cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin-(1-7) prevents angiotensin II-induced fibrosis in cremaster microvessels.

Objective The effect of the heptapeptide hormone Ang-(1-7) on microvascular fibrosis in rats with Ang II-induced hypertension was investigated, since vascular fibrosis/remodeling plays a prominent role in hypertension-induced end-organ damage and Ang-(1-7) inhibits vascular growth and fibrosis. Methods Fibrosis of cremaster microvessels was studied in male Lewis rats infused with Ang II and/or Ang-(1-7). Results Ang II elevated systolic blood pressure by approximately 40 mmHg, while blood pressure was not changed by Ang-(1-7). Ang II increased perivascular fibrosis surrounding 20–50 μm arterioles as well as interstitial fibrosis; coadministration of Ang-(1-7) prevented the increases in fibrosis. The fibrotic factor CTGF and phospho-Smad 2/3, which upregulates CTGF, were increased by Ang II; this effect was prevented by coadministration of Ang-(1-7). Although TGF-β phosphorylates Smad 2/3, TGF-β was no different among treatment groups. In contrast, Ang II increased the MAP kinase phospho-ERK1/2, which also phosphorylates Smad; p-ERK was reduced by Ang-(1-7). Ang-(1-7), in the presence or absence of Ang II, upregulated the MAP kinase phosphatase DUSP1. Conclusions These results suggest that Ang-(1-7) increases DUSP1 to reduce MAP kinase/Smad/CTGF signaling and decrease fibrosis in resistance arterioles, to attenuate end-organ damage associated with chronic hypertension.
Racial Differences in End-Stage Renal Disease Rates in HIV Infection versus Diabetes

Few studies have compared the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among individuals with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and diabetes. We followed a national sample of 2,015,891 US veterans over a median peroid of 3.7 years for progression to ESRD. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of ESRD (per 1000 person-years) among HIV-infected black patients was nearly an order of magnitude higher than among HIV-positive white patients, almost twice that of diabetic whites, and similar to that among diabetic blacks. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, diabetes was associated with an increased risk of ESRD among white patients, but HIV was not. Among black individuals, however, both HIV and diabetes conferred a similar increase in the risk of ESRD (4- to 5-fold increase compared to white individuals without HIV or diabetes). HIV and diabetes carry a similar risk of ESRD among black patients, highlighting the importance of developing strategies to prevent and treat renal disease among HIV-infected black individuals.
Analytical design of iron golf club heads

This paper describes an analytical method for the design of iron golf club heads. The method divides the club head into the basic shape and the back‐weighting. The basic shape, which consists of the club face profile, hosel and club face‐hosel blend section, is configured directly from geometric specifications. An adaptive random search optimization algorithm is employed to design the back‐weighting to obtain desired mass properties for the club head. The designer has control of the general configuration of the back‐weighting through the method of geometric influencing. Several dynamically equivalent iron club heads are presented that were designed using this method.
The Dot.com Retail Failures of 2000: Were There Any Winners?

In the year 2000, several dot.com retailers filed for bankruptcy, shut down their operations, or faced the risk of their stock being delisted on the stock market. But did any dot.com retailer do it right? Were there any winners? If yes, who are these winners? What is the product and firm profile of these winners? What lesson, if any, can be learned from these winners and losers? This article addresses these questions based on a study of 48 dot.com retailers, conducted in December 2000. The study identified 1–800contacts.com as the sole winner, using two performance indicators: percentage change in stock price since the initial public offering and stock options underwater. Based on a proposed conceptual framework of product and firm characteristics, the profile of 1–800contacts.com is compared with the hypothesized winner, Amazon.com, and other dot.com retailers. Implications of the study and limitations and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Trends in carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes and association with energy intake in normal-weight, overweight, and obese individuals: 1971–2006

Background: The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased dramatically. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine trends in carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes in adults and their association with energy intake by using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)—a representative sample of the US population. Design: Data on adults aged 20–74 y from the first NHANES (NHANES I, 1971–1975; n = 13,106) were compared with data from NHANES 2005–2006 (n = 4381). Normal weight was defined as a body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 )o f 19 to,25, overweight as a BMI of 25 to ,30, and obese as a BMI of 30. Carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes were obtained by dietary recall. Regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Results: The prevalence of obesity increased from 11.9% to 33.4% in men and from 16.6% to 36.5% in women. The percentage of energy from carbohydrates increased from 44.0% to 48.7%, the percentage of energy from fat decreased from 36.6% to 33.7%, and the percentage of energy from protein decreased from 16.5% to 15.7%. Trends were identical across normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups. Energy intake increased substantially in all 3 BMI groups. In NHANES 2005–2006, a 1% increase in the percentage of energy from protein was associated with a decrease in energy intake of 32 kcal (substituted for carbohydrates) or 51 kcal (substituted for fat). Similar findings were seen across all BMI categories, in men and women, and in NHANES I. Conclusions: Energy intake and the prevalence of obesity have increased dramatically. Dietary interventions should focus on decreasing energy intake and potentially by substituting protein for fat or carbohydrates. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.000141.
CNS Stimulants: Amphetamines, Amphetamine Cogeners, Caffeine, Others

