cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimal Resolutions and the Homology of Matching and Chessboard Complexes

We generalize work of Lascoux and Jozefiak-Pragacz-Weyman on Betti numbers for minimal free resolutions of ideals generated by 2 × 2 minors of generic matrices and generic symmetric matrices, respectively. Quotients of polynomial rings by these ideals are the classical Segre and quadratic Veronese subalgebras, and we compute the analogous Betti numbers for some natural modules over these Segre and quadratic Veronese subalgebras. Our motivation is two-fold: • We immediately deduce from these results the irreducible decomposition for the symmetric group action on the rational homology of all chessboard complexes and complete graph matching complexes as studied by Bjorner, Lovasz, Vrecica and Zivaljevic. This follows from an old observation on Betti numbers of semigroup modules over semigroup rings described in terms of simplicial complexes. • The class of modules over the Segre rings and quadratic Veronese rings which we consider is closed under the operation of taking canonical modules, and hence exposes a pleasant symmetry inherent in these Betti numbers.
Elevated temperature microwave characteristics of heterojunction bipolar transistors

An analysis of the heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) temperature effect has been performed directly at microwave frequencies using a combination of measurements and physical modeling. The most temperature sensitive elements, the base-emitter resistance and capacitance, and the transconductance, were extracted from S-parameter data at 28 bias points for five temperatures from 23/spl deg/C to 225/spl deg/C. The element values were compared to a physical model showing excellent agreement. The magnitude and direction of change for the element values is shown versus temperature and bias which, along with the physical model, describes the HBT behavior with a strong bias on device physics. The cutoff frequencies f/sub T/ and f/sub MAX/ were also measured and calculated, both showing a monotonic decrease with temperature. Over the 200/spl deg/C range f/sub T/ and f/sub MAX/ decreased by a total of 40% and 60%, respectively. >
A novel QoS control scheme using random access period control for wide area ubiquitous wireless networks

In wide area ubiquitous wireless networks, most wireless terminals (WTs) will transmit small amounts of data at comparatively long intervals. Therefore, each AP must be capable of accommodating a great many WTs. Moreover, these networks must accommodate a variety of services; Quality of service (QoS) guarantees are essential. In this paper, we propose a novel QoS control scheme based on random access for wide area ubiquitous wireless networks. To provide QoS guarantees (i.e., required mean delay time), the proposed scheme segregates the random access (RA) periods for the different QoS classes and RA period length is dynamically controlled according to the measured mean delay time; the AP observes the mean delay time and decides the appropriate RA period length from its control history. This scheme guarantees the throughput and delay performance of each QoS class. This paper also clarifies the problems of the conventional scheme and reveals the transmission performance of the conventional and proposed scheme by computer simulation.
Specificity and Induction of Undecyl Acetate Esterase from Pseudomonas cepacia Grown on 2-Tridecanone

Undecyl acetate esterase from Pseudomonas cepacia grown on 2-tridecanone was strongly inhibited by organophosphates and other esterase inhibitors. Also, p-chloromercuribenzoate at 1 x 10(-4) M showed a 70% inhibition of esterase activity. The enzyme hydrolyzed both aliphatic and aromatic acetate esters at substrate concentrations of 0.25 M. Under these conditions the highest reaction rate was toward undecyl acetate. No lipase or proteolytic activity was demonstrated. Undecyl acetate esterase was classified as a carboxylesterase (B-esterase). Cell-free activity studies on the production of undecyl acetate esterase grown on different carbon sources plus zymogram studies demonstrated that the enzyme was inducible when 2-tridecanone, 2-tridecanol, undecyl acetate and, to a lesser extent, 1-undecanol were growth substrates. Induction of undecyl acetate esterase during oxidation of 2-tridecanone supports the view that undecyl acetate is an intermediate in the degradation of the methyl ketone.
SMM rootkit: a new breed of OS independent malware

The emergence of hardware virtualization technology has led to the development of OS independent malware such as the virtual machine-based rootkits (VMBRs). In this paper, we draw attention to a different but related threat that exists on many commodity systems in operation today: The system management Mode based rootkit (SMBR). System Management mode (SMM) is a relatively obscure mode on Intel processors used for low-level hardware control. It has its own private memory space and execution environment which is generally invisible to code running outside (e.g., the Operating System). Furthermore, SMM code is completely non-preemptible, lacks any concept of privilege level, and is immune to memory protection mechanisms. These features make it a potentially attractive home for stealthy rootkits used for high-profile targeted attacks. In this paper, we present our development of a proof of concept SMM rootkit. In it, we explore the potential of system management mode for malicious use by implementing a chipset level keylogger and a network backdoor capable of directly interacting with the network card to send logged keystrokes to a remote machine via UDP and receive remote command packets stealthily. By modifying and reflashing the BIOS, the SMM rootkit can install itself on a computer even if the computer has originally locked its SMM. The rootkit hides its memory footprint and requires no changes to the existing operating system. It is compared and contrasted with VMBRs. Finally, techniques to defend against these threats are explored. By taking an offensive perspective we hope to help security researchers better understand the depth and scope of the problems posed by an emerging class of OS independent malware. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Interconnected Texts to Highlight Culture in the Foreign Language Classroom.

