cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustainable and Affordable Technologies for Food Processing

Adopting the most effective, efficient, and green food processing methods and related technologies represents an important step toward the sustainability of the food supply chain, in particular concerning plant-based food and vegetable beverages. The major challenges related to achieving microbiological safety and extended shelf life while preserving healthy properties and enhancing the bioavailability of essential micronutrients are discussed. This chapter illustrates successful application cases of controlled hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) methods and technologies, applied to brewing, cereal-based, legume-based, and oilseed-based beverages; fruit juices; as well as milk and other dairy products and by-products. HC green processes allow higher extraction rates of bioactive compounds, superior microbiological and physicochemical stability, extended shelf life, and higher bioavailability, all this comparatively more effectively and efficiently. The advances in the use of plant extracts as sources of important natural antioxidants in food, to prevent lipid and protein oxidation processes, as well as natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, are also discussed, with particular focus on edible coatings and antimicrobial packaging, aimed at both food security and reduction of food waste.
Einstein beams: optical beams following gravitationally lensed trajectories

We use a spatial light modulator (SLM) to mimic the effect of gravity and steer the light from a laser to observe Einstein rings with a laboratory camera. The derived programming of the phase of the SLM follows a logarithmic dependence with impact parameter. As expected, we also observe arcs when the source and lensing object are not in line with the observer. Measurements for distinct parameters are consistent with the expectations. The coherent optical beams that are programmed to follow gravitational lensing trajectories have a transverse mode consistent with Bessel functions, yet they do not exhibit the non-diffracting properties of Bessel beams: they expand linearly with the propagation distance. The addition of a vortex phase also produces patterns that coincide with Bessel modes of order given by the topological charge of the vortex..
Risk perception and distraction engagement with smart devices in different types of walking environments.

Abstract Objective The present study aims to: 1) determine whether the risks associated with distracted walking are influenced by walking environment by estimating the incidence and severity of phone-related distracted walking injuries; and 2) investigate individuals’ perceptions of distracted walking risk within different walking environments to understand whether individuals are aware of the potential risks and the manner in which they understand those risks. Background Distracted walking has been increasingly considered a public safety issue over the past few years. Research has focused on understanding the many factors that may influence pedestrians’ engagement with smart-devices in order to address this issue. Risk perception may be one factor that guides engagement decisions but has not been widely studied in the context of distracted walking. Risk perception and the consequences of distracted walking are likely to be impacted by the walking environment, however, current research has typically focused on a subset of locations— streets and intersections. Method This study used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a national database of injuries due to consumer products, to understand the number and severity of distracted walking injuries and locations where it occurred. Phone related injury cases from 2011 to 2019 were extracted and categorized by two independent raters in terms of cause of injury and location of injury. An online questionnaire, N = 207, was used to understand how individuals’ perception of risk in five different walking environments (intersections, stairwells, hallways, pedestrian plazas, and parking lots) were related to distraction engagement. Risk perception was measured through three different framings: risk of distracted walking (i.e., overall risk of engaging with the behavior), risk of collision and risk of falls (e.g., risks associated with the consequences of engaging with the behavior). Results The NEISS analysis showed an upward trend of distracted walking injuries from 2011 (2184 incidents) to 2019 (4711 incidents) and that the number of injuries differed across the different walking environments. The survey results showed that individuals varied their risk perception levels (risk of distracted walking, collision, and falls) based on the walking environment and distraction status (distraction and no distraction). The relationship between overall risk of distracted walking and the risks of the different consequences (falls & collision) differed by walking environment. Finally, significant negative correlations were found between risk perception and actual distraction engagement for each location.
Towards an Understanding of Membrane Channels

This chapter presents exemplary studies of the structure-function relationship of four membrane channels of diverse function that illustrate the recent advance in membrane protein modeling: aquaporin water channels, the chloride channel, hemolysin, and the mechanosensitive channel of small conductance. Two obstacles stand in the way of the application of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to membrane channels: the large size of systems to be simulated and the short timescale to which the method traditionally applies. The authors' first case study focused on aquaporin (AQP) water channels. These channels are particularly amenable to MD investigations due to their rather simple function, their great structural rigidity, and the short timescale of the elementary conduction process. The authors characterize the way in which Cl- passes through the ClC channel under extremely favorable conditions: open gates and no proton-coupling to slow the dynamics. Two sections of the chapter closely follow the reports by Aksimentiev and Schulten and by Sotomayor and Schulten. The chapter also presents four case studies that demonstrate the power of MD simulations in unraveling the mechanisms underlying the function of membrane channels. The study of ion and water permeation through hemolysin exemplifies how accurately one can simulate today even very large membrane channel systems. A detailed energetic analysis of ion permeation through chloride channels proposes a two-ion permeation mechanism that can reconcile naturally structural and physiological data. The chapter concludes by suggesting that one can reach more quickly to the goal of understanding membrane channels with computational modeling.
Treating congenital megacolon by transplanting GDNF and GFRα-1 double genetically modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

