Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

Measurement of the Radiation Energy in the Radio Signal of Extensive Air Showers as a Universal Estimator of Cosmic-Ray Energy

We measure the energy emitted by extensive air showers in the form of radio emission in the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz. Exploiting the accurate energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory, we obtain a radiation energy of 15.8±0.7(stat)±6.7(syst)  MeV for cosmic rays with an energy of 1 EeV arriving perpendicularly to a geomagnetic field of 0.24 G, scaling quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy. A comparison with predictions from state-of-the-art first-principles calculations shows agreement with our measurement. The radiation energy provides direct access to the calorimetric energy in the electromagnetic cascade of extensive air showers. Comparison with our result thus allows the direct calibration of any cosmic-ray radio detector against the well-established energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Search for patterns by combining cosmic-ray energy and arrival directions at the Pierre Auger Observatory

Energy-dependent patterns in the arrival directions of cosmic rays are searched for using data of the Pierre Auger Observatory. We investigate local regions around the highest-energy cosmic rays with [Formula: see text] eV by analyzing cosmic rays with energies above [Formula: see text] eV arriving within an angular separation of approximately 15[Formula: see text]. We characterize the energy distributions inside these regions by two independent methods, one searching for angular dependence of energy-energy correlations and one searching for collimation of energy along the local system of principal axes of the energy distribution. No significant patterns are found with this analysis. The comparison of these measurements with astrophysical scenarios can therefore be used to obtain constraints on related model parameters such as strength of cosmic-ray deflection and density of point sources.

The situation of sanitary systems in rural areas in the Miyun catchment, China

The Miyun Reservoir provides most of Beijing's drinking water. Despite its importance, the Miyun reservoir suffers from decreasing water quality caused by uncontrolled wastewater discharges, inadequate land use and over fertilization, which increase the pressure on soil and water resources. The major pollutants are nitrogen and phosphorus which emanate to some extent from untreated sewage. So far there is little data about the existing wastewater quantity and quality in rural settlements in northern China. This study was conducted in typical villages situated along upstream rivers in the catchment of the Miyun Reservoir. The main objective was to determine the current situation and efficiency of the wastewater treatment system in rural settlements.

Seismic data from man-made impacts on the moon

Unusually long reverberations were recorded from two lunar impacts by a seismic station installed on the lunar surface by the Apollo 12 astronauts. Seismic data from these impacts suggest that the lunar mare in the region of the Apollo 12 landing site consists of material with very low seismic velocities near the surface, with velocity increasing with depth to 5 to 6 kilometers per second (for compressional waves) at a depth of 20 kilometers. Absorption of seismic waves in this structure is extremely low relative to typical continental crustal materials on earth. It is unlikely that a major boundary similar to the crustmantle interface on earth exists in the outer 20 kilometers of the moon. A combination of dispersion and scattering of surface waves probably explains the lunar seismic reverberation. Scattering of these waves implies the presence of heterogeneity within the outer zone of the mare on a scale of from several hundred meters (or less) to several kilometers. Seismic signals from 160 events of natural origin have been recorded during the first 7 months of operation of the Apollo 12 seismic station. At least 26 of the natural events are small moonquakes. Many of the natural events are thought to be meteoroid impacts.

Strategies to mitigate diffuse phosphorus pollution during rewetting of fen peat soils

The cultivation of fen peat soils (Eutric Histosols) for agricultural purposes, started in Europe about 250 years ago, resulting in decreased soil fertility, increased oxidation of peat and corresponding greenhouse gas fluxes to the atmosphere, nutrient transfer to aquatic ecosystems and losses in total area of the former native wetlands. To prevent these negative environmental effects set-aside programs and rewetting measures were promoted in recent years. Literature results and practical experiences showed that large scale rewetting of intensively used agricultural Histosols may result in mobilisation of phosphorus (P), its transport to adjacent surface waters and an accelerated eutrophication. The paper summarises results from an international European Community sponsored research project and demonstrates how results obtained at different scales and from different scientific disciplines were compiled to derive a strategy to carry out rewetting measures. Based on this findings a simple decision support system (DSS) for a hydrologically sensitive area in the Droemling catchment in north-eastern Germany was developed and since 2005 practically used to prevent freshwater resources from non point P pollution.

