cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facile batch mode process for high capacity rechargeable nickel-zinc microbatteries

This paper reports a facile approach for batch mode fabrication of millimeter-scale Ni-Zn batteries that is facilitated by unconventional structural materials and fabrication options. Micro electrodischarge machining (μEDM) is used to define arrays of cavities in foils of Ni and Zn. The cathode and electrolyte materials are incorporated using a self-aligned damascene method. The fabricated batteries have a footprint of =0.048 cm2, a nominal voltage of 1.7 V, and a typical capacity of =63 μAh. These batteries provide sufficient power and energy density for millimeter-scale autonomous microsystems that are being actively developed for health and wellness, as well as environmental applications. The fabrication process can be scaled to manufacture large arrays of microbatteries.
Comprehensive analysis of phospholipids in the brain, heart, kidney, and liver: brain phospholipids are least enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

It is commonly accepted that brain phospholipids are highly enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, the evidence for this remains unclear. We used HPLC–MS to analyze the content and composition of phospholipids in rat brain and compared it to the heart, kidney, and liver. Phospholipids typically contain one PUFA, such as 18:2, 20:4, or 22:6, and one saturated fatty acid, such as 16:0 or 18:0. However, we found that brain phospholipids containing monounsaturated fatty acids in the place of PUFAs are highly elevated compared to phospholipids in the heart, kidney, and liver. The relative content of phospholipid containing PUFAs is ~ 60% in the brain, whereas it is over 90% in other tissues. The most abundant species of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is PC(16:0/18:1) in the brain, whereas PC(18:0/20:4) and PC(16:0/20:4) are predominated in other tissues. Moreover, several major species of plasmanyl and plasmenyl phosphatidylethanolamine are found to contain monounsaturated fatty acid in the brain only. Overall, our data clearly show that brain phospholipids are the least enriched with PUFAs of the four major organs, challenging the common belief that the brain is highly enriched with PUFAs.
Permittivity-based control of thermal runaway in a triple-layer laminate

The use of heat exchangers to harness microwave energy has great potential in transmitting and collecting beamed energy through space. We consider a simple three-layer laminate model in which a middle layer characterized by a temperature-dependent loss factor is surrounded by two lossless dielectric layers. It is shown that when plane waves symmetrically impinge the laminate at normal incidence conditions analogous to Bragg interference occur for a fixed loss factor in the middle layer. For the loss factor depending on temperature, we find a new stable steady-state solution corresponding to resonance conditions, whose equilibrium temperature is significantly elevated but prevents the onset of thermal runaway. The impact of this result on transferring harnessed microwave energy to other media is discussed.
Distribution of Spectral Modulation Transfer Functions in a Young, Normal-hearing Population

Spectral modulation transfer functions (SMTFs) were measured in 49 young (18–35 years of age) normal-hearing listeners. Noise carriers spanned six octaves from 200 to 12 800 Hz. Sinusoidal (on a log-amplitude scale) spectral modulation with random starting phase was superimposed on the carrier at spectral modulation frequencies of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 cycles/octave. Modulation detection thresholds (in dB) yielded SMTFs that were bandpass in nature, consistent with previous investigations reporting data for only a few subjects. Thresholds were notably consistent across subjects despite minimal practice. Population statistics are reported that may serve as reference data for future studies.
Selective [1,4]-Hydrovinylation of 1,3-Dienes with Unactivated Olefins Enabled by Iron Diimine Catalysts.

The selective, intermolecular [1,4]-hydrovinylation of conjugated dienes with unactivated α-olefins catalyzed by α-diimine iron complexes is described. Value-added “skipped” diene products were obtained with exclusive [1,4]-selectivity, and the formation of branched, (Z)-olefin products was observed with no evidence for alkene isomerization. Mechanistic studies conducted with the well-defined, single-component iron precatalyst (MesDI)Fe(COD) (MesDI = [2,4,6-Me3-C6H2-N═CMe]2); COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) provided insights into the origin of the high selectivity. An iron diene complex was identified as the catalyst resting state, and one such isoprene complex, (iPrDI)Fe(η4-C5H8), was isolated and characterized. A combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction, Mosbauer spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and DFT calculations established that the complex is best described as a high-spin Fe(I) center (SFe = 3/2) engaged in antiferromagnetic coupling to an α-diimine radical anion (SDI = −1/2), giving rise to t...
Advancing Research Data Management in the Social Sciences: Implementing Instruction for Education Graduate Students Into a Doctoral Curriculum

ABSTRACTResearch data management (RDM) skills are vital yet often untaught in graduate programs, especially in the social sciences. In this article, the authors present a case study of how a research data librarian and an education librarian partnered to provide targeted RDM instruction for a previously unconsidered student group: education doctoral students. They discuss the design, development, and implementation of this focused RDM support. Assessment data from a workshop and in-class sessions are presented and contextualized. From this information, the authors offer practical suggestions that other social science librarians can use to create similar workshops at their institutions.
Bayesian Inference for Complex Computer Models

