cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of temperature and species distributions in hydrocarbon reservoirs

[1] We examine bulk fluid motion and diffusion of multicomponent hydrocarbon species in porous media in the context of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, with particular focus on the phenomenology induced by horizontal thermal gradients at the upper and lower horizontal boundaries. The problem is formulated with respect to the barycentric (mass-averaged) frame of reference. Thermally induced convection, with fully time-dependent temperature distributions, can lead to nearly constant hydrocarbon composition, with minor unmixing due to thermal gradients near the horizontal boundaries. Alternately, the composition can be vertically segregated due to gravitational effects. Independent and essentially steady solutions have been found to depend on how the compositions are initialized in space and may have implications for reservoir history. We also examine injection (to represent filling) and extraction (to represent leakage) of hydrocarbons at independent points and find a large distortion of the gas-oil contact for low permeability.
Self-Directed Adult Learning: A Critical Paradigm.

Research into self-directed learning constitutes a chief growth area in the field of adult education research in the last decade. This paper argues that the propensity and capacity of many adults to conduct self-directed learning projects is now well proven, and that researchers should now infuse a spirit of self-critical scrutiny into this developing field of research. The paper advances four criticisms regarding the current state of self-directed learning research and offers suggestion for shifts in the research paradigm governing this field. The criticisms voiced refer to (1) the emphasis on middle class adults as the sampling frame for studies of this mode of learning, (2) the almost exclusive use of quantitative or quasi-quantitative measures in assessing the extent of learning and the concomitant lack of attention to its quality, (3) the emphasis on the individual dimensions of such learning to the exclusion of any consideration of the social context in which it occurs and, finally, (4) to the absen...
Effect of Diazepam on Plasma γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Sons of Alcoholic Fathers

A subgroup of abstinent alcoholics, display low levels of plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Two previous studies of plasma GABA in sons of alcoholic fathers (SOAs) have yielded conflicting results. The aim of the current study was to measure plasma GABA both at baseline and after challenge with diazepam, a GABAA receptor agonist, in a group of SOAs already shown to display decreased eye movement, memory, and sedative effects of diazepam. Twenty-seven SOAs and 23 male control subjects received four logarithmically increasing doses of diazepam or placebo in randomized order on 2 days at least 1 week apart. Plasma GABA was measured at baseline and after the last dose. There were no significant differences between SOAs and controls in baseline plasma GABA levels. In the whole sample, there were significant correlations between baseline plasma GABA and both high novelty-seeking and low-harm avoidance scores on the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. Both SOAs and controls displayed decreases in plasma GABA over time on both testing days, but there was no effect of diazepam on plasma GABA and no significant difference between groups in plasma GABA response to diazepam. These results suggest that neither low plasma GABA at baseline nor altered plasma GABA response to diazepam is associated with increased genetic risk for alcoholism.
Control Parameters and Quantification for System Reliability Design

The reliability of a mechanical system is not simply determined by the reliabilities of components composing the system. For a specified system configuration, system reliability depends on not only component reliability, but also the degree of the dependence among component failures, which can be characterized by load roughness in an extent. In the same way, system complexity depends on not only the number of components that the system contains but also the dependence among component failures. This paper analyzes the main factors that affect the relationship between system reliability and component reliabilities in term of component failure dependence. The factors include load uncertainty, component strength uncertainty, and load roughness as well. Traditional parameter describing system complexity is modified, new parameter to describe component complexity is defined. These parameters play important rule for system reliability design or system reliability allocation.
Valuation of travel time and departure time choice in the presence of time-of-day pricing

Abstract This paper evaluates the efficiency of New Jersey Turnpike (NJTPK) time-of-day pricing program via derivation of value of travel time (VOTT) from an analytical approach. The proposed model extends classical time allocation models while considering departure/arrival time choices and relaxes the constant marginal utility assumption to derive an analytical model for VOTT as well as to investigate the theoretical relationship between VOTT, departure/arrival time choice, income, and travel time. Using the traveler survey data collected to evaluate the NJTPK time-of-day pricing program, VOTT functions are estimated for different departure time choices and for trip purposes. The main contribution of the empirical results presented in this study is that in the presence of time-of-day pricing applications, when the main choice of commuters is departure time rather than alternative routes and/or modes, VOTT is influenced from the departure time, trip purpose, desired arrival time, and deviation from the desired arrival time in addition to the travel time, toll, and income parameters. Mean VOTT values are found to range between $15 per hour and $20 h−1, depending on departure time choice and trip purpose. This result indicates relatively high VOTT values, explaining the low level of response to the minor toll differentials introduced by the NJTPK Authority.
Large-scale ab initio nanostructure electronic structure calculations for energy applications

Nanostructures have often been used to construct third-generation solar cells and for solid state lighting. To fully explore the potential for such energy applications, we need to understand the electronic and optical properties of the corresponding nanosystems. These include the quantum confinement effects, the electron hole separations, the exciton binding energy, and optical absorption spectrums. In the past ten years, we have developed a systematic approach to study such properties of thousand atom nanostructures based on ab initio calculations and large -cale comutations. In this paper, we present a few examples using such an approach to study the nanostructure properties related to energy applications.
Hexosediphosphatase from spinach chloroplasts: purification, crystallization and some properties.

