cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel mutation in the aristaless domain of the ARX gene leads to Ohtahara syndrome, global developmental delay, and ambiguous genitalia in males and neuropsychiatric disorders in females

Summary Purpose: ARX, the aristaless-related homeobox gene, is implicated in cerebral, testicular, and pancreatic development. ARX mutations are associated with various forms of epilepsy, developmental delay, and ambiguous genitalia in humans. A mouse model that recapitulates X-linked lissencephaly with ambiguous genitalia (XLAG) is far from elucidating the substrate for phenotypes that different ARX mutations cause. Moreover, despite phenotypic pleomorphism associated with X-linked dominant ARX mutations, heterozygous female carriers have not been thoroughly studied. Reviewing records of patients with ARX mutations, infantile epilepsies, and psychomotor retardation, we analyzed a family harboring a novel ARX mutation with different phenotypes in males and females, including Ohtahara syndrome. Methods: Children’s Hospital Boston patient records were retrospectively screened for patients with infantile epileptic encephalopathies who underwent ARX sequencing based on clinical suspicion. Identified families were analyzed for genetic and neuropsychiatric phenomena. Key Findings: The proband was a male with Ohtahara syndrome, ambiguous genitalia, psychomotor delay, and central nervous system dysgenesis due to a novel ARX mutation in exon 5, causing a frameshift in the aristaless domain. Heterozygous females demonstrated neurocognitive/psychiatric phenomena including learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Significance: This is the first reported case of Ohtahara syndrome with abnormal genital and psychomotor development in the setting of this novel ARX mutation in exon 5. Based on the unique phenotype of the proband and on the presence of heterozygous females with neurocognitive/psychiatric ailments, this study describes the potential roles for ARX mutations in epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disease, underscoring the importance of ARX in interneuron development, cerebral electrical activity, cognition, and behavior.
Application of neural networks and fuzzy systems to power plants

Many of the problems that have occurred in the operation of nuclear power plants have been attributable in some measure to operator error, and therefore could have been prevented or alleviated by automation. Neural networks and fuzzy logic systems offer an interesting, challenging, and productive means of addressing many such problems. Although much of the work described has been to demonstrate feasibility of specific approaches, the results are encouraging and indicate that neural network and fuzzy logic systems techniques have the potential to enhance the performance, operability, and safety of nuclear power plants in a cost effective way. >
The Newfoundland Sealers' Strike of 1902

IN MARCH 1902, 3000 men were in St. John's prepared to go to the ice when rumours of lowered wages precipitated a major strike. The event produced minimal violence and delayed the fleet's sailing for only two days. Nevertheless, it was the only major sealing labour action in the era of the famous "wooden walls" and for the first time some limits were placed on the power of the Water Street merchant elite. Long-range causes involve many aspects of Newfoundland political, social, and economic organization; results included sealing safety legislation and encouragement of the foundation of William Coaker's Fisherman's Protective Union. The article discusses the background, evolution, and significance of the strike. EN MARS 1902, alors que 3000 hommes a St. John se preparaient a une expedition sur les glaces, une greve majeure eclata a la rumeur qu'on allait reduire les salaires. Elle se deroula presque sans violence et son declenchement ne retarda le depart de la flotte que pour deux jours. Neanmoins, ce fut la seule greve des travailleurs employes a la chasse des phoques a l'epoque des fameux "wooden walls" et, pour la premiere fois, on restreignit le pouvoir de l'elite marchande de Water Street. Plusieurs aspects de l'organisation politique, socials et economique expliquent la greve et, parmi les consequences du conflit, il faut relever la legislation concernant la securite des chasseurs et l'impulsion donnee a la fondation de la Fisherman's Protective Union de William Coaker. L'article met en relief l'origine, l'evolution et la signification de la greve.
Input impedance of closed-loop PWM buck-boost DC-DC converter for CCM

The small-signal closed-loop impedance of the PWM buck-boost DC-DC converter is derived for continuous conduction mode (CCM), taking into account all parasitic resistances. The plots of the closed-loop input impedance are shown versus frequency for three values of the duty cycle.
Interpreting Poiseuille's law for collapsible blood vessels

A vessel segment was terminated with a section of artery subjected to near zero transmural pressure. The sinusoidal frequency response was determined by solving the resulting nonlinear differential equations. A bifurcation diagram shows that there are many different values of instantaneous resistance obtained. We suggest that the cause of this may be the observer's choice of steady state. A consistent definition for steady state in blood vessels could resolve this problem.
The exon context and distribution of Euascomycetes rRNA spliceosomal introns