One of the big success stories of Bayesian inference is inference in large complex and highly structured models. A typical example is inference for computer models. Scientists use complex computer models to study the behavior of complex physical processes such as weather forecasting, disease dynamics, hydrology, traffic models, etc. Inference involves three related models, the true system, the complex simulation model and possibly a computationally more efficient emulation model. Appropriate propagation of uncertainties, good choice of emulation models, and calibration of parameters for the emulation model pose challenging inference problems reviewed in this chapter.
Can acetaminophen excess result in maternal and fetal toxicity

This is the third case reported of maternal acetaminophen overdose during pregnancy. Such overdose may be associated with maternal liver toxicity. Fetal hepatotoxicity may be seen in association with maternal hepatotoxicity. As a result, the infant's blood coagulation times may be prolonged, and intracranial hemorrhage at delivery is a concern. Our case shows such a complication after chronic exposure to acetaminophen.
Partial absence of pericardium in an endurance athlete. A case report

A twenty-nine-year-old competitive endurance runner was noted to have a congenital absence of the pericardium on a routine screening exam. No recommendations for activity restrictions have been previously described for this condition. After maximal exercise performance on a cardiac stress test without symptoms of cardiac compromise and consultation with cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, the patient was returned to full, unrestricted competitive running. Once the diagnosis of absent pericardium is confirmed by imaging modalities, cardiac stress testing may be employed to determine a recommended activity level for the patient.
New solid-state die-attach method using silver foil bonded on aluminum substrate by eutectic reaction

Abstract The high thermal conductivity, lightweight, and low cost of aluminum (Al) make it a promising substrate material for high power electronic and photonic packages and housings. It is particularly attractive for aerospace and space applications due to its lightweight. A main challenge for these applications is poor bondability. The native aluminum oxide (Al2O3) prevents aluminum from bonding by using popular die-attach materials such as solders. Zincating process is often needed to dissolve the Al2O3 layer and deposit a protection zinc layer which provides a basis for subsequent metallization or soldering process. However, the zincating and metallization processes could increase the processing cost and bring more reliability issues. In this research, a novel Ag foil bonding technique has been developed to bond Ag foils directly to Al substrates to produce Ag-cladded Al substrates. Two Ag-Al bonding processes are developed: solid-state and eutectic. Subsequently, Si chips are bonded to the Ag-cladded Al substrates using solid-state process at 300 °C without any additional die-attach material. For the Ag-Al bonding processes, no surface treatment is applied to Al substrates to remove the native Al2O3 layer. In the Ag-Al soli-state bonding process, Ag and Al atoms inter-diffused through the thin Al2O3 to react and form Ag2Al and Ag3Al compounds. In the Ag-Al eutectic bonding process, Ag2Al+(Al) eutectic structure forms at the Ag/Al interface without Ag3Al compound formation. The native Al2O3 layer, a potential fracture path, is broken into pieces during eutectic reaction and possibly dispersed into the eutectic structure. Shear test results of Si/Ag/Al joint samples far exceed the military criterion (MIL-STD-883H method 2019.8). The Si/Ag/Al structures break either along the Ag/Al interface or within the Si chip. With the advantages of high thermal conductivity, high reliability, lightweight, and process simplicity, the Ag-cladded Al structures should be highly valuable for applications in packages and housings where lightweight and high heat-conducting are necessary.
Identity development in immigrant youth: A multilevel contextual perspective.

Abstract. Rates of immigration are at an all-time high in many Western countries, and immigration can exert profound influences on identity development. These influences occur both at the individua...
Efficient Interconnectivity Among Networks Under Security Constraint

Interconnectivity among networks is essential for enhancing communication capabilities of networks such as the expansion of geographical range, higher data rate, etc. However, interconnections may initiate vulnerability (e.g., cyber attacks) to a secure network due to introducing gateways and opportunities for security attacks such as malware, which may propagate from the less secure network. In this paper, the interconnectivity among subnetworks is maximized under the constraint of security risk. The dynamics of propagation of security risk is modeled by the evil-rain influence model and the SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) epidemic model. Through extensive numerical simulations using different network topologies and interconnection patterns, it is shown that the efficiency of interconnectivity increases nonlinearly and vulnerability increases linearly with the number of interconnections among subnetworks. Finally, parametric models are proposed to find the number of interconnections for any given efficiency of interconnectivity and vulnerability of the secure network.
Implications for Chinese Literacy Learning and Instruction in Chinese OWI Programs: A Proposal

This chapter first discusses the limitation of the studies included in this volume; subsequently, based on the findings from the preceding chapters, discusses the implications for vocabulary learning and instruction, the role of cross-linguistic transfer, and the importance of morphological awareness, lexical inference, and depth of vocabulary knowledge in content area learning in Chinese. This chapter also provides a detailed example of morphological instruction of academic vocabulary in Chinese.
360 ENHANCING RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY DURING RESIDENCY TRAINING.

