A comparison between the effects of medial septal lesions and entorhinal cortex lesions on performance of nonspatial working memory tasks and reversal learning

Two studies explored the relationship between cognitions and long-term symptoms in adult child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. In Study 1, an American sample of 43 survivors completed questionnaires assessing attributional style and dysfunctional beliefs in cognitive themes affected by victimization, as well as measures of posttraumatic symptoms. Survivors' attributions of negative events were more internal, stable, and global than those of 29 comparison subjects without a history of CSA. However, only the globality scale was significantly related with severity of long-term symptoms. High correlations between dysfunctional beliefs concerning safety, trust, esteem, or intimacy, and posttrauma symptoms were found. The latter finding was replicated in Study 2 with a German sample of 35 CSA survivors, even when controlling for frequency of abuse.     

Survey of computer communications loop networks: Part 1

Loop networks for computer communications are of interest due to inherent advantages of performance, modularity, simplicity and cost. Several demand-shared loops are surveyed and compared, and some nondemand-shared loops described. The significant features of loops are identified and discussed, with emphasis on communications aspects, rather than operating systems or software. Topology (single and multiloops), multiplexing techniques, distribution of control, synchronization, reliability and performance are discussed. In a section on performance different loops are compared with each other and with other topologies, particularly stars, random-access highways and polled highways. It is shown that loops can have performance advantages over other configurations. In Part 1, loop networks are introduced and individual loops described. Configuration and topology and loop-capacity sharing are discussed. Timing and synchronization, control distribution, reliability and performance will be covered in subsequent issues of the journal.     

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the spermiophores of Ornithodoros ticks: an attempt to explain their motility

The spermiophores of two tick species, the kangaroo tick, Ornithodoros gurneyi and the cave tick, Ornithodoros tholozani have been examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The anterior end (head) of the spermiophore is a hemisphere covered with a hexagonal network of small projections. The rest of the spermiophore is covered with longitudinal ridges, seen in sections as cellular processes whose membranes are attached only at their anterior ends by specialized 'feet'. In the cytoplasm of the sperm cell body and just beneath the cellular processes are find filaments, which form a continuous layer in O. tholozani and bundles in O. gurneyi. Fibrils tend to be situated beneath the larger cellular processes. In scanning micrographs helical constrictions have been observed in the posterior parts of some spermiophores. It is proposed that certain of the movements observed by light microscopy in living cultures of spermiophores may be explained by contraction of the cytoplasmic filaments seen in the electron microscope.     

The specificity of split renal membranes in hereditary nephritis

This study was undertaken to assess the specificity of split renal basement membranes in hereditary nephritis (HN). Thirteen specimens from eight patients with HN were mixed in a random fashion with specimens from control patients with either idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or various forms of glomerulonephritis and with specimens from patients with benign recurrent hematuria (BRH). Each biopsy specimen was scored for splitting of glomerular basement membranes (GBMs). Control and BRH specimens contained focal splitting in the GBMs; the biopsy specimens from HN patients had widespread lesions. Evaluation of split GBMs is useful in differentiating patients with HN from those with BRH and other renal diseases that may be confused with HN.     

Self-esteem in alcoholics and nonalcoholics

Alcoholics scored lower on a test of self-esteem than did nonalcoholics, Alcoholics with lower self-esteem were found to be more willing to seek treatment than those with higher self-esteem.     

Long-term effects of feeding high carbohydrate diet in pre-weaning period by gastrostomy: a new rat model for obesity

In the present study, we report the long-term metabolic consequences of feeding a milk substitute formula that is high in carbohydrate-derived calories during the suckling period. Male Sprague-Dawley rat pups were raised by gastrostomy on a high carbohydrate (HC) formula or a high fat (HF) formula (which mimicked rat milk composition in macronutrients) during the pre-weaning period (day 4 to 24). These rats were then weaned to a laboratory stock diet and subsequently challenged with a high sucrose diet to augment the development of obesity. The pups receiving the HC formula developed obesity in later life, even though there was no change in the body weight of this group compared to mother-fed (MF) controls or HF formula fed animals during the pre-weaning period. The HC rats were hyperinsulinemic and their growth rates were greater than MF rats starting at day 55. The lipogenic capacity of liver as well as adipose tissues (epididymal and omental) was higher in HC animals compared to MF control animals, as reflected by increases in two key lipogenic enzymes (fatty acid synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and in vitro synthesis of lipids. An analysis of adipose tissue morphology in adult rats showed an increase in cell size in epididymal adipose tissue of HC rats compared to the MF group. However, there was no significant difference in cell size in omental adipose tissue between the MF and HC rats. The HF group behaved similarly to the MF control group in growth pattern and measured metabolic parameters.