cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myosin phosphorylation and calcium in tonic and phasic contractions of colonic smooth muscle

The time dependence of lightly loaded shortening velocity, myosin phosphorylation, and changes in myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured during tonic and phasic contractions of circular smooth muscle from the proximal colon of the dog. Shortening velocity was measured by quick release to a 10% afterload. Myosin phosphorylation was measured by an immunoblot method, and changes in [Ca2+]i were estimated by measuring fluorescence intensity at 550 nm in muscle strips loaded with fluo-3. During tonic contractions induced by 60 mM K+, phosphorylation increased monotonically from 0.11 +/- 0.011 to 0.29 +/- 0.015 mol Pi/mol light chain at 10 min. In contrast, lightly loaded shortening velocity increased rapidly within 10 s to 0.042 +/- 0.003 lengths/s and decreased exponentially to 0.013 +/- 0.001 lengths/s at 15 min. During transient contractions induced by 100 microM acetylcholine, phosphorylation increased from 0.16 +/- 0.03 to 0.30 +/- 0.06 mol Pi/mol light chain at 19 s. In contrast, shortening velocity increased to 0.068 +/- 0.015 lengths/s within 2.4 s and decreased significantly to 0.027 +/- 0.009 lengths/s at 22 s. Fluo-3 fluorescence increased in parallel with force during both tonic and transient contractions. In a smooth muscle that is able to contract both tonically and phasically we observed transient increases in shortening velocity without concurrent phosphorylation or [Ca2+]i transients. Therefore, there are factors in addition to myosin phosphorylation or changes in [Ca2+]i that regulate cross-bridge cycling rates in both tonic and phasic contractions.
Proposed definition of crystal substructure and substructural similarity

There is a clear need for a practical and mathematically rigorous description of local structure in inorganic compounds so that structures and chemistries can be easily compared across large data sets. Here a method for decomposing crystal structures into substructures is given, and a similarity function between those substructures is defined. The similarity function is based on both geometric and chemical similarity. This construction allows for large-scale data mining of substructural properties, and the analysis of substructures and void spaces within crystal structures. The method is validated via the prediction of Li-ion intercalation sites for the oxides. Tested on databases of known Li-ion-containing oxides, the method reproduces all Li-ion sites in an oxide with a maximum of 4 incorrect guesses 80% of the time.
Lymphovenous hemostasis and the role of platelets in regulating lymphatic flow and lymphatic vessel maturation

Aside from the established role for platelets in regulating hemostasis and thrombosis, recent research has revealed a discrete role for platelets in the separation of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. Platelets are activated by interaction with lymphatic endothelial cells at the lymphovenous junction, the site in the body where the lymphatic system drains into the blood vascular system, resulting in a platelet plug that, with the lymphovenous valve, prevents blood from entering the lymphatic circulation. This process, known as "lymphovenous hemostasis," is mediated by activation of platelet CLEC-2 receptors by the transmembrane ligand podoplanin expressed by lymphatic endothelial cells. Lymphovenous hemostasis is required for normal lymph flow, and mice deficient in lymphovenous hemostasis exhibit lymphedema and sometimes chylothorax phenotypes indicative of lymphatic insufficiency. Unexpectedly, the loss of lymph flow in these mice causes defects in maturation of collecting lymphatic vessels and lymphatic valve formation, uncovering an important role for fluid flow in driving endothelial cell signaling during development of collecting lymphatics. This article summarizes the current understanding of lymphovenous hemostasis and its effect on lymphatic vessel maturation and synthesizes the outstanding questions in the field, with relationship to human disease.
Analytical methodologies for broad metabolite coverage of exhaled breath condensate

Breath analysis has been gaining popularity as a non-invasive technique that is amenable to a broad range of medical uses. One of the persistent problems hampering the wide application of the breath analysis method is measurement variability of metabolite abundances stemming from differences in both sampling and analysis methodologies used in various studies. Mass spectrometry has been a method of choice for comprehensive metabolomic analysis. For the first time in the present study, we juxtapose the most commonly employed mass spectrometry-based analysis methodologies and directly compare the resultant coverages of detected compounds in exhaled breath condensate in order to guide methodology choices for exhaled breath condensate analysis studies. Four methods were explored to broaden the range of measured compounds across both the volatile and non-volatile domain. Liquid phase sampling with polyacrylate Solid-Phase MicroExtraction fiber, liquid phase extraction with a polydimethylsiloxane patch, and headspace sampling using Carboxen/Polydimethylsiloxane Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry were tested for the analysis of volatile fraction. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry were used for analysis of non-volatile fraction. We found that liquid phase breath condensate extraction was notably superior compared to headspace extraction and differences in employed sorbents manifested altered metabolite coverages. The most pronounced effect was substantially enhanced metabolite capture for larger, higher-boiling compounds using polyacrylate SPME liquid phase sampling. The analysis of the non-volatile fraction of breath condensate by hydrophilic and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry indicated orthogonal metabolite coverage by these chromatography modes. We found that the metabolite coverage could be enhanced significantly with the use of organic solvent as a device rinse after breath sampling to collect the non-aqueous fraction as opposed to neat breath condensate sample. Here, we show the detected ranges of compounds in each case and provide a practical guide for methodology selection for optimal detection of specific compounds.
Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer

Considerable progress has been made in the field of lung cancer surgery since the first sleeve lobectomy was performed 70 years ago. Technology has advanced significantly and a multitude of lung cancer treatments and diagnostic tests is now available. These advancements have led to improved surgical treatments and understanding of this disease. Historically, pneumonectomy was considered the procedure of choice for central or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Sleeve lobectomy was conceived only as an alternative for patients with limited cardiopulmonary reserve. However, the advantages of bronchoplastic resections for NSCLC have long been established (Thomas et al. J R Coll Surg Edinb. 1956;1:169–186; Allison et al. Ann R Coll Surg. 1954; 25:20–22; Thomas et al. Thorax. 1960;15:9–11; Weisel et al. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1979;78(6):839–849; Jensik et al. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1972;64(3):400–412. Many reliable studies have published convincing results over the years demonstrating superior outcomes over pneumonectomy when sleeve lobectomy is extended to patients with normal cardiopulmonary reserve (Gaissert et al. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 111(5):948–953, 1996). Not only does sleeve lobectomy surgery preserve lung function, but literature over the years has clearly shown this procedure to be associated with comparable morbidity, decreased mortality, and favorable long-term survival and enhanced quality of life (Weisel et al. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1979;78:839–849; Jensik et al. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1972;64:400–412, Ferguson et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 2003;76:1782–1788). In this review, we highlight patient selection factors and current indications for considering sleeve lobectomy. In addition, we describe our sleeve lobectomy surgical techniques and review post-operative management strategies and potential associated complications. We also discuss the long-term outcomes, recurrence, and survival rates associated with sleeve lobectomy in more recently available published series.
Of Course Animals Are Creative: Insights from Generativity Theory

When human behavior is both novel and of value to a community, it is sometimes labeled “creative” by members of that community. Virtually all animal behavior is novel in some sense, and it is also sometimes has value, particularly when it solves a problem. It is not unreasonable, therefore, to apply the language of human creativity to some instances of animal behavior. It is also possible that the same neural processes underlie the emergence of novel behavior in both people and animals; if so, at least in that regard, animal behavior may be creative in precisely the same way human behavior is. Generativity theory is a formal, predictive theory of novel behavior which asserts that the same processes underlie novel behavior in both animals and people. Instantiated in a computer model, the theory has been successful in predicting ongoing novel behavior in both pigeons and people in laboratory settings moment to moment in time. The main assertion of the theory—that novel behavior emerges as previously established behaviors become interconnected—makes sense in evolutionary terms because it provides organisms with an efficient way of adapting previously established behavior to novel situations. Unfortunately, rather than analyze novel behavior in animals using the formal quantitative methods of the natural sciences, researchers who study such behavior often engage in a century-old and largely pointless debate about the role that cognitive processes play in the emergence of such behavior.
Differences among avian frugivores in seed dispersal to degraded habitats

Vertebrate frugivores enhance tropical forest regeneration by dispersing seeds into degraded areas. However, the importance of individual species as dispersers may vary within a community. Management and restoration would benefit from understanding which species are critical in moving native seeds into degraded habitats. We compared habitat composition of bird start and end locations for movement intervals based on mean gut passage times for the avian frugivore community on the island of Saipan. The proportion of movement intervals that began in intact, native forest varied among species, with Golden White-eyes having the highest proportion. However, this species tended to remain in intact forest and only rarely crossed into degraded habitats. Bridled White-eyes and Mariana Fruit Doves exhibited slightly higher rates of crossing from intact forest to degraded habitats, suggesting an ability to disperse native seeds to degraded areas. White-throated Ground Doves were never recorded crossing from intact forest to degraded habitats. Despite having a low proportion of movement intervals beginning in intact forest, Micronesian Starlings showed a higher proportion and absolute number of movements from intact forest to degraded habitats, due to their propensity to move frequently, across long distances, and across habitat types. In this species-poor frugivore network, seed dispersal into degraded habitats appears highly dependent on one species within the community. Regeneration of degraded lands may be severely hindered if this key disperser is lost.
Quantitative Methodology, Data Analysis, and Assumptions

