cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Implications of Multiple Lymphatic Basin Drainage in Patients With Truncal Melanoma

Purpose Lymphatic drainage to multiple basins (MLBD) is frequently observed in patients with truncal melanoma undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. Recently published data suggest that patients with MLBD are at increased risk of nodal metastases compared with those with single lymphatic basin drainage (SLBD). We studied the impact of MLBD on SLN positivity and survival. Patients and Methods We identified 266 patients with truncal melanoma undergoing SLN mapping and biopsy from 1995 to 2001. MLBD was defined as lymphoscintigraphic and intraoperative identification of an SLN in more than one nodal basin. Clinical and pathologic variables were recorded and analyzed for their impact on survival. Results MLBD occurred in 76 patients (29%), and SLBD occurred in 190 patients (71%). Clinical and pathologic variables were similar between the two groups, although there were more males in the MLBD group (78% v 64%; P = .034). Patients with MLBD did not have higher risk for positive SLNs compared with those w...
IMPLEMENTATION OF COGNITIVE CONTROL FOR A HUMANOID ROBOT

Engineers have long employed control systems utilizing models and feedback loops to control real-world systems. Limitations of model-based control led to a generation of intelligent control techniques such as adaptive and fuzzy control. The human brain, on the other hand, is known to process a variety of inputs in parallel, and shift between different levels of cognitive activities while ignoring distractions to focus on the task in hand. This process, known as cognitive control in psychology, is unique to humans and a handful of animals. We are interested in implementing such cognitive control functionalities for our humanoid robot ISAC. This paper outlines the features of multiagent-based cognitive architecture for a humanoid robot and the progress made toward the realization of cognitive control functionalities using attention, working memory and internal rehearsal. Several experiments have been conducted to show that the implementation of an integrated cognitive robot architecture is feasible.
Abstract IA20: The NCI Cohort Consortium: Increasing power, enhancing collaborations, advancing science.

The Cohort Consortium is an extramural-intramural partnership formed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to foster communication among investigators leading cohort studies of cancer; promote collaborative research projects for topics not easily addressed in a single study; and identify common challenges in cohort research and search for solutions. The Cohort Consortium includes investigators responsible for more than 40 high-quality cancer epidemiology cohorts involving more than 4 million people. The cohorts are international in scope and cover large, rich, and diverse populations. Extensive risk factor data are available on each cohort, and biospecimens, including germline DNA collected at baseline, are available on more than 2 million individuals. Investigators team up to use common protocols and methods, and to conduct coordinated parallel and pooled analyses. Some recent accomplishments include publications of genome-wide association studies of pancreatic cancer and on the effect of high body mass index on mortality after eliminating the influence of tobacco smoking and co-morbidities. The Consortium provides a forum to discuss scientific questions in cancer research that cohort studies can help address such as how metabolomics can best be examined in human population studies and how cohort studies can better address the role of physical and chemical agents on cancer risk. It also can focus attention on new methodologies such as the use of social media and new ways of interacting with cohort study participants that could enhance data collection, data quality, and study participant retention and engagement. Citation Format: Deborah M. Winn. The NCI Cohort Consortium: Increasing power, enhancing collaborations, advancing science. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Post-GWAS Horizons in Molecular Epidemiology: Digging Deeper into the Environment; 2012 Nov 11-14; Hollywood, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(11 Suppl):Abstract nr IA20.
Routine screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients newly admitted to an acute rehabilitation unit.

BACKGROUND: Following an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in our acute rehabilitation unit in 1987, all patients except in-house transfers (because of their low prevalence of MRSA colonization) underwent MRSA screening cultures on admission. OBJECTIVES: To better characterize the current profile of patients with positive MRSA screening cultures at the time of admission to our acute rehabilitation unit, and to determine the relative yield of nares, perianal, and wound screening cultures in this population. METHODS: Prospective chart review with ongoing active surveillance for infections associated with the acute rehabilitation unit. RESULTS: The rate of MRSA isolation from one or more body sites increased significantly from 5% (1987-1988) to 12% (1999-2000) (P=.0009) for newly admitted patients and from 0% to 7% (P <.0001) for in-house transfers. A negative nares culture was highly predictive (98%) of a negative perianal culture. Prior history of MRSA infection or colonization and transfer from outside sources were independently associated with positive MRSA screening cultures. CONCLUSION: The rate of MRSA isolation from screening cultures of newly admitted patients, including in-house transfers, has increased significantly during the past decade in our acute rehabilitation unit. When paired with nares cultures, perianal cultures were of limited value in this patient population.
The Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and Public Health

