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The asteroid (16) Psyche is the target of the NASA Psyche mission, where the magnetometer is one of the three science instruments on board. Its purpose is to prove whether the asteroid formed from the core of a differentiated planetesimal. The magnetometer will measure the magnetic field at different distances from the asteroid in order to detect any remanent magnetization, where a magnetic moment larger than 2×10^14 Am2 could imply that the body once generated a core dynamo, and therefore formed as an igneous differentiation.The Psyche spacecraft carries two three-axis fluxgate magnetometers mounted on a fixed boom at 2.15m and 1.45m, respectively, which provide redundancy and gradiometer capabilities to compensate for spacecraft-generated magnetic fields. The magnetometers will be powered on early in the initial checkout phase and remain on throughout cruise and orbital operations and producing 50 vectors per second. The in-flight temperature of the magnetometers is expected to span a large range, therefore an extensive calibration program has been carried out in order to characterize the instruments and prove the performance pre-flight.

Amos, C.L.; Kassem, H.; Bergamasco, A.; Sutherland, T.F., and Cloutier, D., 2021. The mass settling flux of suspended particulate matter in Venice Lagoon, Italy. Journal of Coastal Research, 37(6), 1099–1116. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A multidisciplinary study of the stability of the tidal flats of Venice Lagoon has provided field and laboratory data on the factors influencing the mass settling rates of material in suspension. This work was performed using two in situ benthic flumes (Sea Carousel and Mini Flume) in association with a wide range of physical and biological measurements undertaken during the summer of 1998 and the subsequent winter. Also, controlled experiments on erosion/sedimentation of prepared beds were carried out using Lab Carousel, a laboratory equivalent of Sea Carousel. Particle size and mass settling rates were found to be largely independent of suspended sediment concentration but strongly controlled by the antecedent bed shear stresses that led to the suspension. Results between the three flume types differed because of differences in the induced stress history created in each case. Comparable results were obtained by normalizing mass settling rate to the mean friction velocity of the flow during settling, i.e. the Rouse parameter () , and by use of the mean dimensionless particle diameter (D*). Results fell in line with results on carbonate and silica sands of the inlets of the lagoon. The mean particle diameter (df) varied in proportion to the applied shear stress and shear rate (G) suggesting that the suspended particles were eroded aggregates not floccules. The effective density of these aggregates was least (∼16 kgm–3) at the largest sizes (df > 1 × 10–4 m) and greatest (∼160–1600 kgm–3) at the smallest sizes (df < 1 × 10–4 m). The lack of an increase in df at low shear rates suggests that flocculation was not taking place. The mean deposition threshold (all experiments) was 0.68 Pa, which is less than the mean erosion threshold from these sites (0.78 Pa).

The bacterial cell division regulators MinD and MinE together with the division inhibitor MinC localize to the membrane in concentrated zones undergoing coordinated pole-to-pole oscillation to help ensure that the cytokinetic division septum forms only at the mid-cell position. This dynamic localization is driven by MinD-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis, stimulated by interactions with MinE's anti-MinCD domain. This domain is buried in the 6-β-stranded MinE "closed" structure, but is liberated for interactions with MinD, giving rise to a 4-β-stranded "open" structure through an unknown mechanism. Here we show that MinE-membrane interactions induce a structural change into a state resembling the open conformation. However, MinE mutants lacking the MinE membrane-targeting sequence stimulated higher ATP hydrolysis rates than the full-length protein, indicating that binding to MinD is sufficient to trigger this conformational transition in MinE. In contrast, conformational change between the open and closed states did not affect stimulation of ATP hydrolysis rates in the absence of membrane binding, although the MinD-binding residue Ile-25 is critical for this conformational transition. We therefore propose an updated model where MinE is brought to the membrane through interactions with MinD. After stimulation of ATP hydrolysis, MinE remains bound to the membrane in a state that does not catalyze additional rounds of ATP hydrolysis. Although the molecular basis for this inhibited state is unknown, previous observations of higher-order MinE self-association may explain this inhibition. Overall, our findings have general implications for Min protein oscillation cycles, including those that regulate cell division in bacterial pathogens.

