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Various compost extracts were experimented for antimicrobial activity against a number of fungal and bacterial candidates. All the compost-borne bacteria isolated from the different composts showed antifungal activity towards seven pathogenic fungal strains, B. cinerea and S. cepivorum were the most susceptible. The influence of such bacteria was very limited on five tested bacterial strains. The genome sequencing of compost-borne bacteria showed the probability for the majority of isolates to be Bacillus, besides Brevibacterium, Geobacillus and Streptomyces. Three different compost teas were evaluated as bioagents against a varity of pathogenic fungi. The antifungal activity of grass tea towards A. strictum, F. culmorum and F. austroamericanum increased with time to reach 100% after 4 days brewing and decreased thereafter. The antagonistic effect of tamarix tea increased with brewing reaching the maximum at the 2nd day with S. cepivorum and F. austroamericnaum and after 5 days in case of A. strictum and Phyt. cactorum. The lowest antifungal activity of the mixture of mountain mahogany tea of 47% was recorded with the fungus P. expansum after 7 days. The impact of water ratio, dilution rate, heating, autoclaving as well as compost maturity and iron supplement on antifungal activity of compost teas was discussed.

The interactions among some bacterial bioagents, diazotrophs and phytopathogenic fungi were in vitro examined adopting the dual plate culture technique. Pseudomonas aurogonosa inhibited all the examined diazotrophs with an average inhibition zone measured 8 mm in diameter. In contrast, all diazotrophs could persist the antagonistic effect of Pseudomonas putida. Azotobacter chroococcum was the most sensitive to mixed cultivation with the bioagents wherease Bacillus polymyxa was the most tolerant. The bioagents antagonized all the examined fungal pathogens. Pseudomonas fluorescense exhibited the highest antagonistic capabilities against all pathogens with an average inhibition zone diameter of 21 mm followed by Bacillus subtilis (A) and (B). Interestingly, the examined diazotrophs suppressed growth of the pathogens; the measured inhibition zones averaged 12, 9 and 9 in diameter with Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus polymyxa, respectively. The bioagents and diazotrophs were in vitro screened for IAA, gibberellins, sidrophores and hydrogen cyanide production. All the examined bacteria were active producers of IAA, gibberellins and siderophores, while hydrogen cyanide was exclusively detected with the bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. In the greenhouse, the bioagents and diazotrophs improved plant survival, shoot biomass, nitrogen uptake and yield of cucumber plants. The improvements in the measured parameters were more pronounced when the bioagent mixture, composite of diazotrophs and their combinations were used for combating the root – rot disease in cucumber. With these inocula, the disease incidence was diminished to a minimum of 10 % whether the soil was infested with the pathogens or not. Shoot – dry matter production by cucumber plants was greatly affected by all inocula particularly, when both bacterial groups were combined in an inoculum. Such inoculum increased shoot biomass by 145 and 94 % over control plants in plain and fungi–infested soil, respectively. Moreover, the yield was maximized to reach < 2 and 4-folds higher than control plants grown with or without fungi, respectively. The obtained results refer to a possible integration of the examined diazotrophs as biofertilizers and bioagents in a combined inoculum for biological control of root–rot disease and improved growth and yield of cucumber plants under greenhouse conditions.

In this work, micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method was developed and optimized for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in the presence of irbesartan (IRB), bisoprolol (BISO) and HCT main impurity. Four factors affecting the separation-sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) concentration, buffer concentration, temperature and voltage-were studied. Optimization studies were performed with the aid of a central composite design with six central points. The optimal separation conditions were obtained by applying Derringer's desirability function, and the conditions were borate buffer 17 mM (pH = 9), SDS 5.2 mM, temperature 25°C and voltage 12 kV. HCT, IRB and BISO were successfully determined in their pure form and pharmaceutical formulations with separation in8 min. Calibration curves (R0.999) were prepared and complete method validation was performed according to ICH guidelines. The results obtained were statistically compared with that of the official methods.

