Group IS Research Articles

The extent of blockade following axillary, supraclavicular, and interscalene approaches of brachial plexus block

To investigate the onset, quality, and extent of the sensory and motor blocks in brachial plexus blocks performed through axillary, supraclavicular, or interscalene approaches. Materials and methods: This study involved 75 patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery of the upper extremity. Brachial plexus block was performed in patients through axillary (group AX, n = 25), supraclavicular (group SC, n = 25), or interscalene (group IS, n = 25) approaches. Results: Excluding intercostobrachial nerve, the adequate sensory and motor block rates in group AX on the nerves of brachial plexus were found to be 100% and 92%-100%, respectively. Sensory and motor block rates were both found to be 96%-100% in group SC and also 80%-100%, and 88% in group IS, respectively. In terms of sensory and motor block evaluation of all the nerves, there were statistically significant differences among the 3 groups at all measurement times (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The onset, quality, and extent of the sensory and motor block in brachial plexus blocks changed depending on the axillary, supraclavicular, or interscalene approaches.

Centrality-Is Proficiency Alignment and Workgroup Performance

Virtually all of the extensive previous research investigating the effect of information systems proficiency on performance has been conducted at the individual level. Little research has investigated the relationship between IS proficiency and performance at the group level. In this paper, we argue that IS proficiency at the group level may be more than the simple sum or average of the IS proficiency of individual group members. Rather, effective group-level IS proficiency may also be a function of how a group's IS proficiency is distributed across its members. Relying on concepts associated with social network analysis (SNA), we introduce the concept of centrality--IS proficiency alignment. We argue that groups will perform better if their more proficient members are highly central in the group's communication and workflows network. Data from 468 employees in 32 workgroups show that centrality--IS proficiency alignment is significantly and positively related to performance across multiple systems examined individually and with the portfolio of systems examined as a whole. This approach effectively integrates the structural and resource perspectives of SNA, providing a roadmap so that others may follow a similar approach to address broader questions of group-level user--system interactions in the IS literature and more general questions of central resource alignment in the broader organizational literature.

The effect of corticosteroid treatment on local immune responses, intake and performance in lambs infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta

The nutritional cost of, and the sequential cellular changes associated with the developing immune response to the abomasal parasite Teladorsagia circumcincta were investigated using corticosteroid-induced immune-suppression. Six-month-old lambs with minimal nematode experience were either infected with 4000 L3 T. circumcincta per day (group IF), similarly infected and concurrently immune-suppressed with methylprednisolone acetate (group ISIF), immune-suppressed only (group IS) or remained as controls (group C). Food intake, faecal egg count (FEC) and antibody titres in plasma were recorded weekly, worm burden at necropsy on day 63 p.i. and body composition by X-ray computed tomography on days −2 and 62 p.i. Furthermore, sequential immunological changes at the site of parasite infestation in the abomasal mucosa were measured from serial biopsy tissue samples taken from additional animals that were fitted with an abomasal cannula and either infected with the same regime as IF animals above (group CnIF) or concurrently infected and immune-suppressed as above (group CnISIF). Corticosteroid treatment resulted in greater FECs (P<0.01) and worm burdens (P<0.01) in both ISIF and CnISIF compared with IF and CnIF sheep, respectively. Infection reduced feed intake by 17% between 14 and 28 days p.i. (P<0.05) and efficiency of energy utilisation by 20% (P=0.07) in IF animals but not in ISIF animals. Mast cells, globule leukocytes and IgA in tissue biopsy samples were elevated in CnIF from 42 days p.i., all of which were abrogated by corticosteroid treatment. The ability to regulate the worm population appeared to be associated with a rise in tissue IgA concentration and numbers of globule leucocytes (GL). The results support the hypothesis that a majority of the production losses that occur during infection of lambs with T. circumcincta in lambs are a consequence of the host immune response. These findings may have implications for regimes that promote the development of a strong host immune reaction to gastrointestinal parasites in lambs.

