it may result from the slightest trauma or forced movement of the neck. Fixation, usually posterior occipital C1-C2, may be indicated. It is thus necessary to carry out a routine radiological examination of C1-C2 at reasonable intervals during the clinical surveillance of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.


[Acute purulent arthritis of the limbs in the infant and child. Long term course (author's transl)]. The authors study the long term course of 37 cases of purulent arthritis of the limbs in the child, for which complete radiological documents covering a period of more than a year were available. They describe in particular the sequelae observed in 25 cases, classifying them by joint and by increasing order of severity. They then attempt, in the light of their own findings and of other published series, to draw conclusions concerning the main factors in prognosis--the age at the time of onset of the arthritis, the treatment given and the joint involved. The prognosis is all the more gloomy when a newborn or young infant is involved, when there is a delay before treatment is started or in the absence of joint aspiration-drainage and when the hip is affected.


[Osteo-articular lesions of the foot in diabetic patients. A systematic review of 1,501 radiological reports (author's transl)]. Osteo-articular changes observed in diabetic patients include diabetic osteo-arthropathy, infective osteo-arthritis, and osteo-arthrosis. A systematic review of 1,501 case-sheets demonstrated one or more bone lesions in 55% of the diabetic patients studied.  There was a striking absence of the most typical lesions of the foot, probably party due to the fact that there has been an improvement in the treatment of diabetes. Osteolytic and reconstructive lesions were more common in women.


[The cheiro-lumbar dysostosis (author's transl)]. A cheiro-lumbar dysostosis is described, an association of constitutional stenosis of the lumbar canal due to the shortness and hypertrophy of the posterior arch of the vertebrae and of a dysostosis of the hand also due to shortness and hypertrophy of metacarpals (brachymetacarpy) and of phalanges (brachyphalangy). This cheiro-lumbar dysostosis is frequent and described in 6 patients suffering from lumbar back pain and sciatic.


[Congenital pyloric atresia. Report of three cases (author's transl)]. Congenital pyloric atresia is a relatively unusual condition. From three cases the authors point out the diagnosis basis. The main clinical findings are hydramnios, early non bilious vomiting and epigastric distension. Diagnosis is based upon abdominal plain films. They demonstrate an air dilated stomach, and no air distal to the pylorus. When films can be taken in the upright position, they demonstrate a single intragastric air-fluid level. Radiologic findings are essential, because surgical inspection alone fails to demonstrate membranous atresia and cordonal atresia which are more frequent than total atresia. In the two former conditions, radiologic findings lead the surgeon to look for the obstruction by the mean of a catheter introduced by a juxta-pyloric antrotomy.


[Ureteral compression by an aneurysm of the hypogastric artery. Two cases (author's transl)]. Aorto-iliac aneurysms produce ureteric obstrucation by different mechanisms: deviation, compression and, above all, encirclement by peri-aneurysmal fibrosis. Whilst it is rare to find this as the cause for apparently primary ureteric obstruction, individuals with aorto-iliac aneumrysms quite often show evidence of ureteral abnormalities. The two cases presented illustrate these two possibilities. Routine pre-operative urography, or seven better a urographic phase of arteriography, is therefore suggested.


[Acceleration of bone maturation in the newborn with facial dysmorphia: Marshall-Smith's syndrome (author's transl)]. The authors describe a case of Marshall-Smith's syndrome in which there was a facial dysmorphic syndrome and considerable acceleration of bone maturation (24 months to 15 days). The infant had chronic respiratory distress and the aetiology of this condition is discussed, one possibility being a pneumopathy from repeated deglutition provoked by the micro-retrognathism. Hormonal investigations were normal. Contrary to the data in the first published reports, there was a pathological increase in size, as noted in subsequent observations by Weaver. Differential diagnosis is discussed in relation to patients with non-endocrine constitutional bony diseases. The cause of this syndrome is unknown.


[Voluminous hypernephroma of intermittent development. Diagnostic difficulties (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of cancer of the kidney of intermittent development for which nephro-urotomography was negative. They stress the interest of: --preliminary echotomography in patients with palpable masses in the left hypochondrium; --pharmaco-angiography for improved visualization of masses that are only weakly opaque; --a rapid infusion technique, proposed by various authors, which appears to be the most appropriate for the study of this type of mass which is mainly intermittent in its development.


[Thrombosis of the left popliteal artery from hypertrophy of the gemellus muscle (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of thrombosis of the left popliteal artery in a man aged 20 years, secondary to repeated minimal trauma from contact with a hypertrophied internal gemellus muscle. A bifurcation abnormality was also present. They review the anatomical variations seen at the end of the femoro-popliteal trunk and define the clinical and angiographic characteristics of popliteal thrombosis due to adjoining muscle hypertrophy.


[Double calibre catheter used to facilitate hyperselective catheterisation (author's transl)]. Presentation of a polyethylene catheter formed by the end-to-end apposition of two tubes of different calibre, the proximal being of a wide calibre and thus easy to manipulate, and the distal being of fine calibre and very useful for hyperselective catheterisation.


[Ultrasonography in jaundice: signs and results in 199 cases (author's transl)]. Ultrasonic patterns of bile ducts dilatation were studied in 199 cases. In the most recent series of obstructive jaundices (50 cases) examined with a high resolution machine, the diagnosis of dilatation was made in 92% of cases, the diagnostic of level of obstruction in 92% of cases, and the diagnosis of cause of obstruction in 61% of cases (but in 22 out of 23 jaundices due to a pancreatic lesion: 95%). No false positive diagnosis was made in non obstructive jaundice. Improved technology had a definite impact on the quality of results.


[Congenital malformations of the inferior vena cava. Embryological, anatomical and radiological study (author's transl)]. Congenital malformations of the inferior vena cava are characterized by their diversity which is related to the complexity of the embryological development of this vessel. The authors review the embryogenesis and origin of the different segments of the inferior vena cava and describe the various types of malformation, including the causative embryological abnormality, ther frequency, possible clinical repercussions, and radiological aspects. Phlebocavography is essential for the identification of the various types of abnormality. Five different types of malformation are reported. Three of these are relatively rare (left inferior vena vaca, congenital membrane of the inferior vena cava, absence of the hepatic segment with continuation of the isolated azygos segment).


[Radiological diagnosis of ventrycular aneurysms. A report on 36 operated cases (author's transl)]. The value of different radiological examinations in the diagnosis of left ventricular aneurysms following infarcts is assessed using the results obtained in 36 operated cases. By correlating radiological and surgical findings the orientation value of standard examinations can be determined: almost constant cardiomegaly, irregularity of the borders of the heart, and more rarely, myocardial calcification, are significant signs. The two essential examinations are ventriculography and coronarography. Ventriculography can demonstrate anatomical abnormalities (protrusion), or dynamic changes only (hypokinesia, akinesia, systolic expansion). This remarkably reliable examination showed a predominance of anterior and anterolateral aneurisms (87% of cases), and enables definition of the critical cardiac surface area (about 25%) above which the aneurysm is operable. Coronarography shows that the anterior interventricular artery (A.I.V.) is affected in a large proportion (90%) of aneurysms. These two examinations can be used to select those patients suitable for surgery. Results were good and only one death occurred. In the other cases, the disorders of rhythm were reduced and the manifestations of cardiac insufficiency disappeared.