The central nervous system stimulants include amphetamines, amphetamine cogeners, caffeine, methylphenidate, pemoline, phenylpropanolamine, cocaine, and nicotine (Table 12.1). Cocaine is discussed in Chapter 13, and nicotine in Chapter 14.
Mental Imagery and the Reading Comprehension of Deaf Children.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether mental imagery could be used as a metacognitive reading comprehension strategy by elementary level children who are deaf. The reading materials and teaching method used with the subjects were designed to reflect typical classroom developmental reading instruction. The subjects were nine severely and profoundly deaf children ranging in age from 7 years‐2 months to 11 years‐8 months. They were divided into four reading groups for the study. Results indicated that when the subjects were encouraged to engage in mental imagery, they exhibited four qualities of thinking during and after reading that revealed how they were processing narrative text. These qualities of thinking were identified as recollection, representation, inference, and evaluation.
The Cartesian Circle: A Final Look at Scepticism

The so-called Cartesian Circle problem is scepticism in its most difficult form. We hope in this final section to examine this problem in the light of Peirce’s epistemological principles. This ought to be helpful both from the standpoint of perhaps “answering” the problem, as well as from the standpoint of clarifying Peirce’s doctrines by application of them, to yet another philosophical difficulty.
Peripheral production and decay of K/sup 0//sub S/K/sup 0//sub S/ in the reaction. pi. /sup -/p. -->. K/sup 0//sub S/K/sup 0//sub S/+neutralsat 15. 4 GeV/c

We report on a moment analysis of the angular distribution of ${K}_{S}{K}_{S}$ peripherally produced in the reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}_{S}{K}_{S}+(n or {\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{0})$ at 15.4 GeV/c. The data suggest the possible presence of a small, resonating, spin-$4{K}_{S}{K}_{S}$ partial wave in the ${K}_{S}{K}_{S}$ mass region 1.9 to 2.0 GeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$.
Corn Expressing Cry1Ab Endotoxin for Management of Fall Armyworm and Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Silage Production

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie, perennially cause leaf and ear damage to corn for silage production in the southeastern United States. Transgenic hybrids expressing the Cry1Ab (MON810 event) insecticidal endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were evaluated for management of fall armyworm and corn earworm in central Georgia during 2006 and 2007. Hybrids with a temperate or semitropical background were planted at the recommended time in mid-April and in late June to simulate a double-crop corn planting. Whorl infestation and damage by fall armyworm was significantly reduced in hybrids with the Bt trait when infestations were large. Fall armyworm infestation levels and damage were similar in both temperate and semitropical types. Hybrids with the Bt trait also had a small reduction in ear infestation and less kernel damage in ears infested by corn earworm than susceptible hybrids in most trials. Corn earworm infestation level were less in the...
Membrane-Associated Diseases

Since almost all biological processes are at some level affected by membranes, it is difficult to select just a few representative examples of the many membrane-associated human afflictions. The fundamental importance of membranes in life makes their malfunctions particularly life-threatening. A few examples of membrane-associated diseases have been selected to demonstrate the nature and severity of the problem. Examples to be discussed here include cystic fibrosis (CF), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), demyelination diseases, and aging.
Recurrent Thromboembolism in a Tertiary Care Pediatric Center.

Abstract 2987 Poster Board II-963 Background: Thrombosis in children, though rare, is being increasingly recognized in pediatric tertiary care centers. Most data on children have largely been extrapolated from adults. Comprehensive data about the incidence and risk factors for recurrence of pediatric thrombosis are scarce. Aim: 1) To estimate the incidence of recurrence of thrombosis at a single pediatric tertiary care center and 2) To determine the risk factors for recurrent thrombosis in children. Methods: After local IRB approval, charts of patients (pts) with documented venous or arterial thrombosis admitted or referred to the hematology service from 2001-2008, were reviewed and pertinent data obtained. Data were analyzed using the 17.0 version of SPSS. Results: Preliminary analysis revealed 238 pts (ages 0-30 years) with 183 deep venous (DVT, 75%), 53 arterial (22%) and 2 combined (0.8%) episodes of thrombosis at initial presentation. Of the 183 pts with DVT there were 110 females, 128 males; of pts with arterial strokes there were 21 females, 32 males. Overall 11 pts (4.6%, 6 females, 5 males) had a recurrence, with 91% venous and 9% arterial. Three (27%; 2 females, 1 male) out of the 11 pts had a third recurrence, which were all venous. Sites for recurrence were lower extremity (82%), neck (9%) and thorax (9%). Risk factors for recurrence were positive family history of DVT (7/11; 63.6%), elevation in factor VIII (5/11; 45.5%), proximal lower extremity thrombosis as primary site (5/11; 45.5%), obesity (4/11; 36.4%), the presence of PTTLA (4/11; 36.4%) and the presence of inflammatory bowel disease (27.3%). Heterozygous factor V Leiden and congenital AT III deficiency was present in one pt each (9%) with recurrence. Other congenital thrombophilia traits were not seen in patients with recurrent events. Interestingly, gender, duration of treatment and residual clot after treatment (partial resolution) were not significantly associated with risk of recurrence. Conclusion: Recurrent thrombosis is infrequent in children and a positive family history, elevated factor VIII, and other acquired factors such as obesity and inflammatory bowel disease were identified as risk factors for recurrence. Inherited thrombophilia and partial resolution of thrombosis were not associated with recurrence in this series of patients. Larger multi-center trials are needed to identify risk factors for recurrence in children. To our knowledge this is the first pediatric study that has systematically evaluated the incidence and risk factors associated with recurrent pediatric thrombosis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
VARIATION IN THE USE OF DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS AND ASSOCIATED COST IMPLICATIONS: FINDINGS FROM THE MEDICAL EXPENDITURE PANEL SURVEY 2010 TO 2013