The quantitative methodology for this analysis of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) energy efficiency projects starts with a general portfolio analysis of GEF energy efficiency projects and develops a classification of the projects into 10 subareas: (1) appliances & equipment; (2) Energy Service Companies (ESCOs); (3) energy supply; (4) finance; (5) industrial processes; (6) lighting; (7) national strategy; (8) buildings; (9) heating; and (10) others. Projects are assessed against criteria on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, co-finance, and project preparation duration. The effectiveness of funds utilization is then assessed. In addition, 65 GEF slowly moving energy efficiency projects are assessed for lessons learned. Conclusions from the analysis are presented using a variety of indicators. Open image in new window
Midcentury Geohumanities: J. B. Jackson and the “Magazine of Human Geography”

This article makes the argument that J. B. Jackson’s Landscape was where the concept of the “geohumanities” was first cultivated in the transdisciplinary context of a single magazine. Specifically,...
Women as Victims of Political Violence, Genocide and Gendercide

The media often portray women as caught up in a situation of terrorism – not as protagonists but as bystanders or victims. Osama bin Laden’s wives, discussed in Chap. 1, are often discussed collectively, along with their children, as beings influenced by terrorism but not precisely related to it. In 2012, Pakistan placed three of bin Laden’s wives, who were present during the US raid of the Abbottabad compound, under house arrest for a month for having illegally entered Pakistan. After serving their sentence, it was unclear where these women and children would go. While they were not believed to be active in Al Qaeda, their home countries, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, did not jump to get them back from Pakistan. The two Saudi wives, Khairiah Sabar and Siham Sabar, had lost their citizenship along with Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, yet, on humanitarian grounds, Saudi Arabia eventually accepted them and bin Laden’s younger, Yemeni wife, Amal Ahmed al-Sadah. Today, they live together in a compound outside of Jeddah. These women and their children were portrayed as passive, bending to the will of governments. In a sense, they were “victims” of association with bin Laden, not actors with their own agency.
Shared Automated Vehicle (SAV) Pilots and Automated Vehicle Policy in the U.S.: Current and Future Developments

Many automated vehicle (AV) developers and technology companies are fast pursuing the public deployment of these vehicles as part of a shared fleet. To the best of our knowledge, this chapter is the first comprehensive compilation of 17 active shared automated vehicle (SAV) pilot projects in the U.S., as of February 2018. This chapter also reviews AV regulatory efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. By tracking trends and classifying the differences between SAV pilots, we foster a better understanding of how this technology might roll out in the coming decades. While 30 states have enacted legislation or executive orders related to AVs, only two states’ regulations contain provisions related to SAVs. Although future impacts of SAVs are still uncertain, this chapter begins the dialogue around the need for proactive SAV legislation to help guide beneficial societal outcomes of these emerging services.
Effect of Coriolis acceleration on the vibrations of rotating disks

The changes effected by the Coriolis acceleration in the frequencies of inplane vibrations of a rotating disk are calculated. It is shown that the current practice to neglect this effect in everyday engineering calculations is quite justified. It is also shown that when disks are spun at ultra high speeds, say exceeding the one that corresponds with one-tenth of the lowest natural frequency of a stationary disk, the effect does become significant.
Benefits of alternative computer mouse designs: A systematic review of controlled trials

Prolonged use of a standard mouse is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. This review provides professionals with in-depth analysis of the literature regarding the evidence behind the use of a...
Temporal Frequency Abnormalities in Early-Stage Diabetic Retinopathy Assessed by Electroretinography.

Purpose To define the nature and extent of temporal frequency abnormalities in diabetics who have mild or no nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) by using the flicker electroretinogram (ERG). Methods Light-adapted flicker ERGs were recorded from 20 diabetics who have no clinically apparent retinopathy, 20 diabetics who have mild NPDR, and 20 nondiabetic, age-equivalent controls. ERGs were elicited by full-field sinusoidal flicker across the temporal frequency range of 6 to 100 Hz and were recorded using conventional techniques. The amplitude and phase of the fundamental and harmonic response components were derived by Fourier analysis and compared among the groups. Results Analysis of variance indicated that compared with the controls, both patient groups had significant amplitude reductions of the fundamental ERG component for temporal frequencies greater than 56 Hz (all P ≤ 0.03). Modeling the amplitude measurements indicated that both patient groups had significant reductions in the high-frequency response cutoff. Response phase, however, did not differ significantly among the groups at any frequency. The amplitude and phase of the high-frequency harmonics (32-96 Hz) of the patients' responses to a low-frequency stimulus (16 Hz) were normal over the temporal frequency range that the fundamental response was abnormal. Conclusions Taken together, the diabetics' fundamental amplitude attenuation for rapid flicker combined with their normal high-frequency harmonic responses generated by slow flicker suggest that the likely site of the abnormal temporal filtering occurs prior to the nonlinearity that generates the harmonic components of the ERG, implicating a photoreceptor origin.
Colony behavior of the obligate social parasite Vespula austriaca (Panzer) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The obligate social parasite,Vespula austriaca (Panzer), after successfully usurping a colony, displayed overt physical dominance of the host workers,V. acadica (Sladen). Agonistic inquiline behavior such as mauling, chasing workers, and flailing were commonly observed during observations of 5 parasitized colonies. The parasites solicited workers more frequently than larvae for liquid nourishment, and commonly engaged in both typical and forced trophallaxis. Aggressiveness of the parasite was more intense during the early stages of colony occupation, and was less frequent and vigorous in the later stages of the colony. A brief, and probably intense, oviposition period occurred during the period of heightened parasite aggression. This species exhibited many activities similar to those of another vespine inquiline,Dolichovespula arctica (Rohwer), such as hyperactivity, gastral dragging, minimal nest construction and lack of colony defense, but also displayed some contrasting interactions. There was an absence of worker attraction to the inquiline, an inhibition of worker ovarian development by the parasite, and decreased aggression in later colony stages. It is hypothesized thatV. austriaca maintains colony control through an interplay of direct and forceful interactions with workers and by the use of pheromones.
Photoacoustic harmony: Using musical concepts to study mixed gases through PA spectroscopy