We studied the survival and gene expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and GDNF receptor α-1 (GFRα-1) double-genetically modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplanted into the intestinal walls of the rat models with congenital megacolon and determine the feasibility of treatment by transplantation of double-genetically modified rat BMSCs. The rat colorectal intestinal wall nerve plexus was treated with the cationic surface active agent benzalkonium chloride to establish an experimental megacolon model. The rat target genes GDNF and GFRα-1 were extracted and ligated into pEGFP-N1. Eukaryotic fluorescent expression vectors carrying the GDNF and GFRα-1 genes were transfected into BMSCs by in vitro culture. We treated congenital megacolon by transplanting double-genetically modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The pEGFP-EGFP-GDNF-GFRα-1 double-gene co-expressing the eukaryotic expression plasmid vector was successfully established. Protein gene protein 9.5 and vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive ganglion cells showed no positive expression in the phosphate-buffered saline transplantation group based on an immunofluorescence test at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after transplantation of BMSCs. Additionally, compared with the phosphate-buffered saline transplantation group, the expression of rearranged during transfection, GDNF, and GFRα-1 mRNA in the stem cell transplantation group increased gradually. The double-genetically modified BMSCs colonized and survived in the intestinal wall of the experimental megacolon rat model and expressed related genes, partially recovering the colonic neuromuscular regulatory functions and thus providing an experimental basis for treating congenital megacolon by cellular transplantation.
Atomistic to continuum modeling of solidification microstructures

Abstract We summarize recent advances in modeling of solidification microstructures using computational methods that bridge atomistic to continuum scales. We first discuss progress in atomistic modeling of equilibrium and non-equilibrium solid–liquid interface properties influencing microstructure formation, as well as interface coalescence phenomena influencing the late stages of solidification. The latter is relevant in the context of hot tearing reviewed in the article by M. Rappaz in this issue. We then discuss progress to model microstructures on a continuum scale using phase-field methods. We focus on selected examples in which modeling of 3D cellular and dendritic microstructures has been directly linked to experimental observations. Finally, we discuss a recently introduced coarse-grained dendritic needle network approach to simulate the formation of well-developed dendritic microstructures. This approach reliably bridges the well-separated scales traditionally simulated by phase-field and grain structure models, hence opening new avenues for quantitative modeling of complex intra- and inter-grain dynamical interactions on a grain scale.
Human glutathione S-transferases. The Ha multigene family encodes products of different but overlapping substrate specificities.

The human glutathione S-transferase cDNAs encoding subunits 1 and 2 contain intrinsic ribosome-binding sites in their 5′-untranslated regions for direct expression in Escherichia coli. We show that functional human GSH S-transferases 1-1 and 2-2 are synthesized from lambda gt11 cDNA clones lambda GTH1 and lambda GTH2 in phage lysates of E. coli Y1090, in lysogens of E. coli Y1089, and from the plasmid expression constructs in pKK223-3. The E. coli-expressed human GHS S-transferases 1-1 and 2-2 do not have blocked N termini in contrast to those directly purified from human livers. These two isozymes, with 11 amino acid substitutions between them, are similar in their Km values for GSH and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and Kcat values for this conjugation reaction. The human GSH S-transferase 2-2, however, is a more active GSH peroxidase than transferase 1-1 toward cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide. Our results indicate that different members of a GSH S-transferase gene family with limited amino acid substitutions have different with limited amino acid substitutions have different but overlapping substrate specificities. We propose that accumulation of single amino acid replacements may be an important mechanism for generating diversity in GSH S-transferases with various xenobiotic substrates. In situ chromosomal hybridization results show that the GSH transferase Ha genes are located in the region of 6p12.
Problems and Prospects of Organic Farming in Indonesia:lesson From Five Districts in West Java Province

Program Revolusi Hijau telah mendorong Indonesia mencapai swasembada beras pada tahun 1984. Akan tetapi, sistem ini berdampak negatif terhadap aspek sosial-ekonomi, kesehatan dan bagi lingkungan, seperti: penurunan kualitas tanah, polusi air dan masalah kesehatan yang disebabkan oleh sisa-sisa bahan kimia. Seiring dengan semakin meningkatnya kesadaran produsen dan konsumen tentang dampak negatif tersebut, berkembanglah sistem pertanian organik. Sistem pertanian tersebut dianggap lebih berkelanjutan dibandingkan dengan cara konvensional (Revolusi Hijau). Sementara itu pemerintah Indonesia merespon dengan memperkenalkan program “Go Organic 2010” pada tahun 2001. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis program pertanian organik kelompok tani di Provinsi Jawa Barat, Indonesia, hubungannya dengan hambatan, masalah dan potensi sistem petanian organik.Kata kunci: Pertanian organik, Revolusi hijau, Sistem pertanian berkelanjutan
Development of a biometric testing protocol for dynamic signature verification

