cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a lightning parameterization based on cloud-top height for mesoscale numerical model simulations

Abstract. The Price and Rind lightning parameterization based on cloud-top height is a commonly used method for predicting flash rate in global chemistry models. As mesoscale simulations begin to implement flash rate predictions at resolutions that partially resolve convection, it is necessary to validate and understand the behavior of this method within such a regime. In this study, we tested the flash rate parameterization, intra-cloud/cloud-to-ground (IC:CG) partitioning parameterization, and the associated resolution dependency "calibration factor" by Price and Rind using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model running at 36 km, 12 km, and 4 km grid spacings within the continental United States. Our results show that while the integrated flash count is consistent with observations when model biases in convection are taken into account, an erroneous frequency distribution is simulated. When the spectral characteristics of lightning flash rate are a concern, we recommend the use of prescribed IC:CG values. In addition, using cloud-top from convective parameterization, the "calibration factor" is also shown to be insufficient in reconciling the resolution dependency at the tested grid spacing used in this study. We recommend scaling by areal ratio relative to a base-case grid spacing determined by convective core density.
Ultraviolet spectroscopic determination of five lanthanide elements without prior separation

This investigation has resulted in an analytical method for the quantitative determination of total lanthanide concentration in aqueous solution by absorbance at 240 nm in the ultraviolet followed by quantitative determination of individual lanthanide ion concentrations by the use of concentration-responsive absorption peaks in the 190-235 nm region. The 240-nm peak is present and is proportional to concentration regardless of the ligand employed to complex the lanthanides (including H2O). The individual lanthanide/ligand peaks in the 190-235 nm region were selected on the basis of their separation from one another, their linearity of absorbance vs. concentration, and their statistical reliability based on replicate sample analyses. Lanthanides involved in this investigation were La+3, Nd+3, Eu+3, Ho+3 and Yb+3. Ligands ultimately selected for complexation were citrate for La+3, Nd+3, and Ho+3, and DTPA for Eu+3, Ho+3, and Yb+3. When large amounts of heavy metal ions were present, a modified method was developed with citrate as the only complexing ligand for all five lanthanides. The method here developed permits the analyses of lanthanide ions in aqueous solution without prior separation and involves the use of comparatively inexpensive instrumentation (UV absorption spectrophotometer).
Management of posteriorly dislocated endothelial keratoplasty donor lenticule.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe the management of a keratoplasty lenticule adhering to the retina after intraoperative dislocation. METHODS We describe the posterior dislocation of the donor lenticule during endothelial keratoplasty in a 72-year-old woman with a transscleraly sutured intraocular lens, previous pars plana vitrectomy, and a posteriorly positioned Ahmed glaucoma tube shunt. The lenticule was retrieved through a pars plana approach 2 weeks later, at which time it was tightly adherent to the extramacular retina. Concurrent keratoplasty was performed. RESULTS Six months after retrieval of the dislocated lenticule with repeat keratoplasty, the retinal examination is stable and the new graft remains attached. CONCLUSION An iris defect, the absence of capsular support, and a history of previous vitrectomy are all potential risk factors for the intraoperative migration of a keratoplasty lenticule. The surgical view 2 weeks after dislocation was not a limiting factor in the retrieval of the lenticule. However, the tight adherence of the lenticule to the retina required extensive peeling. To avoid a more difficult surgical repair and the potential for scar formation, earlier surgical repair would be preferable, especially if dealing with a macular location.
Two somatic eyelid reflexes in the albino rat

Abstract Eyelid responses to air puffs directed at the cornea of the rat are shown to result from the activation of two reflexes. A brief early component of the response results from stimulation of the eyelids, especially the eyelashes. The larger, later component is initiated by stimulation of the cornea. Branches of the trigeminal nerve comprising the afferent limbs of the two reflexes were identified in physiological experiments by selective denervation of the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or globe, and by anatomical procedures. Responses of single orbicularis oculi motoneurons, recorded from a dorsal group of cells in the facial nucleus, indicate that both reflexes are served, in part at least, by the same motoneurons. A pause of contraction in responses to air puffs when spontaneous activity is present suggests that orbicularis oculi has Golgi tendon organs. The early response of the eyelash reflex habituates and differs in this respect from the early component of the human orbicularis oculi reflex.
Atomic layer deposition of SiO2 at room temperature using NH3-catalyzed sequential surface reactions