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy was applied to study the intensity of musical notes in harmony created by the photoacoustic signals of ethylene (C2H4) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gases. Two CO2 lasers with a wavelength of 10.6 μm were modulated using two separate mechanical choppers. It was observed that musical notes with a frequency approximately that of the fundamental frequency of the resonator had higher intensity peaks than those further away. To equilibrate the intensities of these notes for fuller tones in the musical chords of interest, a second resonator, sulfur hexafluoride, having vastly different resonance properties from ethylene, was added to the gas cell. It was observed that this only moderately affected the outcome for the overall tone of the chords of interest. However, as expected, sulfur hexafluoride offered a more dynamic range of tones due to its large variance in resonance frequency with concentration. Photoacoustic Spectroscopy was applied to study the intensity of musical notes in harmony created by the photoacoustic signals of ethylene (C2H4) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gases. Two CO2 lasers with a wavelength of 10.6 μm were modulated using two separate mechanical choppers. It was observed that musical notes with a frequency approximately that of the fundamental frequency of the resonator had higher intensity peaks than those further away. To equilibrate the intensities of these notes for fuller tones in the musical chords of interest, a second resonator, sulfur hexafluoride, having vastly different resonance properties from ethylene, was added to the gas cell. It was observed that this only moderately affected the outcome for the overall tone of the chords of interest. However, as expected, sulfur hexafluoride offered a more dynamic range of tones due to its large variance in resonance frequency with concentration.
Different weekly frequencies of Pilates did not accelerate pain improvement in patients with chronic low back pain.

Abstract Background Recent evidence recommends Pilates for the treatment of chronic low back pain. However, it is still unknown if different weekly frequencies of Pilates can accelerate the improvement of symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain verified by a daily pain assessment. Objective To analyze whether different weekly frequencies of Pilates can accelerate pain reduction by 30%, 50%, and 100% in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and the necessary number of weeks to reach these improvements. Methods Two hundred and twenty-two patients were randomized into three groups: Pilates group 1 received treatment once a week, Pilates group 2 received treatment twice a week, and Pilates group 3 received treatment three times a week. All groups received Pilates for six weeks. Pain intensity was measured daily before and after each intervention session using the Pain Numerical Rating Scale. The assessor was not blind. Results The survival analysis showed that all Pilates groups had a pain reduction of 30%, 50%, and 100% at the same speed during treatment. There was no difference between the different weekly frequencies of Pilates for any of the comparisons (p > 0.05). After the first week of treatment, 44.6% of the patients in Pilates group 3 showed complete pain improvement, followed by 37.8% of the patients in Pilates group 2 and 29.7% in Pilates group 1. After the last week, 71.6% (Pilates group 1), 77% (Pilates group 2), and 78.4% (Pilates group 3) of the patients reported complete improvement of symptoms. Conclusion Different weekly frequencies of Pilates did not accelerate pain improvement in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Registered in Clinical Trials Registry: NCT02241538 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02241538 ).
Brucellosis Presenting as Cholecystitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease endemic to much of the world. It most often presents with nonspecific symptoms and is a well known cause of undulant fever. Focal forms occur less frequently, with osteoarticular complications being the most common. In this study, we describe a rare case of brucellosis presenting as cholecystitis.
Infections of the Central Nervous System

Infections of the CNS are relatively common in children and many are potentially life threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to limit damage from the infection itself and from complications such as seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and infectious vasculitis.
Maxwell's Demon and its Fallacies Demystified