Background Although research and other scholarly activities are not mandated during pediatric residency training, they have benefits that persist lifelong. In addition to influencing the career choices of residents, these activities equip them with skills relevant to clinical practice that can be passed to the next generation of clinicians. Objectives (1) To develop a program to enhance pediatric residents9 interest in research and scholarly activity and (2) to assess the effectiveness of such a program in increasing residents9 participation and completion of scholarly activity. Methods Starting July 2000, each resident completed a questionnaire on entering the program that assessed their research interest and career plans. A research and scholarly activity enhancement program was introduced with the following components: (1) interval research meeting with a faculty coordinator; (2) lecture series on conducting research with emphasis on literature searching, research design, and medical writing; and (3) monthly journal club and case presentations. Residents who indicated a specific research interest were matched to faculty with similar interests. Residents who presented an interesting case were encouraged to prepare a manuscript and paired with a faculty supervisor. An exit interview was conducted on completion of residency training to assess final career choice and participation and completion of scholarly activity. The program was assessed every 3 years by comparing the number of projects undertaken and completed. Results One hundred percent (84 of 84) of residents admitted into the program from 2000 to 2006 completed the initial questionnaire. Ninety-five percent (80 of 84) of residents, who graduated from 2000 to 2006, completed the exit interview. Four did not complete the exit interview: one died during training, two transferred to a different program, and one was missed. From 1997 to 2000, 3% (1 of 36) of residents were involved in a scholarly activity and one publication was completed involving a resident. This increased to 17% (6 of 36) of residents with 3 publications from 2000 to 2003 and 39% (14 of 36) of residents with 4 publications, 6 accepted manuscripts, and 10 submitted manuscripts from 2003 to 2006. The number of residents who elected for subspecialty training remained steady at four to six residents per year. Conclusion Our data showed that both the number of residents involved in a scholarly activity and those who completed such activity increased with the establishment of the enhancement program even without a significant change in residents9 career choices. This formal program, after a short period of evaluation, is starting to yield favorable results in the residents9 perspective toward involvement in research and scholarly activity.
Conflict Kitchen and Enemy Kitchen: Socially Engaged Food Pedagogy.

In this article, we examine food-engaged art practice and its artistic and pedagogical possibilities. First, we describe the precedents of socially engaged food art practices and provide a detailed...
Leveling the field for a fairer race between going and stopping: Neural evidence for the race model of motor inhibition from a new version of the stop-signal task

The stop signal task (SST) is the gold standard experimental model of inhibitory control. However, neither SST condition-contrast (stop vs. go, successful vs. failed stop) purely operationalizes inhibition. Because stop trials include a second, infrequent signal, the stop versus go contrast confounds inhibition with attentional and stimulus processing demands. While this confound is controlled for in the successful versus failed stop contrast, the go process is systematically faster on failed stop trials, contaminating the contrast with a different noninhibitory confound. Here, we present an SST variant to address both confounds and evaluate putative neural indices of inhibition with these influences removed. In our variant, stop signals occurred on every trial, equating the noninhibitory demands of the stop versus go contrast. To entice participants to respond despite the impending stop signals, responses produced before stop signals were rewarded. This also reversed the go process bias that typically affects the successful versus failed stop contrast. We recorded scalp electroencephalography in this new version of the task (as well as a standard version of the SST with infrequent stop signal) and found that, even under these conditions, the properties of the frontocentral stop signal P3 ERP remained consistent with the race model. Specifically, in both tasks, the amplitude of the P3 was increased on stop versus go trials. Moreover, the onset of this P3 occurred earlier for successful compared with failed stop trials in both tasks, consistent with the proposal of the race model that an earlier start of the inhibition process will increase stopping success. Therefore, the frontocentral stop signal P3 represents a neural process whose properties are in line with the predictions of the race model of motor inhibition, even when the SST's confounds are controlled.
Development of teachers’ perspective on formative peer assessment

Teachers’ understanding of formative assessment is quite essential for its implementation in everyday classroom practices [Heritage, M. (2007). Formative assessment: What do teachers need to know a...
Non-invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis

In the USA, there is a growing prevalence of liver disease, particularly from alcohol and fatty liver, as well as improvements in hepatitis C therapy that should be adjusted for level of fibrosis. There is accordingly a great need for rapid non-invasive fibrosis testing (NIT) to determine who should be referred for specialty care, started on specific therapies, screened for varices and malignancy, and selected for clinical trials. It is not only the accuracy of NIT that matters, but the order in which they are applied and the population selected for screening. All NIT to date have high negative predictive value for ruling out advanced fibrosis, and despite high specificity, have limited positive predictive value due to the relative infrequency of advanced fibrosis in screened populations. A testing algorithm based on primary care screening (e.g., with FIB-4) followed by referral for specialty confirmatory testing (e.g., vibration-controlled transient elastography) would best fit most practice models. This focused review will characterize the most validated non-invasive blood tests and imaging and discuss their practical applications for real-world use.
Suicidal Risks in 12 DSM-5 Psychiatric Disorders.

