cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mortgage Backed Securities and Capital of Life Insurers: Was the Industry Prepared for the Credit Crunch of 2007-2008?

In this article we explore U.S. life insurers' exposure to Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) and its potential impact on capital should the credit ratings of these bonds be lowered. We analyze two years: 2003 (well before the realization of problems with these instruments) and 2006 (immediately prior). We create five potential scenarios of different severity for recategorizing MBS credit ratings and compute the theoretical impact on measured insurer asset risk, via a proxy for the C-1 component of life insurers' risk-based capital. Under all scenarios we find large increases in assessed asset risk. We then model insurer capital structure as a function of asset risk and other factors to assess whether insurers had prepared their capital structures for the possibility of problems with these instruments. Our findings indicate not only that insurers were unprepared for MBS downgrades, but also that they reduced capital as they accumulated MBS, as though acquiring MBS should raise the overall quality of the investment portfolio. Finally, we analyze possible adjustments to capital to accommodate the now recognized increased risks of MBS. Our models suggest, for example, that an insurer with median MBS exposure might be expected to increase its capital by 10% or more to maintain an historical relationship between capital and risk factors, in the event of a moderate recategorization of MBS risk
Prospects for the Detection of Microlensing Time Delays

Since the image separations produced by microlensing are inaccessible to observation, we are left to observe either a change in total amplitude or the time delay between the images. Spillar (1993) has suggested that a time delay might be observed in the autocorrelation of a microlensed signal. The time delays are of order a few microseconds and are easily accessible to a sufficiently wide bandwidth system. We calculate expected observational results using the Green Bank Telescope with a VLBA recording system, and find that brightness temperatures exceeding the Compton limit are required for detection.
Genome-Wide survival analysis of somatic mutations in cancer

Motivation. Next-generation DNA sequencing technologies now enable the measurement of exomes, genomes, and mRNA expression in many samples. The next challenge is to interpret these large quantities of DNA and RNA sequence data. In many human and cancer genomics studies, a major goal is to discover associations between an observed phenotype and a particular variable from genome-wide measurements of many such variables. In this work we consider the problem of testing the association between a DNA sequence variant and the survival time, or length of time that patients live following diagnosis or treatment. This problem is relevant to many cancer sequencing studies, in which one aims to discover somatic variants that distinguish patients with fast-growing tumors that require aggressive treatment from patients with better prognosis [1].
A compositional trace semantics for Orc

Orc [9] is a language for task orchestration. It has a small set of primitives, but sufficient to express many useful programs succinctly. We identify an ambiguity in the trace semantics of Kitchin et al. [9]. We give possible interpretations of the ambiguous definition and show that the semantics is not adequate regardless of the interpretation. We remedy this situation by providing new operational and denotational semantics with a better treatment of variable binding, and proving an adequacy theorem to relate them. Also, we investigate strong bisimulation in Orc and show that bisimulation implies trace equivalence but not vice versa.
Plant Oil-Based Polyether

Plant oils are mainly triglycerides comprising a variety of different fatty acids. The fatty acid composition differs on the basis of the type of the plant and the plant’s growing environment. These differences could be in chain length, composition, distribution, and location [1,2]. Using plant oils as a source for polymers has many advantages over using petroleum as a polymer source. Plant oils are more abundant than fossil oil. This abundance-combined with the low cost of extraction, as noted above, makes them an attractive choice for industrial use. Polyethers are formed by creating ether links between monomers. Varying the amount of functional groups in the monomer will have a large impact on the properties of the polymer. Polyethers can be linear, branched cross-linked. Plant oil-based polyethers are polyethers that are derived from monomers that are derived from plant seed oils.
Luces y sombras : Boscán en las Anotaciones de Herrera

Lights and Shadows: Boscan in the Annotations of Herrera This article examines the reception of Boscan in Herrera’s Anotaciones, paying special attention to the process of belatedness Boscan is subjected to in Herrera’s discourse on the sonnet. This process, I argue, shows Herrera’s indebtedness to the vocabulary and methods of periodization employed by humanist historiography. The article also explores a few important aspects related to genre and intertextuality in the two sonnets in morte that Boscan wrote in memory of Garcilaso at the end of his petrarchan collection and discusses the reasons why Herrera praised these two poems in his Anotaciones.
A laboratory test bed for space robotics: the VES II

The dynamic interaction between a space robotic manipulator and its base in micro-gravity can make it difficult to control and lead to system performance degradation. Control and planning algorithms proposed in the past to compensate for this dynamic interaction have lacked sufficient experimental evaluation. A laboratory test bed is described which was developed and built to emulate the dynamic behavior of space robotic systems and investigate proposed planning and control algorithms. Two methods for removing the effects of gravity in the laboratory are presented. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this test bed in studying the dynamic coupling between a space manipulator and its spacecraft. >
Guinea-pig spinal-cord as a model for the study of late radiation-injury and repair.

