cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Student Understanding of Intermolecular Forces: A Multimodal Study

The ability to use representations of molecular structure to predict the macroscopic properties of a substance is central to the development of a robust understanding of chemistry. Intermolecular forces (IMFs) play an important role in this process because they provide a mechanism for how and why molecules interact. In this study, we investigate student thinking about IMFs (that is, hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces) by asking general chemistry college students to both describe their understanding in writing and to draw representations of IMFs. Analysis of student drawings shows that most students in our study did not have a stable, coherent understanding of IMFs as interactions between molecules. At least 55% of the students in our study unambiguously represented each IMF an interaction or bond within a single molecule, while only 10–30% of students represented each IMF as an interaction between molecules. Furthermore, the majority of students (59%) were not consi...
Contributions of Organic and Inorganic Matter to Sediment Volume and Accretion in Tidal Wetlands at Steady State

A mixing model derived from first principles describes the bulk density (BD) of intertidal wetland sediments as a function of loss on ignition (LOI). The model assumes that the bulk volume of sediment equates to the sum of self-packing volumes of organic and mineral components or BD = 1/[LOI/k1 + (1-LOI)/k2], where k1 and k2 are the self-packing densities of the pure organic and inorganic components, respectively. The model explained 78% of the variability in total BD when fitted to 5075 measurements drawn from 33 wetlands distributed around the conterminous United States. The values of k1 and k2 were estimated to be 0.085 ± 0.0007 g cm-3 and 1.99 ± 0.028 g cm-3, respectively. Based on the fitted organic density (k1) and constrained by primary production, the model suggests that the maximum steady state accretion arising from the sequestration of refractory organic matter is ≤ 0.3 cm yr-1. Thus, tidal peatlands are unlikely to indefinitely survive a higher rate of sea-level rise in the absence of a significant source of mineral sediment. Application of k2 to a mineral sediment load typical of East and eastern Gulf Coast estuaries gives a vertical accretion rate from inorganic sediment of 0.2 cm yr-1. Total steady state accretion is the sum of the parts and therefore should not be greater than 0.5 cm yr-1 under the assumptions of the model. Accretion rates could deviate from this value depending on variation in plant productivity, root:shoot ratio, suspended sediment concentration, sediment-capture efficiency, and episodic events.
Marketplace Justice for American Immigrants

Immigrants to the United States often find it particularly difficult to establish credit histories and avail themselves of tradition credit options such as bank loans, credit cards, equity lines of credit, and deferred payment plans. As is the case with low income consumers, immigrants are often drawn to the fringe banking sector for credit availability. This comes at considerable cost and is not always in the best interests of consumers. This paper examines the credit alternatives most often used in immigrant communities and analyzes the legal framework for each.
A Comparison Between the Patterns of CN, O, and Na Inhomogeneities on the Red Giant Branch of Messier 71 Using Data from the Literature

Data drawn from the published literature are used to define the relations between the spectroscopic λ4215 CN-band strength of red giants in the globular cluster Messier 71 and both the sodium and oxygen abundances. The cluster giants with CN measurements included in this study have absolute magnitudes in the range -2 < MV < +2. The data are consistent with a moderate degree of anticorrelation between the CN-band strength and the [O/Fe] abundance, as well as a moderate correlation between CN-band strength and [Na/Fe], although there is scatter of up to 0.3-0.4 dex in both O and Na abundance among giants with CN bands of similar strength. The mean difference in [O/Fe] between CN-strong and CN-weak giants is 0.13 dex, the former group of stars having the lower average oxygen abundance. By contrast, the mean difference in [Na/Fe] between CN-strong and CN-weak giants is 0.17 dex, with the CN-strong group having the higher average sodium abundance. There is a similar range in λ4215 CN-band strengths among the red giants in Messier 71 and 47 Tucanae. Furthermore, the red giant branch stars in the two clusters follow very similar relations between CN-band strength and [Na/Fe] abundance. These two similarities are intriguing given that the two clusters differ by a factor of 30 or more in luminous mass, with 47 Tuc having a much higher degree of central mass concentration than M71. A difference can be discerned between the O-CN relations in the two clusters, such that for a given CN-band strength the CN-strong giants in 47 Tuc attain lower values of [O/Fe], a result that is consistent with previously noted differences in the O-Na relations of the two objects. A scenario is discussed in which both 47 Tuc and M71 were formed as the mergers of pre-existing CN-weak and CN-strong subclusters, the later having been formed following chemical evolution and self-enrichment of a large cloud complex that had earlier formed the CN-weak subcluster. Different dynamical merger routes may have lead in one instance to the high-mass 47 Tuc cluster, whereas M71 may have resulted from a merger that was accompanied by a large amount of star loss and stellar evaporation.
Luminescence Properties of InxGa1-xAs-GaAs Strained-Layer Superlattices

