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Coastal dunes are extremely fragile and threatened ecotones, which play a key environmental role in terms of functional connection between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. To counteract the hydrogeological vulnerability in coastal risk areas, reliance can be made on soil bioengineering techniques, consisting of planting native species in combination with natural inert materials. These interventions involve the use of typical Mediterranean plant species, which are fundamental for increasing soil surface protection as well as for their ecologic function in coastal dune consolidation. Monitoring studies on plant growth parameters are useful to assess the suitability of the different species to be used in soil bioengineering works. Hence, this study aimed to (i) identify some Mediterranean herbaceous and shrubby plant species to be used in coastal interventions, (ii) evaluate different plant propagation methods and short-term growth parameters, and (iii) provide useful insights into field management strategies before and after transplanting.Juniperus phoenicea L., Juniperus macrocarpa Sm., Pistacia lentiscus L., Tamarix africana Poir. and Tamarix gallica L. were the selected shrubs species while Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link, Sporobolus pungens (Schreb.) Kunth., Agropyron junceum (L.) P. Beauv., Eryngium maritimum L., Calystegia soldanella (L.) R. Br., and Pancratium maritimum L. were the selected herbaceous species. As to shrubs, seeds and cuttings proved the best propagation methods with an efficiency of up to 90%. Agamic propagation methods, on the other hand, were the most efficient (80–90%) for the herbaceous species. After transplantation, all the species showed an adaptation period to the new climatic and edaphic conditions. In particular, Pistacia lentiscus L. was found withered with the presence of some radical shoots.

We propose a simple situation in which the magnetic Aharonov-Bohm potential influences the values of the deficiency indices of the initial Schr\"odinger operator, so determining whether the particle interacts with the solenoid or not. Even with the particle excluded from the magnetic field, the number of self-adjoint extensions of the initial Hamiltonian depends on the magnetic flux. This is a new point of view of the Aharonov-Bohm effect.

The paper presents the results of the analysis of the geo-chemo-mechanical data gathered through an innovative multidisciplinary investigation campaign in the Mar Piccolo basin, a heavily polluted marine bay aside the town of Taranto (Southern Italy). The basin is part of an area declared at high environmental risk by the Italian government. The cutting-edge approach to the environmental characterization of the site was promoted by the Special Commissioner for urgent measures of reclamation, environmental improvements and redevelopment of Taranto and involved experts from several research fields, who cooperated to gather a new insight into the origin, distribution, mobility and fate of the contaminants within the basin. The investigation campaign was designed to implement advanced research methodologies and testing strategies. Differently from traditional investigation campaigns, aimed solely at the assessment of the contamination state within sediments lying in the top layers, the new campaign provided an interpretation of the geo-chemo-mechanical properties and state of the sediments forming the deposit at the seafloor. The integrated, multidisciplinary and holistic approach, that considered geotechnical engineering, electrical and electronical engineering, geological, sedimentological, mineralogical, hydraulic engineering, hydrological, chemical, geochemical, biological fields, supported a comprehensive understanding of the influence of the contamination on the hydro-mechanical properties of the sediments, which need to be accounted for in the selection and design of the risk mitigation measures. The findings of the research represent the input ingredients of the conceptual model of the site, premise to model the evolutionary contamination scenarios within the basin, of guidance for the environmental risk management. The study testifies the importance of the cooperative approach among researchers of different fields to fulfil the interpretation of complex polluted eco-systems.

This paper is aimed at providing the outcomes of an activity carried out inside an Italian National Program named VITAS (Vettore Innovativo per il Trasporto AeroSostenibile) [1]. The goal of the project was to design a transonic wing with an extended natural laminar region for a business jet (8–12 seats). Both experimental and numerical activities were carried out in order to define and verify the performance of this laminar wing. The paper will deal with the numerical activities, experimental/numerical comparison will be shown and results will be discussed.

