cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
usEP Effects on the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a tubular membranous labyrinth throughout the cytoplasm that is continuous with the nuclear membrane, exhibits contact sites with mitochondria and the plasma membrane, and displays domains for specific functions. It is smooth or rough with ribosomes for protein synthesis and is the home for folding proteins in their proper tertiary structures. The ER includes cellular stress response sensors that can lead to unfolded protein response (UPR), leading to regulated cell death (RCD). The ER is also a primary storage site for Ca2+ that can be used for scores of Ca2+ mediated signal transduction responses such as neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction, or contributors to RCD, among others. Since usEPs were unique for intracellular electric field effects, usEP-induced Ca2+ release was an excellent way to define these intracellular effects, albeit not without caveats. Because usEPs also induced plasma membrane permeabilization for Ca2+ influx, which occurred at lower charging conditions than ER-induced nanopore formation and Ca2+ release; because some cells expressed voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC), which could be directly activated or activated due to usEP-induced plasma membrane depolarization; because capacitative Ca2+ increases could increase intracellular Ca2+; and Ca2+ increases from Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, significant care, and experimental manipulations were required to be sure that increases in intracellular Ca2+ were due to release from internal stores. Also, because there were other intracellular stores for Ca2+, other approaches were needed to ensure that the source of intracellular Ca2+ release was from the ER. This chapter provides details from several studies using many different experimental techniques that lead to the conclusion that usEPs could induce Ca2+ release from the ER by forming ER nanopores. Notably, another series of experimental studies supported theoretical evidence that shorter pulse durations lead to more significant increases in intracellular Ca2+ than longer pulse durations.
FlexMiner: a pattern-aware accelerator for graph pattern mining

Graph pattern mining (GPM) is a class of algorithms widely used in many real-world applications in bio-medicine, e-commerce, security, social sciences, etc. GPM is a computationally intensive problem with an enormous amount of coarse-grain parallelism and therefore, attractive for hardware acceleration. Unfortunately, existing GPM accelerators have not used the best known algorithms and optimizations, and thus offer questionable benefits over software implementations. We present FlexMiner, a software/hardware co-designed GPM accelerator that improves the efficiency without compromising the generality or productivity of state-of-the-art software GPM frameworks. FlexMiner exploits massive amount of coarse-grain parallelism in GPM by deploying a large number of specialized processing elements. For efficient searches, the FlexMiner hardware accepts pattern-specific execution plans, which are generated automatically by the FlexMiner compiler from the given pat-tern(s). To avoid repetitive computation on neighborhood connectivity, we provide dedicated on-chip storage to memoize reusable connectivity information in a connectivity map (c-map) which is implemented with low-cost yet high-throughput hardware. The on-chip memories in FlexMiner are managed dynamically using heuristics derived by the compiler, and thus are fully utilized. We have evaluated FlexMiner with 4 GPM applications on a wide range of real-world graphs. Our cycle-accurate simulation shows that FlexMiner with 64 PEs achieves 10.6× speedup on average over the state-of-the-art software system executing 20 threads on a 10-core Intel CPU.
Anti-Vaccine Beliefs and COVID-19 Information Seeking on Social Media: Examining Processes Influencing COVID-19 Beliefs and Preventative Actions

This study explored how anti-vaccine beliefs and social media use operate as interrelated factors contributing to COVID-19–specific beliefs and actions. Results show that those harboring greater anti-vaccine sentiments rely strongly on social media sources for COVID-19 information. Tests of indirect effects show that COVID-19 information seeking on social media mediates the relationship between anti-vaccine beliefs and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs. Furthermore, results support a three-step model linking anti-vaccine beliefs to reduced COVID-19 preventative actions through social media use and conspiracy beliefs. Although anti-vaccine beliefs and information seeking contribute to reduced prevention action, the results also indicate these factors have differing relationships with anti-vaccine intentions. Whereas anti-vaccine beliefs predict more vaccine resistance, COVID-19 information seeking on social media contributes to higher levels of vaccine efficacy and intentions.
The cellular and subcellular bases of immunosenescence.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the cellular and intracellular basis for impaired immunologic activity. The activation of B and T cells, transit through the cell cycle, and differentiation present many points that might be age sensitive. Three possible mechanisms leading to, or contributing to, the decline in immune function will be considered: A shift in lymphocyte subset distribution with age, alterations in suppressor mechanisms, and changes in the maturation of B and T lymphocytes. The entry and transit of the cell cycle in T cells is thought to require delivery to the cell surface of several signals, triggering the sequential expression of several new proteins. This scheme involves the perturbation of the T cell receptor (TcR), activation of protein kinases, phosphorylation of target proteins, new mRNA synthesis, and protein synthesis, leading to the acquisition of receptors for interleukin 2 (IL-2) and increased expression of the receptor for transferring. It is not possible to identify a single age sensitive step in this sequence, but rather a series of deficiencies contribute to the decline in the competency of the aged lymphocytes to undergo normal activation. Thus, very early events, such as Ca2+ increases, accumulation of protooncogene transcripts, expression of activation markers, and synthesis of new proteins, are deficient in the aged. The mucosal immune system provides evidence that not all lymphoid tissues are equally adversely affected by age. Thus, while the response of lymphocytes derived from the peripheral lymphoid organs is diminished, the gut-associated lymphocytes from the same individual are often normally responsive.
Beam phasing properties of optical fiber as phase conjugate mirror

