cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity of four Pythium species to wheat, barley, peas and lentils

Pythium heterothallicum, P. irregulare, P. torulosum and P. ultimum var. sporangiiferum were compared for pathogenicity to seedlings of winter wheat, spring barley, lentils and peas in growth chambers at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 C. These four fungi are among the most commonly isolated Pythium species from wheat roots and wheat-field soils in eastern Washington and northern Idaho, USA, where wheat, spring barley, lentils and peas are grown in various rotations. Pathogenicity was determined in artificially infested soils (500 propagules per g) based on ability to cause pre-emergence death and post-emergence stunting of seedlings. P. ultimum var. sporangiiferum caused significant pre-emergence death of the wheat at 15–25 C, lentils at 10–25 C. and peas at 5 25 C. P. irregulare caused pre-emergence death only of peas and only at 5 C. With the possible exception of lentils at 25 C, P. heterothallcum and P. torulosum caused no pre-emergence death of any of the four plant species. None of the species caused pre-emergence death of spring barley. P. ultimum var. sporangiiferum caused the most post-emergence stunting of wheat, peas and lentils at 10 C and above. Pythium irregulare caused as much or more stunting than P. ultimum var. sporangiiferum on wheat, lentils and peas at 5 C, and was the most pathogenic species on barley at 10, 20 and 25 C. P. irregulare caused significantly more post-emergence stunting of wheat at 5 C with than without chaff (added as a food base for the pathogen); this was not offset by adding ammonium sulphate with the chaff.
A multiresolution framework for stereoscopic image sequence compression

Stereoscopic sequence compression typically involves the exploitation of the spatial redundancy between the left and right streams to achieve higher compressions than are possible with the independent compression of the two streams. In this paper the psychophysical property of the human visual system, that only one high resolution image in a stereo image pair is sufficient for satisfactory depth perception, has been used to further reduce the bit rates. Thus, one of the streams is independently coded along the lines of the MPEG standards, while the other stream is estimated at a lower resolution from this stream. A multiresolution framework has been adopted to facilitate such an estimation of motion and disparity vectors at different resolutions. Experimental results on typical sequences indicate that the additional stream can be compressed to about one-fifth of a highly compressed independently coded stream, without any significant loss in depth perception or perceived image quality. >
Cyclic mechanical stretch induces VEGF and FGF-2 expression in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic (b) fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2/bFGF) are involved in vascular development and angiogenesis. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells express VEG...
Expressed Emotion and Sociocultural Moderation in the Course of Schizophrenia

This study examined whether the sociocultural context moderates the relationship between families' expressed emotion (EE) and clinical outcomes in schizophrenia. In a sample of 60 Mexican American caregivers and their ill relatives, we first assessed whether EE and its indices (criticism, emotional overinvolvement [EOI], and warmth) related to relapse. Second, we extended the analysis of EE and its indices to a longitudinal assessment of symptomatology. Last, we tested whether bidimensional acculturation moderated the relationship between EE (and its indices) and both relapse and symptom trajectory over time. Results indicated that EOI was associated with increased relapse and that criticism was associated with increased symptomatology. Additionally, as patients' Mexican enculturation (Spanish language and media involvement) decreased, EE was increasingly related to relapse. For symptomatology, as patients' U.S. acculturation (English language and media involvement) increased, EE was associated with increased symptoms longitudinally. Our results replicate and extend past research on how culture might shape the way family factors relate to the course of schizophrenia.
Nonlinearity and power consumption analysis of a low-IF MEMS receiver architecture

The nonlinearity and power consumption of low-IF receiver with RF MEMS filters is analyzed and a novel architecture employing high-Q RF MEMS filters at front end is presented. The target application is for the GSM900 MHz, and the MEMS filter is used as the front-end channel selectivity filter. Tradeoffs and analysis of the newly developed architecture using the MEMS filter is discussed. The MEMS filter can be used as a front-end channel selectivity filter which reduce interferes and blockers from entering the desired signal channel in the receiver. This results in lowering the required dynamic range, linearity, IIP2 and IIP3, and the power consumption of the receiver. For the low-IF receiver, the LNA and the mixer is designed using the CMOS 0.4 /spl mu/m (BSIM3 model) technology. The LNA consists of three-stages with gain of 26 dB, noise figure NF=1.5 dB, IIP3=-18 dBm with 12 mW power consumption. A Gilbert-cell mixer with single-ended input is designed. The mixer has conversion gain of 5.08 dB, NF=6.9 dB IIP3=-14.6 dBm and the power consumption is less than 5 mW.
The utility of sildenafil citrate for infertile men with sexual dysfunction: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the use the sildenafil citrate, recognized as a first-line therapy for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), and which is safe and effective in men with various causes and severity of ED, including psychogenic ED, in a population of infertile men with sexual dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS Infertility is a major source of life stress and might be associated with sexual dysfunction through the erosion of self-esteem and self-confidence, and in stimulating discord in a relationship. Men presenting for evaluation of fertility who on questioning by the physician reported the recent onset of sexual dysfunction, had a history taken, a physical examination, hormonal profile, and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a validated inventory for assessing sexual dysfunction. Thirty men with a score of <26 on the erectile function domain of the IIEF, or who complained of new onset rapid or delayed ejaculation, were treated with sildenafil with no randomization or placebo control. The evaluation was repeated and the IIEF completed again ≥3 months after starting treatment. RESULTS For men complaining of ED, subjective erectile rigidity, duration of erection, and the percentage of successful penetration attempts significantly improved with sildenafil. The mean (so) IIEF domain scores for erection and satisfaction, at 18 (4) vs 27 (3), and 12 (2) vs 16 (3) (both P=0.01), and orgasm, at 4 (1) vs 6 (3) (P=0.001), respectively, significantly improved after treatment. In patients with ejaculatory dysfunction, the function improved in 64% after sildenafil therapy. CONCLUSIONS We identified the nature of sexual dysfunction associated with male-factor infertility, and showed the efficacy of sildenafil therapy in men with this condition.
Stepmothers and natural mothers: A study of maternal attitudes

