cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A historical memoir of archaeological research in Brazil (1981-2007)

This memoir gives a history of my archaeological research in Brazil and especially the theoretical issues, empirical interests, collaborations, and events that motivated it. I begin with my early course and field experiences as a student, my work as a museum curator and university professor, my research in literature, archives, and collections, and my early collaborations and interactions with other students and with scholars. Then I trace the relationship of my Venezuelan Orinoco dissertation work to my interest in the Amazon, and explain how that led subsequently to my field research in Brazil. I then summarize the work at the four regional foci of the project in the Lower Amazon of Brazil and point to what might be the theoretical implications of the results in light of the results of work by other scholars. I conclude with an explanation of how the Brazilian research relates to my preliminary research in Central Africa and conclude with the implications of the South American and African research for changing concepts of human evolution, human ecology, and culture history.
Quantized Consensus by Means of Gossip Algorithm

This paper deals with the distributed averaging problem over a connected network of agents, subject to a quantization constraint. It is assumed that at each time update, only a pair of agents can update their own states in terms of the quantized data being exchanged. The agents are also required to communicate with one another in a stochastic fashion. It is shown that a quantized consensus is reached for an arbitrary quantizer by means of the stochastic gossip algorithm proposed in a recent paper. The expected value of the time at which a quantized consensus is reached is lower and upper bounded in terms of the topology of the graph for a uniform quantizer. In particular, it is shown that these bounds are related to the principal submatrices of the weighted Laplacian matrix. A convex optimization is also proposed to determine a set of probabilities used to pick a pair of agents that leads to a fast convergence of the gossip algorithm.
Moral Quandaries in Obstetrics and Gynecology

While advances in reproductive medicine have accelerated in recent years, so have public criticisms of medicine, and feminist criticisms of obstetrics and gynecology. Three ethical principles are useful in assessing the validity of these criticisms. The first, beneficence, invokes the ancient Hippocratic counsel ‘to help, or at least, to do no harm.’ The second principle, respect for persons, includes autonomy, truth-telling and confidentiality. The third, justice, entails equitable distribution of benefits and harms among those affected by decisions. All 3 principles are applicable to broad areas of ethical questions which arise in obstetrics and gynecology: the physician-patient relationship, fertility curtailment and fertility enhancement.Critique of alternative models of the physician-patient relationship points to a more egalitarian approach than those which emphasize either the physician's or patient's control over decision-making. With regard to abortion, the moral standing of the fetus needs to be...
Spin-1 model of a microemulsion.

We formulate a spin-1 model of a microemulsion in which the spin values +1, 0, and -1 correspond to water, surfactant, and oil, respectively. Physical considerations dictate our choice of interactions. In addition to the usual attractive interactions at short range between molecules of the same kind, the surfactant induces a competing attractive interaction between molecules of different kinds at a distance equal to the size of the surfactant. For sufficient surfactant concentrations, this induces a phase in which numerous walls of surfactant separate distinct regions of oil and water. In a continuum model, these walls would be rough, producing a critical phase without either the long-range order of a solid or the exponential decay of correlations of a disordered liquid. We identify this phase with the ``bicontinuous'' phase of Scriven. The phase diagram of the system within mean-field theory is calculated, as is the surface tension between oil and water as a function of surfactant concentration. Depending upon temperature, the value of the latter at the triple point can be reduced by a factor of a thousand or more from that in the absence of surfactant.
Transcorneal oxygen therapy for glaucoma associated with sickle cell hyphema.

Abstract PURPOSE: To study three patients with glaucoma caused by sickle cell hyphema who were successfully treated with transcorneal oxygen therapy. METHODS: Case reports. Three patients with increased intraocular pressure caused by sickle cell hyphema were administered transcorneal oxygen therapy using humidified oxygen at a flow rate that ranged from 1 to 3 l/minute. RESULTS: All three patients had a dramatic reduction in their intraocular pressure within hours of receiving oxygen therapy. No complications were associated with the oxygen therapy. CONCLUSION: Transcorneal oxygen therapy can reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma from sickle cell hyphema. Further study is warranted to evaluate this new therapy.
Prescription Medication Information: Improving Usability Through Human Factors Design

Prescription medications are an important yet potentially hazardous part of outpatient treatment. Safe and effective use requires users to understand and follow instructions and heed warnings. Many pharmacies now provide customers with information sheets describing proper prescription use and precautions. These instructions are generally accurate but often not user-friendly. Human factors research suggested physical, cognitive, and organizational features that might enhance usability. In Study 1, we assessed sheets currently in use and then designed human factored information sheets that complied with recommendations from past research. In Study 2, human factored sheets for two medications were compared with a typical commercial version. Participants read a sheet of each type and referred to it while answering questions about the medication described. Read times and test times were significantly faster for the human factored sheets. Accuracy was significantly better. Participants overwhelmingly preferred ...
A histochemical study of aldehyde fuchsin-positive material and "high-esterase cells" in the pineal gland of the Mongolian gerbil

