Showing papers by "University of Louisville published in 1982"

The effect of neutral nonresonant collisions on atomic spectral lines

Abstract: The effect of neutral nonresonant collisions on the shape, shift, and intensity of atomic spectral-line profiles is reviewed. A general treatment for the study of an atomic spectral line is developed by establishing reasonable assumptions about the relevant collision processes and by finding an expression for the Fourier transform of the line profile. The authors look at parallel developments of other methods of calculation, consider special limits of practical interest, and illustrate numerical evaluations of complete line profiles. Interatomic potentials for use in line-profile calculations are described, and the problems imposed by nonadditivity and nonadiabaticity are also noted. The observation of line profiles by both conventional and tunable-laser techniques is surveyed. Representative experimental measurements of the widths and shifts of collision-broadened spectral line cores are tabulated, and the phenomena of satellites, oscillations, and power-law behavior of line wings are compared with theoretical expectations. The use of experimental results for the determination of excited atom-atom interactions, the prediction of collision broadening in stellar atmospheres, and the effect of foreign gases on laboratory standard wavelengths are also discussed.

Bactericidal Activity of Human Lactoferrin: Differentiation from the Stasis of Iron Deprivation

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated a direct iron-irreversible inhibition of a variety of microorganisms by human apolactoferrin. The present study compared the bactericidal effects of lactoferrin on Streptococcus mutans with the bacteriostatic effects of iron deprivation. Growth (as determined by change in optical density) and macromolecular synthesis, as determined by incorporation of 14C-labeled uracil, thymidine, and lysine, were inhibited by incubation of washed exponential-phase S. mutans NCTC 10449 with purified human apolactoferrin. Similarly, apolactoferrin inhibited glucose uptake and metabolism. Iron-saturated lactoferrin had no effect on bacterial growth or metabolism and was capable of serving as a source of iron in iron-depleted medium. S. mutans failed to grow, and there was no indication of macromolecular synthesis in iron-depleted partially defined medium; however, glucose metabolism continued, though at a reduced rate, and viability was retained for 72 h. There was no detectable metabolism of glucose by cells maintained for 18 h in iron-free medium. Metabolism was restored by transfer of iron-depleted S. mutans to iron-complete medium. This was in contrast to the irreversible inhibition by lactoferrin after 1 h of incubation. Inhibition could not be reversed by removal of cell surface-associated lactoferrin as detected by rhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled antilactoferrin. This inhibition of metabolism and rapid loss in viability observed with lactoferrin treatment suggest that lactoferrin has a direct bactericidal effect on S. mutans that cannot be attributed to simple iron deprivation.

Carcinoma of the endometrium: I. A clinicopathologic study of clear‐cell carcinoma and secretory carcinoma

Abstract: In a pathologic review of 1224 cases of endometrial carcinoma, 1023 were confirmed cases of endometrial carcinoma. Fifty-six (5.5%) were clear-cell adenocarcinoma (CCE). Fifteen cases of "secretory carcinoma" (SCE) were examined for comparison. Fifty-five patients with CCE and all with SCE were followed for at least five years or until death. There were only 19 survivors among those with CCE. No five-year survivor subsequently died of disease. Of the 15 patients with SCE, 13 survived for five years although two additional patients died of recurrent disease at 5.4 and seven years. All survivors of CCE were Stage I patients at the time of diagnosis. All were postmenopausal, and had a median age of 67 years compared with 58 years for patients with SCE. Unlike SCE, the morphology of CCE was preserved in the subsequent hysterectomy specimen, in the recurrent disease, and in the metastases. CCE was proportionately more common in black women and the five-year survival was 12.5% as compared with 39.1% for white women. In contrast to endometrial carcinoma in general, most women who failed treatment died of disease. There was no increase in the relative frequency over the 23-year time period of the study. Age at time of diagnosis seemed to be an important prognosticator. Prognosis also correlated well with stage of disease and depth of myometrial invasion. It correlated to a somewhat lesser extent with the method of treatment and had a poor correlation with the histologic pattern or degree of cellular differentiation: however, essentially all tumors were considered to be poorly differentiated. Finally, a histologic tissue marker in the form of hyalin-like, PAS-positive, diastase-resistant bodies was found in the 64% of the women with CCE.

Evaluating the mediating effects of social support upon life events and depressive symptoms.