We have studied spliceosomal introns in the ribosomal (r)RNA of fungi to discover the forces that guide their insertion and fixation. Comparative analyses of flanking sequences at 49 different spliceosomal intron sites showed that the G – intron – G motif is the conserved flanking sequence at sites of intron insertion. Information analysis showed that these rRNA introns contain significant information in the flanking exons. Analysis of all rDNA introns in the three phylogenetic domains and two organelles showed that group I introns are usually located after the most conserved sites in rRNA, whereas spliceosomal introns occur at less conserved positions. The distribution of spliceosomal and group I introns in the primary structure of small and large subunit rRNAs was tested with simulations using the broken-stick model as the null hypothesis. This analysis suggested that the spliceosomal and group I intron distributions were not produced by a random process. Sequence upstream of rRNA spliceosomal introns was significantly enriched in G nucleotides. We speculate that these G-rich regions may function as exonic splicing enhancers that guide the spliceosome and facilitate splicing. Our results begin to define some of the rules that guide the distribution of rRNA spliceosomal introns and suggest that the exon context is of fundamental importance in intron fixation.
The level sets of iterated brownian motion

We show that the Hausdorff dimension of every level set of iterated Brownian motion is equal to 3/4.
Nodular Hidradenoma Arising in a Nevus Sebaceus of Jadassohn

Nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn, a cutaneous hamartoma, results from disordered development of epidermal, follicular, sebaceous and apocrine differentiation that typically appears as a yellow verrucous plaque on the scalp or face. We present a 36-year-old white male with a congenital, nodular lesion along the hairline of his forehead, which had been traumatized repeatedly during hair grooming. Clinically, it was a well-demarcated, curvilinear, erythematous, non-tender plaque with no umbilication, ulceration or discharge. The periphery had a circumferential tan-yellow, raised, waxy serpiginous border. Microscopically, the specimen had epidermal papillomatous hyperplasia with dilated infundibula of irregular mature sebaceous lobules, and mid-dermal apocrine gland lobules. Within the hamartoma, was a well-circumscribed, multi-lobulated dermal tumor with epidermal and follicular attachments, focal ductal differentiation and cystic changes. Two distinct cell types were present; in the center were large polyhedral cells with focal clear cytoplasm, and at the periphery were spindle-shaped cells with basophilic cytoplasm. These findings were typical of nodular hidradenoma arising within a nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn, a rare event with only seven cases previously documented in the literature.
Interpretation of Sucrose Gradient Sedimentation Pattern of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Fragments Resulting from Random Breaks

Mass distribution in a sucrose gradient of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments arising as a result of random breaks is predicted by analytical means from which computer evaluations are plotted. The analytical results are compared with the results of verifying experiments: (i) a Monte Carlo computer experiment in which simulated molecules of DNA were individuals of unit length subjected to random "breaks" applied by a random number generator, and (ii) an in vitro experiment in which molecules of T4 DNA, highly labeled with (32)P, were stored in liquid nitrogen for variable periods of time during which a precisely known number of (32)P atoms decayed, causing single-stranded breaks. The distribution of sizes of the resulting fragments was measured in an alkaline sucrose gradient. The profiles obtained in this fashion were compared with the mathematical predictions. Both experiments agree with the analytical approach and thus permit the use of the graphs obtained from the latter as a means of determining the average number of random breaks in DNA from distributions obtained experimentally in a sucrose gradient. An example of the application of this procedure to a previously unresolved problem is provided in the case of DNA from ultraviolet-irradiated phage which undergoes a dose-dependent intracellular breakdown. The relationship between the number of lethal hits and the number of single-stranded breaks was not previously established. A comparison of the calculated number of nicks per strand of DNA with the known dose in phage-lethal hits reveals a relationship closely approximating one lethal hit to one single-stranded break.
Novel acoustic stimuli can alter locomotor speed to hippocampal theta relationship

Hippocampal theta (6-12 Hz) plays a critical role in synchronizing the discharge of action potentials, ultimately orchestrating individual neurons into large-scale ensembles. Alterations in theta dynamics may reflect variations in sensorimotor integration, the flow of sensory input, and/or cognitive processing. Previously we have investigated septotemporal variation in the locomotor speed to theta amplitude relationship as well as how that relationship is systematically altered as a function of novel, physical space. In the present study, we ask, beyond physical space, whether persistent and passive sound delivery can alter septal theta local field potential rhythm dynamics. Results indicate pronounced alterations in the slope of the speed to theta amplitude relationship as a function of sound presentation and location. Further, this reduction in slope habituates across days. The current findings highlight that moment-to-moment alterations in theta amplitude is a rich dynamic index that is quantitatively related to both alterations in motor behavior and sensory experience. The implications of these phenomena are discussed with respect to emergent cognitive functions subserved by hippocampal circuits.
Nanoparticle Aggregation: Principles and Modeling

