cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Power of Money: How the U.S. Dollar Constrains Executive Actions

Modern presidents exploit ambiguities in the constitution to justify exercising power far beyond those envisioned by the Founders. Recent work demonstrates that the American public poorly constrains the expansion of executive unilateral authority. We argue that when the public and the constitution do not check executive power, the economic consequences of executive orders might. Using a unique dataset that combines leading economic indicators with data from the U.S. Policy Agendas Project, we show that executive orders have an immediate impact on the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar. Executive orders on topics that do not seem directly associated with the economy also influence the value of the U.S. currency. When considering unilateral action, the modern president must consider the economic impact of these decisions.
High-throughput screening for the identification of small-molecule inhibitors of the flaviviral protease.

Abstract The mosquito-borne dengue virus serotypes 1–4 (DENV1-4) and West Nile virus (WNV) cause serious illnesses worldwide associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there are about 390 million infections every year leading to ∼500,000 dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases and ∼25,000 deaths, mostly among children. Antiviral therapies could reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with flaviviral infections, but currently there are no drugs available for treatment. In this study, a high-throughput screening assay for the Dengue protease was employed to screen ∼120,000 small molecule compounds for identification of inhibitors. Eight of these inhibitors have been extensively analyzed for inhibition of the viral protease in vitro and cell-based viral replication using Renilla luciferase reporter replicon, infectivity (plaque) and cytotoxicity assays. Three of these compounds were identified as potent inhibitors of DENV and WNV proteases, and viral replication of DENV2 replicon and infectious RNA. Fluorescence quenching, kinetic analysis and molecular modeling of these inhibitors into the structure of NS2B-NS3 protease suggest a mode of inhibition for three compounds that they bind to the substrate binding pocket.
Dynamics calculation with variable mass of mountain self-propelled chassis

Abstract Many technological processes in the field of agricultural production mechanization, such as a grain crop, planting root-tuber fruits, fertilizing, spraying and dusting, pressing feed materials, harvesting of various cultures, etc. are performed by the machine-tractor units with variable mass of links or processed media and materials. In recent years, are also developing the systems of automatic control, adjusting and control of technological processes and working members in agriculture production. Is studied the dynamics of transition processes of mountain self-propelled chassis with variable mass at real change disconnect or joining masses that is most often used in the function of movement ( m ( t ) = ct ) m ( t ) = ct . Are derived the formulas of change of velocity of movement on displacement of unit and is defined the dependence of this velocity on the tractor and technological machine performance, with taking into account the gradual increase or removing of agricultural materials masses. According to the equation is possible to define a linear movement of machine-tractor unit. According to the obtained expressions we can define the basic operating parameters of machine-tractor unit with variable mass. The results of research would be applied at definition of characteristics of units, at development of new agricultural tractors.
Surgical anatomy of the chest wall

The normal musculoskeletal structure of the upper body functions primarily in respiration but also protects the vital organs of the thoracic cavity and supports movement of the upper extremities. The thorax is comprised of the sternum, ribs, clavicles, scapula, vertebra, various muscles, and neurovascular structures. There are a plethora of developmental anomalies that affect the various components of the thorax. In this chapter, we will cover the typical presentation of the thorax along with commonly seen variants.
USE OF AN ESOPHAGEAL RETRACTOR TO PREVENT THERMAL INJURIES DURING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION: A MULTI-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Background: Rapid and significant rise in esophageal temperature (ET) during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) can be an indicator of an esophageal injury and limits our ability to achieve pulmonary vein isolation(PVI) by incomplete left atrial posterior wall (PW)ablation.
Organic solar cells processed from green solvents

Solution-processed organic solar cells illustrate challenges inherent in processing π-conjugated semiconductors from sustainable polar solvents. The choice of processing conditions strongly influences the self-assembly of the complex multi-component morphology required for effective charge generation and extraction. High power conversion efficiencies have been achieved with a variety of materials and solvents, but greater emphasis on green solvent processing has the potential to make organic solar cells competitive to solar energy alternatives that rely on significantly more toxic compositions.
Involving undergraduates in genomics research to narrow the education-research gap.

Engaging undergraduates in computational tasks can improve genomic research laboratory productivity, benefiting both students and senior laboratory members.
Oncolytic Virotherapy and the Tumor Microenvironment.

