cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy connectivity clustering with radial basis kernel functions

This method clusters data when the number of classes is unknown. We partition a data set with a Gaussian radial basis kernel function on pairs of feature vectors from a reduced sample to obtain a fuzzy connectivity matrix. The matrix entries are fuzzy truths that the row-column vector pairs belong to the same classes. To reduce the matrix size when the data set is large, we obtain a smaller set of representative vectors by first grouping the feature vectors into many small pre-clusters based on a new robust similarity measure. Then we use the pre-cluster centers as the reduced sample. We next map pairs of the centers via the kernel function to form the connectivity matrix entries of fuzzy values from which we determine the classes and the number of classes. Afterward, when an unknown feature vector is input for recognition, we find its nearest pre-cluster center and assign that center's class to the unknown vector. We demonstrate the method first on a simple set of linearly nonseparable synthetic data to show how it works and then apply it to the well-known difficult iris data. We also apply it to the more substantial and noisy Wisconsin breast cancer data.
XPS study of the surface reaction between Au and Ar+ ion treated polyimide

Abstract The effect of Ar+ ion treatment of a polyimide surface on its reaction with vapor deposited Au has been investigated. Ion beam treatment was performed on PMDA-ODA samples precured in a N2 furnace and annealed in ultra-high vacuum. Sample surfaces were exposed to doses from 1 × 1012 to 1 × 1016 ions/cm2. Polymer surfaces were treated prior to Au deposition and characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, Au was deposited on freshly annealed but untreated polymer surfaces, and this interface was then exposed to Ar+ ion treatment. We have found that furnace cured polyimide samples can be used to follow chemical changes, and that low ion dose in the range of 1013 to 1014 ions/cm2 is required for XPS to be effective in monitoring chemical interaction in these systems. It is found that ion treatment enhances chemical interaction between Au and the polymer.
Developmental biology: a hair-raising tale.

Signals from the external microenvironment or 'niche' determine the fate of stem cells. In the hair follicle, stem cells themselves seem to act as a niche for the adjoining muscle cells that cause goosebumps.
Phases in strongly coupled electronic bilayer liquids

The strongly correlated liquid state of a bilayer of charged particles has been studied via the hypernetted chain calculation of the two-body functions. We report the first time emergence of a series of structural phases, identified through the behavior of the two-body functions.
Influence of micronutrients on growth and yield of potatoes

These sudies were made to determine possibility of micronutrients limiting potato yield when high levels of nitrogen with adequate phosphorus and potassium were used. The results indicated that micronutrients had no significant influence on plant characters and yield of potatoes under conditions of experiments. Application of 75 lb P2O5 with 300 lb N/acre significantly increased yield over 300 lb N/acre alone. An adequate level of potassium (75 lb K2O/acre) was desirable when a level of 300 lb N/acre was used.
Hepatic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Regulates Recruitment of Rat Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell Progenitor Cells

Background & Aims After liver injury, bone marrow–derived liver sinusoidal endothelial cell progenitor cells (BM SPCs) repopulate the sinusoid as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). After partial hepatectomy, BM SPCs provide hepatocyte growth factor, promote hepatocyte proliferation, and are necessary for normal liver regeneration. We examined how hepatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates recruitment of BM SPCs and their effects on liver injury. Methods Rats were given injections of dimethylnitrosamine to induce liver injury, which was assessed by histology and transaminase assays. Recruitment of SPCs was analyzed by examining BM SPC proliferation, mobilization to the circulation, engraftment in liver, and development of fenestration (differentiation). Results Dimethylnitrosamine caused extensive denudation of LSECs at 24 hours, followed by centrilobular hemorrhagic necrosis at 48 hours. Proliferation of BM SPCs, the number of SPCs in the bone marrow, and mobilization of BM SPCs to the circulation increased 2- to 4-fold by 24 hours after injection of dimethylnitrosamine; within 5 days, 40% of all LSECs came from engrafted BM SPCs. Allogeneic resident SPCs, infused 24 hours after injection of dimethylnitrosamine, repopulated the sinusoid as LSECs and reduced liver injury. Expression of hepatic VEGF messenger RNA and protein increased 5-fold by 24 hours after dimethylnitrosamine injection. Knockdown of hepatic VEGF with antisense oligonucleotides completely prevented dimethylnitrosamine-induced proliferation of BM SPCs and their mobilization to the circulation, reduced their engraftment by 46%, completely prevented formation of fenestration after engraftment as LSECs, and exacerbated dimethylnitrosamine injury. Conclusions BM SPC recruitment is a repair response to dimethylnitrosamine liver injury in rats. Hepatic VEGF regulates recruitment of BM SPCs to liver and reduces this form of liver injury.
A Contribution to the Theory of Welfare Accounting

A kind of “unified theory” is proposed as a dynamic generalization of the standard consumer-surplus methodology for evaluating welfare changes. The “unified theory” allows rigorous dynamic welfare comparisons to be inferred between any two economic situations—from just knowing current incomes and observing a short-run market demand schedule. Essentially, the change in present discounted future utility is exactly captured by the formula: difference in current income plus consumer surplus. This well-known formula is thereby shown to cover a far wider class of welfare comparisons than is customarily treated in the textbook static case.
Dose correction strategy for the optimization of volumetric modulated arc therapy.

