cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatism as a Defense to Crime

Automatism refers to unconscious, involuntary behavior and can be used as a defense against criminal responsibility, in essence to reduce culpability, based on the idea that a person cannot be held liable for actions that do not stem from full awareness of thoughts and behaviors. Causes of automatism used in criminal defense include somnambulism, cerebral concussion, delerium from fever or drugs, diabetic shock, and epileptic blackouts. In American courts there has been no consistent interpretation of the automatism defense. Some courts have viewed automatism as a variation of the insanity defense, whereas other courts have accepted it as a complete affirmative defense. A great deal rests on the court's interpretation because an insanity defense usually results in hospitalization, whereas a successful strict affirmative defense results in acquittal. In the British system, a distinction is made between sane and insane automatism. British courts use the McNaughten standard for the insanity defense. Within this context, automatism is conceptualized as a “defect of reason”, which may or may not be a result of a “disease of the mind”. If the “defect of reason” is a result of a “disease of the mind”, it is defined as insane automatism, which meets the McNaughten standard. Matters are further complicated because a judge may also consider the likelihood of recurrence of the criminal behavior as a factor in deciding whether the appropriate defense is insane or sane automatism, that is whether the appropriate disposition is hospitalization or acquittal. Keywords: automatism; automatism defense; affirmative defense; sleepwalking; epilepsy; actus reus; mens rea
Water on the Sun: Molecules Everywhere

[ Takeshi Oka ][1] In 1995, water was found to exist on the sun when infrared absorption bands in sun spots were analyzed [ Science 268 , 1155 (1995)]. In his Perspective, Oka discusses new results in the same issue by [ Polyansky et al .][2] on computational analysis of the spectrum of hot water. The computer calculations confirm the assignment of the infrared spectrum as arising from water, and reveal some interesting new features about the water spectrum. As more powerful computers become available, it may be possible to eventually perform full quantum mechanical calculations of large polyatomic molecules. [][3] [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org#affiliation [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/277/5324/346 [3]: http://
WWW. No Holds Barred: Beta Phi Mu Address

Beta Phi Mu Address at the North Carolina Library Association Conference on September 22, 2005.
Ganging Up Against the Courts: Congressional Curtailment of Judicial Review, 1988-2004

The Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate the jurisdiction of the federal courts. Congress has sought to exercise this power throughout its history, especially when the courts have issued a decision or series of decisions that are very unpopular. The precise nature of Congress' authority in this area is controversial and scholars have proposed many criteria and theories to delineate the legislative and judicial branches' respective powers. This study, examining the number of times Congress has categorically denied the courts' jurisdiction over a defined set of cases between 1988 and 2004, finds that Congress has denied jurisdiction 166 times. This practice, while currently relatively narrow, could have major implications for the balance of powers between the three branches of the federal government and the vindication of individual rights if allowed to become more prevalent.
Extending OMG Event Service for Integrating Distributed Multimedia Components

Developing multimedia applications, such as video and audio applications, is a difficult task because of the stringent requirement on system resources and the great diversity of multimedia standards and devices. Many existing multimedia systems are monolithic and extremely complex. It is hard to extend and reconfigure those systems. Easy extensibility and reconfigurability is desirable since multimedia research and development is one of the fastest changing fields in computer science. On the other hand, event-based systems seem to be the right solution to these software engineering problems by allowing software integration in a loose and flexible way. Several emerging standards for distributed integrative environments, like the Common Object Request Broker Architecture(CORBA) from the Object Management Group (OMG), have defined standard event service interfaces. However, most existing event services in those systems cannot provide the Quality of Service (QoS) that multimedia applications need. In this paper we address this problem by extending standard OMG event service with temporal factors so that the system can deliver large volume events, like video frames, in real time. A new type of event service called timed event service is proposed and deployed in constructing the high-performance event services. To demonstrate the feasibility of our design, we have prototyped this fast CORBA-compliant event service in the Distributed System Object Model (DSOM).
Remote area wind energy harvesting for low-power autonomous sensors

A growing demand for deployment of autonomous sensors and sensor networks is leading to a subsequent increase in the demand for localized, independent energy harvesting capabilities for each node. In this paper, a method of remote area wind energy harvesting is presented, with a focus on an anemometer-based solution. By utilizing the motion of the anemometer shaft to turn a compact alternator, small amounts of power can be harvested from otherwise unavailable sources. Energy harvested is converted to battery potential via a pulsed buck-boost converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). It is found that maintaining a constant input resistance at the input port of the converter biases the alternator to operate at its peak power point over a wide range of wind speeds. Results show that power harvesting capability using the discussed alternator and power converter solution are in the range of tens to hundreds of microwatts up to approximately one milliwatt. This power is passed to the central system batteries, providing a trickle-charge. As a result, sensor nodes incorporating this harvesting solution have an increased field lifetime. High overall efficiency is maintained over a wide range of potential wind speeds, with little impact on anemometer measurement accuracy.
Uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor of bacteriophage PBS2: cloning and effects of expression of the inhibitor gene in Escherichia coli.

The uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor gene of bacteriophage PBS2 was cloned, and the effects of this inhibitor on Escherichia coli cells that contain uracil-DNA glycosylase activity were determined. A PBS2 genomic library was constructed by inserting EcoRI restriction fragments of PBS2 DNA into a plasmid pUC19 vector. The library was used to transform wild-type (ung+) E. coli, and the presence of the functional inhibitor gene was determined by screening for colonies that supported growth of M13mp19 phage containing uracil-DNA. A clone was identified that carried a 4.1-kilobase EcoRI DNA insert in the vector plasmid. Extracts of cells transformed with this recombinant plasmid lacked detectable uracil-DNA glycosylase activity and contained a protein that inhibited the activity of purified E. coli uracil-DNA glycosylase in vitro. The uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor expressed in these E. coli was partially purified and characterized as a heat-stable protein with a native molecular weight of about 18,000. Hence, we conclude that the PBS2 uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor gene was cloned and that the gene product has properties similar to those from PBS2-infected Bacillus subtilis cells. Inhibitor gene expression in E. coli resulted in (i) a weak mutator phenotype, (ii) a growth rate similar to that of E. coli containing pUC19 alone, (iii) a sensitivity to the antifolate drug aminopterin similar to that of cells lacking the inhibitor gene, and (iv) an increased resistance to the lethal effects of 5-fluoro-29-deoxyuridine. These physiological properties are consistent with the phenotypes of other ung mutants. Images
A Screen for Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Primed Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Substrates Identifies the p53 Inhibitor iASPP.

UNLABELLED The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) LANA protein is essential for the replication and maintenance of virus genomes in latently KSHV-infected cells. LANA also drives dysregulated cell growth through a multiplicity of mechanisms that include altering the activity of the cellular kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3). To investigate the potential impact of these changes in enzyme activity, we used protein microarrays to identify cell proteins that were phosphorylated by the combination of ERK and GSK-3. The assays identified 58 potential ERK-primed GSK-3 substrates, of which 23 had evidence for in vivo phosphorylation in mass spectrometry databases. Two of these, SMAD4 and iASPP, were selected for further analysis and were confirmed as ERK-primed GSK-3 substrates. Cotransfection experiments revealed that iASPP, but not SMAD4, was targeted for degradation in the presence of GSK-3. iASPP interferes with apoptosis induced by p53 family members. To determine the importance of iASPP to KSHV-infected-cell growth, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells were treated with an iASPP inhibitor in the presence or absence of the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3. Drug inhibition of iASPP activity induced apoptosis in BC3 and BCBL1 PEL cells but did not induce poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in virus-negative BJAB cells. The effect of iASPP inhibition was additive with that of Nutlin-3. Interfering with iASPP function is therefore another mechanism that can sensitize KSHV-positive PEL cells to cell death. IMPORTANCE KSHV is associated with several malignancies, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). The KSHV-encoded LANA protein is multifunctional and promotes both cell growth and resistance to cell death. LANA is known to activate ERK and limit the activity of another kinase, GSK-3. To discover ways in which LANA manipulation of these two kinases might impact PEL cell survival, we screened a human protein microarray for ERK-primed GSK-3 substrates. One of the proteins identified, iASPP, showed reduced levels in the presence of GSK-3. Further, blocking iASPP activity increased cell death, particularly in p53 wild-type BC3 PEL cells.
Cyclopropanation of poly[(methylphenylsilanediyl)‐(Z)‐butenylene]. Synthesis and characterization of poly[(methylphenylsilanediyl)methylenecyclopropylenemethylene]

Poly[(methylphenylsilanediyl)methylenecyclopropylenemethylene] (3a) was prepared by cyclopropanation of the CC double bonds of poly[(methylphenylsilanediyl)-(Z)-butenylene] (2a) by a Simmons-Smith reaction. Alternatively, 3a was prepared by a Birch reduction of the dichlorocarbene adduct poly[(methylphenylsilanediyl)methylene(2,2-dichloro-1,3-cyclopropanediyl)-methylene] (4a). Both 3a and 4a show the characteristic absorptions in the 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR, IR and UV spectra. Their molecular weight distributions, determined by GPC, are rather broad and their thermal stabilities (by TG) are relatively high.
An overview of biogas production and utilization at full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the United States: Challenges and opportunities towards energy-neutral WWTPs

