cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein 4.1R Exon 16 Splicing Mediated by Regulated Expression of RBM9 and PTB during Erythroid Differentiation.

Abstract Protein 4.1R (4.1R), a vital component of the red cell membrane cytoskeleton, stabilizes the spectrin-actin lattice and attaches it to the embedded membrane proteins. The inclusion of exon 16, which encodes peptides critical for spectrin/actin binding, occurs via an intricate interplay between the auxiliary cis-elements and transacting factors. An intronic splicing enhancer, UGCAUG, is present in triplicate and is situated between two polypyrimidinetract-binding (PTB) sites, TCTT, in the intron downstream of exon 16. In addition, PTB binding sites are also present in triplicate in the upstream intron of exon 16. In this study, we characterized the splicing factors that orchestrate the erythroid differentiation stage-specific switch in exon 16 splicing through these cis-elements using two cell systems: mouse erythroleukemia cells (MELC) that can be induced to erythroid differentiation and G1E-ER cells that undergo synchronous erythroid maturation after induced GATA-1 expression. We identified two RBM9 isoforms (RBM9-1A and RBM9-1F) with distinct amino-termini that interact with the intronic splicing enhancer UGCAUG. The expression of RBM9-1A is erythroid-specific while RBM9-1F can be detected in a wide variety of cell types. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses showed that RBM9-1A expression is significantly increased while RBM9-1F is reduced during induced erythroid differentiation in both MELC and G1E-ER4 cells. The up-regulation of RBM9-1A correlated with exon 16 inclusion in differentiated cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of RBM9 expression by isoform specific-shRNA reversed 1A enhancing activity, but not that of 1F on exon 16 inclusion in differentiated cells. Thus, exon 16 splicing is mediated by a cell type-specific RBM9 isoform and its up-regulation in late erythroid differentiation is vital for exon 16 splicing. However, over-expression of PTB completely diminished the enhancing effect of RBM9-1A on exon 16 splicing in both differentiated MELC and G1E-ER4 cells, suggesting that PTB plays a role in exon 16 splicing. We analyzed PTB expression and its effect on the exon 16 splicing switch during erythroid differentiation. PTB, a repressive regulator of alternative splicing, binds to the exon 16 upstream and downstream intronic silencers. Its over-expression reduced exon 16 inclusion in both endogenous 4.1R and transfected exon 16 minigenes. Moreover, PTB expression was down-regulated and coincided with increased exon 16 splicing during erythroid differentiation suggesting that regulated expression of repressor PTB mediates exon 16 splicing. Our results further suggest that the differentiation-specific exon 16 splicing switch is achieved by varying the amount of either ubiquitously expressed or cell-type specific activators and inhibitors, and hence the relative efficiency of spliceosome recruitment in the exon inclusion pathway.
TNF-alpha Is not a Miscreant: A Hero for Basal Nrf2-Antioxidant Signaling

About three decades of intensive research suggest that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a “miscreant”. Although it is obvious that supra-physiological TNF-α levels are deleterious to cellular activities leading to a variety of pathological conditions, it is unlikely that complete removal of TNF-α is cytoprotective. Are we rejecting the basal physiological role of TNF-α as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer that is key and essential for numerous basal cell signaling processes? We believe that there are important protective roles for TNF-α under basal/physiological conditions. We propose that one such role is that of signaling through nuclear erythroid 2 p45 related factor-2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE). Confirming our hypothesis that TNF-α is necessary and sufficient for the basal activation of Nrf2/ARE transcriptional pathways, will change the existing paradigms on the function of TNF-α. This article briefly reviews the canonical role of TNF-α as miscreant and introduces a new role as a hero in the context of Nrf2-antioxidant signaling.
The Influence of Hydrogen on the Defects and Instabilities in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

The presence of hydrogen in amorphous silicon alloys affects both the defect structure and the instabilities. Specific examples where the presence of hydrogen is either directly or indirectly important include (1) the elimination of silicon dangling bonds, (2) the trapping of molecular hydrogen in voids and (3) the presence of optically-induced, reversible metastabilities in the optical and electronic properties.
Sensor fusions for constant thrust aircraft navigation in pitch plane

Constant thrust aircraft navigation is an altitude hold mode in air transportation systems, air refueling systems, traffic alert and collision avoidance system and automatic dependent surveillance ...
SUBSTITUTION AND ELIMINATION REACTIONS WHICH PROCEED VIA RADICAL ANION INTERMEDIATES

Substitution at a saturated carbon atom may occur by a multistage pathway involving radical anions and radicals as intermediates. Aside from the intrinsic interest which attaches to a new type of substitution process, these reactions are noteworthy for providing new and powerful means of synthesis: they occur readily under mild conditions, they give excellent yields of pure products and, in contrast to SN2 displacements, they are rather insensitive to steric hindrance. Radical anion processes are, therefore, extraordinarily valuable for the synthesis of highly branched structures. A new olefin synthesis which makes available tetrasubstituted olefins, both symmetrical and unsymmetrical, is also described; it provides pure products, free of isomeric olefins, and in excellent yields.
Implementing Clinical Pharmacogenomics in the Classroom: Student Pharmacist Impressions of an Educational Intervention Including Personal Genotyping.

