cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography allows for analysis of pulmonary arterial flow in mice with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Abstract Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a structural birth defect associated with pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesize that echocardiography provides a method to assess real-time right ventricle (RV) function, remodeling, and pulmonary artery (PA) flow. Materials and methods Slit3 wild-type (WT) (n = 6) and knockout (KO) (n = 5) mice were analyzed at 2-3 months of age. Mice were anesthetized using isoflurane. Echocardiography was performed to analyze left and right ventricular wall thickness, internal diameter (ID), and function. Color Doppler was used to analyze flow in the PA and across the tricuspid valve. Results There was significant RV dilation in the KO mice versus WT, with an average RVID of 1.99 mm versus 1.26 mm, respectively (P = 0.007). Flow in the PA of KO mice was altered compared to WT, with elevated PA velocity time indices, 30.68 mm versus 22.13 mm (P = 0.012), elevated PA peak velocities, 952.61 mm/s versus 628.73 mm/s (P = 0.003), and decreased pulmonary acceleration times, 8.94 ms versus 16.18 ms (P = 0.002), respectively. Pulmonary vascular resistance, calculated by measuring tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity and right ventricular outflow tract velocity time index, was increased in KO versus WT mice, 17.61 mm2/s versus 8.91 mm2/s (P = 0.003), respectively. Conclusions Slit3 KO mice with CDH show evidence of PAH and resultant RV dilation. Using direct cardiac puncture, elevated RV systolic pressures have been demonstrated in KO mice as evidence of PAH. Echocardiography allows direct analysis of the PA and real-time RV function without sacrifice of the mouse. This mode of evaluation allows longitudinal study in mice with PAH and CDH.
Diseases of mutations in the SLC4A1/AE1 (band 3) Cl − /HCO 3 − exchanger

The AE1/SLC4A1/EPB3 gene is the founding member of the SLC4 bicarbonate transporter superfamily. The SLC4 gene family includes nine known mammalian genes, each of which encodes multiple transcripts encoding variant polypeptides. The SLC4A1 gene is one of three of these genes (SLC4A1-3) which have been shown to encode Na+-independent, electroneutral Cl−/HCO 3 − exchanger polypeptides. (Although less thoroughly investigated, SLC4A9 in at least some species has also been reported to express this activity.) The SLC4A1 gene is unique among the human SLC4 Na+-independent Cl−/HCO3 − exchanger genes in its association with inherited human disease. The SLC4A l/AE1 polypeptide has recently been reviewed (Alper 2002; Knauf and Pal 2003), as has its roles in human disease (Shayakul and Alper 2000; Alper 2002; Kaset 2002; Sterning and Casey 2002; Tannel 2002; Wrong et al. 2002; Jarolim 2003).
Adverse outcomes of pregnancy-associated Zika virus infection.

Abstract The spread of Zika virus to the Americas was accompanied by surge in the number of infants with CNS abnormalities leading to a declaration of a health emergency by the WHO. This was accompanied by significant responses from governmental health agencies in the United States and Europe that resulted in significant new information described in the natural history of this perinatal infection in a very short period of time. Although much has been learned about Zika virus infection during pregnancy, limitations of current diagnostics and the challenges for accurate serologic diagnosis of acute Zika virus infection has restricted our understanding of the natural history of this perinatal infection to infants born to women with clinical disease during pregnancy and to Zika exposed infants with obvious clinical stigmata of disease. Thus, the spectrum of disease in infants exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy remains to be defined. In contrast, observations in informative animal models of Zika virus infections have provided rational pathways for vaccine development and existing antiviral drug development programs for other flaviviruses have resulted in accelerated development for potential antiviral therapies. This brief review will highlight some of the current concepts of the natural history of Zika virus during pregnancy.
The Relation between Public Managers’ Compensation and Governance

A vast literature in the field of public organizations has analyzed several factors of the compensation of government senior managers. However, the institutional factors associated with high levels of compensation of public managers are hardly known. In particular, studies about the possible relation between factors of governance and compensation of public managers are scarce. The statistical evidence here reveals that in the OECD countries, high levels of compensation for central government senior manager (standardized with GDP per capita) seem to be associated with low government effectiveness, low regulatory quality, low freedom, low rule of law and control of corruption (in short, bad governance). These results suggest insights for general reforms of governance aimed to support equitably levels of compensation of public managers and efficiency of public institutions.
Serial-section atlas of the Tritonia pedal ganglion.

