cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance and Design Comparison of a Bulk Thermoelectric Cooler With a Hybrid Architecture

This paper compares the economic viability and performance outcomes of two different thermoelectric device architectures to determine the advantages and appropriate use of each configuration. Hybrid thermoelectric coolers (TECs) employ thin-film thermoelectric materials sandwiched between a plastic substrate and form a corrugated structure. Roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing and low-cost polymer materials offer a cost advantage to the hybrid architecture at the sacrifice of performance capabilities while conventional bulk devices offer increased performance at a higher cost. Performance characteristics and cost information are developed for both hybrid and conventional bulk single-stage thermoelectric modules. The design variables include device geometry, electrical current input, and thermoelectric material type. The tradeoffs between cooling performance and cost will be explored, and the thermoelectric system configuration is analyzed for both hybrid and conventional bulk TECs.
Transport Through Porous Media: Case Studies of CO 2 Sequestration, CO 2 -Oxygen Reaction in Oxy-Combustion, and Oxygen Transport in Membrane at High Temperatures

Global warming and climate change have been linked to man-induced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to the correlation between raised global surface temperatures and increased ambient CO2 concentrations during the last century. The man-made CO2 emissions are primarily from burning of fossil fuels for A. Xiang (*) Chemical Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA e-mail: xaishuang@gmail.com # Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015 W.-Y. Chen et al. (eds.), Handbook of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-6431-0_76-1 1 energy production and transportation. To limit the emissions, CO2 sequestration has been applied to inject CO2 into various deep surface formations after capturing CO2 from the flue gases. The topic of transport through porous media in this chapter is to summarize investigations of migration of CO2 after sequestration, gas transport through coal particles during oxy-combustion, and oxygen transport in membranes during air separation. A general mechanism has been provided first in the introduction to briefly explain transport through porous media. The following sections, respectively, include a general review of recent literatures on the subjects of CO2 migration after sequestration, CO2-oxygen transport in oxy-combustion, and oxygen transport in membrane at high temperatures. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and processes of the transport through porous media allows mathematical models to be used to evaluate and optimize the performance and design of these systems.
Aircraft trajectory control using artificial neural networks

The feasibility of using artificial neural network to obtain the control inputs required for a desired aircraft trajectory is studied. The objective is to provide pilot assistance in the high work load environment of Terminal Control Areas. The trajectory between any two initial and final state vectors is broken down into three simple maneuvers. The maneuvers are designed to bring an aircraft from some initial position and velocity to the outer marker during the approach procedure. An artificial feed forward neural network is trained to accept position and velocity and give the corresponding thrust, lift coefficient, and bank angle as its outputs. The trajectory parameters compare well with the nominal position and velocity. The final conditions are achieved with an accuracy of 500 feet in ground position, 1 foot in altitude, 1 foot/second in velocity and 3 degrees in heading angle.
Growth and Retrogression in Larvae of Trogoderma glabrum (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). 1. Characteristics under Feeding and Starvation Conditions

Under standard culturing conditions (basal rearing medium, 30°C, 65–70% RH) Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst) larvae displayed either 5 (males) or 6 (females) larvae stadia. No sex difference was detected in head-capsule widths of the successive instars, but the additional female stadium resulted in a pronounced sex difference in the size and weight of the prepupal instar. The larval growth period was from 26 to 30 days among the males, and from 32 to 36 days among the females; only a very small proportion of female larvae underwent a supernumerary 7th larval stadium and a delay of pupation. When isolated without nutrient medium, 6th-instar females failed to pupate and entered a period of retrogressive larval development. They molted periodically to progressively smaller larval dimensions (here termed “retromolts”). During 1 year of complete deprivation, the larvae retromolted from 5 to 8 times. Retromolts did not represent a simple reversal of larval development, in respect to weight and head-width; the weight and dimensional changes associated with a retromolt were much slighter than those accompanying normal larval growth, even though opposite in sign. Although all isolated larvae underwent the 1st retromolt within 2 weeks after isolation, subsequent retromolts occurred irregularly, and no temporal pattern could be discerned. The rate of weight loss tended to be highest among larvae that retromolted the most frequently, but retromolt frequency was not determined by the rate of weight loss. Headwidth following the retromolt was closely correlated with larval weight rather than with retromolt number. These characteristics were interpreted as suggesting that the physiological mechanisms controlling the molting cycle were relatively independent of those controlling metabolism and weight loss. The rate of oxygen uptake declined rapidly following larval isolation and stabilized at a level representing about 5% that of 6th-stage larvae on medium. During retrogressive development the larvae maintained a normal balance of body water, compensating for ecdysial water loss by absorption of atmospheric moisture. The adaptive significance of retrogressive development, in comparison with diapause, is discussed.
The conundrum of pH in water nanodroplets: sensing pH in reverse micelle water pools.

