Regionalized Protein Localization Domains in the Zebrafish Hair Cell Kinocilium.

Sensory hair cells are the receptors for auditory, vestibular, and lateral line sensory organs in vertebrates. These cells are distinguished by "hair"-like projections from their apical surface collectively known as the hair bundle. Along with the staircase arrangement of the actin-filled stereocilia, the hair bundle features a single, non-motile, true cilium called the kinocilium.

The B vitamins nicotinamide (B3) and riboflavin (B2) stimulate metamorphosis in larvae of the deposit-feeding polychaete Capitella teleta: implications for a sensory ligand-gated ion channel.

Marine sediments can contain B vitamins, presumably incorporated from settled, decaying phytoplankton and microorganisms associated with decomposition. Because B vitamins may be advantageous for the energetically intensive processes of metamorphosis, post-metamorphic growth, and reproduction, we tested several B vitamins to determine if they would stimulate larvae of the deposit-feeding polychaete Capitella teleta to settle and metamorphose. Nicotinamide and riboflavin individually stimulated larvae of C.

Identification of juvenile hormone-active alkylphenols in the lobster Homarus americanus and in marine sediments.

We have identified, by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, four alkylphenols that are present in the hemolymph and tissues of the American lobster Homarus americanus and in marine sediments. These alkylphenols are used industrially in antioxidant formulations for plastic and rubber polymer manufacturing, and are similar in structure to a known endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A. The compound 2-t-butyl-4-(dimethylbenzyl)phenol was present at concentrations of 0.

Settlement and Metamorphosis of Capitella Larvae Induced by Juvenile Hormone-Active Compounds Is Mediated by Protein Kinase C and Ion Channels.

The signal transduction pathway by which juvenile hormone-active compounds induce settlement and metamorphosis of metatrochophore larvae of the polychaete annelid Capitella sp. 1 was investigated. The known protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate was an active inducer of settlement and metamorphosis, whereas H-7, an inhibitor of PKC, inhibited settlement and metamorphosis in response to juvenile hormone III (JH III).

Augmentation of DNA synthesis in placental and fetal tissues in utero by maternal growth hormone treatment.

The influence of maternal exogenous growth hormone treatment on in utero conceptus development was evaluated in the rat. The periods of response and stimulation of DNA synthesis on embryo/fetal and placental tissues were assessed by subcutaneous injections of ovine growth hormone (oGH) preparations during pregnancy days 11-15, autopsied on day 16; and during pregnancy days 11-20 and 16-20, autopsied on day 21. To determine DNA biosynthesis potential, thymidine (methyl-3H) was administered through the jugular vein 14-16 h prior to sacrifice.

Stimulation of ovarian maturation in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii by methyl farnesoate.

Stimulation of ovarian maturation in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii was accomplished in three different trials by administration of methylfarnesoate (MF). After 30 days of treatment, the ovaries of prereproductive females were 2- to 10-fold larger and in later stages of vitellogenesis than those of the controls. Similar and statistically significant results were observed in a second 30-day trial, which was begun during the middle of the vitellogenic cycle.

Emergency medical vehicle collisions in an urban system.

Introduction: Emergency medical services collisions (EMVCs) are a largely unexplored area of emergency medical services (EMS) research. Factors that might contribute to an EMVC are numerous and include use of warning lights and siren (WL&S). Few of these factors have been evaluated scientifically.

The Carolina Children's Communicative Disorders Program. An opportunity for North Carolina's children.

The CCCDP provides devices and services to underprivileged children with communication disorders. Since its organization, the program has helped 197 children, including 21 given cochlear implants, and has disbursed 258 hearing aids or devices. It is cost-efficient program that has potential to help many of our state's needful children.

Augmentation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism of human placental tissues of first-trimester pregnancy by cigarette smoke exposure.

Objective: Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are important components of cigarette smoke. The toxicity of polynuclear hydrocarbons depends on their metabolic biotransformation by tissues. This study was performed to assess the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism in the human placental tissues of first-trimester pregnancy.

Development of the interferon system. I. In chicken cells development in ovo continues on time in vitro.