The low-temperature (20K) photoluminescence of InxGa1-xAs and InxGal-xAs — GaAs strained-layer superlattices (SLS’s) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is investigated. Data are presented for thick (bulk) epitaxial layers grown directly on GaAs and for relatively-thin (˜600A) InxGa1-xAs layers under biaxial compression. Data are also presented for two series of SLS’s. In the two series of SLS’s, the InxGa1-xAs layer thickness (Lz) is held constant while only the GaAs layer thickness (LB) is varied. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the crystals are useful in analyzing the effects of biaxial strain, carrier confinement, and barrier layer thicknesses in SLS’s. Results are compared with calculations based upon a modified Kronig-Penney model which incorporates the appropriate deformation potentials for SLS analysis. This type of analysis, in agreement with experimental data, suggests that the electron-to-light-hole transition can be lower in energy than the electron-to-heavy-hole transition in SLS’s, depending upon layer thickness and crystal composition.
Manufacturing Variety: Economies of Scope in a Low-Volume, High-Mix Environment

Increasingly, the Holy Grail in manufacturing is the ability to combine the flexibility of customized production with the efficiency of mass production to achieve “mass customization.” Our research has identified an innovative method of customized manufacturing in an unlikely place – contract manufacturers that provide electronic manufacturing services (EMS). We conduct an in-depth case study of two EMS firms in the Pearl Delta Region of China who have created value-added by providing variety in production to their customers through adaptive, or flexible, manufacturing techniques. The firms’ success in these techniques is derived from investment in repeatable and robust routines, rather than from low-cost labor or from high tech equipment. Specifically, by investing in organization and technological routines in three key areas – customer relations, supplier relations, and labor relations – the EMS providers are able to create a production process that is relatively independent of changes in customers and workforce as well as changes in the design, technology, and markets of the products they produce.
Rejoice in unexpected gifts from parrots and butterflies

New biological structures usually evolve from gradual modifications of old structures. Sometimes, biological structures contain hidden features, possibly vestigial. In addition to learning about functionalities, mechanisms, and structures readily apparent in nature, one must be alive to hidden features that could be useful. This aspect of engineered biomimicry is exemplified by two optical structures of psittacine and lepidopteran provenances. In both examples, a schemochrome is hidden by pigments.
Probing the Local Secondary Structure of Amphipathic 3-10 Helical Peptides using Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation

Despite the physiological and biological importance of membrane proteins, there is currently limited structural and dynamic information available. This is primarily due to a lack of biophysical techniques to accurately probe their structural properties. A common method to examine the global secondary structure of proteins or peptides is to use circular dichroism (CD), a biophysical technique that can determine if the protein exists in an α-helical, β-sheet, or random structure. However, this technique is not optimal for distinguishing between different types of helices; specifically a 310-helix verses an α-helix. A novel approach is being developed to utilize electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy coupled with site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) to characterize the local secondary structure of membrane peptides and proteins. Previously, we have demonstrated that by using isotopically labeled amino acids as a probe and strategically placing the MTSL spin label, α-helicity can be easily determined by detecting a signal between the spin label and the labeled amino acid when they are 4 residues apart. This method has been successfully applied on synthetic peptides as well as on recombinant membrane proteins. This project focuses on implementing this concept in order to distinguish between 310-helical peptides and α-helical peptides by taking advantage of the unique turn periodicity for the 310-helix (3.1 amino acid residues per turn) and the α-helix (3.6 amino acid residues per turn). For a 310-helix, it is expected that the signal will be the strongest when the spin label and labeled amino acid are 3 residues apart. This will provide the structural biology community with a quick and easy technique to distinguish between different helices that are known to contribute to the functionality of a variety of different membrane channel proteins.
Lower Extremity Length Discrepancies

Lower extremity length discrepancies outlines the natural history of specific disorders leading to discrepancies, negative sequelae of discrepancies, methods projecting eventual discrepancies at skeletal maturity, developmental patterns of discrepancies, and techniques and timing for shortening, lengthening, and bone bridge resection. Femoral overgrowth following diaphyseal fractures is reviewed and updated following immediate casting or intramedullary nailing.
Sleep as a Biological Rhythm: A Historical Review

In the early 1960s sleep was generally viewed as a homeostatic system and its circadian rhythm characteristics were unexplored. During this period the maturing field of chronobiology had paid scant attention to sleep as a biological system. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the concepts and procedures of chronobiology were rapidly incorporated into sleep research. By the 1980s, the conception of sleep as a circadian rhythm had been accomplished. This major and rapid paradigm shift can be attributed largely to the accessibility of the developed area of chronobiology.
CHAPTER 16 – Sine Wave Oscillators

This chapter discusses sine wave oscillators and examines feedback and oscillation. Positive feedback leads to stable latching and no further motion. Negative feedback can cause up and down oscillation of the relay armature. Transistors are so fast that their natural delay times are in the billionths of a second, so capacitive delays are used ordinarily to produce oscillations with somewhat longer time constants. The phase shift oscillator is discussed in detail in the chapter. The experiments that are discussed in the chapter are armstrong amplifier and oscillators, colpitts oscillators, accurate timing, and blocking oscillator.
Editorial: Inter-healthcare Professions Collaboration: Educational and Practical Aspects and New Developments.

