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01 Fiona Godlee

Who better to kick off a series on all things health and evidence than the exceptional and erudite Editor-in-Chief of The BMJ, Dr Fiona Godlee. In this episode, Fiona chats to Ray about the BMJ's ongoing and often controversial campaigns to change medicine - and broader society - for the better. She also looks to a future that addresses the...




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God is in Operating Room 4

Healthy self confidence has an important role in surgery, but what came first - the surgeon or the ego? In this conversation, Christopher Myers, Yemeng Lu-Myers, and Amir Ghaferi join us to talk about the (very few) surgeons who behave badly in theatre, and why that behaviour has persisted, and can be detrimental. Read their full...




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[ Religion & Spirituality ] Open Question : Does God love it when you call him Big Poppa?




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(Even) God is a Satisficer

To 'satisfice' means "To decide on and pursue a course of action that will satisfy the minimum requirements necessary to achieve a particular goal." (Oxford English Dictionary). Herbert Simon (1978 Nobel Prize in Economics) was the first to use the term in this technical sense, which is an old alteration of the ordinary English word "satisfy". Simon wrote (Psychological Review, 63(2), 129-138 (1956)) "Evidently, organisms adapt well enough to 'satisfice'; they do not, in general, 'optimize'." Agents satisfice, according to Simon, due to limitation of their information, understanding, and cognitive or computational ability. These limitations, which Simon called "bounded rationality", force agents to look for solutions which are good enough, though not necessarily optimal. The optimum may exist but it cannot be known by the resource- and information-limited agent.

There is a deep psychological motivation for satisficing, as Barry Schwartz discusses in Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less. "When people have no choice, life is almost unbearable." But as the number and variety of choices grows, the challenge of deciding "no longer liberates, but debilitates. It might even be said to tyrannize." (p.2) "It is maximizers who suffer most in a culture that provides too many choices" (p.225) because their expectations cannot be met, they regret missed opportunities, worry about social comparison, and so on. Maximizers may acquire or achieve more than satisficers, but satisficers will tend to be happier.

Psychology is not the only realm in which satisficing finds its roots. Satisficing - as a decision strategy - has systemic or structural advantages that suggest its prevalence even in situations where the complexity of the human psyche is irrelevant. We will discuss an example from the behavior of animals.

Several years ago an ecological colleague of mine at the Technion, Prof. Yohay Carmel, posed the following question: Why do foraging animals move from one feeding site to another later than would seem to be suggested by strategies aimed at maximizing caloric intake? Of course, animals have many goals in addition to foraging. They must keep warm (or cool), evade predators, rest, reproduce, and so on. Many mathematical models of foraging by animals attempt to predict "patch residence times" (PRTs): how long the animal stays at one feeding patch before moving to the next one. A common conclusion is that patch residence times are under-predicted when the model assumes that the animal tries to maximize caloric intake. Models do exist which "patch up" the PRT paradox, but the quandary still exists.

Yohay and I wrote a paper in which we explored a satisficing - rather than maximizing - model for patch residence time. Here's the idea. The animal needs a critical amount of energy to survive until the next foraging session. More food might be nice, but it's not necessary for survival. The animal's foraging strategy must maximize the confidence in achieving the critical caloric intake. So maximization is taking place, but not maximization of the substantive "good" (calories) but rather maximization of the confidence (or reliability, or likelihood, but these are more technical terms) of meeting the survival requirement. We developed a very simple foraging model based on info-gap theory. The model predicts that PRTs for a large number of species - including invertebrates, birds and mammals - tended to be longer (and thus more realistic) than predicted by energy-maximizing models.

This conclusion - that satisficing predicts observed foraging times better than maximizing - is tentative and preliminary (like most scientific conclusions). Nonetheless, it seems to hold a grain of truth, and it suggests an interesting idea. Consider the following syllogism.

1. Evolution selects those traits that enhance the chance of survival.

2. Animals seem to have evolved strategies for foraging which satisfice (rather than maximize) the energy intake.

3. Hence satisficing seems to be competitively advantageous. Satisficing seems to be a better bet than maximizing.

Unlike my psychologist colleague Barry Schwartz, we are not talking about happiness or emotional satisfaction. We're talking about survival of dung flies or blue jays. It seems that aiming to do good enough, but not necessarily the best possible, is the way the world is made.

