cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific variation in life history strategies and implications for management: A case study of black drum (Pogonias cromis) in the Upper Laguna Madre, Texas USA

Abstract Multivariate evaluation of life history strategies (LHSs) for fish species have a number of implications for population dynamics and viable management strategies. Here we examined intraspecific variation in LHSs among black drum (Pogonias cromis) populations, with focus on a population inhabiting the Upper Laguna Madre, Texas (a hypersaline estuary). Age, growth, and reproduction for this population were analyzed in the context of previously published life history data for this and other black drum populations along the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Black drum from the Upper Laguna Madre were found to mature earlier than other populations. When analyzed in the context of other life history variables (fecundity, maximum age, maximum size, and growth rate) and compared to other populations of black drum throughout their range, LHS in the Upper Laguna Madre population was found to diverge away from the typical periodic LHS of sciaenids and towards the opportunistic side of the multivariate LHS spectrum. This variation in LHS is often indicative of populations existing in habitats that are productive yet subject to frequent and intense disturbance. Here, this disturbance is attributed to hypersalinity that has historically characterized the Upper Laguna Madre. This variation in LHS is further supported by observed population dynamics for this region presented in past work and has a number of potential management implications for this population.
A New Steady-State Calorimeter for Measuring Heat Transfer through Cryogenic Insulation

One of the most important problems in the continuing effort to understand the heat transfer mechanism in cryogenic insulation and to develop more effective insulating materials is the accurate determination of the effective thermal conductivity of insulating materials. Although a number of calorimeters [1–5] have been designed and built to date, almost all of them suffer from certain limitations which restrict their accuracy and limit the temperature range over which they can yield satisfactory data. Among the best known efforts in the construction and use of calorimeters are the flat-plate calorimeters [1–4] and the cylindrical calorimeter [5], The flat-plate calorimeters can potentially yield high accuracy with a number of materials, but they require extensive guards to shield against extraneous heat transfer, are difficult to operate, expensive to build [4], require a long time before reaching steady state, and may necessitate the use of expensive electronic feedback equipment to satisfy the demands of high accuracy [2]. The available cylindrical calorimeters are simple to operate and cheaper to build, but they can only operate over limited temperature ranges and are subject to errors due to conduction along the fill and vent piping and uncertainty as to whether or not they actually achieve steady state.
ARE GREEN MEN FROM VENUS

A consistent finding in sustainability research is that women are eco-friendlier than men, a gap usually ascribed to differences in socialization. Our research explored a corollary process—the cognitive association of environmentalism with femininity along with the consequent negative responses of men that arise from their efforts to safeguard their masculine identity. Two studies replicated the recent discovery (Brough et al., 2016) of a mental association between environmentalism and femininity (for both men and women) and the consequent reduction in the effectiveness of conventional environmental appeals to men. This research also investigated two approaches for overcoming the effects of the implicit association of sustainability with femininity. The first considered that well-learned reflective knowledge structures about advertising or about sustainability might mitigate the resistance of men to environmental appeals. We tested whether established measures of advertising skepticism (Study 1) or sustainability literacy (Studies 1 and 2) would moderate these consequences of the green-feminine association. Whereas skepticism moderated these effects, sustainability literacy did not. The second approach for offsetting the association between sustainability and femininity was to create an environmental appeal with distinctly masculine brand-positioning elements. Two versions of an environmental appeal with different brand elements were produced—one masculine and the other feminine (Study 2). While men and women were equally responsive to the masculine brand positioning, the most positive responses were from women toward the feminine positioning. Collectively, these results corroborate the green-feminine association and demonstrate the moderating role of advertising skepticism. Furthermore, although higher sustainability literacy resulted in more pro-environmental behavior in general, it did not moderate downstream effects of the implicit green-feminine association.
Calcite Removal From Carbonated Water — Uranium In Situ Leaching System

A method has been developed to remove calcite from the leaching circuit in the uranium in situ leaching system. The process involves injecting the leachate and a pH control agent tangentially into an inverted cone reactor containing calcite seed catalyst. The leachate can be treated at high throughput to obtain clear effluent containing 5 ppm or lower Ca. Both lime and ammonia are effective pH control agents and consumed according to stoichiometry.
Journalism, Online Comments, and the Future of Public Discourse

Comments on digital news stories and on social media play an increasingly important role in public discourse as more citizens communicate through online networks. The reasons for eliminating comments on news stories are plentiful. Off-topic posts and toxic commentary have been shown to undermine legitimate news reporting. Yet the proliferation of digital communication technology has revolutionized the setting for democratic participation. The digital exchange of ideas and opinions is now a vital component of the democratic landscape. Marie K. Shanahan's book argues that public digital discourse is crucial component of modern democracy—one that journalists must stop treating with indifference or detachment—and for news organizations to use journalistic rigor and better design to add value to citizens’ comments above the social layer. Through original interviews, anecdotes, field observations and summaries of research literature, Shanahan explains the obstacles of digital discourse as well as its promises for journalists in the digital age.
Evaluating Constitutional Hardball: Two Fallacies and a Research Agenda

