cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Home-Grown Exoticism? Identity Tales from a New Age Intentional Community

This chapter reflects upon the anthropological challenges of exploring an ‘exotic’ subculture embedded within a much more familiar ‘native’ mainstream culture. The Findhorn Foundation was established in 1962 by Peter and Eileen Caddy. The founders cultivated a vision which—though subject to some contestation over the years—retains a central theme. This theme is life premised on an apparently synergetic blend of spiritual and ecological sensitivity. Today it is the largest intentional community in Europe and is, it seems, a powerful ‘brand’ within New Age circles. Typically, visitors enrol on group-based residential programmes, each of which has a particular focus. The ethnographic tales here recounted are based on these experiences and enhance our understanding of—and facilitate reflection upon—more prosaic organisational and community experience.
Measuring Efficiency of Not-For-Profit Marketing, Development, and Operations Resource Usage in the Performing Arts Sector: An Abstract

Effective marketing and fund development operations are fundamental to the success of not-for-profit organizations. Those organizations not only measure their individual health/effectiveness, they also come together in professional associations for both collective and individual benefit. Associations support their members by providing education/learning opportunities, sector information resources, networking/collaboration options, and advocacy, policy creation, and promotion/lobbying. This research focuses on efficiency measurement of symphony orchestra organizations using data provided by the League of American Orchestras (a professional association for orchestras), which “leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform.” It evaluates survey data from the 393 professional orchestras which completed the League’s annual member survey at least once during the years from 2003 to 2012. (Not all orchestras completed the survey each year.) “Efficiency” of individual symphonies is assessed year by year, comparing each orchestra’s productive output performance relative to its input resources with that of the other orchestras which completed the survey for the same year.
A Reply to Lindsey, Herring, and Greenhalgh on “A Missed Opportunity?: NOAA’s Use of Social Media to Communicate Climate Science”

First, we wish to thank Lindsey, Herring, and Greenhalgh (2018) for taking the time not only to read our study (Lee, VanDyke, & Cummins, 2018) but also to respond and offer their unique perspective...
YouTube as a source of information for obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract Purpose Assess the quality of information on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presented on YouTube for patients. Materials and methods “Obstructive sleep apnea” was entered into the YouTube search. Two independent reviewers categorized and analyzed videos utilizing a customized scoring-system along with search position, likes, and views. Results Forty-eight videos were analyzed. Most were educational (52.1%). Educational and news videos had significantly higher scores, but had no significant differences in search position, likes/day, or views/day. Most videos mentioned positive airway pressure (65%), and nearly half (44%) mentioned mandibular devices in the management of OSA. Few videos discussed surgery (13%) or otolaryngology (15%). Conclusion YouTube is a promising source of information for OSA patients. Educational and news videos are of highest quality. General quality measures like search position, views, and likes are not correlated with formally scored value. Sleep surgery and otolaryngologists are minimally mentioned, representing an opportunity for improvement.
The Greengrocer’s Kin:

The writings of Vaclav Havel are haunted by the character of the seemingly powerless man who nevertheless shares responsibility for the perpetuation of an unjust system. He is the incarnation of what Havel in The Power of the Powerless called the “instrument of a mutual totality, the auto-totality of society” that does much of the policing work of the post-totalitarian state. The greengrocer of that essay’s third section was not the only such embodiment; he had contemporaries in the characters of the famous Vaněk plays. But the cast is not limited to them either; we can find examples of this phenomenon in some of Havel’s earliest essays, and in some of his less known later plays that explore the social dynamics that underpin and undermine political systems.
Electrochemical Methods for Assessing Kinetic Factors in the Reduction of CO2 to Formate: Implications for Improving Electrocatalyst Design

Thermochemical insights are often employed in the rationalization of reactivity and in the design of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reactions targeting C–H bond-containing products. This work identifies experimental methods for assessing kinetic aspects of reactivity. These methods are illustrated using [Fe4N(CO)12]−, which produces formate from CO2 at −1.2 V versus SCE in either a MeCN/H2O solvent (95:5) or pH 6.5 buffered water. Elementary rates for each reaction step are identified along with the rate-determining step (RDS) as C–H bond formation. Transition state kinetics were determined from an Eyring analysis for the rate-determining C–H bond formation step using temperature-dependent electrochemical measurements. A lower measured ΔG⧧ (298 K, 12.3 ± 0.1 kcal mol–1) in a pH 6.5 aqueous solution, compared with a ΔG⧧(298 K) of 15.0 ± 0.1 kcal mol–1 in a MeCN/H2O solvent (95:5), correlates with faster observed reaction rates and provides a kinetic rationalization for the solvent-dependent chemistry. ...
Alabama Children's Body Mass Index, Nutritional Attitudes, and Food Consumption: An Exploratory Analysis.