[Critical study of the value of superior mesenteric arteriography in the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. Radiological and clinical findings in 10 cases (author's transl)]. The authors underline the value of selective superior mesenteric arteriography in the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. In the ten cases reported, seven were found to have a Meckel's diverticulum on operation, while it was absent in the other three. Arteriography was able to diagnose its presence correctly in sex patients, gave a false positive diagnosis in three cases, and was considered to be normal in the last case in which a Meckel's diverticulum was present. Valid radiological signs are extravasation of the contrast medium into the lumen of the digestive tract and the presence of a vitellin artery dividing into a vascular network. The single fact of a hypervascularized zone at the end of the superior mesenteric artery dividing into a vascular network. The single fact of a hypervascularized zone at the end of the superior mesenteric artery without definite artery formation is not as valid and its interpretation is difficult.


[The temporo-maxillary joint in infants (author's transl)]. Normal phylogenetic, embryologic, and morphologic characteristics of the temporo-maxillary joint in infants are reviewed. The principal techniques for radiological examinations are outlined, followed by a classification together with illustrations of the main pathological disorders affecting this joint in infants.


[Radiological aspects of lipomas of the spinal column. A report on four cases (author's transl)]. Observation of the four cases reported and a review of the published literature suggest that spinal column lipomas can produce two entirely unrelated types of radiological image. 1. An image of cord-like appearance and variable width which joins the filum terminale to the sacrum, and is usually associated with enlargement of the spinal cord at the same level. This image can be demonstrated by both gas myelography and opaque myelography, and is produced by a lipoma of the filum terminale. The cord image is either that of an ectopic spinal cord or that of the lipomatous tumor itself, which joins the filum terminale to the sacrum. A spina bifida is often associated with these tumors, which can be intradural alone, which is very rare, or both intradural and epidural, and are often associated with enlargement of the spinal canal. 2. A fairly specific blocking-type of image which can be seen by opaque myelography, and consists of fringed bands which become progressively shorter from above downwards until being completely blocked. This appearance, which is extremely rare, is peculiar to intramedullary lipomas, the image probably corresponding to the dissociation of the medullary fiber bundles by the tumoral cords.


[Roentgenographic features in pigmented villonodular synovitis (concerning a carpal location) (author's transl)]. Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a benign proliferation of the synovial membrane. Its pathogenesis is not well known. It results in an articular swelling without great pain. Its roentgenographic aspect is a combination of an opacity of soft tissue and epiphyseal damages, i.e. cortical erosions and lacunae surrounded by osteosclerosis. Hyperplasty of the synovial membrane is explicited by arthrography and arteriography. The authors report one case of pigmented villonodular synovitis in the carpus: that is an uncommon location of that disease which most often involves the knee.


[Inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula of congenital origin. A report on one case and review of the published literature (author's transl)]. A fourth case of inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula of congenital origin is described by the authors, who also review the general characteristics of mesenteric (or portal) arteriovenous fistulae. Early clinical signs are hemorrhage from the digestive tract and chronic anemia. Endoscopy and barium X-rays are normal, and angiography is the only means of diagnosis. Surgical treatment is essential because of the risk of hemorrhages and portal hypertension.


[A case of dysphagia due to dyskinesia of the oesophageal opening (author's transl)]. A case of dysfunctioning of the oesophageal opening is reported. The patient, aged 71 years, had had difficulty in swallowing for a long time, complicated by the recent onset of obvious dysphagia. Radiological examination of the oesophagus revealed the presence of a permanent notch in the posterior wall in the crico-pharyngeal region. The endoscope could not pass through the oesophageal opening but radiocinematography did not reveal any obvious organic lesion. The dysphagia and crico-pharyngeal notch disappeared after myotomy. This case is one the rare examples of pharyngo-oesophageal incoordination wrongly called crico-pharyngeal achalasia, as there does not appear to be any disorder of relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter, and this was demonstrated by the postoperative manometric study carried out in our patient.


[Pseudomembranous colitis due to clindamycine. A new case (author's transl)]. A recent case has provided an opportunity for the observation of pseudomembranous colitis occurring after the ingestion of Clindamycine prescribed for a dental abscess. In this condition, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear, there is relative variability in the time taken for clinical signs to appear, as well as in their subsequent duration, but endoscopic and histological findings do however, in the particular context, frequently justify a sure diagnosis. Radiographic examination most often indicates a nonspecific inflammation. Curative treatment is essentially symptom oriented, while the prevention of such complications demands, in addition to close supervision of patients under this medication, particularly strict eclectism in the selection of indications for its administration.


Functional endometrial tissue with vaginal agenesis. Vaginal agenesis in association with an intact and functioning or partially functioning uterus is not a well-described problem. The literature advocates attempting to preserve the uterus and surgically create a neovagina. Two patients are presented who suffered severe mobidity after the latter approach. We believe that there are three possibilities with patients who have functional endometrial tissue with vaginal agenesis: namely, an imperforate hymen, a transverse vaginal septum or complete vaginal agenesis with the absence or malformation of the cervix. If an imperforate hymen and transverse vaginal septum are ruled out, we believe it is the best interest of the patient to remove the Müllerian structures during the initial surgery.


The management of elective, repeat cesarean section. The perinatal outcome of 252 consecutive, elective, repeat cesarean section was studied retrospectively. One hundred fifty patients (60%) were scheduled for delivery within approximately seven days of their expected delivery, cesarean (EDC), designated on the basis of rigorous clinical criteria and corroborative sonographic biparietal diameters. One hundred two patients (40%) did not meet these criteria and required analysis of amniotic fluid for L/S ratio and creatinine prior to their operations. Forty-three patients (17%) labored prior to their scheduled procedure or amniocentesis and underwent cesarean section shortly after admission. No cases of the respiratory distress syndrome were noted in the electively delivered patients. The authors conclude that careful clinical assessment of gestational age will prevent the occurrence of iatrogenic hyaline membrane disease in infants born to mothers by elective, repeat cesarean section. When the EDC is in question, however, amniotic fluid phospholipid analysis is clearly advisable.


Principles of care and management in a laboratory animal facility. The keeping of animals in an enclosed area and their use for scientific work goes back to the beginning of the Christian era. This activity gradually developed into the specific science we know today. Principles of housing, animal care, equipment and management according to which, it is felt a modern animal facility should be designed, equipped and operated, are discussed.


