Mutual Proportion Research Articles

Transfer of Heavy Metals Through Three Components: Sediments, Plants and Fish in the Area with Previous Mining Activity.

This study aims to evaluate the ecological risk and distribution of heavy metals in sediment, plants and fish in a seriously polluted water reservoir in Krompachy, Slovakia. Special attention was given to the different food web positions of individual fish species (predators, omnivores) and their size. The degree of heavy metal contamination in sediments decreased in the order Cu > Pb > Cr > Hg > Cd, and their mutual proportion was largely consistent with concentrations found in aquatic plants, i.e. water sedges (Carex acutiformis). Of the seven fish species investigated, piscivorous perch (Perca fluviatilis) accumulated higher quantities of metal than fish situated at lower trophic levels. Interestingly, co-equal levels of heavy metals to those found in perch (P. fluviatilis) also occurred in rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus). The Hg values in some fish muscles exceeded the maximum permissible limits suggesting a persistent problem of old environmental burden from former mining activities.

Ascending aorta: descending thoracic aorta ratio as an additional metric to early individually oriented diagnoses of abnormalities. A non-contrast enhanced cardiac CT study

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) detection is the established indication for a non-contrast enhanced cardiac computed tomography (NCE-CCT). Other information, beyond CAC, can be derived from the NCE-CCT. Amongst them, data regarding thoracic aorta and its abnormalities might be of interest. Aims We aimed at examination whether mutual proportion of ascending aorta and descending thoracic aorta diameters (AAD:DAD ratio) could be diagnostically relevant. Methods This retrospective study included 4372 patients out of 5905 subjects undergoing NC-CCT during the last decade, in whom the thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery trunk were within common limits (AAD≤40mm, DAD<30mm, PAD<30mm). 213 persons without CVD risk factors and CAC=0 were qualified into control group (1), and 4159 patients with CVD risk factor(s) ≥1 into examined group (2) of. The range of AAD/PAD ratio normality was referenced from the group 1. In addition body mass index and CAC score were accounted for. Results The AAD/PAD ratio in control group was 1.35±0.22 with the normal range between 1.12 and 1.57. The 90th percentile values for AAD have been established. In patients with CAC=0, amongst those with normal BMI the increased AAD:DAD ratio (>1.57), indicating high AAD, was found in 18 /43 cases with AAD>90 percentile (41.2%) and in 21/498 with normal AAD (4.2%). The respective proportions in overweight patients were 23/86 (26.7%) and 12/694 (1.7%), and in obese patients 13/67 (19.4%) and 5/397 (1.3%). In patients with CAC>0, and normal BMI the increased AAD:DAD ratio was found in 10/38 cases with AAD>90% (26.3%) and in 14/458 with normal ascending aorta size (3.1%). Proportions in overweight patients were 23/92 (25.0%) and 15/859 (1.75%), while in obese patients were 17/107 (15.9%) and 13/579 (2.2%), resp. Normal AAD:PAD ratio in patients with established AAD increase (>90 percentile), irrespective of BMI, might suggest accompanying increase in PAD. Lower AAD:PAD ratio indicated a relative increase of the DAD. Mean values of AAD and DAD in relation to BMI and CAC categories along with their ratio are presented in table 1. Conclusions Evaluation of thoracic aorta in NC-CCT enhanced diagnostic scope of NCE-CCT. The AAD/DAD ratio, being independent of age, gender and body constitution, does not require adjustment, should be considered as additional metric for early diagnoses of thoracic aorta abnormalities well before absolute values reach the arbitrary cut-off levels. Table 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The composition of phospholipid model bacterial membranes determines their endurance to secretory phospholipase A2 attack – The role of cardiolipin

