cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of stress and final-consonant voicing on vowel production: articulatory and acoustic analyses.

Durations of the vocalic portions of speech are influenced by a large number of linguistic and nonlinguistic factors (e.g., stress and speaking rate). However, each factor affecting vowel duration may influence articulation in a unique manner. The present study examined the effects of stress and final‐consonant voicing on the detailed structure of articulatory and acoustic patterns in consonant–vowel–consonant (CVC) utterances. Jaw movement trajectories and F1 trajectories were examined for a corpus of utterances differing in stress and final‐consonant voicing. Jaw lowering and raising gestures were more rapid, longer in duration, and spatially more extensive for stressed versus unstressed utterances. At the acoustic level, stressed utterances showed more rapid initial F1 transitions and more extreme F1 steady‐state frequencies than unstressed utterances. In contrast to the results obtained in the analysis of stress, decreases in vowel duration due to devoicing did not result in a reduction in the velocity or spatial extent of the articulatory gestures. Similarly, at the acoustic level, the reductions in formant transition slopes and steady‐state frequencies demonstrated by the shorter, unstressed utterances did not occur for the shorter, voiceless utterances. The results demonstrate that stress‐related and voicing‐related changes in vowel duration are accomplished by separate and distinct changes in speech production with observable consequences at both the articulatory and acoustic levels.
An investigation of the persistence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in an Eastern population of wild turkeys.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection had been confirmed by culture and serology among wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in close association with domestic fowl on Cumberland Island, Georgia (USA) in 1980. In 1988, wild turkeys were surveyed by serologic and cultural methods for evidence of M. gallisepticum. Chickens (Gallus gallus) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) from the site where the disease was originally detected also were tested by serologic and cultural methods for M. gallisepticum infections. There was no conclusive evidence that M. gallisepticum was present in wild turkeys or guinea fowl. In contrast, most chickens were strongly seropositive for M. gallisepticum, suggesting that they had been infected, although the organism was not recovered by cultural or bioassay methods. Other species of Mycoplasma isolated were M. gallopavonis from wild turkeys, M. gallinaceum and M. pullorum from chickens, and M. gallinaceum from guinea fowl. It appears that M. gallisepticum has not persisted or spread in ...
Picogram determination of a novel dopamine D4 receptor antagonist in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and specific assay for the determination of 3-{[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrrolo[2,3b]pyridine (I, L-745,870), a potential antipsychotic agent, has been developed, utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometric (MS-MS) detection. The analyte and the internal standard (II, 3-{[4-(4-trifluoromethyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b] pyridine) were isolated from a basified biological matrix using liquid-liquid extraction with methyl-tert.-butyl ether. The organic extract was evaporated to dryness, the residue was reconstituted in a mobile phase and injected into the HPLC system. The chromatographic conditions used for the analysis were a Keystone Scientific C18, BDS 150×4.6 mm, 5 μm column with a mobile phase consisting of a 40:60 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and water containing 10 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid pumped at a flow-rate of 1.2 ml/min, yielding retention times of 3.4 and 5.0 min for I and II, respectively. The MS-MS detection was performed on a PE Sciex API III Plus tandem mass spectrometer using a heated nebulizer interface. Multiple reaction monitoring using the parent→product ion combinations of m/z 327→4131 and 361→4131 were utilized to quantitate I and II, respectively. The assays were validated in the concentration range of 0.1 to 100 and 0.5 to 500 ng/ml for plasma and urine, respectively. The precision of the assays, expressed as coefficients of variation were less than 10% over the entire concentration range, with adequate assay accuracy, sensitivity and specificity to determine the pharmacokinetics in human subjects following a single 1-mg dose.
Absorption Spectra of the Samarium Ion in Solids. V. The Absorption Spectrum and Energy Levels of the Sm + + + Ion as It Exists in Monoclinic Crystals of Sm 2 ( S O 4 ) 3 · 8 H 2 O

The absorption spectrum and energy levels indicated therein for the samarium ion in crystalline monoclinic ${\mathrm{Sm}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_{4})}_{3}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}8${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O are shown to be similar to those of Sm${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, which is also a monoclinic salt. Absorption lines of the sulfate at temperatures between 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and room temperature are used to prove the existence of several low-lying levels separated from the basic one by 160, 188 and 225 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. These levels are of particular interest in view of heat capacity and magnetic studies of this salt.
The allure of aluminium.