The maternal attitudes of 15 natural mothers (Md age 46) and 15 stepmothers (Md age 47) were compared. The HerefordParent Attitude Survey was the instrument used to assess differences between the two populations on five scales measuring confidence, causation, acceptance, understanding, and trust. No significant differences were found between the two populations with the exception of the causation dimension (t=2.4840 p<.05), which indicated that stepmothers attribute the problem behavior of the child to genetic and environmental factors while natural mothers accept the influence of the maternal role in the child's problem behavior. It is the authors' opinion that the statistical similarities and differences found between the two samples is a reflection of the common problem they share, that of a child in treatment.
Distinct Domains of the GATA-1 Cofactor FOG-1 Differentially Influence Erythroid versus Megakaryocytic Maturation

FOG family zinc finger proteins play essential roles in development through physical interaction with GATA factors. FOG-1, like its interacting partner GATA-1, is required for normal differentiation of erythroid and megakaryocytic cells. Here, we have developed a functional assay for FOG-1 based on its ability to rescue erythroid and megakaryocytic maturation of a genetically engineered FOG-1−/− cell line. We demonstrate that interaction through only one of FOG-1's four GATA-binding zinc fingers is sufficient for rescue, providing evidence against a model in which FOG-1 acts to bridge multiple GATA-binding DNA elements. Importantly, we find that distinct regions of FOG-1 differentially influence erythroid versus megakaryocyte maturation. As such, we propose that FOG-1 may modulate the fate of a bipotential erythroid/megakaryocytic precursor cell.
Scheduling Methods for Accelerating Applications on Architectures with Heterogeneous Cores

Intra-node architectures for high performance machines have been rapidly evolving over the recent years. We are seeing a diverse set of architectures, most of them with heterogeneous cores. This leads to two important questions for HPC programming: 1) how do we accelerate a single application using a heterogeneous collection of cores? 2) how do we develop applications and runtime systems that maintain portability and performance portability across a diverse set of architectures? By looking at the characteristics of the architectures, we formulate a scheduling problem with non-coherent, non-uniform access shared memory. We have developed several distinct locking-free dynamic scheduling methods for such cases, including a master-worker method, a core-level token passing method, and a device-level token passing method. These methods have been implemented on two different architectures: an AMD Fusion APU, and a decoupled CPU-GPU node involving a multi-core CPU and two NVIDIA GPUs, and thus, we provide portability for applications across different types of heterogeneous systems. Using six different applications, we compare different scheduling models against multi-core CPU-only and many-core GPU-only versions. The best CPU+1GPU version has a speedup of between 1.11 and 1.88 over the better of the single device versions. The CPU+2GPU execution further improves the performance by 1.25x to 1.79x over the CPU+1GPU versions. Comparing against the scheduling methods implemented in StarPU and OmpSs, two recent systems for CPU-GPU scheduling, we see 1.08x to 1.21x speedups over the faster of StarPU and OmpSs executions for each application.
The tissue factor/factor VIIa/factor Xa complex: a model built by docking and site-directed mutagenesis.