A new method based on the epithermal neutron activation has been developed for bulk hydrogen analysis. The sensitivity of the activation method for typical sample dimensions is higher by a factor of ~100 than the neutron reflection technique. Analytical expressions are given for the description of the measured flux density of thermalized neutrons as a function of hydrogen content of different samples. Advantages and limitations of thermal and epithermal neutrons in bulk hydrogen analysis using the foil activation method are also discussed.

The applicability of a new irradiation facility for bulk hydrogen analysis based on the activation method using thermal and epithermal neutrons has been tested for cylindrical samples of 8 cm diameter and 10 cm high. A definite correlation was found between the relative excess flux values, R and the total hydrogen contents, N(H) of the samples. Analytical expressions obtained for R vs. N(H) function indicate the possible use of this method even in the case of approximately kg weight and liter sample dimensions. The large sample has a special advantage if the determination of the hydrogen concentration, C(H) is in question.

The clinical application of islet transplantation is limited due to the limited source and the morbidity of systemic immunosuppression to prevent rejection. The two problems can be solved by using encapsulated islets. We have used amniotic membranes as biocompatible natural immune barriers. The objective of this study was to assess the revascularization of the membrane, which is necessary to ensure islet viability when the membrane is used for islet encapsulation. The amniotic membranes, obtained from full-term pregnant female dogs, were molded to form macrocapsules, which were implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The capsules were removed after 3, 10, 15, and 30 days and examined histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin and by immunohistochemistry for neovascularization using factor VIII to detect angiogenesis. Upon histopathological examination, all specimens showed localized, moderate inflammation and congested blood vessels with no thrombosis or rejection. There was a mild degree of fibroblast proliferation starting from day 10 to day 30. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the number of blood vessels was 7, 11, 13, 10 per high-power microscopic field on days 3, 10, 15, and 30, respectively. We concluded from this study that implanted amniotic sac capsules were vascularized within the omental tissue from day 10 on with significant blood vessel formation starting on day 3 by immunohistochemical study.

Considering the importance of the X-ray production cross sections for the determination of the element concentrations in a given material, we have measured them experimentally for Al Si, Sc, Ti, V, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu bombarded by protons with energies ranging from 40 to 180 keV.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare condition that was described by Lyell in 1956. It is a severe, acute, adverse, primarily drug-induced, potentially fatal, cutaneous reaction that is characterized by large areas of skin desquamation and sloughing, similar in many aspects to second-degree burns. The treatment of cutaneous drug reactions rests essentially on immediate diagnosis and recognition of the disease process, accurate history, thorough physical examination, prompt discontinuation of the offending drug, and supportive care. TEN patients are best managed in specialized burn units. Nevertheless, the management remains very much individualized, based on the clinical setting. Topical wound care remains an essential factor in the treatment of burn-like syndromes and is a main determining parameter for morbidity and mortality. As the value of moist environment in wound healing is being fully appreciated, we report on the use of a newly introduced ointment, the Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (Julphar; Gulf Pharmaceutical industries, Ras El-Khaymah, United Arab of Emirutes), a moisture-retentive ointment, in the successful management of a case of TEN.

In this study, a potential radiation hazard from TENORM sludge wastes generated during exploration and extraction processes of oil and gas was evaluated. The activity concentration of natural radionuclides (238)U, (226)Ra and (232)Th were determined in TENORM sludge waste. It was found that sludge waste from oil and gas industry is one of the major sources of (226)Ra in the environment. Therefore, some preliminary chemical treatment of sludge waste using Triton X-100 was also investigated to reduce the radioactivity content as well as the risk of radiation hazard from TENORM wastes. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra and (228)Ra in petroleum sludge materials before and after chemical treatment were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. The average values of the activity concentrations of (226)Ra and (228)Ra measured in the original samples were found as 8908 Bq kg(-1) and 933 Bq kg(-1), respectively. After chemical treatment of TENORM samples, the average values of the activity concentrations of (226)Ra and (228)Ra measured in the samples were found as 7835 Bq kg(-1) and 574 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Activity concentration index, internal index, absorbed gamma dose rate and the corresponding effective dose rate were estimated for untreated and treated samples.

