cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New biaxial flexure test device for ultrathin single crystal wafers

The demand for germanium (Ge) wafers is rapidly increasing due to the importance of multijunction concentrator solar cells. Because Ge is expensive, the Ge wafers tend to be thin so as to maximize the number of wafers from a given crystal boule. However, their consequent susceptibility to microcracking and fracture during processing reduces the yield and drives up the cost. Wafer manufacturers therefore desire a simple and improved wafer strength testing. In this research, an innovative and inexpensive biaxial flexure testing device was developed. The device provides for a uniform application of very small loads and continuous load-deflection measurements on full wafers. Experimental data closely matched predicted values. Compared with a traditional three-point bend test, this method yielded an average flexure strength value of 120 MPa (closer to the predicted values) vs 146–152 MPa from the three-point method. This result, as well as the fine fracture pattern, suggests that a much larger wafer area is being subjected to uniform loading compared with three-point bend tests.
Local Gatekeeping Practices and Residential Segregation

This article links the statistical data on residential segregation with the informal practices of individuals. Local gatekeeping practices contribute to the perpetuation of segregation and further explain the patterns of macro-level analyses. This research focuses on the community of Greenpoint, a predominantly white, working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn. The study describes the strategies used by residents of Greenpoint to accomplish residential segregation and to maintain a predominantly white non-Hispanic neighborhood. The process of informal housing networking is supported by the arrangements of local institutions.
Management Education: A Key Element For The Development Of Private Enterprises In Latin America. The Case Of Ecuador

The purpose of this article was to determine the availability of management education in Ecuador and the usage of it by the management of private enterprises in the country. Management’s importance in the economy of a nation is paramount because it is responsible for the success or failure of businesses, which are the foundation stones of the free enterprise system. In turn, one of the most essential prerequisites to effective management is management education because it increases the knowledge, skills, and productivity of managers. The benefits of a better management education are improved ability to identify viable business opportunities; less resources waste on ill-conceived ventures; enhanced competitive edge internationally; improved job satisfaction and retention of personnel; and improved effectiveness in the turbulent external environment. It was concluded that in the educational sector Ecuadorian private enterprises are not currently in a position to contribute toward economic development because their managers do not have the necessary and commensurate managerial education
Alkalic Rocks and Carbonatites

Alkalic rocks and carbonatites are among the rarest igneous rock-types. They tend to occur in stable platform areas and in Precambrian shields, rather than in orogenic belts. Barker (1969) estimated that in North America, alkalic rocks occupy a total surface area of only about 1500 square miles, and Heinrich (1966) concluded that the worldwide areal exposure of carbonatites is only about 200 square miles. Yet Daly (1933) wrote that as many as one-half of the names that have been given to igneous rocks refer to alkalic types. The literature of igneous petrology also reflects the interest which these rocks have held: one complete volume on alkalic rocks (Sorensen, 1972) and two volumes on carbonatites (Heinrich, 1966; Tuttle and Gittins, 1966) are available, and journal articles are numerous. Hamilton (1968) and Powell and Bell (1972) have reviewed the application of strontium isotope studies to the origin of alkalic rocks.
Responses of adults who stutter to the anticipation of stuttering

Purpose Many people who stutter experience the phenomenon of anticipation—the sense that stuttering will occur before it is physically and overtly realized. A systematic investigation of how people who stutter respond to anticipation has not been previously reported. The purposes of this study were to provide self-report evidence of what people do in response to anticipation of stuttering and to determine the extent to which this anticipation occurs.
Interfering with the IFN-γ/CXCL10 pathway to develop new targeted treatments for vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a common, disfiguring autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of epidermal melanocytes. It presents with patchy depigmentation of skin, which significantly affects patients’ self-esteem and quality of life. The mainstay of vitiligo treatment is topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and/or narrow band UVB (nbUVB) phototherapy ( 1 ). These treatments utilize a non-targeted approach with moderate efficacy, but are used off-label, as they are not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for use in vitiligo. Currently, the only FDA-approved treatment for the disease is monobenzone cream (Benoquin ® ), which is actually used to permanently depigment, rather than repigment, the skin. This treatment results in an even skin tone, and can be appropriate for patients with extensive disease ( 2 , 3 ). However, it is one of a limited number of treatments used in medicine to intentionally make disease worse, and treatments focused on reversing vitiligo, with better efficacy, are greatly needed.
Pensamiento crítico y precisión de los diagnósticos de enfermería. II Parte: aplicación de habilidades cognitivas y guia para el autodesarrollo