Factor X is activated to factor Xa (fXa) in the extrinsic coagulation pathway by the tissue factor (TF)/factor VIIa (fVIIa) complex. Upon activation, the fXa molecule remains associated with the TF/fVIIa complex, and this ternary complex is known to activate protease-activated receptors (PARs) 1 and 2. Activation of fVII in the TF complex by fXa is also seen at physiologic concentrations. The ternary complexes TF/fVII/fXa, TF/fVIIa/fX, and TF/fVIIa/fXa are therefore all physiologically relevant and of interest as targets for inhibition of both coagulation and cell-signaling pathways that are important in cardiovascular disease and inflammation. We therefore present a model of the TF/fVIIa/fXa complex, built with the use of the available structures of the TF/fVIIa complex and fXa by protein-protein docking calculations with the program Surfdock. The fXa model has an extended conformation, similar to that of fVIIa in the TF/fVIIa complex, with extensive interactions with TF and the protease domain of fVIIa. All four domains of fXa are involved in the interaction. The gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla) and epithelial growth factor (EGF1 and EGF2) domains of fVIIa are not significantly involved in the interaction. Docking of the Gla domain of fXa to TF/fVIIa has been reported previously. The docking results identify potential interface residues, allowing rational selection of target residues for site-directed mutagenesis. This combination of docking and mutagenesis confirms that residues Glu51 and Asn57 in the EGF1 domain, Asp92 and Asp95 in the EGF2 domain, and Asp 185a, Lys 186, and Lys134 in the protease domain of factor Xa are involved in the interaction with TF/fVIIa. Other fX protease domain residues predicted to be involved in the interaction come from the 160s loop and the N-terminus of the fX protease domain, which is oriented in such a way that activation of both fVII by fXa, and the reciprocal fX activation by fVIIa, is possible.
Fish Oil Blocks Azoxymethane-Induced Rat Colon Tumorigenesis by Increasing Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis Rather Than Decreasing Cell Proliferation

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the protective effect of fish oil against colon carcinogenesis is due to decreased proliferation, increased differentiation and/or increased apoptosis. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 260) were fed one of two oils (corn or fish) and two fibers (pectin or cellulose), plus or minus the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM). Rats were killed at wk 18 (n = 80) or 36 (n = 180) for cytokinetic measurements. In vivo cell proliferation was measured by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into DNA, differentiation by binding of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin and apoptosis by immunoperoxidase detection of digoxigenin labeled genomic DNA. Fish oil resulted in a lower adenocarcinoma incidence (56.1 vs. 70.3%) compared with corn oil. There was no effect of fat or fiber on number of proliferative cells/crypt column in either the proximal or distal colon. In contrast, fish oil resulted in a greater degree of differentiation compared with corn oil in both colonic sites. In addition, fish oil resulted in a higher number of apoptotic cells/crypt column in both the proximal and distal colon as compared with corn oil. AOM treatment increased the ratio of proliferative cells/crypt column to apoptotic cells/crypt column in both the proximal and distal colon compared with saline controls. Fish oil, however, resulted in a lower ratio in both sites in the colon as compared with corn oil. These results suggest that an increase in apoptosis and differentiation, rather than a decrease in proliferation, accounts for the protective effect of fish oil against experimentally induced colon tumorigenesis.
On a class of almost unbiased ratio estimators

Murthy and Nanjamma [4] studied the problem of construction of almost unbiased ratio estimators for any sampling design using the technique of interpenetrating subsamples. Subsequently, Rao [7], [8] has given a general method of constructing unbiased ratio estimators by considering linear combinations of the two simple estimators based on the ratio of means and the mean of ratios. However, it is difficult to choose an optimum weight (Rao [9]) which minimizes the variance of the combined estimator since the weights are random in certain cases. In this note, we consider a different method of combining these estimators and obtain a general class of almost unbiased ratio estimators of which Murthy and Nanjamma's is a particular case and derive an optimum in this class. The case of simple random sampling where a similar class of almost unbiased ratio estimators can be developed is briefly discussed. The results are illustrated by means of simple numerical examples.
Ocular Hypotensive Effects of the ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Opener Cromakalim in Human and Murine Experimental Model Systems.

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most prevalent and only treatable risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, all current therapeutics used to treat elevated IOP and glaucoma have significant and sometimes irreversible side effects necessitating the development of novel compounds. We evaluated the IOP lowering ability of the broad spectrum KATP channel opener cromakalim. Cultured human anterior segments when treated with 2 μM cromakalim showed a decrease in pressure (19.33 ± 2.78 mmHg at 0 hours to 13.22 ± 2.64 mmHg at 24 hours; p<0.001) when compared to vehicle treated controls (15.89 ± 5.33 mmHg at 0 h to 15.56 ± 4.88 mmHg at 24 hours; p = 0.89). In wild-type C57BL/6 mice, cromakalim reduced IOP by 18.75 ± 2.22% compared to vehicle treated contralateral eyes (17.01 ± 0.32 mmHg at 0 hours to 13.82 ± 0.37 mmHg at 24 hours; n = 10, p = 0.002). Cromakalim demonstrated an additive effect when used in conjunction with latanoprost free acid, a common ocular hypotensive drug prescribed to patients with elevated IOP. To examine KATP channel subunit specificity, Kir6.2(-/-) mice were treated with cromakalim, but unlike wild-type animals, no change in IOP was noted. Histologic analysis of treated and control eyes in cultured human anterior segments and in mice showed similar cell numbers and extracellular matrix integrity within the trabecular meshwork, with no disruptions in the inner and outer walls of Schlemm’s canal. Together, these studies suggest that cromakalim is a potent ocular hypotensive agent that lowers IOP via activation of Kir6.2 containing KATP channels, its effect is additive when used in combination with the commonly used glaucoma drug latanoprost, and is not toxic to cells and tissues of the aqueous humor outflow pathway, making it a candidate for future therapeutic development.
Candidate Genes That May Be Responsible for the Unusual Resistances Exhibited by Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 Spores

