cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic digestion as a sustainable solution for biosolids management by the Montreal metropolitan community.

The Quebec Waste Management Policy (1998–2008) is requesting that the municipalities prepare a waste management plan, including a global objective of 60% of these wastes to be diverted from landfill sites by reduction, re-usage, recycling and valorization. Around 5.8 million tons of wastes were generated on the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Community in 2001 for a population of about 3.5 millions citizens. In this paper, we present different management scenarios in which anaerobic digestion was used as a valorization step, focusing on the energetic value of the methane produced and the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The four scenarios prepared cover the valorization of the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes, green wastes and excess sludge and showed potential methane generation of 17–140 Mm 3 with a GHG reduction of 62,000–500,000 tons of CO 2 -equivalents.
Prospects for spinel-stabilized, high-capacity lithium-ion battery cathodes

Abstract Herein we report early results on efforts to optimize the electrochemical performance of a cathode composed of a lithium- and manganese-rich “layered-layered-spinel” (LLS) material for lithium-ion battery applications. Pre-pilot scale synthesis leads to improved particle properties compared with lab-scale efforts, resulting in high capacities (∼200 mAh g−1) and good energy densities (>700 Wh kgoxide−1) in tests with lithium-ion cells. Subsequent surface modifications give further improvements in rate capabilities and high-voltage stability. These results bode well for advances in the performance of this class of lithium- and manganese-rich cathode materials.
A Garden of Marvels: Tales of Wonder from Early Medieval China

The appearance of Six Dynasties (220–589) zhiguai 志怪, or “accounts of anomalies,” was an important cultural phenomenon in the history of China but is relatively little studied in the West. In the p...
System identification of optical quality membrane mirrors

In 2001, the Directed Energy Directorate demonstrated the feasibility of an optical quality Polymer membrane mirror. This technology has created new set challenges in the area of structures, controls, wavefront correctors, and wavefront sensors. When comparing a membrane mirror to a conventional glass, the optical figure and dynamic stability of a conventional optic is maintained using a structurally stiff mirror, where the aspect ratio of the diameter to thickness is on the order of 10:1. The aspect ratio of a membrane mirror might be on the order of 10:1. The benefit of the membrane is Iess weight at the cost of significantly more optical aberrations, both static and dynamic. New Advanced Wavefront Control technologies [1,2] will provide the capability to correct for a significant static aberration but membrane dynamics will prove to be a substantial challenge for the Advanced Wavefront Controller. Thus controlling membrane dynamics is a critical enabling technology. A system identification of the membrane mirror will provide a plant model for the development of the system control architecture. This research will show how one motion sensor can do a reasonably good job of tracking the free response of a planar membrane.
Factors associated with post-arrest withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy.

Introduction Most successfully resuscitated cardiac arrest patients do not survive to hospital discharge. Many have withdrawal of life sustaining therapy (WLST) as a result of the perception of poor neurologic prognosis. The characteristics of these patients and differences in their post-arrest care are largely unknown.
The Effectiveness of Alternative IEP Dispute Resolution Practices

Alternative Individualized Education Program (IEP) dispute resolution models should respond to limitations of current options. An experimental IEP dispute resolution program provides parents and sc...
Interaction of 12/15-lipoxygenase with fatty acids alters the leukocyte kinetics leading to improved postmyocardial infarction healing

This study determined that 1) deletion of 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX) promotes the generation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, the cytochrome P-450-derived metabolites in postmyocardial infarction (post-...
Discrete shear-transformation-zone plasticity modeling of notched bars

Abstract Plane strain tension analyses of un-notched and notched bars are carried out using discrete shear transformation zone plasticity. In this framework, the carriers of plastic deformation are shear transformation zones (STZs) which are modeled as Eshelby inclusions. Superposition is used to represent a boundary value problem solution in terms of discretely modeled Eshelby inclusions, given analytically for an infinite elastic medium, and an image solution that enforces the prescribed boundary conditions. The image problem is a standard linear elastic boundary value problem that is solved by the finite element method. Potential STZ activation sites are randomly distributed in the bars and constitutive relations are specified for their evolution. Results are presented for un-notched bars, for bars with blunt notches and for bars with sharp notches. The computed stress–strain curves are serrated with the magnitude of the associated stress-drops depending on bar size, notch acuity and STZ evolution. Cooperative deformation bands (shear bands) emerge upon straining and, in some cases, high stress levels occur within the bands. Effects of specimen geometry and size on the stress-strain curves are explored. Depending on STZ kinetics, notch strengthening, notch insensitivity or notch weakening are obtained. The analyses provide a rationale for some conflicting findings regarding notch effects on the mechanical response of metallic glasses.
Synergy between Fe and Ni in the optimal performance of (Ni,Fe)OOH catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical to solar production of fuels, but the reaction mechanism underlying the performance for a best OER catalyst, Fe-doped NiOOH [(Ni,Fe)OOH], remains highly controversial. We used grand canonical quantum mechanics to predict the OER mechanisms including kinetics and thus overpotentials as a function of Fe content in (Ni,Fe)OOH catalysts. We find that density functional theory (DFT) without exact exchange predicts that addition of Fe does not reduce the overpotential much. However, DFT with exact exchange predicts dramatic improvement in performance for (Ni,Fe)OOH, leading to an overpotential of 0.42 V and a Tafel slope of 23 mV/decade (dec), in good agreement with experiments, 0.3–0.4 V and 30 mV/dec. We reveal that the high spin d 4 Fe(IV) leads to efficient formation of an active O radical intermediate, while the closed shell d 6 Ni(IV) catalyzes the subsequent O–O coupling, and thus it is the synergy between Fe and Ni that delivers the optimal performance for OER.
Measurement of Conformational Rates and Equilibria by Cyclic Voltammetry

