cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ZnO Spintronics and Nanowire Devices

ZnO is a very promising material for spintronics applications, with many groups reporting room temperature ferromagnetism in films doped with transition metals during growth or by ion implantation. In films doped with Mn during PLD, we find an inverse correlation between magnetization and electron density as controlled by Sn doping. The saturation magnetization and coercivity of the implanted single-phase films were both strong functions of the initial anneal temperature, suggesting that carrier concentration alone cannot account for the magnetic properties of ZnO:Mn and factors such as crystalline quality and residual defects play a role. Plausible mechanisms for the ferromagnetism include the bound magnetic polaron model or exchange is mediated by carriers in a spin-split impurity band derived from extended donor orbitals. We will also review progress in ZnO nanowires. The large surface area of nanorods makes them attractive for gas and chemical sensing, and the ability to control their nucleation sites makes them candidates for micro-lasers or memory arrays. Single ZnO nanowire depletion-mode metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors exhibit good saturation behavior, threshold voltage of ∼-3V and a maximum transconductance of 0.3 mS/mm. Under UV illumination, the drain-source current increased by approximately a factor of 5 and the maximum transconductance was ∼ 5 mS/mm. The channel mobility is estimated to be ∼3 cm2 /V.s, comparable to that for thin film ZnO enhancement mode MOSFETs and the on/off ratio was ∼25 in the dark and ∼125 under UV illumination. Pt Schottky diodes exhibit excellent ideality factors of 1.1 at 25 °C, very low reverse currents and a strong photoresponse, with only a minor component with long decay times thought to originate from surface states. In the temperature range from 25–150 °C, the resistivity of nanorods treated in H2 at 400 °C prior to measurement showed an activation energy of 0.089 eV and was insensitive to the ambient used. By contrast, the conductivity of nanorods not treated in H2 was sensitive to trace concentrations of gases in the measurement ambient even at room temperature, demonstrating their potential as gas sensors. We have also made sensitive pH sensors using single ZnO nanowires.
The champions of capitalism? National leaders and the institutional channel

Economic growth can be attributed to national leaders in only a limited set of cases. We compare two sets of leaders identified in the literature – those whose growth rates are statistically greate...
Small-signal dynamic response of quantum-dot lasers with asymmetric barrier layers (Conference Presentation)

The small-signal dynamic response of quantum dot (QD) lasers with asymmetric barrier layers (ABLs) is studied. The modulation bandwidth of this novel type of laser is shown to have a maximum as a function of the dc component of the pump current and parameters of the structure. This provides a clear path for optimizing the laser structure to enhance its bandwidth. The effect of non-instantaneous capture of electrons and holes into QDs on the modulation bandwidth is studied. The maximum bandwidth and the optimum dc injection current at which it is attained are calculated as functions of the capture cross-section. The optimum dc injection current is shown to be considerably lower in ABL QD lasers as compared to conventional QD lasers, i.e., the maximum bandwidth is easier to attain in ABL QD lasers.
Addressing unsolved educational problems about linguistically diverse children: perspectives of early childhood educators in South Korea

Despite efforts to adopt inclusive education practices and foster cultural competence in classrooms across the globe, adequate training and shifts in teachers’ mindsets frequently seem to lag behin...
Towards Data-Enabled Career Planning with the Occupational Information Network (O*NET)

With recent advances in artificial intelligence, big data, and robotics, one of the concerns about the future of work is the impact of automation, and how it may replace human workers or tasks in jobs. This has spurred research contributions in the areas of career pathway planning, job transition tools, and job search software. In 1998, the U.S. Department of Labor - Employment & Training Administration collected and organized a wide variety of occupational information (e.g., job requirements, skills, education, etc.) to assist students, job seekers, and employers in their job search and recruitment efforts, and released it under the name O*NET (the Occupational Information Network). Since then, this database has grown to about 1,000 occupations, and has enabled a variety of web-based tools and services to link workers to jobs. We seek to bring awareness of these tools and services that have been developed using O*NET.
Producing Thailand as a transit country: borders, advocacy, and destitution

The space of the ‘transit country’ is increasingly depicted in policy and NGO rhetoric as a taken-for-granted space where migrants pass through on their way to seek protection in the Global North. ...
Determining Death and the Scope of Medical Obligations

Berkowitz and Garrett (2020) raise important arguments in favor of consent for apnea testing used in determining death by neurological criteria (DNC); and yet, a fundamental consideration is left u...
The ACTION Quality Improvement Collaborative: 2020 Annual Report

