bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐dependent thermal decomposition of carbon/epoxy laminates subjected to simulated lightning currents
Authors: Lee Juhyeong , Lacy Thomas E. , Pittman Charles U. , Mazzola Michael S.
Published: August 2017

A finite element (FE) parametric study was performed to characterize the temperature‐dependence of irreversible thermal decomposition of AS4/3506 carbon/epoxy composites laminates subjected to simulated lightning currents of 40 kA or less during 30 μs. In this study, irreversible matrix thermal decomposition caused by simulated lightning currents was considered as a primary form of lightning damage. FE simulations were conducted to compare the size and the intensity of matrix thermal decomposition based on the fully coupled spatially and temporally varying temperature/material model that we developed and recently reported (Lee et al., Polym. Compos., (in press)). Two commonly used matrix decomposition temperature ranges of 300–500°C and 300–600°C were considered to predict the extent of matrix decomposition. Matrix thermal decomposition was assumed to vary eitherlinearlyorquadraticallywithin these given temperature ranges. The predicted size and intensity of matrix thermal decomposition around the lightning attachment point strongly depended on both the assumed thermal damage variation (i.e., linear or quadratic) and matrix decomposition temperature ranges. The shape and size of the damaged matrix domains predicted using the linear damage variation between 300 and 500°C agreed fairly well with experimentally measured results available in the literature. Use of the linear damage variation between 300 and 600°C and the quadratic damage variation over both considered temperature ranges somewhat underestimated thermal damage development compared to the few experimental lightning damage studies in the literature. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2185–E2198, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transplacental treatment of fetal tachycardia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hill Garick D. , Kovach Joshua R. , Saudek David E. , Singh Anoop K. , Wehrheim Karla , Frommelt Michele A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Multiple transplacental medications can be used to treat fetal tachycardia. We sought to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether digoxin, flecainide, or sotalol was the most efficacious therapy for converting fetal tachycardia to sinus rhythm.

Method

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare digoxin, flecainide, or sotalol as first‐line therapy for fetal tachycardia. Studies were identified by a search of PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and Scopus.

Results

There were 21 studies included. Flecainide (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–2.0, I2 = 60%, P = 0.03) and sotalol (OR:1.4, 95% CI:1.1–2.0, I2 = 30%, P = 0.02) were superior to digoxin for conversion of fetal tachycardia to sinus rhythm. In those with hydrops, the benefit over digoxin was more notable for both flecainide (OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 2.5–10.0, I2 = 0%, P < 0.001) and sotalol (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7–5.0, I2 = 0%, P < 0.001). When limited to atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, flecainide was superior to digoxin (OR:1.7, 95% CI:1.1–3.3, I2 = 62%, P = 0.03) and sotalol (OR:1.3, 95% CI:1.1–1.7, I2 = 0%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Digoxin should not be first‐line therapy for fetal tachycardia, particularly in the presence of hydrops fetalis. Flecainide should be the first‐line therapy of choice in atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia. Further study may identify further sub‐populations responding differently.
Assessment of an Extended Interval Fondaparinux Dosing Regimen for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Renal Dysfunction Using Antifactor Xa Levels
Authors: Wahby Krista A. , Riley Lauren K. , Tennenberg Steven D.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Pharmacologic options for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis are often limited in critically ill patients due to thrombocytopenia and multisystem organ dysfunction. Fondaparinux offers potential advantages in the critically ill; however, it is currently contraindicated in severe renal dysfunction (SRD). We evaluated anti–factor Xa levels in critically ill patients with SRD who were receiving an extended interval dosing regimen of fondaparinux for VTE prophylaxis.

Methods

A prospective, single‐arm, interventional study was conducted at two academic hospitals of the Detroit Medical Center. Eligible patients were in the intensive care unit, had an estimated creatinine clearance of less than 30 ml/minute, and had either acute kidney injury or end‐stage renal disease; several patients were taking renal replacement therapy. Fondaparinux was administered at an extended interval dosing regimen of 2.5 mg subcutaneously every 48 hours. Fondaparinux peak and trough anti–factor Xa levels were obtained. Lower extremity venous duplex studies were performed at baseline and study completion to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and patients were monitored for bleeding complications.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were enrolled. Patients received a median of four doses (interquartile range two to five) of fondaparinux. Fondaparinux peak (n=98) and trough (n=86) anti–factor Xa levels were 0.36 ± 0.18 mg/L and 0.17 ± 0.11 mg/L (mean ± SD), respectively, and were similar to levels reported in patients with normal renal function receiving conventional once‐daily dosing. No lower extremity DVTs or suspected VTE events occurred. Two (6%) patients had significant bleeding events.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients with SRD, an extended interval fondaparinux dosing regimen of 2.5 mg every 48 hours for VTE prophylaxis achieved peak and trough anti–factor Xa levels similar to those reported in noncritically ill patients with normal renal function receiving once‐daily fondaparinux. This regimen offers an alternative for patients with SRD when heparinoids must be avoided.
Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Reduces Blood Product Utilization in Heart Transplantation
Authors: Enter Daniel H. , Zaki Anthony L. , Marsh Megan , Cool Nikki , Kruse Jane , Li Zhi , Andrei Adin‐Cristian , Iddriss Adam , McCarthy Patrick M. , Malaisrie S. Chris , Anderson Allen , Rich Jonathan D. , Pham Duc Thinh
Published: August 2017

