cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of chronic illness in pregnancy, access to care, and health care costs: implications for interconception care.

Purpose Access to health care after pregnancy is especially important for pregnant women with chronic illness. The purpose of our study was to describe the prevalence of chronic illness in pregnant women and factors affecting the receipt of ongoing care. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 6,294 women between 19 and 45 years of age from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Chronic illness was defined using aggregate clinical classification codes in the MEPS. Women were divided into 4 groups: pregnant and currently not pregnant, with and without chronic illness. We analyzed group differences in demographic variables, socioeconomic status, and access to health care. We also estimated inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, and pharmacy expenditures for the 4 study groups. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design of MEPS. Main Findings Overall, 27% of pregnant women and 39% of nonpregnant women reported a chronic illness. There were no differences in race/ethnicity, poverty, or health insurance status between pregnant women with and without chronic illness. Women with chronic illness were more likely to have a usual source of care. Among pregnant women, the presence of a chronic condition did increase out-of-pocket expenditures, but did not increase total average health care expenditures, even after adjusting for other characteristics. Conclusion Pregnant women with chronic illness were similar to pregnant women without chronic illness in terms of access to care and total health care costs. Further research is needed to determine whether these similarities persist after delivery, given the relatively high prevalence of women with chronic illness who are of childbearing age.
Re‐Imaging Japanese Women

Re-Imaging Japanese Women. ANNE IMAMURA. ed. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996. xii. 358 pp., illustrations, contributors, index.
Axotomy-induced changes in the expression of a type III neuronal intermediate filament gene

The effect of axotomy on the expression of the 57 kDa neuronal intermediate filament (IF) protein in adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was examined. This IF protein is known to have an exclusively neuronal localization but is considerably more limited in its distribution in the nervous system than the neurofilament (NF) triplet proteins. The 57 kDa neuronal IF protein is similar (and perhaps identical) to the protein “peripherin” and is known to be the product of a Type III IF gene. Since the down-regulated expression of NF proteins (products of type IV IF genes) has been well established, it was of interest to determine whether the novel 57 kDa IF protein was regulated in a similar or different manner from that of the NFs in axotomized neurons. In vitro pulse-labeling of DRGs with 35S- methionine: cysteine followed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis/fluorography revealed that the synthesis of the 57 kDa neuronal IF protein was increased 2 weeks after sciatic nerve crush. Immunocytochemical studies using a polyclonal antibody to the 57 kDa neuronal IF protein showed that the immunodetectable levels of this protein increased in DRG neurons after peripheral axotomy. In the normal DRG, staining was localized almost exclusively to small-sized neurons. At 2 weeks after axotomy, however, large- and medium-sized neurons also became immunoreactive; in addition, the overall level of staining in the DRG was greater than normal. Quantitative analysis of in situ hybridizations of DRG neurons with a 35S-labeled cDNA probe specific for the 57 kDa neuronal IF protein revealed a significant increase in the level of 57 kDa IF mRNA in the large-sized (greater than 1000 microns2) neurons 2 weeks after axotomy; the level of 57 kDa IF mRNA in the small neurons was not different from normal at that time. Finally, using a newly developed paradigm for examining the composition of regenerating axons by axonal transport, we determined that significant amounts of the 57 kDa neuronal IF protein were conveyed into the regrowing axonal sprouts of DRG neurons. When DRG neurons were conditioned by a previous axotomy (a crush axotomy of the distal sciatic nerve 2 weeks earlier) and then stimulated to regenerate axons by a second crush axotomy located very close to the DRG, the regenerating sprouts incorporated and conveyed significantly more 57 kDa IF protein by slow axonal transport than did those elaborated by unprimed DRG neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The theory of partitions

1. The elementary theory of partitions 2. Infinite series generating functions 3. Restricted partitions and permutations 4. Compositions and Simon Newcomb's problem 5. The Hardy-Ramanujan-Rademacher expansion of p(n) 6. The asymptotics of infinite product generating functions 7. Identities of the Rogers-Ramanujan type 8. A general theory of partition identities 9. Sieve methods related to partitions 10. Congruence properties of partition functions 11. Higher-dimensional partitions 12. Vector or multipartite partitions 13. Partitions in combinatorics 14. Computations for partitions.
Stress Coping A Qualitative and Quantitative Synthesis with Implications for Treatment

This article presents a two-pronged attempt to synthesize the research on stress coping: (1) a review of models and taxonomies of behaviors and resources related to stress coping and (2) a meta-analysis of recent experimental and quasi- experimental studies of stress coping. The review led to the construction of a taxonomy and, in conjunction with the meta-analysis, to a comprehensive model of stress coping in two parts (stress and coping). In the meta-analysis an unbiased effect size of .57 was obtained by comparing groups administered treatments to reduce stress with comparison groups. Social skills training, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation training appeared to be among the more effective treatments. In comparing the frequency of treatments identified in the meta-analysis with those in the taxonomy, some treatment domains (such as problem solving) were well represented in the taxonomy but appeared infrequently in the meta-analysis. Implications for stress-coping treatment and re...
Making Connections in Mathematics Conceptual Mathematics Intervention for Low-Performing Students