Daniel Rabinovich outlines the history, properties and uses of aluminium — one of the most versatile, pervasive and inexpensive metals today, yet it was considered a rare and costly element only 150 years ago.
Agents of Atrocity: Leaders, Followers, and the Violation of Human Rights in Civil War and Final Solutions: Mass Killing and Genocide in the Twentieth Century

Agents of Atrocity: Leaders, Followers, and the Violation of Human Rights in Civil War. By Neil J. Mitchell. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. 228p. $35.00. Final Solutions: Mass Killing and Genocide in the Twentieth Century. By Benjamin A. Valentino. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 2004. 317p. $29.95 cloth, $18.95 paper. In the last decade, we have made great progress in recognizing patterns in the use of state-sponsored mass murder and other life integrity violations. As a result of this body of work, policymakers now have better tools with which to predict massive human rights abuses, and fewer excuses to hide behind when confronted with potential or ongoing atrocities. Yet much more needs to be done. On the policymaking side, mass killings continue unabated, with few international actors willing to address them head-on. On the academic side, we have spent so much time and intellectual capital on the structural factors that allow, encourage, exacerbate, or inhibit atrocities that we have often neglected the role of the perpetrators themselves. The two books reviewed here take on this deficit in the literature. These important new books convincingly argue that in order to understand and address the most egregious human rights violations, we must begin with those responsible for devising and implementing these murderous policies.
Tracking Performance of the United States-Listed China Real Estate ETF

This article examines the tracking performance of the United States-listed Guggenheim China Real Estate Exchange-Traded Fund (NYSE ticker: TAO) relative to its underlying benchmark index (Alphashare China Real Estate Index, ACNRET) and the actual China Home Price Index (CHPI). The daily return of the TAO fund is found to be mainly driven by the U.S. market return and severely underexposed to the return on its underlying index. Examination of the behaviors and sources of the TAO fund's daily return deviation revealed the dominance of market return deviation due to nonsynchronous trading and a moderate level of NAV deviation due to the expense ratio. The nonsynchronous trading-related tracking error does not generate significant return deviation for longer holding periods, leading to a dramatically improved tracking performance. However, investors who intend to use the TAO fund to gain exposure to China's real estate market should be mindful of the fact that the TAO fund's market return or NAV return exposu...
A 100-mA Low-Emittance Ion Source for Ion-Beam Fusion

A Penning-type ion source is described that meets the following requirements for ion-beam fusion: Pulsed capability, high currents of heavy ions, and low emittance. The source is a scaled version of a lower-current ion source that produces 2 mA of singly charged xenon ions with a normalized emittance of 0.0015 mrad-cm. The scaled source, which utilizes permanent magnets and a filament cathode, was tested with both multiple- and single-aperture extraction. In the former case, pulsed xenon-ion currents of 100 mA at 2.5 keV were achieved at a current density of 15 mA/cm2; in the latter case, 30 mA at 4.5 mA/cm2 was extracted at 100 keV. The 30-mA case represents the first-gap conditions of a high gradient 1.5 MeV dc pre-accelerator. In all tests, the pulse length was ~1 msec with a repetition rate of 0.2 to 1.0 Hz. The experimental perveance data are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations.
Preoperative cephalometric analysis to predict transoral robotic surgery exposure

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is being increasingly used in the treatment of head and neck cancer and we wanted to determine the feasibility of predicting TORS access using cephalometric measurements obtained from preoperative imaging. 20 cephalometric measurements were obtained from imaging on 31 TORS base of tongue (BOT) resections and compared to adequacy of exposure. Three measurements were found to be significantly different between the restricted and adequate exposure groups. Distances from posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) to hyoid, PPW to soft palate and epiglottis to vertical laryngeal angle were all statistically different between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed strong correlation to exposure for all three measurements with cut offs ≤30 mm between the PPW and the hyoid, ≤8.1 mm PPW and soft palate and ≥130° between the epiglottis and vertical plain of the larynx all representing restricted exposure. Duration of surgery for the restricted group, 85 min, was significantly longer than the adequate exposure group, 51 min (p = 0.026). Preoperative measurements of radiographic images of the oropharyngeal working space can predict restricted exposure for TORS resection of the BOT. These measures may be used in conjunction with other subjective assessment parameters to predict which patients could benefit from a staging endoscopy to determine adequate TORS exposure.
Entropy and plasma sheet transport

[1] This paper presents a focused review of the role of entropy in plasma sheet transport and also describes new calculations of the implications of plasma sheet entropy conservation for the case where the plasma pressure is not isotropic. For the isotropic case, the entropy varies in proportion to log[PV5/3], where P is plasma pressure and V is the volume of a tube containing one unit of magnetic flux. Theory indicates that entropy should be conserved in the ideal MHD approximation, and a generalized form of entropy conservation also holds when transport by gradient/curvature drift is included. These considerations lead to the conclusion that under the assumption of strong, elastic pitch angle scattering, PV5/3 should be approximately conserved over large regions of the plasma sheet, though gradient/curvature drift causes major violations in the innermost region. Statistical magnetic field and plasma models lead to the conclusion that PV5/3 increases significantly with distance downtail (pressure balance inconsistency). We investigate the possibility that the inconsistency could be removed or reduced by eliminating the assumption of strong, elastic pitch angle scattering but find that the inconsistency becomes worse if the first two adiabatic invariants are conserved as the particles drift. We consider two previously suggested mechanisms, bubbles and gradient/curvature drift, and conclude that the combination of the two is likely adequate for resolving the pressure balance inconsistency. Quantitatively accurate estimation of the efficiency of these mechanisms depends on finding a method of estimating PV5/3 (or equivalent) from spacecraft measurements. Two present approaches to that problem are discussed.
Direct biocatalytic synthesis of functionalizedcatechols: a green alternative to traditional methods with high effectivemass yield

