cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Derivation of the isothermal equation of state of carbon monoxide to 50 GPa

Abstract The refractive index of carbon monoxide was derived to near 50 GPa using Infrared reflectivity. Variances in the refractive index near 5.5 GPa were related to a previously identified phase transition. A combination of refractive index and image mapping permitted extraction of the sample thickness as a function of pressure, which when fit with a third-order Birch–Murnaghan EOS, revealed the pressure–volume relationship is in good agreement with X-ray diffraction and a computationally predicted shock Hugoniot of non-reactive carbon monoxide over a limited pressure range.
On the application of massively parallel SIMD tree machines to certain intermediate-level vision tasks

In this paper, we examine the implementation of two middle-level image understanding tasks on fine-grained tree-structured SIMD machines, which have highly efficient VLSI implementations. We first present one such massively parallel machine called NON-VON, and summarize the cost/performance trade-offs of such machines for vision taks. We follow with a more detailed description of the NON-VON architecture (a prototype of which has been operational since January 1985), and of the high-level parallel language in which our algorithms have been written and simulated. The heart of the paper consists of the description and analysis of algorithms for a representative Hough transform, and of an algorithm for the interpretation of moving light displays. Novel algorithmic techniques are motivated and described, and simulation timings are presented and discussed. We conclude that it is possible to exploit the available massive parallelism while avoiding many of the communication bottlenecks common at this level of image understanding, by carefully and inexpensively duplicating data and/or control information, and by delaying or avoiding the reporting of intermediate results.
Game Player Characteristics and Interactive Content: Exploring the Role of Personality and Telepresence in Video Game Violence

The methodological techniques used in past video game content analyses overlook player differences that might play an important role in generating violent content. The current study aimed to explore these differences in terms of personality type, trait hostility, perceived realism, and telepresence tendency. One hundred and sixty participants were assigned to play one of four video games after filling out a series of personality inventories. Content was then evaluated using coding techniques adapted from prior video game content analyses (Smith, Lachlan, & Tamborini, 2003). The findings indicated that game content is highly variable across player characteristics and telepresence tendencies.
The efficacy of image correlation spectroscopy for characterization of the extracellular matrix

Image correlation spectroscopy (ICS) is known to be a useful tool for the evaluation of fiber width in the extracellular matrix. Here we evaluate a more general from of ICS fit parameters for fiber networks and arrive at a means of quantifying the fiber density, pore size and length which facilitates the characterization of the extracellular matrix. A simulation package was made to create images with different structural properties of fiber networks such as fiber orientation, width, fiber density and length. A pore finding algorithm was developed which determines the distribution of circular voids in the image. Collagen I hydrogels were prepared under different polymerization conditions for validation of our pore size algorithm with microscopy data. ICS parameters included amplitude, standard deviation and ellipticity and are shown to predict the structural properties of fiber networks in a quantitative manner. While the fiber width is related to the ICS sigma; the fiber density relates to the pore size distribution which correlates with the ICS amplitude in thresholded images. Fiber length is related to ICS ellipticity if the fibers have a preferred orientation. Findings from ICS and pore distribution algorithms were verified for both simulated and microscopy data. Based on these findings, we conclude that ICS can be used in the assessment of the extracellular matrix and the prediction of fiber orientation, width, density, length and matrix pore size.
Mirages on Mars

Abstract The possibility of observing mirages on Mars from the Viking lander cameras is examined. A simple model for the production of both inferior and superior mirages is developed. Assuming the atmospheric index of refraction to be a linear function of density (i.e., temperature), ray curvatures are calculated through layers of large, expected thermal gradient. Assuming the Martian morning inversions of Gierasch and Goody (1968) , calculations of ray curvature show the superior mirage to be an unlikely occurrence on Mars since the downward curvature of the ray through the inversion layer is less than the downward curvature of the planet. In order to examine the nature of inferior mirages we select a reasonable expression for temperature profile in the surface layer fitted to the midafternoon, midlatitude summer results of Gierasch and Goody. Integration of the expression for ray curvature yields a relation for the minimum distance between the lander cameras and an inferior mirage as a function of the surface superadiabatic lapse rate. Such calculations indicate that the Viking lander cameras will record inferior mirages at horizontal distances of a kilometer or so from the lander. Given the appearance of an inferior mirage at a measured minimum distance from the observer it should be a simple matter to calculate the corresponding mean temperature lapse rate at the surface.
The challenge of building process-control software

Process control is explained, and it is shown why trying to build process-control software using the same approaches developed and used for data-processing and information-system software will lead to failure. Rather than offering solutions to the problems inherent in developing process-control software, the author identifies the aspects of the problem on which to focus attention and the tasks that are ripe for solution. In particular, modeling and analysis, human-computer interaction, and risk evaluation are discussed. >
Primary structure of the mRNA encoding a 16.5-kDa ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme of Pisum sativum

The complementary DNA (PsU BC4) representing an mRNA encoding an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBC) of Pisum sativum has been cloned. The coding region is 444 nucleotides (nt) in length and capable of specifying a 16.5-kDa protein of 148 amino acids (aa) with an isoelectric point of 7.95. The deduced aa sequence showed 97% identity with Arabidopsis thaliana AtUBC8-12 families and tomato ERT17, and 80% identity with yeast ScUBC4 and ScUBC5 and Drosophila melanogaster DmUBC4. The active site cysteine (Cys85) found in UBCs so far described is also conserved in the P. sativum sequence.
A rapid and sensitive assay for measuring mitochondrial metabolic activity in isolated neural tissue.