Experience of directing a national laboratory animals centre. The challenges of managing a facility serving a new and developing science are outlined. Basic to success are the appropriate handling of aspects such as staff selection, line management, financial support, changing demands, training and relations with staff unions, welfare organisations and at the international level.


Humane considerations in the use of experimental animals. Various considerations aimed at improving the welfare of experimental animals are discussed, with particular reference to the situation in the United Kingdom. These include, inter alia, codes of standards for accommodation and equipment, prevention or reduction to a minimum of pain, and the appointment of committees consisting of biological scientists, veterinarians, teachers and lay persons to advise on proposed experiments.


Current status and future options for the development of laboratory animal technology and the training of laboratory animal technicians. Laboratory animal technology has evolved into a specialised field of expertise which is associated with the production, care and use of laboratory animals in biomedical teaching and research. A survey of laboratory animal facilities and supporting personnel was undertaken to assess the uses of laboratory animals in relation to the administrative and technical staffing of animal facilities. The results of this study indicate that there is a need for training in laboratory animal science at both the technical and professional levels. Options for the development of formal training in laboratory animal technology are reviewed.


The inbreeding of the Y and the Z strains of Praomys natalensis with special reference to the laboratory uses of the Mastomys. The Y and the Z strains of Praomys natalensis (Mastomys) are being sucessfully inbred, as far as is known for the first time. Spontaneous tumours of the glandular stomach have been found to develop in these rodents. Evidence is provided of the great potential of the laboratory Mastomys for use in medical research on cancer, plague, bilhaziasis, and more recently in the research on the Lassa fever virus.


The Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as a laboratory animal. The use of the Japanese quail as a laboratory animal was first reported in 1959. Since then this species has been increasingly used as an avian model for biomedical research. A quail colony was recently established in the Dental Research Institute to provide adult birds for teratogenicity and toxicity studies. These birds are not widely used for biological research in South Africa at present. The housing, husbandry, breeding and nutrition of this species is described, together with the biomethodology which is applicable to this species.


The Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center. The development and organisation of the centre which now has over 1,500 non-human primates representing more than 30 species, including great apes, is described. Important projects are mainly in the neural and behavioural field, including language acquisition, but also on aspects of experimental pathology.


Wild rodents as laboratory models and their part in the study of diseases. The paper describes the use of 14 South African wild rodent species as experimental models and demonstrates the proven value of many of these as laboratory animals in research on bacterial infections (plague, relapsing fever), rickettsial infections (tickbite fever, louse typhus), viral infections (poliomyelitis. Rift-Valley fever and  other arbovirus infections, Lassa fever), fungal infections (histoplasmosis), parasitic infections (schistosomiasis) and in diabetes mellitus and cancer research.


Rodents as laboratory hosts for schistosomes. The rodent species used at the South African Institute for Medical Research for the culture of mammalian species of schistosomes are listed. Emphasis is given to the advantages of wild South African species which have been adapted to laboratory conditions, and infection techniques are discussed.


Design and use of an inhalation chamber for air pollution studies in small animals. Environmental chambers provide a convenient means of studying the toxicology of gases in experimental animals. The specialised equipment needed for these studies is not commercially available. This paper reports on the design, construction and performance of a simple, and inexpensive, inhalation chamber and gas mixing unit for air pollution studies in small laboratory animals. Provision has been made for controlling the mixing of gases, the ventilation rate, the even distribution of gases in the chamber and for the removal of vented gases to prevent the hazard of air pollution in the laboratory animal facility. No significant differences were found between the food and water consumption and body mass gain of a group of rats housed in the chamber for 5 days and a control group housed im similar cages located in a rodent room and managed under conventional laboratory conditions. The chamber fulfills all the requirements for an animal inhalation system.


Genetic aspects of the hormonal regulation of some testis enzymes during pubertal development of the rat. Using a rat model, it was shown that the synthesis of certain testis enzymes during pubertal development is under hormonal control, which acts as regulatory mechanism for gene expression during eukaryotic differentiation. Esterase activity and its electrophoretic banding pattern can be specifically induced by human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Alcohol dehydrogenase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are independently induced by HCG, and are apparently coded for by 2 different genetic cistrons.


The use of the rat in the experimental investigation of the porphyrias. The patterns of urinary porphyria excretion and hepatic porphyrin accumulation in hexachlorobenzene-treated rats is similar to that observed in overt porphyria cutanea tarda and may be attributed to a decrease in activity of hepatic uroporphyrinogen (UROGEN) decarboxylase. The 3.5 diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-treated rat has been evaluated as a model to test the porphyrinogenicity of drugs.


Methods for investigating intestinal absorption of amino acids in chicken intestine in vitro. Certain techniques for measuring amino acid absorption are considered, their specific roles are defined and both theoretical and practical considerations are used to evaluate each system. Some methodological considerations are presented.


Extrapolation to man of pharmacological results obtained on animals. Drug development relies on the assumption of a high degree of correlation between the effects of drugs in animals and man. While a good correlation exists as far as the pharmacodynamic action of the drug is concerned it is usually the unpredictable pharmacokinetic properties of the drug responsible for obscuring proper correlations.


Incidence, prevalence, and gene frequency studies of chronic childhood spinal muscular atrophy. A total population study of chronic childhood spinal muscular atrophy (arrested Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, Kugelberg-Welander disease, SMA type II and III) was undertaken in north-east England to establish gene and carrier frequencies, incidence, and prevalence. The incidence of this disease was 1 in 24 100 live births. Prevalence was 1.20 per 100,000 of the general population. A technique for estimating an autosomal recessive gene frequency in the known presence of dominant new mutations (or phenocopies), using data from a segregation analysis, is described. Gene frequency was in the range (0.00451 to 0.00659 (95% confidence limits), with a working estimate of 0.0055. Carrier rates for the autosomal recessive gene concerned were 1 in 76 to 1 in 111 (95%) confidence limits), with a working estimate of 1 in 90 for genetic counselling purposes.


Genetic studies of acute infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA type I). An analysis of sex ratios, segregation ratios, and sex influence. An analysis of segregation and sex ratios, and of sex influence, was undertaken in a series of 78 index patients with acute infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA type I). The sex ratio of index patients was 2.0, and the excess of males was shown to occur principally among sporadic cases. The sex ratio of familial cases did not differ significantly from 1.0. The implications of this are discussed. No sex influence on age at onset, or on life expectancy, was present. The segregation ratio (Weinberg Proband method) was 0.29 for all index cases, and 0.26 for all cases excluding those referred specifically to a genetic counselling clinic. Autosomal recessivity is confirmed for this disease, with the probable inclusion of unrecognised male phenocopies in clinical series.


