cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alcohol-induced sleepwalking or confusional arousal as a defense to criminal behavior: a review of scientific evidence, methods and forensic considerations.

Summary An increasing number of criminal cases have claimed the defendant to be in a state of sleepwalking or related disorders induced by high quantities of alcohol. Sleepwalkers who commit violent acts, sexual assaults and other criminal acts are thought to be in a state of automatism, lacking conscious awareness and criminal intent. They may be acquitted in criminal trials. On the other hand, criminal acts performed as the result of voluntary alcohol intoxication alone cannot be used as a complete defense. The alcohol-induced sleepwalking criminal defense is most often based on past clinical or legal reports that ingestion of alcohol directly ‘triggers’ sleepwalking or increased the risk of sleepwalking by increasing the quantity of slow wave sleep (SWS). A review of the sleep medicine literature found no sleep laboratory studies of the effects of alcohol on the sleep of clinically diagnosed sleepwalkers. However, 19 sleep laboratory studies of the effects of alcohol on the sleep of healthy non-drinkers or social drinkers were identified with none reporting a change in SWS as a percentage of total sleep time. However, in six of 19 studies, a modest but statistically significant increase in SWS was found in the first 2–4 h. Among studies of sleep in alcohol abusers and abstinent abusers, the quantity and percentage of SWS was most often reduced and sometimes absent. Claims that direct alcohol provocation tests can assist in the forensic assessment of these cases found no support of any kind in the medical literature with not a single report of testing in normative or patient groups and no reports of validation testing of any sort. There is no direct experimental evidence that alcohol predisposes or triggers sleepwalking or related disorders. A legal defense of sleepwalking resulting from voluntarily ingested alcohol should be consistent with the current state of art sleep science and meet generally accepted requirements for the diagnosis of sleepwalking and other parasomnias.
Identifying pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in the chemistry laboratory

This study was carried out in the chemical teaching laboratory with new graduate students while they were guided to develop pedagogical content knowledge, PCK. PCK is expertise that demonstrates a combined knowledge of pedagogy and disciplinary subject matter; since chemistry is the discipline, the abbreviation, PChK, is used. Laboratory teaching functions for student learning entail guidance of chemical techniques, and abstract chemical concepts relevant to the lab experiment, that is, chemical explanations using concepts conceived by chemists rather than perceived, e.g., atoms and chemical bonds. Instruments were built with constructivist content and attained construct validity and internal consistency to measure teaching performance. A factor analysis reduced fifteen constructs to three forms of PChK, whose names reflect the level of chemical knowledge and pedagogical sophistication required. Mentoring activities were labeled as PChK-0. PChK-1 represents procedural knowledge to manage a chemistry laboratory. PChK-2 represents devising or generating transforming explanations connected to the students. knowledge and previous experiences. A .transforming explanation. is defined as a discipline-specific illustration of how people in that discipline think about a disciplinary process, which is linked by the explanation to students. thinking about that same disciplinary-related process. PChK-3 guides students in chemistry-specific reasoning and generating transforming explanations for themselves. Examples of PChK-2 and PChK-3, using two chemical topics, are provided. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2005, 6 (2), 83-103]
Frequency and wavelength standards, present and in prospect

Techniques have now been developed that allow direct measurement of frequencies through the infrared and into the visible. They have already yielded spectroscopic standards more precisely known through their frequencies than their wavelengths and have made it attractive to redefine the international metre in terms of the speed of light and the primary time standard. The implications for spectroscopy of these techniques and of improved methods for wavelength comparison are discussed.
Photovoltaic properties of sputtered silicon films

The photovoltaic properties of several 1 μm thick films of rf-sputtered amorphous Si (a-Si) sandwiched between lower Al electrodes and upper semitransparent Mo or Al electrodes have been investigated. After fabrication, the Al–Si–Al samples were annealed in vacuum at temperatures between 100 and 450°C. The spectral variation of the photoresponse in the wavelength region between 300 nm and 2 μm was measured. The results indicate that the optical gap of a-Si is 1.5 eV and the Schottky barrier height at the Al–a-Si interface is 0.75 eV. the current-voltage characteristics of these Schottky-type devices were investigated under illumination. Photovoltaic energy conversion efficiencies of up to 0.03% were observed for the 100 mW/cm2 white light of a tungsten-halogen lamp.
THE INDUCTION OF LEAF TUMORS BY AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS.

