cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment allocation in patients with early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma: Prevalence and predictors of lymph node involvement

BACKGROUND In considering treatment allocation for patients with early esophageal adenocarcinoma, the incidence of lymph node metastasis is a critical determinant; however, this has not been well defined or stratified by the relevant clinical predictors of lymph node spread. METHODS Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of the National Cancer Institute were abstracted from 2004 to 2010 for patients with early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of lymph node involvement for patients with Tis, T1a, and T1b tumors was examined and was stratified by predictors of spread. RESULTS A total of 13,996 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were evaluated. Excluding those with advanced, metastatic, and/or invasive (T2-T4) disease, 715 patients with Tis, T1a, and T1b tumors were included. On multivariate analysis, tumor grade (odds ratio [OR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.58-4.82 [P<.001]), T classification (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.91 [P =.025]), and tumor size (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.48-4.85 [P = .001]) were found to be independently associated with lymph node metastases. There was no lymph node spread noted with Tis tumors. For patients with low-grade (well or moderately differentiated) tumors measuring <2 cm in size, the risk of lymph node metastasis was 1.7% for T1a (P<.001) and 8.6% for T1b (P = .001) tumors. CONCLUSIONS For patients with low-grade Tis or T1 tumors measuring ≤2 cm in size, the incidence of lymph node metastasis appears to be comparable to the mortality rate associated with esophagectomy. For highly selected patients with early esophageal adenocarcinomas, the results of the current study support the recommendation that local endoscopic resection can be considered as an alternative to surgical management when followed by rigorous endoscopic and radiographic surveillance. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Therapeutic Effect of Fangji Huangqi Decoction on Overactivity Bladder in Rats

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Fangji Huangqi Decoction(containing Menispermaceae and Astragalus)on overactivity bladder(OAB)in rats.Methods Ninety female SpragueDawley rats were included in the study.Among these rats,15were randomly selected as sham operation group,and the other 75were randomly and equally divided into detrusor instability(DI)model group,tolterodine group(0.5mg/kg),and high-,middle-,and low-dose Fangji Huangqi Decoction groups(10,5,and 2.5g/kg).A rat DI model was induced by partially ligating the bladder outlet in all groups but sham operation group.All rats were administered respective drugs for 4weeks from the third week after the ID model was established.Urodynamic parameters were measured in rats under anesthesia.The bladder index(BI)was calculated,and the pathological changes in the bladder were observed.An isolated bladder model of detrusor overactivity was induced,and the effect of Fangji Huangqi Decoction on its contractile activity was observed.Results The DI model group had significantly shortened micturition interval(MI)(P0.01),significantly increased threshold micturition pressure(TMP),peak micturition pressure(PMP),and BI(P0.01),significantly increased residual urine volume(P0.01),and marked pathological changes in the bladder.The high-and middle-dose Fangji Huangqi Decoction groups and tolterodine group had significantly prolonged MI(P0.05or P0.01),significantly decreased TMP and PMP(P0.01),and significantly decreased residual urine volume(P0.01).The high-dose Fangji Huangqi Decoction group and tolterodine group had significantly decreased BI(P0.05)and alleviated pathological changes in the bladder.The contraction frequency and tension of normal rat detrusor were significantly increased in the presence of 0.2mol/L KCl solution(P0.01),and tolterodine(10-8 mmol/L) and Fangji Huangqi Decoction(10,20,and 40g/L)showed significant inhibitory effects on the increases in contraction frequency and tension of detrusor.Conclusion Fangji Huangqi Decoction can relieve the lower urinary tract symptoms in rats with OAB.It may take effect by inhibiting excessive contraction of bladder detrusor and urethral smooth muscle.
The Posterior Medial Cortex in Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Detachment from Default Mode Network. A Resting-State Study from the MAPP Research Network

Altered resting-state (RS) brain activity, as a measure of functional connectivity (FC), is commonly observed in chronic pain. Identifying a reliable signature pattern of altered RS activity for chronic pain could provide strong mechanistic insights and serve as a highly beneficial neuroimaging-based diagnostic tool. We collected and analyzed RS functional magnetic resonance imaging data from female patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (N = 45) and matched healthy participants (N = 45) as part of an NIDDK-funded multicenter project (www.mappnetwork.org). Using dual regression and seed-based analyses, we observed significantly decreased FC of the default mode network to 2 regions in the posterior medial cortex (PMC): the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the left precuneus (threshold-free cluster enhancement, family-wise error corrected P < 0.05). Further investigation revealed that patients demonstrated increased FC between the PCC and several brain regions implicated in pain, sensory, motor, and emotion regulation processes (eg, insular cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, thalamus, globus pallidus, putamen, amygdala, hippocampus). The left precuneus demonstrated decreased FC to several regions of pain processing, reward, and higher executive functioning within the prefrontal (orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, ventromedial prefrontal) and parietal cortices (angular gyrus, superior and inferior parietal lobules). The altered PMC connectivity was associated with several phenotype measures, including pain and urologic symptom intensity, depression, anxiety, quality of relationships, and self-esteem levels in patients. Collectively, these findings indicate that in patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, regions of the PMC are detached from the default mode network, whereas neurological processes of self-referential thought and introspection may be joined to pain and emotion regulatory processes.
A Sensing Algorithm Based on Distributed Cooperative Compressed Spectrum for Wideband Cognitive Radio Networks

