cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenge on dielectric and metallic targets recognition for Radio Frequency Tomography

In this work, we discuss image reconstruction of metallic and dielectric targets for Radio Frequency (RF) Tomography. RF Tomography for detection of underground targets based on the first order Born approximation is described by L. Lo Monte (L. Lo Monte et al., “Radio Frequency Tomography for Tunnel Detection,” IEEE Trans. Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 48, No. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 1128-1137) and it has been experimentally validated at the University of Illinois at Chicago (S. Nishikata et al., “Imaging of dielectric targets using RF Tomography” IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI National Radio Science Meeting, Chicago, IL, July 2012).
ZEBRAFISH TRKC1 AND TRKC2 RECEPTORS DEFINE TWO DIFFERENT CELL POPULATIONS IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM DURING THE PERIOD OF AXONOGENESIS

Abstract We identified previously five distincttrkgenes in the zebrafish. The structures of two of these, TrkC1 and TrkC2, are most similar to mammalian TrkC. Detailed sequence comparisons reported here indicate that although the similarities to TrkC are greatest in those regions of the extracellular domain implicated in ligand binding, the two sequences also differ significantly in these regions. Whole-mountin situhybridization experiments in the early embryo revealed full-lengthtrkC1 but notrkC2 transcripts in the cranial ganglia and in a subset of Rohon–Beard neurons. At the same time, full-lengthtrkC2 but notrkC1 transcripts were detected laterally in the spinal cord, in the caudal hindbrain, in reticulospinal neurons of rhombomeres 4, 5, and 6, and in the midbrain. Both types of transcripts were expressed in clusters of cells in the dorsal telencephalon and the nucleus of the tract of the postoptic commissure. These results suggest distinct functions oftrkC1 andtrkC2 in nervous system development. The expression patterns define two different neuronal populations in the zebrafish.
A review of the literature on multiple factors involved in postoperative pain course and duration.

AbstractObjective: To review the literature on the progression from acute to chronic postoperative pain, to evaluate the evidence for the risk of progressing to persistent postoperative and chronic pain, and to identify characteristics of pharmacologic treatments to best tailor therapy to an individual patient's pain profile. Background: Pain is most commonly classified by duration (acute, chronic) and pathophysiology (nociceptive, neuropathic); however, these descriptors alone incompletely describe pain. Additionally, the transition between acute and chronic postoperative pain is not well understood. Methods: We conducted a qualitative review and evaluation of the literature on postoperative pain with respect to the above objectives. Results: Individualized pharmacologic treatments require a complete characterization of a patient's pain profile, in terms of frequency of pain over the course of a 24-hour day and over time thereafter, frequency and duration of pain flares, and presence of neuropathic pain....
The contribution of color Doppler flow imaging to the assessment of a left ventricular thrombus.

ing at the end of the programmed V-V interval. Thus, until retrograde conduction fatigues or an external maneuver is performed (e.g., magnet application), “endless” pacing activity exists that is identical to VVI functioning. As in this case, symptoms of the pacemaker syndrome may then be precipitated. Myopotential sensing in the atria1 lead, or a PVC, may serve as the inciting event. With DDD pacemaker operation, PMT has become less frequent due to programmability of the PVARP.4z5 Attention to programming of the PVARP in DDI systems is likewise important. The case reported herein illustrates the variable nature of retrograde conduction through the AV node, with progression over time of VA block. If VA conduction assessed serially by noninvasive means is seen to be changing, appropriate reprogramming of the PVARP may prevent the situation of “endless” VVI-type operation and pacemaker syndrome.
Tracking Longitudinal Changes in Affect and Mindfulness Caused by Concentration and Loving-kindness Meditation with Hierarchical Linear Modeling

We compared the relative effects of 5 weeks of either concentration or loving-kindness meditation (CM, LKM) on mindfulness (including two subscales—presence and acceptance) and affect using a multiple baseline ABA design. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) indicated that 48–71 % of the total variance was attributable to individual differences. While meditating, CM practitioners experienced progressive increases in mindfulness and acceptance, while LKM practitioners exhibited increases in mindfulness, presence, and positive affect. When practitioners ceased meditation, those in the CM condition declined in mindfulness, acceptance, and positive affect throughout the cessation period. Individuals in the LKM group showed a progressive decrease in presence and a singular drop in negative affect immediately following meditation. There was a dissociation between acceptance and presence, with CM influencing the former and LKM the latter. Because mindfulness and positive affect did not decrease after the meditation period for the LKM group, these results suggest that LKM may induce more enduring changes in these variables. However, while meditation-specific HLMs indicated differences between meditation types, a combined HLM with both meditation conditions showed no group differences in the meditation or cessation phases of the study. More substantial were individual differences in response to meditation; these point to the necessity of using either large sample sizes in group means testing for meditation research or techniques permitting individual-based analysis such as HLM and single-subject designs.
Current role of beta-adrenergic blockers in the management of chronic heart failure.