En la I Parte del articulo, el autor explico las dificultades para alcanzar la precision de los diagnosticos de enfermeria, la relevancia del pensamiento critico en el logro de esa precision y las nuevas perspectivas de ese pensamiento. En la II Parte las dimensiones del pensamiento critico, consideradas como importantes para la practica de enfermeria, son aplicadas en el estudio de caso de una joven de 16 anos con Diabetes de tipo 1. La aplicacion de las siete habilidades cognitivas y de las diez formas de pensar, ilustra la importancia del uso del pensamiento critico para la precision de los diagnosticos de enfermeria. Se proponen diez estrategias para el auto-desarrollo de habilidades volcadas al pensamiento critico.
Effects of hydrotreated vegetable oil on emissions of aerosols and gases from light-duty and medium-duty older technology engines

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to assess the potential of hydrotreated vegetable oil renewable diesel (HVORD) as a control strategy to reduce exposure of workers to diesel aerosols and gases. The effects of HVORD on criteria aerosol and gaseous emissions were compared with those of ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD). The results of comprehensive testing at four steady-state conditions and one transient cycle were used to characterize the aerosol and gaseous emissions from two older technology engines: (1) a naturally aspirated mechanically controlled and (2) a turbocharged electronically controlled engine. Both engines were equipped with diesel oxidation catalytic converters (DOCs). For all test conditions, both engines emitted measurably lower total mass concentrations of diesel aerosols, total carbon, and elemental carbon when HVORD was used in place of ULSD. For all test conditions, the reductions in total mass concentrations were more substantial for the naturally aspirated than for the turbocharged engi...
It's Not So Bad to Have Limits, as Long as You Know Them: Economic Theory in Light of the Aristotelian Tradition

Economists overlook an ally in the Aristotelian tradition, since both economics and Aristotle begin their analysis with human choice. Economics can learn much about its limits from the Aristotelian tradition, which describes aspects of choice behavior which cannot be precisely modeled. This article argues through three propositions that economists cannot understand the limits of their modeling approach for normative work unless they engage with more comprehensive accounts of human decision making, like the account offered in the Aristotelian tradition.
Process and Outcome Measures among COPD Patients with a Hospitalization Cared for by an Advance Practice Provider or Primary Care Physician.

Objectives To examine the process and outcomes of care of COPD patients by Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and primary care physicians. Methods We conducted a cross sectional retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries with COPD who had at least one hospitalization in 2010. We examined the process measures of receipt of spirometry evaluation, influenza and pneumococcal vaccine, use of COPD medications, and referral to a pulmonary specialist visit. Outcome measures were emergency department (ER) visit, number of hospitalizations and 30-day readmission in 2010. Results A total of 7,257 Medicare beneficiaries with COPD were included. Of these, 1,999 and 5,258 received primary care from APPs and primary care physicians, respectively. Patients in the APP group were more likely to be white, younger, male, residing in non-metropolitan areas and have fewer comorbidities. In terms of process of care measures, APPs were more likely to prescribe short acting bronchodilators (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.18, 95%Confidence Interval [CI] 1.05–1.32), oxygen therapy (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.12–1.40) and consult a pulmonary specialist (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.23–1.56), but less likely to give influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. Patients receiving care from APPs had lower rates of ER visits for COPD (aOR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.71–0.98) and had a higher follow-up rate with pulmonary specialist within 30 days of hospitalization for COPD (aOR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.07–1.48) than those cared for by physicians. Conclusions Compared to patients cared for by physicians, patients cared for by APPs were more likely to receive short acting bronchodilator, oxygen therapy and been referred to pulmonologist, however they had lower rates of vaccination probably due to lower age group. Patients cared for by APPs were less like to visit an ER for COPD compared to patients care for by physicians, conversely there was no differences in hospitalization or readmission for COPD between MDs and APPs.
Online Learning at the K-12 Level: An Examination of Teacher Technology Use by Subject Area and Grade Level

Technology integration has had a profound effect on K-12 education with research yielding positive results in student learning. Most research to date has been conducted in face-to-face settings. With the growth of online K-12 learning, an opportunity exists to examine technology use in the "new" K-12 classroom. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential relationships between specific technology and subject area and grade level and why online K-12 teachers use technology in their online classrooms. Results suggest that in an online K-12 learning environment, relationships may exist between what technology is used and the subject area and/or grade level it is used in.
Diffraction Amplitude Analysis For Detecting Diffractor Width

The possibility of estimating diffractor width by analyzing interfering diffraction amplitudes from end edges is examined. Although a model may be simple, it might stimulate or highlight the diffraction character of some geological features, such as small fractures, whose characterization has become an important problem in unconventional reservoirs. Results from 2D finitedifference modeling, show that analyzing interfering amplitudes on a “common distance gather” can be used in an estimation of diffractor width.
1999 JCAHO Accreditation Survey Experience in Western Washington Hospitals