Abstract Ultrathin SiO 2 films were deposited at 300–338 K with atomic layer control using NH 3 -catalyzed sequential surface reactions. The SiO 2 deposition was achieved by splitting the reaction SiCl 4 +2H 2 O→SiO 2 +4HCl into two separate SiCl 4 and H 2 O half-reactions. Successive application of the half-reactions in an ABAB… sequence produced atomic layer controlled SiO 2 growth. The NH 3 catalyst dramatically lowered the necessary deposition temperature from >600 to 300 K and reduced the required reactant fluxes from ∼10 9 to ∼10 5 L. In situ spectroscopic ellipsometry monitored the SiO 2 deposition versus reaction temperature and SiCl 4 , H 2 O and NH 3 partial pressures. The ellipsometric measurements obtained a maximum SiO 2 growth rate of 2.16 A per AB reaction cycle at 303 K. Atomic force microscopy images of the deposited surface topography indicated smooth SiO 2 films with a roughness similar to the starting Si(100) substrate. Catalysis of the sequential surface reactions that yield atomic layer controlled growth may be general and could facilitate the low temperature deposition of other binary materials.
Frequency reuse applied to CDMA channels in a cellular system

A cellular system based upon several CDMA channels arranged in a multiple overlay/underlay pattern is proposed. The channel reuse is arranged to minimize interference between like channels. Performance analysis was conducted for both the proposed and the standard CDMA systems under the same propagation path loss, multipath fading and lognormal shadowing channel conditions. The proposed CDMA/FDMA system is found to increase the forward link capacity by a factor of seven and the reverse link capacity approaches the ideal capacity of a single cell with perfect power control. In addition, the proposed system capacity was compared to a sectorized standard CDMA system. This proposed system demonstrated the potential of increasing capacity without deploying additional cell sites.
Self-scanned photodiode array: high performance operation in high dispersion astronomical spectrophotometry

We have developed a multichannel spectrophotometric detector system using a 1024 element self-scanned silicon photodiode array, which is now in routine operation with the high-dispersion coude spectrograph of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory 2.7-m telescope. We discuss operational considerations in the use of such arrays for high precision and low light level spectrophotometry. A detailed description of the system is presented. Performance of the detector as measured in the laboratory and on astronomical program objects is described, and it is shown that these arrays are highly effective detectors for high dispersion astronomical spectroscopy.
Exocrine secretion of epidermal growth factor by the rat prostate: effect of adrenergic agents, cholinergic agents, and vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Perfusion of the rat prostatic urethra in vivo provided a means of collecting the rat prostatic secretory product. The secretion of the protein epidermal growth factor (EGF) was investigated by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Baseline secretion of EGF into prostatic fluid was less than .03 +/- .004 SEM ng/min. The alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine caused an increase in EGF to 3.6 +/- .4 SEM ng per 30-min period. The stimulation was blocked completely by prazosin and only partially by yohimbine, indicating primarily alpha 1 control. One mg/kg IV phenylephrine produced a maximal response. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol caused no increased secretion of EGF. The cholinergic agonist pilocarpine stimulated EGF secretion to 3.2 +/- .6 SEM ng per 30-min period. Atropine blocked the cholinergic stimulation. The combination of phenylephrine and pilocarpine did not result in greater stimulation than either agent alone. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) did not stimulate EGF secretion, nor did it augment either pilocarpine or phenylephrine-stimulated secretion. EGF secretion into rat prostatic fluid is under both alpha 1-adrenergic and cholinergic control.
REDUCIBILITY, LOCATION, AND ADSORBATE INTERACTIONS OF NI(I) IONS IN NI(II)-EXCHANGED SILICOALUMINOPHOSPHATE TYPE 41 STUDIED BY ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE AND ELECTRON SPIN ECHO MODULATION SPECTROSCOPIES

Medium-pore silicoaluminophosphate type 41 (SAPO-41) molecular sieve has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods. The reducibility of Ni(II) ions ion-exchanged into SAPO-41 (NiH−SAPO-41) by various reduction methods was studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Dehydration of NiH−SAPO-41 at temperatures above 573 K produces an isolated Ni(I) species with g∥ = 2.498 and g⊥ = 2.115. When dehydrated and oxidized NiH−SAPO-41 is treated with hydrogen, more than one isolated Ni(I) species are observed depending on the reduction temperature. When NiH−SAPO-41 is γ-irradiated at 77 K, Ni(I) is also formed. Adsorption of D2O into dehydrated NiH−SAPO-41 forms Ni(I)−(O2)n, indicating water decomposition by Ni(I). Adsorption of ammonia on reduced NiH−SAPO-41 leads to Ni(I)−(ND3)n with similar ESR characteristics as that of the Ni(I)−(O2)n complex produced by water adsorption. The similar ESR spectra of these two species suggest that both species are localized at the same site in the molecular sieve structure a...
Power tools and composite tools: integrating automation with direct manipulation

This paper describes a drawing system that incorporates two novel interaction techniques based on analogies to physical tools. Power tools add limited autonomy in the form of rotators and movers for automated circular, linear, and Bezier-curve movement. Composite tools are user-constructed combinations of existing tools to create new functionality.
Introduction of a functional P element into the germ-line of Drosophila hawaiiensis

