cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remote laser evaporative molecular absorption spectroscopy

We describe a novel method for probing bulk molecular and atomic composition of solid targets from a distant vantage. A laser is used to melt and vaporize a spot on the target. With sufficient flux, the spot temperature rises rapidly, and evaporation of surface materials occurs. The melted spot creates a high-temperature blackbody source, and ejected material creates a plume of surface materials in front of the spot. Molecular and atomic absorption occurs as the blackbody radiation passes through the ejected plume. Bulk molecular and atomic composition of the surface material is investigated by using a spectrometer to view the heated spot through the ejected plume. The proposed method is distinct from current stand-off approaches to composition analysis, such as Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), which atomizes and ionizes target material and observes emission spectra to determine bulk atomic composition. Initial simulations of absorption profiles with laser heating show great promise for Remote Laser-Evaporative Molecular Absorption (R-LEMA) spectroscopy. The method is well-suited for exploration of cold solar system targets—asteroids, comets, planets, moons—such as from a spacecraft orbiting the target. Spatial composition maps could be created by scanning the surface. Applying the beam to a single spot continuously produces a borehole or trench, and shallow subsurface composition profiling is possible. This paper describes system concepts for implementing the proposed method to probe the bulk molecular composition of an asteroid from an orbiting spacecraft, including laser array, photovoltaic power, heating and ablation, plume characteristics, absorption, spectrometry and data management.
Alternative Energy: Production of H2 by Radiolysis of Water in the Rocky Cores of Icy Bodies

We applied a model of radiolysis in earthly rock–water mixtures to several known or suspected ocean worlds: Enceladus, Ceres, Europa, Titania, Oberon, Pluto, and Charon. In this model, radiation emitted by the long-lived radionuclides (40K, 232Th, 235U, and 238U) contained in the ordinary chondrite-like rocks is partly absorbed by the water permeating the material of each body's core. The physical and chemical processes that follow release molecular hydrogen (H2), which is a molecule of astrobiological interest. We compared the calculated production of H2 by radiolysis in each body's core to published estimates of production by serpentinization. This study presents production calculations over 4.5 Gyr for several values of rock porosity. We found that radiolysis can produce H2 quantities equivalent to a few percent of what is estimated from serpentinization. Higher porosity, which is unlikely at the scale of a body's entire core but possible just under the seafloor, can increase radiolytic production by almost an order of magnitude. The products of water radiolysis also include several oxidants, allowing for production of life-sustaining sulfates. Though previously unrecognized in this capacity, radiolysis in an ocean world's outer core could be a fundamental agent in generating the chemical energy that could support life.
Self-Forgiveness and Personal and Relational Well-Being

Self-forgiveness is a relatively new construct in the positive psychology literature. Many researchers posit that self-forgiveness promotes well-being, psychologically and relationally, but others worry it might serve as a moral disengagement strategy that can harm individuals and relationships. In the present chapter, we conducted a qualitative review of 65 published empirical studies exploring associations of self-forgiveness with mental health and relational well-being. In order to address discrepancies in the literature, the review highlights more sophisticated studies and explores the differences that emerge when self-forgiveness is assessed as a state as opposed to a trait. In particular, measurement concerns are identified, specifically noting the lack of studies in the field that assess well-being while considering the two-part definition of self-forgiveness. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Leadless pacemakers: a contemporary review

Over one million cardiac pacemakers are implanted every year worldwide,[1] of which approximately 200,000 are implanted in the United States alone.[2] Combined with an aging population and increasing pacing indications, these numbers are expected to grow. Since the first pacemaker implantation in 1950s, cardiac pacemaker technology has rapidly advanced. Reduction in generator size, increased battery longevity, quality of pacemaker leads, algorithmic and rate responsive programming―all have revolutionized and transformed the implantation and management of transvenous cardiac pacemaker (TV-PPM). Despite these advances, the potential for complications and technical failure always necessitates consideration. Short-term complications, which have been reported to be as high as 12%,[3] are typically related to the presence of a transvenous lead and or subcutaneous pocket. These complications include pneumothorax, cardiac perforation, lead dislodgement, and pocket infection or hematoma. Long-term complications are also related primarily to the pacing lead and subcutaneous pocket, and include pocket infection, tricuspid regurgitation, venous obstruction, lead fractures and insulation failure. In addition, development of lead related endocarditis is a significant concern, with mortality rates reported between 12%–31%.[4]–[6] Some Studies have shown that long-term complications are primarily related to lead failure, identifying it as the weakest component of the current pacing system.[3],[7] Data obtained from the Truven MarkestScan database, which tracks Medicare and US health care claims, showed a 15%-16% complication rate at three years among 72,701 patients with TV-PPM, representing a significant economic burden to both the patient and healthcare system.[8] Leadless pacemakers were initially conceptualized in the 1970s[9] and successfully implanted in dogs using a mercury battery powered capsule. With advanced battery technology, communication capability, and catheter-based delivery systems leadless pacemakers became a reality. In this paper, we will discuss the current leadless pacing systems focusing on their pros and cons as compared to traditional TV-PPM.
Evaluation of Decision Support Systems

While the importance of evaluation in DSS is widely accepted, it has been rarely discussed due to the disparity between the interests of scholars and of practitioners. In this chapter, evaluation tools are schematized from a practitioners’ point of view. That is, practitioners might be able to choose appropriate evaluating methods for their own purposes and circumstances using the following guidelines.
Introduction to overuse injuries.