The impact of pulse pressure on the accuracy of wrist blood pressure measurement

There is an increasing number of wrist blood pressure measurement devices that successfully passed the validation procedures of the British Hypertension Society (BHS) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). It remains unknown, however, whether pulse pressure as a marker of arterial stiffness and vascular ageing affects the accuracy of these devices. An ESH protocol validated wrist device was compared with the upper arm mercury sphygmomanometry in a study population (33 patients, 99 measurements) including a relevant number of subjects with pulse pressure >50 mm Hg (84.8%) and isolated systolic hypertension (27.3%). Mean systolic bias was 10.2 mm Hg with 95% limits of agreement of -13.1 and 33.6 mm Hg, mean diastolic bias was 4.8 mm Hg with limits of agreement of -11.0 and 20.7 mm Hg. The impact of body mass index, age, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure on the absolute value of blood pressure bias was tested by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The systolic bias significantly depended on pulse pressure, whereas there was no significant effect of the independent variables on the diastolic bias. Separate correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between pulse pressure and both absolute systolic bias (Pearson r=0.48, P<0.001) and relative systolic bias (systolic bias divided by systolic blood pressure, Pearson r=0.29, P=0.003). Even well-validated wrist blood pressure devices can show a clinically relevant bias in patients with elevated pulse pressure. Increased arterial stiffness may impair the accuracy of oscillometric blood pressure measurement at the wrist.

Differences in the absorption, metabolism and biliary excretion of a diastereomeric pair of alphavbeta3-antagonists in rat: limited role of P-glycoprotein

1. The study investigated mechanisms underlying the pharmacokinetic differences of two zwitterionic diastereomers ((3S)-3-[(3R or 3S)-2-oxo-3-[3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)propyl]pyrrolidin-1-yl]-3-quinolin-3-ylpropanoic acid) with different lipophilicities using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches. 2. In rat, both isomers possessed comparable plasma clearances (CL). However, the more lipophilic diastereomer I exhibited a higher metabolic clearance (>2-fold higher than II), whereas the hydrophilic zwitterion II exhibited a higher biliary clearance (approximately 5-fold higher than I). Following oral administration, the bioavailability (F) of I (17%) was much higher than that of II (1%). 3. Consistent with these in vivo observations and the expectation based on their lipophilicity differences, the metabolism in rat liver microsomes was faster and the permeability in Caco-2 and LLC-PK1 cells and in situ rat intestinal loop was better for I than for II. 4. Only the absorption of the more lipophilic diastereomer I was subjected to an efflux system in the Caco-2 and in situ rat intestinal loop models. I was a good substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in both the human MDR1 and mouse mdr1a transfected cell lines, and in the wild-type mdr1a (-/-) mouse when compared with the P-gp-deficient mdr1a (-/-) mouse. Concomitant administration of I with verapamil in rat caused significant increases in oral AUC, F and Cmax of I without affecting its CL, further supporting the effect of P-gp in limiting the intestinal absorption of I in vivo in this animal model. 5. Since the findings that the lipophilic diastereomer I, but not II, was a good P-gp substrate were not in line with the observations that I was excreted to bile much slower than II and that I was absorbed better than II, the results suggested that P-gp played a minor role to the observed differences in the biliary excretion and intestinal absorption of the diastereomers I and II in rat.

Technical advance: a high throughput system for transposon tagging and promoter trapping in tomato

We describe new tools for functional analysis of the tomato genome based on insertional mutagenesis with the maize Ac/Ds transposable elements in the background of the miniature cultivar Micro-Tom. 2932 F3 families, in which Ds elements transposed and were stabilized, were screened for phenotypic mutations. Out of 10 families that had a clear mutant phenotype, only one mutant was Ds-tagged. In addition, we developed promoter trapping using the firefly luciferase reporter gene and enhancer trapping, using beta-glucuronidase (GUS). We show that luciferase can be used as a non-invasive reporter to identify, isolate and regenerate somatic sectors, to study the time course of mutant expression, and to identify inducible genes. Out of 108 families screened for luciferase activity 55% showed expression in the flower, 11% in the fruit and 4% in seedlings, suggesting a high rate of Ds insertion into genes. Preferential insertion into genes was supported by the analysis of Ds flanking sequences: 28 out of 50 sequenced Ds insertion sites were similar to known genes or to ESTs. In summary, the 2932 lines described here contain 2-3 Ds inserts per line, representing a collection of approximately 7500 Ds insertions. This collection has potential for use in high-throughput functional analysis of genes and promoter isolation in tomato.