Because of the large size and relatively low numbers of their neurons, gastropod mollusks are widely used for investigations of the neural basis of behavior. Most studies, however, focus on the neu...
The Canonical Wnt Pathway Drives Macropinocytosis in Cancer

Macropinocytosis has emerged as an important pathway of protein acquisition in cancer cells, particularly in tumors with activated Ras such as pancreatic and colon cancer. Macropinocytosis is also the route of entry of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and other microbial therapies of cancer. Despite this important role in tumor biology and therapy, the full mechanisms by which cancer cells can activate macropinocytosis remain incompletely defined. Using BCG uptake to assay macropinocytosis, we executed a genome-wide shRNA screen for macropinocytosis activators and identified Wnt pathway activation as a strong driver of macropinocytosis. Wnt-driven macropinocytosis was downstream of the beta catenin-dependent canonical Wnt pathway, was Pak1 dependent, and supported albumin-dependent growth in Ras-WT cells. In cells with activated Ras-dependent macropinocytosis, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of Wnt signaling suppressed macropinocytosis. In a mouse model of Wnt-driven colonic hyperplasia via APC silencing, Wnt-activated macropinocytosis stimulated uptake of luminal microbiota, a process reversed by topical pharmacologic inhibition of macropinocytosis. Our findings indicate that Wnt pathway activation drives macropinocytosis in cancer, and its inhibition could provide a therapeutic vulnerability in Wnt-driven intestinal polyposis and cancers with Wnt activation.
FLUX TRANSFER EVENTS - THE RESULT OF THREE DIMENSIONAL TIME-DEPENDENT MAGNETIC RECONNECTION

Three-dimensional reconnection is a self-organized evolution process of a non-equilibrium dissipative system 1 . When reconnection removes the infinite topological constraints, a dissipative turbulent plasma can spontanously approach a final relaxation state (stable long-lived state). The large twisted magnetic flux tubes, such as flux tube of the flux transfer events (FTE), are the most common of the final states under certain conditions, such as when the magnetic energy is dominant. The relationship between the reconnection and the change of topology is discussed. An evaluation of the twist helicity for the different models is reviewed. The localized twist helicity injection for the geomagnetic flux tube caused by reconnection provides a mechanism to pump energy stored by the solar wind into the magnetosphere. A “overlap-reconnect-twist” dynamo process is suggested and a mean turbulent electric field is formulated in terms of the α effect.
Past into future: the “rewriting” of Angoulême’s identity

The present article examines the multiple ways in which Angouleme has reworked its identity following deindustrialization with a view to attaining a desirable and lasting quality of life for its residents. In weaving together temporal, spatial, and semiotic threads of analysis, I show that this Charentaise city is “rewriting,” in a Lyotardian sense, its once-prosperous paper industry as the basis for its cultural, social, and economic transformation. The Festival de la bande dessinee provides a fresh take on local industrial identity yet also conveys the city’s ambition to pursue national and international recognition. The Musee de la bande dessinee and its umbrella institution, the Cite internationale de la bande dessinee et de l’image, work to offer the bande dessinee a permanent presence in the city, while the repurposed buildings that house these cultural centers contribute symbolically to the recycling of the past in the present. Angouleme has used these cultural initiatives as a springboard toward e...
Visual Loss, Transient

Transient visual loss (TVL) is a temporary monocular or binocular loss of vision that is often abrupt in onset. It frequently results from impaired blood supply to the visual system, due to primary arterial occlusion or stenosis, secondary arterial occlusion due to embolism from a distant site, vasospasm, or systemic hypoperfusion. However, there are myriad other causes for TVL and sometimes a cause cannot be identified, although a vascular mechanism is often presumed. In this article, the author reviews common and uncommon causes of TVL, and summarizes the approach to each of these conditions.
Mössbauer Effect Studies of Iron Storage and Transport Proteins

The iron proteins as a general group of biological materials, due to their crucial biological functions and their varied physical characteristics, have been of considerable interest to the biologist and physicist alike. The importance of iron in biological systems lies in its versatility as a trace metal element. The relative ease with which iron can be reduced and oxidized makes it an excellent candidate for the active sites of proteins and enzymes that participate in electron transfer processes. Moreover, it can bind and orient molecules that react while bound to it, and it can also exist as Fe2+, Fe3+, and sometimes as Fe4+ in a variety of crystalline fields in high or low spin configurations.(1) The present study is concerned with the means through which living organisms obtain and secure iron, namely the iron storage and transport proteins.
Post-fire forest regeneration shows limited climate tracking and potential for drought-induced type conversion.