This Reply addresses the responses by Professors David Bernstein and Jed Shugerman to our essay Asymmetric Constitutional Hardball. Bernstein's response, we argue, commits the common fallacy of equating reciprocity with symmetry: assuming that because constitutional hardball often "takes two" to play, both sides must be playing it in a similar manner. Shugerman's response, on the other hand, helps combat the common fallacy of equating aggressiveness with wrongfulness: assuming that because all acts of constitutional hardball strain norms of governance, all are similarly damaging to democracy. We suggest that whereas Bernstein's approach would set back the burgeoning effort to study constitutional hardball, Shugerman's distinction between hardball and "beanball" provides a useful starting point for theorizing the conditions under which constitutional hardball may be more or less justified as a matter of political and constitutional morality.
Adversarial Multi-user Bandits for Uncoordinated Spectrum Access

An adversarial multi-user multi-armed bandit framework is used to develop algorithms for uncoordinated spectrum access. It is assumed that the number of users is unknown, and that users receive zero reward on collision. The users do not coordinate with each other, and an adversary chooses different rewards for different users on the same channel. The proposed algorithm combines the Exp3.P algorithm developed in prior work for single user adversarial bandits with a collision resolution mechanism to achieve sub-linear regret. It is shown that if every user employs the proposed algorithm, the system wide regret is of the order $O\left( {T\frac{3}{4}} \right)$ over a horizon of time T. The algorithm is then extended to the dynamic case where the number of users in the system evolves over time, and it is shown to lead to sub-linear regret.
A Contemporary Look at Biomechanical Models of Myocardium

Understanding and predicting the mechanical behavior of myocardium under healthy and pathophysiological conditions are vital to developing novel cardiac therapies and promoting personalized interventions. Within the past 30 years, various constitutive models have been proposed for the passive mechanical behavior of myocardium. These models cover a broad range of mathematical forms, microstructural observations, and specific test conditions to which they are fitted. We present a critical review of these models, covering both phenomenological and structural approaches, and their relations to the underlying structure and function of myocardium. We further explore the experimental and numerical techniques used to identify the model parameters. Next, we provide a brief overview of continuum-level electromechanical models of myocardium, with a focus on the methods used to integrate the active and passive components of myocardial behavior. We conclude by pointing to future directions in the areas of optimal form as well as new approaches for constitutive modeling of myocardium.
The Rule of Law and the United Nations

This chapter explores the evolution of the rule of law from the perspective of the United Nations. The chapter describes the foundations of the principle, its role at both international and national levels and its importance across all three pillars of the organization: peace and security, human rights and development. The history of the rule of law is described through the work of the General Assembly and the Security Council, and the policy and programmatic activities of the United Nations system. The chapter concludes by looking at the Secretary-General’s initiatives to enhance coordination in rule of law support and to ensure consideration of the rule of law as a horizontal theme and not a vertical pillar of intervention.
Deletion of the Mitochondrial Protein VWA8 Induces Oxidative Stress and an HNF4α Compensatory Response in Hepatocytes

von Willebrand A domain-containing protein 8 (VWA8) is a poorly characterized, mitochondrial matrix-targeted protein with an AAA ATPase domain and ATPase activity that increases in livers of mice fed a high-fat diet. This study was undertaken to use CRISPR/Cas9 to delete VWA8 in cultured mouse hepatocytes and gain insight into its function. Unbiased omics techniques and bioinformatics were used to guide subsequent assays, including the assessment of oxidative stress and the determination of bioenergetic capacity. Metabolomics analysis showed VWA8 null cells had higher levels of oxidative stress and protein degradation; assays of hydrogen peroxide production revealed higher levels of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proteomics and transcriptomics analyses showed VWA8 null cells had higher levels of expression of mitochondrial proteins (electron transport-chain Complex I, ATP synthase), peroxisomal proteins, and lipid transport proteins. The pattern of higher protein abundance in the VWA8 null cells could be explained by a higher level of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α) expression. Bioenergetic assays showed higher rates of carbohydrate oxidation and mitochondrial and nonmitochondrial lipid oxidation in intact and permeabilized cells. Inhibitor assays localized sites of ROS production to peroxisomes and NOX1/4. The rescue of VWA8 protein restored the wild-type phenotype, and treatment with antioxidants decreased the level of HNF4α expression. Thus, loss of VWA8 produces a mitochondrial defect that may be sensed by NOX4, leading to an increase in the level of ROS that results in a higher level of HNF4α. The compensatory HNF4α response results in a higher oxidative capacity and an even higher level of ROS production. We hypothesize that VWA8 is an AAA ATPase protein that plays a role in mitochondrial protein quality.
The Moore Criteria: Applicability in a diverse, non-trial, recurrent cervical cancer population

