cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival of chick embryonic sensory neurons in culture is supported by phorbol esters.

: Sensory neurons of the chick embryo are supported in culture by several neurotrophic factors, including the phorbol esters. Because phorbol esters are known to activate one of the second messengers, namely, protein kinase C, it was of interest to see if the neurotrophic action of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) was related to the activation of protein kinase C in sensory neurons. Sensory neurons were obtained from dorsal root ganglia of 10-day-old chick embryos and maintained in a serum-free medium for several days to quantify survival and analyze protein kinase C activity. PDB (30 nM) supported the survival of ± 50% of the total number of neurons plated. This value was comparable to that supported by nerve growth factor (NGF; 40 ng/ml). If PDB and NGF were added together, there was no additive effect on the survival. The protein kinase C activity of the particulate and cytosolic fractions of sensory neurons supported by NGF for 3 days was 1.26 ± 0.1 and 2.9 ± 0.32 pmol/min/mg of protein, respectively. In contrast, neurons supported by PDB showed an ± 500% increase in enzyme activity in their particulate fraction. The enzyme activity of the cytosolic fraction was decreased by ± 40%. If NGF-supported neurons were treated with PDB (30 nM) for 15 min, protein kinase C activity increased > 400% in the particulate fraction, whereas an ± 50% decrease was observed in the cytosolic fraction. The protein kinase C value, expressed as a ratio of the activities in the particulate to cytosol fractions, showed large increases after phorbol treatment. The ratio was 0.43 in NGF-supported neurons and increased to 3.57 in PDB-supported neurons. NGF-supported neurons treated with PDB for 15 min had a ratio of 4.1. Phorbol-13-acetate did not support the survival, nor did it increase protein kinase C activities in NGF-supported neurons. Because sensory neurons contain substantial amounts of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, we compared ChAT activity in NGF- and PDB-supported sensory neurons. Values were 21.93 ± 3.7 and 22.09 ± 4.6 pmol of acetylcholine formed/min/mg of protein, respectively. These results suggest that neurotrophic action of PDB on chick sensory neurons is probably mediated through protein kinase C. The present data also suggest that NGF and PDB act on the same subpopulation of sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia of the chick to support their survival in culture.
MEDI: An Instrument for Direct Detection of Massive Extrasolar Planets

We have developed an instrument, MEDI (Massive Exoplanet Differential Imager), that takes advantage of a unique method of starlight rejection, simultaneous differential imaging, in order to directly image massive planets around nearby stars. Using this technique we expect to achieve suppression of starlight to the photon-noise limit, which means that increased exposure time will translate into higher sensitivities. This is in contrast to past sequential and two-color simultaneous studies that reach a sensitivity floor due to speckle-noise limitations. MEDI is currently installed in ARIES, the infrared camera that will be commissioned at the newly refurbished 6.5 MMT in January 2003, with the world’s first adaptive secondary. This should allow us to take Nyquist sampled, diffraction-limited images in the near-IR. The adaptive secondary will also give us unprecedented throughput while minimizing the thermal background and providing a smooth PSF. Based on lab results, we expect to be able to detect objects 10 6 times fainter than their primaries at 0.5” separations in 2 hours, limited only by photon noise. This suggests that we will be sensitive to objects with masses as small as ~5 M Jupiter at separations of greater than ~5 AU for G2 V stars that are ~300 Myr old and within about 10 pc. Therefore, we will probe a unique search space compared with current radial velocity methods, which are so far restricted to close-in (<6 AU) orbits.
Violations of visual simultaneity

We present the result of two experiments that demonstrate an ability on the part of Os to detect asynchronies in visual stimuli with in the range of 0-100 msec. Such results are additional examples of an ability on the part of the human O to use information about temporal order to a precision beyond the usual results of visual “simultaneity” experiments. Thus the conventional nations of simultaneity and its corollary, the psychological moment, may be reflections of psychophysical technique rather than the biological function of sensory systems.
X-irradiation causes a prolonged reduction in cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult rats

The effects of X-irradiation on proliferating cells in the dentate subgranular zone were assessed in young adult Fisher 344 rats exposed to a range of X-ray doses and followed for up to 120 days. Apoptosis was quantified using morphology and end-labeling immunohistochemistry, and cell proliferation was detected using antibodies against the thymidine analog BrdU and the cyclin-dependent kinase p34(cdc2). Radiation-induced apoptosis occurred rapidly, with maximum morphological and end-labeling changes observed 3-6h after irradiation. Twenty-four hours after irradiation cell proliferation was significantly reduced relative to sham-irradiated controls. The number of apoptotic nuclei increased rapidly with radiation dose, reaching a plateau at about 3Gy. The maximum number of apoptotic nuclei was substantially higher than the number of proliferating cells, suggesting that non-proliferating as well as proliferating cells in the subgranular zone were sensitive to irradiation. Subgranular zone cell proliferation was significantly reduced relative to age-matched controls 120 days after doses of 5Gy or higher. These findings suggest that neural precursor cells of the dentate gyrus are very sensitive to irradiation and are not capable of repopulating the subgranular zone at least up to 120 days after irradiation. This may help explain, in part, how ionizing irradiation induces cognitive impairments in animals and humans.
Perception of the Figure-Ground Continuum

