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Biomedical subjects

J B Watson

Publications and source records attributed to J B Watson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Differential cDNA screening strategies to identify novel stage-specific proteins in the developing mammalian brain.

The molecular basis for cell lineage, migration and patterning in the developing mammalian brain is the focus of extensive investigation by neuroscientists. Many of the proteins that are uniquely expressed in specific stages of development remain to be isolated. In the present review, subtractive hybridization, differential display and single cell amplification are presented as possible differential cDNA screening strategies to identify new proteins important to neural development. The advantages and limitations of each approach are discussed and new lines of investigation in which they can be applied effectively are suggested.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Decreased GluR2(B) receptor subunit mRNA expression in cerebellar neurons at risk for degeneration.

A decrease in levels of GluR2 (GluR-B) relative to other glutamate receptor subunits is correlated with increased Ca2+ permeability of non-NMDA glutamate receptor channels. Sustained Ca2+ influx mediated by GluR2 through these channels may contribute partly to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. We examined the expression of glutamate receptor subunit (GluR1-7) mRNAs in the cerebellum of the mutant spastic Han-Wistar rat which is characterized by a progressive degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells and disarrangement of the granule cell layer. Combined Northern and slot blot studies detected decreased GluR2 subunit expression in mutant cerebellum relative to age-matched cerebellum. Quantitative in situ hybridization studies revealed decreased GluR2 mRNA expression in a population of Purkinje cells (78%) and in the granule cell layer (70%) in 30-day-old mutant cerebellum. Since there is little or no sign of cellular degeneration in mutant cerebellum at this age, we propose that decreased GluR2 mRNA expression in Han-Wistar cerebellar cells reflects an altered glutamate receptor that may aberrantly flux Ca2+ and thus contribute to progressive neuronal degeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Localization of the protein kinase C phosphorylation/calmodulin-binding substrate RC3 in dendritic spines of neostriatal neurons.

The rodent protein RC3 is expressed mainly by forebrain neurons during postnatal development and maturity. RC3 and its bovine homolog neurogranin/B-50 immunoreactive C-kinase substrate (BICKS) contain overlapping sites for protein kinase C phosphorylation and calmodulin binding that resemble those of the presynaptic 43-kDa growth-associated protein (GAP-43). However, morphological evidence suggests that RC3 has a postsynaptic localization. To test this hypothesis, we used two polyclonal antisera against synthetic peptides corresponding to nonoverlapping sequences within RC3 and compared cellular distributions of their binding in neostriatum of adult rats by immunohistochemistry, Golgi impregnation/gold toning, and correlative light/electron microscopy. Somatic and punctate patterns of RC3 immunoreactivity were observed. Somatic RC3 was found in cyto- and nucleoplasmic compartments of all neuronal phenotypes (medium spiny, medium aspiny, and large aspiny cells). Punctate RC3 was found mostly in dendritic spines. In contrast to the 43-kDa growth-associated protein, RC3 was seen infrequently in axons. We conclude that RC3 accumulates postsynaptically in dendritic spines of neostriatal neurons. We propose that RC3 acts as a "third messenger" substrate of protein kinase C-mediated molecular cascades during synaptic development and remodeling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Home intravenous therapy using a silastic long line catheter in cystic fibrosis patients.

Young patients with cystic fibrosis are now accustomed to having regular periods of intravenous therapy to help in the management of their recurring respiratory infections particularly due to pseudomonas organisms. Most patients will eventually experience difficulties in accepting recurring intravenous cannulations and the life span of the conventional intravenous cannula is frequently brief. We have compared percutaneous long line silastic catheters with conventional intravenous cannulas as intravenous access in children with cystic fibrosis being treated for pulmonary exacerbations. We conclude that silastic long lines are superior to conventional cannulas in terms of patient tolerance, reduction in the number of hospital admissions, reduction in the number of repeat venepunctures/cannulations and reduction in local complications. The high degree of patient acceptability has been impressive and has increased with the enthusiasm of children with cystic fibrosis for more frequent intravenous therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Familial infantile oesophageal achalasia.

Oesophageal achalasia is uncommon in children and in its familial form it is a rarity. The presentation and management of two male siblings who presented with oesophageal achalasia as infants are reported. A high degree of consanguinity in the parents of the children existed, suggesting autosomal recessive transmission.

Esophageal Achalasia↗
PubMed1990

Subtractive cDNA cloning of RC3, a rodent cortex-enriched mRNA encoding a novel 78 residue protein.

