cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P21 Endogenous H2S produced by CSE selectively facilitates acetylcholine release from synaptic terminals of central origin in mouse superior mesenteric ganglion

Abdominal sympathetic prevertebral ganglia in mammals play a major physiological role in regulating motility, absorption and secretion in the gastrointestinal tract and its accessory organs. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an important messenger molecule in the central nervous system and enteric nervous system. We designed experiments to test the hypotheses that prevertebral ganglia have the enzymatic machinery to generate H2S, that H2S is continuously generated and released in the prevertebral ganglia and that H2S modulates fast cholinergic nicotinic excitatory synaptic input (F-EPSP). Methods The superior mesenteric ganglion (SMG) and attached splanchnic and colonic nerve trunks were dissected from adult SJL/J mice. The use of mouse tissue was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Sharp glass microelectrodes were used for intracellular recordings and bi-polar stimulating electrodes were used to evoke F-EPSPs. Immunostaining was performed with antibodies for cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and with vesicular acetylcholine transporter to identify preganglionic cholinergic terminals. Since the amount of tissue in mouse prevertebral ganglia was less than the amount required for the assay method (gas chromatography), we used guinea pig prevertebral ganglia to measure endogenous H2S generation. Results Immunoreactivity of CSE was found in neurons and glia cells. There was no colocalization of CSE with immunoreactivity of vesicular acetylcholine transporter. Immunoreactivity of CBS was only found in some glia cells. There was no colocalization between immunoreactivity of CBS and immunoreactivity of vesicular acetylcholine transporter. Endogenous H2S was generated and released from homogenized guinea pig sympathetic prevertebral ganglia at a rate of 2.52 ± 0.52 pmol/min/mg tissue weight, suggesting that H2S is generated in intact prevertebral ganglia. To determine whether the F-EPSPs are potentiated by endogenously released H2S in mouse SMG, we tested the effect of inhibiting H2S break-down using stigmatellin, a specific sulfide quinone reductase inhibitor. Stigmatellin (1 μM) significantly (p dl -propargylglycine (PAG) (1 μM) on F-EPSPs evoked by splanchnic and colonic nerve stimulation in the presence of PAG. The amplitude and area of F-EPSPs evoked by splanchnic nerve stimulation were significantly (p 0.05) effect on F-EPSPs evoked by colonic nerve stimulation (30.2 ± 6.1 mV and 808 ± 235 ms · mV with PAG vs. 26.9 ± 7.6 mV and 855 ± 241 ms · mV before PAG; n = 5). Conclusions H2S is enzymatically generated and released in the mouse prevertebral ganglia where it potentiates fast cholinergic synaptic input in a pathway specific manner.
The Importance of a Research Data Statement and How to Develop One

A research plan must answer four questions: (i) What is the scientific question that the research seeks to answer? (ii) What type of investigation will the researcher conduct? (iii) What measurements will be made? (iv) What type of data analysis will be used, and will there be sufficient statistical power in the data to give an effective answer to the question? I illustrate how each of these questions can be answered. The first requires conceptual and propositional analysis to refine concepts and postulates so that an important scientific question is developed and one that is possible to answer. Questions ii, iii and iv together form a Data Statement that must answer why a particular type of investigation is appropriate and how that question will be answered. It must define the extent to which measurements represent the concepts in question and the accuracy and precision of those measurements. And, most important, the Data Statement must define the type of data analysis that will be used, including a definition of the statistical power necessary to answer the question effectively. The development of a Data Statement will usually involve exploratory analysis of the scientific question to explore the effectiveness of proposed measurements and to enable calculation of a sampling regimen that will provide adequate statistical power.
Rumination: Its significance in adults with bulimia nervosa

Abstract Rumination in infants and young children has been described extensively in the literature. More recently, reports have appeared on rumination in adults in association with bulimia nervosa, but not with anorexia nervosa. The authors describe two cases in which rumination could have been easily overlooked had a line of questioning not been pursued that facilitated establishment of the diagnosis. The significance of the association of rumination with bulimia nervosa, and the possible complications, are further discussed.
SU-E-T-319: Monte Carlo Characterization of a New Directional Pd-103 High Dose Rate Source for Brachytherapy Application.

