cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep Tech Ethics: An Approach to Teaching Social Justice in Computer Science

As ethical questions around the development of contemporary computer technologies have become an increasing point of public and political concern, computer science departments in universities around the world have placed renewed emphasis on tech ethics undergraduate classes as a means to educate students on the large-scale social implications of their actions. Committed to the idea that tech ethics is an essential part of the undergraduate computer science educational curriculum, at Rice University this year we piloted a redesigned version of our Ethics and Accountability in Computer Science class. This effort represents our first attempt at implementing a "deep" tech ethics approach to the course. Incorporating elements from philosophy of technology, critical media theory, and science and technology studies, we encouraged students to learn not only ethics in a "shallow" sense, examining abstract principles or values to determine right and wrong, but rather looking at a series of "deeper" questions more closely related to present issues of social justice and relying on a structural understanding of these problems to develop potential sociotechnical solutions. In this article, we report on our implementation of this redesigned approach. We describe in detail the rationale and strategy for implementing this approach, present key elements of the redesigned syllabus, and discuss final student reflections and course evaluations. To conclude, we examine course achievements, limitations, and lessons learned toward the future, particularly in regard to the number escalating social protests and issues involving Covid-19.
Mapping Iran-US Crisis After the Soleimani Incident

The year has commenced ominously with increased US-Iran tensions triggered by the targeted killing of Qasem Soleimani, the long-term head of Iran’s Quds Force. In this note, we address three questions raised by this event: What was the status of Qasem Soleimani inside Iran - in particular, does his killing lead ineluctably to the escalation of conflict? The Western position on Iran is well-documented and understood, but what is the Iranian position on the imbroglio, both as explicitly stated by its interlocutors and as subtly discerned by their actions and concerns? How are different regional powers in West Asia positioned regarding a potential conflict between Iran and United States?
Oxidative molecular layer deposition of PEDOT using volatile antimony(V) chloride oxidant

Molecular layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition are emerging and promising techniques for the incorporation of high-performance conductive polymers into high surface area devices, such as sintered tantalum anodes for electrolytic capacitors. Until recently, vapor-phase synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has relied on solid reactants which require relatively high temperatures and complex dosing schemes for sequential layer-by-layer processes. This work introduces a facile and high-performing layer-by-layer oxidative molecular layer deposition (oMLD) scheme using the volatile liquid oxidant antimony(V) chloride (SbCl5) to deposit PEDOT thin films. Effects of reactor parameters on PEDOT film characteristics are described, and the necessary foundation for future studies aiming to understand the nucleation and growth of layer-by-layer oMLD PEDOT is detailed.
Open Science From a Qualitative, Feminist Perspective: Epistemological Dogmas and a Call for Critical Examination:

Open science serves to address core issues that are unique to quantitative methods in psychology, though it is typically presented as an appropriate framework for psychological research in general....
Phenotypic and genetic changes in growth and reproductive success in Tribolium castaneum across four different environments

Results are presented that describes a selection experiment showing the fundamental changes in growth and fitness associated with a shift towards higher growth rates in four environments. The experiment uses Tribolium castanevm to model a selection and mating scheme frequently occurring in commercial populations of livestock where there is an exchange of elite male germplasm to enhance performance in other populations under different environmental conditions. Objectives were to estimate direct response to selection for increased pupa weight in four environments and correlated response in family size. Estimates of genetic parameters are reported for the base population, combining all data across all lines and 23 generations of selection, and within each line. Sufficient protein in the diet rather than a deficiency of protein was identified as a major contributing factor influencing phenotypic, genetic, and environmental changes across generations. Relative humidity created only minor changes in mean pupa weight between lines on the same diet. Animal models that failed to properly account for males used across environments seriously underestimated the additive genetic variance in the population. The optimum environment, 80% relative humidity (RH) and 5% yeast-fortified whole wheat flour diet, and the poorest environment, 67% RH and a diet of flour alone, set maximum and minimum limits on estimates of phenotypic and additive genetic variance. A large ratio of additive genetic variance to phenotypic variance in some environments than others was clear evidence of genotype by environment interaction. The experiment draws attention to the fact that undesirable correlated responses in reproductive success are frequently associated with selection for growth. Correlated
Play Behavior Differences Among Preschoolers with ADHD: Impact of Comorbid ODD and Anxiety

The acquisition of positive peer play behavior is an important aspect of child development and an indicator of social competence. Engaging in peer play may pose challenges for children with internalizing and externalizing disorders, particularly those with comorbid disorders. Existing literature contains little information on the peer play behaviors of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and even less research is available examining the play behaviors of children with comorbid disorders. The present study assessed the peer play behaviors and social competence of 107 preschoolers with varying combinations of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and anxiety symptoms. Assessment methods included direct observations and teacher ratings of child behavior. Results indicated there were no differences in observed peer play behaviors or negative behaviors toward peers, but there were differences in teacher-rated social competence between the groups. Results are discussed in terms of assessment method variations as well as directions for additional research in this critical area and implications for practice.
Prozesse und Reinigungsleistung

