cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria as integrators of signal transduction and energy production in cardiac physiology and disease

Fascinating links are beginning to be discovered between mitochondrial function and cardiac physiology and disease in the context of diverse signaling mechanisms, energy production, and intersection with pathways producing reactive oxygen species. Proteins long known to drive mitochondrial fusion and fission are now reported to have emergent functions in intracellular calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, all key issues in cardiac disease. Moreover, mitochondrial fusion has been demonstrated to be required for normal myofibril organization in skeletal muscle, and decreasing fission may confer protection against ischemic heart disease. These processes broaden the traditional role in energy production undertaken by mitochondria and provide new directions for potential therapeutic leads.
Dose and volume reduction for normal lung using intensity-modulated radiotherapy for advanced-stage non–small-cell lung cancer

Abstract Purpose To investigate dosimetric improvements with respect to tumor-dose conformity and normal tissue sparing using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for advanced-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and materials Forty-one patients with Stage III-IV and recurrent NSCLC who previously underwent 3D-CRT were included. IMRT plans were designed to deliver 63 Gy to 95% of the planning target volume using nine equidistant coplanar 6-MV beams. Inverse planning was performed to minimize the volumes of normal lung, heart, esophagus, and spinal cord irradiated above their tolerance doses. Dose distributions and dosimetric indexes for the tumors and critical structures in both plans were computed and compared. Results Using IMRT, the median absolute reduction in the percentage of lung volume irradiated to >10 and >20 Gy was 7% and 10%, respectively. This corresponded to a decrease of >2 Gy in the total lung mean dose and of 10% in the risk of radiation pneumonitis. The volumes of the heart and esophagus irradiated to >40–50 Gy and normal thoracic tissue volume irradiated to >10–40 Gy were reduced using the IMRT plans. A marginal increase occurred in the spinal cord maximal dose and lung volume >5 Gy in the IMRT plans, which could be have resulted from the significant increase in monitor units and thus leakage dose in IMRT. Conclusion IMRT planning significantly improved target coverage and reduced the volume of normal lung irradiated above low doses. The spread of low doses to normal tissues can be controlled in IMRT with appropriately selected planning parameters. The dosimetric benefits of IMRT for advanced-stage non–small-cell lung cancer must be evaluated further in clinical trials.
Hidden Child Molestation An Investigation of Adolescent Perpetrators in a Nonclinical Sample

To examine and describe hidden child sexual molestation committed by adolescent males, 582 college men were surveyed via an extensive questionnaire. Three percent (N = 16) of the men reported activity that met the criterion for sexually molesting a younger child. Most of the victimization experiences were initiated by the men (86%), and most involved female victims (67%). Few differences emerged between the molesters and nonmolesters on the family background variables, current adjustment measures, or measures of attitudes conceptually linked to sexually aggressive behavior. Compared to nonmolesters, however, the molesters were more likely to endorse rape myths and were more likely to have been sexually victimized as children.
Forelimb muscle function in pig-nosed turtles, Carettochelys insculpta: testing neuromotor conservation between rowing and flapping in swimming turtles

Changes in muscle activation patterns can lead to new locomotor modes; however, neuromotor conservation-the evolution of new forms of locomotion through changes in structure without concurrent changes to underlying motor patterns-has been documented across diverse styles of locomotion. Animals that swim using appendages do so via rowing (anteroposterior oscilations) or flapping (dorsoventral oscilations). Yet few studies have compared motor patterns between these swimming modes. In swimming turtles, propulsion is generated exclusively by limbs. Kinematically, turtles swim using multiple styles of rowing (freshwater species), flapping (sea turtles) and a unique hybrid style with superficial similarity to flapping by sea turtles and characterized by increased dorsoventral motions of synchronously oscillated forelimbs that have been modified into flippers (Carettochelys insculpta). We compared forelimb motor patterns in four species of turtle (two rowers, Apalone ferox and Trachemys scripta; one flapper, Caretta caretta; and Carettochelys) and found that, despite kinematic differences, motor patterns were generally similar among species with a few notable exceptions: specifically, presence of variable bursts for pectoralis and triceps in Trachemys (though timing of the non-variable pectoralis burst was similar), and the timing of deltoideus activity in Carettochelys and Caretta compared with other taxa. The similarities in motor patterns we find for several muscles provide partial support for neuromotor conservation among turtles using diverse locomotor styles, but the differences implicate deltoideus as a prime contributor to flapping limb motions.
Experimental study of turbulence, sedimentation, and coignimbrite mass partitioning in dilute pyroclastic density currents

