Effect of rotor profiles on the torque of a switched-reluctancemotor

The authors examine effects on the torque that simple variations of the standard rotor pole face profile could have, basically from an elementary viewpoint of how the modified profiles affect the distribution and magnitude of the radial and tangential components of the flux density. It is observed that the average torque is mostly affected by changes that alter the dominant radial component, such as changes in the effective air gap length. The other observation that an increase in the average torque can also be obtained by a favorable shift in the torque versus angle characteristics by relatively simple changes of the rotor pole profile is not so well known. Such a shift that reduces the slope of the torque angle characteristic, skewing the curve towards the unaligned position, has two advantages: one is that the phase inductance is at its maximum positive slop and, hence, the maximum torque, when the phase is energized; second, the flatter inductance profile near the aligned position when the phase current is to be commutated would allow a faster drop off of the commutated current and, thus, a smaller negative torque     

Dopamine D2 receptor signaling via the arachidonic acid cascade: modulation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and prostaglandin E2

Recent studies have shown that, in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with D2-receptor cDNA, CHO(D2) cells, D2 agonists are potent in enhancing the release of [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) induced by stimulation of constitutive purinergic receptors or by application of Ca2+ ionophores. This facilitatory action is further amplified by the concomitant activation of D1 receptors, which per se have no effect on evoked [3H]AA release. Here, we review a series of experiments aimed at examining the molecular mechanism of this synergistic interaction. The results show that, in CHO(D2) cells: (a) application of 8-Br-cAMP or stimulation of constitutive prostaglandin (PG)E2 receptors augment the AA response produced by D2 agonists; (b) in CHO(D2) cells transfected with human beta 2-receptor cDNA, the beta-agonist, isoproterenol, produces a similar effect; (c) the potentiation of [3H]AA release produced by PGE2 and 8-Br-cAMP is prevented by overexpressing either a protein inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or a mutated form of pKA regulatory subunit incapable of binding cAMP; (d) mock-synergism is obtained in CHO(D2) cells overexpressing the catalytic subunit of PKA; (e) PGE2 is a major AA metabolite in stimulated CHO(D2) cells and its formation may contribute to the effect of D2 agonists on AA release. The results indicate that cAMP-induced activation of PKA represents a likely molecular basis for D1/D2 receptor synergism on AA release. They also suggest that additional membrane receptors, colocalized with D2 and positively linked to adenylyl cyclase, may exert a similar action. Furthermore, stimulation of PGE2 receptors by endogenously produced prostaglandin may participate in AA signaling at the D2 receptor, by providing a paracrine positive feedback loop.     

Denial of illness in stroke

BACKGROUND: The effects of stroke on classically nondominant hemisphere functions have received less attention than those on the dominant hemisphere, but visuospatial neglect and denial of illness both produce significant morbidity. SUMMARY OF COMMENT: The early literature on denial of illness is discussed and the etiological theories are examined. These are explanations based on deficits of higher mental function, impaired sensory input (especially proprioceptive), an abnormal representation of body image, psychodynamic defense mechanisms, and/or premorbid personality factors. CONCLUSIONS: Denial of illness is an important consequence of stroke. No explanation thus far proposed is entirely satisfactory. The consequences on rehabilitation and strategies for therapy have not been adequately investigated.     

Triggering of cellulase biosynthesis by cellulose in Trichoderma reesei. Involvement of a constitutive, sophorose-inducible, glucose-inhibited beta-diglucoside permease