Three simple, specific and accurate spectrophotometric methods manipulating ratio spectra were developed and validated for simultaneous determination of Rabeprazole sodium (RB) and Domperidone (DP) in their binary mixture without prior separation. Method A, is constant center spectrophotometric method (CC). Method B is a ratio difference spectrophotometric one (RD), while method C is a combined ratio isoabsorptive point-ratio difference method (RIRD). Linear correlations were obtained in range of 4-44μg/mL for both Rabeprazole sodium and Domperidone. The mean percentage recoveries of RB were 99.69±0.504 for method A, 99.83±0.483 for (B) and 100.31±0.499 for (C), respectively, and that of DP were 99.52±0.474 for method A, 100.12±0.505 for (B) and 100.16±0.498 for (C), respectively. Specificity was investigated by analysis of laboratory prepared mixtures containing the cited drugs and their combined tablet dosage form. The obtained results were statistically compared with those obtained by the reported methods, showing no significant difference with respect to accuracy and precision. The three methods were validated as per ICH guidelines and can be applied for routine analysis in quality control laboratories.

Three simple, accurate and precise spectrophotometric methods manipulating ratio spectra were developed and validated for simultaneous determination of Irbesartan (IRB) and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) without prior separation namely; ratio subtraction coupled with constant multiplication (RS-CM), ratio difference (RD) and constant center (CC). The accuracy, precision and linearity ranges of the proposed methods were determined, and the methods were validated and the specificity was assessed by analyzing synthetic mixtures containing the cited drugs. The three methods were applied for the determination of the cited drugs in tablets and the obtained results were statistically compared with each other and with those of official methods. The comparison showed that there is no significant difference between the proposed methods and the official methods regarding both accuracy and precision.

More than two hundred (209) cases of central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET) are identified in our pathology archives over a period of sixteen years. Files of these patients are reviewed to check co-morbidity with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Positive parity intruder bands were searched for in the experimental data obtained from 113,115 In( α , nγ ) 116,118 Sb reactions. Two bands were found both in 116 Sb and 118 Sb, which are based on the 7 + isomeric states of 116,118 Sb, having the πg 9 2 −1 νd 5 2 intruder configuration. The bands were interpreted on the basis of interacting boson-fermion-fermion model calculation, resulting in a reasonable description of the energies and electromagnetic properties of the states observed.

Excited states of {sup 112}Sb were investigated through the {sup 112}Sn(p,n{gamma}){sup 112}Sb reaction. {gamma}-ray, {gamma}{gamma}-coincidence, and internal conversion electron spectra were measured with Ge(HP) {gamma} and superconducting magnetic lens plus Si(Li) electron spectrometers at 8.5, 8.9, 9.1, and 9.3 MeV bombarding proton energies. A significantly extended level scheme was constructed. Spins and parities have been assigned to the levels from Hauser-Feshbach analysis of reaction cross sections, internal conversion coefficients, angular distribution of the {gamma} rays, and decay properties of the states. The low lying states were assigned to proton-neutron multiplets on the basis of their decay properties. The energy splitting of these multiplets have been calculated using the parabolic rule. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

Wavelet–Neural–Network Control for Maximization of Energy Capture in Grid Connected Variable Speed Wind Driven Self- Excited Induction Generator System

Metabolomic networks describe correlated change in metabolite levels that crucially link the transcriptome and proteome with the complex matter and energy dynamics of small molecule metabolism. These networks are atypical. They do not directly portray regulatory and pathway information, yet they embed both. Here we study how stress rewires the metabolomic networks of Escherichia coli. Networks with vertices describing metabolites and edges representing correlated changes in metabolite concentrations were used to study time resolved bacterial responses to four non-lethal stress perturbations, cold, heat, lactose diauxie, and oxidative stress. We find notable patterns that are common to all stress responses examined: (1) networks are random rather than scale-free, i.e. metabolite connectivity is dictated by large network components rather than ‘hubs’ (2) networks rewire quickly even in the absence of stress and are therefore highly dynamic; (3) rewiring occurs minutes after exposure to the Stressor and results in significant decreases in network connectivity, and (4) at longer time frames connectivity is regained. The common biphasic-rewiring pattern revealed in our time-resolved exploration of metabolite connectivity also uncovers unique structural and functional features. We find that stress-induced decreases in connectivity were always counterbalanced by increases in network modularity. Remarkably, rewiring begins with energetics and carbon metabolism that is needed for growth and then focuses on lipids, hubs and metabolic centrality needed for membrane restructuring. While these patterns may simply represent the need of the cell to stop growing and to prepare for uncertainty, the biphasic modularization of the network is an unanticipated result that links the effects of environmental perturbations and the generation of modules in biology.