Abstract Long-term activation of the sympathetic nervous system exerts adverse biologic effects that are mediated through α 1 , β 1 and β 2 receptors and that contribute importantly to the progression of heart failure. As a result, β blockers are no longer considered to be contraindicated for use in these patients but instead now play a critical role in the successful management of chronic heart failure. Beta blockers have been evaluated in >15,000 patients with heart failure who have participated in placebo-controlled trials. The results of these studies indicate that, like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, long-term treatment with β blockers can lessen symptoms and improve clinical status and can reduce the risk of death as well as the combined risk of death or hospitalization. The database supporting the use of β blockers is now as persuasive (and arguably more persuasive) than the database supporting the use of ACE inhibitors in heart failure (which comprises about 7,000 patients). Yet, the benefits of β blockers are seen in patients already receiving ACE inhibitors, suggesting that combined blockade of two neurohormonal systems (renin–angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous system) can produce additive effects.
Detecting effects of Best Management Practices on rain events generating nonpoint source pollution in agricultural watersheds using a physically-based stratagem

ABSTRACT Nonpoint source pollution (NPSP) is the export to receiving waters of nutrients originating from diffuse sources. This research documents a methodology for confirming reductions in NPSP resulting from implementation of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs). It employs that methodology to confirm the success of BMPs implemented in Graywood Gully, a study sub-watershed that drains into Conesus Lake, NY. Evaluating the effects of BMPs in agricultural watersheds is often complicated by significant temporal variability in weather and hydrologic conditions. In many cases NPSP demonstrates much greater variability in response to antecedent hydrologic/ meteorologic conditions than to commonly implemented BMPs. In essence, weather variability can mask the beneficial effects of the BMPs. By using the Thornthwaite-Mather procedure to model soil moisture status in addition to event rainfall total, it is possible to remove the major sources of weather/hydrologic-related variability, essentially reduci...
A 1 Gyr climate model for Mars: new orbital statistics and the importance of seasonally resolved polar processes

New results from a 1 Gyr integration of the martian orbit are presented along with a seasonally resolved energy balance climate model employed to illuminate the gross characteristics of the long-term atmospheric pressure evolution. We present a new analysis of the statistical variation of the martian obliquity and precession prior to and subsequent to the formation of the Tharsis uplift, and explore the long term effects on the martian climate. We find that seasonal polar cycles have a critical influence on the ability for the regolith to release CO2 at high obliquities, and find that the atmospheric CO2 actually decreases at high obliquities due to the cooling effect of polar deposits at latitudes where seasonal caps form. At low obliquity, the formation of massive, permanent polar caps depends critically on the values of the frost albedo, Afrost, and frost emissivity, ϵfrost. Using our model with values of Afrost=0.67 and ϵfrost=0.55, matched to the NASA Ames General Circulation Model (GCM) results (Haberle et al., 1993, J. Geophys. Res. 98, 3093–3123, and Haberle et al., 2003, Icarus 161, 66–89), we find that permanent caps only form at low obliquities (<13°), suggesting that any permanent deposits on the surface of Mars today may be residuals left over from a period of very low obliquity, or are the result of mechanisms not represented by this model. Thus, contrary to expectations, the martian atmospheric pressure is remarkable static over time, and decreases both at high and low obliquity. Also, from our one billion year orbital model, we present new results on the fraction of time Mars is expected to experience periods of low obliquity and high obliquity.
Looking back: egg donors' retrospective evaluations of their motivations, expectations, and experiences during their first donation cycle

Objective To survey motivations, expectations, and experiences of egg donors in the United States and their assessments of physical, psychological, and social after-effects of their donation(s). Design Questionnaire comprising open-ended and multiple-choice items, administered on the Internet or by mail. Participant(s) A total of 80 women who first donated eggs between 1989 and 2002 (at least 2 years before survey completion) in 20 states. Main outcome measure(s) Self-report questionnaire assessing donors' demographic characteristics, their initial awareness of and interest in egg donation, first egg donation experience, and reflections on it. Result(s) Participants cited both altruistic and financial reasons for becoming egg donors. Donors' self-reported awareness of physical risks before their first donation was not well-matched with the physical side effects they actually experienced. Psychological risk awareness before donation reflected more challenging outcomes than the women actually experienced. The majority of donors reported postdonation satisfaction, although a minority reported long-term physical and psychological concerns that they attribute to having donated eggs. Conclusion(s) These data offer a comprehensive overview of issues important to the recruitment and well-being of egg donors and suggest some issues related to the donor's satisfaction with the process and to their long-term health for future study.
Thermal and structural properties of N2 or CO on Ag(111)

Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) measurements were made for N2 and CO adsorption on Ag(111) at temperatures (T) >25 K. The results indicate that at coverages up to a saturated monolayer, N2 and CO each forms a rotated incommensurate hexagonal structure. The first layer of CO is somewhat more strongly bound to the surface than that of N2, and has a monolayer lattice spacing that is ∼5% smaller. This result is interpreted as being due to a more perpendicular orientation of the CO molecules. The isobaric expansion coefficient for the CO monolayer is considerably smaller than that of N2, which may also be related to a more perpendicular orientation of CO molecules. The epitaxial rotation angle measured for N2 is close to the Novaco-McTague prediction for the lowest temperatures measured; the angle for CO, on the other hand, is very different from the predictions. No additional order was noted upon adsorption of the N2 second layer. Adsorption of a CO second layer, however, produces an oblique and mutual...
The latency-related gene of bovine herpesvirus 1 inhibits the activity of immediate-early transcription unit 1

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) establishes a latent infection in sensory neurons of infected animals. Only one virus-encoded latency-related (LR) gene is expressed during a latent infection. The LR transcript overlaps immediate-early transcription unit 1 (IEtu1) and is anti-sense with respect to IEtu1. The transcriptional start site of the LR RNA was mapped to position 724 of the LR gene, downstream from two putative TATA elements. When LR promoter sequences were deleted from a plasmid containing IEtu1 and the LR gene, the resulting construct trans-activated the HSV-1 thymidine kinase (TK) promoter more efficiently than IEtu1 plus the LR gene. Cotransfection of a plasmid containing the intact LR gene with IEtu1 inhibited the ability of IEtu1 to trans-activate the TK promoter. These results imply that a LR gene product(s) repressed the trans-acting capacity of IEtu1.
Bismaleimide and bisazomethine high temperature polymers

Conjugated aromatic bisazomethine, resulting from the reaction of terephthaldicarboxaldehyde and aniline, has been found to react with bismaleimidodiphenylmethane to provide polymeric compositions with glass transition temperature higher than 300°C. These two materials form a low viscosity melt at ca. 150°C and the melt shows only a small viscosity increase when maintained at 120°C over a period of 8 h. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of this composition shows that upon heating above 200°C, it cures rapidly to produce a thermally stable polymer. Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) of the cured composition does not detect any softening up to 350°C. In the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), no weight loss is observed up to 400°C in air and the material leaves a rather large amount of residue (ca. 60%) even up to 600°C. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) shows that the polymer maintains its high modulus with increasing temperature up to 250°C.
BDNF accelerates gene expression in cultured cerebellar granule neurons

Abstract This study reports that in purified cultures of postnatal cerebellar granule cells, BDNF significantly accelerated GABAA receptor α6 subunit (GABAAα6) mRNA expression, a marker for terminally differentiated cerebellar granule neurons, and also accelerated p21cip1 expression. p21cip1 is a general cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor that can inhibit progression through the cell cycle. Alternatively, the expression of p27kip1, another Cdk inhibitor closely related to p21cip1, is not modified by BDNF. In cultured granule cells, the increase in p21cip1 expression induced by BDNF occurred after dividing granule cells had left the cell cycle and thus was not required to direct granule neuron precursors out of the cell cycle. p21cip1 may have an alternative function during granule neuron terminal differentiation, separate from its ability to regulate cell cycle exit. This report shows that, in vitro, BDNF accelerates granule cell gene expression and may thus modulate cerebellar granule cell differentiation.
The Use of Radioimmunoassay to Compare the Tissue and Subcellular Distributions of Neurotensin and Neuromedin N in the Cat

A RIA for neuromedin N (NMN) was developed using 125I-labeled NMN and rabbit antisera raised against a synthetic NMN coupled to NH2-enriched putrescine-thyroglobulin. One of the antisera (TG-B), which cross-reacted less than 3% with the related substances, neurotensin (NT), Lys8,Asn9- NT8-13, and xenopsin, was used to compare the distribution of immunoreactive NMN (iNMN) in the cat to that of immunoreactive NT (iNT). Although both iNMN and iNT were found primarily in the mucosa of the ileum, brain, pituitary, and adrenal, the ratio of the two activities varied, depending upon the tissue. Feline iNMN from brain, intestine, and adrenal was indistinguishable from synthetic NMN by HPLC. In contrast, extracts of stomach and pancreas contained primarily NMNrelated cross-reacting substances, the concentrations of which increased up to 500-fold within minutes of extraction in aqueous acid. Since these peptides were also present to some extent in acid/acetone extracts, they appear to be endogenous variants of NMN ...
Divide and conquer is always best: sensitivity of methyl correlation experiments

The HMCM [CG]CBCA experiment (Tugarinov and Kay in J Am Chem Soc 125:13868–13878, 2003) correlates methyl carbon and proton shifts to Cγ, Cβ, and Cα resonances for the purpose of resonance assignments. The relative sensitivity of the HMCM[CG]CBCA sequence experiment is compared to a divide-and-conquer approach to assess whether it is best to collect all of the methyl correlations at once, or to perform separate experiments for each correlation. A straightforward analysis shows that the divide-and-conquer approach is intrinsically more sensitive, and should always be used to obtain methyl-Cγ, Cβ, and Cα correlations. The improvement in signal-to-noise associated with separate experiments is illustrated by the detection of methyl-aliphatic correlations in a 65 kDa protein-DNA complex.
Perceptions of the Work Environment Among Correctional Officers: Do Race and Sex Matter?

