Seasat visible and infrared radiometer.

Visual and infrared images produced by the Seasat visible and infrared radiometer (VIRR) are adequate for the identification of cloud, land, and water features. A statistical comparison of VIRR-derived sea-surface temperatures in a cloud-free region with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration analysis based on various surface measurements taken in the same region showed agreement to +/- 1.7 degrees K root-mean-square.

Dose-dependent reduction of lipopolysaccharide pyrogenicity by polymyxin B.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria are potent pyrogens in mammals. Polymyxin B (PB), a cationic polypeptide antibiotic, binds lipid A, the active moiety of LPS, with high affinity and abrogates several biological responses to LPS. We studied the effect of PB on pyrogenicity of purified LPS from E. coli 0111:B4 in rabbits. PB reduced the pyrogenic response to LPS in a dose-dependent manner at mass ratios (PB:LPS) from 5:1 to 100:1. Previous reports have suggested that PB is effective only at much higher doses. In our hands, PB itself is pyrogenic, unless previously gamma-irradiated. Our results confirm in vivo the anti-endotoxic action of PB.

Dynamics of the wax bloom of a seasonal Namib Desert tenebrionid, Cauricara phalangium (Coleoptera: Adesmiini).

The dynamics of the extracuticular was bloom in a 'winter' species of tenebrionid beetle, Cauricara phalangium, from the Namib Desert were monitored in the field and under laboratory conditions. The beetles possessed a full complement of the white wax material after adult emergence. The amount of this material on the integument declined towards the end of the season. The wax bloom was regenerated in both the field and laboratory, with high temperatures and low humidities bringing about greatest renewal. End of the season decline appears tobe related to the senescence of these seasonal beetles. Water loss rates differed significantly for individuals collected in May, when fully bloomed, and in August when little or no wax bloom was present. The wax bloom material contributes to the protection of these diurnal beetles against the high temperatures and radiant heat loads in the Namib Desert.

Carrageenan stimulates reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by human neutrophils without membrane depolarization, myeloperoxidase secretion, or increased oxygen consumption.

Carrageenan, a sulfated polyanionic polysaccharide, is commonly used to induce inflammation in experimental animals, and this model is used to screen for the effectiveness of antiinflammatory drugs. Carrageenan-induced inflammation has been attributed to a variety of autocoids including histamine, bradykinin, complement, superoxide, and prostaglandins. This study examines the effects of carrageenan on human PMN in a serum-free system. Carrageenan was found to stimulate the reduction of NBT by PMNs without stimulating membrane depolarization, oxygen consumption, H2O2 production, or myeloperoxidase secretion. Carrageenan stimulates a heat-labile, NBT-reducing system which is unassociated with the usual stimulus-response coupling seen with other PMN activators such as PMA, FMLP, and zymosan.

A prediction model for strike in the sheep nasal fly, Oestrus ovis, in Namibia.

A model was developed for predicting outbreaks of Oestrus ovis throughout the main sheep farming areas of Namibia. Pupal developmental periods were studied, concomitant air and soil temperatures enabling degree-day calculations to be made for prediction of adult fly strike. Monitoring of larval infection established seasonal incidence of O. ovis infestation and acted as verification of predictions. The establishment of relevant isothermal maps for Namibia made possible extrapolation from the several study sites to the entire sheep farming area. Retrospective and actual predictions of the important first peak after winter were considered accurate enough to recommend timing of control measures. No evidence of overwintering of first stage instars was found, the strategy used instead being extended pupation. Adult fly energy reserves were determined.

The incidence of adynamic ileus in postcesarean patients. Patient-controlled analgesia versus intramuscular analgesia.

With the current clinical popularity of patient-controlled analgesia pumps (PCAP) in postoperative pain management, it is prudent to be aware of the possible risk of adynamic ileus formation from intravenous narcotic administration. We hypothesized that prolonged PCAP exposure could delay bowel motility and increase post-operative morbidity. After stringent exclusionary parameters were met, we retrospectively analyzed 170 postcesarean patients who received PCAP medication and compared data with 171 postcesarean patients who received traditional intramuscular (IM) administration. The degree of adynamic ileus formation of moderate and severe intensity was higher in PCAP users (21.8%) vs. IM users (13.5%), P = .02. There was no significant difference in the average cumulative amount of analgesic administered during the first 24 postoperative hours for PCAP (442.2 mg) vs. IM (397.7 mg), reflecting that the mode of narcotic delivery is responsible for ileus formation rather than the dosage. Type of postoperative diet and speed of diet advancement were also factored into the analysis and did not statistically influence the results. We conclude that PCAP usage may increase the morbidity risk for adynamic ileus formation, and that usage should be accompanied with close monitoring of bowel motility.

The diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in the multiply injured patient with pelvic ring or acetabular fractures.

Thirty-one patients with unstable displaced pelvic or acetabular fractures were admitted and underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of their fracture. All patients were studied prospectively for the incidence of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) utilizing venous duplex ultrasound. Duplex scans were repeated at 1 week postoperatively in all patients. Additional scans were performed when clinically indicated. A total of 61 scans were completed. DVT developed in three patients (approximately 10%). Two of the three positive scans were noted only on postoperative examination. The third scan was positive on the preoperative phase. Duplex ultrasound was easily applied and well tolerated by the multiply injured patient.

A comparison of plate and pin fixation for arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist.

This retrospective study compared plate fixation versus pin fixation in 57 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent wrist arthrodesis. Fixation was achieved by using plates in 32 patients and longitudinal pins in 25 patients. Clinical follow-up averaged 29 months (range: 12-57 months) and radiographic follow-up averaged 16 months (range 12-39 months). Union occurred in 97% of the wrists fixed with plates and in 96% of the wrists fixed with pins. There were 6 (19%) complications in the plate group and 7 (28%) complications in the pin group. Three (12%) wrists fixed with pins moved from the immediate postoperative position to a position of relative volar flexion, while radiographs showed no changes in wrist position in the plate group. With both methods, successful arthrodesis stabilized the wrist in a high percentage of patients. Plate fixation offers an excellent alternative method for arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist.

Personality differences between intrinsically religious and nonreligious students: a factor analytic study.

By means of Allport's Religious Orientation Inventory (ROI) 145 students were classified as intrinsically religious and 133 as nonreligious. Personality differences between the two groups were explored on the basis of their scores on EPPS, the CPI, and 16 PF Questionnaire. Factor analysis of the combined 49 subscales of these three instruments produced eight factors: Achievement Potential, Self-Control, Social Ascendency, Affiliation, Personal and Social Adequacy, Egocentric Sexuality, Restlessness, and Stereotyped Femininity. Analyses of variance of the factor scores of the two groups of subjects showed significant differences on five of the eight factors, accounting for a total of 25% of the total variance. The intrinsically religious scored significantly higher on Self-Control, Personal and Social Adequacy, and Stereotyped Femininity; the nonreligious scored higher on Egocentric Sexuality and Restlessness. These results were discussed in relation to some of Allport's ideas on religion as a dimension of personality.