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The Extended-range Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (E-AERI) is a moderate resolution (1 cm−1) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer for measuring the absolute downwelling infrared spectral radiance from the atmosphere between 400 and 3000 cm−1. The extended spectral range of the instrument permits monitoring of the 400–550 cm−1 (20–25 μm) region, where most of the infrared surface cooling currently occurs in the dry air of the Arctic. Spectra from the E-AERI have the potential to provide information about radiative balance, trace gases, and cloud properties in the Canadian high Arctic. Calibration, performance evaluation, and certification of the E-AERI were performed at the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Centre from September to October 2008. The instrument was then installed at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) Ridge Lab (610 m altitude) at Eureka, Nunavut, in October 2008, where it acquired one year of data. Measurements are taken every seven minutes year-round, including polar night when the solar-viewing spectrometers at PEARL are not operated. A similar instrument, the University of Idaho's Polar AERI (P-AERI), was installed at the Zero-altitude PEARL Auxiliary Laboratory (0PAL), 15 km away from the PEARL Ridge Lab, from March 2006 to June 2009. During the period of overlap, these two instruments provided calibrated radiance measurements from two altitudes. A fast line-by-line radiative transfer model is used to simulate the downwelling radiance at both altitudes; the largest differences (simulation-measurement) occur in spectral regions strongly influenced by atmospheric temperature and/or water vapour. The two AERI instruments at close proximity but located at two different altitudes are well-suited for investigating cloud forcing. As an example, it is shown that a thin, low ice cloud resulted in a 6% increase in irradiance. The presence of clouds creates a large surface radiative forcing in the Arctic, particularly in the 750–1200 cm−1 region where the downwelling radiance is several times greater than clear-sky radiances, which is significantly larger than in other more humid regions.

A fast forward radiative transfer model to compute the emitted limb radiances for use in recovering line-of-sight Doppler winds from thermal line emission has been developed and evaluated. This study was formulated around the Stratospheric Wind Interferometer for Transport Studies (SWIFT) instrument—a limb imaging, field widened, phase-stepping Michelson interferometer. The fast forward model is required to simulate a four-point interferogram from which line-of-sight winds may be computed. The model, RT-SWIFT (Radiative Transfer for SWIFT), is part of an effort to develop the capability of providing simultaneous measurements of horizontal wind velocity vectors and ozone concentration in the stratosphere for improving our understanding of global stratospheric dynamics and for studies in ozone transport. Based in part on RT-MIPAS (Radiative Transfer for the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding), RT-SWIFT uses a linear regression algorithm to parametrize the effective layer optical depths and can simulate the effect of variable ozone, nitrous oxide, water vapour and atmospheric winds. Trace gases are included as fixed climatological profiles. The model development involved the selection of two suitable databases consisting of appropriate atmospheric absorber and wind profiles, and the accurate line-by-line modelling of their transmittances; one for generating regression coefficients and one consisting of simulated measurements for independent evaluation. The development also required selecting suitable predictors for the absorbers, winds and viewing geometry. One-dimensional inversion results using RT-SWIFT with simulated measurements indicate that the model leads to wind and ozone error levels of about 3 to 5 m s−1 and 3 to 15% respectively for altitudes above ∼24 km. While further investment in model development and optimization is warranted, this demonstration study indicates that a sufficiently accurate fast forward model for near real-time assimilation, and inversion, of horizontal Doppler wind measurements from thermal line emission is feasible. © 2011 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Radiances measured by remote-sensing instruments are now the largest component of the atmospheric observation network. The assimilation of radiances from nadir sounders involves fast radiative transfer (RT) models which project profiles provided by forecast models onto the observation space for direct comparison with the measurements. One of the features typically characterizing fast RT models is the use of a fixed vertical coordinate. If the vertical coordinate of the RT model is not identical to that used by the forecast model, an interpolation of forecast profiles to the RT model coordinate is necessary. In variational data assimilation, the mapping of the Jacobians (derivatives of the RT model output with respect to its inputs) from the RT model coordinate to the forecast model coordinate is also required. This mapping of Jacobians is accomplished through the adjoint of the forecast profile interpolator. As shown, the nearest-neighbour log-linear interpolator commonly used operationally can lead to incorrect mapping of Jacobians and, consequently, to incorrect assimilation. This incorrect mapping occurs as a result of leaving out intermediate levels in the interpolation. This problem has been previously masked in part through the smoothing effect of forecast-error vertical correlations on the analysis increments. To solve this problem, two simple versions of an interpolator relying on piecewise log-linear weighted averaging over the layers are investigated. Both markedly improve Jacobian mappings in the assimilation of observations, with one being slightly favoured over the other. This interpolator is being incorporated into the RTTOV model used by several operational weather forecasting centres. Copyright © 2007 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A continuous assimilation of high-density global satellite observations is required in order to improve numerical weather prediction analyses used to start forecasts. Until now, it was assumed that efficiency requirements imposed the use of regression-based models of atmospheric transmittance (typically on fixed pressure layers with coefficients varying for each layer) and prohibited the use of physically based models. Here, it is demonstrated that an explicit calculation of infrared transmittances for each absorbing gas (H2O, CO2, O3, CH4, N2O, and O2) can be done efficiently, provided that a monochromatic approach is followed as in a regression model such as Radiative Transfer for TOVS (the TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder) (operational in most weather centers). The classical Goody random model is chosen as a physical formulation for spectral line absorption along with established water vapor and oxygen continua parameterizations. Line-by-line transmittance calculations for 189 atmospheric pr...

