Showing papers by "Flinders University published in 1986"
TL;DR: The first successful attempt at deep freezing and thawing of the human oocyte is reported and a twin pregnancy was achieved after insemination and replacement in utero.
872 citations
TL;DR: The cytokinesis-block micronucleus method is more sensitive and precise than the conventional micron nucleus method and classical metaphase analysis, and that it will be of value for detecting chromosome damage induced in vivo by genotoxic agents.
Abstract: The cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique was developed to overcome the kinetic problems inherent in the use of human lymphocytes for micronucleus assays. Using this technique the number of spontaneous micronuclei in lymphocytes from 42 individuals aged between 20 and 85 years was studied and was found to increase at a rate of 4.3% per year. Comparison with the results obtained with the conventional micronucleus assay confirmed that the conventional method markedly underestimates this age effect. The sensitivity of the cytokinesis-block method was determined by studying the effect of low-dose (less than 50 rad) X-irradiation. The results indicated that the dose-response was linear and a single in vitro exposure to 5 rad of X-rays could be unequivocally detected. We concluded that the cytokinesis-block micronucleus method is more sensitive and precise than the conventional micronucleus method and classical metaphase analysis, and that it will be of value for detecting chromosome damage induced in vivo by genotoxic agents.
526 citations
TL;DR: This chapter proposes a reevaluation of terminology and notation to encompass the realization that every neuron has multiple chemical messengers and that each neuron may transmit multiple messages.
Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter describes earlier observations that lead to the view that there is a precise multiple neurochemical coding of the subpopulations of enteric neurons, which form the intricate neuronal circuits that control intestinal functions. In the mammalian enteric nervous system, there are as many neurons as in the spinal cord, and there are numerous different enteric neurons characterized by the substances they contain, their shapes, and their projections. Most gastrointestinal functions—that is, motility with its vast repertoire of behavior, blood flow, and secretion and absorption of water and electrolytes—are known to be controlled or influenced by autonomic nerves. The discovery of coexistence of chemical messengers in neurons prompted the systematic immunohistochemical investigation of the patterns of coexistence of messengers in enteric neurons. The chapter discusses the methods for the simultaneous localization of two antigens and the problems encountered and demonstrates some of the applications of studies of coexistence of multiple messengers. This principle of organization of the enteric nervous system provides an extremely valuable framework in working out its circuitry and assists in identifying the possible roles of the multiple chemical messengers in individual neurons. The chapter proposes a reevaluation of terminology and notation to encompass the realization that every neuron has multiple chemical messengers and that each neuron may transmit multiple messages.
286 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of employment and unemployment were investigated in a longitudinal study involving large samples of school-leavers from State high schools in metropolitan Adelaide, and the results showed that unemployment led to decreases in perceived competence, activity, and life satisfaction and increases in depressive affect.
Abstract: The effects of employment and unemployment were investigated in a longitudinal study involving large samples of school-leavers from State high schools in metropolitan Adelaide. The study was also designed to control for possible testing and societal effects. A wide range of variables was investigated that included measures of self-concept (perceived competence, positive attitude, depressive affect, power, activity, and anger), values (desired skill-utilization, variety, influence, employment value, and Protestant work ethic), affect (stress symptoms, life satisfaction, unemployment disappointment), job need, job expectancy, external locus of control, unemployment attributions, academic potential, and social class. Results showed that unemployment led to decreases in perceived competence, activity, and life satisfaction and increases in depressive affect. Unemployment also led to an increased tendency to blame youth unemployment on factors relating to economic recession and a decreased tendency to blame it on lack of motivation on the part of the unemployed; employment had the reverse effect on these unemployment attributions. Some differences between the subsequently employed and unemployed were also present when they were at school. Sex differences were obtained on a number of variables.
206 citations
TL;DR: The distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase–containing neurons in the caudal medulla was in accordance with previous descriptions of the A1 and A2 groups based on the unenhanced FAGLU procedure.