An understanding of the cellular response to injury helps to explain overuse trauma. Tendons, bursae, cartilage, bone and nerves all can break down owing to the repetitive forces from sporting activities. A precise diagnosis and thoughtful use of medication and modalities in a complete rehabilitation program help to minimize disability.
The D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene and family stress; interactive effects on cognitive functions in children.

TaqI A D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) alleles, family stress, and cognitive markers, including visuospatial ability (Benton's Line Orientation) and event-related potentials (P300 amplitude and latency), were obtained in preadolescent boys of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fathers. In the presence of the DRD2 minor allele (A1+), the Family Stress score negatively correlated with the Line Orientation score and P300 amplitude. No significant correlations were found in boys lacking this allele (A1−). The interaction of the A1+ allele and the Family Stress score produced significant regression coefficients for both Line Orientation score (p = .002) and P300 amplitude (p = .04). Together, these two cognitive markers account for 37% of the variance in the Family Stress score of 47 A1 allele boys (p = .0002) but less than 1% in 71 A1− allele boys (p > .9). This provides the first evidence of a specific gene–environment interaction involving human cognitive functioning.
Toward High Performance SiGe Channel CMOS: Design of High Electron Mobility in SiGe nFinFETs Outperforming Si

For the first time, high electron mobility in tensile-strained SiGe channel nFinFETs outperforming Si is reported to explore the feasibility of high performance SiGe CMOS. To examine the electron mobility behaviors in SiGe channel, a series of tensile-strained SiGe nFinFETs are fabricated on various strain relaxed buffer layers by taking into account the minimum threading dislocation density and strain engineering. For SiGe $(\text{Ge} > 20\%)$ nFinFETs, we identify the existence of additional electron trapping site close to the conduction band edge in IL/HK, leading to the abnormal Vt shift, PBTI degradation, and low electron mobility. We also fabricated short-channel SiGe nFinFETs, which exhibit excellent cut-off behavior and electrostatics (SS ∼65mV/dec and DIBL ∼18mV at $\mathrm{V}_{\text{DD}}=0.7\mathrm{V}$ ). In addition, the dynamic performance of tensile-strained SiGe CMOS against Si CMOS is evaluated by TCAD simulation based on experimental data.
Evaluation of attractive interactions in the second coordination sphere of iron complexes containing pendant amines

The interactions between pendant amines in the second coordination sphere and ligands in the first coordination sphere are important for understanding the structures and reactivity of complexes containing PR2NR'2 ligands, which have been shown to be highly active H2 oxidation/production catalysts. A series of [Fe(PPh2NBn2)2(X)(Y)]n+ complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized. These complexes have two different ligands with which the pendant amines of the diphosphine ligand can interact. The solid state structure of cis-Fe(PPh2NBn2)2Cl2 reveals that the six-membered rings adjacent to the P atoms are in a boat confirmation, resulting in close NP distances that suggests the P atoms have a greater affinity for the lone pair of electrons on the N atom than chloride ligands. Similarly, boat conformations are observed for both rings adjacent to the hydride ligands of trans-[HFe(PPh2NBn2)2(CH3CN)]+ and trans-HFe(PPh2NBn2)2Cl, resulting in short NH distances. Spectroscopic and computational studies of trans-[HFe(PPh2NBn2)2(CO)]+, trans-[HFe(PPh2NBn2)(PPh2NBn2H)(CO)]2+, and trans-[HFe(PPh2NBn2)2(H2)]+ indicate the complexes are more stable when the pendant amines in boat conformations are adjacent to the hydride ligand. These data suggest an attractor ordering of H- > CO > H2 > PR3 > Cl- ∼ CH3CN.
Exploration of Safing Event Models for Interplanetary Spacecraft