Abstract: Previous research has yielded inconsistent results regarding the mediating effects of social support upon psychiatric illness. Using data (N = 2029) gathered as part of a major epidemiologic study in the southeastern United States, the authors examine the relationships among depressive symptoms, social support, stressful life events, and socioeconomic status. As anticipated, direct effects were found for social support, stressful life events, and socioeconomic status upon depressive symptoms. However, when the data were analyzed via three-way analysis of variance and multiple regression (including all possible interaction terms) analysis, no statistically significant interactive effects were found. The authors conclude that these findings clearly demonstrate direct effects of social support and stressful life events upon depressive symptoms. Respondents in the lower social support groups experience the greatest impact of stressful life events; in contrast, persons in high social support groups, although evidencing increased symptom scores with increasing numbers of life events, experience the buffering effect of social support by showing less severe distress.

Carcinoma of the endometrium. II. Papillary adenocarcinoma: a clinical pathological study, 46 cases.

Abstract: Forty-six patients with papillary carcinoma of the endometrium were studied. Forty-five were followed for at least five years or until death, and 41 were followed for 10 years. The remaining patient was alive at four years. The survival rate was 51.1% at five years and 46.3% at 10 years. At five years one-third had died of their disease. The median age at time of diagnosis was 63 years, and the age at diagnosis was an important determinant of survival. None of the seven black women survived for five years. Tumor grade was an important predictor of the course of disease and nuclear grading was a significantly more accurate indicator than was the histologic grading of the World Health Organization. Papillary carcinoma should be distinguished from the papillary type of clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium. While it has a somewhat better prognosis than mixed adenosquamous carcinoma or clear cell carcinoma, it appears to be more aggressive with a lower survival rate and higher rate of death from disease than the usual type of endometrial adenocarcinoma or adenoacanthoma.

Results of surgical treatment of painful neuromas of the hand.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of 50 patients with 101 neuromas over the last 10 years is reported. Simple excision and implantation into local muscle resulted in an unacceptable reoperative rate of 65%. Ray amputation for symptomatic neuromas resulted in the highest reoperation rate but resulted in little or no subjective improvement. There appears to be a correlation between delayed healing after the initial injury and the severity of neuroma symptoms. Dorsal translocation of the neuroma consistently resulted in decreased sensitivity without longterm recurrence.

Photoelastic stress analysis of cast-gold endodontic posts

Abstract: Two-dimensional photoelasticity was used to compare stresses generated upon loading of cast gold endodontic posts of two different diameters. Ten models were used, five for each diameter size tested. The models were constructed to simulate maxillary central incisors. Drill bits were used to prepare the root canal, and after root canal preparation was completed the post preparations were constructed using the Parapost system. The gold posts, made of type III gold, were cast using the Beauty Cast technique. A composite core was then placed on each of the posts to be tested. These models were positioned in a circular polariscope and vertical loads of 30 and 60 pounds were applied to each of the models, with the fringe patterns photographed immediately after each load was applied. The stresses were evaluated by determining the maximum fringe order in the simulated root and periodontium of the model. The results of this study suggest that (1) the diameter of a post with a core affects the magnitude of stress, (2) stress generally increases as post diameter increases, and (3) stress increases as the vertical load increases. It seems advisable to restrict the diameter of the post used in providing support for restorations, particularly when large occlusal for forces are exerted by the patient. The use of smaller diameter posts reduces the stresses exerted upon the dentin of the tooth and the tooth supporting structures, limits the amount of tooth material removed during preparation and, possibly, aids operative procedures by limiting the amount of tooth preparation.

Vascularized autogenous whole joint transfer in the hand--a clinical study.

Abstract: Nine vascularized autogenous whole joint transfers were employed in the reconstruction of traumatized joints of six male patients ages 6 to 38 years. The proximal interphalangeal joint was involved in four patients, the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint in two, and the small finger MP joint in one. In five patients, the donor joint came from the foot, and in one patient an MP joint was transferred from a digit that had sustained a more distal amputation. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range 13 to 38). Bony union as well as full radiographic preservation of the articular space has occurred in each case. Four joints were transferred with an open epiphysis and three demonstrated longitudinal growth and an intact epiphyseal plate. The mean range of active motion was 22°/55°. We believe the early results demonstrate the feasibility of this method of joint reconstruction in the young patient.

