Apocalypse

Almost a month has passed since my last entry, and it wasn’t even an actual entry. Apart from entertaining guests from the other side of the planet, studying for the DAT, OAT, and GRE, buying furniture for my new condo, meeting up with former high school friends, stuffing myself with food, and watching TV to temporarily escape reality, I haven’t been doing much else since summer school ended.

Whilst watching CNN a couple of nights ago, I noticed the grimace on each speaker’s visage while the hypercritical anchor castigated each and every one of them until she was blue in the face. Not only did these individuals appear to be afraid of her, the majority also proved to be inept in defending themselves. What is so outrageously intimidating about Nancy Grace?

The Nancy Grace Effect:

What amazes me the most is her ability to resist the natural desideratum to breath until her complete argument is put forth, and in what appears to be a double standard, she unreservedly unleashes her wrath if anyone dares interrupt her but holds no restraint in interrupting the counterparty’s commentary.

Above all else, though, I believe her appearance itself (especially her make-up) poses a drastic hindrance to the guests’ ability and/or willingness to deliver a compelling argument. Although expressions are devised by an amalgamation of all aspects of the face, the mien of the top half of the face procures a more indicative verbalization than that of the lower half alone. That being said, Nancy Grace’s make-up artist succeeded in creating an aggressive, domineering facade — Her eyebrows are drawn past their natural line and extended along her nose bridge for goodness sake.

Two pictures are presented below — One shows the original Nancy Grace picture whilst the other is photoshopped to show her softer side.

Fix the eyebrows, lighten the eyeshadow, reduce the dark circles below the eyes with more concealer, replace the black leather jacket with a flower-patterned blazer and she actually looks human!

The author’s not done yet — More fun was to be had. Meet baby Cherie and demon child:

        

*Note: The author bodes no ill will against Nancy Grace; it’s actually quite refreshing to see a female digress from the cliched, feminine categorization of how a woman should behave.

 

Come Lie in the Meadow with Me

Once again, I’ve managed to land myself in the hospital today. The condition, however, is unrelated to my two previous visits. Supposedly, I may have visceral hemorrhages, or in layman’s terms, I’m bleeding internally. I think I pretty much qualify for the next episode of Mystery Diagnosis, except the doctors haven’t quite identified the raison d’etre behind these sudden and unexpected… minor disturbances. I’m confined to a strict diet by my doctor until my follow-up visit on Friday, and Wendy enforces I thoroughly masticate my food at the speed of a toothless, 99-year-old. Teeth are for weaklings, anyway.

The doctor also ran some tests, including blood-work. Why am I not surprised that, once again, multiple doctors and nurses had to spend half an hour trying to find my veins? I have multiple scars on my arms from blood donations and physicians missing my veins the first (and sometimes second) attempt at finding them. They tell me I have “tiny veins.” I’ve heard that the first 20 times, thanks. Ah well, I suppose a couple of extra cicatrices and discolored bruises wouldn’t hurt. No one would even notice unless I blatantly yelled out, “Hey, look at the cool holes in my arm!” I just can’t quite figure out how I’ve become unwell, since I’ve been perfectly healthy ere I first learned 2 + 2 = 4.

The last fever I’ve ever had was back in 1st grade. I remember it well because I had been anticipating the field trip to the dinosaur museum that entire week, even packed my own lunchbox – 1 peanut butter sandwich, 1 stick of string cheese, and 1 carton of apple juice. I woke up the next morning at 4 screaming and hallucinating with a 104 degree fever. My mother tried to wake me but I didn’t recognize her; instead, I saw a green monster with a face infested with yellow ulcers, feral cuspids, and incrusted horns — One of those images I still can’t purge out of my memory. I punched her with my fists because I thought the monster was trying to kidnap me. When I finally came to my senses, I made my mother promise that she’d let me go to the museum if I felt better within an hour. Alas, the toilet became my best friend the remainder of the day until I had nothing left to regurgitate, and I spent the subsequent 10 days with the flu. Come to think of it, I still haven’t visited a dinosaur museum, yet.

