cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-injected petawatt laser-driven plasma electron acceleration in 10 17 cm −3 plasma

We report production of a self-injected, collimated (8 mrad divergence), 600 pC bunch of electrons with energies up to 350 MeV from a petawatt laser-driven plasma accelerator in a plasma of electron density ne = 1017 cm−3, an order of magnitude lower than previous self-injected laser-plasma accelerators. The energy of the focused drive laser pulse (150 J, 150 fs) was distributed over several hot spots. Simulations show that these hot spots remained independent over a 5 cm interaction length, and produced weakly nonlinear plasma wakes without bubble formation capable of accelerating pre-heated (~1 MeV) plasma electrons up to the observed energies. The required pre-heating is attributed tentatively to pre-pulse interactions with the plasma.
Message-independent test harness for content-level test of B2B standards: An application information mapping test case study

NIST has been developing a B2B interoperability testbed to provide tools that facilitate interoperability testing of B2B applications. One of its capabilities focuses on content-level testing in terms of B2B message interpretation. Currently, test harnesses are available only for messages in XML format. Consequently, content testing of messages in other formats such as EDI and ASN.1, cannot not be performed. This paper proposes a message-independent test harness based on the NIST Message Metamodel - a neutral form of messages - and a formal model of test guidelines. The paper illustrates our approach on a set of EDI logistics messages commonly used in long distance supply chains.
A differential game model of incentive-based student recruitment, retention and faculty engagement in higher education

Many public and private four-year colleges and universities are facing the issue of declining enrolment. Several universities adopt a centralised approach to recruiting, where efforts are concentrated in the admissions function of the academic institution. These recruitment methods mirror a ‘catch all’ approach for prospective students across all academic disciplines. The concern with this centralised recruitment method is the level of detachment from key success/retention criteria that is unique to different academic disciplines. This study seeks to determine whether significant correlation exists between student recruitment methods and retention statistics among for-profit universities and to examine the efficacy of a more decentralised approach to recruiting students, much like the model adopted among athletic institutions. Overall, we find that actively engaging faculty scouts in recruitment and retention efforts via a revenue-sharing programme can be effective if: 1) achieving a progressively larger incoming students pool is a shared goal; 2) reaching enrolment sustainability is a priority, where marginal net growth of the stock is positive; 3) the bulk of the institutional revenues come from tuition fees, relative to independent outside sources; 4) the revenue share awarded to faculty scouts is perceived by them as competitive.
Racial Disparities in Diabetic Complications in an Underinsured Population

Context: It is unclear whether there is a racial difference in the incidence of diabetic complications in underinsured populations. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate racial disparities in the incidence of diabetic complications within the Louisiana State University (LSU) Hospital System. Design and Participants: This study (1997–2009) was conducted on a diabetic cohort enrolled in the LSU Hospital-Based Longitudinal Study. The cohort included 16,808 non-Hispanic white men, 21,983 non-Hispanic white women, 20,621 African-American men, and 33,753 African-American women who were 30–96 yr of age and had a mean value of family income of $9641/yr at baseline. Results: The study cohort had a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), and stroke for white diabetic patients were 15.1 (14.3–15.8), 80.9 (78.9–82.9), 48.0 (46.6–49.4), and 21.4 (20.5–22.2)...
Fifteen Years of Data and Information Quality Literature: Developing a Research Agenda for Accounting

ABSTRACT: This paper provides a framework for guiding accounting-related Data and Information Quality (DIQ) research, based on four major research strands: people and decision-making, governance, operations, and technology (PGOT). The last three have been broken down further into three subtopics each, a total of ten subcategories. With people connecting the four strands, the resulting PGOT framework provides a structure to create DIQ research questions. DIQ-related articles published between the years of 1994 and 2008 were identified, the predominant research focus and method were determined. The coding identified research areas that need further exploration. Traditionally, DIQ research has been pursued by non-accountants. Accounting-oriented DIQ literature tends to concentrate on the decision aspects of the PGOT. With an increased emphasis on compliance, CobiT, and internal controls the accounting discipline can make a substantial contribution to the DIQ field, particularly with respect to the decision-m...
Nanometer-scale machining by laser ablation with a focused extreme ultraviolet laser beam

We report the ablation of 200 nm-top wide (130 nm FWHM) trenches on PMMA photoresist by focusing the extreme ultraviolet output from a table-top capillary discharge laser with a Fresnel zone plate lens.
Fabrication of Cube-Textured Ni-9%atW Substrate for YBCO Superconducting Wires Using Powder Metallurgy