Abstract Laboratory density currents comprising warm talc powder turbulently suspended in air simulate many aspects of dilute pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and demonstrate links between bulk current behavior, sedimentation, and turbulent structures. The densimetric and thermal Richardson, Froude, Stokes, and settling numbers match those of natural PDCs as does the ratio of thermal to kinetic energy density. The experimental currents have lower bulk Reynolds numbers than natural PDCs, but the experiments are fully turbulent. Consequently, the experiments are dynamically similar to the dilute portions of some natural currents. In general, currents traverse the floor of the experimental tank, sedimenting particles and turbulently entraining, heating, and thermally expanding air until all particle sediments or the currents become buoyant and lift off to form coignimbrite plumes. When plumes form, currents often undergo local flow reversals. Current runout distance and liftoff position decrease with increasing densimetric Richardson number and thermal energy density. As those parameters increase, total sedimentation decreases such that > 50% of initial current mass commonly fractionates into the plumes, in agreement with some observations of recent volcanic eruptions. Sedimentation profiles are best described by an entraining sedimentation model rather than the exponential fit resulting from non-entraining box models. Time series analysis shows that sedimentation is not a constant rate process in the experiments, but rather occurs as series of sedimentation–erosion couplets that propagate across the tank floor tracking current motion and behavior. During buoyant liftoff, sedimentation beneath the rising plumes often becomes less organized. Auto-correlation analysis of time series of particle concentration is used to characterize the turbulent structures of the currents and indicates that currents quickly partition into a slow-moving upper portion and faster, more concentrated, lower portion. Air entrainment occurs within the upper region. Turbulent structures within the lower region track sedimentation–erosion waves and indicate that eddies control deposition. Importantly, both eddies and sedimentation waves track reversals in flow direction that occur following buoyant liftoff. Further, these results suggest that individual laminations within PDC deposits may record passage of single eddies, thus the duration of individual PDCs may be estimated as the product of the number of laminations and the current's turbulent timescale.
The global wireless web

Expectations are that by the end of the first quarter of the next century, accessibility to the telephone will be universal. Virtually, the entire population will be free of the telephone cord and the home or office connection. To meet these expectations, more effective utilization of available cellular bandwidth is needed. As demand for higher performance and increased bandwidth grows, the need for compound semiconductors, which are already used in cordless telephone sets and in some networks, will also grow. This article presents an overview of wireless systems, and methods used for signal modulation coding and decoding, flexible satellites, and handset and hardware requirements will be discussed. Laced with the hardware discussion will be the uses of compound semiconductor devices and circuits.
The cytoskeletal regulator Genghis khan is required for columnar target specificity in the Drosophila visual system

A defining characteristic of neuronal cell type is the growth of axons and dendrites into specific layers and columns of the brain. Although differences in cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules are known to cause differences in synaptic specificity, differences in downstream signaling mechanisms that determine cell type-appropriate targeting patterns are unknown. Using a forward genetic screen in Drosophila, we identify the GTPase effector Genghis khan (Gek) as playing a crucial role in the ability of a subset of photoreceptor (R cell) axons to innervate appropriate target columns. In particular, single-cell mosaic analyses demonstrate that R cell growth cones lacking Gek function grow to the appropriate ganglion, but frequently fail to innervate the correct target column. Further studies reveal that R cell axons lacking the activity of the small GTPase Cdc42 display similar defects, providing evidence that these proteins regulate a common set of processes. Gek is expressed in all R cells, and a detailed structure-function analysis reveals a set of regulatory domains with activities that restrict Gek function to the growth cone. Although Gek does not normally regulate layer-specific targeting, ectopic expression of Gek is sufficient to alter the targeting choices made by another R cell type, the targeting of which is normally Gek independent. Thus, specific regulation of cytoskeletal responses to targeting cues is necessary for cell type-appropriate synaptic specificity.
Husbands' involvement in female gender-typed household chores.

Using data from the National Survey of Children (sample is 89% White, 9% Black, 2% Hispanic or other), this paper examines levels and correlates of husbands' involvement in traditionally female household chores. Analyses reveal that the vast majority of wives assume primary responsibility for these daily and non-daily tasks. Only about one-fifth of husbands are involved fully in these activities. OLS and logistic regression models show that structural and ideational variables with respect to women are the strongest predictors of men's involvement. Resource, time availability, socialization, and life course models of husbands' household labor all garner significant support, and family process is a significant factor as well. This study demonstrates important interactive effects between predictors, thus suggesting the need for synthesizing various theoretical perspectives on the household division of labor.
Disability and Functional Status in Patients With Low Back Pain Receiving Workers' Compensation: A Descriptive Study With Implications for the Efficacy of Physical Therapy