Purpose ACTION (Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network) is a multi-faceted quality improvement (QI) and research network with the goal of improving pediatric and congenital heart disease VAD and heart failure (HF) outcomes. This report describes ACTION initiatives. Methods ACTION includes QI, educational activities, and a data registry. Stakeholders include providers, patients and families, and industry partners. The core values of ACTION include collaboration and transparency. ACTION started in 2017, with data collection beginning in April 2018. This report utilizes ACTION data and describes selected completed and ongoing initiatives. Results The ACTION registry report is shared with sites as an interactive dashboard (refreshed monthly). A comprehensive data quality strategy includes data queries and adjudication of critical events. There are 50 US/Canadian sites in the network and 34 of the sites contribute data. There are additional international sites that participate in all activities except patient-level data collection. The registry includes 388 patients implanted with 511 devices with 51,411 device days. DCM (203) and CHD (143) are the major underlying diagnoses. EXCOR (148), HVAD (97), and HM3 (70), are the most common end devices. Survival is 91% (including ongoing support, transplant and wean). AE rates are: stroke 11%, bleeding 21%, and infection 26%. The dashboard allows intuitive examination of subgroups, e.g., stroke/bleeding rate in patients less than 10 kg/on a specific device. Initial QI projects include an initiative (ABC of stroke), that used a bundle of interventions to reduce stroke during VAD support; a discharge planning project; a telehealth support project; and a harmonization initiative to reduce burden of protocol development for sites. Additionally, a patient-facing education website about VAD/HF care is being deployed and a HF project is collecting baseline data for acute decompensated HF. ACTION data have been used to support regulatory (FDA) approval of selected devices. Conclusion ACTION, a collaborative, multi-stakeholder network, has undertaken numerous approaches to improve outcomes for children with HF and VADs. In keeping with the values of transparency and collaboration, the ACTION annual reports will be made available in their entirety in a patient-facing version, via the ACTION website.
Modelling the nonlinear shear stress-strain response of composites with metal and non-metal reinforcement

Abstract Hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites comprised of glass and steel fibers in a resin matrix have been shown to have increased strength and energy dissipation compared to conventional glass fiber-reinforced composites. However, methods for simulating the mechanical behavior of combinations of glass and steel hybrid composites have yet to be advanced. In this study, hybrid and non-hybrid composites with off-axis glass fibers were manufactured and extracted coupons subjected to half-cyclic tensile testing. Two user-defined material models were developed to simulate the hysteresis response of the hybrid composites in ABAQUS. The first material model is a continuum damage mechanics model that captures the glass fiber reinforced resin's nonlinear behavior. The second material model is a plasticity model that captures the ductile behavior of the stainless steel fibers. The models were robust enough to capture the energy dissipation of the nonlinear cyclic behavior of the hybrid and non-hybrid specimens. The models were capable of simulating the strain fields captured by digital image correlation during experiments. The model was used to evaluated hybrid composites with varying layup angles. These models provide insight into the hybrid glass/steel behavior and enable further exploration into the mechanical properties before composite fabrication.
Estimation of Surgical Resident Duty Hours and Workload in Real Time Using Electronic Health Record Data.

Objective To explore the use of electronic health record (EHR) data to estimate surgery resident duty hours and monitor real time workload. Design Retrospective analysis of resident duty hours logged using a voluntary global positioning system (GPS)-based smartphone application compared to duty hour estimates by an EHR-based algorithm. The algorithm estimated duty hours using EHR activity data and operating room logs. A dashboard was developed through Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles for real-time monitoring of workload. Setting Single tertiary/quaternary medical center general surgery residency program with approximately 90 categorical, preliminary, and integrated residents at eight clinical sites. Participants Categorical, preliminary, and integrated surgery residents of all clinical years who volunteered to pilot a GPS application to track duty hours. Results Of 2,623 work periods by 59 residents were logged with both methods. EHR-estimated work periods started later than GPS logs (median 0.3 hours, interquartile range [IQR] -0.1 - 0.3); EHR-estimated work periods ended earlier than GPS logs (median 0.1 hours, IQR -0.7 - 0.3); and EHR-estimated duty hour totals were less than totals logged by GPS (median -0.3 hours, IQR -0.8 - +0.1). Overall correlation between weekly duty hours logged by EHR and GPS was 0.79. Correlations between the 2 systems stratified from PGY-1 through PGY-5 were 0.76, 0.64, 0.82, 0.87, and 0.83, respectively. The algorithm identified six 80-hour workweek violations (averaged over 4 weeks), while GPS logs identified 8. EHR-based duty hours and operational data were integrated into a dashboard to enable real time monitoring of resident workloads. Conclusions EHR-based estimation of surgical resident duty hours has good correlation with GPS-based assessment of duty hours and identifies most workweek duty hour violations. This approach allows for dynamic workload monitoring and may be combined with operational data to anticipate and prevent duty hour violations, thereby optimizing learning.
Descriptions of Fluids and Plasmas