Abstract The risk of normal tissue damage imposes severe limitations on the radiotherapy of malignant tumours. The aim of this study was to examine the morphology of late radiation injury with special reference to microvasculature in the irradiated guinea pig spinal cord. Gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 source was used to irradiate the lumbar region of guinea pigs. A total dose of up to 94.5 Gy was given using 4.5 Gy fractions. Twenty such guinea pigs which survived more than 2 years post-irradiation were deeply anaesthetized and Mercox resin was perfused through the thoracic aorta. Ten minutes following perfusion, irradiated segments of the spinal cords were removed and either fixed in formalin for histology and morphometry or corroded in KOH for microvascular cast preparation. The latter were observed under the scanning electron microscope. All irradiated specimens showed multifocal white matter vacuolation. None of these spaces communicated with blood vessels. No such vacuolation was observed in grey matter. Glial cell counts in the irradiated white matter were reduced. Microvascular morphometry revealed 3.30% of the area was occupied by vasculature in the non-irradiated white matter. The corresponding value for irradiated white matter was 2.38% (p=0.003). No difference in the vascular area was noted in the non-irradiated grey matter (9.75%) and irradiated grey matter (10.36%; p=0.36) Microvascular casts did not reveal telangiectasia. However, irradiated specimens showed focal avascular regions. This was consistent with the light microscopic observation of focal degeneration and necrosis of irradiated white matter. These results suggest that late radiation injury in guinea pigs results primarily from damage to glial elements and the microvasculature is secondarily affected.
Peer Mentoring in the Development of Beginning Secondary Science Teachers: Three Case Studies.

In this study, the researchers examined the effectiveness of a reflective model of peer mentoring in the professional growth of early‐career science teachers. The study was carried out over one academic year with three beginning secondary science teachers. The public school teachers in this study reported that participation in peer mentoring provided a support mechanism through which they developed confidence in risk‐taking and experienced professional growth. Results indicate teachers gained insight into each of the four broad domains of teacher responsibility that were measured, including specific issues relevant to curriculum structure, managing student behavior and classroom safety, utilizing new instructional approaches and negotiating relationships with various stakeholders as part of their professional responsibilities. This study has relevant implications for teacher education and provides a model for peer mentoring that could be considered for implementation as a means of initial support to begin...
Adenoid cystic carcinomas arising in salivary glands: a correlation of histologic features and clinical course.

62 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) arising in major and minor salivary glands were studied. Factors which appeared to influence the clinical course included: 1) histologic pattern, 2) presence or absence of tumor on the surgical lines of excision, 3) site, 4) size of primary lesion, 5) presence or absence of tumor in lymph nodes, and 6) degree of cellular atypia. On histologic examination, these neoplasms were classified according to their predominant histologic pattern (tubular, cribriform or solid). Recurrences have been seen in 59% of patients with ACC demonstrating a predominantly “tubular” pattern, as compared to 89% for the “cribriform” lesions and 100% for the “solid” neoplasms. Of patients who eventually died of tumor, those having “tubular” predominant lesions had the longest course (average 9 years before death, in contrast to 8 years for the “cribriform” and 5 years for the “solid” tumors). Our findings suggest that the “tubular” predominant pattern has the best prognosis and represents the best differentiated histologic form of ACC. In contrast, the “solid” pattern is the least differentiated and is associated with the worst prognosis. The predominantly “cribriform” lesions appear to lie between the other two forms both clinically and histologically.
Sensor array for the health monitoring of truss structures by means of guided ultrasonic waves

This paper presents the results of an experimental work where guided ultrasonic waves (GUWs) were used for the health monitoring of a real size truss, which was part of a highway variable message sign structure dismantled from service. The monitoring strategy proposed here combines the advantages of GUWs with the extraction of defect-sensitive features to perform a multivariate diagnosis of damage. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is tested by monitoring the propagation of waves along one of the main chords of the truss and by observing the onset and growth of two artificial cracks. The ability to diagnose the presence of these artificial defects located around the welded joints between one main chord and two diagonal members concurring on the weld is discussed. It is shown that by exploiting the stepwise response of the Mahalanobis squared distance, it is possible to discriminate and quantify defects of various sizes; moreover, it is found that certain wave paths better identify the position of damage.
Multiple roles of Rap1 in hematopoietic cells: complementary versus antagonistic functions

