cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocurable pillar arrays formed via AC- and ultrasound-induced electrohydrodynamic instabilities

Application of an external electric field across thin polymeric films is known to induce the formation of arrays of cylindrical structures commonly referred to as pillars. Low viscosity photocurable materials have been shown to possess significant advantages over their polymeric counterparts both in terms of a significant reduction in the time of formation, as well as in the elimination of additional processing steps, such as heating and cooling cycles. With proper design, pillar arrays with predetermined diameter, period, location and orientation can theoretically be formed over an entire substrate surface, thus enabling their use in applications such as optics-less patterning, micro-electro-mechanical systems, and micro fluidic devices. In this paper, we present our recent work in using a low viscosity thiolene system to produce pillar arrays and attempts at inducing long range order in the resulting pillar arrays by (1) varying the nature of the external electric field in the form of a sinusoidal AC voltage (instead of the conventional DC voltage) and (2) the use of ultrasonic piezo transducers to generate regular waves in the film with simultaneous application of a potential across the film sample. Our initial results show that although both the AC voltage and the ultrasonic piezo methods are successful in producing pillar arrays, their ordering is short-ranged and does not extend throughout the entire sample area.
Investigation of environmental factors in pediatric headache.

SYNOPSIS This study assessed the environmental conditions surrounding headache for a clinical sample of 38pediatric headache patients. A parent rating questionnaire, the Children's Headache Assessment Scale(CHAS), was developed and pilot tested as a means of identifying particular environmental events or situations impacting on children's headaches. CHAS items are organized into six functional categories (Stress Antecedents, Physical Antecedents, Attention Consequences, Escape Consequences, Coping Responses, and Medication Use) potentially related to headache activity. Patents filled out the CHAS at an intake evaluation for behavioral medicine treatment, and parents of children who completed treatment filled out another CHAS after therapy. Results showed that the frequency of specific CHAS items varied widely both within and between functional categories, suggesting that headache is affected by a variety of situational factors, some of which are common across many children and others of which are pertinent only for a small proportion of children. The results further suggest that the environmental conditions of headache are open to change by behavioral medicine treatment. In the present study, items reflecting social attention to headache, interference of headache with school attendance, and use of relaxation procedures changed after treatment. The potential value of the CHAS for treatment planning is discussed.
Evaluation of new high temperature boron solid planar diffusion sources through p-n junction characterization

The electrical characterization of p-n diodes fabricated using a newly developed high temperature (⩾ 1100 °C) boron diffusion source consisting of a homogenous distribution of 9Al2O3·2B2O3 in a SiC foam substrate was carried out and results were compared with those obtained using commercial sources. Specifically, current-voltage and open circuit voltage decay measurements were performed. The results obtained indicate that devices fabricated from the new high temperature source perform satisfactorily, exhibiting characteristics that are comparable to the characteristics of devices fabricated from the established commercial high temperature boron diffusion sources.
Asymptomatic papilledema secondary to atypical hydrocephalus

Abstract A 28-year-old asymptomatic Asian male developed bilateral disc swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed massive dilated intracranial ventricles suggestive of hydrocephalus. The patient immediately underwent neurosurgical shunting with subsequent resolution of his disc edema. This case represents an atypical presentation of hydrocephalus, manifesting only as asymptomatic papilledema without any other symptoms of either acute or chronic hydrocephalus. The etiology, classification, manifestations and treatment of hydrocephalus are discussed.
Capacity, competiton and efficiency in hospitals: A nonparametric approach

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new,multiple output measure of plant capacity which we use to analyze the performance of hospitals in different competitive environments. To evaluate each hospital's plant capacity, we employ a nonparametric (linear programming) framework. The resulting measure of capacity can be determined from observed inputs and outputs and is based on the best practice performance of all hospitals in the sample. This methodology is closely related to Farrell-type measures of efficiency and, as a by-product, yields information on efficiency of individual hospitals. This technique imposes no prespecified functional form and allows for multiple outpus (to account for differences in case-mix). We apply this methodological approach to a sample of hospitals in Michigan. Our results are used to compare capacity utilization and efficiency of hospitals across different competitive environments.
Radioactive Gibberellin A5 and Its Metabolism in Dwarf Peas

Radioactive gibberellin A(5) ((3)H-GA(5)) was synthesized from gibberellic acid. When it was applied to dwarf peas grown in the dark, an average of 3% was converted to another acid gibberellin within 48 hours. The biological activity of the metabolite did not account for the response to applied GA(5). GA(5) is therefore assumed to be biologically active per se.(3)H-GA(5) did not appear to form a stable complex with a macromolecule in pea shoots. When injected into dwarf pea pods, (3)H-GA(5) was readily metabolized by maturing seed to more water-soluble substances and to two other acidic compounds. This metabolism continued even throughout germination of the seed without reconversion of the metabolites to GA(5). It is concluded that "bound" GA(5) plays no part in the germination of dwarf pea seeds.
Reactance and Thought Suppression

