Showing papers by "University of Bologna published in 1980"

Endocrine differentiation in mucoid carcinoma of the breast.

Abstract: Mucoid carcinoma of the breast is not a single homogeneous entity. It comprises two main variants separable on structural and cytological grounds and a smaller transitional type. The salient pathological differences are detailed. One variant is usually arygrophilic and contains dense core granules of the type seen in endocrine tumours. Both endocrine and amphicrine cells have been identified in this subtype. The relationship of this endocrine variant of mucoid carcinoma to other argyrophil carcinomas (so-called ‘carcinoids’) of the breast is discussed.

Basin‐wide turbidites in a Miocene, over‐supplied deep‐sea plain: a geometrical analysis

Abstract: Eighteen stratigraphic sections, 200 m thick on average, were logged in basin plain deposits of the Marnoso-arenacea Formation (Miocene, northern Apennines) over an area of 123 × 27 km. Turbidites form 80–90% of the facies association, hemipelagites the remainder. Thin and thick-bedded turbidites are separated by an approximate statistical boundary at 40 cm; most prominent beds (> 1 m thick) are qualified as megaturbidites. With reference to the main supply-dispersal system (NW to SE), the basin plain can be axially subdivided into proximal, intermediate and distal segments by means of the following parameters: bulk sand content, sand/shale ratio in turbidites, mean thickness of individual layers and component beds, and frequency of thick layers. Almost 40% of thick-bedded turbidites can be traced over the whole study area. These basin-wide deposits form the bulk of the basin fill. Geometrical reconstruction shows that some sandstone beds taper downcurrent from the proximal plain or the adjacent fan area while others thin upcurrent suggesting sand by pass of the fan. Mudstone beds in general thicken towards the end and the margins of the plain indicating that turbidite mud, besides bypassing the fan as a rule, was affected by ponding in the plain. Thin-bedded turbidites have a low sand/shale ratio or are completely muddy representing either tails of sandier turbidites of the outer fan (lobe and fringe deposits) or sheets extending to a great part of or to the whole plain. Sandstone lobes advanced from fans into the plain for 40–50 km gradually thinning and shaling out over a transitional zone of 10–20 km. Their internal geometry shows simple and complex growth patterns: end members are defined as progradational and aggradational. Estimates of original length, width and volume of individual turbidites strongly suggest that flows were usually confined and deflected by basin slopes regardless of source location. Basinal deposits are thus characterized by great thickness and volume, abundance of mud and fine sand, extremely low lateral gradients of thickness and grain size (but rapid wedging near the sides). The basin plain developed as a part of an elongated, oversupplied basin with a ‘highly efficient’, probably delta-fed, dispersal system.

Some New Branching and Bounding Criteria for the Asymmetric Travelling Salesman Problem

Abstract: Many algorithms have been developed for the optimal solution of the asymmetric travelling salesman problem: the most efficient ones are based on the subtour elimination approach. This paper presents a breadth-first branch and bound algorithm which differs from the method of Smith, Srinivasan and Thompson in the selection of the subtour to be split, in the ordering of the arcs in the selected subtour, in the computation of different partial lower bounds and in different data structures to facilitate the updating of the cost matrix. Extensive computational results considering random problems with up to 240 vertices are presented for various ranges of the coefficients of the cost matrix.

On a Class of non Linear Schrödinger Equations with non Local Interaction.

Abstract: As regards the first question we prove existence and uniqueness of the solutions of the Cauchy problem with finite initial time; as regards the second one, we prove the existence of solutions of the Cauchy problem with infinite initial time, which implies the existence of the wave operators, and we prove asymptotic completeness for a class of repulsive interactions. The main reason for this investigation is that the Eq. (0.1) can be considered as the classical limit, in the field sense, of the field equation describing a

Life events and psychological distress in dermatologic disorders: Psoriasis, chronic urticaria and fungal infections

Abstract: A consecutive unselected series of 60 in-patients suffering from dermatologic disorders (psoriasis, chronic urticaria and fungal infections of the skin) was examined. Twenty patients with each illness were included. Stressful life events immediately before illness onset, levels of psychological distress, and alexithymic traits were investigated. Patients with psoriasis and chronic urticaria were exposed to stressful life situations before disease onset and suffered from psychological distress (anxiety, depression, inadequacy) significantly more than those with fungal infections. Implications for psychosomatic research and treatment are discussed.

