In vivo electrochemical studies of dopamine overflow and clearance in the striatum of normal and MPTP-treated rhesus monkeys

Translational recruitment of maternal mRNAs is an essential process in early metazoan development. To identify genes required for this regulatory pathway, we have examined a collection of Drosophila female-sterile mutants for defects in translation of maternal mRNAs. This strategy has revealed that maternal-effect mutations in the cortex and grauzone genes impair translational activation and cytoplasmic polyadenylation of bicoid and Toll mRNAs. Cortex embryos contain a bicoid mRNA indistinguishable in amount, localization, and structure from that in wild-type embryos. However, the bicoid mRNA in cortex embryos contains a shorter than normal polyadenosine (poly(A)) tail. Injection of polyadenylated bicoid mRNA into cortex embryos allows translation demonstrating that insufficient polyadenylation prevents endogenous bicoid mRNA translation. In contrast nanos mRNA, which is activated by a poly(A)-independent mechanism, is translated in cortex embryos, indicating that the block in maternal mRNA activation is specific to a class of mRNAs. Cortex embryos are fertilized, but arrest at the onset of embryogenesis. Characterization of grauzone mutations indicates that the phenotype of these embryos is similar to cortex. These results identify a fundamental pathway that serves a vital role in the initiation of development.     

Diet choice by dairy cows. 2. Selection for metabolizable protein or for ruminally degradable protein?

Diet choice, expressed as grams of high protein feed selected per kilogram of intake, was measured for lactating cows with ad libitum access to two feeds. First, cows were given a choice between a low protein feed and a high protein feed for 9 wk while feeds were alternated between feeders. The proportion of feed chosen from a feeder depended on the feed it contained, which showed that cows selected for feed characteristics. Diet choice was then measured over six periods during which cows had access to either a low protein feed and a high protein feed or to these feeds plus added urea. Diet choice was lower when urea was added, suggesting a substantial effect of the content of ruminally degradable protein (RDP) in feeds on diet selection. All feeds had equal RDP contents in Experiment 3 when early and late lactating cows had access first to two feeds with a low and high yield of metabolizable protein and then to two feeds with a low and medium yield of metabolizable protein. Diet choice did not differ from what was considered to be random and was not affected by milk yield or stage of lactation. No evidence suggests that cows selected for metabolizable protein when both feeds contained adequate RDP.     

Focus on loupes

This article aims to introduce the reader to the use of magnification in clinical dentistry and describes the lens systems available. The main principles of dental loupes are discussed and some of the potential problems outlined in order to help clinicians choose a magnification suited to their needs, provide years of service, and reduce the risk of eye, neck and back strain. The additional benefits and disadvantages of adding supplementary illumination, and the options available, are also considered.     

Dental luting agents: A review of the current literature

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The practice of fixed prosthodontic has changed dramatically with the introduction of innovative techniques and materials. Adhesive resin systems are examples of these changes that have led to the popularity of bonded ceramics and resin-retained fixed partial dentures. Today's dentist has the choice of a water-based luting agent (zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, or reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol) or a resin system with or without an adhesive. Recent formulations of glass ionomer luting agents include resin components (resin-modified glass ionomers), which are increasingly popular in clinical practice. PURPOSE: This review summarizes the research on these systems with the goal of providing information that will help the reader choose the most suitable material. MATERIAL: The scientific studies have been evaluated in relation to the following categories: (1) biocompatibility, (2) caries or plaque inhibition, (3) microleakage, (4) strength and other mechanical properties, (5) solubility, (6) water sorption, (7) adhesion, (8) setting stresses, (9) wear resistance, (10) color stability, (11) radiopacity, (12) film thickness or viscosity, and (13) working and setting times. In addition, guidelines on luting-agent manipulation are related to available literature and include: (1) temporary cement removal, (2) smear layer removal, (3) powder/liquid ratio, (4) mixing temperature and speed, (5) seating force and vibration, and (6) moisture control. Tables of available products and their properties are also presented together with current recommendations by the authors with a rationale.     

Nucleus accumbens dopaminergic medication of fixed interval schedule-controlled behavior and its modulation by low-level lead exposure

To examine the assertion that changes in nucleus accumbens (NAC) dopamine (DA) activity serve as a mechanism of lead (Pb)-induced disruption of fixed interval (FI) schedule-controlled behavior, the effects of intra-NAC administration of the irreversible DA antagonist EEDQ (N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihyroquinoline) and of dopamine itself on FI performance were compared in rats that had been chronically exposed to 0, 50 or 500 ppm Pb acetate in drinking water from weaning. Pb exposure per se (500 ppm), as in past studies, increased FI response rates, primarily by shortening interresponse times. Although DA, which produced rate-dependent effects, increased FI rates at low doses in the 0 and 50 ppm groups, it did so by decreasing postreinforcement pause times. All DA doses decreased rates in the 500 ppm group. In contrast, the DA antagonist EEDQ suppressed FI response rates, effects that were not strongly rate dependent, by increasing both postreinforcement pause values and mean interresponse times. Pb exposure (500 ppm) delayed the recovery of response rates to control levels at the highest EEDQ dose, raising the possibility of a delay in receptor production rate. Collectively, these data suggest that NAC DA activity may be an important modulator of FI response rates. Enhanced NAC DA activity may contribute to Pb-associated increases in FI rates and may underlie the differential response of control and 500 ppm Pb-treated groups to intra-NAC DA administration. The different processes by which DA and Pb increase FI rates, however, suggests that additional mechanisms are operative in the case of Pb.