A rodent cortex-enriched mRNA, RC3, was identified by screening a rat brain cDNA library with a cortex-minus-cerebellum subtracted cDNA probe. Conceptual translation of RC3 cDNA sequences indicates that the rat and mouse mRNAs encode identical, novel 78 amino acid proteins. The RC3 protein amino terminus contains a cysteine-rich domain similar to those found in snake venom neurotoxins; the carboxyl terminus contains a collagen-like motif that may function in the assembly of RC3 subunits into a multimeric protein. Western blot experiments with an antiserum to a synthetic peptide corresponding to 27 residues of the 78 residue sequence identify an immunoreactive polypeptide with 18 kDa gel mobility that is likely to correspond to the RC3 protein. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization experiments show that RC3 mRNA is highly enriched in rat brain, with restricted expression in neuronal subsets primarily in the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus as well as certain nuclei within the thalamus, hypothalamus, the olfactory bulb.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

The acceptability and efficacy of terbutaline given by metered-dose powder inhalation ('Bricanyl Turbohaler') in asthmatic hospital out-patients: a multi-centre study.

An open, multi-centre study was carried out to assess the ease with which a patient could be instructed to use the terbutaline 'Turbohaler' ('Bricanyl Turbohaler') and whether benefit was obtained and technique still satisfactory 4 weeks later. Asthmatic patients not receiving oral steroids were eligible; 138 completed the study. There were consistent increases in PEFR and FEV1 at the start and end of the study on using the 'Bricanyl Turbohaler'. Over 80% of patients used it correctly in every respect fulfilling each of 8 criteria and 96% found it easy to use. It was easy to instruct patients to use the 'Turbohaler', patients continued to use it correctly after a month and obtained sustained benefit.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1988

A comparison of stutterers' and nonstutterers' affective, cognitive, and behavioral self-reports.

This study compared stutterers' and nonstutterers' communication attitudes. A self-report inventory based on a tripartite attitudinal model was administered to 75 adult stutterers and 81 adult nonstutterers. Ratings of 39 items representing 13 situational subscales, or types of speaking situations, on four response scales reflecting behavioral, affective, and cognitive components and a frequency scale were obtained. Self-ratings of speech enjoyment and speech skills best discriminated stutterers and nonstutterers. However, these self-ratings were related for both stutterers and nonstutterers. Frequency of encountering speaking situations was related to enjoyment of speech for stutterers, but not for nonstutterers. Moreover, stutterers, unlike nonstutterers, believed that most people's enjoyment of speech was not related to most people's speech skills. Similarities and differences in stutterers' and nonstutterers' ratings of specific speaking situations were identified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Varicella gangrenosa.

A four year old girl presented with varicella gangrenosa, and haematological investigations showed a disseminated intravascular coagulation. The child subsequently developed a unilateral deep venous thrombosis. She was treated with oral steroids and intravenous heparin and made a full recovery.

Chickenpox↗
PubMed1988

Communication attitudes and aging.

This investigation compared the reported communication attitudes of 102 adults in six age groups. Participants completed the Inventory of Communication Attitudes which examines perceptions of self and others in a number of speaking situations. Discriminant analysis procedures were utilized to examine age group differences. Results indicated significant difference across age groups for perceptions of self and perceptions of others. The two age groups most frequently differentiated from the other groups were those persons in their twenties and those in their sixties.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Laryngectomees' and nonlaryngectomees' perceptions of three methods of alaryngeal voicing.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the proficiency ratings made by laryngectomee and nonlaryngectomee judges when evaluating videotaped samples of laryngeal and alaryngeal speakers. A group of laryngectomee judges and three groups of nonlaryngectomized judges completed proficiency ratings for the following speakers: laryngeal (n = 10); electrolarynx (n = 11); esophageal (n = 12); and tracheoesophageal puncture (n = 10). Significant differences between laryngectomee and nonlaryngectomee judges were found when rating alaryngeal speakers, but not when rating normal, laryngeal speakers. Differences in judge group ratings varied according to the voicing method of the speakers and according to the vocal parameter being rated.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

Neural protein 1B236/myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) defines a subgroup of the immunoglobulin superfamily.

