Biofeedback training: offerings, plans, and some attitudes in graduate schools and internships

Graduate schools and APA-approved internships in North America were surveyed to determine the type and extent of biofeedback training, additional biofeedback training planned, requirements considered to be a minimum necessary before beginning clinical practice of biofeedback, when biofeedback is considered an appropriate application, and whether biofeedback is considered a "passing fad" in clinical practice. Questionnaires were returned by 56% of the graduate schools and 54% of the internships, and revealed training in 58% and 67% respectively. Training in biofeedback procedures appears to be growing, and most graduate schools and internships think that biofeedback is not a passing fad in clinical practice. Training emphases vary considerably across graduate schools and internships, with some schools and internships excluding theory and/or practice and/or research from their instruction. The results are discussed in relation to the question of determining which procedures to include in future instruction.     

A Cytogenetic Study of the Leaf Beetle Genus Cyrtonus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

The chromosomes of ten species of Cyrtonus and the genome sizes of six are surveyed. Among the total of 15 chromosomally studied species, 11 have 2n=28 chromosomes and a 13+Xy_p male meioformula, three have 2n=40 and 19+Xy_p and one 2n=46 and 22+Xy_p. All but one species with 28 chromosomes show only metacentric or submetacentric chromosomes, whereas the species with 40 and 46 chromosomes display some telocentrics or subtelocentrics, that are probably derived from the former by centric fissions. However, since the number of major chromosome arms is strikingly higher in these latter species (NF=70 and 78) than in the 28-chromosome species (mostly NF=56), other chromosomal rearrangements such as pericentric inversions or heterochromatin accretions could also be involved. The genome sizes display a narrow range, from 1C=0.6–1.22pg, and they are not significantly correlated with the chromosome numbers. Some possible factors implied in the rough chromosomal evolution of Cyrtonus are discussed in relation to a few other genera of the subfamily Chrysomelinae.     

Ultrastructural demonstration of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in steroid-secreting cells

Summary The ultrastructural localization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (NADP-linked) has been attempted in steroid-secreting cells. Rat adrenocortical cells and newt testicular glandular cells were fixed in an ice-cold mixture of 1% methanol-free formaldehyde and 0.25% glutaraldehyde. Potassium ferricyanide was used as the final electron acceptor.After incubation, the final copper ferrocyanide precipitate is exclusively observed in the hyaloplasm of these cells, provided that an electron carrier (1.0 mM PMS) has been added to the medium in order to by-pass the tissue diaphorase (NADPH-ferricyanide reductase) reaction. No precipitate appears in the absence of glucose-6-phosphate (substrate). Incubation in a medium devoid of PMS results in an exclusively mitochondrial reaction; the latter is that of the diaphorase, which in these cells is mitochondrial. These results prove the importance of utilizing exogenous electron carriers (such as PMS) in coenzyme-linked dehydrogenase cytochemistry.Although polyvinyl alcohol was included in the washing and incubation media, in order to increase their viscosity, problems still exist concerning ultracytochemical localization of this soluble enzyme; these problems are discussed in the paper.     

Macrofaunal communities on the continental shelf and slope of the southeastern Weddell Sea,Antarctica

Summary During the third leg of the European Polarstern Study (EPOS leg 3) in the austral summer season 1989, benthic macrofaunal communities were sampled from the Elephant Island area (61° southern latitude) and from Kapp Norvegia (71° southern latitude) to Halley Bay (75°30 southern latitude) using a commercial bottom trawl and an Agassiz trawl. Thirty-six trawl samples from a depth range of about 200–2,000 m were considered, with most of the samples being from the shelf and upper slope. Multivariate analysis techniques (clustering and TWIN-SPAN) discriminated between an eastern and a southern community in which parallel subgroups can be distinguished at increasing distance from the ice shelf.Data presented here were collected during the European Polarstern Study (EPOS) sponsored by the European Science Foundation     

Dynamic conformational states of DNA containing T·T or BrdU·T mispaired bases: wobble H-bond pairing versus cross-strand inter-atomic contacts

