cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feature-based retinal image registration for longitudinal analysis of patients with age-related macular degeneration

Spatial alignment of longitudinally acquired retinal images is necessary for the development of image-based metrics identifying structural features associated with disease progression in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This work develops and evaluates a feature-based registration framework for accurate and robust registration of retinal images. Methods: Two feature-based registration approaches were investigated for the alignment of fundus auto-fluorescence images. The first method used conventional SIFT local feature descriptors to solve for the geometric transformation between two corresponding point-sets. The second method used a deep-learning approach with a network architecture mirroring the feature localization and matching process of the conventional method. The methods were validated using clinical images acquired in an ongoing longitudinal study of AMD and consisted of 75 patients (145 eyes) with 4 year follow up imaging. In the deep-learning method, 113 image pairs were used during training (with the ground truth provided from manually verified SIFT feature registration) and 20 image pairs were used for testing (with the ground truth provided from manual landmark annotation). Results: Conventional method using SIFT features demonstrated target registration error (mean ± std) = 0.05 ± 0.04 mm, substantially improving the alignment from the initialization with error = 0.34 ± 0.22 mm. The deep-learning method, on the other hand, exhibited error = 0.10 ± 0.07 mm. While both methods improved upon the initial misalignment, SIFT method showed the best overall geometric accuracy. However, deep-learning method exhibited robust performance (error = 0.15 ± 0.09 mm) in the 7% of cases that SIFT method exhibited failures (error = 3.71 ± 6.36 mm). Conclusion: While both methods demonstrated successful performance, SIFT method exhibited the best overall geometric accuracy whereas deep-learning method was superior in terms of robustness. Achieving accurate and robust registration is essential in large-scale studies investigating factors underlying retinal disease progression such as in AMD.
Like, Comment, or Share? Self-presentation vs. brand relationships as drivers of social media engagement choices

To enhance our understanding of consumer engagement with social media brand posts, this research explores the underlying mechanisms driving consumer engagement choices with branded social media posts. We posit and provide evidence that two underlying mechanisms—self-presentation and brand relationship connections—drive engagement choices. Three exploratory studies provide consistent evidence that these motivations impact consumers’ decisions to engage with brand posts and these motivations partially determine engagement choice (e.g., Like, Comment, Share, React). We find that (1) likes and reactions are primarily driven by brand relationship connections; (2) comments are driven by both brand relationship connections and self-presentation; and (3) shares are primarily driven by self-presentation.
Chapter 4 – Porous silicon microcavities

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with porous silicon micro-cavities (PSM). Porous silicon was discovered in 1956 by Uhlir, while performing electropolishing experiments on silicon wafers using a hydrofluoric acid that contained electrolyte. This chapter discusses the physics of Porous Silicon (PS), and explains the ways to control its physical parameters to exploit its various properties. This chapter presents the procedure for the production of PS. This chapter presents the structure and optical properties of PS, and gives a general introduction to dielectric multilayers. The mastering of the etching process to form PS layers of designed parameters has allowed the formation of high-quality dielectric multilayers with a competitive technique. A comparison of PS with other Si-based light-emitting systems is performed. This chapter further introduces semiconductor microcavities. Furthermore, this chapter turns to the discussion of PS multilayers and PS microcavities. Some applications of PS microcavities area also highlighted. The recent improvements in the engineering of the PS surface, the demonstration of a full integration of PS-LEDs with both bipolar junction transistor and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor circuits, and the use of microcavities to control the PS spontaneous emission are all recent results that point to brighter future for PS.
Navigating the Insurance Landscape for Coverage of Reduction Mammaplasty.

Background Reduction mammaplasty provides symptomatic relief to patients with macromastia. Insurance companies act as gatekeepers of health care by determining the medical necessity of surgical procedures, including reduction mammaplasty. The authors sought to evaluate insurance coverage and policy criteria for reduction mammaplasty. Methods The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of U.S. insurance policies on reduction mammaplasty. Insurance providers were selected based on their enrolment data and market share. The authors conducted telephone interviews and Web-based searches to identify the policies. Medical necessity criteria were abstracted from the publicly available policies that offered coverage. Results The authors reviewed 63 insurers. One in 10 insurers had no established policy for reduction mammaplasty. Of the 48 publicly available policies, shoulder pain and backache were the most common symptoms required for preapproval (98 percent and 98 percent). A minimum resection volume was requested by 88 percent of policies. One-third of policies (31 percent) offered a choice between removal of a minimum weight per breast or a volume based on body surface area. Over half of companies (54 percent) used body surface area calculations to predict minimum resection volume. Medical necessity that extended beyond national recommendations included trial of weight loss (23 percent) and nipple position (10 percent). Conclusions Insurance policy criteria for reduction mammaplasty are discordant with current national recommendations and current clinical evidence. Many policies use outdated criteria that do not correlate with symptom relief and consequently limit access to reduction mammaplasty. Here, the authors propose a comprehensive guideline to maximize coverage of reduction mammaplasty.
Barth syndrome cardiomyopathy: targeting the mitochondria with elamipretide

