cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distillation, Azeotropic and Extractive

Many industrial processes depend on efficient methods for separating azeotropic, close-boiling, or other low relative volatility mixtures. Ordinary distillation is typically either uneconomical or impossible in these cases. However, by adding specially chosen separating agents, the separation can generally be accomplished. The principal distillation-based techniques employed for separating such mixtures are discussed: extractive or homogeneous azeotropic distillation, where a completely miscible liquid separating agent is added to alter the relative volatilities; heterogeneous azeotropic distillation, where the agent, known as the entrainer, forms one or more azeotropes and causes immiscibility; distillation in the presence of ionic salts that alter the relative volatilities of the components; and pressure-swing distillation, wherein some azeotropes can be circumvented using a series of columns operating at different pressures. Residue curve maps, material balance lines, and column sequences are given for several example systems. Methods for identifying feasible separating agents are also discussed. Keywords: distillation; azeotropic distillation; extractive distillation; pressure-swing distillation; salt-effect distillation; azeotrope; residue curves; residue curve map
Avalanche photodiode based time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

This study reports on the performance of Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs) as a timing detector for ion Time-of-Flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy. We found that the fast signal carrier speed in a reach-through type APD enables an extremely short timescale response with a mass or energy independent <2 ns rise time for <200 keV ions (1−40 AMU) under proper bias voltage operations. When combined with a microchannel plate to detect start electron signals from an ultra-thin carbon foil, the APD comprises a novel TOF system that successfully operates with a <0.8 ns intrinsic timing resolution even using commercial off-the-shelf constant-fraction discriminators. By replacing conventional total-energy detectors in the TOF-Energy system, APDs offer significant power and mass savings or an anti-coincidence background rejection capability in future space instrumentation.
Rapid determination of parabens in personal care products by stable isotope GC-MS/MS with dynamic selected reaction monitoring

In this study, a rapid and sensitive analytical method for the determination of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl esters of para-hydroxy benzoic acid (parabens) in personal care products was developed and fully validated. Test portions were extracted with methanol followed by vortexing, sonication, centrifugation, and filtration without derivatization. The four parabens were quantified by GC-MS/MS in the electron ionization mode. Four corresponding isotopically labeled parabens were selected as internal standards, which were added at the beginning of the sample preparation and used to correct for recovery and matrix effects. Sensitivity, extraction efficiency, and recovery of the respective analytes were evaluated. The coefficients of determination (r(2)) were all greater than 0.995 for the four parabens investigated. The recoveries ranged from 97 to 107% at three spiked levels and a one-time (single) extraction efficiency greater than 97% was obtained. This method has been applied to screen 26 personal care products. This is the first time that a unique GC-MS/MS method with dynamic selected reaction monitoring and confirmation of analytes has been used to determine these parabens in cosmetic personal care products.
Identification of Candidate Amino Acids Involved in the Formation of Blue Pigments in Crushed Garlic Cloves (Allium sativum L.)

The color-forming ability of amino acids with thiosulfinate in crushed garlic was investigated. We developed reaction systems for generating pure blue pigments using extracted thiosulfinate from crushed garlic and onion and all 22 amino acids. Each amino acid was reacted with thiosulfinate solution and was then incubated at 60 degrees C for 3 h to generate pigments. Unknown blue pigments, responsible for discoloration in crushed garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.), were separated and tentatively characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a diode array detector ranging between 200 and 700 nm. Blue pigment solutions exhibited 2 maximal absorbance peaks at 440 nm and 580 nm, corresponding to yellow and blue, respectively, with different retention times. Our findings indicated that green discoloration is created by the combination of yellow and blue pigments. Eight naturally occurring blue pigments were separated from discolored garlic extracts using HPLC at 580 nm. This suggests that garlic discoloration is not caused by only 1 blue pigment, as reported earlier, but by as many as 8 pigments. Overall, free amino acids that formed blue pigment when reacted with thiosulfinate were glycine, arginine, lysine, serine, alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, and tyrosine. Arginine, asparagine, and glutamine had spectra that were more similar to naturally greened garlic extract.
Scores on the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire and Success in College Calculus

This study explored the association of scores for 94 pharmacy majors on the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire and success in college calculus courses as defined by final grade. In a simple regression two factors (G and A) were significant predictors of success in this exploratory study. Relevance to teaching and research is noted
Free amino-acids of blood plasma and erythrocytes of normal ducks and ducks infected with malarial parasite, Plasmodium lophurae.

