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Research suggests physicians may harbour paternalistic attitudes towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and lack the knowledge and skills to work with them. This study examined the impact of a brief intellectual and developmental disability curriculum intervention on these outcomes. First-year medical students completed a pre–post questionnaire on attitudes and knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities in conjunction with a curriculum (a virtual tour of a developmental service site; panel discussions; tutorial presentations). Paired data were available for 33 students. Students' confidence communicating with the person increased (pre-mean = 5.7/10, SD = 1.9; post-mean = 6.3/10, SD = 1.7; p < 0.05) as did their feeling of competence taking a history (pre-mean = 4.2/10, SD = 1.9; post-mean = 5.5, SD = 1.7; p < 0.0001). Their inclination toward sheltering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities also increased (pre-mean = 2.8/6, SD = 0.7; post-mean = 3.2/6, SD = 0.7; p < 0.005). This intervention may contribute to student confidence and their sense of competence in interacting with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities but did not suggest they adopted the philosophy of community inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Posterior intercostal node (PILN) metastasis portends poor outcome in mesothelioma. • The PILN nodal group has recently been incorporated into the TMN staging system. • CT is not sensitive or specific for detecting PILN metastasis in mesothelioma. • Assessment of PILN nodal status is likely a surgical diagnosis in mesothelioma. Recent evidence suggests that patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) undergoing extended pleurectomy/decortication (eP/D) with metastasis to the posterior intercostal lymph nodes (PILN) have a worse prognosis. In this study, we determine if MPM PILN metastasis can be reliably detected on computed tomography (CT). Preoperative staging CT exams were reviewed for the presence of PILN in MPM patients undergoing eP/D between 2007–2013 with surgical sampling of their PILN. CT images were reviewed by two thoracic radiologists blinded to clinical records, including operative pathology reports. The number and short axis size of PILN were recorded and correlated with surgical pathology. Statistical analysis examined the value of preoperative CT to detect metastatic PILN. Of 36 patients that underwent eP/D with PILN sampling had preoperative CT images for review. At surgery, 22 of these patients had metastatic PILN and 14 had benign PILN. The positive and negative predictive values for one or more nodes seen on preoperative CT were 60 % and 38 % respectively. The number of PILN on preoperative CT did not predict metastasis (p = 0.40) with an average of 2 PILN seen, regardless of PILN pathology. The average nodal short axis size was 4.6 mm and 4.8 mm for benign and malignant PILN, respectively, and PILN short axis size did not predict metastasis (p = 0.39). There was little inter-observer variability between the size and number of nodes detected by each radiologist. CT does not reliably identify metastatic PILN on preoperative CT for patients with MPM undergoing extended pleurectomy/decortication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The van Hemmen Fermionic Ising Spin Glass (vH FISG) model in the presence of a transverseГ and a random magnetic field hi is adopted to study the inverse freezing (IF) transition, without using the replica method to treat the disorder. In this model, the spin interactions Jij are given by a combination of random variables that follow Gaussian distribution. The random field (RF) also follows a Gaussian distribution. The introduction of hi allow us to investigate the IF under the effects of a disorderwhich is not a source of frustration. A particularity of this fermionic formalism is that the chemical potential μ and theГ provide a magnetic dilution and quantum spin flip mechanism, respectively. The results show a reentrant transition from the spin glass (SG) to the paramagnetic (PM) phase in the absence ofГ and hi. This reentrance appears for a certain range ofμ, inwhich is found a PM phase (at low temperatures) with lower entropy than the SG state, characterising the IF. However, the IF is gradually suppressed when the hi effects are intensified. In addition, the IF is completely destroyed by the quantum fluctuations provided byГ. Therefore, nontrivial disorder combined with dilution can bring a scenario favourable to the IF occurrence, while random fields and quantum fluctuations are against the IF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although 90 % of all bird species are monogamous, many species practice alternative reproductive strategies as extra-pair copulations, intra-specific brood parasitism, and quasi-parasitism. In territorial monogamous species, both partners hold and defend the territory from intruders. Often, the intruders are males and usually the local male banishes the intruders. Indeed, many studies focused on the response of the local male toward intruder males. However, the benefits and costs associated with the responses of the local male toward intruder females have been largely overlooked. Focusing mainly on alternative reproductive strategies, we developed a model to predict the aggression a monogamous male may demonstrate toward an intruder female during the pre-egg laying stage of his local female partner. This model demonstrates that