Objectives This study had three aims: assess the extent to which middle school children in southern Alabama were classified as overweight or obese; determine the magnitude of the relation between children's attitudes toward healthy eating and their actual dietary choices; and examine the role of race, sex, and ZIP codes on children's eating attitudes and behaviors. Methods Registered dietitians took height and weight measurements of middle school children in southern Alabama to establish body mass index (BMI). Children were given a Likert-type survey with multiple-choice items to assess the study's objectives. Descriptive statistics were generated, and structural equation modeling was used to examine potential moderating effects on the associations between a latent variable of healthy eating attitudes and a latent variable of healthy eating behaviors across race and ethnicity. A series of analyses of variance was used to determine any significant differences in the children's attitudes across schools. The χ2 tests were used to examine potential race differences in BMI. Results A total of 630 children participated in the study. Their average age was 12 years. More than half (53%) of the children were girls, and more than half (61%) were White. Approximately one-third (29%) identified as Black/African America. A large proportion of children across the sample (42.3%) were classified as overweight or obese. The multigroup structural equation modeling yielded a significant direct path between healthy attitudes and healthy eating behaviors. Healthy eating attitudes strongly predicted intentions toward healthy eating behaviors for children classified as normal weight and for those children classified as overweight or obese. Children's BMI classifications did not differ significantly across schools, race, or sex. Conclusions A large percentage of children in south Alabama were classified as overweight or obese, conditions that are preventable. Moreover, evidence suggests a lack of nutritious food in their diets. Children overall endorsed healthy eating attitudes, and those attitudes were strongly related to healthy food choices; however, their level of healthy food consumption was not related to their BMI classification. Although children in this study were from three schools and represented a variety of racial, sex, and socioeconomic systems, there were more similarities than differences in their healthy eating attitudes or behavior. These similarities highlight the need for research to examine other factors, such as southern culture, as a potential contributor to childhood obesity.
Techniques in Embryoid Body Formation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Embryoid bodies (EBs) can be generated by culturing human pluripotent stem cells in ultra-low attachment culture vessels, under conditions that are adverse to pluripotency and proliferation. EBs generated in suspension cultures are capable of differentiating into cells of the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In this chapter, we describe techniques for generation of EBs from human pluripotent stem cells. Once formed, the EBs can then be dissociated using specific enzymes to acquire a single cell population that has the potential to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers. This population can then be cultured in specialized conditions to obtain progenitor cells of specific lineages. Pure populations of progenitor cells generated on a large scale basis can be used for research, drug discovery/development, and cellular transplantation therapy.
“Human Crafters” Once again: Supporting Users as Designers in Continuous Co-design

Designers can never anticipate all future uses of their system. Meta-design theory emphasizes that systems should therefore be designed to adapt to future conditions in the hands of end users. As our technological environments increase in complexity, designers must provide the flexibility for users to shape their technologies. This paper describes a series of experiments, from a laboratory study to a digital library design exercise, exploring the use of meta-design inspired guidelines as design heuristics in an iterative, participatory design process. The meta-design inspired guidelines were found to help designers and end users shift the types of design ideas generated towards building features supporting end-user customization and modification in use. While true meta-design systems are highly complex, we intend to demonstrate that “discount” methods at design-time can help to shift design thinking towards future modifications in the hands of end users and that such methods have application in real-world contexts.
Radionuclide imaging in the care of the critically ill patient.

