cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The origin of catecholaminergic nerve fibers in the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve of rat

It is known that the vagus nerve contains catecholaminergic fibers. However, the origin of these fibers has not been systematically examined. In this study, we addressed this issue using retrograde tracing from the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve combined with immunocytochemistry. The cervical and thoracic sympathetic trunk ganglia, the nodose ganglia and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve were examined following injection of Fluoro-Gold or cholera toxin horseradish peroxidase conjugate into the trunks of the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve of rats. Numerous retrogradely labeled neurons were seen in the nodose ganglion and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. Very few labeled neurons were found in the sympathetic ganglia (less than 0.06% of the neurons in either superior cervical ganglion or cervicothoracic ganglion were retrogradely labeled). Double labeling with immunofluoresence for catecholamine synthesizing enzymes revealed that: (1) 92% of all Fluoro-Gold retrogradely labeled tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons were found in parasympathetic sources (75% in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and 17% in the nodose ganglia), and only 8% in the cervicothoracic sympathetic ganglia; (2) 12% of the retrogradely labeled catecholaminergic neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve were also dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunopositive neurons; (3) 70% of the retrogradely labeled neurons in the sympathetic ganglia were tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive and 54% of these catecholaminergic neurons contained dopamine-β-hydroxylase, while 30% of the retrogradely labeled neurons were non-catecholaminergic neurons. These results indicate that catecholaminergic fibers in the abdominal vagus nerve are primarily dopaminergic and of parasympathetic origin, and that only an extremely small number of these fibers, mostly noradrenergic in nature, arise from postganglionic sympathetic neurons.
Apparently Normal Ovarian Differentiation in a Prepubertal Girl with Transcriptionally Inactive Steroidogenic Factor 1 (NR5A1/SF-1) and Adrenocortical Insufficiency

Steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1/SF-1) plays an essential role in the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes, controlling expression of their many important genes. The recent description of a 46,XY patient bearing a mutation in the NR5A1 gene, causing male pseudohermaphroditism and adrenal failure, demonstrated the crucial role of SF-1 in male gonadal differentiation. The role of SF-1 in human ovarian development was, until now, unknown. We describe a phenotypically and genotypically normal girl, with signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and no apparent defect in ovarian maturation, bearing a heterozygote G→T transversion in exon 4 of the NR5A1 gene that leads to the missense R255L in the SF-1 protein. The exchange does not interfere with protein translation and stability. Consistent with the clinical picture, R255L is transcriptionally inactive and has no dominant-negative activity. The inability of the mutant (MUT) NR5A1/SF-1 to bind canonical DNA sequences might offer a possible explanation for the failure of the mutant protein to transactivate target genes. This is the first report of a mutation in the NR5A1 gene in a genotypically female patient, and it suggests that NR5A1/SF-1 is not necessary for female gonadal development, confirming the crucial role of NR5A1/SF-1 in adrenal gland formation in both sexes.
Direct correlation between Purkinje and granule cell number in the cerebella of lurcher chimeras and wild-type mice.

This study quantitatively examines the developmental relationship between Purkinje cell and granule cell neurons in the cerebellum. Lurcher chimeric mice were used as a model system since target size (i.e. the number of Purkinje cells) can be varied genetically and its effect on granule cell number can be examined. The validity of this model is supported by our previous studies showing that the death of all the Purkinje cells in +/Lc mice is a direct effect of Lc gene action while the loss of 90% of the granule cells is a secondary consequence of some defect extrinsic to the granule cells, most likely the Purkinje cell loss. In the present study of 3 +/Lc mice, 4 strains of wild-type mice and 4 lurcher chimeras, the number of granule cells was directly correlated with the number of Purkinje cells. In wild-type mice, there is a constant ratio of about 175 granule cells for each Purkinje cell. These findings provide suggestive evidence that 'numerical matching' occurs between the presynaptic granule cell population and its postsynaptic target, the Purkinje cell. The quantitative relationships revealed in the chimeric animals compared with the non-chimeric values lead us to propose a model in which the number of granule cells is a function of at least two factors: the initial number of Purkinje cells and the length of time each Purkinje cell is present during a 'critical period' of granule cell development.
r-tPA in keratoplasty à chaud: report based on 50 patients

BACKGROUND Fibrinolytic treatment using recombinant plasminogen activator (r-tPA) has been reported in cataract surgery; however, reports are lacking with respect to complex surgical interventions including keratoplasty because of anterior segment infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS This report deals with a prospective study comprising 50 patients (50 eyes) suffering from a serpent ulcer treated by keratoplasty a chaud. r-tPA (25 micrograms) was instilled intracamerally at the end of surgery in 25 eyes. RESULTS The 25 eyes treated with r-tPA were subsequently less inflamed than the control population (decrease in inflammatory cells 1.5 days vs 7 days, fibrin reaction 1x vs 12x), had highly significantly better visual acuity and there was significantly reduced inpatient hospitalization (median 9.9 vs 19.3 days). No hemorrhages were observed in either population; medically treated infection recurrences (S. aureus, C. tropicalis, acanthameba) were observed in 3 and primary graft failure or rejection in both populations 3x. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that perioperative application of r-tPA had a beneficial effect. This therapeutic avenue should be further evaluated in a randomized, double-masked multicenter study.
Pharmacology, Distribution and Development of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtypes in the Optic Tectum of Rana Pipiens