Disturbance such as wildfire may create opportunities for plant communities to reorganize in response to climate change. The interaction between climate change and disturbance may be particularly important in forests, where many of the foundational plant species (trees) are long-lived and where poor initial tree establishment can result in conversion to shrub- or graminoid-dominated systems. The response of post-disturbance vegetation establishment to post-disturbance weather conditions, particularly to extreme weather, could therefore provide useful information about how forest communities will respond to climate change. We examined the effect of post-fire weather conditions on post-fire tree, shrub, and graminoid recruitment in fire-adapted forests in northern California, USA, by surveying regenerating vegetation in severely burned areas 4-5 yr after 14 different wildfires that burned between 2004 and 2012. This time period (2004-2016) encompassed a wide range of post-fire weather conditions, including a period of extreme drought. For the most common tree species, we observed little evidence of disturbance-mediated community reorganization or range shifts but instead either (1) low sensitivity of recruitment to post-fire weather or (2) weak but widespread decreases in recruitment under unusually dry post-fire conditions, depending on the species. The occurrence of a single strong drought year following fire was more important than a series of moderately dry years in explaining tree recruitment declines. Overall, however, post-fire tree recruitment patterns were explained more strongly by long-term climate and topography and local adult tree species abundance than by post-fire weather conditions. This observation suggests that surviving adult trees can contribute to a "biological inertia" that restricts the extent to which tree community composition will track changes in climate through post-disturbance recruitment. In contrast to our observations in trees, we observed substantial increases in shrub and graminoid establishment under post-fire drought, suggesting that shifts in dominance between functional groups may become more likely in a future with more frequent and intense drought.
Memristor Adder Design

In this paper, the design of adders implemented with memristors is discussed. Memristor based designs for standard adder architectures (ripple carry adder, carry lookahead adder and parallel prefix adders) are explained. The area and latency are compared. Surprisingly, the Radix-2 CLA has a complexity very similar to the parallel prefix adders. It is shown that the Kogge-Stone design has the best metric in terms of delay and area among the parallel prefix adders.
Decoding PERG: A neuro-ophthalmic retinal ganglion cell function review.

Currently, the clinical evaluation of neuro-ophthalmologic diseases is mainly focused on identifying stages where structural or functional damage occurs. Recognition of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functional patterns as well as monitoring RGC dysfunction can be performed using steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG). The analysis of the amplitude and latency shift aids on providing information on early damage or monitoring of the RGC, allowing for prompt clinical intervention and management modification, potentially changing the natural history of the disease. The purpose of this article is to review the latest findings in PERG, in early manifest glaucoma, non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis with unilateral recovered optic neuritis, and its fellow eyes. The steady-state PERG responses provide new and early specific information in neuro-ophthalmic diseases affecting the inner retina. Steady-state PERG presents specific amplitude and latency outcomes based on the neuro-ophthalmic disease affecting the inner retina, allowing early recognition of changes at the level of RGC and the degree of RGC dysfunction. In addition, PERG alterations may be induced in healthy subjects as well as susceptible eyes using different stress tests such as head-down tilting or water-drinking tests.
Sample pattern and temperature distribution in nanocalorimetry measurements

Uniform temperature distribution over the probed area of nanocalorimeters is critical for accurate measurements and is often assumed, but the temperature distribution is, in many cases, non-uniform, depends on the sample dimensions and coverage, and can affect the measurement results. Here, using an aluminum thin film as a model material, the effects of sample coverage on measured melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion were studied. Results suggest that undersized samples increase the reported peak and onset values for melting temperature, and that oversized samples cause significant errors in the quantification of the enthalpy of fusion. A finite element model of the dynamics of the temperature distribution was created to clarify the underlying mechanisms. This work provides a simple guideline for the ideal sample pattern for chip-based thermal measurements: covering the entire probed area of the heater: not undersized or oversized.
Adaptive Innovation: Innovator's Dilemma in Big Law