Unexpected spacecraft failures and anomalies may prompt on-board systems to change a spacecraft's state to a safe mode in order to isolate and resolve the problem. The motivation for this paper is to investigate methods to tailor the impact of safing events for spacecraft of different classes, destination, duration, and other categories of interest. Modeling spacecraft inoperability due to a spacecraft entering safe mode could enable mission planners to more effectively manage spacecraft margins and shape design and operations requirements during the conceptual design phase. This paper contributes to the area of safing event modeling by using available datasets to develop various distributions of frequency and recovery durations of safing events for interplanetary spacecraft missions. A safing event dataset compiled by JPL is first split into multiple subsets based on various mission classifiers. Using a previously developed mission simulation framework, a distribution of the likelihood of inoperability rates is computed through a Monte Carlo simulation. Three main safing event model types are formulated, implemented, and compared in this paper: a single Weibull distribution, a mixture of two Weibull distributions, and a Gaussian Process model. For each model type, two distributions are incorporated into the mission simulation framework: time-between-events and the recovery duration of a safing event. By specifying appropriate parameters in the mission simulation framework and Gaussian Process model, a Monte Carlo simulation is conducted for a solar-electric Mars orbiter similar to the proposed Next Mars Orbiter. Mission implications from simulated outage times and safing events by each model could motivate greater operability, faster fault resolution by operations teams, and greater system margins. By incorporating Gaussian Process models into a mission simulation framework, a process is established by which historical mission data may be incorporated and used to model future safing events for interplanetary mission concepts. This enables mission planners to make more informed decisions during spacecraft development.
Compendium of Recent Radiation Test Results from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS), and Single Event Effect (SEE) test results are presented for a variety of analog, digital, mixed signal, and Radio Frequency (RF) devices.
Supernovae, Dark Energy, and the Accelerating Universe: The Status of the Cosmological Parameters

I was asked to present the status of the cosmological parameters, and in particular the status of the recent results concerning the accelerating universe—and the possible cosmological constant or dark energy that is responsible for the universe’s acceleration. This result comes most directly from the recent type Ia supernova work, so although I will mention a few of the approaches to the cosmological parameters, I will emphasize the work with the type Ia supernovae. I will try to give you a sense of exactly how we reached the current conclusions and what the current level of confidence is in that conclusion. Because this presentation will be emphasizing the supernova work, I would like to highlight the strong team of scientists in our Supernova Cosmology Project [1, 2]; you will probably recognize some of the particle physics heritage of this particular team. I also would like to list the names of the members of the other supernova team, led by Brian Schmidt of the Australian National University, that has been working in this field [3]. These two groups together comprise a good fraction of the entire community of scientists working on supernovae.
Effect of extracellular vesicles from S. aureus‐challenged human neutrophils on macrophages

Staphylococcus aureus enhances neutrophil extracellular vesicle (EV) production. To investigate whether S. aureus viability influences EV biogenesis, EVs were isolated from human neutrophils incubated with viable bacteria (bEVs) or heat-killed bacteria (heat-killed EVs). Protein analysis, nanoparticle tracking and transmission electron microscopy showed comparable EV production between subsets, and both viable and nonviable bacteria were also detected in respective EV subsets. As anticipated, S. aureus, as well as bEVs with viable bacteria, were proinflammatory, and killing bacteria with gentamicin reduced cytokine production to baseline levels. Although heat-killed bacteria induced macrophage IL-6 production, heat-killed EVs did not. Additionally, we found that human and bacterial DNA associated with bEVs, but not heat-killed EVs, and that the DNA association could be partially decreased by disrupting electrostatic interactions. We investigated the potential for DNA isolated from EVs (EV-DNA) or EVs to cause inflammation. Although liposomal encapsulation of EV-DNA increased IL-6 production from baseline by 7.5-fold, treatment of bEVs with DNase I had no effect on IL-6 and IL-1β production, suggesting that the DNA did not contribute to the inflammatory response. Filtered EVs, which lacked DNA and associated bacteria, exhibited less proinflammatory activity relative to bEVs, and enhanced macrophage expression of CD86 and HLA-DR. Ultimately, we show that bEVs isolated by differential centrifugation co-purify with bacteria and DNA, and studying their concerted activity and relative contribution to immune response is important to the study of host-pathogen interactions.
Provider-patient Language Discordance and Cancer Operations: Outcomes from a Single Center Linked to a State Vital Statistics Registry.

Patterns of worldwide immigration have resulted in high rates of discordance between medical providers and the patients they treat. For example, in the USA, 25 million individuals in the USA self-identified that they speak English less than “very well.” Previous studies have generated mixed results regarding differences in postoperative outcomes between English proficient (EP) and limited English proficient (LEP) patients. Our objective was to determine whether a difference in outcomes exists for non-English-speaking patients compared to English-speaking patients after operations commonly performed to treat cancer. A retrospective cohort study was performed in an urban, safety net and tertiary referral medical center over a five-year period. Adult patients undergoing cancer operations were stratified as EP and LEP. We evaluated 30-day revisit to the ED, length of stay (LOS), long-term all-cause mortality, and any major complication on index admission. Regression was used to adjust for baseline comorbidities, case risk, and socioeconomic factors. A total of 2467 patients were included. There was no difference in case risk between language groups, but EP had a larger proportion of high comorbidity scores. Patients in the non-English group were more likely to be uninsured/self-pay and live in neighborhoods with lower median income. After adjustment, we found no difference in long-term mortality [hazard ratio: 0.87 (95% CI 0.52–1.45)]. LEP patients had the same LOS compared to primary EP patients with an IRR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.88–1.10). There was no difference in the odds of revisit to hospital for LEP versus EP, with an OR of 1.08, 95% CI [0.75–1.53] and no difference in major complication (OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.39–1.45). We found no association between language and outcomes after cancer operations. This lack of difference may reflect local efficacy at treating non-English-speaking patients, and health systems with fewer services for LEP patients might show different results.
Examination of Realism in a High-fidelity Tractor Driving Simulator.