Visually evoked behaviors mediated by the frog optic tectum require cholinergic activity, but the receptor subtypes through which acetylcholine acts are not yet identified. Using quantitative autoradiography and scintillation spectrometry, we examined the binding of [3H]pirenzepine and [3H]AF-DX 384 in the laminated optic tectum of the frog. In mammalian systems, these substances bind excitatory (m1 and m3 subtypes) and inhibitory (m2 and m4 subtypes) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, respectively. Pharmacological analyses, including the use of specific muscarinic toxins, confirmed the subtype selectivity of the radioligands in the frog brain. Binding sites for [3H]pirenzepine were distinct from those for [3H]AF-DX 384. In the adult tectum, [3H]pirenzepine demonstrated specific binding in tectal layers 5–9. [3H]Pirenzepine binding was also present in tadpoles as young as stage V, but all sampled stages of tadpole tectum had significantly less binding when compared to adults. Lesioning of the optic nerve had no effect on [3H]pirenzepine binding. Specific [3H]AF-DX 384 binding was found in all layers of the adult tectum. All sampled tadpole stages exhibited binding sites for [3H]AF-DX 384, but the densities of these sites were also significantly higher in adults than they were in developing stages. Short-term lesions of the optic nerve reduced [3H]AF-DX 384 binding in all tectal layers of the deafferented lobe when compared to the afferented one. Long-term lesions decreased [3H]AF-DX 384 sites in both lobes. These results indicate that multiple muscarinic acetylcholine receptor binding sites reside in the frog optic tectum at all stages of development, and their pharmacology resembles that of mammalian m1/m3, m2 and m4 subtypes. Our data indicate that few, if any, of these receptors are likely to be located on retinal ganglion cell terminals. Furthermore, the expression of inhibitory muscarinic subtypes seems to be regulated by different mechanisms than that for excitatory subtypes.
The Political Economy of Pork: Project Selection at The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

In previous studies of distributive politics scholars have investigated legislative influence without accounting for the policies' independent merits. As a result, they have failed to include a plausible explanation of the counterfactual (i.e., which projects would have been funded in the absence of congressional committee influence), which has led to invalid inferences regarding legislative influence. The model of distributive politics is reformulated to account for an assumed efficient and/or equitable project allocation in the absence of legislative influence. Using data from proposed Army Corps of Engineers' projects and the funding recommendations of three institutions, the findings indicate that pork barrel politics indeed exists and imposes significant efficiency costs but that both equity and economic efficiency play prominent roles in the decision-making process as well. Cost-benefit analysis is seen to play a constructive role by improving the efficiency of project choice; and the corps's cost-benefit analysis guidelines are beneficial from the agency's organizational perspective, as well.
W. K. Brooks's role in the history of American biology

The results of this study indicate that the reputation of W. K. Brooks was aided significantly by historical circumstances. The first of these factors was the unique historical role of Johns Hopkins University in American graduate education. The second was the impact of European experimentalism on American biologists and the consequent increase of experimentation in this country.
A Quantitative Analysis of the Physiological Role of Estradiol and Progesterone in the Control of Tonic and Surge Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone in the Rat

The implantation of Silastic capsules containing estradiol in oil or crystalline progesterone was used to analyze the physiological role of estradiol and progesterone in the control of tonic and cyclic LH secretion in the rat. Implants were placed subcutaneously immediately after ovariectomy and blood samples collected 3 or 4 days later. Concentrations of LH, estradiol, and progesterone were measured by specific radioimmunoassays and compared with the levels of these hormones during the estrous cycle. In the absence of any progesterone treatment diestrous concentrations of estradiol (up to 23 pg/ml) were unable to inhibit completely the post-castration rise in serum LH levels. Increasing the serum progesterone concentration to the basal level observed on diestrus day 3 (8 ng/ml) had no effect on tonic LH secretion in the absence of estradiol treatment. However, in the presence of this concentration of progesterone, diestrus day 2 levels of estradiol (13 pg/ml) were effective in inhibiting tonic LH secreti...
Fit of a nonreptative model of polymer melt dynamics to experimental melt diffusion constant measurements

A model of polymer melt diffusion recently proposed by Skolnick, Yaris, and Kolinski and which does not invoke reptation as the dominant mechanism of polymer melt motion is used to fit polymer self-diffusion constant data measured by Antonietti, Folsch, and Sillescu for a homopolymeric melt as well as for a probe in a larger molecular weight matrix. The quality of fit of the data indicates that reptation theory cannot be verified by simple comparison to diffusion constant measurements.
Approaches in extracellular matrix engineering for determination of adhesion molecule mediated single cell function