Segregation analysis of chronic childhood spinal muscular atrophy. A formal segregation analysis for the disease 'chronic childhood spinal muscular atrophy' is presented. This disease is also known as 'Kugelberg-Welander disease', 'arrested Werdnig-Hoffmann disease', and 'chronic proximal or generalised spinal muscular atrophy'. There were 124 index cases occurring in 115 families. Ascertainment of index patients was by incomplete multiple selection. Three types of segregation analysis were performed: Weinberg Proband, an improved Weinberg Proband with a variance corrected formula for differences both in family size and ascertainment probability and a backeting technique assuming the extremes of both single and of truncate selection. All three methods gave similar results. The improved Weinberg Proband method with corrections for differences in ascertainment and in family size gave a segregation ratio of 0.18 and a 95% confidence range of 0.11 to 0.25. The mid-point of the bracketing method assuming extremes of truncate and of single selection was 0.19. The segregation ratio of that group of children with clinical onset before 9 months of age was 0.21, which does not differ significantly from the 0.25 predicted on the basis of autosomal recessivity. Evidence is presented to indicate that 25% of index patients may be due to new dominant mutations, or phenocopies, or both, and that these occur particularly among sporadic cases with clinical onset over 2 years of age. Empirical risk figures for use in genetic counselling are presented, and the literature of the subject is reviewed.


Genetics of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A genetic family study was undertaken by photofluorography of the first, second, and third degree relatives of 116 index patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The index patients were ascertained in the course of an epidemiological screening. The pattern of familial clusters and the recurrence risk related to the number of affected relatives and to the severity of the disorder in the index patients support the theory of polygenic inheritance, a multifactorial-threshold aetiological model. The recurrence risk table for first degree relative, prepared by computerised data processing and analysis, may contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of the disorder.


Thalassaemia types and their incidence in Sardinia. The frequency of thalassaemia syndromes in Sardinia was examined by a population survey. The data indicate that about 12.6% of the Sardinian subjects are carriers of beta-thalassaemia, while 6.9% of the population carries an alpha-thalassaemia gene, with a slight difference between the various provinces. These are among the highest frequencies of thalassaemia genes found in a Caucasian population today. A survey of hospital inpatients and outpatients showed a newborn incidence of homozygous beta-thalassaemia of 1 in 300. The reasons for the difference between the expected and observed incidence figures are discussed. Moreover, 3 subjects with deltabeta0-thalassaemia trait, 6 carriers of heterocellular persistence of fetal haemoglobin (HPFH), 1 sickle cell trait, and 3 subjects with Hb J Sardegna were found. Genetic heterogeneity of beta-thalassaemia syndromes in this population may generally result from interaction of alpha- and beta-thalassaemia genes.


Thalassaemia of intermediate severity resulting from the interaction between alpha- and beta-thalassaemia. A Sicilian family is described in which the alpha-thalassaemia gene is interacting in several members with beta-thalassaemia resulting in a balanced alpha/beta chain production ratio. In one patient, affected by homozygous beta-thalassaemia, the presence of alpha-thalassaemia resulted in a less severe clinical expression of the disease, less marked imbalance in the alpha/non-alpha ratio, and a lower level of HbF. Further studies of haemoglobin synthesis are needed to clarify the complex genetic picture that results from the interaction of different forms of thalassaemia.


Taurodontism and Klinefelter's syndrome. The incidence of taurodontism in 31 patients with XXY Klinefelter's syndrome was studied. Taurodont molars were observed in 6 of the 31 cases (19.4%), a significantly higher rate than among the controls. Though taurodontism is not an obligatory finding in Klinefelter's syndrome, it is believed to be one of the anomalies frequently observed in connection with this condition.


Meckel syndrome and the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects. Two fetuses, terminated after prenatal diagnosis of aneural tube defect, had Meckel syndrome. There have now been three fetuses with this syndrome in a series of 35 terminated because of open lesions of the neural tube. It is suggested that such therapeutically aborted fetuses represent a highly selected group, among which a rare condition like Meckel syndrome will be concentrated. The need for a detailed examination of all terminated fetuses is emphasised, for the identification of such an autosomal recessive condition alters the genetic counselling for a future pregnancy.


X-Y translocation in a retarded phenotypic male. Clinical, cytogenetic, biochemical, and serogenetic studies. Cytogenetic studies on a mentally retarded boy revealed an X-Y translocation, karyotype 46,X,t(X;Y)(p22;q11). Only 5 other such cases have been reported and these were all females. The unequivocal male phenotype suggested non-random inactivation of the normal maternally derived X chromosome, and that the non-inactivated X-Y translocation chromosome included the locus for male determination. Confirmation of this was provided by unassociated X and Y chromatin in interphase cells, as well as by reverse banding after BrdU incorporation and autoradiography of metaphase chromosomes. There was anomalous Xg blood group inheritance in the proband, indicating possible localisation of the Xg locus to the terminal portion of the X short arm. Linkage of Xg and a form of X-linked mental retardation is suggested. Close linkage of the Xg locus with the loci for alpha-galactosidase, phosphoglycerate kinase, G-6-PD, and MPS II was excluded.


Partial trisomy 6p with karyotype 46,XY,der(22), t(6;22)(p22;q13)mat. A case of partial trisomy 6p is reported with a review of the various characteristics of this syndrome.


The Aase syndrome in a female infant.

The Aase syndrome in a female infant. This report describes a 2-month-old female with the Aase syndrome, bringing to 8 the total number of cases of this disorder. Features include triphalangeal thumbs and congenital hypoplastic anaemia. The occurrence of this disorder in sibs born to unaffected parents and in both sexes makes autosomal recessive inheritance the most likely aetiology.


Distributions of body-rocking manifested by severely mentally deficient adults in ward environments. Systematic observations were made of the stereotyped body-rocking engaged in by twenty-seven mentally deficient adults in ward environments. A significant decline in amount of body-rocking across the session was observed in each of the patients and other evidence suggested that this was an effect of fatigue. For eleven of the patients there was significant evidence of a 90--110 minute ultradian bio-rhythm in the amount of body-rocking. Rates of body-rocking showed less variation during the sessions. It was suggested that these results, plus other cited evidence, make it less likely that body-rocking in experimental, and in natural, environments are the same operants.


The effect of music on body-rocking manifested by severely mentally deficient patients in ward environments. By controlling whether or not music was played in the wards, the effect of music on stereotyped body-rocking was assessed for twelve severely mentally deficient adults who engaged in this behaviour. There were significant differences between male and female patients. While music did not appear to affect rates, but increased the amounts, of body-rocking in both groups, the distribution of this increase was different. These results suggested that the effect of music was to increase the duration of body-rocking sequences. Once the music had been removed there was, for females, a persistence of the increased amount of body-rocking. It was hypothesised that there may be sexual dimorphism in the brain-hemisphere structures which organise rhythmic stimuli.


Manual guidance used in a punishment procedure: the active ingredient in overcorrection. Simple manual hand and arm guidance used in the context of a punishment paradigm can be effective in suppressing the frequency of self-injurious behaviour in severely retarded individuals. The procedure involves a socially more acceptable consequence for self-injurious behaviour than many other treatment approaches; it is quite economical and easy to administer; and, the procedure appears to produce fairly rapid suppression of response rates. Brief periods of manual guidance following self-injurious behaviour may indeed be the most efficacious intervention for use in on-going treatment programmes. Questions relating to the generalisation of effects and the effects of verbal prompts and other behavioural prompts remain for future research.


