cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explosive versus Thermite Behavior in Iron(0) Aerogels Infiltrated with Perchlorates

Monolithic nanoporous iron was prepared via carbothermal reduction of interpenetrating networks of polybenzoxazine and iron oxide nanoparticles. Excess carbon was burned off at 600 °C in air, and oxides produced from partial oxidation of the Fe(0) network were reduced back to Fe(0) with H2 at different temperatures (temp) ranging from 300 to 1300 °C. Samples were carbon-free, for temp > 400 °C also oxide-free, and are referred to according to the final H2-reduction temperature as Fe-temp. Fe-temp monoliths were infiltrated with perchlorates, dried exhaustively and were ignited with a flame in open air. Most experimentation was conducted with LiClO4. Depending on temp, monoliths fizzled out (≤400 °C), exploded violently (500–900 °C) or behaved as thermites (≥950 °C). Samples sealed in evacuated tubes did not explode, while if sealed under N2 the explosive effect was intensified. Thus, explosive behavior was attributed to rapid heating and expansion of gas filling nanoporous space. However, although that co...
Eliciting and Aggregating Forecasts When Information is Shared

Using the wisdom of crowds -- combining many individual forecasts to obtain an aggregate estimate -- can be an effective technique for improving forecast accuracy. However, correlated forecast errors greatly limit the ability of the wisdom of crowds to recover the truth. In practice, this dependence often emerges because information is shared. To address this problem, we propose an elicitation procedure in which each respondent is asked to provide both their own best forecast and a guess of the average forecast that will be given by all other respondents. We develop an aggregation method, called pivoting, which separates individual forecasts into shared and private information and then recombines these results in the optimal manner. In several studies, we investigate the method and examine the accuracy of the aggregate forecasts. Overall, the empirical data suggest that the pivoting method provides an effective forecast aggregation procedure that can significantly outperform the simple crowd average.
Utterance classification in speech-to-speech translation for zero-resource languages in the hospital administration domain

Although substantial progress has been achieved in speech-to-speech translation systems over the last few years, such systems still require that the speech be written in some appropriate orthography. As speech may differ greatly from the standardized written form of a language, it can be non-trivial to collect written data when there is no standard way for it to be represented. This project addresses the problem from the other end and expects that speech alone is available in the target language, and that no (standard or non-standard) orthography exists. It, therefore, treats the acoustic representation of the language as primary and uses language-independent methods to produce a phonetically-related symbolic representation that is then used in the translation system. Thus, the speech translation system is created for the target language as defined by the recording of that language rather than some body of orthographic transcripts. In this work, we are creating an application called APT (Acoustic Patient Translator), which uses a novel scheme of speech recognition and translation within a targeted domain. By working with a set of predefined sentences appropriately chosen to fit a scenario, we use utterance classification as a speech recognition algorithm. The utterance classification is achieved using cross-lingual, language-independent phonetic labeling. Since we are working with a set of select phrases, the translation part is trivial. We are concentrating on communication with hospital staff, such as scheduling a doctor's appointment, as our domain. In addition to English, we also run experiments on Tamil.
Confer: A Conference Recommendation and Meetup Tool

One of the primary goals of academic conferences is to promote scientific exchange of advances among people who may otherwise not have the opportunity to hear from one another. We present Confer, a tool designed to help conference attendees find interesting papers and talks, dis-cover and meet people with shared interests, and manage their time using a personalized schedule for the conference. So far, we have deployed Confer to 17 academic confer-ences including several years of CHI and CSCW. Confer is also the primary program tool for CSCW 2016. Log analysis and survey results have shown that the tool helps confer-ence attendees find interesting papers and manage their schedule. Furthermore the recommendation data gener-ated from the tool has been used by conference organizers to help plan conference schedules as well as to organize social gatherings. Finally, the meetup feature seeks to help conference attendees reach out to other attendees with similar interests.
Longitudinal Effects of Sexual Assault Victims’ Drinking and Self-Blame on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Alcohol plays a major role in sexual assaults, but few studies have examined its impact on recovery outcomes, particularly in longitudinal studies. In a longitudinal study of 1,013 adult sexual assault survivors, we investigated the effects of victim drinking on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the mediating role of characterological and behavioral self-blame attributions. In line with some prior research, victims who were drinking before their assault experienced less PTSD, but more self-blame than those who were not. Characterological, but not behavioral self-blame was related to increased PTSD symptoms. Thus, although drinking was overall related to less PTSD, it was also associated with increased PTSD via self-blame attributions, highlighting the danger of blaming victims of alcohol-related rapes for their assaults. Implications for future research and clinical work with survivors of alcohol-related sexual assaults are drawn.
Kinetics of the Reactions of Chlorine Atoms with C2H4 (k1) and C2H2 (k2): A Determination of ΔHf,298° for C2H3