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cells that comprise human tissues are together engaged in a complex relationship; cells alter the composition and structure of the ECM to regulate the material and biologic properties of the surrounding environment while the composition and structure of the ECM modulates cellular processes that maintain healthy tissue and repair diseased tissue. This reciprocal relationship occurs via cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) such as integrins, selectins, cadherins and IgSF adhesion molecules. To study these cell-ECM interactions, researchers use two-dimensional substrates or three-dimensional matrices composed of native proteins or bioactive peptide sequences to study single cell function. While two-dimensional substrates provide valuable information about cell-ECM interactions, three-dimensional matrices more closely mimic the native ECM; cells cultured in three-dimensional matrices have demonstrated greater cell movement and increased integrin expression when compared to cells cultured on two-dimensional substrates. In this article we review a number of cellular processes (adhesion, motility, phagocytosis, differentiation and survival) and examine the cell adhesion molecules and ECM proteins (or bioactive peptide sequences) that mediate cell functionality.
Coding and non-coding DNA thermal stability differences in eukaryotes studied by melting simulation, base shuffling and DNA nearest neighbor frequency analysis.

Abstract The melting of the coding and non-coding classes of natural DNA sequences was investigated using a program, MELTSIM, which simulates DNA melting based upon an empirically parameterized nearest neighbor thermodynamic model. We calculated T m results of 8144 natural sequences from 28 eukaryotic organisms of varying F GC (mole fraction of G and C) and of 3775 coding and 3297 non-coding sequences derived from those natural sequences. These data demonstrated that the T m vs. F GC relationships in coding and non-coding DNAs are both linear but have a statistically significant difference (6.6%) in their slopes. These relationships are significantly different from the T m vs. F GC relationship embodied in the classical Marmur–Schildkraut–Doty (MSD) equation for the intact long natural sequences. By analyzing the simulation results from various base shufflings of the original DNAs and the average nearest neighbor frequencies of those natural sequences across the F GC range, we showed that these differences in the T m vs. F GC relationships are largely a direct result of systematic F GC -dependent biases in nearest neighbor frequencies for those two different DNA classes. Those differences in the T m vs. F GC relationships and biases in nearest neighbor frequencies also appear between the sequences from multicellular and unicellular organisms in the same coding or non-coding classes, albeit of smaller but significant magnitudes.
The Terwilliger Algebra of a Distance-Regular Graph that Supports a Spin Model

Let ? denote a distance-regular graph with vertex set X, diameter D ? 3, valency k ? 3, and assume ? supports a spin model W. Write W = ?i = 0D ti Ai where Ai is the ith distance-matrix of ?. To avoid degenerate situations we assume ? is not a Hamming graph and ti ? {t0, ?t0 } for 1 ? i ? D. In an earlier paper Curtin and Nomura determined the intersection numbers of ? in terms of D and two complex parameters ? and q. We extend their results as follows. Fix any vertex x ? X and let T = T(x) denote the corresponding Terwilliger algebra. Let U denote an irreducible T-module with endpoint r and diameter d. We obtain the intersection numbers ci(U), bi(U), ai(U) as rational expressions involving r, d, D, ? and q. We show that the isomorphism class of U as a T-module is determined by r and d. We present a recurrence that gives the multiplicities with which the irreducible T-modules appear in the standard module. We compute these multiplicites explicitly for the irreducible T-modules with endpoint at most 3. We prove that the parameter q is real and we show that if ? is not bipartite, then q > 0 and ? is real.
Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Studies with DuP 753 and EXP3174 in dogs.

DuP 753 (or EXP3174) and PD123177 are nonpeptide angiotensin (AII)-specific ligands, which show high affinities for two AII receptor subtypes, i.e. AT1 and AT2 sites, respectively. In furosemide-treated conscious dogs with high renin, DuP 753 and EXP3714, but not PD123177, were as effective as captopril in lowering blood pressure. Both DuP 753 and EXP3174 exhibited selective vascular antagonism of AII. In conscious dogs with normal renin, DuP 753, but not captopril or EXP3174, caused a dose-dependent but transient decrease in blood pressure. In anesthetized dogs, DuP 753 and captopril caused similar renal vasodilatation and natriuresis. The renal hemodynamic effects of DuP 753 and captopril were more pronounced in dogs with sodium depletion. These results suggest that the AT1 receptor mediates the pressor and renal effects of AII in dogs. The acute transient hypotensive effect of DuP 753 in normal-renin conscious dogs is probably unrelated to AII antagonism.
Amino acid profiles correlate diagnostically with organ site in three kinds of malignant tumors

The hypothesis that tumors arising in a particular organ site impose a characteristic plasma free amino acid (PFAA) pattern was tested by analyzing PFAA in fasting venous blood of preoperative patients with breast cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, and head and neck cancer. Healthy volunteers served as control subjects. Levels of 28 PFAA were determined in blood samples using an amino acid analyzer, and the data were compared using discriminant analysis and chi-square testing. Compared with control subjects, the concentrations of seven amino acids (glutamine, threonine, histidine, cysteine, alanine, arginine, and ornithine) in patients with tumors correlated closely with the known diagnoses. By means of discriminant analysis, these seven amino acids had the highest correlation with the specific diagnoses, indicating that PFAA profiles correlate diagnostically with the organ-site origin of three different kinds of malignant tumors.
Divorce in the United States vs. in China

