Revealed, concealed, congealed, curdled: A reply to Pomichalek, Lamb, and Denner.

Replies to M. Pomichalek's (see record 1992-19269-001), S. Lamb's (see record 1992-19263-001), and B. Denner's (see record 1992-19257-001) remarks on P. Cushman's comments (see record 1991-17982-001) on D. Stern's (1985) study. Cushman defends constructionist research by maintaining that it can acknowledge and interpret ideology and thereby the moral framework in which the study is embedded. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Drugs, recipes, babies, bathwater, and psychotherapy process-outcome relations.

In their critiques of W. B. Stiles and D. A. Shapiro's (see record 1995-10433-001) discussion of the process-outcome correlation problem, G. Silberschatz (see record 1995-10428-001) and L. Sechrest (see record 1995-10426-001) suggested that the problem is not fundamental but merely technical. Silberschatz suggested that more complex measures would solve the problem; Sechrest suggested that more complex analyses would solve the problem. Following Sechrest's multivariate suggestions, however, produced no better result. Contrary to Silberschatz's and Sechrest's suggestions, the problem is not in the measures or the analyses but in the interpretation of the results (null results as well as positive results), particularly in a failure to incorporate fully the phenomenon of responsiveness into an understanding of process–outcome relations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reaction of myeloperoxidase compound I with chloride, bromide, iodide, and thiocyanate

Myeloperoxidase plays a fundamental role in oxidant production by neutrophils. The enzyme uses hydrogen peroxide to oxidize chloride (Cl-), bromide (Br-), iodide (I-), and the pseudohalide thiocyanate (SCN-) to their respective hypohalous acids. This study for the first time presents transient kinetic measurements of the oxidation of these halides and thiocyanate by the myeloperoxidase intermediate compound I, using the sequential mixing stopped-flow technique. At pH 7 and 15 degrees C, the two-electron reduction of compound I to the native enzyme by Cl- has a second-order rate constant of (2.5 +/- 0.3) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1), whereas reduction of compound I by SCN- has a second-order rate constant of (9.6 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). Iodide [(7.2 +/- 0.7) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)] is shown to be a better electron donor for compound I than Br- [(1.1 +/- 0.1) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)]. The pH dependence studies suggest that compound I reduction by (pseudo-)halides is controlled by a residue with a pKa of about 4.6. The protonation of this group is necessary for optimum (pseudo-)halide anion oxidation. These transient kinetic results are underlined by steady-state spectral and kinetic investigations. SCN- is shown to be most effective in shifting the system myeloperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide from the peroxidatic cycle to the halogenation cycle, whereas iodide is shown to be more effective than bromide which in turn is much more effective than chloride. Decreasing pH increases the rate of this transition. Our results show that thiocyanate is an important substrate of myeloperoxidase in most environments and that hypothiocyanate is likely to contribute to leukocyte antimicrobial activity.     

Biofeedback, science, and training.

Responds to P. A. Norris's (see record 1987-01962-001) criticism of the present author's (see record 1986-11198-001) article on biofeedback by suggesting that Norris appears to be restating the present author's position—that biofeedback by itself is neither necessary nor sufficient to accomplish anything but is a technique to be used in conjunction with other approaches to meet certain therapeutic goals. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bishop, Eysenck, Block, and psychoticism.

J. Block (see record 1978-28560-001) questioned evidence for the validity of the Eysenck Psychoticism (P) scale based on the psychophysiological findings of G. S. Claridge and H. J. Chappa (see record 1974-02520-001) that Ss high in psychoticism showed an unusual and counterintuitive relationship between 2-flash threshold and skin conductance. The present authors argue that Block's criticism that the result may be ephemeral is incorrect for 3 reasons. First, the cut-off point used to define the low skin conductance range over which the relationship was most evident was not as arbitrary as Block suggests. Second, replication data demonstrated the same result. And third, the unusual psychophysiology found in high P Ss has also been observed in normal Ss under LSD-25 and in acute schizophrenics. However, the present authors also point out that all their work on psychoticism was based on an earlier version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (the Psychoticism-Extraversion-Neuroticism Inventory), whose items may have more face validity than the published version. Finally, D. V. M. Bishop's (see record 1978-30744-001) interpretation of the present authors' dimensional concept of psychoticism is corrected. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Theoretical psychology, artificial intelligence, and empirical research.

