Magnetostriction and magnetic heterogeneities in iron-gallium.

Iron-gallium alloys Fe(1-x)Ga(x) exhibit an exceptional increase in magnetostriction with gallium content. We present small-angle neutron scattering investigations on a Fe(0.81)Ga(0.19) single crystal. We uncover heterogeneities with an average spacing of 15 nm and with magnetizations distinct from the matrix. The moments in and around the heterogeneities are observed to reorient with an applied magnetic field or mechanical strain. We discuss the possible roles played by nanoscale magnetic heterogeneities in the mechanism for magnetostriction in this material.

Allele frequencies for the four major sub-populations of New Zealand at the 10 AMPFlSTR SGM Plus loci.

Allele frequencies for the 10 STR loci included in the AMPFlSTR SGM Plus multiplex system have been determined for the four major sub-populations of New Zealand.

Long-term results of posterior semicircular canal occlusion for intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition which is usually managed conservatively, surgical intervention being recommended only for those small number of patients in whom it becomes persistent and incapacitating. The results of surgery in 13 patients who underwent posterior semicircular canal occlusion for intractable (> 12 months duration) and incapacitating BPPV are presented with special emphasis on their long-term follow-up. The mean follow-up was 66 months (range, 29-119 months). All patients reported complete and immediate resolution of their positional vertigo, which has been maintained in the long term. Most patients, however, reported some postoperative transient unsteadiness which lasted up to 4 weeks. All patients developed a transient mild conductive hearing loss secondary to a middle ear collection, which usually resolved within 4 weeks. Five patients developed a transient mild high frequency sensorineural hearing loss which resolved in all cases within 6 months. There were no reports of sensorineural hearing loss nor tinnitus in the long term. All patients believed that the operation was beneficial and would undergo it again. Our findings indicate that posterior semicircular canal occlusion is an effective and safe operation in the long term and is the procedure of choice for intractable and incapacitating BPPV rather than singular neurectomy.

The neonatal chinchilla cochlea: morphological and functional study.

The developmental time scale of the cochlea varies from species to species. We investigate here the condition of the neonatal cochlea in the chinchilla, a species increasingly used in auditory research. We have examined the morphology of cochlear hair cells using scanning microscopy, and the development of auditory function during the first postnatal month by monitoring auditory brainstem evoked responses (ABR). We find that although there were some outer hair cell kinocilia present in middle and apical areas, the hair cells otherwise were mature at 24 hours after birth. Furthermore, cochlear auditory thresholds are adult-like at birth. However, whilst there was little change in ABR thresholds over one month, there is evidence of continued maturation of the central auditory system as shown by the shortening of the PI-P5 latency from 9.1 ms to 7.7 ms.

Hearing loss in diabetics.

The relationship between diabetes and sensorineural hearing loss has been disputed. This study compares 44 insulin-dependent diabetics with 38 age and sex matched controls. All had pure tone and speech audiometry performed, with any diabetic showing sensorineural deafness undergoing stapedial reflex decay tests. In 14 diabetics stapedial reflex tests showed no tone decay in any patient, but seven showed evidence of recruitment. Analysis of variance showed the diabetics to be significantly deafer than the control population. The hearing loss affected high frequencies in both sexes, but also low frequencies in the male. Speech discrimination scores showed no difference. Further analysis by sex showed the males to account for most of the differences. Analysis of the audiograms showed mostly a high tone loss. Finally duration of diabetes, insulin dosage and family history of diabetes were not found to have a significant effect on threshold.

Osteomyelitis as a complication of a tracheo-oesophageal puncture.

Two cases of osteomyelitis of the cervical spine complicating tracheo-oesophageal puncture are reported. There was considerable delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis in both cases due to pre-existing cervical arthritis. Previous radiotherapy was felt to be a contributory factor in both cases.

Acoustic neurinoma surgery in Belfast 1986-1989.

Forty-seven acoustic neurinoma tumours have been operated on in 46 patients in the years 1987-1989. This is a considerable increase over the prevalence in the preceding ten years. Twenty-six were classified as large tumours, 18 as medium and one was small. Surgical excision was complete in 16 and incomplete in 31 cases. Two patients died in the early postoperative period. Facial nerve function was preserved in 36 (80%) of cases; of these 27 (60%) had good function and nine (20%) fair function. Useful hearing was prevented in only two patients. The overall complication rate has been low and often of a transitory nature.

