cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substrate Rigidity Deforms and Polarizes Active Gels

We present a continuum model of the coupling between cells and substrate that accounts for some of the observed substrate-stiffness dependence of cell properties. The cell is modeled as an elastic active gel, adapting recently developed continuum theories of active viscoelastic fluids. The coupling to the substrate enters as a boundary condition that relates the cell's deformation field to local stress gradients. In the presence of activity, the coupling to the substrate yields spatially inhomogeneous contractile stresses and deformations in the cell and can enhance polarization, breaking the cell's front-rear symmetry.
Study on Phase-leading Operation Characteristics of UHVDC Sending-end Synchronous Condensers

As a rotating equipment, the condenser can not only provide short-circuit capacity for the system, but also has good reactive power output characteristics. However, the longterm phase-leading operation of the condenser will affect the safety and stability of the condenser itself and the power grid. It is necessary to study the characteristics of the voltage regulation of the condenser in terms of reducing the transient over-voltage at the DC transmission end, dealing with the DC commutation failure, bipolar blocking and three-phase permanent fault of the AC system. Based on the analysis of the operation mechanism of the condenser and the case of the long-term leading-phase operation in ZLT, the operation status of the power grid near the ZLT converter station is simulated and analyzed by PSASP. The influence of different starting mode and DC power on the supporting ability of dynamic reactive power is calculated. The research shows that the operation mode of the condenser can meet the demand of system, which provides a theoretical support for the safety and stability of the system.
Key elements of auroral substorm development and their relationship to recent observations of detached sub-auroral phenomena including STEVE-like emissions

Abstract Since Akasofu introduced the concept of the substorm in 1964, numerous refinements have been added to the phenomenological model of how auroral substorms develop. Here, we review several of the most important of these including; polar cap patches, intensifications of the Polar Activated Band (PAB) at the poleward edge of the bulge, the development of new arcs poleward, the generation of auroral streamers, the evolution of streamers into auroral torches and omega bands, the association of streamers with particle injection and BBF activity in the tail, and wedgelet-like magnetic perturbations on the ground. We also review the concept of “contact breakups” which are breakups that appear to be triggered by the arrival of streamer-like forms in the equatorward regions of the oval. Finally, we remind the community that the addition of detached sub-auroral emissions was made to the phenomenological picture of substorm develop in the late 1960s along with the concept of auroral streamers. Newer observations of detached sub-auroral (STEVE-like emissions) from the Viking/UVI and POLAR/VIS imagers are presented which confirm that they are east-west aligned bands of emission that separate away from the equatorward edge of the auroral oval in response to intensifications of the poleward edge of the bulge and subsequent streamer production. We propose a new model for the formation of detached sub-auroral (STEVE-like) emissions in which a non-linear growth of a SAPS-driven instability (e.g. like the shear-flow/ballooning instability) at the plasmapause results in the disruption of the boundary separating hot plasma sheet particle from the cold plasmaspheric plasma. It is proposed that the resulting intermixing of plasma populations leads to both the observed STEVE-like emissions and also provides a source of cold plasma on open drift paths that can feed the long-lived drainage plumes that have recently been discovered.
31-LB: Limited Physical Activity among Overweight and Obese Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Results from Advancing Care for Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity Network (ACT1ON)

This pilot and feasibility study aimed to identify dietary strategies to optimize glycemic control and weight management in overweight or obese young adults with T1D. In a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial, participants were randomized to a hypocaloric low-carbohydrate (CHO; 20-25% CHO), hypocaloric moderately low fat (30% energy fat), or Mediterranean (not calorie restricted) diet, with advice to maintain usual physical activity (PA). PA data were collected in a convenience sample of participants from 06/20 to 02/21. Young adults with T1D (n=27, age 25±3 years, 78% female, A1c 7.3±1.2%, BMI 30.7±3.4) wore PA trackers for 2-week periods during diet assignments. Median (IQR) daily steps were 4,931 (3,443-7,363), 5,562 (4,191-9,931), 6,457 (4,394-9,655) for Low CHO, Look AHEAD, and Mediterranean diets, respectively and daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) mins were 16 (4-31), 18 (5-31), and 22 (6-32), respectively. Daily steps, active time, or MVPA did not differ by diet (p>0.05). We demonstrate that in a pilot study emphasizing diet and weight loss in young adults with T1D, PA was often below the recommended target of 30 mins MVPA/day (or 150 mins/week). Thus, a larger, adaptive weight management intervention will need to incorporate diet as well as safe and effective PA strategies for overweight and obese young adults with T1D. Disclosure D. P. Zaharieva: None. D. M. Maahs: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dompe, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Consultant; Self; aditxt. For the act1on study: n/a. F. R. Muntis: None. N. Arrizon- ruiz: None. J. Thomas: None. E. J. Mayer-davis: None. A. Addala: None. M. A. Clements: Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Employee; Self; Glooko, Inc., Research Support; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc. A. Kollu: None. M. Riddell: Advisory Panel; Self; Zealand Pharma A/S, Consultant; Self; Lilly Diabetes, Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Zucara Therapeutics Inc. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1DP3DK113358)
The Sargent Site Ossuary (25CU28), Custer County, Nebraska