Results on the investigation of phasing properties of a short multimode optical fiber when used as a stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) phase conjugate mirror in a dual optical path system is presented. This study is implemented to simulate a two-channel double-pass master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system.
Evidence that arsenic is incorporated as As4 molecules in the molecular beam epitaxial growth of Hg1−xCdxTe:As

Molecular arsenic, As4, is commonly used as the source for in situ p-type doping of Hg1−xCdxTe grown by molecular beam epitaxy. As incorporated, the arsenic is strongly self-compensated, requiring annealing for its p-type electrical activation. Here, a quasithermodynamic model is used to interpret the dependence of the arsenic concentration, cAs, as measured by secondary ion mass spectroscopy, on the incident As4 and Hg fluxes during growth. The results strongly suggest that the As4 is absorbed in its molecular form rather than being dissociated on the growth surface, as has previously been assumed. This clearly is relevant to the self-compensation of the arsenic in as-grown Hg1−xCdxTe.
Coming out of the office. The need for local involvement.

Abstract Practicing ophthalmologists represent a potent broad-based resource group uniquely capable of educating the public about the excellence of ophthalmologic care. Leaders of American ophthalmology have recognized the importance of involvement by individual ophthalmologists in public education. It is essential that each ophthalmologist learn to work closely with news media representatives in order to publicize the activities, actions, and policy decisions of the Academy and the Association. It is time for all ophthalmologists to “come out of the office” and become advocates for their patients, informing the public about the advantages of medical eye care.
Gas chromatographic determination of urinary methylmalonic acid

Abstract A method for the determination of methylmalonic acid in urine has been developed. The method consists of essentially two operations: ( 1 ) A separation of methylmalonic acid from most of the urinary components by ion-exchange chromatography. ( 2 ) A gas chromatographic determination of methylmalonic acid by the technique of decarboxylation and chromatography of the monocarboxylic acid formed. Other malonic acids are used as internal standards in the gas chromatographic analysis.
Toxicokinetic interactions and survival of Hyalella azteca exposed to binary mixtures of chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, and methyl mercury

Chemical mixture interactions of chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, and methyl mercury were evaluated in Hyalella azteca. Survival of adult and juvenile organisms was evaluated following exposure to individual chemicals and in binary combinations. Binary interactions of the model chemicals on survival of adult and juvenile H. azteca were evaluated by concentration-response curve analysis as additive, synergistic, antagonistic, or independent. Chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury interacted additively, while dieldrin interacted independently with both chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury. Toxicodynamic interactions were evaluated by measuring accumulation and elimination of each model toxicant in the presence of a second toxicant. Chlorpyrifos significantly increased the amount of methyl mercury accumulated in the first 12 h of exposure. Dieldrin did not interact with chlorpyrifos or methyl mercury in the accumulation or elimination experiments. Accumulation of chlorpyrifos was not observed. Results of the current investigation demonstrate that chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury interact additively, which would otherwise be predicted to act independently.
The Evolution of Vertebrate Electrosensory Systems

Sensory systems that detect weak electric fields initially evolved as a primitive vertebrate character and have subsequently been lost and 're-evolved' a number of times in various taxa. As such, they provide unique examples of evolutionary parallelism and convergence in vertebrate sensory systems. Electrosensory systems have additionally proven to be admirable models for investigating the fundamental strategies by which nervous systems interpret environmental signals as the basis for organizing behaviors.
Cochleosacculotomy for the treatment of Meniere's disease in the elderly patient

Cochleosacculotomy is a surgical option for the treatment of incapacitating vertigo in elderly patients with Meniere's disease. This procedure was performed in nine patients (mean age : 73 years) for control of vertigo and/or drop attacks. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Vertigo was controlled in eight of nine patients, but hearing worsened in all but one patient. No patient developed a transient increase in vertigo in the postoperative period. Cochleosacculotomy should be considered in elderly patients with recurrent vertigo and severe non-fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss who would otherwise be candidates for labyrinthectomy.
Bi-directional power management and fault tolerant feature in a 5-kW multilevel dc-dc converter with modular architecture