The high surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles usually results in highly reactive and colloidal instability compared to their bulk counterparts. Aggregation as well as many other transformations (e.g., dissolution) in the environment may alter the physiochemical properties, reactivity, fate, transport, and biological interactions (e.g., bioavailability and uptake) of nanoparticles. The unique properties pertinent to nanoparticles, such as shape, size, surface characteristics, composition, and electronic structures, greatly challenge the ability of colloid science to understand nanoparticle aggregation and its environmental impacts. This review briefly introduces fundamentals about aggregation, fractal dimensions, classic and extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeak (DLVO) theories, aggregation kinetic modeling, experimental measurements, followed by detailed discussions on the major factors on aggregation and subsequent effects on nanomaterial transport and reactivity.
Financial Sector Reforms and Prospects for Financial Integration in Maghreb Countries

A healthy and dynamic financial sector is essential to achieving high and sustainable economic growth in the Maghreb region-Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Financial integration within the Maghreb region will help deepen financial markets, increase their efficiency, and enhance the resilience of economies to shocks. It can also play a catalyst role for the global financial integration of the Maghreb region. This paper provides an overview of the financial systems, takes stock of the reform effort and highlights the challenges ahead, and examines the prospects for financial integration in the five Maghreb countries.
Crack Growth Rates of Alloy 600 From the Davis-Besse Reactor CRDM Nozzle #3 in PWR Environment

Reactor–vessel internal components made of nickel–base alloys are susceptible to environmentally assisted cracking. A better understanding of the causes and mechanisms of this cracking may permit less conservative estimates of damage accumulation and requirements on inspection intervals of pressurized water reactors (PWRs). This paper presents crack growth rate (CGR) results for Alloy 600 removed from nozzle#3 of the Davis–Besse (D-B) control rod drive mechanism (CRDM). The tests were conducted on 1/4-T or 1/2-T compact tension specimens in simulated PWR environment, and crack extensions were determined by DC potential drop measurements. The experimental CGRs under cyclic and constant load are compared with the existing CGR data for Alloy 600 to determine the relative susceptibility of the D-B CRDM nozzle alloy to environmentally enhanced cracking. The CGRs under constant load for the nozzle material are higher than those predicted by the best-fit curve for Alloy 600 at 316 °C. The results also indicate significant enhancement of CGRs under cyclic loading in the PWR environment. Characterization of the material microstructure and tensile properties is described.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Rectus abdominis sheath hematoma as a complication of tetanus diagnosis by computed tomography scanning

Tetanus infection as the cause of rectus abdominis sheath hematoma has not been previously reported in the literature. Such a patient, diagnosed by computed tomography scanning, is presented. The place of computed tomography examination in diagnosis of rectus sheath hematomas and abdominal wall pathology is emphasized.
Activation of human B lymphocytes VII. the regulatory effect of cyclic adenosine monophosphate on human B cell activation.

Abstract Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has been demonstrated to play an integral role in the regulation of B cell activation. By employing a plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay for polyclonal activation of human B lymphocytes, it was demonstrated that dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DB-cAMP) markedly increased the PFC response of pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated lymphocytes. Inducers of intracellular cAMP effected a comparable enhancement. Co-cultures of fresh lymphocytes with autologous T cells which had been pre-incubated with DB-cAMP produced an enhancement of B cell activation by a selective effect on the T cells. The mechanism of action of this enhancement of the B cell response is most likely a relative increase in helper T cell function resulting from a selective inhibition of suppressor T cells.
Possible extra-Solar-System cause for certain lunar seismic events

Reanalysis of lunar seismic data collected during the Apollo program indicates that 23 of the 28 rare events known as high-frequency teleseismic (HFT) events or shallow moonquakes occurred during one-half of the sidereal month when the seismic network on the Moon's near side faced approximately towards right ascension of 12 h on the celestial sphere. Statistical analysis demonstrates that there is about a 1% probability that this pattern would occur by chance. An alternate possibility is that high-energy objects from a fixed source outside the Solar System trigger or even cause the HFT events.
Protecting regions of interest in medical images in a lossy packet network

We present two methods for protecting a region of interest (ROI) in a compressed medical image transmitted across a lossy packet network such as the Internet or a wireless channel. We begin with a high quality wavelet-based coder, the Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Trees (SPIHT) algorithm, which orders data progressively by coding the globally important information first. We then compress the ROI to a higher quality than the rest of the image by scaling the wavelet coefficients corresponding to the ROI. This approach moves ROI information earlier in the bit stream. Finally, we add more redundancy to the ROI than to the rest of the image by two techniques. With MD-SPIHT, we repeat wavelet coefficient trees corresponding to the ROI and code them to higher bit rates than the background trees. With ULP-FEC, we use forward error correction (FEC) in an unequal loss protection framework. We find that both methods increase the probability of receiving high quality ROI in the presence of packet loss.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Archives of the new possession: Spanish colonial records and the American creation of a 'national' archives for the Philippines

