cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MultiFunction Threshold Gates

Threshold logic gates, up to now, generally have been presumed to provide a single function of the input variables. The threshold gates that have been integrated [1]-4] were naturally double-sided and provided complementary outputs or, more specifically, complemented dual outputs. This paper shows that the inphase and out-of-phase outputs can, in fact, be designed to provide grossly different functions of the input variables. Two examples of this technique have already been shown [5] and one of these, the full adder, has been demonstrated in a multiplier [6]. Now this technique is generalized, and furthermore, it is shown how each side can be subdivided to provide a number of functions simultaneously. Finally, virtual oRing of specific output points from each side will result in still more functions. The sum-resistor specification for any order function on either side is given. Practical application of these techniques are discussed, including those basic ones that have already been disclosed.
Differences in Acquirer Motivations, Announcement Effects, Target Characteristics, and Financing in Private versus Public Acquisitions: The Case of REITs

This paper first identifies the characteristics of publicly-traded REITs associated with an increased probability of being the target of an announced merger or acquisition. Second, conditional on being a target, we examine whether certain target characteristics influence the probability of a bidder being a private versus a public firm. Third, we examine whether the wealth effects that accrue to the shareholders of target REITs in going private deals and public-to-public transactions vary with the characteristics of the target and acquirer firms. Finally, we investigate the extent to which going private transactions differ from “staying public” acquisitions in terms of the type of financing employed and the motivation of the two investor types. We find that REITs more likely to become acquisition targets are smaller, with no umbrella operating partnership, less liquidity, higher dividend yields and greater institutional ownership than non-targets. We also document that targets of private acquirers have lower leverage, interest coverage ratios, and profitability. Although acquisitions by private buyers are always done with cash, there has been a shift toward the use of cash in public-to-public deals. In addition, the factors related to abnormal returns differ in public-to-public and public-to-private deals.
Size-related oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) reared in a recirculating system

Oxygen consumption (OC) and ammonia excretion rates (AE) of perch were measured under commercial-like conditions (temperature 23.3 °C) in both fed (F) and feed-deprived groups (D). Measurements were taken in triplicate in six sized batches of perch ranging from 44.8 to 336.2 g. The mean daily OC was 288.3–180.6 mg O2 kg−1 h−1 for group F fish ranging in size from 44.8 to 279.4 g body weight. The mean daily AE expressed as total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was 13.8–5.2 mg TAN kg−1 h−1 in the same groups. Daily peaks of OC in group F perch were observed 6 h after the onset of feeding for each size group with relatively stable values up to the end of feeding. Peaks of daily AE in group F perch were observed 10 h after the onset of feeding in each size group, with a rapid decrease up to 16 h after onset. In group D, OC was 181.1–110.5 mg O2 kg−1 h−1 in the weight range 57.9–336.2 g. The daily mean AE was 1.7–0.5 TAN kg−1 h−1 in this group. No dramatic peaks of OC and AE were observed in group D perch.
A Broadband Quasi-Yagi Antenna Array

A broadband quasi-Yagi X-Band antenna array with a fanbeam-pattern is presented. The bandwidth of the array (VSWR < 2.0) is found to be 50% and a measured gain of 10-12 dB is measured in the operating range. An array with a 12° beam tilt is also presented. The endfire array demonstrates a front-to-back ratio better than 20 dB and cross-polarization better than ?15 dB in the operating band. The fanbeam pattern is useful for mobile communications applications. Active 2-D arrays based on this concept should prove useful for radar, communications and quasi-optical power combining applications.
Examining the Validity of Self-Report: Middle-Level Singers' Ability to Predict and Assess Their Sight-Singing Skills.

The purpose of the present study was to determine choral students’ ability to predict and evaluate their sight-singing skills. Participants were asked to assign a rating based on how well they predicted they would sight-sing five musical examples. Following the singing of each example, participants were asked to evaluate their sight-singing performances using the same rating scale. Two middle-level choral directors were asked to evaluate the participants’ performances using an evaluation form designed to parallel the subject’s prediction and evaluation questionnaires. Findings indicate that students were reasonably accurate at predicting their sight-singing performance; however, they were more accurate at evaluating their performance. Older students were generally more able to predict and assess their sight-singing performances, as were students who had participated in a musical ensemble. The data suggest that the dependability and usefulness of student self-report is promising and should be further exami...
On the role of copepod antennae in the production of hydrodynamic force during hopping