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare, X-linked recessive, infantile-onset debilitating disorder characterized by early-onset cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle myopathy, growth delay, and neutropenia, with a worldwide incidence of 1/300,000–400,000 live births. The high mortality rate throughout infancy in BTHS patients is related primarily to progressive cardiomyopathy and a weakened immune system. BTHS is caused by defects in the TAZ gene that encodes tafazzin, a transacylase responsible for the remodeling and maturation of the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin (CL), which is critical to normal mitochondrial structure and function (i.e., ATP generation). A deficiency in tafazzin results in up to a 95% reduction in levels of structurally mature CL. Because the heart is the most metabolically active organ in the body, with the highest mitochondrial content of any tissue, mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the development of heart failure in patients with BTHS. Changes in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation reduce the ability of mitochondria to meet the ATP demands of the human heart as well as skeletal muscle, namely ATP synthesis does not match the rate of ATP consumption. The presence of several cardiomyopathic phenotypes have been described in BTHS, including dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction, either alone or in conjunction with other cardiomyopathic phenotypes, endocardial fibroelastosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and an apical form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, among others, all of which can be directly attributed to the lack of CL synthesis, remodeling, and maturation with subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. Several mechanisms by which these cardiomyopathic phenotypes exist have been proposed, thereby identifying potential targets for treatment. Dysfunction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump and inflammation potentially triggered by circulating mitochondrial components have been identified. Currently, treatment modalities are aimed at addressing symptomatology of HF in BTHS, but do not address the underlying pathology. One novel therapeutic approach includes elamipretide, which crosses the mitochondrial outer membrane to localize to the inner membrane where it associates with cardiolipin to enhance ATP synthesis in several organs, including the heart. Encouraging clinical results of the use of elamipretide in treating patients with BTHS support the potential use of this drug for management of this rare disease.
Four Innovation Myths

Bert Foer is one of the most influential figures in the past quarter century of antitrust. His founding and development of the American Antitrust Institute (AAI) filled a significant hole in late 20th-century antitrust and served as a useful counterweight to the Chicago School. In addition to his crucial work with AAI, Bert explored long-standing antitrust issues with a fresh perspective. In particular, he offered thoughtful insights on innovation, recognizing the vital role played by “diverse competition,” understanding innovation’s long-term horizon, and highlighting innovation’s importance in antitrust enforcement. In the vein of channeling Bert’s fresh look at long-established issues and appreciation of innovation, I introduce and rebut four innovation myths in this chapter. Myths persist throughout the caselaw. But they are particularly likely to endure in this setting given the talismanic effect of the term “innovation.” No one can reasonably stand on the opposite side of “innovation,” the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. To do so would cast one’s lot with the fragile sands of backwards thinking and technological regression. Sometimes, however, innovation arguments are not appropriate or supported. This chapter exposes four of these “innovation myths”: (1) innovation is reflected solely by the initial invention; (2) innovation can be evaluated only in product markets; (3) robust intellectual property enforcement leads to more innovation; and (4) innovation is the only objective in certain settings.
Gill's mealybug, Ferrisia gilli, can Transmit Grapevine Leafroll-associated Virus-3 after a 24-hour Acquisition Time

Grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) is a virus disease present in all grapevine-growing regions of the world. Mealybugs and scale insects have been reported as vectors of some grapevine leafroll-associated viruses belongs to the ampeloviruses (family Closteroviridae ) in particular with grapevine leafroll-associated virus-1 (GLRaV-1) and GLRaV-3. Both grape ( Pseudococcus maritimus ) and Gill’s mealybugs are commonly present in Virginia vineyards, but we have limited information on acquisition and transmission of GLRaV-3 by Gill's mealybug ( Ferrisia Gilli ). We conducted acquisition and transmission assays in the greenhouse to examine the threshold for shorter acquisition time of GLRaV-3 with F. gilli . Approximately 67% and 58% rates of GLRaV-3 acquisition by F. gilli following 24 and 48 hours, respectively, of feeding period were documented. F. gilli first instars fed on a GLRaV-3-positive grapevine for 24 and 48 hours successfully transmitted GLRaV-3 to healthy grapevines after 24 hours of feeding/transmission time. The quick acquisition demonstrated in this study could be one of the factors that promoted the rapid expansion of GLRaV-3-infected vines in vineyards documented in previous studies.
Antibody testing to distinguish between histoplasmosis and blastomycosis.