The spores of several Bacillus species, including Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 and B. safensis FO-36b, which were isolated from the spacecraft assembly facility at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, are unusually resistant to UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide. In order to identify candidate genes that might be associated with these resistances, the whole genome of B. pumilus SAFR-032, and the draft genome of B. safensis FO-36b were compared in detail with the very closely related type strain B. pumilus ATCC7061T. 170 genes are considered characteristic of SAFR-032, because they are absent from both FO-36b and ATCC7061T. Forty of these SAFR-032 characteristic genes are entirely unique open reading frames. In addition, four genes are unique to the genomes of the resistant SAFR-032 and FO-36b. Fifty three genes involved in spore coat formation, regulation and germination, DNA repair, and peroxide resistance, are missing from all three genomes. The vast majority of these are cleanly deleted from their usual genomic context without any obvious replacement. Several DNA repair and peroxide resistance genes earlier reported to be unique to SAFR-032 are in fact shared with ATCC7061T and no longer considered to be promising candidates for association with the elevated resistances. Instead, several SAFR-032 characteristic genes were identified, which along with one or more of the unique SAFR-032 genes may be responsible for the elevated resistances. These new candidates include five genes associated with DNA repair, namely, BPUM_0608 a helicase, BPUM_0652 an ATP binding protein, BPUM_0653 an endonuclease, BPUM_0656 a DNA cytosine-5- methyltransferase, and BPUM_3674 a DNA helicase. Three of these candidate genes are in immediate proximity of two conserved hypothetical proteins, BPUM_0654 and BPUM_0655 that are also absent from both FO-36b and ATCC7061T. This cluster of five genes is considered to be an especially promising target for future experimental work.
Identification of Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes by Transesophageal Echocardiography—A Novel Role of TEE

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers an excellent view of the heart and the descending aorta because of the close anatomic relationship between the esophagus and the heart and the absence of obstructing tissues common to the transthoracic approach. TEE is considered the procedure of choice in evaluating aortic diseases. As illustrated in this example, it may also be used to evaluate para-aortic pathology. We present a TEE example of large hilar lymphadenopathy that was directly compared with computed tomography (CT) scanning to provide additional clarification of this anatomic relationship for the echocardiographer. A brief review of the literature is also included. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004) aorta, computed tomography, lymphadenopathy, mediastinal mass, transesophageal echocardiography Background The relationship between the thoracic aorta and the esophagus is intimate. The proximity between these two structures allows superb visualization of the aorta by transesophageal echocardiography. The proximal part of the aortic arch and the distal portion of the ascending aorta require multiplane imaging to minimize interference from the interposed trachea and allow complete visualization of the entire thoracic aorta. 1 Careful attention is necessary while evaluating the aorta for these adjacent structures, which in certain clinical circumstances may be helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of disease. This case illustrates the relevance of this finding.
Favor prevalence in emerging markets: A multi-level analysis

Favors are a medium of exchange for social capital. Social capital creates social, political, and economic benefits for individuals, organizations, communities, and societies around the world. Favors promote cooperation between individuals and are used to bond individual actors with other individuals, groups, communities, and institutions. Favors are prevalent in business in emerging markets because of the presence of institutional voids, limited social and geographic mobility, and strong reciprocity norms. Favors create benefits and liabilities for business organizations and their networks. They produce outcomes beyond the favor exchange process that can be characterized as productive or perverse. Despite their prevalence and importance, favors and their dynamics are not well understood. We explore the antecedents, content, process, and consequences of favors. We conclude our multi-level analysis of favors with a discussion of the “breakeven” point for favors—the point where favors tip from having a positive effect to having a negative effect on organization performance. We present an integrated framework to explain the dynamics of favors in emerging market business contexts, and develop propositions to guide future research.
Virus Detection Protocols for West Nile Virus in Vertebrate and Mosquito Specimens

The recent outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the northeastern United States and other regions of the world have made it essential to develop efficient, sensitive, and rapid protocols for virus surveillance. Laboratory testing is the backbone of any surveillance program. Protocols to detect the presence of WNV have been refined since 1999 for sensitivity, speed, efficiency, and specificity. This paper presents the protocols currently used by the New York State Department of Health to handle vertebrate and mosquito specimens that have been submitted for WNV testing to the Arbovirus Laboratories of the Wadsworth Center.
The Development of Ergonomic Guidelines for Railroad Hand Switch Operation