De nombreuses etudes sur le divorce sont disponibles aux Etats-Unis, mais peu d'entre elles sont orientees vers des analyses internationales. Les rares recherches effectuees s'interessaient au monde occidental, alors que la Chine, qui represente un cinquieme de la population mondiale, n'etait pas etudiee. Le but de cette etude est donc d'etablir une comparaison entre les Etats-Unis, le plus peuple des pays industialises qui connait l'un des taux de divorce les plus eleves, et la Chine, le plus peuple des pays en voie de developpement dont le taux de divorce est l'un des plus faibles. Les differences et similitudes sont explorees pour ces deux pays, qui ont des systemes sociaux et culturels tres differents
Low-dimensional chaos maps learning in a model neuropil (olfactory bulb).

Quantification of a chaotic system can be made by calculating the correlation dimension (D2) of the data that the system generates (Packard et al., 1980). The D2 algorithm, however, requires stationarity of the generator, a feature that biological data rarely reflect (Mayer-Kress et al., 1988). So we developed the “point correlation dimension” (PD2), an algorithm that accurately tracks D2 in linked data of different dimensions (Carpeggiani et al., 1991). We now present a mathematical argument that, for stationary data, individual PD2s converge to D2 and we demonstrate that the algorithm rejects contributions made by bursts of noise. Data were obtained from the surface of the olfactory bulb of the conscious rabbit (64 electrodes, 640 Hz each, 1.3 sec epochs) before and after presentation of a novel or habituated odor. D2 could be calculated in only 1 of 10 novel-odor trials, whereas PD2 could be calculated in all. Both algorithms indicated that a novel odor evokes a spatially uniform dimensional increase. The PD2 uniquely exhibited the dimensional decreases that occur during inspiration and the gradients of mean dimension present during the nonstimulated control state. These control gradients remained unchanged without odor experience, but showed spatially specific PD2 increases following odor habituation. It is interpreted that, 1) the PD2 issensitive, accurate, and appropriate for dimensional assessment of biological data, 2) that during analysis of unfamiliar information a singleglobal process is transiently evoked in the neuropil, and 3) after experience multiplespatially specific processes tonically map the sites of learning.
13C nuclear magnetic resonance study of π-polarization in 3- and 4-substituted benzamides and N-chlorobenzamides

The substituent effect on the carbonyl carbon [C(α)]13C chemical shift in 3- and 4-substituted benzamides and N-chlorobenzamides has been studied in (CD3)2SO. Chlorine shields the carbonyl carbon A cross correlation was carried out for C(α) and the carbonyl carbon in N-chlorobenzamides is less sensitive to substituents than in the benzamides. The dual substituent parameter method indicated a significant diminution in the π-polarization effect (ρI) in N-chlorobenzamides compared to benzamides. This is in contrast to other carbonyl systems where ρI has been found to be essentially independent of the substituent attached to the carbonyl carbon. It is concluded that π-polarization in benzamide and its derivatives is more sensitive to the substituent attached to the carbonyl carbon than in the other classes of aromatic carbonyl compounds studied to date.
REMARKS ON LOW'S MODEL OF ELEMENTARY AND COMPOSITE PARTICLES

particles are examined since the equivalence of two of his alternatives produces a case in which the bootstrap requirements are met, but not all arbitrary parameters are eliminated. Use of Levinson's theorem to distinguish between composite and elementary particles is also discussed. (D.C.W.)
Parking in Urban Centers

Most U.S. cities specify minimum parking requirements in local zoning codes, even in areas served by a variety of travel options. Little work has been done to understand how aggregate parking supplies compare with requirements in urban areas or to evaluate the potential impacts of parking requirements met in such places. The research reported here tracked changes in parking supplies and the built environment in six urban business districts between 1960 and 2000. The work also summarized parking requirements in each city and compared those requirements with actual supplies. This research demonstrated that parking requirements could be met only through a combination of costly parking infrastructure and considerable commitments of land. In half of the cities studied (i.e., those with the more stringent parking requirements) off-street parking supply ratios increased by 150% to 300%; the increase required comparable amounts of land but still fell short of areawide parking requirements. Through quantification ...
Mechanical ventilation and renal function: An area for concern?