A 35-year-old man presented to the emergency department with headaches, productive cough and fevers to 39°C. Medical history was significant for chronic back pain. He lived in the Midwest USA, smoked 20 cigarettes a day, drank alcohol socially and did not use drugs. He worked in construction
Microglial Lipid Biology in the Hypothalamic Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis

In mammals, myeloid cells help maintain the homeostasis of peripheral metabolic tissues, and their immunologic dysregulation contributes to the progression of obesity and associated metabolic disease. There is accumulating evidence that innate immune cells also serve as functional regulators within the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), a critical brain region controlling both energy and glucose homeostasis. Specifically, microglia, the resident parenchymal myeloid cells of the CNS, play important roles in brain physiology and pathology. Recent studies have revealed an expanding array of microglial functions beyond their established roles as immune sentinels, including roles in brain development, circuit refinement, and synaptic organization. We showed that microglia modulate MBH function by transmitting information resulting from excess nutrient consumption. For instance, microglia can sense the excessive consumption of saturated fats and instruct neurons within the MBH accordingly, leading to responsive alterations in energy balance. Interestingly, the recent emergence of high-resolution single-cell techniques has enabled specific microglial populations and phenotypes to be profiled in unprecedented detail. Such techniques have highlighted specific subsets of microglia notable for their capacity to regulate the expression of lipid metabolic genes, including lipoprotein lipase (LPL), apolipoprotein E (APOE) and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2). The discovery of this transcriptional signature highlights microglial lipid metabolism as a determinant of brain health and disease pathogenesis, with intriguing implications for the treatment of brain disorders and potentially metabolic disease. Here we review our current understanding of how changes in microglial lipid metabolism could influence the hypothalamic control of systemic metabolism.
Fashion and Beauty in the Time of Asia: Edited by S. Heijin Lee, Christina H. Moon, and Thuy Linh Nguyen Tu New York: NYU Press, 2020

Fashion and Beauty in the Time of Asia looks at femininity, bodily aesthetics, and geographical dispersion within the fashion and beauty industry through the lens of Asians. The coeditors S. Heijin...
Cycles of Quotidian Pandemic Instances: Voice(less) Stories from 1918

By silencing the knowledge of our past, it will not disappear; it transforms into a hum. The hum, as a fluid object of silence can be mournful, can represent absence. The hum that we are neglecting connects with our feelings, registering as cyclic vibrations in contact with parts of the body. The vibrato of the hum speaks of unspoken relations that, according to Tina Campt, unifies quietness with sound, surrounded by affect within a register of meaningfulness. If we don’t dare to remember, some images will enunciate—and speak to—the affective register. With the sonic integration of Radio Influenza, artist Jordan Baseman’s computerized voices narrate stories from 1918 through newspaper fragments. The audible tracks add another register to the vibrations, complicating Paul Gilroy’s “politics of transfiguration,” where the “lower frequency” is purposefully over(p)layed mainly with a different set of forgotten histories suppressed from the war narrative. Hence, the sound is felt from an audible and visual register, enacted at the level of the quotidian narratives of twentieth-century photographs and newspaper stories. If we listen to these quiet photos, to these muffled stories, can we acknowledge that just as sonic vibrations, pandemics tend to come in waves as well? In the end, the 1918 spring influenza outbreak was followed by three waves: the fall of 1918, spring of 1919, and winter of 1919. These waves of history, sound, and pandemics, can push us to resist the neglectfulness and acknowledge what we have unlearned from the cycles of quotidian instances, time and time again.
Abstract 15518: Overexpression of MicroRNA-210 Induces Cardiomyocyte Proliferation Through Inhibition of APC

Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) transcriptionally regulate various cell functions including survival, differentiation and proliferation. Here, we report that transgenic overexpression of miR-210 in mice promoted cardiomyocyte (CM) proliferation by the inhibition of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a cell cycle inhibitor. Methods and Results: miR-210 transgenic mice (miR-210 TG) were generated at the University of Cincinnati transgenic core using C57BL/6 mouse strain. Myocardial infarction was created by LAD ligation on 12 weeks old miR-210 TG and wild type (NTG) mice following which EDU was administrated at a dose of 500μg in 100μl/ IP injection on alternate days up to day 12. For long term studies 4 weeks after ligation echocardiography was performed, animals were sacrificed and the heart sections were analyzed for apoptosis and CMs proliferation. For short term studies animals were sacrificed 7 days after LAD ligation. TUNEL assay at day 7 showed significantly lower percentage of apoptotic CMs in miR-210 mice compared to that of controls (3.12±0.6% vs 6.13±0.8%, p<0.05). At day 7 miR-210 TG group showed a higher number of EDU+ CMs but were not significant when compared to that of controls. However, at week 4 after infarction, significantly higher percentage of EDU+ CMs were observed in miR-210 TG group compared to that of NTG (1.11±0.05% vs 0.47±0.01%, p<0.05). Echocardiography performed prior to euthanasia showed preserved cardiac function in mir-210 TG as compared to NTG as indicated by LVEF (45.2±1.06 vs 38.9±1 p<0.001) and LVFS (18.3±1 vs 15±1. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from miR-210 mice displayed significantly lower level of APC protein compared to that of wild type mouse MSCs. Further studies to identify the in vitro proliferative potential of miR-210 were carried out using 7 day old neonatal rat CMs, miR-210 transfection showed a significant increase in proliferation in miR-210 TG group when compared to control (38.67 ± 3.37 vs 6.7 ± 3.24). Computational prediction and Luciferase assay indicated a direct relationship between miR-210 and APC ( 2 fold reduction in luciferase activity). Conclusions: Transgenic overexpression of miR-210 in mice induces CM proliferation at least in part, through down regulation of APC.
Chemical Reactions Involving Quantum Tunneling

