cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholinesterase inhibition in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Acari: Acaridae) in relation to the acaricidal action of organophosphates and carbamates

The 5000-g supernatant fraction of whole-bulb-mite homogenates was shown to possess a cholinesterase (ChE) that hydrolyzed acylcholine esters in the order acetyl>propionyl>butyryl. Acetyl-β-methylcholine, but not benzoylcholine, also was hydrolyzed as were acetylthiocholine and acetyl-β-methylthiocholine. No inhibition by excess substrate was observed at cholinester concentrations as high as 30mM. Cholinesterase activity was markedly insensitive to eserine and to certain other carbamates and organophosphates. Only organophosphates of the dimethylphosphate type generally were active ChE inhibitors. It was concluded that the inability of carbamates such as eserine, and organophosphates such as those with alkyl groups larger than dimethyl, to inhibit the bulb-mite ChE was probably a consequence of the nature of the esteratic site. The data suggested that ChE inhibition was likely involved in the toxicity to bulb mites of some of the toxic carbamates and organophosphates, but that it might not be the only mechanism involved, at least with several of the compounds.
Using the bubble inclinometer to measure laryngeal tilt and predict difficulty of laryngoscopy

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate a simple device, the bubble inclinometer, to measure degrees of laryngeal tilt (LT) for predicting difficulty of direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh #3 laryngoscope. Design: Randomized, double-blind study. Setting: Inpatient surgery center at a university medical center. Patients: 50 renal lithotripter patients. Interventions: Patients were measured with the bubble inclinometer and the laryngeal indices caliper. A sleep dose of thiopental sodium (4 mglkg) and a muscle-relaxing dose of succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) were then given to each patient. Measurements and Main Results: LT was measured by both methods (directly and indirectly). Difficulty of laryngoscopy was graded as follows: Grade 1=all of vocal cords seen; Grade 2=part of vocal cords seen; Grade 3=no part of vocal cords seen. Conclusions: The bubble inclinometer accurately and reproducibly measures relative LT, and the anterior tilt of the larynx directly correlates with the ability to see the laryngeal opening during direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh #3 laryngoscope.
Entrainment of the Human Circadian System by Light

The periodic light-dark cycle is the dominant environmental synchronizer used by humans to entrain to the geophysical 24-h day. Entrainment is a fundamental property of circadian systems by which the period of the internal clock (τ) is synchronized to the period of the entraining stimuli (T cycle). An important aspect of entrainment in humans is the maintenance of an appropriate phase relationship between the circadian system, the timing of sleep and wakefulness, and environmental time (a.k.a. the phase angle of entrainment) to maintain wakefulness throughout the day and consolidated sleep at night. In this article, we review these concepts and the methods for assessing circadian phase and period in humans, as well as discuss findings on the phase angle of entrainment in healthy adults. We review findings from studies that examine how the phase, intensity, duration, and spectral characteristics of light affect the response of the human biological clock and discuss studies on entrainment in humans, includi...
Sulfate: A time capsule for Earth's O2, O3, and H2O

Abstract The stable isotope composition of O2, O3, and H2O in the geological past conveys rich information on history of the Earth system. However, few compounds are known to record O2 or O3 isotope signals directly and reliably. Sulfate (SO42 −), a non-labile oxyanion capable of forming weakly soluble minerals, plays important roles in global sulfur, carbon, and oxygen cycles. Here I review publications on the triple oxygen isotope composition of sulfate which has been recently expanded, demonstrating that in addition to H2O isotope signals, sulfate can carry isotope signatures from O2 and O3. I argue that sulfate, to this point, is the only compound from which direct atmospheric O2 and O3 signals from the distant past can be retrieved. If the current understanding of the Earth's surface oxygenation history holds, we expect to observe little to no measurable deviation from a “normal” triple oxygen isotope composition for sulfate throughout the Archean, but both positive and negative deviations since the early Proterozoic. The full potential of this unique proxy can be achieved by further study on isotope kinetics of sulfur redox cycling and by filling gaps in geological records.
Relative sensitivities of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase, platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase, and paraoxonase to in vitro gas-phase cigarette smoke exposure