Abstract: We studied the distribution, within the rabbit medulla oblongata, of neuronal cell bodies containing either tyrosine hydroxylase or neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity. Both avidin-biotin and immunofluorescence procedures were used. Because the two primary antibodies were raised in different species it was possible to perform simultaneous colocalization studies with the immunofluorescence procedure. Tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons in the rostral medulla were demonstrated to contain a catecholamine by the colchicine-enhanced FAGLU (formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde) fluorescence histochemical procedure. These neurons are presumably adrenergic, corresponding to the C1 and C2 groups described in the rat. No C3 group was found in the rabbit. The distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase–containing neurons in the caudal medulla was in accordance with previous descriptions of the A1 and A2 groups based on the unenhanced FAGLU procedure.
Neuropeptide Y–like immunoreactivity was observed in cell groups corresponding to those already described in the rat, but additional groups were discovered in the rabbit. Some neurons containing neuropeptide Y–like immunoreactivity were observed in nucleus raphe pallidus and these also contained serotonin (5-HT). In the nearby nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis there were occasional neurons that contained neuropeptide Y–like immunoreactivity without any colocalized 5-HT. Neuropeptide Y–like immunoreactivity was also observed in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, rostral to the obex, and these neurons were demonstrated to be true vagal preganglionic cells by colocalization of neuropeptide Y–like immunoreactivity and Fast Blueretrogradely transported from the cervical vagus.
We found that neuropeptide Y–like immunoreactivity was colocalized in approximately 75% of the tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons in the rostral medulla (C1 and C2 cells). A smaller proportion of the A1 cells also contained this peptide but it was absent from both the most caudal A1 cells and from the A2 cells.
Some tyrosine hydroxylase–containing neurons occur in direct apposition to vagal preganglionic cells in both the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the nucleus ambiguus. However, colocalization studies revealed that none of these neurons contained Fast Blue when this dye was retrogradely transported from the cervical vagus. Medullary catecholamine-synthesizing neurons apparently do not contribute axons to the vagus nerve. This finding is consistent with our own studies in the rat but is in contrast to studies in this species published by other workers.
196 citations
TL;DR: The distributions within the coeliac ganglion of different chemically coded subgroups of noradrenaline neurons, and the relationships between these neurons and nerve fibres projecting to the ganglions from the intestine, have been assessed quantitatively by use of an immunohistochemical double-staining method.
Abstract: The distributions within the coeliac ganglion of different chemically coded subgroups of noradrenaline neurons, and the relationships between these neurons and nerve fibres projecting to the ganglion from the intestine, have been assessed quantitatively by use of an immunohistochemical double-staining method. Noradrenaline (NA) neurons made up 99% of all cell bodies. Of these, 21% were also reactive for somatostatin (NA/SOM neurons), 53% were also reactive for NPY (NA/NPY neurons), and 26% were not reactive for either peptide. NA neurons without reactivity for any of the peptides whose localization was tested have been designated NA/-. A small percentage, about 1%, of neurons were reactive for both NPY and SOM. The three major types of NA neurons were arranged in clumps or ribbons throughout the ganglia, with a tendency for NA/SOM neurons to be medial and NA/NPY neurons to be lateral in the ganglia. A small group of neurons (<1%) encoded with dynorphin, NPY and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was encountered. VIP-immunoreactive nerve terminals, projecting to the ganglion from cell bodies in the intestine, ended around NA/SOM and NA/neurons but not around NA/NPY neurons. Thus, the VIP axons from the intestine end selectively around neurons that modify intestinal function (NA/SOM and NA/-neurons) but not around neurons, the terminals of which supply blood vessels (NA/NPY neurons).