When a plasmid carrying a P-transposable element (derived from Drosophila melanogaster) is injected into young embryos of D. hawaiiensis, the P-element sequence from the plasmid transposes into the germ-line chromosomes. The introduction of this P element into D. hawaiiensis provides an opportunity to study the behavior of the transposable element in a novel context. Germ-line transposition and numerical increase of the P elements are readily detected in D. hawaiiensis. Thus these aspects of P-element function do not require chromosomal or cytoplasmic properties that are unique to D. melanogaster. Since D. hawaiiensis is among those Drosophila that are most distantly related to D. melanogaster, these results suggest that P-element-mediated transformation may function in many species.
Arenesulfonyl iodides: The third universal class of functional initiators for the metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of methacrylates and styrenes

The metal-catalyzed living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene initiated with freshly prepared p-toluenesulfonyl iodide (TsI) and catalyzed with CuX/2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), where X is Cl, Br, or I, and various self-regulated copper-based catalytic systems, such as copper/bpy, copper(I) oxide/bpy, copper(I) sulfide/bpy, copper(I) selenide/bpy, and copper(I) telluride/bpy, is reported. The exchange of CI into CBr and CCl takes place when the living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate is catalyzed by copper(I) bromide/bpy and copper(I) chloride/bpy, respectively. Therefore, the use of the TsI initiator facilitates the synthesis, starting from a single initiator, of poly(methyl methacrylate) containing CI, CBr, and CCl chain ends. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3920–3931, 2005
The Guanylate-Binding Proteins: Emerging Insights into the Biochemical Properties and Functions of This Family of Large Interferon-Induced Guanosine Triphosphatase

Originally identified by their unusual ability to bind guanosine monophosphate (GMP) nucleotide agarose, the guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) were used extensively to promote our understanding of interferon-induced gene transcription and as markers of interferon responsiveness. Structural and biochemical analyses of human GBP-1 subsequently demonstrated that the GBPs are a unique subfamily of guanosine triphosphatase (GTPases) that hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to both guanosine diphosphate (GDP) and GMP. As members of the larger dynamin superfamily of GTPases, GBPs exhibit such properties as nucleotide-dependent oligomerization and concentration-dependent GTPase activity. Recently, progress has been made in assigning functions to members of the GBP family. While many of these functions involve protection against intracellular pathogens, a growing number of them are not directly related to pathogen protection. It is currently unclear how the unusual properties of GBPs contribute to this growing list of functions. As future studies uncover the molecular mechanism(s) of action of the GBPs, we will gain a greater understanding of how individual GBPs can mediate what currently appears to be a divergent set of functions.
Structure and Biological Roles of Mucin-type O-glycans at the Ocular Surface

Abstract Mucins are major components in mucus secretions and apical cell membranes on wet-surfaced epithelia. Structurally, they are characterized by the presence of tandem repeat domains containing heavily O-glycosylated serine and threonine residues. O-glycans contribute to maintaining the highly extended and rigid structure of mucins, conferring to them specific physical and biological properties essential for their protective functions. At the ocular surface epithelia, mucin-type O-glycan chains are short and predominantly sialylated, perhaps reflecting specific requirements of the ocular surface. Traditionally, secreted mucins and their O-glycans in the tear film have been involved in the clearance of debris and pathogens from the surface of the eye. New evidence, however, shows that O-glycans on the cell-surface glycocalyx have additional biological roles in the protection of corneal and conjunctival epithelia, such as preventing bacterial adhesion, promoting boundary lubrication, and maintaining the epithelial barrier function through their interaction with galectin-3. Abnormalities in mucin-type O-glycosylation have been identified in many disorders where the stability of the ocular surface is compromised. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the structure, biosynthesis, and function of mucin-type O-glycans at the ocular surface and their alteration in ocular surface disease.
IV. A theory of the strong interactions

The most promising candidate for a fundamental microscopic theory of the strong interactions is a gauge theory of colored quarks—Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). There are many excellent reasons for believing in this theory. It embodies the broken symmetries, SU(3) and chiral SU(3)×SU(3), of the strong interactions and reflects the success of (albeit crude) quark models in explaining the spectrum of the observed hadrons. The hidden quantum number of color, necessary to account for the quantum numbers of the low lying hadrons, plays a fundamental role in this theory as the SU(3) color gauge vector ‘gluons’ are the mediators of the strong interactions. The absence of physical quark states can be ‘explained’ by the hypothesis of color confinement, i.e. that hadrons are permanently bound in color singlet bound states. Finally this theory is unique in being asymptotically free, thus accounting for the almost free field theory behavior of quarks observed at short distances.
Influence of various anions on intestinal disappearance of hexamethonium chloride and pralidoxime chloride in rats