The meta-epiphyseal fractures of the distal tibia commonly called tibial pilon fractures seem to have one based frequency, about 1% of all lower limb fractures. They are mostly high-energy fractures that determine burst fractures with comminution and exposure of the fragments. Muller’s AO classification divides them into three types: A (extra-articular), $B$ (partial articular), and $C$ (articular complete). Gustilo’s classification divided fractures into three types, depending on the degree of exposure of the bone. The treatment of meta-epiphyseal open fractures of distal tibia provides for an initial time of debridement of the affected tissue and then a stabilization with external fixators, which may be permanent or followed by a second internal osteosynthesis.

Recent decades have seen a dramatic reduction in age-adjusted stroke-related mortality, presumably owing to better control of vascular risk factors, use of antithrombotic agents and improvements in acute stroke care. Here, we highlight a few developments in stroke prevention and acute care that have particularly influenced the care of patients.

Stroke subtypes have been reported to differ by race and ethnic subgroups and have not been adequately explained. We aim to evaluate if the prevalence of vascular risk factors accounts for differences observed in stroke subtypes by race/ethnicity. Patients with acute stroke were prospectively enrolled in the Miami Stroke Registry. Patients’ demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics were systematically collected. Stroke subtypes were ascertained using TOAST criteria. The sample was divided into Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), Hispanics, African Americans (AA), and Non-Hispanic Black Caribbean (NHBC). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess differences among groups. Among 473 stroke patients (mean age 64 ± 14 years; 63.7 % were men) of which 52.9 % were Hispanic, 22.6 % were AA, 13.5 % NHBC and 11.0 % were NHW. Large artery atherosclerosis was more prevalent in NHBC (OR 1.74, 95 % CI 1.02–2.97) than in the other groups. Adjusting for covariates rendered the association not significant (OR 1.71, 95 % CI 0.93–3.16). Cardioembolism was more frequent in Hispanics (OR 1.94, 95 % CI 1.28–2.96) and NHW (OR 2.66, 95 % CI 1.42–4.96) as compared to NHBC and AA combined. Adjusting for covariates, the association was no longer significant for Hispanics but was further strengthened for NHW (OR 3.02, 95 % CI 1.42–6.42). Our results suggest that the vascular risk factors prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups partially explains disparities found in the prevalence of some stroke subtypes. Addressing health disparities remains an important public health aspect of stroke prevention.

We report on the superconducting performance of the ex-situ SiC doped MgB2 monofilamentary tapes. Polycrystalline powders of MgB2 doped with 5 and 10 wt% SiC were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction route and characterized for their superconducting performance. It is found that superconducting parameters i.e. upper critical field (Hc2), irreversibility field (Hirr) and critical current density (Jc) are all improved significantly with SiC addition. Also it was found that relatively lower synthesis temperature (700 C) resulted in further improved superconducting parameters. As synthesized powders are used for ex-situ powder-in-tube (PIT) monofilamentary tapes and superconducting parameters are determined. Albeit the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is decreased slightly (2K) for SiC doped tapes, the superconducting performance in terms of critical current density (Jc), being determined from both magnetization and transport measurements, is improved significantly. In particular the SiC doped and 700 {\deg}C synthesized MgB2 tapes exhibited the transport Jc of nearly 10^4 A/cm2 under applied fields of as high as 7 Tesla. Further it is found that the Jc anisotropy decreases significantly for SiC doped tapes. Disorder due to substitution of C at B site being created from broken SiC and the presence of nano SiC respectively in SiC added ex-situ MgB2 tapes are responsible for decreased anisotropy and improved Jc(H) performance., Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures

The standard treatment of CRC patients with hepatic metastases is systemic chemotherapy; however, 5-year survival is disappointingly poor despite recent advances. On the other hand, in patients who undergo immediate radical surgical resection of hepatic metastases, 5-year survival reaches 30-40%. Unfortunately, only 15-20% of patients with hepatic metastases are initially eligible for a radical surgical approach. The majority of patients undergoing liver resection relapse after surgery. For this reason, new onco-surgery approaches have been investigated in recent years and the addition of biological agents to chemotherapy, such as bevacizumab and cetuximab, and the improvements of surgical techniques have opened a new scenario in the management of colorectal liver metastases. Recently, the EORTC trial has demonstrated that perioperative chemotherapy (Folfox regimen) is feasible and improves progression-free survival in patients with resectable liver metastases. Chemotherapy and surgery can finally collaborate. In the unresectable setting, the association of chemotherapy with bevacizumab and cetuximab is particularly promising in improving resectability rate. In particular, K-RAS is a molecular response predictive factor that could be particularly useful in selecting the best treatment option in patients with unresectable liver disease.