Through the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain ceded to the United States all its colonial authority over the Philippines, including its other colonies. The Treaty also placed in American possession the Spanish records kept in the various agencies of the former colonial administration of the islands. Upon assumption of its role as the new de facto colonial regime, the American insular government initiated the process of collecting the Spanish colonial records to be housed in a central repository that became the nucleus of the National Archives of the Philippines. An important aspect of understanding the context of archives in post-colonial Philippines is to trace its early beginnings and to examine the archives’ association with former colonial powers. Established against the backdrop of the shift in the continuum of colonial regimes, the archive is undeniably a colonial creation and a manifestation of colonial domination. For the contemporary imagination, however, its very presence represents a common and collective past that consequently contributes to the formation of a “national consciousness” and ironically reinforces the idea of nationhood of the formerly colonized territory.
Trypan blue induces apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Abstract Purpose To examine whether trypan blue dye induces apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium cells. Design Laboratory investigation. Methods Pure cultures of human retinal pigment epithelium cells were isolated. The cells were incubated with different concentrations of trypan blue (0.5%, 0.10%, and 0.05%) for either 5 or 30 minutes. The rate of retinal pigment epithelium cell apoptosis was assessed with Annexin V-PE staining and flow cytometry. Results Trypan blue induced a statistically significant amount of apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelium cells at all the concentrations (0.5%, 0.10%, and 0.05%) ( P Conclusion The incubation of retinal pigment epithelium cells with trypan blue increased the number of apoptotic retinal pigment epithelium cells in vitro. Our results suggest that decisions regarding the intravitreal application of trypan blue dye need to be made with caution.
Two syntheses of (-)-kainic acid via highly stereoselective zinc-ene cyclizations.

Two concise, high-yielding syntheses of enantioenriched (−)-kainic acid are presented. Both routes feature a Pd-catalyzed Zn-ene cyclization that proceeds with complete diastereoselectivity. The key step can be carried out on a multigram scale, and the overall yields are among the highest to date for this marine alkaloid.
Adsorption of calcium hydroxide by montmorillonite and kaolinite

Abstract Rapid removal of calcium hydroxide from aqueous solution by previously calcium-saturated montmorillonite and kaolinite was observed. It was shown that initial adsorption of calcium hydroxide by kaolinite is completed within about ten minutes at room temperature, and that further removal of lime from solution does not take place for several hours. The time dependence of adsorption by montmorillonite was shown to be more complex, with chemical reaction appearing to occur relatively soon after initial uptake. Most of the adsorbed calcium hydroxide was readily removable subsequently by simple dispersion in distilled water. Adsorption isotherms were shown to be of the BET type II variaty, indicating probable multimolecular adsorption. Adsorption seemed to be confined to the external surfaces of the clay, and estimates of coverage areas per molecule were about 25 A. 2 for the montmorillonite but were significantly higher for the kaolinite. The temperature dependence of the adsorption by montmorillonite was examined and shown to be small at or below room temperature; however, enhanced adsorption was observed at 50°C. Similar adsorption phenomena occur in systems of highly restricted water content as shown by studies of the electrical conductivity of thick clay-water pastes to which crystalline calcium hydroxide was added.
Epidurally recorded cervical somatosensory evoked potential in humans.

Abstract Three slow wave components, P10 , N13 and P18 , can be seen in the cervical somatosensory evoked potential (CSEP) in response to median nerve stimulation recorded by an electrode in the epidural space at the dorsal aspect of the cervical spinal cord referenced to an electrode at the suprasternal notch. In the region of high CSEP amplitude, which extends over several cervical segments, the peak-to-peak amplitude is more than 10 μV, permitting observation of the CSEP slow waves in single, unaveraged records. The CSEP to finger nerve stimulation had a similar wave form and the same latencies (referred to the Erb's potential) as the CSEP to median nerve stimulation. The P10 activity is of presynaptic origin; it is generated in the brachial plexus, spinal roots and terminal branches of the primary sensory fibers. The N13 slow wave is of postsynaptic origin; however, the small wave on the ascending phase of this main postsynaptic component represemts superimposed presynaptic activity. In bipolar epidural recordings, 3–5 fast wave are superimposed on the slow CSEP waves, which are of lower amplitude than the slow waves in unipolar recordings. The fast waves show a slight but progressive delay at the more rostral recording sites and are present even with high frequency stimulation, presumably reflecting activity in long ascending tracts. The surface recorded CSEP to median nerve stimulation is 4–7 times lower in amplitude than the CSEP in unipolar epidural recordings. The small wave on the ascending phase of N13 and the N13 peak of the unipolar epidural recordings had the same latencies as the surface N11 and N13 peaks.
Degradable wheat gluten films: preparation, properties and applications