Emulsified Isoflurane Produces Cardiac Protection After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits

In this study, we examined the cardioprotective effects of parental emulsified isoflurane compared with inhaled isoflurane. Thirty-two rabbits were subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia induced by temporary ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Before left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, the rabbits were randomly allocated into one of four groups (eight for each group): group C, no ischemia preconditioning treatment; group IS, inhaled isoflurane 1.1% end-tidal; group EI, a continuous infusion of 8% emulsified isoflurane to an end-tidal concentration of 0.64%; and group IN, a continuous infusion of 30% Intralipid started 30 min. Treatments were started 30 min before ischemia followed by a 15 min washout period for isoflurane groups. Myocardial infarct volume, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase levels were measured and changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure assessed after 3 h myocardial reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size 3 h after reperfusion was lower in groups IS and EI compared with groups C and IN (20% +/- 8%, 18% +/- 8%, 39% +/- 6%, and 34% +/- 9%, respectively, P < 0.01). There were no differences in myocardial infarct size between groups IS and EI or between groups C and IN. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels were lower in group IS (456 +/- 58 U/L and 1725 +/- 230 U/L) and group EI (451 +/- 54 U/L and 1686 +/- 444 U/L) 3 h after myocardial reperfusion compared with groups C (676 +/- 82 U/L and 2373 +/- 529 U/L; P < 0.01). Mitochondrial ultrastructure changes were less pronounced in groups IS and EI compared with group C. Our results indicate that, in rabbits, i.v. emulsified isoflurane provides similar myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury as inhaled isoflurane.

Perioperative Interscalene Block Versus Intra-Articular Injection of Local Anesthetics for Postoperative Analgesia in Shoulder Surgery

Up to 70% of patients report moderate to severe pain after shoulder surgery, which can compromise early rehabilitation and functional recuperation. Postoperative shoulder pain control is improved with both interscalene block and intra-articular local anesthetic injection. The present study hypothesized that perioperative interscalene analgesia would offer pain control superior to perioperative intra-articular local anesthetics over the first 24 hours after surgery. Sixty patients undergoing shoulder surgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group IS had interscalene block with catheter installation, while group IA received intra-articular local anesthetic, also with catheter installation. All patients received 3 local anesthetic injections: 0.25 mL/kg of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 2.5 microg/mL immediately before and after surgery, and 0.25 mL/kg of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine 2.5 microg/mL 1 hour after the end of surgery, after which the catheters were removed, and no further local anesthetics were administered. Postoperative pain at rest was evaluated in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), 3 hours, 6 hours and 24 hours after surgery. The area under the 24 hour pain over time curve was calculated. Hydromorphone consumption in the PACU and over 24 hours was recorded. Pain scores (IS: 0.4 +/- 2 vs. IA: 4 +/- 3, P < .0001) and opioid consumption (IS: 0.7 mg +/- 1.4 vs. IA: 1.5 mg +/- 1.2, P = .02) were significantly higher in the PACU for group IA. However, neither the mean pain scores over the first day after surgery (IS: 5 +/- 2 vs. IA: 5 +/- 3; P = .4) nor 24-hour opioid consumption (IS: 4.4 mg +/- 2.8 vs. IA: 4.2 mg +/- 2.6; P = .4) were significantly higher in group IA. PACU measurements of immediate postoperative pain and narcotic consumption favor perioperative interscalene analgesia over intra-articular analgesia. This benefit does not translate into lower overall pain for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Housing system and welfare of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cows

AbstractTwenty-eight buffalo cows were used to evaluate the effect of housing system on a range of behavioural and physiological variables. Fourteen cows were group-housed in a loose open-sided barn with a concrete floor and 10 m2 per head as space allowance (group IS). Fourteen others were group-housed in a similar barn but they could also benefit from an outdoor yard with 500 m2 per head as space allowance, free access to potholes for wallowing and spontaneous vegetation (group TS). Animals were subjected to six sessions of instantaneous scan sampling at 10-day intervals. Behavioural variables were expressed as proportions of subjects observed in each category of posture and activity. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was used to perform a skin test based on non-specific delayed type hypersensitivity, whereas 20 mg of ovalbumin were injected subcutaneously to evaluate humoral immune response. Blood samples for evaluation of cortisol concentration were collected immediately prior to exogenous porcine ACTH injection and 1, 2 and 4 h after. The metabolic status of the animals and milk production were also monitored. The proportion of idling animals was higher in group IS than in group TS (P &lt; 0.001). More IS buffalo cows were observed eating at the manger than TS animals (P &lt; 0.001). A higher proportion of TS animals were observed in the sun (P &lt; 0.001). Grazing and bathing activities were recorded only for TS animals. Our findings suggest that buffalo cows kept in intensive conditions and having no access to ample yards and potholes may extend their periods of idling with negative effects on the state of welfare. Immune responses, metabolite concentrations and milk production were not affected by treatment, whereas cortisol levels were higher in IS animals (P &lt; 0.05). The provision of a housing system similar to natural conditions was able to improve the welfare of buffalo cows as indicated by the expression of some species-specific natural behaviours. Such conditions were also associated with lower adrenal cortex response to ACTH injection, possibly as a consequence of the higher degree of initiative allowed to TS cows.

