cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutual Perceptions of Religious and Secular Jews in Israel

Three hundred and eighty Israeli students in the eleventh grade, equally divided between children attending religious schools and children attending secular schools, completed questionnaires on the conflict between religious and secular Jews. Included were questions on ethnic and religious identity; amount and evaluation of interaction between the two groups; evaluation of the past, present, and future; and possible scenarios regarding solutions. In each set of questions the students were asked about their own views and how they believe the other group sees these issues. Analyses comparing the two groups revealed that in every set of questions, the secular viewed the religious significantly more negatively than the religious viewed the secular. The theory that equal status contact is a factor in conflict resolution was tested by correlating amount of actual contact and choice of solution. Correlations between evaluation of the relationship and choice of solutions showed that the more positively the studen...
Tactual discrimination thresholds for shape and texture in young children.

Abstract Discrimination thresholds for shape and texture were obtained in kindergarten and third-grade children. Pairs of shapes (ellipses) and textures (sandpaper patches) were presented to the children who judged whether the stimuli were the same or different from each other. The stimuli were presented in two different embedding contexts. The texture pairs covered the entire perceptual field or were confined to the top of a constant shape. The shape pairs were presented as plain Masonite cut-outs or were covered with a constant grit sandpaper. There was a significant increase with age in sensitivity to texture but not to shape. However, the variability in sensitivity to shape did show a decrease with age. The rougher stimuli were easier to discriminate than the smooth stimuli by both age under all conditions in texture discriminations. Results of replication studies with adults and blind children showed no overall significant differences from the normally sighted third graders.
A discussion of the IEEE standard on transition and pulse waveforms, Std-181-2003

Abstract The IEEE Std-181-2003, which is a new standard on pulse techniques and definitions, has been recently published. This standard was written to replace the withdrawn IEEE standards, Std-181-1977 and Std-194-1977. The Std-181-2003 combines information from both of the withdrawn standards. The new standard has incorporated new definitions not contained in the withdrawn standards and deleted and clarified definitions contained in the withdrawn standards. The new standard also provides examples of different waveform types and incorporates algorithms for computing waveform parameters, both of which were not contained in the withdrawn standard. This paper introduces the Std-181-2003 by describing its contents and changes relative to the withdrawn standards.
Stimulation of serum lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity by phenobarbital in the rat.

Abstract The activity of serum lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase was increased on administration of phenobarbital to the rat. This effect was dependent on dose and elapsed time after administration of the drug. Phenobarbital did not stimulate lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity when added to serum from normal animals in vitro. Presumably, phenobarbital increased serum lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity by induction of the microsomal enzyme and subsequent secretion by the liver.
What Perioperative Nurses Need to Know About Substance Abuse

ABSTRACT Substance abuse can occur with legal drugs (eg, alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications), illegal drugs that are purchased on the street, or prescription drugs used for reasons other than health. Alcohol is the most commonly used legal drug, and cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are the most commonly used illegal drugs. Each drug has specific effects on body systems. Some drugs can lead to acute and chronic problems; some even can cause death. Perioperative nurses may be among the few health care professionals who assess and care for substance abusers. As such, they should be prepared to recognize the symptoms of substance abuse and implement measures to support and help these Individuals. This article provides perioperative nurses with information about the use and abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; the acute and chronic effects that these drugs have on various body systems; and guidelines and interventions that can be implemented when caring for substance abusers.
Percutaneous interventions in subclavian artery-to-contralateral subclavian vein "necklace" hemodialysis grafts: experience in five patients.

Purpose To describe clinical outcomes of endovascular interventions in the setting of thrombosis or dysfunction of anterior chest wall (“necklace”) arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis grafts. Materials and Methods Eight percutaneous interventions (balloon angioplasty, pharmacologic thrombolysis, and mechanical thrombectomy) were performed in five patients with anterior chest wall AV grafts. Primary, assisted, and secondary patencies, as well as technical success and complication rates, were determined. Results The technical success rate of percutaneous interventions in re-establishing a normal blood flow pattern within the AV grafts was 100%. Primary patency ranged from one to 23 months (median, 5 months). Primary assisted patency and secondary patency were 36 months and 8 months, respectively, in two patients who underwent more than one intervention. Postintervention access patency ranged from 5 to 36 months (median, 9 months), whereas graft lifetime ranged from 12 to 45 months (median, 24 months). There were no complications related to revascularization procedures. Conclusion Percutaneous interventions can be performed safely and effectively in anterior chest wall AV grafts. Technical success and long-term patency rates appear to be similar to those of percutaneous interventions in upper-extremity hemodialysis AV grafts.
Applying the theory of reasoned action to the analysis of an individual’s polychronicity