{gamma}, {gamma}{gamma}-coincidence, internal conversion electron, and {gamma}-ray angular distribution spectra of the {sup 118}Sn({ital p},{ital n}{gamma}){sup 118}Sb reaction were measured at different bombarding proton energies between 5.5 and 7.5 MeV. {gamma}, {gamma}{gamma}-coincidence, and internal conversion electron spectra of the {sup 115}In ({alpha},{ital n}{gamma}){sup 118}Sb reaction were also measured at {ital E}{sub {alpha}}=14.5 MeV. Ge(HP), Ge(Li), Ge(LEPS) {gamma}-ray detectors, as well as a superconducting magnetic lens electron spectrometer (with Si(Li) detectors), were used in the experiments. About 210 (including {similar to}130 new) {gamma} rays have been assigned to {sup 118}Sb. The deduced {sup 118}Sb level scheme contains more than 70 new levels. On the basis of the internal conversion coefficients, Hauser-Feshbach analysis of ({ital p},{ital n}) reaction cross sections, {gamma}-ray angular distributions, and other arguments spin and parity values have been determined. The parabolic rule'' prediction of the energy splitting of different proton-neutron multiplets enabled the identification of many proton-neutron multiplet states. The energy spectrum and electromagnetic properties have been calculated in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion-fermion--odd-odd truncated quadrupole phonon model, and reasonably good agreement has been obtained between experimental and theoretical results.

The screening of 27 isolates grown on nitrogen-free medium for nitrogen-fixing ability resulted in the isolation of five organisms belonging toBacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae andPseudomonadaceae. Estimates of N2-fixation efficiencies of these isolates indicated that they may be responsible for low rates of N2-fixation in soil. The possible association of these isolates as well as ofAzotobacter andAzospirillum with wheat and barley was investigated in a greenhouse experiment. The highest values of nitrogenase activity on plant root were recorded in treatments inoculated with composite inocula of the isolated N2-fixers, particularly whenAzotobacter and/orAzospirillum were added in combination. Inoculation with single inoculum of each of the N2-fixing isolates had no significant influence on plant growth, except withPseudomonas andBacillus for wheat and barley, respectively. Highly significant increases in growth of both plants were recorded in all cases of multistrain inoculation.

The possible interaction of four nematicides (Terbufos, Carbofuran, Fenamiphos, and Aldicarb) with Azospirillum lipoferum and growth of two Zea maize cultivars was studied in a greenhouse experiment. Application of nematicides, Fenamiphos in particular, resulted in higher plant length, dry matter production and N yield over the nematicide-untreated plants. Azospirillum spp. inoculation stimulated the growth of nematicide-treated Z. maize. Among the nematicides used, Carbofuran and Aldicarb inhibited the nitrogenase activity on plant roots more seriously than Fenamiphos and Terbufos. Generally, the inhibition percentages in acetylene reducing activity in soil of inoculated treatments were lower (14.4 - 61.8%) than those reported for the uninoculated ones (21.4 - 73.9%). Soil, irrespective of treatment, regained a part of its normal N2-ase activity with time. Field concentrations of all nematicides showed different inhibitory effects on N2-ase activity of Azospirillum spp. in culture medium, such effects increased with increased doses (10- and 100- fold) and incubation periods (10 days). The contribution of Azospirillum spp. to the N economy of soil treated with nematicides is discussed. Wechselwirkungen einiger Nematizide mit Azospirillum lipoferum und der Wuchs von Mais In einem Gefasversuch unter Glas wurden Wechselwirkungen von vier Nematiziden (Terbufos, Carbofuran, Fenamiphos und Aldicarb) mit Azospirillum lipoferum und ihre Beziehung zum Wuchs von Mais untersucht. Die Anwendung der Nematizide, besonders von Fenamiphos forderte das Wachstum und die N-Aufnahme der Pflanzen. Die Beimpfung mit Azospirillum spp. begunstigte das Wachstum der Nematizid-behandelten Maispflanzen. Die Nematizide hemmten die Nitrogenaseaktivitat und zwar Carbofuran und Aldicarb starker als Fenamiphos und Terbufos. Die Hemmung der Acetylenreduktion im Boden war mit Inokulation (14 - 62%) i.a. geringer als ohne Inokulation (21 - 74%). Mit der Zeit ging diese Hemmung wieder zuruck und zwar unabhangig von der Behandlung. Die im Feld angewendeten Konzentrationen der Nematizide hatten unterschiedliche Hemmwirkung auf die Nitrogenaseaktivitat von Azospirillum spp. im Kulturmedium, Effekte die mit der Dosis (10- und 100-fach) und der Inkubationsdauer (10 d) zunahmen. Der Beitrag von Azospirillum spp. auf den N-Haushalt von Nematizid-behandelten Boden wird diskutiert.