SUMMARY We integrate high-resolution experimental observations of a freely hopping copepod with three-dimensional numerical simulations to investigate the role of the copepod antennae in production of hydrodynamic force during hopping. The experimental observations revealed a distinctive asymmetrical deformation of the antennae during the power and return strokes, which lead us to the hypothesis that the antennae are active contributors to the production of propulsive force with kinematics selected in nature in order to maximize net thrust. To examine the validity of this hypothesis we carried out numerical experiments using an anatomically realistic, tethered, virtual copepod, by prescribing two sets of antenna kinematics. In the first set, each antenna moves as a rigid, oar-like structure in a reversible manner, whereas in the second set, the antenna is made to move asymmetrically as a deformable structure as revealed by the experiments. The computed results show that for both cases the antennae are major contributors to the net thrust force during hopping, and the results also clearly demonstrate the significant hydrodynamic benefit in terms of thrust enhancement and drag reduction derived from the biologically realistic, asymmetric antenna motion. This finding is not surprising given the low local Reynolds number environment within which the antenna operates, and points to striking similarities between the copepod antenna motion and ciliary propulsion. Finally, the simulations provide the first glimpse into the complex, highly 3-D structure of copepod wakes.
Mouse Testis Brain Ribonucleic Acid-Binding Protein/Translin Colocalizes with Microtubules and Is Immunoprecipitated with Messenger Ribonucleic Acids Encoding Myelin Basic Protein, α Calmodulin Kinase II, and Protamines 1 and 2

Abstract Testis brain RNA-binding protein (TB-RBP) is a sequence-dependent RNA-binding protein that binds to conserved Y and H sequence elements present in many brain and testis mRNAs. Using recombinant TB-RBP and a highly enriched tubulin fraction, we demonstrate here that recombinant TB-RBP binds to microtubules assembled in vitro. The interaction between recombinant TB-RBP and microtubules was inhibited by high salt and by the microtubule disassembling agents colcemid and calcium, but not by the microfilament-disassembling agent cytochalasin D. Confocal microscopy confirmed colocalization of TB-RBP and tubulin in the cytoplasm of male germ cells. An affinity-purified antibody prepared against recombinant TB-RBP specifically precipitated mRNAs encoding myelin basic protein and α calmodulin-dependent kinase II—two transported mRNAs, and protamines 1 and 2—two translationally regulated testicular mRNAs. These data indicate an intracellular association between TB-RBP and specific target mRNAs and suggest a...
Terahertz Interferometer That Senses Vibrations Behind Barriers

A terahertz sensor that measures vibrations behind optically opaque barriers (cardboard, plastic, wool, cotton) is described and demonstrated. Using interferometric techniques, submicrometer displacements can be resolved. Measured spectral response agrees with commercial vibrometer
Integrating the concepts and techniques of semantic modeling and the object-oriented paradigm

The object orientation of a semantic association model (OSAM) is presented. It integrates the concepts and techniques of semantic modeling and those introduced by the object-oriented paradigm. Unlike conventional data models such as the relational model, the object orientation of OSAM allows the user to model an application in terms of complex objects, classes and their associations, instead of tuples (or records) and relations (or record types). The primitives (objects, class, instance and link) and the perspectives (class and object) of an OSAM database are described. Key differences between OSAM and a conventional object-oriented model are discussed. The features of object orientation and explicit definition of semantic associations among objects allow the database of an application domain to be modeled, accessed and manipulated at a higher conceptual level and thus simplify the tasks of the users in the development of their applications. >
Clinical Presentations and Complications of Hairy Cell Leukemia

HCL typically presents in middle-aged men, and is characterized by splenomegaly and cytopenias. Hepatomegaly may be present, but it usually is not a salient feature. Peripheral adenopathy is uncommon. Other organ manifestations occur, but are unusual. patients are now presenting with a less tumor burden, as a result of earlier diagnosis. Leukocytosis/lymphocytosis should suggest HCl variant. Infectious complications, which were common in the past and the major cause of death, have become rare in the era of purine analog therapy. Whether there is a true increased risk for second malignancies remains controversial.
Effect of high carbohydrate, protein, and fat diets and high altitude on growth and caloric intake of rats.

SummaryDiminished growth rates were observed in rats exposed to an altitude of 4300 m and fed diets high in either carbohydrate, fat or protein. This effect was attributed to altitude-induced anorexia and to alterations in nutrient utilization. A high protein diet is apparently the least desirable for the support of growth in rats at high altitude.
The transcription factor Pax6 contributes to the induction of GLT-1 expression in astrocytes through an interaction with a distal enhancer element.