A B S TR A C T Using carborundum as an abrasive and light rubbing with a culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, leaves of various species of bean and tobacco develop tumors on the leaf lamina. The induction of these tumors requires wounding, the presence of a virulent strain of the bacterium and is due to the bacterium, not substances released into the bacterial culture medium during growth. Observations of the histology and cytology of these tumors on the primary leaves of pinto bean show no significant differences from the more commonly studied stem tumors. The tumors on pinto beans first appear as chlorotic nests of dividing cells which gradually accumulate chlorophyll, eventually becoming dark green in color as opposed to the surrounding leaf tissue which is completely chlorotic at this stage. Tumor development is enhanced by a dark period following inoculation while growth of the leaf is essentially stopped. The tumors thus exhibit a pattern of growth and development independent of that of the normal leaf. The number of tumors obtained on pinto bean leaves was found to depend on the concentration of bacteria in the inoculum and on the age of the plants. A sharp peak in response was observed at about 7 days from planting. Best results were obtained by adding the bacterium at the time of wounding. The tumors were shown to differ from IAA-induced leaf proliferations with respect to their point of origin on the leaf, morphology, physiology and development.
X-ray core states, atomic size and Moseley's law

Abstract Vinti's dipolar sum-rule for the spatial extent of quantum states was tested on atomic K-shell and ns valence states. Agreement between radii derived from absorption spectra and from atomic-structure calculations is excellent, provided Pauli-principle-prohibited transitions are accounted for. These many-electron corrections to the single-electron sum-rule contributed less than 20% to the radii, which supports application of single-electron rules to electron-excess defects as a first approximation. We found the oscillator strength for K-shell excitations decreases rapidly with atomic number because of strength transfer to higher-lying p states. Hence, K-shell contributions to radiation damage decrease with increasing atomic number. A new interpretation of Moseley's law for the X-ray K edge in terms of K-shell radii is described.
Segregation, viral phenotype, and proviral structure of 23 avian leukosis virus inserts in the germ line of chickens

We have artificially introduced 23 avian leukosis virus (ALV) proviral inserts into the chicken germ line by injection of wild-type and recombinant subgroup A ALV near the blastoderm of fertile eggs just before incubation. Eight viremic males were identified as germline mosaics because they transmitted proviral DNA to their generation 1 (G-1) progeny at a low frequency. Eleven female and 9 male G-1 progeny carried 23 distinct proviruses that had typical major clonal proviral-host DNA junction fragments detectable after digestion of their DNA with SacI, Southern blotting and hybridization with a probe representing the complete ALV genome. These proviruses, identified by their typical proviral-host DNA junction fragments, were transmitted to approximately 50% of their G-2 progeny after mating the G-1 parents to a line of chickens lacking endogenous ALV proviral inserts. One G-1 female carried 2 proviruses and another 3. The proviruses appeared to be scattered throughout the genome. One of the 14 proviruses carried by females was on the sex (Z) chromosome. Two of the 3 proviruses carried by a single G-1 female were linked with a recombination frequency of about 0.20. Twenty-one of the proviruses coded for infectious ALV. Two proviruses coded for envelope glycoprotein, and cell cultures carrying them were relatively resistant to subgroup A sarcoma virus, but failed to produce infectious ALV. One of these proviruses coded for internal gag proteins, had a deletion in pol, but produced non-infectious virus particles. The other failed to code for gag proteins and had no detectable internal deletions nor did it produce virus particles. Thus, we have shown that replication-competent ALV can artificially infect germ-line cells and that spontaneous defects in the inherited proviruses occur at a rather low rate.
Id1 has a physiological role in regulating early B lymphopoiesis

Basic helix–loop–helix E proteins play critical roles in B-cell development by stimulating B cell-specific gene expression and immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. The function of E proteins can be effectively suppressed by their naturally occurring inhibitors, Id1 to 4. Ectopic expression of Id1 has been shown to block B-cell development at the early pro-B cell stage. However, whether Id1 plays a physiological role in controlling B lymphopoiesis was not known. Although Id1-deficient mice do not exhibit significant abnormalities in steady-state B lymphopoiesis, we detected more robust B-cell engraftment in transplant recipients of Id1-deficient bone marrow compared to those of wild-type donor cells. In culture, Id1 ablation dramatically enhances B-lineage cell production without any marked effects on myeloid differentiation. Consistently, Id1 expression was found in pro-B but not pre-B cells as measured by enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fluorescence and by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Although loss of Id1 did not alter the number of B-cell colonies generated from whole bone marrow or the proliferation rate of developing B cells, B-cell colonies were detectable at a much earlier time point and the size of the colonies were larger. Therefore, we infer that Id1-deficient progenitors possess higher potential to differentiate to the pre-B cell stage when a proliferative burst occurs. Taken together, we present evidence to suggest that Id1 plays a physiological role in restraining the developmental progression, which may be important for proper B-cell differentiation in the bone marrow.
Hypertension and occupation among seniors.