Big Law has been described as being in the throes of a painful transformation brought about by factors such as the increased use of technology, globalization, and a transition from a supply-driven market to a demand-driven one. A common framework for such upheaval is Clayton Christensen’s The Innovator’s Dilemma, which generally portends an inevitable collapse of market incumbents when they cater to the performance requirements of their high-value customers’ demand. Big Law is not immune from the principles of The Innovator’s Dilemma. However, neither the disruptive nor sustaining innovation described in Christensen’s work seem to adequately characterize the changes occurring. In this paper we describe a hybrid model, “adaptive innovation,” that takes into account the opposing forces in play. As with most other sectors, lawyers have argued that Big Law is different. This paper reviews some of the most cited factors predicting and denying the demise of Big Law. We argue that market-imposed values such as quality, efficiency, and ROI will likely dominate over reputation and comprehensiveness, forcing a fundamental change in many common features of Big Law. However, law firms will likely remain an inevitable mechanism for the delivery of many of the services currently occurring there, albeit under a different model.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals IRAK4 As a Therapeutic Target in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Dimethylfumarate (DMF) and other electrophilic compounds are highly toxic to CLL cells in vitro and in xenograft animal models [Wu et al., 2010; Wu et al., 2016]. To study the mechanism of action, competitive isotopic tandem Orthogonal Proteolysis Activity Based Protein Profiling (isoTOP ABPP) - a chemical proteomic platform, which utilizes broad-spectrum cysteine reactive probes, - was applied to quantitatively map DMF protein targets in whole proteomes. Cells from 10 CLL patients were treated with 30 μM DMF for 4h followed by an isoTOP ABPP sample preparation and analysis workflow. Based on reproducible high isoTOP ABPP ratios across multiple biological replicates, cysteine 13 of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) was identified as a prominent target of DMF in CLL patient cells. IRAK4 plays a critical role in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signal transduction. Engagement of IRAK4 with the signaling adaptor protein MyD88 in TLRs activates downstream NF-κB and type-I IFN pathways. Approximately 15-20% of CLL patients have dominant activating mutations of MyD88, and nearly all patients with the CLL-related disease Waldenstrom9s Macroglobulinemia have such mutations. Hence, we sought to evaluate known inhibitors of IRAK4 kinase activity for their effect on CLL cells. Multiple IRAK4 inhibitors are currently in clinical development, primarily for the treatment of autoimmune conditions. We used PF06650833, a specific inhibitor of IRAK4, previously tested in phase 1 trials for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, to evaluate its effect on CLL cells viability. In vitro , PF06650833 reduced CLL cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction in IRAK4 and IκBα protein levels were also observed in samples treated with at least 15 µM PF06650833 by Western blot analysis. In vivo studies provide a better opportunity to evaluate the effect of this drug in blocking microenvironment signaling. We utilized a murine xenograft model in which primary CLL cells are transplanted into the peritoneum of Rag2/gamma chain immunodeficient mice. Each mouse received a single intraperitoneal injection of 1-10 mg/kg PF06650833 one day after transplantation. Cells were recovered 6 days after the treatment and analyzed by flow cytometry, showing remarkable reduction in CLL survival in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, unbiased proteomics analysis of a non-specific drug, DMF, identified IRAK4 as a target in cells from CLL patients. While the exact mode of action for DMF and PF06650833 might differ (disruption of higher IRAK4 complexes, inhibition of kinase dependent signaling or other), our results suggest that IRAK4 represents a potential druggable target in the management of patients with CLL. Disclosures Choi: Gilead, Genentech, Abbvie, and PCYC: Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Other: Institutional research funding; AbbVie, Genentech, and PCYC: Consultancy.
The Role Of Materials In Designing Nerve Guidance Channels And Chronic Neural Interfaces

A variety of neural electrodes have been developed to simulate and record from axons of the peripheral nervous system. Chronic neural interfaces may be used to facilitate voluntary movement or to control prosthetic devices in patients with spinal cord injuries, amputated appendages, or damaged nerves. Severed nerves are secured within synthetic tubular structures so as to induce and guide regenerating axons through neural interfaces. The regeneration process is strongly influenced by the properties of the tubular guidance channels. Channel characteristics impacting on regeneration include electrical, permeability, and surface microgeometrical properties as well as the ability to release growth factors. Biocompatible electrode materials are essential for insuring axonal survival and accurate signal transduction, especially in long-term use. By maximizing regeneration and providing a compatible neural interface, it may be possible to design implantable devices capable of chronic neural signal transduction in humans. Prosthetic devices and control units connected to neural interfaces could restore motor and sensory function. This review describes current approaches toward the development of nerve guidance channels and chronic neural interfaces.
Integrating faces and bodies: Psychological and neural perspectives on whole person perception

The human "person" is a common percept we encounter. Research on person perception has been focused either on face or body perception-with less attention paid to whole person perception. We review psychological and neuroscience studies aimed at understanding how face and body processing operate in concert to support intact person perception. We address this question considering: a.) the task to be accomplished (identification, emotion processing, detection), b.) the neural stage of processing (early/late visual mechanisms), and c.) the relevant brain regions for face/body/person processing. From the psychological perspective, we conclude that the integration of faces and bodies is mediated by the goal of the processing (e.g., emotion analysis, identification, etc.). From the neural perspective, we propose a hierarchical functional neural architecture of face-body integration that retains a degree of separation between the dorsal and ventral visual streams. We argue for two centers of integration: a ventral semantic integration hub that is the result of progressive, posterior-to-anterior, face-body integration; and a social agent integration hub in the dorsal stream STS.
Abstract PR02: Spatial resets modulate YAP-dependent transcription

