Thermal-lens and photo-acoustic methods for the determination of SiC thermal properties

In this paper we report the use of photothermal techniques such as Thermal lens (TL) spectrometry, Photoacoustic and heat capacity, ρc_p, to determine the thermo-optical parameters, such as thermal conductivity (K), thermal diffusivity (D), specific heat (c_p) and the optical path dependence with temperature (ds/dT), of an undoped polycrystalline 3C-SiC. To our knowledge, this is the first time that Thermal lens technique is used for wide band-gap systems. Results obtained for the polycrystalline sample with TL technique indicates that ds/dT is negative at room temperature. Moreover, the obtained values of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity are in good agreement with that found in the literature, indicating that the phototermal techniques can be used to obtain the referred parameters in circumstances where other techniques cannot be used, for example, in harsh environments.     

Learning user preferences of route choice behaviour for adaptive route guidance

As the use of navigation systems becomes more widespread, the demand for advanced functions of navigation systems also increases. In the light of user satisfaction, personalisation of route guidance by incorporating user preferences is one of the most desired features. A user model applied to personalised route guidance is presented. The user model adaptively updates route selection rules when it discovers the predicted choice differs from the actual choice of the driver. This study employs a decision tree learning algorithm, the C4.5 algorithm, which has advantages over other data mining methods in terms of its comprehensible model structure. Simulation experiments with a real-world network were conducted to analyse the applicability of the model to adaptive route guidance and the accuracy of its prediction     

An experiment for showing some kind of artificial understanding

In this paper we design an experiment which can be depicted as a simple scenario, a very limited 'world'. In this world, there are an actor that can pursue a project and an observer that is keeping its eyes on the actor. We try to show in the experiment that the observer can to some degree understand the actor based on its knowledge and some metaphors, i.e. understand what the actor is doing and why. As the conclusion of this experiment, we try to show some features of 'understanding'. These are (1) that 'understanding' has to be based on some preliminary knowledge; (2) that 'understanding' is a process of incremental learning; (3) that, as for symbolic systems, some metaphors are necessary for mapping real entities into concepts in mind.     

Cytoplasmic tail deletion of T cell receptor (TCR) beta-chain results in its surface expression as glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored polypeptide on mature T cells in the absence of TCR-alpha

Surface expression of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) in mature T cells requires the association of a variable heterodimer (alpha.beta or gamma.delta) with six invariant CD3 polypeptides (gamma, delta, epsilon-epsilon, zeta-zeta, or zeta-eta). We described here that deletion of the cytoplasmic tail polypeptide sequence (Lys-Lys-Lys-Asn-Ser) of TCR beta-chain (beta CT) results in expression of the truncated beta-chain on the surface of a mature T cell hybridoma line, in the absence of TCR-alpha, as a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored monomeric polypeptide. The GPI-anchored TCR-beta CT is not associated with CD3-epsilon and is incapable of conventional signal transduction. Association with TCR-alpha prevents beta CT from GPI-linkage formation. The alpha beta CT heterodimer binds the CD3 polypeptides, and the resultant TCR alpha beta CT/CD3 complex is capable of signal transduction. Our data show that a signal sequence for GPI-linkage formation is present in TCR-beta, and this alternative membrane anchoring mechanism can be utilized by beta-chain polypeptide lacking the CT sequence. We conclude therefore that in the absence of TCR-alpha expression, the beta-chain CT sequence plays an essential function in hindering GPI-linkage formation, thereby preventing escape of incompletely assembled TCR beta-chain to the cell surface of mature T cells.     

From data properties to evidence

The problem of making decisions among propositions based on both uncertain data items and arguments which are not certain is addressed. The primary knowledge discovery issue addressed is a classification problem: which classification does the available evidence support? The method investigated seeks to exploit information available from conventional database systems, namely, the integrity assertions or data dependency information contained in the database. This information allows ranking arguments in terms of their strengths. As a step in the process of discovering classification knowledge, using a database as a secondary knowledge discovery exercise, latent knowledge pertinent to arguments of relevance to the purpose at hand is explicated. This is called evidence. Information is requested via user prompts from an evidential reasoner. It is fed as evidence to the reasoner. An object-oriented structure for managing evidence is used to model the conclusion space and to reflect the evidence structure. The implementation of the evidence structure and an example of its use are outlined     

Storage and Feeding Losses of Large Round Bales

Alfalfa was harvested in large round bales or small square bales and storage and feeding losses were determined for different storage methods. Large bales were stored 1) in a barn; 2) outside in single rows and uncovered; 3) outside in two-high stacks and covered; and 4) outside in three-high stacks and covered. These bales were fed to dairy heifers with small square bales for comparison. Dry matter storage losses were 2% for large bales stored inside, 6% for large bales stored outside covered, and 15% for large bales stored outside uncovered. Feeding losses of large bales were 12% for stored inside, 25% for stored outside uncovered, and 13 to 15% for stored outside covered. Total losses for large round bales were 40% (stored outside uncovered), 20% (stored outside covered) and 15% (stored inside). Intake and gains were greatest for small bales (2.35 kg/100 kg body weight and .77 kg/d, respectively) and least for large bales (2.11 kg/100 kg body weight and .54 kg/d) stored outside uncovered.Rain penetrated 10 to 25 cm into uncovered bales stored outside. The resulting weathered hay, about 40% of the original bale dry weight, deteriorated. Heifers rummaged through this unpalatable material, and large feeding losses resulted. Storage and feeding losses of large round bales stored outside are economically important enough to warrant protection of bales.