cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vocabulary normalization improves IR-based concept location

Tool support is crucial to modern software development, evolution, and maintenance. Early tools reused the static analysis performed by the compiler. These were followed by dynamic analysis tools and more recently tools that exploit natural language. This later class has the advantage that it can incorporate not only the code, but artifacts from all phases of software construction and its subsequent evolution. Unfortunately, the natural language found in source code often uses a vocabulary different from that used in other software artifacts and thus increases the vocabulary mismatch problem. This problem exists because many natural-language tools imported from Information Retrieval (IR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) implicitly assume the use of a single natural language vocabulary. Vocabulary normalization, which goes well beyond simple identifier splitting, brings the vocabulary of the source into line with other artifacts. Consequently, it is expected to improve the performance of existing and future IR and NLP based tools. As a case study, an experiment with an LSI-based feature locator is replicated. Normalization universally improves performance. For the tersest queries, this improvement is over 180% (p < 0.0001).
Parathyroid Hemangioma: A Case Report in Proof of its Existence

Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that are most commonly found superficially in the head and neck. Cavernous hemangiomas are located in deeper structures and have been reported in a variety of endocrine tumors. However, parathyroid hemangiomas are exceedingly rare, with only three previously reported cases in the literature, all of which were associated with hyperparathyroidism. Here, we present the first case of an intraparenchymal cavernous hemangioma of the parathyroid gland without accompanying hyperparathyroidism in an otherwise unremarkable gland, accompanied by a brief review of the relevant literature.
Identification of Ammonium Ion and 2,6-Bis(ω-aminobutyl)- 3,5-diiminopiperazine as Endogenous Factors That Account for the “Burst” of Sphingosine upon Changing the Medium of J774 Cells in Culture

Abstract Cells in culture often undergo a “burst” of free sphingosine, sphingosine 1-phosphate, ceramide, and other bioactive lipids upon removal of “conditioned” medium, and at least one lipid signaling pathway (protein kinase C) has been shown to be affected by these changes (Smith, E. R. & Merrill A. H., Jr. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 18749–18758; Smith, E. R., Jones, P. L., Boss, J. M. & Merrill, A. H., Jr. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 5640–5646). Whereas increases in sphinganine and dihydroceramide are responses to provision of precursors for sphingolipid biosynthesis de novo in the new medium, the sphingosine burst is due to sphingolipid turnover upon removal of suppressive factor(s) in conditioned medium. This study describes the purification and characterization of these suppressive factors. Conditioned medium from J774 cells was fractionated into two components that suppress the burst as follows: ammonium ion, which reaches 2–3 mm within 48 h of cell culture; and a low molecular weight, cationic compound that has been assigned the structure 2,6-bis(ω-aminobutyl)-3,5-diimino-piperazine (for which we suggest the name “batrachamine” based on its appearance) by1H and 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometric analyses. The physiological significance of these compounds as suppressors of sphingolipid metabolism is unclear; however, ammonium ion is a by-product of amino acid catabolism and reaches high concentrations in some tissues. Batrachamine is even more intriguing because this is, as far as we are aware, the first report of a naturally occurring compound of this structural type. Considering the many cell functions that are affected by sphingoid bases and their derivatives, the effects of NH4 and batrachamine on sphingolipid metabolism may have important implications for cell regulation.
A distinctive cell contact in the rat adrenal cortex.

Extensive cell contacts which resemble septate junctions occur between cells in the three major zones of the rat adrenal cortex. Characteristically, they extend between small intercellular canaliculi and the periendothelial space, frequently interrupted by gap junctions and rarely by desmosomes. Zonulae occludentes have not been identified in the adrenal cortex. Along this distinctive cell contact, the cell membranes of apposing cells are separated by 210–300 a bisected by irregularly spaced 100–150-A extracellular particles which are often circular in profile. In lanthanum preparations, these particles appear to form a continuous chain throughout the intercellular space and are visualized as an alveolate structure in sections parallel to the plane of the cell membrane. The cell membrane in the area of septate-like contact does not differ from nonjunctional areas of the cell membrane in freeze-fracture replicas. The cell contact retains its integrity after cell dispersion and after the separation of cell membranes from disrupted cells. The intercellular particles also persist after brief extraction in lipid solvents. Besides adherence, possible functions of this adrenal contact include maintenance of the width of the extracellular space, the provision of channels between intercellular canaliculi and the bloodstream, and utilization as cation depots. Similar structures are also present between adrenal cortical cells of several other species and between interstitial cells of the testis. This type of cell contact may, in fact, be a typical feature of steroid-hormone-secreting tissues in vertebrates.
Comparison of Two Sensory and Two Instrumental Methods to Evaluate Cookie Color