The analysis of a small Central Plains Tradition ossuary, recovered during salvage excavations near the town of Sargent, Nebraska, highlights both the potentials and current limitations in the understanding of small mortuary occurrences. The Sargent Site Ossuary, which contained the remains of at least twelve adults, yielded evidence both for the mutilation of some, if not all, of the individuals represented in the ossuary and for the differential mortuary processing of cranial, as opposed to post- cranial, bones in the multi-stage mortuary program. The ossuary appears to represents a collection of individuals killed away from the immediate locality, whose remains were later recovered for burial.
Imaging of pediatric stroke

Multiple modalities for imaging of pediatric stroke are available, though not all have clinical application in acute stage. In this article, we review the relative advantages and disadvantages of imaging methods designed to visualize the brain parenchyma, arteries, veins as well as the penumbra in arterial and venous ischemic events of childhood and perinatal strokes. The applications of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of neonatal stroke have led to a better understanding of the extent of damage in a relatively early stage, which helped to overcome certain limitations of cranial ultrasound. Comparative analysis between MRI including T2* gradient echo images, and computed tomography in hemorrhagic stroke has changed the commonly held belief that cranial computed tomography is superior to MRI in this clinical scenario. Susceptibility perfusion MRI and arterial spin labeling methods have been applied successfully in adult strokes; however, their introduction into the pediatric realm has been limited. Finally, the employment of diffusion tensor imaging,
Number of Lymph Nodes Removed and Survival after Gastric Cancer Resection: An Analysis from the US Gastric Cancer Collaborative.

Background Examination of at least 16 lymph nodes (LNs) has been traditionally recommended during gastric adenocarcinoma resection to optimize staging, but the impact of this strategy on survival is uncertain. Because recent randomized trials have demonstrated a therapeutic benefit from extended lymphadenectomy, we sought to investigate the impact of the number of LNs removed on prognosis after gastric adenocarcinoma resection. Study Design We analyzed patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma from 2000 to 2012, at 7 US academic institutions. Patients with M1 disease or R2 resections were excluded. Disease-specific survival (DSS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank and Cox regression analyses. Results Of 742 patients, 257 (35%) had 7 to 15 LNs removed and 485 (65%) had ≥16 LNs removed. Disease-specific survival was not significantly longer after removal of ≥16 vs 7 to 15 LNs (10-year survival, 55% vs 47%, respectively; p = 0.53) for the entire cohort, but was significantly improved in the subset of patients with stage IA to IIIA (10-year survival, 74% vs 57%, respectively; p = 0.018) or N0-2 disease (72% vs 55%, respectively; p = 0.023). Similarly, for patients who were classified to more likely be "true N0-2," based on frequentist analysis incorporating both the number of positive and of total LNs removed, the hazard ratio for disease-related death (adjusted for T stage, R status, grade, receipt of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, and institution) significantly decreased as the number of LNs removed increased. Conclusions The number of LNs removed during gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma appears itself to have prognostic implications for long-term survival.
Effect of a controlled burn on the thermophysical properties of a dry soil using a new model of soil heat flow and a new high temperature heat flux sensor

Some fires can be beneficial to soils but, if a fire is sufficiently intense, soil can be irreversible altered. We measured soil temperatures and heat fluxes at several soil depths before, during, and after a controlled surface burn at Manitou Experimental Forest (southern Colorado, USA) to evaluate its effects on the soil’s thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity and volumetric specific heat capacity). During the burn the soil was heated to over 400°C at a depth of 0.02 m and to almost 100°C at 0.30 m. Relatively high temperatures persisted for several hours to days even over 1 m deep into the soil. At these intensities and durations significant changes in soil chemistry, structure, and nutrient cycling are likely. However, soil thermophysical properties, estimated before and after the fire with a new model of periodic heat flow in soils, were not significantly changed between the times shortly after sensor installation (October 2001) and 1 month after the fire (February 2002). Estimates of the soil thermophysical properties derived with the new model underestimate laboratory analyses performed on soil samples obtained after the fire. Also presented in this study are some of the first soil heat flux measurements made during a surface fire. Furthermore, data and analyses of the type discussed in this study should aid modeling studies of the soil thermal pulse associated with fire. The ultimate goal of this experiment was to provide tools to assist land managers in the use of prescribed fire to benefit ecosystems and to reduce the potential for harm by examining how the soil’s physical properties and different fuel amounts, geometries, and loading densities influence soil recovery and forest regeneration after fires.
Lack of caspase-3 attenuates immobilization-induced muscle atrophy and loss of tension generation along with mitigation of apoptosis and inflammation.