In this study, the authors examined the effects of two supplemental interventions on the mathematics achievement of low-performing intermediate-grade students. A conceptually based intervention designed to reteach fundamental mathematics was evaluated along with an intervention designed to provide extended time in the context of the core curriculum and aligned with the general education classroom's daily instruction. After a 16-week intervention with 51 low-performing fifth-grade students, the authors found that the students in both intervention groups outperformed students in the control group on a measure of mathematics achievement. On a state accountability measure in mathematics, students in the extended core group performed better than other students. Implications for instructional decision making and supplemental interventions are discussed.
Regulation of Escherichia coli hchA, a stress‐inducible gene encoding molecular chaperone Hsp31

Escherichia coli Hsp31 is a homodimeric member of the ThiI/DJ-1/PfpI superfamily that combines molecular chaperone and aminopeptidase activities. Although it was originally identified on the basis of its induction by heat shock, little is known about the regulation of hchA, the structural gene encoding Hsp31. Here, we show that hchA is transcribed from dual promoters recognized by the sigmaD (sigma70) and sigmaS (sigma38) subunits of RNA polymerase (E). In exponentially growing cells, the nucleoid-binding protein H-NS downregulates Hsp31 synthesis, and hchA thermal induction primarily relies on the relief of H-NS-mediated silencing of EsigmaD-dependent transcription. This uncommon alternative to the use of a heat-shock sigma factor guarantees that Hsp31 concentration remains high throughout the length of the high temperature exposure phase. Entry into stationary phase leads to enhanced hchA transcription from its EsigmaS-dependent promoter. Consistent with a role of Hsp31 in the management of starvation, hchA null mutants exhibit a decrease ability to survive in deep stationary phase relative to hchA+ cells. Based on hchA heat-inducibility and membership in the sigmaS general stress regulon, we propose that Hsp31 performs a protective function under a wide range of stress conditions.
The long reach of divorce: Divorce and child well‐being across three generations

We used data from the study of Marital Instability Over the Life Course to examine links between divorce in the grandparent generation and outcomes in the grandchild generation (N= 691). Divorce in the first (G1) generation was associated with lower education, more marital discord, weaker ties with mothers, and weaker ties with fathers in the third (G3) generation. These associations were mediated by family characteristics in the middle (G2) generation, including lower education, more marital discord, more divorce, and greater tension in early parent-child relationships. In supplementary analyses, we found no evidence that the estimated effects of divorce differed by offspring gender or became weaker over time. Our results suggest that divorce has consequences for subsequent generations, including individuals who were not yet born at the time of the original divorce.
NOVA interconnect for dynamically reconfigurable NoC systems

Network on a chip (NoC) topologies for interconnect offer the possibility of increasing the flexibility and performance of an embedded computational platform. NoC is also an enabling factor for the creation of dynamically reconfigurable single chip systems. In this paper, the NOVA interconnect topology is shown. NOVA is a hybrid topology for NoC interconnect targeted at an FPGA. This topology is able to efficiently support the communication workloads associated with multiprocessor, multi peripheral and reconfigurable systems. This paper presents simulation results on the performance and scalability of NOVA. Also, the performance of NOVA is compared to the star, torus, and hypercube topologies, and is shown to outperform these topologies.
Argument Has No Function

Douglas Walton has been right in calling us to attend to the pragmatics of argument. He has, however, also insisted that arguments should be understood and assessed by considering the functions they perform; and from this, I dissent. Argument has no determinable function in the sense Walton needs, and even if it did, that function would not ground norms for argumentative practice. As an alternative to a functional theory of argumentative pragmatics, I propose a design view, which draws attention to the way participants strategically undertake and impose norms on themselves in order for their arguments to have force.
Physical and chemical characteristics of sediments in catfish, freshwater prawn and carp ponds in Thailand