Replies to M. R. Dawson's (see record 1990-24151-001) argument that A. Kukla (see record 1989-24526-001) misrepresents the empirical element in discussing artificial intelligence. The main objection to Dawson's comment is that it perpetuates the idea that theoretical work is coextensive with the task of constructing new theories. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Does familiarity breed contempt or liking? Comment on Reis, Maniaci, Caprariello, Eastwick, and Finkel (2011).

Reis, Maniaci, Caprariello, Eastwick, and Finkel (see record 2011-04644-001) conducted 2 studies that demonstrate that in certain cases, familiarity can lead to liking—in seeming contrast to the results of our earlier article (see record 2006-23056-008). We believe that Reis et al. (a) utilized paradigms far removed from spontaneous, everyday social interactions that were particularly likely to demonstrate a positive link between familiarity and liking and (b) failed to include and incorporate other sources of data—both academic and real-world—showing that familiarity breeds contempt. We call for further research exploring when and why familiarity is likely to lead to contempt or liking, and we suggest several factors that are likely to inform this debate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Regional, developmental, and cell cycle-dependent differences in mu, delta, and kappa-opioid receptor expression among cultured mouse astrocytes

Of all skeletal muscles examined in the rat, the spinotrapezius (S) and diaphragm (D) have the closest fiber-type composition. However, their oxidative capacities differ by two- to threefold. We have developed an intravital microscopy preparation to study diaphragm microcirculation in vivo. Using this preparation and the standard spinotrapezius model first described by S. D. Gray (1973, Microvasc. Res. 5, 395-400), we tested the hypothesis that pronounced microcirculatory differences would exist between these two muscles as a function of their disparate oxidative capacities. The lineal density of all capillaries in the spinotrapezius was 33.6 +/- 1.5 compared to 65.1 +/- 3.3 capillaries/mm in the diaphragm (P < 0.001). In the diaphragm compared with the spinotrapezius muscle, a significantly (P < 0.05) greater proportion of capillary countercurrent flow (D, 29 +/- 6% vs 8 +/- 6%) existed. Within both muscles, there was a similar proportion of capillaries supporting red blood cell (RBC) flow (S, 89 +/- 7% vs D, 92 +/- 2%). However, the diaphragm supported significantly (P < 0.001) greater intracapillary RBC velocities (D, 302 +/- 11 vs S, 226 +/- 9 micron/s) and fluxes (D, 33.4 +/- 1.1 vs S, 19.2 +/- 2.1 cells/s) compared with the spinotrapezius. Capillary "tube" hematocrit was greater (P = 0.01) in the diaphragm (0.32 +/- 0.02) than in the spinotrapezius (0.22 +/- 0.03) muscle. These data demonstrate that microcirculatory flow characteristics in resting muscle can be regulated independent of muscle fiber-type composition and may be related to muscle oxidative capacity.     

Heteroaryl analogues of AMPA. 2. Synthesis, absolute stereochemistry, photochemistry, and structure-activity relationships

We have previously shown that (S)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid [(S)-APPA, 2] is a weak agonist at (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, specifically activated by (S)-AMPA (1), whereas (S)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-pyridyl)-4-isoxazolyl]propionic acid [(S)-2-Py-AMPA, 5] and (RS)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thiazolyl)-4-isoxazolyl]propionic acid (4) are potent AMPA agonists. On the other hand, (R)-APPA (3) and (R)-2-Py-AMPA (6) have been shown to be weak AMPA antagonists. We now report the synthesis of 2-Py-AMPA (7a) and the isomeric compounds 3-Py-AMPA (7b) and 4-Py-AMPA (7c) as well as the 7a analogues, (RS)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-isoxazolyl]p ropion ic acid (7d) and (RS)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-quinolinyl)-4-isoxazolyl]propionic acid (7e). Furthermore, (RS)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-furyl)-4-isoxazolyl]propionic acid (2-Fu-AMPA, 7f) and its 5-bromo-2-furyl derivative (7g) were synthesized, and (S)-2-Fu-AMPA (8) and (R)-2-Fu-AMPA (9) were prepared by semipreparative chiral HPLC resolution of 7f. HPLC analyses and circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated the absolute stereochemistry of 8 and 9 to be S and R, respectively. This was confirmed by an X-ray crystallographic analysis of 9.HCl. In receptor binding (IC50 values) and rat cortical wedge electrophysiological (EC50 values) studies, 7c (IC50 = 5.5 +/- 0.6 microM; EC50 = 96 +/- 5 microM) was shown to be markedly weaker than 7a (IC50 = 0.57 +/- 0.16 microM; EC50 = 7.4 +/- 0.2 microM) as an AMPA agonist, whereas 7b,d,e were inactive. The very potent AMPA agonist effect of 7f (IC50 = 0.15 +/- 0.03 microM; EC50 = 1.7 +/- 0. 2 microM) was shown to reside exclusively in 8 (IC50 = 0.11 +/- 0.01 microM; EC50 = 0.71 +/- 0.11 microM), whereas 9 did not interact significantly with AMPA receptors, either as an agonist or as an antagonist. 8 was shown to be photochemically active and is a potential photoaffinity label for the recognition site of the AMPA receptors. Compound 7g turned out to be a very weak AMPA receptor agonist (IC50 = 12 +/- 0.7 microM; EC50 = 160 +/- 15 microM). None of these new compounds showed detectable effects at N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) or kainic acid receptors in vitro. The present studies have emphasized that the presence of a heteroatom in the 2-position of the heteroaryl 5-substituent greatly facilitates AMPA receptor agonist activity.     