Background and Purpose. The efficacy of a physical therapy outpatient program with multiple interventions to treat low back pain in subjects receiving workers' compensation was examined. The primary purpose of the study was to describe the level of disability, physical impairment, and rate of return to work for compensated patients. Subjects. One hundred thirty-eight patients (84 male, 54 female), aged 17 to 63 years (X=38, SD=10), were evaluated prospectively. Methods. Subjects were assessed initially (INA) and were reevaluated 1 month later (1MO) and again at the time of discharge (DC). The Oswestry disability score, fingertip-to-floor distance during forward bending, maximal isometric lift, and work status were described as outcomes. Subjects were grouped based on compliance, chronicity, and leg symptoms. Each disability/impairment outcome was analyzed with paired t tests (INA versus 1MO and INA versus DC). The frequency of subjects returning to work across groups was evaluated with a chi-square analysis corrected for unequal group sizes. Results. Overall, there was improvement in each dependent measure at 1MO and DC compared with the INA. Subjects with high compliance had a 10% reduction in mean disability at 1MO and a 12% reduction in mean disability at DC compared with the INA. The low-compliance group, in contrast, showed less than a 5% reduction in mean disability at both the 1MO and DC assessments compared with the INA. The magnitude of improvement in disability status, forward bending, and maximal lift was approximately two to three times greater for subjects with acute symptoms compared with those with chronic symptoms. The increase in mean forward bending for subjects without leg symptoms was over twice as large as the increase in forward bending for subjects with leg symptoms. Seventy-five percent of the subjects followed at DC (30 out of 40) were released to work in some capacity. There was no association between compliance or presence of leg symptoms and work status at DC. Eighty percent of the subjects with acute symptoms, however, were working at the time of DC compared with 44% of those with chronic symptoms. Conclusion and Discussion. Compliance, chronicity, and leg symptoms are all factors that can affect the outcome of physical therapy. The positive outcomes for subjects who complied with therapy suggest that a physical therapy program with multiple interventions may decrease disability and impairment.
The effects of three regeneration harvest methods on plant diversity and soil characteristics in the southern Appalachians

We evaluated the effects of three regeneration harvest methods on plant diversity and soil resource availability in mixedhardwood ecosystems. The study area is in the Wine Spring Creek watershed on the Nantahala National Forest of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. The regeneration treatments were: an irregular, two-aged shelterwood cut (2A), with 5.0 m 2 /ha residual basal area; a shelterwood cut (SW), with 9.0 m 2 /ha residual basal area; a group selection cut (GS), with 0.10–0.20 ha openings and 25% overstory removal on area basis at first entry; fourth, the control, consisted of two uncut sites (UC). Each harvest treatment was replicated three times across the landscape in similar plant community types. Within each treatment area, permanent plots were marked and inventoried for overstory, midstory, and herbaceous layer plants. In each permanent plot, we collected soil samples in winter (December–March) to reduce temporal variation due to vegetation phenological stage and rainfall events. We analyzed soil samples for extractable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, bulk density, A-horizon depth, total carbon (C), and nitrogen (N). Species diversity of overstory, understory, and herbaceous layer species was evaluated using species richness (S), Shannon–Wiener’s index of diversity (H 0 ), and Pielou’s evenness index (E). We used direct gradient analysis (non-metric multidimensional scaling, NMS) to explore the changes in vegetation–site relationships among herbaceous layer abundance, and soil characteristics and overstory basal area between pre-harvest (1994) and post-harvest (2000). Twelve minor overstory species were cut from the 2A treatments and nine species were cut from the SW treatments. Thus, it is not surprising that S and H 0 were reduced in the overstory on the heavily cut sites. However, most of these species sprouted from cut stumps and were substantially more abundant in the midstory layer after harvest than before. For the midstory, we found higher S and H 0 on the harvested treatments than the control; however, H 0 did not differ significantly among the harvest treatments. We measured an increase in herbaceous layer H 0 on the more heavily cut treatments (2A and SW) after harvest. We found an increase in average distance in the NMS ordination among sites in 2000 compared to 1994, which suggests greater herbaceous species diversity after harvest. However, we did not see a clear separation among harvest treatments in the NMS ordination. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Adherence to extracolonic cancer screening in Lynch syndrome kindreds

1513 Introduction: In addition to colorectal cancer (CRC), Lynch syndrome (LS) patients are at increased risk of extracolonic malignancies including endometrial (EC), ovarian (OC), upper gastrointestinal and urothelial tract cancers. Although the efficacy of extracolonic cancer screening in LS has not been clearly demonstrated, multi-organ screening is routinely recommended for LS patients (Lindor et al., JAMA 2006). Anecdotal evidence suggests that adherence to such screening may be inferior to CRC screening. Methods: 35 adults, identified in the context of genetic counseling and testing (GCT) as being from LS kindreds, were given recommendations for multi-organ screening and enrolled on a prospective follow-up study. For participants with relevant organs at risk, these included colonoscopy, urine cytology, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), CA-125 level and endometrial sampling all to be performed at least annually. Adherence with screening, perceived risk of cancer subtype and future intentions regarding ...
Stimulation of parabrachial nuclei dilates airways in cats