The Na(+) -dependent glutamate transporter GLT-1 (EAAT2) shows selective expression in astrocytes, and neurons induce the expression of GLT-1 in astrocytes. In an unpublished analysis of GLT-1 promoter reporter mice, we identified an evolutionarily conserved domain of 467 nucleotides ~ 8 kb upstream of the GLT-1 translation start site that is required for astrocytic expression. Using in silico approaches, we identified Pax6 as a transcription factor that could contribute to the control of GLT-1 expression by binding within this region. We demonstrated the expression of Pax6 protein in astrocytes in vivo. Lentiviral transduction of astrocytes with exogenous Pax6 increased the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in astrocytes prepared from transgenic mice that use a bacterial artificial chromosome containing a large genomic region surrounding the GLT-1 gene to control expression of eGFP. It also increased GLT-1 protein and GLT-1-mediated uptake, whereas there was no effect on the levels of the other astroglial glutamate transporter, glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST). Transduction of astrocytes with an shRNA directed against Pax6 reduced neuron-dependent induction of GLT-1 or eGFP. Finally, we confirmed Pax6 interaction with the predicted DNA-binding site in electrophoretic mobility assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Together, these studies show that Pax6 contributes to the regulation of GLT-1 through an interaction with these distal elements and identify a novel role of Pax6 in astrocyte biology. The astroglial glutamate transporter GLT-1 shows selective expression in astrocytes and its expression can be induced by neurons. In this study, we demonstrate that Pax6 is expressed in astrocytes and binds to the GLT-1 promoter in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous expression of Pax6 increases GLT-1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression in astrocytes from a transgenic mouse line that uses the GLT-1 gene to drive eGFP expression, and an shRNA directed against Pax6 attenuates neuron-dependent induction of GLT-1/eGFP. We therefore conclude that Pax6 contributes to the neuron-dependent induction of GLT-1.
Vascular Trauma in Drug Abuse: Patterns of Injury

We have reviewed 172 occurences of vascular injuries caused by intravascular or perivascular drug injections. Various patterns of injury are discussed including presentation. Recommendations have been made for diagnostic evaluation, surgical and medical treatment based on proposed pathophysiologic etiologies and bacteriology. Expected outcomes are presented. It is important that all physicians become familiar with the management of these injuries as the number of patients who seek treatment for complications of substance abuse continues to increase in our present day society.
Release of guanosine triphosphate binding protein α subunits from mouse myocardial membranes: Basic properties and their alterations in acute murine Chagas disease

Objective: The aim was to investigate the arrangement of heterotrimeric αβγ G proteins in myocardial membranes using GTPγS dependent release characteristics of their α subunits in acute murine Chagas disease. Methods: The properties of GTPγS dependent α subunit release were monitored immunochemically as well as by cholera toxin and pertussis toxin catalysed [32P]ADP ribosylation. Results: GTPγS, as opposed to other nucleotides, caused optimal and virtually instantaneous release of soluble 40 kDa [32P]ADP ribosylated protein in pertussis toxin treated membranes. When determined immunochemically, infection decreased both the sensitivity to GTPγS dependent release of αi subunits and appeared to facilitate the appearance of GTPγS dependent release of αi3. GTPγS also caused the release of soluble 45 and 40 kDa proteins as detected by cholera toxin-[32P]ADP ribosylated membranes and immunochemical analysis. With regard to cholera toxin-[32P]ADP ribosylated Gs substrates sensitive to GTPγS dependent release, infection (1) decreased the amount of 45 kDa as protein, (2) increased the amount of 40 kDa protein, and (3) enhanced sensitivity to GTPγS. In contrast, there was no effect of infection on the magnitude or sensitivity to GTPγS dependent release of immunochemical αS. Conclusions: The diverse characteristics of GTPγS dependent release of the very similar α subunits from myocardial membranes and their unique sensitivity to infection with T cruzi . suggest that these very similar proteins are arranged within the plasma membrane in such a manner as to modify their biochemical behaviour.
Role of cholinergic receptors and cholinesterase activity in hemodynamic responses to cocaine in conscious rats

It has been suggested that toxicity to cocaine is related to the relative rate of cocaine metabolism by cholinesterases and to activation of cholinergic receptors either directly or by reflex mecha...
Altered Metabolic Profile With Sodium-Restricted Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet in Hypertensive Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly recognized as a distinct entity with unique pathophysiology. In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension in Diastolic Heart Failure (DASH-DHF) study, the sodium-restricted Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH/SRD) was associated with improved blood pressure and cardiovascular function in 13 hypertensive patients with HFpEF. With the use of targeted metabolomics, we explored metabolite changes and their relationship with energy-dependent measures of cardiac function in DASH-DHF. Methods and Results With the use of chromatography and mass spectrometry, 152 metabolites including amino acids, free fatty acids, phospholipids, diglycerides, triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and acyl carnitines were measured. Comparison of baseline and post–DASH/SRD samples revealed increases in short-chain acetyl, butryl, and propionyl carnitines ( P values .02, .03, .03, respectively). Increases in propionyl carnitine correlated with ventricular–arterial coupling ratio (Ees:Ea; r = 0.78; P = .005) and ventricular contractility (maximum rate of change of pressure-normalized stress [dσ*/dtmax]; r = 0.66; P = .03). Changes in L-carnitine also correlated with Ees:Ea ( r = 0.62; P = .04) and dσ*/dtmax ( r = 0.60; P = .05) and inversely with ventricular stiffness ( r = −0.63; P = .03). Conclusions Metabolite profile changes of patients with HFpEF during dietary modification with the use of DASH/SRD suggest improved energy substrate utilization. Additional studies are needed to clarify connections between diet, metabolic changes, and myocardial function in HFpEF.
Assessment of the impact of water parameters on the flow rate of ceramic pot filters in a long-term experiment

