cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Set of Nuclear-Mass Relations and a Resultant Mass Table

Two new independent mass relations are derived and are shown to be consistent with several existing nuclear models. The most general functional dependence on proton number, neutron number, and mass number (or isospin value) of masses which satisfy these relations exactly is discussed, and a procedure for determining the values of these functions which give a best least-squares fit to the body of known masses is developed. The functions which give the best over-all fit are listed together with the resulting theoretical mass table which shows the discrepancies to known masses and the theoretical values for proton, neutron, and alpha-particle decay energies.
ISOMERIC POLYAMINOBENZOPHENONES - SYNTHESES AND THERMAL DEGRADATION.

Abstract : Polymerization of two isomeric amino-ketones was achieved by solution polycondensation using a p-toluenesulfonic acid catalyst. The thermal stabilities of these two products were compared both in air and in an inert atmosphere using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Both products exhibited the same resistance to decomposition in an oxidative as well as in an inert atmosphere. In contrast to previous diketone-diamine systems these two products underwent essentially complete volatilization both in air and surprisingly in inert atmosphere. Direct inlet mass spectroscopy detected the presence of cyclic trimers in both products, which may explain the high volalitity. Reasons for the greater thermal stability of one isomer compared to the other is postulated. (Author)
Brooks-Jewett and Nikodym Convergence Theorems for Orthoalgebras That Have the Weak Subsequential Interpolation Property

A weak form of σ-orthocompleteness or σ-orthosummability, referred to as the Weak Subsequential Interpolation Property, is defined for Orthoalgebras. It is shown that the class of Orthoalgebras that have this property properly contains the class of σ-orthoalgebras. The Brooks-Jewett theorem and the Nikodym convergence theorem for semigroup-valued finitely additive and s-bounded measures defined on an orthoalgebra satisfying the Weak Subsequential Interpolation Property are proved.
Fish imagery in art 36: Friedli's Lahontan cutthroat

This painting by contemporary artist Robert Friedli was used as an illustration in a popular book on cutthroat trout (Trotter 1987). It demonstrates how much the boundaries between fine art and illustration have become blurred. On one hand, it is clearly not a scientific illustration. The colors are accurate because Friedli bases his paintings on photographs of trout he has caught himself, but features important to taxonomists, such as scale rows and fin rays, are painted with considerable liberty. On the other hand, modern paintings of this nature would rarely be found in a museum devoted to fine arts, even though an equivalent painting from sixteenth century Holland (a still life with fish) would be prominently displayed. Yet Friedli’s watercolor paintings on paper are quite different from standard trout-leaping-out-of the-water paintings, usually painted with cold realism, that are so popular with anglers today. His style is clearly based on Japanese brush paintings, where a few brush strokes and white spaces tell the viewer as much about the environment of the fish as more detailed paintings of other artists. However, the trout also dominates the painting much more than is typical of traditional Japanese brush paintings (with the notable exception of Nakajima Raisho, 1796-1871, whose scrolls of fish are highly prized). Freiedli, Professor of Computers and Technology at Boise State University, Idaho, is clearly painting for an increasingly sophisticated audience of fly fishermen. Such anglers presumably appreciate his ability to catch the essence of a wild trout in an unsentimental way. The paintings deserve a wider audience. Lahontan cutthroat is used with permission of the artist and of Patrick C. Trotter.
Keeping Work in Perspective: Work–Nonwork Considerations and Applicant Decision Making

The work–nonwork supportiveness of an organization may influence applicant decision making among young applicants. This possibility was tested using a phased narrowing decision making task and three organizational attributes (salary, number of work–nonwork supportive policies/benefits and their related culture supportiveness). Data gathered from a sample of 110 graduating college business majors partially supported the hypotheses (p < 0.05), revealing a dynamic influence of the organizational attributes across decision making stages and a differential impact of the attributes depending on their framing as family-friendly or life-friendly. Salary was especially important in initial screening of organizational options, and the organizational culture support of work–nonwork challenges was increasingly influential as the final choice was formed. Implications for young applicant attraction are discussed.
Characterization and developmental changes of UDP-galactose-ceramide galactosyl transferase in a rat CNS axolemma-enriched fraction. Differences and similarities of the enzyme associated with the microsomal and myelin fractions.