This chapter begins by introducing the simplest equations that are useful in describing high-energy-density systems (the Euler equations). It proceeds toward more complex models, introducing a range of forces and energy transport mechanisms, and ultimately treating the energy content of the electrons, ions, and radiation independently. Along the way it discusses linearization and the dimensionless analysis of differential equations. It then introduces multi-fluid models and kinetic models. The chapter includes a brief discussion of simulations. It leaves the treatment of magnetized plasmas and flows to Chap. 10 and of most aspects of radiation to Chaps. 6 through 8.
Geology of the Butler Cave—Sinking Creek System

The Butler Cave-Sinking Creek System is composed of a central trunk channel oriented along the axis of the Sinking Creek Syncline with dip-oriented side caves extending mostly up the western flank of the syncline. The overall patterns of the side caves are network mazes with orientations controlled by the local joint pattern. Much of the cave is in the Devonian Tonoloway Limestone with the two interbedded sandstones exerting an important influence. The result is two interconnected tiers of caves with a locally perched drainage system at the downstream end. The cave contains a complex boulder and cobble fill that seems to represent a rapid infilling event of pre-Wisconsinan age. There three streams in the cave all of which ultimately drain to Aqua Spring. The streams are undersaturated with respect to calcite and have low CO2 concentrations consistent with recharge from mountain runoff and from infiltration through thin organic-poor soils.
Every 4-Colorable Graph With Maximum Degree 4 Has an Equitable 4-Coloring

Chen et al., conjectured that for r≥3, the only connected graphs with maximum degree at most r that are not equitably r-colorable are Kr, r (for odd r) and Kr + 1. If true, this would be a joint strengthening of the Hajnal–Szemeredi theorem and Brooks' theorem. Chen et al., proved that their conjecture holds for r = 3. In this article we study properties of the hypothetical minimum counter-examples to this conjecture and the structure of “optimal” colorings of such graphs. Using these properties and structure, we show that the Chen–Lih–Wu Conjecture holds for r≤4. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 71:31–48, 2012 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coding and Reliable Packet Transmission

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Source Coding and Framing Techniques FEC Coding Coding for Spread‐Spectrum and Code‐Division Multiple Access Systems ARQ Schemes Flow Control Protocols Questions Problems
A Survey of Singular Value Decomposition Methods and Performance Comparison of Some Available Serial Codes

This contractor report describes a performance comparison of available alternative complete Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) methods and implementations which are suitable for incorporation into point spread function deconvolution algorithms. The report also presents a survey of alternative algorithms, including partial SVD's special case SVD's, and others developed for concurrent processing systems.
Randomized Control Trials

Randomized control trials (RCTs) are experiments that randomly assign participants to two or more groups to assess the effects of treatment (Shadish, Cook, & Campbell, 2002). Random assignment, when properly implemented and analyzed, yields effect estimates that are both unbiased and consistent. They are unbiased in that the expectation of the effect equals the effect in the population; thus, while any single trial might not yield exactly the right answer, the average over many similar RCTs will approach the right answer. They are consistent in that the effect in any given randomized experiment will approach the population effect as the sample size of the experiment increases. Therefore, large sample sizes in any single trial make it more likely that the results will be accurate. Keywords: counterfactual; control groups; masking; double blind; attrition; intent to treat
Not the usual story: the effect of candidate supply on models of Latino descriptive representation

Most of the literature on descriptive representation focuses on voters and the choices they make during an election. Missing from this scholarship, however, is a more complete picture of when and where minority candidates are on the ballot. In this study, we focus on the context in which Latinos are on the ballot in state legislative elections, and the relationship between winning and district composition. We present results using a unique data-set from the 2012 general elections that allows us to compare and contrast empirical analyses and predictions with and without the censoring effect of Latino candidate supply. The findings challenge the traditional role of majority–minority districts, and show quite decisively that descriptive representation is not only a demand problem, as it has been understood for the last few decades, but also a problem of minority candidate supply.
When Do Telomeres Matter

Cultured human and rodent cells divide a set number of times before they cease dividing, a process called replicative senescence. But how do they know when to stop dividing? It appears that human cells have a way to count the number of divisions they have undergone: They monitor the progressive shortening of the ends of their chromosomes with each division. However, rodent cells do not appear to have any intrinsic counting method. In their Perspective, Shay and Wright now reveal that rodent cells, when grown under the correct culture conditions, can divide continuously ( Mathon et al., Tang et al.). They propose that cells from long-lived humans and short-lived rodents have adopted different methods to respond to the insults that they accumulate through their lifetimes.
Sex Differences in Children's Art:

This paper examines the similarities and differences in the art of boys and girls aged six, seven, and eight. It is primarily concerned with the ways in which the subject matter of the children's a...
Versión estadunidense de la teoríade frontera: una críticadesde la etnografía

One ofthe most important debates about multiculturalism that is currently taking place in American academia delves on what is commonly known as "border st...
Trace Mineral Bioavailability in Ruminants