This paper accounts the testing protocols used at the author's university. It examines the experiences of one particular study in dynamic signature verification. The paper also outlines some additions to the current testing methodologies.
Hypercoagulability in the dysmature syndrome

Abstract A discordance between gestational age and fetal weight has been recognized clinically since the turn of the century. The failure to maintain a normal growth rate in utero is referred to as the “dysmature syndrome” or intrauterine growth retardation. Several etiologies, notably hypertensive pregnancy and renal disease, have been assigned to this syndrome, but in many of the cases there has been no demonstrable associated cause. It is proposed that an aberration of the clotting mechanism may play a role in some cases of intrauterine growth retardation. Cases are presented where a subclinical state of hypercoagulability has been encountered in the presence of intrauterine growth retardation, as measured by the presence of fibrin monomers, platelet function, and other factors related to the preconsumptive phase of the clotting mechanism.
Atomic and Radiative Processes in the Solar Interior

The Sun is a large sphere of luminous plasma — that is, ionized matter. High densities in its interior are produced by the gravitational pull of its central mass on the surrounding solar matter. A high interior temperature and the consequent thermonuclear reactions keep the entire solar matter ionized. The high central density (about 1.5 X 102 gcm-3) and temperature (about 1.5 · 107K) define its central pressure (about 3 · 1017 dyne cm−2), which prevents the Sun from collapsing.
Multivariate cumulative probit for age estimation using ordinal categorical data.

AbstractBackground: Multivariate ordinal categorical data have figured prominently in the age estimation literature. Unfortunately, the osteological and dental age estimation literature is often disconnected from the statistical literature that provides the underpinnings for rationale analyses.Aim: The aim of the study is to provide an analytical basis for age estimation using multiple ordinal categorical traits.Subjects and methods: Data on ectocranial suture closure from 1152 individuals are analysed in a multivariate cumulative probit model fit using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method.Results: Twenty-six parameters in a five variable analysis are estimated, including the 10 unique elements of the five × five correlation matrix. The correlation matrix differs substantially from the identity matrix one would assume under conditional independence among the sutures.Conclusion: While the assumption of conditional independence between traits greatly simplifies the use of parametric models in age estima...
Roles for Cyclopentenyl Cations in the Synthesis of Hydrocarbons from Methanol on Zeolite Catalyst HZSM-5

In situ 13C NMR measurements on samples prepared using a pulse-quench catalytic reactor show that the 1,3-dimethylcyclopentenyl carbenium ion (1) is an intermediate in the synthesis of toluene from ethylene on zeolite catalyst HZSM-5. Cation 1 forms in less than 0.5 s when ethylene is pulsed onto the catalyst bed at 623 K, and its presence obviates the kinetic induction period for conversion of a subsequent pulse of dimethyl ether, or methanol, into olefins (MTO chemistry). The kinetic induction period returns when the interval between pulses is many times the half-life of 1 in the catalyst bed. Density functional theory calculations (B3LYP/ 6-311G**) on a cluster model of the zeolite confirm that 1 is stable in the zeolite as a free cation and suggest why the alternative framework alkoxy is not observed. A π complex of the neutral cyclic diene is only 2.2 kcal/mol higher in energy than that of the ion pair. Theoretical (GIAO-MP2/tzp) 13C isotropic shifts of isolated 1 are in good agreement with the exper...
RF-sputtered Ge–ITO nanocomposite thin films for photovoltaic applications

Abstract Nanocomposite thin films, composed of a germanium nanocrystalline phase embedded within a tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) matrix, were produced using a multisource, sequential, RF-magnetron sputter deposition technique. The influence of nanocomposite structure on the resulting optical absorption and carrier transport properties was investigated in the context of the use of such materials as functional elements in thin film photovoltaic architectures. Deposition controls and post-deposition thermal anneals were successful in modifying the phase assembly of the nanocomposites, enabling the manipulation of Ge volume fraction, nanocrystallite size and morphology, and spatial distribution within the ITO embedding phase. Modifications in semiconductor nanostructure were correlated with changes in nanocomposite spectral absorption that were consistent with quantum-size-induced variation in Ge absorption onset energy, despite the close agreement in electron affinity between the Ge and ITO components. This suggests the formation of a high band-gap (low electron affinity) interfacial phase between the Ge and ITO components of the nanocomposite. Increased free-carrier (n-type) densities and spectrally resolved photoconductivity were also associated with the presence of the Ge phase. These results emphasize the impact of local and extended length scale structure on properties of importance to photovoltaic performance in semiconductor-based nanocomposites and the utility of the sequential sputter deposition method as a means to manipulate nanocomposite structure.
Restoring the popularity of computer science

Inaccurate impressions of the opportunities of 21st century CS are shrinking the next generation of IT professionals. You can help by dispelling incorrect beliefs about employment and by helping improve pre-college education.
Computed tomography of uterine papillary serous carcinoma.