Introduction: Immobilization by casting induces disuse muscle atrophy (DMA). Methods: Using wild type (WT) and caspase-3 knockout (KO) mice, we evaluated the effect of caspase-3 on muscle mass, apoptosis, and inflammation during DMA. Results: Caspase-3 deficiency significantly attenuated muscle mass decrease [gastrocnemius: 28 ± 1% in KO vs. 41 ± 3% in WT; soleus: 47 ± 2% in KO vs. 56 ± 2% in WT; (P < 0.05)] and gastrocnemius twitch tension decrease (23 ± 4% in KO vs. 36 ± 3% in WT, P < 0.05) at day 14 in immobilized vs. contralateral hindlimb. Lack of caspase-3 decreased immobilization-induced increased apoptotic myonuclei (3.2-fold) and macrophage infiltration (2.2-fold) in soleus muscle and attenuated increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression (2-fold in KO vs. 18-fold in WT) in gastrocnemius. Conclusions: Caspase-3 plays a key role in DMA and associated decreased tension, presumably by acting on the apoptosis and inflammation pathways. Muscle Nerve 47: 711–721, 2013
Borders, Territory and Nationality in the Ancient Near East and Armenia

Examination of evidence from the ancient Near East spanning a period of more than a thousand years indicates the existence of conceptions of relatively precise boundaries, territories, and perhaps also nations. Of course, the bounded territorial relation constitutive of certain ancient collectivities was not based, in part, on a conception of citizenship derived from birth in the land as in many instances of the modern national state. Nonetheless, one is justified in recognizing in antiquity instances of a consciousness of a bounded, trans-local territorial relation and, thus, perhaps nationality. The evidence for the existence of various conceptions of such relations constitutive of respectively various collectivities in the ancient Near East is by no means limited to the complicated example of the nation of ancient Israel. There are a number of other examples among which are Edom, ancient Aram, and ancient Armenia. There is merit in considering the examples of Edom, Aram, and Armenia together, specifically in elucidating the problem of both the nature of our evidence and the categories, especially nationality, which we employ in examining that evidence.
Inhibition of the acute toxicity of methyl chloride in male B6C3F1 mice by glutathione depletion

Previous data have demonstrated that methyl chloride (MeCl) is toxic to B6C3F1 mice under both acute and chronic exposure conditions, and that conjugation of MeCl with glutathione (GSH) is a key step in the metabolism of MeCl. This study examined the role of GSH in mediating the acute toxicity of MeCl to liver, kidney, and brain of male B6C3F1 mice. The lethal effects of a single 6-hr inhalation exposure of B6C3F1 males to 2500 ppm MeCl were completely prevented by pretreatment with the GSH synthesis inhibitor, L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (4 mmol L-BSO/kg, ip 1.5 hr prior to MeCl exposure). GSH levels (measured as nonprotein sulfhydryl) in liver and kidney were depleted to 19 and 25% of control values, respectively, at the start of the exposure; the ratio of dead/exposed mice during the 18-hr postexposure declined from 14/15 mice to 0/10. Also, the LC50 for MeCl increased from 2200 to 3200 ppm in male mice pretreated with BSO. The hepatic toxicity of MeCl was detected by increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in serum 18 hr after a 6-hr exposure to 1500 ppm MeCl (2147 +/- 1327 IU/liter vs 46 +/- 6 in controls). Liver toxicity was inhibited when B6C3F1 males were depleted of GSH prior to MeCl exposure by BSO pretreatment (43 +/- 2), fasting (100 +/- 47), or injection of diethyl maleate (42 +/- 16). The effects of GSH depletion on MeCl toxicity to brain and kidney were determined in B6C3F1 males exposed to 1500 ppm MeCl 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks, with and without daily pretreatment with 2 mmol L-BSO/kg. This dose of BSO depleted hepatic and renal GSH by 28 and 60%, respectively, at the start of MeCl exposure. BSO-pretreated mice were protected from the central nervous system toxicity of MeCl, as assessed by microscopic examination of the granule cell layer of the cerebellum. BSO pretreatment also inhibited the renal toxicity of MeCl as measured by incorporation of [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) into renal DNA, an indicator of cell regeneration after cortical necrosis. [3H]TdR incorporation was 105 +/- 10,337 +/- 40, and 60 +/- 15 dpm/microgram DNA in nonexposed controls, MeCl, and MeCl + BSO treatment groups, respectively. These results indicate that GSH is an important component in the toxicity of MeCl to multiple organ systems in B6C3F1 mice. Reaction of MeCl with GSH appears to constitute a mechanism of toxication, contrary to the role usually proposed for GSH in detoxifying xenobiotics.
Catching bugs in the web of program invariants

MrSpidey is a user-friendly, interactive static debugger for Scheme. A static debugger supplements the standard debugger by analyzing the program and pinpointing those program operations that may cause run-time errors such as dereferencing the null pointer or applying non-functions. The program analysis of MrSpidey computes value set descriptions for each term in the program and constructs a value flow graph connecting the set descriptions. Using the set descriptions, MrSpidey can identify and highlight potentially erroneous program operations, whose cause the programmer can then explore by selectively exposing portions of the value flow graph.
COMA FROM HYPONATREMIA FOLLOWING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF PROSTATE