A 5-kW multilevel modular capacitor-clamped dc–dc converter (MMCCC) with bi-directional power management and real-time fault bypassing capability will be presented in this study. The modular structure of the MMCCC topology was utilised to build this 5-kW converter with necessary redundancy and hot swap feature for industrial and automotive applications including a future plug-in hybrid or fuel-cell powered all electric vehicles. Moreover, the circuit has flexible conversion ratio that leads to establish bi-directional power management for automotive applications mitigating the boost voltage for the fuel-cell or dual battery architecture. In addition, the MMCCC exhibits better component utilisation compared to many capacitor-clamped or classical dc–dc converters based on inductive energy transfer mechanism. Thus, the MMCCC circuit can be made more compact and reliable compared to many other dc–dc converters for high-power applications.
Risk, Discounting, and the Present Value of Future Earnings

Many forensic economists assert that a "risk-free" discount rate should be used to discount future lost earnings to present value in personal injury cases. By this they usually mean that the discount rate should be based on the yields that are available on securities with no risk of default. Sometimes they also mean that the securities should be as free as possible of inflation risk, the risk that unanticipated inflation will diminish the purchasing power of the lump sum award. The case for using a risk-free discount rate appears to rest pri­ marily on the case law rather than on any underlying economic or financial theory. And there has been a flow of recent articles arguing on economic grounds that a "risk-adjusted" discount rate should be used instead. The purposes of this paper are twofold. First, the paper surveys the legal and economic issues relating to the consideration of risk in discounting future lost earnings to present value. Second, it develops and presents empirical evi­ dence on the effect on present values of incorporating several alternative levels of risk into the discount rate. Data on investment returns on securities of varying degrees of risk are combined with data on the growth of labor compen­ sation to calculate a number of alternative net discount rates for historical pe­ riods of various lengths, and these net discount rates are used to compute pre­ sent values for future periods of various lengths. This makes it possible to ex­ amine the impact of potential risk adjustments on present value under varying circumstances. The rest of this paper is laid out as follows. Sections II and III briefly re­ view the legal and economic arguments, respectively, surrounding use· of a risk-free discount rate. Section N discusses the methods and data used to gen­ erate the empirical results, which are then briefly described in Sections V and VI. Finally, Section VII offers some concluding comments.
Difference in channel catfish growth among Mississippi stream basins

Abstract We investigated basin-scale factors that were likely to influence the growth of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in Mississippi floodplain rivers. Channel catfish were collected from nine streams during 2001–2002. All fish were measured (total length; mm) and aged from pectoral spine sections. Linear growth models were fitted to mean back-calculated length-at-age data for channel catfish from each stream and were compared among streams. Channel catfish growth rate differed among streams. Multiple linear regression was used to correlate growth rate to basin-scale environmental variables. The growth rate for channel catfish was related positively to soil fertility and negatively to altitude and percentage of the watershed comprising bottomland hardwood forest. Basin-scale determination of environmental features related to channel catfish growth can assist managers and fisheries administrators with establishment of realistic expectations for riverine channel catfish fisheries at a scale that is a...
BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON SEED VIABILITY: I. MEASUREMENTS OF CONDUCTANCE AND REDUCTION.

Previous work (9) on this problem led to the conclusion that a correlation existed between electrical conductivity of seed extracts and seed viability. With the broadening out of the work and an improvement in the method it was hoped that this conclusion would be still further substantiated. The studies here reported therefore deal with further investigations on this and related lines. Such work, based on permeability, must necessarily be far from complete in its elucidation, since we have as yet no precise knowledge of the phenomenon itself. That permeability exists in seeds is self-evident but no one has yet offered a plausible explanation. It has been known for some time that a definite relation exists between the permeability of the cell membrane and its injury (19), and it might readily be inferred that a variation in degree of permeability would be correlated with similar variations in degree of injury. The degree of permeability may be indicated by measuring the resistance of the solution in which the seeds have been immersed. Many tests have shown that dead seeds are more permeable than viable ones, so that one might naturally expect that a variation in permeability would be correlated with variations in germination. Thus, a series showing variations in germination in increments of two or three per cent., on the range of zero to one hundred, might be worked out. Obviously, this would be more desirable than merely to know that a seed is dead or is viable.
Linkage mapping of Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy (CDB2) to chromosome 10q23-q24

