cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Band dispersions of Ag(111) monolayers on various substrates

This paper describes angle-resolved photoemission and high-energy electron diffraction studies of the growth and electronic properties of Ag monolayers prepared on Ni(111), Ni(001), Cu(111), Cu(001), Au(111), and Si(111)-(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7). In all six systems, the Ag overlayer structure is very close to the hexagonal close-packed Ag(111) structure. Thus the effect of the substrate can be studied without the complication of major structural changes in the overlayer. The two-dimensional band dispersions for the Ag valence states have been determined along high-symmetry directions for these systems except Ag-Si(111). The Ag overlayers on Cu(111), Ni(001), and Ni(111) are incommensurate with the substrate structure, and the overlayer band dispersions are very similar despite the large differences in the electronic and atomic structures of the substrates. Ag on Cu(001) forms a c(10\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) overlayer, and the photoemission results are somewhat different. Ag on Au(111) forms a lattice-matched epitaxial overlayer, and its band dispersions have a very different appearance. These similarities and differences are explained in terms of the degree of commensuration of the substrate-overlayer interaction as a perturbation on the overlayer properties. The growth of Ag on Si(111)-(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7) is not as well ordered as in the other systems. A severe broadening of the overlayer photoemission features is observed, preventing the determination of the band dispersions. Momentum broadening as well as random crystal potential variation within the overlayer are likely to be the cause of the broadening.
Nanoscale Heat Transfer Course for Undergraduates

The growing interest in nanoscale energy transfer research and funding in mechanical engineering departments far out weighs the availability for formal training of fundamental ideas and concepts in this area. Although several universities offer formal graduate courses in nanoscale energy transfer, these courses are often a survey of current research and are typically geared to graduate students or advanced undergraduates with a stonger physics background than the typical undergraduate engineering student. The goal of this paper is to outline a course that is designed to teach fundamental nanoscale energy transfer concepts to the undergraduate engineering student who has not taken advanced physics courses outside of the ABET approved mechanical engineering curriculum. A survey of different nanoscale energy transfer courses from various institutions around the world is discussed in specific context of the benefits for the typical mechanical engineering undergraduate. The limited textbooks that are available on the subject are also discussed. An outline of fundamental topics in quantum physics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics is presented as important concepts that the typical undergraduate should understand in order to understand basic research and principles of nanoscale energy transfer. Important phenomena and techniques in nanoscale energy transfer research are also discussed. This course was taught as an undergraduate and graduate engineering elective at the University of Virginia in the spring semester of 2008.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
V2301 Ophiuchi: An X-Ray-bright Eclipsing AM Herculis Object

We present hard X-ray and optical observations of the eclipsing AM Her system V2301 Oph. The X-ray data were obtained using the PCA detector of the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite during 1997 May, and the optical data were obtained using the 1 and 1.5 m telescopes of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory during 1996 May and 1997 June. V2301 Oph was bright in both the optical and hard X-rays during our observations. This, when coupled with its eclipsing nature, makes V2301 Oph an ideal testbed for theories of the large-scale topology of AM Her flows and the radiative shocks in AM Her systems. The X-ray emission from V2301 Oph was modulated strongly on the orbital period. During the bright orbital phases, the X-ray flux was Fx≈3.6 × 10−11 ergs cm-2 s-1 over the energy range E=2-10 keV. The X-ray emission did not go to zero during the faint orbital phases; it was ~10% of the bright phase level. The X-ray spectrum could be fitted by (1) optically thin thermal bremsstrahlung (temperature kTx≈9-19 keV) models with an absorption line at 5.1-5.2 keV or an emission line at ~7 keV, and (2) power-law continuum (index ≈2) models with an absorption line at 5.1-5.2 keV or an emission line at ~7 keV. The absorption columns were large for all fits, nH~(3-10) × 1022 cm-2. The nH are model dependent, but their large sizes are secure because they are set by the rollover in the X-ray spectrum at 3-4 keV. The hardness of the X-ray spectrum was roughly constant during the bright orbital phases. During the faint orbital phases, the X-ray spectral properties were not well determined, but it did appear that the spectrum hardened. There were total eclipses in both the X-ray and optical light curves. The X-ray light curves and eclipses were consistent with a dominant hot spot and a secondary hot spot. The dominant hot spot was not a point source; it had to cover about 50° in longitude on the surface of the white dwarf. We argue that the X-ray light curve and eclipse shape also suggest that the accretion occurs in a sheetlike geometry rather than in a columnar geometry. The optical light curves and eclipses were consistent with emission from the white dwarf photosphere, an extended emission region that sat above the surface of the white dwarf, and the X-ray-heated face of the companion star.
A decadal spiciness mode in the tropics

