cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid eye movement sleep mediates age-related decline in prospective memory consolidation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Prospective memory, or remembering to execute future intentions, accounts for half of everyday forgetting in older adults. Sleep intervals benefit prospective memory consolidation in young adults, but it is unknown whether age-related changes in slow wave activity, sleep spindles, and/or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep mediate hypothesized effects of aging on prospective memory consolidation. METHODS After an adaptation night, 76 adults aged 18-84 completed two experimental nights of in-laboratory polysomnography recording. In the evening, participants encoded and practiced a prospective memory task and were tested the next morning. On a counterbalanced night, they encoded and practiced a control task, and were tested the following morning. RESULTS Increasing age predicted worse prospective memory consolidation (r = -.34), even when controlling for encoding, speed, and control-task performance (all ps < .05). Frontal delta power, slow oscillations, and spindle density were not related to prospective memory consolidation. REM sleep duration, however, explained significant variance in prospective memory consolidation when controlling for age (∆R2 = .10). Bootstrapping mediation showed that less REM sleep significantly mediated the aging effect on prospective memory consolidation [b = -.0016, SE = 0.0009 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.0042 to -0.0004)]. REM sleep continued to mediate 24.29% of the total effect of age on prospective memory after controlling for numerous demographic, cognitive, mental health, and sleep variables. CONCLUSION Age-related variance in REM sleep is informative to how prospective memory consolidation changes with increasing age. Future work should consider how both REM sleep and slow wave activity contribute, perhaps in a sequential or dynamic manner, to preserving cognitive functioning with increasing age.
Abstract 5244: BET inhibition decreases the expression of DNA repair enzymes in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer (PC), is now the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US. This is a highly aggressive disease in that 80% of patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease and their only treatment option is systemic chemotherapy. Ultimately patient tumors develop resistance to therapy and resulting in a median survival of ~6 months. Therefore, there is an imperative need to identify therapies that provide a more durable response for this patient population. The family of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins has recently become a target of interest for the treatment of PDAC. The BET proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT) function to regulate transcription by recruiting positive transcriptional activators to the promoters of genes. Our lab has shown that inhibition of BET bromodomain function using the BET inhibitor JQ1 suppresses PDAC tumor growth in vivo and inhibits cell viability in vitro. Importantly, PDAC cells and tumors exposed to JQ1 show evidence of DNA damage. We hypothesized that because of the role BET proteins are known to play in regulating gene expression, that the observed JQ1-induced DNA damage may result from JQ1 inhibiting the expression of DNA repair genes whose expression are dependent on BET protein transcriptional complexes. qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis demonstrated that treatment of the pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC3 with JQ1 inhibited the expression of two double strand break repair proteins, Ku80 and RAD51, both of which have been shown to be overexpressed in cancer including PDAC. Although it has been established that JQ1 co-occupies 99% of the genomic loci that BRD4 is known to bind to, specific gene products whose expression is dependent on BRD4 in PDAC have not been thoroughly investigated. The goal of the current study was to determine if the expression of DNA repair genes Ku80 and RAD51 were specific gene targets of BRD4 transcriptional complexes. We exposed BxPC3 cells to JQ1 for 48 hours and assessed changes in the association of BRD4 with the promoter loci of Ku80 and RAD51 using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. qRT-PCR of the ChIP demonstrated that treatment with JQ1 significantly (p Citation Format: Aubrey Lynn Miller, Samuel C. Fehling, Patrick L. Garcia, Karina J. Yoon. BET inhibition decreases the expression of DNA repair enzymes in pancreatic cancer [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 5244.
Preliminary Study of Risk Factors in Marine Construction Projects in Saudi Arabia

Marine-construction projects are becoming increasingly important for the development of the maritime industry. However, such increases are hampered by various risks that can significantly impact growth. Natural forces, political events, administrative and operational mistakes, equipment failures, external attacks such as arson, and economic events are some of the major risks faced by firms in this industry. Researchers have paid little attention to marine-construction risk assessment, despite the importance of such research. This study sought to investigate risks associated with marine construction projects. A questionnaire survey tool was conducted in this study targeting expertise in Saudi Arabian marine-construction industry resulting in a response rate of 62.5%. Participants were asked to rate the occurrences and impacts on project’ safety, schedule, and cost of 37 identified marine construction risk factors. Reliability of gathered data, correlation among the variables, and risk score analyses were performed in this study. The findings of this study indicated that “ Unskilled Contractor Labor” had the highest risk scores on marine-construction projects. The study recommends that the marine-construction industry should conduct additional studies to investigate and evaluate risks aspects.
Feature-preserving rational Bézier triangles for isogeometric analysis of higher-order gradient damage models