Small G proteins serve as critical control points in signal transduction, integrating a wide range of stimuli to dictate discrete cellular outcomes. The outcomes of small G-protein signaling can both potentiate and antagonize one another. Studies in hematopoietic cells have uncovered multiple functions for the small G protein, Rap1 (Ras-proximate-1). Because Rap1 can regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion through distinct mechanisms, it serves as a paradigm for the need for tight cellular control of small G-protein function. Rap1 has received recent attention for its role in enhancing integrin-dependent signals. This action of Rap1 augments a variety of processes that characterize hematopoietic-cell function, including aggregation, migration, extravasation, and homing to target tissues. Rap1 may also regulate cellular differentiation and proliferation via pathways that are distinct from those mediating adhesion, and involve regulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase or ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) cascade. These actions of Rap1 occur in selected cell types to enhance or diminish ERK signaling, depending on the expression pattern of the MAP kinase kinase kinases of the Raf family: Raf-1 and B-Raf. This review will examine the functions of Rap1 in hematopoietic cells, and focus on 3 cellular scenarios where the multiple actions of Rap1 function have been proposed. Recent studies implicating Rap1 in the maturation of megakaryocytes, the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and activation of peripheral T cells will receive particular attention.
Inguinal herniation of vitelline duct remnant

Abstract Meckel's diverticulum and vitelline duct cysts result from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline or omphalomesenteric duct in utero. We report a case of an infant with a vitelline duct remnant within an inguinal hernia sac, incidentally encountered during inguinal herniorrhaphy and orchidopexy. The cystic remnant had a fibrous connection to the umbilical ring, suggesting an auto-amputated Meckel's diverticulum with persistent residual cord to the umbilicus. This rare anomaly has the potential to cause serious complications by providing an intra-abdominal band with the risk for volvulus or internal herniation of small intestine.
Computational mechanics at the mesoscale

Abstract Conventional continuum mechanics models of inelastic deformation processes are size scale independent. In contrast, there is considerable experimental evidence that plastic flow in crystalline solids is inherently size dependent over a size scale that ranges from a fraction of a micrometer to 100 μm or so. It is over this mesoscale size range that key deformation and fracture processes in a variety of structural and electronic materials take place. Computational studies play a central role in the development of a mesoscale theoretical framework because size dependent phenomena come into play when there are gradients of deformation and stress, so that numerical methods are usually needed to obtain solutions. Three mesoscale continuum formulations are discussed, each involving a length scale and each having a different character: (i) discrete dislocation plasticity, (ii) nonlocal plasticity and (iii) the coupling of matter diffusion and deformation. The main focus is on illustrating the capability of such frameworks to elucidate aspects of material behavior that are not amenable either to a direct atomistic analysis or to a size independent continuum analysis. Numerical implementation issues are also discussed.
Influence of age on skeletal muscle glucose transport and glycogen metabolism

Age-related alterations in skeletal muscle carbohydrate metabolism can influence both health and performance. Exercising muscle glycogenolysis is accelerated in old, male rats compared with young animals, perhaps secondary to the age-related reduction in muscle oxidative capacity and blood flow during contractile activity. Muscle oxidative capacity and blood flow during exercise are also reduced in untrained older humans. Endurance training enhances muscle oxidative capacity and promotes muscle glycogen sparing during exercise by young and old rats. Resting muscle glycogen concentration is unchanged in old rats, but considerably reduced in untrained, older humans. Exercise training increases the muscle glycogen levels of older people. The concentration of GLUT-4 glucose transporter protein declines in some muscles of rats during growth and development, but remains stable thereafter. Exercise training can elevate the muscle GLUT-4 protein levels of both young and old humans. On the other hand, exercise training has been shown to increase the GLUT-4 values of adult, but not old rats. After one bout of exercise, muscle sensitivity for insulin-stimulated glucose transport is improved in young and old rats. These findings indicate that several age-related changes in muscle carbohydrate metabolism can be minimized by acute or chronic exercise.
Iwasawa‐type Decomposition in Compact Groups

Iwasawa in his famous paper “On some types of topological groups,” proved a number of decomposition theorems for compact groups. Among them is the theorem stating that a compact connected group G can be written as G=Z(G) · [G, G], where Z(G) is the center of G and [G, G] is the commutator subgroup of G. Later authors have refined this result to the statement that G=Z(G)o· [G, G], where Z(G)o is the component of the identity of Z(G). In the present paper we show that these theorems may be further strenghthened to the following statement: Let G be a compact group and let N be a compact normal subgroup of G. If either G=A·N, where A is a compact connected Abelian group, or if G/N is connected, then G=ZG(N)o·N, where ZG(N)o is the component of the identity of the centralizer in G of N. The proof of this result has a number of interesting corollaries.
Intraosseous well‐differentiated osteosarcoma