The pineal gland of the Mongolian gerbil consists of a superficial gland, stalk and deep pineal. The deep pineal differentiates postnatally. Histochemical studies of the superficial pineal gland indicate that it may be involved in the secretion of protein. Presumptive secretory material visualized by aldehyde fuchsin (AF) and chrome hematoxylin was observed along the course of blood vessels and among the pinealocytes. The distribution and texture of the AF-positive material was distinctive. It did not correspond to the pattern and texture of material stained with PAS, Sudan Black or acid orcein. Staining with AF was markedly reduced after incubation with trypsin, indicating that the AF-positive material is at least partially protein. The amount of stainable material increased with age. The AF-positive material was observed in what appeared to be interstitial or glial cells and processes, and in the processes of perivascular cells. Cells and fibrous processes with high non-specific esterase activity ("high-esterase cells") were observed among the pinealocytes and along the course of blood vessels. The distribution of the "high-esterase cells" and the morphology and texture of their esterase-containing processes were remarkably similar to the morphology and distribution of the material that stained with AF. It may be that the "high-esterase cells" contain AF-positive material. The "high-esterase cells" hydrolyzed both alpha-naphthyl acetate and alpha-naphthyl butyrate. The pinealocytes hydrolyzed only alpha-naphthyl acetate. The "high-esterase cells" appear to form a distinct class of cells within the superficial pineal gland. They are tentatively identified as a type of glial cell.
Generalization of conditioned aversion and limbic lesions in rats.

The effect of lesions in the amygdala or dorsal hippocampus on the acquisition and generalization of a taste aversion was investigated. Rats were conditioned to avoid a 16% sucrose solution using a two-bottle technique. Once conditioning was established, a bottle containing the 16% solution was paired with either a 32, 24, 8, or 4% sucrose solution or water for 30 min/day for 5 days. No differences were observed in either the number of days to acquisition or in generalization gradients for any of the conditioned-aversion groups. In the generalization test, these subjects demonstrated a preference for sucrose concentrations below 16%. Control animals that received injections of saline rather than poison demonstrated a significantly lower preference relative to the poisoned animals for the lower sucrose concentrations.
Dacron/urethane composite: A new biomaterial for osseous contour reconstruction

Abstract A method for reconstructing osseous contour defects, including the mandible, which employs an alloplastic tray made of polyether urethane and Dacron mesh for use in particulate cancellous bone grafting, has been described. The alloplastic tray has exhibited those qualities which are desirable in an implant device. New bone formation within this tray occurs according to the configuration imposed by the contour of the tray. This suggests possible use in the reconstruction of bony contour defects in other parts of the body where esthetic considerations are of importance.
Oral Synthetic Phospholipid (DMPC) Raises High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels, Improves High-Density Lipoprotein Function, and Markedly Reduces Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Null Mice

Background— Lecithin has been widely sold as a dietary supplement. 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) is a phospholipid that does not exist in nature and has been used in vitro to study lipid binding. We tested DMPC in vivo in apolipoprotein (apo) E–null mice. Methods and Results— DMPC or soy or egg lecithin at 1.0 mg/mL was added to the drinking water of 4-week-old apoE-null female mice. Eight weeks later, HDL cholesterol levels and apoA-I levels were markedly increased in the mice that received DMPC. HDL function was also dramatically improved in the mice receiving DMPC, and there was a significant reduction in aortic lesions (P=0.021) in the DMPC mice but not in those receiving lecithin. Adding 1.0 mg/mL of DMPC to the drinking water of 10-month-old apoE-null female mice for 5 weeks caused regression of aortic sinus lesions (P=0.003). Adding 1.0 mg/mL DMPC to the drinking water of 6-month-old apoE-null male mice for 8 weeks significantly reduced aortic sinus lesion area (P=0.0031) and e...
A possible re-interpretation of the mechanisms of oximation of carbonyl compounds

Abstract Differential temperature—time curves obtained during the reactions of propanal and cyclohexanone with excess of hydroxylamine in aqueous solutions over a wide range of pH values show that addition of hydroxylamine does not become rate-determining except in very strongly acidic solutions (pH
Dynamic growth of carbon nanopillars and microrings in electron beam induced dissociation of residual hydrocarbons