SLA research on foreign language pedagogy has long demonstrated that culture is essential to language learning. However, presenting culture in the language classroom poses certain problems. For learners, there is a tendency to stereotype others and to rely excessively on the teacher. For teachers, there is a tendency to transmit isolated facts without elaboration and to associate a target language with a single monolithic culture. This article presents a pedagogical approach to culture that not only exposes students to networks of authentic texts but also motivates them to research for themselves the many subtleties of the target culture. By learning how to approach a network of texts, students gain deeper insight into the target culture and develop their ability to interpret texts that they will subsequently encounter on their own. This approach will be illustrated by a detailed lesson plan as well as an analysis of the responses of students who engaged with these materials in an advanced intermediate level French class.
Compiling Relational Database Schemata into Probabilistic Graphical Models

Instead of requiring a domain expert to specify the probabilistic dependencies of the data, in this work we present an approach that uses the relational DB schema to automatically construct a Bayesian graphical model for a database. This resulting model contains customized distributions for columns, latent variables that cluster the data, and factors that reflect and represent the foreign key links. Experiments demonstrate the accuracy of the model and the scalability of inference on synthetic and real-world data.
Fast and accurate parasitic capacitance models for layout-aware synthesis of analog circuits

Considering layout effects early in the analog design process is becoming increasingly important. We propose techniques for estimating parasitic capacitances based on look-up tables and multi-variate linear interpolation. These models enable fast and accurate estimation of parasitic capacitances and are very suitable for use in a synthesis flow. A layout aware methodology for synthesis of analog CMOS circuits using these parasitic models is presented. Results indicate that the proposed synthesis system is fast as compared to a layout-inclusive synthesis approach.
Identification, secretion, and neural expression of APPL, a Drosophila protein similar to human amyloid protein precursor

A Drosophila gene [amyloid protein precursor-like (Appl)] has recently been identified whose predicted amino acid sequence (APPL) shares extensive homology with the beta-amyloid protein precursor (APP) associated with Alzheimer's disease. Characterization of proteins encoded by the Appl gene was initiated with the expectation that this simple model system might help elucidate the basic function provided by APPL and APP proteins. In this report, we identify 2 forms of the APPL protein in embryonic extracts, primary cultures, and transfected cells. APPL is synthesized as a 145-kDa membrane-associated precursor that is converted to a 130-kDa secreted form that lacks the cytoplasmic domain. Both forms are N-glycosylated. Pulse-chase and subcellular localization studies suggest that the conversion is very rapid. The similarities of biogenesis between APP and APPL provide further evidence that APPL and APP might be functionally homologous, and that the secretion event is of physiological significance. Immunocytochemical studies show that the APPL proteins are first detected in developing neurons concomitant with axonogenesis and remain associated with differentiated neurons. APPL immunoreactivity was observed in neuronal cell bodies, axonal tracts, and neuropil regions. In the embryo, APPL proteins are expressed exclusively in the CNS and PNS neurons, consistent with the Appl transcript localization. The expression pattern of APPL proteins suggests an ancestral function for this protein in the nervous system.
Subject Extraction out of Free Relatives in Norwegian

This article examines an anomalous construction in Norwegian that appears to be leftward extraction of a subject out of a wh island. This extraction seems to be allowed out of a free relative clause in adjunct position, under certain semantic conditions. The range of this construction is tested and reported on. It is found that this extraction is only allowed when the matrix verb and the free relative verb fall into certain categories. In addition, there are also restrictions on the extracted subject. An explanation as to why the components of the sentence in such extractions are restricted in the way they are is put forth.
Improving outcomes of screening breast MRI with practice evolution: Initial clinical experience with 3T compared to 1.5T

Purpose To determine if changing from 1.5T to 3T breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with a change in BI-RADS categories, positive predictive value of biopsy recommendation, or cancer detection rates in high-risk screening breast MRI. Materials and Methods Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compatible retrospective review. Prior to October 2010, breast MRI was performed at 1.5T and after October 2010 breast MRI was performed at 3T. Reports of 495 consecutive screening 3T breast MRI exams from October 2010 through October 2011 were reviewed. Comparison was made to previously collected data on 650 screening breast MRI exams at 1.5T. Data were analyzed for statistical significance using the two-sample test of proportions. Results There were 495 screening breast MRI exams. There were 419 (84.6%) BI-RADS 1/2 results, 35 (7.1%) BI-RADS 3 results, and 41 (8.3%) BI-RADS 4/5 results. BI-RADS 4/5 results increased at 3T (P = 0.04). The positive predictive value for BI-RADS 4/5 was 29.3% (12/41) at 3T, compared with 17.6% at 1.5T (P < 0.001). Cancer detection rate was 2.6% at 3T, compared with 0.9% at 1.5T (P = 0.02). Conclusion Transition to 3T breast MRI in a screening population resulted in increased BI-RADS 4/5 interpretations, positive predictive value of biopsy recommendations, and cancer detection rate. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:535–539. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimated Time Of Arrival (ETA) performance system comparative evaluation