Effects of cimetidine on caffeine disposition in smokers and nonsmokers

Abstract: The absorption, distribution, and elimination of caffeine, 2 mg/kg by mouth, were evaluated in six smokers and six nonsmokers before and on the fourth day of administration of cimetidine, 300 mg by mouth every 6 hr. Caffeine absorption, assessed by the maximal serum caffeine concentration (C max) and the time to reach Cmax (t max), was very rapid relative to elimination. The total body clearance (TBC) of caffeine was higher (2.49 +/- 0.35 and 1.59 +/- 0.19 ml/kg/min, P less than 0.05) and the elimination half-life (t1/2) shorter (190 +/- 15 and 276 +/- 30 min, P less than 0.05) in smokers than nonsmokers, but Cmax, tmax, and the apparent volume of distribution (Vd, app) did not differ (P greater than 0.05). Cimetidine decreased the TBC of caffeine by 31% (to 1.73 +/- 0.28 ml/kg/min, P less than 0.05) and by 42% (to 0.92 +/- 0.11 ml/kg/min, P less than 0.01) in smokers and nonsmokers. The increases in t1/2 were 45% (to 276 +/- 25 min, P less than 0.05) and 96% (to 542 +/- 123 min, P less than 0.05). Cmax, tmax, and Vd, app were unaffected by cimetidine. Caffeine induced similar slight increases in blood pressure and pulse rate in smokers and nonsmokers both before and during cimetidine dosing.

Recall or evaluation of chess positions as determinants of chess skill.

Abstract: Previous research has found that the ability to recall briefly presented chess positions varies with playing strength, except when random positions are used. The suggestion therefore arises that mastery consists of recognizing configurations that are associated with plausible moves. This approach is tested by comparing the memory scores and move-choice protocols of players in six skill categories, using random chess positions. Contrary to any strong form of recognition-association hypothesis, differences in chess skill are shown to persist although memory differences are abolished. It is further shown that the moves selected are not based on those few pieces that are remembered. Skill-related differences in the accuracy of positional evaluations also occur, but they are less marked than in earlier results. An alternative approach to chess skill seems appropriate, in which memory effects may function at the evaluation phase.

Sibling incest in the royal families of Egypt, Peru, and Hawaii

Abstract: Analysts of the incest taboo who believe that cultural determinants alone are a sufficient explanation of human incest avoidance frequently cite alleged sibling marriages in the royal families of Egypt, Hawaii, and Peru as supporting evidence. If full‐sibling incest were common in intact families in several populous societies (where mates other than siblings were available) incest avoidance theories involving genetic components, and natural selection theory itself, would be seriously challenged because there would then exist successful societies which employ a relatively inefficient reproductive strategy. This review of historical sources regarding the actual practices of royal families reveals that full‐sibling marriages were extremely rare, except during the Ptolemaic reign. Futhermore, succession to the throne was almost never by an offspring of siblings. Brother‐sister marriage was frequent among commoners in Roman Egypt during the first two or three centuries after Christ. Because it is the ...

Positive Cooperativity in the Binding of Streptococcus sanguis to Hydroxylapatite

Abstract: The adherence of Streptococcus sanguis to hydroxylapatite beads has been analyzed by binding isotherms, Langmuir isotherms, and Scatchard plots. For saliva-coated beads, the Scatchard curves contained components with both positive and negative slopes. The results are interpreted as evidence for positive cooperativity in the binding process. Although all Scatchard curves were similar in shape, distinct differences were observed between saliva samples from different individuals. Salivary agglutinins against whole S. sanguis cells did not appear to influence the shapes of the curves or the extent of adherence. In addition, different strains of S. sanguis yielded similar Scatchard plots. When the binding of S. sanguis to buffer-coated hydroxylapatite beads was analyzed by Scatchard plots or binding isotherms, curves were generated which suggested that either direct ligand-ligand or nonspecific interactions were occurring. Hill plots of the adherence data yielded curves with slopes greater than unity for saliva-coated beads, providing additional support for the view that the interactions between S. sanguis and the pellicle involve cooperative phenomena. In contrast, a Hill plot for the binding data of S. sanguis to buffer-coated hydroxylapatite beads gave a curve with a slope of 0.91 ± 0.07, suggesting negative cooperativity or limited specificity. When adherence data were plotted by the Langmuir method, curves were obtained which could not discriminate between the binding of the bacteria to the hydroxylapatite beads coated with either saliva or buffer. It was also observed that several different proteins and whole saliva tended to inhibit adherence. Scatchard plots, however, describing the binding of S. sanguis to the proteincoated beads were unique and revealed possible specific and nonspecific interactions. Scatchard analyses of binding data may be useful in understanding the mechanism(s) of adherence of streptococci to smooth surfaces.

Validity of Forced Responses in a Randomized Response Model

Abstract: An empirical test was conducted to determine the degree to which respondents would follow the directions of the randomizing device in the directed response model of the randomized response technique (RRT). The results showed that a sizable percentage of the respondents would not give the directed response to a question if that response was a socially undesirable one and the question was sufficiently sensitive.