Despite the emergence of YAP as an important regulator of cell proliferation and oncogenesis, a clear picture of the relationship between YAP localization dynamics and downstream transcription is missing. Using live-cell imaging of CRISPR-knockin breast epithelial lines, we show that YAP displays dramatic spatial resets characterized by bulk exit from the nucleus followed by re-entry. These localization resets were upregulated by inhibiting Src-kinase and dampened by Ras transformation. After monolayer wounding, we found that edge-cells exhibited a synchronized localization reset. Lastly, induction of store-operated Ca2+ release and chromatin condensation during mitosis were found to also cause YAP localization resets. We relate these spatiotemporal YAP localization changes to transcriptional outputs from endogenous YAP targets using nascent-transcription reporter-cassette knockins. Maximal transcriptional responses were strictly correlated to the induction of localization resets through targeting Src-kinase, inducing Ca2+ release, and mitosis. By blocking the response to Ca2+ release using a PKC inhibitor, we show that the large transcriptional response is dependent on the ability of YAP to transiently localize to the cytoplasm. We found that Ras transformation, which suppressed YAP localization resets, caused upregulated import and export, reduced overall chromatin binding, and increased target gene expression. Untransformed cells, on the other hand, show relatively high nuclear retention through increased binding and slower nuclear export. This suggests that Ras transformation allows an escape from the compartmentalization-based control shown in untransformed cells. Our results suggest a new perspective on YAP-dependent transcription, revealed through the application of real-time imaging of native YAP dynamics and nascent transcription of YAP target genes. This abstract is also being presented as Poster A21. Citation Format: Matt Franklin, Raja Ghosh, Quanming Shi, Jan Liphardt. Spatial resets modulate YAP-dependent transcription [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr PR02.
La crisis del poeta moderno en El blasfemo coronado de Humberto Díaz-Casanueva. La dialéctica entre razón filosófica y delirio poético

espanolRESUMEN: En el presente trabajo analizo el poema en prosa El blasfemo coronado (1940) de Humberto Diaz-Casanueva. En este poema se reconoce la construccion de una vision particular de la figura del poeta y el rol que cumple su palabra en el contexto de la modernidad. En la obra se enfrentan una serie de tensiones, expresadas no solo a nivel tematico sino tambien formal. Las dualidades desplegadas en el texto forman parte del conflicto existencial de un hablante que se encuentra escindido en dos actitudes aparentemente irreconciliables: el raciocinio filosofico y el delirio poetico. EnglishABSTRACT: In this paper I analyze Humberto Diaz-Casanueva’s prose poem El blasfemo coronado (1940). The poem points out a particular construction of the poet’s figure and the role his words play in the context of modernity. A set of tensions are expressed both at the thematic and formal levels. The dualities displayed in the text are part of the subject’s existential conflict. The poetic voice is split into two apparently irreconcilable attitudes: philosophical reason and poetic delirium.
Preservice teachers’ perceptions of science integration into secondary agriculture classrooms

After completing a 40-hour field experience course, 26 preservice teachers participated in interviews about their experiences observing science integration in secondary agriculture classrooms. Based on Bandura’s social cognitive theory, researchers analyzed interview transcripts for preservice teachers’ descriptions of perceived preparedness to integrate science into agricultural education programs based on personal, environmental, and behavioral determinants. Findings indicated the integration of science concepts were reliant upon participants’ perceived integration ability, importance of science knowledge, consequences of science integration, application of hands-on learning, practical application of science in agriculture, and the influence of colleague collaboration on the learning environment. From their observations, preservice teachers cited specific instances of academic science concepts relating to agriculture, which they perceived as an applied science. While natural ties to biology and chemistry appeared in classroom lessons, preservice teachers held a belief that agricultural education is a unique practical context for learning and integration of science, but too much science integration is seen as a threat to agricultural education. Many preservice teachers noted the environment surrounding their future agricultural classrooms will play a large role in how they integrate science. Future research should further investigate how behavioral, personal, and environmental factors influence science integration.
Paradoxical embolic strokes in a liver transplant recipient with atrial septal defect undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a technique used to separate blood components into layers based on their density difference, thus removing plasma and exchanging it with replacement fluids. A variety of adverse reactions has been described during TPE. Thrombotic events, especially strokes, are extremely rare complications of TPE. Our patient was a 55-year-old female with history of decompensated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) liver cirrhosis. She underwent an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) that was complicated with asystole during reperfusion. Cardiac workup revealed a new atrial septal defect (ASD) with left to right flow. Within the first 5 days after surgery, she developed refractory and persistent hyperbilirubinemia, with total bilirubin levels as high as 42 mg/dL. Our plasmapheresis service was consulted to initiate TPE. Towards the end of the first and only session of TPE, the patient developed hypoxia and left-sided hemiplegia. Stroke response was initiated, and the patient was intubated. MRI done 24 hours after the incident showed multiple acute small embolic infarcts scattered within the bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Bilateral lower and upper extremities venous duplex studies were positive for acute left internal jugular (IJ) vein thrombosis. Patient was treated with anticoagulation and the IJ catheter was removed. Patient also had closure of her ASD. On last follow up, she was doing well with complete reversal of neurologic deficits and stable liver function. Our patient had an uncommon complication of TPE. Her thrombosis manifested with multiple embolic strokes that would not have happened without an ASD with left to right flow.
Pain Severity and Interference in Different Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Phenotypes