Sediment samples were collected from 42 catfish (Clarias hybrid) ponds, 40 freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) ponds and 18 carp (Puntius spp.) ponds in Thailand. Regression analysis revealed that pond age (1–30 years) was not a major factor influencing the physical and chemical composition of pond sediments. Sediment depth, F+S horizon thickness and bulk density of S horizon were greater (P 0.05) among ponds for the three species. Total phosphorus and other sediment phosphorus fractions increased in the order prawn ponds, carp ponds and catfish ponds. Sediment sulphur concentrations also increased in the same order. There were no differences in major or minor nutrient concentrations in sediment that would influence aquacultural production. Although there were significant correlations (P<0.05) between various sediment quality variables, no single variable or group of variables would be useful in estimating sediment quality. Pond bottom management practices used by producers in Thailand included drying of pond bottoms between crops, liming, tilling and periodic sediment removal. These practices have maintained relatively good bottom quality. They should be continued in Thailand and adopted in other places.
Abnormal Eating Behaviors Are Common in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Objective To compare the eating behaviors and nutrition-related concerns in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) with those in typically developing children. Study design A survey that assessed eating behaviors was completed between October 2013 and May 2014 by the caregivers of children screened for FASD at the University of Minnesota's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Program, and typically developing children recruited from that clinic or from the Research Participation Core of the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin. Results Compared with controls (N = 81), children with FASD (N = 74) had delayed acquisition of self-feeding behavior ( P P P ≤ .002). They consumed the equivalent of an additional meal/snack daily ( P P P = .009) but not females ( P = .775) with FASD, and only 2 children with FASD were currently underweight. Children with FASD were more physically active ( P Conclusions Abnormal eating patterns are common in children with FASD and may contribute to their delayed growth and nutritional inadequacies. Their poor satiety may reflect poor impulse control. Children with FASD may benefit from diet counseling. Conversely, some children with hyperphagia may warrant referral for FASD screening.
Detecting Hemoglobin Concentration Using the Dual Window Method for Processing Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography Signals

We present a technique utilizing parallel frequency-domain OCT with the dual window method for processing SOCT signals to determine hemoglobin concentration. Preliminary data show our system’s ability to quantitatively determine hemoglobin concentration from a phantom.
5G air interface and network technology

Mobile communication has evolved significantly from early voice systems to today's highly sophisticated integrated communication platform. 4G LTE networks are deployed in more than 100 countries to provide service in various spectrum band allocations depending on spectrum regime. Recently, significant momentum has started to build around the idea of a next generation, i.e. fifth generation (5G), wireless communications technology. The next generation wireless communication system, 5G, will provide access to information and sharing of data anywhere, anytime by various users and applications. 5G is expected to be a unified network/system that target to meet vastly different and sometime conflicting performance dimensions and services. Such diverse multi-dimensional requirements are driven by different services and applications. Not that to address vastly diverse requirements, 5G will be the set of technical components and systems needed to overcome the limits of current systems. For mid-band (carrier frequency between 6GHz and 30GHz) and high-band (carrier frequency beyond 30GHz), beamforming is needed to compensate the large path loss and thereby improve the link budget and coverage. The beamforming from both eNodeB and UE can be used to further improve the system level performance. In this talk we will share our views on 5G air interface and network technology. In particular, we will discuss detailed aspects related to UE such as UE side beamforming.
The role of a Chaco-Era great house in the Southern Cibola Region of West-Central New Mexico: The Largo Gap great house community

Largo Gap is one of several late Pueblo II (a.d. 1050–1130) Chaco-style great houses located in the southern Cibola region of west-central New Mexico. This region is at the interface of two Southwestern cultural areas: Mogollon and Pueblo. We report results of survey and excavation research at the Largo Gap great house and associated community to explore the role great houses in this region served for local populations, as well as their articulation with other great houses across the “Chaco Sphere.” The results identify Largo Gap as an architecturally “Chacoan” structure and that use of this structure incorporated both Mogollon and Puebloan material culture. The use of ceramics from both ancestral culture groups indicates that the local community was multi-ethnic, and suggests a socially-integrative role for the great house within this region.
“The Worst Experience of My Life”: The Internship Crisis and Its Impact on Students

Objective The objective of the present study was to understand how internship applicants perceive themselves as being affected by the ongoing imbalance between the number of internship spots available and the number of applicants to internship. Method The present study undertook a qualitative, and supplemental quantitative, analysis of 1,076 internship applicant responses to an item included in the 2011 postmatch survey asking participants how the internship crisis has affected them. Results Results indicated that the internship application process in general was viewed overwhelmingly negatively. Respondents described personal stress and system issues in their responses. Respondents described reciprocal stresses; applications spur on stresses, which are compounded by fears of not matching. Such fears cast negative light on training. Participants also described resiliencies that buffered against stresses and perceptions of discrimination or bias that add to stress. Conclusions The implications of these findings for supporting students, working to resolve the internship crisis, and adapting policy are discussed.
PIEZOELECTRICALLY DRIVEN MESO-SCALE ACTUATOR DEVICE FOR AERODYNAMIC CONTROL

In this paper we describe the results of three related research activities focused on developing a piezoelectrically driven actuator containing microcomponents for aerodynamic control. The three areas of research are flow control, manufacturing a meso-scale actuator, and evaluating the response of piezoelectric materials. Test results obtained on a Wortmann FX-137 containing a control wire indicates that stall can be delayed up to 10 degrees with flow control concepts applied near the leading edge. Development of a prototype meso-scale actuator device confirms that engagement and disengagement of micro-components and resulting stepping motion are possible with millimeter scale piezoelectric actuators. Actuator characterization studies indicate that fatigue degradation of large displacement actuators can be reduced or possibly eliminated with appropriate design considerations.
Comparison of Some Stress-resistant Physiological Indexes of Three Kinds of Privet Leave