Corneal dystrophy of the anterior basement membrane is a heterogeneous set of diseases characterized by painful, recurrent, bilateral erosions of the cornea, which often result in significant visual impairment. There are several similar but clinically distinct forms of anterior basement membrane/Bowman's membrane disease, including two autosomal dominant forms, Reis-Bucklers and Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy. Genes causing autosomal, nonsyndromic corneal dystrophy have been mapped to human chromosomes 1p, 5q, 12q, 16q, 17p, and 20p. Using microsatellite markers closely linked to the known corneal dystrophy loci, we excluded linkage between the known sites and the disease locus in a large, four-generation family with Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy. A genome-wide search using a panel of microsatellite markers demonstrated a maximum two-point lod score of 4.0 at 0% recombination between the disease locus in this family and the marker D10S1239, which maps to 10q23-q24. Testing with additional microsatellite markers from 10q places the disease locus between D10S677 and D10S1671, a distance of approximately 12.0 cM, with a maximum multipoint lod score of 5.5. Based on this evidence, we have identified another locus (CDB2) for corneal dystrophy of the anterior basement membrane/Bowman's membrane, Thiel-Behnke type, further demonstrating the exceptional genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of these diseases.
EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY OF CHANNELING SAVINGS THROUGH PENSION FUNDS

UNLIKE THE PRECEDING PAPER by Mr. Murray devoted to the investment aspects of pension funds, this paper is necessarily speculative in character. While pension funds are only recently an important investment market factor, investment policy is already being shaped in practice. Mr. Murray, associated with a leading institution in this field, is in a strategic position to indicate these developing policies, even though they may change as time passes. Only a person endowed with second sight, however, could speak with any certainty as to the effects these funds as channeled through pension funds will have upon the economy. It is hoped that a general disclaimer at this point of any such pretensions will be regarded as an advance apology for any too dogmatic statements or too venturesome guesses that may follow.
Comparison of methods for measurement of oil saturation

The City of Long Beach, California, in cooperation with the Department of Energy, conducted a program to obtain oil saturation data in the unconsolidated sand of the Wilmington Field, after initiation of a micellar-polymer project. Ten wells were completed in the zone on which the comparative core analysis was conducted. Cased-hole logs were also run. The single-well tracer test was performed in one well using ethyl acetate. The measurements of oil saturation show considerable disagreement between methods. Core analysis was impaired by loss of fluids and expansion. Comparison of the vertical profile of log analysis exhibits differences due to limitations of the individual methods; combined analysis of several logs is considered more reliable. The best average formation saturation was obtained from the single-well partition tracer test. 5 refs.
The development of registries for surveillance of adult lead exposure, 1981 to 1992.

OBJECTIVES. Since 1981, 15 states have established registries for surveillance of adult lead absorption, primarily based on reports of elevated blood lead levels from clinical laboratories. I review the status of the registries and recommend steps for further development. METHODS. Companies reported to the New York registry are compared with those cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). I present data on US workers and plants with potential lead exposures and blood tests, as well as review registries' reporting requirements. RESULTS. Registries identify many companies not cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, but underreporting occurs because (1) reporting is usually not required from laboratories outside the state, (2) most registries use a blood lead reporting level of 1.21 mumol/L, which excludes many exposed workers, and (3) many companies with potential exposures do not have routine monitoring programs. CONCLUSIONS. Registries' reporting requirements a...
Comparative studies on mitochondrial respiration in four strains of rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Abstract 1. 1. Mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis were examined in young rats of the Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, BHE and Zucker strains. Both lean and obese Zucker rats were studied. 2. 2. Pyruvate-supported state 3 respiration was highest in mitochondria from Sprague Dawley rats and least in mitochondria from obese Zucker rats. 3. 3. Succinate-supported state 3 respiration was highest in the Wistar group and least in the Sprague-Dawley rats. 4. 4. There appeared to be no relationship between oxygen consumption and the genetic tendency for hepatic hyperlipogenesis. 5. 5. ATP synthesis was greatest in the obese Zucker rats and least in the Sprague-Dawley rats. 6. 6. Differences in liver weights and mitochondrial yields may explain, in part, these observed strain differences in mitochondrial activity.
Sublabial Surgical Approach for Naso-Antro-Sphenoidal Inverted Papilloma: A Seven-Year Follow-up:

Inverted papilloma is usually approached by the lateral rhinotomy method. The sublabial approach provides excellent access to the nasal cavity and sinuses, as well as allowing the surgeon adequate ...
Effect of varying the KCl and MgCl2 concentration on the enzymic and nonenzymic binding of phenylalanyl-RNA to reticulocyte ribosomes

Abstract Binding of phenylalanyl- 3 H-RNA to reticulocyte ribosomes in the presence of polyuridylic acid was studied using various concentrations of MgCl 2 and KCl. At salt conditions optimal for synthesis of polyphenylalanine (6.7 m m MgCl 2 and 67 m m KCl) a soluble fraction (binding enzyme) and guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP) were required for binding to occur. At higher concentrations of MgCl 2 or lower concentrations of KCl binding could occur without GTP and enzyme. Some of the phenylalanyl-RNA bound enzymically could be converted to diphenylalanine by incubation of the isolated ribosomes with a second enzyme (peptide synthetase). Phenylalanyl-RNA bound nonenzymically could be converted to the dipeptide only when GTP and the binding enzyme were included in this second incubation. A model of the ribosome with two binding sites for sRNA, the acceptor and donor sites, can be used to explain these results. Nonenzymic binding may occur predominantly, though not exclusively, in the acceptor site. Increasing the molar ratio of KCl to MgCl 2 could, as the result of changes in the ribosome shape, allow binding to occur readily in both sites; now GTP and the binding enzyme are required, perhaps to aid in the translocation of phenylalanyl-RNA from the acceptor to the donor site. A peptide bond may be formed between two phenylalanyl-RNAs in adjacent sites on the same ribosome. In the events which are prerequisite to formation of this first peptide bond, GTP and the binding enzyme appear to have another role in addition to aiding the physical binding of phenylalanyl-RNA to the ribosomes.
The Role of Lipid Composition in the Fusion of Dengue Virus with Liposomes