Abstract Recently the United States Environmental Protection Agency qualified biogas from landfills and anaerobic digesters as a cellulosic transportation biofuel under the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). Biogas is a renewable fuel that can generate Renewable Identification Number credits for the producer. The wastewater industry may not be able to keep pace with this opportunity. Less than 10% of WWTPs in the US have currently produced biogas for beneficial use. Supporting growth of the biogas industry requires implementation of new practices and policies. In this review, the barriers, gaps, and challenges in deploying biogas production technology are identified. Issues are classified as economic, technical, social or regulatory issues. Some of the critical challenges to the economics of digester operations are the slow rate of biogas generation, the low energy content of the biogas, and the costs to upgrade the biogas. Currently there is little biogas utilization at US WWTPs. Most biogas is flared while some is used for onsite process heat and power production. Case studies of co-digestion of biosolids with organic wastes at field-scale show the use of co-digestion could overcome significant economic challenges including higher methane yield, more efficient digester volume utilization and reduced biosolids production. These findings could provide guidance in retrofitting existing facilities or in designing new biogas production and utilization systems. The RFS2 ruling increases market certainty, hence reduces risk. The evaluation of applications of co-digestion at WWTP scales ranging from 1 million gallons per day (MGD) to 375 MGD determined its potential feasibility for different types of digester operation, organic waste and loading rate as well as effectiveness of providing energy self-sufficiency at the WWTPs. This work could improve economics of anaerobic digestion at WWTPs, enabling viable and sustainable biogas industry and offsetting costs for wastewater management.
Philippine rubber plantations

Because of a local law, limiting land operated by any one source of private capital to 2,500 acres, rubber plantations have not been extensively developed in the Philippines, but there are at present seven plantations within this limitation in the islands.
Hysteresis in the perception of motion direction as evidence for neural cooperativity

When elements of a parallel network, such as the human brain, are extensively interconnected, the network can exhibit 'cooperative behaviour'. Such behaviour, which is characterized by order-disorder transitions, multi-stable states, and a form of memory called 'hysteresis', has been observed in human stereopsis and has motivated models of stereopsis that incorporate cooperative networks. More recently, cooperative phenomena have also been observed in human visual motion perception. This report strongly supports a cooperative interpretation of motion perception by demonstrating hysteresis in the perception of motion direction. The results agree quantitatively with a mathematical model incorporating nonlinear excitatory and inhibitory interactions among direction-selective elements.
Literature as equipment for killing: Performance as rhetoric in military training camps

Jodies are cadence songs or chants which are performed in military training camps. Originally serving the traditional functions of work‐songs, the songs have been co‐opted and are now used by the institution as an instrument of socialization. Study of the jodies points up the rhetorical impact of literature as “equipment for living,” and shows how performance intensifies that impact. Further, the messages these songs convey raise ethical issues regarding the agenda of the military institution.
Quarkonia production in heavy ion collisions

Abstract Using the two-component model that includes both initial production from nucleon–nucleon hard scattering and regeneration from produced quark–gluon plasma (QGP), we have studied the effect of medium modifications of the binding energies and radii of quarkonia on their production in heavy-ion collisions. We find that the inclusion of medium effects is helpful for understanding the observed suppression of quarkonia production in experiments carried out at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS), the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Effects of Alcohol and Nicotine on the Developing Brain: An Authoritative Guide

Brain Development: Normal Processes and the Effects of Alcohol and Nicotine . Michael W. Miller (Ed.). 2006. New York: Oxford University Press, 424 pp., $98.50 (HB) The process of brain development is an essential yet often overlooked area in the neuropsychological literature. The topic has a natural appeal to those who work with children where developmental disorders predominate. However, it is often more difficult for those who work with adults to appreciate the role of developmental aberrations and their contribution to pathological processes that may seem far removed from the early developmental history of our patients. The tendency for some to deemphasize early developmental influences may stem in part from a lack of clarity about how common toxin exposures, such as alcohol and nicotine, alter normal brain development and contribute to changes in cognitive function. Increasingly, evidence of early developmental influences has emerged in a host of epigenetically-based developmental disorders and neuropathological conditions, such as schizophrenia, and these influences are also implicated in theoretical models, such as cognitive reserve.
Preparation of viable tumour cell vaccine from human solid tumours: Relationship between tumour mass and cell yield

Active specific immunotherapy for cancer often requires the use of autologous or allogeneic tumour cells as immunizing antigen. Tumours were obtained for such a protocol. However, estimation of viable cell yield from pre-processed fresh tumour mass was difficult, and initially there did not appear to be a direct relationship between pre-processed tumour mass and viable cells obtained after processing. We therefore analysed all of 293 tumour specimens processed to attempt to discern such a relationship. Of these 137 were melanoma, 14 were sarcoma, 48 were adenocarcinoma, 59 were renal cell carcinoma and 35 were classified as other. A positive correlation was found between pre-processed tumour mass and viable cell yield, with Spearman correlation values varying from r = 0.49 (adenocarcinoma) to r = 0.84 (melanoma). For all tumours the Spearman correlation was r = 0.70 (p = 0.0001). Not surprisingly, the most frequent site of removal associated with bacterial contamination was bowel. In conclusion, this study provides useful curves for predicting viable tumour cell yield from pre-processed tumour mass of given histology.
Pre-clinical evaluation of a microwave planar array applicator for superficial hyperthermia