A distributed probabilistic Bayesian compressed spectrum sensing algorithm(PBCS) is proposed based on Gaussian process to improve the detection performance of compressed spectrum sensing under low signal to noise ratio condition in wideband cognitive radio networks.A hierarchical normal distribution probabilistic model is applied to represent the compressed spectrum reconstruction.The model parameters are exchanged among the cognitive radios as cooperation information,and then are utilized to implement compressed spectrum sensing based on the local compressed sensing data.Being different from existing cooperative spectrum sensing methods,where the final sensing decisions or the rough sensing data are used as the cooperation information,model parameters fusion is conveyed among the cognitive radios in the proposed PBCS algorithm.Therefore,the negative effectiveness from those cooperated neighbors experiencing low signal to noise ratio sensing environment is effectively reduced and the detection performance is improved.Simulations show that PBCS achieves a detection rate over 0.9 while false alarm remains 0.1 when signal to noise ratio is-5 dB.
Estimating Student Knowledge from Paired Interaction Data.

Estimating students’ knowledge based on their interactions with computer-based tutors has the potential to improve learning by decreasing time taking assessments and facilitating personalized interventions. Although there exist good student models for relatively structured topics and tutors, less progress has been made with more open-ended activities. Further, students often complete activities in pairs rather than individually, with no coding to indicate who performed each action. We investigate whether pair interactions with an open-ended chemistry tutor can be used to predict individual student post test performance. Using L1-regularized regression, we show that student interactions with the tutor are predictive both of the average post-test score for the pair and of individual scores. Towards better understanding pair dynamics in this setting, we also find that for pairs composed of students with similar pre-test scores, we can predict the difference in students’ post-test scores.
Bioreactor design for algal growth as a sustainable energy source

Abstract A bioreactor is one of the most important reactors that involve organisms or biochemically active substances derived from such organisms. In this chapter, after briefly introducing the basic components of a bioreactor, we focus on applications of bioreactors in algal growth for biodiesel production. Microalgae can be cultivated in open-system (such as a raceway pond) or closed-system photobioreactors (PBRs) (such as tubular, bubble-column, airlift, flat-panel, etc.). The comparison results indicate that both systems have advantages and disadvantages and should not be viewed as competing technologies. Among these PBRs, the bubble-column design does not perform as well as do tubular and airlift PBRs. Computational simulations provide useful information for designing algal growth technologies. The theoretical maximum algal production is 45,600 gallon/acre/year, while the current practical outcome is only 4350–5700 gallon/acre/year. This means that, by simulation, it is possible to optimize all the factors to increase the practical production toward theoretical maxima. Other effects (such as light, temperature, nutrients, wastewater and CO2 usage, algal species, etc.) are also discussed here.
Measurements of Glomerular Dynamics

The rate of glomerular ultrafiltration is high in mammals and defines the filtered load to each nephron unit. The major focus in renal physiology has been upon the varied mechanisms involved in the process of tubular reabsorption of solute and water. However, it has long been apparent that equally exacting mechanisms are required in maintaining the load of solute and water to the tubule for volume homeostasis to be maintained (Smith, 1951). Analysis of the specific factors determining and controlling glomerular filtration has awaited the development of micro methods capable of providing the necessary measurements of all the pertinent pressures, flows, and permeabilities. During the past few years such systems of measurement have been developed (Brenner et al., 1971; Blantz et al., 1972) and knowledge of the specific factors contributing to glomerular ultrafiltration has advanced rapidly during this recent period (Brenner et al., 1972; Deen et al., 1972; Blantz, 1974; Maddox et al., 1975; Blantz et al., 1976). In this section, we will summarize the specifics of current methods used in the analysis of glomerular dynamics.
Baclofen Toxicity in a Patient with Hemodialysis-Dependent End-Stage Renal Disease.