170 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that apamin can be used to distinguish two types of non-noradrenergic transmission from enteric inhibitory nerves to gastrointestinal muscle and neither VIP nor ATP can be the sole transmitter chemical released from enterIC inhibitory neurons throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Abstract: Eight smooth muscle preparations from the stomach, small intestine and large intestine of the guinea-pig were used to compare apamin's actions in reducing the effectiveness of transmission from enteric inhibitory nerves and in reducing responses to inhibitory agonists alpha, beta-methylene ATP, VIP and isoprenaline. The effects of apamin on inhibitory reflexes in the ileum and colon were also evaluated. Apamin had little or no effect on responses to VIP and isoprenaline in any region, but consistently and substantially reduced responses to alpha, beta-methylene ATP. Responses to stimulation of enteric inhibitory neurons were substantially reduced by apamin in the antrum circular muscle, ileum longitudinal and circular muscle, taenia coli and distal colon longitudinal muscle, but it was ineffective in the fundus circular muscle, proximal colon longitudinal muscle and distal colon circular muscle. It caused a small reduction of the relaxation of the ileal circular muscle caused reflexly by distension, but did not modify the similar descending inhibitory reflex in the circular muscle of the colon. It is concluded that apamin can be used to distinguish two types of non-noradrenergic transmission from enteric inhibitory nerves to gastrointestinal muscle. Furthermore, neither VIP nor ATP can be the sole transmitter chemical released from enteric inhibitory neurons throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
161 citations
TL;DR: The most commonly reported sleeping difficulty of this population of university first-year psychology students was frequent difficulty in falling asleep (18%), whereas only 9% of the sample had frequent difficulty staying asleep.
Abstract: A sample of 211 university first-year psychology students completed a 37-item questionnaire of sleep habits and difficulties. The most commonly reported sleeping difficulty of this population was frequent difficulty in falling asleep (18%), whereas only 9% of the sample had frequent difficulty staying asleep. There was a marked delay (over 90 minutes) in time of going to bed and waking up on weekends compared to weeknights. About 50% of the sample complained of insufficient sleep and estimated needing about half an hour more sleep on the average to feel rested. A subgroup of the sample (17%) fit the criteria for at least a mild form of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS). This delayed sleep pattern presumably arises from a delay in their endogenous biological rhythms that creates difficulty in falling asleep early enough to get sufficient sleep before necessary weekday morning awakening. Compared to the whole sample, the DSPS group less often reported sufficient sleep on weekdays and more often r...
156 citations
TL;DR: The Flinders S-line of rats reacts to both mild stressors and a cholinergic agonist with greater behavioral depression and may, therefore, be a useful new animal model of human depressive disorders, one that focuses onCholinergic supersensitivity.
149 citations
TL;DR: The data confirm earlier reports that PX is the major metabolite of CA in humans but suggest that Px formation is quantitatively more important than previously believed.
Abstract: Five subjects who participated in an earlier study (Lelo et al., 1986b) of the comparative pharmacokinetics of caffeine (CA) and its primary monodemethylated metabolites paraxanthine (PX), theobromine (TB) and theophylline (TP) were administered CA to steady-state. Using areas under the plasma concentration-time curves for each of the dimethylxanthines derived from CA in the steady-state study and individual plasma clearances of PX, TB and TP determined in the previous study, the fractional conversion of CA to PX, TB and TP and the individual partial clearances of CA have been defined. The mean (+/- s.d.) fractional conversion of CA to PX, TB and TP was 79.6 +/- 21.0%, 10.8 +/- 2.4% and 3.7 +/- 1.3%, respectively. When only demethylation pathways are considered PX, TB and TP accounted for 83.9 +/- 5.4%, 12.1 +/- 4.1% and 4.0 +/- 1.4%, respectively of the CA demethylations. The mean partial clearance of CA to PX was approximately 8-fold and 23-fold greater than those to TB and TP respectively. These data confirm earlier reports that PX is the major metabolite of CA in humans but suggest that PX formation is quantitatively more important than previously believed.