Abstract Hexosediphosphatase ( d -fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 1-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.11) has been isolated, purified, and crystallized, from previously isolated spinach chloroplasts. The effects of various anions, cations, and sulfhydryl compounds were tested, and activation by Mg 2+ , glycine, HCO 3 − , and sulfhydryl compounds is described. The purified enzyme is very specific for fructose 1,6-diphosphate and does not attack sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphate. The s 20 value of the enzyme was 7.7, from which the molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated as 140 000.
Effects of reinforcement level and number of N-R transitions on resistance to discrimination

Four groups of eight rats were trained in a successive brightness differential conditioning problem. All groups received partial reinforcement in S+ and nonreinforcement on all S− trials. Two groups were rewarded on 75% of their S+ trials and two groups were rewarded on 87.5% of their S+ trials. Three of the four groups received transitions from nonrewarded to rewarded trials (N-R transitions) in S+. Speed of running in S− was inversely related to percentage of reward in S+ and was greater in groups given N-R transitions than in the group given no N-R transitions. The results were in agreement with an extension of sequential theory, incorporating the reinforcement level principle, to differential conditioning.
The dynamics of organizational status

This paper examines the growth (and decline) of organizational status. It is argued that an organization's status is determined by two factors: past performance outcomes and the status of the organization's affiliates. The better the past performance outcomes and the higher the status of the affiliates, the greater the organization's growth in status. This basic proposition is tested in an examination of status changes among investment banks in the non-investment grade market between 1981 and 1987. Implications and extensions are discussed in the conclusion. Copyright 1996 by Oxford University Press.
A theory of high-Tc superconductivity

Abstract For high-Tc superconductors such as YBa2Cu3O6.5 + 6z, the Cu 3dx2−y2 and O 2p energy levels may be close together (ϵd−ϵp ∼ 0). For z0, holes are created in the upper oxygen band. The oxygen Hubbard parameter U′ is important for this upper Hubbard band. For sufficiently large z-dependence of U′, there may be attraction due to the electron density fluctuations on the oxygen sites; hence high-Tc superconductivity may develop. A BCS-like Hamiltonian may be used for this attraction. The BCS theory may then be adapted to calculate Tc. The theoretical results are consistent with the experimental data. It appears that the crucial criteria are: (a) ϵd−ϵp ∼ 0 and (b) sufficiently large z-dependence of U′.
Some characteristics of psychophysical data obtained with a group version of the up-and-down method

Data are presented to illustrate some peculiarities of a group version of the up-and-down method proposed by Hanley and Zerbolio (1964) for the study of age changes in psychophysical judgments. When applied to the measurement of distance perception, the method fails to reveal the overconstancy bias found in adults by other methods (e.g., adjustment), while producing a highly inflated picture of the inter-S variability. These results, coupled with certain anomalous age trends uncovered in Hanley and Zerbolio’s own application of the method to the study of illusions, are attributed to the limitation of each S to a single discrete judgment based on only the briefest exposure to the situation and thus precluding any adaptation to the task.
Vascular Casts of Experimental Retinal Neovascularization

Autotransplantation of skin fibroblasts into the vitreous cavity of the rabbit eye resulted in the formation of fibrous strands that rapidly vascularized. To study this neovascularization, we injected methylmethacrylate monomer via the common carotid artery and made plastic casts between three days and three months after transplantation. Budding of new vessels into the fibrous tissue from retinal veins was observed as soon as three days after transplantation. The new vessels grew rapidly into the fibrous tissue matrix and an increasing number of anastomoses developed during the observation period. Neovascular fans developed at the proximal end of the proliferating fibrous tissue two to four weeks after injection. As the strands contracted, changes in blood flow resulted in aneurysmal dilatations and glomerular formations.
Increasing food intake in nursing home residents: efficacy of the Sorbet Increases Salivation intervention.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the effect of the Sorbet Increases Salivation (SIS) intervention on resident food intake and body weight. Using a pre- post design, thirty-nine nursing home residents received 2 ounces of lemon-lime sorbet prior to lunch and dinner meals for 6 weeks. As a comparison and prior to the intervention, participants were offered 2 ounces of a non-citrus drink for 6 weeks prior to the lunch and dinner meals. Twenty-two residents completed both the comparison and intervention periods. Of those, 8 gained weight, 10 maintained and 4 lost weight. The amounts of food ingested during dinner increased significantly (p = 0.001) from the comparison period to the intervention period (208–253 g). For liquids, the amounts ingested during dinner decreased significantly (p = 0.002) from the comparison period to the intervention period (from 356 ml to 310 ml). Further study is needed to test the efficacy of the intervention with a larger sample of residents from multiple nursing homes.
The Problem of Social Cost Revisited