the intensity of aggression that the local male shows toward an intruder female depends on the extra-pair copulations that his local female partner may perform. Further, the aggression also depends upon intra-specific brood parasitism and quasi-parasitism that might be carried out by the intruder female. Our approach suggests that when considering mating strategies, there is a need to assess how these three alternative reproductive strategies may affect the local male's aggression toward intruder females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In monogamous species, conspecific aggression is a primary tactic to deter intruders. Alternative reproductive strategies, such as extra-pair copulations or intra-specific brood parasitism that peak at the pre-egg laying period and are practised by intruders, pose a significant threat to the monogamous pair. Here, we addressed the question whether male and female Palestine Sunbirds ( Nectarinia osea) demonstrate different aggression levels toward conspecific intruders during the pre-egg laying period. We further asked whether indirect measures of certainty of paternity affect male aggression toward such intruders. For that, we measured the aggression of both partners toward intruders while using stuffed birds. We conducted two experiments on a monogamous and territorial Palestine Sunbird population. In the first experiment, we exposed breeding pairs to a conspecific or a heterospecific intruder and measured their aggression toward it. During the second experiment, we exposed breeding pairs to an intruder, before and after temporarily removing the local male. The local male demonstrated higher aggression than the local female toward a male decoy. Toward a female decoy, the local male demonstrated lower aggression than the local female. Following their release, the removed males did not change their aggression toward the male decoy, but rather they decreased their aggression toward the female decoy. These results suggest that the indirect male's certainty of paternity may be an important factor of the male's interests when he faces a risk of potential intra-specific brood parasitism. Furthermore, these findings suggest that each gender is more sensitive to its similar intruder gender, and acts according to its interests in terms of its aggression toward the intruder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic and lattice properties of a sample of La(FeSi) ferromagnet have been measured. The influence that neutron irradiation has on the physical properties of this ferromagnet is studied. It is shown that the irradiation of this sample by a fluence of 3 × 10 n/cm increases the lattice constant a and the Curie temperature ( T) as the volume magnetostriction decreases. A model of ferromagnet is proposed which satisfactorily describes the dependence a( T) of the initial and irradiated samples and their magnetic properties. The temperature dependence of the change in entropy when switching the magnetic field on and off is calculated. It is established that the change in both the magnetic and lattice parts of the total entropy at the magnetic phase transition must be taken into account for La(FeSi) compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure state of carbon eutectoid steel has been studied by the in situ neutron diffraction method in the temperature range from room temperature to 800°C. It has been shown that an increase in the temperature is accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of carbon in cementite, whereas its weight fraction and the parameters of the orthorhombic lattice change slightly. The ab initio calculations of the nonstoichiometric carbides Fe3C x (0 < x < 1) indicate that the structure of cementite remains stable upon the appearance of vacancies in the carbon sublattice with a relatively low formation energy. Thus, cementite should be considered as an interstitial phase Fe3C x with a wide homogeneity range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of the low-temperature forms of the Cs3PO4 and Rb3PO4 orthophosphates has been determined for the first time by neutron diffraction using the Rietveld method. Cs3PO4 and Rb3PO4 are shown to be isostructural with K3PO4: orthorhombic cell (sp. gr. Pnma, Z = 4); lattice parameters a = 1.23177(6) nm, b = 0.88948(4) nm, c = 0.64197(3) nm for Cs3PO4; a = 1.17362(2) nm, b = 0.81046(1) nm, c = 0.615167(9) nm for Rb3PO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berger I, Weckauf H, Helmchen B, Ehemann V, Penzel R, Fink B, Bernd L&Autschbach F(2005)Histopathology46,490–497Rheumatoid arthritis and pigmented villonodular synovitis: comparative analysis of cell polyploidy, cell cycle phases and expression of macrophage and fibroblast markers in proliferating synovial cells: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) are aggressive diseases with progressive joint destruction. The present study aims to define cell cycle phases, polyploidy and the immunophenotype of proliferating synovial cells in both diseases.: Synovial tissues from patients with proliferative-active RA, localized and diffuse PVNS were analysed by DNA flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence with confocal laser scan microscopy. Expression of macrophage markers (CD68/CD163), fibroblast markers (h4Ph/CD55) and Ki67 antigen was examined. Synovial cells positive for either macrophage or fibroblast markers as well as double-labelled cells were found in both RA and PVNS. In RA, CD68/CD163+ synoviocytes were preferentially located in the vicinity of the