cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can Silver Be a Reliable Current Collector for Electrochemical Tests

The true functionality of a current collector employed in electrochemical cells is to ensure a lowresistance steady electrons flow between the cell and instrumentation without involving in any local electrochemical reactions of the electrode. In this study, we investigated the effect of curing temperature of a common current collector, silver, on the polarization area specific resistance (ASR) of a cathode. The results explicitly showed that at least one order of magnitude lower ASR for a cathode with Ag cured at 800◦C than that cured at 650◦C of the same cathode configuration. Microscopic analysis of the 800◦C-cured cells revealed a deep penetration and abundant distribution of Ag into the cathode/electrolyte interfacial region. These finely dispersed and highly conductive Ag particles/agglomerates are ORR (oxygen reduction reaction)-active, thus engaging in the local electrochemical reaction and overshadowing the true properties of the cathode under investigation. Based on these results, we call for caution when using Ag as a current collector for electrochemical measurements, particularly at a temperature ≥650◦C. © 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.010301eel] All rights reserved.
Receptor tyrosine phosphatases regulate birth order-dependent axonal fasciculation and midline repulsion during development of the Drosophila mushroom body

Receptor tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are required for axon guidance during embryonic development in Drosophila. Here we examine the roles of four RPTPs during development of the larval mushroom body (MB). MB neurons extend axons into parallel tracts known as the peduncle and lobes. The temporal order of neuronal birth is reflected in the organization of axons within these tracts. Axons of the youngest neurons, known as core fibers, extend within a single bundle at the center, while those of older neurons fill the outer layers. RPTPs are selectively expressed on the core fibers of the MB. Ptp10D and Ptp69D regulate segregation of the young axons into a single core bundle. Ptp69D signaling is required for axonal extension beyond the peduncle. Lar and Ptp69D are necessary for the axonal branching decisions that create the lobes. Avoidance of the brain midline by extending medial lobe axons involves signaling through Lar.
Wyner-Ziv Coding Over Broadcast Channels: Hybrid Digital/Analog Schemes

A new hybrid digital/analog scheme is proposed for lossy transmission of a Gaussian source over a bandwidth-matched Gaussian broadcast channel with source side information available at each receiver. The proposed scheme combines two schemes that were previously shown to achieve optimal point-to-point distortion/power tradeoff simultaneously at all receivers under two distinct conditions stated in terms of channel and side information quality parameters. For the two-receiver case, the combined scheme is shown to achieve the same kind of optimality for the entire region in the parameter space sandwiched between those two conditions. Crucial to this result is a new degree of freedom discovered in designing point-to-point hybrid digital/analog schemes with side information. When superimposed with analog transmission, the proposed scheme outperforms all previously known schemes even outside the optimality region in the parameter space.
Valuation Ratios As Stock Market Predictors

Using bivariate causality tests, this paper examines price-earnings (PE) and dividend yield (DY) ratios and finds that they do not predict future stock returns but that they do predict future earnings and dividends, lending support to the efficient markets hypothesis. (JEL: G12, G14)
Multilevel Outlet Works at Four Existing Reservoirs

Design and performance of four multilevel outlet works constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation are analyzed. The four reservoirs (Cachuma, Casitas, Folsom, and Whiskeytown) have been in operation from 6 yr to 13 yr and present some variation in water quality situations and outlet designs. Cachuma and Casitas are thermally stratified during summer. Taste and odor requirements have governed the withdrawal level selection, but chlorine demand, temperature, and dissolved oxygen are considered. Modifications were made at Folsom to allow withdrawal of reservoir water from upper and lower levels. Salmon spawning requirements downstream from Folsom fix the maximum water temperature at 58○ F. Selective withdrawal at Whiskeytown Dam plan for temperature control of releases to Clear Creek, a salmon spawning stream.
Must the Microcausality Condition Be Interpreted Causally? Beyond Reduction and Matters of Fact

The 'microcausality' condition in quantum field theory is typically resented and justified on the basis of general principles of physical causality. I explore in detail a number of alternative causal interpretations of this condition. I conclude that none is fully satisfactory, independent of further and controversial assumptions about the object and scope of quantum field theories. In particular the stronger causal readings require a fully reductionist and fundamentalist attitude to quantum field theory. I argue, in a deflationary spirit, for a reading of the 'microcausality' condition as mere boundary condition, inspired by Relativity, that different possible formulations of quantum field theory must obey
Enabling the 2.5D Integration

