cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical and Ecological Responses of Sandy Beaches to the 1997–98 El Niño

Abstract El Nino events elevate water levels, change wave direction and storm frequency, and provide an analogy to the likely impacts of climate change. Elevated sea levels intensify coastal erosion impacts affecting not only oceanfront property and recreational users, but also habitats and species that depend on the coast. This study examines physical and ecological responses to and recovery from the extreme 1997–98 El Nino along beaches of Isla Vista, California, a stretch of coastline dominated by unidirectional alongshore sediment transport. Using topographic light detection and ranging (LIDAR), physical measurements, and biological surveys we quantify physical changes and assess ecological responses. We quantify short-term reductions in beach widths (>60%) and sand volumes (∼80%). Although dune-backed beaches lost greater sand volumes, bluff-backed shorelines lost greater percentages of beach width. Four erosion hot spots were identified consistent with a pattern of beach reorientations. Macrophyte w...
CONCEPTUAL PROBLEMS IN NEO‐MARXIST INDUSTRIAL GEOGRAPHY. A CRITIQUE OF THEMES FROM SCOTT AND STORPER'S: PRODUCTION, WORK, TERRITORY

The publication of Scott and Storper's Production, Work, Territory symbolizes the intellectual maturation of the new industrial geography. But problems of relating human action to structural necessity and local events to global processes continue to plague the discourse. This paper critically examines these related themes in the work of Scott and Storper, and Lipietz, pointing to the uneasy relation between structural inevitability and contingent spatial outcomes, and offers an alternative reading of structuralism as a contribution to the ongoing debate.
Diagnostic performance of ultrasonic tissue characterization for subendocardial ischaemia in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Aims Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients often develop left­-ventricular subendocardial ischaemia, a cause of chest symptoms, despite normal epicardial coronary arteries. The aim of this study was to examine whether ultrasonic tissue characterization or late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can detect subendocardial ischaemia in patients with HCM. Methods and results Subendocardial ischaemia was quantified on exercise Tc-99m tetrofosmin myocardial scintigraphy in 29 non-obstructive HCM patients with asymmetric septal hypertrophy. Ultrasonic tissue characterization using cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CV-IB) and late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were analysed separately in the right halves and the left halves of the ventricular septum in relation to subendocardial ischaemia. Subendocardial ischaemia was identified in 17 (59%) patients. The ratio of CV-IB in the right-to-left halves of the ventricular septum was significantly higher in patients with subendocardial ischaemia (1.19 ± 0.10) than those without (0.84 ± 0.10, P = 0.04). The optimal cutoff for the detection of subendocardial ischaemia was the ratio of CV-IB >1.0, with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 71%, and accuracy of 76%. On the other hand, late gadolinium enhancement was not associated with subendocardial ischaemia in our cohort. Conclusion Ultrasonic tissue characterization using CV-IB separately in the right and left halves of the ventricular septum, but not late gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, provided useful information in detecting subendocardial ischaemia in patients with HCM. Ultrasonic tissue characterization may be useful in selecting patients who will benefit from medications to relieve chest symptoms.
The significance of pressure shifts for the interpretation of H2 quadrupole lines in planetary spectra

Abstract The effects of pressure shifts on the formation of H 2 quadrupole absorption lines in the atmospheres of the major planets have not previously been considered. It is shown that, although pressure shifts have not been measured for the 3-0 and 4-0 H 2 bands, they can be estimated from existing experimental and theoretical knowledge. Using these estimates, it is shown that the effect of pressure shifts is negligible for Jupiter and small for Saturn, but quite large for Uranus. Consideration of the shifts reduces H 2 abundances determined for Uranus by from 25% to 50% as compared to calculations in which the shifts are ignored. The effect may be even larger for Neptune.
Acute electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence.

Abstract Acute or maximal electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles has been used in incontinent patients who are suitable candidates for electrical stimulation, but unwilling or unable to use the anal plug electrodes. Seventeen of 20 patients had relief or improvement of their incontinence. However 5 of these 17 patients had a relapse of symptoms on follow-up, requiring a repeat treatment with acute or maximal electrical stimulation.
Modeling seed dispersal distances: implications for transgenic Pinus taeda.

