The evolutionary relationship among Caucasian MS patients and controls

Previous observations suggest that the mitochondrial (mt)DNA may confer susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the proportion of affected individuals and the range of contributing mtDNA abnormalities are unknown. To help clarify this question, we analyzed the first hypervariable D-loop sequences of the mtDNA in a group of randomly selected Caucasian MS patients, in MS patients with prominent optic neuritis (PON) and in controls. Phylogenetic analysis of these D-loop sequences revealed that individuals in both groups of patients are generally scattered in the Caucasian phylogeny. However, a small cluster of unrelated MS patients identified by this analysis suggests that a maternal lineage with MS relevant mtDNA sequences may exist, and merits a more comprehensive study.     

The morphology and deformation behavior of poly(butylene terephthalate)/BPA polycarbonate blends

Summary In this communication the results of a series of recent studies of the morphology and deformation behavior of toughened poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/BPA polycarbonate (PC) blends are briefly summarized. Several papers containing a more detailed account are currently in press (1–3). Among the unique morphological features of these blends are the consistent isolation of the core/shell impact modifier (IM) in the PC phase and the crystallization and phase separation of the PBT from the partially miscible PBT/PC melt on slow cooling. DSC studies provide corroborating evidence for melt miscibility of the two resins. The blends deform through a combination of cavitation and shear processes. In all cases cavitation occurs exclusively within the IM particles and is suppressed at higher PC concentrations and elevated temperatures.     

Some chemical and physical properties of beltane opal rock and its gelatinous alkali silica reaction product

The potentially reactive components of Beltane opal rock are identified as opal-A, opal-C and tridymite. The rate of dissolution of each component in 3 molar sodium hydroxide solution is followed using X-ray powder diffraction. It is shown that at temperatures between 20°C and 80°C more opal-A will dissolve than opal-C and in turn more opal-C dissolves than tridymite. X-ray photoelectron scattering data for the gelatinous alkali silica reaction product are presented.     

Effect of electrical stimulation post mortem of bovine muscle on the binding of glycolytic enzymes. Functional and structural implications

The extent of binding of glycolytic enzymes to the particulate fraction of homogenates was measured in bovine psoas muscle before and after electrical stimulation. In association with an accelerated glycolytic rate on stimulation, there was a significant increase in the binding of certain glycolytic enzymes, the most notable of which were phosphofructokinase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase. From the known association of glycolytic enzymes with the I-band of muscle it is proposed that electrical stimulation of anaerobic muscle increases enzyme binding to actin filaments. Calculations of the extent of enzyme binding suggest that significant amounts of enzyme protein, particularly aldolase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, are associated with the actin filaments. The results also imply that kinetic parameters derived from considerations of the enzyme activity in the soluble state may not have direct application to the situation in the muscle fibre, particularly during accelerated glycolysis.     

A psychologist in the Peace Corps.

"The Peace Corps has all the appearances of a viable social institution. The public perception of the Peace Corps has not always been so positive… . The social psychologist might… be intrigued by the significance of the Peace Corps as an outlet for altruistic and services impulses under secular sponsorship." For the total group of volunteers, the male mean age is 25 and female is 28. A number of middle-aged and retired people also serve. The ratio of men to women is about 1.7 to 1. 96% have some college experience; 60% have bachelor's degrees. The Peace Corps Personal Reference Form as a predictor of ratings by final selection advisory boards at the end of training stands up better than any of the many tests. The volunteer is alturistic, realistic, and modest, with a "love for fun and adventure." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Twelve Hundred Seventeenth Street.

This article discusses the move of the American Psychological Association headquarters to Twelve Hundred Seventeenth Street. It also announces that on Saturday, October 16,1965, the headquarters building will be dedicated by Dr. Donald F. Hornig, Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

High-performance, high-reliability buried heterostructure lasers byMOVPE

The authors report the first highly reliable all-MOVPE BH lasers. These devices have extremely low threshold currents (≃10 mA) and show excellent uniformity of device characteristics. Data are presented to show the high yields achieved and demonstrate the very low degradation rates achieved under accelerated aging     

Maternal evaluation of social reinforcement and time-out: Effects of brief parent training.

28 21–40 yr old middle-class mothers and their noncompliant children, ages 2.6–6.6 yrs, participated in 1 of 3 treatment (social reinforcement, time-out, and social reinforcement plus time-out) conditions or a no-treatment control. Results indicate that in addition to producing greater reductions in noncompliant behavior, time-out is rated as comparable in acceptability to social reinforcement. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)