This article examines the relationship between race and sex and perceptions of the work environment among correctional officers. It addresses four central questions: (1) Are there race and sex differences among correctional officers in their perceptions of the work environment? (2) Do characteristics of the job and the institutions in which officers work account for these differences? (3) Do these differences attenuate over time? (4) Are there factors that mediate the relationship between race and sex and perceptions of the work environment? These issues are explored using data drawn from the correctional officer sub-sample (N= 2,979) of the 1992 administration of the Prison Social Climate Survey. Findings indicate that race and sex do play a role in shaping officers’ perceptions of the work environment, that these differences between groups are not completely accounted for by job or institutional characteristics and do not attenuate over time, and that there are factors that mediate the relationship between race and sex and workplace perceptions. Among minority male officers, greater efficacy in working with inmates appears to be an important factor in creating lower levels of job stress, while white female officers’ higher levels of overall job satisfaction are accounted for largely by a more positive evaluation of the quality of supervision.
Toxicologic evaluation of diisopropyl methylphosphonate and dicyclopentadiene in cattle.

Diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), and dicyclopentadiene [3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methyanoindene] (DCPD), were found as contaminants of groundwater in Colorado. Since there was a potential for cattle to be exposed to these chemicals by drinking well water, a study of their effects was initiated. Eight-to-ten week old calves were given a single dose of either DIMP at 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) or DCPD at 250, 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg of b.w. The calves given DIMP developed tympanitis and ataxia, followed by depression, prostration, and death within two hr after dosing. A slight but significant increase in activated partial thromboplastin time was the only change observed in any of the clinical pathologic parameters. The only gross pathologic changes were acute gastroenteritis with hemorrhages in calves given 1000 mg/kg of b.w. Mild signs of intoxication, ataxia and excess salivation, were observed in calves given 250 mg of DCPD/kg of b.w. At higher doses, these signs were intensified; in addition, calves fell and, while prostrate, exhibited running movements and tonic, clonic spasms. The severity of the signs observed increased as the dose of DCPD increased. All calves given 2000 mg/kg of b.w. and one calf given 1000 mg/kg of b.w. died before seven days after dosing. The only clinical pathologic changes found were increased serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. The only consistent gross pathologic change was congestion in a variety of tissues in calves given 2000 mg/kg of b.w. A variety of histologic changes were observed in tissues from calves treated with both chemicals. However, these changes were not consistent for any one dose level and were not dose dependent. DIMP was slightly toxic for calves, since no signs of intoxication were observed at doses less than 1000 mg/kg of b.w. DCPD exerted detrimental effects on calves at 250 mg/kg of b.w. and was classified as moderately toxic.
Thrombopoietin levels in patients with disorders of platelet production: diagnostic potential and utility in predicting response to TPO receptor agonists.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the major regulator of megakaryopoiesis. Measurement of serum TPO levels may help distinguish between various causes of thrombocytopenia and predict treatment response to TPO receptor agonists. Serum TPO levels from 118 healthy volunteers and 88 patients with abnormal platelet counts were measured using a quantitative ELISA assay. The mean (range) TPO level in healthy volunteers was 39 (7-99) pg/mL. TPO values were correlated with the patient's diagnosis, platelet count, and response to TPO receptor agonists. 88 patients with history of consumptive thrombocytopenia (39) or hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia (49) were analyzed. Median (interquartile range) TPO level for consumptive thrombocytopenia patients was 63 (48-98) pg/mL with a corresponding median (interquartile range) platelet count of 73 (28-146) × 10(9) /L. In contrast, hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia patients had platelet counts [59 (30-117) × 10(9) /L] comparable with consumptive thrombocytopenia patients, but significantly higher serum TPO levels [706 (358-1546) pg/mL, P 95 pg/mL was associated with lack of clinical response (P < 0.002). TPO levels may have diagnostic utility in discriminating between patients with hypoproliferative and consumptive thrombocytopenia. Elevated TPO levels in ITP patients may predict a poor clinical response to treatment with TPO receptor agonists.
The mechanisms by which nitric oxide affects mammary epithelial growth and differentiation

Nitric oxide (NO) enhances prolactin-stimulated DNA synthesis and inhibits prolactin-induced differentiation in mouse mammary epithelium. The molecular pathways used by NO were determined by employing specific inhibitors of the transducers utilized by NO. Inhibitors of the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) blocked the effect of NO on DNA synthesis, although this appeared to involve a protein kinase G (PKG)-independent pathway. In contrast, inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) prevented NO from suppressing α-lactalbumin accumulation and this effect was PKG-dependent. NO can also elevate cAMP through the inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3 and cAMP mimicks the actions of NO on both DNA synthesis and differentiation. However, suppression of cAMP levels did not prevent the effects of NO. Therefore, NO uses two separate pathways to affect mammary epithelium: it stimulates growth via JNK and inhibits differentiation through ERK.
Vortex Tube-Assisted Environmental Control of Hyperbaric Chambers