Background

Current practices for the reversal of warfarin before cardiac surgery include the use of vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to reduce the risk of bleeding. Although the 2010 International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines acknowledge the use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), there is no clear consensus on its efficacy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of four‐factor (4‐F) PCC administration in patients requiring warfarin reversal before heart transplantation by determining blood product utilization perioperatively.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients who received 4‐F PCC for warfarin reversal before heart transplantation were compared to a similar cohort of 39 patients who did not receive 4‐F PCC, from January 2011 to July 2015. Blood product utilization was collected retrospectively for the 24‐hour preoperative, intraoperative, and 48‐hour postoperative periods.

Results

Patients receiving 4‐F PCC required fewer blood products in all three time periods. In the 24‐hour preoperative period, 22 (56%) patients in the control group and 2 (10%) patients in the 4‐F PCC groups received blood products (p<0.001). Intraoperatively, all patients received blood products. The 4‐F PCC group required fewer units of packed red blood cells (median 3 vs 7 units, p<0.001) and FFP (median 4 vs 9 units, p<0.001). In the 48‐hour postoperative period, 20 (51%) patients in the control group and 5 (24%) patients in the 4‐F PCC group received blood products (p=0.04).

Conclusions

4‐F PCC is associated with reduced blood product utilization 24 hours preoperatively and intraoperatively. Historically, the majority of patients require FFP for warfarin reversal preoperatively. In this single‐center study, a significant reduction in the need for FFP was demonstrated with the use of 4‐F PCC.
Evaluation of Progesterone Utilization and Birth Outcomes in a State Medicaid Plan
Authors: Hydery Tasmina , Price Mylissa K. , Greenwood Bonnie C. , Takeshita Mito , Kunte Parag S. , Mauro Rose P. , Lenz Kimberly , Jeffrey Paul L.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Progesterone (hydroxyprogesterone caproate injection and vaginal progesterone) has been shown to reduce preterm birth (PTB) rates by a third among pregnant women at high risk. The purpose of this analysis is to report birth outcomes and medication adherence among Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) members receiving progesterone, evaluate the association between member characteristics and birth outcomes and medication adherence, and compare cost of care with a prior preterm pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used medical claims, pharmacy claims, and prior authorization (PA) request data for MassHealth members who had a PA submitted for progesterone between January 1, 2011, and March 31, 2015. Members were excluded due to breaks in coverage, progesterone was not indicated for prevention of PTB, and if current gestational week or date of delivery was unavailable.

Main Results

A total of 418 members were screened for inclusion of whom 190 met criteria and 169 filled progesterone. Mean age was 29.2 years (SD = 5.23), and clinical comorbidities were identified in 90.5% of members. Consistent with clinical trials on progesterone effectiveness, 62.1% of members had a term delivery (37 wks of gestation). Among members with prior gestational age at delivery available, the average difference in gestational age between pregnancies was 8.25 weeks (SD = 6.11). In addition, 66.3% of members were adherent to progesterone based on proportion of days covered (PDC) of 0.8 or higher. The overall mean PDC was 0.79 (SD = 0.26).

Conclusion

Despite similar birth outcomes in clinical trials and national trends, medication adherence is low in this state Medicaid program. Therefore, members may benefit from adherence support.
Synthesis of spike‐ball‐like polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite particles via seeded polymerization
Authors: Raoufian Ehsan , Eslami Hormoz , Darafarin Morteza
Published: August 2017

A synthesis method for the production of novel spike‐ball‐like polymer particles is presented based on seeded dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate monomer in the presence of polystyrene seeds with poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizer and myristyl peroxydicarbonate as initiator. The particles resulting from the controlled aggregation of swollen particles during polymerization showed a salami‐like morphology with polystyrene cores and poly(methyl methacrylate) shells. The long spikes had the same morphology and were formed by the step‐by‐step addition of smaller particles on the surface of the larger particles during polymerization. The resulting particles have potential applications as templates to make micron‐sized electronics and biomaterials. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of bistriphenylamine‐ and benzodithiophene‐based random conjugated polymers for organic photovoltaic applications
Authors: Cetin Asli , Istanbulluoglu Cagla , Hacioglu Serife Ozdemir , Cevher Sevki Can , Toppare Levent , Cirpan Ali
Published: August 2017