IF the nutritional requirements of an intracellular parasite are to be revealed, it must be grown axenically in a medium susceptible ultimately to chemical analysis. Such cultivation has not yet been achieved for an intracellular parasite, but some progress has been made with the erythrocyte stages of the bird malarial parasite, Plasmodium lophurae. The single largest complicating factor in simplifying the culture medium is the red cell extract. This has been partially replaced by an enzyme hydrolysate of lactalbumin1 indicating the importance of supplying the appropriate amino-acids. Bowman2 suggested that an analysis of the free amino-acids of the red cell extract would undoubtedly lead to a simplification of the extract. The objectives of this investigation were: (a) to determine the free amino-acid pool of plasma and erythrocytes from normal ducks and ducks infected with P. lophurae; (b) to compare the relationships existing between the plasma and cellular free amino-acids; and (c) to detect deviations from the normal in ducks infected with malaria.
PHAGOTROPHY IN THE FRESHWATER, PHOTOSYNTHETIC DINOFLAGELLATE AMPHIDINIUM CRYOPHILUM1

The cold-water, photosynthetic dinoflagellate Amphidinium cryophilum Wedemayer, Wilcox & Graham feeds phagotrophically on other dinoflagellate species. Food is ingested through a feeding tube, termed here the “phagopod,” which extends from the antapex. The peduncle of this organism plays no observable role in the feeding process. The phagopod is essentially a hollow cylinder composed electron-opaque material that is possibly deposited on a membrane. No Amphidinium cytoplasmic components, including microtubules or other cytoskeletal elements, were observed in the phagopod. Prefeeding cells aggregate, in small clumps near prey organisms with their phagopods extended. Eventually some cells commence feeding, first inserting the phagopod through the prey cell-covering and then slowly, over a period of 10 min or more, drawing cytoplasm through the phagopod and into a nascent food vacuole. Both light and electron microscopy suggest that one or more prey cell amphiesmal membranes remain intact during the feeding process. Upon completion of feeding, the Amphidinium cell swims off with a prominent food vacuole in the hypocone, leaving at least part of the phagopod attached to the prey cell. Phagotrophy in A. cryophilum seems to vary with light intensity. At low light intensities, cells feed phagotrophically and are nearly colorless, whereas at high light levels they feed much less frequently, if at all, and are brightly pigmented.
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome in identical twins

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a syndrome of recurrent urticarial vasculitis, arthralgia/arthritis, and hypocomplementemia. Angioedema, ocular inflammation, glomerulonephritis, and obstructive lung disease are other clinical findings. Although the etiology of HUVS is unknown, its resemblance to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggests a similar pathogenesis. SLE is known to occur in identical twins. This is the first report of a pair of identical twins with HUVS. Concordance for HUVS in identical twins suggests that the pathogenesis of the disease involves abnormal genetic immunoregulation.
Genomic profiling of myeloid sarcoma by array comparative genomic hybridization

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a tumor mass of myeloblasts or immature myeloid cells occurring in an extramedullary site. In this study, seven cases of MS [stomach (1), testis (1), skin (2), and lymph node (3)] and 3 synchronous and 1 follow-up bone marrow (BM) samples were studied for genomic abnormalities using array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). Array-CGH construction used approximately 5,400 bacterial artificial chromosome clones from the RPCI-11 library, spanning the human genome. Data were analyzed using the DNAcopy software and custom heuristics. All MS cases had genomic abnormalities detected by array-CGH. Unbalanced genomic abnormalities in five MS cases were confirmed by conventional cytogenetics (CC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); these abnormalities included loss of 4q32.1-q35.2, 6q16.1-q21, and 12p12.2-p13.2 and gain of 8q21.2-q24.3, 8, 11q21-q25, 13q21.32-q34, 19, and 21. Array-CGH was also invaluable in identifying possible deletions, partner translocations, and breakpoints that were questionable by CC. The remaining two MS cases had genomic aberrations detected by array-CGH, but were not studied further by CC/FISH. Chromosome 8 was most commonly abnormal (3/7 cases). Identical genomic abnormalities were demonstrated in MS and in synchronous BM in two cases. These results demonstrate that array-CGH is a powerful tool to screen MS tissue for unbalanced genomic abnormalities, allowing identification of chromosome abnormalities when concurrent BM is nonanalyzable or nonleukemic.
A high voltage electron microscope study of the effects of preinjected helium on electron damage in aluminium

Abstract Defect clusters were formed and observed simultaneously in electron irradiated foils of aluminum, both uninjected and preinjected with about 8 atomic ppm helium, in a high voltage electron microscope operated at 650V. The nominal irradiation temperatures of the specimens were room temperature, 150°C and 200°C. The defect clusters in the form of dislocation loops formed in greater concentrations and persisted to longer times in the preinjected specimens than they did in the uninjected metal. At 200°C, no beam-induced loops were observed in the uninjected aluminum foil of usual thickness, but they were seen in the helium injected material. Faulted dislocation loops were more prevalent in the preinjected specimens. Under certain conditions the irradiated microstructure evolved to one resembling an unirradiated structure. It is concluded that the preinjected helium itself (rather than the associated alpha particle damage) causes the enhanced dislocation loop formation in the electron bombarded foils.
Information Illiteracy: Examining Our Assumptions.

