Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percolation in Systems Containing Ordered Elongated Objects

We studied the percolation and jamming of elongated objects using the Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) technique. The objects were represented by linear sequences of beads forming needles. The positions of the beads were restricted to vertices of two-dimensional square lattice. The external field that imposed ordering of the objects was intro- duced into the model. The percolation and the jamming thresholds were determined for all systems under consideration. The influence of the chain length and the ordering on both thresholds was calculated and discussed. It was shown that for a strongly ordered system containing needles the ratio of percolation and jamming thresholds cp=cj is almost independent on the needle length d.
Material characterization and device simulation of GeSn alloys for field-effect transistors applications

GeSn alloys are promising materials for electronic device applications. In this paper, GeSn samples with relatively high Sn composition are characterized in detail. The electronic band structures of GeSn alloys are calculated by nonlocal empirical pseudopotential method and the corresponding material parameters are extracted for device simulation. Based on the established GeSn parameter set, line-tunneling field-effect transistors with GeSn alloys as the source material are simulated and analyzed. It is shown that the GeSn/Ge hetero source structure effectively improves the device performance, especially at low supply voltages. The optimized GeSn tunneling devices are favorable for the future high-performance field-effect transistors.
A CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL EM PORTUGAL: DE DIMENSÃO OCULTA A PRINCIPAL ACTIVO INTANGÍVEL

Resumo: A cultura organizacional tornou-se um dos temas mais correntes dos congressos, textos e palestras das escolas de gestao, no decurso dos ultimos 30 anos, sem que o tema se encontre, entretanto, devidamente desocultado para os profissionais e para os estudiosos da materia. A sua popularidade, como moda em gestao, emergiu nos anos 80, a partir da interpretacao feita por estudiosos americanos do sucesso da gestao japonesa, como resultado da adaptacao as contingencias nacionais dos principios anglo-saxonicos da conducao cientifica dos negocios, e em particular do taylorismo associado a medicao da qualidade. Neste artigo sao passados em revista os principais autores e e proposta uma definicao e uma grelha de leitura integradas, a fim de se poder ler, numa unica matriz interpretativa as determinantes da cultura nacional, profissional e organizacional. Optou-se, assim, por reverter a tendencia natural para a polissemia dos temas mais complexos, procedendo, naturalmente, a opcoes, questionaveis a diversos titulos. A proposta reflecte a nossa conviccao de que, numa era marcada pela diferenciacao organizacional, a cultura desempenha um papel integrador, substituindo figuras mais arcaicas de construcao da coesao interna, no seio das organizacoes como e o caso da hierarquia ou do mercado. A partir de alguns estudos empiricos propoe-se, ainda, uma chave de leitura da cultura organizacional portuguesa, caracterizando-a com base numa abordagem preferencialmente clinica e etnografica. Arrisca-se, enfim, uma ideia/valor âncora da cultura organizacional portuguesa. Designamo-la de cultura adaptativa em lugar de apontar a cultura de regras como suporte do edificio cultural das organizacoes portuguesas. As virtualidades desta âncora cultural, integrando a capacidade de empatia e a inventividade dos portugueses, apesar da fraca apetencia para o planeamento e gestao por processos, podem conduzir-nos, como povo, na senda da esperanca de fazer dela, um
Maturing responsibility in young teens participating in an asthma camp: adaptive mechanisms and outcomes.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe adolescent adaptation in the four adaptive modes of the Roy Adaptation Model in campers attending a Young Teen Asthma Camp and relate that adaptation to the acquisition of asthma responsibility. DESIGN AND METHODS The camp experience included asthma education and an opportunity to grow socially. A quasi-experimental design investigated ratings of self-efficacy and responsibility from before to after camp. RESULTS Improvements in self-efficacy supported adaptation in self-concept and role function. Adolescents demonstrated maturing responsibility in asthma management in interdependence mode. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Asthma camps are effective for delivering asthma education, enhancing maturation, and assisting with normalizing life experiences. Nurses can be instrumental in facilitating adolescents' participation.
Stability-preserving model reduction for linear and nonlinear systems arising in analog circuit applications