Many new techniques are available and can be used in the intensive care unit to assist in the care of critically ill patients. The ultimate value of radionuclide imaging depends upon the surgeon’s awareness of the clinical benefits to be achieved and the ability of the nuclear medicine department to provide urgent and emergency service.
Creating Interactive User Interfaces by Demonstration using Crowdsourcing

People are becoming increasingly interested in creating their own digital content and media. This is evident in the enormous number of blogs, personal websites, and portfolios available online. Website templates and creation/hosting services (e.g., Wix, WordPress, Google Sites) have made it possible for even non-programmers to create websites. However, with these services, non-programmers are limited to templates or basic user interface elements and behaviors, lacking the ability to create truly custom web pages that satisfy their needs. More complex and custom user interfaces like digital games and software are virtually impossible for non-programmers to create; even visual programming (e.g., Blockly, GameMaker Studio 2) and data flow languages that try to make computing more approachable still require an understanding of programming and computing concepts. As simple as it is for the average person to sketch a User Interface (UI) on paper or describe it in words, I believe it should be just as easy for them to create the actual digital UI with all of the desired behaviors. Programming should not be a barrier to creating new things and sharing them with the world.
Simultaneous Surface Plasmon Resonance/Fluorescence Spectroelectrochemical in Situ Monitoring of Dynamic Changes on Functional Interfaces: A Study of the Electrochemical Proximity Assay Model System.

Understanding the chemical composition and morphology of interfaces plays a vital role in the development of sensors, drug delivery systems, coatings for biomedical implants, and so forth. In many ...
Density, Speed of Sound, and Heat Capacity Measurements of Polyol Ester Lubricants

Densities, speeds of sound, and isobaric specific heat capacities were measured for three polyol ester base oils and one fully qualified lubricant. Density and speed of sound were measured at ambie...
Demand stimulation in finished-goods inventory management: Empirical evidence from General Motors dealerships

Abstract Automobile dealerships are key players in the automobile industry. Their inventory policies are crucial to automobile supply chain management, yet they are largely unexplored empirically. Using data from General Motors dealerships, this paper proposes two simultaneous equation modeling (SEM) systems to examine the interactive and simultaneous effects of sales demand, order quantity and inventory level in dealerships. Our empirical results indicate that high demand leads to high inventory levels (sales effect), while high inventory levels stimulate sales demand (demand stimulation effect) in a dynamic and uncertain environment. We also find that inventory cannot stimulate demand infinitely. This study is among the first empirical investigations to experiment with a SEM system applied to finished-goods inventory management in the automobile supply chain. Together, our methodology and results provide several avenues for developing finished-goods inventory policies in business management.
Consumption Authenticity in the Accommodations Industry: The Keys to Brand Love and Brand Loyalty for Hotels and Airbnb:

Airbnb has gained popularity as an alternative to hotels, with the authenticity of the consumption experience being a critical differentiating factor. However, the hospitality and tourism literatur...
Effects of the FIT Game on Physical Activity in Sixth Graders: A Pilot Reversal Design Intervention Study

Background: The FIT Game is a low-cost intervention that increases fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary school children. For this study, the FIT Game was adapted into an intervention designed to increase children’s physical activity at school. Objective: We aimed to evaluate if the FIT Game could increase children’s physical activity relative to their baseline levels. Methods: A total of 29 participants were recruited from a sixth-grade classroom. An ABAB reversal design was used. Participants wore an accelerometer while at school during pre/postintervention baseline (A) and intervention (B) phases. During the FIT Game intervention, daily physical activity goals encouraged the class to increase their median daily step count above the 60th percentile of the previous 10 days. When daily goals were met, game-based accomplishments were realized. Results: Children met their activity goals 80% of the time during the intervention phases. Physical activity at school increased from a median of 3331 steps per day during the baseline to 4102 steps during the FIT Game phases (P<.001, Friedman test). Conclusions: Preliminary evidence showed that playing the FIT Game could positively influence children’s physical activity at school.
How Should Academic Medical Centers Administer Students' "Domestic Global Health" Experiences?