This paper explores the notion of information illiteracy in relation to doctoral students' information literacy activities. Findings from a qualitative study of the doctoral literature review process portray learners as competent, rather than information illiterate, even though they may not have received information literacy interventions.
Defining heterochromatin in C. elegans through genome-wide analysis of the heterochromatin protein 1 homolog HPL-2

Formation of heterochromatin serves a critical role in organizing the genome and regulating gene expression. In most organisms, heterochromatin flanks centromeres and telomeres. To identify heterochromatic regions in the heavily studied model C. elegans, which possesses holocentric chromosomes with dispersed centromeres, we analyzed the genome-wide distribution of the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) ortholog HPL-2 and compared its distribution to other features commonly associated with heterochromatin. HPL-2 binding highly correlates with histone H3 mono- and dimethylated at lysine 9 (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2) and forms broad domains on autosomal arms. Although HPL-2, like other HP1 orthologs, binds H3K9me peptides in vitro, the distribution of HPL-2 in vivo appears relatively normal in mutant embryos that lack H3K9me, demonstrating that the chromosomal distribution of HPL-2 can be achieved in an H3K9me-independent manner. Consistent with HPL-2 serving roles independent of H3K9me, hpl-2 mutant worms display more severe defects than mutant worms lacking H3K9me. HPL-2 binding is enriched for repetitive sequences, and on chromosome arms is anticorrelated with centromeres. At the genic level, HPL-2 preferentially associates with well-expressed genes, and loss of HPL-2 results in up-regulation of some binding targets and down-regulation of others. Our work defines heterochromatin in an important model organism and uncovers both shared and distinctive properties of heterochromatin relative to other systems.
An arcing fault detection technique using low frequency current components-performance evaluation using recorded field data

Several low frequencies of the current waveform in distribution feeders exhibit modified behavior under fault conditions. Two frequencies, 180 Hz and 210 Hz, were selected for study owing to the strong magnitude variations associated with arcing faults at these frequencies. A hierarchical algorithm with adaptive characteristics is presented along with the performance results for its application at these low frequencies. The various parameters that affect the sensitivity of the algorithm are discussed. The results of tests using recorded field data are given, and the effects of using a digital filter front end for the algorithm are also discussed. >
Gender and Robbery: A National Test

Robbery is a quintessential male crime. Female involvement in this crime is important, however, as they are responsible for a non-trivial amount of robbery each year. While some qualitative studies have examined female involvement in robbery, patterns discerned from these studies have not been examined using alternative methods. The current study adds to our understanding of the gendered nature of robbery by examining patterns associated with male and female robbery perpetration from the victim's perspective using the National Crime Victimization Survey. Findings suggest the role of gender in robbery is not as influential as extent research indicates.
Potentiation of the response of frog rectus muscle to acetylcholine by isopropyl methyl phosphonofluoridate and its modification by pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide.

Abstract Pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide (P2AM) was used to study the relation between the recovery of cholinesterase activity of isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle and the change of isotonic response to acetylcholine after previous treatment with the anticholinesterase, isopropyl methyl phosphonofluoridate (sarin). Addition of P2AM to muscle which had been incubated with sarin produced an 88% decrease in potentiation to acetylcholine. This was accompanied by 71% and 35% recoveries of the cholinesterase activity of the intact and finely ground muscle respectively compared with controls from the contralateral muscle. Following pre-treatment with sarin, a two-hour rinsing with acetylcholine (3 μg./ml.) produced a 61% decrease in potentiation to acetylcholine accompanied by 24% and 4.5% recoveries of cholinesterase activity in intact and in ground muscle respectively. Since control experiments showed absence of uncombined sarin in the muscle after rinsing with acetylcholine solution, the results indicate a greater effectiveness of P2AM and acetylcholine in reactivating superficially situated cholinesterase of the frog rectus abdominis as compared with enzyme within the interior of the muscle.
Quest for a Turnover Mechanism in Peptide-Based Enzyme Mimics

Abstract Creation of synthetic structures with an enzyme-like mechanism and turnover remains a significant challenge. In this study, peptides containing a cysteine thiol and histidine imidazole group were designed to mimic the active site of the cysteine protease papain. Ellman's reagent trapping experiments showed that rapid acetyl group exchange exists between the thiol and imidazole groups. This exchange rate increased significantly in peptides with bulky R-groups (phenylalanine) between the cysteine and histidine. A reduction of the cysteine thiol pKa and NMR results further supports closer proximity of the thiol and imidazole groups in peptides with faster acetyl group exchange.
Implementation of concepts derived from model compound studies in the separation and conversion of bio-oil to fuel