Pharmacogenomics provides a personalized approach to pharmacotherapy by using genetic information to guide drug dosing and selection. However, partly due to lack of education, pharmacogenomic testing has not been fully implemented in clinical practice. With pharmacotherapy training and patient accessibility, pharmacists are ideally suited to apply pharmacogenomics to patient care. Student pharmacists (n = 222) participated in an educational intervention that included voluntary personal genotyping using 23andMe. Of these, 31% of students completed both pre- and post-educational interventions to evaluate their attitudes and confidence towards the use of pharmacogenomics data in clinical decision making, and 55% of this paired subset obtained personal genotyping. McNemar’s test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze responses. Following the educational intervention, students regardless of genotyping were more likely to recommend personal genotyping (36% post-educational intervention versus 19% pre-educational intervention, p = 0.0032), more confident in using pharmacogenomics in the management of drug therapy (51% post-educational intervention versus 29% pre-educational intervention, p = 0.0045), and more likely to believe that personalized genomics would have an important role in their future pharmacy career (90% post-educational intervention versus 51% pre-educational intervention, p = 0.0072) compared to before receiving the educational intervention. This educational intervention positively influenced students’ attitudes and confidence regarding pharmacogenomics in the clinical setting. Future studies will examine the use of next-generation sequencing assays that selectively examine pharmacogenes in the education of student pharmacists.
Emotion Socialization and Young Adult Internalizing Symptoms: the Roles of Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation

Caregivers play a crucial role in the socialization of youth emotional understanding and regulation, which are implicated in socio-emotional outcomes. Although a rich literature details the sequelae of parent emotion socialization (ES) strategies, there is less understanding of variables that may explain associations between ES strategies and youth psychopathology. The current study aimed to test potential explanatory variables–mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies. SEM was utilized to test direct and indirect effects of young adult recalled parent ES, mindfulness, and emotion suppression and cognitive reappraisal on internalizing symptoms in a sample (N = 256) of 18 to 33 year olds (Mage = 19.85, SDage = 2.31). Higher levels of supportive ES were positively related to young adult mindfulness (β = 0.334, SE = 0.102, p < .05, for mothers; β = 0.366, SE = 0.097, p < .01, for fathers). In turn, mindfulness was related to higher levels of cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.250, SE = 0.114, p < .01), lower levels of emotion suppression (β = − 0.433, SE = 0.138, p < .001), and lower levels of internalizing symptoms (β = − 0.793, SE = 0.897, p < .001). Several indirect effects were also significant. Results provided support for the indirect influence of parents’ supportive ES on offspring internalizing symptoms through young adult mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal. Parenting interventions designed to create healthy family contexts may wish to incorporate a focus on supportive ES responses, given associations with offspring mindfulness, adaptive emotion regulation strategies, and lower internalizing symptoms.
Resource Optimization for Circuit Simulation using Machine Learning

Memory and Central Processing Units (CPU) are the primary computing resources for any circuit simulation job. Speed, efficiency and performance of these jobs depends on how the resources in the server farm are leveraged and optimized. But depending on the users selection as well as simulators architecture these resources might be over or underutilized leading to stuck jobs eventually dying or occupying more than its fair share impacting other jobs in queue as there are only finite resources available in the farm. This paper proposes an innovative approach to forecast and estimate the optimum allocation of memory and computing resources for all circuit simulation jobs leveraging Machine Learning techniques.
Implantation of Acellular Nerve Allograft Using Nerve Connectors.

Background: Nerve connectors are short nerve conduits used to approximate nerve ends. Acellular nerve allografts are viable alternatives when direct repair is not possible but do not produce exudat...
Dialysis modalities for the management of pediatric acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly frequent complication among hospitalized children. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in neonates and children requiring dialysis. The different renal replacement therapy (RRT) options for AKI have expanded from peritoneal dialysis (PD) and intermittent hemodialysis (HD) to continuous RRT (CRRT) and hybrid modalities. Recent advances in the provision of RRT in children allow a higher standard of care for increasingly ill and young patients. In the absence of evidence indicating better survival with any dialysis method, the most appropriate dialysis choice for children with AKI is based on the patient's characteristics, on dialytic modality performance, and on the institutional resources and local practice. In this review, the available dialysis modalities for pediatric AKI will be discussed, focusing on indications, advantages, and limitations of each of them.
Obligations II: The Semiotics of International Law: Interpretation of the ABMTreaty

A post-structuralist, semiotic theory of legal interpretation shows that it explains how statutes, constitutions, and judicial opinions get their meanings. This theory is applied to texts of international law, illustrated with outlines of the 1988 U.S.-Soviet Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The theory rejects a legal positivism, and also rejects linguistic structuralism with which Saussure’s descendants stirred so much excitement in past years. Semiotics tends to be static, mechanical systems-based, and claims to universal structures of the human mind which either do not exist at all, or are so deep and minimal that they have only feeble influence on the cultural superstructure. Structural legal semiotics becomes merely a neo-positivist exercise of analyzing law as an autonomous system of coded norms, a pragmatic account of legal interpretation, which starts with the notion that language and legal meaning are cultural artifacts produced in time and space through specific social institutions.
Exploring the Reaction Mechanism of HIV Reverse Transcriptase with a Nucleotide Substrate.

