cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drawing false inferences from mandated disclosures

Disclosure mandates are pervasive. Though designed to inform consumers, such mandates may lead consumers to draw false inferences – for example, that a product is harmful when it is not. When deciding to require disclosure of an ingredient in or characteristic of a product, regulators may be motivated by evidence that the ingredient or characteristic is harmful to consumers. But they may also be motivated by a belief that consumers have a right to know what they are buying or by interest-group pressure. Consumers who misperceive the regulator's true motive, or mix of motives, will draw false inferences from the mandated disclosure. If consumers think that the disclosure is motivated by evidence of harm, when in fact it is motivated by a belief in a right to know or by interest-group pressure, then they will be inefficiently deterred from purchasing the product. We analyze this general concern about disclosure mandates. We also offer survey evidence demonstrating that the risk of false inferences is serious and real.
PREDICTING READMISSION RISK FOLLOWING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION

Abstract Background Reducing readmissions following hospitalization is a national priority. Identifying patients at high risk for readmission after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) early in a hospitalization would enable hospitals to enhance discharge planning. Methods We developed different models to predict 30-day inpatient readmission to our institution in patients who underwent CABG between January 2010 and April 2013. These models used data available: 1) at admission, 2) at discharge 3) from STS Registry data. We used logistic regression and assessed the discrimination of each model using the c-index. The models were validated with testing on a different patient cohort who underwent CABG between May 2013 and September 2015. Our cohort included 1277 CABG patients: 1159 in the derivation cohort and 1018 in the validation cohort. Results The discriminative ability of the admission model was reasonable (C-index of 0.673). The c-indices for the discharge and STS models were slightly better. (C-index of 0.700 and 0.714 respectively). Internal validation of the models showed a reasonable discriminative admission model with slight improvement with adding discharge and registry data (C-index of 0.641, 0.659 and 0.670 respectively). Similarly validation of the models on the validation cohort showed similar results (C-index of 0.573, 0.605 and 0.595 respectively). Conclusions Risk prediction models based on data available early on admission are predictive for readmission risk. Adding registry data did not improved the performance of these models. These simplified models may be sufficient to identify patients at highest risk of readmission following coronary revascularization early in the hospitalization.
Dynamics of a coupled shell-fluid system

Abstract This paper presents a study of two concentrically located circular cylindrical shells containing and separated by fluids. An exact frequency equation is derived for the general case and an approximate closed-form solution is obtained for the shell system with an incompressible fluid. It is found that the lowest frequency of the coupled system is associated with one of the out-of-phase modes, and is lower than the frequencies of the individual shells.
Volumetric two-photon imaging of neurons using stereoscopy (vTwINS)

Two-photon laser scanning microscopy of calcium dynamics using fluorescent indicators is a widely used imaging method for large-scale recording of neural activity in vivo. Here, we introduce volumetric two-photon imaging of neurons using stereoscopy (vTwINS), a volumetric calcium imaging method that uses an elongated, V-shaped point spread function to image a 3D brain volume. Single neurons project to spatially displaced 'image pairs' in the resulting 2D image, and the separation distance between projections is proportional to depth in the volume. To demix the fluorescence time series of individual neurons, we introduce a modified orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm that also infers source locations within the 3D volume. We illustrated vTwINS by imaging neural population activity in the mouse primary visual cortex and hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that vTwINS provides an effective method for volumetric two-photon calcium imaging that increases the number of neurons recorded while maintaining a high frame rate.
An observer for an occluded reaction-diffusion system with spatially varying parameters

Spatially dependent parameters of a two-component chaotic reaction-diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) model describing ocean ecology are observed by sampling a single species. We estimate the model parameters and the other species in the system by autosynchronization, where quantities of interest are evolved according to misfit between model and observations, to only partially observed data. Our motivating example comes from oceanic ecology as viewed by remote sensing data, but where noisy occluded data are realized in the form of cloud cover. We demonstrate a method to learn a large-scale coupled synchronizing system that represents the spatio-temporal dynamics and apply a network approach to analyze manifold stability.
FaSTrack: A modular framework for fast and guaranteed safe motion planning

Fast and safe navigation of dynamical systems through a priori unknown cluttered environments is vital to many applications of autonomous systems. However, trajectory planning for autonomous systems is computationally intensive, often requiring simplified dynamics that sacrifice safety and dynamic feasibility in order to plan efficiently. Conversely, safe trajectories can be computed using more sophisticated dynamic models, but this is typically too slow to be used for real-time planning. We present the new algorithm FaSTrack: Fast and Safe Tracking. A path or trajectory planner using simplified dynamics to plan quickly can be incorporated into the FaSTrack framework, which provides a safety controller for the vehicle along with a guaranteed tracking error bound. This bound captures all possible deviations due to high dimensional dynamics and external disturbances. FaSTrack is modular and can be used with most current path or trajectory planners. We demonstrate this framework using a 10D nonlinear quadrotor model tracking a 3D path obtained from an RRT planner.
Photovoltaic Efficiency Measurements