SOME years ago, in a paper entitled "The Problem of Social Cost,"' Professor Ronald Coase asserted and argued for a proposition which has since acquired the convenient sobriquet "the Coase Theorem." The proposition is: That in a world of perfect competition, perfect information, and zero transaction costs, the allocation of resources in the economy will be efficient and will be unaffected by legal rules regarding the initial impact of costs resulting from externalities. Note that there are two claims being made, which it is well to separate for purposes of discussion. The first claim is that, under the conditions described, some efficient allocation of resources will be achieved, whatever the legal rule. The second claim is that, under those conditions, the same efficient allocation will be achieved, whatever the legal rule. I shall refer to the first claim as the "efficiency" thesis and to the second claim as the "invariance" thesis of the Coase Theorem. I shall argue that neither thesis can be deduced from the traditional assumptions about individual economic behavior which are the foundation of neoclassical price theory and contemporary welfare economics.2 Let me be quite clear (or as clear as I can be in advance of presenting my argument)-my primary point is not that the Coase Theorem is false, but that the truth of the Coase Theorem can only be deduced from an assumption or assumptions which differ in kind from the usual assumptions we make about economic agents. The most traditional sort of assumption, and the assumption which is part of every rigorous proof I am familiar with concerning the existence or efficiency of competitive equilibria, is the assumption that each economic agent maximizes something (utility or profit) in the face of prices he takes as given. We depart from this most traditional sort of assumption in the case of the monopolist or the monopsonist-but even the monopolist and the monopsonist operate in an economic environment
Preparation of radiolabeled pregnenolone analogs. 21-Fluoro- pregnenolone-21- 18F, 21-fluoropregnenolone-3-acetate-21- 18F, 21-fluoropregnenolone-7- 3H, and 21-fluoropregnenolone-3-acetate-7- 3H

21-Fluoropregnenolone-3-acetate-21-18F (4b) and 21-fluoropregnenolone-21-18F (8) were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of the iodo group of the corresponding 21-iodo analogs by F-fluoride in an acetonitrile solution of 18-Crown-6. 21-Fluoropregnenolone-3-acetate- 7- 3H (10b) and 21-fluoropregnenolone-7- 3H (9b) were synthesized by reacting 21-ethoxalyl pregnenolone-7- 3H (6b) with perchloryl fluoride.
Domestic violence: one outlook.

In the USA, more and more attention is being paid to the plight of women who are the victims of domestic violence. Law enforcement officials, support groups, safe houses, and local coalitions to combat domestic violence are becoming more and more visible. Because obstetricians and gynaecologists are the health professionals who care for many women, they play a vital role in detecting when a woman may be the victim of abuse
Facilitating stimulus effects of reward and punishment in discrimination learning

To demonstrate a facilitating stimulus effect, as opposed to an incentive effect, of food reward, rats were trained on an easy, light-dark discrimination with different amounts of reward for correct and incorrect responses (1-0, 2-0, 3-1, and 5-1 pellets, respectively), and with shock or no shock administered in the correct goalbox. Both errors and trials to criterion were fewer with a large reward differential (LRD: 2-0 and 5-1), as compared with a small reward differential (SRD: 1-0 and 3-1), but were not affected by the “base” reinforcement condition of either 1 or 0 pellets for the incorrect response. In addition, choice and arm speeds during early training were positively related to the combined, or average, number of pellets contingent upon both correct and incorrect responses, indicating a generalization of reward expectancies. Although shock uniformly suppressed arm speeds under all reward conditions, it facilitated discrimination learning in the SRD conditions. That such facilitation occurred only when the conditions of reward for correct and incorrect responses were relatively similar indicates that not only shock, but also food can function as a distinctive cue: As a stimulus selectively applied to one response, it can decrease the similarity of the alternatives, and, in this manner, it can faciltate performance.
Acupuncture for Pediatric Pain

Chronic pain is a growing problem in children, with prevalence as high as 30.8%. Acupuncture has been found to be useful in many chronic pain conditions, and may be of clinical value in a multidisciplinary treatment program. The basic principles of acupuncture are reviewed, as well as studies exploring basic mechanisms of acupuncture and clinical efficacy. Conditions commonly treated in the pediatric pain clinic, including headache, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, juvenile arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, cancer pain, as well as perioperative pain studies are reviewed and discussed. Areas in need of further research are identified, and procedural aspects of acupuncture practice and safety studies are reviewed. Acupuncture can be an effective adjuvant in the care of pediatric patients with painful conditions, both in a chronic and an acute setting. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials, as well as trials of comparative effectiveness are needed.
Cytokinin-like activity of 8-quinolinol sulphate.