Purpose: Dose calculation during optimization of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is necessarily simplified to keep computation time manageably low; however the approximations used in the scatter dose calculation lead to discrepancy with more accurate dose calculation following optimization. The purpose of this study is to develop a dose correction strategy in optimization that can minimize the disagreement. Methods: VMAT delivery is modeled using a number of static equispaced beams. Dose correction factors ( C i j ) are associated with each beam i and point j inside the region of interest. C i j is calculated as the ratio of dose obtained from the full scatter dose calculation over that from the partial scatter dose calculation in optimization. VMAT optimization algorithm is a multiple resolution approach. The dose correction factors are calculated at the beginning of each resolution and applied as multiplicative corrections to the partial scatter dose during optimization. Clinical cases for brain, prostate, paraspinal, and esophagus are utilized to evaluate the method. Treatment plans created with and without the correction scheme are normalized such that the complication rates of organs at risk (OARs) are comparable. The resulting planning target volume (PTV) mean doses are used to compare plan quality. Results: The difference between the dose calculated at the end of optimization and at the end of the final forward dose calculation is reduced from 7% and 5% for the PTV and OAR mean doses without correction to approximately 1% with correction. Applying dose correction during optimization saves planners 2–4 h in average in treatment planning, and has a positive impact on plan quality, evidenced by a noticeably higher PTV mean dose: 2.1%, 2.4%, 0.5%, and 9.3% of the corresponding prescription dose in the brain, esophagus, prostate, and paraspinal cases, respectively. Conclusions: When dose correction is applied during optimization,dose discrepancies between optimization and full dose calculation are reduced. Integrating dose correction in VMAT optimization allows planners to adjust the optimization constraints more easily and confidently during optimization and has the potential to improve plan quality.
So Far from Heaven: David Alfaro Siqueiros' The March of Humanity and Mexican Revolutionary Politics

List of plates Acknowledgements Introduction 1. The Mexican Revolution: 1910-1971 2. Siqueiros 3. The March of Humanity on Earth and Toward the Cosmos inauguration and analysis 4. The criticism 5. Content Notes Bibliography Index.
Developmental changes in calretinin expression in GABAergic and nonGABAergic neurons in monkey striate cortex

The development of the calcium-binding protein calretinin (CaR) and its co-localization with GABA was studied in the striate cortex of Macaca monkeys from fetal day (Fd) 45 to adult. At Fd45, early neurons resembling Cajal-Retizus cells are stained in the marginal zone (MZ). At Fd55 the MZ is filled with CaR+ Cajal-Retzius cells and their processes, and scattered CaR+ cells are also found in deep cortical plate (CP), intermediate zone (IZ), and subventricular zone (SVZ). At Fd66, a band of CaR+ fibers appears in the IZ, corresponding to the location of the geniculocortical axons. This fiber band labels heavily until Fd130 but then ceases to be immunoreactive by postnatal (P) 16 weeks. At Fd85–101, the number of CaR+ cells in the CP, SVZ, and ventricular zone (VZ) reaches its highest cell density. After Fd130, CaR+ cells are concentrated in layer II and upper layer III, and this distribution changes little into adulthood. After mid-gestation, there is a progressive loss of CaR+ cell bodies and processes in the MZ, and these are rare in the adult cortex. Just before birth, a weakly stained CaR+ cell band appears in layer NA at the border between layer NA and IVB, but this band disappears immediately after birth. Another CaR+ cell band appears transiently in upper layer V just below the border with layers IV at P6 months. These results suggest that CaR is expressed early in fetal development in the cell populations that are immunoreactive for CaR in the adult. However, developmental events related to cortical maturation during late prenatal and early postnatal stages result in transient expression of CaR in neurons that are not immunoreactive for CaR in the adult. CaR-immunoreactivity is colocalized with GABA in almost all CaR+ cells with the exception of Cajal-Retzius cells in the MZ and some large cells observed at Fd70–101 in the VZ. The band of CaR+ fibers in the IZ is GABA-. At Fd90, almost all (>96%) CaR+ cells are GABA+ in the CP and he first developed layers V/VI. This percentage declines later, so that on average 80% of CaR+ cells are GABA+ in adult cortex. At Fd135, 53% of GABA+ neurons located in layers II/III are CaR+; this percentage declines to 37% in the adult. These double-label patterns suggest that early in fetal development the majority of GABA+ cells stain for CaR and that expres of CaR may be related to the migration of these neurons into the cortical plate, Once they attain their final position in the cortex many GABA+ cells loose CaR-immunoreactivity, so that in postnatal life only a minority of GABA+ neurons contain this calcium-binding protein. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MO-B-351-01: Dual Energy CT: Physics Principles