Isolation and characterisation of a diverse family of Arabidopsis two and three-fingered C2H2 zinc finger protein genes and cDNAs

In animal systems the C2H2 zinc finger protein (ZFP) gene family is the largest group of regulatory proteins and its members have a wide and important role in growth and development. It is likely that this family of ZFP transcription factors will also be important in plants. We have used a PCR approach employing highly degenerate oligonucleotide primers to isolate several Arabidopsis genomic and cDNA clones encoding potential ZFPs. In addition we have used the sequence information from these clones to identify two ESTs as members of this family. Five two-fingered and one three-fingered ZFPs have been identified. Outside of the zinc finger regions, there is considerable sequence diversity, including the sequence and length of the interfinger region; the expression pattern of each gene is different. This is the first report of the isolation of a three-fingered plant C2H2 ZFP gene and we discuss its possible evolutionary origin from two-fingered ZFP genes.

Partially Molten Middle Crust Beneath Southern Tibet: Synthesis of Project INDEPTH Results

INDEPTH geophysical and geological observations imply that a partially molten midcrustal layer exists beneath southern Tibet. This partially molten layer has been produced by crustal thickening and behaves as a fluid on the time scale of Himalayan deformation. It is confined on the south by the structurally imbricated Indian crust underlying the Tethyan and High Himalaya and is underlain, apparently, by a stiff Indian mantle lid. The results suggest that during Neogene time the underthrusting Indian crust has acted as a plunger, displacing the molten middle crust to the north while at the same time contributing to this layer by melting and ductile flow. Viewed broadly, the Neogene evolution of the Himalaya is essentially a record of the southward extrusion of the partially molten middle crust underlying southern Tibet.

Isolation and characterization of the tomato homeobox gene THOM1

We have screened a cDNA library prepared from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. VFNT Cherry) shoot tips for homeobox-containing clones. The isolated cDNA clone THOM1 (tomato homeobox gene 1) contains a homeobox, a leucine zipper motif and and an acidic region. These features support the hypothesis that the THOM1 gene product acts as a transcriptional activator. THOM1 is highly expressed in the vegetative shoot apical meristem, the floral meristem and axillary meristems. Young derivatives of these meristems show similar levels of THOM1 transcripts which decrease with increasing age of the respective tissue. The THOM1 gene is located in the centromere region of chromosome 1 and belongs to a small gene family of the tomato genome.

Determination of DNA single-strand breaks in lymphocytes of smokers and nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke using the nick translation assay

The detection of DNA single-strand breaks (SSB) in human mononucleated white blood cells (MWBC) using a modified version of the nick translation assay is presented. This assay allows rapid and sensitive examination of SSB using only 5 ml heparinized blood for an eightfold determination. The assay was standardized by incubation of MBWC in vitro with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a known genotoxic agent. In vitro incubation of MWBC with MNNG induced a dose-dependent increase in DNA-SSB at doses between 5 and 500 microM MNNG. The detection limit for the assay was 5 microM MNNG. To assess the suitability of this assay to detect SSB in vivo a controlled study was performed in which volunteer smokers (n = 5), nonsmokers (n = 5) exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and nonsmokers controls (n = 5) were compared. The study lasted 4 experimental days, 2 control and 2 exposure days. On control days (days 1 and 3) smokers and nonsmokers sat in an unventilated 45 m3 room for 8 h. On the exposure days (days 2 and 4) each of the five smokers smoked 24 cigarettes in 8 h, while the five nonsmokers were exposed to the ETS generated by the smoking volunteers. High exposure to tobacco smoke was confirmed by dosimetry of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb), plasma nicotine and cotinine levels. Blood was drawn before and after each exposure on all 4 experimental days for determination of DNA-SSB in lymphocytes immediately after isolation of blood cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection of DNA single-strand breaks in lymphocytes of smokers