CHUA1 has recently reported that 8-quinolinol sulphate, a compound with known antifungal and antibacterial properties, also has cytokinin-like activity. This conclusion was based on the fact that 8-quinolinol sulphate retarded the senescence of excised oat leaves. Two facts tend to diminish the validity of this conclusion: the bioassay is not specific for cytokinins—compounds other than cytokinins defer loss of chlorophyll and protein—and bacterial contamination hastens the senescence process. Thus in non-sterile conditions (which seem to be the conditions of Chua's1 experiment), a substance which merely inhibits micro-organism growth could indirectly retard senescence but still not in fact have cytokinin-like activity.
Association of Cardiac Drugs with Depression after Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Depressive adverse effects of major cardiac medications in patients with cardiovascular disease have been suggested. Objective: To investigate the influence of the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and/or β-blockers on subsequent depressive symptoms in patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A sample of 521 patients was followed for 8 months during 1,340 observations. Data were collected from structured telephone interviews and medical record chart reviews. Pooled time series generalized estimating equations regression models were used to evaluate depressive symptom scores, controlling for major clinical and sociodemographic patient characteristics. Results: No significant independent or interactive effects were found linking the use of these medications to subsequent depressive symptoms, despite changes in depressive symptoms over time. Factors that did affect subsequent depression included sociodemographic (eg, increased age, less education) and clinical characteristics (eg, higher composite comorbidity, prior history of depression and/or first myocardial infarction, higher postdischarge pain levels). Conclusions: Our results suggest that potential depressive adverse effects should not be considered a contraindication to the use of recommended cardiac medications. Observed increases in depressive symptoms after an acute cardiac injury will more likely be attributed to other patient characteristics independent of the use of major drug therapy prescribed to prevent further acute cardiac events.
Blind men and an elephant

In this issue of Blood , Pawlyn et al examine the prognostic implications of overlapping chromosomal abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM), demonstrating that coexistence of hyperdiploidy does not mitigate the impact of high-risk abnormalities.[1][1] The story of the blind men and an elephant
Dietary patterns according to headache and migraine status: A cross-sectional study:

BackgroundSeveral potential dietary trigger factors for migraine have been proposed. However, few studies have examined the intake pattern of these dietary items compared to adequate control popula...
DISTRIBUTION OF MITOTIC ACTIVITY WITHIN THE SHOOT APEX OF ELODEA DENSA

Recently, there has developed an increasing awareness of the inadequacy of describing the shoot apex solely in terms of planes of wall formation. Superimposed upon a pattern of zonation based upon the orientation of cell walls, one or more zones may be established on the basis of various combinations of cytohistological features, as cell size, nuclear size and shape, reaction to stain, degree of vacuolation, thickness of cell walls, and relative frequency of mitoses (cf., inter alia, Foster, 1941; Gifford, 1950, 1954; Hsii, 1944; Kasapligil, 1951; Majumdar, 1942; Millington and Gunckel 1950; Philipson, 1946, 1947, 1949; Reeve, 1948a, 1948b). Depending upon the criteria used and the plant studied, a diversity of nomenclatures for these zones and differences in their limits has resulted. A new theory of the structure of the shoot apex has been proposed by Buvat (1952). In addition to establishing zones on the basis of cytohistological characters and presumptive fate, he has introduced a more critical method of defining the distribution of mitotic activity within the shoot apex which involves the actual plotting of observed mitoses. The present study is concerned with the distribution of mitotic activity in the shoot apex and with its possible relationship to regions which are suggested by applying other cytohistological criteria. The shoot apex of Elodea densa2 was chosen as the subject of study because of its large size and its rapidity of growth. These qualities allow a more careful study of mitotic distribution, because a larger number of cells within a limited number of apices will be in the process of division. It was also considered necessary to include a study of mitotic activity over a 24-hr. period. Observations of others (Friesner, 1920; Karsten, 1915, 1918; Kellicott, 1904; Lance, 1952; Stalfelt, 1921, et al.) have demonstrated diurnal peri-
The nature and use of proto-languages