Summary.--Confirmation was obtained that the phenomena of figure obscured by random noise and embedded figures form a triangular, planar continuum. 80 preschoolers, third- and sixth-graders, and college students searched for and recognized a nonrepresentational figure obscured to different degrees by noise that varied from random and unrelated to the contours of the figure to highly embedding contexts. Response time varied directly with the amount of noise and with embeddedness, and inversely with age, producing analogous response planes along the age dimension. In the past, figures on noisy ground, embedded figures, and reversible figure-ground have been dealt with as if they were unrelated phenomena. I have suggested (Zusne, 1970) that these configurations may be thought of as forming a triangular, planar continuum, with one of its sides representing embedding noise and another side non-embedding or random noise. At the apex between these two sides is the figure on noiseless ground. Figures maximally obscured by random visual noise and maximally embedded figures are at the other ends of the two sides. The third side is populated by figures all maximally obscured by noise that ranges from random to embedding. The reversible figure-ground is located in the middle of the embedding noise dimension. Inside this planar continuum there are instances of figures on noisy ground, transitional in terms of both the amount of noise in the ground and the degree of colinearity between the contours of the figure and those of the noise elements. It has been shown in a number of studies (Brooks & Clair, 1971; Elkind, Koegler, & Go, 1962; Elkind & Scott, 1962; Ghent, 1956; Munsinger & Gummerman, 1967; Witkin, Lewis, Hertzman, Machover, Meissner, & Wapner, 1954) that the detection of figures on noisy ground, embedded figures, and reversible figure-ground improves with age. It was reasoned that the planar figure-ground continuum could be demonstrated if cross-sectional visual search latencies obtained with instances of figure-ground sampled from the figureground continuum yielded analogous response planes for the various age groups, distinguished only by their height above the null plane. It was hypothesized that in each age group the response plane would be either a flat or smoothly curved plane, tilted with respect to the null plane in such a way that of its three 'Requests for reprints should be sent to Dr. Leonard Zusne, Psychology Program, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104. I am grateful to Mrs. Sandy Crews for her help in the experiment. I am also grateful to Dr. Lester Zimmerman of Harvard Little School and Nursery and to Dr. Beth Lamb, Principal of Holland Hall Primary School, and Mr. J. Thompson Freeman, Principal of Holland Hall Middle School, for their very gracious cooperation in allowing us to work with their wards.
Characteristics of the lax vowel space in dysarthria.

It has been hypothesized that lax vowels may be relatively unaffected by dysarthria, owing to the reduced vocal tract shapes required for these phonetic events (G. S. Turner, K. Tjaden, & G. Weisme...
Alteration of the binding constants of malathion and carbaryl to cytochrome P-450 due to hydrolysis by rat hepatic microsomal esterases

Abstract During studies to determine spectral binding properties of malathion and carbaryl to rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450, it was observed that final concentrations of 5 μM malathion and 10 μM carbaryl produced unstable binding spectra. Evidence is presented which demonstrates that a major reason for the unstable binding spectra of these insecticides is rapid degradation by hepatic microsomal esterases. In this respect, carbaryl and malathion, and possibly other compounds that contain ester linkages, appear to be unique, since most compounds are not metabolized under the conditions in which binding spectra are determined, i.e. in the absence of an NADPH generating system.
Production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and lymphotoxin by leukocytes from normal and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patients.

Abstract The production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and lymphotoxin (LT) by cultured leukocytes from patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and normal controls was studied. The presence of these lymphokines in leukocyte culture supernatants usually correlated directly with the dose of stimulant used. Doses of nonspecific mitogens and specific antigens, which produced maximal in vitro lymphocyte transformation, stimulated maximal production of these mediators. When the incorporation of tritiated thymidine by stimulated leukocyte cultures from patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) was deficient, they usually produced less MIF and lymphotoxin than normal. However, when their in vitro lymphoproliferative responses were normal, the lymphotoxin activity in supernatants of WAS leukocyte cultures was normal.
T γ/δ hepatosplenic lymphoma in a heart transplant patient after an epstein-barr virus positive lymphoproliferative disorder