Mechanical ventilation is a standard component of intensive care unit management of critically ill patients and widely used for respiratory support. Patients requiring ventilation often have renal dysfunction that can occur as a consequence of the underlying disease or be related to the therapy. Although the physiological consequences of mechanical ventilation on pulmonary and cardiovascular function have been extensively studied, its effects on renal function are not as well defined. Previous experimental studies and few clinical reports have shown a significant effect of mechanical ventilation on renal function. This review compiles the information in this area and provides a framework for future investigation in this field.
Multiscale hidden Markov models for photon-limited imaging

Photon-limited image analysis is often hindered by low signal-to-noise ratios. A novel Bayesian multiscale modeling and analysis method is developed in this paper to assist in these challenging situations. In addition to providing a very natural and useful framework for modeling an d processing images, Bayesian multiscale analysis is often much less computationally demanding compared to classical Markov random field models. This paper focuses on a probabilistic graph model called the multiscale hidden Markov model (MHMM), which captures the key inter-scale dependencies present in natural image intensities. The MHMM framework presented here is specifically designed for photon-limited imagin applications involving Poisson statistics, and applications to image intensity analysis are examined.
Characterization of supramolecular (H2O)18 water morphology and water-methanol (H2O)15(CH3OH)3 clusters in a novel phosphorus functionalized trimeric amino acid host

Phosphorus functionalized trimeric alanine compounds (l)- and (d)-P(CH2NHCH(CH3)COOH)3 2 are prepared in 90% yields by the Mannich reaction of Tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine 1 with (l)- or (d)- Alanine in aqueous media. The hydration properties of (l)-2 and (d)-2 in water and water−methanol mixtures are described. The crystal structure analysis of (l)-2·4H2O, reveals that the alanine molecules pack to form two-dimensional bilayers running parallel to (001). The layered structural motif depicts two closely packed monolayers of 2 each oriented with its phosphorus atoms projected at the center of the bilayer and adjacent monolayers are held together by hydrogen bonds between amine and carboxylate groups. The water bilayers are juxtaposed with the H-bonded alanine trimers leading to 18-membered (H2O)18 water rings. Exposure of aqueous solution of (l)-2 and (d)-2 to methanol vapors resulted in closely packed (l)-2 and (d)-2 solvated with mixed water−methanol (H2O)15(CH3OH)3 clusters. The O−O distances in the mix...
A Longitudinal Study of Depressive Symptomatology in Young Adolescents

As part of a longitudinal study of depression in adolescents, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 550 students 3 times, at the beginning of the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades. Blacks and females had higher scores than did whites and males. Scores of blacks and males declined more over the 3 year period than did those of females and whites. The stability of individual students' depression scores was less consistent than the overall distributions with 1 and 2 year correlations reaching only 0.53 and 0.36, respectively. The best predictor of subsequent year CES-D scores was the previous year's score. Undesirable life events and family adaptability were significant but less important predictors.
Examination of print and telephone channels for physical activity promotion: Rationale, design, and baseline data from Project STRIDE

Abstract Background Project STRIDE is a 4-year randomized controlled trial comparing two computer-based expert system guided intervention delivery channels (phone vs. print) for physical activity adoption and short-term maintenance among previously sedentary adults. Methods Sedentary adults ( n = 239) were randomized to one of the following (1) telephone-based, individualized motivationally-tailored feedback; (2) print-based, individualized motivationally-tailored feedback; (3) contact-control delayed treatment group (received intervention after 12 months as control). This paper: (1) outlines the study design, rationale, and participant sample; and (2) describes relationships between baseline variables to better understand their influence on the efficacy of the intervention. Results Participants averaged 19.8 ± 25.0 min of physical activity/week that was at least of moderate intensity, with no group differences. The average estimated VO 2 at 85% of maximum heart rate was 25.6 ml/kg/min. Body fat was 34.1% for women and 23.2% for men and the BMI of the sample averaged 28.5 kg/m 2 . Conclusions Project STRIDE examines non face-to-face approaches for promoting physical activity behavior. It has unique features including a direct comparison of an expert system guided intervention delivered via phone or print. Future analyses will examine the cost-effectiveness of the interventions and this will likely yield important information for policy-makers.
Illustrating surfaces in volume

This paper presents a novel framework for illustrating surfaces in a volume. Surfaces are illustrated by drawing only feature lines, such as silhouettes, valleys, ridges, and surface hatching strokes, and are embedded in volume renderings. This framework promises effective illustration of both surfaces and volumes without occluding or cluttering each other. A two-step approach has been taken: the first step depicts surfaces; the second step performs volume rendering, at the same time embedding surfaces from the first step.We introduce Procedurally Perturbed Image Processing (PIP), a new method for enhancing both feature detection and depiction of surfaces. We also present implementation strategies, especially those leveraging modern graphics hardware, for delivering an interactive rendering system. Our implementation results have shown that this mixed form of rendering improves volume visualization and is efficient.
The difficult MESA: findings from tubuli recti sperm aspiration.