NF is a 62 year old female patient in good health. She is seeing her family physician for routine care, including managing her high blood pressure, annual check-ups, immunizations, and standard screenings. She also sees a podiatrist regarding a heel spur on her right foot, a GI specialist for GERD, an ophthalmologist for follow-up care after cataract surgery, a physical therapist for left knee pain, a dentist for a new crown, and her pharmacist manages all of her medications. She has a preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance plan so she can select her own care givers without going through her primary care physician. As a result, her “team” does not share any network, nor do they share an electronic medical record. Is her investment in health care seeing optimal results? Who is managing her care? The likely answer to this question is no one and everyone.
Attitudes toward Bisexual Men and Women among a Nationally Representative Probability Sample of Adults in the United States.

As bisexual individuals in the United States (U.S.) face significant health disparities, researchers have posited that these differences may be fueled, at least in part, by negative attitudes, prejudice, stigma, and discrimination toward bisexual individuals from heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Previous studies of individual and social attitudes toward bisexual men and women have been conducted almost exclusively with convenience samples, with limited generalizability to the broader U.S. population. Our study provides an assessment of attitudes toward bisexual men and women among a nationally representative probability sample of heterosexual, gay, lesbian, and other-identified adults in the U.S. Data were collected from the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB), via an online questionnaire with a probability sample of adults (18 years and over) from throughout the U.S. We included two modified 5-item versions of the Bisexualities: Indiana Attitudes Scale (BIAS), validated sub-scales that were developed to measure attitudes toward bisexual men and women. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gamma regression, and paired t-tests. Gender, sexual identity, age, race/ethnicity, income, and educational attainment were all significantly associated with participants' attitudes toward bisexual individuals. In terms of responses to individual scale items, participants were most likely to “neither agree nor disagree” with all attitudinal statements. Across sexual identities, self-identified other participants reported the most positive attitudes, while heterosexual male participants reported the least positive attitudes. As in previous research on convenience samples, we found a wide range of demographic characteristics were related with attitudes toward bisexual individuals in our nationally-representative study of heterosexual, gay/lesbian, and other-identified adults in the U.S. In particular, gender emerged as a significant characteristic; female participants’ attitudes were more positive than male participants’ attitudes, and all participants’ attitudes were generally more positive toward bisexual women than bisexual men. While recent population data suggest a marked shift in more positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbian women in the general population of the U.S., the largest proportions of participants in our study reported a relative lack of agreement or disagreement with all affective-evaluative statements in the BIAS scales. Findings document the relative lack of positive attitudes toward bisexual individuals among the general population of adults in the U.S. and highlight the need for developing intervention approaches to promote more positive attitudes toward bisexual individuals, targeted toward not only heterosexual but also gay/lesbian individuals and communities.
Data Analytics Skills, Innovation and Firm Productivity

As digitization of various economic and human behaviors become more prevalent, we examine whether data analysis capabilities can help with process- and innovation-oriented firm practices. Using detailed, firm level data on employee data analysis capabilities combined with a survey of organizational practices for 330 large firms, we find that while neither data skills nor process-related practices affect productivity directly, they have a substantial positive interaction. Specifically, firms with process-related practices receive a greater marginal benefit for the presence of or acquisition of data-related skills in their workforce. However, we do not find the same complementarities between data-related skills and innovation-oriented practices and at times the interaction can even be negative. These results are also unique to data-related skills and not IT skills generally. Overall these results highlight the potential tradeoffs of using data analytics at firm, similar to the tradeoffs between exploitation and exploration. We show that value of analytics (at least over our 1987-2007 sample period) is in enabling the use of internal and external data to drive process improvement, but data analytics capability does not immediately translate to greater innovation.
Corporate Investors Increased Common Ownership In Hospitals And The Postacute Care And Hospice Sectors