Pathogenic membrane-enveloped viruses including flaviviruses, arenaviruses, and paramyxoviruses cause devastating infectious diseases (e.g., hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, etc.) and pose major biodefense threats. For these viruses, fusion of the viral membrane with the cellular endosomal membrane is essential for viral replication and infectivity. In flaviviruses, fusion of the two membranes is facilitated by pH-dependent conformational changes of a dedicated envelope (E) protein. Specifically, we have been studying this fusion process in Dengue virus. Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries with an estimated 100 million cases of infection reported per year. After binding to a cell-surface receptor, the virus is taken up into an endosome compartment where the pH gradually decreases. A low pH environment induces conformational changes in the E protein that cause the viral membrane to fuse with the endosomal membrane, resulting in the release of viral RNA into the cytosol, followed by replication. Recently, it has been reported that full viral fusion only occurs with membranes containing anionic lipids, such as those found in late endosomes. The origin of this very strong dependence on lipid composition is currently unknown. In this work, we use density gradient centrifugation and liposome coflotation analysis to demonstrate that the anchoring energy of the Dengue E protein in anionic membranes composed of POPC+POPG is much greater than in membranes composed of POPC+POPE.
Design of Hybrid Lipid/Retroviral-Like Particle Gene Delivery Vectors

Recombinant retroviruses provide highly efficient gene delivery and the potential for stable gene expression. The retroviral envelope protein, however, is the source of significant disadvantages such as immunogenicity, poor stability (half-life of transduction activity of 5–7 h at 37 °C for amphotropic murine leukemia virus), and difficult production and purification. To address these problems, we report the construction of efficient hybrid vectors through the association of murine leukemia virus (MLV)-like particles (M-VLP) with synthetic liposomes comprising DOTAP, DOPE, and cholesterol (φ/M-VLP). We conclude that the lipid composition is a significant determinant of the transfection efficiency and uptake of φ/M-VLP in HEK293 cells with favorable compositions for transfections being those with low DOTAP, low DOPE, and high cholesterol content. Cellular uptake, however, was dependent on DOTAP content alone. By extrusion of liposomes prior to vector assembly, the size of these hybrid vectors could also be...
PAF, ceramide and pulmonary edema: alveolar flooding and a flood of questions

Lung edema commonly occurs in human diseases. One form involves increased vascular permeability and the flooding of protein-rich edema fluid into the alveoli, and is a major component of lethal syndromes of acute lung injury. The molecular mechanisms are incompletely characterized. A recent study using experimental models identified a previously unrecognized pathway to lung edema that involved the inflammatory phospholipid platelet-activating factor (PAF), ceramide (a cell-associated lipid) and acid sphingomyelinase (an enzymatic intermediate). This mechanism, which acts in concert with lung cyclooxygenases, might provide new therapeutic targets, but unknown aspects of the signaling cascades need to be resolved.
Direct determination of haplotypes from single DNA molecules

A map of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), also called a haplotype map, is very informative for mapping complex trait loci, but obtaining haplotypes over long genomic distances is very challenging. The combination of dye-labeling each SNP on PCR fragments with total internal reflection microscopy will allow the reading of long-range haplotypes with relative ease.
Automatic Single-Organ Segmentation in Computed Tomography Images