Predicting forest-tree seed dispersal across a landscape is useful for estimating gene flow from genetically engineered (GE) or transgenic trees. The question of biocontainment has yet to be resolved, although field-trial permits for transgenic forest trees are on the rise. Most current field trials in the United States occur in the Southeast where Pinus taeda L., an indigenous species, is the major timber commodity. Seed dispersal distances were simulated using a model where the major determinants were: (1) forest canopy height at seed release, (2) terminal velocity of the seeds, (3) absolute seed release, and (4) turbulent-flow statistics, all of which were measured or determined within a P. taeda plantation established from seeds collected from wild forest-tree stands at the Duke Forest near Durham, North Carolina, USA. In plantations aged 16 and 25 years our model results showed that most of the seeds fell within local-neighborhood dispersal distances, with estimates ranging from 0.05 to 0.14 km from ...
Some factors controlling the interaction between response-dependent and response-independent schedules of reinforcement

Response rate interactions were studied in four rats following a shift from: (a) a multiple schedule in which two stimuli, S1 and S2, were both correlated with response-dependent reinforcement (mult VI 1 min VI 1 min) to (b) a multiple schedule in which S2 was now correlated with response-independent reinforcement (mult VI 1 min VT 1 min). Concomitant with the decrease in the rate of responding in the VT component, there was also a decrease in rate of responding during the VI component, i.e., negative induction. The nature of the observed interaction suggested that responding appropriate to the VT component may have generalized to the VI component. To test this interpretation, in a second experiment an effort was made to accentuate the differences between the components of the multiple schedules and consequently to reduce the degree of interaction. For four rats, two had a different reinforcer correlated with each component and two had a different response lever correlated with each component. The results of the separate-reinforcer treatment were not consistently different from those results obtained in Experiment I. The separate-lever treatment, however, resulted in decreased negative induction interaction and lower rates of responding during the VT component.
Checking the Federal Courts: The Impact of Congressional Statutes on Judicial Behavior

This paper examines the struggle between the legislative and judicial branches by focusing specifically on congressional influences on the behavior of federal judges. We argue that Congress may constrain individual judicial behavior by passing statutes containing detailed language. To test this thesis we borrow from the bureaucratic politics literature to introduce and test a new measure of statutory constraint. Using data from the U.S. Courts of Appeals we find that appellate court behavior is constrained significantly by statutory language, although this constraint is asymmetric across ideology. We discover substantial differences between Democratic and Republican appointees both in terms of statutory constraint and ideological voting. The data indicate judges appointed by Democratic presidents are constrained by statutory language in criminal cases. Similarly, Republican appointees are constrained by statutes in civil rights cases. Yet, neither Democrats nor Republicans are constrained in economic cases.
Current concepts in colorectal cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer chemoprevention, or chemoprophylaxis, is a drug-based approach to prevent colorectal cancer. Preventing colorectal adenomas with currently available agents demonstrates the promise of pharmacologic strategies directed at critical regulatory pathways. However, agent toxicity, lesion breakthrough and competing efficacy from endoscopy procedures challenge population-based implementation. This article reviews the role of colorectal cancer chemoprevention in the context of existing screening and surveillance guidelines and practice. Emphasis is placed on the role of the colorectal adenoma as a cancer precursor and its surrogacy in assessing individual risk and for evaluating chemoprevention efficacy. We discuss the importance of risk stratification for identifying subjects at moderate-to-high risk for colorectal cancer who are most likely to benefit from chemoprevention at an acceptable level of risk.
A programmable cardiac stimulator

A programmable constant current cardiac stimulator for use in a cardiac electrophysiology research lab has been implemented with a Macintosh II interfaced to voltage to current converters. The Macintosh II was equipped with three boards from National Instruments. The driver program for the boards was written in C and runs under System 6.0.X and Finder 6.1. The primary function of the program is to provide an easy-to-use interface for the operator while accurately controlling the output of the stimulator. Stimulation modes are preprogrammed to limit the number of parameters input by the user. Square, truncated exponential, damped sinusoidal, and triangular constant current waveforms have been implemented. A sensor with slope and level detection can be used for synchronous starting of the stimulation. Digital event markers corresponding to each channel are the output for external recording devices. >
Polymeric Nanolayers as Actuators for Ultrasensitive Thermal Bimorphs

Polymeric nanolayers are introduced here as active, thermal-stress mediating structures facilitating extremely sensitive thermal detection based upon the thermomechanical response of a bimaterial polymer-silicon microcantilever. To maximize the bimaterial bending effect, the microcantilever bimorph is composed of stiff polysilicon, with a strongly adhered polymer deposited via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The polymer layers with thickness ranging from 20 to 200 nm possess a rapid and pronounced response to temperature fluctuations due to intrinsic sensitive thermal behavior. We show that by taking advantage of the thermal stresses generated by the huge mismatch of material properties in the polymer-silicon bimorph, unprecedented thermal sensitivities can be achieved. In fact, the temperature resolution of our bimaterial microcantilevers approaches 0.2 mK with thermal sensitivity reaching 2 nm/mK; both parameters are more than an order of magnitude better than the current metal-ceramic design. This new hybrid platform overcomes the inherently limited sensitivity of current sensor designs and provides the basis to develop the ultimate uncooled IR microsensor with unsurpassable sensitivity.
Bacterial (Suppurative) Arthritis in the Adult