The analysis of polychronicity at the cultural level is compared with the analysis of polychronicity at the level of the individual member of the culture. We suggest that a more detailed analysis of an individual’s polychronicity is appropriate, including the individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. We identify the theory of reasoned action as a useful framework for studying an individual’s polychronicity. Examples are provided in which the theory of reasoned action is used to address questions about an individual’s polychronicity, along with the description of the relationships among the components of individual‐level polychronicity suggested by the theory.
Effect of counter-ion on the thermotropic liquid crystal behaviour of bis(alkyl)-tris(imidazolium salt) compounds

Recently, new thermotropic ionic liquid crystals (LCs) with a hexyl-linked tris(imidazolium bromide) core and two terminal alkyl chains were synthesised and characterised. To explore the effect of different counter-ions on the LC behaviour of this system, derivatives with BF4− and Tf2N− counter-ions were prepared and analysed. Five of the BF4− derivatives were found to exhibit thermotropic LC behaviour. The 12-, 14- and 16-carbon tail BF4− compounds form SmA phases. The 18- and 20-carbon tail homologues form what appears to be a smectic phase but are weakly mesogenic and harder to characterise. Only two of the Tf2N− derivatives exhibited mesogenic behaviour. The 18-carbon tail Tf2N− compound forms an as-yet unidentified, highly periodic smectic phase with positional order while the 20-carbon tail homologue forms a periodic SmA phase. The Tf2N− mesogens have much lower clearing points even though their LC phases have more order than the Br− and BF4− mesogens. X-ray diffraction showed that these mesogens ha...
Dynamic deformation of single and polycrystalline aluminium

Abstract S ingle crystal and polycrystalline specimens of high purity aluminium were tested in compression at strain rates to 500 sec−1 using the split Hopkinson pressure bar method. Using the theory of the thermally activated deformation of metals, activation volumes for the single crystals were calculated and found to be dependent upon both orientation of the crystal with respect to the loading axis and the average strain. For the same strain, activation volume for the polycrystalline material is near the average of the variously oriented single crystals, indicating that the same rate controlling mechanism is operative. The addition of impurities in aluminium leads to a reduction in rate sensitivity as evidenced by an increase in activation volume. Finally, the application of thermal activation theory to high strain-rate testing is discussed.
Secure and robust steganographic algorithm for binary images

ABSTRACT In recent years, active research has mainly concentrated on authenticating a signature; tracking a document in a digital library, and tamper detection of a scanned document or secured communication using binary images. Binary image steganographical systems provide a solution for the above discussed issues. The two color constraint of the image limits the extension of various LSB embedding techniques to the binary case. In this paper, we present a new data hiding system for binary images and scanned documents. The system initially identifies embeddable blocks and enforces specific block statistics to hide sensitive information. The distribution of th e flippable pixels in these blocks is highly uneven over the image. A variable block embedding threshold is employed for capitalizing on this uneven distribution of pixels. In addition, we also present a measure to find the best the cover given a specific file of sensitive information. The simulation was performed over 50 vari ous binary images such the scanned documents, cartoons, threshold color images. Simulation results shows that 1) The amount of data embedded is comparatively higher than the existing algorithms (such as K.H. Hwang et.al [5], J. Chen et.al [10], M.Y.Wu et.al [9] ).2) The visual distortion in cover imag e is minimal when compared with the existing algorithms (such as J. Chen[10], M.Y.Wu et.al [9] ) will be presented. Key words: Steganography, data hiding, binary image, scanned documents, variable embedding rate
Cluster analysis of protein fourier transform infrared spectra.

Cluster analysis techniques were used to examine a set of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the adsorbed and nonadsorbed states. The region from 1480 to 1600 cm−1, comprising the amide II band, was used. Spectra were preprocessed to compensate for linear baseline variation, and the single linkage method of cluster analysis was applied. As expected, the spectra of adsorbed and nonadsorbed BSA fell into two distinct clusters. However, no further clustering was observed among the adsorbed BSA spectra on the basis of surface type, suggesting that surface specificity of the spectral changes induced in BSA by adsorption is not detectable above experimental variation. This work illustrates the value of using cluster analysis in the FT-IR study of proteins as a complement to other data analysis methods.
Social media and microbiology education.

Social media consists of Internet technologies that allow users to create and share content, and to foster dialogues among other users. Examples include software applications for communication (blogging, social networking, discussion forums), collaboration (wikis, social bookmarking), and multimedia (sharing photographs, video, and livecasting). In the world of science, social media is becoming an increasingly integral component of both research and education. My experience with two types of social media, blogging and podcasting, has convinced me that scientists must embrace these applications to enhance research, and to better communicate their work to the public.
Surface water geochemistry and chemical weathering across Panama