On Garfield, Hatch, and psychology's values.

Comments on an article by S. L. Garfield (see record 1984-07792-001), which was a reply to an article written by the US Senator, O. G. Hatch (see record 1983-11524-001), that cautioned psychologists not to alienate certain segments of society by threatening values about religion, marriage, and family life. It is contended that Garfield's references to censorship and freedom of expression are not relevant to the issues raised by Hatch and that psychology's loss of objectivity that has resulted from its involvement in politics is an unfortunate trend. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Data, theory, and meta-analysis: Response to Hoyle.

Responds to R. H. Hoyle's (see record 1994-08178-001) comments on F. L. Schmidt's (see record 1993-04195-001) distinction between meta-analysis and single-study data on the practice of science in psychology. Schmidt asserts that when using meta-analysis methods, rather than single-study data, sampling error that causes effect size estimates to vary can be overcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Species differences in pharmacokinetics of a hepatoprotective agent, YH439, and its metabolites, M4, M5, and M7, after intravenous and oral administration to rats, rabbits, and dogs

Pharmacokinetic parameters of YH439 and its metabolites, M4, M5, and M7, were compared after iv administration of YH439 to rats (1-10 mg/kg), rabbits (1-10 mg/kg), and dogs (1-20 mg/kg) and oral administration of YH439 to rats (50-500 mg/kg) and dogs (0.5-2 g per whole body weight). After oral administration of YH439 to rats, the F values were 3.67, 1.33, and 0.859% for YH439 oral doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg, respectively. However, the F value increased significantly, 21.2%, after oral administration of YH439-contained mixed micelles (10 mg as free YH439) to rats due to increased water solubility of YH439. Species differences in the pharmacokinetics of YH439 and its metabolites were found. First, M7 was detected in both plasma and urine after both iv and oral administration of YH439 to dogs, whereas it was detected neither in rats nor in rabbits, indicating that considerable amount of M7 was formed from YH439 only in dogs. Second, the AUC (or AUC0-->t) ratios of M4 to YH439 after iv administration of YH439 were 24.6-31.3, 42.2-49.2, and 2200-7640% for rats, rabbits, and dogs, respectively, indicating that formation of M4 after iv administration of YH439 was maximal in dogs. Third, the AUC (or AUC0-->t) ratios of M5 to YH439 after iv administration of YH439 were 103-127, 2.93-3.31, and 92.4-158% for rats, rabbits, and dogs, respectively, indicating that formation of M5 after iv administration of YH439 was minimal in rabbits.     

Replies to Leary, Houts and Krasner, Waterman, and Einhorn.