In this study, donor–acceptor random polymers containing benzotriazole acceptor and bistriphenylamine and benzodithiophene donors, P1 and P2, were successfully synthesized by Stille coupling polymerization. The effect of bistriphenylamine moiety and thiophene π‐conjugated linker on electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and optical behaviors of the polymers were investigated. Optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performance of the polymers were examined under the illumination of AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2. The polymers were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography. HOMO/LUMO energy levels of P1 and P2 were calculated as −5.47 eV/–3.41 eV and −5.43 eV/–3.27 eV, respectively. Bulk heterojunction type solar cells were constructed using blends of the polymers (donor) and [6,6]‐phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) (acceptor). Photovoltaic studies showed that the highest power conversion efficiency of these photovoltaic devices were recorded as 3.50% with open circuit voltage; 0.79 V, short circuit current; 9.45 mA cm−2, fill factor; 0.53 for P1:PC71BM (1:2, w/w) in 3% o‐dichlorobenzene (o‐DCB) solution and 3.15% with open circuit voltage; 0.75 V, short circuit current; 8.59 mA cm−2, fill factor; 0.49 for P2:PC71BM (1:2, w/w) in 2% chlorobenzene (CB) solution. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3705–3715
Isotopic analysis on nanogram quantities of carbon from dissolved insect cuticle: a method for paleoenvironmental inferences
Authors: Zhao Yongtao , Nelson David M. , Clegg Benjamin F. , An Cheng‐Bang , Hu Feng Sheng
Published: August 2017

Rationale

Carbon isotope (δ13C ) data from arthropod cuticles provide invaluable information on past and present biogeochemical processes. However, such analyses typically require large sample sizes that may mask important variation in δ13C values within or among species.

Methods

We have evaluated a spooling‐wire microcombustion (SWiM) device and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to measure the δ13C values of carbon dissolved from the cuticle of chitinous aquatic zooplankton. The effects of temperature, pH, and reaction time on the δ13C values of acid‐dissolved bulk cuticle and purified chitin fractions obtained from a single species of chironomid from four commercial suppliers were assessed. These results were compared with baseline δ13C values obtained on solid cuticle using conventional EA (elemental analyzer)/IRMS.

Results

The results indicate differential, time‐dependent dissolution of chitin, lipid and protein fractions of cuticle concomitant with slow depolymerization and deacetylation of chitin. Isotopic offsets between dissolved bulk head capsules and a purified chitin fraction suggest the contributions of other isotopically lighter components of the bulk head capsules to bulk chitin extracts. The SWiM/IRMS δ13C results obtained on dissolved cuticle using a treatment of 4 N HCl at 25 °C for 24 h produced generally stable δ13C values, large sample/blank CO2 yields and a positive correlation with conventional EA/IRMS results on unprocessed cuticle.

Conclusions

The SWiM/IRMS system offers a reliable method to determine δ13C values on nanogram quantities of carbon from dissolved insect cuticle, thus reducing sample size requirements and providing new opportunities to use δ13C variation among/within species for reconstructing paleo‐biogeochemical processes.
Complications and outcomes of pregnant women with adenomyosis in Japan
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Kishi Hiroshi , Kitade Mari , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Tanaka Atsushi , Murakami Takashi , Minegishi Takashi , Sugino Norihiro
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To investigate the impact of adenomyosis on the complications and outcomes of pregnancy in Japan.

Methods

We carried out a multicenter retrospective questionnaire survey. A questionnaire regarding pregnancy complications and the outcomes of pregnancy was sent to 725 facilities.

Results

Data were obtained on the cases of 272 pregnant women with adenomyosis from 65 facilities. The complications of pregnancy included miscarriage before 12 weeks of pregnancy (14.8%), miscarriage after 12 weeks of pregnancy (9.9%), preterm delivery (24.4%), fetal growth restriction (11.8%), pregnancy‐induced hypertension (9.9%), intrauterine infection (7.3%), and cervical incompetency (5.3%). The rates of pregnancy complications in the three groups classified according to pretreatment for adenomyosis (no pretreatment, medication, surgery) did not differ to a statistically significant extent. The rates of miscarriage (>12 weeks) and cervical incompetency increased according to the size of the adenomyosis. The rates of pregnancy‐induced hypertension and uterine infection in patients with diffuse‐type adenomyosis were higher than that in patients with focal‐type adenomyosis.

Conclusions

Our results show that the increased size and diffuse type of adenomyosis are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. We should be aware of the higher incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertension and uterine infection in patients with diffuse‐type adenomyosis.
A Novel and Facile Route to Synthesize Atomic‐Layered MoS2 Film for Large‐Area Electronics
Authors: Boandoh Stephen , Choi Soo Ho , Park Ji‐Hoon , Park So Young , Bang Seungho , Jeong Mun Seok , Lee Joo Song , Kim Hyeong Jin , Yang Woochul , Choi Jae‐Young , Kim Soo Min , Kim Ki Kang
Published: August 2017