To compare changes in the oxidation–reduction balance and endothelial function before and after meal in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance and determine the effects of standard antioxidant supplementation. Forty diabetics and 40 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance were compared with a control group. We assessed before and after a test meal (homogenized milkshake containing 80 g of saturated fat, amounting to 1,480 kcal), some reactive oxygen species, inflammation markers and flow-mediated vascular dilatation. These parameters were then reassessed after standard antioxidant treatment. After the meal, diabetics, subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and controls had higher levels of oxidant compounds compared to fasting levels. In subjects with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), Vascular Adhesion Molecule-1 and CRP were higher after the meal—diabetic subjects exhibited lower fasting flow-mediated dilatation, which deteriorated significantly after the meal. Antioxidant administration significantly improved the parameters investigated in all subjects. In diabetic subjects, altered glycaemia and lipaemia are closely correlated with markers of systemic oxidative stress. Our results show that the abnormal changes in oxidative-reductive balance parameters are paralleled by similar changes in markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation at 4 h after ingestion of a fatty meal. Supplementation with a pool of antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy subjects and, more importantly, in IGT patients. This previous aspect suggests that the timing of antioxidant supplementation has an important role in endothelium protection in healthy and pre-diabetic subjects, and along with prompt antioxidant treatment before irreversible endothelial damage has occurred, may have an important protective role in subjects with IGT—patients who require administration of adequate dietary antioxidants.

Background Currently, guidelines for the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection recommend using the vaccine; however the screening test among not vaccinated people seems to be useful to identify people with clear presence of the virus without disease symptoms. Thanks to the screening test, people infected with HBV are administered conventional therapy in order to stop the progression to cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These diseases cause a decrease of QoL and a high consumption of resources for the health system.

Stroke recurrence is common in the early period after a cerebral ischemic event. Treatment with an antiplatelet agent is recommended to reduce recurrent stroke and death in patients with a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. Compared to monotherapy, dual antiplatelet therapy has more robust inhibition of platelet activation but a higher risk of systemic bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that short-term use of dual antiplatelet treatment initiated early after ischemic stroke and TIA reduces the risk of recurrent stroke and major vascular events without significantly increasing the hemorrhagic complication rates, particularly in those with large-vessel disease, while long-term dual antiplatelet treatment increases the risk of systemic and intracranial hemorrhage over time, offsetting any potential benefit. Until further data becomes available, clinicians should carefully assess this risk and benefit in each case and continually reevaluate the need for prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy.

Associative learning during Pavlovian eyeblink conditioning has been shown to be regulated by 5-HT2A receptors. The existence of inverse agonists that retard learning through an action at the 5-HT2A receptor suggests the existence of constitutive activity at that receptor and that depletion of serotonin should have minimal effects on learning.We examined whether depletion of serotonin would impair trace eyeblink conditioning or the enhancement of conditioning produced by the agonist lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the retardation of conditioning produced by the inverse agonist MDL11,939.Animals received bilateral intraventricular injections of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) at doses of 760 or 1,140 microg/side (1.88 or 2.82 micromol/side) and were later exposed to eight daily conditioning sessions.Serotonin depletion produced by the lower dose of 5,7-DHT was 71 and 72% in cortex and hippocampus, respectively, with no change in 5-HT2A receptor density, no effect on learning, and no effect on the ability of LSD to enhance and MDL11,939 to retard learning. The higher dose of 5,7-DHT produced serotonin decreases of 85 and 90% in cortex and hippocampus, respectively, accompanied by a 96% decrease in the density of the serotonin transporter, but no significant effect on learning.Pavlovian trace eyeblink conditioning is regulated predominantly by the constitutive activity of the 5-HT2A receptor rather than by serotonin release onto the receptor during learning. It was suggested that the 5-HT2A receptor regulates learning by modulating the release of dopamine, acetylcholine, and glutamate, transmitters known to affect eyeblink conditioning.