Abstract We describe the CT appearances of a fairly commonly encountered “special variant” carcinoma of the uterine corpus called uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). UPSC closely resembles ovarian papillary serous carcinoma microscopically but CT with contrast can differentiate between these two entities. In addition CT in this patient clearly showed the characteristic spread mode of this particularly aggressive form of endometrial carcinoma. Because UPSC has a significantly higher relapse rate than other histologic types of endometrial carcinoma it is important to recognize it at the time of the CT staging procedure. The spread pattern of UPSC suggests the need for adjuvant irradiation or chemotherapy.
Generalization of Mimics Imperfect in Colour Patterns: The Point of View of Wild Avian Predators

Current research of imperfect mimicry brings ambiguous results. Experiments simulating more natural conditions rather than laboratory experiments show lower willingness of avian predators to attack less perfect mimics. We decided to simulate a natural situation by testing responses of wild-caught adult avian predators (Great tit – Parus major) to variously perfect mimics of the red firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus), which were in previous studies shown to elicit avoidance in Great tits. Presented mimics were perfect in all traits (firebug with its own colour pattern), imperfect in colour pattern (firebug with modified colour pattern), perfect in colour pattern, but imperfect in other visual traits (cockroach with firebug colour pattern), and imperfect in colour pattern as well as in other visual traits (cockroach with modified colour patterns). Modification of the pattern focused on the rounded spots on firebug's hemielytra, which is a conspicuous trait within the pattern. The pattern modification had no influence on the number of birds attacking the prey; nevertheless, birds spent more time observing the cockroaches that displayed the perfect firebug colour pattern than in the case of any other prey. Moreover, firebugs that displayed the perfect firebug colour pattern were observed for the shortest time (equal to that of the model – unmodified firebug). Cockroaches were attacked more often than firebugs, which suggest that birds were able to use additional visual cues (shape of legs and antennae) in prey recognition. Given these result, we conclude that differences in morphological traits characteristic for used prey taxa (true bugs, cockroaches) seem to be more important in the prey's protection than its colour pattern.
IMMUNOLOGIC STUDIES OF THE ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME: RELATIONSHIP OF IMMUNODEFICIENCY TO EXTENT OF DISEASE

Immunologic and conventional laboratory studies were done in 135 previously untreated subjects including 28 (20.7%) symptom-free homosexuals and 74 (54.8%) with ARC and 33 (24.5%) with AIDS. More than half of all patients had abnormal percentages of lymphocytes, percentages of T3+ cells, percentage and absolute number of T4+ cells, percentage of T8+ cells, T4/T8 ratio, monocyte adherence, and serum thymosin alpha 1. Most immune variables worsened with progressive disease. Low lymphocyte 5'nucleotidase increased suppressor cell activity, and impaired IL-2 and alpha interferon production and response suggest diminished mature and increased immature peripheral blood and tissue T cells. These findings suggest approaches to staging, prognostication, and treatment for AIDS.
Scientific Workflow Systems for 21st Century, New Bottle or New Wine?

With the advances in e-sciences and the growing complexity of scientific analyses, more and more scientists and researchers are relying on workflow systems for process coordination, derivation automation, provenance tracking, and bookkeeping. While workflow systems have been in use for decades, it is unclear whether scientific workflows can or even should build on existing workflow technologies, or they require fundamentally new approaches. In this paper, we analyze the status and challenges of scientific workflows, investigate both existing technologies and emerging languages, platforms and systems, and identify the key challenges that must be addressed by workflow systems for e-science in the 21st century.
Unsteady force on a spherical bubble at finite Reynolds number with small fluctuations in the free‐stream velocity

Unsteady flow over a stationary spherical bubble with small fluctuations in the free‐stream velocity is considered for Reynolds number ranging from 0.1 to 200. Solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations of both steady and unsteady components are obtained using a finite‐difference method and a regular perturbation scheme based on the amplitude of the fluctuations being small. The dependence of the unsteady drag on the frequency of the fluctuations is examined at finite Reynolds number. It is shown that the quasisteady drag can be represented by using the steady‐state drag coefficient and the instantaneous velocity. Numerical results indicate that the unsteady force at low frequency, ω, increases linearly with ω rather than increasing linearly with ω1/2, which results from the creeping flow solution of the Stokes equation. The added‐mass force at finite Reynolds number is found to be the same as in creeping flow and potential flow. The history force at finite Re is identified and carefully evaluated. The imaginary component of the history force increases linearly with ω when ω is small and decays as ω−1/2 as ω becomes large. The implication is that the history force has a much shorter memory in the time domain than predicted by the solution of the unsteady Stokes equation. Numerical results suggest that the history force, which is due to the combination of the viscous diffusion of the vorticity and the acceleration of the flow field, at low frequency is finite even at large Reynolds number.
Simian foamy virus infection by whole-blood transfer in rhesus macaques: potential for transfusion transmission in humans.