Stimulation of the parabrachial nuclei has been shown to increase mean arterial pressure as well as to terminate inspiration. Nevertheless, the effect on airway caliber evoked by stimulation of the parabrachial nuclei is not known. Therefore, in chloralose-anesthetized cats, we microinjected DL-homocysteic acid (25 nl; 100 mM) into 44 sites in or near the lateral and medial parabrachial nuclei while calculating breath-by-breath total lung resistance and dynamic compliance. We found that, in 43 of these sites, microinjection of this excitatory amino acid consistently decreased total lung resistance but had no effect on dynamic compliance. The decrease in lung resistance was caused by a withdrawal of cholinergic tone to the airways. We could find no evidence that the decrease in total lung resistance evoked by stimulation of the parabrachial nuclei was caused by activation of either beta-adrenergic or nonadrenergic noncholinergic pathways. The decrease in total lung resistance evoked by stimulation of the parabrachial nuclei was not secondary to the baroreceptor reflex even though microinjection frequently increased mean arterial pressure. In addition, microinjection did not have consistent effects on phrenic nerve activity, although in individual circumstances the effect on this activity was quite large. We conclude that stimulation of cell bodies and dendrites in the parabrachial nuclei dilates the airways of anesthetized cats and that the effect is not secondary to the baroreceptor reflex.
Calcium Waves and Sparks

This chapter gives a comprehensive review of calcium wave modeling, with an emphasis on their role in neuronal calcium signaling. Two models of intracellular waves are considered in some detail: a reaction–diffusion model of calcium dynamics and the fire–diffuse–fire model of calcium release. The latter is formally very similar to the spike–diffuse–spike model of spiny dendrites and is analyzed accordingly. Stochastic models of spontaneous calcium release (calcium puffs and sparks) are then analyzed using the stochastic methods introduced in the first chapter. Finally, several models of intercellular calcium waves in astrocytes are presented. Traditionally, astrocytes were thought to be physiologically passive cells that only play a supporting role in the central nervous system by regulating and optimizing the environment within which neurons operate. However, there is an increasing amount of empirical data indicating that astrocytes play a more active role in modulating synaptic transmission and neuronal signal processing.
The impact of recent employment-discrimination decisions: A guide for the small business owner

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to inform small business owners about recent Supreme Court rulings interpreting Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Design/methodology/approach – A review of recent Supreme Court rulings. Findings – Recent Supreme Court rulings have increased the plaintiff’s burden of proof in employment-discrimination cases in the USA. Practical implications – Assuming that Congress does not legislatively overrule these decisions, business owners (including small business owners) should find it easier to shield themselves from employment-discrimination claims. However, this change should not be considered license to be less vigilant when it comes to preventing employment discrimination. Originality/value – While there have been numerous reports on this law in the legal community, the primary audience for this piece is the business owner. The author’s goal is to provide a combination of background information and practical advice, making this valuable to business owners who are not versed in the law.
Photoacoustic Detection of Radiation Absorbing Particles in Gases

Photoacoustic detection methods have been successfully applied to monitoring trace contaminants in gases. The major focus of this study was the improvement of the response characteristics of photoacoustic detection systems which are sensitive to noise sources arising from: 1) vibration, 2) ambient acoustic noise, and 3) contamination of the optical windows of the photoacoustic devices. In this study one commercially available non-resonant spectrophone (Burleigh PAS-100) and two laboratory made spectrophones — one operating in a Helmholtz resonant mode and the other in a longitudinally resonant mode — were evaluated for their sensitivity for measuring light absorption by aerosols. The longitudinally resonant spectrophone was found to provide the greatest sensitivity of the three photoacoustic cells investigated. Using two microphones and applying noise subtraction techniques in the electronic signal processing, it was possible to reduce the noise contribution due to vibration by approximately 40 dB. Using an open-ended resonant cell in the longitudinal mode, the maximum sensitivity of 3.0×10−9 m was achieved in the laboratory experiment. With one-Hz bandwidth, typical detection limits were: 17 ppb for NO2 in N2 gas, and 0.39 μg/m3 for 1.0 μm diameter carbon particles.
Pediatric Low Vision

• The goal of pediatric low vision services is to help each child achieve maximum potential, regardless of diagnosis or disability.
A self-similar behavior for the relative viscosity of concentrated suspensions of rigid spheroids