Abstract Objective The Moore Criteria is a prognostic index for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer based on five factors. The criteria were developed retrospectively and validated prospectively in clinical trial populations receiving systemic chemotherapy (C). Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of the Moore Criteria in a largely minority, non-trial population at first recurrence. Methods Patients treated for recurrent cervical cancer diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Progression free survival (PFS) was defined from the date of recurrence to date of second recurrence. Overall survival (OS) was defined from the date of recurrence to date of death. Results Of 274 patients identified, 78 were treated in the second line. 48 (61.5%) were Hispanic, 22 (28.2%) were black, and 7 (9%) were white non-Hispanic. By Moore criteria, 9 patients (11.5%) were classified as low-risk, 48 (61.5%) as moderate risk, and 21 (26.9%) as high-risk. 53 patients (67.9%) received C, and 25 (32.1%) received other treatment modalities without C. The high-risk category carried a significantly higher hazard ratio for both PFS (5.24, p Conclusion The Moore Criteria carries prognostic value across a diverse recurrent cervical cancer population outside of the clinical trial setting. Our data suggest that in a non-trial population, black race is not predictive of worse OS or PFS.
An Operating Framework for the 21st Century

This paper makes the case that there is an urgent need to upgrade the Federal Reserve’s operating framework to handle the realities of the 21st century. To do this, the Fed needs to make several important changes. First, it needs to adjust its operating framework so that it is robust to both positive and negative interest rate environments. Second, the Fed needs to tie its operating framework to a level target so that it can do meaningful forward guidance. Finally, the operating framework needs the enhanced credibility that comes by providing the Fed explicit but constrained access to a standing fiscal facility at the zero lower bound. This paper outlines a proposal that accomplishes this goal and does so in a manner that would encourage the Fed to act in a more systematic, rules-based, and accountable manner.
Progress in diagnosis and treatment of heart failure in children

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart losing the function of effective blood-pumping and venous return, which will cause a series of symptoms, and its clinical manifestations vary with the age of children.The main causes of heart failure in children are congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy.Drug therapy for heart failure in children has gained rapid progression recently with Sacubitril/valsartan being a typical one, which was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019 for its effective use in symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction in children aged 1 year and above, marking that the drug therapy for heart failure in children stands at a new starting point.Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy are applicable to some patients with indications.Mechanical circulatory support is essential in the treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary failure, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventricular assist device, which is used as an important transition of short-term circulatory assisted transplantation.Pediatric heart transplantation is a treatment option for end-stage heart failure. Key words: Heart failure; Congenital heart disease; Pediatric intensive care; Progress
Genetic variation in anesthesia success in a New Zealand freshwater snail

Anesthesia is used to immobilize organisms for experiments and surgical procedures and to humanely mitigate pain. Despite its scientific importance, and though invertebrates seem to experience pain, overarching regulations for the application of anesthesia in invertebrate taxa do not exist. Indeed, the almost complete absence of legal requirements for invertebrate anesthesia might explain at least in part why there seems to have been little effort towards developing widely effective invertebrate anesthesia techniques. Here, we demonstrate that genetic differences between snails are a major driver of wide variation in menthol anesthesia success in an important freshwater snail model system, Potamopyrgus antipodarum. This is the first example of which we are aware of a role for genetic variation in anesthesia success in a mollusk. These findings both illuminate a potential mechanism underlying previously documented challenges in molluscan anesthesia and will set the stage for powerful and humane manipulative experiments in P. antipodarum.
The Sphingosine Kinase 1 Inhibitor, PF543, Mitigates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Reducing Lung Epithelial Cell mtDNA Damage and Recruitment of Fibrogenic Monocytes.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease for which novel approaches are urgently required. We reported increased sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in IPF lungs and that SPHK1 inhibition using genetic and pharmacologic approaches reduces murine bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. We determined whether PF543, a specific SPHK1 inhibitor post bleomycin or asbestos challenge mitigates lung fibrosis by reducing mitochondrial (mt) DNA damage and pro-fibrotic monocyte recruitment—both are implicated in the pathobiology of pulmonary fibrosis. Bleomycin (1.5 U/kg), crocidolite asbestos (100 µg/50 µL) or controls was intratracheally instilled in Wild-Type (C57Bl6) mice. PF543 (1 mg/kg) or vehicle was intraperitoneally injected once every two days from day 7−21 following bleomycin and day 14−21 or day 30−60 following asbestos. PF543 reduced bleomycin- and asbestos-induced pulmonary fibrosis at both time points as well as lung expression of profibrotic markers, lung mtDNA damage, and fibrogenic monocyte recruitment. In contrast to human lung fibroblasts, asbestos augmented lung epithelial cell (MLE) mtDNA damage and PF543 was protective. Post-exposure PF543 mitigates pulmonary fibrosis in part by reducing lung epithelial cell mtDNA damage and monocyte recruitment. We reason that SPHK1 signaling may be an innovative therapeutic target for managing patients with IPF and other forms of lung fibrosis.
Facilitating Remote Design Thinking Workshops in Healthcare: the Case of Contouring in Radiation Oncology