Throughout the history of electrochemistry there has been keen interest in the details of the most central and fundamental step in any electrode reaction, the heterogeneous electron transfer reaction. Two aspects of this problem are configurational in nature. (1) Is there a particular nuclear configuration of the reactant molecule which is most favorable for electron transfer? (2) Is there a particular orientation of the reactant molecule with respect to the electrode surface which is most favorable for electron transfer? There is very little direct experimental evidence bearing on either of these questions, though the literature is replete with speculation.
Crossing Over the Edge in Modified Landscapes: A Framework for Amphibian Studies Linking Occupancy Patterns With Underlying Mechanisms:

The impact of habitat loss and modification on amphibians in the tropics is catastrophic. Ecologists must devote their limited time and resources to research that will allow for the most positive i...
Long-term improvement of recalcitrant Darier disease with photon and electron beam radiation therapy.

Darier disease (DD) is a dominantly inherited genodermatosis that initially presents as small, firm, and greasy skin-colored or yellow-brown papules affecting seborrheic areas. These lesions are associated with hyperkeratosis, darkening, scaling, and maceration. Although cases of mild to moderate DD are rarely life threatening, severe recalcitrant DD that results in multidrug-resistant infections and requires frequent hospitalizations can be life threatening. Although many modalities of treatment have been investigated, treatment options to date are largely unsatisfactory. We describe 3 cases of severe recalcitrant DD treated with photon and electron beam radiotherapy (RT) that resulted in long-term remission of treated areas.
Madison's Waiver: Can Constitutional Liquidation be Liquidated?

Professor William Baude's recent article Constitutional Liquidation outlines a theory of non-judicial precedent, by which indeterminate constitutional meaning can be liquidated clarified and settled - through a course of deliberate practice by non-judicial public officials. While offering a promising start, Baude must still address several important questions, omitted from his article, to develop the theory into something viable. What do we make of precedents that don't explain their own constitutional justification? How do reliance interests factor into the theory? Can judicial precedents form part of a liquidation, and are they necessary to clarify constitutional meaning? How binding are liquidations? And why object to liquidations that override prior judicial interpretations of constitutional language that, by stipulation, is indeterminate? It is essential for Baude to identify more and better examples: the national Bank controversy, relied on by Baude, raises more questions about liquidation theory than it answers.
RF complex permeability spectra of Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites prepared under different applied hydraulic pressures and durations for wireless power transfer (WPT) applications

Abstract Frequency dispersion of RF complex permeability of Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites prepared under different amplitudes and durations of applied hydraulic pressure have been thoroughly investigated. The Ni0.35Cu0.19Zn0.46Fe2O4 ferrites were prepared by conventional ceramic synthesis process. The obtained ferrite powders were pressed under different hydraulic pressures (4 MPa, 8 MPa, 12 MPa) of different durations (30 s, 2 min, 3 min and 5 min). It was noted that the complex permeability spectra change considerably with respect to the application of different amplitudes and durations of hydraulic pressure before sintering. Porosity and grain size play an important role in affecting the permeability and magnetic loss of the sintered ferrite samples. A significant increase of the real part of the complex permeability from 96 to 151 was achieved due to the application of hydraulic pressure of 8 MPa for 30 s as compare to manually pressed sample. The magnetic loss tangent also increased from 0.01 to 0.02 as the imaginary part of the complex permeability increased, which is still acceptable for most of the wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. It is postulated that the hydraulic pressure applied before sintering of ferrite powder-based specimen increases the real part of permeability while influencing magnetic loss tangent much less severely.
Log-Concave Polynomials IV: Exchange Properties, Tight Mixing Times, and Faster Sampling of Spanning Trees.