Background Data are scarce on the advantage of ultrasound-guided spinal anaesthesia in patients with easily identifiable bony landmarks. In this study, we compared the use of ultrasound to the landmark method in patients with no anticipated technical difficulty, presenting for caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. Methods A total of 150 pregnant women were recruited in this randomized, controlled study. Ultrasound examination and spinal anaesthesia were performed by three anaesthetists with experience in ultrasound-guided neuraxial block. Patients were randomized to either the Ultrasound Group ( n =75) or the Landmark Group ( n =75). In both groups the level of L3–4 or L4–5 was identified by ultrasound (transverse and longitudinal approach) or palpation. The primary outcome was the procedure time, measured from the time of skin puncture by the introducer to the time of viewing cerebrospinal fluid at the hub of the spinal needle. Secondary outcomes were the number of skin punctures, number of passes, and incidence of successful spinal blockade. Results The average procedure time, number of skin punctures and needle passes, were similar in both groups. The number of patients with successful spinal anaesthesia after one puncture was not statistically different between the groups. Conclusion The present results indicate that when performed by anaesthetists experienced in both ultrasound and landmark techniques, the use of ultrasound does not appear to increase the success rate of spinal anaesthesia, or reduce the procedure time or number of attempts in obstetric patients with easily palpable spines.

A small-sized dual-hemisphere irradiation facility designed and constructed for using Am-Be isotopic neutron source to study and characterize the neutron field around sample irradiation position for obtaining maximum thermal neutron flux. The foil activation method based on 115In and 197Au was used for monitoring the thermal neutron flux. For field characterization, several combinations of moderation media have been tested (air, sand and water) aiming at the identification of the best combinational setups for sample irradiations using thermal neutrons. To account for epithermal contribution, reaction rates and flux calculations were corrected using tabulated values of Westcott g-factors and resonance integrals for these media. The optimal position for sample irradiation using thermal neutron for both water-water and water-sand setups, inside the irradiation channel, was found at about 6.9 to 10.9 cm from the center of the neutron source.

The term para-nodule was introduced by Tchan and Kennedy (1989) to describe the chemically induced nodule since it differs from the naturally occurring legume nodule. Chemical treatment combined with inoculation with diazotrophs appears to be the most successful for inducing para-nodule formation (Zeman et al., 1992). In this work, the phenomenon of para-nodulation in wheat cultivars inoculated with various diazotrophs was investigated in the presence of different concentrations of 2,4-D, IAA and tryptophan.

Excited states of 65Ge were populated via the 12C plus 58Ni (261 MeV) reaction using the NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged-particle and neutron detector systems for reaction channel separation. On the basis of gamma gamma-coincidence relations and angular distribution ratios a significantly extended level scheme was constructed up to excitation energy of 9 MeV and spin/parity of 33/2-. The low-energy states of the nucleus are discussed in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion model.

A 56-year-old man had a right frontotemporoparietal craniotomy for evacuation of an encapsulated subdural hematoma that had reaccumulated after burr-hole decompression 6 weeks before. Histopathologic examination showed a malignant lymphoma in the subdural hematoma. Our patient shows that malignant lymphoma can rarely present as a chronic subdural hematoma.

