Sigmund Koch (1917–1996): Obituary.

Memorializes Sigmund Koch. Although dismissive of grand systems, on both principled and empirical grounds, Koch indicated ways in which psychologists can realize the kind of sensibility-based, context-dependent, finely textured insights that can result from authentic probing of human experience. His own inquiries into a perceptual theory of definition, the nature of objective value-properties, and the processes of creative activity in the arts illustrate the sort of qualitative, philosophically informed, and empirically grounded investigations that should be central to what he christened "the psychological studies." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The electrochemical reduction of oxygen on high surface area lithium doped nickel oxides

The electrochemical activity of high surface area lithiated nickel oxides, prepared by freeze-drying or hydroxide precipitation, towards the reduction of oxygen in KOH, was investigated as a function of surface are, temperature and oxygen partial pressure. For very high surface area oxides (180 m²/g) electrochemically reversible behaviour was achieved at 150 instead of 230°C for the lower surface area oxides. The evidence suggests that oxygen is being reduced directly to hydroxyl ions without forming the peroxide intermediate. The results concur with the Joint Pseudosplitting/Dissociative Adsorption mechanism proposed by Evans, and also provide further evidence that the temperature at which oxygen is dissociatively chemisorbed on lithiated nickel oxides may be related to the Neel Temperature.     

Impaired processing of proopiomelanocortin in corticotroph macroadenomas

The p53 mutations in the reported 243 lung cancers and our 59 cases were analyzed. The common base substitutions found in the lung cancer were G to T transversion (35%), C:G to T:A (26%) and A:T to G:C transitions (11%). Four types of the hot spot, 1) G to T transversion, 2) A to G transition in ApT site, 3) C to T transition in CpG site and 4) mix of the transversion and transition were identified. It is suggested that A to G transition at ApT site in the non-transcribed strand may be a new hot spot in the p53 gene in lung carcinoma. We also show that microscopic selection of cancer cells will facilitate the detection of p53 mutations in adenocarcinomas.     

Sound-precipitated convulsions: 1947-1954.

Approximately 129 papers on audiogenic seizure are examined. Among the variables influencing seizure susceptibility are audition, intense light, pain, temperature, regulation of free movement, opportunity for escape; genetic, age and sex, and physiological status differences; and psychological status. "Perhaps the most promising developments are concerned with the inheritance of susceptibility in mice, stimulus priming, and learned control of the seizure." 145 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Subliminal stimulation: A pervasive problem for psychology.

After a brief historical introduction and a discussion of methodological issues, this substantive review concentrates upon the relevant literature of the past 5 years. Special attention is given to the writer's own experiments on the effect of subliminal anchors upon psychophysical judgments. (67 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biohydrogen production from Imperata cylindrica bio-oil using non-stoichiometric and thermodynamic model

This paper presents a non-stoichiometric and thermodynamic model for steam reforming of Imperata cylindrica bio-oil for biohydrogen production. Thermodynamic analyses of major bio-oil components such as formic acid, propanoic acid, oleic acid, hexadecanoic acid and octanol produced from fast pyrolysis of I. cylindrica was examined. Sensitivity analyses of the operating conditions; temperature (100–1000 °C), pressure (1–10 atm) and steam to fuel ratio (1–10) were determined. The results showed an increase in biohydrogen yield with increasing temperature although the effect of pressure was negligible. Furthermore, increase in steam to fuel ratio favoured biohydrogen production. Maximum yield of 60 ± 10% at 500–810 °C temperature range and steam to fuel ratio 5–9 was obtained for formic acid, propanoic acid and octanol. The heavier components hexadecanoic and oleic acid maximum hydrogen yield are 40% (740 °C and S/F = 9) and 43% (810 °C and S/F = 8) respectively. However, the effect of pressure on biohydrogen yield at the selected reforming temperatures was negligible. Overall, the results of the study demonstrate that the non-stoichiometry and thermodynamic model can successfully predict biohydrogen yield as well as the composition of gas mixtures from the gasification and steam reforming of bio-oil from biomass resources. This will serve as a useful guide for further experimental works and process development.     