Even though hyponatremia may occur following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), only 14 patients of a large TURP population deteriorated to a comatose state as a result of hyponatremia. These patients were generally older, with larger prostates, and longer resection times than the average for transurethral resection of the prostate. They also consistently had serum sodium levels postoperatively of near 120 mEq./L. or below. It was noted that obtundation can occur immediately or be delayed several hours. Even though no deaths occurred, awareness of the possibility of post-TURP hyponatremia and prompt treatment with hypertonic saline were shown to reduce morbidity significantly.
Comparison of OPO and Mark-III FEL for mid-infrared soft tissue ablation

The goal of this study was to investigate a Q-switched Er:YAG pumped ZGP crystal Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) as a potential alternative source to the Mark-III Free Electron Laser (FEL) for delivering 6.45 micron light for clinical applications. In addition, this research increased the understanding of the role of the unique pulse structure of the FEL with respect to the ablation of soft tissue at 6.45 microns, which has been shown to ablate with very minimal collateral damage (<40 microns). The OPO operates from 6-8 microns in wavelength with a 100 ns pulse. Up to 250 micro-joules per pulse can be obtained with this laser. This provides up to three times the threshold energy for ablation given a diffraction limited spot of ~60 microns in diameter. The ablation threshold was determined using PROBIT analysis of 100 pulses on water at 6.1 and 6.45 microns in wavelength. The ablated crater depth was also measured on 90% w/w gelatin at both wavelengths for craters made with between 5 and 500 pulses. The results obtained with the OPO were then compared with a Mark-III FEL with a similar spotsize (~90 microns) to determine if there were any differences due to the unique pulse structure of the FEL, which consists of a 2.85 GHz train of picosecond pulses within a five microsecond envelope. The results showed no difference with respect to the ablation threshold; while the ablated crater depth was reduced for the FEL pulse for equivalent parameters. In addition, bright-field imaging was performed at three times the ablation threshold for both lasers and will be presented.
An effective system and procedure for cigarette smoking by dogs

Abstract 1. 1. A technique has been described for the actual inhalation of cigarette smoke by dogs. It is a reasonably standardized and reproducible method which reduces many variables, so that a truer estimate can be made of the histopathological, physiological, and pharmacological changes effected by cigarette smoking than heretofore has been provided. 2. 2. The environment, smoking machine, equipment, and technique of “smoking the dog” are described. Emphasis has been placed upon the care and reassurance of the dog, particularly in patiently guiding him to increased tolerance of more and more cigarettes. A maximum of 12 unfiltered cigarettes a day was achieved and is being used throughout the investigation. In establishing this method no undue mortality occurred. 3. 3. Ten dogs with tracheostomies were exposed to the described smoking technique. Five dogs died during the course of the experiment, four of them from thrombi in the right auricular appendage and emboli in the lungs; one had bronchopneumonia. Five dogs survived over 420 days and were then killed. 4. 4. Autopsy of these, as well as those who died, showed pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema similar to those conditions in human beings; i.e., fibrous thickening, pad-like attachments, and rupturing of alveolar septa. No such changes were found in the 10 control dogs, who also had tracheostomies. 5. 5. All dogs showed a rising hematocrit during smoking.
Using Interactive Multimedia Nutrition Education to Reach Low-Income Persons: An Effectiveness Evaluation

Abstract Two units of La Cocina Saludable , a nutrition education program taught by abuelas (Hispanic grandmothers), were adapted to a bilingual interactive multimedia (IMM) program and evaluated: "Make It Healthy" (MIH) and "Make A Change" (MAC).The program was designed to be delivered via touch-screen computers to participants of food and other assistance programs. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design with assessments at entry, posteducation, and follow-up was completed. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the knowledge gains and reported behavior changes among participants who completed the program with a computer and those who completed it with an abuela. Forty-six percent of the 95 participants spoke some Spanish and more than 80% participated in one or more assistance programs. Significant knowledge gains (p ≤ .05) were observed with both methods of delivery for both modules. The MIH module, however, had significantly more gains (p ≤ .05) for that outcome among those who had the abuela than those who used the computer. No difference was observed between groups for the MAC unit. A few differences were reported for changes of choosing low-fat foods and addition of salt to foods. Overall, participants liked using the IMM program.
Endobronchial Ultrasonography-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Biopsy for Preoperative Nodal Staging of Lung Cancer in a Veteran Population