Bacterial (suppurative) arthritis is a serious and often unrecognized cause of a painful joint in adult patients. The commonest infecting organism is a penicillin-G resistant staphylococcus. Nine of the seventy-eight patients in our series were infected with gram-negative bacillary organisms. Death of twelve patients probably was attributable to the infectious process. Three deaths resulted from other causes. Bacterial arthritis is infrequent and this may account for failure to make an early diagnosis; nonetheless, failure to do so may lead to death and most certainly results in severely compromised function of the involved joint. The most important aid to diagnosis is culture of the joint fluid. Suspicion should be directed to any elderly, anemic patient who has joint pain with or without effusion and who has an elevated sedimentation rate. Treatment must be based on proper bacteriologic diagnosis, selection of appropriate antibacterial agents, and drainage of the affected joint. If the disease progresses, then excision of all infected material is necessary. Arthrodesis is probably the treatment of choice for the chronically infected knee; in the hip either arthrodesis or arthroplasty can be given consideration.
Clustering obstacle predictions to improve contingency planning for autonomous road vehicles in congested environments

A hierarchical trajectory clustering algorithm is presented with the goal of clustering a set of mutually exclusive obstacle trajectory predictions for use in a contingency based path planner for an autonomous road vehicle. This clustering algorithm improves the computational scaling of the contingency planner by limiting the total number of required contingency paths while preserving the performance advantages of exhaustive contingency planning. This algorithm seeks to maximize dissimilarity between trajectory clusters with regard to their potential effect on a robot's future path. Simulation results show that the clustering algorithm allows a robot to maintain many of the benefits of contingency planning while requiring fewer contingency paths.
Twenty-two years of office and outpatient laparoscopy: Current techniques and why I chose them

Since 1972 I have introduced the following technical modifications in outpatient laparoscopy under local anesthesia to improve safety, economy, and patient acceptability: avoiding the insufflating needle and sharp trocar in favor of open abdominal entry, using the Hasson cannula; introducing room air for insufflation instead of nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide; using the Hulka clip in place of tubal coagulation; making a single-incision, open surgical entry through the central umbilical fossa in obese patients; and completing fascial penetration with a blunt hemostat or Kelly clamp to minimize the risk of bowel or vessel injury.
Deletion of Selenoprotein P Alters Distribution of Selenium in the Mouse

Selenoprotein P (Se-P) contains most of the selenium in plasma. Its function is not known. Mice with the Se-P gene deleted (Sepp(-/-)) were generated. Two phenotypes were observed: 1) Sepp(-/-) mice lost weight and developed poor motor coordination when fed diets with selenium below 0.1 mg/kg, and 2) male Sepp(-/-) mice had sharply reduced fertility. Weanling male Sepp(+/+), Sepp(+/-), and Sepp(-/-) mice were fed diets for 8 weeks containing <0.02-2 mg selenium/kg. Sepp(+/+) and Sepp(+/-) mice had similar selenium concentrations in all tissues except plasma where a gene-dose effect on Se-P was observed. Liver selenium was unaffected by Se-P deletion except that it increased when dietary selenium was below 0.1 mg/kg. Selenium in other tissues exhibited a continuum of responses to Se-P deletion. Testis selenium was depressed to 19% in mice fed an 0.1 mg selenium/kg diet and did not rise to Sepp(+/+) levels even with a dietary selenium of 2 mg/kg. Brain selenium was depressed to 43%, but feeding 2 mg selenium/kg diet raised it to Sepp(+/+) levels. Kidney was depressed to 76% and reached Sepp(+/+) levels on an 0.25 mg selenium/kg diet. Heart selenium was not affected. These results suggest that the Sepp(-/-) phenotypes were caused by low selenium in testis and brain. They strongly suggest that Se-P from liver provides selenium to several tissues, especially testis and brain. Further, they indicate that transport forms of selenium other than Se-P exist because selenium levels of all tissues except testis responded to increases of dietary selenium in Sepp(-/-) mice.
Help-seeking patterns of anxiety-disordered individuals in the general population