Recent advances in CT scanner technologies have generated a great deal of interest in dual energy CT. The basic research on the fundamental principles, however, dates back to the 1970's, and that work in turn was based in part on even earlier work on x‐ray absorptiometry. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the basic physics principles of multi‐energy x‐ray methods for material characterization, and the strengths and limitations of the techniques and the various implementations. A single energy CTimage cannot possibly fully characterize materials. At best it is an image of the linear attenuation coefficient at one energy, and it is well‐known that this does not uniquely identify the tissue. The x‐ray attenuation of materials with different atomic numbers has different energy dependence, and the concept behind multi‐energy imaging is to measure the x‐ray attenuation properties at different energies to more fully characterize the material. At first glance one might assume that measurements at N energies would enable the separation of the object into N component materials. However, an important limitation to the ability of x‐ray attenuation measurements to fully characterize materials is the fact that in the diagnostic energy range the attenuation of all materials is dominated by Compton scattering and photoelectric absorption, and, unless there is an absorption edge in the energy range used, these x‐ray interaction mechanisms have the same energy dependence for all materials. Under these conditions, there are really only two “basis functions” and multi‐energy CT essentially measures the effective atomic number and the electron density of the material. This leaves us with considerable residual ambiguity as to what the material is. Also, measurementnoise limits the ability to measure small changes in atomic number. The main requirement for dual energy CT is to measure projection data using two x‐ray spectra. There are several implementations available. These include systems that obtain measurements at multiple kVp and/or filtration. There are also methods in which the x‐ray energy discrimination is performed at the detector. These include layered detectors and photon countingsystems with energy analysis. These various approaches to obtaining energy dependent measurements have different dose efficiency and different sensitivity to subject motion. There are two main ways to process the multi‐energy data. The simplest method reconstructsCTimages from the data with each spectrum and performs the multi‐energy analysis on the values in the reconstructed images. The energy dependent processing can alternatively be applied to the measured projections prior to reconstruction. This latter method is somewhat more complicated but provides additional benefits, such as an implicit beam hardening correction. Research sponsored by GE Healthcare.
Traumatized youth in residential treatment settings: Prevalence, clinical presentation, treatment, and policy implications

Children and adolescents with histories of traumatic exposure comprise a substantial portion of youth in residential treatment programs. However, until recently, little has been known about this specific population. Given the well-documented unique treatment considerations for traumatized youth, it is important to understand how the distinct needs of this population factor into the particular residential treatment setting approach. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of this vulnerable youth population, the impact trauma exposure can have on their clinical presentation and response to treatment, and the available empirical research regarding effective intervention strategies. In addition, policy implications specific to traumatized youth receiving treatment in residential settings are discussed.
The steiner problem in graphs

An algorithm for solving the Steiner problem on a finite undirected graph is presented. This algorithm computes the set of graph arcs of minimum total length needed to connect a specified set of k graph nodes. If the entire graph contains n nodes, the algorithm requires time proportional to n3/2 + n2 (2k-1 - k - 1) + n(3k-1 - 2k + 3)/2. The time requirement above includes the term n3/2, which can be eliminated if the set of shortest paths connecting each pair of nodes in the graph is available.
A Peek Inside the “Black Box” of Top Executive Decision-Making: A Mediated Model of Devil’s Advocacy

This paper contributes to research regarding the “black box” of top management team (TMT) decision-making and its impact on strategic outcomes. Although devil’s advocacy is a widely used and well r...
J3: High payload histogram neutral JPEG steganography

Steganography is the art of secret communication between two parties that not only conceals the contents of a message but also its existence. Steganalysis attempts to detect the existence of embedded data in a steganographically altered cover file. Many algorithms have been proposed, but so far each has some weakness that has allowed its effects to be detected, usually through statistical analysis of the image. In this paper, we propose a different approach to JPEG steganography that provides high embedding capacity with zero-deviant histogram restoration. Our algorithm, named J3, uses stop points in its header structure that allows it to restore the histogram completely, making its detection impossible by any first order steganalysis. It gives better results with higher order steganalysis when compared to F5, Outguess and Steghide. As far as we know, there is no existing algorithm that can provide as high an embedding payload with complete histogram restoration.
Resection of Infected Ventricular Aneurysm (Salmonella) Following Septic Saddle Embolus

Bacterial infection (Salmonella enteritidis) of left ventricular true and false aneurysm in a 62-year-old man was followed by septic saddle embolus. The septic saddle embolus was removed and the aneurysm was later resected with coronary bypass grafting. The patient is alive with satisfactory function over 5 years postoperatively.
Prevention and Treatment of Bone Changes Associated with Exposure to Glucocorticoids