Injury statistics and worker perceptions of relative task difficulty and frequency suggest that the operation of hand switch stands/switches may be a problem task in the railroad industry (Kuciemba, Page, and Kerk, 1988). Injuries associated with this task are mostly over exertion in nature, 43% of which occur to the lower back. This paper describes how we developed ergonomic guidelines specifically to address hand switch operation. These guidelines could be applied to: identify switches that may pose excessive risk of injury when operated, evaluate maintenance procedures, and assist in developing switch stand design alternatives.The guidelines specifically define hand forces across the range of switch lever motion encountered when operating the switch stand. There are two sets of guidelines, lower guidelines and upper guidelines. The lower guidelines are defined by the back compression and static strength criteria NIOSH (1981) uses to define their Action Limit, along with a stability criterion. The upper...
Effect of Perceived Control on Quality of Life in Indigent Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

PurposeTo examine the relationship between perceived control of diabetes and physical and mental health components of quality of life in indigent adults with diabetes.MethodsThe primary variables, perceived control of diabetes and quality of life, were evaluated among188 patients from a low-income clinic located at an academic medical center. Over a 12-month period, consenting subjects completed the surveys to assess perceived control of diabetes and health-related quality of life. Sociodemographic factors (age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, employment, marital status, and insurance status) were collected as well as clinical factors like comorbid conditions and use of insulin therapy. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the independent association of perceived control on quality of life.ResultsThe sample largely comprised middle-aged women with diabetes, a majority being black; nearly two-thirds had at least a high school education and almost three-quarters were unemployed. ...
A new scheduling scheme for the wideband TD-CDMA MAC protocol

Multimedia services in a wideband time division-code division multiple access (TD-CDMA) wireless system have heterogeneous bit error rate (BER) and quality of service (QoS) requirements. In order to improve system throughput and guarantee QoS of multimedia traffic in such a wireless system, the medium access control (MAC) protocol demands a high performance scheduling scheme. In this paper a novel scheduling scheme is first proposed based on unequal power levels of the received signals. Then a MAC protocol is developed on the basis of the novel scheduling scheme. Simulation results show that the MAC protocol cannot only significantly improve the system throughput, but it can also guarantee QoS of multimedia traffic even if high system throughput is achieved.
Simulation with the Process Worldview

This chapter presents an introduction to the process interaction approach to discrete-event simulation using simple single-server models. UML diagrams and object-oriented programming with Java language and the Psim-J simulation library are explained briefly and are used for developing a basic case study of a single-server model. Appendix A provides a more complete description of the Psim-J class library.
Melanoma brain metastasis pseudoprogression after pembrolizumab treatment

The role of immunotherapy in treatment of brain metastases is unknown because most trials exclude patients with active brain lesions. As new immunomodulating agents gain approval for many malignancies, it is important to know if they have unique effects in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we present a case of a patient with progressing brain metastases treated with a single cycle of pembrolizumab, who presented with mental status changes 11 days thereafter. MRI of the brain showed enlargement of CNS lesions with intense central enhancement and diffuse perilesional edema. Histologic evaluation of a resected lesion revealed isolated clusters of tumor cells surrounded by reactive astrocytosis, scattered inflammatory cells, and an abundance of microglial cells. Given the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with brain metastases from melanoma and other diseases, recognition of pseudoprogression and management with immune suppression are essential.
Offshore Habitat Preference of Overwintering Juvenile and Adult Black Sea Bass, Centropristis striata, and the Relationship to Year-Class Success.

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) migrations are believed to play a role in overwinter survival and connectivity between juvenile and adult populations. This study investigated oceanographic drivers of winter habitat choice and regional differences between populations of juvenile and adult black sea bass. Trends in cohort strength, as a result of juvenile survival, were also identified. Oceanographic and fisheries survey data were analyzed using generalized additive models. Among the oceanographic variables investigated, salinity was the main driver in habitat selection with an optimal range of 33–35 practical salinity units (PSU) for both juveniles and adults. Preferred temperature ranges varied between juveniles and adults, but held a similar minimum preference of >8°C. Salinity and temperature ranges also differed by regions north and south of Hudson Canyon. Shelf water volume had less of an effect than temperature or salinity, but showed an overall negative relationship with survey catch. The effect of winter conditions on juvenile abundance was also observed across state and federal survey index trends. A lack of correlation observed among surveys in the fall paired with a strong correlation in the spring identifies the winter period as a factor determining year-class strength of new recruits to the population. A rank order analysis of spring indices identified three of the largest year classes occurring during years with reduced shelf water volumes, warmer winter shelf waters, and a 34 PSU isohaline aligned farther inshore. While greater catches of black sea bass in the northwest Atlantic Ocean remain south of Hudson Canyon, the species’ range has expanded north in recent years.
M&A Guide to Rules of the Road: Securities Law, Issuance Process, Disclosure, and Insider Trading

The practice of MA its important nuances easily exceed the scope of discussion here. Thus, you must seek expert legal advice. Key lessons from this chapter include these: - You must disclose to markets all material and relevant facts about a proposed M&A transaction between two public companies. The aim of securities laws is to inform investors, produce more efficient markets, and achieve a fair or level playing field. Often, there will be sound economic reasons for telling less, rather than more. The disclosure requirements are vague, placing the burden on the practitioner to judge wisely how much to tell. A simple diagnostic will determine whether a fact is material: would you want to know about it if you were in the investor's shoes? - You must control leakage of information about a deal and avoid insider trading. The aim of securities laws is to prevent market manipulation by insiders. - You must observe correct procedures regarding deadlines and filings with regulators. These rules of the road limit the practitioner's flexibility in some respects.
Composition of the Marginal Regions of Thylakoid Membranes