Soil bacteria are decomposer organisms crucial for the biodegradation of organic pollutants, mineralization of dead organic matter and the turnover of biogenic elements. In their environment they are constantly exposed to membrane-lytic enzymes emitted to the soil by other microorganisms competing for the same niche. Therefore, the composition and structure of their membranes is of utmost importance for survival in the harsh environment. Although soil bacteria species can be Gram-negative or Gram-positive and their membranes differ significantly, they are formed by phospholipids belonging mainly to three classes: phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), phosphatidylglycerols (PG) and cardiolipins (CL). The correlation of the membrane phospholipid composition and its susceptibility to secretory membrane-lytic enzymes is widely unknown; thus, to shed light on these phenomena we applied the Langmuir monolayer technique to construct models of soil bacteria membranes differing in the mutual proportion of the main phospholipids. To characterize the systems we studied their elasticity, mesoscopic texture, 2D crystalline structure and discussed the thermodynamics of the interactions between their components. The model membranes were exposed to secretory phospholipase A2. It turned out that in spite of the structural similarities the model membranes differed significantly in their susceptibility to s-PLA2 attack. The membranes devoid of cardiolipin were completely degraded, whereas, these containing cardiolipin were much more resistant to the enzymatic hydrolysis. It also turned out that the sole presence of cardiolipin in the model membrane did not guarantee the membrane durability and that the interplay between cardiolipin and the zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine was here of crucial importance.

P961 Diagnostic use of proportion between ascending aorta and left atrium in patients referred for coronary artery calcium scoring

Abstract Background Non-contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography (NCE-CCT) is currently used for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. Meanwhile, other cardiac, vascular and extra-cardiac structures can be evaluated. Data about ascending aorta (AA) and left atrium (LA) has been quantified separately in a few studies. Their mutual proportion has not been examined, as yet. Aim. We hypothesize that mutual proportion between AA and LA size might help for diagnosing their enlargement before absolute cut-off values are reached. Method Among 7950 patients who had NCE-CCT with a 64 raw scanner (Aquillion, Toshiba) within the last decade in our center, in 797 persons the AA diameter (at the level of pulmonary artery bifurcation) and LA diameter and area (highest value) were measured. Raw AAD values were qualified as abnormal if exceeded upper normal limit UNL) for age and height. Weight, BMI and BSA has not been used in order to avoid falsified results in obese patients. The ratio AAD:LAD was quantified as low (<0.8), normal (0.8-1.2) and high (>1.2). Results There were 45 patients (5.6%) who had AAD higher than age-height predicted UNL, including 24 patients with a raw AAD >43mm (3.0%). The other 752 has their AAD within limits. The means of AAD were 42.9 ± 3.2mm and 33.6 ± 3.6mm (p < 0.001). LA size differed significantly, both in diameters 38.5 ± 7.4 vs 34.2 ± 5.6mm (p < 0.001) and areas 2138 ± 593 vs 1837 ± 481 mm2 (p < 0.001). Data regarding mutual relationship are shown in the fig.1. It is seen that normal mutual proportion (AOLARel =1) in patients with high AAD means that LAD was also increased (left graph, red open square). In 603 patients with normal AAD corresponded with normal LAD. The AAD:LAD >1.2 in 845 subjects might suggest increased AAD in spite to normal raw diameter. Similar rules were found in respect to the LA area. Conclusions Ascending aorta and left atrium enlargement are infrequently recognized in patients referred to CAC scoring. Mutual proportion between AA and LA size might complement diagnostic approach of their abnormalities.

Stearic acid hybridizing kaolinite as shape-stabilized phase change material for thermal energy storage

To explore the effect of particle size distributions of supports on thermal performances of phase change materials (PCMs), shape-stabilized composites were prepared by using stearic acid (SA) to hybridize size-different kaolinite (Kaol). The samples were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET and DSC techniques. The results indicated that superior thermal capacity was ascribed to higher loading capacity and crystallinity of SA, which was closely related to the layout state of Kaol within the composites. Enhanced thermal conductivity could be achieved with the increasing crystallinity, the descending interfacial thermal resistance and efficient heat conductive network. The establishment of heat transfer network depended largely on the mutual proportion between small-sized and large-sized particles in supports. The tiny particles were inferred to act as junctions to bridge the separately dispersed plates, which was contributed to the continuous heat conducting pathways. The results suggested that particle size distributions of Kaol could exert a great influence on thermal performances of composites. Furthermore, Kaol could obviously uplift the thermal stability of composites, and the thermal cycling test has validated its excellent thermal reliability. We believe that this study will play an enlightening role in the design and fabrication of highly-efficient shape-stabilized PCMs for solar energy storage.