Background: Little is known about national patterns of anticoagulant use among patients with atrial fibrillation after the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the associated implications for health care spending. Methods: The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, an annual nationally
Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Breast

A small but increasingly recognized and studied subset of breast carcinomas are characterized by neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. As with nearly all forms of breast neoplasia, NE tumors are characterized by considerable heterogeneity in microscopic appearance and clinical aggressiveness. About half of NE breast carcinomas recapitulate the histological spectrum typical of their counterparts in other organ systems, varying from “carcinoid-like” to small cell carcinoma, with most representing intermediate grade tumors. Despite NE morphology, these tumors have a high frequency of estrogen receptor expression. Clinical outcomes of women with NE breast carcinomas are reliably grade and stage dependent. Tumors associated with “solid papillary” differentiation comprise the remaining cases of NE breast neoplasia. Solid papillary carcinoma is an intrinsically low grade/favorable prognosis class of breast neoplasia that usually presents in post-menopausal age groups. About half of solid papillary carcinoma present as a distinctive pattern of ductal carcinoma in situ that may be difficult to recognize owing to its close resemblance to florid proliferative lesions. Invasive solid papillary carcinomas are characterized by a variety of histological patterns and often show mucinous differentiation. Future studies are necessary to better define the histogenesis, optimal classification, and improved directed therapies for NE breast neoplasia.
Keeping Faith With the Poor: Liberationist Economic Ethics

This chapter considers the complicated role of the Black Church in the twenty-first century—to meet varied needs of an increasingly diverse African American community— and it offers concluding arguments regarding the implications of an accommodationist economic ethic. The economic ethic of Black churches from the data collected in the case study is held up to the light of liberationist and womanist economic ethics. Also, the discussion of real needs articulated throughout the book is central to this discussion—the real needs of such individuals whose voices are not heard in marginalized communities. The argument is that if the Church begins to address the real needs of individuals, it will address economic justice.
Catalyzing Social Innovation: Is Entrepreneurial Bricolage Always Good?

Social entrepreneurs face unique challenges in their concurrent pursuit of social and financial value creation to address intractable societal problems. Although social entrepreneurs’ actions have been highlighted as an important source of novelty and innovations, this issue has largely been under-researched so far in the field of entrepreneurship. In this paper, we explore the role of social entrepreneurs’ bricolage behavior in enabling the creation of innovations within resource-constrained environments, called “catalytic innovations.” In addition, we investigate situations in which an over-reliance on bricolage may hamper social entrepreneurs’ ability to look for new resources crucial to bring about social change. We tested our hypotheses on 113 social entrepreneurs using an online questionnaire survey. We find that the positive relationship between bricolage and catalytic innovations and scale/growth changes beyond a point, suggesting a curvilinear (quadratic) effect of bricolage.
Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Pathophysiology and Interventions for Prevention and Risk Reduction

Prediabetes is a state characterized by impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. This review discusses the pathophysiology and macrovascular complications of prediabetes. The pathophysiologic defects underlying prediabetes include insulin resistance, alpha- and beta-cell dysfunction, increased lipolysis, inflammation, and suboptimal incretin effect. Recent studies have revealed that the long-term complications of diabetes manifest in some people with prediabetes; these complications include microvascular and macrovascular disorders. Finally, we present an overview of randomized control trials aimed at preventing progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes and discuss their implications for macrovascular risk reduction.
How profitable are savings in the third voluntary pillar of the Czech pension system

Abstract Saving in the third voluntary pillar of the pension system is very popular in the Czech Republic. At the end of 2016, a total of 4 518 832 citizens had savings accounts. Total savings were 383,032.01 million CZK. One of the fundamental problems of the third pillar, which does not contribute to its popularity (especially in young generations), is a low deposit valorisation. The reason is that the valorisation often covers only the inflation and sometimes, not even as much. The situation would be even worse if there were not financial support from the state in the form of contributions and tax reliefs or from employees.
Testing the efficiency of rover science protocols for robotic sample selection: A GeoHeuristic Operational Strategies Test