Some stress resistant physiological indexes of the leaves of three Ligustrum species were compared to provide theoretical basis for cultivation management in arid and semi-arid area in north China.The results showed that there were differences between the contents of osmotic regulators and the rate of bound water/free water of three kinds of privets leaves,it was the main reason that affects its anti-cold ability;there were differences among cuticle thickness,stomas density and size of the leaves,it was the main reason that affects its anti-drought ability.Glossy privet has stronger ability in anti-cold and anti-drought,the anti-drought ability of golden leaf privet was weaker than other kinds,that of golden fringe privet is stronger,while its anti-cold ability was weaker.
Glutathione adducts induced by ischemia and deletion of glutaredoxin-1 stabilize HIF-1α and improve limb revascularization

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased in ischemic tissues and necessary for revascularization; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Exposure of cysteine residues to ROS in the presence of glutathione (GSH) generates GSH-protein adducts that are specifically reversed by the cytosolic thioltransferase, glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx). Here, we show that a key angiogenic transcriptional factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is stabilized by GSH adducts, and the genetic deletion of Glrx improves ischemic revascularization. In mouse muscle C2C12 cells, HIF-1α protein levels are increased by increasing GSH adducts with cell-permeable oxidized GSH (GSSG-ethyl ester) or 2-acetylamino-3-[4-(2-acetylamino-2-carboxyethylsulfanyl thiocarbonylamino) phenylthiocarbamoylsulfanyl] propionic acid (2-AAPA), an inhibitor of glutathione reductase. A biotin switch assay shows that GSSG-ester-induced HIF-1α contains reversibly modified thiols, and MS confirms GSH adducts on Cys(520) (mouse Cys(533)). In addition, an HIF-1α Cys(520) serine mutant is resistant to 2-AAPA-induced HIF-1α stabilization. Furthermore, Glrx overexpression prevents HIF-1α stabilization, whereas Glrx ablation by siRNA increases HIF-1α protein and expression of downstream angiogenic genes. Blood flow recovery after femoral artery ligation is significantly improved in Glrx KO mice, associated with increased levels of GSH-protein adducts, capillary density, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and HIF-1α in the ischemic muscles. Therefore, Glrx ablation stabilizes HIF-1α by increasing GSH adducts on Cys(520) promoting in vivo HIF-1α stabilization, VEGF-A production, and revascularization in the ischemic muscles.
Transposable Elements, Population Genetics of

Transposable elements (TEs) are selfish elements that proliferate in genomes and contribute significantly to the evolution of genome architecture. Over the past two decades, genome sequencing has revealed complex dynamics of TE proliferation across species. A key question in genome evolution is: What determines variation in TE proliferation across species? Population genetic models that assume most TE insertions are harmful and also at equilibrium can explain many patterns of TE activity across species and within genomes. However, as population sequencing becomes common, there is a need for additional models that consider the role of host TE regulation and mating system.
Carcinoembryonic antigen(s) in liver disease. I. Clinical and morphological studies.

Using a radioimmunoassay for carcinoembryonic antigen(s), positive assays were obtained in 40 of 88 patients with severe alcoholic liver disease but in none of 14 patients with nonalcoholic liver disease. None of these patients had evidence of gastrointestinal malignancy. Lower levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen(s) usually were seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease than in patients with colonic or pancreatic cancer. The patients with liver disease and carcinoembryonic antigen-positive sera usually had active alcoholic liver disease with decompensated Laennec’s cirrhosis and were readily distinguished clinically from patients suspected to have gastrointestinal malignancy.
Visible and Infrared Laser Operation by Upconversion Pumping of Erbium-Doped Fluorides

Cooperative multi-ion energy transfer and two-step excitation processes have been used to achieve population inversion and laser action in erbium-doped YLiF4 and BaY2F8. Pulsed and cw experiments have been carried out to provide details of the pumping pathways and to identify systems having particularly favorable values for the upconversion transfer coefficient Examples of laser emission at wavelengths shorter than the cw pump will be described for YLiF4. Pulsed IR laser output has been demonstrated in BaY2F8,:Er, where the time dependence confirms efficient cooperative energy transfer associated with the 4I13/2 level.
Controlled Plant Information (CPI)

Provides an analysis of controlled plant information design models for factory management and maintenance. Opposition to the model; Reason for the use of the model; Overview of a model showing the ...
Unequal error protection coding approaches to the noisy 20 questions problem