Ovarian carcinoma metastatic to the larynx.

The second case of ovarian carcinoma metastatic to the larynx is presented. The sites of the primaries and metastases of previously reported cases are reviewed, and possible methods of spread discussed.

Effect of betahistine dihydrochloride compared with cinnarizine on induced vestibular nystagmus.

The effect of betahistine compared with cinnarizine on induced vestibular nystagmus was evaluated using a rotating chair, in 6 healthy volunteers. The subjects underwent a slow acceleration followed by a sudden stop. Electronystagmograph tracings were taken initially as pretreatment control values, and after betahistine 8 mg t.i.d. and cinnarizine 15 mg t.i.d. had been taken. The duration of nystagmus and average eye speed were measured. No difference was recorded in either parameter between the pretreatment rotation and that following betahistine (P greater than 0.05). A significant difference (P less than 0.05) was seen in the duration of nystagmus during initial acceleration, and in average eye speed following the sudden stop after treatment with cinnarizine.

Epidemiologia de las enfermedades del ganado bovino en Suriname / Epidemiology of cattle diseases in Suriname

The prevalence of certain cattle diseases in Suriname was studied over the period June-August 1985. The diseases were selected for their economic importance and association observed in the cattle with respiratory diseases, reproductive inefficiency, and neonatal mortality. Random samples were taken at two cattle-raising ranches, a dairy farm, and an abattoir in the District of Suriname. The study included a total of 478 animals, which were tested by indirect immunofluorescence for each of the diseases selected. Basically the serologic study revealed the presence of brucellosis, bovine viral diarrhea, parainfluenza 3, bovine infectious rhinotracheitis, and bovine coronavirus but not respiratory syncytial virus. The prevalence of parainfluenza 3 and bovine viral diarrhea was low compared with rates in other countries. It is recommended that a system, specially designed to meet the needs of this country, be established for the ongoing surveillance of data on animal health

Swimming with earplugs: are they worthwhile?

The ears of 30 children were examined before and after swimming. Each ear was plugged with cotton wool which was then covered with petroleum jelly. Of the 60 earplugs, 4 (6.6%) were lost while swimming and water was seen in the ears. The remaining 56 (93.3%) earplugs were still in place after swimming. The plugs were removed and the ears, on otoscopy, were found to be dry. In a separate experiment with volunteers, water was instilled into 10 ear canals. Either 1 drop (0.05 ml), 2 drops (0.1 ml) or no water was instilled. Nine of the 10 ears were correctly judged to have either 'no water' or 'water present', suggesting that as little as 0.05 ml of water in an ear canal can be detected otoscopically.

An epidemiological early warning system for malaria control in northern Thailand.

Parasitological data for the years 1973-81 were examined to determine the years of "acceptable" or "normal" transmission of malaria, for every district of northern Thailand. The monthly mean number of cases and the mean plus 2 standard deviations (SD) were calculated for the selected years and plotted on log-linear graph paper. The resulting graphs were distributed to the Malaria Sector Offices. Sector Chiefs were then responsible for plotting the monthly observed number of cases of malaria as the data became available; if the observed incidence was more than 2 SD greater than the "normal" mean for that month, the Zone and Regional Malaria Offices were informed. Retrospective analysis of data from districts where malaria outbreaks had occurred indicated that the method provides an effective warning of impending epidemics. It is expected that the resulting earlier implementation of appropriate remedial control measures will lead to a reduction in malaria incidence in the region.

Drenaje al vacio reutilizable. / Reusable vaccuum drainage

Se describe un drenaje al vacio confeccionado con elementos reutilizables, como alternativa a los de tipo comercial de costo relativamente alto. Se describen su funcionamiento y sus indicaciones y se enfatiza su bajo costo y su efectividad

An evaluation of five regimens for the outpatient therapy of falciparum malaria in Thailand 1980-81.

Five regimens for the radical treatment of falciparum malaria were compared in five geographically separate areas of Thailand. The cure rate for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was found to be low in the area of the Kampuchean border and in the northeastern and western parts of the country. This distribution may be related to the spread of resistant parasites through the migration of labourers. A 7-day course of quinine was found to be uniformly effective, with an overall cure rate of 90% in these primary infections with comparatively low parasitaemia.