Despite the increasing presence of RF and analog components in personal wireless electronics, such as mobile communication devices, the automated design and optimization of such systems is still an extremely challenging task. This is primarily due to the presence of both parasitic elements and highly nonlinear elements, which makes simulation computationally expensive and slow. The ability to generate parameterized reduced order models of analog systems could serve as a first step toward the automatic and accurate characterization of geometrically complex components and subcircuits, eventually enabling their synthesis and optimization. This thesis presents techniques for reduced order modeling of linear and nonlinear systems arising in analog applications. Emphasis is placed on developing techniques capable of preserving important system properties, such as stability, and parameter dependence in the reduced models. The first technique is a projection-based model reduction approach for linear systems aimed at generating stable and passive models from large linear systems described by indefinite, and possibly even mildly unstable, matrices. For such systems, existing techniques are either prohibitively computationally expensive or incapable of guaranteeing stability and passivity. By forcing the reduced model to be described by definite matrices, we are able to derive a pair of stability constraints that are linear in terms of projection matrices. These constraints can be used to formulate a semidefinite optimization problem whose solution is an optimal stabilizing projection framework. The second technique is a projection-based model reduction approach for highly nonlinear systems that is based on the trajectory piecewise linear (TPWL) method. Enforcing stability in nonlinear reduced models is an extremely difficult task that is typically ignored in most existing techniques. Our approach utilizes a new nonlinear projection in order to ensure stability in each of the local models used to describe the nonlinear reduced model. The TPWL approach is also extended to handle parameterized models, and a sensitivitybased training system is presented that allows us to efficiently select inputs and parameter values for training. Lastly, we present a system identification approach to model reduction for both linear and nonlinear systems. This approach utilizes given time-domain data, such as input/output samples generated from transient simulation, in order to identify a compact stable model that best fits the given data. Our procedure is based on minimization of a quantity referred to as the 'robust equation error', which, provided the model is incrementally stable, serves as up upper bound for a measure of the accuracy of the identified model termed 'linearized output error'. Minimization of this bound, subject to an incremental stability constraint, can be cast as a semidefinite optimization problem. Thesis Supervisor: Luca Daniel Title: Associate Professor
Treatment of lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) with the immune response modifier imiquimod.

BACKGROUND Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for lentigo maligna (LM), or melanoma in situ. Topical application of imiquimod, a local immune response modifier, is a novel therapeutic approach that leads to LM tumor clearance. This pilot, open-label, nonrandomized study evaluates the efficacy of imiquimod in patients with LM and other systemic problems that make them poor surgical risks. OBSERVATIONS Six biopsy-proven cases of LM from 5 patients (age range, 67-80 years) in whom standard surgical therapy was contraindicated were enrolled in the study. Five tumors were located on the face and 1 on the right shoulder. Imiquimod was used as a 5% cream once a day for a maximum of 13 weeks. Immediate clinical responses and follow-up, as well as histopathologic changes and immunohistologic parameters (in 2 patients), were analyzed. The complete response rate for all LM cases was 100%. Time to complete clearing varied from 5 to 13 weeks based on both clinical and histopathologic findings. The inflammatory infiltrate following imiquimod treatment consisted of T-helper lymphocytes mixed with a significant number of cytotoxic cells and monocytes or macrophages. These results indicate that imiquimod induces a cytotoxic T-cell-mediated immune response. In all patients, erythema and erosions occurred at the treated area 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of imiquimod therapy. The patients have been followed up for 3 to 18 months without evidence of recurrences. CONCLUSIONS Topical imiquimod appears to be an excellent therapeutic option for LM. Close evaluation of patients, including posttherapy histopathologic investigation, is essential. Imiquimod can be added to the list of therapeutic approaches for carefully selected patients with LM.
Chitosan scaffolds with BMP-6 loaded alginate microspheres for periodontal tissue engineering

The aim of this study is to develop an effective growth factor releasing scaffold-microsphere system for promoting periodontal tissue engineering. Bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6)-loaded alginate microspheres in narrow size distribution were produced by optimising electrospraying conditions. The addition of these microspheres to chitosan gels produced a novel scaffold in which not only the pore sizes and interconnectivity were preserved, but also a controlled release vehicle was generated. Loading capacity was adjusted as 50 ng or 100 ng BMP-6 for each scaffold and the controlled release behaviour of BMP-6 from chitosan scaffolds was observed during seven days. Cell culture studies were carried out with rat mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow in three groups; chitosan scaffolds, chitosan scaffolds containing BMP-6-loaded alginate microspheres and chitosan scaffolds with free BMP-6 in culture medium. Results showed that controlled delivery of BMP-6 from alginate microspheres has a significant effect on osteogenic differentiation.
Images of the mind: studies with modern imaging techniques.