Academic medical centers (AMCs) promote educational benefits to students of immersive global health experiences (GHE)
Modeling voting dynamics in a two-party system

The 2016 U.S. presidential primary election, characterized by unexpected results, provides an interesting context to study how citizens are influenced in deciding whether to vote and whom to support. Our aim is to determine which of those changes in voting behavior have the largest impact on the election outcome. We address this question by developing a class of models driven either by the effect of mass media or by social interaction among voters and non-voting members of two parties. The dynamics are modeled using four compartments with a transition matrix describing the evolution of a discrete-time Markov chain. Each model is studied and fit to poll data from the 2012 and 2016 U.S. presidential elections using numerical methods. A comparison across elections indicates that the social influence of each group changes from one election to another, but response to media is similar in both cases.
Moderate to severe leukocytosis with vasopressor use is associated with increased mortality in trauma patients

BackgroundLeukocytosis is a rise in white blood cell (WBC) count and clinical outcomes of moderate to severe leukocytosis in trauma patients have not been described. We hypothesized that trauma pat...
LEARN Harm Reduction: A Collaborative Organizational Intervention in the US South

The US South continues to face increases in HIV diagnoses and drug overdose deaths (predominantly opioids). There is a need for organizational changes that enhance quality of care for impacted comm...
Cutaneous Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis as Presenting Sign of Systemic B-Cell Lymphoma.

ABSTRACT Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disorder most commonly involving the bone and skin; however, it can arise in many other locations. It is predominantly a pediatric disease, but adult cases occur. Here, we present a case of adult-onset cutaneous LCH with systemic symptoms, believed to represent disseminated LCH. Further evaluation, however, revealed concomitant bone marrow involvement by a small B-cell lymphoma. An association between B-cell lymphoma and cutaneous LCH has only rarely been previously reported. This report adds to the growing body of literature, however, on associations of cutaneous LCH with hematologic malignancies, and it illustrates the need for a complete systemic evaluation including a bone marrow biopsy in suspected cases of disseminated LCH.
Pravastatin-Induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of pancreas associated most commonly with chronic alcoholism and gallstones. Other less common causes of pancreatitis are hyperlipidemia, infections, surgery, trauma, p...
The English Language Arts hundred years’ war: Subverting the stigma of film in America’s English classroom

Against the backdrop of the century-long stigma associated with film in America’s English classroom, which persists despite its codification in the English Language Arts (ELA) standards, this study investigated the question: How do American high-school English teachers make sense of and instruct with film? Employing semi-structured interviews with 12 high-school English teachers who instruct with film, from suburban, urban, rural and private school settings, the findings suggest that the stigma staining film in America’s English classroom is systemic. Participants shared their view that film is not an inherently passive medium, and when purposefully and actively facilitated, it possesses unique and efficacious pedagogic promise. Employing strategies typically associated with teaching printed texts, maintaining high classroom expectations, and integrating twenty-first-century pedagogic technologies when teaching with film may allow instructors to fulfil film’s remarkable learning potential, and consequently subvert misperceptions of, malpractices with, and the stigma surrounding film in America’s English classroom.
Cruciate Retaining Implant With Biomimetic Articular Surface to Reproduce Activity Dependent Kinematics of the Normal Knee

Alterations in normal knee kinematics following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) arise in part from the non-anatomic articular geometry of contemporary implants. In this study, the kinematics of a novel posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) implant with anatomic (biomimetic) articular surface, were compared to that of contemporary CR implants during various simulated activities. Across different simulated activities the biomimetic-CR mimicked normal kinematic patterns more closely than contemporary CR implants. In particular, during deep knee bend and chair-sit, the biomimetic-CR showed medial pivot motion, while other CR implants showed abnormal motion including lateral pivot or no pivot, and paradoxical anterior sliding. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to determine whether such biomimetic implants can truly help to achieve a more normal feeling knee and improved patient satisfaction.
Double Layers at L/L Interface

In many respects the treatment of the electrical double layer (cf., e.g. Davies and Rideal 1961, Mohilner 1966) formed between two immiscible solutions of electrolytes is similar to that of metal/electrolyte or semiconductor/electrolyte interface. An interface, which is a site of a potential difference, must exhibit some type of a potential gradient across itself. The electrolyte side of a metal/electrolyte interface is described as being a site of a diffuse double layer — a region with an excess of charge, balancing the charge on the elctrode. On such a model the theory of Gouy (1910) and Chapman (1913) can be applied giving information on a capacitance of the double layer. Based on this theory, the first treatment of ITIES was presented by Verwey and Niessen (1939).
Analysis of the lung cancer epidemic in Taiwan: A crisis?

The number of deaths from lung cancer in Taiwan has increased fivefold during the past 24 years, and this has become the commonest cancer over the past 15 years. Yet the public and health professionals are not alarmed by this dramatic increase, and hence there is no near-term prospect for a reversal of this trend. We have analysed the causes of this increase and the reasons for the apathy about a situation that is nearing a crisis.
Ancillary service impact on outpatient scheduling.