Abstract The GHOST field tests are designed to isolate and test science-driven rover operations protocols, to determine best practices. During a recent field test at a potential Mars 2020 landing site analog, we tested two Mars Science Laboratory data-acquisition and decision-making methods to assess resulting science return and sample quality: a linear method, where sites of interest are studied in the order encountered, and a “walkabout-first” method, where sites of interest are examined remotely before down-selecting to a subset of sites that are interrogated with more resource-intensive instruments. The walkabout method cost less time and fewer resources, while increasing confidence in interpretations. Contextual data critical to evaluating site geology was acquired earlier than for the linear method, and given a higher priority, which resulted in development of more mature hypotheses earlier in the analysis process. Combined, this saved time and energy in the collection of data with more limited spatial coverage. Based on these results, we suggest that the walkabout method be used where doing so would provide early context and time for the science team to develop hypotheses-critical tests; and that in gathering context, coverage may be more important than higher resolution.
Study of the Variability of the Native Protein Structure

Abstract Proteins are flexible molecules and exhibits conformational changes in the cellular environment. Motion is often essential for a protein to carry out its biological function. Different experimental conditions often yield different tertiary structures, reflecting the flexible nature of proteins. We discuss the variability of protein structures observed in the protein structure database, PDB. Then, we introduce several types of computational methods that can elucidate structural variability and flexibility of proteins. The methods include protein structure comparison methods and computational simulation and prediction of protein motion.
Insurance status and pediatric mortality in nonaccidental trauma

Abstract Background Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is a leading cause of injury and death in early childhood. We sought to understand the association between insurance status and mortality in a national sample of pediatric NAT patients. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using the 2012-2014 National Trauma Databank. We included children ≤18 y hospitalized with NAT (The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes: E967-968). The primary exposure was insurance status (categorized as public, private, and uninsured). The primary outcome was emergency department or inpatient mortality from NAT. Results We identified 6389 children with NAT. Mean age was 1.6 y (standard deviation 3.7), with 41% female and 42% of an ethnic or racial minority. Most were publicly insured (77%), with 17% privately insured and 6% uninsured. Mean injury severity score (ISS) was 13.9 (standard deviation 10.3). Overall, 516 (8%) patients died following NAT. Compared to patients who survived, those who died were more likely to be younger (mean age 1.0 y versus 1.6 y; P Conclusions Pediatric patients without insurance had significantly greater odds of death following NAT, compared to children with public insurance. Knowledge that uninsured children comprise an especially vulnerable population is important for targeting potential interventions.
Microstructure control of silicon nitride by seeding rod-like β-Si3N4 particles

ABSTRACT Rod-like β-Si3N4 single crystal particles with a diameter of about 1μm and length of 5μm were grown from a mixture of β-Si3N4 and oxides, followed by acid rinse treatment to remove residual glassy phase. These β-Si3N4 particles were used as seed crystals to control microstructure of sintered silicon nitride under a low nitrogen gas pressure. The effect of seeding on the microstructure development and mechanical properties of silicon nitride were investigated.
Evidence for Explicit Glueballs from the Reaction π− p→ ⌽ ⌽ n

In a pure Yang-Mills theory1 where SU(3)c has local gauge symmetry, all hadrons would be glueballs2 (i.e., multi-gluon resonances). This is due to the self-coupling of the gluons which becomes stronger with decreasing energy and color confinement.
Complications of anterior approaches to the thoracolumbar spine. Emphasis on Kaneda instrumentation.

Abstract One hundred eighty five consecutive patients underwent anterior decompression, stabilization, and/or fusion procedures of the thoracolumbar spine. At 1 year or more followup, the incidence of complications was analyzed. There were no iatrogenic spinal neurologic deficits and no deep wound infections. The most common complication was in 13 patients who developed more than 20 kyphosis. The use of Kaneda anterior instrumentation provided marked improvement in the prevention of this problem. A custom made carbon fiber reinforced cage packed with autogenous cancellous bone graft used in the treatment of ten patients with large corpectomy defects resulted in a good outcome.
Epidemiology of Cardiorenal Syndrome

Cardiorenal syndrome is a spectrum of disorders that emphasizes the bidirectional nature of cardiac and kidney injury. Observational and retrospective studies have helped us to understand the prevalence and burden of each of the 5 types of cardiorenal syndromes. Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 is the most common. The nature of epidemiologic data limits clear delineation between cardiorenal syndrome types 2 and 4. Overall, the presence of cardiac or renal dysfunction strongly predicts a poor outcome of the contrary organ.
Preliminary observations on the relationship between mutans streptococci and dental caries experience within black, white, and Hispanic families living in Houston, Texas.