3D IC is the viable revolutionary technology that will enable system-level integration, miniaturization, optimal power management, increased data bandwidth, and eventually reduced system cost. Like any breakthrough technologies, it faces many challenges. Design methodology, integration technology, manufacturing process and new industrial ecosystem are the areas of focus. This paper will discuss these challenges and Altera's 3D integration development effort. 2.5D is an intermediate path to true 3D IC using silicon interposer and TSV (Through-Si-Via) stacking. The 2.5D stacking configuration offers different form factor, interconnect path, and thermal management options than monolithic packages, which could help to reduce system level power and thermal management pressure. It offers silicon level interconnect density, low inductive path and wide IO application. However, it's power delivery system (PDN) could be the bottleneck for the system to perform at the intended bandwidth and speed. Thus, the whole sy...
THE EFFECT OF AXIOSCAPULAR AND ROTATOR CUFF EXERCISE TRAINING SEQUENCE IN PATIENTS WITH SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME: A RANDOMIZED CROSSOVER TRIAL.

Background While physical therapy is an effective element in the rehabilitation of rotator cuff (RC) disease, the most effective sequence of exercise training interventions has not been defined. Hypothesis/purpose The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in pain or function in patients who are given RC strengthening prior to or after initiating scapular stabilization exercises. Study design Level I randomized crossover trial. Methods This was a prospective study of 26 men and 14 women with a mean age 51 who were diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). They were randomly assigned to one of two groups for a comprehensive and standardized rehabilitation program over six visits at an orthopedic outpatient clinic. One group was prescribed a 4-week program of scapular stabilization exercises while the other group began with RC strengthening exercises. The crossover design had each group add the previously excluded four exercises to their second month of rehabilitation. Results The results showed significant improvements in pain (p 0.05). There was a statistically significant interaction between the patient's global rating of change at the 4 week follow-up as compared to 8 weeks (p = 0.04) or 16 (p Conclusion Patients with SAIS demonstrate improvement in pain and function with a standardized program of physical therapy regardless of group exercise sequencing. Level of evidence 1b.
Remembering Constantine at the Milvian Bridge: THE AFTERLIFE OF CONSTANTINE

H is horse is spooked and rears back, but constantine looks up. A radiance brightens his face, and he raises his hands in admiration. Perhaps he is praying. We visualize the moment of Constantine's vision of the cross in the sky as just such a spectacular epiphany because we have already seen Bernini's luminous marble statue of the emperor astride his horse. During the mid-seventeenth century successive popes hired the gifted sculptor and artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini to complete the new Church of St. Peter in the Vatican. In addition to his grand decoration of the interior, Bernini designed semicircular colonnades to embrace the vast elliptical piazza in front of the church. He also added an oversize statue of Constantine, located in a niche at the juncture between the corridor from the north colonnade and the front portico of the church. In contrast to earlier equestrian statues that had commemorated the generic majesty of emperors, this statue portrayed a precise dramatic moment, “the very turning point of Constantine's life, an instant when the emperor was himself subjected to a superior power.” As a result, the installation of the statue in this church seemed to link Constantine's vision with the defense of Christianity and, more specifically, with the enhancement of the power of the popes. Later historians and churchmen were keen to requisition and exploit the episode of Constantine's vision of the cross. Another episode with obvious potential for reassessment was his baptism.
Enabling Green Mobile Crowd Sensing via Optimized Task Scheduling on Smartphones

In a mobile crowd sensing system, a smartphone undertakes many different sensing tasks that demand data from various sensors. In this paper, we consider the problem of scheduling different sensing tasks assigned to a smartphone with the objective of minimizing sensing energy consumption while ensuring Quality of SenSing (QoSS). First, we consider a simple case in which each sensing task only requests data from a single sensor. We formally define the corresponding problem as the Minimum Energy Single-sensor task Scheduling (MESS) problem and present a polynomial-time optimal algorithm to solve it. Furthermore, we address a more general case in which some sensing tasks request multiple sensors to report their measurements simultaneously. We present an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation as well as an effective polynomial-time heuristic algorithm, for the corresponding Minimum Energy Multi-sensor task Scheduling (MEMS) problem. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed algorithms achieve over 79% energy savings on average compared to a widely-used baseline approach, and moreover, the proposed heuristic algorithm produces close-to-optimal solutions.
Some Effects of the Environment on Oviposition by Chrysops (Diptera: Tabanidae)

When allowed a choice of 13 emergent plants in a natural situation along a lake edge, Chrysops spp. oviposited more frequently on Pontedria cordata L., than on 12 other plants. Fewer masses were laid on Leersia oryzoides (L.), Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth, and Ludwigia peploides (Kuntz) Shimmers, and still fewer on the remaining plants tested. Chrysops egg masses were laid only on plants in water that were not surrounded by other close growing vegetation.
Natural Parasitism of Dung-Breeding Diptera: A Comparison Between Native Hosts and an Introduced Host, the Face Fly