The sharing of investors across firms is a new antitrust focus because of its potential negative effects on competition. Historically, the ability to track common investors across the continuum of health care providers has been limited. Thus, little is known about common investor ownership structures that might exist across health care delivery systems and how these linkages have evolved over time. We used data from the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify common investor ownership linkages across the acute care, postacute care, and hospice sectors within the same geographic markets. To our knowledge, this study provides the first description of common investor ownership trends in these sectors. We found that the percentage of acute care hospitals having common investor ties to the postacute or hospice sectors increased from 24.6 percent in 2005 to 48.9 percent in 2015. These changes have important implications for antitrust, paymen...
Trans-umbilical two-port laparoscopic suturing of the inguinal hernia defect with percutaneous assistance: a safe and efficient scarless surgery for pediatric inguinal hernia repair

This study was aimed to describe the technique of the modified trans-umbilical two-port laparoscopic suturing (M-TTLS), and show its feasibility and efficacy to treat pediatric inguinal hernia (PIH). After general anesthesia, the patient was placed in the Trendelenburg position. Two trocars were set on umbilicus and a pneumoperitoneum was established at 8–12 mmHg. Under direct vision, a long syringe needle was punctured into the preperitoneal space above the internal inguinal ring (IIR). After the peritoneum separated by hydrodissection, the syringe needle was left in peritoneal cavity. A suture needle with 2–0 silk suture was periced into abdomen, and its tip was then inserted into the syringe needle hole by laparoscopic needle holder. Under the syringe’s guidance, the peritoneum on the surface of the vessels and vas was sutured intactly by a single stitch. Subsequently, the rest peritoneum was sutured continuously in a clockwise direction. After a purse-string suture completed, the orifice of hernia sac was closed intracorporeally by a single-instrument tie technique. Overall, 139 patients with PIH underwent M-TTLS, including 130 boys and 9 girls. Median age was 46.8 months. All procedures were performed uneventfully without conversion. Median operation time was 12 min for unilateral and 17 min for bilateral operations. There were three minor extraperitoneal hematomas occurred during the operation. After a median follow-up of 13 months, no common complications developed and no visible scars were observed on the abdominal wall. M-TTLS is a safe and efficient scarless surgery for PIH repair.
Basic Staining and Histochemical Techniques and Immunohistochemical Localizations Using Bone Sections

Staining procedures, and more specialized histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, are performed to obtain specific types of information about bone cells, bone, or cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and bone formation and mineralization. Unfortunately, all these aspects cannot usually be obtained with one staining procedure or localization method, and thus the specific needs of a project must be clearly defined at the outset of specimen preparation. If bone formation and mineralization are important for the study, then the specimens must be processed in an undecalcified method and sectioned with a special microtome and knives. If more routine histologic stains and localizations are the desired outcome, then routine or specialized decalcification procedures can be performed and the specimen can be embedded in paraffin. We have recently reviewed the technical methods elsewhere.9 The objective of this chapter is to present technical procedures for the more commonly used bone stains and localizations.
The dose-dependent psychomotor effects of intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in humans.

Background:Binding studies have demonstrated that levels of the cannabinoid receptor type-1 are highest in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, two areas critical for motor control. However, no studie...
Freedom and idealism in Mary Whiton Calkins

ABSTRACTThis paper explores Calkins’ absolute idealism and its ramifications for libertarian free will. Calkins’ metaphysics is a version of absolute idealism, according to which the absolute is a person who has everything else as either a part or an aspect. Three different arguments for the conclusion that Calkins’ metaphysics is incompatible with libertarian freewill are formulated and critically assessed. Finally, I assess the extent to which these arguments are independent of each other.
Dependency of prescribed CT dose on table height, patient size, and localizer acquisition for one clinical MDCT