Purpose: Standard brachytherapysources emit radiation in a non‐preferential direction away from the source. Though treatment outcomes are good, this can lead to late skin and subcutaneous toxicities in sensitive structures. Proposed low dose rate directional sources for interstitial brachytherapy, showed to have an improvement in the dose uniformity within the subcutaneous volume, reduction in skindose, and reduction in volume receiving dose outside the target. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the potential use of a new Pd‐103 directional seed for application in high dose rate brachytherapytreatments.Methods:Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the MCNP5 F6 energy deposition tallies as well as the MCNP5 F4 flux density tallies placed around a partially shielded Pd‐103 source at angles(deg): 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315 as well as radial distances (cm): 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The source that modeled was a Pd‐103 core using TG‐43U recommended nuclear data, with a diameter = 1.4 mm, active length = 1.0 cm. In addition osmiummetal with .03 mm thickness was used as shielding material to cover half of the cylindrical surface of the Pd‐103 volume. The seed was encapsulated using .05 mm thick titanium.Results: MCNP models show that the dose to the radial distances, corresponding to the osmium shielded side, are dramatically reduced to less than 4% of the total dose.Conclusions: The potential of a Pd‐103 directional brachytherapysource has been studied. The results show that a seed with a partially shielded volume can be exploited to reduce side effects associated with radiation therapy to sensitive structures surrounding target volumes.
"Falamos como Falamos": Linguistic Revitalization and the Maintenance of Local Vernaculars in Galicia

This article discusses the dynamics of linguistic revitalization in late-20thcentury Galicia. It includes an examination of the conflicts surrounding the way in which the minoritized Galician language was standardized and normalized in post–Franco Spain. This is followed with a consideration of the difficulties of promoting a recently standardized version of Galician among rural dwellers who speak local vernaculars. The concepts of "languages of solidarity" and alternative linguistic markets are applied to the employment of vernacular Galician in rural communities to contest the authoritative definition of "correct" language by urban planners and and educators.
Aluminum impairs glucose utilization and cholinergic activity in rat brain in vitro.

Abstract The effects of AlCl3 on the production of 14CO2 from [U-14C] glucose and high affinity choline transport in rat brain synaptosomes, and on carbachol-stimulated hydrolysis of phosphoinositides in cortical slices were studied. In buffer containing either high K+ (50 mM) or low K+ (4.9 mM), 1 mM AlCl3 significantly depressed the synaptosomal production of 14CO2 from [U-14C]-glucose to 54% and 44% of control rates, respectively. At a concentration of 0.1 mM, AlCl3 depressed the evolution of 14CO2 from [U-14C]glucose from synaptosomes incubated in the high K+ buffer, but did not significantly change 14CO2 production from synaptosomes in the low K+ buffer. Aluminum chloride also inhibited high affinity choline transport in synaptosomes prepared from rat cortex and from hippocampus with an IC50 of approximately 0.5 mM. In brain slices the carbachol-stimulated hydrolysis of phosphoinositides was inhibited by AlCl3 in a dose-dependent manner. One millimolar, 0.5 mM and 0.1 mM AlCl3 inhibited the carbachol-stimulated release of inositol phosphates by 75%, 44% and 33%, respectively. These same concentrations of AlCl3 inhibited the incorporation of [3H] inositol into phospholipids. This inhibitory effect was not dose-dependent as all 3 concentrations of AlCl3 inhibited phospholipid labelling to the same extent (27–37%). These results are discussed in relation to the in vivo neurotoxicity of aluminum.
Fibrate prevents cisplatin-induced proximal tubule cell death

Fibrate prevents cisplatin-induced proximal tubule cell death. Background In previous studies we have shown that cisplatin inhibits peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) activity and consequently fatty acid oxidation, and these events precede proximal tubule cell death. In addition the use of fibrate class of PPAR-α ligands ameliorate renal function by preventing both inhibition of fatty acid oxidation and proximal tubule cell death. Methods LLC-PK1 cells were treated with cisplatin and apoptosis was established by the presence of nuclear fragmentation and by cell cycle analysis. Proximal tubular cells treated with cisplatin and bezafibrate were subjected to sub cellular fractionation and the presence of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and active caspase-3 in the cytosolic and mitochondrial membrane fractions was determined by Western blot analysis. PPAR-α activity was measured by determining luciferase activity after transfection of LLC-PK1 cells with TK-Luc 3× PPAR response elements (PPRE), and the accumulation of nonesterified free fatty acids was measured in lysates obtained from cells treated with cisplatin and bezafibrate. Results Incubation of LLC-PK1 cells with 25 μmol/L cisplatin for 18 hours induced 41.5% apoptosis measured by cell cycle analysis. Cisplatin-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed by bezafibrate, a fibrate class of PPAR-α ligand. Bezafibrate treatment of LLC-PK1 cells prevented cisplatin-induced translocation of proapoptotic Bax from the cytosol to the mitochondrial fraction, and increased the expression of antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2. Cisplatin-induced inhibition of PPAR-α activity was accompanied by increased accumulation of nonesterified free fatty acids. Pretreatment with bezafibrate prevented both the inhibition of PPAR-α activity and the accumulation of nonesterified free fatty acids induced by cisplatin. Finally, bezafibrate prevented cisplatin-induced release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and the cleavage of procaspase-3 to active caspase-3. Conclusion Bezafibrate treatment inhibits cisplatin-mediated tubular injury by preventing the activation of various cellular mechanisms that lead to proximal tubule cell death. These findings support our previous observations where the use of fibrates represents a novel strategy to ameliorate proximal tubule cell death in cisplatin-induced acute renal failure.
Effective channel utilization using the RI-BTMA protocol