Alternative indicators have been developed that can be used to identify host sources of fecal pollution, yet little is known about how their distribution and fate compare to traditional indicators. Escherichia coli and enterococci were widely distributed at the six beaches studied and were detected in almost 95% of water samples ( n = 422) and 100% of sand samples ( n = 400). Berm sand contained the largest amount of E. coli ( P < 0.01), whereas levels of enterococci were highest in the backshore ( P < 0.01). E. coli and enterococci were the lowest in water, using a weight-to-volume comparison. The gull-associated Catellicoccus marimammalium (Gull2) marker was found in over 80% of water samples, regardless of E. coli levels, and in 25% of sand samples. Human-associated Bacteroides (HB) and Lachnospiraceae (Lachno2) were detected in only 2.4% of water samples collected under baseflow and post-rain conditions but produced a robust signal after a combined sewage overflow, despite low E. coli concentrations. Burdens of E. coli and enterococci in water and sand were disproportionately high in relation to alternative indicators when comparing environmental samples to source material. In microcosm studies, Gull2, HB, and Lachno2 quantitative PCR (qPCR) signals were reduced twice as quickly as those from E. coli and enterococci and approximately 20% faster than signals from culturable E. coli . High concentrations of alternative indicators in source material illustrated their high sensitivity for the identification of fecal sources; however, differential survival and the potential for long-term persistence of traditional fecal indicators complicate the use of alternative indicator data to account for the levels of E. coli and enterococci in environmental samples. IMPORTANCE E. coli and enterococci are general indicators of fecal pollution and may persist in beach sand, making their use problematic for many applications. This study demonstrates that gull fecal pollution is widespread at Great Lakes beaches, whereas human and ruminant contamination is evident only after major rain events. An exploration of sand as a reservoir for indicators found that E. coli was ubiquitous, while gull host markers were detected in only 25% of samples. In situ sand beach microcosms provided decay rate constants for E. coli and enterococci relative to alternative indicators, which establish comparative benchmarks that would be helpful to distinguish recent from past pollution. Overall, alternative indicators are useful for identifying sources and assessing potentially high health risk contamination events; however, beach managers should be cautious in attempting to directly link their detection to the levels of E. coli or enterococci.

The karyotype 46,XX/69,XXY was found in a 13-year-old mentally subnormal patient with club feet, strabismus, eunuchoid habitus, small penis, midscrotal urethrovaginal opening, small descended left testis, and small undescended right testis; no ovarian tissue could be found at laparotomy. Triploid:diploid cell ratios were 60:40 and 4:96 in skin fibroblasts and curculating lymphocytes, respectively. In the triploid line, two of the no. 13 chromosomes had unusually large satellites and one of the no. 22 chromosomes had a brightly fluorescent zone on its short arms. The patient's father was heterozygous for both these autosomal markers; the mother carried neither marker. This, together with the single Y, indicated that the extra haploid set was derived from the father. Of several possible mechanisms, we favor the suggestion that double fertilization occurred; one sperm nucleus immediately fused with the egg nucleus producing the diploid line; the second sperm nucleus was incorporated later into one of the two cells resulting from the first division of the zygote, producing the triploid line.

Microbial communities within beach sand play a key role in nutrient cycling and are important to the nearshore ecosystem function. Escherichia coli and enterococci, two common indicators of fecal pollution, have been shown to persist in the beach sand, but little is known about how microbial community assemblages are related to these fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) reservoirs. We examined eight beaches across a geographic gradient and range of land use types and characterized the indigenous community structure in the water and the backshore, berm, and submerged sands. FIB were found at similar levels in sand at beaches adjacent to urban, forested, and agricultural land and in both the berm and backshore. However, there were striking differences in the berm and backshore microbial communities, even within the same beach, reflecting the very different environmental conditions in these beach zones in which FIB can survive. In contrast, the microbial communities in a particular beach zone were similar among beaches, including at beaches on opposite shores of Lake Michigan. The differences in the microbial communities that did exist within a beach zone correlated to nutrient levels, which varied among geographic locations. Total organic carbon and total phosphorus were higher in Wisconsin beach sand than in beach sand from Michigan. Within predominate genera, fine-scale sequence differences could be found that distinguished the populations from the two states, suggesting a biogeographic effect. This work demonstrates that microbial communities are reflective of environmental conditions at freshwater beaches and are able to provide useful information regarding long-term anthropogenic stress.

Selective logging may impact patterns of genetic diversity within populations of harvested forest tree species by increasing distances separating conspecific trees, and modifying physical and biotic features of the forest habitat. We measured levels of gene diversity, inbreeding, pollen dispersal and spatial genetic structure (SGS) of an Amazonian insectpollinated Carapa guianensis population before and after commercial selective logging. Similar levels of gene diversity and allelic richness were found before and after logging in both the adult and the seed generations. Pre- and post-harvest outcrossing rates were high, and not significantly different from one another. We found no significant levels of biparental inbreeding either before or after logging. Low levels of pollen pool differentiation were found, and the pre- vs. post-harvest difference was not significant. Pollen dispersal distance estimates averaged between 75 m and 265 m before logging, and between 76 m and 268 m after logging, depending on the value of tree density and the dispersal model used. There were weak and similar levels of differentiation of allele frequencies in the adults and in the pollen pool, before and after logging occurred, as well as weak and similar pre- and post-harvest levels of SGS among adult trees. The large neighbourhood sizes estimated suggest high historical levels of gene flow. Overall our results indicate that there is no clear short-term genetic impact of selective logging on this population of C. guianensis .

