A simplified micromethod for fluoride analysis

"VIDAS Stallertest" is a new screening test for breathing allergy. It allows the detection of 10 different lung specific allergens including domestic acarids (D1), pollents (G3, W6, W21, T3 and T9), pets dander (E1 and E2), moulds (M6), cockroach (16). The method is an immunoenzymatic reaction that contains a cartridge and a cone that is cover with the allergen's mixture and is automated on the VIDAS system. The results are compared to various skin tests analyzed by instantaneous reading for 102 patients. "VIDAS Stallertest" shows an excellent agreement (93%) with the allergic patients as well as with those that are not. The specificity of the new screening test is very high (91%). A comparative study between "VIDAS Stallertest" and "Phadiatop" performed on 155 consultants in allergist office shows a correlation of 93%, a sensitivity and a specificity of 91 and 95%, respectively. "VIDAS Stallertest" is a reliable method in first intention for the general practitioner who faces a putative breathing allergy. Moreover, this is an excellent biological check-up for a questionable or negative skin test.     

A simplified numerical analysis of the sheet tensile test

A simplified numerical analysis of the tensile test for sheet metal specimens is presented with particular emphasis on the relationship between plastic flow parameters and tensile ductility. This analysis is based on a one-dimensional, “long wavelength” approximation in which the stress state is assumed to be uniaxial throughout the deformation. To account for the influence of necking and triaxiality on the flow behavior, however, an extended Bridgman correction for sheet specimens deformed under conditions of plane stress is employed. The governing equilibrium equation and boundary conditions are discretized to obtain computer solutions. Engineering stress-strain curves and strain distributions in deformed tensile specimens are compared to results from a more complex formulation previously published in the technical literature and show good agreement with it.     

Sucrose-water preference reversal in the water-deprived rat.

Exposed 4 water-deprived male albino Carworth rats to each of 3 preference conditions. When given a 15-min preference test between a 7.4% sucrose solution and water, Ss ingested 81-91% of their total fluid intake from the sucrose bottle. When given a choice between 1 lick of water and 1 lick of the sucrose solution, Ss consistently preferred water. To determine if this water preference was related to dehydration, Ss were allowed to drink water immediately before the 1-lick preference test. In general, water preference was inversely proportional to amount of pretest drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Postingestive modulation of the sweetness preference gradient in the rat.

Preference for a solution of a particular sweetness is increased by its previous association with postingestive effects of 10% glucose or polysaccharide solutions. Sweetness acceptance is decreased by previous association with 25%-50% glucose solutions. Conditioning in these two directions simultaneously by continuous access to a choice of solutions can reverse the usual gradient of preference for the sweeter of two solutions. This reversal is initially facilitated, but after some days attenuated, by a high proportion of carbohydrate in the diet. The reversal extinguishes over a few days without reinforcement. Expression of the relative aversion to the sweeter solution is not dependent on immediately prior carbohydrate ingestion (unlike sickly taste in man). Such conditioned attractions and aversions may assist normal caloric regulation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cue interactions in flavor preference learning: A configural analysis.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 37(2) of Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes (see record 2011-08162-003). There was an error in Figure 3, which is described in the correction.] Four experiments showed that the preference normally established to a neutral flavor cue that was paired with maltodextrin was attenuated when that cue was conditioned in compound with another flavor—overshadowing. Furthermore, two experiments showed that the preference for a neutral flavor conditioned as part of a compound was further attenuated if the other element in that compound was separately paired with the reinforcer—blocking. These results stand in contrast to a number of previous compound flavor preference conditioning experiments, which have not revealed reliable cue competition effects. These discrepant findings are discussed in terms of the effects of within-compound associations and a configural perspective on potentiation. Modeling of this configural perspective predicts that a compound of two separately trained cues will elicit a similar response to the individual cues themselves—absence of summation. Two experiments confirmed this prediction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Laparoscopic surgery in a small animal model. A simplified technique of retroperitoneal dissection in the rat

BACKGROUND: An adequate laparoscopic small-animal model would benefit surgical oncologic research. Immunobiologic data and reagents available for the rodent make them an ideal species. We developed a simple, inexpensive, reproducible technique for laparoscopic surgery in rodents. METHODS: Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum is achieved in anesthetized animals. Through a 0.5-cm midline incision a 4.8-mm bronchofiberscope is inserted into the peritoneal cavity and secured with a purse-string suture (PSS). Three additional PSSs are made to introduce the dissectors. Under fiberscopic vision, a blunt dissection of the retroperitoneum exposes the inferior vena cava and aorta. Necropsy 24 h after verifies the adequacy of dissection. RESULTS: Eighteen animals survived. The only death resulted from bleeding. Mortality was 5.26%. Surgical time was 24.72 +/- 8.93 min with all animals active 2 h postlaparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery (LS) can be done inexpensively without sophisticated equipment. The rodent is ideal for examining the immunologic consequences of laparoscopic surgery and pneumoperitoneum.     