Oncolytic viral therapy is a promising approach to treat many malignancies, including breast, colorectal, hepatocellular, and melanoma. The best results are seen when using “targeted and armed” viruses. These are viruses that have been genetically modified to selectively replicate within cancer cells and express specific transgenes that alter the tumor microenvironment to inhibit tumor progression. The products of these transgenes induce cell death, make the virus less virulent, compromise tumor vascularity, and are capable of modulating or enhancing the immune system—such as cytokines and chemokines. In addition, oncolytic viruses can induce anti-vascular effects and disrupt the extracellular matrix to improve viral spread within the tumor. Oncolytic viruses also improve crosstalk between fibroblasts, cytokine-induced killer cells, and cancer cells within the microenvironment, leading to enhanced tumor cell death.
Efficacy of routine catheter tip culture in a neonatal intensive care unit

Background Routine catheter tip cultures are not recommended because some cases of colonization, such as with Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to subsequent bacteremia. To evaluate the safety of colonization without antimicrobial treatment, as well as the effectiveness of routine catheter tip cultures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we performed a retrospective data analysis in a Japanese community hospital. Methods We reviewed all peripherally inserted central venous catheter tip culture results from the NICU ward between April 2012 and June 2017 and noted outcome (i.e. antimicrobial treatment or subsequent infection). We then performed a cost analysis for routine catheter tip culturing on patients who were symptom free during the study period. Results Of the 93 positive cases in 80 patients from 1,051 catheter tip cultures, seven patients had suspected infection and were treated with antimicrobials. The other 73 symptom-free, positive patients had no subsequent or exacerbated symptoms indicative of an infection, and did not have antimicrobial treatment. The total cost for catheter tip culturing during the study period was ¥548 731. After excluding patients with symptoms of infection at the time of culture, the efficacy of routine catheter tip cultures on symptom-free patients was estimated to be zero. Conclusion Symptom-free colonization did not affect clinician management in this study, and all colonized patients without suspected infection were safely managed without antimicrobials. Furthermore, routine catheter tip culturing was not cost-effective; therefore, this practice may be no longer recommended in the NICU.
Apresentação do chef na vida cotidiana: Socialização dos chefs em Lima, Peru

Over the past two decades, Peru has seen a dramatic expansion of restaurants and attention to Peruvian cuisine, a phenomenon known as the “gastronomy boom.” Peruvian chefs have become national celebrities, their entrepreneurial and culinary efforts portrayed as a means of transforming Peru into a more prosperous nation. In this paper, based on sixteen months of ethnographic research in Lima, I examine socialization practices in two culinary schools to elucidate how culinary work is linked to person formation in Peru. I show that instructors encourage students to eschew business practices locally classified as vivo (dishonest and crafty) in order to become more orderly. They also instill in students the importance of having the ambition necessary to achieve international prominence. Together, these lessons promote a template for a new, ideal Peruvian citizen whose combination of extroversion and restraint exemplifies Peru’s potential in the global economy.
Endocrine Factors Regulating Crustacean Reproductive Maturation

Crustaceans including shrimp, crab and lobster are major marine resources with a high commercial value. The U.S. alone imports more than $2 billion worth of shrimp annually. Aquaculture will serve as an important supplement to commercial shrimp fishing for domestic shrimp consumption. Actually, shrimp farming has grown into a $4 billion industry worldwide.
Partial least squares structural equation modeling of chemistry attitude in introductory college chemistry

Students’ decisions to enter or persist in STEM courses is linked with their affective domain. The influence of factors impacting students’ affective domain in introductory college chemistry classes, such as attitude, is often overlooked by instructors, who instead focus on students’ mathematical abilities as sole predictors of academic achievement. The current academic barrier to enrollment in introductory college chemistry classes is typically a passing grade in a mathematics prerequisite class. However, mathematical ability is only a piece of the puzzle in predicting preparedness for college chemistry. Herein, students’ attitude toward the subject of chemistry was measured using the original Attitudes toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory (ASCI). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to chart and monitor the development of students’ attitude toward the subject of chemistry during an introductory college chemistry course. Results from PLS-SEM support a 3-factor (intellectual accessibility, emotional satisfaction, and interest and utility) structure, which could signal the distinct cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of attitude, according to its theoretical tripartite framework. Evidence of a low-involvement hierarchy of attitude effect is also presented herein. This study provides a pathway for instructors to identify at-risk students, exhibiting low affective characteristics, early in a course so that academic interventions are feasible. The results presented here have implications for the design and implementation of teaching strategies geared toward optimizing student achievement in introductory college chemistry.
Corynebacterium glutamicum: A Model for the Use of DNA Technology in Food Grade Organisms

Corynebacterium glutamicum and a few closely related species have long occupied a central role in the production of amino acids and other primary metabolites by fermentation. Recombinant DNA technology provides a powerful array of genetic tools for the manipulation of gene expression in this species. The cloning of genes in the threonine biosynthetic pathway will be discussed, with emphasis on the identification of sequences responsible for the expression and regulation of the homthrB operon. Recent experiments, utilizing site-directed mutagenesis, demonstrate that these genes are controlled by a single stem-loop attenuator containing a methionine leader residue.
Cytochrome P450 3A9 catalyzes the metabolism of progesterone and other steroid hormones