Importance Recently, preoperative lung cancer staging has evolved to include endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) biopsies of the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, but the feasibility and usefulness of the procedure have not been well studied in the veteran population. Objective To determine the safety and effectiveness of EBUS-TBNA as a key component of a preoperative staging algorithm for lung cancer in veterans. Design, Setting, and Participants Review of a prospectively maintained thoracic surgery database that includes patients who underwent lung resection for lung cancer between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012, at a single Veterans Affairs medical center among a consecutive cohort of 166 patients with clinically early-stage (I or II) lung cancer who underwent lobectomy with nodal dissection. Interventions Endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration mediastinal staging (EBUS group) in 62 patients (37.3%) was compared with noninvasive nodal staging plus integrated positron emission tomography–computed tomography only (PET/CT-only group) in 104 patients (62.7%). The accuracy of nodal staging was assessed by comparison with the final pathological staging after complete nodal dissection (the gold standard). Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were feasibility, safety, accuracy, and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA for preoperative nodal staging. A secondary outcome was the rate of nontherapeutic lung resection for occult N2 disease, with comparison between the EBUS group and the PET/CT-only group. Results No significant complications were attributable to the EBUS-TBNA procedure. In the EBUS group, 258 lymph node stations were sampled. N1 hilar metastases were diagnosed in 8 patients (12.9%) before surgery, and the remainder were staged N0. Accuracy and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA were 93.5% (58 of 62) and 92.6% (50 of 54), respectively. The overall rate of nontherapeutic lung resection performed in patients with occult N2 disease was 10.8% (18 of 166) (8.1% in the EBUS group and 12.5% in the PET/CT-only group) ( P = .37). Conclusion and Relevance A preoperative lung cancer staging strategy that includes EBUS-TBNA seems to be safe and effective in a veteran population, resulting in a low rate of nontherapeutic operations because of occult N2 nodal disease.
Investigations of Chemical Modifications of Amino-Terminated Organic Films on Silicon Substrates and Controlled Protein Immobilization

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy by grazing-angle attenuated total reflection (FTIR-GATR), ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy were employed to investigate chemical modifications of amino-terminated organic thin films on silicon substrates, protein immobilization, and the biological activity and hydrolytic stability of immobilized proteins. Amino-terminated organic films were prepared on silicon wafers by self-assembling 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) in anhydrous toluene. Surface amino groups were derivatized into three different linkers: N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester, hydrazide, and maleimide ester groups. UV-visible absorption measurements and fluorescence microscopy revealed that more than 40% of surface amino groups were chemically modified. Protein immobilization was carried out on modified APTES films containing these linkers via coupling with primary amines (-NH(2)) in intact monoclonal rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG), the aldehyde (-CHO) of an oxidized carbohydrate residue in IgG, or the sulfhydryl (-SH) of fragmented half-IgG, respectively. FTIR spectra contain vibrational signatures of these functional groups present in modified APTES films and immobilized IgGs. Changes in the APTES film thickness after chemical modifications and protein immobilization were also observed by ellipsometric measurements. The biological activity and long-term hydrolytic stability of immobilized IgGs on modified APTES films were estimated by fluorescence measurements of an adsorbed antigen, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG (FITC-Ab). Our results indicate that the FITC-Ab binding capacity of half-IgG immobilized via maleimide groups is greater than that of the oxidized IgG and the intact IgG immobilized via hydrazide and NHS ester groups, respectively. In addition, IgGs immobilized using all coupling chemistries were hydrolytically stable in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
1531 CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (CAPD) IN CHILDREN

We have evaluated CAPD in 9 children, 9-15 years of age for periods of 1.5-14 months(mean 6.9 months). All but one had previously been treated with hemodialysis(HD)or intermittent peritoneal dialysis. Training was accomplished in 1-16 days. A mean volume of 41 ml/kg was exchanged 4 times a day, 7 days a week. The mean peritoneal urea clearance was 3.5 ml/min and steady-State BUN and creatinine levels were 68 and 9.3 mg/dl, respectively. Other biochemical levels were: The mean hematocrit level was 21% and the transfusion requirement was 0.13 units per month. There was a striking improvement in anemia in children transferring from HD to CAPD. Ultrafiltration and maintenance of dry weight was easily achieved and the mean blood pressure was 110/74. Dialysate protein loss was 0.17 g/kg/day, dietary protein intake 2.1 g/kg/day, and serum albumin 3.6 g/dl. Glucose absorption from dialysate was 2.5 g/kg/day. Calorie intake from diet plus dialysis was 58 kcal/kg/day. The mean growth rate of 3 children was 2.7 cm/year. Peritonitis was a major problem with one episode every 4.3 months. Three children discontinued CAPD because of infection. Despite peritonitis and catheter complications children were enthusiastic about CAPD and preferred it to HD. CAPD has subjective and objective benefits in children and is an important new form of therapy.
Management of peanut diseases with reduced input fungicide programs in fields with varying levels of disease risk

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to evaluate full and reduced input fungicide programs in peanut fields with varying levels of risk for the peanut leaf spot complex (caused by Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum). Fungicides applications were made on a 14-, 21-, or 28-day interval (d.i.). Leaf spot intensity was similar for all programs in fields considered to be low or moderate risk; however, there was more leaf spot in plots treated on a 28-d.i. for high risk fields. Incidence of stem rot (caused by Sclerotium rolfsii) was lower in plots treated with soilborne-based programs than those treated with foliar-based programs. Control for the 21- and 28-d.i. soilborne-based programs was comparable to that for the 14-d.i. program in all trials except the high risk situations where plots treated on the 28- d.i. had higher levels of stem rot. Pod yields were similar among application intervals for all trials. Based on these results, reductions in the number of fungicide applications can be made without compromising leaf spot control, stem rot control, or yield.
Laws governing the pulling of electrons out of metals by intense electrical fields