Abstract Background Oral baclofen toxicity is extremely rare, but can affect patients with renal disease due to the drug's predominant renal clearance of approximately 69–85%. Patients with severely impaired renal function typically develop symptoms soon after initiating baclofen therapy, even at relatively low doses. Case Report A 69-year-old woman with a history of hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease presented to the Emergency Department with encephalopathy, ataxia, and dystonia after the addition of a recent baclofen prescription for back pain (10 mg twice daily). She had been taking baclofen as prescribed for approximately 1 week when, the day prior to admission, she had increased her dose to a total of 40 mg. Diagnostic studies demonstrated the patient had chronic, end-stage renal disease and a supratherapeutic concentration of baclofen. Signs and symptoms resolved with hemodialysis. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? It is of critical importance for emergency physicians to appreciate impaired baclofen clearance in those with underlying renal disease to obviate the potential for significant drug toxicity.
Adults’ self-reported attachment influences their savoring ability

AbstractPositive affect is important for well-being, yet little is known about individual differences in the ability to up-regulate (savor) positive emotions. In a sample of 120 adults (ages 18–94; 62.5% female), this study extends correlational work by examining how attachment relates to self-reported savoring and to an experimentally-induced behavioral savoring task where participants were randomly assigned to reflect on a positive event (or complete a control task). Avoidance was related to lower trait savoring, and the effects of attachment on experimentally-induced savoring differed by the type of event participants savored. Avoidance was related to poorer affective outcomes after savoring interpersonal events but was unrelated to affective outcomes for non-interpersonal events. Anxiety was related to better outcomes after savoring non-interpersonal events but was unrelated to savoring interpersonal events. Overall, effects suggest that more insecurely attached adults may not savor as often, and may ...
Importance of Body Condition Scoring in Dairy Cattle

It is doubtful that many of today's dairy herds, fed rations balanced to NRC standards, experience reproductive problems solely because of nutrition. Nutrients and how their deficiencies and excesses affect reproduction have been reviewed.1,6 Further research is needed to investigate combinations of nutrients and the subsequent effect on reproduction. Some veterinary practitioners are convinced that there are profound interrelationships between the nutritional status of dairy cattle and their reproductive performance. This clinical impression was fostered because in many cases regular reproductive tract examinations alone were not adequate to ensure good herd reproductive health and reproductive efficiency. In some cases this impression is justified, but in many cases nutrition is the scapegoat for environment, stress, disease and the main problem of missed heats and other poor reproductive management practices. This paper will discuss body condition scoring cows on a large dairy farm in north Florida, and its effect upon reproductive performance and 305-day mature equivalent four percent fat-corrected milk (ME 305).
DNA damage response is hijacked by human papillomaviruses to complete their life cycle

The DNA damage response (DDR) is activated when DNA is altered by intrinsic or extrinsic agents. This pathway is a complex signaling network and plays important roles in genome stability, tumor transformation, and cell cycle regulation. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the main etiological agents of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women and the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Over 200 types of HPVs have been identified and about one third of these infect the genital tract. The HPV life cycle is associated with epithelial differentiation. Recent studies have shown that HPVs deregulate the DDR to achieve a productive life cycle. In this review, I summarize current findings about how HPVs mediate the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) and the ATM-and RAD3-related kinase (ATR) DDRs, and focus on the roles that ATM and ATR signalings play in HPV viral replication. In addition, I demonstrate that the signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT)-5, an important immune regulator, can promote ATM and ATR activations through different mechanisms. These findings may provide novel opportunities for development of new therapeutic targets for HPV-related cancers.
Integrate instead of ignoring: Base rate neglect as a common fallacy of petroleum explorers

When petroleum explorers estimate geological probability of success (POS) and success case volumes for their prospects, they commonly suffer from various biases and fallacies that result in poor assessments. Using a data set of 25 exploration wells drilled by Lundin Petroleum on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) during the 5-yr period from 2011 to 2015, I demonstrate the base rate neglect fallacy in petroleum exploration. Lundin explorers consistently and significantly underestimated the geological POS and overestimated the success case volumes relative to the available base rate information on historical exploration success rates and sizes of previously discovered fields in the NCS area. These findings are consistent with previous studies of exploration track records of the industry and individual companies. Explorers erroneously tend to ignore the base rates likely because they do not see them as relevant to the evaluation of their specific prospects. As a result, exploration portfolios generally fail to deliver on promise. However, base rate neglect fallacy can be mitigated and eliminated. Explorers should make an effort to learn the base rates relevant to their prospects and integrate them with prospect evaluations, and managers should ensure that modeled portfolio outcomes are consistent with relevant base rates.
Use of the Limbs and Things Hysterectomy Model to Describe the Process for Establishing Validity.