— The properties of rat CNS UDP-galactose-ceramidc galactosyltransferase in an axolemma-enriched fraction (AXL), microsomes, and myelin simultaneously isolated with the AXL was characterized using a newly developed assay system. The microsomal enzyme utilized either magnesium or manganese equally well as the divalent cation at 3.3 mm, while both the myelin and AXL enzyme preferred manganese over magnesium at this concentration. The microsomal enzyme was more stable to heat inactivation than the myelin or AXL enzyme. The AXL galactosyltransferase had the highest specific activity at 15 days (8-fold higher than that of the microsomes) and dramatically decreased in specific activity with development. The developmental profile of the myelin enzyme paralleled that of the AXL although the absolute specific activity was lower than that of AXL. In contrast, the specific activity of microsomal enzyme was quite low at the earliest age then sharply increased to 25 days and gradually decreased with further development. The specific activity of the enzyme in AXL isolated from Quaking mouse was dramatically decreased (about 5% of control levels) whereas both whole homogenate and microsomal specific activity were decreased to 35% of control levels. These data indicate that AXL and myelin contain a galactosyltransferase with properties which are unique relative to those of the microsomal fraction. The possible functional significance of these findings with respect to myelination is discussed.
Promoting healthier food choices in college students using individualized dietary feedback

A healthy diet is a key ingredient to good health and can help prevent a number of adverse health conditions. Although many people can describe a healthy diet, they often cannot accurately report the nutritional content of their own diets. In this study, daily dietary feedback consisting of recommended daily nutrient values accompanied by estimated calorie and fat data of daily food purchases was provided to four college undergraduates. The estimated calorie and percentage of calories from fat data were based on records of participant purchases at university dining establishments. The introduction of daily dietary feedback resulted in the students purchasing fewer calories and fewer calories from fat per day. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National study of health insurance type and reasons for emergency department use.

BACKGROUND The rates of emergency department (ED) utilization vary substantially by type of health insurance, but the association between health insurance type and patient-reported reasons for seeking ED care is unknown.
Bio-Heat Transfer in a Model Skin Subject to a Train of Short Pulse Irradiation

Thermal analysis of biological tissues subject to a train of ultrashort pulse irradiations was made of developing a combined time-dependent radiation and conduction bio-heat transfer model. A model skin tissue stratified as three layers with different optical, thermal and physiological properties was considered. Temperature response of the skin tissue exposed to a single ultrashort pulse irradiation was firstly analyzed by the finite volume method in combination with the transient discrete ordinates method. This temperature rise was found to reach pseudo steady state within an extremely short time period in which thermal diffusion is negligible. Since the tissue properties were assumed to be constant during a train of pulse irradiation, this temperature rise subject to a single pulse can be employed for repeated pulses. In the same time, Pennes’ equation was employed to study the bio-heat transfer in the meso-time scale. The effects of pulse strengths and repetition rate on the temperature response in the multi-layer skin tissue were investigated.© 2008 ASME
Review of use of a new rapid real-time PCR, the Cepheid GeneXpert® (Xpert) CT/NG assay, for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae: results for patients while in a clinical setting

Rapid diagnostics for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are desirable so that patients can be treated while they are still in the clinic or doctor's office. The Cepheid GeneXpert(®) (Xpert) CT/NG assay was US FDA-cleared in December 2012. The assay is a rapid real-time PCR nucleic acid amplified test. The cartridge-based assay detects DNA of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is FDA-cleared for use in female endocervical swabs, patient-collected vaginal swabs and for female and male urine specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. It has demonstrated near-perfect sensitivity and specificity in urogenital specimens. The Xpert is a modular platform for testing samples directly from patients, which requires no hands-on manipulation from specimen loading until results are available. Results are provided in approximately 90 minutes. It has been graded by the FDA as moderately complex for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. Several publications have reported its promising use in clinical settings.
Expression Analysis of Pluripotency Factors in the Undifferentiated Porcine Inner Cell Mass and Epiblast During In Vitro Culture

Limited understanding of the importance of known pluripotency factors in pig embryonic stem cells (ESC) impedes the establish- ment and validation of porcine ESC lines. This study evaluated the expression of known mouse ESC and human ESC (hESC) pluripotency markers in in vivo inner cell mass (ICM) and in vitro-cultured undiffer- entiated porcine epiblast cells isolated from 8-day porcine blastocysts, primary cultures of epiblast- derived neuroprogenitor cells, and endoderm cells. The expression profile of common pluripotency mar- kers (POU domain 5 transcript factor 1, SRY-box containing gene 2, and Nanog homeobox), species- specific markers, ESC-associated factors, and differ- entiation markers was evaluated. The mRNA of uncultured ICMs, cultured epiblast cells, epiblast- derived neuroprogenitor cells, and endoderm cells was amplified prior to expression analysis of candidate genes by real-time RT-PCR. ESC factors whose expres- sion correlated best with the undifferentiated epiblast state were identified by comparative mRNA expression analysis between porcine epiblast-derived somatic cell lines, fetal fibroblasts, and adult tissues. Across tissue types Nanog homeobox exhibited ubiquitous expres- sion, whereas POU domain 5 transcript factor 1, teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 1, and RNA exonuclease homolog 1 transcript expression was restricted primarily to undifferentiated epiblasts. Our results suggested that expression of pluripotency markers in undifferentiated pig epiblast cells more closely resembled that observed in hESC. Expression alterations of ESC-associated factors in epiblast cells were also observed during in vitro culture. Our data demonstrate the potential use of some pluripotency factors as markers of porcine epiblast stem cells and indicate that the in vitro environment may influence the cultured epiblast's developmental state. Mol.Reprod. Dev.75:450-463,2008.Published2007Wiley-Liss,Inc. {
The JT interval as a depolarization independent measurement of repolarization: lessons from catheter ablation of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

In patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), preexcitation precludes accurate assessment of the ventricular repolarization by the QTc. In patients with long QT syndrome, it has been demonstrated that the JTc does not change when depolarization abnormalities develop. We hypothesized that this phenomenon should also be applicable to WPW patients. To test this, we assessed the surface ECG of 29 patients (16 males, 13 females) with WPW pre- and postablation. The QRS, QT, and JT intervals were measured pre- and postablation at 50 mm/s paper speed in leads II and V2. QTc and JTc were calculated according to Bazett's formula. The average age was 12.8 +/- 4.9 years (range 1.5-21). All patients had no residual preexcitation on postablation ECG. Early and late follow-up ECGs were obtained at 32 +/- 34 days and 388 +/- 197 days postablation, respectively. Both the QRS and the QTc intervals shortened significantly on the postablation versus preablation ECGs (QRS: 115 +/- 23 ms vs 89 +/- 15 ms, respectively; P 0.2). Also, the JTc interval did not change between early and late follow-up, postablation. JTc is an independent measure of repolarization, not related to depolarization. JTc may be a useful tool in assessing repolarization in patients with WPW and other depolarization abnormalities.
Simulation of a photosensitive Aplysia neuron.

A physically-based model has been developed for certain photoresponsive cells in the Aplysia californica central ganglia. The R2 giant neuron and the ventral photoresponsive neuron hyperpolarize when illuminated, due to an increase of membrane permeability to potassium. We hypothesize that light releases an internal transmitter from cytoplasmic granules. Three model compartments parallel cellular morphology: the first represents the granule component with bulk-limited diffusion; the second corresponds to cytoplasm and involves simple diffusion; and the third compartment, near the membrane, relates membrane conductance of potassium to the transmitter concentration adjacent to the membrane.
Spectrum modelling of OFDM signals for WLAN

The orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation format has been adopted in the USA, Europe, and Japan as the standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN), digital broadcasting, and future fourth generation mobile communication (4G). In-band and out-band spectral control requirements in terms of the power spectral density (PSD) of OFDM signals are set in these standards. Presented is the derivation of the PSD of OFDM signals using an IEEE 802.11a example. The accurate analytic expression of the PSD of OFDM signals is very helpful for further OFDM system design in terms of in-band and out-band spectrum regrowth analysis.
Operational load estimation of a smart wind turbine rotor blade

Rising energy prices and carbon emission standards are driving a fundamental shift from fossil fuels to alternative sources of energy such as biofuel, solar, wind, clean coal and nuclear. In 2008, the U.S. installed 8,358 MW of new wind capacity increasing the total installed wind power by 50% to 25,170 MW. A key technology to improve the efficiency of wind turbines is smart rotor blades that can monitor the physical loads being applied by the wind and then adapt the airfoil for increased energy capture. For extreme wind and gust events, the airfoil could be changed to reduce the loads to prevent excessive fatigue or catastrophic failure. Knowledge of the actual loading to the turbine is also useful for maintenance planning and design improvements. In this work, an array of uniaxial and triaxial accelerometers was integrally manufactured into a 9m smart rotor blade. DC type accelerometers were utilized in order to estimate the loading and deflection from both quasi-steady-state and dynamic events. A method is presented that designs an estimator of the rotor blade static deflection and loading and then optimizes the placement of the sensor(s). Example results show that the method can identify the optimal location for the sensor for both simple example cases and realistic complex loading. The optimal location of a single sensor shifts towards the tip as the curvature of the blade deflection increases with increasingly complex wind loading. The framework developed is practical for the expansion of sensor optimization in more complex blade models and for higher numbers of sensors.
New intra-renal graft genes associated with tolerance or rejection

New intra-renal graft genes associated with tolerance or rejection. Background Recipient type mononuclear cells infiltrating kidney allografts have different phenotypes and functions according to the fate of the graft. We hypothesized that different genetic programs were involved in rejected or accepted tissues and thus, transcripts that correlated with the clinical status could be identified by a differential expression strategy. This strategy was applied to miniature swine class II matched, class I disparate kidney grafts, which are accepted in recipient animals treated for 12 days with Cyclosporin A (CsA). Methods The mRNA differential display RT-PCR technique (DDRT-PCR) was used to detect clinical status-specific transcripts. cDNA templates for this analysis were derived from biopsies of accepted (CsA treated) and rejected (untreated) kidney grafts 8 days post-transplantation. Results A first screening procedure identified 23 PCR products differentially amplified in either tolerant or rejector samples. Nucleotide sequence of these partial transcripts showed that 11 out of 23 (48%) sequences had unknown open reading frames while 12 had substantial homology to known sequences. To validate the approach, rejection-associated (RA) cDNA 1 (RA-1) was characterized further. The results indicated that RA-1 is the porcine equivalent of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). Expression studies demonstrated that upregulation of SPARC gene transcription preceded other indicators of kidney dysfunction and correlated with the extent of graft infiltration. Conclusion DDRT-PCR appears to be a powerful technique to identify genes differentially expressed in grafted tissues that correlate with tolerance or rejection. One of the gene transcripts identified through this method, SPARC, may be a reliable marker of tissue injury consequent to cellular infiltration and rejection.
Effects of Raman scattering across the visible spectrum in clear ocean water : a Monte Carlo study