Relationships between 2 instrumental and 2 sensory methods for cookie color assessment were determined. For sensory tests, panelists (n = 8 to 10) compared color of cookies (3 formulations × 2 cookie types) to equidistant physical color references in a light booth and to digital color references in a sensory workstation using unstructured line scales. For instrumental methods, the CIELAB color model and hue angle were determined with a spectrophotometer and with graphics software using digital camera images. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc comparisons verified differences (P 0.94; P < 0.001).
VLPR study of the reaction Br + CH3CHO

The reaction has been studied by VLPR at 300 K. We find k1 = 2.1 × 1012 cm3/mol s in excellent agreement with independent measurements from photolysis studies. Combining this value with known thermodynamic data gives k-1 = 1 × 1010 cm3/mol s. Observations of mass 42 expected from ketene suggest a rapid secondary reaction: in which step 2 is shown to be rate limiting under VLPR conditions and k2 is estimated at 1012.6 cm3/mol s from recent theoretical models for radical recombination. It is also shown that 0 ⩽ E1 ⩽ 1.4 kcal/mol using theoretical models for calculation of A1 and is probably closer to the lower limit. Reaction −1 is negligible under conditions used.
Studies on the Influence of Cytosine Methylation on DNA Recombination and End-joining in Mammalian Cells

To test the influence of cytosine methylation on homologous recombination and the rejoining of DNA double strand breaks in mammalian cells, we developed a sensitive and quantitative assay system using extrachromosomal substrates. First, methylation was introduced into substrates in vitro with the prokaryotic SssI methylase, which specifically methylates the C-5 position of cytosine bases within CpG dinucleotides, mimicking the mammalian DNA methyltransferase. Next, methylated substrates were incubated in mammalian cells for a sufficient length of time to recombine or rejoin prior to substrate recovery. Results from bacterial transformation of the substrates and from direct Southern analysis demonstrate that cytosine methylation has no detectable effect on either DNA end-joining or homologous recombination. Thus, the components of the protein machinery involved in these complex processes are unaffected by the major DNA modification in mammalian cells. These results leave open the possibility that methylation may modulate the accessibility of these components to chromosomal DNA by altering local chromatin structure.
The fountain height and particle circulation rate in a spouted bed

A new empirical correlation for predicting the fountain height of a spouted bed is presented. The foutain height calculated from this correlation can be used to predict voidage at the top of the spout and the particle circulation rate in a spouted bed without a solution of the fluid and solids continuity and momentum balance equations
Dangling bond in a-Si:H.

The configuration-coordinate diagram for a model dangling-bond geometry is obtained by ab initio total-energy calculations. The results yield equilibrium geometries for different charge states, thermodynamic and optical transition energies, large Stokes shifts (0.5-0.6 eV), and a negative effective correlation energy (-0.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.2 eV). Implications of these results for the current experimental and theoretical understanding are discussed.
Spin swap versus double occupancy in quantum gates

We propose an approach to realize quantum gates with electron spins localized in a semiconductor that uses double occupancy to advantage. With a fast (non-adiabatic) time control of the tunnelling, the probability of double occupancy is first increased and then brought back exactly to zero. The quantum phase built in this process can be exploited to realize fast quantum operations. We illustrate the idea focusing on the half-swap operation, which is the key two-qubit operation needed to build a CNOT gate.
Thermophysical properties of plain yogurt as functions of moisture content

Abstract Plain yogurt was prepared, concentrated and then microwave vacuum dried to obtain samples of different moisture content (0·04–0·85 kg water/kg sample). The yogurt samples were used to determine the thermophysical properties. Bulk density was determined with the water displacement method, shrinkage by measuring the thickness, specific heat according to the calorimetric method, and thermal conductivity with the line-source probes. Both specific heat and shrinkage were linear with moisture content, but bulk density changed nonlinearly with moisture content. Thermal conductivity was linear with temperature (25–55 °C) but changed logarithmically with moisture content.
Widespread Implementation of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability Maintains Functional Outcomes at Midterm to Long-Term Follow-up While Decreasing Complication Rates: A Systematic Review

Purpose Our primary purpose was to evaluate whether complications have increased or functional outcomes have changed as medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has been adopted by more surgeons at more institutions over recent years. Our secondary purpose was to further define the complication profile of MPFL reconstruction. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed on January 12, 2014, using the keywords "medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction," "patellar instability reconstruction," "patellofemoral ligament reconstruction," and "MPFL." Articles meeting our inclusion criteria were reviewed. Outcome measures, functional failures, complications, graft choice, and surgical technique were recorded and analyzed. Results Thirty-four articles met our exclusion and inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Nineteen articles were "new" additions to the literature, whereas 15 had previously been reported on in prior analyses ("old"). The 19 new articles reported a statistically significant decrease in functional failure rates, from 9.55% in older studies to 4.77% in more recent studies ( P P = .005), and the minor complication rate decreased from 6.53% to 4.00% ( P = .06). Postoperative Kujala scores did not show a statistically significant change between newer and older publications (89.0 [SD, 3.7] and 89.4 [SD, 4.9], respectively; P = .55). Comparing results by fixation type, as well as by graft choice, showed no statistically significant differences in terms of outcomes or complication profile. Conclusions With nearly twice the number of medical centers performing reconstruction of the MPFL and outcomes reported on nearly double the number of patients in recent years, functional outcomes remain favorable as complication and failure profiles are improving. Furthermore, despite a wide array of fixation techniques, as well as multiple options for graft constructs, there are no statistically or clinically significant differences in functional outcomes over time. This finding highlights the efficacy and adoptability of MPFL reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of mixed-level studies.
The Effect of Synthetic Ice Blockers on Thermal Expansion of the Cryoprotective Cocktail DP6