This paper examines the use of the Receiver Initiated Busy Tone Medium Access (RI-BTMA) protocol in a dense ad hoc network. The RI-BTMA protocol is known to eliminate the hidden and exposed node problems in sparse networks where a transceiver will see one active link or none at all. When multiple links are active, their busy tone signals will interfere. This paper addresses the phase synchronization problem by using the residual frequency offset and a longer sampling time for an incoming transceiver. The problem of choosing a carrier sensing threshold is discussed. In this paper we show that in an ad hoc network nodes which are clustered together have a higher probability of being interrupted. This enforces a spreading or regularization of any randomly generated topology. It is shown through simulations that the effect of the regularization for the RI-BTMA protocol is that the choice of carrier sensing threshold which eliminates the hidden node problem does not vary significantly with link density.
The use of the plato computer system in chemical engineering

Abstract Computer aided instruction on the PLATO System has been generated and tested for three chemical engineering cources: stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and unit operations. The use of these materials has had strong educational benefits, as shown by several years of testing with several hundred students.
Childhood soft-tissue sarcoma associated with Sotos syndrome.

We report a case of a 4-year-old female with Sotos syndrome (cerebral gigantism) whose initial clinical, pathologic, and imaging presentation was considered suspicious for a vascular malformation of her left thigh. Following 17 months of attempted treatment, excision of the supposed vascular malformation was performed. Pathology tests revealed high-grade sarcoma. The delay of diagnosis resulted in an above-the-knee amputation for definitive treatment. If this etiology had been considered earlier in this patient’s clinical course, her treatment could have commenced sooner, and amputation of her leg may have been avoided. While soft-tissue sarcoma arising in childhood is rare, malignancy should be given consideration when evaluating a mass in a young child with characteristic physical examination findings of Sotos syndrome, since these children have an elevated risk of malignancy over the general population.
Radial-position-controlled doping of CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals: surface effects and position-dependent properties.

Energy transfer in doped semiconductor nanocrystals: Mn-doped CdS/ZnS nanocrystals show interesting photoluminescence and EPR properties that are strongly dependent on the radial position of Mn dopants inside nanocrystals (see graphic). Furthermore, the results suggest a two-step mechanism for the energy transfer inside the doped nanocrystals.This paper reports a study of the surface effects and position-dependent properties of Mn-doped CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals, which were prepared by using a three-step synthesis method. The Mn-doping level of these nanocrystals was determined by a combination of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. These nanocrystals were further characterized by using transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. First, we found that injecting a large excess of zinc stearate at the end of nanocrystal synthesis can sufficiently eliminate the surface-trap states from the doped CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals and enhance their photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY). Second, our results demonstrate that the Mn-PL QY is determined by the product of the efficiency of energy transfer from an exciton inside the CdS core to a Mn ion (Phi(ET)) and the efficiency of the emission from the Mn ion (Phi(Mn)). Third, Phi(Mn) strongly depends on the radial position of Mn ions in the doped core/shell nanocrystals. The position-dependent changes of Phi(Mn) nearly perfectly correlate to those of the linewidth of Mn EPR peaks: the higher the Phi(Mn), the narrower the linewidth of the Mn EPR peak. Fourth, the results demonstrate that Phi(ET) depends on the Mn-doping level as well as the inverse sixth power of the distance between a Mn ion and the center of its host nanocrystal. Accordingly, we propose a two-step mechanism for the energy transfer: 1) the energy transfer from an exciton inside the CdS core to a bound exciton around a Mn center, which is the rate-determining step and follows the Forster mechanism, and 2) the energy transfer from the bound exciton to the Mn center, which might follow a mechanism such as dark exciton (triplet exciton) or Auger transfer.
Foreign and Domestic Divestments: Evidence on Valuation Effects of Plant Closings

This study examines the valuation consequences of domestic and foreign divestments by comparing the stock price reaction to announcements of domestic plant closings and foreign plant closings. A domestic plant closing could indicate firm-wide problems and impending firm deterioration. A foreign plant may serve to exploit arbitrage opportunities specific to that plant location. Closing a foreign plant need not signify firm-wide problems. Our comparison of stated reasons for closings supports these propositions. Therefore, foreign plant closing announcements should produce a smaller stock price decline that domestic plant closing announcements. Empirical results indicate a significant negative stock price reaction for domestic plant closings and an insignificant negative stock price reaction for foreign plant closings. Differences in stock price reaction remain after controlling for firm-specific factors.
Host Defenses in the Aged: Evaluation of Components of the Inflammatory and Immune Responses