The rate constant (k1) for the reaction of Cl atoms with C2H4 has been measured as a function of pressure (0.2−100 Torr) at 297 K using the relative rate technique in two reactors with either FTIR or GC analysis. The results of these and previous experiments (100−3000 Torr) can be described to within ±10% by a Troe expression with the limiting rate constants k1(∞) = (3.2 ± 0.15) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1; and k1(0) = (1.42 ± 0.05) × 10-29 cm6 molecule-2 s-1 using Fcent = 0.6. The stated uncertainties are statistical only, and the true uncertainties in the limiting rate constants must include uncertainty in Fcent. Temperature-dependent (297−383 K) measurements of k1 were carried out in the low-pressure regime (0.2−2 Torr) yielding the rate constant expression k1(0) = (1.7 ± 0.3) × 10-29(T/298)-3.28 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The rate constant, k1b, for the abstraction channel of reaction 1 to form the vinyl radical was determined at 300, 343, and 383 K. This measurement of k1b in combination with literature valu...
Effects of Parturition on Pelvic Age Indicators

This research assessed whether parity has a differential effect on age indicators of the pelvis. The data were collected from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. Age indicators of the pubic symphysis and auricular surface were assessed using the Todd, Suchey-Brooks, Lovejoy et al., and Buckberry and Chamberlain scoring systems. A transition analysis was conducted, and scoring systems of the pubic symphysis showed the parous female group transitioning between eight and 14 years earlier than the nulliparous female and male groups, and 1 and 7 years earlier using the auricular surface methods. A likelihood ratio test produced significantly different results between parous and nulliparous females using the pubic symphysis (p 0.05). Although parous females were inaccurately assessed more often than nulliparous females, no correction of methods is necessary at this time as current standards take parity into account by utilizing a lumped female sample.
Experimental and computational investigation of an aeroramp injector in a mach four cross flow

An experimental and computational study of an aerodynamic ramp (aeroramp) injector was conducted at Virginia Tech. The aeroramp consisted of an array of two rows with two columns of flush-wall holes that induce vorticity and enhance mixing. The holes were spaced four diameters apart in the streamwise direction with two diameters transverse spacing between them. For comparison, a single-hole circular injector with the same area angled downstream at 30 degrees was also examined. Test conditions involved sonic injection of helium heated to 313 K, to safely simulate hydrogen into a Mach 4 air cross-stream with average Reynolds number 5.77 e+7 per meter at a jet to freestream momentum flux ratio of 2. Sampling probe measurements were utilized to determine the local helium concentration. Pitot and cone-static pressure probes and a diffuser thermocouple probe were employed to document the flow. This allowed total pressure losses to be determined. The numerical flow solver used was GASP v. 4.2. The inviscid fluxes were computed in three dimensions using third-order AUSM+ with modified ENO limiting. The AUSM+ algorithm was chosen because of its good resolution of shock discontinuities and its efficiency. The Wilcox k-9 (1998) turbulence model was used. The main results of this work can be summarized as: 1) The mixing efficiency value of this aeroramp which was optimized at Mach 2.4 for hydrocarbon fuel was only slightly higher than that of the single-hole injector at these flow conditions, 2) the mass-averaged total pressure loss parameter showed that the aero-ramp and single-hole injectors had the same overall losses, 3)The CFD was unable to accurately predict the quantitative mixing data produced by the experiment, however the qualitative comparisons of the injectors using the CFD predictions agreed with the experiment.
Economic Conditions and National Elections, Post-Sample Forecasts of the Kramer Equations

There has long been a division of opinion among economists concerning the effects of economic developments on voting behavior. In his well-known study, Kramer (1971a) concluded that the fluctuations in economic activity have a systematic influence on U.S. congressional elections. His findings were challenged by various economists, including Stigler (1973).The purpose of this paper is to extend the analysis of Kramer's results by examining the post-sample forecast performance of his models. As noted by Christ (1966, pp. 546â€“49), the acid test of a time series model is its ability to perform well outside the sample period. The results discussed below demonstrate that Kramer's equations have relatively good post-sample predictive ability. The findings thus support the view that short-term economic fluctuations have important effects on national elections. However, the results also suggest that economic factors alone are not sufficient to account for all variations of voter behavior.
Efficient Light-Driven Carbon-Free Cobalt-Based Molecular Catalyst for Water Oxidation