137 citations
TL;DR: Reversed-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography of acid extracts of the large arteries showed that the major peaks of NPY-LI and SP-LI coeluted with porcine NPY and synthetic SP, respectively has been highly conserved during vertebrate evolution.
Abstract: The innervation of the major arteries and heart of the toad (Bufo marinus) was examined by use of glyoxylic acid-induced catecholamine fluorescence and peptide immunohistochemistry. All arteries possessed a moderate to dense plexus of adrenergic axons, which also showed neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity (NPY-LI). Some adrenergic axons in the intracardiac vagal trunks showed NPY-LI, but the varicose adrenergic axons innervating the cardiac muscle of the atria and ventricle, and the coronary blood vessels did not display NPY-LI. About half of the nerve cell bodies in the anterior sympathetic chain ganglia with dopamine-β-hydroxylase-LI (DBH-LI) also contained NPY-LI. The nerve cell bodies with DBH-LI alone were generally larger (median diameter 30 μm) than those with both DBH-LI and NPY-LI (median diameter 20 μm). Some cell bodies showing DBH-LI alone were surrounded by boutons with NPY-LI but not DBH-LI. Axons that displayed simultaneously both substance P-LI (SP-LI) and calcitonin gene-related peptide-LI (CGRP-LI) also formed a plexus around all arteries studied, being particularly dense around the mesenteric and pulmonary arteries. These axons are most likely sensory since SP-LI was reduced by capsaicin treatment, and nerve cell bodies with both SP-LI and CGRP-LI were found in dorsal root ganglia and the vagal ganglion. A dense plexus of axons showing somatostatin-LI was located around the pulmonary artery and its main intrapulmonary branches. A few nerves with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-LI were found around the dorsal aorta and pulmonary artery. No perivascular nerves with enkephalin-LI were observed. Reversed-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography of acid extracts of the large arteries showed that the major peaks of NPY-LI and SP-LI coeluted with porcine NPY (1–36) and synthetic SP (1–11), respectively. Thus, the location and structure of these peptides in perivascular nerves has been highly conserved during vertebrate evolution.
TL;DR: Ionizing radiation, produced by disintegration of 3H, reduces the mutagenic effect of a subsequent exposure to ionizing radiation by induction of a system which prevents or repairs a restricted class of radiation damage.
Abstract: The effect of prior incubation with [3H]thymidine on survival and mutagenesis after X-irradiation of human lymphocytes was studied by incubating lymphocytes with 0.001-1.0 mu Ci/ml [3H]thymidine for 6 h at 37 degrees C and then irradiating with 150 or 300 rad. Survival was measured using lymphocyte cloning and mutagenesis was measured using 6-thioguanine selection to detect clones mutated at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase locus. [3H]Thymidine alone had no effect on survival or mutagenesis and X-radiation alone produced the expected decrease in survival and increase in mutations. [3H]Thymidine prior to X-radiation had no effect on lethality of X-radiation but at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mu Ci/ml produced a significant decrease in the number of mutations induced after both 150 and 300 rad. The results suggest that ionizing radiation, produced by disintegration of 3H, reduces the mutagenic effect of a subsequent exposure to ionizing radiation by induction of a system which prevents or repairs a restricted class of radiation damage.
TL;DR: In this article, the β form of U4O9−y, an anion-excess fluorite-related phase stable above 80°C, has been determined from the analysis of single-crystal neutron diffraction data collected at 230 and 500°C.
TL;DR: The Rokeach Value Survey was administered to a sample of 140 students at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia and, in translated form, to 68 students at Shaanxi Teachers University in Xi'an, China.