Absorption of selenium and copper is much lower in ruminants than in nonruminants. The low absorption of these minerals in ruminants is due to modifications that occur in the rumen environment. Selenium bioavailability is reduced by high dietary sulfur and the presence of cyanogenetic glycosides in certain legumes. Feeding organic selenium from selenomethionine or selenized yeast results in much higher tissue and milk selenium concentrations than are obtained with selenite. High dietary molybdenum in combination with moderate to high dietary sulfur results in formation of thiomolybdates in the rumen. Thiomolybdates greatly reduce copper absorption, and certain thiomolybdate species can be absorbed and interfere systemically with copper metabolism. Independent of molybdenum, high dietary sulfur reduces copper absorption perhaps via formation of copper sulfide. High dietary iron also reduces copper bioavailability. Dietary factors that affect bioavailability of zinc in ruminants are not well defined. Phytate does not affect zinc absorption in ruminants because microbial phytase in the rumen degrades phytate. Manganese is very poorly absorbed in ruminants, and limited research suggests that high dietary calcium and phosphorus may reduce manganese absorption.
Use of 1H-15N PEP-HSQC-TOCSY at natural abundance to facilitate the structure elucidation of naturally occurring peptides

Abstract The application of 1H-15N PEP-HSQC-TOCSY at natural abundance is demonstrated here on a 13 mM sample (0.048 mM 15N/position) of the biologically active linear tetradecapeptide bombesin (MW=1619.9) as a way to expedite the structural characterization of peptidic natural products.
A social network perspective of tourism research collaborations

Abstract The structure and the sociology of scientific collaborations are receiving increasing interest, especially in a world characterized by complex problems, dynamic growth of knowledge, and specialized areas of expertise. The primary objective of this study was to explore the patterns of collaborations in tourism research community. To this end, the authors apply social network analysis on co-authorship data obtained from top three tourism journals. The analysis revealed that even though the tourism researcher network is large and complex, it is dispersed in the form of several core groups of researchers who sometimes act as nodes in the network. Further, significant network characteristics, and the sociology behind their significance are presented and discussed.
Broadening of a resonant absorption line in the presence of simultaneous ion-ion and ion-electron relaxations: A first application of the continuous moments method

The modified method of moments for a continuous system is applied to a system of paramagnetic impurities which experience both magnetic relaxation via contact coupling to conduction-electron spins and also exchange interaction among the ions. It is shown that this technique reproduces the known linewidth dependence for each interaction in the absence of the other. A simple algebraic expression is derived here for the case where both interactions occur simultaneously. This result differs from the sums of those contributions used earlier. It exhibits a first application of the continuous method of moments. The application of this technique to more systems where electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in a quasicontinuous level scheme is also discussed.
The study of contact hole for 65nm node with KrF

The contact hole patterning has been huge challenge in the photolithography since sub-100nm node device. There are many difficulties for NA (Numerical Aperture) and illumination optimization, especially since dense and sparse contact holes are mixed in the same mask. The high NA and OAI (Off Axis Illumination) have strong improvements for pattern fidelity and process margin in case of dense contact holes but DoF (Depth of Focus) margin is a problem for sparse patterns. The lithography engineers have two ways to overcome these contact holes patterning problems. The one is using the resist techniques such as resist thermal flow, SAFIER (Shrink Assist Techniques for Enhanced Resolution), RELACS (Resolution Enhancement Lithography Assisted by Chemical Shrink) and the other is optimizing illumination and mask layout such as SRAF (Sub Resolution Assist Feature), OAI and PSM (Phase Shift Mask), double exposure. This paper will discuss contact hole patterning results using a combination OAI and SRAF with KrF.
Coolant contamination of sintered bronze parts

Abstract The problems encountered with sintered metal parts in printer magnet units and the analytical methods used to determine the failure mechanism and type of contamination present are discussed. These methods involved the use of Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and wet chemical techniques. The mechanical device employed for laboratory simulation of the failure mechanism is also discussed. This investigation indicates that a cutting fluid used to machine parts was the primary source of contamination. Residual cutting fluid in the presence of a sliding mating surface resulted in the formation of a viscous waxy build-up on the mating surfaces, which adversely influenced the motion of the print hammer.
Changes in collembolan species composition in Eastern German mine sites over fifty years of primary succession