In aqueous environments, acidity is arguably the most important property dictating the chemical, physical, and biological processes that can occur. However, in a variety of environments where the minuscule size limits the number of water molecules, the conventional macroscopic description of pH is no longer valid. This situation arises for any and all nanoscopically confined water including cavities in minerals, porous solids, zeolites, atmospheric aerosols, enzyme active sites, membrane channels, and biological cells and organelles.To understand pH in these confined spaces, we have explored reverse micelles as a model system that confines water to nanoscale droplets. At the appropriate concentrations, reverse micelles form in ternary or higher order solutions of nonpolar solvent, polar solvent (usually water), and amphipathic molecules, usually surfactants or lipids. Measuring the acidity, or local density of protons, commonly known as pH, of these nanoscopic water pools in reverse micelles is challengin...
The New Trend of Geographical Information System:Service-Oriented Architecture

To resolve the problem arose by the complexity of people's requirement on the system functions, the redundant and non-reusable programming and the multiplicity of the interfaces, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is being promoted in the industry as the next evolutionary step in software architecture to help IT organizations meet their ever more complex set of challenges, make great use of the current functions, integrate across the enterprise, lower costs, reduce cycle times, accomplish greater ROI, and develop on-demand computing system. This paper analyzes the trait of GIS development, illustrates the trend of GIS towards Service-Oriented Architecture, and assets the benefits and chance which results from SOA.
Revisiting a class of liner fleet deployment models

Abstract A class of liner fleet deployment models in the literature is revisited. We point to an implicit (and unnecessary) assumption in this class of models that can lead to fleet deployment plans that employ more vessels than strictly necessary. New analytical results are derived to relax this assumption, leading to a new and more realistic liner fleet deployment model. In a case study, it is found that the new model can lead to a substantial reduction in the fleet deployment cost, up to 15 percent. Moreover, it is observed that the new model is particularly timely in the current era where vessel sharing agreements and mega vessels are the norm, as the cost savings grow with the vessel size.
The Black Sheep Pictograph Site

ABSTRACTA pictograph site containing homed animals and abstract designs painted in black is described. The Black Sheep Pictograph Site, AZ AA: 16: 16 (ASM), is the most elaborate prehistoric pictograph site known in the Tucson area. From associated artifacts and stylistic similarities with Hohokam petroglyphs, it is thought that the paintings were produced by a Hohokam artist.
Accreditation of Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology

The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology is the body which approves training programs in nuclear medicine technology. The Committee consists of two representatives from the SNM, SNMT, ACR, ASRT, ASCP, and ASMT. Dr. Warren Ball, who is the AMA Staff Liaison with the Committee, presented the following description of the activities and responsibilities of the Committee at the Plenary Session of the First Winter Meeting of the Technologist Section in New Orleans.
Secure distributed observers for a class of linear time invariant systems in the presence of Byzantine adversaries

We study the problem of distributed state estimation of a linear time-invariant system by a network of nodes, some of which are subject to adversarial attacks. We develop a secure distributed estimation strategy subject to an f-locally bounded Byzantine adversary model, where a compromised node can arbitrarily deviate from the rules of any prescribed algorithm. Under such a threat model, we provide sufficient conditions guaranteeing the success of our estimation strategy. Our method relies on the construction of a subgraph, which we call a Mode Estimation Directed Acyclic Graph (MEDAG), for each unstable and marginally stable eigenvalue of the plant. We provide a distributed algorithm for constructing a MEDAG and characterize graph topologies for which the construction algorithm is guaranteed to succeed. Our approach provides fundamental insights into the relationship between the dynamics of the system, the measurement structure of the nodes, and the underlying graph topology.
What Is the Best Research Globally