Fifteen field trials were conducted to evaluate soil mineral N measurement as a means for quantifying the total N supply to forage maize and so to form the basis for fertilizer recommendations on a crop-specific basis. In every trial, 4 rates of cattle manure N (nominally 0, 80, 160, 240 kg N per ha) and 4 rates of ammonium nitrate (0, 50, 100, 150 kg N per ha) were factorially combined. Soil mineral N measurements were made before manure application, at the time of maize drilling, 7-10 weeks after drilling and after harvest. Measurements on control treatments which received no manure or ammonium nitrate showed extensive net mineralisation of soil N (mean 140 kg N per ha) in the 7-10 weeks after drilling followed by a decrease due to crop uptake, and probably net immobilisation, of approximately the same amount by harvest. This net mineralisation was probably the reason why only one trial showed a significant dry-matter yield response to ammonium nitrate. Results indicated that , to be useful for N recommendations, soil mineral N measurements should be taken 7-10 weeks after drilling. Only if the amount of mineral N at this time is less than expected crop N offtake should fertilizer N be applied. A mean of around 64% of the N applied in ammonium nitrate could be accounted for in soil mineral N after harvest of the maize, although this was reduced to 24% in the single trial where a dry-matter response to ammonium nitrate was recorded.

A matrix parameterization of the 15 μm CO2 band radiative cooling in the middle and upper terrestrial atmosphere for both local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and non-LTE (NLTE) layers is proposed. For the atmospheric region between ∼13 and 85 km, matrix coefficients for CO2 concentrations of 150, 360, 540, and 720 ppm have been precalculated using a line-by-line technique. A method for interpolation of the matrix coefficients for arbitrary CO2 concentration is suggested. In the layer between 85 and 110 km, where strong NLTE effects start to occur, a recurrence formula relating cooling rate values at two neighboring altitude levels is used. To calculate the cooling rate above 110 km, a simple approach accounting for both the absorption of the radiative flux formed below 110 km and the cooling-to-space terms is suggested. The accuracy of the parameterization is examined for different temperature and CO2 profiles as well as for different atomic oxygen concentrations in the NLTE layer.

The conception, development, and adoption of early AASHO highway design criteria are documented. Examining the early efforts states used to select a design vehicle and develop horizontal curve design criteria illustrates why AASHO’s leadership was necessary. AASHO’s slow and somewhat haphazard criteria development, and the disparity from state to state, demonstrated the need for a national consensus in highway design parameters. AASHO’s role in providing these criteria is outlined through its initial development of policy booklets, followed by its 1954 publication of the landmark Blue Book. The processes by which nine states adopted the AASHO guidance are briefly reviewed. In several cases, the AASHO policy was embraced immediately, and in others it was accepted slowly as states clung to their independent design processes and only gradually updated their design criteria. A few simple conclusions are drawn about the development and adoption process, particularly as it may relate to tomorrow’s highway design criteria.

SUMMARYA field experiment was conducted at nine sites in England (1991–94) to compare six sown species of cover crop and natural regeneration in terms of nitrogen uptake and effect on response to applied N by a subsequent spring barley crop. The success and extent of cover crop establishment varied among sites and was insignificant in two. This may be associated with the relatively late sowing of the cover crops, the earliest site being sown on 27 August and the latest on 19 October. Dry matter (DM) yield of the sown cover crop at time of incorporation was related to sowing date, earlier sowing giving the higher yields. Maximum total DM yield and N uptake by the above-ground portion of cover crops were 1280kgDM/ha and 38 kg N/ha respectively. The extent of N uptake by the cover crops appeared to be related to the success of establishment rather than to the level of soil nitrate-N at the time of their sowing. Effects of cover crop incorporation on the subsequent spring barley were small. There was no evidence for any positive effect of the cover crop on N supply to the barley. In one trial, incorporation of forage rye significantly reduced grain yield of the barley by 0·7–1·2 t/ha compared to other cover crop species.