A variety of performance indicators have been employed by the photovoltaic (PV) community to rate the performance of PV cells, modules, and arrays. The PV power conversion efficiency under a set of standard reporting conditions serves as a basis for meaningful comparisons of PV performance, within and among PV technologies. PV efficiency is defined as 100 times the maximum PV electrical power density produced divided by the incident light power at a reference PV temperature, total irradiance, and spectral irradiance. Standard reporting conditions commonly used by the PV community are summarized in Table I. The direct and global reference spectra were generated by a comprehensive Monte-Carlo computer model and actually integrate to 768 W m −2 and 964 W m −2 . The terrestrial PV community has arbitrarily assigned a 1-sun total irradiance of 1,000 W m −2 for the global and direct reference spectra. The term “direct” in Table I refers to the direct-normal (5° field of view about the sun) component of the global spectral irradiance distribution. The term “global” in Table I refers to the spectral irradiance distribution on a 37-tilted south-facing surface with a solar zenith angle of 48.2° (AM1.5). The terms AM1 or AM1.5 are often used to refer to standard spectra, but the relative optical air mass (AM) is a geometrical quantity and can be obtained by taking the secant of the angle between the sun and the zenith.
Dendritic cell based vaccination strategy: an evolving paradigm

Malignant gliomas (MG), tumors of glial origin, are the most commonly diagnosed primary intracranial malignancies in adults. Currently available treatments have provided only modest improvements in overall survival and remain limited by inevitable local recurrence, necessitating exploration of novel therapies. Among approaches being investigated, one of the leading contenders is immunotherapy, which aims to modulate immune pathways to stimulate the selective destruction of malignant cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent initiators of adaptive immune responses and therefore crucial players in the development and success of immunotherapy. Clinical trials of various DC-based vaccinations have demonstrated the induction of anti-tumor immune responses and prolonged survival in the setting of many cancers. In this review, we summarize current literature regarding DCs and their role in the tumor microenvironment, their application and current clinical use in immunotherapy, current challenges limiting their efficacy in anti-cancer therapy, and future avenues for developing successful anti-tumor DC-based vaccines.
Coverage in Heterogeneous Downlink Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks

In this paper, we provide an analytical framework to analyze heterogeneous downlink millimeter-wave (mm-wave) cellular networks consisting of $K$ tiers of randomly located base stations (BSs), where each tier operates in an mm-wave frequency band. Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) coverage probability is derived for the entire network using tools from stochastic geometry. The distinguishing features of mm-wave communications, such as directional beamforming, and having different path loss laws for line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight links are incorporated into the coverage analysis by assuming averaged biased-received power association and Nakagami fading. By using the noise-limited assumption for mm-wave networks, a simpler expression requiring the computation of only one numerical integral for coverage probability is obtained. Also, the effect of beamforming alignment errors on the coverage probability analysis is investigated to get insight on the performance in practical scenarios. Downlink rate coverage probability is derived as well to get more insights on the performance of the network. Moreover, the effect of deploying low-power smaller cells and the impact of biasing factor on energy efficiency is analyzed. Finally, a hybrid cellular network operating in both mm-wave and $\mu$ -wave frequency bands is addressed.
An update on nonoperative management of the spleen in adults

Many patients with blunt splenic injury are considered for nonoperative management and, with proper selection, the success rate is high. This paper aims to provide an update on the treatments and dilemmas of nonoperative management of splenic injuries in adults and to offer suggestions that may improve both consensus and patient outcomes.
Controlling the sign of chromatic dispersion in diffractive optics with dielectric metasurfaces

Diffraction gratings disperse light in a rainbow of colors with the opposite order than refractive prisms, a phenomenon known as negative dispersion. While refractive dispersion can be controlled via material refractive index, diffractive dispersion is fundamentally an interference effect dictated by geometry. Here we show that this fundamental property can be altered using dielectric metasurfaces, and we experimentally demonstrate diffractive gratings and focusing mirrors with positive, zero, and hyper-negative dispersion. These optical elements are implemented using a reflective metasurface composed of dielectric nano-posts that provide simultaneous control over phase and its wavelength derivative. In addition, as a first practical application, we demonstrate a focusing mirror that exhibits a five-fold reduction in chromatic dispersion, and thus an almost three-times increase in operation bandwidth compared with a regular diffractive element. This concept challenges the generally accepted dispersive properties of diffractive optical devices and extends their applications and functionalities.
Uncertainties in calculated heating and radiation damage in the toroidal field coil of a tokamak experimental power reactor due to neutron cross-section errors