We prepared [U-14C]cellobiose by cultivating Acetobacter pasteurianus in the presence of [U-14C]glucose and hydrolyzing the [U-14C]cellulose formed with beta-glucosidase-free cellulase from Trichoderma reesei. This 14C-labeled cellobiose was used to investigate the presence of an uptake system for cellobiose in T. reesei. Evidence was obtained for the presence of a high affinity (Km for cellobiose 0.3 microM) but low activity (2.5 milliunits/mg fungal dry weight) cellobiose permease. The permease is formed constitutively, but higher levels are formed after addition of sophorose (glucosyl-beta-1,2-diglucoside), a reputed cellulase inducer. The permease appears to be specific for beta-diglucosides, as the uptake of [U-14C]cellobiose is inhibited by sophorose, gentiobiose (glucosyl-beta-1,3-glucoside), and cellobiose. Under these conditions, cellooligodextrines (n, 4-7; final concentration, 1 mM) are not inhibitors. Glucose, but no other monosaccharides, inhibits the permease. The hypersecretory mutant T. reesei RUT C-30 exhibits elevated permease activities, whereas in T. reesei QM 9979, a mutant strain defective in the induction of cellulases by cellulose or sophorose, strongly reduced permease activities were demonstrated. The results stress a hitherto not recognized point of control in the induction of cellulases by T. reesei at the level of uptake of cellulose oligosaccharides.     

Enoxaparin in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis after major surgery: multicentric study. The Italian Study Group

Four hundred forty-six patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and/or their parents completed a 52-item self-report survey about vocal and motor tics, and the frequency of associated co-morbid conditions of aggression, obsessions and compulsions, attentional problems, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, anxiety, and self-mutilative behaviours which have been frequently reported in the literature on TS. Respondents also responded to an open-ended question regarding the most disabling aspects of TS. Results were analyzed within two age groups; under 18 years of age (N = 245) and 18 years of age or older (N = 177). Tics and associated conditions were the most frequently reported disabling aspect by both age groups. Subjects under age 18, however, reported significantly more frequent problems with hyperactivity, temper control, aggressive behaviours and sleepwalking than adults with TS.     

Ethnocultural factors and substance abuse: Toward culturally sensitive treatment models.

Discusses the role of ethnocultural factors in understanding and treating substance abuse disorders. Research and theory suggest that acculturation experiences, sources of stress, coping mechanisms, social support variations, and beliefs about substance use are key factors associated with differential patterns of substance abuse among some ethnic groups, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. In recent years, models of substance abuse intervention specifically targeting these ethnic groups have been developed. The author examines the movement toward culturally sensitive psychosocial treatment models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cardiovascular and abdominal motor responses evoked by intravenous neurotensin in guinea pigs

Developing T cells in the thymus are subject to a screening process, through interactions with thymic stromal cells, from which T cells with appropriate T-cell receptors are selected. The recent generation of T-cell receptor transgenic mice and mice homozygous for disrupted T-cell receptor genes have now supplied tools that improve the prospect for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this thymic selection process. In addition these model systems appear to indicate a role for a, not yet fully characterized, pre-T cell receptor complex in survival and further differentiation of pre-T cells.     

Treatment of essential arterial hypertension with hypercholesterolemia. Effects of an alpha-adrenergic blocker and an inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are frequently associated with this leading to considerable cardiovascular risk. METHODS: An open parallel randomized study was performed in which the effects of doxazosin, an alpha-adrenergic blocker and enalapril, an inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme were compared in 70 patients with essential high blood pressure and plasma cholesterol levels greater than 240 mg/dl. Following 2-4 weeks of placebo administration the patients were randomly treated with one of the two drugs. When required doses were increased and hydrochlorothiazide added until blood pressure lower than 160/95 mmHg was achieved. After this period the patients were observed for a minimum of 8 weeks. The mean length of the study was of 22 weeks. RESULTS: Both drugs significantly reduced blood pressure without modifying cardiac frequency. Doxazosin tended to favorably modify the lipid profile of the plasma while enalapril significantly reduced the levels of cholesterol, lipids and high density lipoproteins (HDL). Upon termination of the study the total HDL/cholesterol index increased 8.6% in those treated with doxazosin and decreased 5.5% in those receiving enalapril (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although doxazosin and enalapril are potent antihypertensive drugs, the effects on plasma lipid obtained with doxazosin indicate that a reduction in cardiovascular risk was achieved with this drug in the patients included in this study.