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Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following colorectal surgery and is mediated in part by the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP). Neostigmine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), co-administered with glycopyrrolate, is frequently given for neuromuscular reversal before tracheal extubation and modulates the CAIP. An alternative reversal agent, sugammadex (selective rocuronium or vecuronium binder), acts independently from the CAIP. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of neuromuscular reversal agents used during anaesthesia on gastrointestinal recovery. Methods: Three hundred thirty-five patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was GI-2, a validated composite measure of time to diet tolerance and passage of stool. Demographics, 30-day complications and length of stay were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Two hundred twenty-four (66.9%) patients (129 [57.6%] males and 95 [42.4%] females, median age 64 [19–90] years) received neostigmine/glycopyrrolate and 111 (33.1%) received sugammadex (62 [55.9%] males and 49 [44.1%] females, median age 67 [18–94] years). Sugammadex patients achieved GI-2 sooner after surgery (median 3 (0–10) vs. 3 (0–12) days, p = 0.036), and reduced time to first stool (median 2 (0–10) vs. 3 (0–12) days, p = 0.035). Rates of POI, complications and length of stay were similar. On univariate analysis, POI was associated with smoking history, previous abdominal surgery, colostomy formation, increased opioid use and postoperative hypokalaemia (p < 0.05). POI was associated with increased complications, including anastomotic leak and prolonged hospital stay (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, neostigmine, bowel anastomoses and increased postoperative opioid use (p < 0.05) remained predictive of time to GI-2. Conclusions: Patients who received sugammadex had a reduced time to achieving first stool and GI-2. Neostigmine use, bowel anastomoses and postoperative opioid use were associated with delayed time to achieving GI-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Dipterocarpaceae family is ubiquitous across mainland and maritime south-east Asia. Species within the family are often so well-adapted to – and prolific within – ecologically distinct forest types, that they are used as habitat indicators within forestry and ecological research. The limited work on the classification of Dipterocarpaceae pollen under light microscopy, however, means that paleoecologists working in the region are currently unable to link fossil pollen to indicator species/assemblages with any confidence. As a consequence, ecologically meaningful and habitat-specific data are homogenized in the paleorecord. This study explores whether the classification of pollen from representative south-east Asian Dipterocarpaceae species can be resolved at a higher taxonomic resolution. This will provide paleoecologists with a tool to (1) better assess shifts in forest types (and hence climate/elevation envelopes) through time, and (2) predict species response to future regional change. Our revised classification scheme is based on an analysis of the pollen morphology of Dipterocarpaceae species from two globally significant ecoregions in south-east Asia – the seasonally dry tropical forests of mainland south-east Asia, and the Sulawesi lowland rainforests of Wallacea – under the light microscope. Results of this analysis show that, using a range of morphological metrics – notably grain size, size-to-wall thickness ratios and exine structure – mainland and Wallacean Dipterocarpaceae pollen can be readily classified into three taxonomic groups – Vatica , Dipterocarpus and Shorea/Hopea/Anisoptera/Pentacme types. At an intra-ecoregional scale, each assemblage can be further broken down into six groups. Some of these groupings appear useful for the classification of certain indicator pollen types within the family, including those taxa representative of key open – and closed – canopy dry forest habitats in the mainland seasonal tropics, the delimitation of peat/swamp forest types in both ecoregions, and the identification of lowland mafic forest types in Sulawesi. Additionally, being able to split the Dipterocarpaceae within these ecologically important ecoregions at a higher taxonomic resolution is of potential conservation significance, permitting long-term assessment of the adaptation capacity of different genera/species to climatic change or disturbance events. Highlights • Dipterocarpaceae pollen from mainland SE Asia and Wallacea can be split into three major groups. • Key parameters for splitting pollen are size, size-to-wall-ratios, and exine structure. • Pollen taxa can be further grouped using these, and other metrics at an intraregional scale. • In some cases, key habitat types can be inferred from these classifications. • This has implications for paleoecological interpretations from the plant microfossil record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a self-consistent crystalline structure is a well-known phenomenon in complex plasmas. In most experiments, the pressure and rf power are the main controlling parameters in determining the phase of the system. We have studied the effect of the externally applied magnetic field on the configuration of plasma crystals, suspended in the sheath of a radio-frequency discharge using the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment device. Experiments are performed at a fixed pressure and rf power where a crystalline structure is formed within a confining ring. The magnetic field is then increased from 0 to 1.28 T. We report on the breakdown of the crystalline structure with the increasing magnetic field. The magnetic field affects the dynamics of the plasma particles and first leads to a rotation of the crystal. At a higher magnetic field, there is a radial variation (shear) in the angular velocity of the moving particles which we believe to lead to the melting of the crystal. This melting is confirmed by evaluating the variation of the pair correlation function as a function of magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-defensins are small, cationic, antimicrobial peptides found in species across the plant and animal kingdoms. In addition to microbiocidal activity, roles in immunity as well as reproduction have more recently been documented. β-defensin genes in Ovis aries (domestic sheep) have been poorly annotated, having been identified only by automatic gene prediction algorithms. The objective of this study was to use a comparative genomics approach to identify and characterise the β-defensin gene repertoire in sheep using the bovine genome as the primary reference. Results: All 57 currently predicted bovine β-defensin genes were used to find orthologous sequences in the most recent version of the sheep genome (OAR v4.0). Forty three genes were found to have close genomic matches (>70% similarity) between sheep and cattle. The orthologous genes were located in four clusters across the genome, with 4 genes on chromosome 2, 19 genes on chromosome 13, 5 genes on chromosome 20 and 15 genes on chromosome 26. Conserved gene order for the β-defensin genes was apparent in the two smaller clusters, although gene order was reversed on chromosome 2, suggesting an inversion between sheep and cattle. Complete conservation of gene order was also observed for chromosome 13 β-defensin orthologs. More structural differences were apparent between chromosome 26 genes and the orthologous region in the bovine reference genome, which is known to be copy-number variable. In this cluster, the Defensin-beta 1 (DEFB1) gene matched to eleven Bovine Neutrophil beta-Defensin (BNBD) genes on chromosome 27 with almost uniform similarity, as well as to tracheal, enteric and lingual anti-microbial peptides (TAP, EAP and LAP), suggesting that annotation of the bovine reference sequence is still incomplete. qPCR was used to profile the expression of 34 β-defensin genes, representing each of the four clusters, in the ram reproductive tract. Distinct site-specific and differential expression profiles were detected across the reproductive tract of mature rams with preferential β-defensin gene expression in the epididymis, recapitulating observations for orthologous genes in other species. Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive analysis of β-defensin genes encoded by the ovine reference sequence, and the first report of an expanded repertoire of β-defensin genes in this species. The preferential expression of these genes in the epididymis suggests a role in fertility, possibly providing immunoprotection for sperm within the female reproductive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of single- and multi-dose ceftiofur crystalline-free acid ( CCFA) administered subcutaneously at a dose of 13.2 mg/kg to 12 neonatal foals 1-3 days of age. Six foals received a single subcutaneous dose, while 6 additional foals received 4 doses of CCFA at 48-h intervals. Blood samples were collected at pre-determined times following drug administration, and plasma concentrations of ceftiofur free acid equivalents ( CFAE) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Following single-dose administration of CCFA, the mean ± standard deviation maximum observed plasma concentration was 3.1 ± 0.6 μg/mL and observed time to maximal plasma concentration was 14.0 ± 4.9 h. Following multi-dose administration of CCFA, the mean ±standard deviation times above CFAE concentrations of ≥0.5 μg/mL and ≥2.0 μg/mL were 192.95 ± 15.86 h and 78.80 ± 15.31 h, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation area under the concentration vs time curve ( AUC0→∝) was 246.2 ± 30.7 h × μg/mL and 172.7 ± 27.14 h × μg/mL following single- and multi-dose CCFA administrations, respectively. Subcutaneous administration of CCFA at 13.2 mg/kg in neonatal foals was clinically well- tolerated and resulted in plasma concentrations sufficient for the treatment of most bacterial pathogens associated with neonatal foal septicemia. Multi-dose administration of four doses at dosing interval of 48 h between treatments maintains appropriate therapeutic concentrations in neonatal foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NHS England Radiotherapy Service Specification calls for routine use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, barriers exist at patient, healthcare professional and service levels. The aim of the present study was to determine the current use of PROMs within radiotherapy services in England. The current attitudes, barriers and enablers to the implementation of PROMs in radiotherapy practice were evaluated and practical recommendations to inform future implementation were developed. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. An online questionnaire was developed and disseminated to all radiotherapy operational delivery network managers across England. The questionnaire consisted of 12 open and closed questions relating to PROMs use, with the option to provide free-text responses. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted on free-text comments, whereas descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. In total, 182 responses were received from 40 of the 50 radiotherapy providers, resulting in a response rate of 84%. The current use of PROMs was analysed, including rationale for use, tools used, format of PROMs collection and timing within the radiotherapy pathway. Most respondents indicated that PROMs were used in the context of clinical trials only. Through thematic analysis, four identical key themes were identified relating to both barriers and enablers to PROMs use; these included IT infrastructure, time, human/financial resources and training/education. A fifth theme, standardisation, was identified as a key enabler to PROMs use. Our findings show that outside of clinical trials, PROMs are not routinely used in radiotherapy services due to barriers identified at professional and service levels. Here we provide recommendations to mitigate the barriers identified and implement PROMs in radiotherapy, including training for healthcare professionals and standardisation of PROMs tools and storage. This study provides a key first step in driving PROMs implementation within radiotherapy services across England. • Outside of clinical trials, PROMs were not widely used within radiotherapy services. • Common PROMs used included QOL, anxiety/depression and urinary/bowel function tools. • PROMs are completed using either paper or electronic forms, by staff or patients. • Barriers include IT infrastructure, time, resources (staff/finances) and training. • Enablers included IT, time, resources, training and standardisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used three-dimensional information from Stealth navigation technology during simulated right internal jugular vein cannulation to define the initial needle trajectory taken when using three approaches: landmark (LM), short-axis (SAX) ultrasound and long-axis (LAX) ultrasound. Nineteen volunteers indicated the entry site and needle direction (track) they would use in performing right internal jugular vein cannulation by the three approaches. The likelihood of cannulation success, arterial puncture and needle direction were recorded. Volunteers were asked to assess the suitability of the simulation system for validity and educational benefit. The SAX track crossed the jugular vein more frequently than the LAX and LM tracks (SAX: 94%; LAX: 80%; LM: 47% [SAX versus LM, P <0.01]). The mean indicated needle direction in the coronal plane for LM, SAX and LAX were -4, 13 and 11 degrees, respectively. The track associated with the LAX technique would have entered the carotid artery by 16% of volunteers. At needle depths of over 40 mm, the track crossed the vertebral artery at the following rates (LM: 11%; SAX: 16%; LAX: 16%). The use of Stealth technology to provide three-dimensional feedback of the needle path taken during simulated right internal jugular cannulation was considered realistic (16/19) and of benefit for 18 of 19 (95%) respondents. The SAX track was associated with the highest likelihood of successful jugular cannulation and the lowest cross rate of the carotid artery. The simulation model using Stealth was considered to be valuable and realistic by participants despite some limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used three-dimensional information from Stealth navigation technology during simulated right internal jugular vein cannulation to define the initial needle trajectory taken when using three approaches: landmark (LM), short-axis (SAX) ultrasound and long-axis (LAX) ultrasound. Nineteen volunteers indicated the entry site and needle direction (track) they would use in performing right internal jugular vein cannulation by the three approaches. The likelihood of cannulation success, arterial puncture and needle direction were recorded. Volunteers were asked to assess the suitability of the simulation system for validity and educational benefit. The SAX track crossed the jugular vein more frequently than the LAX and LM tracks (SAX: 94%; LAX: 80%; LM: 47% [SAX versus LM, P <0.01]). The mean indicated needle direction in the coronal plane for LM, SAX and LAX were -4, 13 and 11 degrees, respectively. The track associated with the LAX technique would have