The abundant-metal-based polyoxometalate complex [Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2]10− is a hydrolytically and oxidatively stable, homogeneous, and efficient molecular catalyst for the visible-light-driven catalytic oxidation of water. Using a sacrificial electron acceptor and photosensitizer, it exhibits a high (30%) photon-to-O2 yield and a large turnover number (>220, limited solely by depletion of the sacrificial electron acceptor) at pH 8. The photocatalytic performance of this catalyst is superior to that of the previously reported precious-metal-based polyoxometalate water oxidation catalyst [{Ru4O4(OH)2(H2O)4}(γ-SiW10O36)2]10−.
Imaging of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma for Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation and resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma are mutually exclusive therapeutic pathways, without possibility of cross over. Interpretation of relevant imaging is essential for accurate preoperative diagnosis, operative planning, management of complications during neoadjuvant therapy, and post-transplant surveillance of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Preoperatively, careful and dynamic interpretation of both cross-sectional imaging and cholangiography is needed to appreciate tumor presence, location, and vascular involvement. While many post-transplant vascular complications can be managed with percutaneous endovascular techniques, a number of specific vascular complications are preferentially treated operatively. An experienced multidisciplinary team is required for successful treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with liver transplantation.
Can Item Keyword Feedback Help Remediate Knowledge Gaps

ABSTRACT Background In graduate medical education, assessment results can effectively guide professional development when both assessment and feedback support a formative model. When individuals cannot directly access the test questions and responses, a way of using assessment results formatively is to provide item keyword feedback. Objective The purpose of the following study was to investigate whether exposure to item keyword feedback aids in learner remediation. Methods Participants included 319 trainees who completed a medical subspecialty in-training examination (ITE) in 2012 as first-year fellows, and then 1 year later in 2013 as second-year fellows. Performance on 2013 ITE items in which keywords were, or were not, exposed as part of the 2012 ITE score feedback was compared across groups based on the amount of time studying (preparation). For the same items common to both 2012 and 2013 ITEs, response patterns were analyzed to investigate changes in answer selection. Results Test takers who indi...
A self-psychological study of a shared gambling fantasy in Eugene O'Neill's Hughie.

This paper presents an applied psychoanalytic study of Eugene O'Neill's two-character play, Hughie. Applying the constructs of self psychology, the play illustrates both the narcissistic features and the emotional and behavioral characteristics of compulsive gamblers. The study focuses particular attention on the role of narcissistic fantasies—with both grandiose and megalomaniacal features—in affecting, temporarily, the mood of the characters. Moreover, it is shown that a shared gambling fantasy—a “winner among winners”—enables them to experience a sense of camaraderie, humanness, and the illusion of kinship.
RAMP: Requirements Authors Mentoring Program

In a previous case study and paper, data was presented indicating that requirements training alone was not sufficient to achieve a high-quality requirements set. Mentoring of requirements authors by a requirements Subject Matter Expert (SME) was necessary. The requirements SME provided constructive and detailed feedback on defects in the requirements and then assisted the author with rewrites to remove them. This iterative process produced high-quality requirements but only after multiple revisions of requirements sets. The technique works well if there are only a few authors. However, what happens when there are dozens or hundreds of requirements authors? One requirements SME cannot possibly mentor that many authors. This paper presents the answer to this problem: the Requirements Authors Mentoring Program or RAMP. RAMP pairs a network of trained, site-based requirements SMEs with requirements authors. The details of how this network of SMEs was recruited, trained and impacted the quality of requirements on an Intel project are presented.
Current Canadian And American Experiences In The Treatment Of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke remains one of the main public health issues worldwide. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 200,000 people dying from strokes each year. Approximately 80% of all acute ischemic strokes are due to intracranial artery occlusion, most commonly thromboembolic clot occlusion. Revascularization of occluded territories is the cornerstone of acute ischemic stroke and Thrombolysis for ischemic stroke has been systematically studied in large randomized trials only since the 1990s. To date, thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke has been investigated in 21 randomized controlled clinical trials enrolling more than 7,000 patients. The advent of modern imaging and endovascular tools and technology has revolutionized treatment of stroke. In this talk, I will review current clinical trials published in The NEJM (ESCAPE, MR Clean, EXTENDED IA, ….) regarding superiority of the endovascular treatments, especially, the stent retrievers, over Iv tPA. I will also go over all endovascular techniques used in the endovascular treatment of acute stroke using my Canadian and American experiences.
The Bartonellaceae, Brucellaceae, and Francisellaceae

The three families of bacteria described in this chapter share several common characteristics despite the phylogenetic distance between the group that includes Bartonella and Brucella, from the Alphaproteobacteria, and the more distantly related Francisella in the Gammaproteobacteria class. All three genera are zoonotic bacteria with species capable of infecting both animals and humans and are fastidious with special growth requirements; many species among these three genera cause emerging infections in humans. The diversity of natural animal reservoirs for members of the genera Bartonella and Brucella are just now becoming fully defined and appreciated and are likely all around us. Brucella spp. and Francisella spp. are well-established as agents that warrant special attention and focus because of their potential for misuse and intentional release in acts of bioterrorism or biowarfare. This chapter briefly summarizes our knowledge of the taxonomy, epidemiology, and pathobiology of these zoonotic bacteria and describes the immunologic and molecular tools for the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by these microbes.
Not just browsing: an animal that grazes phyllosphere microbes facilitates community heterogeneity