Enzymatic reactions consist of several steps, (i) a weak binding event of the substrate to the enzyme, (ii) an induced fit or a protein conformational transition upon ligand binding, (iii) the chem...
MuSE: a Multimodal Dataset of Stressed Emotion

Endowing automated agents with the ability to provide support, entertainment and interaction with human beings requires sensing of the users’ affective state. These affective states are impacted by a combination of emotion inducers, current psychological state, and various conversational factors. Although emotion classification in both singular and dyadic settings is an established area, the effects of these additional factors on the production and perception of emotion is understudied. This paper presents a new dataset, Multimodal Stressed Emotion (MuSE), to study the multimodal interplay between the presence of stress and expressions of affect. We describe the data collection protocol, the possible areas of use, and the annotations for the emotional content of the recordings. The paper also presents several baselines to measure the performance of multimodal features for emotion and stress classification.
Utilization of extracorporeal life support for diffuse alveolar damage and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: A systematic review.

Modern extracorporeal life-support (ECLS) technology has been successfully utilized to treat patients with diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH); however, reports in the literature remain scarce. We sought to pool existing evidence to better characterize ECLS use in these patients. An electronic search was conducted to identify all studies in the English literature reporting the use of ECLS for DAD/DAH. Thirty-two articles consisting of 38 patients were selected, and patient-level data were extracted and pooled for analysis. Median patient age was 36 [IQR: 27, 48] years, and the majority (63.2%) were female. Most common etiological factors included granulomatosis with polyangiitis (8/38, 21.1%), systemic lupus erythematosus (8/38, 21.1%), Goodpasture's syndrome (4/38, 10.5%), and microscopic polyangiitis (4/38, 10.5%). Immunologic markers included anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in 15/38 (39.5%), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) in 6/38 (15.8%), and anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies in 4/38 (10.5%). DAH was present in 32/38 (84.2%) of cases and DAD without evidence of DAH was present in 6/38 (15.8%) of cases. ECLS strategies included extracorporeal membrane oxygenation of veno-venous type (VV-ECMO) in 28/38 (73.7%), veno-arterial type (VA-ECMO) in 5/38 (13.2%), and one case of right ventricular assist device with oxygenator (RVAD-ECMO). Heparin was utilized in 18/38 (47.4%) of cases with no difference in use between DAH versus no DAH (P = .46) or VA- versus VV-ECLS (P = 1). Median duration of ECLS was 10 [5, 14] days. Pre- versus post-ECLS comparison of blood gases showed improvement in median PaO2 (49 [45, 59] mm Hg vs. 80 [70, 99] mm Hg, P < .001), PaO2:FiO2 ratio (48.2 [41.4, 54.8] vs. 182.0 [149.4, 212.2], P < .01), and pulse oximetry values (76% [72, 80] vs. 96% [94, 97], P = .086). Overall, 94.7% (36/38) of patients survived to decannulation while 30-day mortality was 10.5% (4/38) with no differences between VA- and VV-ECMO (P = 1 and P = .94, respectively). DAD/DAH occurs in a younger, predominantly female population, and tends to be associated with systemic autoimmune processes. ECLS, independent of its type, appears to result in favorable short-term survival.
Reframing Rights: Bioconstitutionalism in the Genetic Age (Book Review)

Dr. Sherwin's paper reviews the book, Reframing Rights: Bioconstitutionalism in the Genetic Age (edited by Sheila Jasanoff).
Acute ethanol intoxication in a child

Acute alcoholism is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. The signs and symptoms of acute ethanol intoxication and the metabolic fate of ethanol in the body are well known.1 There are a few case reports of alcohol-induced hypoglycemia in young children2 and also case reports of withdrawal symptoms in infants of alcoholic mothers.3 Yet there is very little in the literature on the course, treatment, and prognosis of children with acute poisoning due to accidental alcohol ingestion. This report is designed to call attention to this entity, to describe a case whose blood alcoholic level was, as far as we know, the highest recorded in the pediatric literature in a survivor, to Suggest a mode of therapy, and, hopefully, to awaken pediatricians to thew possibility of ethanol intoxication in young children.
Constraining msugra parameters with mu->e gamma and mu-e conversion in nuclei

We show that, in the MSSM with msugra boundary conditions and seesaw induced neutrino masses, the values of BR(mu->e gamma) and the mu-e conversion rate in a nucleus determine the sign of mu and constrain tan beta in a model independent way.
Spectra of hypergraphs

