How the Diversity of Curriculum Prepares Future Physician Assistants (PA\u27s) to Provide Healthcare for Underserved Populations

How the Diversity of Curriculum Prepares Future Physician Assistants (PA\u27s) to Provide Healthcare for Underserved Populations Jessica Lim-Wilson, Depts. of Health, Physical Education & Exercise Science and Psychology, with Dr. Christine Booker, Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Sciences This research project was conducted to explore the availability of the diverse curriculum in Physician Assistant programs by region as well as the scope of PA responsibility across the United States. Using the information collected, the association between Physician Assistant curriculum and underserved population health outcomes by region was examined. In conclusion, this research has assisted in understanding the relationship between PA education and health outcomes.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1321/thumbnail.jp

A new approach to high resolution, high contrast electron microscopy of macromolecular block copolymer assemblies

Determining the structure of macromolecular samples is vital for understanding and adapting their function. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is widely used to achieve this, but, owing to the weak electron scattering cross-section of carbon, TEM images of macromolecular samples are generally low contrast and low resolution. Here we implement a fast and practically simple routine to achieve high-contrast imaging of macromolecular samples using exit wave reconstruction (EWR), revealing a new level of structural detail. This is only possible using ultra-low contrast supports such as the graphene oxide (GO) used here and as such represents a novel application of these substrates. We apply EWR on GO membranes to study self-assembled block copolymer structures, distinguishing not only the general morphology or nanostructure, but also evidence for the substructure (i.e. the polymer chains) which gives insight into their formation mechanisms and functional properties

AGRICULTURAL VALUE ADDED: PROSPECTS FOR NORTH DAKOTA

Introduction: This report provides an overview of the important factors affecting investments in agricultural value-added ventures. The introductory section outlines current research on factors important in the location of economic activity. Research applied to specific agricultural value-added ventures, such as food manufacturing and livestock feeding and finishing operations, are discussed. A listing of resources available to entrepreneurs considering value-added investments concludes the introductory section. Following the introductory section are short overviews of industries that already have, or may have, potential for increasing economic activity in the state. All are based on the important foundation of agriculture in the state's economy or upon the natural resource base giving the state a comparative advantage in investments in alternative energy or resource-based recreation.Agribusiness,

Kondo effect in a carbon nanotube with spin-orbit interaction and valley mixing: A DM-NRG study

We investigate the effects of spin-orbit interaction (SOI) and valley mixing on the transport and dynamical properties of a carbon nanotube (CNT) quantum dot in the Kondo regime. As these perturbations break the pseudo-spin symmetry in the CNT spectrum but preserve time-reversal symmetry, they induce a finite splitting $\Delta$ between formerly degenerate Kramers pairs. Correspondingly, a crossover from the SU(4) to the SU(2)-Kondo effect occurs as the strength of these symmetry breaking parameters is varied. Clear signatures of the crossover are discussed both at the level of the spectral function as well as of the conductance. In particular, we demonstrate numerically and support with scaling arguments, that the Kondo temperature scales inversely with the splitting $\Delta$ in the crossover regime. In presence of a finite magnetic field, time reversal symmetry is also broken. We investigate the effects of both parallel and perpendicular fields (with respect to the tube's axis), and discuss the conditions under which Kondo revivals may be achieved.Comment: 13 pages, 17 figure

Gauge invariance in fractional field theories

The principle of local gauge invariance is applied to fractional wave equations and the interaction term is determined up to order $o(\bar{g})$ in the coupling constant $\bar{g}$. As a first application, based on the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative definition, the fractional Zeeman effect is used to reproduce the baryon spectrum accurately. The transformation properties of the non relativistic fractional Schr\"odinger-equation under spatial rotations are investigated and an internal fractional spin is deduced.Comment: remarks on fractional spin added, references added, in press Phys.Lett.