Abstract In order to identify potential atherogenic properties of gas-phase cigarette smoke, we utilized an in vitro exposure model to determine whether the activities of several putative anti-atherogenic enzymes associated with plasma lipoproteins were compromised. Exposure of heparinized human plasma to gas-phase cigarette smoke produced a dose-dependent reduction in the activity of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). Reductions of nearly 50% in PAF-AH activity were observed following exposure to gas-phase smoke from four cigarettes over an 8-h period. During this time of exposure, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was rendered almost completely inactive (>80%). In contrast, paraoxonase was totally unaffected by cigarette smoke. Supplementation of plasma with 1 mM reduced glutathione was found to protect both PAF-AH and LCAT from cigarette smoke, suggesting that cysteine modifications may have contributed to the inhibition of these two enzymes. To evaluate this possibility, we blocked the free cysteine residues of these enzymes with the reversible thiol-modifying reagent dithiobisnitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). Reversal of the DTNB–cysteine adducts following cigarette smoke exposures revealed that LCAT, but not PAF-AH, was protected. Moreover, high doses (1.0–10 mM) of acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal, reactive aldehydic species associated with cigarette smoke, completely inhibited plasma LCAT activity, whereas PAF-AH was resistant to such exposures. Taken together, these results indicate a divergence regarding the underlying mechanism of PAF-AH and LCAT inhibition upon exposure to gas-phase cigarette smoke. While LCAT was sensitive to exposure to volatile aldehydic products involving, in part, cysteine and/or active site modifications, the enzyme PAF-AH exhibited an apparent resistance. The latter suggests that the active site of PAF-AH is in a microenvironment that lacks free cysteine residues and/or is shielded from volatile aldehydic combustion products. Based on these results, we propose that cigarette smoke may contribute to atherogenesis by inhibiting the activities of plasma PAF-AH and LCAT, but the nature of this inhibition differs for the enzymes.
Knowledge of the semantic constraints on adjective order can be selectively impaired

Abstract When multiple adjectives are used to modify a noun, they tend to be sequenced in the following way according to semantic class: value > size > dimension > various physical properties > color. To investigate the neural substrates of these semantic constraints on adjective order, we administered a battery of three tests to 34 brain-damaged patients and 19 healthy participants. Six patients manifested the following performance profile: First, they failed a test that required them to discriminate between semantically determined correct and incorrect sequences of adjectives—e.g., thick blue towel vs. *blue thick towel. Second, they passed a test that assessed their knowledge of two purely syntactic aspects of adjective order—specifically, that adjectives can precede nouns, and that adjectives can precede other adjectives. Finally, they also passed a test that assessed their knowledge of the categorical (i.e., class-level) features of adjective meanings that interact with the semantic constraints underlying adjective order—e.g., that thick is a dimensional adjective and that blue is a color adjective. Taken together, these behavioral findings suggest that the six patients have selectively impaired knowledge of the abstract principles that determine how different semantic classes of adjectives are typically mapped onto different syntactic positions in NPs. To identify the neuroanatomical lesion patterns that tend to correlate with defective processing of adjective order, we combined lesion data from the six patients just described with lesion data from six other patients whom we reported in a previous study as having similar impairments [Kemmerer, D. (2000). Selective impairment of knowledge underlying adjective order: evidence for the autonomy of grammatical semantics. Journal of Neurolinguistics, 13, 57–82]. We found that the most common areas of damage included the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus and the left inferior parietal lobule. Overall, these results shed new light on the neural substrates of the syntax–semantics interface.
Specialized Counseling Services for Gifted Youth and Their Families: A Needs Assessment:

Although many authors have recommended counseling for the gifted (Colangelo, 1991; Kerr, 1986; Silverman, 1993b), little research has been done to find out what types of counseling services parents, teachers, and counseling professionals believe to be most beneficial to the development of gifted and talented individuals (Myers & Pace, 1986; Passow, 1991; Shore, Cornell, Robinson, & Ward, 1991). In this study 335 parents, school personnel, and related counseling professionals were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the specialized counseling needs of gifted children and adolescents as part of a needs assessment for a proposed university-based counseling center. Results indicated that all groups of respondents believed that gifted and talented youth have important social, emotional, family and talent and career development needs that can best be met by differentiated counseling services; and that such services are not readily available to gifted youth. Implications of the study for the development o...
Family Language Policy

This article describes the newly emerging field of family language policy, defined as explicit and overt planning in relation to language use within the home among family members, and provides an integrated overview of research on how languages are managed, learned, and negotiated within families. A comprehensive framework for understanding family language policy is sketched by bringing together two independent and currently disconnected fields of study: language policy and child language acquisition. Within such a framework, this article reviews research on the role of language ideologies in shaping family language practices, and on the connection between different family language policies, such as the one person–one language approach, and child language outcomes. We argue that family language policies are important as they shape children's developmental trajectories, connect in significant ways with children's formal school success, and collectively determine the maintenance and future status of minority languages.
Antenna Excited State Decay Kinetics Establish Primary Electron Transfer in Reaction Centers as Heterogeneous

The decay of the excited primary electron donor P* in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers (both membrane-bound and detergent-isolated) has been observed to be nonexponential on a time scale of some tens of picoseconds. Although the multipicosecond nonexponentiality of P* has been ascribed to heterogeneity in the rate of primary electron transfer (PET), the decay kinetics can be interpreted equally well using homogeneous models. To address this ambiguity, we studied the decay of excited bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) in the membrane-bound core antenna/reaction center complexes of wild-type and mutant reaction center strains of Rhodobacter capsulatus. Reaction centers isolated from these same strains display a range of multiexponentiality in primary charge separation. The mutant strains carry substitutions of amino acids residing near the monomeric Bchl on the active and/or inactive sides of the reaction center. Transient absorption measurements monitoring the Qy bleach of antenna Bchls require at least t...
The Principal and Reference Letters

