Fatal small intestinal infarction due to occlusion by mesenteric carcinoid tumor

A case of sudden death due to massive small intestinal infarction is reported. The cause of the intestinal infarction was occlusion of mesenteric vessels by massive fibrosis secondary to carcinoid tumor. Since no primary carcinoid tumor was found in the intestine or elsewhere, it is suggested that the carcinoid tumor had originated in the mesentery.     

Grievance mediation

Conclusion In sum, grievance mediation is a highly successful alternative to labor arbitration. It shares with expedited arbitration the capacity to reduce the time and cost of arbitration, and is more likely to produce mutually acceptable outcomes than is a conference procedure in which the neutral retains decisional authority. It is also more likely than either of those procedures to improve the parties' dispute resolution ability and ultimately their entire relationship.To be sure, not all grievances can be successfully resolved through mediation. Still, its advantages are so great, and its costs so low that an effort to resolve grievances at mediation should be a required step preceding arbitration in all collective bargaining contracts. Stephen B. Goldberg is Professor of Law at Northwestern University Law School, Chicago, Ill., 60611. He is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and president of Mediation Research and Education Project, Inc.This article draws in substantial part on material contained in the author's recent book (with William L. Ury and Jeanne M. Brett),Getting Disputes Resolved: Designing Systems to Cut the Costs of Conflict (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1988).     

Simultaneous identification of alpha-L-fucosidase and phosphoglucomutase (PGM) subtyping in semen stains

Seminal fluid and stains were analyzed by isoelectric focusing to determine the donor phenotype in the alpha-L-fucosidase (AlFuc) polymorphic system. The enzyme is found in both seminal fluid and spermatazoa. Three common phenotypes exist and can be identified in fluid specimens stored at 4 degrees C for more than a year. Untreated semen specimens display more than eight distinct bands of alpha-L-fucosidase activity with isoelectric points of pH 6.6 and below. Neuraminidase-treated specimens have enhanced banding patterns cathodally with a loss of activity in anodal bands making it easier to phenotype specimens. Semen stains maintained in dehumidified chambers at 25 or 37 degrees C retained activity for at least one month and could be accurately phenotyped. Activity was observed in semen specimens maintained at -20 degrees C in the dried state for a period of one year, whereas a complete loss of activity was observed after two weeks in similar specimens maintained at 25 or 37 degrees C under humid conditions. Of seventy-four semen stains analyzed, two had no apparent activity. Of the remaining seventy-two specimens 56, 32, and 12% were phenotyped as FUC 1-1, FUC 2-1, and FUC 2-2, respectively. Calculated gene frequencies are FUC1 = 0.72 and FUC2 = 0.28. Following analysis of alpha-L-fucosidase, the agarose gel can be chemically developed to reveal the PGM1 subtyping pattern. The ability to phenotype both systems in semen stains significantly improves the ability of the analyst to individualize this type of physical evidence. The probability of discrimination for these two combined systems is approximately 0.89.     

Criminal defendants who desire punishment

Some defendants desire to be punished. Sometimes psychotic motivations underlie punishment-seeking behavior; sometimes they do not. The defendant's clinical status is relevant to his competency to stand trial and to waive other rights. These issues are illustrated by presentation of a case of a defendant who sought punishment. The importance of psychiatric assessments of these defendants is emphasized.