Abstract While it is true that languages related through (as one says) common descent are derived from a common ancestor language, this idiom, if unattested and available only in the form of a reconstructed proto-language, has only a limited degree of realism. The manner in which linguistic reconstruction proceeds, the lack of truly quantitative criteria in determining type and degree of linguistic relatedness, and the necessity to arrive at an entirely uniform linguistic construct are all apt to deliver a distorted or false view of the proto-language. Indeed its very existence may be questionable, especially if it cannot be supported by non-linguistic evidence; this applies in particular to intermediate reconstructed proto-languages like Proto-Italo-Keltic, Proto-West-Germanic, Proto-Ibero-Romanic, which are but way-stations on the road to the ultimate parent language. It is therefore suggested that all proto-languages be considered creations for the convenience of linguistic investigation and for the purpose of delving into an otherwise inaccessible linguistic past, but that no claim should be made for their being viewed and dealt with as real languages in any sense of the word, unless and until there accrues sufficient non-linguistic evidence for fixing them in time and place and for associating them with an anthropologically, archaeologically, or historically identifiable society. The reverse process, that is, the creation of a society to go with an unattested, reconstructed proto-language, is altogether improper.
Holt oram syndrome associated with carcinoma

A family consisting of a mother and 2 daughters presented with the skeletal and cardiac changes (atrial septal defect) compatible with the Holt Oram Syndrome. The roentgenographic features of the upper limb abnormalities as well as other skeletal changes were quite extensive and variable. In addition, one 16 year old daughter developed an adenocarcinoma with a pseudo-adamantine pattern of the parotid gland. This represents the first known malignancy complicating this syndrome. Further investigation of families with this syndrome will determine whether or not this occurrence is coincidental.
Effect of yaw on heat transfer in a cuplike cavity facing a freestream flow

Wind tunnel experiments were performed to determine the response of the heat transfer coefficient at the base of an open-ended cylindrical cavity to yawed (i.e., nonperpendicular) impingement of the freestream flow on the cavity opening. The experiments encompassed yaw angles from 0 (perpendicular impingement) to 45 deg, cavity depth-diameter ratios from 0 to 0.65, and Reynolds numbers from 4,500 to 45,000. In the absence of yaw, very large reductions of the base surface transfer coefficient were brought about by increases of cavity depth. Whent the freestream flow is yawed relative to the cavity opening the coefficient rebounds from its low no-yaw values, with the rebound being accentuated for large yaw, deep cavities, and high Reynolds numbers. Notwithstanding the rebound, the resulting base surface heat transfer coefficients are lower than those for the no-yaw, zero-depth cavity. Operating conditions are identified for which reductions of the transfer coefficient of 50% or more are encountered. On this basis, cavities and recesses appear to be an effective means for reducing heat loss.
A new system for the chemical vapour deposition of SiC

Abstract Good quality epitaxial layers of SiC have been grown by the gas phase reaction of trichlorosilane and n -hexane in a reducing atmosphere of hydrogen. Direct radiant heating of the α-SiC substrates using tungsten halogen lamps was employed.
Conformational Memories and the Exploration of Biologically Relevant Peptide Conformations: An Illustration for the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

The application of a recently developed technique of conformational memories (Guarnieri, F.; Wilson, S. R. J. Comput. Chem. 1995, 16, 5, 648) to the study of peptide structure is illustrated with an analysis of the conformational populations of the decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the mutant peptide Lys8-GnRH. The conformational space of the peptides is explored fully with multiple Monte Carlo simulated annealing (MC/SA) random walks using the Amber* force field and the generalized Born/surface area (GB/SA) continuum solvation model of water as implemented in the Macromodel molecular modeling package. The collective histories of all the random walks are transformed into mean field dihedral distribution functions called “conformational memories” (35 conformational memories for GnRH, one for each torsion angle). Conformational families of the peptides at 310 K are obtained from these results with the use of a biased sampling technique which explores only the areas found to be populated ...
Anthracycline nano-delivery systems to overcome multiple drug resistance: A comprehensive review

Anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and idarubicin) are very effective chemotherapeutic drugs to treat many cancers; however, the development of multiple drug resistance (MDR) is one of the major limitations for their clinical applications. Nano-delivery systems have emerged as the novel cancer therapeutics to overcome MDR. Up until now, many anthracycline nano-delivery systems have been developed and reported to effectively circumvent MDR both in-vitro and in-vivo, and some of these systems have even advanced to clinical trials, such as the HPMA-doxorubicin (HPMA-DOX) conjugate. Doxil, a DOX PEGylated liposome formulation, was developed and approved by FDA in 1995. Unfortunately, this formulation does not address the MDR problem. In this comprehensive review, more than ten types of developed anthracycline nano-delivery systems to overcome MDR and their proposed mechanisms are covered and discussed, including liposomes; polymeric micelles, conjugate and nanoparticles; peptide/protein conjugates; solid-lipid, magnetic, gold, silica, and cyclodextrin nanoparticles; and carbon nanotubes.
Preliminary study of real-time fiber optic based protein C biosensor.