Calculated results have been obtained of the uncertainties in the neutron scalar flux, the energy deposition per unit volume, and the displacements per atom in the toroidal field coil of a tokamak experimental power reactor due to neutron cross-section errors in iron and carbon, which are major constituents of the blanket-shield-coil configuration considered. The calculations were carried out using perturbation theory to obtain sensitivity profiles for the various cross sections of interest, and these profiles were then combined with cross-section error estimates, including correlations, to obtain the uncertainties. Each of the three responses--the neutron scalar flux, the energy deposition per unit volume, and the displacements per atom--is found to be very sensitive to the cross sections in the energy group that contains the source (approx. 2.2 pJ) since a deuterium-tritium source is assumed, and each of the responses is found to have a relative standard deviation of approx. 100% due to neutron cross-section errors in iron.
Nonlinear metasurfaces: a paradigm shift in nonlinear optics

Frequency conversion processes, such as second- and third-harmonic generation, are commonly realized in nonlinear optics, offering opportunities for applications in photonics, chemistry, material science and biosensing. Given the inherently weak nonlinear response of natural materials, optically large samples and complex phase-matching techniques are typically required to realize significant nonlinear responses. To produce similar effects in much smaller volumes, current research has been devoted to the quest of synthesizing novel materials with enhanced optical nonlinearities at moderate input intensities. In particular, several approaches to engineer the nonlinear properties of artificial materials, metamaterials and metasurfaces have been introduced. Here, we review the current state of the art in the field of small-scale nonlinear optics, with special emphasis on high-harmonic generation from ultrathin metasurfaces based on plasmonic and high-index dielectric resonators, as well as semiconductor-loaded plasmonic metasurfaces. In this context, we also discuss recent advances in controlling the optical wavefront of generated nonlinear waves using metasurfaces. Finally, we compare viable approaches to enhance nonlinearities in ultrathin metasurfaces, and we offer an outlook on the future development of this exciting field of research.
Results of Kidney Transplantation in the Young Child

One hundred and two consecutive first kidney transplants were performed in children 10 years old and younger (47 ≤ 5 years old) at the University of Minnesota between June 1963 and April 1981. Five infants under 1-year old received transplants, two of whom are alive and well. The mean age was 6 years and mean weight was 16 kg. The most common primary renal diseases were congenital hypoplastic-dysplastic kidneys (25.5%), congenital nephrosis (20%), and glomerulonephritis (16.5%). Statistical analyses of cumulative patient and graft survival were based on the results of 88 first kidney transplants performed in children 1 to 10 years old since 1968 when medical management, patient selection criteria, surgical technique, and immunosuppression protocols were standardized. Patient survival was 72%. Twenty-six percent received transplants at least twice (23 of 88), one-half of whom still have functioning second grafts. Mean intraoperative systolic blood pressures were significantly lower in children who received intraperitoneal versus extraperitoneal grafts. No differences in central venous pressure were observed. The mean blood pressure drop at the time of revascularizing the kidney did not appear to be directly related to the incidence of postoperative acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Most patients underwent splenectomy prior to or at the time of transplantation. With the use of prophylactic antibiotics, splenectomy was not a single determining factor in deaths from sepsis. Technical complications were few (four renal artery stenosis and six ureteral revisions). Results of parent to child kidney transplants in the child under 10 did not differ significantly from those results seen in an older (17 to 49) parent to child group who received transplants at this same center.
Penile Angiography: The Last Angiographic Frontier

A unique combination of scientific disinterest, misinformation, therapeutic nihilism, and social taboos has long relegated male impotence to the realm of folk medicine. Within the past few years, however, these primitive influences have begun to yield, and impotence has become increasingly recognized as a legitimate field of medical investigation. A major impetus for the scientific investigation of penile erection was provided by the recent discovery of the erectogenicity of intracavernosal smooth-muscle relaxants [1 , 2]. That one discovery led to dramatic changes in concepts of the physiology of erection; proof of the existence and mechanism of venoocclusion; methods for diagnosing and quantitating venoocclusive insufficiency; recognition of the high frequency of venogenic impotence; improved methods of arterial imaging; and a practical pharmacotherapeutic method. The fundamental circulatory nature of penile erection implies a major role for angiography in the investigation of erectile function and dysfunction. Indications exist for both diagnostic and therapeutic angiographic procedures in both the arterial and venous beds. Conventional angiographic methods have proved insufficient, however, and new equipment and techniques were needed for adequate evaluation. Fortunately, an array of sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic angiographic techniques, developed through experionce with other organ systems, was now available for use in the study of impotence. With angiography as their forte, radiologists can extend their interests beyond clinical investigations to include all aspects of erectile morphology and physiology. Radiologists should embrace the opportunity to become involved in this exciting and rapidly progressing field, for indeed it may represent the last angiographic frontier. Altered Physiologic Concepts
INSTRUCTIONAL COMPUTER GRAPHICS IN CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN

Abstract The world-wide demand for increased industrial productivity has created a critical need for engineers trained in computer graphics and computer-aided design. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first U.S. university to make a major commitment to computer graphics and CAD by establishing a 1.2 million dollar Center for Interactive Computer Graphics in the School for Engineerina. This paper explores the role of interactive computer graphics for instruction and design in control, based on the experiences gained at RPI.
Renal Tubular Function in Cyclosporine-Treated Patients

Renal tubular function was studied in 32 consecutive patients treated with cyclosporine for autoimmune uveitis. Cyclosporine dosage was modified to maintain the serum creatinine level at less than 2 mg/dl. No evidence of aminoaciduria, glucosuria, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, or hypouricemia indicative of the Fanconi syndrome was detected during three to six months of observation. The renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate, determined by renal threshold phosphate concentration (TmPO4/GFR), remained unchanged. An early decrease in the serum magnesium level was accompanied by a decrease in daily urinary magnesium excretion. Concurrent with the development of a mild reduction of the glomerular filtration rate, the fractional excretion of magnesium was slightly higher and that of calcium was lower than pretreatment values. There were modest elevations of serum uric acid and potassium values. Furthermore, lysozymuria was not observed. Thus, the alterations in tubular functions observed in our cyclosporine-treated patients are comparable to those associated with mild chronic renal insufficiency of various causes and are not specific manifestations of cyclosporine tubular toxicity.
The Association of School Climate, Depression Literacy, and Mental Health Stigma Among High School Students.

BACKGROUND Although school climate is linked with youth educational, socioemotional, behavioral, and health outcomes, there has been limited research on the association between school climate and mental health education efforts. We explored whether school climate was associated with students' depression literacy and mental health stigma beliefs. METHODS Data were combined from 2 studies: the Maryland Safe Supportive Schools Project and a randomized controlled trial of the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program. Five high schools participated in both studies, allowing examination of depression literacy and stigma measures from 500 9th and 10th graders. Multilevel models examined the relationship between school-level school climate characteristics and student-level depression literacy and mental health stigma scores. RESULTS Overall school climate was positively associated with depression literacy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78, p < .001) and negatively associated with stigma (Est. = −3.822, p = .001). Subscales of engagement (OR = 5.30, p < .001) and environment were positively associated with depression literacy (OR = 2.01, p < .001) and negatively associated with stigma (Est. = −6.610, p < .001), (Est. = −2.742, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Positive school climate was associated with greater odds of depression literacy and endorsement of fewer stigmatizing beliefs among students. Our findings raise awareness regarding aspects of the school environment that may facilitate or inhibit students' recognition of depression and subsequent treatment-seeking.
Reputational concerns in the market for corporate control

Abstract This paper explores whether corporate acquirers consider environmental reputations when planning and structuring takeovers. We find that firms with an environmentally toxic reputation, which have the greatest potential for negative spillovers to their merger partners, have a lower associated probability of being both acquirers and targets. Acquirers are more likely to pair with similar reputation firms and are less likely to acquire firms with lower reputations. Most notably, green firms in our sample never acquire toxic firms. Acquirers that buy firms with differing environmental reputations use a higher percentage of stock in their acquisition offers. We further show that the returns to acquirers are lower when they acquire firms outside of their area. Collectively, these findings suggest that managers account for potential negative spillover effects in acquisition decisions.
Quantitative stratification for some free-boundary problems

In this paper we prove the rectifiability of and measure bounds on the singular set of the free boundary for minimizers of a functional first considered by Alt-Caffarelli. Our main tools are the Quantitative Stratification and Rectifiable-Reifenberg framework of Naber-Valtorta, which allow us to do a type of "effective dimension-reduction." The arguments are sufficiently robust that they apply to a broad class of related free boundary problems as well.
Sequential Dialogue Context Modeling for Spoken Language Understanding

Spoken Language Understanding (SLU) is a key component of goal oriented dialogue systems that would parse user utterances into semantic frame representations. Traditionally SLU does not utilize the dialogue history beyond the previous system turn and contextual ambiguities are resolved by the downstream components. In this paper, we explore novel approaches for modeling dialogue context in a recurrent neural network (RNN) based language understanding system. We propose the Sequential Dialogue Encoder Network, that allows encoding context from the dialogue history in chronological order. We compare the performance of our proposed architecture with two context models, one that uses just the previous turn context and another that encodes dialogue context in a memory network, but loses the order of utterances in the dialogue history. Experiments with a multi-domain dialogue dataset demonstrate that the proposed architecture results in reduced semantic frame error rates.
Real Exchange Rates, Income per Capita, and Sectoral Input Shares

Aggregate price levels are positively related to GDP per capita across countries. We propose a mechanism that rationalizes this observation through sectoral differences in intermediate input shares...
Developing a smart city by operationalizing the co-creation of value model