Abstract The computational approach of modeling smeared damage with quadrilateral elements in isogeometric analysis (e.g., using NURBS or T-splines) has limitations in scenarios where complicated geometries are involved. In particular, the higher-order smoothness that emerges due to the inclusion of higher-order terms in the nonlocal formulation is not often easy to preserve with multiple NURBS patches or unstructured T-splines where reduced continuity is observed at patch interfaces and extraordinary points. This defect can be circumvented by the use of rational Bezier triangles for domain triangulation. In particular, rational Bezier triangles increase the flexibility in the discretization of arbitrary spaces and facilitate the handling of singular points that result from sharp changes in curvature. Moreover, the process of mesh generation can be completely automated and does not require any user intervention. A Delaunay-based feature-preserving discretization coupled with a local refinement technique is implemented to capture small geometric features and locally resolve areas of damage propagation. Additionally, we adopt an implicit higher-order gradient damage model in order to amend the non-physical mesh dependency issue exhibited in continuum damage analysis. For the solution of the fourth- and sixth-order gradient damage models, Lagrange multipliers are leveraged to elevate the global smoothness to any desired order in an explicit manner. The solution algorithm is initialized with the cylindrical arc-length control and switches to a dissipation-based arc-length control for better numerical stability as the damage evolves. Numerical examples with singularities demonstrate improvements in terms of efficiency and accuracy, as compared to the damage models represented by Powell–Sabin B-splines.
Storm surge from Hurricane Irma along the Florida Peninsula

Abstract Hurricane Irma impacted the entire Florida peninsula in September 2017. The combination of Irma's strength, size, and track provided a unique opportunity to study hurricane effects on storm surge on both sides of a peninsula. Storm surge characteristics on the west coast of Florida were markedly different from those on the east coast. On the west coast, the maximum storm surge was 1.6 m at Naples, which was attributed to onshore winds and an atmospheric pressure of 970 hPa. A stunning negative surge of −2.7 m appeared at Cedar Key, in the peninsula's northwestern quarter, after ~10 h of oblique offshore and divergent winds. On the east coast, the maximum surge was 2.4 m at Fernandina Beach, where wind velocity displayed horizontal convergence. A revealing finding of this investigation was that wind divergence is an essential component for predicting storm surge.
Prophylactic Anticoagulation in Adult Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Increased thromboembolic risk is a well recognized complication of nephrotic syndrome, with variable reported incidence of deep venous thrombosis (approximately 15%), pulmonary embolus (10%–30%) and renal vein thrombosis (25%–37%) ([1][1]). Hypercoagulability is postulated to stem from the
Pre- and Paralinguistic Vocal Production in ASD: Birth Through School Age

We review what is known about how pre-linguistic vocal differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) unfold across development and consider whether vocalization features can serve as useful diagnostic indicators. Differences in the frequency and acoustic quality of several vocalization types (e.g., babbles and cries) during the first year of life are associated with later ASD diagnosis. Paralinguistic features (e.g., prosody) measured during early and middle childhood can accurately classify current ASD diagnosis using cross-validated machine learning approaches. Pre-linguistic vocalization differences in infants are promising behavioral markers of later ASD diagnosis. In older children, paralinguistic features hold promise as diagnostic indicators as well as clinical targets. Future research efforts should focus on (1) bridging the gap between basic research and practical implementations of early vocalization-based risk assessment tools, and (2) demonstrating the clinical impact of targeting atypical vocalization features during social skill interventions for older children.
Grain-boundary structure and segregation in Nb3Sn coatings on Nb for high-performance superconducting radiofrequency cavity applications

Abstract We report on atomic-scale analyses of grain boundary (GB) structures and segregation in Nb3Sn coatings on Nb, prepared by the vapor-diffusion process, for superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavity applications, utilizing atom-probe tomography, high-resolution scanning transmission electron-microscopy and first-principles calculations. We demonstrate that the chemical composition of Nb3Sn GBs is correlated strongly with the diffusion of Sn and Nb at GBs during the coating process. In a sample coated with a relatively large Sn flux, we observe an interfacial width of Sn segregation at a GB of ∼3 nm, with a maximum concentration of ∼35 at.%. After post-annealing at 1100 °C for 3 h, the Sn segregated at GBs disappears and Nb segregation is observed subsequently at GBs, indicating that Nb diffused into the Nb3Sn GBs from the Nb substrate. It is also demonstrated that the amount of Sn segregation in a Nb3Sn coating can be controlled by: (i) Sn flux; and (ii) the temperatures of the Nb substrates and Sn source, which may affect the overall kinetics including GB diffusion of Sn and Nb. An investigation of the correlation between the chemical compositions of GBs and Nb3Sn SRF cavity performance reveals that the Nb3Sn SRF cavities with the best performance (high-quality factors at high accelerating electric-field gradients) do not exhibit Sn segregation at GBs. Our results suggest that the chemical compositions of GBs in Nb3Sn coatings for SRF cavities can be controlled by GB engineering and can be utilized to optimize fabrication of high-quality Nb3Sn coatings for SRF cavities.
Beyond universal behavior in the one-dimensional chain with random nearest-neighbor hopping