Two studies explored whether dispositional reactance moderates the effects of thought suppression. In Study 1 (N= 87) and Study 2 (N = 114), higher and lower reactant undergraduates were instructed either to suppress or to express their own intrusive thoughts during a stream-of-consciousness writing task. Results revealed that among higher reactant participants, those in the suppression group subsequently reported feeling more out of control of and disturbed by their intrusive thoughts and by their thoughts in general than did those in the expression group. Among the lower reactant participants, this pattern was reversed: Those in the expression group reported feeling more out of control of their thoughts than did those in the suppression group. The findings suggest that being motivated to restore one's freedom may paradoxically leave one feeling more out of control of one's thoughts after suppressing them.
Faculty reflections on the implementation of socio-cultural eportfolio assessment tool

Electronic portfolios (eportfolios) are increasingly used to assess student development. The degree to which faculty in North American medical schools are confident in their ability to evaluate such materials and their perceptions of the utility of eportfolios are unclear. Thirteen medical educators developed skills necessary to critically assess students’ reflective essays. Qualitative methods were used to explore faculty experiences with a socio‐cultural eportfolio. Despite self‐perceptions of being novice users, faculty were willing to engage with the eportfolio and assume an unfamiliar role in guiding medical students’ personal reflections. Additionally, we uncovered unique faculty expectations regarding the quality of students’ essays and their thoughts about the utility of an eportfolio as an assessment tool. Our findings indicate that given adequate time and training, faculty will use an eportfolio. They believe it is an effective method for both longitudinal assessment of student learning and achi...
Very early risk of a significant cardiac event after a transient ischemic attack or acute ischemic stroke

Study objectives: Current guidelines generally recommend the admission of patients with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to the hospital for evaluation. The short-term risk (90-day) of recurrent stroke and TIA after index TIA and AIS is approximately 13%; however, there are few studies delineating the short-term risk for cardiac morbidity after these neurologic events. This study determines the very early short-term risk ( Methods: We included all patients admitted to a large tertiary teaching hospital with the diagnosis of TIA and AIS from January 2002 to July 2002. Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (433 to 435) discharge codes verified by a neurologist. An SCE was defined as (1) ECG changes consistent with new-onset arrhythmia or ischemia; (2) elevated troponin I level; and (3) death directly related to a cardiac event. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. Results: One hundred ninety-eight patients were admitted with the diagnosis of TIA (n=27) and AIS (n=171); an SCE occurred in 16% (n=32) of patients. The mean age was 70 years, and 55% were women. Comorbidities included cerebrovascular disease (35%), cardiovascular disease (23%), hypertension (70%), hyperlipidemia (41%), diabetes (26%), current smoker (27%), atrial fibrillation (20%), and a family history of heart disease (30%). Those with an SCE were more likely to have diabetes ( P =.02), hypertension ( P =.05), current smoking ( P =.04), or cardiovascular disease ( P =.002). Baseline demographics and other major vascular risk factors were the same in SCE and non-SCE groups. Stroke subtypes by Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria were large-artery atherothromboembolic 32%, cardioembolic 26%, small-vessel thrombotic 32%, and other etiology 10%. Patients with cardioembolic stroke were significantly more likely to have an SCE ( P Conclusion: Short-term cardiac morbidity is substantial after a TIA or AIS. For patients admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of TIA or AIS, the independent risk factors of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and suspected cardioembolic stroke subtype predicted the short-term risk for SCE. These 5 identifiers may help to determine a subset of high-risk patients who require admission to telemetry.
Three-Dimensional Phase Unwrapping for Satellite Radar Interferometry, I: DEM Generation

Determining the Earth's surface topography and deformation with interferometric synthetic aperture radar involves measurement of phase, which, for a typical coherent radar signal, can only be done modulo 2π. The cycle of ambiguity inherent in the phase measurement has to be unwrapped over all observation dimensions (e.g., azimuth, range, and time) to remove the 2π ambiguity of the phase measurements. For a time series of SAR images, useful for reducing noise in topographic applications or measuring time-varying surface deformation, the necessary steps to connect ambiguous radar phase measurements are more challenging, and the operation may be termed 3-D phase unwrapping. We describe a 3-D unwrapping approach using an extended Kalman filter. Our approach readily exploits existing information, and is robust in the presence of noise. For all tested data sets, it provides improved accuracy compared to existing approaches.
Ultrasound in Recurrent Thyroid Disease

Neck ultrasound has been shown to be critical for the postoperative evaluation of thyroid cancer patients. The thyroid bed and surrounding tissues are evaluated for the presence of recurrence or nodal disease.
An Object-Oriented Simulation Context to Support M-On-N Engagements