Unfortunately for public health, two months after this crucial moment in September 2015 in which the tragic death of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi brought the world's attention on the crisis, confusion still predominates about what is at stake and what needs to be done for the many thousands of refugees from the Middle East.
Facilitating testing and debugging of Markov Decision Processes with interactive visualization

Researchers in AI and Operations Research employ the framework of Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) to formalize problems of sequential decision making under uncertainty. A common approach is to implement a simulator of the stochastic dynamics of the MDP and a Monte Carlo optimization algorithm that invokes this simulator to solve the MDP. The resulting software system is often realized by integrating several systems and functions that are collectively subject to failures of specification, implementation, integration, and optimization. We present these failures as queries for a computational steering visual analytic system (MDPVIS). MDPVIS addresses three visualization research gaps. First, the data acquisition gap is addressed through a general simulator-visualization interface. Second, the data analysis gap is addressed through a generalized MDP information visualization. Finally, the cognition gap is addressed by exposing model components to the user. MDPVIS generalizes a visualization for wildfire management. We use that problem to illustrate MDPVIS.
Heterotrophic Planktonic Microbes: Virus, Bacteria, Archaea, and Protozoa

Marine planktonic microorganisms, including Bacteria, Archaea, Protozoans (Protists), and Viruses, all play critically important roles in marine ecosystems and global biogeochemical cycles. This chapter focuses on the non-photosynthetic marine plankton organisms, and summarizes information on what organisms are present in the ocean, their diversity, distributions, activities and interactions.
The Plenary Power of States to Protect Citizens from Environmental Hazards: Who's Failing?

“Environmental Justice” (EJ) is the emerging, anthropocentric concept that humans should have the inherent right to a clean and healthy environment, free from a disparate concentration of environmental ills. The US EPA currently defines EJ as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” The EPA further defines “fair treatment” to mean that “no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies.” The mere fact that by definition the EPA is attempting to grant environmental “rights” to “all people” seems a bit precarious in itself; further, as this paper will demonstrate, the EPA’s definition provides little, if any, legal clout for individuals facing an environmentally degraded environment. Under our current federalist system, the principal power of extending environmental rights by definition inherently lies within the individual State.
Abstract 3134: Integrin α6β4 upregulates EGFR ligands in pancreatic cancer cells

Because of late diagnosis and lack of effective treatments, pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the US, with a death to incidence ratio that is nearly equal. In an effort to improve patient survival, there needs to be a focus on molecular mechanisms that confer a metastatic phenotype. The integrin α6β4 is overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma and plays a role in cancer progression by promoting tumor invasion and metastasis as well as cell survival. We find that integrin α6β4 overexpression leads to upregulation of cancer promoting genes such as amphiregulin and epiregulin, ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The purpose of this study is to address how integrin α6β4 upregulates these ligands. We have identified large CpG islands within the amphiregulin and epiregulin promoters (-1500 to +500 bp from TSS) using CpG plot and CpG Island searcher. This provides a potential site for epigenetic modifications, which are essentially reversible, and therefore an ideal target for treatment. To test whether integrin α6β4 contributes to this regulation through DNA methylation pancreatic cancer cells expressing low levels of α6β4 were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′deoxycitidine. Using Q-PCR, our results show that inhibition of DNA methyltransferase increases amphiregulin and epiregulin expression at the mRNA level. In contrast, when cells with high levels of integrin α6β4 were treated with the hypermethylating agent, S-adenosylmethionine, it leads to a decrease in amphiregulin and epiregulin expression. This implicates α6β4 as a regulator of this process allowing us insight into how this pathway might be regulated. Using ELISA, we also provide evidence that integrin α6β4 promotes increased autocrine secretion of amphiregulin after promoter demethylation. This is of particular interest to our lab because autocrine secretion of amphiregulin and epiregulin make it possible for cancer cells to both produce and respond to their own growth factors, promoting cellular invasion and metastasis. This study indicates that overexpression of integrin α6β4 in pancreatic cancer is associated with the hypomethylation of amphiregulin and epiregulin promoters, which may play an important role in the development of a malignant phenotype. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3134. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3134
Solvothermal Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Shape-Controlled Pt Nanocrystals

A simple, surfactant-free solvothermal method is reported for the preparation of <10 nm shape-controlled platinum crystallites. Reactions were carried out in N,N-dimethyformamide (DMF) and DMF–water mixtures. Effects of reaction time and temperature, DMF–water ratio, and metal precursor salt were examined. When the reaction conditions were tuned, ensembles of Pt particles with dominant truncated octahedral/cuboctahedral or cubic shapes could be formed from the metal acetylacetonate (acac) precursor salt. Metal nanocrystal development was monitored through the use of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray and electrochemical analysis methods. Voltammograms probing CO and formic acid oxidation over shape-controlled nanocrystals adsorbed to a glassy carbon electrode displayed expected features characteristic of extended (111) and (100) facets, confirming the stability and surface cleanliness of particles taken directly from the reaction mixture. A mechanism for Pt reduction and t...
The power, but not the glory : How women empower themselves through religion