Hausliches und kommunales Abwasser enthalt feste und geloste Schmutzstoffe, die bei der Abwasserreinigung entfernt werden mussen. Neben organischen Schmutzstoffen sind im Abwasser die Pflanzennahrstoffe Stickstoff und Phosphat sowie hygienisch relevante Keime enthalten.
Vapor phase polymerization and mechanical testing of highly electrically conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) for flexible devices

Abstract Flexible electronic device applications such as organic light emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and touch screen devices require the use of transparent conductive films that maintain their electrical stability under strain. This paper demonstrates a method for polymerizing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films with an electrical conductivity >1000 S/cm by using the presented vapor phase polymerization (VPP). Conductive atomic force microscopy shows that the high conductivity of these polymer films is concurrent with the presence of large, closely-packed conductive domains. We observe that the choice of cationic oxidant initiator and anionic dopant has a significant effect on film morphology, optical absorption, and conductivity. VPP PEDOT films show stable electrical performance during mechanical strain tests compared to indium tin oxide and spin coated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) transparent thin film conductors.
Bovine pancreatic deoxyribonuclease A. Isolation, composition, and amino acid sequences of the tryptic and chymotryptic peptides.

The first phase of the determination of the primary structure of chromatographically homogeneous bovine pancreatic deoxyribonuclease A has been the isolation of 23 principal peptides from tryptic digests of the reduced and alkylated protein and 20 peptides from a chymotryptic hydrolysate. Seven of the latter series provide information on the ordering of peptides of the tryptic series. The results provide the basis for the derivation of the structural formula of DNase A from the subsequent study of the products of cyanogen bromide cleavage reported in the accompanying paper. The determinations of the sequences of the peptides have been facilitated by a scaling down of the subtractive Edman procedure to the use of 1 to 2 nmoles of peptide per step through the use of amino acid analyzers operating in that range.
Studies on the Vitamin C Requirements of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Three feeding studies on the vitamin C requirements of channel catfish were conducted with practical and semipurified diets. In a long-duration study in which fish achieved almost a 4,000% increase in weight, 50 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg diet was required for maximal growth and food efficiency. A diet stability study revealed that excessive losses in activity of l-ascorbic acid occurred when practical diets were stored for 16 weeks at 20 degrees. The typical scoliosis condition associated with severe vitamin C deficiency in fish occurred in the nonsupplemented groups in the study with practical diets. Severe growth reductions were obtained from fish fed nonsupplemented semi-purified diets, yet no incidences of spinal abnormalities were noted.
A New Twist

Mass, energy, and momentum are fundamental concepts in Newtonian physics. In Einstein's theory of general relativity, however, spacetime is itself a dynamic object, so how does one choose the fundamental quantities? In his Perspective, Visser discusses a new approach to defining one such quantity--angular momentum--recently published by Rizzi in Physical Review Letters .
All-trans-retinoic acid: a phase II radiation therapy oncology group study (RTOG 91-13) in patients with recurrent malignant astrocytoma

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group enrolled 30 patientswith recurrent malignant astrocytomas onto a phase IIstudy (RTOG 91-13). Patients were treated with all-trans-retinoicacid at a starting dose of 120 mg/m2per day orally continuously until disease progression. Fourteenpatients had glioblastoma, 14 had anaplastic astrocytoma, and2 had other histologies; 53% were under 50years of age. All patients had failed radiationtherapy and/or at least one chemotherapy regimen. Allpatients had a Karnofsky performance status score ofat least 70, but only 37% had aKPS of 90-100. Forty percent had a neurologicfunction status of grade 1 (able to work).A minimum of 4 weeks of all-trans-retinoic aciddefined adequate treatment. Twenty-five patients received adequate therapy.Most common toxicities were dry skin, cheilitis, anemia,and headache; 3 patients had grade 3 headacherequiring suspension of all-trans-retinoic acid. No grade 3hematologic toxicity was observed. Of 25 adequately treatedpatients, 3 showed objective regression of tumor onmagnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans, 3patients remained stable, and 19 patients had diseaseprogression. The median time to tumor progression was3.8 months and the median survival time was5.7 months.This study suggests that this dose of singleagent all-trans-retinoic acid has modest clinical activity againstrecurrent malignant gliomas with tolerable side effects. Aresponse rate of 12% and a stabilization rateof 12% are lower than expected. Future studieswith higher dosage or in combination with biologicalresponse modifiers or chemotherapy may be warranted.
'Consent' and the Jurisdiction of Investment Arbitrations: Are the Traditional Rules of Interpretation Still Relevant Today?

Third Annual Juris Conference on Investment Treaty Arbitration: A Debate and Discussion - Interpretation in Investment Arbitration conference.
Metastasis movies, macrophages, molecules and more. Conference on Mechanisms of Invasion and Metastasis.