A comparison is made between the natural parasitism of native dung-breeding muscoid flies and an introduced host, Musca autumnalis De Geer (face fly). A list of parasites of dung-breeding Diptera is presented from a 3-year survey. The percent parasitization of Ravinia querula (Walker) and R. assidua (Walker) for the 1965 and 1966 season is presented. Parasitization of both species appears to be consistent throughout the summer. However, the percent natural emergence of parasites from the host puparia showed a definite seasonal trend. A higher percentage of parasites was able to emerge from the puparia in the middle of the summer than either early or late in the season, irrespective of the total amount of parasitism. The most obvious factor causing this phenomenon appeared to be low temperature.
Ultra-short-acting barbiturates as oral hypnotic agents in man.

Administration to man of about 10 mg. per kilogram of thiopental sodium, hexobarbital sodium or methohexital sodium can produce rapid, intense sedation of only an hour or two's duration, with substantial recovery, including return of mental clarity within 3 to 4 hours. Quantitative determinations of barbiturate concentrations in the blood are closely correlated with clinical effects. From these and other results, we infer that to achieve the rapid absorption necessary for these results, the stomach must be empty at the time of administration and the drug must be in solution or in a form which is qUickly soluble in the aqueous medium in the stomach. Correlations between chemical structure and physical properties, on the one hand, and lipid solubility and rapidity of absorption on the other are discussed.
Towards Understanding Human Similarity Perception in the Analysis of Large Sets of Scatter Plots

We present a study aimed at understanding how human observers judge scatter plot similarity when presented with a large set of iconic scatter plot representations. The work we present involves 18 participants with a scientific background in a similarity perception study. The study asks participants to group a carefully selected set of plots according to their subjective perceptual judgement of similarity, and it integrates the results into a consensus similarity grouping. We then use this consensus grouping to generate insights on similarity perception. The main output of this work is a list of concepts we derive to describe major perceptual features, and a description of how these concepts relate and rank. We also evaluate scagnostics (scatter plot diagnostics), a popular and established set of scatter plot descriptors, and show that they do not reliably reproduce our participants judgements. Finally, we discuss the major implications of this study and how these results can be used for future research.
Hydrocephalus in the child with dysraphism

Hydrocephalus develops in approximately 85% of patients with myelomeningoceles and appears most frequently to result from obstruction to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow within the posterior fossa subarachnoid space and at the tentorial hiatus, due to posterior fossa crowding from the Chiari malformation. The presenting features of hydrocephalus are legion; although signs and symptoms of intracranial hypertension are most common, many patients exhibit more subtle and confusing signs, such as intellectual deterioration or behavioral changes, or those that mimic brainstem compression from the Chiari malformation or spinal cord dysfunction due to tethering or syringomyelia. Prompt recognition of these signs and symptoms will direct appropriate therapy toward shunt revision and will help the clinician avoid potentially unnecessary and more dangerous procedures.
Sequential resonance assignments of the extracellular ligand binding domain of the human TGF-beta type II receptor.

Key words: ligand, NMR assignments, receptor, TGF, Transforming growth factor-beta, type II receptorBiological contextTransforming growth factor beta (TGF-b) is a potentgrowth suppressor of many different normal cell types(Massague, 1998). Signiﬁcantly, many cancer celltypes show a diminished sensitivity to TGF-b medi-ated growthinhibition. In addition to its important rolein growth regulation, TGF-b also affects the adhesiveproperties of cells by regulating key components in-volvedincell adhesion.TGF-bsignalingis initiatedbybinding of growth factor ligand to two related single-passtransmembranereceptorserine/threoninekinases,known as the TGF-btype I (TbR1) and type II (TbR2)receptors. In the sequential model for TGF-b receptoractivation, growth factor ligand ﬁrst binds to TbR2.TbR1, which is incapable of binding ligand in theabsence of TbR2, associates with the TGF-bTbR2complex and is activated by the constitutive kinaseactivity of TbR2 (Massague, 1998).Presently, the three-dimensional structure of eachof the major TGF-b isoforms (TGF-b1, -b2, and-b3) is known (reviewed by Massague, 1998). Thereis no experimentally determined three-dimensionalstructural information available regarding the ligandbinding domains of the TGF-b receptors, although X-ray crystal structures of extracellular ligand bindingdomain of the activin type II receptor and the extracel-lular domain of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP)receptor 1A bound to the TGF-bsuperfamily memberBMP-2 have recently been reported (Greenwald et al.,1999; Kirsch et al., 2000). Herein, we report backbone
Great Basin College Direct Use Geothermal Demonstration Project