The dynamic structure of 11-mer DNA duplexes of different sequences with or without homopyrimidine (T·T, or BrdU·T) mismatches was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a time scale from 200 ps to 1 ns. The conformational analysis suggests that in mismatched duplexes the formation of classical T·T wobble H-bonding pairing is nearest-neighbor sequence-dependent and, in most cases, three-centered H-bonds and numerous alternative close cross-strand interatomic contacts exist. Thus, in duplex W1, where the central triplet is 5d(CTA)·d(TTG), two wobble conformations W () and W () are formed and exchange rapidly at 300 K. In contrast, when the central triplet is 5d(TTT)·d(ATA) (W2 duplex) wobble conformations are rarely observed at 300 K, and the T·T mispair most often adopts a twisted conformation with one largely persistent normal H-bond, plus a stable cross-strand contact involving a T flanking base. However, at elevated temperature (400 K) the same W2 duplex shows frequent exchange between the two classical wobble conformations (), as is in the case when the central triplet is 5d(TBrdUT)·d(ATA) (W3 duplex at 300 K). It is suggested that in the W2 sequence, restrictions due to thymine-methyl/ interactions prevent the formation of wobble pairing and thermal activation energy, and/or the chemical replacement of T by BrdU are required in order for the T(BrdU)·T mismatch to adopt and exchange between wobble conformations. The specific short and/or long-lived (double/triple) cross-strand dynamic interactions in W1, W2 and W3 duplexes are throughout characterized. These frequent atomic encounters exemplify possible inter-strand charge transfer pathways in the studied DNA molecules.Figure 3D structure snapshots of wobble and frequent overlapping conformers formed within the W3 central triplet during 200 ps MD: + . H-bonds (magenta) and close cross-strand contacts, Å (orange).     

Intramitochondrial pyruvate attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in bovine pulmonary artery endothelium

In the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) apoptosis model of the murine thymocyte, redox reactant and antioxidant pyruvate prevents programmed cell death. We tested the hypothesis that such protection was mediated, at least in part, via pyruvate handling by mitochondrial metabolism. Cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were incubated for 30 min with 0.5 mM H₂O₂ in the absence and presence of 0.5 mM -cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate, as a selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial pyruvate transporter. In controls H₂O₂ decreased cell viability by 30% within 24 h; this was associated with apoptosis-like bodies, nuclear condensation, and biochemical DNA damage consistent with programmed cell death. Pyruvate (0.1–20 mM) enhanced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with 85% viable cells at 3 mM and no DNA laddering, no positive nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and no detectable Annexin V or propidium iodide staining. In contrast, using 5 mM L-lactate as a cytosolic reductant or acetate as a redox-neutral substrate, cell death increased to 40%, which was associated with intense DNA laddering, positive TUNEL and Hoechst 33258 assays. -Cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate alone did not significantly decrease endothelial viability but reduced viability from 85 ± 3 to 71 ± 4% (p = 0.023) in presence of 3 mM pyruvate plus H₂O₂; pathological cell morphology and DNA laddering under the same conditions suggested loss of pyruvate protection against apoptosis. Since -cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate re-distributed medium pyruvate and L-lactate consistent with selective blockade of pyruvate uptake into the mitochondria, the findings support the hypothesis that pyruvate protection against H₂O₂ apoptosis is mediated in part via the mitochondrial matrix compartment. Possible mediators include anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and/or products of mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism such as citrate that affect metabolic regulation and anti-oxidant status in the cytoplasm.     

β-Glucanases in developing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibres

Cotton fibres possess several -glucanase activities which appear to be associated with the cell wall, but which can be partially solubilised in buffers. The main activity detected was that of an exo-(13)--d-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.58) but which also had the characteristics of a -glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21). Endo-(13)--d-glucanase activity (EC 3.2.1.39) and much lower levels of (14)--d-glucanase activity were also detected. The exo-(13)--glucanase showed a maximum late on (40 days post-anthesis) in the development of the fibres, whereas the endo-(13)--glucanase activity remained constant throughout fibre development. The -glucanase complex associated with the cotton-fibre cell wall also functions as a transglucosylase introducing, inter alia, (16)--glucosyl linkages into the disaccharide cellobiose to give the trisaccharide 4-O--gentiobiosylglucose.Abbreviations CMC carboxymethylcellulose - ONPG o-nitrophenyl--d-glucopyranoside - TLC thin-layer chromatography Presented at the Third Cell Wall Meeting held in Fribourg in 1984     

“Active” T-cell Rosettes and total T-rosettes in patients with melanoma following intratumoral inoculation of BCG: A clue to the mechanism of action of bacillus calmette-guérin?

Summary Six patients with cutaneous metastases of malignant melanoma were treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Rosette formation by sheep erythrocytes surrounding thymus-derived lymphocytes was studied by two methods (active and total rosette-forming cells) before and after therapy. Four patients showed good clinical response with regression of some or all skin nodules, and two did not respond. All four responders showed an increase in active rosette-forming cells; two also had increases in total rosette-forming cells. One nonresponder had an increase in active rosette-forming cells. It is proposed that BCG activates both nonspecific and specific thymus-derived cell populations. Traffic of thymus-derived cells may also occur after administration of BCG.     

