Thermal transport of helium-3 in a strongly confining channel

The investigation of transport properties in normal liquid helium-3 and its topological superfluid phases provides insights into related phenomena in electron fluids, topological materials, and putative topological superconductors. It relies on the measurement of mass, heat, and spin currents, due to system neutrality. Of particular interest is transport in strongly confining channels of height approaching the superfluid coherence length, to enhance the relative contribution of surface excitations, and suppress hydrodynamic counterflow. Here we report on the thermal conduction of helium-3 in a 1.1 μm high channel. In the normal state we observe a diffusive thermal conductivity that is approximately temperature independent, consistent with interference of bulk and boundary scattering. In the superfluid, the thermal conductivity is only weakly temperature dependent, requiring detailed theoretical analysis. An anomalous thermal response is detected in the superfluid which we propose arises from the emission of a flux of surface excitations from the channel.

Magnetic properties of (Fe1-xMnx)2AlB2 and the impact of substitution on the magnetocaloric effect

In this work, we investigate the magnetic structures of (Fe1-xMnx)2AlB2 solid-solution quaternaries in the x = 0 to 1 range using x-ray and neutron diffraction, magnetization measurements, and mean-field theory calculations. While Fe2AlB2 and Mn2AlB2 are known to be ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM), respectively, herein we focused on the magnetic structure of their solid solutions, which is not well understood. The FM ground state of Fe2AlB2 becomes a canted AFM at x ≈ 0.2 , with a monotonically diminishing FM component until x ≈ 0.5 . The FM transition temperature (T C ) decreases linearly with increasing x . These changes in magnetic moments and structures are reflected in anomalous expansions of the lattice parameters, indicating a magnetoelastic coupling. Lastly, the magnetocaloric properties of the solid solutions were explored. For x = 0.2 the isothermal entropy change is smaller by 30% than it is for Fe2AlB2, while the relative cooling power is larger by 6%, due to broadening of the temperature range of the transition.

Parinaud syndrome: Any clinicoradiological correlation?

INTRODUCTION

The significance of MRI findings of patients with Parinaud syndrome (PS) with respect to clinical characteristics is poorly defined. Over the past decades, all patients with PS undergo magnetic resonance imaging which allows a better identification of the lesion localization. We compared the neuro-ophthalmological findings of patients with PS caused by intrinsic (intra-axial) vs extrinsic (pineal gland tumor) brainstem lesions.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with PS evaluated between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with PS were included. Eight patients had pineal gland tumors and hydrocephalus. Two patients had hydrocephalus due to aqueduct stenosis and fourth ventricle tumor. Sixteen patients suffered from an intrinsic brainstem lesion and seven associated with hydrocephalus. The neuro-ophthalmological findings did not differ between patients with extrinsic and intrinsic brainstem lesions. No correlation was found between the grade of hydrocephalus and number of clinical findings except for more findings in low-grade hydrocephalus in intrinsic (40%) vs extrinsic (0%) lesions (P=.003). Patients with moderate brainstem lesions and hydrocephalus had more clinical findings (65%) than patients with the same grade of brainstem involvement without hydrocephalus (29%) (P=.03). The resolution rate of ophthalmological findings was comparable in all groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results did not show differences in neuro-ophthalmological findings between intra- and extra-axial lesions causing PS. However, the presence of hydrocephalus was an important factor influencing clinical findings. The prognosis of PS was less favorable than generally reported.

Evidence for a high-temperature disorder-induced mobility in solid 4He

We have carried out torsional oscillator experiments on solid 4He at temperatures between 1.3 K and 1.9 K. We discovered phenomena similar to those observed at temperatures below 0.2 K, which currently are under debate regarding their interpretation in terms of supersolidity. These phenomena include a partial decoupling of the solid helium mass from the oscillator, a change of the dissipation, and a velocity dependence of the decoupled mass. These were all observed both in the bcc and hcp phases of solid 4He. The onset of this behavior is coincidental with the creation of crystalline disorder but does not depend strongly on the crystalline symmetry or on the temperature.

HIV and venous thrombotic events

HIV has been widely recognised as a prothrombotic condition, with the first case reports having appeared more than 20 years ago. However, surprisingly little evidence is available regarding the mechanisms by which this disease leads to thrombosis. There is little doubt that the relationship is both multifactorial and complex. This review aims to look at the available data and provide a concise summary of the present level of knowledge.