Current from thoriated tungsten filaments in vacuum, due to radial fields of up to two million volts per cm. — Three filaments were tested, each .00123 cm in diam. and suspended under tension in the axis of a copper cylinder of 1.6 cm diam. From the dimensions, the radial field at the surface of the filament was 228 times the applied potential difference. The electron currents pulled from the tungsten by the high fields (field currents) rise steadily from 10^-12 to 10^-3 amp. as the field is increased from about 400 to 1100 kv/cm. In the dark, luminous spots were seen on the anode, indicating that these currents come from a few active surface spots. The field current (for a given voltage) depends on the value of the maximum field current previously drawn from it (conditioning current), being reversibly reproducible below the conditioning current. The higher the conditioning current, the lower the field current. A previous heating to high temperatures (2400°C) decreases the field current and also decreases the slope of the current-voltage curve. Both effects (current and heating) show fatigue. Variation with temperature of the filament, to 800°C. The field currents are completely independent of temperature up to 700°, but a temperature of 800° increases the currents due to a given field when this is sufficiently large, by a factor which is roughly independent of the current (10-8 to 10-4 amp.). Electron theory. In explanation of these results, it is suggested that the field currents are due to conduction electrons pulled from minute peaks on the surface, the fatigue effects of both current treatment and heat treatment being due to the rounding off of these peaks by positive ion bombardment or by temperature. Chemical changes may also alter the surface. The lack of dependence of field currents upon temperature furnishes strong evidence that most of the conduction electrons do not share in the energy of thermal agitation. The thermions, however, do share in this energy; they are presumably responsible for the Peltier and thermo-electric effects. In this theory it is assumed that conduction electrons follow the same sort of quantum laws in their escape from the solid as do atoms of a light element at temperatures far below the boiling point.
A New Local Search Algorithm for Binary Optimization

We develop a new local search algorithm for binary optimization problems, whose complexity and performance are explicitly controlled by a parameter Q, measuring the depth of the local search neighborhood. We show that the algorithm is pseudo-polynomial for general cost vector c, and achieves a w2/2w-1 approximation guarantee for set packing problems with exactly w ones in each column of the constraint matrix A, when using Q = w2. Most importantly, we find that the method has practical promise on large, randomly generated instances of both set covering and set packing problems, as it delivers performance that is competitive with leading general-purpose optimization software CPLEX 11.2.
Observations of work function changes in field-emitter arrays

Abstract The current-voltage ( I–V ) characteristics for arrays of microfabricated field emitter tips have been measured as a function of cathode temperature in a range of 30 to 300°C in an turbomolecular pumped vacuum system with a base pressure of -10 Torr. The current at a fixed voltage was found to increase with increasing temperature. The change was reversible provided the temperature was held constant at its new value for about 40 min. This implies that the current increase with temperature is due to a change in work function rather than a change in the emitting area or tip shape. The I–V characteristic at each temperature followed the Fowler-Nordheim field emission equation over five orders of magnitude in current and indicated the occurence of work function changes between 0.5 and 2.0 eV. Such changes could be due to adsorption on the tip of electropositive atoms originating at the anode, which reached temperatures of approximately 670°C due to the electron bombardment at high anode voltages. Conversely, the lower work function could be due to desorption of electronegative atoms (such as oxygen) under the action of the heat and the increased H 2 and CO pressure associated with the relatively high anode temperature. Reversible desorption has been previously observed from the field emitting whiskers associated with high voltage vacuum breakdown between large area metal electrodes.
Structural requirements for substrate binding to propionyl-CoA carboxylase.

Abstract Further purification of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.3) from bovine-liver mitochondria is reported. On the basis of the present and earlier investigations it is concluded that binding of acyl-CoA substrates by the carboxylase occurs through the CoA moiety. The relative maximum velocities of propionyl-CoA, propionyl-dephospho-CoA, and propionyl-pantetheine carboxylation were 1.0, 0.29, and 0.014, respectively; the K m values for the same substrates were 2.6·10−4, 2.8·10−3, and 2.4·10−2 M, respectively. Enzymatic carboxylation of propionyl -N- acetylcysteamine could not be demonstrated. Coenzyme A and 3′-AMP were found to inhibit the carboxylation reaction competitively with respect to propionyl-CoA, whereas, inhibition by 2′-AMP and 5′-AMP was of a mixed type. The binding of acyl-CoA substrate to the carboxylase appears to involve the 3′-phosphate, adenine, and pantoyl moieties of the subsrate. Propionyl-CoA carboxylase is protected from p- chloromercuribenzoate inhibition by propionyl-CoA, whereas, ATP-MgCl2 facilitates this inhibition.
Chemometric Determination of Target Compounds Used to Fingerprint Unweathered Diesel Fuels