Potential N2-fixation was investigated in a number of samples representing soils and water courses under the effect of some industrial wastes in Helwan area of Egypt. Microbiological analysis of soil and water samples showed the general enrichment of fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria including N2-fixers. Among asymbiotic N2-fixers, azospirilla compared to azotobacters and clostridia were found to be present with rather higher densities in all samples tested. Generally, the microbial numbers increased by increasing the distance from the Industrial Complex at Helwan, which could be attributed to the high levels of salinity and total heavy metals near the factories. The results indicated that the industrial wastes near the factories exerted inhibitory effects on the acetylenereducing activity in soils, which seriously reduces their biological fertility. Such effects were decreased by getting away from the factories. Significantly negative correlations were recorded between densities of N2-fixers or N2-ase activity and salinity and total heavy metals content in both soil and water samples. Wirkung industrieller Abwasser auf N-Bindung und Mikroflora von Boden und Wassern Die mikrobielle Analyse von Boden- und Wasserproben, die bei Heluan (Agypten) unterschiedlich stark durch Industrie-Abwasser belastet waren, ergab eine Abnahme der Pilze, Strahlenpilze und Bakterien (incl. Stickstoffbinder) mit Annaherung an Industriebetriebe. Unter den freien Stickstoffbindern waren Azospirilla, Azotobacter und Clostridien generell stark vertreten. Schwermetallreiche Industrieabwasser haben offensichtlich in den Boden die Acetylen-reduzierende Aktivitat gehemmt und damit die Fruchtbarkeit verschlechtert. Zwischen den Gehalten an N-Bindern sowie den Salz- und Schwermetallgehalten der Boden und Wasser ergaben sich namlich signifikant negative Korrelationen.

Procaine, Lignocaine, Amethocaine and Cinchocaine in pure form and in pharmaceutical preparations were analysed using the acid-dye technique. The optimum conditions for the analysis, stsichiometry of the reaction (Sensitivity, interferences and validity of the procedure were studied.

The occurrence and characterization of N2-fixing azospirilla in some Egyptian soils has been investigated. Seven soils, representing a wide range in texture and properties were selected from different localities in Egypt. The highest nitrogenase activity reported for soil samples under investigation were related to numbers of N2-fixing microorganisms (Azotobacter spp., Azospirillum spp., and Clostridium spp.). Seven strains of azospirilla were isolated and purified. Based on morphological characteristics, three types of cell morphology were distinguished. Cultural and physiological characteristics as well as nitrogenase activity of representative isolates in presence of different concentrations of NaCl were determined. According to the physiological properties studied, all isolates were classified as members of Azospirillum brasilense. Vorkommen und Charakterisierung N-bindender Azospirillen in agyptischen Boden Die Populationsdichten an stickstoffbindenden Bakterien (Azospirillum spp., Azotobacter spp. und Clostridium spp.) in 7 verschiedenen Boden Agyptens wurden verglichen. Insgesamt 7 Azospirillum-Stamme wurden isoliert, und aufgrund von morphologischen sowie physiologischen Eigenschaften identifiziert als A. brasilense. Von einigen Stammen wurde das Vermogen zur Stickstoffbindung mittels Acetylenreduktionstest gepruft. Der Einflus steigender NaCl-Mengen auf die Stickstoffbindung (Acetylenreduktionstest) wurde untersucht.

The influence of some precipitating and complexing agents on the function of Pb(II)-sensitive electrode was studied. On the basis of the experimental findings, procedures were worked out for determining oxalate, phosphate, chromate, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaDDC), and diethylenetetraamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) with a standard Pb(II) solution as a titrant and a Pb(II), -sensitive electrode as a detector. The reverse titration of Pb(II), with any of these agents could also be done.