Analysis of a complex climate model suggests the existence of a mode of coupled ocean-atmosphere variability in the tropical Pacific with the following dynamics. Anomalous strong Pacific trade winds accelerate the North Equatorial current and Countercurrent. At 10° to 15°N in the central Pacific thermocline this causes anomalous advection across mean gradients of temperature and salinity on isopycnal surfaces and generates cool/fresh spiciness anomalies of the order of 0.3°K. These are advected by the mean circulation via the western boundary region to the equatorial Pacific in approximately five years. At the equatorial outcrops of the isopycnals, the cool/fresh anomalies affect the surface heat budget and are hypothesized to initiate a relaxation of the trade winds that is reinforced by positive feedbacks with the slope of the thermocline and with air-sea fluxes of heat and freshwater. At 5° to 10°S the decrease of the trades generates by anomalous advection cool/fresh spiciness anomalies that migrate to the equator in one to two years and provide a positive feedback. At 10° to 15°N, the decrease of the trades decelerates North Equatorial current and Countercurrent and causes warm/salty anomalies on isopycnals that arrive at the equator five years later and close the cycle.
An Adaptive Block Backstepping Control Design for Functional Electrical Stimulation of Agonist-Antagonist Muscles

In this paper, an adaptive block backstepping controller is developed for stimulation of agonist-antagonist muscles by using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). FES is an alternative method that stimulates a paralyzed muscle in lieu of inactive motor neurons, which was first implemented in the 1960s ([1]). However, many challenges need to be addressed before clinical trials with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients can be performed, which include designing a controller, modeling muscles, developing interface equipment, just to mention a few. To contribute to the FES control field, a nonlinear controller and its evaluation through a computer simulation are presented.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Air power’s visual legacy: Operation Orchard and aerial reconnaissance imagery as ruses de guerre

The images contained in the Operation Orchard public archive represent a convergence of technologies, politics, and warcraft that can only emerge across a century of air power. Their interpretation refers to older modes of camouflage and deceptive practices from the espionage and tactical manuals of an earlier era in modernity even as the virtual and digital practices of the twenty-first century appear to destabilize the powers of legitimation that have come to surround the iconic reconnaissance photograph. Sincerely or disingenuously, media and analysts alike accept the circulation of reconnaissance imagery as objective news imbued with the legitimating aura of documentary material. If we accept the image as full of information that can be deciphered definitively, a kind of ground truth, we close off the possibility of learning from other sources or even from the complex state of uncertainty itself. In this context, we might have to concede that deception is not so much the obliteration of facts, as Viri...
Protective antigen in the membranes of mouse erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium chabaudi

Abstract A malarial antigen, Pc96, in the plasma membrane of erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium chabaudi has been identified. It is synthesized by the parasite and present during most of the growth stages of the intra-erythrocytic cycle as demonstrated by immunofluorescence. The antigen has a molecular weight of approximately 96 000. Monoclonal antibodies raised against this antigen were used to isolate the protein by affinity chromatography. Mice immunized with affinity-purified Pc96 were partially protected against blood induced-P. chabaudi infection. This result indicates the existence of a protective antigen in the membranes of erythrocytes parasitized by a rodent malaria and encourages the search for analogous antigens in human malaria parasites as possible candidate molecules for malaria vaccination.
Building Social Cohesion Family, Friends, and Corruption

While material gain continues to be a leading motivator for corrupt acts, this study shows that social status and kinship responsibilities should also be considered possible precursors to corruptio...
Functional Characterization of the Tn5 Transposase by Limited Proteolysis

The 476 amino acid Tn5 transposase catalyzes DNA cutting and joining reactions that cleave the Tn5 transposon from donor DNA and integrate it into a target site. Protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions are important for this tranposition process. A truncated transposase variant, the inhibitor, decreases transposition rates via the formation of nonproductive complexes with transposase. Here, the inhibitor and the transposase are shown to have similar secondary and tertiary folding. Using limited proteolysis, the transposase has been examined structurally and functionally. A DNA binding region was localized to the N-terminal 113 amino acids. Generally, the N terminus of transposase is sensitive to proteolysis but can be protected by DNA. Two regions are predicted to contain determinants for protein-protein interactions, encompassing residues 114–314 and 441–476. The dimerization regions appear to be distinct and may have separate functions, one involved in synaptic complex formation and one involved in nonproductive multimerization. Furthermore, predicted catalytic regions are shown to lie between major areas of proteolysis.
Smart growth and transit - oriented development at the state level: Lessons from California, New Jersey, and Western Australia

The states of California and New Jersey in the United States and Western Australia in Australia encourage smart growth through the employment of transit-oriented development (TOD). This paper documents each state’s approach and highlights importance of interagency cooperation at the state-level and intergovernmental cooperation between state and local governments. The paper discusses the importance of state government participation in the planning and creation of policy to facilitate TOD and recommends elements for a model state TOD program.
Conformational Analysis of Glycosaminoglycans. III. Conformational Properties of Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate

We present the results of our theoretical conformational analysis of hyaluronic acid (HA) and sodium hyaluronate. Empirical potential energy functions for steric, electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, torsional, and solvation energies were used to evaluate the conformational energy with the CAMSEQ Software System. A trisaccharide model of the HA polymer was employed. Three chemical states were studied: HA−, charged HA in the absence of a counter-ion, neutral pH, and very low ionic strength; HAH, uncharged, protonated HA, low pH; HA−·Na+, charged HA with sodium ion present, neutral pH, and high ionic strength. Two sets of conformational energy data were collected. The first was generated by a series of sequential and random scans followed by gradient-search minimizations at each of the local minima. This was intended to give a general picture of the energy surface of each form of HA. The second data set consisted of 10,000 randomly generated conformations for each form. This was sufficient to account for the minima found in the first data set. The second set of energies was employed to estimate the partition function and corresponding chain dimensions for comparison with available hydrodynamic data. In addition, we compare and contrast our structural findings with the published crystal structures of HA.
Mixing of dim 5 and 6 operators induced by Higgs scalars

Abstract The general analysis of mixing of dim 5 and 6 operators by two or more Higgs scalars is carried out. It is found that the effective interaction Hamiltonian contains terms of dim 5 operators, being proportional to 1 g , which might give a sizable contribution to the δI = 1 2 rule.
Poly(allylamine)-Encapsulated Water-Soluble CdSe Nanocrystals

Water-soluble CdSe nanocrystal/poly(allylamine) clusters with sizes ranging between 50 and 200 nm were prepared using 3-amino-1-propanol as a compatibilizing agent. Photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (QY) up to 20% were achieved in water without the need to clad these CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) with higher band gap inorganic layers. The polymer-to-nanocrystal ratio plays an important role in the internal structure and stability of these polymer/NC clusters, as determined by static and dynamic light scattering in conjunction with PL studies. These results were modeled by using an effective-mass approximation and perturbation theory on the change in dielectric constant of the immediate NC environment. The time evolution of the average cluster radius of gyration and hydrodynamic radius revealed that a higher polymer-to-NC ratio leads to increased PL stability and QY. This is a result of a denser cluster configuration, which affords improved NC passivation. Increasing the ionic strength results in greater nan...
Comparison of thermal responses, reproductive biologies, and population growth potentials of the squash bug egg parasitoids Ooencyrtus anasae and O. sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Laboratory investigations of the gregarious squash bug egg parasitoids Ooencyrtus anasae (Ashmead) and O . sp. were conducted at 20.8, 23.0, and 26.6°C. Females of both species emerged with undeveloped ovaries. Oocyte development proceeded during the preovipositional period (ca. 35 h at 26.6°C) but did not exceed half of the total fecundity at initial oviposition. Preovipositional periods, time to peak oviposition, and time to 75% oviposition were generally similar for both parasitoids at 20.8°C. However, reproductive responses differed at temperatures above 20.8°C. In O. anasae , oviposition occurred significantly earlier, and at a similarly higher rate, at 23.0 and 26.6°C than at 20.8°C, whereas significant changes in preovipositional and ovipositional biology of O . sp. occurred only after an increase from 23.0 to 26.6°C. O . sp. had a significantly higher fecundity and longer ovipositional period at each temperature than did O. anasae. Mean fecundities did not change significantly with increasing temperature. Both parasitoids had an unusually long postreproductive period (ca. 1 mo) and a longevity of 40 to 50 d. At 26.6°C, O . sp. had higher gross and net reproductive rates than O. anasae. However, O. anasae had a shorter generation time (21.4 versus 23.8 d) and higher innate capacity for increase (0.146 versus 0.134).
Translation of messenger RNA specific for tyrosine aminotransferase in oocytes of xenopuslaevis

Summary Injection of rat liver polysomal poly(A)-containing RNA into oocytes of Xenopus laevis results in synthesis of a protein whose immunochemical and electrophoretic characteristics are identical to liver tyrosine aminotransferase. Poly(A)-RNA from hydrocortisone-treated rat liver stimulates about five times more aminotransferase synthesis than does poly(A)-RNA from controls, establishing that the steroid hormone increases the level of functional hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA.
Oxygen transport during early altitude acclimatization: a perspective study.

Key aspects of the oxygen transport system were studied under supine, near-basal conditions in 6 male subjects, initially at low altitude (200 m) and subsequently over a 15-day sojourn on Pikes Peak (4300 m). Certain functions, including cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and left ventricular work, were transiently increased with maximum values observed on day 2 of altitude exposure. Others, including arterial PO2, O2 saturation, and O2 content passed through minimal values on the same day and then recovered somewhat as the sojourn progressed. Tidal volume and arterial pH exhibited relatively linear increases over the two-week sojourn while pulmonary minute volume and hemoglobin exhibited progressive increases which were especially pronounced during the first 5 days of exposure. Plasma volume, stroke volume, arterial PCO2, and plasma HCO 3 − concentration decreased progressively, with the more pronounced effects being observed during the first 5 days of exposure. A decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output on day 14 led to diminished arterial O2 delivery. On the basis of the results and complementary data reported by others, it was concluded that altitude acclimatization progresses through three distinct but overlapping stages. Arbitrarily, the states were termed accommodation, acute acclimatization, and chronic acclimatization.
Intracranial pressure during circulatory arrest.