This is the final technical report for the Great Basin College Direct Use Geothermal Demonstrationn Project, outlining the technical aspects of the User Group System.
Solitons in generalized Galileon theories

We consider the existence and stability of solitons in generalized Galileons, scalar-field theories with higher-derivative interactions but second-order equations of motion. It has previously been proven that no stable, static solitons exist in a single Galileon theory using an argument invoking the existence of zero modes for the perturbations. Here we analyze the applicability of this argument to generalized Galileons and discuss how this may be avoided by having potential terms in the energy functional for the perturbations or by including time dependence. Given the presence of potential terms in the Lagrangian for the perturbations, we find that stable, static solitons are not ruled out in conformal and (anti--)de Sitter Galileons. For the case of Dirac-Born-Infeld and conformal Galileons, we find that solitonic solutions moving at the speed of light exist, the former being stable and the latter unstable if the background soliton satisfies a certain condition.
Forensic species identification of elasmobranch products sold in Costa Rican markets

Abstract One barrier to establishing catch limits to help protect shark populations is a lack of accurate species-specific extraction rates. This is due to many species looking similar, distinguishing characteristics (fins and head) of sharks commonly being removed, or sharks being grouped together in fisheries data. For this study, we collected elasmobranch (shark and ray) tissue samples from the central markets in San Jose (10 fish vendors or pescadarias) and Heredia (5 pescadarias) from June 2013 to September 2014. We used DNA barcoding techniques to amplify approximately 1050 bp of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NADH2) gene (n = 833). We found that at least nine species of shark (Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus falciformis, C. limbatus, C. obscurus, Mustelus lunulatus, Nasolamia velox, Rhizoprionodon longurio, Sphyrna lewini, S. zygaena) and one ray (Dasyatis longa) are being sold in local markets, with C. falciformis representing 87.3% of shark samples tested (n = 637) and D. longa representing 100% of ray samples tested (n = 85). Our results suggest that C. falciformis continues to be under intense fishing pressure in the waters around Costa Rica despite recent concern over continued population declines. Although the number of Endangered S. lewini (4%) being sold in the markets is much less than for C. falciformis (87.3%), the numbers are still concerning given their current conservation status.
College Choice…Holistic Development…Career Success…College Choice: Introducing the “Lifetime Human Capital Cycle” for Intercollegiate Athletes

The purpose of this article was to examine the college-choice factors of intercollegiate football athletes who were offered an athletic grant-in-aid to attend a NCAA Division I FBS university in the southeastern United States (n = 74). A modified version of the Student–athlete College-Choice Profile (SACCP) was used to collect data regarding the most influential college-choice factors. The questionnaire concluded with an open-ended question asking players to identify the three most-influential factors related to their college choice. A mixed-methods approach utilized descriptive statistics complemented by qualitative analysis techniques including process coding, pattern coding, and analytic memoing to identify the most influential college-choice factors and themes. The theoretical framework of Lifetime Human Capital was used to explain preferences in college selection. Lifetime Human Capital is the concept that recruits will select the college that will maximize their lifetime net worth after weighing the total benefits and costs. Participants indicated “Opportunity to begin a good career other than playing professional football” was the most influential factor in their college recruitment, which coincided with the theme of career development. Researchers used results from this study to construct the “Lifetime Human Capital Cycle” to illustrate the value and rationale for investing in holistic development programs.
Predictors of HIV/AIDS Programming in African American Churches Implications for HIV Prevention, Testing, and Care

Using data from the National Congregational Study, we examined predictors of having an HIV/AIDS program in predominately African American churches across the United States. We conducted regression analyses of Wave II data ( N = 1,506) isolating the sample to churches with a predominately African American membership. The dependent variable asked whether or not the congregation currently had any program focused on HIV or AIDS. Independent variables included several variables from the individual, organizational, and social levels. Our study revealed that region, clergy age, congregant disclosure of HIV-positive status, permitting cohabiting couples to be members, sponsorship or participation in programs targeted to physical health issues, and having a designated person or committee to address health-focused programs significantly increased the likelihood of African American churches having an HIV/AIDS program. A paucity of nationally representative research focuses on the social-, organizational-, and individual-level predictors of having HIV/AIDS programs in African American churches. Determining the characteristics of churches with HIV/AIDS programming at multiple levels is a critical and necessary approach with significant implications for partnering with African American churches in HIV or AIDS initiatives.
The Arabidopsis transcription factor ABIG1 relays ABA signaled growth inhibition and drought induced senescence