Cryopreservation is the only alternative for long-term preservation of high-quality biomaterials, where the availability of reliable techniques for preservation of multicellular structures and organs represents an unmet medical need. Developing cryopreservation techniques revolves around controlling the formation of ice crystals, which is known to be lethal to living cells. Cryopreservation is typically achieved in the presence of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), which exhibit a dramatic increase in viscosity with decreasing temperature. Subject to high cooling rates, the rapidly elevating viscosity of the CPA suppresses ice crystallization and promotes vitrification (vitreous means glassy in Latin). Unfortunately, available CPAs are known to be toxic at the relevant concentrations which permit vitrification. One potential method of reducing CPA concentration, and thereby achieving conditions more favorable to the tissue, is with the introduction of the so-called synthetic ice blockers (SIBs)—the subject matter of the current study.© 2011 ASME
The effect of agricultural and residential development on aquatic macrophytes in the New Jersey Pine Barrens

Abstract The impact of residential and agricultural development as the cause of water pollution on aquatic macrophyte communities in the New Jersey Pine Barrens was examined by comparison with unpolluted communities. The only major physical and chemical differences between stream types were greatly elevated pH values and NO3− concentrations at the polluted sites. A total of 59 aquatic macrophyte species were identified during the study. Slightly more species (41) occurred at the polluted sites than at the unpolluted sites (38). Twenty-two species were confined to polluted sites and 19 to unpolluted sites. Classification of all species as either typical or not typical Pine Barrens species revealed that the primary effect of pollution was the replacement of a distinctive Pine Barrens flora (e.g. Carex walteriana, Eleocharis olivacea, E. tuberculosa, Eriocaulon compressum, and Utricularia fibrosa) with one containing many marginal or non-indigenous species common to wetlands throughout the Eastern US (e.g. Callitriche heterophylla, Galium tinctorium, and Polygonum punctatum).
Synergistic Activation of NF-κB by Bacterial Chemoattractant and TNFα Is Mediated by p38 MAPK-dependent RelA Acetylation

In the host immune system, leukocytes are often exposed to multiple inflammation inducers. NF-κB is of considerable importance in leukocyte function because of its ability to activate the transcription of many proinflammatory immediate-early genes. Tremendous efforts have been made toward understanding how NF-κB is activated by various inducers. However, most research on NF-κB regulation has been focused on understanding how NF-κB is activated by a single inducer. This is unlike the situation in the human immune system where multiple inflammation inducers, including both exogenous and endogenous mediators, are present concurrently. We now present evidence that the formylated peptide f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), a bacterial chemoattractant, synergizes with TNFα to induce NF-κB activation and the resultant inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of synergistic activation of NF-κB by bacterial fMLP and TNFα may be involved in the induction of RelA acetylation, which is regulated by p38 MAPK. Thus, this study provides direct evidence for the synergistic induction of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses by both exogenous and endogenous inducers. The ability of fMLP to synergize with TNFα and activate NF-κB represents a novel and potentially important mechanism through which bacterial fMLP not only attracts leukocytes but also directly contributes to inflammation by synergizing with the endogenous mediator TNFα.
Electric Quadrupole Effects in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in the Case of Large Nuclear Spin. The Nuclear-Magnetic-Resonance Spectrum of Solid Indium

The nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectrum of ${\mathrm{In}}^{115}$ in polycrystalline indium (powder) reveals a number of unusual features stemming from the combination of large quadrupole interaction and large nuclear spin ($I=\frac{9}{2}$). The crossing of several Zeeman transitions, the occurrence of non-90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} satellite lines, and the occurrence of forbidden transitions ($\ensuremath{\Delta}m=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2$) have been verified experimentally, and the experimental results have been compared with a detailed theoretical calculation of the spectrum based on exact numerical diagonalization of the secular determinant. At room temperature, the isotropic and anisotropic Knight-shift tensor components have the values ${K}_{\mathrm{iso}}=+(0.82\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)%$ and ${K}_{\mathrm{ax}}=\ensuremath{-}(0.14\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)%$.
Vision-based docking under variable lighting conditions