Secure communication in fiber optic systems via transmission of broad-band optical noise

We propose a new scheme for data encryption in the physical layer. Our scheme is based on the distribution of a broadband optical noise-like signal between Alice and Bob. The broadband signal is used for the establishment of a secret key that can be used for the secure transmission of information by using the one-time-pad method. We characterize the proposed scheme and study its applicability to the existing fiber-optics communications infrastructure.

Distal arteriovenous fistula to maintain patency of the venous drainage of a latissimus dorsi flap following subclavian vein repair

Successful reconstructive surgery with muscle flaps depends on adequate arterial supply and undisturbed venous drainage. Combining such surgery with reconstructive vascular surgery of a large-caliber vein that is responsible for the venous drainage of the flap poses an additional challenge--the repaired vein's susceptibility to thrombosis. Every attempt must be made to prevent venous outflow obstruction following muscle flap surgery. Data from the vascular surgery literature demonstrate a low success rate for subclavian vein repair. The success rate with venous reconstructive surgery has been greater when a distal arteriovenous fistula accompanied the repair. The present case described the use of a temporary distal cephalic-brachial arteriovenous fistula to maintain the patency of the venous drainage of a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap, following subclavian vein repair, for one-stage coverage of a large chest wall defect.

The value of the occipitomental (Waters') view in diagnosis of sinusitis: a comparative study with computed tomography

AIM

Sinus X-rays are still frequently used in the evaluation of paranasal sinusitis. Many radiology departments nowadays provide the referring doctors with a single Waters' projection. Our purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a single Waters' view vs high resolution computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of paranasal sinusitis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 134 patients with suspected paranasal sinusitis underwent a Waters' view X-ray and high resolution CT on the same day. The radiographs were evaluated independently by nine experienced radiologists, who observed each sinus separately. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each sinus and for each observer, using the CT findings as a 'gold standard'.

RESULTS

The weighted mean sensitivity for diagnosis of any abnormality in the maxillary sinus was 67.7%, specificity 87.6%, accuracy 78.6%, positive predictive value 82.5% and negative predictive value 76.9%. For this sinus the variation between observers was small, however, the sensitivity for diagnosis of any disease in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses varied widely between observers (range 1.9-54.0% and 0-58.9%, respectively). The sensitivity for the sphenoid sinus was very low (range 0-3.8%), even in radiographs which seemed to demonstrate it well.

CONCLUSION

The Waters' view has its limits in the diagnosis of sinusitis of the maxillary sinuses and its contribution for diagnosing lesions in the remaining sinuses is very poor. Whenever access to CT is available, a low dose high-resolution CT study of the paranasal sinuses is highly recommended.Konen, E. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 856-860.

Statistical determination of the length dependence of high-order polarization mode dispersion

We describe a method of characterizing high-order polarization mode dispersion (PMD). Using a new expansion to approximate the Jones matrix of a polarization-dispersive medium, we study the length dependence of high-order PMD to the fourth order. A simple rule for the asymptotic behavior of PMD for short and long fibers is found. It is also shown that, in long fibers (~1000 km), at 40 Gbits/s the third- and fourth-order PMD may become comparable to the second-order PMD.

Bursting pressure in anastomotic healing in experimentally induced colitis in rats

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies on healing of colonic anastomosis have been thoroughly investigated. However, clinical parameters of the healing process of anastomosis in the inflamed colon has not yet been reported.

METHODS

In the present study, healing of anastomosis in trinitrobenzene-sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats was assessed by measuring the bursting pressure and bursting wall tension.

RESULTS

On postoperative day 4, bursting pressure and bursting wall tension were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in rats with colitis with or without anastomosis and normal colon with anastomosis, compared with normal colon without anastomosis. On postoperative day 7, bursting pressure and bursting wall tension of normal colon with anastomosis approached that of normal colon without anastomosis. However, bursting pressure and bursting wall tension of rats with colitis with or without anastomosis remained significantly lower (P < 0.001) than the latter. Furthermore, unlike rats without colitis in which perforation occurred mostly at the anastomotic line, the bursting site in colitic rats was predominantly away from the anastomotic line.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, it is the adjoining inflamed bowel wall that is vulnerable to be perforated in response to increasing intraluminal pressure rather than the anastomosis that is braced by the sutures.