Abstract Objective : As modern studies evaluating suicidal behaviors in large samples of major psychiatric disorder patients are rare, we compared suicidal risks associated with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses. Methods : We quantified rates of intake suicidal ideation and lifetime attempts, suicides, and violent acts (attempts + suicides) in 6050 adult patients in a European psychiatric center, diagnosed with 12 prevalent, DSM-5 psychiatric disorders. Results : Ideation ranged from 53.9% of subjects with bipolar disorder (BD) with mixed features, to 8.70% in anxiety disorders. Subjects making at least one suicide attempt were most prevalent in BD with mixed or psychotic features. Suicide rates ranked: substance abuse > BD with psychotic features > psychotic disorders ≥ BD-I > major depressive disorder (MDD). Suicidal intensity (acts/100 PEY) was highest with BD, psychotic disorders, and MDD; lethality (lower attempt/suicide ratio) was greatest with substance abuse, psychotic disorders, and BD with psychotic features. Rates of suicidal acts in BD vs. MDD were similarly high among ever-hospitalized subjects but much lower in never-hospitalized MDD subjects. Women had higher overall risks of ideation and attempts, but violent acts and suicide were more likely among men, whereas SMR for suicide was greater among women, presumably reflecting very low risks among women in the regional general population. Conclusions : Suicidal risks were particularly high in BD with psychotic or mixed features as well as with substance abuse and in severe MDD with hospitalization.
Creating a Consumer Protection Program in the Baltic Nations

This paper was presented at the Terra Baltica conference in Toronto in 1992 and was part of an advisory initiative with the governments of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia as they transitioned from communist rule to democratic rule in the early 1990s. It outlines key elements of a consumer protection regime in a market economy.
Control for optimal energy regeneration from autorotation in UAVs.

The paper considers autorotative descent in electrically-driven rotorcraft as the analog of regenerative braking in electric vehicles, focusing on its potential to improve energy efficiency through control. Specifically, an aerodynamics model for the propeller in vertical flight based on momentum and blade element theories is coupled to a regenerative electromechanical drive with energy storage capability. The drive introduces a modulating control input that can be used to manipulate rotor torque while maximizing the amount of energy recovered from autorotation. An internal, or storage-centric energy balance equation is derived that provides the basis for optimization. An external, or whole-system energy balance maps the distribution of energy and losses and can be used for verification. A nonlinear constrained optimization problem is formulated as the maximization of stored energy with respect to descent velocity, given a fixed descent distance and constraints associated with the validity of momentum theory. Simulation results suggest that there is a significant potential for energy efficiency improvement from energy extraction from controlled autorotative descents, motivating further study.
Supportive Strategies for Breaking Bad News via Telemedicine

This letter to the editor proposes techniques for use in telemedicine, especially as related to delivering difficult news by video.
Bitcoin price prediction using ARIMA and LSTM

The goal of this paper is to compare the accuracy of bitcoin price in USD prediction based on two different model, Long Short term Memory (LSTM) network and ARIMA model. Real-time price data is collected by Pycurl from Bitfine. LSTM model is implemented by Keras and TensorFlow. ARIMA model used in this paper is mainly to present a classical comparison of time series forecasting, as expected, it could make efficient prediction limited in short-time interval, and the outcome depends on the time period. The LSTM could reach a better performance, with extra, indispensable time for model training, especially via CPU.
LBQS 0103–2753: A 0.″3 Binary Quasar*

Imaging and spectroscopy with the Hubble Space Telescope show that LBQS 0103-2753 (V = 17.8, z = 0.848) is a binary quasar with a separation of 03, or 2.3 kpc. This is by far the smallest separation binary quasar reported to date. The two components have very different spectra, including the presence of strong broad absorption lines (BALs) in component A only. The emission-line redshifts, based on the broad high-ionization C IV lines, are zA = 0.834 and zB = 0.858; their difference is 3900 km s-1 in velocity units. The broad C IV lines, however, are probably not a good indicator of systemic redshift; and LBQS 0103-2753A and B could have a much smaller systemic redshift difference, like the other known binary quasars. If the systemic redshift difference is small, then LBQS 0103-2753 would most likely be a galaxy merger that has led to a binary supermassive black hole. There is now one known 03 binary among roughly 500 QSOs that have been observed in a way that would reveal such a close binary. This suggests that QSO activity is substantially more likely for black hole binaries at spacings ~2 kpc than at ~15 to 60 kpc. Between 1987 and 1998, the observed Mg II BAL disappeared.
150 Winter blanketing practices: An online survey of North American horse owners

