cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lossless Compression with Probabilistic Circuits.

Despite extensive progress on image generation, deep generative models are suboptimal when applied to lossless compression. For example, models such as VAEs suffer from a compression cost overhead due to their latent variables that can only be partially eliminated with elaborated schemes such as bits-back coding, resulting in oftentimes poor single-sample compression rates. To overcome such problems, we establish a new class of tractable lossless compression models that permit efficient encoding and decoding: Probabilistic Circuits (PCs). These are a class of neural networks involving $|p|$ computational units that support efficient marginalization over arbitrary subsets of the $D$ feature dimensions, enabling efficient arithmetic coding. We derive efficient encoding and decoding schemes that both have time complexity $\mathcal{O} (\log(D) \cdot |p|)$, where a naive scheme would have linear costs in $D$ and $|p|$, making the approach highly scalable. Empirically, our PC-based (de)compression algorithm runs 5-20x faster than neural compression algorithms that achieve similar bitrates. By scaling up the traditional PC structure learning pipeline, we achieved state-of-the-art results on image datasets such as MNIST. Furthermore, PCs can be naturally integrated with existing neural compression algorithms to improve the performance of these base models on natural image datasets. Our results highlight the potential impact that non-standard learning architectures may have on neural data compression.
Inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathway by curcumin in uterine decidual cells.

IL-6 is a multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokine and has been implicated in many gestational disorders including preterm birth. Currently, there are no appropriate therapeutic interventions available to circumvent inflammatory-mediated gestational disorders. Therefore, the goal of this study was to identify a safe and effective pharmacological compound to counterbalance inflammatory responses in the uterus. Curcumin, a naturally-occuring polyphenolic compound, has been widely used in alternative medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin has not been explored in uterine decidual cells, a major source of IL-6. Therefore, we examined the effect of curcumin on IL-6 expression using two types of uterine decidual cells 1) HuF cells, primary human fibroblast cells obtained from the decidua parietalis; 2) UIII cells, a rodent non-transformed decidual cell line. Curcumin treatment completely abrogated the expression of IL-1β-induced IL-6 in these cells. Curcumin also strongly inhibited the expression of gp130, a critical molecule in IL-6 signaling, whereas expression of IL-6R and sIL-6R was not affected. Curcumin also inhibited phosphorylation and nuclear localization of STAT3, a well-known downstream mediator of IL-6 signaling. Furthermore, curcumin attenuated IL-1β-induced IL-6 promoter reporter activity suggesting transcriptional regulation. To further understand whether NF-ҡB is involved in this inhibition, we examined the effect of curcumin on the expression of p50 and p65 subunits of NF-ҡB in decidual cells. Expression of IL-1β-induced p50 mRNA was repressed by curcumin while p65 mRNA was not affected. However, curcumin treatment dramatically inhibited both p50 and p65 protein levels and prevented its nuclear localization. This effect is at least partly mediated through the deactivation of IKK, since IL-1β-induced IKKα/β phosphorylation is decreased upon curcumin treatment. Our results not only revealed molecular mechanisms underlying curcumin action in uterine decidual cells but also suggest that this compound may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of inflammation-mediated preterm birth and other gestational disorders.
Sensitivity of Natural Bacterial Communities to Additions of Copper and to Cupric Ion Activity: A Bioassy of Copper Complexation in Seawater

Cupric ion bioassays with natural bacterial communities were conducted in seawater samples at five stations in the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from low-productivity oceanic to high-productivity coastal. In these bioassays, we measured the incorporation of 3H-labeled amino acids by marine microbial communities following serial additions of ionic copper (CuSO4) and cupric ion buffers (combinations of CuSO4 and nitrilotriacetic acid, a synthetic chelator). The bioassays were designed to yield relations between (1) amino acid incorporation and total copper concentration, (2) incorporation and cupric ion activity, and (3) cupric ion activity and total copper concentration.
Aerator Performance in Natural Streams

Field tests of full-scale aeration equipment were conducted on the Passaic River in New Jersey. The results indicate that the oxygen transfer rates under standard conditions for aerators operating in a natural stream are significantly lower than those reported for similar aerators operating in waste treatment plants. For the observed flow range (83 cfs - 1670 cfs), the aerator efficiencies generally increase with increasing river discharge and velocity. With properly selected upstream and downstream sampling points, the use of a linear dissolved oxygen profile across the aerator seems to provide good estimate of the driving force of the aeration system. For the practical design of a river aeration system, a simple procedure is suggested to convert the commercially specified aerator efficiencies to those under actual conditions encountered in the river.
Elastic Creep of Brittle Ceramics with Special Reference to Creep by Crack Growth in Aluminum Oxide

Elastic creep by crack growth is proposed as a mechanism of creep in polycrystalline ceramics. An analysis shows that in aluminum oxide, creep by crack growth can occur in coarse-grained microstructures and a range of temperature over which contributions of other creep mechanisms to the total creep strain are negligible.
Hot Electron Devices