Several catechols have been prepared directly from aromatic precursors by treatment with the recombinant organism Escherichia coli JM109 (pDTG602), which expresses both toluene dioxygenase (TDO) and dihydrocatechol dehydrogenase (DHCD), the first two enzymes in the natural biodegradation pathway of aromatics by Pseudomonas species. The yields and the ease of preparation of these compounds are compared with traditional chemical methods. For three of the products, the E value and EMY (effective mass yield, is defined as the percentage of the mass of desired product relative to the mass of all non-benign materials in its synthesis, see ref. 9) are calculated and compared with those obtained by traditional methods to indicate the green component of the preparation. Potential for direct introduction of the catechol unit to various natural product synthons is discussed.
The stability of temperament by child and mother reports over two years.

The stability of temperament dimensions in children, adolescents, and young adults was examined over a 2-year period through the use of multiple informants and a measure of temperament, presumably applicable to informants of all ages. The study is based on 220 children from 91 families at high- and low-risk for major depression by virtue of the presence or absence of major depression in their parents. The Dimensions of Temperament Survey was completed independently by the child and by the parents about their child Results showed a fair to moderate stability for child self-report of temperament and moderate to good stability for mother reports of child temperament. Discussion focuses on factors that may influence the stability of temperament ratings such as age, sex, mother's depression, socialization pressures, and expectations of temperament held by others.
Electronic spin relaxation of the 4 S 1 2 2 state of K induced by K-He and K-Ne collisions

Electronic and nuclear spin relaxation of optically pumped K atoms has been measured in the presence of He and Ne gases. The nuclear-spin-independent cross sections for the destruction of electronic spin polarization in the $4^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$ ground state of K are $\ensuremath{\sigma}[\ensuremath{\gamma}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{N}})](\mathrm{K}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{He})=8.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}25}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and $\ensuremath{\sigma}[\ensuremath{\gamma}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{N}})](\mathrm{K}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Ne})=141\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}25}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. The diffusion coefficients of K in He and Ne, corrected to 273 K, are ${D}_{0}(\mathrm{K}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{He})=0.35$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${D}_{0}(\mathrm{K}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Ne})=0.19$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. All measurements have an estimated uncertainty of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10%. The relaxation of K is shown to be strongly affected by an anomalous process which is attributed to the modification of the K hyperfine interaction induced by the formation of K-He and K-Ne van der Waals complexes.
Determination of spin-orbit branching fractions in the photodissociation of halogenated hydrocarbons.

Two methods based on vacuum ultraviolet (vuv) photoionization are presented for the determination of the spin−orbit branching fractions of the halogen atom produced in the photodissociation of halogenated hydrocarbons. Both methods make use of differences in the photoionization cross sections of the 2P3/2 ground state and the 2P1/2 excited-state of the neutral halogen atom. In the first approach, measurements of the total photoionization signal of the halogen atom are made at several vuv wavelengths, and the difference in the wavelength dependences for the 2P3/2 and 2P1/2 atoms allows the extraction of the branching fractions. In the second approach, the vuv wavelength is set close to the ionization threshold of the 2P3/2 atom (well above that of the 2P1/2 atom), and measurements are made at several electric field strengths, which shift the ionization threshold and thus vary the photoionization cross sections. In both methods, the relative cross sections of the ground- and excited-state atoms are determin...
Late Pleistocene tropical Pacific temperature sensitivity to radiative greenhouse gas forcing

Understanding how global temperature changes with increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, or climate sensitivity, is of central importance to climate change research. Climate models provide sensitivity estimates that may not fully incorporate slow, long-term feedbacks such as those involving ice sheets and vegetation. Geological studies, on the other hand, can provide estimates that integrate long- and short-term climate feedbacks to radiative forcing. Because high latitudes are thought to be most sensitive to greenhouse gas forcing owing to, for example, ice-albedo feedbacks, we focus on the tropical Pacific Ocean to derive a minimum value for long-term climate sensitivity. Using Mg/Ca paleothermometry from the planktonic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber from the past 500 k.y. at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 871 in the western Pacific warm pool, we estimate the tropical Pacific climate sensitivity parameter (λ) to be 0.94–1.06 °C (W m −2 ) −1 , higher than that predicted by model simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum or by models of doubled greenhouse gas concentration forcing. This result suggests that models may not yet adequately represent the long-term feedbacks related to ocean circulation, vegetation and associated dust, or the cryosphere, and/or may underestimate the effects of tropical clouds or other short-term feedback processes.
Uterine Contraction Assessment