Cyclosporin A distribution in cholesterol-sphingomyelin artificial membranes modeled as Langmuir monolayers

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a hydrophobic peptide, mainly known for its immunosuppressant properties, has shown a broad range of biological activities, including antimalarial action. Since CsA was found to be active on membrane level, it was subjected for investigations involving membrane models. Our former studies on interactions between CsA and different membrane lipids using Langmuir monolayer technique indicated its affinity for sphingomyelin (SM). Inspired by this finding we have extended our experiments on multicomponent systems and performed systematic investigations of CsA behavior towards artificial membranes containing different mutual proportion of sphingomyelin and cholesterol (Chol). Langmuir monolayer results have been complemented with in-situ films structure visualization applying Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) and, after films transfer onto solid support, atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results show that cyclosporin A introduced to SM:Chol mixed monolayers distributes differently, depending on SM-to-Chol proportion. In raft-mimicking (2:1) stoichiometry, even distribution of the drug within SM:Chol matrix was observed. However, in SM:Chol model membranes of different proportion (3:1; 1:1; 1:2), containing either the excess of unbound sphingomyelin or cholesterol in addition to model lipid raft domains, introduction of CsA induced a phase separation.

The 2016–2017 peak luminosity of the pre-main sequence variable V2492 Cygni

Context. V2492 Cyg is a young pre-main sequence star presenting repetitive brightness variations of significant amplitude (ΔR ≥ 5 mag) whose physical origin has been ascribed to both extinction (UXor-type) and accretion (EXor-type) variability, although their mutual proportion has not been clarified yet. Recently, V2492 Cyg has reached a level of brightness ever registered in the period of its documented activity.Aim. We aim to derive the variation of the mass accretion rate between low- and high-state and to get new insights on the origin of the variability of V2492 Cyg.Methods. Optical and near-infrared (NIR) photometry and spectroscopy have been obtained in October 2016 and between March and July 2017. The source has remained bright until the end of May 2017, then it started to rapidly fade since the beginning of June at a rate of ~0.08 mag/day. On mid-July 2017 the source has reached the same low-brightness level as two years before. Extinction and mass accretion rate were derived by means of the luminosity of the brightest lines, in particular Hα and Hβ. A couple of optical high-resolution spectra are also presented to derive information on the gas kinematics.Results. Visual extinction variations do not exceed a few magnitudes, while the mass accretion rate is estimated to vary from less than 10−8 up to a few 10−7 M⊙ yr−1. This latter is comparable to that estimated on the previous high-state in 2010, likely occurred under more severe extinction conditions.Conclusions. The combined analysis of the optical and NIR observations extends to the present event the original suggestion that the V2492 Cyg variability is a combination of changing extinction and accretion.

Phytohormone Behavior in the Model Environment of Plant and Human Lipid Membranes.

Interactions between three auxins (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 2-naphthoxyacetic acid (BNOA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)) and model two-dimensional lipid systems mimicking plant and human cell membranes were investigated in monolayers formed at the air/water solution interface. The analysis was based on the recorded π-A isotherm characteristics complemented with Brewster angle microscopy. The influence of auxins on model membranes was discussed on the basis of condensation changes, modification of mutual lipid-lipid interactions in the mixed films, and morphological alteration of the surface domains on the microscopic scale. It was demonstrated that the lipid composition and mutual proportion of the artificial membranes together with sterol to main the phospholipid ratio play a crucial role in the context of auxin behavior in the membrane-mimicking environment. Apart from specific molecular interactions between studied phytohormones represented by auxins and lipids, the condensation of the investigated monolayers was found to be a regulative factor of model systems' susceptibility toward auxin action. Two effects were recognized: fluidizing of monolayers being in the liquid state (model membranes) and initialization of the three-dimensional structure formation in ordered sterol films at high surface pressure. The influence of auxin molecules on lipid interactions in the monolayer and diminishing of the film condensation was the largest for BNOA, due to the presence of the most bulky nonpolar, aromatic fragment in the molecule. It was also demonstrated that auxins interact with model plant membranes more selectively, stronger, and at markedly lower concentration than with the human membrane models.