The tunnelling hot electron transfer amplifier (THETA) structure generates an almost monoenergetic, variable energy, hot electron beam (by tunnelling), which traverses a thin GaAs region to be eventually collected and energy analyzed. As the hot electrons traverse the device they are used to probe: scattering events, band nonparabolicity, size quantization effects, intervalley transfer, quantum mechanical reflections, and band discontinuities at interfaces.
Abstract T P18: Incidence and Management of Intracranial Wire Perforation During Acute Stroke Endovascular Therapy

BACKGROUND: Wire perforation during endovascular thrombectomy for acute stroke is a rare but devastating complication. Understanding the incidence and mechanism of this adverse event may further identify preventive strategies and improvements in management during perforation. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of acute stroke interventions at our institute identified 1035 patients. Of these, 46 patients were noted to have contrast extravastion during the procedure concerning for wire perforation (4%). RESULTS: A majority of the cases involved the anterior circulation (76%). Sites of perforation included: ICA (12), MCA (23), ophthalmic (1), anterior choroidal (2), PCA (4), PICA (1), SCA (1) and vertebral artery (2). Successful hemostasis was achieved with onyx embolization (39%), coil embolization (13%), onyx/coil combined embolization (5%), microcatheter occlusion (2%) and balloon inflation (7%). Thirty one percentage of the cases occurred during intracranial stenting or angioplasty. Despite high rates of mortality (72%), rapid recognition of extravasation and hemostasis led to good outcomes in 9% of patient. CONCLUSION: Intra-procedural wire perforation with leakage of contrast is associated with catheterization of small caliber vessels such as distal MCA branches (M3), anterior choroidal artery and diminutive posterior circulation vessels as well as intracranial angioplasty/stenting. Devastating outcomes can potentially be averted with appropriate hemostatic control. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Automatic Datapath Extraction for Efficient Usage of HDD

Hybrid Decision Diagrams (HDD) have been proven in Intel to be an important enabler for the formal verification of datapath intensive circuits and in particular the verification of arithmetic units. However, extensive user interaction with the formal verification tool was required in order to use the HDD technology efficiently. The user had to analyze the circuit and its specification and manually partition the signals and operations into control and datapath.
A Practitioners' Review of Industrial Agent Applications

ERIM's1 Center for Electronic Commerce (CEC) hosted a two-day Workshop on Industrial Agents (WINA) in Ann Arbor, MI on Nov. 12–13, 1998. Participation in the workshop was by invitation only, and was restricted to companies with whom the CEC is doing business or developing collaborations in agent technologies. Because of its industrial focus, the workshop's objectives have a rather different emphasis than research-oriented workshops and conferences. The projects discussed at the workshop and summarized in this report fall into three areas of increasing generality: focused applications, broadly applicable tools, and methodological guidelines.
Gorski, P. S. (2014). Reaching and Teaching Students in Poverty: Strategies for Erasing the Opportunity Gap

What is the nature of poverty in the United States, and what does it mean for students who live in poverty? Moreover, what can educators do to help students overcome the poverty that restricts thei...
TOOLS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE NOISE AND VIBRATION TESTING

This paper is presented to acquaint the non-sound/vibration engineer with some of the techniques and facilities employed by the noise-vibration test engineer and to describe some typical applications. (Author)
Mode of action of vitamin K5 on Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

SUMMARY In this study, the mode of action of vitamin K5 was investigated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae the test organism. Cysteine hydrochloride antagonized the anti-fungal action of vitamin K, suggesting that the vitamin has an affinity for sulfhydryl groups, which are necessary for the activity of certain enzymes. The sulfhydryl groups of yeast cells were reduced quantitatively when they were exposed to vitamin K5. Furthermore, studies showed that dehydrogenase was inactivated by vitamin K5.
Insights into mantle structure and flow beneath Alaska based on a decade of observations of shear wave splitting

SKS shear wave splitting measurements from three Program for Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere experiments (Broadband Experiment Across the Alaska Range, Alaska Receiving Cross Transect of the Inner Core, and Multidisciplinary Observations Of Subduction), which form a north/south transect across Alaska, show a remarkably simple pattern of two large anisotropy domains. In the northern domain, extending from the 70 km contour of the subducting Pacific plate north to the Arctic Ocean, fast directions are consistently in the NE-SW direction. These directions are essentially parallel to the absolute plate motion direction in northern Alaska and parallel to the strike of the subducting plate above the mantle wedge, suggesting that they represent some combination of plate-scale asthenospheric flow in the upper mantle and flow along the subducting plate in the mantle wedge. A strong wedge component beneath the Alaska Range is required to explain systematics of splitting delay times. In the southern domain, which extends south from the 70 km depth contour to the subducting plate, fast directions are in the NW-SE direction, a 90° rotation from the northern domain. These fast directions are parallel to the dip of the subducting plate in the direction of convergence and represent entrained flow beneath the subducting slab; the Pacific Plate absolute motion approximately parallels local convergence. Two major factors seem to control flow in these regions, absolute plate motion in the north and the subduction of the Pacific plate in the south, although both subduction-driven wedge flow and absolute plate motion contribute to the southern part of the northern regime.
Recent Developments on Introducing a Historical Dimension in Mathematics Education: Designing Student Projects for Teaching and Learning Discrete Mathematics and Computer Science via Primary Historical Sources