Association between low contents of dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens and high alcohol preference

The contents of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were determined in the nucleus accumbens (ACB), frontal cortex (FR), anterior striatum (AST), and hippocampus (HIP) of adult male rats from the F2 generation of P x NP intercrosses. Rats were tested for their alcohol preference and were divided into two groups, depending on their alcohol intake. Rats in the high drinking group (n = 11) had ethanol intakes > 5g/kg/day, whereas the low drinking group (n = 15) had values < 1 g/kg/day. The content of DA in the ACB was lower (p < 0.001) in the high alcohol drinking group (46 +/- 2 pmol/mg tissue) than in the low intake rats (61 +/- 3 pmol/mg tissue). However, the contents of DOPAC and HVA in the ACB were similar for both groups. There were no differences between the two groups in the contents of DA in the FR or AST. The content of 5-HT in the ACB was lower (p < 0.05) in high alcohol drinking rats (6.3 +/- 0.3 pmol/mg tissue) than in the low intake group (7.0 +/- 0.2 pmol/mg tissue). The content of 5-HIAA in the ACB of the high intake rats was also lower than the level for the low drinking rats. There were no differences in the contents of 5-HT or 5-HIAA in the FR, HIP, and AST between the two groups. The results confirm a phenotypic association between abnormal DA and 5-HT systems projecting to the ACB and high alcohol drinking behavior in the P line of rats.     

A diallel cross analysis of genetic determinants of copulatory behavior in rats.

Conducted a diallel cross analysis aimed at obtaining information regarding genetic influences on the copulatory behavior of rats, and permitting considerations of adaptive significance. A total of 1,073 rats of 4 inbred strains-ACI, F344, LEW, and WF-and all possible F1 crosses were used. Of 385 males tested, 73 failed to mate. The F1 Ss were more likely to mate than were Ss with inbred genotypes. Overdominance was generally apparent for low frequencies of mounts and intromissions preceding ejaculation across 5 series and 3 tests. A trend for directional dominance toward low scores on various latency measures of copulatory behavior also was apparent. According to the theory relating directional dominance to adaptation, it would appear generally adaptive for rats to copulate rapidly and to ejaculate after relatively few mounts and intromissions. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A quantitative trait locus for alcohol consumption in selectively bred rat lines

Selective breeding for high and low alcohol consumption led to the establishment of alcohol-preferring (P) and alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rat lines that differ greatly in their alcohol consumption. These lines were inbred and F2 intercross progenies were generated to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing alcohol consumption. A QTL on chromosome 4 was identified with a maximum lod score of 8.6. This QTL acts in an additive fashion and accounts for 11% of the total phenotypic variability and approximately one-third of the genetic variability. Neuropeptide Y, an endogenous anxiolytic and neuromodulator, has been mapped to this same region of chromosome 4. This study is an advance in genome analyses, demonstrating that crosses between divergent, selectively bred rat lines can be used to identify QTLs. Localization of a gene influencing alcohol consumption may have important implications for the etiology of alcohol abuse and alcoholism in humans.     

Blockade of morphine- and amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in the rat by riluzole

Three cases of isolated one-and-a-half syndrome with facial nerve palsy related to infarction are presented. Magnetic resonance imaging in cases 1 and 2 was unremarkable, whereas magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated pathophysiologically significant vertebral basilar disease. Case 3 is unique due to its association with giant cell arteritis. Ipsilateral adduction improved to a greater extent than abduction in each case, perhaps providing insight into the exact localization of these lesions or selective vulnerability of the ocular motor structures within the pons. This combination of clinical findings, termed the 8-1/2 syndrome (cranial nerve 7 + 1-1/2), allows precise localization, and magnetic resonance angiography appears to be the imaging study of choice.     

A simplified approach to the diagnosis of alopecia

Specific types of alopecia can be readily identified by history and physical examination with a high degree of accuracy in 97% of cases. Although some confirmatory laboratory studies may be required, two elements of the medical history and four elements of the physical examination can lead a dermatologist knowledgeable in the common scalp diseases to a rapid diagnosis. The key elements of history are age and duration of alopecia. The key elements of the examination are scalp status, pattern of loss, pull test results, and the integrity of the follicular units.     

A major influence of sex-specific loci on alcohol preference in C57Bl/6 and DBA/2 inbred mice

C57Bl/6 mice reproducibly prefer to ingest more 10% ethanol in a two-bottle choice paradigm than do DBA/2J mice. In this paper we report the identification of two new sex-specific alcohol preference (Alcp) loci. Melo and associates (1996) identified two loci: Alcp1, a male-specific locus on Chromosome (Chr) 2, and Alcp2, a female- and cross-specific locus on Chr 11. We have additionally identified Alcp3, a male-specific locus on Chr 3, and Alcp4, a female-specific locus on Chr 1. We have also performed a statistical analysis to exclude the possibility of undiscovered major alcohol preference loci that are not sex-specific in our backcross paradigm. Our results indicate that alcohol preference in C57BL/6 mice, as measured in our backcross, is largely controlled in a sex-specific manner.     