*This paper presents a new simulation context that facilitates extending the single missile/single target six-degree-of-freedom simulation to a fully capable M-on-N simulation environment. The approach builds on a previous simulation architecture design that explicitly separates the implementation of the simulation management functions (the executive layer) from the implementation of the dynamic system being modeled (the application layer). In addition, the architecture uses a mediator and composite pattern combination to facilitate and simplify the interactions among the models in the system. Augmenting the previous architecture is the introduction of a namespace encapsulating proxy objects to streamline data sharing between models. The namespace/proxy addition enables model representations to better reflect real physical interfaces by removing certain data flow from the hierarchical tree (e.g., model “truth” information and gravity). This provides a significant advantage when considering the desire to use a simulation for a full digital representation as well as replacing various modules with physical hardware. In addition, the namespace/proxy objects also allow several components in the simulation to share common models of “world truth” (e.g., atmospheric conditions, gravity models), thus reducing redundancy in the simulation and also ensuring the compatibility of disparate objects being simulated that share these world truth models. Most importantly, the namespace/proxy objects greatly facilitate extending a single missile/single target environment to a fully capable M-on-N engagement simulation by providing the necessary framework to support the simulation of multiple objects (without knowing a priori how many objects will be simulated). Combining the new simulation architecture with the namespace/proxy objects creates a powerful simulation approach that provides improved problem domain abstraction, scalability, stability in the presence of changes, and facilities for reuse. Additionally, the approach provides consistency of model views, better support for reliability and safety concerns, and inherent support for concurrency and distributed processing.
Sex Differences in Socially Responsible Consumers' Behavior:

Using an improved measure of consumers' socially responsible behavior, testing a national sample of 1,503 consumers and being guided by Eagly's 1987 social role theory of sex-based differences in s...
Temperament of premature infants with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the infant temperaments of children with cerebral palsy due to premature birth. [Subjects and Methods] Data were collected through questionnaires sent to 118 mothers of infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to premature birth. [Results] Different infant temperament scores were obtained according to the degrees of disability, type of palsy, birth weights, gestational age, and periods of hospitalization in an NICU; however, the differences were not statistically significant. [Conclusion] Additional comprehensive studies are necessary in order to understand the infant temperaments of newborns with cerebral palsy due to premature birth, as a prerequisite to providing efficient intervention programs supporting the children’s development and growth, and to verify statistical significance.
Regulating the diverse outcomes of interferon's interference

Regulatory T cells are crucial for preventing autoimmunity, but how their function is restrained to allow optimal effector T cells responses in appropriate contexts is unclear. In a recent paper in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, Campbell and colleagues demonstrate that virus-induced type I interferon acts directly on Treg cells to allow for functional antiviral T cell responses.
Testing for context‐dependence in a processing chain interaction among detritus‐feeding aquatic insects

Abstract 1. Scirtid beetles may benefit mosquitoes Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say) by consuming whole leaves and leaving behind fine particles required by mosquito larvae. Such interactions based on the sequential use of a resource that occurs in multiple forms are known as processing chains. 2. Models of processing chains predict that interactions can vary from commensal (0, +) to amensal (0, –), depending on how quickly resource is processed in the absence of consumers. 3. The scirtid–O. triseriatus system was used to test the prediction derived from processing chain models that, as consumer-independent processing increases, scirtids benefit mosquitoes less. Consumer-independent processing rate was manipulated by using different leaf species that vary in decay rate, or by physically crushing a single leaf type to different degrees. 4. Although scirtids increased the production of fine particles, the effects of scirtids on mosquitoes were weak and were not dependent on consumer-independent processing rate. 5. In the leaf manipulation experiment, a correlation between scirtid feeding and consumer-independent processing was detected. Numerical simulations suggest that such a correlation may eliminate shifts from commensal to amensal at equilibrium; because mosquito populations are typically not at equilibrium, however, this correlation may not be important. 6. There was evidence that mosquitoes affected scirtids negatively, which is inconsistent with the structure of processing chain interactions in models. Processing chain models need to incorporate more detail on the biology of scirtids and O. triseriatus, especially alternative mechanisms of interaction, if they are to describe scirtid–O. triseriatus dynamics accurately.
Ten-year perspective on interventional vascular therapy.