A chaque etape de la vie, les femmes devancent les hommes en matiere de religiosite. Cependant, la plupart des systemes religieux ont un caractere patriarcal et semblent inhospitaliers aux femmes. Pour analyser cet apparent paradoxe, soixante et une femmes entre 18 et 71 ans ont ete interrogees sur leurs pratiques et leurs croyances religieuses. On remarque que la plupart des femmes sont tout a fait conscientes de l'inegalite de traitement des sexes mais ont reussi a s'en accommoder. L'inegalite apparait en effet comme un phenomene peripherique a leur experience de la foi
Leydig Cell Function in Oligospermicmen with Varicocele

Abstract: We report on the evaluation of Leydig cell function in 16 young men with sperm counts less than 10 million per ml. and with various degrees of unilateral or bilateral varicocele. An in vitro technique of incubation of testicular tissue with radiolabeled precursors was used for evaluation of Leydig cell androgen synthesis. A significant suppression of in vitro testosterone formation was observed in almost 90 per cent of the patients. Circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were within the normal range. However, when the patients were grouped according to the in vitro testosterone synthesis data a correlation between the circulating testosterone and gonadotropin levels was observed. Sperm motility was highest for patients with highest testosterone synthesis rates. No correlation among the ages of the patients, size of varicocele, degree of oligospermia or histologic appearance of the seminiferous epithelium could be demonstrated. An increased Leydig cell number was observed in test...
Improving strain-derived estimates of regional cardiac performance by accounting for myocardial anisotropy

The goal of this work is to explore the possibility that strain-derived estimates of cardiac performance can be enhanced by including the consequences of myocardial anisotropy. Promising results based on strain-derived measurements have been reported from a number of echocardiographic laboratories. Approaches employed thus far have assumed that the heart is an isotropic medium. We suggest that explicitly accounting for the anisotropic material properties of the heart may contribute to improved diagnosis.
Anatomy of a late spring snowfall on sea ice

Spring melt initiation is a critical process for Arctic sea ice. Melting conditions decrease surface albedo at a time of high insolation, triggering powerful albedo feedbacks. Weather events during melt initiation, such as new snowfalls, can stop or reverse the albedo decline, however. Here we present field observations of such a snow event and demonstrate its enduring impact through summer. Snow fell 3-6 June 2014 in the Chukchi Sea, halting melt onset. The snow not only raised albedo, but also provided a significant negative latent heat flux, averaging -51 W m-2 from 3-6 June. The snowfall delayed sustained melt by 11 days, creating cascading impacts on surface energy balance that totaled some 135 MJ/m2 by mid-August. The findings highlight the sensitivity of sea ice conditions on seasonal timescales to melt initiation processes.
Corrigendum to “Some real quadratic number fields with their Hilbert 2-class field having cyclic 2-class group” [J. Number Theory 173 (2017) 529–546]

Abstract This corrigendum describes a number of calculation and typographical errors, primarily in the examples, in the 2017 JNT paper Some Real Quadratic Number Fields with their Hilbert 2-Class Field Having Cyclic 2-Class Group, by Elliot Benjamin.
Vegetarian Diets and the Microbiome

The study of the human microbiome has experienced marked growth, enabled by developments in genomic sequencing technology. Growing evidence suggests that the gastrointestinal microbiome likely has important effects on human health and disease risk. Dietary factors such as probiotics, prebiotic carbohydrates, and other dietary compounds appear to be important in influencing the composition of the gut microbiome. Comparisons of geographically distinct populations with substantially different diets have demonstrated quite different fecal microbiome compositions. It is expected that vegetarian diets may have important effects on the gut microbiome, and consequently on health, although the existing published evidence is limited and somewhat inconsistent.
Ultra-violet Irradiation of 1,3-Dimethylthymine

WHEN 5,6-unsubstituted pyrimidines (I) such as uracil, uridine and 1,3-dimethyluracil are irradiated with ultra-violet light, the absorption spectra gradually decrease with a simultaneous increase in end absorption. These spectra can be reversed to the original by acid, alkali or heat1. However, compounds substituted in the 5-position (II), such as thymine, thymidine and 1,3-dimethyl-thymine, do not show reversal under similar conditions. Most investigators have suggested that this difference may be due to totally different photochemical reaction mechanisms in the two cases2.
Formation of bulk titanium boride (TiB) nano-ceramic with Fe–Mo addition by electric-field-activated-sintering