BACKGROUND An unusual case of a peripheral T-cell lymphoma of T γ/δ hepatosplenic type (Tγ/δHSL) that arose in a child 5 years after she received a heart transplant and 9 months after she developed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive, B-cell lymphoid hyperplasia involving the tonsils is presented. The majority of the reported cases of Tγ/δHSL have been described in young adult men without antecedent immunodeficiency; several well documented cases of Tγ/δHSL in the posttransplant setting have been described previously, but none has been described in a child (or an adult) with a previously diagnosed EBV+ B-cell lymphoid hyperplasia. METHODS Standard histologic, immunohistochemical, flow cytometric, and molecular genetic techniques were used in the evaluation of diagnostic material. RESULTS The patient's Tγ/δHSL involved the spleen in a predominantly cordal pattern, and infiltrated the liver in an exclusively sinusoidal distribution. Bone marrow involvement was focal and interstitial. In all locations, malignant cells were of intermediate or large size and had oval nuclei with coarse chromatin, with a scant or moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. This Tγ/δHSL expressed the characteristic CD2+, CD3+, [CD4- CD8-], Tδ1+ phenotype, and malignant cells also expressed the natural killer cell marker CD56. Cytogenetic studies demonstrated isochromosome 7q with the addition of trisomy 8 as the tumor progressed. Southern blot analysis demonstrated clonal rearrangements of the γ, δ, and β loci of the T-cell receptor but did not identify EBV DNA within the tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the fact that a full range of lymphoid proliferations is possible in the posttransplantation period, and that a prior diagnosis of a B-cell disorder does not preclude the development of a subsequent T-cell posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which should be formally evaluated, especially if clinical circumstances appear atypical for a PTLD of the "usual" (EBV-related, B-cell) type. Cancer 1998;82:983-92. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Development and characterization of Li-ion capacitor pouch cells

Abstract High energy density Li-ion capacitor (LIC) pouch cell prototypes were assembled with lab-scale equipment using activated carbon cathode and hard carbon/lithium stabilized metal power (SLMP) anode. The specific energy and energy density as high as 30 Wh kg−1 and 39 Wh L−1 have been achieved, respectively. The pouch cells can deliver over 50% of the maximum stored energy at a discharge rate over 100 C-rate. After 10,000 cycles, the LIC pouch cell still has 80% of the initial capacitance. The average leakage current is 0.3 μA cm−2 during the first 72 h.
Revisiting Rawls:A Theory of Justice in the light of Levi's theory of decision

The present paper revisits the issue of rational decision making in John Rawls' original position. Drawing on Isaac Levi's theory of decision, I discuss how we can defend Rawls against John C. Harsanyi's charge that maximin reasoning in the original position is irrational. The discussion suggests that systematic application of Levi's theory is likely to have important consequences for ethics and political theory as well as for public policy
The Effect of Labor Market Performance on Deforestation in Developing Countries under Open Access: An Example from Rural Nepal

Abstract This research examines the deforestation behavior of smallholder agriculturalists as off-farm labor market conditions change. A model of a representative village is proposed, which incorporates dependence on open access forests for fuelwood and animal raising. Dynamic simulations are then presented, which compare time paths of forest stocks, deforestation levels, and household labor supply under a variety of conditions. Despite the open access regime assumed in the model, with a perfect, albeit low-wage, off-farm labor market, the agro-forestry system in Nepal is basically stable. An alternative model where there is no off-farm labor market eliminates the important features of adjustment to deforestation which generate forest stability, suggesting that the availability of off-farm opportunities is an important determinant of deforesting behavior and equilibrium forest stock levels.
CSF findings in adrenoleukodystrophy: Correlation between measures of cytokines, IgG production, and disease severity

The childhood-onset cerebral form of adrenoleukodystrophy has a devastating neurologic prognosis. Unfortunately, there is no early method of distinguishing it from the more benign forms of adrenoleukodystrophy, such as adrenomyeloneuropathy. To evaluate the manner in which this disease entity may be reflected in the cerebrospinal fluid, we studied a consecutive series of 19 patients, all with biochemically proved adrenoleukodystrophy. total protein, immunoglobulin production, cytokine levels, and cerebrospinal fluid pressure were measured. In this single sample of cerebrospinal fluid, a significant correlation existed between clinical stage of the illness and cerebrospinal fluid myelin basic protein. No correlation existed with total protein, cytokines, or measures of immunoglobulin production.
Protection genes in nucleus accumbens shell affect vulnerability to nicotine self-administration across isogenic strains of adolescent rat.

Classical genetic studies show the heritability of cigarette smoking is 0.4–0.6, and that multiple genes confer susceptibility and resistance to smoking. Despite recent advances in identifying genes associated with smoking behaviors, the major source of this heritability and its impact on susceptibility and resistance are largely unknown. Operant self-administration (SA) of intravenous nicotine is an established model for smoking behavior. We recently confirmed that genetic factors exert strong control over nicotine intake in isogenic rat strains. Because the processing of afferent dopaminergic signals by nucleus accumbens shell (AcbS) is critical for acquisition and maintenance of motivated behaviors reinforced by nicotine, we hypothesized that differential basal gene expression in AcbS accounts for much of the strain-to-strain variation in nicotine SA. We therefore sequenced the transcriptome of AcbS samples obtained by laser capture microdissection from 10 isogenic adolescent rat strains and compared all RNA transcript levels with behavior. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, a systems biology method, found 12 modules (i.e., unique sets of genes that covary across all samples) that correlated (p<0.05) with amount of self-administered nicotine; 9 of 12 correlated negatively, implying a protective role. PCR confirmed selected genes from these modules. Chilibot, a literature mining tool, identified 15 genes within 1 module that were nominally associated with cigarette smoking, thereby providing strong support for the analytical approach. This is the first report demonstrating that nicotine intake by adolescent rodents is associated with the expression of specific genes in AcbS of the mesolimbic system, which controls motivated behaviors. These findings provide new insights into genetic mechanisms that predispose or protect against tobacco addiction.
Development of a Method to Quantify Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation Under Static Conditions