Effects of the expression of bovine growth hormone on the testes and male accessory reproductive glands in transgenic mice

The effects of physiological and excessive levels of growth hormone (GH) on reproductive functions are poorly understood, and impairment of fertility is frequently observed in transgenic animals overexpressing GH genes. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of chronic exposure to heterologous bovine GH (bGH) on the testes and accessory reproductive glands in transgenic mice. Endocrine function of the testes was evaluated by measuring the activities of two steroidogenic enzymes, 5-3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (5-3-HSD) and 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-HSD). The activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and -glucuronidase, important hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomal origin, were measured in testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostates in normal and transgenic mice. Testicular 5-3-HSD activity was higher in transgenic than in normal mice, while testicular 17-HSD activity in transgenic mice was not altered. Acid phosphatase activity was elevated in both seminal vesicles and ventral prostates of transgenic mice, while alkaline phosphatase activity was increased only in the prostate. The activity of -glucuronidase was elevated in the testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate gland of transgenic mice. These results suggest that chronic exposure to bGH is associated with significant stimulation of some hydrolytic enzymes in the testes and in the accessory reproductive glands of transgenic mice.     

Changes in DNA content and chromosomal size during cell culture and plant regeneration of Scilla siberica: selective chromatin diminution in response to environmental conditions

The chromosomal complement and DNA content of cells of the monocotyledonous plant Scilla siberica were studied at various stages of growth, such as callus outgrowths from bulb tissue (bulb callus), callus grown from single protoplasts prepared from bulb callus (protoplast callus), regenerated plants kept for 2–4 years on agar medium and under constant climatic conditions, and regenerated plants grown first for 2 years on agar and then for 1 year in the garden. During callus culture, several different forms of chromatin loss were observed: (1) chromosome elimination early during cell culture, resulting in cells which were mostly diploid but still had large chromosomes similar to those of the original triploid plants (type 1 cells); from these cells no plants could be regenerated. (2) Dramatic reduction in heterochromatin containing the satellite DNA and, apparently subsequently, also of many other chromatin moieties, resulting in the formation of small chromosomes; frequent polyploidization in these cells, resulting in a variable number of chromosomes per cell (preferentially 30–40, in ca. 70% of the cells; type 2 cells). (3) Appearance of a large number of very small (< 1 m) Feulgenpositive chromatin particles (minute chromosomes; often arranged in metaphase-like arrays, suggesting that they were effectively distributed during mitosis). Such cells could survive and divide under cell culture conditions but did not regenerate plants (type 3 cells). In bulb calli, all three cell types were found whereas in protoplast calli only cells of type 2 and 3 were seen. Type 2 and 3 cells had lost, despite their frequent polyploidization, about 80% of their initial nuclear DNA content and an even higher proportion (>95%) of the satellite sequences. Southern DNA blot analysis revealed that sequences hybridizing with certain protein-coding genes such as that for chalcone synthase were also drastically reduced in copy number whereas the proportion of rDNA was even somewhat increased. In plants regenerated from type 2 cells of protoplast calli, which were aneuploid at near-pentaploidy to hexaploidy, further conspicuous changes in chromosomal and DNA content were not observed, as long as they were kept on agar medium and under constant climatic conditions. However, when such plants were grown in the garden for at least 1 year, the satellite DNA as well as the sequences hybridizing with the chalcone synthase gene were disproportionately increased to 30%–40% of their normal proportion, whereas the total DNA had increased by only approximately 15%. The chromosome numbers remained near-pentaploid to hexaploid as in the cell cultures from which these plants had been regenerated. These phenomena of selective loss and regain of chromatin in response to environmental conditions (cell culture, regenerated plants on agar, regenerated plants grown outdoors) are discussed in relation to other forms of chromatin loss, including developmentally controlled chromatin diminution in certain animals.     