Co-location matters, especially when running collaborative design thinking workshops. What if participation cannot occur in person? How can we conduct these workshops remotely? Based on guidelines of the Wallet project that provides a framework for in-person design thinking workshops, we present the first experiences of facilitating 2 remote design workshops with radiation oncology faculty and residents. We report the logistics and tool support decisions for the first workshop, evaluate and adjust our approach for the second workshop, and present the 3 lessons learned: incorporating schedule flexibility, prioritizing technology familiarity, and integrating communication channels.
Reseña de “Precarious Japan”, de Anne Allison

"Precarios Japan" is a modern ethnography on contemporary Japan’s precarization. In times of irregular work, economic collapse, nuclear pollution, and an aging population, the Japanese experience insecurity and uncertainty in their daily lives. Allison, through a skilful articulation of structural conditions, theory of affections andthick description, convincingly captures the desperate, gloomy and sad existence of a growing Japanese precariat engulfed by loneliness, anomie and crushing neoliberalism.
Examining the role of salinity on the dynamic stability of Pickering emulsions.

Abstract Hypothesis The effect of salinity on Pickering emulsion stability to coalescence under dynamic forces present during flow in porous media for applications including enhanced oil recovery is poorly understood. Recent work suggests the absence of significant electrostatic repulsion in brine prompts unattached particles to assemble into inter-droplet networks that increase emulsion stability. We hypothesize that emulsions stabilized by nanoparticles coated with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) will generate particle networks in brine and exhibit greater stability to coalescence than in deionized water (DI). Experiments We stabilized decane-in-water emulsions with GLYMO-coated silica nanoparticles at various particle concentrations using brine and DI as the aqueous phase. We imaged the emulsions to calculate droplet diameters, then centrifuged the emulsions and weighed the volume of decane released to determine the extent of coalescence. We compared these measurements to evaluate the effect of salinity on emulsion stability. Findings Emulsions demonstrate greater dynamic stability and smaller droplet diameters with increasing nanoparticle concentration and salinity. Controlling for differences in droplet size, we observe that brine reduces the emulsion coalescence rate by a factor of 78 ± 23 relative to DI. This difference supports and quantifies past work suggesting that unattached nanoparticles aggregate in brine and increase overall emulsion stability, whereas nanoparticles in DI remain separated.
Kantian Tunes on a Humean Instrument: Why Hume is not Really a Skeptic About Practical Reasoning

L'A. defend la these d'une theorie instrumentaliste de la raison pratique chez Hume qui s'inscrit dans le contexte des traditions empiriste et rationaliste. Rejetant la definition de l'instrumentalisme dans le sens d'un systeme d'imperatifs hypothetiques kantiens, l'A. montre que la theorie de l'action et de la motivation developpee dans le «Traite de la nature humaine» (Livre II, partie III, section III) ouvre la voie au raisonnement pratique fonde sur le processus du desir et de la croyance morale prudentielle
Development in Complex Perceptual Activities

Let us begin by examining the development of some very simple perceptual functions in normal children. Consider visual acuity as a first example. A number of studies using various methods (Fantz, Ordy, and Udelf, 1962; Gorman, Cogan, and Gillis, 1957; Dayton, Jones, Aiu, Rawson, Steele, and Rose, 1964) find the visual acuity of infants between zero and 1 month of age to be between 20/150 and 20/400 Snellen. It increases over the first several months of age and then rapidly through childhood, reaching maximum (20/20 to 20/15 Snellen) about the age of 10 years (Weymouth, 1963). Consider auditory acuity as a second example. Steinschneider, Lipton, and Richmond (1966) found neonates sensitive to sounds of 70 db or more. Bartoshuk (1964) found that the function relating responsivity and intensity of sound in neonates was similar to that of adults, and Eagles, Wishik, Doerfler, Melnick, and Levine (1963) found auditory acuity increasing slowly and gradually between 5 and 13 years with a slight decrease in sensitivity at 14. Even somewhat more complex perceptual functions such as those involved in size constancy seem to show gradual improvement with age. Typical of these studies is one by Zeigler and Leibowitz (1957). Children between 7 and 9 years of age showed less constancy than a group of adults in adjusting a rod 5 feet away to match the size of one varying from 10 to 100 feet away.
Cost-Equivalent Realizations of Stochastic Processes