Introduction A discrete mathematics course often teaches about precise logical and algorithmic thought and methods of proof to students studying mathematics, computer science, or teacher education. The roots of such methods of thought, and of discrete mathematics itself, are as old as mathematics, with the notion of counting, a discrete operation, usually cited as the first mathematical development in ancient cultures [7]. However, a typical course frequently presents a fast-paced news reel of facts and formulae, often memorized by the students, with the text offering only passing mention of the motivating problems and original work that eventually found resolution in the modern concepts. This paper describes a pedagogical approach to teaching topics in discrete mathematics and computer science intended to place the material in context and provide direction to the subject matter via student projects centered around actual excerpts from primary historical sources. Much has already been written about teaching with primary historical sources [6, ch. 9]. Here we focus on a list of specific pedagogical goals and how they can be achieved through design of student projects based on primary sources. Our interdisciplinary team of mathematics and computer science faculty has completed a pilot program funded by the US National Science Foundation, in which we have developed and tested over a dozen historical projects for student work in courses in discrete mathematics, graph theory, combinatorics, logic, and computer science. These projects have appeared in print [1], and are presently available through the web resource [3].
Preparation of both enantiomers of an α-hydroxy ketone via biocatalytic reduction and chemical oxidation

Abstract 2-Hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexanone 1 is a key intermediate for the synthesis of naturally occurring bioactive metabolites, viz. 2A-B and 3. Both enantiomers of this key intermediate 1 were obtained by sterospecific reduction using Bakers' yeast under nonfermenting conditions followed by chemical oxidation. Free as well as immobilized cells were tested in aqueous and organic media for their ability to catalyze the sterospecific reduction of the parent ketone 1. Preparative scale biotransformation of 1 in aqueous medium using free cells of Bakers' yeast produced two diastereomeric alcohols 4 and 5 at a ratio of approximately 1 :4 and 9.1% and 36.4% chemical yields, respectively. The reduced products exhibited high enantiomeric excess (>90%) as analyzed by 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Unreduced hydroxy ketone was found to be highly enriched in S (−)-1, while chemical oxidation of the diol 5 gave R (+) 1. A reversal of diastereoselectivity was observed when an organic medium was used for biotransformation.
Porting DPPX from the IBM 8100 to the IBM ES/9370: installation and testing

This paper describes the software tools, testing activities, and testing methods that were used to port the DPPX/SP operating system from its original implementation on the IBM 8100 Information System to its new implementation on the IBM ES/9370 Information System.
Base-catalysed condensations of a metal-chelate template

Abstract The synthesis of condensation products of ethylenediamine with β-diketones, β-ketoimines, and with substituted salicylaldehydes and o -hydroxyacetophenones is reported. Some physical and chemical properties of the compounds are discussed. The scope of the reaction is considered with respect to catalysts, metal-chelate templates and condensed ligands. The absorption spectra of the compounds are reported. The reaction mechanism is discussed, and ebullioscopic, conductometric and spectroscopic evidence is offered which indicates the stoicheiometry and the stereochemistry of the reaction intermediates.
Mechanisms of Nuclear, Spindle and Mitotic Chromosome Scaling

Cell size varies widely among different organisms as well as within the same organism in different tissue types and during development, placing variable functional demands on internal structures. A fundamental question is how essential subcellular components such as the nucleus, mitotic spindle and chromosomes are regulated to accommodate cell size differences. Xenopus frogs offer two physiological contexts in which we can investigate this question. First, we can compare Xenopus laevis to the smaller, related species Xenopus tropicalis, which lays smaller eggs and has proportionally smaller cells throughout development. Second, we can compare different stages of Xenopus laevis embryogenesis, as the ∼1 millimeter diameter egg rapidly cleaves to form smaller blastomeres, which by the 15th division are reduced to 40 microns across. A unique aspect of our approach is to prepare cytoplasmic extracts from eggs and embryos that recapitulate organelle scaling in vitro, which we can use to identify molecular differences that underlie size changes. We identified two factors, importin α and Ntf2, whose levels alter nuclear import and are largely responsible for the difference in nuclear size between the two frog species. With respect to spindle size regulation, based on predictions from a 2-D meiotic spindle simulation, we identified katanin-dependent MT severing as an activity reduced in X. laevis compared X. tropicalis. Interestingly, X. tropicalis lacks an inhibitory Aurora B phosphorylation site in the p60 catalytic subunit of katanin found in X. laevis at Ser131, which is largely responsible for the difference in spindle length. Mitotic chromosomes must also decrease in size to permit their proper segregation in smaller cells. We have established an in vitro system that recapitulates chromosome scaling during development, and are now poised to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
A BOLTZMANN-LIKE MODEL FOR THE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF BUBBLES OR DROPLETS IN A WELL MIXED DISPERSION