Electron beam induced dissociation (EBID) of residual hydrocarbons is a common contamination problem in electron microscopy. Formation of amorphous carbon thin films, dots, rings, and complex three-dimensional (3D) structures has been documented. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in utilization EBID of residual hydrocarbons for nanomanufacturing and metrology. With the increase and the diversification of EBID applications, ability for an a priori prediction of the appropriate deposition settings (such as electron beam current, diameter, and energy) that would result in a desired deposit size and geometry is becoming increasingly important. Toward this end, we report how simulations can be used to quantitatively predict the complex shape and non-linear dynamics of secondary ring-type microstructures formed around nanopillar deposits. The deposition experiments were performed on a Si(1 0 0) substrate for different electron beam energies and currents. Deposit shape and transient evolution were characterized using atomic force microscopy and critically compared against simulations results.
Approximate invariants and Lagrangians for autonomous, weakly non-linear systems

Abstract A procedure is given for the calculation of approximate invariants for autonomous, weakly non-linear systems with one degree of freedom, based on an expansion in the non-linear parameters. From such an invariant, an approximate Lagrangian and Hamiltonian describing the system can be generated. The damped harmonic oscillator, the Duffing equation and the van der Pol equation are used as examples.
From concept to image with computer art graphics

Discusses how to train computer graphics-oriented students to be able to use the computer to its full artistic potential, with application both of programming and art-related issues. Students create computer art graphics inspired by scientific concepts, to match the curricular content of other courses they are taking concurrently. The integrative visual training involves both the process and the product of the students' work. Due to the integrative instruction of art and science issues, students might learn about specific subject areas by applying visual thinking and inventing subject-related activities which involve visualizing information. Two main methods of integration were applied: (1) integrative project assignments, aimed at provoking the students to apply visual thinking and learning, and (2) art assignments, inspiring the students to create artwork inspired by scientific concepts.
Advancing STEM teaching and learning with research teams

An overlooked role for faculty members in advancing teaching and learning is that of the research advisor who teams with students interested in faculty careers.
Preprocedural Statin Therapy in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective:To review the published literature regarding the effectiveness or preprocedural statin therapy for the prevention of cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Data Sources:Searches of MEDLINE (1966–May 2007) and Cochrane Database (1993–May 2007) were conducted using the search terms statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, percutaneous coronary intervention, and myocardial necrosis. Limits included articles written in English with human subjects. Additional data were identified through bibliographic reviews.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language articles identified from the data sources were evaluated. Trials and studies were eligible for Inclusion if they evaluated the effectiveness of preprocedural statin therapy for the prevention of cardiac events after PCI.Data Synthesis:Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) provide benefits relative to morbidity and mortality as primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events...
Perturbation analysis of the voltage-sensitive conformational changes of the Na+/glucose cotransporter.

Conformational changes of the human Na+/glucose cotransporter (hSGLT1) were studied using voltage-jump methods. The cotransporter was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and SGLT1 charge movements were measured in the micro- to millisecond time scale using the cut-open oocyte preparation and in the millisecond to second time scale using the two-electrode voltage clamp method. Simultaneous charge and fluorescence changes were studied using tetramethylrhodamine-6-maleimide-labeled hSGLT1 Q457C. In 100 mM external [Na+], depolarizing voltage steps evoked a charge movement that rose initially to a peak (with time constant τ = 0.17 ms) before decaying to steady state with two time constants (τ = 2–30 and 25–150 ms). The time to peak (0.9 ms) decreased with [Na+], and was not observed in 0 mM [Na+]. In absence of Na+, charge movement decayed monotonically to steady state with three time constants (0.2, 2, and 150 ms). Charge movement was accompanied by fluorescence changes with similar time courses, indicating that global conformational changes monitored by charge movement are reflected by local environmental changes at or near Q457C. Our results indicate that the major voltage-dependent step of the Na+/glucose transport cycle is the return of the empty carrier from inward to outward facing conformations. Finally, we observed subtle differences between time constants for charge movement and for optical changes, suggesting that optical recordings can be used to monitor local conformational changes that underlie the global conformational changes of cotransporters.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Associated with a Coronin-1A Mutation and a Chromosome 16p11.2 Deletion

Defects causing severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) have been reported in pathways mediating antigen receptor rearrangement, antigen receptor and cytokine signaling, and purine metabolism. Recognizing that the actin regulator Coronin-1A is essential for development of a normal peripheral T cell compartment in mouse models, we identified absence of Coronin-1A in a girl with T-B+NK+ SCID who suffered recurrent infections including severe post-vaccination varicella at age 13 months. Murine Coronin-1A is essential for release of T cells from the thymus, consistent with the paradoxically detectable thymus in our patient. Molecular analysis revealed a 2 bp deletion in the paternal CORO1A coding sequence paired with a 600kb de novo deletion encompassing CORO1A on the maternal allele. This genomic region at 16p11.2 is subject to recurrent copy number variations associated with autism spectrum disorders, including attention deficit and hyperactivity, present in our patient. This case highlights the first link between actin cytoskeleton regulation and SCID.
Modeling for control of HCCI engines