Highlights Describes the creation of a new high-fidelity tractor driving simulator. Describes the perceived realism of a tractor driving simulator among 99 Midwestern farm equipment operators. Examines how farm equipment operator characteristics affect perceived realism of a tractor driving simulator. Discusses potential improvements for future generations of tractor driving simulators. Abstract. Transportation-related incidents are the leading cause of occupational fatalities for all industries in the U.S., including the agricultural industry, which suffers thousands of crashes involving farm equipment each year. Simulated driving studies offer a safe and cost-effective way to conduct driving research that would not be feasible in the real world. A tractor driving miniSim was developed and then evaluated for realism at the University of Iowa among 99 Midwestern farm equipment operators. It is important for driving simulators to have a high degree of realism for their results to be applicable to non-simulated driving operations. High-fidelity driving simulators facilitate extrapolations made by driving research but should be re-tested for realism when changes are made to the design of the simulator. The simulator used in this study emulated a tractor cab with realistic controls, three high-resolution screens, and high-fidelity sound. After completing a 10-minute drive, farm equipment operators completed a survey and scored four specific domains assessing specific characteristics (i.e., appearance, user interface, control, and sound) of the tractor simulator‘s realism using a seven-point Likert scale (from 0 = not at all realistic to 6 = completely realistic). An overall realism score and domain scores were calculated. Farm equipment operators were also asked to provide recommendations for improving the tractor miniSim. Overall, farm equipment operators rated the simulator‘s realism favorably (i.e., >3 on a scale from 0 to 6) for all individual items and domains. The appearance domain received the highest average realism score (mean = 4.58, SD = 1.03), and the sound domain received the lowest average realism score (mean = 3.86, SD = 1.57). We found no significant differences in realism scores across farm equipment operator characteristics. The most frequently suggested improvements were to tighten the steering wheel (27%), make the front tires visible (19%), and that no improvements were needed to improve the simulator realism (18%). This study demonstrates that the new tractor miniSim is a viable approach to studying farm equipment operations and events that can lead to tractor-related crashes. Future studies should incorporate the suggested improvements and seek to validate the simulator as a research and outreach instrument.
Evidence for historical grizzly bear occurrence in the North Cascades, USA

The North Cascades ecosystem of north-central Washington State (USA) and southern British Columbia, Canada, has been identified as 1 of 6 recovery zones for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) that were at one time distributed across a nearly continuous range of western North America. The current small number of grizzly bears, along with an apparent scarcity of historical observations, obfuscates the extent to which the mountain range and its surrounding lowlands previously supported grizzly bears. We reviewed and synthesized what is currently known about the historical distribution of grizzly bears in and around the North Cascades to better inform possible future restoration actions. Archeological, ethnographic, and incidental evidence confirm the prehistoric and historic presence of grizzly bears in the ecosystem and surrounding lowlands. Successful implementation of grizzly bear restoration and management in the North Cascades is dependent in part on the perception that they are an integral component of the ecosystem's historical benchmark. Education and outreach efforts that focus on the influence of human perceptions and correcting misinformation about the history of bears in the ecosystem and their interactions with humans may improve long-term restoration success in the North Cascades.
Clinical value of FDG-PET in patients with metastatic renal carcinoma of clear cell type and transitional carcinomas

1777 Objectives: FDG-PET can be limited in diagnosing primary urinary tract malignancies due to normally high urine activity. There is limited number of studies in the literature assessing the value of FDG-PET in urinary tract malignancies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of FDG-PET in the detection of metastatic urinary tract malignancies (specifically clear cell type renal and transitional cell carcinomas) as complimentary to the conventional imaging modalities. Methods: This retrospective study included 31 patients (22 male, 9 female, mean age: 60±15 years). The patients underwent a total number of 37 FDG-PET scans. The final diagnosis was obtained by clinical follow up, which included subsequent conventional imaging modalities (CT, MRI, and bone scan) and/or pathology results. The histopathological types of the tumors included specifically renal carcinomas of clear cell type and transitional cell carcinomas. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG-PET in the detection of metastatic renal cell carcinomas of clear cell type were 80% (8/10), 100% (3/3), and 85% (11/13) respectively. Whereas the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FDG-PET in the detection of metastatic transitional cell carcinomas were 79% (11/14), 80% (8/10), and 79% (19/24) respectively. The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of FDG-PET in detecting metastatic renal carcinomas of clear cell type were 100% (8/8), and 60% (3/5) respectively. The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of FDG-PET in detecting metastatic transitional cell carcinomas were 85% (11/13), and 73% (8/11) respectively. Conclusions: These preliminary results from one institution of a small sample of patients demonstrate a good accuracy of FDG-PET in the detection of metastatic renal cell carcinomas of clear cell type, and transitional cell carcinomas, which account for the majority of urinary tract malignancies. Although the results of FDG-PET are better in renal cell carcinomas of clear cell type, this may be related to the smaller number of patients.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Transmitochondrial Cybrids Protected from Cellular Damage and Death by Human Retinal Progenitor Cells (hRPCs).