Few approaches to preterm birth prevention have been as thoroughly studied yet as enigmatic as uterine contraction assessment. Despite multiple randomized clinical trials (level 1 evidence), the effectiveness of home uterine contraction assessment as an adjunct to the clinical management of women at risk for preterm birth remains controversial. This article reviews these trials with particular attention to study design and patient inclusion criteria. The data are absolutely clear that home uterine contraction monitoring with or without frequent perinatal nursing contact can reduce the risk of preterm birth and improve perinatal outcomes and that both are independently superior to standard preterm birth prevention education and care.
The Death of a Community Action Organization: A Case from the Heartland

The nonprofit service sector has become the fastest growing employment and activism sector in the past decade and has allowed many anthropologists to engage in social activism and action research. Many nonprofit success stories are published, but rarely do we share the failures. This article describes the collapse of a community-based nonprofit organization. The Lawrence Alliance is a community organization against racism and discrimination and may serve as an example of failure in sustaining community support for social activism once such an organization institutionalizes and is reasonably successful. The article first describes the history of the Lawrence Alliance, analyzes the impact of its various organizational parts, and finally discusses the lessons learned for anthropologists involved in the nonprofit sector.
Reduction of NOx adsorbed on char with microwave energy

Abstract Microwave energy was used to regenerate the NOx saturated char samples. It was found that the temperature of gas produced from microwave regenerations was close to the room temperature, and CO and CO2 were released approximately 10 seconds after microwave energy was applied. These observations suggest that the sites occupied by NOx may absorb more microwave energy than pure char. Consequently, these adsorption sites heat up rapidly and may turn into hot spots in a very short time. The reduction reactions of adsorbed NOx by carbon takes place at these hot spots. The NOx are adsorbed on char in the forms of NO2 and HNO3 when moisture and oxygen are present in the feed gas. This study shows that the higher percentage of HNO3 in the adsorbed NOx results in higher temperatures of product gas and hence higher reduction efficiency of the adsorbed NOx. Therefore, it is inferred that the sites occupied by HNO3 may absorb more microwave energy than those by NO2. Up to 90% of the adsorbed NOx was reduced in this microwave regeneration process.
Antioxidant U74389G Improves Glycerol-Induced Acute Renal Failure without Affecting PPARγ Gene

Oxygen metabolites play an important role in the pathogenesis of myoglobinuric acute renal failure (ARF). Previously, we have reported a down regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in glycerol-induced ARF, and the induction of PPARγ has been shown to provide renal protection. In this study, we determined the protective influence of U74389G, a hydroxyl radical scavenger in myoglobinuric ARF, and its association with PPARγ-mediated renal protection in the rat. Vascular responses to AII were determined in renal preglomerular vessels following the induction of ARF with glycerol (50%, v/v, i.m.). The extent of renal damage and function were assessed with or without pre-treatment with U74389G (10 mg/kg × 21 days). In ARF, AII vasoconstriction was enhanced (97%; p < 0.05), and AII production was doubled. U74389G reduced AII vasoconstriction and production by 42% (p < 0.05) and 40% (p < 0.05), respectively. U74389G reduced proteinuria (85%; p < 0.05), which was four times higher in ARF. Similarly, U74389G enhanced Na + excretion twofold while reducing plasma creatinine (24%; p < 0.05) and BUN (31%; p < 0.05). U74389G attenuated free radical generation in ARF while nitrite excretion was unchanged. In renal pre-glomerular vessel, PPARγ expression, activity, and mRNA were significantly lower in ARF rats; this was unchanged with U74389G treatment. On the other hand, U74389G significantly reduced NFκB protein expression, which was elevated in ARF by 25% (p < 0.05). We suggest that antioxidant U74389G blunted renal injury and improved renal function in glycerol-induced ARF through the reduction of free radical production and/or inhibition of NFκB without affecting PPARγ.
Hyperphosphatemic Tumoral Calcinosis: Effects of Phosphate Depletion on Vitamin D Metabolism, and of Acute Hypocalcemia on Parathyroid Hormone Secretion and Action*

In hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis, plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] levels are inappropriately elevated, suggesting an abnormality in vitamin D metabolism. To define this abnormality further, we measured vitamin D metabolites in two patients and four controls before and after phosphate depletion. The patients showed elevated plasma levels of 1,25(OH)2D in the basal state. Phosphate depletion reduced serum phosphate in patients from a mean of 6.1 to 2.6 mg/dl; this was accompanied by a rise in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D from 33.6 to 41.9 ng/dl, and in 1,25(OH)2D from 67.7 to 93.2 pg/ml. The absolute rise in 1,25(OH)2D was similar to that of controls. EDTA infusion produced a normal increase of serum immunoreactive PTH levels and urinary cAMP excretion. In this form of tumoral calcinosis, 1,25(OH)2D levels are elevated despite hyperphosphatemia, normal immunoreactive PTH, and normal serum calcium concentrations, suggesting an abnormality in the regulation of 1,25(OH)2D synthesis or metaboli...
The chemistry of hetero-allene and -allylic derivatives with rhodium I. The reaction of rhodium(I)-hetero-allylic compounds with hetero-allenes; A. -isothiocyanates [1]

Abstract The reaction of the rhodium(I) complexes Rh[X—C(Z)—Y](PPh 3 ) 2 , in which [X—C(Z)—Y] − is an unsaturated hetero-allylic chelate coordinating via two of the three hetero atoms (X, Y, Z = N, P or S), with an excess of the hetero-allene molecule RNCS (R = Ph, Me) leads to the formation of the isocyanide-dithiocarbonimidato complexes Rh[X—C(Z)—Y](RNC)(RNCS 2 )(PPh 3 ) 2 by disproportionation reaction proceeds in three consecutives steps. Initially a cumulene molecule is coordinated side-on by the CS double bond to Rh. This is followed by attack of the carbon atom of a second hetero-allene at the endocyclic nucleophile of the moeity
Influence of radiative recombination on the minority‐carrier transport in direct band‐gap semiconductors

When radiative (band to band) lifetimes and nonradiative (multiphonon via flaws) lifetimes become comparable, as is the case for GaAs, the customary diffusion equation for minority carriers under low level injection conditions must be augmented by terms originating from photon transport. Using the generalized van Roosbroeck–Shockley relation between absorption and emission as well as radiative transfer theory, the relevant equations for free carrier transport are derived. Subsequently, it is shown that the influence of the reabsorbed recombination radiation on carrier transport while unimportant at low doping levels becomes important for n‐type GaAs at high doping levels. We also determine the external luminescence flux taking due account of multiple emission and absorption events inside the sample.
Technology innovation for infectious diseases in the developing world

Enabling innovation and access to health technologies remains a key strategy in combating infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, a gulf between paying markets and the endemicity of such diseases has contributed to the dearth of RD and a growing pharmaceutical sector in BRICS countries offers hope for an indigenous base of innovation. Such innovation will be shaped by 1) access to building blocks of knowledge; 2) strategic use of intellectual property and innovative financing to meet public health goals; 3) collaborative norms of open innovation; and 4) alternative business models, some with a double bottom line. Facing such resource constraints, LMICs are poised to develop a new, more resource-effective model of innovation that holds exciting promise in meeting the needs of global health.
Perceptual differences among visitor groups to wineries.

At present there is little information concerning the characteristics of people who visit wineries and how marketing programs should be organized to attract tourists in the most effective manner. A study of people who visit Texas wineries was conducted to examine the perceptions and behavior of segments of winery tourists. Findings indicate two distinct segments with different perceptions and wine consumption behavior.
Reliability Evaluation of Disk Array Architectures

Numerous redundant disk organizations have been proposed and used to provide increased performance and reliability from the I/O subsystems architecture, and once a disk fails in such a system, different forms of spar ing and reconstruction have also been proposed. In this paper, we offer a comprehensive evaluation of the relation ship between various disk array architectures, various disk reconstruction strategies, and their reliability under various failure rate and repair rate distributions. Specifically, we perform the evaluations of the reliabilities (through a mea sure of system mean time to failure) of different redundant disk organizations with variations in each of the following orthogonal directions. We also consider the effect of the reconstruction strategy on the reliability. A third and im portant dimension to our study involves the use of realistic failure rates and repair rates of disks that are dependent on the workload and the organization of the disks. Finally, we perform our study of scalability of the results to varying sys tem sizes, by specifically addressing disk organizations with 16 to 10&4 disks. The paper's contribution is in presenting a uniform framework for evaluation of these multidimen sional studies, as well as offering an improved model for predicting disk array reliability taking into account system load as well as disk organization.
Superparamagnetic Nanocomposites of Poly(vinyl alcohol-graft-acrylonitrile) as Carrier for Magnetically Assisted Release of Ciprofloxacin