Hydrogen tunneling plays an important role in many chemical and enzymatic reactions. Less common is the tunneling of heavier atoms such as oxygen and carbon. In his Perspective, [McMahon][1] highlights the report by [ Zuev et al ][2]., who have identified a reaction in which carbon tunneling increases the reaction rate by over a hundred orders of magnitude. The authors observe close agreement between theory and experiment in the study, yielding important new insights into heavy-atom tunneling. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/299/5608/833 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/299/5608/867
The House in the Child and the Dead Mother in the House: Sensational Problems of Victorian “Household” Management

As many have noted, the domestic space of the Victorian household was a field for the exercise of highly developed management skills, especially by middle‐class women. The proliferation of domestic...
The fetal placental circulation in rhesus monkeys demonstrated by radioangiography

Abstract The fetal circulation of the placenta has been visualized by radioangiography in living, undelivered rhesus monkey fetuses. The results are illustrated, and preliminary observations on the fetal placental circulation are reported.
Gender and Power in Prehistoric Mesoamerica.

Gender and Power in Prehistoric Mesoamerica. Rosemary A. Joyce. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2000. 269 pp.
Studying the Deep Subsurface Biosphere: Emerging Technologies and Applications

Discoveries from seafloor hydrothermal vent environments continue to challenge accepted notions about microbial metabolism and survivability, geochemical and biochemical interactions, and the limits to and origins of life itself. Recent evidence suggests that a significant and extensive subsurface biosphere exists associated with these vent systems that may support bacteria of unique and unknown lineages using as yet uncharacterized metabolic pathways. With restricted access to the subsurface environment and availability of an extremely limited biomass, microbiologists have resorted to powerful molecular approaches to survey, characterize, and even assist in the later cultivation of these novel subsurface bacteria. Advances in molecular phylogenetic techniques (molecular microbial systematics) based on the small subunit rRNA (16S rRNA) and a knowledge of certain diagnostic metabolic genes have provided an alternative and more comprehensive framework to study microbial populations and communities without the necessity of cultivation. These approaches have been used by a number of investigators in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and terrestrial hot springs with astonishing results. In this paper we introduce some of these current and emerging molecular techniques and demonstrate their efficacy in the context of the subsurface biosphere. Simple gene amplification methods coupled with more sophisticated genomic approaches and fine resolution in situ geochemical tools (see Luther et al., this volume) provides a new-found capability to more fully characterize the diversity of metabolic strategies used by these complex subsurface microbial communities. Understanding these unique microbial communities is not only important from the basic biological perspective but has ramifications for possible industrial applications.
Interactive Multimedia on the Web

In this chapter, we present fundamental concepts of interactive multimedia systems and their applications on the Web. The first part describes multimedia network technologies and related multimedia standards. We also discuss the characteristics of multimedia traffic as well as the Internet techniques for transferring data. Next, we introduce a process of creating interactive multimedia Web pages and related languages and tools, such as Java Applets and JavaScript, VBScript, VRML, ActiveX, and Active Server Pages. Finally, we present an overview of popular interactive multimedia Web services and applications, including multimedia portals, distance learning, media sharing, and multimedia search. Keywords: client-side scripting; interactive multimedia; interactive multimedia web services; multimedia traffic; streaming; virtual reality modeling language (VRML)
Differential contribution of substance P and neurokinin A to spinal cord neurokinin-1 receptor signaling in the rat.

Although the tachykinins substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) are coreleased from primary afferent nociceptors and act via neurokinin (NK) receptors, their differential effects in vivo are not known. Despite pharmacological evidence that NKA preferentially binds NK-2 receptors, this receptor is not found in spinal cord neurons. Thus, in the present studies, we compared the extent to which SP and NKA contribute to spinal nociceptive processing via the NK-1 receptor. We found that SP and NKA induce NK-1 receptor internalization with identical dose dependence and induce increases in intracellular calcium at the same concentrations, suggesting that SP and NKA equally activate the NK-1 receptor. We found, however, that the selective NK-1 receptor antagonist GR 205171 blocked NKA but not SP-induced NK-1 receptor internalization in the rat spinal cord in vivo and in embryonic day 19 rat spinal neurons in vitro. Using this selectivity of GR 205171 for NKA-induced NK-1 receptor activation, we examined the relative contribution of SP and NKA to noxious stimulusinduced activation of spinal NK-1 receptors. We estimate that NKA contributes to at least 50% of the NK-1 receptor activation in lamina I. Under inflammatory conditions, all noxious stimulus-induced NK-1 receptor internalization in deep dorsal horn neurons was blocked by GR 205171, suggesting that it is entirely NKA-mediated. Substance P-mediated NK-1 receptor internalization was focused at the site of termination of stimulated nociceptors but NKA also activated NK-1 receptors at more distant sites. We conclude that NKA not only targets the NK-1 receptor but may be a predominant pronociceptive primary afferent neurotransmitter.
Does small bowel intussusception in adults always require surgery