Although grazers have long been recognized as top–down architects of plant communities, animal roles in determining microbial community composition have seldom been examined, particularly in aboveground systems. To determine the extent to which an animal can shape microbial communities, we conducted a controlled mesocosm study in situ to see if introducing mycophageous tree snails changed phyllosphere fungal community composition relative to matched control mesocosms. Fungal community composition and change was determined by Illumina sequencing of DNA collected from leaf surfaces before snails were introduced, daily for 3 days and weekly for 6 weeks thereafter. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm that grazing had occurred, and we recorded 3.5 times more cover of fungal hyphae in control mesocosms compared with those containing snails. Snails do not appear to vector novel microbes and despite grazing, a significant proportion of the initial leaf phyllosphere persisted in the mesocosms. Within-mesocosm diversities of fungi were similar regardless of whether or not snails were added. The greatest differences between the snail-treated and control mesocosms was that grazed mesocosms showed greater infiltration of microbes that were not sampled when the experiment commenced and that the variance in fungal community composition (beta diversity) was greater between leaves in snail-treated mesocosms indicating increased community heterogeneity and ecosystem fragmentation.
Identification of an Alternative to Proteus vulgaris as a Laboratory Standard for Hydrogen Sulfide Production

This project involved the evaluation of a biosafety level 1 alternative to Proteus vulgaris as a positive control for the production of hydrogen sulfide. We determined that Citrobacter freundii could serve as an excellent substitute for P. vulgaris, and that lead acetate strips used in conjunction with triple sugar iron media allows for consistent results following evaluation after up to one week.
Reliability of dual-damascene local interconnects featuring cobalt on 10 nm logic technology

This paper discusses the reliability of a new metallization scheme for 10nm back end of line (BEOL) local interconnect. Electromigration (EM) and time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) on cobalt fill interconnects are investigated. Significant innovation in process manufacturing are delivered to meet the reliability challenges of technology scaling. Electromigration time to failure is observed to be at least four orders of magnitude higher for Co fill interconnects compared to Cu alloy metallurgy. Intrinsic TDDB reliability for Co/low-k ILD meets the expectations and surpasses the capability of Cu/low-k ILD systems with E-field acceleration factor of ∼5 cm/MV using E-model fit. Wafer level stress induced voiding reliability on Co shows superior intrinsic properties with respect to Cu.
Lipoprotein (a): Examination of Cardiovascular Risk in a Pediatric Referral Population

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death globally, has origins in childhood. Major risk factors include family history of premature CVD, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], an inherited lipoprotein, is associated with premature CVD, but its impact on cardiovascular health during childhood is less understood. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between Lp(a), family history of premature CVD, dyslipidemia, and vascular function and structure in a high-risk pediatric population. This is a single-center, cross-sectional study of 257 children referred to a preventive cardiology clinic. The independent variable, Lp(a), separated children into high-Lp(a) [Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL] and normal-Lp(a) groups [Lp(a) 130 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 100 mg/dL; and vascular changes suggesting early atherosclerosis, as measured by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT). Of the 257 children, 110 (42.8%) had high Lp(a) and 147 (57.2%) had normal Lp(a). There was a higher prevalence of African-American children in the high-Lp(a) group (19.3%) compared to the normal-Lp(a) group (2.1%) (p < 0.001). High Lp(a) was associated with positive family history of premature CVD (p = 0.03), higher-than-optimal HDL-C (p = 0.02), and lower TG (p < 0.001). There was no difference in PWV or CIMT between groups. High Lp(a) in children is associated with family history of premature CVD and is prevalent in African-American children. In children with high Lp(a), promotion of intensive lifestyle modifications is prudent to decrease premature CVD-related morbidity.
Automatic, Objective, and Efficient Measurement of Pain Using Automated Face Analysis

Pain typically is measured by patient self-report, but self-reported pain is difficult to interpret and may be impaired or in some circumstances not possible to obtain. Automatic, objective assessment of pain from video or camera input is emerging as a powerful alternative. We review the current state of the art in automatic, objective assessment of pain from video or camera input and the databases that have made progress in this area possible. Because most efforts have involved facial expression of pain, we emphasize that in our review. We discuss current challenges and prospects to advance automatic assessment of the occurrence and intensity of pain for research and clinical use.
Extremum Seeking Control for Power Tracking via Functional Electrical Stimulation