Dynamic Programming Algorithms for the Zero-One Knapsack Problem*

Abstract: New dynamic programming algorithms for the solution of the Zero-One Knapsack Problem are developed. Original recursive procedures for the computation of the Knapsack Function are presented and the utilization of bounds to eliminate states not leading to optimal solutions is analyzed. The proposed algorithms, according to the nature of the problem to be solved, automatically determine the most suitable procedure to be employed. Extensive computational results showing the efficiency of the new and the most commonly utilized algorithms are given. The results indicate that, for difficult problems, the algorithms proposed are superior to the best branch and bound and dynamic programming methods.

Algorithm 548: Solution of the Assignment Problem [H]

Abstract: R H U first ( s ) nex t (s) last ( s ) as the row ass igned to c o l u m n y ( j -1 . . . . . n); as the label o f c o l u m n j ; i fLCj = 0, c o l u m n j is un labe led ( ] = 1 . . . . . n); as the label o f r ow i; i f L R , = 0, row i is un labe led (i = 1 , . . . , n); as the a s s ignmen t cost; as the se t con ta in ing the c o l um ns co r respond ing to the unass igned zero e l emen t s o f r ow i o f the cos t ma t r ix (i -1, . . . , n); as the se t con ta in ing the cu r r en t no t comple te ly -exp lo red rows; as the se t con ta in ing the unass igned rows; as t he f irst e l e m e n t o f set s; as t he e l e m e n t fol lowing the las t cons idered e l emen t o f se t s; as the las t e l e m e n t of set s.

Cryptic 21-hydroxylase deficiency in families of patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Abstract: Serum androgens and 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations and HLA genotypes were determined in 124 families of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH). In 8 pedigrees, we discovered 16 pubertal or postpubertal family members of either sex who had biochemical evidence of 21-hydroxylase deficiency but were without clinical symptoms of excess virilism, amenorrhea, or infertility. We designated these family members as individuals with cryptic 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Within each generation, the family members with cryptic 21-hydroxylase deficiency were HLA identical. It is proposed that these family members are genetic compounds, having 21-hydroxylase deficiency as a result of two recessive gene defects: 1) a severe 21-hydroxylase gene defect present in the index case with classical CAH (21-OHCAH) and 2) a mild 21-hydroxylase gene defect (21-OHCRYPTIC). Thus, the CAH genotype in the family members with cryptic 21-hydroxylase deficiency is 21-OHCAH/21-OHCRYPTIC. Lod score analysis for linkage between the cryptogenic 21-OH trait and HLA gave a combined Lod score for males and females of theta = 0.00 of 3.409. Close genetic linkage between HLA and 21-OHCRYPTIC was thus established. This study provides support for the previously reported heterogeneity of 21-hydroxylase deficiency which may result from allelic variability at the locus for steroid 21-hydroxylase.

The geochemistry and petrogenesis of an ophiolitic sequence from Pindos, Greece

Abstract: The ophiolites of Northern Pindos have been studied in a section close to the village of Perivoli (Grevena District) The section comprises cumulus rocks ranging from ultramafics to gabbros, overlain by dolerites (non-cumulus microgabbro) capped by thick frequently pillowed lava flows The sequence is cut by basaltic dykes While the cumulus rocks and the dolerites are mostly fresh, the lavas and dykes are strongly transformed Major and trace element (Ni, Cr, Sc, Y, Zr, Nb, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cu, V, Li) data are presented for selected samples from the sequence For some elements, the volcanic/subvolcanic rocks (flows, dykes, dolerites) exhibit wide chemical characteristics which are considered to mainly reflect variations within the parent magmas Some lavas appear to be closely comparable with the present-day ocean-floor basalts, while other flows and most of the dykes are strongly depleted in some “incompatible” elements and are similar to some rocks from immature island arcs The dolerites have transitional chemical features The Pindos lavas differ from Western Mediterranean ophiolites in that the former have lower Ti,P,Zr,Y, higher Fe tot and normally higher Ti/Zr ratio The volcanic/subvolcanic rocks from Pindos have been derived from separate magmas Some lavas were possibly produced by variable partial melting of an already depleted mantle source, while the lavas exhibiting ocean-floor affinity were probably generated by partial melting of a less depleted source The wide chemical variations of the Pindos lavas cannot be easily explained by an ocean-ridge system An “island arc-marginal basin system” could better account for the observed chemical features

Behavioral phenomenology of sleep (somatic and vegetative).