BACKGROUND: Cross-species infection of humans with simian foamy virus (SFV) has been reported in European and North American nonhuman primate (NHP) handlers, primarily due to wound injuries involving infected animals in research centers and zoos. Additionally, African hunters have been found to be infected with SFV by exposure to body fluids, blood, or tissues of infected NHPs in the wild. The persistence of infectious virus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) and the recent identification of some infected blood donors has raised safety concerns regarding potential virus transmission by blood transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: SFV infection by blood transfusion was evaluated by whole-blood transfer from two naturally-infected rhesus macaques (designated as D1 and D2) to retrovirus-free monkeys. Blood from D1 was transfused to two recipient monkeys R1 and R2 and from D2 to monkeys R3 and R4. Virus transmission was evaluated by immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction assays, and coculture of PBMNC for SFV isolation. RESULTS: SFV infection was seen in R1 and R2 based on development of virus-specific antibodies, identification of SFV sequences in monkey PBMNC, and isolation of infectious virus from PBMNC. Furthermore, both R1 and R2 remained SFV-positive at about 1 year after transfusion, which was the last time tested. No evidence of SFV infection was seen in R3 and R4. CONCLUSION: SFV transmission in macaques occurred by transfusion of blood from one of two infected donor animals. These results indicate the potential of SFV transfusion transmission in humans, which may depend on virus-specific or donor-related factors.
Determination of excess phosphorus in low‐temperature GaP grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy

GaP films, epitaxially grown at a low temperature (LT) of ∼200 °C by gas source molecular beam epitaxy, were reported recently to have excess phosphorus. In this letter, we report on the quantitative determination of the excess phosphorus in the LT films, using various approaches. Analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy, double‐crystal x‐ray diffraction, and particle‐induced x‐ray emission showed that the LT GaP films incorporated excess phosphorus of ∼0.6–2 at. %. The amount of excess phosphorus estimated from Raman scattering measurements, using the LO‐TO phonon frequency splitting data of the as‐grown LT GaP and bulk GaP, was in general agreement with those obtained from other techniques.
A pluralistic approach to paradigmatic agency

Harry Frankfurt and David Velleman have both offered accounts of paradigmatic action. That is, they have offered theories as to which capacities allow us to maximally express our agency. To greatly over simplify, Frankfurt ultimately roots our agency in our capacity to care, while Velleman places it in our cognitive capacity to make sense of ourselves. This paper contends that both have an important piece of the truth and that we should accept a pluralistic approach to paradigmatic agency. It argues that we manifest a capacity that is distinctive of an agency when we have so fully embraced a motivation we are no longer capable of consciously controlling whether we act on it or not.
The Catholic “Consistent Life Ethic” and Attitudes toward Capital Punishment and Welfare Reform

American Catholic Bishops have advocated a combination of issue positions that is unique within American political culture. The "consistent life ethic" combines opposition to abortion with liberal stances on other issues conceptualized as life-affirming. Based on evidence that very few people hold this combination of attitudes, previous researchers have concluded that the Bishops' advocacy has had little or no success (Kenski and Lockwood 1988; Cleghom 1986; Jelen 1990). We argue, however , that success of consistent life advocacy is best evaluated in terms of the strength of association between attitudes toward abortion and other issues. Furthermore, most previous research has failed to analyze Catholics separately from other Americans, even though lay Catholics are the advocacy's central target. Using data from the 1996 National Election Studies, we analyze the relationship between attitudes on abortion and two other issues: capital punishment and welfare reform. We find that abortion opposition strongly predicts capital punishment opposition among Catholics, but also among Mainline Protestants. Among Catholics, this relationship is strongest for frequent Mass attendees. Abortion opposition among frequently-attending Catholics also predicts opposition to the welfare "child cap." Contrary to most other scholars, but in accord with Kelly and Kudlac (2000), we conclude it is likely that consistent life advocacy has affected attitudes of some Catholics.
Concepts of convergence in mathematical chemistry

Some concepts of convergence used in mathematical chemistry are briefly reviewed: number convergence, uniform and non-uniform function convergence, convergence in norm and binary product, operator convergence, computer convergence, etc. Some properties of the abstract Hilbert space and some of its realizations in mathematical chemistry are discussed. Finally, it is pointed out that the scattering wave functions of importance in the theory of chemical reactions are limit points of theL2Hilbert space — not in the norm, but in the sense of a non-uniform point-by-point convergence, which is of essential value in practical applications.
First-Principles Computation of Transition-Metal Diffusion Mobility