The present work is focused on optimization of Fe-Mo content, which is essential for transient liquid phase formation and densification, during in-situ reaction sintering of nanostructured titanium boride (TiB) in the bulk form. The principle objective is to develop a systematic understanding of how the Fe-Mo additions affect the densification, microstructure, and hardness of the TiB nano-ceramic. Various TiB ceramic compositions, with varying Fe-Mo content and retaining a high-volume fraction of TiB in the final microstructure, were made by the electric field activated sintering (EFAS) technique. An increase in Fe-Mo content is found to decrease the beginning point of densification temperature/time during the consolidation process through transient liquid phase formation. It is shown that at the optimum level of Fe-Mo, which is around 1.5 wt.%, the density and hardness reach maximum levels with a least amount of spatial segregation of Fe within the ceramic. Interestingly, it has been found that Mo is uniformly incorporated within the orthorhombic lattice of the boride, while Fe is largely segregated to β-Ti phase. At the optimal Fe-Mo content (1.5 wt.%), a relative density of 99.7% and a Vickers hardness of 2050±40 kg/mm2 were achieved. From microstructural and X-ray diffraction analyses, it is found that a high proportion of TiB (>99 Vol.%), with a least amount of metallic ductile phase, is formed in this composition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Severe Obesity in Children May Not Pose Independent Risk for Influenza Complications.

Abstract Purpose Subsets of children are targeted for influenza vaccination due to known conditions that increase the risk of influenza complications. The purpose of this study was to determine if severe obesity in children suggests targeted vaccination. Design and methods A retrospective chart review of a large Midwestern pediatric hospital identified 188 cases of influenza complications (defined as requiring hospitalization or death) aged 2 to Results Of 188 cases, 174 (93%) had a high-risk condition, while only 14 (7%) had no known condition. All 14 (100%) with no known high-risk condition had a BMI Conclusions This suggests that severe obesity in children is not an independent high-risk condition for influenza complications defined as requiring hospitalization or resulting in death, once other known influenza risk factors are considered. Implications Based on this data, clinicians should not target children for influenza vaccination based on weight status. We cannot comment about whether severe obesity represents increased risk for less severe cases of influenza.
The HPA Axis and the Immune System: A Perspective

Abstract Although it had long been known that steroids secreted by the adrenal cortex exerted important inhibitory effects on cells of the immune system, the concept of bidirectional communication between the immune system and the nervous system became widely accepted when it was recognized that activation of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis associated with stress was not the only effect the central nervous system (CNS) exerted on the immune system, and that factors secreted by immune cells could have important effects on the CNS. Activation of the HPA axis results in elevation of circulating concentrations of corticosteroids which drive them from the thymus and spleen into the periphery and inhibit various immune activities. The immune system can also signal the CNS regarding the presence of foreign antigens in peripheral organs. A key finding was that interleukin-1 (IL-1) was a potent stimulator of HPA axis activity. The major known mechanism by which the immune system signals the brain involves cytokines, which are the major chemical messengers within the immune system. Certain other cytokines [e.g, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] can activate the HPA axis. Cytokines exert their effects on the CNS via afferents of nerves, such as the vagus, although some direct actions of circulating cytokines on the nervous system may also occur. Immune cells can penetrate the brain under some circumstances. The CNS in turn can influence immune function via the autonomic nervous system and various hormones secreted by the pituitary, the adrenal, and other endocrine organs. Cytokines (especially IL-1) can alter the activity of neurotransmitters in the CNS, most notably norepinephrine and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and can have important effects on behavior.
Brain Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Introduction and Overview

Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy offers a noninvasive means of assessing in vivo brain metabolites that shed light on cellular concentrations, cell function and dysfunction, cellular energetics, presence of ischemia, and presence of necrosis, among others. Studies obtained at higher field strengths are evolving toward sampling of smaller tissue volumes, greater signal-to-noise ratio, and higher metabolic spatial resolution. This article discusses the usefulness, from the clinical standpoint, of MR spectroscopy in various disorders. However, to be valid and significant the results of MR spectroscopy should always be correlated with their imaging counterparts.
FINITE-AMPLITUDE WATER WAVES WITH SURFACE TENSION