Author(s): Yu, Jeffrey J; Azzam, Daniel B; Chwa, Marilyn; Schneider, Kevin; Cho, Jang-Hyeon; Hsiang, Chinhui; Klassen, Henry; Kenney, M Cristina; Yang, Jing | Abstract: PurposeOne of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disorder leading to retinal degeneration. While several treatment options exist for the exudative form of AMD, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the more common nonexudative (atrophic) form. Mounting evidence suggests that mitochondrial damage and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell death are linked to the pathogenesis of AMD. Human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) have been studied as a potential restorative therapy for degenerative conditions of the retina; however, the effects of hRPC treatment on retinal cell survival in AMD have not been elucidated.MethodsIn this study, we used a cell coculture system consisting of hRPCs and AMD or age-matched normal cybrid cells to characterize the effects of hRPCs in protecting AMD cybrids from cellular and mitochondrial damage and death.ResultsAMD cybrids cocultured with hRPCs showed (1) increased cell viability; (2) decreased gene expression related to apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and antioxidant pathways; and (3) downregulation of mitochondrial replication genes compared to AMD cybrids without hRPC treatment. Furthermore, hRPCs cocultured with AMD cybrids showed upregulation of (1) neuronal and glial markers, as well as (2) putative neuroprotective factors, responses not found when hRPCs were cocultured with age-matched normal cybrids.ConclusionThe current study provides the first evidence that therapeutic benefits may be obtainable using a progenitor cell-based approach for atrophic AMD. Our results suggest that bidirectional interactions exist between hRPCs and AMD cybrids such that hRPCs release trophic factors that protect the cybrids against the cellular and mitochondrial changes involved in AMD pathogenesis while, conversely, AMD cybrids upregulate the release of these neuroprotective factors by hRPCs while promoting hRPC differentiation. These in vitro data provide evidence that hRPCs may have therapeutic potential in atrophic AMD.
A new method of classification of named items of 16th–18th century suburbs of Lviv

Zdaniem historykow nazwy obiektow w przestrzeni miejskiej (urbanonimy) stanowią źrodlo historyczne. Poprzez ponowne przyjrzenie sie uzywanym przez lingwistow i geografow metodologiom i sposobom klasyfikacji urbanonimow mozemy stworzyc nową metode badawczą urbanonimii historycznej. W niniejszej pracy opisano ją na przykladzie studiow nad urbanonimami w nowozytnym Lwowie. To polozone w zachodniej Ukrainie miasto mialo szereg cech charakterystycznych dla miejscowości lokowanych na prawie magdeburskim. Podwojna budowa kazdego urbanonimu (nazwa wlasna + denotat) w polączeniu z analizą sześciu kryteriow klasyfikacji urbanonimow pozwala na klasyfikacje nazw w przestrzeni miejskiej wedlug ich denotatow poprzez wykorzystanie koncepcji obiektu zamiast klasyfikacji wedlug nazw wlasnych. W podsumowaniu zaproponowano organizowanie obiektow w grupy hierarchiczne, co powinno ulatwic wyodrebnienie poszczegolnych rodzajow urbanonimow z okresu nowozytnego (nazw miejsc naturalnych, stworzonych przez czlowieka i wydzielonych) oraz uwidocznic związki pomiedzy ich poziomami, a takze ich cechy charakterystyczne.
Law as a Capital Good

Full implications of the mutual interdependence between law and economics are yet to be researched. However, some important works on the subject have already been published, and the literature is growing. The relationship of law and economics is undoubtedly quite strong. It is also a two-way relationship. Laws have demonstrable and predictable effects on the character of economic life, and are, in turn, developed and modified in response to economic change. The economic test of positive laws is whether they create incentives for value-maximizing behavior in the future. I firmly believe that the study of the relationship of law and economics will turn out to be one of the most significant scholarly undertakings.
DS-Connect: A Promising Tool to Improve Lives and Engage Down Syndrome Communities Worldwide