Raman-scattering activity in clear ocean waters is documented for the visible spectrum from Monte Carlo simulations. The Raman-scattering activity has a significant effect on the upwelling irradiance value in air and on the submarine light field at the water surface across the visible spectrum. A reduction in Raman-scattering activity at 440 nm that is due to Fraunhofer lines at the Raman source wavelengths is also demonstrated. At wavelengths greater than 500 nm, Raman scattering makes a significant contribution to the in-water light field at depth.
Cefuroxime pharmacokinetics in pediatric cardiovascular surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for cardiovascular surgery. Design A prospective study. Setting A tertiary pediatric teaching hospital. Participants Infants and children undergoing CPB were enrolled in the study. Intervention An initial dose (mean, 24.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg) of cefuroxime was administered before surgical incision, and a second dose (mean, 14.4 ± 7.9 mg/kg) was administered in the CPB prime solution. Serial blood samples were obtained before, during, and after the CPB process. Samples were shipped on dry ice to the analytic laboratory and concentrations determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. A 2-compartment pharmacokinetic model was fitted to the data using maximum a priori–Bayesian estimation, with weight as a covariate. Monte Carlo simulations of a single-dose (25 mg/kg pre-CPB) approach and a 2-dose (25 mg/kg pre- and 12.5-mg/kg prime solution dose) approach were performed. Measurements and Main Results Fifteen subjects (9 males/6 females) were enrolled in the study, with median (range) age and weight of 11 (3-34) months and 9.5 (4.5-15.4) kg, respectively. The median (range) duration of CPB was 136 (71-243) minutes. Median and range cefuroxime pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: maximum concentration (Cmax) dose, 1: 328 (150-512) μg/mL; systemic clearance, 0.050 (0.041-0.058) L/h/kg; steady-state volume of distribution, 0.213 (0.081-0.423) L/kg; volume of distribution in the central compartment, 0.081 (0.046-0.162) L/kg; and elimination half-life, 3.76 (1.03-6.81) hours. The median 8-hour post–dose-simulated cefuroxime concentrations were 26.5 and 16.0 mg/L for the 2-dose and single-dose regimens, respectively. Conclusion Manufacturers recommend that pediatric doses of cefuroxime (25-50 mg/kg) can be used in infants and children undergoing CPB to maintain adequate serum concentrations for surgical-site infection prophylaxis. A second intraoperative dose, administered through the CPB circuit, provides no additional prophylactic advantage.
Gender Divide in the Use of Internet Applications

There is mounting evidence of an increasing gender gap in computer education, which translates into a similar gap in the information technology workforce in the United States. This study investigates whether gender difference in computer usage is carried over to Internet usage. This paper focuses on exploring gender differences in the use of the Internet and the types of application people pursue online. The study will examine if there are fewer females using the Internet than males and will explore how gender difference plays a role in using the Internet for information search, interpersonal communication, entertainment, education, shopping, and personal finance. In addition, we investigate the male-female difference in Internet use by race, age, and educational level. Data used in this study are based on the September 2001 U.S. Census Bureauâ€™s Current Population Survey, a survey of approximately 50,000 households and more than 157,000 individuals across the United States. The analysis of data shows reverse trends regarding gender in the use of the Internet; furthermore, more females show Internet usage than males for e-mail or instant messaging, for taking an online course, for searching information about products and services, for purchasing products or services, for searching for health services or practices, for getting information about government, and for searching for jobs. However, more males use the Internet than females to play games; for chat rooms or listserv; to get news, weather, or sports; for viewing television, movies, or radio; for telephone calls; to trade stocks, bonds, and mutual funds; and for online banking. The implications of these results are also discussed.
The effects of teaching primary caregivers to conduct formative assessment on caregiver–child social interaction and children’s developmental outcomes

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of teaching primary caregivers to conduct formative assessment procedures on the development of social interactions between themselves and their infants who were born prematurely and had low birth weight, and who were from economically disadvantaged families. Children’s overall development including communication skills was also investigated. A single subject multiple baseline design was applied across settings and participants. Different from most previous studies with professionals as the assessment and intervention providers, the current study trained parents and/or grandparents as the core individuals in conducting formative assessment in the home setting. Social interaction between the primary caregiver and the child was videotaped, coded, and analysed. Findings suggest that teaching caregivers to conduct formative assessment with regular support from professionals has a positive impact on caregiver–child social interactions and the child’s comm...
Gradations in a pattern of neuromuscular activity associated with stuttering.