This paper describes a project that used the co-creation of value model to collect and analyse data on storm drains for a city so that it could become smarter in managing the water drainage issues. The city worked with a University centre and ensured that the prerequisite conditions — mutual value-creation potential, commitment and trust, and demonstrated delivery performance — were met. The project was able to integrate science and technology through Information Systems, analyse, optimize, control, and monitor the conditions of the 27,000 storm drains in the city, and enhance the decision making process of the city. This case study provides an example of how a city and a university centre can co-create value thereby helping the city's management become “smarter” in managing its storm drains and the students obtain a rich field-based educational experience.
Nonadiabatic semiclassical dynamics in the mixed quantum-classical initial value representation

We extend the Mixed Quantum-Classical Initial Value Representation (MQC-IVR), a semiclassical method for computing real-time correlation functions, to electronically nonadiabatic systems using the Meyer-Miller-Stock-Thoss (MMST) Hamiltonian in order to treat electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom (dofs) within a consistent dynamic framework. We introduce an efficient symplectic integration scheme, the MInt algorithm, for numerical time evolution of the phase space variables and monodromy matrix under the non-separable MMST Hamiltonian. We then calculate the probability of transmission through a curve crossing in model two-level systems and show that MQC-IVR reproduces quantum-limit semiclassical results in good agreement with exact quantum methods in one limit, and in the other limit yields results that are in keeping with classical limit semiclassical methods like linearized IVR. Finally, exploiting the ability of the MQC-IVR to quantize different dofs to different extents, we present a detailed study of the extents to which quantizing the nuclear and electronic dofs improves numerical convergence properties without significant loss of accuracy.
A tight bound for Green's arithmetic triangle removal lemma in vector spaces

Abstract Let p be a fixed prime. A triangle in F p n is an ordered triple ( x , y , z ) of points satisfying x + y + z = 0 . Let N = p n = | F p n | . Green proved an arithmetic triangle removal lemma which says that for every ϵ > 0 and prime p , there is a δ > 0 such that if X , Y , Z ⊂ F p n and the number of triangles in X × Y × Z is at most δ N 2 , then we can delete ϵN elements from X , Y , and Z and remove all triangles. Green posed the problem of improving the quantitative bounds on the arithmetic triangle removal lemma, and, in particular, asked whether a polynomial bound holds. Despite considerable attention, prior to this paper, the best known bound, due to the first author, showed that 1 / δ can be taken to be an exponential tower of twos of height logarithmic in 1 / ϵ . We solve Green's problem, proving an essentially tight bound for Green's arithmetic triangle removal lemma in F p n . We show that a polynomial bound holds, and further determine the best possible exponent. Namely, there is an explicit number C p such that we may take δ = ( ϵ / 3 ) C p , and we must have δ ≤ ϵ C p − o ( 1 ) . In particular, C 2 = 1 + 1 / ( 5 / 3 − log 2 ⁡ 3 ) ≈ 13.239 , and C 3 = 1 + 1 / c 3 with c 3 = 1 − log ⁡ b log ⁡ 3 , b = a − 2 / 3 + a 1 / 3 + a 4 / 3 , and a = 33 − 1 8 , which gives C 3 ≈ 13.901 . The proof uses the essentially sharp bound on multicolored sum-free sets due to work of Kleinberg–Sawin–Speyer, Norin, and Pebody, which builds on the recent breakthrough on the cap set problem by Croot–Lev–Pach, and the subsequent work by Ellenberg–Gijswijt, Blasiak–Church–Cohn–Grochow–Naslund–Sawin–Umans, and Alon.
Photonic crystal nanobeam lasers

Photonic crystal lasers operating at room temperature based on high Q/V nanobeam cavities have been demonstrated. We reported a large spontaneous emission factor (β∼0.97) by fitting the L-L curve with the rate equations.
Meta-Analyses of Externalizing Disorders: Genetics or Prenatal Alcohol Exposure?

Background Externalizing disorders are heritable precursors to alcohol dependence, common in children of alcoholics (COA), and in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Pregnancies involving alcohol exposure sufficient to affect the fetus may involve women with genetic risk for alcohol dependence (AD). We hypothesized that known PAE will increase the odds of having an externalizing disorder compared to COA. Methods The odds ratios of three externalizing disorders [attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)] were obtained for two domains: (1) PAE and (2) COA, by estimating the logged odds ratios (LOR) for each study. Permutation tests were implemented to compare LORs for PAE vs COA studies within each disorder, including PAE vs an AD mother and PAE vs an AD father. Results In PAE studies, the odds of ADHD and CD were elevated. Rates of all three disorders were elevated in COA studies. Permutation tests revealed that the mean LOR for ADHD was significantly higher in PAE studies compared to: COA (p=0.01), AD mother (p<0.05) and AD father (p=0.03). No differences were found for ODD (p=0.09) or CD (p=0.21). Conclusion These results provide compelling evidence of an increased risk of ADHD in those with PAE beyond that due to parental alcohol dependence or a genetic liability, consistent with a unique etiology most likely due to direct alcohol exposure during prenatal development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Men Lacking a Caregiver Have Greater Risk of Long-Term Nursing Home Placement After Stroke.