An important goal in pediatric dentistry is to decrease the prevalence of dental decay from a very early stage. One factor that increases that rate is the presence of a high number of mutans streptococci (MS) in a child's mouth. Since it is generally known that a child's first contact with the environment is made with family members, specifically the mother, we studied the interrelationships between MS and dental caries experience among a group of children and their parents representing different racial groups. Both clinical and microbiological data were obtained to determine correlations between parent or grandparent and child caries experience and MS. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons between black, white, and Hispanic families were made with respect to caries and microbiological parameters. The Hispanic adults and children tended to have higher caries experience than in the black and white groups. Significant correlations between MS levels and most measures of caries experience (P 0.05).
TRIPLET-SENSITIZED PHOTOREARRANGEMENTS OF 2-PHENYLALLYL PHOSPHITES

The triplet-sensitized photorearrangements of 2-phenylallyl phosphites 1, 3, and 4 to the corresponding 2-phenylallylphosphonates 1a, 3a, and 4a are shown to proceed with complete regioselectivity (5 → 6 and Scheme 1). A mechanism is proposed in which the 1,2-biradical-like styryl triplet, 9, adds oxidatively to three-coordinate phosphorus to generate a cyclic, triplet, phosphoranyl 1,3-biradical, 10, that undergoes rapid subsequent β scission to generate product 2−phenylallylphosphonate, 11. Phosphonate 1a is formed near-quantitatively from dimethyl 2-phenylallyl phosphite, 1. Phosphites 2−4, with phosphorus contained in a five-, six-, or seven-membered ring, respectively, photorearrange much more slowly, although yields of phosphonates 3a and 4a of 50−70% are generated. Quantum yields for the formation of phosphonates 1a, 3a, and 4a, on sensitization by triplet triphenylene, were determined to be 0.25, 0.003, and 0.005, respectively, in benzene. Similar values were found in acetonitrile and benzene usin...
Replicated evidence towards a cognitive theory of game-based training

Executive function is the set of cognitive skills needed for goal directed behavior and is a strong predictor of academic success (Best, 2014). The present study examines the effectiveness of a custom video game designed to train the executive function skill of shifting—being able to efficiently shift attention from 1 task to another. In Experiment 1, students who played Alien Game for 4 hr, mostly at home, improved shifting skill more than those who played a word-search control game (d = .40). In Experiment 2, students who played All You Can ET (an updated version of Alien Game) for 2 hr improved shifting skill more than those who played a word-search control game (d = .36), regardless of whether the aliens were designed to portray hot or cool emotions. In addition, playing All You Can ET, which targets shifting skill, did not cause an improvement on inhibition skill, which represents a different kind of executive function. These results extend previous findings (Parong et al., 2017), and highlight a somewhat rare case in which playing a focused computer game for a short duration causes improvements in a targeted executive function skill. Overall, the results support the theory of specific transfer of general skills, which suggests that game-based training of cognitive skills should focus on concentrated practice on a target skill to train the target skill rather than divided practice across multiple different skills in an attempt to improve the mind in general. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Period and Cohort Analysis in Demography

This article reviews the long-standing analytic problem in period and cohort analysis in demography about the conceptualization, estimation, and interpretation of the differential contributions of distinct time-related changes attributed to period- and cohort-based sources of change in demographic phenomena. It introduces innovative approaches that emerged in recent methodological and substantive research on this problem using three common research designs and the generalized linear mixed effects modeling framework. It also outlines some promising areas of study that employ and extend these approaches in various important topics in contemporary demography.
Mass from a third star: transformations of close compact-object binaries within hierarchical triples

Close-orbit binaries consisting of two compact objects are a centre of attention because of the detection of gravitational-radiation-induced mergers. The creation of close, compact-object binaries involves physical processes that are not yet well understood; there are open questions about the manner in which two compact objects come to be close enough to merge within a Hubble time. Here, we explore an important, and likely common physical process: mass transfer from a third star in a wider, hierarchical orbit. Mass added to the close binary's components can reduce the time to merger and can even change the nature of an accretor, transforming a white dwarf to a neutron star and/or a neutron star to a black hole. Some accreting WDs in close binaries may even explode as Type Ia supernovae. Given the ubiquity of higher order multiples, the evolutionary channels we lay out may be important pathways to gravitational mergers, including Type Ia supernovae. Fortunately, these pathways also lead to testable predictions.
Influence of head‐of‐bed elevation on the measurement of inferior vena cava diameter and collapsibility