The intestinal transfer of two poorly absorbed quaternary ammonium drugs, hexamethonium chloride (I) and pralidoxime chloride (II), in the presence of various organic and inorganic anions was investigated in the rat using a modified in situ gut technique. The results were in agreement with those of the conventional in situ loop and plasma drug level techniques. Of the anions investigated, cholate, desoxycholate, taurocholate, phoscholate, dehydrocholate, and hyodesoxycholate had the greatest effect on increasing the amount and rate of disappearance of I. Similarly, the amount and rate of disappearance of II were enhanced markedly in the presence of phoscholate and trichloroacetate. The effect of cholate and phoscholate was investigated in detail. The membrane permeability and histological studies indicated that these anions may compromise the structural integrity of the membrane tissue, thus enhancing drug transfer.
Denotational semantics of a para-functional programming language

Apara-functional programming language is a functional language that has been extended with special annotations that provide an extra degree of control over parallel evaluation. Of most interest are annotations that allow one to express the dynamic mapping of a program onto a known multiprocessor topology. Since it is quite desirable to provide a precise semantics for any programming language, in this paper adenotational semantics is given for a simple para-functional programming language with mapping annotations. A precise meaning is given not only to the normalfunctional behavior of the program (i.e., the answer), but also to theoperational notion of where (i.e., on what processor) expressions are evaluated. The latter semantics is accomplished through an abstract entity called anexecution tree.
The Electron Localization Function Signature of the Amide Bond Exhibits Nitrogen Lone Pair Character

An electron localization function (ELF) study of the amide bond at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)//MP2(FC)/6-31+G(d,p) level shows that the ELF isosurfaces near nitrogen resemble those found in planar ammonia where the lone pair is of necessity localized on the nitrogen atom. This suggests that in the planar form the neutral resonance structure is of considerable importance and gives rise to a characteristic ELF signature for nitrogen in the amide bond and similar settings where the nitrogen lone pair contributes to the bonding.
Quantitation of maxillary remodeling. 1. A description of osseous changes relative to superimposition on metallic implants.

Abstract Lateral skull radiographs for a set of 31 human subjects were examined using computer-aided methods in an attempt to quantify modal trends of maxillary remodeling during the mixed dentition and adolescent growth periods. Cumulative changes in position of anterior nasal spine (ANS), posterior nasal spine (PNS), and Point A are reported at annual intervals relative to superimposition on previously placed maxillary metallic implants. This in vivo longitudinal study confirms at a high level of confidence earlier findings by Enlow, Bjork, Melsen, and others to the effect that the superior surface of the maxilla remodels downward during the period of growth and development being investigated. However, the inter-individual variability is relatively large, the mean magnitudes of change are relatively small, and the rate of change appears to diminish by 13.5 years. For the 19 subjects for whom data were available for the time interval from 8.5 to 15.5 years, mean downward remodeling at PNS was 2.50 mm with a standard deviation of 2.23 mm. At ANS, corresponding mean value was 1.56 mm with a standard deviation of 2.92 mm. Mean rotation of the ANS-PNS line relative to the implant line was 1.1° in the “forward” direction. However, this rotational change was particularly variable with a standard deviation of 4.6° and a range of 11.3° “forward” to 6.7° “backward”. The study provides strong evidence that the palate elongates anteroposteriorly mainly by the backward remodeling of structures located posterior to the region in which the implants were placed. There is also evidence that supports the idea of modal resorptive remodeling at ANS and PNS, but here the data are somewhat more equivocal. It appears likely, but not certain, that there are real differences in the modal patterns of remodeling between treated and untreated subjects. Because of problems associated with overfragmentation of the sample, sex differences were not investigated.
Pre-equilibrium statistical model: Analyses of excitation functions

Abstract Griffin's pre-equilibrium decay model is used, with minor modifications in its derivation, to analyse a variety of excitation functions. The calculated particle spectra are taken to be a sum of pre-equilibrium and equilibrium components, the admixture of the two being determined from comparisons with experimental excitation functions. Additionally, the sensitivity of calculated results to the parameter of the initial number of particles plus holes in the compound state is investigated, and compared for consistency with results from analyses of particle spectra for proton and helium ion induced reactions. The excitation functions analysed are for the reactions 51 V(α, n) 54 Mn, 51 V(α, 3n) 52 Mn, 51 V(α, p3n) 51 Cr, 56 Fe(α, 3n) 57 Ni, 56 Fe(α, p2n) 57 Co, 59 Co(p, 3n) 57 Ni, 59 Co(p, p2n) 57 Co, and 197 Au (α, x n ) 201− x Tl (x = 1, 4) . Excitation energies extend to 100 MeV. Pre-equilibrium fractions of 35 % to 65 % were required to reproduce the experimental results.
Stimulated low-frequency emission from anisotropic molecules in microdroplets

Abstract Spectral broadening of the input-laser line and the stimulated Raman line have been observed in microdroplets of carbon disulfide, benzyl alcohol, toluene, chloroform and a binary mixture of carbon disulfide in ethanol. The broadening is asymmetrical and extends more than 500 cm −1 towards the low-frequency side of the input-laser line and the stimulated Raman lines. The broadening is proposed to arise from multiple-order stimulated low-frequency scattering associated with librational and dipole—induced-dipole translational motions.
On the use ofR-estimators in analyzing repeated measures incomplete block clinical trials with baseline values as covariates