Model predictions of time histories of the temperature and humidity ratio within a hyperbaric chamber under conditions of compression and decompression are presented with and without vortex tube-assisted environmental control. The effects of ventilation and ascent and descent rates on the environment within the chamber and the power required by the environment control system, with and without vortex tube assist, are also presented. Results demonstrate that the vortex tube assist system is an effective means of more precisely controlling the environment within hyperbaric chambers with substantial savings in power. The model used incorporates a complete description of the pyschrometric properties of the humid gas mixture within the chamber, plus the sensible and latent heat loads produced by the occupants and wet porch.
The Ankle-Brachial Index as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Risk It’s Not Just About the Legs

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is widely accepted as a diagnostic test used to evaluate the presence of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients with symptoms of intermittent claudication or rest ischemia.1–3 However, the majority of patients with PAD are asymptomatic; therefore, measurement of the ABI only when prompted by symptoms will result in most cases of PAD going unrecognized.4 Article see p 2053 The measurement of the ABI in patients without symptoms of PAD is controversial. In 2005, the United States Preventative Services Task Force assigned a “D” recommendation to screening for PAD, a grade indicating minimal benefit and possible harm.5 This recommendation was based on evaluation of limb outcomes such as claudication, amputation, and impaired ambulation. However, most patients with PAD do not go on to have major adverse limb outcomes.1 They do, however, have an excessively high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this issue of Circulation , Diehm and colleagues6 make an important contribution to the mounting evidence that screening for PAD in asymptomatic individuals be considered in terms of cardiovascular and not limb outcomes.7 They report 5-year outcomes in the German Epidemiological Study on Ankle Brachial Index (getABI), an ongoing prospective observational cohort study on the prognosis of elderly (aged ≥65 years) individuals with a low ABI compared with those with a normal ABI. Twenty-one percent of subjects screened had PAD, and the presence of PAD was associated with a >2-fold adjusted risk of death or severe vascular events. In persons with PAD, the risk of death or a severe coronary or cerebral vascular event was 3-fold that of a peripheral vascular event. Their findings reinforce the concept that the measurement of the ABI in selected patients as part of primary care practice would identify a significant …
Atomic imaging of surfaces by electron microscopy

Abstract Electron microscopes with atomic resolution have recently been used to study surfaces and to observe surface processes in real-time. The role of image simulations in confirming the interpretation of surface profile images is discussed and recent applications of the profile imaging technique to study semiconductors, oxides, the oxidation of metals, and small metal particles are briefly reviewed. Finally, the accumulation of metal deposits on some oxide and semiconductor surfaces due to electron-stimulated desorption processes is described.
The effect of Giardia lamblia trophozoites on lipolysis in vitro.

Infection with Giardia lamblia often causes only minor mucosal changes to the small intestine yet frank fat malabsorption may still occur. Some evidence suggests abnormal pancreatic exocrine function in subjects with giardiasis although the mechanism and significance of this is unclear. Studies were conducted in vitro to determine the effect of G. lamblia trophozoites or culture filtrates from the organism on lipolysis of triglyceride by porcine pancreatic lipase. Live trophozoites significantly inhibited lipolysis. The degree of inhibition increased with longer duration of lipase exposure to trophozoites. Total amounts of enzyme inhibited were proportional to enzyme concentration, while the percentage inhibition was greatest at lowest concentration. At a lipase concentration of 1.7 i.u./ml, enzyme activity was reduced by 89.7% compared to controls after incubation for 4 h with trophozoites. The effect was abolished using killed, intact trophozoites. Culture filtrates of G. lamblia did not inhibit lipolysis. Specificity of the effect was suggested by the failure of another flagellate protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis, to inhibit lipase. In this assay system the inhibition of lipolysis was not dependent on the bile salt concentration present. The impact of this effect in vivo remains to be determined but it may contribute to fat malabsorption in giardiasis.
Identification of critical modes in power systems

An analytical method to identify the critical modes in electric power systems is presented. The troublesome, or critical, modes are identified as the eigenvalues that contribute the most to a quadratic performance index. This performance index measures the transients in torque angle and speed. Explicit expressions for these contributions are derived, and a critical index for any eigenvalue is developed. Three examples are given to show that the proposed method is promising, and that in these particular cases it gives better results than some well-known methods. Two of these examples are multimachine power systems available in the literature. >
Patch-clamp analysis of spontaneous synaptic currents in supraoptic neuroendocrine cells of the rat hypothalamus