Poor water quality is a major contributing factor to disease in developing countries. Silver-coated ceramic pot filters (CPFs) are a relatively common form of household water treatment system (HWTS) representing an effective and sustainable technology for poor communities. Water production seems to be the major limiting factor of the CPF's lifetime and sustainability since low flow rates do not produce an adequate daily volume of treated water. This paper describes a long-term study of CPF flow rates under controlled conditions using three different water sources. The relationship between water characteristics and flow rate was assessed with the intent of identifying the principal parameters that impact CPF water production. The study concluded that turbidity seems to be the principal indicator in determining CPF lifetime in terms of quantity of treated water. There is no evidence that biological activity also contributes to premature failure of CPFs and the data did not indicate that chemical precipitation is responsible for the filter clogging. Manufacturers commonly conduct initial flow rate tests using clear water as a measure of quality assurance. However, the relationship between initial flow rate and average flow rate during the lifetime of the CPF should be further studied.
Shrink-Wrap, Click-Wrap, Now Browse-Wrap

“Browse-wrap” contracts are the latest development in the line of electronic resource use agreements that began with shrink-wrap and click-wrap licenses. These types of agreements seek to define the intended uses of the electronic resource, in this case a Website. The Martindale-Hubble Lawyer Locator Website (www.martindale.com), for example, has 20 separate terms as part of its Terms of Use, including limitations on commercial use, disclaimers, conditions for linking to the site, and governing law; and considers any use of the Website as agreement to the terms. A link to the Terms of Use page is part of a fixed banner on every page on the Website. A common trait of these licenses is that they are extremely unilateral–presented as a fixed agreement that you accept or decline in total. Browse-wrap agreements, however, are different in that they do not require an affirmative act–such as clicking an “I agree” button–on the part of the user. Nor are you necessarily directed to or required to access the page containing the text of the agreement. Agreement is presumed by the act of using the Website. The legal question that courts and commentators are struggling with is whether browse-wrap agreements can be enforceable contracts.
Making Sense of Antioxidant–Pro-oxidant Conundrum in Anticancer Research

Plant-derived dietary antioxidants have attracted considerable interest in recent past for their ability to induce apoptosis and regression of tumors in animal models. While it is believed that the antioxidant properties of these agents may contribute to lowering the risk of cancer induction by impeding oxidative injury to DNA, it could not account for apoptosis induction and chemotherapeutic observations. We have provided a number of evidence that dietary antioxidants can alternatively switch to a pro-oxidant action in the presence of transition metals such as copper. Such a pro-oxidant action leads to strand breaks in cellular DNA and growth inhibition in cancer cells.
On the zeros of Riemann's zeta-function on the critical line

Abstract We combine the mollifier method with a zero detection method of Atkinson to prove in a new way that a positive proportion of the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function ζ ( s ) are on the critical line. One of the main ingredients of the proof is an estimate for a mollified fourth moment of ζ ( s ) . We deduce this estimate from the twisted fourth moment formula that has been recently developed by Hughes and Young.
Photometric method for estimation of elastase activity.

SummaryA colorimetric method for the estimation of elastase activity has been presented. When dyed elastin substrate prepared from horse ligamentum nuchae is used, the pH optimum lies between 8.7 and 9.4, and the reaction velocity is linear only when less than 35% of the elastin is dissolved. When compared with the gravimetric and nitrogen procedures, this method has the advantages of rapidity and simplicity.
A New Method for Evaluating Stochastic Models of Brand Choice

This article explores the use of a brand choice stochastic model's mean value function in evaluating two models empirically, using a common set of purchase data. The linear learning model fit the d...
Head Space Mass Spectrometric Analysis for Volatiles in Biological Specimens

A simple and rapid heed space mess spectrometric screening technique for volatlles in blood and post-mortem tissues Is described. Mass spectral data on specimens trom acute toxicities due to fluorocarbons (Freens), methane, diethylether, and toluene are presented. The presence of the volatile anesthetic agents, nitrous oxide, halothane (Fluothane) and enflurane (Ethrane), in the blood of surgical patients is demonstrated. Xylene, toluene, CCl4, CHCl3, acetonitrlle, and methylethylketone In blood-enriched specimens also exhibit characteristic mass spectra. The detection limit for this technique Is approximately 1/~g / ml.
Culture as Common Ground: Ethnicity and Beyond

My purpose here is to consider the textual structure of Race in the contemporary American context and the implication of this structure in the larger cultural field. When I say "textual structure," I wish to raise the following questions: What history is embodied in this structure? Who is the "subject/object" of such a text and what are the formal conventions that generate this text? Who reads and interprets this text and from what point of view? Given the ideology of Race and its resurgence lately, what common interests and visions are being denied their sense of history, constituency, and self-representation? What are some of the ironies, inequities, and asymmetries that characterize the representation of Race, and, how does the mainstream ideology prolong a politicocultural scenario where Race is "willed" as a divisive and irreducible
Cytological evaluation of capsular tissue surrounding TCPL implant in adult rats.