Summary Brown-coal opencast mining provides a virgin soil substratum at a scale of square kilometres that is open to primary succession. Focusing on this process, we investigated changes in collembolan species composition in a long-term study that lasted almost 40 years (1960–1998) at mine sites, afforested with deciduous trees. The geological overburden, which characterises the soil quality, consisted mainly of Pleistocene and Tertiary sands, interspersed with lignite and dark Tertiary loam and clay. According to their appearance during the primary succession, we established eight colonising groups, representing 90 of 113 species found. Results from soil samples as well as from pitfall traps were taken into account for the definition of the groups. Thus, edaphic and epedaphic life forms were equally regarded. Generally, “initial”, “pioneer” and “woodland” groups were discernible. Largest changes in species composition occurred during the first ten years, as indicated by decreasing species turnover rates and increasing alpha diversity. A comparison with other (essentially shorter) studies on Collembola of mine sites (12 in Europe, 3 in other parts of the world) showed that some pioneer species are cosmopolitan whilst others seem to be regionally specific. Important events in the ecosystem development of mine sites, as indicated by the collembolan community, are the first occurrence of other humiphagous soil animal groups, especially that of earthworms, followed by a disappearance of the ectohumus layer. The similarity between collembolan communities of mine sites and of adjacent native woodlands is greatest ten years after afforestation. Fifty years after afforestation, the collembolan community still differed markedly from that of native stands. Thus, a gradual development of the mine site collembolan communities to a comparable native woodland community is not evident from the data.
Measurement of transferrin receptor kinetics in the baboon liver using dynamic positron emission tomography imaging and [18F]holo-transferrin

We have evaluated the use of [18F]holo-transferrin ([18F]Tf) and positron emission tomography (PET) to measure in vivo Tf receptor expression and recycling using the baboon liver as a model. [18F]Tf was intravenously injected in three baboons and dynamic PET was performed over the region containing liver and spleen. In two of the three baboons, [18F]albumin ([18F]Alb), labeled with the same technique, was administered 3 hours later. Time activity curves (TACs) were obtained from liver and spleen for both tracers. TACs for [18F]Tf over the liver were fit to a pharmacokinetic model including vascular radioactivity and an extravascular tissue compartment corresponding to transferrin uptake and release. [18F]Alb data provided an independent estimate of plasma volume. Kinetic analysis showed the presence of a tissue compartment for [18F]Tf that rapidly reaches equilibrium (half time 7-10 minutes). In this organ, the measured rates for Tf turnover obtained with quantitative PET are similar to previously published data using cell culture systems. A model for [18F]Tf in the spleen was not statistically improved by adding a tissue compartment. These data and the pharmacokinetic modeling provide in vivo evidence of a high flux equilibrium binding compartment in the liver, consistent with Tf internalization and recycling.
UV‐sensitive complex phosphorus: Association with dissolved humic material and iron in a bog lake1

The concentration of uv-sensitive complex phosphorus compounds in water from an acid bog lake was linearly related to the concentration of dissolved high molecular weight humic material (DHM) both seasonally and diurnally. The first-order rate of photoreduction (Fe/sup 3 +/ to Fe/sup 2 +/) of DHM..iron equaled the rate of release of orthophosphate (SRP) from these compounds. The rate of photoreduction of DHM..iron was the same as the rate of photoreduction of ferric citrate under similar conditions. Reduced DHM..iron was auto-oxidizable (Fe/sup 2 +/ to Fe/sup 3 +/); ferrous citrate was not. These data support the view that orthophosphate sorbed to ferric iron..DHM complexes may be released by a mechanism involving uv-induced photoreduction of ferric iron to the ferrous state.
Dissolution and pyritization of magnetite in anoxie marine sediments

Concentrations of magnetite were determined, with depth, in sediments of varying H2S content taken from Long Island Sound (FOAM, NWC, and Sachem sites) and from a site in the rapidly depositing subaqueous portion of the Mississippi Delta. For the three Long Island Sound sites, dissolution of magnetite during burial is clearly demonstrated, and for all four sites the rate of magnetite dissolution is proportional to the concentration of dissolved pore water sulfide. By combining magnetite depth distributions with sedimentation rate data and measurements of dissolved sulfide, we find that magnetite dissolution is well described by the following rate law: dCmagdt = -1.1× 10−5C0.5BCmagAmag where Cmag is the concentration of magnetite (grams per gram of sediment), Cs is the concentration of dissolved sulfide (mM), and Amag is the specific surface area of magnetite in the sediment (cm2 per gram of magnetite.) This equation means that, for a typical range of magnetite surface areas and dissolved sulfide concentrations, the “half-life” of magnetite in anoxic marine sediments ranges from about 50 to 1000 years. SEM observations of magnetite grains from the different sediment sites reveal that magnetite dissolution may be accompanied by extensive replacement by pyrite. This only occurs if magnetite is in contact with high concentrations of H2S (>1 mM) for relatively long periods of time (several hundred years). With low concentrations of H2S (<1 mM) magnetite dissolution occurs without identifiable pyrite replacement. We suggest that this feature of magnetite diagenesis may prove to be a useful paleosulfide indicator.
Copper and Iron: A landmark connection of two essential metals

Research in the past millennium gave us formidable advances in the fields of Cu nutrition, biochemistry, animal and human health. Insights into Cu-Fe interactions highlighted much significant advancement. The recognition that Cu was an essential mineral for Fe metabolism and hemoglobin biosynthesis traces back to a paper by Hart et al. at Wisconsin appearing in the first third of the century. This observation came at a time when the only known function of Cu was that of a constituent of hemocyanin pigment in some mollusks and crustacea. The Wisconsin group's studies were preceded by McHargue's work, which introduced glass-lined cages to study trace mineral function, and in so doing, provided the first experimental evidence for Mn, Cu, and Zn essentiality. Here, we review the details of the experiments by Hart et al. that led to the discovery of copper's interconnection with Fe and important papers that have since given mechanistic clarity to the interaction. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 14:207–210, 2001.
Invited manuscript poster on renal-related education American Society of Nephrology, Nov. 16-21, 2010. Nephrology teaching tool: anagrams.