In the present study, we used the oxidation-reduction sensitive dye Alamar Blue, a fluorometric/colorimetric indicator of metabolic activity, as a tool for examining mitochondrial function in rat spinal cord synaptosomes. At 15 min following incubation, Alamar Blue fluorescence levels were found to increase by 3-fold, and could be detected in samples containing as little as 25 microg of protein. Alamar Blue is non-toxic, making it possible to obtain measures of the metabolic rate and the maximal functional capacity of mitochondria in a single sample. The findings of this study demonstrate that Alamar Blue fluorescence levels increased in a near linear fashion when samples were measured every 15 min for a period of 1 h. To document that the changes in Alamar Blue fluorescence are directly related to mitochondrial function, synaptosomes were pre-incubated with antimycin A (10 microM) or malonate (50 mM), both of which are potent inhibitors of mitochondrial function. Pretreatment with either compound significantly reduced the Alamar Blue fluorometric signal at all time points examined. These results provide evidence that Alamar Blue is a valuable analytical tool for examining mitochondrial function in synaptosomal preparations from neural tissue. Moreover, the properties of Alamar Blue are such that it provides a more sensitive and simpler indicator compared to indicators used in existing assays.
The importance of carbonate content in the acoustic stratigraphy of Panama Basin

DSDP cores from areas of low (Site 505) and high heat flow (Site 504 B) near the Costa Rica Rift, together with seismic profiles from the Panama Basin, have been studied to determine the relationship between: (1) carbonate content and physical and acoustic properties; and (2) carbonate content, carbonate diagenesis and acoustic stratigraphy. Except for ash and chert layers, bulk density correlates strongly and linearly with carbonate content. Velocity is uniform downcore and only small variations at a small scale are measured. Thus an abrupt change in carbonate content will cause abrupt changes in acoustic impedance and should cause reflectors that can be detected acoustically. A comparison of seismic profiler reflection records with physical properties, carbonate content and reflection coefficients indicates that the main reflectors can be identified with ash layers, diagenetic boundaries, and carbonate content variations. Diagenesis of carbonate sediments is present at Site 504 B in a 260 m-thick ooze—chalk—limestone/chert sequence. These diagenetic sequences occur in areas of higher heat flow (200 mW m−2). Seismic profiler records can be used to map the extent and depth of these diagenetic boundaries.
Cloning of a chicken liver cDNA encoding 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide carboxylase and 5-aminoimidazole-4-N-succinocarboxamide ribonucleotide synthetase by functional complementation of Escherichia coli pur mutants.

Abstract We have used functional complementation of Escherichia coli pur mutants to clone avian cDNA encoding 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) carboxylase-5-aminoimidazole-4-N-succinocarboxamide ribonucleotide (SAICAR) synthetase, the bifunctional enzyme catalyzing steps 6 and 7 in the pathway for de novo purine nucleotide synthesis. Mutational analyses have been used to establish the structure-function relationship: NH2-SAICAR synthetase-AIR carboxylase-COOH. The amino acid sequence of the SAICAR synthetase domain is homologous to that of bacterial purC-encoded enzymes, and the sequence of the following AIR carboxylase domain is homologous to that of bacterial purE-encoded enzymes. In E. coli, AIR carboxylase is the product of genes purEK with the purK subunit postulated to have a role in CO2 binding. The avian enzyme lacks sequences corresponding to purK yet functions in E. coli. Functional complementation of E. coli pur mutants can be used to clone additional avian cDNAs for de novo purine nucleotide synthesis.
Skin temperature biofeedback: evaluation of positive and negative monetary incentives.