High‐quality and large‐area molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin film is highly desirable for applications in large‐area electronics. However, there remains a challenge in attaining MoS2 film of reasonable crystallinity due to the absence of appropriate choice and control of precursors, as well as choice of suitable growth substrates. Herein, a novel and facile route is reported for synthesizing few‐layered MoS2 film with new precursors via chemical vapor deposition. Prior to growth, an aqueous solution of sodium molybdate as the molybdenum precursor is spun onto the growth substrate and dimethyl disulfide as the liquid sulfur precursor is supplied with a bubbling system during growth. To supplement the limiting effect of Mo (sodium molybdate), a supplementary Mo is supplied by dissolving molybdenum hexacarbonyl (Mo(CO)6) in the liquid sulfur precursor delivered by the bubbler. By precisely controlling the amounts of precursors and hydrogen flow, full coverage of MoS2 film is readily achievable in 20 min. Large‐area MoS2 field effect transistors (FETs) fabricated with a conventional photolithography have a carrier mobility as high as 18.9 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest reported for bottom‐gated MoS2‐FETs fabricated via photolithography with an on/off ratio of ≈105 at room temperature.
ZnO Film UV Photodetector with Enhanced Performance: Heterojunction with CdMoO4 Microplates and the Hot Electron Injection Effect of Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Ouyang Weixin , Teng Feng , Jiang Mingming , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: August 2017

A novel CdMoO4–ZnO composite film is prepared by spin‐coating CdMoO4 microplates on ZnO film and is constructed as a heterojunction photodetector (PD). With an optimized loading amount of CdMoO4 microplates, this composite film PD achieves a ≈18‐fold higher responsivity than pure ZnO film PD at 5 V bias under 350 nm (0.15 mW cm−2) UV light illumination, and its decay time shortens to half of the original value. Furthermore, Au nanoparticles are then deposited to modify the CdMoO4–ZnO composite film, and the as‐constructed photodetector with an optimized deposition time of Au nanoparticles yields an approximately two‐fold higher photocurrent under the same condition, and the decay time reduces by half. The introduced CdMoO4 microplates form type‐II heterojunctions with ZnO film and improve the photoelectric performance. The hot electrons from Au nanoparticles are injected into the CdMoO4–ZnO composite film, leading to the increased photocurrent. When the light is off, the Schottky barriers formed between Au nanoparticles and CdMoO4–ZnO composite film block the carrier transportation and accelerate the decay process of current. The study on Au‐nanoparticle‐modified CdMoO4–ZnO composite film provides a facile method to construct ZnO film based PD with novel structure and high photoelectric performance.
Effects of an antler point restriction on harvest of white‐tailed deer in Missouri
Authors: Hansen Lonnie P. , Flinn Emily B. , Sumners Jason A. , Gao Xiaoming , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: August 2017

The Missouri Department of Conservation implemented an antler point restriction (APR) for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hunting in 29 Missouri, USA, counties in 2004. The APR required antlered deer to have a minimum of 4 antler points on ≥1 side to be harvested during all but the youth portions of the deer hunting seasons. We quantified effects of the APR on the composition of deer harvested during firearms hunting seasons in an experimental period (2004–2007) in APR and non‐APR counties in central and northern Missouri. Monitoring (without non‐APR counties for comparison) occurred 2008–2013 in 36 counties added under the APR in 2008 and 2012–2013 in 6 counties removed from the APR in 2012. Regulations required hunters to report all harvested deer, which were recorded as antlered male, button buck, or female. We collected ages from a subset of harvested deer at check stations and commercial deer processors. Antlered male harvest during the experimental period in northern (NAPR) and central (CAPR) APR counties was 35% and 36%, respectively, lower than expected the first year when compared with the antlered male harvest in the northern and central non‐APR counties. Antlered male harvest recovered over time, but was still 17% and 18% lower than expected in the NAPR and CAPR, respectively, by the fourth year. During the experimental period, female harvest in the NAPR was slightly lower than expected (range = 1–5%), but greater than expected in the CAPR (range = 12–18%). During the experimental period, harvest of 1.5‐year‐old males decreased by 49–56% in NAPR and 44–63% in CAPR. More 2.5‐, 3.5‐, and ≥4.5‐year‐old males were harvested in the NAPR and CAPR than expected. Harvest and age structure of deer taken in counties where the APR was implemented in 2008 corroborated results from the experimental period with decreases in the total antlered male harvest, decreases in yearling male harvest, and increases in adult male harvest. We recommend that agencies considering an APR should evaluate current hunter harvest opportunities, deer population management objectives, hunter selectivity, and hunter interests because these will determine program success and acceptability. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
The Vatican in the Family of Nations
Authors: Tomasi Silvano M. , Abi Ghanem Antoine , Buonomo Vincenzo , Gyhra Richard , Marenghi Carlo Maria , Saldi Stefano , Vitillo Robert J.
Published: August 2017

Based on a collection of statements delivered between 2003 and 2015, The Vatican in the Family of Nations provides a new understanding of the social doctrine and actions of the Catholic Church in international law and relations. These statements address contemporary issues that stir deep emotional responses, from disarmament, migrations, trade, and intellectual property to discrimination and freedom of conscience. This volume disputes irrational fears of newcomers, offers reasonable adaptations to allow for peaceful coexistence, and insists on investigating the root causes of today's conflicts and displacements. As an independent voice, the Holy See offers these reflections with the view of prioritizing the common good before confessional interests, even when their aims and ends converge. In this sense, this book is a unique collection in international literature on the intersection of theology, human rights and social issues, which opens courageous new paths for the future.
The Identification and Assessment of Mortuary Features
Authors: Spence Michael W.
Published: August 2017