Summary Anoxic cerebral functional derangement commonly results from extracranial arterial obstruction or cardiac arrest and magnitude of alteration of intracranial pressure is useful in assessing pathological intracranial relationships. Absolute intracranial pressure was quantified in dogs during acute occlusion of major intrathoracic vessels and ventricular fibrillation. Raised intracranial pressure resulted within 2 min of circulatory cessation in each case and average rises were 35 cm H2O when all major vessels were ligated, 25 cm during ventricular fibrillation, 10 cm with superior and inferior vena caval occlusion, 4 cm with superior vena cava blockage, and no effect was observed with ligation of azygos vein or inferior vena cava. Intracranial hypertension was sustained for up to 5 min. Visual observations of cerebral surface vessels with acute circulatory arrest showed no change in diameter of small arteries and veins so that elevated intracranial pressure is most likely a primary result of venous back pressure due to cardiac failure or venous obstruction since there is a concordant rise in central venous pressure. Other possible sources of increased intracranial pressure which may be of lesser importance include intrinsic or extrinsic neurogenic vasodilatation, cerebral edema, or increased cerebrospinal fluid production.
Shutterless Fixed Pattern Noise Correction For Infrared Imaging Arrays

Staring infrared imagers typically exhibit large d.c. offset level variations and responsivity variations from pixel to pixel. In order to extract the scene information from the focal plane output signal, this characteristic fixed pattern noise must be normalized prior to display. Conventional techniques for this compensation involve the use of a uniform thermal reference source which is periodically introduced into the sensor field of view to act as a calibration of the offset and responsivity variations for each pixel. This viewing of a thermal reference source generally involves use of electromechanical or electro-optical shutters which detracts from the mechanical simplicity of the staring imager. A real-time compensation technique has been developed which utilizes the infrared (IR) scene itself for calibration and continually updates the compensation coefficients without the use of a thermal reference source or shutter. This "shutterless" compensation technique makes use of scene dynamics, averaged over a period of time, as an effective uniform reference source. The results of real-time simulations of this technique have been demonstrated using both FLIR and visible imagery. Results of these simulations are presented along with a discussion of applicable areas for this technique and approaches for real-time hardware implementation.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sunbelt water war: The El Paso-New Mexico water conflict

Abstract El Paso, Texas, faced an urban water shortage due to its limited groundwater, rapid population growth, and legal barriers to seemingly accessible water supplies. The cheapest new supplies were Rio Grande surface water or groundwater from New Mexico. Federal reclamation law and New Mexico law that effectively prevents water export led to a bitter confrontation that pitted new Mexico's use of the police power against the federal commerce clause. After an eleven-year legal battle, in 1991, El Paso opted for a compromise resolution with most new water supply (85,000 AF/year) provided by a reduction of transmission losses. Additional supply will be provided by managing upstream reservoir levels to reduce evaporation, reducing per capita use to 160 gpd, increasing use of treated sewage effluent, and purchasing and leasing small parcel water rights. Since making this decision, El Paso has actively pursued this alternative strategy and has a modest, but secure, future water supply.
Effects of Slow-release Insulin on Production, Liver Triglyceride, and Metabolic Profiles of Holsteins in Early Lactation

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether there is a dose of slow-release insulin (SRI) that decreases concentrations of plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and liver triglyceride (TG) without decreasing plasma glucose concentration, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield. Forty-three Holsteins weighting 765 +/- 70 kg with body condition score of 3.29 +/- 0.25 (mean +/- SD) were fed for ad libitum consumption of the same diet from 2 wk before parturition through 6 d postpartum. Cows were blocked according to actual calving date and parity and then assigned randomly to intramuscular injection of a single dose of 0, 0.14, 0.29, or 0.43 IU of SRI per kilogram of body weight (BW) on d 3 postpartum. On the day of injection, cows were fed hourly to minimize fluctuations in blood hormones and metabolites due to feed intake pattern. Blood samples were collected via jugular catheter every hour from 0 to 24 h and every 6 h from 24 to 48 h postinjection. Pre- and postinjection period liver samples were taken on d 2 and 5 postpartum. One cow injected with 0.29 and two cows injected with 0.43 IU of SRI per kilogram of BW could not complete the trial due to severe hypoglycemia (< 20 mg/dl). Both DMI and milk yield during d 3 to 5 postpartum tended to increase quadratically by increasing dose of SRI. Concentrations of serum insulin and glucagon increased linearly, concentration of plasma glucose decreased linearly, and concentrations of plasma NEFA and beta-hydroxybutyrate decreased quadratically from 0 to 24 h postinjection by increasing dose of SRI. Serum insulin concentrations remained higher in cows injected with SRI (CISRI) than in cows injected with sterile water (CISW; 0 IU of SRI/kg of BW), the quadratic effect of SRI on plasma NEFA concentration continued, and the linear effect of SRI on plasma glucose concentration diminished from 24 to 48 h postinjection. Concentration of hepatic TG for CISRI tended to be lower than for CISW, and increasing dose of SRI quadratically decreased hepatic accumulation of TG. Increasing dose of SRI tended to increase concentration of hepatic glycogen (GLY) quadratically and decreased the ratio of TG to GLY quadratically. In conclusion, a low dose of SRI (0.14 IU/kg of BW) could be considered for prophylactic use against hepatic lipidosis and ketosis.
Dietary adrenergic active compounds and the response of broilers to isoproterenol and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in vitro.