This paper describes our progress in near-range (within 0 to 2 meters) ego-centric docking using vision under variable lighting conditions (indoors, outdoors, dusk). The docking behavior is fully autonomous and reactive, where the robot directly responds to the ratio of the number of pixels of two colored fiducials without constructing an explicit model of the landmark. This is similar to visual homing in insects and has a low computational complexity of O(n2) and a fast update rate. In order to accurately segment the colored fiducials under constrained lighting conditions, the spherical coordinate transform (SCT) color space is used, rather than RGB or HSV, in conjunction with an adaptive segmentation algorithm. Experiments with a daughter robot docking with a mother robot were collected. Results showed that 1) vision-based docking is faster than teleoperation yet equivalent in performance and 2) adaptive segmentation is more robust under challenging lighting conditions, including outdoors.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Unilateral nostril breathing influences lateralized cognitive performance

Relative nostril efficiency (nasal cycle) is related to hemispheric EEG differences and performance on cognitive tasks. We investigated how unilateral forced nostril breathing influences spatial and verbal performance. Right-handed males and females performed both tasks under either left-nostril, right-nostril, or free-breathing conditions. Unilateral breathing affects performance differently in males and females. It influences male performance ipsilaterally on both tasks: Their spatial performance is better during right-nostril breathing, and their verbal performance is better during left-nostril breathing. Unilateral breathing influences female performance contralaterally, but only on the spatial task: Their spatial performance is better during left-nostril breathing. These differences within and between sexes may exist because unilateral nostril breathing differentially activates the two hemispheres and thereby facilitates performance, or because attempts of the brain to control the nasal cycle unilaterally interfere with performance.
The alteration of aversive thresholds after chronic administration of two tranquilizing agents.

A major tranquilizer, chlorpromazine (0.06, 0.125, 0.25 mg/kg), and a minor tranquilizer, chlordiazepoxide (2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, 32.0 mg/kg), were administered to squirrel monkeys performing under a titration schedule to ascertain their effects upon aversive thresholds. Both agents reliably raised the aversive threshold to electric shock, but chlorpromazine was more potent in this regard. Chlordiazepoxide was able to augment the aversive threshold to moderate levels only under the middle range (i.e., 8.0, 16.0 mg/kg) of doses tested, while chlorpromazine was able to raise the threshold to maximum levels under the 0.25 mg/kg dosage. These results were interpreted to suggest that chlordiazepoxide may have analgesic properties at moderate doses, while chlorpromazine may raise the aversive threshold by interfering with the execution of the operant response.
Formation and optical properties of intermetallic nanoclusters formed by sequential ion implantation

Recent demonstrations that large third-order non-linear responses can be achieved in metal nanocluster glass composites are of significant interest because of their potential for use in all optical switching networks. These composite materials exhibit picosecond switching and relaxation times, thermal and chemical stability, high laser damage thresholds, and low two-photon absorption. Ion implantation has been shown to be a useful fabrication method to form these nanoclusters in silica because of its ability to produce thin films in waveguide configurations containing a high volume fraction (>1%) of metal colloids with well-defined vertical and horizontal dimensional control. Using sequential ion implantation of more than one element, we can modify the composition and microstructure of the composites by forming intermetallic metal colloids. In this work, we report on the improved optical response of metallic nanocluster composites formed by sequential implantation of Cd and Ag and Sb and Ag. Characterization of the samples by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that approximately spherical metallic colloids are formed for all implanted species during the implantation process. Selected area diffraction patterns indicate that the colloids formed are intermetallic in composition. Linear optical absorption measurements made at room temperature in air from 900 to 200 nm show significant changes in both the magnitude and wavelength of the surface plasmon resonance. The formation of intermetallic nanoclusters results in changes in both the linear and non-linear optical properties of the composite material that are not possible with single element colloids alone. The results are explained in terms of effective medium theory.
Management of the Photovoltaic Supply Chain

The Photovoltaic (PV) Supply Chain (SC) has been infrequently examined in SC literature. The PVSC is unique in that it is heavily driven by government policy and dependent on subsidies, sensitive to inventory fluctuations, raw material shortages, and geo-political tensions, and does not fit into traditional SC models. These unique characteristics suggest it deserves more in-depth analysis. This paper describes and examines the PVSC, building a framework for improved management. Critical PVSC components are compared and contrasted with traditional SC typologies, so that research gaps and common PVSC problems are identified. Concluding suggestions for improved PVSC management are then presented.
A parallel boundary element formulation for determining effective properties of heterogeneous media