A viscosity model for suspensions of rigid particles with predictive capability over a wide range of particle volume fraction and shear conditions is of interest to quantify the transport of suspensions in fluid flow models. We study the shear viscosity of suspensions and focus on the effect of particle aspect ratio and shear conditions on the rheological behavior of suspensions of rigid bi-axially symmetric ellipsoids (spheroids). We propose a framework that forms the basis to microscopically parameterize the evolution of the suspension microstructures and its effect on the shear viscosity of suspensions. We find that two state variables, the intrinsic viscosity in concentrated limit and the self-crowding factor, control the state of dispersion of the suspension. A combination of these two variables is shown to be invariant with the imposed shear stress (or shear rate) and depends only on the particle aspect ratio. This self-similar behavior, tested against available experimental and numerical data, allows us to derive a predictive model for the relative viscosity of concentrated suspensions of spheroids subjected to low (near zero) strain rates. At higher imposed strain rates, one needs to constrain one of the state variables independently to constrain the state of dispersion of the suspension and its shear dynamic viscosity. Alternatively, the obtained self-similar behavior provides the means to estimate the state variables from the viscosity measurements made in the laboratory, and to relate them to microstructure rearrangements and evolution occurring during deformation.
Use of Pathology Data to Improve High-Value Treatment of Cervical Neoplasia

We investigated the influence of pathology data to improve patient outcomes in the treatment of high-grade cervical neoplasia in a joint pathology and gynecology collaboration. Two of us (B.S.D. and M.D.) reviewed all cytology, colposcopy and surgical pathology results, patient history, and pregnancy outcomes from all patients with loop electrosurgical excision procedure specimens for a 33-month period (January 2011-September 2013). We used this to determine compliance to 2006 consensus guidelines for the performance of loop electrosurgical excision procedure and shared this information in 2 interprofessional and interdisciplinary educational interventions with Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pathology faculty at the end of September 2013. We simultaneously emphasized the new 2013 guidelines. During the postintervention period, we continued to provide follow-up using the parameters previously collected. Our postintervention data include 90 cases from a 27-month period (October 2013-December 2015). Our preintervention data include 331 cases in 33 months (average 10.0 per month) with 76% adherence to guidelines. Postintervention, there were 90 cases in 27 months (average 3.4 per month) and 96% adherence to the 2013 (more conservative) guidelines (P < .0001, χ2 test). Preintervention, the rate of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in loop electrosurgical excision procedures was 44%, whereas postintervention, there was a 60% high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion rate on loop electrosurgical excision procedure (P < .0087 by 2-tailed Fisher exact test). The duration between diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and loop electrosurgical excision procedure also increased significantly from a median 25.5 months preintervention to 54 months postintervention (P < .0073; Wilcoxon Kruskal-Wallis test). Postintervention, there was a marked decrease of loop electrosurgical excision procedure cases as well as better patient outcomes. We infer improved patient safety, and higher value can be achieved by providing performance-based pathologic data.
Ecology: Vast peatlands found in the Congo Basin.

The discovery of what is potentially the world's largest continuous tropical peat complex has great implications for global carbon stocks, land management and scientific investment in central Africa. See Letter p.86 Peatlands store large amounts of carbon. They are mostly located in cool climatic regions, but peat deposits have also been identified in tropical forest regions. This study finds that the Cuvette Centrale depression in the central Congo Basin is home to the most extensive peatland complex in the tropics. The authors estimate that the amount of carbon in these peatlands may increase global tropical peatland carbon stocks by about a third.
Economic Feasibility of Micro-Irrigating Container-Grown Landscape Plants

Abstract While past research has examined certain technical efficiencies, little effort has been directed at the economic feasibility of various irrigation systems for container-grown landscape plants. Two irrigation systems, cyclic micro-irrigation and overhead impact sprinkler, were examined to determine economic advantages of one system over the other for container-grown landscape plants. Seedlings of Acer rubrum L. and Quercus virginiana Mill. produced in #3, #7, #10 and #15 (10.2, 26.5, 37.8, and 56.8 liter) polyethylene containers were considered. A two-step methodology was used to establish the biological and economic parameters of the study. Three major conclusions were arrived at in this paper. First, with the exception of the smallest container size, there was little difference in initial investment costs and variable costs of production between the two systems. Second, water costs were shown to be prohibitive for larger container sizes when reclaimed water is used in conjunction with overhead s...
A Multivariable Self-tuning Decoupling Controller with Consistent Parameter Estimates