In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach for automatic single-organ segmentation in Computed Tomography (CT) data. The approach consists of three stages: first, a probability image of the organ of interest is obtained by applying a binary classification model obtained using pixel-based texture features; second, an adaptive split-and-merge segmentation algorithm is applied on the organ probability image to remove the noise introduced by the misclassified pixels; and third, the segmented organ?s boundaries from the previous stage are iteratively refined using a region growing algorithm. While we applied our approach for liver segmentation in 2-D CT images, a challenging and important task in many medical applications, the proposed approach can be applied for the segmentation of any other organ in CT images. Moreover, the proposed approach can be extended to perform automatic multiple organ segmentation and to build context-sensitive reporting tools for computer-aided diagnosis applications.
Evidence for intranasal antinuclear autoantibodies in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps is an inflammatory condition of the nasal passage and paranasal sinuses characterized by T H 2-biased inflammation with increased levels of B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), B lymphocytes, and immunoglobulins. Because high levels of BAFF are associated with autoimmune diseases, we assessed for evidence of autoimmunity in patients with CRS. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of autoantibodies in sinonasal tissue from patients with CRS. Methods Standardized nasal tissue specimens were collected from patients with CRS and control subjects and assayed for immunoglobulin production, autoantibody levels, tissue distribution of immunoglobulins, and binding potential of antibodies in nasal tissue with a multiplexed autoantibody microarray, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Results Increased levels of several specific autoantibodies were found in nasal polyp tissue in comparison with levels seen in control tissue and inflamed tissue from patients with CRS without nasal polyps ( P P Conclusions Autoantibodies, particularly those against nuclear antigens, are present at locally increased levels in nasal polyps. The presence of autoantibodies suggests that the microenvironment of a nasal polyp promotes the expansion of self-reactive B-cell clones. Although the pathogenicity of these antibodies remains to be elucidated, the presence of increased anti-dsDNA antibody levels is associated with a clinically more aggressive form of CRS with nasal polyps requiring repeated surgery.
MDMA use and neurocognition: a meta-analytic review.

To determine the association between MDMA misuse and neurocognition using meta-analysis. Separate analyses were conducted based on two sets of inclusion/exclusion criteria. A relatively stringent set required that the subjects be matched on important moderator variables, whereas the other did not. The study participants’ performance in the following neurocognitive domains was reviewed: attention/concentration, verbal and nonverbal learning and memory, psychomotor speed and executive systems functioning. In the 11 studies meeting the relatively stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria for this review, MDMA use was associated with neurocognitive deficits in each domain. Similarly, in the 23 studies meeting the relatively lenient inclusion/exclusion criteria for this review, MDMA use was associated with neurocognitive deficits in each domain. Small to medium effect sizes were generally observed. A comparison of the effect sizes across the two sets of analyses did not reveal significant differences. The findings from this review reveal that MDMA use is associated with neurocognitive deficits. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Cultural competence for the voice and airway surgeon

Summary Maintaining the sanctity of the physician–patient relationship grows more difficult as the healthcare industry moves to adopt business models of productivity. Recent interest, however, has helped refocus our attention on the importance of understanding our patients’ backgrounds, and their wishes, in order to create mutually favorable and medically appropriate outcomes. In the business community, emotional intelligence has emerged as a powerful index to predict one's ability to create customer satisfaction. This article explores how this way of understanding a patient can and should impact the care of individuals who present to a laryngologist, and its principles can be extrapolated to spur discussion about the management of respiratory disorders. The author demonstrates how cultural competence and a participatory decision making style can assist caregivers in designing a treatment strategy for patients.
Matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction and liquid chromatographic determination of five benzimidazole anthelmintics in pork muscle tissue

Abstract A method for the extraction and liquid chromatographic determination of five benzimidazole anthelmintics (thiabendazole, oxfendazole, mebendazole, albendazole, and fenbendazole) in pork muscle tissue is presented. Blank or benzimidazole-fortified pork muscle tissue samples were blended with octadecylsilyl (C18, 18% load, endcapped) derivatized silica packing material. A column made from this tissue/C18 blend was washed with hexane then the benzimidazoles were eluted with acetonitrile. The acetonitrile eluate was purified by passing it through an activated alumina column. The purified eluates contained the benzimidazoles and were free of interferences as determined by liquid chromatography on ODS columns. The standard curves of individual benzimidazoles isolated from fortified samples, utilizing internal standards, were linear with average relative percentage recoveries of 86, 92, 85, 93, and 98% for thiabendazole, oxfendazole, mebendazole, albendazole, and fenbendazole, respectively, over the concentration range of 100 to 3200 ng benzimidazole/g tissue. The interassay variabilities ranged from 4 to 7% and intraassay variabilities ranged from 2 to 3%.
Sulfide petrology of basal chilled margins in layered sills of the Archean Deer Lake Complex, Minnesota

Sulfide minerals in amounts up to 3 vol% are found in basal, chilled marginal zones of two layered peridotite-pyroxenite-gabbro sills in the Early Precambrian Deer Lake Complex, northcentral Minnesota. The sulfides occur interstitially to silicate minerals, and consist of pyrrhotite with minor exsolved cobaltian pentlandite, chalcopyrite, gersdorffite, and marcasite±pyrite as an alteration product of pyrrhotite.
Cloning and characterization of the mouse Fgf-1 gene