synovial lining layer, while they were more randomly distributed in PVNS. Of cases with diffuse PVNS, 20% showed an aneuploid cell pattern. All samples of localized PVNS and RA were diploid. Proliferative activity was significantly higher in aneuploid PVNS.: In spite of their histologically homogeneous appearance, proliferating synovial cells display a heterogeneous immunophenotype in both RA and PVNS, indicating functional properties of both macrophages and fibroblasts. Aneuploidy seems to be a special feature of diffuse PVNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the history of the SP1 and SP2 POWERparallel machines of International Business Machines Corp. (IBM). Approaches in creating and delivering the machines; Illustrations on the uses of the machines; Use of distributed memory architecture; IBM commitment to parallel computing.

Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a rare autoimmune disorder. It is defined as a 'corticosteroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with thyroiditis'. We describe a boy who suffered from HE, responded only to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. This is the first case report of immunoglobulin therapy in paediatric HE. After review of the literature, we recommend that unexplained encephalopathy in children should lead to evaluation of thyroid autoantibody titres. Immunoglobulins should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the expression of bcl-2, p53, and caspase 3, and measure the Ki-67 proliferation index as well as DNA content and DNA fragmentation in a case of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee with aggressive clinical behaviour.Methods: Expression of p53, Bcl-2 and Ki-67 was investigated using immunohistochemistry. In addition, multiparametric flow cytometry was performed for expression of p53, bcl-2, and caspase 3, as well as analysis of DNA content and distribution of cell cycle phases. DNA fragmentation was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL).Results: A strong cytoplasmic positivity for Bcl-2 protein, a key factor in regulation of apoptosis, was found in the majority of proliferating synovial cells. No apoptotic cell fraction was found by analysis of DNA content. DNA fragmentation was observed in 6.8% of cells. No elevated expression of p53 and caspase 3 was detected.Conclusion: Our results indicate a possible role of dysregulation of apoptosis in this case of PVNS. This aspect in the pathogenesis of PVNS should be clarified in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that resting energy expenditure (REE) would be higher after breastfeeding than after bottle-feeding. METHODS: Nineteen preterm infants (gestational age: 32 weeks) in stable condition who were nourished entirely with their mothers' breast milk were assigned randomly to feeding either by bottle or at the breast. Each infant served as his or her own control subject. REE was measured for 20 minutes after feeding. Breast milk quantity was evaluated with prefeeding and postfeeding weighing. REE values for bottle-feeding and breastfeeding were compared with paired t tests. RESULTS: Contrary to our null hypothesis, the group's mean REE values after bottle-feeding and breastfeeding were very similar (284.7 +/- 26.8 kJ/kg per day [68.3 +/- 6.4 kcal/kg per day] vs 282.6 +/- 28.5 kJ/kg per day [67.5 +/- 6.8 kcal/kg per day]; not significant). The duration of feeding was significantly longer for breastfeeding than for bottle-feeding (20.1 +/- 7.9 vs 7.8 +/- 2.9 minutes; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in REE when infants were breastfed versus bottle-fed. Longer feeding times at the breast did not increase REE. We speculate that it is safe to recommend feeding at the breast for infants born at >32 weeks when they can tolerate oral feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare patients' perceptions and preferences of two different versions of informed consent documents.Methods: Patients eligible for a trial of palliative chemotherapy for lung cancer (N = 22) were randomly assigned to receive either an original consent document or a shortened version written for the present study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the patients had read the consent documents. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: Few differences between the two groups were found with respect to patients' assessment of the amount of content and the most important information in the documents. Information about disease and treatment seemed to be of most interest for the patients, while information about research aspects of the study such as financing, confidentiality and publishing (formalities) was judged to be of lesser relevance. Two patients who read the original document indicated that they treated the formalities as secondary.Conclusion: Patients seemed to pay little attention to the research aspects, and thus risked to misunderstand the main point of the consent document.Practice implications: The structure of consent documents should clarify for the readers that they are asked to take part in research, and that participation is voluntary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the structures of vanadates and deals with the synthesis and structural study of A4Ba(VO3)6 compounds, where A is an alkali metal. It shows that A4Ba(VO3)6 (A = K, Rb, Cs) differs from the structure of Cs4Ba(PO3)6 compounds, wherein metaphospate anion chain arrangement is responsible for the formation of the coordination of polyhedra around Cesium and Barium atoms.