The decision as to whether or not to excavate ancient Native mortuary features will require information on their extent and nature. This raises the question of how reliably these aspects can be assessed from the initial exposure of the feature, at its uppermost undisturbed level. In three Ontario cases in which the negotiators decided on full excavation of the features, it is possible to compare the initial assessments to the excavation results. In general, the information obtained in the initial assessments was accurate enough to allow the negotiating parties to make an informed decision, and to assist the archaeologists in their interpretation of the site. However, a major problem with initial assessments is that they sometimes fail to identify features containing only disarticulated minor skeletal elements, leading to an underestimation of the scope of the situation. The solution recommended here is to have a bioarchaeologist on the excavation team to promptly identify and assess any mortuary features and, when necessary, to excavate them.
Sovereignty in the Age of Cyber
Authors: Corn Gary P. , Taylor Robert
Published: August 2017

International law is a foundational pillar of the modern international order, and its applicability to both state and nonstate cyber activities is, by now, beyond question. However, owing to the unique and rapidly evolving nature of cyberspace, its ubiquitous interconnectivity, its lack of segregation between the private and public sectors, and its incompatibility with traditional concepts of geography, there are difficult and unresolved questions about exactly how international law applies to this domain. Chief among these is the question of the exact role that the principle of sovereignty plays in regulating states’ cyber activities.
Animal agency in the age of the Modern Synthesis: W.H. Thorpe's example
Authors: RADICK GREGORY
Published: August 2017

The mechanical and reductive ideals of much of modern science leave it ill-equipped to recognize, let alone account for, the agency of animals. So says a tradition of criticism well represented in the writings of the British behavioural biologist W.H. Thorpe FRS (1902–1986). This paper recovers the range of overlapping debates and developments, philosophical and religious as well as scientific, which led Thorpe to champion animal agency in the period and place much better known now as headquarters for the neo-Darwinian Modern Synthesis. A retracing of Thorpe's path through such forgotten domains as applied-science Lamarckism and the philosophical psychology of Leonard Hobhouse complicates a now-standard picture (which Thorpe himself promoted) of the Modern Synthesis as inimical to animal agency. Largely thanks to Thorpe's work, as publicized by Julian Huxley, the Modern Synthesis revitalized the fortunes of what became one of the mainstays of agential science, the Baldwin effect.
Structure, Process, and Outcome Quality of Surgical Site Infection Surveillance in Switzerland
Authors: Kuster Stefan P. , Eisenring Marie-Christine , Sax Hugo , Troillet Nicolas ,   Swissnoso
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

To assess the structure and quality of surveillance activities and to validate outcome detection in the Swiss national surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance program.

DESIGN

Countrywide survey of SSI surveillance quality.

SETTING

147 hospitals or hospital units with surgical activities in Switzerland.

METHODS

Site visits were conducted with on-site structured interviews and review of a random sample of 15 patient records per hospital: 10 from the entire data set and 5 from a subset of patients with originally reported infection. Process and structure were rated in 9 domains with a weighted overall validation score, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the identification of SSI.

RESULTS

Of 50 possible points, the median validation score was 35.5 (range, 16.25–48.5). Public hospitals (P<.001), hospitals in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland (P=.021), and hospitals with longer participation in the surveillance (P=.018) had higher scores than others. Domains that contributed most to lower scores were quality of chart review and quality of data extraction. Of 49 infections, 15 (30.6%) had been overlooked in a random sample of 1,110 patient records, accounting for a sensitivity of 69.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.6%–81.7%), a specificity of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.5%–100%), a positive predictive value of 97.1% (95% CI, 85.1%–99.9%), and a negative predictive value of 98.6% (95% CI, 97.7%–99.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of a well-defined surveillance methodology, there is a wide variation of SSI surveillance quality. The quality of chart review and the accuracy of data collection are the main areas for improvement.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1172–1181
Impact of New York State Influenza Mandate on Influenza-Like Illness, Acute Respiratory Illness, and Confirmed Influenza in Healthcare Personnel
Authors: Batabyal Rachel A. , Zhou Juyan J. , Howell Joy D. , Alba Luis , Lee Helen H. , Furuya E. Yoko , Stockwell Melissa S. , Calfee David P. , Brown Claire E. , Craan Aziza , Saiman Lisa
Published: August 2017

In 2013, New York State mandated that, during influenza season, unvaccinated healthcare personnel (HCP) wear a surgical mask in areas where patients are typically present. We found that this mandate was associated with increased HCP vaccination and decreased HCP visits to the hospital Workforce Health and Safety Department with respiratory illnesses and laboratory-confirmed influenza.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1361–1363
CONSISTENCY AND VOTE BUYING: INCOME, EDUCATION, AND ATTITUDES ABOUT VOTE BUYING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Tawakkal George Towar Ikbal , Suhardono Wisnu , Garner Andrew D. , Seitz Thomas
Published: August 2017