Publisher Summary This discusses the calculation of symmetric finite amplitude waves propagating without change of form on the surface of a liquid above a horizontal flat bottom. The free surface condition is used in its exact non-linear form, including the effects of capillarity. The problem has been formulated and some perturbation solutions for small values of the amplitude and of the depth have been reviewed. The fully non-linear problem is solved by discretization of an equivalent integro-differential equation. The numerical results have been discussed. Two-dimensional, periodic waves propagating on the surface of a liquid of a certain density under the combined effects of gravity and surface tension over a horizontal bottom have been considered. The numerical results confirm the existence of different families of gravity-capillary waves. It has been found that all the waves are topologically limited by trapped bubbles.
Careers and Employment Relations

As usually conceived of in research on the labor market, careers are time trajectories in earnings, occupational positions, or socioeconomic status. The study of careers is important for two reasons. First, individuals’ feelings of welfare and well-being are presumably more dependent on long trajectories in socioeconomic rewards than on outcomes at a particular point in time. It is well established that long trajectories in socioeconomic rewards shape consumption decisions through what economists call permanent income and, therefore, presumably the life chances and lifestyles of different groups. The study of careers informs us about these over time variations. Second, the study of careers gives important information about the operation of labor market structures. Some labor market structures, such as internal labor markets, are deliberately designed to shape career patterns; in general, career trajectories will reflect the opportunities and constraints provided by the different types of employment relationships that define labor market structures.
Development of feature extraction analysis for a multi-functional optical profiling device applied to field engineering applications

In the real application environment of field engineering, a large variety of metrology tools are required by the technician to inspect part profile features. However, some of these tools are burdensome and only address a sole application or measurement. In other cases, standard tools lack the capability of accessing irregular profile features. Customers of field engineering want the next generation metrology devices to have the ability to replace the many current tools with one single device. This paper will describe a method based on the ring optical gage concept to the measurement of numerous kinds of profile features useful for the field technician. The ring optical system is composed of a collimated laser, a conical mirror and a CCD camera. To be useful for a wide range of applications, the ring optical system requires profile feature extraction algorithms and data manipulation directed toward real world applications in field operation. The paper will discuss such practical applications as measuring the non-ideal round hole with both off-centered and oblique axes. The algorithms needed to analyze other features such as measuring the width of gaps, radius of transition fillets, fall of step surfaces, and surface parallelism will also be discussed in this paper. With the assistance of image processing and geometric algorithms, these features can be extracted with a reasonable performance. Tailoring the feature extraction analysis to this specific gage offers the potential for a wider application base beyond simple inner diameter measurements. The paper will present experimental results that are compared with standard gages to prove the performance and feasibility of the analysis in real world field engineering. Potential accuracy improvement methods, a new dual ring design and future work will be discussed at the end of this paper.
Business Leaders as Civilian Diplomats in Early Twentieth-Century Japan

Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War led to the incorporation of Korea into the Japanese empire. Japan’s growing power in East Asia coupled with the start of the Chinese Revolution in 1911 destabilized the region. Europeans and Americans feared that Japan and China might unite and threaten European and American strategic and commercial interests in the region. Proud of their economic and military achievements, Japanese leaders resented racist “Yellow Peril” rhetoric in Europe and exclusionary immigration policies in the United States. Hoping that international exchanges between business leaders would reduce tensions, Shibusawa Eiichi participated in several goodwill missions abroad after his retirement from most business positions in the early 1900s.
Mineralogy and buffer identity effects on RDX kinetics and intermediates during reaction with natural and synthetic magnetite

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) is known to undergo reduction mediated by ferrous iron in the presence of minerals, including magnetite. Idealized laboratory conditions may not provide representative reaction kinetics or pathways compared to field conditions. The effects of magnetite mineral morphology, the aquifer material matrix, the presence of aqueous Fe(II), and the buffer identity on RDX reduction kinetics and intermediate formation are investigated in this work. Reactions in bicarbonate buffer were substantially slower than those performed in 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) buffer, and the presence of quartz and clays in magnetite-containing aquifer material resulted in slower reaction kinetics and production of additional iron oxide phases. Buffer identity also changed the rate controlling step and reaction product distribution. Conditions as close to those expected in field systems are necessary to evaluate the reaction rates and pathways of RDX in reduced groundwater systems.
Using Pathway Covering to Explore Connections among Metabolites

Interpreting changes in metabolite abundance in response to experimental treatments or disease states remains a major challenge in metabolomics. Pathway Covering is a new algorithm that takes a list of metabolites (compounds) and determines a minimum-cost set of metabolic pathways in an organism that includes (covers) all the metabolites in the list. We used five functions for assigning costs to pathways, including assigning a constant for all pathways, which yields a solution with the smallest pathway count; two methods that penalize large pathways; one that prefers pathways based on the pathway’s assigned function, and one that loosely corresponds to metabolic flux. The pathway covering set computed by the algorithm can be displayed as a multi-pathway diagram (“pathway collage”) that highlights the covered metabolites. We investigated the pathway covering algorithm by using several datasets from the Metabolomics Workbench. The algorithm is best applied to a list of metabolites with significant statistics and fold-changes with a specified direction of change for each metabolite. The pathway covering algorithm is now available within the Pathway Tools software and BioCyc website.
The Effects of Organizational Redesign on Buyer-Seller Relationships