The catalytic requirements and the role of P450 3A9, a female-specific isoform of CYP3A from rat brain, in the metabolism of several steroid hormones were studied using recombinant P450 3A9 protein. The optimal steroid hormone hydroxylase activities of P450 3A9 required cholate but not cytochrome b5. P450 3A9 was active in the hydroxylation reactions of testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). No activity of P450 3A9 toward cortisol was detectable under our reconstitution conditions. Among all the steroid hormones examined, female-specific P450 3A9 seemed to catalyze most efficiently the metabolism of progesterone, one of the major female hormones, to form three mono-hydroxylated products, 6beta-, 16alpha-, and 21-hydroxyprogesterone. Our data also showed that P450 3A9 can catalyze the formation of a dihydroxy product, 4-pregnen-6beta, 21-diol-3, 20-dione, from progesterone with a turnover number, 1.3 nmol/min/nmol P450. Based on the Vmax/Km values for P450 3A9 using either 21-hydroxprogesterone or 6beta-hydroxyprogesterone as a substrate, 4-pregnen-6beta, 21-diol-3, 20-dione may be formed either by 6beta-hydroxylation of 21-hydroxprogesterone or 21-hydroxylation of 6beta-hydroxyprogesterone. As a major isoform of CYP3A expressed in rat brain, the activities of P450 3A9 toward two major neurosteroids, progesterone and DHEA suggested a possible role for P450 3A9 in the metabolism of neurosteroids.
Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: Outcomes Over 20 Years.

Background Mechanisms contributing to acute kidney injury (AKI) after acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) include renal malperfusion or underlying renal dysfunction. We characterized AKI after ABAD and evaluated its potential for adverse clinical and aortic outcomes. Methods Between 1995 and 2016, 478 patients without prior dialysis requirement (mean age, 62.1 years; 60.5% male) presented with ABAD. Renal malperfusion was identified in 87 (18.2%). AKI was assessed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Results AKI was seen in 252 (52.7%; stage 1 in 130, stage 2 in 71, stage 3 in 51) and was associated with increased hospitalization (11 days vs 7 days with no AKI, p = 0.008). Independent predictors of AKI included hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.69), chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.98), congestive heart failure (OR, 2.36), and visceral (OR, 2.19), renal (OR, 3.18), or limb malperfusion (OR, 2.18, all p Conclusions AKI is common after ABAD and increases early mortality and hospital stay and diminishes late survival. Despite its adverse effect on survival, AKI is not associated with late aortic events.
Structure and stability of high-redshift galaxies in cosmological simulations

We investigate the structure of galaxies formed in a suite of high-resolution cosmological simulations. Consistent with observations of high-redshift galaxies, our simulated galaxies show irregular, prolate shapes with thick stellar disks, which are dominated by turbulent motions instead of rotation. Yet molecular gas and young stars are restricted to relatively thin disks. We examine the accuracy of applying the Toomre linear stability analysis to predict the location and amount of gas available for star formation. We find that the Toomre criterion still works for these irregular galaxies, after correcting for multiple gas and stellar components: the $Q$ parameter in $\rm{H_2}$ rich regions is in the range $0.5-1$, remarkably close to unity. Due to the violent stellar feedback from supernovae and strong turbulent motions, young stars and molecular gas are not always spatially associated. Neither the $Q$ map nor the $\rm{H_2}$ surface density map coincide with recent star formation exactly. We argue that the Toomre criterion is a better indicator of future star formation than a single $\rm{H_2}$ surface density threshold because of the smaller dynamic range of $Q$. The depletion time of molecular gas is below 1~Gyr on kpc scale, but with large scatter. Centering the aperture on density peaks of gas/young stars systematically biases the depletion time to larger/smaller values and increases the scatter.
Identification and characterization of dysregulated P‑element induced wimpy testis‑interacting RNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