We prove tight mixing time bounds for natural random walks on bases of matroids, determinantal distributions, and more generally distributions associated with log-concave polynomials. For a matroid of rank $k$ on a ground set of $n$ elements, or more generally distributions associated with log-concave polynomials of homogeneous degree $k$ on $n$ variables, we show that the down-up random walk, started from an arbitrary point in the support, mixes in time $O(k\log k)$. Our bound has no dependence on $n$ or the starting point, unlike the previous analyses [ALOV19, CGM19], and is tight up to constant factors. The main new ingredient is a property we call approximate exchange, a generalization of well-studied exchange properties for matroids and valuated matroids, which may be of independent interest. Additionally, we show how to leverage down-up random walks to approximately sample spanning trees in a graph with $n$ edges in time $O(n\log^2 n)$, improving on the almost-linear time algorithm by Schild [Sch18]. Our analysis works on weighted graphs too, and is the first to achieve nearly-linear running time.
Not Society’s Sacrificial Lambs: It is Wrong to Withhold Vaccination from Children to Benefit Others

Malm and Navin (2020) argue that it is wrong to withhold varicella vaccine from children to let wild virus circulate purely to prevent zoster in older adults. They demonstrate how this practice acc...
Typesafe abstractions for tensor operations (short paper)

We propose a typesafe abstraction to tensors (i.e. multidimensional arrays) exploiting the type-level programming capabilities of Scala through heterogeneous lists (HList), and showcase typesafe abstractions of common tensor operations and various neural layers such as convolution or recurrent neural networks. This abstraction could lay the foundation of future typesafe deep learning frameworks that runs on Scala/JVM.
Phase-resolved wave boundary layer dynamics in a shallow estuary

We present in situ observations of near‐bed velocity profiles with high temporal and spatial resolution from a Nortek Vectrino Profiler deployed in South San Francisco Bay. Using Hilbert analysis, ...
A high dynamic-range photon-counting receiver for deep space optical communication

The Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) project will demonstrate free-space optical communication at almost 3 AU, or 3 orders of magnitude further than any previous attempt. DSOC will utilize the 5m Palomar Hale Telescope to receive the downlink signal, which will couple the downlink light onto an optical table and into a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD). The output of the SNSPD is digitized by the Ground Laser Receiver Signal Processing Assembly (GSPA) using a high throughput streaming time to digital converter (TDC). The GSPA is a scalable FPGA-based receiver which demodulates and decodes the DSOC downlink signal through novel signal processing algorithms implemented on Xilinx UltraScale+ FPGAs, as well as Python-based software monitor and control routines. Exploiting the unique TDC-based architecture, the GSPA supports over four orders of magnitude of downlink data rates across multiple orders of magnitude of signal and background powers. In this paper we present an overview of the hardware, firmware and software architectures to implement this system, as well as performance analysis for links ranging from near-Earth to 2.8 AU.
Decision-adjusted driver risk predictive models using kinematics information.

Abstract Accurate prediction of driving risk is challenging due to the rarity of crashes and individual driver heterogeneity. One promising direction of tackling this challenge is to take advantage of telematics data, increasingly available from connected vehicle technology, to obtain dense risk predictors. In this work, we propose a decision-adjusted framework to develop optimal driver risk prediction models using telematics-based driving behavior information. We apply the proposed framework to identify the optimal threshold values for elevated longitudinal acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), lateral acceleration (LAT), and other model parameters for predicting driver risk. The Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) naturalistic driving data were used with the decision rule of identifying the top 1% to 20% of the riskiest drivers. The results show that the decision-adjusted model improves prediction precision by 6.3% to 26.1% compared to a baseline model using non-telematics predictors. The proposed model is superior to models based on a receiver operating characteristic curve criterion, with 5.3% and 31.8% improvement in prediction precision. The results confirm that the optimal thresholds for ACC, DEC and LAT are sensitive to the decision rules, especially when predicting a small percentage of high-risk drivers. This study demonstrates the value of kinematic driving behavior in crash risk prediction and the necessity for a systematic approach for extracting prediction features. The proposed method can benefit broad applications, including fleet safety management, use-based insurance, driver behavior intervention, as well as connected-vehicle safety technology development.
Electromigration Void Behavior Revisited

Continued scaling dimensions of interconnects used for Si chip integration reduces the available volume for electromigration-induced void formation before failure. Accurate extrapolation models are essential to obtain a correct failure rate at use conditions. Electromigration-induced void nucleation and growth has been studied extensively experimentally and theoretical [1]-[3]. As the critical volume to sever the interconnect depends sensitively on the void shape and position, a detailed understanding of the void evolution including its position is desirable. In this paper the question of void migration is revisited, with a systematic study of current density and temperature dependence in direct, in-situ observations. The existence of a critical current density j M is observed, under which no void migration occurs, and a migration rate linearly dependent on j beyond. A possible physical explanation using a surface tension driven flux besides stress-induced flux is being discussed. The fact that voids, while growing, may spend significant time for migration from nucleation to failure site implies that if migration occurs during test, extrapolated lifetimes may be underestimated.
The Opioid Crisis: Fixing Existential Anxiety and Psychic Dizziness Using the Skater’s Cure