entered the carotid artery by 16% of volunteers. At needle depths of over 40 mm, the track crossed the vertebral artery at the following rates (LM: 11%; SAX: 16%; LAX: 16%). The use of Stealth technology to provide three-dimensional feedback of the needle path taken during simulated right internal jugular cannulation was considered realistic (16/19) and of benefit for 18 of 19 (95%) respondents. The SAX track was associated with the highest likelihood of successful jugular cannulation and the lowest cross rate of the carotid artery. The simulation model using Stealth was considered to be valuable and realistic by participants despite some limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now an accepted part of resident training, the impact of operative laparoscopy (OL) upon the residency environment has not been examined in detail. We reviewed the first 3 years' experience with OL and the process by which it was introduced into our residency program. Data were obtained from our prospective computerized surgical laparoscopic registry as well as from a survey conducted midway in this experience. At that time, a questionnaire was sent to current residents in the program and residents who graduated after the inception of the OL program were interviewed by telephone. OL cases increased each year and comprised a progressively greater percentage of total cases. Residents performed over 97% of cases, with attending surgeons as first assistants. Initially, only senior-level residents participated as surgeons; however, after the first year we noted a significant tendency for cases to filter down the ranks. Junior-level residents have already participated in more laparoscopic than open cholecystectomies and expressed considerable concern about training in open procedures. Graduated residents without exception were able to obtain privileges to perform OL without additional training. They did not feel that resident education was compromised by the advent of laparoscopy. Both current and graduated residents considered didactic sessions including animal laboratories and simulators an important part of training.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the historical unconditioned merger of palatal /ç/ (< Middle High German /x/) and postalveolar /ʃ/ into alveolopalatal /ɕ/ in certain varieties of Central German. It will be shown that the phonemicization of the alveolopalatal was the final stage in a gradual reduction of segmental markedness. Thus, /ç/ and /ʃ/ are argued to be featurally complex segments, while /ɕ/ is featurally simplex. Independent support for the proposed analysis can be found in the concomitant reduction of markedness in the vowel system of the dialects in question. The present study sheds light on the factors involved in explaining context-free phonological change and the historical source of the alveolopalatal /ɕ/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work on consonant epenthesis has argued that the insertion of [r] as a hiatus breaker is phonologically natural (De Lacy 2006, Uffmann 2007). This claim is argued to derive support from the high cross-linguistic frequency of (intervocalic) r-Epenthesis. The goal of the present article is to investigate the original sources for the languages which are assumed to have a regular synchronic r-Epenthesis rule. It is concluded - on the basis of these sources - that there is very little solid cross-linguistic support for that process. If correct, this finding means that r-Epenthesis in many varieties of English cannot be argued to be phonologically natural on the basis of non-related languages with that process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the aspects of cervical quantitative imaging. The authors say that the said medical imaging technique is objective since it involves measurable quantities and numerical forms. They cite a study which shows that relating fetal cardiovascular measurements to normative data enhances neonatal prognosis. They add that quantifying the cervix through the quantitative approach will ease the understanding of its role in preterm birth.

A one-year-old Thoroughbred colt was evaluated because of facial nerve paralysis, ataxia and fever. Neurological evaluation found the colt to be obtunded and grade 3/5 ataxic in all 4 limbs. Right-sided facial nerve paralysis was present and a large, deep corneal ulcer noted in the right eye. Signs of vestibular disease were also present, including circling towards the right and horizontal nystagmus. A complete blood count showed mild leucocytosis, neutrophilia and hyperfibrinogenaemia. A computed tomography (CT) examination of the skull was performed under general anaesthesia and a diagnosis of right sided otitis media-interna was made. Culture of fluid taken from the middle ear and cerebrospinal fluid collected from the atlanto-occipital site yielded pure growth of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Initial therapy consisted of antimicrobial treatment with cefotaxime and anti-inflammatory treatment with flunixin meglumine. Six days after initiating treatment, the colt developed Clostridium difficile associated colitis. The colitis resolved with supportive care and the colt was discharged from the hospital receiving chloramphenicol. Eight months later, the colt continued to be mildly ataxic ( grade 1/5), with a slight head tilt and facial nerve paralysis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of otitis media-interna due to C. pseudotuberculosis in the horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis has been the standard in forensic DNA examinations for almost 15 years. The purpose of this article is to provide some perspective on the biological nature of STR alleles themselves, examine underlying distributions of alleles in the STR loci that are routinely used, and to discuss features of these alleles that are not observable with the currently employed methods. Many of the internationally standardized STR loci contain variations of their interrupted repeat structures, either due to the compound or complex nature of the locus or due to nucleotide variations within the simple repeat motif, which inevitably leads them to become more stratified at the population level. Current STR typing procedures utilizing PCR amplification followed by fragment analysis via capillary or gel electrophoresis does not provide the resolution to discern these polymorphisms. Thus, current designation of alleles is operationally and not biologically defined. Although in the comparison of fan evidentiary STR profile to that of a potential contributor, the biological nature of the allele may not be of consequence. When comparisons require assumptions of relatedness between individuals, the biological nature of shared alleles becomes an underlying focus. Herein we will discuss the nature of these additional allelic polymorphisms, what is known of their distribution among the STR loci utilized in forensic testing and within populations, and the advantages this level of allelic discrimination has in forensic and relationship testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No definitive evidence exists regarding the treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Treatment modalities described include conservative management, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and thrombectomy. This review examines the impact of such treatment, its outcomes, and the complications resulting from the resultant portal hypertension. Methods: A Medline literature search was undertaken using the keywords portal vein thrombosis, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and thrombectomy. The primary end point was portal vein recanalization. Secondary outcome