Between 18 and 20 November 2002, the conference entitled ‘Mechanisms of Invasion and Metastasis’ took place, organized by Richard Hynes and Joan Massague. Twenty‐three speakers and a similar number of participants gathered in the auditorium of the gleaming Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO) in Madrid, Spain, under the gracious hospitality of its director, Mariano Barbacid. ![][1] This timely and illuminating conference revealed that the study of metastatic disease is advancing at a rapid pace. No longer simply descriptive or phenomenological, the investigation of malignancy is now a modern, molecular endeavour that takes advantage of complex genetic manipulations, sophisticated mouse models and real‐time in vivo imaging techniques, as well as global analyses of gene expression. Such approaches are yielding mechanistic insights into this complex and crucial aspect of cancer aetiology and treatment. In turn, these are leading to the development of new therapeutic compounds, some of which are now in promising clinical trials. In this report, I highlight some of the main findings that were described and trends that emerged at the conference. Metastasis refers to the dissemination of cancer cells from an initial tumour to distant sites. As this invasion and spreading is usually the cause of mortality in cancer patients, this area of research is crucial. Metastasis begins with the local invasion of tumour cells into the surrounding stroma, and continues with their passage through the endothelial lining and into the vasculature. This is followed by their escape from blood vessels, and their colonization and growth in distant organs. One of the themes of this meeting was that there is more than one way for tumour cells to move around, and they are often unwittingly assisted by other cell types in their quest to survive, travel and proliferate. ### Tumour cells do not do it alone Tumour–macrophage interactions. Several speakers pointed out that, in contrast to textbook … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Nickel Removal from a Synthetic Nickel-Plating Wastewater Using Sulfide and Carbonate for Precipitation and Coprecipitation

Abstract The uses of soluble sulfide and carbonate were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in reducing nickel in a synthetic nickel plating wastewater. Nickel is a toxic substance and is detrimental to aquatic and human health as well as the operation of biological processes in wastewater treatment. Using a series of jar tests, an optimum pH range for nickel removal from a synthetic wastewater was found to be 10.0–11.0. The optimum removal occurred at pH 11 where a residual total nickel concentration of 0.1 mg/L was obtained with a sulfide: nickel weight ratio of 2.0 and a carbonate: nickel weight ratio of 20.0. A similar degree of removal was achieved at pH 10 where a residual total nickel concentration of 0.2 mg/L was obtained with a carbonate: nickel ratio of 10.0 and a sulfide: nickel ratio of 0.5. A mathematical model of the synthetic system was produced by multiple regression analysis. The model predicted the sample data trends quite effectively.
Massive formation of square array junctions dramatically alters cell shape but does not cause lens opacity in the cav1-KO mice

Abstract The wavy square array junctions are composed of truncated aquaporin-0 (AQP0) proteins typically distributed in the deep cortical and nuclear fibers in wild-type lenses. These junctions may help maintain the narrowed extracellular spaces between fiber cells to minimize light scattering. Herein, we investigate the impact of the cell shape changes, due to abnormal formation of extensive square array junctions, on the lens opacification in the caveolin-1 knockout mice. The cav1-KO and wild-type mice at age 1–22 months were used. By light microscopy examinations, cav1-KO lenses at age 1–18 months were transparent in both cortical and nuclear regions, whereas some lenses older than 18 months old exhibited nuclear cataracts. Scanning EM consistently observed the massive formation of ridge-and-valley membrane surfaces in young fibers at approximately 150 μm deep in all cav1-KO lenses studied. In contrast, the typical ridge-and-valleys were only seen in mature fibers deeper than 400 μm in wild-type lenses. The resulting extensive ridge-and-valleys dramatically altered the overall cell shape in cav1-KO lenses. Remarkably, despite dramatic shape changes, these deformed fiber cells remained intact and made close contact with their neighboring cells. By freeze-fracture TEM, ridge-and-valleys exhibited the typical orthogonal arrangement of 6.6 nm square array intramembrane particles and displayed the narrowed extracellular spaces. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that AQP0 C-terminus labeling was significantly decreased in outer cortical fibers in cav1-KO lenses. However, freeze-fracture immunogold labeling showed that the AQP0 C-terminus antibody was sparsely distributed on the wavy square array junctions, suggesting that the cleavage of AQP0 C-termini might not yet be complete. The cav1-KO lenses with nuclear cataracts showed complete cellular breakdown and large globule formation in the lens nucleus. This study suggests that despite dramatic cell shape changes, the massive formation of wavy square array junctions in intact fibers may provide additional adhesive support for maintaining the narrowed extracellular spaces that are crucial for the transparency of cav1-KO lenses.
Instances of female-like behaviour in a male ungulate

Observation de mâles d'Ovis canadensis developpant un comportement femelle dans des troupeaux de Colombie Britannique et recherches des causes
HEPATOBILIARY CYSTADENOMA : A RARE HEPATIC TUMOR IN A CHILD