It is clear that alcohol consumption is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated HNSCC remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and PIWI proteins dysregulated in alcohol-associated HNSCC to elucidate their function in the development of this cancer. Using next generation RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data obtained from 40 HNSCC patients, the piRNA and PIWI protein expression of HNSCC samples was compared between alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers. A separate piRNA expression RNA-seq analysis of 18 non-smoker HNSCC patients was also conducted. To verify piRNA expression, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed on the most differentially expressed alcohol-associated piRNAs in ethanol and acetaldehyde-treated normal oral keratinocytes. The correlation between piRNA expression and patient survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimators and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. A comparison between alcohol drinking and non-drinking HNSCC patients demonstrated that a panel of 3,223 piRNA transcripts were consistently detected and differentially expressed. RNA-seq analysis and in vitro RT-qPCR verification revealed that 4 of these piRNAs, piR-35373, piR-266308, piR-58510 and piR-38034, were significantly dysregulated between drinking and non-drinking cohorts. Of these four piRNAs, low expression of piR-58510 and piR-35373 significantly correlated with improved patient survival. Furthermore, human PIWI-like protein 4 was consistently upregulated in ethanol and acetaldehyde-treated normal oral keratinocytes. These results demonstrate that alcohol consumption may cause dysregulation of piRNA expression in HNSCC and in vitro verifications identified 4 piRNAs that may be involved in the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated HNSCC.
Design and recruitment of the randomized order safety trial evaluating resident-physician schedules (ROSTERS) study

Introduction: While the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education limited first year resident-physicians to 16 consecutive work hours from 2011 to 2017, resident-physicians in their second year or higher were permitted to work up to 28 h consecutively. This paper describes the Randomized Order Safety Trial Evaluating Resident-physician Schedules (ROSTERS) study, a clustered-randomized crossover clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of eliminating traditional shifts of 24 h or longer for second year or higher resident-physicians in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Methods: ROSTERS was a multi-center non-blinded trial in 6 PICUs at US academic medical centers. The primary aim was to compare patient safety between the extended duration work roster (EDWR), which included shifts â�¥24 h, and a rapidly cycling work roster (RCWR), where shifts were limited to a maximum of 16 h. Information on potential medical errors was gathered and used for classification by centrally trained physician reviewers who were blinded to the study arm. Secondary aims were to assess the relationship of the study arm to resident-physician sleep duration, work hours and neurobehavioral performance. Results: The study involved 6577 patients with a total of 38,821 patient days (n = 18,749 EDWR, n = 20,072 RCWR). There were 413 resident-physician rotations included in the study (n = 203 EDWR, n = 210 RCWR). Resident-physician questionnaire data were over 95% complete. Conclusions: Results from data collected in the ROSTERS study will be evaluated for the impact of resident-physician schedule roster on patient safety outcomes in PICUs, and will allow for examination of a number of secondary outcome measures. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02134847 Â© 2019 Elsevier Inc.
A Guide for Designing Student-Led, Interprofessional Community Education Initiatives About HIV Risk and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

Introduction There is room for innovation in medical education regarding HIV and modern biomedical preventive strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Previously described undergraduate ...
Identifying reproducible individual differences in childhood functional brain networks: An ABCD study.

The 21-site Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study provides an unparalleled opportunity to characterize functional brain development via resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and to quantify relationships between RSFC and behavior. This multi-site data set includes potentially confounding sources of variance, such as differences between data collection sites and/or scanner manufacturers, in addition to those inherent to RSFC (e.g., head motion). The ABCD project provides a framework for characterizing and reproducing RSFC and RSFC-behavior associations, while quantifying the extent to which sources of variability bias RSFC estimates. We quantified RSFC and functional network architecture in 2,188 9-10-year old children from the ABCD study, segregated into demographically-matched discovery (N = 1,166) and replication datasets (N = 1,022). We found RSFC and network architecture to be highly reproducible across children. We did not observe strong effects of site; however, scanner manufacturer effects were large, reproducible, and followed a "short-to-long" association with distance between regions. Accounting for potential confounding variables, we replicated that RSFC between several higher-order networks was related to general cognition. In sum, we provide a framework for how to characterize RSFC-behavior relationships in a rigorous and reproducible manner using the ABCD dataset and other large multi-site projects.
Nonpolar solute cononsolvency in ethanol/water mixtures – Connections to solvent structure

Abstract We present a molecular simulation study of argon cononsolvency in ethanol/water mixtures over the full range of solution compositions. First, we evaluate the solubility of argon in ethanol/water mixtures using particle insertion techniques to evaluate solute excess chemical potentials. Our simulations are in good agreement with available experimental results, importantly exhibiting a solubility minimum (excess chemical potential maximum) at intermediate ethanol concentrations at the lowest temperatures examined. Breaking the solvation free energies down into is entropic, enthalpic, and heat capacity contributions we find a distinct break between water-like and ethanol-like solvation thermodynamics at an ethanol concentration of 20 mol%. This break is accompanied with distinct changes in the solution structure suggesting argon partitions into ethanol-rich domains away from water with increasing ethanol composition. In addition, the boundary between water-like and ethanol-like solvation thermodynamics is found to lie within a concentration range in which the mixture forms bicontinuous water and ethanol clusters that span the simulation box at a nearly 50/50 vol fraction of the solvent components. We conclude with a study of the impact of cononsolvency on the association thermodynamics of argon pairs in the mixture. We find a break between water-like and ethanol-like argon interaction thermodynamics occurring at an ethanol composition of 25 mol%, similar to our solvation study. Examining the solvation shells of the two interacting argons as a function of separation, the shell is found to become progressively enriched in ethanol as the argon's come into contact. This solvation shell enrichment could subsequently provide a driving force for cononsolvency driven association/assembly.
Predictions of decreased surface roughness after shot peening using controlled media dimensions

