Are some of the effects of ethanol mediated through NPY?

One proposed mechanism for underpinning colour constancy is computation of the relative activity of cones within one class--cone ratios, or cone contrasts--between surfaces in a fixed scene undergoing a change in illuminant. Although there is evidence that cone ratios do determine colour appearance under many conditions, the site or sites of their computation is unknown. Here, we report that a cerebrally achromatopsic observer, MS, displayed evidence of colour constancy in asymmetric colour matching tasks and was able to discriminate changes in cone ratios for simple, but not complex scenes. We hypothesise that the site of local cone-ratio computation is therefore early in the visual system, probably retinal.     

Inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis by 2-tetradecylglycidic acid

2-Tetradecylglycidic acid (TDGA), a hypoglycemic agent, has been found to be a very effective inhibitor of de novo fatty acid synthesis by isolated hepatocytes. A comparison was made between the effectiveness of TDGA and 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid (TOFA), a hypolipidemic agent, on the metabolic processes of isolated hepatocytes. These compounds are structurally related and both inhibit fatty acid synthesis; however, they have opposite effects from each other on the oxidation and esterification of fatty acids. TDGA inhibits whereas TOFA stimulates fatty acid oxidation. TDGA stimulates whereas TOFA inhibits fatty acid esterification.     

Mental health providers' perceptions of cultural variables in evaluating ethnically diverse clients.

The study assessed anonymously the perceptions of 107 mental health providers concerning the importance of considering cultural variables in the assessment of mental disorders in ethnic minority individuals. Although the providers overwhelmingly reported a belief in the importance of cultural variables, a relatively small percentage considered themselves highly successful in assessing the degree of the clients' assimilation and acculturation. Additionally, 73% of the respondents reported a high degree of need for more culturally focused training. The results indicate the need to increase such training in order to better serve minority individuals and the possible need to increase the numbers of mental health providers serving minority clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of Corn/Soybeans Separability Using Thematic Mapper And Thematic Mapper Simulator Data

Multitemporal Thematic Mapper, Thematic Mapper Simulator, and detailed ground truth data were collected for a 9-by 1-km sample segment in Webster County, Iowa, in the summer of 1982. Three dates were acquired each with Thematic Mapper Simulator (June 7, June 23, and July 31) and Thematic Mapper (August 2, September 3, and October 21). The Thematic Mapper Simulator data were converted to equivalent TM count values using TM and TMS calibration data and model based estimates of atmospheric effects. The July 31, TMS image was compared to the August 2, TM image to verify the conversion process. A quantitative measure of proportion estimation variance (Fisher information) was used to evaluate the corn/soybeans separability for each TM band as a function of time during the growing season. The additional bands in the middle infrared allowed corn and soybeans to be separated much earlier than was possible with the visible and near-infrared bands alone. Using the TM and TMS data, temporal profiles of the TM principal components were developed. The greenness and brightness exhibited behavior similar to MSS greenness and brightness for corn and soybeans.     

Growth inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes by carvacrol and eugenol encapsulated in surfactant micelles

Growth inhibition of four strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (H1730, F4546, 932, and E0019) and Listeria monocytogenes (Scott A, 101, 108, and 310) by essential oil components (carvacrol and eugenol) solubilized in nonionic surfactant micelles (Surfynol 465 and 485W) was investigated. Concentrations of encapsulated essential oil components ranged from 0.02 to 1.25% depending on compound, surfactant type, and surfactant concentration (0.5 to 5%). Eugenol encapsulated in Surfynol 485W micelles was most efficient in inhibiting growth of the pathogens; 1% Surfynol 485W and 0.15% eugenol was sufficient to inhibit growth of all strains of E. coli O157:H7 and three of four strains of L. monocytogenes (Scott A, 310, and 108). The fourth strain, L. monocytogenes 101, was inhibited by 2.5% Surfynol and 0.225% eugenol. One percent Surfynol 485W in combination with 0.025% carvacrol was effective in inhibiting three of four strains of E. coli O157:H7. Strain H1730 was the most resistant strain, requiring 0.3% carvacrol and 5% surfactant for complete inhibition. Growth inhibition of L. monocytogenes by combinations of carvacrol and Surfynol 465 ranged between 0.15 and 0.35% and 1 and 3.75%, respectively. Generally, the antimicrobial activity of Surfynol 465 in combination with eugenol was higher than that for the combination with carvacrol. The potent activity was attributed to increased solubility of essential oil components in the aqueous phase due to the presence of surfactants and improved interactions of antimicrobials with microorganisms.     

Contributions to the psychology of addiction.

Review of book: Contributions to the Psychology of Addiction, Gerard M. Schippers, Sylvia M. M. Lammers and Cas P. D. R. Schaap, (Eds.), Amsterdam/Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger, 1991, 157 pp., ISBN 90-265-1217-1. Reviewed by Arvid Amundsen. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)