Purpose: To investigate sperm quality aspirated from the tubuli recti compared to that obtained from microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA). Methods: Sixteen patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) underwent MESA. Six MESA procedures were difficult, and therefore sperm were retrieved from the tubuli recti ductules. Intraoperative sperm parameters, recovery after freeze–thaw, and ICSI outcomes were analyzed and compared between tubuli recti and MESA sperm. Results: Mean initial sperm concentration was similar in both groups (18 vs. 16 million sperm/mL). Initial sperm motility was significantly higher in the tubuli recti group (35%) than the MESA group (25%). However, post thaw motility was higher with MESA compared to tubuli recti sperm (8.7 vs. 1.5%). ICSI fertilization rates after sperm freeze–thaw were 66% for tubuli recti sperm and 71% for MESA sperm. Conclusions: Tubuli recti sperm may provide an attractive alternative to testis sperm extraction. Poor sperm recovery after freeze–thaw should be expected.
Self‐defence and National Defence [1]

The paper begins with the suggestion that the aura of respectability that surrounds the notion of self-defence may render that notion suitable as a rallying point for agreement on the ethical legitimacy of warfare. I first argue that self-defensive killing by a person X is morally justified if three conditions obtain: (1) X is together with at least one other person in a situation in which one of the persons will be killed through actions of the other person(s); (2) X is not responsible for bringing about that situation; (3) unless X kills another person, X him- or herself will be killed. Next, I show that on the basis of this principle military operations are morally justified only if there are no alternatives to executing them that would save more lives or prevent the total loss of freedom for people. The paper concludes with the observation that the morality of individual self-defensive killing is unable to justify most of current national defence policies.
Long-term persistence of pioneer species in tropical rain forest soil seed banks.

Abstract: In tropical forests, pioneer tree species regenerate from seeds dispersed directly into canopy gaps and from seeds that persisted in soil seed banks before gap formation. Life‐history models have suggested that selection for the long‐term persistence of tree seeds in the soil should be weak because persistence potentially reduces population growth rate by extending generation time and because adult life spans may exceed the return interval of favorable recruitment sites. Here we use accelerator mass spectrometry to carbon‐date seeds of three pioneer tree species extracted from undisturbed seed banks in seasonally moist lowland Neotropical forest. We show that seeds of Croton billbergianus, Trema micrantha, and Zanthoxylum ekmannii germinate successfully from surface soil microsites after 38, 31, and 18 years, respectively. Decades‐long persistence may be common in large‐seeded tropical pioneers and appears to be unrelated to specific regeneration requirements.
SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARS' REPRESENTATION OF RAWLS: A CRITIQUE

Although Rawls is the most cited social justice theorist in social work, he is not always accurately represented in the literature. To clarify this claim, the author reviews social work scholars' views about social justice, shows social work scholars' representation of Rawls, and highlights aspects of Rawls' theory of social justice. The author's critique reveals that there have been and continue to be more differences than similarities between Rawls and social work scholars. Consequently, the article recommends revising the social work knowledge-base in relation to social justice and Rawls so that his ideas are authentically represented in future social work education and scholarship.
Watershed-scale assessment of soil quality in the loess hills of southwest Iowa

Soil quality is a concept that integrates soil biological, chemical and physical factors into a framework for soil resource evaluation. Conventional tillage practices can result in a loss of soil organic matter and decreased soil quality. The potential for soil quality degradation with tillage may vary depending upon landscape position and the spatial distribution of critical soil properties. Information on how to accurately integrate soil spatial information across fields, landscapes and watersheds is lacking in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of conventional and ridge-tillage on soil quality in three small watersheds at the Deep Loess Research Station near the town of Treynor in southwest Iowa. Soil types included Monona silt loams in summit positions, Ida or Dow silt loams in backslope positions, and Napier or Kennebec silt loams in footslope positions. We removed surface soil cores from transects placed along topographic gradients in each watershed and quantified total soil organic C (SOC), total soil N (TN), particulate organic matter C (POM-C) and N (POM-N), microbial biomass C (MB-C), N mineralization potential (PMIN-N), nitrate N, extractable P and K, pH, water-stable macroaggregates (WSA), and bulk density (BD). We used terrain analysis methods to group the data into landform element classes to evaluate the effect of topographic position on soil quality. Results indicate that soil quality is higher under long-term ridge-tillage compared with conventional tillage. Soil quality differences were consistently documented among the three watersheds by: (1) quantification of soil indicator variables, (2) calculation of soil quality index values, and (3) comparison of indicator variable and index results with independent assessments of soil function endpoints (i.e. sediment loss, water partitioning at the soil surface, and crop yield). Soil quality differences under ridge-till were found specifically for the backslope and shoulder landform elements, suggesting that soil quality increases on these landform elements are responsible for higher watershed-scale soil quality in the ridge-tilled watershed.
Norepinephrine-induced left ventricular dysfunction in anesthetized and conscious, sedated dogs