Abstract Thermal conversion of biomass via pyrolysis, torrefaction, or liquefaction is an attractive process with significant economic potential. The main challenge of this technology is the upgrading of the intermediate liquid product (bio-oil) due to its complex composition. The components of bio-oil can be divided into light aqueous soluble oxygenates, furanics, phenolics, sugars and anhydrosugars, and larger oligomers. Since any single upgrading approach can only target the conversion of one or two families of compounds a combination of separation and conversion is necessary. A number of fundamental studies with model compounds have been done in the last few years and important concepts about reaction mechanisms and nature of active catalysts have been developed. Unfortunately, the complexity of bio-oil has hampered the impact of these fundamental studies on the practical applications. It is an important challenge to predict how each compound or family of compounds will behave over a catalyst in the presence of other families, when the entire mixture is fed. It is important to take into account that catalysts may quickly deactivate if the entire bio-oil is present, even when they were effective in the presence of a more pure stream. This knowledge should help guide the separation to evaluate the most effective catalytic upgrading strategies. The present review highlights recent advancements made with the conversion of model compounds present in bio-oil, as well as strategies to combine this knowledge with separation advancements in an effort to increase the amount of carbon in the biomass that can be economically converted to fuels and chemicals.
Aerobic metabolism of l-β-lysine in a Pseudomonas. Coenzyme A-dependent acetylation of l-β-lysine☆

Abstract An unidentified Pseudomonas, strain B4, capable of using l -β-lysine as a sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source was isolated from soil. The enzyme system required for the oxidation of this substrate is induced by l -β-lysine and to a lesser degree by 4-aminobutyrate. Extracts of the bacterium contain an enzyme catalyzing a reaction between acetyl-CoA and l -β-lysine to form 6-N-acetyl- l -β-lysine. Lysine, ornithine and other diamino and monoamino acids are not acetylated by this enzyme. The relatively high activity of the acetylating enzyme and the absence of enzymes catalyzing direct oxidation or deamination of l -β-lysine, indicate that acetylation is the first step in β-lysine metabolism in this organism. Acetyl-β-lysine is readily deaminated by extracts in the presence of an α-keto acid to form a second product that is uncharged in acid solution.
NMR and NQR properties of liquid In

The pseudopotential method in the theory of liquid metals and the experimental atomic interference functions have been used to investigate the temperature dependence of the Knight shift Ks and nuclear spin relaxation rate 1/T1 in liquid In. From this study, a value for the uniform exchange enhancement factor η = 1.65 has been predicted which agrees well with that estimated by Dupree and Seymour η = 1.58. With this η, K have been determined which are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data of Warren and Clark. These results seem to suggest that the core polarization contribution to Ks could be 25% of the direct shift and the exchange enhancement could be as large as 39% of Kstheo. From the present study the magnetic and quadrupolar contributions to Tl turn out to be T1 m = 0.538ms and T1 q = 0.960 ms, respectively, at 170°C. Die Pseudopotentialmethode in der Theorie fliissiger Metalle und die experimentellen atomaren Interferenzfunktionen wurden benutzt, urn die Temperaturabhangigkeit des Knight-Shifts Ks und der Kernspin-Relaxationsrate 1/T1 in flussigem In zu untersuchen. Damit wurde ein Wert fur den Austauschverstarkungsfaktor η = 1,65 bestimmt, der gut mit dem von Dupree und Seymour berechneten η = 1,58 ubereinstimmt. Mit diesem η wurde K bestimmt, wobei gute Ubereinstimmung mit den experimentellen Werten von Warren und Clark gefunden wurde. Diese Ergebnisse scheinen darauf hinzudeuten, das der Beitrag der Rumpfpolarisation zu Ks etwa 25% der direkten Verschiebung betragen kann, und das die Austauschvergroserung etwa 39% von Kstheo erreichen kann. Aus der vorliegenden Untersuchung ergeben sich die magnetischen und Quadrupol-Beitrage zu T1 zu T1 m = 0,538 ms bzw. T1 q = 0,960 ms bei 170°C.
Diets With Either Beef or Plant Proteins Reduce Risk of Calcium Oxalate Precipitation in Patients With a History of Calcium Kidney Stones

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of substituting equal amounts of dietary protein as animal protein (beef) for plant protein (legumes, seeds, nuts, and grains) on urinary components associated with calcium oxalate precipitability risk. Design Randomized crossover trial. Subjects Twenty-three normocalciuric patients with a history of calcium kidney stones (8 women and 15 men, mean age 50.7±14.6 years) with 24-hour urinary calcium ≤10.3μmol, 24 hour urinary oxalate excretion between 228 and 963μmol, and a urinary calcium increase of ≤1.0μmol in 4 hours after a 25μmol oral calcium load. Setting Four-day, free-living adaptation period, followed by 2-day metabolic unit study. Intervention The study compared consumption of 2 servings of beef (43g protein for women and 50g for men) daily with an equal amount of protein from plant foods including legumes, nuts, and grains. Main outcome measures Tiselius risk index (TRI) for calcium oxalate precipitability calculated from urinary calcium, oxalate, magnesium, citrate, and volume. Statistical analyses Paired t tests. Results Urinary calcium, oxalate, magnesium, citrate, phosphorus, volume, and TRI did not differ between diets. Urinary sodium and potassium were higher for patients on the plant protein diet. After correcting for variations in urinary sodium and potassium between diets, the difference in urinary calcium remained insignificant. TRI was lower on both beef- and plant-protein diets compared with self-selected prestudy diets for all participants. Conclusion/Applications Balanced diets containing moderate amounts of either beef or plant protein are equally effective in reducing calcium oxalate kidney stone risk based on changes in urinary composition. J Am Diet Asoc. 2001; 101:326-331 .
Fabrication and spectroscopy of thin films for power-gated holeburning