Abstract Shot peening induces residual compressive stresses on metallic substrates, often used to decrease fatigue crack growth. The relationship between surface roughness and the magnitude of the stress can be affected by peening media size or the extent of peening. Generally, an ideal condition from shot peening would be a high compressive residual stress and a low surface roughness, but these tend to be inversely related. This study proposes a method for decreasing roughness and increasing residual stress concurrently using a distribution of shot sizes in a single shot peening passage based on finite element modeling that has been calibrated using by experimental results. Numerical models predict mixed shot sizes will create a smoother surface than using monodispersed shot at 100 % coverage. The residual stress profile for mixed shot sizes showed a broad range of compressive residual stresses in comparison with the largest impact ball size. This newly proposed method can improve the surface quality and the extent of the compressive residual stresses in a single-shot peening passage.
The role of acceptance in mood improvement during Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

OBJECTIVE This study elucidates the association between acceptance, mindfulness, and psychological well-being in a community-based sample participating in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. METHOD Participants (n = 52) completed an 8-week MBSR program at an academic medical center. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) at pre- and post-MSBR programs. RESULTS Serial mediation analysis suggested that changes in mindfulness preceded changes in acceptance, which improved well-being (indirect effect = -6.57, 95% confidence interval [CI; -13.38, -1.57]). Participants with low pre-MSBR acceptance significantly increased acceptance and well-being (p < .001). Moderated mediation models suggested that the pre-MBSR acceptance level moderated the mindfulness-acceptance and the acceptance-well-being link. CONCLUSIONS Acceptance may be related to mindfulness and pre-MSBR acceptance may differentially affect outcomes. Limitations include a nonclinical sample and a lack of a control group. Future research may examine mindfulness "dose" and other mechanisms that facilitate improvements in outcomes.
A Factorial Experiment to Optimize Remotely Delivered Behavioral Treatment for Obesity: Results of the Opt-IN Study.

Objective Intensive behavioral obesity treatments face scalability challenges, but evidence is lacking about which treatment components could be cut back without reducing weight loss. The Optimization of Remotely Delivered Intensive Lifestyle Treatment for Obesity (Opt-IN) study applied the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to develop an entirely remotely delivered, technology-supported weight-loss package to maximize the amount of weight loss attainable for ≤$500. Methods Six-month weight loss was examined among adults (N = 562) with BMI ≥ 25 who were randomly assigned to conditions in a factorial experiment crossing five dichotomous treatment components set to either low/high (12 vs. 24 coaching calls) or off/on (primary care provider reports, text messaging, meal replacements, and buddy training). Results About 84.3% of participants completed the final assessment. The treatment package yielding maximum weight loss for ≤$500 included 12 coaching calls, buddy training, and primary care provider progress reports; produced average weight loss of 6.1 kg, with 57.1% losing ≥5% and 51.8% losing ≥7%; and cost $427 per person. The most expensive candidate-treatment component (24 vs. 12 coaching calls) was screened out of the optimized treatment package because it did not increase weight loss. Conclusions Systematically testing each treatment component's effect on weight loss made it possible to eliminate more expensive but less impactful components, yielding an optimized, resource-efficient obesity treatment for evaluation in a randomized controlled trial.
Road scene object detection using pre-trained RGB neural networks on linear Stokes images

Neural networks trained on RGB and monochromatic images are tested on images augmented by polarimetry for recognition of road-based objects. The goal of this work is to understand the scene conditions for which object detection and recognition can be improved by linear Stokes measurements. Shadows, windows, low albedo, and other object features which reduce RGB image contrast also decrease neural network detection performance. This work demonstrates specific cases for which linear Stokes images increase image contrast and therefore increase object detection by a neural network. Linear Stokes videos for five difference scenes are collected at three times of day and two driving directions. Although limited in scope, this work demonstrates some enhancement to object detection by adding polarimetry to neural networks trained on RGB images.
The Spanish Baroque and Latin American Literary Modernity: Writing in Constellation

This book aims to develop a broader view of the trajectory of Hispanic modernity, tracing a motif of recurring impasse, first seen in peninsular Baroque texts and continuing into Latin American colonial and modern literature.
Recurrent Isolated Sixth Nerve Palsy in Relapsing-Remitting Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (P3.180)