Rheumatologic diseases are associated with a proinflammatory state, which is thought to lead to many of the bone changes seen in treatment-naive patients. However, glucocorticoids remain a common treatment option for rheumatologic diseases and are known to have a negative impact on bone through direct effects on bone cells and indirect effects on calcium absorption. Despite the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids, fracture risk rises within the first 3 months of treatment. As such, osteoporosis prevention and treatment needs to be considered in all patients started on chronic glucocorticoids (≥3 months of treatment). For very low risk patients, conservative management with non-pharmacologic strategies may be appropriate. For the moderate to high fracture risk patients treated with glucocorticoids, pharmacologic treatment with 1 of the 4 approved medications should be considered. The challenge of educating physicians and patients of the risks of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis remain.
Assignment of the glyoxalase II gene ( HAGH ) to human chromosome 16

The human and rodent forms of glyoxalase II (Hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase, HAGH) can readily be separated by starch gel electrophoretic procedures. Fifty-one human-rodent somatic cell hybrid clones were examined for their human HAGH and for human enzyme markers whose genes are encoded on each autosome and the X chromosome. Sixteen clones were also examined for their human karyotypes. Human glyoxalase II segregated only with chromosome 16, demonstrating that the gene is located on this chromosome.
The relation of personality types to physiological, behavioural, and cognitive processes

Three personality types, labeled resilient, over‐controlled, and under‐controlled, were identified through cluster analysis of classroom observations of 63 children, and used to understand biologic...
Water vapour uptake by diapausing eggs of a tropical walking stick

. This study is the first to demonstrate the capacity of an arthropod egg, that of a tropical walking stick Extatosoma tiaratum (Macleuy), to absorb water vapour from the air. This species diapauses both as an early embryo and then again as a pharate first instar larva, and both stages are capable of absorbing water vapour. Water vapour absorption occurs at lower humidities and at a lower rate for an egg in early embryonic diapause (c. av 0.30, 0.516 mg h-1δv-1) than in the diapausing pharate first instar (c. av 0.60, 0.725 mgh-1δav-1) at 25dC. In addition to having the capacity to gain water at very low vapour activities, water is efficiently conserved as indicated by the low rate of water loss (0.015% h-1 in the early embryo and 0.046% h-1 in the pharate larva at 25dC). Eggs that have been killed lose water when held at a hydrating vapour activity, thus implying that active uptake contributes to net absorption. Wax block experiments suggest that water is absorbed over the entire chorionic surface. Eggs of five other insect species that were examined [Lymantria dispar (L.), Bombyx mori (L.), Antheraea polyphemus (Cram.), Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) and Diaferomera femorata (Say)] lacked the ability to absorb atmospheric water.
Reduced body clearance as the major mechanism of the potentiation by β2-adrenergic agonists of paraquat lethality in rats

Reduced Body Clearance as the Major Mechanism of the Potentiation by β2-Adrenergic Agonists of Paraquat Lethality in Rats. Maling, H. M., Saul, W., Williams, M. A., Brown, E. A. B., and Gillette, J. R. (1978). Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 43, 57–72. In rats, the potentiation of paraquat toxicity by l-isoproterenol and by preferential β2-adrenergic agonists (salbutamol, carbuterol, and fenoterol) was blocked by pretreatment with dl-propranolol. l-Propranclol and dl-propranolol were equally effective and d-propranolol was relatively ineffective. l-Isoproterenol and the β2-agonists did not increase paraquat uptake by rat lung slices in vitro. Isoproterenol treatment in vivo decreased urinary excretion of paraquat during the first 2 hr and enhanced paraquat concentrations in tissues. These increased tissue concentrations were correlated with reduced body clearances of paraquat in isoproterenol-treated rats. Isoproterenol treatment also decreased the body clearance of N-methyl nicotinamide (NMN) and p-aminohippuric acid (PAH). Since the body clearance of both acidic (PAH) and basic (NMN and paraquat) substances was decreased, it appears possible that isoproterenol caused these effects by decreasing the effective renal blood flow.
A time course of NADPH-oxidase up-regulation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation in the hippocampus following neurotrauma

Abstract Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-oxidase; NOX) is a complex enzyme responsible for increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide (O 2 •− ). NOX-derived O 2 •− is a key player in oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated multiple secondary injury cascades (SIC) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The O 2 •− reacts with nitric oxide (NO), produces various reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and contributes to apoptotic cell death. Following a unilateral cortical contusion, young adult rats were killed at various times postinjury (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h). Fresh tissue from the hippocampus was analyzed for NOX activity, and level of O 2 •− . In addition we evaluated the translocation of cytosolic NOX proteins (p67 Phox , p47 Phox , and p40 Phox ) to the membrane, along with total NO and the activation (phosphorylation) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS). Results show that both enzymes and levels of O 2 •− and NO have time-dependent injury effects in the hippocampus. Translocation of cytosolic NOX proteins into membrane, NOX activity, and O 2 •− were also increased in a time-dependent fashion. Both NOX activity and O 2 •− were increased at 6 h. Levels of p-eNOS increased within 1 h, with significant elevation of NO at 12 h post-TBI. Levels of NO failed to show a significant association with p-eNOS, but did associate with O 2 •− . NOX up-regulation strongly associated with both the levels of O 2 •− and the total NO. The initial 12 h post-TBI are very important as a possible window of opportunity to interrupt SIC. It may be important to selectively target the translocation of cytosolic subunits for the modulation of NOX function.
Epidermal growth factor modifies Ca2+, Mg2+ and 2-oxocarboxylic acid, but not K+ and phosphate ion requirement for multiplication of human fibroblasts.