The Extended-range Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (E-AERI) is a moderate resolution (1 cm−1) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer for measuring the absolute downwelling infrared spectral radiance from the atmosphere between 400 and 3000 cm−1. The extended spectral range of the instrument permits monitoring of the 400–550 cm−1 (20–25 μm) region, where much of the infrared surface cooling currently occurs in the dry air of the Arctic. The E-AERI provides information about radiative balance, trace gases, and cloud properties in the Canadian high Arctic. The instrument was installed at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) Ridge Lab at Eureka, Nunavut, in October 2008. Measurements are taken every seven minutes year-round (precipitation permitting), including polar night when the solar-viewing spectrometers are not operated. A similar instrument, the University of Idaho’s Polar AERI (P-AERI), was installed at the Zero-altitude PEARL Auxiliary Laboratory (0PAL), 15 km away from the Ridge Lab, from March 2006 to June 2009. During the period of overlap, these two instruments provided calibrated radiance measurements from two different altitudes. Retrievals of total columns of various trace gases are being evaluated using a prototype version of the retrieval algorithm SFIT2 modified to analyze emission features. In contrast to solar absorption measurements of atmospheric trace gases, which depend on sunlit clear-sky conditions, the use of emission spectra allows measurements year-round (except during precipitation events or when clouds are present). This capability allows the E-AERI to provide temporal coverage throughout the four months of polar night and to measure the radiative budget throughout the entire year. This presentation will describe the new E-AERI instrument, its performance evaluations, and clear sky vs. cloudy measurements.

The effect of changes in the mixing ratio of C02 on the uniformly mixed gases component of the TIROS-N Observational Vertical Sounder radiances in High-Resolution Infrared Sounder (HIRS) channels is examined using a line-by-line radiative transfer model. A 9% increase in C02 concentration is found to cause up to a 3.5% change in the clear-sky radiance in some channels. When simple black clouds are introduced in the simulations, the magnitude of such radiance changes decreases with increasing cloud-top height. A simple correction term to account for C02 mixing ratio changes is developed that can be applied to the current uniformly mixed gases component of the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service fast transmittance model. The correction term is a linear function of the difference between the C02 mixing ratio and a reference mixing ratio and is applied as an exponent to the uniformly mixed gas transmittance obtained from the fast transmittance model. The method requires the ...

OBJECTIVE To determine whether insulin antibodies are generated in diabetic patients after short- and long-term intraperitoneal insulin use and, if so, whether they are of potential clinical interest. Insulin antibodies commonly develop in diabetic patients who use subcutaneous human insulin, although their clinical significance remains controversial. Few data are available regarding insulin antibody responses to intraperitoneal insulin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied insulin antibody levels and clinical diabetes control in 25 type 1 diabetic patients treated for 3-6 years with intraperitoneal surfactant-stabilized porcine modified human insulin delivered by implantable programmable insulin delivery systems. RESULTS All patients had preimplantation insulin antibody levels 200 μU/ml. None of the nonresponder patients (antibody levels CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that insulin antibody levels observed during intraperitoneal administration of human insulin are 1) similar to those reported during subcutaneous administration; although the rise in antibody level may be delayed compared with subcutaneous human insulin, 2) associated with a patient subset who are insulin antibody responders after switching from subcutaneous to intraperitoneal human insulin, 3) associated with a decrease in levels among responder patients regardless of whether they discontinue or continue pump use, and 4) associated with increased insulin needs and/or nocturnal hypoglycemia despite minimal basal rate insulin infusion at nighttime when antibody levels exceed 200 μU/ml.