AbstractAt our institution we have developed unique ways of teaching nephrology and attracting medical students and residents to the field of nephrology. One of the ways we have achieved this is doing talks and sessions using puzzles. This teaching tool was designed to enhance resident learning and to complement resident’s role as a teacher, while they were on their nephrology elective. Here we present a sample “anagram” and how it was used to teach the medical residents.
A Pyramidal Image Coder with Contour-Based Interpolative Vector Quantization

The Laplacian pyramid is a versatile data structure that represents an image as a sequence of spatially filtered and decimated versions of the original image. To obtain an expanded approximation from the processed decimated samples, linear interpolation is commonly used due to its computational simplicity; however, linear interpolation does not consider the gray-level change in the neighborhood of each interpolated pixel, and thus creates unpleasant staircase effects near edges and visually annoying blocking effects in shade regions. This paper proposes a new pyramidal image coding algorithm using contour-based interpolative vector quantization (VQ) to obtain a perceptually better interpolated image through the use of edge information at each level of the pyramid. The basic idea is to code the image using VQ on a level-by-level basis in the hierarchical structure. The decimation implies that the redundancy existing over large image areas can be efficiently exploited by VQ of a low dimension. In order to improve the quality of the reconstructed image, an adaptive corrector stage is added at the final stage of the pyramid to selectively encode the residual errors as needed. The locations for correction are hierarchically predicted using the previously encoded data at the higher levels. The above scheme is a very efficient combination of VQ and contour-based interpolation in the hierarchical pyramid structure, and is amenable to progressive image transmission. Experimental results show that good reconstructed images are obtained at 0.25 bits per pixel with a reasonable coding complexity.
Interventions to Improve the Management of Medically Uninsured Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care, Community-Based Settings

viii CHAPTERS CHAPTER 1 – Introduction 1 CHAPTER 2 – Theoretical Framework and Review of Literature 12 CHAPTER 3 – Method 37 CHAPTER 4 – Findings 45 CHAPTER 5 – Discussion 51 REFERENCES 68 AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT 82 ACRONYM LIST 83 APPENDICES APPENDIX A DIABETES CLINICAL ALGORITHM 85 APPENDIX B PATIENT REPORT CARD 86 APPENDIX C CHART AUDIT FORM 87 APPENDIX D – ASSESSMENT OF READINESS TO CHANGE 88 APPENDIX E – INTERVENTIONS TO FACILITATE STAGES OF CHANGE 89 APPENDIX F – INCLUDED LITERATURE & RECOMMENDATIONS 91
Effect of primary capsulotomy with extracapsular surgery on the incidence of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema

We performed a prospective randomized study of 288 patients to assess the effect of primary capsulotomy on the angiographic incidence of cystoid macular edema in patients undergoing extracapsular surgery with implantation of an intraocular lens. Patients either had a primary capsulotomy or the posterior capsule remained intact immediately following uneventful posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Of the 288 patients, 183 (63%) underwent fluorescein angiography. Angiographically confirmed cystoid macular edema occurred significantly more often in the primary capsulotomy group (20 of 93 patients) than in the intact capsule group (four of 71 patients), for an incidence of 21.5% vs 5.6% (P =.003). The cystoid macular edema appeared milder in the intact capsule group; all the patients with angiographically confirmed cystoid macular edema achieved visual acuities of 20/50 or better. The presence of cystoid macular edema made no difference on visual outcome in the intact capsule group. In contrast, the patients with angiographically confirmed cystoid macular edema in the primary capsulotomy group had significantly worse vision than those who did not have cystoid macular edema (P
The ZP domain is a conserved module for polymerization of extracellular proteins

Many eukaryotic extracellular proteins share a sequence of unknown function, called the zona pellucida (ZP) domain. Among these proteins are the mammalian sperm receptors ZP2 and ZP3, non-mammalian egg coat proteins, Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), glycoprotein-2 (GP-2), alpha- and beta-tectorins, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor III and endoglin, DMBT-1 (deleted in malignant brain tumour-1), NompA (no-mechanoreceptor-potential-A), Dumpy and cuticlin-1 (refs 1,2). Here, we report that the ZP domain of ZP2, ZP3 and THP is responsible for polymerization of these proteins into filaments of similar supramolecular structure. Most ZP domain proteins are synthesized as precursors with carboxy-terminal transmembrane domains or glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. Our results demonstrate that the C-terminal transmembrane domain and short cytoplasmic tail of ZP2 and ZP3 are not required for secretion, but are essential for assembly. Finally, we suggest a molecular basis for dominant human hearing disorders caused by point mutations within the ZP domain of alpha-tectorin.
Intracellular Gene Transfer in Rats by Tail Vein Injection of Plasmid DNA

