1998 update on antiphospholipid antibodies

T-lymphocyte recirculation appears to be slower in nude or irradiated rats as compared with normal rats. A mathematical model of T-lymphocyte recirculation that incorporates interactions between T cells and dendritic cells in the lymphoid tissue is presented. It is shown that these interactions are able to explain the differences in recirculation times between normal and nude or irradiated rats, and also the time-scales seen in long-term thoracic duct cannulations.     

New horizons in medicine. The attractors

The discovery of the fact that chaotic systems can suddenly coagulate into deterministic systems, and that deterministic systems can precipitate into chaotic systems has, on the one hand, clearly revealed the limits of the Cartesian geometrization of random phenomena, and on the other, has made in possible to identify the attractor as the reference entity when studying the functional dynamics of biological systems. The attractors is identified as the point of equilibrium upon which the behaviour of a dynamic system stabilizes and towards which it is constantly attracted. In some systems the attractor is identified as an "ideal" optimum reference point termed "the point". In other systems, however, the attractor is identified as a closed curve: "the ultimate cycle". Lastly, in other systems the attractor is identified as a surface in which the space of the states delimits a flat doughnut-shaped image constituting a "torus". The recent discovery of the laws governing deterministic chaos has made it possible to identify a new type of attractor termed the "strange attractor". This attractor has a fractal dimension (i.e. one midway between linear and plane), is of finite dimension and depends on the initial condition of the system. In many biological functions it is now possible to demonstrate the presence of attractors that operate starting from different initial conditions or that vary with time or that display both these conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

New horizons in medicine. Chaos and its laws

We have synthesized the fundamentals that modern technology offers in all areas of research, especially in the field of biomedicine. The theory of systems, cybernetics, synergetics, boolean algebra, communication science (according to modern laws of signal transmission and translation), the solution of non-linear equations by computer science, applied principles of reduction in biological survey, fractal analysis as a representation of dynamic, chaotic, non-linear systems, defined attractors as conditioning elements of biologic function, are just a few of the many instruments that modern science offers as a revolutionary approach to research programming. Borrowing the laws of mathematics, we have defined the fundamental characteristics of linear and non-linear homeostatic systems along with the concept of predictable behavior of a system as a function of its complex structure. Lastly, we have documented, based on personal research and recent findings in biomathematics, and despite current and strong opposition, how the functional death of any dynamic system is identified by the system's absolute state of equilibrium. The operative errors at times caused by different stimuli acting on specific organs and apparatus, are interpreted not as an index of altered function but as an expression of a chaotic response of the deterministic type and therefore an indication of the system's adaptability to the specific functional requirements in that precise moment.     

Defining our common ground to reach new horizons.

There are 4 broad propositions concerning behavioral science that rehabilitation psychology shares with other applied branches of psychology: (a) rehabilitation psychology research is science, (b) rehabilitation psychology research is part of a larger effort to understand human behavior, (c) practice grounded in rehabilitation psychology research is designed to alleviate human suffering and promote well-being, and (d) all scientific tools are acceptable in these quests. A model encompassing the major elements in rehabilitation research and practice is presented, and several gaps in the current knowledge base are delineated. Implications and remedies for these gaps, and for changes in professional alliances and role definitions, are discussed so that the field can pursue a consumer-based, empirically driven health care service delivery agenda for persons with chronic disease and disability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

New horizons in the evolutionary science of the human family.

Familial relationships cannot be properly understood outside of an evolutionary framework. Pseudoscientific and traditional modes of thought have steered us away from an accurate account of ourselves and our kin. Recent theoretical and empirical advances in the evolutionary sciences, such as the theories of inclusive fitness, parental investment, and parent-offspring conflict, have aided our understanding of familial conflict and cooperation. We suggest that a gene's eye perspective of human families can likewise illuminate much of human psychology and behavior by contrasting individual interests with genetic interests. Furthermore, theoretical and empirical work on genetic imprinting and extended phenotypic action-at-a-distance have unveiled the extent to which co-evolutionary arms races and manipulation lie at the heart of familial interactions and psychological disorders. We posit that human cultural trends and morals can ultimately be grounded on an evolutionary foundation: not only do human laws and institutions reflect group-level manifestations of gene-level cooperative adaptations, but also they may reflect gene-level manipulative adaptations. An awareness of evolutionary dynamics can advance human well-being and unveil the hidden mechanisms beneath all human and nonhuman relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Temporal horizons in decision making.

The perception of duration is crucial when we make choices between immediate and delayed rewards. Immediate rewards are valued more than the same rewards if they are delayed. Preferences for earlier rewards become even stronger when the reward can be received within a subjectively proximate time frame. A “rational” decision to wait for a delayed reward may be overruled by an “impulsive” choice when the option for the closer reward falls within this proximate time range. Based on findings on circadian and circannual physiological rhythms, we suggest that there are 2 time units that are both biologically and culturally determined and have an impact on human experience and behavior: the day and the year. We highlight results of a neuroimaging study showing that rewards with delays up to 1 year are discounted differently than reward delays longer than 1 year. This duration-dependent discounting is associated with specific brain activation in the striatum. We present various conceptualizations of subjective time incorporated in parametric models of intertemporal decisions that may lead to a better understanding of human choice behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