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect that table height, patient size, and localizer acquisition order may have on AEC prescribed dose. Method and materials Three phantoms were used for this study: the Mercury Phantom, acrylic sheets, and an anthropomorphic phantom. A lateral (LAT) and a posterior-anterior (PA) localizer was acquired for each phantom at different table heights on a MDCT scanner (GE Discovery CT750 HD). AEC scan acquisitions were prescribed for each combination of phantom, localizer orientation, and table height ±4 cm with the center position; the displayed CTDIvol was recorded. Based on the institutional dose monitoring program, the relationship between change in CTDIvol and change in table height were studied for LAT and AP localizers for clinical exams. Results For all phantom scans based on the PA localizer, the percent change in ranged between −18% and 42% for table heights 4 cm below and above proper centering; while for the LAT localizer, the percent change in CTDIvol from ideal were no greater than 12% different for ±4 cm differences in table height. Change in CTDIvol and change in table height displayed a strong linear relationship for AP localizer exams (P = 0.002), and weak correlation for LAT localizer exams (P = 0.12). Conclusions Since uncertainty in vertical patient positioning is inherently greater than lateral positioning, the LAT localizer should be utilized to precisely and reproducibly deliver the intended amount of radiation prescribed by CT protocols.
Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Standard Periarticular Injection in Total Knee Arthroplasty With Regional Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Background Liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) is a long-acting local anesthetic preparation with demonstrated efficacy over placebo in reducing postoperative pain and opioid requirement. Limited comparative efficacy and cost-effectiveness data exist for its use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when used in a multimodal, opioid-sparing analgesic and anesthetic approach. We hypothesized that liposomal bupivacaine offers no clinical advantage over our standard of care but carries significant economic impact. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial comparing liposomal bupivacaine periarticular injection (PAI) to our current approach including conventional bupivacaine PAI, in the setting of regional anesthesia. All adult unilateral TKA patients of the collaborating surgeon were eligible to participate in the study. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either the liposomal bupivacaine protocol or the standard-of-care protocol. All patients received regional anesthesia and standard postoperative analgesia protocols. Patients and all postoperative healthcare providers were blinded to study arm assignment. Results A total of 59 patients were enrolled per our a priori power calculation after 1 exclusion for randomization error. No significant demographic differences between the study arms were found. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of number of physical therapy (PT) sessions required to achieve home-going discharge goals (3.0 ± 1.2 vs 3.6 ± 1.3, P = .137), nor in the clinical secondary outcomes. A significant difference in medication charges was found. Conclusion Our study supports earlier literature suggesting no significant clinical benefit of using liposomal bupivacaine over standard of care in TKA and underscores cost-of-care concerns with this agent.
A rare missense variant of CASP7 is associated with familial late‐onset Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Introduction The genetic architecture of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is only partially understood. Methods We conducted an association study for AD using whole sequence data from 507 genetically enriched AD cases (i.e., cases having close relatives affected by AD) and 4917 cognitively healthy controls of European ancestry (EA) and 172 enriched cases and 179 controls of Caribbean Hispanic ancestry. Confirmation of top findings from stage 1 was sought in two family-based genome-wide association study data sets and in a whole genome–sequencing data set comprising members from 42 EA and 115 Caribbean Hispanic families. Results We identified associations in EAs with variants in 12 novel loci. The most robust finding is a rare CASP7 missense variant (rs116437863; P = 2.44 × 10 −10 ) which improved when combined with results from stage 2 data sets ( P = 1.92 × 10 −10 ). Discussion Our study demonstrated that an enriched case design can strengthen genetic signals, thus allowing detection of associations that would otherwise be missed in a traditional case-control study.
Spin-energy correlation in degenerate weakly interacting Fermi gases

The time evolution of spin-energy correlations in a very weakly interacting Fermi gas of ${}^{6}$Li produces complex spin-density profiles, which are observed and quantitatively explained by a one-dimensional mean-field model. This system exhibits rich collective dynamics for exploring the interplay between spin, motion, Fermi statistics, and interactions in many-body systems.
Comparison of Interphase Removal and Oxidation Embrittlement Mechanisms of Subcritical Crack Growth in SIC/SIC Composites

Ceramic matrix composites are being developed to operate at elevated temperatures and in oxidizing environments. Considerable improvements are being made in the creep resistance of SiC fibers and hence in the high-temperature properties of SiC/SiC composites; however, more needs to be known about the stability of these materials in oxidizing environments before they become widely accepted. Experimental weight loss and crack growth data supports the conclusion that O{sub 2} enhanced crack growth of SiC/SiC occurs by more than one mechanism depending on the experimental conditions. An oxidation embrittlement mechanism (OEM) operates at temperatures below about 1,073--1,223 K and at O{sub 2} pressures of 2 x 10{sup 4} Pa and above while an interface removal mechanism (IRM) operates at temperatures exceeding 1,073 K and O{sub 2} pressure of 2 x 10{sup 3} Pa and below. The OEM, as proposed by Evans et al. (1), results from the reaction of O{sub 2} with SiC to form a glass layer on the fiber. The fracture stress of the fiber is reduced if this layer is thicker than a critical value (d > d{sub c}) and the temperature is below a critical value (T T{sub g} or d < d{sub c}. This paper summarizes the evidence for these two mechanisms and attempts to define the conditions for their operation.« less
High-Dimensional Independence Testing and Maximum Marginal Correlation.

A number of universally consistent dependence measures have been recently proposed for testing independence, such as distance correlation, kernel correlation, multiscale graph correlation, etc. They provide a satisfactory solution for dependence testing in low-dimensions, but often exhibit decreasing power for high-dimensional data, a phenomenon that has been recognized but remains mostly unchartered. In this paper, we aim to better understand the high-dimensional testing scenarios and explore a procedure that is robust against increasing dimension. To that end, we propose the maximum marginal correlation method and characterize high-dimensional dependence structures via the notion of dependent dimensions. We prove that the maximum method can be valid and universally consistent for testing high-dimensional dependence under regularity conditions, and demonstrate when and how the maximum method may outperform other methods. The methodology can be implemented by most existing dependence measures, has a superior testing power in a variety of common high-dimensional settings, and is computationally efficient for big data analysis when using the distance correlation chi-square test.
A Geographic Analysis of Racial Disparities in Use of Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Hospitalization for COPD Exacerbation.