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1 or aFGF), is a mitogen for a variety of mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived cells, as well as an angiogenic factor in vivo. It has been implicated in angiogenic diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer and inflammatory autoimmune diseases. As part of an effort to understand the role of FGF-1 in the pathobiology of inflammation, we have isolated and characterized the mouse Fgf-1 gene. Southern blot analysis of mouse genomic DNA using the mouse Fgf-1 cDNA as a probe revealed that mouse FGF-1 is encoded by a single copy gene. Comparison of the available mouse Fgf-1 cDNA sequence with newly obtained genomic sequence allowed us to establish the exon/intron boundaries. The mouse Fgf-1 coding region is comprised of three protein coding exons, which we determined to be separated by an 11.4-kb and a 4.9-kb intron. The elucidation of the mouse Fgf-1 coding region revealed great similarity between the mouse and human Fgf-1 gene structure.
Pelvic extension of benign intradural tumor—demonstration by computerized tomography

Abstract A case of benign intraspinal tumor extending into the pelvis is presented. Computerized tomography (CT) helped in demonstration of pelvic extension and planning of surgical exploration.
BLACK AFRICAN WOMEN WRITERS: A SELECTIVE GUIDE

Since the 1970s, interest in African literature has grown considerably in English and comparative literature departments at American colleges and universities. African writings increasingly appear on multi‐disciplinary and multi‐cultural reading lists, exposing both high school and undergraduate students to such Anglophone and Francophone writers as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, and Ferdinand Oyono. Noticeably absent from this literary boom, however, was a female point of view. Nearly all of the writers read and discussed were male and these writers, in turn, created a picture of a male‐dominated society with women portrayed in the traditional roles of mothers and wives. In fiction, women characters were nearly always secondary to the major male protagonists. Some works, such as Elechi Amadi's novel, The Concubine, went so far as to openly disdain women. Critics also concentrated solely on male writers and examined the roles of women primarily from a male perspective. Even a dearth of female writers have added to this limited view. It was not until 1956 that Flora Nwapa published Efuru, the first African novel by a woman in English, and she was then dismissed as just another woman writing about women's issues.
The human peripheral benzodiazepine receptor gene: cloning and characterization of alternative splicing in normal tissues and in a patient with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia.

The mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor (mBzR)appears to be a key factor in the flow of cholesterol into mitochondia to permit the initiation of steroid hormone synthesis. The mBzR consists of three components; the 18-kDa component on the outer mitochondrial membrane appears to contain the benzodiazepine binding site, and is hence often termed the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). Using a cloned human PBR cDNA as probe, we have cloned the human PBR gene. The 13-kb gene is divided into four exons, with exon 1 encoding only a short 5′ untranslated segment. The 5′ flanking DNA lacks TATA and CAAT boxes but contains a cluster of SP-1 binding sites, typical of “housekeeping” genes. The encoded PBR mRNA is alternately spliced into two forms: “authentic” PBR mRNA retains all four exons, while a short form termed PBRS lacks exon 2. While PBR-S contains a 102-codon open reading frame with a typical initiator sequence, the reading frame differs from that of PBR, so that the encoded protein is unrelated to PBR. RT-PCR and RNase protection experiments confirm that both PBR and PBR-S are expressed in all tissues examined and that expression PBR-S is about 10 times the level of PBR. Expression of PBR cDNA in pCMV5 vectors transfected into COS-1 cells resulted in increased binding of [3H]PK11195, but expression of PBR-S did not. It has been speculated that patients with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, who cannot make any steroids, might have a genetic lesion in mBzR. RT-PCR analysis of testicular RNA from such a patient, sequencing of the cDNA, and blotting analysis of genomic DNA all indicate that the gene and mRNA for the PBR component of mBzR are normal in this disease.
The effect of axotomy on the acetylcholinesterase of the superior cervical ganglion of the cat.

Abstract The effects of chronic axotomy of postganglionic fibers on the AChE of sympathetic ganglia of the cat were investigated histochemically and quantitatively. Partial axotomy of the superior cervical ganglion was performed by sectioning the main postganglionic (internal carotid) branch or the external carotid branch, or by enucleation of the anterior contents of the orbit; the inferior mesenteric ganglion was partially axotomized by sectioning both hypogastric nerves. During the postoperative periods of 8 to 44 days, at the end of which the ganglia were studied, there was a marked but reversible loss of AChE from the perikarya of most of the axotomized, heavily and moderately stained sympathetic neurons; in the normal superior cervical ganglion of the cat, these groups together comprise less than 20% of the total ganglion cells, while in the inferior mesenteric ganglion the corresponding figure is even smaller; the remaining sympathetic neurons of both ganglia show only faint AChE staining. Although there was an initial impression of a concomitant loss of AChE from the preganglionic fibers, this was not borne out by more careful examination. Manometric determinations indicated that there was a loss of only 6% of the ganglionic AChE following chronic axotomy of the internal carotid branch of the superior cervical ganglion; after preganglionic denervation, there was a loss of approximately 75 %. It was concluded that the fall in ganglionic AChE after postganglionic axotomy can be accounted for entirely on the basis of the loss of the enzyme from the axotomized ganglion cells themselves, and that the ensuing changes in synaptic transmission and drug sensitivity that have been reported for such ganglia are not due to this factor.
Electrocorticographic language mapping in children by high-gamma synchronization during spontaneous conversation: Comparison with conventional electrical cortical stimulation

