Cultural variation of perceptions of crew behaviour in multi-pilot aircraft.

As the "last line of defence" pilots in commercial aviation often have to counteract effects of unexpected system flaws that could endanger the safety of a given flight. In order to timely detect and mitigate consequences of latent or active failures, effective team behaviour of the crew members is an indispensable condition. While this fact is generally agreed in the aviation community, there seems to be a wide range of concepts how crews should interact most effectively. Within the framework of the European project JARTEL the cultural robustness of evaluations of crew behaviour was examined. 105 instructor pilots from 14 different airlines representing 12 European countries participated in this project. The instructors' evaluations of crew behaviours in eight video scenarios will be compared in relation to cultural differences on Hofstede's dimensions of Power Distance and Individualism.

On the relation between personality and job performance of airline pilots.

The validity of a personality questionnaire for the prediction of job success of airline pilots is compared to validities of a simulator checkflight and of flying experience data. During selection, 274 pilots applying for employment with a European charter airline were examined with a multidimensional personality questionnaire (Temperature Structure Scales; TSS). Additionally, the applicants were graded in a simulator checkflight. On the basis of training records, the pilots were classified as performing at standard or below standard after about 3 years of employment in the hiring company. In a multiple-regression model, this dichotomous criterion for job success can be predicted with 73.8% accuracy through the simulator checkflight and flying experience prior to employment. By adding the personality questionnaire to the regression equation, the number of correct classifications increases to 79.3%. On average, successful pilots score substantially higher on interpersonal scales and lower on emotional scales of the TSS.

Implementing human factors training for space crews.

NASA: Psychological aspects of long-term space flight are explored. European and U.S. space programs are contrasted. Human factors training programs address basic human factors training and crew-oriented psychological mission preparation. During the second phase, carefully selected crews focus on support of a team-building process and improvement of crew coordination skills, preventive reduction of inflight crew-load by anticipatory problem-solving, and development of supporting crew skills and preparation of inflight support activities. Elements of the training program were used in preparation of German members of a 1993 European Space Agency confinement study.^ieng

Allergie acute contact dermatitis due to Arnica tincture self-medication.

After repeated intermittent use of Arnica tincture for rosacea a 66-year-old patient developed acute allergic contact dermatitis with blistering upon the single application of Arnica tincture to the dorsum of the right hand for minor swelling. Contact allergy of the delayed type to Arnica tincture could be proven by patch testing. Early diagnosis and treatment prevented exacerbation and spreading of the disease. In view of the wide use of Arnica preparations, particularly for self-medication, and the notable sensitizing potential, Arnica tincture should be a regular component of patch test series, at least when drug allergy is suspected.

Evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal drugs in dermatology: Part I: Anti-inflammatory agents.

Topical herbal drugs have for centuries been used for treating skin ailments. Although they are currently widely accepted by patients, their scientific esteem among dermatologists in particular is limited. A variety of herbal drugs for topical application deserves consideration regarding their widespread use or their still ill-defined potential with respect to their benefit/risk ratio. Clinically, camomile (Chamomilla recutita) and hamamelis preparations look particularly well documented. While the final proof of efficacy in common dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis is still lacking, there is fairly ample evidence for their activity against cutaneous inflammation in man, as may be deduced from experiments with normal volunteers. With Hamamelis virginiana this looks paricularly promising, as unwanted effects related to the drug are virtually absent. With camomile preparations the degree of safety seems to depend largely on the plant used. Some herbal drugs clearly need further analysis until their value can be determined. This includes the frequently-used aloe preparations. This is the more remarkable as huge numbers of in vitro studies are available. Arnica is fairly unique in so far as the lack of proof of efficacy strongly contrasts to its sensitization potential. So far, in particular dermatitis and related disorders can be considered potential indications for topical herbal antiinflammatory drugs. Studies in psoriasis vulgaris should also be performed addressing long-term application. In this context such fairly ill-defined drugs as Mahonia deserve attention.

An active Mehler-peroxidase reaction sequence can prevent cyclic PS I electron transport in the presence of dioxygen in intact spinach chloroplasts.