Our current opioid crisis seems to be caused more by trying to fix a chronic pain in our hearts than chronic pains in our bodies. When things in the world reach a certain threshold of disorder for me, when the world feels chaotic, I can descend into a place in which I am constantly worried about what is around the next corner. This kind of anxiety is most often triggered by transitions --- by periods of rapid change. We have short-term emergency treatments that we use permanently since our strategies for long-term fixes are not doing what they need to do. What we must recognize is that if we want to either treat or prevent anxiety disorders we cannot do that by only focusing on the individual who is suffering any more than we would eradicate a disease spread by mosquitos by isolating those who got the disease. Anxiety disorders are most often disorders of connections. The fix requires that we understand how anxiety works and how it can become disordered. The fix we need has to do with how we manage change in a social setting.
Liaison-Key to Highway and Agricultural Drainage Programs

The solution of highway and agricultural drainage problems require knowledge of engineering practices and laws enacted by a particular jurisdiction. However, many of the problems that exist today have been the result of a lack of understanding or willingness of the various interests to accept their legal responsibilities rather than a lack of technical knowledge. Communication or the exchange of ideas and information is essential so that the highway authority can acquaint the landowners with proposed highway improvements at an early stage of planning and also learn their plans for conservation and drainage improvements. The development of a memorandum of understanding between the various agencies, organizations and landowners involved is the first step in solving mutual problems. Then the outlining of specific lines of communication is necessary if each agency is to fulfill its responsibilities. This paper presents some experience and suggests some procedures to follow to meet the challenge for better solutions to highway and agricultural drainage problems.
A shrinking-based approach for multi-dimensional data analysis

Existing data analysis techniques have difficulty in handling multi-dimensional data. In this paper, we first present a novel data preprocessing technique called shrinking which optimizes the inner structure of data inspired by the Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation[22] in the real world. This data reorganization concept can be applied in many fields such as pattern recognition, data clustering and signal processing. Then, as an important application of the data shrinking preprocessing, we propose a shrinking-based approach for multi-dimensional data analysis which consists of three steps: data shrinking, cluster detection, and cluster evaluation and selection. The process of data shrinking moves data points along the direction of the density gradient, thus generating condensed, widely-separated clusters. Following data shrinking, clusters are detected by finding the connected components of dense cells. The data-shrinking and cluster-detection steps are conducted on a sequence of grids with different cell sizes. The clusters detected at these scales are compared by a cluster-wise evaluation measurement, and the best clusters are selected as the final result. The experimental results show that this approach can effectively and efficiently detect clusters in both low- and high-dimensional spaces.
A constitutive relation for the viscous flow of an oriented fiber assembly

A constitutive relation for an equivalent, homogeneous fluid is developed for the anisotropic viscous flow of an oriented assembly of discontinuous fibers suspended in a viscous fluid. The anisotropic viscous compliance matrix can be expressed in terms of three constants by assuming the equivalent fluid to be incompressible and the microstructure to have axial symmetry (transversely isotropic). By means of a micromechanics analysis, the three terms of the constitutive relation are expressed in terms of the viscosity of the matrix fluid, the fiber aspect ratio, and the fiber volume fraction. A comparison of the viscosity terms reveals that the elongational viscosity in the fiber direction varies as the square of the fiber aspect ratio and a complex function of the fiber volume fraction. Furthermore, the ratio of the axial elongational viscosity to the transverse elongational viscosity and both axial and transverse shear viscosities was shown to be 10 exp 4 - 10 exp 6 for fiber aspect ratio of 100-1000, except at extreme values of the fiber volume fraction.
Bolstering the Biomedical Paradigm

In this editorial, Drs. Frank Thomas Houghton and Sharon Houghton discuss JAMA's recent (2014) series on statistics and methods as evidence of an overemphasis on quantitative methodology in research and an ignoring of qualitative methods.
The Purification and Properties of Thymidylate Synthetase from Chick Embryo Extracts

Abstract Thymidylate synthetase was purified about 600- to 800-fold from 7-day chick embryo and was found to methylate uridine 5'-phosphate at 40% the rate of deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate. The pH optima and salt effects on the two reactions differed, but most of the evidence indicated that the same enzyme was responsible for both activities. The Km for deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate was 102- to 103-fold lower than that for uridine 5'-phosphate, depending on the assay employed. Chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and sucrose density gradient centrifugation revealed the molecular weight of the synthetase to be about 58,000. Phosphatases were found during the purification that hydrolyzed the pyrimidine ribonucleotides faster than the deoxyribonucleotides. The synthetase was protected against heat inactivation by deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate and, to a lesser extent, by 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate, but not by uridine 5'-phosphate. The activation energy for both deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate and uridine 5'-phosphate was 12 kcal per mole. Inhibition by 5-fluorodeoxyuridine 5'-phosphate appeared to be competitive with respect to deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate, but by incubating the enzyme with inhibitor prior to the addition of substrate, noncompetitive inhibition was obtained. Similar results were observed with 4-N-hydroxydeoxycytidine 5'-phosphate. Double reciprocal plots with fixed and variable substrates revealed that neither deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate nor 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate affected the Km of the other, an observation indicative of a random addition mechanism. However, product inhibition by thymidine 5'-phosphate was asymmetric since it was competitive with respect to deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate and noncompetitive with respect to 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate. The mechanism by which 1 of the hydrogen atoms of the thymine methyl group is derived was investigated with tetrahydrofolate labeled with tritium in positions 6 and 7 of the pteridine ring. The transfer was found to occur, without dilution, from position 6 only.
Reliability of CHAMP Anomaly Continuations