Platelets are important players in hemostasis and thrombosis. Thus, accurate assessment of platelet function is crucial for identifying platelet function disorders and measuring the efficacy of antiplatelet therapies. We have developed a novel platelet aggregation technique that utilizes the physical parameter of platelet concentration in conjunction with volume and mass measurements to evaluate platelet adhesion and aggregation. Platelet aggregates were formed by incubating purified platelets on fibrinogen- or fibrillar collagen-coated surfaces at platelet concentrations ranging from 20,000 to 500,000 platelets/μL. Platelets formed aggregates under static conditions in a platelet concentration-dependent manner, with significantly greater mean volume and mass at higher platelet concentrations (≥400,000 platelets/μL). We show that a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor abrogated platelet–platelet aggregation, which significantly reduced the volume and mass of the platelets on the collagen surface. This static platelet aggregation technique is amenable to standardization and represents a useful tool to investigate the mechanism of platelet activation and aggregation under static conditions.
Microwave absorption in liquid crystals and carbon nanotubes

A cylindrical microwave resonant cavity in TE011 mode in a microwave spectrometer is used to identify phase transitions in liquid crystal 4-methoxybenzilidene-4'-butylanine (MBBA). The microwave dielectric response in this liquid crystal is studied at microwave frequencies of 9.52 and 10.1 GHz. The method of cooling the sample as described in this paper is very effective in producing the metastable modification in this liquid crystal. Dielectric relaxation in this molecule is studied by using Debye's theory of polar molecules, and Slater's perturbation equations are used to calculate the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant. The microwave spectrometer is also used to study the behavior of nanotubes as a function of frequency. There seems to be a very high absorption of microwaves at certain frequencies in samples of carbon nanotubes studied in this experiment. We have attempted to calculate the rates of absorbance of microwaves first by using sample of pure polycarbonate and then compared the results obtained with various blends. The reduction in the amplitude and the overall attenuation of the microwave signal applied is the measure of the absorption of microwaves in these samples.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL AS A WOODY TISSUE SOFTENER IN PREPARATION FOR MICROTOME SECTIONING

Conifers and readily permeable hardwoods were softened by heating at 120-130 C for 20-30 min in 50-100 ml of triethyleue glycol. It was necessary to first waterlog the heartwood of some species to effect penetration of the glycol. Refractive hardwoods were softened by glycol to which 0.2-0.5% w/w of acid had been added. Phenosnlfonic acid or paratoluenesulfonic acid were most satisfactory although strong mineral or Lewis acids will work. Care must be exercised, when acid is used, to avoid overcooking. The acidulated glycol was also used to macerate match-stick size pieces in 20-30 min at 120-130 C. Advantages of the technic are that the glycol can be reused many times, and by varying the schedule slightly, can be used to soften most woods. Samples thus softened remain soft for several months in dry storage. The technic has proven satisfactory for both student and research usage.
The Effect of Nanopowder Attributes on Reaction Mechanism and Ignition Sensitivity of Nanothermites

Nanothermite composites have several properties that are not typical of conventional thermites. The nanoscale size of individual reactants is responsible for the significant differences in these properties, especially the rate of energy release and mechanism of combustion front propagation. Several thermite mixtures were investigated, including Al-Fe2O3, Al-CuO, Al-MoO3, and Al-Bi2O3. Previous studies have reported on the behavior of these mixtures during unconfined burning and on the characterization of particle attributes such as particle size, surface area, and reactive metal content. This study was focused on several other attributes, including mixing of nanoreactants in water and measurements of reaction kinetics and combustion front propagation characteristics under confined conditions. The nanoscale nature of the thermite components also has an effect on the kinetics of the reaction. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine activation energy of these reacting systems. Several experimental setups were used to monitor the nanothermite mixtures during combustion. The mixtures were monitored during combustion in small diameter tubes using high speed video technology and a pressure sensor system. These tests were used to characterize combustion propagation under confined conditions and to determine the effect of pressure and mixture density on propagation rate. Experiments were also performed using both a closed volume pressure cell and recoil force cell to measure the reactive energy of the mixtures.
Time-domain electrothermal circuit-level modeling of microwave and RF PIN diodes

This paper outlines a novel electrothermal model for the microwave and RF p-i-n diode suitable for use in time-domain simulators. The model builds on previous time-domain models and for the first time includes a thermal component that uses easily obtained datasheet parameters such as thermal resistance. The paper shows how the thermal model modifies the current microwave and RF p-i-n diode model by dividing the diode into two separate regions and how the thermal models impact each separately. The model is verified with resistance-temperature measurements. An application of the model in a high power microwave/RF switch is also presented. A link to a spreadsheet allowing calculation of the model parameters is included for ease of implementation by the microwave or RF engineer.
Ultrathin flexible nanocomposite membranes as miniature pressure sensors

