Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Murine Experimental Autoimmune Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Suppress Peritoneal Exudate Cells Treated with

Masahiko UsuiYoshihiko Usui, Aya Takeuchi, Noriyuki Yamakawa and Takeshi Kezuka, Masaru Takeuchi, Hiroshi Keino,http://www.jimmunol.org/content/173/2/1454J Immunol€2004; 173:1454-1462; ;Referenceshttp://www.jimmunol.org/content/173/2/1454.full#ref-list-1This article cites 44 articles, 24 of which you can access for free at: Subscriptionshttp://jimmunol.org/subscriptionsInformation about subscribing to The Journal of Immunology is online at: Permissionshttp://www.aai. org/ji/copyright.htmlSubmit copyright permission requests at: Email Alertshttp://jimmunol.org/cgi/alerts/etocReceive free email-alerts when new articles cite this article. Sign up at:
Aortic Sinotubular Atherosclerotic Debris Associated with Cerebral Embolic Events Can Be Identifiedby Transthoracic Echocardiography

Objective: To evaluate the association between the presence of aortic sinotubular debris (STAD) identified by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and embolic strokes. Background: The presence of atherosclerotic debris in the ascending aorta or aortic arch detected by transesophageal echocardiography or epiaortic echocardiography has been well established to be correlated with embolic stroke or other thromboembolic events. No data are available on the role of TTE in describing aortic pathology in thromboembolic events. Methods: We identified 60 transthoracic echocardiographic studies from 11,275 studies, in which STAD was diagnosed. The charts of these patients (group 1; mean age 67 ± 10 years) were reviewed and compared with those of 57 patients (group 2) without STAD, matched for age, gender and risk factors for advanced atherosclerosis. The results of brain imaging procedures, carotid duplex and coronary angiography were also reviewed. Results: Ischemic stroke was found in 15 of group 1 (25%) and 4 patients of group 2 (7%, odds ratio = 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–19.4, p = 0.008). The average thickness of STAD was 0.7 ± 0.2 cm in stroke patients and 0.6 ± 0.2 cm in patients without stroke (p = n.s.). STAD was associated with ≤40% carotid artery stenosis. Conclusion: STAD detected by TTE is strongly associated with embolic strokes. Our findings expand the role of TTE in the evaluation of patients with embolic strokes.
Environment-Scale Fabrication: Replicating Outdoor Climbing Experiences

Despite rapid advances in 3D printing, fabricating large, durable and robust artifacts is impractical with current technology. We focus on a particularly challenging environment-scale artifact: rock climbing routes. We propose a prototype fabrication method to replicate part of an outdoor climbing route and enable the same sensorimotor experience in an indoor gym. We start with 3D reconstruction of the rock wall using multi-view stereo and use reference videos of a climber in action to identify localized rock features that are necessary for ascent. We create 3D models akin to traditional indoor climbing holds, fabricated using rapid prototyping, molding and casting techniques. This results in robust holds accurately replicating the features and configuration of the original rock route. Validation was performed on two rock climbing sites in New Hampshire and Utah. We verified our results by comparing climbers' moves on the indoor replicas and original outdoor routes.
Management Succession in the Family Business

A radar receiver for indicating the presence of a source of microwave energy includes an antenna, a modulation oscillator and modulator diode, a detector diode connected to bandpass amplifier stages, a peak detector providing a signal proportional in level to the received microwave energy signal strength, and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) connected to the peak detector and having a frequency in proportion to the peak detector signal level, the frequency of the VCO being an indication of range from a source of radar and a change in frequency being an indication of a rate of approach thereto. The VCO controls a transistor switch, and alarm output devices are connected through the transistor with alarm power sources, whereby an alarm signal activates the output device at a frequency related to the microwave signal strength. A comparator is connected in parallel to the VCO and triggers in response to a selected level of the peak detector signal to provide a steady level signal which closes the transistor switch and effects a steady alarm to indicate a selected range from the radar source.
Participation of the CD94 receptor complex in costimulation of human natural killer cells.