Influence of housing conditions and calving distance on blood metabolites in water buffalo cows RIassuntoinfluenza Del Sistema Di Tenuta E Della Distanza Dal Parto Su Alcune Variabili Ema-Tochimiche Nella Bufala

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether housing conditions allowing the animals to lie in the mud and perform more physical exercise can negatively affect reserve mobilization and milk production. In addition, the effect of calving distance on blood metabolites was assessed. The experiment was conducted on twenty-eight lactating buffalo cows, equally allocated to two treatments. Fourteen cows were group-housed in a loose open-sided barn with a concrete floor and equipped with self-locking stanchions, where they received 10 m2/head of space allowance, as in intensive systems (Group IS). Fourteen others were group-housed in a similar barn but they also had the benefit of an outdoor yard with 500 m2/head as space allowance, including spontaneous vegetation and potholes for bathing and wallowing, as in traditional systems (Group TS). Animals were included in the experimental groups 5 days after calving. Daily milk yield, and milk fat, protein and somatic cell content were determined 4 weeks after grouping (about 35 days after calving) and then at monthly intervals (5 recordings). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein in vacuum tubes 10 days after grouping (i.e. 15 days after calving) and then at 10 day intervals (17 collections). After centrifugation, plasma and serum aliquots were frozen stored until metabolite determinations (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, NEFA, urea, creatinine, albumins, total proteins, calcium, phosphorus, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and γglutamyl transferase). Treatment did not affect daily milk yield and milk fat, protein or somatic cell count content. Blood metabolite levels were not affected by treatment and interaction treatment x time. Conversely, as expected, calving distance had an influence on most of these variables (P<0.05÷0.001). In particular, in the first two months after parturition, glucose concentration decreased, whereas NEFA and cholesterol increased as a consequence of the high energetic requirements of animals in the first stage of lactation. The systems that allow the expression of some basic natural behaviour did not have any detrimental effect on buffalo metabolism and production, thus they should be encouraged.

Bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract following tracheal intubation-effect of gravity: an experimental study.

To explore the role of the horizontal orientation of endotracheal tube and neck on bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract in anesthetized sheep on mechanical ventilation, without use of antibiotics. Prospective animal study. National Institutes of Health research laboratory. Anesthetized, paralyzed, and ventilated sheep. Sheep were randomized into five groups and managed as follows: Group IS contained sheep that were not intubated and were immediately killed. Group HU4 contained six sheep that were mechanically ventilated for 4 hrs, with head and endotracheal tube elevated 30 degrees from horizontal. Group HU72 contained seven sheep that were prone, mechanically ventilated for 72 hrs, and managed the same as group HU4. Groups G and Gf each contained seven sheep that were prone on a lateral body rotation device, mechanically ventilated for 72 hrs, with neck and endotracheal tube horizontal. Group Gf received nasogastric enteral feeding. At the end of the study, sheep were examined postmortem, and a total of 11 tissue samples were taken from the trachea, the five lobar bronchi, and the five lobar parenchyma, for qualitative and quantitative culture. Group HU72 had significant decrease in Pao2/Fio2 and heavy bacterial colonization in all sheep. Groups G and Gf retained excellent lung function; lung bacterial colonization was no different from the IS group. The horizontal orientation of the endotracheal tube and neck, through lateral body rotation, showed no altered airway colonization and maintained excellent gas exchange and lung function in our animal model.

Long-term follow-up of myasthenia gravis patients with hyperthyroidism.

To access clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with hyperthyroidism (HT). The clinical characteristics of 51 MG patients with HT were studied. The treatment outcome was analysed in 34 patients, comparing high-dosage prednisolone (HDP) (group IS), HDP and/or immunosuppressants with antithyroid drugs (group IS + antiHThyr), antithyroid drugs (group antiHThyr), and thymectomy. The prevalence of HT in MG was 17.5%. Group IS showed higher remission of both diseases compared with group antiHThyr, but not with group IS + antiHThyr. Remission of HT and relapse of both diseases showed no difference among the three groups. Ten patients who had thymectomies had a lower relapse of MG but not of HT, whilst remission of both diseases was no different to 24 non-thymectomy patients. This study showed a high prevalence of HT in Thai MG. HDP alone can induce remission of both diseases without difference in relapse. Thymectomy lowers MG relapse further but has no influence on HT.