Sharp cube textured Ni-9%atW alloy substrates were successfully achieved using the powder metallurgy process and gave promise for coated conductor with reduced AC losses and improved mechanical properties. X-ray studies indicated that the newly developed Ni-9%atW alloy substrates have a good out-of-plane and in-plane orientation with FWHM values about 3.7deg and 7.05deg respectively. Smooth surface as well as fine grains were obtained in the newly developed textured substrate. Curie temperature is suppressed to be 30 K and magnetic hysteretic losses are zero for Ni-9%atW alloy substrates at 77 K.
Parallel self-organizing maps with application in clustering distributed data

Clustering is the process of discovering groups within multidimensional data, based on similarities, with a minimal, if any, knowledge of their structure. Distributed data clustering is a recent approach to deal with geographically distributed databases, since traditional clustering methods require centering all databases in a single dataset. Moreover, current privacy requirements in distributed databases demand algorithms with the ability to process clustering securely. Among the unsupervised neural network models, the self-organizing map (SOM) plays a major role. SOM features include information compression while trying to preserve the topological and metric relationship of the primary data space. This paper presents a strategy for efficient cluster analysis in geographically distributed databases using SOM networks. Local datasets relative to database vertical partitions are applied to distinct maps in order to obtain partial views of the existing clusters. Units of each local map are chosen to represent original data and are sent to a central site, which performs a fusion of the partial results. Experimental results are presented for different datasets.
SAT-based techniques for determining backbones for post-silicon fault localisation

The localisation of faults in integrated circuits is a dominating factor in the overall verification effort. The limited observability of internal signals of chips complicates the spatial and temporal localisation of bugs in post-silicon validation. We address the problem of recovering the values of unobservable signals of a chip prototype from state bits recorded in a trace-buffer of limited size using a SAT-based analysis. Our technique is a novel application of backbones. This term refers to the set of parameters of a Boolean function that need to be fixed to a constant value for that function to evaluate to true. There is a range of known SAT-based techniques targeting this problem. We discuss a number of existing techniques and gradually extend these techniques with novel ideas, leading to novel and previously unstudied algorithms. We evaluate the performance of these algorithms using the aforementioned application in post-silicon validation. Our results show that these SAT-based techniques are suitable for large-scale applications with even millions of variables. Moreover, we evaluate the utility of backbones by quantifying the restored state bits in a number of case studies, including two processor cores.
Secure cryptographic precomputation with insecure memory

We propose a solution that provides secure storage for cryptographic precomputation using insecure memory that is susceptible to eavesdropping and tampering. Specifically, we design a small tamper-resistant hardware module, the Queue Security Proxy (QSP), that situates transparently on the data-path between the processor and the insecure memory. Our analysis shows that our design is secure and flexible, and yet efficient and inexpensive. In particular, both the timing overhead and the hardware cost of our solution are independent of the storage size.
First Detection of Ligustrum necrotic ringspot virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, and Alternanthera mosaic virus in Mazus reptans in the United States.

Mazus reptans N.E. Br (creeping mazus; Phrymaceae) is a perennial flowering groundcover plant. A plant of M. reptans ‘Alba’ with mild mosaic symptoms was obtained from a Maryland nursery in 2010. Electron microscopy (EM) revealed slightly flexuous particles of 595 to 674 nm in length and smaller fragments, typical of carlaviruses. This sample was analyzed using a recently-developed Universal Plant Virus Microarray (UPVM [4]), and UPVM results confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing. For UPVM analysis, complementary DNA (cDNA) was prepared from total nucleic acid extracts using a combination of oligo(dT) and random (6- to 9-mer) primers and high copy sequences (primarily ribosomal) were reduced using duplex-specific nuclease. Treated cDNA was labeled by incorporation of amino-allyl dUTP, followed by coupling of Cy3 dye and hybridization to a UPVM slide (4). Analysis of UPVM hybridization results using associated Uchip and T-Predict software (4) identified Ligustrum necrotic ringspot virus (LNRV; Carlavirus) and...
Comparison of Six Commercial DNA Extraction Kits for Recovery of Cytomegalovirus DNA from Spiked Human Specimens

We evaluated six commercially available DNA extraction kits for their ability to recover DNA from various dilutions of cytomegalovirus (CMV) added to four different specimens: bronchoalveolar lavage, cerebral spinal fluid, plasma, and whole blood. The kits evaluated included the Puregene DNA isolation kit (PG), Generation Capture Column kit, MasterPure DNA purification kit, IsoQuick nucleic acid extraction kit, QIAamp blood kit, and NucliSens isolation kit (NS). All six kits evaluated effectively removed PCR inhibitors from each of the four specimen types and produced consistently positive results down to a spiked concentration of 200 PFU of whole CMV per ml. However, the NS and PG resulted in the most consistently positive results at the lowest concentrations of spiked CMV (4 and 0.4 PFU/ml) and, in this evaluation, offered the most sensitive methods for extracting CMV DNA from the four different spiked specimens. Processing time and cost were also evaluated.
Antisense Knockdown of Brain Dopamine Receptors

