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The cognition of autobiographic events in relation to the life era of happening of these events is experimentally investigated. The order judgments of between era events are found to be rapid than the within-era events.

Highlights • Summary of current knowledge on recycling agents (rejuvenators) and their application. • Identification of current and future challenges that prevent utilization of recycling agents. • Evaluation of recycling agents effectiveness in binder blends and asphalt mixtures. • Characterization of rejuvenated binder blends and rejuvenated asphalt mixtures. • Cost-effectiveness associated with the use of recycling agents. Abstract Recycling agents, or rejuvenators, are products with chemical and physical characteristics designed to restore the rheological properties of aged asphalt binders to improve the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures with large quantities of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) that promote economic and environmental benefits. This paper summarizes current knowledge related to the use of recycling agents in the asphalt pavement industry, including properties of recycled and rejuvenated asphalt mixtures. This information is further used to identify current and future challenges that could prevent utilization of recycling agents and production of rejuvenated asphalt mixtures with adequate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of tissue glue in pediatric circumcision.Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the English literature (1997-2017) was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement on children who underwent circumcision with tissue glue. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2, and MedCalc 18. P values <.05 were considered significant.Results: The search returned 15 studies for a total of 4567 circumcisions, of which 3045 (66%) were performed with tissue glue. The systematic review indicated that overall complication rates were 4.3% (tissue glue) and 5.9% (sutures). The use of tissue glue was associated with reduced postoperative pain, better cosmetic results, and reduced cost. Meta-analysis showed that there was no difference between the incidence of total postoperative complications (relative risk [RR] 0.86 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.62-1.19], P = .36) and wound infection and dehiscence between the 2 groups (RR 0.95 [95% CI: 0.59-1.56], P = .85). Postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation were reduced with the use of tissue glue (RR 0.55 [95% CI: 0.32-0.95], P = .03). Tissue glue also significantly shorten the operative time (mean difference -0.22 [95% CI: -0.39 to -0.05], P = .01).Conclusion: The incidence of postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation in pediatric circumcision is reduced with the use of tissue glue. Tissue glue has reduced operative time; furthermore, it might be associated with reduced postoperative pain, less overall cost, and superior cosmetic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective South Carolina Dental Association members were surveyed on telehealth knowledge, need, and interest in using it for access to care improvements. Methods Dependent variables were Medicaid patient population size (less than or greater than 10%), career stage (early to middle and advanced), and National Health Service Corps participation (yes or no). Practice and provider characteristics were screener questions. Data were collected electronically and analyzed with SAS. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Results Most (69.3%) reported some or no teledentistry knowledge. Distribution of needing consults was: endodontics (40.2%), oral-maxillofacial surgery (37.9%), orthodontia (30.7%), periodontics (28.4%), and pediatrics (12.5%). Consultations for diagnosis (72.9%), emergencies (56.7%), and continuing education (53.3%) were most frequently identified telehealth uses. Medicaid patient population size was the only dependent measure with statistical significance. Compared to <10% Medicaid, >10% was more likely to (1) frequently need consults for orthodontics (25.5% vs 43.4%, P = .0043) and pediatrics (5.9% vs 29.0%, P < .0001); (2) use telehealth for children with special health care needs (44.1% vs 65.8%, P = .0017), complex health conditions (54.3% vs 78.1%, P = .0004), conditions exacerbated by unmet dental needs (44.6% vs 65.8%, P = .0022); and (3) use telehealth for extending practice to underserved populations (14.6% vs 33.8%, P = .0004). Conclusions Despite need for telehealth knowledge improvement, sufficient interest exists. Further study will determine if demand for teledentistry is in balance with consultant availability. It has been suggested that access to care improvements require capacity expansions in private practices. States will need to engage dental communities determine if teledentistry is an effective solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the impact of the South Carolina Regional Extension Center, Center for Information Technology Implementation Assistance (CITIA-SC), on physician practices engaged in the process of electronic medical record (EMR) adoption. Data sources Data from a cross-sectional survey distributed in March 2011 to 1310 primary care practice groups throughout South Carolina was used to determine the degree of EMR adoption throughout the state (n=452 respondents; 34.5% response rate). Participation in CITIA-SC was determined by obtaining a list of practices from CITIA-SC. Study design A posttest-only design with nonequivalent groups was used to estimate the degree of EMR implementation, plans for and perceived barriers to implementation based on CITIA-SC participation. Results CITIA-SC practice sites faced similar barriers to EMR implementation as non-CITIA-SC participants, including initial or recurring cost of an EMR, low staff expertise with EMRs or computers, and productivity disruption. Additionally, CITIA-SC practice sites had fewer IT personnel on staff (p=0.0358) and were considering EMR implementation without a plan (p=0.0125). Despite these barriers, more practices participating in the CITIA-SC program were preparing to invest in an EMR system within one year when compared to nonparticipants (75.9% versus 28.3%, p<0.0001). Conclusion Our results indicated that the practice sites that participate in the REC had fewer IT resources and more perceived