We study the one-dimensional nearest neighbor tight binding model of electrons with independently distributed random hopping and no on-site potential (i.e. off-diagonal disorder with particle-hole symmetry, leading to sub-lattice symmetry, for each realization). For non-singular distributions of the hopping, it is known that the model exhibits a universal, singular behavior of the density of states $\rho(E) \sim 1/|E \ln^3|E||$ and of the localization length $\xi(E) \sim |\ln|E||$, near the band center $E = 0$. (This singular behavior is also applicable to random XY and Heisenberg spin chains; it was first obtained by Dyson for a specific random harmonic oscillator chain). Simultaneously, the state at $E = 0$ shows a universal, sub-exponential decay at large distances $\sim \exp [ -\sqrt{r/r_0} ]$. In this study, we consider singular, but normalizable, distributions of hopping, whose behavior at small $t$ is of the form $\sim 1/ [t \ln^{\lambda+1}(1/t) ]$, characterized by a single, continuously tunable parameter $\lambda > 0$. We find, using a combination of analytic and numerical methods, that while the universal result applies for $\lambda > 2$, it no longer holds in the interval $0 < \lambda < 2$. In particular, we find that the form of the density of states singularity is enhanced (relative to the Dyson result) in a continuous manner depending on the non-universal parameter $\lambda$; simultaneously, the localization length shows a less divergent form at low energies, and ceases to diverge below $\lambda = 1$. For $\lambda < 2$, the fall-off of the $E = 0$ state at large distances also deviates from the universal result, and is of the form $\sim \exp [-(r/r_0)^{1/\lambda}]$, which decays faster than an exponential for $\lambda < 1$.
An Economic and Environmental Comparison of Conventional and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Supply Chains for Leaf Lettuce to US Cities

We assess the landed costs and selected environmental outcomes of conventional field-based and representative CEA supply chains (greenhouses and plant factories) for leaf lettuce delivered to wholesale markets in two US cities. Simulation modeling using heat balance methods was used to assess CEA energy use. Landed costs of field-produced lettuce from California were less than half those from CEA systems. “Best case” analysis suggests few plausible assumptions under which urban-based CEA supply chains have landed costs comparable to field-based supply chains. Energy use and Global Warming Potential (GWP) were also generally larger for CEA supply chains, although a CEA greenhouse had only slightly higher values for GWP if located near its delivery location. Additional analysis of more automated systems in peri-urban areas is merited.
Abstract IA22: Pharmacologic and physiologic processes that affect response to immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types and has proven effective for ~10-20% of breast cancer patients in early clinical trials. For patients with triple-negative breast cancer, these responses represent an improvement over standard therapeutic strategies, offering hope that improving efficacy of immunotherapies will save patient lives. However, the reasons for resistance or lack of response to these therapies in breast cancer are unknown. First, we made preclinical observations that provide rationale for new combination regimens comprising CDK4/6 inhibitors and immunotherapies as anticancer treatment. Using various preclinical breast cancer models, we showed that selective CDK4/6 inhibitors cause tumor regression by promoting antitumor immune responses. Genome-wide expression data from patient tumors in the NeoPalAna trial revealed similar antitumor immune signatures. The antitumor immunity occurs through processes that affect both tumor cells and the immune microenvironment. Hence, disease regression was further enhanced using a combination therapy regimen comprising a CDK4/6 inhibitor with immune checkpoint blockade. Second, we found that age-related changes to immune function present limitations to the application of immunotherapy in our triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) preclinical models. While TNBC incidence is similar in young and old patients, it is not known whether age impacts response to immunotherapy in breast cancer. In fact, while over 50% of patients are over 65 years of age at diagnosis, elderly individuals are often excluded from clinical trials for various reasons. We found that aged mice (>12 months, corresponding to ~65-year old humans) had significantly reduced ability to respond to either anti-PD-L1 or anti-CTLA4 compared to young counterparts (8-10 weeks, corresponding to ~25-year old humans). Using high-content flow cytometric analyses and RNA-seq, we identified cellular and molecular mechanisms that correlate with response in young mice that are attenuated in old mice. Many of the differentially expressed genes that defined response in the young cohorts and resistance in the older cohorts were also predictors of response to immunotherapy in cancer patients. Our data suggested novel combination therapies that, when combined with checkpoint blockade, improved responses and survival in the old TNBC cohort. By studying pharmacologic and physiologic processes that improve responses, we hope to suggest new treatment strategies that ensure that breast cancer patients see the most benefit possible from checkpoint blockade therapy. Citation Format: Sandra S. McAllister. Pharmacologic and physiologic processes that affect response to immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.
ReLOPE: Resistive RAM-Based Linear First-Order Partial Differential Equation Solver