Spontaneous synaptic currents were recorded in supraoptic magnocellular neurosecretory cells using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques in the rat hypothalamic slice preparation. Numerous spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs and IPSCs) were observed in the 27 cells recorded. The rate of occurrence of the spontaneous currents and the relative proportion of EPSCs versus IPSCs varied significantly from cell to cell. Miniature EPSCs and IPSCs were clearly distinguished from background noise in TTX (n = 3 cells at 0.5 micrograms/ml). The frequency of EPSCs and IPSCs decreased by approximately 70% and the largest events were blocked in TTX, but the peaks of the amplitude histograms were shifted by only a few picoamperes. Bicuculline (n = 10 cells at 10 microM and 2 cells at 20 microM) blocked completely all the IPSCs without any detectable effect on the frequency or amplitude of the EPSCs. No slow spontaneous outward currents, indicative of a K+ current from activation of GABAB receptors, were observed. The alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate-type glutamate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-2,3-dihydroxy-7-nitroquinoxaline (CNQX; n = 7 cells at 10 microM) consistently blocked all EPSCs without any apparent effect on the frequency or amplitude of the IPSCs. No synaptic events could be detected when CNQX was applied in combination with bicuculline (n = 4). The decay phase of averaged spontaneous IPSCs and EPSCs recorded at resting membrane potential could be well fitted by single exponential functions in most cells. The time constants ranged from 0.92 to 3.0 msec for EPSCs (five cells) and from 5.3 to 6.6 msec for IPSCs (four cells). A second, slower time constant of 4-15 msec was found in the largest averaged EPSCs (> or = 40 pA). The amplitude of this slow component was -2 to -4 pA. These results suggest that, in the in vitro slice preparation, glutamate mediates all the spontaneous EPSCs in magnocellular neurosecretory cells by acting primarily on AMPA/kainate-type receptors at resting membrane potential and that activation of GABAA receptors mediates most if not all IPSCs.
An OFDM-based distributed transmission scheme for uncoordinated transmitters without carrier frequency and timing synchronization

Distributed transmission involving multiple uncoordinated transmitters has become a popular subject in wireless communications, such as cooperative transmissions, relaying, distributed MIMO, network coding, multi-access and multiuser detection. One of the major challenges for implementing distributed transmissions is the difficulty of synchronizing carrier frequency and timing of the distributed transmitters. In this paper we propose a new OFDM-based transmission scheme that does not require carrier frequency and timing synchronization. Specifically, by exploiting jointly OFDM cyclic prefixes (CP), spreading and scrambling techniques, the receiver can mitigate multiple carrier frequency offsets and timing offsets successfully. This comes at no loss of bandwidth efficiency or power efficiency. In contrast, by allowing multiple OFDM symbols to share a CP, the bandwidth efficiency can even be higher than that of conventional OFDM. This scheme can support most of the existing distributed or cooperative transmission frameworks.
Shoaling of nonlinear internal waves in Massachusetts Bay

[1] The shoaling of the nonlinear internal tide in Massachusetts Bay is studied with a fully nonlinear and nonhydrostatic model. The results are compared with current and temperature observations obtained during the August 1998 Massachusetts Bay Internal Wave Experiment and observations from a shorter experiment which took place in September 2001. The model shows how the approaching nonlinear undular bore interacts strongly with a shoaling bottom, offshore of where KdV theory predicts polarity switching should occur. It is shown that the shoaling process is dominated by nonlinearity, and the model results are interpreted with the aid of a two-layer nonlinear but hydrostatic model. After interacting with the shoaling bottom, the undular bore emerges on the shallow shelf inshore of the 30-m isobath as a nonlinear internal tide with a range of possible shapes, all of which are found in the available observational record.
Using plant functional traits to guide restoration: A case study in California coastal grassland

Restoration ecology can benefit greatly from developments in trait-based ecology that enable improved predictions of how the composition of plant communities will respond to changes in environmental conditions. Plant functional traits can be used to guide the restoration of degraded habitats by closely tailoring treatments to the local species pool. We tested this approach in two heavily invaded coastal California grasslands. We asked whether native plant abundance and plant community trait composition respond to (1) experimental soil fertility reduction in the form of twice-yearly carbon (C) amendments and (2) disturbance in the form of mowing. We measured height, specific leaf area, leaf thickness and leaf density from individuals of 39 species in the control and C addition plots, and supplemented these trait values with database information on growth form, lifespan, nitrogen-fixing ability and seed mass. Consistent with theoretical predictions, C addition favored short, large-seeded and nitrogen-fixing species, while mowing benefitted short species with high specific leaf area. However, native and exotic species did not differ in any of the measured traits, and neither group benefitted generally from the treatments. Carbon addition led to large intraspecific trait shifts, with individuals in C addition plots having smaller, denser leaves and shorter stature. Species' trait plasticity, however, was not related to the community composition response to C addition. Our study indicates that trait-based ecology is sufficiently mature to provide useful predictions in the realm of restoration ecology. Trait screening at a site can help predict the success of a particular restoration measure in that community.
A continuous, low-glitch, low-offset, programmable gain and bandwidth Gm-C filter