Abstract: The Rokeach Value Survey was administered to a sample of 140 students at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia. and, in translated form, to a sample of 68 students at Shaanxi Teachers University in Xi'an, China the Australian students ranked the following values as significantly higher in importance compared with the Chinese students: an exciting life, a world at peace, family security, happiness, inner harmony, being cheerful, being forgiving, being helpful, being honest, being loving, and being responsible. The Chinese students assigned significantly higher importance than the Australian sample to a world of beauty, national security, pleasure, social recognition, wisdom, being ambitious, being capable, being courageous, being imaginative, being intellectual, being logical, and being self-controlled. The se results are related to other evidence about the two cultures. Implications are discussed, specifically in regard to the dimension of individualism-collectivism and more generally ...
TL;DR: The main finding, that the level of morbidity four months after the disaster remained almost unchanged at 29 months, indicates the long-term nature of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Abstract: The prevalence and longitudinal course of post-traumatic stress disorder were studied in a group of 459 firefighters who were exposed to the Ash Wednesday bushfires in South Australia. The main finding, that the level of morbidity four months after the disaster remained almost unchanged at 29 months, indicates the long-term nature of post-traumatic stress disorder. Twenty-nine months after the fire, 21% of the firefighters were continuing to experience imagery of the disaster, in a way that interfered with their lives. The failure of present disaster management plans to recognize the psychological impact of natural disasters and the long-term nature of post-traumatic stress disorder is emphasized, and the need for preventive mental health programmes to minimize such morbidity in the future is discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that the matrix of joint classification probabilities is quasi-symmetric, and that the symmetric matrix component is non-negative definite, and the degree of distinguishability between two categories is defined and used to give a measure of overall category distinguishability.
Abstract: Summary
It is common in the medical, biological, and social sciences for the categories into which an object is classified not to have a fully objective definition. Theoretically speaking the categories are therefore not completely distinguishable. The practical extent of their distinguishability can be measured when two expert observers classify the same sample of objects. It is shown, under reasonable assumptions, that the matrix of joint classification probabilities is quasi-symmetric, and that the symmetric matrix component is non-negative definite. The degree of distinguishability between two categories is defined and is used to give a measure of overall category distinguishability. It is argued that the kappa measure of observer agreement is unsatisfactory as a measure of overall category distinguishability.
TL;DR: A method is described for the purification of monoclonal antibody from mouse ascitic fluid that provides IgM antibody in high yield and good purity and IgG antibodies in high purity after PEG precipitation.
TL;DR: It is concluded that neurochemically distinct populations of submucous neurones can be distinguished physiologically on the basis of the differing combinations of types of synaptic input they receive.
Abstract: 1. Electrophysiological recordings were made from neurones in the submucous plexus of the guinea-pig small intestine, and these neurones were classified according to their synaptic inputs. 2. The neurones from which recording were made were filled during the recording period with the fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow, so they could be re-identified after processing for immunohistochemical localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). 3. The presence or absence of VIP-like immunoreactivity was determined for a total of 130 neurones whose synaptic inputs had been fully characterized and eighty-two were found to be VIP reactive. After the VIP reactivity had been assessed, the preparations were reprocessed to reveal immunoreactivity for neuropeptide Y (NPY) and a further twenty-three neurones (none of which were reactive for VIP) were found to be reactive for this peptide. Of the remaining twenty-five neurones, nineteen were not reactive for either VIP or NPY and six could not be re-identified after reprocessing. 4. Electrical stimulation of internodal strands evoked excitatory synaptic potentials lasting 20-30 ms (fast responses) in all but one of the 130 neurones studied. 5. Almost all the VIP-reactive neurones (seventy-eight of eighty-two cells) exhibited inhibitory synaptic potentials, ranging in amplitude from 2 to 30 mV and lasting 150-1500 ms, but few of the VIP-negative neurones had such responses (six of forty-eight cells). No inhibitory synaptic potentials could be evoked in any of the NPY-reactive neurones. 6. Most VIP-reactive neurones (sixty-nine) had a slow excitatory synaptic potential which could be evoked by a single stimulus, lasted 5-20 s and was associated with an increase in input resistance. Only one NPY-reactive neurone had a slow excitatory potential, but such potentials were seen in nine of the nineteen VIP-negative, NPY-negative neurones. 7. In nine of the twenty-three NPY-reactive neurones a single stimulus evoked an excitatory synaptic potential (intermediate excitatory synaptic potential) lasting 500-1500 ms and associated with a fall in the input resistance. None of the VIP-negative, NPY-negative neurones exhibited the intermediate excitatory potentials but it was not possible to determine whether such potentials could be evoked in VIP-reactive neurones because the inhibitory synaptic potentials would obscure such events. 8. It is concluded that neurochemically distinct populations of submucous neurones can be distinguished physiologically on the basis of the differing combinations of types of synaptic input they receive.