Multi-element hyperthermia applicators have an advantage over single-aperture devices in that the power deposition pattern across the applicator surface may be adjusted to improve the resultant temperature distribution. This capability can be used to compensate for irregular tumour geometry as well as heterogeneity of thermal and power absorption parameters within the tissue. This paper evaluates the first commercially available microwave system of this type designed for superficial hyperthermia. The applicator (16-element planar array, 915 MHz, 15·2 ± 15·2 cm footprint) was evaluated by the following: (1) measuring absolute SAR distributions in muscle-equivalent liquid phantom with an intervening 1 cm thick layer of fat phantom by scanning a calibrated E-field sensor, and (2) power output measurements using calorimetric methods. The SAR distributions measured for each individual aperture exhibited significant irregularities and differing power deposition patterns. A priori knowledge of these different po...
Field and laboratory observations on the ecology and behavior of the chestnut lamprey Ichthyomyzon castaneus

Relatively little information on the ecology and behavior of the chestnut lamprey is available in the primary literature. I synthesize findings from several field and laboratory studies, with an emphasis on lampreys from the St. Croix River drainage in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Spawning occurs in late May or early June, with year-to-year variability in the onset of spawning associated with differences in water temperature. After metamorphosis from the larval phase, some parasitic-phase lampreys move downstream, but others may feed parasitically in the same location where spawning and larval rearing occur. Parasitic attachments tend to occur relatively more often at night. Captive lampreys were able to attack successfully in complete darkness, but during the daytime they did not respond to visual cues when separated from hosts by a glass barrier. Like other parasitic species, chestnut lampreys tend to be size selective. Attachments tended to occur dorsally on hosts both in the laboratory and in the field. H...
Personal-computer-based closed-loop performance analyzer for visible and infrared image tracking systems

A critical problem in current missile guidance systems is that of tracking targets based on visible light or infrared imaging systems. There is a need to test video tracking system algorithms and hardware without the expense of firing a missile. The work described in this paper, fills the need for low-cost, Personal Computer (PC) based, portable evaluation of tracking systems. This tracker evaluation system consists of a PC, compatible non- developmental hardware, and software to generate real time video and analyze the tracker results. The testing platform can use either a serial (RS232-C) or parallel interface to communicate with the tracker. The PC software is driven by a powerful easy-to-use script language that can be used to select a set of standard tests or describe a fine-tuned customized test to simulate a specific scenario. After the tracker has been tested, the PC software performs statistical analysis on the tracker results to determine tracker performance. PC based closed loop performance evaluation is used to obtain a quick and reliable set of tracker performance values. These values are used to ensure that a tracker meets its specifications, to determine the ability of the tracker to meet the needs of a particular application, and to compare the performance with other trackers.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Energy Dependence of Pion Production by Protons on Nuclei

The reactions /sup 10/B(p,..pi../sup +/)/sup 11/B(g.s.) and /sup 40/Ca(p,..pi../sup +/)/sup 41/Ca(g.s.) have been studied with proton beams in the energy range 140 to 200 MeV. Angular distributions at several energies, supplemented with fixed-angle cross-section data at several other energies, establish for the first time the energy dependence of these reactions in the near-threshold region.
Glutathione levels in specific brain regions of genetically epileptic (tg/tg) mice

The tottering (tg/tg) mouse is a genetic model of human generalized epilepsy; these mice exhibit spontaneous absence seizures accompanied by bilaterally synchronous spike-wave discharges (6). The mechanism(s) for seizure activity are unknown in these mice. Several recent studies have suggested that membrane lipid peroxidation may be causally involved in some forms of experimentally induced epilepsies (18). Since reduced glutathione (GSH) is the most important free radical scavenging compound in vivo that can prevent membrane lipid peroxidation, the objective of this study was to investigate GSH concentrations in specific central nervous system regions of genetically epileptic, tg/tg, mice as compared to age-matched controls. Three brain regions, cerebellum, hippocampus, and occipital cortex, were dissected, weighed and the concentrations of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively) were measured in each of these tissues. GSH content was significantly lower in the occipital cortex of tg/tg mice compared to controls; no differences were observed in the other two brain regions examined. Total GSH content (GSH plus 2 x GSSG) paralleled GSH concentration differences. GSSG content from tg/tg mice was lower in the hippocampus and occipital cortex, compared to controls. This is the first report of an association between decreased central nervous system glutathione concentrations and seizure activity in animals exhibiting generalized seizures.
MCF-7: A human breast cancer cell line with estrogen, androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors

We have identified receptors for glucocorticoids, progestins, and androgens in a human breast tumor cell line (MCF-7) known to have estrogen receptor. Sucrose density gradients show that MCF-7 cytosol contains approximately 100 fm/mg protein estradiol (E2-3H) receptor, more than 300 fm/mg protein progesterone receptor (measured with R5020-3H), about 40 fm/mg protein 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5alpha-DHT-3H) receptor, and 800 fm/mg glucocorticoid receptor (measured with dexamethasone-3H). Dissociation constants obtained by Scatchard analyses were approximately 0.6 x 10(-10)M (E2), 1 x 10(-9)M (R5020), 2.8 x 10(-10)M (5alpha-DHT) and 8 x 10(-9)M (dexamethasone). No cross competition was found for estrogen receptor, but progestins competed for androgen and glucocorticoid binding. The androgen, but not the glucocorticoid, partially competed for R5020 binding to progesterone receptor. This first demonstration of 4 classes of steroid receptors in human breast cancer means that MCF-7 may be an excellent in vitro model for studying the mechanism of tumor response to endocrine therapy as well as the complex relationships between binding and biological actions of these hormones.
Children's predisaster functioning as a predictor of posttraumatic stress following Hurricane Andrew.

This study examined (a) children's predisaster behavioral and academic functioning as a predictor of posttraumatic stress (PTS) following Hurricane Andrew and (b) whether children who were exposed to the disaster would display a worsening of prior functioning. Fifteen months before the disaster, 92 4th through 6th graders provided self-reports of anxiety; peers and teachers rated behavior problems (anxiety, inattention, and conduct) and academic skills. Measures were repeated 3 months postdisaster; children also reported PTS symptoms and hurricane-related experiences (i.e., exposure). PTS symptoms were again assessed 7 months postdisaster. At 3 months postdisaster, children's exposure to the disaster, as well as predisaster ratings of anxiety, inattention, and academic skills, predicted PTS symptoms. By 7 months, only exposure, African American ethnicity, and predisaster anxiety predicted PTS. Prior anxiety levels also worsened as a result of exposure to the disaster. The findings have implications for identifying and treating children at risk for stress reactions following a catastrophic disaster.
Magnetically actuated micropumps using an Fe-PDMS composite membrane

In this paper we describe a novel Fe-PDMS composite that can be used to create magnetically actuated polymeric microstructures. The composite is formed by suspending <10μm iron (Fe) particles in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) at concentrations ranging from 25-75% by weight. Material properties and processing capabilities have been examined, and to demonstrate material's usefulness we have designed, fabricated, and tested two prototypical micropumps that utilize an Fe-PDMS actuator membrane.
Usable software in advanced educational computing projects

Success in exploiting the potential of advanced computing systems that are currently emergning could depend upon how well we learn lessons from those who have already experimented with them. This was the purpose of the doctoral research study conducted by Mary Hopper of Purdue University, which is the subject of this paper. The following projects were the focus of this study:• Engineering Specific Career-Planning and Problem-Solving Environment, Educational Research and Information Systems, Purdue University• Context 32, Institute for Research in Information and Scholarship, Brown University• TODOR and Mechanics 2.01 Problem Set Solutions, Athena, Massachusetts Institute of Technology• The Physical Geology Tutor, Center for Educational Computing Initiatives, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInterviews with 19 key participants and information from major documents were used to construct a description of the relationships between educational goals and important technical characteristics. In each project, the predominant reason for the choice of software was based on the need to access the particular set of functions perceived to be most congenial to representing a specific academic body of knowledge. The following are the three main functions of computers which relate to improved representations of particular aspects of disciplines during this study:• Powerful database functions allowed for the inclusion and management of more extensive representations of the knowledge-base of the discipline• Multimedia functions allowed for more realistic and powerful representations of multimodal and experiential content• Microworlds were emphasized for their ability to provide students with the ability to interact with computational representations of dynamic systems and processesWhile each project began with a primary emphasis upon the particular type of software function they needed for the type of data to be represented, each project was eventually also constrained by a set of convergences and circumstances related to the question, "How can the software be more usable?" Some courseware projects in this study arrived at their answer to this question for practical reasons, while others arrived at it for educational reasons, but they all ended up appreciating the importance of usable educational software from both the learner's and author's perspective.
Consideration of the BDNF gene in relation to two phenotypes: hoarding and obesity.