The fabrication of spectral storage materials presents a great challenge of tailoring the optical properties of a solid at the atomic scale. We show that by a careful choice of a host material and the luminescent rare earth centers created in it, thin film structures can be fabricated using pulsed laser deposition. It is shown that these structures can be tailored to satisfy the material requirements for the power-gated spectral holeburning, one of the most successful techniques for the spectral storage. In the form of multilayer thin film structures, these tailored materials can provide surface storage densities exceeding a terabit per square inch. Possibilities of tailoring new rare earth centers that can further multiply the storage densities have been discussed. Experimental data has been presented for the fabrication and characterization of such impurity based europium centers in MgS and CaS by chemically controlled pulsed laser deposition.
Nesting, spin fluctuations, and odd-gap superconductivity in NaxCoO2.yH2O.

We calculated the one-electron susceptibility of hydrated ${\mathrm{N}\mathrm{a}}_{x}{\mathrm{C}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and find strong nesting, involving about 70% of all electrons at the Fermi level and nearly commensurate with a $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$ superstructure. This nesting creates a tendency to a charge density wave compatible with the charge order often seen at $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.5$ and usually ascribed to electrostatic repulsion of Na ions. In the spin channel, it leads to strong spin fluctuations, which should be important for superconductivity. The state most compatible with this nesting structure is an odd-gap triplet $s$-wave state.
Marine zoning in St. Kitts and Nevis: A design for sustainable management in the Caribbean

Abstract Similar to many coastal or island countries, the waters around St. Kitts and Nevis, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, are home to multiple, cumulative, and often conflicting uses of the sea. Marine spatial planning and marine zoning hold great promises for addressing and balancing a number of marine management objectives in St. Kitts and Nevis under a common framework. We outline the key activities that led to the development of a draft marine zoning design for St. Kitts and Nevis, and discuss outcomes of the planning process and possible next steps towards implementation of a marine zoning plan. The key activities were focused around: 1) engaging stakeholders; 2) establishing clear objectives; 3) building an information base that spatially represents marine uses (i.e., a multi-objective geodatabase); 4) generating tools to assist stakeholders and decision makers in generating a zoning design and considering options and tradeoffs (i.e., decision support products); and 5) outlining the location of zones via a participatory process. The vision and foundation for marine zoning we outline here can continue to be leveraged by the citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis and serve as a model in other places engaged in similar efforts.
Cost-effectiveness perspectives in coronary heart disease.

In the United States there has been a dramatic decrease in age-adusted coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality during the last 20 years. This article investigates the reasons for this decline and concludes that most of the decline in CHD has been the result of life-style changes, particularly reduction in serum cholesterol and cigarette smoking. The CHD Policy Model is used to compare the effect of a targeted versus a population-wide program of cholesterol reduction. On the basis of these projections, population-wide interventions are considered an important part of cholesterol reduction programs. The article also assesses the cost-effectiveness of selected cardiac interventions, for example, screening exercise tolerance tests, coronary care units, thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction, and β-blockers in patients after myocardial infarction. Cost-effectiveness analysis is seen to be crucial as medical costs escalate and the population at risk from CHD increases
Dynamics in production-inventory-assembly manufacturing systems

Extending the approach presented in [1], a mathematical model which describes the interaction between production, inventory and assembly subsystems of a manufacturing process is postulated. The model consists of a set of nonlinear, stochastic, difference equations and contains a set of explicit feedback loops from the state variables (inventory stock levels) to the output of the production subsystem. A set of implicit feedback loops from the final assembly to subassemblies is also present. The normalized output of the final assembly is referred to as the production rate.
Kin selection and frequency dependence: a game theoretic approach

Game theory models show that the evolution of interactions between relatives is determined by two kinds of fitness effects: Hamilton's inclusive fitness effect, and a frequency-dependent synergistic effect. The latter arises when an individual's behaviour has different effects on the fitness of interactants, depending on whether or not they perform the same behaviour. Knowing the sign of the synergistic effect is sufficient to understand most of the qualitative features of genetic models that show departures from Hamilton's rule. Since this synergistic effect does not depend on the interactants being related, it is best viewed as something distinct from kin selection. In this view, Hamilton's rule is basically correct for describing kin selection, and most deviations from it are due to the distinct process of synergistic selection.
The transitions and melting behavior of thermally crystallized poly(ethylene terephthalate) and their correlations with ftir and density measurements