Inflammatory response and the subsequent fibrous capsule formation are often used as a screening method to determine biocompatibility of an implanted material. In this study, porous implants of tricalcium phosphate-lysine (TCPL) delivery devices were implanted intraperitoneally (i.p.) and subcutaneously (s.c.) using adult male rats as a model. The fibrous capsule surrounding the implant was studied histochemically to determine the resorbability rate of the devices. Fibrous capsular tissues were carefully dissected away from the capsule noting the tissue closest to the implanted material. Evaluation of the sections (5um, H&E) collected from various areas of the implants (n = 15 per group) revealed that: (1) regardless of the site of surgical implantation, all devices were encapsulated with fibrous tissue within three days post implantation and the thickness of the capsular tissue was found to be directly proportional to duration of implantation, (2) the thickness of fibrous tissues collected from i.p. site were significantly higher than those collected from s.c. site of implantation, (3) vascularity, macrophages, multinucleated giant cells and plasma cells at the TCPL implant-interface were evident after the first week, and the persistence of these cell types and progressive angiogenesis in subsequent weeks was apparent. The formation of distinct cell layers was remarkable in the fifth week phase, (4) SEM and radiographic analysis of retrieved devices showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the number of macropores (12 to 36 um2) in TCPL devices implanted s.c. than the number of macropores in TCPL devices implanted i.p. The mechanism of biodegradation process in an in vivo environment is not fully elucidated. This observation and previous observations led us to suggest that the site of surgical implantation is an instrumental key in designing TCPL delivery system.
In vivo protein translocation into or across the bacterial plasma membrane.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes in vivo studies on the export of various proteins into or across the plasma membrane of E. coli . Methodologies that are employed to study protein export within the cell include genetic manipulation techniques to determine which regions of an exported protein are essential, or irrelevant, for protein export and membrane assembly, and pulse-chase studies combined with cell fractionation and protease mapping. Taken together, these methods have led to the following view of protein export: (1) proteins are initially synthesized in a precursor form with a conformation that is more “open” and protease sensitive than the mature form, (2) translocation across the membrane often requires the assistance of both the sec proteins and the membrane proton motive force, and (3) the information for translocation exists within leader peptides and uncleaved signals in exported proteins. Although the in vivo studies have been crucial in identifying the components of the export machinery and in showing that the membrane electrochemical potential is important for export, they have fallen short in illuminating both the enzymatic functions of the sec genes and the role of the potential.
Soluble and membrane-associated interleukin 2 receptor-α expression in rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus

More than 80% of rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) were found to have elevated levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) in their serum during the course of infection. All long-term survivors had stably elevated levels of soluble IL-2R. The highest levels of soluble IL-2R correlated with the expression of IL-2R on tissue macrophages. Although IL-2R expression was induced on alveolar macrophages by infection with SIV in vitro, expression of IL-2R on tissue macrophages in vivo was not associated with concurrent SIV protein expression in the same cells. Moreover, in animals with high soluble IL-2R levels, there was an inverse relationship between the numbers of cells expressing IL-2R and cells expressing viral protein. The results suggest that the induction of IL-2R may be an indirect or secondary effect of SIV infection. Changes in expression of macrophage-elaborated factors, such as that of IL-2R described in this report, may play a crucial role in some of the pathologic features of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Ingestive Peptides and the Blood–Brain Barrier

ABSTRACT The passage of substances such as leptin, ghrelin, and insulin across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has emerged in the last decade as a major mechanism by which the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract communicate. Saturable transport systems in the brain or blood directions exist for many of these substances, and others cross by nonsaturable transmembrane diffusion. The transporters are them selves regulated and dysregulation results in disease. For example, the immune regulation of insulin transport could explain the insulin resistance of sepsis and the impaired transport of leptin as an early cause of the leptin resistance seen in obesity.
Inhaled Vitamin D: A Novel Strategy to Enhance Neonatal Lung Maturation

The physiologic vitamin D (VD), 1α,25(OH)2D3 (1,25D) is a local paracrine/autocrine effecter of fetal lung maturation. By stimulating alveolar type II cell and lipofibroblast proliferation and differentiation, parenterally administered 1,25D has been shown to enhance neonatal lung maturation; but due to the potential systemic side effects of the parenteral route, the translational value of these findings might be limited. To minimize the possibility of systemic toxicity, we examined the effects of VD on neonatal lung maturation, when delivered directly to lungs via nebulization. One-day-old rat pups were administered three different doses of 1,25D and its physiologic precursor 25(OH)D (25D), or the diluent, via nebulization daily for 14 days. Pups were sacrificed for lung, kidneys, and blood collection to determine markers of lung maturation, and serum 25D and calcium levels. Compared to controls, nebulized 25D and 1,25D enhanced lung maturation as evidenced by the increased expression of markers of alveolar epithelial (SP-B, leptin receptor), mesenchymal (PPARγ, C/EBPα), and endothelial (VEGF, FLK-1) differentiation, surfactant phospholipid synthesis, and lung morphology without any significant increases in serum 25D and calcium levels. Inhaled VD is a potentially safe and effective novel strategy to enhance neonatal lung maturation.
Selective Induced Altered Coccidians to Immunize and Prevent Enteritis