Deficiency of protein C (PC), one of the human body's key anticoagulants, can lead to massive thrombotic complications. There is a diagnostic need to perform real-time assays, in order to quickly identify and treat this disease. An immuno-optical biosensor for the diagnosing of PC deficiencies and monitoring of PC concentrations is being developed for this purpose. Monoclonal antibody against PC (anti-PC) is immobilized on the surface of a tapered quartz fiber that is enclosed in a glass tube (capacity approximately 200 microL). Following sample injection, PC within a sample binds to the anti-PC in a highly specific reaction. The system is then probed with a fluorophore-tagged secondary antibody against PC. Excitation light is applied through the fiber, and the fluorescence intensity is correlated with the PC concentration in the sample. This study presents (1) a feasibility, direct binding assay, (2) a comparison of methods to immobilize anti-PC upon the fiber (direct immobilization vs an avidin-biotin bridge), and (3) effectiveness of an elution step to regenerate the fiber. PC-deficient patients typically have a concentration range less than 2.5 microg/mL. It was found that the sensor could detect PC levels down to 0.1 microg/mL in pure buffer with minimal optimization. Avidin-biotin immobilization of the primary antibody produced enhanced signals, up to 470% of the original intensities. Preliminary fiber regeneration tests achieved nearly a 50% increase in fiber lifetime with the use of a CaCl(2) elution step. Ultimately, further development may lead to automation and the use of the system as a multi-blood factor analyzer.
Molecular analysis of the melting behaviour of poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone)

Abstract The melting behaviour of poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) was investigated using Fourier transform infra-red (FTir) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) as part of a study of a carbon fibre reinforced PEEK composite. Digital spectral subtraction was utilized to derive the characteristic spectra of the amorphous and crystalline phases of the polymer. Local order in the amorphous phase of PEEK was observed when the polymer was melted below its equilibrium melting temperature ( T∗ m = 395° C ). The local order is associated with the diphenyl ether moiety. Molecular segments in the ordered regions may assume different orientations on the surface of potassium bromide salt crystals, depending upon whether PEEK is processed at 380°C or 400°C. Molecular analysis by FTir correlates well with data obtained by d.s.c.
Ultrasonic prediction of birth weight in preterm fetuses: which formula is best?

Data from previous studies have suggested that birth weight prediction was enhanced by using formulas specifically derived from preterm fetuses. However, no prospective comparison of different formulas was performed. We obtained ultrasonic data on 61 pregnancies at risk for preterm delivery with a gestational age of 29.0 ± 3.0 weeks (mean ± SD). In all women birth weight was predicted within 7 days of delivery. Of the 61 pregnancies, 49 (80%), 41 (67%), 30 (49%), and 17 (28%) weighed
Site selection in tandem arrays of metal-binding domains.

The metal binding properties of peptides corresponding to metal-binding sites spanning regions that normally function as linkers in tandem arrays of metal-binding domain-containing proteins were examined. For a peptide with two His residues from one TFIIIA-like zinc finger domain, a canonical TFIIIA-like linker, and two Cys residues from an adjacent zinc domain, the dissociation constant for the 1:1 peptide to cobalt(II) was found to be 15 ± 10 μM, compared with 60 nM for the corresponding zinc finger domains themselves. Peptides overlapping two sets of metal-binding domains from human TRAF (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor) proteins were examined. In one case, the affinity of the presumed metal-binding domain and that for the linker region were comparable, while in the second case, the affinity of the linker peptide was higher than that for the corresponding presumed metal-binding domain peptide. These studies revealed that cobalt(II) affinities in the micromolar range can occur even for ...
Fully automated network design by digital computer: Preliminary considerations

Fixed-structure lumped, linear, time-invariant RLC network design problems may be solved by means of the digital computer in terms of gradient techniques in parameter space. Formulation of the network constraint equations in such a way that the variable parameters enter linearly allows the extension of this computer-aided scheme to the design of networks of originally unknown structure. The feasibility of this approach to fully automated network design is illustrated by means of computational examples. The extension to more general network design problems, involving controlled source models and time-variable and nonlinear elements, is discussed in the concluding section.
Interactions and phase transitions in micellar and microemulsion systems studied by small angle neutron scattering

Abstract Owing to their amphiphilic nature, surfactant molecules spontaneously self-assemble into various forms of aggregates in aqueous and hydrocarbon solvents. These aggregates are often so well defined and sufficiently uniform in size that the suspension can be treated effectively as one- or two-component supramolecular liquids. Ionic surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) form normal micelles in water. These micelles together with their counterions can be regarded as a strongly coupled two-component coulomb fluid. On the other hand sodium di-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (AOT) forms reverse micelles in hydrocarbons (oils). These reverse micelles can solubilize large amounts of water and become microemulsions. These microemulsion droplets bear no net charge and interact with each other via Van der Waals forces analogous to atoms in simple liquids. Thus, AOT microemulsion system shows a gas-liquid type phase transition. By exploiting the existing liquid theories the SANS spectra can be satisfactorily analysed in terms of wel-defined interparticle interactions. For ionic micelles one can obtain the surface charge and aggregation number at arbitrary concentrations and for microemulsions one obtains the range and depth of the attractive interaction near the critical point.
Design snippets: partial design representations extracted from source code

As software systems evolve, they often grow more brittle. Design snippets help software engineers detect brittleness and improve the ease of change of their software. By studying design snippets and code together, a software engineer can locate improvements that prevent costly changes in the long term.
A field study of frame-of-reference effects on personality test validity.