Background Guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) after hospitalization for an exacerbation of COPD, but few patients enroll in PR. We explored whether density of PR programs explained regional variation and racial disparities in receipt of PR. Methods We used Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data from 223,832 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for COPD during 2012 who were eligible for PR postdischarge. We used Hospital-Referral Regions (HRR) as the unit of analysis. For each HRR, we calculated the density of PR programs as a measure of program access and estimated risk-standardized rates of PR within 6 months of discharge overall, and for non-Hispanic, white, and black beneficiaries. We used linear regression to examine the relationship between access to PR and HRR PR rates. We tested for racial disparity in PR rates among non-Hispanic white and black beneficiaries living in the same HRRs. Results Across 306 HRRs, the median number of PR programs per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries was 0.06 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.04-0.10). Risk-standardized rates of PR ranged from 0.53% to 6.67% (median, 1.93%). Density of PR programs was positively associated with PR rates overall and among non-Hispanic white beneficiaries (P Conclusions Greater PR program density was associated with higher rates of PR for non-Hispanic white but not black beneficiaries. Further research is needed to identify reasons for this discrepancy and strategies to increase receipt of PR for black patients.
Abstract MP18: Vicarious Experience Trumps Neighborhood Characteristics in Predicting Leisure-time Physical Activity in the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Dataset

Background: Social cognitive theory (SCT) postulates that observing similar others succeed (vicarious experience) can improve self-efficacy and motivate action. The utility of vicarious experience ...
Real-world outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer (BC) treated with osteoclast inhibitors (OIs).

e19314Background: Patients with metastatic BC have a high incidence of bone metastasis with associated morbidity and mortality. OIs including denosumab and zoledronic acid reduce the rate of skelet...
Design of a business contingency plan. Case study: Municipality of Cantón Suscal.

This research work aims to communicate the results of the design of a business continuity plan, in the department of technological innovation (DIT) for the Municipality of Canton Suscal (MCS). We will analyze the IT area where the loss of business-critical data and the downtime of the systems are two of the greatest risks faced by those responsible for information technology. This research sought to develop the stages of a business continuity plan beginning with the knowledge of the entity, business impact analysis (BIA), risk identification, preventive measures and finally establishing recovery strategies that are the phases essential when we talk about business contingency. The research methodology was designed as an experimental descriptive exploratory study in which information is collected and an interaction occurs throughout the study in a short time. Finally, the MCS has a tool to minimize risks, through a design that marks the way to react to major incidents that may interrupt normal operation.
Learning Model for Cyber-attack Index Based Virtual Wireless Network Selection

With the availability of different wireless networks in wireless virtualization, dynamic network selection in a given heterogeneous environment is challenging task when there is cyber security and data privacy requirements for wireless users. Selection of low cyber risk network can result in good service experience to the users. Network selection in virtualized wireless environment is determined by various factors such as Quality of Experience (QoE), data loss prevention, security and privacy. In this paper, we propose a learning model for dynamic network selection based on cyber-attack index (CI) value of networks. We have develop a recommendation system which recommends user to select the most secure network with least CI value. A mathematical model based on least squares and convex optimization is presented which predicts the CI of network with goal of maximizing the number of wireless users/subscribers. Numerical results show that the CI based recommendation system outperforms the traditional prediction based systems. Furthermore, we compare our approach with existing approaches and found that the proposed approach results in better performance in terms maximizing the number of wireless users/subscribers and better services to them.
LLCD Experimental Line-of-Sight Jitter Testing

The LLCD program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is the first space laser communication system for NASA. The optical communications terminal was carried into lunar orbit by the LADEE spacecraft which launched on September 6, 2013. The primary goal of the LLCD program is to demonstrate optical communication from lunar orbit to the Earth’s surface.
Surgical assessment of the insula. Part 1: surgical anatomy and morphometric analysis of the transsylvian and transcortical approaches to the insula

OBJECT Transcortical and transsylvian corridors have been previously described as the main surgical approaches to the insula, but there is insufficient evidence to support one approach versus the other. The authors performed a cadaveric comparative study regarding insular exposure, surgical window and freedom, between the transcortical and transsylvian approaches (with and without cutting superficial sylvian bridging veins). Surgical anatomy and skull surface reference points to the different insular regions are also described. METHODS Sixteen cadaveric specimens were embalmed with a customized formula to enhance neurosurgical simulation. Two different blocks were defined in the study: first, transsylvian without (TS) and with the superficial sylvian bridging veins cut (TSVC) and transcortical (TC) approaches to the insula were simulated in all (16) specimens. Insular surface exposure, surgical window and surgical freedom were calculated for each procedure and related to the Berger-Sanai insular glioma cl...
Overview of Weather Systems