Abstract Study Objective To demonstrate the process for establishing or refuting validity for the Limbs and Things hysterectomy model. Design Prospective study using Kane's framework for establishing validity (Canadian Task Force classification: II-2). Setting Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) assessments completed in the operating room (OR) and simulation at 3 academic medical centers. Participants Obstetrics and gynecology residents (n = 26 postgraduate years 3–4), a gynecologic oncology fellow (postgraduate year 5), and a gynecology oncology attending. Interventions Participants were rated with the myTIPreport feedback application by nonblinded faculty in the OR after TLH. In-person, simulation-based assessments were provided by 2 faculty members blinded to experience level using myTIPreport and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS). Videos of simulated TLHs were rated by 2 minimally invasive gynecology fellows. Measurements and Main Results OR scores for TLH steps were significantly higher than simulation assessments (p Conclusion The scoring and generalization validity inferences for Limbs and Things and myTIPreport are supported when global assessments of performance are evaluated but not for individual components of the assessment instruments.
American Policy Toward Taiwan-China Relations in the Twenty-First Century

Examining US policy toward Taiwan-China relations since the mid-1990s, this chapter explains why recently rising tensions in cross-Strait relations and hardening of the Obama administration’s approach to China did not spill over to change US policy toward Taiwan. It goes on to assess the impact of the US 2015–2016 presidential election debates and its implications for US policy on China and Taiwan in the Donald Trump government.
Dynamics of lipoprotein transport in the human circulatory system

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of lipoproteins, describes lipoprotein triglyceride and lipolysis, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and plasma cholesterol metabolism, and reactions linking the metabolism of apo A1 and apo B lipoproteins. The apolipoprotein content of lipoprotein particles alters during recirculation, as changes in the lipid composition of the particles modify the affinity of apolipoproteins for their surface. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), synthesized in adipocytes and myocytes, is transported out of the parenchymal cells, through the pericyte layer, and across the endothelium, before binding to functional sites on the vascular endothelial surface. The efflux of cholesterol from cells to plasma lipoproteins, previously considered the result of passive diffusion, is now recognized to be highly regulated by cell membrane proteins and on a par with influx as a key determinant of cellular cholesterol homeostasis. The availability of mice overexpressing or deficient in almost all known factors of plasma lipid transport has provided key insights into regulatory pathways.
THE EFFECTS OF SECONDARY REACTIONS ON NITROGEN DISTRIBUTIONS FROM RAPID COAL PYROLYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a novel radiant flow reactor that independently regulates the extent of secondary chemistry and the total volatiles yield to gauge the impact of secondary chemistry on product and elemental distributions. The determinations of product and elemental distributions from coal pyrolysis at typical pulverized fuel (p.f.) firing conditions will improve representations of heat release, pollutant formation, and evolution of polycyclic aromatic compounds during p.f. firing. The pyrolysis products are segregated into char particles, tar/soot aerosol, and noncondensible gases using virtual impaction in an aerodynamic classifier. The results depict the influence of residence time on the nitrogen speciation from atmospheric primary pyrolysis for a reactor wall temperature of 1840 K. The fraction of the coal-nitrogen evolving as NO is less than 1%; NO is not significant nitrogenous specie during pyrolysis. The radiant coal flow experiment independently regulates the extent of secondary chemistry and total volatiles yield.
A Physics for Complex Systems

The fundamental problem for a science of complex systems is to explain how diverse forms and evolutionary processes arise from the operation of the few principles and materials required for a physical description of nature. A theory is offered here to account for emergent properties in complex systems. Its central theme is that the emergence of structure as well as process is a stability transition in which new form arises because changing parameters have made the less structured state unstable. A generalization of the Reynolds number concept of hydrodynamics is suggested as a criterion for emergence, and a number of examples of its application are presented including social theory (see also Iberall, Chapter 28).
Hemorrhoidectomy with Lasers and Other Contemporary Modalities

Multiple treatments exist for hemorrhoids, ranging from simple diet modification to surgery. Fixation to prevent prolapse is the key principle. Lasers may be employed as a tool to perform excisional surgery for hemorrhoids.
Excavation and Survey at Pinnacle Point

The transdisciplinary project centered on Pinnacle Point (the South African Coast Paleoclimate, Paleoenvironment, Paleoecology, and Paleoanthropology Project-SACP4) has as its primary goal to develop an integrated paleoclimate, paleoenvironmental, and paleoanthropological record for the south coast of South Africa spanning 400 to 30 ka, a time that spans the origins of modern humans. The African Middle Stone Age (MSA), a Middle and Late Pleistocene stone tool phase, dominates the majority of this time span. The MSA in South Africa has gained increasing attention in debates about the antiquity of modern human behavior; some researchers arguing that the South African evidence suggests an early origin of modern behavior, while others suggesting a late origin. Resolution of these debates relies on two advances: improvements in our theoretical approach and an improvement of the empirical record in Africa. Fieldwork was initiated at Pinnacle Point (Mossel Bay, South Africa) to improve the empirical record (Marean et al. 2004).
Basic Concepts of Technological Change

Technology is the corpus of knowledge and the set of techniques by which we manipulate and control the physical world to satisfy human wants. Technological change generally focuses on the techniques, their attendant devices, products, and processes, and the effects of these on individuals and society. In this chapter, we briefly introduce some of the basic concepts and vocabulary that are useful in describing and analyzing the dynamics of technological change.
Cine Qua Non: The Political Import and Impact of The Battle of Algiers@@@Cine Qua Non : L’impact de La bataille d’Alger

