Photon cross-correlation spectroscopy to 10-ns resolution.

We describe a low-cost modification based on the research of Arecchi et al. [Opt. Commun. 3, 284-288 (1971)] on a standard photon correlation spectroscopy setup for measuring small (approximately equal 1%) and fast (resolution, approximately equal 10 ns) light fluctuations. Details of the electronics and optics permit the apparatus to be easily reproduced. Careful tests show that spurious correlations of

Lowering body temperature with a cooling suit as symptomatic treatment for thermosensitive multiple sclerosis patients.

A cooling system (Mark VII Microclimate System) was used to give six thermosensitive multiple sclerosis patients two 45-minute daily coolings for a period of one month. Before the first cooling, a baseline clinical and electrophysiological examination was performed. The same tests were repeated after the first application and after the thirtieth cooling day, thus providing information relating to acute and chronic efficacy. A clinical improvement was observed after both acute and, more unexpectedly, chronic cooling, whereas a significant improvement in central somatosensory conduction was recorded only under acute conditions. Our data suggest that cooling with this device leads to an improvement in some functional performances (mainly fatigue and strength) of about two hours' duration in thermosensitive patients.

Judo and choking: EEG and regional cerebral blood flow findings.

Ten judoka were examined at rest by EEG and regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF) (133-Xenon inhalation method); in seven of them a syncope was induced by choking and EEG was recorded during the loss of consciousness while rCBF was measured immediately after recovery. Baseline EEG and rCBF examinations were normal. During choking, EEG showed diffuse 2-3 Hz. high voltage waves, predominantly in the anterior regions, then the EEG gradually recovered to normal. After choking, rCBF decreased in all but one subject, slightly in four and more markedly in two. Our findings suggest that there is no evidence of permanent CNS functional changes due to judo practice and choking. The variable rCBF features soon after choking-induced syncope may reflect a different timing of recovery from cerebral ischemia for each subject.