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States with an estimated birth prevalence of 1:691 births; however, worldwide estimates of the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including DS, remain speculative. Little is known about the global health impact of DS, such as heart defects, gastrointestinal malformations, and other medical and behavioral issues. Further research is needed to develop the next generation of novel therapies and compounds aimed at improving cognition, reducing dementia, and mitigating other manifestations of DS. To address these challenges, the National Institutes of Health has created the first web-based, voluntary registry and data resource called DS-Connect: The Down Syndrome Registry to collect demographic and health information about individuals with DS.
Cortical Lesions In Multiple Sclerosis Correlate With Retinal Pathology As Measured By Optical Coherence Tomography (S54.005)

Objective: To examine the pathological relationship between cortical gray matter lesions (CL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the individual retinal layers as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Eleven participants with MS underwent 7 tesla MRI of the brain and spectral domain OCT. CLs were identified on 0.5mm isotopic resolution magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE) images. CLs were manually segmented and characterized by the known pathological CL subtypes: leukocortical (LC), intracortical (IC), or subpial (SP). OCT provided peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and total macular volume (TMV). An automated OCT segmentation algorithm also provided macular RNFL (mRNFL), ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIP), and inner nuclear layer (INL) thicknesses. Results: Mean pRNFL thickness correlated with CL volume (rho = -0.65, p = 0.03) and trended towards an association with CL count (rho = -0.58, p = 0.06). This relationship was driven by strong correlations with LC and SP lesion subtypes, but not with IC lesion burden. TMV correlated with LC lesion count (rho = -0.64, p = 0.03) and volume (rho = -0.66, p = 0.03) only, and had no relationship with IC or SP lesion burden. Mean GCIP thickness correlated strongly with CL count (rho = -0.81, p = 0.003) and volume (rho = -0.90, p = 0.002). No correlations were found for mRNFL or INL thickness. Conclusion: Retinal pathology in MS correlates with lesions in cortical gray matter, supporting previous findings relating cortical volume and OCT outcomes. pRNFL and GCIP thicknesses were specifically related to LC and SP lesion burden, indicating a potential pathological link between these OCT outcomes and the processes causing neuronal damage and cortical demyelination in MS. The exclusive relationship between TMV and LC burden may indicate a more specific link between macular damage and the consequences of inflammation. Study Supported By: Merck-Serono Disclosure: Dr. Harrison has received personal compensation for activities with Questcor Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Harrison has received research support from Merck Serono. Dr. Whetstone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Louzi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Calabresi has received personal compensation for activities with Abbott and Vertex. Dr. Calabresi has received research support from Bayer, Abbott, Novartis, Biogen Idec, and Vertex.
Adaptive coding in direct-sequence spread-spectrum systems for channels with time-varying propagation losses

High-rate direct sequence spread spectrum with error-control coding has been shown to provide high data rates even in the presence of interference, which makes it attractive for inclusion in an adaptive transmission system. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of high-rate waveforms that use binary antipodal modulation, M-ary orthogonal modulation, or M-ary biorthogonal modulation. We demonstrate how to apply channel capacity results and receiver statistics to select appropriate transmission parameters. A power adjustment protocol that attempts to minimize the transmitted power based on feedback from the receiver is described and evaluated. An adaptive coding protocol is presented, and its performance is compared with that of ideal adaptive protocols that are given perfect channel state information
FEMA and Mitigation: Ten Years After the 1993 Midwest Flood

In 1993, spring came in like a lion, but refused to go out like a lamb. Day after day, heavy rainfall blanketed the nation’s midsection. Summer arrived, and driving rains continued to soak the Midwest. Rivers and streams crept higher and higher, overflowing their banks and flowing across a nine-state region that stretched more than 800 miles long and 500 miles across at its widest point. In some locations, flooding lasted for nearly 200 days. As many as 150 major rivers and tributaries were affected, and 14 rivers reported record crests. Several of these rivers— the Mississippi and the Missouri—are among the largest in the nation. Of more than 1,000 levees built to hold back the floodwaters, 800 were breached, leaving at least 75 entire communities submerged. According to a report issued by the National Weather Service, 50 people died as a result of the floods; tens of thousands of people were evacuated; at least 10,000 homes were destroyed; and damages approached $15 billion. The Midwest Flood of 1993 ranks sixth among FEMA’s list of top ten disasters. A total of 534 counties in nine states received federal disaster aid, and FEMA provided more than $1.17 billion in disaster assistance. According to Census Bureau figures, there were more than 12.7 million households in those states that flooded during the spring and summer of 1993. When the rains began in April of 1993, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) had underwritten 87,456 policies in the affected states. By the time the floodwaters receded and all insurance claims were closed, the NFIP had paid more than $319 million for almost 16,800 losses. Major FEMA Program Initiatives (1993-Present)
SMAP: Performance verification and testing of a challenging instrument antenna