This article examines ambivalence—the simultaneous holding of two or more conflicting values or beliefs about a political issue—among Indonesian citizens’ attitudes about vote buying. Using an original survey taken during the 2014 Indonesian elections, we analyse the factors related both to citizens’ normative views about vote buying and their willingness to accept gifts from candidates. A large number of citizens demonstrate ambivalence by viewing the practice as unjustified or corrupt and yet expressing willingness to accept money from candidates. We also examine the differential effects of education and income on these attitudes. Consistent with “demand side” theories of vote buying, low income creates economic pressure to accept money but does not influence normative attitudes about vote buying. Education, however, has a broader effect by influencing both normative attitudes and willingness to accept money. We consider implications of these results for Indonesian officials focused on reducing vote-buying behavior.
Feedback control of unstable flow and vortex-induced vibration using the eigensystem realization algorithm
Authors: Yao W. , Jaiman R. K.
Published: August 2017

We present an active feedback blowing and suction (AFBS) procedure via model reduction for unsteady wake flow and the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of circular cylinders. The reduced-order model (ROM) for the AFBS procedure is developed by the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA), which provides a low-order representation of the unsteady flow dynamics in the neighbourhood of the equilibrium steady state. The actuation is considered via vertical suction and a blowing jet at the porous surface of a circular cylinder with a body-mounted force sensor. While the optimal gain is obtained using a linear quadratic regulator (LQR), Kalman filtering is employed to estimate the approximate state vector. The feedback control system shifts the unstable eigenvalues of the wake flow and the VIV system to the left half-complex-plane, and subsequently results in suppression of the vortex street and the VIV in elastically mounted structures. The resulting controller designed by a linear low-order approximation is able to suppress the nonlinear saturated state of wake vortex shedding from the circular cylinder. A systematic linear ROM-based stability analysis is performed to understand the eigenvalue distribution for the flow past stationary and elastically mounted circular cylinders. The results from the ROM analysis are consistent with those obtained from full nonlinear fluid–structure interaction simulations, thereby confirming the validity of the proposed ROM-based AFBS procedure. A sensitivity study on the number of suction/blowing actuators, the angular arrangement of actuators and the combined versus independent control architectures has been performed for the flow past a stationary circular cylinder. Overall, the proposed control concept based on the ERA-based ROM and the LQR algorithm is found to be effective in suppressing the vortex street and the VIV for a range of reduced velocities and mass ratios.
Scale-to-scale anisotropy in homogeneous turbulence
Authors: Carter Douglas W. , Coletti Filippo
Published: August 2017

We experimentally investigate scale-to-scale anisotropy from the integral to the dissipative scales in homogeneous turbulence. We employ an apparatus in which two facing arrays of randomly actuated air jets generate turbulence with negligible mean flow and shear, over a volume several times larger than the energy-containing eddy size. The Reynolds number based on the Taylor microscale is varied in the range$Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\approx 300{-}500$, while the axial-to-radial ratio of the root mean square velocity fluctuations ranges between 1.38 and 1.72. Two velocity components are measured by particle image velocimetry at varying resolutions, capturing from the integral to the Kolmogorov scales and yielding statistics up to sixth order. Over the inertial range, the scaling exponents of the velocity structure functions are found to differ not only between the longitudinal and transverse components, but also between the axial and radial directions of separation. At the dissipative scales, the moments of the velocity gradients indicate that departure from isotropy is, at the present Reynolds numbers, significant and more pronounced for stronger large-scale anisotropy. The generalized flatness factors of the longitudinal velocity differences tend towards isotropy as the separation is reduced from the inertial to the near-dissipative scales (down to about$10\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$being the Kolmogorov length), but become more anisotropic for even smaller scales which are characterized by high intermittency. At the large scales, the direction of turbulence forcing is associated with a larger integral length, defined as the distance over which the velocity component in a given direction is spatially correlated. Because of anisotropy, the definition of the integral length is not trivial and may lead to dissimilar conclusions on the qualitative behaviour of the large scales and on the quantitative values of the normalized dissipation. Alternative definitions of these quantities are proposed to account for the anisotropy. Overall, these results highlight the importance of evaluating both the different velocity components and the different spatial directions across all scales of the flow.
Model reduction and mechanism for the vortex-induced vibrations of bluff bodies
Authors: Yao W. , Jaiman R. K.
Published: August 2017