measures were morbidity and the development of portal hypertension and its sequelae, including variceal bleeding. Data from articles relating to PVT in the context of cirrhosis, malignancy, or liver transplant were excluded. Results: Early systemic anticoagulation results in complete portal vein recanalization in 38.3% of cases and partial recanalization in 14.0% of cases. Spontaneous recanalization without treatment can only be expected in up to 16.7% of patients. Frequently this is only when associated with self-limiting underlying pathology and/or minimal thrombus extension. Thrombolysis can be associated with major complications in up to 60% of patients. Conclusions: The natural history of acute PVT is poorly described. Spontaneous resolution of acute portal vein thrombosis is uncommon. Early anticoagulation results in a satisfactory rate of recanalization with minimal procedure-associated morbidity. Thrombolysis should be used with caution and only considered if the disease is progressive and signs of mesenteric ischemia are present. Further well-designed trials with precise outcome reporting are needed to improve our understanding of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article investigates the pattern of vowel epenthesis in word-initial position (prothesis) in the Walliser dialect of German. In that dialect, /a/ is inserted before a word-initial /r/, provided that an unstressed vowel does not precede it. It is argued that Vowel Prothesis is a strategy for avoiding word onsets beginning with highly sonorant nonsyllabic segments and since /r/ is the most sonorous nonsyllabic segment in that position, the process therefore only takes place in that context. Vowel Prothesis is inhibited after an unstressed vowel because Walliser German avoids hiatus sequences consisting of unstressed vowels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceftiofur, a third generation cephalosporin, demonstrates in vitro efficacy against microorganisms isolated from septicemic neonatal foals. This pharmacokinetic study evaluated the intravenous and subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur sodium (5 mg/ kg body weight; n = 6 per group) and subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (6.6 mg/ kg body weight; n = 6) in healthy foals. Plasma ceftiofur- and desfuroylceftiofur-related metabolite concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography following drug administration. Me (±SD) noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters for i.v. and s.c. ceftiofur sodium were: AUC0 → ∞ (86.4 ±8.5 and 91 ±22 h·μg / mL for i.v. and s.c., respectively), terminal elimination halflife (5.82 ±1.00 and 5.55 ±0.81 h for i.v. and s.c., respectively), Cmax(obs) (13 ±1.9 μg / mL s.c.), Tmax(obs) (0.75 ±0.4 h for s.c.). Mean (±SD) noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters for s.c. ceftiofur crystalline free acid were: AUC0 → ∞ (139.53 ±22.63 h·μg / mL), terminal elimination half-life (39.7 ±14.7), Cmax(obs) (2.52 ±0.35 μg / mL) and tmax(obs) (11.33 ±1.63 h). No adverse effects attributed to drug administration were observed in any foal. Ceftiofur- and desfuroylceftiofur-related metabolites reached sufficient plasma concentrations to effectively treat common bacterial pathogens isolated from septicemic foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to determine if pain and disability outcomes of patients treated with neural mobilisation differ for sub-classifications of low back and leg pain (LB&LP). Radiating leg pain is a poor prognostic factor for recovery in patients with LBP. To improve outcome, a new pathomechanism-based classification system was proposed: neuropathic sensitization (NS), denervation (D), peripheral nerve sensitization (PNS) and musculoskeletal (M). Seventy-seven patients with unilateral LB&LP were recruited. Following classification, all subjects were treated seven times with neural mobilisation techniques. A successful outcome was defined as achieving a minimal clinically important change in pain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale), physical function (Roland Morris disability questionnaire) and global perceived change (7-point Likert scale: from 1 = "completely recovered" to 7 = "worse than ever"). The proportion of responders was significantly greater in PNS (55.6%) than the other three groups (NS 10%; D 14.3% and M10%). After adjusting for baseline differences, mean magnitude of improvement of the outcome measures were significantly greater in PNS compared to the other groups. Patients classified as PNS have a more favourable prognosis following neural mobilisation compared to the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Literature available regarding congenital cardiac defects in foals is limited to reports of individual cases or small case series. Objective: To describe the clinical, echocardiographic, and necropsy findings and breed predilection of congenital cardiac defects in neonatal foals. Animals: Eighteen foals <15 days of age with 1 or more congenital cardiac defects. Methods: Medical records of foals diagnosed with congenital cardiac defects at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Data collected included history, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic and necropsy results, and outcome. Results: Arabian foals represented 39% of cases with congenital cardiac defects and were significantly ( P= .004) overrepresented (OR = 4.7 [CI: 1.8–12.4]) compared with the general hospital population. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) (14/18), tetralogy of Fallot (5/18), and tricuspid valve atresia (4/18) were the most common defects identified. A ≥3/6 heart murmur (14/14) accompanied by tachycardia (14/17), tachypnea (17/17), and cyanosis of mucous membranes (7/16) were the most common clinical signs. Concurrent congenital defects were common (9/18). Two foals, both with VSD, survived for ≥ 8 years after diagnosis and 1 was a successful performance horse. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Arabian horses appear to have a predisposition for cardiac defects. The presence of a loud murmur (≥ 3/6), cyanotic membranes, and tachycardia or tachypnea in a neonatal foal should warrant thorough evaluation of the heart for congenital defects. Foals with cardiac defects should be closely evaluated for concurrent congenital defects in other body systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is concerned with movement and terrain and with the ways in which qualitative inquiry might engage with and combine these in local studies of people and places. Movement is at a premium today -- no shortage of social and cultural commentators insist on it -- and bids fair to provide the social sciences with a new conceptual paradigm. Mobile actors abound and what were once spaces of place are now reckoned spaces of flows; space itself, emancipated from territory, becomes mobile and is deployed as a capacity. Qualitative research, having always allowed its actors to deploy a richer and more fluid world, is well placed to respond -- but for one significant snag. The article sets the question: What happens to the qualitative commitment to the local, to grounded research and fieldwork, now that processes of mobility are said to transcend setting and location? Rather than look to ways in which to extend the reach of the qualitative researcher -- across space, between places -- the article considers how qualitative research, while remaining local, might nonetheless be brought together with movement. Two first-hand empirical examples of local qualitative inquiries directed to movement (as object and method) are used to develop this line of argument. A focus on pedestrian movement in particular aligns the article with widening inter-disciplinary and methodological interest in walking practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the risk for vision loss from laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus long-term contact lens wear using decision analysis. Setting: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA. Methods: Based on previously published data, a decision tree was constructed using Markov modeling to calculate the probability of vision loss from LASIK versus contact lenses over time. An outcome variable, visual acuity–adjusted life-year (VALY), was defined to account for timing and severity of vision loss. The VALYs were tallied over a 30-year simulation to determine whether the risk for vision loss with contacts exceeded that with LASIK. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the effect of changes in key variables including probability of contact lens–related keratitis, probability of ectasia after LASIK, and probability of early post-LASIK vision loss. Results: The model''s conclusions were highly sensitive to changes in several variables tested, especially risk for post-LASIK ectasia, risk for early vision loss after LASIK, and risk for contact lens–related keratitis (which correlated with type of lenses worn). Rigid gas-permeable lenses were safer than LASIK in every analysis. The safety of LASIK exceeded that for daily-wear soft lenses only when assumptions were most favorable to LASIK, whereas the safety of LASIK always exceeded that for extended-wear lenses except when assumptions were least favorable to LASIK. Conclusion: This decision analysis found that the risk for vision loss associated with LASIK and with long-term contact lens wear might be closer than generally assumed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

German Glide Formation converts /i/ to [j] before vowels, e.g. ‘Spain’, but the rule is consistently blocked in neologisms containing the suffix – esk, e.g. hippiesk [hrpiℇsk] / *[hrpjℇsk]. It is argued below that the underapplication of Glide Formation in such examples follows from a requirement that the stem in a derived word must be identical to the unaffixed base. The base in such examples will be shown to be a free-standing morpheme as opposed to a bound root. The analysis proposed will be shown to be supported in additional examples in which Glide Formation is blocked from applying to the [i] preceding the suffix – aner, but only if the suffix follows a free-standing morpheme, e.g. ‘adherent of Schumi (Michael Schumacher)’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sensitive and specific LC–MS/MS method employing positive electrospray ionization for the determination of ARQ 501 (β-lapachone) in (nu/nu) mouse plasma and tumor tissue is described. Samples were processed using protein precipitation with acetonitrile. A d6 analog of ARQ 501 was used as the internal standard (IS). The analytes were separated using a Zorbax SB8 column (30mm×2.1mm i.d. 5μm particle size) and analyzed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using mass transitions of 243>159 and 249>159 m/z for ARQ 501 and d6-ARQ 501, respectively. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) for ARQ 501 was 3.0ng/mL. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 3.0–2000ng/mL with a correlation coefficient better than 0.99. Intra- and inter-batch precisions were within 8.4% for plasma and 11.8% for tumor samples. Accuracy expressed as percentage relative error (%R.E.) ranged from −9.0 to 7.7 for both plasma and tumor samples. Recovery was between 106 and 113% for both ARQ 501 and its d6 analog. Plasma pharmacokinetic data of ARQ 501 in mouse from intraperitoneal (IP) dosing at 60mg/kg obtained using this validated method is presented along with tumor concentration data. The C max, AUC(0−∞), t 1/2, Cl/F, and V d/F were determined to be 4016ng/mL, 4392hng/mL, 3.9h, 13.7L/h/kg, and 76.5L/kg, respectively. Tumor tissue concentrations were in the range 1–2μM for approximately 2h post-dose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The contrast between Middle High German (MHG) [s] and [[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]] was consistently neutralized to the latter sound after [r] in many modern German dialects, e.g., MHG kirse > New High German Kirsche ‘cherry’. It will be argued that this sound change was a dissimilation of the distinctive feature [high] and that this dissimilation was triggered by an independently motivated OCP constraint banning adjacent consonants with the same value of [high]. Alternative analyses in which the shift from [rs] to [r[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]] is analyzed as a dissimilation of some other feature or as the assimilation of some property will be refuted. The present study also addressed the actuation problem: Why did [rs] shift to [r[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]] in this particular language at this particular time? It will be argued that the structural questions that arise in explaining the [rs] > [r[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]] shift (e.g., Why did [s] shift after [r] but not after other sounds?) as well as specific questions pertaining to the actuation problem derive straightforward answers by considering the phonological system of Middle High German. In particular, one needs to consider the features of Middle High German that were distinctive and which of those distinctive features were active phonologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculation of the electronic structure of a vertical multifold stack of self-assembled InAs/GaAs lens-shaped quantum dots is presented. The developed numerical method is based on a rigorous Hamiltonian formulation of an eight-band k.p perturbation accounting for the carrier kinetics and lattice-mismatch strain endured by the islands. The considered implementation is built upon a custom partition of the unit cell. The accompanying validation analysis—consisting of a comprehensive hierarchy of convergence criteria, qualitative, and quantitative test cases—unequivocally shows that the obtained results adhere to the prescribed zero dimensional physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressures which act on a software system over its life from inception to retirement are many and varied. An important goal in researching software evolvability is to understand, and if possible to manage, these influences. The authors' previous simulations of software evolution processes have concentrated on capturing the human-related aspects of software evolution, while effectively treating technical entities as objects which are acted on by humans and their organisations. Latour's actor-network theory (ANT) suggests that the non-human entities – development tools, documents, the evolution process itself – are potentially active participants in their own evolution. The authors describe Latour's theory and present a model of a software evolution process in the form of a diagram which places technical and human aspects in a closer juxtaposition than previous models. They present support for this model from an analysis of a published case study of software development and a proof-of-concept calibration. They believe that an ANT-based approach will result in a more accurate representation of the long-term software evolution process and thus be a step towards dynamic simulation models whose predictive power will help us to better understand and manage software evolution and evolvability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