CHAMP is recording state-of-the-art magnetic and gravity field observations at altitudes raging over roughly 300–550 km. However, the non-uniqueness of the process and satellite anomaly errors severely limit anomaly continuation. Indeed, our numerical anomaly simulations from satellite to airborne altitudes show that effective downward continuations of the CHAMP data are restricted to within approximately 50 km of the observation altitudes while upward continuations can be effective over a somewhat larger altitude range. The great unreliability of downward continuation requires that the satellite geopotential observations must be analyzed at satellite altitudes if the anomaly details are to be exploited most fully. Given current anomaly error levels, multi-field inversion of satellite and near-surface anomalies is the best approach for implementing satellite geopotential observations for subsurface studies. We demonstrate the power of this approach using a crustal model obtained by the inversion of combined near-surface and satellite magnetic anomalies for Maud Rise, Antarctica, in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Our modeling, which also includes regional gravity constraints, suggests that crustal thickness variations and remanent magnetization of the normal polarity Cretaceous Quiet Zone produce the dominant satellite altitude magnehtic anomalies.
Intercepted Scolytidae (Coleoptera) at U.S. ports of entry: 1985-2000.

Since 1985, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has maintained the 'Port Information Network' (PIN) database for plant pests intercepted at the U.S. ports of entry. As of August 2001, PIN contained 6825 records of beetles (Coleoptera) in the family Scolytidae that had been intercepted during the years 1985-2000 from countries outside of North America. Of the 6825 scolytid interceptions, 2740 (40%) were identified to the species level, 2336 (34%) to only the genus level, and 1749 (26%) were identified to only the family level. Of the 49 identified scolytid genera, the 10 most common were Hypothenemus (821 interceptions), Pityogenes (662), Ips (544), Coccotrypes (520), Orthotomicus (461), Hylurgops (327), Hylurgus (266), Tomicus (194), Drycoetes (166), and Hylastes (142). The 10 most common identified species were Pityogenes chalcographus (565 interceptions), Orthotomicus erosus (385), Hylurgops palliatus (295), Ips typographus (286), Hylurgus ligniperda (217), Ips sexdentatus (157), Tomicus piniperda (155), Hylastes ater (75), Hypothenemus hampei (62), and Polygraphus poligraphus (48). Of these 10 species, H. palliatus, H. ligniperda, and T. piniperda are known to be established in the continental U.S. The scolytids were intercepted from 117 different countries; the top 12 countries were Italy (1090 interceptions), Germany (756), Spain (457), Mexico (425), Jamaica (398), Belgium (352), France (261), China (255), Russia (247), India (224), U.K. (151), and Portugal (150). The scolytids were intercepted in 35 U.S. states and 97 port cities. In general, there was a positive relationship between the number of scolytid interceptions from individual countries and the value of the imports from those countries. Overall, 73% of the scolytids were found in solid wood packing materials, 22% in food or plants, and 5% in other or unspecified materials. The products most commonly associated with scolytid-infested wood packing materials were tiles, marble, machinery, steel, parts, ironware, granite, aluminum, slate, and iron. The food products and plants that were commonly infested with scolytids included nutmeg, palms, coffee beans, kola nuts, and macadamia nuts.
Agglomeration Properties of Semolina and Whole Wheat Flour Fortified with Flaxseed Flour

Formation of large wet agglomerates during nontraditional pasta manufacturing is problematic to the pasta industry. The objective of this research was to characterize the wet agglomeration properties of semolina and a whole hard white winter wheat flour fortified with fine flaxseed flour (FF) and coarse flaxseed flour (CF). The formulations used were semolina 100% (S), whole wheat 100% (WW), semolina–whole wheat (49:51) (SWW), semolina–flaxseed flour (SCF/SFF) (90:10), whole wheat–flaxseed flour (WWCF/WWFF) (90:10) and semolina–whole wheat–flaxseed flour (SWWCF/SWWFF) (39:51:10). Samples were hydrated to 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34% moisture content. The formation of the largest agglomerates occurred with SFF hydrated above 30% moisture. Limited large agglomerate formation was detected in WW, WWFF, SWW and SWWFF regardless of hydration level. The maximum hydration level recommended for each formulation to avoid the formation of large agglomerates was as follows: 30% for SFF, 32% for SCF, 33% for S, WWFF and SWWFF and 34% for WW, WWCF, SWW and SWWCF. Practical Applications The information provided by this study is useful for pasta manufacturers that want to incorporate nontraditional ingredients in their pasta products. This study characterizes and provides recommendations to avoid or minimize the formation of extremely large agglomerates during the hydration step of the pasta-making process, which is one of the main problems derived from utilizing nontraditional ingredients for pasta making. This study only addresses the incorporation of whole wheat flour and flaxseed flour; however, the information provided here can be applied to other nontraditional ingredients added to pasta. The magnitude of the problem may vary depending on the type of nontraditional ingredient, but the nature and origin of this problem will be the same.
Theoretical tissue perfusion from impulse response analysis