Purpose Inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and variation are commonly measured in the supine position to estimate intravascular volume status of critically ill patients. Many scientific societies describe the measurement of IVC diameter in the supine position. However, critically ill patients are rarely placed supine due to concerns for aspiration risk, worsened respiratory mechanics, increases in intracranial pressure, and the time it takes to change patient position. We assessed the influence of head-of-bed (HOB) elevation on IVC measurements. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of critically ill patients undergoing critical care ultrasound. With HOB at 0°, IVC maximum (IVCmax0°) and minimum (IVCmin0°) diameters were measured. Measurements were then repeated with HOB elevated to 30° and 45°. Collapsibility index (CI), defined as (IVCmax - IVCmin)/IVCmax, was calculated for each HOB elevation. Mean differences were then compared. Results A convenience sample of 95 patients was studied, of whom 45% were on vasopressors and 44% were spontaneously breathing. The CI did not significantly differ between the three positions. We found a significant difference (P ≤ .0001) between IVCmax at 45° (2.09 cm) and 0° (1.96 cm), IVCmin at 45° (1.75 cm) and 0° (1.59 cm), IVCmax at 45° (2.09 cm) and 30° (1.97 cm), and IVCmin at 45° (1.75 cm) and 30° (1.61 cm). Conclusions In a population of critically ill patients undergoing goal-directed ultrasound examinations, elevating HOB to 30° did not significantly alter IVC measurements or CI. At 45°, however, IVCmax and IVCmin diameters increased significantly, albeit with no significant change in CI. Performing ultrasound measurements of the IVC with HOB elevated to 30° is unlikely to produce clinically meaningful changes.
Development of a QPatch-Automated Electrophysiology Assay for Identifying TMEM16A Small-Molecule Inhibitors.

The calcium-activated chloride channel, TMEM16A, is involved in airway hydration and bronchoconstriction and is a promising target for respiratory disease. Drug development efforts around channels ...
Visualizing Invariant Manifolds in Area-Preserving Maps

Area-preserving maps arise in the study of conservative dynamical systems describing a wide variety of physical phenomena, from the rotation of planets to the dynamics of a fluid. The visual inspection of these maps reveals a remarkable topological picture in which invariant manifolds form the fractal geometric scaffold of both quasi-periodic and chaotic regions. We discuss in this paper the visualization of such maps built upon these invariant manifolds. This approach is in stark contrast with the discrete Poincare plots that are typically used for the visual inspection of maps. We propose to that end several modified definitions of the finite-time Lyapunov exponents that we apply to reveal the underlying structure of the dynamics. We examine the impact of various parameters and the numerical aspects that pertain to the implementation of this method. We apply our technique to a standard analytical example and to a numerical simulation of magnetic confinement in a fusion reactor. In both cases our simple method is able to reveal salient structures across spatial scales and to yield expressive images across application domains.
A 75-Year-Old Woman with Mid-thoracic Pain (Compression Fracture)

Osteoporosis is a disease of aging population. It affects roughly 200 million women worldwide, or roughly 53 million people in the United States. 5% of men and 25% of female above age 65 have osteoporosis. Vertebral compression fracture is the most common complication of osteoporosis. Worldwide it accounts for 9 million fractures annually. It affects around 700,000 people in the United States annually. The pain from compression fracture accounts for 66,000 physician office visits and about 45,000–70,000 hospitalizations each year. Half of such patients end up in skilled nursing home. Fracture risk increases with age as the incidence of osteoporosis increases. The life time risk of a white woman older than 50 years developing a hip, spine, or vertebral fracture in her lifetime is around 40%. The compression fracture somehow increases mortality with a 1.2-fold greater age-adjusted mortality rate compared with women without fractures, with the risk of death increasing with the number of fractures. Patients report a lower quality of life at 12 and 24 months after a fracture. The estimated direct annual health care cost of managing osteoporotic spine and hip fractures is $10 billion to $15 billion. Risk factors for compression fracture include osteopenia, osteoporosis, older age, a history of compression fracture or falls, inactivity, use of corticosteroids (more than 5 mg daily for 3 months) or other medications, weight less than 117 lb (53.1 kg), female sex, consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks per day in women or more than three per day in men, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and depression. Presentation is variable but back pain is a common feature with more than half the patients finding it out when imaging is done for unrelated reason. The most important intervention is treating osteoporosis with better nutrition, activity, and medications. Compression fracture is treated conservatively if spine is stable with focus on mobility. If ambulation is hampered, then vertebral augmentation techniques (vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty) are employed as adjunct therapy along with aggressive management of osteoporosis.
Tafazzin deficiency impairs CoA-dependent oxidative metabolism in cardiac mitochondria.