As the United States (U.S.) moves toward the various phases of Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), there will be more emphasis on control of aircraft using time as well as the traditional speed control. With this in mind, Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) was directed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2012 to revisit the Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS): Required Navigation Performance (RNP) for Area Navigation (RNAV), DO-236B [1], to update the requirements for RNP RNAV systems based on lessons learned from implementing Performance Based Navigation (PBN). The committee was also asked to consider a forward look/refinement of the time-based requirements for systems. The RNP RNAV system performance standard DO-236C [2] Change 1 [3] amended existing standards from DO-236B by expanding the minimum requirement for system computed Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) in a Flight Management System (FMS). The new minimum functional requirement is that the ETA must be available for each fix in a flight plan; the previous minimum only required ETA at the “go to” fix. In an important addition, DO-236C Change 1 sets a minimum performance requirement on ETAs at all planned (future) fixes in the onboard flight profile. Thus the standard has been expanded both in the functional and the performance requirements for ETA in an RNP RNAV system.
Identification of 1980S27 and 1980S26 resonances in Saturn's A ring

The Voyager 2 ultraviolet spectrometer observation of a stellar occultation by Saturn's rings contains evidence for features associated with at least 31 resonances due to the F ring shepherd satellites 1980S27 and 1980S26. A limited analysis of density wave patterns associated with eight of these resonances yields surface mass densities for the A ring consistent with previous estimates.
Monte Carlo simulations of systems with complex energy landscapes

Abstract Non-traditional Monte Carlo simulations are a powerful approach to the study of systems with complex energy landscapes. After reviewing several of these specialized algorithms we shall describe the behavior of typical systems including spin glasses, lattice proteins, and models for “real” proteins. In the Edwards–Anderson spin glass it is now possible to produce probability distributions in the canonical ensemble and thermodynamic results of high numerical quality. In the hydrophobic–polar (HP) lattice protein model Wang–Landau sampling with an improved move set (pull-moves) produces results of very high quality. These can be compared with the results of other methods of statistical physics. A more realistic membrane protein model for Glycophorin A is also examined. Wang–Landau sampling allows the study of the dimerization process including an elucidation of the nature of the process.
Effects of deviations from stoichiometry on the strength anomaly and fracture behavior of B-doped FeAl

Abstract Tensile tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 145–1123 K on four different FeAl alloys, containing 40, 43, 45, and 48 at.% Al, each doped with 0.12 at.% B. The alloys were initially heat treated to obtain a relatively large grain size (~200 μm), after which they were given a long, low-temperature anneal (673 K for 5 d), to minimize, respectively, the effects of grain boundary strengthening and thermal vacancies on the measured yield strengths. Each alloy displayed bcc-type behavior at low temperatures (yield strength decreasing with increasing temperature), followed by a strength anomaly at intermediate temperatures (yield strength increasing with increasing temperature), and a sharp drop in yield strength at elevated temperatures (beyond the anomalous strength peak). Thermal vacancies that are generated during the hold time at the test temperature may contribute to the production of the strength anomaly. In specimens not given the vacancy-minimizing anneal, quenched-in vacancies were found to substantially increase low-temperature strength, thereby masking the yield strength anomaly. As the Al concentration of FeAl increased, the prominence of the yield strength anomaly decreased. Ductility also exhibited a peak at elevated temperatures, first increasing with temperature until it reached a maximum value and then decreasing with further increases in temperature. The peak in ductility occured at lower temperatures as the Al content increased. The fracture mode in all four alloys was mixed (intergranular + transgranular) at cryogenic temperatures, predominantly intergranular at around room temperature, dimpled rupture at peak ductility, and intergranular cavitation at elevated temperatures where the ductility dropped.
Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: A Literature Review

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers of pregnancy. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications in this population are special. These women typically present with more advanced disease that carries a poorer prognosis. This article highlights patient care in this population, where aggressive care must be modified to ensure fetal protection.
Effect of fluorination on thiol reactivity: Reaction of 4,4, 4-trifluorobutanethiol on Mo(110)