Background: Little is known about statistical associations between occupation and hypertension for persons more than age 65. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2004 Health and Retirement Survey. We drew 12 gender-specific sub-samples (age 65+; age 70+; age 75+ ) who reported at least 1 year or 10 years tenure in the same occupation. For 65+ with at least 1 year tenure, n = 3645 men and n = 3644 women. Hypertension was self-reported based on physician diagnosis. Logistic regressions controlled for demographic variables and risk factors. Results: After adjusting for control variables, including education, race, income, smoking, drinking, body mass, and number of comorbidities, the following occupations were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely than managers to report hypertension in at least two of the six sub-samples for women: professionals, salespeople, private household cleaning service workers, and personal service workers. Statistically significant occupations in at least two of the six sub-samples for men included: salespersons, personal service workers, mechanics, construction trades, precisions production workers, and operators. Conclusion: Current and especially pre-retirement occupations were risk factors for hypertension among seniors.
Use of three types of stream-margin habitat by age-0 brown trout late in the growing season

The use of stream-margin habitat by age-0 salmonids has been studied, but differences in use among various types of habitat along stream margins has not been addressed. We described the nighttime use of habitat features by age-0 brown trout (Salmo trutta) among three types of stream-margin habitat late in the growing season (August–September) and assessed the extent to which use of habitat features within each type differed over the sampling period. Differences in water depths, water velocities, distances from shore, and substrate at the locations of fish along the margins of pools, the margins of riffles, and in backwaters were studied. Variation in habitat use also was observed during the study period as fish increased in length. Our observations are important considerations when developing habitat suitability criteria for assessment of instream-flow needs of age-0 brown trout.
The Soviet Price Reform Discussion

I. Background of the discussion, 16. — II. Criticisms of present industrial wholesale prices, 18; relationship of price to "value," 20; relative prices and choice, 21; control and evaluation of enterprise performance, 22; measurement of macroeconomic relationships, 23. — III. Reform proposals, 23; the traditionalist school, 24; the surplus product markup schools, 28; the opportunity cost school, 36. — IV. Conclusion, 45.
Electron diffraction study of radiation damage in coronene

Abstract The problem of radiation damage to the specimen in the electron microscope is discussed by studying the deterioration of the electron diffraction pattern of coronene. The damage is found to decrease linearly as a function of accelerating voltage to 200 kev. It is estimated that about three inelastic interactions for every four carbon atoms is sufficient to cause substantial damage at high resolution; the implications of this result for molecular microscopy are considered. A calibration technique for electron detectors is introduced.
Fundamental Issues in the Sintering of Ceramic Particulate Composites

The sintering rate of a ceramic powder matrix can be reduced significantly by the presence of rigid inclusions. The factors that lead to this reduced sinterability have been the subject of much debate in the last 5–10 years. Recent work indicate that the reduction in the matrix sinterability is a processing-related problem. The main factors that control the sinterability of ceramic particulate composites include the packing of the matrix immediately surrounding the inclusions and interactions between the inclusions which constrain the matrix. A processing method which avoids the difficulties associated with these two factors is outlined. The method involves the synthesis of coated inclusion particles. Composites containing up to 40 volume percent inclusions can be freely sintered in the solid state to full density.
Generation and Interconversion of Multiple Distinct Nucleosomal States as a Mechanism for Catalyzing Chromatin Fluidity

We have dissected the steps in nucleosome remodeling by BRG1, the ATPase subunit of human SWI/SNF. BRG1-catalyzed DNA exposure is not enhanced by the proximity of the site to the ends of nucleosomal DNA, suggesting that the mechanism involves more than peeling or sliding of the DNA. Comparison of DNA exposure at specific sites with overall changes in the path of DNA implies that BRG1 generates multiple distinct remodeled structures and continuously interconverts them. These characteristics are shared by the entire SWI/SNF complex and have parallels, as well as interesting differences, with the activities of GroEL and Hsp70 protein chaperones. The chaperone-like activity of SWI/SNF is expected to create multiple opportunities for the binding of distinct regulatory factors, providing one mechanism by which SWI/SNF family complexes can contribute to both activation and repression of transcription.
A Predacious Soil Turbellarian That Feeds On Free-Living and Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

A small soil rhabdocoel of the class Turbellaria was found preying on Meloidogyne incognita larvae. The rhabdocoels were successfully reared through several generations using larvae of root-knot nematode, and larvae and adults of Panagrellus redivivus. The biology of the flatworm was studied, and its role as a possible biological control agent of plant nematode diseases was investigated.
Implementing New Guidelines: How to Make It Happen Successfully

Childbearing Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program I nductions are the reality of labor and delivery units across the country. Concerns over the current induction process, available resources, and the communication of patients, physicians, and nurses within a busy labor and delivery unit provided an opportunity to formulate ideas to improve safety, quality, and efficiency with patient care. One identified goal was to minimize day-to-day volume fluctuations in scheduled procedures. Any multifaceted, complex issue requires the oversight and guidance of a special committee to evaluate problems, create solutions, and implement successful change.
The statistics of avalanche electrons in micro-strip and micro-gap gas chambers