As part of a test validation study at a major U.S.-based airline, the authors tested the effects of providing an "at work" frame-of-reference on the validity of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory among a sample of customer service supervisors (N = 206). Frame-of-reference moderated the validity of the Extraversion and Openness to Experience subscales after controlling for cognitive ability. In addition, the frame-of-reference personality test showed incremental validity over cognitive ability (deltaR2 = .16), but the standard personality test did not (deltaR2 = .05). The authors' discussion focuses on implications for personality theory and research and on implications for increasing the validity of personality tests in organizational settings.
Optimum Design of an Impact Absorber

A shock absorber with nth order stiffness and mth order damping is designed for optimum response to a step change in base velocity (an acceleration impulse). The objective of the design is to minimize the maximum acceleration level occurring during the transient response. A single constraint is used to limit relative motion between the base and the isolated mass and another constraint is added to limit the oscillatory nature of the system response. Results of the study are presented on dimensionless curves showing the optimum stiffness and damping coefficients and the expected system performance as functions of m and n.
An Apparatus for Measuring the Rheological Properties of Dental Materials

An indirect extrusion viscometer has been developed and tested on fluids of standard viscosity. Results close to given standards have been obtained and errors in the procedure analyzed. Preliminary tests have shown that the developed apparatus will be suitable for following the viscosity changes during the setting of dental materials.
Additions to the Reptile Fauna of Paraguay with Notes on a Small Herpetological Collection from Amambay

Specimens in a small collections of reptiles and amphibians from Parque Nacional Cerro Cora, Departamento Amambay, Paraguay are reported. Included are the first records of Bachia bresslaui, Phrynop...
Spatial and temporal variability in the water redox chemistry of the M27 experimental site in the Drac River calcareous alluvial aquifer (Grenoble, France)

Abstract The hydrogeochemistry of a small portion of a calcareous alluvial aquifer recharged by the Drac River (Grenoble, France) is characterized both in time and space. Significant changes in water chemistry are observed as the river water infiltrates into the aquifer. Processes occuring in the river bank (mostly biologically mediated) and in the aquifer (additional solid-liquid interactions) buffer some of the groundwater composition regardless of the variations in the river input. However, small zones (of enhanced biological activity due to low permeability and/ or high organic carbon content) located away from the river bank can induce significant localized changes in groundwater quality (such as locally high dissolved Mn due to the dissolutive reaction of MnO 2(s) and/or MnOOH (s) ).
Target Selection for SETI. II. Tycho-2 Dwarfs, Old Open Clusters, and the Nearest 100 Stars

We present the full target list and prioritization algorithm developed for use by the microwave search for technological signals at the SETI Institute. We have included the Catalog of Nearby Habitable Stellar Systems (HabCat, described in Paper I), all of the nearest 100 stars and 14 old open clusters. This is further augmented by a subset of the Tycho-2 catalog based on reduced proper motions, and this larger catalog should routinely provide at least three target stars within the large primary field of view of the Allen Telescope Array. The algorithm for prioritizing objects in the full target list includes scoring based on the subset category of each target (i.e., HabCat, cluster, Tycho-2, or nearest 100), its distance (if known), and its proximity to the Sun on the color-magnitude diagram.
Draft genome sequences of five recent human uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates

This study reports the release of draft genome sequences of five isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), isolated from patients suffering from uncomplicated cystitis in 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these strains belonged to E. coli phylogroups B2 and D and are closely related to known UPEC strains. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that more conserved proteins were shared between these recent isolates and UPEC strains causing cystitis than those causing pyelonephritis. Additional genomic comparisons identified that three isolates encode a type III secretion system (T3SS) and a putative T3SS effector gene cluster along with an invasin-like outer membrane protein. The presence of T3SS genes is a rare occurrence among UPEC strains. These genomes further substantiate the heterogeneity of the gene pool of UPEC and provide a foundation for comparative genomic studies using recent clinical isolates.
Internet instability and disturbance: goal or menace?