Simultaneous measurements of 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) fluorescence quenching, O2-uptake and chlorophyll fluorescence of intact spinach chloroplasts were carried out to assess the relationship between the transthylakoidal ΔpH and linear electron flux passing through Photosystem II. Three different types of O2-dependent electron flow were investigated: (1) Catalysed by methyl viologen; (2) in the absence of a catalyst and presence of an active ascorbate peroxidase (Mehler-peroxidase reaction); (3) in the absence of a catalyst and with the ascorbate peroxidase being inhibited by KCN (Mehler reaction). The aim of this study was to assess the relative contribution of ΔpH-formation which is not associated with electron flow through Photosystem II and, which should reflect Photosystem I cyclic flow under the different conditions. The relationship between the extent of 9-AA fluorescence quenching and O2-uptake rate was found to be almost linear when methyl viologen was present. In the absence of methyl viologen (Mehler reaction) an increase of 9-AA fluorescence quenching to a value of 20% at low light intensities was associated with considerably less O2-uptake than in the presence of methyl viologen, indicating the involvement of cyclic flow. These findings are in agreement with a preceding study of Kobayashi and Heber (1994). However, when no KCN was added, such that the complete Mehler-peroxidase reaction sequence was operative, the relationship between 9-AA fluorescence quenching and the flux through PS II, as measured via the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter ΔF/Fm' × PAR, was identical to that observed in the presence of methyl viologen. Under the assumption that methyl viologen prevents cyclic flow, it is concluded that there is no significant contribution of cyclic electron flow to ΔpH-generation in intact spinach chloroplasts.

On the relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence quenching and the quantum yield of electron transport in isolated thylakoids.

The relationship between the empirical fluorescence index ΔF/Fm' and the quantum yield of linear electron flow, Φ(s), was investigated in isolated spinach thylakoids. Conditions were optimised for reliable determination of ΔF/Fm' and Φ(s) with methyl viologen or ferricyanide as electron acceptors under coupled and uncoupled conditions. Ascorbate in combination with methyl viologen was found to stimulate light-induced O2-uptake which is not reflected in ΔF/Fm' and interpreted to reflect superoxide reduction by ascorbate. In the absence of ascorbate, the plot of ΔF/Fm' vs. Φ(s) was mostly linear, except for the range of high quantum yields, i.e. at rather low photon flux densities. With ferricyanide as acceptor, use of relatively low concentrations (0.1-0.3 mM) was essential for correct Fm'-determinations, particularly under uncoupled conditions. Under coupled and uncoupled conditions the same basic relationship between ΔF/Fm' and Φ(s) was observed, irrespective of Φ(s) being decreased by increasing light intensity or by DCMU-addition. The plots obtained with methyl viologen and ferricyanide as acceptors were almost identical and similar to corresponding plots reported previously by other researchers for intact leaves. It is concluded that the index ΔF/Fm' can be used with isolated chloroplasts for characterisation of such types of electron flow which are difficult to assess otherwise, as e.g. O2 dependent flux. The origin of the 'non-linear' part of the relationship is discussed. An involvement of 'inactive' PS II centers with separate units and inefficient QA-QB electron transfer is considered likely.

Retention of thrombin by polytetrafluoroethylene: influence on the adsorption of fibrinogen/fibrin.

Beads of polytetrafluoroethylene were used to investigate adsorption of thrombin and the influence of the adsorbed protease on a subsequent deposition of fibrinogen. Adsorption of active thrombin was not detected by a specific fluorogenic substrate unless > 0.1 units/ml had been applied. Adsorption was considerably improved by albumin, which protected soluble thrombin from inactivation by hydrophobic surfaces. Retention of active thrombin was optimal at ca. 0.1% albumin and decreased at higher concentrations. After incubation with plasma, negligible thrombin activity was detected at the polytetrafluoroethylene beads by the fluorogenic substrate. However, repeated incubation with fresh plasma samples resulted in adsorbed activity rising with each step. This result suggested that thrombin activity should also accumulate at a polytetrafluoroethylene surface in vivo if fresh blood is permanently flowing past. Adsorbed thrombin improved the subsequent retention of fibrinogen, monitored by an antibody technique. Concomitantly, fibrinopeptides A, AP and AY were slowly released whilst fibrinopeptide B was not detectable before 24 h.