Abstract The fundamental limit to the energy resolution of proportional counters is determined by the combined effects of two factors: statistical fluctuation in the number of electrons formed in the primary ionization, and the avalanche-to-avalanche fluctuation in gas amplification. Because the latter is usually larger than the former, the magnitude of the avalanche variance dominates the statistical portion of the energy resolution. This variance was calculated numerically for typical geometries used in three types of proportional counters: wire chambers, micro-strip gas chambers and micro-gap chambers. The results show that the spatial dependence of the electric field has a strong influence on the variance.
A lattice model of structural and dislocation transformations

Abstract The problem of determining the energetics associated with the nucleation and growth of a new coherent or semi-coherent crystalline phase is treated using a pairwise lattice free energy model. The phenomenological coupling parameters which are introduced are given a physical interpretation in terms of a dual “static-dynamic” localized mode resulting from anharmonic phonon coupling. A variety of transformations of metallurgical interest can be treated by the model, including martensite and omega. A reciprocal space free energy modulus is defined for structural transformations which includes the properties of the dynamical matrix, the stabilizing force field associated with the static displacement mode of the anharmonic coupling, and the bulk free energy change resulting from the new localized vibrational modes and bond energy changes. The simplest nucleation problem of a spherically symmetric straining nucleus in an isotropic matrix is used to explore the properties of the equations obtained. It is found, surprisingly, that cooperative nucleation events, in which the strain energy to form a nucleus is reduced due to the presence of pre-existing nuclei, can occur even for this perfectly isotropic problem.
Monadic binary relations and the monad systems at near-standard points

Let (*X, *T) be the nonstandard extension of a Hausdorff space (X, T). After Wattenberg [6], the monad m(x) of a near-standard point x in *X is defined as m(x) = PT(st(x)). Consider the relation Rns = Ix,y E ns(*X) and y E m(x)}. Frank Wattenberg in [6] and [7] investigated the possibilities of extending the domain of Rns to the whole of *X. Wattenberg's extensions of Rns were required to be equivalence relations, among other things. Because the nontrivial ways of constructing such extensions usually produce monadic relations, the said condition practically limits (to completely regular spaces) the class of spaces for which such extensions are possible. Since symmetry and transitivity are not, after all, characteristics of the kind of nearness that is obtained in a general topological space, it may be expected that if these two requirements are relaxed, then a monadic extension of Rns to *X should be possible in any topological space. A study of such extensions of Rns is the purpose of the present paper. We call a binary relation W c *X x *X an infinitesimal on *X if it is monadic and reflexive on *X. We prove, among other things, that the existence of an infinitesimal on *X that extends Rns is equivalent to the condition that the space (X, T) be regular. ?1. Preliminaries. We assume familiarity with the basic framework of nonstandard analysis as developed in [3], [4], and [5]. An up-to-date account of the subject can be found in [1] from which we draw our basic nonstandard notation and terminology. Let X be an infinite set and V(*S) an enlargement of some superstructure V(S) that contains X. Given a binary relation W in *X, recall that: W o W is the set of all pairs such that and belong to W for some z in *X; for each x in *X, W[x] is the set of all y such that belongs to W; for each A c *X, W[Al is the set of all y such that belongs to W for some z in A; and W1 is the set of all such that belongs to W. Also recall that: W is called reflexive if it contains for all x in *X; W is called symmetric if W = W-1; and W is called transitive if W o W c W. It is easily seen that the set of all subsets U of X x X such that W c * U is a filter in X. We denote this filter by ?w and refer to it as the filter generated in X by W. Let T be a family of open sets on X. For each p in X, the set of all G in T such that p E G will be denoted by Tp. Recall that the neighborhood monad of p with respect to T, denoted by YAT(P), is the intersection of all *G such that G Ec T,; the set UAT(P) (P E X) is denoted by ns(*X); elements of ns(*X) Received August 30, 1986. C 1987, Association for Symbolic Logic 0022-481 2/87/5203-0008/$0 1.90
Glutathione pool size affects cell survival after hyperthermic treatment.

Intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations were titrated in Chinese hamster ovary cells by exposure to various concentrations of diethylmaleate (DEM). The various steady state levels of GSH obtained were maintained throughout the experimental time course. Cells were incubated at 42° after DEM addition in order to produce thermal dose response curves using colony formation as the end point. The slope of the dose response curve was subsequently determined and compared to the intracellular GSH concentration. This comparison indicated Chinese hamster ovary cells contain multiple reservoirs of GSH which in turn regulate thermal toxicity in a stepwise manner. Removal of 50% or less of the GSH did not affect thermal sensitivity. A small increase in sensitivity occured when 50 to 80% of the GSH was removed. Removal of greater than 80% of the GSH increased thermal toxicity significantly. The facts that 10 and 20 µM DEM produce extensive GSH depletion and only small changes in survival imply that a threshold concentration of GSH must be removed before thermal toxicity is affected.
Tsavo National Park, Kenya, and its elephants: An interim appraisal