Co-production italo-algerienne (en francais et en arabe), La Battaglia di Algeri (1965), merite le titre de meilleur film jamais realise. Gillo Pontecorvo, realisateur et co-scenariste, montre avec brio et perspicacite les luttes de groupes d’insurges se livrant a une guerilla urbaine dans l’Alger des annees 1954-1957. Dans son portrait des exactions terroristes, ce film anticipe une vision du monde actuel, empli d’une violence effroyable, insoutenable. Ce film premonitoire a un impact indeniable sur le temps present. Que l’on soit de gauche ou de droite, de 1965 a nos jours, ce film ne cesse de fasciner. Ainsi dans le cadre de cette etude, je tenterai de mettre en relief la realite historique a travers l’art cinematographique. Censure en France en 1965, et peu projete en salle dans la decennie qui suivit, ce film garde de sa force impressionnante grâce a son style etonnant mais aussi au theme choisi, criant par son eternelle actualite.
Preoperative Electrophysiological Characterization of Patients with Primary Macula-involving Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

Purpose To determine 1) which components of retinal function are impaired after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 2) which outer retinal pathways (rod- or cone-driven) are more severely affected, and 3) whether there is concomitant inner retinal dysfunction. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in a large academic institution. We performed preoperative electroretinography on eight patients to assess outer and inner retinal function. In all cases, a comparison between the eye with the detached retina and the control fellow eye was made. Results Eyes with a detached retina had significantly lower a-wave and b-wave amplitudes with respect to both rod- and cone-dominated testing parameters (P < 0.05) and reduced 30 Hz flicker responses compared to fellow eyes (P < 0.05); the effect size was similar for all significantly reduced parameters (r~0.6). There were no significant differences between eyes with detached retinas and control fellow eyes with respect to b/a-wave ratios, a-wave latencies, or b-wave latencies. Conclusion Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment have preoperative outer retinal dysfunction equally affecting both rod- and cone-driven pathways, and they have minimal inner retinal dysfunction.
Deeply-Sparse Signal rePresentations (D $\text{S}^2$ P)

A recent line of work shows that a deep neural network with ReLU nonlinearities arises from a finite sequence of cascaded sparse-coding models, the outputs of which, except for the last element in the cascade, are sparse and unobservable. We show here, using techniques from the dictionary-learning literature that, if the measurement matrices in the cascaded sparse-coding model (a) satisfy RIP and (b) all have sparse columns except for the last, they can be recovered with high probability. We propose two algorithms: one that recovers the matrices in a forward sequence, and another that recovers them in a backward sequence. The method of choice in deep learning to solve this problem is by training an auto-encoder. Our algorithms provide a sound alternative, with theoretical guarantees, and upper bounds on sample complexity. The theory shows that the learning complexity of the forward algorithm depends on the number of hidden units at the deepest layer and the number of active neurons at that layer (sparsity). In addition, the theory relates the number of hidden units in successive layers, thus giving a practical prescription for designing deep ReLU neural networks. Because it puts fewer restrictions on the architecture, the backward algorithm requires more data. We use simulated data and patches from natural images to demonstrate the deep dictionary-learning algorithm. Finally, we conjecture a lower bound on sample complexity that gives some insight as to why deep networks require more data to train than shallow ones.
Novel method for emboli analog formation towards improved stroke retrieval devices

Abstract Background Unsuccessful recanalization attempts in stroke patients have been associated with fibrin-rich thromboemboli linking retrieval mechanism performance and clot composition. To continue development of stroke retrieval mechanisms, the material properties of cerebral thromboemboli must be replicated; however, current methods for emboli analog formation lack quantitative measurements for both material stiffness and composition of cerebral thromboemboli. This study investigates emboli analog (EA) formation to mimic the material stiffness and composition of cerebral thromboemboli to develop new retrieval mechanisms. Methods To induce static and dynamic environments for clot replication, a 9:1 ratio of porcine whole blood and 2.45% calcium chloride remained stationary or rotated at 34, 50 and 80 RPM. Histology and a custom MATLAB code provided composition analysis results. Likewise, quantitative results from biomechanical testing were obtained for direct comparison of the material stiffness of cerebral thromboemboli. Results Fibrin/platelet content as well as material stiffness increased due to increasing rotational speed. Approximately 11% of the biomechanical testing results exhibited nonlinearity after an initial yield point, of which 60% were from statically formed EAs. Those formed at 50 RPM were most similar in material stiffness to thromboemboli extracted from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedures (p = 0.97). Conclusions The dynamically formed EAs may be altered to obtain a range of fibrin/platelet to erythrocyte ratios. The proposed methodology for EA formation offers a platform for continued development of retrieval mechanism prototypes.
Honoring Children’s Ways of Knowing: A Story of Trust and Transformation in a Kindergarten Classroom