Detergents able to preferentially solubilise either granal or stromal lamellae (1,2) have helped to elucidate the laterally segregated model of the photosynthetic apparatus (3). in this model, granal- and stromal-exposed partition membranes are enriched in proteins associated with photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) complexes, respectively. The stromal-exposed lamellae are also enriched in ATPase complexes (4), whereas the cytochrome b6/f complex is thought to be distributed equally throughout the whole thylakoid network (5). At the ends of the granal stacks separating the appressed regions and the stromal-exposed lamellae, there is a highly curved marginal membrane region (6). It is through this marginal region of the thylakoid membrane that much of the energetic communication between PSII and PSI will occur but, as yet, its biochemical composition is unknown. Recently, Thomson and Moeller (7) have reported that the detergent Tween-20 preferentially solubilises the marginal membrane regions, leaving the granal and stromal lamellae intact.
A time-frequency respiration tracking system using non-contact bed sensors with harmonic artifact rejection

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that affects many individuals and has been associated with serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Clinical diagnosis of sleep apnea requires that a patient spend the night in a sleep clinic while being wired up to numerous obtrusive sensors. We are developing a system that utilizes respiration rate and breathing amplitude inferred from non-contact bed sensors (i.e. load cells placed under bed supports) to detect sleep apnea. Multi-harmonic artifacts generated either biologically or as a result of the impulse response of the bed have made it challenging to track respiration rate and amplitude with high resolution in time. In this paper, we present an algorithm that can accurately track respiration on a second-by-second basis while removing noise harmonics. The algorithm is tested using data collected from 5 patients during overnight sleep studies. Respiration rate is compared with polysomnography estimations of respiration rate estimated by a technician following clinical standards. Results indicate that certain subjects exhibit a large harmonic component of their breathing signal that can be removed by our algorithm. When compared with technician transcribed respiration rates using polysomnography signals, we demonstrate improved accuracy of respiration rate tracking using harmonic artifact rejection (mean error: 0.18 breaths/minute) over tracking not using harmonic artifact rejection (mean error: −2.74 breaths/minute).
Brain machine interface using Emotiv EPOC to control robai cyton robotic arm

The initial framework for an electroencephalography (EEG) thought recognition software suite is developed, built, and tested. This suite is designed to recognize human thoughts and pair them to actions for controlling a robotic arm. Raw EEG brain activity data is collected using an Emotiv EPOC headset. The EEG data is processed through linear discriminant analysis (LDA), where an intended action is identified. The EEG classification suite is being developed to increase the number of distinct actions that can be identified compared to the Emotiv recognition software. The EEG classifier was able to correctly distinguish between two separate physical movements. Future goals for this research include recognition of more gestures, and enabling of real time processing.
ORGANIC PHOSPHATE COMPOUNDS OF ERYTHROCYTES FROM INDIVIDUALS WITH CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER.

SummaryThe concentrations of phos-phorylated compounds of freshly drawn washed red cells of cirrhotic patients were determined. A significant increase in the values of Porg and DPG was observed in these cells and the remaining compounds, including ATP, were not appreciably affected. After storage of the bloods of cirrhotic patients for 14 and 21 days, the DPG levels were higher and the ADP levels were lower than those of the respective controls.The technical assistance of Miss Anna Spicer and Mr. Harvey Snapp is gratefully acknowledged.
Adenomatous Tumor of the Middle Ear: An Ultrastructural and Immunocytochemical Study

An adenomatous tumor of the middle ear was examined by light microscopy, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical technics. It demonstrated the typical histologic growth pattern and featured ultrastructural evidence of glandular differentiation with two distinct types of secretory granules, apically oriented mucus granules and basally located uniformly condensed neurosecretory granules. In support of its neuroendocrine differentiation was the detection of neuron-specific enolase and positive reaction with monoclonal antibody to chromogranin. These findings are compared with previously reported cases and with middle ear mucosa. It is suggested that this bidirectional differentiation is analagous to that seen in other endodermally derived neuroendocrine tumors.
A Familiar Combinatorial Identity Proved by Complex Analysis

(1973). A Familiar Combinatorial Identity Proved by Complex Analysis. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 80, No. 9, pp. 1051-1051.
Targeted Delivery of Immunomodulators to Lymph Nodes