The Extended-range Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (E-AERI) is a moderate resolution (1 cm−1) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer for measuring the absolute downwelling infrared spectral radiance from the atmosphere between 400 and 3000 cm−1. The extended spectral range of the instrument permits monitoring of the 400–550 cm−1 (20–25 μm) region, where most of the infrared surface cooling currently occurs in the dry air of the Arctic. Spectra from the E-AERI have the potential to provide information about radiative balance, trace gases, and cloud properties in the Canadian high Arctic. Calibration, performance evaluation, and certification of the E-AERI were performed at the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Centre from September to October 2008. The instrument was then installed at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) Ridge Lab at Eureka, Nunavut, in October 2008, where it acquired one year of data. Measurements are taken every seven minutes year-round, including polar night when the solar-viewing spectrometers at PEARL are not operated. A similar instrument, the University of Idaho's Polar AERI (P-AERI), was installed at the Zero-altitude PEARL Auxiliary Laboratory (0PAL) from March 2006 to June 2009. During the period of overlap, these two instruments provided calibrated radiance measurements from two altitudes. A fast line-by-line radiative transfer model is used to simulate the downwelling radiance at both altitudes; the largest differences (simulation-measurement) occur in spectral regions strongly influenced by atmospheric temperature and/or water vapour. The presence of two AERI instruments at close proximity but two different altitudes allowed for an investigation of the surface radiative forcing by a thin, low ice cloud; the ice cloud resulted in a 6% increase in irradiance. The presence of clouds creates a large surface radiative forcing in the Arctic, particularly in the 750–1200 cm−1 region where the downwelling radiance is several times greater than clear-sky radiances, which is significantly larger than in other more humid regions.

Radiative transfer models used in processing TIROS-N sounder data via Physical retrieval schemes do not explicitly account for changes in CO2 mixing ratio. However, CO2 mixing ratios have increased by approximately 30 ppmv over the past 17 years. A simulation study has been conducted using a line-by-line radiative transfer model to study the effect of increasing CO2 on the seven HIRS 15-µm channels used for temperature sounding. The mutts show that the brightness temperature differences can he as large as 1 K for a 30-ppmv CO2 increase and that a seasonal variation of a few tenths of a kelvin may exist. These deviations are of the same order as the standard deviations of brightness temperature expected from errors in a 6-h numerical weather prediction forecast in a data assimilation cycle.

The compatible infection of plants by viruses usually leads to the development of systemic symptoms. Symptom expression of this kind is generally understood to be a host response that indicates an inability of the host to defend itself from attack. We have been studying compatible interactions between the plant pararetrovirus cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and its crucifer hosts in order to understand the relationship between viral activity, symptom expression and plant defence. A CaMV protein (P6) appears to play a major role in eliciting symptom expression. This host response leads to a regulation of the viral multiplication cycle that is associated with leaf mosaics. The host regulation of CaMV appears to operate at the transcriptional level through an effect on the 35S promoter, or at the post-transcriptional level by a process that is akin to gene silencing, and can lead to host recovery depending upon the genetic background of the host. The plant apex is a focus for antiviral defence mechanisms, presumably because viral infection of the apical meristem would rapidly compromise the ability of the plant to generate new leaves and flowers for reproduction. The balance of interactions between CaMV and crucifers can provide a sustainable source of host plants to ensure viral propagation and viral exposure allows the host to adapt and develop its repertoire of defence mechanisms.

This paper examines the rationale for, and influence of, judgemental adjustments in macroeconomic forecasting, using two particular forecasts for the UK economy recently published by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and the London Business School. It is found that in some cases such adjustments have a major effect on the forecasts and can also explain some of the differences in the two rival forecasts. However the number of adjustments for which this is true is not great. An implication of these findings is that, if these forecasts can be regarded as typical, then macroeconomic forecasters should be urged to give a reasonable account of the role of judgemental adjustments in their forecasts, particularly since the amount of information which would be required is not likely to be excessive.

[1] A comparison of radiative transfer models for simulating radiances from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), has been undertaken. Results from 14 line-by-line and fast parameterized infrared models were submitted. Several aspects of the models were compared. First, the forward model calculations for all 2378 AIRS channels for 52 diverse atmospheric profiles and one tropical Pacific profile coincident with AIRS data were performed for three local zenith viewing angles: nadir, 45, and 60 degrees. Second, for a subset of the models and only 20 AIRS channels the transmittances from each layer to space were provided. Finally, for some models the Jacobians with respect to temperature, water vapor, and ozone were also computed. For the forward model calculations, most models agree to within 0.02 K when compared to a reference line-by-line model averaged over a subset of profiles, with the exception of a few spectral regions. When compared with AIRS observations, however, the mean differences increase to 0.2 K, and for a few models even greater differences are seen. The transmittance differences highlighted regions of the spectrum where the spectroscopy of the models differs, particularly in the carbon dioxide absorption bands at 667 cm−1 and 2386 cm−1. For the Jacobians all models have some profiles/channels that do not fit the reference well, and the main problems are documented here. The model differences only increase slightly for off-nadir viewing angles for both forward and Jacobian calculations.