Interlocking stents for improving stent fixation at graft-venous anastomosis

To lower the risk of stent migration in a graft-venous anastomosis stenosis following failed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, two Strecker stents of different caliber were placed in partly overlapping fashion across the stenosis. In contrast to other methods, stent "floating" on the venous side was eliminated by using a stent with a caliber matching the tapering postanastomotic vein and anchoring it to both the venous wall and the second stent. Using this method we believe we accomplished better fixation of the stent placed mostly in the venous side of the anastomosis, thus lowering its risk of migration. At 6 months follow-up the stents are in place and the anastomosis is patent.

Abdominal retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy in an elderly man

Images

Acute bacterial peritonitis: permeability of cephalosporins in the peritoneal cavity

Acute bacterial peritonitis is a common surgical disease treated with fluid resuscitation, surgery and antibiotics. The choice and use of antibiotics is an important supplement of therapy. Cephalosporins are among the most frequently used drugs for this condition. Although there is evidence that these agents reach the peritoneal cavity under normal conditions, no data are available regarding their delivery and concentration during acute secondary bacterial peritonitis. In order to determine the effectiveness of these agents in such cases, we studied the diffusion of three generations of cephalosporins--cefazolin, cefonicid and cefotaxime--into the peritoneal cavity during controlled bacterial peritonitis in rats. Our results show that all three drugs reached therapeutic concentrations in the peritoneal fluid; the highest concentration was obtained by the third-generation cefotaxime.

Histomorphometric evaluation of experimentally induced colitis with trinitrobenzene-sulphonic acid in rats

Colitis was induced with trinitrobenzene-sulphonic acid (TNB) in rats and a histomorphometric study was performed as a possible scoring system for disease activity. The affected colon was examined 10, 20, 40 and 60 days after TNB administration. Quantitative microscopic analysis was performed on the following histologic parameters: necrosis, mucosal epithelium, muscularis fibres, inflammation, granulation tissue and fibrosis. Clinically, the rats were sick, especially on days 10 and 20 after TNB injection. Concomitantly, a peak necrosis score involving the full thickness of the colonic wall was recorded on day 10. The inflammatory reaction was most intense 20 days after TNB injection. After 60 days, marked epithelial regeneration was seen and most of the inflammatory reaction had subsided. A good correlation was found between clinical features and quantitative histomorphometric characteristics of colitis. The criteria described allow a precise description and quantification of the inflammatory and healing process of TNB-induced colitis in rats.

DentaCT for evaluating mandibular and maxillary invasion in cancer of the oral cavity

We used a retrospective analysis of charts, imaging studies, and histologic findings when available in 17 patients with cancer of the oral cavity to define the value of DentaCT or multiplanar reformation software in assessing bony involvement by malignant tumors of the oral cavity. From two academic tertiary-referral medical centers, the 17 patients had a mean age of 63 years and suspected maxillary (2) or mandibular (15) invasion. All patients had conventional computed tomography scanning and multiplanar reformation scans with several additional imaging studies obtained. Two patients demonstrated no bony involvement by imaging and histologic studies. Twelve of the remaining 15 patients had surgically documented bony involvement also correctly detected by DentaCT. DentaCT was found to be a valuable tool in defining extent of bony invasion by tumor. Although not compared to other imaging modalities, our experience supports the use of DentaCT where available for this purpose.

Neutropenic Colitis Predominantly Involving the Transverse Colon: CT Aspect of an Unusual Presentation

A 62-year-old woman developed fulminant neuteopenic colitis following aggressive chemotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer. An urgently performed computerized tomographic [CT] study demonstrated the predominant involvement of the transverse colon. We present a brief description of the CT features of neutropenic colitis in this unusual presentation.

Acute limb ischemia due to malignant arterial embolism from a metastatic germ cell tumor

Arterial tumor embolization is a rare but serious complication of neoplastic disease. The majority of these tumors are associated with primary or secondary lung malignancies, originating from pulmonary vein metastasis or from an atrial mass. Malignant germ cell tumors primarily disseminate to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and lung, and to the brain and liver later in the course of the disease. A germ cell tumor metastasis embolizing to the iliac-femoral arterial system has not yet been reported. We report a metastatic embolism in a patient with disseminated embryonal cell carcinoma causing acute limb ischemia, managed by surgical embolectomy. The sudden development of limb ischemia in a patient with a germ cell tumor should alert the physician to the possibility of tumor embolism.

Pyomyositis caused by vigorous exercise in a boy

We report on a 12-year-old boy who suffered from staphylococcal pyomyositis in both arms following vigorous exercise. No trauma or skin lesions were observed. In non-tropical areas, the etiology of pyomyositis can be related to muscle injury caused merely by exercise, without any other predisposing factors.