Dr. Afshari’s editorial gives insight on human nature (1). Collaborative willingness usually occurs when different sides perceive personal benefit, or when institutions mandate collaboration. This is not unique between higher and lower income countries; many working in global emergency medicine (EM) observe this within wealthier countries. It exists among collaborators in low resource settings. Yes, pride and status are globally universal. Convincing others to engage altruistically is challenging. Camaraderie and “brotherhood” is created from shared experiences. Many global health practitioners work for extended times overseas, returning to their own countries with new perspectives and gratitude, if the experience was positive. As mentors, we must identify young physicians and investigators with these attributes, and create positive outcomes. Then, it is imperative to continue the relationship. Commitment is therefore needed. The Global Network of Emergency Medicine had its second meeting in Dubai in May 2013, in order to promote this idea, without making one country adhere to the system of EM of another country-in other words, EM and research is set according to autochthonous needs (2). Project funding remains difficult. In the US, the National Institutes of Health grant 5% of their budget to EM research. Yet the NIH will claim that 23% of their funding goes to emergency medicine research. Why the disparity? Occasionally, primary investigators from other specialties use our departments as their “laboratories”, leaving EM specialists outside of a given large, prospective, randomized study (much of the cardiology literature published in the New England Journal of Medicine has few of our specialists included) (3,4). Furthermore, our research methodology may be lacking, since the majority of designs are case controlled, and fewer studies overlooked by powerful funding agencies. Many funding agencies don’t understand EM priorities. Donors may be non EM trained philanthropists, or bureaucrats. Decision maker physicians are also rarely EM (5), let alone toxicology trained. Either change funding demographics, or look southward. In Mexico, PACE (http://www.pace-medspanish.org) monies come from those personally affected by emergencies or from governments wishing to improve health statistics (example: decreasing infant-maternal mortality). These community-based programs help funders reach their goals, and fund us to spread EM rurally. A Latin-American “southern” alliance exists, with the “brotherhood” of US EM organizations (ACEP). With global economic uncertainty looming, well-developed regions can benefit from programs originating from limited resource settings. Many of us believe altruism, a communal bond or desperate needs, is able to link the North and South together.
Suburethral sling procedures in the United States: complications, readmission, and reoperation

Hospital readmission is increasingly used as a measure of quality care. Our objective was to evaluate the rate of readmission and associated factors in women undergoing suburethral sling placement in the USA. This is a cohort study of suburethral sling procedures performed in the USA from 2012 to 2014 using the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The database was queried for suburethral sling procedures. Records were excluded if concomitant surgery had been performed. Patient and surgical characteristics were evaluated for association with readmission using Chi-squared test for categorical variables and Student’s t test for continuous variables. All results yielding p < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. A total of 7,117 suburethral sling procedures were identified. There were 83 (1.16%) hospital readmissions. Those who were readmitted tended to be older (p = 0.011), non-Hispanic (p = 0.04), smokers (p < 0.001), and have an American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System score of 3 or 4 (p = 0.001). A history of bleeding disorder (p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (p < 0.001), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.001) was associated with readmission. Fifty-four (0.75%) patients underwent reoperation within 30 days of suburethral sling placement. The most common reoperation procedure was sling excision (20 patients). The most common complication was urinary tract infection, which occurred in 189 patients (2.7%). Suburethral sling placement is a safe procedure with a low rate of readmissions, reoperations, and complications. Consistent with other types of surgery, infection is the most common post-operative complication.
The Impact of Novel Radiation Treatment Techniques on Toxicity and Clinical Outcomes in Rectal Cancer

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) has been the standard technique in the treatment of rectal cancer. The use of new radiation treatment technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy (PT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy (BT) has been increasing over the past 10 years. This review will highlight the advantages and drawbacks of these techniques. IMRT, PT, SBRT, and BT achieve a higher target coverage conformity and a higher organ at risk sparing and enable dose escalation compared to 3DCRT. Some studies suggest a reduction in gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities and an increase in the complete pathologic response rate; however, the clinical benefit of these techniques remains controversial. The results of these new techniques seem encouraging despite conclusive data. Further trials are required to establish their role in rectal cancer.
Antibody-Mediated Extreme Insulin Resistance: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by relative insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. Features suggesting severe insulin resistance include acanthosis nigricans, hyperandrogenism, weight loss, and recurrent hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis. In rare circumstances, hyperglycemia persists despite administration of massive doses of insulin. In these cases, it is important to consider autoimmune etiologies for insulin resistance, such as type B insulin resistance and insulin antibody-mediated extreme insulin resistance, which carry high morbidity and mortality if untreated. Encouragingly, immunomodulatory regimens have recently been published that induce remission at high rates. Methods/Results We describe 3 cases of extreme insulin resistance mediated by anti-insulin receptor autoantibodies or insulin autoantibodies. All cases were effectively treated with an immunomodulatory regimen. Conclusion Although cases of extreme insulin resistance are rare, it is important to be aware of autoimmune causes, recognize suggestive signs and symptoms, and pursue appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Prompt treatment with immunomodulators is key to restoring euglycemia in patients with autoimmune etiologies of insulin resistance.
Patient Outcomes After Stent Failure for the Treatment of Acute Esophageal Perforation