Abstract The problem of ‘excess Elephants’ in Tsavo National Park, Kenya, came to a head with the die-off during the 1970–1971 drought. Like many parts of Africa, Tsavo is being threatened in its workings—and, in the long run, in its existence—by the pressure of people in the environs. Tsavo's present travails epitomize many of the threats facing Africa's wildlife refuges. These problems of conservation require solutions that are much more complex than they would have been in the past—solutions which will reflect the balances of the entire environment, outside the park as well as inside. A wildlife ecosystem demonstrates characteristics which can scarcely be predicted from the properties of its constituent components. It embodies a different and higher level of organization (an ‘emergent quality’) which cannot be perceived by looking with microscopic intensity at any particular part, but only with a microscopic perspective at the total pattern. By extension, Tsavo can be taken as a measure of how far people around the world are ready to assist in safeguarding Africa's wildlife, and what costs they are willing to bear—in terms of their pockets and philosophies alike. This survey of the present position at Tsavo attempts to propose perspectives which do not always receive as much attention as they should.
The Effect of Progesterone on Ovulation Time in Dairy Heifers

Summary The subcutaneous injection of small doses (5 to 10mg.) of progesterone at the beginning of estrus hastens the ovulatory process in dairy heifers. Both the length of estrus and the time from end of estrus to ovulation are significantly reduced. These results and histological changes occurring in the ovary at estrus suggest that progesterone produced by the ovary before ovulation normally plays a role in luteinizing hormone release and ovulation in the cow. These facts may be significant in an understanding of the deranged physiology of the nymphomaniac cow and in other types of infertility in farm animals.
Testing for a Shift in Mean Without Having to Estimate Serial-Correlation Parameters

Tests for detecting a shift in the mean of a univariate time series that do not require estimation of serial-correlation parameters are proposed. The statistics are valid whether the errors are stationary or have a unit root. The date of the shift may be known or unknown. The statistics are based on a simple transformation of the data and are functions of partial sums of the data. These so-called partial sum statistics are shown to be asymptotically invariant to serial-correlation parameters. The statistics are shown to have good size and power properties asymptotically and in finite samples.
The effect of interference on the average neutron cross sections of fissile nuclei

Abstract The ratio of the average fission, capture and resonance scattering cross sections to the corresponding average cross sections obtained neglecting resonance-resonance interference have been calculated by a Monte Carlo method for a variety of interference conditions typical of fissile nuclei. It is shown in general that the average total cross section is unaffected by interference. The importance of interference increases with the number of open fission channels. The effective number of resonances with which a given resonance interferes is obtained for different numbers of open channels. Results for the cross-section ratios for both S- and P-wave neutrons have been obtained for the common fissile nuclei by fitting calculated cross sections to the average capture and fission cross sections over the neutron energy range from 0.3–100 keV. The ratios for S-wave neutrons at low energy (≈ 500 eV)are: 92 233 U: R fiss = 0.95±0.01, R capt = 1.23±0.03, R scatt = 1.45±0.10; 92 235 U: R fiss = 0.94±0.01, R capt = 1.11±0.01, R scatt = 1.10±0.01; 94 239 Pu: R fiss = 0.99±0.005, R capt = 1.00±0.002, and R scatt = 1.02±0.005. The process of cross-section fitting also yields values for the average resonance parameters for these nuclei. The effect of the (n,γf) process is presented.
Capacitor voltage regulation and pre-charge routine for a flying capacitor active rectifier

In this paper, a research is carried out on a single-phase flying capacitor active rectifier. In order to regulate the voltage of the flying capacitors, a method based on redundant state selection is developed that generates an offline switching table. In addition, an online process is introduced that, by using the offline table, reduces the total number of switching events in the converter which leads to a reduction of switching losses. This method can be used for a flying capacitor converter with any number of levels. Furthermore, in order to control the inrush current during the start-up procedure and avoid extra voltage and current stresses for active switches and capacitors, a pre-charge routine for the flying capacitors is proposed. Experimental results demonstrate the benefits of the new concepts.
Predicting magnetopause crossings at geosynchronous orbit during the Halloween storms