Abstract Hospital librarians are acutely aware of the accreditation survey process as it unfolds in their institutions. This project was an attempt to study the 1999 accreditation survey experience of Washington hospital libraries in a systematic way, to establish benchmarks for the time spent in preparation, to identify activities undertaken to fulfill accreditation requirements, and to describe the librarian's participation during the JCAHO site visit “survey week.” Identifying the differences between libraries in hospitals and health care systems was a special focus.
Hybrid cementitious materials: Nanoscale modeling and characterization

Abstract As the glue to bind the aggregates, sand, and other phases, cement is the major source of the remarkable mechanical properties in concrete and all cement-based materials. Although it has been used for thousands of years, its exact molecular structure was revealed only very recently (Pellenq et al., 2009; Abdolhosseini Qomi et al., 2014). Understanding and controlling the properties of cementitious materials have encouraged many researchers to further enhance its characteristics by incorporation of other materials into cement paste, so-called hybrid cementitious materials. Such a hybrid cement composite is expected to benefit from the best aspects of its parent materials (i.e., the conventional cement and the incorporated foreign material, which together lead to a cementitious composite with superior characteristics including high ductility, high strength, and high thermal conductivity). These types of hybrid cementitious materials have a wide range of infrastructure applications, including conventional construction materials, well-cementing for extreme high-temperature and high- pressure environments, concrete for nuclear power plants, and landing areas for emerging army jets. This chapter reviews hybrid cementitious materials in four sections. In Section 5.1, an introduction of the cement structure and different strategies to improve its mechanical properties are presented. Past research on replicating success of natural materials in combining hard and soft materials to form composites with superb properties is reviewed. Section 5.2 provides an overview of hybrid cementitious composites with polymers incorporated in the cement structure. Previous attempts to model and synthesize the composites as well as reported material property enhancements are presented. Section 5.3 contains a review of utilization of low-dimensional multifunctional materials such as graphene sheets, nanotubes, nanoparticles, and so on in the cement paste. Finally, Section 5.4 summarizes the discussions on hybrid cementitious materials and closes with future perspectives.
Initial assessment of artifact filtering for RSVP Keyboard

RSVP Keyboard™ is an electroencephalography (EEG)-based spelling interface that uses evoked response potential classification with the help of language models. As in any brain computer interface, severe physiological and environmental signal artifacts that affect signal quality in EEG are a detriment to performance. To alleviate the negative effects of such artifacts on RSVP Keyboard™, we implemented a filter that is based on an existing methodology from the literature. Using statistical modeling of pre-recorded EEG that includes three types of artifacts intentionally generated by operators, we perform Monte Carlo simulations of copy-phrase tasks and analyze the effect of artifact filtering on estimated typing performance. The presented results demonstrate an evidence against the usability of the tested method for online artifact reduction applications.
Exploring Oxidative Reactions in Hemoglobin Variants Using Mass Spectrometry: Lessons for Engineering Oxidatively Stable Oxygen Therapeutics

Abstract Significance: Worldwide demand has driven the development of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) as potential acellular oxygen therapeutics. HBOCs have the potential to provide an oxygen bridge to patients and minimize current problems associated with supply and storage of donated blood. However, to date, safety and efficacy issues have hampered the approval of viable HBOCs in the United States. These previous efforts have underscored the need for a better molecular understanding of toxicity to design safe and oxidatively stable HBOCs. Recent Advances: High-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) mass spectrometry (MS) has recently become a versatile tool in characterizing oxidative post-translational modifications that occur in Hb. When integrated with other analytical techniques, HRAM data have been invaluable in providing mechanistic insight into the extent of oxidative modification by quantifying oxidation in amino acids near the reactive heme or at specific “oxidative hotspots.” Critical I...
Deep Transcriptomic Profiling of M1 Macrophages Lacking Trpc3

In previous studies using mice with macrophage-specific loss of TRPC3 we found a significant, selective effect of TRPC3 on the biology of M1, or inflammatory macrophages. Whereas activation of some components of the unfolded protein response and the pro-apoptotic mediators CamkII and Stat1 was impaired in Trpc3-deficient M1 cells, gathering insight about other molecular signatures within macrophages that might be affected by Trpc3 expression requires an alternative approach. In the present study we conducted RNA-seq analysis to interrogate the transcriptome of M1 macrophages derived from mice with macrophage-specific loss of TRPC3 and their littermate controls. We identified 160 significantly differentially expressed genes between the two groups, of which 62 were upregulated and 98 downregulated in control vs. Trpc3-deficient M1 macrophages. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment in processes associated to cellular movement and lipid signaling, whereas the enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways included networks for calcium signaling and cell adhesion molecules, among others. This is the first deep transcriptomic analysis of macrophages in the context of Trpc3 deficiency and the data presented constitutes a unique resource to further explore functions of TRPC3 in macrophage biology.
Impacts of White-Nose Syndrome Observed During Long-Term Monitoring of a Midwestern Bat Community