Abstract Results of the named model are derived and shown to compare favorably with other single parameter equations. Also, the distribution is shown to possess the unusual property of stereological in variance.
Single base bulges in small RNA hairpins enhance ethidium binding and promote an allosteric transition

Abstract A set of four RNA hairpin helices has been prepared by in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase. The hairpins all contain the same nine base pair helix, but with an extra A, C, or U residue forming a bulge at one position; the fourth hairpin is a perfect helix with no bulge. The helix with a bulged A duplicates six base pairs of a helix in the 16S rRNA known to have an unusually high affinity for ethidium bromide [J. M. Kean, S. A. White, and D. E. Draper, Biochemistry 24, 5062 (1985)]. Binding and chemical cleavage studies with ethidium or the reagent methidiumpropylEDTA-Fe(II) [MPE-Fe(II)] showed that the sequence CpG is a preferred intercalation site whether or not a bulge is present; all three bulged bases enhance intercalation at the CpG sequence by an order of magnitude; and intercalation in a bulged helix results in a concerted conformational change involving the entire helix backbone, again dependent on the presence of a bulge but independent of the particular base. These results suggest that an extra sugar-phosphate residue in an RNA helix backbone has a dramatic effect on the ability of the RNA to adopt new conformations. This effect could be an important reason for the conservation of bulges at certain positions in ribosomal and other RNAs.
Adenosine's role in the central actions of the benzodiazepines.

Abstract 1. The hypothesis that inhibition of adenosine uptake may play an important role in the central actions of the benzodiazepines is presented. 2. The evidence supporting this hypothesis is discussed. 3. Brain concentrations of the benzodiazepines are adequate for inhibition of adenosine uptake. 4. Benzodiazepines, such as R015-1788 and R05-4864, which do not enhance γ-aminobutyric acid binding, may exert some of their central effects by inhibiting the uptake of adenosine.
Assessing the evidence submitted in the development of a workplace smoking regulation: the case of Maryland.

OBJECTIVE This study compared the characteristics of the basic science, biomedical, and socioeconomic literature submitted in 1993-1994 by supporters and opponents of the proposed workplace regulation of tobacco smoke developed by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Advisory Board. METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed 544 written publications submitted to the MOSH Advisory Board regarding the proposed workplace regulation of tobacco smoke. Outcome measures included the type and year of publication and, for journal articles, the journal's peer review policy and impact factor. RESULTS Supporters of regulation submitted fewer documents (n = 164) than opponents (n = 380). Supporters of regulation submitted a lower proportion of conference proceedings and a higher proportion of government reports. The publications submitted to the regulators by the supporters of regulation were more recently published than the materials submitted by opponents. Journal articles represented more than half of the publications submitted; most were peer-reviewed. Supporters of regulation submitted articles from journals with higher impact factors (median impact factor 2.78) than did opponents of regulation (median 1.66; p = 0.0005), and articles that were published more recently (median year of publication 1990) than those submitted by opponents (median 1989; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Public health advocates should highlight the scientific evidence base that supports tobacco control regulations. Public health advocates should encourage and support regulatory officials' use of the criteria of peer review, impact factor, and date of publication to prioritize their review of submitted documents in order to base policy on the best available evidence.
Designing optimum one-level carry-skip adders

The author shows how to design one-level carry-skip adders that attain very high speeds. One-level carry-skip adders are very fast adders that are hardly more complex than the much-slower ripple adders. The design procedure allows the use of realistic component delays obtained by simulation and is technology-independent. An example of a 64-b, 1 mu m CMOS adder is given. This adder achieves an add time of 6.23 ns, measured by SPICE simulation with realistic loads. This delay figure excludes sum buffering delays, which depend on the particular application of the adder. The combination of high-speed and simplicity makes one-level carry-skip adders attractive for applications in highly parallel systems. >
On the Power Spectrum of a Biphase Modulated Signal in a Costas Demodulator

A study of the power spectrum of the phase/frequency error signal when a biphase modulated carrier signal imbedded in Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) and shifted by an unknown frequency offset is received by a Costas' demodulator is presented. The Costast Loop is operated in one of two modes - the tracking mode or the acquisition mode. In the tracking mode we show that the spectrum of the error signal is quite similar to that of the unmodulated carrier case. In the acquisition mode it is shown that the error signal has significant power at twice the unknown frequency offset when Wideband Low Pass Filters (WBLPF) are used at the output of the phase detectors in the in-phase and quadrature phase arms.
Back pain, physical function, and estimates of aerobic capacity: what are the relationships among methods and measures?