German Glide Formation converts /i/ to [j] before vowels, e.g. ‘Spain’, but the rule is consistently blocked in neologisms containing the suffix – esk, e.g. hippiesk [hrpiℇsk] / *[hrpjℇsk]. It is argued below that the underapplication of Glide Formation in such examples follows from a requirement that the stem in a derived word must be identical to the unaffixed base. The base in such examples will be shown to be a free-standing morpheme as opposed to a bound root. The analysis proposed will be shown to be supported in additional examples in which Glide Formation is blocked from applying to the [i] preceding the suffix – aner, but only if the suffix follows a free-standing morpheme, e.g. ‘adherent of Schumi (Michael Schumacher)’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rates of many sexually transmitted diseases remain higher among adolescents than among any other age group. The associations between abuse experiences and risky sexual behaviors suggest that exploring the relationships between adolescents' abuse history and condom use beliefs and behaviors is warranted. Females (N = 725) attending an adolescent clinic reported demographic characteristics, beliefs about condom use, sexual behaviors, and sexual abuse or molestation history. Those reporting sexual abuse or molestation (23%) were more likely to think condoms interfered with sexual pleasure and less likely to think condoms were important to partners. They also reported more unprotected vaginal sex and more lifetime sex partners. Beliefs were correlated with condom use consistency, number of lifetime partners, and number of unprotected sex experiences. The greater levels of behavioral risk among those reporting abuse suggest greater risk for acquisition and transmission in abused female adolescents. The authors discuss hypotheses to inform future research and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We sought to explain the unexpected failure of the inorganic copper-based biocide CuWB50 to effectively decontaminate microfibre cleaning cloths that became contaminated with Acinetobacter lwoffii. Methods and Results: CuWB50 was diluted using distilled water or tap water obtained from two different ICUs. Microtitre plate assays were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the implicated A. lwoffii. pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) tests were performed and representative water samples were chemically analysed. When diluted in distilled water, the CuWB50 MIC for A. lwoffii was 9 mg l−1 but in tap water from each ICU it was 37 and 75 mg l−1 at hardness levels of 246 and 296 mg CaCO3 l−1 respectively. CuWB50-distilled water solutions consistently had a lower pH and higher ORP than CuWB50-tap water solutions. Conclusions: Hard water adversely affects the biocidal efficacy of CuWB50. Significance and Impact of the Study: Unintentional environmental contamination is a risk when using wet microfibre cloths. This occurred when cloths were stored in CuWB50 overnight combined with the unintentional but erroneous use of tap water. This study emphasizes the need for clearly documented cleaning protocols embedded within a culture of adequate training and constant supervision of cleaning staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of phonological generalizations in the Kyirong dialect of Tibetan are argued to require reference to rules or constraints referring to the syllable or the phonological word (pword). The latter domain is significant because it requires three distinct representations for suffix-stem combinations, depending on the particular suffix involved: (a) the stem and suffix form one pword, (b) the suffix lies outside of the pword of the stem and is attached to a higher prosodic constituent, and (c) the stem and suffix are separate pwords. In addition, one phonological process will be argued to operate at the left edge of a morphological domain, i.e., the stem. While the parsings in (a)(c) above are attested in many other the languages of the world, Kyirong Tibetan is unusual typologically because all but one of the stem plus suffix combinations is either (b) or (c). By contrast, in many other languages stem plus suffix sequences are typically represented as in (a). Kyirong Tibetan will also be argued to be unusual typologically because it treats both parts of compounds as single pwords and not as two separate pwords, which is probably the crosslinguistic default option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Introduction This special issue is a collection of seven papers dealing with the theory and typology of the word. In Section 2 we discuss various theoretical issues and typological generalizations involving grammatical words and phonological words. Section 3 provides a brief summary of the main ideas contained in the seven articles and shows how they relate to the general topics discussed in Section 2. Section 4 points to future areas of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Proto-Longgu-Makira-Malaitan (Southeast Solomonic, Oceanic, Austronesian) a regular sound change is often assumed, according to which Proto-Oceanic *s surfaced as *t before nonhigh vowels but remained *s before high vowels. This article presents an alternative account for the developments in Southeastern Solomonic, according to which the change described above is decomposed into two stages: (i) the unconditioned occlusivization of *s to *t and (ii) the assibilation of *t to *s before high vowels. Both processes in (i) and (ii) are common typologically and make sense from the point of view of phonetics and phonology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the beta cell-specific autoimmunity reflected in autoantibodies to the smaller isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65Ab) in the prediabetic period of GAD65Ab-positive healthy adults who developed Type 2 diabetes (T2D) during a follow-up period of 10 years. We found that of the adults that tested GAD65Ab-positive at baseline ( n = 25), six developed T2D and one developed Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Of the subjects that tested GAD65Ab-negative at baseline ( n = 2209), 81 developed T2D, one developed T1D and four developed unclassified diabetes, indicating that the risk for GAD65Ab-positive healthy adults to develop diabetes is increased sixfold. The GAD65Ab epitopes were characterized in a competition radioligand binding assay using recombinant Fab derived of GAD65-specific monoclonal antibodies. We observed that the GAD65Ab epitope specificities in the prediabetic period changed dynamically. Specifically, the binding to a middle and a C-terminal epitope increased during the follow-up period ( P = 0·03), causing a significant increase in the number of epitopes recognized ( P = 0·03). These findings are similar to previous observations of dynamic changes in the prediabetic period of schoolchildren at high risk for T1D development. However, the character of the epitopes differs between the two populations, suggesting differences in the beta cell-specific autoimmune response in the prediabetic period of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and T1D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In German the complementary distribution of [i] and [j] motivate a process of glide formation according to which /i/ surfaces as [j] when situated to the left of a vowel. The present study examines German words in which a prevocalic /i/ occurs after two consonants and demonstrates that the process is blocked from applying if the two consonants show a sonority rise. These data can be accounted for most elegantly in an Optimality Theoretic approach in which the constraint O is dominated by a local conjunction involving the S C L (SCL) and constraints militating against an onset consisting of a sonorant plus [j]. An additional set of examples shows that glide