We present an effective reduced-order model (ROM) technique to couple an incompressible flow with a transversely vibrating bluff body in a state-space format. The ROM of the unsteady wake flow is based on the Navier–Stokes equations and is constructed by means of an eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA). We investigate the underlying mechanism of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a circular cylinder at low Reynolds number via linear stability analysis. To understand the frequency lock-in mechanism and self-sustained VIV phenomenon, a systematic analysis is performed by examining the eigenvalue trajectories of the ERA-based ROM for a range of reduced oscillation frequency $(F_{s})$, while maintaining fixed values of the Reynolds number ($Re$) and mass ratio ($m^{\ast }$). The effects of the Reynolds number $Re$, the mass ratio $m^{\ast }$ and the rounding of a square cylinder are examined to generalize the proposed ERA-based ROM for the VIV lock-in analysis. The considered cylinder configurations are a basic square with sharp corners, a circle and three intermediate rounded squares, which are created by varying a single rounding parameter. The results show that the two frequency lock-in regimes, the so-called resonance and flutter, only exist when certain conditions are satisfied, and the regimes have a strong dependence on the shape of the bluff body, the Reynolds number and the mass ratio. In addition, the frequency lock-in during VIV of a square cylinder is found to be dominated by the resonance regime, without any coupled-mode flutter at low Reynolds number. To further discern the influence of geometry on the VIV lock-in mechanism, we consider the smooth curve geometry of an ellipse and two sharp corner geometries of forward triangle and diamond-shaped bluff bodies. While the ellipse and diamond geometries exhibit the flutter and mixed resonance–flutter regimes, the forward triangle undergoes only the flutter-induced lock-in for $30\leqslant Re\leqslant 100$ at $m^{\ast }=10$. In the case of the forward triangle configuration, the ERA-based ROM accurately predicts the low-frequency galloping instability. We observe a kink in the amplitude response associated with 1:3 synchronization, whereby the forward triangular body oscillates at a single dominant frequency but the lift force has a frequency component at three times the body oscillation frequency. Finally, we present a stability phase diagram to summarize the VIV lock-in regimes of the five smooth-curve- and sharp-corner-based bluff bodies. These findings attempt to generalize our understanding of the VIV lock-in mechanism for bluff bodies at low Reynolds number. The proposed ERA-based ROM is found to be accurate, efficient and easy to use for the linear stability analysis of VIV, and it can have a profound impact on the development of control strategies for nonlinear vortex shedding and VIV.
Completeness of the eutherian mammal fossil record and implications for reconstructing mammal evolution through the Cretaceous/Paleogene mass extinction
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Bell Mark A. , Goswami Anjali , Halliday Thomas J. D.
Published: August 2017

There is a well-established discrepancy between paleontological and molecular data regarding the timing of the origin and diversification of placental mammals. Molecular estimates place interordinal diversification dates in the Cretaceous, while no unambiguous crown placental fossils have been found prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Here, the completeness of the eutherian fossil record through geological time is evaluated to assess the suggestion that a poor fossil record is largely responsible for the difference in estimates of placental origins. The completeness of fossil specimens was measured using the character completeness metric, which quantifies the completeness of fossil taxa as the percentage of phylogenetic characters available to be scored for any given taxon. Our data set comprised 33 published cladistic matrices representing 445 genera, of which 333 were coded at the species level.

There was no significant difference in eutherian completeness across the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary. This suggests that the lack of placental mammal fossils in the Cretaceous is not due to a poor fossil record but more likely represents a genuine absence of placental mammals in the Cretaceous. This result supports the “explosive model” of early placental evolution, whereby placental mammals originated around the time of the K/Pg boundary and diversified soon after.

No correlation was found between the completeness pattern observed in this study and those of previous completeness studies on birds and sauropodomorph dinosaurs, suggesting that different factors affect the preservation of these groups. No correlations were found with various isotope proxy measures, but Akaike information criterion analysis found that eutherian character completeness metric scores were best explained by models involving the marine-carbonate strontium-isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr), suggesting that tectonic activity might play a role in controlling the completeness of the eutherian fossil record.
Policy Uptake as Political Behavior: Evidence from the Affordable Care Act
Authors: LERMAN AMY E. , SADIN MEREDITH L. , TRACHTMAN SAMUEL
Published: August 2017

Partisanship is a primary predictor of attitudes toward public policy. However, we do not yet know whether party similarly plays a role in shaping public policy behavior, such as whether to apply for government benefits or take advantage of public services. While existing research has identified numerous factors that increase policy uptake, the role of politics has been almost entirely overlooked. In this paper, we examine the case of the Affordable Care Act to assess whether policy uptake is not only about information and incentives; but also about politics. Using longitudinal data, we find that Republicans have been less likely than Democrats to enroll in an insurance plan through state or federal exchanges, all else equal. Employing a large-scale field experiment, we then show that de-emphasizing the role of government (and highlighting the market's role) can close this partisan gap.
FROM WEDNESBURY UNREASONABLENESS TO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR REASONABLENESS
Authors: Wang Daniel Wei L.
Published: August 2017

Over the last decades, rationing of medical treatment in the National Health Service (NHS) has moved from implicit to being increasingly explicit about what is being denied and about the procedures and reasons for such decisions. This article argues that the courts have had an important role in this process. By applying a heightened scrutiny of rationing decisions, courts have forced health authorities to make better-informed decisions and to take procedural justice more seriously to comply with, respond to and avoid judicial review. The analysis in this article reveals that litigation has contributed to incremental, but significant and enduring, changes in a social policy. It also offers insights to the paradoxes of judicial accountability in health care policies.
PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN RULER CULTS: DEDICATIONS TO PHILIP SŌTĒR AND OTHER HELLENISTIC KINGS
Authors: Jim Theodora Suk Fong
Published: August 2017