Degradable films from spray-dried (SD) and flash-dried (FD) wheat gluten prepared at various pHs, salt levels, temperatures, and shearing times were compared. Differences were observed in properties of the films related to processing conditions. Films prepared from SD wheat gluten were thicker, and had higher tensile strengths and Young's moduli. SD wheat gluten solutions applied as coating material resulted in Grade A-quality shell eggs maintaining quality for 30 days at room temperature. Additionally, SD wheat gluten coating increased the water stability of starch-based packaging.
Magnesium, a second messenger for insulin: Ion translocation coupled to transport activity

Abstract 1. 1.|Magnesium ion, it is proposed, can serve as a second messenger for insulin. 2. 2.|When hemi-uteri from ovariectomized rats are incubated in modified Krebs-Henseleit solution, the following findings are obtained: (a) This muscle maintains a substantial concentration gradient, relative to the medium for both Mg 2+ and K + . (b) Insulin added in vitro gives a net increase in accumulation of Mg 2+ and K + (7–16%). (c) Ouabain (5 × 10 −4 M), a specific inhibitor of (Na + + K + )-ATPase, gives rise to striking changes in intracellular ion content. As expected, Na + rises and K + falls. Mg 2+ increases to a level as high as that obtained with insulin in the absence of ouabain, and no additional increase in Mg 2+ content is found when insulin is added in the presence of ouabain. Omission of K + from the medium in part mimics the ouabain effect. The insulin stimulation of Mg 2+ accumulation therefore is dependent on an actively functioning (Na + + K + )-ATPase system. 3. 3.|These data, taken together with other definitive studies on amino acid transport and glucose transport, constitute the basis for the following proposal: When insulin interacts with its receptor, perturbations emanate from this site to adjacent regions, there to activate, selectively, membrane-situated transport systems, including (Na + + K + )-ATPase. In the course of these events, Mg 2+ , a critical second messenger, is translocated to responsive intracellular loci. 4. 4.|The interactions of insulin and epinephrine are discussed in terms of interactions between their specific receptors and enzymes that generate second messengers.
Partial Melting and Resolidification of Metal Powder in Selective Laser Sintering

Partial melting and resolidification of single-component metal powders bed with a Gaussian laser beam is investigated numerically. Because laser processing of metal powder is a very rapid process, the temperature of the liquid layer and solid core of a partially molten particle may not at thermal equilibrium, that is, the temperature of the liquid part is higher while the temperature of the solid core is lower than the melting point. To use an equilibrium model to describe melting of single-component metal powder, the local temperature of regions with partially molten particles can be assumed to be within a range of temperature adjacent to the melting point, instead of at the melting point. In addition, the whole powder bed shrinks as the gas is driven out during the melting process. A temperature transforming model is employed to simulate the melting and resolidification process over a temperature range with the consideration of shrinkage. The convection driven by capillary and gravity forces in the melting liquid pool is formulated by using Darcy's law. Effects of laser beam intensity and scanning velocity on the shape and size of the heat affected zone and molten pool are analyzed.
(Dis)unity and Diversity in Post-9/11 America

Drawing inspiration from the work of Robin M. Williams Jr., I map out the complexities of ethnic and racial relations in the contemporary United States by focusing on the impacts of 9 ⁄ 11—particularly in relation to immigration policy. Because the attackers entered the country through regular immigration channels (i.e., as foreign students) the U.S. government has introduced policies to enhance border security, restrict immigration, increase the surveillance of immigrant populations, and more actively enforce immigration policy. These national-security-related immigration policies, however, are exacerbating existing tensions and producing new sets of ethnic and racialized conflicts in the United States. In this article, I first provide an overview of the key national-security-related immigration policies that were passed in the wake of September 11, 2001. Then, I review some of the recent sociological literature, as well as draw from my own preliminary research in the State of New Jersey, to illustrate the social impacts of these policies on ethnic and racial relations. I conclude with an outline of the ways the sociology of ethnic and racial relations specifically, as well as other subfields of the discipline, might approach analyses of social conflict in the contemporary United States, post–September 11.
Synthesis of 12(S),20-, 12(S),19(R)-, and 12(S),19(S)-dihydroxyeicosa-cis-5,8,14-trans-10-tetraenoic acids, metabolites of 12(S)-hete

Abstract Enantiospecific syntheses of the 20- and both 19-hydroxy metabolites of 12(S)-HETE were accomplished using readily available, chiral precursors.
Coherent Raman scattering from electron spin coherence in GaAs quantum wells

We report the experimental demonstration of a coherent Raman response from long-lived electron spin coherence in differential transmission spectra of GaAs quantum wells.
3-D correlation-based speckle tracking.

Widely-used 1-D/2-D speckle tracking techniques in elasticity imaging often experience significant speckle decorrelation in applications involving large elevational motion (i.e., out of plane motio...
Enhanced ultrasonic vocalization and Fos protein expression following ethanol withdrawal: effects of flumazenil.