The crystal structure of the low-temperature form of K3PO4 has been determined for the first time using neutron diffraction (Rietveld method) and Raman spectroscopy: orthorhombic cell (sp. gr. Pnma, Z = 4), lattice parameters a = 1.12377(2) nm, b = 0.81046(1) nm, c = 0.59227(1) nm. The structure is made up of isolated [PO4] tetrahedra, with the potassium ions in between. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polycrystalline sample of Ba4Mn3O10 has been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (290 K), neutron diffraction (290, 80, 5 K) and magnetometry (5≤T(K)≤1000). At 290 K the compound is paramagnetic and isostructural with Ba4Ti2PtO10. Mn3O12 trimers, built up from MnO6 octahedra, are linked through common vertices to form corrugated sheets perpendicular to the y-axis of the orthorhombic unit cell (Space group Cmca, a=5.6850(1), b=13.1284(1), c=12.7327(1) A˚); Ba atoms occupy the space between the layers. On cooling, the magnetic susceptibility shows a broad maximum at ∼130 K, and a sharp transition at 40 K. Neutron diffraction has shown that long-range antiferromagnetic order is present at 5 K but not at 80 K, although magnetometry at 5 K has revealed a remanent magnetization (0.002 μB per Mn) which is below the detection limit of the neutron experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Currently, we are experiencing a true pandemic of a communicable disease by the virus SARS-CoV-2 holding the whole world firmly in its grasp. Amazingly and unfortunately, this virus uses a metabolic and endocrine pathway via ACE2 to enter our cells causing damage and disease. Our international research training programme funded by the German Research Foundation has a clear mission to train the best students wherever they may come from to learn to tackle the enormous challenges of diabetes and its complications for our society. A modern training programme in diabetes and metabolism does not only involve a thorough understanding of classical physiology, biology and clinical diabetology but has to bring together an interdisciplinary team. With the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, this prestigious and unique metabolic training programme is facing new challenges but also new opportunities. The consortium of the training programme has recognized early on the need for a guidance and for practical recommendations to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic for the community of patients with metabolic disease, obesity and diabetes. This involves the optimal management from surgical obesity programmes to medications and insulin replacement. We also established a global registry analyzing the dimension and role of metabolic disease including new onset diabetes potentially triggered by the virus. We have involved experts of infectious disease and virology to our faculty with this metabolic training programme to offer the full breadth and scope of expertise needed to meet these scientific challenges. We have all learned that this pandemic does not respect or heed any national borders and that we have to work together as a global community. We believe that this transCampus metabolic training programme provides a prime example how an international team of established experts in the field of metabolism can work together with students from all over the world to address a new pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation conditions, crystal structure and luminescence properties of aluminum and gallium hydroxide diformates, Me(OH)(HCOO)2, have been established. Both compounds crystallize in a monoclinic lattice (space group C2, #5 and Z = 8) with parameters: a = 8.8629(2) Å, b = 9.9890(2) Å, c = 10.2411(1) Å, β = 106.223(1)°, and V = 870.56(3) Å3 (Al) and a = 8.8746(1) Å, b = 10.3291(1) Å, c = 10.27870(9) Å, β = 105.7565(6)°, and V = 906.81(2) Å3 (Ga). The emission spectra of Me(OH)(HCOO)2 under UV excitation with wavelength λ = 285 nm exhibit maxima in the range of 440–470 nm. The emission accompanied by light-blue luminescence is greatly enhanced when going from the aluminum to the gallium compound. The origin of intrinsic emission centers responsible for the luminescence properties of Me(OH)(HCOO)2 is suggested and the higher emission of the gallium hydroxide diformate is substantiated by means of