Anorectal atresia, which is classified as a low anorectal malformation, is characterised by the absence of the anal verge and by variable rectal atresia. In some cases, which have been classified as rectal agenesis, the atresia is associated with the absence of the internal sphincter. The therapeutic options are definitely surgical, aiming to relieve the bowel occlusion and to restore faecal continence by lowering the cul-de-sac to the perineum. We present the case of an adult patient with congenital rectal agenesis, double fistula (cul-de-sac-urethra and cul-de-sac-perineum) and caecostomy since birth. The patient was treated with a resection of sigmoid-rectum for the presence of a 20-cm faecaloma in the cul-de-sac, with a non-continent pull-through, and with implantation of an artificial bowel sphincter. Despite some difficulties in managing the device and a slight symptomatic mucosal prolapse, the results after 30 months have so far satisfied both the patient and the medical staff, especially in consideration of the limited number of alternative therapies.

Postprandial lipaemia is considered an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease also in the Type 2 diabetic population. However, little information exists on the daily triglyceride profile of these patients, especially during everyday life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the daily triglyceride profile of Type 2 diabetic patients during their everyday life.145 Type 2 diabetic patients (66 men/79 women, age range 45-65 years) at a health district near Naples, Italy, participating in a screening survey for the evaluation of diabetic complications, and 30 non-diabetic subjects of the same area underwent four daily capillary triglyceride profiles by Accutrend (Roche)-a previously validated method.Triglyceride values (mmol/l; Means +/- SE) were 2.22+/-0.08 at fasting, decreased before lunch (2.03+/-0.07), reached a peak 3 h after lunch (2.73+/-0.09) and remained substantially high before dinner (2.47+/-0.09) (all p0.001 vs fasting). The triglyceride profile of non-diabetic subjects was significantly lower at each point (average difference of 0.73 mmol/l). The percentage of patients with values above 2.25 mmol/l was 61% 3 h after lunch and 49% before dinner. Moreover, in 30% of patients with optimal fasting values (1.69 mmol/l) triglyceride concentrations 3 h after lunch ranged between 1.69 and 2.25 mmol/l, and in 31% they were above 2.25 mmol/l.Most Type 2 diabetic patients have postprandial triglycerides above optimal concentrations for several hours after meals. Moreover, optimal fasting concentrations are not always a good predictor of postprandial triglycerides.

A, Ξ and Ω yields and transverse mass spectra have been measured in Pb-Pb and p-Pb collisions at 158A GeV/c. The yields in Pb-Pb interactions are presented as a function of the collision centrality and compared with those obtained from p-Pb collisions. Strangeness enhancement is observed which increases with centrality and with the strangeness content of the hyperon.

The stability of single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) is assured by specific mechanisms such as the tubulo-glomerular feedback system and autoregulation. Studies on renal physiology rely heavily on the measurements of SNGFR, which are feasible only in animals. The measurement of SNGFR by collection of total tubular fluid may be influenced by the fall in intratubular hydrostatic pressure that may reflect the negative pressure applied to the sampling pipette. This effect may become more important with shortening of the distance between the sampling site and the Bowman space. We analysed this putative effect by performing collections of total tubular fluid from the late proximal (LP), and then from the early proximal (EP) segment of the same nephrons. In 128 paired collections LP-SNGFR averaged 35 (SEM 2) nl x min(-1), and was no different from the paired mean EP-SNGFR of 37 (SEM 2) nl x min(-1), P0.179. Then EP- and LP- SNGFR were significantly correlated (r = 0.77, P0.001). As expected, the respective paired means of absolute and percentage reabsorptions, and those of collection rates were significantly different. The average SNGFR computed from each LP and EP paired measurement was significantly correlated with the simultaneously measured kidney glomerular filtration rate, GFR (r = 0.60, P0.0001). The ratio of GFR to SNGFR indicated the expected number of glomeruli. These data would indicate that the sampling site does not influence the measurement of SNGFR in the proximal tubule when the total fluid collection technique is correctly performed. They also exclude a time-dependent activation of the macula densa capable of upregulating SNGFR within the interval elapsing between the beginning of LP and the completion of EP collections, which in our study averaged 4.4 (SEM 0.1) min.