Finite-element and boundary-element analysis of craze micromechanics

The two numerical methods are used to estimate craze surface displacements and stresses for both isolated crazes and crazes at crack tips. The results are compared with the predictions of craze micromechanics models. The investigation includes the computation of the craze surface stress profile required to maintain a given craze opening displacement profile. The boundary element program requires less computer time than the finite element one, and similar results are obtained. The analysis also considers the craze surface displacement profile corresponding to an assumed craze surface stress distribution. The element methods produce results which are approximately the same as those obtained using the model of Verheulpen-Heymans and Bauwens.     

Analogues of capsaicin with agonist activity as novel analgesic agents; structure-activity studies. 3. The hydrophobic side-chain "C-region"

Structural variants of the hydrophobic side chain ("C region") of the capsaicin molecule have been incorporated into a series of vanillylamides and vanillylthioureas. These compounds have been tested in an in vitro assay for agonism (45Ca2+ influx into dorsal root ganglia neurones), previously shown to be predictive of analgesic activity. The results of this study have established the requirement for a hydrophobic substituent of limited size (molar refractivity, MR, < 55) in order to obtain high potency. Combination of the information gained here about the "C-region" of the capsaicin molecule with the studies described in the preceding two papers provides a rational basis for the design of compounds of increased potency.     

Analogues of capsaicin with agonist activity as novel analgesic agents: structure-activity studies. 4. Potent, orally active analgesics

Structural features of three regions of the capsaicin molecule necessary for agonist properties were delineated by a previously reported modular approach. These in vitro agonist effects were shown to correlate with analgesic potency in rodent models. Combination of optimal structural features from each of these regions of the capsaicin molecule have led to highly potent agonists (eg., 1b). Evaluation in vivo established that 1b had analgesic properties but poor oral activity, short duration of action, and excitatory side effects which precluded further development of this compound. Preliminary metabolism studies had shown that the phenol moiety of 1b was rapidly glucuronidated in vivo, providing a possible explanation for the poor pharmacokinetic profile. Subsequent specific modification of the phenol group led to compounds 2a-j, which retained in vitro potency. The in vivo profiles of two representatives of this series, 2a,h, were much improved over the "parent" phenol series, and they are candidates for development as analgesic agents.     

Anti-epithelial (anti-A549) antibodies: their nature, specificity and relevance to transplantation

Several studies have addressed the possible importance of anti-epithelial cell antibodies in kidney transplantation using the A549 cell line as an in vitro model. In this paper we report our results using for the first time an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the anti-A549 cell antibodies. Sera from 129 kidney transplant patients were tested for IgM anti-epithelial cell antibodies directed against the A549 cell line prior to transplantation; only three sera were positive (2.3%). 101 of these patients were then followed-up post-transplantation; sera were collected routinely at 2, 6 and 12 weeks and at the time of rejection episodes. All samples were also tested for cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM antibodies. Sixteen patients developed anti-A549 IgM antibodies, and there was no correlation with acute graft rejection. Anti-epithelial antibodies showed no binding to sections of normal kidney or biopsies of rejected kidneys. Eleven patients were positive for anti-CMV IgM antibodies. In nine cases both IgM anti-A549 and IgM anti-CMV antibodies were found, which was a highly significant association (p < 0.001). Analysis of A549 cellular proteins by immunoblotting gave evidence for the presence of CMV polypeptides in the cell lysate. Electron-microscopic examination of A549 cell preparations revealed intracellular particles which were compatible in size with CMV. Polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the presence of a specific CMV DNA sequence in A549 cells of several batches from different sources. Our data strongly suggest that the A549 cell line used in several published reports is infected with CMV and that in the majority of cases the anti-A549 'anti-epithelial' antibodies found in renal transplant patients are anti-CMV antibodies.