The purpose of the present experiment was to evaluate how training procedure and monetary incentive affect skin temperature biofeedback: A 3 (training procedure) × 3 (monetary incentive) design was employed. It was hypothesized that positive and negative monetary feedback would enhance temperature control. Motivation was manipulated by paying subjects 1°c, 10°c, or 20°c for every 0.1°F they decreased their finger temperature over baseline for three days. Results revealed a significant monetary effect only during the first training day.
Ethics and the Non-physical Self in Ndorobo World View

Ethics in Ndorobo world view are concerned primarily with Self and its effect on the welfare and moral state of community Other. Significant psychical elements of Self such as personality, character, honesty, desire, and decision can affect the state of community strength through personal behaviour deemed ethical or unethical. Ndorobo ethics is concerned exclusively with governing social conduct for interpersonal relations. This article proposes that elements of the non-physical Self are sources for moral behaviour, and social customary law is the basis for moral duty among the Ndorobo. Germane to the discussion are the roles associated with the non-physical Self that reflect four basic ethical principles in Ndorobo world view: 1) Ethical principle of social unity; 2) Ethical principle of relational exchange; 3) Ethical principle of respect; and 4) Ethical principle of role standards. Conformity to role expectations by Self is highly valued as an ethical axiom that is viewed as natural and necessary in the life of a Ndorobo. Keywords: Ndorobo, Non-physical self, Ethical principle, Social unity
The effect of healthy food accessibility on childhood obesity

The United States is facing an epidemic of childhood obesity, with obesity rates amongst children more than double what they were just 20 years ago. At the same time, research on the accessibility of healthy foods, especially in urban areas, has shown that certain populations are facing major barriers to a healthy diet. While there has been research on both the health consequences of childhood obesity and the deterioration of accessibility to healthy foods, there has been relatively little research on the relationship between the two problems. This paper will use a GIS based cluster analysis of Los Angeles County school level data on percentages of overweight 5th graders to expose clusters of overweight children in the area. Each school will be associated with a school polygon, which will represent the geographical area that the school serves. These school polygons will be used in the cluster analysis to locate areas with low accessibility to healthy foods. Several indicators will be used to establish an accessibility value, including distance to closest supermarket and the number of supermarkets within walking distance. The relationship between clusters of overweight 5th graders and low supermarket accessibility will then be examined. The results of the analysis indicate that a negative relationship exists between distance from the closest supermarket and childhood overweight. These results indicate the need for further research focusing on a smaller, more homogenous study area, a different measure of accessibility, or perhaps a regression technique that allows for spatial variation of the regression coefficients such as geographically weighted regression.
Participation and support for the constitution in Uganda

A major challenge for transitioning states is to create a constituency of citizens to support and defend the new constitution. Participatory constitution-making is one of the most often recommended methods for enhancing constitutional legitimacy. This research tests the claim that public participation in the Ugandan constitution-making process built support for the 1995 constitution. Contrary to expectations, multivariate analysis of survey data demonstrates that citizens who were active in the process were no more supportive of the constitution than those who stayed at home. In-depth interviews reveal that local political leaders, not participation, caused citizens to view the constitution as legitimate or illegitimate. Constitutions are difficult for citizens to evaluate, so they rely on political elites for information and opinions. To predict whether participation will strengthen or weaken constitutional support, we must examine the messages that elites communicate to citizens about their participation, the process, and the resulting constitution.
A comparison of perineometer to brink score for assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength.

Objective The Brink scale is a commonly used digital assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength. The Peritron perineometer, a compressible vaginal insert that records pressure in centimeters of water, offers an objective method for this evaluation. This study evaluates the inter- and intrarater reliability of perineometry measurements and correlates those values with Brink scores. Study design Subjects were prospectively enrolled and underwent pelvic floor muscle strength assessment by 2 examiners each using a perineometer and the Brink scale. Perineometer measurements of maximum pressure, average pressure, and total duration were recorded for 3 consecutive pelvic floor muscle contractions (Kegels). The Brink assessment was performed by placing 2 fingers vaginally during a single Kegel contraction. Brink scores consisted of 3 separate 4-point rating scales for pressure, vertical finger displacement, and duration. The order of the examiners and the 2 assessment methods were randomized, and each examiner was blinded to the results of the other. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used for analysis as appropriate. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess intrarater reliability between repeated perineometer measurements. Results One hundred women were consecutively enrolled and completed the study. Interrater reliability for the perineometer maximum squeeze pressure (r=0.88) and baseline resting pressure (r=0.78) was high. Maximum squeeze pressure correlation was unaffected by the presence or absence of estrogen (r=0.89 versus r=0.85), nulliparity versus parity (0.85 versus 0.88), or genital hiatus 4 or greater or less than 4 (r=0.96 versus r=0.86). Total Brink score and each individual submeasurement showed good correlations (total: r=0.68; pressure: r=0.68; displacement: r=0.58; duration: r=0.44). The correlation between maximum squeeze pressure and total Brink score during the first and second exams was good (r=0.68 versus r=0.71). For intrarater reliability, there were no significant differences among the 3 maximum squeeze pressures recorded during the first exam ( P =.11), but for the second exam, the first squeeze was significantly stronger than the successive 2 ( P =.009) attempts. Conclusion Perineometer measurements of pelvic floor muscle contractions show very good inter- and intrarater reliability. The Brink total and pressure scores had a slightly lower interrater reliability. Variables such as estrogen status, parity, and genital hiatus did not appear to affect correlation. There was good correlation between the maximum perineometer pressure and the total Brink score, suggesting that these 2 methods of assessment have similar levels of reproducibility. Additionally, the perineometer demonstrated good short-term test-retest reliability.
Mutual information functions versus correlation functions