A series of 27 patients with intramedullary osteogenic sarcomas that were so well-differentiated histologically as to be confused with benign lesions was studied. Of the 27 patients, 14 were females and 13 were males, and most were adults. The tibia and femur were involved commonly. Roentgenographically, the tumors showed a mixture of sclerosis and lysis with poor margination. However, they lacked the highly destructive appearance of high-grade osteosarcomas. Histologically, spindle cells with minimal cytologic atypia were arranged in interlacing bundles. Mitotic figures were scarce. The amount of osteoid was variable, commonly being abundant. With recurrence, three tumors became highly anaplastic. Excision of tumor almost invariably led to recurrences. Resection or amputation has led to good results in seven patients. Only three of the 27 patients died with metastatic tumor; one patient is alive with metastasis. Central low-grade osteosarcomas have been misdiagnosed frequently and hence treated inadequately. Careful roentgenographic and histologic correlation is required to make the diagnosis.
Broadband Developments in the United States Subsequent to the Federal Communications Commission's 2010 National Broadband Plan

The United States Federal Communications Commission delivered to Congress a national broadband plan in 2010. The purpose of this article is to analyze key economic arguments involving the development of the broadband plan addressing open network and competition issues, to make recommendations to the Commission in its formulation of federal policy as to positions that make the most economic sense, and to indicate recent economic and legal developments in broadband markets since publication of the broadband plan. One critical issue prior to the development of the broadband plan and subsequent to its publication is the competitiveness of the Internet Service Provider market. There is emerging evidence that, at least with respect to very high-speed broadband markets, a cable monopoly may be looming. The authors continue to predict with confidence that technological innovations are likely to make many opposing legal arguments obsolete in the near future.
Climatic control of fluvial-lacustrine cyclicity in the Cretaceous Cordilleran Foreland Basin, western United States

Tectono-stratigraphic models of foredeep sedimentation have generally presumed a direct link between changing rates of tectonism and concomitant sedimentological response as manifested by change in thickness, composition or depositional environment of sediment accumulating in adjacent basins. Lacustrine limestone units within the early Cretaceous fluviaMacustrine Gannett Group of western Wyoming exhibit systematic variation in several geochemical proxies of relative rates of precipitation and evaporation, indicating that lakewater chemistry was controlled by variation in regional climate. Change in proportion of allochthonous terrigenous clastic vs. autochthonous carbonate deposition, as well as carbonate Mg/Ca ratio and stable isotopic composition, occurs at two scales. Metre-scale alternation of micritic limestone and argillaceous marl is accompanied by mineralogical and isotopic variation within individual beds, indicating preferential carbonate accumulation during intervals of decreased regional meteoric precipitation relative to lake-surface evaporation. Limestone deposition began during intervals of maximum aridity, and decreased as increased meteoric precipitation-driven flux of terrigenous clastic sediment overwhelmed sites of carbonate accumulation. Similar upsection variation in limestone mineralogy and isotopic composition at a scale of tens of metres reflects the multiple processes of long-term increase in meteoric precipitation and lakewater freshening prior to influx of terrigenous sediment, across-basin fluvial-deltaic progradation, and renewed accumulation of riverine terrigenous units. Such trends suggest that formation-scale alternation between fluvial clastic and lacustrine carbonate deposition was controlled by climate change.
National liberation and the conflicting terms of discourse in South Africa: An interpretation

Abstract Underlying the moves and countermoves of the current communal conflict in South Africa is a struggle to control the meanings of the key terms of discourse—race, nation, apartheid and socialism—by which the conflict is characterized within and outside the country. Although no definition, therefore, of any of these terms can escape politicization, there is a case, historically and with a view to a negotiated settlement, for having apartheid, the most emotion‐laden of these terms, limited to post‐1948 doctrine and practice. The foundation for a negotiated settlement unaccompanied by overt civil war must be rather detailed agreement, tacit or explicit, on what the end of apartheid means. But if there is to be such agreement, it must be the work of a broad coalition from all of the race/nations acting probably against the desires of two major groups: defenders of the status quo and proponents of revolutionary socialism.
The thermal synthesis of neutral and basic proteinoids.

Acidic, neutral and basic proteinoids thermal synthesis, discussing characterization and tendency to form microparticles
When the Frame Doesn't Fit the Picture

I reconsider the function and construction of the psychoanalytic frame from an intersubjective, relational perspective. The analytic frame is meant to create and stand for, both practically and symbolically, a therapeutic structure with clear and safe boundaries in which the process of therapy unfolds. From my perspective, the establishment of the frame is, at the same time, an integral part of the process itself and reflects conscious and unconscious aspects of both patient and analyst. I explore this paradox and its implications for both practice and theory. In theorizing the functions of the frame, I draw on Goffman's frame theory, Bateson's anthropological and ethological studies, Ferenzci's perspective on the elasticity of technique, and a number of contemporary relational theorists. Several clinical vignettes are presented as illustrative of a new perspective on the analytic frame as cocreated and contextual, reflecting the variability of the psychoanalytic situation and the uniqueness of each dyad....
Multiphase flow : summary paper