Measuring microscopic deflections of membranes caused by small changes in pressure, weight, temperature, or chemical interactions is developing into one of the most versatile sensing approaches. Ultra-thin membranes are emerging as critical elements in various sensing devices, such as acoustic, pressure microdevices, chemical and thermal sensors, all discussed in this paper.
Byzantium's Balkan frontier: a political study of the Northern Balkans, 900–1204

Byzantium's Balkan Frontier is the first narrative history in English of the northern Balkans in the tenth to twelfth centuries. Where previous histories have been concerned principally with the medieval history of distinct and autonomous Balkan nations, this study regards Byzantine political authority as a unifying factor in the various lands which formed the empire's frontier in the north and west. It takes as its central concern Byzantine relations with all Slavic and non-Slavic peoples - including the Serbs, Croats, Bulgarians and Hungarians - in and beyond the Balkan Peninsula, and explores in detail imperial responses, first to the migrations of nomadic peoples, and subsequently to the expansion of Latin Christendom. It also examines the changing conception of the frontier in Byzantine thought and literature through the middle Byzantine period. [Publisher]
Existentially Complete Torsion-Free Nilpotent Groups

This paper continues the study of existentially complete nilpotent groups initiated in [6]. Following [6], we let K n denote the theory of groups nilpotent of class ≤ n and let K n + denote the theory of torsion-free groups nilpotent of class ≤ n . The principal results of [6] were that for n ≥ 2, neither K n nor K n + has a model companion, and the classes E, F , and G of existentially complete, finitely generic and infinitely generic models of K n are all distinct. The question of the relationships between these classes in the context of K n was left open, however, and the proof of their distinctness for K n + obviously did not carry over to K n + , because it made strong use of torsion elements. In this paper we establish the relationships between E, F , and G for K 2 + . We show that all three classes are distinct. We also show that there is only one countable finitely generic model, and only one countable infinitely generic model, and that all the countable existentially complete models can be arranged in a sequence N 1 ⊆ N 2 ⊆ N 3 ⊆ … ⊆ N ω , where Z(N n ) is the direct sum of n copies of Q . Another result is that the finite and infinite forcing companions of K 2 + differ by an ∀∃∀ sentence. Finally, we show that there exist finitely generic models of K 2 + in all infinite cardinalities.
Comparison of Enterococcal and Staphylococcal β-Lactamase Plasmids

In Staphylococcus aureus, beta-lactamase (Bla) is typically associated with transducible plasmids that also encode metal resistance or with the more recently described conjugative, gentamicin resistance plasmids. The beta-lactamase gene of Enterococcus faecalis, which has been shown to be highly homologous to bla from the S. aureus plasmid p1258, is also encoded on conjugative, gentamicin resistance plasmids. To determine if the enterococcal Bla-encoding plasmids are similar to those from staphylococci, Bla-encoding plasmids from both species were compared by restriction endonuclease digestion followed by hybridization to Bla and gentamicin resistance gene probes and to one of the enterococcal Bla-encoding plasmids. Although similarities were noted in the restriction endonuclease digestion patterns among the transducible staphylococcal plasmids (pI524, pI258, and pII147) and among the conjugative Gmr staphylococcal plasmids, neither of these restriction patterns was similar to those of the enterococcal plasmids. Although the enterococcal plasmids showed extensive similarities by hybridization, the staphylococcal plasmids showed little or no similarity to the enterococcal plasmids except for bla and the gentamicin resistance genes. Whether enterococci acquired a different type of Bla-encoding plasmid or whether bla was acquired by transposition or by homologous recombination into enterococcal plasmids is unknown.
Design of a radio-linked implantable cochlear prosthesis using surface acoustic wave devices