Optimal proliferation and expansion of human NK cells require mitogenic cytokines together with cell contact-dependent co-stimulation. Production of mAb that can modulate human NK cell proliferation yielded NKH3, which recognizes the CD94 Ag. NKH3 immunoprecipitates contain approximately 70-kDa heterodimeric complexes consisting of a approximately 25-kDa glycoprotein and approximately 40- to 45-kDa molecules. Analysis by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/SDS-PAGE suggests that several different 40- to 45-kDa species are present in the CD94 receptor complex in human NK cells. NKH3 reacted with essentially all resting NK cells, although CD94 is expressed at higher levels on the CD56(bright) (i.e., high level of CD56) CD16(dim/neg) (i.e., low level of or absent CD16) subpopulation than on the more abundant CD56(dim)CD16(bright) NK cell subset. Moreover, the Z199 mAb, which appears to recognize NKG2-A species that can form heterodimers with CD94, stained virtually all CD56(bright) NK cells, but only a subset of CD56(dim) NK cells. Ligation of CD94 augmented the proliferation of CD56(bright) NK cells in response to IL-2 or IL-15 by as much as 10-fold. Secretion of IFN-gamma by CD56(bright) NK cells stimulated with IL-2 or IL-15 was also enhanced up to 10-fold after CD94 ligation. CD94 mAb did not consistently costimulate proliferation of or IFN-gamma production by CD56(dim) NK cells cultured with IL-2 or IL-15. In contrast, irradiated K562 cells costimulated proliferation of both CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cells. These results indicate that CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cells can be costimulated through different receptors, which may allow these distinct NK cell subsets to be independently regulated in vivo.
Chemokine regulation of the inflammatory response to a low‐dose influenza infection in CCR2–/– mice

Influenza virus infections induce chemokines and cytokines, which regulate the immune response. The chemokine receptor CCR2 plays an important role in macrophage recruitment and in the development of T1 immunity. In the present study, we addressed the role of CCR2 in influenza A virus infection. CCR2 knockout (−/−) mice are protected against influenza A virus infection, despite delayed recruitment of macrophages. We show that low‐dose influenza infection of CCR2−/− mice leads to increased neutrophilia between Days 5 and 10 after infection and decreased monocyte/macrophage and CD4+ T cell recruitment to the lungs between Days 5 and 7 after infection. These changes in leukocyte recruitment did not result from or cause increased viral titers or delayed viral clearance. Neutrophilia in the lungs correlated with increased keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC) and/or MIP‐2 expression in CCR2−/− mice between Days 5 to 10 after infection, although the kinetics of neutrophil recruitment was not altered. MIP‐2 mRNA and protein expression was increased three‐ to fivefold, and KC protein levels were increased two‐ to threefold in CCR2−/− compared with CCR2 wild‐type mice at Day 5 after infection. This preceded the peak neutrophil influx, which occurred 7 days after infection. In vitro studies confirmed that MIP‐2 and KC accounted for neutrophil chemotactic activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage. CCR2 deficiency also resulted in increased MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, MCP‐1, and IFN‐inducible protein 10 and decreased RANTES mRNA expression. Furthermore, IL‐6 and TNF‐α cytokine production were elevated after infection. These studies suggest that CCR2 plays a multifactorial role in the development of the immune response to influenza.
Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Lemon Grass ( Andropogon citratus L.) against Root-Knot Nematode Pests of Okra. ( Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