This paper studies one application of mutual information to symbolic sequences: the mutual information functionM(d). This function is compared with the more frequently used correlation functionΓ(d). An exact relation betweenM(d) andΓ(d) is derived for binary sequences. For sequences with more than two symbols, no such general relation exists; in particular,Γ(d)=0 may or may not lead toM(d)=0. This linear, but not general, independence between symbols separated by a distance is studied for ternary sequences. Also included is the estimation of the finite-size effect on calculating mutual information. Finally, the concept of “symbolic noise” is discussed.
Psychometrics of LOCA: Level of Conflict Assessment of Divorcing or Separating Couples

This study provides evidence for the psychometrics of a 25-item instrument that measures divorcing individuals' perceived level of interparental conflict. The Level of Conflict Assessment (LOCA) was administered to 484 individuals who were attending a state-mandated parent education seminar for divorcing or separating parents. The unique feature of this instrument is that it was designed to measure perceived levels of conflict at the time of divorce. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was very high (α = .94). Through generalized linear modeling regression (specifically Gamma with log-link), five out of eight items were statistically significant, establishing a level of scale validity.
A one-visit obturator technique for infants with cleft palate.

3. A single sheet of yellow beeswax (Byte Ryte yellow bite wax, Mizzy, Inc, Clifton Forge, VA) is placed in hot water, 120”F, to soften. It is then moulded into a soft, round mass approximately the size of the roof of the child’s mouth (Fig 1). The wax is placed into warm water again to temper it to a workable consistency before putting it into the mouth. The index and middle fingers of one hand are used to carry the wax into the mouth. Slight pressure is applied to seat the wax into the defect and to register an impression of the palatal defect and soft peripheral tissues. The other hand is used to manipulate the cheek to mold the peripheral borders. The impression is removed and chilled in cold water (Fig 2). The impression is poured in model stone, and the cast is trimmed. This cast is used to fabricate the obturator (Fig 3).
A young woman with a sore throat, septicaemia, and respiratory failure

and characterised by intense and sudden thoracic pain, dyspnoea, and haemoptysis; suppurative arthritis; jaundice; albuminuria with increased blood urea; F necrophorum identified from blood cultures and metastatic infections; and leucocytosis and anaemia. In his review, the disease resulted in death within 1 to 2 weeks. In 1989, Sinave et al reviewed 38 cases of Lemierre syndrome. The median age was 20 years, 97% had pleuro-pulmonary involvement, six had septic arthritis, four had soft-tissue abscesses, 15 developed abnormal liver-function results, four became jaundiced, and two died of overwhelming septicaemia despite antibiotic therapy. Management includes surgical incision and drainage, long-term intravenous antibiotics, and anticoagulation. F necrophorum is usually sensitive to the penicillins, clindamycin, metronidazole, and chloramphenicol. Anticoagulation remains controversial because no studies with anticoagulation on septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein have been done. The use of steroids in the management of this syndrome has not been studied and there is no evidence to suggest a beneficial effect. The majority of patients treated with appropriate antibiotics have a good prognosis, but delayed treatment is associated with poorer outcomes. Leugers et al identified two deaths among eight patients in whom antibiotic therapy was delayed more than 4 days compared with one death in 29 patients who were treated promptly. The death of our patient can be related to her advanced disease at presentation with multiple abscesses and a necrotic iliac crest. The marked decrease in reported cases of Lemierre syndrome in the post-antibiotic era is presumably related to early empirical use of penicillins in the treatment of pharyngitis. Lemierre himself pointed out that the clinical findings alone, “constitute a syndrome so characteristic that mistake is almost impossible”. However, in the post-antibiotic era, this rare, lethal, but curable complication of a common illness may not be considered.
Endothelin increases single-channel calcium currents in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Endothelin (ET), a newly identified vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells, depends on extracellular calcium for its action [(1988) Nature 332, 411–415]. It is not yet known whether the increase in calcium influx induced by ET results from a direct effect on the Ca 2+ channels or is secondary to a reduction in membrane potential. To address this question, we studied the effects of ET on single-channel calcium currents of freshly dissociated porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells using the cell-attached mode of the patch-clamp technique. We show that ET increases Cal + -channel activity with no effect on channel open time or conductance. The ability of bath-applied ET to increase single-channel calcium currents in the cell-attached mode is evidence that the peptide acts via a second messenger system.
A comparison between chlordiazepoxide and CL 218,872, a synthetic non-benzodiazepine ligand for benzodiazepine receptors, on serotonin and catecholamine turnover in brain.