Abstract A geochemical study of rivers and streams was undertaken across Panama during 2005-09, from the Lago Bayano area in the east to the Costa Rican border in the west. Low overall dissolved solute contents (TDS = 145±160 mg/L) suggest a short residence time for infiltrating precipitation in the weathering zone. Watershed lithology exerts the main control on riverine chemistry, with streams on marine sedimentary rocks having higher dissolved solids loads than those on igneous rocks, with the latter exhibiting the highest silica contents and increasing trends of total cations with increasing dissolved silica. This feature and the large degree of compositional overlap between large rivers and small tributary streams implies that chemical weathering of silicate materials in the soil zone is the predominant process determining the geochemistry of streams and rivers in this tropical environment. Silicate weathering rates (Casil+Mgsil+Na+K) range over more than an order in magnitude from 2.5 to 28.4 tons/km2/y, whilst H4SiO4 yields range from 7.1 to 65 tons/km2/y. Basin-wide CO2 consumption yields by silicate weathering, calculated from total cation content (corrected for sea salt contribution), basin area and discharge, are high on a global basis.
Herbert and Crashaw: Two Paraphrases of the Twenty–Third Psalm

HROUGHOUT the history of English literature, poets have written verse-paraphrases of passages from the Bible. Many of these are confined to several verses or a psalm, but others include complete books such as Job, the Song of Solomon, or Isaiah. The reasons behind such paraphrases are as varied as the poets who wrote them. Some were dissatisfied with the prevailing versions of the Bible and wished to give more accurate translations to the public. They believed that the portions of the Old Testament originally in Hebrew poetry lost too much in the prose versions. Others were interested in metrical paraphrases which could be chanted or sung in worship services. The psalms were most frequently paraphrased, since they could either be used in worship or give the poet opportunity to express his own religious fervor in the words of the Scriptures. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, psalm paraphrases were written by many famous poets including Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard, George Gascoigne, Sir Philip Sidney, Francis Bacon, John Donne, George Herbert, and Richard Crashaw. Many of these paraphrases are perfunctory treatments which lack originality and enthusiasm. If the poet attempted to be too literal, his paraphrase lacked imagination; however, if he aimed for originality, his final poem often became so free that it moved outside the realm of paraphrase. George Herbert's "The Twenty-Third Psalme" and Richard Crashaw's "Psalm 23" are two of the best seventeenth-century paraphrases, and they illustrate the variety possible in this genre. Herbert's paraphrase remains close to the scriptural source, yet reveals poetic imagination. Crashaw's is much longer, expanding into seventy-two lines; but his poetic treatment falls within the limits of paraphrase. By definition, paraphrase is not a literal translation but a rephrasing in which the poet is free to build upon the original by developing images more fully provided he does not lose sight of the basic structure and intent of his model.
The dark side of sunshine: Regulatory oversight and status quo bias

Abstract As the mortgage foreclosure crisis accelerated in the U.S. in the late 2000s, state-level policymakers implemented measures designed to protect consumers and stem the tide of foreclosures. One form of policy was simply to require lenders to report on foreclosure prevention activities. Such policies represented a shift from the status quo for mortgage loan servicing firms operating under incomplete information—doing nothing with non-paying loans while waiting for more information to be revealed—to either foreclosing on the borrower or offering the borrower a modification of loan terms. Using a difference-in-difference-in-differences empirical strategy, we exploit one policy implemented in Maryland for a subset of mortgage servicers and find evidence that firms perform more loan modifications, as well as file more foreclosures. Increasing foreclosure filings was contrary to the intent of the policy, suggesting that policymakers should be aware of how firms exhibit systematic biases, much like individuals.
Applicability of a Scoring System in the Diagnosis of Streptococcal Pharyngitis

The usefulness of a scoring system, developed in a private pediatric practice, for the early diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis has been evaluated in a teaching hospital. The system, evaluated in 892 patients, appears most useful in predicting culture-negative patients (80%). A false positive rate of 20 per cent precludes the use of the scoring system in the decision to initiate antibiotic therapy at our institution.
WHEN A RESIDENCE IS NOT A HOUSE: EXAMINING RESIDENCE‐BASED MIGRATION DEFINITIONS

Traditional definitions of migration contain implicit assumptions: origin and destination places are fixed residences, households inhabit one residence at any given time, and dwelling units form the center of individual activity spaces. Though these assumptions hold for certain movers, they restrict migration studies to a narrow range of movement. It is argued here that such assumptions bias present notions of migrant behavior and selectivity. A more realistic appraisal might consider integration in sets of spatial networks rather than movement between two discrete points in space.
History of semiconductors diffusion engineering

The author presents a personal view of the history of semiconductor diffusion engineering. Starting with the announcement of a new invention in 1948 - the transistor - he goes on to include the applications of diffusion transistors at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Western Electric, Shockley and Fairchild, and integrated circuits at Fairchild, Texas Instruments and Sylvania. He concludes with a discussion of commercially available diffusion furnaces 1960-1965.
Identification of a Novel Marker for Primordial Smooth Muscle and Its Differential Expression Pattern in Contractile vs Noncontractile Cells