An aggregation is described that yields partial realizations which maintain the same mean and steady-state variance as the original system. These so-called "cost-equivalent" realizations (CERs) are compared to Anderson's "covariance-equivalent" realizations [1]. For a certain class of systems the two realizations are the same.
David Rieff. 2008. Swimming in a Sea of Death

Swimming in a Sea of Death is a highly personal account of writer Susan Sontag’s final battle with cancer, written by her son, David Rieff. Rieff follows his mother’s illness from the moment of her initial diagnosis with Myelodisplastic syndrome (MDS) to her death nine months later. Rieff’s memoir is a vivid account of the frustration, confusion, sadness and guilt that accompanies the death of a loved one. It is a case study in death and dying, from a perspective that is often overlooked. In carrying for the terminally ill, treating the patient is the highest priority for medical professionals. Rieff’s reflection on his experience, however, serves as a reminder of the incredible burden placed on loved ones, which is equally deserving of attention. Swimming in a Sea of Death is written for a general audience. Rieff’s story offers a valuable perspective on many ethical dilemmas, most notably those dealing with patient autonomy, as well as quality of life issues at the end of life. While end-of-life decisions are generally difficult, Sontag’s story is particularly disturbing. Sontag had previously battled stage IV breast cancer, utilizing extremely aggressive treatments that at the time had low likelihood of success. She later developed uterine cancer, which she fought with equal resolve. Rieff repeatedly reflects upon his mother’s steadfast determination for survival during her three bouts with cancer. Sontag was relentless in her fight, maintaining a mentality that “if you fought hard enough and, above all, intelligently enough, there was a chance that you could win”. When battling her first two cancers, Sontag faced disheartening statistics by adamantly researching new and innovative treatments. Rieff describes his mother as being “imbued with a profound sense of being the exception to every rule”. Even the smallest prospects of a cure were enough to sustain her hope. An intellectual and a student, Sontag researched and studied scientific literature to maintain the “illusion of control ... in a situation that, when all was said and done, was out of her control”. Medical teams are often frustrated by patients who recite Pubmed and the Physician’s Desk Reference. Reiff’s story does not mention this as an issue, but he does concede that the articles his mother found were generally overhyped stories with little clinical significance. It seems that Sontag respected the opinions of her physicians. She did not research her illnesses to challenge the depth of their medical knowledge, but rather to establish a sense of hope “grounded in something objective”. Unfortunately, Sontag’s research on MDS did not offer the same glimmers of hope as in her previous illnesses. MDS is one of the most devastating cancers, with a terminal prognosis in almost all cases. This Bioethical Inquiry (2009) 6:519–521 DOI 10.1007/s11673-009-9191-0
Load Shedding in MavStream: Analysis, Implementation, and Evaluation

In data stream management systems (DSMSs), Quality of Service (or QoS) requirements, as specified by users, are extremely important. To satisfy QoS requirements throughout the life of a data stream, result characteristics need to be monitored at runtime and adjustments made continuously. It has been shown that in a DSMS, switching scheduling strategies at runtime can change tuple latency requirements. DSMSs also experience significant fluctuations in input rates (termed bursty inputs). In order to meet the QoS requirements in the presence of bursty inputs, a load shedding strategy is critical. This also entails monitoring of QoS measures at run-time to meet expected QoS requirements. This paper addresses load shedding issues for MavStream, a DSMS being developed at UT Arlington. To cope with situations where the arrival rates of input streams exceed the processing capacity of the system, we have incorporated load shedders into the query processing model. The runtime optimizer continually monitors the output and decides when to turn on the shedders and how much to shed. Choice of shedders is done to minimize the error in the output. Shedders have been incorporated as part of the buffers to minimize the overhead for load shedding. Finally, load shedders are activated and deactivated dynamically by the runtime optimizer. Both random and semantic load shedding techniques are supported to match application semantics.
Generation-recombination noise in GaAs p/sup +/-i-n/sup +/ diodes

Low frequency noise measurements were made on GaAs p-i-n diodes in the temperature and frequency range of 220 to 300 K and 1 kHz to 1 MHz. Comparison of experimental data with generation-recombination-noise theory revealed the presence of a major trapping state within the I-region of these diodes. The activation energy of this trapping state is evaluated. It is concluded that the technique of trapping state identification from low-frequency noise measurements applies to GaAs p-i-n diodes. >
Schedule-selective biochemical modulation of 5-fluorouracil in advanced colorectal cancer – a phase II study

Background 5-fluorouracil remains the standard therapy for patients with advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the biological modulation of 5-fluorouracil by methotrexate and leucovorin. This phase II study was initiated to determine the activity and toxicity of sequential methotrexate – leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
A Report to the IPCC on Research Connecting Human Settlements, Infrastructure, and Climate Change

