Single-event effects in resolver-to-digital converters

Single-event effects (SEEs) in two resolver-to-digital converters (RDCs) have been studied using heavy ions and pulsed laser light. The important role of the pulsed laser in establishing single-event upset (SEU) and single-event latchup (SEL) levels prior to accelerator testing is described, as is its role in evaluating the test software and hardware and in gaining a better understanding of the origins of the SEEs. Results from pulsed-laser testing are in quantitative agreement with those from heavy-ion testing: the RDC-19220 is sensitive to both SEUs and SELs whereas the AD2S80 is less sensitive to SEUs and immune to SEL     

Complete nucleotide sequence of HTLV-II isolate NRA: comparison of envelope sequence variation of HTLV-II isolates from U.S. blood donors and U.S. and Italian i.v. drug users

Seven cardiac electrophysiology stimulators from four manufacturers (Biotronik, Bloom, Digitimer and Medtronic) in common current use are reviewed. The stimulators differ in the features provided and the design adopted to achieve these features. The number of output channels ranges from one to four, the number of extra-stimuli available ranges from two to six, and these can be delivered as a variety of sequences. Some of the stimulators (Digitimer and Bloom) are modular while others (Biotronik and Medtronic 532 series) are of an integrated design comprising a single physical unit. The design of the Medtronic EP-2 has both integrated and modular characteristics. The features of the stimulators associated with input, output, control and the user interface are specifically reviewed. The features are also compared against the published recommendations of the American Heart Association. In addition, a summary of stimulator user comments from a number of electrophysiology centres is presented. All of the stimulators fulfil, or are close to fulfilling, basic electrophysiological requirements, but some provide more complex facilities such as would be required by specialist centres.     

Comparison of Seal Oil to Tuna Oil on Plasma Lipid Levels and Blood Pressure in Hypertriglyceridaemic Subjects

As meat is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and Australians consume six times more meat than fish, investigation of the potential health benefit of DPA is warranted. The aims were to compare the effects of seal oil supplementation with fish oil, on measures of plasma lipids and blood pressure in hypertriglyceridaemic subjects. Forty-eight volunteers were recruited from the Wollongong community and were randomly allocated to one of three groups either receiving 1 g/day of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) using one of three oils: seal oil capsules (340 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 230 mg DPA, 450 mg DHA), fish oil capsules (210 mg EPA, 30 mg DPA, 810 mg DHA) or placebo capsules (containing sunola oil) for 6 weeks. Plasma triglycerides remained unchanged in the placebo group, whilst reductions of 7 and 14% (P < 0.05) were seen in the fish oil and seal oil groups respectively. Systolic blood pressure improved by 8 and 5 mmHg with seal oil and fish oil respectively (P < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure was significantly lower after seal oil supplementation (P < 0.005) compared with the placebo group. These results indicate that seal oil is as effective as fish oil in lowering plasma triglycerides and blood pressure.     

Pyramidal nerve cell loss in Alzheimer''s disease

Despite clinical evidence from the National Institutes of Health consensus panel in 1991 that breast-conservation surgery (BCS) with radiation therapy (RT) is appropriate treatment in early-stage breast cancer, the overall rate of acceptance and actual practice of BCS with RT has remained low. We retrospectively reviewed 228 cases of breast cancer in female patients with stage Tis, I or II breast cancer treated between 1987 and 1995. Thirty-five cases (15.4%) were stage Tis, 70 cases (30.7%) were stage I, and 123 cases (53.9%) were stage II, Overall, 57% of Tis, I or II breast cancers received conservative treatment; 57% of stage Tis, 79% of stage I, and 44% of stage II tumors. These rates of conservative therapy are higher than in other reported series in the literature. BCS with RT produces equivalent rates of morbidity and survival as MRM, and, because it preserves the breast, is preferable for the majority of women who present with stage Tis, I, or II breast cancer.     

Non-cardiac chest pain]

Non-cardiac chest pain is caused in 50% by esophageal disorders. About 30% of such esophageal chest pain is induced by gastroesophageal reflux. 2/3 of esophageal chest pain is related to various esophageal motility disorders, which can be differentiated by manometry. Diagnostic procedures for esophageal dysfunction (endoscopy, radiology, long-term pH-metry) have been evaluated. Therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease has been proven effective; maintenance therapy should be evaluated in further controlled randomized trials. Treatment of esophageal motility disorders, unsatisfactory so far, needs to be improved and standardized.     

Use of an accident and emergency department by hospital staff

OBJECTIVE: To assess the number of attendances by hospital staff at an accident and emergency (A&E) department, and reasons for their attendance. METHODS: A&E attendances by hospital staff were studied for a 12 month period. Comparison was made with attendances by non-hospital staff in full or part time employment. Differences between the observed and expected numbers of attendances were analysed using chi 2 analysis. RESULTS: 560 staff attendances were recorded out of 78,103 total attendances. There was an observed excess number of attendances by nursing staff for work related incidents when compared to the control group (P = 0.01). However, there were fewer attendances by nursing staff for non-work related incidents (P = 0.01). Staff other than doctors and nurses attended the A&E department more frequently than the control group for non-work related incidents (P = 0.01), but their attendance for incidents occurring at work were the same as the control group (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The increased use of A&E resources by staff other than doctors and nurses may be inappropriate and further research into their reasons for attendance is warranted.