This article spotlights the transformation of a kindergarten classroom culture as told through the story of selecting and naming a class pet, emphasizing the teacher’s understanding of children’s ways of knowing and the role of trust in building an inclusive and equitable classroom environment. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory serves as a lens in understanding the teacher’s efforts to build a culture respectful of each individual child, the group as it formed, and class’s identity in the broader learning community. The seemingly simple story is considered through the concept of rich normality, which recognizes the potential of everyday moments and experiences.
Parallel Algorithms and Programming Languages

It is possible to identify two principles to guide research and development in parallel algorithms and programming languages. Parallel algorithms research should focus on nonshared memory models of parallel computation. Parallel programming languages should “contain” a nonshared memory programming model.
Development of Resilience Measures for Assessing the Performance of Water Infrastructure Project Delivery

AbstractProject delivery is often subject to uncertainties and disruptions throughout the entire process. The ability of project delivery to resist and recover from disruptions is a measure of the ...
Onward and Upward: the Significance of Mentorship for Formerly Incarcerated Students and Academics

In the era of mass incarceration, millions of American citizens have been disenfranchised by the social stigma of a felony conviction. Mentorship of formerly incarcerated (FI) students by FI academics—many of whom identify with Convict Criminology (CC)—is slowly forging a pathway out of the social wasteland of past felony convictions. A common goal of CC is to help FI students and academics overcome the social and structural barriers that severely limit their life chances, as well as those of millions of FI citizens in the world’s largest prison system. In this article, three FI criminology faculty members focus on the vital importance of mentorship presented through individual autoethnographic writings. We emphasize four prominent narratives or themes: (1) common narratives of the role of mentorship: encouragement, inclusion, and social capital; (2) differing narratives of the role of mentorship; (3) common narratives of the role of mentorship: experiences of mentoring as activism and advocacy; and (4) common narratives of the role of mentorship in reducing professional fragility. We also consider other dynamics that might emerge in the mentor–mentee relationship involving FI individuals, including the complexities of “coming out” as FI and the fragility of FI identity in the academic world. We conclude with recommendations for future research on the role of mentorship for FI individuals and make suggestions for other areas of study for CC, more generally.
“It’s Because You Don’t See Yourself as Unequal to Anybody”: Exploring the Segmented Assimilation Model in the Experiences of 1.5- and 2nd-Generation Women in an Elite Public High School

Within public schools, nearly ¼ of all students come from immigrant households, raising important questions about how these individuals fare in the classroom and beyond. This case study explores how a sample of 15 1.5- and 2nd-generation women who graduated from an elite, predominantly white public high school in the Northeastern USA explain their school experiences through the lens of immigration, supplementing our knowledge of large-scale statistical trends to interrogate the roots of 1.5- and 2nd-generation advantage and disadvantage and how they influence paths of incorporation. Women explicitly and implicitly discuss the factors of co-ethnic resources, racial reception, and the implementation of local policies, discussing ways in which these factors both encourage and discourage incorporation. The findings thus provide qualified support from lived experiences for the segmented assimilation model (Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 530:74–96, 1993).
Factors Influencing the Occupancy and Abundance of Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) in Kentucky Streams

For many amphibian species of conservation concern, our understanding of drivers of distribution and abundance are based on data collected at only a few localities. Thus, landscape-scale efforts are needed to better inform management and species conservation. The Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) is a global conservation priority because of its restricted geographic distribution and presumed sensitivity to forest loss, yet landscape-scale studies have not occurred. We surveyed a 16-county area in Kentucky (USA) and examined the influence of catchment (forest, agriculture, and urban) and local-scale (water chemistry and sunfish presence) variables on A. barbouri occupancy and abundance. We sampled 80 streams across different land cover types (i.e., 30 agriculture, 34 forested, and 16 urban) over 2 yrs (2017–2018). Within these streams, we identified 56 new localities. Estimated mean occupancy (Ψ = 0.91; credible interval [CI] = 0.76–0.99) was high. Streams with the highest estimated abundances were those without sunfish and containing >50% forested or agricultural land cover within their catchments; urban streams had the lowest estimated abundances. At sites where we did not detect sunfish, there were an estimated 35.25 (95% CI = 32.04–38.67) A. barbouri individuals per 10 m in forested sites, 22.47 (95% CI = 19.86–25.14) in agricultural sites, and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.14–1.59) in urban sites. Water chemistry varied across site types; however, only maximum sodium (β = –0.51, 95% CI = –0.58 to –0.43) was associated with A. barbouri abundance. If managing this species becomes necessary, minimizing urban development within low-order stream catchments should be a priority.
Explicit vs. Implicit Contracts: Evidence from CEO Employment Agreements