The goal of this work is to accurately predict the phasing of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion for a single cylinder research engine using variable valve actuation (VVA) at Stanford University. Three simple single-zone models were developed and compared with experiment. The difference between the three modeling approaches centered around the combustion chemistry mechanism used in each case. The first modeling approach, which utilized a temperature threshold to model the onset of the combustion reaction, did not work well. However, an integrated reaction rate threshold accounting for both the temperature and concentration did correlate well with experiment. Additionally, another model utilizing a simple two-step kinetic mechanism also showed good correlation with experimental combustion phasing.
Linkage of serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate to chromosome 2 in Utah pedigrees

Abstract Background Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance are used as indicators of renal function and may indicate a propensity for development of end-stage renal disease. Identifying genes related to future decreases in renal function could be important in assessing risk and defining abnormal mechanisms amenable to preventive measures. Although creatinine clearance is a better measure of renal function than serum creatinine, proper and complete urine collections in large population studies are sometimes problematic. This can lead to a loss in power to detect linkage. Therefore, in this study we also investigated serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFR), both of which are more reliably measured. Methods Linkage was tested in a genome scan using 49 large Utah pedigrees examined three times over 10 years to detect regions harboring genes related to reduced renal function. Results Heritability of serum creatinine ranged from 25% to 31% across three examinations, and heritability of GFR ranged from 37% to 42%. The highest log of the odds (LOD) score for serum creatinine was found on chromosome 2 at 145 cM on the Marshfield map (D2S1334). Consistent nonparametric linkage for serum creatinine was found for all three examinations (LOD = 3.15, 2.75, and 2.00, respectively). Estimates of GFR also showed linkage to this region. Conclusions The consistency of linkage to chromosome 2 over longitudinally repeated measurements increases the likelihood that this region harbors a gene influencing phenotypic variation in serum creatinine and GFR. Identification of this gene could help to predict which individuals are most likely to progress to renal disease.
Asset Sales, Firm Performance, and the Agency Costs of Managerial Discretion

We argue that management sells assets when doing so provides the cheapest funds to pursue its objectives rather than for operating efficiency reasons alone. This hypothesis suggests that (1) firms selling assets have high leverage and/or poor performance, (2) a successful asset sale is good news and (3) the stock market discounts asset sale proceeds retained by the selling firm. In support of this hypothesis, we find that the typical firm in our sample performs poorly before the sale and that the average stock-price reaction to asset sales is positive only when the proceeds are paid out.
P-wave superfluidity in neutron stars and 3He

Abstract We discuss some of the similarities and differences between p-wave pairing in 3He and the 3P2 neutron superfluid that is believed to exist in the interiors of neutron stars. The structure of vortices in the 3P2 neutron superfluid is particularly interesting and is relevant to the astrophysics of pulsars.
A Candida albicans early stage biofilm detachment event in rich medium

Background Dispersal from Candida albicans biofilms that colonize catheters is implicated as a primary factor in the link between contaminated catheters and life threatening blood stream infections (BSI). Appropriate in vitro C. albicans biofilm models are needed to probe factors that induce detachment events.
Evaluating time-dependent tree ring and climate relationships.

These methods have been used to evaluate effects of long-term climate change or pollution impacts on tree growth, thereby enhancing the value of tree rings as a historical data source. The verification of time-varying trends, however, should be based on replication of results, historical knowledge of the forest, and statistical testing to the extent possible. This article introduces several useful statistical tests for model verification and parameter time-dependency based on prediction errors and maximum likelihood information criteria
ON THE CONCEPT OF POWER IN ECONOMICS

In this paper we start with the standard definition of power and indicate how orthodox neoclassical economics fails to handle some of the key issues of power. In Sections II and III we discuss in the context of recent advances in economic theory some of the battlefields, so to speak, for the exercise of power: bargaining games in Section II and economic organizations and capitalist authority relations in Section III. In all of this we focus on the underlying structural factors. In the last Section we discuss some problems with both the behavioral and structural concepts of power.
Examining the Literacy Histories of Doctoral Students in an Educational Studies Program through Surveys and Interviews: A Mixed Methods Study.