The relationships among penile segmental pulsatile blood flow, pelvic musculovascular events, phases of nocturnal penile tumescence, and sleep stages were studied by all-night polysomnography in 23 healthy middle-aged men. Penile blood flow peaked during maximal tumescence. Bursts of phasic musculovascular activity were more frequent during ascending and maximal tumescence than during detumescence and baseline. Both penile blood flow and the number of musculovascular events increased during REM sleep. These data describe important local aspects of penile erectile mechanisms in normal men. The findings on musculovascular events support the notion that the bulbocavernosus-ischiocavernosus muscles have a role in human penile erection.

The composition of the microflora, N2-fixing bacteria particularly, in different soils cultivated with wheat in Egypt was investigated in some samples collected from the fields after applying the agricultural practices recommended for wheat cultivation and just before sowing. The influence of carbon sources, mineral nitrogen and water regimes on potential dinitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction assay) in soils was investigated. The bacterial population densities including-N2-fixing organisms were related to a number of environmental factors such as organic matter content. Among diazotrophs, Azotobacter spp. and Azospirillum spp. were encountered in higher densities in comparison with clostridia. Unamended soils showed a lower acetylene-reducing activity (0.5–61.5 nmoles C2H4 g−1 h−1). Addition of glucose (1% w/w) greatly enhanced such activity being the highest (86.9–2846.5 nmoles C2H4 g−1 h−1) in the clay soil with the highest organic carbon content (1.42%). Glucose amendment had no significant influence on acetylene reduction in the saline soil. N2-fixation in barley straw-amended (1%) soils was not much higher than in unamended soils. Concentrations of up to 70 ppm ammonium-nitrogen depressed N2-fixation in soils that received barley straw. Acetylene reduction in submerged soil increased after addition of cellulose. Non-flooded conditions favoured N2-fixation in the fertile clay soil amended with sucrose. Bakterielle Zusammensetzung und N2-Bindung in Weizenboden Agyptens Die Mikroflora agyptischer Weizenboden wurde untersucht. Besonders interessierte die potentielle N2-Bindung (Azetylenreduktion) in Abhangigkeit von verschiedenen C-Quellen, unterschiedlichen Gaben an mineralischem N und dem Wasserregime. Die Dichte der Bakterienpopulationen korreliert mit dem Humusgehalt der Boden (r-0,589x). Azotobacter und Azospirilla traten in hoheren Dichten auf als Clostridia. Nach Strohapplikation (1%) stieg die N2-Bindung kaum; erst Glucose bedingte eine sturmische C2H4-Bildung (bis zu 2846 nmol C2H4 g−1 h−1). Boden ohne zusatzliche C-Quelle, erzeugten nur 0,5–61 nmol C2H4 g−1 h−1. Der salzreiche Boden reagierte jedoch auch auf Glucosezugabe nicht. Die Zugabe von 70 ppm NH4-N reduzierte i.d.R. die N2-Bindung im Vergleich zu den Proben mit 50 ppm NH4-N. Unter anaeroben Bedingungen stieg die N2-Bindung, sofern Cellulose zugegeben wurde. Mit Saccharose versetzte Tonboden wiesen ebenfalls einen Anstieg der N2-Bindung auf.

The possible interaction of herbicides Bromoxynil and Afalon S with Azospirillumspp. and growth of maize was investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Neither inoculation nor herbicide application with or without inoculation had significant effect on the major groups of soil microflora (bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi). The highest values of nitrogenase as well as dehydrogenase activity were recorded in treatment received only Azospirillum. Incorporation in soil of either Bromoxynil or Afalon S at the recommended field dose seemed to have no significant effect on the enzymatic activities, while application of these herbicides with Azospirillum had stimulatory effects in some cases. The application of either Bromoxynil or Afalon S significantly increased the dry weight of roots and shoots at 45 days period. The effect of herbicide on plant growth was more pronounced when applied with Azospirillum and the highest stimulatory effect was observed when Afalon S was applied with the N2-fixing microorganism. Wechselwirkung der Herbizide Bromoxynil und Afalon S mit Azospirillum und dem Wachstum von Mais In einem Gewachshausversuch wurde der Einflus von Herbiziden (Bromoxynil oder Afalon S in praxisublicher Konzentration) auf Azospirillum spp., Nitrogenase Aktivitat (Acetylenreduktions-Test) Dehydrogenase-Aktivitat (DHA) und Mikroflora (Bakterien Actinomyceton und Pilze) in einem mit Mais (Varietat „Galal”) bepflanzten tonigen Lehm (pH 7,9) wahrend einer 45-tagigen Periode untersucht. Die hochste Dichte an Azospirillen und DHA wurde in der unbehandelten, aber beimpften Variante nachgewiesen. Die Einarbeitung von Bromoxynil (ein Nitrilherbizid) oder Afalon S (eine Kombination) aus den Hernstoffderivaten Linuron und Monolinuron hatte keinen Einflus auf die biologische Aktivitat des Bodens, fuhrte aber in Kombination mit einer Azospirillum spp. Impfung in einigen Versuchen zu einer Forderung der untersuchten Parameter. Die Wirkung der einzelnen Praparate auf das Pflanzenwachstum war in Kombination mit einer Azospirillum-Impfung starker als ohne Beimischung dieses Stickstoffbinders.