The Solar Neutrino Problem - An Update

The $^8$B solar neutrino flux as measured by Super-Kamiokande is consistent with the $^{37}$Ar production rate in $^{37}$Cl at Homestake. GALLEX and SAGE, continue to observe $^{71}$Ge production rates in $^{71}$Ga that are consistent with the minimal signal expected from the solar luminosity. The observed $^8$B solar neutrino flux is in good agreement with that predicted by the standard solar model of Dar and Shaviv with nuclear reaction rates that are supported by recent measurements of nuclear fusion cross sections at low energies. The measurements of Super-Kamiokande, SAGE and GALLEX suggest that the expected the pep, $^7$Be and NO solar neutrino fluxes are strongly suppressed. This can be explained by neutrino oscillations and the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effect. Since neither a flavor change, nor a terrestrial variation, nor a spectral distortion of the $^8$B solar neutrino flux has been observed yet, the solar neutrino problem does not provide conclusive evidence for neutrino properties beyond the standard electroweak model. The deviations of the experimental results from those predicted by the standard solar models may reflect the approximate nature of of solar models and of our knowledge of nuclear reaction rates, radiation transport and particle diffusion in dense stellar plasmas. Only future observations of spectral distortions, or terrestrial modulation or flavor change of solar neutrinos in solar neutrino experiments, such as Super-Kamiokande, SNO, Borexino and HELLAZ will be able to establish that neutrino properties beyond the minimal standard electroweak model are responsible for the solar neutrino problem.Comment: To be published in Physics Reports, Proceedings of ``From Atomic Nuclei to Stars and Galaxies'' Haifa, January 12-16, 1998. No enclosed figure

An Optical-Lattice-Based Quantum Simulator For Relativistic Field Theories and Topological Insulators

We present a proposal for a versatile cold-atom-based quantum simulator of relativistic fermionic theories and topological insulators in arbitrary dimensions. The setup consists of a spin-independent optical lattice that traps a collection of hyperfine states of the same alkaline atom, to which the different degrees of freedom of the field theory to be simulated are then mapped. We show that the combination of bi-chromatic optical lattices with Raman transitions can allow the engineering of a spin-dependent tunneling of the atoms between neighboring lattice sites. These assisted-hopping processes can be employed for the quantum simulation of various interesting models, ranging from non-interacting relativistic fermionic theories to topological insulators. We present a toolbox for the realization of different types of relativistic lattice fermions, which can then be exploited to synthesize the majority of phases in the periodic table of topological insulators.Comment: 24 pages, 6 figure

The Magnetised Bellows of Betelgeuse

We present calculations for a magnetised hybrid wind model for Betelegeuse ($\alpha -$Orionis). The model is a direct application of our previously derived theory, combining a canonical Weber-Davis (WD) stellar wind with dust grains in the envelope of an AGB star \citep[see][]{Thirumalai2010}. The resulting hybrid picture provides a mechanism for solving the problem of lifting stellar material up from the photosphere \citep[e.g.][] {Harper2009,Guandalini2006,Jura1984} and into the circumstellar envelope. It also predicts wind velocities in agreement with current estimates. Our approach reveals that magnetic fields in supergiant stars like Betelgeuse \citep[see][]{Auriere2010}, may play a vital role in determining the nature of the stellar outflow and consequently, opens a new avenue of investigation in the field of hybrid stellar winds.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure

Factors influencing brightness and beam quality of conventional and distributed Bragg reflector tapered laser diodes in absence of self-heating

In this study, the authors examine some of the factors affecting the brightness and the beam quality of high-power tapered lasers. The large volume resonators required to achieve a high-power, high-brightness operation make the beam quality sensitive to carrier lensing and a multimode operation. These cause bleaching of the regions outside the ridge waveguide. The beam quality in the conventional and the distributed Bragg reflector tapered lasers is examined in the absence of the self-heating effects to investigate the effect of the carrier lensing effects. The influence of the front facet reflectivity and the taper angle on the beam quality is investigated. The beam quality was found to degrade with an increase in the front facet reflectivity and for the larger taper angles in the conventional tapered lasers, especially at low ridge waveguide currents. Finally, the performance of the conventional tapered lasers employing a beamspoiler was assessed. The beam quality was found to be comparable with that achieved in the DBR tapered lasers