Abstract From a sample of the general population, 142 individuals who had been diagnosed by structured interview as having agoraphobia, social phobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder according to DSM-III criteria were asked if and where they sought help and how they found or would find treatment. Only 40% of the agoraphobics, 28% of those with obsessive compulsive disorder, and 8% of the social phobics reported having sought professional assistance. No demographic differences were found between help-seekers and non-help-seekers, except an equivocal finding suggesting that help-seekers were more likely to live in the city. Almost half of the help-seekers had not seen a mental health professional. Nonpsychiatric physicians and members of the clergy were most frequently cited as the first point of contact for locating treatment. Results suggest that most anxiety disordered individuals do not receive help from professionals with appropriate expertise. Greater involvement of physicians and the clergy may facilitate future attempts to increase public awareness of and access to effective treatments currently available for anxiety disorders.
Understanding and Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality in the Front End of the Child Welfare System

Racial/ethnic disproportionality in the child welfare system is a complicated social problem that is receiving increasing amounts of attention from researchers and practitioners. This review of the literature examines disproportionality in the front-end of the child welfare system and interventions that may address it. While none of the interventions had evidence suggesting that they reduced disproportionality in child welfare front-end processes, some of the interventions may improve child welfare case processes related to disproportionality and outcomes for families of color.
'States of Mind': Expanding the Property Tax Debate - Tax Impacts on First-Time Homebuyers and Senior Citizens

The author suggests that the impact of property taxes on first-time homebuyers and senior citizens may not be as great as is sometimes supposed.
gpucc: an open-source GPGPU compiler

Graphics Processing Units have emerged as powerful accelerators for massively parallel, numerically intensive workloads. The two dominant software models for these devices are NVIDIA’s CUDA and the cross-platform OpenCL standard. Until now, there has not been a fully open-source compiler targeting the CUDA environment, hampering general compiler and architecture research and making deployment difficult in datacenter or supercomputer environments. In this paper, we present gpucc, an LLVM-based, fully open-source, CUDA compatible compiler for high performance computing. It performs various general and CUDA-specific optimizations to generate high performance code. The Clang-based frontend supports modern language features such as those in C++11 and C++14. Compile time is 8% faster than NVIDIA’s toolchain (nvcc) and it reduces compile time by up to 2.4x for pathological compilations (>100 secs), which tend to dominate build times in parallel build environments. Compared to nvcc, gpucc’s runtime performance is on par for several open-source benchmarks, such as Rodinia (0.8% faster), SHOC (0.5% slower), or Tensor (3.7% faster). It outperforms nvcc on internal large-scale end-to-end benchmarks by up to 51.0%, with a geometric mean of 22.9%.
Wnt5a Regulates the Assembly of Human Adipose Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction-Derived Microvasculatures

Human adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (hSVF) cells are an easily accessible, heterogeneous cell system that can spontaneously self-assemble into functional microvasculatures in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying vascular self-assembly and maturation are poorly understood, therefore we utilized an in vitro model to identify potential in vivo regulatory mechanisms. We utilized passage one (P1) hSVF because of the rapid UEA1+ endothelium (EC) loss at even P2 culture. We exposed hSVF cells to a battery of angiogenesis inhibitors and found that the pan-Wnt inhibitor IWP2 produced the most significant hSVF-EC networking decrease (~25%). To determine which Wnt isoform(s) and receptor(s) may be involved, hSVF was screened by PCR for isoforms associated with angiogenesis, with only WNT5A and its receptor, FZD4, being expressed for all time points observed. Immunocytochemistry confirmed Wnt5a protein expression by hSVF. To see if Wnt5a alone could restore IWP2-induced EC network inhibition, recombinant human Wnt5a (0-150 ng/ml) was added to IWP2-treated cultures. The addition of rhWnt5a significantly increased EC network area and significantly decreased the ratio of total EC network length to EC network area compared to untreated controls. To determine if Wnt5a mediates in vivo microvascular self-assembly, 3D hSVF constructs containing an IgG isotype control, anti-Wnt5a neutralizing antibody or rhWnt5a were implanted subcutaneously for 2w in immune compromised mice. Compared to IgG controls, anti-Wnt5a treatment significantly reduced vessel length density by ~41%, while rhWnt5a significantly increased vessel length density by ~62%. However, anti-Wnt5a or rhWnt5a did not significantly affect the density of segments and nodes, both of which measure vascular complexity. Taken together, this data demonstrates that endogenous Wnt5a produced by hSVF plays a regulatory role in microvascular self-assembly in vivo. These findings also suggest that manipulating Wnt signaling could enhance control of hSVF vascularization in tissue engineering applications.
Wilson's Phalarope Nest Success Is Not Influenced by Vegetation Concealment

I examined vegetation characteristics at nests of Wilson's Phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor) to evaluate the null hypothesis that nest success was independent of concealment from predators. During 1983 and 1984, 28% (n = 25) and 18% (n = 60) ofphalarope clutches successfully hatched chicks; both years predation caused most (60%) clutch failures. No relationship obtained between nesting success and vegetation density, height and heterogeneity, but plant communities differed between successful and depredated nests in 1983. These results do not support the hypothesis that clutch concealment deters predation; rather they suggest that other, perhaps multiple, factors should be examined as forces shaping nestsite selection of ground-nesting birds.
Interatomic Interactions for BCC Metals Based on the Low Order Moments of the Density of States