stool was hemoccult negative. A radiograph of the abdomen revealed a non-obstructive bowel gas pattern. Sonographic examination of abdomen was unremarkable. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed an area in the jejunum with a “target sign” consistent with intussusception (Fig. 1). No definite free air, intestinal obstruction, free fluid in abdominal cavity or air bubble in bowel wall was identified. An upper GI series with small bowel follow-through was performed the following day, which did not show any evidence of bowel obstruction or intussusception. The patient’s symptoms improved with bowel rest, and he was discharged after 3 days.
Determination of host-ion spin-lattice relaxation times from Gd3+ EPR linewidths in NH4R(SO4)2·4H2O (P Pr, Sm, Ce, Nd) single crystals

Abstract Spin-lattice relaxation times (τ) for the host rare-earth ions R3+ (R  Sm, Ce, Nd) in NH4R(SO4)2·4H2O crystal lattices have been estimated at room-temperature from X-band EPR linewidths of Gd3+ impurity ion, using an appropriate expression based on the second moment for crystals consisting of two different kinds of paramagnetic spins. In addition, the τ values for Pr3+ ions in NH4Pr(SO4)2·4H2O lattice have been estimated in the 266–410 K temperature range from EPR linewidths of the impurity ion Gd3+. The values of τ for Pr3+ indicate that τ−1 varies as T7 (T = temperature) in the 266–296 K range, and as T2 in the range 296–410 K. It is concluded that the T7 behaviour is predominantly due to the sum process, while the T2 behaviour is predominantly due to the Raman process.
Rapidly prototyping real-time systems

A prototyping approach that uses modularity and reusable components is described that enables large real-time systems to be prototyped rapidly. It combines a computational model tailored for real-time systems with a high-level prototyping language (the Prototype System Description Language), a systematic design method for rapid prototype construction, and an automated prototyping environment. The method meets the following requirements: the prototype satisfies its requirements and is traceable to them; the prototype is easy to modify; and the prototype code is easy to read and analyze. >
Predictive sequence analysis of the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus proteome.

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Ca. L. asiaticus) is a parasitic Gram-negative bacterium that is closely associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), a worldwide citrus disease. Given the difficulty in culturing the bacterium and thus in its experimental characterization, computational analyses of the whole Ca. L. asiaticus proteome can provide much needed insights into the mechanisms of the disease and guide the development of treatment strategies. In this study, we applied state-of-the-art sequence analysis tools to every Ca. L. asiaticus protein. Our results are available as a public website at http://prodata.swmed.edu/liberibacter_asiaticus/. In particular, we manually curated the results to predict the subcellular localization, spatial structure and function of all Ca. L. asiaticus proteins (http://prodata.swmed.edu/liberibacter_asiaticus/curated/). This extensive information should facilitate the study of Ca. L. asiaticus proteome function and its relationship to disease. Pilot studies based on the information from our website have revealed several potential virulence factors, discussed herein.
Multiphase Flow and Phase Change in Microgravity: Fundamental Research and Strategic Research for Exploration of Space

NASA is preparing to undertake science-driven exploration missions. The NASA Exploration Team's vision is a cascade of stepping stones. The stepping-stone will build the technical capabilities needed for each step with multi-use technologies and capabilities. An Agency-wide technology investment and development program is necessary to implement the vision. The NASA Exploration Team has identified a number of areas where significant advances are needed to overcome all engineering and medical barriers to the expansion of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. Closed-loop life support systems and advanced propulsion and power technologies are among the areas requiring significant advances from the current state-of-the-art. Studies conducted by the National Academy of Science's National Research Council and Workshops organized by NASA have shown that multiphase flow and phase change play a crucial role in many of these advanced technology concepts. Lack of understanding of multiphase flow, phase change, and interfacial phenomena in the microgravity environment has been a major hurdle. An understanding of multiphase flow and phase change in microgravity is, therefore, critical to advancing many technologies needed. Recognizing this, the Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) has initiated a strategic research thrust to augment the ongoing fundamental research in fluid physics and transport phenomena discipline with research especially aimed at understanding key multiphase flow related issues in propulsion, power, thermal control, and closed-loop advanced life support systems. A plan for integrated theoretical and experimental research that has the highest probability of providing data, predictive tools, and models needed by the systems developers to incorporate highly promising multiphase-based technologies is currently in preparation. This plan is being developed with inputs from scientific community, NASA mission planners and industry personnel. The fundamental research in multiphase flow and phase change in microgravity is aimed at developing better mechanistic understanding of pool boiling and ascertaining the effects of gravity on heat transfer and the critical heat flux. Space flight experiments conducted in space have shown that nucleate pool boiling can be sustained under certain conditions in the microgravity environment. New space flight experiments are being developed to provide more quantitative information on pool boiling in microgravity. Ground-based investigations are also being conducted to develop mechanistic models for flow and pool boiling. An overview of the research plan and roadmap for the strategic research in multiphase flow and phase change as well as research findings from the ongoing program will be presented.
State space reduction in modeling traffic network dynamics for dynamic routing under ITS