Controlling uterine haemorrhage can be difficult. One cause is uterine atony, which is a rare and dangerous complication associated with halothane anaesthesia.

The goals of this study are the evaluation of current fast radiative transfer models (RTMs) and line-by-line (LBL) models. The intercomparison focuses on the modeling of 11 representative sounding channels routinely used at numerical weather prediction centers: seven HIRS (High-resolution Infrared Sounder) and four AMSU (Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit) channels. Interest in this topic was evidenced by the participation of 24 scientists from 16 institutions. An ensemble of 42 diverse atmospheres was used and results compiled for 19 infrared models and 10 microwave models, including several LBL RTMs. For the first time, not only radiances, but also Jacobians (of temperature, water vapor, and ozone) were compared to various LBL models for many channels. In the infrared, LBL models typically agree to within 0.05-0.15 K (standard deviation) in terms of top-of-the-atmosphere brightness temperature (BT). Individual differences up to 0.5 K still exist, systematic in some channels, and linked to the type of atmosphere in others. The best fast models emulate LBL BTs to within 0.25 K, but no model achieves this desirable level of success for all channels. The ozone modeling is particularly challenging. In the microwave, fast models generally do quite well against the LBL model to which they were tuned. However significant differences were noted among LBL models. Extending the intercomparison to the Jacobians proved very useful in detecting subtle and more obvious modeling errors. In addition, total and single gas optical depths were calculated, which provided additional insight on the nature of differences. Recommendations for future intercomparisons are suggested.

Insulin stimulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle is considered to involve translocation of the skeletal muscle/adipose tissue glucose transporter isoform, Glut 4, from cytosolic vesicles to the cell surface. The current study was undertaken to investigate Glut 4 translocation in skeletal muscle of healthy volunteers during euglycaemic insulin infusion. Previous quantitative studies of glucose transport have depended on differential centrifugation methods, which demand large biopsy samples. In this study we have developed and applied a quantitative method using confocal laser microscopy, well suited to the small needle biopsies that are typically available clinically. Percutaneous biopsy of vastus lateralis skeletal muscle was performed during basal and euglycaemic insulin-stimulated conditions, and Glut 4 translocation was assessed using immunohistochemical labelling and confocal laser microscopy imaging in 14 healthy lean subjects. At physiological hyperinsulinaemia (536 +/- 16 pM), mean systemic glucose utilization was 9.27 +/- 0.78 mg/kg-min, indicative of normal insulin sensitivity. The presence of Glut 4 at the sarcolemma increased significantly (p0.01), with a ratio of insulin-stimulated to basal sarcolemmal Glut 4 of 1.85 +/- 0.33, indicative of insulin-stimulated Glut 4 translocation. The area of Glut 4-labelled sites also increased significantly (p0.01) in response to insulin infusion; this ratio was 1.56 +/- 0.13. Thus, at physiological hyperinsulinaemia, the amount of Glut 4 at the cell surface of skeletal muscle in healthy, lean individuals increases approximately twofold over basal conditions, and this process can be measured using immunohistochemical labelling imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

The inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury (TBI) includes cytokine production, leukocyte infiltration, and microglial activation. Production of nitric oxide by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) occurs during acute inflammation outside of the CNS and in models of cerebral ischemia, and therefore may contribute to the inflammatory response after TBI. The purpose of this study was to localize and define the time course of iNOS expression after TBI in the immature rat. Immature Wistar rats (age 3.5-4.5 wk) were anesthetized and subjected to percussive trauma to the right parietal cortex. Nontraumatized rats were used as controls (n = 7). At 2, 24, 48, or 168 h (n = 3/group) posttrauma rats were killed by perfusion fixation. Brains were removed, frozen, sectioned, immunostained with antibodies against iNOS and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker specific for astrocytes), and imaged using fluorescent detection systems. There was no detectable expression of iNOS in control brains. At 2h, minimal cerebrovascular iNOS expression was seen in the peritrauma area. At 24 and 48 h, there was marked peritrauma cerebrovascular iNOS expression that appeared to be restricted to vascular smooth muscle cells and infiltrated leukocytes. Further dual-immunolabeling showed that the leukocytes expressing iNOS were predominantly neutrophils. At 168 h, iNOS expression was no longer detectable. iNOS was not detectable in GFAP-positive cells. The prominent expression of iNOS protein after TBI in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells and infiltrated neutrophils suggests that iNOS may play a role in cerebrovascular disturbances and secondary brain injury after trauma.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the roles of 1) abdominal radiography, 2) a pressure diagnostic procedure (PDP) using a standardized diluent infusion into the catheter sideport, and 3) radiocontrast imaging of the catheter lumen as procedures for diagnosing catheter malfunction in diabetic patients implanted with a programmable intraperitoneal infusion device. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Sixteen type I diabetic patients implanted with Infusaid programmable intraperitoneal insulin pumps were studied. The ability of the above three procedures to assist diagnosis of catheter malfunction and distinguish between occlusion and catheter breakage was retrospectively analyzed. Glycated hemoglobin was measured to determine the clinical importance of catheter malfunctions and decreases in pump flow due to insulin aggregation in the pump chamber. RESULTS ; Mean glycated hemoglobin levels increased significantly from 8.0 ± 0.3 to 9.0 ± 0.4% (P < 0.05) before and after catheter malfunction, but not during pump flow slowdowns. Mean peak pressure during PDP was 1.96 ± 0.14 psi (P < 0.01 vs. normal) in reversibly occluded catheters and 1.86 ± 0.35 psi (P < 0.05 vs. normal) in broken catheters, compared with 1.32 ± 0.23 psi in normal catheters. Decay times during PDP were >50 s for both reversibly occluded and broken catheters (P < 0.001 vs. normal of 3.6 ± 0.82 s). Abdominal radiographs and sideport injections of contrast material were used to distinguish the types of broken catheters. CONCLUSIONS Catheter breakage and occlusion are complications in im-plantable insulin infusion systems and result in metabolic deterioration. The presence of a sideport allows pressure data and radiographie procedures to assist in determining the cause of catheter malfunction. A diagnostic algorithm was generated to improve efficiency in investigating catheter problems.

Our previous studies have suggested that intraperitoneal (IP) insulin delivery may be associated with alterations of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We thus studied two parameters of RCT. We performed RCT studies in 10 C-peptide-negative type I diabetic patients who were randomized into two groups. The experimental (A) and control (B) groups were studied at -3 and 0 months before and +3 and +6 months after IP pump subcutaneous (SC) insulin use. The first step in RCT was estimated by measuring patient serum-mediated 3H-cholesterol efflux from cultured fibroblasts. Cholesteryl ester transport protein (CETP) activity was assessed by a solid-phase assay. No changes in glucose control occurred during the study. Total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apoprotein B, and apoprotein A-I remained unchanged during the study. Cholesterol efflux from group A increased from baseline after 3 months of IP insulin by 9.5% +/- 3.4% (mean +/- SE, P < .05), whereas in group B patients it decreased negligibly by 1.5% +/- 2.9% (P = .045 for changes between groups). CETP activity increased from baseline by 25.3% +/- 7.7% (P < .05) in group A after 3 months of IP insulin, whereas in group B it changed little, -1.5% +/- 7.9%, with modest differences between groups (P = .16). These data indicate that (1) serum from patients treated long-term with IP insulin delivery may enhance cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts and CETP activity, and (2) these effects appear independent from glucose control, implying a direct effect by IP insulin.

Since only short-term studies of continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII) therapy using implantable programmable insulin delivery systems have been performed to show this method of diabetes therapy to be safe and efficacious, we have performed long-term studies to assess its safety and efficacy.For 78 patient-years of follow-up, we have longitudinally studied the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia in 25 type 1 diabetic patients treated with CIPII. We also compared, cross-sectionally, the long-term safety and efficacy of CIPII to intensive subcutaneous insulin therapy using intermittent injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Finally, we examined the relationship between glycated hemoglobin levels and the standard deviation of daily blood glucose excursion.Cross-sectional analysis revealed similar degrees of metabolic control accompanied by significantly decreased rates of both ketoacidosis (0.013 events/patient/year) and severe hypoglycemia (0.05 events/patient/year) during CIPII compared to intermittent injections and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. A four-fold decrease in the rate of severe hypoglycemia was observed during longitudinal comparison of pre- and post-implantation complication rates. A relationship was also shown between decreased levels of mean glycated hemoglobin and the standard deviation of blood glucose excursions during CIPII therapy.Our data demonstrate that long-term therapy with CIPII is as effective as other methods in achieving near-normal levels of glycated hemoglobin, which in CIPII is associated with a decreased standard deviation of blood glucose excursions. Further, CIPII using implantable programmable insulin delivery systems is the safest method described for intensive insulin therapy in home blood glucose monitoring type 1 diabetic patients.