The assembly of the vessel wall from its cellular and extracellular matrix components is an essential event in embryogenesis. Recently, we used the descending aorta of the embryonic quail to define the morphological events that initiate the formation of a multilayered vessel wall from a nascent endothelial cell tube (Hungerford, J.E., G.K. Owens, W.S. Argraves, and C.D. Little. 1996. Dev. Biol. 178:375–392). We generated an mAb, 1E12, that specifically labels smooth muscle cells from the early stages of development to adulthood. The goal of our present study was to characterize further the 1E12 antigen using both cytological and biochemical methods. The 1E12 antigen colocalizes with the actin cytoskeleton in smooth muscle cells grown on planar substrates in vitro; in contrast, embryonic vascular smooth muscle cells in situ contain 1E12 antigen that is distributed in threadlike filaments and in cytoplasmic rosette-like patterns. Initial biochemical analysis shows that the 1E12 mAb recognizes a protein, M r = 100,000, in lysates of adult avian gizzard. An additional polypeptide band, M r = 40,000, is also recognized in preparations of lysate, when stronger extraction conditions are used. We have identified the 100-kD polypeptide as smooth muscle α-actinin by tandem mass spectroscopy analysis. The 1E12 antibody is an IgM isotype. To prepare a more convenient 1E12 immunoreagent, we constructed a single chain antibody (sFv) using recombinant protein technology. The sFv recognizes a single 100-kD protein in gizzard lysates. Additionally, the recombinant antibody recognizes purified smooth muscle α-actinin. Our results suggest that the 1E12 antigen is a member of the α-actinin family of cytoskeletal proteins; furthermore, the onset of its expression defines a primordial cell restricted to the smooth muscle lineage.
Transpiration of apple trees in a humid climate using heat pulse sap flow gauges calibrated with whole-canopy gas exchange chambers

Abstract For scientific study and practical irrigation management, the estimate of plant transpiration and water use rates is needed. Several methods are available to measure water use by plants, and among them, sap flow estimation techniques are currently popular, although the interpretation of data may be complex due to several assumptions. In this study, we present a combined approach to measure transpiration rates in mature, field-grown dwarf apple trees (‘Empire’/M.9) in a humid climate. Sap flow gauges (heat pulse method) were used to estimate sap flow rates on apples, over a period of 10 weeks. The gauges were first calibrated with simultaneous measurements of whole-canopy gas exchange using chambers mounted on the same plants for short periods (5 days). Mid-summer transpiration rates were peaked at about 2.5 l day −1 m −2 of leaf area but generally averaged about 2 l day −1 m −2 of leaf area. Calculated basal crop coefficients were generally lower than those reported in literature, variable and were a function of the vapor pressure deficit, thus confirming the concerns of using crop coefficients with reference grass in humid climates especially when applied to tall, discontinuous canopies that are well coupled with the bulk air.
Ur-Emotions and Your Emotions: Reconceptualizing Basic Emotion:

The term ur-emotion is proposed to replace basic emotion as a name for the aspects of emotion that underlie perceived similarities of emotion types across cultures and species. The ur- prefix is borrowed from the German on analogy to similar borrowings in textual criticism and musicology. The proposed term ur-emotion is less likely to be interpreted as referring to the entirety of an emotional state than is the term basic emotion. Ur-emotion avoids reductionism by indicating an abstract underlying structure that accounts for similarities between emotions without implying that the differences are unimportant. This article is dedicated to the memory of Bob Solomon, and is framed in terms of his decades-long analysis and critique of the concept of basic emotions.
A DSL customer-premise equipment modem SoC with extended reach/rate for broadband bridging and routing

A highly-integrated DSL modem for residential gateway applications is described. The chip integrates a C62x based DSL PHY, AFE, line driver and receiver, power management, and broadband controller subsystem. A 0.13/spl mu/m 5M CMOS process is used to implement the 2.3W chip. Supplies are 1.5V for digital and 3.3V for analog subsystems.
Detection Filter Design by Eigensystem Assignment

A new formulation of the detection filter problem is generated by assignment of the closed-loop eigenstructure under certain constraints. Detection filters, which are actually a specific class of observers, fix the output error direction of the system so that it can be associated with a particular failure mode and its known design failure direction. The derivation of the theory from this approach permits a very direct analysis which results in a set of simultaneous equations to be solved for the detection filter gains and closed-loop eigenvectors. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the solution of these algebraic equations are determined.
Supporting feedback and assessment of digital ink answers to in-class exercises

Effective teaching involves treating the presentation of new material and the assessment of students’ mastery of this material as part of a seamless and continuous feedback cycle. We have developed a computer system, called Classroom Learning Partner (CLP), that supports this methodology, and we have used it in teaching an introductory computer science course at MIT over the past year. Through evaluation of controlled classroom experiments, we have demonstrated that this approach reaches students who would have otherwise been left behind, and that it leads to greater attentiveness in class, greater student satisfaction, and better interactions between the instructor and student. The current CLP system consists of a network of Tablet PCs, and software for posing questions to students, interpreting their handwritten answers, and aggregating those answers into equivalence classes, each of which represents a particular level of understanding or misconception of the material. The current system supports a useful set of recognizers for specific types of answers, and employs AI techniques in the knowledge representation and reasoning necessary to support interpretation and aggregation of digital ink answers.
Segmental Arterial Mediolysis