This article develops a rank based inference using a dispersion function for repeated measures incomplete block designs (IBD) with baseline values as covariates. Scores, Waldtype and drop in dispersion tests are developed for testing slope equals zero and equality of treatment effects. Multiple comparison procedures are also developed usingR-estimators which are obtained by minimizing a piece-wise linear dispersion function. A consistent estimator of a scale parameter, which appears in test statistic as a standardizing constant, is discussed. A data set from pharmaceutical research, which compares 12μg and 24μg formoterol (asthma drug) solution aerosol with a placebo treatment, is analyzed using the result of this article.
Drug-induced alterations of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol (MHPE) in rat brain

Abstract Using gas-liquid chromatography, it was possible to identify and quantify endogenous MHPE in both cortex and brain stem homogenates. MHPE was extracted from the homogenates with ethyl acetate and converted to a pentafluoropropionic ester derivative. The structure of this derivative was verified by a mass spectrum. Quantitation of this compound was achieved when separations were carried out using a 1% Dexsil column and a tritium-foil electron capture detector. The concentration of MHPE in the brain stem and cortex corresponded to previously reported areas of dopamine concentration. It was shown that l -dopa did not increase the concentration of MHPE in either area; however, in rats pretreated with disulfiram, there was a marked increase in the MHPE concentration in both areas. Reserpine pretreatment gave a significant decrease in the level of MHPE in cortex and brain stem. It would seem that further correlation of levels of this metabolite with disease or drug-induced changes may lead to a further understanding of monoamine metabolism.
A Continuous DUE Algorithm Using the Link Transmission Model

This paper describes a continuous-flow, continuous-time model for which a dynamic Wardrop equilibrium provably exists. This formulation is general, but is particularly designed to include the link and node models of Yperman’s Link Transmission Model as a special case. Rather than using path flows to describe route choice, travelers are aggregated by destination and node-specific routing parameters are used to reduce the number of control variables needed. Furthermore, this formulation allows efficient solution methods from static traffic assignment, such as Linear User Cost Equilibrium (LUCE), to be applied in a fairly straightforward manner. Demonstrations on a small network verify the effectiveness of this dynamic LUCE algorithm in our model, showing favorable performance comapred to the method of successive averages.
A Paradox of Synergy: Contagion and Capacity Effects in Mergers and Acquisitions

Integrating merged businesses to realize synergies can adversely affect the distribution of potential outcomes through two mechanisms: the contagion effect and the capacity effect. I describe these effects, highlight when they will be pronounced, and discuss their importance. My arguments demonstrate that an inherent element of synergy-based mergers and acquisitions is that actions to facilitate synergy capture can amplify threats and can inhibit firms' ability to respond to favorable conditions in the business environment.
A Discussion of Sources and Description of the Earth's Magnetic Field and Its Secular Variations

The problem of collecting data for making geomagnetic charts including secular change is reviewed. Satellite data gives excellent coverage, but the satellite total field intensity data is not sufficient to properly define the field components. In constructing charts, the specific time and space filtering that is used should be specified so the user can make needed corrections in the use of the charts. An attempt should be made to include time variations having periods of one year or greater. In the space domain spherical harmonic coefficients up to degree 12 or 13 should probably be included. Adequate charts n the future will likely require the use of some external coefficients.
Assessment of genetic diversity in dent and popcorn (Zea mays L.) inbred lines using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification

Popcorn (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown in the United States are derived from narrow-based germplasm, and standard RFLP analysis detects relatively little polymorphism. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification, a novel technique based on PCR amplification of inter-microsatellite sequences to target multiple loci in the genome, was employed to investigate its potential for detection of polymorphism among nineteen popcorn and eight dent corn inbred lines. ISSR yielded an average of 54 bands/primer/inbred line, with over 98% of the bands repeatable across DNA extractions and separate PCR runs. Ten primers based on di- and tri-nucleotide tandem repeats revealed 73% and 87% polymorphism among popcorn and dent corn lines, respectively, with an overall 95% polymorphism rate. Principal component and cluster analyses resulted in grouping of dent and popcorn lines corresponding to their heterotic breeding pools. ISSR amplification, in addition to being both simple and cost and time efficient, provides for rapid production of highly polymorphic markers which appear to correspond to known pedigree information. Therefore, the ISSR technique may have great potential for identifying polymorphism in species with narrow-based germplasm, and for use in DNA marker-assisted breeding approaches.
The Ultimate Experience in Learning Robotics: Building Robots in a Robotics Course