Background Esophageal stent placement for acute esophageal perforation has become part of the treatment algorithm for many thoracic surgery programs. Despite high success rates, there are patients for which stent placement is not successful. This investigation summarizes the outcomes of a relatively large group of such patients. Methods Patients who underwent esophageal stent placement for an acute perforation but required conversion to another form of therapy were identified from a prospectively collected institutional database. Excluded were patients whose perforation was associated with a malignancy. Patient demographics, operative and nonoperative invasive procedures, morbidities, mortality, and 6-month follow-up after discharge were reviewed. Results Between 2008 and 2015, 26 patients who failed to seal their esophageal leak after stent placement were identified. Eighteen (69%) of these patients required an operative repair with primary closure of the perforation. Four (15%) primary repairs had a persistent leak controlled with subsequent stent placement. Four (15%) patients required an esophagectomy with cervical esophagostomy. Three patients (11%), because of comorbid conditions, were referred for hospice care. One patient (3%) refused operative repair and developed a chronic fistula that resolved with subsequent stent placement. Conclusions Esophageal stent placement continues to be a safe and effective treatment for acute esophageal perforation. Patients whose perforation does not seal with initial stent placement can be treated with primary surgical repair or esophagectomy without increasing their morbidity or mortality or compromising their prognosis.
A Simple Model for the Anomalous Counterclockwise Turning of the Surface Wind with Time over the Great Plains of the United States

AbstractA recent study found that surface hodographs over the Great Plains of the United States turn in a counterclockwise direction with time. This observed turning is opposite of the clockwise tu...
Expanding Our Models of Justice in Dispute Resolution: A Field Test of the Contribution of Interactional Justice

Historically, researchers in conflict management have used theories of distributive and procedural justice to explain participant satisfaction with dispute resolution processes. Using a large national sample of exit surveys collected from participants in the United States Postal Service (USPS) REDRESS(R) program, the authors show that the procedural justice model better fits the data from this employment mediation program than the distributive justice model. However, the procedural justice model, as traditionally framed, includes no component for measuring changes in the relationship between the disputants. The authors suggest that an interactional model of justice, which includes measures of empowerment and recognition in a transformative index, in addition to measures of process and resolution, can better explain participant satisfaction with this program. The results of a multiple regression analysis support this hypothesis.
Combined Creep And Yield Model Of Ice Under Multiaxial Stress

A combined creep and yield model has been developed for isotropic ice in a multiaxial stress state. The equations of the model describe the entire creep process, including primary, secondary, and tertiary creep, at both constant stresses and constant strain rates in terms of normalized (dimensionless) time 1=t / t .. Secondary creep is considered an inflection point defining the time to failure (tm). The minimum strain rate at failure is described by a modified Norton-Glen power equation, which, as well as the time to failure, includes a parabolic yield criterion. The yield criterion is selected either in the form of an extended von Mises-Drucker-Prager or an extended Mohr-Coulomb rupture model. The criteria take into account that at a certain magnitude of mean normal stresses «(J'max) the shear strength of ice reaches a maximum value due to local melting of ice. The model has been verified using test data on yield of polycrystalIine ice at -1l.8°C and on creep of saline ice at -soC, both under triaxial compression «(J'2 = (J'3)'
Techno-economic analysis of producing solid biofuels and biochar from forest residues using portable systems

Abstract Wildfires are getting extreme and more frequent because of increased fuel loads in the forest and extended dry conditions. Prevention of wildfire by fuel treatment methods will generate forest residues in large volumes, which in addition to available logging residues, can be used to produce biofuels and bioproducts. In this study, the techno-economic assessment of three portable systems to produce woodchips briquettes (WCB), torrefied-woodchips briquettes (TWCB) and biochar from forest residues were evaluated using pilot-scale experimental data. A discounted cash flow rate of return method was used to estimate minimum selling prices (MSPs) for each product, to conduct sensitivity analyses, and to identify potential cost-reduction strategies. Using a before-finance-and-tax 16.5% nominal required return on investment, and a mean transport distance of 200 km, the estimated delivered MSPs per oven-dry metric ton (ODMT) of WCB, TWCB, and biochar were $162, $274, and $1044 respectively. The capital investment (16–30%), labor cost (23–28%), and feedstock cost (10–13%) without stumpage cost were the major factors influencing the MSP of solid biofuels and biochar. However, the MSPs of WCB, TWCB, and biochar could be reduced to $65, $145, and $470/ODMT respectively with technologically improved portable systems. In addition, the MSPs of solid biofuels and biochar could be further reduced by renewable energy and carbon credits, if the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potentials are quantified and remunerated. In conclusion, portable systems could be economically feasible to use forest residues and make useful products at current market prices while simultaneously reducing potential wildfires and GHG emissions.
Adoptive Immunotherapy with Cord Blood for the Treatment of Refractory Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: Feasibility, Safety, and Preliminary Outcomes

Abstract Adoptive immunotherapy has shown efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We conducted a prospective evaluation of cord blood (CB)-based adoptive cell therapy following salvage chemotherapy in patients with AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and describe the safety and early outcomes of this approach. To enhance the antileukemic effect, we selected CB units (CBUs) with a shared inherited paternal antigen (IPA) and/or noninherited maternal antigen (NIMA) match with the recipients. Furthermore, the CBUs had total nucleated cell (TNC) dose
Client attrition in the Nurse‐Family Partnership®: Revisiting metrics of impact in a home visitation program in the United States

The Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) is an evidence-based home-visiting program for low-income, first-time mothers. NFP® has demonstrated benefits for reducing child maltreatment and improving parenting, child development and families' economic self-sufficiency. It is now implemented widely in the US where, despite the use of home visits, which generally reduce barriers to program participation, only 35% of clients nationwide complete the 2.5-year program. This concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted in 2013 in an urban northeastern US NFP site and included administrative program data, surveys (n = 56), in-depth interviews (n = 14) with nurse home visitors, and focus groups with nurse supervisors (n = 13). We explored associations between nurses' attrition rates and their perspectives on client attrition and retention strategies. We further conducted an inductive thematic analysis of the qualitative data. Findings indicate that nurses' attrition rates were not significantly associated with their views and strategies to retain clients. Nurses and supervisors noted that clients' competing priorities and 'chaotic lives' primarily explained attrition. They thought that clients often left the program upon receiving enough information and skills or achieving key milestones, which may reflect reaching a saturation point, albeit prior to the full completion of the program. We offer recommendations to assess performance based on client accomplishments rather than whether they participated until the prescribed endpoint.
Fluorescent probes with high pKa values based on traditional, near-infrared rhodamine, and hemicyanine fluorophores for sensitive detection of lysosomal pH variations.

Abstract Sterically hindered fluorescent probes (A-C) have been developed by introducing 2-aminophenylboronic acid pinacol ester to a traditional, A, a near-infrared rhodamine dye, B, and a near-infrared hemicyanine dye, C, forming closed spirolactam ring structures. Probe A was non-fluorescent under basic pH conditions whereas probes B and C were moderately fluorescent with fluorescence quantum yields of 9% and 5% in pH 7.4 PBS buffer containing 1% ethanol, respectively. With all probes increasing acidity leads to significant increases in fluorescence at 580 nm, 644 and 744 nm for probes A, B and C with fluorescence quantum yields of 26%, 21% and 10% in pH 4.5 PBS buffer containing 1% ethanol, respectively. Probes A, B and C were calculated to have pKa values of 5.81, 5.45 and 6.97. The difference in fluorescence under basic conditions is ascribed to easier opening of the closed spirolactam ring configurations due to significant steric hindrance between the 2-aminophenylboronic acid pinacol ester residue and an adjacent H atom in the xanthene derivative moiety in probe B or C. The probes show fast, reversible, selective and sensitive fluorescence responses to pH changes, and are capable of sensing lysosomal pH variations in living cells.
Fourth cycle breeding and testing strategy for Pinus taeda in the NC State University Cooperative Tree Improvement Program

The Cooperative Tree Improvement Program at North Carolina State University used the differential evolution algorithm developed for animal breeding (Kinghorn, Genet Sel Evol 43(1):4, Kinghorn 2011) to design the mating in the 4th cycle of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) breeding. The mate selection algorithm optimizes genetic gain while putting constraints on progeny inbreeding and coancestry level. The final mating list (4th cycle population) is expected to produce an index breeding value 63% higher than the candidate population mated at random. The average inbreeding coefficient in the candidate population was 0.000146. It increased to 0.000285 in the 4th cycle progeny. Only eight crosses out of 748 with progeny inbreeding value greater than zero were included in the mating list. One parent with a high index breeding value was used in 13 matings. A high majority of 421 individuals (75%) were mated two or more times; the remaining were mated once. The Cooperative also made significant changes in experimental design protocols to increase the efficiency of progeny testing by implementing an alpha-cyclic incomplete row-column design. Progeny test series across years were connected with a rolling front testing strategy by overlapping genetic entries across years. The Cooperative is expected to complete the 4th cycle in about 14 years, a significant reduction compared to previous cycles. With availability of high-throughput genotyping platforms, the Cooperative is moving toward implementation of genomic selection in the 5th cycle and beyond.
Stepwise shifts underlie evolutionary trends in morphological complexity of the mammalian vertebral column.

A fundamental concept in evolutionary biology is that life tends to become more complex through geologic time, but empirical examples of this phenomenon are controversial. One debate is whether increasing complexity is the result of random variations, or if there are evolutionary processes which actively drive its acquisition, and if these processes act uniformly across clades. The mammalian vertebral column provides an opportunity to test these hypotheses because it is composed of serially-repeating vertebrae for which complexity can be readily measured. Here we test seven competing hypotheses for the evolution of vertebral complexity by incorporating fossil data from the mammal stem lineage into evolutionary models. Based on these data, we reject Brownian motion (a random walk) and uniform increasing trends in favor of stepwise shifts for explaining increasing complexity. We hypothesize that increased aerobic capacity in non-mammalian cynodonts may have provided impetus for increasing vertebral complexity in mammals. The mammalian vertebral column has become more complex over evolutionary time. Here, Jones and colleagues use phylogenetic modelling to show that this complexity increased in stepwise shifts likely driven by adaptations for increased aerobic capacity.
Orbitofrontal approach for the fenestration of a symptomatic sellar arachnoid cyst.