This report describes a 3-year-old child with a hepatobiliary cystadenoma. Cystadenomas are benign, multilocular, cystic neoplasms that usually occur in middle-aged women. The patients may be asymptomatic, but often there are vague abdominal complaints related to extrinsic compression of the stomach, duodenum, or biliary tree. Recurrence following incomplete excision and the presence of carcinoma within otherwise benign cysts has been documented. Complete resection is the therapy of choice, and thorough histopathologic evaluation is imperative.
Impact of Ni/Ge/Au/Ti/Au and Ti/Pt/Au collector metal on GaInP/GaAs HBT characteristics

Abstract The collector–emitter offset voltage of GaInP/GaAs HBTs grown by chemical-beam epitaxy with reduced toxicity precursors is investigated for Ni/Ge/Au/Ti/Au and Ti/Pt/Au collector contact metals. The offset voltage for HBTs with Ti/Pt/Au collector metal is increased by 0.26 V compared to Ni/Ge/Au/Ti/Au due to the 0.26 eV barrier existing between the n-GaAs subcollector and the Ti/Pt/Au contact metal. Other parameters affected by the collector contact barrier and impacting transistor performance include DC gain, microwave and power performance.
Production of aflatoxin in corn by a large-scale solid-substrate fermentation process

Summary Culturing of Aspergillus flams was conducted in static flask cultures and 4 in. x 5 ft columns (containing 7-8 kg corn) to measure the effects of moisture, temperature, and air flow upon growth and the production of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin levels as high as 6200 ppb (dry basis) in 10 days were observed. Conditions were selected (ca. 20% moisture, 0.008 liter air/kg corn/min air flow with 1.5 liter/kg/min recirculated) for production of aflatoxin in 1200 bushels of corn in a 18-ft diam corrugated steel Butler storage bin for preparation of contaminated corn for animal feeding trials and for testing of an ammoniation process for decontamination of aflatoxin in corn. A target level of 1000 ppb aflatoxin was attained.
Interaction of the M4 Segment with Other Transmembrane Segments Is Required for Surface Expression of Mammalian α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid (AMPA) Receptors

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs) are ligand-gated ion channels with a modular structure. The ion channel itself shares structural similarity, albeit an inverted membrane topology, with P-loop channels. Like P-loop channels, prokaryotic GluR subunits (e.g. GluR0) have two transmembrane segments. In contrast, eukaryotic GluRs have an additional transmembrane segment (M4), located C-terminal to the ion channel core. However, the structural/functional significance of this additional transmembrane segment is poorly defined. Although topologically similar to GluR0, mammalian AMPA receptor (GluA1) subunits lacking the M4 segment do not display surface expression. This lack of expression is not due to the M4 segment serving as an anchor to the ligand-binding domain because insertion of an artificial polyleucine transmembrane segment does not rescue surface expression. Specific interactions between M4 and the ligand-binding domain are also unlikely because insertion of polyglycines into the linker connecting them has no deleterious effects on function or surface expression. However, tryptophan and cysteine scanning mutagenesis of the M4 segment, as well as recovery of function in the polyleucine background, defined a unique face of the M4 helix that is required for GluR surface expression. In the AMPA receptor structure, this face forms intersubunit contacts with the transmembrane helices of the ion channel core (M1 and M3) from another subunit within the homotetramer. Thus, our experiments show that a highly specific interaction of the M4 segment with an adjacent subunit is required for surface expression of AMPA receptors. This interaction may represent a mechanism for regulating AMPA receptor biogenesis.
A new positron emission tomography imaging agent for the serotonin transporter: synthesis, pharmacological characterization, and kinetic analysis of [11C]2-[2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenylthio]-5-fluoromethylphenylamine ([11C]AFM).