Abstract Non-nutritive serum growth factors as a group specifically modify the requirement for external Ca 2+ , K + , Mg 2+ , phosphate ions and 2-oxocarboxylic acids for multiplication of cultured human fibroblasts [2]. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a single, chemically-characterized growth factor for a variety of cultured cells, modifies the Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and 2-oxocarboxylic acid, but not the K + and phosphate ion requirement for multiplication of human fibroblasts. Therefore, the multiplication requirement for different nutrients may be under the control of separate growth factors in serum.
Diffusion and relaxation in porous media

Abstract A lattice model that combines features of percolation and grain growth models has been used to study diffusion and relaxation in porous media. The model shows a percolation threshold at a somewhat lower value than in the percolation lattice. Near the theshold and also at large porosities the conductivity has a power law dependence on porosity with different powers in the two regions. The relaxation is very similar to that in percolation lattices, although the pore structures are quite different. Contrary to recent suggestions, it does not appear that the relaxation is an average over a region that is large compared to the pore size.
Effect of Curd Firmness on Stirred Curd Cheese Yield

Abstract Cheese manufactured with different objectively measured curd strengths at cutting were compared to determine the effect of curd firmness on cheese yield. A randomized complete block design with four treatments (curd strengths at cutting of 50, 75, 100, and 125mV) was replicated four times in each of three studies for a total of 48 vats of stirred curd cheese. Calf rennet and Mucor miehei protease were used in Studies 1 and 2, respectively, as coagulants and heal time (cut to cook) varied. Higher dry matter cheese yields and lower fat losses were observed when curd was cut at lowest curd tension. Vats cut at 50mV were healed longer, which allowed coagulum to bind fat globules tighter. In Study 3, calf rennet was used as the coagulating agent and all vats were healed 15min before cooking. Firmest coagulum strength at cut point increased dry matter cheese yield. Protein, fat, and moisture retention in cheese was not affected by treatment in Study 3. Curd healing time influenced cheese yield more than coagulum strength at cut point.
Labeling the r-path with a condition at distance two

For integer r>=2, the infinite r-path P"~(r) is the graph on vertices ...v"-"3,v"-"2,v"-"1,v"0,v"1,v"2,v"3... such that v"s is adjacent to v"t if and only if |s-t|@?r-1. The r-path on n vertices is the subgraph of P"~(r) induced by vertices v"0,v"1,v"2,...,v"n"-"1. For non-negative reals x"1 and x"2, a @l"x"""1","x"""2-labeling of a simple graph G is an assignment of non-negative reals to the vertices of G such that adjacent vertices receive reals that differ by at least x"1, vertices at distance two receive reals that differ by at least x"2, and the absolute difference between the largest and smallest assigned reals is minimized. With @l"x"""1","x"""2(G) denoting that minimum difference, we derive @l"x"""1","x"""2(P"n(r)) for r>=3, 1@?n@?~, and x"1x"2@?[2,~]. For x"1x"2@?[1,2], we obtain upper bounds on @l"x"""1","x"""2(P"~(r)) and use them to give @l"x"""1","x"""2(P"~(r)) for r>=5 and x"1x"2@?[1,2r-22r-3]@?[43,2]. We also determine @l"x"""1","x"""2(P"~(3)) and @l"x"""1","x"""2(P"~(4)) for all x"1x"2@?[1,2].
Calorimetric investigation of proton linkage by monitoring both the enthalpy and association constant of binding: application to the interaction of the Src SH2 domain with a high-affinity tyrosyl phosphopeptide.

The binding of Src homology 2 (SH2) domains to tyrosyl phosphopeptides depends on electrostatic interactions between the phosphotyrosine and its binding site. To probe the role of these interactions, we have used isothermal titration calorimetry to study the pH dependence of the binding of the SH2 domain of the Src kinase to a high-affinity tyrosyl phosphopeptide. Two independent approaches were employed. In a first series of experiments that focused on determining the peptide's association constant between pH 5.0 and 9.0, two ionizable groups were characterized. One group, with free and bound pKas of 6.2 and 4.4, respectively, could be identified as the phosphate in the phosphotyrosine while the other group, with free and bound pKas of 8.2 and 8.5, respectively, could be only tentatively assigned to a cysteine in the phosphotyrosine binding pocket. Further information on the linkage between peptide binding and protonation of the phosphotyrosine was obtained from a second series of experiments, which focu...
Substantive growth and innovative organization: New categories for higher education research