Publisher Summary Antisense knockdown refers to the ability of specifically designed short sequences of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AON) to bind to their complementary mRNA and stop translation, thereby preventing the production of the protein that the mRNA codes for. Because it is so highly specific, it can be used to probe the functions of receptor subtypes for which specific and selective agonists or antagonists do not exist. This chapter describes the electrophysiological consequences following antisense knockdown of dopamine D2 and/or D3 receptors in DA substantia nigra (SN) neurons. In this purpose male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine, placed in a stereotaxic apparatus, and implanted with a 28-g stainless steel guide cannula at a 20-degree angle. Three to 7 days after the start of the infusion, rats were anesthetized with urethane, the left femoral vein or a lateral tail vein was cannulated, and each rat was placed into a stereotaxic frame. A bipolar stimulating electrode was inserted into the ipsilateral neostriatum, and extracellular recordings of antidromically identified SN DA neurons were obtained. Studies show that although there were clear effects of both D2 and D3 AON treatment on the apomorphine dose-response relation, on the terminal excitability and on the proportion of antidromic responses consisting of the initial segment and somadendritic components, there was no effect of any AON treatment on the baseline spontaneous firing rate or pattern. The data presented in the chapter shows that DA neurons possess functional D2 and D3 autoreceptors at both their axon terminal and somatodendritic regions. Both types of terminal autoreceptors modulate terminal excitability and presumably the release of DA from the nerve terminals and/or its synthesis.
Flow reduces the amplitude and increases the frequency of lymphatic vasomotion: role of endothelial prostanoids.

Fluid dynamic forces have substantial effects on the movement of lymph and activity of lymph vessels. The effect of increases in intraluminal flow on spontaneous pumping activity of isolated collec...
Performance Characterization of Modern Databases on Out-of-Order CPUs

Big data revolution has created an unprecedented demand for intelligent data management solutions on a large scale. While data management has traditionally been used as a synonym for relational data processing, in recent years a new group popularly known as NoSQL databases have emerged as a competitive alternative. There is a pressing need to gain greater understanding of the characteristics of modern databases to architect targeted computers. In this paper, we investigate four popular NoSQL/SQL-style databases and evaluate their hardware performance on modern computer systems. Based on data collected from real hardware, we evaluate how efficiently modern databases utilize the underlying systems and make several recommendations to improve their performance efficiency. We observe that performance of modern databases is severely limited by poor cache/memory performance. Nonetheless, we demonstrate that dynamic execution techniques are still effective in hiding a significant fraction of the stalls, thereby improving performance. We further show that NoSQL databases suffer from greater performance inefficiencies than their SQL counterparts. SQL databases outperform NoSQL databases for most operations and are beaten by NoSQL databases only in a few cases. NoSQL databases provide a promising competitive alternative to SQL-style databases, however, they are yet to be optimized to fully reach the performance of contemporary SQL systems. We also show that significant diversity exists among different database implementations and big-data benchmark designers can leverage our analysis to incorporate representative workloads to encapsulate the full spectrum of data-serving applications. In this paper, we also compare data-serving applications with other popular benchmarks such as SPEC CPU2006 and SPECjbb2005.
Implosive therapy in alcoholism. Comparison with brief psychotherapy.

The addition of implosive therapy or brief individual psychotherapy to a general milieu treatment program for alcoholics was not more effective than the milieu program alone.
Adaptive Phase I clinical trial design using Markov models for conditional probability of toxicity.

ABSTRACTMany Phase I trials in oncology involve multiple-dose administrations on the same patient over multiple cycles, with a typical cycle lasting 3 weeks and having about six cycles per patient with a goal to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and study the dose–toxicity relationship. A patient’s dose is unchanged over the cycles and the data are reduced to a binary endpoint and the occurrence of a toxicity and analyzed by considering the toxicity either from the first dose or from any cycle on the study. In this article, an alternative approach allowing an assessment of toxicity from each cycle and dose variations for patient over cycles is presented. A Markov model for the conditional probability of toxicity on any cycle given no toxicity in previous cycles is formulated as a function of the current and previous doses. The extra information from each cycle provides more precise estimation of the dose–toxicity relationship. Simulation results demonstrating gains in using the Markov model as compare...
Vocal acoustic correlates of flat affect in schizophrenia. Similarity to Parkinson's disease and right hemisphere disease and contrast with depression.