And this brings me to the suggestion that (even) God is a satisficer. The word "good" appears quite early in the Bible: in the 4th verse of the 1st chapter of Genesis, the very first book: "And God saw the light [that had just been created] that it was good...". At this point, when the world is just emerging out of tohu v'vohu (chaos), we should probably understand the word "good" as a binary category, as distinct from "bad" or "chaos". The meaning of "good" is subsequently refined through examples in the coming verses. God creates dry land and oceans and sees that it is good (1:10). Grass and fruit trees are seen to be good (1:12). The sun and moon are good (1:16-18). Swarming sea creatures, birds, and beasts are good (1:20-21, 25).

And now comes a real innovation. God reviews the entire creation and sees that it is very good (1:31). It turns out that goodness comes in degrees; it's not simply binary: good or bad. "Good" requires judgment; ethics is born. But what particularly interests me here is that God's handiwork isn't excellent. Shouldn't we expect the very best? I'll leave this question to the theologians, but it seems to me that God is a satisficer.




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“There but for the grace of God” : review of recent lawyer misconduct cases / presented by: Anna Jackson, Magistrates Court of South Australia, Alex Ward, Edmund Barton Chambers.




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Hallelujah! : let everything that has breath praise God / Peter Wade.




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From trash to treasure : a true story of the amazing unconditional love and mercy of God / Lee Habbershaw.

From Trash to Treasure is an intensely honest account of a life powerfully redeemed and is a demonstration of the goodness of God. Lee Habbershaw's journey to recovery from sexual abuse moved me to tears - sometimes in compassion, but often in joy. The book is rich with the landmark of life events and Biblical truths which, layer by layer, led Lee into the powerful teaching and counselling ministry she operates in today. This book could change your life (page 7)




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Songs of the Godforsaken / John Bartlett.




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Not in God's name : confronting religious violence / Jonathan Sacks.

Bible. Genesis -- Criticism, interpretation, etc




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Égypte et Palestine : observations médicales et scientifiques / par Ernest Godard ; avec une preface par Charles Robin.

Paris : V. Masson, 1867.




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Ernestus Godofredus Baldinger ... disputationem inauguralem ... Ioan. Conr. Stockar à Neuforn ... de usu cantharidum interno ... habendam annunciat. Praemittitur: historia mercurii et mercurialium medica, et nunc quidem eius pars III.

Goettingae : Litteris Ioann. Christ. Dieterich, Acad. Typogr, [1781]




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King Henri IV after his assassination is taken up to Olympus and received by the gods; France awards the regency to his widow Marie de' Medici. Engraving by G. Duchange, 1708, after J.M. Nattier after Sir P.P. Rubens.

Se vend à Paris (rue St. Jacques au dessus de la rue des Mathurins) : chez le S.r Duchange graveur ordinaire du Roy. Avec privilege du Roy, [1708?]




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A council of the Olympian gods provides for good government of France under the regency of Marie de' Medici. Engraving by B. Picart, 1707, after J.M. Nattier after Sir P.P. Rubens.

A Paris (rue St. Jacques audessus de la rue des Mathurins) : chez G. Duchange graveur du Roy. Avec privilege du Roy, [1708?]




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Heads of figures in Raphael's painting of the Transfiguration of Christ. Stipple engravings by J. Godby after I.L. Goubaud after Raphael.

London (46 Pall Mall) : Pub.d by R. Bowyer & M. Parkes, 1st Jan.y 1830.




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God the father blessing, attended by five children and by cherubim. Engraving.




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On Stationary-Point Hitting Time and Ergodicity of Stochastic Gradient Langevin Dynamics

Stochastic gradient Langevin dynamics (SGLD) is a fundamental algorithm in stochastic optimization. Recent work by Zhang et al. (2017) presents an analysis for the hitting time of SGLD for the first and second order stationary points. The proof in Zhang et al. (2017) is a two-stage procedure through bounding the Cheeger's constant, which is rather complicated and leads to loose bounds. In this paper, using intuitions from stochastic differential equations, we provide a direct analysis for the hitting times of SGLD to the first and second order stationary points. Our analysis is straightforward. It only relies on basic linear algebra and probability theory tools. Our direct analysis also leads to tighter bounds comparing to Zhang et al. (2017) and shows the explicit dependence of the hitting time on different factors, including dimensionality, smoothness, noise strength, and step size effects. Under suitable conditions, we show that the hitting time of SGLD to first-order stationary points can be dimension-independent. Moreover, we apply our analysis to study several important online estimation problems in machine learning, including linear regression, matrix factorization, and online PCA.