The existing international literature on higher education centers on the transition from elite to mass higher education, the changing relationship between governments and universities, and the differentiation of the institutional fabric of national systems. These important institutionalized concerns lead to an unbalanced research agenda if other basic features are not pursued. Two additional fundamental features need expanded attention: substantive academic growth, with its roots in the research imperative and the dynamics of disciplines; and innovative university organization, a sharply growing concern among practitioners as universities seek greater capacity to change. Proliferating at a rapid rate, modern academic knowledge changes fields of study from within, alters universities from the bottom-up, and increases the benefits and costs of decisions on the inclusion and exclusion of various specialties. The long-term trend from simple to complex knowledge, arguably more important than the trend from elite to mass higher education, forces universities to position themselves between knowledge expansion and student expansion, with emphasis increasingly placed on the knowledge dimension. Innovative universities explore new ways of organizing knowledge and of more effectively exploiting the fields in which they are already engaged. Greater awareness of new means of knowledge organization will help universities make wiser choices in the twenty-first century.
Cost Benefits of a Peer-Led Asthma Self-Management Program for Adolescents

Objective. Frequent use of health-care services associated with pediatric asthma places substantial economic burden on families and society. The purpose of this study is to examine the cost-saving effects of a peer-led program through reduction in health-care utilization in comparison to an adult-led program. Methods. Randomly assigned adolescents (13–17 years) participated in either peer-led (n = 59) or adult-led (n = 53) asthma self-management program. Health-care utilization data were collected at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention. Negative binomial regression models were conducted to examine the effects of the peer-led program on health-care utilization. Net cost savings were estimated based on the differences in program costs and health-care utilization costs between groups. Results. Significant group differences were found in acute office visits and school clinic visits after controlling for race and socioeconomic status. The incidence rate of acute office visits was 80–82% less...
Simple performance models for integrated processing tools

Integrated processing tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern fabs. Integrated tools consist of several process modules connected around a central handler such that the modules can process several wafers from the same lot simultaneously. Lithography cells and vacuum cluster tools are examples of integrated processors. Simple, intuitive models of the cycle time, throughput, and wafer cost of integrated tools are introduced. The models use two measurable parameters that aggregate tool operations: the incremental cycle time is the average increase in cycle time resulting from a lot size increment of one wafer and the fixed cycle time is the portion of cycle time that is independent of lot size. One example shows how an empirical analysis of a commercial CVD cluster tool was used with the models to identify opportunities to increase tool throughput. In a second example, analytical models of the incremental and fixed cycle times are used to provide insight into the effects of tool configuration on performance. Finally, simulations of single integrated tools are used to show some limitations of the model.
An update on asthma management

Asthma remains a major cause of morbidity in the Australian community, despite enhanced strategies and interventions for achieving optimal outcomes. Although there is some evidence of over use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), there is also evidence for under use of ICS, despite long-term data demonstrating clear benefits of low doses. The present paper briefly discusses some of the issues that are pertinent to the development of sensitization and atopic disease, but focuses mainly on the current understanding of best clinical practice for adults with asthma and the optimal approach to management. A clear definition of asthma control and a systematic approach to down-titration to minimize ICS doses is crucial to achieving better outcomes. Patient self-management education and optimal therapy are the keys to achieving better outcomes, although uncertainty remains about recommendations for mild asthma, despite new data.
The Myth of Mass Russian Support for Autocracy: The Public Opinion Foundations of a Hybrid Regime

Abstract The article presents new survey research, sensitive to local understandings of key terms, that helps resolve a longstanding debate on whether Russian public opinion generally supports democracy or authoritarianism. The central conclusion is that while Russians differ amongst themselves, they are best understood not as autocratic but as generally supportive of a particular form of democracy that social scientists have called ‘delegative democracy’. This logically consistent preference structure reconciles diverse arguments and findings in the literature, sheds light on Putin's puzzling decision to cede the presidency to Medvedev in 2008, and offers insight into the public opinion foundations of ‘hybrid regimes’.
Evaluation of immobility time for sleep latency in actigraphy

Abstract Background Actigraphy has become an important tool in sleep research, however, most actigraphic models have had little evaluation of their sleep scoring software. Some reports have described poor agreement of actigraph and polysomnogram (PSG) results. In this study, we examined the accuracy of the Actiwatch-L instrument with Actiware ® software version 5.0 (Minimitter-Respironics, Bend, Oregon). Methods We analyzed the sleep latencies and total sleep times in 33 actigraph recordings and compared performance to simultaneous polysomnography. For scoring sleep latency, the default criterion for scoring sleep onset (10 min of immobility) was compared with criteria of 4, 5, 6, and 15 min of immobility, and low, middle, and high activity thresholds were compared. Results Of 4, 5, 6, 10 and 15 min of actigraphic immobility, the 5 min criterion yielded the most accurate sleep latencies. The 5 min criterion also yielded near-optimal estimates for total sleep time and wake after sleep onset. Conclusions We found that a default 10-min immobility parameter for sleep onset was not as accurate as 5 min for scoring sleep latency and total sleep time in this clinical sample. There is a need for expanded samples to further evaluate algorithm scoring parameters and the search for superior alternatives.
Terbium identifies double-stranded RNA on gels by quenching the fluorescence of intercalated ethidium bromide

We report that the lanthanide cation terbium quenches the fluorescence of ethidium bromide bound to double-stranded RNA by 40-fold, whereas the quenching of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA is under 2.5-fold and the quenching of single-stranded RNA is under 5-fold. This observation was used to develop a convenient method of detecting dsRNA among other nucleic acids in an agarose or polyacrylamide gel. The sensitivity of the method is approximately 4 ng/mm2.
Development of an interactive model for teaching emergency pediatric radiography: preliminary report.

Purpose The authors describe the development of an interactive digital teaching module designed to help prepare residents to diagnose emergency pediatric radiology cases. Methods Cases were identified using the authors' own dictation search software. Cases were selected that depicted common conditions that had been misdiagnosed by the radiology resident who had first interpreted them clinically. Normal cases involving similar anatomic regions were also collected. Images from these cases were captured from the picture archiving and communication system. "Hotspots" were superimposed on abnormalities to highlight them. Example dictations were captured. A simple user interface was developed for the teaching module, and a database was built to log all user responses. Results The system has been well received at the authors' institution. It has been incorporated into the standard orientation for all incoming residents. Residents' diagnostic performance has subjectively improved since the module was launched. Conclusions The module is interactive, easy to use, and subjectively improves incoming residents' diagnostic accuracy. A prospective, controlled study assessing its impact on short-term and long-term diagnostic performance is under way.
The Making of an Underground Market: Drug Selling in Chicago, 1900–1940

Historians understand marketplaces to be the kinds of "space" which illuminate social and economic relationships. Taken together, the diverse transactions of the marketplace show how terms such as "community" and "neighborhood" are given meaning through daily activity. Studies from diverse settings have also demonstrated that marketplaces are institutions which bring into focus the relationship of one part of a city to the larger whole. This article suggests that the same appears to be true for illicit drug marketplaces, which have been highly visible centers of economic exchange in twentieth-century United States' cities. Although contemporary drug markets sometimes appear to be defining features of modern urban life, the identification of drug selling with particular city neighborhoods is a phenomenon as old as legal prohibitions on specific substances.
Separating complex compound patient motion tracking data using independent component analysis

In SPECT imaging, motion from respiration and body motion can reduce image quality by introducing motion-related artifacts. A minimally-invasive way to track patient motion is to attach external markers to the patient’s body and record their location throughout the imaging study. If a patient exhibits multiple movements simultaneously, such as respiration and body-movement, each marker location data will contain a mixture of these motions. Decomposing this complex compound motion into separate simplified motions can have the benefit of applying a more robust motion correction to the specific type of motion. Most motion tracking and correction techniques target a single type of motion and either ignore compound motion or treat it as noise. Few methods account for compound motion exist, but they fail to disambiguate super-position in the compound motion (i.e. inspiration in addition to body movement in the positive anterior/posterior direction). We propose a new method for decomposing the complex compound patient motion using an unsupervised learning technique called Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Our method can automatically detect and separate different motions while preserving nuanced features of the motion without the drawbacks of previous methods. Our main contributions are the development of a method for addressing multiple compound motions, the novel use of ICA in detecting and separating mixed independent motions, and generating motion transform with 12 DOFs to account for twisting and shearing. We show that our method works with clinical datasets and can be employed to improve motion correction in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images.
Lean Product Development as a System: A Case Study of Body and Stamping Development at Ford

Abstract:A systems view of lean product development is presented integrating people, process, and tools. This systems approach was derived from intensive study of Toyota's product development system. Principles and methods based on this systems model of lean product development were applied with great success at Ford Motor Company helping to bring to market a record number of products that helped fuel a rebuilding of the company to financial success and award winning world-class product quality.
Toxicity of an engineered nanoparticle (fullerene, C60) in two aquatic species, Daphnia and fathead minnow.

Water-soluble fullerene (nC60) has been shown to induce lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brain of juvenile largemouth bass (LMB, Micropterus salmoides) [Oberdorster, E., 2004. Manufactured nanomaterials (fullerenes, c60) induce oxidative stress in brain of juvenile largemouth bass. Environ. Health Persp. 112, 1058-1062]; and upregulate genes related to the inflammatory response and metabolism, most notably CYP2K4 [. Nanotoxicology: an emerging discipline evolving from 116 studies of ultrafine particles. Environ. Health Persp. 113, 823-839]. The initial study in LMB was performed using tetrahydrofuran (THF)-solubilized nC60, although C60 can also be solubilized by stirring in water. The current study investigates differences in acute toxicity to Daphnia magna between THF-solubilized and water-stirred-nC60 as a range-find for further assays in adult male fathead minnow (FHM, Pimephales promelas). The daphnia 48-h LC50 for THF-nC60 was at least one order of magnitude less (0.8 ppm) than that for water-stirred-nC60 (> 35 ppm). FHM were dosed with either 0.5 ppm of THF- or water-stirred-nC60 for 48 h. There was 100% mortality in the THF-nC60-exposed fish between 6 and 18 h, while the water-stirred-nC60-exposed fish showed no obvious physical effects after 48 h. Water-stirred-nC60 elevated LPO in brain, significantly increased LPO in gill, and significantly increased expression of CYP2 family isozymes in liver as compared to control fish.
Expatriate Managers' Loyalty to the MNC: Myth or Reality? An Exploratory Study

This exploratory study examines five antecedent conditions of organizational commitment among groups of American, Dutch, Israeli and British managers in six multinational banking corporations. Role, nationality, age, seniority, and rank are tested as correlates of the organizational commitment construct among three groups of managers: Headquarters (HQ) officials, expatriate managers, and host-country managers in foreign subsidiaries.
73.2L: Late-News Paper: A Multi-View Projection Display

We describe a multi-view projection system. The system comprises multiple projectors and a screen with scattering angles that can be tailored to suit the viewing environments. The tailoring of the scattering angles is accomplished by incorporating micro-structures onto the screen surface. We have fabricated screens with horizontal scattering angles ranging from <1° to over 100° FWHM. We demonstrate a three-view display system with negligible crosstalk between the views. We also demonstrate a glasses-free 3D prototype with 20 projectors and a contiguous angular viewing zone of about 10°. The capability to tailor the screen scattering angle in conjunction with novel optics enables us to expand greatly the number of views of the displays.
Curricular Implications of Virtual World Technology: A Review of Business Applications.

As business organizations grow increasingly virtual, traditional principles of organizational communication require examination and modification. This article considers the curricular implications ...
The cognitive representation of an event involving human motion

Abstract Human motion is analyzed as a function of the temporal pattern of relative stability and instability of the body in relation to its supporting ground. The cognitive representation of an event unit involving human motion is described as some small number of relatively stable, preparatory motions, followed by an unstable, completing motion. Two experiments tested the coherence of the preparatory motion (s)-completing motion structure, and the visual conditions under which an unstable motion is encoded as the completing motion of an event unit. Preparatory-completing structures were recognized more easily than completing-preparatory structures. The offset of contour motion at the center of an unstable motion was found to be an important variable in the encoding of a completing motion.
Follow-up imaging in the first two years after nephrectomy for T1 RCC: Over-use or necessary care?

Objective:We sought to study patterns of imaging for follow-up after surgery for stage T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at a single institution. We hypothesised that there would be significant variation in the use of surveillance imaging.Methods and materials:We evaluated the two-year follow-up of 317 consecutive patients undergoing radical or partial nephrectomy who were found to have pT1 RCC. Follow-up imaging data were collected. Surgical characteristics and tumour pathology data were analysed via a Poisson regression model to evaluate the incidence rate ratio for frequency of imaging based on each variable. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors correlated with concordance with current imaging guidelines.Results:A total of 1016 imaging exams were performed after surgery on 268 patients. These studies identified four tumour recurrences: two local and two lung. The overall recurrence rate was 1.49%. Three recurrences were found within a two-year postoperative window, and one was recorded on the p...
Keratinocyte stem cells of cornea, skin and hair follicle: common and distinguishing features

Abstract Tissues which undergo constant regeneration have developed a complex and tightly regulated system of replication and differentiation. The most primitive progenitor cells in these populations are termed stem cells. Much has been learned in recent years about the nature of stem cells and the dynamics of their replication, especially within hematopoietic tissues. This paper will define eight general features of stem cells, as they have been characterized in hematopoietic populations, and then review their presence in several keratinocyte populations, including corneal epithelium, interfollicular epidermis and hair follicle. Finally, this review will raise several important questions that remain unanswered about the nature of keratinocyte stem cells and hopefully will be the focus of future research.
Chronic alcoholism. Frequently overlooked cause of osteoporosis in men

A radiographic survey was made of 96 fully ambulatory male patients who were admitted to a rehabilitation center for patients with chronic alcoholism in an attempt to estimate the incidence of skeletal demineralization in these patients. The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 62 years. Forty-five of the 96 male patients, or 47 percent of this group, showed radiographic evidence of extensive bone loss. Fourteen or 31 percent of these 45 patients with bone loss were relatively young (age 31 to 45 years), and half of this group of 14 patients were less than 40 years old. The majority of the 45 patients with radiographic evidence of osteoporosis, namely, 31 patients or 69 percent, were older and ranged in age from 46 to 62 years. One third of the patients in this group were less than 50 years old. The radiographic survey of the 96 patients indicates the high incidence of extensive bone loss, most likely osteoporosis, in relatively young and middle-aged ambulatory men with chronic alcoholism. In 12 additional patients with chronic alcoholism who were observed in the Metabolic Research Ward, and who were not part of this survey, bone biopsy specimens confirmed the radiographic diagnosis of osteoporosis.