Trisomy 18 in an 11 year old girl.

Trisomy 18 in an 11 year old girl. A case of trisomy 18, confirmed by G banded chromosome analysis, is reported in an eleven year old Australian girl. There is no cytogenetic evidence of mosaicism in the propositus or her parents. The patient's salient clinical features are severe mental and motor retardation with microcephaly, kyphoscoliosis and various congenital anomalies. She has very mild congenital heart disease. She has been totally institutionalised and has required constant medical care. Comparison of her condition with other long-term survivors with trisomy 18 reported in the literature, and also considered to be non-mosaic, reveals many similar features. However, no pattern emerges as to why these rare patients have survived.


Effects and side-effects of a brief overcorrection procedure in reducing multiple self-stimulatory behaviour: a single case analysis. The use of positive practice overcorrection to reduce the classroom self-stimulatory behaviour of a mentally retarded child is described. An initial attempt to reduce four stereotyped hand movements through reinforcement of incompatible behaviour resulted in a decrease in three types of behaviour and an increase in the fourth. When one minute of positive practice overcorrection was then made contingent upon the increased behaviour, it was immediately reduced to near-zero levels with accompanying low occurrences of all other behaviour forms. Response suppression was durable following the evaluation of the overcorrection procedure at 2- and 3.5-month follow-ups.


Sizing of phosphatidylcholine vesicles by transmission electron microscopy. Coating of support films for transmission electron microscopy with silica by evaporation of "silicon monoxide" provides a surface which is easily wetted by aqueous systems. Dispersed colloidal particles spread on this surface without the use of added soluble wetting agents. Such coated supports are found to be particularly useful for the quantitative characterization of the size distribution of vesicles prepared from saturated phosphatidylcholine. The weight average vesicle sizes determined for several samples from measurements of negatively stained electron micrographs are in good agreement with values measured by light scattering and ultracentrifugation.


An automatic counter for autoradiographed cells in Petri dishes. A simple automatic counting device for cells on Petri dishes is described. The device is tested up to 1 x 10(4) cells (0.01 m)-2 and counts linearly without coincidence error. The counting time for each dish is c. 3-4 min including the time required to place the dish in the apparatus.


[Ureteral metastases from prostatic cancers. 2 cases. Review of the literature]. The authors report two new observations of ureteral metastases from prostatic cancers and review the 17 already published cases. The relative rarity might well be only apparent, in relation with the delay in the exploration of the first observations. The diagnostic criteria are less clinical and radiological than anatomo-pathological, the metastases contrasting themselves with ureteral invasion by direct propagation. The anatomical status shows no predominance between tumoral or infiltrating forms, nor of any particular site on the ureter, while noting a relative frequence of bilateral involvement. The therapeutic approach is dependant upon these factors. The prognostic is reserved, at the cost of a segmental ureteral resection or a nephro-ureterectomy.


[A case of ureteral stenosis due to bilharziosis (author's transl)]. Ureteral lesions due to biharziosis are often recognized as being associated with bilharziosis of the bladder, but they may sometimes appear to be primary in origin. In both cases, however, prognosis depends mainly on the manner in which the upper urinary tract is affected. The observation of a case of isolated ureteral stenosis due to bilharziosis, which appeared to be primary, is used as a base for reviewing recently acquired new data on this localization of these parasites which are rife in several areas in Tunisia.


[Torsion of the testicle in the newborn: report of 3 cases (author's transl)]. The authors report 3 cases of torsion of the spermatic pedicle in the newborn and give us a very complete review of the literature. The term torsion of the testicle should be replaced by torsion of the "spermatic pedicle", the exact level of the torsion being different in the adolescent from the newborn. In the adolescent, it is the horizontal position of the testicle with lengthening of the intravaginal portion of the pedicle or yet the existence of a true membrane between the epididymis and the testicle which favors intravaginal torsion. This anatomical predisposition was bilateral nine times out of ten. In the newborn, it is the testicle and the tunica vaginalis not yet fixed which, as on a pivot, turn with the cord which lies above the tunica vaginalis. The unevenness of the cremasteric fibers and the (Terme non familier) in the helicoid spermatic veins can facilitate the torsion. Bilateral torsion is even possible in the newborn. The clinical features of torsion in the newborn is non-tenderness when the scrotum is swollen, ecchymotic or nontransilluminating. The only logical approach is emergency surgical exploration. Unfortunately, the already irreversible ischemic necrosis (illégible) a castration. The possibility of bilatertion of the opposite testicle. The nontenderness of the lesion explains the frequent error in diagnosis and a certain number of cases of testicular atrophy in adults from birth.


[Cis-platinum in the treatment of disseminated testicular neoplasms resistant to classical chemotherapy]. Seven patients with advanced testicular tumors, resistant to existing chemotheurapeutic agents, were treated with a new antitumor agent, the Cisplatinum (associated to mannitol induced hyperdiuresis). There were 3 objective remissions (1 complete and 2 partial). Major toxicity was gastrointestinal. There was little renal and hematologic toxicity in our serie. The drug may have use in combination therapy in advanced non seminomatous testicular tumors.


[Y-V plastic repair of the neck of the bladder. A study of 30 cases (author's transl)]. The authors report on their own series of 30 Y-V plastic repairs of the neck of the bladder done according to the technique of B. W. Young on male and female patients ranging in age from 8 months to 74 years. They have treated using this technique 8 primary diseases of the neck of the bladder, 11 cord bladders, 5 myocardium bladders and 6 idiopathic retentions. A post-surgical observation period of 1 to 8 years showed a 43 per cent success rate, 30 per cent of improvement and 27 per cent of failure. The best results are obtained in diseases of the neck of the bladder. Protection of the genital functions make the Y-V plastic repair a preferred technique in the young male.


[Simplified urethroplasty in woman. Correction of inveterate stricture (author's transl)]. Crippling, sclero-inflammatory, inveterate stricture of the urethra is a female disease which remains rare and is most often caused by trauma. Treatment by distension seems painful and useless. Simplified urethroplasty proved useful in these 6 cases, and the procedure is easy to execute.


[Xanthic lithiasis in the child. A study of one case. Review of the literature (author's transl)]. Seeking medical help because of an acute urinary retention, a 3-year-old child showed at intravenous urography (IVU) multiple radiotransparent lithiases. Hypouricemia suggested a diagnosis of xanthuria. The problems of this condition due to a congenital deficiency in xanthine oxydase are studied in a review of the literature. 56 xanthic lithiases have been published and since the work of Dent and Philpot, 28 xanthinurias have been reported.