This paper examines the effects of organizational redesign on buyer-seller relationships. As shown in Figure I, the relationships examined are between (I) between downsizing and organizational structural changes, (2) downsizing and outsourcing, and (3) organizaticmal structural change and buyer-seller relationships. Relevant theories are discussed and a set of testable propositions are developed.
The Politics of Immigration and Crime

Americans have long believed that immigrants are more likely than natives to commit crimes, and that rising immigration thus leads to rising crime. This belief is remarkably resilient to the evidence that immigrants are no more likely than natives, and in most cases much less likely than natives, to commit crimes. Undocumented immigrants are called “illegal aliens” and many, if not most, Americans believe that it is a crime to exist in the United States as an undocumented immigrant. Most Americans also believe that these undocumented immigrants cause crime to increase in areas where they settle. Politically, these beliefs have resulted in three consequences—negative attitudes towards immigration and political mobilization of groups like the Tea Party, support for local ordinances that seek to criminalize undocumented people and those who would help undocumented people, and a growing trend of treating people in detention for immigration violations in the same way as criminals, blurring the line between detention centers and prisons. These contemporary consequences have strong historical roots in xenophobic political discourse, which was often the buffer for major anti-immigrant policies excluding the flow of
Order in polycrystalline plasticity deformation fields: Short-range intermittency and long-range persistency

Abstract Cylindrical indentation into polycrystalline copper is studied experimentally using a split-specimen configuration that induces plane strain deformation to a very good approximation. The displacement field is determined by comparing a 5 μ m pitch grid in the deformed and reference configurations. The deformation gradient tensor is calculated along with the following deformation measures: Jacobian, Lagrange strain, right stretch tensor and associated rotation matrix, principal stretch ratios, principal directions of deformation, and the directions of maximum shear deformation. Trajectories of the principal directions of deformation adopt semi-circular and radial configurations. Trajectories of directions of maximum shear deformation adopt logarithmic spiral configurations. These configurations are consistent with a well-known analogy between wedge or cylindrical indentation and the growth of a cylindrical void in an elastic–plastic material. However, the analogy is not complete because the measured invariant deformation quantities are not axisymmetric. Another well-known analogy between indentation and fracture provides insight into the rapid spatial variations in deformation across the contact point singularities. Finally, logarithmic spiral shear patterns are characteristic of isotropic, homogeneous materials yet they appear in an anisotropic, heterogeneous material. There are many instances of strong shear localization confined to one or a few grains presumably of a preferable orientation, which are then interrupted by neighboring grains of less favorable orientation. Remarkably, though, preferably oriented grains further away again exhibit strong shear localizations along the same logarithmic spiral. Thus the polycrystalline material can be described as being isotropic and homogeneous based upon the persistent long-range order that develops even though the short-range order is intermittent. Detailed computer simulations treating individual grains as single crystals exhibit the same behavior. These results can give insight into the homogenization of an anisotropic and heterogeneous polycrystalline metal into an isotropic and homogeneous effective medium.
Detecting Bot-Answerable Questions in Ubuntu Chat

Abstract : Ubuntu's Internet Relay Chat technical support channel has bots that output specific messages in response to command words from other channel users. These messages can be used to answer frequently-asked questions instead of requiring an expert to (repeatedly) type a lengthy reply. We describe an approach to automatically distinguish bot-answerable questions, which would mitigate this problem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work on investigating question answering in a multiparticipant chat domain. Our results indicate that for some types of questions, supervised learning algorithms perform well on this task and, in addition, that character n-grams are a better representation than traditional bag-of-words for this task and domain.
Temporal-difference learning with nonlinear function approximation: lazy training and mean field regimes

We discuss the approximation of the value function for infinite-horizon discounted Markov Reward Processes (MRP) with nonlinear functions trained with the Temporal-Difference (TD) learning algorithm. We first consider this problem under a certain scaling of the approximating function, leading to a regime called lazy training. In this regime, the parameters of the model vary only slightly during the learning process, a feature that has recently been observed in the training of neural networks, where the scaling we study arises naturally, implicit in the initialization of their parameters. Both in the under- and over-parametrized frameworks, we prove exponential convergence to local, respectively global minimizers of the above algorithm in the lazy training regime. We then compare this scaling of the parameters to the mean-field regime, where the approximately linear behavior of the model is lost. Under this alternative scaling we prove that all fixed points of the dynamics in parameter space are global minimizers. We finally give examples of our convergence results in the case of models that diverge if trained with non-lazy TD learning, and in the case of neural networks.
Risk Factors for Reoperation in Patients Hospitalized for Odontogenic Infections