Effective en route guidance for vehicles can play an important role in alleviating the negative impacts of evergrowing congestion. As network traffic conditions change due to recurrent and non-recurrent congestion, the optimal route can change, and updated directions should be given to the driver in real-time. However, the task of exploiting real-time traffic information for optimal routing is computationally challenging. On the other hand, simplistic schemes (e.g., assuming constant speeds for different network arcs across all hours of the day) lead only to poor travel time performance and driver dissatisfaction. Hence, there is need for compact yet effective representations of traffic network dynamics for supporting routing algorithms. In this paper, we propose two state space reduction approaches employing knowledge discovery and data mining (KDD) methods and mathematical programming (MP) to strike an effective balance between accuracy and state space reduction (i.e., compactness). In doing so, they exploit historical data from ITS systems. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed approaches using actual road network data from Southeast Michigan.
Tradeoffs in high density trajectory based operations

Alleviating air traffic management (ATM) system capacity barriers and environmental impacts around major metropolitan areas is critical for the next generation air transportation system. This paper presents initial research toward applying fast-time simulation methods to evaluate system-level tradeoffs in high-density trajectory-based operations in order to identify suitable roles for humans in the future system. A mid-term concept of operations in which aircraft are scheduled to arrive at the runway on optimized descent profiles ("CDAs") along area navigation/required navigation performance (RNAV/RNP) routes separated from other RNAV/RNP arrival and departure routings serves as the core concept for discussion. The paper discusses tradeoffs between RNAV/RNP route designs, airspace configuration, aircraft and flight management system (FMS) performance, pilot procedures, scheduling automation, and the control methods to be applied. Initial efforts to simulate the core concept have concentrated on developing RNAV/RNP CDAs and departure routes; the paper presents example route designs and discusses tradeoffs arising from them. An important challenge lies in verifying an ATM concept's robustness. This entails demonstrating that a concept provides reasonable means to cope with uncertainties. The paper discusses the application of fast-time simulation methods to an iterative concept development process in which effectiveness in coping with uncertainty is the primary driver for evaluating design tradeoffs and refining the concept.
Surface science investigations of atomic layer deposition half-reactions using TaF 5 and Si 2 H 6

Abstract Fundamental adsorption and surface chemistry studies of TaF 5 and Si 2 H 6 on a polycrystalline Ta surface were performed in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) in the range 303–523 K to understand if these precursors may be used in applications to grow Ta-based films by atomic layer deposition. TaF 5 uptake saturated in UHV conditions for less than 100 L exposure for adsorption on both clean Ta and on 144 L Si 2 H 6 -treated Ta. TaF 5 dissociatively adsorbed on clean Ta, and F ligands were determined to govern the self-limiting adsorption behavior. The extent of each “half-reaction”, the reaction of TaF 5 with a Si 2 H 6 -treated surface and the reaction of Si 2 H 6 with a TaF 5 -treated surface, increased with surface temperature and was dependent on SiH x F y byproduct desorption. Neither Si 2 H 6 adsorption nor Si 2 H 6 half-reaction reached saturation in UHV conditions, as measured by the surface Si concentration. F ligands were removed during the Si 2 H 6 half-reaction, and residual F asymtotically approached a constant value.
Instant Multiunit Resource Hardware Deadlock Detection Scheme for System-on-Chips

In this article, a brand new method of determining deadlock is presented. Most previous deadlock detection methods are algorithmic in the sense that they usually leverage some forms of Resource Allocation Graph (RAG) representations and then algorithms are devised to manipulate such representations in order to detect deadlock using information contained in the graph. Different from all previous methods, the proposed method actualizes the RAG with a digital circuit and uses it as a token-transmitting network. By supplying special input signals (tokens) to the network and observing the output tokens from the network, it is easier to identify which process nodes are reachable from each resource node in the graph. Using the reachability information, deadlock can be detected immediately. The time required to obtain the reachability information is determined by how fast the combinational circuit operates. Compared with previous algorithmic methods, the proposed deadlock detection can be deemed instant. We show that the proposed method is an order of magnitude faster than the previous fastest hardware mechanism and several orders of magnitude faster than traditional software-based algorithms.
Utilizing AgCl:Ag and AgCl mesostructures as solid precursors in the formation of highly textured silver nanomaterials via electron-beam induced decomposition