Introduction Chronic pain is prevalent in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) with many individuals also experiencing cognitive deficits negatively impacting everyday life. Methods In this study, we examine differences in pain severity and interference between 113 nondemented individuals with idiopathic PD who were statistically classified as having low executive function (n=24), low memory function (n=35), no cognitive deficits (n=54). The individuals with PD were also compared to matched non-PD controls (n=64). Results PD participants with low executive function reported significantly higher pain interference (p<0.05), despite reporting similar pain severity levels compared to other phenotypes. These differences remained statistically significant, even after accounting for important confounders such as anxiety and depression (p<0.05). Discussion Pain interference in those with lower executive function may represent a target for psychosocial interventions for individuals with pain and PD.
Lessons learned teaching through a pandemic and looking forward to a post-COVID-19 classroom

Many educators have faced the challenge of teaching in a world with COVID-19. Not everyone has the same amount of difficulties to work through, but each of us has the pandemic's unspoken weight affecting our daily life and work. After teaching for over a year through the pandemic, several lessons have shaped my approach to this time of emergency remote teaching. Some adaptations made to course delivery will survive in a post-COVID classroom if not entirely intact, at least with a considerable influence from the current situation. The variety of teaching modalities that have emerged have shown the possibilities of how courses can be delivered. Although there are aspects of online courses which we may never wish to repeat post-COVID, some aspects of our current situation could be useful in the future. We can continue to use remote collaboration tools when being together in a room is not an absolute necessity. We can help our students develop collaborations using these same technologies. Forming positive relationships with students and supporting how students work with their classmates has never been more important than during the pandemic. We should continue to prioritize relationship-building in a post-COVID future.
Minecraft Altered Skin Channel (MASC)

Governments across the world are increasingly pushing for encryption backdoors and other privacy breaking features. One possible method to maintain privacy in a post-encryption environment is to utilize covert channels as a means to hide traffic from monitoring authorities. Covert channels have often been used to hide unwanted or prohibited web traffic, however, the traffic need not be malicious for there to be a necessity for privacy.
Insulin management in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus on high-dose glucocorticoids: Management of steroid-exacerbated hyperglycemia.

Background Glucocorticoid (GC)-exacerbated hyperglycemia is prevalent in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) but evidence-based insulin guidelines in inpatient settings are lacking. Methods and findings Retrospective cohort study with capillary blood glucose (CBG) readings and insulin use, dosed with 50% basal (glargine)-50% bolus (lispro) insulin, analyzed in hospitalized patients with insulin-treated DM given GC and matched controls without GC (n = 131 pairs). GC group (median daily prednisone-equivalent dose: 53.36 mg (IQR 30.00, 80.04)) had greatest CBG differences compared to controls at dinner (254±69 vs. 184±63 mg/dL, P<0.001) and bedtime (260±72 vs. 182±55 mg/dL, P<0.001). In GC group, dinner CBG was 30% higher than lunch (254±69 vs. 199±77 mg/dL, P<0.001) when similar lispro to controls given at lunch. Bedtime CBG not different from dinner when 20% more lispro given at dinner (0.12 units/kg (IQR 0.08, 0.17) vs. 0.10 units/kg (0.06, 0.14), P<0.01). Despite receiving more lispro, bedtime hypoglycemic events were lower in GC group (0.0% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.03). Conclusions Since equal bolus doses inadequately treat large dinner and bedtime GC-exacerbated glycemic excursions, initiating higher bolus insulin at lunch and dinner with additional enhanced GC-specific insulin supplemental scale may be needed as initial insulin doses in setting of high-dose GC.
Effect Of Insulator Sleeve Length On Neutron Yield In A 4.4 kJ Dense Plasma Focus Device

The deuterium-fill Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) is a Z-pinch configuration that produces energetic ions, X-rays, and neutrons from a high-temperature and high-density plasma pinch. There have been limited studies that consider the impact of the insulator length on the resulting pinch quality and neutron production. Experiments were conducted on a 4.4 kJ (250 kA, 21 kV) Mather type DPF 1 with laser probing diagnostics and a Be-activation detector for three different insulator sleeve lengths. Here, we report the results of experiments to optimize the neutron yield as a function of insulator sleeve length and fill pressure. The results show that the insulator length plays an important role in the dynamics, including pinch timing and neutron yield: increasing the insulator length reduces the effective anode length and thus affects the optimal fill pressure.
Factors that Influence Myocardial Levels of Long-Chain Acyl CoA and Acyl Carnitine

High levels of fatty acids frequently have been found to be detrimental to ischemic myocardium (for review see 1). The mechanism of these effects is not understood but several possibilities exist. First, it seems very clear that fatty acids increase myocardial oxygen consumption when compared to carbohydrates (2, 3). The theoretical increase in oxygen consumption if the heart were using 100% lipid compared to 100% carbohydrate is about 13%. However, increases in oxygen consumption at constant workload caused by high levels of fatty acids range from 20 to 50% (2, 3). Obviously, this increase in oxygen consumption under conditions of limited oxygen supply, such as ischemia, may place the heart in a negative energy balance and precipitate a compensatory reduction in function.
E-mail programming with perl