Objectives: To establish the correlations of measures of self-reported disability, self-efficacy, physical performance, level of pain, and estimates of aerobic capacity (Pvo2) in subjects with low back pain. Design: Fifty-one low back pain subjects, ranging in age from 26 to 65 yr, entered the study. Participants completed the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the self-efficacy questionnaire. Physical performance was evaluated by the loaded-reach test, sit/stand test, 5-min walk test, 50-foot walking test, and time to roll from right to left. Pain intensity and pain affect were measured using two visual analog scales. Pvo2 was predicted from an equation. Results: The correlation coefficient among the physical performance outcomes ranged from 0.47 to 0.78. Pain measures had low correlations with measures of function but stronger correlations with other self-report measures. The disability measure correlated moderately with physical performance. Correlations between Pvo2 and all other measurements were minimal, except for the 5-min walk test. Conclusion: Performance and disability were more consistent in evaluating low back pain. Pvo2 failed to correlate with most other aspects of low back pain. This study suggests that aerobic capacity might not be a primary concern for patients with low back pain.
The Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson Model, The Linder Hypothesis and the Determinants of Bilateral Intra-Industry Trade

Theoretical rationales for the robust empirical relationships between the share of intraindustry trade between two countries and the average levels of, and inequalities between, their GDPs, per capita GDPs, and tariffs have either varied or not been demonstrated formally within a unified analytical framework. This study motivates theoretically the relationships between these six determinants, as well as the average level of, and inequality between, two countries' capital-labor endowment ratios and their share of intraindustry trade. Regression analysis supports, among other results, the presence of both demand and supply roles for per capita income influencing intraindustry trade. Copyright 1990 by Royal Economic Society.
Combination of Living Radical Polymerization and Click Chemistry for Surface Modification

A novel reversible addition fragmentation technique chain transfer agent (RAFT CTA) was synthesized which permits the possibility of using RAFT polymerization and click chemistry together for surface modification. Using this RAFT CTA, the surface of silica nanoparticles was modified with polystyrene and polyacrylamide brushes via the “grafting to” approach. A click reaction was used to attach polymers onto the surface which produced relatively high grafting density. Both tethered polystyrene and polyacrylamide chains were found in the brush regime. The combination of ATRP and click chemistry was also explored for surface modification. To our knowledge, this is first report of RAFT polymerization and click chemistry together for surface modification.
Transgressions: Towards an Affirmative Postmodernist Criminology

Modernist thought in criminology and law is being eclipsed by the postmodern perspective for the new millennium. Although some of modernist's contributions are surely useful in understanding crime and social justice, it's exclusive use has become a stagnant force. Postmodern thought, of the affirmative form, has offered a new beginning. It is marked by transgressions, border crossings, edgework and reconstruction. We can identify several emerging threads (psychoanalytic semiotics, chaos theory, catastrophe theory, edgework, and topology theory) as well as attempts of integration (e.g., constitutive criminology, integrative-constitutive criminology). This article first summarizes the emerging threads and their application to critical criminology, and then argues for contingent, integrative perspectives rooted more in a holographic conception of social reality.1 This article is more suggestive and offers lines of inquiry for critical research in the new millennium. Elsewhere (Milovanovic, 1997c, pp. 3–28), ...
Generalist Predators and Predation of Black Cutworm Agrotis ipsilon Larvae in Close Mown Creeping Bentgrass

Predators play a significant role in regulating pest outbreaks in turfgrass (Potter 2001). The most common predaceous arthropods recorded from turfgrass are spiders, predatory beetles (Carabidae and Staphylinidae) (Kunkel et al. 1999; Rothwell & Smitley 1999), predatory hemipterans, and ants (Lopez & Potter 2003; Frank & Shrewsbury 2004a). Natural enemies and their effects can be monitored by pitfall traps (e.g., Kunkel et al. 1999; Frank & Shrewsbury 2004a) or by exposing prey overnight without direct observation (Kunkel et al. 1999; Lopez & Potter 2000; Frank & Shrewsbury 2004a). Furthermore, most studies are conducted in roughs or fairways, which have more biodiversity (Lopez & Potter 2000), greater mowing height, and are less intensely managed than greens. Predation and predator abundance can be significantly different based on mowing heights (Rothwell & Smitley 1999). A better understanding of ecosystem services in putting greens may provide insights into reducing pesticide inputs. The objectives of this study were to determine the types of nocturnal predators in putting greens and determine which taxa are involved in predation of black cutworm larvae (Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagel) in close-mown bentgrass. Black cutworms provide a model system to investigate predation in turfgrass. Black cutworm larvae feed nocturnally on creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera L.) greens causing pock marks that interfere with ball roll and aesthetics (Potter 1998). Predation trials were conducted at the Turfgrass Research Unit, Auburn, Alabama and the Grand National Golf Course, Opelika, Alabama. Plots or greens had not been sprayed with insecticides for at least 2 wk prior to each experiment. At the Turfgrass Research Unit, 2 plots of creeping bentgrass were used. A 706 m2 plot was used for larval predation trials, and a 929 m2 plot for predator surveys. Turfgrass in these plots was maintained at 0.33 cm with surrounding turf 2.54 cm high. Putting greens have 'Dominant' creeping bentgrass, whereas 'El Toro* zoysiagrass ( Zoysia japonica Steud), and 'Tifway' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) were established in collars. Greens and collars are maintained at 0.36 and 1.27 cm, respectively. Larvae were obtained from a commercial in-
Using the PedsQL™ 3.0 asthma module to obtain scores comparable with those of the PROMIS pediatric asthma impact scale (PAIS)