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory arteriopathy, which is characterized by dissecting aneurysms resulting from lysis of the outer media of the arterial wall. The most common presentation is abdominal pain and hemorrhage in the elderly. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography imaging findings overlap with various vasculitides and include segmental changes of aneurysm and stenosis. A key distinguishing feature is the presence of dissections, the principle morphologic expression of SAM. Differentiation and exclusion of an inflammatory arteritis is crucial in appropriate management, as immunosuppressants generally used for treatment of vasculitis may be ineffective or even worsen the vasculopathy. Although the disease can be self-limiting without treatment or with conservative medical therapy, the acute process carries a 50% mortality rate and may necessitate urgent surgical and/or endovascular therapy. Prompt recognition and diagnosis are therefore of utmost importance in appropriate management of this rare entity.
Incremental techniques for the identification of statically sensitizable critical paths

This paper describes new algorithms for finding the K-most critical paths, checking static sensitizability of these paths, and performing incremental timing verification on combinational circuits. The static sensitization method uses binary decision diagrams to avoid costly backtracking operation used in other path analysis programs. The speed and efficiency of the techniques are demonstrated individually using the ISCAS benchmark circuits, and then together in a timing optimization loop.
Billroth II Gastrojejunostomy in Dogs Stapling Technique and Postoperative Complications

Billroth II gastrojejunostomy was performed with surgical staplers in 6 dogs that were not irradiated and in 11 dogs that subsequently received radiation to the pancreas and proximal part of the duodenum. The dogs were monitored clinically for 135 days and then euthanatized and necropsied. Each gastrojejunostomy site was preserved in formalin and the stomal diameter was measured. No mechanical complications were encountered with the use of surgical staplers and no leakage was observed at the staple closure sites before abdominal closure. All dogs vomited approximately 100 ml of coagulated blood 4 to 8 hours after surgery, and 300 to 400 ml of brown fluid after approximately 24 hours. Vomiting was the most common clinical finding after the first 24 hours. Vomiting was subjectively graded from 1 to 3 with grade 1 representing the least severe problem and grade 3 the most severe. Grade 1 vomiting occurred in 12 of 16 dogs that survived 135 days; in the other four dogs, vomiting was classified as grade 2 or 3. All dogs with grade 1 vomiting had stomal diameters of 1.7 to 2.9 cm (mean, 2.2 +/- 0.4 cm standard deviation). Dogs with grade 2 or 3 vomiting had stomal diameters of 2.2 to 4.0 cm (mean, 3.2 +/- 0.8 cm standard deviation). The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.005). The percentage of weight gained or lost was recorded for each dog. Two nonirradiated dogs gained body weight, whereas the other nonirradiated dogs and all irradiated dogs lost body weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Monitoring, at Your Service: Automated monitoring can increase the reliability and scalability of today’s online software services.

Internet services are becoming more and more a part of our daily lives. We derive value from them, depend on them, and are now beginning to assume their ubiquity as we do the phone system and electricity grid. The implementation of Internet services, though, is an unsolved problem, and Internet services remain far from fulfilling their potential in our world.
Neural involvement in endometriosis: Review of anatomic distribution and mechanisms

Abstract Endometriosis (EM) is an infrequent cause of peripheral neuropathy, most commonly sciatic. Perineural spread has recently been introduced as an alternate explanation for cases of lumbosacral or sciatic nerve EM. We performed a literature review to collect all reported cases of peripheral and central nervous system EM in search of anatomic patterns of involvement; potentially to support the perineural spread theory. If available, intraneural invasion and presence of peritoneal EM were recorded. The search revealed 83 articles describing 365 cases of somatic peripheral nervous EM and 13 cases of central nervous EM. The most frequently involved site was the sacral plexus (57%, n = 211), followed by the sciatic nerve (39%, n = 140). Other nerves were reported in significantly smaller numbers. Ninety seven percent (97%, n = 355) of peripheral nerve cases presented with pain, 20% (n = 72) reported weakness and 31% (n = 114), numbness. Thirty four percent (34%, n = 38) had solely intraneural EM of which 89% (n = 33) had no peritoneal EM (percentage based on available information). In the central nervous system, the conus medullaris and/or cauda equina constituted the majority of cases with 54% (n = 7). Apart from perineural spread, other discussed mechanisms include retrograde menstruation with peritoneal seeding, hematogenous and lymphogenous spread, stem cell implantation either hematogenously or via retrograde menstruation with subsequent EM differentiation, and coelomic or Mullerian duct metaplasia. We believe this literature review supports perineural spread as an alternate mechanism for EM of nerve, particularly the subgroup with intraneural EM and without peritoneal disease.
Qos support in large-scale computer networks based on aggregate scheduling and bgp routing enhancement