Broiler chickens, growing from 7–28 days of age, were fed diets containing 18% protein and 0, 1, 10 or 100 mg/kg yohimbine (alpha2-adrenergic antagonist) or metaproterenol (beta-adrenergic agonist)...
Thermal Profiling to Overcome Flux Residue Formation in a No-clean Solder Paste for Lead-free Surface Mount Technology

This paper presents the behavior of SnAgCu (SAC) solder paste when analyzed using thermal profiling when exposed to (1) conventional reflow and (2) newly adjusted profiles. Thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) was used extensively to study the thermal properties of the flux and to simulate the heating processes the material undergoes during ball-attach reflow process. Experiments have proved that slower ramp rate will allow gradual evaporation of volatiles prior the non-volatile reaction of flux material at soak zone. This understanding of the reaction that takes place prior to soak zone will enable ball-attach engineers to reduce the residue contamination on the ball surface by preventing the amount of solid components to be dragged atop the ball surface during rapid outgassing of solvents at a faster pre-heat ramp rate.
Studies of the African Iron Age

The contribution the metallurgist can make to African Iron Age studies has been assessed by detailed investigation of the pre-industrial bloomery iron process still practiced by the Dimi people of the Gemu province in southwest Ethiopia. Metal objects and slags from this process were examined metallographically, and chemical analyses of the ores and slags have been obtained. Quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray analyses have shown that it is possible to relate the composition of the slag inclusions to the iron ores of the region. Such an analytical technique, when combined with archae-logical, linguistic, and historical evidence, may provide a valuable means of characterizing the ironwork of specific production centers and establishing trade networks of iron objects. In this context, theories of the African Iron Age are reviewed with specific reference to Ethiopia.
Measurement of sheet-material electrical properties: extending lumped-element methods to 10 GHz

A procedure for measuring the complex dielectric permittivity /spl epsi//spl circ/ of sheet materials, which uses a lumped-element approach for calculating /spl epsi//spl circ/ is described. Air is used as a standard material to determine the stray capacitance, inductance, and resistance of the sample holder. With a careful determination of these stray parameters, the frequency limit for these measurements can be extended up to 10 GHz. The residual scatter in the data, after the data have been corrected for stray capacitance, resistance, and inductance effects, is typically below 1% for /spl epsi/' and is of the order of 0.001 for tan /spl delta/. The procedure uses a low-cost sample holder and a conventional network analyser.
Distinguishing Two Classes of Impossible Objects

Psychologists disagree about what is wrong with the fork. R L Gregory says that its spatial orientation is impossible. J M Kennedy claims that it lacks the intact boundaries characteristic of solid objects. In fact, the fork possesses both these flaws. It cannot be made out of wires because the rectangular/trapezoidal shapes representing its conjoined middle plate and prong create a self-contradictory angle between planes. Further, the fork cannot be cut from a flat sheet of paper because figural contours delineating its boundaries show us self-contradictory transformations of surfaces into air space. The fork is important because its two flaws form the bases of distinct classes into which all the recognized impossibles fall. Different arrangements of the fork's critical rectangle/trapezoid shapes are the sole source of paradox in 'depth impossibles'--for instance, the triangle and staircase drawings by R and L S Penrose, the window design published anonymously in Aviation Week & Space Technology in 1964, and Belvedere by M C Escher. And variations on the fork's self-contradictory boundary constitute the only source of paradox in 'impossible solids'--for instance, Escher's Day and Night, Victor Vasarely's Study in Axonometric Perspective, and Escher's Convex and Concave.
Redefining amaurosis fugax

Amaurosis fugax is a common term fraught with different interpretations. Disparities inunderstanding appear to be related to professional training. A new framework to facilitateinterdisciplinary communication and clinical research is presented.
Sammi: a 3-dimensional virtual human information kiosk

Sammi is a 3-Dimensional Virtual Human Information Kiosk for use by the Computer Science department at The University of North Carolina Wilmington. Sammi's purpose is to provide information to users about UNCW's Computer Science department, including the faculty, staff, building, and courses offered. She is also able to answer general questions about UNCW and has the ability to carry on an intelligent conversation when the statements or questions are outside the domain of UNCW. Sammi, once fully functional, is to be located in the Computer Information Systems Building. The majority of users will be UNCW students. Sammi will take speech as input and will output speech and graphics (such as maps and diagrams). We describe the design, development, and architecture of Sammi and will discuss the accuracy of her responses to questions from users in our field test.
Determination of the orientation symmetry axis of graphite specimens