An overview of the contributions made at the Particle Technology Forum in the general context of multiphase flow research is presented. Recent developments in the measuring and computational simulation techniques have made significant inroads in the field. There is an increased interest on basic two-phase flow mechanisms, particularly for dense suspension flows. The numerical simulations are more sophisticated and closer to industrial design and applications. Rapidly changing technologies provide support for the non-intrusive instrumentation and on-line technology for two-phase flow. The necessity to combine experimental, theoretical and numerical simulation techniques in most research projects has highlighted the importance of a broader university education and the use of interdisciplinary research teams. Several open research issues have been identified.
A familial X/Y translocation in a boy with ichthyosis, hypogonadism and mental retardation

A 14-year-old boy is described with hypogonadism, ichthyosis and mental retardation. His karyotype was 46,Y, der(X),t(X;)(p22;q11). His mother's karyotype was 46,X,der(X),t(X;Y)(p22;q11). Thus the son is nullisomic for the region Xp22 leads to pter and the mother is monosomic for the same region. The steroid sulfatase activity in this boy is discussed in relationship to the enzyme's locus on the X chromosome and the manifestation of ichthyosis.
Target cues are not required for the guidance of sympathetic preganglionic axons.

Abstract The patterns of preganglionic projections in the avian sympathetic system are highly specific. Preganglionic axons arising from the Tt spinal segment, for example, project predominantly in the rostral direction, whereas T4 preganglionic axons project predominantly in the caudal direction. Moreover, each ganglion receives projections from a distinct set of spinal cord segments. These patterns are established during embryonic life and are correct from the outset. In this study, I have examined the patterns of preganglionic projections in embryos deprived of their target ganglia through removal of the neural crest prior to its migration to form the sympathetic ganglia. My results indicate that preganglionic axons of target-deprived embryos still project in the proper directions and terminate in the presumptive target regions. Target cues are thus not required for the guidance of preganglionic axons.
Allocation of entrepreneurial attention

Abstract Limited attention has been recognized by many economists as a scarce resource to be allocated among a given number of alternative uses. However, limited entrepreneurial attention is allocated between improving current operations and innovating new products, which increases the number of current operations and perhaps the demands on the entrepreneur's attention. The allocation of entrepreneurial attention thus endogenizes the number of uses to which attention can be allocated and the opportunity cost of attention. This allocation has implications for the relationships between innovation, firm size and monopoly profits, between firm size and firm growth and the organization of the firm.
Compensatory-step training of healthy, mobile people with unilateral, transfemoral or knee disarticulation amputations: A potential intervention for trip-related falls

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of compensatory-step training of healthy, mobile, young-to-middle aged people with unilateral, transfemoral or knee disarticulation amputations. Outcomes of interest included recovery success, reliance on the prosthesis, and the kinematic variables relevant to trip recovery. Over the course of six training sessions, five subjects responded to postural disturbances that necessitated forward compensatory steps to avoid falling. Subjects improved their ability to recover from these postural disturbances without falling or hopping on the non-prosthetic limb. Subjects improved their compensatory stepping response by decreasing trunk flexion and increasing the sagittal plane distance between the body center of mass and the stepping foot. In response to more challenging disturbances, these training-related improvements were not observed for the initial step with the non-prosthetic limb. Regardless of the stepping limb, step length and the change in pelvic height were not responsive to training. This study exhibits the potential benefits of a compensatory-step training program for amputees and informs future improvements to the protocol.
On the Forecasting of Orogenic Mesoscale Convective Complexes

Abstract Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that mesoscale convective complexes (MCCs) near the Rocky Mountains are more likely to form when the middle-tropospheric relative humidity is greater than average and the lower-tropospheric relative humidity is less than average. Radiosonde data for MCC events are chosen at the nearest place to first storm development and at the nearest time before first storms occurred. A sounding representing an average seasonally adjusted climatological location of orogenic MCC first storms was used to represent non-MCC days. The 500-hPa relative humidities were significantly higher for MCC events than for non-MCC days. The 700-hPa relative humidity was significantly lower for MCC events than for non-MCC days. MCC days also have somewhat less stability than non-MCC days but this factor appears to be related to higher temperatures at 500 hPa on days when the 500-hPa relative humidity is low. The values of various quantities used to assess the utility of this infor...
Adipogenic potential of multiple human adenoviruses in vivo and in vitro in animals

Human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) increases adiposity in chickens, mice, and nonhuman primates and is associated with human obesity. Ad-36 paradoxically reduces serum cholesterol and triglycerides in ani...
The carbohydrate moiety of sea cucumber (thyone briareus) gelatin