Indicator dilution techniques used in conjunction with modern imaging techniques have been used to measure perfusion. The perfusion model developed in this report is developed from linear systems analysis of indicator dilution time concentration curves. Perfusion is equal to the ratio of fractional tissue blood volume to system mean transit time multiplied by correction factors accounting for indicator dispersion and small vessel hematocrit effects. These assumed effects can greatly influence the perfusion calculation. Without correcting for these effects erythocyte indicators overestimate blood volume and underestimate transit time resulting in a large overestimate of perfusion; while plasma labels slightly underestimate blood volume and transit time and therefore perfusion. >
Inhibition of rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase by α-d-glucopyranose 1,2-cyclic phosphate

Abstract α- d -glucopyranose 1,2-cyclic phosphate is a reversible inhibitor of rabbit muscle phosphorylase (1,4-α- d -glucan:orthophosphate α-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.1) and the a and b forms are inhibited to approximately equal extends. Inhibition of phosphorylase a is competitive with respect to α- d -glucopyranose 1-phosphate and orthophosphate, and non-competitive with respect to glycogen (in the direction of synthesis). The data indicates what the cyclic phosphate binds to the enzme · AMP · glycogen complex with a dissociation constant of 0.5 mM, to the enzyme · AMP complex with a constant of approx. 0.2 mM, and to the enzyme · glycogen complex with a constant of 0.3 mM. The similar affinities for the enzyme · glycogen complex in the presence and absence of AMP suggests that, unlike some other inhibitors that are competitive with respect to glucose -1-P , the cyclic phosphate binds to the active conformation of the enzyme. Binding does not occur with any enzyme form containing glucose -1-P or inorganic phosphate. Glucose 1,2-cyclic phosphate binds to the enzyme with an affinity five times that of glucose -1-P and eight times that of inorganic phosphate (in the case of the enzyme · AMP · glycogen complex). it is likely that the cylic phosphate is locked in a conformation that mimics the conformation of glucose -1-P in the enzyme · substrate complex.
Variation in strength of an unconventional C-H to O hydrogen bond in an engineered protein cavity

Abstract : We have utilized the ligand binding properties of a buried cavity created in the interior of a protein to obtain direct information about the variation in the strength of CH...O interactions between the ligand and protein. Our study shows that the strength of CH...O interactions can be modulated by over 1 kcal/mol by changes in the C-H band polarity. Consequently, several such interactions may play a significant role in the stability of macromolecular structures.
Tidal variability of lateral advection in a coastal plain estuary

Abstract Tidal variability of lateral advection of momentum ( vu y , where u and v are along-estuary and lateral flows, respectively, and the subindex indicates differentiation with respect to the cross-estuary direction) was investigated in a coastal plain estuary with observations at Hampton Roads, which is the transition between the James River and Chesapeake Bay. Towed current velocity profiles and hydrographic profiles were captured during 9 expeditions in 2004 and 2005, to determine the intratidal and spatial changes in lateral advection of momentum and its contribution to along-channel flow. Curvature effects and lateral density gradients were important in driving lateral circulation and in modifying intratidal lateral advection of momentum. Lateral advection had the same order of magnitude as the baroclinic pressure gradient. Its contribution to the along-channel momentum balance was greatest during or just after peak flood and weakest at the end of ebb. During peak flood and peak ebb, the spatial distribution of vu y was seaward at the southern (left) side near surface and at the northern side (right) near bed (looking up-estuary), and landward in the rest of the channel. During slack periods the vu y structures were mostly landward. Observations were in good agreement with analytical model results during peak ebb and flood, but inconsistent during slack periods. The discrepancies between model results and field measurements can be attributed to bathymetry–density gradient interactions, which enhanced ebb-to-flood asymmetries in the along-channel and lateral flow.
Histiocytic lymphoma in chronic ulcerative colitis

Colonic lymphoma and adenocarcinoma occurred together in a man with long-standing ulcerative colitis. The association between lymphoma and ulcerative colitis may be significant since primary colonic lymphomas are very rare. It is suggested that the factors which increase the risk of developing lymphoma of the colon in patients with ulcerative colitis may be the same as those which influence the development of adenocarcinoma, since most of the patients with either neoplasm were in their twenties at the time of onset of ulcerative colitis, the average duration of ulcerative colitis before developing lymphoma or carcinoma was long (12 years), and in most cases, the ulcerative colitis was severe and extensive. In both types of neoplastic disease, an abrupt change in symptoms is the most consistent indication that cancer has developed.
Hyperprolactinemia is associated with increased immunoreactive somatomedin C in hypopituitarism.