Host defenses were evaluated in 70 healthy aged volunteers. Individuals who had diseases or who were taking medication known to affect the inflammatory and immune responses were excluded from the study. Volunteers were followed for 24 months to correlate their state of health with the evaluation of host defenses. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function and the serum opsonic capacity for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were normal. Assays of complement components and activity revealed unexplained elevations in native C3 and properdin, normal concentrations of factor B, normal conversion of C3 by inulin, and normal levels of hemolytic complement. The levels of IgG and IgA did not differ from levels noted in younger controls, but the concentration of IgM was decreased and that of IgE increased. The prevalence of autoantibodies was low. None of the volunteers were anergic, but lymphocyte responses to mitogens were depressed in three-day cultures. The number and percentages of E-rosette-forming cells and cells bearing surface IgD or IgM were normal. No lymphopenia was noted.
EFFECTS OF SELF-FERTILIZATION IN THE GIANT KELP, MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA

The costs of self-fertilization were evaluated for the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Macrocystis, like other kelps, has a biphasic life history in which the dispersal stage is the 1N spore generation. Once spores settle, they grow into sedentary and micro- scopic male or female gametophytes, which produce sperm and eggs. Fertilization ensues, and the resultant 2N sporophyte, the spore-producing form, grows rapidly to a height of up to 25 m. Based on previous empirical studies and modeling field surveys, the potential for self-fertilization is expected to be high, largely due to the shape and extent of spore dispersal distributions. The costs of self-fertilization were assessed with laboratory and field experiments over the entire life history of the sporophyte stage. There was no evidence for self-incompatibility, and fitness was dramatically lower in selfed compared to outcrossed individuals. In addition, there was evidence that costs were more severe under intraspecific competition with outcrossed individuals. The demonstrated severity of the consequences of self-fertilization suggests a species that typically outcrosses (at least under the assumption that costs result from rare recessive deleterious alleles). However, costs were more pro- nounced in later life history phases, suggesting routine self-fertilization. One implication of significant levels of self-fertilization in Macrocystis is a sort of inbreeding-mediated localized population senescence, leading to striking oscillations in populations, a pattern seen in many Californian kelp beds.
Effect of Soybean Hulls, Soy Lecithin, and Soapstock Mixtures on Ruminal Fermentation and Milk Composition in Dairy Cows

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of soybean hulls, soy lecithin, and soapstock mixtures on ruminal fermentation, milk composition, and ruminal microbial populations. In Experiment 1, 20 Holstein dairy cows were assigned to one of five total mixed rations (TMR) in replicated 5 x 5 Latin squares to measure the effect of TMR on intake and milk composition. Four ruminally fistulated cows were used in a 4 x 5 Youden square to measure the effect of TMR on ruminal fermentation. The TMR consisted of 40 or 50% alfalfa and corn silages, 13% soybean hulls, and 47 or 37% of a concentrate containing either 2.25% soybean oil; 2.25% lipid from a mixture of soybean hulls, soy lecithin, and soapstock; or no added lipid. The ratios of soy lecithin to soapstock evaluated were 1:1, 2.5:1, and 4:1 (dry basis). The TMR containing soy lecithin and soapstock at ratios of 1:1 and 2.5:1 resulted in higher milk C18:2 than did the soybean oil TMR. Rate of ruminal NDF digestion of soybean hulls was reduced for the soybean oil TMR. In Experiment 2, a semi-continuous culture system was used to determine effects of soybean oil or an optimal mixture of soy lecithin and soapstock (1:1, wt/wt) on fermentation of soybean hulls and microbial populations. The TMR containing the lipid mixture increased the ratio of acetate to propionate compared with the TMR containing soybean oil and resulted in higher total protozoal counts than did the control TMR. The TMR containing mixtures of soy lecithin and soapstock at ratios of 1:1 and 2.5:1 elevated milk C18:2, and no negative effect on NDF digestion was detected, indicating some degree of ruminal protection.
Enzymatic modification of heparan sulfate on a biochip promotes its interaction with antithrombin III.

Abstract A heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chain, biotinylated at its reducing-end, was bound to a streptavidin-coated biochip. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy showed a low affinity interaction with antithrombin III (ATIII) when it was flowed over a surface containing heparan sulfate. ATIII bound tightly with high affinity when the same surface was enzymatically modified to using 3- O -sulfotransferase isoform 1 (3-OST-1) in the presence of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS). The 3-OST-1 enzyme is involved in heparan sulfate biosynthesis and introduces a critical 3- O -sulfo group into this glycosaminoglycan affording the appropriate pentasaccharide sequence capable of high affinity binding to ATIII. This experiment demonstrates the specific structural modification of a glycosaminoglycan bound to a biochip using a biosynthetic enzyme, suggesting a new approach to rapid screening glycosaminoglycan-protein interactions.
The ultrastructure and synaptic connections of the spinal terminations from single, physiologically characterized axons descending in the dorsolateral funiculus from the midline, pontomedullary region