The purpose of this mixed methods sequential explanatory study was to explain the relationship between literacy experiences over time and the literacy identities of the doctoral students in a teacher education and higher education program. The quantitative phase, surveying 36 participants, revealed a positive correlation between participant’s present and past literacy experiences, suggesting that past literacy experiences impacted their present perception of themselves as successful doctoral students. In the qualitative follow up multiple case study analysis, four major themes emerged from the interviews and participants’ visual representations: (1) past literacy experiences; (2) present literacy experiences; (3) support systems; and (4) social experiences. The findings suggest that early feelings of success in literacy contribute to strong literacy identities in higher education programs. Implications for the faculty of higher education will be discussed.
Data center TCP (DCTCP)

Cloud data centers host diverse applications, mixing workloads that require small predictable latency with others requiring large sustained throughput. In this environment, today's state-of-the-art TCP protocol falls short. We present measurements of a 6000 server production cluster and reveal impairments that lead to high application latencies, rooted in TCP's demands on the limited buffer space available in data center switches. For example, bandwidth hungry "background" flows build up queues at the switches, and thus impact the performance of latency sensitive "foreground" traffic.To address these problems, we propose DCTCP, a TCP-like protocol for data center networks. DCTCP leverages Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) in the network to provide multi-bit feedback to the end hosts. We evaluate DCTCP at 1 and 10Gbps speeds using commodity, shallow buffered switches. We find DCTCP delivers the same or better throughput than TCP, while using 90% less buffer space. Unlike TCP, DCTCP also provides high burst tolerance and low latency for short flows. In handling workloads derived from operational measurements, we found DCTCP enables the applications to handle 10X the current background traffic, without impacting foreground traffic. Further, a 10X increase in foreground traffic does not cause any timeouts, thus largely eliminating incast problems.
The Australian monarchy: Imperfect but important

The question of the monarchy in Australia is to be considered within a strict context of time and space. Distance — the fact that this is an absentee institution — is a prime consideration. Distance has served to emphasise the traditional distinction between the private and public capacities of the sovereign. The queen's ‘public body’, and in particular the notion of the Crown, has an authority in Australia beyond what it can have in Britain. The passage of time has embedded this authority within Australian constitutional method so thoroughly that it is taken for granted. And yet it provides much of what is distinctive and valuable within the relationship of people and government. The Australian republican movement is to be partly understood as an attack on this relationship.
Ischemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome as an Alternative Explanation for Postherniorrhaphy Pain

In general, moderate to severe postherniorrhaphy pain occurs in 10% of patients. The incidence is higher after recurrent repair (22%) than after initial surgery (3%) [1]. Other factors increasing the risk of postherniorrhaphy pain are poor postoperative pain control, female gender, young age, and surgical nerve damage. Although abnormal inflammatory response is also proposed as a cause of chronic postherniorrhaphy pain, the specific signs and symptoms that would satisfy a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS; also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or Sudeck’s atrophy) are lacking. In fact, a strong argument can be made that most postherniorrhaphy pain is neuropathic in nature and is a direct expression of neurogenic inflammation in the territory of an injured nerve or nerves.
Preservice Generalist Teachers Enlightened Approach to Teaching Physical Education through Teacher Biography.

This paper describes a new learning experience, which was introduced following an examination of the literature regarding preservice primary school teachers' (PPST) notions of their past experience in Physical Education (PE) (Elliott 2013). PPSTs were given the opportunity to recognise, reflect, interrogate and reframe a critical incident from their schooling in PE or Sport. This exercise was designed to enlighten students about their own schooling and the potential impact this event may have on pre-conceived ideas and opinions about teaching PE. Students (N=214) enrolled in off and on campus mode, of a preservice teacher education program in a university located in regional NSW, were asked to provide information about, and to analyse, an incident, either positive or negative that occurred in PE or Sport during their primary or secondary school years. In addition, students were encouraged to reframe the incident and to seek out alternative actions that could have influenced the outcome. The aim was to encourage reflection about how preconceived notions pertaining to PE might be dealt within their present position as a preservice teacher. The PPSTs scripts were analysed using the Leximancer text mining software (Smith, 2000). Findings from the analysis provided themes and concepts, which suggest a similarity for both, off and on campus, males and females. However, there are some subtle differences between the cohorts that may be due to age or experience.
Emotional Eating Mediates the Relationship Between Role Stress and Obesity in Clergy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between role stress, emotional eating, and obesity in clergy. A random sample of United States Lutheran Church Missouri Synod clergy who met the study criteria (N = 430), response rate 38%, completed the Role Stress and Emotional Eating Behavior Scales, and self-reported height and weight for Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation. Obesity was high (81.4% overweight/obese, 36.7% obese), and emotional eating partially mediated the relationship between role stress and obesity. This study tested relations of the Neuman Systems Model.
Scaling laws for ising models near T c