Perhaps I’ve since taken my health for granted, but enough of that: Onwards to a more light-hearted topic.

I’m a die-hard fan of cheesecake. Though I concede The Cheesecake Factory’s cheesecake is heavenly, buying it is still overrated. So, I went and bought the ingredients yesterday for white chocolate raspberry cheesecake (Excursus: I never knew it cost so much to make a 9″ cheesecake!) and here is the result:

Albeit absolutely scrumptious, I’m not sure if it was worth the 10-hour preparatory and cooking time. Unfortunately, though, the diet I’ve been placed on restricts dairy products. Wendy will have to enjoy it herself. (If anyone wants the recipe, don’t hesitate to ask.)

Recently upon chance, I’ve come across a song titled “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head. The music is divine! The song somehow leaves me feeling infinitely happy, as if every negative element in the world is swept away by a surge of magical, ambrosial flowers. That analogy, however, pales in comparison to the song’s actual effects. When listening to it, I feel like skipping and dancing rather than lifelessly walking to class, like spending an entire day lying in a field of emerald green, like… the universe stands peacefully motionless.

** Thanks, for the third time, for driving me to the hospital, Wendy. Your service is grately appreciated, and I shall pay you by bestowing to you the remainder of the cheesecake.

 

Ambit of Benevolence

Many elements of our universe function in algorithmic patterns, such as philosophy – The Turing Test; mathematics – The Sieve of Eratosthenes; pastimes – Chess (MTD-f, specifically, in reference to computer programs); economics – Algorithmic trading; psychology – The Thurstone Scale. These are only a few examples. What if, say, each individual’s degree of generosity could be characterized based on a formula, or a graph?

Bacteria multiply by binary fission after reaching a certain size. Their maximum growth rate in a given medium at a certain temperature is consistent from trial to trial. In other words, if you put the same bacteria into the same conditions, they will always take the same amount of time to double in number. A growth curve can be constructed to denote the “doubling time” or “generation time.”

Typically, three stages are observed. “Lag” phase, the first, represents a period of adjustment for the bacteria after they are introduced into the new medium. It takes them some time to “gear up” their own enzyme levels, metabolic precursors, etc. to make full use of the newly available nutrients. The growth is low but increases steadily. When the growth rate hits its maximum, the bacteria are said to be in “log” or “exponential” phase. Bacteria will stay in log phase until nutrients begin to run out and, thus, enter “stationary” phase, a time of declining growth rate. Sometimes a fourth stage is observed, “death” phase, where the number of bacteria decreases dramatically as cells begin to die off due to crowding, lack of resources, etc.

Because the growth of the bacterial culture is exponential in nature, semi-log paper is utilized in order to represent this trend.

Note: Different species of bacteria have different doubling times; however, the general trend of “lag,” “log,” “stationary,” and “death” phases are similar for all.

As observed in the graph above, there are two curves present – The absorbance curve corresponds to the amount of turbidity present in the samples of bacteria taken at each consecutive time interval whilst the cell number, i.e. titer, illustrates the actual number of living bacterial cells present at each consecutive time interval. The concept is that as growth progresses, the sample would become more turbid due to the opacity of cells, as would the cell number; thus, the absorbance and titer curves are parallel to each other under normal circumstances. Additionally, the actual number of cells can never surpass the amount of turbidity.

This general “growth curve” idea can, thus, be adopted to depict human opportunity and willingness for generosity.

Each individual’s degree of generosity varies depending on their personality and the presence of extraneous variables much like a bacterium’s doubling time is dependent on its species and other factors, which will be discussed shortly. Using bacterial growth curve as reference, the absorbance curve symbolizes one’s opportunity for altruism whilst the titer exemplifies one’s willingness for altruism. One’s willingness will never surpass one’s opportunity to contribute. You may argue that in a circumstance where a certain person is someway impaired, hindering his/her opportunity to succor, but wills to help, that person’s willingness surpasses his/her opportunity. That, however, is not the case. If said person were truly willing to contribute, he/she would devise a way to overcome the obstacle(s), even if s/he would be helping indirectly. Willingness, which indicates desire and completion of task, would equal opportunity in such a situation.