EMGs were recorded from muscles of the lip, jaw, and neck during conversational speech of 17 stuttering subjects. Averaged power spectra and coherence between pairs of EMGs were computed. Results i...
Size at maturity in male Gambusia heterochir

The size at maturity in many male poeciliid fish is believed to be controlled by ' social control mechanism ', and post-maturation growth is insignificant. In the Clear Creek gambusia. Gambusia heterochir. post-maturation growth in male fish is limited. Male G. heterochir matures at a fixed size, and age ofmaturation isdependent on environmental factors (e.g. temperature). In the presence of an adult male, the maturation size of a young male is largely determined by genetic factors rather than ' social control ' factors. A male can switch its status as a . dominant ' or ' subordinate ' male, depending on the relative size of rival males in mating competition. Mating success of a large (dominant) male reduces as the number of competing small (subordinate) males increases. These unique reproductive tactics may explain in part why ' social control mechanism ' does not play a key role in determining the maturation size of male G. hererochir.
Primordial nucleosynthesis and scale-covariant cosmology

The scale-covariant theory of gravitation, which was proposed by Canutoet al. (1977), assumes that gravitational and atomic units are related by a scalar function of space-time. The cosmology based on this theory can explain very well the 3K radiation, as well as Hubble's redshift law. However, Falik (1979) derived a result from the scale-covariant cosmology which was in conflict with the observed helium abundance. Contrary to Falik, we show in this paper that if we choose a gauge functionβ∼tα and α satisfies the condition −1/3<α<1, the scale-covariant cosmology will be consistent with the observed cosmic-helium abundance. The value α=1/2 has recently been suggested by Canuto and Goldman (1982) on general grounds.
SIM PlanetQuest interferometer real-time control system architecture

This paper presents a top-level architectural overview of the instrument real-time control system currently under development at JPL for the SIM-Planet Quest interferometer. The control system must meet challenging requirements for providing milliarcsecond class pointing and nanometer class delay-line control performance while tracking science stars as dim as 20 th visual magnitude. The driving functional requirements call for a three-interferometer system that also serves as an attitude sensing and tracking system. Due to the dim science requirements and complicated control initialization processes, the control system is architectured using complex estimators, multiloop feedforward signals, and distributed computational infrastructure. Control objectives and requirements are presented and the necessary control sensors and actuators are discussed. Initialization of the interferometer control system is explained, including processes for target star search, acquisition, and tracking. The nominal tracking control modes are then presented, including incorporation of pathlength and angle feedforward signals. The estimation architecture is explained next including its role in generating the necessary feedforward signals. The resulting overall algorithm structure and implementation using distributed processors on a ring-bus architecture is also briefly discussed.
Somatic incompatibility and individualism in the coprophilous basidiomycete, Coprinus cinereus

This study addresses the question of whether or not genetically different dikaryons constitute discrete individuals in the coprophilous Basidiomycete, Coprinus cinereus. The effects of both nuclear and mitochondrial genomic differences were investigated. Dikaryons that differed in nuclear genomes exhibited varying degrees of antagonism (somatic incompatibility) when paired in culture. Sources of variation in the antagonistic response were genetic relatedness, geographical separation and the degree to which strains were subcultured. Paired dikaryons with different mitochondrial genomes but with common nuclear genomes gave rise to antagonism in one case but most often appeared to tolerate these differences and to intermingle. Dikaryon x monokaryon crosses resulting in dikaryons differing by one nucleus produced similar somatic incompatibility reactions as in dikaryon/dikaryon interactions. Di-mon crosses resulting in dikaryons with the same nuclear genomes did not, for the most part, exhibit antagonism. Genetically discrete dikaryotic individuals can be defined for C. cinereus on the basis of self/non-self interactions. These findings provide the basis for further population and evolutionary studies with this genetically well-characterized species.
Glass Anvil Cell for High-pressure Raman and Infrared Spectroscopies up to 12.6 kbar

Raman and infrared spectra at very high pressure are commonly obtained by means of diamond anvil cells. The pressure generated in the diamond anvil cell has exceeded 1.7 Mbar. However, there are some drawbacks of the diamond anvil cell when it is used for Raman and infrared spectroscopic studies, i.e., the fluorescence and infrared absorption of the majority of the natural diamonds due to the defects and impurities, which degrade high-pressure Raman and infrared spectra, unless careful selection of high optical quality diamonds is made. Whalley and Lavernge indicated some years ago that glass anvils could be used at pressures up to at least 50 kbar.
Probing attosecond electron dynamics in atoms

Single isolated attosecond pulse is a new powerful tool for studying dynamics of correlated electron motion in pump-probe experiments [1]. Such pulses, as short as 67 attoseconds, can now be generated with the Double Optical Gating (DOG) method. The broadband XUV supercontinuum spectrum of the isolated attosecond pulse is particularly suitable for probing the time variation of the electronic states in transient absorption measurements.
Review of text‐to‐speech conversion for English