In a controlled study, ten male volunteers (five smokers and five nonsmokers) were subjected to different smoking conditions and compared to five nonsmokers, not exposed to cigarette smoke. During the 4 days of the study, nonsmoking periods were strictly controlled. On the first day the ten subjects were sham exposed. On the second day the five smokers smoked 24 cigarettes in 8 h, while the five nonsmokers were exposed to the environmental tobacco smoke. After another day of sham exposure the smoke exposure was repeated under the same conditions. Blood was drawn before and after exposure and DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) were analyzed in lymphocytes immediately (1 h) after isolation of cells and after 4 h incubation at 37 degrees C, using a modified assay based on the nick translation reaction. Base levels of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) and UDS levels were determined after 1 h incubation with methyl methanesulfonate. Duplicate analysis using the same method was performed in a second laboratory after transportation of blood samples at 0 degree C on a train from Munich to Hamburg. Tobacco smoke exposure of the subjects increased COHb and plasma cotinine levels. SSBs could be detected in all probands with some interindividual day-to-day and morning-to-evening variations. In four of five active smokers, SSB increases were found after smoking. In nonsmokers exposed to tobacco smoke no exposure-related variation in SSB levels could be detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A novel technique for the detection of DNA single-strand breaks in human white blood cells and its combination with the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay

A modified assay for the detection of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) in human mononucleated white blood cells (MWBCs) based on the nick translation (NT) reaction was developed and combined with the test for unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). Both assays were performed on disposable 96-well filtration plates and therefore allowed rapid and sensitive examination of SSBs and UDS. Only 5-8 ml of heparinized blood is required for an eightfold determination in both assays. The uptake of radioactive nucleotide precursors was demonstrated to depend linearly upon the NT reaction time and in both assay systems on the number of investigated cells. The best results and the lowest signal to noise ratio were obtained when the NT assay was performed at 25 degrees C for 20 min. The test was standardized for 150,000 MWBCs/well and a polymerase I concentration of 20 U/ml. The same number of cells were used to measure UDS during a 4-h incubation at 37 degrees C. We observed a dose-dependent increase in SSBs after in vitro incubation with N-methyl-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), with a detection limit of 50 microM when MNNG was present for 1 h and of 5 microM after 20-h incubation period. UDS in MWBCs was increased after treatment for 1 h with MNNG (200 microM) only if poly(ADP)ribose synthesis was inhibited by 3-aminobenzamide. UDS was induced by 320 microM methyl methanesulfonate, but SSBs could only be detected after inhibition of UDS by 100 microM hydroxyurea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Angiography and functional results and histologic findings following percutaneous atherectomy in patients with arterial occlusive disease]

In this study we report on the atherectomy technique, acute and long-term data, and histological findings of excised specimens from patients with peripheral vascular disease treated with the Simpson atherectomy catheter. Forty patients with a total of 72 lesions of the iliac (n = 5), superficial femoral (n = 62), and popliteal (n = 5) arteries could be treated; five patients had rest pain and two had gangrene. The primary success rate (of all lesions, including total occlusions and longer stenoses) was over 90%. The percent of stenosis decreased from 87.2 +/- 19.9% to 16.6 +/- 15.5%; the claudication distance improved from 80.5 +/- 65.7 m to 152.8 +/- 80.3 m; the Doppler index (leg/arm) increased from 0.57 +/- 0.17 to 0.81 +/- 0.16. At 6 months the mean walking distance and Doppler index remained stable from post-atherectomy; the mean percent of stenosis had increased to 35.7 +/- 30.9%. The angiographic restenosis rate (defined as stenosis greater than 70%) was 21% with a clear difference found depending on the primary morphology of the lesion: in eccentrics 5%, concentrics 27%, and total occlusions 42%, thereby allowing categorization of the suitability of a primary lesion for atherectomy. Histologically, restenoses showed more cellular proliferation and organized thrombus as compared to their primary stenoses; further investigations (cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy) are underway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The wrist: a preliminary report on high-resolution MR imaging

Excellent spatial resolution is required to demonstrate the complex region of the wrist, with its diverse structures comprising bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was done with a Magnetom imaging system operating at 1.0 T. Use of a flat surface coil enabled excellent spatial resolution and a section thickness of 4 mm. Twenty-nine patients with navicular nonunion or pseudarthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, recent fractures, soft-tissue alterations, and bone tumors were examined. All patients had undergone radiography and bone scintigraphy. In this limited sampling, MR was found to detect and characterize marrow and articular alterations more accurately, and earlier, than either of those modalities.