The transitions and melting behavior of thermally crystallized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are studied using a computerized differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). A transition occurs from a structural stage characterized by a strong glass transition and an exothermic crystallization peak to a stage with a barely perceptible glass transition and an endothermic low melting (LM) peak in the DSC thermograms. This transition corresponds to the change from the primary to secondary crystallization process of PET. The exothermic crystallization peak is only observed within the primary crystallization stage. The maximum temperature of the LM peak is a function of annealing temperature and time, and depends on the microstructure of the imperfectly formed crystallites. The high melting peak is the melting of crystallites of higher perfection and is influenced by the recrystallization process of the sample during the scan.
Examining the potential of fuzzy software requirements specifications

Abstract This paper looks at the possibility of using fuzzy terms in a software requirements specification. Potential benefits are reviewed. Methods for testing whether a fuzzy specification is met are investigated. Ways of modeling criticality and rigidity of specifications using fuzzy approaches are also identified. An example based on query response times is used throughout the paper. The results of a pilot study to see whether computer response time requirements can be fuzzified are described.
Optical lithography: Present status and continuation below 0.25 μm

Abstract At present, 5x reduction wafer steppers at i-line and Deep UV wavelengths are available for mass production of devices with 0.35 μm design rules. These wafer steppers have all necessary capabilities for economic volume production such as registration accuracy, throughput and focus tolerance. In this paper the evolution and future potential of optical patterning will be discussed. Topics that will be included are: • - Progress of the classical lens parameters such as Numerical Aperture (NA), exposure wavelength and field size. • - Economical aspects. The high costs of large field lenses are a driving force for future photo composition strategies such as stitching and scanning. • - Important improvement in optical projection which can be expected by optimizing elements in the imaging system outside the actual projection lens, such as reticles, special illumination and resists. The ultimate performance that is needed from optical systems in the future, can only be reached by optimizing all elements of this total imaging system. In doing so, it can be expected that a production resolution below 0.15 μm can be realized with optical reduction systems.
Seasonal variation in sediment transport on the Russian River shelf, California

Near-bottom currents, light transmission and scattering, and bottom pressure were measured with GEOPROBE tripods and vector-averaging current meters during June 1979 to April 1980 on the central shelf 10 km west of the Russian River, California. The instruments were located on the mid-shelf mud belt composed of bimodal sandy clayey silts contributed principally by the Russian River. During the summer season of persistent northwesterly, upwelling-favorable winds, the average and maximum current speeds 5 m above the bottom were 11 and 31 cm s−1, respectively. The mean (subtidal) flow at 5 m above bottom was poleward and slightly offshore at about 6 cm s−1. The strongest wave-generated bottom currents were about 10 cm s−1, but oscillatory velocities > 5 cm s−1 were infrequent. Suspended-matter concentrations, derived from the optical data at 1.9 m above the bottom, ranged from 1 to 6 mg l−1. The optical data show that the currents and waves were generally below threshold levels for sediment erosion through the summer. In contrast, during the autumn and, particularly, the winter months, the average and maximum concentrations of suspended matter increased substantially. The increases were primarily caused by larger waves from distant storms and short intervals of strong currents associated with local storms and, secondarily, by the large seasonal flow of the Russian River. Wind-driven and wave-generated bottom currents were as large as 37 and 45 cm s−1, respectively, during local storms in December 1979 and February 1980. Suspended-matter concentrations averaged about 7 mg l−1 during non-storm winter periods, but increased to nearly 150 mg l−1 during a December storm. Estimates of suspended-matter flux near the bottom show that the local winter storms, which had a combined duration of about 12 days, could account for 30 to 50% of the total annual suspended-sediment transport at the mid-shelf site. Although intervals of large swell were at times superimposed on southward advective currents, the major sediment-transport events were caused by strong southerly winds that produced poleward bottom currents with a significant offshore component. The primary aspects of the distribution of modern sediments on this shelf are in good agreement with the observed poleward transport.
Vibronically induced two-exciton bands in KMnF 3 and RbMnF 3

Several two-exciton bands in the optical-absorption spectra of antiferromagnets ${\mathrm{KMnF}}_{3}$ (${T}_{N}$\ensuremath{\simeq}88 K) and ${\mathrm{RbMnF}}_{3}$ (${T}_{N}$\ensuremath{\simeq}83 K) are studied and their coupling energies, varying between 50 and 710 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, are determined. Also, the temperature dependence (10--300 K) of the oscillator strength, the line position E and the half-width at half maximum \ensuremath{\delta} of two of these bands, \ensuremath{\alpha}(A+A) and \ensuremath{\gamma}(A+C), is measured. The oscillator strength of the \ensuremath{\alpha} and \ensuremath{\gamma} bands decreases as the tempertaure increases, in agreement with an expression given by Fujiwara et al. For the parent A and C single-exciton bands, the oscillator strength increases up to ${T}_{N}$ and then remains essentially constant above ${T}_{N}$. The line position follows an Einstein-type relation E(T)=E(0)+A*/[exp(T*/T)-1]. For ${\mathrm{KMnF}}_{3}$ (${\mathrm{RbMnF}}_{3}$) a single ${T}^{\mathrm{*}}$=569 K (531 K) describes well the temperature dependence of the A, the \ensuremath{\alpha}, and the \ensuremath{\gamma} bands, confirming that these vibronically induced transitions are promoted by a single phonon. The temperature dependence of \ensuremath{\delta} for the \ensuremath{\alpha} and \ensuremath{\gamma} bands in ${\mathrm{KMnF}}_{3}$ also follows the Einstein-type relation. The above estimate of ${T}^{\mathrm{*}}$ agrees well with the known frequencies of a phonon in ${\mathrm{KMnF}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{RbMnF}}_{3}$.
The γ Subunit Modulates Na+ and K+Affinity of the Renal Na,K-ATPase *