The automatic conversion of English text to synthetic speech is presently being performed, remarkably well, by a number of laboratory systems and commercial devices. Progress in this area has been made possible by advances in linguistic theory, acoustic-phonetic characterization of English sound patterns, perceptual psychology, mathematical modeling of speech production, structured programming, and computer hardware design. This review traces the early work on the development of speech synthesizers, discovery of minimal acoustic cues for phonetic contrasts, evolution of phonemic rule programs, incorporation of prosodic rules, and formulation of techniques for text analysis. Examples of rules are used liberally to illustrate the state of the art. Many of the examples are taken from Klattalk, a text-to-speech system developed by the author. A number of scientific problems are identified that prevent current systems from achieving the goal of completely human-sounding speech. While the emphasis is on rule programs that drive a format synthesizer, alternatives such as articulatory synthesis and waveform concatenation are also reviewed. An extensive bibliography has been assembled to show both the breadth of synthesis activity and the wealth of phenomena covered by rules in the best of these programs. A recording of selected examples of the historical development of synthetic speech, enclosed as a 33 1/3-rpm record, is described in the Appendix.
An earlier generation of long-enduring South Temperate ovals on Jupiter

Abstract A study of three early, long-enduring, bright ovals (from 1914 to 1935) suggests that they may be precursors of the present South Temperate ovals: FA, BC, and DE. supported by NASA Grant NGL 32-003-001.
Differential virtual time (DVT): rethinking I/O service differentiation for virtual machines

This paper investigates what it entails to provide I/O service differentiation and performance isolation for virtual machines on individual multicore nodes in cloud platforms. Sharing I/O between VMs is fundamentally different from sharing I/O between processes because guest VM operating systems use adaptive resource management mechanisms like TCP congestion avoidance, disk I/O schedulers, etc. The problem is that these mechanisms are generally sensitive to the magnitude and rate of change of service latencies, where failing to address these latency concerns while designing a service differentiation framework for I/O results in undue performance degradation and hence, insufficient isolation between VMs. This problem is addressed by the notion of Differential Virtual Time (DVT), which can provide service differentiation with performance isolation for VM guest OS resource management mechanisms. DVT is realized within a proportional share I/O scheduling framework for the Xen hypervisor, and its use requires no changes to guest OSs. DVT is applied to message-based I/O, but is also applicable to subsystems like disk I/O. Experimental results with DVT-based I/O scheduling for representative applications demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of the approach.
Lessons from before and after nanotech

Ethical questions arising from biotechnology first, then nanotechnology, and synthetic biology now, present common features, but as Chris Toumey explains, the scientific and ethical issues arising in each case should be treated individually.
Energy enzymes from the flight muscle of the house sparrow Passer domesticus--I. Activity levels of the glycolytic enzymes from the soluble fraction.

Abstract 1. 1. Study of the 11 glycolytic enzymes from the flight muscle of the house sparrow reveals an extreme range of activity levels. 2. 2. In order of ascending activity, the levels of these enzymes in Units per gram tissue are: HK ∗ (0.8 ± 0.2), GAPDH (2.1 ± 0.5), PFK (36 ± 24), PGK (148 ± 19), Ald (154 ± 42), LDH (206 ± 107), PGI (261 ± 58), Enolase (268 ± 57), TPI (368 ± 169), PGM (369 ± 72) and PyK (387 ± 55). 3. 3. From these values it appears that the control enzymes for glycolysis in this tissue are HK, GAPDH and PFK.
Measurement of Plasma Free Metanephrine and Normetanephrine by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma

Background: Quantification of plasma free metanephrines is usually accomplished by HPLC with electrochemical detection, but sample preparation is labor-intensive and time-consuming, run times are long, and interfering substances sometimes obscure the relevant peaks. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method for plasma free metanephrines. Methods: After solid-phase extraction, chromatographic separation of normetanephrine (NMN) and metanephrine (MN) was accomplished by use of a cyano analytical column. NMN, MN, d3-NMN, and d3-MN positive ions were detected in the multiple-reaction monitoring mode using the specific transitions m/z 166→134, 180→148, 169→137, and 183→151, respectively, with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source. Results: Multiple calibration curves exhibited consistent linearity and reproducibility. Interassay imprecision values (CV; n = 20) for NMN at 0.64, 1.9, and 2.7 nmol/L were 6.6%, 7.8%, and 13%, respectively. Interassay CV for MN at 0.60, 1.2, and 2.1 nmol/L (n = 20) were 9.2%, 6.8%, and 9.8%, respectively. The mean recoveries of NMN and MN relative to the internal standard were 100% and 96%, respectively. The assays were linear between 0.20 and 10.0 nmol/L. Deming regression of HPLC and LC-MS/MS results yielded slopes of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.98) and 0.89 (0.85–0.93) and y -intercepts of −0.16 and 0.03 nmol/L for NMN (n = 132) and MN (n = 92), respectively. Conclusions: This novel LC-MS/MS approach provides a precise, rapid, and specific alternative method to HPLC for the quantification of the low nanomolar concentrations of free metanephrines in plasma.
Intravenous injection of hyaluronidase in acute myocardial infarction: Preliminary report of clinical and experimental observations