In a survey of authoritative psychiatric texts, inconsistent, sometimes contradictory use can be found of the terms ‘affect’, ‘mood’, and ‘emotion’. There is some consensus that these terms deal with subsets of the larger domain of feelings, but many authorities, explicitly or implicitly, treat them as at least partially interchangeable. Others see the terms as referring to different phenomena, but disagree on how they differ. In lay usage, feelings are primarily subjective experiences, but the term is used here in a more encompassing, generic sense. In the psychiatric texts, some attributes are frequently used to distinguish among feelings. These include the duration of the phenomena; whether they are subjective, objective or both; the relative involvement of cognition; and whether they are clinically observable or rather reflect the patient's potential for response. Some examples of current usage will be considered before alternative formulations are suggested.
Transient Mean-Field Reaction-Diffusion Model Applied to Hydrogen Evolution From Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

Hydrogen bulk mobility plays an important role in determining a wide range of materials and electronic properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). The existence of two types of hydrogen traps plays an important role in controlling hydrogen mobility in, and evolution of hydrogen from a-Si:H, however, theoretical and experimental literature values for the trap energetics vary considerably. We have developed a mean-field reaction-diffusion model which explicitly includes two trap states and realistic surface processes to model hydrogen evolution from a-Si:H. Modern numerical techniques were required to solve this challenging problem over the wide range of temperatures and concentrations encountered in typical hydrogen evolution experiments. The model is based on a number of experimentally established parameters. Comparison of our rigorous model with temperature programmed hydrogen evolution experiments provides a powerful method for characterizing the energetics, trap concentrations and diffusivity of hydrogen in a-Si:H.
Insecticide Toxicity to the Soybean Looper and the Velvetbean Caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as Influenced by Feeding on Resistant Soybean (PI 227687) Leaves and Coumestrol

Permethrin, fenvalerate, acephate, methyl parathion, and methomyl were tested on larvae of the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hubner), and the soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), fed on a susceptible (‘Bragg’) or a resistant (PI 227687) soybean cultivar. At LD50, susceptibility of A. gemmatalis larvae to fenvalerate and acephate was significantly enhanced by feeding on the resistant cultivar (1.5 and 1.6 times, respectively). P. includens reared on resistant leaves were also significantly more susceptible to acephate (2 times) than when they were reared on susceptible leaves. The toxicity of the other insecticides examined for each insect was not affected. Incorporation of coumestrol, an isoflavonoid associated with PI 227687 resistance, into a modified artificial diet resulted in significant reductions in weight gain for P. includens larvae. Feeding on a diet amended with coumestrol significantly enhanced the toxicity of fenvalerate (1.5 times) while reducing toxicity of methomyl (2 times) to larvae of P. includens .
Operant rate in the turtle as a function of temperature

Fresh water turtles were trained to press a lever for food reinforcement. Sessions were conducted in a test chamber containing water which varied from 58° to 85°F. Individual response rates were not identical, but the functions tended to be parallel.
All aboard the eTrain: Developing and designing online library instruction modules

Abstract As more and more library resources become available through the Internet, and as libraries move to 24/7 access to their collections and services, library instruction must move to this environment. The question is how to best move instruction to the Web while continuing to provide quality interactive sessions that are meaningful to the patron. While much of the literature dealing with developing online instruction focuses on for-credit courses, most librarians still reach the majority of their patrons through one-time instruction sessions. This paper looks at how one large urban university began moving its one-time instruction onto the Web, exploring the main developmental efforts in this area, including dedication to process, content quality, faculty input, and student feedback.
Pathway choice for DNA double-strand break repair

Double-strand break(DSB) is the most serious one in all kinds of DNA damage. Rapid repair of DSB is essential for genome stability. In eukaryotic cells, DSB repair is activated via a series of signal transduction, and homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining are most important. Recent research shows that the two pathways are competitive at the early period of DSB repair, the choice between them is largely regulated by 53BP1 and its homologous proteins. This review will discuss the novel mechanism that 53BP1, as a key factor in DSB repair, integrates the signal pathway including BRCA1/Ct IP and multiple histone modifications, thereby regulating the choice between homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining.
Comparison of muscarinic cholinergic and alpha adrenergic receptors in canine ileum, colon, intestinal urinary reservoirs and bladder.

