Showing papers by "University of Cagliari published in 1982"
TL;DR: The geodynamic evolution of the Western Mediterranean Basin is still uncertain this paper, and its opening has generally been related to a subduction process which was active during the Oligocene-Miocene somewhere east of Sardinia-Corsica.
Abstract: The geodynamic evolution of the Western Mediterranean Basin, in spite of many studies, is still uncertain. There is some consensus for interpreting this basin as a kind of small oceanic marginal basin. Its opening has generally been related to a subduction process which was active during the Oligocene–Miocene somewhere east of Sardinia–Corsica1–7. As the margins of the basin are deeply buried below Miocene-to-present sediments, direct lithological and stratigraphical data which could explain the events responsible for its formation are rare8–10 or missing altogether. To obtain such data, detailed field studies have been undertaken in Sardinia (Fig. 1), and the first results are presented here. This approach is justified by the fact that in that island, Oligocene and Miocene sediments were deposited in a rift (fossa tettonica sarda of Verdabasso11), which is the easternmost arm of the complex rift system that affected the European plate during Oligocene and Miocene times. One of these arms evolved towards a small oceanic basin—the Western Mediterranean or Algero–Provencal Basin—while others such as the Gulf of Valencia and the Sardinia rift aborted and remained at the rift stage. Its exceptional exposures make it possible to examine the Sardinia rift to clarify the sequence of events which created it, and to establish a sedimentological model which we believe is directly applicable to the Western Mediterranean Basin.
268 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that alcohol addiction is associated with a marked alteration in the CSF content of proopiocortin-related peptides which may play a role in the alcohol-seeking behavior typical of the syndrome.
Abstract: Alcohol addiction may induce its dependence through a mechanism involving opiate receptors and opioid peptides. For these reasons, we measured ACTH, beta-lipotropin, and beta-endorphin in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 29 alcohol addicts and compared these values with those found in 8 normal volunteers. Although no significant differences existed in peripheral concentrations of the 3 peptides, alcohol addicts had beta-endorphin levels in CSF (mean +/- SE, 29.4 +/- 4.5 fmol/ml) that were 3-fold lower than those of the controls (98.4 +/- 10.5 fmol/ml; P less than 0.001) and ACTH levels 4 times higher than control values (30.0 +/- 1.8 vs. 7.4 +/- 1.1 fmol/ml in controls; P less than 0.001), while no difference was found in beta-lipotropin levels. These results suggest that alcohol addiction is associated with a marked alteration in the CSF content of proopiocortin-related peptides which may play a role in the alcohol-seeking behavior typical of the syndrome.
172 citations
TL;DR: The article resumes the theory in a unifying approach and presents a comprehensive list of applications ofOptical methods of shadow and projection moire for mapping the absolute shape of a given surface or the difference between that surface and a master one or its accidental shape change.
Abstract: Optical methods of shadow and projection moire are particularly suitable for mapping the absolute shape of a given surface or the difference between that surface and a master one or its accidental shape change. Essentially, product moire fringes are obtained on an image plane where a "filter" grating analyzes the image of the test surface which has been "coded" by projecting a master grating on it. The article resumes the theory in a unifying approach and presents a comprehensive list of applications.
135 citations
TL;DR: The present data demonstrate that neonates are able to release βLPH and βEP during the first hours of life, and these molecules may contribute to help the newborn in the transition from a close dependence on the mother, to an autonomous existence.