This paper presents a parallel implementation of the boundary element method for MIMD computer architectures to determine the effective properties of two heterogeneous physical systems. The first physical system is comprised of spheres sedimenting in a viscous fluid at low Reynolds numbers. The effective property is characterized by the hindered settling function which is a measure of the average sedimentation velocity. The second physical system is a short-fibre reinforced composite. The effective property for this system is the composite modulus. The determination of effective properties of heterogeneous media requires performing statistical analyses of several realizations of physical systems based on defining characteristics of the media. The boundary element method is particularly well suited for studying such systems because of the simplification in the discretization associated with the method. However, as the number of heterogeneities to be modeled is increased so are the computational demands. Parallel computation offers the opportunity to model systems of greater complexity. We discuss a parallel boundary element formulation based on the torus-wrap mapping. In this approach, blocks of the coefficient matrix associated with the discretized boundary element equations are assigned to processors as opposed to more traditional parallel boundary element implementations where rows or columns are assigned to processors. The torus-wrap mapping can be shown to minimize communication volume between processors during the LU factorization. Therefore, the present formulation scales well with increases in the number of processors.
Small-angle x-ray scattering from lipid bilayers is well described by modified Caillé theory but not by paracrystalline theory

X-ray scattering data at high instrumental resolution are reported for multilamellar vesicles of L alpha phase lipid bilayers of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine at 50 degrees C under varying osmotic pressure. The data are fitted to two theories that account for noncrystalline disorder, paracrystalline theory (PT) and modified Caille theory (MCT). The MCT provides good fits to the data, much better than the PT fits. The particularly important characteristic of MCT is the long power law tails in the scattering. PT fits (as well as ordinary integration with no attempt to account for the noncrystalline disorder) increasingly underestimate this scattering intensity as the order h increases, thereby underestimating the form factors used to obtain electron density profiles.
Behavior of municipal bond default-risk premiums by maturity

Abstract Default-risk premiums have traditionally been considered to be an increasing function of time. More recently, a model has been developed which indicates that, under certain conditions, default-risk premiums are invariant to maturity. One study found significant differences in default-risk premiums for long-term corporate bonds and commercial paper. The hypothesis that default-risk premiums are invariant to maturity was tested using municipal bond data. Results indicate that risk premiums are not invariant to maturity.
Status of Inflammatory Biomarkers in the Population that Survived the Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A Study after Two Decades

Bhopal gas tragedy is considered as one of the world's worst industrial disaster. Approximately, 3,000-6,000 people died and 200,000 injured due to the leak of 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from a pesticide plant. We aimed to decipher any persistent and subtle immunotoxic effects of MIC in the survivors of the tragedy. The study was divided into 3 groups i.e. group I (n=40); Age and gender matched non-exposed healthy controls recruited from places within the geographical region of Bhopal but from unaffected zones, group II (n=40); Age and gender matched non-exposed healthy controls recruited from places well outside geographical region of Bhopal and group III (n=40); Age and gender matched MIC exposed subjects from affected zones inside geographical region of Bhopal and the status of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-8, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF, IL-10, IL-12p70 cytokines and C-reactive protein) were analysed. The results displayed a significant increase in the levels of all circulating inflammatory biomarkers in the MIC exposed group in comparison to non-exposed cohorts. A toxin induced genetic and/or epigenetic alteration seems to be the likely underlying cause. However, further studies are essential for both mechanistic understanding and clinical implications of these patterns.
The Reemergence and Management of Currant Cane Dieback in the Northeastern United States.

Currant cane dieback, caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria ribis (syn. Neofusicoccum ribis), devastated currant production in the northeastern United States approximately a century ago. Later epidemics of this disease were halted by bans on the planting of Ribes spp. to control white pine blister rust, but since regulations restricting the planting of currants were removed in the 1980s and 1990s, currant cane dieback has reemerged in the northeastern United States. In this study, we obtained fungal isolates from diseased canes at four production operations in New York and Connecticut. We confirmed the isolates as N. ribis on the basis of morphology and ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, and verified pathogenicity through inoculation of healthy currant bushes. Furthermore, field trials to study the effects of cultivar, pruning of symptomatic canes, and fungicide applications were conducted over 2 years. Differences in Ribes cultivar susceptibility to N. ribis were demonstrated, with a pink fruiting cultivar (Pink Champagne) having lower levels of dieback compared to two red cultivars (Rovada and Jonkheer van Tets) and one white cultivar (Blanka) evaluated. While there were no consistent reductions in cane dieback incidence over both years and for all cultivars when pruning or fungicide treatments (copper hydroxide and sulfur applications) were used alone, fungicide treatment combined with pruning resulted in significant (P 80%) in the incidence of dieback compared to bushes not treated with fungicide or pruned.
Degradation of condensed tannins by Calvatia gigantea

Calvatia gigantea, an edible puffball, was grown well on simple phenolic compounds and hydrolysable and condensed tannins as sole carbon sources. A new enzymic system was found to be involved in the degradation of catechin, the building unit of condensed tannins. This enzymic system was induced by catechin and displayed no phenoloxidase activity. Crude enzymic preparation functioned optimally at pH 7.5–8.0 and 40–45°C and had an apparentKm, 2.96 × 10−5 M at pH 8.0. The results of this work makeC. gigantea a potential microorganism for the degradation of toxic phenolic and polyphenolic compounds and particularly condensed tannins.
Observation of isoscalar giant-resonance structure in the fission of /sup 238/U following inelastic scattering of /sup 6/Li