First–principle computational methods have been utilized to compute the diffusion mobility of Mo, Cr, Fe, and W. A local density-based full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) code, named WIEN2K, was utilized to compute the electronic structure and total energy of an n-atom supercell with atom positions designed to simulate the desired diffusion processes. The computational procedure involves the calculations of the energy for vacancy formation and the energy barrier for solute migration in the host metal. First-principles computational results of the energy of vacancy formation, solute migration energy, activation energy for self-diffusion, as well as diffusion of Mo, Cr, Fe, and W solutes in Ni and vice versa are presented and compared against experimental data from the literature.
Efficacy of levonorgestrel when administered as an irradiated, slow-release injectable matrix for feline contraception

Reliable and safe methods of reversible contraception are needed for use in zoo felids. The efficacy of levonorgestrel (LNG) as a contraceptive, when delivered as a cesium-irradiated, slow-release, injectable matrix, was tested in domestic cats as a model for exotic cats. An increase (P = 0.0017) in body weight was observed in treated but not control queens (P = 0.2146). All control queens (n = 6), which received injections of matrix only, but none of the LNG-treated queens (n = 6) became pregnant during the trial. Levonorgestrel was effective in preventing pregnancy for at least 36 weeks after two injections of drug-loaded formulations (40 mg/kg body weight), administered 68 days apart. Throughout the study, all control queens displayed luteal activity and fluctuating fecal estradiol concentrations, whereas the LNG-treated queens displayed lower estradiol concentrations and no luteal activity after treatment. We conclude that LNG, when delivered as a cesium-irradiated, slow-release, injectable matrix, is an effective contraceptive in domestic cats, reducing follicular activity, and thus, preventing mating and luteal activity. Zoo Biol 20:407–421, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Colonic adenocarcinoma in a congenital rectourethral fistula in association with high imperforate anus and multiple genitourinary anomalies.

CASE REPORT A 60-year-old black male with a history of high imperforate anus, who had undergone loop transverse colostomy diversion as an infant, presented with severe abdominal pain and distention. The patient denied a history of urinary tract infections and had minimal baseline lower urinary tract symptoms. Radiographic studies demonstrated an “apple core” lesion with distal obstruction at the splenic flexure. The patient subsequently underwent left colectomy, end colostomy and mucous fistula formation. Pathological examination confirmed stage T4 adenocarcinoma of the colon at the splenic flexure. The mucous fistula was created well above the true pelvis with no visualization of the bladder. On postoperative day 1 urine output was minimal via Foley catheter. However, profuse output of urine occurred from the mucous fistula. Computerized tomography revealed right crossed fused renal ectopia, with the left renal unit showing severe hydroureteronephrosis (fig. 1, A). A bladder mass was seen posteriorly near the insertion of the dilated left ureter and a rectovesical fistula was discovered (fig. 1, B). Cystogram confirmed a filling defect with bladder wall irregularity as well as a rectourethral fistula involving the mucous fistula. Cystoscopy demonstrated a large frondose tumor emanating from the left posterior wall of the bladder as well as continuity with the mucous fistula (fig. 2, A). Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed high grade adenocarcinoma of the colon involving the congenital colovesical fistula (fig. 2, B).
Changing the Reading of Tradition: Promoting the New as the Old in the English Landscaping Revolution

In the early eighteenth century, English landscaping noticeably shifted its model from the regularity of art to the irregularity of nature. Even though this stylistic change contradicted the most elementary principles of the classical European aesthetic tradition, its proponents almost perversely cited ancient European writers in its support and justification. To understand the peculiar promotion of the new as the old in the English landscaping revolution, the involved history should be studied in a larger international and cross-cultural context than Europe. This larger context, I argue, will disclose an intricate assimilation of the new into the old, a process which enabled the early English garden reformers to change the reading of tradition and to gain legitimacy for their otherwise potentially unacceptable ‘beauty without order.’
Redistribution of renal cortical blood flow during ureteral occlusion and renal venous constriction.

SummaryThe distribution of blood flow between four zones of the canine renal cortex was measured by the tracer-labeled microsphere technique. The effect of ureteral occlusion on cortex zone flow distribution was studied during saline diuresis, mannitol diuresis, and ethacrynic acid diuresis. Renal venous constriction was performed in oliguric animals. The venous pressure was elevated to an average of 62.2 mm Hg, the highest level at which renal blood flow remained constant. Both ureteral occlusion and renal venous constriction resulted in a redistribution of flow from the most superficial cortex to deeper cortex zones. We infer that the redistribution reflects the renal circulatory response to elevated renal interstitial pressure since it was produced by both renal venous constriction and ureteral occlusion and was independent of the type of accompanying diuresis. This redistribution was found to be indistinguishable from that caused by reduction in renal arterial pressure. This suggests that a common mec...
Update on pediatric resuscitation drugs: high dose, low dose, or no dose at all.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pediatric resuscitation has been a topic of discussion for years. It is difficult to keep abreast of changing recommendations, especially for busy pediatricians who do not regularly use these skills. This review will focus on the most recent guidelines for resuscitation drugs. RECENT FINDINGS Three specific questions will be discussed: standard dose versus high-dose epinephrine, amiodarone use, and the future of vasopressin in pediatric resuscitation. The issue of using high-dose epinephrine for cardiopulmonary resuscitation refractory to standard dose epinephrine has been a topic of debate for many years. Recently, a prospective, double-blinded study was performed to help settle the debate. These results will be reviewed and compared with previous studies. Amiodarone is a medication that was added to the pediatric resuscitation algorithms with the most recent recommendations from the American Heart Association in 2000. Its use and safety will also be discussed. Another topic that is resurfacing in resuscitation is the use of vasopressin. Its mechanism and comparisons to other agents will be highlighted, although its use in the pediatric patient has not been thoroughly studied. SUMMARY Pediatric resuscitation is a constantly evolving subject that is on the mind of anyone taking care of sick children. Clinicians are continually searching for the most effective methods to resuscitate children in terms of short- and long-term outcomes. It is important to be familiar with not only the agents being used but also the optimal way to use them.
Interlingua-based broad-coverage Korean-to-English translation in CCLINC