The gene coding for the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as an interesting candidate for multiple brain and brain disorder-related phenomena. The primary aim of the present investigation was to consider the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met variant and two phenotypes: compulsive hoarding as a symptom dimension of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and body mass index (BMI). We examined the BDNF gene in a large (N=301) clinical sample of probands with OCD. Participants were classified as hoarding or non-hoarding using a strict, multi-measure grouping approach. Results revealed that the Val/Val genotype was linked with hoarding classification and more severe hoarding behaviors, as well as greater BMI levels. Hoarding status was also associated with greater BMI scores, with individuals in the hoarding group being far more likely to be classified as obese compared to the non-hoarding group. Our findings may provide a distinct avenue through which hoarding and BMI could be linked. These findings are suggestive of a complex gene, body weight, and psychopathology relationship wherein a primitive, survival “thrifty gene” strategy may be conserved and represented in a subgroup of humans manifesting severe hoarding symptoms.
The Effect of T-Cell Depletion on Enhanced Basophil Histamine Release after In Vitro Incubation with Live Influenza A Virus

A number of mechanisms participate in virus-induced asthma. Previously, we described enhanced basophil histamine release (HR) during an experimentally induced rhinovirus infection and after in vitro incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with influenza virus. This study extends our previous observations and examines the effect of influenza A virus on basophil leukotriene C4 (LTC4) release as well as the effect of T-cell depletion on virus-enhanced basophil HR. PBMC were isolated from ragweed-allergic subjects and incubated with live influenza A virus or control medium (allantoic fluid). After incubation with influenza A, ragweed antigen (AgE) stimulated LTC4 and HR were enhanced (P < 0.05). To further define the role of T cells in virus-enhanced basophil secretion, PBMC were isolated and divided into two aliquots. In one aliquot, T cells were removed by magnetic bead separation of mouse monoclonal anti-CD3-coated lymphocytes. T-cell-depleted and nontreated PBMC suspensions were incubated ...
Recapillarity: Electrochemically Controlled Capillary Withdrawal of a Liquid Metal Alloy from Microchannels

This paper describes the mechanistic details of an electrochemical method to control the withdrawal of a liquid metal alloy, eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), from microfluidic channels. EGaIn is one of several alloys of gallium that are liquid at room temperature and form a thin (nm scale) surface oxide that stabilizes the shape of the metal in microchannels. Applying a reductive potential to the metal removes the oxide in the presence of electrolyte and induces capillary behavior; we call this behavior “recapillarity” because of the importance of electrochemical reduction to the process. Recapillarity can repeatably toggle on and off capillary behavior by applying voltage, which is useful for controlling the withdrawal of metal from microchannels. This paper explores the mechanism of withdrawal and identifies the applied current as the key factor dictating the withdrawal velocity. Experimental observations suggest that this current may be necessary to reduce the oxide on the leading interface of the metal as well as the oxide sandwiched between the wall of the microchannel and the bulk liquid metal. The ability to control the shape and position of a metal using an applied voltage may prove useful for shape reconfigurable electronics, optics, transient circuits, and microfluidic components.
Kappa opioid receptor signaling in the basolateral amygdala regulates conditioned fear and anxiety in rats

Background The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system contributes to the prodepressive and aversive consequences of stress and is implicated in the facilitation of conditioned fear and anxiety in rodents. Here, we sought to identify neural circuits that mediate KOR system effects on fear and anxiety in rats. Methods We assessed whether fear conditioning induces plasticity in KOR or dynorphin (the endogenous KOR ligand) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala, hippocampus, or striatum. We then assessed whether microinfusions of the KOR antagonist JDTic (0–10 μg/side) into the BLA or CeA affect the expression of conditioned fear or anxiety. Finally, we examined whether fear extinction induces plasticity in KOR mRNA expression that relates to the quality of fear extinction. Results Fear conditioning upregulated KOR mRNA in the BLA by 65% and downregulated it in the striatum by 22%, without affecting KOR levels in the CeA or hippocampus, or dynorphin levels in any region. KOR antagonism in either the BLA or CeA decreased conditioned fear in the fear-potentiated startle paradigm, whereas KOR antagonism in the BLA, but not the CeA, produced anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze. Effective fear extinction was associated with a 67% reduction in KOR mRNA in the BLA. Conclusions These findings suggest that fear conditioning and extinction dynamically regulate KOR expression in the BLA and provide evidence that the BLA and CeA are important neural substrates mediating the anxiolytic-like effects of KOR antagonists in models of fear and anxiety.
SU‐FF‐T‐12: Experimental and Theoretical Dosimetric Characterization of ADVANTAGETM Pd‐103 Brachytherapy Source