[1] In late October and early November of 2003, the Sun unleashed a powerful series of events known as the Halloween storms. The coronal mass ejections launched by the Sun produced several severe compressions of the magnetosphere that moved the magnetopause inside of geosynchronous orbit. Such events are of interest to satellite operators, and the ability to predict magnetopause crossings along a given orbit is an important space weather capability. In this paper we compare geosynchronous observations of magnetopause crossings during the Halloween storms to crossings determined from the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the magnetosphere as well to predictions of several empirical models of the magnetopause position. We calculate basic statistical information about the predictions as well as several standard skill scores. We find that the current Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry simulation of the storm provides a slightly better prediction of the magnetopause position than the empirical models we examined for the extreme conditions present in this study. While this is not surprising, given that conditions during the Halloween storms were well outside the parameter space of the empirical models, it does point out the need for physics-based models that can predict the effects of the most extreme events that are of significant interest to users of space weather forecasts.
Long-Term Learning, Achievement Tests, and Learner Centered Instruction.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of achievement tests to measure long-term learning at the higher education level in traditional verses learner-centered classrooms. Volunteer instructors who use comprehensive achievement tests as an important component of their grading system were asked to complete an instrument that measures the level of the learner-centered approach of the instructor. Their students were asked to volunteer to retake the course's final test one semester later. As expected, although a decline in performance was observed for both groups, the decline for the low learner-centered group was much sharper.
Optimizing noise-immune nanoscale circuits using principles of Markov random fields

As CMOS devices and operating voltages are scaled down, noise and defective devices will impact the reliability of digital circuits. Probabilistic computing compatible with CMOS offers a possible solution. In this work, we present a new area and power efficient design methodology for the implementation of a probabilistic framework into CMOS technology based on Markov Random Fields (MRF). Using SPICE, we simulate elementary logic components and sample circuits from the MCNC'91 benchmark set and show the area and power benefits compared to older MRF mapping strategies. We also extend our area and power efficient approach to improving the design of a Hamming decoder based on MRF principles.
Characteristics of Medication Use During Pediatric Medical Emergency Team Events and the Role of a Pharmacist-Provided Medication Supply

OBJECTIVES To determine the type and frequency of and indications for medications used during pediatric medical emergency team (PMET) events and to describe a PMET pharmacist training model, creation of a standardized “pharmacist PMET supply,” and the pharmacist's role in implementation and ongoing improvement of a PMET. METHODS This is a retrospective observational cohort study of 210 PMET events in 172 patients in a tertiary care, academic pediatric hospital, from September 15, 2005, to September 15, 2007. We focused on the types and sources of medications used during PMET events. RESULTS The medications most commonly used were lorazepam (11%), neuromuscular blockers (10.5%), atropine (9.5%), epinephrine bolus (9%), and albuterol or levalbuterol (9%). However, 49 distinct medications were used in 53.8% of all PMET events. Of all medications requested during a PMET event, only 40% originated from an institutionally standardized emergency medication box, while an additional 35% were readily availabl...
Internet-based dementia resources: Physician attitudes and practices

Despite the potential of the internet for informing clinical practice, little is know about physicians’ use of and attitudes about internet use for dementia care. We surveyed 373 physicians to inform development of on-line dementia education resources. Two thirds reported using internet-based resources in their clinical practices at least three times per week; 61% participated in on-line continuing medical education. Three fourths agreed that internet-based resources are helpful in clinical care but most expressed mixed views about quality of available information. Respondents reported limited awareness and use of dementia-specific internet resources, but expressed an interest in such information regarding screening, treatment, community resources, and patient education. National Institute on Aging-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers are in a unique position to disseminate on-line resources for physicians on dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care. Our study suggests that such a resource would be well received and utilized by physicians.
Disparate Impact Analyses of TAAS Scores and School Quality

This article documents the quantitative disparity in TAAS exit-level test performance and school quality between Texas’s racial/ethnic groups. The article begins with an overview of four measures of disparate impact: (a) four-fifths rule, (b) Hazelwood rule, (c) Shoben rule, and (d) rule of practical significance. Next, the author applies these measures using Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) performance data (i.e., pass/fail data) collected from the Texas Education Agency to determine whether the TAAS results in a disparate impact measuring TAAS performance at different stages in the exam administration cycle (i.e., first administration, last administration, cumulative) and for different groups of students to account for the effect of various at-risk factors. The article then summarizes Texas Education Agency data on accreditation status and curricular offerings to examine whether Texas’s ethnic/racial groups share the same school quality.
Cyclic GMP–Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibits Osteopontin and Thrombospondin Production in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract —Vascular lesions resulting from injury are characterized by a thickening of the intima brought about in part through the production of increased amounts of extracellular matrix proteins by the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), an important mediator of NO and cGMP signaling in VSMCs, inhibits the production of two extracellular matrix proteins, osteopontin and thrombospondin, which are involved in the formation of the neointima. VSMCs deficient in PKG were stably transfected with cDNAs encoding either the holoenzyme PKG-Iα or the constitutively active catalytic domain of PKG-I in order to directly examine the effects of PKG on osteopontin and thrombospondin production. Cells expressing either of the PKG constructs had dramatically reduced levels of osteopontin and thrombospondin-1 protein compared with control-transfected PKG-deficient cells. PKG transfection also altered the morphology of the VSMCs. These results indicate that PKG may be involved in suppressing extracellular matrix protein expression, which is one important characteristic of synthetic secretory VSMCs. Suppression of these matrix proteins may underlie the effects of NO-cGMP signaling to inhibit VSMC migration and phenotypic modulation.
Stability of Naive and Memory Phenotypes on Resting CD4 T Cells In Vivo