We present a spectral theory of hypergraphs that closely parallels graph spectral theory. Classic work by Gel’fand-Kapranov-Zelevinsky and Canny, as well as more recent developments by Chang, Lim, Pearson, Qi, Zhang, and others has led to a rich understanding of “hyperdeterminants” of hypermatrices, aka multidimensional arrays. Hyperdeterminants share many properties with determinants, but the context of multilinear algebra is substantially more complicated than the linear algebra required to address spectral graph theory (i.e., ordinary matrices). Nonetheless, it is possible to define eigenvalues of a tensor via its characteristic polynomial as well as variationally. We apply this notion to the “adjacency hypermatrix” of a uniform hypergraph, and prove a number of natural analogues of graph theoretic results. Computations are particularly cumbersome with hyperdeterminants, so we discuss software developed in Sage which can perform basic calculations on small hypergraphs. Open problems abound, and we present a few directions for further research. Joint work with Aaron Dutle of the University of South Carolina.
Principles of the measurement of neuro-glial metabolism using in vivo 13C NMR spectroscopy

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the requirements on the modeling that are necessary to understand, in order to use in vivo NMR spectroscopy for the assessment of glutamatergic metabolism in the intact brain in vivo . It discusses some studies that includes: (1) the demonstration that brain glycogen is an important store of glucose equivalents in the brain, providing significant fuel during hypoglycemia; (2) the demonstration of slow brain glycogen metabolism in non-activated awake brain; (3) the presence of significant anaplerosis in brain in vivo ; (4) the measurement of the energy metabolism of neurons and glia, and the metabolic trafficking of glutamate between these two major metabolic compartments; (5) the measurement of a major regulatory metabolic element of oxidative metabolism in the brain, the malate–aspartate shuttle; and (6) the finding that brain glycogen metabolism is deranged following hypoglycemic episodes, suggesting an involvement in the hypoglycemia unawareness syndrome clinically observed in diabetes. The chapter concludes that the new non-invasive method 13 CNMR has come a long way. Increases in sensitivity and methodology have paved the way for many new measurements that are now feasible in the live and intact brain, leading to unique insights in anaplerosis, glial and neuronal energy metabolism, metabolic trafficking, brain glycogen metabolism, and the regulation of oxidative energy metabolism.
BaBar: sin(2beta) with charmless and radiative decays

We present new measurements of time-dependent CP-violation parameters in hadronic penguin decays: B{sup 0} {yields} K{sup +}K{sup -}K{sub L}{sup 0}, K{sub S}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, K{sub S}{sup 0}K{sub S}{sup 0}K{sub S}{sup 0}, {omega}K{sub L}{sup 0}, and a radiative penguin decay B{sup 0} {yields} K{sub S}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}{gamma} in a dataset of around 230 {center_dot} 10{sup 6} B{bar B} pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the asymmetric B Factory at SLAC. These CP asymmetry measurements probe for amplitudes beyond the Standard Model in loop-dominated decays of neutral B mesons. While we find a puzzling deviation of CP-asymmetry parameters from predicted values, a full confirmation still awaits more data.
Massive ischemic stroke as a complication of otitis media

Cerebral artery infarction as a complication of acute otitis media is a rare complication. The mechanism appears to be the spread of meningeal inflammation to involve the walls of intracranial vessels, resulting in arterial thrombosis with ischemia or rupture with hemorrhage. We report the case of a 3 year old female with a history of global developmental delay who sustained a large left hemispheric stroke after middle cerebral artery infarction as a complication of an acute otitis media.
Bridging the multiscale gap: Identifying cellular parameters from multicellular data

Multiscale models that link sub-cellular, cellular and multicellular components offer powerful insights in disease development. Such models need a realistic set of parameters to represent the physical and chemical mechanisms at the sub-cellular and cellular levels to produce high fidelity multicellular outcomes. However, determining correct values for some of the parameters is often difficult and expensive using high-throughput microfluidic approaches. This work presents an alternative approach that estimates cellular parameters from spatiotemporal data produced from bioengineered multicellular in vitro experiments. Specifically, we apply a search technique to an integrated cellular and multicellular model of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to estimate the binding rate and auto-regulation rate of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Understanding VEGF regulation is critical in treating age-related macular degeneration and many other diseases. The method successfully identifies realistic values for autoregulatory cellular parameters that reproduce the spatiotemporal in vitro experimental data.
Learning by game design: exploring its potential in undergraduate information literacy instruction

This study explores the use of game design and its impact on content learning, understanding and retention of knowledge, in information literacy classes. Information literacy (IL) concept is considered critical in a growing number of social and academic contexts. Despite the importance of IL many learners still have little idea how to evaluate information for relevance, accuracy or authority and are generally uncritical about messages offered to them through online media. The discourse on the use of games as a platform for library orientations and instruction is increasingly addressed in the current practitioner oriented literature. However, very few learning programs offer the design component. This quasi-experimental study uses a pre-test/post-test design. The sample is a non-probability convenience sample of undergraduate students. Findings show that students were able to design functional games using various game design characteristics. This study has the potential of creating new knowledge about the incorporation of learning by game design specific to higher education and libraries.
Fourier transformation by smooth interpolation