Serotonin (5-HT) and catecholamine (CA) turnover rates in midbrain-hindbrain were investigated in rats treated with the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (CDP) or with the anxiolytic triazolopyridazine CL 218,872. A single injection of CDP (2.5–20 mg/kg) decreased 5-HT but not CA turnover rates. Seven daily CDP injections decreased the turnover rates of both 5-HT and CA. In contrast, neither acute nor chronic administration of CL 218,872 (2.5–20 mg/kg) altered baseline turnover rates of 5-HT or CA. Since CL 218,872 has a selective affinity for Type I benzodiazepine receptors, these results suggest that stimulation of Type I receptors is not sufficient to decrease 5-HT or CA turnover rates in midbrain-hindbrain. More importantly, these results question the long-held belief that benzodiazepines exert their anxiolytic and depressant effects through reductions in 5-HT and CA turnover respectively.
Determination of convulsive threshold by photo-pharmacologic stimulation: A study of technique and reliability

Abstract 1. 1. A study of the technique and reliability of the photo-pharmacologic determination of convulsive threshold was made on 27 subjects. Observations of EEG change and myoclonic reaction were made on repeated occasions using both hexazole and Metrazol. In a final activation each subject received a generalized convulsive seizure. 2. 2. A standard method for photo-pharmacologic activation is described which yields a reliable determination of myoclonic threshold. 3. 3. An either-or, multiple-sign end-point was developed in which the appearance of spike and wave, or rhythmic polyspikes in the EEG or myoclonus extending beyond the face correlated .7 with the threshold for a generalized convulsion. Slow activity, sharp waves, high voltage fast activity or random spikes in the EEG, and myoclonus limited to the face were found to have low correlation with the threshold for a generalized convulsion. 4. 4. Hexazole was found preferable to Metrazol for activation studies. 5. 5. No invariant progressive increase in photic driving, occurrence of harmonics or other EEG change was found to precede or accompany the myoclonic reaction.
Tracking genes and finding mutations: finding genes for complex traits in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

The wide variety of physical variation exhibited among the 155 recognized dog breeds in the United States, coupled with the low genetic diversity within each breed, and a completed draft genome sequence make the dog an excellent genetic system for mapping complex traits of interest. Here, we present results for simultaneous whole-genome association mapping of morphological trait differences among various dog breeds.
Trapping and migration of methane associated with the gas hydrate stability zone at the Blake Ridge Diapir: New insights from seismic data

Abstract The Blake Ridge Diapir is the southernmost of a line of salt diapirs along the Carolina trough. Diapirs cause faulting of the superjacent sediments, creating pathways for migration of fluids and gas to the seafloor. We analyzed reflection seismic data from the Blake Ridge Diapir, which is located in a region with known abundant gas hydrate occurrence. A striking feature in these data is a significant shallowing of the base of gas hydrate stability (BGHS) over the center of the diapir: The seafloor is warped up by about 100 m above the diapir, from about 2300 m to about 2200 m. The BGHS, as indicated by a bottom simulating reflection (BSR), is about 4.5 s off the flanks of the diapir, rising to about 4.15 s at the center. Above the diapir, a fault system appears to rise vertically from the BGHS to about 0.05 s below the seafloor (40–50 m); it then diverges into several steeply dipping faults that breach the seafloor and cover an area ∼700 m in diameter. Other secondary faults diverge from the main fault or emerge directly from the BGHS near the crest of the diapir. Gas and other fluids may migrate upward through the faults. We performed complex trace analysis to compare the reflection strength and instantaneous frequency along individual reflections. A low-frequency anomaly over the center of the diapir indicates high seismic attenuation. This is interpreted to be caused by migration of fluids (probably methane) along fault pathways. The migration of gas (i.e. probably mainly methane) through the gas hydrate stability zone is not yet understood. We speculate that pore fluids in the faults may be too warm and too salty to form gas hydrate, even at depths where gas hydrate is stable away from the diapir. Alternatively, gas hydrates may seal the fault walls such that water supply is too low to transform all the gas into gas hydrates. The shallowing of the BSR may reflect increased heatflow above the diapir either caused by the high thermal conductivity of the underlying salt or by advective heat transport along with fluids. High pore water salinity shifts the gas hydrate stability to lower temperatures and may also play a significant role in BSR shallowing. We, therefore, investigated the possible effect of pore water salinity on shallowing of the BSR. We found that BSR shallowing may theoretically be entirely caused by increased salinity over the diapir, although geologically this would not be reasonable. This observation demonstrates the potential importance of pore water salinity for lateral variations of BSR depths, in particular, above salt structures.
“Click chemistry” based conjugation of lipophilic curcumin to hydrophilic ε-polylysine for enhanced functionality