[Visually controlled space orientation in endogenous psychoses]

The visual controlled behaviour in space is measured in 30 psychotic patients. In a room with a row of 8 equal chairs we measured the right-left-choice and the choice of distance. The neglect of the left chairs in patient with "distrust" and "delusion" let us suppose a right hemispherical dysfunction. There is no correlation between psychosis and choice of distance, but a good correlation between disturbed parental home and near distance.

Effects of receptor blockers (methysergide, propranolol, phentolamine, yohimbine and prazosin) on desimipramine-induced pituitary hormone stimulation in humans--III. Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis

In this report the effects of various receptor blockers on the desimipramine (DMI)-induced cortisol (ACTH) secretion in healthy male subjects are presented. Each trial consisted of two administrations: one of DMI i.v. alone and one of DMI i.v. in combination with the respective receptor blocker, i.e. methysergide (serotonin (5-HT) receptor blocker), propranolol (beta receptor blocker), phentolamine (alpha-1/alpha-2 receptor blocker), yohimbine (alpha-2 greater than alpha-1 receptor blocker), and prazosin (alpha-1 receptor blocker). In addition, the effect of prazosin on DMI-induced ACTH stimulation was examined. DMI-induced cortisol stimulation was not significantly different after DMI alone (n = 12) from that after three days pretreatment with methysergide (12 mg p.o.) in another group of subjects (n = 12). Neither the combination of DMI plus propranolol (15 mg i.v. n = 18, incomplete block design) nor that of DMI plus phentolamine (60 mg i.v. n = 12) had a significant influence on DMI-induced cortisol secretion. Following combined administration with yohimbine (10 mg i.v.), cortisol secretion was higher compared to that after DMI alone in the same group (n = 6). DMI-induced cortisol secretion was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) following combined administration with prazosin (1 mg p.o. n = 12), as was DMI-induced ACTH secretion (p less than 0.05) in these subjects. The findings of these trials, especially those of the prazosin trial, indicate that DMI-induced stimulation of cortisol and ACTH secretion is attributable to the noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibiting effect of DMI, and that the stimulus is transmitted with the aid of noradrenergic alpha-1 receptors. Alpha-2 receptors possibly exert a negative influence on this effect.

Effect of receptor blockers (methysergide, propranolol, phentolamine, yohimbine and prazosin) on desimipramine-induced pituitary hormone stimulation in humans--I. Growth hormone

In this report the effects of various receptor blockers on desimipramine (DMI)-induced growth hormone (GH) secretion in healthy male subjects are presented. Each trial consisted of two administrations: one of DMI i.v. alone and one of DMI i.v. in combination with the respective receptor blocker: methysergide (serotonin (5-HT) receptor blocker), propranolol (beta receptor blocker), phentolamine (alpha-1/alpha-2 receptor blocker), yohimbine (alpha-2 greater than alpha-1 receptor blocker), and prazosin (alpha-1 receptor blocker). DMI-induced GH stimulation was not significantly different after DMI i.v. alone (n = 12) than after three days' pretreatment with 12 mg methysergide p.o. in another group of subjects (n = 12). Following combined administration of DMI and propranolol (15 mg i.v.), GH secretion was significantly increased by 25 mg DMI (p less than 0.05) and 50 mg DMI (incomplete block design, n = 18). GH secretion was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) after DMI in combination with 60 mg phentolamine i.v. compared to that after administration of DMI alone in the same group (n = 12). Following 10 mg yohimbine i.v. in combination with DMI (n = 6), the DMI-induced GH increase was also significantly less (p less than 0.05) than that after DMI alone. The DMI-induced GH increase following DMI plus 1 mg prazosin p.o. (n = 12) was comparable to that after DMI alone. The results indicate that the GH-stimulating effect of DMI is primarily related to the ability of DMI to inhibit noradrenaline (NA) reuptake. Should serotonergic receptors be involved in the DMI-induced GH secretion at all, they transmit a positive stimulus. The alpha-1 receptors are most likely not (or not essentially) involved, whereas alpha-2 receptors affect the DMI-induced secretion positively, and beta receptors have an inhibitory effect.