Active-targeted delivery to lymph nodes represents a major advance toward more effective treatment of immune-mediated disease. The MECA79 antibody recognizes peripheral node addressin molecules expressed by high endothelial venules of lymph nodes. By mimicking lymphocyte trafficking to the lymph nodes, we have engineered MECA79-coated microparticles containing an immunosuppressive medication, tacrolimus. Following intravenous administration, MECA79-bearing particles showed marked accumulation in the draining lymph nodes of transplanted animals. Using an allograft heart transplant model, we show that targeted lymph node delivery of microparticles containing tacrolimus can prolong heart allograft survival with negligible changes in tacrolimus serum level. Using MECA79 conjugation, we have demonstrated targeted delivery of tacrolimus to the lymph nodes following systemic administration, with the capacity for immune modulation in vivo.
Brine Spills Associated with Unconventional Oil Development in North Dakota

The rapid rise of unconventional oil production during the past decade in the Bakken region of North Dakota raises concerns related to water contamination associated with the accidental release of oil and gas wastewater to the environment. Here, we characterize the major and trace element chemistry and isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr, δ18O, δ2H) of surface waters (n = 29) in areas impacted by oil and gas wastewater spills in the Bakken region of North Dakota. We establish geochemical and isotopic tracers that can identify Bakken brine spills in the environment. In addition to elevated concentrations of dissolved salts (Na, Cl, Br), spill waters also consisted of elevated concentrations of other contaminants (Se, V, Pb, NH4) compared to background waters, and soil and sediment in spill sites had elevated total radium activities (228Ra + 226Ra) relative to background, indicating accumulation of Ra in impacted soil and sediment. We observed that inorganic contamination associated with brine spills in North Dakota...
Status Analysis and Measures to Centralized Accounting System

Centralized accounting is not only an important reformation of financial revenue and expenditure,but also a special form which budget units carry out accountant appointment system.Recently,the centralized accounting system which has been in practice in many regions has not only advantages but also disadvantages.The system was studies deeply,and accordingly some effective advices are advanced,which is of significance to improve this system.
Correlation of repeating HIV voluntary counseling and test among men who have sex with men in Suzhou City,China

Objective To investigate the rate and correlation of repeating HIV voluntary counseling and test( VCT) among men who have sex with men( MSM) in Suzhou. Methods A total of 738 MSM visiting Suzhou CDC-based VCT clinic between 2010 and 2011 participated in the study. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were completed,and blood samples were obtained for HIV testing,both on enrollment and at repeating VCT. Results Totally,291 subjects came back for VCT within 12 months after first visit and the rate of repeating VCT was 39. 4%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that those aged between 25 and 49( OR = 1. 47,95% CI: 1. 02-2. 11) or aged above 49( OR = 2. 78,95% CI: 1. 05-7. 33),residing in Suzhou municipal district( OR = 2. 14,95% CI: 1. 45-3. 16),registering permanent residence in Suzhou( OR = 1. 61,95% CI: 1. 10-2. 37) or other cities of Jiangsu Province( OR = 1. 49,95% CI: 1. 02-2. 18),having a HIV-related knowledge score higher than 6( total of 8)( OR = 1. 67,95% CI: 1. 06-2. 65),and receiving HIV intervention services in the previous year( OR = 1. 45,95% CI: 1. 06-1. 98) were more likely to repeat VCT. Conclusions In order to facilitate the repeating test among MSM,efforts should be made to increase awareness of knowledge on HIV / AIDS and to enlarge the coverage of intervention programs,especially in the young and mobile subgroups.
148 ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF OBESITY IN A PRIMARY CARE ADOLESCENT PRACTICE.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of assessment and treatment of adolescent patients greater than the 85th percentile BMI in a primary care adolescent clinic. This study will provide baseline data to develop a screening and intervention program for overweight/obese adolescents. Methods All adolescents (11-18 yrs) who had primary care visits and were seen in a 3 mo period were eligible for inclusion in the study. Of the 367 reviewed charts only 261 had well-child visits and were included in the study. Results 78.9% female, 40.6% had BMIs > 85th percentile, with 27.2% > 95th percentile. Only 30.3% had BMIs calculated and only 16.5% BMIs plotted with 41% of those in the > 95th percentile category. Of the teens between 85th and 95th BMI, only 29% received counseling (22% from MD and 78% from RD). Only 45% who were > 95th percentile BMI received counseling (28% from MD and 72% from RD). Since the majority were female we also looked at contraceptive use. There were no significant differences in BMI found between those using contraceptive (OCPs, patch or Depo) and those not using contraceptive. Forty-seven percent of those with > 95th percentile BMI had BP > 95th percentile for age and height. The frequency of symptoms were asthma, 19.5%; joint pain, 16.1%; acanthosis nigricans, 6.5%; PCOS, 2.3%; sleep apnea symptoms, 1.1%. Conclusions Despite a high number of overweight/obese patients (40.6%) routine screening with BMI was limited and few were counseled for weight loss despite other comorbidities (BP > 95th percentile and physical symptoms). Improvements in BMI screening are needed as well as the development of a practical screening and intervention tool, which would greatly enhance care for this population.
Depressive Symptoms and Alcohol-Related Problems Among College Students: A Moderated-Mediated Model of Mindfulness and Drinking to Cope.