The Na+,K+-ATPase catalyzes the active transport of ions. It has two necessary subunits, α and β, but in kidney it is also associated with a 7.4-kDa protein, the γ subunit. Stable transfection was used to determine the effect of γ on Na,K-ATPase properties. When isolated from either kidney or transfected cells, αβγ had lower affinities for both Na+ and K+ than αβ. A post-translational modification of γ selectively eliminated the effect on Na+ affinity, suggesting three configurations (αβ, αβγ, and αβγ*) conferring different stable properties to Na,K-ATPase. In the nephron, segment-specific differences in Na+ affinity have been reported that cannot be explained by the known α and β subunit isoforms of Na,K-ATPase. Immunofluorescence was used to detect γ in rat renal cortex. Cortical ascending limb and some cortical collecting tubules lacked γ, correlating with higher Na+ affinities in those segments reported in the literature. Selective expression in different segments of the nephron is consistent with a modulatory role for the γ subunit in renal physiology.
Advanced applications of APL: logic programming, neural networks, and hypertext

This paper reviews the work of the author on the application of the APL and APL2 programming languages to logic programming, emulation of neural networks, and the programming of hypertext applications.
The Study of Dynamic Slug Flow Characteristics Using Digital Image Analysis—Part II: Modeling Results

A definition is given for a Froude number in the liquid film ahead of the slug and it is seen that slug characteristics are strongly influenced by the Froude number. The mechanisms in the mixing zone of the slug are described in detail and are shown to be a function of the film Froude number. It is shown that the Hubbard and Dukler model for mixing length is inadequate. A new expression is proposed for the slug mixing length as a function of the film Froude number.
Labour Rents, Adjustment Costs and the Cost of US Steel Trade Restraints in the 1980s

Recent studies have compared labour gains from protection in import-competing industries with the costs of protection and found that those gains are not large enough to justify trade restraints. This study utilizes a new empirical technique for estimating the costs and benefits of protection in a partial equilibrium framework, and provides a complete and consistent accounting of labour benefits including both labour rents and adjustment costs saved. We find that a small steel tariff could have generated net welfare gains for the US in the 1980s, even though actual protection through Voluntary Restraint Agreements generated net welfare losses.
Understanding swollen–collapsed and re-entrant transitions in polyelectrolyte nanogels by a modified Donnan theory

We propose a modified Donnan theory for studying the volume transition behavior of polyelectrolyte nanogels at high salt concentrations. Inclusion of the excluded volume effect of ions explains a re-entrant behavior; nanogels undergo a swollen–collapsed–swollen transition with increase in the salt concentration. The optimal compaction of nanogels can be controlled by the addition of a neutral component or by using a solution of monovalent and divalent salts. Effects of the dielectric mismatch on the swelling response of a nanogel in a solution of monovalent and divalent salts are analyzed.
Breeding by Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) in Southern Arkansas

Abstract Suitable nesting sites created as a result of construction of concrete bridges in southern Arkansas have allowed cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) to extend their breeding range southward. During spring 2007, several locations in the Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic province of southern Arkansas were being used for nesting. These observations expand the known breeding range from the Red River drainage in southwestern Arkansas (and one location in the Ouachita River drainage) across the Gulf Coastal Plain including the Ouachita and Saline drainages of southeastern Arkansas.
Steepening of nonlinear waves in the solar wind.