[Results of radical surgery for renal cancer in adults]. For thirteen years, between 1963 and 1976, 120/139 patients with renal cancer were operated. 45 were stage I, 20 were stage II, 45 were stage III and 12 were stage IV (Robson's classification). Of the 45 stage III cancers, 13 had lymphatic invasion and 37 had venous invasion ranging from microscopic stages to invasion of the inferior vena cava. Treatment included: preoperative teleirradiation with cobalt most often a single dose of 500 rads on the day before the operation. Wide excision with primary ligation of the vascular pedicle and node dissection via a lumbar abdominal transperitoneal route remaining the minimum strictly necessary. Sequential monthly chemotherapy over two years of Vincristine and CCNU (chloroethyl cyclo hexylnitroso urea). Postoperative mortality was considerable (14%) but involved patients with advanced cancers, poor general condition (o% stage I, 10% stage II, 22% stage III and 40% stage IV). The long range survival remains excellent in spite of the postoperative losses: 65 p. cent 5 years all stages. However, stage determines the prognosis: 85 p. cent 5 year survival stage I and II and 53 p. cent 5 year survival stage III. Severe affection of the general state of the patient carries a very poor prognosis. Fever does not indicate a worse value except in stage III tumors. In stages I and II it can have value in the paraneoplastic syndrome (terme non familier). The authors, uncertain of the efficacity of preoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy, concluded that wide excision with node dissection is the proper fundamental treatment of renal cancer in the adult.


[Intra renal teratoma. Study of a case in an infant (author's transl)]. Solid, intra renal tumors of children and infants are in most cases nephroblastomas. All the other types of solid tumors, malignant or benign, are very rare. This observation seems to be the seventh case of intra renal teratoma in the literature. The entire upper pole of the left kidney had disappeared, being occupied by a large tumor which proved to be solid upon specific examinations. Anatomo-pathologic examination, following nephrectomy, proved it to be benign.


[Acute renal failure and aorto and ilio-caval fistulas. A report of two cases (author's transl)]. A report of two cases of aorto-caval and ilio-caval A.V. fistulas, where the authors examine the mechanisms for anuria. The renal venous hypertension, which is due to the arteriovenous shunt, seems to be a determining factor in the occurrence of this unveiling complication, as shown by the roentgenological findings.


Site of emetic action of oral copper sulfate in dogs. (II) Importance of lower duodenum. Sensitivities of the stomach and duodenum to oral copper sulfate emesis were compared in dogs. 1) Dogs equipped with a stainless stell cannula in the middle of the duodenum were challenged to the oral threshold emetic dose of copper sulfate administered by a gastric tube. When the cannulas were opened, the oral thresholds were not effective to elicit vomiting in the most cases (1/13). Fairly rapid and high rate recoveries of copper through the open cannula were noted. With the closed cannulas, the thresholds were highly effective (16/16). 2)In the dogs with a cannula at the upper part of the jejunum, the oral threshold doses were always effective whether the canula was opened (9/9) or closed (11/11). Recovery rates of copper from the cannula were usually poor. 3) The oral thresholds administered into the proximal end or the middle of the duodenum through a PVC tubing were equally effective. 4) Although copper sulfate might irritate the stomach and upper duodenum to evoke vomiting, these results suggested a higher sensitivity of the lower duodenum.


Effects of morphine on the serum prolactin levels of morphine-tolerant and nontolerant male rats and of the in vitro release of pituitary prolactin. Morphine increased the serum prolactin (PRL) levels of male rats in a dose response manner. This effect was abolished by naloxone and apomorphine, but was not affected by diphenhydramine. The increase in the serum PRL levels by haloperidol was abolished by apomorphine, but not by naloxone. Repeated administrations of increasing doses of morphine attenuated the response of serum PRL to morphine. Naloxone did not alter the serum PRL levels of morphine-tolerant rats, while it precipitated full withdrawal signs on these rats. Although neither haloperidol nor morphine increased the release of PRL from the isolated anterior pituitary, haloperidol, but not morphine, reversed the inhibition by dopamine of the in vitro release of pituitary PRL. These results indicate that tolerance develops regarding the effect of morphine with a resulting increase in the serum PRL levels, abstinence precipitated by naloxone has no effect on the serum PRL levels, the mechanism of morphine involved in increase in the serum PRL is different from that of haloperidol as the effect of haloperidol is not antagonized by naloxone and morphine does not antagonize the effect of dopamine which inhibits the release of PRL from the anterior pituitary in vitro.


Studies on combination dosing (III). Aspirin and ethenzamide. In our studies with drug combinations, we search for mixtures which would enhance the effectiveness of the related active substances. Ethenzamide was found to possess a specific suppressive effect on the gastric damage induced by aspirin. Such effect could not be demonstrated in analgesic agents such as salicylamide, bucetin, acetaminophen and phenacetin. The combination of aspirin with ethenzamide had a potentiating effect on analgesic activity and reduced motor incoordination and loss of righting reflex. We calculated the safety margins of various ratios of combinations and concluded that the best was aspirin and ethenzamide at a ratio of 2:3.


Effects of estradiol and oxytocin on the release of prostaglandin-like substance from isolated rat uterus. Effects of estradiol on the release of prostaglandin-like substance (PG) from rat uterus was investigated. The amount of PG released into a medium that did not contain oxytocin was decreased by estradiol, but the release of PG was remarkably increased by the addition of oxytocin. No significant correlation was found in the relationship between PG release and uterine contraction in uterus of either the ovariectomized rat and that of the estradiol-injected rat. The amount of PG released from the uterus of ovariectomized rat and the uterus of 6 hours after estradiol injection was decreased by indomethacin. The PG release promoting action of oxytocin observed in estradiol-injected rat uterus disappeared completely with treatment of phospholipase C.


Muscarinic cholinergic receptors in mammalian brain: differences between bindings of acetylcholine and atropine. Studies were made on the bindings of [3H]-acetylcholine and [3H]-atropine to synaptic plasma membranes from rat brain. Synaptic plasma membranes have reversible, high affinity binding sites for both ligands, the KD values for ACh and atropine being about 20 nM and 1 nM, respectively. The maximal binding capacities for ACh and atropine, respectively, are 0.8-1.2 pmoles and about 1.5 pmoles/mg protein of synaptic membranes. The specific binding of ACh is almost completely inhibited by oxotremorine and atropine. 5,5'-Dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) increased the ACh-binding to about 1.5 pmole/mg protein. It also increased the inhibition of atropine-binding by ACh about 10-fold. Marked discrepancies were found in the inhibitions of atropine- and ACh-bindings by muscarinic agonists, but not in the inhibitions by antagonists. These findings support the hypothesis that muscarinic receptors have different sites for agonists and antagonists. The possibility that one receptor can be simultaneously occupied by both an agonist and an antagonist is also discussed.