E-mail is a vital application. However, most users rarely consider the programming issues involved due to the seeming complexity. Fortunately, Perl makes e-mail programming relatively easy. This paper demonstrates Perl's e-mail functionality using examples which include automating e-mail for use in an online survey and a command line script for sending e-mail with attachments.
Chainsaw: eliminating trees from overlay multicast

In this paper, we present Chainsaw, a p2p overlay multicast system that completely eliminates trees. Peers are notified of new packets by their neighbors and must explicitly request a packet from a neighbor in order to receive it. This way, duplicate data can be eliminated and a peer can ensure it receives all packets. We show with simulations that Chainsaw has a short startup time, good resilience to catastrophic failure and essentially no packet loss. We support this argument with real-world experiments on Planetlab and compare Chainsaw to Bullet and Splitstream using MACEDON.
Toxicogenomics — Applications in Systems Toxicology

Human exposure to toxic chemicals is almost unavoidable. The toxicity owing to human exposure to chemicals may result in adverse health effects such as illnesses and even death. It is therefore important to determine whether human exposure to chemicals may result in toxicity and, if so, to obtain a full understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying the toxicity. Recent developments in genomics and their application in toxicology (toxicogenomics) have facilitated a better understanding of chemical toxicity. Unlike traditional toxicity studies, toxicogenomics studies have the potential to detect toxicity pre-clinically (before the onset of clinical manifestations of toxicity) and this may have implications even in predicting the toxicity of chemicals. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential application of genomics-based toxicity determination in surrogate tissues such as blood, for monitoring human exposure to toxic chemicals. The potential of toxicogenomics in determining the toxicity of chemicals is best illustrated in the case of hepatotoxic chemicals. It is anticipated that toxicogenomics studies, in conjunction with the traditional toxicity determination approaches, may be useful to determine the systems toxicity of chemicals. Keywords: blood; gene expression; hepatotoxicity; microarray; surrogate tissue; toxicogenomics
The Myth of Self-Regulation

The American legal profession is highly regulated. Lawyers are governed by state-enforced professional codes, supervised by courts, and constrained by civil liability rules, civil and criminal statutes, and administrative standards. Nevertheless, commentators and various actors in the legal system continue to conceptualize law as a “self-regulated profession.” The preamble to the recently revised ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct characterizes the Rules as self-regulation despite the fact that they are intended to be adopted and administered as enforceable law by state supreme courts. This Article argues that the persistent emphasis on lawyer self-regulation misleads courts, code drafters, lawyers, and laypersons alike, with serious ramifications for the development of the law governing lawyers and for everyday legal practice. The Article traces the history of lawyer regulation, explaining why the notion of law as a self-regulated industry developed, when it became archaic, and why it continues to be used. The Article then highlights adverse consequences that arise when various actors – including the co-regulators of the bar, lawyers themselves, and the public – cling to the image that lawyers self-regulate through the legal ethics codes. The Article ultimately proposes an amendment to the Model Rules that would eliminate all reference to self-regulation and replace it with a more accurate statement.
Robotic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer with increased nodal yield.

STUDY TYPE Therapy (case series). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The standard of care for invasive bladder cancer is open radical cystectomy with the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection impacting oncological outcomes. Scepticism remains regarding whether an adequate node dissection can be performed in minimally-invasive fashion as previously reported nodal yields of laparoscopic or robotic lymphadenectomy are well below those reported with open surgery. This study demonstrates that extended pelvic lymphadenectomy can be performed robotically with equivalent nodal yields to open series from centres of excellence. OBJECTIVE To report our initial experience with robot-assisted extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) using a standardized open template. PATIENTS AND METHODS In total, 15 consecutive patients underwent robotic radical cystectomy at a single center by a single surgeon using a standard dissection template. Operating time, time to perform ePLND, pathological stage, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, number of nodes obtained and nodal positivity were assessed. Postoperative complications and re-admissions were reviewed. RESULTS The mean (range) age and body mass index was 66 (46-87) years and 29 (22-43) kg/m2, respectively. The mean (range) operating time and ePLND time was 423 (300-506) min and 107 (66-160) min. Mean (range) estimated blood loss was 160 (50-500) mL. The mean (range) and median length of hospital stay were 3.4 (3-7) days and 3 days, respectively. The mean (range) nodal yield was 41.8 (18-67) nodes, with greater than 25 nodes in 13 patients. Three patients were found to have nodal positivity. Of the fifteen patients, four received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients were re-admitted for postoperative complications within 30 days. There were no complications directly resulting from the ePLND. CONCLUSIONS Robot-assisted ePLND at the time of cystectomy can be safely and effectively performed on the robotic platform with comparable nodal yields to open series at centers of excellence for cystectomy. Nodal yields are likely to comprise a factor related to the effort of the surgeon, and not the method by which the lymphadenectomy is performed.
A comparative assessment of proposed offshore wind power demonstration projects in the United States