Effects of receptor blockers (methysergide, propranolol, phentolamine, yohimbine and prazosin) on desimipramine-induced pituitary hormone stimulation in humans--II. Prolactin

In this report the effects of various receptor blockers on desimipramine (DMI)-induced prolactin (PRL) secretion in healthy male subjects are presented. Each trial consisted of two administrations: one of DMI i.v. alone and one of DMI i.v. in combination with the respective receptor blocker: methysergide (serotonin (5-HT) receptor blocker), propranolol (beta receptor blocker), phentolamine (alpha-1/alpha-2 receptor blocker), yohimbine (alpha-2 greater than alpha-1 receptor blocker), and prazosin (alpha-1 receptor blocker). Following administration of methysergide (12 mg p.o., n = 12), a significantly lower (p less than 0.01) DMI-induced PRL secretion compared to DMI alone in another group of subjects (n = 12) was observed. Combined administration with propranolol (15 mg i.v.) significantly enhanced the DMI-induced PRL secretion compared to DMI 50 mg i.v. alone (n = 18, incomplete block design) (p less than 0.01). Neither combined administration with phentolamine (60 mg i.v., n = 12), yohimbine (10 mg i.v., n = 6), nor prazosin (1 mg p.o., n = 12) significantly influenced the DMI-induced PRL secretion compared to DMI alone in the same subjects. The results of the present study, especially the inhibitory effect on DMI-induced PRL secretion of methysergide, indicate that the primarily noradrenaline (NA) and lesser serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibiting antidepressant DMI stimulates PRL secretion via 5-HT neurons. Furthermore, the significantly enhanced PRL release following combined administration of DMI and propranolol suggests that a noradrenergic inhibitory effect also may be involved in the transmission of the PRL stimulus.

[Evaluation of electronystagmographically registered spontaneous nystagmus in healthy persons]

The the exception of nystagmus of ocular origin, any spontaneous and provocation nystagmus have so far been regarded as a pathological manifestation of the vestibular system. However, in recent years the existence of a physiological spontaneous nystagmus has also been discussed. To examine this question, 150 healthy persons were subjected to the standard registration according to Frenzel and Tonndorf. The evaluation of the horizontal nystagmus registered was carried out in accordance with the specified evaluation criteria for uncertain and certain nystagmus movements by means of Frenzel arrow symbols. The results were shown graphically and separately for the individual registration position. The known phenomenon of an increased occurrence of nystagmus on decrease of inhibitory factors was confirmed. In the observation of a nystagmus in registration corresponding to the fluorescent spectacles, a definite nystagmus was registered in less than 10% of the normal subjects. In visual fixation, this number was reduced to less than 5%. The results of these registrations do not justify postulation of a physiological spontaneous nystagmus. Despite the greater frequency of a nystagmus in unilluminated and closed eyes, this term should not be adopted in medical terminology without more precise knowledge of vestibulo-ocular coupling.

[Transitory postural and positional nystagmus in children and its diagnostic significance]

Among 587 children at an age from 5 to 14 years, examined in the university clinic of O.R.L. Essen in a 10 years period because of dizziness, 201 times the subjective sensations could be objectified by a vestibular nystagmus. After elimination of all cases with a pathologic ear state 39 times a posture or positioning nystagmus was recorded. The examination was regularly effected by a systematic search for spontaneous and provoked nystagmus by Frenzel's luminous glasses and was completed by an experimental excitability test of the labyrinth according to Hallpike. The nystagmus findings are divided form analytically in transitory directional appointed, irregular and regular direction changing posture resp. positioning nystagmus with and without latency or contrary course. An etio-pathogenetic explanation is given.

[Symptomatology of sphenoid sinus mucoceles]

Two rare cases of sphenoid sinus mucoceles are reported. The main complaints of both patients were headache, palsies of eye movements and loss of vision. The usually long anamnesis, the clinical and radiological signs and the findings of computed tomography are described. The only therapy is the operation which aims to create a large discharge to the nose.