Purpose One of the most common adverse events after treatment of severe odontogenic infections is the need for a second procedure. The identification of risk factors for reoperation could help surgeons predict the need for reoperation or even tailor treatment to avoid this complication altogether. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with reoperation in patients hospitalized with odontogenic infections. Patients and Methods We designed a retrospective cohort study from an eligible population of all patients treated at our institution for an odontogenic infection with incision and drainage under general anesthesia from August 1, 2015, to June 30, 2019. The primary outcome variable was a return to the operating room because of treatment failure. The potential predictor variables included demographic characteristics, history or physical examination findings from admission, admission laboratory values, initial computed tomography results, and medications provided during treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test and logistic regression, and from these results, a multiple logistic regression model was created. Results A total of 223 patients were included in the study. Men comprised 50.7% of the study population, and the average age was 38.9 ± 13.3 years. The mean number of involved spaces was 2.6 ± 1.7 spaces. Reoperation was performed in 25 patients (11.2%). In the adjusted model, an increased number of involved spaces (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 2.7) and increased age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.004 to 1.09) were associated with increased odds of reoperation, and antibiotic therapy with a penicillin-type antibiotic (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.5) and dexamethasone use (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8 to 0.98) were negatively associated with reoperation. Conclusions Further studies could be directed at determining whether certain timing or dosing regimens of dexamethasone could be helpful in reducing adverse outcomes in patients with odontogenic infections or determining feasible strategies when penicillin allergies are reported.
Dynamic and isometric handgrip exercise increases wave reflection in healthy young adults.

This study demonstrated that wave reflection magnitude is increased while reflected wave transit time is decreased during handgrip exercise in healthy young adults. The larger backward pressure wav...
Promoting Lactation Support: Challenges and Solutions to Supporting Breastfeeding Radiologists

Rationale and Objectives Although the evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding is strong, parents are often unable to continue breastfeeding upon returning from maternity leave for a variety of reasons. Breastfeeding parents in medicine face unique challenges upon returning to the workforce after maternity leave. Current research on breastfeeding radiologists is limited. The objective of this research is to evaluate breastfeeding barriers and identify potential solutions to help radiologists reach their breastfeeding goals. Materials and Methods A 17-question survey was developed from validated surveys and pilot tested using focus groups. The survey was emailed to members of the American Association for Women in Radiology and promoted through social media. Bivariate analyses were performed using chi-square tests. p values Results 50 respondents met criteria for study inclusion (estimated response rate 42%). Of the respondents, 60% were trainees, 80% practiced in academic institutions and 92% were full-time. 100% intended to breastfeed, of whom 56% met personal breastfeeding goals (12-month median duration). Available lactation facilities included: Dedicated lactation room (38%), private space (58%), hospital grade pump (30%), refrigerator (46%), dedicated PACS (8%). Cited workplace challenges included lack of time (82%), lack of space (34%), and unsupportive work culture (42%). Having adequate time was associated with meeting breastfeeding goals (p = 0.028). No other factors were statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Almost half of breastfeeding radiologists (44%) did not meet breastfeeding goals, citing a variety of facility-based and institutional barriers. Among these, having sufficient time to pump/breastfeed was associated with achieving breastfeeding goals. Given the barriers faced by breastfeeding radiologists, there is an opportunity to make structural and cultural changes to provide lactation support at work.
Abstract 605: Bone Morphogenetic Protein Inhibitors Play Important Roles in Brown and White Adipogenesis

Adipose tissue is intimately connected to the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The near pandemic increase in incidence and prevalence of obesity makes ...
Microwave–photonic low-coherence interferometry for dark zone free distributed optical fiber sensing

A microwave–photonic low-coherence interferometry (MPLCI) system is proposed for fully distributed optical fiber sensing. Assisted by an unbalanced Michelson interferometer, a low-coherence laser source is used to interrogate cascaded Fabry–Perot interferometers along with an optical fiber for a dark zone free (or spatially continuous) distributed measurement. By combining the advantages of microwaves and photonics, the MPLCI system can synergistically achieve high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Our tests have confirmed a strain resolution of 95 ne at the spatial resolution of 10 cm.
The History of School Shootings