Closure to “Laboratory and Field Calibration of the Diviner 2000 Probe in Two Types of Soil” by J. Haberland, R. Gálvez, C. Kremer, and C. Carter

The authors deal with the quite interesting and actual problem of Diviner 2000 capacitance probe calibration and present some field and laboratory data obtained on two different layers (0–0.26 and 0.26–0.50 cm) of the same soil profile, characterized by different textural class. The importance of site-specific calibration of sensors used to monitor soil or plant water status assumes a particular relevance in semiarid environments where the application of precision irrigation represents an appropriate management strategy aimed to achieve high values of water use efficiency (Cammalleri et al. 2013). Moreover, in clay soils, physical properties are strongly influenced by soil water content (Provenzano et al. 2013), so that the correct measurement of this variable plays a key role to increasing crop yield and preserving water. However, the discussers would focus on some significant points to be corrected in the manuscript and some others that should have been specified in the methodology and considered in the final discussion, as following specified, for the benefit of potential readers. The need to adequately install the access tube, aimed to ensure the contact between the tube and the surrounding soil, is not only to avoid preferential flow of water down the walls of the tube, as considered in the paper, but also to reduce the air gap around the tube and to avoid rough measurements of scaled frequency, used to estimate soil water contents, whose values depend on the mutual proportion of soil, water, and air in the soil volume investigated by the sensor. With reference to the second part of Eq. (2) of original paper, it is necessary to precise that the function θwðSFÞ correctly results

Structural Diversity of Streptococcal Mutans Synthesized under Different Culture and Environmental Conditions and Its Effect on Mutanase Synthesis

Streptococcal mutans synthesized under different conditions by growing cultures or by their glucosyltransferases were shown to exhibit a great structural and property diversity. Culturing and environmental factors causing structural differences in mutans were specified. All of the obtained biopolymers (76 samples) were water-insoluble and most of them (72) had a structure with a predominance of α-(1→3)-linked glucose (i.e., the content of α-(1→3)-linkages in the glucan was always higher than 50%, but did not exceed 76%). An exception were four glucans containing more than 50% of α-(1→6)-sequences. In these structurally unique mutans, the ratio of α-(1→3)- to α-(1→6)-bonds ranged from 0.75 to 0.97. Aside from one polymer, all others had a heavily branched structures and differed in the number of α-(1→3), α-(1→6), and α-(1→3,6) linkages and their mutual proportion. The induction of mutanase production in shaken flask cultures of Trichoderma harzianum by the structurally diverse mutans resulted in enzyme activities ranging from 0.144 to 1.051 U/mL. No statistical correlation was found between the total percentage content of α-(1→3)-linkages in the α-glucan and mutanase activity. Thus, despite biosynthetic differences causing structural variation in the mutans, it did not matter which mutan structures were used to induce mutanase production.

Field maple and hornbeam populations along a 4-m elevation gradient in an alluvial forest

Tree species composition of Central European alluvial hardwood forests has changed with the arrival of flood-intolerant and mesic species. Within this group of tree species, a dominant role is played by field maple (Acer campestre) and European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). This study was performed in the Lanzhot natural forests at the confluence of the Morava and the Dyje Rivers, which are considered to be one of the most natural alluvial hardwood forests in Central Europe and where the absence of the direct influence by humans for 75 years has allowed spontaneous development. Our basic research questions were as follows: (1) does the mutual proportion and structure of field maple and hornbeam populations change along an elevation gradient of 4 m in an alluvial forest and (2) does the tree spatial pattern of field maple and hornbeam change along this gradient? The study found significant differences in the development of hornbeam and field maple populations with increasing elevation in an alluvial hardwood forest. While the strength of the hornbeam population clearly increases with increasing elevation, the field maple population does not. Compared to hornbeam, field maple is closer to the r-strategy side of the K-r continuum on alluvial sites. Our study reveals that field maple and hornbeam are mainly distributed in clusters on alluvial sites. Both species are concentrated at places with lower flooding intensity, i.e. to higher elevation sites. The study shows that tree spatial patterns could change dynamically along a short elevation gradient in alluvial hardwood forest.