formation applies after two obstruents but is blocked after two nasals. It will be argued that the contrast between these two types of plateaus requires no added stipulation, but instead falls out from the same ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of anthropogenic carbon (Cant) in the oceans is estimated using the transit time distribution (TTD) method applied to global measurements of chlorofluorocarbon-12 (CFC12). Unlike most other inference methods, the TTD method does not assume a single ventilation time and avoids the large uncertainty incurred by attempts to correct for the large natural carbon background in dissolved inorganic carbon measurements. The highest concentrations and deepest penetration of anthropogenic carbon are found in the North Atlantic and Southern Oceans. The estimated total inventory in 1994 is 134 Pg-C. To evaluate uncertainties the TTD method is applied to output from an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) and compared the results to the directly simulated Cant. Outside of the Southern Ocean the predicted Cant closely matches the directly simulated distribution, but in the Southern Ocean the TTD concentrations are biased high due to the assumption of 'constant disequilibrium'. The net result is a TTD overestimate of the global inventory by about 20%. Accounting for this bias and other centred uncertainties, an inventory range of 94–121 Pg-C is obtained. This agrees with the inventory of Sabine et al., who applied the ΔC* method to the same data. There are, however, significant differences in the spatial distributions: The TTD estimates are smaller than ΔC* in the upper ocean and larger at depth, consistent with biases expected in ΔC* given its assumption of a single parcel ventilation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we propose that there are two universal properties for phonological stop assibilations, namely (i) assibilations cannot be triggered by /i/ unless they are also triggered by /j/, and (ii) voiced stops cannot undergo assibilations unless voiceless ones do. The article presents typological evidence from assibilations in over 30 languages supporting both (i) and (ii). It is argued that assibilations are to be captured in the Optimality Theoretic framework by ranking markedness constraints grounded in perception that penalize sequences like [ti] ahead of a faithfulness constraint that militates against the change from /t/ to some sibilant sound. The occurring language types predicted by (i) and (ii) will be shown to involve permutations of the rankings between several different markedness constraints and the one faithfulness constraint. The article demonstrates that there exist several logically possible assibilation types that are ruled out because they would involve illicit rankings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoantibodies to insulin (IAA) are one of the first markers of the autoimmune process leading to type 1 diabetes (T1D). While other autoantibodies in T1D have been studied extensively, relatively little is known about IAA and their binding specificities, especially after insulin treatment is initiated. We hypothesize that insulin antibodies (IA) that develop upon initiation of insulin treatment differ in their epitope specificities from IAA. We analysed insulin antibody binding specificities in longitudinal samples of T1D patients ( n = 49). Samples were taken at clinical diagnosis of disease and after insulin treatment was initiated. The epitope specificities were analysed using recombinant Fab (rFab) derived from insulin-specific monoclonal antibodies AE9D6 and CG7C7. Binding of radiolabelled insulin by samples taken at onset of the disease was significantly reduced in the presence of rFab CG7C7 and AE9D6. rFab AE9D6 competed sera binding to insulin significantly better than rFab CG7C7 ( P = 0·02). Binding to the AE9D6-defined epitope in the initial sample was correlated inversely with age at onset ( P = 0·005). The binding to the AE9D6-defined epitope increased significantly ( P < 0·0001) after 3 months of insulin treatment. Binding to the CG7C7-defined epitope did not change during the analysed period of 12 months. We conclude that epitopes recognized by insulin binding antibodies can be identified using monoclonal insulin-specific rFab as competitors. Using this approach we observed that insulin treatment is accompanied by a change in epitope specificities in the emerging IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, novel paradigms of computing have emerged, which enable computational power to be embedded in artefacts and in environments in novel ways. These developments may create new possibilities for using computing to enhance learning. This paper presents the results of a design process that set out to explore interactive techniques, which utilized ubiquitous computer technology, to stimulate active participation, involvement and learning by children visiting a museum. Key stakeholders, such as museum curators and docents, were involved throughout the process of creating the exhibition, Re-Tracing the Past, in the Hunt Museum, Limerick, Ireland. The paper describes aspects of the evaluation of the exhibition, which involved 326 schoolchildren (ages 9–12-year-old), and which exemplifies important features of the design and use of the novel technology in the museum. The paper concludes by articulating a series of design guidelines for developing ubiquitous computing to enhance children's learning in museums. These guidelines relate 12 experiential criteria to five supporting design informants and resources. The guidelines encompass important dimensions of children's educational experience in museums, including collaboration, engagement, active interpretation, and materiality. While developed in a museum context, these guidelines could be applied to the development of novel computing to enhance children's learning in other educational environments, both formal and informal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study offers an Optimality-Theoretic analysis of the syllabification of intervocalic consonants and glides in Modern English. It will be argued that the proposed syllabifications fall out from universal markedness constraints – all of which derive motivation from other languages – and a language-specific ranking. The analysis offered below is therefore an alternative to the traditional rule-based analyses of English syllabification, e.g. Kahn (1976), Borowsky (1986), Giegerich (1992, 1999) and to the Optimality-Theoretic treatment proposed by Hammond (1999), whose analysis requires several language-specific constraints which apparently have no cross-linguistic motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports research conducted in collaboration with the Hunt Museum, Limerick, Ireland, which examined how children's interaction in museums could be augmented through co-operative design. The paper describes the participatory design process that was undertaken over a two-year period, involving key informants and stakeholders, including teachers, docents (specialist museum guides) and curators. The designers also explored the potential of ubiquitous computing to enhance children's interpretive experience in museums, and this is also described. The research reported in this paper was supported within the EU disappearing computer (DC) initiative, specifically the SHAPE project. The goal of SHAPE, Situating Hybrid Assemblies in Public Environments, was to explore how emerging, novel computer technologies could be deployed in public spaces to enhance interaction and learning. The project culminated in the deployment of an innovative, large-scale computer-augmented exhibition, Re-Tracing the