Requests to write letters of reference for former teachers place principals and other school administrators in a position of potential liability. Following established policies, along with documentation of fair and objective treatment of all such requests, lessens exposure to successful legal actions for school administrators.
Primitivity of the product of two leslie matrices

Necessary and sufficient conditions for primitivity of a product of two Leslie matrices are given. Such a product could be used in modeling the growth of a population governed alternately by two different sets of fertility and survival parameters.
Fiber optic interconnect and optoelectronic packaging challenges for future generation avionics

Forecasting avionics industry fiber optic interconnect and optoelectronic packaging challenges that lie ahead first requires an assumption that military avionics architectures will evolve from today's centralized/unified concept based on gigabit laser, optical-to-electrical-to-optical switching and optical backplane technology, to a future federated/distributed or centralized/unified concept based on gigabit tunable laser, electro-optical switch and add-drop wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology. The requirement to incorporate avionics optical built-in test (BIT) in military avionics fiber optic systems is also assumed to be correct. Taking these assumptions further indicates that future avionics systems engineering will use WDM technology combined with photonic circuit integration and advanced packaging to form the technical basis of the next generation military avionics onboard local area network (LAN). Following this theme, fiber optic cable plants will evolve from today's multimode interconnect solution to a single mode interconnect solution that is highly installable, maintainable, reliable and supportable. Ultimately optical BIT for fiber optic fault detection and isolation will be incorporated as an integral part of a total WDM-based avionics LAN solution. Cost-efficient single mode active and passive photonic component integration and packaging integration is needed to enable reliable operation in the harsh military avionics application environment. Rugged multimode fiber-based transmitters and receivers (transceivers) with in-package optical BIT capability are also needed to enable fully BIT capable single-wavelength fiber optic links on both legacy and future aerospace platforms.
Structural determinants of human APOBEC3A enzymatic and nucleic acid binding properties

Human APOBEC3A (A3A) is a single-domain cytidine deaminase that converts deoxycytidine residues to deoxyuridine in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). It inhibits a wide range of viruses and endogenous retroelements such as LINE-1, but it can also edit genomic DNA, which may play a role in carcinogenesis. Here, we extend our recent findings on the NMR structure of A3A and report structural, biochemical and cell-based mutagenesis studies to further characterize A3A’s deaminase and nucleic acid binding activities. We find that A3A binds ssRNA, but the RNA and DNA binding interfaces differ and no deamination of ssRNA is detected. Surprisingly, with only one exception (G105A), alanine substitution mutants with changes in residues affected by specific ssDNA binding retain deaminase activity. Furthermore, A3A binds and deaminates ssDNA in a length-dependent manner. Using catalytically active and inactive A3A mutants, we show that the determinants of A3A deaminase activity and anti-LINE-1 activity are not the same. Finally, we demonstrate A3A’s potential to mutate genomic DNA during transient strand separation and show that this process could be counteracted by ssDNA binding proteins. Taken together, our studies provide new insights into the molecular properties of A3A and its role in multiple cellular and antiviral functions.
Development of osmotic and ionic regulation in juvenile steelhead trout Salmo Gairdneri

Abstract 1. 1. The development of the osmotic and ionic regulatory system during the juvenile phase of the life cycle was determined by measurements of survival, median lethal time, distribution pattern of mortalities and changes in osmotic, sodium and chloride concentration of the plasma following exposure to sea water (salinity = 30%). 2. 2. A temporal pattern in the development of seawater adaptation was observed. It preceded seaward migration and smolt transformation by several weeks. Regression of adaptation occurred during the terminal stages of the migration period. 3. 3. Seawater survival was shown to be a function of size and not chronological age. The age of the animal was important only from the standpoint of growth rate. 4. 4. Variability of the osmotic and ionic regulatory system was determined by measuring changes in blood concentration (i.e. m-osmol/l, Na + and Cl − ) during the pre-migratory, migratory and post-migratory periods. In non-adapting individuals, sodium and chloride do not represent the 85–90 per cent of the total osmotic concentration as found for freshwater fish. It suggests that other types of solutes may play a vital role in seawater homeostasis and/or in pathogenesis of seawater death. 5. 5. Thyroid activity was assayed by histological and radiochemical techniques during pre-migratory, migratory and post-migratory periods. Increased activity was found during the period of migration. Thyroid activity did not appear to be causally related toward seawater adapatation.
Permeability of the eye lens capsule of the bigeye tuna to nuclear eye lens proteins.