Abstract: Summary: High concentrations of ACTH are present in the neonatal circulation in response to birth stress Since ACTH and β-lipotropin (βLPH) have a common precursor, and ACTH and β-endorphin (βEP) are released in parallel in stressful situations, we measured plasma levels of βLPH and βEP in the first 24 hours of life Blood samples were taken from the umbilical cord at birth in 27 neonates, subdivided into four groups A further blood sample was obtained from the jugular vein after 30 min in nine cases (group A), after 6 hours in six (group B), and after 12 hours in six (group C), and after 24 hours in six (group D) βLPH and βEP were measured by specific radioimmunoassays after silicic acid extraction of the plasma and Sephadex G-75 column chromatography In cord plasma, the mean (±SE) βLPH concentrations (pg/ml) varied between 2195 ± 845 (group D) and 241 ± 433 (group B), while those of βEP ranged between 702 ± 82 (group C) and 546 ± 144 (group D) The βLPH/βEP ratio on a molar basis ranged from 112 ± 073 (group A) to 137 ± 060 (group C) Plasma βLPH concentrations determined at 30 min were 1991 ± 504, and these declined slightly in group C (after 12 hours: 1682 ± 302), but only showed a significant fall after 24 hours (885 ± 270; P < 001 in comparison with the previous groups), reaching normal adult levels (717 ± 251) The pattern of βEP plasma levels (pg/ml) was very similar to that reported for βLPH βEP plasma levels only showed a significant decrease after 24 hours (227 ± 89; P < 001) when compared to the 12-hour age group C βEP concentrations at 30 min (761 ± 477), 6 hours (686 ± 293), and 12 hours (518 ± 181) of life did not differ significantly from those found in mixed cord blood and were constantly higher than normal adult levels [245 ± 123] Since the half-life of βLPH and βEP is respectively 45 and 37 min, the present data demonstrate that neonates are able to release βLPH and βEP during the first hours of life Both these molecules may contribute to help the newborn in the transition from a close dependence on the mother, to an autonomous existence Speculation: Although the physiologic role of circulating PLPH and PEP has not been fully clarified, the presence of these peptides in neonatal plasma could represent an important analgesic factor in overcoming birth stress Thus, an abnormal presence of these substances could be related to pathological situations However, the source, the regulatory mechanisms and the biologic effects of circulating opioids in neonatal life are still unclear and require further investigation
75 citations
TL;DR: A comparison of the haematological and haemoglobin synthesis findings of individuals with normal α genotypes with those with one (‐ α/αα) or two (‐α/‐α) α genes deleted shows that the latter two groups have more balanced globin chain synthesis ratios, higher ha Hemoglobin levels, and larger, better haemobicized red cells.
Abstract: The alpha globin genotypes of 55 beta thalassaemia heterozygotes have been determined by restriction endonuclease analysis to identify those with interacting alpha thalassaemia genes. A comparison of the haematological and haemoglobin synthesis findings of individuals with normal alpha genotypes (alpha alpha/alpha alpha) with those with one (-alpha/alpha alpha) or two (-alpha/-alpha) alpha genes deleted shows that the latter two groups have more balanced globin chain synthesis ratios, higher haemoglobin levels, and larger, better haemoglobinized red cells. This suggests that the degree of globin chain imbalance is a significant factor in determining the red cell characteristics in heterozygous beta thalassaemia. Screening programmes for thalassaemia, based on the detection of low MCVs, could miss cases of the interaction of alpha and beta thalassaemia.
73 citations
TL;DR: A diamine oxidase has been purified to homogeneity from the latex of an herbaceous shrub, Euphorbia characias, and shows a broad absorption in the visible region centered at 480 nm, which is modified by the addition of phenylhydrazine or semicarbazide.
Abstract: A diamine oxidase has been purified to homogeneity from the latex of an herbaceous shrub, Euphorbia characias. This enzyme has a relative molecular mass of 144000 and is composed of two identical subunits. It contain two Cu(II) and two carbonyl-like groups per dimer. The purified enzyme is pink and shows a broad absorption in the visible region centered at 480 nm, which is modified by the addition of phenylhydrazine or semicarbazide. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum is typical of copper(II) in a tetragonal symmetry. This enzyme oxidizes putrescine and cadaverine at fairly high rate and, less efficiently a few related compounds, but not histamine, spermine or spermidine.
68 citations
TL;DR: Kainate lesions restricted to medial DLSC or to the PAG failed to elicit motor asymmetries in normal rats or to significantly modify the intensity of contralateral turning in 6-OHDA rats, indicating that the SC plays an important role in turning behaviour.
67 citations
TL;DR: N-n-propyl-norapomorphine (NPA) is 10-20 times more potent than apomorphine in producing hypomotility and inhibiting both striatal and limbic dopamine synthesis and the firing rate of nigral dopaminergic cells in rats.