Resonance structures are observed in the region of the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance for the reaction $^{238}\mathrm{U}$($^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{6}\mathrm{Li}^{\ensuremath{'}}f$) at 150 MeV. The ratio between the fission probabilities of resonance and compound-nucleus components appears to be greater than the recently reported value from ($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) scattering.
Comparison of the extended kalman filter and marquardt algorithms for processing kinetic data

Abstract The extended Kalman filter and Marquardt's gradient expansion algorithm for nonlinear least squares are compared with respect to accuracy and precision of parameter extimates, computational burden, sensitivity to initial parameter estimates and ability to indicate model errors. Fits of synthetic first-order data and combined first- and zero-order data produce estimates of equivalent precision and accuracy in most cases. Similar results were obtained for both simulated and experimental data for combined zero-order/first-order processes. However, for the simulated zero-order/first-order data with small zero-order components processed over two half-lives of the first-order process, the Kalman filter overestimated the zero-order rate constant by a substantially larger amount than the Marquardt algorithm. Significant differences in computational burden and sensitivity to initial parameter estimates are demonstrated; however, neither algorithm has a significant advantage over the other for the detection of model error.
Indirect benefits of symbiotic coccoids for an ant‐defended myrmecophytic tree

The net benefits of mutualism depend directly on the costs and effectiveness of mutualistic services and indirectly on the interactions that affect those services. We examined interactions among Cordia alliodora myrmecophytic trees, their symbiotic ants Azteca pittieri, coccoid hemipterans, and foliar herbivores in two Neotropical dry forests. The tree makes two investments in symbiotic ants: it supplies nesting space, as domatia, and it provides phloem to coccoids, which then produce honeydew that is consumed by ants. Although higher densities of coccoids should have higher direct costs for trees, we asked whether higher densities of coccoids can also have higher indirect benefits for trees by increasing the effectiveness of ant defense against foliar herbivores. We found that trees benefited from ant defense against herbivores. Ants defended trees effectively only when colonies reached high densities within trees, and ant and coccoid densities within trees were strongly positively correlated. The benefits of reduced foliar herbivory by larger ant colonies were therefore indirectly controlled by the number of coccoids. Coccoid honeydew supply also affected per capita ant aggression against tree herbivores. Ants experimentally fed a carbohydrate-rich diet, analogous to sugar obtained from coccoids, were more aggressive against caterpillars per capita than ants fed a carbohydrate-poor diet. Ant defense was more effective on more valuable and vulnerable young leaves than on older leaves. Young domatia, associated with young leaves, contained higher coccoid densities than older domatia, which suggests that coccoids may also drive spatially favorable ant defense of the tree. If higher investments by one mutualistic partner are tied to higher benefits received from the other, there may be positive feedback between partners that will stabilize the mutualism. These results suggest that higher investment by trees in coccoids leads to more effective defense by ants against the tree's foliar herbivores.
Facilitation and analogical transfer in the THOG task

This study was concerned with Wason's THOG task, a hypothetico-deductive reasoning problem for which performance is typically very poor (<20% correct). Recently, however, Needham and Amado (1995) and Koenig and Griggs (2004) have observed both facilitation and spontaneous analogical transfer effects for the Pythagoras version of this task. Based on their findings, Koenig and Griggs concluded that in addition to the separation of the data (the properties of the designated THOG) from the hypotheses that need to be generated (the possible combinations of properties written down), an explicit request to generate these hypotheses is necessary to obtain significant analogical transfer. In the present study we extended the generalisability of this conclusion in three experiments with 214 undergraduate participants using O'Brien et al.'s (1990) Blackboard version of the task. We discuss the relationship of the results to dual process theories of reasoning and propose that analogical transfer may be a better crite...
First-order surface plasmon resonance sensor system based on a planar light pipe

A novel first-order optical sensor using surface plasmon resonance in a planar light pipe is introduced. The phenomenon of discrete angular bands of light in high-numerical-aperture light pipes is discussed, and the operating theory of the sensor is explained. The fabrication of two different prototype sensor configurations is presented. The operating theory of the sensors is verified by comparing experimental results with theoretical predictions of sensor performance.
Development of a Method for the Quantitative Estimation of Provitamin A Carotenoids in Some Fruits