barriers to implementation. These results suggest that REC participant practice sites intend to implement an EMR, but recognize the need for technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of an EMR system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The theory of evolved sex differences in jealousy predicts sex differences in responses to sexual infidelities and emotional infidelities. Critics have argued that such differences are absent in studies that use continuous measures to assess responses to hypothetical infidelities or in studies that assess responses to real infidelities. These criticisms were tested in two random-effects meta-analyses of 40 published and unpublished papers (providing 209 effect sizes from 47 independent samples) that measured sex differences in jealousy using continuous measures. A significant, theory-supportive sex difference emerged across 45 independent samples using continuous measures of responses to hypothetical infidelities, g*=0.258, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.188, 0.328], p<.00001. Measured emotion significantly moderated effect size. Effects were strongest when measures assessed distress/upset (g*=0.337) and jealousy (g*=0.309). Other commonly measured negative emotions yielded weaker effects, including hurt (g*=0.161), anger (g*=0.074), and disgust (g*=0.012). Across the 45 independent samples, six significant moderators emerged: random sampling, population type (student vs. nonstudent samples), age, inclusion of a forced-choice question, number of points in the response scale, and year of publication. A significant, theory-supportive effect also emerged across seven studies assessing reactions to actual infidelities, g*=0.234, 95% CI [0.020, 0.448], p=.03. Results demonstrate that the sex difference in jealousy neither is an artifact of response format nor is limited to responses to hypothetical infidelities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study objective: Atrial fibrillation affects more than 2 million people in the United States and accounts for nearly 1% of emergency department (ED) visits. Physicians have little information to guide risk stratification of patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and admit more than 65%. Our aim is to assess whether data available in the ED management of symptomatic atrial fibrillation can estimate a patient''s risk of experiencing a 30-day adverse event. Methods: We systematically reviewed the electronic medical records of all ED patients presenting with symptomatic atrial fibrillation between August 2005 and July 2008. Predefined adverse outcomes included 30-day ED return visit, unscheduled hospitalization, cardiovascular complication, or death. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of 30-day adverse events. The model was validated with 300 bootstrap replications. Results: During the 3-year study period, 914 patients accounted for 1,228 ED visits. Eighty patients were excluded for non–atrial-fibrillation-related complaints and 2 patients had no follow-up recorded. Of 832 eligible patients, 216 (25.9%) experienced at least 1 of the 30-day adverse events. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.20 per decade; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.36 per decade), complaint of dyspnea (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.20), smokers (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.47 to 3.76), inadequate ventricular rate control (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.21), and patients receiving β-blockers (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.04) were independently associated with higher risk for adverse events. C-index was 0.67. Conclusion: In ED patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, increased age, inadequate ED ventricular rate control, dyspnea, smoking, and β-blocker treatment were associated with an increased risk of a 30-day adverse event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Survey conducted on the state of practice to account for recycled binder activity. • Two recycled binder activity quantification methods were compared. • Recycled binder activity depended on RAP source, conditioning, and mixing temperatures. • Using 100% RAP sources to estimate recycled binder activity is a promising approach. Many environmental and economic benefits can be achieved by employing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt mixtures. However, due to the high stiffness and brittleness of recycled materials, cracking issues may arise when utilizing them at high contents. Recycled binder activity is one of the primary factors that influences the performance of recycled asphalt pavements. Recycled binder activity represents the amount of RAP or RAS binder that becomes active at production temperatures for mixing with the virgin binder. Previous studies have indicated that recycled binders are only partially active; however, the majority of state department of transportation's assume full activity. Designing recycled asphalt mixtures under the assumption of full recycled binder activity may result in mixtures with insufficient binder content and thus increasing the susceptibility for cracking and moisture damage. This paper compares two recycled binder activity quantification methods; the first method quantifies activity using recycled asphalt mixtures of virgin and RAP materials, while the second method uses 100 percent recycled materials. The two methods showed to produce relatively similar recycled binder activity values; however, the use of 100 percent RAP materials showed to be a more promising approach due to its practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students may not use the nutrition facts label suggesting changes to the label, such as the Traffic Light Label, are needed to increase user friendliness. To examine the effect of traffic light labels on the amount of food served in a university dining hall in comparison to the control nutrition facts panels. This study utilized a repeated measures observational design with a control and an intervention period each lasting 28 days at a Midwestern midsize, private university. Following the control period (nutrition facts panels), each food was labeled with a single color (red, yellow, or green) based upon its nutritional quality. Number of servings per day by color (dependent variable) was combined for both lunch and dinner during the control and