A model of the energetics of bcc transition metals based on the low-order moments of the electronic density of states is presented. The new feature of the model is an additional energy term related to the fourth moment of the density of states. This term reflects the coarse shape of the density of states. The model is tested by the computation of point defect properties, phonon dispersions, structural energy differences and surface properties. The results are compared to experiment, ab-initio calculations and other model interatomic potentials. The results indicate that the inclusion of the fourth moment term in the energy does not significantly improve the description of properties of the bulk bcc metals. However, the fourth moment term substantially improves the description of large deviations from the bcc bulk such as surfaces and alternative crystal structures.
Dimensions of depressive symptoms and cingulate volumes in older adults

Clinical depression and subthreshold depressive symptoms in older adults have been linked to structural changes in the cingulate gyrus. The cingulate comprises functionally distinct subregions that may have distinct associations with different types, or symptom dimensions, of depression. This study examined the relationship between symptom dimensions of depression and gray matter volumes in the anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate and isthmus of the cingulate in a nonclinical sample. The study included 41 community-dwelling older adults between the ages of 55 and 81. Participants received a structural magnetic resonance imaging scan and completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Subscale scores for depressed mood, somatic symptoms and lack of positive affect were calculated, and Freesurfer was used to extract cingulate gray matter volumes. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and volumes of cingulate subregions while controlling for sex, age and estimated total intracranial volume. Higher scores on the depressed mood subscale were associated with larger volumes in the left posterior cingulate and smaller volumes in the isthmus cingulate. Higher scores on the somatic symptoms subscale were significantly related to smaller volumes in the posterior cingulate. A trend was observed for a positive relationship between higher scores on the lack of positive affect subscale and larger volumes in the anterior cingulate cortex. These results are consistent with previous findings of altered cingulate volumes with increased depressive symptomatology and suggest specific symptom dimensions of depression may differ in their relationship with subregions of the cingulate.
Discussion on CNC Machining of Preventing and Improving the Track

The process of cylinder head line in the manufacturing and processing of marks,appear various,seriously affected the production index of high quality,low cost.The author combines the actual situation of head section,introduces the manufacturing process of engine cylinder head cut in,and in the actual production of the prevention and control measures,provide a reference basis for the production of CNC machining of engine cylinder head.
DOE: Response Surface Methods

Response surface methods (RSM) are primarily relevant when the decision-maker desires (1) to create a relatively accurate prediction of engineered system input-output relationships and (2) to “tune” or optimize thoroughly of the system being designed. Since these methods require more runs for a given number of factors than screening using fractional factorials, they are generally reserved for cases in which the importance of all factors is assumed, perhaps because of previous experimentation.
Research Article: Morphology of pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) is related to water body size

Abstract Morphological diversity was analyzed in pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) between a lake (40.5 ha) and a pond (4 ha) at the Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station in upstate New York. The hypotheses were (1) fish from the lake and pond would differ in body shape due to different biotic/abiotic factors in each water body, and (2) there would be a difference in variance in body shape between the lake and the pond due to differences in the availability of niches. Body shape variation was examined using geometric morphometrics, and parametric statistics were used to identify differences in body shape, and differences in the variance in body shape, between fish from the pond and the lake. Fish from the pond were, on average, slightly deeper bodied for a given body size; however, there was substantial overlap in variation, so this variation may not be ecologically significant even though it is statistically significant. The variance in components of body shape also differed between the pon...
The African diaspora: history, adaptation and health

The trans-Atlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to the New World. Advances in genomics are providing novel insights into the history and health of Africans and the diasporan populations. Recent examples reviewed here include the unraveling of substantial hunter-gatherer and 'Eurasian' admixtures across sub-Saharan Africa, expanding our understanding of ancestral African genetics; the global ubiquity of mixed ancestry; the revealing of African ancestry in Latin Americans that likely derived from the slave trade; and understanding of the ancestral backgrounds of APOL1 and LPL found to influence kidney disease and lipid levels, respectively, providing specific insights into disease etiology and health disparities.
Big-C Versus Little-c Creativity: Definitions, Implications, and Inherent Educational Contradictions