Background/Objectives Social support can prevent or delay long-term nursing home placement (NHP). The purpose of our study was to understand how the availability of a caregiver can affect NHP after ischemic stroke and how this affects different subgroups differently. Design Nested cohort study. Setting Nationally based REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Participants Stroke survivors aged 65 to 100 (256 men, 304 women). Measurements Data were from Medicare claims from January 2003 to December 2013 and REGARDS baseline interviews conducted from January 2003 to October 2007. Caregiver support was measured by asking, “If you had a serious illness or became disabled, do you have someone who would be able to provide care for you on an on-going basis?” Diagnosis of ischemic stroke was derived from inpatient claims. NHP was determined using a validated claims algorithm for stays of 100 days and longer. Risk was estimated using Cox regression. Results Within 5 years of stroke, 119 (21.3%) participants had been placed in a nursing home. Risk of NHP was greater in those lacking available caregivers (log-rank P = .006). After adjustment for covariates, lacking an available caregiver increased the risk of NHP after stroke within 1 year by 70% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–2.99) and within 5 years by 68% (HR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.10–2.58). The effect of caregiver availability on NHP within 5 years was limited to men (HR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.49–6.67). Conclusion In men aged 65 and older who have survived an ischemic stroke, the lack of an available caregiver is associated with triple the risk of NHP within 5 years.
Anisotropic geometry-conforming d-simplicial meshing via isometric embeddings

Abstract We develop a dimension-independent, Delaunay-based anisotropic mesh generation algorithm suitable for integration with adaptive numerical solvers. As such, the mesh produced by our algorithm conforms to an anisotropic metric prescribed by the solver as well as the domain geometry, given as a piecewise smooth complex. Motivated by the work of Levy and Dassi [10-12,20], we use a discrete manifold embedding algorithm to transform the anisotropic problem to a uniform one. This work differs from previous approaches in several ways. First, the embedding algorithm is driven by a Riemannian metric field instead of the Gauss map, lending itself to general anisotropic mesh generation problems. Second we describe our method for computing restricted Voronoi diagrams in a dimension-independent manner which is used to compute constrained centroidal Voronoi tessellations. In particular, we compute restricted Voronoi simplices using exact arithmetic and use data structures based on convex polytope theory. Finally, since adaptive solvers require geometry-conforming meshes, we offer a Steiner vertex insertion algorithm for ensuring the extracted dual Delaunay triangulation is homeomorphic to the input geometries. The two major contributions of this paper are: a method for isometrically embedding arbitrary mesh-metric pairs in higher dimensional Euclidean spaces and a dimension-independent vertex insertion algorithm for producing geometry-conforming Delaunay meshes. The former is demonstrated on a two-dimensional anisotropic problem whereas the latter is demonstrated on both 3d and 4d problems.
The representation of colored objects in macaque color patches.

An important question about color vision is how does the brain represent the color of an object? The recent discovery of “color patches” in macaque inferotemporal (IT) cortex, the part of the brain responsible for object recognition, makes this problem experimentally tractable. Here we recorded neurons in three color patches, middle color patch CLC (central lateral color patch), and two anterior color patches ALC (anterior lateral color patch) and AMC (anterior medial color patch), while presenting images of objects systematically varied in hue. We found that all three patches contain high concentrations of hue-selective cells, and that the three patches use distinct computational strategies to represent colored objects: while all three patches multiplex hue and shape information, shape-invariant hue information is much stronger in anterior color patches ALC/AMC than CLC. Furthermore, hue and object shape specifically for primate faces/bodies are over-represented in AMC, but not in the other two patches. Neurons in the inferotemporal cortex (IT) encode object identity; however, how object color is represented here is not well understood. Here the authors report that neurons from three color patches in macaque IT encode significant information regarding the hue and shape of objects in a hierarchical manner.
Selectively decentralized Q-learning

In this paper, we explore the capability of selectively decentralized Q-learning approach in learning how to optimally stabilize control systems, as compared to the centralized approach. We focus on problems in which the systems are completely unknown except the possible domain knowledge that allow us to decentralize into subsystems. In selective decentralization, we explore all of the possible communication policies among subsystems and use the cumulative gained Q-value as the metric to decide which decentralization scheme should be used for controlling. The results show that the selectively decentralized approach not only stabilizes the system faster but also shows superior converging speed on gained Q-value in different systems with different interconnection strength. In addition, the selectively decentralized converging time does not seem to grow exponentially with the system dimensionality. Practically, this fact implies that the selectively decentralized Q-learning could be used as an alternative approach in large-scale unknown control system, where in theory, the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman-equation approach is difficult to derive the close-form solution.
Two-Level Chebyshev Filter Based Complementary Subspace Method: Pushing the Envelope of Large-Scale Electronic Structure Calculations