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Estimating drift parameters in a non-ergodic Gaussian Vasicek-type model. (arXiv:1909.06155v2 [math.PR] UPDATED)

We study the problem of parameter estimation for a non-ergodic Gaussian Vasicek-type model defined as $dX_t=(mu+ heta X_t)dt+dG_t, tgeq0$ with unknown parameters $ heta>0$ and $muinR$, where $G$ is a Gaussian process. We provide least square-type estimators $widetilde{ heta}_T$ and $widetilde{mu}_T$ respectively for the drift parameters $ heta$ and $mu$ based on continuous-time observations ${X_t, tin[0,T]}$ as $T ightarrowinfty$.

Our aim is to derive some sufficient conditions on the driving Gaussian process $G$ in order to ensure that $widetilde{ heta}_T$ and $widetilde{mu}_T$ are strongly consistent, the limit distribution of $widetilde{ heta}_T$ is a Cauchy-type distribution and $widetilde{mu}_T$ is asymptotically normal. We apply our result to fractional Vasicek, subfractional Vasicek and bifractional Vasicek processes. In addition, this work extends the result of cite{EEO} studied in the case where $mu=0$.




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By the richest of God's grace / Anna Penney.

Penney, Anna -- Travels.




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A Transcriptome Database for Astrocytes, Neurons, and Oligodendrocytes: A New Resource for Understanding Brain Development and Function

John D. Cahoy
Jan 2, 2008; 28:264-278
Cellular




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A Transcriptome Database for Astrocytes, Neurons, and Oligodendrocytes: A New Resource for Understanding Brain Development and Function

John D. Cahoy
Jan 2, 2008; 28:264-278
Cellular




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god damn you john bolton for trying to kill me




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Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Regulates the Oligodendrocyte Cytoskeleton during Myelination

During differentiation, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) extend a network of processes that make contact with axons and initiate myelination. Recent studies revealed that actin polymerization is required for initiation of myelination whereas actin depolymerization promotes myelin wrapping. Here, we used primary OPCs in culture isolated from neonatal rat cortices of both sexes and young male and female mice with oligodendrocyte-specific deletion of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) to demonstrate that mTOR regulates expression of specific cytoskeletal targets and actin reorganization in oligodendrocytes during developmental myelination. Loss or inhibition of mTOR reduced expression of profilin2 and ARPC3, actin polymerizing factors, and elevated levels of active cofilin, which mediates actin depolymerization. The deficits in actin polymerization were revealed in reduced phalloidin and deficits in oligodendrocyte cellular branching complexity at the peak of morphologic differentiation and a delay in initiation of myelination. We further show a critical role for mTOR in expression and localization of myelin basic protein (Mbp) mRNA and MBP protein to the cellular processes where it is necessary at the myelin membrane for axon wrapping. Mbp mRNA transport deficits were confirmed by single molecule RNA FISH. Moreover, expression of the kinesin family member 1B, an Mbp mRNA transport protein, was reduced in CC1+ cells in the mTOR cKO and in mTOR inhibited oligodendrocytes undergoing differentiation in vitro. These data support the conclusion that mTOR regulates both initiation of myelination and axon wrapping by targeting cytoskeletal reorganization and MBP localization to oligodendrocyte processes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Myelination is essential for normal CNS development and adult axon preservation and function. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in promoting CNS myelination; however, there is a gap in our understanding of the mechanisms by which mTOR promotes developmental myelination through regulating specific downstream targets. Here, we present evidence that mTOR promotes the initiation of myelination through regulating specific cytoskeletal targets and cellular process expansion by oligodendrocyte precursor cells as well as expression and cellular localization of myelin basic protein.




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Archaeologists Discover Paintings of Goddess in 3,000-Year-Old Mummy's Coffin

Researchers lifted the ancient Egyptian mummy out of her coffin for the first time in 100 years and, to their surprise, uncovered the ancient artworks




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Hares and Chickens Were Revered as Gods—Not Food—in Ancient Britain

New research indicates that Iron Age Britons venerated brown hares and chickens long before modern Easter celebrations




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The God of India, Singapore and the Middle East

Doron's experience on Logos Hope shows him God's faithfulness and uncovers leadership abilities he is using today in a new role.




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God called you, and God has a plan for you

An OM worker in Cambodia shares about how a new training she is attending is transforming the way she does ministry.




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Space for God to speak

The Art Zone is a place where teens can creatively express themselves and their worship for God. For Saskia, art is a way to quiet her mind and let God speak.




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The Pandemic and the Will of God

The purpose of suffering may be mysterious, but the search for meaning is obligatory.




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Serving God through coffee shops and carpentry

Jose, an Argentinian worker serving in Southeast Asia, tells of how he entered overseas service and what he has seen God do through his not-so-typical ministry.




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God of unity

Rosario, Argentina :: Crewmembers with experience working with least-reached people share a message of unity between churches.