Abstract This paper presents a novel adaptive decoupling controller for a class of stochastic multivariable systems with arbitrary time delay structure. The decoupling controller is constructed using a diagonal dynamic precompensator to diagonalize the system interactor matrix and then combining the feedforward control strategy and generalized minimum variance approach. It can not only control unstable and/or nonminimum phase processes but also decouple the closed- loop systems both dynamically and and at static state. It is adaptively implemented in direct form. The properties of global convergence and parameter estimate consistency for this adaptive decoupling algorithm are also established. The results of simulations and application to a real plant are proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and other Immigrants: Help for Teachers with Problematic Definitions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide historical and legal definitions for categories of immigrants while helping educators use facts to address their students’ misperceptions about the terms “migrants,” “undocumented immigrants,” “refugees,” “asylum seekers,” and “internally displaced persons.” The 1951 Convention related to the status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol provided a clear definition for refugees, also used to create the 1980 Refugee Act. However, recent political and media rhetoric have increased public misunderstanding of immigration terms. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses over 30 news reports to demonstrate recent perceptions of refugees and other migrants. Other citations provide historical accounts, international documents, and legislation to explain ways in which the USA and other countries have defined refugees. Findings Findings suggest ways in which leadership have ignored research by denouncing resettlement in spite of statistics indicating that refugees are not a threat to the American people. Research limitations/implications The author’s perspective is as a researcher who has conducted research with resettled refugees for over 15 years. The author’s findings have created a pro-refugee stance. Practical implications This paper suggests the importance of exploring multiple perspectives and not settling for the claims of popular media. It also provides information for teachers to provide educational materials about refugees and other immigrants. Social implications Readers are called to look beyond popular opinion to consider accurate information about refugees and immigrants. Refugees and asylum seekers flee from terrorism; they are not terrorists. Originality/value This paper confronts contentious popular media reporting on refugees and migration. This is especially valuable in the current time, as negative misconceptions about such people abound.
Toward Evaluation in Public Services: Getting Past the Barriers

Evaluation of public programs in mental health and in other fields is often blocked when "reasons not to" are cited. These include "HIPAA," "IRB," "not my job," "it's already evidence based," "we know what's right," "we don't know enough," "we don't have baseline data," and "there's too much to do." Examining these reasons, the values thought to justify them, and possible ways to respond will facilitate evaluation research.
Foreign Languages and Creativity — The Quiet Connection in a Globalized/Interconnected World How focusing on "deep work" can help foster creativity, and foreign language competency

This article examines the significance of foreign language learning and multilingualism in the development of those habits of mind that foster creative thought, critical thinking, and analytical skills, all needed in the globalized interconnected world and workplace -- particularly, the role of solitude and quiet in the development of creativity and critical thinking, as well as the deep, although seldom mentioned, paradoxical, significance of quiet, and even silence, in the foreign language learning process. In addition to the traditional and contemporary reasons for studying a foreign language for cultural and communicative reasons, this article demonstrates that foreign language as a discipline develops the ability to focus through often solitary "deep work" and "deep practice" on the development of foreign languages skills that can be generalized to other subjects and tasks across the disciplines and across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Many Languages One World (MLOW) offers an illustrative example of the ability of students who have mastered other languages to turn their ability to quietly focus, in solitude, to the creation of their winning essays, to collaborative teamwork in developing a UN presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals, and to the creation and delivery of their part of the team presentation. Future steps include incorporation of the silent period into foreign language education to foster sustainable creativity, as well as inclusion of this additional benefit of foreign language learning in promotion and advocacy for foreign languages at all levels.
A Kinect-Based Approach for 3D Pavement Surface Reconstruction and Cracking Recognition

Pavement surface distress conditions are critical inputs for quantifying roadway infrastructure serviceability. Numerous computer-aided automatic examination techniques have been deployed for pavement distress condition assessments, such as digital image processing methods. However, their effectiveness and applicability are impeded due to information losses in 2-D image combination processes or extremely high costs in 3-D geo-referenced data set. In this paper, a cost-effective Kinect-based approach is proposed for 3-D pavement surface reconstruction and cracking recognition. We propose a comprehensive computational solution for the detection and recognition of pavement distress feature identification. Various cracking measurements such as alligator cracking, traverse cracking, longitudinal cracking, and so on. are identified and recognized for their severity examinations based on associated geometrical features. The experimental results indicate that this method is effective in reducing data collection costs and extracting analytical information on pavement cracking measurements. The research findings confirm that the proposed approach provides a viable, applicable solution to an automatic pavement surface condition detection and evaluation. The proposed methodology is transferable for pavement surface reconstruction and distress condition detection based on the other 3-D cloud point data. It provides an alternative inexpensive complement to existing pavement examination methodologies.
The Physical Activity and Obesity Link: Considerations for Clinicians

Physicians can help reduce obesity by encouraging patients to incorporate more physical activity into their lifestyles. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Hermeneutik und Psychoanalyse