Cochlear prosthesis systems for postlingually deaf individuals (those who have become deaf due to disease or injury after having developed mature speech capability) are considered. These systems require the surgical implantation of an array of electrodes within the cochlea and are driven by processed sound signals from outside the body. A system that uses an analog signal approach for transcutaneous transfer of six processed speech data channels using frequency multiplexing is described. The system utilizes a filterbank of six narrowband surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters in the range 72-78 MHz with a 1.2-MHz channel spacing to multiplex the six carrier signals, frequency modulated, by the processed speech signals, onto a composite signal. The same SAW filters are used in the receiver filterbank for signal separation, but are housed in a miniaturized package. The system includes a portable transmitter and a receiver package which is to be implanted in the patient. The implanted circuits are supplied exclusively from power transferred from outside the body via a separate 10-MHz transcutaneous link. >
Evaluating the Effect of Predators on White-Tailed Deer: Movement and Diet of Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) may affect adult and neonate white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) survival and have been implicated as a contributor to the decline of deer populations. Additionally, coyote diet composition is influenced by prey availability, season, and region. Because coyote movement and diet vary by region, local data are important to understand coyote population dynamics and their impact on prey species. In southeast Minnesota, we investigated the effect of coyotes on white-tailed deer populations by doc- umenting movement rates, distances moved, and habitats searched by coyotes during fawning and non- fawning periods. Additionally, we determined survival, cause-specific mortality, and seasonal diet composition of coyotes. From 2001 to 2003, we captured and radiocollared 30 coyotes. Per-hour rate of movement averaged 0.87 km and was greater (P ¼ 0.046) during the fawning (1.07 km) than the non- fawning period (0.80 km); areas searched were similar (P ¼ 0.175) between seasons. Coyote habitat use differed during both seasons; habitats were not used in proportion to their availability (P < 0.001). Croplands were used more (P < 0.001) than their proportional availability during both seasons. Use of grasslands was greater during the fawning period (P ¼ 0.030), whereas use of cropland was greater in the nonfawning period (P < 0.001). We collected 66 fecal samples during the nonfawning period; coyote diets were primarily composed of Microtus spp. (65.2%), and consumption of deer was 9.1%. During the study, 19 coyotes died; annual survival rate range was 0.33-0.41, which was low compared with other studies. Consumption of deer was low and coyotes searched open areas (i.e., cropland) more than fawning areas with dense cover. These factors in addition to high coyote mortality suggested that coyote predation was not likely limiting white-tailed deer populations in southeast Minnesota. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Nanostructured Ta3N5 Films as Visible-Light Active Photoanodes for Water Oxidation

Nanostructured Ta3N5 photoanodes (band gap of ∼2.0 eV) were synthesized via a two-step process: first, nanocolumnar Ta2O5 films were deposited by evaporation of tantalum metal in a vacuum chamber in a low pressure oxygen ambient followed by heating in an ammonia gas flow to convert Ta2O5 into orthorhombic Ta3N5. Under Xe lamp irradiation (∼73 mW/cm2), a 100 nm nanoporous Ta3N5 electrode achieved an anodic photocurrent of ∼1.4 mA/cm2 at +0.5 V versus Ag/AgCl in 1 M KOH solution. By comparison, a dense film achieved ∼0.4 mA/cm2 clearly illustrating the importance of nanostructuring for improving the performance of Ta3N5 photoanodes. However, Ta3N5 films suffered from inherent self-oxidation under light illumination, and application of a cobalt cocatalyst layer was found to improve the stability as well as photocatalytic activity of the Ta3N5 films.
An Application of Nonlinear Programming to Mismatched Filters

A burst waveform is a finite sequence of pulses with a staggered PRF. It is used as a high-resolution radar waveform. The ambiguity function of a burst waveform has a good peak-to-sidelobe ratio along the range axis. But, along the Doppler axis, its peak-to-sidelobe ratio is not nearly as good. A mismatched receiving filter is the logical way to increase the peak-to-sidelobe ratio of the ambiguity function along the Doppler axis. Taylor weighting only suppresses the Doppler sidelobes that are close to the main peak. In this paper, we derive, by the techniques of nonlinear programming, an iterative method for calculating a mismatched filter that is optimum in the following sense. Let an interval D of the Doppler axis be specified, as well as a desired peak-to-sidelobe ratio W. Then our method will calculate the mismatched filter with optimum signal-to-noise ratio that reduces the Doppler sidelobes to the specified level over the specified interval, if such a filter exists. If such a filter does not exist, then the calculated filter will still tend to suppress the sidelobes over the specified interval of the Doppler axis.
Plint Layout System for VLSI Chips

PLINT is a comprehensive VAX based VLSI chip layout software system. Important features include (1) standard cell row structure layout (POLYPLINT) or randomly placed and sized rectangular macro cells (MACPLINT), (2) unlimited hierarchy, (3) automatic macrocell generation for next hierarchy level, (4) 100% routing, (5) very large chip size and/or complexity capability, (6) power and ground bus routing for both POLYPLINT and MACPLINT, (7) parameterization for generic use and (8) ability to intermix standard cell and macrocell layout when the macrocells are restricted to left or right chip edges. The software is being used at several General Electric sites for VLSI chip development.Numbers of matching categories: (1), (2), (5) keywords: IC layout, computer-aided design, VLSI, IC placement, IC routing, standard cell layout, macrocell layout.
Replication as a Determinant of the Intestinal Response to Rotavirus

Mucosal antibody induction by otherwise identical replication-competent and replication-incompetent rhesus monkey rotaviruses was compared. Although psoralen-inactivated virus induced diarrhea, the magnitude of the intestinal antibody response was severely attenuated compared with that of replicating rotavirus, as determined by assay of mucosal antibody-secreting cells. Rotavirus that was neutralized by monoclonal antibodies (anti-VP4 and -VP7) prior to inoculation was similarly ineffective at induction of specific antibodies in intestinal secretions. In contrast to genetically inactivated virus, antibody-neutralized virus did not induce diarrhea. In this murine model, viral replication is an important determinant of antibody induction. The diarrhea response is blocked by neutralizing antibodies, but the mechanism of action is not exclusively the inhibition of viral replication.
Characteristics of an RNA polymerase population isolated from Bacillus subtilis late in sporulation.