An experiment to determine the effects of lemon grass, Andropogon citratus L. extract on the rootknot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) of okra was conducted. Phytochemical analyses of the bioactive ingredients in lemon grass were carried out to determine the chemical compounds with nematicidal activities present in lemon grass. Okra (var. Clemson 40) was planted in twenty four (24) experimental pots containing 5kg steam-sterilized loamy soil. Each plant stand was inoculated with 30ml of root-knot nematode egg suspension containing approximately150 eggs/ml. A set of 4 pots were left un-inoculated (control). The lemon grass extracts were 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentrations. Two control trials were used: nematode uninoculated and untreated with leaf extract as control 1 and nematode inoculated but not treated as control 2. Each treatment was replicated four times. The experimental design was a completely randomized type. The result of the phytochemical screening showed that lemon grass contained tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. The result of the pot trials showed that lemon grass extract significantly (P<0.05) increased growth and yield of nematode-infected okra. At 5-6 weeks after planting, plant height and number of leaves/plant were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treated plants than the control. At harvest, the shoot weight of plants treated with higher levels of extract (75 and100%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the other treatments and the control . Mean fruit weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in all the treated plants than in the inoculated but untreated control. Root gall index was significantly lower in treated than in the inoculated but untreated control. The higher concentrations of lemon grass extract were significantly more effective than the lower concentrations in controlling the nematodes and consequently improving the growth and yield of treated okra plants.
Private Equity Returns: An Empirical Examination of The Exit of Venture Backed Companies

Inthispaper, weexamine52322financingroundsin23208uniquefirms, overtheperiod 1980 through 2000 by venture and buyout funds and estimate the probability of exit, time toexit, exitmultiples, andtheexpectedgainsfromprivateequityinvestments.Theexpected multiple (after accounting for dilution and the probability of exit) ranges from a low of 1.12 for late-stage firms to a high of 5.12 for firms financed in their early stages. We find that the gains from venture-backed investments depend upon the industry, the stage of the firm being financed, the valuation at the time of financing, and the prevailing market sentiment. Our study is a first step in understanding the risk premium required for the valuation of private equity investments.
Domestic food handling practices and food safety.

Consumers have an active role in the contest of food safety. Management of food at home is the last step of the chain “from farm to fork”, but is not the least important. Outbreaks of food-borne illness occurring in private homes are less likely to be reported, but a significant proportion of food-borne outbreaks in countries with an advanced economic development can be attributed to the home environment. This study aimed to provide information on the consumer management of refrigerated food. Overall, 1240 people have been interviewed in order to have information about domestic management of food. This study highlighted some gaps in food safety knowledge and practices that occur in domestic setting and consumers are not familiar with their role in the food safety chain. Findings from this study clearly indicate the need for greater consumer education regarding proper domestic refrigerator management, because consumers aware of safety issues can be active partners within the food chain.
Multinationals, Technology and Competitiveness

International business in a changing world environment market power of the firm and international transfer of technology multinational enterprises, technology transfer and national competitiveness inward direct investment from the USA and Europe's technological competitiveness the changing role of MNEs in the creation and diffusion of technology international direct investment in innovation - the pharmaceutical industry the consequences of the international transfer of technology by MNEs - a home country perspective multinational enterprises, industrial restructuring and competitiveness the UK's international direct investment position in the mid-1970s the Anglo-American connection and global competition multinational enterprises and the organization of economic interdependence.
Creating von Foerster's non-Trivial Machine in Digital audio

An implementation of von Foerster’s non-trivial machine in software, for the generation of simultaneous waveforms that modify their own structure based on the current structure of their neighbors. This research creates a contemporary version of counterpoint, but one that takes advantage of the computer’s ability to avoid notes. Thus, instead of “note-against-note” behavior (as was the case with 16th and 17th century counterpoint), this research explores “waveagainst-wave” behavior. The construction of each waveform allows for the linking of square, triangular and curved elements in any combination. Thus, a variety of timbres is the structural output of the waveform. Each element in each waveform has from six to twelve parameters, and on every iteration each parameter is linearly changing. So, the frequency, amplitude and timbre of the waveform is gradually shifting. Sudden change can occur if neighboring waveforms reach defined thresholds.
Shared services beyond sourcing the back offices: Organizational design

