Phylogenetic relationship within Fusarium sambucinum Fuckel sensu lato, determined from ribosomal RNA sequences

The importance of abnormalities of function and epididymis structure in the etiology of male infertility is still not well understood. We studied 52 individuals distributed in five age groups: fetuses, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. The region of the body of epididymis was obtained by autopsy and immediately fixed by immersion in a solution of 10% buffered formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and histologically prepared. The samples were observed under an optic microscope. Test-points were counted in 12 random microscopic fields with the M42 test-system. The following stereological parameters were determined: ductal area, volumetric densities (Vv) of the duct, smooth muscle, connective tissue, epithelial duct and blood vessels. The main results distinguished by those whose averages were statistically significant (p < 0.05), showed that the ductal area is 9.7 times greater in the adolescent/adult/elderly group than the children's group. The Vv of the lumen of the epididymis duct occupies 11.7% of the epididymis body in the fetal period, 5.3% in the child and in individuals after puberty this figures reaches more than 15%. The Vv of smooth muscle occupies 28.3% of the body of the epididymis in the fetus and 35.9% in children, but after puberty this figures stays around 22%. The Vv of the connective tissue occupies 26% in prenatal life, 37% in children, and after puberty these figures range from 21 to 27.5%. Comparing the results of the adult group with that of the elderly group there is an increase in the volumetric density of the connective tissue by 18.1%. In conclusion, the epididymal duct area and the Vv of the ductal lumen, smooth muscle and connective tissue were significant comparing the different groups. However, the quantitative relative differences of the duct's epithelium and the blood vessels were not significant comparing these groups. The study of quantitative aspects of the normal human epididymis can increase our knowledge about male fertility.     

SurA assists the folding of Escherichia coli outer membrane proteins

Many proteins require enzymatic assistance in order to achieve a functional conformation. One rate-limiting step in protein folding is the cis-trans isomerization of prolyl residues, a reaction catalyzed by prolyl isomerases. SurA, a periplasmic protein of Escherichia coli, has sequence similarity with the prolyl isomerase parvulin. We tested whether SurA was involved in folding periplasmic and outer membrane proteins by using trypsin sensitivity as an assay for protein conformation. We determined that the efficient folding of three outer membrane proteins (OmpA, OmpF, and LamB) requires SurA in vivo, while the folding of four periplasmic proteins was independent of SurA. We conclude that SurA assists in the folding of certain secreted proteins.     

Berechnung der Anlaufdaten von Asynchron-Käfigläufermotoren verschiedener Stabformen mit der Methode der finiten Differenzen

Übersicht Die spannungsabhängigen Anlaufströme und Drehmomente eines 2800 kW Asynchron-Käfigläufermotors werden mit der Methode der finiten Differenzen und einem neuen Block-SOR-Iterationsverfahren berechnet. Es wird ber die Ergebnisse für Rechteck-, Trapez- und andere Rotorstabformen berichtet. Die numerisch berechneten Daten werden mit den nach konventionellen Regeln ermittelten Zahlen verglichen. Der Sättigungseffekt ist unerwartet groß, als Folge des großen Nennstrombelages. Die ungesättigten werte stimmen sehr gut überein.

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On the calculation of the starting data of A.C. squirrel-cage motors with different bar shapes by the method of finite differences

Contents The voltage dependent starting currents and torques of a 2,800 kW 3-phase a.c. squirrel cage motor are calculated by the method of finite differences using a new block-SOR iteration technique. The paper describes the results for different rotor bars with rectangular, trapezoidal and other shapes. The calculated data are compared with conventionally determined figures. The saturation effect is rather large due to the high values of the rated current loading per air gap periphery. The unsaturated values agree very good.

     

Soliton dynamics in photonic-crystal fibers for coherent Raman microspectroscopy and microscopy

We describe various generation schemes that employ soliton dynamics in photonic-crystal fibers to generate a red-shifted femtosecond pulse with high efficiency. We then detail how to use this pulse along with the initial femtosecond laser pulse for coherent Raman experiments. We describe various measurement schemes that, though utilizing this pair of femtosecond pulses, mimick the preferred measurement scheme for coherent Raman microspectroscopy where one pulse is transform-limited and of picosecond duration; or for coherent Raman microscopy where both pulses are transform-limited and of picosecond duration. We finally discuss how to increase pulse energy and give some perspective on the realization of a coherent Raman endoscope based on soliton dynamics.     

Acromegaly caused by pulmonary carcinoid tumours

Vascular input impedance and associated hydraulic power was measured in rabbit isolated lungs. The study was focused on changes in impedance and in pulsatile hydraulic power during relaxation and contraction of vascular smooth muscle. Pulsatile power was found to be at a minimum when smooth muscle tone was such that the pulmonary arterial pressure was in the physiological range, and increased both when the vessels were relaxed and further constricted. Input impedance was found to be determined mainly by the large, proximal ('extra-alveolar') arteries.     

PSRO: a new direction for quality assessment in Otolaryngology

At the present time, the University of Michigan Hospital Department of Otorhinolaryngology has an 18-month experience in a quality assessment program directed toward compliance with PSRO legislation. This experience, we hope, provides an approach to the continuing assessment of medical care, whether it is for conforming to a particular legislative action or for the evaluation of patient care. It has been encouraging to the physicians involved that this is a program which is organized at the local level. It is oriented toward the local physician and in most instances will be administered by local physicians. The process of quality assessment has provided a milieu for educational experience and positive action toward correction of medical care problems. It has been said before that this may be the last opportunity for the physician to maintain control at the local level. This may be the opportunity for the profession to proceed with controlled quality assessment before outside agencies intercede.     

Effects of breed and age at slaughter on degradation of muscle lipids during processing of dry‐cured hams

Hams from Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire pigs slaughtered at ages 6, 7.5 and 9 months were processed to generate Norwegian Parma‐style hams. Lipid contents and the compositions of fatty acid classes (ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA) within neutral lipids, phospholipids and free fatty acids were determined. Small differences in lipid degradation and composition of the classes were revealed. However, significant sensory differences related to lipids were observed. Breed was more important than age. Dry‐cured Hampshire hams gave a more intense mature odour that may be associated with higher overall lipid degradation. Unexpectedly, these hams also demonstrated high juiciness and tenderness, which could be related to the melting characteristics of the fat. Dry‐cured Duroc hams showed a higher susceptibility towards rancidity, presumably associated with preferential oxidation of n‐6 fatty acids relative to C18:1 n‐9. Dry‐cured Landrace hams showed the lowest juiciness and tenderness, likely due to their lower fat content (marbling).