Most engineering schools currently include a curriculum component that introduces students to the field of robotics. Multiple methods and techniques are used by engineering educators to help students gain familiarity and interest in robotic systems and their applications. However, very rarely the students get the opportunity to gain the ultimate experience of applying acquired knowledge of the field through building an actual robot. This is because building a robot during a college course involves multiple challenges including robotic systems high complexity and the requirement of combining multiple knowledge bases. Students studying robotics end up, at the most, programming purchased robots, or simulating robots using software, but not actually going through the realities and challenges of putting the system together and making it functional to the point of experimenting with it. In this paper, a unique experience in learning robotic systems and building actual robots is presented. This experience is made available in an elective course on robotic systems engineering at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), School of Engineering (SOE). The produced robots are two or three jointed arm configuration robots, controlled by a programmable microcontroller and built based on classroom gained knowledge. In the classroom, the students learn the kinematics and simplified dynamics of robots, as well as other related topics. In the laboratory, the students are required to apply the learned concepts of kinematics and design in combination with control systems to build a robot that will help them understand and demonstrate these concepts. The course final projects include robotic systems that are built or integrated by teams of students. These projects provide a range of challenges that extends from mechanical design to control systems. The projects are taken up by teams of students having diversified interests and skill bases within the course. The final outcomes of the course are working robotic systems that can demonstrate the students’ knowledge and interest, which the students use significantly as a proof of their competence level when putting together their resumes to move into the next level of their careers. From an educational angle, the course provides the students with an opportunity to combine multiple knowledge sets, skills, and interest to gain the ultimate experience in education: producing a functional system to specifications.© 2008 ASME
Smectic, cholesteric, and Rayleigh-Benard order in two dimensions

Order in layered smectic and cholesteric liquid-crystal films is investigated. Although long-wavelength fluctuations in the layer displacements destroy translational order at any finite tem-perature, one must also account for effects of free dislocations. The combined action of layer fluctuations and dislocations is to produce a phase at finite temperature with persistent orientational order in the local normal to the layers. At length scales greater than ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{D}\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{exp}(\frac{{E}_{D}}{2{k}_{B}T})$ where ${E}_{D}$ is the energy of an isolated dislocation, the properties are those of a two-dimensional nematic, with the local layer normal playing the role of a director field. An intermediate phase of this kind could conceivably exist in bulk cholesteric liquid crystals as well. In two dimensions, an unbinding of disclination pairs eventually produces an isotropic phase. The low-temperature nematic Frank constants ${K}_{1}(T)$ and ${K}_{3}(T)$ are worked out, and compared with the diamagnetic susceptibility expected in a two-dimensional superconductor. We determine the characteristic nematic frequencies at low temperatures, using a simple model of dislocations interacting with a layer displacement field. Our analysis may also be relevant to the behavior of Rayleigh-Benard convective rolls in the presence of thermal noise fluctuations.
Relation of environmental factors to density of epilithic lotic bacteria in 2 ecoregions

AbstractAlthough heterotrophic bacteria are important components of stream ecosystems, little is known about the factors that contribute to their abundance. We used data from 69 streams to examine both the direct and indirect effects of algal biomass (chlorophyll a), dissolved organic C (DOC), NO3−, soluble reactive P (SRP), and NH4+ on bacterial density. All potential relationships were simultaneously evaluated using path analysis. Streams in 2 ecoregions (unglaciated and glaciated) were used to determine if important factors varied between ecoregions. The results indicated that algal biomass was the best predictor of bacterial density in both ecoregions. Furthermore, inorganic nutrients appeared to mainly affect bacteria indirectly through their influence on algal biomass. However, a quantitative relationship between algae and bacteria was not observed when algal biomass was <5 μg chlorophyll a/cm2. The lack of relationship between algae and bacteria at low algal biomass may help to explain why some stu...
GIS-based spatial analysis and modeling for landslide hazard assessment in steeplands, southern Honduras

Landslides are a serious concern in steepland areas where intensive storms are common. The level of landslide hazard is not only dependent on storm and land physical attributes, human activities, especially agriculture practices, are also important considerations. Hurricane Mitch was one of the strongest hurricanes of the 20th century; it generated intense rain that triggered widespread landslides and flooding throughout Honduras and Nicaragua. The objective of this study was to develop and test a heuristic approach for predicting spatial distribution of landslide hazard. Four variables, slope, aspect, stream proximity, and land cover type, generated from available topography and remote sensing data, were used in the model. This model was developed and verified in southern Honduras based on data from the Namasigue watershed and validated in the adjacent El Triunfo watershed. Results of GIS analyses showed that the likelihood of landslide was significantly influenced by slope and land cover. As slope increased, the percentage of land affected by landslides, when the soils were saturated, increased sharply on land used for crop production, indicating that agricultural activity and the associated removal of deep-rooted permanent vegetation increased the landslide hazard on steep sites. Consequently, sites covered by shrub fallow and forests had relatively low incidence of landslides regardless of the topographic features. The model was effective in predicting landslide hazard and generating landslide hazard maps; this model has been found to be a useful aid for soil and water conservation organizations in the region to target conservation investment.
Energy properties of an EMI-Im ionic liquid ion source