Purpose: Recently, a new design of 103Pd brachytherapy source namely ADVANTAGE™ Pd-103 source has been introduced by IsoAid for interstitial prostate implants. In this project, the dosimetric characteristics of this new source were determined using experimental and theoretical methods, following the updated TG43U1 recommendations. Method and Materials: The experimental procedures were performed in Solid Water™ phantoms using LiF TLD dosimetry technique, while the theoretical calculations were performed both in water and Solid Water™ phantom materials using the PTRAN version 7.43, Monte Carlo simulation code. The photon cross section used for these simulations was DLC-146, distributed by the Radiation Sciences Information Computing Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The dose rate constant, radial dose function, 2D and 1D anisotropy functions of the source were obtained following the TG-43U1 recommendations. Results: The results of Monte Carlo simulations indicated a dose rate constant of 0.69 ± 3% cGyh−1U−1 and 0.67 ± 3% cGy−1U−1 in water and Solid Water™, respectively. The measured dose rate constant in Solid Water™ was found to be 0.66 ± 8% cGyh−1U−1, which is in good agreement with the Monte Carlo results to within the experimental uncertainty. Moreover, the dose rate constant of the new source in water medium, calculated for clinical applications was found to be in excellent agreement with the dose rate constants of the other commercially available sources. A very good agreement between the measured and Monte Carlo simulated, radial dose functions and anisotropy functions were observed. Conclusion: The dosimetric characteristics of the newly designed ADVANTAGE™ Pd-103 source were determined as per the TG-43U1 recommendations. The radial dose function, 2D anisotropy function, and dose rate constant were also compared to the other available commercial sources. An excellent agreement was observed on comparison.
On the operation of inductively coupled plasmas as a function of pressure

Abstract The effect of pressure on the operating conditions within a 27-MHz inductively coupled plasma is investigated. The results show a direct relationship between torch pressure and the excitation temperature of an analyte species introduced into the plasma. The excitation temperature of the plasma support gas is shown to increase with torch pressure. A shift towards local thermal equilibrium is also observed with increasing pressure. The possibility of using alternate plasma support gases such as He is also investigated.
Alterations in Biodistribution of Cocaine May Explain Differential Toxicity in Pregnant and Postpartum Rats

Abstract Biodistribution of cocaine in female rats before and after delivery of litters was studied in order to provide an explanation for the observed differences in cocaine-induced toxicity in pregnant and postpartum rats. Cocaine (20 mg/kg, ip) given to female rats at 16 days of gestation or 20 days of gestation did not have any apparent neurotoxic effects in the mothers. Similarly, no apparent toxicity was observed in virgin animals injected with the same dosage of cocaine. However, administration of the same dosage of cocaine to rats after delivery caused clonic-tonic convulsions and death within 5 mm of injection. In an effort to explain these differences, the biodistribution of cocaine was investigated by injecting levo-[benzoyl-3,4- 3 H( N )] cocaine (20 mg/20 μCi/kg, ip) to nonpregnant rats and rats at different gestation periods and after delivery. The mean serum/brain ratios (concentration of cocaine in serum divided by cocaine concentration in the brain) of cocaine 5 mm after injection in rats at 16 days gestation, 20 days gestation, within a 12-hr period after delivery, and in control virgin animals were 2099, 1132, 427, and 632, respectively. These results indicate that the biodistribution of cocaine is altered at parturition. This may explain the increased central nervous system toxicity in rats treated with cocaine after delivery. Results from this investigation may be useful in evaluating complications during labor and delivery which have been associated with cocaine abuse by pregnant women.
The Intergenerational Effects of Changes in Women's Educational Attainments:

The effect of the socioeconomic characteristics in one generation on the socioeconomic achievement of the next generation is the central concern of social stratification research. Researchers typically address this issue by analyzing the associations between the characteristics of parents and offspring. This approach, however, focuses on observed parent-offspring pairs and ignores that changes in the socioeconomic characteristics of one generation may alter the numbers and types of intergenerational family relationships created in the next one. Models of intergenerational effects that include marriage and fertility as well as the intergenerational transmission of socioeconomic status yield a richer account of intergenerational effects at both the family and population levels. When applied to a large sample of Indonesian women and their families, these models show that the effects of women's educational attainment on the educational attainments of the next generation are positive. However, the beneficial effects of increases in women's schooling on the educational attainment of their children are partially offset at the population level by a reduction in the overall number of children that a more educated population of women bears and enhanced by the more favorable marriage partners of better educated women.
The AML1 and ETO Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a t(8;21)