Abstract 1. 1. Protein was extracted from lens nuclei of bigeye and skipjack tunas, dolphin fish and one species of squid. 2. 2. Total concentration and electrophoretic characteristics of the protein were determined in extracts which were not enclosed or were partially enclosed in bigeye lens capsule for 24 hr. 3. 3. High molecular weight proteins from all fish species, but none from the squid, filtered through pores in the lens capsule. 4. 4. These proteins, therefore, must be shaped similarly in the fishes but differently in the squid. 5. 5. The lens capsule appears effective as a molecular sieve for demonstrating distant, but not close, phylogenetic relationships.
Localization of the Renin–Angiotensin System Components to the Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation

Objectives: Local renin–angiotensin systems have been found in various organs and tissues throughout the body. The studies described here tested the hypothesis that a fully functional renin-angiotensin system exists in the skeletal muscle microvasculature. The purpose of this study was to localize the components and products of the system to the skeletal muscle microvasculature.Methods: The presence of mRNA and protein for renin and angiotensinogen was shown by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Angiotensin II concentration in isolated microvessels was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography separation and radioimmunoassay.Results: Renin and angiotensinogen mRNA was detected from isolated cremaster microvessels. Specific staining for renin and angiotensinogen protein was found throughout the walls of microvessels. The concentration of the angiotensin II in the microvessels (104.3 ± 18.1 fmol/g) was found to be higher than the concent...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Unearthing a hidden problem

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common psychiatric disorder. Yet patients often avoid seeking help because they are ashamed. Diagnosis is difficult, but familiarity with the nature of OCD and its current management helps primary care physicians identify patients with OCD and make informed judgments about treatment and referral. We review common symptoms, causes, drug therapy, behavioral therapy, and quality of life issues in patients with OCD.
Neural precursor cells are protected from apoptosis induced by trophic factor withdrawal or genotoxic stress by inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3

Mechanisms controlling the survival of neural precursor cells (NPCs) are critical during brain development, in adults for neuron replenishment, and after transplantation for neuron replacement. This investigation found that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) promotes apoptotic signaling in cultured NPCs derived from embryonic mouse brain subjected to two common apoptotic conditions, trophic factor withdrawal and genotoxic stress. Trophic factor withdrawal activated GSK3 and the key apoptosis mediators Bax and caspase-3. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 activity produced dramatic reductions in the activation of Bax and caspase-3 and NPC death after trophic factor withdrawal. Trophic factor withdrawal-induced apoptosis was delayed in Bax knock-out NPCs, but GSK3 inhibitors provided additional protection. Genotoxic stress induced by camptothecin treatment of NPCs stabilized p53, which formed a complex with GSK3β and activated Bax and caspase-3. Camptothecin-induced activation of caspase-3 was reduced by GSK3 inhibitors in both bax+/+ and bax-/- NPCs. Thus, NPCs are sensitive to loss of trophic factors and genotoxic stress, and inhibitors of GSK3 are capable of enhancing NPC survival.
Ion and neutral yields from ion bombarded metal surfaces during chemisorption using low dose SIMS and multiphoton resonance ionization

Abstract Multiphoton resonance ionization (MPRI) of sputtered neutrals is compared to low dose secondary ion mass spectrometry via the chemisorption of oxygen on polycrystalline indium. The results show that the In and In 2 yields decrease with oxidation while the In + and In + 2 yields increase dramatically. The behavior of the In 2 /In ratio is similar to that of the In + 2 /In + ratio. The high sensitivity of MPRI indicates there should be a number of advantages of this technique over SIMS for surface characterization studies.
Note on alienation, race, and college attrition.

When college persisters (23 Puerto Ricans, 61 blacks, 377 whites) and nonpersisters (20 Puerto Ricans, 36 blacks, and 91 whites) were compared by race on alienation and three of its components, powerlessness, normlessness, and social isolation, no significant differences were found.
Megatrends and Milestones in Vocational Behavior: A 20-Year Counseling Psychology Retrospective.

Abstract This review article, published in a 20th anniversary series in this journal, examines some central features of the last 20 years of vocational behavior. Looking primarily through the lens of counseling psychology, significant trends and contributions are highlighted. The theories and instruments of Super and Holland have had preeminent influence and visibility. Osipow, the founder of the journal, has been a singularly generative figure, nurturing the scientific productivity of others. Using computerized literature searching, topical trends are examined for the 20 years of the journal. Milestone publications during the period are indicated, with citation data presented to suggest their impact. Overall impressions are sketched of increasing personal agency, cognition, and theoretical convergence. The vitality of the discipline continues, aided significantly by the 20-year success of this journal.
Silica-Supported Au–Ni Catalysts for the Dehydrogenation of Propane

Inspired by previous studies on model systems, a series of silica-supported Au–Ni catalysts were prepared and tested for the conversion of propane in the presence of hydrogen. The Au–Ni/SiO2 catalysts were prepared by successive impregnation, i.e. Ni was deposited first followed by Au. TEM/EDX results confirmed the presence of bimetallic Au–Ni nanoparticles. The dehydrogenation of propane to propylene was observed on the Au–Ni bimetallic catalysts, whereas only hydrogenolysis products were observed on the monometallic Ni catalyst. The selectivity to propylene was found to increase monotonically with the Au loading. The results are in good agreement with the results on model catalysts.
On Some Procedures for the Rejection of Suspected Data