Two empirical investigations showed that achieved eminence as a creator can sometimes be a curvilinear, inverted-U function of the level of formal education attained by the individual. Typically, the peak falls approximately in the last year of undergraduate education. Because these findings suggest that formal education might not always be conducive to creative development, I examined the possibility that a complex and sometimes conflicting relation might ensue from the very definition of what it means to be creative. From there I introduced two formal definitions, one for personal (little-c) creativity and the other for consensual (Big-C) creativity. The implications of these definitions indeed supported the conclusion that formal education cannot have a simple positive linear association with creativity, and under certain circumstances that association can become negative.
Graph-Based Mobility

The graph-based (or graph walk) mobility model that reflects the constraints of movement of mobile nodes in real-world mobile ad hoc networks is described. The area graph-based mobility model, a variation of the graph walk, which uses a graph-like structure of connected areas to build up scenarios, is also analyzed. The performance of this model is simulation results of the graph walk model is provided. The performances of both mobility models are discussed in analyzing the simulation results of the graph walk model are provided. It is shown that more intelligent routing protocols need to be devised to overcome the adverse effects of these mobility models.
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Substance Use Among High School Students

This study examined gender differences in the relationship between bullying victimization and substance use among high school students (N = 580). Students who reported bullying victimization reported higher levels of alcohol and illicit drug use but not marijuana use. Further, the relationship between bully victimization and illicit drug use was moderated by gender such that males who reported bully victimization reported the highest levels of illicit drug use.
Prefrontal and amygdala engagement during emotional reactivity and regulation in generalized anxiety disorder.

Abstract Background Emotion dysregulation is prominent in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized clinically by exaggerated reactivity to negative stimuli and difficulty in down-regulating this response. Although limited research implicates frontolimbic disturbances in GAD, whether neural aberrations occur during emotional reactivity, regulation, or both is not well understood. Methods During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 30 individuals with GAD and 30 healthy controls (HC) completed a well-validated explicit emotion regulation task designed to measure emotional reactivity and regulation of reactivity. During the task, participants viewed negative images (‘Look-Negative’ condition) and, on some trials, used a cognitive strategy to reduce negative affective response (‘Reappraise’ condition). Results Results from an Analysis of Variance corrected for whole brain multiple comparisons showed a significant group x condition interaction in the left amygdala and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Results from post-hoc analyses showed that the GAD group engaged these regions to a greater extent than HCs during Look-Negative but not Reappraise. Behaviorally, the GAD group reported feeling more negative than the HC group in each condition, although both groups reported reduced negative affect following regulation. Limitations As comorbidity was permitted, the presence of concurrent disorders, like other anxiety disorders and depression, detracts our ability to classify neural engagement particular to GAD alone. Conclusions Individuals with GAD exhibited over-engagement of amygdala and frontal regions during the viewing of negative images, compared to HCs. Together, these aberrations may indicate that deficits in emotional reactivity rather than regulation contribute to emotion dysregulation in those with GAD.
The vague time of a killing

The problem of the time of a killing concerns exactly when and where to locate our actions. It is a problem for many of our actions beyond killing, and there are versions of the problem that can be raised no matter where your theory locates actions in particular. To answer the problem, I claim that we should be guided to the referent of ‘the killing’ by examining the definition of ‘to kill.’ Once we have the correct definition, we can see that there are several candidate events that might be the referent of ‘the killing,’ but that the definition does not determine which of them is the referent. So, I argue that it is indeterminate or vague which event is ‘the killing.’ This solution is general across many action verbs, appeals to a minimally controversial type of vagueness, avoids the unintuitive results of views that determinately locate killings, and is compatible with different views about the location of actions. In the concluding section, I show how appealing to vagueness is distinct from and superior to appealing to ambiguity.
Dynamic Competition and Economic Stability

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the way in which a predictive theory of dynamic competition can be formulated on the basis of empirical observation and the way in which the real world competition plays a more impressive role than it does in the world of classical economic theory. Dynamic competition was initially discovered by Adam Smith and consists of rivalry between business firms to provide better or cheaper products. Progress may take the form of either incremental output per unit of input or more or less continuous improvements in quality. Also, individual advances are quite unpredictable inasmuch as they involve the correction of errors in previous hypotheses and changes in initial conditions the entrepreneur himself cannot predict. In this light, the essential role of the entrepreneur is to generate new ideological mutations and technological innovations. An economic system in which progress comes about at a regular rate involves unpredictable microbehavior: the more rapid the rate, the more unpredictable will be the microbehavior. Such continuous progress can be looked upon as a dynamic process. Consequently, neither classical microtheory nor Bayesian probability theory can be used to explain it. Dynamic competition provides not only a stimulus to smooth progress but also a constraint on wage and price increases.
Neurotensin Receptor-1 Identifies a Subset of Ventral Tegmental Dopamine Neurons that Coordinates Energy Balance