NASA's Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) Mission will soon provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These data will be used to enhance our understanding of the processes that link water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. Accurate predictions of the antenna radiation pattern are needed for instrument calibration but measurements of the flight reflector will not be performed. Therefore, requirement verification was accomplished through a combination of RF model predictions, scale model measurements and flight feed measurements. This paper provides an overview of this complex instrument antenna with particular emphasis on the challenges overcome during the development phases. A description of the RF model used to predict the SMAP antenna performance is provided along with an overview of the scale model measurement campaign. The excellent agreement between the RF model predictions and the scale model measurements allowed the use of the former as a means of verifying that the antenna met its challenging requirements.
Cytosomes (Yellow Pigment Granules) of Molluscs as Cell Organelles of Anoxic Energy Production

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cytosomes (yellow pigment granules) of molluscs as cell organelles of anoxic energy production. Many molluscan tissues contain yellow pigment granules called cytosomes. The greatest number of cytosomes occurs in nerve cell somata, but cytosomes can generally be found in all basic tissues. Cytosomal pigments are lipochromes. There are some species whose nervous systems are devoid of cytosomes, and these animals are unable to survive anoxic conditions, whereas those having a strongly pigmented central nervous system can survive complete anoxia for day- to week-long periods at room temperature without any essential damage. The structure of cytosomes characteristically changes during anoxia. The homogeneous lipid droplets become transformed into membranes, and at the end of anoxic tolerance they are destroyed. Histochemical methods proved a significant decrease in the cytosomal lipid content during anoxia. Numerous experimental results indicate that the assumed electron acceptor function during anoxia is performed by unsaturated fatty acids, the biohydrogenation of which represents an oxidative metabolic step for hydrogen donors like NADH and NADPH. The theoretically calculated energy yield of such a mechanism agrees with the experimentally measured ATP content of the tissues. This working hypothesis explains numerous phenomena of molluscan anaerobiosis.
Genetics and Molecular Biology of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a paradigm of carcinogen-induced human cancer. It is estimated that for every 3 million cigarettes purchased, a lung cancer follows 35 years later. Although the majority of lung cancers occurs in men, the incidence in women is rising rapidly in some regions. Epidemiologic studies have irrefutably linked cigarette smoking and human lung cancer as well as other etiologic agents such as asbestos and radon. However, the molecular events within the cell that culminate in the development and progression of human lung cancer remain poorly understood. This is an important area for future research for several reasons. Elucidation of the molecular events in the genesis of lung cancer may have relevance to mechanisms for other carcinogen-induced tumors. Prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment strategies will be more rationally designed if they are based on molecular mechanisms. The observation that genes responsible for carcinogenesis were altered forms of genes normally present in eukaryotic cells initiated many of the advances in molecular biology that have increased our understanding of lung carcinogenesis at the molecular level. Many of these genes have been implicated in the development of human cancer. An understanding of the molecular basis for lung carcinogenesis is essential for the development of improved methods of diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prevention for lung cancer. The cell of origin for lung cancers is controversial. All histologies for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have phenotypic features of the differentiated cell types in normal or injured bronchial epithelium. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells have neuroendocrine markers including high levels of the polypeptide hormones gastrin-releasing peptide and calcitonin, creatine kinase isoenzyme BB, L-dopa decarboxylase, and neuron-specific enolase. Endocrine cells can be found in normal bronchial mucosa. Thus, one possibility is that each of the four major histologies arises from alterations in its preexisting normal counterpart. An alternative hypothesis is that the four types of lung cancer arise from a common stem cell and are related through a common differentiation pathway of the normal bronchial epithelium. This is supported by the clinical observation that SCLC tumors can contain mixtures of SCLC and non-SCLC histologies. These transitions have been observed in vitro following insertion of the appropriate oncogene. For example, insertion of a mutated H-ras oncogene in SCLC cells with overexpression of c-myc causes transition to the large-cell undifferentiated phenotype. Keywords: Non–small-cell Lung Cancers; Oncogene; Small-cell Lung Cancer; Tumor Suppressor Gene
The palladium-catalyzed synthesis of diphenyl carbonate from phenol, carbon monoxide, and oxygen : II. Aqueous sodium hydroxide as a base

Abstract Aqueous sodium hydroxide in combination with a phase transfer catalyst was found to be an effective base for the palladium-catalyzed synthesis of diphenyl carbonate from phenol, carbon monoxide, and oxygen. Small quantities of sodium hydroxide with the phase transfer catalyst resulted in reaction rates faster than had been observed previously using a tertiary amine. The effect of anions on reaction rates is also discussed.
Action of human respiratory muscles inferred from finite element analysis of rib cage