The National Institutes of Health’s Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has developed several scales measuring symptoms and function for use by the clinical research community. One advantage of PROMIS is the ability to link other scales to the PROMIS metric. The objectives of this research are to provide evidence of validity for one of the PROMIS measures, the Pediatric Asthma Impact Scale (PAIS), and to link the PedsQL™ Asthma Symptoms Scale with the metric of the PAIS. Descriptive statistics were computed describing the relationships among scores on the PAIS, the PedsQL™ Asthma Symptoms, Treatment, Worry, and Communication Scales, and the DISABKIDS Asthma Impact and Worry Scales for approximately 300 children ages 8–17. A novel linkage method based on item response theory (IRT), calibrated projection, was used to link scores on the PedsQL™ Asthma Symptoms Scale with the metric of the PAIS. The PAIS exhibited strong convergent validity with the PedsQL™ Asthma Symptoms Scale, and less strong relations with the other five scales. The linkage system uses scores on the PedsQL™ Asthma Symptoms Scale to produce relatively precise score estimates on the metric of the PAIS. Results of this study provide evidence for the validity of the PAIS, and a method to use scores on the PedsQL™ Asthma Symptoms Scale to estimate scores on the metric of the PAIS, in partial fulfillment of the PROMIS goal to provide a lingua franca for health-related quality of life.
Immunocytochemical localization of endopeptidase 24.15 in rat brain

Endopeptidase 24.15 (EC 3.4.24.15; EP 24.15), a zinc-metalloendopeptidase highly active in rat testes, brain and pituitary, converts some prodynorphin- and proenkephalin-derived oligopeptides into the corresponding enkephalins and degrades a variety of bioactive peptides including bradykinin, neurotensin, and both angiotensin I and II. The immunocytochemical localization of the enzyme was studied in rat brain using a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits against a homogeneous preparation of the enzyme isolated from rat testes. The distribution of EP 24.15 immunoreactivity in the brain was widespread, being present in both neurons and glial cells. Surprisingly, however, staining was predominantly nuclear, and not cytoplasmic as expected based on the biochemical demonstration that EP 24.15 activity is predominantly associated with the soluble protein fraction of brain homogenates. Cytoplasmic staining was detected in large neurons but was less intense than the nuclear staining. The highest density of EP 24.15-staining was detected in nuclei of cerebellar Purkinje cells and in hippocampal dentate gyrus cells. High levels of immunoreactivity were also noted in brain areas which contain peptides known to be substrates of the enzyme in vitro. This localization supports a role for EP 24.15 in neuropeptide metabolism, but also suggests an as yet undefined role in nuclear function.
Quasi-terminator orbits near primitive bodies

Quasi-terminator orbits are introduced as a class of quasi-periodic trajectories in the solar radiation pressure (SRP) perturbed Hill dynamics. These orbits offer significant displacements along the Sun-direction without the need for station-keeping maneuvers. Thus, quasi-terminator orbits have application to primitive-body mapping missions, where a variety of observation geometries relative to the Sun (or other directions) can be achieved. This paper describes the characteristics of these orbits as a function of normalized SRP strength and invariant torus frequencies and presents a discussion of mission design considerations for a global surface mapping orbit design.
π-μ separation with a 235 g/cm2 filter☆

Abstract The system for distinguishing π 's from μ's in the SPEAR magnetic detector is described. The probabilities for misidentifying a π as a μ and a μ as a π are determined experimentally.
Chemically vapor-deposited black molybdenum films of high IR reflectance and significant solar absorptance

Abstract Black molybdenum thin films fabricated by chemical vapor deposition demonstrate a significant solar absorptance coupled with a high IR reflectance. Because antireflected black molybdenum demonstrates such spectral selectivity in a coating of simple design, it is an attractive candidate for use in photothermal solar energy conversion. Films deposited onto Incoloy alloy 800 and stainless steel 316 have survived testing in vacuum at 500 °C and in air at 350 °C. If the process parameters are varied during deposition, this can lead to black molybdenum with a graded composition.
Effect of the replacement of oxygen with sulphur in the cresol molecule on toxicity to goldfish

A study was made of the toxicity of the three tolyl mercaptans with respect to concentration and survival time at 27 °C, and the results were compared with each other, as well as with phenol, rotenone, and the corresponding cresols. Goldfishes of the same lot, each weighing 6.0 to 7.5 g., were used as the test animals. The type of toxic action of the tolyl mercaptans was found to be similar to that of phenyl mercaptan, but different from that of the corresponding cresols. According to the minimum product of concentration and survival time, which measures toxicity at its range of most powerful action,m-tolyl mercaptan is the least toxic of the isomers. It is about four times as toxic, the ortho compound is nearly five times as toxic and the para compound is about eight and one-half times as toxic as phenol. Rotenone is about 85, 70, and 40 times as toxic as the respective mercaptans. Compared according to the same criterion, the tolyl mercaptans bear the following ratios of toxicity: meta, 1.00; ortho, 1.19; and para, 2.19. These are practically the same relationships as were found for the corresponding cresols. Essentially the same relationships are shown by other methods of comparison of the same data, which express relative toxicity under conditions in the neighborhood of its maximum power with respect to concentration and time. Methods emphasizing the effect of the threshold of toxicity, however, lead to greater expansion of the toxic ratios. The replacement of the oxygen atom of the cresol molecule with sulphur causes a fourfold increase in toxicity. A similar chemical relationship in the phenyl homologues, however, has been found in a previous study to correspond to a sevenfold difference in toxicity to goldfish of much smaller size.
IMMUNOGENICITY OF VARICELLA VACCINE (VV) IN HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS

Because varicella in adults has a higher morbidity and mortality than in children, susceptible adults are a group that would benefit from VV. Since little is known about the immuno-genicity of VV in adults, we studied the immune responses of ten FAMA negative (fluorescent anti-membrane antibody) adults to VV. They received 2500 plaque-forming units of Oka/Merck VV (live, attenuated) and were boosted 3 months later. A FAMA was checked one month post vaccination and every 3 to 6 months thereafter. In addition, we studied their peripheral blood mononuclear cells by stimulation index (tritiated thymidine uptake with VZV antigen) responder cell frequency, RCF, (number of mononuclear cells that respond to VZV antigen), and ability to inhibit VZV plaque formation. The mean prevaccination stimulation index was 1.6, RCF was less than 1:100,000, and VZV plaque inhibition was 4%. Post vaccination, the mean values were 71, 1:30,000, and 51%, respectively. Although all ten adults had evidence of cell-mediated immunity by one month post vaccination, three were FAMA negative until after booster, and one remains FAMA negative 12 months later. No side effects were noted, and no decrease in humoral or cell-mediated immunity was seen over the follow-up period of 3 to 21 months (mean 12 months). This vaccine seems to be immunogenic in healthy, young adults but a discrepancy may be seen between the FAMA and tests of cell-mediated immunity.
MgATP-induced conformational change of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract Conformational changes of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic (C) subunit are critical for the catalysis of γ-phosphate transfer from adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) to target proteins. Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (TRFA) was used to investigate the respective roles of Mg 2+ , ATP, MgATP, and the inhibitor peptide (IP20) in the conformational changes of a 5,6-carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CF) labeled C subunit ( CF C). TRFA decays were fit to a biexponential equation incorporating the fast and slow rotational correlation times ϕ F and ϕ S . The CF C apoenzyme exhibited the rotational correlation times ϕ F =1.8±0.3 ns and ϕ S =20.1±0.6 ns which were reduced to ϕ F =1.1±0.2 ns and ϕ S =13.3±0.9 ns in the presence of MgATP. The reduction in rotational correlation times indicated that the CF C subunit adopted a more compact shape upon formation of a CF C·MgATP binary complex. Neither Mg 2+ (1–3 mM) nor ATP (0.4 mM) alone induced changes in the CF C subunit conformation equivalent to those induced by MgATP. The effect of MgATP was removed in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The addition of IP20 and MgATP to form the CF C·MgATP·IP20 ternary complex produced rotational correlation times similar to those of the CF C·MgATP binary complex. However, IP20 alone did not elicit an equivalent reduction in rotational correlation times. The results indicate that binding of MgATP to the C subunit may induce conformation changes in the C subunit necessary for the proper stereochemical alignment of substrates in the subsequent phosphorylation.
Problem of an inclusion in an infinite body, approach in large deformation

Elastic strain energy and associated stresses are calculated in an infinite body containing a single inclusion which undergoes large eigenstrains (non-elastic strains). For that purpose, the inclusion is assumed to be ellipsoidal in shape and elastic in behavior. Since experiments have shown that eigenstrain can reach up to 30%, the infinitesimal strain theory no longer holds, and material behavior is modeled as hyperelastic based on Hencky's strain energy function, a quadratic function of the logarithmic elastic strain measure. Calculations are performed using the ABAQUS finite element code. The hyperelastic behavior law is implemented for axisymmetric and plane strain deformations and, in the latter case, for cubic symmetric materials. Numerical calculations are compared with Eshelby's results based on linear theory, which, for dilatational eigenstrains, is found to under-estimate the elastic strain energy and the matrix stresses.
Statistical Relationships Between Geotechnical Properties of Gulf of Mexico Sediments

Abstract : The design of adequate foundations for offshore installations, of all natures, requires a knowledge of the engineering properties of the sediments from the first dozen meters below the ocean floor. This study presents the profiles of shear strength, water content and bulk (wet) density to a depth of 12 meters for eighty cores retrieved from all provinces of the Gulf of Mexico.
Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase: purification of the holoenzyme by affinity chromatography.