Drought inhibits plant growth and can also induce premature senescence. Here we identify a transcription factor, ABA INSENSITIVE GROWTH 1 (ABIG1) required for abscisic acid (ABA) mediated growth inhibition, but not for stomatal closure. ABIG1 mRNA levels are increased both in response to drought and in response to ABA treatment. When treated with ABA, abig1 mutants remain greener and produce more leaves than comparable wild-type plants. When challenged with drought, abig1 mutants have fewer yellow, senesced leaves than wild-type. Induction of ABIG1 transcription mimics ABA treatment and regulates a set of genes implicated in stress responses. We propose a model in which drought acts through ABA to increase ABIG1 transcription which in turn restricts new shoot growth and promotes leaf senescence. The results have implications for plant breeding: the existence of a mutant that is both ABA resistant and drought resistant points to new strategies for isolating drought resistant genetic varieties.
Comparing adsorption of bisphenol A and similar compounds in aqueous solution by syringe filters

Analyte loss during syringe filtration is often overlooked in quantitative analyses. Bisphenol A and similar compounds are being extensively examined for their toxicity. This study serves to charac...
A Novel Beamformer Robust to Steering Vector Mismatch

It is well know that the performance of the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer is very sensitive to steering vector mismatch because of the signal cancellation. Such mismatches can occur as a result of direction-of arrival (DOA) errors, local scattering, near-far spatial signature mismatch, waveform distortion, source spreading, imperfectly calibrated arrays and distorted antenna shape. In this paper, an adaptive beamformer which is robust against the DOA mismatch is proposed. This method imposes two quadratic constraints such that the magnitude responses of two steering vectors exceed unity. Then a diagonal loading method is used to force the magnitude responses within a range of the arrival angles to exceed unity. The diagonal loading factor can be computed systematically by a proposed algorithm. Numerical examples show that this method has a significantly better SINR performance compared to previously published methods (including the MVDR), and a complexity comparable to the standard MVDR beamformer.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy do not achieve adequate seizure control through medical management alone. Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is one of the most common forms of medically refractory epilepsy referred for surgical management. Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy using magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRg-LITT) is an important emerging therapy for MTLE. Initial published reports support MRg-LITT as a less invasive surgical option with a shorter hospital stay and fewer neurocognitive side effects compared with craniotomy for anterior temporal lobectomy with amygdalohippocampectomy and selective amygdalohippocampectomy. We provide a historical overview of laser interstitial thermal therapy development and the technological advancements that led to the currently available commercial systems. Current applications of MRg-LITT for MTLE, reported outcomes, and technical issues of the surgical procedure are reviewed. Although initial reports indicate that stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy may be a safe and effective therapy for medically refractory MTLE, further research is required to establish its long-term effectiveness and its cost/benefit profile. Abbreviations ATLAH, anterior temporal lobectomy with amygdalohippocampectomyLITT, laser interstitial thermal therapyMRg-LITT, magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapyMTLE, mesial temporal lobe epilepsySAH, selective amygdalohippocampectomySLAH, stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy.
Metformin Impairs Spatial Memory and Visual Acuity in Old Male Mice

Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic used as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes. Because benefits of metformin extend beyond diabetes to other age-related pathology, and because its effect on gene expression profiles resembles that of caloric restriction, metformin has a potential as an anti-aging intervention and may soon be assessed as an intervention to extend healthspan. However, beneficial actions of metformin in the central nervous system have not been clearly established. The current study examined the effect of chronic oral metformin treatment on motor and cognitive function when initiated in young, middle-aged, or old male mice. C57BL/6 mice aged 4, 11, or 22 months were randomly assigned to either a metformin group (2 mg/ml in drinking water) or a control group. The mice were monitored weekly for body weight, as well as food and water intake and a battery of behavioral tests for motor, cognitive and visual function was initiated after the first month of treatment. Liver, hippocampus and cortex were collected at the end of the study to assess redox homeostasis. Overall, metformin supplementation in male mice failed to affect blood glucose, body weights and redox homeostasis at any age. It also had no beneficial effect on age-related declines in psychomotor, cognitive or sensory functions. However, metformin treatment had a deleterious effect on spatial memory and visual acuity, and reduced SOD activity in brain regions. These data confirm that metformin treatment may be associated with deleterious effect resulting from the action of metformin on the central nervous system.
Optimal bundling under imperfect competition

Abstract This paper examines the profitability of bundling for a two-product seller of differentiated products facing competition from a one-product rival. In the presence of imperfect competition, Pure Bundling emerges as the optimal pricing strategy. Other than ensuring the monopoly product can only be purchased in a bundle, Pure Bundling's additional advantages stand in its ability to (i) prevent consumers from forming their own bundle using the single-product seller's product, (ii) reduce aggressiveness in pricing and (iii) smooth over the variation in valuations consumers have for the two types of products. However, the profit maximizing strategy is not welfare maximizing: consumers are best off when all products are available a la carte only, the competitor maximizes profits under Mixed Bundling, and total welfare would be highest if the two-product supplier were to offer only the monopoly product a la carte.
Comparison of Accessibility, Cost, and Quality of Elective Coronary Revascularization Between Veterans Affairs and Community Care Hospitals.