The first-derivative spectra of some metal complexes of danthron and phanquone show well defined, prominent peaks. This can be made the basis of a spectrophotometric technique for the determination of both danthron and phanquone. Two spectrophotometric. procedures are described. The first-derivative spectrophotometric technique, found to be more sensitive than the direct-absorbance method when the metal complex is weakly absorbing, can be applied to the determination of danthron, and phanquone both in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations. Danthron can be determined in the range of 0.48–5.7 mg using metal complexes. Phanquone can be determined in the range of 0.42–2.08 mg using iron (II), and 3.78–11.34 mg using cobalt (II). The second procedure is a first-derivative spectrophotometry titration for the determination of 0.096–0.57 mg of danthron and 0.048–1.0 mg of phanquone using the standard metal ion- solutions as titrants.

Summary Eighteen young bulls were maintained on a ration supplemented with different levels of vitamin A. The behaviour of various cell types of the anterior pituitary was studied. Advanced vitamin A deficiency caused a decrease of alpha cells and gonadotroph cells and an increase of chromophobe cells. There was a significant increase of thyrotroph cells in the anterior pituitary glands of bulls receiving clover hay, as compared with those animals receiving vitamin A in a pure form.

Radionuclide concentrations of uranium (238U), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K) maintained in 10 phosphate ore and 5 fertilizer samples were measured using a high-purity germanium detector. The concentrations of these radionuclides in the phosphate ore samples were relatively high for 226Ra at 871.37±91.90Bqkg−1 and relatively low for 232Th and 40K at 19.21±2.42Bqkg−1 and 176.06±17.66Bqkg−1, respectively. The concentrations of these radionuclides were low in the fertilizer samples. The radiological hazards of the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex) and internal (Hin) indices and annual effective dose due to the presence of these radionuclides in the investigated samples were calculated. The released radon from the selected samples was measured using the Alpha Guard radon monitor. Subsequently, the radon emanation coefficient and its exhalation rate were calculated.

The polarographic behavior of the widely used anti-inflammatory agent, oxyphenbutazone, was studied. It is determined polarographically by conversion to the nitroso derivative characterized by a cathodic, irreversible, diffusion-controlled wave. The method is applied to the determination of 2.5-10 mg/100 mL of oxyphenbutazone, with an accuracy of 99.9 ± 1.38%. By differential pulse polarographic analysis, as little as 10 ppm oxyphenbutazone can be determined with an accuracy of 99.70 ± 0.99% in pure powder and in some pharmaceutical formulations.

Polarographic and colorimetric methods for analysis of cyclophosphamide and its dosage forms were investigated. Both methods are based on the reaction of cyclophosphamide with nitrous acid. A single cathodic diffusion-controlled wave was used for dc polarographic determination of cyclophosphamide, with an accuracy of 99.98 ± 1.09%. The wave was well defined and irreversible. By differential pulse polarographic analysis, as little as 10 ppm cyclophosphamide was determined; overall accuracy at 10-60 ppm was 100.16 ± 0.99%. The linear relationship between absorbance for the lemon-yellow nitroso derivative and the concentration of cyclophosphamide was further used in colorimetric analysis; overall accuracy was 100.2 ± 0.99%.