OBJECTIVE: To report a patient with relapsing chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) presenting with recurrent sixth nerve palsy. BACKGROUND: CIDP is an immune-mediated sensory and motor demyelinating polyneuropathy that typically presents as a relapsing-remitting or progressive disorder. Cranial neuropathies infrequently occur in association with other more typical symptoms of CIDP. To our knowledge, cranial neuropathies presenting as the sole manifestation of CIDP have not been previously reported. We present a case of CIDP with recurrent isolated sixth nerve palsy and a remarkable response to IVIg therapy. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 58-year-old lady presented with the abrupt onset of right horizontal diplopia and a history of multiple such episodes beginning at age 30. Previous nerve conduction study apparently revealed a sensory and motor demyelinating polyneuropathy. She was given the diagnosis of CIDP and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) with excellent response to therapy. At her most recent presentation, her neurological examination showed a right sixth nerve palsy and arreflexia but no motor or sensory deficits. Brain MRI demonstrated nodular thickening of the left trigeminal nerve and enhancement of both sixth nerves. Lumbar puncture showed a normal white blood cell count with an elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein. She received a course of IVIg and had complete resolution of her symptoms within days. A repeat nerve conduction study (NCS) showed evidence for a sensory and motor demyelinating polyneuropathy including partial motor conduction block and abnormal temporal dispersion and slowing of conduction velocities in multiple nerves, consistent with CIDP. She currently remains asymptomatic without any immunomodulatory therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated cranial neuropathies can rarely occur as the sole manifestation of relapsing-remitting CIDP. The profound demyelination found on NCS in this case demonstrates that there can be a dramatic discordance between the clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in some patients with this disorder. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Al-Bustani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weiss has received personal compensation for activities with Walgreens, Grifols, and Nufactor. Dr. Weiss has received research support from Clinical Trials Research Unit/Northeast ALS Consortium and the ALS Therapy Alliance.
Subject of a Death

Tom Regan, a leading animal rights philosopher, stood firmly on the “rights” side of the “rights”/”welfare” divide in much of his writing. By contrast, a different philosopher, Peter Singer, has taken the position that individuals have no rights; the moral imperative is to maximize welfare along whatever dimension (hedonic, preference, etc.) is appropriate. In the second memorial lecture in Regan’s honor, reproduced here, along with questions and answers, as an Article, Colb argues that despite their many differences, Regan and Singer share something found in the writing of most animal protection advocates—the view that although animals are entitled to moral consideration, humans are entitled to much more than animals are. This Article asks why theorists so often feel the need to make this declaration and explains why it is destructive even when it seems relatively innocuous (such as when it appears in the context of an unrealistic hypothetical scenario). Colb proposes the substitution of sentience for both “subject of a life” (Regan’s formulation) and what Singer designates as the capacity to conceive of oneself over time. Sentience, the great equalizer among animals, is also the only relevant criterion when the rights or privileges in question revolve around the interest in being free from suffering and death.
Data, Imagination, and Action in the Profession of Statistics: Working with the Annual and CBMS Surveys

The Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Annual Survey and the CBMS Survey of Undergraduate Mathematics Programs are resources of key value to the statistics community. Their use in specific cases illustrates their scope, potential utility for leaders in the profession of statistics, and opportunities for future innovation.
Pipeline embolization of distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms

Background and purposeFlow diversion is commonly used to treat intracranial aneurysms in various regions of the cerebral vasculature, but is only approved for use in the internal carotid arteries. ...
Group 15 and 16 Nitrene-Like Pnictinidenes

Pnictinidenes are an increasingly relevant species in main group chemistry and generally exhibit proclivity for the triplet electronic ground state. However, the elusive singlet electronic states are often desired for chemical applications. We predict the singlet-triplet energy differences (ΔEST =ESinglet -ETriplet ) of simple group 15 and 16 substituted pnictinidenes (Pn-R; Pn=P, As, Sb, or Bi) with highly reliable focal-point analyses targeting the CCSDTQ/CBS level of theory. The only cases we predict to have favorable singlet states are P-PH2 (-3.2 kcal mol-1 ) and P-NH2 (-0.2 kcal mol-1 ). ΔEST trends are discussed in light of the geometric predictions as well as qualitative natural bond order analysis to elucidate some of the important electronic structure features. Our work provides a rigorous benchmark for the ΔEST of fundamental Pn-R moieties and provides a firm foundation for the continued study of heavier pnictinidenes.
Geonews: Timely Geoscience Educational YouTube Videos about Recent Geologic Events