38 citations
TL;DR: Using electrophysiological hair tip-recording techniques, it is found that D chemosensilla located in pairs on distal ventrolateral portions of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th tarsomeres of each leg were highly sensitive to stimulation by the pheromone.
37 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that brain serotonin neurons exert a stimulatory influence on β-EP and β-LPH release from the AP but, likely, not from the NIL and that hypothalamic endorphins are not implicated in the secretory events occuring at AP level after acute activation of 5-HT neurotransmission.
34 citations
TL;DR: An x-ray diffraction study was made on solutions of sulphate anion with different cations as mentioned in this paper, in all cases the sulphate ion was found to be hydrated.
TL;DR: In this article, a constant-volum control technique for the operation of open-channel networks is proposed based on the evaluation of stored water variations in each reach, relative to a unifor...
Abstract: A constant-volum control technique for the operation of open-channel networks is proposed. Such a technique is based on the evaluation of stored water variations in each reach, relative to a unifor...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found that patients with post traumatic chronic headache (PTCH), six patients affected by typical idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and 8 healthy volunteers were submitted to Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA).
Abstract: SYNOPSIS
Six patients affected by post traumatic chronic headache (PTCH), six affected by typical idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and 8 healthy volunteers were submitted to Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA). Heparinized blood samples were obtained in basal conditions, and 1, 5, 20 and 60 minutes after withdrawal of the needles. In all plasma samples, ACTH was measured by RIA after glass powder extraction while both βLPH and βEP RIAs were performed after plasma silicic acid extraction and Sephadex G-75 column chromatography.
In PTCH patients, βLPH and βEP plasma levels (pg/ml: M ± SE) increased at the 5th minute (from 72.6 ± 10.9 to 111.6 ± 23.9 and from 22.2 ± 3.9 to 30.4 ± 3.8; p <0.01, respectively), decreasing to basal values at the end of the observation period.
The same response was observed in TN patients (βLPH from 51.0 ± 0.91 to 93.8 ± 1.6; EP from 15.0 ± 1.4 to 30.0 ± 3.9); the basal values in this group were slightly lower than those found in PTCH patients.
ACTH plasma concentrations were not modified by TCA in either group, while modifications were observed in normal healthy volunteers.
In conclusion, both PTCH and TN patients respond to TCA in terms of plasma βLPH and βEP release, in a manner similar to that of healthy controls; this observation can be used to discriminate these patients from primary headache sufferers in whom impaired basal levels and stimulated plasma endorphin levels have been previously demonstrated.
TL;DR: In this paper, the experimental correlation function shows four main peaks, centered at about 2.05, 2.65, 3.20 and 4.10 A, for the Br − ion, octahedral coordination is confirmed.
TL;DR: The result is that at sufficiently high D-glycerate-2,3-P2 concentrations, both oxy and deoxy forms of HbA are saturated with the organic phosphate at all pH values between 6 and 9.
Abstract: The present paper reports data for the effect of pH and D-glycerate 2,3-bisphosphate (D-glycerate-2,3-P2) on the oxygen equilibrium of normal and SH(beta 93)-modified human hemoglobin. At sufficiently high D-glycerate-2,3-P2 concentrations, both oxy and deoxy forms of HbA are saturated with the organic phosphate at all pH values between 6 and 9. Furthermore the difference in the affinity for D-glycerate-2,3-P2 between deoxy and oxy hemoglobin remains constant with pH, implying that the pK values of the Bohr effect groups in deoxy and oxyhemoglobin are not affected by the presence of D-glycerate-2,3-P2 on the hemoglobin molecule. In the hemoglobins modified in position beta 93, the difference in affinity between deoxy and oxy hemoglobin for D-glycerate-2,3-P2 decreases with decrease in pH due mainly to a decrease in the affinity of the deoxy form for D-glycerate-2,3-P2. The effect of the chemical modification appears to be primarily a change in pK of a Bohr group in deoxy hemoglobin which is especially pronounced in the presence of phosphates.
TL;DR: The combined data revealed that four Rattus rattus and four dogs were infected with classical L. infantum and an enzyme variant which differed in four of the 12 enzymes examined raise the question of the heterogeneity of the parasites causing visceral leishmaniasis.