A programmable gain and bandwidth first-order low-pass Gm-C filter is proposed, designed, and simulated. Continuous low-offset operation is achieved by combining the continuity and low offset features of the ping-pong and auto-zeroing schemes. In the proposed strategy, clock feedthrough and charge injection are also reduced by decoupling the holding capacitor from the ac-signal path and increasing its value without affecting filter response. The ping-pong operation is designed to occur on the dominant pole-setting node, where a large capacitor resides, thereby also attenuating the glitches normally associated with "hand-over" events. The gain and bandwidth are programmed by adjusting the transconductance and loading resistance of the filter, achieving gain and bandwidth ranges and resolutions of 2-40 V/V, 75 mV/V, 1-5 KHz, and 32 Hz, respectively. Worst-case Monte Carlo simulations of the proposed 0.5 mum CMOS IC resulted in an input-referred offset of less than 0.5 mV and hand-over glitches below 5 mV
Relationship Between Development, Metabolism, and Mitochondrial Organization in 2-Cell Hamster Embryos in the Presence of Low Levels of Phosphate

Abstract The effect of low concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi) on development, metabolic activity, and mitochondrial organization in the same cohorts of cultured hamster embryos was evaluated. Two-cell embryos were collected from eCG-stimulated golden hamsters and cultured in HECM-10 with 0.0 (control), 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 μM KH2PO4. Glucose utilization through the Embden-Meyerhof pathway (EMP) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA)-cycle activity were determined following 5 h of culture. Mitochondrial organization in living embryos was evaluated using multiphoton microscopy at 6 h of culture. Development was assessed at 27 h (on-time 8-cell stage) and 51 h (on-time blastocyst stage) of culture. Total cell numbers, as well as cell allocation to the trophectoderm and inner cell mass were determined for morula- and blastocyst-stage embryos. Culture with Pi did not alter TCA-cycle activity. However, culture with ≥2.5 μM Pi significantly increased (P < 0.01) EMP activity compared to control. Mitochondrial organiza...
Integrating Interprofessional Education into Continuing Education: A Planning Process for Continuing Interprofessional Education Programs†

Informal continuing interprofessional education (CIPE) can be traced back decades in the United States; however, interest in formal CIPE is recent. Interprofessional education (IPE) now is recognized as an important component of new approaches to continuing education (CE) that are needed to increase health professionals' ability to improve outcomes of care. Although there are examples of CIPE programs that are being successfully implemented, a clearly articulated, step-by-step planning process to help guide educators in providing effective CIPE programs is lacking. This lack of guidance poses a significant barrier to increasing the number of CIPE programs in the United States. In this article, we describe a process for developing, implementing, and evaluating CIPE programs using the familiar systematic CE planning process. Limitations of traditional CE also are addressed, and the relationship between CIPE and other new approaches to CE is clarified. Four examples of CIPE programs are provided to illustrate how the planning process can be adapted to include IPE, while implementing recommended changes in traditional CE offerings. The article is concluded with a discussion of some of the challenges that will face CE educators in moving toward a new vision of CE integrated with IPE.
Silicon based chip-scale nonlinear optical devices: Laser, amplifier, and wavelength converter

Taking advantage of the high optical nonlinearity and strong light confinement in silicon waveguides, chip-scale nonlinear devices such as Raman lasers, amplifiers, and wavelength converters are realized. Performance and application potential of these devices are presented.
Agent-Based Control of Thermostatic Appliances

Efficiency control of thermostatically controlled appliances has been studied in the literature. Programmable thermostats and computer assisted control systems have been developed. The growing interest in smart grid coincided with the increasing awareness and research in agent-based technologies. This paper discusses an approach for adaptive control of thermostatically controlled appliances. A methodology for utilizing evolutionary agents as control mechanisms as well as a case study of agent-based control of residential water heaters is presented.
Nanoparticle-loaded UV-blocking contact lenses

We have developed a novel approach of incorporating UV-blocking features into contact lenses by dispersing nanoparticles into the lenses. The nanoparticles are prepared by controlling polymerization dynamics using chain terminating and chain transfer agents. A theoretical model is developed to predict the effect of various formulation parameters on the particle size. This approach can produce UV-blocking nanoparticles of controlled size below 10 nm in diameter with close to 10% conversion. The model predictions for the mean size are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The nanoparticles are cleaned and loaded in silicone hydrogel contact lenses by soaking the lenses in a solution of particles in ethanol and acetone. Lenses loaded with about 6% particles w/w in the hydrated lens block sufficient UV light to be classified as Class 1 blockers. The nanoparticles are retained in the lens during soaking in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and are stable to sterilization by autoclaving. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42495.
Parameter Study of Tropical Cyclones in Rotating Radiative–Convective Equilibrium with Column Physics and Resolution of a 25-km GCM