We report evidence on the determinants of whether the relationship between a firm and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is governed by an explicit (written) or an implicit agreement. We find that fewer than half of the CEOs of S&P 500 firms have comprehensive explicit employment agreements. Consistent with contracting theory, explicit agreements are more likely to be observed, and are likely to have a longer duration, where the sustainability of the relationship is less certain and where the expected loss to the CEO is greater if the firm fails to honor the agreement.
Incidental Asymptomatic Splenic Infarct in a COVID-19 Patient

A high incidence of thromboembolic events and coagulation parameter abnormalities are seen in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both venous and arterial thrombosis, including arterial thrombosis in unusual sites, have been reported in COVID patients in recent literature. Herein, we report a case of a 67-year-old female patient with non-critical COVID-19 disease with an incidental finding of an asymptomatic splenic infarct. In the absence of a cardio-embolic source, we believe this was an arterial thromboembolic event in the splenic circulation. The duration and modality of anticoagulation of inpatient and ambulatory COVID patients remains a dynamic discussion. Our case adds the evidence of a clinically silent arterial thrombotic event in a non-critical COVID-19 patient which further emphasizes the need to address the strategies for diagnosis and management of thrombo-embolism to prevent potentially fatal complications.
Educational interventions to address misconceptions about antibiotic residues in milk can alter consumer perceptions and may affect purchasing habits.

ABSTRACT The industrialization of the agri-food industry and resultant decrease in the number of people employed on farms has contributed to a knowledge gap among consumers about food production processes. A commonly reported concern of dairy consumers is the use of antibiotics in dairy animals, even though these drugs are an important tool for promoting animal health and welfare and food safety. The extent to which consumers are aware of antibiotic residue avoidance practices in dairy production is unknown, and it is unclear whether acquisition of such knowledge could affect purchasing behavior and perceptions of dairy farming. The objectives of this study were to assess consumers' perceptions about the quality and production of dairy products in the United States and determine whether educational materials on processes that limit the occurrence of antibiotic residues in milk can change consumers' perceptions of dairy products and purchasing behaviors. We surveyed 804 consumers and assigned them to 1 of 3 interventions: (1) a control arm (reading the content of the Dairy page of the USDA's myplate.gov website); (2) an educational brochure on the processes that prevent antibiotic residues in milk; and (3) a video on the same processes. We found that a majority (86.1%) of participants believe that the quality of dairy products in the United States is high, although many had concerns about the treatment of dairy animals and chemicals (pesticides, antibiotics, hormones) in dairy products. Compared with the control intervention, the brochure was associated with a significant decrease in the level of concern consumers had about chemicals in their milk [−0.20 points on a Likert scale, 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.32 to −0.08] and a significantly increased comfort in purchasing conventional dairy products (odds ratio 2.43, 95% CI, 1.62 to 3.66). The video was associated with even stronger effects: a 0.29-unit decrease in the level of concern about chemicals in milk (95% CI, −0.42 to −0.016) and 2.94 times greater odds of purchasing conventional dairy products (95%, CI 1.92 to 4.49). Although consumer food decision making is complex and driven by multiple factors, it appears that education about the processes that promote food safety can reassure consumers about their concerns and potentially affect purchasing habits.
Machine Learning Assisted Phase-less Millimeter-Wave Beam Alignment in Multipath Channels

Communication systems at millimeter-wave (mmW) and sub-terahertz frequencies are of increasing interest for future high-data rate networks. One critical challenge faced by phased array systems at these high frequencies is the efficiency of the initial beam alignment, typically using only phase-less power measurements due to high frequency oscillator phase noise. Traditional methods for beam alignment require exhaustive sweeps of all possible beam directions, thus scale communications overhead linearly with antenna array size. For better scaling with the large arrays required at high mmW bands, compressive sensing methods have been proposed as their overhead scales logarithmically with the array size. However, algorithms utilizing machine learning have shown more efficient and more accurate alignment when using real hardware due to array impairments. Additionally, few existing phase-less beam alignment algorithms have been tested over varied secondary path strength in multipath channels. In this work, we introduce a novel, machine learning based algorithm for beam alignment in multipath environments using only phase-less received power measurements. We consider the impacts of phased array sounding beam design and machine learning architectures on beam alignment performance and validate our findings experimentally using 60 GHz radios with 36-element phased arrays. Using experimental data in multipath channels, our proposed algorithm demonstrates an 88\% reduction in beam alignment overhead compared to an exhaustive search and at least a 62\% reduction in overhead compared to existing compressive methods.
Shamsky and Other Casualties