A method is presented for efficiently computing the Fourier transform of a function, such as (charge density)1/3, known numerically at a number of points in the unit cell of a crystal. The method utilizes an implicit interpolant which would be maximally smooth, consistent with the data. However, the interpolant is not computed, but the Fourier coefficients are obtained directly. Specialization of the formulas to a uniform grid is made and results in an enormous saving of computation.
Vaccines, pharmaceutical products, and bioterrorism: challenges for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Abstract : In regards to bioterrorism, the goal of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to foster the development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostic products, safeguards of the food supply, and other measures needed to respond to bioterrorist threats. Many products (vaccines, therapeutic drug and biological products, food, devices, and diagnostics) regulated by FDA could be affected by bioterrorism. Pathogens or pathogen products adapted for biological warfare include smallpox (variola), anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), tularemia (Francisella tularensis), brucellosis (Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, B. canis), Q fever (Coxiella burnettii), botulinum toxin (produced by Clostridium botulinum) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B. New products are needed to diagnose, prevent, and treat these public health threats.
Nuclear Bodies: Random Aggregates of Sticky Proteins or Crucibles of Macromolecular Assembly?

The principles of self-assembly and self-organization are major tenets of molecular and cellular biology. Governed by these principles, the eukaryotic nucleus is composed of numerous subdomains and compartments, collectively described as nuclear bodies. Emerging evidence reveals that associations within and between various nuclear bodies and genomic loci are dynamic and can change in response to cellular signals. This review will discuss recent progress in our understanding of how nuclear body components come together, what happens when they form, and what benefit these subcellular structures may provide to the tissues or organisms in which they are found.
A MATRIX-ISOLATION-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE REACTIONS OF NITRIC OXIDE WITH OXYGEN AND OZONE

An investigation of the oxidation of NO to NO2 by trapping the products of the gas-phase reactions with excess oxygen and ozone identified the transient species by their infrared spectra. The primary products of the NO + NO2 reactions were NO2, N2O3(A), N2O3(B), N2O4, and peroxy nitrate (OONO). The primary products of the NO + O3 reactions were NO2 and peroxy NO3 with the higher nitric oxides in low concentrations compared with the NO + O2 reactions. Isotopic oxygen and ozone were used to identify the infrared absorption frequency of the peroxy nitrate.
A test of the claim that plan rankings are determined by relative complication and tumor-control probabilities.

Abstract Purpose: This study tests an accepted claim regarding tumor control (TCP) and normal tissue complication (NTCP) probability functions. The claim is that treatment plans can be ranked using relative probabilities, even when the absolute probabilities are unknown. The assumption supports the use of probability models for plan optimization and the comparison of treatment techniques. Methods: The claim was tested using a hypothetical model consisting of two tissues, and illustrated with clinical data. Plans were scored using the probability of uncomplicated tumor control. The scores of different plans were compared by fixing their relative risks for an individual tissue complication, but adjusting the absolute probability levels up or down. The tested claim is that the plan rankings should not change. Results: In the two-tissue model, the rankings of competing plans were reversed by doubling all the probabilities. The preference ordering of lung cancer plans changed after the risk of pulmonary complication was reduced by 3-fold. In another site, the ranking of plans by overall complication-free probability was disturbed by errors that preserved the ordering of plans with respect to any individual complication. An adjustment of ± 2.5% in the initial NTCP values for two tissues changed the direction in which a plan score moved in response to a fixed tradeoff in complication risk in an optimization search. Conclusions: Contrary to claims, plan rankings are not determined by the relative probabilities of adverse events. The effect on plan scores of trading one complication for another depends on the absolute levels of risk. Absolute errors in NTCP and TCP functions result in the wrong ranking of plans, even when relative probabilities are correct. An optimization routine based on TCP and NTCP calculations may be forced in the wrong direction by small errors in the probability estimates.
PegBlocks: a learning aid for the elementary classroom

In this paper we describe the implementation of PegBlocks - an educational toy that can be used to illustrate some basic physics principles to elementary students.
Management of the prescription-drug-dependent adult: case of meprobamate abuse and its treatment.

Misuse of prescription drugs in the elderly can be a serious problem that is difficult to manage. Prescriptions for non-narcotic central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics) are commonly written, and their use is associated with severe intoxication and withdrawal effects. The presence of comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression or panic disorder), for which these agents are prescribed frequently, complicates the clinical picture. This paper, using case examples of meprobamate abuse, describes how physicians can recognize, manage, and treat a patient who is abusing a non-narcotic CNS depressant.
Structure of the Fluorine-Containing Trapped-Hole Center in Magnesium Oxide