A demonic being, introduced by Maxwell, to miraculously create thermal non-equilibrium and violate the Second law of thermodynamics, has been among the most intriguing and elusive wishful concepts for over 150 years. Maxwell and his followers focused on 'effortless gating' a molecule at a time, but overlooked simultaneous interference of other chaotic molecules, while the demon exorcists tried to justify impossible processes with misplaced 'compensations' by work of measurements and gate operation, and information storage and memory erasure with entropy generation. The illusive and persistent Maxwell's demon fallacies by its advocates, as well as its exorcists, are scrutinized and resolved here. Based on holistic, phenomenological reasoning, it is deduced here that a Maxwell's demon operation, against natural forces and without due work effort to suppress interference of competing thermal particles while one is selectively gated, is not possible at any scale, since it would be against the physics of the chaotic thermal motion, the latter without consistent molecular directional preference for selective timing to be possible. Maxwell's demon would have miraculous useful effects, but also some catastrophic consequences.
Factors that Differentiate Preadolescents' Perception-Change of Parental Legitimacy

Whether preadolescents perceive their parents’ authority as legitimate or not depends, in part, on the concerns and issues that they have dealt with before and during their preadolescence. Utilizing data from the first and second waves of the Sao Paulo Legal Socialization Study (SPLSS), we conducted one-way MANOVAs to analyze the role of procedural justice and the impact of victimization on preadolescents’ perceptions of parental legitimacy across domains. Preadolescents were split into four distinct groups based on their perceptions of parental legitimacy and whether the perception shifted across the two waves of data. The study revealed a significant difference across groups in terms of procedural justice and on preadolescents’ reported victimization levels. The latter indicate that suffering some form of victimization may have resulted in delegitimizing parental authority. The findings broaden the literature on parenting practices in preadolescence and make salient an emerging field of victimization impacting parental legitimacy.
Endoscopic ultrasound: a powerful tool to modify treatment algorithms in opioid-induced achalasia.

Opioid use in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the last 15 years, recently being declared a public health emergency. Opioid use is associated with esophageal dysmotility lending to a confusing clinical picture compared to true achalasia. Patients exhibit symptoms and elicit diagnostic results consistent with esophageal motility disorders, in particular type III achalasia. Modified therapeutic strategies and outcomes become challenging. Differentiating true achalasia from opioid-induced achalasia is critical. Conventional surgical interventions, i.e., myotomy, are ineffective in the absence of true achalasia. We assess the utility of esophageal muscle layer mapping with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in distinguishing primary from opioid-induced achalasia. From 2016 to 2019, patients with abnormal manometry and suspected achalasia underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and EUS mapping of esophageal round muscle layer thickness. Maximum round layer thickness and length of round muscle layer thickness > 1.8 mm were collected and compared between opioid users and non-opioid users using Wilcoxon Rank sum test. 45 patients were included: 12 opioid users, 33 non-opioid users. Mean age 56.8 years (range 24–93), 53.3% male patients. Mean BMI in the opioid-induced achalasia group was 30.2 kg/m2, mean BMI in the primary achalasia group 26.8 kg/m2 (p = 0.11). In comparing endoscopic maximum round layer thickness between groups, non-opioid patients had a thicker round muscle layer (2.7 mm vs 1.8 mm, p = 0.05). Length of abnormally thickened esophageal muscle (greater than 1.8 mm) also differed between the two groups; patients on opioids had a shorter length of thickening (4.0 cm vs 0.0 cm, p = 0.04). Intervention rate was higher in the non-opioid group (p = 0.79). Of the patients that underwent therapeutic intervention, symptom resolution was higher in the non-opioid group (p = 0.002), while re-intervention post-procedure for persistent symptomatology was elevated in the opioid subset (p = 0.06). Patients in the opioid group were less likely to undergo invasive treatment (Heller). As of 2017 all interventions in the opioid group have been endoscopic. Endoscopic ultrasound is an essential tool that has improved our treatment algorithm for suspected achalasia in patients with chronic opioid usage. Incorporation of EUS findings into treatment approach may prevent unnecessary surgery in opioid users.
Cardiovascular Prevention in Individuals at High Risk of Developing Cancer

Despite impressive advances in diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains a serious disease with a significant risk of recurrence and death. Although personalized and less toxic therapies have decreased the public health burden associated with many cancer types, the ideal cancer-mitigating intervention
Earnings Risks, Savings and Wealth Concentration

A criticism of earnings risk models of wealth inequality is that they do not accurately capture individual's earnings risks. I construct a stochastic process that directly determines workers earnings. I use a set of new empirical moments to match moments of earnings changes in the universe of workers in the U.S. economy. Despite its computational challenges, a stochastic process that determines earnings instead of labor productivity improves the modeling of risks as it allows me to (1) reproduce the distribution of earnings, (2) match several moments of the distribution of earnings changes, and (3) skill-dependence of earnings profiles. To study the implications of such data-guided earnings risks for wealth concentration, I develop a general equilibrium stochastic life cycle production economy with skilled and unskilled workers. I show that data-guided earnings risks, contrary to what Castaneda et al. (2003) implies, are not large enough to explain high saving rates of top earners. Therefore, wealth in the model is less concentrated than the data. I also study how changes in earnings affect the distribution of wealth over time. Consistent with the data, I allow for earnings profiles, skill premium, share of skilled workers in the population, and tax schedules to vary with time. My findings show that changes in Wealth inequality between 1989 and 2013 can almost entirely be attributed to changes in earnings dispersion. Although in both periods, wealth concentration is lower than the data, changes in the wealth share of top one percent over time matches the data.
Comparison of inhaled mannitol/dornase alfa combination and daily dornase alfa alone in children with cystic fibrosis.