Antidiarrheal characteristics of tempe produced traditionally and industrially in children aged 6-24 months with acute diarrhea

A randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial was conducted to evaluate tempe-based formulated foods fortreatment of young Indonesian children suffering from acute diarrhea. A total of 214 cases aged between 6 and 24 monthsvisiting two teaching hospitals, i.e., Sardjito hospital (n=102) in Yogyakarta and Karyadi hospital (n=112) in Semarang. Twocases from one hospital were dropped because they moved to other towns. In addition to their hospital food given duringhospitalization and daily food at home, 72 cases were given tempe-based formulated foods with tempe produced traditionally(group TT), 72 were given tempe produced industrially (group IT), whereas a control group of 68 received soybean powderformulated foods (group IS). Formula feedings were started immediately following WHO (world health organization) standardoral rehydration therapy (ORT) and continued at the patients homes for up to 90 consecutive days, including feedings duringhospitalization. Follow-up observations at patients homes were conducted twice weekly. The initial clinical characteristics ofthe cases in each group were similar. Using analysis of variance there was a non significant trend towards a shorter durationof diarrhea in the groups using tempe based formula (p=0.079). Using the t-test, the duration of diarrhea appeared to besignificantly shorter only for the group using formula with traditional tempe compared with the group using soy formula(p=0.035). The total amount of feeding formula and the total amount of calories consumed at the hospital and at home wassimilar for all three groups, although the group receiving the control formula consumed a somewhat higher amount of breastmilk (p=0.045) and a lower amount of solid food at home. Weight for age was below normal at the start of the study or afterrehydration (Z-score between -1.0 and -1.4) and approached the normal value at the end of the study for all three groups (Zscorebetween -0.51 and -0.27). The increase in Z-score was highest in the groups receiving tempe based formula (+1.0 inthe TT group and +0.9 in the IT group) and lowest in the IS group (+0.7). This implies that a tempe based formula can diminishthe duration of acute diarrhea and improve weight gain following an episode of acute diarrhea.

The Structural Gene Module inStreptococcus thermophilusBacteriophage φSfi11 Shows a Hierarchy of Relatedness to Siphoviridae from a Wide Range of Bacterial Hosts

The structural gene cluster and the lysis module from lytic group IIStreptococcus thermophilusbacteriophage φSfi11 was compared to the corresponding region from other Siphoviridae. The analysis revealed a hierarchy of relatedness. φSfi11 differed from the temperateS. thermophilusbacteriophage φO1205 by about 10% at the nucleotide level. The majority of the changes were point mutations, mainly at the third base position. Only a single gene (orf 695) differed substantially between the two phages. Over the putative minor tail and lysis genes, φSfi11 and the lytic group IS. thermophilusφSfi19 shared regions with variable degrees of similarity. Orf 1291 from φSfi19 was replaced by four genes in φSfi11, two of which (orf 1000 and orf 695) showed a complicated pattern of similarity and nonsimilarity compared with φSfi19. The predicted orf 695 gp resembles the receptor-recognizing protein of T-even coliphages in its organization, but not its sequence. No sequence similarity was detected between φSfi11 and φSfi19 in the region covering the major head and tail genes. Comparison of the structural gene map of φSfi11 with that of Siphoviridae from gram-positive and -negative bacterial hosts revealed a common genomic organization. Sequence similarity was only found between φSfi11 and Siphoviridae from gram-positive hosts and correlated with the evolutionary distance between the bacterial hosts. Our data are compatible with the hypothesis that the structural gene operon from Siphoviridae of the low G+C group of gram-positive bacteria is derived from a common ancestor.