Preliminary results from WA97 measurements on Λ, Ξ and Ω production in lead-lead and proton-lead collisions are presented, along with a comparison of WA97 proton-lead data with previous WA85 proton-tungsten results. The ratio Ω/Ξ seems to be enhanced in lead initiated reactions compared to proton initiated reactions.

The aim of this study was to verify whether or not the increased prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) commonly observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is related to a genetic background involving restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of apolipoproteins. On the basis of a case-control design, 62 type 2 diabetic patients with CHD (confirmed by clinical history and electrocardiogram) and 62 age- and sex-matched diabetic subjects without CHD were enrolled. In each of them RFLPs of the apolipoprotein CIII gene (S1 or S2 allele) and AI promoter region (A or G allele), together with fasting plasma lipids and apolipoproteins levels, were assessed. The rare S2 allele was found significantly (P = 0.05) more frequently in patients with CHD, and its related S1S2 genotype was associated with higher plasma levels of total cholesterol (P = 0.01), triglycerides (P = 0.007) and apo B (P = 0.001) than the S1S1 genotype. The A allele was more frequent (P = 0.004) in patients without CHD and was associated with lower plasma cholesterol (P = 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (P = 0.0001) and apo B (P = 0.005). The S1/A haplotype was more frequent (P = 0.05) in patients without CHD and was associated with the lowest plasma lipid levels. These results suggest that genetic factors, related to the apo AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster, could play a role in the development of CHD in type 2 diabetic patients, probably through modification of their plasma lipid pattern.

Chain and addition rules of subdifferential calculus are revisited in the paper and new proofs, providing local necessary and sufficient conditions for their validity, are presented. A new product rule pertaining to the composition of a convex functional and a Young function is also established and applied to obtain a proof of Kuhn-Tucker conditions in convex optimization under minimal assumptions on the data. Applications to plasticity theory are briefly outlined in the concluding remarks.

The biodegradation behavior of insoluble crystalline polymers depends on both chemical structure and physical state. The physical state is strongly affected by the molding conditions; moreover the presence of natural hydrophylic substances such as starch can further influence the biodegradation process. This paper examines the biotic and abiotic degradation of thick injection-molded parts, made of pure poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) at different molecular weights, and of PCL in the presence of starch in the case of a commercial grade of Mater-Bi, produced by Novamont. The abiotic degradation was studied at 25 and 50°C, whereas the biotic degradation was followed in conditions of SCAS (semicontinuous activated sludges) at 25 and 50°C, soil burial, and controlled composting. The physical-chemical modifications provoked at the surface and in the bulk of the samples by the different types of degradation were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, viscometric and gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The mechanical modifications induced by the different environments were followed by tensile tests. It was demonstrated that the presence of starch significantly increases the apparent biodegradation rate of PCL, making even thick parts of ZI01U compatible with the composting process.

The syndiotactic polystyrene can crystallize in different forms, depending on thermal and solvent treatments. The influence of the polymorphism on the dynamic-mechanical behavior has been analyzed. Thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis were also carried out. The effects of phase transitions and solvent release on the relaxation phenomena were observed, and the correlations between structure and dynamic behavior allow to better understand some aspects of the polymorphism phenomena.

The HELIOS experiment has measured inclusivep⊥ spectra of negative particles in the rapidity region 1.0 is found to be approximately constant up to the highest accessible values ofE⊥.