Data movement between memory and processing units poses an energy barrier to Von-Neumann-based architectures. In-memory computing (IMC) eliminates this barrier. RRAM-based IMC has been explored for data-intensive applications, such as artificial neural networks and matrix-vector multiplications that are considered as “soft” tasks where performance is a more important factor than accuracy. In “hard” tasks such as partial differential equations (PDEs), accuracy is a determining factor. In this brief, we propose ReLOPE, a fully RRAM crossbar-based IMC to solve PDEs using the Runge–Kutta numerical method with 97% accuracy. ReLOPE expands the operating range of solution by exploiting shifters to shift input data and output data. ReLOPE range of operation and accuracy can be expanded by using fine-grained step sizes by programming other RRAMs on the BL. Compared to software-based PDE solvers, ReLOPE gains $31.4\times $ energy reduction at only 3% accuracy loss.
La Muxatena : A Sacred Rock Formation at the Heart of an Indigenous Social Movement for Environmental Rights

This piece reviews the role that a revered rock formation in Nayarit, Mexico, played in a recent historical struggle (2009–2019) against the development of a large hydroelectric dam. The rock formation, called Muxatena, is a sacred site and ceremonial gathering on the bank of the San Pedro Mezquital River. Indigenous peoples in the watershed have coalesced at Muxatena for generations and recently prevented displacement by making Muxatena visible in their social movement for place-based autonomy.
The Tea Party: 'Grassroots' Conservatism In The Obama Years

The Tea Party is an interesting political movement in contemporary America. Combining populist fervor with elements of the mainstream Republican establishment, such as support for the War on Drugs and opposition to immigration, and some elements of libertarian ideology such as opposition to the unionization of workers, they form a political nexus that has not been seen before in American political history. From the movement’s “birth” in 2009 to today, the Tea Party has had an active role in changing American politics, particularly in the 2010 congressional elections. In this paper, I will analyze the factors that led to their rise, their political ideology and stances, the makeup of their voting bloc, their connection to organizations that are openly bigoted and hostile to the federal government, an analysis of several of prominent Tea Party politicians, and how they are contributing to the popularity surge for 2016 Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Algonquian and English Map Making in New England, 1500–1700

Advanced doctoral students whose dissertations are substantially concerned with the history of cartography are invited to contact the editor of this section (Dr Elizabeth Baigent, Wycliffe Hall, Ox...
Ionization Dose and Neutron Induced Photocurrent and Readout Noise in LYSO+SiPM Packages

The barrel timing layer for the CMS HL-LHC precision timing detector will be constructed using LYSO+SiPM modules. The barrel in HL-LHC beam intensities is expected to be exposed under an ionization dose rate of up to 200 rad/h and a neutron flux of up to 3x106n eq /cm2/s. We present results from measurements of photocurrent in the LYSO+SiPM packages induced by Co-60 γ-rays and Cf-252 neutrons. The γ-ray induced readout noise is found to be about 30 keV, which is negligible compared to the 4.2 MeV signal from minimum ionization particles. The neutron induced noise is about 7 keV, which is more than a factor of 4 smaller than that from the ionization dose.
Urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 aspirin efficacy testing is sensitive to perioperative inflammation in pediatric solid-organ transplant patients

BACKGROUND Evidence for aspirin efficacy testing in pediatrics is limited, especially outside of cardiology, yet thrombotic events have high morbidity in other areas such as pediatric transplant surgery. Debates about whether thromboembolic events while on aspirin represent "aspirin resistance" or "high on-treatment platelet reactivity" persist, given the poor intertest agreement between testing platforms. PROCEDURE This prospective observational study involved measuring aspirin efficacy using ex vivo testing of platelet aggregation (VerifyNow-Aspirin, VN) and urine 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (AsprinWorks, UTxB2) contemporaneously at up to three time points after major noncardiac organ transplant surgery. The collection days (CD) were the second and seventh days after stable aspirin dosing and then a convalescent time point 2-9 months later. RESULTS Fifty-five participants (age range, 0-21 years) were enrolled, having undergone total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (N = 36), orthotopic liver transplantation (N = 18), and combined liver-kidney transplantation (N = 1). Platelet reactivity measured by VN remained unchanged, whereas UTxB2, which was elevated postoperatively, decreased significantly from CD1 to CD2 and CD3. Discordance in therapeutic efficacy was noted per manufacturer cutoffs, with therapeutic VN results in 86% of tests, whereas 12% of UTxB2 were therapeutic. Age-based stratification of UTxB2 results using previously published pediatric median levels increased overall UTxB2 therapeutic rates (80%) and intertest concordance (67% vs 27% if using adult range). No thrombotic events were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that urine thromboxane production may be an underappreciated reflection of postoperative inflammation. Validation of pediatric normal ranges for UTxB2 is a critical next step.
Regulation of Gene Expression: Molecular Mechanisms