We describe a novel iterative strategy for Kohn-Sham density functional theory calculations aimed at large systems (>1,000 electrons), applicable to metals and insulators alike. In lieu of explicit diagonalization of the Kohn-Sham Hamiltonian on every self-consistent field (SCF) iteration, we employ a two-level Chebyshev polynomial filter based complementary subspace strategy to (1) compute a set of vectors that span the occupied subspace of the Hamiltonian; (2) reduce subspace diagonalization to just partially occupied states; and (3) obtain those states in an efficient, scalable manner via an inner Chebyshev filter iteration. By reducing the necessary computation to just partially occupied states and obtaining these through an inner Chebyshev iteration, our approach reduces the cost of large metallic calculations significantly, while eliminating subspace diagonalization for insulating systems altogether. We describe the implementation of the method within the framework of the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) electronic structure method and show that this results in a computational scheme that can effectively tackle bulk and nano systems containing tens of thousands of electrons, with chemical accuracy, within a few minutes or less of wall clock time per SCF iteration on large-scale computing platforms. We anticipate that our method will be instrumental in pushing the envelope of large-scale ab initio molecular dynamics. As a demonstration of this, we simulate a bulk silicon system containing 8,000 atoms at finite temperature, and obtain an average SCF step wall time of 51 s on 34,560 processors; thus allowing us to carry out 1.0 ps of ab initio molecular dynamics in approximately 28 h (of wall time).
Developing an understanding of the implementation and impacts of high school pre-engineering programs: Making the case for a benefit-cost analysis

With the ongoing demand for improved K-12 STEM education, a push for dual-credit courses, and the goal of college and career-ready high school graduates, schools have implemented numerous STEM programs including those focused on engineering. Curricular programs, such Engineering by Design, Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and EPICS High are being executed by schools across the country with varied amounts of success as measured by student-level outcomes. Exploring costs of these program implementations and their associated outcomes is vital in deciding the best means for preparing our future engineering workforce. This paper utilizes cost analysis to provide initial insights into the relative impact of one of the most common high school engineering program, PLTW. Specifically, by relying on data reported in select literature, we investigate the impacts versus the costs of implementing PLTW in high schools. Cost data includes select variables such as student section size, school size, and school type. These findings will provide a baseline for understanding cost variations of the PLTW curriculum across contexts, as well as what impact cost variations may have on student outcomes.
Conquest and Conflict: The Colonial Roots of Maoist Violence in India:

Does colonialism have long-term effects on political stability? This question is addressed in a study of India’s Naxalite insurgency, a Maoist rebellion characterized by its left-wing proponents as...
Do People Inherently Dislike Uncertain Advice

Research suggests that people prefer confident to uncertain advisors. But do people dislike uncertain advice itself? In 11 studies ( N = 4,806), participants forecasted an uncertain event after receiving advice and then rated the quality of the advice (Studies 1-7, S1, and S2) or chose between two advisors (Studies 8-9). Replicating previous research, our results showed that confident advisors were judged more favorably than advisors who were "not sure." Importantly, however, participants were not more likely to prefer certain advice: They did not dislike advisors who expressed uncertainty by providing ranges of outcomes, giving numerical probabilities, or saying that one event is "more likely" than another. Additionally, when faced with an explicit choice, participants were more likely to choose an advisor who provided uncertain advice over an advisor who provided certain advice. Our findings suggest that people do not inherently dislike uncertain advice. Advisors benefit from expressing themselves with confidence, but not from communicating false certainty.
The Vascular-Renal Connection in Patients Hospitalized With Hypertensive Crisis: A Population-Based Study.

Abstract Objective To determine the risks of acute kidney injury development and long-term clinical outcomes of patients with hypertensive crisis. Patients and Methods This was a population study of Olmsted County residents with hypertensive crisis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008, with follow-up until June 30, 2016. Results The results demonstrated that those with underlying chronic kidney disease upon admission for hypertensive crisis, defined as a systolic blood pressure above 180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure above 120 mm Hg, were more likely to develop acute kidney injury during hospitalization (odds ratio, 6.04; 95% CI, 1-26; P=.02). Hospitalization length of stay was increased when patients developed acute kidney injury during hypertensive crisis hospitalization (7.6±9 vs 3.4±4 days; P=.04). Furthermore, those who developed acute kidney injury had increased cardiac rehospitalization frequency over 10 years (87% vs 46%; P=.009). These results suggest that those with poor renal reserve are more likely to have further acute kidney damage in the setting of hypertensive crisis, likely due to decreased renal perfusion and neurohormonal dysregulation. Conclusion In patients hospitalized for hypertensive crisis, chronic renal insufficiency was a risk factor associated with acute kidney injury development during hospitalization. Those who developed acute kidney injury had longer hospitalizations with increased rehospitalization frequency. Future studies are warranted to further investigate whether the preservation of renal function will improve clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with hypertensive crisis.
Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State