Objectives Inhaled recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (dornase alfa) and osmotic agents such as inhaled mannitol are used for improving the clearance of secretions of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical effects of adding dry powder inhaled (DPI) mannitol in subjects with CF who are taking daily dornase alfa. Method We conducted a retrospective case-control study on subjects with CF. The effect of DPI mannitol was assessed by comparing DPI mannitol and dornase alfa combination with daily dornase alfa alone in children with CF during a 12-month period. The primary outcome measures of the study were absolute changes in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1 z-scores and the secondary outcomes included other spirometry indices, body mass index, frequency of pulmonary exacerbations, SPO2 , and sputum microbiology. Result Of a total of 28 patients who committed to use DPI mannitol treatments during the study period, five had a positive challenge with DPI mannitol and two were aged over 18 years. Therefore, the mannitol treatment group consisted of 21 patients. However, the effect of DPI mannitol was analyzed using 15 patients in the mannitol treatment group who received DPI mannitol for at least 12 months, and 18 patients who only used dornase alfa constituted the control group. The median absolute change in FEV1 between baseline and the third month; and baseline and the 12th month were significantly higher in the mannitol treatment group (p = 0.038, p = 0.004, respectively). When the groups are compared with respect to absolute z-score changes, all spirometry indices, except FVC at the end of 3 months, showed statistically significant improvements in the mannitol treatment group. Some secondary outcomes like pulmonary exacerbation frequency during the study year and median absolute body mass index z-score changes from baseline to the end of the study showed no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.735, p = 0.161, respectively). No colonization changes were observed in the treatment group. Conclusions This study showed that in those patients who tolerated long-term (12 months) treatment with DPI mannitol and dornase alfa made greater improvements in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 z-scores than treatment with dornase alfa alone in children with CF.
Outcomes of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Co-Prescribed with Common Interacting Medications.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) can potentially interact with multiple prescription medications. We examined the prevalence of co-prescription of DOACs with interacting medications and its impact on outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with AF treated with a DOAC from 2010 to 2017 at the Mayo Clinic and co-prescribed medications that are inhibitors or inducers of the P-glycoprotein and/or Cytochrome P450 3A4 pathways were identified. The outcomes of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and minor bleeds were compared between patients with and without an enzyme inducer. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between interacting medications and outcomes. Of 8,576 patients with AF (mean age 70 ± 12 years, 35% female) prescribed a DOAC (38.6% apixaban, 35.8% rivaroxaban, 25.6% dabigatran), 2,610 (30.4%) were on at least 1 interacting agent: the majority were on an enzyme inhibitor (n = 2,592). Prescribed medications included non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (n = 1,412; 16.5%), antiarrhythmic medication (n = 790; 9.2%), antidepressant (n = 659; 7.7%), antibiotic/antifungal (n = 77; 0.90%), antiepileptics (n = 17; 0.2%) and immunosuppressant medications (n = 19; 0.2%). Patients on an interacting medication were more likely to receive a lower dose of DOAC than indicated by the manufacturer's labeling (15.0% vs 11.4%, p
A UNIFIED PROTOCOL FOR THE GROUP TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Childhood anxiety and mood disorders are common and are associated with high levels of impairment. These disorders share a common etiology and risk factors, and are often experienced concurrently. While evidence-based interventions for youth anxiety and depressive disorders do exist, children experiencing this common comorbidity tend to experience weaker treatment outcomes in anxiety or depression focused treatments as compared to youth suffering from either disorder alone. Researchers are now investigating transdiagnostic interventions, which have potential to target common vulnerability factors and address a wider range of concerns. The Unified Protocol for the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children: Emotion Detectives (UP-C: ED) is a transdiagnostic treatment that implements a set of core principles thought to address common factors underlying youth anxiety and depressive disorders in a group setting. Theoretical underpinnings of the UP-C: ED are discussed along with an in-depth presentation of treatment content. A case study is also presented detailing initial intake, treatment conceptualization, treatment, and treatment outcomes using this modality.
Abstract 168: Intermittent Hypoxic/Hyperoxic Cycling Improves Survival of Human Inducible Pluripotent-Derived Cardiomyocytes Subjected to Prolonged Hypoxia