Microbiomic flora in digestive tract is pivotal to the state of our health and disease. Antibiotics affect GI, control composition of microbiome, and shift equilibrium from health into disease status. Coccidiosis causes gastrointestinal inflammation. Antibiotic additives contaminate animal products and enter food chain, consumed by humans with possible allergic, antibiotic resistance and enigmatic side effects. Purposed study induced nonpathogenic, immunogenic organisms to protect against disease and abolish antibiotics' use in food animals and side effects in man. Diverse species of Coccidia were used as model. Immature organisms were treated with serial purification procedure prior to developmental stages to obtain altered strains. Chicks received oral gavage immunized with serial low doses of normal or altered organisms or sham treatment and were challenged with high infective normal organisms to compare pathogenicity and immunogenicity. Mature induced altered forms of E. tenella and E. necatrix lacked developmental stage of "sporocysts" and contained free sporozoites. In contrast, E. maxima progressed to normal forms or did not mature at all. Animals that received altered forms were considerably protected with higher weight gain and antibody titers against challenge infection compared to those that received normal organisms (p < 0.05). This is the first report to induce selected protective altered organisms for possible preventive measures to minimize antibiotic use in food animals.
Potential Use of miRNAs as Platelet Biomarkers of Storage.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small endogenous noncoding regulatory RNAs, which control cellular gene expression in eukaryotes at post-transcriptional level. MicroRNAs have been shown to play a role in cell differentiation and apoptosis by down regulating the translation of their target mRNAs. Differential expression profiles of miRNAs often help in identifying specific miRNAs as biomarkers of interest to a variety of cellular states, such as cancer. One of the key cellular components of blood that is of interest to transfusion medicine to control bleeding is ‘platelet concentrates (PCs)’. Platelets are stored at room temperature (22 0 C) for up to 5 days for transfusion and during storage platelets undergo physiological changes often termed as storage lesions that adversely affect their survival in vivo following transfusion. Therefore identifying markers that truly reflect the cellular status at any given time during storage would help in developing efficacy biomarkers for stored platelets. Since mature platelets do not have a nucleus, but they do contain numerous mRNAs and undergo translational regulation, we hypothesized that miRNAs as translational regulators could play a crucial role in platelet biology and therefore may serve as biomarkers of platelets during storage. In this study, we explored differential miRNA profiling of 52-apoptosis-associated miRNAs of platelets using PCs obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) blood bank and were stored at room temperature (22 0 C) for up to 9 days. Samples were collected at day 0, day 2, and day 9. Out of 52 miRNAs analyzed by microarray, we observed that while two miRNAs levels had increased, another two miRNA levels decreased drastically from day 0 to day 9 (Table 1). The differential microarray analysis presented here clearly suggests that miRNAs certainly have the potential to be useful as biomarkers of platelets during storage. Further analysis of the targets of these miRNAs in platelets will help understand the underlying mechanisms of platelet lesions. The findings and conclusions in this abstract have not been formally disseminated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy.
Management of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis Syndrome

Summary: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune mediated response to heparin in which antibody driven thrombosis can have a dramatic life-threatening expression. There is much interest...
Treatment of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare syndrome caused by the disruption of pulmonary surfactant homeostasis that results in hypoxemic respiratory insufficiency (Trapnell et al. 2003). The syndrome occurs in a heterogeneous group of distinct diseases usefully divided into disorders of surfactant production and disorders of surfactant clearance. The former comprises disorders caused by mutations in genes required for normal surfactant production (e.g., SFTPB, SFTPC, ABCA3, NKX2.1). Disorders of surfactant clearance can be further divided into primary and secondary PAP. Primary PAP is caused by disruption of GM-CSF signaling, either due to neutralizing granulocyte-/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies as occurs in the disease autoimmune PAP or due to mutations in the genes encoding the GM-CSF receptor alpha or beta genes (CSF2RA or CSF2RB). Secondary PAP is caused by another disease or condition that reduces either alveolar macrophage numbers or surfactant clearance (and other) functions. These include hematologic diseases (most commonly myelodysplasia), immune deficiency/chronic inflammatory diseases, toxic inhalation disorders (e.g., respirable silica, aluminum, titanium), and drug-induced phospholipidoses (e.g., cationic amphiphilic drugs such as amiodarone, fluoxetine, gentamicin) (Trapnell and Luisetti 2015). Whole lung lavage is widely held to be therapeutically effective in patients with autoimmune PAP and hereditary PAP, and is also effective in some diseases associated with Secondary PAP but is not effective in patients surfactant production disorders. Off-label use of GM-CSF has been studied in autoimmune PAP and appears to be effective, however, further studies are needed to establish safety and to identify an optimal dose. These and other therapeutic approaches are reviewed in this chapter.
Jonathan Culler, Theory of the Lyric