Let’s now adjust the graph to fit the new conditions, shall we?

Lag Phase: Recognition*

During the lag phase, the individual becomes aware of his/her new environment and will slowly adjust to his/her surroundings. The term “environment” may denote any atmosphere – A small group gathering, a city, a library, etc. Once the entity becomes comfortable, s/he will begin to acknowledge his/her potential to assist those whom occupy the same environment. The duration of the lag phase is dependent on which individual is being observed, but the same individual will always take the same amount of time to adapt to each new environment, extrinsic factors aside.

Log Phase: Progression*

Increasing opportunities for charity will be thrust upon the individual as time progresses. Initially, the individual may feel reluctant to succor but a gradual escalation in willingness will be observed as more resources and contingencies for selectivity are offered. This phenomenon resembles a ball cycling downhill – Once it [the rolling] starts, conscious effort must be exerted in order to stop it.

Stationary Phase: Deliberation*

There comes a point when one realizes how much effort has already been invested into a subject(s) and begins to evaluate whether future sacrifice ought to be proffered. During this time, one may feel compelled to finish his/her current beneficences but remains ambivalent towards further benefactions.

Death Phase: Declension**

If the individual decides to remain philanthropic, then a downward curve representing that environment [the environment the individual is currently occupying] will not be observed. However, if the alternative decision is made, the death phase will be observed on the graph.

* Under the null hypothesis that no extraneous variables are present.
** Not always observed. Presence of death phase is dependent on outcome of stationary phase and extraneous variables.

The scenario below summarizes the aforementioned stages of generosity in a more comprehensible manner. (Please excuse the names – The author was having a little fun.)

Mary Anne Lou attends a party in celebration for Bobby Joe’s twenty-first birthday. Unaccustomed to the drinking atmosphere, she feels remotely aloof at first but soon finds the company enjoyable. Billy Bob, Jr. (one of the guests) manages to consume so much alcohol he is physically and mentally incapable of driving his tractor home. Mary Anne Lou, the only sober invitee, volunteers to drive Billy Bob.

Upon returning to the party, Mary Anne Lou is bombarded with a myriad of requests for transportation back to their [the intoxicated guests] homes as well. Realizing that the party has, thus, ended and that these dipsomaniacs are a hazard to themselves, others on the road, and the unsuspecting cows, she escorts each of them to their home. Much to Mary Anne Lou’s dismay, the last passenger has an esophagogastric dysfunction, leading to all sorts of different aromatic souvenirs in her truck. Guess who gets to clean up the mess?

The subsequent morning, the exhausted Mary Anne Lou receives a call from Betty Sue and Earlene – They had left their purses at Bobby Joe’s house and request she fetch and deliver the purses to them. What will Mary Anne Lou do?

Up till now, we’ve only delved into the variable-independent aspects of human generosity. However, the outcome of everyday occurrences is, indubitably, governed by a myriad of extrinsic factors. Hence, let’s now examine bacterial growth taking these extrinsic factors into account.

Many people have heard of ampicillin, chlorine dioxide (bleach), and/or chloramphenicol, but few understand their significance other than “they’re antibiotics/disinfectants that… help people stay healthy?”

Bacteriostatic agents stop the growth of bacteria but do not kill them, e.g. chloramphenicol. In the event a bacteriostatic antibiotic is added to microorganism sensitive to it, both turbidity and titer would level off and stay constant. For bactericidal non-bacteriolytic agents, e.g. bleach, which simply kill the bacteria, a drastic decrease in cell number would result whilst the turbidity would level off and stay constant. Finally, bactericidal bacteriolytic agents such as ampicillin kill bacteria by lysing their cell envelope; thus, both turbidity and titer would drop drastically.

The amount of turbidity and the number of cells observed within an allotted time is dependent on (1) the type of antibiotic and (2) when the antibiotic was administered. A variety of different growth curves can, thus, be obtained through altered combinations of agents implemented at different time intervals.