The present invention relates to utrons, RNA molecules which contain promoter regulatory motif(s) and DNA analogs thereof and DNA molecules that can be transcribed to produce the foregoing. In particular, the invention provides gene promoter suppressing nucleic acids which suppress transcription from a promoter of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides the TSU gene, nucleotide sequences of the TSU gene and RNA, as well as fragments, homologs and derivatives thereof. Methods of isolating TSU genes are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided. In particular, the invention relates to methods for cell replacement therapy, gene therapy or organ transplantation wherein TSU nucleic acids suppress MHC class I and II gene expression, thus preventing immuno-rejection of non-autologous cells or organs. The invention also provides methods for treatment of diseases or disorders by suppression of MHC class I, MHC class II, ICAM-1, B7-1, B7-2, and/or FcγR expression by provision of TSU function.
Laughlin states at the edge

An effective wavefunction for the edge excitations in the Fractional quantum Hall effect can be found by dimensionally reducing the bulk wavefunction. Treated this way the Laughlin ν = 1/(2n + 1) wavefunction yields a Luttinger model ground state. We identify the edge-electron field with a Luttinger hyper-fermion operator, and the edge electron itself with a non-backscattering Bogoliubov quasi-particle. The edge-electron propagator may be calculated directly from the effective wavefunction using the properties of a one-dimensional one-component plasma, provided a prescription is adopted which is sensitive to the extra flux attached to the electrons.
The cDNA sequence of mouse Pgp-1 and homology to human CD44 cell surface antigen and proteoglycan core/link proteins

We describe the isolation and sequencing of a cDNA encoding mouse Pgp-1. An oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the NH2-terminal sequence of the purified protein was synthesized by the polymerase chain reaction and used to screen a mouse macrophage lambda gt11 library. A cDNA clone with an insert of 1.2 kilobases was selected and sequenced. In Northern blot analysis, only cells expressing Pgp-1 contained mRNA species that hybridized with this Pgp-1 cDNA. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA has a single open reading frame that yields a protein-coding sequence of 1076 base pairs followed by a 132-base pair 3'-untranslated sequence that includes a putative polyadenylation signal but no poly(A) tail. The translated sequence comprises a 13-amino acid signal peptide followed by a polypeptide core of 345 residues corresponding to an Mr of 37,800. Portions of the deduced amino acid sequence were identical to those obtained by amino acid sequence analysis from the purified glycoprotein, confirming that the cDNA encodes Pgp-1. The predicted structure of Pgp-1 includes an NH2-terminal extracellular domain (residues 14-265), a transmembrane domain (residues 266-286), and a cytoplasmic tail (residues 287-358). Portions of the mouse Pgp-1 sequence are highly similar to that of the human CD44 cell surface glycoprotein implicated in cell adhesion. The protein also shows sequence similarity to the proteoglycan tandem repeat sequences found in cartilage link protein and cartilage proteoglycan core protein which are thought to be involved in binding to hyaluronic acid.
Glutamate receptor pores

Glutamate receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the central nervous system. Functional receptors are homo- or heteromeric tetramers with each subunit contributing a re-entrant pore loop that dips into the membrane from the cytoplasmic side. The pore loops form a narrow constriction near their apex with a wide vestibule toward the cytoplasm and an aqueous central cavity facing the extracellular solution. This article focuses on the pore region, reviewing how structural differences among glutamate receptor subtypes determine their distinct functional properties.
Methods for olfactory fMRI studies: Implication of respiration

Human olfactory system is under-studied using fMRI compared with other sensory systems. Because the perception (intensity, threshold, and valence) and detection of odors are tightly involved with respiration, the subject's respiration pattern modulates and interacts with the experimental paradigm, which presents difficulties for olfactory fMRI data acquisition, post-processing, and interpretation. Based on our investigation on the interactions of odor presentation and subject's respiration, we propose a respiration-triggered event-related olfactory fMRI technique and a data post-processing method that effectively captures precise onsets of olfactory blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the primary olfactory cortex. We compared the olfactory BOLD signals from seventeen normal healthy adults with diverse respiratory patterns and showed that the subjects' respiratory patterns modulated the olfactory stimulation paradigm, which significantly confounded the BOLD signal. The presented experimental technique provides a simple and effective means for generating reliable olfactory fMRI results.
Motion planning in dynamic environments using the relative velocity paradigm

A simple and efficient approach to the computation of avoidance maneuvers among moving obstacles is presented. The method is discussed for the case of a single maneuvering object avoiding several obstacles moving on known linear trajectories. The original dynamic problem is transformed into several static problems using the relative velocity between the maneuvering object and each obstacle. The static problems are converted into a single problem by means of a vector transformation, and the set of velocity vectors guaranteeing the avoidance of all the obstacles is computed. Within this set, the best maneuver for the particular approach can be selected. The geometric background of this approach is developed for both 2-D and 3-D cases, and the method is applied to an example of a 3-D avoidance maneuver. >
Limits to Freedom of Expression in the American Workplace: Implications and Remedies