Abstract A preliminary communication is presented on the intravenous injection of hyaluronidase in acute myocardial infarction. Six cases are reported and electrocardiographic changes are shown after the administration of the drug. The results of studies in seven dogs are reported. Apparently, hyaluronidase acts by reducing intramyocardial edema during the acute phase following coronary occlusion. The physiopathology of this intramyocardial edema is discussed, as well as the possible mechanisms of action of this enzyme. The authors stress the necessity of further investigations before hyaluronidase can be accepted as an efficient drug in the management of acute myocardial infarction.
A preliminary study of Multidimensional Pain inventory profile differences in predicting treatment outcome in a heterogeneous cohort of patients with chronic Pain

Objective: The objective was to evaluate whether the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) is effective for predicting response to interdisciplinary treatment in a heterogeneous group of patients with chronic pain. Changes in patients' profiles to a predominantly adaptive coping status after treatment also were assessed. Design: A prospective study was conducted of patients with an array of pain conditions. A standard evaluation battery, including measures of self-reported pain and disability, psychosocial functioning, helpfulness of the program, and medication use, was used for all patients before and after treatment. The MPI status of patients was evaluated and differential response to treatment was assessed. Methods: Sixty-five consecutive patients with chronic pain were evaluated before and immediately after participation in an interdisciplinary pain treatment program. This heterogeneous pain-condition cohort was also differentiated on the basis of the MPI to evaluate potential differential response to treatment. Results: Results revealed significant improvement among these patients with chronic pain when a comprehensive interdisciplinary pain-management program was administered. This improvement was seen across the variety of outcomes evaluated, including narcotic medication use. Most important, the MPI subgroup classification did not significantly predict the degree of positive treatment outcome; all subgroups improved. Conclusions: Although there were major differences in psychosocial functioning before treatment, the MPI was not found to significantly predict response to interdisciplinary treatment in a heterogeneous group of patients with chronic pain. Thus, a comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment program may achieve its full effectiveness across a wide array of pain/disability-related outcome variables, regardless of initial MPI profile categorization.
Expression of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM) by macaque trophoblast cells during invasion of the spiral arteries.

Background: Placental development in higher primates is characterized by the invasion of uterine blood vessels by trophoblast cells. These cells proceed to migrate within uterine spiral arteries, opposite to the direction of normal blood flow. Observations indicate adhesion of intra-arterial trophoblast to endothelium as well as to adjacent tropho- blast cells. Methods:Macaque placenta and endometrial tissues were collected from day 15 of pregnancy (implantation begins on day 9) to term. Standard indirect immunoperoxidase methods were used to identify platelet- endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM), cytokeratins, and factor VIII-related antigen. Results: In early specimens arterioles were often nearly occluded by cytokeratin-labeled trophoblast cells.Adjacent sections revealed the pres- ence of PECAM on these trophoblast cells and on the endothelium. After day 30 the invaded arteries usually contained a re-formed lumen, and trophoblast cells were increasingly evident in the modified walls of arteries, where PECAM labeling was often reduced on cells distant from the lumen. Endothelium of both invaded and uninvaded uterine vessels retained PECAM reactivity throughout gestation. Trophoblast cells of the cell columns, cytotrophoblastic shell, and mid- to late-gestation chorionic plate were also reactive for PECAM. Villous cytotrophoblast cells did not express PECAM, but a dense border of PECAM was consistently present on the apical surfaces of syncytial trophoblast. Conclusions: Because PECAM functions as a counter-ligand for PECAM via homophilic binding, we conclude that this molecule is directly in- volved in adhesion of trophoblast cells to arterial endothelium in addition to maintaining cohesion between some subpopulations of cytotrophoblast cells. Anat. Rec. 247:413-419, 1997 r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A conversational microcomputer-based health risk appraisal.

Abstract We have developed a conversational microcomputer-based health risk appraisal program. This appraisal has been tested on over 200 users at 3 locations in urban and suburban Minneapolis. It was considered helpful by 92% of its users, and 25% stated that they would probably or definitely change a living habit based on its use. All 3 populations considered it comparably helpful, irrespective of their different age and sex distributions. A complex health appraisal, which was formerly assumed to require batch processing on a large computer, can be carried out on a small personal system in an interactive mode. Such a program is acceptable to users and has the potential to motivate change in risky behavior.
Distribution System Restoration Based on Hybrid Particle Swarm

By the heuristic algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm combining hybrid particle swarm algorithm proposed combination of heuristic search and stochastic optimization,stochastic optimization process using a spanning tree and the loop matrix operations combined to ensure the system topology constraints to improve the efficiency of solution. The analysis shows that the proposed method calculation speed,easy to converge to the global optimal solution. It can effectively solve the problem of distribution network fault recovery.
pH-Dependent Rectification in Redox Polymers: Characterization of Electrode-Confined Siloxane Polymers Containing Naphthoquinone and Benzylviologen Subunits