Abstract A fraction of the gelatinized collagen obtained from the body wall of the echinoderm Thyone briareus, and that contained, as the sole sugar components, D -glucose and D -galactose, was degraded with trypsin and Pronase, and by alkaline hydrolysis, to give an oligosaccharide-amino acid. This was studied by partial hydrolysis with acid, enzymic degradation, periodate degradation, methylation, and N -(dinitrophenyl)ation, and shown to be 5-[ O -α- D -glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β- D -galactopyranosyloxy]- L -lysine.
s and t channel effects in low energy nn elastic scattering

It is shown that pp and pn elastic scattering data in the laboratory momentum range 0.3–2.0 GeV/c show qualitatively similar features to high energy pp elastic scattering when the data are plotted as a function of t, except for scattering angles in the far backward hemisphere (in the center of mass). In particular, while the average value of the 180° cross section is given by dσdt at the relevant t value, direct channel effects appear to cause the cross section to fluctuate around the dσdt value. This suggests that most of the backward cross section is dominated by t channel exchanges rather than direct channel resonances even at low energies.
Energy Expert: an expert system for architects

Abstract Principles of Expert Systems have been applied in different knowledge-rich domains such as geology, medicine, engineering and computer science. Not much effort has, however, been done to develop expert systems in architecture. This paper presents a prototype advisory expert system, called ENERGY EXPERT which we have developed for the schematic design phase of an architectural design project. ENERGY EXPERT quickly computes the approximate energy performance of a building in a year, analyzes the energy performance, and gives advice to the designer on possible ways of improving the design. The suggested modifications are intended to make the building more energy efficient and help cut down on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY EXPERT is a rule-based expert system written in Turbo Prolog. The paper also describes the principles of a rule-based expert system.
The Living and the Dead: Community in the Virtual Cemetery

Rheingold (1993) and others have described the potential for increased connectedness and community in cyberspace, but critics have charged that the Web increases social isolation rather than fostering interpersonal relationships. The present article explores how creating and visiting Web memorials (activities that initially appear isolating) affect the bereaved. Data from three studies on Web memorialization (descriptions of Web memorials, guestbook entries, and a survey of Web memorial authors) are used to examine three aspects of bereavement community: continuing bonds with the dead, strengthening existing relationships among the living, and creating new communities of the bereaved in cyberspace. Analysis suggests that rather than serving as a poor substitute for traditional bereavement activities, Web memorialization is a valued addition, allowing the bereaved to enhance their relationship with the dead and to increase and deepen their connections with others who have suffered a loss.
Treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease with anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody

Abstract We reviewed the clinical outcome of 8 patients with steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) who received an anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody (rituximab). Rituximab was given by intravenous infusion at a weekly dose of 375 mg/m2 for 4 weeks. All patients had received extensive treatment with various immunosuppressive agents; 6 patients had also received extracorporeal photopheresis. All patients had extensive chronic GVHD with diffuse or localized sclerodermoid GVHD and xerophthalmia. Other extracutaneous involvements included cold agglutinin disease with the Raynaud phenomenon, membranous glomerulonephritis, and restrictive or obstructive lung disease. Four patients responded to treatment with ongoing resolution or improvement ranging from 265 to 846 days after therapy, despite recovery of B cells in 3 patients. Rituximab seems to have significant activity in the treatment of refractory chronic GVHD and should be considered for further study in patients with early disease. This study suggests a participating role of B cells in the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD.
Regulatory T Cell Suppression of Gag-Specific CD8+ T Cell Polyfunctional Response After Therapeutic Vaccination of HIV-1-Infected Patients on ART

We tested the hypothesis that therapeutic vaccination against HIV-1 can increase the frequency and suppressive function of regulatory, CD4(+) T cells (Treg), thereby masking enhancement of HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T cell response. HIV-1-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy (N = 17) enrolled in a phase I therapeutic vaccine trial received 2 doses of autologous dendritic cells (DC) loaded with HIV-1 peptides. The frequency of CD4(+)CD25(hi)FOXP3(+) Treg in blood was determined prior to and after vaccination in subjects and normal controls. Polyfunctional CD8(+) T cell responses were determined pre- and post-vaccine (N = 7) for 5 immune mediators after in vitro stimulation with Gag peptide, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), or medium alone. Total vaccine response (post-vaccine-pre-vaccine) was compared in the Treg(+) and Treg-depleted (Treg-) sets. After vaccination, 12/17 subjects showed a trend of increased Treg frequency (P = 0.06) from 0.74% to 1.2%. The increased frequency did not correlate with CD8(+) T cell vaccine response by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for interferon gamma production. Although there was no significant change in CD8(+) T cell polyfunctional response after vaccination, Treg depletion increased the polyfunctionality of the total vaccine response (P = 0.029), with a >2-fold increase in the percentage of CD8(+) T cells producing multiple immune mediators. In contrast, depletion of Treg did not enhance polyfunctional T cell response to SEB, implying specificity of suppression to HIV-1 Gag. Therapeutic immunization with a DC-based vaccine against HIV-1 caused a modest increase in Treg frequency and a significant increase in HIV-1-specific, Treg suppressive function. The Treg suppressive effect masked an increase in the vaccine-induced anti-HIV-1-specific polyfunctional response. The role of Treg should be considered in immunotherapeutic trials of HIV-1 infection.
Noninstrumental Perforations of the Esophagus