(1953). On Some Procedures for the Rejection of Suspected Data. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 48, No. 263, pp. 531-533.
Sympathetic neurons in lower cervical ganglia send axons through the superior cervical ganglion

Abstract In addition to the preganglionic axons which innervate the superior cervical ganglia, the cervical sympathetic trunks of the rat have been shown to contain axons of ganglionic neurons. Following the application of horseradish peroxidase to the cut cervical sympathetic trunk just caudal to the superior cervical ganglion, a population of approximately 300 labeled neurons was found in the inferior and middle cervical ganglia. The labeled neurons were localized primarily in the more rostral regions of these ganglia. The axons of most of these neurons entered the superior cervical ganglion, passed through it, and left via the external carotid nerve. The relevance of these observations to physiological studies on the cervical sympathetic nervous system is discussed
Relationships between bullying school climate and student risk behaviors

This study examined whether characteristics of a positive school climate were associated with lower student risk behavior in a sample of 3,687 high school students who completed the School Climate Bullying Survey and questions about risk behavior from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBS). Confirmatory factor analyses established fit for 20 items with three hypothesized school climate scales measuring (1) prevalence of bullying and teasing; (2) aggressive attitudes; and (3) student willingness to seek help. Structural equation modeling established the relationship of these measures with student reports of risk behavior. Multigroup analyses identified differential effects across gender and race. A positive school climate could be an important protective factor in preventing student risk behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Development of a Descriptive Language for Cheddar Cheese

: A standardized descriptive language for Cheddar cheese flavor was developed and validated. Representative Cheddar cheeses (240) were collected. Fifteen individuals from industry, academia, and government participated in a 3-d roundtable discussion to generate descriptive flavor terms. A highly trained descriptive panel (n = 11) refined the terms and identified references. Cheddar cheeses (24) were presented to the panel for validation with the identified lexicon. The panel differentiated the 24 Cheddar cheeses as determined by univariate and multivariate analysis of variance (P < 0.05). Twenty-seven terms were identified to describe Cheddar flavor. Seventeen descriptive terms were present in most Cheddar cheeses. A standard sensory language for Cheddar cheese will facilitate training and communication between different research groups.
HIV Testing Experience of a Model of Care for High Risk Youth: Testing the Worried Well ♦ 12

The Boston HAPPENS program is an innovative model of care for street youth and youth at high risk for HIV which has been providing services for 2 years. HIV testing is a major focus of the program. Voluntary confidential and anonymous HIV testing is available at the 8 program sites. This report describes clients who are accessing these services and evaluates whether youth at highest risk are using testing services. 1576 clients have been contacted by the program, 1044 (66%) of whom provided enough information for this report. Since 90% came from 3 of the 8 sites, analyses was restricted to these 942 subjects. 60% were female, 54% white, 19% black, 15% hispanic, 4% asian, 3% multi-ethnic. Mean age=21.1+2.9yrs, range 10.8 - 31.5 yrs. 4% (N=36) self-identified as gay/lesbian or bisexual (g/l/b). 176 had had an STD, 49 substance abuse problems. 24 reported survival sex, 16 sex with an injection drug user (IDU), 13 sex with an HIV+ partner. 14 had been pregnant, 4 had shared needles. 23 were HIV+, all of whom knew their HIV status before contacting the program, 2 of whom were retested by the program. 20% (N=186) reported previous HIV testing. Those who were older (p<0.001), g/l/b(p=0.001), white (p<0.0001) and had problems with substance abuse (p=0.001) were more likely to have been tested in the past. Those who had had an STD were less likely to have been previously tested (p<0.0001). 52% received pretest counseling, 48% received HIV testing, and 28% received posttest counseling through the program. No new cases of HIV infection have been diagnosed through the program's HIV testing efforts. Those who received testing were more likely to have been tested in the past (p<0.001), and be white (p<0.001). Those who had had an STD (p<0.001), sex with an IDU(p=0.003), survival sex (p=0.001), or substance use problems (p=0.04) were less likely to receive testing. These data indicate that though teens are using HIV testing services, high risk youth are not accessing HIV testing despite targeted, youth specific, developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive outreach and intervention efforts. More research on the barriers to using HIV testing among teenagers needs to be performed so that youth at highest risk can and will access services.
INTRAVASAL “TOOTHPASTE” IN MEN WITH OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA IS DERIVED FROM VASAL EPITHELIUM, NOT SPERM