New horizons for therapy based on the boron neutron capture reaction

Experimental studies were undertaken in immature rat molar teeth to investigate the relationship between root development and the prognosis after partial extrusion. The experimental partial extrusion was induced at 1/2 root formation, 2/3 root formation and 3/4 root formation, using an extrusion device designed by the author. Histopathological studies and SEM observation of the pulpal tissue in rat maxillary first molars with partially formed roots after partial extrusion were conducted and evaluated. The degree of extrusion was changed according to the development of the root to produce a similar luxated state. The rats were sacrificed immediately after experimental extrusion, immediately after operation, and after 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, and 60 days to compare the histopathological and SEM findings between experimental groups and control groups. Immediately after the extrusive injury, ablations of the odontoblast layer from dentin were seen with retention of a fluid component in the ablated spaces in the pulp. On 1 and 3 days after surgery, cellular components such as erythrocytes and leukocytes due to bleeding were seen. Ablations of the odontoblast layer were seen in the coronal pulp most frequently in the pulp horn, cervical area and floor of the pulp chamber. In general, pulp reaction after extrusion in groups with more complete root formation was more severe than in groups with less complete root formation. It is suggested that the more complete the root formation, the greater the effect on the pulp as result of partial extrusion, while with less complete root formation, the greater the malformation of the root apices.     

Local time horizons in Pavlovian learning.

Responding to a CS is impaired if the CS is trained in the presence of excitatory local context cues. Four lick suppression experiments with rats explored whether this local context effect arises from the influence of excitatory cues that precede or that follow a reinforced target CS. Pretrained nontarget stimuli served as local context cues that occurred (1) immediately before and after the target CS trial, (2) immediately before or after the target CS trial, or (3) only before or after the target CS trial with varying intervals between the nontarget stimulus and target CS. Results indicated similar control over responding to the target CS by the preceding and following nontarget cues. This outcome implies a symmetrical window of memory integration (local time horizon) for a Pavlovian CS. Possible mechanisms underlying the detrimental effect of embedding a CS in an excitatory local context are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Exploring brain circuitry with neurotropic viruses: new horizons in neuroanatomy

There have been substantial advances in methods for defining connections among neurons over the past quarter century. However, most tracers have been limited in their ability to define populations of functionally related neurons that contribute to a multisynaptic circuit because they are not transported across synapses. As a result, the large body of literature that has employed these tracers has established regional associations between regions that must be further explored with electron microscopy and electrophysiological methods to define the synaptic relations among constituent neurons. Recently, neurotropic alpha herpesviruses have been used to visualize ensembles of neurons that contribute to polysynaptic networks. These pathogens invade permissive cells, replicate, and pass transynaptically to infect other neurons. In effect, the viruses become self-amplifying tracers whose natural tropism and invasiveness define populations of functionally related neurons. The recent increase in the use of this experimental approach has emerged from advances in our understanding of the life cycle of these viruses and the resulting evidence in support of specific transynaptic passage of progeny virus rather than infection by lytic release into the extracellular space. This article reviews the advances that have made this a viable experimental approach and considers ways in which this method has been creatively used to illuminate aspects of nervous system circuit organization that could not be defined with conventional tracers.     

Diagnosis of rheumatoid polyarthritis at onset. Manifestations, enigmas, hopes or solution

Quantitative nutrient requirements for unrestricted autotrophic growth of Alcaligenes eutrophus were determined. Minimum saturating concentrations of Mg2+, SO42-, PO43-, Fe3+, and Na2+ for an optical density increase of 2 were 10(-4) M 8 X10(-5) M, 5 X 10(-4) to 6 X 10(-4) M, 10(-5) M, and 10(-7) to 2 X 10(-7) M, respectively. Trace metal requirements for cobalt, chromium, and copper were also demonstrated, but minimum concentrations could not be determined because other reagents contributed a high background of these metals. Under certain conditions an apparent response to zinc was observed, although other experiments suggest the zinc salt contained another metal that was required for growth. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate biosynthesis was shown to be initiated by a magnesium or sulfate deficiency as well as by a nitrogen or phosphate deficiency.     

Spine update. Urological management in patients with spinal cord injuries

In the past, urologic complications contributed greatly to spinal cord injury mortality. With improved evaluation and treatment, this is no longer the case. Treatment should be guided by urodynamic data gathered after the resolution of spinal shock symptoms. Goals of treatment are to facilitate voiding, reduce incontinence, and prevent renal damage. Indwelling catheters are almost never indicated for long-term treatment of the neurogenic bladder. Commonly used treatments include intermittent catheterization, condom catheter drainage with sphincter ablation, and pharmaceutical manipulation. Electrical stimulation of sacral nerve roots shows promise for future therapy.     

American Psychological Foundation contributors, 1998.

List and thanks the many 1998 contributors to the American Psychological Foundation (APF), which continues its mission to contribute to both the practice and the science of psychology for the understanding of behavior and the benefit of human welfare. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and prognostic examination of 62 patients

Chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a common condition. Sixty-two patients with biopsy-proved, active DLE were observed and their conditions were analyzed for clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data. Fifty-six patients had disease limited to the skin-26 localized and 30 widespread (above and below the neck). At the time of follow-up examination, active disease was present in 32 patients, 28 of whom had widespread DLE. Six patients had DLE as a manifestation of systemic LE (SLE). In four patients, the DLE preceded the development of SLE. Laboratory abnormalities were substantially more common in patients with widespread DLE than in patients with localized DLE. An analysis of therapeutic results in this series confirmed the beneficial effects of intralesional corticosteroids and antimalarial agents and demonstrated relatively poor responsiveness to topical or oral corticosteroids.