Abstract Motorized Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-cycling is a promising rehabilitative strategy for people possessing movement disorders as a result of neurological conditions. Cadence and torque (power) tracking objectives have been previously prescribed in FES-cycling to exploit the functional benefits of neuromuscular electric stimulation and produce intensive active therapy with motorized assistance. However, predetermined desired trajectories for either objective may yield sub-optimal training performance since the movement capacity of a person recovering from injury is unknown and time-varying. Hence, online adaptation is well-motivated to determine optimal cadence and torque trajectories. In this paper, an extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithm is implemented in real-time to compute the optimal cadence and torque trajectory (i.e., the peak torque demand) to maximize power output in an FES-cycling protocol. The uncertain, nonlinear FES-cycle system is an autonomous, state-dependent switched system to activate lower-limb muscles and an electric motor. Torque tracking is achieved by electrically stimulating the muscles via a learning controller and cadence tracking by engaging an electric motor. A passivity-based approach is utilized to analyze the stability of both tracking objectives.
Ileum Becomes Ischemic Due to Torsion During J-Pouch Creation

Torsion of small bowel mesentery may occur during IPAA. Attempts to blindly de-torse the small bowel mesentery can further exacerbate the situation. The most definitive way to reorient is to run the entire length of the small bowel from the ligament of Treitz to the terminal ileum.
Coggins, Owen. Mysticism, Ritual and Religion in Drone Metal

Coggins, Owen. 2018. Mysticism, Ritual and Religion in Drone Metal. London: Bloomsbury. vii + 215 pp. ISBN: 968-1-3500-2509-7 £85.00 (hbk); 978-1-3501-2316-8 £28.99 (pbk); 978-1-3500- 2510-3 £31.30 (e-book).
National Security Priorities

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan faces many national security challenges stemming from demographics, regional and domestic political turmoil, terrorism, and water scarcity. These variables account for creating multidimensional security dilemmas. Generally, the kingdom’s security forces and apparatuses are designed to protect the King and preserve the monarchy. However, recent decades have proven that its national security issues expand beyond the fundamental challenges to the crown. The rise of ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) is traceable to its Jordanian founding father, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Jordan relies heavily on Western allies to assist in security cooperation to combat terrorism. This chapter analyses Jordan’s national security priorities.
Non-Optimality of Invaded Geodesics in 2d Critical First-Passage Percolation

We study the critical case of first-passage percolation in two dimensions. Letting (te) be i.i.d. nonnegative weights assigned to the edges of \(\mathbb {Z}^2\) with \(\mathbb {P}(t_e=0)=1/2\), consider the induced pseudometric (passage time) T(x, y) for vertices x, y. It was shown in [4] that the growth of the sequence \(\mathbb {E}T(0,\partial B(n))\) (where B(n) = [−n, n]2) has the same order (up to a constant factor) as the sequence \(\mathbb {E}T^{\text{inv}}(0,\partial B(n))\). This second passage time is the minimal total weight of any path from 0 to ∂B(n) that resides in a certain embedded invasion percolation cluster. In this paper, we show that this constant factor cannot be taken to be 1. That is, there exists c > 0 such that for all n, $$\displaystyle \mathbb {E}T^{\text{inv}}(0,\partial B(n)) \geq (1+c) \mathbb {E}T(0,\partial B(n)). $$ This result implies that the time constant for the model is different than that for the related invasion model, and that geodesics in the two models have different structure.
Reducing the Use of Routine Viral Testing in Pediatric Patients Admitted with Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common condition among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Current American Academy of Pediatrics bronchiolitis clinical practice guidelines recommend against the routine use of viral testing for diagnosis, instead favoring the use of clinical criteria for diagnosis. At our institution, we identified an excess of viral testing in this population as compared to national benchmarks. This variation increased the cost of care for this condition locally. Among children admitted to the general …
CHAPTER 7 – Computational Geometry

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a wide range of topics in computational geometry. Linear programming is used frequently as a tool for solving geometrical optimization problems. It remains a long-standing open problem whether there is a strongly polynomial algorithm for linear programming, that is, an algorithm that solves a linear program in a number of arithmetic operations that is polynomial in the input size nd. Two geometrical optimization problems stand out for their special interest: the Euclidean Minimum Spanning Tree problem and the Euclidean Travelling Salesman problem. The fastest algorithm known for triangulating a simple polygon requires 0 (n log n) time, while no nonlinear lower bound to this problem is known. A faster triangulation algorithm would immediately lead to improved algorithms for many problems on simple polygons. The problem of testing whether n points in the plane are in general position has an upper bound of 0(n2) and a lower bound of Ω(n log n).
6.21 – Riboswitches