The energy transmission in ATP synthase: From the γ-c rotor to the α3β3 oligomer fixed by OSCP-b stator via the βDELSEED sequence

ATP synthase (F₀F₁) is driven by an electrochemical potential of H⁺ (H⁺). F₀F₁ is composed of an ion-conducting portion (F₀) and a catalytic portion (F₁). The subunit composition of F₁ is ₃₃. The active ₃₃ oligomer, characterized by X-ray crystallography, has been obtained only from thermnophilic F₁ (TF₁). We proposed in 1984 that ATP is released from the catalytic site (C site) by a conformational change induced by the DELSEED sequence via -F₀. In fact, cross-linking of DELSEED to stopped the ATP-driven rotation of in the center of ₃₃. The torque of the rotation is estimated to be 420 pN·å from the H⁺ and H⁺-current through F₀F₁. The angular velocity () of is the rate-limiting step, because H⁺ increased theV _max of H⁺ current through F₀, but not theK _m (ATP). The rotational unit of F₀ (=ab₂c₁₀) is /5, while that in ₃₃ is 2/3. This difference is overcome by an analog-digital conversion via elasticity around DELSEED with a threshold to release ATP. The distance at the C site is about 9.6 å (2,8-diN₃-ATP), and tight Mg-ATP binding in ₃₃ was shown by ESR. The rotational relaxation of TF₁ is too rapid (=100 nsec), but the rate of AT(D)P-induced conformational change of ₃₃ measured with a synchrotron is close to . The ATP bound between the P-loop and E188 is released by the shift of DELSEED from RGL. Considering the viscosity resistance and inertia of the free rotor (-c), there may be a stator containing OSCP (= of TF₁) and F₀-d to hold free rotation of ₃₃.     

In vivo and in vitro "phenotypic mixing" with amber mutants of phages T3 and T7

Summary Gene 17 of phage T7, and a homologous gene of T3, were shown to code for the serum blocking power protein (SBP). Noninfective T7 particles lacking gene 17 product (SBP-less particles) could be rendered infective by incubation with extracts of nonpermissive host bacteria infected with amber mutants of T7, as well as of T3, defective in other genes. SBP-less T7 particles activated by extracts of T3-infected cells were characterized as coat chimeras by their specificity towards anti-T3 and anti-T7 sera.     

An individual with “Miyada”-like hemoglobin indistinguishable from hemoglobin A2

The hemoglobin of a 24-year-old man of Italian descent who has the phenotypic characteristics of thalassemia intermedia contains about 12% hemoglobin F, 73% hemoglobin A, and 15% hemoglobin A₂. Chemical analysis definitely identifies the last as hemoglobin A₂. So elevated a percentage of hemoglobin A₂ has not been reported before. In addition, the amount of hemoglobin A is unusually large for an individual with presumed homozygosity for -thalassemia. Although the evidence is indirect, it is suggested that he is heterozygous for two conditions: -thalassemia and a Miyada type of gene that produces a hemoglobin indistinguishable from hemoglobin A₂.The work was supported in part by grants HL-02558 and HL-05168 and Training Grant HD-00048 from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Public Health Service, as well as funds from the Southern California Chapter of the Cooley's Anemia Blood and Research Foundation.     

On the Population Ecology of the Zebra Seabream Diplodus cervinus cervinus (Lowe 1838) from the Coasts of the Canarian archipelago, North West Africa

Zebra seabream, Diplodus cervinus cervinus, caught off the Canary Islands is characterized by protogynous hermaphroditism. The male:female ratio is in favour of females (1:2.16). The reproductive season extends from spring to summer, with a peak in spawning activity in May–June. Males reach maturity at a larger total length, 327mm (5 years old) than females 273mm (4 years old). Recruitment occurs from late October to January in shallow waters of 0.5–8m depth along the coastal line. The recruits are located over rocky substrates with an important algae vegetation forming schools lower than 2m². During the spawning season, schools of adults from 3 to 8 fish are observed. The schools are formed by one large individual and a few moderate size individuals. Mating takes place in small groups formed by one dominant male and a group of several females (polygamy). Moderate size individuals are often observed mixed in large schools (up to 30 individuals) of Diplodus sargus cadenati. Subadults form groups of a few fish (<5 individuals) or more commonly mixed groups (>15 individuals) with individuals of species of similar size. Otoliths age readings indicate that the population consists of 18 age groups, including a very high proportion of individuals between 2 and 4 years old. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the whole population are: L = 603mm, k = 0.149 year^–1, and t₀ = –0.22 year. The mean rates of total, natural and fishing mortality are 0.551, 0.215 and 0.336 year^–1, respectively. The length at first capture is 183mm. The exploitation rate indicates that the stock is overfished. The direct effects of fishing on the population result in changes in the abundance, with a reduction to 85% of the unexploited equilibrium level. The length at first capture by the commercial fishery is less than the length at maturity. With 58% of the total catch below this length there is a danger of recruitment overfishing.     