Carapa guianensis is a widespread Neotropical tree species that produces a seed adapted for water dispersal. We conducted a pilot study of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation in order to investigate the consequences of hydrochory on genetic diversity and geographic population structure in the lower Amazon basin. A survey of cpDNA haplotype variation reveals a strong regional structure, which suggests limited gene flow by seeds. Within site variation was detected only in one floodplain forest (varzea), suggesting that seed dispersal by water in these forests has the potential to mix maternal lineages. Several phylogeographic hypotheses are discussed with respect to these data.

Seabed properties in Venice Lagoon were examined in situ in two multidisciplinary field campaigns. The purpose of this study was to understand the mechanisms controlling the stability of bed types. Two benthic annular flumes (Sea Carousel and Mini Flume) were deployed simultaneously from a floating pontoon at 24 sites during summer (1998), which were considered representative of the range in bed/habitat types. As well, bottom sampling and coring, water-column monitoring and benthic habitat analyses were carried out. All but three sites were on cohesive sediments. Bed types included bare shelly mudflats and regions colonised by the seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera noltii, by filamentous cyanobacteria, and by patches of the macrophytes Ulva rigida and Chaetomorpha sp. A subset (13) of these sites was visited during the subsequent winter to evaluate seasonal changes. Six of the sites were intertidal, the remainder were in the sublittoral zone. Water temperature varied between 5 and 30 °C, and salinity varied between 20 and 38 psu. In the absence of waves, turbidity was generally low (

Variation at nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded microsatellite loci was studied among and within clonally propagated individuals of Eastern white pine. Total DNA was extracted and assayed from gamete-bearing tissue (megagametophytes) located on six different branch positions on each of 12 individual genets. No within-individual variation was observed among 12 loci studied. Estimates of numbers of mitotic cell divisions required to produce the tissue used as the source of genomic DNA were obtained by combining tree growth and anatomical data. This allowed for the calculation of upper bound estimates of numbers of mutations per locus per somatic cell division. The estimated somatic mutation rate was found to be substantially lower than those published for genomic microsatellite mutation rates in other plant species.

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human acid-α-glucosidase (rhGAA) is the only FDA approved therapy for Pompe disease. Without ERT, severely affected individuals (early onset) succumb to the disease within 2 years of life. A spectrum of disease severity and progression exists depending upon the type of mutation in the GAA gene (GAA), which in turn determines the amount of defective protein produced and its enzymatic activity. A large percent of the early onset patients are also cross reactive immunological material negative (CRIM-) and develop high titer immune responses to ERT with rhGAA. New insights from our studies in pre-clinical murine models reveal that the type of Gaa mutation has a profound effect on the immune responses mounted against ERT and the associated toxicities, including activation of clotting factors and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Additionally, the mouse strain affects outcomes, suggesting the influence of additional genetic components or modifiers. High doses of rhGAA (20 mg/kg) are currently required to achieve therapeutic benefit. Our studies indicate that lower enzyme doses reduce the antibody responses to rhGAA, reduce the incidence of immune toxicity and avoid ERT-associated anaphylaxis. Therefore, development of rhGAA with increased efficacy is warranted to limit immunotoxicities.

Weed competition can cause substantial maize (Zea mays L.) yield reductions. Interseeding maize with cover crops or a combination of interrow cultivation and interseeded cover crops are possible alternative methods of weed control. This study was conducted to examine the potential of interrow cultivation plus cover crops to reduce weed density in maize without reducing the grain yield. Field experiments were conducted in 1993 and 1994 at two sites in Quebec to determine the effects of planting 12 cover crops with maize on weed control. Fall rye (Secale cereal L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), a mixture of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam), a mixture of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and ryegrass, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), yellow sweet clover (Meliotus officinalis Lam), black medic (Medicago lupulina L.), Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) were seeded at two planting dates, 10 and 20 days after maize emergence. Interrow cultivation was carried out weekly until forage seeding, with a final cultivation being conducted just prior to cover crop seeding. Cover crop planting date did not affect maize yields or the ability of interrow tillage plus cover crops to suppress the development of weed populations. Maize yield was less affected by the interseeded cover crops under conditions of adequate rainfall. Corn planted in fields heavily infested with weeds resulted in substantial yield reductions even when rainfall was adequate. Except for 1993 at l'Assomption interrow tillage plus cover crop treatments had consistently lower weed biomass when compared to the weedy control. Most of the weed control was due to the interrow cultivation performed prior to seeding of the cover crops. The lowest weed density occurred in the herbicide treated plots. The ability of interrow tillage plus cover crops to suppress the development of weeds was affected by the level of weed infestation, the growing conditions and location. The cover crops provide additional weed control but the interrrow tillage or some herbicide application may still be necessary.