AbstractRotating radiative–convective equilibrium is studied by extracting the column physics of a mesoscale-resolution global atmospheric model that simulates realistic hurricane frequency statistics and then coupling it to rotating hydrostatic dynamics in doubly periodic domains. The parameter study helps in understanding the tropical cyclones simulated in the global model and also provides a reference point for analogous studies with cloud-resolving models.The authors first examine the sensitivity of the equilibrium achieved in a large square domain (2 × 104 km on a side) to sea surface temperature, ambient rotation rate, and surface drag coefficient. In such a large domain, multiple tropical cyclones exist simultaneously. The size and intensity of these tropical cyclones are investigated.The variation of rotating radiative–convective equilibrium with domain size is also studied. As domain size increases, the equilibrium evolves through four regimes: a single tropical depression, an intermittent tropic...
A key pre-distribution scheme using deployment knowledge for wireless sensor networks

Sensor networks pose security and privacy challenges. One challenge is how to bootstrap secure communications among nodes. Several key pre-distribution schemes have been proposed, however, they either have a high memory requirement for large networks or need a large transmission range to achieve the desired connectivity. In this paper, we propose a novel key pre-distribution scheme using deployment knowledge. In our scheme, sensor field is divided into multiple hexagonal grids and nodes are divided into groups, each of which is deployed into a grid. By using deployment knowledge, we can drastically reduce the number of potential groups from which neighbors of each node may come. Thus, a pair-wise key can be generated efficiently for each pair of neighbors. Compared to existing schemes, our scheme achieves a high connectivity with a lower memory requirement and a smaller transmission range and outperforms others in resilience against node capture attacks.
Toward a Theory of Feminist Hospitality

Immigration, international conflicts, and world debt have contributed to rising unease over the power relations created by burgeoning globalization. Absent from much of the political rhetoric surrounding global issues is a role for the social value of hospitality. Political theorists and philosophers such as the late Jacques Derrida and Emmanuel Levinas have reinvigorated interest in hospitality. This article suggests that the work of feminist theorists such as Seyla Benhabib, Margaret Urban Walker, and Iris Marion Young on issues of identity, inclusiveness, reciprocity, forgiveness, and embodiment can contribute to an alternative theory of hospitality. Consistent with feminist care ethics, the theory of feminist hospitality proposed here integrates a moral disposition toward the Other with an open epistemological stance, funded by a metaphysical conceptualization of connected identity. Granting the historical gender division of labor associated with hospitality work, the hospitality offered integrates a healthy notion of self-care and is critical of oppressive power dynamics. Ultimately, this article proposes a feminist hospitality that reflects a performative extension of care ethics by pursuing stronger social bonds, as well as fostering inclusive and nonhierarchical host/guest relations.
Aid and Vulnerability

Managing and identifying risks are a key challenge for Low Income Countries (LICs), which are extremely vulnerable to exogenous shocks. However, the use of risk management tools by developing countries is quite limited. The paper discusses in which ways aid could strengthen the capacity of LICs to deal with vulnerability to external shocks and to manage capital flows. We provide some novel empirical evidence on the potential role of aid as output stabilizer and shock absorber in recipient countries, and on aid unpredictability.
Can Short Sellers Anticipate Accounting Restatements

An announcement by corporate managers that they will restate a past financial statement due to an "accounting irregularity" provides the laboratory market for our tests of short seller expertise. For 565 firms announcing a restatement during the period 1995 - 2002, we find the level of short interest in the announcement month is substantially higher for restating firms than for control firms. A statistically significant difference begins 19 months before the announcement date, increases significantly in the six months preceding the restatement announcement, and peaks in the announcement month. In the twelve months after the announcement, the average level of short interest remains steady for the restating firms - as if short sellers are waiting to be sure all bad news has been released before unwinding their positions. Consistent with a contagion effect, the level of short interest for the control firms begins to increase after a restatement is announced by its industry- and size-matched counterpart. Using three proxies for "severe" accounting irregularities, we find that the significant difference in short interest between restatement and control firms is driven entirely by those firms restating because of severe accounting irregularities. Our results indicate a high level of short seller expertise in identifying accounting irregularities.
Localization of Hippo signalling complexes and Warts activation in vivo

Hippo signalling controls organ growth and cell fate by regulating the activity of the kinase Warts. Multiple Hippo pathway components localize to apical junctions in epithelial cells, but the spatial and functional relationships among components have not been clarified, nor is it known where Warts activation occurs. We report here that Hippo pathway components in Drosophila wing imaginal discs are organized into distinct junctional complexes, including separate distributions for Salvador, Expanded, Warts and Hippo. These complexes are reorganized on Hippo pathway activation, when Warts shifts from associating with its inhibitor Jub to its activator Expanded, and Hippo concentrates at Salvador sites. We identify mechanisms promoting Warts relocalization, and using a phospho-specific antisera and genetic manipulations, identify where Warts activation occurs: at apical junctions where Expanded, Salvador, Hippo and Warts overlap. Our observations define spatial relationships among Hippo signalling components and establish the functional importance of their localization to Warts activation.