The identity and the energy distributions of positive and negative ions electrostatically extracted from the liquid phase in an ionic liquid ion source (ILIS) are analysed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and a multi-grid retarding potential analyzer. Accurate energy measurements using ionic liquids in an externally wetted configuration are reported for the first time. Droplet-free beams are produced using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(triflouromethylsulfonyl)amide (EMI-Im) in which the solvated ions (EMI-Im)nEMI+ and (EMI-Im)nIm− with n = 0,1,2 are observed. The small ion source size and the energy distribution widths and deficits of a few electronvolts are quite similar to those of liquid metal ion sources, confirming that ILIS can be used in applications requiring highly focusable beams, e.g. sub-micron ion lithography. Measurements also suggest that solvated ions with n ≥ 1 exhibit post-extraction fragmentation into lighter species at a rate increasing with their original degree of solvation. About 10% of the total beam current is carried away by metastable species that break up almost immediately after extraction while inside the emitter accelerating region.
Traditional response interference effects from anticipated action outcomes: a response-effect compatibility paradigm.

Abstract An act as simple as pressing a button involves various stages of processing. Each stage of action production is susceptible to interference from competing representations/processes. For example, in the Simon Effect, interference arises from an incongruence between incidental spatial information and the spatial properties of intended action; in the flanker task, interference arises when visual targets and distracters are associated with different responses (response interference [RI]). Less interference arises in the flanker task when targets and distracters are different in appearance but associated with the same response (perceptual interference [PI]). Interference also stems from the automatic activation of representations associated with the anticipated effects of an action, response-effect (R–E) compatibility (e.g., the presence of a left-pointing arrow after one presses a button on the right will increase interference in future trials). This has been explained by ideomotor theory—that the mental representation of anticipated action-effects are activated automatically by voluntary action and that such representations can cause facilitation or interference by automatically priming their associated action plans. To illuminate the nature of action production and provide additional support for ideomotor theory, we examined for the first time the effects of PI and RI in a new R–E compatibility paradigm.
Experiences of College Students With Disabilities and the Importance of Self-Determination in Higher Education Settings:

Although the literature is clear that self-determination is an important component of the transition planning process for students with disabilities preparing for postsecondary education, further s...
A second note on the core of the overlapping generations model

Abstract This note provides an example of an overlapping generations economy with a Pareto optimal Walrasian equilibrium and an empty core. Then, in the context of the economy examined by Balasko and Shell (1980) a sufficient condition is provided for a Pareto optimal Walrasian equilibrium to be contained in the core.
Contrast and assimilation in verbal irony

The study investigated a potential link between patterns of perceptual/cognitive biasing effects and interpretation effects in figurative language. Following a recent line of psycholinguistic research that theoretically introduced and empirically verified a predictive relationship between perceptual contrast effects and the pragmatic functions of verbal irony (Colston, 2000; Colston and O'Brien, 2000a,b), the present study tested, (1) whether the broader family of perceptual and cognitive biasing effects found throughout the cognitive, social and other psychological literatures influences aspects of language comprehension, (2) how such an influence would specifically operate, and (3) whether this view accounts for dissociations found on the pragmatic functions of ironic tropes. The results of 4 experiments on 144 participants demonstrated that the pattern of contrast versus assimilation effects found in many psychological research literatures enables prediction of the pragmatic functions interpreted from a speaker's use of figurative language, specifically, the degree of criticism expressed by a speaker using a form of verbal irony. This prediction is also enabled through the way in which the situations that are commented-upon with verbal irony are perceived. The implications of these results for other aspects of perceptual or cognitive biasing effects that might affect figurative language processing are discussed.
Investigation of Kinetics of Iso-Octane Ignition Under Scramjet Conditions

Abstract : A single pulse reflected shock tube was used to investigate iso-octane ignition over the temperature range of 900-1400 K at a pressure of 1 atm. To account for the anticipated long ignition delay times at the lower temperatures, long shock tube dwell times (12 ms) at lower temperature and near atmospheric pressure were achieved by using argon-helium mix as a driver gas. Chemical thermometer experiments were conducted to remove any uncertainties in determining post-reflected shock temperatures. The ignition delay data obtained in this study are in good agreement (in the overlap region) with the iso-octane ignition data from a previous shock tube study. However, the activation energy of iso-octane ignition obtained in this study in the lower temperature region (<1300 K) is significantly smaller (15 kcal vs. 40 kcal) than that obtained in a previous higher temperature study. The deflagration may be responsible for lowering of activation energy under the conditions of this study. Two detailed iso-octane kinetic models were used to model the experimental results of this study.
The freshwater budget of the Arctic Ocean

