Mechanisms for differential block among single myelinated and non-myelinated axons by procaine

1. The differential sensitivity of saphenous nerve fibres in the cat to block by procaine HCl was re-examined by recording identifiable unit action potentials from small nerve filaments.2. Small myelinated axons were blocked more quickly than large myelinated axons, but this differential effect could not be accounted for by differences in anaesthetic concentration requirements.3. The onset of block in non-myelinated axons was slower than or equal to that of small myelinated axons depending on anaesthetic concentration.4. Absolute differential block of non-myelinated and small myelinated axons was obtained by limiting the length of axons exposed to procaine to 2 mm.5. Differential rates of blocking among myelinated axons appear to depend on differences in the length of axons that must be exposed to blocking concentrations of procaine and to arise from the irregular distribution of such concentrations within an exposed nerve.     

Interpretation of gram-stained sputa containing Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.

Sputum specimens culture positive for Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis were Gram stained with three decolorizer solutions (slow, 95% ethyl alcohol; intermediate, 1:1 ratio of 95% ethyl alcohol and acetone; and fast, acetone alone) for 5, 10, 20, and 30 s. Optimal results were obtained with acetone alone after 10 s or with a 1:1 mixture of acetone and ethanol after 20 s. Inadequate decolorization of M. catarrhalis in sputa is likely if the decolorization solution and exposure time are not optimal and may contribute to underreporting of this organism.     

Use of post-mortem human synaptosomes for studies of metabolism and transmitter amino acid release

Synaptosomes have been prepared from human brain obtained at autopsies carried out up to 24 h postmortem (p.m.). They showed generally good retention of morphology, as well as accumulation of tissue potassium and linear rates of oxygen uptake. In response to veratrine depolarization they showed increased respiration rate, decreased tissue potassium content and the specific release of transmitter amino acids. Regression analysis indicated that metabolically and functionally active preparations may be obtained up to ca. 25 h p.m. Preparations obtained from patients dying with brain injury were inactive.     

Family interaction and the development of borderline personality disorder: a transactional model

Although no prospective epidemiological studies have evaluated the relationship between family interactions and the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD), there is considerable evidence for the central role of family interactions in the development of BPD. This paper describes the role of family interactions or processes, especially those that might be regarded as invalidating or conflictual, negative or critical, and the absence of more validating, positive, supportive, empathic interactions, in the development of BPD. Perhaps more importantly, the proposed model considers how these parental and family behaviors transact with the child's own behaviors and emotional vulnerabilities, resulting in a developmental model of BPD that is neither blaming of the family member with BPD nor of her or his parents and caregivers, and has important and specific implications for both prevention and intervention.     

The effects of hypnotic susceptibility on reducing smoking behavior treated by an hypnotic technique.

This study sought to obtain empirical data on the issue of whether susceptibility to hypnosis influences the outcome of an hypnotic therapy. At the first of two sessions, Ss had their susceptibility evaluated unobtrusively. At the second session, they learned Spiegel's self-hypnotic method to stop smoking. At the end of 3 months' follow-up 7 of 54 volunteers were completely abstinent (13%), while 31% had reduced smoking by 50% or more. Of the 7 totally abstaining Ss, 1 was high, 1 was low and 5 were medium susceptible, which is not unlike the distribution of hypnotic susceptibility in the general population. However, it was found that significantly more Ss of higher susceptibility reduced by 50% or more than did less susceptible Ss.     

Identification of secreted proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by a bioinformatic approach

Proteins secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are usually targets of immune responses in the infected host. Here we describe a search for secreted proteins that combined the use of bioinformatics and phoA' fusion technology. The 3,924 proteins deduced from the M. tuberculosis genome were analyzed with several computer programs. We identified 52 proteins carrying an NH(2)-terminal secretory signal peptide but lacking additional membrane-anchoring moieties. Of these 52 proteins-the TM1 subgroup-only 7 had been previously reported to be secreted proteins. Our predictions were confirmed in 9 of 10 TM1 genes that were fused to Escherichia coli phoA', a marker of subcellular localization. These findings demonstrate that the systematic computer search described in this work identified secreted proteins of M. tuberculosis with high efficiency and 90% accuracy.