Rationale: Administration of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine (BZD) antagonist, has therapeutic efficacy against some anxiogenic effects of ethanol withdrawal. This observation has led to the suggestion that anxiety associated with ethanol withdrawal is related to release in brain of an endogenous BZD inverse agonist. Objective: The present studies further tested this hypothesis by assessing the effect of flumazenil on withdrawal-induced changes in a behavioral task and on the expression of the neuronal protein, Fos. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were withdrawn from a chronic ethanol regimen and tested, with or without flumazenil pretreatment, for either ultrasonic vocalization in response to air puff or for the induction of Fos protein-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) in brain. In addition, flumazenil effects on Fos-LI were measured in a group of animals treated with the BZD inverse agonist DMCM (0.75 and 1.0 mg/kg). Results: Flumazenil (5.0 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of ultrasonic vocalizations observed following withdrawal from chronic ethanol. In contrast, flumazenil (5.0 mg/kg), given either 14 h before withdrawal from chronic ethanol, or during hours 3 and 5 following withdrawal, did not attenuate the effects of withdrawal on Fos-LI. Subsequent testing with DMCM confirmed that a benzodiazepine inverse agonist can induce Fos-LI in most of the same brain regions as observed following ethanol withdrawal, and that this change in Fos protein can be attenuated by pretreatment with flumazenil (5.0 mg/kg). Conclusions: Overall, these results demonstrate that specific behavioral indices of anxiety, but not measures of Fos-LI, support the contribution of an endogenous BZD inverse agonist in the ethanol withdrawal syndrome.
Babies and the blackout: the genesis of a misconception

Abstract Nine months after the great New York City blackout in November 1965, a series of articles in the New York Times alleged a sharp increase in the city's birthrate. A number of medical and demographic articles then appeared making contradictory (and sometimes erroneous) statements concerning the blackout effect. None of these analyses are fully satisfactory from the statistical standpoint, omitting such factors as weekday-weekend effects, seasonal trends, and a gradual decline in the city's birthrate. Using daily birth statistics for New York City over the 6-year period 1961–1966, techniques of data analysis and time-series analysis are employed in this paper to investigate the above effects.
Plexiform leiomyoma in endometrial curettings

A tumor found in endometrial curettings of a 35–year-old woman was originally interpreted as malignant. Review of the slides and additional curettings revealed that the tumor was in reality a plexiform leiomyoma. Attention is drawn to the fact that this rare tumor may be present in endometrial curettings.
Effect of Cyproterone Acetate on the Structure of the Adrenal Cortex

Adult male C57 BL/6J mice injected with 0.08 mg/g of cyproterone acetate showed an increase in cellular lipid content in the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. In the perimedullary region, densely staining cells aggregated to form scattered nodules. At the ultrastructural level, in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata the number and size of lipid droplets increased. An apparent decrease in mitochondrial number and size and a noticeable diminution in the amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were also noted in the zona fasciculata. It is suggested that cyproterone acetate may have blocked steroid synthesis and increased adrenal cholesterol deposits.
Values and economics in environmental management: A perspective and critique

Abstract Several categories of non-market value have been identified for forests and other natural environments: use value, option value, altruism, bequest value, existence value and intrinsic value. In this paper, we view these values from a psychological perspective. Non-market values arise because natural resources play important roles in furthering human goals. This goal perspective contrasts with intrinsic value—the idea that natural objects have value as ends in themselves regardless of their relationship to man. Because of the lack of precise definitions, elements of intrinsic value are often mixed with existence value, creating confusion in the literature. These resource values need to be examined on a logical as well as an empirical basis. We argue that careful scrutiny reveals problems with both existence value and intrinsic value so that it is important to question their role in policy formation and analysis.
Marketplace footprints: connecting marketing communication and corporate brands

Purpose – The goal of this paper is to understand the relationship between advertising spending and the volume and valence of publicity, and assessments of corporate brands (opinion, value and reputation).Design/methodology/approach – Two studies examine major multi‐national companies as brands by bringing together five unique industry datasets to understand the connection between the assessments of the corporate brand and marketing communication activity. Discriminant analysis is used to study the differential impact of advertising and publicity on corporate brand attitude and value.Findings – Publicity and advertising volume are important drivers in differentiating between firms with lower and higher brand evaluations. Overall, publicity valence, in and of itself, had little effect outside of the volume of positive and negative stories. Further, the role of prior corporate reputation works in conjunction and has unique effects that influence the communication activities of firms with high and low brand ...
Direct inhibition of in vitro PLD activity by 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride.