The author replies to 4 previous articles in the present journal (see cases PA, Vol 71:16610, 16604, 16639, and 16594) that criticized her (see record 1983-22367-001) argument that research about morality can be scientific. It is suggested that the assumption that diversity reigns and that there is no moral umbrella for humanity has the effect of relieving social scientists of all responsibility for investigating morality. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Aspirin, oral anticoagulants, and heart failure]

This study tests the hypothesis that myocardial blood flow and coronary microvascular dilator capacity vary as a function of time after orthotopic heart transplantation in humans. Positron emission tomography measurements of myocardial blood flow were obtained at rest and during adenosine in 24 patients between 1 and 86 months after heart transplantation. At the time of the study all patients were clinically well and had angiographically normal epicardial coronary artery vessels. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on time from transplant to positron emission tomography measurement of myocardial blood flow: group 1 to 12 months (n = 9); group 13 to 34 months (n = 8); and group > or = 37 months (n = 7). Basal myocardial blood flow in group 1 to 12 months (1.86+/-1.01 ml/min/g) exceeded (p <0.05) that of group 13 to 34 months (1.17+/-0.73) and group > or = 37 months (0.98+/-0.34). In group 13 to 34 months, basal myocardial blood flow and maximal dilator capacity (minimal coronary vascular resistance with adenosine 36+/-12 mm Hg/ml/min/g) were comparable to that of normal volunteers (1.01+/-0.20 and 37+/-, respectively). In group > or = 37 months, maximal flow response to adenosine was reduced (2.54+/-1.25 vs 3.16+/-0.52, respectively, p = 0.06). Maximal dilator capacity in group > or = 37 months (60+/-34) was impaired versus group 1 to 12 months (36+/-10) and group 13 to 34 months (36+/-12; both p <0.05) as well as normals (37+/-9, p <0.05). During the first year after cardiac transplantation basal myocardial blood flow is elevated out of proportion to external determinants of myocardial oxygen demand, but maximal dilator capacity of the coronary microcirculation is normal. Between 1 and 3 years both basal myocardial blood flow and microvascular function tend to normalize. After 3 years, although basal myocardial blood flow is normal, microvascular dilator capacity is impaired.     

Freud, biology, and sociobiology.

Concurs with T. Parisi's (see record 1987-21061-001) suggestion that human psychodynamics cannot be profitably reduced to physiological events, but argues that Parisi's understanding of Freud and his conclusions regarding evolutionary sociobiology are seriously flawed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of RP 73401, a novel, potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, on contractility of human, isolated bronchial muscle

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the smooth muscle relaxant effects of the novel, selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 inhibitor, RP 73401 in comparison with the classical PDE 4 inhibitor, rolipram, the non-selective PDE inhibitor, theophylline and the beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline on the human, isolated bronchus. 2. At resting tone, the rank order of potency (pD2) for the relaxants was RP 73401 > or = rolipram > or = isoprenaline > theophylline. In terms of maximum relaxation produced (Emax) the PDE 4-selective inhibitors were similar, but the maximal effects (70-75% of theophylline, 3 mM) were lower than that observed with isoprenaline (98% of theophylline, 3 mM) or theophylline itself (100%). 3. On the human isolated bronchus pre-contracted with acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1 or 1.0 mM), the rank order of potency remained the same. The maximal responses to RP 73401 and rolipram were however markedly reduced (Emax 39.9-46.6%) compared with isoprenaline (Emax 79-85%). 4. In tissues pre-contracted with ACh (0.1 mM), RP 73401 and rolipram (10(-9)-10(-7) M) significantly and concentration-dependently increased tissue sensitivity to isoprenaline. RP 73401 and rolipram were similar in potency. Both selective PDE 4 inhibitors also significantly increased the maximal relaxant effects of isoprenaline. These effects were not observed with the PDE 3 inhibitor, siguazodan. 5. In terms of retention by tissues (an index of duration of action), the onset of action of RP 73401 (2.11 +/- 0.53 min) and rolipram (1.70 +/- 0.45 min) was significantly slower than that of isoprenaline (0.33 +/- 0.06 min) or theophylline (1.17 +/- 0.25 min). The retention of RP 73401 (89.0 +/- 21.9 min) on the human isolated bronchial tissues after washing was however dramatically longer than that of rolipram (18.3 +/- 4.5 min), theophylline (3.43 +/- 0.58 min) or isoprenaline (2.81 +/- 0.31 min). 6. These data indicate that RP 73401 is a potent and long acting relaxant of human bronchial muscle in vitro. RP 73401 is more potent than the classical PDE 4-selective inhibitor rolipram and the non-selective PDE inhibitor theophylline and is retained in bronchial tissue for a much longer period of time.     

Reward, intrinsic interest, and creativity: New findings.