Blanketing is a highly debated practice utilized in the equine community as part of winter horse management. Despite this, little research is available on the prevalence, reasoning, and management decisions relating to the utilization of blankets for horses in North America. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to explore the blanketing management practices and the associated opinions and beliefs of respondents via an online survey. A 33-question branched survey was developed and available between December 1, 2020 and January 5, 2021 and advertised using social media and e-newsletters. When comparisons were made between participant-reported frequencies, the FREQ procedure for Chi-squared analysis in SAS was used. There were 1,693 participants who started the survey and the final completion rate was 86%. As a result, data was collected from 1,450 North American respondents. Demographic information indicated the majority of respondents were from the Midwest region of the United States (68%). However, geographical region did not impact the frequency of blanket usage (P = 0.17, X2 = 8.99). When respondents were asked to self-report discipline, recreational riding was the most prevalent (40%), followed by Western (22%), English (20%), other (14%), and non-riding disciplines (4%). Differences in blanket usage across disciplines were detected (P ≤ 0.001, X2 = 124.11) and blanketing was more common in English disciplines while nonblanketing was more common for those participating in recreational riding. Overall, 54% of respondents (n = 790) reported blanket use on the majority of their horses during the winter. The most frequently selected reason respondents chose to blanket horses was exposure to precipitation (78%). Out of the respondents who did not blanket the majority of their horses (n = 660), the primary reason for not blanketing was access to shelter (50%). For non-blanketed horses receiving outdoor turnout (n = 657), 84% had access to manmade shelters while 6% had no shelter access. This survey provides valuable information on blanketing and winter management practices reported by horse caretakers in North America, yet more research is required to evaluate the impacts of blanketing on horse welfare.
Design and Operation of Bi-Directional Hybrid Circuit Breaker Based on Transient Commutation Current Injection

Fault protection represents a major technical challenge in the emerging DC transmission and distribution power networks. This paper reports on the design and operation of a new bidirectional DC hybrid circuit breaker (HCB) based on a transient commutation current injection (TCCI) concept. The TCCI-based HCB conducts a normal current through its mechanical path with an ultra-high efficiency (>99.9%), but commutates a fault current to a parallel power electronic path by the TCCI circuit before turning off. The TCCI circuit is essentially a dual-input current source buck converter which quickly reduces the current through the mechanical switch to zero within 10-20 µs and then maintains a near-zero high frequency AC ripple current until the mechanical switch opens. In comparison to the previously reported unidirectional TCCI-based HCB, the new bidirectional HCB adopts an H-bridge circuit of four low-voltage MOSFETs to conduct the commutation current in either direction. An additional current sensor is used to detect the direction of the load current and subsequently control the H-bridge. A 600V/20A bidirectional HCB prototype using a commercial vacuum relay as the mechanical switch is built and tested. The HCB experimentally demonstrates interruption of a fault current up to 148A within 570 µs.
Men Exhibit Greater Pain Pressure Thresholds and Times to Task Failure but Not Performance Fatigability Following Self-Paced Exercise.

The purpose of the current study was to determine if, and to what extent, sex differences in performance fatigability after a sustained, bilateral leg extension, anchored to a moderate rating of pe...
Treatment of brackish water reverse osmosis brine using only solar energy

Post-treatment of brine produced by reverse osmosis (RO) is a great challenge as it often requires high energy input and works under extreme operating conditions. In this study, brine from a RO plant in El Paso, TX USA was successfully treated using a pilot-scale nanophotonics enhanced solar membrane distillation (NESMD) system. The novel NESMD reactor has a nanophotonic membrane surface area of 0.2 m2 and an internal heat recovery system to recover the latent heat released during vapor condensation. By utilizing a sweeping gas operational mode under real solar irradiation (585–827 W m−2), the NESMD realized successful desalination of RO brine with the membrane flux reaching 0.45–0.65 kg m−2 h−1 and total dissolved solids (TDS) removal greater than 99.5% without an external heat condenser. The decrease in the feed flow rate to the evaporation channel of the NESMD system led to an increase in the gained output ratio (GOR) from 0.35 to 0.62. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest photothermal reactor utilized for the desalination of real RO brine under practical solar irradiation. Compared with conventional brine treatment processes that require high temperature or pressure, the NESMD desalinates RO brine at near-ambient temperature and pressure with free solar energy, providing a promising approach for water desalination, and RO brine post treatment.
APPENDIX 1F Safe Use of Radioisotopes