The drawing behavior of syndiotactic polystyrene was analyzed at different temperatures. Amorphous films were used and, depending on drawing temperature, strain-induced or thermal-induced cold crystallization was observed. This phenomenon, when present, greatly affects the drawing behavior. The dynamic-mechanical behavior of drawn samples was analyzed, and the obtained results indicate that the glass transition is affected by drawing, and that the effect depends drastically on the drawing temperature. Particularly interesting is the dynamic behavior at high temperature where the elastic modulus is weakly affected by temperature also near the melting point.

The drawing behavior of cross-linked isotactic polypropylene was analysed. The crystallinity and the composition of the crystalline phase are affected by cross-linking. Structural and topological features play a significant role in the drawing behavior. The yielding, the necking phenomenon, and the ultimate properties, i.e., stress and strain at the fracture, can be correlated with the sample structure. The general picture agrees well with Peterlin's model of cold drawing.

Background It is widely accepted that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and other complex diseases are the product of complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental causes. To cope with such a complexity, all the statistical and conceptual strategies available should be used. The working hypothesis of this study was that two well-known T2DM risk factors could have diverse effect in individuals carrying different genotypes. In particular, our effort was to investigate if a well-defined group of genes, involved in peripheral energy expenditure, could modify the impact of two environmental factors like age and obesity on the risk to develop diabetes. To achieve this aim we exploited a multianalytical approach also using dimensionality reduction strategy and conservative significance correction strategies. Methods We collected clinical data and characterised five genetic variants and 2 environmental factors of 342 ambulatory T2DM patients and 305 unrelated non-diabetic controls. To take in account the role of one of the major co-morbidity conditions we stratified the whole sample according to the presence of obesity, over and above the 30 Kg/m2 BMI threshold. Results By monofactorial analyses the ADRB2-27 Glu27 homozygotes had a lower frequency of diabetes when compared with Gln27 carriers (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.36 – 0.91). This difference was even more marked in the obese subsample. Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction method in the non-obese subsample showed an interaction among age, ADRB2-16 and UCP3 polymorphisms. In individuals that were UCP3 T-carriers and ADRB2-16 Arg-carriers the OR increased from 1 in the youngest to 10.84 (95% CI 4.54–25.85) in the oldest. On the contrary, in the ADRB2-16 GlyGly and UCP3 CC double homozygote subjects, the OR for the disease was 1.10 (95% CI 0.53–2.27) in the youngest and 1.61 (95% CI 0.55–4.71) in the oldest. Conclusion Although our results should be confirmed by further studies, our data suggests that, when properly evaluated, it is possible to identify genetic factors that could influence the effect of common risk factors.

The layer-by-layer amorphization process is explored in a temperature range in which the kinetics of crystallization can be neglected. It has been found that the pure amorphization rate increases exponentially as the substrate temperature is decreased with an apparent activation energy of 0.48 eV. Moreover the rate increases with both the ion flux and the energy deposited into elastic collisions. A phenomenological model is proposed to explain the experimental results.

In the present paper we report the physico mechanical properties of elastomeric systems obtained vulcanizing mixtures of cis and trans polyisoprene.

Four commercial bisphenol-glycidilmethacrylate based composites used mainly for dental applications have been investigated. Differential thermal analysis performed on samples aged in water for different times indicated a small residual monomer reactivity which disappeared after ageing. A further crosslinking reaction facilitated by water plasticization and a monomer loss could be the main reasons for such 8 phenomenon. The embrittlement of these materials with ageing time has been detected from flexural mechanical properties. Water sorption/desorption experiments have been performed on G!! the materials studied at different temperatures. The decrease of diffusion coefficients with increasing water content together with the microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces demonstrated good filler/matrix adhesion for all the four composites. The decrease of water diffusion coefficients with time for Miradapt, Silar and Adaptic has been explained on the base of the presence in the polymeric networks of different density regions due to inhomogeneous polymerization. This hypothesis is also in line with the Miradapt, Silar and Adaptic hysteresis phenomena observed in the sorption/desorption cycles.