The field of vascular medicine and intervention has undergone a rapid and transformational change in the past 10 years. Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have been completed that further de...
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES OF ADRENAL CORTEX MITOCHONDRIA

The mitochondria in cells that synthesize steroid hormones not only have enzymes not present in mitochondria of non-steroidogenic cells but also have unique mechanisms for regulating the steroid substrate availability for certain of these enzymes. We have considered in detail the cytochrome P-450scc system that is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and that catalyzes the initial and rate-determining step in the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway. The flux through this pathway is regulated both by the levels of these catalysts themselves and by the availability of the substrate cholesterol for conversion to pregnenolone. These two levels of regulation occur in different time frames but are both controlled externally by the action of tissue-specific peptide hormone. We have used the adrenal cortex fasciculata cells as our paradigmatic cell type. The overall picture seems closely similar for mitochondria in other such steroidogenic cells when analogous data are available. Thus, in adrenal cortex fasciculata cells ACTH triggers several long-term (trophic) and short-term (acute) effects upon and within mitochondria that influence the initial and rate-determining step in the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway. The only second messenger for both effects characterized thus far is cAMP. An increase in membrane-associated cAMP rapidly activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase, which in turn phosphorylates several cellular proteins, e.g., cholesterol ester hydrolase (vide supra). The trophic action, i.e., that produced by exposure of the cells to increased levels of ACTH or cAMP for a prolonged period (minutes to hours), increases the amounts of the steroid hormone synthesizing proteins in the mitochondria by increasing the transcription of the relevant nuclear genes. This latter process is not needed for the acute increase in the rate of steroid hormone biosynthesis. Whether induction of steroidogenic enzymes requires activation of a kinase has not been determined. However, the postulated SHIP proteins provide a mechanism by which cAMP levels and protein synthesis itself may regulate this induction. Mitochondria in steroidogenic tissues exert control over this process by their ability to recognize, import and process correctly the nuclear encoded precursors of the steroidogenic enzymes. Whether control at this level is ultimately dictated by nuclear or mitochondrial gene products or by an interplay between them is still unknown.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Physical Mechanisms of Thermal Transport in Nanofluids

Using molecular dynamics simulations, an analysis of the thermal conductivity enhancement of a copper/argon nanofluid is performed. First, verification of an increase of as much as ∼30% in the thermal conductivity of the theoretical nanofluid over the corresponding base fluid, due to increasing nanoparticle concentration, is presented. Thermal energy transport is then decomposed into potential, kinetic, and virial components, based on the Green-Kubo autocorrelation function used to calculate thermal conductivity from the microscopic properties of the system. Analysis of these components showed that as the concentration of the nanoparticle increases, the energy transported through the system, due to collisions within the fluid, decreases by as much as 80%. Additionally, the nanofluid system increasingly displays characteristics of an amorphous-like material with increasing concentration. The decrease in energy exchange, due to collisions, suggests another physical mechanism is present for thermal energy transport. Therefore, it is proposed that thermal diffusion is the physical mechanism that more significantly affects thermal energy transport within a nanofluid than had been previously suggested.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Une seule collatérale intra-crânienne perméable prédit la tolérance à l'inversion du flux au cours de l'angioplastie avec stenting carotidien

L'inversion du flux dans l'artere carotide interne (ACI) est une methode efficace de protection cerebrale au cours du stenting carotidien. Sa principale limite est qu'en l'absence de circulation collaterale adequate elle peut ne pas etre toleree par le malade. Le but de notre etude etait de determiner si l'identification pre-operatoire des collaterales intra-crâniennes par angioscanner ou arteriographie par resonance magnetique (ARM) permettait de predire un flux collateral suffisant et la tolerance neurologique de l'inversion du flux dans l'ACI destinee a la protection contre les embolies. Il s'agissait d'une etude de malades ayant une angioplastie et un stenting carotidien par voie cervicale. La neuroprotection a ete etablie par l'inversion du flux dans l'ACI. Tous les malades ont eu une angiographie non invasive cervicale et cerebrale pre-operatoire par angioscanner ou ARM et avaient au moins une artere collaterale intra-crânienne permeable. La pression residuelle moyenne dans l'artere carotide a ete mesuree. Les modifications neurologiques au cours du clampage carotidien et de l'inversion du flux ont ete surveillees de facon continue par electro-encephalographie (EEG). Trente-sept malades ayant au moins une artere collaterale intra-crânienne permeable a l'imagerie cerebrale par angioscanner ou ARM ont ete inclus. La pression residuelle moyenne dans l'artere carotide etait de 58 mmHg. Toutes les procedures ont ete des succes techniques. Aucune modification de l'EEG n'etait presente lors de l'occlusion de l'artere carotide primitive et de l'inversion du flux dans l'ACI. Une seule collaterale intra-crânienne permeable fournit une perfusion cerebrale suffisante pour realiser l'occlusion carotidienne et l'inversion du flux avec absence de modification de l'EEG. Les progres continus des modalites d'imagerie non invasive deviennent de plus en plus utiles pour notre comprehension de la physiologie cerebrale et la selection des malades pour les procedures carotidiennes invasives.
Dimerization by a Cytokine Receptor Is Necessary for Constitutive Activation of JAK2V617F