Importance The Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care (CC) Program supplements VA care with community-based medical services. However, access gains and value provided by CC have not been well described. Objectives To compare the access, cost, and quality of elective coronary revascularization procedures between VA and CC hospitals and to evaluate if procedural volume or publicly reported quality data can be used to identify high-value care. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational cohort study of veterans younger than 65 years undergoing an elective coronary revascularization, controlling for differences in risk factors using propensity adjustment. The setting was VA and CC hospitals. Participants were veterans undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and veterans undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011. The analysis was conducted between July 2014 and July 2017. Exposures Receipt of an elective coronary revascularization at a VA vs CC facility. Main Outcomes and Measures Access to care as measured by travel distance, 30-day mortality, and costs. Results In the 3 years ending on September 30, 2011, a total of 13 237 elective PCIs (79.1% at the VA) and 5818 elective CABG procedures (83.6% at the VA) were performed in VA or CC hospitals among veterans meeting study inclusion criteria. On average, use of CC was associated with reduced net travel by 53.6 miles for PCI and by 73.3 miles for CABG surgery compared with VA-only care. Adjusted 30-day mortality after PCI was higher in CC compared with VA (1.54% for CC vs 0.65% for VA,P Conclusions and Relevance In this veteran cohort, PCIs performed in CC hospitals were associated with shorter travel distance but with higher mortality, higher costs, and minimal travel savings compared with VA hospitals. The CABG procedures performed in CC hospitals were associated with shorter travel distance, similar mortality, and lower costs. As the VA considers expansion of the CC program, ongoing assessments of value and access gains are essential to optimize veteran outcomes and VA spending.
Using Drones to Study Human Beings: Ethical and Regulatory Issues

Researchers have used drones to track wildlife populations, monitor forest fires, map glaciers, and measure air pollution but have only begun to consider how to use these unmanned aerial vehicles to study human beings. The potential use of drones to study public gatherings or other human activities raises novel issues of privacy, confidentiality, and consent, which this article explores in depth. It argues that drone research could fall into several different categories: non-human subjects research (HSR), exempt HSR, or non-exempt HSR. In the case of non-exempt HSR, it will be difficult for institutional review boards to approve studies unless they are designed so that informed consent can be waived. Whether drone research is non-HSR, exempt HSR, or non-exempt HSR, it is important for investigators to consult communities which could be affected by the research.
EDUCATION Elementary and Secondary Education: Reinstate Fair Dismissal and Due Process Rights for Elementary and Secondary Educators; Provide Monetary Incentives to Exceptional Teachers

The Act (1) provides elementary and secondary teachers with an incentive to improve students' test scores by offering teachers a 5% bonus for significant increase[s] in test scores and (2) provides fair dismissal rights for educators hired after July 1, 2000.
Using Laboratory Models to Develop Molecular Mechanistic Treatments for Dupuytren’s Disease

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) has been implicated in the pathobiology of progressive fibrotic disorders. Modern laboratory models can demonstrate the role of TGF-B in Dupuytren’s Disease and allow molecular mechanistic treatments to be proposed. Data are reviewed from an in vitro model, the fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL), and an in vivo model, Dupuytren’s affected palmar fascia explanted onto an athymic “nude” rat. FPCLs populated with fibroblasts from Dupuytren’s affected palmar fascia were shown to contract significantly more than FPCLs populated with normal palmar fascia fibroblasts. In FPCLs spiked with tamoxifen to downregulate TGF-B, lattice contraction was less than in untreated FPCLs. The amounts of TGF-B2 measured in the FPCL supernatants were also less when fibroblasts were exposed to tamoxifen.
Predicting cervical cancer screening among sexual minority women using Classification and Regression Tree analysis.