Abstract These studies were conducted to evaluate effects of high dose norepinephrine infusion on left ventricular function in anesthetized and conscious dogs. Separate groups of pentobarbital anesthetized closed-chest dogs received norepinephrine infusion for 90 min followed by 1 h of recovery. Arterial pressure, electrocardiogram, two-dimensional echocardiogram and an equilibrium radionuclide angiogram were monitored. One hour following infusion of norepinephrine, left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in a dose-dependent fashion. Fractional shortening was similarly reduced, with increased left ventricular systolic and diastolic dimensions also observed. Left ventricular end-systolic wall stress was increased at 60 min following infusion of norepinephrine but not saline: saline, 68 ± 8, norepinephrine, 4 μg/kg/min, 113 ± 8 g/cm 2 . The left ventricular end-systolic wall stress/fractional shortening relationship showed reduction of contractility. In 10 conscious dogs pretreated with morphine, norepinephrine at 5 μg/kg/min × 90 min produced similar changes to those seen in anesthetized animals. Ejection fraction was reduced from 0.69 ± 0.3 to 0.36 ± 0.04 at 60 min post infusion. Fractional shortening was also reduced. Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was increased. However, when animals were followed for 1 week, complete recovery occurred within 48 h. Histology showed mild contraction band necrosis in acute experiments and mild perivascular fibrosis in chronic experiments. Therefore, norepinephrine cardiotoxicity produced significant left ventricular dilation and reduction of ejection phase indices of left ventricular function associated with reduced contractility. In chronic dogs, histologic changes were mild, and left ventricular dysfunction was reversible.
Valence compensation of thermally generated [ Li ] 0 defects in MgO

The creation of thermally generated ${[\mathrm{Li}]}^{0}$ defects (configuration: ${\mathrm{O}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}$-${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$-${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) and other lithium-associated centers in MgO is attended by valence changes of transition-metal impurities, such as Fe and Cr. The electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) technique was used to monitor the concentrations of these impurities and the ${[\mathrm{Li}]}^{0}$ defects as a function of the incubating temperature in static air. Although near the threshold temperature for ${[\mathrm{Li}]}^{0}$ production the impurities may contribute a significant portion of the holes needed for the valence compensation of stabe ${[\mathrm{Li}]}^{0}$ defects, at higher temperatures (\ensuremath{\sim}1600 K) they can supply only a small percentage of the holes required. Since oxygen was found to be necessary for the formation of ${[\mathrm{Li}]}^{0}$ defects, the primary source of holes at these high temperatures is attributed to the surface reaction: ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${2\mathrm{O}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}$+4 holes. The effects of optical bleaching and ionizing radiation at 77 K on the concentrations were studied as a function of incubating temperatures. Electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) was used to probe the local environments of the ${[\mathrm{Li}]}^{0}$ defects and other lithium-associated centers.
Excimer Laser Stepper for Sub-half Micron Lithography

An excimer laser stepper having a flat image field was developed. Using a frequency stabilized, narrow band KrF 248nm laser (FWHM≈3μm), this stepper can print uniform patterns under 0.5 μm over a 15 mm square field. When the excimer laser output power is 2W, illumination intensity is more than 40 mW/cm2. Illumination uniformity is within ±2.5% over the field and exposure energy density is controlled within the precision of ±1.596, using an integrator sensor and a pulse number controller. A chromatic projection lens is adjusted so finely that aberrations are removed. In order to get imaging stability, a lens controller is used. An alignment system is off-axis, using He-Ne laser light spots and diffraction light detectors. By employing the EGA (Enhanced Global Alignment) method, overlay accuracy better than 0.18μm was obtained. Because the alignment detection light is insensitive to the resist, any types of resist may be used. The developed system has all the basic functions of a stepper. It can be used to improve DUV process and to fabricate sub-half micron devices in a laboratory.
Topology optimization with superelements

The superelement method was employed for finite element analysis. The target panel was modeled as the residual structure and the rest as one big substructure. Only one optimization loop is required and no analysis approximation is made during optimization iterations
Surgical outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis when used intentionally for well-defined Crohn's disease

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the operative approach for patients requiring colectomy because of familial polyposis, ulcerative colitis (UC), or in selected patients with inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU).1,2 A preoperative diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD) is generally considered a contraindication to IPAA as it is generally believed that: 1) disease recurrence within or above the ileal reservoir is high; 2) there is a high potential for fistulas, stricture, suture line failure, and abscess formation; and 3) pouch excision will ultimately be necessary. In addition, extensive small-bowel resection to correct the condition could result in impaired nutrient and water absorption.3,4 This viewpoint, however, has been challenged by some authors, citing data showing low pouch loss and favorable functional results in patients with CD confined to the large bowel without associated perianal disease.5,6 Little is known, however, regarding the outcome of IPAA in colorectal CD patients with associated disease in the small bowel and/or perianal disease. One recent small study, however, demonstrated that although postoperative CD was common in this unique patient subgroup, it was not an inevitable outcome.7 Clinical or subclinical risk factors for the development of recurrent CD, however, were not reported. In addition, the study was limited by referral center bias at a specialized “Pouchitis Clinic.” Serologic immune markers have been associated with IBD. Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) are found in 60%–80% of UC patients.8,9 pANCA is also present in 15%–25% of patients with CD, where it is associated with a “UC-like” clinical picture.10 Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) are found in about 60% of CD patients.11,12 While serum pANCA and ASCA are the best-studied serologic markers for IBD, antibodies against the outer membrane porin C (anti-OmpC) of Escherichia coli and anti-CBir1 are also found in about 50% of patients with CD and to a lesser degree in UC patients.9,13 The value of these disease markers in predicting the outcome of intentional IPAA in CD patients has not been defined. In an effort to understand this problem, we compared surgical outcomes of well-characterized UC and colorectal CD patients, some of whom also had small bowel and/or perianal disease. In addition, we attempted to identify associations between clinical and IBD-associated seromarker expression and surgical outcomes in this highly selected group of CD patients.
Rod and cone receptor mechanisms in typical and atypical congenital achromatopsia