Abstract While conducting a purification protocol of phospholipase D (PLD) from human granulocytes, we observed that PLD activity was inhibited by a commonly-used protease inhibitor cocktail. Of the six inhibitors present in the cocktail, the serine protease inhibitor, 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benezensulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), was found to be the sole inhibitor of PLD. AEBSF caused a loss of neutrophil and purified plant PLD activities in vitro, but not in intact cells at the concentrations used, nor did it affect the related phospholipases A2 and C, that were utilized as specificity controls. The compound AEBSNH2, which has the fluoride replaced by an -NH2 group, failed to affect PLD activity as did other compounds structurally related to AEBSF with known protease inhibitory capabilities. Finally, basal- and agonist-stimulated PLD activity was inhibited in phosphatidylcholine-specific anti-PLD immunoprecipitates (IC50 = 75 μM). These results suggest that AEBSF, in an effect probably unrelated to its anti-proteolytic ability, directly interferes with PLD enzymatic activity, making it a significant compound to begin analyzing the role of PLD in mammalian cell signaling.
Effects of Mindfulness Training on Simulated Driving: Preliminary Results

Mindfulness training was examined in relation to drivers' (ages 21 to 38 years) situation awareness and performance. University students enrolled in a Buddhist psychology class were taught concentration techniques in which they were instructed to focus their attention on their breath and mindfulness techniques in which they learned to objectively notice whatever arises in consciousness. These students were to practice these techniques in their everyday activities in order to improve their mindfulness and concentration. Students enrolled in a human factors psychology course served as the control group in which they were not taught mindfulness training exercises. Students in the Buddhist psychology course scored significantly highly on a scale used to assess their ability to concentrate, though differences in mindfulness between the groups were not significant. Situation awareness was assessed using a query method in a driving simulator. Mindfulness and concentration levels were both significantly related to situation awareness for driving (rs = 0.80 and 0.61, respectively). Mindfulness training may greatly impact actual driving performance over time by improving drivers' awareness of their environment and enabling them to block out distractions and to quickly identify hazards. Whereas recent technological advances for improving driving safety (e.g., tactile warnings) have been studied, mental exercises for improving SA in driving have only recently been studied and warrant further research.
Optimizing educational approaches for University Photovoltaics education

The demands for increasing matriculation and retention in engineering are exceedingly high. To discover future innovations, the Nation needs many more engineers than it produces. This paper reviews the literature regarding some of the most significant barriers to student recruitment and retention in the physical sciences and engineering, especially with regard to underrepresented groups. Many students traditionally find it hard to be successful in engineering, not because they are not as successful in the key competencies (e.g. mathematics), but because they have not been provided with experiences that will provide the motivation required to complete the degree. The focus of this paper is the need to support students' utility value perceptions, Engineering is typically a rigorous and difficult curriculum for all students, not just those at risk. Therefore, educational tools and interventions are needed that aid in overcoming these challenges and enhance learning of material. We argue that an ideal case for supporting student learning and motivation would be to emphasize Photovoltaics (PV) in physical science and engineering curricula. Specifically, we argue that (a) students' perceived value of learning PV is high given the current climate for the need to develop renewable energy technologies, and (b) PV educators and educational researchers need to work together to optimize the motivational opportunities.
Comparison of MMPI scores of drug abusers and Mayo clinic normative groups

Compared MMPIs of 80 male and 80 female drug abusers with MMPIs of 550 male and 695 female Mayo Clinic medical patients. Male drug abusers obtained significantly higher scores than male medical patients on all of the clinical scales and the F scale. They obtained a significantly lower score on K. Female drug abusers obtained significantly higher scores than female medical patients on seven clinical scales, D, Pd, Pa, Pt, Sc, Ma, and Si. They scored significantly higher on F and lower on L and K. Male and female drug abusers scored above 70 on Pd, Sc, and Ma, whereas medical patients did not exceed 60 on any scales. Findings were viewed as supporting the need for individualized, sophisticated, multidimensional psychological assessment and treatment of drug abusers in rehabilitation settings.
Local atomic environments in periodic and aperiodic Al-Mn alloys.

We have applied Wigner-Seitz constructs to several known crystal phases of Al-Mn and to two independent descriptions of the Al-Mn icosahedral phase for which all the atomic positions are available. The resulting measures of local atomic environments for the icosahedral phase are in agreement with one another and with experiment: broad distributions in site metrics and volumes of both Mn and Al sites, none of which have local icosahedral point symmetry, and a similar radial distribution function.
Role of modern 3D echocardiography in valvular heart disease

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has been conceived as one of the most promising methods for the diagnosis of valvular heart disease, and recently has become an integral clinical tool thanks to the development of high quality real-time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). In particular, for mitral valve diseases, this new approach has proven to be the most unique, powerful, and convincing method for understanding the complicated anatomy of the mitral valve and its dynamism. The method has been useful for surgical management, including robotic mitral valve repair. Moreover, this method has become indispensable for nonsurgical mitral procedures such as edge to edge mitral repair and transcatheter closure of paravaluvular leaks. In addition, color Doppler 3D echo has been valuable to identify the location of the regurgitant orifice and the severity of the mitral regurgitation. For aortic and tricuspid valve diseases, this method may not be quite as valuable as for the mitral valve. However, the necessity of 3D echo is recognized for certain situations even for these valves, such as for evaluating the aortic annulus for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. It is now clear that this method, especially with the continued development of real-time 3D TEE technology, will enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with these valvular heart diseases.
The effect of pH on the kinetic parameters and mechanism of beef liver monoamine oxidase.