A trapped-hole center (${V}_{\mathrm{F}}$ center) induced in MgO by ionizing radiation has previously been assigned the structure ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$---[=]---${\mathrm{F}}^{+}$ (only deviations from normal site charge shown). ENDOR data confirm the identification of the interacting nucleus as fluorine. The contact and dipolar splitting constants are, respectively: $a=0.234\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010$ MHz and $b=0.923\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010$ MHz. The value of $b$ implies a hole-fluorine distance of 0.432 nm, compared with the normal O-O lattice distance of 0.420 nm. Calculations of the isotropic hyperfine splitting due to overlap of the hole with the fluorine $2s$ orbital suggest that the hole is primarily localized on one oxygen atom. This conclusion is supported by a comparison of $g$ factors for trapped-hole centers.
A comparison of the electrochemical behavior of carbon aerogels and activated carbon fiber cloths

Electrochemical capacitative behavior of carbon aerogels and commercial carbon fiber cloths was studied in 5M KOH, 3M sulfuric acid, and 0.5M tetrethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/propylene carbonate electrolytes. The resorcinol-formaldehyde based carbon aerogels with a range of denisty (0.2-0.85 g/cc) have open-cell structures with ultrafine pore sizes (5-50 nm), high surface area (400-700 m{sup 2}/g), and a solid matrix composed of interconnected particles or fibers with characteristic diameters of 10 nm. The commercial fiber cloths in the density range 0.2-04g/cc have high surface areas (1000-2500 m{sup 2}/g). The volumetric capacitances of high-density aerogels are shown to be comparable to or exceeding those from activated carbon fibers. Electrochemical behavior of these materials in various electrolytes is compared and related to their physical properties.
Consequences of low levels of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in schizophrenia for drug development

The incidence of smoking in the mentally ill is much higher than in the general population and is inordinately high in schizophrenia. It has been suggested that this might be an attempt to self-medicate an underlying biological deficit. The receptors that mediate nicotinic responses are decreased in many regions of postmortem brain in schizophrenic smokers, compared to control smokers. Patients exhibit differential responses to nicotine in a number of behavioral, cognitive, and metabolic measures. As nicotine regulates the release of a large number of neurotransmitters, it is likely that differences in down-stream neuroadaptation of other transmitter/receptor systems would result from the reduced level of nicotinic receptors in these patients. The disparate responses to nicotine have consequences for the development of cholinergic drug therapies in schizophrenia. Drug Dev. Res. 60:127–136, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anaerobic microbial degradation of selected 3,4-dihalogenated aromatic compounds

Abstract Anaerobic microbial degradation of selected 3,4-dihalogenated aromatic compounds was studied in medium inoculated with pond sediment. Sediment samples were collected from a diuron-treated pond. Diuron was dehalogenated at the para position, forming CPDMU as the sole degradation product. DCPU was similarly dehalogenated at the para position, forming MCPU as the only degradation product. Linuron degradation resulted in four products: one, CPMMU, was the result of biological dehalogenation at the para position; another, DCPMU, was the result of chemical degradation; and the other two products were unidentified. Chlorbromuron degradation formed three unidentified products. Stam, an acylanilide, was degraded, forming two products, one of which was possibly 3-chloropropioanilide. CIPC and an unidentified compound were formed from DCIP. No degradation of parent compounds or appearance of degradation products were detected in mixtures of each test compound and sterile sediment except linuron.
Arsenic removal by iron-modified activated carbon.

Abstract Iron-impregnated activated carbons have been found to be very effective in arsenic removal. Oxyanionic arsenic species such as arsenate and arsenite adsorb at the iron oxyhydroxide surface by forming complexes with the surface sites. Our goal has been to load as much iron within the carbon pores as possible while also rendering as much of the iron to be available for sorbing arsenic. Surface oxidation of carbon by HNO 3 /H 2 SO 4 or by HNO 3 /KMnO 4 increased the amount of iron that could be loaded to 7.6–8.0%; arsenic stayed below 10 ppb until 12,000 bed volumes during rapid small-scale tests (RSSCTs) using Rutland, MA groundwater (40–60 ppb arsenic, and pH of 7.6–8.0). Boehm titrations showed that surface oxidation greatly increased the concentration of carboxylic and phenolic surface groups. Iron impregnation by precipitation or iron salt evaporation was also evaluated. Iron content was increased to 9–17% with internal iron-loading, and to 33.6% with both internal and external iron loading. These iron-tailored carbons reached 25,000–34,000 bed volumes to 10 ppb arsenic breakthrough during RSSCTs. With the 33.6% iron loading, some iron peeled off.
ANPLASMAP: a computational tool for the interactive display of restriction maps on alphanumeric terminal devices

Abstract We describe an interactive computational tool, ANPLASMAP, that allows the scientist to interactively retrieve and display DNA fragment or plasmid restriction maps. ANPLASMAP is fully compatible with the previously described color graphics plasmid storage, retrieval and display system, PLASMAP; however, ANPLASMAP will operate on commonly-available, inexpensive ANSI terminal devices and calls no other software packages.
Conceptual representation of patient data bases.