The attempt to understand the weather is driven largely by the desire to be able to forecast the weather. However, the atmosphere is a complicated dynamical system, and an understanding of even the basic physical principles came only recently. Before that, scientists either attempted to understand the physical causes of weather events or recorded “weather signs,” rules for weather forecasting. Because the physical understanding was incorrect, and most weather signs had no physical basis, neither approach was very successful. True progress in the study of the atmosphere that would lead to success in weather forecasting required a complete understanding of physical principles and a comprehensive set of observations of the atmosphere. Keywords: meteorology; forecasting; meteorologica; Isaac Newton
Development of Control Strategies via Artificial Neural Networks and Reinforcement Learning

Artificial neural networks have been proposed as tools for process control. Reinforcement learning is one method of adjusting the weights on the connections in such a network to achieve the desired mapping for control action. We describe how reinforcement learning can be viewed as just another optimization strategy, and propose an algorithm for learning that is based on an old direct search strategy.
The diffuse interstellar feature at 4430 A and interstellar extinction in the far-ultraviolet

IUE measurements have been obtained for the UV extinction characteristics of 20 reddened stars previously reported to have anomalously high or low A(4430)/E(B-V) ratios, in order to conduct a first statistical study of the correlations between these ratios and interstellar extinction features in the UV. A marginally significant positive correlation is noted between A(4430)/E(B-V) and the normalized strength of the 2175 A extinction jump, but no correlation is found with the total extinction at the wavelength and a marginally negative correlation is found with the extinction rise at 1250 A. The hypothesis that 4430 A diffuse absorption is produced by very small interstellar grains is not supported by the present observations.
The overestimation of vertical distance and slope and its role in the moon illusion

Six experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that overestimation of vertical distance is a pervasive phenomenon. The experiments involved judgments of: (a) vertical distance looking upward; (b) vertical distance looking downward; (c) the slope of a real hill; (d) the recalled slopes of streets; (e) the magnitudes of angles drawn on paper; (f) the distances to afterimages projected into the sky. The results showed that a very strong illusion of overestimation of both vertical distance and slope occurred in all situations except for the judgments of drawn angles by males. Furthermore, in five of the six experiments females showed a greater amount of the illusion than males. The discussion pointed out the difficulty of explaining the moon illusion by the assumptions of a flattened sky surface and Emmert’s law in light of the data.
DICHAPTIC TASK PERFORMANCE AS A FUNCTION OF ABILITY PATTERN, SEX, AND HAND PREFERENCE

It was hypothesized that, since verbal and spatial ability seem to be lateralized (left for verbal, right for spatial), in any dichaptic task individuals with high spatial ability will do best with their left hands and those with high verbal ability best with their right hands. Conversely, scores with high spatial ability should make more errors with their right hands and highly verbal people more errors with their left hands. Some evidence was found to support these hypotheses for males, but for females the relationships seemed more complex. Possible explanations and implications of the findings are discussed.
The historical–geographical construction of power: electricity in Eastern North Carolina

This paper examines the production of the uneven landscape of electricity in Eastern North Carolina using a historical geographical materialist approach. In particular, it traces the development of infrastructures designed for both the mass generation and consumption of electricity using archival sources that include oral histories, newspaper reports, and corporate documents. The electric utilities and related infrastructure that have emerged are an important contributor to the energy poverty and uneven economic development that plagues the region. I argue that exploring the historical–geographical construction of electricity in this way brings forward a number of considerations for conceptions of energy poverty and energy justice.
Morphology of conducting polymeric coatings: quantitative comparison between theory and experiment

Abstract The density profile of electrosynthesized polymeric layers on carbon fibers is obtained from gravimetric and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data. The coating density ρ is found to decrease with increasing radial distance, r , subject to the power law ρ(r)∝1/ r . Based on a modified diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) model, it is shown that lattice Monte Carlo simulation of the coating process predicts the experimentally observed power law exponent.
Fluorescent fiber-optic calcium sensor for physiological measurements.