Two shock-like structures (i.e., abrupt step-like increases in number density, bulk speed, and proton temperature) were found in the data from Mariner 5 at 0.98 AU on June 26 and at 0.85 AU on Aug. 29, 1967. The thickness of these 'structures' determined from the magnetic field data was more than 1000 proton Larmor radii. They were also observed by Explorer 33, 34, and 35 at 1 AU, where the thicknesses were much smaller than in the Mariner 5 data. It is suggested that these two structures were nonlinear magnetoacoustic waves that were in the processes of steepening. It is further suggested that shocks would be formed just beyond 1 AU. These structures were not associated with corotating streams, but they could be associated with impressive solar events in which a flare was followed by type 2 and type 4 radio emission and a rare chromospheric wave.
Toward a System Approach to Human Error Investigation

A supporting investigation of human operator errors is discussed. Existing classification systems (taxonomies) are mostly used to analyze the accident reports, and not for investigating the accidents themselves. These systems provide appropriate taxonomy primarily for Reason's latent conditions and not so much for active errors. A model incorporating the active error characteristics of underlying cognitive sources along with the classification system for them is presented. It describes a human operator error as a group of frames adjusted to the activity of different operators, such as pilot or air traffic controller. Our model of active error and its classification system, combined with existing latent conditions classification systems, constitute a powerful tool – a decision support system for investigating human errors. Additionally, our model can be used as a basis for defining algorithms to analyze human performance in complex man-machine systems.
Transcriptional Regulation of Inhibin Beta B Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels in TM.4 or Primary Rat Sertoli Cells by 8-bromo-cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate

FSH, a major regulator of inhibin production in the testis, is believed to exert its effects via cAMP second messenger system. Inhibin alpha-subunit gene appears to be regulated by cAMP and has a palindromic cAMP response element sequence TGACGTCA. However, the regulation of the inhibin beta B-subunit gene by cAMP has been less clear. It has been assumed that beta B may not be regulated by cAMP, based mainly on observations that FSH stimulates only alpha, not beta B, mRNA levels, and that the 5'-up-stream regulatory region of the beta B gene does not contain the classical cAMP response element. However, we have observed that 8-bromo-cAMP stimulates beta B mRNA levels in both primary Sertoli (approximately 2-fold) and TM.4 cells (approximately 5-fold). We examined whether this cAMP-induced increase in beta B mRNA levels is the result of increased transcription or altered mRNA stability. Data from nuclear run-on assays demonstrate about a 2-fold increase in relative mRNA synthesis rates in primary Sertoli-cells and about a 4- to 5-fold increase in TM.4 cells. Transfection studies in TM.4 and JEG.3 cell lines with beta B:luciferase chimeric reporter gene constructs containing 1.5 kilobases of the beta B 5'-up-stream regulatory region revealed marked cAMP induction of reporter gene activity in both cell types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Raindrop: a uniform and layered algebraic framework for XQueries on XML streams

XML stream applications bring the challenge of efficiently processing queries on sequentially accessible token-based data. While the automata model is naturally suited for pattern matching on tokenized XML streams, the algebraic model in contrast is a well-established technique for set-oriented processing of self-contained tuples. However, neither automata nor algebraic models are well-equipped to handle both computation paradigms.The goal of the Raindrop project is to accommodate these two paradigms within one algebraic framework to take advantage of both. In our query model, both tokenized data and self-contained tuples are supported in a uniform manner. Query plans can be flexibly rewritten using equivalence rules to change what computation is done using tokenized data versus tuples. This paper highlights the four abstraction levels in Raindrop, namely, semantics-focused plan, stream logical plan, stream physical plan and execution plan. Various optimization techniques are provided at each level. The necessity of such a uniform and layered plan is shown by experimental study
Adaptive Electronic Quizzing Method for Introductory Electrical Circuit Course

The interactive technical electronic book, TechEBook, currently under development at the University of Central Florida, provides a useful tool for engineers and scientists through unique features compared to the most used traditional electrical circuit textbooks available in the market. TechEBook has comprised the two worlds of classical circuit books and an interactive operating platform such as laptops and desktops utilizing Java Virtual Machine operator. The TechEBook provides an interactive applets screen that holds many modules, in which each had a specific application in the self learning process. This paper describes one of the interactive techniques in the TechEBook known as, QuizMe, for evaluating the readersâ?? performance and the overall understanding for all subjects at any stage. The QuizMe will be displayed after each section in the TechEBook for the user to evaluate his/her understanding, which introduces the term me-learning, as a comprehensive full experience for self or individualized education. In this paper, a practical example of applying the QuizMe feature is discussed as part of a basic electrical engineering course currently given at the University of Central Florida.
The evolution of veterinary surgical oncology

Tremendous change and progress have occurred in the field of oncology over the last several decades. Progression in diagnostic techniques, patient support, adjuvant therapies and surgeon training has allowed the field of surgical oncology to make continued improvements in the human cancer field. Although a relatively young field, veterinary surgical oncology has followed in the progressive footsteps of our human counterparts. This article describes the evolution of this rapidly expanding field of veterinary medicine.
Production costing strategy for optimal SO2 compliance using Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract One of the main goals of electric utilities is to meet the required load demand in the most cost effective manner. With the continuing emphasis on environmental factors and the addition of the Clean Air Act Amendments of November 1990, cost effective solutions must now be subject to environmental considerations. This paper describes a simple framework which uses the Monte Carlo method to develop an economic and emissions based objective function for use in a production cost model. A computer program has been developed to implement this method on a DEC 3100 workstation. System studies are performed to illustrate the technique.