Extrinsic variables that act on our original model of generosity work in a similar manner. Take the Mary Anne Lou scenario once again for example, but this time noting extraneous factors.

Case #1:

Mary Anne Lou attends a party in celebration for Bobby Joe’s twenty-first birthday. Unaccustomed to the drinking atmosphere and lacking good company, she wishes Bobby Joe the best, bequeaths to him his presents, and leaves before she has to endure another conversation with a foul-breathed drunkard.

Extrinsic factor: Undesirable atmosphere/company
When factor took effect: Onset of lag phase
Conclusion: Because Mary Anne Lou did not successfully overcome the lag phase, no Progression resulted. Both opportunity and willingness curves flatlined at their initial stage.
Case description: Benefactostatic

Case #2:

Mary Anne Lou attends a party in celebration for Bobby Joe’s twenty-first birthday. Unaccustomed to the drinking atmosphere, she feels remotely aloof at first but soon finds the company enjoyable. Billy Bob, Jr. (one of the guests) manages to consume so much alcohol he is physically and mentally incapable of driving his tractor home. Mary Anne Lou, the only sober invitee, volunteers to drive Billy Bob.

Because of the time, Mary Anne Lou decides not to return to the party, instead, selects to drive back home. Half-way home, however, she receives a phone call from Bobby Joe who implores that she takes his plastered friends home for safety purposes. Feeling too exhausted at this point to take care of others, Mary Anne Lou declines the request and suggests they spend the night at Bobby Joe’s house instead.

Extrinsic factor: Time, personal exhaustion
When factor took effect: Log phase
Conclusion: Though Mary Anne Lou surpassed the lag phase, extrinsic factors contributed to her subsequent decline in willingness to continue sacrificing herself for others. The opportunity to assist was still provided to her; hence, incline and later stagnancy are observed for that curve. Note, however, that the curve is not as steep as that of the original. This is due to the fact that the extrinsic variable was dealt before completion of the log phase.
Case description: Benefactocidal non benefactolytic

Once again, a variety of outcomes may ensue – These are only a few simple examples. Typically, though, a depressed willingness curve is observed. This can be explained with one of two opposing, yet strikingly similar, perspectives.

As has been implied throughout this entry, humans are inherently good. It is due to the numerous extraneous factors that one becomes selfish and hostile. Those who are obstinately able to overlook these negative, extraneous factors are, then, capable of assisting others ad infinitum. Such individuals, unfortunately, are on the brink of extinction.

The alternative school of thought, which proposes that humans are inherently evil, is likewise justifiable. The aforementioned extraneous factors are good in this case. Those who are persistently able to recognize these seemingly subtle but more often than not blatantly obvious extraneous factors and respond accordingly are, then, capable of assisting others ad infinitum. These individuals are also on the brink of extinction.

Whether you hold the former perspective or the latter, the general idea remains the same – We reside in a macrocosm where the majority of people give little to no thought for others, and even if they do, it would only be a short-term affair. Once they tire of their dependability, previous acts of compassion can no longer provide “warm-and-fuzzy” feelings, or these feelings are no longer worth the effort. Furthermore, few of these short-term affairs are altruistic in nature; most are conceived from ulterior motives.

So, before you go off on a rant about how dismal the world is, how unlucky you are, and/or how rapacious the current society is, ask yourself – What can I change about myself first to make the world a better place before criticizing everyone else? It’s impossible to make others perceive the condition of world in the same manner as you see fit.

You can’t make others see, especially when doing so is against their will.

And on that note, I shall depart for bed. Au revoir until next time, my little munchkins.

 

Hoopla for the Easily Amused

What better way to end the last Physics Lab day than nerdy shenanigans with liquid nitrogen? The small laboratory floor was infested with shattered objects by the end of the day — Just to name a few: Grapes, flower petals, tree bark, chapstick, rubber ball shards, gummy bears… ‘Twas a fun day indeed!

I felt it was necessary to bring my camera with me so that I may divulge the wonders of science; hence, below are a few pictures and short clips of today’s hullabaloo. Enjoy!