While instrumental perforations of the esophagus are usually amenable to early diagnosis and treatment, noninstrumental perforations occur under such heterogeneous circumstances that late recognition and treatment often leads to a high morbidity and mortality. In this study, noninstrumental perforations of the esophagus resulted in a 30 percent mortality. Postemetic perforations proved to be particularly lethal, especially when definitive treatment was delayed more than 24 hours and when complicating esophageal disease was present. Perforations due to the ingestion of a sharp foreign body responded well to treatment even when seen late after perforation. A group of esophageal perforations that occurred late after operations on structures adjacent to the esophagus were thought to be due to periesophageal infection. The rupture developed with spontaneous drainage into the esophagus. Because of the chronic nature of these postoperative perforations, delayed treatment was well tolerated.
Endothelial cells express insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins 2 to 6.

Cultured endothelial cells have been shown to produce insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs); however, the identity of these BPs has not been defined. We now demonstrate that cultured bovine endothelial cells produce IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP4 and have mRNA specific for IGFBP2, -3, -4, -5 and -6. DNA probes for bovine IGFBP2-6 were obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of cDNA from bovine large vessel pulmonary artery and aortic endothelial cells as well as omental and periaortic fat microvessel cells, using oligonucleotide primers whose sequences were based on the reported cDNA sequences of IGFBP2-6. The PCR-derived probes were labeled with 32P and used for Northern blot analysis of RNAs obtained from the four bovine endothelial cell types. Transcripts corresponding to IGFBP2-6 were found in RNA from large vessel endothelial cells (bovine pulmonary artery and bovine aorta) and microvessel cells (periaortic and omental fat). The PCR-derived probe for IGFBP4 was used to sc...
Differential effects of low-dose decitabine on immune effector and suppressor responses in melanoma-bearing mice

Background Low doses of the demethylating agent decitabine have been shown to enhance the sensitivity of tumors to immune effector cells and molecules through upregulation of tumor antigen presentation and apoptotic pathways. Effects on host immune effector and suppressor responses have not been well characterized.
Reconfigurable and adaptive photonic networks for high-performance computing systems

As feature sizes decrease to the submicrometer regime and clock rates increase to the multigigahertz range, the limited bandwidth at higher bit rates and longer communication distances in electrical interconnects will create a major bandwidth imbalance in future high-performance computing (HPC) systems. We explore the application of an optoelectronic interconnect for the design of flexible, high-bandwidth, reconfigurable and adaptive interconnection architectures for chip-to-chip and board-to-board HPC systems. Reconfigurability is realized by interconnecting arrays of optical transmitters, and adaptivity is implemented by a dynamic bandwidth reallocation (DBR) technique that balances the load on each communication channel. We evaluate a DBR technique, the lockstep (LS) protocol, that monitors traffic intensities, reallocates bandwidth, and adapts to changes in communication patterns. We incorporate this DBR technique into a detailed discrete-event network simulator to evaluate the performance for uniform, nonuniform, and permutation communication patterns. Simulation results indicate that, without reconfiguration techniques being applied, optical based system architecture shows better performance than electrical interconnects for uniform and nonuniform patterns; with reconfiguration techniques being applied, the dynamically reconfigurable optoelectronic interconnect provides much better performance for all communication patterns. Based on the performance study, the reconfigured architecture shows 30%-50% increased throughput and 50%-75% reduced network latency compared with HPC electrical networks.
Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein-1 Interacts with the Nuclear Thyroid Hormone Receptor to Enhance Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase-α Transcription in Hepatocytes