• Implantable programmable pump systems for insulin delivery to the peritoneal cavity or for intravenous insulin delivery have been recently developed. Thirty-one pumps were implanted in 25 patients between 1987 and 1991. At this writing, 76% of patients had functioning pumps. Ninety-two percent of pumps were functioning at 1 year; 89% at 2 years; and 50% at 3 years. No life-threatening complications, either surgical or metabolic, developed. However, 18 patients required 23 outpatient procedures for maintenance of pump function or for pump removal. Metabolic improvement was evidenced by mean and standard deviation of blood glucose levels and by glycosylated hemoglobin levels. (Arch Surg. 1992;127:1032-1037)

Intestinal insulin releasing polypeptide (IRP) and Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) have a similar effect on intravenous glucose tolerance in the rat. Both augment the insulin response to intravenous glucose and increase the rate of glucose disappearance. VIP and motilin have no discernible effect. Plasma insulin dose-response curves to IRP and GIP are similar; both peptides stimulate insulin release in the presence of small blood glucose increments. A direct comparison of the insulin releasing potency of IRP and GIP is not possible as the former is not yet available in pure form.

Intestinal insulin releasing polypeptide (IRP) has been shown to potentiate the release of insulin in response to glucose bothin vitro andin vivo in the rat. Adrenaline reduced the insulin secretory response to the intravenous infusion (I.V.) of glucose and to the infusion of glucose with IRP given either as a rapid injection or as constant infusion.

The effect of insulin release in the rat in response to a partially purified intestinal polypeptide fraction, “Intestinal Insulin Releasing Polypeptide (IRP),” has been studied in vivo and in vitro. It potentiated the release of insulin in response to 16.7 mM glucose and 16.7 mM leucine in rat pancreas pieces incubated in vitro, but had no effect on insulin release in the presence of 3.3 mM glucose. IRP produced a small increase in the insulin secretory response to the intravenous administration of an amino acid mixture, but the effect was not statistically significant. A mixture of secretin and pancreozymin, 1 U/kg of each, potentiated the plasma insulin response to intravenous glucose, but to a smaller degree than IRP and did not accelerate glucose disappearance. Secretin studied in a similar manner snowed no insulin releasing effect at doses up to 2 U/kg. IRP contains less than 4 U/mg secretin activity; no detectable pancreozymin or cholecystokinin activity and no significant contamination by GLI. It i...

The Bay of Islands Ophiolite was emplaced onto the continental margin of North America during the mid-Ordovician Taconic orogeny, when tectonic slices of continental margin sediments were accreted to the moving allochthon. Tectonic slices grade into and are surrounded by melange. Early fracture in sandstones formed without grain breakage and allowed penetration of liquid petroleum along fracture planes. Other fractures involved cataclastic flow and were sometimes re-activated during formation of later pressure solution cleavage. Shear-fracture and extension-fracture boudinage affect competent strata; extensional veins cut cement in limestone beds and are filled by shale, quartz, calcite and bitumen. Folds also formed, at a time when siltstone and sandstone were at least partially lithified. Melange matrix shows abundant shear and extension fractures in a variety of orientations. Coaxial extension responsible for disruption of bedding can be explained by a brittle accretionary wedge model in which high fluid pressures resulted from tectonic dewatering of shales. Surface slope decreased as fluid pressure rose beneath the ophiolite, causing horizontal extension of the wedge. After escape of excess water the surface slope steepened again as renewed stacking occurred.

The insulin secretory response in the rat to intravenous glucose was found to be greatly impaired by fasting for three days, whereas that to orally administered glucose was not significantly affected. Rats fasted for two days were given either protein or starch pellets for six hours, and then fasted for a further eighteen hours before the intravenous glucose test. The protein pre-feeding failed to affect significantly the subsequent insulin secretory response to intravenous glucose, whereas starch prefeeding greatly enhanced it. It is suggested that intestinal hormones released by glucose ingestion may exert not only an acute effect on insulin release, but also a 'priming' effect on the insulin release mechanism of the β cell, which enables it to respond to the subsequent stimulus of glucose alone.