The reaction of 4,4,4-trifluorobutanethiol on Mo(110) was studied using temperature-programmed reaction, Auger electron, and infrared spectroscopies. The chemistry of trifluoro-1-butanethiol on clean Mo(110) at saturation coverage closely resembles the chemistry observed for 1-butanethiol and trifluoroethanethiol, but there are important differences arising from the presence of fluorine and the length of the alkyl chain. The dominant decomposition pathway for CH3(CH2)3S−, CF3(CH2)3S−, and CF3CH2S− is C−S bond hydrogenolysis at approximately 300 K to form butane, trifluorobutane, and trifluoroethane, respectively. A secondary pathway is alkene elimination from CH3(CH2)3S−, CF3(CH2)3S−, and CF3CH2S− to form butene, trifluorobutene, and difluoroethylene, respectively, over a wide temperature range, 200−550 K. The primary difference in the chemistry comparing the two C4 thiolates, the fluorinated and nonfluorinated, is the observation of difluoroethylene from CF3(CH2)3S− at 540 K. No ethylene or other hydroca...
Empirically derived MMPI profile subgroups of incarcerated homicide offenders

Several classification systems have been developed to identify subgroups of criminals. Recently, investigations have attempted to derive empirical classifications of specific types of offenders. The present study investigated the occurrence of MMPI profile subgroups in a sample of incarcerated homicide offenders. One hundred and eighteen convicted male homicide offenders were the subjects. MMPIs were collected as a part of evaluations to determine eligibility for a work release program. Results identified four distinct profile subgroups, which ranged in levels of psychopathology from normal to severely disturbed. Subgroups are discussed with reference to previous research and the development of a taxonomic system for homicide offenders.
Direct Assessment of the Accuracy of Stereo PIV in Turbulent Channel Flow

Stereo particle-image velocimetry (PIV) has become a widely-used method for studying complex flows because it allows one to acquire instantaneous, three-component velocity data on a planar domain with high spatial resolution. However, the accuracy of such measurements must be carefully evaluated before stereo PIV data can be faithfully used in the development of sophisticated turbulence models, assessment of appropriate computational boundary conditions, and in the validation of advanced computations. To this end, the accuracy of stereo PIV is assessed directly in an actual turbulent environment: two-dimensional turbulent channel flow. This flow is a challenging test of stereo PIV because the turbulent velocity fluctuations are quite small compared to the mean (typically less than ten percent of the mean velocity) and strong velocity gradients exist in the near-wall region. Measurements are made in the streamwise–wall-normal plane along the channel’s spanwise centerline using both stereoscopic and conventional 2-D PIV. A large ensemble of statistically independent velocity realizations are acquired with each method at a friction Reynolds number Reτ = u*h/ν = 934. Single-point statistics are computed from the experimental data and compared to statistics determined from a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent channel flow at a nearly-identical friction Reynolds number of 940 [5]. Excellent agreement is found in the outer region of the flow (y/h > 0.15, where h is the half-height of the channel). For y/h < 0.15, both the conventional and stereo PIV results differ from the DNS data. These differences are most-likely a manifestation of errors associated with strong velocity gradients and intense turbulent events present in this region of the flow.© 2004 ASME
Polymer reactions—Part XII: Effect of polymer-bound vanadium in the oxidative pyrolysis of polyisoprene

Abstract Polyisoprene has been derivatised through peracetic acid reaction to chemically bound vanadium, V-polyisoprene. At about 3·4 weight per cent of vanadium, the substance is found to have the same kinetics of non-oxidative thermal pyrolysis as normal polyisoprene and the products are also the same. In contrast, the characteristics of their oxidative pyrolysis are profoundly affected by the polymer-bound vanadium. Compared with normal polyisoprene, the vanadium derivative oxidises much more slowly, with an activation energy higher by 23 kcal mole −1 and a self-ignition temperature higher by 100°C, and is self-extinguishing upon ignition. The effect of vanadium is not to change the products of oxidative pyrolysis but to suppress their formation. The results are interpreted in terms of complexation of polyisoprene peroxy radicals with the vanadium ion, having the effect of decreasing the rate of propagation and increasing the rate of termination.
R11: a cis-regulatory node of the sea urchin embryo gene network that controls early expression of SpDelta in micromeres

A gene regulatory network (GRN) controls the process by which the endomesoderm of the sea urchin embryo is specified. In this GRN, the program of gene expression unique to the skeletogenic micromere lineage is set in train by activation of the pmar1 gene. Through a double repression system, this gene is responsible for localization of expression of downstream regulatory and signaling genes to cells of this lineage. One of these genes, delta, encodes a Notch ligand, and its expression in the right place and time is crucial to the specification of the endomesoderm. Here we report a cis-regulatory element R11 that is responsible for localizing the expression of delta by means of its response to the pmar1 repression system. R11 was identified as an evolutionarily conserved genomic sequence located about 13 kb downstream of the last exon of the delta gene. We demonstrate here that this cis-regulatory element is able to drive the expression of a reporter gene in the same cells and at the same time that the endogenous delta gene is expressed, and that temporally, spatially, and quantitatively it responds to the pmar1 repression system just as predicted for the delta gene in the endomesoderm GRN. This work illustrates the application of cis-regulatory analysis to the validation of predictions of the GRN model. In addition, we introduce new methodological tools for quantitative measurement of the output of expression constructs that promise to be of general value for cis-regulatory analysis in sea urchin embryos.
Nicotinic synapses formed between chick ciliary ganglion neurons in culture resemble those present on the neurons in vivo