Herein, we report on the facile synthesis of AgCl:Ag and AgCl mesocubes with edge lengths up to 500 nm. When these mesostructures were placed under an electron beam, localized heating resulted in the decomposition of the AgCl regions of the respective materials leading to the formation of highly textured silver nanostructures. Furthermore, we utilized the AgCl:Ag and AgCl mesocubes along with their respective silver analogs for use in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications.
Drop formation from a liquid jet: a linear one-dimensional analysis considered as a boundary value problem

Using a one-dimensional model, the author studied drop formation using a boundary value perturbation, rather than a spatially periodic one as considered by Rayleigh. The Rayleigh solution becomes the high jet velocity approximation to this linear analysis. At lower velocities the analysis shows that the medium becomes dispersive, and drop formation characteristics are quite different from that predicted by Rayleigh. In an appendix, the gross momentum balance and flow rate conservation are used to consider drop formation from a stream.
Basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid and periocular skin

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common human malignancy. This locally invasive tumor rarely metastasizes, but can cause considerable morbidity when on the eyelids and periocular skin. The successful management of BCC requires an awareness of its broad clinical spectrum and knowledge of the risk factors associated with therapeutic failure. The optimal therapy for basal cell carcinoma is controversial. Treatment strategy is formulated on an individual basis, taking into account tumor size, anatomic location, and growth pattern. The immune status and life expectancy of the patient also must be considered. While complete eradication of the tumor is desirable, this can be challenging since basal cell carcinomas often extend beyond their apparent clinical margins. Since prevention is preferable to treatment, the public needs to be informed that the incidence of periocular skin cancers can be reduced with the longterm use of sunscreens, sunglasses, and hats with brims.
Kinetics and mechanism of hydrolysis of labile quaternary ammonium derivatives of tertiary amines

Abstract: The kinetics and mechanism of hydrolysis of N -(4-hy-droxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)pyridinium bromide and similar quaternary derivatives of niacinamide, N , N -dimethylaniline, and trimethylamine were investigated. pH-Rate profiles at 25° for formation of tertiary amine and 4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethylphenol indicated that the zwitterionic quaternary phenoxide was the reactive species in alkaline solution. The apparent rate of hydrolysis was strongly inhibited by addition of small amounts of product tertiary amine, which is consistent with the presence of an intermediate in the reaction pathway. A mechanism was proposed for the hydrolysis and methanolysis of these compounds involving the reversible formation of the quinone methide, 4-methylene-2,6-di-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-l-one, followed by a trapping reaction with solvent or nucleophiles. Replacement of the phenolic hydrogen with methyl or acetyl groups greatly stabilized the molecule which is in agreement with the proposed mechanism. For the ester, the rate of amine release was limited by specific base catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester group. Compounds of this type may be useful in prodrug design for tertiary amines. The possibility of quinone methine intermediates in the degradation of structurally similar drugs, such as epinephrine, was discussed.
A highly sensitive microsphere-based assay for early detection of Type I diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease in which deterioration of insulin producing pancreatic β-cells leads to a state of insulin deficiency. It has been shown that the clinical symptoms of T1DM are preceded by presence of islet cell autoantibodies (ICA) in serum. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) based detection of ICA are the current gold standard for diagnosis of T1DM. While the onset of hyperglycemia is an indicator of onset of T1DM, detection of ICA within the serum is important to differentiate T1DM from ketogenic Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY). Due to their limited range of sensitivity, however, RIA cannot detect ICA at low concentrations in serum which could lead to delay in proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the use of radioactive species presents major disadvantages including exposure, waste removal, need for specialized licensed facilities to conduct the tests and the time required for the test (> 24 hours). To overcome these limitations, we have developed a rapid, highly sensitive, fluorescent and microsphere-based assay technique using Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), to profile T1DM marker antibodies in serum. This assay utilizes the ability of RCA to detect very small amounts of DNA coupled with microsphere-immobilization resulting in an assay which is at least 50 times more sensitive than RIA. Further, this assay method requires very low volume of sample (5 μL), and can be easily adapted to detect other autoantibodies at similar sensitivities while reducing the assay time to ~6 hours. This powerful technique could enable detection of T1DM markers much earlier than current methods and enable earlier intervention to deter the progression of disease. In addition, the modularity of this assay would have implications for enhancing the sensitivities of any standard ELISA technique.
A simple radiographic diagnosis of occult blow-out fractures