OBJECTIVE: In college student samples, the association between depressive symptoms and alcohol-related problems has been found to be mediated by drinking-to-cope motives. Mindfulness-based interventions suggest that mindfulness may attenuate the conditioned response of using substances in response to negative emotional states, and trait mindfulness has been shown to be a protective factor associated with experiencing fewer alcohol-related problems. In the present study, we examined trait mindfulness as a moderator of the indirect associations of depressive symptoms on alcohol-related problems via drinking-to-cope motives. METHOD: Participants were undergraduate students at a large, southeastern university in the United States who drank at least once in the previous month (n = 448). Participants completed an online survey regarding their personal mental health, coping strategies, trait mindfulness, and alcohol use behaviors. The majority of participants were female (n = 302; 67.4%), identified as being either White non-Hispanic (n = 213; 47.5%) or African American (n = 119; 26.6%), and reported a mean age of 22.74 (SD = 6.81) years. Further, 110 (25%) participants reported having a previous and/or current experience with mindfulness mediation. RESULTS: As hypothesized, the indirect effects from depressive symptoms to alcohol-related problems via drinking-to-cope motives were weaker among individuals reporting higher levels of mindfulness than among individuals reporting lower and average levels of mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a possible mechanism through which mindfulness-based interventions may be efficacious among college students: decoupling the associations between depressive symptoms and drinking-to-cope motives. Language: en
Radiative Energy Transfer in the Presence of Random Source Distributions

Radiative energy transfer is generally treated on the basis of a phenomenological theory[1] that bears no apparent relationship to the theory of the electromagnetic field. In recent years, some progress has been made towards elucidating the foundations of this theory.[2]
Soldiers of the Cross: Calvinism, Humanitarianism, and the Genesis of Social Fields

Field theory largely treats the cultural dimensions of social fields as an emergent property of their objective structures. In this article, I reconsider the role of culture in fields by studying h...
Rule of Law, Justice and Constitutionalism: Political Mobilization in the 'Lawyers' Movement for the Restoration of Judiciary and Democracy' in Pakistan

In March 2007, lawyers across Pakistan rose up against the eight-year long military rule of General Pervez Musharraf, when he dismissed the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. I examine the Lawyers’ Movement by asking what we can learn about the appeal of liberal rights, constitutionalism and rule of law and their role in class-based political mobilizations in Pakistan today. I do so by discussing how the Movement succeeded in making these slogans appealing across professional and educated middle classes and brought together different political interests under the loosely, and often contradictorily, defined banner of rule of law, Justice and constitutionalism.
The Role of Renal Replacement Therapy in the Management of Pharmacologic Poisonings

Pharmacologic toxicities are common and range from mild to life-threatening. The aim of this study is to review and update the data on the role of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the management of various pharmacologic poisonings. We aim to provide a focused review on the role of RRT in the management of pharmacological toxicities. Relevant publications were searched in MEDLINE with the following search terms alone or in combination: pharmacologic toxicity, hemodialysis, hemofiltration, renal replacement therapy, toxicology, poisonings, critical illness, and intensive care. The studies showed that a pharmacologic substance should meet several prerequisites to be deemed dialyzable. These variables include having a low molecular weight (<500 Da) and low degree of protein binding (<80%), being water-soluble, and having a low volume of distribution (<1 L/kg). RRT should be strongly considered in critically ill patients presenting with toxic alcohol ingestion, salicylate overdose, severe valproic acid toxicity, metformin overdose, and lithium poisoning. The role of RRT in other pharmacologic toxicities is less certain and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Plasma Ghrelin Levels and Weight Regain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Ghrelin is a gut hormone that induces hunger, gastric acid secretion, and gastrointestinal motility. A number of studies have previously demonstrated a possible correlation between a decrease in ghrelin level and weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aimed to assess if there was a relationship between ghrelin level and weight regain after RYGB nadir weight had been achieved. Sixty-three consecutive RYGB patients who were referred for an upper endoscopy were enrolled. Weight and responses to the 21-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) were collected. Ghrelin levels were measured. Upper endoscopy was performed to evaluate pouch length and stoma diameter. Multivariate linear regression was performed to assess an association between ghrelin level, TFEQ-R21 score, pouch length, stoma diameter, and percentage of weight regained. Subjects were 47 ± 10 years old and had a BMI of 38 ± 7.7 kg/m2. Out of 63 patients, 76 % had weight regain (gaining of ≥20 % of maximal weight lost after the RYGB) and 24 % did not. Average pouch length was 44 ± 13 mm, stoma diameter 20 ± 6.6 mm, and ghrelin levels 125 ± 99 ng/ml. Ghrelin level was not associated with weight regain (β = 0.17, p = 0.2). GJ stoma diameter was associated with weight regain (β = 0.39, p < 0.01) and the uncontrolled eating domain of the TFEQ-R21 (β = 0.45, p < 0.01). Ghrelin levels do not appear to correlate with weight change after RYGB nadir weight has been achieved. A dilated GJ stoma diameter is a risk factor for weight regain and uncontrolled eating behavior after RYGB.