In the present study also a superparamagnetic nanocomposite of Poly (vinyl- alcohol-g-acrylonitrile) has been designed by homogeneous impregnation of iron oxide nanoparticles into the graft polymer matrix. The so prepared nanocomposite was characterized by FT-IR, TEM and XRD techniques and studied for water sorption behavior and magnetization properties. The superparamagnetic nanocomposite was loaded with an antibiotic drug, ciprofloxacin (CFx), and its release behavior was investigated under varying experimental conditions such as chemical composition of the matrix, pH of the release media, applied magnetic field and percent loading of the drug. The drug transport mechanism was also analyzed using Ficks power law. The drug loaded magnetic nanocomposite was also studied for antibacterial and in-vitro blood compatible properties.
Spectroscopic Studies of Interactions between Styrene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared study of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in water and in the presence of styrene/acrylic acid (S/AA) copolymer are presented. The C-H stretching band of the SDS hydrocarbon tail at 2929 cm−1 and the O-H stretching of H2O are sensitive to changes in the SDS concentrations. With the increasing concentration both bands are shifted to lower frequency. A mutual presence of S/AA copolymer and surfactant in the aqueous solution leads to a splitting of the bands due to COO− groups. It is proposed that the splitting is due to interactions between COO− segments of the copolymer and the "surfaces" of micelles through the Na+ or Li+ ions.
Civic Engagement and Service Learning: Implications for Higher Education in America and South Africa

Higher education, regardless of social context and geographic location, undergoes change. The challenge for higher education is to understand its history, articulate and accept its role with regard to diverse constituencies in society, and create an "appropriate future" within its social context (Du Pre, 2003; Thelin, 2004). In what ways are service learning and civic engagement shaped by context, and in what ways do these two trends contribute to higher education's trajectory for an "appropriate future" as a mature, responsible, and responsive institution within society?
Quantitative assessment of results of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry: a preliminary report.

Current measures for assessing the results of body contouring surgery are limited. The goal of our study was to analyze objectively and quantitatively the results of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty by use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). A prospective study of nine patients who underwent ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (Lysonics 2000® generator) was performed. Each patient underwent preoperative and postoperative DEXA scanning (Lunar®). All patients were women, and the average age was 42 years (range 26 to 57 years). The amount of emulsion was recorded, and analysis of the emulsion demonstrated that approximately 40% was infiltration solution, serum, and blood. The average patient follow-up period was 14 weeks (range 8 to 22 weeks). The amount of fat that was measured after aspiration (adjusted for infiltration solution, serum, and blood) was consistently less than the fat reduction demonstrated by DEXA. Fat reduction by DEXA was shown to be 45% and 46% greater than the measured aspirated fat from the right and left thighs, respectively. For both the right and left hips, the difference was 48%, and for the abdomen, DEXA recorded a 30% greater fat reduction than was aspirated. DEXA can be used to assess objectively and quantitatively the results of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. Furthermore, DEXA more accurataly reflects total fat reduction, including aspirated fat and resorbed emulsion, as well as any prolonged lipolytic effect that may be caused by thermal injury or any regional toxic effect of the emulsion.
When Do Acquisitions Facilitate Technological Exploration and Exploitation

Previous research has suggested that firms need to balance exploitation and exploration. Acquisitions can be used as a way to explore (i.e., develop new areas of technological expertise) or exploit (i.e., reinforce existing technological capabilities). This article examines acquisitions in the semiconductor industry to answer the following question: Under what conditions do acquisitions facilitate exploitation and/or exploratory activity by the acquirer firm? The authors posit that an acquirer firm’s ability to develop such exploratory innovation is a function of three key factors: opportunity available to the acquirer firm for exploration, ability of the acquirer firm to effectively assimilate and establish innovations in new technologies, and extent of control of target firm postacquisition. The results demonstrate strong support for the hypotheses indicating the benefits of target technological uniqueness and for the moderating effects of commonality between acquirer and target firms in geographic base...
Critical path analysis for the execution of parallel and distributed programs

The authors present the design, implementation, and testing of the critical path analysis technique using the IPS performance measurement tool for parallel and distributed programs. They create a precedence graph of a program's activities (program activity graph) with the data collected during the execution of a program. The critical path, the longest path in the program activity graph, represents the sequence of the program activities that take the longest time to execute. Various algorithms are developed to track the critical path from this graph. The events in this path are associated with the entities in the source program, and the statistical results are displayed on the basis of the hierarchical structure of the IPS. The test results from the measurement of sample programs show that the knowledge of the critical path in a program's execution helps users identify performance problems and better understand the behavior of a program. >
Interpolation of cinematic sequences

Presents a new algorithm for interframe interpolation of cinematic sequences. The authors demonstrate its applicability to video data compression of pedestrian traffic and data compression for video conferencing. In both of these applications it is assumed that the background is nearly stationary and that there are no interobject occlusions. The interpolation algorithm makes use of estimates of optical flow to compensate for the motion of objects between two frames. We describe three major problems associated with motion compensated cinematic interpolation: interframe occlusion, interframe zooming and figure-ground ambiguity. Our algorithm suppresses artifacts caused by all three of these problems. >
Warmer winters reduce frog fecundity and shift breeding phenology, which consequently alters larval development and metamorphic timing.