In previous work, we characterized a 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine response element (T3RE) in acetyl-CoA carboxylase-α (ACCα) promoter 2 that mediated 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) regulation of ACCα transcription in chick embryo hepatocytes. Sequence comparison analysis revealed the presence of sterol regulatory element-1 (SRE-1) located 5 bp downstream of the ACCα T3RE. Here, we investigated the role of this SRE-1 in modulating T3 regulation of ACCα transcription. Transfection analyses demonstrated that the SRE-1 enhanced T3-induced ACCα transcription by more than 2-fold in hepatocytes. The effect of the SRE-1 on T3 responsiveness required the presence of the T3RE in its native orientation. In pull-down experiments, the mature form of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) specifically bound the α-isoform of the nuclear T3 receptor (TR), and the presence of T3 enhanced this interaction. A region of TRα containing the DNA-binding domain plus flanking sequences (amino acids 21–157) was required for interaction with SREBP-1, and a region of SREBP-1 containing the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper domain (amino acids 300–389) was required for interaction with TRα. In gel mobility shift experiments, TRα, retinoid X receptor-α, and mature SREBP-1 formed a tetrameric complex on a DNA probe containing the ACCα T3RE and SRE-1, and the presence of T3 enhanced the formation of this complex. Formation of the tetrameric complex stabilized the binding of SREBP-1 to the SRE-1. These results indicate that SREBP-1 directly interacts with TR-retinoid X receptor in an orientation-specific manner to enhance T3-induced ACCα transcription in hepatocytes. T3 regulation of ACCα transcription in nonhepatic cell cultures such as chick embryo fibroblasts is markedly reduced compared with that of chick embryo hepatocytes. Here, we also show that alterations in SREBP expression play a role in mediating cell type-dependent differences in T3 regulation of ACCα transcription.
Laplace equation and Faraday's lines of force

[1] Boundary-value problems involve two dependent variables: a potential function and a stream function. They can be approached in two mutually independent ways. The first, introduced by Laplace, involves spatial gradients at a point. Inspired by Faraday, Maxwell introduced the other, visualizing the flow domain as a collection of flow tubes and isopotential surfaces. Boundary-value problems intrinsically entail coupled treatment (or, equivalently, optimization) of potential and stream functions. Historically, potential theory avoided the cumbersome optimization task through ingenious techniques such as conformal mapping and Green's functions. Laplace's point-based approach and Maxwell's global approach each provides its own unique insights into boundary-value problems. Commonly, Laplace's equation is solved either algebraically or with approximate numerical methods. Maxwell's geometry-based approach opens up novel possibilities of direct optimization, providing an independent logical basis for numerical models, rather than treating them as approximate solvers of the differential equation. Whereas points, gradients, and Darcy's law are central to posing problems on the basis of Laplace's approach, flow tubes, potential differences, and the mathematical form of Ohm's law are central to posing them in natural coordinates oriented along flow paths. Besides being of philosophical interest, optimization algorithms can provide advantages that complement the power of classical numerical models. In the spirit of Maxwell, who eloquently spoke for a balance between abstract mathematical symbolism and observable attributes of concrete objects, this paper is an examination of the central ideas of the two approaches, and a reflection on how Maxwell's integral visualization may be practically put to use in a world of digital computers.
Cone Penetrometer Tests and HydroPunch® Sampling: A Screening Technique for Plume Definition

Cone penetrometer tests and HydroPunch® sampling were used to define the extent of volatile organic compounds in ground water. The investigation indicated that the combination of these techniques is effective for obtaining ground water samples for preliminary plume definition. HydroPunch samples can be collected in unconsolidated sediments and the analytical results obtained from these samples are comparable to those obtained from adjacent monitoring wells. This sampling method is a rapid and cost-effective screening technique for characterizing the extent of contaminant plumes in soft sediment environments. Use of this screening technique allowed monitoring wells to be located at the plume boundary, thereby reducing the number of wells installed and the overall cost of the plume definition program.
Protective effects of 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) synthase in a carrageenan-induced model of local inflammation

Abstract A cytotoxic cycle triggered by oxidant-induced DNA single strand breakage and subsequent activation of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase have been shown to contribute to the cellular injury during various forms of oxidant stress in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase in a model of acute local inflammation (carrageenan-induced pleurisy), where oxyradicals, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite are known to play a crucial role in the inflammatory process. The results show that the poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (given at 1–30 mg/kg) inhibits the inflammatory response (pleural exudate formation, mononuclear cell infiltration, histological injury). Moreover, 3-aminobenzamide reduces the formation of nitrotyrosine, an indicator of the formation of peroxynitrite, in the lung. The present results demonstrate that 3-aminobenzamide, presumably by inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase, exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects. Part of the anti-inflammatory effects of 3-aminobenzamide may be related to a reduction of neutrophil recruitment into the inflammatory site.
Corneal endothelial permeability in protection glaucoma filter bleb with tissue plasminogen activator.

After glaucoma filtering surgery subconjunctival injection of human recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may promote the function of glaucoma filter bleb and increase outflow facility. It can also increase postoperativae complications, such as corneal damage. The aim of our research was to determine corneal endothelial permeability (Pac) in subjects with glaucoma filter bleb protected by a plasminogen activator (Actilyse, Boehringer) when haemorrhagic clots obstructing a glaucoma filtering site had occurred. Two weeks, three months and six months after goniotrephining with scleral cover, in groups with and without subconjunctival injection of 25 mg human tissue plasminogen activator, Pac was calculated. In both groups, no significant differences in the level of Pac measured by fluorophotometry were found.