The reliable identification of naive and memory CD4 T cells is critical to understanding the cellular basis of immunological memory. However, it has long been a controversial issue whether naive and memory phenotypes are stable among resting CD4 T cells in the absence of overt stimulation or whether the proposed memory phenotype is a transient, reversible one that represents recently activated cells. In this study, adoptively transferred, purified populations of naive or memory phenotype CD4 T cells are monitored over time to assess the stability of phenotypes and the functional capabilities of transferred cells. Studying both TCR transgenic and nontransgenic CD4 T cell populations allows one to control for the capacity to respond to environmental Ags in vivo. Several findings are reported. The first is that in the absence of Ag, both naive and memory phenotypes remain unchanged over time. Second, when changes are seen in populations of transferred naive phenotype CD4 T cells, they take place only when there is a potential for antigenic challenge, suggesting that it is an Ag-driven event. Furthermore, when a change from naive to memory phenotype is observed, these transferred donor cells also function as memory cells. Third, the ability of memory CD4 T cells to retain the memory phenotype is independent of specific Ag.
Our present view of Mercury and Venus

The discipline of planetology received a quantum jump in new information on the planets Mercury and Venus from the Mariner 10 spacecraft. A detailed look at the ultraviolet markings in the upper atmosphere of Venus and their attendant motion has stimulated a considerable reevaluation of theories concerning the circulation, composition, and nature of this planet's upper atmosphere. The geologic history of Mercury as revealed by Mariner 10's television science data, from two close flybys, has challenged the prevalent theories of planetary evolution. The Mercury surface morphology and optical properties resemble those of the moon and seem to record a similar sequence of events despite their differences in density and proximity to both the sun and the asteroid belt.
When is Commuting Desirable to the Individual

Commuting is popularly viewed as a stressful, costly, time-wasting experience from the individual perspective, with the attendant congestion imposing major social costs as well. However, several authors have noted that commuting can also offer benefits to the individual, serving as a valued transition between the home and work realms of personal life. Using survey data collected from about 1,300 commuting workers in three San Francisco Bay Area neighborhoods, we develop empirical models for four key variables measured for commute travel, namely: Objective Mobility, Subjective Mobility, Travel Liking, and Relative Desired Mobility. Explanatory variables include measures of general travel-related attitudes, personality traits, lifestyle priorities, and sociodemographic characteristics. Both descriptive statistics and analytical models indicate that commuting is not the unmitigated burden that it is widely perceived to be. About half our sample was relatively satisfied with the amount they commute, with a small segment actually wanting to increase that amount. Both the psychological impact of commuting, and the amounts people want to commute relative to what they are doing now, are strongly influenced by their liking for commuting. An implication for policy is that some people may be more resistant than expected toward approaches intended to induce reductions in commuting (including, for example, telecommuting). New creativity may be needed to devise policies that recognize the inherent positive utility of travel, while trying to find socially beneficial ways to fulfill desires to maintain or increase travel.
Queer Intersections: Sexuality and Gender in Migration Studies

This essay examines the historical and theoretical development of sexuality in migration research. Noting gaps and omissions in the literature, the essay proposes a dual notion of sexuality including one that is produced by the intersection of other social identities such as class and race, and a queer studies-derived idea of the sexual that goes against the normalizing of heterosexual institutions and practices. Utilizing a case study of Filipina migrant workers, the essay demonstrates the pivotal role of sexuality in the future of gender and migration research through a critique of the implicit normative assumptions around family, heterosexual reproduction, and marriage that abound in this body of literature, and how a critical notion of sexuality enables a more inclusive and accurate portrait of global gendered migration.
Seasonal Variation of Critical Thermal Limits and Temperature Tolerance in Formosan and Eastern Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract Critical temperatures and the upper lethal limit (ULL) of field collected workers of Formosan subterranean, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), were measured monthly from September 2001 to August 2002. Monthly mean critical thermal maxima (CTMa), ULL, and critical thermal minimum (CTMin) fluctuated significantly throughout the year. Seasonal variations of CTMax and ULL of both species were slightly, but significantly, statistically correlated with seasonal variation of habitat soil temperatures at 15-cm depth. Regression analyses revealed a significant linear relationship between CTMin and habitat temperatures for both termites as well. The two termite species responded positively to temperature changes in a similar manner. The values of all three parameters were significantly greater for C. formosanus (CTMax: 44.8–45.9°C, ULL: 49.1–50.4°C, CTMin: 7.2–9.0°C) than R. flavipes (CTMax: 43.5–44.9°C, ULL: 46.9–48.3°C, CTMin: 1.0–4.9°C). ...
Using aggregate taxonomies to summarize SNOMED CT evolution