Abstract White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging fungal disease suspected to have infected Indiana caves in the winter of 2010–2011. This disease places energetic strains on cave-hibernating bats by forcing them to wake and use energy reserves. It has caused >5.5 million bat deaths across eastern North America, and may be the driving force for extinction of certain bat species. White-nose syndrome infection can be identified in hibernacula, but it may be difficult to determine whether bats in a particular area are affected if no known hibernacula exist. Thus, our aim was to use long-term monitoring data to examine changes in a summer population away from hibernacula that may be attributable to WNS effects during winter. We used capture data from a long-term bat-monitoring project in central Indiana with data from 10 repeatedly netted sites consistent across all reproductive periods. We modeled capture data by WNS exposure probability to assess changes in relative abundance of common species and reproduct...
“Trying to Act like Racism Is Not There”: Women of Color at a Predominantly White Women’s College Challenging Dominant Ideologies by Exposing Racial Microaggressions

A qualitative case study with 18 Women of Color at a predominantly White women’s college yielded counter-narratives about racial microaggressions that challenged dominant ideologies of colorblindness, meritocracy, and equal opportunity in education. Their experiences with racial microaggressions also contrast with majoritarian narratives (i.e., oppressive narratives constructed and “normalized” by individuals with power) found in the higher education literature and college marketing materials that suggest women’s colleges are welcoming and empowering spaces for all students.
The Índice Flesch-Szigriszt and Spanish Lexile Analyzer to evaluate Spanish patient education materials in otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Evaluate the reading difficulty of Spanish patient education materials using the validated Indice Flesch-Szigriszt (INFLESZ) and Spanish Lexile Analyzer, and to identify relationships between English and Spanish readability formulas. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis. METHODS All otolaryngology-related patient education articles written in Spanish from the health libraries of the top 10 US News & World Report-ranked hospitals, top 10 Doximity-ranked otolaryngology residencies, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery website, and the US National Library of Medicine online section on ears, nose and throat were collected. Reading difficulty was assessed using the INFLESZ and Spanish Lexile Analyzer. Additional readability assessments included the traditional English tools: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook score. RESULTS A total of 497 articles were reviewed. The average INFLESZ score for all articles was 57.75, which is considered normal and requires the reading ability of a student who finished Escuela Secundaria Obligatoria or 10th grade equivalent in the United States. The average Spanish Lexile measure for all articles was 1062L, equivalent to a reading level between the 6th and 12th grade. English readability tools calculated a more difficult reading level compared to Spanish tools when performed on the same text. CONCLUSIONS Current Spanish patient education materials in otolaryngology may be too difficult for the average Spanish-speaking reader to understand. Future improvements may be warranted to improve the readability of educational materials and increase health literacy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E21-E26, 2018.
A Comparison of Common Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Paleoproteomics

The last two decades have seen a broad diversity of methods used to identify and/or characterize proteins in the archeological and paleontological record. Of these, mass spectrometry has opened an unprecedented window into the proteomes of the past, providing protein sequence data from long extinct animals as well as historical and prehistorical artifacts. Thus, application of mass spectrometry to fossil remains has become an attractive source for ancient molecular sequences with which to conduct evolutionary studies, particularly in specimens older than the proposed limit of amplifiable DNA detection. However, “mass spectrometry” covers a range of mass-based proteomic approaches, each of which utilize different technology and physical principles to generate unique types of data, with their own strengths and challenges. Here, we discuss a variety of mass spectrometry techniques that have or may be used to detect and characterize archeological and paleontological proteins, with a particular focus on MALDI-...
A Multi-Period Tradable Credit Scheme Incorporating Interest Rate and Traveler Value-of-Time Heterogeneity to Manage Traffic System Emissions