Background Sellar arachnoid cysts (SACs) are rare lesions and incidentally found on brain imaging. The pathophysiology is poorly understood. Some authors suggested that SACs develop as a herniation of arachnoid membrane through the diaphragma sellae followed by cyst formation. Furthermore, Meyer et al. postulated that SACs are formed by splitting of the arachnoid layers. Symptomatic SACs present with headache, visual field deficit, or pituitary dysfunction. The data are limited on the indications and timing for intervention. We present a case of symptomatic SAC that was fenestrated using orbitofrontal approach. Case description A 64-year-old female presented with chronic headaches and blurriness of vision. She was previously diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI) that was treated with desmopressin, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her brain at that time was normal. Later on, she developed severe headaches that were managed medically. A year later, she had an episode of generalized seizure that led to the discovery of SAC on brain MRI. On examination, she had a left-sided monocular temporal hemianopia. The patient underwent an orbitofrontal craniotomy for fenestration of the SAC. At 6-month follow-up, her headaches had significantly improved with the resolution of the visual deficit. In addition, the DI had resolved, and the desmopressin was discontinued. Conclusion SACs are rare with no consensus on the indications for surgery. Our experience suggests that fenestration of SAC through transcranial approach is a valid option for patients with visual deficit and/or pituitary dysfunction.
Self-compatibility in Lomatium dissectum (Apiaceae) and the diverse Andrena bees that dominate regional Lomatium pollinator faunas

Species of biscuitroot (Lomatium: Apiaceae) are endemic to western North America, where multiple species can be common members of perennial wildflower communities from basin sagebrush-steppe and juniper woodlands up to alpine meadows. Despite Lomatium being the largest genus of Apiaceae in North America, little is known about its pollination needs or pollinators. Manual pollinations of the tiny flowers of one species, desert parsley (L. dissectum), showed it to be a self-compatible species, akin to other genera of Apiaceae. Seed production, however, largely requires pollinators to move pollen within and between the andromonoecious umbels. Regional sampling of floral visitors to L. andrusianum, L. dissectum, L. triternatum, and several other species revealed a sometimes abundant and exceptionally rich diversity of mostly Andrena bees. These 21 Andrena species together composed 94% of the individuals methodically sampled at Lomatium plants; this number is at odds with claims of taxonomic promiscuity for pollinator faunas of the Apiaceae. But for several Lomatium specialists, these Andrena species all seem to be floral generalists with apparent pollination value for Lomatium. These ground-nesting bees, as well as their Lomatium hosts, should survive the increasingly frequent and extensive wildfire events burning the sagebrush-steppe and juniper woodlands that they inhabit, owing to their springtime seasonalities and the insulative protection of overlying soil.
In vitro real-time magnetic resonance imaging for quantification of thrombosis

Thrombosis is a leading cause of failure for cardiovascular devices. While computational simulations are a powerful tool to predict thrombosis and evaluate the risk for medical devices, limited experimental data are available to validate the simulations. The aim of the current study is to provide experimental data of a growing thrombus for device-induced thrombosis. Thrombosis within a backward-facing step (BFS), or sudden expansion was investigated, using bovine and human blood circulated through the BFS model for 30 min, with a constant inflow rate of 0.76 L/min. Real-time three-dimensional flow-compensated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supported with Magnevist, a contrast agent improving thrombus delineation, was applied to quantify thrombus deposition and growth within the model. The study showed that the BFS model induced a flow recirculation region, which facilitated thrombosis. By 30 min, in comparison to bovine blood, human blood resulted in smaller thrombus formation, in terms of the length (13.3 ± 0.6 vs. 18.1 ± 1.3 mm), height (2.3 ± 0.1 vs. 2.6 ± 0.04 mm), surface area exposed to blood (0.67 ± 0.03 vs 1.05 ± 0.08 cm2), and volume (0.069 ± 0.004 vs. 0.093 ± 0.007 cm3), with p < 0.01. Normalization of the thrombus measurements, which excluded the flow recirculation effects, suggested that the thrombus sizes increased during the first 15 min and stabilized after 20 min. Blood properties, including viscosity, hematocrit, and platelet count affected thrombosis. For the first time, contrast agent-supported real-time MRI was performed to investigate thrombus deposition and growth within a sudden expansion. This study provides experimental data for device-induced thrombosis, which is valuable for validation of computational thrombosis simulations.
Promoting Healthy Eating and Regular Physical Activity in Low-Income Families Through Family-Centered Programs: Implications for Practice