Packet scheduling and routing are two basic functions of a data network. Packet scheduling determines the order of packets to be transmitted from a network device to its neighbor, while routing selects a path between two network devices. To provide Quality of Service (QoS) in the current Internet to support emerging real-time, multimedia applications such as voice over IP (VoIP) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), it is important to have high-performance, low-cost scheduling algorithms, as well as efficient routing algorithms that converge to new routes quickly when network changes occur. This thesis focuses on QoS support in packet scheduling and routing. For scheduling, we evaluate, via both analysis and simulation, the end-to-end (e2e) delay performance of aggregate scheduling with guaranteed-rate (GR) algorithms. Aggregate scheduling is shown theoretically to provide bounded e2e delays, and practically to provide excellent e2e delay performance. Moreover, it incurs lower scheduling and state-maintenance overheads at routers than per-flow scheduling. For routing, we enhance Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), the de facto inter-domain routing protocol in the Internet. We propose a simple and novel idea of differentiated processing of BGP updates to reduce routers' load and improve routing convergence. Based on a set of criteria, BGP updates are grouped into different priority classes. Higher-priority updates are processed and propagated sooner, while lower-priority ones, not affecting routing decisions, can be delayed to both reduce routers' load and improve routing convergence. This scheme is shown to be very effective for large networks, yielding 30% fewer updates and reducing convergence time by 80%. We also study the impact of BGP routing changes on application traffic, showing that (1) for busy prefixes with high traffic volumes, the amount of routing changes are generally smaller confirming previous studies and (2) the number of route withdrawals is generally much smaller for busy prefixes. We propose an improved BGP route selection algorithm to reduce the number of routing changes globally so that the resulting traffic shift is also reduced. We evaluate the effectiveness of this algorithm with a local ISP's data and demonstrate that for busy prefixes it can reduce as much as 30% of routing changes.
Brain on a Chip: Engineering Form and Function in Cultured Neuronal Networks

We culture embryonic rat hippocampal neurons to learn how small networks of neurons interact and code information. We design the networks by using microlithography to control surface chemistry that in turn controls the initial position of the neurons and strongly influences subsequent growth. The lithography also permits us to guide neurons preferentially to electrodes of a microelectrode array, with a resultant increase in recordability and excitability of the cultured neurons. Geometric control also allows us to begin to investigate the question as to whether the geometric pattern of a neuronal network influences the patterns of its neuroelectric activity. Various neuronal network behaviors can be demonstrated, including propagation of both action potential and synaptically coupled activity, graded activation of networks, convergence of information flow, and elementary learning phenomena. The immediate aim of the research is the creation of a reliable, repeatable, and robust tool for understanding neuronal information processing. Long term the results will assist basic and applied neuroscience including prosthetics and cell based biosensors.
Math Interventions for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder A Best-Evidence Synthesis

Educators need evidence-based practices to assist students with disabilities in meeting increasingly rigorous standards in mathematics. Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasingly expected to demonstrate learning of basic and advanced mathematical concepts. This review identifies math intervention studies involving children and adolescents with ASD and describes participant characteristics, methodological features, interventions, target behaviors, and related outcomes. Included studies met the design standards of the What Works Clearinghouse (2014). Studies focused on functional and computational skills for students with a comorbid diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID). Visual analysis confirmed a functional relation between evaluated interventions and mathematics outcomes in 71% of cases. Interventions generally yielded moderate to large effect sizes. Large confidence intervals were obtained across effects. More high-quality research including students with higher-functioning ASD is...
Predictions of Film Cooling from Cylindrical Holes Embedded in Trenches

Film cooling is studied for cylindrical holes embedded in transverse trenches. Different trench depths are considered for a typical trench width. Trenched holes are common occurrences when blades are coated with thermal barrier coating layers. The film performance will be different for the trenched holes compared to standard cylindrical holes. FLUENT is used to simulate film cooling over the different trenches and compared to baseline untrenched cylindrical holes. Film effectiveness is greatly enhanced by the trenching due to improved two dimensional nature of the film and spreading laterally. The study is performed at a single mainstream Reynolds number based on free-stream velocity and film hole diameter of 11000 at one different coolant-to-mainstream blowing ratios of 1.0.
Lenticulated Köhler Integrator for a Utility-Scale CPV System

LPI LLC’s XR-Kohler design is adapted to the modular scale proposed by REhnu LLC. The limitations of the CAP metric are discussed in the context of CPV systems with arrayed multi-junction receiver cells.
Research and Design of WLAN Security System Based on EAP-TTLS

Based on the fault analysis of familiar WLAN security mechanism and EAP-TTLS protocol, design a security WLAN system. This system implements port-based security authentication for user and dynamic management for key. It can protect user's location privacy and identity privacy and can guarantee the information security effectively in the communication.
Responses of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Seedlings to Shading Under Different Lilght Regimes