A procedure for the quantitative estimation of provitamin A carotenoids beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin and cryptoxanthin esters in some fruits using conventional column and high performance liquid chromatography was developed. The provitamin A carotenoids were first separated by column chromatography on alumina prior to furthur separation and quantitation by reversed phase liquid chromatography. The distribution of provitamin A carotenoids in fruits varied. Among the provitamin A rich fruits, apricot, mango, and cantaloupe contained essentially beta-carotene whereas cryptoxanthin accounted for nearly half the total carotenoids in papaya, persimmon, and tangerine. Peach, red bell papper, oranges and red grapefruits were intermediate in their provitamin A content while tomato, yellow bell pepper, pineapple and watermelon were poor sources. Cryptoxanthin occurred acylated with C8 to C18 saturated fatty acids in the fruits analyzed.
A comprehensive analysis of the state of stress of elastic anisotropic flat plates using refined theories

This paper establishes, on a quantitative basis, the correlation between two apparently different higher-order theories of anisotropic plates. In addition it provides a strong mathematical tool allowing one to determine, in an exact and unified manner, the state of stress of orthotropic shear deformable rectangular plates exhibiting a variety of edge conditions.
Hexasaccharides from the histamine-modified depolymerization of porcine intestinal mucosal heparin.

Abstract Specific sequences in heparin are responsible for its modulation of the biological activity of proteins. As part of a program to characterize heparin–peptide and heparin–protein binding, we are studying the interaction of chemically discrete heparin-derived oligosaccharides with peptides and proteins. We report here the isolation and characterization, by one- and two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopies, of ten hexasaccharides, one pentasaccharide, and one octasaccharide serine that were isolated from depolymerized porcine intestinal mucosal heparin. Hexasaccharides were chosen for study because they fall within the size range, typically tetra- to decasaccharide in length, of heparin sequences that modulate the activity of proteins. The depolymerization reaction was catalyzed by heparinase I (EC 4.2.2.7) in the presence of histamine, which binds site specifically to heparin. Histamine increases both the rate and extent of heparinase I-catalyzed depolymerization of heparin. It is proposed that oligosaccharides produced by heparinase I-catalyzed depolymerization can inhibit the enzyme by binding to the imidazolium group of histidine-203, which together with cysteine-135 forms the catalytic domain of heparinase I. The increased rate and extent of depolymerization are attributed to competitive binding of the oligosaccharides by histamine.
Solvent isotope effect on the differences in structure and stability between normal and deuterated proteins

Differential scanning microcalorimetry was used to investigate the enthalpy (ΔHd) and the temperature (td) of thermal denaturation of normal (nondeuterated) (H-PC) and deuterated (D-PC) phycocyanins in D2O solvent. Values of td in D-PC are about 5–7°C lower than those in H-PC. The magnitudes of ΔHd in D-PC are only 21–32% of those in H-PC. During the protein unfolding, the heat-capacity changes (ΔCp) in D-PC are also lower than those in H-PC. CD was employed to evaluate the secondary structure and the urea denaturation of these proteins in D2O solvent. These proteins have about the same α-helix content. D-PC is less resistant to the denaturant urea than is H-PC. In general, the apparent free-energy change in the process of protein unfolding at zero denaturant concentration is higher in H-PC than in D-PC. Comparisons of the present results for D2O solvent with those previously reported for H2O reveal that solvent isotope effect essentially does not change the α-helix content in H-PC and D-PC. However, D-PC or H-PC has a higher random-coil content in its secondary structure in D2O than in H2O. Substitution of H2O with D2O as the solvent increases td in both D-PC and H-PC, lowers ΔHd in H-PC, and greatly lowers ΔHd in D-PC. The deuterium solvent isotope effect does not change ΔCp in H-PC but lowers ΔCp in D-PC. In the urea denaturation, the magnitudes of (Cu)1/2 in H-PC and D-PC are not affected by such a solvent effect, whereas those of ΔG are greatly increased. These results are correlated with the structure and stability of the proteins.
Variations in Group Process Due to Valence, Response Mode, and Directness of Feedback:

Differences in group cohesion, trust, attraction, and perceptions of feedback were evaluated due to interpersonal feedback which varied in valence, response mode, and directness. Seventy-two underg...
Exercise as Prevention: Do the Health Benefits Derive in Part from Lower Iron Levels?

The mechanism by which exercise, a key component of modern preventative medicine, protects man from strikingly different diseases such as heart disease and cancer, is largely a mystery. It is proposed that exercise-induced reductions in iron levels, either through iron loss or enhanced iron storage, could be responsible for some of the beneficial effects. Possible roles for iron in coronary artery disease and cancer have recently emerged, particularly as a catalyst for oxygen free radical-induced tissue damage. The iron hypothesis is consistent with the graded reductions in mortality observed as a function of fitness level, and it is the first unified mechanism which can explain the reductions in both heart disease and cancer. If confirmed, preventative medicine in the future will need to include close monitoring of iron levels and, possibly, occasional blood donation for those with moderately high iron stores.
Increased inactive renin in diabetes mellitus without evidence of nephropathy.