The pursuit of scientific knowledge has been considerably advanced by the use of biochemical molecules that incorporate radioisotopes at specific sites. The fate of these labeled molecules, and/or the radiolabeled products that result from biochemical reactions in which the parent molecule was involved, can be traced using a variety of instruments that detect radioactivity. This appendix begins with a discussion of the principles of radioactivity in order to provide the reader/user with knowledge on which to base a common sense approach to the safe use of isotopes. The characteristics of isotopes most commonly used in a molecular biology laboratory are then detailed, as well as the safety precautions and monitoring methods peculiar to each one. Detection and imaging methods used in experimental analysis are reviewed. Finally, an outline of an orderly response to a spill of radioactive material is presented. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 60:A.2B.1-A.2B.18. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: radiation safety; radioactivity; isotopes; decay; shielding; monitoring; exposure; dosimeter
Integrating Intracoronary Imaging into PCI Workflow and Catheterization Laboratory Culture

Intracoronary imaging, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), has become an increasingly important tool in all stages of invasive coronary disease management, from diagnosis to lesion assessment and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) optimization. Despite the robust and growing evidence base supporting imaging-guided PCI, there has been a slow uptake in practice, particularly in the USA. This article aims to explore barriers to the use of intracoronary imaging during PCI and potential strategies to improve the uptake of intracoronary imaging in the catheterization laboratory. Over the past decade, several randomized trials have supported the use of intracoronary imaging in PCI to improve outcome. However, registry data has suggested that the uptake of intracoronary imaging has been particularly slow in the USA. Important barriers to the use of intracoronary imaging include procedural time, cost, perceived risk, and lack of familiarity with imaging use and interpretation. Potential strategies to improve the uptake of intracoronary imaging in the catheterization laboratory include improving training and technical support, monthly audit on PCI imaging data, and incorporation of the prescriptive imaging workflow. Preliminary analysis shows that prescriptive image-guided workflow can reduce contrast and radiation use in procedures, and result in shorter procedure time. Despite the numerous barriers to the use of intracoronary imaging in the catheterization laboratory, these challenges can be overcome to improve patient’s outcome after PCI.
Challenging weekend discharges associated with excess length of stay in surgical patients at Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Abstract Background Challenging discharges can lead to prolonged hospital stays. We hypothesized that surgical patients discharged from Veterans Affairs hospitals on weekdays have longer hospital stays and greater excess length of stay. Methods We identified inpatient general and vascular procedures at Veterans Affairs hospitals from 2007 to 2014. Expected length of stay was calculated using a stratified negative binomial model adjusted for patient/operative characteristics. Excess length of stay was defined as the difference between observed and expected length of stay. Results We identified 135,875 patients (80.4% weekday discharges, 19.6% weekend discharges). The average length of stay was 7.5 days. Patients with weekday discharges spent on average 2.5 more days in the hospital compared with patients discharged on weekends (8.0 vs. 5.5 days, P Conclusion Surgical patients are less frequently discharged from Veterans Affairs hospitals on the weekends than during the week, and this corresponds to an increased excess length of stay for patients ultimately discharged on weekdays. Exploring the opportunity to coordinate safe weekend discharges may improve efficiency of post-surgery hospital care and reduce healthcare costs.
The evolving role of geothermal energy for decarbonizing the United States

Geothermal energy is often referred to as a niche technology that is too localized, too small or too expensive to make much of a difference in how renewable energy will be supplied in a fully decarbonized future. As a result, geothermal energy has been undervalued in terms of what it could provide to complement, rather than compete with, electricity generation from wind, solar photovoltaic, concentrating solar power and other renewables. Geothermal energy systems are fully dispatchable and can provide baseload or load-following electric power or heat suitable for a wide range of applications including supplying district heating for communities and cities, and heating and cooling of individual buildings. The focus of our study is on the potential of utilizing geothermal energy for providing heat for buildings and industry at lower temperatures, a substitute for the combustion of fossil fuels. Because heating represents about 20% (20 EJ per year) of the annual primary energy consumption in the U.S.—with most of it coming from burning natural gas, oil and/or propane in furnaces—deploying geothermal heating on a national scale could have a significant impact on lowering carbon emissions. In heating-dominated states in the U.S. Northern Tier, heating often is among the largest contributors to the state's carbon footprint. This review begins with a discussion of the motivation and rationale behind considering geothermal as a key low-carbon heating option for the U.S. The study summarizes the U.S. geothermal resource and describes the applications and main engineering components of using geothermal energy for heating and cooling, electric power generation, and co-generation using district heating, geothermal heat pumps, and power conversion with steam flashing and organic Rankine plants. Environmental benefits and impacts are described. An extensive discussion of geologic and thermal-hydraulic aspects of the subsurface is included in the review because of their critical role in determining reservoir designs at specific sites to ensure sufficient productivity that is both safe and economically viable. Models for estimating levelized costs of district heating are used to show how costs are affected by reservoir performance, infrastructure capital costs, and financial parameters. The review concludes with an assessment of technical subsurface issues associated with reservoir performance and the economic requirements for providing geothermal heating in district heating systems at a sufficient scale to have an impact on decarbonizing the U.S.
Primate Models for Human Evolution