A model for describing the behavior of Ising models very near ${T}_{c}$ is introduced. The description is based upon dividing the Ising model into cells which are microscopically large but much smaller than the coherence length and then using the total magnetization within each cell as a collective variable. The resulting calculation serves as a partial justification for Ifidom's conjecture about the homogeneity of the free energy and at the same time gives his result $s\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{'}=\mathrm{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{'}+2\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}$.
Fundamental mode of a hollowcore hexagonal photonic crystal fiber and its application to electron acceleration

In this work we discuss a very intuitive picture of the fundamental mode of a hollow-core hexagonal photonic crystal fiber and compare it with known results. We also discuss a possible application of this waveguide to accelerate electrons using pulsed lasers.
Primary Care Physician Designation and Response to Clinical Decision Support Reminders

Objective: Clinical decision support (CDS) has been shown to improve process outcomes, but over-alerting may not produce incremental benefits. We analyzed providers’ response to preventive care reminders to determine if reminder response rates varied when a primary care provider (PCP) saw their own patients as compared with a partner’s patients. Secondary objectives were to describe variation in PCP identification in the electronic health record (EHR) across sites, and to determine its accuracy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed response to preventive care reminders during visits to outpatient primary care sites over a three-month period where an EHR was used. Data on clinician requests for reminders, viewing of preventive care reminders, and response rates were stratified by whether the patient visited their own PCP, the PCP’s partner, or where no PCP was listed in the EHR. We calculated the proportion of PCP identification across sites and agreement of identified PCP with an external standard. Results: Of 84,937 visits, 58,482 (68.9%) were with the PCP, 10,259 (12.1%) were with the PCP’s partner, and 16,196 (19.1%) had no listed PCP. Compared with PCP partner visits, visits with the patient’s PCP were associated with more requested reminders (30.9% vs 22.9%), viewed reminders (29.7% vs 20.7%), and responses to reminders (28.7% vs 12.6%), all comparisons p<0.001. Visits with no listed PCP had the lowest rates of requests, views, and responses. There was good agreement between the EHR-listed PCP and the provider seen for a plurality of visits over the last year (κ=0.917). Conclusions: A PCP relationship during a visit was associated with higher use of preventive care reminders and a lack of PCP was associated with lower use of CDS. Targeting reminders to the PCP may be desirable, but further studies are needed to determine which strategy achieves better patient care outcomes.
Immigration Federalism and Rights

This chapter undertakes a comparative analysis of the growing asymmetrical immigration federalism regimes that have surfaced in Australia, Canada, the European Union, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. The purpose of the study is to begin to trace whether the rise in immigration federalism—i.e., the diversity of laws and policies regulating immigration and immigrants—in these nations has improved or worsened the rights and treatment of immigrants in those respective nations. This chapter does not provide a conclusive answer to this question because federal structures help amplify both restrictive as well as inclusive possibilities and trends. There are, however, factors that appear to contribute to the outcomes of immigration federalism that are worth noting. Among these factors is the role of demographic and socio-economic factors, as well as political ones at the local level. The role of political divergence between national and local interests is another significant consideration of the implications of federalism for the rights of immigrants, although here whether the outcome is positive or negative depends very much on the relationship between local and national politics. The role of binding universal human rights law or domestic constitutional rights to protect the rights of immigrants also cannot be dismissed as a powerful argument, generally in favor of centralization. As the chapter documents, however, centralization does not necessarily translate to greater legal rights for immigrants in systems that apply exceptionalism to the national immigration power. Decentralization also need not mean the non-application of human rights law or even potentially greater local rights under sub-national constitutional provisions. Finally, the chapter takes up the extremely important consideration of what, if any lessons, can be gleaned from these comparative analysis on advocacy strategies on behalf of immigrants. Here too, the response is highly contextualized and cannot be generalized, as it will be dictated by the factors that influence the outcomes of immigration federalism.
Predator odor exposure of rat pups has opposite effects on play by juvenile males and females.