[5-years of experience with tranquilizing-analgesics in laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopic procedures in newborns and infants ]

Tranquilizing-analgesics (diazepam-ketamine combination anaesthesia) and O2-injector respiration has proved during a period of 5 years in 270 laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopies of newborns and infants to be an outstandingly well-controllable anaesthesia applicable by the intravenous route which could be applied without danger of depression of breathing or circulation and without injury of the laryngeal protection reflex in this early period of life by means of a balanced cooperation between operator and anaesthesiologist. No serious complications have been observed. The authors' own experiences in handling of the method are described.

[Is Minnigerode's sign still valid in early diagnosis of oesophageal wall perforation?]

Basing on the pathophysiologic phenomena in oesophagus wall perforation, the authors examine the question whether contrast radiography, increasingly performed of late, deserves preference over Minnigerode's sign in early diagnosis. Although these diagnostic methods do not compete with each other, since they are equivalents, own experience shows that contrast radiographs should be performed sparingly and, moreover, only if mediastinotomy or intrathoracic oesophagotomy could be practised immediately.

[Computer-assisted admission and work load statistics in a surgical intensive care ward (author's transl)]

The introduction of the dialogue programme has the advantage that the data are immediately available at any time. From a yearly admission of 400 patients exact information cn be obtained of the work load and the type of work done at the unit. The value of the system can be summarized as follows: 1) data processing and retrieval are easy and do not require special skills; 2) a multiple of data can be processed; 3) older and more recent data can be compared at any time; i.e. previously obtained information is available for use in the current investigation of a problem; 4) statistical and complicated numerical analyses can be made more quickly and more precisely.

[Middle and lower meatotomy - a method for endonasal-endosinusal microsurgery of the maxillary sinus (author's transl)]

A brief description of the operative technique and its indications is given. Advantage and disadvantage of this method are compared with other diagnostic and therapeutic methods of operations. Possibilities of mistakes are explained.

[Double-sided central hearing-loss owing to bitemporal infarct of brain (author's transl)]

Information about a sudden bilateral hearing-loss in form of sudden deafness due to bitemporal infarct of brain. The difficulties of diagnosis of cortical and subcortical hearing-disturbances are presented in detail.

[Plasma concentrations of etidocaine after supraclavicular plexus block (author's transl)]

10 patients without concomitant hepatic or renal diseases were given brachial plexus block (Winnie) with etidocaine and the plasma concentrations of the drug were measured. The quantity of local anaesthetic was determined solely by the body weight and amounted to 4 mg/kg body weight. The mean peak concentration was 1.39 microgram/ml, the highest single concentration measured was 1.74 microgram/ml. Peak levels were reached within 40 minutes after administration of the local anaesthetic.

[Secondary transurethral surgery of the bladder neck]

In the period from 1970 to 1978 24 patients after transvesical adenomectomy and 76 patients after TUR of the prostate gland underwent a secondary transurethral surgical intervention. Causes were residual adenomas, stenoses of the vesical neck and recidivations of the adenoma. Explanations are given for the differences in the course of the temporary coordination to the primary intervention. The preoperative situation concerning infections, problems of the operation technique and in the case of the TUR the qualification of the resectionists are mentioned. After the TUR as primary intervention clearly less carcinomas were proved in the electro-resectate in comparison to the transvesical adenomectomy.

[Function returning without and with recovery nystagmus after sudden unilateral isolated vestibular loss (author's transl)]

The restoration of peripher labyrinthine excitability after sudden unilateral isolated vestibular loss shows a different behaviour: It can happen with or without recovery nystagmus with a numerical nearly equal frequency. In a follow-up of 44 patients with unilateral vestibular loss of vascular genetics the objective and subjective characteristics of both states are described. In explanation of it a lesion of variable etiology in the region of the vestibular artery and a supposition of a not yet or already occured compensation of the disturbed tonus balance in the nuclear area are not sufficient. Rather the origin of the different clinical states of recovery phenomenon must be presumed in all probability as the result of a primary and secondary retrograde degeneration of the vestibular neurons. Thereby the distance of the lesion from the Scarpa ganglion is presumably of decisive importance.