Serum concentrations of immunoreactive somatomedin C were determined in 78 patients with pituitary tumors or craniopharyngiomas. Patients with large tumors, GH deficiency, and normal PRL levels (group 1) had low somatomedin C concentrations (mean, 0.23 U/ml; n = 23). Group 2 included patients with large PRL-secreting pituitary tumors and GH deficiency. This group had serum somatomedin C concentrations in the normal adult range (mean, 1.01 U/ml; n = 20). Patients with hyperprolactinemia and normal pituitary GH secretion (group 3) also had somatomedin C concentrations which were normal (mean, 1.47 U/ml; n = 17). As a group, these values were slightly greater than those of the GH-deficient patients with hyperprolactinemia (P < 0.05), but not significantly different from a fourth group of patients with tumors, normal pituitary function, and normal PRL levels (mean somatomedin C, 1.40 U/ml; n = 18). It is concluded that significantly increased concentrations of human PRL have the capacity to raise serum somato...
Effects of acoustic oscillations on flame dynamics of homogeneous propellants in rocket motors

The interactions between acoustic waves and gas-phase flame dynamics of a double-base homogeneous propellant in a rocket motor has been studied by means of a comprehensive numerical analysis. The formulation treats the complete conservation equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species concentration, and accounts for finite rate chemical kinetics in the gas phase and subsurface reactions. The model has been implemented to examine the detailed flow structures and heat-release mechanisms in various parts of the motor, including microscale motions near the propellant surface and macroscale motions in the bulk of the chamber. Results indicate that strong interactions between exothermic reactions and acoustic waves occur in regions with steep temperature gradients due to the large activation energy of the associated chemical kinetics. The dynamic behavior of the luminous flame plays a decisive role in determining the motor stability characteristics. Distributed combustion response in the gas phase provides the energy for driving flow oscillations, and can be treated correctly as a combination of monopole and dipole sources based on acoustic theory.
Differential expression of a novel serine protease homologue in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Differential gene expression between squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and matched normal tissue was studied by utilizing Representational Difference Analysis. Using this methodology, a novel gene, DESC1 was isolated. DESC1 possesses strong identity to the serine protease super-family. Comparison of DESC1 expression between primary squamous cell carcinoma and matched normal tissue shows that the level of DESC1 expression is reduced or absent in 11/12 SCC tissue specimens when compared to specimens of matched normal tissue. Tissue-specific expression studies further show that DESC1 expression can only be detected in tissues derived from the head and neck, and in skin, prostate and testes. Cell line studies demonstrate that DESC1 expression is epithelial-specific. Chromosomal localization studies indicate that DESC1 is located on the long arm of chromosome 4 at position q12–13. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com
Executive compensation and dividend policy

Abstract This study examines the use of dividend provisions in executive compensation contracts to influence dividend policy. A sample is constructed with the largest companies in the oil and gas, defense/aerospace and food processing industries, where dividend-related agency costs are expected to be high. The results indicate that the existence of a dividend incentive in the compensation plan is positively associated with higher dividend payouts and yields, and higher annual changes in dividend levels. Evidence is also provided on firm characteristics associated with the use of a compensation contract with a dividend provision. The results are consistent with the theory that firms link compensation incentives to dividend payments to reduce conflicts between shareholders and management over dividend decisions.
Moiré interferometry with white light.

While high-sensitivity moire interferometry requires monochromatic light, an auxiliary compensator grating removes the requirement. Experimental verification utilized white light for moire interference of sensitivity 0.833 μm/fringe. Configurations readily amenable to compensation include moire fringe multiplication by even factors and the minimum-deviation arrangement. Chromatic compensation is effective with virtual reference gratings as well as real reference gratings; in both cases the moire interference system becomes achromatic. Compensation provides the special quality of nearly zero phase difference—an actual range of ±π—between interfering beams. Potential applications include use of electrical spark light sources for high-sensitivity dynamic moire photography.
Information-Seeking and Sharing Behavior Following Genomic Testing for Diabetes Risk

As the practice of medicine has become more patient-driven, patients are increasingly seeking health information within and outside of their doctor’s office. Patients looking for information and support are often turning to the Internet as well as family and friends. As part of a study to understand the impact of delivery method of genomic testing for type 2 diabetes risk on comprehension and health-related behaviors, we assessed participants’ information-seeking and sharing behaviors after receiving their results in-person with a genetic counselor or online through the testing company’s website. We found that 32.6 % of participants sought information after receiving the genomic test results for T2DM; 80.8 % of those that did seek information turned to the Internet. Eighty-eight percent of participants reported that they shared their T2DM risk results, primarily with their spouse/partner (65 %) and other family members (57 %) and children (19 %); 14 % reported sharing results with their health provider. Sharing was significantly increased in those who received results in-person from the genetic counselor (p = 0.0001). Understanding patients’ interests and needs for additional information after genomic testing and with whom they share details of their health is important as more information and clinical services are available and accessed outside the clinician’s office. Genetic counselors’ expertise and experience in creating educational materials and promoting sharing of genetic information can facilitate patient engagement and education.
S-nitrosation of serum albumin: spectrophotometric determination of its nitrosation by simple S-nitrosothiols.