The muscarinic cholinergic (MCh) and alpha2 adrenergic receptor densities in canine ileum, colon, ileal and colonic urinary reservoirs and bladder were determined using radioligand receptor binding methods in order to provide a rational basis for pharmacologic management of urinary incontinence following bladder replacement with intestinal segments. Muscarinic cholinergic and alpha2 adrenergic receptor binding sites were studied in these tissues using saturation experiments with 3H-NMS and 3H-rauwolscine, respectively. The mean equilibrium dissociation constants for 3H-NMS binding (0.13 to 0.17 nM) in these tissues were similar (p > 0.05) indicating homogeneity of muscarinic cholinergic binding sites. The mean equilibrium dissociation constants for 3H-rauwolscine binding (1.27 to 1.98 nM) in these tissues were also similar (p > 0.05). A substantial density of MCh (1.06 to 1.22 fmol/mg. wet wt.) and alpha2 adrenergic (0.47 to 1.11 fmol/mg. wet wt.) binding sites was identified in the intestinal tissues assayed. The density of ileal and colonic MCh and alpha2 adrenergic binding sites was not altered following construction of urinary intestinal reservoirs. The presence of a substantial density of MCh and alpha2 adrenergic binding sites in the intestinal tissues suggests that MCh and alpha2 adrenergic analogs may be utilized for the management of urinary incontinence following bladder replacement with intestinal urinary reservoirs.
Neurobiology of Sign Languages

Our current understanding of the neural systems underlying linguistic communication has been largely derived through the study of spoken languages. However, human languages are not limited to the oral–aural modality as naturally occurring manual-visual sign languages attest. The existence of sign languages used in deaf communities provides an opportunity to assess the contributions of general linguistic processing and the effects of the modality of language expression in crafting the neural systems for language. Neuroimaging and aphasia studies of deaf signers reveal great commonalties in the neural systems used for sign and speech and provide evidence for a core neurobiological substrate for human linguistic communication. Also observed are cases of modality-specific patterns of brain activation and modality-specific language impairments. These force us to entertain the possibility of cross-linguistic differences in the neural instantiation of language. Taken together, these studies advance our understanding of the neurobiological substrates of human language.
pH Sensitivity of Ion Exchange through a Thin Film Composite Membrane in Forward Osmosis

The uneven permeation of cations and anions through forward osmosis membranes offers a new technical challenge in the development of forward osmosis processes. Cation exchange in polyamide thin film composite membranes is caused by carboxylic acid functional groups within the structure of these membranes’ selective layers. These functional groups will gain or lose a proton depending on the external solution pH. The deprotonation of a polyamide at alkaline pHs results in a net negative charge, allowing for the exchange of cations between feed and draw solutions having monovalent cations. In this study, the importance of solution pH in influencing cation transport across a commercial thin film composite forward osmosis membrane was examined. It was found that cation transport across this membrane varies significantly with changes in pH and occurred fastest at alkaline pH.
Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4.

While it is recognized that aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-specific T cells and antibodies participate in the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a human central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune demyelinating disease, creation of an AQP4-targeted model with both clinical and histologic manifestations of CNS autoimmunity has proven challenging. Immunization of wild-type (WT) mice with AQP4 peptides elicited T cell proliferation, although those T cells could not transfer disease to naive recipient mice. Recently, two novel AQP4 T cell epitopes, peptide (p) 135-153 and p201-220, were identified when studying immune responses to AQP4 in AQP4-deficient (AQP4-/-) mice, suggesting T cell reactivity to these epitopes is normally controlled by thymic negative selection. AQP4-/- Th17 polarized T cells primed to either p135-153 or p201-220 induced paralysis in recipient WT mice, that was associated with predominantly leptomeningeal inflammation of the spinal cord and optic nerves. Inflammation surrounding optic nerves and involvement of the inner retinal layers (IRL) were manifested by changes in serial optical coherence tomography (OCT). Here, we illustrate the approaches used to create this new in vivo model of AQP4-targeted CNS autoimmunity (ATCA), which can now be employed to study mechanisms that permit development of pathogenic AQP4-specific T cells and how they may cooperate with B cells in NMO pathogenesis.
Prostate cancer in 2017: Advances in imaging.

In the past year, the results of three studies in the field of prostate cancer imaging — the prostate MR imaging study (PROMIS), an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of various diagnostic strategies based on PROMIS data, and a retrospective analysis of a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed PET radiopharmaceutical — have been published that could have lasting effects on clinical practice.
Botulinum toxin injection for childhood constipation is safe and can be effective regardless of anal sphincter dynamics.

