Dimensions of control: Correlations between MMPI and I-E scores.

Administered Rotter's Internal versus External Locus of Control (I-E) scale and the MMPI to 25 volunteer members of a suburban rescue squad. I-E scores correlated with 3 MMPI scales: negatively with the K and Hy scales and positively with the F scale. A comparison of these relationships with those found in a sample of alcoholics is made. It is suggested that the correlations observed indicate "that a sense of control over external events is related to self-control and competence in handling internal events." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The stretching nonlinearity of the basilar membrane in a cochlear model

Recently it has been suggested that the stretching nonlinearity of the basilar membrane might be responsible for the observed nonlinear behaviour of basilar membrane motion. In the present study this type of nonlinearity is investigated, both by estimating its influence in an analytical manner, and by calculating its effect numerically, using a regular pertubation method. The conclusion reads that the stretching nonlinearity does not explain the observed nonlinear phenomena; not only is stretching negligible at normal sound levels, but it also fails to fit the data qualitatively, because of its typical hard-spring effect. In consequence, the origin of cochlear nonlinearity is not to be sought in the macromechanics of the inner ear, but in the more detailed processes in th organ of Corti-tectorial membrane complex.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of primary cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathies are diseases of the myocardium of unknown etiology associated with cardiac dysfunction. On the grounds of their morphology and pathophysiology, primary or idiopathic cardiomyopathies may be classified into a number of disorders; namely, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. The term "secondary cardiomyopathies" is reserved to specific heart muscle diseases clinically very similar to primary cardiomyopathies. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has long been used to study cardiac morphology and, more recently, to assess blood flow, perfusion, and contractile function. The emerging role of magnetic resonance imaging for the understanding and treatment of primary cardiomyopathies cannot be underestimated. From a clinical point of view, an examination based on a single, efficient, and noninvasive MR study focusing on the clinically relevant features of cardiomyopathies is an objective and reproducible means for diagnosing and monitoring hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic, dilated, and restrictive cardiomyopathies.     

Analysis of solid renal dysplasia by flow cytometry: malignant potential?

The iron-chelating agent desferrioxamine now finds extensive use in the treatment and diagnosis of aluminum-related diseases in renal patients. We review the chemistry and pharmacokinetics of desferrioxamine in chelation therapy for patients on hemodialysis.