We have reviewed the structure and properties of the neural protein 1B236/MAG. This molecule consists largely of five Ig-like domains separated from its carboxyl terminal tail by a single membrane-spanning region. Two forms of the protein differ in the length and sequence of the carboxyl terminus: these are encoded by alternatively spliced mRNAs that are differentially expressed during postnatal neural development. The Ig-like domains of 1B236/MAG are unusual in having structural similarities to Ig V domains but with short Cys-Cys distances characteristic of C domains. Several other Ig-like molecules exhibit this structural feature, including the cell adhesion molecule N-CAM, which is most closely related in sequence to 1B236/MAG. We have proposed 1B236/MAG as the prototype for this subgroup of the Ig family and offer a model for this type of Ig domain structure. 1B236/MAG probably acts as a cell adhesion molecule to mediate interactions between cells in a fashion similar to that proposed for N-CAM. In particular, 1B236/MAG may be involved in interactions between myelinating oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells and axons or between adjacent layers of myelin membrane during the process of myelin compaction. It is most likely that the homophilic or heterophilic interactions of 1B236/MAG occur through binding to the Ig-like domains. The structure of 1B236/MAG is therefore quite consistent with its proposed function and may serve as the model for this class of cell-cell interaction molecules. One would predict, for example, that the neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule Ng-CAM, also known as NILE or L1 (Bock et al. 1985, Friedlander et al. 1985), which mediates interactions between neurons and glial cells, would have a very similar structure to those of N-CAM and 1B236/MAG. In addition, the carboxyl terminal tails of the 1B236/MAG proteins may also be involved in interactions with cytoskeletal components, during membrane vesicle transport through the glial cytoplasm during myelination or through neuronal axoplasm or cytoplasm. The availability of full-length cDNA clones of 1B236/MAG mRNAs with the ability to express these products in vitro will enable the structure and interactions of 1B236/MAG to be tested in detail.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Simian virus 40 associates with nuclear superstructures at early times of infection.

The association of infecting simian virus 40 with insoluble nuclear structures was assayed by disrupting infected nuclei and assaying insoluble fractions for virus. Three methods were used which lyse nuclei but maintain the insolubility of residual nuclear structures: sonication, high-salt-Triton-EDTA extraction, and low-salt-lithium diiodosalicylate extraction. After each type of nuclear extraction, infecting simian virus 40 remained associated with the residual nuclear structures. This association depended strictly on natural viral infections and on the use of buffers containing moderate amounts of salt and Mg2+ for the isolation of infected nuclei. These viral interactions exhibited behavior similar to host cell DNA interactions studied by analogous assays. Both viral DNA and coat proteins were found associated with the host cell nuclear superstructure. We concluding that at early times after infection the viral templates mimic the state of the host cell chromatin by attaching to the cellular nuclear matrix.

Cell Compartmentation↗
PubMed1987

Primate brain-specific cytoplasmic transcript of the Alu repeat family.

A 200-nucleotide RNA homologous to the left monomer of Alu elements was expressed in monkey and human brain and in cell lines but not in nonneural monkey tissues. Similar brain-specific transcription of identifier sequences was observed in rats. Thus, expression of selected repetitive DNA families is a conserved process in mammalian brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

John B. Watson remembered: an interview with James B. Watson. Interview by Mufid James Hannush.

Little is known about the personal life of John B. Watson, and this interview aims at capturing the personality of the founder of American behaviorism through the eyes of his son, James B. Watson. Today, psychologists and other social scientists increasingly realize that there is an intimate link between the biography of a psychologist and the kind of psychology he or she founds. Thus biographical information about a founding psychologist can help researchers make explicit this essential link.

Behaviorism↗
PubMed1987

Speaking proficiency variations according to method of alaryngeal voicing.

Twelve judges, with no previous exposure to laryngectomees, rated the speaking proficiencies of 33 laryngectomees divided into the following groups: esophageal speakers (n = 12); electrolarynx speakers (n = 11); and tracheoesophageal puncture speakers (n = 10). In addition, the speech of ten normal subjects was rated. Specific speaking parameters examined included voice quality, pitch, loudness, intelligibility, rate of speaking, visual presentation during speech, extraneous speaking noise, and overall communicative effectiveness. Multiple discriminant analyses performed on the ratings made by each judge revealed significant differences in ratings for various speaking parameters in the four subject groups. Results generally support the stance that tracheoesophageal speech is perceived as superior to communication with either an electrolarynx or with traditional esophageal speech, even though it is not viewed as comparable to normal voice.

Factor Analysis, Statistical↗
PubMed1985

Differences in speaking proficiencies in three laryngectomee groups.

Speaking proficiencies of three groups of alaryngeal speakers were examined: (1) esophageal speakers (n = 12), (2) electrolarynx speakers (n = 11), and (3) tracheoesophageal puncture speakers (n = 10). Subjects were videotaped while engaged in a variety of speaking tasks. Three groups of judges, varying in their knowledge about laryngectomees, independently rated the speaking proficiency of each videotaped speaker. Specific variables rated included voice quality, pitch, loudness, intelligibility, rate of speaking, visual presentation during speech, extraneous speaking noise, and overall communicative effectiveness. Multivariate analyses of variance performed on the ratings made by each judge group disclosed significant differences in ratings for various speaking variables for the three laryngectomee groups. In addition, differences in proficiency ratings for the laryngectomees were found, depending on the expertise level of the judges.

Aged↗