This study focuses on a tradable credit scheme (TCS)-based multi-period equilibrium modeling framework to address the planning problem of a central authority which seeks to minimize the vehicular emissions in a traffic network over a planning horizon (PH). In this context, the multi-period TCS (MPTCS) equilibrium conditions consist of traffic and market equilibrium conditions. To develop an effective TCS design in practice, this study factors the heterogeneity in travelers' value of time (VOT) to enable realism in capturing the traffic equilibrium conditions, and the interest rate to reflect market realism. The VOT is an important factor in the route choice process as travelers tradeoff the credit consumption and travel time costs of each route. Further, travelers decide between selling or transferring unused credits across periods based on the dynamic interest rates over the PH as they can accrue interest by selling credits in the market. The study investigates the existence and uniqueness of multi-period equilibrium credit prices, aggregate link flows and travel demand rates. Then, the equilibrium credit prices under the MPTCS are analyzed and it is demonstrated that while credit price volatility increases with increasing interest rates, it can be dampened by the ability of travelers to transfer credits under the MPTCS. Finally, a system optimal (SO) MPTCS is designed to determine the TCS parameters (credit allocation and charging schemes) that minimize vehicular emissions in a traffic network over the PH. The study insights suggest that the SO design of MPTCS provides a capability to manage network vehicular emissions over the PH. Further, they suggest that if VOT is not factored, the TCS would be socially inequitable, and ignoring interest rates creates inefficiencies in achieving desired emissions levels.
Protein Kinase C Family

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of enzymes that has a central role in transducing information from external stimuli to cellular responses. Members of this family of serine/threonine kinases respond to signals that cause lipid hydrolysis. PKC isozymes phosphorylate an abundance of substrates, leading to both short-term cellular responses such as regulation of membrane transport and long-term responses such as memory and learning.
Maintaining the efficiency of open production systems at scale: a case study of wikipedia

This dissertation represents an exploration of the function and failures of critical subsystems in open production communities with Wikipedia as a case study. Specifically, I explore the nature of rejection via Wikipedia's informal, post-hoc quality control system and identify a consistent ownership bias that undermines Wikipedia's ethos of openness. I also quantify an inherent trade-off between the speed and efficiency of quality control in Wikipedia and the motivation of rejected contributors -- especially new editors. I then proceed to show how Wikipedia's shifting focus on quality control and formal process has led to a dramatic decline in the rate of retention of desirable new editors that threatens the long-term viability of the project. In light of these results, I present studies of two experimental software systems intended to explore potential solutions to this steady decrease in participation. First I draw on social learning theory to evaluate the effectiveness of a new mode of peripheral participation through reader-submitted feedback. I experimentally demonstrate effective strategies for increasing the rate of contributions without decreasing quality and argue for efficient moderation support in order to make quality control worth volunteer time spent away from editing the encyclopedia. Next, I describe the design and three month field study of a new intelligent software system intended to both efficiently support socialization practices in Wikipedia and bring visibility to the systemic problems that lead to declining newcomer retention. I show evidence that the system works in both regards: critical newcomer socialization activities are made dramatically more efficient and users of the system reflect openly on the breakdowns in Wikipedia's quality control processes. This work has already had impact within the Wikipedia community and in directing the strategy employed by the Wikimedia Foundation in designing and evaluating new software for Wikipedia editors.
Tagged Particle Distributions or How to Choose a Head at Random

Thorisson and others have proved results that imply the following: given an i.i.d. family of Bernoulli random variables indexed byZ d there exists an occupied siteX ∈Z d with the property that relative to its location, the other variables are still i.i.d. We raise the question of how large such anXmust be. Ford =1, we prove that anyXwith this property satisfies E | X |½= ∞. Moreover, there does exist such anXwith tails P(|X| 1 ≥ n) of orderCn -½so these results are essentially best possible. Analogous results for the Poisson process in one dimension are given. The corresponding problem for stationary ergodic sequences is considered also. This project was motivated by some tagged particle problems.
Analytic Methods and the Ethics of Policy

Policy judgments are easier to come by the farther we are from our goals. If there are only two directions and we know which is forward, and there are limits to how fast we can go, no fine discrimination is needed. If aid to the poor is far too little, highway traffic far too fast, building codes far too lax, teachers’ salaries far too low, or the rights of defendants far too little observed, we know what we need to know to get moving. We can worry about how much is enough when we get close, if we ever do. Meanwhile we can push on.
Structures of the Ligand-Binding Domain of Helicobacter pylori Chemoreceptor TlpA.