Standard radiographs of the orbit may not provide conclusive diagnosis of a blow-out fracture. Conventional and computed tomography have been employed effectively to resolve questionable cases. These imaging modalities generally are unavailable after hours and on weekends. The exaggerated Waters views are plain film radiographs easily and routinely obtainable that can demonstrate an occult fracture of the orbital floor.
Co-ordinating meals and exercise for diabetes management

Breakfast .Diabetes Exercise Glucosecontrol .MealplanTo the Editor: In their recent article in Diabetologia [1],Jakubowicz and colleagues compared two meal plans: ahigh-energy breakfast and small supper vs a small breakfastandhigh-energysupperintype2diabeticpatients.Theresultsindicated reduced postprandial hyperglycaemia throughoutthedaywiththemealplanfeaturingthehigh-energybreakfast.Kahleovaandcolleaguesalsoreportedthateatingtwomealsaday, breakfast and lunch,isa better planthaneatingsix mealsa day [2]. This is consistent with the finding that missingbreakfast is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabe-tes and worsening metabolic measures [3]. (The omission ofbreakfast means prolonging counter-regulation, and eatingbreakfast means switching to insulin action.) Taken together,these results can be seen as indicating that early switching ofthe hormone system from counter-regulation to insulin actionand decreasing NEFA (and the resulting second-meal phe-nomenon) are important for diabetic patients [1]. A sensiblemeal plan for diabetic patients could involve distributing thetotal daily energy content among a big balanced breakfast,moderate lunch and a small supper. Such a meal plan offersfavourable hormone levels, improved glucose profile andminimal hypoglycaemia risk [1, 2].This moderate glucose profile can be further improved bytimely post-meal exercise after the major meal—breakfast inthiscase.Ithasbeenknownformorethanthreedecadesthatabout of light to moderate aerobic activity for up to 60 min,starting30minafterthefirstbiteofameal,canbluntthepost-mealglucosepeak[4,5].Thisisbecausethebulkofthemeal-derived glucose is used up by the activity when glucose andinsulin levels are high and counter-regulation is suppressed.Exercise before breakfast is known to increase glucose levelsviaendogenousglucoseproduction[6].Thereisalsoevidencethat adding a short bout of resistance exercise before the aer-obic activity, two or three times a week, improves physicalfitness, body composition and HbA
Child and parent responses to a brain injury screening questionnaire.

Abstract Cantor JB, Gordon WA, Schwartz ME, Charatz HJ, Ashman TA, Abramowitz S. Child and parent responses to a brain injury screening questionnaire. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(4 Suppl 2):S54–60. Objectives To determine, by using a Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire (BISQ), in a sample of urban public school students, what proportion of children are at risk for having sustained a brain injury, to measure the incidence of blows to the head and alterations in mental status, and to determine whether children and parents report differently on the BISQ. Design Survey. Setting Research facility and community. Participants A total of 137 urban students (age range, 12–19y) of varied ethnicity, who were recruited in 2 public schools, and their parents. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measure The BISQ as completed by children and parents. Results Fourteen children (10%) were at risk for having sustained a brain injury because they or their parents reported an alteration in mental status and 5 or more symptoms sensitive and specific to traumatic brain injury. Most children were reported to have experienced blows to the head, and 50% were reported to have experienced an alteration in mental status. In all areas, no significant differences were found between parent and child reports. Conclusions There may be significant numbers of children with undetected brain injury in schools. The BISQ is a useful tool to identify children at risk for having sustained a brain injury. Histories should be obtained from parents and children who are older than 11 years when screening children for brain injury.
Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of indole-3-acetic acid methyltransferase from poplar

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the most active endogenous auxin and is involved in various physiological processes in higher plants. Concentrations of IAA in plant tissues are regulated at multiple levels including de novo biosynthesis, conjugation/deconjugation, and degradation. In this paper, we report molecular isolation and biochemical characterization of a gene PtIAMT1 from poplar encoding IAA methyltransferase (IAMT), which plays a role in regulating IAA homeostasis. PtIAMT1 was identified from the poplar genome based on sequence similarity to Arabidopsis IAMT. A full-length cDNA of PtIAMT1 was cloned from poplar roots via RT-PCR. Recombinant PtIAMT1 expressed in Escherichia coli was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. Enzyme assays combined with GC-MS verified that PtIAMT1 catalyzes formation of methyl indole-3-acetate using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor and IAA as a methyl acceptor. PtIAMT1 had a temperature optimum at 25 degrees C and a pH optimum at pH 7.5. Its activity was promoted by K(+) but inhibited by Fe(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). Under steady-state conditions, PtIAMT1 exhibited apparent K(m) values of 23.1 microM and 30.4 microM for IAA and SAM, respectively. Gene expression analysis showed that PtIAMT1 had the highest level of expression in stems, a moderate level of expression in young leaves, and a low level of expression in roots. Presence of PtIAMT1 transcripts in several organs suggests that PtIAMT1 is involved in development of multiple organs in poplar.