(Above) This originally elastic, bouncy, rubber ball is being prepped in liquid nitrogen for what lies ahead (below).

… so much for elastic, bouncy, rubber ball. I wonder if Wal-Mart will provide a refund? “This ball was, uh, defective.”

(Above) These were the plants/flowers in their initial states.

… and these (above) are their ash- and glass-like remains — Followed by (below) what we used to clean up the mess: More liquid nitrogen!

As follows are 2 pictures. One of which shows an ordinary balloon filled with air whilst the other presents the same balloon but shrunken in size from liquid nitrogen.

                                    

Now, last but certainly not least, resurrection of the orange balloon!

Unfortunately, the balloon popped and hence could not endure further beguilement, which warranted the “That’s sad” on my part.

Warning for the upcoming entry: A rant is in store regarding human generosity (or lack thereof), so please, get some good nights’ rest as prospective safeguard for thine eyes.

 

Anaesthetized & Pampered

I must say, Katy Memorial Hermann Hospital will certainly be my hospital of choice henceforth. There’s something strangely unique about this place to which every other facility I’ve had the pleasure of visiting seem to pale in comparison.

Everything is extremely organized.
Typical scenario for most other hospitals: In the cramped waiting area, roughly eight patients are sitting restlessly; 1/3 of these patients, in desperate need of immediate treatment, are most likely bleeding profusely from one or more of their body parts. The background melody consists of wailing babies and quarrels between the frantic patient and the receptionist. Behind the receptionist, insurance validity reviewers bustle about with papers in one hand and multiple phones in the other, with conversations between the auditor and the insurance companies serving as the principal cacophony. Now, past the reception hall, expeditious physicians play musical chairs with patients’ rooms. Painful crying, nervous laughing, and leery yelling can be heard here.

The nurses are delightfully friendly, too. Our conversations lasted well over 2-hours prior to the procedure and consisted of topics on my studies, their recent vacation locales, Tokyo’s technologically advanced society, one of the nurses’ son’s accomplishments in life, and a lariat of equipment cables dangling from the ceiling that they’ve been trying to convince the doctors to relocate so that the area would become more aesthetically pleasing for patients. One of the nurses tirelessly apologized for possibly inducing pain as she inserted an IV into my veins. A newly washed hospital gown was given to me as well as new slipper socks, a garment cover, and oven toasted blankets. I felt more hedonistic at this hospital than at home.

Excursus: I’m not sure who came up with the idea to furnish each patient’s ceiling with a different illuminated, natural landscape picture but he/she is simply brilliant.

I really wanted to slur nonsense, “Wezza kappla wonky? Goo lamooshka yabba baaa. HeeeeeeeeHeeeeeeeeee,” when the nurses asked me if I was feeling all right after having administered the sedatives just to see their reaction, but alas, I feared a chaotic uprising would errupt whilst I, dozing off to unconsciousness, was strapped down to a table with 5 different wires running around and through me and surrounded by computer monitors above, below, and to both sides. (Hm, did I leave out any prepositions?)

Interestingly, I don’t recall any part of the procedure. I only remember the doctor coming into the room and, then, being carted back out into the recovery room. Where’d those 45 minutes of my life go? I asked one of the nurses whether I was awake during the procedure or not, and she said I was talking the entire time. What? When? Huh? Perhaps this is justification enough that I should never drink to the point of intoxication — I would wake up the next morning not knowing how and to where my hair and eyebrows had disappeared.

Alas, I am dreadfully tired so I shall depart for bed early tonight. Au revoir!

 

Amour

There’s no point in denying it. My heart starts racing, the world stands still, and I ponder where the object of my affection has been my entire life. I’m in love…

A magnificently sleek stature of which others only dream. The dexterity, the beauty, the ingenuity — All potentially under my subordination! But, mi amore, why must you cost $600?

No, my readers, I have not plunged into the licentious trade of a brothel, unfortunately. I’m simply in love with the recently (June 29th, specifically) launched Apple “revolutionary” phone — The iPhone. Though I’m sure the presence of imperfections are numerous, i.e. the public is deprived of certain features, I’m absolutely willing to overlook such miniscule components for the overall package. However, there is a qualm — The inability for one to exchange the phone’s SIM card. Alas, se a vida é.