Abstract The synthesis, radiolabeling, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a new positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for the serotonin transporter (SERT), [ 11 C]2-[2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenylthio]-5-fluoromethylphenylamine ([ 11 C]AFM) is reported. AFM was prepared from 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzyl acetate and thiosalicylic acid in a five-step synthetic sequence. In binding studies in vitro with cloned human transporters, AFM displayed high binding affinity ( Ki 1.04 nmol/L for hSERT) and good selectivity ( Ki 664 nmol/L for hNET and >10,000 nmol/L for hDAT) for SERT. The radiolabled compound [ 11 C]AFM was prepared in 30-37 minutes from its monomethylamine precursor by reaction with high specific activity [ 11 C]iodomethane. Radiochemical yield was 12.3 ± 8.1% based on [ 11 C]iodomethane and specific activity was 1733 ± 428 Ci/mmol at end of synthesis (EOS, n = 14). Radiochemical and chemical purity of the final product was >97%. Biodistribution studies in rats indicated that [ 11 C]AFM entered the brain readily and localized in regions known to contain high concentrations of SERT, with high specific to nonspecific binding ratios. Furthermore, binding of [ 11 C]AFM in SERT-rich regions was blocked by the cold compound AFM and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram but not by the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor nisoxetine or the selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor GBR 12935. At 30 minutes after injection, >95% of the brain activity corresponded to the parent compound, indicating the absence of radiolabeled metabolites in the rat brain. PET imaging experiments in baboons showed a brain distribution pattern of [ 11 C]AFM consistent with the regional concentrations of SERT, with the highest levels of radioactivity detected in the midbrain and thalamus, moderate levels in the hippocampus and striatum, and the low levels in the cortical regions. Pretreatment of the baboons with citalopram (4 and 6 mg/kg, intravenously) reduced regional brain distribution volumes to low and homogeneous levels, thus underlining the binding specificity of [ 11 C]AFM for SERT in vivo. Analysis of blood samples indicated a fast metabolism of the radioligand into more hydrophilic components, as well as the absence of radiolabeled lipophilic metabolites. Regional time–activity curves were analyzed with kinetic and graphical analysis methods using the arterial concentrations as input function. Both methods returned similar kinetic parameters and documented high specific to nonspecific equilibrium coefficients (V 3 ″) for [ 11 C]AFM. Identical V 3 ″ values were also derived with the simple reference tissue method, indicating that quantification of SERT with [ 11 C]AFM can be achieved without arterial blood sampling. In summary, [ 11 C]AFM appears to be an excellent PET radioligand for the visualization and reliable quantification of SERT in vivo.
Impulse response of a nonlinear dispersive wave.

The spatiotemporal instability of a nonlinear wave is studied by applying impulse-response analysis. The time-asymptotic Green function is obtained analytically for both modulationally stable and unstable cases. The conditions for absolute and convective instability are found analytically, as is the frequency region for amplification and the spatial and temporal growth rates. (c) 1995 The American Physical Society
Immunomodulatory Effect of Combination Therapy with Lovastatin and 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide-1-β-d-Ribofuranoside Alleviates Neurodegeneration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Combination therapy with multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutics is gaining momentum over monotherapy for improving MS. Lovastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), was immunomodulatory in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. Lovastatin biases the immune response from Th1 to a protective Th2 response in EAE by a different mechanism than 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside, an immunomodulating agent that activates AMP-activated protein kinase. Here we tested these agents in combination in an EAE model of MS. Suboptimal doses of these drugs in combination were additive in efficacy against the induction of EAE; clinical symptoms were delayed and severity and duration of disease was reduced. In the central nervous system, the cellular infiltration and proinflammatory immune response was decreased while the anti-inflammatory immune response was increased. Combination treatment biased the class of elicited myelin basic protein antibodies from IgG2a to IgG1 and IgG2b, suggesting a shift from Th1 to Th2 response. In addition, combination therapy lessened inflammation-associated neurodegeneration in the central nervous system of EAE animals. These effects were absent in EAE animals treated with either drug alone at the same dose. Thus, our data suggest that agents with different mechanisms of action such as lovastatin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside, when used in combination, could improve therapy for central nervous system demyelinating diseases and provide a rationale for testing them in MS patients.
Equatorial X-ray reflections and cross arm movement in skeletal muscle.

WHEN resting skeletal muscle is excited or goes into rigor, there is a characteristic change in the ratio of the intensities of the two principal equatorial reflections, I11/I10. This has been interpreted simply as reflecting movement or transfer of mass in the radial direction from the thick to thin filaments1,2. Other, higher orders, have, however, been observed1,3, and a more detailed interpretation is possible, which should eliminate some of the ambiguity that results from using only two reflections. Since there is considerable evidence that the myosin filament is actually three or four stranded4–6, rather than two stranded as originally proposed, reinterpretation is necessary. Further, studies of X-ray diagrams from muscle in the presence of ATP analogues suggest that at least in some cases, equatorial intensity ratios intermediate between rigor and relaxed do not arise from a mixture of those states, but rather from a state with different structural properties7–9.
Providing safety in the midst of psychosis: an interpersonal dimension of recovery

This first-person account involves a dialogue between one person who experiences psychosis and one person who is trying to better understand and support people who experience psychosis. The topic of the dialogue is the nature of fear and safety in the midst of psychosis, not so much at the everyday level of specific fears of people, interactions, or animals, but at the more basic level of one’s existence as a person, that fundamental level that R.D. Laing had tried to convey through use of the term “ontological security.” The person with psychosis writing below, Amy Johnson, has yet to read anything of Laing’s, or similar theoretical material, but conveys her own sense of the kinds of experiences that are required to address the basic loss of personhood that appears to be a significant source of the distress and disability associated with psychosis.
Late-onset delayed excretion of methotrexate