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we have been developing a Korean-to-English machine translation system CCLINC (Common Coalition Language System at Lincoln Laboratory). The CCLINC Korean-to-English translation system consists of two core modules, language understanding and generation modules mediated by a language neutral meaning representation called a semantic frame. The key features of the system include: (i) Robust efficient parsing of Korean (a verb final language with over case markers, relatively free word order, and frequent omissions of arguments). (ii) High quality translation via word sense disambiguation and accurate word order generation of the target language. (iii) Rapid system development and porting to new domains via knowledge-based automated acquisition of grammars. Having been trained on Korean newspaper articles on "missiles" and "chemical biological warfare," the system produces the translation output sufficient for content understanding of the original document.
Evidence of early ovarian aging in fragile X premutation carriers.

Up to 28% of female fragile X premutation carriers develop premature ovarian failure. To test the hypothesis that fragile X premutation carriers with ovulatory menstrual cycles exhibit hormone changes characteristic of early ovarian aging, 11 regularly cycling fragile X premutation carriers, 24–41 yr old (34.5 ± 5.7 yr, mean ± sd), drew daily blood samples across one menstrual cycle. LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone (P4), inhibin A, and inhibin B levels were compared with levels in 22 age-matched, regularly cycling women, 23–41 yr old (34.6 ± 5.8 yr), at each cycle stage. Total cycle (26.1 ± 1.0 vs. 28.2 ± 0.4 d; P < 0.05) and follicular phase length (12.9 ± 0.8 vs. 14.5 ± 0.4 d; P < 0.05) were decreased in fragile X premutation carriers compared with age-matched controls, whereas luteal phase length was similar (13.2 ± 0.5 vs. 13.7 ± 0.3 d; P = not significant). FSH was elevated across the follicular (21.9 ± 3.5 vs. 11.2 ± 0.5 IU/liter; P < 0.001) and luteal phases (14.6 ± 3.9 vs. 7.9 ± 0.5 IU/liter; P <...
Correction of phase distortion of an OAM mode using GS algorithm based phase retrieval

The Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm based phase retrieval technique is used to correct the wavefront of distorted OAM modes. The simulation results show that this method can efficiently improve the mode purity of OAM modes up to 50% and reduce the crosstalk by about 20 dB.
Rewriting systems for Coxeter groups

Abstract A finite complete rewriting system for a group is a finite presentation which gives a solution to the word problem and a regular language of normal forms for the group. In this paper it is shown that the fundamental group of an orientable closed surface of genus g has a finite complete rewriting system, using the usual generators a 1 ,…, a g , b 1 ,…, b g along with generators representing their inverses. Constructions of finite complete rewriting systems are also given for any Coxeter group G satisfying one of the following hypotheses. (1) G has three or fewer generators. (2) G does not contain a special subgroup of the form 〈 s i , s j , s k | s 2 i = s 2 j = s 2 k = ( s i s j ) 2 = ( s i s k ) m = ( s j s k ) n = 〈 with m and n both finite and not both equal to two.
Growth Kinetics and Thermal Stress in the Sublimation Growth of Silicon Carbide

The productivity and quality of SiC bulk crystal grown from vapor phase depend strongly on the temperature distribution in a SiC growth chamber. An analytical formulation is proposed to correlate the growth rate with process parameters such as pressure, temperature, and temperature gradient. A growth kinetic model is also developed to predict the growth rate and examine the transport effects on the growth rate and dislocation formation. Simulation and analytical results show that the growth rate increases when the growth temperature increases, argon pressure decreases, and/or the temperature gradient between the source and seed increases. An anisotropic thermoelastic stress model is proposed to study the influence of thermal stress on dislocation density. The method to attach the seed is observed to play an important role in stress distribution in an as-grown silicon carbide ingot.
Cross-dispersion infrared spectrometry (CDIRS) for remote chemical sensing