In this paper, we propose an unequal error protection coding strategy based on superposition coding for the noisy 20 questions problem. In this problem, a player wishes to successively refine an estimate of the value of a continuous random variable by posing binary queries and receiving noisy responses. When the queries are designed non-adaptively as a single block and the noisy responses are modeled as the output of a binary symmetric channel the 20 questions problem can be mapped to an equivalent problem of channel coding with unequal error protection (UEP). A superposition coding strategy with UEP is introduced that has error exponent that is significantly better than that of the UEP repetition code introduced by Variani et al. [1].
Polyphosphazene Elastomers Containing Interdigitated Oligo-p-phenyleneoxy Side Groups: Synthesis, Mechanical Properties, and X-ray Scattering Studies

The range of polyphosphazene-based elastomers has been expanded through the use of phenoxy or oligo-p-phenyleneoxy minor cosubstituent side groups with majority 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy side groups. Specifically, polymers with both trifluoroethoxy and low ratios of phenoxy, p-phenylphenoxy, p-diphenylphenoxy, or p-triphenylphenoxy cosubstituents, can generate noncrystalline, noncovalently cross-linked elastomers. These are formed through the steric interactions of the oligo-p-phenyleneoxy side groups. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of polymers containing p-diphenylphenoxy or p-triphenylphenoxy cosubstituents suggests that these macromolecules contain microdomains caused by the phase separation of the trifluoroethoxy and aryloxy groups, through stacking or agglomeration of the aryloxy units, and that those serve as noncovalent cross-linking points. Moreover, annealing of the polymers at elevated temperatures (150 °C) causes a decrease in the average spacing between the aryloxy aggregates and has...
Change, Tradition, and Moral Education in CSU Teacher Roles

During the first week of my first semester of teaching at CSU, I attended many “Welcome Week” activities for new and incoming CSU students. At one of the events hosted by the ELC, Vice-Chancellor Tsing played karaoke videos from famous Broadway musicals. During the group singing of the song “Edelweiss” from the musical The Sound of Music, the Vice-Chancellor turned to me and admonished the new students for not singing very loudly. She commented, “The students here are not very civilized. They don’t have any knowledge of culture.” These comments echoed her later remarks in our 2010 interview cited in Chap. 2 about using musicals and extra-curricular activities to “align their [students’] moral compass in that direction that will be beneficial to society,” and they struck me at the time as very strange, if not harboring a cultural elitism and even linguistic imperialism (Phillipson, 1992, 2009). Why would students entering a university in southern China be expected to know the words to an older English musical? And why was it the responsibility of English teachers and the university to “civilize” the students and “align their moral compass”? In my years of teaching in the USA, I had never been tasked by any supervisor with instilling any particular moral or ethical values with my students. Certainly, it can be argued that any educational context is full of values and part of the aim of attending a university is to be socialized into the “legitimate language” and “habitus” of the ruling elites (Bourdieu, 1991), but these goals and processes were never so clearly stated to me as they were during that first karaoke experience with my students.
Radiological imaging features of the basal ganglia that may predict progression to hemicraniectomy in large territory middle cerebral artery infarct.

Predicting which patients are at risk for hemicraniectomy can be helpful for triage and can help preserve neurologic function if detected early. We evaluated basal ganglia imaging predictors for early hemicraniectomy in patients with large territory anterior circulation infarct. This retrospective study evaluated patients with ischemic infarct admitted from January 2005 to July 2011. Patients with malignant cerebral edema refractory to medical therapy or with herniating signs such as depressed level of consciousness, anisocoria, and contralateral leg weakness were triaged to hemicraniectomy. Admission images were reviewed for presence of caudate, lentiform nucleus (putamen and globus pallidus), or basal ganglia (caudate + lentiform nucleus) infarction. Thirty-one patients with large territory MCA infarct, 10 (32%), underwent hemicraniectomy. Infarction of the caudate nucleus (9/10 vs 6/21, p = 0.002) or basal ganglia (5/10 vs 2/21, p = 0.02) predicted progression to hemicraniectomy. Infarction of the lentiform nucleus only did not predict progression to hemicraniectomy. Sensitivity for patients who did and did not have hemicraniectomy were 50% (5/10) and 90.5% (19/21). For caudate nucleus and caudate plus lentiform nucleus infarcts, the crude- and age-adjusted odds of progression to hemicraniectomy were 9.5 (1.4–64.3) and 6.6 (0.78–55.4), respectively. Infarction of the caudate nucleus or basal ganglia correlated with patients progressing to hemicraniectomy. Infarction of the lentiform nucleus alone did not.
Fukushima ETHOS: Post-Disaster Risk Communication, Affect, and Shifting Risks

ETHOS Fukushima is a risk communication (RC) program organized after the Fukushima nuclear accident by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and other international organizations ...
Varicella outbreak in a highly-vaccinated school population in Beijing, China during the voluntary two-dose era.