«Se si deve giudicare da varie pubblicazioni recenti, lo spirito dei tempi non sembra che soffi nella direzione della critica formalista e, per cosi dire, intrinseca»: si apriva cosi, nel 1973, un saggio tra i piu memorabili di Paul de Man, quel “Semiologia e retorica” che avrebbe poi occupato la posizione iniziale nel volume Allegorie della lettura del 1979 (tradotto in italiano da Eduardo Saccone per Einaudi nel 1997).
International adjustment of Brazilian expatriates in the United States of America

The adjustment of expatriates to host countries has been identified as a determinant of their success in international assignments. The literature on expatriates is largely based on cases of expatr...
Intrinsic Wave Propagation of Myocardial Stretch, A New Tool to Evaluate Myocardial Stiffness: A Pilot Study in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Mitral Regurgitation

Background Left ventricular (LV) filling following atrial contraction generates LV myocardial stretch that propagates from base to apex with a speed proportional to myocardial elasticity. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that intrinsic velocity propagation of myocardial stretch (iVP) would be altered in patients with valvular disease and chronic LV pressure overload or volume overload, which may adversely affect mechanical properties of the LV tissue. A second aim was to compare iVP with flow propagation velocity in the chamber. Methods Sixty subjects were prospectively recruited: 20 with severe aortic stenosis (AS), 20 with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), and 20 normal control subjects. LV iVP was measured using ultrahigh–frame rate tissue Doppler (350–460 frames/sec) and flow propagation velocity by color flow M-mode imaging. Follow-up data (up to 2 years) were retrieved from medical records. Results iVP was highest in patients with AS (2.2 ± 0.7 m/sec), intermediate in those with MR (1.6 ± 0.5 m/sec), and lowest in control subjects (1.4 ± 0.2 m/sec; P 1.8 m/sec. Overall, iVP correlated with age, LV morphology, severity of aortic valve obstruction, and measures of LV preload and afterload. At follow-up, patients with high iVP had lower survival free of major adverse cardiac events ( P = .002). Flow propagation velocity was similar between groups and correlated poorly with iVP ( r = 0.26, P = .10). Conclusions A significant number of patients with severe AS and severe MR had rapid transmission of myocardial stretch, indicating increased myocardial stiffness. This information was not conveyed by measurement of flow propagation. Larger studies are needed to investigate the clinical utility of this novel measurement.
Small Business Management Assistance: Needs and Sources:

This paper reports the results of a nationwide survey of 793 small business owners and managers regarding their management assistance needs and sources. Of 15 business decision areas investigated, ...
Comment on Models of a Counseling Center and The Importance of Context

In the same issue of Journal of College Student Psychotherapy that contained the Brunner, Wallace, Keyes, and Polychronis (2017) article, “The Comprehensive Counseling Center Model,” Rosenbaum and ...
Climax: Eschatology and the Aim of Leadership

Ethical leadership is strengthened when it observes and serves the appropriate purpose and end. Biblical theology unfolds the direction of God’s good creation and casts the horizon of activity that is truly meaningful. This aim helps to distinguish between leadership that seeks right and good ends themselves and leadership that seeks to supply the means to good ends in a good way. Both forms of leadership are ethical provided the means of achieving ends are not mistaken for being ends in themselves. Biblical theology, through eschatology, helps to maintain the proper distinction and arrangement for ethical leadership.
Low Power Design Methodologies and Flows

Jerry Frenkil Jan M. Rabaey Low Power Design Methodologies and Flows Slide 12.1 The goal of this chapter is to describe the methodologies and flows currently used in low-power design. It is one thing to understand a technique for achieving low power; it is another to understand how to efficiently and effectively implement that technique. Previous chapters have focused upon particular techniques and how they achieve energy efficiency. This chapter explores methodologies for implementing those techniques along with issues and trade-offs associated with those methodologies.
An Analysis of Marx’ Description of the Will Theory of Law

This study consists in a critical analysis of Karl Marx’ theory of nineteenth-century commercial law in the light of the actual nineteenth-century law of contracts. Like Marx’ works, this essay consists both in empirical study of the law and in philosophical analysis.
Some Ethological Concepts

The theoretical foundation of ethology is that behavior, like morphology, is adaptive and subject to selection pressures, and that it may have a genetic basis and phylogenetic history. As with morphological and anatomical features, a behavioral trait can best be understood by determining (1) the physiological and environmental factors regulating it (its immediate or proximate mechanisms), (2) its development in the individual (ontogeny), (3) its function in terms of the advantages it confers on the animal, and (4) its evolutionary development (phylogeny).
From Indicator Variables to Nonparametric Estimation