Monoallelic and biallelic inactivation of TP53 gene in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: selection, impact on survival, and response to DNA damage

AbstractDeletion of TP53 gene, under routine assessment by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, connects with the worst prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The presence of isolated TP53 mutation (without deletion) is associated with reduced survival in CLL patients. It is unclear how these abnormalities are selected and what their mutual proportion is. We used methodologies with similar sensitivity for the detection of deletions (interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization) and mutations (yeast functional analysis) and analyzed a large consecutive series of 400 CLL patients; a subset of p53–wild-type cases (n = 132) was screened repeatedly during disease course. The most common type of TP53 inactivation, ie, mutation accompanied by deletion of the remaining allele, occurred in 42 patients (10.5%). Among additional defects, the frequency of the isolated TP53 mutation (n = 20; 5%) and the combination of 2 or more mutations on separate alleles (n = 5; 1.3%) greatly exceeded the sole deletion (n = 3; 0.8%). Twelve patients manifested defects during repeated investigation; in all circumstances the defects involved mutation and occurred after therapy. Monoallelic defects had a negative impact on survival and impaired in vitro response to fludarabine. Mutation analysis of the TP53 should be performed before each treatment initiation because novel defects may be selected by previous therapies.

A Systematic Survey of HiLyα and OviDoublet Profiles Observed in Polar Coronal Holes at Solar Minimum

A systematic, comprehensive survey of H I Lyα and O VI doublet profiles in polar coronal holes is performed using spectroscopic observation by the SOHO Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) at solar minimum in 1996-1997. By decomposing coronal hole profiles into component Gaussians, we determine detailed height distributions of profile parameters for respective components. In particular, we show that for each of the O VI λλ103.2, 103.8 doublet lines, the narrow and broad components have competing intensities within heliocentric height 1.3-2.1 R☉, and that the considerable profile change occurring in this height range is due to changes not only of the widths of individual components but also of the mutual proportion between the narrow- and the broad-component intensities. We also show that the ratios between the O VI doublet intensities, -->Iλ 103.2/Iλ 103.8, for the narrow-narrow and the broad-broad component pairs have contrasting values and exhibit opposing radial dependences; the O VI ratio between the former pair increases with height from 2 at height 1 R☉ to 4 at 1.7 R☉, while that between the latter decreases with height from 2-3 at <1.8 R☉ to less than 1 at 2.5 R☉. We discuss implications of our results for the interpretation of the observed broad widths of the O VI doublet.

Transformation kinetics of the Fe 73.5Cu 1Nb 3Si 13.5B 9 ribbons to the nanocrystalline state

The transformation kinetics of the as-quenched Fe 73.5Cu 1NBb 3Si 13.5B 9 ribbons to the nanocrystalline structure has been studied. A differential scanning calorimeter in the continuous-heating and isothermal measuring regimes and a thermobalance with a permanent magnet have been used. The main differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) peak in the continuous-heating regime is wide and asymmetrical, having a long high temperature part and a small transformation enthalpy. The DSC signal in the isothermal regime is monotonically decreasing with a temperature-dependent amplitude, the total transformation enthalpy being slightly changed. Both as-quenched and nanocrystalline samples exhibit two magnetic transformations namely the glass-like and the nanophase-like transformations, the mutual proportion between them being changed with the proceeding transformation. All the observed phenomena are interpreted by the grain growth mechanism of the coarsening of the already existing fine-crystalline structure to the nanocrystalline structure. The experimental results can be interpreted also by the Johnson—Mehl—Avrami nucleation-and-growth crystallization mechanism with an abnormal exponent n ≈ 0.9.

Development of Interstratification in K-and NH4-Smectite from Jelšový Potok (Slovakia) Treated by Wetting and Drying

AbstractA K+-saturated and an NH4+ -saturated smectite from Jelgov 37 Potok (Slovakia) was analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) after a series of I to 150 wetting and drying (WD) cycles, and the corresponding distribution functions were calculated using the Dyakonov method. From these data the thicknesses and proportions of different layers were determined. Three kinds of layers (A- 1-00 nm, B-1.26 nm and C-1-52 nm) were detected in the original samples. After 15 WD cycles only A and B type layers were identified in the K-smectite, whereas all three varieties were present during the whole WD treatment in the NH4-smectite. After initial changes the mutual proportion of layers seems to be stable. The 1.00 nm layer is the major layer type in the K-smectite and the 1.26 nm layer is the major layer type in the NH4-smectite. The layer thicknesses evolved during the WD experiments. The systematic changes observed for the NH4-smectite were greater than those for the K-smectite.