Butanol extracts from myelin fragments-II. Some properties of 5-hydroxytryptamine binding. The myelin fragments of rat brain stem were treated with butanol-water mixtures, and the butanol extracts (total extract=TE) were incubated with 5 x10(-7) M of C14.5-HT. After incubation, protein, lipid phosphorus and radioactivity were analyzed by Sephadex LH20 column chromatography. Two peaks of components eluted in chloroform-methanol 4:1 (peak I and II) showed the binding capacity for C14.5-HT. The displacement studies with unlabeled 5-HT (5 X 10(-4) M) suggested that peak II was the saturable binding component to 5-HT. On the other hand, butanol extracts from the synaptic membranes of rat brain stem did not show binding for C14.5-HT. Various compounds were studied to determine their inhibitory effects on the saturable binding of 5-HT to TE. The results indicated that acetylcholine, dopamine and tryptamine inhibited the 5-HT binding but LSD, reserpine, colchicine, vinblastine, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and 5-hydroxy-3-indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) had no effect.


Anti-fertility effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-fertility activity of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors namely the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: acetyl salicylic acid, indomethacin and oxyphenbutazone were investigated in male and female albino rats and female albino rabbits. Oxyphenbutazone and indomethacin affected the reproductive process in male rats. Indomethacin 3 mg/kg. and acetyl salicylic acid 300 mg/kg produced significant anti-ovulatory activity in the rabbit. In female rats, all three drugs given in high doses over a period of two oestrous cycles reduced mating significantly, while only indomethacin given in a low dose of 0.8 mg/kg over a period of six oestrous cycles could reduce mating significantly. Anti-implantation activity was seen with indomethacin 4 mg/kg. alone, and though post-implantation activity was seen with all three drugs, it was associated with maternal deaths. It appears that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect reproduction in female animals.


Effect of contralateral noise on the middle components of the averaged electroencephalic response. Middle-component AERs were obtained from normal-hearing adults to 1000-Hz tone pips at 20 and 40 dB SL and at silent control. A continuous noise at 20, 40, and 80 dB SL and at silent control was presented to the contralateral ear. When the tone pips were at 20 or 40 dB SL, five peaks were identified visually in waveforms constructed by digitally adding AERs across subject and replication. Peak latencies determined from the composite waveforms for each signal-masker condition were used as time points to measure point-to-point amplitudes in individual AERs. The masker at 20 or 40 dB SL did not alter or degrade the AER produced by the tone pip. It was concluded that clinical masking may be used in EEA when the middle components of the AER are employed as a response index.


Analytic study of the Tadoma method: discrimination ability of untrained observers. This study reports the ability of two observers with normal-hearing and sight to discriminate pairs of speech elements through the Tadoma method of speechreading. The observers were blindfolded and exposed to masking noise to eliminate visual and auditory cues. They placed their right hand over the speaker's face and neck so that the thumb rested lightly on the lips and the fingers fanned out over the cheek and neck. The discrimination tests were conducted using an ABX procedure. Average discrimination scores for the five types of test materials used in the ABX tests were 87% on W-22 words, 83% on Modified Rhyme Test words, 70% on vowels, 77% on CV and VC nonsense syllables, and 71% on consonant clusters. In all of the ABX tests, the inexperienced observers performed at least as well as the experienced Tadoma user studied by Norton, et al (1977). This finding indicates that the basic tactile sensitivity of inexperienced observers is comparable to that of an experienced deaf-blind Tadoma user.


Minimal reaction times for phonatory initiation. The maximum speed at which voluntary vocal and digital responses can be initiated was investigated in 15 male and 15 female neurologically normal adults using simple reaction time (RT) methodology. All subjects were pretrained to respond as quickly as possible to stimulus onset following a computer-controlled preparatory interval. Voluntary minimal RTs for phonation initiation were studied as a function of (1) stimulus type (auditory and somesthetic), (2) prephonatory vocal-fold position (abducted and adducted), and (3) subject's lung volume (75%, 50%, and 25% VC). The average minimal vocal RT across subjects was 195 msec, and the fastest recorded vocal RT was 120 msec. Although vocal responses to an auditory stimulus were somewhat shorter than to a somesthetic stimulus, neither these differences nor the RTs between sexes were statistically significant except that females had shorter vocal RTs from an abducted prephonatory vocal-fold position. Shorter vocal RTs were obtained when phonation was initiated at midlung volume than at the lung volume extremes, and for both sexes the average digital RTs were significantly shorter than vocal RTs.


Sampling of speech pathology treatment activities: an evaluation of momentary and interval sampling procedures. Videotaped samples of aphasia treatment sessions were coded, using the Clinical Interaction Analysis System (CIAS), a 39-category system for recording the events that occur in clinician-patient interactions during aphasia treatment sessions. These coded records were then sampled according to various schedules and procedures and the fidelity with which each sampling schedule and procedure represented the content of the entire treatment record was evaluated. In addition, trained observers coded videotaped samples of treatment, using the CIAS with a number of sampling schedules and procedures. The fidelity with which these observers' records represented the content of the treatment sessions sampled was then evaluated. The results of the analysis indicated that momentary sampling at intervals distributed throughout the session generates more accurate records of session content than single longer samples taken from the session, unless those single samples comprise a major part of the session, and that sampling representativeness remains high even when only one event in ten is sampled, if sampled events are uniformly distributed throughout the session.


Effect of sensorineural hearing loss on loudness discomfort level and most comfortable loudness judgments. A simple up-down adaptive procedure was used to estimate the 50% point on the psychometric function for loudness discomfort level (LDL) and the two functions describing the range of most comfortable loudness (MCL) for listeners with sensorineural hearing impairment. For pure tone and speech stimuli, median LDL and MCL levels were observed at relatively constant SPLs for subjects with hearing loss less than or equal to dB HL and at progressively higher SPLs with further increase in hearing loss. Correlation analysis verified a statistically significant relationship between LDL and magnitude of hearing loss. The nonlinear relationship between LDL and hearing loss together with the large intersubject variability in the data suggest that prediction of LDL from hearing threshold would often be highly inaccurate. These results also demonstrate that averaging LDL data across a group of subjects with a wide range of hearing loss may lead to inaccurate conclusions regarding the effects of sensorineural hearing loss on LDL.


Maturational influences on perception of coarticulatory effects. Three experimental groups consisting of ten four-year-olds, ten 11-year-olds, and ten adults were presented with tape-recorded voiceless stop + vowel syllables and subsyllabic segments isolated from the syllables by electronic gating. Subjects were instructed to identify each syllable. Comparisons of the performances of subjects in the three age groups permitted description of maturational influences on the ability to utilize coarticulatory cues in speech perception. The responses of the four-year-olds indicated that they were able to process coarticulatory information for the identification of consonants and vowels from subsyllabic segments. However, their ability to utilize these cues were more limited than that of 11-year-olds and adults. The four-year-old children experienced particular difficulty in the use of aperiodic information. The relative distribution of perceptual cues throughout the portions of the CV syllables was similar for all age groups. The overall phoneme identification accuracy levels of the 11-year-olds appeared to be established at an adult accuracy level. However, differences among all three age groups in regard to consistency of responses, markedness of substitution error preferences, and magnitude of the influence of acoustic stimulus duration on response accuracy suggest that strategies for estimation of phoneme identity may undergo further modification beyond the 11-year-old level before attaining the characteristics of the adult decoding process.