We studied nicotinic synapses between chick ciliary ganglion neurons in culture to learn more about factors influencing their formation and receptor subtype dependence. After 4--8 days in culture, nearly all neurons displayed spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), which occurred at about 1 Hz. Neurons treated with tetrodotoxin displayed miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs), but these occurred at low frequency (0.1 Hz), indicating that most sEPSCs are actually impulse driven. The sEPSCs could be classified by decay kinetics as fast, slow, or biexponential and, reminiscent of the situation in vivo, were mediated by two major nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subtypes. Fast sEPSCs were blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha Bgt), indicating dependence on alpha Bgt-AChRs, most of which are alpha 7 subunit homopentamers. Slow sEPSCs were unaffected by alpha Bgt, and were blocked instead by the alpha 3/beta 2-selective alpha-conotoxin-MII (alpha CTx-MII), indicating dependence on alpha 3*-AChRs, which lack alpha 7 and contain alpha 3 subunits. Biexponential sEPSCs were mediated by both alpha Bgt- and alpha 3*-AChRs because they had fast and slow components qualitatively similar to those comprising simple events, and these were reduced by alpha Bgt and blocked by alpha CTx-MII, respectively. Fluorescence labeling experiments revealed both alpha Bgt- and alpha 3*-AChR clusters on neuron somata and neurites. Colabeling with antisynaptic vesicle protein antibody suggested that some alpha 3*-AChR clusters, and a few alpha Bgt-AChR clusters are associated with synaptic sites, as is the case in vivo. These findings demonstrate the utility of ciliary ganglion neuron cultures for studying the regulation of nicotinic synapses, and suggest that mixed AChR subtype synapses characteristic of the neurons in vivo can form in the absence of normal inputs or targets.
Observational Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Formation. Part III: Budget Analysis

Abstract Vertically integrated budgets of moisture, heat, angular momentum and kinetic energy are calculated from the composite data sets of Part I (McBride, 1981). The transition from cloud cluster to typhoon/hurricane is characterized by a warming of the troposphere and increase of tangential wind. Observations are presented to show that these effects are not restricted to the system's inner core region, but rather take place over a volume extending out to at least 6° latitude radius from the system center. Accordingly, in this paper cyclogenesis is investigated by analyzing budgets over this large scale. The heat budget calculations show that the observed warming of the troposphere is an order of magnitude smaller than the other terms in the budget equation. Most of the released latent heat LP0 is exported laterally through the boundaries of the region through conversion to the term ∇·Vs. The portion of LP0 which is released within the volume acts to counter the net radiative cooling QR. All the compos...
Neural network techniques for financial performance prediction: integrating fundamental and technical analysis

This research project investigates the ability of neural networks, specifically, the backpropagation algorithm, to integrate fundamental and technical analysis for financial performance prediction. The predictor attributes include 16 financial statement variables and 11 macroeconomic variables. The rate of return on common shareholders' equity is used as the to-be-predicted variable. Financial data of 364 S&P companies are extracted from the CompuStat database, and macroeconomic variables are extracted from the Citibase database for the study period of 1985-1995. Used as predictors in Experiments 1, 2, and 3 are the 1 year's, the 2 years', and the 3 years' financial data, respectively. Experiment 4 has 3 years' financial data and macroeconomic data as predictors. Moreover, in order to compensate for data noise and parameter misspecification as well as to reveal prediction logic and procedure, we apply a rule extraction technique to convert the connection weights from trained neural networks to symbolic classification rules. The performance of neural networks is compared with the average return from the top one-third returns in the market (maximum benchmark) that approximates the return from perfect information as well as with the overall market average return (minimum benchmark) that approximates the return from highly diversified portfolios. Paired t tests are carried out to calculate the statistical significance of mean differences. Experimental results indicate that neural networks using 1 year's or multiple years' financial data consistently and significantly outperform the minimum benchmark, but not the maximum benchmark. As for neural networks with both financial and macroeconomic predictors, they do not outperform the minimum or maximum benchmark in this study. The experimental results also show that the average return of 0.25398 from extracted rules is the only compatible result to the maximum benchmark of 0.2786. Consequentially, we demonstrate rule extraction as a postprocessing technique for improving prediction accuracy and for explaining the prediction logic to financial decision makers.
On the iteration of a bijective transformation of integer k -tuples