Abstract Background Childhood constipation is common. Previously, internal anal sphincterotomy has been used for hypertensive/non-relaxing sphincters; however, recent benefit has been shown with Botulinum Toxin (BT) injections. The aim is to investigate BT, including response duration, symptom association and effectiveness in relation to sphincter dynamics. Methods Retrospective study of 164 children receiving sphincter BT for severe constipation unresponsive to medication management. Charts reviewed for symptoms, anorectal manometry (ARM) findings and response defined by decreased pain or increased defecation. Patients were grouped: normal sphincter pressure (≤50 mmHg), elevated (>50 mmHg), normal and abnormal rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). Results There were 142 analyzed and 124 completed ARMs; 98 (70%) had positive response with 57% lasting greater than 6 months. 36 had normal sphincter pressure with 24 (69%) responding. 88 had elevated pressure with 60 (68%) responding (p=0.87). 90 normal RAIRs with 64 (71%) responding. 34 abnormal RAIRs with 22 (64%) responding (p=0.41). With logistic regression, fecal incontinence prior to BT was a predictor of poor response (p= 0.02). The most common side effect was fecal incontinence typically resolving within week with equal frequency regardless of sphincter dynamics. Conclusions BT is effective for children with chronic constipation. Patients with fecal incontinence are less likely to respond. More than half had prolonged beneficial response. Those with normal and abnormal sphincter dynamics had similar responses and without differences in side effects. Therefore, injection may be considered in patients with intractable constipation unresponsive to medication, regardless of anal sphincter dynamics. Level of Evidence Level III (Treatment Study: Retrospective comparative study).
Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation and development investments in reducing deforestation and fires in Ankeniheny-Zahemena Corridor, Madagascar.

Forest conservation and REDD+ projects invest millions of dollars each year to reduce local communities’ dependence on forests and prevent forest loss and degradation. However, to date, there is limited evidence on whether these investments are effective at delivering conservation outcomes. We explored the relationships between 600+ small-scale conservation and development investments that occurred from 2007 to 2014 and conservation outcomes (deforestation rates and fire detections) within Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor in Madagascar using linear fixed effects panel regressions. We derived annual changes in forest cover and fires from satellite remote sensing. We found a statistically significant correlation between presence of any investment and reduced deforestation rates in 2010 and 2011 –years with accelerated deforestation elsewhere in the study area. This result indicated investments abated deforestation rates during times of political instability and lack of governance following a 2009 coup in Madagascar. We also found a statistically significant relationship between presence of any investment and reduced fire detections in the study area, suggesting investments had an impact on reducing burning of forest for agriculture. For both outcomes (i.e., deforestation rates and fire detections), we found that more dollars invested led to greater conservation outcomes (i.e. fewer fires or less deforestation), particularly when funding was sustained for one to two years. Our findings suggest that conservation and development investments can reduce deforestation and fire incidence, but also highlight the many challenges and complexities in assessing relationships between investments and conservation outcomes in a dynamic landscape and a volatile political context.
Solar array degradation on geostationary communications satellites: the quantification of annual degradation and degradation over solar proton events

Solar array telemetry from eleven geostationary communication satellites, launched between 1990 and 1998, was analysed and used to quantify solar array degradation of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and silicon (Si) solar cells. GaAs cells had an average annual percent degradation ranging between 0.44% and 1.03%, while Si cells had an average annual percent degradation ranging between 0.71% and 1.69%. The decrease in Si cells degradation rates, based on telemetry of Isc and Voc levels, ~1,210% over a ten years mission suggests an update to the Si solar cell degradation design rule of thumb 25% over a ten year mission. Degradation during solar particle events (SPEs) of 10 MeV proton flux > 10,000 pfu was analysed and used to create an initial functional relationship between degradation experienced over SPEs and the accumulated fluence of these SPEs.
The Variable Infiltration Capacity model version 5 (VIC-5): infrastructure improvements for new applications and reproducibility

Abstract. The Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model is a macroscale semi-distributed hydrologic model. VIC development began in the early 1990s and the model has since been used extensively for basin- to global-scale applications that include hydrologic dataset construction, trend analysis of hydrologic fluxes and states, data evaluation and assimilation, forecasting, coupled climate modeling, and climate change impact assessment. Ongoing operational applications of the VIC model include the University of Washington's drought monitoring and forecasting systems and NASA's Land Data Assimilation System. This paper documents the development of VIC version 5 (VIC-5), which includes a major reconfiguration of the legacy VIC source code to support a wider range of modern hydrologic modeling applications. The VIC source code has been moved to a public GitHub repository to encourage participation by the broader user and developer communities. The reconfiguration has separated the core physics of the model from the driver source code, whereby the latter is responsible for memory allocation, preprocessing and post-processing, and input–output (I–O). VIC-5 includes four drivers that use the same core physics modules, but which allow for different methods for accessing this core to enable different model applications. Finally, VIC-5 is distributed with robust test infrastructure, components of which routinely run during development using cloud-hosted continuous integration. The work described here provides an example to the model development community for extending the life of a legacy model that is being used extensively. The development and release of VIC-5 represents a significant step forward for the VIC user community in terms of support for existing and new model applications, reproducibility, and scientific robustness.
Dopamine Receptor Agonist Treatment of Idiopathic Dystonia: A Reappraisal in Humans and Mice