One widely documented phenological response to climate change is the earlier occurrence of spring-breeding events. While such climate change-driven shifts in phenology are common, their consequences for individuals and populations have rarely been investigated. I addressed this gap in our knowledge by using a multi-year observational study of six wood frog (Rana sylvatica) populations near the southern edge of their range. I tested first if winter temperature or precipitation affected the date of breeding and female fecundity, and second if timing of breeding affected subsequent larval development rate, mass at metamorphosis, date of metamorphosis, and survival. Warmer winters were associated with earlier breeding but reduced female fecundity. Winter precipitation did not affect breeding date, but was positively associated with female fecundity. There was no association between earlier breeding and larval survival or mass at metamorphosis, but earlier breeding was associated with delayed larval development. The delay in larval development was explained through a counterintuitive correlation between breeding date and temperature during larval development. Warmer winters led to earlier breeding, which in turn was associated with cooler post-breeding temperatures that slowed larval development. The delay in larval development did not fully compensate for the earlier breeding, such that for every 2 days earlier that breeding took place, the average date of metamorphosis was 1 day earlier. Other studies have found that earlier metamorphosis is associated with increased postmetamorphic growth and survival, suggesting that earlier breeding has beneficial effects on wood frog populations.
Delayed Argatroban Treatment Reduces Edema in a Rat Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— Studies indicate that thrombin plays an important role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)–induced edema formation. Although thrombin is produced as the blood clots, it may be bound to fibrin and only gradually released from the clot. The time window for administration of a thrombin inhibitor to reduce ICH-induced edema is unknown. Whether this time window extends beyond the period when a thrombin inhibitor might exacerbate rebleeding is also unknown. Methods— This study examines (1) whether argatroban, an inhibitor of both free and fibrin-bound thrombin, can reduce edema formation after intracerebral infusion of 100 μL of blood in the rat; (2) the therapeutic time window for argatroban; and (3) whether argatroban promotes rebleeding in a model in which ICH was induced by intracerebral injection of collagenase. Results— Intracerebral infusion of blood caused a marked increase in perihematomal water content. Intracerebral injection of argatroban 3 hours after ICH caused a significant ...
Combination therapy with BMP-2 and a systemic RANKL inhibitor enhances bone healing in a mouse critical-sized femoral defect

Recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) is a potent osteoinductive agent, but has been associated not only with bone formation, but also osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a RANKL inhibitor that blocks differentiation and function of osteoclasts. We hypothesized that the combination of local BMP-2 (recombinant protein or a product of gene therapy) plus systemic OPG-Fc is more effective than BMP-2 alone in promoting bone repair. To test this hypothesis we used a mouse critical-sized femoral defect model. Col2.3eGFP (osteoblastic marker) male mice were treated with rhBMP-2 (group I), rhBMP-2 and systemic OPG (group II), rhBMP-2 and delayed administration of OPG (group III), mouse BM cells transduced with a lentiviral vector containing the BMP-2 gene (LV-BMP-2; group IV), LV-BMP-2 and systemic OPG (group V), a carrier alone (group VI) and administration of OPG alone (group VII). All bone defects treated with BMP-2 (alone or combined with OPG) healed, whereas minimal bone formation was noted in animals treated with the carrier alone or OPG alone. MicroCT analysis showed that bone volume (BV) in rhBMP-2+OPG and LV-BMP-2+OPG groups was significantly higher compared to rhBMP-2 alone (p<0.01) and LV-BMP-2 alone (p<0.001). Similar results were observed in histomorphometry, with rhBMP-2 alone defects exhibiting significantly lower bone area (B.Ar) compared to rhBMP-2+OPG defects (p<0.005) and LV-BMP-2 defects having a significantly lower B.Ar compared to all BMP-2+OPG treated groups (p≤0.01). TRAP staining demonstrated a major osteoclast response in the groups that did not receive OPG (rhBMP-2, LV-BMP-2 and sponge alone) beginning as early as 7days post-operatively. In conclusion, we demonstrated that locally delivered BMP-2 (recombinant protein or gene therapy) in combination with systemically administered OPG improved bone healing compared to BMP-2 alone in a mouse critical-sized bone defect. These data indicate that osteoclasts can diminish healing responses to BMP-2 and that RANKL inhibition may thus accentuate BMP-2 efficacy.
História da criança no Brasil

DEL PRIORE, Mary (Org). Historia da crianca no Brasil. Sao Paulo: Contexto, 1991. 176 p. (Caminhos da Historia).
Design of a 32-channel high-performance OpenPET Detector Board

