CHD associated with syndromic diagnoses: peri-operative risk factors and early outcomes

CHD is frequently associated with a genetic syndrome. These syndromes often present specific cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities that confer significant peri-operative risks affecting multiple organ systems. Although surgical outcomes have improved over time, these co-morbidities continue to contribute substantially to poor peri-operative mortality and morbidity outcomes. Peri-operative morbidity may have long-standing ramifications on neurodevelopment and overall health. Recognising the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular risks associated with specific syndromic diagnoses will facilitate expectant management, early detection of clinical problems, and improved outcomes--for example, the development of syndrome-based protocols for peri-operative evaluation and prophylactic actions may improve outcomes for the more frequently encountered syndromes such as 22q11 deletion syndrome

Introducing Modern Mathematical Concepts through the Use of Boolean Algebra

A simplified system of Boolean algebra is established, and some modern mathematical terms are introduced in their natural context. Examples are given of applications of Boolean algebra to electrical circuits and language analysis. Emphasis is placed on the concept of a mathematical system and insight into mathematics as a whole.Natural Scienc

A Flexible Path for Human and Robotic Space Exploration

During the summer of 2009, a flexible path scenario for human and robotic space exploration was developed that enables frequent, measured, and publicly notable human exploration of space beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). The formulation of this scenario was in support of the Exploration Beyond LEO subcommittee of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee that was commissioned by President Obama. Exploration mission sequences that allow humans to visit a wide number of inner solar system destinations were investigated. The scope of destinations included the Earth-Moon and Earth-Sun Lagrange points, near-Earth objects (NEOs), the Moon, and Mars and its moons. The missions examined assumed the use of Constellation Program elements along with existing launch vehicles and proposed augmentations. Additionally, robotic missions were envisioned as complements to human exploration through precursor missions, as crew emplaced scientific investigations, and as sample gathering assistants to the human crews. The focus of the flexible path approach was to gain ever-increasing operational experience through human exploration missions ranging from a few weeks to several years in duration, beginning in deep space beyond LEO and evolving to landings on the Moon and eventually Mars

Notes

Notes by David S. Landis, William B. Lawless, Robert Oberfell, Thomas F. Halligan, Hal E. Hunter, Jr., Charles M. Boynton, John S. Warren, Norman B. Thirion, Vail Pischke, Peter F. Nemeth, Saverio J. Alonzi, and Peter T. Alonzi

Space PV Concentrators for Outer Planet and Near-Sun Missions, Using Ultra-Light Fresnel Lenses Made with Vanishing Tools

Working under a NASA-funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, our team has made additional progress in the development of space photovoltaic concentrators for outer planet and near-sun missions. One noteworthy innovation is in the scalable method of producing the ultra-light Fresnel lenses which provide the optical concentration of sunlight for both point-focus and line-focus concentrators. The new method uses vanishing lens molding tools. The paper will present the latest advances in this technology