Abstract: The foregoing analysis of behavioral sleep phenomenology shows that the most significant factual and theoretical aspects of sleep can be logically organized only according to several criteria, it being impossible to choose a singli one as truly paradigmatic. For this reason an ordinal classification of sleep phases was preferred. This fact does not detract from the usefulness of classifications based consistently on 1 criterion at a time (e.g.: synchronized-desynchronized; quiet-active; orthodoxical-paradoxical; NREM-REM; homeostatic-poikilostatic; spindle wave-slow wave-fast wave; external appetitive-internal appetitive-internal consummatory; and so on). In this respect, the bioelectrical classification is surely the best as it allows an analytical subdivision of the evolution of sleep with high resolving power137–139. In particular, the electroencephalographic activity of late phase II (stage 4 in man139 and slow wave11 or deep slow wave140 sleep in the cat) appears to be related to the triggering mechanisms and to the quantitative regulation of the circadian amount of phase III3,5,11,140. However, in extending the field of functional implications of sleep phenomenology other criteria may be more significant. In fact, the somatic and vegetative events of sleep also lend themselves to an analysis according to the behavioral model of ethology6,141–144 and the theory of homeostasis3–5, 145, respectively. As an example, a number of classifying criteria are indicated in the table, where others, particularly neurochemical ones146,147, could be added. At any rate, the difficulty of organizing sleep events into a satisfactory operational scheme is due to the fact that sleep is still an open problem as far as its mechanisms and functional significance are concerned.

Polyamines and nucleic acids during the first cell cycle of Helianthus tuberosus tissue after the dormancy break.

Abstract: Polyamines (spermine, spermidine, and putrescine) and nucleic acids were studied during the first cell cycle after the break of dormancy of tuber slices of Helianthus tuberosus L., cv. OB1. Immediately after the break of dormancy, a marked decrease in stored arginine and glutamine and a corresponding increase of polyamines were observed. This first synthesis of polyamines were observed. This firs synthesis of polyamines occurred very early during the G1 phase, concomitant to the synthesis of RNAs. A RNA, probably messenger-like RNA, was synthesized very actively only during the first hours of activation in the culture medium plus 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, or in water. At the onset of the S phase, after 12h of activation, an incorporation of [3H] thymidine was also detected. A second putrescine synthesis and polyamine accumulation began during the progression of the S phase. During the progression of mitosis, there was a decrease of polyamine synthesis and accumulation.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Ecstatic Seizures (So‐Called Dostoevsky Epilepsy)

Abstract: Summary: The present report documents for the first time the polygraphic pattern of an ecstatic seizure and confirms that this kind of seizure may be an expression of a temporal lobe epilepsy.

Serum Bile Acids in Newborns and Children

Abstract: A specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay for cholic, chenodeoxycholic, and lithocholic acid conjugates and for sulfolithocholylglycine was used to measure serum bile acids (BA) in infants and children. Elevated cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid values were observed in the first year of life in fasting infants. Newborn babies presented high levels of primary BA not correlated with those of the mothers. In premature newborn babies who had not yet been fed, meal induced a considerable reduction in the primary BA levels in serum. In normally fed babies, meal induced a significant increase in the primary BA levels in serum. These data suggest a progressive maturity throughout the first year of life of the serum BA determinants, i.e., gallbladder emptying, intestinal motility and absorption, and hepatic uptake.

Prevalence of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotics and relationship to plasma amino acid imbalance

Abstract: Neuropsychological status, as assessed by trailmaking test; plasma amino acids, and ammonia, were studied in 54 cirrhotics without clinical evidence of encephalopathy to determine the prevalence of subclinical mental dysfunction and its relationship to metabolic abnormalities. Control values for psychometric performance were established in 54 normal subjects matched for age, sex, educational level, and employment status. Of these subjects, 16 were also used as controls for fasting ammonia and plasma amino acids. Eighteen cirrhotics (33%) showed impaired performances of the psychometric test; free tryptophan and the ratio free tryptophan to neutral amino acids were increased in 37% and 62% of cases and correlated with the psychometric scores (r=0.45 andr=0.70, respectively). In eight cirrhotics with mild encephalopathy, psychometric and metabolic evaluations were repeated several times during the infusion of amino acid solutions rich in branched-chain amino acids. Again significant correlations were observed between the psychometric scores and plasma amino acids. We conclude that a considerable proportion of clinically normal cirrhotics have neuropsychological deficits. The severity of impairment may be related to the plasma amino acid imbalance, namely to an increased passage of tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier.