cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Home Range and Movement Patterns of White‐lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari) Herds in the Northern Brazilian Amazon1

Two white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) herds were radio-tracked for 5 and 13 mo, respectively, on Maraca Island Ecological Reserve, Roraima, Brazil. Home range size was 109.6 km2 for the larger herd (130 animals) and 21.8 km2 for the smaller herd (53 animals). Neither herd migrated or moved nomadically during the study period. The herd with the longer observation period increased its home range size during the flooded season by including new sites not used in the nonflooded season and continuing to use the nonflooded season sites. This pattern of simultancously using distinct seasonal ranges also occurred between the rainy and dry periods and the herd regularly and predictably returned to favored feeding sites. Population declines and disappearances in this study and others may have been caused by in situ mortality rather than by long-distance movements.
Recent applications of the SCF-Xα-SW method to some inorganic systems

Results of calculations using the SCF-Xα-SW method are presented and discussed for the following systems: (1) the ozone molecule, (2) clusters of 5, 9, and 25 aluminum atoms and the interaction of an oxygen atom with such clusters as a model for oxygen chemisorption on aluminum, (3) cluster fragments representing the polymer (SN)x.
Simulation of vertical profiles of extinction and backscatter coefficients in very low stratus clouds and subcloud regions

Two different methods (models) are used for simulating vertical profiles of extinction and backscatter coefficients in very low stratus clouds and subcloud regions. The first method makes use of a microphysics model developed by the authors. This model simulates drop size distributions as functions of height above the ground while considering the limitation on drop growth rate by the rate of diffusion of water vapor. Mie theory is then used with the drop size distributions and complex indices of refraction of water and material from condensation nuclei to simulate vertical profiles of extinction and backscatter coefficients. Comparison is made of profiles calculated by assuming the drops to be pure water with profiles calculated by considering the drops to be a combination of water and dry material. The second method uses vertical profiles of relative humidity and temperature simulated by the first method. These profiles are used to modify the reference level drop size distribution to simulate changes with height assuming the drops are in equilibrium with their immediate environment. The restriction of diffusion rate is not used in the second method. Applying Mie theory to the resulting drop size distributions yields a second set of profiles of extinction and backscatter coefficients. Profiles of these coefficients simulated by the first method appear more realistic than those simulated by the second method. Relationship between backscatter and extinction coefficients simulated by the first method also is shown.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparative Sorption of Aroma Compounds by Polyethylene and lonomer Food‐Contact Plastics

Sorption of aroma by three common food packaging plastics in an aqueous system was investigated. All plastics, (LDPE and 2 ionom-ers), exhibited similar sorption behavior. Equilibrium partition coefficients (Ke), ranged between 2 and 38 for benzaldehyde, citral and ethyl butyrate. A Ke of 3.4 × 103 for limonene indicated a strong affinity for the plastic phases. An equation was derived using Ke to predict the extent of sorption from a given aroma-plastic system. Sorption isotherms were measured at three temperatures for limonene in a model system. A comparison of limonene sorption alone and from orange oil, showed similar patterns, with a lower Ke for orange oil. Triangle test results indicated that the sorption was detectable to the human senses.
Loss of histaminergic modulation of thermoregulation and energy homeostasis in obese mice

Abstract Histamine acts centrally to increase energy expenditure and reduce body weight by mechanisms not fully understood. It has been suggested that in the obese state hypothalamic histamine signaling is altered. Previous studies have also shown that histamine acting in the preoptic area controls thermoregulation. We aimed to study the influence of preoptic histamine on body temperature and energy homeostasis in control and obese mice. Activating histamine receptors in the preoptic area by increasing the concentration of endogenous histamine or by local injection of specific agonists induced an elevation of core body temperature and decreased respiratory exchange ratio (RER). In addition, the food intake was significantly decreased. The hyperthermic effect was associated with a rapid increase in mRNA expression of uncoupling proteins in thermogenic tissues, the most pronounced being that of uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 in brown adipose tissue and of UCP2 in white adipose tissue. In diet-induced obese mice histamine had much diminished hyperthermic effects as well as reduced effect on RER. Similarly, the ability of preoptic histamine signaling to increase the expression of uncoupling proteins was abolished. We also found that the expression of mRNA encoding the H1 receptor subtype in the preoptic area was significantly lower in obese animals. These results indicate that histamine signaling in the preoptic area modulates energy homeostasis by regulating body temperature, metabolic parameters and food intake and that the obese state is associated with a decrease in neurotransmitter’s influence.
Effects of Dietary Fats on the Fatty Acid Composition of Enamel and Dentinal Lipids of Rabbit Molars

The fatty acid composition of enamel and dentinal lipids of the molars of rabbits fed four different fats-butter, lard, cottonseed oil, and hydrogenated cottonseed oil-was evaluated. Results indicate that the nature of dietary fats influence the fatty acid composition of lipids of both enamel and dentin.
Development and characterization of adhesives from soy protein for bonding wood

Abstract At present, the production of wood composites mainly relies on the petrochemical-based and formaldehyde-based adhesives such as phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resins and urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins. Formaldehyde is a human carcinogen and petrochemicals are not renewable. In this paper, we describe the development and characterization of a new, environmentally friendly adhesive derived from abundant and renewable soy protein and used to bond wood. Soy protein isolate (SPI) was first modified with maleic anhydride (MA) to form MA-grafted SPI (MSPI). It was found that MA was grafted onto SPI via amide linkages and ester linkages. The formation of the amide linkages, i.e., the reaction between MA and amino groups of SPI, was faster than the formation of the ester linkages, i.e., the reaction between MA and hydroxyl groups of SPI. Wood composites bonded with MSPI alone had low dry shear strength and delaminated when they underwent a boiling water test. However, a combination of MSPI and polyethylenimine (PEI) dramatically increased the strength and water resistance of the resulting wood composites. The effects of the MA dosage in the modification of SPI, the PEI percentage in the MSPI–PEI adhesives, the molecular weight of PEI, and the hot-press conditions (hot-press temperature and hot-press time) on the strength and water resistance of the resulting composites were studied in detail. It was found that the following MSPI–PEI adhesive recipe was optimum in terms of enhancing the strength and water resistance of wood composites: 20 wt% PEI ( M w = 750 , 000 )+80 wt% MSPI (prepared with 10 wt% MA over SPI). The hot-press temperature within the range of 120–160 °C and the hot-press time of >2.0 min had little effect on the strength and water-resistance of the resulting wood composites. The investigation of the curing chemistry of the MSPI–PEI adhesives revealed that amino groups of PEIs reacted with maleyl esters to form maleyl amides and also reacted with the C C bonds of maleyl groups via Michael addition reaction in the cure of MSPI–PEI adhesives.
The effects of preexposure to a learning apparatus

ICR mice were given exposure to a one-way shuttle apparatus until locomotor activity had been habituated. When compared with nonexposed animals, the exposed animals displayed superior shuttle avoidance learning. Animals exposed to both the apparatus and the CS did not differ from the nonexposed group. It was concluded that preexposure to the learning apparatus facilitated acquisition, while preexposure to the apparatus in the presence of the CS did not. The relationship between this effect and habituation was considered.
Geochemical Availability of Some Trace and Major Elements in Surficial Sediments of the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie

Surficial bottom sediment from twenty locations in the Detroit River and western Lake Erie has been analyzed for potentially available Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, V, and Zn. The highest concentrations of all but one of these elements were found at a station at the river-lake interface very close to a dumping ground. The environmental mobility of Cd, Zn, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, and P is controlled by hydrous iron oxides, whereas V and Mo is controlled by aluminosilicates. The iron oxide phase exhibits a very high sorption capacity for phosphorus (molar adsorption coefficient = .361) which is attributed to the high loadings of Fe and P at the confluence of the Rouge and Detroit rivers as well as continuous inputs along the length of the Detroit River. It is suggested that phosphorus controls instituted in the 1970s will probably result in the iron oxide phase having greater sorption capacity for toxic metals because of the decreasing competition from phosphorus for binding sites.
AlxGa1-xN materials and device technology for solar blind ultraviolet photodetector applications

There has been a growing interest for the development of solar blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors for use in a variety of applications, including early missile threat warning, flame monitoring, UV radiation monitoring and chemical/biological reagent detection. The Al xGa1-xN material system has emerged as the most promising approach for such devices. However, the control of the material quality and the device technology are still rather immature. We report here the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, the n-type and the p-type doping of high quality Al xGa1-xN thin films on sapphire substrates over a wide range of Al concentration. The quality of this Al xGa1-xN material was verified through the demonstration of high performance visible and solar blind ultraviolet p-i-n photodiodes with a cut-off wavelength continuously tunable from 227 to 365 nm, internal quantum efficiencies up to 86 % when operated in phot ovoltaic mode, and a ultraviolet-to-visible rejection ratio as high as six orders of magnitude. Both front and back side illuminated p-i-n photodiodes were realized. Photodetector devices were also demonstrated on GaN material obtained using lateral epitaxial overgrowth. The technology for such AlxGa1-xN based devices was improved in an effort to enhance their performance, including the development of o hmic metal contacts to both n-type and p-type Al xGa1-xN films with an Al concentration up to 40 %.
Enzymatic Activity of α-L-Fucosidase and L-Fucokinase Across Vertebrate Animal Species

Abstract The oligosaccharide portion of glycoproteins is known to modulate protein structure, function, and turnover. Our laboratory is interested in the metabolism of L-fucose, a normal constituent of eukaryotic glycoproteins. L-fucose is unique in that it is the only levorotatory sugar utilized in mammalian systems. There is considerable interest in understanding the controls which determine the level of L-fucose attached to proteins, in order to generate stable and active glycoforms of protein for the treatment of disease. As part of a program to determine the controls on protein L-fucosylation, we have systematically determined the tissue distribution of the enzymes L-fucokinase and α-L-fucosidase in species across the vertebrate animal kingdom. In general, the level of α-L-fucosidase is higher than L-fucokinase level. The tissue with highest enzyme activity cannot be generalized, regardless of which enzyme is of interest. Furthermore, there is not a correlation between synthetic and catabolic enzyme activity within a tissue. L-fucokinase can be detected in all tissues examined. Interestingly, we have also detected s-D-fucosidase activity, present in extraordinary levels in the liver and small intestine of snake. Whether this is due to a specific enzyme or whether it represents a broad specificity of the α-L-fucosidase is currently being investigated.
Landiolol attenuates cardiovascular response at induction of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery

Purpose General anesthesia for cesarean delivery is frequently associated with hypertension and tachycardia caused by tracheal intubation, which may lead to cardiac ischemia in susceptible patients or may cause harm due to increased intracranial pressure. To prevent these adverse events, we investigated the efficacy and safety of single-dose intravenous administration of landiolol, a short-acting selective β1 receptor blocker, just prior to intubation.
Prediction of toddlers' expressive language from maternal sensitivity and toddlers' anger expressions: a developmental perspective.

Abstract Despite evidence for the importance of individual differences in expressive language during toddlerhood in predicting later literacy skills, few researchers have examined individual and contextual factors related to language abilities across the toddler years. Furthermore, a gap remains in the literature about the extent to which the relations of negative emotions and parenting to language skills may differ for girls and boys. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate the associations among maternal sensitivity, children's observed anger reactivity, and expressive language when children were 18 (T1; n = 247) and 30 (T2; n = 216) months. At each age, mothers reported on their toddlers’ expressive language, and mothers’ sensitive parenting behavior was observed during an unstructured free-play task. Toddlers’ anger expressions were observed during an emotion-eliciting task. Using path modeling, results showed few relations at T1. At T2, maternal sensitivity was negatively related to anger, and in turn, anger was associated with lower language skills. However, moderation analyses showed that these findings were significant for boys but not for girls. In addition, T1 maternal sensitivity and anger positively predicted expressive language longitudinally for both sexes. Findings suggest that the relations between maternal sensitivity, anger reactivity and expressive language may vary depending on the child's developmental stage and sex.
Determination of the solubility limits of organic priority pollutants by gas chromatographic headspace analysis

Abstract Up to now, most data tables and literature references listing solubility limits have used g per 100 ml or mg/ml as the units. Compounds which have solubility limits that fall within the parts per million (ppm) range have generally been listed as insoluble, with no numerical value given. Previously, such low solubility limits were not needed, nor was it possible to detect accurately these quantities. Headspace or vapor equilibration analysis, where the aqueous solution is allowed to equilibrate with the gaseous phase above it, can be used to determine the solubilities of compounds with even moderate volatility. Organic priority pollutants are a class of compounds where this information is not only useful but is needed. The use of the headspace or vapor equilibration method to determine these solubilities is discussed.
Abstract 1972: Active targeting, fluorescence imaging, and NIR photothermal therapy of malignant tumors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL We combine active targeting, fluorescent imaging, and subsequent photothermal treatment of malignant cells as a viable approach for the treatment of a variety of cancer types that over-express the epidermal growth factor including head and neck, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, breast, bladder, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. In our photothermal therapy experiments, the use of a near infrared (NIR) laser enables us to take advantage of both the plasmon resonance absorption peak of gold nanorods (GNR), ∼785 nm with aspect ratio of ∼ 4, as well as the absorption peak of the fluorescent dye, ∼774 nm. We used a 785 nm NIR laser with fluence of ∼9.5 W/cm2 and a 4 minute exposure time. Anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor over-expressed on malignant head and neck cancer cells, was labeled with a fluorescent dye and conjugated to GNR. We have studied the conjugation parameters for GNR and anti-EGFR antibodies and used nearest neighbor approximations to analyze the nanorod-to-antibody ratio from transmission electron microscope images. The optimal conjugation of dye:antibody:GNR facilitates active targeting of the nanorods to the tumor site. This active targeting is more efficient than previously reported results that rely solely on the enhanced permeability and retention effect. We demonstrate that PEGylating the GNR before conjugation to antibodies improves the quality of the conjugation. We also show that binding ability of the conjugated antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor has not been affected. In addition, cell death by NIR photothermal therapy and gold nanorods is not compromised following conjugation of gold nanorods to a fluorescently labeled antibody. NIR photothermal treatment with the dye-antibody-nanorod conjugate selectively heated the GNR, excited fluorescence, and was sufficient to kill nearly 90% of tumor cells comparable to photothermal therapy with the GNR alone. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1972. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1972
LOCAL POPULATION DIFFERENCES IN PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY: PREDATOR-INDUCED CHANGES IN WOOD FROG TADPOLES

Taxa that are divided into separate populations with low levels of interpop- ulation dispersal have the potential to evolve genetically based differences in their phe- notypes and the plasticity of those phenotypes. These differences can be due to random processes, including genetic drift and founder effects, or they can be the result of different selection pressures among populations. I investigated population-level differences in pred- ator-induced phenotypic plasticity in eight populations of larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) over a small geographic scale (interpopulation distances of 0.3-8 km). Using a common-garden experiment containing predator and no-predator environments, I found population differences in behavior, morphology, and life history. These responses exhibited a habitat-related pattern: the four populations from closed-canopy ponds did not differ from each other in any of their phenotypes whereas the four populations from open- canopy ponds did differ from each other in these traits. This phenotypic pattern matches the pattern of competitors and predators found in these two types of ponds. Based on two years of pond surveys, the four closed-canopy ponds contained very similar competitor and predator assemblages while the assemblages of the four open-canopy ponds were more diverse and highly variable among open-canopy ponds. When combined with past studies, which demonstrate that predators and competitors select for alternative behavioral and morphological traits, these patterns suggest that the population differences may have arisen via natural selection and not via random mutation or drift. In a second experiment, I cross-transplanted two of the populations into each other's ponds to determine if the populations were locally adapted to the conditions of their native pond (using low and high competition crossed with the presence or absence of a lethal predator). The populations continued to exhibit phenotypic differences, and one of the two populations tested exhibited superior growth in its native pond. This suggests that some wood frog populations are adapted to the local conditions of their natal pond and that localized selection by predation and competition may be the underlying mechanism. Col- lectively, these experiments indicate that taxa that are divided into discrete populations and face different predator and competitor environments can evolve different phenotypically plastic responses.
Rider Transposon Insertion and Phenotypic Change in Tomato

The Rider retrotransposon is ubiquitous in the tomato genome and is likely an autonomous element that still transposes to date. The majority of approximately 2,000 copies of Rider are located near genes. Phenotypes associated with Rider insertion are diverse and often the result of knock out of the underlying genes. One unusual Rider-mediated phenotype resulted from a gene duplication event. By means of read-through transcription, Rider copied part of the surrounding sequence to another location in the genome, leading to high expression of one of the transposed genes, SUN, resulting in an elongated fruit shape. Transcription studies demonstrated that Rider is expressed to levels comparable to the expression of other tomato genes and that control of transposition may be regulated by antisense transcription. Taken together, Rider is a unique retrotransposon that may have played important roles in the evolution of tomato and its closest relatives.
The Case for Mass Treatment of Intestinal Helminths in Endemic Areas

Two articles published earlier this year in the International Journal of Epidemiology [1,2] have re-ignited the debate over the World Health Organization’s long-held recommendation of mass-treatment of intestinal helminths in endemic areas. In this note, we discuss the content and relevance of these articles to the policy debate, and review the broader research literature on the educational and economic impacts of deworming. We conclude that existing evidence still indicates that mass deworming is a cost-effective health investment for governments in low-income countries where worm infections are widespread.
Heterojunction BiFET technology for high speed electronic systems

A GaAs BiFET LSI technology has been successfully developed for high speed, low power and mixed signal circuit applications. The direct placement of the FET on the HBT emitter cap layer simplifies the device epitaxial growth and process integration. High integration levels and functional circuit yield have been achieved. Excellent HBT and FET characteristics have bean produced, with the noise figure of the FETs comparable to those of traditional MESFETs, enabling them to perform well in front end receiver applications. Through this technology, several LSI circuits, including a 2 Gsps 2-bit prototype DRFM, 2 GHz 32/spl times/2 bit shift registers, sample and hold circuits with 9-bit resolution at 200 Msps and SRAMs with ultra-fast access time (330 ps) have been successfully demonstrated.
Transient tachypnea of the newborn: common in the nursery, implications for beyond

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a frequently encountered form of neonatal respiratory distress. The underlying mechanism of pathology involves residual lung fluid that is delayed in clearance. TTN primarily occurs soon after birth and can last from 48 to 72 h. Risk factors for TTN include maternal asthma, male sex, macrosomia, polycythemia, maternal diabetes and cesarean section. Treatment is often supportive with observation and potential oxygenation. Infants with TTN carry an increased risk for developing chronic asthma. Clinicians providing obstetrical care should prepare parents for this potential. Clinicians providing neonatal care must be familiar with the background and course of this common disease.
Complete Genome Sequence of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus 1A.

ABSTRACT Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus 1A is a member of the Proboscivirus genus and is a major cause of fatal hemorrhagic disease in endangered juvenile Asian elephants worldwide. Here, we report the first complete genome sequence from this genus, obtained directly from necropsy DNA, in which 60 of the 115 predicted genes are not found in any known herpesvirus.
Working With the Elderly: An Existential–Humanistic Approach

This article describes how existential—humanistic psychotherapy can be useful in working with the elderly. Specifically, the article describes the psychotherapeutic themes of presence, spirituality, and meaning and shows how they are important in working with the geriatric population. Using case studies from the author’s own work, the article provides concrete illustrations of how to work with older individuals. Implications for research and training are discussed.
Modeling of tritium release from beryllium in fusion blanket applications

Only limited data are available on tritium release from irradiated Be. Few models have been suggested for tritium release from beryllium. Simple diffusion/desorption models have been proposed, but lack the capability of accounting for important phenomena such as burst release through interconnected porosity and the effect of the Be0 impurity layer. This paper describes the application of a new model for tritium release from Be, BETTY, to the analysis of recent experimental data. The model includes diffusion through Be and BeO, surface desorption and diffusion through interconnected porosity (as-fabricated or irradiation-induced). Tritium diffusion and desorption coefficients for Be and Be0 are estimated from the analysis and compared to previously estimated values.
S-methylation of diethyldithiocarbamic acid in rat liver microsomes

1. Human hepatic thiol methyltransferase (TMT) is a microsomal enzyme known to catalyse the in vitro S-methylation of diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DDC) to form diethyldithiocarbamic acid methyl ester (methyl DDC). In vivo data are needed to investigate further the biotransformation of DDC to methyl DDC. Thus, we have characterized the in vitro conversion of DDC to methyl DDC using rat liver microsomes with the ultimate goal of establishing an animal model.2. Formation of methyl DDC in rat liver microsomes was confirmed by hplc analysis.3. Rat liver microsomes catalysed methylation of DDC with low and high Km's of 5 ± 6 and 260±80 μM respectively and with corresponding Vmax's of 0.09 ± 0.05 and 0.59 ± 0.04 nmol/min/mg protein.4. Rat liver TMT activity was maximally inhibited by 57 ± 6% by 1000 μM 2,3-dichloro-α-methylbenzylamine (DCMB), whereas human TMT was completely inhibited. The concentration of half maximal inhibition of rat TMT for DCMB was 2 μM.5. Incomplete inhibition of rat TMT activity by DCMB su...
A Model-Free Approach to Wind Farm Control Using Game Theoretic Methods

This brief explores the applicability of recent results in game theory and cooperative control to the problem of optimizing energy production in wind farms. One such result is a model-free control strategy that is completely decentralized and leads to efficient system behavior in virtually any distributed system. We demonstrate that this learning rule can provably maximize energy production in wind farms without explicitly modeling the aerodynamic interaction amongst the turbines.
Risk assessment of genetically engineered crops: fitness effects of virus-resistance transgenes in wild Cucurbita pepo

The development of crops genetically engineered for pathogen resistance has raised concerns that crop-to-wild gene flow could release wild or weedy relatives from regulation by the pathogens targeted by the transgenes that confer resistance. Investigation of these risks has also raised questions about the impact of gene flow from conventional crops into wild plant populations. Viruses in natural plant populations can play important roles in plant fecundity and competitive interactions. Here, we show that virus-resistance transgenes and conventional crop genes can increase fecundity of wild plants under virus pressure. We asked how gene flow from a cultivated squash (Cucurbita pepo) engineered for virus resistance would affect the fecundity of wild squash (C. pepo) in the presence and absence of virus pressure. A transgenic squash cultivar was crossed and backcrossed with wild C. pepo from Arkansas. Wild C. pepo, transgenic backcross plants, and non-transgenic backcross plants were compared in field plots in Ithaca, New York, USA. The second and third generations of backcrosses (BC2 and BC3) were used in 2002 and 2003, respectively. One-half of the plants were inoculated with zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and one-half of the plants were maintained as healthy controls. Virus pressure dramatically decreased the fecundity of wild C. pepo plants and non-transgenic backcross plants relative to transgenic backcross plants, which showed continued functioning of the virus-resistance transgene. In 2002, non-transgenic backcross fecundity was slightly higher than wild C. pepo fecundity under virus pressure, indicating a possible benefit of conventional crop alleles, but they did not differ in 2003 when fecundity was lower in both groups. We detected no fitness costs of the transgene in the absence of the virus. If viruses play a role in the population dynamics of wild C. pepo, we predict that gene flow from transgenic, virus-resistant squash and, to a much lesser extent, conventionally bred squash would increase C. pepo fecundity. Studies such as this one, in combination with documentation of the probability of crop-to-wild gene flow and surveys of virus incidence in wild populations, can provide a solid basis for environmental risk assessments of crops genetically engineered for virus resistance.
Data sampling ensemble acoustic modelling in speaker independent speech recognition