Intact chloroplasts display pH 5 optimum of O2-reduction in the absence of methyl viologen: Indirect evidence for a regulatory role of superoxide protonation.

The pH-dependence of light-driven O2-reduction in intact spinach chloroplasts is studied by means of chlorophyll fluorescence quenching analysis and polarographic O2-uptake measurements. Most experiments are carried out in presence of KCN, which blocks activities of Calvin cycle, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. pH is varied by equilibration with external buffers in presence of nigericin. Vastly different pH-optima for O2-dependent electron flow are observed in the presence and absence of the redox catalyst methyl viologen. Both fluorescence quenching analysis and O2-uptake reveal a distinct pH 5 optimum of O2-reduction in the absence of methyl viologen. In the presence of this catalyst, O2-reduction is favoured in the alkaline region, with an optimum around pH 8, similar to other types of Hill reaction. It is suggested that in the absence of methyl viologen the extent of irreversibility of O2-reduction is determined by the rate of superoxide protonation. This implies that O2-reduction takes place within the aprotic phase of the thylakoid membrane and that superoxide-reoxidation via oxidized PS I donors competes with protonation. Superoxide protonation is proposed to occur at the internal surface of the thylakoid membrane. There is no competition between superoxide reoxidation and protonation when in the presence of methyl viologen the site of O2-reduction is shifted into the protic stroma phase. In confirmation of this interpretation, fluorescence measurements in the absence of KCN reveal, that non-catalysed O2-dependent electron flow is unique in beingstimulated by the transthylakoidal pH-gradient. On the basis of these findings a major regulatory role of O2-dependent electron flow under excess light conditions is postulated.

Immobilization of soluble fibrin on factor XIIIa-coated polystyrene beads mediated by N-terminal fibronectin fragments. II. Demonstration of covalent adducts of fibrin peptide chains and fibronectin fragments.

Previous experiments had shown that the free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa-domain mediates binding of soluble 125I-fibrin to transamidase-coated polystyrene beads (Hörmann et al., Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler 368, 669-674, 1987). Now, the formation of covalent adducts of the N-terminal fragment with fibrin peptide chains is demonstrated. Binding of soluble 125I-fibrin was performed in presence of N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa or 70-kDa fragments. The material adsorbed was removed from the beads under reducing conditions and analysed by dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography. The 30-kDa fragment gave rise to bands of 80 kDa and 180-200 kDa which were lacking in the products of the 70-kDa compound. Instead, they showed bands at 120 kDa and ca. 280 kDa. Evidently, those bands represented covalent adducts of fibrin peptide chains or their dimers with the 30-kDa or the 70-kDa fragment, respectively. In addition, dimeric gamma-chains and alpha-chain polymers of fibrin were present indicating partial polymerization of bead-attached fibrin.

[Hemodynamic effects of disopyramide on postischemic and normal myocardium]. / Hämodynamische Wirkungen von Disopyramid auf postischämisches und normales Myokard.

The acute effects of i.v. disopyramide (1.5 mg/kg) on the hemodynamics of postischemic hearts were investigated in comparison to normal ventricles. Infusion (7 min) was started in rats 20 min after 3 x 4 min of global ischemia during the period of stable postischemic dysfunction. 15 minutes after disopyramide i.v. (vs. NaCl control data) the cardiac output was reduced to 82 +/- 4% (vs. 101 +/- 5%; p less than 0.01) and dp/dtmax to 77 +/- 5% (vs. 83 +/- 3%). The maximum isovolumic pressure generating capacity as load-independent index of myocardial contractility was reduced to 89 +/- 2% (vs. 95 +/- 2%; p less than 0.05). In contrast to the results on postischemic myocardium no measureable change of the hemodynamics was detectable after the identical dose in normal animals without left ventricular dysfunction. Our results indicate an increased sensitivity of postischemic myocardium with modestly reduced contractile function to the hemodynamic effects of disopyramide, especially to the negative-inotropic effects.