Pleural effusions, ascites, and renal dysfunction decrease the plasma excretion of methotrexate (MTX). However, it is not known what effect these complications have on MTX clearance when they arise after the plasma MTX concentration has fallen to an undetectable level. We describe the clinical course and pharmacokinetics of MTX in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who experienced pleural effusions, ascites, and renal failure during the weeks after treatment with high-dose MTX (1.63 g/m2 i.v. over 24 h). The patient’s normal initial MTX clearance rate (107 ml/min/m2) was consistent with his undetectable plasma level of MTX on day 9 after the infusion. His plasma MTX concentration then gradually increased as his renal function declined, reaching a peak of 0.72 μM on day 15. This unusual finding of an undetectable plasma MTX concentration that subsequently rose to persistent, potentially toxic levels was explained only by a pharmacokinetic model that accounted both for a third space at the time of treatment and for the subsequent decrease in the systemic elimination rate. Therefore, the finding of a physiologic third space during MTX administration combined with the detection of renal dysfunction in the following weeks should be an indication for prolonged therapeutic drug monitoring.
Religious Coping and Quality of Life Among Individuals Living With Schizophrenia

ObjectiveThis study investigated the relationship between positive and negative religious coping and quality of life among outpatients with schizophrenia.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 63 adults in the southeastern United States. Religious coping was measured by the 14-item RCOPE and quality of life by the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF. Data were examined via descriptive bivariate statistics and controlled analyses.ResultsMost participants reported participation in private religious or spiritual activities (91%) and participation in public religious services or activities (68%). Positive religious coping was related to the quality-of-life facet of psychological health (r=.28, p=.03). Negative religious coping and quality of life were inversely related (r=–.30, p=.02). Positive religious coping was associated with psychological health in the reduced univariate general linear model (B=.72, p=.03, adjusted R2=.08).ConclusionsGreater awareness of the importance of religion in this popu...
Cardiac rhythms in dextrocardia

Abstract The P waves of 40 patients with dextrocardia were analyzed. The usual clinical ranges of the frontal plane axes of the P wave were between +30 ° and +100 ° in dextroversion and between +120 ° and +150 ° in mirror-image dextrocardia. Exceptions occurred mainly in association with anomalies of the venae cavae, asplenia and polysplenia syndrome. Left atrial rhythms were associated with bilateral superior vena cava, and coronary sinus rhythms occurred with polysplenia syndrome or absent inferior vena cava. The clinical and embryologic aspects of these findings are discussed. Electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic studies have concentrated on analysis of ventricular depolarization. This study indicates that valuable anatomic information can also be obtained by analysis of atrial depolarization as represented by the P wave axis and contour.
Antidepressants Blunt the Effects of Inescapable Stress on Male Mating Behaviour and Decrease Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone mRNA Expression in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of the Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Stress decreases sexual activity. However, emerging research suggests that the psychological aspect of control prevents the detrimental effects of stress on male mating behaviour. The present study examined the effects of chronic escapable/inescapable stress on mating behaviour in the male Syrian hamster. Additionally, the ability of the antidepressant clomipramine to prevent the adverse effects of stress on mating behaviour was explored. In this paradigm, two groups received the same electric footshock stress, but differed in the psychological aspect of control. Cohorts were divided into two groups. One group received clomipramine via a sugar water solution while the other received plain sugar water. Mating behaviour was quantified before and after 12 consecutive days of stress. The morning following the final stress and behaviour session, trunk blood and brains were collected to assess: (i) plasma concentrations of testosterone and glucocorticoids and (ii) corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). In the drug-free groups, several aspects of mating behaviour were disrupted by inescapable but not escapable stress, including anogenital investigation before the first ejaculation and time of first ejaculation. Additionally, both escapable and inescapable stress caused a decrease in total hit rate compared to the no-stress control group. Unlike the sugar-water treated animals, hamsters in either stress condition receiving clomipramine showed no differences in anogenital investigation, time of first ejaculation, hit rate, or any other aspect of mating behaviour measured, compared to the clomipramine no-stress control males. The stress-induced inhibition of mating behaviour could not be explained by changes in baseline plasma concentrations of testosterone or total glucocorticoids; these values did not vary between any of the six treatment groups. It was found that clomipramine lowers CRH mRNA expression in the PVN by 74%, regardless of stressor conditions. The results of the present study have broad implications for understanding the relationships between stress, depression and reproduction, and for the treatment of people and animals suffering from the adverse effects of stress.
Canonical forms and integrability of bi-Hamiltonian systems

Abstract Turiel's complete list of canonical forms for finite-dimensional, nondegenerate, compatible pairs of Hamiltonian structures is used to determine the precise local integrability of bi-Hamiltonian systems of ordinary differential equation. Also, classification of incompatible Hamiltonian pairs in four dimensions and the relationship between compatibility and integrability are discussed.
A High-Performance Associative Neural Memory (ANM) For Pattern Recognition