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The God of India, Singapore and the Middle East

Doron's experience on Logos Hope shows him God's faithfulness and uncovers leadership abilities he is using today in a new role.




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God called you, and God has a plan for you

An OM worker in Cambodia shares about how a new training she is attending is transforming the way she does ministry.




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Thank God the Doctor Is In

Peeking out our windows, we see America shriveling.




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Two cultures, one great God

God transforms the hearts of teens from two people groups, who normally do not interact, to bring them together for worship, Bible study and friendship.




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Never too old to know God's love

Robbie and Angela from OM in Montenegro take every opportunity to bring God's love into the lives of lonely elderly people in a care home.




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God transforms a family

A woman and her husband accept the Lord after hearing the gospel from an OM team visiting the island of Sante Marie.




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God provides for Hanta to join an OM outreach

Hanta, a committed young Christian from a rural village in Madagascar, learns that if she’s willing to obey God, He provides a way.




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‘Go and follow God’s heart’

OMer Gyöngyi served around the world, then the Riverboat led her back home to Hungary.




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Woman in Israel finds healing through godly counsel

No matter people’s struggles, the counselling ministry focuses on a right relationship with God as the beginning of the healing process.




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When God leads the way

A group of people open to the Holy Spirit's leading find an open door for ministry in Nazareth.




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All in God's plan

Slight miscommunication between OM workers in Israel leads to an unplanned chance to share the Gospel with a railway attendant.




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‘God really answers our prayer?’

A Bible study led by OM team members prompts a special prayer...and God answers!




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Mission trip taught her dependence on God

Marcela (Argentina) experienced the power of God working through her while on a mission trip in Israel.




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God provides during medical outreach in Guatemala

When specific medicine is not available during a medical outreach, OM Guatemala sees God miraculously provide for one mother in need.




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God rewards patience

After years of prayer and patience, God answers the missionaries of OM Guatemala and sends an English teacher to give free classes.




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Glorify God through art

A group of artists brings hope and joy to destitute children and families.




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God took over

What do a puppet show, a healed old man, a re-thatched house and rains in the desert have in common? Answer: The OM Africa Trek!




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God glorified despite change in plans

In spite of difficult circumstances and a change in plans, the Freedom Climbers did what they set out to do.




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‘Dial-a-Mass’ service is a godsend for Catholics without internet

CNA Staff, May 8, 2020 / 07:00 am (CNA).- A new “dial-a-Mass” service enabling Catholics with no internet connection to listen to Sunday Masses is proving a success, an English bishop has said. 

Bishop Terence Drainey of Middlesbrough said that 100 people used the Mass-by-Phone service when it launched May 3.  

Public Masses were suspended in England from March 20 and churches ordered to close days later. The government has not indicated when churches will be allowed to reopen. 

The Diocese of Middlesbrough, in northern England, decided to introduce the phone line -- believed to be the first of its kind in England -- when it became clear that some Catholics were unable to follow livestream Masses because they didn’t have smartphones or Wi-Fi.

Bishop Drainey told CNA: “We’re trying to reach out to as many people as possible. But it became obvious to us that there are some people who aren’t on the internet and they are being completely missed and also wanting to somehow take part in the Mass.”

“As a result of that, talking to our communications people, we came up with this idea of having a ‘dial-a-Mass’ system.”

When Catholics call the service, they hear a brief message welcoming them to St Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough. A recording of the Sunday Mass then begins. 

The Knights of St Columba Council 29 is funding the service, which the diocese believes is the first in England that doesn’t require special access codes.

Bishop Drainey said the line was part of the Church’s creative response to restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“One of the things that this crisis situation has brought out is people’s imagination: how to initiate new ways of praying, new ways of getting in touch with the larger Church, participating virtually in liturgical celebrations,” he said.

He added that the service was likely to continue after the crisis passed. He recalled that an 86-year-old woman had phoned him just before the lockdown to talk about livestreamed Masses:

“I said we’re about to do it. ‘That’s fine, great,’ she said. ‘But when all this is finished, you need to continue livestreaming. People like me who can no longer get out, we long to be able to somehow be in contact with the Mass. So promise me there you'll really encourage livestreaming after this has all passed.' And I said: 'Yes, absolutely. I agree.'”

In addition to livestreaming Masses and Mass-by-Phone, the diocese is planning to hold a virtual pilgrimage to Lourdes after it was forced to postpone its regular trip to the French shrine at the end of May. The online pilgrimage will include services on Facebook as well as special prayers and reflections. 
 




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God will show us the way

OM’s new Director in Hong Kong, Sonia Yip, shares why she’s passionate about seeing young people find their place in God’s kingdom.