While many models have been developed to depict the behavior and ecology of our earliest relatives, the Man the Hunter model has been the most widely accepted view of human evolution. Many human traits (e.g., bipedalism, tools, and fire) are often linked to this perspective. Theories of human aggressive hunters abound but are rarely based on evidentiary approaches. Here is outlined a methodology using the fossil record and extant primate ecology and behavior. Data on fossil humans, modern primates, and rates of predation indicate that Man the Hunted may be the most accurate descriptor of our earliest relatives.
MONITORING URBAN STREAMS: STRATEGIES AND PROTOCOLS FOR HUMID-REGION LOWLAND SYSTEMS

Governmental mandates and public awareness have forced progressively smaller and less sophisticated agencies and organizations to initiate stream monitoring programs, particularly in urban and urbanizing areas. Yet many of these monitoring efforts lack either a coherent conceptual framework or appropriately chosen methods, and they rely on monitoring techniques that are simply infeasible for these institutional settings. We propose a monitoring strategy, and specific existing monitoring protocols, that will be useful for the management and rehabilitation of streams in urbanizing watersheds. A monitoring strategy must be developed by 1) identifying the management question(s) being addressed, 2) determining the institional level of effort required (and available) to effectively make particular kinds of measurements, and 3) identifying what specific parameters should and can be measured. Only a limited set of parameters show much utility or feasibility in addressing the most common management questions being faced by municipalities in urbanizing, humid-area regions of the United States. These include measures of riparian canopy, bank erosion and bank hardening, and in-stream large woody debris. With some additional expertise useful data can also be included on channel gradient, substrate composition, and pools. Nearly all of the other myriad parameters that have been measured historically on rivers and streams show little apparent value in these watershed and institutional settings.
Efficacy and safety of sound wave treatment of recurrent airway obstruction in horses.

Background: One proposed nonmedical therapy for recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses is a handheld acoustic device that propels sound waves from the nose down the tracheobronchial tree where it is intended to dislodge mucous and relax bronchospasm, permitting clearance of mucoid secretions. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this device when used as per the manufacturer's recommendations as a treatment for RAO. Animals: Nine adult horses previously diagnosed with RAO. Methods: Prospective, cross-over clinical trial. Horses were exposed to a dusty environment until airway obstruction developed as defined by standard lung mechanics (SLM). Horses were randomly assigned to receive either acoustic therapy or a sham treatment for 4 weeks while being maintained in this environment. Horses were evaluated by clinical scores, SLM, and forced expiration regularly for 4 weeks. The opposite treatment was administered after a washout period. Results: Seven horses received the treatment; 9 received the sham. There were no changes (P > .05) in clinical score, maximal change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPLmax), lung resistance (RL), or the forced expiratory flow rate averaged over the last 75–95% of expiration (FEF75−95%) over the study period. The device was determined to be safe, although several minor adverse effects were noted, including head tossing, coughing, and chewing during treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Treatment with this device did not improve clinical signs or lung function in horses with RAO kept in a dusty environment. Currently accepted treatments, including environmental management and medical therapy, should be recommended.
Generalized FFT algorithm

A novel formulation of the decimation method fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm is introduced. This formulation generalizes both the decimation-in-time (DIT) and the decimation-in-frequency (DIF) FFT algorithms for various radices in multidimensions. This alternative derivation of the decimation method FFT algorithm has the advantage of clearly showing what is exactly being computed in the intermediate stages of the algorithm. This information is used to present an efficient algorithm for computing the large discrete Fourier transform (DFT) coefficients of a correlated data sequence which reduces the computations associated with the small coefficients. >
Preliminary experience with intestinal transplantation in infants and children

The report from the University of Nebraska Medical Center Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics by Langnas et al1 documenting their success with intesfinal transplantation in infants and children confirms comparable data from the University of Pittsburgh Transplantation Service that intestinal transplantation is a clinically viable alternative to long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in infants and children with inadequate intestinal function. Most patients considered for intestinal transplantation today are those with end-stage liver disease and short bowel syndrome. They are usually quite debilitated, are in the early stages of multiple organ failure, and have spent much of their recent lives under acute care management in the hospital.
Properties of N-hydroxy-N′-aminoguanidine derivatives as inhibitors of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase

Abstract In previous studies, N -hydroxy- N ′-aminoguanidine (HAG) derivatives were demonstrated to suppress growth and clonogenicity of tumor cells which correlated with the inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase and DNA synthesis. The present work has focused on the properties of five HAG derivatives as inhibitors of the ribonucleotide reductase from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. HAG derivatives acted as non-competitive inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase with respect to the substrates CDP and ADP. The apparent K i , values for the various HAG derivatives as inhibitors of CDP reductase ranged from 3.4 to 543 μM. However, the apparent K i values for these inhibitors with respect to ADP reductase were 2- to 10-fold lower than the respective values for CDP reductase. After a preincubation of HAG derivatives and ribonucleotide reductase in the absence of substrates, an increased inhibition was observed. The activity of the inhibited enzyme could be restored by passage over a Sephadex G-25 column and subsequent incubation with dithioerythritol. The addition of either the non-heme iron subunit or the effector-binding subunit to the intact enzyme in the assay mixture resulted in a diminished inhibition of ADP reduction. Inhibition by HAG derivatives of ribonucleotide reductase activity in the test tube was not enhanced by iron chelators. However, a combination of HAG compounds and iron chelators synergistically inhibited the growth of L1210 cells.
J-resistance curves from interrupted impact tests

Methode pour le calcul des courbes J de resistance des fissures a la propagation, pour des vitesses de deplacement du point de charge de 1 a 2 m/s. Resultats d'essais sur des eprouvettes d'acier inoxydable 304 a entaille aigue
Compressive pressure dependent anisotropic effective thermal conductivity of granular beds

In situ planetary thermal conductivity measurements are typically made using a long needle-like probe, which measures effective thermal conductivity in the probe’s radial (horizontal) direction. The desired effective vertical thermal conductivity for heat flow calculations is assumed to be the same as the measured effective horizontal thermal conductivity. However, it is known that effective thermal conductivity increases with increasing compressive pressure on granular beds and the horizontal stress in a granular bed under gravity is related to the vertical stress through Jaky’s at rest earth pressure coefficient. The objectives of this study were to examine the validity of the isotropic property assumption and to develop a fundamental understanding of the effective thermal conductivity of a dry, noncohesive granular bed under uniaxial compression. A model was developed to predict the increase in effective vertical and horizontal thermal conductivity with increasing compressive vertical applied pressure. An experiment was developed to simultaneously measure the effective vertical and horizontal thermal conductivities of particle beds with needle probes. Measurements were made as compressive vertical pressure was increased to show the relationship between increasing pressure and effective vertical and horizontal thermal conductivity. The results of this experiment showed quantitatively the conductivity anisotropy for two different materials and validated the developed model. This model can be used to predict the anisotropic effective thermal conductivity of granular materials under uniaxial compressive pressures, and evaluate the uncertainties in lunar heat flow measurements.
Seasonal and predator influences on adrenal function in adult Steller sea lions: Gender matters

Abstract Chronically heightened adrenal activity indexed by fecal corticosteroids has been shown to be a valid descriptor of stress in many species. As part of an ongoing investigation of adrenal activity in Steller sea lions (SSL), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenges were performed during the summer at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). These results were compared to earlier data from winter months. Additionally, adrenal response of free-ranging females SSL to a presumed in situ stressor, pup predation by killer whales (Orcinus orca), was evaluated as a field trial of developed methodologies. Summer ACTH results indicated that gender-dependent differences in baseline fecal corticosterone concentrations exist, with summer baseline fecal corticosterone concentrations higher in males than in females, based on season when compared with previously reported values in winter ACTH trials for this species. ACTH trials in the male in the summer resulted in 2468 ng/g basal to 10,937 ng/g maximal fecal corticosterone concentrations, a fourfold change. Female 1 exhibited a 30.5-fold increase 24 h post-ACTH stimulation (27.9–852.0 ng/g dry weight), with a return to just above baseline concentrations by hour 25. Additionally, female 2 exhibited a 64.4-fold increase at 25 h post-stimulation (31.7–2042.0 ng/g dry weight), with a return to just above baseline concentrations by hour 45. In situ female fecal corticosterone tripled 24 h subsequent to orca predation on pups (54.6 ± 18.5 ng/g mean pre-attack, 542.5 ± 252.7 ng/g mean post-attack) during the field trial. Data from both the summer ACTH and subsequent field trial underscore the necessity of gender determination of collected scat source and knowledge of conditions at collection sites for proper interpretation of fecal corticosterone data, particularly in studies that focus on population-wide stress. With elimination of gender bias and delineation of acute response to natural stimuli, corticosterone data can now be evaluated within context and provide meaningful information about stress and potentially reproductive physiology in free-ranging Steller sea lions.
OPTICALLY INDUCED PARAMETRIC INSTABILITIES IN SEMICONDUCTING PLASMAS.

The parametric generation of plasma waves from coherent electromagnetic radiation in semiconductors is considered. Three mechanisms which lead to a parametric instability are discussed. In the first mechanism the incident-radiation frequency matches the plasmon frequency. In the second case the plasma is allowed to drift, and radiation at twice the plasma frequency induces an instability. In the third instance two beams at frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}2{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$ create a parametric instability. Application of the theory to InSb indicates that it should be possible to excite all three types of instabilities with currently available technology.