Existing oil fingerprinting standard methods target mostly high-molecular-weight biomarkers for discrimination between samples. Fingerprinting of light petroleum distillates like diesel fuel is problematic with these methods because many of the target analytes are not present. To address this problem, 14 diesel fuel samples from refineries throughout the United States and Canada were analyzed by GC/MS. For each sample, peaks were integrated in 62 different extracted ion chromatograms that represented 22 classes of petroleum constituents. Over 300 individual peak ratios were calculated per sample. Principle components analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the number of ratios needed to differentiate the samples. Nine significant peak ratios were identified by PCA. The ratios included compounds in alkylbenzene, alkylphenanthrene, and sesquiterpane petroleum classes. The PCA model removed peak ratios that contributed to instrument replicate variability, which improved differentiation among samples. Real-world sp...
Crosstalk between adenosine A1 and β1-adrenergic receptors regulates translocation of PKCε in isolated rat cardiomyocytes.

Adenosine A1 receptor (A1R)-induced translocation of PKCe to transverse (t) tubular membranes in isolated rat cardiomyocytes is associated with a reduction in β1-adrenergic-stimulated contractile function. The PKCe-mediated activation of protein kinase D (PKD) by endothelin-1 is inhibited by β1-adrenergic stimulated protein kinase A (PKA) suggesting a similar mechanism of A1R signal transduction modulation by adrenergic agonists may exist in the heart. We have investigated the influence of β1-adrenergic stimulation on PKCe translocation elicited by A1R. Immunofluorescence imaging and Western blotting with PKCe and β-COP antibodies were used to quantify the co-localization of PKCe and t-tubular structures in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. The A1R agonist CCPA increased the co-localization of PKCe and t-tubules as detected by imaging. The β1-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO) inhibited this effect of CCPA. Forskolin, a potent activator of PKA, mimicked, and H89, a pharmacological PKA inhibitor, and PKI, a membrane-permeable PKA peptide PKA inhibitor, attenuated the negative effect of ISO on the A1R-mediated PKCe translocation. Western blotting with isolated intact hearts revealed an increase in PKCe/β-COP co-localization induced by A1R. This increase was attenuated by the A1R antagonist DPCPX and ISO. The ISO-induced attenuation was reversed by H89. It is concluded that adrenergic stimulation inhibits A1R-induced PKCe translocation to the PKCe anchor site RACK2 constituent of a coatomer containing β-COP and associated with the t-tubular structures of the heart. In that this translocation has been previously associated with the antiadrenergic property of A1R, it is apparent that the interactive effects of adenosine and β1-adrenergic agonists on function are complex in the heart. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3201–3207, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generalized scale: theory, algorithms, and application to image inhomogeneity correction

Scale is a fundamental concept useful in almost all image processing and analysis tasks including segmentation, filtering, interpolation, registration, visualization, and quantitative analysis. Broadly speaking, scale related work can be divided into three categories: (1) multi-scale or scale-space representation, (2) local scale, and (3) locally adaptive scale. The original formulation of scale in the form of scale-space theory came from the consideration of the presence of multiple scales in nature and the desire to represent measured signals at multiple scales. However, since this representation did not suggest how to select appropriate scales, the notion of local scale was proposed to pick the right scale for a particular application from the multi-scale representation of the image. Recently, there has been considerable interest in developing locally adaptive scales, the idea being to consider the local size of object in carrying out whatever local operations that are to be done on the image. However, existing locally adaptive models are limited by shape, size, and anisotropic constraints. In this work, we propose a generalized scale model which is spatially adaptive like other local morphometric models, and yet possesses the global spirit of multi-scale representations. We postulate that this semi-locally adaptive nature of generalized scale confers it certain distinct advantages over other global and local scale formulations. We also present a variant of the generalized scale notion that we refer to as the generalized ball scale, which, in addition to having the advantages of the generalized scale model, also has superior noise resistance properties. Both scale models are dependent only on two parameters for their estimation, and we demonstrate means by which optimal values for these parameters can be estimated. Both the generalized scales can be readily applied to solving a range of image processing problems. One such problem that we address in this paper is correcting for slowly varying background spatial intensity in Magnetic Resonance images. We demonstrate the superiority of the generalized scale based inhomogeneity correction methods over an existing scale-based correction technique.
Psychological Aspects of the Nuclear Arms Race

After examining some of the traditional explanations for the continuation of the nuclear arms race between the United States and USSR, the author discusses the psychological components that are believed to play a crucial role in maintaining the momentum of the nuclear arms race. Certain parallels are explored between the vicious circularity of the nuclear arms race and the cycle of neurosis. Psychic numbing, distorted perceptions of the enemy, psychological defensiveness, and illogical thinking are considered in relation to the relevance of each in understanding the current nuclear arns policies of the Reagan administration. It is suggested that new, more creative approaches are required to resolve the nuclear dilemma. There is a need for further awareness, the creative use of imagination, and global perspectives that recognize our common humanity.
Characterization of large-format LC devices for adaptive and active optics