Investigation on oil-mineral aggregate (OMA) formation in ice-covered waters was conducted by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). Different tests were performed in large basins using Heidrun oil and calcite to determine the efficiency of the OMA formation in these conditions. The main objectives of the experiments were (1) to validate oil droplets (OD) and OMA formation in ice-covered waters for different turbulence levels, (2) to investigate the type and size of OMAs formed, and (3) to help identify performance indicators of the OMA process in these conditions. The results have shown that OD and OMA formation is initiated when the stirring action upsets the water surface in the basin. The majority of the OMAs formed were droplet OMAs and their sizes related to the energy level and to the ice type. The sur-face flow pattern with and without ice was characterised using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) method. The results have shown the circu-lation pattern of surface currents is modified due to the ice blocks. The energy damping and a significant reduction in current intensity were the most evident effects consequential to the presence of ice.

An exhaustive current meter study was conducted last fall (2007) in the St. Lawrence Estuary in the vicinity of Gros-Cacouna, near Ile Rouge and Ile aux Lievres. Five Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) were deployed to monitor current speed (Cs), current direction (Cd), and wave parameters (significant wave height (Hs) and direction of propagation) over a period of twenty (20) days. Four 600 kHz Sentinel Workhorse were deployed in depths ranging from 25 to 45 m, while one 1200 kHz was deployed in the coastal area in a 15 m depth. The survey period was conducted during both neap and spring tide events. The data was analyzed for near bed, mid-depth, and surface currents at each survey sites according to direction of propagation. In general, the current direction pattern observed at all measurements sites showed that currents were mainly oriented towards North North-East and South South-West. These correspond to the tidal current directions known for this part of the estuary which are parallel to the shoreline. Important differences were observed between ebb and flood tides current speeds. The results show that currents velocity may be described using the following vertical distribution with (1) near surface currents (less than 10 m) with current speeds Cs 20 m where Cs les 1.0 m/s. Significant wave heights measured during the survey period vary between 0.1 and 1.5 m. The highest waves measured (> 1 m) originate from the western direction. The comparison between current measurements and multibeam sounding surveys collected - registered in the same area earlier in fall shows that important hydraulic dunes can be generated, suggesting suspended bed load as a significant sediment transport pattern in some parts of the Estuary.

PurposeThis paper seeks to shed some light on value‐creation in new product development (NPD) projects within the context of industry convergence and to explore alternative types of projects characterised by different buyer‐seller relationships.Design/methodology/approachThere has been much research on value‐creation in general, but limited emphasis on value‐creation in NPD projects addressing new industry segments emerging from industry convergence (for example, the segment of nuctraceuticals and functional foods (NFF) products that is positioned between the food and the pharmaceutical industries). Based on a multi‐case study approach, this paper pursues an exploratory research strategy and investigates 54 NPD projects drawn from a Quebec (Canada) NFF foods cluster.FindingsIn the context of convergence a new value chain is emerging between two formerly separated sectors. Value‐creation networks spread across industries and reinforce trends of convergence. Firms face competence gaps in NPD and seek to close these by choosing alternative forms of collaboration. Different types of NPD projects involve alternative forms of buyer‐seller relationships and their approach of value‐creation is analysed.Research limitations/implicationsA typology of different approaches to NPD in converging value chains is presented along with type‐specific implications for value‐creation for the required buyer‐seller relationship.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique insight into value‐creation in NPD in the emerging NFF sector, in particular, and for converging industries, in general.

Selective logging may impact patterns of genetic diversity within populations of harvested forest tree species by increasing distances separating conspecific trees, and modifying physical and biotic features of the forest habitat. We measured levels of gene diversity, inbreeding, pollen dispersal and spatial genetic structure (SGS) of an Amazonian insect-pollinated Carapa guianensis population before and after commercial selective logging. Similar levels of gene diversity and allelic richness were found before and after logging in both the adult and the seed generations. Pre- and post-harvest outcrossing rates were high, and not significantly different from one another. We found no significant levels of biparental inbreeding either before or after logging. Low levels of pollen pool differentiation were found, and the pre- vs. post-harvest difference was not significant. Pollen dispersal distance estimates averaged between 75 m and 265 m before logging, and between 76 m and 268 m after logging, depending on the value of tree density and the dispersal model used. There were weak and similar levels of differentiation of allele frequencies in the adults and in the pollen pool, before and after logging occurred, as well as weak and similar pre- and post-harvest levels of SGS among adult trees. The large neighbourhood sizes estimated suggest high historical levels of gene flow. Overall our results indicate that there is no clear short-term genetic impact of selective logging on this population of C. guianensis.