TL;DR: In this paper, an oceanographic cruise along Australia's south coast in June-July 1982 is described, where a narrow shelf-edge current flowed eastwards along the shelf edge for the entire distance.
Abstract: Results are presented from an oceanographic cruise along Australia's south coast in June–July 1982. A narrow shelf-edge current flowed eastwards along the shelf edge for the entire distance. Features of particular interest were (i) various eddies on the offshore side of the current, (ii) very sharp surface fronts, at which geostrophic Richardson numbers were less than 1.0 in 10 out of 34 cases (iii) the formation and offshore transport of saline water in the Great Australian Bight, and (iv) the strongly nonlinear dynamics in the neighborhood of Cape Leeuwin.
TL;DR: Par acetamol disposition was studied in groups of pregnant and non-pregnant women of comparable age and there was no difference between the two groups in paracetamol sulphation or renal clearance of unchanged drug.
Abstract: Paracetamol disposition was studied in groups of pregnant and non-pregnant women of comparable age. Paracetamol apparent oral clearance was 58% higher and elimination half-life was 28% lower in the pregnant women compared to the control group. The higher clearance in the pregnant women was due to increased activity of the glucuronidation (75% higher) and oxidative (88% higher) pathways of paracetamol metabolism. There was no difference between the two groups in paracetamol sulphation or renal clearance of unchanged drug.
TL;DR: The projections of neurones that produce inhibitory junction potentials have been analysed in the small intestine of the guinea‐pig and it is concluded that two populations of i.j.p.‐producing neurones have their cell bodies in the myenteric plexus.
Abstract: The projections of neurones that produce inhibitory junction potentials (i.j.p.s) have been analysed in the small intestine of the guinea-pig. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to record i.j.p.s in circular muscle cells in response to stimulation with pairs of electrodes placed parallel to or across the length of the intestine (longitudinal and transverse electrodes, respectively). In preparations of circular muscle with the myenteric plexus attached, the mean amplitude of i.j.p.s recorded 9 mm lateral to longitudinal electrodes was about 70% of that seen at 1 mm; however, in the presence of hexamethonium (400 microM) the amplitude fell more rapidly to about 40% at 9 mm. The decline was even steeper in preparations of circular muscle from which the myenteric plexus had been removed, with the amplitude falling to 10% at 9 mm. I.j.p.s were detected up to 30 mm anal to stimuli applied with transverse electrodes in the presence of hexamethonium, but the decline was more rapid on the oral side, with i.j.p.s being detected only up to 12 mm oral to the stimulus. Nerves that travel through or originate in the myenteric plexus were severed or removed in operations performed 2-7 days before tissue was taken. 2-3 days after removal of a circumferential strip of myenteric plexus, i.j.p.s could not be recorded from the underlying circular muscle. I.j.p.s evoked by longitudinal electrodes were recorded in an area between two circumferential cuts through the myenteric plexus, 1.5-8 mm apart, 3-7 days after an operation. In this region, the i.j.p.s were significantly smaller than normal although amplitudes of up to 95% of control were measured. The consequences of single circumferential cuts through the myenteric plexus were examined 3 and 7 days after operation. Longitudinal electrodes were used to stimulate surviving fibres. Small i.j.p.s were recorded on the anal edge of the lesion; the amplitude recovered to 56% of normal in the first 2 mm on the anal side and the amplitude slowly returned to normal at 20 mm anal. On the oral side there was slight reduction in amplitude at 0.5 and 1 mm, but at greater distances amplitudes were normal. It is concluded that the simplest explanation of these results is that two populations of i.j.p.-producing neurones have their cell bodies in the myenteric plexus. Many axons supply the circular muscle close to or just anal to their cell bodies, and others run for various distances up to 30 mm in the anal direction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
TL;DR: In this paper, sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of a globally asymptotically stable strictly positive almost-periodic solution of a Lotka-Volterra system with almost periodic coefficients.