Design of a computer-based assistant for patient data bases is discussed. A conceptual model for such an assistant, which can represent signs, symptoms, lab data, and radiological and morphological findings is described. The query language, interpretive reports, summary findings, and related issues in providing intelligent consultation are discussed. The role of such assistants in the context of a decision-making environment—human or automated—is emphasized.
Analysis of passive microwave devices by using three‐dimensional tangential vector finite elements

There are two major difficulties in applying the finite element method to the analysis of microwave devices in three dimensions. One is to obtain a stable vector finite element which does not generate spurious modes, or non-physical solutions, in the numerical analysis. The other is to model efficiently the coupling of port regions and the discontinuity region. In this paper, we describe the application of two new finite element techniques, the tangential vector finite element method and the transfinite element method, for modelling three-dimensional microwave devices. The tangential vector finite element method, unlike the conventional nodal finite element methods, imposes only the tangential continuity of the vector unknown across elements' boundaries. As a result, there would be no spurious modes, and reliable solutions are obtained. The transfinite element method, which combines the modal basis functions and the finite element basis functions through the variational technique, provides an efficient way to model the open boundary nature of the device. To validate the current analysis, a low VSWR waveguide connector and two microstrip low-pass filters are analysed. Numerical results agree very well with the measurements or those obtained by other methods.
Equilibrium moisture content of cotton plant components

Abstract Equilibrium moisture contents for cotton plant parts (leaves, sticks and burs), all trash, were obtained at temperatures ranging from 5 to 80°C in a moving air stream (flow rate of 3×10 - 4 m 3 /s) and relative humidity ranging from 0 to 98%. The temperatures used were 5, 20, 35, 50, 65 and 80°C. Data were obtained for both absorption and desorption for each temperature and plant part tested. The data showed that temperature had a small effect on the moisture content for absorption, but there was a more noticeable effect for desorption. The results showed an almost linear increase in equilibrium moisture content between 20 and 70% relative humidity followed by an exponential rise as the relative humidity approached 100%. Two equations (the Modified-Oswin and a functional relationship developed by the author) were found to give acceptable fits to the experimental results. Data from the literature showed slightly higher equlibrium moisture contents for the same humidity conditions. This information will be used in conjunction with absorption and desorption rate curves to estimate the moisture content of harvested seed cotton during various phases of cotton processing.
Combined radiofrequency and alcohol injection for percutaneous hepatic tumor ablation.

OBJECTIVE. We sought to determine if alcohol potentiates radiofrequency energy by obtaining larger ablative volumes in 30 liver tumors in human patients.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We compared two groups of patients: one group treated with radiofrequency ablation alone (radiofrequency-alone group), and a second group treated with radiofrequency ablation and immediate prior injection of alcohol (combined group). The radiofrequency-alone group comprised 20 ablations (mean diameter, 8.4 cm; colorectal cancer metastases [n = 15]; other metastases [n = 5]). The combined group consisted of 30 radiofrequency ablations (mean diameter, 8.8 cm; metastatic colorectal cancer [n = 17]; other metastases [n = 8]; and hepatocellular carcinoma [n = 5]) treated with alcohol injection immediately before radiofrequency ablation. The amount of alcohol injected was determined by the size and location of tumors. Preprocedural laboratory tests (complete blood cell count with differential, liver function tests, and coagulation paramete...
Soluble polyarylenes containing alternating binaphthylene and biphenylene structural units

This article describes the synthesis of a novel series of soluble polyarylenes containing alternating binapthylene and biphenylene structural units. They were obtained by the cation-radical polymerization of bis(1-naphthyl) biphenyls. The following monomers were synthesized and polymerized : 4,4′-bis(1-naphthyl) biphenyl (9), 3,3′-bis(1-naphthyl) biphenyl (10), 2,2′-bis(1-naphthyl)biphenyl (11), and 2,5-bis(1-naphthyl)biphenyl (14). All polymerizations were performed in nitrobenzene using FeCl3 as oxidant. Polymers with number average molecular weights of up to 4000 g/mol were obtained.
Low and high cocaine locomotor responding male Sprague–Dawley rats differ in rapid cocaine-induced regulation of striatal dopamine transporter function

Abstract Adult outbred Sprague–Dawley rats can be classified as either low or high cocaine responders (LCRs or HCRs, respectively). Importantly, LCRs and HCRs are distinguished by their differential responsiveness to acute cocaine-induced (but not baseline) locomotor activity, inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and resulting extracellular DA (HCR > LCR), as well as by repeated cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization and measures of cocaine's rewarding and reinforcing effects (LCR > HCR). Curiously, 30 min after acute cocaine HCRs exhibit greater DAT-mediated [3H]DA uptake into striatal synaptosomes than LCRs. To investigate this finding further, we measured locomotor activity, striatal [3H]DA uptake kinetics and DAT cell surface expression in LCRs and HCRs over an extended period (25–180 min) after a single relatively low-dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.). HCRs exhibited the “predicted” locomotor response: a marked initial activation that returned to baseline by 120 min post-injection. While LCRs exhibited a >50% lower maximal locomotor response, this increase was sustained, lasting ∼33% longer than in HCRs. At 25 min post-cocaine, maximal velocity (Vmax) of [3H]DA uptake was significantly higher by 25% in HCRs than LCRs, with no difference in affinity (Km). Despite the DAT Vmax difference, however, DAT surface expression did not differ between LCRs and HCRs. There was a similar trend (HCR > LCR) for DAT Vmax at 40 min, but not at 150 or 180 min. These findings suggest that, compared to LCRs, HCRs have an enhanced ability to rapidly up-regulate DAT function in response to acute cocaine, which may contribute to their more “normal” cocaine-induced locomotor activation.
Pregnant Woman vs. Fetus: A Dilemma for Hospital Ethics Committees