Riboswitches are RNA elements within an RNA transcript that modulate the expression of the coding sequences in that transcript by direct measurement of a regulatory signal. Regulation commonly occurs at the levels of premature termination of transcription or translation initiation, with rarer examples affecting mRNA stability or splicing (in eukaryotic systems). Most riboswitches have been identified in bacteria, and this mechanism is especially abundant in the Firmicute group. Improvements in bioinformatics approaches and recognition of RNA elements that differ from the ‘classical’ arrangement have increased their identification in other groups of organisms, and it is likely that additional new classes will be recognized. The basic features of riboswitch structure and function will be described, and opportunities for using elements of this type for regulation of heterologous gene expression will be discussed.
Using Preventive Health Alerts in the Electronic Health Record Improves Hepatitis C Virus Testing Among Infants Perinatally Exposed to Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND Perinatal exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health issue, and poor testing rates leave many children with infection unidentified. We sought to use the electronic health record (EHR) to promote guideline-directed HCV testing among infants born to mothers with HCV infection in an urban, safety-net hospital system. METHODS Our study population was identified using our EHR database, Epic. Children were included in the study if they had perinatal HCV exposure, were 18 months to 18 years of age and had at least 1 encounter in a primary or urgent care clinic during the study period. Our study included retrospective (October 2011 to February 2015) and prospective (February 2015 to May 2018) arms. Our EHR-based intervention was initiated in the prospective arm and recommended a one-time HCV antibody test at or after the age of 18 months using a health maintenance reminder. The health maintenance reminder activated a point-of-care alert and a linked HCV testing order set in all prespecified encounters during the intervention period. RESULTS Median time to appropriate HCV testing decreased from 96.2 months preintervention to 9.1 months postintervention (P < 0.0001), and rate of completed antibody testing increased from 14% to 61% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Among children with perinatal HCV exposure, using a point-of-care alert within the EHR significantly increased the HCV antibody testing rate in accordance with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. More effective EHR-based interventions combined with increased provider awareness of appropriate HCV testing in perinatally exposed infants is imperative.
HEV and HBV Dual Infection: A Review

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a global health problem, affecting about 20 million people worldwide. There is significant overlap of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HEV endemicity in many Asian countries where dual infections with HEV and HBV can occur. Though the clinical course of HEV is largely self-limited, HEV superinfection in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can result in acute exacerbation of underlying CHB. HEV superinfection in patients with CHB-related cirrhosis has been identified as a risk factor for decompensated cirrhosis and an independent predictor of mortality. Whereas acute HEV infection in pregnancy can cause fulminant liver failure, the few studies on pregnant patients with dual HBV and HEV infection have shown a subclinical course. Immunosuppression is a risk factor for the development of chronic HEV infection, which can be managed by decreasing the dose of immune-suppressants and administering ribavirin. Vaccination for HEV has been developed and is in use in China but its efficacy in patients with CHB has yet to be established in the USA. In this review, we appraise studies on dual infection with HEV and HBV, including the effect of HEV superinfection and coinfection in CHB, management strategies used and the role of active vaccination in the prevention of HEV.
Strategic Orientation and Relationship Building Among Dyads in Complex Public Management Networks: Perspectives From State Asthma Coalitions:

We explore strategic orientation as an approach to analyzing complexity in public management networks, asking how theoretically informed insights on relationship building fare when examined in the ...
I Kant Believe You

This chapter examines the paradoxes of enervating energy and Enlightenment shadows. It does so first by bringing Socrates and Immanuel Kant into conversation with climate activist Great Thunberg about the relationship between knowledge and ethics. It then examines active climate denialism with a look at the ‘Protscience’ of right-wing climate propaganda. The chapter concludes with an exploration of passive climate denial.
Biomaterial strategies to replicate gynecological tissue

Women's health is an important and understudied area of research. The current standard of care for many gynecological diseases such as cancer or autoimmune-linked disorders such as endometriosis is surgery; however, the underlying mechanisms of action of many gynecological diseases are poorly understood. The field of tissue engineering has the potential to transform the field of women's health by developing in vitro models of healthy and diseased tissue that could be used to identify novel treatment strategies as well as gain a better understanding of complex signaling dynamics. Identification of the appropriate biomaterials, cell types, and stimuli (the tissue engineering triad) needed to build these in vitro models can be gleaned by interrogating the underlying extracellular matrix, cell organization, and soluble factors present in the tissue. In this review, we provide a general overview of the biology and components of the major tissues that make up the female reproductive system (ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, and cervix) as well as a comprehensive survey of the different biomaterials that have been chosen to build in vitro models of these tissues. Furthermore, for each tissue, we recommend guiding principles in the design of in vitro models and discuss their potential to be used in drug screening and mechanistic studies.
Counterexample-guided permissive supervisor synthesis for probabilistic systems through learning

