Prediction of muscle stretch receptor behavior using Wiener kernels

The input-output characteristics of muscle stretch receptors can be represented by a set of Wiener kernels estimated from responses to random length stimuli. We use these kernels to predict the responses of the receptor to deterministic length changes and show that significant non-linearities are present in receptor responses to length stimuli of only a fraction of a millimeter.     

Edentulousness in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Abstract— Surveys of adult (16 yr and over) dental health were conducted in England/Wales and Scotland (n=5967) and in Ireland (n=1764) and Northern Ireland (n=1176) in 1979. From the results of these surveys a comparison is made between levels of edentulousness, attendance patterns, attitude to loss of teeth and the wearing of full dentures. Scotland had the highest level of edentulousness (39%) and Ireland the lowest (26%). England/Wales had a level of 29% and Northern Ireland 33 %. The percentage edentulous increased considerably with age and females had a higher level of edentulousness than males. Regular attendance at the dentist was lowest in Ireland and in all countries there was a greater preference for filling rather than extraction of teeth. Levels of edentulousness do not appear to be directly related to any of the parameters investigated.     

Effects of methamphetamine on novelty-seeking behaviour by mice

The effects of several doses from 0.125–3 mg/kg of methamphetamine on the novelty-seeking behaviour of male Swiss albino mice were studied. Methamphetamine induced a dose-dependent inhibition of novelty preference. Furthermore, a dose of methamphetamine (1 mg/kg) which strongly decreased novelty preference in naive mice induced a significantly lower decrease in exploration of subjects previously exposed to novelty. These data provide some support for Berlyne's (1967) suggestion that amphetamine has a disruptive effect on exploration by producing over-arousal.     

Host response and tumour biological behaviour in the two histological types of gastric carcinoma

It appears that there is validity in categorizing gastric carcinoma into two histologic types, intestinal and diffuse. The local host tissue response in 92.5% of cases of the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma was of an exudative nature. Diffuse gastric carcinoma in 70% of cases incited a dense productive fibrosis. Pools of mucin and large number of 'signet-ring' cells were mostly encountered in the intestinal type of carcinoma. Applying Dukes' parameters the tumour was found to be more than three times more invasive in cases of diffuse carcinoma. The prognostic bearing of the two histologic types, different host tissue response, behaviour of the tumour in terms of mucous production and local extension are discussed and it is suggested that diffuse gastric carcinoma carries a worse prognosis than the intestinal type. Study of a larger series of cases and longer follow-up with controlled treatment is essential to confirm this assessment.     

Ontogenetic development of surfacing behaviour in the obligatory air-breathing fish Channa (= Ophiocephalus) striatus

Two series of experiments were conducted to relate surfacing behaviour and post-embryonic development in the air-breathing fish Channa striatus. When prevented surfacing, the duration of survival on aquatic breathing alone decreased from 15.6 hr in 7 mg fry to 8.8 hr in 0.75 g fingerling; when given free access to air, the surfacing frequency was the most erratic (1235 ± 823 (SD) times/day) in the former and became regular (1323 ± 114 times/day) in the latter. Hanging to the surface permitted C. striatus to exchange atmospheric air without undertaking vertical movement. Such behavioural adaptation of hanging was also erratic in the 7 mg fry and in the latter, it became regular. The surfacing frequency was not depth-dependent but the distance travelled per surfacing increased with increasing depth of aquarium. The individuals weighing more than 20 g also could survive on aquatic breathing alone for over 16 hr.     

Hepatitis C in chronic liver disease: an epidemiological study based on 566 consecutive patients undergoing liver biopsy during a 10-year period

We analysed the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in 566 patients undergoing liver biopsy. While over 20% of the patients were anti-HCV positive according to elisa, only 13.8% had HCV antibodies when tested with a four-antigen recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA 2). At the time of inclusion in the study, most patients were asymptomatic, irrespective of whether they were HCV-positive. Histological findings in anti-HCV-positive patients were chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis in > 75% of cases. Only four of the patients who were anti-HCV-positive according to the RIBA 2 had autoimmune chronic active hepatitis. Risk behaviour could be identified in the majority of cases. Community-acquired sporadic cases were rare (12%). Of the 153 patients who died during follow-up, 23 subjects were anti-HCV positive. Although age- and sex-adjusted survival was not shorter in anti-HCV-positive patients than in anti-HCV-negatives, the risk of hepatocellular cancer was higher (P = 0.01). We conclude that HCV infection is associated with chronic liver disease, even when critical evidence of viral aetiology is slight. Truly sporadic cases are rare. Patients infected with HCV are at increased risk of developing hepatocellular cancer.     

93名孤残儿童适应行为评定量表测验结果分析

本文采用儿童适应行为评定量表，对９３名孤残儿童进行了测验。结果显示适应离差商（ＡＤＱ）在平常、边界、轻度以上者比例较大。提示应重视孤残儿童的适应行为发展，在制定康复训练措施中要注意孤残儿童的躯体特征和行为表现。     

Responsiveness to environmental stimuli after destruction of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic system: A review

The functional significance of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic system (LCNA) is still not fully understood. The aim of our work reviewed below, was to investigate the effects of the selective noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4 on behaviours displayed during inter- and intraspecies encounters and in response to stressogenic stimuli on cats and rats. It has been found that the destruction of LC NA did not affect prey killing in either cats or rats. Also, well established dominance-submissive order displayed during predatory competition remained unchaged, except for the situation when the stressful stimulus was presented to a pair of cats. In the presence of such a stimulus the DSP-4-treated cats attacked mice in front of their dominant partners, although they never did so before. In rats treated with DSP-4 a marked decrease in defensive episodes and an increase in offensive episodes was observed during social encounters in resident-intruder paradigm. It was found that these rats spent more time in the stressogenic highly illuminated centre of the open field than did the controls. Biochemical analysis showed a significant reduction of noradrenaline content in the forebrain structures and some changes in serotonin and dopamine levels; the latter are considered as an effect secondary to noradrenaline depletion. In light of other authors' data concerning the role of LC NA in brain and behavioural activity, three possible interpretations of our results are considered: (1) an increase in aggression; (2) fear reduction; (3) inadequate responsiveness to environmental cues.     

Sexual problems associated with dementia: Part 1. Problems and their consequences

Sexual problems associated with dementia fall into four groups: problems involving an established partner, problems involving a new partner, problems occurring independent of a sexual partner (sexual acting out, inappropriate sexual talk, false sexual allegations) and sexual abuse. The whole area has received little attention despite the major consequences for patients, partners and carers.