A technique is described for determining the true orientation symmetry axis of graphite specimens from conventional X-ray diffraction data. The technique, although developed for graphite, is applicable to any material exhibiting crystalline orientation which is symmetric about some axis. The requisite equations are derived for applying the procedure to both Bacon transmission data and rotating specimen reflection data. Results are presented which show that the symmetry axis of eleven molded graphites tested differed significantly from their nominal pressing directions.
A note on blood and water mixing in large marine gastropods

Abstract 1. 1. The foot in Busycon carica is inflated by the uptake of seawater from the ambient medium. 2. 2. Blood and water mix freely in the foot, and blood is concentrated before returning to the gill or mantle, probably in the nephridium. 3. 3. During full retraction into the shell, both blood and water are expelled into the meium, which is necessary to reduce body volume and to allow fit deep into the shell.
Detection of small‐fiber neuropathy by sudomotor testing

The symptoms of burning sensation affecting the feet, thought to be due to a distal small-fiber neuropathy (DSFN) affecting somatic unmyelinated fibers, are usually accompanied by vasomotor or sudomotor changes suggestive of involvement of autonomic fibers. We therefore examined the relationship between pattern of anhidrosis and DSFN and its etiology, comparing patients with "pure" DSFN (with normal nerve conduction) to those with clinical DSFN (minor conduction abnormalities). We reviewed 125 cases with a clinical phenotype of DSFN. These patients had distal burning discomfort, variable sensory deficits, and intact motor function. All had undergone assessment with thermoregulatory sweat test (TST), autonomic reflex screen (ARS), and nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG). TST showed a distal pattern of anhidrosis in 74%. The quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) was abnormal in 74%, with 80% of those having a length-dependent pattern of anhidrosis/hypohidrosis. In total, 93% of patients had a distal pattern of abnormality on QSART or TST. The Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS) was used to quantify the severity and distribution of autonomic deficits: 98% had CASS abnormality (sudomotor, 98%; adrenergic, 43%; cardiovagal, 35%). EMG was normal or showed unrelated abnormalities in 75%. The most common etiologies of DSFN were idiopathic (73%), presumed hereditary (18%), and diabetes (10%). Sudomotor examination is thus a highly sensitive detection tool in DSFN. Autonomic involvement is mainly distal, and additionally may involve adrenergic and the long cardiovagal fibers.
Function of β1 Integrin in Oral Epithelia and Tooth Bud Morphogenesis

Integrin β1 is critical for basement membrane organization and hair follicle morphogenesis in the skin epidermis; however, less is known about its function in the developing oral epithelium. Since the skin and oral epithelia share structural similarity, we hypothesized that β1 integrin function would be critical for the normal development of oral epithelium and tooth buds. The conditional (oral mucosa-specific) β1 integrin knockout (KO) mice displayed severe disruption of the basement membrane of the tongue epithelium and developing tooth buds. Interestingly, unlike the developing hair follicles, early morphological development of the KO molar tooth buds was normal. However, subsequent morphogenetic events, such as cusp formation, cervical loop down-growth, and ameloblast polarization, did not occur normally. Primary KO oral keratinocytes showed defective cell spreading and robust focal adhesions. Our studies indicate that β1 integrin plays an essential role in the normal development of the oral epitheliu...
Cellular distribution of prostacyclin synthase and specific prostacyclin binding sites in bovine corpora lutea of pregnancy.

Abstract The cellular distribution of prostacyclin (PGI2) synthase and specific PGI2 binding sites was investigated by light microscope immunocytochemistry and quantitative autoradiography. The immunostaining for the enzyme was found in small (15–18 μm) and large (18–45 μm) cells as well as in non-luteal cells, arteriole smooth muscle and endothelium. There was no consistent difference between small and large luteal cells and luteal vs. non-luteal cells in the immunostaining. Vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, on the other hand, contained less immunostaining than the other cells. Contrary to wide-spread distribution of PGI2 synthase, specific PGI2 binding sites were only found in the luteal cells. On a per cell basis, large luteal cells contained more sites than small luteal cells and vice versa when expressed per unit cell area. The [3H]PGI2 binding to the luteal cells was time and temperature dependent and was inhibited by excess unlabeled PGI2 but not by its metabolite, 6-keto-PGF1α or other eicosanoids which bind to their own receptors. In conclusion, while PGI2 synthase is widely distributed among different cell types in bovine corpora lutea, specific binding sites which may mediate luteotropic actions of PGI2 are only present in small and large luteal cells.
The chemistry and structure of { 222} CdO/Ag heterophase interfaces on an atomic scale