Etude de l'iteration d'une transformation bijective de k-triples entiers. Caracterisation et enumeration
Sonine's bessel identity applied to apodization

The apodization technique has been applied to refracting telescopes but rarely to reflecting telescopes. This paper reports results obtained using a 16-sec of arc f/11 Cassegrain telescope. Aperture shapes were determined by imposing the condition that the diffraction pattern along one direction in the image plane be defined by a Sonine diffraction pattern. Polaris (α-UMin) and its companion were used as the test system.
Recombinant soluble CD137 prevents type one diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice are genetically programmed to spontaneously develop type one diabetes (T1D). Multiple Insulin dependent diabetes (Idd) genetic loci have been identified but their functional effects are mostly poorly understood. TnfsfR9, expressing the protein product CD137, is a strong candidate gene in the Idd9.3 locus, and NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice are significantly protected from type one diabetes (T1D). We previously showed that nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice have a deficiency in the numbers of CD137(pos) T regulatory cells, that CD137(pos) Tregs are the source of soluble CD137 (sCD137), and that NOD mice have low serum levels of sCD137. To test the hypothesis that correcting low levels of sCD137 could affect the disease, we constructed a lentiviral vector producing recombinant sCD137; this physiologic sCD137 is glycosylated and exists primarily as a dimer. NOD mice treated with the recombinant sCD137 are protected from developing T1D. Insulitis is significantly decreased, but not eliminated in the sCD137 treated mice, however insulin producing pancreatic beta cells are preserved despite residual insulitis. To begin to understand the protective immune mechanisms of sCD137, we tested sCD137 in vitro. It was previously suggested that sCD137 simply blocked the interaction between CD137 (on T cells) and CD137 ligand (on antigen presenting cells (APCs)). Here however, we use an APC independent assay and demonstrate that sCD137 can actively suppress highly purified CD4 T cells in a CD137L dependent fashion. These results support the hypothesis that sCD137 acts in a negative feedback loop to actively suppress over-zealous immune responses, and that it can be used clinically to suppress autoimmunity. sCD137 is an important Treg derived natural immunosuppressive molecule that regulates effector T cells to avert diabetes in vivo.
Voluntary wheel running reduced the effects of acute ethanol on activity and avoidance in C57BL/6J mice.

Abstract C57BL/6J mice were given five weeks of voluntary wheel running and then studied for behavioral impairment after an intoxicating dose of ethanol. Forty-four mice, 22 males and 22 females, were assigned to Wheel (free access to a running wheel in the home cage) or No Wheel conditions. At the end of the training period, animals were removed from the exercise cages and tested for noise avoidance after 2.4 g/kg ethanol (EtOH) or physiological saline (Sal). Mice could avoid 87.5-dB noise by entering and remaining in a randomly designated “safe corner.” In unexercised animals, EtOH caused a strong suppression on locomotor activity and avoidance behavior: No Wheel EtOH mice differed significantly from No Wheel Sal mice on both measures. In exercised animals, EtOH failed to cause significant suppression: Wheel EtOH animals did not differ significantly from Wheel Sal animals on either measure. The present results suggest that prior exercise training may be effective in offsetting the effects of acute ethanol intoxication.
The changing relationship between obesity and educational status

The increasing prevalence of obesity in the adult population has important implications for the health status of the population. Understanding the reasons for this increase will provide guidance in developing public health approaches to address the problem. In this paper we examine the changing relationship between educational attainment and obesity. We use annual cross-sectional survey data (National Health Interview Survey) of non-institutionalized adults aged 18 years or older conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control. Our results show that the educational advantage in obesity is declining. The prevalence of obesity among those with more than a high school education has increased at a faster rate than it has among those with less than a high school education between 1984 and 1994 (76 percent versus 41 percent among whites and 77 percent versus 27 percent among blacks). If the prevalence of obesity by educational level had stayed the same, the increased educational attainment of the population would have led to a decline in overall obesity prevalence. If the educational differentials in obesity had not changed, obesity would have been expected to increase from 11.77 percent to 15.62 percent of the population between 1984 and 1994, compared to the 18.21 percent observed. In contrast to expectations, the increased educational level of the adult population has not resulted in a decline in obesity. Although future cohorts of older adults are likely to be better educated, they also are more likely to be obese, leading to increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Scaled Total Hemispherical Emittance of Particle-Gas Layers

A radiation scaling technique is applied to problems with scattering particles and spectrally selective gases. A solution method, which uses a combination of the scaling and the exponential wideband modeling, is developed. The solution procedure is used to obtain the hemispherical emittance of isothermal layers, composed of absorbing gas of H 2O or CO2, together with isotropically scattering particles. The scaled equivalent results are compared to calculations available from the path length distribution solution. Excellent comparisons are obtained for low to moderate absorbing gas pressures and for low to moderate particle optical depths and albedo. Suggestions to improve the accuracy of the scaled solution for large or scattering dominant problems are also included.
Optimal scheduling for an M/G/1 queueing system with multiple constraints

