A differential diagnostic criterion for Babesia major and Babesia bigemina vermicules from tick haemolymph

Babesia major mature and immature vermicules in the haemolymph of Haemaphysalis punctata were measured and found to be significantly larger than vermicules of Babesia bigemina. Mature B. major vermicules had a mean length of 15.53 micrometer and mature B. bigemina vermicules had a mean length of 11.79 micrometer. This difference provides a new criterion for the differentiation of the two species.     

Increased nerve-growth-factor beta-chain cross-reacting material in familial dysautonomia

To determine whether dysautonomia arises from alteration in nerve-growth factor (NGF), we measured serum levels of NGF subunits in normal and dysautonomic subjects using a biologic assay based on neurite outgrowth from chick ganglions, a binding assay based on displacement of radiolabeled betaNGF from rabbit-ganglion microsomes, and radioimmunoassays of chi, gamma and betaNGF subunits via antiserum to mouse NGF polypeptides. A threefold increase (P less than 0.001) in serum antigen levels of the biologically active subunit (betaNGF) was found for dysautonomic as compared with normal subjects. By all other assays, the groups were alike. The marked discrepancy in betaNGF levels between antigenic and functional (biologic and binding) measurements suggests a qualitative abnormaltiy of betaNGF in dysautonomia. Alternatively, elevation of betaNGF antigen can be regarded as secondary to disease. This alternative seems less likely since we must then suppose that the normalcy of functional assays in spurious.     

Psychological education: A skill-oriented approach.

Tested the hypothesis that a 3-wk program based on a microcounseling paradigm would facilitate the acquisition of 3 specific problem-solving skills: (a) problem definition, (b) generation of alternatives, and (c) goal selection. 30 6th graders were randomly assigned either to a training group, to a group exposed to films and discussions related to each problem-solving skill, or to a no-treatment control group. Each group was tested immediately after training and 2 wks later. Results indicate that the microtraining group generated more alternatives than the other groups. Over time, all groups improved their problem-definition skills, while their ability to select appropriate goals decreased. Questions concerning the measures, issues in psychological education, and implications for program development are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Let's reduce statistical drudgery.

Points out the values of high speed computers in psychological statistical work and proposes that the APA acquire such equipment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Growth of the LD Process

A brief survey of world-wide LD facilities illustrates the dramatic growth of this steelmaking process.     

Absence of eicosatrienoic acid in plasma of sheep parenterally infused with a high glucose fat-free solution

Five yearling wether sheep were maintained on total intravenous, fat-free feeding for periods in excess of 4 weeks. Analysis of plasma total lipid, neutral lipid, and phospholipid fatty acid patterns showed a decrease in linoleic acid during the first week, after which levels tended to stabilize. Rate of decrease in linoleic acid content of plasma phospholipids of two sheep was different. Changes in nonessential fatty acids were variable. 5,8,11- and 8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic acids were not detected in any of the sheep. Approved as Journal Article No. 102-76, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH 44691.