Abstract The chemistry and structure of {222} CdO Ag (ceramic/metal) heterophase interfaces are determined with sub-nanometer chemical and structural spatial resolution employing atom-probe field-ion and high-resolution electron microscopies. The interfaces are produced in a controlled manner via internal oxidation of a Ag1.62at%Cd alloy, which results in the formation of CdO precipitates in a Ag matrix. The CdO precipitates are octahedral-shaped with facets on the {222} polar planes, and have a cube-on-cube orientation relationship with the Ag matrix. Atom-probe analyses are made along the chemically-ordered CdO 〈111〉-type directions, thereby perpendicularly intersecting the {222} interfaces. A total of 35 {222} heterophase interfaces is chemically analyzed, of which 19 have the chemical sequence Ag|O|Cd|… and 16 the sequence Ag|Cd|O|…. High resolution electron microscopy analyses reveal that the {222} facet planes of the CdO precipitates con atomic height ledges, therefore indicating that the preciptates were in a coarsening stage. The combined atom-probe and high-resolution electron microscope results demonstrate that the chemistry of the terminating {222} facet plane of CdO is controlled by coarsening kinetics.
Calcium regulation of gene expression in neuronal cells.

Long-term adaptive changes in neurons following brief periods of neuronal activity are likely to involve changes in gene expression. The mechanisms of activity-dependent gene expression have been explored in central neurons and the neuronal cell line PC12. Calcium influx through either NMDA receptors or voltage-sensitive calcium channels leads to the rapid induction of a number of immediate-early genes including c-fos. Promoter analysis indicates that Ca2+ influx through different calcium channels activates distinct signaling pathways that either target the serum response element (SRE) or the calcium response element (CaRE) within the c-fos promoter. Transcription through the CaRE requires the induced phosphorylation of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) at Ser133. This site on CREB is also phosphorylated in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in in vivo upon light stimulation. These observations suggest Ca2+ can regulate gene expression by multiple signaling pathways including one that involves the Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB. 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the transcription of monophonic melodies in an instance-based pitch classification scenario

In this paper, a computationally efficient approach to transcription of monophonic melodies from a raw acoustic signal is presented. Two different instance-based pitch classification methods are proposed, the choice of which depends on the size of the available training database. In the first method, the conventional K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm is trained on a large database of piano tones and employed for monophonic pitch detection. For cases where the training database contains only one sample from each possible note, a two-step algorithm, combining semi-KNN pitch candidate selection and note sequence tracking, is suggested. It is demonstrated that in the abundance of training data, the KNN algorithm along with a proper choice of the distance measure and K, yields high performance accuracy. Furthermore, the two-step algorithm is capable of compensating for the shortage of data by incorporating prior musicological information in the transcription process.
Volume and Potential Vorticity Budgets of Eighteen Degree Water

AbstractMode waters are a distinctive baroclinic feature of the World Ocean characterized by relatively weak vertical stratification. They correspond dynamically to low potential vorticity (PV). In the North Atlantic subtropical gyre, the mode waters have become known as Eighteen Degree Water. Their dynamics involves air–sea interaction, diapycnal and isopycnal mixing, and subduction. Understanding mode water dynamics is therefore both challenging and important since it connects several aspects of the ocean circulation. Mass and PV budget of the mode water's core, evaluated in a realistic primitive equation North Atlantic model, are used to characterize mode water maintenance. It is shown that the surface PV flux has very little impact on mode water; the surface buoyancy flux in combination with eddy mass flux is the most important control on mode water structure. A mean PV formalism is used to show that the PV and water-mass formation budgets are intrinsically linked. A decomposition of the budget demons...
Diels-Alder reactions in chloroaluminate ionic liquids: acceleration and selectivity enhancement

Abstract The utility of room temperature chloroaluminate ionic liquids as solvent and catalyst for the synthetically important Diels-Alder reaction was studied. The AlCl3-1-ethyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium chloride medium proved to be ideally suited for Diels-Alder reactions. Endo selectivity and rate enhancement were observed for the cyclopentadiene/methyl acrylate Diels-Alder reaction.
Experimental Study of SBS Suppression via White Noise Phase Modulation

White noise phase modulation is an effective technique capable of increasing the SBS threshold in high power fiber amplifiers. Theoretical models predict the enhancement factor as a function of linewidth and fiber length, but have yet to be experimentally verified over wide ranges of these variables. We present results on a cut-back experiment performed on a passive fiber with a white-noise broadened laser, measuring the SBS enhancement factor as a function of fiber length and bandwidth. In addition, the experimental results will be compared to phase modulation models of the SBS process in optical fibers.
Endovascular stent graft repair of thoracic aortic mural thrombus in a patient with polycythemia vera: A word of caution