Hellenistic ruler cult has generated much scholarly interest and an enormous bibliography; yet, existing studies have tended to focus on the communal character of the phenomenon, whereas the role of private individuals (if any) in ruler worship has attracted little attention. This article seeks to redress this neglect. The starting point of the present study is an inscription Διὶ | καὶ βασιλεῖ | Φιλίππωι Σωτῆρι on a rectangular marble plaque from Maroneia in Thrace. Since the text was published in 1991, it has been disputed whether the king in question is Philip II or Philip V of Macedon. The question is further complicated by a newly published text from Thasos, plausibly restored to read [Β]ασιλέως Φιλί[ππου] | σωτῆρος. The identity of the king in these texts is a matter of great historical significance: if Philip II is meant, not only would this impinge on the question of his divinity, he would also be the first king called Sōtēr, thus providing the earliest attestation of a cult epithet spreading from the traditional gods to monarchs. The first part of this article will re-examine the king's identity by studying these two texts in connection with other dedications similarly addressed to a ‘King Philip’ and apparently set up by private individuals. The second will move beyond Macedonia: it will draw on potential parallels from the Attalid, Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms and explore the possible contexts in which individuals set up similar objects. It will be demonstrated that, while there is evidence from other Hellenistic kingdoms of seemingly ‘private’ dedications set up according to civic or royal commands, in Macedonia the piecemeal and isolated nature of the evidence does not permit a conclusive answer. But whether set up spontaneously or by civic command, these objects provide important evidence for the interaction between the public and the private aspects of ruler worship.
INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTIONS OF THE FAMILY
Authors: Banda Fareda , Eekelaar John
Published: August 2017

This article examines the evolving way the ‘family’ and ‘family life’ have been understood in international and regional human rights instruments, and in the case law of the relevant institutions. It shows how the various structural components which are considered to constitute those concepts operate both between relevant adults and between adults and children. But it also shows that important normative elements, in particular, anti-discrimination norms, operate both to undermine the perception of some structures as constituting ‘family’, and to modify those structures themselves. This raises the question how far human rights norms should be seen as protecting family units in themselves or the individual members that constitute them.
THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS FACING THE SECURITY COUNCIL: TOWARDS SYSTEMIC HARMONIZATION
Authors: Sicilianos Linos-Alexander
Published: August 2017

The ECtHR is in the process of refining its conceptual tools for determining the responsibility of the States Parties to the ECHR acting in execution of a Security Council resolution. Where the implementation of resolutions involving the use of force is concerned, the Court's recent case law has shown a shift towards systematic acceptance of the extraterritorial scope of the ECHR. As to whether the conduct in issue should be attributed to the States Parties or to the UN, the Court now makes a clear distinction between operations authorized by the Security Council and UN peacekeeping operations. The implementation of UN economic sanctions will be addressed differently according to whether or not the respondent State is a member of the EU. The criterion of ‘equivalent protection’ is only applicable in the former scenario. And in any event, it needs to be applied cautiously on a case-by-case basis. As regards the enforcement of economic sanctions by non-EU Member States, the Court tends to interpret Security Council resolutions in a manner consistent with the obligations deriving from the ECHR. More generally, the Court's approach is oriented towards systemic harmonization rather than towards normative conflict.
Evaluation of barnyard millet diversity in central Himalayan region for environmental stress tolerance
Authors: TRIVEDI A. K. , ARYA L. , VERMA S. K. , TYAGI R. K. , HEMANTARANJAN A.
Published: August 2017

The mountain ecosystem of the Central Himalayan Region is known for its diversity of crops and their wild relatives. In spite of adverse climatic conditions, this region is endowed with a rich diversity of millets. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore, collect, conserve and evaluate the diversity of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) to find out the extent of diversity available in different traits and the traits responsible for abiotic stress tolerance, and to identify trait-specific accessions for crop improvement and also for the cultivation of millets in the region as well as in other similar agro-ecological regions. A total of 178 accessions were collected and evaluated for a range of morpho-physiological and biochemical traits. Significant variability was noted in days to 50% flowering, days to 80% maturity, 1000 seed weight and yield potential of the germplasm. These traits are considered to be crucial for tailoring new varieties for different agro-climatic conditions. Variations in biochemical traits such as lipid peroxidation (0·552–7·421 nmol malondialdehyde formed/mg protein/h), total glutathione (105·270–423·630 mmol/g fresh weight) and total ascorbate (4·980–9·880 mmol/g fresh weight) content indicate the potential of collected germplasm for abiotic stress tolerance. Principal component analysis also indicated that yield, superoxide dismutase activity, plant height, days to 50% flowering, catalase activity and glutathione content are suitable traits for screening large populations of millet and selection of suitable germplasm for crop improvement and cultivation. Trait-specific accessions identified in the present study could be useful in crop improvement programmes, climate-resilient agriculture and improving food security in areas with limited resources.