This paper describes the electrochemical characterization of electrode-confined siloxane polymers that contain both naphthoquinone (NQ) and benzylviologen (BV2+) subunits. These “homopolymers,” abb...
Control of inner core rotation by electromagnetic, gravitational and mechanical torques

Abstract We compute the polar rotation of the Earth's inner core in response to the combined effects of electromagnetic, gravitational and mechanical torques. We obtain electromagnetic torques between 10 18 and 10 20 Nm, compared to gravitational torques between 10 19 and 10 21 Nm estimated by Xu et al. [Xu, S., Crossley D., Szeto, A.M.K., 1999. Variations in length of day and inner core differential rotation from gravitational coupling. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter., 116, 95–110] and Buffett [Buffett, B.A., 1996b. A mechanism for decade fluctuations in the length of day. Geophys. Res. Lett., 23, 3803–3806.], respectively. We obtain mechanical torques on the order of 10 15 Nm. Gravitationally dominated cases produce inner core oscillations with periods between 1 and 10 years. In electromagnetically dominated cases, the inner core rotates close to the imposed rotation rate of the outer core fluid. Modulations in the rotation rate are produced as the inner core passes through successive gravitational wells. These modulations occur over roughly 90 year timescales for outer core flow rates of 1°/year. When the electromagnetic torques are only marginally stronger than the gravitational torques, the inner core slowly rotates prograde by 90° relative to the mantle, escaping a gravitational well in roughly 100 years, then falls into the next gravitational well, rotating through 90° in just 4 years. Finite inner core viscosity is modeled using a relaxation time for the inner core topography. With relaxation, the gravitational torque reduces but does not eliminate the anomalous inner core rotation. Because of the short timescales of many of the irregularities in inner core rotation, it may be possible to observe them in presently-available seismic data.
Asymptotic evaporation of spherical drops

Abstract The equations governing spherically symmetric vaporization of liquid drops in an infinite hot environment are solved for conditions typical of drop shrinkage in the asymptotic stage which is controlled by the transport of heat and mass. The Jakob number for drop evaporation is derived. The vaporization constant is determined whose magnitude is confined within the upper and lower limits. The lower limit coincides with the previously reported quasi-steady approximation, while the upper limit is a constant multiple of the lower limiting value. The effects of radial convection resulting from unequal phase densities, high system pressure, and vapor diffusion in the environment are established and the regions of applicability of the quasi-steady approximation are determined.
Spaniards on the Silver Roll: Labor Troubles and Liminality in the Panama Canal Zone, 1904–1914

This article examines the experiences of Spanish workers during the construction of the Panama Canal by the United States from 1904 to 1914. Spaniards engaged in a wide range of protest actions during the construction years, from strikes to food riots to anarchist politics. Employing Victor Turner's concept of liminality, the article highlights the mutability of the Spaniards' position and identity and examines several factors that shaped their experiences: the US government's policies of racial segregation and the injustices Spaniards experienced; the political and racial identities they brought with them from Spain; and their complex racial and imperial status in the Canal Zone. Spaniards possessed a remarkably fluid racial identity, considered white or nonwhite depending on circumstances, and that shifting status fueled their racial animosities as well as their protests.
Role of Suggestion in Odor-Induced Mood Change

The effects of ambient odor (lavender, neroli or placebo) and suggestions related to the effects of an odor (relaxing, stimulating or none) on mood were explored. Mood of 90 undergraduate women was assessed using physiological measures (heart rate and skin conductance) and the self-report Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Analysis indicated that physiological measures were influenced by suggestion in predictable directions. Relaxing odors yielded decreases in heart rate and skin conductance, with stimulating odors yielding the reverse effects under equivalent conditions. These data further support the notion that expectations play a significant role in mediating odor-evoked mood changes.
FID4.1: an overview

FID4.1 is a freeware software tool for supervised classification, implementing fuzzy decision trees (or forest). It is loosely based on the ID3 decision tree algorithm. It handles categorical, continuous, and linguistic attributes and classes. It can also operate with noisy and unknown features, both in training and testing data. For continuous attributes that are not partitioned into fuzzy sets, the system generates fuzzy partitioning using a data-driven top-down or bottom-up approach. Finally, FID4.1 uses a number of inferences, falling into two general classes: set-based and exemplar-based. In this paper we overview the major features and functionalities of FID4.1.
A new parallel sorting algorithm and its efficient VLSI implementation

We develop a new parallel algorithm for sorting which has a time complexity of O(log n) and requires n 2 /log n processors. The algorithm can be readily mapped on an SIMD mesh connected array of processors which has all the features of efficient VLSI implementation. The corresponding hardware algorithm maintains the O(log n) execution time and has a low O(n) interprocessor communication time