Self-replicating code has become an unfortunate part of today's online environment. Viruses and worms have the ability to become pandemic within minutes of first release, and our protection systems are primarily reactive in nature. Thus, there is little or no protection from a new worm which uses a remote exploit in order to spread. Furthermore, such rapidly-moving threats have a documented ability to cause systemic outages; ultimately, such attacks may threaten the overall stability of the Internet itself.Currently, most exploits leveraged by worms have been well-known and easily solvable if the system maintainer had followed best security practices (e.g. deployed a firewall and/or carried out timely patching of vulnerabilities). Thus, actions which drive practitioners toward tighter security are likely to have a positive long-term impact on the overall stability of the global network.In this paper, we take the unusual position that low-level virus and worm outbreaks are highly beneficial to the overall goal of preventing catastrophic Internet failure. To illustrate this position we draw from a biological analogy: the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. This hypothesis argues that within many natural systems it is a continual cycle of disruption which drives diversity... and hence stability and resilience. Finally, we conclude that the deliberate release of viruses and worms that are not threatening holistically may be a necessary approach to protect the Internet from catastrophic outbreaks. This position is supported by empirical evidence from the computer world and by further comparison with biological systems.
Exploration and mapping of an unknown flight envelope

The flight envelope of an aircraft consists of the constant trim states that the aircraft can attain, given in terms of airspeed, turn rate, and flight path angle. Flight trajectories typically consist of a sequence of trim commands with intermediate transitions. While the flight envelope of an aircraft is determined beforehand, it may change under off-nominal conditions due to damage or actuator failure. The goal of this paper is to investigate the ability of an adaptive control law to reach new trim states in the case where the flight envelope is totally unknown. Within simulation, this approach provides an alternative technique for mapping the flight envelope. For an aircraft in flight, this approach can be used to reach new trim states under envelope uncertainty, as may occur during off-nominal flight conditions.
The Utility of Liberal Education: Concepts and Arguments for Use in Academic Advising

Liberal education remains a mystery to many of the students enrolled in colleges and universities. Academic advisors, standing at the crossroads of the various curricular and cocurricular experienc...
Wannier-function description of the electronic polarization and infrared absorption of high-pressure hydrogen

We have constructed maximally localized Wannier functions for prototype structures of solid molecular hydrogen under pressure, starting from local-density approximation and tight-binding Bloch wave functions. Each occupied Wannier function can be associated with two paired protons, defining a "Wannier molecule." The sum of the dipole moments of these "molecules" always gives the correct macroscopic polarization, even under strong compression, when the overlap between nearby Wannier functions becomes significant. We find that at megabar pressures the contributions to the dipoles arising from the overlapping tails of the Wannier functions are very large. The strong vibron infrared absorption experimentally observed in phase III, above similar to 150 GPa, is analyzed in terms of the vibron-induced fluctuations of the Wannier dipoles. We decompose these fluctuations into "static" and "dynamical" contributions, and find that at such high densities the latter term, which increases much more steeply with pressure, is dominant.
Prospective biorepository participants' perspectives on access to research results.

Disclosure of individual research results to research participants has been the subject of professional guidelines as well as scholarly commentary, yet controversy remains. To gather data on participant perspectives, we interviewed 40 individuals from the Durham, North Carolina area about a biorepository consent form and conducted an in-depth analysis of responses to a series of questions concerning access to research results. Cross-cutting themes emerged about (1) the nature of research; (2) the nature of research results; (3) expectations concerning access to research results; and (4) practical issues in providing access to research results. Our findings highlight the importance for sound policy development of soliciting stakeholder input, and exploring the complexities behind their evaluations.
Towards City-Scale Smartphone Sensing of Potentially Unsafe Pedestrian Movements

This paper proposes large scale collection of pedestrian movement data to promote pedestrian safety in our rapidly developing urban environments. As a first step, we develop and test algorithms for sensing unsafe pedestrian movements. With distracted pedestrian fatalities on the rise, and larger than ever use of smart devices, we propose to use the smartphone to protect pedestrians by leveraging the in-built inertial sensors on the smartphone. We discuss how to use these sensors for recognizing user movements that could be potentially risky when walking on the street, while also accounting for different phone orientations. We introduce a simple path prediction technique and use this to compute potential street crossings. In order to evaluate our algorithms, we conducted walking trials and collected data from all relevant sensors. Initial tests indicate a 90.5% success rate in predicting that a pedestrians trajectory will cross a road.
An implicit Jacobi-like method for computing generalized hyperbolic SVD☆

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a joint hyperbolic-orthogonal decomposition of two matrices which we call a generalized hyperbolic singular value decomposition, or GHSVD. This decomposition can be used for finding the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a symmetric definite pencil X T X−λY T ΦY where Φ= diag (±1) . We also present an implicit Jacobi-like method for computing this GHSVD.
Measurements of collisional properties of spheres using high-speed video analysis

In this paper we report measurements of collisional properties of spheres using high-speed video analysis. These results agree with a simple collision operator. We study the size and velocity dependences of the coefficient of restitution in the normal direction. The experimental data are compared with the relevant models of energy dissipation and show the existence of two dissipation regimes. For large impact velocities a plastic deformation model is in good agreement with our measurements, while for smaller velocities a model of viscoelastic dissipation gives qualitative agreement.