Replies to comments by C. Sansone and J. M. Harackiewicz, B. A. Hennessey and T. M. Amabile, and Mark R. Lepper (see records 1998-02607-008, 1998-02607-009, and 1998-02607-010, respectively) regarding the original article by Eisenberger and Cameron (see record 1996-06440-007) that discussed the effects of reward on intrinsic task interest and creativity. The authors respond to the commentaries by considering the contribution of behavioral processes and cognitive-induced motivation as possible determinants of reward effects. The authors discuss (1) incremental effects of reward on intrinsic task interest, (2) intrinsic effects of reward on creativity, and (3) the value of hierarchical meta analysis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Data transformation, power, and skew: A rejoinder to Games.

The present authors (see record 1982-27158-001) concluded that if a transformation can be found that will minimize skew while tending to equate group variances, the use of that transformation will increase power of the F test. P. A. Games (see record 1983-20171-001) challenges this conclusion and presents what he considers to be counterexample. That counterexample is shown to be flawed; however, it aptly demonstrates the misconceptions that may arise with respect to the issue of data transformation, skew, and power. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adrenomedullin, endothelin, neuropeptide Y, atrial, brain, and C-natriuretic prohormone peptides compared as early heart failure indicators

OBJECTIVES:The present investigation was designed to determine the best endogenous plasma marker of early congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: Forty volunteers with mild CHF (New York Heart Association Class I, n = 12), moderate (Class II, n = 8), or severe (Class III and Class IV, each = n of 5) and 10 age-matched healthy individuals had the simultaneous evaluation of their respective plasma samples by the following radioimmunoassays: atrial natriuretic peptide, ANP; three N-terminal ANP prohormone assays, i.e., proANPs 1-30, 31-67, and 79-98 with the numbers referring to their amino acid (a.a.) sequences in their 126 a.a. prohormone; brain (BNP) and C-natriuretic peptides; N-terminal BNP prohormone; adrenomedullin; neuropeptide Y and endothelin. RESULTS: ProANPs 31-67, 1-30 and 79-98 had 100% (P = 0.01), 83% (P = 0.09) and 50% (P = 0.74) sensitivity in differentiating Class I CHF subjects from healthy subjects. The ANP, BNP, NT-proBNP, CNP, adrenomedullin, neuropeptide Y, and endothelin assays could not differentiate mild CHF subjects from healthy individuals. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only proANP 31-67 significantly (P = 0.0001) discriminated between early CHF (5226 +/- 377 pg/ml) and healthy individuals (1595 +/- 157 pg/ml). The positive and negative predicative values of proANP 31-67 were excellent (100% for each). The peptides measured in these assays were found to be independent markers of CHF with respect to left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: ProANPs 31-67 is the most sensitive marker in discriminating NYHA Class I CHF subjects from healthy individuals. The ANP, BNP, NT-proBNP, CNP, adrenomedullin, neuropeptide Y and endothelin radioimmunoassays cannot discern mild CHF. These peptides are independent of left ventricular ejection fraction.     

Novel angiotensin peptides regulate blood pressure, endothelial function, and natriuresis

Accumulating evidence suggests that angiotensin-(1-7) is an important component of the renin-angiotensin system, having actions that are either identical to or opposite that of angiotensin II. Angiotensin I can be directly converted to angiotensin-(1-7), bypassing formation of angiotensin II. This pathway is under the control of three enzymes: neutral endopeptidases 24.11 (neprilysin) and 24.15 and prolyl-endopeptidase 24.26. Two of the three angiotensin-forming enzymes (neprilysin and endopeptidase 24.15) also contribute to the breakdown of bradykinin and the atrial natriuretic peptide. Furthermore, angiotensin-(1-7) is a major substrate for angiotensin-converting enzyme. These observations suggest that the process of biotransformation between the various Ang peptides of the renin-angiotensin system and other vasodepressor peptides are intertwined through this enzymatic pathway. Substantial evidence suggests that angiotensin-(1-7) stimulates the synthesis and release of vasodilator prostaglandins, and nitric oxide, while also augmenting the metabolic actions of bradykinin. In addition, angiotensin-(1-7) alters tubular sodium and bicarbonate reabsorption, decreases Na+-K+-ATPase activity, induces diuresis, and exerts a vasodilator effect. These physiologic effects of angiotensin-(1-7) favor a blood pressure-lowering effect. The majority of the data currently available suggest that angiotensin-(1-7) mediates its effects through a novel non-AT1/AT2 receptor subtype.