Adolf Grunbaum hat sich als einfallsreicher, strenger Kritiker des neuen Trends in der Psychoanalyse erwiesen, den Anspruch auf wissenschaftliche Prufbar- keit aufzugeben und eine Wiederherstellung als humanistische Disziplin analog der Literaturkritik zu bewirken. Nach dieser Position der „psychoanalytischen Hermeneutik“ist die objektive Richtigkeit der psychoanalytischen Rekonstruktion der Vergangenheit und deren Deutung nicht haltbar. Ebensowenig gilt ihre Ubereinstimmung mit vergangenen Ereignissen als notwendig, um eine therapeutische Wirkung zu erzielen. Die Aufgabe des Analytikers besteht einfach darin, den subjektiven Bereich zu entschlusseln, indem er bedeu- tungshaltige, zusammenhangende Geschichten erstellt, die mit der psychoanalytischen Theorie vereinbar sind. Ausgerustet mit prazisen Argumenten und Kenntnissen uber Freud, mit denen er die meisten Analytiker ubertrifft, deckt Grunbaum eine ganze Reihe von Problemen auf, die mit dieser [hermeneutischen] Position einhergehen.
Interpretation of Dynamical Properties of Polymeric Cluster Solutions

Features beyond the stretched exponential time dependence of the correlation function of concentration fluctuations in interpenetrated polymer cluster solutions are discussed and shown to be related to the predictions of the coupling model for relaxations in complex correlated systems.
A Narrative Review of Diabetes Group Visits in Low-Income and Underserved Settings.

Background Prior studies have supported the efficacy of diabetes group visits. However, the benefit of diabetes group visits for low-income and underserved individuals is not clear. The purpose of this study was to conduct a narrative review in order to clarify the efficacy of diabetes group visits in low-income and underserved settings. Methods The authors performed a narrative review, categorizing studies into nonrandomized and randomized. Results A total of 14 studies were identified. Hemoglobin A1c was the most commonly measured outcome, which improved for the majority of group visit participants. Preventive care showed consistent improvement for intervention arms. There were several other study outcomes including metabolic (i.e., blood pressure), behavioral (i.e., exercise), functional (i.e., quality of life), and system-based (i.e., cost). Conclusion Diabetes group visits for low-income and underserved individuals resulted in superior preventive care but the impact on glycemic control remains unclear.
Geriatrics update 2018: Challenges in mental health, mobility, and postdischarge care

A review of articles on geriatric topics from 2017 and 2018 revealed evidence supporting exercise for the elderly, early mobility for hospitalized patients, and oral anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation to support cognitive function, and evidence against antipsychotic drugs for dementia-associated behaviors. No silver bullet was found for Alzheimer prevention or therapy.
Role of Microglia in Ataxias

Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, critically influence neural function during development and in adulthood. Microglia are also profoundly sensitive to insults to the brain to which they respond with process of activation that includes spectrum of changes in morphology, function, and gene expression. Ataxias are a class of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by motor discoordination and predominant cerebellar involvement. In case of inherited forms of ataxia, mutant proteins are expressed throughout the brain and it is unclear why cerebellum is particularly vulnerable. Recent studies demonstrated that cerebellar microglia have a uniquely hyper-vigilant immune phenotype compared to microglia from other brain regions. These findings may indicate that microglia actively contribute to cerebellar vulnerability in ataxias. Here we review current knowledge about cerebellar microglia, their activation, and their role in the pathogenesis of ataxias. In addition, we briefly review advantages and disadvantages of several experimental approaches available to study microglia.
Distinguish chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and renal oncocytoma based on analysis of multiphoton microscopic images using convolutional neural network

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are a class of machine learning model that are especially well suited for imagebased tasks. In this study, we design and train a CNN on tissue samples imaged using Multi-Photon Microscopy (MPM) and show that the model can distinguish between chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) and oncocytoma. We demonstrate the method to train a model using simple max-pooling vote fusion, and use the model to highlight regions of the input that cause a positive classification. The model can be tuned for higher sensitivity at the cost of specificity with a constant threshold and little impact to accuracy overall. Several numerical experiments were run to measure the model’s accuracy on both image and patient level analysis. Our models were designed with a dropout parameter that biases the model towards higher sensitivity or specificity. Our best performance model, as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC of ROC, or AUROC) on patient level classification, is measured with a 94% AUROC and 88% accuracy, along with 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity.
How Corporate Executives Approach Business Decisions: Financial Planning for the Boeing 707 Jetliner

Before proceeding to the main case studies, McCurdy pauses to describe the manner in which corporate executives make investment decisions. McCurdy uses the case of the Boeing 707 jetliner to illustrate how executives determine that a proposed initiative “meets corporate margins.” The history also shows how the presence of a related government contract—in this instance the KC-135 Stratotanker—significantly changes the probability of financial success.
Weak factorization of the Hardy space Hp for small values of p, in the multilinear setting