The translocation between chromosomes 8 and 21, t(8;21)(q22;q22), is the most frequent abnormality seen in approximately 46% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia with French-America-British (FAB)-M2 morphology and an aneuploid karyotype. The breakpoints in this translocation have been characterized at the molecular level, and the genes involved are AML1 on chromosome 21 and ETO (eight twenty one) on chromosome 8. AML1 has homology to the alpha subunit of the murine polyoma enhancer binding protein, pebp2, and to the segmentation gene, runt, of Drosophila melanogaster. ETO, also called MTG8 (myeloid translocation gene on 8) has no overall homology to known proteins, but it contains two DNA-binding zinc finger motifs and several regions that are proline- and serine-rich. Both AML1 and ETO are thought to be transcription factors because the motifs they contain are found in other transcription factors. Both genes are transcribed from telomere to centromere, and cytogenetic analysis of variant translocations has shown that the critical junction always conserved is on the derivative 8 chromosome. The rearrangement between the two chromosomes results in a fusion gene that contains the 5' region of AML1 including that homologous to runt fused to almost all of ETO. The fusion transcript from the der(8) chromosome is consistently detected in patients with the t(8;21). The translocation can be detected at the molecular level with selected genomic DNA probes from chromosome 21 and from chromosome 8 near the breakpoint in 80-100% of the t(8;21) patients at diagnosis and in relapse, and with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in all of the patients at diagnosis and in long-term remission. These results indicate that leukemic clones are still circulating in patients who have been in remission for as long as 8 years.
Laboratory Investigation of Biochar-Modified Asphalt Mixture

The United States is promoting the establishment of a bio-based economy, generating energy and fuels from renewable organic matters rather than fossil fuels. Byproducts such as fractions of biochar not suitable for biofuel production are drawing extensive attention. ("Biochar" is defined by Oxford's online dictionary as "charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in the soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.") Recently, biochar produced with different production parameters was tried as an asphalt modifier owing to its carbon origin and proved to be positive in binder modification. This study evaluated the performance of hot-mix asphalt modified by one type of pyrolytic biochar with controlled production parameters. Typical carbon black powder pellets and microsized carbon fiber were selected as the reference additives. Multiple laboratory binder and performance tests were conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of the modified binder, rutting resistance, moisture susc...
Phase transition in the nonlinear SU(n) lattice field theory

We solve for the phase diagram (phase transition) of the nearest-neighbor-coupling $\mathrm{SU}(n)$ nonlinear scalar action. We do a one-loop calculation for the effective coupling constant, and find that the system undergoes a phase transition for dimension $dg2$. For $d=2$, the theory is asymptotically free.
Managing reductions in criminal justice education programs

Abstract The types of changes facing criminal justice education administrators and faculty mandate attention to the real world of fiscal stress and the concomitant problem of student declines. Current trends emphasize that all of those involved in the criminal justice education field must look beyond short-term cyclical problems involving the delivery of criminal justice educational services. The issues of fiscal tension and student declines require hard choices, the development of new administrative skills, and the recognition that new behaviors will be mandatory for criminal justice education administrators during the rest of the eighties.
TP53 alterations and patterns of carcinogen exposure in a U.S. population‐based study of bladder cancer

The molecular pathology of bladder cancer has been the subject of considerable interest, and current efforts are targeted toward elucidating the interrelationships between individual somatic gene loss and both etiologic and prognostic factors. Mutation of the TP53 gene has been associated with more invasive bladder cancer, and evidence suggests that TP53 mutation, independent of stage, may be predictive of outcome in this disease. However, there is no consensus in the literature that bladder carcinogen exposure is associated with inactivation of the TP53 gene. Work to date has been primarily hospital based and, as such, subject to possible bias associated with selection of more advanced cases for study. We examined exposure relationships with both TP53 gene mutation and TP53 protein alterations in a population-based study of 330 bladder cancer cases in New Hampshire. Tobacco smoking was not associated with TP53 alterations. We found a higher prevalence of TP53 inactivation (i.e., mutation and nuclear accumulation) among hair dye users (odd ratio [OR] = 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–14.7), and the majority of these mutations were transversions. Men who had “at risk” occupations were more likely to have mutated TP53 tumors (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.1–7.6). There also was a relative absence of TP53 mutation (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.0–2.9) and TP53 protein alterations (OR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.3–1.4) in bladder cancers from individuals with higher arsenic exposure. Our data suggest that there is exposure-specific heterogeneity in inactivation of the TP53 pathway in bladder cancers and that integration of the spectrum of pathway alterations in population-based approaches (capturing the full range of exposures to bladder carcinogens) may provide important insights into bladder tumorigenesis. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nurses' memory of patient's pain

This descriptive study examined the relationship between nurses' memory of patient's pain and patient stereotyping. The patient vignette information recalled by 148 nurses was content analyzed for accurate items, accurate analgesic items, and how accurately the patient's pain was recalled. Stereotyping was measured by z-scores for time planned for pain assessment and analgesic administration. No significant relationship was supported between memory and stereotyping. Nurses either recalled the patient's pain accurately (n = 58), inaccurately (n = 18), or completely omitted (n = 70) this information. Further study is needed to explore why nurses recalled the patient's pain differently, and how this might impact pain relief efforts.