Robert W. Kastenmeier: Copyright Legislator Par Excellence

The legacy of Robert W. Kastenmeier, former Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Administration of Justice, is discussed. Kastenmeier deserves praise for his leadership on patent and copyright laws

Statistical energy methods Final report, 18 May 1969 - 18 May 1970

Statistical energy analysis for studying dynamic behavior of large, complex structures and acoustic space

The impact of water on free-falling bodies

Report discussed measures to cushion impact on body falling into water. Heavy loads are generated by impact and by pressures of water cavity collapsing onto the body

EFFECTS OF OPTOGENETIC ACTIVATION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL MODULATION OF DOPAMINE NEURONS

This study explored the use of optogenetic tools to better understand treatments used for schizophrenia. The “positive” symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, paranoia, etc.) of schizophrenia may come from overexpression of dopamine in mesolimbic dopamine neurons. Positive symptoms can be produced in healthy volunteers treated with amphetamine, a psychostimulant drug and dopamine releaser. Conversely, antipsychotic drugs may reduce positive symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors. This study used optogenetics to explore how drugs that alter neurotransmission, might alter behaviors occurring from activation of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Light-induced activation of DA neurons in the VTA in male rats produced a significant increase in total distance traveled in an open field and body temperature. Animals treated with amphetamine, a dopamine releaser, also had a significant increase in total distance travelled and body temperature. No significant change was found between trials of amphetamine; it would be logical to think amphetamine depleted neurons of dopamine. However, A D2/3 receptor antagonist did block these effects. These results demonstrate that selective activation of mesolimbic dopamine neurons produces effects similar to amphetamine. Further, they coincide with previous findings that used different research techniques to link amphetamine’s effects to mesolimbic dopamine neurons

Construction Agility - An Integrated Management System

Construction Agility is a management system to be utilized by project managers to create a visual representation of work in progress on the jobsite. This visual component of Construction Agility increases awareness of job site activities among the general contractor, subcontractors, and visitors, thus increasing safety. The system is a Kanban, otherwise known as a batch system, that displays critical activities with physical moveable cards that display the task, the duration, and the proceeding party. There is a focus on handoffs which requires a willingness to open communication. The visual appeal and simplicity of the batch system for all to view promotes accountability among participating parties. This also doubles as a check and balance for completed tasks, increasing quality. The backbone of this system is not alone the visuals, but the collaborative and communicative team culture that is fostered around it. This team environment and learning culture is a facilitated through periodic reflection and input from all participants. With the proper application, Construction Agility should decrease waste and increase productivity, safety, turnover rates, and communication