ABSTRACT Purpose: Men undergoing vasectomy reversal many years after vasectomy are at increased risk for secondary epididymal obstruction. When this occurs the intravasal fluid is often a thick, white, toothpaste-like material devoid of sperm. In this study we characterize the vasal fluid found in men with a newly described entity, segmental dysplasia of the vas deferens, in which at least 2 distinct sites of vasal obstruction are present. We determine the significance of this fluid in men with obstructive azoospermia. Materials and Methods: Three men who underwent scrotal exploration for obstructive azoospermia due to segmental dysplasia of the vas deferens were evaluated. Each underwent scrotal exploration including bilateral vasotomy and testicular biopsy. Intravasal fluid was collected, evaluated microscopically and sent for cytopathological evaluation. Results: All men had isolated segments of the vas 2 to 5 cm in length that were not connected to the epididymis or ejaculatory ducts. We have named this condition segmental dysplasia of the vas deferens. Vasotomy was performed between aplastic segments, revealing thick, white, toothpaste-like material identical to that seen in men with secondary epididymal obstruction undergoing vasectomy reversal. Cytopathological evaluation of this fluid revealed proteinaceous concretions and rare clusters of degenerated columnar epithelial cells, but no sperm or sperm products. Conclusions: Thick, white, toothpaste-like material is produced between 2 obstructed segments as seen in men with segmental dysplasia of the vas deferens and with secondary epididymal obstruction. Our findings in men with segmental dysplasia of the vas deferens indicate that vasal “toothpaste” must be derived from vasal epithelium, not sperm.
Evaluation of crack opening times and leakage areas for longitudinal cracks in a pressurized pipe Part II. Application of proposed model and fracture dynamics

Abstract The present study (Part I and Part II) deals with a method of evaluating the average time to crack opening as well as the maximum leakage areas in the case of longitudinal through-wall cracks in a cylinder with internal pressure. Part II deals with the applications of the model proposed in Part I and the fracture dynamics which permits to evaluate average crack opening times, important from the point of view of computation of jet forces due to fluid flow through the break. It is shown that the maximum opening area in a Steam Generator entry elbow of a 900 MWe PWR plant is about 200 cm 2 and the average crack opening time is of the order of 15 ms.
Minimum Rényi and Wehrl entropies at the output of bosonic channels

The minimum R\'enyi and Wehrl output entropies are found for bosonic channels in which the signal photons are either randomly displaced by a Gaussian distribution (classical-noise channel), or coupled to a thermal environment through lossy propagation (thermal-noise channel). It is shown that the R\'enyi output entropies of integer orders $z\ensuremath{\geqslant}2$ and the Wehrl output entropy are minimized when the channel input is a coherent state.
Performance of heterogeneous robot teams with personality adjusted learning

Abstract This paper presents a reinforcement learning algorithm, which is inspired by human team dynamics, for autonomous robotic multi agent applications. Individual agents on the team have heterogeneous capabilities and responsibilities. The learning algorithm assigns strictly local credit assignments to individual agents promoting scalability of the team size. The Personality Adjusted Learner (PAL) algorithm is applied to heterogeneous teams of robots with reward adjustments modified from earlier work on homogeneous teams and an information-based action personality type assignment algorithm has been incorporated. The PAL algorithm was tested in a robot combat scenario against both static and learning opponent teams. The PAL team studied included distinct commander, driver, and gunner agents for each robot. The personality preferences for each agent were varied systematically to uncover team performance sensitivities to agent personality preference assignments. The results show a significant sensitivity for the commander agent. This agent selected the robot strategy, and it was noted that the better performing commander personalities were linked to team oriented actions, rather than more selfish strategies. The driver and gunner agent performance remained insensitive to personality assignment. The driver and gunner actions did not apply at the strategic level, indicating that personality preferences may be important for agents responsible for learning to cooperate intentionally with teammates.
Multisystemic Family Preservation Therapy: Preliminary Findings From A Study Of Rural And Minority Serious Adolescent Offenders

The increase in the number of serious offenses by adolescents, particularly among minority populations, has drawn attention to these difficult-to-treat youths. This article provides preliminary findings from the Diffusion of Multisystemic Family Preservation (MFP) Services Project, which conducted work with rural African-American and White families who have a chronic or violent adolescent offender at imminent risk for incarceration. Analyses assessed the impact of multisystemic therapy on family functioning (parental monitoring, family communications, family structure, etc.) and on the problem behavior of the delinquent adolescent (conduct problems, aggression, and criminal activity). In general, the MFP group demonstrated improvements in amount of problem behavior and mother psychological distress, and in aspects of family functioning following treatment. These results generally replicate the previous successes that MFP has shown in the treatment of samples of serious juvenile offenders in urban areas.
The Role of Hydrophobic Side Chains as Determinants of Antibacterial Activity of Semisynthetic Glycopeptide Antibiotics