Cell-binding and internalization of soluble fibrin by platelets.

Centrifuged human platelets bound soluble 125I-labelled fibrin, mediated by a plasma factor. Binding was inhibited by D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl- chloromethane (PPACK), which specifically blocks thrombin. As the binding-promoting principle was adsorbed to barium citrate, it was tentatively characterized as prothrombin, suggesting that it might be converted to thrombin at the cell surface. The peptide GRGDSP failed to inhibit binding, thus eliminating the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex as a receptor. Most likely, a thrombin - fibrin complex is recognized by a cell receptor, possibly protease-nexin I. In a platelet concentrate, the cells also internalized 125I-labelled fibrin, providing evidence that platelets are involved in the clearance of circulating fibrin - monomer complexes. Engulfment was again inhibited by PPACK or hirudin but not by an antibody against the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex.

Binding and internalization of soluble fibrin by thrombocytes.

Binding of soluble 125I-fibrin to platelets was investigated with thrombocytes separated by gelfiltration or by sedimentation as well as in a thrombocyte concentrate. Gelfiltered platelets failed to retain 125I-fibrin within 16 hours unless they had been pretreated with factor XIIIa. In addition, a 30 kDa-component derived from the N-terminal fibronectin domain was required as a mediator. Platelets isolated by sedimentation bound some 125I-fibrin even in the absence of those cofactors. The 30 kDa-component improved binding and only this increase was sensitive to putrescine inhibition. Evidently, centrifuged platelets unlike gelfiltered ones express two pathways of fibrin binding. In a thrombocyte concentrate with platelets in their plasmatic environment 125I-fibrin was partially internalized. Engulfed radioactivity was detectable only for a limited period between 4-6 hours after substrate application suggesting that 125I-fibrin was intracellularly degraded followed by release of the fragments. The 30 kDa-component promoted internalization, while factor XIIIa improved the capacity. Thrombin inhibitors suppressed the uptake.

Plasma free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa domain as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The plasma free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa domain was measured in 44 type 1 diabetic patients and in 20 healthy subjects. A significantly raised mean concentration of a free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa domain was found in plasma of diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy as compared with healthy persons (P less than 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa domain and von Willebrand factor in plasma of all examined subjects (r = 0.62, P less than 0.01). A similar correlation was present between 30-kDa domain and albuminuria (r = 0.56, P less than 0.01). However, no relationship was found between fibronectin 30-kDa domain and control of diabetes as assessed by fructosamine concentration. The free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa domain may be used as a marker of actual endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetes.

[Negative inotropic effect of flecainide on the post-ischemic heart with limited contractile function]. / Negativ inotrope Wirkung von Flecainid bei postischämischen Herzen mit eingeschränkter kontraktiler Funktion.

The hemodynamic effects of 7 min i.v. flecainide were examined in rats with postischemic left ventricular dysfunction. For quantification of contractile function the isovolumic left ventricular pressure generating capacity and dp/dtmax were determined. Fifteen min after infusion the isovolumic maximum pressure was reduced for 33 mm Hg after flecainide (2 mg/kg; n = 12), whereas in the controls only a minimal reduction (12 mm Hg; n = 13) was found; dp/dtmax was also significantly reduced after flecainide. The results indicate - in contrast to prior investigations on normal hearts - a considerable negative action of 2 mg/kg flecainide i.v. on postischemic myocardium with reduced contractile function.

The heparin-dependent accumulation of plasma fibronectin on macrophages.