Colour vision in retinitis pigmentosa

In retinitis pigmentosa patients the effect of cystoid macular edema on colour vision was studied. The occurrence of cystoid macular edema decreases with increasing colour vision defect. The mutual proportion of the main types of colour vision defects remains stable until visual acuity has dropped to 0.5; at lower VA levels the number of red-green defects increases. Neither the finding of a blue-yellow colour vision defect in FM100 Hue testing nor the appearance of anomaloscopic pseudoprotanomaly is influenced by cystoid macular edema. The authors conclude that cystoid macular edema in retinitis pigmentosa patients mainly affects visual acuity and not colour vision. They also noted a familial occurrence of cystoid macular edema.

Physiological changes ofCandida utilis in transient state during continuous cultivation

In a continuous culture ofCandida utilis, the air supply was interrupted for 15 min at 1-d intervals after the steady state had been reached. Analysis of morphology and physiology of the cell showed that after this intervention the indicators of the physiological state changed their values with different time delays and needed different times to resume their steady-state values. Another consequence of the interrupted aeration was a higher degree of the culture synchronization. The possibility to bring about a transient (i. e. unsteady) state offers a tool for a directed control of mutual proportion of intracellular components.

The influence of monomer structure on polypropylene modification in emulsion

Oxidized isotactic polypropylene powder is chemically modified by monomers of widely differing structure, the reaction being carried out at 30 °C in aqueous emulsion in the presence of a ferrous chelate as an activator. Apart from the polymer bonded to the polypropylene carrier also some homopolymer is formed simultaneously during this heterogeneous polymerization initiated by polypropylene peroxides. The mutual proportion and amount of the resulting polymers may be considerably influenced by the properties of the monomer used, such as by its partial or total solubility in water, its polarity and reactivity as well as by the substituent size. Moreover, the chelate and emulsifier type as well as the presence of organic liquid phase in the system play also an important role. The mechanistic discussion is focused to the early initiation stage of the polymerization. This period, together with the active participation of the monomer, is decisive for the formation of both polymer types produced in the system. The results obtained are in accordance with the observed heterogeneous distribution of -O-O- groups in oxidized polypropylene.

Age-dependent Changes in Blood Picture of Gilts in Large-scale Piggeries

Hlousek A.: Age-dependent Changes in Blood Count of Gilts in Large-scale Piggeries. Acta vet. Bmo, 47, 1978: 7-13. Determinations were made of the complete blood counts in 75 gilts 4 to 10 months old and of 30 to 120 kg, divided in 5 groups according to age. The number of red blood cells was higher (6.943,000) in gilts than in adult sows. The groups did not differ to a statistically significant degree. The mean level of haemoglobin was 12.5 g%, ofhe~tocrit 38.9 %. The sedimentation rates (ESR) were 51.4 in one hour, 76.4 in 2 hrs, and 118.9 in 24 hrs. The lowest level of total blood serum proteins was detertnined in the first group of gilts (6.59 ± 0.52 %). It gradually rose group by group so that in group V., the value was 16.928 ± 2.490. In the white blood picture, the rate and mutual proportion of neutrophils and lymphocytes was of a para­ mount. importance. The comparatively highest number of neutrophils with seg­ mented nuclei (43.07 ± 6.09 %) and few lymphocytes (48.33 ± 7.24 %) occurred in the youngest group I., while 37.57 ± 3.15 % of neutrophils with segmented nuclei and 55.22 ± 3.64 % lymphocytes were determined in group V. Gilts, red blood picture, white blood picture, blood serum protein.

The Diagnosis of Insanity

The Diagnosis of Mania — Melancholia — Monomania — Moral Insanity—General Paralysis—Feigned Insanity —Concealed InsanityMania is the term applied to that large class of mental disorders in which the functions are in a state of excitement, and their mutual dependence and proportion disturbed. It embraces forms of disease so widely apart from each other, that in treating practically of its diagnosis it will be essential to make some classification. For practical purposes it will be sufficient to distinguish its forms into those of acute mania, comprising cases which present recent and active symptoms; chronic mania, in which acute symptoms have given way to others of a more tranquil and permanent kind; and incomplete mania, corresponding to the “mania raisonante” of the French, and embracing those anomalous and undeveloped forms of mental disorder in which defective power of volition and morbid propensities are prominent symptoms.