Terminologies are typically large and complex knowledge systems. It is difficult to obtain an orientation into their structure and content. In previous research we designed compact summary networks called partial-area taxonomies to provide a structural summary of a terminology. The sizes of a terminology and of its partial-area taxonomy are defined as their numbers of nodes. While a partial-area taxonomy is typically smaller than the original terminology, it is often not compact enough to provide a clear “big picture,” due to too many nodes that summarize only a small number of terminology concepts. The display of such a partial-area taxonomy is still overwhelming. In this paper, we introduce a more compact summary of a terminology, called an aggregate taxonomy, obtained by aggregating small partial-area taxonomy nodes into larger nodes. We present a parametrized technique to study the design of such an aggregate taxonomy and apply it to the Specimen hierarchy of SNOMED CT. A software tool for creating and displaying aggregate taxonomies is described. We illustrate how aggregate taxonomies derived across multiple SNOMED CT releases can be used to summarize the evolution of the Specimen hierarchy's content over eight years of SNOMED CT releases.
Methods for acquiring MRI data in children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual impairment without the use of sedation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in studies evaluating the neuropathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies are often limited, however, to higher functioning individuals with ASD. MRI studies of individuals with ASD and comorbid intellectual disability (ID) are lacking, due in part to the challenges of acquiring images without the use of sedation. Utilizing principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), we developed a protocol for acquiring structural MRI scans in school-aged children with ASD and intellectual impairment. Board certified behavior analysts worked closely with each child and their parent(s), utilizing behavior change techniques such as pairing, shaping, desensitization, and positive reinforcement, through a series of mock scanner visits to prepare the child for the MRI scan. An objective, quantitative assessment of motion artifact in T1- and diffusion-weighted scans was implemented to ensure that high-quality images were acquired. The sample consisted of 17 children with ASD who are participants in the UC Davis Autism Phenome Project, a longitudinal MRI study aimed at evaluating brain developmental trajectories from early to middle childhood. At the time of their initial scan (2–3.5 years), all 17 children had a diagnosis of ASD and development quotient (DQ) <70. At the time of the current scan (9–13 years), 13 participants continued to have IQs in the range of ID (mean IQ = 54.1, sd = 12.1), and four participants had IQs in the normal range (mean = 102.2, sd = 7.5). The success rate in acquiring T1-weighted images that met quality assurance for acceptable motion artifact was 100 %. The success rate for acquiring high-quality diffusion-weighted images was 94 %. By using principles of ABA in a research MRI setting, it is feasible to acquire high-quality images in school-aged children with ASD and intellectual impairment without the use of sedation. This is especially critical to ensure that ongoing longitudinal studies of brain development can extend from infancy and early childhood into middle childhood in children with ASD at all levels of functioning, including those with comorbid ID.
EXPERT WITNESS | Daubert and Beyond

Initially, the courts used the Frye general acceptance test to determine the admissibility of expert testimony. However, in 1993 the US Supreme Court handed down its decision in Daubert, announcing a new validation test to determine the admissibility. Overall, the adoption of the Daubert standard has made it more difficult to introduce expert testimony. More specifically, although Daubert has made the courts more receptive to statistical testimony and testimony based on novel theories, Daubert has raised the bar for admitting testimony about traditional theories, ‘soft’ science such as psychology, and nonscientific expertise. In each setting, Daubert poses the question: Has the expert’s proponent presented sufficient empirical data and reasoning to demonstrate that by using this particular theory or technique, the expert can accurately draw the inference he/she proposes testifying to?
Neurologic Complications of Drug Therapy

Many drugs used in the treatment of systemic or psychiatric disease can produce neurologic symptoms. These are often insidious in onset and not obviously related to the drug used or the disease being treated. Commonly encountered neurologic syndromes induced by drugs are reviewed, and specific examples are presented.
Finger and hand replantation. Surgical technique.

SUMMARY An approach to the technique of either finger, thumb, or hand replantation is presented in this article. Acceptable alternative approaches exist, but I have found those techniques described as practical and useful. Variations of these techniques will be necessary depending on any number of circum-stances, but these considerations should be individualized to the specific patient and injury pattern.
Electrophysiological Assessment and Nerve Function in NTOS

Electro-diagnosis of NTOS has been challenging for several years, and conventional needle electrode and nerve conduction velocity techniques have proven disappointing. Currently, newer techniques using cervical root stimulation and measurements of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve function appear to provide far improved clinical correlations for presence of NTOS, and should be included in any electro-diagnostic evaluation. Traditional approaches such as somatosensory evoked potentials, stimulation at Erb’s point, and F-wave determinations have been discredited, and provide little substantive information.