Abstract Background Two-dose varicella vaccination has been available in Beijing since 2012 in the private sector. We investigated a varicella outbreak in a highly vaccinated elementary school population. Methods A cohort study was carried out and a varicella case was defined as an acute onset of generalized maculopapulovesicular rash without other apparent cause in a student attending the school from March 29 through May 17, 2015. Breakthrough varicella was defined as varicella >42 days after the last vaccine dose among both 1- or 2-dose varicella vaccine recipients. Vaccination information was collected from immunization records; information on prior varicella and clinical presentations was collected by surveying students’ parents. Results Of the 1056 students in the school, 1027 (97.3%) reported no history of varicella. Prior to the outbreak, 98.6% of students had received ≥1 dose of varicella vaccine, and most (63.2%) students received two doses. Twenty varicella cases were identified for an overall attack rate of 2.0%. Half of the cases occurred in the classroom of the index case-patient, a two-dose recipient who was not isolated after symptom onset. Breakthrough varicella accounted for 95% of cases (19/20) with attack rates of 14.3% (1/7), 1.6% (6/362) and 2.0% (13/649) among unvaccinated, one-dose, and two-dose students, respectively. Most case-patients (18/20, 90%) had Conclusion Moderate two-dose varicella vaccine coverage was insufficient to prevent a varicella outbreak. Two-dose recipients with breakthrough varicella are contagious. High two-dose varicella vaccine coverage and timely isolation of cases may be needed for varicella outbreak prevention in the two-dose era.
Energy trading for fun and profit buy your neighbor's rooftop solar power or sell your own-it'll all be on a blockchain

Would you pay slightly more for your electricity if you knew it was sourced from photovoltaic panels on your neighbor's roof? Or, if you are that neighbor, would you use your solar power to charge a battery and dump that energy back onto the grid at peak hours, when the price was highest? The answers to these questions-which depend on how people would behave in an open energy market-are unknown, because that market does not exist. Net metering and feed-in tariff programs, the two dominant schemes for reimbursing residential energy production, pay out at a fixed rate, effectively decoupling producers from the price signals that might otherwise direct their behavior. But that may be changing. And we may have the blockchain to thank. Multiple projects are now under way to use technology that was originally intended to account for transactions in digital currency to track electricity production and put it up for sale.
Why the International Exhibitions Bureau Should Choose Minneapolis for Global Expo 2023

In November 2017, the 170 governments in the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) will vote for a country to host the 2022/23 specialized expo. The United States strengthened its bid in 2017 by a remarkably rapid bipartisan action by the US Congress and Trump Administration to rejoin the BIE which the United States had quit in 2002. This paper reviews the legislative history of US membership in the BIE treaty going back to 1968 and provides a brief overview of the role of the BIE in supervising world's fairs and expos going back to 1928. The BIE is an unusual treaty in having its own customs regime and in making decisions by a majority vote. The paper describes the three competing bids for the expo by Argentina, Poland, and the United States, and discusses the political and legal factors that may be in play in choosing the winning proposal. The paper explains why the bid by Minneapolis/United States is the superior proposal because of the salience and definiteness of its proposed theme of "Healthy People, Healthy Planet."
Las lecciones que he aprendido en mis 25 años de enseñanza

Hace ya varias semanas que me sente a escribir esta conferencia y encendi la radio (o, mejor dicho, la radio satelite XM iel mundo esta cambiando de forma tan rapida!). Cuando salgo a correr, suelo escuchar mi coleccion de musica rock and roll, y cuando leo revistas, escucho musica folk musica popular. Mi musica folk favorita se escribio en los 60, cuando era un adolescente y mi pais estaba debatiendo con rabia y sublevacion si los negros debian tener derecho a votar o si los obstaculos historicos en su camino, como una tarifa para poder votar...
Catheter mapping of spontaneous and induced atrial fibrillation in man.

The clinical electrophysiologic study of atrial fibrillation [AF] has recently progressed from static characterization of the substrate to the dynamic investigation of both induced and spontaneous AF in man. Prior studies have demonstrated inhomogeneity and greater dispersion of atrial refractoriness in patients with AF, but recently atrial electrical remodeling with consequent abbreviation of atrial refractory periods has also been reported. Yet further experimental observations have suggested the existence of additional arrhythmogenic mechanisms for certain AF subsets. These include studies that have demonstrated a stable atrial “flutter” circuit in one atrium with fibrillatory conduction or a “focal” atrial tachyarrhythmia arising commonly in the left atrium.
Frontline Science: Buprenorphine decreases CCL2‐mediated migration of CD14+CD16+ monocytes