Factors affecting long-term sick leave in an industrial population

Factors affecting long-term absenteeism for non-accident-related sickness leave in a large, remotely located factory (Dead Sea Industry, Israel) were evaluated. About 10% (89 persons) of the workers were found to be on sick leave for more than 20 days/year. This group was designated as high absence workers (HAW). Most of the sickness absence were for repeated short-term leaves due to intercurrent diseases, rather than for continuous periods related to a major or single illness. Average cumulative duration of sick leave in this group was 54 days/year. The average number of spells was 11 per year (4.9 days/spell). There were significantly more HAW among skilled (relative risk, R.R. = 1.6) workers or shift workers (R.R. = 1.3), compared to white collar workers. There were significantly fewer HAW among workers 35-49 years of age (7.6%) than among younger (12.5%) or older workers (13.8%). Except for possible hearing loss in one worker, no occupationally related illness was identified. Sixty-six percent of the HAW took many sick leaves, over 20 days during the year following the study year, and 52% of this group took over 20 days in the preceding year (usually for minor diseases or complaints). This pattern of long-term sickness absence indicates that various socio-economic factors determine HAW to a greater extent than immediate occupational risks or health problems.

[Transjugular liver biopsy in patients with bleeding tendency]

Transjugular liver biopsy (TJB) was successful in 14 of 23 patients with chronic liver disease and abnormal coagulation profiles. There were 7 men and 7 women between the ages of 20 and 65. No bleeding followed the procedure, nor were there any other significant complications. The size of the specimens and the number of portal spaces included were compared with those obtained by percutaneous liver biopsy from 12 patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. TJB samples were smaller than those obtained by percutaneous biopsy (0.56 +/- 1.6 cm vs 1.0 +/- 0.05) and contained fewer portal spaces (2.2 +/- 1.6 vs 3.4 +/- 2.3). Despite the smaller size, the contribution of TJB to diagnosis and prognosis was defined as good in 78% of the patients. We conclude that TJB is safe and is an important tool for liver tissue diagnosis in patients with bleeding tendency.

Variable attenuator for intense unpolarized laser beams

Utilization of polarizing optics for dynamic attenuation of intense unpolarized laser beams is reported. The new family of variable attenuator is composed of a retardation plate mounted between two identical polarization splitters placed in tandem. By varying the retardation, or by rotating the plate, the transmission is varied. These attenuators are characterized by a high transmission and a high optical damage threshold. A transmission dynamic range as large as 1 to 10(-5) is achievable with polarization splitters made of crystals such as sapphire. These attenuators are applicable in laser material processing and in Q switching of unpolarized lasers.

Superior vena cava occlusion in a patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

A 55-year-old woman with a lupus like disease, associated with the lupus anticoagulant, was admitted because of facial edema. Her facial swelling was previously attributed to the steroids she had been taking and they were tapered without improvement. Laboratory tests revealed high titers of anticardiolipin antibodies. Computerized tomography of her chest and Doppler ultrasound examination of her neck veins demonstrated a thrombus in the superior vena cava. She was treated with heparin and was maintained with longterm warfarin therapy with uneventful followup. Superior vena cava obstruction should be added to the long list of thromboembolic complications of the antiphospholipid syndrome.

[Assessment of diabetic autonomic neuropathy by heart rate monitoring]

Assessment of diabetic autonomic neuropathy in a representative sample of 91 noninsulin-dependent diabetics was performed in 3 community clinics. A difference of less than 10 beats/min in heart rate between deep inspiration and deep expiration determined by ECG recording served as the criterion for autonomic neuropathy. By this test, 86% of the patients had diabetic autonomic neuropathy, a slightly higher proportion than that reported by others using similar criteria in more selected populations. The test is very sensitive and can be used for screening.

Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic effort-induced myocardial ischemia: plasma beta-endorphin and effect of naloxone

The hypothesis that endogenous opioids may be involved in reduced exercise-induced ischemic pain or in silent ischemia was tested. Fifteen male patients with coronary artery disease were tested in a randomized, double-blind crossover study. After a preliminary screening effort test they were divided into two groups: the first group of nine patients received an i.m. injection of naloxone 0.4 mg, or saline as placebo, and the second group, comprising six patients, received 4 mg naloxone or saline i.v. Effort testing was performed at weekly intervals on an ergometric bicycle, following the Bruce protocol. ECG, heart rate, blood pressure and pain perception were monitored continually. Blood was sampled through an indwelling venous catheter for beta-endorphin determination before, at the peak of, and 10-20 min following exercise. ST depression, heart rate, blood pressure and the double product were similar after naloxone and following saline administration. Beta-endorphin concentrations in plasma were significantly increased following exercise in the second group of patients. The increase in beta-endorphin concentration was larger when the patients were pretreated with naloxone (4 mg) than with placebo. However, chest pain was not significantly altered by either dose of naloxone.