I don’t want to seem fickle with my selection of phones, considering I had purchased a new Motorolla Razr V3 only recently, but — Oh! — the iPhone is so irresistibly appealing. A tour of the technical specifications can be accessed here if you care to watch. I’m such a tech nerd!

Ah, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as watching the fireworks from your bedroom window with the perfect view. I tried to catch some quick photographs of the polychromatic spectacular but my flailing arms only proffered inferior images. Oh well — Better than nothing.

The hospital visit yesterday was… interesting. More on the matter another day, though. I have an early rendezvous tomorrow morning to attend.

Au revoir until next time!

 

Death Is the Road to Awe

I’m feeling rather pensive currently, most likely a side-effect of the perpetual water sprinkles we’ve been endowed these past few days — All the more reason to feel chipper about not having to wash my car manually. My next move, then, is to devise a method in somehow migrating the unlaundered dishes into the rainfall…

This past weekend, I came across a movie titled “The Fountain.” Though I admit I am by far not a qualified critic, I must spout my perception of the film nevertheless simply because I find the critiques to be unjust. Many reviewers regarded the movie as aimless, confusing, and other adjectives I can’t quite recall momentarily. I agree that the movie mystified me at times, but not in the sense that these critics had mentioned. The beauty of this particular film is that it leaves you with a lingering idea. You can either agree with the message or negate it. The problem, however, is that many people fail to grasp the intendment the director, Darren Aronofsky, is trying to communicate because the subject is elusive per se. Yes, as a director he should ensure that his viewers comprehend his films, but haven’t you ever experienced an instance where your abstractions transcend the average human intellect by such a colossal degree that only a select few can begin to fathom the concepts? Furthermore, I seem to enjoy movies that leave you pondering, perhaps due to my overly analytical nature, more than the norm. No, the word “pondering” does not suffice; it can be better described as intellectual introspection.

Critics may also lack appreciation for the movie purely because the concept is one that’s rather hard to swallow. The ongoing motif present throughout the film depicts Death vs. Immortality. Id est death is imminent, and rather than fear it, we should accept it. At least that’s what I’ve managed to cohesively comprehend from the film — You may disagree. Instead of viewing the movie with an open mind, the critics choose to downplay the significance. What I have thus observed from the numerous reviews I have read from movie critics is that they prefer to use a vulgar intonation in their writing. Being a part of their occupational standards, acerbic diction, which is well beyond profuse in any ordinary converse sense, is conventional. That said, they feel no penitence in displaying their cynical views because they feel it is expected of them. Such critiques, then (if you are one to read), should only be taken half-heartedly.

If not for the purport that you decide to watch the movie, at least enjoy the aesthetically pleasing scenes. And although I confess seeing a bald Hugh Jackman wearing pajamas and sitting in a lotus position is extremely bizarre, his acting in the film is notable for the most part.

On a last note with reference to the movie — I enjoyed it; did not love it; enjoyed it.

Considering I acquired a whopping 4 hours of sleep the night before, I shan’t keep the sheeps waiting. My mind seems to be working in disarrayed tangents that even I cannot quell.
Until next time, my little munchkins!

 

Ubiquity of Governmental Incompetence

Apropos of recent FDA proceedings, I feel a rant is in order.

Although the article can be accessed in the Nouvelles section of this website, I will disclose it again below for easy-reference purposes:

6/22/07: For the first time, manufacturers of vitamins, herbal pills and other dietary supplements will have to test all of their products’ ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration said Friday it is phasing in a new rule that is designed to address concerns that existing regulations allowed supplements onto the market that were contaminated or didn’t contain ingredients claimed on the label.