Heterogeneous traffic types (interactive messages, file transfers, facsimile, etc.) compete for access to a shared resource (satellite channel, bus, etc.). If a packet is not immediately given access to the resource, it waits in a buffer. We assume that the buffer capacity is infinite, that the traffic types arrive according to independent Poisson processes and that the period over which a packet occupies the resource has an arbitrary type-dependent distribution. The traffic types are partitioned into two groups: interactive and noninteractive. The average delay of each of the interactive types is required to below given thresholds. The problem of finding an optimal scheduling policy that minimizes a linear combination of the average delays for the noninteractive types while meeting the design constraints is considered. Simple necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of a policy that satisfies the constraints. An algorithm is given that decomposes the traffic types into an ordered arrangement of groups, and the existence of a policy that gives strict priority accordingly is established. Under weak conditions on the costs and rates, it is shown that all optimal policies must have this structural property. Sensitivity and aggregation analyses are given. Finally, exploiting the above decomposition, an optimal policy is constructed and is shown to have many appealing properties.
Heat transfer and friction in turbulent vortex flow

This paper presents experimentally measured heat transfer and friction coefficients for air and water flowing through a pipe with several types of inserts designed to induce a swirl in the flow. It was observed that inside-surface heat transfer coefficients in swirling flow can, under favourable conditions, be at least four times as large as heat transfer coefficients at the same mass flow rate in purely axial flow. At the same time the pumping power per unit rate of heat transfer can be reduced. The increase in heat transfer coefficients was found to depend on the degree of swirl and on the density or temperature gradient. However, at comparable Reynolds numbers and swirling motions the heat transfer coefficients for air were found to be smaller than the coefficients for water. The reason for this difference is not definitely known, but the phenomenon is qualitatively compatible with that causing the cooling effect in Ranque-Hilsch vortex tubes. The observed phenomena are analyzed qualitatively and it is shown that they are primarily the result of a centrifugal force which induces a radial inward motion of warmer fluid and a radial outward motion of cooler fluid. The application of vortex flow to boiling heat transfer and other high heat flux systems is discussed briefly.
Universality and the weak isospin of leptons, nucleons, and quarks

The universality of nuclear ..beta.. decay, ..mu.. capture, and ..mu.. decay is used to show that the weak isospin of left-handed lepton is 1/2 when the weak isospin of left-handed nucleons is 1/2, and vice versa. A simple model for nucleon structure in terms of quarks is then used to show the equality of the weak isospins for quarks and leptons in gauge models of the Weinberg-Salam variety.
On the thermodynamics of non-simple elastic materials with two temperatures

Diese Arbeit behandelt eine thermodynamische Theorie von nichteinfachen, elastischen Stoffen. Es wird gezeigt, dass Substanzen vom Grade hoher als eins vorkommen konnen; vorausgesetzt, dass man das eventuelle Vorhandensein zweier verschiedener Temperaturen in Betracht zieht.
High strain rate superplasticity in metal matrix composites: the role of load transfer

Abstract It is well established that metal matrix composites may exhibit high strain rate superplasticity (HSR SP) but the measured activation energies are higher than anticipated for lattice self-diffusion or grain boundary diffusion in the matrix alloys. It is proposed that the occurrence of load transfer introduces an additional dependence on temperature which must be included in any attempt to estimate the true activation energy for flow, Q∗. Experimental data are analyzed for four metal matrix composites and it is demonstrated that, by incorporating load transfer for each material, Q∗ may be reduced to a value close to that anticipated for grain boundary diffusion up to testing temperatures within a few degrees of the incipient melting temperature. The results of this analysis are consistent with data for mechanically alloyed materials exhibiting HSR SP where no load transfer is expected and where experiments have shown that the measured activation energies are also close to those anticipated for grain boundary diffusion.
Properties and quality characteristics of crystalline insulin extracted by ultrasound.

Crystalline insulin was obtained from the pancreas by the method of ultrasound extraction. Extreme changes of pancreas structure were noticed, including rupture of the cells of pancreatic islands and decomposition of pancreatic tissue with the formation of micro-and macro-canals. These changes facilitate the migration of solvent inside the structure and washing out β cell content. Structural changes were maximal in the peripheral parts of the pancreas and in frozen pancreas treated by ultrasound. A rapid filming method recorded factors influencing the extraction process—the dispersing effect of ultrasound, the rapid destruction of pancreatic particles, and the swelling and intensive pulsation of small particles in the ultrasound field. Experimental, control, and standard insulin preparations were nearly identical in Physicochemical properties and ether quality characteristics: activity determined by a biological method and electrophoresis; homogeneity and purity determined by circle chromatography; fractions of insulin determined by starch gel electrophoresis; amino acid composition; solubility; and content of moisture, zinc, and nitrogen.
Nitrogen Fractions of Alfalfa Silage from Oxygen-Limiting and Conventional Upright Silos

