The direct measurement of embryogenic volume and nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio during mouse pre-implantation development

Stringent selection mechanisms, in both internal and external fertilisation systems, reject all but a significant minority of the spermatozoa released at ejaculation. Sperm competition theory provides circumstantial evidence that the selection process involves mechanisms by which the quality of the fertilising spermatozoon is controlled, thereby ensuring that females and their offspring receive high quality genetic material. In this review we examine some of these selection processes to see whether they could be exploited for the improvement of laboratory tests of sperm quality. Such tests are not only required for clinical and agricultural purposes, but are increasingly needed in fields such as reproductive and environmental toxicology where the species requirement is much broader. Despite many years of research, sperm quality assessment methods continue to provide imprecise data about fertility; here we suggest that this may be a consequence of using tests that focus on the spermatozoa that would normally be unable to fertilise under natural conditions. To achieve fertilisation a spermatozoon must be capable of responding appropriately to external signalling stimuli; those involving protein kinase-regulated flagellar function seem especially influential in governing effects ranging from non-Mendelian inheritance in mammals to sperm chemotaxis in sea urchins. Examination of the elicited responses reveals considerable heterogeneity in all species. Here we propose that this level of heterogeneity is meaningful both in terms of understanding how spermatozoa from some individuals possess fertility advantages over spermatozoa from their rivals in sperm competition, and in that the heterogeneity should be exploitable in the development of more accurate laboratory tests.     

锚杆单元及其在黄土隧道计算中的若干问题

隧道设计施工中考虑围岩的自承作用是新奥法的核心思想之一，而采用锚喷支护是技术上的关键。如何考虑锚杆的作用至今仍存在值得探讨的问题。介绍了一种弹塑性锚杆单元，给出了黄土隧道考虑锚杆作用的数值分析结果，对锚杆的合理长度以及提高锚固区围岩力学参数模拟锚杆作用方面提出了合理的建议。     

Optimal Layout of Displacement Measurements for Parameter Identification Process in Geomechanics

This paper focuses on designing the optimal layout of measurements for parameter identification problems in geomechanics, which are usually based on in situ displacements. The existence, uniqueness, and stability of the solution from the parameter identification process are thoroughly discussed. Based on these understandings of the problem, two algorithms are proposed as a means of automatically generating the optimal measurements. The validity of these algorithms is first proved by some academic examples, then these algorithms are applied to the Munich subway tunnel project. Good results are observed there.     

Deterioration of sunflower seed oil under simulated frying conditions and during small-scale frying of potato chips

The changes occurring in sunflower seed oil under simulated frying conditions and during potato chip frying were monitored. The changes monitored were in: (a) fatty acid composition, (b) triglyceride content, (c) octanoate content, (d) titratable acidity, and (e) colour. To simulate frying conditions either argon or air, with or without steam, was bubbled through the hot oil. For the frying of potato chips, two methods of frying were used, viz continuous frying throughout 1 day and intermittent frying over a total of 10 days. It was found that whenever the hot oil was exposed to air, whether during simulated frying or the frying of potato chips, there was evidence of oxidative deterioration. Steam appeared to have an antioxidant effect in the simulated frying experiments. In all experiments the molar yield of acidity was comparable in magnitude with that of the octanoate. The correlation of octanoate production with the losses of linoleate and triglyceride is discussed.     

Knowledge of and compliance with privileged communication and child-abuse- reporting laws.

Mental health practitioners have been criticized for possessing less than adequate knowledge of their legal obligations. An exploratory survey involving 98 respondents was conducted to assess whether this criticism was justified. Results show that a significant proportion of psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are unaware of 2 of the most basic laws that apply to their professions: the right of privileged communications and the requirement of reporting child abuse. With regard to the latter, it is shown that even among those practitioners who are aware of it, a majority still refuse to comply with it in a hypothetical case. This survey suggests that a significant proportion of mental health professionals are either ignorant of or ignore their legal obligations. The pressing need for more adequate graduate and continuing professional training in these matters is emphasized. (43 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Knowledge of and compliance with privileged communication and child-abuse- reporting laws": Response to Dr. Perry's Criticisms.

Responds to the commentary by John Perry (see record 2005-09247-004) who commented on a previous article by J. S. Swoboda et al (see record 1980-24066-001). These authors disagreed with Perry's criticism of their article that their refusal rate and the fact that the sample was restricted to eastern Nebraska cause the validity of their results to be so questionable as to make the printing of the article "irresponsible." They listed the reasons for their disagreement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)