Background: Ischemic and hypoxic pre-conditioning has demonstrated a robust early and late cardioprotection in the heart. Hypoxic pre-conditioning has recently been used with some success to prolong stem cell survival prior to transplantation in the heart. In our previous work, we have noted hyperoxia exposure may also provide a pre-conditioning stimulus. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that brief periods of hypoxic/hyperoxic cycling of human inducible pluripotent derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) prior to prolonged hypoxic exposure will improve cardiomyocyte survival. Methods: Three groups of hiPSC-CMs were studied; 1) HYP group (hypoxia, 0% O2 for 20 hours), 2) HP21 group (two alternate cycles of hypoxia, 0% O2 /normoxia, 21% O2 + 20 hours hypoxia), 3) HP95 group (two alternate cycles of hypoxia, 0% O2/hyperoxia, 95% O2 + 20 hours hypoxia). After the prolonged hypoxic exposure, all three groups were immediately imaged for cell viability using live cell DAPI and phase contrast microscopy. Dihydroethidine (D...
Research on Neural Network Integration Fusion Method and Application

A new fusion model is proposed,which is the combination of integration BP neural networks models and DS evidence reasoning model,to solve the problems of low precision rate in automotive engine fault diagnosis by traditional expert system.The method of this paper not only realizes feature level fusion of all subjective observation data and expert experiments on different parts of engineer,but also realizes the predominance compensation of different models.In simulation experiment,by comparison between the two methods,this method proposed can improve diagnosis precision by 7.1% while reduces time and complexity.
Measures Related to the Ball Algebra

This chapter deals with two types of topics. The material of Sections 9.2 and 9.3 is function-theoretic. The measures that are discussed there are intimately related to the holomorphic functions in B. On the other hand, Sections 9.4 and 9.5 describe some measure-theoretic aspects of the theory of function algebras in general. These would not become any simpler by specializing to the ball algebra. Both aspects are used in the proof of the Cole-Range theorem (Section 9.6), which is one of several modern generalizations of the classical theorem of F. and M. Riesz.
Agriopleura Morphotypes of the Lower Aptian Shu’aiba Formation of Saudi Arabia

The Shu’aiba Formation of the Arabian Platform consists of Aptian carbonates in which rudists are important biocomponents. It is an important hydrocarbon reservoir. Semi quantitative micropalaeontology and macropalaeontological observations from cores have enabled three-dimensional interpretation of biofacies and lithofacies that have guided optimal reservoir exploitation. In addition to the presence of Offneria murgensis MASSE, O. cf. nicolinae (MAINELLI), Glossomyophorus costatus MASSE et al., Oedomyophorus shaybahensis SKELTON, and Horiopleura cf. distefanoi BOEHM the Shu’aiba Formation contains Agriopleura cf. blumenbachi (STUDER) and A. cf. marticensis (d’ORBIGNY). Although species of Agriopleura are locally present over short sections below the Glossomyophorus costatus accumulations of the middle part of the formation, they are very well represented in its upper part, where they are typically associated with the moderately deep marine benthonic foraminifera Praechrysalidina infracretacea, Vercorsella arenata, Debarina hahounerensis and Palorbitolina lenticularis. Agriopleura cf. blumenbachi and A. cf. marticensis display contrasting morphologies. Agriopleura cf. marticensis is cone-shaped, with a fixed valve expansion angle of 30–35o, and with average right valve dimensions of 3.5 cm length and 2.5 cm maximum diameter. A recently observed “clinger” form is, however, 70 cm long. A. cf. blumenbachi is elongate, almost tube-like, with a very low rate of fixed valve diameter increase, of less than 10o with average right valve dimensions of 6.5 cm length and 2.2 cm maximum diameter. The two forms are present in distinct biofacies. Both Agriopleura facies are considered to compose a single depositional cycle, and it is possible that the elongate shape of Agriopleura cf. blumenbachi is better adapted to the slightly higher rate of sedimentation associated with the relatively rapid sea level rise at the base of each new depositional cycle. The cone-shape of A. cf. marticensis is possibly adapted to lower rates of sedimentation during the relatively slower rate of sea level rise, and ultimate fall of the upper part of each depositional cycle.
Nitric oxide regulates interleukin 1 bioactivity released from murine macrophages.