The idea of using liquid crystal devices as an adaptive optics component has been proposed by several authors. In recent years a vigorous research effort has been carried out, and it is still flourishing, in several countries. Mainly the research and experimental work has been concentrated in the USA, U.K. and Russia. There are several reasons why liquid crystals may represent a valid alternative to the traditional deformable mirror technology that has been used for the past two decades or so. The main attractiveness of LC resides in the cost. Current deformable mirror technology has a range of price going from $2K to $15K per channel. LC technology promises to be at least a couple of orders of magnitude cheaper. Other reasons are connected with reliability, low power consumption and with a huge technological momentum based on a wide variety of industrial applications. In this paper we present some preliminary characterizations of a new, large format device. Such devices have the potential for extremely high-resolution wave-front control due to the over 10,000 corrective elements. The characterization of the device, so far, consists of measurements of the overall optical quality and of the phase control relationship.
Microstructural characterization of Ag shock-loaded at high pressure

Abstract The substructure evolution in Ag shock-loaded tp 48.6 GPa has been characterized. Under the influence of large dynamic strain and local heating, the substructure evolution of Ag consists of deformation twins, twin-faults, stacking-faults and microbands, all on {111} planes, with dislocation tangles, loops and a small number of shear bands distributed in between. Twins were observed to occur in bundles with twin-faults and stacking-faults occasionally intermingling with each other. Frequently only one variant of twins were present within one grain and the possible reasons are discussed. Microbands were also observed with a local misorientation with the surrounding matrix of 1–30. Evidence of shock- heating-induced recovery was surmised by observation of collapsed and segmental stacking-faults, large numbers of dislocation debris and loops and equiaxed recrystallized grains. One example of a “micro-shear-band”, 1 μm in width and containing many small elongated crystals, was found. The finding of such a shear-band-like feature, coupled with the observation of significant shearing at the intersections of two sets of crosscut microbands, indicate that the bands in shock-loaded Ag to a 30% dynamic strain are most likely an early stage of macroscopic shear band development. It is argued that only under extreme shock pressure where shock heating is significant of where shock deformation occurs to large dybamic strains can shear bands begin to play a role in shock deformation.
Custom designing and fabricating silicone implants for mandibular defects.

A new method for the design and fabrication of silicone implants for reconstruction of mandibular osseous defects is described. The method has been used in 38 patients. A technique for accurate measurement, on radiographs, of defects in mandibles makes use of pieces of radiopaque tape, marked at 0.5-cm intervals, that are placed on the skin of the patient. The final dimension of the implant is influenced by the region to be restored, the amount of tissue available to cover the implant, and the condition of the tissue bed. The technique for the complete fabrication of the implant is given. The method has been used for 38 patients, with a success rate of 75% for mandibular implants. The unsuccessful implants failed primarily because of inadequate soft tissue coverage.
Shallow water modeling in spherical coordinates: equation formulation, numerical implementation, and application

One class of surface water models is the shallow water models obtained by depth-averaging the microscale mass and momentum balances. Application of shallow water models to large scale problems (on the order of 1000's of km) requires the use of spherical coordinates. Traditionally, balance laws in spherical coordinates are derived by simply expanding the spatial operators in the standard depth-averaged equations. However, the equations themselves are based on an assumed planar surface so that an inconsistency exists between the derivation and the interpretation. In this article, a method is presented that properly accounts for the curvature of the Earth during the depth-averaging procedure. The derivation gives rise to new terms in both the continuity and momentum balances, terms that we refer to as curvature terms. A scaling analysis evaluates the magnitude of the terms. It is shown that the curvature term in the continuity balance is insignificant when the vertical velocity is small, i.e., at least four ...
Induction of anti-viral genes during acute infection with Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) genogroup IVa in Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)

Infection with the aquatic rhabdovirus Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) genogroup IVa results in high mortality in Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) and is hypothesized to be a potential limiting factor for herring recovery. To investigate anti-viral immunity in the Pacific herring, four immune response genes were identified: the myxovirus resistance (Clpa-Mx), a major histocompatibility complex IB (named Clpa-UAA.001), the inducible immunoproteosome subunit 9 (Clpa-PSMB9) and the neutrophil chemotactic factor (Clpa-LECT2). Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays were developed based on these gene sequences to investigate the host immune response to acute VHSV infection following both injection and immersion challenge. Virus levels were measured by both plaque assay and RT-qPCR and peaked at day 6 during the 10-day exposure period for both groups of fish. The interferon stimulated genes (Clpa-Mx, −UAA.001, and −PSMB9) were significantly up-regulated in response to VHSV infection at both 6 and 10 days post-infection in both spleen and fin. Results from this study indicate that Pacific herring mount a robust, early antiviral response in both fin and spleen tissues. The immunological tools developed in this study will be useful for future studies to investigate antiviral immunity in Pacific herring.