Abstract This short communication demonstrates an application of “click chemistry” to conjugate small hydrophobic bioactive molecule such as curcumin with water soluble biopolymer such as e-polylysine to improve the functionality of the biopolymer. e-Polylysine and curcumin were modified to e-polylysine azide and monoalkyne curcumin, respectively. The Huisgen cycloaddition (“click chemistry”) between the azide group and monoalkyne group led to formation of a triazole linkage between e-polylysine and curcumin. The conjugation process was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Retention of functional activity of conjugated curcumin was evaluated by comparing the antioxidant activity of conjugates with native e-polylysine using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. FT-IR spectra showed a significant decrease in the peak intensity of azide group of e-polylysine (2102 cm− 1) and a concomitant presence of triazole peak (1459 cm− 1) after reaction with monoalkyne curcumin, validating that conjugation was successful. ORAC assay showed that the antioxidant activity of e-polylysine–curcumin conjugate was 3.6 fold higher than control e-polylysine indicating that conjugated curcumin retained its functional properties. These results highlight the success of “click chemistry” to achieve conjugation of small molecules to polymers.
Enabling massive scale document transformation for the semantic web: the universal parsing agent™

The Universal Parsing Agent (UPA) is a document analysis and transformation program that supports massive scale conversion of information into forms suitable for the semantic web. UPA provides reusable tools to analyze text documents; identify and extract important information elements; enhance text with semantically descriptive tags; and output the information that is needed in the format and structure that is needed.
Foraging behaviour and colony structure in ants

Abstract Among social insects, foraging behaviour serves as a principal link in the translation between individual-level performance and colony-level success. Because nest size has been implicated as an important variable in that translation, foraging behaviour was studied in an ant species that spontaneously changes its nest size over the summer. Effects of queen presence/absence and nest size on speed, linearity and directionality of movement were measured for (1) a series of undisturbed nests and (2) nests that were altered in a pseudo-mutant experiment to simulate nest fractionation in the field. Ants looking for food behaved differently for each of these three measures than did ants carrying food to the nest. Furthermore, nest size had strong effects on the behaviour of ants, but queen presence/absence was not a consistently important factor. Our results show that an ant forager’s behaviour reflects the social milieu within her nest, even when she is outside that milieu.
Stochastic lambda calculus and monads of probability distributions

Probability distributions are useful for expressing the meanings of probabilistic languages, which support formal modeling of and reasoning about uncertainty. Probability distributions form a monad, and the monadic definition leads to a simple, natural semantics for a stochastic lambda calculus, as well as simple, clean implementations of common queries. But the monadic implementation of the expectation query can be much less efficient than current best practices in probabilistic modeling. We therefore present a language of measure terms, which can not only denote discrete probability distributions but can also support the best known modeling techniques. We give a translation of stochastic lambda calculus into measure terms. Whether one translates into the probability monad or into measure terms, the results of the translations denote the same probability distribution.
On the Modeling of Gas-Solid Fluidization: Which Physics Are Most Important to Capture?

Recent studies to predict biomass fluidization hydrodynamics motivated a new study to reassess how to model gas-solid characteristics that capture the same physics as that measured in experiments. An Eulerian-Eulerian multifluid model was used to simulate and analyze gas-solid hydrodynamic behavior of the fluidized beds. The relations for the pressure drop measured at fluidization were used to correct for the bed mass by either adjusting the initial solids packing fraction or initial bed height, two parameters that must be specified in a CFD model. Simulations using sand as the bed medium were compared with experiments and it was found that adjusting the bulk density, or in other words, the initial solids volume packing, correctly predicted the pressure drop measured experimentally, but significantly under-predicted the minimum fluidization velocity. By adjusting the initial bed height to correct for the mass, both the pressure drop and minimum fluidization velocity were successfully predicted. Ground walnut shell and ground corncob were used as biomass media and simulations were performed for two reactor bed diameters by simply adjusting the initial bed height to match the measured pressure drop. All of the simulations correctly predicted the pressure drop curves of the experimental data. Further examination of the simulations and experimental data for walnut shell confirmed that adjusting the bed height was the best approach to model fluidization without artificially altering the physics and retaining the known characteristics of the bed material.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Probing the microenvironmental of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide-DNA adducts by triplet excited state quenching methods