Under different light regimes:55.44% natural sunlight(NS),21.12% NS,3.47% NS and 0.86% NS in shade house,the growth characteristics of Fraxinus rhynchophylla seedlings were observed.The results showed that seedling height,basal shoot diameter,taproot length,leaf area per seedling,total dry weight,relative growth rate and net assimilation rate all maximized(70.0 cm,6.84 mm,31.95 cm,798.80 cm2,10.28 g,31.13×10-3g·d-1,and 3.25×10-5 g·cm-2·d-1 respectively) under 55.44% NS shade treatment and reduced with the decrease of light intensity.With the reduction of light intensity,the specific leaf area of F.rhynchophylla seedlings increased to its maximum(597.43 cm2·g-1) under the shade treatment of 3.47% NS,after which a decrease was observed.
Discrimination of Tongshan Durra Wine of Different Producing Place by Electronic Nose

In the study,GC-flash electronic nose was applied to discriminate Tongshan durra wine of different producing place.All data were analyzed by multivariate data processing based on principal component analysis(PCA) and discriminant factor analysis(DFA).Furthermore,the discriminant model of original producing place was set up.The results showed that in the discriminant model by PCA method,sample interval distribution was centralized for Tongshan durra wine(produced in Shaoxing,geographical indication product) and Tongshan durra wine(not produced in Shaoxing,non-geographical indication product),and some intersections shared by both of them,however,sample interval distribution scattered for counterfeit Tongsha durra wine and no intersections shared by counterfeit Tongshan durra wine and Tongshan durra wine.Accordingly,Tongshan durra wine of different producing place could be accurately judged by discriminant models.
Prostaglandin E1: A new therapy for refractory right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension after mitral valve replacement

Patients undergoing mitral valve replacement, particularly those with severe pulmonary hypertension and/or congestive heart failure, may develop life-threatening right heart failure in the immediate postbypass period. We have observed that such patients have intense pulmonary vasoconstriction. The markedly increased pulmonary impedance may aggravate the right heart failure and prevent recovery of right ventricular function in this setting. Therefore, we studied the effects of high-dose prostaglandin E1 (30 to 150 ng/kg/min), a potent pulmonary vasodilator, in combination with massive infusion of norepinephrine (up to 1 microgram/kg/min) into the left atrium in five consecutive patients with refractory right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension after mitral valve replacement. This pharmacologic approach takes advantage of the pulmonary vasodilating effects of prostaglandin E1, while offsetting associated systemic vasodilation and resulting hypotension. All five patients had rapid pulmonary vasodilator responses followed by marked improvement in right ventricular function. All survived the operation and none had right ventricular infarction or chronic right heart failure postoperatively.
A brief motivational interview with action and coping planning components enhances motivational autonomy among volunteer blood donors.

BACKGROUND In contrast to standard donor retention strategies (e.g., mailings, phone calls, text messages), we developed a brief telephone interview, based on motivational interviewing principles, that encourages blood donors to reflect upon their unique motivators and barriers for giving. This study examined the effect of this motivational interview, combined with action and coping plan components, on blood donor motivations. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The design was to randomly assign blood donors to receive either a telephone-delivered motivational interview with action and coping plan components or a control call approximately 6 weeks after their most recent donation. Participants completed a series of surveys related to donation motivation approximately 3 weeks before telephone contact (precall baseline) and then repeated these surveys approximately 1 week after telephone contact (postcall). RESULTS The sample was 63% female, included a majority (52.6%) of first-time blood donors, and had a mean age of 30.0 years (SD, 11.7 years). A series of analyses of variance revealed that, relative to controls (n = 244), donors in the motivational interview group (n = 254) had significantly larger increases in motivational autonomy (p = 0.001), affective attitude (p = 0.004), self-efficacy (p = 0.03), anticipated regret (p = 0.001), and intention (p = < 0.001), as well as larger decreases in donation anxiety (p = 0.01), from precall baseline to postcall assessment. CONCLUSION This study supports motivational interviewing with action and coping planning as a novel strategy to promote key contributors to donor motivation.
Co-ingestion of carbohydrate with leucine-enriched essential amino acids does not augment acute postexercise muscle protein synthesis in a strenuous exercise-induced hypoinsulinemic state.