The sigma-factor composition of Bacillus subtilis RNA polymerase alters during endospore formation. The best-documented change is the appearance of a major sporulation-specific sigma factor (sigma epsilon), which is an RNA polymerase subunit readily detected at 2 to 4 h into the 8-h sporulation process. To determine the nature of the RNA polymerase in differentiating cells after the period of sigma epsilon abundance, we isolated RNA polymerase from cells that were harvested at 6 h after the onset of sporulation. Highly purified fractions of RNA polymerase from these cells contained at least six proteins which cosedimented with core RNA polymerase (beta beta9 alpha 2) during glycerol gradient centrifugation. Most of these proteins were in the size range of 20,000 to 29,000 daltons, although one 90,000-dalton protein was also evident. None of the putative RNA polymerase subunits were present in quantities similar to that observed for sigma epsilon during its period of prominence in the cell but instead resembled the minor vegetative-cell sigma factors in abundance. In vitro transcriptions using cloned B. subtilis DNAs as templates revealed at least two novel transcriptional activities in the enzyme that was isolated from cells at 6 h after the onset of sporulation but absent in an RNA polymerase preparation extracted from cells at 4 h after the onset of sporulation. One of these activities was reconstituted by the addition of a 25,000 to 27,000-dalton protein fraction to core RNA polymerase. Images
Explicating the psychopathological correlates of anomalous sleep experiences.

The goal of this study was to explicate the nature of the associations between anomalous sleep experiences—that is, phenomena such as hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and nightmares—and psychopathology. The participants were 406 adults, nearly half of whom (46.3%) had received— or were currently receiving—mental health treatment. We examined a more comprehensive range of psychopathology (both self-reported symptoms and interview-based diagnoses) than has been measured in previous research; the assessment battery contained multiple indicators of internalizing (including both depression and anxiety), substance use, bipolar disorder, dissociation, and psychosis/schizotypy. In addition, we examined the incremental predictive power of anomalous sleep experiences in relation to the Big Five personality traits. An Anomalous Sleep Experiences factor was defined by 4 variables: the General Sleep Experiences scale of the Iowa Sleep Experiences Survey, plus the Sleep Hallucinations, Sleep Paralysis, and Nightmares scales from the Iowa Sleep Disturbances Inventory. Anomalous Sleep Experiences was strongly and broadly related to self-rated and interview-based indicators of psychopathology, and also displayed impressive incremental predictive power vis-a `-vis the Big Five. Anomalous Sleep Experiences exhibited substantial specificity in the self-report data: As predicted, it correlated more strongly with dissociation, positive schizotypy, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder than with other symptoms. The interview-based analyses showed less specificity, although Anomalous Sleep Experiences again demonstrated relatively strong associations with psychotic disorders. Overall, our data indicate that anomalous sleep experiences are broadly related to psychopathology, with particularly strong links to dissociation and positive symptoms of psychosis/schizotypy.
A Custom Image-Based Analysis Tool for Quantifying Elastin and Collagen Fiber Micro-Architecture in the Wall of the Human Aorta From Multi-Photon Microscopy Images

The two primary load-bearing components of the connective fiber micro-architecture of aorta are the proteins elastin and collagen. The structure of elastin and collagen fibers is important to support the proper function of the aorta, and alteration of the quantity and/or arrangement of these fibers can lead to mechanical and functional changes associated with aortic disease. Therefore, an adequate quantification of the micro-architecture of elastin and collagen fibers in the aortic wall would provide insight into the influence of micro-architecture on the biomechanical response of the aorta in health and disease.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor Autoantibodies

Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) autoantibodies were first described in 2009 and implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic membranous nephritis (IMN). This was a significant advance given that until then, the pathogenesis of IMN was unclear and differentiation from secondary membranous nephritis could be challenging. Since this initial study describing the anti-PLA2R antibody, several other investigators have confirmed the association of this autoantibody with IMN. Furthermore, anti-PLA2R antibodies correlate with clinical outcomes and can be used to measure response to treatment. Therefore, anti-PLA2R autoantibodies have promising applications to the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of IMN.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF RUANGANCHONGJI ON LIVER FIBROSIS IN RATS

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effects of Ruanganchongji on rat liver fi brosis model. Methods: 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Ruanganchongji low dose group(4g/kg/d), Ruanganchongji high dose group(8g/kg/d) and Biejiaruanganpian group(0.8g/kg/d), with 10 rats in each group. The rat liver fi brosis model was established by lavaging 40% carbon tetrachloride and 40% alcohol; then the rats in each drug group were lavaged with corresponding drugs for 8-week. The liver function, liver fi brosis indexes(laminin and hyaluronic acid) and hydroxyproline content in liver were respectively detected. Results:Ruanganchongji could improve the liver function of liver fi brosis rat model; reduce the content of laminin, hyaluronic acid, and hydroxyproline content in liver obviously. Moreover, the effects of Ruanganchongji high dose were better than Ruanganchongji low dose and Biejiaruanganpian. Conclusions: Ruanganchongji has better therapeutic effects on liver fi brosis model rats, but the mechanisms need further study.
New species of Evaniodini (Braconidae: Doryctinae) from Brazil