Previous experiments (Hörmann, H. & Jelinic, V. (1980) Hoppe-Seyler's Z. Physiol. Chem. 361, 379-387) had shown that heparin promoted the binding of plasma fibronectin to peritoneal macrophages of guinea pigs. The present data reveal that this effect only takes place at higher fibronectin concentrations indicating cooperative processes, most likely association of fibronectin at the cell surface. An unspecific precipitation of fibronectin by heparin was prevented by calcium in the medium. The accumulation at the cell surface was inhibited by the following fibronectin fragments: N-terminal 30 kDa and 70 kDa containing a potential self-association site and a transamidase-reactive site; central 95 kDa which comprised a negatively charged region possibly involved in self-association as well as the so-called alternative cell-binding site, but was lacking the cell-binding Arg-Gly-Asp sequence; heparin-binding 37-kDa and 60-kDa fragments. All these domains and sites, therefore, were potentially important in the assembly process at the cell surface. A peptide comprising the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp was ineffective pointing against an involvement of this fibronectin cell-binding site in the overall process. Macrophages of older animals were less capable of accumulating fibronectin under the reaction conditions. Their capability was improved after preincubation with activated plasma transglutaminase (coagulation factor XIIIa) suggesting that a cell-attached transamidase might be important for the assembly process.

Evidence for the presence of a free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kDa domain in human plasma by quantitative determination with an indirect immunosorbent assay.

The free N-terminal 30-kDa domain of the fibronectin subunit chains had previously been shown to mediate binding of soluble fibrin to phagocytic cells. In order to demonstrate whether the fragment is available in plasma in a suitable concentration, an indirect immunoassay procedure for its quantitative evaluation was developed. The free form of the 30-kDa domain was separated from fibronectin and the bulk of the plasma proteins by two-step affinity chromatography on gelatin- and heparin-Sepharose. In the eluate of the heparin-Sepharose the 30-kDa fragment was determined by its capacity to inhibit the immune reaction between a specific antiserum and the 30-kDa fragment immobilized on microtiter wells. The procedure offered reproductibility comparable with other immunoassays (coefficient of variation 4.0 to 8.0%); the lowest amount of detectable 30-kDa fragment was 0.1 microgram/ml. In human plasma this method detected for the first time ca. 5 micrograms/ml 30-kDa fragment. This concentration is in the range required for binding of fibrin to cells.

Free N-terminal fibronectin 30-kD-domain mediates binding of soluble fibrin to gelfiltered unstimulated thrombocytes.

Gelfiltered unstimulated human platelets neither bound 125-I-fibrinogen nor 125-I-fibrin. Fibrin-binding was, however, stimulated by N-terminal fibronectin 30 kD-and 70 kD-fragments while fibronectin was ineffective. The 30 kD-fragment also stimulated some platelet preparations to bind fibrinogen which, however, was suppressed by minute amounts of the thrombin inhibitor PPACK. PPACK hardly influenced fibrin-binding. Fragment-promoted fibrinogen-binding was also inhibited by a monoclonal antibody recognizing the membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex known to act as fibrinogen receptor. This antibody failed to influence fragment-stimulated fibrin-binding giving evidence that fibrinogen and fibrin were retained by different receptors. In contrast to 125-I-fibrin its plasmin-derived and 125-I-labelled fragment X was not recognized by the platelets in presence of the fibronectin 30 kD-fragment. Fragment-stimulated binding of 125-I-fibrin showed a lag phase and was completely inhibited by 0.25 mM putrescine as well as by 1 mM EDTA or 0.1 mM N-ethylmaleinimide. Evidently, a cell-attached transamidase was involved in fibrin-binding possibly by forming a ternary complex with fibrin and the fibronectin fragment.

[The validity of a psychological selection procedure for aerospace operators]. / Zur Bewahrung psychologischer Auswahlverfahren fur operationelle Berufe in der Luft- und Raumfahrt.

The validity of a psychological selection system for highly qualified aerospace operators is examined. Of 399 student airline pilots recruited with this procedure, 349 (88%) completed the flight training successfully. Multivariate statistical data analyses on the basis of the criteria training success (pass/fail) and instructor's ratings resulted in acceptable validity coefficients. Whereas tests of psychomotor coordination and multiple task performance proved to be significant predictors for the training success as a whole, such characteristics as mathematical reasoning, mental concentration, perceptual speed and spatial orientation were more related to the instructor's ratings. The significance of psychological aptitude testing for the efficiency of man/machine interactions is discussed.