Strenuous exercise following overnight fasting increases fat oxidation during exercise, which can modulate training adaptation. However, such exercise induces muscle protein catabolism by decreasing blood insulin concentrations and increasing amino acid oxidation during the exercise. Leucine-enriched essential amino acids (LEAAs) enhance muscle protein synthesis (MPS) at rest and after exercise. However, it remains to be clarified if the co-ingestion of carbohydrate with LEAAs induces an additional increase in MPS, particularly in a hypoinsulinemic state induced by strenuous exercise. Eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were made to perform strenuous jump exercise (height 35 cm, 200 jumps, 3-s intervals), after which they ingested distilled water and 1 g/kg LEAAs with or without 1 g/kg of glucose. The fractional synthesis rate was determined by measuring the incorporation of l-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine into skeletal muscle protein. Immediately after the exercise, plasma insulin concentration was significantly lower than that at the basal level. Co-ingestion of glucose with LEAAs alleviated the reduction in plasma insulin concentration, while LEAA ingestion alone did not. LEAA administration with or without glucose led to a higher MPS compared with water administration (P < 0.05). However, the co-ingestion of glucose with LEAAs did not induce further increases in MPS compared with LEAA ingestion alone. Thus, the co-ingestion of glucose with LEAAs does not additionally increase MPS under a strenuous exercise–induced hypoinsulinemic state when glucose is co-ingested with a dose of LEAAs that maximally stimulates MPS.
The Effects of DWI‐Infarct Lesion Volume on DWI‐FLAIR Mismatch: Is There a Need for Size Stratification?

BACKGROUND The lack of fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity in areas of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) high signal, or DWI-FLAIR mismatch, is a potential imaging biomarker for timing of stroke onset. We aimed to determine the effects of DWI infarct lesion volume on DWI-FLAIR mismatch and its accuracy for identification of strokes within intravenous (IV) the thrombolytic therapy window. METHODS Acute ischemic stroke patients with magnetic resonance imaging scan within 12 hours of witnessed stroke were included. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed DWI and FLAIR sequences for DWI-FLAIR mismatch in areas of restricted diffusion compared to the contralateral normal side. RESULTS DWI-FLAIR mismatch was identified in 21/82 (26%) patients. Infarct lesions with DWI-FLAIR mismatch were scanned earlier (3.8 ± .3 vs. 7.5 ± .3 hours from onset, P 15 mL, the DWI-FLAIR mismatch had 100% specificity and PPV for acute infarcts within 4.5 hours of onset. CONCLUSION The effects of stroke onset-to-scan time gap on DWI-FLAIR mismatch are not the same for different DWI lesion volumes. At DWI lesion volumes >15 mL, the DWI-FLAIR mismatch is highly specific for acute infarcts within IV thrombolytic therapy time, and can identify wake-up stroke patients eligible for treatment.
The Role of Emotional Avoidance, the Patient–Provider Relationship, and Other Social Support in ART Adherence for HIV+ Individuals

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with positive health outcomes among HIV+ patients. However, non-adherence remains high. Though factors that account for non-adherence remain unclear, social support has been consistently associated with ART adherence. As such, identifying malleable factors that hinder patients' ability to form supportive relationships may have consequence for improving ART adherence. Emotional avoidance (EA) may be one such factor given that it has been linked to difficulties in social situations. The present study examined relations among EA, the patient-provider relationship, other sources of social support, and ART adherence within a sample of HIV+ ART-prescribed patients. High EA was related to poor adherence and patient-provider relationships. EA was indirectly related to poor adherence through poorer patient-provider interactions. The indirect relation of EA to ART adherence through other sources of social support was not significant. Implications for developing targeted behavioral interventions focused on improving ART adherence are discussed.
The cost-efficiency of mobile stroke units: Where the rubber meets the road.

In the vanguard of acute stroke care, the pursuit of ultra-early diagnosis and treatment has led to the development of mobile stroke units (MSU): ambulances equipped with portable CT imaging and other advanced diagnostics capable of administering IV thrombolysis in the prehospital setting. Since initial reports of feasibility, separate research groups have demonstrated the effectiveness of MSUs to facilitate earlier treatment with IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).1,2
Using Elementary Mechanics to Estimate the Maximum Range of ICBMs.

North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and, more recently, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) has added a grave threat to world order. The threat presented by these weapons depends critically on missile range, i.e., the ability to reach North America or Europe while carrying a nuclear warhead. Using the limited information available from near-vertical test flights, how do arms control experts estimate the maximum range of an ICBM? The purpose of this paper is to show, using mathematics and concepts appropriate to a first-year calculus-based mechanics class, how a missile’s range can be estimated from the (observable) altitude attained during its test flights. This topic—while grim—affords an ideal opportunity to show students how the application of basic physical principles can inform and influence public policy. For students who are already familiar with Kepler’s laws, it should be possible to present in a single class period.
Optimal control design of a voltage controller for stand-alone and grid-connected PV converter

This paper presents an optimal control design for a generic stand-alone and grid connected PV system under various environmental conditions. Several control objectives are investigated to regulate output voltage in stand-alone mode and to extract maximum power from a PV solar system in grid-connected operation. In this study, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm is implemented for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). The dynamic models of PV connected to DC load and DC grid are described in detail. A Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approach is used to optimally design a voltage controller in both operation modes. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach to manage the system performance under various weather conditions and possible changes in load demand.