Shared services have been widely spread in the government and private sectors. Unlike outsourcing, shared service is the standardization and consolidation of common functions across the multiple organizations to reduce information process duplication and increase information and knowledge sharing. Shared services should be viewed less as a phenomenon of cost saving and more as a challenge of organization redesign. Five general leading theories of organizational design are examined in the perspective of shared services. A quasi-general organizational design approach is proposed specifically for shared services projects. The proposed approach emphasizes the organizational support for the shared services strategy identification, collabora- tive partnership network design, optimal shared services process design, and policy and regulation system design.
Effect of Non-Esterified Fatty Acids on Oocyte and Granulosa Cell Growth in Vitro

The occurrence of a negative energy balance (NEB) and concurrent metabolic changes may be responsible for impaired reproductive performance. A characteristic metabolic feature of NEB is the mobilization of body fat, reflected in an increased plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration. High plasma concentration of NEFA is reflected in elevated NEFA follicular concentrations. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of different non-esterified fatty acids on oocyte and granulosa cell growth. Oocytes and granulosa cells were exposed to physiological and supra-physiological concentrations (in follicular fluid) of non-esterified fatty acids (Stearic acids:10, 20, 30 and 40μM or Palmitic acid: 20 40, 60 and 80μM or Oleic acid 40, 80, 120 and 160μM). The oocyte growth was measured in terms of the viability, maturation, cleavage, morulae/ blastocysts yield while granulosa cells growth was measured in terms of viability, cell number increment, cell metabolism, monolayer formation, support to oocyte growth and reversibility of functions after elimination of metabolic stressors (non-esterified fatty acids). We found that Oleic acid (40 and 80 μM) was beneficial to the oocyte and granulosa cell growth, Palmitic acids had no significant effect and stearic acid (30μM) was most inhibitory to oocyte and granulosa cell growth. The effect of different non-esterified fatty acids in combo levels on ovarian cell functions are in progress.
M-Like K+ Currents in Type I Hair Cells and Calyx Afferent Endings of the Developing Rat Utricle

Type I vestibular hair cells have large K+ currents that, like neuronal M currents, activate negative to resting potential and are modulatable. In rodents, these currents are acquired postnatally. In perforated-patch recordings from rat utricular hair cells, immature hair cells [younger than postnatal day 7 (P7)] had a steady-state K+ conductance (g−30) with a half-activation voltage (V1/2) of −30 mV. The size and activation range did not change in maturing type II cells, but, by P16, type I cells had added a K conductance that was on average fourfold larger and activated much more negatively. This conductance may comprise two components: g−60 (V1/2 of −60 mV) and g−80 (V1/2 of −80 mV). g−80 washed out during ruptured patch recordings and was blocked by a protein kinase inhibitor. M currents can include contributions from KCNQ and ether-a-go-go-related (erg) channels. KCNQ and erg channel blockers both affected the K+ currents of type I cells, with KCNQ blockers being more potent at younger than P7 and erg blockers more potent at older than P16. Single-cell reverse transcription-PCR and immunocytochemistry showed expression of KCNQ and erg subunits. We propose that KCNQ channels contribute to g−30 and g−60 and erg subunits contribute to g−80. Type I hair cells are contacted by calyceal afferent endings. Recordings from dissociated calyces and afferent endings revealed large K+ conductances, including a KCNQ conductance. Calyx endings were strongly labeled by KCNQ4 and erg1 antisera. Thus, both hair cells and calyx endings have large M-like K+ conductances with the potential to control the gain of transmission.
LOWERING ICECUBE'S ENERGY THRESHOLD FOR POINT SOURCE SEARCHES IN THE SOUTHERN SKY