Obviously, I must have been too ignorant and trusting to believe that the American federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services was sensible enough to test the products before they are shelved for public use. According to a survey back in 2001, 59% of the population take dietary supplements, which I’m sure has only increased over the past 6 years as people’s concerns for potential risks decreased. Sure, I suppose some people may regard vitamins as inducing a placebo effect, but that doesn’t exculpate the government’s lackadaisical demeanor. Who knows what parsimonious yet greedy companies could be adding into these pills? There have been a plethora of instances where the FDA has not been careful in its regulation of pharmaceutical products whereby people taking such medications began to drop dead in the middle of the streets. If you’re interested in such details, examples are presented as follows (Or you can simply look at the pretty pictures of molecules):

Case 1: Thalidomide

Thalidomide is a hypnotic and anti-nausea drug that was given to many patients, including pregnant women, in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.

There is one stereocenter in thalidomide. In the rotating animated views of the two thalidomide enantiomers, notice how subtle the differences are in structure between the enantiomers.

The drug was given as a racemic mixture. Unknown at the time, the (S)-(-) enantiomer (but not the (R)-(+) enantiomer, although this is still controversial) is transformed in patients to two compounds that are embryotoxic and teratogenic. Regardless of whether one or both enantiomers are involved, taking thalidomide by pregnant women caused severe birth defects including abnormal (missing) limbs, as well as ear, eye, heart and gastrointestinal problems in 10,000 babies born. Interestingly, the two thalidomide enantiomers undergo interconversion in animals, so just giving the (R)-(+) isomer would metamorphose into the (S)-(-) enantiomer.

Case 2: Ecstasy

Serotonin, also known as 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), is a neurotransmitter found at the synapses of certain neurons, i.e. it is released by the tip of one stimulated neuron and recognized by a specific serotonin neurotransmitter receptor on an adjacent neuron, causing it to fire. In this way, the nerve impulse is propagated throughout the nervous system. Note: After a nerve fires at a synapse, the neurotransmitter must be taken back up by the original neuron and transported back into a synaptic vesicle so that it is ready to fire again, called “re-uptake.”

Neorons that release different neurotransmitters are found in different parts of the nervous system. Serotonin is found in parts of the brain associated with memory, emotions, and feelings. It is also important for body temperature regulation among other things.

MDMA or ecstasy causes the rapid release of serotonin from neurons, in essence, causing many to fire at once due to the similarities in molecular shape. This can result in an intense feeling of well-being and is found to be pleasurable by some. Recent research reveals that the serotonin is released because the MDMA interacts with the proteins responsible for transporting serotonin around the neuron as it gets ready to fire.

Every generation, young people have believed they have found the first truly safe recreational drug. First it was LSD in the 60’s, and then it was cocaine. Both have been shown to be harmful in numerous ways. Later, ecstasy had been touted as being safe and were, at one period, sold in stores. This is truly terrifying as ecstasy has recently been found to be extremely dangerous, causing what appears to be permanent brain damage with even a single use. No, this is not overstated propaganda to stop use of a drug. It is a scientific warning that ecstasy users are harming themselves, perhaps permanently.

Through mechanisms that are only now being understood, it turns out that the serotonin containing neurons die in response to exposure to ecstasy. They undergo programmed cell death — apoptosis. The first result of this is that users have to take more ecstasy to get the same effect, causing even more damage with subsequent use. Clinical studies have also established that this is associated with loss of memory function. It is a very long lasting effect, and it is feared to be permanent. A significant number of animals in studies die from hyperthermia when given even one dose of ecstasy, i.e. they lose control of their body temperature and die.

Case 3: Seldane 

Histamine is used as a signal in the body. Duing an allergic response, e.g. in your nose, if a pollen grain is recognized by specific receptors, that triggers release of histamine. (In hayfever, pollen is mistaken for a parasite by allergic individuals.) The histamine, in turn, causes the release of mucous to try and eliminate the invading parasite/pollen.

Seldane (terfendine) was designed to have the same pharmacophore as benadryl and introduced as a next generation antihistamine that did not cause drowsiness. Unfortunately, a few people died of heart failure when they took seldane. It was later determined that the seldane structure (with X = methyl on the uppermost structure) was not actually the antihistamine, instead, seldane was toxic to the heart.