Research concerning children who are overweight has historically focused on providing services to the affected individuals, and limited attention has been paid to their families. Further, childhood obesity prevention and clinical programs continue to be impacted by contextual factors that increase the likelihood of attrition when targeting underserved populations. This paper provides data with relevance for interventions aimed at promoting healthy eating and regular physical activity with low-income families. Participants in a childhood obesity exploratory study provided recommendations to improve programs by reflecting on specific family and contextual issues related to children who are overweight and obese. Following a thematic analysis approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 low-income, single, female parents. All participants had, at the time of the interview, at least one overweight or obese child between the ages of 3 and 8. We report the critical role of context in the etiology and challenges of childhood obesity among disadvantaged populations. Findings also highlight the need for interventions to be culturally relevant and sensitive and to create opportunities to address and discuss participant experiences of discrimination, cultural factors, and family of origin influences. Interventions that do not address these contextual factors run the risk of being unsuccessful. Our findings are important for mental and public health professionals who are interested in the direct provision of services using a combination of social determinants of systemic perspectives.
Supervision of leadership model: An integration and extension of the discrimination model and socially just and culturally responsive counseling leadership model

The authors propose the Supervision of Leadership Model (SLM) as an integration and extension of the Discrimination Model (DM) and Socially Just and Culturally Responsive Counseling Leadership Mode...
Microplastics and microfibers in surface waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California

Abstract Despite a recent report of high concentrations of microplastics and microfibers in the mesopelagic waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), little is known about these particles in surface waters. From 2017 to 2019, we sampled two nearshore and two offshore locations within MBNMS using a manta trawl and analyzed these samples for microplastics and microfibers. We found an average concentration of 1.32 ± 0.70 (SE) particles per m3. We found the highest concentration of particles closest to shore, and the lowest concentration above the remote Davidson Seamount. Fiber-like debris was more common in offshore, as compared to nearshore, sites. Overall, particles in our samples were primarily buoyant synthetic polymers, including polypropylene and polyethylene. Our results provide baseline data on the degree of microplastic and microfiber pollution in MBNMS surface waters and confirm that this pollution can be found in waters from the surface to at least 1000 m depth.
Prenatal molecular testing and diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Objective The objective of this study was to describe molecular findings and phenotypic features among individuals referred for prenatal Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) testing. Methods Molecular diagnostic testing was performed using a sensitive quantitative real-time PCR-based assay capable of detecting mosaic methylation to the level of 3% at IC1 and IC2. Sanger sequencing of CDKN1C was performed in cases with normal methylation. Results Of the 94 patients tested, a molecular diagnosis was identified for 25.5% of cases; 70.9% of diagnosed cases had loss of methylation at IC2, 4.2% had gain of methylation at IC1, 12.5% had paternal uniparental isodisomy, and 12.5% had CDKN1C loss-of-function variants. Methylation level changes in prenatal cases were significantly greater than changes identified in cases tested after birth. Cases with a prenatal molecular diagnosis had a significantly greater number of BWS-associated phenotypic features. The presence of either macroglossia or placentomegaly was most predictive of a BWS diagnosis. Conclusion Our results support the consensus statement advocating BWS molecular testing for all patients with one or more BWS-associated prenatal features and suggest that low-level mosaic methylation changes may be uncommon among prenatal BWS diagnoses.
Risk stratification for colorectal cancer in individuals with subtypes of serrated polyps.

Objective The longitudinal risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with subtypes of serrated polyps (SPs) remains incompletely understood. Design This community-based, case–control study included 317 178 Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who underwent their first colonoscopy during 2006–2016. Nested within this population, we identified 695 cases of CRC and 3475 CRC-free controls (matched 5:1 to cases for age, sex and year of colonoscopy). Two expert pathologists reviewed the tissue slides of all SPs identified on the first colonoscopy and reclassified them to sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), hyperplastic polyps (HPs) and traditional serrated adenomas. SPs with borderline characteristics of SSLs but insufficient to make a definitive diagnosis were categorised as unspecified SPs. The association with development of CRC was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results Compared with individuals with no polyp, the adjusted ORs (aORs) for SSL alone or with synchronous adenoma were 2.9 (95% CI: 1.8 to 4.8) and 4.4 (95% CI: 2.7 to 7.2), respectively. The aORs for SSL with dysplasia, large proximal SSL,and small proximal SSL were 10.3 (95% CI: 2.1 to 50.3), 12.8 (95% CI: 3.5 to 46.9) and 1.9 (95% CI: 0.8 to 4.7), respectively. Proximal unspecified SP also conferred an increased risk (aOR: 5.8, 95% CI: 2.2 to 15.2). Women with SSL were associated with higher risk (aOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.3 to 8.2) than men (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 0.8 to 3.8). Conclusion Increased risk of CRC was observed in individuals with SSLs, particularly large proximal ones or with dysplasia, supporting close endoscopic surveillance. Proximal unspecified SPs were also associated with increased risk of CRC and should be managed as SSLs.
Learning curve of robotic transversus abdominis release in ventral hernia repair: a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis

Despite heightened interest in robotic transversus abdominis release (rTAR), concerns over its steep learning curve (LC) and associated challenges may limit its adoption. This study defines the operative time and morbidity-based LC of a single surgeon’s experience with rTAR. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing rTAR over an 8-year period was conducted. Consecutive ventral and incisional hernia repairs were stratified into four sub-categories based on bilaterality and complexity, with complex hernias being defined as those > 10 cm. Cumulative sum analyses (CUSUM) were used to evaluate skin-to-skin time and morbidity LCs. This study included a total of 156 rTARs with a mean skin-to-skin time of 222.8 min. Mean skin-to-skin times (min) for sub-categories were as follows: unilateral non-complex (137.6), bilateral non-complex (206.8), unilateral complex (241.9), and bilateral complex (298.6). The CUSUM-LC was obtained by summing the differences between each procedure’s operative time and its sub-category mean, revealing a quadratic best-fit line maximum at case 49 and a transition point between early and late phases at case 75. Although skin-to-skin times between early and late phases did not differ significantly (235.3 vs 211.2, respectively; p = 0.12), a significant difference was found in console times. Overall postoperative complications also decreased significantly from early to late phases (41.3% vs 25.9%; p = 0.041). Postoperative complications were predicted by a history of wound infection (c = 0.61). This study reveals that the rTAR LC was overcome between 49 and 75 cases, after which, console time and postoperative complications decreased significantly.
Exploring the Interactions between Non-Medical Methamphetamine Use and Prescribed Buprenorphine or Naltrexone in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Retention.

Our objectives were to examine the impact of methamphetamine use on opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment retention in patients prescribed either buprenorphine/buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NX) or nalt...
Clinical and radiographic risk indicators for decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients with ischemic stroke: an institutional and national analysis

Abstract Malignant cerebral edema is a common and devastating consequence of ischemic stroke that could necessitate decompressive hemicraniectomy to prevent herniation. Multiple randomized control trials have reported the utility of this surgery in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with edema following stroke and more recent national data analysis revealed that incident of decompressive procedures was reduced following the widespread use of thrombectomy for stroke treatment. In the current study we looked at data from our institution to identify key features on initial and short interval CT scans which can predict at risk patients for decompressive surgery. In addition, we looked at clinical risk factors in patients who suffer from stroke and undergo mechanical thrombectomy. We found that easy to identify features on CT scan are significantly more frequent in patients who eventually require decompressive procedures especially within the first 24 h. Younger patients with associate vessel dissections and electrolyte abnormalities were at higher risk of requiring decompression surgery following stroke and mechanical thrombectomy.
Big data? Big deal: Searching for big data’s performance effects in HR

Abstract Big data continues to gather increasing interest in the business press as well as within the management literature. While this interest has spilled over into the realm of human resources (HR) management, solid evidence of its positive performance impacts is lacking. I explore three possibilities for this lack of evidence: (1) HR possesses big data but largely lacks the ability to use it; (2) HR does not actually possess big data; and (3) big data is generating value for HR and positively affects organizational performance, but the winners in the race to utilize big data in HR are not publicizing their successes. Following this, I discuss current forms of big data implementation, highlighting an evolutionary progression of implementations in various settings and emphasizing the importance of balancing deductive with inductive analytical approaches. Finally, I discuss conditions under which big data may hold greater value for the HR function, and I suggest ways managers and organizations can make the most of big data.
Bulky Cation Diffusion in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

The impact on device stability of the bulky cation-modified interfaces in halide perovskite solar cells is not well-understood. We demonstrate the thermal instability of the bulky cation interface layers used in some of the highest performing solar cells to date. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and synchrotron-based grazing incidence X-ray scattering measurements reveal significant changes under thermal stress in the chemical composition and structure at the surface of these films. The changes impact charge carrier dynamics and device operation, as shown in transient photoluminescence, excitation correlation spectroscopy, and solar cells. The type of cation used for passivation affects the extent of these changes, where long carbon chains provide more stable interfaces and thus longer durability (more than 1000 hrs at 55oC). Such findings highlight that annealing the treated interfaces before characterization is critical to enable reliable reporting of performances and to drive the selection between different cations.