In a quantum universe with a strong arrow of time, we postulate a low-entropy boundary condition (the Past Hypothesis) to account for the temporal asymmetry. In this paper, I show that the Past Hypothesis also contains enough information to simplify the quantum ontology and define a unique initial condition in such a world. First, I introduce Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the quantum universe is described by a fundamental density matrix (a mixed state) that represents something objective. This stands in sharp contrast to Wave Function Realism, the thesis that the quantum universe is described by a wave function (a pure state) that represents something objective. Second, I suggest that the Past Hypothesis is sufficient to determine a unique and simple density matrix. This is achieved by what I call the Initial Projection Hypothesis: the initial density matrix of the universe is the normalized projection onto the special low-dimensional Hilbert space. Third, because the initial quantum state is unique and simple, we have a strong case for the \emph{Nomological Thesis}: the initial quantum state of the universe is on a par with laws of nature. This new package of ideas has several interesting implications, including on the harmony between statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, the dynamic unity of the universe and the subsystems, and the alleged conflict between Humean supervenience and quantum entanglement.
Hitting sets with near-optimal error for read-once branching programs

Nisan (Combinatorica’92) constructed a pseudorandom generator for length n, width n read-once branching programs (ROBPs) with error e and seed length O(log2n + logn · log(1/e)). A major goal in complexity theory is to reduce the seed length, hopefully, to the optimal O(logn+log(1/e)), or to construct improved hitting sets, as these would yield stronger derandomization of BPL and RL, respectively. In contrast to a successful line of work in restricted settings, no progress has been made for general, unrestricted, ROBPs. Indeed, Nisan’s construction is the best pseudorandom generator and, prior to this work, also the best hitting set for unrestricted ROBPs. In this work, we make the first improvement for the general case by constructing a hitting set with seed length O(log2n+log(1/e)). That is, we decouple e and n, and obtain near-optimal dependence on the former. The regime of parameters in which our construction strictly improves upon prior works, namely, log(1/e) ≫ logn, is well-motivated by the work of Saks and Zhou (J.CSS’99) who use pseudorandom generators with error e = 2−(logn)2 in their proof for BPL ⊆ L3/2. We further suggest a research program towards proving that BPL ⊆ L4/3 in which our result achieves one step. As our main technical tool, we introduce and construct a new type of primitive we call pseudorandom pseudo-distributions. Informally, this is a generalization of pseudorandom generators in which one may assign negative and unbounded weights to paths as opposed to working with probability distributions. We show that such a primitive yields hitting sets and, for derandomization purposes, can be used to derandomize two-sided error algorithms.
Estimating epidemiological parameters of a stochastic differential model of HIV dynamics using hierarchical Bayesian statistics

Current estimates of the HIV epidemic indicate a decrease in the incidence of the disease in the undiagnosed subpopulation over the past 10 years. However, a lack of access to care has not been considered when modeling the population. Populations at high risk for contracting HIV are twice as likely to lack access to reliable medical care. In this paper, we consider three contributors to the HIV population dynamics: at-risk population exhaustion, lack of access to care, and usage of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) by diagnosed individuals. An extant problem in the mathematical study of this system is deriving parameter estimates due to a portion of the population being unobserved. We approach this problem by looking at the proportional change in the infected subpopulations. We obtain conservative estimates for the proportional change of the infected subpopulations using hierarchical Bayesian statistics. The estimated proportional change is used to derive epidemic parameter estimates for a system of stochastic differential equations (SDEs). Model fit is quantified to determine the best parametric explanation for the observed dynamics in the infected subpopulations. Parameter estimates derived using these methods produce simulations that closely follow the dynamics observed in the data, as well as values that are generally in agreement with prior understanding of transmission and diagnosis rates. Simulations suggest that the undiagnosed population may be larger than currently estimated without significantly affecting the population dynamics.
Prevalence of Depression Among Fathers at the Pediatric Well-Child Care Visit

This study estimates the prevalence of paternal depression using the Child Health Improvement Through Computer Automation system in fathers attending well-child care visits.
A replication plan for “Does social media reduce corruption?” (Information Economics and Policy, 2017)

The importance of replicating economic research to improve the validity of findings has been the topic of an ongoing discussion, but there is not a consensus about what that means in practice. This article discusses a rationale for replicating a study and offers a plan of how one might go about approaching a replication of an actual study.