The transfer of nitroso groups fromS-nitroso-L-cysteine (1) and six other simpleS-nitrosothiols to Cys 34 of bovine serum albumin (2) has been followed using Ellman's reagent, 5,5′-dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoate) (3), to detect the resulting thiols. The described method utilizes the low reactivity of (3) with (2) and the high extinction coefficient of 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoate produced upon its reaction with thiols to follow the transfer of nitroso moieties at low concentrations where other procedures are not feasible. A second-order rate constant of 6400M−1s−1obtained for the reaction of (2) withS-nitrosomercaptoethylamine is ∼10 times faster than that for its reaction with (1), ∼40 times faster than that for its reaction withS-nitrosoglutathione, and consistent with Cys 34 being located in a narrow crevice in close proximity to an anionic charge.
Esthesioneuroblastoma and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: impact of histological grading and clinical staging on survival and prognosis.

Objectives: Hyams proposed a histological grading system for esthesioneuroblastoma in which grade I tumors have an excellent prognosis and grade IV tumors are uniformly fatal. The Hyams grading system predated advanced craniofacial techniques, extensive use of immunohistochemistry, and the recognition of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) as a distinct entity. Therefore we aimed to determine whether Hyams classification is useful in predicting outcome for esthesioneuroblastoma and SNUC. Study Design: A retrospective review of cases from 1970 to 1999. Methods: Twenty-six patients (12 with esthesioneuroblastoma and 14 with SNUC) were reviewed. The Kadish clinical stage was determined, and histopathological slides were reviewed and graded using the Hyams system. Results: Kadish staging was available for 26 patients (2 patients with stage A tumors; 7 with stage B; and 17 with stage C). Of the 8 evaluable patients with Kadish stage A or B tumors, 6 remained disease free for more than 2 years compared with only 5 of the 17 Kadish stage C tumors. Slides were available for Hyams grading in 21 patients (2 patients with grade I tumors; 4 with grade II; 4 with grade III; and 11 with grade IV). Of the 6 patients with Hyams grade I or II tumors, 4 remained disease free for more than 2 years compared with only 4 of the 15 patients with Hyams grade III or IV tumors. Of note, three patients with Kadish stage C tumors (two with esthesioneuroblastoma, one with SNUC) and two patients with Hyams grade IV tumors (one with esthesioneuroblastoma and one with SNUC) survived for more than 5 years. Conclusions: Both the Hyams grading system and the Kadish staging system can be used as independent predictors of outcome. Although limited by small numbers, the results of this study demonstrate that patients with either advanced clinical stage or pathological grade of esthesioneuroblastoma or SNUC have poor prognosis, but that long-term survival is possible in these patients if aggressive treatment is used.
SCAP, an ER Sensor that Regulates Cell Cholesterol

Cells keep their cholesterol in balance by sensing its level in the endoplasmic reticulum and transducing this information into the expression of multiple homeostatic genes. Two recent papers from the Brown and Goldstein laboratory provide important new insights into how an integral ER protein, SCAP, mediates this process.
Alternative Theory And Utopian Models

A theoretical model of human systems is presented based on the basic paradigms upon which families, groups, and social systems can be organized. Four fundamentally distinct paradigms are described and the interrelationships among them explored, with special consideration given to the “social evolution” of systems organized on these paradigms. Implications for the study of alternative lifestyles and utopian societies are discussed.
Virus-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also known as juvenile diabetes, results from destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas [1]. Both viruses and autoimmunity have been suggested as possible causes. The evidence for viruses comes largely from experiments in animals, but several studies in humans point to viruses as an occasional trigger of this disease.
Visions of ice sheets in a greenhouse world

Abstract Backstripped eustatic estimates from New Jersey and the Russian platform show large (> 25 m) and rapid ( δ 18 O record highlights the enigma. This was the warmest interval of the past 200 my, yet it was bracketed by two inferred eustatic falls of ∼ 25 m that were associated with two large (> 0.75‰) deep-sea δ 18 O increases (92–93 Ma, mid-Turonian and 96 Ma, mid-Cenomanian). We reconcile records of warm high latitudes with glacioeustasy by proposing that Late Cretaceous–early Eocene ice sheets generally reached maximum volumes of 8–12 × 10 6 km 3 (20–30 m glacioeustatic equivalent), but did not reach the Antarctic coast; hence, coastal Antarctica (hence deep water) remained relatively warm even though there were significant changes in sea level as the result of glaciation. Unlike the Oligocene and younger icehouse world, these ice sheets only existed during short intervals of peak Milankovitch insolation, leaving Antarctica ice-free during much of the greenhouse Late Cretaceous to middle Eocene. These results highlight the need to re-evaluate the paradigm that polar ice sheets did not exist during times of warm high-latitude climates.