First Direct Measurement of an Astrophysical p-Process Reaction Cross Section Using a Radioactive Ion Beam.

We have performed the first direct measurement of the ^{83}Rb(p,γ) radiative capture reaction cross section in inverse kinematics using a radioactive beam of ^{83}Rb at incident energies of 2.4 and 2.7A MeV. The measured cross section at an effective relative kinetic energy of E_{cm}=2.393 MeV, which lies within the relevant energy window for core collapse supernovae, is smaller than the prediction of statistical model calculations. This leads to the abundance of ^{84}Sr produced in the astrophysical p process being higher than previously calculated. Moreover, the discrepancy of the present data with theoretical predictions indicates that further experimental investigation of p-process reactions involving unstable projectiles is clearly warranted.

AIDS susceptibility in a migrant population: perception and behavior.

Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, this paper examines correlates of perception of AIDS susceptibility among 846 drug-using migrant farm workers and their sex partners. Significant but relatively small differences by ethnicity and gender were found. The data showed a consistent significant statistical relationship between frequency of drug use, high-risk sexual behavior, and perception of AIDS susceptibility. Perception of AIDS susceptibility was significantly related to a subsequent reduction in sexual risk behaviors. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, the data suggest that increasing perception of AIDS susceptibility may be an important motivator in reducing high-risk behaviors.

Cerebrovascular projections from the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia to the middle cerebral artery of the cat.

The location of the postganglionic parasympathetic cell bodies projecting to cerebral arteries is unknown. Using axonal tracing techniques, we examined whether the sphenopalatine ganglia (associated with the seventh cranial nerve) and otic ganglia (associated with ninth cranial nerve) contain perikarya which send axons to the feline middle cerebral artery (MCA). The tracers horseradish peroxidase (HRP: 3 cats) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA: 6 cats) were applied to the MCA in a slow release polymeric system. Three days later the SPG, otic ganglia, and rete mirabile were harvested bilaterally and processed for tracer by the TMB method (HRP) or immunohistochemistry (WGA). In a given animal, approximately equal numbers of cells containing axonal tracer were found in both SPG. Labeled fibers occasionally could be seen extending into the vidian nerve. Positive cells were also found in the otic ganglia and in the walls of the internal rete mirabile. These results provide the first identification of parasympathetic cell bodies projecting to cerebral blood vessels.

Co-localization of retrogradely transported wheat germ agglutinin and the putative neurotransmitter substance P within trigeminal ganglion cells projecting to cat middle cerebral artery.

Neurons containing both wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and substance P (SP) immunoreactivities were found in the ophthalamic division of the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglia following application of the axonally transported lectin WGA to cat middle cerebral artery. Immunohistochemistry was accomplished by staining for WGA and SP on adjacent sections by using the chromogen diaminobenzidine, or by staining on a single section with sequential application of WGA and SP antisera using the chromogens diaminobenzidine and 4-chloro-1-naphthol, respectively. These observations confirm the results of trigeminal lesion studies indicating that trigeminovascular projections to the middle cerebral artery in the cat contain the neurotransmitter SP. In addition, other neurotransmitters may be present in this pathway since less than 50% of WGA-labeled cells contained SP.