Although dystonia is often associated with abnormal dopamine neurotransmission, dopaminergic drugs are not currently used to treat dystonia because there is a general view that dopaminergic drugs are ineffective. However, there is little conclusive evidence to support or refute this assumption. Therefore, to assess the therapeutic potential of these compounds, we analyzed results from multiple trials of dopamine receptor agonists in patients with idiopathic dystonias and also tested the efficacy of dopamine receptor agonists in a mouse model of generalized dystonia. Our results suggest that dopamine receptor agonists were effective in some, but not all, patients tested. Further, the mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine was apparently more effective than subtype selective D2 dopamine receptor agonists. However, rigorously controlled trials are still needed. In a mouse model of dystonia, a selective D1 dopamine receptor agonist was not effective while a selective D2 dopamine receptor had modest efficacy. However, when combined, these receptor-selective agonists acted synergistically to ameliorate the dystonia. Coactivation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors using apomorphine or by increasing extracellular concentrations of dopamine was also effective. Thus, results from both clinical trials and tests in mice suggest that coactivation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors may be an effective therapeutic strategy in some patients. These results support a reconsideration of dopamine receptors as targets for the treatment of dystonia, particularly because recent genetic and diagnostic advances may facilitate the identification of the subtypes of dystonia patients who respond and those who do not.
Intracellular Chemistry: Integrating Molecular Inorganic Catalysts with Living Systems

This concept article focuses on the rapid growth of intracellular chemistry dedicated to the integration of small-molecule metal catalysts with living cells and organisms. Although biological systems contain a plethora of biomolecules that can deactivate inorganic species, researchers have shown that small-molecule metal catalysts could be engineered to operate in heterogeneous aqueous environments. Synthetic intracellular reactions have recently been reported for olefin hydrogenation, hydrolysis/oxidative cleavage, azide-alkyne cycloaddition, allylcarbamate cleavage, C-C bond cross coupling, and transfer hydrogenation. Other promising targets for new biocompatible reaction discovery will also be discussed, with a special emphasis on how such innovations could lead to the development of novel technologies and chemical tools.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead failure in children and young adults: a matter of lead diameter or lead design?

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the impact of lead diameter and design on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead survival in children and young adults. Background Recent reports have called attention to high rates of lead failure in adults with small-diameter ICD leads, but data in the pediatric population is limited. Methods We reviewed lead performance in consecutive subjects ≤30 years with transvenous right ventricular ICD leads implanted at our center between January 1995 and October 2011. Lead failure was defined as fracture, perforation, or sensing failure necessitating revision. Results A total of 120 ICD leads were implanted in 101 patients at a mean age of 15.5 ± 4.9 years. There were 47 small-diameter (≤8-F) and 73 standard-diameter (>8-F) leads. During a median follow-up of 28.7 months (interquartile range: 14.4 to 59.2 months), there were 25 lead failures (21% prevalence), with an incidence of 5.6%/year (95% confidence interval: 3.4 to 7.8). Sprint Fidelis (SF) (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) leads had lower 3-year (69% vs. 92%, p Conclusions In this single-center pediatric study that evaluated lead diameter, lead design, and patient factors, the SF design conferred the highest risk of lead failure, suggesting that design rather than diameter is the critical issue in ICD lead performance.
Genetic Engineering Applications in Crop Improvement

Genetic engineering of crop plants is one of, or perhaps, the most influential technologies in agriculture for plant improvement of the 21st century. The food and fiber requirements of approximately 10 billion people need to be met with existing resources that are currently limited. Biotechnology, and specifically genetic engineering, can greatly expand those limits. The potential of agricultural biotechnology and its ability to complement and enhance traditional plant breeding are just beginning to be understood.
2014 Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center Annual Summit

The Mid-Atlantic Resource Center (MATRC; http://www.matrc.org/) advances the adoption and utilization of telehealth within the MATRC region and works collaboratively with the other federally funded Telehealth Resource Centers to accomplish the same nationally. MATRC offers technical assistance and other resources within the following mid-Atlantic states: Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The 2014 MATRC Summit “Adding Value through Sustainable Telehealth” will be held March 30-April 1, 2014, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, Fredericksburg, VA. The Summit will explore how telehealth adds value to patients, practitioners, hospitals, health systems, and other facilities. Participants will experience a highly interactive program built around the case history of “Mr. Doe” as he progresses through the primary care, inpatient hospitalization, and post-discharge environments. The Summit will conclude with a session on financial and business models for providing sustainable telehealth services. For further information and registration, visit: http://matrc.org/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/80-mid-atlantic-telehealth-resource-summit-2014
Decoupled LIGHT-SABRE variants allow hyperpolarization of asymmetric SABRE systems at an arbitrary field.