In normal people, seldane is circulated through the liver where it is rapidly converted to allegra (fexofenadine), with X = CO2H. The enzyme that carries out this reaction is called P450 and this is the normal mechanism by which molecules are removed from the bloodstream: oxidation. Normally, this conversion happens so fast that there are no ill effects from cardiotoxicity from seldane, and the allegra that is produced acts as an effective antihistamine. However, some patients were taking medications that blocked the action of P450, so these patients could not convert seldane to allegra. They had high levels of seldane in their bloodstream and they died from heart failure. Some common drugs such as anti-fungals and penicillins block P450. Apparently, during initial testing, seldane had never been tested on patients taking these medications.

~Les la fin~

(Why, yes, organic chemistry lecture was extremely useful for me.) If you’ve managed to comprehend all that — Splendid!

In the situations aforementioned, the FDA did implement regulations eventually; backtracking, however, does not resuscitate victims that should not have died in the first place due to the FDA’s imprudent disregard. The point here being the old adage “Once burned, twice shy” doesn’t seem to concern the FDA. Albeit they are enforcing tests now, they should have done so decades before. I’m disgusted with constantly being surrounded by incompetent fools we call “the government.”

 

Curriculum Vitae

Life has been rather strange lately — I can’t quite muster the appropriate words to describe it. The intangibility of my current state of mind is unfathomable, but I shall try my best to elucidate it.

What I’ve thus realized from my old personality is that I tended to shift between extremes. One minute, I would care too much to the point of profusion and the next minute, I would feel beyond irascible or apathetic. This affected multiple aspects of my life:
When dealing with people – If you caught me on a “good” day, I would readily give you my right arm, whereas if you caught me on a “bad” day… Well, then let’s hope you have exceptional health insurance or a heart of teflon.
With regard to activities — I either found a field of work that (metaphorically) “took over my life” or became the notorious couch potato embracing a tub of ice cream.
In reference to academia — Consecutive days of procastination and nights of no sleep were numerous.

I seemed to be incapable of finding balance, or in a scientific sense, equilibrium.

For the longest time, I thought that that is perfectly normal and acceptable, but in retrospect, I never want to return to such a life again. The elusive question that, for the life of me, I am unable to answer remains, though – How or why had I handled situations in that manner? Usually, when resolving complicated issues, people delve into their past in an au courant attempt to uncover any significant disturbances.

1) Whilst carrying my stroller and me, my grandfather slipped on a stairstep, sending both my stroller and me tumbling down the stairs headfirst.
2) As curious as ever, I managed to unlock my own cradle hatch and fell to the wooden flooring headfirst.
3) During an ice-skating party, my friend Joseph swung me around and let go; I landed on the ice… headfirst.

Do I see a trend? Perhaps having been dropped on my head multiple times is a factor, but I highly doubt my antecedent mental instability was a direct result of the ball-like characteristics of my skull. Alas, maybe I shall never know. However, pondering about my abandoned dispositions left me subconsciously feeling hollow. This is the feeling for which I can’t quite grasp the appropriate terminology. Though I had shed a layer of myself that I loathed, it was still an aspect of me. I felt as though I’d lost a substantial component of myself, as if without that component, I no longer recognized myself. An internal debate thus transpired as to whether those characteristics should be recouped or kept in the wastebasket until the sanitation engineer comes to collect it.

Although the obvious answer would be the latter, I cannot deny that I still hold slight attachments to my comfort zone. Forsaking those components of myself would require a considerable amount of conscious effort. And albeit I’m already half-way to triumph, the remaining moiety will be that much harder if I allow my retrograde idiosyncrasies to tempt me.

Excursus.

Some time ago, I came across a dessert called “Pavlova” on Australia’s Next Top Model (Shhh! Guilty pleasure!), and being the curious person that I am who’s up for a new challenge anyday, I decided to experiment. Pictures can be accessed as follows:

                            

I have only one thing to say about the dessert — It tastes simply heavenly.
Thanks Wendy for separating the eggs!

 

Essentials of Investments at Its Finest

This roughly epitomizes both my life and how serious we consider studying to be.