Land use plans and the techniques used to implement them determine where development occurs on the American landscape. Planning, zoning, and other land use regulations are the principal techniques employed to achieve sustainable urban development and to conserve critical landscapes. In most of the 50 states, land use planning and regulation is conducted principally at the local level, while regional planning is encouraged. In addition, land use policy, planning, and regulations can be used to manage climate change. Traditional land use patterns and conventional buildings encourage fossil fuel consumption, contributing significantly to climate change. Although local land use plans and regulations traditionally encourage sprawl, local governments can use their existing legal authority to reshape these patterns and manage climate change through both mitigation and adaptation. At the level of the city, municipalities can use land use planning and regulation to create transit oriented development, green buildings, and green neighborhoods. At the building level, local governments can require energy efficiency and renewable energy generation through local codes and incentive programs. At the urban edge and in rural areas, localities can preserve and enhance vegetative carbon sequestration and food production through open space preservation, low impact development, and exacted conservation easements. Faced with sea level rise and increased storm intensity, municipalities can use their land use authority to adapt to the consequences of climate change and to create more resilient communities.
Optimization issues for fully-integrated CMOS DC-DC converters

A general approach is given for minimizing the chip area occupied by fully integrated CMOS continuous mode buck and boost converters. It is shown that most significant portion of the area is occupied by the planar inductors. It is also shown that in most cases, continuous conduction mode requires that the minimum (critical) inductance must be used to minimize area. A design example accompanies the analysis, along with experimental results from a test integrated circuit.
Effect of nebulized lidocaine on ventilatory response to CO2 in healthy subjects.

Partial vagal blockade produced by inhalation of a local anesthetic aerosol has enhanced CO2 responsiveness in some studies but not in others. The effect of inhaled local anesthetic may depend on the amount of drug depositing in the central airways, i.e., the degree of airway anesthesia. We examined the ventilatory response to CO2 rebreathing in 11 healthy subjects before and after inhalation of 4% lidocaine and a normal saline control solution. Lidocaine and control solutions were aerosolized via two different nebulizers: one produced particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 5.28 microns, and the other produced particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 1.76 microns. The ventilatory response to CO2 was not affected by the control solution. In contrast, the ventilatory response to CO2 was significantly increased after aerosolized lidocaine when administered via the moderate-particle-size nebulizer (2.13 +/- 0.66 vs. 1.83 +/- 0.54 l.min-1.Torr-1 during control, P = 0.01) but not via the small-particle-size nebulizer (1.96 +/- 0.82 vs. 1.94 +/- 0.84 l.min-1.Torr-1 during control, P = NS). The increase in ventilation was achieved predominantly by an increase in frequency (P = 0.01) while tidal volume was unchanged. In conclusion, airway receptors accessible to inhaled local anesthetic play a role in the control of breathing during CO2 rebreathing. Previous negative studies may be due to differences in nebulizer technique, affecting the amount of drug depositing within the central airways.
Cancer of the Prostate Gland: Molecular Genetics

A key step towards understanding the clinical heterogeneity of prostate cancer is deciphering the molecular genetics underlying the disease. Recently, with the advent of advanced genome sequencing technologies, significant progress has been made on deciphering the complete genomic landscape of prostate cancer. During the past few years, a series of studies has employed genome-wide analyses to large patient datasets to delineate molecular alterations characteristic of prostate cancer. These studies have deciphered large-scale complex genomic rearrangements occurring in the prostate cancer genome, and also defined important signaling pathways underlying prostate cancer. Importantly, these studies suggest that there are distinct molecular subtypes of prostate cancer that have the potential for translating into better patient stratification and clinical management. In this review, the current state of understanding of prostate cancer molecular genetics will be discussed, highlighting recent advances in the field that have shed critical new insights into the prostate cancer genome. Keywords: postate cancer; androgen receptor; castration-resistant prostate cancer; genomic rearrangements; copy number alterations (CNAs); mutation
Mechanisms of plasticity in near-theoretical strength sub-100 nm Si nanocubes

Abstract Silicon is one of the most technologically important materials, used extensively in electronics, solar cells, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based devices and more. Yet its mechanical properties are not well understood at the nanoscale where it is often utilized. Experimental measurements under a variety of loading conditions are needed, and compression experiments are particularly lacking. Here, the elastic–plastic response of 20–65 nm cubic Si nanocubes under uniaxial compression is investigated. The purely elastic limit of these nanocubes is observed to be up to 0.07 true strain at 7 GPa true stress with an upper yield point of 0.20 true strain and 11 GPa true stress. Investigation of the nature of dislocations generated during deformation of these nanocubes using post-mortem analysis in the TEM provides evidence that leading partial dislocations are the dominant source of plasticity at this scale.
Formation stability with limited information exchange between vehicles

We study the role of information flow, and especially the rate of update of information among the vehicles in a formation, on the stability of the formation. The problem is initially posed in the general nonlinear context and a linear special case is studied in detail. We present numerical examples that illustrate the results. We also study briefly the effect of imprecise communications on the stability of a formation.
Use of paired and single traps to assess perception and discrimination of sex pheromone mixtures in the field byTrichoplusia ni (Hübner).