PRA, active renin, and inactive renin (IR; activated by dialysis to pH 3.3 and 7.4) were measured in the plasma of 53 patients with diabetes mellitus and 32 normal volunteers (group 1). Proteinuria was present in 21 diabetics (group 3; nephropathy) and absent in 32 diabetics (group 2). The mean PRA was lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. PRA less than 0.2 ng/ml. h occurred more frequently and at a younger age i n uncomplicated diabetics than in normal controls. Despite very low PRA, plasma aldosterone was normal in most of the diabetics. IR was significantly higher than normal in the uncomplicated diabetics and was greatly increased in diabetics with nephropathy. Since the kidneys are a principal source of IR, and since patients with diabetic nephropathy have consistently elevated plasma IR, it is possible that increased plasma IR in patients without proteinuria or reduced renal function might be an early sign of renal involvement. However, as other explanations of increased plasma IR exist, the hypo...
Laminar thermal convection between vertical coaxial isothermal cylinders

A numerical investigation of natural convective heat transfer of a fluid in vertical cylindrical annuli with the inner wall maintained at a higher temperature than the outer wall has been earned out. The top and the bottom plates are insulated for the majority of the cases Perfectly conducting horizontal walls are also considered for comparison of heat transfer results. Numerical results of heat transfer rates and flow fields for 10 ⩽ RaL ⩽ 106, 1 ⩽ k⩽ 15 and 0.3 ⩽ A ⩽ 10 are reported. Discrepancies in the existing numerical and experimental data are noted and discussed New correlations for heat transfer rate are given.
Medical image reconstruction, processing, visualization, and analysis: the MIPG perspective

In this paper, we identify and describe the key ideas, concepts and software related to Medical Imaging that emerged from our research group, which is commonly known by the acronym MIPG, denoting Medical Image Processing Group. For the purpose of our presentation, we consider the entire discipline of Medical Imaging to consist of the areas of acquisition, postprocessing, evaluation, and application. We are indeed fortunate to be able to discuss seminal research from our group in each of these areas. In Section II, we identify relevant moments of inception and describe our past contributions. Our achievements, current activities, and future directions are summarized in Section III, Section IV, and Section V, respectively; the keys to our success are listed in Section V.
Choline esters in the marine gastropods Nucella emarginata and Acanthina spirata: A new choline ester, tentatively identified as N-methylmurexine

Abstract 1. Several tissues of two intertidal gastropod mollusks belonging to the superfamily Muricacea contained, in addition to acetylcholine, other choline esters that produced contraction of the frog rectus abdominis muscle. 2. One major active choline ester found in acetone extracts of the hypobranchial gland of Acanthina spirata had pharmacological properties and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum consistent with murexine [urocanylcholine, β -[4-imidazolyl]acrylcholine). 3. A principal active compound from the hypobranchial gland of Nucella ( = Thais ) emarginata differed pharmacologically from murexine and was tentatively identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as the previously unreported N -methyl derivative of murexine, β -[4-(1-or 3-methyl)-imidazolyl]acrylcholine.
Kinetic theory of plasma and electromagnetic fields

Abstract The oscillator treatment of the transverse electromagnetic fields originally developed by Simon and Harris has been re-examined. An essential feature of the previous treatment was that the electromagnetic energy changed on a long collisional time scale. It is established that this quantity in fact changes on a short time scale of the order of the inverse plasma frequency. This invalidates the previous expansion procedure. A new treatment is developed that involves only moments of the oscillator functions. The resultant correlation equations have been solved by a test-particle method which provides a simple physical interpretation of the solutions. Fluctuations, radiation, and the Fokker-Planck equation are obtained for a spatially homogeneous plasma with a constant unperturbed magnetic field. This calculation assumes the adiabatic approximation. The corresponding problem with zero-magnetic field is also discussed.
Pore structure analysis of swollen dextran-methacrylate hydrogels by SEM and mercury intrusion porosimetry.

The objectives of this study were to visually examine the surface and interior morphology of a new class of biodegradable hydrogels based on dextran-methacrylate and to quantify the porous structure of these hydrogels in swollen state. Two techniques (scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry) were used to analyze pore structure of dextran-methacrylate hydrogels as a function of the degree of methacrylate substitution. SEM was used to observe 3-dimensional network structure of cryofixed and fractured swollen dextran-methacrylate hydrogels. Image analysis of the SEM data revealed different pore shapes and sizes, depending on the degree of substitution and the location within the hydrogel. A higher methacrylate-substituted dextran hydrogel showed a compact and rigid pore structure, while a lower substituted hydrogel showed a delicate and fragile pore structure. Mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis of the pore structure of dextran-methacrylate hydrogels provided useful and more reliable quantitative data of pore characteristics, such as total pore area, average pore diameter, their distribution, and bulk density. The total pore area and average pore diameter of swollen dextran-methacrylate hydrogels decreased with an increase in degree of methacrylate substitution, while bulk density increased with an increase in degree of substitution.