Effects of biofeedback on the discrimination of electrodermal activity

Twenty-four subjects were tested on their ability to discriminate between the presence and absence of negative skin potential responses before and after training to control skin potential. Training consisted of 52 discrete 30-second trials during which subjects were asked either to increase or to inhibit palmar sweating. Subjects in groups N and P were provided with analogue feedback on their skin potential activity. Group N was correctly informed that increases in sweating were indicated by increases in the negativity of skin potential; group P was misinformed that these were indicated by increases in the positivity of skin potential. Subjects in the control (C) group received no feedback. Reliable evidence of discrimination was obtained only in groups N and P, following training. However, reliable evidence of control was obtained only in group N. Thus, training to control skin potential led to an ability to identify afferentation associated with the more common (i.e., negative) skin potential responses, even though biofeedback training appeared unsuccessful in the case of group P. These findings are discussed in the context of discrimination or awareness accounts of the process of acquiring control of internal responses.This work was supported by grants from York University and from Glendon College.     

Phytohormone-regulated β-amylase gene expression in rice

The expression of -amylase genes in rice (Oryza sativa) and its regulation by phytohormones gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were examined. Upon germination -amylase is synthesizedde novo in aleurone cells and (GA) is not required. Exogenous addition of GA does not enhance the -amylase activity, while ABA inhibits the -amylase activity, mRNA accumulation, and the germination of rice seeds. GA can reverse ABA inhibition of -amylase expression, but not ABA inhibition of seed germination. Such regulation represents a new interaction of ABA and GA.     

Scientific and clinical biofeedback in the USSR

This paper describes the history of biofeedback research and application in the USSR. The approach of USSR scientists to the study of basic mechanisms of biofeedback and the status of clinical applications of biofeedback in the Soviet Union are described. Trends in the publication of biofeedback-related papers in Russian are presented, and the present state of the art described. Promising prospects for biofeedback research and application are discussed.     

Psychological changes associated with self-regulatory treatments of irritable bowel syndrome

The psychological side effects of self-regulatory treatment (a combination of relaxation, thermal biofeedback, and cognitive therapy) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were compared among 20 successfully treated patients, 12 unsuccessfully treated patients, and 9 patients who merely monitored symptoms for 12 weeks. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist were examined. Successfully treated patients had significant (p<.01) reductions on all measures and significantly greater reductions on depression and state anxiety than the symptom monitoring group. Interestingly, the failures also showed a significant (p=.027) reduction in trait anxiety and no significant increases on other measures.     

Occurrence,biochemistry and possible biotechnological application of the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle

The 3-hydroxypropionate cycle, a pathway for autotrophic carbon dioxide fixation, is reviewed with special emphasis on the biochemistry of CO₂ fixing enzymes in Acidianus brierleyi, a thermophilic and acidophilic archeon. In the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle, two enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and propionyl-CoA carboxylase, catalyze CO₂ fixation. It has been shown in A. brierleyi, and subsequently in Metallosphaera sedula, that acetyl-CoA carboxylase is promiscuous, acting equally well on acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA. The subunit structure of the acyl-CoA carboxylase was shown to be ₄₄₄. Gene cloning revealed that the genes encoding the three subunits are adjacent to each other. accC encodes the -subunit (59 kDa subunit, biotin carboxylase subunit), accB encodes the -subunit (20 kDa subunit, biotin carboxyl carrier protein), and pccB encodes the -subunit (62 kDa subunit, carboxyltransferase subunit). Sequence analyses showed that accC and accB are co-transcribed and that pccB is transcribed separately. Potential biotechnological applications for the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle are also presented.     

Reproductive performance,growth, and survival of selected and wild X selected channel catfish

Summary Wild (W) and selected (S) strains of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were crossed to attempt to introduce genes from wild stocks into a domesticated stock without loss of growth or survival performance. W strain broodfish were from the Kaskaskia River in Illinois and had no history of artificial selection. The S strain broodfish had undergone two generations of selection for multiple-traits since 1974 and had become adjusted to tank, cage, and pond culture conditions. Females and males from both strains were paired in individual spawning pens in all possible combinations and the 19 subsequent egg masses were artificially incubated. The 15 SXS, 6 WXS and 9SxW crosses produced 10, 3 and 6 egg masses, respectively. None of the 7 WXW pairs spawned. The fish density was standardized to two tanks of 500 in each full-sib family at 4 weeks of age and 200 in each at 12 weeks of age. Domesticated and crossbred fish did not differ in spawn characteristics or 4-week body weight but domesticated catfish grew progressively faster than crossbreds and were 55% heavier and 16% longer by 40 weeks of age. No survival differences were observed among the three genetic groups. A 9-week cage test which followed the tank culture also indicated that domesticated fish were superior to crossbreds in body weight, total length, condition factor, and carcass weight. These results indicated that a single WxS cross did not establish improved gene combinations without loss of growth performance.