Bacteria use chemoreceptor proteins to sense and navigate their chemical environments. The most common class of chemoreceptors are transmembrane proteins that sense chemical cues through binding of a small-molecule ligand to a periplasmic domain, which modulates the receptor's ability to stimulate reversal of the cell's flagella motors. The prevalent gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori uses such membrane-bound chemoreceptors, called transducer-like proteins (Tlp), to colonize and persist within the stomach. TlpA has been implicated in sensing arginine, bicarbonate, and acid, but no experimentally determined protein structures of TlpA were available to better understand ligand binding and signal transduction. Here, we report three crystal structures of the periplasmic portion of TlpA, which contains tandem PAS/Cache domains, similar to a recently published structure of the lactate-sensing chemoreceptor TlpC from H. pylori. These structures are the first to show a tandem PAS/Cache-form chemoreceptor in its native homo dimer oligomer, and we identify residues that are key contributers to the dimer interface. We performed sequence analyses to identify TlpA and TlpC homologs and used residue conservation among these homologs to implicate regions important for the general tandem PAS/Cache fold, and residues specific to TlpA function. Comparisons with TlpC show that despite high similarity across the general structure, TlpA lacks the residues required to bind lactate, and instead contains a pocket almost entirely hydrophobic in nature.
Developing Models for Matching of Short-term and Long-term Data Collection Sites to Improve the Estimation of Average Annual Daily Bicyclists

The average annual daily bicyclist volume (AADB) is a measure being used in non-motorized transportation studies such as exposure modeling. This metric can be estimated by averaging the daily bicyclist's volume measured throughout the year with a long-term automated counter. As continuous data for a whole year at many sites may not be available, a common practice is to collect short-term count data for a sample of locations and then apply an extrapolation method to convert short-term count data to yearly count data. To perform extrapolation, each short-term counter must be matched to one or more long-term counters with similar demand patterns. The matching procedure can significantly impact the accuracy of AADB estimation. This study proposes a matching approach based on a cluster analysis approach, Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM), and a supervised learning approach, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). It was found that the proposed approach using a combination of certain variables such as land use and a traffic distribution index resulted in low AADB estimation error rates, which enhanced existing approaches.
Ice is strong enough for a man but made for a woman

This paper is concerned with the cultural and gendered context of crystal methamphetamine use among Asian Pacific Americans, and draws on recent sociological discussions on masculinities and feminities. The data are based on an ethnographic study of moderate to heavy “ice” users, and compares the experiences of Asian Pacific American women and men in their initiation to use, their motivations to continue using, and the changing nature of their relationship to the drug and significant others. The paper concludes with a gender comparison of the violence associated with crystal methamphetamine use.
An Examination of Medically Necessary Diets within the Framework of the Thrifty Food Plan

The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) determines the maximum allotment of nutrition assistance for over forty million Americans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This research recalculates the official TFP allocations using a more straightforward model that minimizes cost subject to nutrient constraints to establish a baseline for adult females and males. We then examine three additional diet plans to evaluate their feasibility under the current SNAP benefit allotment: a diet for lactose intolerance, for persons with type 2 diabetes, and a diet for pregnant women. The first model calculates a diet plan that contains no fluid milk, taking into account that 1 in 4 Americans is lactose intolerant. The second model calculates a diet plan that is lower in carbohydrates (grains and fruits comprise less than 45% of calories), reflecting a recommended diet for a person with type 2 diabetes, approximately 10% of the U.S. population. The third model includes the Institute of Medicine's recommended diet for pregnancy. In each case, total daily cost per individual and allocation across food groups were compared. Our Lactose Intolerance, Type 2 Diabetes, and Pregnancy model for 20-50 year old females all return minimum food costs above the TFP budget allocation. This research demonstrates how the TFP provides an unrealistic assessment of need among 20-50 year old females with relatively common dietary needs. Results indicate that equalizing the TFP budget allocations between men and women would better accommodate the heterogeneous needs of America's poorest individuals.
Health-related Google searches performed by parents of pediatric oncology patients.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the specific information parents of children with cancer search for online. Understanding the content of parents' searches over time could offer insight into what matters most to parents and identify knowledge gaps that could inform more comprehensive approaches to family education and support. METHODS We describe parents' health-related Google searches starting six months before cancer diagnosis and extending through the date of study enrollment, which was at least one month after initiating cancer treatment. Searches were obtained retrospectively and grouped into health-related and non-health-related categories. The median time to parent enrollment from date of cancer diagnosis was 264 days. RESULTS Parents searched for health-related topics more frequently than the general population (13% vs 5%). Health-related searches increased in the months preceding the child's cancer diagnosis and most commonly pertained to symptoms and logistics, "directions to hospital." Health-related search volume peaked about a month after cancer diagnosis when general health-related searches were present in addition to cancer-specific searches. Eighteen percent of health-related searches were cancer specific, and of these cancer-specific searches, 54% pertained to support, for example "cancer quote for son." CONCLUSIONS Google search content offers insight into what matters to parents of cancer patients. Understanding search content could inform more comprehensive approaches to family education and support initiatives.
The Effect of the Primary Caretaker's Distress on the Sexually Abused Child: A Comparison of Biological and Foster Parents