Abstract: Le typage enzymatique de 11 souches de Leishmanies, isolees en Italie (Toscane), chez le Chien (6 souches), le Renard (Vulpes vulpes, 1 souche) et le Rat noir (Rattus rattus, 4 souches) a ete effectue independemment a Montpellier et a Londres, au moyen des techniques d’electrophorese en gel d’amidon. Ont ete testees : a Montpellier, ME, G-6-PD, 6-PGD, PGM, PGI, GOT (= ASAT), MDH et IDH ; a Londres, ME, 6-PGD, PGM, PGI, ASAT, ALAT, SOD, NH et MPI. Le resultat est identique pour les deux laboratoires : la totalite des souches isolees du Rat et 4 souches isolees du Chien sont rapportees a Leishmania infantum s. st. (zymodeme 1 ). En revanche, trois souches, dont deux isolees du Chien et une du Renard, correspondent a un variant enzymatique (zymodeme 18).Ces resultats attirent une nouvelle fois l’attention sur la diversite taxonomique des parasites responsables de la leishmaniose viscerale.
TL;DR: In this article, the preparation of new complexes of 2 - fluoro,5 - nitroaniline (2-F,5-NA) and 4-fluoro,2- nitro-anilines (4-F 2 -NA) of the type ML n X 2 · m H 2 O (where M = Cu(II), Ni(II, Co(II); L = 2-F 5-NA; 4-F2-NA); n = 2,4,6; X = Cl −, Br −, SCN −,
TL;DR: The epithelium of the human ampulla is a gland endowed with the same morphological features as those of the seminal vesicles, and originates the secretory vacuoles which are discharged by exocytosis.
Abstract: The epithelium of the human ampulla consists of rare basal cells and a single type of principal (secretory) cells. The principal cells, which vary in height from cuboidal to columnar, often have conical or club shaped apical portions projecting and bulging into the lumen. Their cytoplasm contains an abundant rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria, and many lipopigment granules. The Golgi apparatus is well developed and originates the secretory vacuoles which are discharged by exocytosis. Though the majority of nuclei are ovoid, deeply fissured or even lobated nuclei are not uncommon. The basal cells are small, nonsecretory cells, whose cytoplasm shows numerous filaments having a diameter of 55 A. The lumen contains masses of amorphous secretions and some spermatozoa. The human ampulla is a gland endowed with the same morphological features as those of the seminal vesicles.
TL;DR: The localization of prostaglandsin synthetase in the ductal epithelia of human salivary glands is related to a possible regulatory role of the prostaglandins upon the reabsorptive activity of the ducts, and there is a possibility that some prostag landins influence the metabolism of the secreting cells themselves.
Abstract: Prostaglandin synthetase activity is histochemically detected in the epithelial cells of the human prostate, seminal vesicle, and deferential ampulla. The addition of the specific inhibitor indomethacin to the incubating medium strongly reduces the staining reaction. The presence of exogenous substrate in the medium is not required for the reaction, since identical results are observed following incubation with and without arachidonic acid. The presence of the enzyme appears to be related to the secretion of prostaglandins into the seminal fluid, but there is a possibility that some prostaglandins influence the metabolism of the secreting cells themselves. The localization of prostaglandin synthetase in the ductal epithelia of human salivary glands is related to a possible regulatory role of the prostaglandins upon the reabsorptive activity of the ductal cells.
TL;DR: The results indicate that DA synthesis in the SN is controlled by both end‐product inhibition and DA receptor‐mediated mechanisms.
Abstract: The effect of different psychotropic drugs on the rate of DOPA accumulation after administration of a decarboxylase inhibitor (NSD 1015) was compared in the substantia nigra (SN) and caudate nucleus (CN) by a new radioenzymatic method. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase with pargyline or stimulation of dopamine (DA) receptors with apomorphine, N-n-propyl-norapomorphine or d-amphetamine reduced DOPA formation in the CN and SN to the same extent. Vice versa, both inhibition of DA receptors with haloperidol or (-)sulpiride and depletion of DA concentration with reserpine enhanced DOPA formation to a greater extent in the CN than in the SN. Apomorphine antagonized not only the effect of haloperidol and (-)sulpiride, but also, and even more effectively, that of reserpine. The results indicate that DA synthesis in the SN is controlled by both end-product inhibition and DA receptor-mediated mechanisms.