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 334 FUNCTIONAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES 335 Positron Emission Tomography 335 Blood Flow and Brain Function 335 Imaging Strategy : 336 STUDIES OF VERBAL RESPONSE SELECTION 337 Experimental Observations 337 Previous Imaging Studies of Learning 339 Contributions of Constituent Anatomy: Non-Automatic Circuit 342 Contributions of Constituent Anatomy: Automatic Circuit 344 Practical Implications 346 Theoretical Implications 348 FUTURE DIRECTIONS 350
Macroeconomic Models and the Determination of Crowding Out

The ongoing controversy between crowding out and Ricardian equivalence has led many economists to estimate more sophisticated macroeconomic models. Such models can involve the governments budget constraint, the public capital hypothesis or the impact of government expenditures on private contributions to public goods. This paper demonstrates that such models often lead to the same reduced form equations with identical econometric results. However, the interpretation of these empirical results will depend crucially on the underlying model. It is concluded that the resolution of the crowding out controversy involves, in part, a better understanding of the structural foundations of the macroeconomic economy.
Longitudinal associations among quality of life and its predictors in patients treated for prostate cancer: The moderating role of age

Abstract This study examined moderating effects of age on longitudinal associations among quality of life (QOL) and its demographic (e.g., age), clinical [e.g., prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level], and affective and cognitive predictors (i.e., distress, worries about recurrence, decisional regret, subjective life expectancy) in prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiation (N = 391). Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed at diagnosis, affective and cognitive variables at 6 months after diagnosis, and QOL at 12 months after diagnosis. Multiple-group analyses showed that among younger patients (≤68 years old, n = 199), lower levels of decisional regret were associated with better functional QOL, and lower Gleason scores and PSA levels were associated with lower levels of distress and longer expected survival time, respectively. Being employed was related to higher levels of functional QOL and frequent worries about recurrence. Among older patients (>68 years old, n = 192), lower levels of distress were associated with higher levels of functional QOL, and longer expected survival time was associated with better functional and physical QOL.
Quantitative tissue factor gene expression analysis in whole blood: development and evaluation of a real-time PCR platform.

Up-regulation of tissue factor (TF) expression in circulating blood cells, especially monocytes, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various thromboembolic diseases (1)(2)(3)(4). Measurement of TF expression in monocytes therefore might be helpful in the diagnosis of a hypercoagulable state (5)(6)(7). Monocytic TF expression can be measured on both the protein and RNA levels. Testing on the RNA level seems to be more appropriate than antigen testing to detect a procoagulant state because monocytes that already express functionally active TF on their membrane surfaces are rapidly cleared from the circulation (8). The aim of the present study was to develop a protocol for quantitative determination of TF mRNA transcripts in monocytes and other circulating blood cells. The method should be rapid, robust, and applicable in whole blood without the need for cell isolation. We developed a one-step quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR assay based on the real-time TaqMan® technology and evaluated the preanalytical conditions required for the use of TF mRNA measurements on a routine clinical basis as well as several normalization strategies, including normalization based on CD14 and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) reference gene expression. Finally, we measured baseline TF expression in healthy individuals and in thrombophilic patients. RNA calibrators for quantification were prepared by in vitro transcription of DNA hybrids that combined the T7 promoter sequence with the following sequences of TF, CD14, or GAPDH cDNA: for TF, bp 265–848 (GenBank accession no. M16553); for CD14, bp 18–564 (GenBank accession no. M86511); and for GAPDH, bp 8–525 (GenBank accession no. M33197). Generated RNAs were treated with DNase I (Roche) to remove the added DNA templates and purified by use of the RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen). RNA was quantified by photometric measurement ( A 260 reading of 1 = 44 …
What are the components of effective stroke unit care?

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of organized inpatient (stroke unit) care has been demonstrated in systematic reviews of clinical trials. However, the key components of stroke unit care are poorly understood. METHODS We conducted a survey of recent trials (published 1985-2000) of a stroke unit/ward which had demonstrated a beneficial effect consistent with the stroke unit systematic review. RESULTS We identified 11 eligible stroke unit trials of which the majority described similar approaches to i) assessment procedures (medical, nursing and therapy assessments), ii) early management policies (e.g. early mobilization; avoidance of urinary catheterization; treatment of hypoxia, hyperglycaemia and suspected infection), iii) ongoing rehabilitation policies (e.g. co-ordinated multidisciplinary team care, early assessment for discharge). CONCLUSIONS This survey provides a description of stroke unit care which can serve as a benchmark for general stroke patient care and future clinical research.
Prenatal Stress and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between exposure to life-threatening rocket attacks and spontaneous abortions (SAs). Study Design This is a historical cohort study comparing 1345 pregnancies of female residents of a town exposed to rocket attacks with 2143 pregnancies of female residents of an unexposed town. Demographic and medical data were obtained from hospital records and exposure information from official local databases. Intensity of exposure was calculated for preconception and pregnancy periods. Results Compared with unexposed group, women in the exposed group had higher rates of SA (6.9% versus 4.7%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.17–2.2, p = .003). Intensity of preconception and pregnancy exposure were nonlinearly associated with SA risk; both the highest and the lowest quintiles of exposure were associated with increased risk of SA. Conclusions Stress during preconception and pregnancy was associated with increased risk of SA.
The Neolithic quarries of Mont Viso, Piedmont, Italy: initial radiocarbon dates