An unknow risk group of lead poisoning: The gypsy children

The differences in average blood lead levels (PbB) between iron-deficient children of both gypsy and Caucasian origin were determined. PbB were assayed in 89 iron-deficient children (Group ID): 25 gypsies and 64 Caucasians. Two sub-groups were established: sub-group ID1, 57 iron-deficient children without anaemia (11 gypsies, 46 Caucasians), and sub-group ID2, 32 children with iron deficiency anaemia (14 gypsies; 18 Caucasians). Group IS composed of 41 iron-sufficient children (11 gypsies and 30 Caucasians) served as controls. Blood counts, red-cell indices, serum iron concentrations, serum ferritin, and PbB were determined for the entire study population. The average PbB for gypsy and Caucasian iron-deficient children, were 14.25 and 7.25 micrograms/dl (P < 0.01) respectively. The prevalence of iron-deficient children with toxic PbB (> 20 micrograms/dl) was higher in gypsies (24%) than in Caucasians (1.5%) (P < 0.01). A difference in average PbB between the two ethnic groups was also seen in children with normal iron metabolism (average PbB, 10.23 vs 5.65 micrograms/dl for gypsies and Caucasians, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Gypsy children should be considered as a population group at risk of lead poisoning in our environment.

Failure of cholesterol treatment in patients with coronary artery disease: A cost-effective solution

D espite convincing evidence that lipid treatment is clinically beneficial in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), this group of patients remains undertreated. Multiple clinical investigations have demonstrated that treatment of plasma hpids by a variety of methods decreases the arterlographlc rate of progression, decreases chnlcal events, and may be cost saving t The number of patients with CAD who could benefit from treatment remains large, but unfortunately, treatment in this group IS low. The reasons for undertreatment are many and include lack of a substantial number of cardiologists, acute cardiovascular problems and the need for mvaslve procedures that prevent most cardiologists from spending substantial time in preventive cardiology, lack of reimbursement from most health care plans for care, and perhaps a general attitude in both the medical and lay community that heart disease is relentlessly progressive and associated morbidity and mortallty inevitable As 1 of the 6 national American Heart Lipid Disorders Training Centers, we have trained physicians and their staff to be intermediate lipid specialists.'2 Whereas physicians have responded well to the courses and i m p l e m e n t e d lipid treatment in their practices, it is our experience that many are unable to dedicate the time necessary to treat all their patients adequately. The solution is m the use of nurse specialists and midlevel practitioners. To date we have trmned more than a dozen nurses to diagnose and treat hpld disorders. These nurses have returned to group practices and to manage lipid clinics with physician supervision As part of the Multi-Risk Factor Intervention Trial, nurses were trained to treat

Histopathologic Study of Cholestasis Induced by Total Parenteral Nutrition or Intraperitoneal Sepsis in Rats

Wistar rats were divided into two groups, intraperitoneal sepsis group (group IS) and total parenteral nutrition group (group TPN), to evaluate the characteristics of pathologic alterations in rats with cholestasis. Biochemical assay showed that cholestasis developed in both groups after 10 days. Light microscopic examination of liver specimens revealed that the degeneration in the intermediate and external zone of hepatolobules was the major alteration in group IS, and group TPN showed characteristic dilation of central veins and hepatic sinuses and the proliferation of Kupffer cells with marked phagocytosis. Electron microscopic pictures presented the enlargement of bile canaliculi with altered microvilli in group IS and many highly electron-dense bile particles within cytoplasm and secondary lysosomes near dilated bile canaliculi in group TPN. It is concluded that there were different histopathologic alterations of liver specimens in TPN-supported animals and septic animals when cholestasis developed. It is unsuitable to take intraperitoneal sepsis as a unique factor of cholestasis in TPN-supported rats. Bile stasis is only one sign of TPN-induced hepatic lesion, which needs further exploration to determine its causes and mechanisms.

Adenylate cyclase activity in crude liver membranes during chemical hepatocarcinogenesis

Crude plasma membranes were prepared from the liver of control rats or of rats submitted to an initiation by diethyl-nitrosamine and selection with 2-acetylaminofluorene and carbon tetrachloride (group IS) or of rats submitted to an initiation-selection protocol followed by a promotion with phenobarbital (group IS PB). In control rats, the diterpene forskolin and glucagon stimulated the activity of adenylate cyclase 6- to 7-fold. Guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S) inhibited the stimulation by both agents and the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p], potentiated the stimulatory effect of glucagon. In rats of the IS group, no modification of the activity of the liver cyclase was found, except for an increased response to forskolin and glucagon. In the IS PB group, for the rats without tumor, the only effect of adding phenobarbital was to increase the sensitivity of the cyclase to forskolin. In tumoral tissue, the response to Gpp(NH)p, glucagon and forskolin were increased when compared to the surrounding tissue. In contrast to the surrounding tissue, GDP beta S potentiated the stimulatory effect of forskolin. When the affinity of the glucagon receptors for the hormone was measured in binding experiments, no difference was observed among the rats of the various groups, except for a higher affinity in tumoral tissue. Similarly, GTP inhibited the binding of glucagon with the same potency in each group. It is concluded that during hepatocarcinogenesis, the sensitivity of the adenylate cyclase towards glucagon increases secondarily to a better binding of the hormone to its receptor and to an impairment of the inhibitory regulatory site.