Abstract Juvenile social play behavior is one of the earliest sexually differentiated behaviors to emerge. In rats, as with most other species that play, males engage in more rough-and-tumble play compared to females. Exposure to early life adversity is a major driver of adult health and can manifest differently in males and females. However, the effects of adverse early life exposure on play behavior in the juvenile period are poorly understood. To address this, male and female neonatal rats were exposed to predator odor (PO), for 5 min/day on PN1-PN3. At the time of exposure to PO, both male and female pups suppressed ultrasonic vocalization and displayed more freezing behavior. Circulating corticosterone increased in males immediately following PO exposure but not in females. The enduring effects of PO exposure were opposite in males compared to females in that PO exposed males decreased social play, while PO exposed females increased play behavior compared to same sex controls. PO exposure did not significantly affect cell genesis in the neonatal dentate gyrus of either sex. PO exposure did not affect anxiety-like behavior assessed in the juvenile period or in adulthood, nor did it affect social interactions in adulthood. This work provides new insight into how sex may interact with adverse early life events to contribute to development of the social consequences of such exposures.
Topological learning for acoustic signal identification

We consider the problem of classifying highly concentrated acoustic signals. We implement a topological learning technique to examine the shape and topology of signals' higher dimensional embedding. Next, rather than considering classical features for acoustic signal classification such as Cepstral features, instead a new feature extraction is presented which reveals information about the underlying structure of the signals. The performance of this new methodology is then compared with the Cepstral features in real data provided by the Army Research Lab.
Electrolytic conductance in isodielectric mixtures of polystyrene and diphenylmethane

In general, the flux of electrical charge depends on the number of charge carriers per unit volume and their mobility in an applied field. In amorphous polymeric systems of low dielectric constant, where the charge carriers are presumably ions, the conventional methods of altering the mobility (e. g., changing the temperature or pressure, adding a fluid diluent) usually also change the concentration of the ions. The analysis of the experiment is thus quite difficult unless the alteration can be done in an isodielectric manner. This paper reports such a study.
Net-zero energy building clusters emulator for energy planning and operation evaluation

Abstract The emergence of smart grids, Net-zero energy buildings, and advanced building energy demand response technologies continuously drives the needs for better design and operation strategies for buildings and distributed energy systems. It is envisioned that similar to micro-communities in a human society, neighboring buildings will have the tendency to form a building cluster, an open cyber-physical system to exploit the economic opportunities provided by smart grids and distributed energy systems. To realize this building cluster envision, it requires better urban energy planning and operation control strategies to determine which type of buildings should be clustered and what operation strategies should be implemented to fully utilize the potential in load aggregation, load shifting, and resource allocation. However, most of the current tools are focusing on single buildings or devices, which are not suitable for building cluster studies. To this end, this study proposes to develop a Net-zero building cluster emulator that can simulate realistic energy behaviors of a cluster of buildings and their distributed energy devices as well as exchange operation data and control schemes with real-world building control systems. The developed emulator has the flexibility to integrate with different buildings and distributed energy systems to study the performance of this building cluster to propose suggestions in urban energy planning and operation. To show the application of this emulator, a proof-of-concept demonstration is also presented in this paper.
An Assessment of Kenneth Burke’s Influence on the Second Chicago School

This essay critically assesses some of the ways that some members of the Second Chicago School used Kenneth Burke’s ideas. On the whole, they selectively graft some of Burke’s ideas onto their existing approach to sociology, an approach that was deeply rooted in symbolic interactionism. However, their selection and use of particular Burkean ideas suggests they were more interested in maintaining the integrity and unity of their existing framework than they were in critically using Burkean ideas to identify and overcome problems intrinsic to their own theory and methods. A fuller appropriation of Burkean ideas, I argue, would have led the Second Chicago School to a self-reflection and criticism that might ultimately have lead them to create an approach that was radically different, and arguably richer, from the one they in fact did develop.
Reflection and transmission of obliquely incident light by chiral sculptured thin films fabricated using asymmetric serial-bideposition technique

Chiral sculptured thin films (STFs) were grown using the asymmetric serial-bideposition (ASBD) technique, whereby (i) two subdeposits of unequal heights are separated by a substrate rotation of 180 deg about the central normal axis, and (ii) consecutive subdeposit pairs are separated by a small substrate rotation δ on the order of a few degrees. Eight samples were prepared with subdeposit heights in ratios of 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 5:1, 7:1, and 9:1. A finely ambichiral STF was also grown. All nine samples were grown with the same vapor flux direction and to have 10 periods with the same thickness. The spectrums of all eight circular remittances of every sample were measured over a wide range of incidence angle θ inc . Redshifting and narrowing of the circular Bragg regime was observed with increasing subdeposit-height ratio for all values of θ inc , arriving at a limit with the 9:1 sample. The finely ambichiral sample has a circular Bragg regime similar to that of the 9:1 sample, but the latter exhibits much better discrimination between incident left circularly polarized light and right circularly polarized light than the former for θ inc larger than about 20 deg.
Defying Auer Deference

On March 9, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its decision in Perez v. Mortgage Bankers Association. The Court overturned the D.C. Circuit’s decision in Paralyzed Veterans of America v. D.C. Arena L.P. The rule created in Paralyzed Veterans required agencies to “use the APA’s notice-and-comment procedures when it wishes to issue a new interpretation of a regulation that deviates significantly from one the agency has previously adopted.” The Paralyzed Veterans rule addressed policy concerns that agencies use interpretive rules to evade APA notice-and-comment procedures. According to Professor Sasha Volokh, the overturning of Paralyzed Veterans is uncontroversial and founded in sound understandings of statutory interpretation. The opinions of Justices Alito, Thomas, and Scalia, however, suggest that the conservative wing of the Supreme Court may be seeking to overturn another longstanding rule: Auer deference (a.k.a. Seminole Rock deference).
Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Support Program for Nursing Staff.