Single axons descending in the spinal, dorsolateral funiculus which were directly activated by stimulating in or near nucleus raphe magnus (nRM) in the rostral medulla were iontophoretically injected with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Labeled axons and terminal arborizations in the spinal cord were demonstrated by diaminobenzidine histochemistry following fixation. Sections were processed for electron microscopy and embedded between coverslips. Following examination with the light microscope, selected boutons were sectioned in ultrathin series and examined with the electron microscope. Two arborization patterns were observed with the light microscope. One terminated dorsally in laminae I, II, V, and X, while the other terminated ventrally in laminae V, VII, and X. At the ultrastructural level, boutons predominantly contacted dendrites and occasionally contacted cell somas. Ventrally projecting axons had boutons characterizable as Gray's type I. Some dorsally projecting axons also had Gray's type I boutons, while other axons had Gray's type II boutons. Thus, these descending axons may be heterogeneous in function. No differences in physiological characteristics were found between axons with Gray's type I boutons versus axons with Gray's type II boutons.
Induction of Tumor Suppressor P21 Protein by Kinase Inhibitors in MCF-7 Cells

Abstract The expression level of tumor suppressor p21 protein in response to protein kinase inhibitors was examined in MCF-7 cells. Both H7 (serine/threonine kinase inhibitor) and staurosporine (protein kinase C inhibitor) were able to induce p21 protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Induction of p21 by H7 but not staurosporine required the induction of p53 protein. Induction of p21 was preceded by the induction of p53 protein. Based on FAGS analysis, both H7 and staurosporine act as antimitogenic agents.
To Protect Human Subjects, Review What Was Done, Not Proposed

The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) released in 2011 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ( 1 ) recommends many important changes to federal regulations on protection of human research subjects. Perhaps most important, through the 74 questions it poses, it offers the opportunity to rethink approaches to research oversight. The current regulatory model of prospective review, based on what researchers say they plan to do, focuses the attention of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs, which must approve proposed research) and researchers on perfecting protocols and consent forms rather than interacting with subjects. Such a regulatory model may discourage innovation in human subjects protection. In contrast, we describe how a system based on retrospective, auditlike review of a subset of projects could stimulate assessment of the effectiveness of current approaches and the development of creative alternatives, with efficiencies for all concerned.
Diversity of Amylase-Producing Bacillus spp. from “Tape” (Fermented Cassava)

Fermented cassava or “Tape” is one of traditional Indonesian fermented food. The quality of “Tape” is determined by microorganisms involved during fermentation process. It was reported that Bacillus subtilis determined the quality of cassava “Tape”. The most common way to identify species is by using 16S rRNA gene. This gene contains conserved regions as unique sequence which is relative among species. It has been widely used as a reliable molecular marker for phylogeny identification. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study diversity of amylase-producing Bacillus spp. from “Tape” based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Bacillus spp. were isolated from “Tape” from several area in Indonesia i.e. Jakarta, Bandung, Cianjur, Subang, Rangkas Bitung, and Kediri. Amplification of 16S rRNA gene used 63f and 1387r primers. This research showed that based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, twenty-six of amylase-producing Bacillus spp. isolates were divided into four groups. All isolates were identified as species either B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, or B. thuringiensis.
Pancreatic Islet Neuropeptide Y Overexpression Has Minimal Effect on Islet Morphology and β-Cell Adaptation to High-Fat Diet

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is highly expressed in the hypothalamus, where it regulates feeding and energy homeostasis. Interestingly, NPY and its receptors are also expressed in peripheral tissues with roles in metabolism, including pancreatic islets. In islets, NPY is known to suppress insulin secretion acutely. In addition, the role of NPY in β-cell de-differentiation has been postulated recently. Therefore, we studied transgenic mice expressing NPY under rat insulin promoter (TG) to determine the effects of chronic up-regulation of NPY on islet morphology and function. NPY levels were 25 times higher in islets of TG mice compared with wild-type (WT) littermates, whereas no differences in NPY expression were noted in the brains of TG and WT mice. Islet NPY secretion was 2.3-fold higher in TG compared with WT mice. There were no significant changes in body weight, glucose tolerance, or insulin sensitivity in TG mice fed regular rodent diet or high-fat diet (HF). Islet β-cell area was comparable between TG and WT mice both on regular rodent and HF diets, indicating that NPY overexpression is insufficient to alter β-cell maturation or the compensatory increase of β-cell area on HF. One abnormality noted was that the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in islets isolated from TG was reduced compared with those from WT mice on HF diet. Overall, an increase in islet NPY level has little impact on islet function and is insufficient to affect glucose homeostasis in mice.
Paternal race and bacterial vaginosis during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the joint effects of maternal and paternal race on risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) during the first trimester. Study Design In this cohort of black women and white women with singleton gestation at Results BV was less common among white women than black women. Paternal race modified the effect of maternal race on BV risk. BV risk was 2-fold greater among both white female-black male partners and black female-white male partners. BV risk was also 2-fold greater among black female-black male partners. Black race among both partners confers no additional risk than with 1 black partner. Conclusion Paternal black race is an independent risk factor for BV during pregnancy and is as important a risk factor as maternal race. Studies of BV and adverse pregnancy outcomes should consider paternal race.
Phosphoacetylcholinesterase: toxicity of phosphorus oxychloride to mammals and insects that can be attributed to selective phosphorylation of acetylcholinesterase by phosphorodichloridic acid.

Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is an intermediate in the synthesis of many organophosphorus insecticides and chemical warfare nerve gases that are toxic to insects and mammals by inhibition of acet...
Farewell to the category mistake argument

DR. THOMAS SZASZ, a psychiatrist and a leading critic of the so-called "disease model of psychopathology, argues as follows: I submit that mental illness is a myth. Bodies are physical objects; minds, whatever they may be, are not physical objects. Accordingly, mental diseases (such as depression or schizophrenia) cannot exist in the sense in which bodily diseases (such as broken bones or ulcerated skins) exist. My disbelief in mental illness does not mean that I reject any facts of human behavior. "A myth," says the British philosopher Gilbert Ryle, "is not a fairy story. It is the presentation of facts belonging in one category in the idiom belonging to another. To explode a myth is accordingly not AUTHOR'S NOTE: I would like to thank Stephen F. Barker and Stelios Spiliadis for their helpful criticisms. 65
In Vitro Lipid Peroxidation of Turkey Spermatozoa

Abstract In vitro spontaneous lipid peroxidation is associated with loss of motility in mammalian spermatozoa and decreased fertility in chicken spermatozoa. The present study determined incubation variables for turkey spermatozoa that affect the rate of malonaldehyde (MAL) production as measured by the thiobarbituric acid assay as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Pooled turkey semen was diluted 1:2 with diluent, centrifuged, and washed two times with diluent. The effect of spermatozoal concentration on MAL production was assessed by incubating 300-μL aliquots containing 15 × 106 to 1,300 × 106 washed spermatozoa (equivalent to 50 × 106 to 4 × 109 spermatozoa per milliliter) for 4 h at 5 C using four diluents: Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender, Beltsville Turkey Semen Extender, .9% NaCl, and phosphate-buffered saline. The concentration of MAL produced per billion spermatozoa was negatively correlated with the spermatozoal concentration of the incubation mixture. Linear regression analysis showed that: log (micrograms MAL per 109 spermatozoa) = −.72 [log (number of spermatozoa per milliliter incubated)] + 6.68; r2 = .85. Comparison of two incubation temperatures (5 and 24 C), for two time periods (4 and 24 h), showed that incubation for 24 h at 24 C resulted in the highest MAL production. The other three treatments were similar to each other. When seminal plasma was added to the diluent, MAL production was reduced. These data show that turkey spermatozoa undergo lipid peroxidation, spermatozoal concentration is critical in the development of the MAL assay system, and seminal plasma offers protection against lipid peroxide formation during 24-h storage.
Low genetic diversity and small long-term population sizes in the spring endemic watercress darter, Etheostoma nuchale

Species endemic to coldwater springs in the southeastern United States are some of the rarest and most imperiled in this region, yet little is known about their genetic composition and conservation needs. Here, microsatellite based levels of genetic diversity and estimates of effective population size (Ne) were compared between a narrow spring endemic fish, Etheostoma nuchale, and its widespread stream-dwelling relative, E. swaini. We applied several analytical methods to assess how demographic history is reflected in contemporary levels of genetic diversity for populations of E. nuchale. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data revealed a complex history among E. nuchale and E. swaini, but suggested ancient divergence and historic periods of isolation since colonization of spring habitats by E. nuchale. Populations of E. nuchale have levels of genetic diversity approximately one-half that of E. swaini, a result most likely due to founder effects and recent bottlenecks. Statistically significant Fst values (0.05−0.27) and STRUCTURE analyses implied high levels of differentiation among E. nuchale populations. Estimates of current Ne suggest relatively consistent levels across populations of E. nuchale, but one population may suffer from habitat degradation. We suggest that high levels of population structure and low levels of genetic diversity may be typical in other spring endemics inhabiting this region. Therefore, effective management planning for these unique species will require a detailed knowledge of the genetic and demographic history of each population.
Discussion of “family therapy and the notion of accountability: With reference to trends in individual psychotherapy”