Thoracic aortic mural thrombus (TAMT) is a rare pathology and potential source of cerebral, visceral, and peripheral emboli. We present a 62-year-old male in a hypercoagulable state due to primary polycythemia vera (PV) developed TAMT and catastrophic thromboembolisms despite aggressive medical and surgical management. The outcomes and adverse events of endovascular exclusion of TAMT in the presence of PV are unknown. We would recommend proceeding with extreme caution when performing endovascular exclusion of TAMT, as PV may be a prohibitive risk.
THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI K1 ANTIGEN IN NEONATAL MENINGITIS

We have previously shown that 85% of E. coli (EC) causing neonatal meningitis possess a specific capsular polysaccharide antigen (K1) which on the basis of animal studies confers virulence to these strains. In the present study the outcome of 54 infants with EC meningitis was correlated with presence of K1 in body fluids. 45 infants had meningitis due to EC K1: 62% died or were abnormal at followup and mouse LD50 values for these EC were 2 to 630 organisms. Outcome was correlated with amount and duration of spinal fluid K1: 9 infants had meningitis due to non-K1 EC: none died and only 1 was abnormal; the EC LD50 values were 767 to 390,000 organisms. 12 of 15 infants with K1 detected in serum died or were abnormal and amount of K1 in serum was 13 to 16-fold greater in these infants than in normal survivors. Capsular sialic acid (K1) content of EC and clinical outcome were correlated also. These studies demonstrate the significance of K1 as a virulence factor for EC in neonates with meningitis.
Role of Arachidonic Acid in the Regulation of the Inflammatory Response in TNF-α-treated Rats

BACKGROUND This study examined whether adding arachidonic acid (AA) to a fish oil diet would alter certain of the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) infusion in rats. METHODS AA was given at 0.08 wt% of diet for 6 weeks. The total fat in each diet provided 20% of dietary energy. Four groups were pair-fed sunflower oil (S), S+AA, fish oil (F), or F+AA for 6 weeks. At the end of feeding, each animal received TNF-alpha (20 microg/kg) infusion for 3 hours. After 1 hour of TNF infusion, a euglycemic and hyperinsulinemic clamp (10 mU/min per kilogram of insulin) was used to determine the actions of insulin. The insulin-stimulated glucose utilization in liver, muscle, and fat was determined by using 14C-deoxyglucose. The plasma glucose, insulin, and corticosterone levels were determined at basal, 60 minutes, and the end of the experiment (180 minutes). The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids also was determined. RESULTS Fish oil significantly increased omega-3 fatty acids in phospholipids in both F and F+AA and decreased AA in F, compared with S. AA significantly restored the level of AA and reduced the increase of omega-3 fatty acids in phospholipids in F+AA compared with F, but had no impact on fatty acid composition when added to S. Corticosterone level was significantly lower with fish oil feeding but higher in both F and S containing AA compared with F and S, respectively. The highest glucose uptake in tissues was in F, followed by F+AA, and then S and S+AA. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that fish oil is anti-inflammatory principally through a reduction in the AA content of phospholipids.
Postcolonoscopy appendicitis in a patient with active ulcerative colitis

Complications due to diagnostic colonoscopy are uncommon and acute appendicitis is a very rare complication of colonoscopy. This poses a diagnostic challenge as the presentation of appendicitis is similar to that of other complications of colonoscopy such as perforation or postpolypectomy syndrome. It is hypothesized that postcolonoscopy appendicitis might be associated with obstruction of the appendiceal lumen with fecal matter during colonoscopy. None of the previous reports in the literature have described findings of appendicitis after colonoscopy in a patient with active ulcerative colitis. We present a case of a 28 year-old man with active ulcerative colitis who underwent colonoscopy and subsequently developed acute appendicitis.
Air Ionization Effects on Cardiovascular Parameters in Humans: A Review

Negatively and positively charged gaseous molecules present in man's ambient air are known to produce biological effects. The mechanisms of these electrically induced changes are not understood. A recent theory has linked air ions with the development of atherosclerosis, currently the most lethal disease state in the United States. The effects of air ionization on cardiovascular risk factors known to be predictive of atherosclerotic development are reviewed and future research is proposed.
On the design of digital tracking controllers

This paper describes my work on the design of digital tracking controllers over the past two decades. In tracking control, the control object must be moved along a time varying desired output and the transient path error must be minimized. Tracking control is discussed for the following two typical situations: one is the situation where the desired output is known in advance and the other is where the desired output itself is not known but has a certain known property, e.g., it is periodic with a know period
Age-specific MRI brain and head templates for healthy adults from 20 through 89 years of age

This study created and tested a database of adult, age-specific MRI brain and head templates. The participants included healthy adults from 20 through 89 years of age. The templates were done in 5-year, 10-year, and multi-year intervals from 20 through 89 years, and consist of average T1W for the head and brain, and segmenting priors for GM, WM, and CSF. It was found that age-appropriate templates provided less biased tissue classification estimates than age-inappropriate reference data and reference data based on young adult templates. This database is available for use by other investigators and clinicians for their MRI studies, as well as other types of neuroimaging and electrophysiological research (http://jerlab.psych.sc.edu/NeurodevelopmentalMRIDatabase/).