Examples in the previous chapters used data that vary continuously. However, in many situations one is presented with nominal data or with data that are more easily treated if converted to a nominal scale. As a simple example of such an indicator variable, the presence or absence of a show of gas may be represented by the two values 0 and 1. Statistics like success ratio assume a value for economic threshold that may not be stated. A more explicit use of a threshold appears in Kumar (1985), where fields had to exceed 1 million barrels (159,000 m3) in recoverable reserves to be economical at 1979 prices. A continuous variable can be converted to an indicator variable for a number of thresholds, yielding a new variable for each threshold chosen; this procedure forms the basis for nonparametric estimation, described in the second part of this chapter.
Using Navier-Stokes modeling to design a better recorder

We use the Navier-Stokes equations to model how air flows in the mouthpiece region of the recorder. Different geometrical designs for this region are investigated, and the effect of these modifications on the tonal properties are studied. We find that simple changes from the standard mouthpiece geometry can have large effects on the resulting spectra which we have traced to changes in the vortex patterns near the labium. Our modeling results have been tested by using 3D printing to make instruments suggested to be most promising. The modeling results also reveal how subtle changes in features like the sharpness of the labium can have a profound effect on the behavior. [Work supported by NSF grant PHY1513273.]
Depression-like symptoms of withdrawal in a genetic mouse model of binge methamphetamine intake

Binge methamphetamine (MA) users have higher MA consumption, relapse rates and depression-like symptoms during early periods of withdrawal, compared with non-binge users. The impact of varying durations of MA abstinence on depression-like symptoms and on subsequent MA intake was examined in mice genetically prone to binge-level MA consumption. Binge-level MA intake was induced using a multiple-bottle choice procedure in which mice were offered one water drinking tube and three tubes containing increasing concentrations of MA in water, or four water tubes (control group). In two studies, depression-like symptoms were measured using a tail-suspension test and a subsequent forced-swim test, after forced abstinence of 6 and 30 hours from a 28-day course of chronic MA intake. An additional study measured the same depression-like symptoms, as well as MA intake, after prolonged abstinence of 1 and 2 weeks. MA high drinking mice and one of their progenitor strains DBA/2J escalated their MA intake with increasing MA concentration; however, MA high drinking mice consumed almost twice as much MA as DBA/2J mice. Depression-like symptoms were significantly higher early after MA access was withdrawn, compared to levels in drug-naive controls, with more robust effects of MA withdrawal observed in MA high drinking than DBA/2J mice. When depression-like symptoms were examined after 1 or 2 weeks of forced abstinence in MA high drinking mice, depression-like symptoms dissipated, and subsequent MA intake was high. The MA high drinking genetic mouse model has strong face validity for human binge MA use and behavioral sequelae associated with abstinence.
PENICILLACTIA FOLLOWING INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF PENICILLINS1,2

Summary Five penicillin preparations (G crystalline penicillin of potassium, sodium, benzathine, procaine and diethylaminoethylester hydriodide – DAEEH –) were administered to lactating cows at three, six and nine million unit dosages. The penicillins were in aqueous, peanut oil, sesame oil, and peanut oil with two percent aluminum monostearate (PAM) vehicles. DAEEH penicillin appeared in the milk at the highest concentration and benzathine penicillin was detectable in the milk for the longest period of all penicillins investigated. It would appear the DAEEH penicillin would be the penicillin of choice for mastitis medication in that high levels were obtained soon following administration and that this penicillin was adulterating milk for 48 hr only following administration. Aqueous and peanut oil vehicles provided the highest concentration of penicillin for the longest post-administration period. There was extensive variation in milk concentration of penicillin between cows and for the same cow upon repe...
Obesity and inactivity, not hyperglycemia, cause exercise intolerance in individuals with type 2 diabetes: Solving the obesity and inactivity versus hyperglycemia causality dilemma

Abstract Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and type 2 diabetes are intricately linked conditions contributing to reduced exercise tolerance, significant morbidity, and premature deaths. It is unknown whether the reported exercise intolerance associated with type 2 diabetes is a direct result of the hyperglycemia, the impact of a relatively sedentary lifestyle, or increased adiposity. We hypothesize that obesity and inactivity, not hyperglycemia, cause exercise intolerance in individuals with type 2 diabetes. An analysis of the literature and results from the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model of type 2 diabetes strongly support this hypothesis. GK rats were not sedentary or obese when compared with Wistar control rats and did not have exercise intolerance. Specifically, despite being hyperglycemic, GK rats demonstrated a longer treadmill run time to exhaustion (150.6 ± 9.0 vs. 77.2 ± 12.9 min), further distance run (1506 ± 90 vs. 772 ± 129 m), more work performed per gram muscle (44.0 ± 2.8 vs. 21.9 ± 3.8 kg*m/g) and a small increase in total vertical work performed when accounting for body mass (116.8 ± 6.3 versus 98.9 ± 15.2 kg*m). These results document preserved exercise tolerance in the non-obese, non-sedentary GK rat supporting the hypothesis that the reported exercise intolerance in models of type 2 diabetes is dependent on obesity and inactivity. Solving the obesity and inactivity versus hyperglycemia causality dilemma is important in understanding the development of type 2 diabetes and implications for future pharmacological and life style interventions.