Abstract Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange, or SABRE, uses the singlet-order of parahydrogen to generate hyperpolarized signals on target nuclei, bypassing the limitations of traditional magnetic resonance. Experiments performed directly in the magnet provide a route to generate large magnetizations continuously without having to field-cycle the sample. For heteronuclear SABRE, these high-field methods have been restricted to the few SABRE complexes that exhibit efficient exchange with symmetric ligand environments as co-ligands induce chemical shift differences between the parahydrogen-derived hydrides, destroying the hyperpolarized spin order. Through careful consideration of the underlying spin physics, we introduce 1H decoupled LIGHT-SABRE pulse sequence variants which bypasses this limitation, drastically expanding the scope of heteronuclear SABRE at high field.
Defining the substrate for ventricular tachycardia ablation: The impact of rhythm at the time of mapping.

BACKGROUND Voltage mapping is critical to define substrate during ablation. In ventricular tachycardia, abnormal potentials may be targets. However, wavefront of activation could impact local signal characteristics. This may be particularly true when comparing sinus rhythm versus paced rhythms. We sought to determine how activation wavefront impacts electrogram characteristics. METHODS Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, ventricular tachycardia, and without fascicular or bundle branch block were included. Point by point mapping was done and at each point, one was obtained during an atrial paced rhythm and one during a right ventricular paced rhythm. Signals were adjudicated after ablation to define late potentials, fractionated potentials, and quantify local voltage. Areas of abnormal voltage (defined as <1.5 mV) were also determined. RESULTS 9 patients were included (age 61.3 ± 9.2 years, 56% male, mean LVEF 34.9 ± 8.6%). LV endocardium was mapped with an average 375 ± 53 points/rhythm. Late potentials were more frequent during right ventricular pacing (51 ± 21 versus 32 ± 15, p < 0.01) while overall scar area was higher during atrial pacing (22 ± 11% vs 13 ± 7%, p < 0.05). In 1/9 patients, abnormal potentials were seen during a right ventricular paced rhythm that were not apparent in an atrial paced rhythm, ablation of which resulted in non-inducibility. CONCLUSION Rhythm in which mapping is performed has an impact on electrogram characteristics. Whether one rhythm is preferable to map in remains to be determined. However, it is possible defining local signals during normal conduction as well as variable paced rhythms may impart a greater likelihood of elucidating arrhythmogenic substrate.
The Lysosomal Diseases Testing Laboratory: A review of the past 47 years

Lysosomal disorders are diseases that involve mutations in genes responsible for the coding of lysosomal enzymes, transport proteins, activator proteins and protein processing enzymes. These defects lead to the storage of specific metabolites within lysosomes resulting in a great variety of clinical features depending on the tissues with the storage, the storage products and the extent of the storage. The methods for rapidly diagnosing patients started in the late 1960's when the enzyme defects were identified eliminating the need for tissue biopsies. The first requests for diagnostic help in this laboratory came in 1973. In that year, patients with Krabbe disease and Niemann-Pick type A were diagnosed. Since that time samples from about 62 000 individuals have been received for diagnostic studies, and 4900 diagnoses have been made. The largest number of diagnosed individuals had metachromatic leukodystrophy and Krabbe disease because of our research interest in leukodystrophies. A number of new disorders were identified and the primary defects in other disorders were clarified. With new methods for diagnosis, including newborn screening, molecular analysis, microarrays, there is still a need for biochemical confirmation before treatment is considered. With new treatments, including gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, enzyme replacement used alone or in combination becoming more available, the need for rapid, accurate diagnosis is critical.
Linear driving force analysis of adsorption dynamics in stratified fixed-bed adsorbers

Abstract The linear driving force (LDF) model has been used to study adsorption dynamics in many gas and liquid phase applications and is particularly useful in the simulation of cyclic sorption operations. It is computationally a simpler alternative to the more complex models that use partial differential equations to represent diffusion within the sorbent particle. In this study, an LDF model that takes into account sorbent particle size distribution (PSD) within the adsorber is developed to study adsorption dynamics in fixed-bed adsorbers with different geometries and layering of particles of different sizes. Phenol and 2, 4-dichlorophenol (DCP), two trace contaminants in water supplies and wastewaters with differing adsorption characteristics, are studied in different adsorber configurations to determine the effects of bed geometry on bed capacity utilization. The convergent tapered stratified bed with eight granular activated carbon (GAC) particle sizes was found to enhance bed capacity utilization by 20% and 50% respectively for phenol and DCP over that of conventional stratified cylindrical bed adsorbers. The LDF model was found to provide good prediction and representation of adsorption dynamics in stratified fixed-bed adsorbers at much reduced computational effort. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the adsorption affinity of solute, bed geometry, and particle stratification play key roles in the enhancement of bed capacity utilization in fixed-bed adsorbers.