On rereading this paper a number of times, I find it difficult to say more than that I agree with just about everything written therein, and would enthusiastically second the position taken. For those of us working in the United States it has become increasingly obvious that the answers to the questions: "Which therapy, for which patients, by which therapist?" are no longer merely academically interesting issues to be debated, discussed and perhaps researched at our leisure. Third parties that focus "on the bottom line" are pressing for answers, and the stakes are high. I think this position is healthy in that it has given rise to a marked intensification of research in the psychotherapies in an attempt to come up with answers. As stated, psychotherapists have heretofore approached these issues in very leisurely fashion. We have entertained ourselves by subjecting each other to decades of anecdotal reports repeating the well-intentioned, often brilliant and rewarding fixed positions that were current at any given time. Periodically spinoffs from these fixed positions would occur, only, in turn, to take up a position of repeated rigidity. In the United States and, according to the author of this paper, in Australia, the luxury of such a leisurely, and, in the long run, sterile, approach can no longer be taken. As a result the research that has been generated on the outcome of family therapy within the last five years is very exciting and rewarding. Advances are occurring in the methodology and design of out-
Analysis of Point Cloud Generation from UAS Images

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) allow for the collection of low altitude aerial images, along with other geospatial information from a variety of companion sensors. The images can then be processed using sophisticated algorithms from the Computer Vision (CV) field, guided by the traditional and established procedures from photogrammetry. Based on highly overlapped images, new software packages which were specifically developed for UAS technology can easily create ground models, such as Point Clouds (PC), Digital Surface Model (DSM), orthoimages, etc. The goal of this study is to compare the performance of three different software packages, focusing on the accuracy of the 3D products they produce. Using a Nikon D800 camera installed on an ocotocopter UAS platform, images were collected during subsequent field tests conducted over the Olentangy River, north from the Ohio State University campus. Two areas around bike bridges on the Olentangy River Trail were selected because of the challenge the packages would have in creating accurate products; matching pixels over the river and dense canopy on the shore presents difficult scenarios to model. Ground Control Points (GCP) were gathered at each site to tie the models to a local coordinate system and help assess the absolute accuracy for each package. In addition, the models were also relatively compared to each other using their PCs.
Optical spectroscopy of plasma in high power microwave pulse shortening experiments driven by a /spl mu/s e-beam

Microwave pulse shortening experiments have been performed on a rectangular-cross-section (RCS) gyrotron driven by the Michigan Electron Long Beam Accelerator (MELBA) at parameters V=-800 kV, I/sub tube/=0.3 kA and pulselengths of 0.5-1 /spl mu/s. Pulse shortening typically limits the highest (10 MW level) microwave power pulselength to 100-200 ns. Potential explanations of pulse shortening are being investigated, particularly plasma production inside the cavity and at the e-beam-collector. We report the first optical spectroscopy diagnostic measurements inside an operating gyrotron as a means of exploring plasma effects on pulse shortening. Plasma hydrogen H-/spl alpha/ line radiation has been characterized in both time-integrated and temporally-resolved measurements and correlated with microwave power/cutoff. Hydrogen is believed to originate from water absorbed on internal tube surfaces in the gyrotron.
Hand Use Preferences in Delimiting the Boundaries of Normal Working Area

Geometric models of normal working area have been derived from analyses of theoretically possible, but contrived and restrictive arm and hand movements (Farley, 1955; Squire, 1959; Wang et al., 1999). It is unclear whether the resulting boundaries delimit a safe, comfortable and effective reach area. The goal of the current investigation was to obtain data that can establish reach boundaries that reflect actions that are both comfortable and efficient. Adults reached for objects placed in various directions and distances in front of them. The type of reach action used to pick up the object was categorized in an effort to demarcate reach envelopes for different reach actions and identify the directional location in the workspace at which people change from reaching with their right hand to using their left hand. These data showed that people's reach actions violated important characteristics of the geometric models, including the spatial symmetry in the use of the right and left hands. From these data we a...
Correlation of pretherapy prostate cancer characteristics with histologic findings from pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify pretherapy factors associated with pelvic lymph node involvement (LNI) in patients with localized prostatic carcinoma (CaP), and to develop a model that would allow for estimation of this risk at the time of initial diagnosis. Methods and Materials: Between January 1988 and December 1992, 2439 patients with clinical Stage T1a-3cN0-XM0 CaP underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection as sole initial therapy at a single medical institutions. Preoperative factors were evaluated for their association with pelvic LNI in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A model was developed that incorporated independent predictive variables, and probability plots were generated to estimte the likelihood of pelvic LNI in the patient with a new diagnosis of localized CaP. Results: Within clinical tumor stage, three groups (T1a-2a, T2b,-c, and T3) were identified in which the observed rate of pelvic LNI was distinctly different. Gleason primary grades were also combined (1–2, 3, and 4–5) because of a similar observation. Univariate analysis identified clinical tumor stage ( p p p p = 0.12) and history of prior transurethal resection of the prostate ( p = 0.36) were not found to correlate with this endpoint. Probability plots provided an estimate of the likelihood for pelvic LNI according to the combination of pretherapy clinical tumor stage, Gleason primary grade, and serum prostate-specific antigen level. Conclusion: Clinical tumor stage as determined by digital rectal examination, Gleason primary grade of the diagnostic biopsy specimen, and pretherapy serum prostate-specific antigen value can be combined to estimate the probability of pelvic LNI for the patient with a new diagnosis of localized CaP. This information may be of value in directing the pretherapy diagnostic evaluation, as an aid in radiation therapy treatment planning, and in the conduct of clinical research efforts.
A computerized magnetic resonance imaging study of corpus callosum morphology in schizophrenia