To describe the knowledge, practices and perspectives of Canadian family physicians regarding ovarian cancer.A mailed survey questionnaire was followed by a reminder card, a second mailing of the questionnaire and a final reminder card.A national sample of family physicians was drawn randomly from the membership database of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.Knowledge related to ovarian cancer. Practices related to the screening and detection of ovarian cancer. Attitudes towards screening for ovarian cancer. Perceived role in the care of women at risk of, or diagnosed with, ovarian cancer. Perceived educational needs of physicians.A total of 1079 completed questionnaires were returned, providing a response rate of 56.6%. Although most family physicians were aware of the basic facts about ovarian cancer, there were knowledge limitations related to risk factors, familial ovarian cancer syndromes and symptoms. Practices related to asymptomatic women were found to be mostly in accord with current guidelines and recognized the prevailing lack of evidence for the effectiveness of tests. Areas that were troublesome included the role of screening in high-risk women and knowledge about available tests. Most family physicians indicated that they have an important role to play in the care of women after they have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They also expressed a high level of interest in obtaining additional information related to ovarian cancer.This study clearly shows that there is a need for additional research to assist with the development of evidence-based guidelines for women at increased risk of ovarian cancer and for women at no known risk. Pending more definitive evidence, interim guidelines could provide assistance to physicians currently having to make decisions in a context of massive uncertainty. Canadian family physicians would be interested in and would benefit from continuing medical education (CME) initiatives concerning ovarian cancer.

Summary For implementation of simple yield loss models into threshold-based weed management systems, a thorough validation is needed over a great diversity of sites. Yield losses by competition wsth Sinapis alba L. (white mustard) as a model weed, were studied in 12 experiments in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and in 11 experiments in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Most data sets were heller described by a model based on the relative leaf area of the weed than by a hyperbolic model based on weed density. This leaf area model accounted for (part of) the effect of different emerging times of the S. alba whereas the density model did not. A parameter that allows the maximum yield loss to be smaller than 100% was mostly not needed to describe the effects of weed competition. The parameter that denotes the competitiveness of the weed species with respect to the crop decreased the later the relative leaf area of the mustard was determined. This decrease could be estimated from the differences in relative growth rate of the leaf area of crop and S. alba. However, the accuracy of this estimation was poor. The parameter value of the leaf area model varied considerably between sites and years. The results strongly suggest that the predictive ability of the leaf area model needs to be improved before it can be applied in weed management systems. Such improvement would require additional information about effects of abiotic factors on plant development and morphology and the definition of a time window for predictions with an acceptable level of error.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a common weed in Canada and it is one of the most important source of aero-allergenic pollen in the north-eastern part of North America. It is a problem mostly along roads in urban or suburban areas. It is easily controlled by herbicides but their use is increasingly restricted because of environmental considerations. Therefore, new methods must be developed to control this weed. Three types of controls were evaluated against Ambrosia artemisiifolia along an expressway in the summer of 1990. The control methods were hand weeding, mowing at 2 cm, 5 cm, or 8 cm, and crushing by a roadroller. These treatments were done at different dates in the course of the summer. Hand weeding was the most effective in reducing pollen and seed production although it was also the most expensive. Mowing was very effective when it was done at a height of 2 cm from the soil. It is the only height at which seed production was significantly reduced. Mowing efficacy in reducing pollen production tended to decrease with the raising of the mowing blade. The efficiency of weed pulling or moving improved when they were performed later in the growing season. Crushing was not an effective method of control. Mowing or hand weeding cannot eradicate Ambrosia artemisiifolia but if they are consistently used, they could reduce its population level over several years by decreasing seed production. The treatments either eliminated pollen production or reduced it at least by 88%, thereby insuring a relative relief for people allergic to the pollen of this plant.