AFTER THE EVENING NEWS, I have a long talk with my seven year old boy. He wishes to understand why I, or any adult person for that matter, would willingly subject myself to half an hour of something which provokes in me the sort of behavior one normally associates with middle linebackers and the criminally insane. He is a cheerful, sharp-nosed little boy, with the olive skin and dark forceful eyes of a Mediterranean prince. These he gets from his mother. From me he gets his curiosity, his temper, and what pass for his values. "Why are you so mad at the Presi dent, Jack?" he asks in a reasonable tone. "What'd he do that was so bad?" And so I explain to my son, with carefully chosen phrases and emphatic gestures, all about unemployment and militarism and humorless fanatical moralists running roughshod over a vacuous electorate. Really? He did all those things? Somebody should shoot him!" (He has also inherited from me a melodramatic naivete much more suited to his age than mine.) "But how come they can do all that stuff? Can't someone stop it?" "I don't know, sport. Maybe in time you will." I kiss him on the fore head. His face brightens. "Now, get out of here, go play with your friends."
Design of porous silica gels for bioremediation of aromatic hydrocarbons

Bioencapsulation is a low-cost, low energy demand technology for harnessing the power of microorganisms for applications such as bioremediation, biosensing, and biocatalysis. Silica gels have been investigated for bioencapsulation, yet few studies have focused on gel mechanical properties and biocatalytic activity simultaneously, instead studying the viability of the encapsulated microorganisms. In order to utilize these unique biocatalytic functionalities in the context of industrially relevant processes, bioencapsulation materials with high mechanical strength are required. Herein, we report the development of silica gels for bioremediation based on varying ratios of silicon alkoxide and silica nanoparticles. The results of this study indicate that the alkoxide to nanoparticle ratio can be used to control the gel mechanical properties as well as the biocatalytic activity.
Sexual abuse intervention: a support group for parents who have a sexually abused child

A pilot program for parents of sexually abused children is discussed with a focus on intervention at a systems level. The Parent Support group is based on an eclectic approach and the interventions at the therapeutic and educational levels are described. The evolution of the group is addressed based on the group objectives. Each of the thirteen sessions is described to illustrate the various intervention strategies. Suggestions for implementing a similar group are discussed based on the authors' experience utilizing the presented model.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Traditional Care: Comparison of One-Year Outcomes and Resource Use.

Study objective Three large, multicenter, randomized, clinical trials have shown that coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography allows efficient evaluation and safe discharge of patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain who present to the emergency department (ED). We report 1-year event rates and resource use from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network-Pennsylvania 4005 multicenter trial. Methods Patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain and presenting to the ED were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to a coronary CT angiography care pathway or traditional care. Subjects were contacted by telephone at least 1 year after ED presentation. Medical record review was performed for all cardiac hospitalizations, procedures and diagnostic tests, and adverse cardiac events. Our main outcome was the composite of cardiac death and myocardial infarction within 1 year. The secondary outcome was resource use. Results One thousand three hundred sixty-eight patients enrolled and 1,285 (94%) had direct participant or proxy contact at 1 year. All others had record review or death index search. From index presentation through 1 year, there was no difference between patients in the coronary CT angiography arm versus traditional care with respect to major adverse cardiac event (1.4% versus 1.1%; difference 0.3%; 95% CI –5.5% to 6.0%). From hospital discharge through 1 year, there was also no difference in ED revisits (36% versus 38%; difference –2.1%; 95% CI –7.9% to 3.7%), hospital admissions (16% versus 17%; difference –0.9%; 95% CI –6.7% to 4.9%), or subsequent cardiac testing (13% versus 13%; difference –0.4%; 95% CI –6.2% to 5.5%). One of 640 subjects with a negative coronary CT angiography result had a major adverse cardiac event within 1 year of presentation (0.16%; 95% CI 0.004% to 0.87%). Conclusion A coronary CT angiography–based strategy for evaluation of patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain who present to the ED does not result in increased resource use during 1 year. A negative coronary CT angiography result is associated with a less than 1% major adverse cardiac event rate during the first year after testing.
Magnetic Structure and Ordering of Multiferroic Hexagonal LuFeO 3

We report on the magnetic structure and ordering of hexagonal ${\mathrm{LuFeO}}_{3}$ films of variable thickness grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on YSZ (111) and ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (0001) substrates. These crystalline films exhibit long-range structural uniformity dominated by the polar $P{6}_{3}cm$ phase, which is responsible for the paraelectric to ferroelectric transition that occurs above 1000 K. Using bulk magnetometry and neutron diffraction, we find that the system orders into a ferromagnetically canted antiferromagnetic state via a single transition below 155 K regardless of film thickness, which is substantially lower than that previously reported in hexagonal ${\mathrm{LuFeO}}_{3}$ films. The symmetry of the magnetic structure in the ferroelectric state implies that this material is a strong candidate for linear magnetoelectric coupling and control of the ferromagnetic moment directly by an electric field.