Objectives A peer-support program called Resilience In Stressful Events (RISE) was designed to help hospital staff cope with stressful patient-related events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the RISE program by conducting an economic evaluation of its cost benefit. Methods A Markov model with a 1-year time horizon was developed to compare the cost benefit with and without the RISE program from a provider (hospital) perspective. Nursing staff who used the RISE program between 2015 and 2016 at a 1000-bed, private hospital in the United States were included in the analysis. The cost of running the RISE program, nurse turnover, and nurse time off were modeled. Data on costs were obtained from literature review and hospital data. Probabilities of quitting or taking time off with or without the RISE program were estimated using survey data. Net monetary benefit (NMB) and budget impact of having the RISE program were computed to determine cost benefit to the hospital. Results Expected model results of the RISE program found a net monetary benefit savings of US $22,576.05 per nurse who initiated a RISE call. These savings were determined to be 99.9% consistent on the basis of a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. The budget impact analysis revealed that a hospital could save US $1.81 million each year because of the RISE program. Conclusions The RISE program resulted in substantial cost savings to the hospital. Hospitals should be encouraged by these findings to implement institution-wide support programs for medical staff, based on a high demand for this type of service and the potential for cost savings.
Risk Factors for Readmission with Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Within 30 Days of Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a well-recognized complication after surgical resection of vestibular schwannomas and is associated with a number of secondary complications, including readmission and meningitis. Objective To identify risk factors for and timing of 30-d readmission with CSF leak. Methods Patients who had undergone surgical resection of a vestibular schwannoma from 1995 to 2010 were identified in the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database. The most common admission diagnoses were identified by International Classification of Disease, ninth Revision, diagnosis codes, and predictors of readmission with CSF leak were determined using logistic regression. Results A total of 6820 patients were identified. CSF leak, though a relatively uncommon cause of admission after discharge (3.52% of all patients), was implicated in nearly half of 490 readmissions (48.98%). Significant independent predictors of readmission with CSF leak were male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-2.25), first admission at a teaching hospital (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.06-10.39), CSF leak during first admission (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.33-2.55), obesity during first admission (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.20-3.66), and case volume of first admission hospital (OR of log case volume 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.95). Median time to readmission was 6 d from hospital discharge. Conclusion This study has quantified CSF leak as an important contributor to nearly half of all readmissions following vestibular schwannoma surgery. We propose that surgeons should focus on technical factors that may reduce CSF leakage and take advantage of potential screening strategies for the detection of CSF leakage prior to first admission discharge.
The Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants can detect cerebral palsy early in neonatal intensive care recipients.

Abstract Background The detection of motor problems in infancy requires a detailed assessment method that measures both the infants' level of motor development and movement quality. Aims To evaluate the ability of the Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants (SOMP-I) to detect cerebral palsy (CP) in neonatal intensive care recipients. Study design Prospective cohort study analyzed retrospectively. Subjects 212 (girls: 96) neonatal intensive care recipients (mean gestational age 34 weeks, range: 23–43). Twenty infants were diagnosed with CP. Outcome measures The infants were assessed using SOMP-I at 2, 4, 6 and 10 months' corrected age. Accuracy measures were calculated for level of motor development, quality of motor performance and a combination of the two to detect CP at single and repeated assessments. Results At 2 months, 17 of 20 infants with CP were detected, giving a sensitivity of 85% (95% CI 62–97%) and a specificity of 48% (95% CI 40–55%), while the negative likelihood ratio was 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.9) and the positive likelihood ratio was 1.6 (95% CI 1.3–2.0). At 6 months all infants with CP were detected using SOMP-I, and all infants had repeatedly been assessed outside the cut-offs. Specificity was generally lower for all assessment ages, however, for repeated assessments sensitivity reached 90% (95% CI 68–99%) and specificity 85% (95% CI 79–90%). Conclusions SOMP-I is sensitive for detecting CP early, but using the chosen cut-off can lead to false positives for CP. Assessing level and quality in combination and at repeated assessments improved predictive ability.