Abstract A procedure is described for the purification of the holoenzyme form of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase from porcine muscle by affinity chromatography using both 8-(6-aminohexyl)-amino-ATP-Sepharose and 3-aminopyridine-NAD + -Sepharose. The enzyme can be applied as a very impure extract, and the enzyme activity can be eluted either with a salt gradient or with ATP with recoveries ranging from 60 to 90%. The eluted enzyme is fully dependent on cyclic AMP for enzymatic activity.
VARIATIONS IX SENSITIVITY OF OVARIECTOMIZED GUINEA PIGS TO RELAXIN1

IN THE course of routine relaxin assays performed in this laboratory during the past two years, it was observed that the guinea pigs which composed the assay colony exhibited reproducible variations in their sensitivity to relaxin. A detailed study of these phenomena and their relationship to reliable assay performance has been made.
Strategy for manipulating the optical proximity effect by postexposure bake processing

It is very easy to manipulate the optical proximity effect (OPE), when the new concept of the post-exposure bake (PEB) processing is suggested. By changing the temperature of the PEB, the bias of the line width between the packed lines and the isolated line varies drastically. The OPE is thus faithfully controllable through the PEB processing. On the other hand, by putting the experimental data in contrast with the theoretical simulation, the OPE is resolved into the resist effect and the optical effect. The resist effect could be eliminated by lowering the PEB temperature, while the optical effect is reduced from choosing a proper stepper illumination setting, NA & (sigma) . Moreover, the linearity and the line-end shortening also get benefits from this new process.
Definition of amino acids sufficient for plasma membrane association of CD45 and CD45-associated protein.

The transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 functions to activate Src-family member kinase activity in T lymphocytes. The inability to activate p56lck in CD45-deficient cells results in a higher threshold of signaling through the T cell receptor. The lymphoid-specific CD45-associated protein, CD45AP, interacts with CD45 through transmembrane interactions. Cells lines and mice deficient in CD45 express CD45AP mRNA, yet the protein is poorly expressed, indicating that CD45 is required for efficient expression of CD45AP. Pulse−chase analysis indicates that CD45 associates with CD45AP within minutes of biosynthesis. Cell surface labeling and coimmunoprecipitation demonstrate that CD45AP associates with surface-expressed CD45. Therefore, CD45AP is localized to the plasma membrane. To further characterize this interaction, chimeric proteins containing mutations in CD45 transmembrane regions were expressed, and their ability to associate with CD45AP was determined. Alanine-scan mutations of the CD45 tran...
Regular orbits in powers of permutation representations

Let (Q,G) be a faithful permutation representation of a finite group G. Suppose that the G-set Q has t distinct non-zero marks. In a permutation representation analogue of a theorem of Brauer on linear representations, it is shown that the direct power (Q,G) t of (Q,G) contains a regular orbit. As a corollary, the probability that a random element of Q r lies in a regular orbit of (Q,G) r is shown to tend to 1 exponentially fast as r tends to $\infin$ . Further, knowledge of the rate of convergence is equivalent to knowledge of the second largest value of the character of the linear permutation representation.
Molecular modeling of phase behavior of polymer blends

Recent advances in the lattice cluster theory are applied to describe polymer blend miscibilities and variations with pressure. Extensive comparisons are made with experiment.
Tumour immunity induced in mice with cell-free homogenates of influenza virus-infected tumour cells.

Tumour Immunity induced in Mice with Cell-free Homogenates of Influenza Virus-infected Tumour Cells
Seaway Emergency Response Plan

ABSTRACT An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is developed to serve as a directive for corporation personnel in the event of an oil spill in the St. Lawrence River. A computerized database for resource and personnel inventories is incorporated in the plan. A computer simulation model for oil slick transformation is developed to predict oil slick movement at any part of the river under various flow and weather conditions. Initial training for oil boom deployment, for corporation personnel and local response teams, has been provided. Annual updates of the plan and the training exercise are scheduled.
Kulshan caldera: A quaternary subglacial caldera in the North Cascades, Washington

Calderas that collapse during large pyroclastic eruptions are anomalously rare in the Cascade arc. Recognition of the early Pleistocene 4.5 × 8 km Kulshan caldera, filled with rhyodacite ignimbrite at the northeast foot of Mount Baker, brings to only three the Quaternary calderas identified in the Cascades. A near-vertical ring fault cut in basement rocks of the North Cascades encloses 30 km 2 of intracaldera ignimbrite (and intermixed collapse breccia) >1 km thick but with no floor exposed. The Lake Tapps tephra in the Puget lowland is the correlative fallout; 200 km from the source, it is as thick as 30 cm. Features of the distal ash fall and the intracaldera tuff suggest large-scale phreatomagmatism during an eruption that may have started subglacially. Several advances of the Cordilleran ice sheet subsequently obliterated the topographic rim, removed every vestige of extracaldera ignimbrite and proximal fallout, and stripped any precaldera extrusive rocks-the former existence of which is suggested only by a few silicic intrusions that cut the circumcaldera basement. Although the caldera is not structurally resurgent, several early intracaldera rhyodacite lavas intrude and rest directly on ignimbrite or on ashy caldera-lake sediments reworked from the eruption products. Subsidence areas, pumice compositions, and volumes of magma erupted (>50 km 3 ) are similar for the Kulshan, Rockland, and Crater Lake (Mazama) events, the three Quaternary caldera-forming eruptions now recognized in the Cascades.