The majority of the BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative disorders express the mutant JAK2, JAK2V617F. Previously we showed that constitutive activation of this oncogenic JAK2 mutant in Ba/F3 or 32D cells requires coexpression of a cognate homodimeric cytokine receptor, such as the EpoR. However, overexpression of JAK2V617F in Ba/F3 cells renders them cytokine-independent for growth in the absence of an exogenous cytokine receptor. Here, we demonstrated that JAK2V617F domains required for receptor association are essential for cytokine-independent growth by overexpressed JAK2V617F, suggesting JAK2V617F is binding to an unknown endogenous cytokine receptor(s) for its activation. We further showed that disruption of EpoR dimerization by coexpressing a truncated EpoR disrupted JAK2V617F-mediated transformation, indicating that EpoR dimerization plays an essential role in the activation of JAK2V617F. Interestingly, coexpression of JAK2V617F with EpoR mutants that retain JAK2 binding but are defective in mediating Epo-dependent JAK2 activation due to mutations in a conserved juxtamembrane motif does lead to cytokine-independent activation of JAK2V617F. Overall, these findings confirm that JAK2V617F requires binding to a dimerized cytokine receptor for its activation, and that the key EpoR juxtamembrane regulatory motif essential for Epo-dependent JAK2 activation is not essential for the activation of JAK2V617F. The structure of the activated JAK2V617F is thus likely to be different from that of the activated wild-type JAK2, raising the possibility of developing a specifically targeted therapy for myeloproliferative disorders.
MetaData persistence using storage class memory: experiences with flash-backed DRAM

Storage Class Memory (SCM) blends the best properties of main memory and hard disk drives. It offers non-volatility and byte addressability, and promises short access times with low cost per bit. Earlier research in this field explored designs exploiting SCM features and used either simulations or theoretical models for evaluations. In this work, we explore the design challenges for achieving non-volatility using real SCM hardware that is available now: Flash-Backed DRAM. We present performance analysis of flash-backed DRAM and describe the system issues involved in achieving true non-volatility using the system memory hierarchy which was designed assuming that data is volatile. We present software abstractions which allow applications to be redesigned easily using SCM features, without having to worry about system issues. Furthermore, we present case studies using two applications with different characteristics: an SSD-based caching layer used in enterprise storage (Flash Cache) and an in-memory database (SolidDB), and redesign them using software abstractions. Our performance evaluations reveal that SCM aware Flash Cache design could enable persistence with less than 2% degradation in performance. Similarly, redesigning SolidDB persistence layer using SCM improved the performance by a factor of two. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that evaluates SCM performance and demonstrates application redesign using real SCM hardware.
Infants' listening preferences: Baby talk or happy talk?

The most robust finding on infants' listening preferences has been widely characterized as a preference for baby talk (BT) over adult-directed speech (ADS). Although prosodic modifications characteristic of BT also convey positive affect, differences in affect across BT and ADS speech registers have not been controlled in previous studies. This set of experiments sought to elucidate the basis for 6-month-olds' listening preference by independently manipulating affect and speech register. When affect was held constant, no preference for any speech register was observed. Moreover, when ADS stimuli presented more positive affect than BT stimuli, infants' preferences followed the positive affect. Higher and more variable pitch was neither necessary nor sufficient for determining infants' preferences, although pitch characteristics may modulate affect-based preferences. The BT preference is thus attributable to a more general preference for speech that imparts relatively positive affect, a preference perhaps ascribable to a preexisting general-purpose mechanism opportunistically exploited by language.
Integration of landscape fragmentation analysis into regional planning: A statewide multi-scale case study from California, USA

Landscape fragmentation due to urban development, transportation infrastructure, and agriculture poses a threat to environmental integrity. There is a need to quantify the level of landscape fragmentation in an ecologically meaningful way for inclusion in planning and decision-making. Effective mesh size (meff )i s an ecologically relevant metric that quantifies landscape fragmentation based on the probability that two randomly chosen points in a region are located in the same non-fragmented patch. We investigated variation in meff measured by transportation districts, municipal counties, and six spatial levels of watersheds within the state of California. Four fragmentation geometries were developed by overlaying highways, roads, urbanized areas, agricultural areas, and natural fragmenting features. Two meff calculation methods were compared: one where planning unit boundaries fragment the landscape (CUT), the other allowing for cross-boundary connections (CBC). The CUT procedure always produced lower meff values than CBC, with greater differences occurring in smaller planning units, confirming the bias introduced using boundaries with landscape metrics. Calculated meff values varied from 0 to 20 885 km 2 across 6994 units in California. Roads contributed the most to fragmentation, while agriculture contributed little, as California’s agricultural areas are already heavily fragmented by roads. This paper provides a systematic, quantitative, and intuitive method for transportation, land use and environmental planners to analyze cumulative impacts of multiple fragmenting features across a range of spatial scales within a variety of planning units. This approach could be used for analyzing the impact of future land development scenarios, and integrated into regional planning processes. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Inspection with Robotic Microscopic Imaging