Sixty-three healthy post-menopausal women participated in the study aimed at determining the efficiency of percutaneous administration of estradiol (E2) giving physiological plasma levels of the estrogen to provide an efficient relief of climacteric and urogenital symptoms. Among these women, 31 had previous hysterectomy and were randomly allocated to one of the two estrogen replacement therapies while, similarly, the 32 women having an uterus were randomly divided between two groups who received in addition to estrogens, micronized oral progesterone. As estrogen, women received either E2 by percutaneous administration (Oestrogel) or oral conjugated estrogens (Premarin). With Oestrogel, serum E2 and estrone levels were within those seen during premenopause and showed a ratio close to 1.0. Climacteric symptoms were reduced or eliminated similarly in all groups. No changes was noticed on the concentration of serum angiotensinogen with Oestrogel therapy while a 2.5-fold increase was found in women receiving Premarin. As indicated by the 24-week endometrial biopsy, the progestational response induced by oral progesterone at the dose used was sufficient in twenty out of thirty-two women to cause endometrial atrophy, thus suggesting the need for higher amounts of micronized progesterone in a proportion of women. The present data also indicate that Oestrogel provides efficient relief of climacteric and urogenital symptoms without exerting any detectable effect on hepatic function while maintaining the ratio of serum E2/E1 at the physiological value of 1.0.

The preliminary design of a closed Rankine-cycle power system using the ocean temperature difference as an energy source is discussed. A thermal-cycle analysis, with ammonia and propane as the candidate working fluids, and hull design factors for the system are presented. Graphical and tabular results, which illustrate the importance of various cycle and design parameters, are included, as well as the outline of the digital-computer-based complete thermal-cycle analytical model, which has been used in the design of ocean-based hull configurations to contain the thermal-cycle components and auxiliary systems for powerplants of at least 400 Mw output.

Germ line genes encoding mouse Ig kappa-chains belonging to the V kappa-1 group have been isolated from BALB/c, NZB, and CE, three inbred strains of differing kappa haplotype. The V kappa-1A and V kappa-1C germ line genes isolated from BALB/c (Ig kappa c) were identical to those previously described. These are the two major V kappa-1 germ line genes in BALB/c and together account for 40 of the 53 expressed V kappa-1 sequences that have been reported to date. Allelic differences in a single germ line variable region gene (V kappa-1A) in different strains of mice explain the differences in L chain IEF patterns previously associated with the Ig kappa-Ef2 locus. The rearranged kappa-gene expressed in the BALB/c myeloma MOPC-460 has been isolated and found to represent a V kappa-1A somatic variant differing by three nucleotides from the germ line V kappa-1A gene. Germ line genes isolated from NZB (Ig kappa b) and CE (Ig kappa f) show greater than 95% identity with the BALB/c genes over the 1700 nucleotides compared. Comparison by region indicated the greatest conservation of sequence occurs in and around the leader exon followed by the V-region exon. The NZB gene encodes the amino acid sequence found in the myeloma PC-2205, previously designated V kappa-1B. The V kappa-1 gene isolated from CE is likely an allele of the BALB/c V kappa-1C gene as the two share greater than 96% identity over 1700 nucleotides. The CE gene has been designated V kappa-1Cf. Ancient remnants of LINE-1 repetitive elements were detected approximately 400 bp downstream of all of the V kappa-1 genes. These possess greater homology with repetitive elements found near other kappa genes than they do with the native L1Md sequence.

Peritoneal macrophages (PM), obtained from 39 healthy women with normal laparoscopy findings, were stimulated with the ionophore A23187 or/and arachidonic acid (AA) both in adherence and in suspension. AA lipoxygenase metabolites were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. The major metabolites identified were 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), leukotriene (LT)B4 and LTC4. The 20-hydroxy-LTB4, 20-carboxy-LTB4, and 15-HETE were not detected. Incubations of adherent PM with 2 microM A23187 induced the formation of LTB4, 110 +/- 19 pmol/10(6) cells, 5-HETE, 264 +/- 53 pmol/10(6) cells and LTC4, 192 +/- 37 pmol/10(6) cells. When incubated with 30 microM exogenous AA, adherent PM released similar amounts of 5-HETE (217 +/- 67 pmol/10(6) cells), but sevenfold less LTC4 (27 +/- 12 pmol/10(6) cells) (p less than 0.01). In these conditions LTB4 was not detectable. These results indicate that efficient LT synthesis in PM requires activation of the 5-lipoxygenase/LTA4 synthase, as demonstrated previously for blood phagocytes. When stimulated with ionophore, suspensions of Ficoll-Paque-purified PM produced the same lipoxygenase metabolites. The kinetics of accumulation of the 5-lipoxygenase/LTA4 synthase products in A23187-stimulated adherent cells varied for the various metabolites. LTB4 reached a plateau by 5 min, whereas LTC4 levels increased up to 60 min, the longest incubation time studied. Levels of 5-HETE were maximal at 5 min, and then slowly decreased with time. Thus, normal PM, in suspension or adherence, have the capacity to produce significant amounts of 5-HETE, LTB4, and LTC4. The profile of lipoxygenase products formed by the PM and the reactivity of this cell to AA and ionophore A23187 are similar to those of the human blood monocyte, but different from those of the human alveolar macrophage.