Secondary trauma experienced by sexually abused children has only recently been explored in the literature. The scant findings suggest that out-of-home placement, the family's reaction to disclosure, and the emotional functioning of mothers may impact upon the emotional well-being of the sexually abused child. This study reports findings of data collected from 26 biological and 45 non-relative primary caretakers of molested children (n = 71). The data indicate significant differences between the two groups of caretakers with regard to maternal distress and support, and a strong relationship between the distress of the caretaker and symptomatology of the child. Significant predictors of child symptomatology and maternal support are reported, and recommendations for practice and policy applications are discussed.
Association of fecal sample collection technique and treatment history with Tritrichomonas foetus polymerase chain reaction test results in 1717 cats

Background Fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Tritrichomonas foetus is considered the most sensitive means for diagnosis of infection but results could be influenced by fecal collection technique and prior use of antimicrobial drugs. Objectives To establish any association between fecal collection technique or treatment history and results of fecal PCR testing for T. foetus. Animals Fecal samples from 1717 cats submitted by veterinarians between January 2012 and December 2017. Methods This study used a retrospective analysis. T. foetus PCR test results from 1808 fecal samples submitted for diagnostic testing were examined for their association with method of fecal collection and prior antimicrobial treatments. Data were collected from sample submission form. Results Positive T. foetus PCR test results were obtained for 274 (16%) cats. Fecal samples collected via fecal loop had increased probability of positive PCR test results (odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-3.17, P = .002) compared to samples collected by colonic flush. There was no association between PCR test results and treatment history, treatment type, or prior treatment with ronidazole. After an initial positive PCR test, 4/19 (21%; 95% CI 2.7%-39.4%) cats treated with ronidazole had a second positive test result. Conclusions and clinical importance Results of this study support that fecal samples collected by loop might be better for PCR diagnosis of T. foetus infection. Lack of association of ronidazole with PCR test results and a 21% all-potential-causes failure rate of ronidazole in cats with preconfirmed infection are important limitations to use of this drug.
Elixhauser Comorbidity Measure is Superior to Charlson Comorbidity Index In-Predicting Hospital Complications Following Elective Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion.

Objective The predictive ability of Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) have been compared in orthopedic and gastrointestinal surgery; however, their predictive ability for complications secondary to spine surgery and posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) specifically is understudied. This study examines the predictive ability of the ECI and CCI for complications and morbidity following PCDF. Methods ECI and CCI were retrospectively computed for all PCDF cases in the National Inpatient Sample database from 2013 to 2014 and complications or morbidity were identified. C-statistics were used to analyze ECI and CCI predictive ability in a range of complications and compared with a base comorbidity model that included age, sex, race, and primary payer. Results PCDF was performed in 46,700 hospitalizations between 2013 and 2014. The complications for which ECI was found to be a significantly better predictor included airway complications (69.16% superior to CCI), hemorrhagic anemia (79.04% superior), cardiac arrest (72.39% superior), pulmonary embolism (83.01% superior), sepsis (62.44% superior), septic shock (78.90% superior), urinary tract infection (63.53% superior), death (74.28% superior), any minor complication (75% superior), any major complication (133% superior), and any complication at all (63.72% superior). The complications for which neither the ECI Index nor the CCI proved superior were acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, wound dehiscence, and superficial surgical-site infection following PCDF. Conclusions ECI showed superior predictive ability to the CCI in predicting 8 of the 18 complications that were analyzed and inferior in none.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children: Unique Considerations and Challenges

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in prevalence in concert with the global epidemic of obesity and is being diagnosed at increasingly younger ages. The unique histologic features and early presentation of disease in pediatrics suggest that children and adults may differ with regard to etiopathogenesis, with children displaying a greater vulnerability to genetic and environmental factors. Of significant relevance to pediatrics, in utero and perinatal stressors may alter the lifelong health trajectory of a child, increasing the risk of NAFLD and other cardiometabolic diseases. The development and progression of disease in childhood is likely to carry increased risk of long-term morbidity. Novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents are needed to avoid the otherwise inevitable health and societal consequences of this rapidly expanding pediatric population.
Non-targeted Urinary Metabolomics in Pregnancy and Associations With Fetal Growth Restriction