Triplet flash photolysis techniques, coupled with quenching of the triplets by molecular oxygen, are utilized as probes of the microenvironment of polycyclic aromatic molecules bound covalently and non-covalently to DNA. The triplet-oxygen quenching properties of the following adducts in aqueous solutions at 25 +/- 1 degrees C were investigated: covalent adducts derived from the reaction of (+/-)-7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha,10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9, 10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BaPDE) and of (+/-)-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BaPE) with DNA, and non-covalent intercalation complexes of acridine orange (AO) and DNA. In all cases the quenching follows the Stern-Volmer quenching law with a quenching constant of KTO2 approximately equal to 10(9) M-1 X S-1 for the covalent BaPDE-DNA and BaPE-DNA complexes in aqueous solution. This value of KTO2 is characteristic of free molecules (not bound to DNA) and indicates that the pyrene chromophore is totally accessible to oxygen, and is thus not located at an intercalation-type of binding site in these covalent adducts. In contrast, the AO-DNA complexes are characterized by values of KTO2 approximately equal to 10(8) M-1 X S-1 indicating that the intercalated AO molecules are about ten times less accessible to molecular oxygen than free AO molecules. The KTO2 values for the covalent BaPDE-DNA and BaPE-DNA adducts decrease when the DNA concentration is increased in the 1 X 10(-4)-3 X 10(-3) M range (expressed in nucleotide concentration). This effect is attributed to intermolecular DNA-DNA interactions in which segments of adjacent DNA molecules tend to cover the pyrene chromophores on other strands, thus decreasing their accessibility to oxygen. In contrast the values of KTO2 for the non-covalent AO-DNA intercalation complexes are independent of DNA concentration, as expected for interior binding sites.
Policy Problems Associated with Waterborne Asbestos

: This article discusses the implications of accepting various standards of scientific evidence in disputes arising over the dumping of potentially hazardous materials into public waterways and drinking water supplies. Standards based on the types of risks and levels of benefits suffered and received by adjacent populations are evaluated within the context of the several pieces of federal legislation which relate to water quality. A case study of Reserve Mining Corporation's dumping of taconite wastes into Lake Superior is presented to illustrate the ramifications of decisions based on differing perspectives of the problem and its impacts by the courts, the affected public, RMC, and the regulatory agencies involved.
The influence of blood meals on accumulation of arachidonic acid by adult stable flies

Abstract We investigated the influence of blood meals on accumulation of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), 20:4n-6, by adult stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). The fatty acid compositions of phospholipids (PLs) and triacylglycerols (TGs) prepared from adult male and female stable flies that had been maintained either with or without blood meals were determined, and incorporation of exogenous radioactive fatty acids into tissue lipids of adults was monitored. The major PL components were 16:0, 16:1, 18:1 and 18:2n-6. Two C 20 PUFAs, 20:4n-6 and 20:5n-3 were associated with PLs in the 1–5% range. The major TG components were 14:0 and 16:1. Although absence of the normal adult blood meals influenced the overall fatty acid profiles of male and female stable flies, proportions of C 20 PUFAs in PLs of blood-fed flies were not substantially higher than proportions of C 20 PUFAs in their sucrose-fed counterparts. The fatty acid incorporation studies indicate that the ability to incorporate exogenous fatty acids is decreased in older adult stable flies. We conclude that the larval stages of stable flies are more important for accumulation of C 20 PUFAs than the adult stages.
Rapid Quantitative Determination of the Effect of Antiplaque Agents and Antisera on the Growth, Acid Production, and Adherence of Streptococcus mutans

A rapid quantitative in vitro assay measured the effects of antiplaque agents and antiserum on growth and sucrose-mediated adherence of radiolabeled S. mutans 6715. Acid production was measured by change in pH. In this assay the primary effect of chlorhexidine and fluoride was bacteriostasis and inhibition of acid production, respectively; the primary effect of dextran, dextranase, and specific antiserum was inhibition of sucrose-mediated adherence.
Computer-assisted analysis of the vascular endothelial cell motile response to injury

We have developed an automated, user-friendly method to track vascular endothelial cell migration in vitro using an IBM PC/XT with MS DOS. Analog phase-contrast images of the bovine aortic endothelial cells are converted into digital images (8 bit, 250 x 240 pixel resolution) using a Tecmar Video VanGogh A/D board. Digitized images are stored at selected time points following mechanical injury in vitro. FORTRAN and assembly language subroutines have been implemented to automatically detect the wound edge and the edge of each cell nucleus in the phase-contrast, light-microscope field. Detection of the wound edge is accomplished by intensity thresholding following noise reduction in the image and subsequent sampling of the wound. After the range of wound intensities is determined, the entire image is sampled and a histogram of intensities is formed. The histogram peak corresponding to the wound intensities is subtracted, leaving a histogram peak that gives the range of intensities corresponding to the cell nuclei. Rates of cell migration, as well as cellular trajectories and cell surface areas, can be automatically quantitated and analyzed. This inexpensive, automated cell-tracking system should be widely applicable in a variety of cell biologic applications.
The design of a multi-microprocessor based simulation computer - III

This paper presents further results in development of a discrete event simulation computer based on a network of micro processors. The network is being designed by identifying simulation tasks which may be performed in parallel with other computation required by the simulation, and then assigning those subtasks to attached processing elements in the network. The tasks of priority queue processing and state accounting are considered in this paper. A three attached processor simulation computer has been designed, using two processors for the event set and the third for state statistics accumulation. In a simulation model of this system, a forty to fifty percent reduction in the execution of a benchmark simulation program is easily achieved. (The benchmark program itself uses an adaptive scheduling algorithm). Further observations and suggestions for future research are presented.
LOMIN: Moving theranostics from bench to bedside

The Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN) was initiated in 2009 at the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and has been led by Xiaoyuan (Shawn) Chen. Currently, LOMIN has grown to over 25 members who work together in diverse fields to develop theranostic molecular imaging tools and drug delivery systems. LOMIN is an interdisciplinary group divided into different sections based on expertise, but not divided by research projects. The three interdisciplinary and versatile groups, the PET/Optical Imaging Probe Section, the Biological Molecular Imaging Section and the Theranostic Nanomedicine Section, consist of chemists, engineers, biologists, and clinicians working together to transfer biomedical technology from the bench to the bedside. LOMIN works cohesively on its main mission to improve molecular imaging strategies for better understanding of biology, early diagnosis of disease, monitoring therapies and guiding drug discovery and development. In addition, special emphasis is placed on developing high sensitivity nanosensors for biomarker detection and theranostic nanomedicine for imaging, gene and drug delivery and therapy monitoring. LOMIN has developed novel imaging agents for targeting of various biological processes and monitoring therapies that have been slated for clinical trials. The future of LOMIN is to expand collaborations in order to apply lead imaging and therapeutic agents to the clinic. In this presentation, LOMIN will be introduced with our representative up-to-date research projects.
Development of an augen gneiss terrain

Augen gneisses and related migmatites commonly form extensive areas in deep crystalline terrains and are interlayered with horizons of undoubted metasedimentary rocks. Augen gneiss, migmatite, and hornblende gneiss near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, is interlayered with calcareous metasedimentary rocks on all scales and passes gradationally into quartzo-feldspathic gneiss. Numerous discontinuous lenses and layers of metasedimentary rocks in augen gneiss have been disrupted by transposition of layering and form tectonic inclusions. Calc-silicate layers have reacted with the surrounding rocks and become partially amphibolitized. Field evidence suggests that augen gneiss formed from quartzo-feldspathic gneiss by local metasomatism that accompanied strong deformation and smoothed out original metasedimentary differences. Locally partial melting took place. The final result is a sequence of augen gneiss, hornblende gneiss, and migmatite with thin amphibolite lenses and layers. The metasedimentary rocks are correlated with lower grade limestones and calcareous arenites including graywackes 125 km to the south. The quartzo-feldspathic gneiss would thus represent highly metamorphosed graywacke and sandstone. Augen gneiss and quartzo-feldspathic gneiss have similar chemical compositions, but augen gneiss seems to be somewhat more mafic. The composition of augen gneiss is more mafic than average continental shield surface rock and less mafic than the average crustal rock. Evidence indicates that augen gneiss and related rocks formed by homogenization of rocks that were originally sedimentary and its composition may reflect the bulk composition of material supplied to the crust earlier in the earth's history.
Anharmonicity and the low-temperature phase in lithium metal

Neutron diffraction experiments have been carried out on high-purity $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ at various temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K. Certain features of the diffraction data indicate that the low-temperature structure is more complicated than simple hcp. The Debye-Waller factor has also been measured using the incoherent elastic scattering by $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ and large anharmonic contributions at all temperatures have been found.
Hydrodynamic theory of premixed flames: effects of stoichiometry, variable transport coefficients and arbitrary reaction orders

Based on a hydrodynamic length, which is typically larger than the nominal flame thickness, a premixed flame can be viewed as a surface of density discontinuity, advected and distorted by the flow. The velocities and the pressure suffer abrupt changes across the flame front that consist of Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions, to leading order, with corrections of the order of the flame thickness that account for transverse fluxes and accumulation. To complete the formulation, expressions for the flame temperature and propagation speed, which vary along the flame as a result of local non-uniformities in the flow field and of flame front curvature, are derived. Unlike previous studies that assumed a mixture consisting of a single deficient reactant, the present study uses a two-reactant scheme and thus considers mixtures whose compositions vary from lean to rich conditions. Furthermore, non-unity and general reaction orders are considered in an attempt to mimic a wider range of reaction mechanisms and, to better represent actual experimental conditions, all transport coefficients are allowed to depend arbitrarily on temperature. The present model, expressed in a coordinate-free form, is valid for flames of arbitrary shape propagating in general fluid flows, either laminar or turbulent.
Thermal control of solide breeder blankets

Abstract An assessment of the thermal control mechanisms applicable to solid breeder blanket designs under ITER-like operating conditions is presented in this paper. Four cases are considered: a helium gap; a sintered block Be region; a sintered block Be region with a metallic felt at the Be-clad interface; and a Be packed bed region. For these cases, typical operating conditions are explored to determine the ranges of wall load which can be accomodated while maintaining the breeder within its allowable operating temperature window. The corresponding region thicknesses are calculated to help identify the practicality of each concept and the design tolerances.