Vancomycin, LY264826 and four N-substituted derivatives of LY264826 were examined for dimerization, binding to D-alanyl-D-alanine- and D-alanyl-D-lactate-containing cell wall ligands, and binding to bacterial membrane vesicles. The six glycopeptide antibiotics represent a 360-fold range in antibacterial activities against Micrococcus luteus (MIC = 0.00072 - 0.26 μM) with the N-substituted compounds having the lowest MICs. Vancomycin, LY264826 and the four N-substituted derivatives shared nearly identical binding affinities for N, N'-diacetyl-L-lysyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine (Kb=1.5×105-5.9×105M-1). Affinities for binding N, N'-diacetyl-L-lysyl-D-alanyl-D-lactate were lower but also represented a narrow range (Kb = 0.24×103-1.6×103M-1). In contrast to ligand binding, the relative capacity of the six compounds to dimerize differed by four orders of magnitude (Kdim = 4.9×101-1.2×106M-1). The N-substituted derivatives had the highest Kdim values, required the greatest molar excess of exogenous cell wall ligand to suppress inhibition, and demonstrated a propensity to bind to bacterial membrane vesicles. The derivatives with the most lipophilic side chains were the most highly bound to vesicles. The findings suggest that the enhanced antibacterial activities of N-substituted derivatives of LY264826 derive from the nature of the hydrophobic side chain which can have a marked effect on dimerization and membrane binding.
Class number indivisibility for quadratic function fields

Let M⩾5. For any odd prime power q and any prime l∤q, we show that there are at least (lnM)/(ln5)+1 pairwise coprime D∈Fq[T] which are square-free and of odd degree ⩽M, such that l does not divide the class number of the complex quadratic functions fields Fq(T)(D)/Fq(T).
A new wave of cellular imaging.

Fluorescence imaging methods that push or break the diffraction limit of resolution (approximately 200 nm) have grown explosively. These super-resolution nanoscopy techniques include: stimulated emission depletion (STED), Pointillism microscopy [(fluorescence) photoactivation localization microscopy/stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, or (F)PALM/STORM], structured illumination, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), and those that combine multiple modalities. Each affords unique strengths in lateral and axial resolution, speed, sensitivity, and fluorophore compatibility. We examine the optical principles and design of these new instruments and their ability to see more detail with greater sensitivity—down to single molecules with tens of nanometers resolution. Nanoscopes have revealed transient intermediate states of organelles and molecules in living cells and have led to new discoveries but also biological controversies. We highlight common unifying principles behind nanosc...
TCRB clonotypes are present in CD4+ T cell populations prepared directly from rheumatoid synovium.

Abstract The identification of clonal T cells at sites of inflammation is hampered by the large number of polyclonal T cells that nonspecifically accumulate. In this report, we combine the use of T cell sorting with spectratyping of the third complementarity determining region (CDR3) and direct sequence analysis to rapidly screen for and identify clonal expansions of T cells from synovial tissue specimens from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Initially, we used a polymerase chain reaction specific for the variable region gene of the T cell receptor β chain (TCRBV) to compare the TCRBV repertoire expressed by CD4+ T cells from the peripheral blood and synovium of five patients with long-standing RA. Each patient had several TCRBV genes that were amplified to a greater degree from synovium. Extensive sequence analysis ( n > 170) showed that each patient contained junctional sequences that occurred more than once, implying the presence of T cell clones within the starting CD4+ T cell population. To assess a more straightforward approach to identifying clones, six additional patients were recruited and CD4+, TCRBV2+ synovial T cells were positively selected and analyzed by CDR3 spectratyping. Bands deviating from a normal distribution were excised from the gel and sequenced directly. Clones were detected in half of the patients. These data are consistent with the possibility of an antigen-driven T cell response in RA that remains present in the setting of advanced disease.
Comparison of the vibrational spectra of K2Cr2O7, Rb2Cr2O7 and CS2Cr2O7

Abstract Vibrational spectra are reported and compared for the following compounds at room temperature: triclinic-K2Cr2O7, triclinic-Rb2Cr2O7, triclinic-Cs2Cr2O7, monoclinic-K2Cr2O7 and monoclinic-Rb2Cr2O7. Only Raman data are reported for monoclinic-K2Cr2O7 due to conversion to the tridinic form upon grinding for i.r. samples. The spectra are analyzed and assigned with consideration of the factor group selection rules for each crystal structure. I.r. and Raman data for the triclinic dichromates are consistent with the assigned space group Ci,1 - P1 and a lack of isostructuralism. The occurrence of paired bands in the spectra of triclinic-K2Cr2O7 and triclinic-Rb2Cr2O7 is discussed. This doubling effect is not found in the spectra of Cs2Cr2O7. The spectra of the monoclinio forms of K2Cr2O7(C2h6 - A21/n) and Rb2Cr2O7(C2h5 - P21/n) show pronounced and characteristic differences from the spectra of their triclinic forms. The spectra of all compounds studied are unique to the extent that facile and unambiguous identification of compound and crystal form is possible.
Long-Term Persistence of Solar Activity

The solar irradiante has been found to change by 0.1% over the recent solar cycle. A change of irradiante of about 0.5% is required to effect the Earth's climate. How frequently can a variation of this size be expected?
Multi-chamber system for toxicity studies in mice at simulated high altitude

Plastic desiccators have been adapted to serve as chambers in a simulated high altitude system. The multi-chambered system is convenient for observations of grouped mice or other small animals subjected to decompression. Toxicity data are given for representative drugs at sea level and a simulated altitude of 19, 000 ft.
A New Primitive Species of the Flat-Headed Peccary Platygonus (Tayassuidae, Artiodactyla, Mammalia) from the Late Miocene of the High Plains