A combination of law, conventional economic wisdom, and accepted managerial practice has produced an American workplace where freedom of speech - that most crucial of civil liberties in a healthy democracy - is something individuals undertake after work, on their own time, and even then only if their employers approve. I argue that limits to freedom of expression in and around the workplace diminish not just individual rights as employees, but individual effectiveness as citizensas-participants in the civic conversations that make democracy work. With workplaces serving as key venues for shared experience and public discourse, workplace speech rights matter for advancing citizenship, community, and democracy in a free society. I comment on the legal status of expression at work in the U.S., develop an argument for freer speech on and off the job, and suggest legal and managerial reforms that would expand workplace freedom of expression.
Comparative study of interior and exterior wall-floor connections

Abstract Current practice in the design of connections of precast reinforced concrete structures is based on empirical relationships that often do not reflect the complexity of real geometric configuration and response to load conditions. However, recent developments in numerical modeling of such connections now allow for realistic and accurate description of the failure mechanism, produced by extreme loading conditions. In this study a numerical model of different joint failure mechanisms in precast concrete structures is presented in detail. The type of joints considered in this study consists of reinforced interior or exterior wall-to-floor connections with or without reinforced grout filler material. The model is assumed to be two-dimensional corresponding to plane strain condition. In the implementation of the nonlinear finite element analysis, multiaxial stress-strain laws are used to describe fracture phenomena with proper allowance for complex loading and unloading cycles. A rotating crack model is used to reach the needed accuracy to numerically describe fracturing of the reinforced concrete medium. In this model, it is assumed that the crack follows the principal strain direction and, therefore, varies with time. An iterative approach is used to solve the nonlinear problem. The numerical solution includes the generation of stress contours in the connection and the graphical representation of the crack patterns.
A novel method of percutaneous mitral valve repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Objectives This investigation sought to determine the feasibility of a novel method of a percutaneous mitral valve repair. Background Percutaneous mitral valve repair has emerged as an alternative therapy for patients with functional mitral regurgitation. However, current methods that rely on cannulation of the coronary sinus may not result in direct reduction of the mitral annulus area due to the superior relationship of the sinus to the annulus. Methods A novel device, consisting of helical stainless steel screws connected by a biocompatible tether, was designed for percutaneous mitral valve repair. This device was implanted by implanting the helical screws directly into the myocardium at the posteromedial mitral annulus of 8 anesthetized pigs from the right internal jugular vein. Results Implantation of the device resulted in a 19.7 ± 0.1% reduction in mitral annular area and an 18.8 ± 0.1% decrease in the mitral anterior-posterior dimension (both p l 0.05 vs. baseline). This annular reduction persisted at 3-month follow-up. Both the coronary sinus and left circumflex coronary artery remained patent in all animals. There was no evidence of device migration, poor wound healing, or tissue thrombosis at the sites of device implantation. Conclusions Percutaneous mitral valve repair targeting the ventricular myocardium from central venous access is feasible. By directly acting on the posteromedial mitral annulus, this methodology targets the mitral annular area most frequently affected by ischemic mitral regurgitation, lessens the risk of coronary artery impingement, promotes coronary sinus patency, and overcomes technical concerns that may arise when the coronary sinus lies significantly superior to the mitral annulus.
Addendum to "Noniterative calculation of the radial distribution function in a high-density classical electron gas"

This paper employs a hybrid Mayer-Salpeter cluster expansion to reinterpret a previously developed collective-coordinate approach to the radial distribution functions for a classical one-component electron gas.
Dynamic PDE-based surface design using geometric and physical constraints

PDE surfaces, which are defined as solutions of partial differential equations (PDEs), offer many modeling advantages in surface blending, free-form surface modeling, and specifying surface's aesthetic or functional requirements. Despite the earlier advances of PDE surfaces, previous PDE-based techniques exhibit certain difficulties such as lack of interactive sculpting capabilities and restrained topological structure of modeled objects. This paper presents an integrated approach that can incorporate PDE surfaces into the powerful physics-based modeling framework, to realize the full potential of PDE methodology. We have developed a prototype system that allows interactive design of flexible topological surfaces as PDE surfaces and displacements using generalized boundary conditions as well as a variety of geometric and physical constraints, hence supporting various interactive techniques beyond the conventional boundary control. The system offers a set of sculpting toolkits that allow users to interactively modify arbitrary points, curve spans, and/or regions of interest across the entire PDE surfaces and displacements in an intuitive and physically meaningful way. To achieve real-time performance, we employ several simple, yet efficient numerical techniques, including the finite-difference discretization, the multigrid-like subdivision, and the mass-spring approximation of elastic PDE surfaces and displacements. In addition, we present the standard bivariant B-spline finite element approximations of dynamic PDEs, which can subsequently be sculpted and deformed directly in real-time subject to the intrinsic PDE constraints. Our experiments demonstrate many attractive advantages of the physics-based PDE formulation such as intuitive control, real-time feedback, and usability to both professional and common users.
Genetic reduction of muscarinic M4 receptor modulates analgesic response and acoustic startle response in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS)

