cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Drives People Away from COVID-19 Information?: Uncovering the Influences of Personal Networks on Information Avoidance.

The pervasive of COVID-19 information has driven some to escape daily conversations or media coverage. A rich set of theoretical discussions and empirical studies help explain why individuals avoid health risk information, but few studies have explored social network antecedents to information avoidance. This study investigates how personal discussion networks about COVID-19 shape individuals' information avoidance behaviors. Using a nationally representative sample (N = 1,304), we examined the effects of network size, heterogeneity, ego-alter dissimilarity, and social norms. Our results suggest that the four network variables had varying effects on different forms of information avoidance. Notably, social norms significantly predicted individuals' information avoidance. The theoretical and methodological implications of our findings are discussed.
Centering Voices: Weaving Indigenous Perspectives in Teacher Education.

The value of weaving Indigenous perspectives into the mainstream curricula of Ontario teacher education programs is gaining prominence (Bell & Brant, 2015; Nardozi, Restoule, Broad, Steele, & James, 2014; Tanaka, 2016). Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (2015), efforts are being made across Ontario to “educate teachers on how to integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms” (TRC #62, p. 7). Despite growing efforts within teacher preparation programs, many settler teacher candidates are still anxious (Kanu, 2011; Morcom & Freeman, 2019); they fear practicing inadvertent cultural appropriation, and/or offending or misinforming their students and colleagues. To address these concerns, we posed the research question: What impact would Indigenous guest speakers and workshop leaders have on helping Settler teacher candidates navigate Indigenous content in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner? Using an action research framework, we explored how Indigenous ways of knowing impacted the attitudes of teacher candidates in a Bachelor of Education program. The data we collected suggests that by listening to and learning from Indigenous teachings, teacher candidates can attain a deeper understanding of relationality (Wilson, 2008) as it applies to Indigenous ways ofknowing. While certain questions remained, pre-service teachers had an increased knowledge of Indigenous content, and felt more comfortable integrating Indigenous perspectives into their classroom practice.
Dynamic Multivariate Learning with Generalized Information

Agents are generally uncertain about multiple, and possibly time-varying, structural parameters that drive consumption and financial payoffs but learn through noisy correlated signals, such as aggregate or macroeconomic news. We find that dynamic learning of multivariate time-varying parameters with correlated signals generates endogenous long-run risks resulting in large and never-decaying equity risk premium. In general, the risk premium is driven by intertemporal co-uncertainty, that is, the dynamic covariance of posterior means, rather than uncertainty (i.e., variance of beliefs) that is highlighted in the literature. Signal correlation structure plays a crucial role in the dynamics of beliefs and asset prices and hence the determination of the equity premium. Apart from its quantitative implications, signal correlation generates non-monotone effects of information quality on the equity premium. We also present empirical evidence of the prevalence of highly correlated signals. Our general learning framework highlights the economic effects of correlated signals on Bayesian learning.
Role of Runx2 in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease in Mouse Models.

Background: Calcific aortic valve disease is common in the aging population and is characterized by the histological changes of the aortic valves including extracellular matrix remodeling, osteochondrogenic differentiation, and calcification. Combined, these changes lead to aortic sclerosis, aortic stenosis (AS), and eventually to heart failure. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is a transcription factor highly expressed in the calcified aortic valves. However, its definitive role in the progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) has not been determined. In this study, we utilized constitutive and transient conditional knockout mouse models to assess the molecular, histological, and functional changes in the aortic valve due to Runx2 depletion. Methods: Lineage tracing studies were performed to determine the provenance of the cells giving rise to Runx2+ osteochondrogenic cells in the aortic valves of LDLr−/− mice. Hyperlipidemic mice with a constitutive or temporal depletion of Runx2 in the activated valvular interstitial cells (aVICs) and sinus wall cells were further investigated. Following feeding with a diabetogenic diet, the mice were examined for changes in gene expression, blood flow dynamics, calcification, and histology. Results: The aVICs and sinus wall cells gave rise to Runx2+ osteochondrogenic cells in diseased mouse aortic valves. The conditional depletion of Runx2 in the SM22α+ aVICs and sinus wall cells led to the decreased osteochondrogenic gene expression in diabetic LDLr−/− mice. The transient conditional depletion of Runx2 in the aVICs and sinus wall cells of LDLr−/−ApoB100 CAVD mice early in disease led to a significant reduction in the aortic peak velocity, mean velocity, and mean gradient, suggesting the causal role of Runx2 on the progression of AS. Finally, the leaflet hinge and sinus wall calcification were significantly decreased in the aortic valve following the conditional and temporal Runx2 depletion, but no significant effect on the valve cusp calcification or thickness was observed. Conclusions: In the aortic valve disease, Runx2 was expressed early and was required for the osteochondrogenic differentiation of the aVICs and sinus wall cells. The transient depletion of Runx2 in the aVICs and sinus wall cells in a mouse model of CAVD with a high prevalence of hemodynamic valve dysfunction led to an improved aortic valve function. Our studies also suggest that leaflet hinge and sinus wall calcification, even in the absence of significant leaflet cusp calcification, may be sufficient to cause significant valve dysfunctions in mice.
Modern Persian Literature in Afghanistan: Anomalous Visions of History and Form

Introduction: The Conundrum of Modernity 1. Beyond "Mist and Pebble": Ordering the Culture of Modernity 2. The Poetics of (National) Truth Content 3. Perilous Ends of History: The Rhetoric of Commitment and the Poetics of Nationalism 4. Literature of Commandement and the Crisis of Commitment 5. De-Centering Dissent Epilogue Contending With History
RCS of broadband gap-coupled microstrip antennas

The effect parasitic loading has on microstrip patch RCS (radar cross section) is determined, and methods for RCS reduction are investigated. The RCS of a microstrip dipole parasitically coupled to another dipole is investigated initially. The broadside RCS of a 5.0 cm /spl times/ .0002 cm dipole with and without impedance loading is shown along with the effect on RCS that coupling to another such dipole (center-to-center spacing is 0.1 cm) produces. It is seen that impedance loading reduces the RCS of the isolated dipole by approximately 20 dB. Tight coupling to an unloaded element, which would be encountered when using parasitic coupling to increase impedance bandwidth, increases the RCS of the two-element system. Impedance loading either element of the two-element system reduces the RCS below that of an unloaded isolated element. Loading both elements further reduces the RCS, which still remains above the level of the loaded, isolated dipole. >
On Some Applications of Computational Geometry in Manufacturing and Virtual Environments

There are many motivating applications for the study of computational geometry problems. In this talk, we briefly touch on two such application domains — manufacturing and virtual environments. We discuss a few of the applications-driven computational geometry problems in these domains and point to some possible future research directions that will assist in transferring algorithmic methods into practice.
Algorithmic Trends in CFD in the 1990’s for Aerospace Flow Field Calculations

The development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedures has progressed extremely rapidly during the past two decades. The parallel rapid development in computer hardware resources and architectures has not only matched the explosive algorithm development but has indeed provided and continues to provide its impetus. Together the resources are now available for the numerical simulation of the flow about complex three dimensional aerospace configurations. Yet, in many ways the discipline of CFD is still in its infancy. Major decisions concerning its future direction need to decided and many impeding obstacles must be overcome before its evolution into a mature discipline for solving the equations of compressible viscous flow.
The UCD Experience with Classic Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy – Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: Gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) is the gold standard for diagnosing gastroparesis. We retrospectively investigate the largest number of GES at a single institute using the classic protocol. The gastric emptying half-time (T 50 ) is evaluated with factors that may alter the half-time. Method: 515 solid GES were compared with the patient’s medical history, drugs used before exam, gender, body mass index (BMI) at the time of exam, indication for the exam, and age. After consumption of Technetium-99m albumin colloid, anterior and posterior images were acquired in 15 minutes intervals for at least 90 minutes. The half-time was linearly or exponentially interpolated on the basis of multiple data points using software. Results : The average normal T 50 was 72.8 minutes ± 50.2 minutes. T 50 increased in patients with a medical history of diabetes (p < 0.042), hiatal hernia, gastrointestinal obstruction, esophagitis, use of narcotic (p < 0.003), and a BMI under 18.5. It did not have any correlation with gender. T 50 decreased with increasing age or use of metoclopramide (p < 0.0005). Conclusion: GES is an important diagnostic step that leads to the correct treatment. T 50 is an easy and objective value for diagnosing gastroparesis. It is associated with many diseases that nuclear physicians and radiologists should be aware of.
Lessons-learned on NASA's EOS/ICESat mission

NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) mission was one of the first missions under Goddard Space Flight Center's (then-) new Rapid Spacecraft Development Office. This paper explores the lessons-learned under the ICESat successful implementation and launch, focusing on four areas: Procurement, Management, Technical, and Launch and Early Operations. Each of these areas is explored in a practical perspective of communication, the viewpoint of the players, and the interactions among the organizations. Conclusions and lessons-learned are summarized in the final section.
Statistical IC simulation based on independent wafer extracted process parameters and experimental designs

A statistical bipolar IC simulation methodology that employs functional Gummel-Poon model parameters controlled by an independent set of process parameters extracted at a wafer probe is discussed. Fractional factorial screening and Box-Behnken experimental designs are used with regression analysis to develop a response surface polynomial model for each IC parameter as a function of the process parameters. A Monte-Carlo algorithm operates on each polynomial model to define the mean and standard deviation of each IC parameter, minimizing CPU time. A comparison is made between the simulated and measured statistical DC parameters of an operational amplifier in order to assess quantitatively the effectiveness of this method. Close agreement is found. >
Attenuation of facial muscle spasticity with intramuscular phenol neurolysis

Abstract Intramuscular phenol neurolysis is a well-known procedure used to decrease spasticity and improve function in patients who have failed to respond to more conservative forms of intervention. Traditionally, this approach has been limited to spasticity reduction in limb muscles, and its use in managing spasticity of the facial muscles has not been described in the literature. This case report describes a new and previously unreported application of intramuscular neurolysis for managing severe unrelenting facial muscle spasticity in a postanoxic encephalopathic patient. Prior to the procedure, hypertonicity in the orbicularis oris muscle was so profound that it limited speech and affected cosmetic, hygienic, and nutritional status. After intramuscular phenol neurolysis of the orbicularis oris muscle, the patient's level of functioning improved.
Implementing New Project Delivery Strategies: Development of a Web-Based Multimedia Tool to Support Owner Project Team Training

For large public organizations, implementing a new project delivery strategy for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) services requires significant organizational change. A key challenge is how to address the specific needs of multiple individual AEC projects while maintaining organization-wide consistency. Numerous barriers exist to hinder successful implementation, and the delivery of training content to various stakeholder interests must address role-specific modifications to work processes. The Delphi method is employed to develop the framework for delivering organizational training through the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) to create a centralized process training tool that can be accessed by multiple distributed AEC project teams. Key aspects of the tool are presented, as well as feedback from experts in the implementation of value-based project delivery regarding the tool’s effectiveness in distributing training content, minimizing key technical barrier...
Comment on "Viscosity of Air"

T points are to be made here with regard to Fiore's note. One is that there are no u ... experimental data . . . of Bromley-Wilke," and the other is that there exists a single equation to fit the viscosity of air from the lowest to the highest temperature to which data have so far been obtained. The Bromley-Wilke results are charts " . . . for prediction of the effect of temperature at low pressures based on the refined kinetic theory of Chapman and Cowling as developed by Hircshfelder, Bird, and Spotz." The equation, proposed by Keyes, fits the Bromley-Wilke charts in the low to moderate temperature range, and fits available experimental data at the highest temperatures better than do the Bromley-Wilke values.
The effect of education in Nepal's traditional agriculture

Abstract In this paper the contribution of education to agricultural production and productivity in Nepal is examined. The approach used is a modification and extension of a technique used by Welch that involves the estimation of three functions: an engineering production function, a gross revenue function, and a value added function. This modified approach is applied to data collected from 600 farm families of the Nuwakot District in Nepal. The results show that Welch's approach underestimates the contribution of education to agricultural productivity in traditional agriculture.
Evaluation of Neutron Reactions for ENDF/B-VII: 232–241U and 239Pu

We have completed new evaluations for several actinides in the ENDF/B-VII database and have extensively modified existing evaluations for several other actinides. We compare calculations using the new evaluations with critical assembly reaction rate measurements made at Los Alamos over the past 50 years, covering a range of reactions and differing neutron spectrum and fluence environments. The evaluations are for all neutron-induced reactions with uranium isotopes in the mass range A=232–241 as well as 239Pu, and mostly cover the incident neutron energy range from keV energies to 30 MeV. We combined the results of these analyses with new evaluations of the resolved and/or unresolved resonance regions from Oak Ridge for 233,235,238U and with modified ENDF/B-VI resonance evaluations for the other actinides to produce new neutron-induced evaluations spanning the incident neutron energy range from 10−5 eV to 20 or 30 MeV. Major aspects of this analysis are: systematic accumulation of all relevant experimental data; re-normalization of the neutron data to modern standards; assessment of the applicability of several recent optical model potentials for actinide calculations; interpretation of the experimental results in terms of nuclear theory to allow interpolation and extrapolation of the data into unmeasured regions; and finally, assembly of the experimental and theoretical results into formal evaluated nuclear data files that can be processed for use in applied nuclear programs. In this report we discuss the theoretical analysis and evaluation of all the evaluations, with emphasis on incident neutron energies in the range 10 keV to 20 MeV. We present detailed comparisons of critical assembly simulations with the measurements and include tables of the experimental results. The critical assembly measurements include reaction rates for (n,f), (n,γ), and (n,2n) reactions obtained in the Godiva, Jezebel, Topsy, Bigten, and Flattop assemblies. The evaluations described here are on file at the National Nuclear Data Center at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the ENDF/B-VII database.
An Investigation of Product Modularity and Supply Chain Performance at the Product Design Stage

The benefit of integrating product design decisions and supply chain design decisions has been noticed by researchers. This integration can provide better communication between design teams and operations groups. Accordingly, potential supply chain risks can be highlighted before the launch of a new product. Modularization is one of the most critical product design and supply chain design decisions because it will determine the assembly sequence and potential suppliers of the product in the supply chain execution. However, the impact of modularity level on supply chain performance is still unclear. The objective of this study is to tackle this issue. The proposed method covers product design functions and supply chain design functions, hence the product design decisions and supply chain design decisions can be considered simultaneously. The supply chain performance of all design concepts is comprehensively investigated so as to analyze the impact of modularity on supply chain performance regarding lead-time and cost. The results show that increased modularity is advantageous for the time-based performance of supply chain network whereas decreased modularity demonstrates superiority on cost performance.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
An inexpensive digital data acquisition system for the teaching laboratory

A major impediment to the use of digital data acquisition in the teaching laboratory is cost.
Role-based access control for collaborative enterprise in peer-to-peer computing environments

In Peer-to-Peer (P2P) computing environments, each participant (peer) acts as both client and content provider. This satisfies the requirement that resources should be increasingly made available by being published to other users from a user's machine. Compared with services performed by the client-server model, P2P-based services have several advantages. However, wide-scale application of P2P computing is constrained by limitations associated with the especially sophisticated control mechanisms needed between peers. To overcome these limitations, we introduce a controlled P2P computing architecture by extending the concept of Web services to the peer-to-peer level through a generic middleware. Specifically, in this paper we tailor our approach to support RBAC. Although our approach supports both brokered and purist P2P models, all of the policy decisions can be made on the peer side, because policy information is transferred from the policy servers to the corresponding peers through metadata that peers can understand. Each peer makes the access control decision based on the enterprise, the community, and the peer policies without asking other components. This approach supports RBAC services for collaborative enterprise in P2P computing environments, not only within one community but also within inter-communities. Furthermore, it also supports peers' autonomous decisions without causing policy conflicts. The broad dissemination of our approach would enable P2P technology to be applicable to more reliable and efficient services, providing controlled communications between peers.
Restriction Digestion Method for Haplotyping the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera Cockerelli

Abstract. A restriction digestion method has been developed for haplotyping the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulc., an economically important pest of solanaceous crops. This method differentiates the four known potato psyllid haplotypes by using restriction enzyme digestion of a portion of the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA, tRNA-Val, and a portion of the small subunit ribosomal RNA, providing a second target within the mitochondrial DNA for haplotyping studies. This technique also provides a good alternative to the current method of potato psyllid haplotyping which uses high-resolution melting analysis, a technique that requires access to a real-time PCR machine with high-resolution melting capabilities. Potato psyllid haplotyping by restriction digestion is done using basic laboratory equipment that is readily available for smaller laboratories with budgetary limitations, thereby providing an excellent tool for laboratories of all sizes to identify psyllid populations.
Mechanism of Frost Formation on Lubricant-Impregnated Surfaces

Frost formation is a major problem affecting a variety of industries including transportation, power generation, construction, and agriculture. Currently used active chemical, thermal, and mechanical techniques of ice removal are time-consuming and costly. The use of nanotextured coatings infused with perfluorinated oil has recently been proposed as a simple passive antifrosting and anti-icing method. However, we demonstrate that the process of freezing subcooled condensate and frost formation on such lubricant-impregnated surfaces is accompanied by the migration of the lubricant from the wetting ridge and from within the textured substrate to the surface of frozen droplets. For practical applications, this mechanism can comprise the self-healing and frost-repelling characteristics of lubricant impregnated-surfaces, regardless of the underlying substrate’s topography. Thus, further research is necessary to develop liquid-texture pairs that will provide a sustainable frost suppression method.
Use of endovascular therapy for peripheral arterial lesions: an analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2009.

Background An endovascular approach is increasingly used for the treatment of peripheral arterial trauma (PAT), but evidence supporting this approach is lacking. The objective of our study was to assess outcomes for endovascular repair (ER) versus operative repair (OR) in PAT. Methods We used the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2009 for our analysis, comparing in-hospital morbidity and mortality for all adult patients undergoing ER versus OR for PAT of the upper and lower extremities. Unadjusted and risk-adjusted generalized linear models were performed, with multiple imputation techniques being used to replace missing values. Results Of 8,977 patients, 531 (5.9%) underwent ER. Most patients were male (77.1%) and Caucasian (42.6%), with a mean age of 34.7 years (standard deviation: 14.8). ER was performed more commonly for lower- (n = 370, 10.4%) than upper-extremity lesions (n = 161, 3.0%, P Conclusions ER appears to be a viable option for patients with PAT. Further research is needed to identify potential subgroups of PAT patients in whom ER may be superior to OR.
Convergent-beam electron diffraction analysis of the Ω phase in an Al-4.0 Cu-0.5 Mg-0.5 Ag alloy

Abstract Convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) was employed to determine the point group of the Ω phase in an Al-4.0 Cu-0.5 Mg-0.5 Ag (wt%) alloy. The [100]Ω|〈112〉α CBED pattern had 4 mm symmetry and not 2 mm as expected for the orthorhombic Ω structure. The CBED symmetries along the [010]Ω|〈110〉α and [001]Ω|〈111〉α zone axes were 2 mm and the only point group consistent with these symmetries is 4/mmm. Thus, the crystal structure of the Ω phase is not hexagonal, monoclinic, or orthorhombic as proposed by others, but tetragonal. Electron diffraction patterns of the Ω phase can be indexed on the basis of a tetragonal unit-cell with parameters a = b = 0.6066 nm, c = 0.496 nm. In comparison, the equilibrium θ (Al2Cu) phase in AlCu alloys has a tetragonal structure with unit-cell parameters a = b = 0.6066 nm, c = 0.4874 nm. The 1.76% increase in the c-parameter is sufficient for the tetragonal phase (designated θM) to attain nearly perfect atomic matching on the {111}α planes and still maintain 4-fold symmetry along the [001]θM|〈112〉α direction. In addition, the number of variants, hexagonal morphology and preferred growth of the θM phase along 〈112〉α are consistent with symmetry considerations, the proposed θM crystal structure and experiment TEM observations.
In vivo evidence of methamphetamine induced attenuation of brain tissue oxygenation as measured by EPR oximetry.

Abuse of methamphetamine (METH) is a major and significant societal problem in the US, as a number of studies have suggested that METH is associated with increased cerebrovascular events, hemorrhage or vasospasm. Although cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in METH-induced toxicity are not completely understood, changes in brain O{sub 2} may play an important role and contribute to METH-induced neurotoxicity including dopaminergic receptor degradation. Given that O{sub 2} is the terminal electron acceptor for many enzymes that are important in brain function, the impact of METH on brain tissue pO{sub 2}in vivo remains largely uncharacterized. This study investigated striatal tissue pO{sub 2} changes in male C57BL/6 mice (16–20 g) following METH administration using EPR oximetry, a highly sensitive modality to measure pO{sub 2}in vivo, in situ and in real time. We demonstrate that 20 min after a single injection of METH (8 mg/kg i.v.), the striatal pO{sub 2} was reduced to 81% of the pretreatment level and exposure to METH for 3 consecutive days further attenuated striatal pO{sub 2} to 64%. More importantly, pO{sub 2} did not recover fully to control levels even 24 h after administration of a single dose of METH and continual exposure to METH exacerbates themore » condition. We also show a reduction in cerebral blood flow associated with a decreased brain pO{sub 2} indicating an ischemic condition. Our findings suggests that administration of METH can attenuate brain tissue pO{sub 2}, which may lead to hypoxic insult, thus a risk factor for METH-induced brain injury and the development of stroke in young adults. - Highlights: • Explored striatal tissue pO{sub 2}in vivo after METH administration by EPR oximetry. • pO{sub 2} was reduced by 81% after a single dose and 64% after 3 consecutive daily doses. • pO{sub 2} did not recover fully to control levels even 24 h after a single dose. • Decrease in brain tissue pO{sub 2} may be associated with a decrease in CBF. • Administration of methamphetamine may lead to hypoxic insult.« less
Pulse measurements without optical nonlinearities

A unique method for determining the amplitude and phase of ultrashort optical pulses is described. The method involves differential detection of adjacent spectral components of the pulse with an ultrafast photodiode. This technique requires no optical nonlinearities, and is therefore ideal for detection of weak pulses.
The effect of particle shape and grain‐scale properties of shale: A micromechanics approach

Traditional approaches for modeling the anisotropic elasticity response of the highly heterogeneous clay fabric in shale have mainly resorted to geometric factors such as definitions of particles shapes and orientations. However, predictive models based on these approaches have been mostly validated using macroscopic elasticity data. The recent implementation of instrumented indentation aimed at probing nano-scale mechanical behaviors has provided a new context for characterizing and modeling the anisotropy of the porous clay in shale. Nanoindentation experimental data revealed the significant contribution of the intrinsic anisotropy of the solid clay to the measured elastic response. In this investigation, we evaluate both the effects of geometric factors and of the intrinsic anisotropic elasticity of the solid clay phase on the observed anisotropy of shale at multiple length scales through the development of a comprehensive theoretical micromechanics approach. It was found that among various combinations of these sources of anisotropy, the elastic response of the clay fabric represented as a granular ensemble of aligned effective clay particles with spherical morphology and anisotropic elasticity compares satisfactorily to nanoindentation and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements at nano- and macroscopic length scales, respectively. Other combinations of sources of anisotropy could yield comparable predictions, particularly at macroscopic scales, at the expense of requiring additional experimental data to characterize the morphology and orientations of particles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a spatial data structure using the relational normal forms

Abstract In previous work, a relational data structure aimed at the exchange of spatial data between systems was developed. As this data structure was relational it was of first normal form, but compliance with the higher normal forms was not investigated. Recently, a new procedural method for composing fully normalized data structures from the basic data fields has been developed by H. C. Smith, as an alternative to the process of non-loss decomposition which is difficult to understand. Smith's method has been applied to data fields required to store points, lines and polygons in a chain-node spatial data model. When geographic domain, coverage layer and map are also considered, the procedure naturally leads to a catalogue model, needed for the exchange of spatial data. Although the method produces a fully normalized data structure, it is not as easy to identify which normal forms are responsible for the ultimate arrangement of the data fields into relations, but the benefits of these criteria for data b...
Catnap: exploiting high bandwidth wireless interfaces to save energy for mobile devices

Energy management is a critical issue for mobile devices, with network activity often consuming a significant portion of the total system energy. In this paper, we propose Catnap, a system that reduces energy consumption of mobile devices by allowing them to sleep during data transfers. Catnap exploits high bandwidth wireless interfaces -- which offer significantly higher bandwidth compared to available bandwidth across the Internet -- by combining small gaps between packets into meaningful sleep intervals, thereby allowing the NIC as well as the device to doze off. Catnap targets data oriented applications, such as web and file transfers, which can afford delay of individual packets as long as the overall transfer times do not increase. Our evaluation shows that for small transfers (128kB to 5MB), Catnap allows the NIC to sleep for up to 70% of the total transfer time and for larger transfers, it allows the whole device to sleep for a significant fraction of the total transfer time. This results in battery life improvement of up to 2-5x for real devices like Nokia N810 and Thinkpad T60.
Pik3c3 DELETION IN PYRAMIDAL NEURONS RESULTS IN LOSS OF SYNAPSES, EXTENSIVE GLIOSIS AND PROGRESSIVE NEURODEGENERATION

The lipid kinase PIK3C3 (also known as VPS34) regulates multiple aspects of endo-membrane trafficking processes. PIK3C3 is widely expressed by neurons in the CNS, and its catalytic product PI3P is enriched in dendritic spines. Here we generated a line of conditional mutant mouse in which Pik3c3 is specifically deleted in hippocampal and in small subsets of cortical pyramidal neurons using the CaMKII-Cre transgene. We found that Pik3c3-deficiency initially causes loss of dendritic spines accompanied with reactive gliosis, which is followed by progressive neuronal degeneration over a period of several months. Layers III and IV cortical neurons are more susceptible to Pik3c3-deletion than hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, in aged conditional Pik3c3 mutant animals, there are extensive gliosis and severe secondary loss of wild type neurons. Our analyses show that Pik3c3 is essential for CNS neuronal homeostasis and Pik3c3flox/flox; CaMKII-Cre mouse is a useful model for studying pathological changes in progressive forebrain neurodegeneration.
An Application of the ARCS Model Design Process and Confidence‐Building Strategies

The premise of this study is that external conditions can be constructed to facilitate and increase learner confidence and achievement. The external conditions examined in this study were the confidence-building strategies proposed by John Keller in his ARCS model. This study tested the ARCS confidence-building strategies with 66 graduate and undergraduate college students using printed, self-instructional materials. The data indicated no significant effects arising from the treatment. It is hypothesized that the confidence-building strategies under study did not produce the anticipated results because the length of treatment was too short to have a measurable effect.
Orbital sine curves and human conceptions in the United States of America

Abstract The annual pattern of human conceptions in the United States of America for the eleven year interval from Jan., 1967 thru Dec, 1976 were analyzed with a regression technique. Initially an orbital model, consisting of two sine curves, one with an period of one year that peaked in June and the other with a semiannual period that peaked in March and September, was fitted to the monthly values of conceptions for the 132 months of the 11 year interval. Separate analyses were conducted for each state. An analysis of variance indicated that the orbital model was a significant predictor for all states except Montana and North Dakota. Inspection of the residuals revealed systematic trends that were accounted for by adding other predictor variables. A latitudinal trend in the percentage of the variance accounted for by the orbital model was established, as well as a latitudinal trend in the residuals that indicated systematic changes with latitude in April and July values. The annual pattern of “mood swing...
Neurophysiological evidence for transfer appropriate processing of memory: processing versus feature similarity.

Transfer appropriate processing (TAP) accounts propose that memory is a function of the degree to which the same neural processes transfer appropriately from the study experience to the memory test. However, in prior research, study and test stimuli were often similar physically. In two experiments, event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded to fragmented objects during an indirect memory test to isolate transfer of a specific perceptual process from overlap of physical features between experiences. An occipitotemporoparietal P2(00) at 200 msec showed implicit memory effects only when similar perceptual grouping processes of good continuation were repeatedly engaged—despite physical feature differences—as TAP accounts hypothesize. This result provides direct neurophysiological evidence for the critical role of process transfer across experiences for memory.
Antinociceptive Effects of Spinal Cholinesterase Inhibition and Isobolographic Analysis of the Interaction with μ and α2 Receptor Systems

BackgroundSpinal chollnergic receptors have been shown to have a potent antinociceptive action, an effect that can be mimicked by spinal cholinesterase inhibitors. We (1) characterized the cholinergic receptor system through which in-trathecally applied cholinesterase inhibitors produce their antino
Trends in mortality from upper gastrointestinal bleeding

cobblestoning and erosive esophagitis. Histologic inflammation tended to be seen more frequently in patients with OP erythema than in those without erythema (RR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.9; p 0.1) and in those with cobblestoning vs. no cobblestoning (RR 2.3; 95%CI:1.1–4.9; p 0.08) Conclusions: Routine examination of the oro-pharynx (inter-arytenoid space) during endoscopy of GERD patients may be warranted and deserves further study. Oro-pharyngeal biopsy can safely be performed by gastroenterologists. Validation of an endoscopic grading system might help to standardize management of atypical GERD patients.
Effects of intense noise on adrenal and plasma cholesterol of mice.

Nos experiences sur l'effet du bruit intense sur l'activite des surrenales des souris ont donne les resultats suivants: 1° la cholesterine des surrenales et la cholesterine sanguine demeurent inchangees, 2° nous n'avons pas pu obtenir les signes d'hypertrophie de la surrenale ou d'atrophie du thymus apres 1 a 4 semaines d'excitations par le bruit (5 min par jour). On constate done que chez les souris periodiquement soumises a un bruit intense mais de courte duree, le cortex surrenalien ne subit pas d'augmentation excessive.
Textbooks 101: Textbook Collection at the University of Minnesota.

SUMMARY This article analyzes a textbook collection project that spanned three semesters at the University of Minnesota. The project consisted of collecting extra copies from professors in several departments and placing the items on reserves for short term circulation; there was a small amount of money dedicated to the project. An analysis of circulation statistics indicated that the average text circulated 3.8 times over the three semesters while the average text in the library collection circulates 2.5 times over its lifetime. Additional benefits of the program were positive feedback from students as well as librarians' improved knowledge of the participating departments.
B70-1 Truth Functions and the Problem of Their Realization by Two-Terminal Graphs

This book consists of two parts, the first being a survey of the mathematical theory of Boolean functions. Chapter 1 introduces basic definitions, various normal forms, prime implicants, and symmetric functions. In an appendix to Chapter 1, an unpublished combinatorial and nontrivial theorem of Bakos is given. (This theorem yields a uniform construction of Gray codes as a consequence.) Chapter 2 gives the standard theory of minimality. Applications to special cases such as monotonic or symmetric functions are given. Chapter 3 discusses interrelationships between conjunctive and disjunctive normal forms. Chapter 4 deals with functional completeness and the Post–Yablonsky theorem is proven. Some applications to finite automata are given. Chapter 5 is concerned with the decomposition of truth functions. Chapter 6, on numerical problems, is particularly good. Groups are used to classify truth functions. A form of Polya's theorem is given and the work of Polya, Slepian, and the reviewer is presented. A number of special cases are worked out, including some of the results of Povarov. Chapter 7, on linearly separable functions, gives a number of characterizations.
Oxidation of SO2 by NO2 and O3 on carbon: Implications to tropospheric chemistry

The oxidation of SO2 to sulfate in air at 65 percent relative humidity on carbon particles was investigated gravimetrically in the presence of NO2 and O3. Approximately 1 mg samples of carbon black were exposed to continuously flowing ppbv mixtures of SO2, SO2 + NO2 and SO2 + O3 for prescribed periods of time before desorption into dry N2. Wet chemical analysis of the particles followed desorption. NO2 and O3 were found to have little, if any, effect relative to air on sulfate yields at the concentrations studied.
Meteor Orbits and Dust: The Proceedings of a Symposium

Concentrations and orbital calculations of meteors and meteoritic and extraterrestrial dust particles - conference
Searching for Explanations in Science Trade Books: What Can We Learn from Coh-Metrix?.