The actions of several human respiratory muscles have been inferred from finite element analysis of the rib cage. The human model is based on anatomic and mechanical measurements in dogs and human cadavers. As in an earlier canine model, the external and internal (interosseous) intercostal muscles were found to cause, respectively, inspiratory and expiratory displacements of the rib cage, in agreement with the two-dimensional geometric analysis of Hamberger. When extended to three dimensions, Hamberger's analysis helps explain why muscles at the side of the rib cage produce changes in the anteroposterior diameter, whereas muscles at the front and back of the rib cage cause changes in the transverse diameter.
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid neurochemical pattern in Menkes disease

Menkes disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of copper metabolism. Because the enzyme dopamine-beta-hydroxylase requires copper to catalyze the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, we reasoned that patients with Menkes disease would have a neurochemical pattern similar to that seen in patients with congenital absence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, i.e., high levels of dopamine, the dopamine metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and the catecholamine precursor dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), and low levels of norepinephrine and its neuronal metabolite dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG). We measured plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of catechols in 10 patients ranging in age from 9 days to 27 months. In contrast to patients with congenital absence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, norepinephrine levels were normal in plasma of 4 Menkes patients and in CSF of all 10 patients. However, the ratios of DOPA:DHPG and DOPAC:DHPG in plasma and CSF of Menkes patients were invariably increased beyond the ranges of control values. These neurochemical findings indicate partial deficiency of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in Menkes patients, with compensatory increases in catecholamine biosynthesis in sympathetic nerves and in the brain. Increased tyrosine hydroxylation and increased exocytotic release of norepinephrine may be responsible for preservation of plasma and CSF norepinephrine levels in Menkes patients. The abnormal neurochemical pattern, including high ratios of DOPA:DHPG and DOPAC:DHPG, may serve as a biochemical marker for Menkes disease and provide a baseline against which the influence of proposed therapies can be judged.
Representation of porous artifacts for bio-medical applications

Heterogeneous structures represent an important new frontier for 21st century engineering. For instance, a tissue engineered structure, such as bone scaffold for guided tissue regeneration, can be described as a heterogeneous structure consisting of 3D extra-cellular matrices (made from biodegradable material) and seeded donor cells and/or growth factors. The design and fabrication of such heterogeneous structures requires new techniques for solid models to represent 3D heterogeneous objects with complex material properties. This paper presents a representation of model density and porosity based on stochastic geometry. While density has been previously studied in the literature, porosity is a new problem for bio-medical CAD critical for modeling replacement bone tissues.
Genome-wide survey of non-essential genes required for slowed DNA synthesis-induced filamentous growth in yeast.

We recently discovered that slowed DNA synthesis induces filamentous differentiation in S. cerevisiae. We screened the BY yeast deletion strains and identified four classes of non-essential genes that are required for both slowed DNA-induced filamentous growth and classic forms of filamentous growth: (a) genes encoding regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and cell polarity, ABP1, CAP2 and HUF1 (= YOR300W), in addition to the previously known BNI1, BUD2, PEA2, SPA2 and TPM1; (b) genes that are likely involved in cell wall biosynthesis, ECM25, GAS1 and PRS3; (c) genes encoding possible regulators of protein secretion, SEC66, RPL21A and RPL34B; (d) genes encoding factors for normal mitochondrial function, IML1 and UGO1. These results showed that pseudohyphal formation involves not the only previously known regulation of the actin cytoskeleton/cell polarity but also regulation of cell wall synthesis, protein secretion and mitochondrial function. Identification of multiple classes of genes that are required for both slowed DNA synthesis-induced and classic forms of filamentous growth confirms that slowed DNA synthesis-induced filamentous growth is bone fide filamentous differentiation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving Nipple Graspability for Success at Breastfeeding

While appropriate nipple care is but a small factor in successful breastfeeding, problem nipples can be a large factor in failure to nurse successfully. Prenatal and postpartum nursing interventions for inverted and flat nipples are discussed as well as assessment techniques for diagnosing flat and inverted nipples.
The uncertainty of outcome and scoring effects on Nielsen ratings for Monday Night Football

Abstract Nielsen ratings for Monday Night Football are analyzed through regression models to determine the factors that attract and keep viewers. For start-of-game ratings, the uncertainty of outcome, quality of the teams, and expected scoring are shown to be important factors. For within-game changes in ratings, the halftime score differential and halftime total points scored, in addition to the quality of teams playing the game, are shown to be significant determinants. Evidence is found that fans prefer games with a quality match-up between winning teams, a high level of uncertainty of outcome, and high-scoring.
Models of magnetic hysteresis in type II superconductors

Abstract The major theories of superconductivity are based on the assumption of reversible magnetization curves. Due to metallurgical and other imperfections, almost all superconductors show some degree of hysteresis. A number of theories have been proposed, on both a macroscopic and microscopic basis, to explain this phenomenon. The major theories of hysteresis, including those of Bean, Kim et al, de Jong and Blaisse, and others are reviewed from the point of view of correlation with experiment. The theories of Campbell et al and of Silcox and Rollins correspond most closely to typical experimental data over a wide range of applied field.