In this study, we examined the effect of various factors on gene delivery efficiency of tail vein injection of plasmid DNA into rats. We measured the level of reporter gene expression in the internal organs including the lung, heart, spleen, kidney, and liver as function of injection volume, injection time, and DNA dose. Persistency of reporter gene expression in transfected animals was also examined. We demonstrated that plasmid delivery to rats by the tail vein is effective as long as the volume of injected DNA solution is adjusted to 7-8% of body weight with an injection time of less than 10 s. With the exception of a short-term increase in serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase and transient irregularity in cardiac function during and soon after the injection, the procedure is well tolerated. Lac Z staining of the liver from transfected animals showed approximately 5-10% positive cells. Persistency test for transgene expression in animals using plasmid carrying cDNA of human alpha 1 antitrypsin gene driven by chicken beta actin gene promoter with CMV enhancers showed peak level of transgene product 1 day after the injection followed by a gradual decline with time. Peak level was regained by a second injection performed on day 38 after the first injection. These results show that tail vein injection is an effective means for introducing plasmid DNA into liver cells in rats. We believe that this procedure will be extremely useful for gene function studies in the context of whole animal in rats.
Catalytic and kinetic properties of purified high-affinity cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase from dog kidney.

Abstract High-affinity cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase purified to homogeneity from dog kidney was studied with respect to its stability, its catalytic and kinetic properties, and its sensitivity to pharmacological agents. The enzyme was shown to rapidly lose activity upon dilution to low protein concentrations in aqueous media, but this activity loss was largely prevented by the presence of bovine serum albumin or ethylene glycol. Similarly, maximum activity required bovine serum albumin to be present during incubation for activity analysis. Enzyme activity required a divalent cation; Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Co 2+ each supported activity, but highest activity was obtained with Mg 2 . The temperature optimum ranged from 30 to 45 °C and depended on substrate concentration; the E a = 10,600 cal/mol. The pH optimum of the enzyme was broad, with a maximum from pH 8.0 to 9.5. The enzyme exhibits linear Michaelis-Menton kinetics for hydrolysis of cyclic AMP at all substrate concentrations tested and for hydrolysis of cyclic GMP at > 20 μ m . The K m for cyclic AMP hydrolysis was 2 μ m , and that for cyclic GMP hydrolysis was 312 μ m . The K i values for the competitive inhibition of hydrolysis of each substrate by the other were similar to their K m values suggesting a single active site. Cyclic AMP hydrolysis was weakly inhibited by cyclic GMP, cyclic IMP, adenine, and adenosine, but was not inhibited by the mono-, di, or trinucleotides of adenosine, guanosine, or inosine. Activity was competitively inhibited with K i values in the micromolar range by drugs representative of methylxanthines, isoquinolines, pyrazolopyridines, imidazolidinones, triazolopyrimidines, pyridylethylenediamines, phenothiazines, and calcium antagonists. The results are discussed with reference to the similarities and differences between high- and low-affinity phosphodiesterase forms.
Surge of T-Wave Alternans in the Absence of Heart-Rate Acceleration: A New Predictor of Sustained Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Low Ejection Fraction?

Background T-wave alternans (TWA), a proarrhythmic form of repolarization instability, is usually observed in the setting of increased heart rate (HR). It is unknown, however, whether TWA can occur in the absence of HR acceleration before the onset of spontaneous, sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA). Methods We examined ambulatory ECGs with spontaneous, sustained (>30 seconds, rate >100 bpm) VTA during 1 hour before the event; 34 patients had continuous, beat-to-beat HR and TWA data for ≥60 minutes (21% female, 65 ± 8 years; 87% had ischemic heart disease; ejection fraction [EF] 32 ± 17%). The data were averaged in 10-minute intervals. For consistency, TWA was analyzed using both spectral and time-domain methods as previously described. Results Overall, both HR and TWA increased in the hour before the event in the studied group. Sixteen patients (47%) had concomitant increase in HR and TWA. In 10 patients (29%), TWA increased without HR acceleration (HR-independent TWA). These patients had a twofold lower EF than the rest of the patients (median EF: 15% and 35%; interquartile ranges of EF: 27% and 22%, respectively, P = .018). The time of occurrence, duration, and cycle length of the events associated with HR-independent TWA were similar to those for the rest of the events. Conclusions An isolated increase in TWA in the absence of HR acceleration precedes the onset of VTA in patients with low EF. Chronically enhanced sympathetic activity and exhausted repolarization reserve may contribute to this phenomenon. Predictive value of HR-independent TWA warrants further study.
From Communicative Competence to Symbolic Competence

about a culture's multiple facets were to become the chief goal of FL programs at all levels, from beginners to graduate students. We, like other disciplines in colleges and universities, would be engaging our students in obtaining new knowledge about content and communicating an analysis of how that content operates. That is a claim we are hard pressed to make with current definitions of communicative competence because without content and analytical thinking applied to that content, language competence, no matter how communicative, remains essentially self-referential.
Structures of sound and image in the rules of the game