A high-performance, high-capacity associative neural memory (ANM) architecture is proposed. The proposed ANM architecture is based on a cascade of two-levels of fully interconnected layers of binary neurons. Feedback is used to connect the output of the second neural layer to the input of the first layer in order to increase network convergence rate and retrieval accuracy. The proposed ANM training (recording) is accomplished by the use of a very efficient newly-developed recording technique. The combination of the above powerful recording technique and the two-level with feedback ANM architecture gives rise to a high-performance network for pattern recognition applications. The proposed architecture allows for simultaneous autoassociative and heteroassociative memory operation which implies both pattern reconstruction and pattern classification capabilities. Finally, the highly parallel and distributed architecture of the above ANM can greatly benefit from the intrinsic parallelism and high interconnection capacity offered by optical systems.
Lysosomal Storage Disorder Screening Implementation: Findings from the First Six Months of Full Population Pilot Testing in Missouri

Objective To evaluate the performance of a statewide full-population pilot study in Missouri on newborn blood spots for screening of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) using digital microfluidics. Study design A full-population pilot study using a multiplexed fluorometric enzymatic assay to detect Pompe disease, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, and mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) in the Missouri newborn population is ongoing. Provisional cutoff values were determined during a prepilot study. All newborn dried blood spots received at the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory for routine newborn screening were screened for the 4 LSDs during the pilot study. Newborns determined to be screen-positive were referred for confirmatory testing. Results The study commenced on January 11, 2013; during the first 6 months, 43 701 specimens were screened, and 27 newborns with a confirmed diagnosis of an LSD genotype (8 with Pompe disease, 1 with Gaucher disease, 15 with Fabry disease, and 3 with MPS I) were identified. These numbers correspond to detection rates of 1:5463 for Pompe disease, 1:43 701 for Gaucher disease, 1:2913 for Fabry disease, and 1:14 567 for MPS I. The positive predictive values were 47% for Pompe disease with 1 lost to follow-up, 10% for Gaucher disease, 58% for Fabry disease with 2 lost to follow-up, and 11% for MPS I with 4 pending. Conclusion The first 6 months of the Missouri LSD pilot study provided the opportunity to validate the effectiveness of the digital microfluidic screening method, refine the cutoffs for detection of these LSDs, and test the entire system of infant referral, follow-up, confirmation, treatment, and screening program communication.
Letting the Patient Decide: The Importance of Autonomy When the Prognosis Is Deeply Unclear

In this scenario RH prospectively decided against being kept alive through the use of technology and is now incapacitated and suffering from a condition that is potentially reversible—if life-susta...
A description of the male of Hylaeus graenicheri Mitchell (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)

SummaryThe male of the Florida endemic bee species Hylaeus graenicheri is described from specimens collected in Everglades National Park, Florida. The male has genitalia typical of the subgenus Hylaeana. The species is noted for its small size, yellow and brown colour, and lack of a supraclypeal maculation and an incomplete clypeal maculation. Figures and photos are provided to help with identification.
Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase activity in the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner.

1. 1. The activity of microsomal aldrin epoxidase was observed in various tissues of the last instar larva of the velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner) with the midgut being the most active. Optimum conditions for assaying the enzyme were established. 2. 2. Allelochemicals (monoterpenes, indoles and flavones) and host plants (cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, soybeans and hairy indigo) were found to induce the monooxygenase. 3. 3. Piperonyl butoxide decreased and increased the toxicity of methomyl and methyl parathion, respectively, suggesting that the monooxygenase system of velvetbean caterpillars plays a major role in the detoxification of xenobiotics.
Severe tricuspid regurgitation after mitral valve repair: diagnosis by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.

Transesophageal echocardiography facilitates the evaluation of valvular repair in the operating room. The functional valvular morphology and degree of valvular regurgitation can be assessed before and after repair. This technique can also identify unsuspected findings—in this case, severe tricuspid regurgitation complicating cardiopulmonary bypass. We report a previously undescribed cause of traumatic tricuspid regurgitation.
High-index-contrast ridge waveguide laser with thermally oxidised etched facet and metal reflector

A novel GaAs-based high-index-contrast ridge waveguide quantum well heterostructure laser is demonstrated, which features an etched and wet thermally oxidised rear facet with a deposited metal mirror suitable for wafer scale integration. The self-aligned fabrication process utilises a single deep etch step and oxygen-enhanced non-selective wet oxidation of the AlGaAs heterostructure ridge sidewall and the entire exposed facet, including the waveguide core region composed of low-Al content AlGaAs material not readily oxidised by conventional techniques. Singlemode devices exhibiting thresholds as low as 20 mA at 808 nm are demonstrated.
An intelligent PET interface for environmental control and data acquisition and analysis

An interface, controlled by a Z-80 central processor, that plugs into the PET microcomputer’s IEEE-488 port is described. This interface is capable of controlling 48 separate 28-V dc output signals, six of which are high current. Sixteen inputs (switch closures) can be accepted by the interface. Data tagged with real-time information are output automatically to cassette tape in PET format. This PET interface system is designed to accommodate a single experimental station.
Secretion and metabolism of monomeric human calcitonin: effects of age, sex, and thyroid damage.