This chapter traces the history of school shootings from the first known case of students being shot in the late eighteenth century to the surge in school shootings, which started in the 1960s, and increased in the mid-1990s and again in the 2010s. Understanding the history of school shootings is vital if one is to develop a coordinated and comprehensive set of solutions. This chapter examines school shootings from all over the world, pointing to the fact that these acts of aggression are a global problem. Nevertheless, there is also a proper emphasis on the United States, because this is where most of the school shootings have taken place. The chapter particularly highlights the most lethal shootings. To more fully understand the rise of these acts of violence, some examination of mass shootings even beyond the scope of the school are included.
Small farms might rescue the future [Book review]

In A Small Farm Future, Chris Smaje argues that small farms offer humanity’s strongest option for a just and ecologically and nutritionally sus­tainable future. He undertakes three major feats. First, he demonstrates that certain forces are driving human­ity toward a small farm future in which local and self-sufficient food production is likely. Second, he outlines the ways in which a small farm future solves most of the world’s loom­ing crises (see chapter 1). Without concrete demar­ca­tions of small or local, Smaje argues for a future in which much of the world population works as small-scale farmers creating “local-autonomies” and “a degree of self-provisioning” (p. 9). Third, he depicts what such a small farm future might look like. . . .
The Evidence Base for Interventions for Individuals With ASD: A Call to Improve Practice Conceptualization and Synthesis:

Identifying potentially effective practices for improving outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex process. In this article, we respond to recent reviews of evidenc...
Wood smoke particle exposure in mice reduces the severity of influenza infection.

Abstract Elevated ambient temperatures and extreme weather events have increased the incidence of wildfires world-wide resulting in increased wood smoke particle (WSP). Epidemiologic data suggests that WSP exposure associates with exacerbations of respiratory diseases, and with increased respiratory viral infections. To assess the impact of WSP exposure on host response to viral pneumonia, we performed WSP exposures in rodents followed by infection with mouse adapted influenza (HINI-PR8). C57BL/6 male mice aged 6–8 weeks were challenged with WSP or PBS by oropharyngeal aspiration in acute (single dose) or sub-acute exposures (day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10). Additional groups underwent sub-acute exposure followed by infection by influenza or heat-inactivated (HI) virus. Following exposures/infection, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to assess for total cell counts/differentials, total protein, protein carbonyls and hyaluronan. Lung tissue was assessed for viral counts by real time PCR. When compared to PBS, acute WSP exposure associated with an increase in airspace macrophages. Alternatively, sub-acute exposure resulted in a dose dependent increase in airspace neutrophils. Sub-acute WSP exposure followed by influenza infection was associated with improved respiratory viral outcomes including reduced weight loss and increased blood oxygen saturation, and decreased protein carbonyls and viral titers. Flow cytometry demonstrated dynamic changes in pulmonary macrophage and T cell subsets based on challenge with WSP and influenza. This data suggests that sub-acute WSP exposure can improve host response to acute influenza infection.
Effect of Equity Index Futures Trading on Stock Market Volatility: Evidence from China

This paper investigates the effect of equity index futures trading on stock market volatility and provides the empirical evidence from the Chinese market. GARCH model variations are applied to analyze the change in conditional volatility of the underlying equity index after the introduction of futures trading. Both additive and multiplicative effects are considered in the GARCH study. Multiple market factors are also considered to control for other possible causes of volatility. The Stock-Watson “counterfactual VAR” method is adopted to decompose the source of volatility change. The evidence indicates that the introduction of CSI300 index futures trading does not significantly affect the conditional volatility of the underlying index. This finding is robust to different model specifications. The Stock-Watson test shows that there is no structural change following the introduction of futures trading. The only difference comes from the decreasing innovation variances.
ON THE MAXIMAL RANK CONJECTURE FOR LINE BUNDLES OF EXTREMAL DEGREE

We propose a new method, using deformation theory, to study the maximal rank conjecture. For line bundles of extremal degree, which can be viewed as the first case to test the conjecture, we prove that maximal rank conjecture holds by our new method.
Experimental evaluation of multiprocessor cache-based error recovery

Several variations of cache-based checkpointing for rollback error recovery in shared-memory multiprocessors have been recently developed. By modifying the cache replacement policy, these techniques use the inherent redundancy in the memory hierarchy to periodically checkpoint the computation state. Three schemes, different in the manner in which they avoid rollback propagation, are evaluated. By simulation with address traces from parallel applications running on an Encore Multimax shared-memory multiprocessor, the performance effect of integrating the recovery schemes in the cache coherence protocol are evaluated. The results indicate that the cache-based schemes can provide checkpointing capability with low performance overhead but uncontrollable high variability in the checkpoint interval.