The effects of pH on the oxidation of benzylamine from the pH range 6.0–11.0 have been investigated. The p K m RNH 2 and the −log V m versus pH plots disclosed inflection points at about pH 7.3 and about pH 10.5. The p K m O 2 and the−log V m versus pH plots showed an inflection point at pH 7.1–7.3. No significant changes in these kinetic parameters were observed in the pH range of about 7.3 to at least pH 10. When the benzylamine and oxygen concentrations were varied simultaneously at fixed ratios, the double reciprocal plots in the acid range below pH 7.3 and above pH 10 disclosed that a ping pong mechanism is operative over the entire pH range. The product inhibition pattern at the acidic and alkaline pH ranges was investigated. A theoretical formal mechanism is presented to account for the observed results. From the changes in the values of the kinetic constants over the pH range 6–11.5 and with temperature, it is suggested that an amino acid side chain containing a group with a p K 1 of 7.0–7.3 is involved in amino binding and that another group with a p K 2 value of about 10.3–10.4 is involved in the cleavage of the amine.
Judgments of educators and child‐care personnel about appropriate treatment for mentally retarded or normal, overactive or withdrawn, boys

Special educators and child-care personnel ranked the appropriateness of various psychological treatments for a boy described either as mentally retarded or of normal intelligence and whose behavior was described either as withdrawn or overactive. The predicted IQ level by behavior interaction was found only for drug treatment, which was ranked as relatively more appropriate for the retarded overactive child (p less than .05). Drug treatment and behavior modification were perceived as more appropriate for the overactive child (p less than .01, .05). Play therapy, family therapy, and no treatment were deemed more appropriate for the withdrawn child (p less than .05). Educators favored behavior modification and school consultation more than did child-care personnel (p less than .05).
Variation in the association of alcohol intake with uterine fibroids by race and tumor size

Purpose Uterine fibroids are prevalent benign tumors and are the leading indication for hysterectomy in the United States. Hormonal dependence for development and growth of these tumors suggests the role of estrogen-promoting factors. Alcohol intake has been associated with higher concentrations of estrogen among premenopausal women and has been implicated in other hormonally related conditions, including breast cancer. We hypothesized that alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of uterine fibroids. Methods The study population consisted of 1146 premenopausal black or white women from the NIEHS Uterine Fibroid Study. Participants were randomly selected 35- to 49-year-old members of an urban health plan. Assessment of uterine fibroids was performed primarily through transvaginal ultrasounds. Race-stratified unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of uterine fibroids with self-reported current alcohol intake and intake at age 30. Race-stratified polytomous logistic regression was used to assess these relationships with small (0.5 to Results For white women, the odds of uterine fibroids were 90% greater (95% CI = 1.0, 3.5) among those currently consuming at least 0.5 alcoholic drinks weekly compared with nondrinkers. The odds ratio with current drinking was strongest for small fibroids (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.4, 12.9), and alcohol intake at age 30 was most strongly related to large tumors (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.6, 3.7). There was no association of alcohol intake with uterine fibroids for black women (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.7, 1.6), but the patterns for current and past drinking with fibroid size were generally similar to those for white women. Conclusion This study suggests the involvement of alcohol intake in the initiation or early growth of uterine fibroids.
Relationship Attachment Styles in a Sample of Hypersexual Patients

Some authors theorize that relationship attachment difficulties play an etiological role in the development of hypersexual behavior. The research in support of this theory is plagued by small sample sizes and analyses that are limited to averages within 4 forced-choice categories of attachment. The present study seeks to further the understanding of relationship attachment styles and hypersexual behavior by analyzing both categorical and dimensional measures of attachment among a large sample of men (N = 136) seeking treatment for excessive sexual behaviors. Many, but not all, subjects reported attachment difficulties. Using cluster analysis, 4 distinct clusters appeared to be unique on measures of attachment, demographics, and shame proneness. The utility of the categorical versus the dimensional model of attachment, as well as the assessment and treatment implications for hypersexual behavior, are discussed.
Need for the lead mobilization test in children with lead poisoning.

We evaluated the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control, that children with moderate lead poisoning undergo the lead mobilization test (LMT) to determine the need for a full course of chelation treatment. Current criteria for selection for this test include a blood Pb concentration (bPb) between 25 and 55 μg/dl and an erythrocyte protoporphyrin level >35 μg/dl. To determine whether the eligibility criteria could be refined to a smaller group of patients, we compared bPb determinations obtained on the day of the LMT in 198 children with moderate Pb poisoning to the results of the LMT. We found that children with bPb