The bioactivity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a major proinflammatory cytokine, can be modulated by a variety of factors including inhibitors of IL-1 production and release and receptor blockade by IL-1 receptor antagonist and by binding to nonsignaling soluble receptors. This study demonstrates that the free radical nitric oxide (NO) is also a regulator of IL-1 bioactivity. Lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, and lipopolysaccharide plus interferon-γ-activated murine peritoneal macrophages release IL-1 bioactivity, which is increased 10-fold over control levels by 24 h. NG-Monomethyl L-arginine (NMMA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, almost completely inhibits the release of IL-1 bioactivity from activated macrophages in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 50 µM. IL-1 activity was determined by thymocyte proliferation bioassay and by a new spectrophotometric bioassay based on IL-1-specific induction of NOS and NO production by an insulinoma cell line, RINm5F. Neither NO nor NOS inhibitors present in the macrophage supernatant interfere with the bioassays. Aminoguanidine and iodonium diphenyl, mechanistically unrelated NOS inhibitors, also prevent the release of IL-1 activity from RAW 264.7 cells. The addition of the NO donor S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine reconstituted the release of IL-1 bioactivity inhibited by NMMA in a concentration-dependent manner. NO appears to increase the amount of IL-1 protein released by activated macrophages as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but not by mechanisms involving cell death nor modification of IL-1 precursor processing. A cGMP donor, 8-bromo-cGMP, dose-dependently reverses NMMA inhibition of bioactive IL-1 release, suggesting that NO regulates IL-1 release by a cGMP-dependent mechanism. These observations suggest that NO stimulation of the activity of IL-1, a key mediator of the immune response, may be a potentially important mechanism for control of IL-1 activity in vivo.
Chemical genetics: ligand-based discovery of gene function

Chemical genetics is the study of gene-product function in a cellular or organismal context using exogenous ligands. In this approach, small molecules that bind directly to proteins are used to alter protein function, enabling a kinetic analysis of the in vivo consequences of these changes. Recent advances have strongly enhanced the power of exogenous ligands such that they can resemble genetic mutations in terms of their general applicability and target specificity. The growing sophistication of this approach raises the possibility of its application to any biological process.
4,8-anhydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid. Isolation from edible bird's nest and structure determination.

A new, sialic-acid-derived compound was isolated from the acid hydrolysate of edible bird's nest by ion-exchange chromatography. Combined use of mass spectroscopy and 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy established that it is the 4,8-anhydro derivative of N-acetylneuraminic acid and that in solutions it exists in two tautomeric forms. The formation of the new compound supports and earlier finding that in the glycoprotein of edible bird's nest at least a portion of N-acetylneuraminic acid is acetylated at HO-4.
Antigen-specific tolerance of diabetogenic T cells inhibits mTOR expression and function (THER6P.854)

In prior studies we have shown that antigen-induced tolerance of diabetogenic Th1 cells leads to diminished expression of the transcription factor T-bet and downregulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR3. Consequently, the cells are retained in the spleen, can not traffic to the pancreas, and the mice are resistant to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Investigation of the molecular events underlying this form of Th1 tolerance indicates that expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a conserved serine/threonine kinase involved in regulation of cell metabolism, is inhibited and its function is impaired. Specifically, phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 kinase, a target of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is decreased whereas mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of AKTS473 is unaffected. In contrast, overexpression of mTOR or its positive regulator, Akt, by viral transduction nullifies antigen-induced tolerance and accelerates progression of T1D. Thus, mTOR plays a major role in the regulation of T cell activation and provides a useful target for modulation self-reactive T cells and suppression of autoimmune or type 1 diabetes.
On the effective coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of bilayer/trilayer in semiconductor package substrates

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is a material parameter used to measure the degree of expansion divided by the change in temperature. For single layer films, there exists an explicit definition and well-established technique (Thermomechanical Analysis) to measure the CTE. However, there is no explicit definition of effective CTE for multilayer films/composites composed of multiple materials with different individual CTE's. Definition and calculation of effective CTE of multilayer films/composites are still unexplored fundamental problems. Bilayer and trilayer films are major components in the semiconductor package substrate. Three different effective CTE's located at the top surface, bottom surface and mid-plane of bottom film of bilayers were derived explicitly and compared to finite element modeling. Furthermore, the effective CTE of symmetrical trilayer films was derived explicitly and compared to finite element modeling. It shows that not only the individual CTE's of constituent materials but also the ratios of thicknesses and moduli contribute to the effective CTE behavior. The theoretical and numerical study of effective CTE of bilayer and trilayer fills our knowledge gap of effective CTE of multilayer films/composites and provides better understanding of the thermal-mechanical behavior of semiconductor package substrate. The principles also provide solutions and insights to solve critical issues (i.e. warpage) induced by thermal mismatch strains.
Paired box mutations in familial and sporadic aniridia predicts truncated aniridia proteins

Aniridia, an autosomal dominant ocular disorder characterized by iris hypoplasia, results from mutations in the PAX6 gene, which encodes paired box and homeobox motifs. In this report we describe five new mutations in the paired box region of the human PAX6 gene that are associated with aniridia. The paired box mutations that we detected were in both familial (three) and sporadic (two) cases. All five mutations predict truncated PAX6 proteins. Our study indicates that early premature translational termination mutations in the PAX6 gene result in haploinsufficiency and generate the aniridia phenotype.