In this paper, we extend our recent data-sampling based ensemble acoustic modeling technique for the speaker-independent task of TIMIT and propose new methods to further improve the effectiveness of the ensemble acoustic models. We propose applying overlapped speaker clustering in data sampling to construct an ensemble of acoustic models for speaker independent speech recognition. In addition, we evaluate the method of data sampling in recurrent neural network for constructing a RNN based frame classifier. We also investigate using CVEM in place of EM in our ensemble acoustic model training. By using these methods on the speaker independent TIMIT phone recognition task, we have obtained a 2.5% absolute gain on phone accuracy over a standard HMM baseline system.
Unraveling the molecular events leading to the genesis of large granular lymphocytic leukemia reveals a new treatment strategy

The link between chronic inflammation and the development of cancer has long been understood, and the mechanisms that connect these two events are areas of intense scientific scrutiny.[1][1] One contributing factor, the excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is a known piece of the
Tourism and Sustainability

This chapter outlines specific sustainability challenges in tourism destinations and the sector’s opportunities to contribute to global sustainability. The highly inequitable distribution of benefits among local actors, the energy-intensive character of most tourism activities, and the lack of systematic data on environmental and social impacts are identified as key challenges. Responses based on promoting “best practices” are useful and widely implemented by tourism corporations. Building on experiences from pioneering destinations, a case is made for sustainability solutions that go beyond the best practices approach and redefine tourism as a social activity that can actively promote broader sustainability transitions. This involves engaging local actors in the definition of “desirable or acceptable” tourism development objectives, as well as the identification of strategies that turn tourism into a social process that supports the emergence of new governance structures while questioning entrenched relations of power.
The Effects on Formation -Flight Aerodynamics due to Wake Rollup

*† A lifting -surface method is used to investigate the aerodynamic performance of two high aspect -ratio wings flying in formation. In particular, the influence of wake rollup is investigated. The relaxed -wake cases have performance results that differ from those obtained with a fixed -wake model. In particular, the fixed -wake model predicts mo re optimistic results for the follower aircraft for formations having a lateral separation of 70 - to 90 -percent span, which are also the lateral formation spacings with the greatest performance gains for the trailing aircraft. For formations with streamwi se separations of a halfspan or more, the choice of wake model has very little influence on the changes resulting from the formation moving further apart in the streamwise direction. This reflects the fact that, in the case of the relaxed wake, the majori ty of the rollup of the lead -aircraft wake occurs within a short distance aft of its trailing edge and any further wake -rollup has little effect. In contrast, the fixed wake model experiences no changes at all after being shed. Increasing lateral and ver tical separations reduce the differences due to a fixed versus relaxed wake. For the investigation of the performance of the formation, both aircraft are trimmed in pitch and roll. To a limited degree, the control inputs required to trim the formation de pend on whether the relaxed - or fixed wake model is used, especially when the performance of the trailing aircraft is at an optimum.
Taking it To Heart: What Choice do we Have?

We can assent to a proposition, build a theory around it, base our actions on it, and affirm its truth?without ever taking it to heart. This fre quently happens, for example, to recipients of bad news who figure out what is entailed by the news, make appropriate plans, and pass the news on to others?all without really "taking it in." It happens to those who accept a scientific claim without abandoning their more private views of how things work, and it happens to members of a jury who confidently arrive at a verdict of "guilty" yet remain, on some deeper level, uncon vinced. Conversely, people may dismiss their prejudices as mere prejudices while continuing to hold onto them, and a friend may acknowledge a remark to be innocuous yet be offended. Such phenomena are widespread, diverse, and philosophically intriguing. They are not simply cases of weak versus strong belief, or belief that something has a low probability versus a high probability (the receiver of bad news does not question the relia bility of the source, and the jury member agrees that the defendant is guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt"); nor are they cases of accepting on authority what we only partially understand (the grieving parent is not unsure about what death is, and the convicting jury member is not ignorant of what guilt involves). Rather, in each case, there is certain lack of depth to one's beliefs. In what follows, I consider what such depth consists in and to what extent it is under our control. Section I discusses recent attempts to dis tinguish acceptance from belief, and considers whether the examples cited above count as instances of acceptance without belief.11 reject accounts that depend on a distinction between thought and feeling, or on a distinc tion between thinking that is truth-directed and thinking that is guided by more pragmatic aims; and I develop an alternative that relies instead on the distinction between reflective and unreflective thought. Section then
Ultra-Stable RF-Over-Fiber Transport in NASA Antennas, Phased Arrays and Radars

Research and development in ultra-stable RF transport in optical fibers in the late-1970s/early-1980s at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory led to successful field deployments in the three global sites of the NASA Deep Space Network which have been in continuous operation for the past three decades. This RF-over-fiber system underpinned critical tracking, navigation and communications functions for every deep space mission during this period and into the future. Successful operation of this system led to adoption of RF photonics as a fundamental infrastructure technology incorporated today in every deep space tracking antenna network and radio telescope worldwide. This RF-over-fiber system is also deployed in NASA's ground-based and space-borne planetary imaging and mapping radars. These systems were a predecessor to commercial RF-over-fiber networks which are key infrastructure components of today's cable and wireless industries. This paper provides an exposition of a number of NASA antennas, arrays and radar systems in which RF-over-fiber transport has played an enabling role.
236 ONE-YEAR SURVIVAL FOR PRE-LIVER TRANSPLANT CHEMOEMBOLIZATION OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA.