Using a light or backshock as the reinforced CS (A) and a tone or backshock as the conditioned inhibitor (X), rabbits experienced conditioned inhibition training in an A+/AX− paradigm. Following training, the amplitude of the unconditioned nictitating membrane response elicited by a mild (.5-mA) paraorbital shock was measured in the presence of X and AX and expressed as a percentage of the amplitude of the UR to the shock presented alone. In Experiment 1, the effect of X and AX on UR amplitude for conditioned inhibition animals was compared with that of control animals treated to a variety of pretest procedures. In general, UR amplitude in the presence of X exceeded that observed to the US presented alone. There was no consistent difference between the experimental and control groups. In Experiments 2–5, A test trials were added as an alternative reference point. Again, UR amplitude increased rather than decreased UR amplitude. In addition, X as a conditioned inhibitor enhanced the facilitating effect of A on UR amplitude in four out of five experiments. These findings have implications for theories of the “locus of action” of conditioned inhibitors.

A search for Dirac’s magnetic monopoles produced in pp collisions was performed at the CERN-ISR employing plastic detectors. The search was sensitive to poles with a massmg≲30 GeV. Formg

Quenched films of isotactic polypropylene were obtained in different quenching conditions; the films structure was analyzed in terms of phases composition and gross morphology. The mechanical behaviour, analyzed at room temperature in monoaxial drawing shows that the initial structure strongly affects the drawing behaviour. The drawing occurs by necking propagation in all the samples, but the deformation in the neck depends on the gross morphology while the drawing load depends on crystallinity. The obtianed results are discussed on the basis of the molecular and structural model of the fibers formation by drawing of crystalline polymeric films.

Using a light (L) as the reinforced CS and a tone (T) as the conditioned inhibitor, rabbits received conditioned inhibition (CI) training of the nictitating membrane response. In Experiment 1, animals were matched in terms of initial acquisition to L and T, using electric shock to the eye as the UCS to form three groups. Group 100 received 100 CI trials per single daily session, Group 200 received 200 CI trials per single daily session, and Group 100/100 received 200 daily trials in two sessions separated by an interval of approximately 3 h. Each unit of 100 trials consisted of 50 reinforced L trials (L+) and 50 nonreinforced L-T compound trials (LT-). The development of suppressed conditioned responding over the course of 1,300 CI trials and the results of a retardation test (T+) failed to detect differences among these three trials-distribution procedures. Experiment 2 examined the development of CI using the two-session/day procedure with intersession intervals of 3 and 6 h. No differences in CI were apparent over the course of 2,000 trials or in the retardation test. These findings suggest robust CI can be obtained with relatively massed training and that theories of CI might minimize the role of distribution of training in their formulations.

A new method and apparatus for restraining the awake cat is described. The restraint system comfortably and adequately restrains virtually any cat and requires little or no adaptation. The restraint box is inexpensive to construct, lightweight, and portable. The unit requires minimal maintenance, can be easily used by one person, and may be modified for use in a variety of situations.

Hippocampal multiple-unit activity was recorded from rabbits injected with ACTH or with vehicle alone during classical conditioning of the nictitating membrane response. Elevated systemic levels of the hormone had no apparent effect on behavioral learning or on the hippocampal “model” of the conditioned response. Data from a control group, which received unpaired presentations of the CS and US, showed that the hippocampal response is learning-dependent. These results indicated that the behavioral effects of ACTH in intact animals is not, as previously conjectured, mediated by a disruption of hippocampal function.

Unconditioned stimulus (US) intensity and duration were manipulated to determine their effects on cat hindlimb flexion conditioning. Seven consecutive days of acquisition training of a hindlimb flexor response to a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) were followed by 2 days of extinction. Eight animals in each of 12 groups received a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-mA, 60-Hz shock delivered to the right hindleg for 25, 50, or 100 msec as the US. Analysis of conditioned-response (CR) frequency indicated that conditioned responding was a positive function of both the intensity and duration of shock, although these variables did not interact with one another. CR latency and amplitude were decreased and increased, respectively, by increases in US intensity. The pattern of results reported here may support a contiguity notion of conditioning, and are discussed in the context of other conditioning preparations.