HIV infection of the CNS causes neuroinflammation and damage that contributes to the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in greater than 50% of HIV-infected individuals, despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Opioid abuse is a major risk factor for HIV infection. It has been shown that opioids can contribute to increased HIV CNS pathogenesis, in part, by modulating the function of immune cells. HIV enters the CNS within two weeks after peripheral infection by transmigration of infected monocytes across the blood brain barrier (BBB). CD14+ CD16+ monocytes are a mature subpopulation that is increased in number in the peripheral blood of HIV-infected people. Mature monocytes can be productively infected with HIV, and they transmigrate preferentially across the BBB in response to CCL2, a chemokine elevated in the CNS and CSF of HIV-infected people even with ART. Buprenorphine, an opioid derivate, is an opioid replacement therapy for heroin addiction. It is a partial agonist of μ-opioid receptor and full antagonist of κ-opioid receptor. The effects of buprenorphine on CCL2-mediated CD14+ CD16+ monocytes transmigration across the BBB, a critical mechanism that promotes neuroinflammation and HAND, have not been characterized. We showed for the first time that buprenorphine decreases several steps of CCL2-mediated human mature monocyte transmigration. We propose that buprenorphine treatment in the context of HIV infection could serve a dual purpose, to treat opioid addiction and also to reduce neuroinflammation. Additionally, buprenorphine may be used as a treatment for HAND not only in the context of opioid abuse.
Physics of Transition to Annular Flow in Microchannel Flow Boiling Process

Transition to annular flow regime in microchannels is arguably one of the most complex phenomena in the flow boiling process. The instability of the vapor-liquid interface in this interstitial regime presents an intricate situation in which the interface pattern rapidly changes with the mass flow rate and surface heat flux. Although a few past studies have reported observing this regime, thermohydraulics of the process and flow and boundary conditions under which this transition occurs have remained largely unknown. The main obstacle in deciphering the physics of this process has been the lack of measurement tools to characterize hydrodynamics and thermal characteristics of this flow regime. The present study benefits from a novel test device that enables measuring the liquid film thickness and velocity with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Our experimental results show that each flow regime has a unique thermal signature associated with the onset of the liquid film flow. This can be considered as the most fundamental mechanistic-based transition criterion.
Fully Inkjet-Printed Ramp Interconnects for Wireless Ka-Band MMIC Devices and Multi-Chip Module Packaging

This work outlines for the first time the development and demonstration of fully inkjet-printed mm-wave 3D ramp interconnects for Ka-band active wireless devices and MCM packaging solutions. Details of the inkjet printing processes are outlined to realize printed RF and DC interconnects for active MMIC dies. Printed ramp interconnects are demonstrated first with an attenuator die to evaluate the multi-material fabrication process, yielding an interconnect insertion loss of approximately 0.45 dB/mm at 24.5 GHz. The process is then applied to a Ka-band LNA MMIC where ramp interconnects for the RF and DC are inkjet-printed, yielding a maximum aggregate gain of 24.2 dB and interconnect insertion loss of approximately 0.57 dB/mm. The fabrication processes and evaluative demonstrations presented in this work highlight the effectiveness of utilizing fully-additive inkjet printing technology for the realization of highly application-specific wireless MCM systems in a low-cost and efficient fashion up to the mm-wave frequency range.
Stellar tidal disruption by a massive binary black hole

The effects of formation of a binary black hole in a dense star cluster are found to have significant effects on the dynamics of the cluster. Tidal destruction of stars captured into bound orbits during the formation of the black hole binary provide a sizeable source of very high temperature thermal radiation as well as a source of radially outward moving clouds of gas. The efficiency of subsequently accreted matter onto the binary components as an energy source is investigated and suggestive evolutionary models of the dynamics of the binary system are presented. Lifetimes of the system are shown to be compatible with contemporary estimates. It is suggested that the high-density cluster core provides a suitable environment for the operation of a number of models for the core of active galactic nuclei.
Measuring for nonsynostotic head deformities in preterm infants during NICU management: A pilot study

Abstract Background Research has focused on the presence of nonsynostotic head deformities (NHD: plagiocephaly, dolichocephaly, brachycephaly) in preterm infants at discharge and within the first year after discharge. However, there is limited data on NHD in preterm neonates during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. Aim To acquire quantitative data on head shapes among preterm neonates during NICU hospital stay. Study design Investigators performed weekly head measurements on 68 premature infants starting within two weeks of birth or when medically stable until discharge. Infants recruited for the study were born at Outcome measures Cranial index (CI) and cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) were calculated from Ballert cranial caliper measurements during the infants stay (27 to 40 weeks postmenstrual age) in the NICU/Special Care Nursery (SCN) setting. Inter-rater retest reliability was determined for CI and CVAI. Results Throughout the measurement period, CI consistently demonstrated dolichocephaly (CI Conclusions Following the progression of CI and CVAI during the NICU stay using the cranial caliper method is reliable, and a substantial presence of NHD was reported.
On the reduction of general relativity to Newtonian gravitation