TL;DR: Results suggest that protein synthesis is required for the behavioural effects of small doses of apomorphine, and this treatment failed to modify the stereotyped behaviour induced by 200 micrograms/kg of apomorphicine.
TL;DR: Clinical and endocrinological results show that the schedule adopted induced satisfactory superovulation of both heifers and cows in embryo transfer practice and the rapid spontaneous restoration of estrous cycles.
TL;DR: In this article, X-ray diffraction data from a Cr 2 (SO 4 ) 3 solution were examined and a peak at 3.25 A in the correlation function revealed the formation of inner chromium-sulphate complexes.
TL;DR: In this paper, the 1 H and 13 C isotropic contact shifts and the 13 C relaxation times of dopamine in aqueous solution have been measured in the presence of the Ni(II) ion.
TL;DR: In this article, the main direct and indirect gaps in the Phillips-Van Vechten dielectric scheme and the energy band structure by the empirical virtual-crystal pseudopotential method were calculated.
Abstract: We present a theoretical study of the electronic properties of the random M2X3 compounds (M=Ga, In and X=S, Se, Te) having 1/3 of the cation sites vacant. We calculate the main direct and indirect gaps in the Phillips-Van Vechten dielectric scheme and the energy band structure by the empirical virtual-crystal pseudopotential method. Both methods predict energy gap values in good agreement with experiment and intermediate between those of their AIIIBV and AIIBVI zincblende analogs. The direct interband transitions are associated to the observed strongest peaks of the reflectivity spectra, and the pseudodirect ones to the weaker structures.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided for the existence of nigral dopamine autoreceptors controlling dopamine synthesis in the SN after destruction of the neuronal strionigral feedback loop with kainic acid.
TL;DR: The failure to demonstrate 3α-HSD activity indicates that in-vivo androgen activation, if present at all, is not so marked as in target organs, and can be related not only to the oxidation of androgens but also to the metabolism of the female hormones.
TL;DR: The results suggest the existence of hemoglobins in the crystalline state even within the red blood cells, however the functional properties of rat erythrocytes are identical to those of whole hemolysate in solution.
Abstract: The crystallization properties of the hemolysate and of the purified hemoglobin components from Wistar rat have been studied under various experimental conditions. The results suggest the existence of hemoglobins in the crystalline state even within the red blood cells. However the functional properties of rat erythrocytes are identical to those of whole hemolysate in solution.
TL;DR: In this article, Aymerich, Meloni, and Mula have studied the fundamental energy gaps of quaternary solvers with a grid of values of the compositional parameters $x$ and $y$ with the use of a model version of the coherentpotential approximation (CPA).
Abstract: The fundamental energy gaps ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{15v}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{1c}$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{15v}\ensuremath{-}{L}_{1c}$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{15v}\ensuremath{-}{X}_{1c}$, of the quaternary solid solutions ${\mathrm{Al}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x\ensuremath{-}y}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{x}{\mathrm{In}}_{y}\mathrm{As}$ have been studied for a grid of values of the compositional parameters $x$ and $y$, with the use of a model version of the coherent-potential approximation (CPA). The pseudopotential of Aymerich, Meloni, and Mula has been applied to the limiting ternary alloys by taking the charge transfer, between anionic and cationic sites, and the core repulsive part of the potential as adjustable parameters to fit the experimental bowing coefficients of the fundamental optical transitions. The values of the energy surfaces ${E}_{i}(x, y)$ of quaternary solutions have been then obtained from the usual pseudopotential band-structure calculations with the use of, for each composition, geometrically interpolated values of the model potential parameters both for the virtual-crystal approximation term and for the CPA correction. The comparison of theoretical results to the energy-transition values obtained from the direct interpolation of the corresponding values of ternary alloys and to experimental measurements should allow us to clarify the law of combination of the nonlinear coefficients in multinary solid solutions of increasing complexity.
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown how the instrumental error and the choice of the concentrations of the reagents affect the precision of the determination of k (association constant) for a 1:1 molecular complex from NMR measurements.