Formal methods in robotic motion planning have emerged as a hot research topic recently due to its correct-by-design nature, and most results haven been based on nonprobabilistic discrete models. To better handle the environment uncertainties, sensor noise and actuator imperfection, control problems in probabilistic systems like Markov Chain (MC) and Markov Decision Process (MDP) have also been studied. Most existing methods are either based on probabilistic model checking or through reinforcement learning oriented optimization. On the other hand, in the literature of supervisory control of discrete event systems, people usually design supervisors with maximum permissive nature. In other words, a collection of schedulers, instead of a single one scheduler, that satisfy the given specification is designed at the same time. We are therefore motivated to propose a novel learning based automated supervisor synthesis framework to automatically generate permissive supervisor so that the supervised system satisfies the given specification. Our approach is based on a modified L* learning algorithm and runs iteratively. It is guaranteed to be correct and terminate in finite steps.
Picosecond Studies of Temperature and Solvent Effects on the Fluorescence from Coumarin 102 and Acridine

Picosecond kinetics often provides the only way of detecting and unravelling complex molecular interactions in liquids. Here we report about the kinetics of the fluorescence from two molecules using picosecond streak camera techniques. Upon excitation both coumarin 102 and acridine exhibit interesting spectral dynamical behavior depending sensitively on the temperature and solvent. For understanding energy dissipation in polyatomic molecules, the dependence of the relaxation times on emission and excitation wavelengths and upon temperature can be crucial. The behavior of the coumarin 102 emission with temperature and solvent allows us to interpret the results in terms of formation at an excited state [1,2] hydrogen bonded complex between the coumarin 102 and solvent molecules. The dependence of the fluorescence lifetime of acridine with temperature for several solvents demonstrates that an activation energy is present and that current models are inadequate.
The logic of typed feature structures

For those of us who belonged to the "Bay Area (Computational) Linguistics Community," the early eighties were a heady time. Local researchers working on linguistics, computational linguistics, and logic programming were investigating notions of category, type, feature, term, and partial specification that appeared to converge to a powerful new approach for describing (linguistic) objects and their relationships by monotonic accumulation of constraints between their features. The seed notions had almost independently arisen in generalized phrase structure grammar (GPSG) (Gazdar et al. 1985), lexical-functional grammar (LFG) (Bresnan and Kaplan 1982), functionalunification grammar (FUG) (Kay 1985), logic programming (Colmerauer 1978, Pereira and Warren 1980), and terminological reasoning systems (Ait-Kaci 1984). It took, however, a lot of experimental and theoretical work to identify precisely what the core notions were, how particular systems related to the core notions, and what were the most illuminating mathematical accounts of that core. The development of the unificationbased formalism PATR-II (Shieber 1984) was an early step toward the definition of the core, but its mathematical analysis, and the clarification of the connections between the various systems, are only now coming to a reasonable closure. The Logic of Typed Feature Structures is the first monograph that brings all the main theoretical ideas into one place where they can be related and compared in a unified setting. Carpenter's book touches most of the crucial questions of the developments during the decade, provides proofs for central results, and reaches right up to the edge of current research in the field. These contributions alone make it an indispensable compendium for the researcher or graduate student working on constraint-based grammatical formalisms, and they also make it a very useful reference work for researchers in object-oriented databases and logic programming. Having discharged the main obligation of the reviewer of saying who should read the book under review and why, I will now survey each of the book's four parts while raising some more general questions impinging on the whole book as they arise from the discussion of each part.
Effect of Storage Temperatures and Cooking Times on Viability of Listeria monocytogenes and E scherichia coli O157:H7 Inoculated in/on Goetta : Fate of Pathogens in/on Goetta

The viability of a five-strain cocktail of Listeria monocytogenes or Escherichia coli O157:H7 was separately evaluated in/on goetta, a sausage-like meat product, both during extended refrigerated storage and following cooking. At 4C, L. monocytogenes numbers increased from ca. 1.4 to 8.4 log cfu/g over 90 days, whereas E. coli O157:H7 numbers remained relatively unchanged. At 12C, L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 numbers increased from ca. 1.4 to 9.0 log cfu/g over 28 days. After cooking for 2 to 6 min per side at an external temperature of 176.7C, reductions of 0.7 to 6.6 log cfu/g were observed for L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. Although goetta supported the growth/survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 during refrigerated storage, a ≥5-log reduction of both pathogens was achieved by cooking the product for at least 5 min per side at the manufacturer's recommended internal temperature of 73.8C. Practical Applications Although there have been no reported recalls/illnesses associated with goetta, a specialty/ethnic meat enjoyed as a breakfast item, information is lacking to confirm if goetta would support the growth/survival of foodborne pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. Thus, we determined if goetta would provide a favorable environment for persistence of these pathogens and, if so, would consumer reheating/storage practices be sufficient to kill any cells of either pathogen that might be present. Our data highlight the importance for proper storage and cooking of specialty/ethnic products such as goetta to extend shelf life and ensure wholesomeness. In this regard, it is significant from a public health perspective that goetta supported growth/survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, and more importantly that cooking goetta at specific time/temperature combinations can achieve a ≥5-log reduction of both pathogens. These data may be useful for establishing consumer guidelines for storing and cooking/reheating goetta prior to consumption.
Diagnostic validity across racial and ethnic groups in the assessment of adolescent DSM-IV disorders.