Observation of a point source of astrophysical neutrinos would be a “smoking gun” signature of a cosmic-ray accelerator. While IceCube has recently discovered a diffuse flux of astrophysical neutrinos, no localized point source has been observed. Previous IceCube searches for point sources in the southern sky were restricted by either an energy threshold above a few hundred TeV or poor neutrino angular resolution. Here we present a search for southern sky point sources with greatly improved sensitivities to neutrinos with energies below 100 TeV. By selecting charged-current νμ interacting inside the detector, we reduce the atmospheric background while retaining efficiency for astrophysical neutrino-induced events reconstructed with sub-degree angular resolution. The new event sample covers three years of detector data and leads to a factor of 10 improvement in sensitivity to point sources emitting below 100 TeV in the southern sky. No statistically significant evidence of point sources was found, and upper limits are set on neutrino emission from individual sources. A posteriori analysis of the highest-energy (∼100 TeV) starting event in the sample found that this event alone represents a 2. 8σ deviation from the hypothesis that the data consists only of atmospheric background.
Medication reconciliation at admission to surgical departments.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES We aim to determine the prevalence of reconciliation errors (REs) at admission to surgery departments, report their potential clinical impact and analyse possible risk factors. METHODS Prospective observational study was conducted for 8 months in a regional public hospital in Spain. The study included patients consecutively hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology or Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery from May through December 2010. At 24-48 hours after hospital admission, the pre-admission pharmacological treatment of patients was compared with the medication received in hospital to identify REs, which were classified by type and potential severity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted with the presence of RE as dependent variable. RESULTS The study included 176 patients, 60.8% of whom were aged >65 years and consumed a mean of 5.55 (±4.33) drugs. 55.1% had ≥1 RE, with a mean of 3.21 REs per patient [95% confidence interval (CI; 2.72-3.70)]. The most frequent RE was drug omission (84.1%). No clinical risk was posed by 50.5% of the REs. Multivariate analysis evidenced fourfold higher risk of an RE in patients admitted for elective versus emergency surgery and a 1.35-fold higher risk in patients receiving a larger number of drugs. CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of REs among patients admitted to the surgical departments, most frequently the omission of a drug. The risk of an RE was higher in patients admitted for elective versus emergency surgery, as well as with the receipt of a larger number of drugs before admission.
UPWARD MOVEMENT OF INORGANIC SOLUTES AS AFFECTED BY A GIRDLE.

Much evidence has been obtained during the last few years relative to the question of the path of the upward movement of the greater portion of the inorganic solutes in plants. There appears to be little doubt that the xylem is the tissue chiefly concerned with this function. The purpose of this work, in addition to contributing more evidence to this conclusion, is to determine by use of a number of plants some of the effects which a girdle imposes upon the rise of inorganic solutes, and the relation of xylem anatomy to the ease with which solutes pass a girdle, a relationship first suggested by Clements (2).
Na+ Channel Scn1b Gene Regulates Dorsal Root Ganglion Nociceptor Excitability in Vivo*

Nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) and -resistant (TTX-R) Na+ current (INa) mediated by voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGSCs). In nociceptive DRG neurons, VGSC β2 subunits, encoded by Scn2b, selectively regulate TTX-S α subunit mRNA and protein expression, ultimately resulting in changes in pain sensitivity. We hypothesized that VGSCs in nociceptive DRG neurons may also be regulated by β1 subunits, encoded by Scn1b. Scn1b null mice are models of Dravet Syndrome, a severe pediatric encephalopathy. Many physiological effects of Scn1b deletion on CNS neurons have been described. In contrast, little is known about the role of Scn1b in peripheral neurons in vivo. Here we demonstrate that Scn1b null DRG neurons exhibit a depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of TTX-S INa inactivation, reduced persistent TTX-R INa, a prolonged rate of recovery of TTX-R INa from inactivation, and reduced cell surface expression of Nav1.9 compared with their WT littermates. Investigation of action potential firing shows that Scn1b null DRG neurons are hyperexcitable compared with WT. Consistent with this, transient outward K+ current (Ito) is significantly reduced in null DRG neurons. We conclude that Scn1b regulates the electrical excitability of nociceptive DRG neurons in vivo by modulating both INa and IK.