A new species, Evaniodes costatus Valerio sp. nov., belonging to the tribe Evanoidini is described and illustrated. The new species is compared with the five species currently known to occur in the genus Evaniodes Szepligeti.
Rare Cell Immobilization on MEMS Scale Sensors Using Micro-Electromagnets

A novel method is presented for immobilizing rare single cells on MEMS scale sensor sites. The presented method does not require immobilization site to be chemically functionalized. Immobilizing single cells precisely on MEMS sensor sites is a requirement for many single cell analysis methods—reliability of cell analysis directly depends on the reliability of immobilization. The presented method uses magnetic forces to immobilize cells labeled with superparamagnetic beads on MEMS scale sites of interest. It can be coupled with many cell analysis techniques to form MEMS lab-on-a-chip devices due to the simple fabrication setup and principle of operation. The performance of the device was demonstrated with unbound superparamagnetic beads as well as with human breast tumor cells from the cell line MCF-7. Immobilization percentage and area were 95.2% and 1000 $\mu \text{m}^{2}$ , respectively, for superparamagnetic beads. MCF-7 cells labeled with superparamagnetic beads were immobilized at a percentage of 69.2% with the average distance from immobilized cells to micro-electromagnet being $50.8~\mu \text{m}$ . Thus, the presented method is a good candidate for integration with microfluidic sensing and analysis platforms.
Spacecraft relative guidance via spatio-temporal resolution in atmospheric density forecasting

Abstract Spacecraft equipped with the capability to vary their ballistic coefficient can use differential drag as the control force to perform propellant-less relative maneuvers. Because atmospheric drag is proportional to atmospheric density, uncertainty in atmospheric density makes the generation and tracking of drag-based guidances difficult. Spatio-temporal resolution, or the mapping of density information to altitude and time, is shown in this work to improve atmospheric density estimation from forecasted density for spacecraft in LEO. This is achieved by propagating simulated orbits for two spacecraft using forecasted density. Additionally, a receding-horizon control algorithm is introduced, with the goal of improving the tracking of guidances. Using a simulated perfect forecast of the atmospheric density for propagation of the orbits, relative guidance trajectories are generated and tracked, establishing the benefit of adding spatio-temporal resolution. Next, imperfect density forecasting is added, indicating that the benefit of spatio-temporal resolution is retained in the presence of imperfect forecasting. Finally, a receding-horizon control algorithm is used with imperfect forecasting, demonstrating that receding-horizon control improves the tracking of guidances compared to single-horizon control.
A Prior-Independent Revenue-Maximizing Auction for Multiple Additive Bidders

Recent work by Babaioff et al.i¾?[1], Yaoi¾?[30], and Cai et al.i¾?[7] shows how to construct an approximately optimal auction for additive bidders, given access to the priors from which the bidders' values are drawn. In this paper, building on the single sample approach of Dhangwatnotai et al.i¾?[15], we show how the auctioneer can obtain approximately optimal expected revenue in this setting without knowing the priors, as long as the item distributions are regular.
Quantifying Biochemical Alterations in Brown and Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissues of Mice Using Fourier Transform Infrared Widefield Imaging.

Stimulating increased thermogenic activity in adipose tissue is an important biological target for obesity treatment, and label-free imaging techniques with the potential to quantify stimulation-associated biochemical changes to the adipose tissue are highly sought after. In this study, we used spatially resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging to quantify biochemical changes caused by cold exposure in the brown and subcutaneous white adipose tissues (BAT and s-WAT) of 6 week-old C57BL6 mice exposed to 30°C (N=5), 24°C (N=5), and 10°C (N=5) conditions for 10 days. Fat exposed to colder temperatures demonstrated greater thermogenic activity as indicated by increased mRNA expression levels of a panel of thermogenic marker genes including UCP-1 and Dio2. Protein to lipid ratio, calculated from the ratio of the integrated area from 1600-1700 cm-1 (amide I) to the integrated area from 2830-2980 cm-1 (saturated lipids), was elevated in 10°C BAT and s-WAT compared to 24°C (p = 0.004 and p < 0.0001) and 30°C (p = 0.0033 and p < 0.0001). Greater protein to lipid ratio was associated with greater UCP1 expression level in the BAT (p = 0.021) and s-WAT (p = 0.032), and greater Dio2 expression in s-WAT (p = 0.033). The degree of unsaturation, calculated from the ratio of the integrated area from 2992-3020 cm-1 (unsaturated lipids) to the integrated area from 2830-2980 cm-1 (saturated lipids), showed intuitive stepwise decreases going from colder-exposed to warmer-exposed BAT. Complementary 1H NMR measurements confirmed the findings from this ratio in BAT. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) applied to FTIR spectra revealed pronounced differences in overall spectral characteristics between 30°C, 24°C, and 10°C BAT and s-WAT. Spatially-resolved FTIR imaging is a promising technique to quantify cold-induced biochemical changes in BAT and s-WAT in a label-free manner.