Abstract Spectral sensitivities and interactions of the receptor systems of thirteen congenital achromats with reduced acuity were determined by psychophysical measurements with white and blue light. Patients were of three categories: (1) rod monochromats: functioning rods only. (2) blue monocone monochromats: blue sensitive cones (maximum at 440 mμ) and foveal rods with normal scotopic curve modified by the absorption of macular xanthophyll; these patients function as blue cone monochromats at high luminances, as rod monochromats at low luminances, and as blue cone-rod dichromats at intermediate luminances. (3) intermediates, with rods and blue cones of insufficient number for color discrimination. All patients are believed to have the same receptor systems. Differences in fixation seem to explain the functional differences.
Bloch-Nordsieck moments of the structure function F 2

Soft-gluon corrections are made to the leading-order structure-function moments in deep-inelastic scattering. The technique is to use a previously suggested Bloch-Nordsieck type of regularization to remove the nonintegrable and delta-function singularities in the Altarelli-Parisi splitting functions. The relationship between this approach and perturbative QCD is discussed. Agreement between the corrected moments and experimental data is good.
Synthesis, photoelectrochemical properties, and first principles study of n-type CuW1−xMoxO4 electrodes showing enhanced visible light absorption

Molybdenum-rich solid solutions of CuWO4 and CuMoO4 (i.e., CuW1−xMoxO4, x > 0.4) having a wolframite structure were prepared as thin-film type electrodes using a new electrochemical route. The synthesis of Mo-rich CuW1−xMoxO4 was not previously achieved because the CuMoO4 phase that is isostructural to CuWO4 is not thermodynamically stable. The resulting solid solution, CuW0.35Mo0.65O4, exhibited a significantly reduced optical bandgap (Eg = 2.0 eV), compared to CuWO4 (Eg = 2.3 eV). Since both CuW0.35Mo0.65O4 and CuWO4 are n-type semiconductors, their photoelectrochemical properties were compared for possible use as photoanodes in water splitting photoelectrochemical cells. CuW1−xMoxO4 showed enhanced photon absorption not only in the 2.0 eV ≤ E ≤ 2.3 eV region but also above 2.3 eV, compared to CuWO4, which directly resulted in enhanced photocurrent generation. Ab initio calculations were performed to understand the origin of the bandgap reduction by Mo incorporation. The calculations showed that the conduction band edge of CuWO4 is mainly composed of W 5d and O 2p hybrid orbitals. Therefore, when Mo atoms with 4d orbitals, which are lower in energy than W 5d orbitals, occupy W sites, the conduction band edge is shifted to lower energy. These results suggest that there may be many unexplored new compositions in ternary oxide systems that possess ideal bandgap energies for solar energy conversion.
Temperature dependent photodesorption of methyl radical from GaAs: role of the initial state

Abstract The photodesorption yield of CH3 from the GaAs(100) surface increases dramatically with increasing substrate temperature. This effect can be attributed to the temperature dependent population of vibrational levels in the desorption coordinate. Fitting the experimental data to a phenomenological model shows that the photodesorption yield from the ν = 3 level (in the GaCH3 coordinate) is more than two orders of magnitude higher than that from the ν = 0 level. This dramatic initial state effect is another manifestation of the short time dynamics in surface photochemical processes.
MmpL11 Protein Transports Mycolic Acid-containing Lipids to the Mycobacterial Cell Wall and Contributes to Biofilm Formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis

A growing body of evidence indicates that MmpL (mycobacterial membrane protein large) transporters are dedicated to cell wall biosynthesis and transport mycobacterial lipids. How MmpL transporters function and the identities of their substrates have not been fully elucidated. We report the characterization of Mycobacterium smegmatis MmpL11. We showed previously that M. smegmatis lacking MmpL11 has reduced membrane permeability that results in resistance to host antimicrobial peptides. We report herein the further characterization of the M. smegmatis mmpL11 mutant and identification of the MmpL11 substrates. We found that biofilm formation by the M. smegmatis mmpL11 mutant was distinct from that by wild-type M. smegmatis. Analysis of cell wall lipids revealed that the mmpL11 mutant failed to export the mycolic acid-containing lipids monomeromycolyl diacylglycerol and mycolate ester wax to the bacterial surface. In addition, analysis of total lipids indicated that the mycolic acid-containing precursor molecule mycolyl phospholipid accumulated in the mmpL11 mutant compared with wild-type mycobacteria. MmpL11 is encoded at a chromosomal locus that is conserved across pathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria. Phenotypes of the M. smegmatis mmpL11 mutant are complemented by the expression of M. smegmatis or M. tuberculosis MmpL11, suggesting that MmpL11 plays a conserved role in mycobacterial cell wall biogenesis.