density-functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba7Li1.75Mn3.5O15.75 is a new hexagonal perovskite whose crystal structure has elements typical for the layered hexagonal perovskites and quasi-one-dimensional oxides, hence representing a new polytype. It has been synthesized via a solid-state microwave route. The crystal structure was solved using a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction data, which show that Ba7Li1.75Mn3.5O15.75 crystallizes in a hexagonal unit cell with parameters a = 5.66274(2) Å and c = 16.7467(1) Å (V = 465.063(4) Å3), with one formula unit, and can be described as columns of face-shared octahedra occupied by Mn4+ and Li+ cations and vacancies along the c axis separated in the ab plane by barium atoms. Every sixth layer, the coordination of Mn5+ and Li+ changes to tetrahedral. Additional local ordering of manganese and lithium atoms among cationic sites leading to the formation of a rhombohedral supercell has been observed by scanning transmission electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To compare echogenicity detected using cranial ultrasound (cUS) and diffuse excessive high signal intensity (DEHSI) detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by identical region-based scoring criteria in preterm infants. To explore the association between these white matter (WM) signal changes with early neurobehavior.Study Design:Forty-nine pre-selected premature infants with only echogenicity on a first routine cUS1 underwent MRI and a repeated cUS2 at term equivalent age. Echogenicity and DEHSI were graded in various brain areas and diffusivity values were calculated. Neurobehavior was assessed using the Rapid Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Procedure.Result:WM signal changes were significantly higher on cUS1 than cUS2; and higher in MRI than cUS2 in posterior regions. Infants with DEHSI demonstrated reduced tissue integrity. Imaging findings were not correlated with early neurobehavior.Conclusion:Echogenicity and DEHSI likely represent the same phenomenon. Reduction of over-interpretation of WM signal changes may help define criteria for the judicious use of imaging in routine follow-up of premature infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two CoCrAl alloy samples subjected to different heat treatment regimes are studied. An exact distribution of atoms over the sublattices in the samples is determined by X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction methods. These data are used to perform ab initio density of states calculations and to calculate the magnetic moments of the samples in a coherent potential approximation. The calculated magnetic moments are compared to the experimental values. The effect of atomic ordering on the electronic structure near the Fermi level is analyzed using optical methods. The possible causes of the detected temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity, unusual for metallic alloys, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (NH)WOF compound undergoes a series of phase transitions: G → 201, K → G → 160, and K → G, with a significant change in entropy (Δ S ∼ Rln10 at the G → G transition), which indicates significant orientational disordering in the G phase and the order-disorder type of the phase transition. X-ray diffraction is used to identify the crystal structure of the G phase as rhombohedral (sp. gr. Cmcm, Z = 4), determine the lattice parameters and the positions of all atoms (except hydrogen), and show that [WOF] ions can form a superposition of dynamic and static orientational disorders in the anionic sublattice. A determination of the orientational position of [NH] ions calls for the combined method of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering. Inelastic neutron scattering is used to determine the state of hindered rotation for ammonium ions in the G phase. Powder neutron diffraction shows that the orientational disorder of NH ions can adequately be described within the free-rotation approximation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the case study "Multiorgan infestation with macrophages with PAS-negative material inclusions in long-term hemodialysis: a case report," by S. M. Shah, R. Heyny-von Haußen, I. Berger and G. Mall is presented.