Abstract We give a weak factorization proof of the Hardy space H p ( R n ) in the multilinear setting, for n n + 1 p 1 . As a consequence, we obtain a characterization of the boundedness of the commutator [ b , T ] from L r 1 ( R n ) x ... x L r m ( R n ) to L q ′ ( R n ) , where b ∈ Lip α ( R n ) , and α n = ∑ i = 1 m 1 r i + 1 q − 1 .
Myelodysplastic syndromes: a review of therapeutic progress over the past 10 years.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a range of bone marrow disorders, with patients affected by cytopenias and risk of progression to AML. There are limited therapeutic options available for ...
Utilizing Outpatient Staff as Personal Protective Equipment Coaches During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious, public health emergency. COVID-19 creates risk for healthcare workers, especially those unfamiliar with utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE). In a large pediatric health care system, we aimed to reduce transmission from COVID-19 patients as well as transmission from clinical staff and patient/caregivers by creating the role of PPE coach (PPEC). Methods: Our health system redeployed outpatient clinical staff (OCS) into the role of the PPECs, including registered respiratory therapists, registered nurses, nurse anesthetists, and surgical technicians. PPECs received training on PPE best practices, organizational standards, and coaching within the clinical environment. PPECs were introduced to our organization by utilizing mass email distribution and visible by assigning them as PPECs in the hospital communication tool (Voalte, Inc., FL). PPECs began supporting the health system on April 1st, 2020. PPECs were primarily responsible for observing and providing feedback on PPE donning and doffing. They were also able to answer PPE-related questions and escalate concerns or issues to our organizational COVID-19 incident command team. PPECs remained deployed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. An IRB approved survey (Table 1) was sent out to associates via mass email distribution to review the PPEC role after 30 days on 5/1/20 and was open for 15 days. Results: PPECs observed, on average, 47.6 donning or doffing events each day. 64.80% of surveyed staff found that PPECs were able to improve their donning and doffing technique to remain in compliance with procedural standards (n=116). 78.63% of staff surveyed found the role of the PPEC to be effective (n=116). From 4/1/20-4/30/20 PPECs escalated 152 issues to incident command, which resulted in 43 changes to the standard practice during this global emergency. The role also appeared to aid in reducing anxiety related to PPE in our institution. Conclusions: By redeploying staff within our health system as PPECs, we were able to increase safety practices and reduce potential contamination during PPE donning and doffing. Redeployment of OCS in the role of PPECs during the COVID-19 pandemic was paramount in our organizational success in this climate. Further studies must be done to assess temporary roles and re-deployment practices within the field of respiratory care and other disciplines as well as the overall impact.
A method for calculating the fragility index of continuous outcomes.

Abstract Objective Clinicians’ overdependence on p-values to determine significance in clinical trials is common yet potentially misleading. The Fragility Index (FI) describes how robust a significant result is by determining the number of events the statistical significance hinges on. However, this concept cannot be applied to nondichotomous variables. We describe a method to calculate a Continuous Fragility Index (CFI) for continuous variables. We further provide a method to estimate CFI when original data is not available. Study Design and Setting An iterative substitution algorithm is described to calculate CFI prospectively from data or retrospectively from summary statistics and its response to variations in the data is reported. We then apply this method to a previously published review as a proof-of-concept. Results The CFI increases linearly with sample size, logarithmically with mean difference, and decreases exponentially with standard deviation. Forty-eight studies were included of which 30 had significant non-dichotomous outcomes. CFI and FI were uncorrelated and mean CFI was significantly higher than FI (9 vs. 2, P Conclusion Our algorithm extends fragility to continuous outcomes, expanding the applications of the fragility concept. The fragility of outcomes within a single study may vary based on variable type and should be evaluated independently.
Persistent urticarial rash in a newborn

We presented the case of a 1-month-old girl with diffuse urticarial-like rash since birth. The initial evaluation showed elevated inflammatory markers. The response to treatment helped to narrow the diagnosis. In this case, we explored the differential diagnosis of rashes in this age group and the role of a therapeutic trial of medication as a diagnostic modality.
mmMesh: towards 3D real-time dynamic human mesh construction using millimeter-wave

In this paper, we present mmMesh, the first real-time 3D human mesh estimation system using commercial portable millimeter-wave devices. mmMesh is built upon a novel deep learning framework that can dynamically locate the moving subject and capture his/her body shape and pose by analyzing the 3D point cloud generated from the mmWave signals that bounce off the human body. The proposed deep learning framework addresses a series of challenges. First, it encodes a 3D human body model, which enables mmMesh to estimate complex and realistic-looking 3D human meshes from sparse point clouds. Second, it can accurately align the 3D points with their corresponding body segments despite the influence of ambient points as well as the error-prone nature and the multi-path effect of the RF signals. Third, the proposed model can infer missing body parts from the information of the previous frames. Our evaluation results on a commercial mmWave sensing testbed show that our mmMesh system can accurately localize the vertices on the human mesh with an average error of 2.47 cm. The superior experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed human mesh construction system.