A new optical sensor based on covalent immobilization of a newly synthesized calcium-selective, long-wavelength, fluorescent indicator has been constructed, with a response dynamic range optimal for physiological measurements. Immobilization occurs via photoinitiated copolymerization of the indicator with acrylamide on the distal end of a silanized 125 μm diameter multimode optical fiber. The working lifetime of this sensor is limited only by photobleaching of the indicator. Due to the inherent hydrophilic nature of the acrylamide polymer, the response time of this new sensor is governed by simple aqueous diffusion of the ionic calcium. This results in sensor response times fast enough to monitor some concentration fluctuations at physiological rates. The ability to monitor calcium concentration fluctuations in a high background level of magnesium is also demonstrated with a calculated selectivity of 10-4.5.
Free Will, Death, and Immortality: The Role of Narrative

Abstract In this paper I explore in a preliminary way the interconnections among narrative explanation, narrative value, free will, an immortality. I build on the fascinating an suggestive work of David Velleman. I offer the hypothesis that our acting freely is what gives our lives a istinctive kin of value—narrative value. Free Will, then, is connected to the capacity to lead a meaningful life in a quite specific way: it is the ingredient which, when aded to others, enows us with a meaning over an above the cumulative value erived from ading together levels of momentary welfare. In acting freely, we are writing a sentence in the story of our lives, and the value of acting freely is thus a species of the value of artistic creativity or self-expression (understood appropriately). Finally, I contend that the fact that our lives are stories need not entail that they have endings, or that immortality would necessarily be unimaginable or essentially different from ordinary, finite human life. Yes, a certain so...
Health and life insurance as an alternative to malpractice tort law.

Background: Tort law has legitimate social purposes of deterrence, punishment and compensation, but medical tort law does none of these well. Tort law could be counterproductive in medicine, encouraging costly defensive practices that harm some patients, restricting access to care in some settings and discouraging innovation. Discussion: Patients might be better served by purchasing combined health and life insurance policies and waiving their right to pursue malpractice claims. The combined policy should encourage the insurer to profit by inexpensively delaying policyholders' deaths. A health and life insurer would attempt to minimize mortal risks to policyholders from any cause, including medical mistakes and could therefore pursue systematic quality improvement efforts. If policyholders trust the insurer to seek, develop and reward genuinely effective care; identify, deter and remediate poor care; and compensate survivors through the no-fault process of paying life insurance benefits, then tort law is largely redundant and the right to sue may be waived. If expensive defensive medicine can be avoided, that savings alone could pay for fairly large life insurance policies. Summary: Insurers are maligned largely because of their logical response to incentives that are misaligned with the interests of patients and physicians in the United States. Patient, provider and insurer incentives could be realigned by combining health and life insurance, allowing the insurer to use its considerable information access and analytic power to improve patient care. This arrangement would address the social goals of malpractice torts, so that policyholders could rationally waive their right to sue.
Ramification of stream networks

The geometric complexity of stream networks has been a source of fascination for centuries. However, a comprehensive understanding of ramification—the mechanism of branching by which such networks grow—remains elusive. Here we show that streams incised by groundwater seepage branch at a characteristic angle of 2π/5 = 72°. Our theory represents streams as a collection of paths growing and bifurcating in a diffusing field. Our observations of nearly 5,000 bifurcated streams growing in a 100 km2 groundwater field on the Florida Panhandle yield a mean bifurcation angle of 71.9° ± 0.8°. This good accord between theory and observation suggests that the network geometry is determined by the external flow field but not, as classical theories imply, by the flow within the streams themselves.
Path integral studies of positrons and positronium in fluids

Experimental studies of positron and positronium decay in dense fluids suggest that these particles are capable of forming self-trapped states in some fluids in a broad region of temperature and density surrounding the liquid-vapor critical point. A central question in understanding the phenomena is whether the light particle (lp) actively creates a static potential well in the fluid in which it localizes, or randomly visits statistically favorable fluctuations. The fact that the experimental measurements yield a single, well defined, decay rate for each decay mode suggest that the environment of the lp is static. Earlier mean field theories could not shed much light on this question. However, two recent applications of Path Integral Monte Carlo show that substantial fluctuations occur in the lp environment. In this report, the two applications of path integration to lifetime studies are reviewed. The quantitative distribution of fluctuations in the decay rate for each particle (positron and positronium atom) is presented. It is shown that the apparent conflict between theory and experiment is resolved for positronium (but not positron) decay when the time scale for the relaxation of fluctuations in the environment is taken into account. Finally, recent results concerning the ability of the analytic reference interaction site model (RISM) polaron theory to reproduce the exact PIMC calculations are described
Total kinetic energies in the fission of 101Rh, 110Cd, 119I and 138Ba nuclei

Abstract Singles and coincidence experiments with solid state detector telescopes have been used to determine the total fragment kinetic energies in the symmetric fission of 101Rh, 110Cd, 119I and 128Ba nuclei produced in reactions induced by 197 MeV 12C projectiles. These kinetic energies are found to be in excellent agreement with the predictions of Davies et al. based upon a dynamic liquid drop model calculation. For the reactions of 12C with Ag, the dependence of the kinetic energy release on angular momentum has been explored. The increase in kinetic energy with increasing angular momentum is found to be ≦ 0.7 keV h 2 .