Future Mars rover missions will require more advanced onboard autonomy for increased scientific productivity and reduced mission operations cost. One such form of autonomy can be achieved by targeting precise science measurements to be made in a single command uplink cycle. In this paper we present an overview of our solution to the subproblems of navigating a rover into place for microscopic imaging, mapping an instrument target point selected by an operator using far away science camera images to close up hazard camera images, verifying the safety of placing a contact instrument on a sample or finding nearby safe points, and analyzing the data that comes back from the rover. The system developed includes portions used in the Multiple Target Single Cycle Instrument Placement demonstration at NASA Ames in October 2004, and portions of the MI Toolkit delivered to the Athena Microscopic Imager Instrument Team for the MER mission still operating on Mars today. Some of the component technologies are also under consideration for MSL mission infusion.
‘It could be worse … lot's worse!’ Why health-related quality of life is better in older compared with younger individuals with heart failure

Background: health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is markedly impaired in patients with heart failure (HF). Despite worse prognosis and physical status, older patients have better HRQOL than younger patients. Objective: to determine reasons for differences in HRQOL in older compared with younger HF patients. Methods: a mixed methods approach was used. HRQOL was assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire and compared among HF patients (n= 603) in four age groups (≤53, 54–62, 63–70 and ≥71 years). Socio-demographic/clinical and psychological factors related to HRQOL were determined in four groups using multiple regressions. Patients (n= 20) described their views of HRQOL during semi-structured interviews. Results: HRQOL was worse in the youngest group, and best in the two oldest groups. The youngest group reported higher levels of depression and anxiety than the oldest group. Anxiety, depression and functional capacity predicted HRQOL in all age groups. Qualitatively, patients in all age groups acknowledged the negative impact of HF on HRQOL; nonetheless older patients reported that their HRQOL exceeded their expectations for their age. Younger patients bemoaned the loss of activities and roles, and reported their HRQOL as poor. Conclusions: better HRQOL among older HF patients is the result, in part, of better psychosocial status. The major factor driving better HRQOL among older patients is a change with advancing age in expectations about what constitutes good HRQOL.
A Study on the Effect of the Stress State on Ductile Fracture

The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that besides the stress triaxiality parameter, the Lode angle, which can be related to the third invariant of the deviatoric stress tensor, also has an important effect on ductile fracture. This is achieved by conducting a series of micromechanics analyses of void-containing unit cells and experimental-numerical studies of carefully designed specimens experiencing a wide range of stress states. As a result, a fracture criterion is expressed in terms of the equivalent failure strain as a function of the stress triaxiality and the Lode angle (or the third invariant of the stress deviator) and this function is calibrated for a DH36 steel plate.
Two Network Theorems for Analytical Determination of Optimum-Response Physically Realizable Network Characteristics

By a technique combining variational methods, contour integration, and the concept of analytic extension, two network theorems are derived which form the basis of a procedure for determining the physically realizable network characteristic which is the best compromise between conflicting requirements in the sense of least mean-square error or some other criterion of approximation selected by the designer and written into the variational problem. Both the specifications and the criterion for compromise may include functions which are given as curves versus frequency rather than explicit functions of frequency. The Wiener-Kolmogoroff theory of smoothing and prediction and the vestigial sideband filter with linear phase shift are included as illustrative application problems. For the former an alternative derivation in the frequency domain as well as a simpler procedure for numerical computations are given. For the latter a criterion for selecting the constant slope of the phase characteristic is derived in addition to providing the procedure for computing the optimum response filter.
Average encoding scheme to reduce capacitive coupling effects in mixed-signal integrated circuits

In this paper, we present an encoding scheme, which we call the average encoding scheme, to compensate for the detrimental effects of capacitive coupling between digital metal layers that overlap analog metal layers in a mixed signal integrated circuit. The scheme is not limited for use in integrated circuits and can also be used on circuit boards. In general, a design that has limitations in the number of metal layers for shielding purposes can benefit from our average encoding technique. It does not need any additional bit lines and hence saves on expensive silicon real estate. We present an implementation of the average encoding scheme on the digital pixel sensor (DPS), with measured results. In certain scenarios, the encoding scheme can be adapted after the chip has been fabricated and can be tuned to the particular design. The encoding scheme has the characteristic of averaging and constraining the rate of change of charge accumulation due to coupling capacitance hence avoiding a charge build up on the analog metal lines
Energy Allowances for Solid Fats and Added Sugars in Nutritionally Adequate U.S. Diets Estimated at 17–33% by a Linear Programming Model