Some data suggest that human calcitonin (CT) secretion is lower in women than in men, decreases with age and the menopause, and is absent in thyroidectomized persons. To further explore CT secretory physiology, we have studied basal and calcium-stimulated plasma immunoreactive CT (iCT) and silica-extractable monomeric CT concentrations in 148 healthy volunteers and 33 patients with a history of thyroid damage (total or subtotal thyroidectomy, radioiodine treatment for thyrotoxicosis). Both whole-plasma iCT and extractable CT levels were lower basally and after calcium infusion in women than in men, basal levels being reduced about 50% and calcium-stimulated values about 75% from those of male subjects. There were no significant changes in basal iCT or extractable CT concentrations with age, and CT secretory capacity (CT response to calcium infusion) likewise did not change with age. Infusion of monomeric CT to constant concentration in 27 persons permitted estimates of CT metabolic clearance rates (MCRs) and secretion rates (SRs). Calculated MCRs of about 9 ml/min.kg-1 (persons aged 21-30 yr) and 6 ml/min.kg-1 (persons aged 54-70 yr) were in good agreement with published data, and did not differ between the sexes. SRs were dependent upon the assay method used to estimate basal plasma CT concentrations, being highest when whole-plasma iCT values were used. Based on estimates of plasma monomeric CT from the silica extraction procedure, the SR of CT was 59 +/- 6 (SE) ng/d.kg-1 in men, and 22 +/- 3 ng/d.kg-1 in women. Thyroid damage reduced, but did not abolish, apparent CT immunoreactivity, even in silica extracts of plasma. However, all subsets of thyroid-damaged patients had absent-to-markedly-impaired CT secretion in response to calcium infusion. We conclude that CT secretion is substantially lower both basally and after stimulation in women than in men, and that this difference in CT immunoreactivity probably reflects differences in circulating CT bioactivity. The sex difference in plasma CT concentrations probably results from lower rates of CT secretion in women, not increased MCR. There is no age-related decrease of plasma CT concentrations (or CT secretory reserve), calling into question the concept that a progressive deficiency of CT is partly responsible for age-related ("senile") osteoporosis. Surgical or radiation damage to the thyroid gland commonly abolishes C-cell response to calcium; such CT-deficient patients form a population suitable for determining whether or not reduced CT secretion can impair skeletal homeostasis.
Composite optical vortices formed by collinear Laguerre-Gauss beams

We study the optical fields that are produced when two Laguerre Gauss beams, each carrying an optical vortex, are superimposed collinearly. We find that the resulting beam contains new vortices. The number of vortices and their location depends on the charge of the vortices of the component beams and the relative intensity of the two beams. Our presentation focuses on the cases where the component Laguerre-Gauss beams are of order one and two.
Recombinant rat and hamster N -acetyltransferases-1 and -2: relative rates of N -acetylation of arylamines and N,O -acyltransfer with arylhydroxamic acids

Genes for the 290 amino acid, 33-34 kDa cytosolic acetyltransferases (NAT1* and NAT2*) from rat and hamster were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Active clones were selected by a simple visual test for their ability to decolorize 4-aminoazobenzene in bacterial medium by acetylation. These recombinant acetyltransferases were analyzed for: (i) N-acetyltransferase, which was assayed by the rate of acetyl coenzyme A-dependent N-acetylation of 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) or 4-aminoazobenzene (AAB); (ii) arylhydroxamic acid acyltransferase, assayed by N,O-acyltransfer with N-hydroxy-N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene. Both NAT2s showed first order increases in N-acetylation rates with increasing 2-AF or AAB concentrations between 5 and 100 microM, with apparent K(m) values of 22-32 and 62-138 microM respectively. Although under the same conditions the N-acetylation rates for the two NAT1s declined by > 50%, below 5 microM 2-AF or AAB, the NAT rate data fit Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and the apparent K(m) values were 0.2-0.9 microM. For N,O-acyltransferase, the apparent K(m) values of the NAT1s were approximately 6 microM, while the K(m) values of the NAT2s were approximately 20- to 70-fold higher. SDS-PAGE/Western blot analysis of the recombinant acetyltransferases gave apparent relative molecular weights (MWr) of approximately 31 kDa for both NAT1s and rat NAT2 and approximately 29 kDa for hamster NAT2. Comparable MWr values were observed for native hamster liver NAT1 and NAT2 and for rat NAT1 under the same conditions. Although we did not detect NAT2-like activity in rat liver cytosol previously, the present data show that the rat NAT2* gene does code for a functional acetyltransferase, with properties similar to those of hamster liver NAT2. The data also indicate that at low substrate concentrations, NAT1 would apparently play the predominant role in vivo in N-acetylation and N,O-acyltransfer of aromatic amine derivatives, including their metabolic activation to DNA-reactive agents.