This paper gives the results of a photometric study of star-like blue objects Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 discovered by Borngenet al. (1970) in the field of M31 and of the QSO OA 33. Three of these objects-Nos. 14, 16 and 17-exhibit variable light. No. 14 is a probable U Geminorum-star; No. 16 is a QSO and very likely also the No. 17. Finally, we suggest a candidate for the optical counterpart of OA 33.

The use of microcomputers in physiological psychology has allowed many investigators to conduct experiments that previously required more costly devices. We describe some of the research requirements that led to our selection of an Apple II/FIRST microcomputer system (Scandrett & Gormezano, 1980) for investigations of the neurophysiological correlates of classical and instrumental conditioning.

In the present paper we report the dynamic mechanical behaviour of some composite systems. These systems were obtained vulcanizing the cis-1,4-polybutadiene in mixture with a different amount of methacrylic acid or magnesium methacrylate. The obtained results support our structural model.

The nictitating membrane response of rabbits was conditioned at a 200 msec interstimulus interval (ISI) with either circumorbital (C) or paraorbital (P) shock as the unconditional-stimulus locus. After 3 acquisition days half of each group was shifted to a 700 msec interstimuls interval. Results indicated: (1) more rapid acquisition for Group C, (2) postshift response decrements for both groups, (3) more rapid and stable, as well as complete return to preshift performance levels for Group C. Results were discussed in terms of the response-shaping hypothesis and the contiguity-substitution hypothesis in explaining both conditional response emergence and subsequent modifications of CR topography.

A number of double stars of which at least one component is a T Tauri star or related variable were measured in three fields: φ and χ Tauri (Taurus dark cloud); NGC 7023 and NGC 2264.

The magnetic moment of the Δ-hyperon has been measured by observing the precession of the polarization vector of Δ-particles in a transverse pulsed magnetic field of 20 T (= 200 kG). The hyperons were produced in a polyethylene target by the reaction π−+p→+Δ+K0 at a pion momentum of 1.05 GeV/c; their decays were detected in stacks of nuclear emulsion at a distance of 11 em from the centre of the target. The angular distribution of the decay products in the rest frame of the Δ was used to determine the direction of the polarization at the time of the decay, and hence the magnetic moment. About 1300 Δ decays have been analysed, giving the result\(\mu _\Lambda = - 0.66\mu _{\mathcal{N}}\) (nuclear magnctons) with a statistical uncertainty of\( \pm 0.06\mu _{\mathcal{N}}\). The systematic error is less then\( \pm 0.03\mu _{\mathcal{N}}\), so that the total (68% confidence level) error is\( \pm 0.07\mu _{\mathcal{N}}\).

The magnetic moment of the Σ+-hyperon has been measured to be (3.5±1.2) nuclear magnetons by observing the precession of the polarization vector in a pulsed magnetic field. The polarized hyperons were produced in a liquid-hydrogen target by a beam of 1.17 Ge V/c π+-meson and their decay was detected in pellicles of nuclear emulsion. The final direction of the polarization was determined from the angular distribution of the decay Σ+→pπ0.

Photographic observations of the nucleus of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151, carried out during the last seven years, are reported. The object shows irregular variations between photographic magnitudes 11.2 and 13.0.

The perinatal histories of 27 newborn infants with NEC were compared to those of 54 infants of equivalent birth weight who did not have NEC during an 8-year study period to see if possible predisposing factors were independent of the confounding effect of birth weight. No differences were observed in gestational age, degree of intrauterine growth retardation, premature rupture of membranes, perinatal asphyxia, skin temperature at admission, haematocrit, presence or absence of respiratory distress syndrome, umbilical catheter placement, start and type of feeding or presence of positive blood cultures. Prematurity is the greatest risk factor predisposing to the development of NEC and the perinatal problems which precede the onset of NEC are common among all premature infants.

Plasma lipoprotein compositional abnormalities were investigated in eight normolipidaemic (plasma cholesterol