Abstract. Geologic events like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis hurt nearby people and stimulate the curiosity of people farther away, thus providing opportunities to engage the public to be more interested to learn about Earth processes. Geoscientists are increasingly using social media such as Twitter to explain to the public what caused these events and videos provide an especially vivid way to reach this audience. However, it is still unclear how to create, evaluate and disseminate videos on timely natural events to communicate geosciences. To address this challenge and opportunity, we analyzed the impact of 33 short geoscience educational (GeoEd) videos that we created and posted on YouTube between 2018 and 2020. These include 12 videos on timely geologic events (Geonews videos) and 21 videos that are not specially about timely geologic topics (General GeoEd videos), all of which were similarly advertised and have similar lengths. By comparing the performance of the Geonews and General GeoEd videos, we conclude: 1) The YouTube audience is consistently interested in Geonews videos but some General GeoEd videos are more popular; 2) Geonews videos may trigger more meaningful dialogues than General GeoEd videos, especially for local audiences; and 3) The ‘golden period’ of Geonews videos engaging YouTube audiences is within 3 weeks after posting. 4) The Geonews audience tends to be younger and more diverse than the General GeoEd video audience. 5) Creating Geonews videos can be a promising strategy for geoscientists to engage public audiences on YouTube-like social media.
Measurement Properties of the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale.

Background: The updated Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS, version 2) has been widely used to evaluate the effect of lymphedema from the patient's perspective. We sought to assess its ability to accurately and efficiently measure lymphedema-related impact using modern psychometric techniques. Methods and Results: We collected a total of 1054 patient-reported outcome measure scores from 285 patients with upper extremity lymphedema and 65 patients with lower extremity lymphedema between 2016 and 2020. We first evaluated the relationship between the LLIS score, L-Dex score, and limb volume difference (LVD), and used classical test and item response theories to assess its psychometric performance. The LLIS score was only very weakly associated with LVD (r = 0.17, p < 0.001) and L-Dex score (r = 0.22, p < 0.001). The LLIS had acceptable dimensionality. Items 7 (affects body image) and 16 (affects proper fit of clothing/shoes) were locally dependent (Yen's Q3 = 0.45). Eight of the 17 items was interpreted differently between upper and lower limb lymphedema patients (pseudo R2 ≥ 0.01). The scoring structure required correction for items 9 (affects intimate relations) and 12 (manages lymphedema). Removing items 18 (infection occurrence) and 7 resulted in substantially improved item response theory model fit (Tucker-Lewis index = 0.93, comparative fix index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation = 0.07, and root means square of the residual = 0.06). The relationships between the LLIS and objective measures of lymphedema remained weak following modification (LVD; r = 0.13, p = 0.01, L-Dex; r = 0.26, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We were able to slightly improve the psychometric properties of the LLIS. However, these improvements did not rectify apparent issues with construct validity and both versions of the LLIS displayed a weak relationship with objective measures of lymphedema severity.
Innovative Interventions for Disordered Eating: A Pilot Comparison Between Dissonance-Based and Yoga Interventions

INNOVATIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR DISORDERED EATING: A PILOT COMPARISON OF DISSONANCE-BASED AND YOGA INTERVENTIONS Karen S. Mitchell, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005 Major Director: Suzanne E. Mazzeo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology Disordered eating, including bingeing, dieting, purging, and clinical and subclinical forms of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, is prevalent among college-aged women. To date, few interventions have successfully reduced risk factors related to disordered eating. One promising intervention utilizes principles of cognitive dissonance to reduce thin-ideal internalization among women at risk for eating disorders. Additionally, the benefits of yoga, including increased awareness of bodily processes, offer hope that this practice might reduce disordered eating symptomatology. The current study compared cognitive dissonance and yoga interventions for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that ,there were no significant differences between the yoga and control groups. However, participants in the dissonance group had significantly lower scores than both other groups on measures of disordered eating symptoms as well as thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, alexithymia, and anxiety. These findings have important implications for potential interventions on college campuses.
Assessing Harm Potential

Harm potential is the interplay between an client’s functional capacity and the risks associated with the environment in which he lives. Capacity includes both decisional and functional capacity. Decisional capacity or cognitive capacity reflects the cognitive ability of an individual to make choices that reflect an understanding and appreciation of the nature and consequences of his actions. Clients with adequate decisional capacity are able to receive and understand information and to formulate a decision based on that understanding. Functional capacity includes decisional capacity but also includes the physical, psychological, and social capacity of the client as evaluated within the environment in which he lives. For example, a client may have adequate decisional capacity but unable, for a variety of reasons, to live independently and safely in his home. Therefore, functional capacity reflects a broader concept and some clients may have poor functional capacity but intact decisional capacity. This is often the case for clients with a severe hoarding problem.
The Use of Herbs by California Midwives