Abstract Intertheoretic reduction in physics aspires to be both to be explanatory and perfectly general: it endeavors to explain why an older, simpler theory continues to be as successful as it is in terms of a newer, more sophisticated theory, and it aims to relate or otherwise account for as many features of the two theories as possible. Despite often being introduced as straightforward cases of intertheoretic reduction, candidate accounts of the reduction of general relativity to Newtonian gravitation have either been insufficiently general or rigorous, or have not clearly been able to explain the empirical success of Newtonian gravitation. Building on work by Ehlers and others, I propose a different account of the reduction relation that is perfectly general and meets the explanatory demand one would make of it. In doing so, I highlight the role that a topology on the collection of all spacetimes plays in defining the relation, and how the selection of the topology corresponds with broader or narrower classes of observables that one demands be well-approximated in the limit.
Improving CNS Delivery to Brain Metastases by Blood–Tumor Barrier Disruption

Brain metastases encompass nearly 80% of all intracranial tumors. A late stage diagnosis confers a poor prognosis, with patients typically surviving less than 2 years. Poor survival can be equated to limited effective treatment modalities. One reason for the failure rates is the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–tumor barrier (BTB) that limit the access of potentially effective chemotherapeutics to metastatic lesions. Strategies to overcome these barriers include new small molecule entities capable of crossing into the brain parenchyma, novel formulations of existing chemotherapies, and disruptive techniques. Here, we review BBB physiology and BTB pathophysiology. Additionally, we review the limitations of routinely practiced therapies and three current methods being explored for BBB/BTB disruption for improved delivery of chemotherapy to brain tumors.
Effects of Cationic Polyacrylamide and Cationic Starch on Aquatic Life.

AbstractGeotextile tubes with polyacrylamide flocculants are widely used in dewatering applications. Due to variations in solid concentrations during dredging, excess flocculant is sometimes releas...
Economic interdependence and economic sanctions: a case study of European Union sanctions on Russia

Economic sanctions impose costs on sender as well as target states, and those costs increase with the degree of interdependence between the states in question. We test the hypothesis that EU member...
Validation of an ultrasound transducer's generation and receiving function on one single-mode fiber

Abstract This paper presents the design, fabrication and testing of a single-mode fiber optic ultrasound transducer. This transducer can work as an ultrasound generator and a receiver, based on principles of photoacoustic (PA) effect and Fabry–Perot (FP) interference. PA effect is a process in which ultrasound waves are generated from optical energy by a PA material, and an FP structure is used for ultrasound receiving. The transducer was manufactured by coating a material called gold nanocomposite directly onto a single-mode optical fiber tip. The gold nanocomposite acted as the PA material and formed the FP structure as well. The transducer had the same size as the single-mode fiber, whose diameter was only 125 μm. It demonstrated its ability to generate ultrasound signals with a bandwidth of 5.6 MHz at an efficiency of 3.2 × 10−5 and function as an ultrasound receiver with a sensitivity of 2.81 mV/MPa. The generator and receiver built together can currently only work separately. This new transducer has substantial potential to work in restricted space and harsh environments for non-destructive testing.
Universality of vortex ring decay in the left ventricle.

Abstract We present clinical measurements and a theoretical model for the decay of the left ventricular (LV) vortex ring. Previous works have postulated that the formation of the vortex ring downstream of the mitral annulus is affected by LV diastolic impairment. However, no previous works have considered how the strength of the vortex ring will decay inside the ventricle after its formation. Although the vortex ring formation relates to the very initial stage of the filling, the decay process is governed by a large portion of the diastolic time and will be affected by the interaction of the ventricle walls and the vortex ring. Here we used in-vivo measurements and presented a mechanistic model to calculate the evolution of the vortex ring strength and predict the rate of vortex ring decay within the left ventricle. The results demonstrated the actual circulation decay rate was universal, remaining nearly unchanged across all subjects of varying LV geometry or diastolic function. Furthermore, using the model-predicted circulation decay rate, differentiation between normal and abnormal filling was observed.
University-wide Adoption of Data Science

Data Science is an essential concept for twenty-first century workforce and as a result the need to help all students acquire such skill has recently gained increased attention. However, most smaller schools are currently facing challenges to provide related knowledge and skill to a broad student population. During Spring of 2019, we organized a faculty workshop on "Data Science Pedagogy and Practice" aimed at building and enhancing data science capacity (teaching, research, partnership, collaboration) at our institution. We gathered faculty input on what would be needed for a successful university-wide initiative to incorporate data analytics concepts as a basic component of training across variety of disciplines including science, business and social sciences. We were able to identify certain challenges and opportunities to accommodate deeper coverage of data science in the undergraduate teaching and research, and as a result, we initiated few efforts such as 1) teaching through faculty partnership, 2) module-based integration into existing courses rather than developing new courses, 3) development of reusable course modules and augment that with contextual hand-on projects so that students could appreciate the use of data science in their own career path, 4) facilitation of course preparation and implementation via a small faculty adopter grant, and 5) development of a graduate certificate program in data analytics. In this poster, we report our experience in organizing and implementing the workshop, the key aspects of the university-wide data science efforts initiated as a result of the workshop, and the lessons learned so far from these initiatives.