Tetzcoco in the early 16th century: the state, the city, and the calpolli

Abstract: Examination of the internal structure and system of tribute in the pre-Hispanic city of Tetzcoco, Mexico, indicates that the city contained several kinds of territorial groupings that received the services of commoners. These commoners were organized into calpolli, which were basically groups with common tributary obligations. They gave service either in food production, unskilled labor, or specialized skilled work, but it was usually part-time, compensated with lands for subsistence, and this gave the city a dispersed layout. [Aztec, calpulli, craft specialization, tribute, urbanism]

Labels, Systems and Motives: Some Perspectives For Future Research and Programs

Abstract: Future research in children's health behavior, and its potential implications for health education programs, are discussed in terms of (1) the effects of labels and definitions, (2) the relevance of systemic approaches, and (3) the need for determining health-relevant motives. A working definition of "health behavior" as an area of basic, interdisciplinary research is established, in contrast to the definition of behavioral medicine.

Reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flap

Abstract: The cross-finger subcutaneous flap has been successfully used to reconstruct the avulsed eponychial skin fold and cover large nail bed defects with exposed bone denuded of periosteum. Satisfactory new eponychial skin fold and nail growth were achieved.

Urticarial vasculitis: a report of nine cases and review of the literature.

Abstract: SUMMARY Urticaria may be the only cutaneous manifestation of a leukocytoclastic vasculitis. We have studied nine patients with urticarial vasculitis. The spectrum ranged from limited cutaneous disease (six cases) to severe systemic disease with renal failure (one case). The individual urticarial lesions were of long duration (over 4 h) in all patients and in seven cases an ecchymotic stain was left when the urticaria resolved. All patients complained of moderate to severe pruritus. Associated findings included arthralgia (two cases), fever (one case) and glomerulonephritis (one case), but none had neurological disease, abdominal pain or arthritis. Therapy was difficult in seven patients, and these cases were controlled only with systemic corticosteroids. This disorder falls within the larger group of vasculitides. It is distinguished only by its skin lesions, which cannot always be distinguished clinically from common urticaria.

Effects of prolonged warm-up exercise above and below anaerobic threshold on maximal performance

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of prolonged warm-up exercise above and below anaerobic threshold (AT) on maximal performance. Warm-up exercise consisted of pedalling the Monark cycle ergometer at either 40% (Below AT) or 68% (Above AT) of VO2max for 60 min. Each maximal performance consisted of two 40 s bouts of "all out" pedalling on the Monark cycle ergometer against 5.5 kg resistance separated by a 5 min rest period. These tests were administered on two occasions without warm-up exercise and were found to be reproducible for work output and peak blood lactate concentration. Below AT warm-up exercise significantly increased core temperature with no increase in steady state blood lactate concentration and was thus representative of a desired warmed-up status. This condition did not contribute to an improved maximal performance. Above AT warm-up exercise resulted in significant increases in core temperature and steady state blood lactate concentration. Work output and peak blood lactate concentration for maximal exercise were significantly decreased. It was concluded that task specific prolonged warm-up exercise below AT does not contribute to an improved maximal performance of the type employed in the present study. Following warm-up exercise above AT, maximal performance was impaired. This was attributed to probable glycogen depletion in fast twitch muscle fibers which in turn may have contributed to a decreased lactate production.

Ulnar nerve compression secondary to ulnar artery false aneurysm at the Guyon's canal

Abstract: Ulnar nerve entrapment due to an aneurysm of the ulnar artery in the Guyon canal is rarely described in the literature. This article presents a case of ulnar nerve compression at the Guyon canal caused by a false aneurysm of the ulnar artery secondary to blunt trauma.

Pulmonary infection complicating intra-abdominal sepsis: clinical and experimental observations.

Abstract: Pulmonary infection complicating intra-abdominal abscess is a major clinical problem One hundred and forty-three patients with abdominal abscesses were reviewed; 41 had associated pneumonia by strictly defined criteria The causative organisms for the pneumonia were Pseudomonas (35), Klebsiella (20), and Enterobacter (16), while abdominal infections were caused by Escherichia coli (22), Klebsiella (21), and Enterococcus (18) The temporal and bacteriologic relationship between the abdominal and pulmonary infection suggested that decreased pulmonary host defenses might be operative in the high incidence of pneumonia observed An experimental model for intra-abdominal abscess was created using cecal ligation in the rat Animals with an abdominal abscess had a marked depression of their ability to clear E coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that were injected into the airway Macrophages from infected animals did not differ in quantity or viability when compared with those in control animals The ability to ingest bacteria appeared to be normal or enhanced in infected animals, but there was a significant decrease in the ability of the macrophage to kill the ingested organisms Such macrophage defects may be partially responsible for the infected animals' inability to clear bacteria in a normal manner