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has recommended that no more than 5–15% of total dietary energy should be derived from solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS). The guideline was based on USDA food pattern modeling analyses that met the Dietary Reference Intake recommendations and Dietary Guidelines and followed typical American eating habits. This study recreated food intake patterns for 6 of the same gender-age groups by using USDA data sources and a mathematical optimization technique known as linear programming. The analytic process identified food consumption patterns based on 128 food categories that met the nutritional goals for 9 vitamins, 9 minerals, 8 macronutrients, and dietary fiber and minimized deviation from typical American eating habits. Linear programming Model 1 created gender- and age-specific food patterns that corresponded to energy needs for each group. Model 2 created food patterns that were iso-caloric with diets observed for that group in the 2001–2002 NHANES. The optimized food patterns were evaluated with respect to MyPyramid servings goals, energy density [kcal/g (1 kcal = 4.18 kJ)], and energy cost (US$/2000 kcal). The optimized food patterns had more servings of vegetables and fruit, lower energy density, and higher cost compared with the observed diets. All nutrient goals were met. In contrast to the much lower USDA estimates, the 2 models placed SoFAS allowances at between 17 and 33% of total energy, depending on energy needs.
Induced sputum examination: diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in Fabry's disease.

Fabry's disease is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme α-galactosidase A. It can affect almost every organ, including the lungs. Confirmation of lung involvement has depended on invasive bronchial biopsy specimens or brushings to confirm the presence of typical lamellar inclusion bodies within bronchial epithelial cells. We report a patient with known Fabry's disease in whom these inclusion bodies were identified by examination of induced sputum.
Arabidopsis thaliana subcellular responses to compatible Erysiphe cichoracearum infections

Subcellular events of Erysiphe cichoracearum infections of epidermal cells were visualized in living tissues of Arabidopsis plants carrying various green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged organelles via laser scanning confocal microscopy. Early in the infection sequence, cytoplasm and organelles moved towards penetration sites and accumulated near penetration pegs. Peroxisomes appeared to accumulate preferentially relative to the cytoplasm at penetration sites. Another early event, which preceded haustorium formation, was the aggregation of some GFP-tagged plasma membrane marker proteins into rings around penetration sites, which extended across cell-wall boundaries into neighboring cells. This feature localized to sites where papillae were deposited. The extrahaustorial membrane (EHM) encases the fungal feeding structure, the haustorium, separating it from the host cytoplasm. Eight plasma membrane markers were excluded from the EHM and remained in a collar-like formation around the haustorial neck. These observations support the suggestions that the EHM is a unique, specialized membrane and is different from the plasma membrane. Our results suggested two possibilities for the origin of the EHM: invagination of the plasma membrane coupled with membrane differentiation; or de novo synthesis of the EHM by targeted vesicle trafficking.
Ca2+ Signaling Domains Responsible For Cardiac Hypertrophy and Arrhythmias

See related articles, pages 514–521 and 522–530 Ca2+ activates and regulates multiple processes in every cell type. In the mammalian heart, cyclic fluctuations in cytosolic [Ca2+] induce and regulate the strength of cardiac contraction (termed “contractile” [Ca2+]). In addition, changes in Ca2+ appear to be centrally involved in normal and pathological signaling (termed “signaling” [Ca2+]) that regulates myocyte growth, hypertrophy, apoptosis, and necrosis.1 Whether or not contractile and signaling [Ca2+] are derived from common or distinct sources and are constrained to unique cellular microdomains is not established.2 What is clear is that cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and myocardial infarction are associated with alterations in contractile and possibly signaling [Ca2+] that are centrally involved in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure progression,1 and lethal cardiac arrhythmias.3 Defining the sources of signaling Ca2+ involved in the induction of pathological hypertrophy and the bases of dysregulated contractile [Ca2+] in cardiovascular disease should identify novel ways to treat heart disease. In this issue of Circulation Research , 2 independent reports address fundamental aspects of alterations in signaling and contractile [Ca2+]. Chiang et al4 have studied the idea that Ca2+ influx through voltage operated α1H (CaV3.2) T-type Ca2+ channels (TTCCs) is the source of the signaling [Ca2+] that activates the calcineurin (Cn)-NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) signaling cascade and induces pathological cardiac hypertrophy in pressure overload. In a separate report, Terentyev et al5 explore the idea that microRNA (miR)-1, a muscle-specific microRNA that increases in abundance in cardiac disease,6 causes dysregulated contractile [Ca2+] and induces single cell arrhythmias. These 2 reports are provocative and, if independently confirmed, will have identified novel …
Label-free DNA detection on the surface of an optical fiber tip

This paper presents a label-free method for direct detection of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences using layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly (L-b-L ESA) technique. The sensor features sequence specificity, cost efficiency, speed, and ease of use.
Effect of Obesity on Urethroplasty Outcome