The advent of high performance infrared detector arrays together with recent advances in coarse grating fabrication now makes possible the design and fabrication of infrared spectrometers that cover the mid-IR atmospheric windows at high resolution with no moving components. For applications involving small sources at large distances this instrument approach can provide a substantial increase in sensitivity over Fourier transform spectrometers at the same resolution and spectral coverage. We describe the design evolution of the LLNL cross dispersive infrared spectrometer (CDIRS) remote chemical sensors operating in the two atmospheric windows from 2.3 microns to 4.2 microns. The spectral and mechanical performance of the first generation 1 meter focal length prototype echelle grating spectrometer (EGS) is presented. A second generation cryogenic (150 K) spectrometer (mini-EGS) utilizes a high dispersion silicon immersion grating to provide a compact design. This instrument will be flown in the winter of 1995 as part of the instrumentation suite for the DOE airborne multisensor pod system (AMPS) effluent research program.
Analysis of rich oil shales by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract The potential yields of rich oil shales from the Colorado Green River Basin were measured by pulsed 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance. The rates of decay of the signals, as quantified by their second moments, decreased with increasing organic content. This implies that whenever shales of widely varying yields are being compared, their free-induction-decays must be extrapolated to time zero.
A new design of an alternating-pressure air cushion

In this study, a new alternating-pressure air cushion (APAC) is designed and fabricated to render, for pressure ulcer prevention, a sufficient rest for the skin tissue in contact with the user's body pressure. The APAC designed comprises six cylindrical air bags and conforms to human factors or ergonomics. The inflation/ deflation system adopts a microcontroller IC chip to drive the pump and four associated electromagnetic valves. The software code renders a full control on the system parameters, such as the period, inflation duration, deflation duration, air-withholding duration, and so on, to enable the user to adjust or readjust the parameters so as to achieve an optimal status for his or her most satisfactory comfort while using the proposed device. The actual field tests indicate that the proposed system, indeed, exhibits a significant effect in reducing pressure for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.
Role of early reperfusion in the induction of adhesion molecules and cytokines in previously ischemic myocardium

Our studiesin vitro demonstrate that neutrophil mediated injury of isolated cardiac myocytes requires the presence of ICAM-1 on the surface of the myocyte and CD11b/CD18 activation on the neutrophil. In post-ischemic cardiac lymph, there is rapid appearance of C5a activity during the first hours of reperfusion. Interleukin-6 activity is present throughout the first 72 h of reperfusion and is sufficient to induce ICAM-1 on the surface of the cardiac myocyte.In situ hybridization studies suggest that ICAM-1 mRNA is found in viable myocardial cells on the edge of the myocardial infarction within 1 h of reperfusion. ICAM-1 protein expression on cardiac myocytes is seen after 6 h of reperfusion, and increases thereafter. Non-ischemic tissue demonstrates no early induction of ICAM-1 mRNA or ICAM-1 protein on myocardial cells. In our most recent experiments, we have determined that reperfusion is an absolute requirement for the early induction of myocardial ICAM-1 mRNA in previously ischemic myocardial cells. To further assess this, we have cloned and sequenced a canine interleukin-6 (IL-6) cDNA. The data suggest that early induction of IL-6 mRNA is also reperfusion dependent as it could be demonstrated in the same ischemic and reperfused segments in which ICAM-1 mRNA was found. Peak expression of IL-6 mRNA occurred much earlier than that for ICAM-1 mRNA. Similar experiments were then performed with a molecular probe for interleukin-8 (IL-8). This chemokine is a potent neutrophil stimulant and has a higher degree of specificity for neutrophils than classic chemoattractants such as C5a. The results suggest a similar pattern of induction that occurs within the first hour and is markedly, increased by reperfusion. The relationship of reperfusion to ICAM-1 and cytokine induction is discussed.
Synergy of IL-23 and Th17 cytokines: new light on inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involve an interplay between host genetics and environmental factors including intestinal microbiota. Animal models of IBD have indicated that chronic inflammation can result from over-production of inflammatory responses or deficiencies in key negative regulatory pathways. Recent research advances in both T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 17 (Th17) effect responses have offered new insights on the induction and regulation of mucosal immunity which is linked to the development of IBD. Th17 cytokines, such as IL-17 and IL-22, in combination with IL-23, play crucial roles in intestinal protection and homeostasis. IL-23 is expressed in gut mucosa and tends to orchestrate T-cell-independent pathways of intestinal inflammation as well as T cell dependent pathways mediated by cytokines produced by Th1 and Th17 cells. Th17 cells, generally found to be proinflammatory, have specific functions in host defense against infection by recruiting neutrophils and macrophages to infected tissues. Here we will review emerging data on those cytokines and their related regulatory networks that appear to govern the complex development of chronic intestinal inflammation; we will focus on how IL-23 and Th17 cytokines act coordinately to influence the balance between tolerance and immunity in the intestine.