A new species of the Pliocene–Pleistocene flat-headed peccary, Platygonus pollenae, has been recovered latest Hemphillian (latest Miocene) localities from Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Texas. It can be distinguished from other tayassuids by its distally rounded wing-like zygomatic process, and its subzygodont cheek teeth. In contrast to more derived species of Platygonus, it is much smaller in size, its molars are relatively more bunodont, the talon and talonid cusps are retained on the premolars of most individuals, and the mandibular symphysis lacks a median keel on the chin. In these characters, it is the earliest and the most primitive species of Platygonus known. It is more primitive than the typical Blancan species, or any of the species from the Pleistocene, and demonstrates the origin of this important Pleistocene mammal in the latest Miocene.
Characterization of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Binding to Ribosomes

We have examined the binding of FGF-2 to ribosomes and have found that in NIH 3T3 cells that synthesize high amounts of all FGF-2 forms, both 18 kDa and HMW forms of FGF-2 bind to ribosomes. Ribosomes purified from these cells were treated with RNase or puromycin to identify the binding site of FGF-2 on the ribosome. Neither RNase nor puromycin treatment affected the in vivo binding of FGF-2 to ribosomes suggesting that FGF-2 binds ribosomal protein or rRNA, but not mRNA. The stoichiometry of binding in these cells was approximately 1 FGF-2 molecule bound per 1 ribosome. Binding was unaffected by high salt treatment indicating that FGF-2 tightly associates with polysomes. An in vitro binding experiment performed with purified ribosomes and recombinant FGF-2 suggested that the binding site is saturable. HBNF, a protein with similar charge and size to FGF-2, bound 15-fold less than FGF-2 to purified ribosomes. These results indicate that the binding of FGF-2 to ribosomes is specific.
Surface water and ground-water thresholds for maintaining Populus–Salix forests, San Pedro River, Arizona

Ground-water and surface Xow depletions are altering riparian ecosystems throughout the southwestern United States, and have contributed to the decline of forests of the pioneer trees Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood) and Salix gooddingii (Goodding willow). On some rivers, these forests have been replaced by shrublands of Tamarix ramosissima (tamarisk), a drought-tolerant species from Eurasia. The physiological response of these three riparian plant species to decreases in water availability is well studied, but little attention has been given to shifts in community and population structure in response to declines in surface Xow and ground-water levels. Based on study of 17 sites spanning a hydrologic gradient, this research identiWed hydrologic thresholds above which P. fremontii–S. gooddingii maintain tall dense stands with diverse age classes, and above which they are more abundant than T. ramosissima stands along the San Pedro River in Arizona. Surface Xow permanence was the hydrologic variable that explained most of the variance in species abundance and relative importance, with inter-annual ground-water Xuctuation and depth to ground water also contributing. P. fremontii and S. gooddingii were dominant over T. ramosissima at sites where surface Xow was present more than 76% of the time, inter-annual ground-water Xuctuation was less than 0.5 m, and average maximum depth to ground water was less than 2.6 m, during a two-year period of data collection. Because T. ramosissima is a shrub species with smaller leaves and lower canopy heights than P. fremontii and S. gooddingii, these shifts in species composition corresponded to decreases in maximum canopy height and upper stratum (above 8 m) vegetation volume as site water availability declined. As well, sites with deeper water tables and more intermittent Xows had greater areal coverage of shrublands and less of woodlands. The altered vegetation structure along dewatered rivers may lower wildlife habitat quality. This study provides river managers with quantitative hydrologic guidelines for conserving tall dense P. fremontii–S. gooddingii stands and emphasizes the importance of maintaining long-term hydrologic conditions that are favorable to these species. The study also has implications for riparian restoration and invasive species management by suggesting that desired outcomes may be achieved through restoration of physical processes.  2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
EARLY PATTERNING OF THE C. ELEGANS EMBRYO

Studies of about 20 maternally expressed genes are providing an understanding of mechanisms of patterning and cell-fate determination in the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. The analyses have revealed that fates of the early blastomeres are specified by a combination of intrinsically asymmetric cell divisions and two types of cell-cell interactions: inductions and polarizing interactions. In this review we summarize the current level of understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes in the specification of cell fates in the pregastrulation embryo.
Dynamic optimization of multiscale PDE/kMC process systems using nonlinear order reduction and tabulation techniques

The problem of dynamic optimization for multi- scale systems comprising of coupled continuum and discrete descriptions is considered. The solution of such problems is challenging owing to large computational requirements of the multiscale process model. This problem is addressed by developing a reduced multiscale model. This is achieved by combining order reduction techniques for dissipative partial-differential equations with adaptive tabulation of microscopic simulation data. The optimization problem is subsequently formulated and solved using standard search algorithms. The proposed method is applied to a representative catalytic oxidation process where optimal inlet concentration profiles are computed to guide the microscopic system from one stable stationary state to another stable stationary state.