intervention period. To compare the amount served per day of each color during control and intervention, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Bonferroni post hoc tests were utilized for multiple comparisons. The one-way ANOVA for color and time point was significant (F (5, 150) = 4.75, P < 0.001). Yellow-labeled foods during the intervention (M = 341.89, SD = 275.86) was significantly lower than red-labeled foods during control (M = 654.56, SD = 286.40, P < 0.0001) and intervention (M = 604.91, SD = 295.84, P = 0.008). However, there were no other significant differences between colors and time points. These results suggest that traffic light labels may not be more effective than nutrition facts panels in college dining halls to improve food choices. Specifically, there was no significant difference in number of servings per day in red- and/or green-labeled foods between control and intervention. Furthermore, servings per day of red-labeled foods continued to be significantly greater than yellow-labeled foods during the intervention. Because students may not use nutrition labels to make food choices, college dining halls should consider reformulating recipes to improve healthfulness of options. Bradley University C.C. Wheeler Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic and environmental benefits of using recycled asphalt materials continue to motivate agencies to increase their proportion in new pavement construction and maintenance and rehabilitation activities, but the resulting reduced cracking resistance remains an engineering performance challenge. The addition of recycling agents is one of the strategies to mitigate this issue caused by the increased stiffness and brittleness of the recycled mixture. This study explored the mechanism by which different types of recycling agents partially restore flexibility and ductility of asphalt binder and mixtures. A binder blend with 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder was rejuvenated with seven types of recycling agents. Rheological and chemical tools were used to evaluate the binder blends and compare their performance to a control blend without a rejuvenator to study the rejuvenation mechanism. Corresponding asphalt mixtures were also tested to ensure adequate performance. Based on the results, the recycling agents were divided into three categories: (a) Softeners, (b) Replenishers, and (c) Emulsifiers. The results showed that while some agents act only on a physical level, others interact with the blend at a chemical level that affects the physical properties. A novel parameter was developed to compare the effectiveness of various recycling agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past 15 years of experience in Texas suggests that utility-administered energy efficiency programs can succeed in cost-effectively meeting modest energy efficiency goals in an electricity market that has been restructured to introduce retail competition. However, many changes to this framework would be required to enable Texas to meet the more aggressive goals suggested by federal greenhouse gas emissions policy proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the performance of rejuvenated asphalt mixtures is critical for cleaner pavement design and construction, as the use of rejuvenators lead to environmental and economic benefits with the ability to increase recycling but promote rutting and moisture susceptibility at a high recycled binder ratio. Existing models have not systematically evaluated rejuvenated asphalt mixtures in terms of rutting performance from a mechanistic approach, and there is a lack of research related to the third stage of rutting induced by high-temperature moisture damage. To overcome these shortcomings, two-stage and three-stage mechanistic-empirical models based on viscoelastic stress-strain response were proposed in this study to predict and evaluate rutting and moisture susceptibility of rejuvenated asphalt mixtures. Wheel tracking tests in wet and dry conditions were performed on a virgin asphalt mixture (without recycled materials) and on rejuvenated asphalt mixtures (with recycled materials and rejuvenator), and the cumulative rutting curves were investigated. In addition, linear viscoelastic properties at a reference temperature were used as input parameters in a finite element model (FEM) to calculate the viscoelastic response of virtual specimens under repeated loading. The FEM results were then substituted into the proposed models to determine the material parameters for wet and dry conditions separately. Two prediction results were combined to determine the proportion of rutting caused by stripping in rejuvenated asphalt mixtures. Four indices were used in the evaluation of rutting in wet conditions. Based on the wheel tracking test results, the rejuvenated asphalt mixtures with the highest recycled material content performed worst in wet conditions and best in dry conditions, which indicates that anti-stripping agent might be necessary for rejuvenated asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fatigue cracking due to fracture damage is one of the major structural distresses prevalent in today’s hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. HMA resistance to fracture is governed by two fundamental mechanisms: the number of repetitive load cycles for microcracks to coalesce into macrocracks in a crack initiation process (N i) and the number of repetitive load cycles for macrocrack propagation through the HMA layer thickness in a crack propagation process (N p). To adequately model HMA fracture resistance, the fundamental mechanisms of these two processes must be understood. In this study, mathematical models for computing N i and N p were formulated based on continuum fracture-mechanics, the work potential theory, and pseudo-strain energy and surface energy concepts. Verification and sensitivity analysis of the models based on laboratory test data, with traditional Texas HMA mixes, yielded plausible results. Overall, the formulated models were found to be potentially promising as a fundamental means to quantitatively characterize the fracture and fatigue cracking resistance of HMA mixes. However, validation and calibration of the models with more HMA mixes and field data is strongly recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Laboratory and field results from selected chip seal highway sections were reviewed based on 6 °C increment SPG specification and climate selection map in implementation. • A causal effect analysis was used to evaluate the effect of SPG specification to chip seal field performance. • A nearest-neighbor matching algorithm was applied to minimize selection bias in the causal model. • The SPG specification was proven to have an improvement to chip seal field performance through a statistical hypothesis test with 95% confidence level. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has implemented a Surface Performance-Graded (SPG) specification for chip seal binders as a special provision available for use in their annual statewide chip seal program. The SPG specification was established to improve chip seal field performance by limiting aggregate loss and bleeding during the critical first year after construction. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the SPG specification on chip seal field performance by reviewing selected highway sections (HSs) from previous TxDOT annual statewide chip seal program built from 2011 to 2014. The review of chip seal binder laboratory characterization and field monitoring results is based on: (a) the finalized SPG specification with validated high and low temperature limits, (b) an updated SPG climate-based map with 6 °C increments for practical consideration, and (c) an improved Surface Condition Index calculation method to eliminate subjectivity from field inspection personnel. The review results are used to compare the SPG criteria with field performance. A causal effect analysis is performed to assess the average treatment effect on HSs from implementing SPG specification for chip seal binders. HSs are categorized into treatment and control groups based on SPG results, and 19 well-matched pairs were selected by utilizing a nearest-neighbor matching algorithm to minimize selection bias. Given the random selection of chip seal HSs, an improvement of field performance on HSs that satisfied the SPG specification is validated by a statistical hypothesis test at 95% confidence level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of FDR mixture sample size and testing temperature on IDT strength was evaluated. • Revised TxDOT IDT acceptance criteria were proposed for FDR 6-inch diameter samples. • TxDOT IDT acceptance criteria were proposed for FDR vacuum saturated samples. • IDT strengths of dry and soaked FDR samples were highly dependent on testing temperature. Full depth reclamation (FDR) is a cost-effective recycling strategy that reuses both asphalt bound materials and unbound granular materials to refurbish existing pavement subsurface layers. In this study, the effect of sample size, conditioning procedure, and testing temperature on the indirect tensile (IDT) strength of FDR mixtures was evaluated. Test results indicated that all 6-inch diameter samples had lower IDT strength as compared to the 4-inch diameter samples, regardless of the material source, binder type, binder content, or conditioning procedure. Revised IDT acceptance criteria were proposed for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and recommendations on testing temperature were also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the endurance limit and macro-cracking threshold of a viscoelastic composite material using a fracture mechanics approach. Asphalt mixtures containing different recycled material contents and recycling agent doses were fabricated and long-term oven aged. Dynamic modulus tests were first conducted to obtain linear viscoelastic properties including complex modulus and phase angle, and then damage properties were determined from monotonic semi-circular bending tests. Pseudo displacement was calculated to remove the viscous effect from the total dissipated energy, and the energy balance approach and Griffith crack growth criterion were modified and used to predict the bond energy with the aid of discrete element modeling. With the bond energy computed, the endurance limit was determined to be frequency and mixture composition dependent. The macro-cracking threshold defined as the boundary between healable micro-cracks and non-healable macro-cracks was also identified to be frequency and composition dependent using a damage density concept. Both the endurance limit and the macro-cracking threshold were utilized in the asphalt mixture Black Space diagram, which is capable of illustrating the effects of aging, recycled materials content and recycling agent dose in asphalt mixtures for the prediction of fracture performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the rate of timely postpartum screening for diabetes among Medicaid-eligible women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: We examined a retrospective cohort of Medicaid women with a live birth between 2004 and 2007. Women with singleton live births at greater than 28 weeks gestation were included in the cohort and their screening receipt tracked. Only the first qualifying pregnancy within the observation period was assessed. Birth certificate records were linked with hospital discharge data, outpatient prenatal care claims to identify women with GDM (n = 6,239). Medicaid postpartum claims for these women were examined to determine receipt of postpartum screening for diabetes within 5 to 13 weeks. Women with any indication of a dedicated plasma glucose test identified by CPT codes 82947, 82950, 82951, and 82952 during this time period were considered to meet the definition of screening. Results: Approximately 3.4% of women identified as having GDM were screened for diabetes postpartum. Adjusted analysis found women not attending the postpartum visit (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.91) and women receiving inadequate prenatal care (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34–0.95) were less likely to receive postpartum screening for diabetes. Conversely, women 20 to 34 years of age (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21–2.66) and women who were obese (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.56–3.32) were more likely to be screened. Conclusions: Medicaid is a primary source of insurance for many women; however, for most coverage ends at 60 days postpartum, leaving a narrow window of opportunity for postpartum screening. Extended periods of coverage may be beneficial in ensuring the opportunity to receive adequate postpartum care, including screening for diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]