The effects of mother-infant separation upon nursing and suckling behaviors of the rat

The present study was intended to evaluate the hypothesis that the nursing-suckling relationship of rats proceeds from the mother-leading-type in early postpartum days to the infants-leading-type in later postpartum. Four groups were organized to make tests on the effects of different kinds of mother-infant separation (8-hr) upon nursing-suckling behaviors. Groups were Groups MIS (a separated mother and infants group), MS (mother-separated and infants-fostered group), IS (a foster-mother and separated-infants group), and C (non-separated control group). The separation of each group, lasting for 8-hr, was made at 1-2, 6-7, 11-12, 16-17, 21-22, 26-27, and 31-32 days after parturition. In Exp. I, nursing behavior of mother and suckling and/or eating behavior of infants in mother-infant interactions were observed by time-sampling method for 30 min following 8-hr of separation. In Exp. II, the suckling test of infants (half of the litter) was made on the anesthetized mother at the presence of food pellets. The results of Exp. I showed that nursing-suckling episodes were more frequent in Groups MIS, MS, and IS than in Group C (fig. 1). Further, the differences among the first three groups were not significant before 11-12 days of age. However, the infant-separated group (Group IS) showed higher level of response at 16-17, 21-22 days of age, suggesting the active role of infants in starting nursing-suckling episodes at these ages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histopathological Studies on Carcinomas of the Stomach in the Taegu Area

For evaluation on the histopathologic studies, and age and sex distribution of the gastric carcinomas in the Taegu Area, the gastrectomized and gastoroscopic biopsy materials were collected at the Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, and the analyzed results were as follows: 1. In total of 350 cases of gastroscopic biopsy materials adenocarcinomas are 344 cases (98.3%), squamous cell carcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas are only 6 cases (1.7%). In adenocarcinomas the most of all are tubular type, 215 cases (61.4%). In age distribution the highest is the 50th age group, and 120 cases (34.3%), the next, 60th, 81 cases (23.1%), 40th, 76 cases (21.7%), respectively. 2. In total of 130 cases of gastrectomized materials adenocarcinomas are 127 cases (97.7%), and are the highest incidence, the next, carcinomas originated from chronic peptic ulcer of the stomach, and are 3 cases (2.3%). In adenocarcinomas the highest are tubular type, 86 cases (66.2%), the next, signet-ring cell type, 20 cases (15.4%). The highest age incidence of the age group IS 50th, and the next, 60th, 40th, 30th, 70th and 10th age group, respectively.

Learning to escape cues paired with reward reductions following single- or multiple-pellet rewards

In Experiment 1, three groups of rats were given 60 runway acquisition trials (6/day) to either one 500-mg pellet (Group 1L), 25 20-mg pellets (Group 25S), or one 20-mg pellet (Group IS). Rate of approach to asymptote was faster for Group 25S than for Group 1L, and at asymptote, they ran faster than Group IS. All groups then received one 20-mg pellet for 30 trials. Group 25S showed a greater depression effect than did Group 1L. The acquisition results were replicated in Experiment 2, and, during a third phase in which Ss were given hurdle-jump training, both shifted groups jumped faster than Group IS, but Group 25S jumped the fastest. It was concluded that greater amounts of frustration are elicited when both reward magnitude and number of pellets are reduced than when only reward magnitude is reduced.

A statistical study of relationships of certain species of the solanum nigrum complex

A comparative study was made of eleven species ofSolanum (Morella), mainly from tropical America. Through a statistical analysis of correlation of 26 characters of each species by the “variable group method” a scheme of relationships was determined. Three groups of related species were recognized: Group IS. villosum, S. Roxburghii, S. nigruni, andS. americanum; Group IIS. melanocerasum andS. nodiflorum; Group IIIS. douglasii, S. Leonii, S. interandinutu, S. amethystinum, andS. gracile. The relationships derived from the statistical method showed rather close agreement to those expected from ordinary taxonomie procedures.