Past, in the Hunt Museum. This novel exhibition was open to the public from 9 to 19 June 2003. This paper documents the design process from initial scenario elaboration through to final deployment of novel technology in the museum. Evaluation data are also discussed, and the paper concludes with some insights for participatory design of technology to enhance children's interaction in museums. Furthermore, the review of evaluation data illustrates how the design themes that informed the extensive design process were successfully embodied in the final exhibition in the museum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates a relatively minor gap in English phonotactics, namely the lack of surface rhotic+palatal glide sequences (i.e./rj/) and explores the theoretical ramifications thereof. It will be argued, contrary to most previous studies, that this gap has a phonetic (ie. articulatory) explanation and not a phonological one captured in terms of a filter with distinctive features, A typology will be posited which refers to languages with and without syllable-initial and heterosyllabic/rj/sequences and it will be shown that of the four logical possible language types only three are attested. An Optimality Theoretic analysis will be proposed which hinges on the interaction between a specific and a general version of the MARKEDNESS constraints for/rj/sequences (ie *[rj and *r3), and a Farm constraint. It will be shown that two of the attested language types are represented by two modem English dialects and that the third one is represented by a variety of English spoken in the 17th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the inherent exposure of caravan parks on floodplains to flood risk and the vulnerability of residents in the aftermath of the April 1998 floods in the Midlands, UK. It considers flood warning dissemination and response, flood impacts and related planning and control issues associated with caravan parks and their communities. The paper recommends that owners/managers at existing parks at flood risk should be legally required to check on the flood risk, to draw up effective flood action plans, to communicate this information to prospective park users and to consider flood risk in park design. The Australian concept of a ‘total flood warning system’ embracing formal and informal elements is the key in planning for flood warning dissemination and response to caravan park communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hall and Putcha proved that if a finite semigroup S is an amalgamation base for all finite semigroups, then the T-classes of S are linearly ordered. Okniński and Putcha proved that any finite semigroup S is an amalgamation base for all finite semigroups if the T-classes of S are linearly ordered and the semigroup algebra C[S] over the complex field C has a zero Jacobson radical. In this paper, we study the structure of semigroups which are amalgamation bases for all finite semigroups. In particular, the structure of finite bands which are amalgamation bases for all finite semigroups is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article offers an Optimality-Theoretic analysis capturing the distribution of ‘superheavy syllables’ in Modern English, i.e, syllabics consisting of a long vowel + con- sonant(s), a diphthong + consonant(s), or a short vowel + two or more consonants, e.g. feel, farm. It will be shown that superheavy syllables are restricted to surfacing either (i) in word-final position, (ii) before a compound boundary, or (iii) before a consonant-initial suffix. By contrast, superheavy syllables are typically non-occurring in other environments. In the present article the following theoretical claims are made. First, superheavy syllables are analyzed as trimoraic. Second, environments (i)-(iii) above describe the right edge of a phonological word. The distribution of superheavy syllables is captured below with the constraint ALIGN-3μ, which ensures that the third mora in a syllable be situated at the right edge of a phonological word. Finally, ALIGN-3μ will be shown to be violated in certain (predictable) word-internal cases, e.g the syllable [aun] in mountain, such facts will be accounted for by various language-specific constraint rankings. The present surface based analysis will be argued to be superior to an earlier one proposed for Modern English in a derivational framework by Borowsky (1986, 1989). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thin self-supporting biological specimens used for quantitative X-ray microanalysis are problematical because the sections are most unlikely to be uniform in thickness or density, so the intensities of the characteristic lines alone are not a good measure of composition. The method developed to overcome these problems was introduced by T. A. Hall in 1971 and uses the bremsstrahlung or continuum intensity recorded in the X-ray spectrum to normalize each characteristic line, and hence is frequently referred to as the continuum normalization (CN) procedure. Reformulating the CN method of quantification in terms of generalized cross-sections and calculating more accurate values of bremsstrahlung production using a formula allows usa better understanding of the options open to the analyst of biological thin sections by which the errors in the measurement may be reduced. If one chooses to use the original Hall (1971) method using Kramers cross-sections, the window measuring the continuum for normalization should be set in the 4–7 keV region for typical scanning electron microscope and microprobe beam energies, 20– 40 kV, and above 10 keV for transmission electron microscope energies of 80 kV and above. Although it is clear that peak counts must not contribute to the white count, the window should be as wide as possible to reduce statistical errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommends methods on optimizing water treatment for the removal of oocytes in Great Britain. Removal of bacteria spores during treatment; Aggregation of spores of aerobic bacteria; Risk assessment techniques; Statistical process control for analysis of turbidity data.

Presents an article which aimed to characterize all the radical congruence systems for finite semigroups which are systems of greatest congruence over some pseudovariety. Some elementary definitions and results on pseudovarities and congruences; Radical and weakly radical congruence systems.

We have studied NK cell activity in atopic and non-atopic subjects using a standard 51Cr-release assay and K562 target cells. In atopics (AT) with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, NK cell activity was similar to that in non-atopic (N) subjects, whilst patients with severe atopic eczema (AE) had depressed NK cell activity compared to AT or N subjects. in addition, circulating T-cell numbers and Con A responsiveness was decreased in AE, although neither parameter was correlated with decreased NK cell activity. However, decreased NK cell activity in atopic eczema was positively correlated with decreased numbers of Fey+ lymphocytes (P=0.01) and decreased effector: target cell binding (P= 0.05), and negatively correlated with increased monocytes in AE (P=0.09). AE NK cell activity was equally or more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of drugs such as dibutyryl cyclic AMP, prostaglandins (PG) D2, E2 and histamine. The relative percentage increase in NK cell activity by the interferon inducer poly I: C was similar in AE patients and controls. The results suggest that reduced numbers of circulating NK cells and pre-NK cells account for the depressed level of NK cell activity in subjects with severe atopic eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]