Abstract Cervical cancer screening is a critical preventive healthcare service for all women. Sexual minority women (SMW) in the United States experience multiple health disparities including decreased access to and use of cervical cancer screening. The mechanisms driving these disparities are not clear and SMW with multiple marginalized identities may be more likely to miss recommended cervical cancer screening. This study aimed to identify subgroups of SMW that are more and less likely to be screened for cervical cancer according to American Cancer Society guidelines. We used cross-sectional data from the latest (2010–2012) wave of the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) Study (N = 691). Informed by intersectionality theory, we performed classification and regression tree (CART) modeling to construct a data-driven, predictive model of subgroups of SMW who were more and less likely to receive guideline-recommended screening. Notably, the CART model did not include commonly tested variables such as race/ethnicity or level of income or education. The model did identify subgroups with low likelihood of receiving screening and several novel variables that may be important in understanding SMW's use of cervical cancer screening; lifetime number of sexual partners, age at drinking onset, childhood physical abuse, and internalized homonegativity. Our results point to the importance of early life experiences and identity development processes in shaping patterns of preventive healthcare use among adult SMW. Our analysis also demonstrated the potential value of CART modeling techniques for evaluating how multiple variables interact in complex ways to predict cervical cancer screening.
What information about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is available on YouTube

Abstract Objective We sought to assess and analyze the information available about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and the general perception of this condition by the public on YouTube. Methods We evaluated all consecutive videos containing references to ‘sudden unexpected death in epilepsy’ and ‘SUDEP’ on YouTube. Data were extracted after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Various characteristics of the videos including the type of content, uploading source, likes, dislikes, and comments received were classified and analyzed. Results A total of 113 videos were included, with the majority uploaded by individual users (51.3%) followed by activist groups (40.7%). The primary content from individual users created videos were tribute to family members who died because of SUDEP (43.1%) and personal narration (36.2%), whereas educational/scientific information (55%) and advertisements (45%) to raise SUDEP awareness comprised the videos from professional societies and activist groups. More than three-fourths of the comments to the videos were in response to individual user uploaded videos, and mainly comprised of positive statement conveying empathy or describing personal encounters. Conclusion Substantial information is available regarding SUDEP on YouTube; however, the viewer engagement remains limited. Individual user-created videos about SUDEP are the most popular and viewer engaging. Incorporating personal/anecdotal experiences in addition to scientific information in the video content might further improve the viewer engagement.
Gut microbiota diversity is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in post‐primary treatment breast cancer survivors

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Does the link between cardiorespiratory fitness and gut microbiota diversity persist after adjusting for the potential effects of percentage body fat and activity-related energy expenditure (AEE)? What is the main finding and its importance? This is the first study to examine the link between cardiorespiratory fitness and gut microbiota diversity while accounting for the underlying effects of percentage body fat and free-living AEE. Results from the present work suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness, not physical activity, is a superior correlate of gut microbiota diversity among post-primary treatment, non-metastatic breast cancer survivors. ABSTRACT Cancer treatment uniquely triggers multiple physiological shifts detrimental to overall health. Although previous research indicates a link between the gut microbiota and cardiorespiratory fitness, it is unclear whether these findings are attributable to potential underlying effects of percentage body fat or free-living activity energy expenditure (AEE). The microbe composition of faecal specimens from 37 breast cancer survivors was determined using 16S microbiome analyses. Individual-sample microbiota diversity (α-diversity) and between-sample community differences (β-diversity) were examined. Peak oxygen uptake ( VO2peak ) was estimated from a graded exercise test consistent with the modified Naughton protocol, in which exercise terminates at 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. The AEE was measured over 10 days using doubly labelled water, wherein the percentage body fat was calculated from total body water. Pearson correlations revealed α-diversity indices (Chao1, observed species, PD whole tree and Shannon) to be positively associated with VO2peak (r = 0.34-0.51; P < 0.05), whereas the percentage of maximal heart rate during stages 1-4 of the graded exercise test (r = -0.34 to -0.50; P < 0.05) and percentage body fat (r = -0.32 to -0.41; P < 0.05) were negatively associated with the same α-diversity indices. Multiple linear regression models showed that VO2peak accounted for 22 and 26% of the variance in taxonomic richness (observed species) and phylogenic diversity after adjustment for percentage body fat and menopausal status. Unweighted UniFrac (β-diversity) was significant for several outcomes involving cardiorespiratory fitness, and significant taxa comparisons were found. Associations between gut microbiota and free-living AEE were not found. Results from the present work suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness, not physical activity, is a superior correlate of gut microbiota diversity.
Intertidal and subtidal benthic foraminifera in flooded caves: Implications for reconstructing coastal karst aquifers and cave paleoenvironments