Objectives To determine whether obesity increases the risk of urethroplasty failure. Methods A total of 381 patients underwent urethroplasty and had complete body mass index (BMI) data. Stricture recurrence-free survival was defined as subjective and objective improvement in urinary flow, an absence of radiographic evidence of stricture, and no further need for urethral instrumentation. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify both univariate and multivariate predictors of urethroplasty outcome. Results The median patient age was 40 years (range 18-90). The median follow-up was 5.9 years (range 1 month to 10 years). Of the 381 patients, 60 developed recurrent stricture (15.7%). Overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m 2 ) and obese (BMI 30-35 kg/m 2 ) patients were more likely to have urethroplasty failure, reaching significance and near significance on univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively ( P = .03 and P = .07, respectively). Patients who were severely (BMI 35-40 kg/m 2 ) or morbidly obese (BMI >40 kg/m 2 ) did not have an increased risk of urethroplasty failure. Conclusions Although obesity's relationship with urethroplasty failure is not linear, it does appear to affect outcomes after urethroplasty.
Quantum well photoemission from atomically uniform Ag films: Determination of electronic band structure and quasi-particle lifetime in Ag(100)

Photoemission from atomically uniform layers of Ag on a Fe(100) substrate is employed for the determination of the bulk electronic band structure of Ag. The high degree of control of the layer thickness allows the interferometric measurement of the electron momentum normal to the sample surface. This leads to an unprecedented precision in the electronic band structure determined from the experiment. The high quality of the layers also allows the discussion of the line shape of the quantum well peaks for the first time and gives access to the intrinsic and extrinsic broadening parameters of the line shape.
Television network news reporting by female correspondents: An update

Although a content analysis of 1247 network news reports indicates that significant differences still exist in male and female‐reported story topics, the scope and importance of women's reporting assignments appear to be improving.
Field trial and future enhancements for TDD massive MIMO networks

Massive MIMO is one of the promising techniques to improve the spectral efficiency and network performance in future 5G networks. Compared to FDD, it is relatively easier to realize downlink massive MIMO for TDD as downlink channel information can be obtained via uplink-downlink channel reciprocity. This paper provides our field test results of massive MIMO system with a base station prototype equipped with 64 transmit antennas. Significant throughput gain is observed by performing 3D-beamforming to current LTE-Advanced handsets by using standard-transparent Multiuser(MU) MIMO techniques. With the massive MIMO base station prototype, MU-MIMO is realized by multiplexing maximum of eight handsets in spatial domain considering both azimuth and elevation directions. In addition to the field trial test results, future potential enhancements for TDD massive MIMO system are discussed. Evaluation results of evaluating some enhancements on uplink reference signal are provided.
Inquiry-Based Field Experiences: Transforming Early Childhood Teacher Candidates’ Effectiveness

Contemporary teacher preparation programs are challenged to provide transformational learning experiences that enhance the development of highly effective teachers. This mixed-methods case study explored the influence of inquiry-based field experiences as a pedagogical approach to teacher preparation. Four teacher candidates participated in a 15-week practicum hosted by four community-based early childhood classrooms. Research methods included peer discussions, self-assessments, coaching sessions facilitated by the instructor/researcher, and a survey. Triangulated content analysis indicated that inquiry-based field experiences positively contributed to the participants’ (a) understanding and application of core knowledge, (b) consciousness of teacher–child interactions, (c) appreciation of co-inquiry learning, and (d) utilization of reflective learning. Inquiry-based field experiences also positively contributed to the participants’ professional intentionality and discernment.
Autophagy in macrophages regulates the inflammasome and protects against liver injury

Hepatic inflammation is a pathogenic process associated with various types of acute and chronic liver disorders, and it contributes to progressive liver injury and fibrosis. Among the various innate immune cells, hepatic macrophages are the major (80–90%) resident macrophages of the body and are central in regulating the pathogenesis of acute and chronic liver injury. While macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses can be hepatoprotective by promoting resolution and repair of tissue injury, excessive macrophage activation is detrimental by exacerbating liver injury of various conditions including alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury as well as insults of xenobiotics and infection [1]. Autophagy is a catabolic lysosomal degradation process that degrades cytoplasmic materials including misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles as a cellular adaptation and survival mechanism in response to a variety of stress conditions. In the liver, hepatocyte basal autophagy is critical to maintain liver homeostasis for proteins, lipids and organelles and loss of basal hepatocyte autophagy leads to liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis and tumorigenesis [2,3]. In addition, hepatocyte autophagy has also been shown to protect against alcohol, ischemia-reperfusion, drugand endotoxin-induced liver injury [3–6]. Compared to hepatocyte autophagy, the role of macrophage autophagy in the liver pathogenesis is less known but emerging evidence suggests that macrophage autophagy attenuates endotoxin-induced acute liver injury, steatohepatitis and fibrosis [7,8]. In this issue of the Journal of Hepatology, Ilyas et al. [9] demonstrated that macrophage autophagy inhibited inflammasomemediated IL-1b generation and secretion to limit acute toxin-induced liver injury. To study the specific role of autophagy