Introduction Pretransplant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has proven to be an effective means of reducing tumor number and volume. Its impact on post-liver transplant patient survival has yet to be demonstrated. This study analyzes single center data on 111 liver transplant patients with explant HCC and minimum 1-year follow-up to evaluate the clinical efficacy of TACE. Methods Results from 698 liver transplants performed at Indiana University between 2001 and 2006 were reviewed. Explant pathology confirmed 133 patients with HCC. Survival analysis was performed on 111 patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up. The 39 (35%) recipients who had received chemoembolization were compared with the 72 (65%) who had not. Outcomes included reduction in tumor size and number and 1-year patient survival. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis included statistical testing by log rank test with significant p value Results One-year survival for patients undergoing TACE was 89.7% versus 86.1% for those not undergoing this procedure (p = NS), in spite of a higher average pathologic stage for TACE patients. TACE did result in a significant decrease in both number and volume of tumor burden. Median time between TACE and transplant was 66 days. Conclusions Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrates an improved survival for TACE patients, in spite of a higher stage HCC. TACE may not impact 1-year survival when time to transplant is very short but may have improved survival thereafter.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PORE DEVELOPMENT AT Al2O3/FeAl INTERFACE DURING HIGH TEMPERATURE OXIDATION

Engineering alloys of heat resistance often generate pores at the scale/alloy interface during high temperature oxidation. The accumulation and growth of those pores greatly weaken scale adhesion. The purpose of this study is to observe pore development in Fe-40%Al (atomic fraction) and measure the change in pore volume with oxidation time. Experimental results are then compared to a theoretical calculation where all vacancies are allowed to condense as voids. After removing the oxide scales formed after various times of oxidation at 1000 癈 in oxygen, the alloy surface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine the size and depth of interfacial pores. Results are discussed in light of possible mechanisms involved in pore formation at scale/alloy interfaces.
An Overview of Wood Fire-Retardant in the United States

This article reviewed the current status of wood fire retardants,and their corresponding manufacturing specifications and standards in the US.The author also introduced five major fire-retardant manufacturers in the US and their flame retardant formulations and market.It was expected that this paper would provide useful suggestions to the domestic fire-retardant industry.
Business Management and Advertising

JOURNALISM teachers at the A.A.S.D.J.-A.A.T.J. conventions at Topeka in December, 1938, approved the suggestion of the Journalism Quarterly editor that a section of the magazine be devoted to diges...
Perspectives for Clinicians on Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes

Recent statements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Royal College of Physicians differ in their approach to available data about electronic cigarettes. The authors discuss what may b...
Gobbling up inflammation to ameliorate autoimmunity

Given its pervasive role in the development of many diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, and cancer, controlling inflammation is a significant challenge of modern medicine. During disease progression, dying cells release nucleic acid–containing debris that activates Toll-like receptors (TLRs). These receptors up-regulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and can lead to antibody production, causing inflammation that further exacerbates the disease. Therapeutic interventions to limit inflammation must walk a fine line between suppressing the immune response to self-antigens while retaining the body’s ability to fight infectious disease. In a new study, Holl and colleagues describe the ability of nucleic acid–binding polyamidoamine (PAMAM) polymers to scavenge loose RNA and DNA fragments before they have a chance to interact with TLRs. This approach stands in contrast to previously developed treatments that have targeted TLRs directly, with only modest therapeutic effect. The authors used third-generation, positively charged PAMAM dendrimers that act like a sponge to sequester negatively-charged nucleic acid debris and limit the inflammatory response. PAMAM scavengers demonstrated therapeutic potential in both cutaneous and systemic mouse models of lupus, an autoimmune disease that can attack many parts of the body, including joints, kidneys, and lungs. In the systemic model, normal disease pathology includes kidney damage, deposition of complement C3c, high levels of anti-DNA antibodies, and reduced platelet counts. Animals dosed with PAMAM scavengers twice a week for 10 weeks exhibited significant reductions in these symptoms compared with control groups. Importantly, PAMAM treatment did not affect the ability of mice to resist infection with influenza virus. In fact, healthy mice infected with influenza and treated with PAMAM scavengers had an improved survival rate (86%) compared with PBS treated mice (25%) despite having similar anti-influenza antibody titers. Together, these data suggest that the clearance of nucleic acid debris during the course of both autoimmune and infectious disease facilitates better outcomes. The mechanism of enhanced survival of lethal influenza infection following treatment is still unknown. Future work is needed to move these results towards the clinic, including the use of more advanced lupus models, such as canines. E. K. Holl et al. , Scavenging nucleic acid debris to combat autoimmunity and infectious disease. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 113 , 9728–9733 (2016). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/08/10/1607011113
Chemical and Sensory Characterization of Orange (Citrus sinensis) Pulp, a by-Product of Orange Juice Processing Using Gas-Chromatography-Olfactometry