When confluent monolayers of cells derived from chicken embryos of different gestational age were cultured for several days without a medium change, a condition termed in vitro aging, the cells' developed an increased capacity to express the interferon (IFN) system. The capacity to both produce IFN and to respond to its antiviral action were enhanced up to 1000- and 100-fold, respectively. Remarkably, the programmed development of the IFN system in these cells seemed to continue virtually uninterrupted after monodispersion of the cells and seeding at high cell density.

Anomalous neural differentiation induced by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine during organogenesis in the rat.

The influence of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) on rat embryo development and neurogenesis was investigated using a rat conceptus culture system during organogenesis (pregnancy days 10-13). The embryos and visceral yolk sacs of conceptuses cultured with BrdU were examined for overall growth, morphological anomalies, incorporation of radiolabeled BrdU into DNA, and neurotransmitter enzyme activities in embryos. In addition, neural tubes from cultured whole embryos were isolated and mechanically dissociated into fragments and cultured again to assess neural cell differentiation into neuron-like cells.

Insulin modulates neuronal plasma membrane development in human fetal spinal cord neurons in culture.

The number of intramembrane protein particles (IMP) in the protoplasmic face of the perikaryal plasma membrane was evaluated in neurons from 9 week-old and 12 week-old human fetal spinal cord in culture. An increased number of IMP was observed in membranes from 12 week-old fetal neurons when compared to membranes from 9 week-old fetal neurons. The addition of insulin (100-2500 microU/ml) to the culture media resulted in a significantly increased number of IMP in neuronal membranes.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a disease caused by a virus in the Papovaviridae family. It tends to recur in the laryngotracheal tree, and treatment is surgical removal with a CO2 laser and suspension microlaryngoscopy. Some patients may require these procedures every few weeks, and a systemic agent to control disease would be ideal for them.

Electronystagmography and audio potentials in space flight.

Beginning with the fourth flight of the Space Transport System (STS-4), objective measurements of inner ear function were conducted in near-zero G conditions in earth orbit. The problem of space motion sickness (SMS) was approached much like any disequilibrium problem encountered clinically. However, objective testing techniques had built-in limitations superimposed by the strict parameters inherent in each mission.

Continuous culture of the postimplantation rat conceptus.

A procedure for continuous culture of rat conceptuses during organogenesis with a number of advantages over existing methods has been established. In this method, rat conceptuses of pregnancy Day 10 (embryonic age 9.5 days; Witschi Stage 13) with embryos at pre- or early somite neurula stage were cultured for 96 h in roller bottles fitted with New Brunswick swivel caps.

Effect of ethaverine hydrochloride on cochlear microcirculation.

The effect of ethaverine hydrochloride on cochlear microcirculation was observed in short-term experiments on 11 guinea pigs. In these experiments, the endocochlear PO2, endocochlear potential (EP), cochlear microphonic (CM) potential, and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Endocochlear PO2 was measured polarographically by gold electrodes in the scala media.

The bookend nasal septal splint.

A malleable nasal septal splint is presented. Its purpose is to hold the septum in the midline, and to depress the floor of the inlet over the premaxillary wings. Blunting of the nasal valves is avoided.

Frontal sinus trephination: a new technique for office procedure.

A new office technique for frontal sinus trephination is described. The procedure is simple, expedient, and inexpensive. Our experience with 16 patients suggests that this procedure is reasonably safe and, in addition, avoids the often-seen complications of supratrochlear nerve injury and persistent noticeable scar.

Avoidance of early complications following radical neck dissection.

Multiple factors are associated with the increased risk of postoperative complications following radical neck dissection. Most significant of these are preoperative radiation and entry into the pharynx. The most common of these complications are discussed, and following is a description of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative methods to reduce them.

Variation of endocochlear PO2 and cochlear potentials by breathing carbon dioxide.

The effect of carbon dioxide on oxygen dioxide tension in the endolymph was determined by the micropolarographic technique. Different concentrations (5% and 10% CO2) and different exposure times (3, 5, and 20 minutes) were investigated. The highest levels of PO2 in the endolymph (101.

A correlation of the effects of normoxia, hyperoxia and anoxia on PO2 of endolymph and cochlear potentials.

Change in PO2 in endolymph, endocochlear potentials and cochlear microphonics have been tested in normoxia, hyperoxia and anoxia on 24 guinea pigs. The polarographic method and construction of oxygen-sensitive microelectrodes is described in detail. The normal level of PO2 in endolymph vaires between 20 and 30 mm Hg.