The hypothesis tested was that, in schizophrenia, corpus callosum size would be reduced, particularly in the region responsible for communication between both temporal lobes. This is supported by knowledge of: (a) anatomical homotopicity and functional specialization of fibres within the corpus callosum; (b) evidence linking structural and functional deficits of the corpus callosum and left temporal lobe with schizophrenia; and (c) that temporal lobe neuronal fibres pass through the middle region of the corpus callosum. Brain area and corpus callosum areas, widths and length were measured on mid-sagittal MRI scans using a computer outlining method. Scans from 30 schizophrenics and 44 normal subjects were compared. Mid-sagittal brain area, corpus callosum area, length and anterior widths were reduced in the schizophrenic group compared with controls. A significant area difference between schizophrenics and controls was seen in the mid-corpus callosum which communicates between the temporal lobes, including the superior temporal gyri. In schizophrenics, corpus callosum area reduction was not accounted for by brain area shrinkage alone. Differences between the two groups were accounted for by comparisons between males only. These findings support the hypothesis and the possibility that localized abnormalities of bilaterally connected brain regions might have secondary effects on their homotopically distributed fibres within the corpus callosum.
Respiratory relationships of a symbiotic algal‐bacterial culture for wastewater nutrient removal

A continuous symbiotic algal-bacterial system was developed consisting essentially of a mixed Chlorella-activated sludge culture which would efficiently remove nutrients from wastewater under aerobic conditions without supplementary aeration. Oxygen decline data were fitted to a mathematical model used to predict respiratory rates, photosynthetic oxygenation, and steady-state oxygen concentrations. Stable relative biological populations and a dissolved oxygen concentration of about 2 mg/1 were maintained during steady-state operation with daily harvesting of excess biomass. Respiratory and physiological relationships indicated that the carbon dioxide-oxygen balance is a primary control that governs the steady-state operation of a symbiotic algal-bacterial culture. The close association of the algae and bacteria resulted in an algal-bacterial floc with settled rapidly yielding a clear supernatant.
Non-mass-dependent 17O anomalies generated by a superimposed thermal gradient on a rarefied O2 gas in a closed system

Cryogenic or heating methods have been widely used in experiments involving gas purification or isolation and in studying phase changes among solids, liquids, or gases for more than a century. Thermal gradients are often present in these routine processes. While stable isotopes of an element are known to fractionate under a thermal gradient, the largely diffusion-driven fractionation is assumed to be entirely mass-dependent. We report here, however, that distinct non-mass-dependent oxygen isotope fractionation can be generated when subjecting rarefied O(2) gas in a closed system to a simple thermal gradient. The Δ(17) O value, a measure of the (17) O anomaly, can be up to -0.51‰ (standard deviation (s.d.) 1σ = 0.03) in one of the temperature compartments. The magnitude of the (17) O anomalies decreased with increasing initial gas pressures. The authenticity of this phenomenon is substantiated by a series of blank tests and isotope mass-balance calculations. The observed anomalies are not the result of H(2) O contamination in samples or in isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Our finding calls attention to the importance of thermal gradient-induced isotope fractionation and to its implications in laboratory procedures, stable isotope geochemistry, and the physical chemistry of rarefied gases.
Change in proptosis following extraocular muscle surgery: effects of muscle recession in thyroid-associated orbitopathy.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of strabismus surgery on proptosis in patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy. Methods The medical records of 22 consecutive patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy undergoing strabismus surgery were reviewed. Data pertaining to the number of muscles operated on, amount of muscle recession, prior orbital decompression, and exophthalmometry were evaluated. Results Thirty-eight eyes in 22 patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy were studied before and after strabismus surgery. The mean change in exophthalmometry following strabismus surgery in all eyes was +0.6 mm ( p p p = 0.658). In eyes that underwent two rectus muscle recessions the increase in Hertel measurements averaged 1.2 mm; when only one muscle was recessed, the average increase was 0.2 mm. In the eyes with muscle recession ≤5 mm, the mean exophthalmometric increase was 0.7 mm. When a muscle recession of more than 5 mm was performed, the exophthalmometry showed a mean increase of 0.5 mm. Conclusions Strabismus surgery on patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy can worsen proptosis, especially in those with prior decompression. When planning for orbital decompression, the surgeon should consider this effect. Moreover, patients should be made aware of the possible changes to their appearance.