A case of idiopathic osteoporosis in a 12-year-old girl has been reported. Quantitative microradiographic studies of a biopsy specimen of iliac crest showed normal bone formation and an almost threefold increase in the level of bone resorption. The patient was observed without treatment, and a spontaneous clinical remission with roentgenographic improvement occurred. A second iliac crest biopsy specimen, obtained 15 months after the initial biopsy at a time when roentgenographic improvement was apparent, showed a return toward normal of the level of bone resorption. Metabolic balance studies conducted at this time showed that the patient was approximately in calcium balance. Because the majority of the previously reported cases have also exhibited spontaneous improvement, it is suggested that initially observation alone is indicated.

Laparoscopic tubal sterilization is being performed more and more by more gynecologists as an outpatient procedure. Courses are being given all over the country, yet complications keep on being reported with a fatalistic attitude—as if they are part of the game. The instrumentation presently in use is bound to produce them and ways to prevent them are unknown. This situation is due to the fact that all the systems in use work on the principle of an active electrode connected to the specific instrument where the high-frequency energy is concentrated and a return electrode to which the current must travel through the body and back to the generator. Production of intra-abdominal sparking is therefore possible with secondary intestinal burn. The authors have conceived a new instrument using both electrodes in a very localized area, thus avoiding these complications.

Pituitary aplasia or hypoplasia occurs in anencephalic and normocephalic infants. Two infants with hypopituitarism are described; in each the diagnosis was made clinically. The infants had frank clinical and histologic evidence of the neonatal hepatitis syndrome. There may be more than a chance relationship between the clinicopathologic findings of neonatal hypopituitarism and hepatitis.

From 1969 to 1974, 2080 patients were sterilized, 1702 by the pelviscopic method (electrocoagulation), 375 by laparotomy, and 3 vaginally. About two thirds of the sterilisations by laparotomy were carried out after delivery or during other surgical procedures. 15% of all women were sterilized for medical reasons; the other cases had to be 35 years of age or at least 30 if they had more than 3 children. The overall complication rate was 5% with both methods. Complications during pelviscopy included hemorrhage, bowel injury and burns. Postoperative complications after laparotomy were hemorrhage, thrombosis and wound dehiscence. Only half of the patients could be followed up; there were 4 pregnancies among 1308 women. In more than 50% the sexual relations had improved, in only 3% they had worsened. About 97% of the pelviscopically sterilized patients were satisfied with surgical method chosen and with their present status. It is recommended to allow sufficient time to think the decision over prior to the operation.A report on the complication rate from 1702 pelviscopic sterilizations and 378 laparotomy or colpotomy sterilizations is presented. 15.2% of the sterilizations were performed under the medical indication, and the average age of this group was less than that of the other patients. The complication rate for the patients undergoing pelviscopy was 4.98%; a laparotomy was made necessary in only .7% of the cases. Bleeding, slight burns, and pain were the most frequent complications. The complication rate for the laparotomy patients was 4.94%, mainly less serious complications such as slight bleeding, subcutaneous hematoma, or dehiscence of the wound occurred. 4 pregnancies were reported after the operations. 43.3% experienced changes in the menstrual cycle. 51.4% reported that their sexual relations had improved after the operation, 2.9% that they had gotten worse. 97% of the pelviscopy patients were satisfied with the operation.

Much has been written about the risks of PID to IUD users, but very little about the subsequent fertility status of these patients. Is tubal infertility increased in an IUD user who has been asymptomatic? Does the addition of copper make the device harmless? Was the Dalkon Shield so harmful in the nulliparous woman? Our study (89 and 90% follow-up after 12-14 years) of 200 Dalkon Shield and 142 TCu-200 users allows us to answer 'No' to the three previous questions. We conclude that wearing an IUD per se does not cause infertility since all our patients who had IUDs removed for intended pregnancy did become pregnant; the addition of copper per se does not make an IUD safer although it does make it more efficient; the Dalkon Shield used in nulligravidas was not more dangerous than other types of IUD.