Abstract: Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of a globally asymptotically stable strictly positive (componentwise) almost-periodic solution of a Lotka-Volterra system with almost periodic coefficients.
TL;DR: In this article, three classes of models of single-species dynamics with a single discrete delay were established for having a globally asymptotically stable positive equilibrium independent of the length of delay.
TL;DR: In this article, the ability of the Australian sea level monitoring network is assessed in the investigation of long-period sea-level signals, through the character of coastal long waves, seasonal variations in level and interannual level anomalies, the importance of the south coast of the Continent is identified as a coherent indicator of large-scale marine and atmospheric teleconnections.
Abstract: Summary. The ability of the Australian sea-level monitoring network is assessed in the investigation of long-period sea-level signals. Through the character of coastal long waves, seasonal variations in level and inter-annual level anomalies, the importance of the south coast of the Continent is identified as a coherent indicator of large-scale marine and atmospheric teleconnections. The source of the sea-level signal is investigated by the tracing of progressive features, by the numerical modelling of wind stress over the Southern Ocean, by the modelling of the effect of monsoonal rains over the lndian Ocean and the mass transport through the lndonesian Strait. These features are related to the ENSO cycle which for the first time is linked, inter &a, with Southern Ocean mechanisms.
TL;DR: Evidence for a developmental improvement in interhemispheric transfer of tactile information is provided which is consistent with the sequence of myelination of the corpus callosum during the first decade of life.
TL;DR: The data confirm the importance of hormonal factors in the regulation of drug conjugation reactions in humans and suggest that sex-related differences in salicylic acid and aspirin disposition may be of clinical importance.
Abstract: Salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) disposition after an oral dose of aspirin, 900 mg (equivalent to 689.7 mg of salicylic acid) was studied in eight males, eight females and eight females receiving oral contraceptive steroids (OCS). Salicylic acid clearance was 61% higher in males compared to the control female group, an effect due largely to enhanced activity of the glycine conjugation pathway (salicyluric acid formation) in males. Salicylic acid clearance was 41% higher in OCS-users compared to the control female group due to increases in both the glycine and glucuronic acid conjugation pathways in the pill users. There was no difference in any salicylic acid disposition parameter between males and OCS-users. Area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and elimination half-life of aspirin was significantly greater and aspirin plasma hydrolysis rate was significantly lower in both female groups compared to males. There was no difference between OCS-users and the control female group in any of these parameters. Aspirin AUC and elimination half-life were significantly correlated with aspirin plasma hydrolysis rate. These data confirm the importance of hormonal factors in the regulation of drug conjugation reactions in humans and suggest that sex-related differences in salicylic acid and aspirin disposition may be of clinical importance.
TL;DR: The iC3b/CR3 interaction is thus the primary trigger for phagocytosis of iC2b-bearing pneumococci and for stimulation of intracellular bactericidal processes.