A successful OpenPET electronics system needs to provide electronics, especially front-end electronics that are powerful enough to accommodate cutting-edge research. While there are a tremendous number of variations, the relatively simple nature of the data ultimately collected implies that there can be a common set of requirements. In this paper, we describe a 32-channel high-performance Detector Board (DB) designed for OpenPET to meet those requirements. The input stage of the 32-channel DB accepts differential voltages between −2 V and +2 V and has input diodes to protect against over and under voltage. As the input is differential, detector signals of either polarity can be accommodated by selecting which inputs (positive or negative) they are connected to. The input signals are then split and feed to the high-performance energy circuits and the high-performance timing circuits. The outputs of the two circuits are feed to a FPGA for TDC calculation, event data generation and transmission. We have designed, fabricated and tested a 16-channel prototype DB. It functions as we expected. The 16-channel prototype DB has a similar schematic structure and the same digital parts (ADC, FPGA and etc.) as the 32-channel DB described in this paper. Based on the 16-channel DB, we have completed the schematic design and functional simulation of the 32-channel DB.
Patients' Perceptions of Illness Severity in Advanced Heart Failure.

Heart failure impacts almost 6 million Americans. Complicating the high prevalence of heart failure is a 5-year mortality rate approaching 50%. Patients with advanced heart failure face greater risk of death and rehospitalization. However, little progress has been made in use of palliative or end-of
Possible applications of the immune response of laboratory mice to the feeding of argasid ticks.

Immunization of CD1 mice with various crude extracts of argasid tick parts in two different adjuvants induced high host IgGl antibody levels that could be detected in the hemolymph of recently fed argasid ticks. In the case of the fast feeding Ornithodoros turicata (Duges), host immunization had no immediate effect on tick survival. In the case of the longer feeding species O. talaje (Guein-Meneville), it induced a significant (P less than 0.05) 32% reduction in tick survival comparable to that of naturally acquired resistance.
Tensile Properties at High Temperature of Sintered FeAl Compacts by Injection Molding

The B2 FeAl (Fe-40Al and Fe-48Al (at.%)) sintered compacts were prepared by metal injection molding (MIM) process. Then, tensile tests were performed in air at room temperature, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C. The results obtained were summarized as follows.(1) The Fe-48Al compact had the good 0.2% proof stress and tensile strength more than 600 MPa at room temperature. However, they rapidly decreased with increasing test temperature. On the other hand, the 0.2% proof stress of Fe-40Al compact at 400°C and 600°C were almost equal to that at room temperature (-300 MPa). The tensile strength of this compact showed the maximum (680MPa) at 400°C. The tensile strength of both compacts went down to less than 100 MPa at 800°C.(2) At room temperature, the Fe-40Al compact showed the substantial elongation of 2.3%, while that of Fe-48Al compact was only 0.3 %. The elongation of both compacts at 600°C showed high value of 25-30 %. Both compacts changed the fracture mode from brittle to ductile at the temperature range from 400°C to 600°C.
Computing en plein air Augmented reality and impressionist aesthetics

Recent advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology have begun to position the medium for widespread adoption and cultural impact. But these ongoing technical victories give way to pressing challenges in the area of content creation. As the page differs from the screen, so too do the hybrid design spaces of AR differ from the virtual reality of the desktop. Caught in the transition from the personal computing era to the ubiquitous computing paradigm, multimedia producers in many fields will need to adapt to AR platforms. To which traditions, then, might we turn for aesthetic models? This article aims to incite an aesthetic transference between French Impressionist painting and AR media practices, while acknowledging the influences of other avant-garde legacies. I draw upon a transdisciplinary matrix of scholarship in media theory and visual culture in order to emphasize the relevance of Impressionism as an art historical precedent for understanding contemporary AR projects, and to suggest how Impress...
Evaluation of natural Psoroptes ovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) soluble proteins as candidate vaccine immunogens.

In this study potential vaccine candidate immunogens were identified and evaluated in a vaccine challenge trial. Calves vaccinated with a partially purified fraction of Psoroptes ovis soluble proteins had 8 of 14 calves free of palpable lesions 8 wk after a challenge infestation. A self-grooming behavioral response elicited by a pruritic immediate-type allergic reaction was believed to be an effector in protecting the vaccinated calves from a clinical P. ovis infestation.
Large entropic effects on the thermochemistry of silicon nanodusty plasma constituents

Determination of the thermodynamic properties of reactor constituents is the first step in designing control strategies for plasma-mediated deposition processes and is also a key fundamental issue in physical chemistry. In this work, a recently proposed multistructural statistical thermodynamic method is used to show the importance of multiple structures and torsional anharmonicity in determining the thermodynamic properties of silicon hydride clusters, which are important both in plasmas and in thermally driven systems. It includes five different categories of silicon hydride clusters and radicals, including silanes, silyl radicals, and silenes. We employed a statistical mechanical approach, namely the recently developed multistructural (MS) anharmonicity method, in combination with density functional theory to calculate the partition functions, which in turn are used to estimate thermodynamic quantities, namely Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity, for all of the systems considered. T...