In our longitudinal study on the influence of nutrition upon health during infancy we found in a cohort of 556 infants in good health, 6.4% of infants at six months with a total serum cholesterol level above 200 mg/100 ml. Because of the known importance of hypercholesterolemia for health we studied the role of the food intake patterns during the first six months in relation to the serum cholesterol. We analysed the 24 hours dietary recalls, the dietary habits and a set of biochemical determinations used for evaluation of nutritional status: 35 infants, 21 girls and 14 boys, were compared with a control group matched for sex and birth date. There were no differences in mean body weight and socio-demographic characteristics. Daily energy and protein intake was higher in the study group. Analysing milk consumption we found that the daily intake was always higher in the high cholesterol group. The solid foods were introduced earlier in the study group, i.e. for 46% of infants in the second week of life. The serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E, and of triglyceride were higher in the high cholesterol groups. At twelve months 33% of infants with the cholesterol level above 200 mg/100 ml we included in the studied group remain still with a high level. This tendency underlines the need of further research.

To test the hypothesis that chromium deficiency may be cumulative with age and increasing parity, hair chromium levels were measured in 432 women at delivery. Although the levels in general were lower than those found in non-pregnant women there was no correlation between hair chromium level and age or number of pregnancies. Hair zinc levels were also measured to rule out zinc deficiency as a factor.

Results indicate that, in comparison with normal pregnancies, in pregnancies leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenitally malformed infants, maternal alpha-tocopherol differs both as to serum levels and as to rates of increase during gestation. In women aborting or giving birth to malformed infants, decreases in serum alpha-tocopherol levels were noted in the second trimester. In pregnancies ending in stillbirths, the increases in alpha-tocopherol levels were slower and significantly lower than in normal pregnancies. Because of the limited number of observations no causal relationships were proposed but the hypothesis of a vitamin basis for congenital deformities appears worth testing.

Daily oral administration of 1, 3 or 10 mg of RU16117 (11 alpha-methoxy ethinyl oestradiol) to normal postmenopausal women led to a progressive decrease of basal serum LH levels to 60.4 +/- 17.0, 35.1 +/- 9.1 and 20.1 +/- 2.8% of control (pretreatment values, P less than 0.01), respectively, after 4 wk of drug administration. Although the pattern was similar, the inhibitory effect of RU16117 was even more pronounced on FSH than LH levels: a 50% decrease of basal LH and FSH levels was obtained at the daily 1.8 and 1.2 mg doses of RU16117, respectively. No significant change of basal serum gonadotrophin levels was observed with the daily 0.3 mg dose. Administration of 1 mg of RU16117 every second day or 10 mg once a week led to a relatively small but significant (P less than 0.05) 20--25% decrease of basal serum LH levels after 4 wk of treatment in four out of five women. While daily 0.3 and 1.0 mg doses of RU16117 had no significant effect on the LH response to 100 microgram LHRH, the 3.0 mg dose delayed the response up to 90 min. The 10 mg dose, on the other hand, led to a markedly delayed and reduced response. Treatment for the same period (4 wk) with 1 mg RU16117 every second day or 10 mg once a week led to a small (20--25%, P less than 0.05) inhibition of the LH response to LHRH. At the dose of 10 mg once a week, RU16117 had no or minimal effect on endometrial histology. Since RU16117, an orally active weak oestrogenic compound, has been shown to have anticarcinogenic activity in the rat, the present findings suggest that this new steroid could be useful for the treatment of climacteric symptoms.Daily oral administration of 1, 3, or 10 mg of RU16117 (11alpha-methoxy ethiyl estradiol) to normal postmenopausal women led to a progressive decrease of basal serum LH levels to 60.4 + or - 17.0, 35.1 + or - 9.1 and 20.1 + or - 2.8% of control (pretreatment values, P 0.01), respectively, after 4 weeks of drug administration. Although the pattern was similar, the inhibitory effect of RU16117 was even more pronounced on FSH than LH levels: a 50% decrease of basal LH and FSH levels was obtained at the daily 1.8 and 1.2 mg doses of RU16117, respectively. No significant change of basal serum gonadotrophin levels was observed with the daily 0.3 mg dose. Administration of 1 mg of RU16117 every 2nd day or 10 mg once a week led to a relatively small but significant (P 0.05) 20-25% decrease of basal serum LH levels after 4 weeks of treatment in 4 out of 5 women. While daily 0.3 and 1.0 mg doses of RU16117 had no significant effect on the LH response to 100 mcg LHRH, the 3.0 mg dose delayed the response up to 90 minutes. The 10 mg dose, on the other hand, led to a markedly delayed and reduced response. Treatment for the same period (4 weeks) with 1 mg RU16117 every 2nd day or 10 mg once a week, led to a small (20-25%, P 0.05) inhibition of the LH response to LHRH. At the dose of 10 mg once a week, RU16117 had no or minimal effect on endometrial histology. Since RU16117, an orally active weak estrogenic compound, has been shown to have anticarcinogenic activity in the rat, the present findings suggest that this new steroid could be useful for the treatment of climacteric synptoms.