Abstract: We used polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to neutrophil complement receptors CR1 and CR3 to assess the role of these receptors in the phagocytosis of virulent Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 3, 6A, and 14, which bear accessible C3 ligands covalently bound to the polysaccharide capsule. When the iC3b receptor (CR3) on normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) was blocked by the monoclonal antibody OKM10, phagocytosis of pneumococcal serotypes 6A and 14 (which bear exclusively iC3b) was inhibited 50%-80% in pooled human serum and completely in nonimmune serum. Blockade of the PMNL C3b receptor (CR1) failed to inhibit phagocytosis for serotypes 6A and 14. For serotype 3, which bears C3b and C3d (as well as iC3b) on the capsule, CR3-mediated phagocytosis accounted for only 20% of the uptake; again, there was no evidence for CR1-mediated phagocytosis. The iC3b ligand elicited consistently greater release of superoxide, myeloperoxidase, and lactoferrin than did C3b. The iC3b/CR3 interaction is thus the primary trigger for phagocytosis of iC3b-bearing pneumococci and for stimulation of intracellular bactericidal processes.
TL;DR: In this paper, abnormal clumsiness is associated with an information processing dysfunction which is specific to the proprioceptive modality, and the findings suggest that clumsines are more likely to process proprioception information more slowly than normal children.
Abstract: Abnormal clumsiness was investigated within the Framework of an information processing model using chronometric techniques. Eight clumsy and eight normal children were tested in two experiments in which between-group comparisons were made of the functioning of the perceptual and response selection processes. The processing of both proprioceptive and visual stimulus information was investigated. Clumsy children were found to process proprioceptive information more slowly than do normal children. However, in this modality, neither the perceptual nor response selection processes were effectively manipulated. By comparison, no difference in the rate of processing of visual information was found. In this modality both processes were effectively manipulated and groups were not differentially affected. Thus, the findings suggest that abnormal clumsiness is associated with an information processing dysfunction which is specific to the proprioceptive modality. Moreover, the findings suggest that clumsines...
TL;DR: The authors reviewed cross-cultural studies from the Flinders University research program on values that have involved use of the Rokeach Value Survey and discussed the interpretation of value differences across cultures with specific reference to findings from student samples from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and China.
Abstract: This article reviews cross-cultural studies from the Flinders University research program on values that have involved use of the Rokeach Value Survey. These studies fall into two main classes: (a) comparisons of Australian value priorities with those of other countries, and (b) research into the value priorities of different ethnic groups within Australia as part of an interest in migrant assimilation. The Rokeach Value Survey is described and modifications to it are noted; analytic procedures based upon individual data and group data are discussed with examples; and questions of cross-cultural appropriateness and equivalence are addressed. The interpretation of value differences across cultures is discussed with specific reference to findings from student samples from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and China.
TL;DR: Automatic oscillometric BP monitors tested were comparable in accuracy to auscultatory BP measurement, and are satisfactory for routine use in the appropriate clinical context, but in settings where significance is to be attached to individual BP readings rather than to trends, or where a high degree of accuracy is required, automatic oscillometric machines cannot be regarded as satisfactory alternatives to arterial cannulation.
Abstract: Mean brachial artery pressures determined by five different non-invasive automatic oscillometric and one auscultatory preferred (oscillometric back-up) blood pressure (BP) monitors were compared with mean arterial pressures (MAP) obtained by cannulation of the radial artery of the same arm. The devices tested all performed similarly, showing a wide range of variation (+40% to -29%) compared with the directly measured MAP, and all tended to over-read at low values and under-read at high values. Trend information was generally acceptable, but occasionally was misleading. In addition, using one of the devices, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were compared with those obtained by auscultation. This gives a range of differences from +22 to -25 mmHg for systolic and +20 to -12 mmHg for diastolic BP measurements. (The average fell within 1.0 mmHg of the auscultatory measurement, with a standard deviation of 10 mmHg.) Thus, the automatic oscillometric BP monitors tested were comparable in accuracy to auscultatory BP measurement, and are satisfactory for routine use in the appropriate clinical context. However, in settings where significance is to be attached to individual BP readings rather than to trends, or where a high degree of accuracy is required, automatic oscillometric machines cannot be regarded as satisfactory alternatives to arterial cannulation.