Summary Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are heterogeneous and differentially regulate ingestive and locomotor behaviors that affect energy balance. Identification of which VTA DA neurons mediate behaviors that limit weight gain has been hindered, however, by the lack of molecular markers to distinguish VTA DA populations. Here, we identified a specific subset of VTA DA neurons that express neurotensin receptor-1 (NtsR1) and preferentially comprise mesolimbic, but not mesocortical, DA neurons. Genetically targeted ablation of VTA NtsR1 neurons uncouples motivated feeding and physical activity, biasing behavior toward energy expenditure and protecting mice from age-related and diet-induced weight gain. VTA NtsR1 neurons thus represent a molecularly defined subset of DA neurons that are essential for the coordination of energy balance. Modulation of VTA NtsR1 neurons may therefore be useful to promote behaviors that prevent the development of obesity.
Active Site Metal Identity Alters Histone Deacetylase 8 Substrate Selectivity: A Potential Novel Regulatory Mechanism.

Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) is a well-characterized member of the class I acetyl-lysine deacetylase (HDAC) family. Previous work has shown that the efficiency of HDAC8-catalyzed deacetylation of a methylcoumarin peptide varies depending on the identity of the divalent metal ion in the HDAC8 active site. Here we demonstrate that both HDAC8 activity and substrate selectivity for a diverse range of peptide substrates depend on the identity of the active site metal ion. Varied deacetylase activities of Fe(II)- and Zn(II)-HDAC8 toward an array of peptide substrates were identified using self-assembled monolayers for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (SAMDI) mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the metal dependence of deacetylation of peptides of biological interest was measured using an in vitro peptide assay. While Fe(II)-HDAC8 is generally more active than Zn(II)-HDAC8, the Fe(II)/Zn(II) HDAC8 activity ratio varies widely (from 2 to 150) among the peptides tested. These data provide support for the h...
Building Linked Data Agents for Mobility Applications

Semantic Web standards were developed in order to improve accessibility to the web. While developers frequently leverage software APIs to support application development, considerable challenges still exist. The Semantic Web has promised to resolve these challenges, but to date has only provided limited functionality. Higher potential has been demonstrated in the area known as Linked Data which has leveraged Semantic Web technologies to support the purpose of building applications by linking data sets within a common model. This paper examines a number of potential applications for mobility which leverage Linked Data thereby providing direct access to digital libraries and information resources.
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Education for World Citizenship

What is the purpose of education in a democracy? What is the meaning of freedom? These questions are explored in depth in this essay as the author attempts to expand the conversation between private and public education. Without reference to religious purposes or Gospel mandates, the article explores possible responses to ultimate questions of meaning by mining language, history, biology, and technology for answers.
Programmable Automotive Headlights

The primary goal of an automotive headlight is to improve safety in low light and poor weather conditions. But, despite decades of innovation on light sources, more than half of accidents occur at night even with less traffic on the road. Recent developments in adaptive lighting have addressed some limitations of standard headlights, however, they have limited flexibility - switching between high and low beams, turning off beams toward the opposing lane, or rotating the beam as the vehicle turns - and are not designed for all driving environments. This paper introduces an ultra-low latency reactive visual system that can sense, react, and adapt quickly to any environment while moving at highway speeds. Our single hardware design can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. Anti-glare high beams, improved driver visibility during snowstorms, increased contrast of lanes, markings, and sidewalks, and early visual warning of obstacles are demonstrated.
E-learning for adult learners: a case study

Adults have unique styles of learning, and more and more of them are turning to eLearning solutions to acquire the academic credentials and the comfort with the Information Society they need to function effectively in today's world. Thomas Edison State College, a pioneer in delivering courses and programs via eLearning options whose mission is to provide collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults, responds to the needs of its adult students by using a special mix of technologies to offer customized development and delivery of academic programs and courses. After a brief overview of adult learning styles and Thomas Edison State College's learning options, this paper discusses the organizational and management issues the College faces as it seeks to bring its students into the Information Society in ways that align on institutionally identified learning outcomes. New efforts and works in progress are also described in the context of the College's Strategic Vision Plan, covering the period from January 2006 through June 2012.
Elevated-Temperature 3D Printing of Hybrid Solid-State Electrolyte for Li-Ion Batteries