Abstract Wind energy development on land has faced local opposition for reasons such as effects on cultural landscapes and wildlife, which can be instrumental in whether or not and the speed with which a project moves toward completion. Offshore wind can generate electricity where onshore wind is limited. Factors leading to support for, or opposition to, offshore wind energy are not well known, particularly for developments that are near-shore and in-view of coastal communities. Here we present results from a survey of 699 residents (35.5% response rate) completed in 2013 in greater Atlantic City, New Jersey and coastal Delaware, United States, where near-shore wind demonstration projects had been proposed. We examined how the public considers the societal tradeoffs that are made to develop small-scale, in-view demonstration wind projects instead of larger facilities farther offshore. Results indicate that a strong majority of the public supports near-shore demonstration wind projects. We find the primary reasons for support include benefits to wildlife, cost of electricity, and job creation, while the primary reasons for opposition include wildlife impacts, aesthetics, tourism, and user conflicts. These factors differ between the two communities and highlight the importance of local, community engagement in the early stages of development.
Evaluating CSR accomplishments of founding certified B Corps

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the value of the Certified B Corporation (B Corp) structure for a long-term commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) achievements. Organizations of all sizes are now focusing on commitment to achieving social purposes beyond philanthropy and on reporting their CSR performance as a means of accountability. Design/methodology/approach – The authors studied 45 Founding Certified B Corps to check how many had maintained their certification by filing B Impact Reports with B Lab, how many Impact Reports they had filed and if the reports showed progress toward CSR goals. Findings – The results showed that all Founding B Corps submitted multi-year B Impact Reports, made progress toward CSR goals, maintained their commitment to a social contribution and made profit from 2010 to 2015. The B Impact Reports identified their goals and progress in the five Impact areas that were then assessed by B Lab. Practical implications – The Certified B Corp structu...
The developmental origins of health.

This paper argues that health economists should consider the costs and benefits of preventing rather than treating disease. It sketches a developmental approach to health that examines the costs and benefits of interventions over the life cycle.
The Political Consequences of the Rise of the Internet: Political Beliefs and Practices of Chinese Netizens

This article addresses a long-standing question: What are the political consequences of the rise of the Internet and the attendant emergence of netizens in China, particularly in terms of China's democratic prospects? Given the Chinese state's firm control in the realm of traditional media, the Internet has been expected to bring about political and social change in China since its introduction. Although scholars have had divergent views on what this change might look like, there has been no systematic effort to produce representative evidence to address the debate. Examining a nationwide representative survey data set, this study finds that Chinese netizens, as opposed to traditional media users and non-media users, are more politically opinionated. In addition, they are more likely to be simultaneously supportive of the norms of democracy and critical about the party-state and the political conditions in China, while also being potential and active participants in collective action. This article argues ...
Separation of epithelial cells from suspensions of cells from the hamster parotid gland in an isokinetic density gradient of Ficoll in tissue culture medium.

Abstract Epithelial cells were separated from suspensions of hamster parotid cells by velocity sedimentation in an isokinetic gradient and by isopycnic sedimentation. Epithelial cells were 48.1 ± 18.0% of the cells in the starting sample suspensions of cells from the disaggregated hamster parotid glands. The purest gradient fractions following velocity sedimentation in a previously described isokinetic gradient contained 98.8 ± 1.8% epithelial cells. The purest fractions obtained from isopycnic sedimentation contained 99.9 ± 0.2% epithelial cells. Purification of parotid epithelial cells by velocity sedimentation in the isokinetic gradient seems preferable to purification using isopycnic centrifugation because a larger proportion of the epithelial cells are obtained in the zone of the gradient which contains highly purified epithelial cells and because velocity sedimentation requires lower centrifugal forces for a shorter period of time.
Transvenous endocardial cardioverter defibrillator systems. Is the future here

The development of nonthoracotomy lead systems for the implantable cardioverter defibrillator has ushered in a new era in the field of device therapy for malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Surgical mortality and morbidity are thus significantly reduced, the hospital stay is shortened, and the cost of such therapy is lowered. Although several problems (mainly lead related) were initially encountered with earlier-generation systems, improvements have made this less invasive method of defibrillator therapy an attractive alternative to conventional epicardial implants. It is rapidly becoming a first-choice approach in the treatment of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Transvenous leads were used in combination with a subcutaneous patch for effective defibrillation in the majority of patients, according to most published reports, while the number of "transvenous only" systems being implanted has been steadily increasing. A description of currently available nonthoracotomy lead defibrillator systems and a discussion of the clinical results, advantages, and limitations of their use are presented herein. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154;617-622)