Actimetry: simplified analysis of wake-sleep rhythms in the newborn. Preliminary results

Actimetry in newborns is relevant if two actimeters are placed, one on each ankle. This study has been conducted on nine normal three days old newborns. It has shown an indisputable link between the lack of activity and the observed sleep during the night that was missing during the day. The longest period of wake was recorded during the day and the longest period of sleep or inactivity was during the night. This study has confirmed the existence of an ultradian rhythm of quiet sleep and wake. It is also possible that a beginning of a circadian rest-activity rhythm exists already in the neonatal period, that is still discussed in the literature.     

Movie exposure to alcohol cues and adolescent alcohol problems: A longitudinal analysis in a national sample.

The authors tested a theoretical model of how exposure to alcohol cues in movies predicts level of alcohol use (ever use plus ever and recent binge drinking) and alcohol-related problems. A national sample of younger adolescents was interviewed by telephone with 4 repeated assessments spaced at 8-month intervals. A structural equation modeling analysis performed for ever-drinkers at Time 3 (N = 961) indicated that, controlling for a number of covariates, movie alcohol exposure at Time 1 was related to increases in peer alcohol use and adolescent alcohol use at Time 2. Movie exposure had indirect effects to alcohol use and problems at Times 3 and 4 through these pathways, with direct effects to problems from Time 1 rebelliousness and Time 2 movie exposure also found. Prospective risk-promoting effects were also found for alcohol expectancies, peer alcohol use, and availability of alcohol in the home; protective effects were found for mother's responsiveness and for adolescent's school performance and self-control. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A multifactor analysis of growth in the rat epididymal fat pad

Adipose tissue is known to consist of at least two compartments, the adipocytes and the non-lipid filled cells. During normal growth and development of the rat epididymal fat pad, these two compartments changed in different manners. From 12 to 35 days of age, the DNA contained in both compartments increased linearly, indicative of hyperplastic growth. From 35 to 70 days of age, the DNA in the non-lipid filled cells continued to increase linearly; DNA in the adipocyte fraction increased more slowly. From 70 to 182 days of age, DNA accretion continued in the non-lipid filled cells while remaining unchanged in adipocytes. From 35 to 70 days of age, an abrupt change in the rate of tissue lipid accumulation occurred, shown both by a tripling of fat cell size and a markedly increased slope in the accumulation of lipid per pad. These data confirm that adipose tissue growth proceeds as suggested by radioactive thymidine incorporation studies and further suggest that a critical period for the onset of lipid filling may begin around 35 days of age.     

A simplified method of nasolacrimal irrigation

A simplified method of nasolacrimal irrigation is presented. Use of the air cannula minimizes possible edema and trauma because it usually eliminates the need for dilation. In addition, its smaller diameter reduces the possibility of injury during the actual irrigation.     

Workplace absenteeism and alcohol use: A sequential analysis.

This investigation examined the day-to-day relationship between alcohol use and workplace absenteeism among a sample of participants (N = 280) employed in 1 of 3 large companies located in the northeastern U.S. With a semistructured interview, information was collected from employees about specific days of drinking during a 1-month period and marked on a calendar. Data about employees' absences during the same target time period were collected from the companies' human resource departments and were also marked on a calendar. A significant relationship was found between alcohol use and workplace absences; workers were, roughly 2 times more likely to be absent from work the day after alcohol was consumed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

大学学科交叉的路径

通过对学科交叉意义和地位的阐述,提出大学学科交叉的四条路径,旨在突出学科交叉在大学建设过程中的重要作用。     

Comparison of innate EEG parameters in rat lines selected for ethanol preference

Through bidirectional selective breeding, lines of rats that differ greatly in their voluntary alcohol drinking behavior have been developed--namely, the alcohol-preferring (P) and high-alcohol-drinking (HAD) lines and the alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) and low-alcohol-drinking (LAD) lines. The present experiments were designed to determine if an association exists between ethanol preference and features of the electroencephalogram (EEG) during various sleep-wake behaviors. Of the EEG parameters measured, only theta activity in the hippocampus revealed differences in the lines. However, these differences were not generally associated with ethanol preference. The peak frequency and distribution mean of hippocampal theta activity during REM sleep were significantly higher in NP rats than in P, HAD, and LAD rats. In addition, theta frequency during alert immobility tended to be higher in NP rats than in P, HAD, and LAD rats. A qualitative comparison of these data with published data from unselected rats further suggested that the NP rats are uniquely different with respect to theta frequency.