Paired wind-oriented traps (WORT) and single traps were deployed simultaneously in the same field to investigate whether or not inferences about the central nervous system processes of discrimination and perception can be made from differences in moth captures. The stimulus levels deployed were those that typically may be found downwind of a calling virgin female cabbage looper,Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), so that inferences are relevant to natural stimulus intensities. Captures of male cabbage loopers in the WORT traps paralleled prior laboratory measures of pheromone mixture discrimination. The pattern of captures by the two trapping systems probably reflects perceptive and discriminative processing differences in the central nervous system. Captures in traps baited withZ7–12: Ac alone were equal to, or better than, captures in traps baited with three- and six-component mixtures that containedZ7–12: Ac.
Cognition in the era of technology: "seeing the shades of gray".

The enormous impact of the so-called technology explosion in cardiovascular medicine is well known. Figure 1 reminds us that the cognitive aspects of our specialty have expanded in concert with technology and that patients who we used to see only in terms of black or white are now routinely evaluated in terms of the broad spectrum between the extremes. Our task as cardiovascular specialists is to locate the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic shade of gray for each patient. My theme today is that cognitive issues are more dominant in this process than we often realize. I hope to illustrate this point by discussing two of our most commonly used technologies. coronary arteriography and studies of myocardial perfusion. as they relate to coronary artery disease. Figure 2 reminds us that patient care decisions in coronary artery disease usually involve considerations of arteriographic status, left ventricular function and the individual clinical profile. The clinical profile, of course, includes a number of pertinent variables. and perfusion studies are only one of these. Let us begin. however. by considering coronary arteriography.
Fibrosis and intercellular collagen connections from four weeks of muscle strains

The effect of repeated cycles of muscle strain was studied in the soleus muscle of female rats. Muscle strains were repeated 3X/week for 1 month using two different strain protocols. Striking changes, including marked variability in fiber size, evidence of degradation and regeneration, and an expanded extracellular matrix were pronounced in the fast-stretched muscles but not in the slow-stretched muscles. However, the slow-stretched muscles did contain struts of connective tissue joining adjacent myofibers. Therefore, repeated muscle strains at high strain rates produced morphological changes similar to many myopathies, including fibrosis, whereas adaptation occurred in response to the same number of strains at slow strain rates. Such diverse tissue responses have relevance to the understanding of the mechanisms of skeletal muscle dysfunction in cumulative trauma disorders and in the design of preventive actions and treatments.
Chiral three-dimensional microporous nickel aspartate with extended Ni-O-Ni bonding.

In the course of our investigation aimed at the preparation of homochiral coordination polymers using readily available in optically pure form ligands and building blocks of condensed metal polyhedra, we recently reported a one-dimensional nickel aspartate compound [Ni2O(l-Asp)(H2O)2]·4H2O (1) based on helical chains with extended Ni−O−Ni bonding. Here we report a new nickel aspartate [Ni2.5(OH)(l-Asp)2]·6.55H2O (2) with a three-dimensional Ni−O−Ni connectivity that forms at a higher pH and is based on the same helices as in 1 which are connected by additional nickel octahedra to generate a chiral open framework with one-dimensional channels with minimum van der Waals dimensions of 8 × 5 A. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction on a 10 × 10 × 240 μm crystal.
Measurement technology for automation in construction and large scale assembly

Abstract Fifty technical experts from business, industry, universities and government met in Washington, D.C., on February 5 and 6, 1985, to consider the issues of applying automation to construction and large scale assembly. This workshop, sponsored by the National Bureau of Standards and Transitions Research Corporation, concluded that: • • New technology achievable in the near term would have a major benefit in the construction and large scale assembly industries. • • The key to this benefit is the application of computers to data management and process control both off-site for design and planning and on-site for inventory management, production control and creation of an as-built database. • • The achievement of this new technology requires research carried out on the integration of systems for measurement and automated control of on-site construction and assembly tasks. The consensus of the attendees at the workshop was that the specific problems that need attacking are: 1. 1. System integration and standardization of data base technology for on-site use, for integration with measurement and inventory management systems, and integration with off-site computers. 2. 2. Standardization of labeling for inventory management. 3. 3. Development of real-time measurement technology for measuring position and dimensions and for inspection for quality assurance, particularly in materials properties (e.g. concrete). 4. 4. Development of better machine control technology , particularly for lifting (cranes) and for material handling. Specific recommendations for action included: • • Information transfer: a source of information on measurement technology that could be applied in construction and a major conference on this topic next year. • • A demonstration project to develop and demonstrate an as-built database on a real construction project.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations Helps to Rationalize CopB Mutations and their Relationships to Wilson Disease