Abstract Introduction The G-protein coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, widely expressed in the CNS, have been implicated in fragile X syndrome (FXS). Recent studies have reported an overactive signaling through the muscarinic receptors in the Fmr1KO mouse model. Hence, it was hypothesized that reducing muscarinic signaling might modulate behavioral phenotypes in the Fmr1KO mice. Pharmacological studies from our lab have provided evidence for this hypothesis, with subtype-preferring muscarinic M1 and M4 receptor antagonists modulating select behaviors in the Fmr1KO mice. Since the pharmacological antagonists were not highly specific, we investigated the specific role of M4 receptors in the Fmr1KO mouse model, using a genetic approach. Methods We created a double mutant heterozygous for the M4 receptor gene and hemizygous for the Fmr1 gene and examined the mutants on various behaviors. Each animal was tested on a behavior battery comprising of open-field activity (activity), light–dark (anxiety), marble burying (perseverative behavior), prepulse inhibition (sensorimotor gating), rotarod (motor coordination), passive avoidance (learning and memory) and hotplate (analgesia). Animals were also tested on the audiogenic seizure protocol and testis weights were measured. Results Reduction of M4 receptor expression in the heterozygotes completely rescued the analgesic response and partly rescued the acoustic startle response phenotype in the Fmr1KO mice. However, no modulation was observed in a number of behaviors including learning and memory, activity, perseverative behavior and audiogenic seizures. Conclusion Reducing M4 receptor signaling altered only select behavioral phenotypes in the Fmr1KO mouse model, suggesting that other targets are involved in the modulation of fragile X behaviors.
OVERJUSTIFICATION EFFECTS IN TOKEN ECONOMIES

This study tested the relevance to clinical token economies of the overjustification hypothesis that tangible reward interferes with intrinsic interest in target behaviors and causes such behaviors to be less probable following a period of reinforcement than preceding such a period. The study was carried out in an ongoing token economy for chronic psychiatric patients. Alternated over an 8-week period were weeks of token and no-token reward for one of the program's target behaviors, toothbrushing. Two different amounts of token reward were employed in order to examine whether reward magnitude might influence the presence or extent of overjustification effects. Little evidence was found for the presence of overjustification effects in token economies. However, maintenance of toothbrushing was greater in no-token weeks following weeks of low amounts of token reward than in no-token weeks following weeks of higher amounts of reward. The importance of such complex functional relationships is discussed.
The Comprehensive Childhood Immunization Act of 1993. Toward a more rational approach.

About two fifths of two-year-old children in the United States have not received recommended immunizations on schedule1. These children, and a smaller number of older children, are susceptible to p...
Engineered catalytic RNA and DNA : new biochemical tools for drug discovery and design.

Since the fundamental discovery that RNA catalyzes critical biological reactions, the conceptual and practical utility of nucleic acid catalysts as molecular therapeutic and diagnostic agents continually develops. RNA and DNA catalysts are particularly attractive tools for drug discovery and design due to their relative ease of synthesis and tractable rational design features. Such catalysts can intervene in cellular or viral gene expression by effectively destroying virtually any target RNA, repairing messenger RNAs derived from mutant genes, or directly disrupting target genes. Consequently, catalytic nucleic acids are apt tools for dissecting gene function and for effecting gene pharmacogenomic strategies. It is in this capacity that RNA and DNA catalysts have been most widely utilized to affect gene expression of medically relevant targets associated with various disease states, where a number of such catalysts are presently being evaluated in clinical trials. Additionally, biotechnological prospects for catalytic nucleic acids are seemingly unlimited. Controllable nucleic acid catalysts, termed allosteric ribozymes or deoxyribozymes, form the basis of effector or ligand-dependent molecular switches and sensors. Allosteric nucleic acid catalysts promise to be useful tools for detecting and scrutinizing the function of specified components of the metabolome, proteome, transcriptome, and genome. The remarkable versatility of nucleic acid catalysis is thus the fountainhead for wide-ranging applications of ribozymes and deoxyribozymes in biomedical and biotechnological research.
Exposures to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline hydrochloride, over multiple generations: changes in life history traits in Ceriodaphnia dubia.