Barth syndrome is a mitochondrial myopathy resulting from mutations in the tafazzin (TAZ) gene encoding a phospholipid transacylase required for cardiolipin remodeling. Cardiolipin is a phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane essential for the function of numerous mitochondrial proteins and processes. However, it is unclear how tafazzin deficiency impacts cardiac mitochondrial metabolism. To address this question while avoiding confounding effects of cardiomyopathy on mitochondrial phenotype, we utilized Taz-shRNA knockdown (TazKD) mice, which exhibit defective cardiolipin remodeling and respiratory supercomplex instability characteristic of human Barth syndrome but normal cardiac function into adulthood. Consistent with previous reports from other models, mitochondrial H2O2 emission and oxidative damage were greater in TazKD than in wild-type (WT) hearts, but there were no differences in oxidative phosphorylation coupling efficiency or membrane potential. Fatty acid and pyruvate oxidation capacities were 40–60% lower in TazKD mitochondria, but an up-regulation of glutamate oxidation supported respiration rates approximating those with pyruvate and palmitoylcarnitine in WT. Deficiencies in mitochondrial CoA and shifts in the cardiac acyl-CoA profile paralleled changes in fatty acid oxidation enzymes and acyl-CoA thioesterases, suggesting limitations of CoA availability or "trapping" in TazKD mitochondrial metabolism. Incubation of TazKD mitochondria with exogenous CoA partially rescued pyruvate and palmitoylcarnitine oxidation capacities, implicating dysregulation of CoA-dependent intermediary metabolism rather than respiratory chain defects in the bioenergetic impacts of tafazzin deficiency. These findings support links among cardiolipin abnormalities, respiratory supercomplex instability, and mitochondrial oxidant production and shed new light on the distinct metabolic consequences of tafazzin deficiency in the mammalian heart.
The Use of Indirect Calorimetry to Improve Malnutrition in Pediatric Post-Operative Lung Transplant Patients

Background: When there9s an inability to correctly estimate a pediatric lung transplant patient9s caloric needs using predictive equations, there can be an inadequate clinical response due to overfeeding or underfeeding. Measuring oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide (VCO2) production to assess resting energy expenditure (REE) can help in determining a customized nutritional plan for this specific patient population; as this population typically has a decline in their nutritional status as evident by body mass index (BMI) z-scores/weight for length pre-transplant. The purpose of our study was to utilize indirect calorimetry to obtain REE measurements with the hope to improve the nutritional status of pediatric post-operative lung transplant (PLT) patients. Methods: The Vmax Encore was used to do metabolic testing in patients via a canopy or in-line with the ventilator. Testing protocol includes: pre-transplant period during initial evaluation (if meets inclusion criteria), prior to discharge after transplant, 1-3 month follow-up visit, 6-9 month follow-up visit, and 1 year post-transplant. Results: A total of 11 patients were transplanted from 12/2014- 05/2018 that were less than 15 years of age. Six patients were excluded from the results due to not meeting inclusion criteria or completing the testing protocol. Data was collected from 5 patients that showed there was an increase in BMI z-score over 1 year. One of the patients did not receive a discharge PLT study due to a prolonged admission after transplant. A total of 24 studies were administered over a 4 year period which includes: 2 pre-transplant tests, 4 discharge tests, 8 tests at 1-3 month PLT, 5 tests at 6-9 months PLT, and 5 tests were administered at 1 year PLT. The average BMI z-scores were as follows: -2.43 at discharge, -0.33 at 1-3 months, 0.388 at 6-9 months, and -0.65 at 1 year. See table 1 for REE trends over 1 year. Conclusions: At discharge, pediatric lung transplant patients were moderately malnourished and with the use of indirect calorimetry, a specific dietary plan was developed for each patient within the protocol that resulted in no indication of malnutrition at each of the protocol time periods. Disclosures: None.
Dividing Lines: The Role School District Boundaries Play in Spending Inequality for Public Education

Objective To highlight the role that school district boundaries along racial cleavages contribute to differences in spending on public education. Methods Financial and demographic data were collected on the 11,000 plus school districts and 1,800 counties in the United States from 1995 to 2011. A series of panel models was used to estimate the effect of segregation on differences in spending. Results Models show that white–Black segregation leads to increased variation in per child local revenue within counties. Within these segregated counties, districts with larger Black populations collect less in local revenue but have a higher tax burden. Conclusion In explaining differences in per child expenditures across school districts, economic differences are the most cited. Racial segregation often occurs along school district borders and leads to differences in per child expenditures through concentration of resources in certain districts.
Minimally Invasive Left Ventricular Assist Device Insertion Facilitates Subsequent Heart Transplant.

ObjectiveWe have observed that minimally invasive left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion leads to more facile re-entry and easier cardiac transplantation. We hypothesize minimally invasive...
The Impact of Narrative Disclosure Readability on Bond Ratings and the Cost of Debt Capital

Prior research on the determinants of credit ratings has focused primarily on rating agencies’ use of quantitative accounting information, but the impact of financial disclosures, particularly textual attributes, on the bond rating process has gone relatively unexplored. This study examines the potential impact of the financial disclosure narrative on various bond market outcomes. We find that less readable financial disclosures are associated with less favorable ratings (higher default risk), greater bond rating agency disagreement, and a higher cost of debt capital. To address the potential confound that our results may be influenced by some underlying firm characteristic (e.g., firm complexity), we take advantage of a regulatory intervention provided by the 1998 Plain English Mandate requiring a subset of firms to exogenously improve the readability of their filings. Using a difference-in-differences design, we find that the firms required to improve the readability of their filings experience more favorable ratings (lower default risk), lower bond rating disagreement, and lower cost of debt capital. Collectively, our evidence suggests that textual financial disclosure attributes appear to not only influence bond market intermediaries’ opinions, but also firms’ cost of debt capital.
Effect of smoke on subcanopy shaded light, canopy temperature, and carbon dioxide uptake in an Amazon rainforest