Processing demands during auditory learning under degraded listening conditions. This investigation employed measures of learning accuracy (performance) and learning ease (attention or psychological effort) to assess processing demands during auditory learning under degraded listening conditions. Learning accuracy was measured with a highly intelligible paired-associate learning task presented to 49 normal-hearing adults under different signal-to-competition ratios and signal presentation levels. Learning ease was assessed by a simultaneously presented probe reaction-time task. Final results indicated that (1) primary signal presentation level exerted no effect either on learning accuracy or ease, and (2) the introduction of competing speech into the listening environment exerted no effect on learning performance, but resulted in a significant increase in learning effort. These findings have important implications for listening conditions in educational settings, hearing aid selection, education of hearing-impaired and learning-disabled children, and future study of attentional demands during auditory processing.


Interference and the persistence of articulatory responses. An experimental test of the effect of phonological interference on short-term recall was conducted using non-English phonological sequences which were easily pronounceable. Subjects were normal speaking and normal hearing third-grade English speaking children. Experimental subjects produced the phonologically inadmissible [3a], [u'mI], [vepsilon], and control subjects produced the phonologically allowable [d3a], [u'mî], [veI]. Following a retention interval of 30 sec, one free recall trial was administered. Experimental subjects correctly recalled significantly less often than control subjects, suggesting that phonological rules can effect a decrement in short-term recall for phonetic units which are easy to pronounce.


Sentence structures of trainable and educable mentally retarded subjects. Educable and trainable mentally retarded children were administered a story completion task that elicits 14 grammatical structures. There were more correct responses from educable than from trainable mentally retarded children. Both groups found imperatives easiest, and future, embedded, and double-adjectival structures most difficult. The children classed as educable produced more correct responses than those termed trainable for declarative, question, and single-adjectival structures. The cognitive and linguistic processing of both groups is discussed as are the implications for language remediation.


The influence of context on the auditory comprehension of paragraphs by aphasic subjects. Subjects were exposed to two sets of paragraphs that probed their auditory comprehension abilities under various prestimulation conditions. In Experiment 1, aphasic and control subjects listened to four paragraphs. Each paragraph was preceded by a control condition (no antecedent) or one of the following contextual antecedents: picture, verbal, or picture and verbal combined. Prestimulation with a picture alone was detrimental, but prestimulation with a picture used in combination with a verbal context appeared to be of value. In Experiment 2, subjects heard four paragraphs that were less cohesive than those in Experiment 1. Only verbal and control conditions were contrasted. The provision of prior verbal contexts facilitated the auditory comprehension of the paragraphs.


Comprehension strategies in two and three year olds: animate agents or probable events? Preschoolers may prefer themselves, the handier toy, the smaller toy, the more probable toy, the animate noun, or the first-mentioned noun as agent in interpreting semantically reversible sentences prior to adult performance. This study asked whether individual children consistently showed preferences and, if so, which preference. Twenty-five children, aged two years, two years and six months, or three years and six months, acted out 36 semantically reversible sentences containing one animate and one inanimate noun with toys. Three separate presentations were made of each of 12 sentences, with relative toy size varying on each. The 12 sentences, which varied in presumed probability of the animate noun as agent, consisted of six simple sentences (for example, The kitty pushes the door) and their reversals (for example, The door pushes the kitty). Two and two and a half year olds showed consistent individual preferences for animate nouns as agents in some sentences but not others. Thus there was evidence only for a sentence-specific probable event strategy rather than a generally applied animate agent strategy. Some two-and-a-half-year-old children also showed consistent position preferences or word order strategies. Children did not confine themselves to a single strategy. Three and a half year olds consistently used a word order strategy. Relative object size was not a significant factor. Age and short-term memory span were more closely related than mean length of utterance to comprehension.


Stapedial reflex and anxiety in fluent and disfluent speakers. Stapedial reflex thresholds were obtained from fluent and disfluent subjects with and without anxiety. Anxiety conditions were measured by monitoring palmar skin resistance with a psychogalvanometer. Eight of nine disfluent speakers had decreased mean stapedial-reflex thresholds ( -2.5 to -10 dB) at 500 or 1000 Hz or both when anxiety was present. This phenomenon did not occur in the fluent group. Only two of the nine fluent subjects showed reflex change with anxiety and the mean reflex change was shown in an increase of +2.5 dB. The disfluent group's mean stapedial reflex was significantly different with and without anxiety status (a = 0.01). Mean reflex for the fluent group did not change with anxiety.


Neural response time of stutterers and nonstutterers in selected oral motor tasks. Neural response time (NRT) was compared for 12 adult stutterers and 12 matched normal speakers on two verbal tasks (production of /pae/ and /bae/) and one oral, nonverbal task (lip closure) in response to visual and auditory stimulation. The auditory response stimulus was presented separately to the left and right ears, and the visual stimulus to both eyes. NRT was defined as the time interval between stimulus offset and the onset of electromyographic (EMG) activity from orbicularis oris superior muscle. Results show, in general, that stutterers are slower in NRT for all response tasks in both stimulus modes. Significant differences were found, however, for only the auditory mode. Analyses of the differences between and within groups for response tasks and stimulus modes are discussed in terms of recent research in and theory of timing disturbances in stuttering.


Functional clauses and sentence segmentation. In two experiments subjects listened to a sentence containing a brief tone, then wrote out the sentence and marked the location of the tone. The experimental sentences were biclausal with the tone placed before or after the clause break. The initial clause was either functionally complete or functionally incomplete. Functionally complete clauses contain a complete set of fully specified grammatical relations, while functionally incomplete clauses do not. In Experiment 1 tones were mislocated toward the clause break and the final word of the first clause significantly more often for functionally complete clauses. Experiment 2 replicated this finding holding deep- and surface-structure variables constant. The results indicate that functionally complete clauses are better segmentation units during sentence perception than functionally incomplete clauses. Purely structural theories of the units of sentence perception cannot account for this finding.


Effects of sentence structure on sentence elicited imitation responses. This study investigates the effects of sentence structure on the number of error sentences and response latency in a sentence-repetition task. Forty female college students repeated short and long test sentences containing either a single self-embedded or right-branching subject-focus or object-focus relative clause. Sentences were also controlled for deletion of the relative pronoun of the relative clause. Sentence structure was found to affect sentence elicited imitation response accuracy and latency in a manner similar to the effects of structure on ease of comprehension. The findings are consistent with a canonical-sentoid strategy explanation of sentence processing during sentence imitation.