Virtually all children are at risk for injury and death as passengers in moving vehicles. Between 70% to 90% of the injury and death could be reduced or prevented if children were restrained in safety seats. However, studies show that only a minority of children are properly protected. Numerous efforts have been made to increase the number of children riding in car safety seats. This article reviews and synthesizes the various attempts to motivate safety seat usage by examining the literature on (1) informational and educational programs; (2) safety seat loaner programs; (3) state laws requiring seat usage; (4) behavioral improvement emphasis programs; (5) reward-based programs; and (6) passive prevention approaches through airbags. No one approach appears to be the solution to the complex problem of motivating the preventive behavior of acquiring and consistently using safety seats. Recommendations are forwarded for: (1) de veloping and determining the best techniques for which settings through comparative research; (2) utilizing a developmental perspective in identifying when and what interventions are needed; and (3) implementing creative and comprehensive programs in communities.

The subcellular and macromolecular distribution of 75Se-selenite was determined in murine mammary epithelial cell lines which demonstrated marked differences in their growth response to 5 microM selenite. MOD cells responded sooner to the inhibitory effects of selenite than COMMA-D cells. The MOD cells also incorporated a slightly higher percentage of 75Se-selenite into proteins and attained a higher ratio of selenoprotein to selenonucleic acids than did COMMA-D cells. Most selenium and selenoproteins were located in the cytoplasm as revealed by autoradiography and subcellular fractionations. These data suggest that a cytoplasmic selenoprotein may be an intermediate for selenite's nontoxic growth inhibitory effects.

The Early Carboniferous Pleasant Hills and Hart Lake - Byers Lake granitoid plutons are the youngest plutons in the eastern Cobequid Highlands. In both plutons, coarse-grained granites predominate, but both also include fine-grained phases, most common at their margins. Modally, these granites fall in the "alkali-feldspar granite" field of the IUGS classification. Geochemically, both alkaline and subalkaline granites are present. The graniies have relatively low concentrations of Al2O3 and CaO, high alkali content, and molar (Na2O+K2O)/ Al2O3 in the range 0.84 to 0.99. The granites have within-plate trace element characteristics and are more alkaline and less aluminous than similar Early Carboniferous within-plate granites in the western Cobequid Highlands. This entire suite of Early Carboniferous granites in the Cobequid Highlands is approximately synchronous with extrusion of die Fountain Lake Group volcanic rocks. This igneous activity is apparently related to local extension along the Cobequid and other major strike-slip faults. RÉSUMÉ Les plutons granitoides éocarbonifères de Pleasant Hills et de Hart Lake - Byers Lake sont les plus jeunes plutons de l’est des Monts Cobequid. Les granites à grain grossier prédominerit au sein de l'un et l’autre pluton quoiqu'on y retrouve aussi des phases à grain fin, les plus souvent près des marges. En termes de mode, ces granites tombent dans le domaine des "granites à feldspath alcalin" de la classification IUGS. Du point de vue de la géochimie, les granites sont aussi bien alcalins que subalcalins. Leurs concentrations en Al2O3 et CaO sont relativement basses, leurs teneurs en alcali hautes et leurs rapports molaires (Na2O+K2O)/ Al2O3 vont de 0.84 à 0.99. Les granites renferment des éléments en traces à caractére intraplaque; ils sont plus alcalins et moins alumbieux que leurs homologues de l'ouest des Monts Cobequid. Ce cortège entier de granites éocarbonifères dans les Monts Cobequid est approximativement synchrone de l’extrusion des volcanites du Groupe de Fountain Lake. Cette activité ignée semble liée àune extension locale le long de la Faille de Cobequid et d'autres décrochements majeurs. [Traduit par le journal]

The effect of selenite on mitochondrial morphology, selenoprotein synthesis, membrane potential, phosphorylating respiration, P/O ratio and respiratory control index were evaluated relative to selenite inhibition of DNA synthesis in murine mammary epithelial cell lines. No inhibition of mitochondrial function was noted. Mitochondrial inclusions and most mitochondrial specific selenoproteins were not observed until after DNA synthesis was inhibited. Pyruvate, methionine, hydroxybutyrate, dexamethasone or carnitine had no effect on the inclusions. The results provide evidence for the hypothesis emphasizing the importance of cytosolic selenoproteins modulating the growth inhibitory effects of selenite.

Infusion of fructose into the portal vein of anaesthetized dogs gave arterial plasma fructose levels which were much lower than those obtained with infusion of the same amount of fructose into a systemic vein. In contrast, when glucose was infused mean arterial blood glucose levels were similar for the two routes of administration. — These results indicate that significant hepatic removal of fructose occurs during the first portal circulation, and is sufficient to explain the lower levels of plasma fructose which follow oral, compared with intravenous, administration of the sugar. In the case of glucose, however, the results do not support the view that the superiority of oral over intravenous tolerance is due simply to hepatic uptake of large amounts of glucose presented to the liver by the portal circulation.