[1] Daytime Net Ecosystem CO2 uptake (NEE) in an Amazon forest has been shown to increase significantly during smoky periods associated with biomass burning. We investigated whether the increase in CO2 uptake is caused by increased irradiance in the lower canopy, which results from increased above‐canopy diffuse light, or by decreased canopytemperature, whichresultsfromdecreasedabove‐canopynetradiation.WeusedSun photometers measuring aerosol optical depth to find nonsmoky (Aerosol Optical Depth (AOT) 0.5) and very smoky (AOT > 0.7) periods for the Tapajos region in the Amazon. Using a network of subcanopy photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) sensors, we detected a ∼4 mmol m −2 s −1 increase in subcanopy diffuse light during smoky periods relative to nonsmoky periods. Using a pyrgeometer to measure upwelling longwave radiation and, hence, canopy surface temperature, we found a ∼0.5°C cooling relative to air temperature during smoky periods. We modeled subcanopy irradiance based on the subcanopy PPFD sensors and combined this with subcanopy leaf photosynthesis measurementstodeterminehowtheincreasedlowercanopylightaffectedNEE.Weusedthe relationship between temperature and NEE measured by eddy covariance to determine the effectofdecreasedcanopytemperature oncanopyCO2uptake.Wefoundthattheincreasein CO2uptakeathighaerosolopticaldepthsisprimarilyaresultofincreasedshadedlightinthe subcanopy (accounting for ∼80%) and to a lesser extent the effect of decreased canopy temperature (accounting for ∼20%).
LOW FLOW MODELING IN SMALL STEEP WATERSHEDS

On some small steep mountain watersheds the magnitude of low streamflow is almost uniform for prolonged periods. Thie phenomenon is exhibited by three small drainage areas within the Entiat Experimental Forest of central Washington State. On these watersheds about two-thirds of the annual precipitation is in the form of snow. Annual hydrographs for each area are characterized by an almost uniform flow with a complex snowmelt hydrograph superimposed between March and August. The only distinct recession curve occurs at the end of the snowmelt season and continues to decrease until a relatively uniform streamflow typified by the watershed is reached. In a computer simulation study of the three drainage areas, a linear groundwater reservoir submoldel based on the recorded streamflow recession curves was found to be inadequate during low flow periods. Modifications to the subsurface part of the simulation model to improve the representation of the prolonged period of relatively uniform low flows are described in this paper.
The Problem Of Multiple Paths In A Database Schema

Some problems concerned with the presence of multiple paths between two entities in a database schema are examined. A notion of equivalent paths is described and used to define a "natural" subschema. The presence of natural subschemata gives rise to an integrity constraint for which simple graph-theoretic results are obtained. These results are also used to suggest path finding methods for high-level query systems in which paths between entities need not be specified.
The Comte de Paris and the Action Française 1934–1937

In December, 1934, the Manoir d’Anjou announced that the Duc de Guise had delegated the direction of royalist propaganda to his only son and heir, Henri, Comte de Paris. A new monthly, Courrier Royal, was to serve as the organ of the House of France. The announcement cannot be said to have created much excitement. Of the princes, the overwhelming majority of Frenchmen knew little and cared less. Whatever monarchist longings still remained in the populace were more than fulfilled by the not infrequent visits of foreign royalty to the capital and playgrounds of France. Even the Action Francaise seemed much more concerned with its own struggles than with the pretender whose restoration it advocated. To understand fully the nature of the task confronting the young Comte de Paris, it is necessary to review the position of the House of France during the preceding years.
Active fixture with passive tuners for full-range load-pull measurements

The lossy cable in a conventional load-pull setup was replaced with an active fixture to realize full tuning range by using passive electromechanical tuners. The approach was validated in small-signal characterization of a through line up to the edge of the Smith chart, as well as large-signal characterization of a heterojunction bipolar transistor up to a voltage standing-wave ratio of 10:1. The approach is simpler than active load-pull setups and it significantly enhances the capabilities of conventional load-pull setups, especially in the characterization of high-power transistors with very low matching impedances.
A Review of Dunes in Today's Society

Prior to Superstorm Sandy, the importance of dunes had been widely overlooked in many coastal societies. However, the stark contrast between New Jersey coastal areas that were and were not protected by dunes has created a positive paradigm shift in coastal law and public dune opinion. Government officials are mandating the construction of artificial dunes along New Jersey's coast, but it is necessary for communities to first understand the complex nature of these unique systems. With the proper knowledge, a dune can be both a protective structure as well as a working habitat that will ultimately better protect upland infrastructure and improve beach health. However, a general lack of terminological consistency among formal media and governing entities makes properly quantifying and assessing dune health difficult and unwarranted ecological conclusions inevitable. Here, dune terminology, “blowout,” “washout,” and “bowling” is clarified and defined and the dynamic nature of dunes is explained.