Nephrotic syndrome associated with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

We describe the occurrence of a nephrotic syndrome in association with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The proteinuria disappeared several weeks after removal of the tumor. Light and electron microscopy were compatible with a minimal-change lesion, but immunofluorescence showed linear immunoglobulin deposition. Immunoglobulins eluted from the tumor reacted specifically with the kidney and vice versa. We conclude that antibody formation against a specific component of basement membrane common to both kidney and tumor gave rise to the nephropathy in this case.

Mullerian adenosarcoma of the uterine cervix

The management of cervical adenosarcoma in a 14-year-old girl is described. The tumor had an exceptionally violent biological nature and did not respond to a variety of customary and unorthodox therapeutic measures. These included conventional intravenous chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, intraarterial chemotherapy, colostomy, and peritoneovenous shunt for untreatable ascites. The patient died within 16 months of diagnosis. This is the fifth case of cervical adenosarcoma in the English literature. This tumor usually has a better prognosis and none of the previous four cases succumbed to the disease. The unusual virulence of the present case is discussed and the literature reviewed.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis--experimental and clinical observations

Induction of acute acalculous cholecystitis was studied in dogs. Designed models included ligation of the cystic artery and/or duct separately or combined and injection of colonic flora into the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy was performed 72 h later. Histological studies of the gallbladders and bile cultures demonstrated various degrees of cholecystitis, the severest form occurring as a result of cystic artery ligation, whereas the mildest was produced by injection of bacteria. Secondary infection was a constant feature of our experimental models.

Enterolithiasis

We have seen two cases of enterolithiasis in middle-aged Bedouin women. In the first, the cause was prestenotic saccular dilatation from a postoperative stricture of the terminal ileum. In the second, stones formed in congenital diverticula in the terminal ileum and cecum. In both patients, the diagnosis was established by small-bowel enema.

Androgen therapy in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism: time course of erotosexual functions

This study was designed to assess the duration of androgen's effects on male sexuality to recommend an optimal therapeutic regime. Nine young men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism were repeatedly tested for 9 weeks after an i.m. dose of a Depo-testosterone preparation. Testing included self-rating of sexuality and recording of penile tumescence during sleep and during pornographic film, slides, and self-induced fantasy. Although serum testosterone decreased to subnormal levels by the fourth week, erectile strength, according to self-report, became subnormal by the eighth week, whereas other reported parameters remained unchanged. Erectile response to erotic stimulations remained unchanged for the entire 9 weeks. Nocturnal erections were supranormal for the first 2-4 weeks and normalized thereafter. Testosterone's effect on male sexuality seems to persist beyond the period of normal serum testosterone. Treatment can, therefore, be given bimonthly.

Limited joint mobility and other rheumatological manifestations in diabetic patients

Limited joint mobility was diagnosed in 42.9% of Type I and 37.3% of Type II diabetic patients. Abnormally thick skin was detected in 31.4% of Type I and 33.7% of Type II diabetic patients. Skin abnormalities were observed mainly in patients with L.J.M. There was a high prevalence of hand flexor tendon abnormalities (18.6%). Decreased range of shoulders and hips and flexor tendon abnormalities were significantly more common in patients with LJM. No significant association was found between LJM and grip strength, joint complaints, family history of rheumatic diseases, hypoglycemic attacks, cardiovascular diseases and autonomic neuropathy.

Branched and polycystic thyroglossal duct anomaly

An unusual thyroglossal duct anomaly characterized by a branched tract terminating in two separate cysts is described. The patient presented with a long-standing fistula following previous incomplete excision. Thyroglossal cysts are common congenital anomalies (Moussatos and Baffes, 1963; Allard, 1982), which do not usually present any diagnostic difficulty. However, they may sometimes present with unusual clinico-pathological features. In this report we describe a branching and polycystic thyroglossal duct abnormality occurring in a young woman with a history of previous surgery for a midline cervical mass.