(1982). Structures of sound and image in the rules of the game. Quarterly Review of Film Studies: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 211-224.
Analysis of mouse Evx genes: Evx-1 displays graded expression in the primitive streak.

Abstract Two mouse genes, Evx-1 and Evx-2 , each encoding a homeodomain closely related to that of the Drosophila evenskipped gene were isolated using a PCR-based strategy. The structure and sequence of these genes are described. Mapping studies localized Evx-1 to chromosome 6, near the Hox-1 gene cluster, and Evx-2 to chromosome 2, near the Hox-4 cluster. The evolutionary implications of these linkages are discussed. RNA in situ hybridization analysis of Evx expression in embryos demonstrated a striking pattern of Evx-1 expression during gastrulation, whereas Evx-2 RNA could not be detected at any stage by this technique. Evx-1 RNA is first detected shortly before the onset of gastrulation in a region of ectoderm containing cells that will soon be found in the primitive streak. This localized expression of Evx-1 provides the first molecular evidence for regional differences in the mouse embryonic ectoderm before gastrulation. Throughout gastrulation, Evx-1 expression is limited to cells near and within the streak and that expression is graded, with a posterior-to-anterior decrease in the level of RNA. Based on fate-mapping studies indicating that different types of mesoderm emerge from different regions of the primitive streak and our observation that high levels of expression are localized to the region that will give rise to extraembryonic and ventral mesoderm, we speculate that Evx-1 plays a role in the dorsoventral specification of mesodermal cell fate.
Imaging of atypical choroid plexus papillomas

The authors report a rare case of benign choroid plexus papilloma arising in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) in a 34-year-old man. Atypical features are described. This is the fourth case of MR evaluation of such tumor in available literature and the second case in the United States. Differential diagnosis is discussed. Choroid plexus papilloma should be considered among calcified, vascular, enhancing masses of CPA even in adulthood. The authors also report an unusual case of choroid plexus carcinoma.
F box protein FBXL2 exerts human lung tumor suppressor-like activity by ubiquitin-mediated degradation of cyclin D3 resulting in cell cycle arrest

Dysregulated behavior of cell cycle proteins and their control by ubiquitin E3 ligases is an emerging theme in human lung cancer. Here, we identified and characterized the activity of a novel F-box protein, termed FBXL2, belonging to the SCF (Skip-Cullin1-F-box protein) E3 ligase family. Ectopically expressed FBXL2 triggered G2/M-phase arrest, induced chromosomal anomalies and increased apoptosis of transformed lung epithelia by mediating polyubiquitination and degradation of the mitotic regulator, cyclin D3. Unlike other F-box proteins that target phosphodegrons within substrates, FBXL2 uniquely recognizes a canonical calmodulin (CaM)-binding motif within cyclin D3 to facilitate its polyubiquitination. CaM bound and protected cyclin D3 from FBXL2 by direct intermolecular competition with the F-box protein for access within this motif. The chemotherapeutic agent vinorelbine increased apoptosis of human lung carcinoma cells by inducing FBXL2 expression and cyclin D3 degradation, an effect accentuated by CaM knockdown. Depletion of endogenous FBXL2 stabilized cyclin D3 levels, accelerated cancer cell growth and increased cell viability after vinorelbine treatment. Last, ectopic expression of FBXL2 significantly inhibited the growth and migration of tumorogenic cells and tumor formation in athymic nude mice. These observations implicate SCFFBXL2 as an indispensible regulator of mitosis that serves as a tumor suppressor.
Genette meets Vygotsky: narrative embedding and distributed intelligence

Framed tales, or stories within stories, have garnered considerable attention from theorists of narrative in recent years. By and large, however, story analysts have not sought to account for why the practice of narrative embedding has persisted so long - or why it is so widespread - in the world’s folk traditions and written literatures. Using William Wordsworth’s The Ruined Cottage as its tutor-text, this article advances a broadly cognitive explanation for the pervasiveness and persistence of narrative embedding across so many different storytelling situations. My central claim is that, in conjunction with the cognitive activities of their interpreters, framed narratives such as The Ruined Cottage constitute intelligent systems - systems that both stage and facilitate the process of shared thinking about past events and about one’s own and other minds. Such systems propagate experiential frames - specifically, the experiences of character-narrators - across time and space. By contrast, in a story that ...