Abstract Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been reported to range from low parts per trillion to parts per billion levels in surface waters, wastewater effluents, and sediments. These low levels have led to concern for their potential long-term risks to the survival, growth, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. We investigated the acute and chronic effects of sertraline on the life history traits of Ceriodaphnia dubia over the course of three generations under environmentally realistic concentrations. Acute toxicity of sertraline in C. dubia offspring resulted in a 48 h median effective concentration of 126 µg L−1. Under chronic exposure, the lowest concentration to affect fecundity and growth was at 53.4 µg L−1 in the first two generations. These parameters become more sensitive during the third generation where the LOEC was 4.8 µg L−1. The median effective concentrations (EC50) for the number of offspring per female, offspring body size, and dry weight were 17.2, 21.2, and 26.2 µg L−1, respectively. Endpoints measured in this study demonstrate that chronic exposure of C. dubia to sertraline leads to effects that occur at concentrations only an order of magnitude higher than predicted environmental concentrations. However, this study also demonstrates that multigenerational effects should be considered in chronic exposure studies because standard toxicity tests do not account for increases in sensitivity in successive generations to toxicants.
Optimization of Potential and Hydrogen Utilization in An Acid Fuel-Cell

Abstract For a given cell configuration and a total pressure of 1 atm, a fuel cell is designed for a constant power load. This involves the determination of the extent of electrode area and the potential or average current density at which to operate the device. For a given air to fuel ratio, the optimum utilization of hydrogen is also determined on the basis of the resale value of unused fuel. The cost analysis is simplified to use a single value for capital cost and a single value for operating or fuel cost.
Final Draft of Next Generation Science Standards Available for Review

The final public draft of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was released on 8 January. As with previous drafts, scientists can review the draft at http://www.nextgenscience.org and provide feedback online to Achieve, Inc., by using the links on the NGSS Web page. The comment period ends on 29 January.
Nietzschean Aphorism as Art and Act

Nietzsche is commonly said to be an aphoristic writer, perhaps the master of the aphorism. Yet it is not clear what is entailed by this stylistic designation or how far it takes us in understanding Nietzsche’s thought and writing. It is a mistake to see Nietzsche’s writings as exclusively aphoristic, if this is meant to imply that his writings lack philosophical and literary structure. Certainly sections of those books (conveniently numbered and titled) can be regarded as independent aphorisms (if aphorisms are ever independent, a question which must be assessed). In fact the long third essay of The Genealogy of Morals claims to be an interpretation (Auslegung) of just one aphoristic sentence from Zarathustra. Yet Nietzsche does not say that the interpretation of the aphorism is independent of the rest of his thought and writing; and the form of the interpretative essay need not itself be aphoristic. As Nietzsche was himself aware, the aphoristic form is a dangerous temptation. It invites us to classify what we are reading as belonging to a rather minor literary and philosophical genre. We’re tempted to suppose that the aphorism is simply an amusement, a playful recreation, perhaps, from the difficult pursuits of science and philosophy which should be expressed in more continuous and systematic forms.
Stability of spray combustion for water/alcohols mixtures in oxygen-enriched air

Abstract The feasibility of burning fuels that are heavily diluted with water was evaluated. This concept could potentially be utilized to directly generate steam for a variety of applications, including power generation and enhanced oil recovery. Two water-soluble fuels, ethanol and 1-propanol, were heavily diluted with water and sprayed into a swirl-stabilized burner and the blow-off limits were obtained to identify the flame stability. The blow-off limit was experimentally determined as the lowest O2 concentration where a flame could exist under a given oxidizer flow rate. For the present experimental system, stability maps were determined as a function of fuel concentration and oxidizer flow rate for different types of nozzles and both alcohols. Contours of temperature and overall fuel mass fraction in the droplets were obtained for a flame burning 15 wt% ethanol in an oxidizer of 50% O2 and 50% N2. The results revealed that preferential vaporization of ethanol over water plays an important role in enhancing flame stability. To further understand this, a model of bi-component droplet vaporization was employed for both the diffusion limit and distillation limit modes of liquid mass transfer. The results confirmed the preferential vaporization of ethanol and demonstrated that it is necessary to account for the non-ideal solution behavior of the alcohol–water mixture to appropriately model the vaporization process. The model also demonstrated that for this experimental system, droplet vaporization was better characterized by the distillation limit mode with enhanced mass transfer by convection.
Transplanted BM and BM side population cells contribute progeny to the lung and liver in irradiated mice

Background BM cells have been shown to give rise to progeny of various cell lineages, including cells in lung and liver. This investigation evaluated whether purified BM mononuclear cells and side population (SP) cells that have hematopoietic stem-cell activity also had this property; whether a TBI preparative regimen was necessary for engraftment; and where BM-derived cells were engrafted.Methods Either 1–3 million BM mononuclear cells or 2000 BM SP cells from transgenic enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing (EGFP) mice were transplanted i.v. to unirradiated or 7–9.5 Gy irradiated recipients.Results Flow cytometric analysis showed that lung cells (mean 45%, range 4–70%) and liver cells (mean 4%, range 0.4–8.3%) from irradiated, but not unirradiated recipients, were EGFP donor-derived. Similar results were obtained transplanting BM mononuclear cells or SP cells. Morphologically, donor-derived cells in the lung were primarily monocytes and macrophages. Additionally, lung fibroblasts and Type I, but...