The regulation of copper levels is central to physiology. Mutations in the ATP7B copper transporter are known to lead to Wilson's disease in humans. How these mutations lead to the disease is not fully characterized at a molecular level. An excellent model system for exploring the changes in structure and dynamics for Wilson disease mutations for the ATP binding domain is provided by CopB from A. fulgidus. This domain has high sequence similarity with the P-, N-domains and hinge regions of ATP7B. Mutations to each region have previously been characterized by in vitro experimental measurements such as ATPase assays and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence. In this presentation we highlight a net ∼5 μs of implicit and explicit solvent simulations conducted on the National supercomputer resource XSEDE (Stampede, Kraken, Keeneland and Lonestar) of the CopB wild-type and 13 Wilsons disease mutations found across each of these three regions. Solvent accessible surface area measurements, H-bonds analysis and schlitter entropy calculations showed that the mutations induced changes in the dynamics of the Closed conformations of CopB with respect to the Open structure revealing conformational transitions at different rates about the hinge region. While the mutations in the P and N-domains caused mild to moderate deviations with respect to the WT, the mutations in the Hinge region caused significant deviations. The results shed new light on how the disease mutations impact on conformational change, on ATP-binding, and on phosphorylation within these domains.
Prediction of Independent Functioning and Behavior Problems in Geriatric Patients

Folstein's Mini Mental State Exam, a test assessing the capacity to perform novel and/or repetitive motor tasks (Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale) and a brief measure of working memory were used in a sample of 50 male Veterans Affairs geriatric clinic patients who ranged in age from 63 to 105 (mean, 80.1). The purpose of this study was to attempt to predict the patients' capacity to regulate their behavior independently. We hypothesized that frontal lobe disorders often impair a patient's ability to function autonomously and that the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale, a measure of frontal lobe impairment, would best predict the capacity for independent regulation of purposeful behavior. Therefore, we examined the relationship of the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale with spouses' and caregivers' ratings of patients' independent living skills, and with behaviors that interfere with independent functioning. The results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale was the only predictor of functional autonomy and was the best predictor of both impulsivity and apathy among geriatric patients. The Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale appears to assess a different functional domain than do the MMSE and similar measures, which rely heavily on the evaluation of orientation and gross cognitive status.
Drug evaluations using neuronal networks cultured on microelectrode arrays.

Abstract We used spontaneously active neuronal networks derived from dissociated embryonic murine spinal cord and auditory cortex and grown on substrate-integrated thin-film microelectrodes to determine characteristic responses to the cannabinoid agonists anandamide (AN) and methanandamide (MA). AN and MA reversibly inhibited spike and burst production in both tissue types. Responses of 21 cultures ranging in age from 23 to 111 days in vitro (d.i.v) showed high intra- and inter-culture reproducibility at all ages. However, responses were tissue and substance-dependent. AN and MA were equipotent in cortical cultures and terminated bursting and spiking at 2.5±0.9 μM (n=10). Spinal cultures were shut-off by 1.3±0.7 μM (n=15) AN, but required 5.8±1.2 μM MA for activity cessation. MA, but not AN, demonstrated a biphasic influence: excitation at 0.25–3.5 μM and suppression at 4–7.1 μM. Palmitoylethanolamide, a related lipophilic molecule with no reported binding to the CB1 receptor (to which AN and MA bind in the central nervous system), did not affect network activity at concentrations up to 6.5 μM. Irreversible cessation of activity was observed after 30 min applications of AN or MA at >7 μM.
Feedback between Glial Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and gp120 from HIV-Infected Cells Helps Maintain Infection and Destroy Neurons

An envelope glycoprotein, gp20, of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interacts with host systems to promote HIV replication. gp120 is also involved in tissue-destructive positive feedback cycles
51.4: The Highest Resolution of 427 ppi for LTPS TFT-LCD with Integrated Driver

A 3 inch XGA LTPS TFT-LCD with integrated driver circuit resulting the highest resolution of 427 ppi has been fabricated and demonstrated by PMOS technology. For this panel, 96 data inputs, driven by exclusive ASIC with 6-bit grey-scale to display 262,144 colors, are de-multiplexed into 32 phases for all the data lines.
Application of digital controls on the quiet clean short haul experimental engines

The digital control systems for the Under-the-Wing (UTW) and Over-the-Wing (OTW) engines developed on the NASA/General Electric Quiet Clean Shorthaul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) program are described. The system to control engine variables includes three major functional parts: system sensors, digital control and system actuators. One of the primary control system functions is to prevent the engine from exceeding speed or temperature limits. The UTW control system also provides fault detection and condition monitoring. The control system requirements for the OTW engine are essentially the same as the UTW engine, however the inlet Mach number control requirement is eliminated, and failure indication and corrective action and full authority digital control are added. The digital controls scheduled the engine variables and maintained engine operation within all physical limits throughout the test program of approximately 200 hours of operation and provided stable and accurate control of both engines.