By the hydration of MVO(SeO) with saturated water vapors at room temperature a series of isostructural complex compounds of vanadium(V) of the composition M[VO(SeO)(HO)]·HO (K, Rb, NH) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. Based on the X-ray and neutron diffraction data, it is found that their crystal structure is composed of VO octahedra linked in infinite chains by bridging SeO tetrahedra. Each of the VO octahedra has two short terminal V-O bonds forming a bent dioxovanadium group VO. Two water molecules are coordinated by vanadium and one molecule is out of the first coordination sphere in the interchain space. The vibrational spectra of the studied compounds are completely consistent with their structural features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 100-channel scintillation multichannel detector of thermal neutrons has been designed and manufactured for modernizing the D7a neutron diffractometer on the IVV-2M reactor. The detector is built in accordance with the modular approach and allows arrangement of sensitive surfaces of channels on a cylindrical surface of arbitrary radius. The sensitive volume of a channel is a multilayer composition of stripes of an ND scintillation screen and wavelength-shifting fibers. The dimensions of the entrance aperture of the channel’s sensitive volume are 3 × 120 mm. The average detection efficiency in channels for neutrons of wavelength λ = 1.53 Å is 70%. The gamma sensitivity of the detector channels is no higher than 1 × 10−7. The maximum counting rate of an individual channel is ≥ 1 × 105 neutrons/s. Each module of the detector is an independent device and contains ten channels for neutron detection, signal-processing electronics, a high-voltage supply system, and computer-interfacing electronics. A CAN interface is used to acquire data from the modules, set the registration parameters, and control the modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In chambers with diamond anvils, the structure of high-pressure phases of ternary lead tellurides Pb1− x SnxTe ( x = 0.29) and Pb1− x MnxTe ( x = 0.05) and nonstoichiometric crystals Pb0.55Te0.45, Pb0.45Te0.55 is analyzed by the synchrotron radiation diffraction method at pressures of P up to 14 GPa. The orthorhombic structure of the intermediate high-pressure phase (space group Pnma) is determined for all the samples above 6 GPa. Models of the phase transition in PbTe from the initial rock salt structure to the orthorhombic phase, which constitutes a distorted variant of NaCl, as well as the properties of this phase, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE. To characterize the gene expression profile and determine potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). METHODS: Gene expression patterns in 11 patients with PVNS, 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 19 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were investigated using genome-wide complementary DNA microarrays. Validation of differentially expressed genes was performed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis on tissue arrays (80 patients with PVNS, 51 patients with RA, and 20 patients with OA). RESULTS: The gene expression profile in PVNS was clearly distinct from those in RA and OA. One hundred forty-one up-regulated genes and 47 down-regulated genes were found in PVNS compared with RA, and 153 up-regulated genes and 89 down-regulated genes were found in PVNS compared with OA (fold change >/=1.5; Q

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough in babies is often associated with bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). The objective documentation of BHR in babies is difficult, and acoustic methods have been described (provocative concentration of a substance causing wheeze) for conducting bronchial provocation tests (BPTs). We conducted a study to evaluate automatic computerized wheeze detection (CWD) in determining BHR in young infants with prolonged cough, and its correlation with the subsequent development of wheezing. METHODS: Infants aged < 24 months with prolonged cough (ie, > 2 months) underwent acoustic BPTs with the response determined by CWD and auscultation by a physician. Telephone interviews with parents were conducted after 1 month and yearly for the next 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 28 infants who were 4 to 24 months old with prolonged cough were included in the study. Twenty of these infants (71.4%) had BHR as determined by a positive acoustic BPT result. In 11 of these 20 tests, the CWD occurred earlier, and in 9 tests it occurred at the same step as auscultation by a physician. Rhonchi or whistles often preceded wheezes. Seventeen of the 20 patients with BHR completed 3 years of follow-up. Of these, 14 had recurrent episodes of wheezing and shortness of breath, and 3 were well. Six of the eight adenosine-negative patients completed 3 years of follow-up and had no symptoms of BHR. CONCLUSIONS: Acoustic BPT is a technically feasible test for the detection of BHR in young infants. CWD provides an earlier detection of wheeze than stethoscope auscultation. In our group of infants, a positive acoustic BPT result had high correlation with symptoms compatible with BHR over the next 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Magnetic susceptibility of the intermediate-valence CeNi compound was measured under external pressure of 0.8, 1.05 and 1.25GPa. The results obtained extend the pressure–temperature phase diagram of CeNi up to P =2GPa and Т =300K. It is shown that the pressure-induced phase of CeNi has a tetragonal symmetry. Specific heat measurements for the Ce1− x La x Ni–CeNi–Ce1− x Lu x Ni series demonstrate significant increase of the f-electron hybridization due to chemical pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]