Two groups of quarries (Mont Viso and Mont Beigua, Italy) were the source of the Alpine axeheads that circulated throughout western Europe during the Neolithic. The quarries on Mont Viso (Oncino: Porco, Bulè and Milanese), discovered in 2003, have been radiocarbon-dated, and this has revealed that the exploitation of jadeites, omphacitites and eclogites at high altitude (2000–2400 m above sea level) seems to have reached its apogee in the centuries around 5000 BC. The products, in the form of small axe- and adze-heads, were distributed beyond the Alps from the beginning of the fifth millennium, a few being found as far away as the Paris Basin, 550 km from their source as the crow flies. However, it was not until the mid-fifth millennium BC that long axeheads from Mont Viso appeared in the hoards and monumental tombs of the Morbihan, 800 km from the quarries. Production continued until the beginning of the third millennium BC, but at this time the distribution of the products was less extensive, and the process of distribution operated in a different way: tools made from jadeite and eclogite are still found in the French Jura, but the extraction sites at the south-east foot of Mont Viso no longer seem to have been used. The variability in the geographical extent of the distribution at different times seems to be related to the social context of exploitation of the high-altitude quarries, which were only ever accessible for a few months each year.
Influence of customer participation on information technology services

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how customer participation (CP) influences the two contrasting relationship maintenance mechanisms: dedication and constraint, and identifies its antecedents in the context of business-to-business information technology (IT) services. ,An empirical study was conducted through a survey of 126 firms receiving IT services in Taiwan. The partial least squares method was used to test the conceptual model of the study. ,The results indicated that CP positively relates to IT service quality, thereby influencing satisfaction (i.e. dedication). In addition, CP was also found to be positively associated with switching costs (i.e. constraint). Both satisfaction and switching costs have significant influences on loyalty. Furthermore, IT capabilities, organizational compatibility, and role clarity are positively related to CP. ,Longitudinal studies are needed to explore how CP affects the dual mechanisms in different phases of customer-firm relationships. ,The study contributes to a thorough understanding of the influences of CP on relationship maintenance.
Psychological profile related to malignant tumours of different histopathology

In a previous preoperative study of patients with gliomas, we made the original observation that patients with high grade as opposed to those with low‐grade gliomas have a psychological profile marked by extreme emotional reactivity. In this postoperative study of the psychological profiles of patients with breast cancer, the main funding was unexpectedly analogous with the findings in the brain tumour study. The patients with poorly differentiated ductal carcinomas showed a specific and, compared to the patients with well differentiated carcinomas, outstanding psychological profile marked by extreme emotional reactivity as well as by genuine creativity. Some of the present patients with well differentiated carcinomas showed personality profiles marked by compulsive inhibition, also described earlier in the literature of patients with breast cancer. The psychobiological relations between emotional reactivity and aggressiveness of tumour growth are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Application-Driven Improvement of the Drift–Diffusion Model for Carrier Transport in Decanano-Scaled CMOS Devices

This paper presents a quantum-mechanical modification of the conventional drift-diffusion model for simulation of quasi-ballistic carrier transport under high-field conditions. Thereby, the saturation velocity of charge carriers has been adjusted in dependence on the local electrostatic potential, so that adequate simulation results were obtained for different device dimensions, doping concentration, and supply voltage. The energy dissipation of the electrons has been taken into account by using a self-heating of the device in dependence on thermal material resistances. A good agreement to Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results has been reached for the suggested model.
Preliminary results of mitomycin C local application as post-treatment prevention of vaginal radiation-induced morbidity in women with cervical cancer.

PURPOSE To determine the usefulness of local mitomycin C application in the prophylaxis of vaginal narrowing after irradiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS 31 patients with advanced cervical cancer qualified for the study. They underwent brachytherapy with iridium-192 isotope and external beam therapy with linear accelerators. In a blind probe method 16 patients were chosen to have an aqueous solution of mitomycin C applied to the vagina. RESULTS Radiotherapy caused a shortening of vaginal length in both groups (study and control). In the "mitomycin C group" complete vaginal occlusion was visibly less frequent as were solid fibrotic vault changes. CONCLUSIONS This mode of morbidity prevention can potentially diminish the occurrence of local vaginal fibrosis and thus may improve patients' quality of life. Further investigations are needed to confirm these results.