Given the importance of explanation in science texts for children, this research explored Coh-Metrix as a tool for rapidly determining the presence of explanations in science trade books. Variables from Coh-Metrix specifically addressing cause (causal content, causal cohesion, and positive causal connectives) were correlated with an existing, high-inference causal variable from previous research. Moderate correlations were found for causal cohesion and positive causal connectives (both r(18) = 0.46, p < 0.05); no correlation was found with causal content. Somewhat stronger correlations were found with two, co-referential Coh-Metrix variables, argument overlap and stem overlap. These findings suggest that Coh-Metrix may be used for an initial screening to determine if a science text has the necessary conditions to be explanatory.
Robust methods for purification of histones from cultured mammalian cells with the preservation of their native modifications

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones play a role in modifying chromatin structure for DNA-templated processes in the eukaryotic nucleus, such as transcription, replication, recombination and repair; thus, histone PTMs are considered major players in the epigenetic control of these processes. Linking specific histone PTMs to gene expression is an arduous task requiring large amounts of highly purified and natively modified histones to be analyzed by various techniques. We have developed robust and complementary procedures, which use strong protein denaturing conditions and yield highly purified core and linker histones from unsynchronized proliferating, M-phase arrested and butyrate-treated cells, fully preserving their native PTMs without using enzyme inhibitors. Cell hypotonic swelling and lysis, nuclei isolation/washing and chromatin solubilization under mild conditions are bypassed to avoid compromising the integrity of histone native PTMs. As controls for our procedures, we tested the most widely used conventional methodologies and demonstrated that they indeed lead to drastic histone dephosphorylation. Additionally, we have developed methods for preserving acid-labile histone modifications by performing non-acid extractions to obtain highly purified H3 and H4. Importantly, isolation of histones H3, H4 and H2A/H2B is achieved without the use of HPLC. Functional supercoiling assays reveal that both hyper- and hypo-phosphorylated histones can be efficiently assembled into polynucleosomes. Notably, the preservation of fully phosphorylated mitotic histones and their assembly into polynucleosomes should open new avenues to investigate an important but overlooked question: the impact of mitotic phosphorylation in chromatin structure and function.
A solid-state frequency source for radio astronomy in the 100 to 1000 GHz range

A compact Gunn oscillator-multiplier combination can provide the for SIS receivers necessary LO power up to 1000 GHz. Frequency multiplication factors of 2 to 8 are accomplished in a single step using a Schottky mixer diode in the varistor mode.
HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER WITH MULTIPLE PARTICLE INTERACTIONS PART II. SURFACE REACTION

A generalized treatment of heat and/or mass transport between an assemblage of particles and a surrounding continuum was developed in an earlier paper. This paper extends that analysis to chemical reactions at the particle surface. In this case the surrounding medium is assumed to contain a reactive species which diffuses to the particle surfaces and undergoes a first order reversible chemical reaction at the surface. Depletion of the reactant in the continuous phase depends on the number density of particles and the size of the assemblage of particles as well as on the transport properties and kinetics of the system. Results for finite and infinite assemblages are compared with reaction rates for a single isolated particle to elucidate the effects of particle competition for reactant on the reaction rate.
Autonomous granulation using the Mountain Method

We are interested in autonomous or unsupervised data mining. In the broad context of our work, we were interested in partitioning data in order to increase the information within each partition. An important aspect of this was data granulation. Clustering is an important aspect of data mining; it enables us to granulize the data. However, classic clustering methods require either the number of clusters and/or the approximate cluster centers. To avoid providing guidance, we used a variation of the Mountain Method to develop clustering parameters. This gave us satisfactory cluster centers. The estimated clusters' centers were then used in the data mining algorithm to develop and refine partitions. Experimental results of using the method on some data sets are reported. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 20: 415–432, 2005.
A Receiver-Oriented Rate-Adaptation Strategy for Improving Network Efficiency in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

This article investigates the efficacy of a novel receiver-oriented adaptive-rate system for sustaining the quality of a randomly fluctuating wireless link at a prescribed level in generalized multipath fading channels. Multilevel hierarchical modulations inherently have a limited ability to facilitate passive rate-adaptation, and this attribute is exploited to improve the effective bit transmission rate at low and moderate carrier-to-noise ratios. In our scheme, the multiresolution source data is first matched to the unequal bit error protections of a multiresolution modulation, and in the presence of adverse channel conditions, the "less important" bits from the demodulated symbols are dropped in order to maintain the link bit error rate at the desired level. One of the salient features of our proposed link adaptation strategy is that it neither rely nor require any feedback of channel quality estimates from the receiver to the sender, and the performance improvement is achieved without dynamically altering the signal constellation size at the transmitter or by using error control coding with incremental redundancy. Moreover, the proposed link adaptation strategy can still be effective even in a rapidly time-varying environment since the received signal strength of each symbol at the demodulator input is used to decide on which demodulated bits of that symbol should be retained, and thus our rate adaptation is operated at the symbol level. The duality between the problems of finding 'optimal signaling in a delay constrained or unknown time-varying channels' and 'optimal signaling for broadcast/multicast channels' is also established.