We examine differential validity of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnoses assessed by the fully-structured Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.0 (CIDI) among Latino, non-Latino Black, and non-Latino White adolescents in comparison to gold standard diagnoses derived from the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-age Children (K-SADS). Results are based on the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement, a national US survey of adolescent mental health. Clinicians re-interviewed 347 adolescent/parent dyads with the K-SADS. Sensitivity and/or specificity of CIDI diagnoses varied significantly by ethnicity/race for four of ten disorders. Modifications to algorithms sometimes reduced bias in prevalence estimates, but at the cost of reducing individual-level concordance. These findings document the importance of assessing fully-structured diagnostic instruments for differential accuracy in ethnic/racial subgroups. Language: en
Organic Field-effect Transistor Channel Perturbation at Two Surfaces through Analyte Binding and Dielectric Charging

Field-effect transistors, including those based on organic semiconductors, are typically gated via an electrical potential applied from a gate contact across a dielectric to the "buried" interface between the dielectric and the semiconductor. We are presently investigating and utilizing additional gate potentials arising from interactions at both the buried and "free" semiconductor interfaces. Charging of the gate dielectric can occur by multiple mechanisms. Experiments that separate bulk and interface effects include the formation of self-assembled monolayers at the interface and measurements of surface potential and capacitance on both the semiconductor-dielectric bilayer and the dielectric itself. Charging can occur at both buried and free interfaces, and can be in electret and ferroelectric polymers. Chemisorption of polar analytes leads to changes in channel current that can be rationalized by an electrostatic model, including dipole fields and binding constants that agrees with results reported from electron spectroscopy. Analyte binding constants >1000 can be projected for suitably functionalized semiconductor films. Order-of-magnitude current changes result from both chemisorption and dielectric charging. Use of these effects for sensing of analytes relevant to national security and for approaches to plastic electronic logic elements are discussed
Trends in Pap Testing Over Time for Women With and Without Chronic Disability.

Introduction Data from 20 years ago—shortly after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act—showed that women with significant mobility disability had 40% lower Pap test rates than other women. Methods To examine whether disability disparities in Pap test rates have diminished over time, this study analyzed National Health Interview Survey responses from selected years between 1998 and 2010 from women aged 21–65 years without histories of cervical cancer or hysterectomy. Seven chronic disability types were identified using self-reported functional impairments or participation limitations. Self-reported Pap testing within the previous 3 years was studied. Bivariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic variables were conducted in 2014. Results Rates of all chronic disability types increased over time. Pap test rates remained relatively constant over time for all women, holding around 84%–87%. Bivariable analyses found statistically significantly lower rates of Pap testing for women with disability compared with nondisabled women. Multivariable analyses failed to find consistent evidence of lower Pap test rates among women across disability types compared with nondisabled women. In 2010, the AOR for reporting Pap testing for women noting the most severe movement difficulty compared with nondisabled women was 0.35 (95% CI=0.15, 0.79). However, the AOR for this disability type varied over time. Conclusions Little has changed over time in Pap test rates for all women. Women with certain disabilities continue to experience disparities compared with nondisabled women in receipt of this important screening test.
Sugars, hypertriglyceridemia, and cardiovascular disease

Short-term studies consistently show that raising the carbohydrate content of the diet increases serum triacylglycerol concentrations. As compared with starches, sugars (particularly sucrose and fructose) tend to increase serum triacylglycerol concentrations by approximately 60%. The magnitude of the effect depends on other aspects of the diet, including the total amount of carbohydrate and the types of fat, carbohydrate, and fiber, but definitive studies to describe the dose-response relations are not available. Longer-term studies show that some high-carbohydrate diets are not associated with increased fasting serum triacylgycerol concentrations. However, sedentary subjects with upper-body and visceral obesity who have the metabolic syndrome tend to be at higher risk for hypertriglyceridemia in response to high-sucrose and high-carbohydrate diets; moderate weight loss mitigates the effect. Hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance may play a role in promoting higher rates of VLDL synthesis and hypertriglyceridemia in obesity, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The effect of fructose in promoting triacylglycerol synthesis is independent of insulinemia, however. In terms of the long-term effects of diets high in sugars on the risk of cardiovascular disease, available epidemiologic evidence indicates no association of sugars or total carbohydrate intake per se, but high dietary glycemic load is associated with higher serum triacylglycerol concentrations and greater risk of coronary heart disease in women. Studies are needed to delineate the independent effects of dietary sugars and glycemic load on serum triacylglycerol concentrations in lean and obese men and women and to determine whether the elevations in fasting and fed concentrations of serum triacylglycerol with high-carbohydrate and high-sugars diets are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.