Abstract Alfalfa silage from oxygen-limiting (39 samples) and conventional upright silos (43 samples) sent to the Virginia Tech Forage Testing Laboratory from September 1984 to April 1985 were randomly selected and analyzed for dry matter, fiber, and nitrogen fractions. Crude protein and neutral and acid detergent fiber were not different for oxygen-limiting and conventional upright silo samples. Dry matter, and buffer-insoluble nitrogen, neutral and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, and nitrogen insoluble in neutral but soluble in acid detergent, expressed as a percent of total nitrogen, were greater in silage from oxygen-limiting than from conventional upright silos. A greater percentage of samples from oxygen limiting silos had acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content greater than 15% compared with samples from conventional upright silos (35.9 vs. 14.0%). Regression equations were formulated for dry matter versus acid detergent insoluble nitrogen. Dry matter, dry matter squared, and dry matter cubed accounted for only 34 and 35% of the variation in acid detergent insoluble nitrogen in conventional upright and oxygen limiting silos, respectively. Other factors must be considered to predict accurately acid detergent insoluble nitrogen.
Out-of-plane bending of FRP-reinforced masonry walls

High-performance fibers are being widely researched for repair and rehabilitation in civil engineering structures. The potential benefits, liabilities, and architectural considerations regarding the use of high-performance fibers for reinforcing masonry structures are discussed with an emphasis on out-of-plane bending. Examples are provided of structure reinforcement and repair by the use of fiber based systems. Test programs are described and test results are included.
Influence of insulin on maintenance and secretory stimulation of mouse mammary tissues by hormones in organ-culture.

Mouse mammary tissues from late prelactating, early prelactating, and nonpregnant multiparous female C3H/Crgl mice were subjected to various hormones in organ-culture in a synthetic medium. The three types of tissue were maintained with the addition of insulin and cortisol, to some extent with insulin alone, and not at all with cortisol alone. The more differentiated the tissue in the direction of secretory activity, the greater was the need for cortisol in addition to insulin for maintenance in vitro. Following culture in insulin and cortisol, mammary tissues showed one of the following responses: (1) alveolar maintenance with loss of secretory activity, (2) maintenance of the initial histologic structure, or (3) reorganization of alveolar epithelium. Addition of mammotropin and somatotropin to media containing insulin and cortisol maintained the secretory state of late prelactating tissue and stimulated early prelactating and nonpregnant tissues to secretory activity. The optimum concentrations of MH an...
Measuring morale and motivation

SENSITIVITY to the attitudes and reactions of his employees is a fundamental attribute of any good manager. But how can the chairman of a large company obtain objective data to give him this information? One answer lies in using employee opinion surveys such as those we have used at IBM United Kingdom Limited over the past six years.
An electronically collimated gamma camera for single photon emission computed tomography. Part II: Image reconstruction and preliminary experimental measurements

Iterative algorithms have been investigated for reconstructing images from data acquired with a new type of gamma camera based upon an electronic method of collimating gamma radiation. The camera is composed of two detection systems which record a sequential interaction of the emitted gamma radiation. Coincident counting in accordance with Compton scattering kinematics leads to a localization of activity upon a multitude of conical surfaces throughout the object. A two-stage reconstruction procedure in which conical line projection images as seen by each position sensing element of the first detector are reconstructed in the first stage, and tomographic images are reconstructed in the second stage, has been developed. Computer simulation studies of both stages and first-stage reconstruction studies with preliminary experimental data are reported. Experimental data were obtained with one detection element of a prototype germanium detector. A microcomputer based circuit was developed to record coincident counts between the germanium detector and an uncollimated conventional scintillation camera. Point sources of Tc-99m and Cs-137 were used to perform preliminary measurements of sensitivity and point spread function characteristics of electronic collimation.
The impact of age at death on the lag time of radiocarbon values in human bone

Analysis of modern bomb-pulse radiocarbon in human bone offers data needed to interpret the post-mortem interval in skeletonized human remains recovered from forensic contexts. Radiocarbon analysis of different tissues with distinct rates of remodeling allows proper placement of the values on the modern bomb-curve. However, the lag time between the date of intercept on the curve and the actual death date is largely affected by the age at death. Published data on radiocarbon analysis of individuals of known age at death and death dates indicate that this lag time increases with age until about 60 years. The lag time documented for each decade of life can be used to compensate for this age-related factor and increase the accuracy of interpretation of the death date. While this method could be greatly improved by original research with a larger sample size, this study provides an adequate point from which to launch further investigations into the subject.