Hospital ehtics committees are often consulted when cmopeting patient interests blur an otherwise clear course of medical treatment. Nowhere is the potential for competing interests greater than in the field of abosterics, wherer obstetricians have traditionally viewed themselves as having two patients: the pregnant woman and the fetus.
Apparent cochlear nerve aplasia: to implant or not to implant?

Objective To describe the imaging findings and clinical outcomes of children with apparent cochlear nerve aplasia undergoing cochlear implantation. Study design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary care center. Patients Three patients with imaging findings consistent with absent cochlear nerve canal on diagnostic imaging and questionable audiometric responses on testing who underwent promontory stimulation and subsequent cochlear implantation. Intervention(s) Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, audiologic assessment, and cochlear implantation. Main outcome measure(s) Audiologic performance after cochlear implantation. Results Three patients were identified to have hearing loss on newborn hearing screening and underwent auditory brainstem response testing revealing absent brainstem responses. ASSR testing was inconclusive when performed. Imaging in all cases identified 1 ear with a small internal auditory canal with 2 nerves present, one of which seems to enter the vestibule in each case and the other is assumed to be the functioning facial nerve. There was a bony plate present over the entrance to the cochlea in 2 of the 3 patients. Over time, 2 of the families reported responses to auditory stimuli with amplification. Promontory stimulation testing showed reproducible responses to electrical stimuli in the ears in question. After cochlear implantation, all 3 patients have shown responses to auditory stimuli. Conclusion The absence of a visible cochlear nerve or cochlear nerve canal on radiologic imaging does not preclude auditory innervation of the cochlea. Cochlear implantation can be a viable option for patients with apparent cochlear nerve aplasia who have undergone appropriate testing. Electronically evoked auditory brainstem response is critical in the evaluation of this patient group.
Soft tissue surgery with combined FEL and conventional laser beams

In this paper, we briefly discuss both the design of the optical system for combination of the two laser beams from the perspective of the experimental design and the study of the effects of combined beams on vascular tissues.
Grief: the Constant Companion of Illness

This article describes the grieving process. It begins by delineating the nature of grief, noting the ways that grief may be experienced in both sudden loss and in more protracted illness and then explores the nature and process of grief, reviewing current models and research on the experience of mourning. Finally, the discussion examines the research on caregiver grief, noting that grief in health care professionals is often disenfranchised, yet the holistic treatment of individuals with disease begins with an acknowledgment that loss is a constant companion to illness, for patients, families, and health care professionals alike.
Fundamental Properties of Intensity, Form, and Motion Perception in the Visual Nervous Systems of Calliphora phaenicia and Musca domestica

Several classes of interneurons in the optic lobes and brain of the insects, Musca domestica and Calliphora phaenicia, have been studied in detail. Visual stimuli have been categorized on the basis of the properties of intensity, form, and motion. Response characteristics of the classes of neural units are described with respect to these three classes of visual stimuli. While those units that detect motion in select directions have a tonic response, form detection units have a phasic response only. Through correlation of the responses of these classes with visual stimuli, it is shown that these units integrate the responses of other units which have very small visual fields. The small-field units are presumed to integrate the output of a small group of adjacent retinula cells and to respond differentially to intensity, form, and motion. It is shown that the response of both form and motion detection units is independent of the direction of pattern intensity gradation. As a consequence of this independence, it is further shown that failure to detect motion properly must start at a spatial wavelength four times the effective sampling station spacing rather than twice as has been predicted previously.
Absolute oscillator strengths for neutral atomic uranium

The furnace absorption method has been applied to the spectrum of neutral atomic uranium. In the wavelength interval, 355.2 ≥ λ (n m) ≥ 359.4, the absolute oscillator strengths for 57 transitions in neutral uranium have been determined. For the strongest transition at 358.487 74 nm, the result was f(358.4) = 0.041 ± 0.003. This latter result is in excellent agreement with the absolute oscillator strength derived from three separate lifetime measurements and the calculated branching ratio for the 591.538 74 nm transition.
Palliative treatment of malignant airway obstruction by Nd-YAG laser.

Photoresection using the neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser is an accepted modality for the treatment of unresectable symptomatic endobronchial lesions. The safety and efficacy of this technique when performed through a rigid bronchoscope have already been established. Forty-two such photoresection procedures were performed through a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The preoperative workup included sector computed tomography (CT) scanning of the mediastinum and/or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the chest. The results indicate that Nd-YAG laser photoresection can be safely performed using the flexible bronchoscope. Anatomic information provided by MR and sector CT may add to the safety of this procedure by allowing avoidance of major vessel perforation.