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize herbal product use (prevalence, types, indications) among Certified Nurse Midwives/Certified Midwives (CNMs/CMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs) practicing in the state of California and to describe formal education related to herbal products received by midwives during midwifery education. Design/Setting/Participants: Cross‐sectional survey/California/Practicing midwives. Methods A list of LMs and CNMs/CMs practicing in California was obtained through the California Medical Board (CMB) and the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), respectively. The survey was mailed to 343 CNMs/CMs (one third of the ACNM mailing list) and 157 LMs (the complete CMB mailing list). Results Of the 500 surveys mailed, 40 were undeliverable, 146 were returned, and 7 were excluded (30% response rate). Of the 139 completed surveys, 58/102 (57%) of CNMs/CMs and 35/37 (95%) of LMs used herbs, and LMs were more comfortable than CNMs/CMs in recommending herbs to their patients. A majority of LMs had >20 hours of midwifery education on herbs whereas a majority of CNMs/CMs received 0 to 5 hours. Some CNMs/CMs indicated that their practice site limited their ability to use herbs. Common conditions in which LMs and CNMs/CMs used herbs were nausea/vomiting (86% vs. 83%), labor induction (89% vs. 58%), and lactation (86% vs. 65%). Specific herbs for all indications are described. Conclusion Licensed midwives were more likely than CNMs/CMs to use herbs in clinical practice. This trend was likely a reflection of the amount of education devoted to herbs as well as herbal use limitations that may be encountered in institutional facilities.
Independent Judiciary and Rent Seeking: Evidence from the Indian Constitution

Economists have argued that an independent judiciary will enforce legislative bargains with interest groups beyond the legislative term, increasing the durability of rents and transfers, and thereby increasing rent seeking. This research is inconsistent with the Indian experience, where an independent judiciary blocked wealth transfers and rents. In response, the Indian Parliament suspended independent judicial review for a list of preferred legislation, called the Ninth Schedule, enabling wealth transfers and rents through constitutional amendments. In this paper, I provide a general framework to analyze the role of an independent judiciary in rent seeking to explain the Indian experience. Using evidence from Indian legislative and constitutional history, and the legislation in the Ninth Schedule, I show that it is not the independence of the judiciary in isolation; but the constellation of constitutional rules enforced by an independent judiciary, that determines the amount and durability of rents and wealth transfers.
A hypothesis as to the organization of cerebral cortex in the common amniote ancestor of modern reptiles and mammals.

Opinions on the evolutionary origins of mammalian neocortex have divided into two camps: (1) antecedents of the superior neocortex (i.e. occipital, parietal and frontal lobes) and temporal neocortex (i.e. temporal lobe) were present in stem amniotes, and these antecedent regions gave rise to dorsal cortex and dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR), respectively, in living reptiles; (2) the stem amniote antecedent of mammalian superior neocortex gave rise to dorsal cortex in the reptilian lineage, while the stem amniote antecedent of mammal claustrum, endopiriform region and/or basolateral/basomedial amygdala gave rise to DVR in reptiles, with mammalian temporal neocortex being a newly evolved structure with no reptilian homologue. The latter hypothesis has the merit of being more consistent with some current homeobox gene data, but it has the disadvantages of positing that mammalian temporal neocortex arose de novo, and of assuming that the high similarity between DVR and temporal neocortex in the organization of thalamic sensory input and corticostriatal projections and in the topology of sensory areas is coincidental. If one assumes that the antecedent of superior and temporal neocortex in stem amniotes was one continuous field that histologically resembled dorsal cortex in living reptiles, the first hypothesis provides basis for a parsimonious account of the origin of superior and temporal neocortex and their considerable resemblance to dorsal cortex and DVR in reptiles, as well as to Wulst and DVR in birds.
Is it wrong to play violent video games

Many people have a strong intuition that there is something morally objectionable about playing violent video games, particularly with increases in the number of people who are playing them and the games' alleged contribution to some highly publicized crimes. In this paper, I use the framework of utilitarian, deontological, and virtue ethical theories to analyze the possibility that there might be some philosophical foundation for these intuitions. I raise the broader question of whether or not participating in authentic simulations of immoral acts in general is wrong. I argue that neither the utilitarian, nor the Kantian has substantial objections to violent game playing, although they offer some important insights into playing games in general and what it is morally to be a ``good sport.'' The Aristotelian, however, has a plausible and intuitive way to protest participation in authentic simulations of violent acts in terms of character: engaging in simulated immoral acts erodes one's character and makes it more difficult for one to live a fulfilled eudaimonic life.