Abstract Coastal karst aquifers have an upper meteoric water mass stratified from a saline groundwater mass below that increasingly mix and discharge towards the ocean. Preserved sediment in caves and sinkholes provide an opportunity to evaluate the long-term hydrodynamics in the local coastal karst aquifer (e.g., salinity, oxygenation, vertical displacement in response to sea-level forcing). Here we evaluate the response of shallow ( 45 μm versus >63 μm mesh sieve fractions. These modern analog results can be used to interpret subfossil benthic foraminiferal records from coastal karst aquifers, especially during early cave inundation by concomitant groundwater and sea-level rise.
‘My Mother, the Ap’: Cambodian Horror Cinema and the Gothic Transformation of a Folkloric Monster

The most prominent monster in Khmer horror cinema, the ap, is originally a creature of folklore and is traditionally depicted as a woman's glowing head connected to exposed, floating entrails. I be...
Connecting community college students to primary sources in the archives

Traditionally, college archives have been viewed as a place where papers, documents, photos, and materials are preserved for “someday” use. Alternatively, college archives tend to be specialized sp...
Response to Comments on Effect of Salts on TBAB Semi Clathrate Hydrate Formation: Application to Produced Water Desalination

The focus of our original paper was mainly on the thermodynamic equilibrium of semiclathrate hydrate formation in the presence of salts that are common in produced water. We concluded that “TBAB hydrate formation is highly favorable in comparison with ice, suggesting the thermodynamic effectiveness of using TBAB as a hydrate former for hydrate based desalination”. Lee and Kang claim that the paper has “some incorrect and missing points, which led to the wrong analysis”. We disagree with the comments, because they are based on a misinterpretation of our objectives and analysis. However, we do agree that we should have provided more information on our analysis in the original paper. In our response, we focused on addressing these comments in detail.
Estimating herbarium specimen digitization rates: Accounting for human experience.

Premise Herbaria are invaluable sources for understanding the natural world, and in recent years there has been a concerted effort to digitize these collections. To organize such efforts, a method for estimating the necessary labor is desired. This work analyzes digitization productivity reports of 105 participants from eight herbaria, deriving generalized labor estimates that account for human experience. Methods and Results Individuals' rates of digitization were grouped based on cumulative time performing each task and then used to estimate a series of generalized labor projection models. In most cases, productivity was shown to improve with experience, suggesting longer technician retention can reduce labor requirements by 20%. Conclusions Using student labor is a common tactic for digitization efforts, and the resulting outreach exposes future professionals to natural history collections. However, overcoming the learning curve should be considered when estimating the labor necessary to digitize a collection.
Macro-and micronutrients in raw plant foods: The similarities of foods and implication for dietary diversification

Abstract One in three people in the world suffers from some form of malnutrition. A possible solution to malnutrition is dietary diversity, especially diversifying plant food consumption. However, there has not been a suitable method to guide the acquisition of balanced nutrients from diverse plant sources. Here, we report a tool for categorizing raw plant foods based on the similarity of nutrients. We analyzed the correlations among 25 macro- and micronutrients of 268 raw plant foods across five food categories (fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts), then visualized the distribution of the nutrients and plant foods using 2D and hoverable 3D principal component analyses (PCA) to guide balanced diets. Furthermore, the foods formed 4 nutritionally diverse clusters using cluster analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a nutrient-based food categorization system. Importantly, this process can be used to guide the development of other food categorization systems for nutrient diversification.
Lung and liver transplantation in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency:

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) augmentation is effective in slowing the progression of emphysema due to AAT deficiency (AATD) but cannot prevent eventual progression to end-stage lung disease and complete respiratory failure, which is the leading cause of death for individuals with severe AATD. When patients develop end-stage lung disease, lung transplantation is the only treatment option available, and this can improve lung physiology and patient health status. The available data suggest that survival rates for lung transplantation are significantly higher for patients with AATD-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with non-AATD-related COPD, but, conversely, there is a higher risk of common post-lung transplant complications in patients with AATD versus non-AATD COPD. Nevertheless, lung transplantation (single and bilateral) is favorable for patients with AATD. After respiratory failure, the second leading cause of death in patients with AATD is liver disease, for example, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, caused by the accumulation of mutant forms of AAT retained within the liver. As with lung disease, the only treatment option for end-stage liver disease is liver transplantation. Survival rates for patients with AATD undergoing liver transplantation are also favorable, and patients, particularly pediatric patients, have benefitted from advancements in peri-/post-surgical care. As the majority of AAT is produced by the liver, the AAT phenotype of the recipient becomes that of the donor, meaning that AAT serum levels should be normalized (if the donor is AAT-replete), halting further lung and liver disease progression. However, post-liver transplant respiratory function may continue to decline in line with normal age-related lung function decline. In the most severe cases, where patients have simultaneous end-stage lung and liver disease, combined lung and liver transplantation is a treatment option with favorable outcomes. However, there is very little information available on this procedure in patients with AATD.