Our objective was to identify metabolites associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) by examining early and late pregnancy differences in non-targeted urinary metabolites among FGR cases and non-FGR controls. An exploratory case-control study within LIFECODES birth cohort was performed. FGR cases (N = 30), defined as birthweight below the 10th percentile, were matched with controls (N = 30) based on maternal age, race, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and gestational age at delivery. Gas chromatography/electron-ionization mass spectrometry was performed on urine samples collected at 10 and 26 weeks of gestation. Differences in urinary metabolite levels in cases and controls at each time point and between the two time points were calculated and then changes compared across pregnancy. 137 unique urinary metabolites were annotated, and several identified that were higher in cases compared to controls. For example, urinary concentrations of benzoic acid were higher in cases compared to controls at both study visits (3.01-fold higher in cases at visit 1, p < 0.01; 3.10-fold higher in cases at visit 3, p = 0.05). However, these findings from our exploratory analysis were not robust to false-discovery-rate adjustment. In conclusion, using a high-resolution, non-targeted approach, we found specific urinary organic acids differed over pregnancy by FGR case status.
Landscape analysis for a community-designed intervention to enhance early childhood development in San Francisco

To determine the appropriate components for a community-based intervention for early childhood development, a broad series of stakeholder interviews was completed in a three-month period (January-March 2019) and a systematic review of their responses was performed. Additionally, 11 citywide assessment reports for child equity were reviewed and added to the information matrix. We performed this population-based assessment in San Francisco, a dense urban environment with roughly 43,000 children under the age of 5. The city has high rates of income inequity, with roughly half of the children considered to be living in low-income or poverty conditions. Interviews were conducted with 34 stakeholders representing various sectors, including community organizations, government, healthcare, and academia. Nine main concerns surrounding low-income families and children (LIFC) living in San Francisco were extracted from stakeholder interviews. The concerns were divided into subcategories based on a socioecological health model. City-funded, community-based, family resource centers were an identified space for performing an early childhood health intervention supporting LIFC. Furthermore, any proposed intervention to support LIFC must be implemented with a culturally tailored focus, as a one-size-fits-all, clinic-based model is not desired. Community-engaged and culturally specific activities are requested and required for effectively promoting early childhood development in an urban environment. In this article we propose that additional work towards implementing community-based interventions with support from the clinic are needed.
Experimental and computational study of operation of an amphibious craft in calm water

Abstract The hydrodynamic characteristics of a waterjet-propelled amphibious craft traveling in displacement and planing modes are studied via full-scale experiments and numerical simulations in three ways. First, variations of pitch, resistance, and vertical rise for speeds from 2 to 18 knots are investigated. As speed is incrementally increased, pitch and resistance increase geometrically before maximizing in the transition region. In this region, the computations underpredict pitch, yet resistance matches the steady-state thrust measurements well. Second, maneuverability in displacement mode at 4 knots is investigated with a zigzag maneuver. Time variations of heading, pitch, yaw rate, roll, and roll rate predicted by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the zigzag maneuver are in good agreement with the experimental results. Third, the dynamic transition from displacement to planing mode is investigated by abruptly increasing the thrust beyond the craft's peak resistance. Beyond the resistance maximum, the vehicle experiences a sharp increase in speed and drop in pitch angle. Experiment and simulation conclude similarly with an abrupt cut to propulsion, resulting in a quick deceleration, which is overcome by its own wake. Simulated kinematics of the deceleration are remarkably accurate, suggesting valid computations of the transient drag, wake generation, and vehicle response to waves.
An Autonomous Parking System of Optimally Integrating Bidirectional Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees* and Parking-Oriented Model Predictive Control

Autonomous parking techniques can be used to tackle the lacking problem of parking spaces. In this paper, a sampling-based motion planner consisting of optimizing bidirectional rapidly-exploring random trees* (Bi-RRT*) and parking-oriented model predictive control (MPC) is proposed to properly deal with various parking scenarios. The optimal Bi-RRT* approach aims to improve the common defects of traditional sampling-based motion planners, such as uncertainties of path quality and consistency, and exploring inefficiency in narrow spaces. For this reason, the proposed motion planner is able to overcome strict environments with obstacles and narrow spaces. The parking-oriented MPC is then designed for steering and speed controls simultaneously for accurately and smoothly tracking parking paths. Furthermore, the proposed controller is dedicated to work under the practical scenarios, such as vehicle considerations, real-time control, and signal delay. To verify the effects of the proposed autonomous parking system, extensive simulations and experiments are conducted in common and strict parking scenarios, such as perpendicular parking, parallel parking. The simulation results not only verify the effects of each technical element, but also show the capability to deal with the various parking scenarios. Furthermore, various on-car experiments sufficiently demonstrate that the proposed system can be actually implemented in everyday life.