While 3D printing of rechargeable batteries has received immense interest in advancing the next generation of 3D energy storage devices, challenges with the 3D printing of electrolytes still remain. Additional processing steps such as solvent evaporation were required for earlier studies of electrolyte fabrication, which hindered the simultaneous production of electrode and electrolyte in an all-3D-printed battery. Here, a novel method is demonstrated to fabricate hybrid solid-state electrolytes using an elevated-temperature direct ink writing technique without any additional processing steps. The hybrid solid-state electrolyte consists of solid poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) matrices and a Li+ -conducting ionic-liquid electrolyte. The ink is modified by adding nanosized ceramic fillers to achieve the desired rheological properties. The ionic conductivity of the inks is 0.78 × 10 -3 S cm-1 . Interestingly, a continuous, thin, and dense layer is discovered to form between the porous electrolyte layer and the electrode, which effectively reduces the interfacial resistance of the solid-state battery. Compared to the traditional methods of solid-state battery assembly, the directly printed electrolyte helps to achieve higher capacities and a better rate performance. The direct fabrication of electrolyte from printable inks at an elevated temperature will shed new light on the design of all-3D-printed batteries for next-generation electronic devices.
Techno-economic analysis of ash removal in biomass harvested from algal turf scrubbers

Abstract Large-scale microalgae cultivation for biodiesel production is expected to be performed utilizing open air growth infrastructure that will inherently introduce ash into the system. High ash biomass represents a significant challenge for the production of biofuel as it increases processing capital and operational costs. This study assesses the economic viability of pretreatment to remove ash from biomass grown with an algal turf scrubber (ATS). An engineering process model of biofuel production was developed based on an ATS growth system followed by an ash removal process and conversion of the biomass to fuels through hydrothermal liquefaction. The model was validated with literature data for the growth and conversion processes and with experimental data for 14 de-ashing processes using water washing or alkaline extraction. The engineering process model was integrated with techno-economic modeling to investigate the impact of ash on biomass and fuel selling prices. Capital costs associated with biofuel conversion doubled as ash content increased from 0% to 70%, increasing fuel selling price by 21%. Integrating ash removal resulted in reduced conversion capital costs (14–42%) based on the reduction of total mass processed. However, only water washes scenarios at 25 °C and 50 °C were found to reduce overall fuel selling price, with alkaline extraction scenarios showing a significant increase. Operational expenses associated with alkaline extraction de-ashing including wastewater treatment, chemical costs, and heating the microalgae slurry were found to significantly increase the overall fuel selling price of the microalgae biofuel by 17–92% depending on the operational scenario.
Spurious effects of analog-to-digital conversion nonlinearities on radar range-Doppler maps

High-performance radar operation, particularly Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar modes, are very sensitive to anomalous effects of system nonlinearities. System nonlinearities generate harmonic spurs that at best degrade, and at worst generate false target detections. One significant source of nonlinear behavior is the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). One measure of its undesired nonlinearity is its Integral Nonlinearity (INL) specification. We examine in this paper the relationship of INL to radar performance; in particular its manifestation in a range-Doppler map or image.
Abstract 1744: SAMHD1 expression and impact on clinical outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a potential therapeutic target

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While standard treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincris- tine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) can cure DLBCL, failed patients have poor outcome. Thus, a search for stand-alone or adjuvant therapy to improve patient’s outcome is important. Sam and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a well-established deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) triphosphohydrolase. Its dNTPase activity has been associated with cellular defence mechanism against infection by depleting cellular dNTP pool bellow level required for viral replication. SAMHD1 mutations have been associated with Aicardi Goutieres (AGS) and cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), demonstrating its relevance beyond viral infection. In addition, it has been shown that SAMHD1 expression in Recently, our lab has defined a novel role for SAMHD1 in DNA end resection to facilitate DNA double strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR). SAMHD1 expression and its diagnostic or therapeutic relevance in DLBCL is not known. Thus, we analyzed SAMHD1 expression in patients with DLBCL and determined its correlation with clinical outcome. In addition, we studied the SAMHD1 expression in germinal center B cell (GCB) and activated B cell (ABC) DLBCL cells lines. Also, we examined the possibility of depleting SAMHD1 using a virus like particles (VLPs) containing viral protein x (Vpx) in DLBCL cell lines. Finally, we determined the effect on cells sensitivity to standard DLBCL therapy, R-CHOP, and other DNA damage inducing agents. Low SAMHD1 expression correlates with improved overall survival. SAMHD1 was downregulated in ABC as compared to GCB DLBCL cell lines and SAMHD1 depletion sensitizes DLBCL cell lines to R-CHOP and other DNA damage inducing agents. These findings suggest that SAMHD1 is a potential therapeutic target to improve the DLBCL patient’s clinical outcome. Citation Format: Waaqo Daddacha. SAMHD1 expression and impact on clinical outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a potential therapeutic target [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1744.
The impact of pictorial realism in educational science television on U.S. children’s learning and transfer of biological facts

ABSTRACTAlthough children’s science television shows aim to educate young audiences, a recent content analysis found that these shows are mostly animated and often depict science information anthro...