Summary Introduction This study describes development of a novel language mapping approach using high-γ modulation in electrocorticograph (ECoG) during spontaneous conversation, and its comparison with electrical cortical stimulation (ECS) in childhood-onset drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods Patients undergoing invasive pre-surgical monitoring and able to converse with the investigator were eligible. ECoG signals and synchronized audio were acquired during quiet baseline and during natural conversation between investigator and the patient. Using Signal Modeling for Real-time Identification and Event Detection (SIGFRIED) procedure, a statistical model for baseline high-γ (70–116 Hz) power, and a single score for each channel representing the probability that the power features in the experimental signal window belonged to the baseline model, were calculated. Electrodes with significant high-γ responses (HGS) were plotted on the 3D cortical model. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), and classification accuracy were calculated compared to ECS. Results Seven patients were included (4 males, mean age 10.28 ± 4.07 years). Significant high-γ responses were observed in classic language areas in the left hemisphere plus in some homologous right hemispheric areas. Compared with clinical standard ECS mapping, the sensitivity and specificity of HGS mapping was 88.89% and 63.64%, respectively, and PPV and NPV were 35.29% and 96.25%, with an overall accuracy of 68.24%. HGS mapping was able to correctly determine all ECS+ sites in 6 of 7 patients and all false—sites (ECS+, HGS− for visual naming, n = 3) were attributable to only 1 patient. Conclusions This study supports the feasibility of language mapping with ECoG HGS during spontaneous conversation, and its accuracy compared to traditional ECS. Given long-standing concerns about ecological validity of ECS mapping of cued language tasks, and difficulties encountered with its use in children, ECoG mapping of spontaneous language may provide a valid alternative for clinical use.
Variations in storm response along a microtidal transgressive barrier-island arc

Abstract Storm response along the transgressive Chandeleur barrier-island arc southeast of the Mississippi delta plain is variable because of local differences in sediment supply, shoreline orientation and barrier morphology. A study of the morphological impact of Hurricane Frederic (1979) affirmed that tropical storms are the primary agents causing erosion and migration of this barrier arc. Frederic's greatest impact was in the duneless southern Chandeleurs, where sheet-flow overwash caused flattening of the barrier profile, destruction of a strip of marsh 50–100 m wide, and shoreline retreat of approximately 30 m. In contrast, overwash in the northern Chandeleurs was confined between dunes in channels established by previous storms. This channelized overwash breached the northern Chandeleur barriers in nineteen places. As Frederic passed, return flow through these channels transported overwashed sediment back to the nearshore zone. These ebb deposits were a source for longshore drift sediments, which quickly sealed storm channels, reestablishing a coherent northern Chandeleur barrier arc. These storm response patterns may help explain long-term changes in barrier morphology. During an 84-yr period (1885–1969) the southern Chandeleurs decreased 41 % in area, with an average retreat rate of 9.1 m yr−1, compared to a 15% increase in area and an average shoreline retreat rate of 7.2 m yr−1 for the northern Chandeleurs.
Self-disclosure patterns among well-acquainted individuals: Disclosers, confidants and unique relationships

Round-robin self-reports regarding self-disclosure were obtained from groups of well-acquainted individuals and examined using the Social Relations Model. Degree of self-disclosure was strongly influenced by individual differences between disclosers (actor effects) and by relationship effects; that is, there was evidence for cross-partner consistency in disclosure and for differences between relationships. Individuals showed a limited shared preference for disclosing to particular individuals (partner effects). Extroversion was related to differences in general disclosure tendencies. At the relational level, disclosure was strongly associated with perceived intimacy and was strongly reciprocal; however, degree of acquaintance was not strongly related to disclosure. Results are discussed in terms of a methodology for the study of disclosure patterns among friends.
Zero-Brane Quantum Mechanics

Daniel Kabat and Philippe PouliotDepartment of Physics and AstronomyRutgers UniversityPiscataway, NJ 08855–0849kabat, pouliot@physics.rutgers.eduWe consider low energy, non-relativistic scattering of two Dirichlet zero-branes as an ex-ercise in quantum mechanics. For weak string coupling and suﬃciently small velocity, thedynamics is governed by an eﬀective U(2) gauge theory in 0+1 dimensions. At low ener-gies, D-brane scattering can reliably probe distances much shorter than the string scale.The only length scale in the quantum mechanics problem is the eleven dimensional Plancklength. This provides evidence for the role of scales shorter than the string length in theweakly coupled dynamics of type IIA strings.