Preface. Acknowledgements. Summary Poem. Introduction. 1. Oceanic freshwater fluxes in the climate system A. Stigebrandt. 2. Global atmospheric circulation patterns and relationships to Arctic freshwater fluxes J.E. Walsh. 3. Atmospheric components of the Arctic Ocean freshwater balance and their interannual variability R.G. Barry, M.C. Serreze. 4. Hydroclimatology of the Arctic drainage basin L.C. Bowling, P.D. Lettenmaier, B.V. Matheussen. 5. The Arctic Ocean's freshwater budget: sources, storage and export E.C. Carmack. 6. The Arctic Ocean freshwater budget of a climate General Circulation Model H. Cattle, D. Cresswell. 7. Atmospheric components of the Arctic Ocean hydrologic budget assessed from Rawinsonde data M.C. Serreze, R.G. Barry. 8. Reanalyses depictions of the Arctic atmospheric moisture budget D.H. Bromwich, R.I. Cullather, M.C. Serreze. 9. Moisture transport to Arctic drainage basins relating to significant precipitation events and cyclogenesis J.R. Gyakum. 10. Atmospheric climate models: simulation of the Arctic Ocean fresh water budget components V.M. Kattsov, J.E. Walsh, A. Rinke, K. Dethloff. 11. Discharge observation networks in Arctic regions: computation of the river runoff into the Arctic Ocean, its seasonality and variability W.E. Grabs, F. Portmann, T. de Couet. 12. Arctic river flow: a review of contributing areas T.D. Prowse, P.O. Flegg. 13. The dynamics of river water inflow to the Arctic Ocean I.A. Shiklomanov, A.I. Shiklomanov, R.B. Lammers, B.J. Peterson, C.J. Vorosmarty. 14. River input of water, sediment, major ions, nutrients and trace metals from Russian territory to the Arctic Ocean V.V. Gordeev. 15. The dispersion of Siberian river flows into coastal waters: meteorological, hydrological and hydrochemical aspects I.P. Semiletov, N.I. Savelieva, G.E. Weller, I.I. Pipko, S.P. Pugach, A.Yu. Gukov, L.N. Vasilevskaya. 16. The variable climate of the Mackenzie River basin: its water cycle and fresh water discharge R.E. Stewart. 17. Arctic estuaries and ice: a positive-negative estuarine couple R.W. Macdonald. 18. Satellite views of the Arctic Ocean freshwater balance D.A. Rothrock, R. Kwok, D. Groves. 19. Tracer studies of the Arctic freshwater budget P. Schlosser, B. Ekwurzel, S. Khatiwala, B. Newton, W. Maslowski, S. Pfirman. 20. Exchanges of freshwater through the shallow straits of the North American Arctic H. Melling. 21. The transformations of Atlantic water in the Arctic Ocean and their significance for the freshwater budget B. Rudels, H.J. Friedrich. 22. Modelling the variability of exchanges between the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic seas R. Gerdes. 23. Sea ice growth, melt and modeling: a survey M. Steele M., G.M. Flato. 24. Fresh water freezing/melting cycle in the Arctic Ocean G.V. Alekseev, L.V. Bulatov, V.F. Zakharov. Subject Index.
The relationship between duration of Q-T interval and plasma ionized calcium concentration: experiments with acute, steady-state [Ca++] changes in the dog.

The duration of the Q-T intervals (QTI) of the electrocardiogram and some indices of hemodynamic performance were evaluated during steady-state abnormalities of ionized calcium ([Ca++]) homeostasis in 16 anesthetized closed-chest dogs. [Ca++] was maintained approximately 60 per cent above or below normal. Progressive changes in QTI occurred for as long as 15 min after onset of steady-state alterations in [Ca++]. With institution of a hyper- or hypocalcemic plateau, the duration of the corrected intervals between the Q-wave deflection and the origin of the T-wave deflection (Q-oTc) and the Q wave and the end of the T-wave deflection (Q-Tc) were altered pari passu. In view of the progressive changes in QTI observed during the first 15 min of steady-state alterations in [Ca++], the magnitude of a disturbance in calcium ion balance must be evaluated by direct [Ca++] measurement. The data also indicate that alterations in [Ca++] are associated with changes in both ventricular and peripheral vascular function. Hypocalcemia was associated with a step increase in left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) from 6.8 ± 0.6 to 9.7 ± 0.7 torr, mean · SEM, a step decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) from 108 ± 12 to 78 ± 15 torr, and a transient increase in cardiac output (CO) from 4.8 ± 0.2 to 5.7 ± 0.2 1/min, which was limited to the first 5 min of observation. With hypercalcemia, changes in CO and LVFP were insignificant, while MAP increased from 112 ± 6 to 123 ± 8 torr.
Gender equity in computer learning

Jane G. Schubert is a principal research scientist with the American Institutes for Research, Palo Alto, CA. The pool of teachers who are becoming more familiar and comfortable with computers as an instructional resource is increasing. The number of teachers who integrated computer use in educational programs tripled from 1983 to 1984 (Becker, 1985). The policies and practices that result in differential computer learning opportunities must be recognized as educators acquire knowledge about technology.