Volatile composition of commercial orange pulp (from Brazil and Florida, U.S.A.) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-Olfactometry (GC-O). In both samples 72 volatiles were detected, of which 58 were identified. Odor-active compounds with a high frequency of detection (≥5 out of 9) or intensity characterizing the aroma of sweet orange pulp were monoterpene hydrocarbons (α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, α-phellandrene, 3-carene, α-terpinene and limonene), ketones (1-octen-3-one, carvone, (E)-β-damascenone and β-ionone), esters (ethyl-2-methyl butanoate and ethyl hexanoate), aldehydes (methional and octanal), alcohols (linalool and 1-octanol) and 3 unidentified compounds. A few differences in the odor-active volatiles between orange pulp samples were perceived, which might be due to cultivar, growing and processing conditions, but overall, the chemical composition of the two samples was similar. Sensory data described both sweet orange pulp samples with descriptors for orange odor and flavor including orange peel and fruity-non-citrus flavor, sweet and sour taste. Practical Applications Orange pulp is used in the beverage industry to add texture and mouthfeel. It is also added to orange juice for consumer appeal to make it more “natural.” This study characterized the flavor of orange pulp. Orange pulp consisted of yellow–orange floating intact cells. Pulp added to a sugar-acid solution (5% pulp, 10.5% sucrose and 0.25% citric acid) imparted an orange, fruity and fresh flavor. Information from this study on sweet orange pulp flavor will be useful for orange juice processors and beverage manufacturers.
Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy with Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers at Medical University Vienna, Austria, report the efficacy and safety of the ketogenic diet (KD) in treatment of epilepsy in a 3-year 6 month-old girl with diabetes type 1 followed for 15 months.
Sectored-beam multi-signal TWT analysis

Harmonic-signal interference is known to degrade the performance of wideband TWTs (traveling wave tubes). When harmonic frequencies occur in the neighborhood of intersection points among spatial harmonics of forward and backward waves of the slow-wave circuit, the deterioration in fundamental power and efficiency can be strongly accentuated. To model this multisignal problem, a recast large-signal analysis of traveling-wave interaction involving simultaneous forward and backward waves at frequency harmonics of the fundamental signal has been developed from an existing one-dimensional disk model. Coupling to the beam among the spatial harmonics differing in their azimuthal index values is accomplished by partitioning the solid (or annular) beam into constrained sectors (azimuthally and radially), equally spaced initially over the fundamental RF period. A computer code based on this upgraded formulation has confirmed the importance of the backward wave in the stop-band-related power absorption phenomenon in TWTs. >
Transport and Degradation of Water-Soluble Creosote-Derived Compounds

Creosote is the most extensively used insecticide and industrial wood preservative today. It is estimated that there are more than 600 wood-preserving plants in the United States, and their collective use of creosote exceeds 4.5xl06 kg/yr (von Rumker et al., 1975). Creosote is a complex mixture of more than 200 major individual organic compounds with differing molecular weights, polarities, and functionalities, along with dispersed solids and products of polymerization (Novotny et al., 1981). The major classes of compounds previously identified in creosote show that it consists of ∼85% (w/w) polynuclear aromatic compounds (PAH), ∼12% phenolic compounds, and ∼3% heterocyclic nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen containing compounds (NSO).
Soil Applied Paclobutrazol Affects Root Growth, Shoot Growth, and Water Potential of American Elm Seedlings

Abstract Paclobutrazol (PBZ), a gibberrellin biosynthesis inhibiting plant growth regulator, was applied as a soil drench to potted American elm (Ulmus americana L.) seedlings in three greenhouse experiments. All plants were grown for one season in a #SP5 container and then transplanted to a larger #5 container before PBZ application in order to simulate planting in the landscape. In a test of the effects of PBZ on growth, a rate of 1.0 mg per plant reduced new shoot weight, shoot extension, and root weight (75, 38 and 63 percent, respectively) compared to controls, but new root elongation was unaffected. Root pruning, similar to that which occurs when transplanting fieldgrown nursery stock, resulted in a greater decrease in shoot growth from PBZ treatment at the moderate rate of 1.0 mg per plant, but for a shorter period of time, compared to non-root pruned, PBZ-treated plants. Shoot growth on all plants was unaffected by 0.5 mg PBZ, per plant. Shoot growth was greatly reduced on both root pruned and non...