Purpose – The paper aims to provide a simulation optimization solution to improve patient scheduling that accounts for varying ancillary service time such as x-ray to minimize patient wait time. Design/methodology/approach – The two-step approach is to: identify patients' needs for ancillary services while scheduling appointments; and propose an algorithm to determine ancillary service time via simulation optimization. The main aim is to provide sufficient time between arrival at the clinic and the actual examination time for a patient to complete pre-visit activities without contributing significantly to patient wait time. Two case studies are included to demonstrate the approach. Findings – Triaging at the appointment-scheduling time saves an average 17 minutes for physician's first consultation in a clinic day, and a 7 percent reduction on current average patient wait time for case 1. Case 2 results in a 9 percent reduction on average patient wait time. The scheduled ancillary service time depends on t...
Social Worker Attitudes Toward Court-Mandated Substance-Abusing Clients

This study investigated the attitudes of social workers toward clients mandated to substance abuse treatment. Surveys were mailed nationwide to members of the National Association of Social Workers with a stated work focus of substance abuse (N = 779). Participants received 1 of 6 vignettes depicting a client scenario and a semantic differential scale on which to rate the client. Client status (mandated to treatment, volunteered for treatment, no substance abuse condition) was the independent variable. Three categories of attitudes (determined by a factor analysis of the semantic differential data) were the dependent variables. Mandated clients were rated lowest on all attitude dimensions.
The development of scotopic sensitivity.

UNLABELLED PURPOSE. Test the hypothesis that the developmental increases in rod photoreceptor sensitivity and rod-mediated visual sensitivity at 10 degrees, 20 degrees , and 30 degrees eccentric are concurrent. It is known that maturation of the parafoveal (10 degrees eccentric) rod outer segments and visual sensitivity is delayed compared to that at 30 degrees eccentric. METHODS Rod isolated electroretinographic (ERG) responses to full-field stimuli were obtained from dark-adapted subjects (n = 71), ranging in age from early infancy through middle age. Rod photoreceptor sensitivity was calculated by fitting a model of the activation of phototransduction to the a-wave response. Rod driven b-wave sensitivity was calculated from stimulus-response functions. A logistic growth model was used to summarize the developmental increases in sensitivity of the rod photoreceptors and the b-wave. Previously reported dark-adapted, rod-mediated visual sensitivities at 10 degrees , 20 degrees, and 30 degrees eccentric, obtained using preferential looking procedures, were reanalyzed using the logistic growth model. RESULTS The logistic growth model accounted for 57% to 85% of the variance of each sensitivity parameter with age in normal subjects. The shape of the growth curve and the age at which sensitivity reaches 50% of the adult value is similar (10.0-13.5 weeks) for the rods, the b-wave, and peripheral visual sensitivity, but is significantly older, 19.5 weeks, for rod-mediated parafoveal visual sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Rod photoreceptor sensitivity and peripheral, rod-mediated visual sensitivity develop concurrently. A parsimonious explanation is that rod photoreceptor sensitivity determines dark-adapted, rod-mediated visual sensitivity during development.
The Conversion of Prothrombin to Thrombin II. DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN THROMBIN- AND FACTOR Xa-CATALYZED PROTEOLYSES

Abstract Prothrombin is activated by activated Factor X ± (Factor V and phospholipid) in the presence of diisopropylfluorophosphate which preferentially inhibits thrombin. Under these conditions a single activation fragment, designated Fragment 1·2, is released which represents the complete nonthrombin portion of the prothrombin molecule. The same fragment is seen as a transient species in the absence of diisopropylfluorophosphate when the activation reaction is monitored by disc electrophoresis in 8 m urea. The NH2terminal residue of both prothrombin and Fragment 1·2 is alanine, suggesting that Fragment 1·2 is derived from the NH2-terminal end of the prothrombin molecule. Fragment 1·2 is not cleaved by activated Factor X ± (Factor V and phospholipid), but is cleaved by thrombin to form two fragments which are identical by electrophoresis, ion exchange chromatography, and amino acid composition to Fragment 1, the fragment released from prothrombin on incubation with thrombin, and Fragment 2, the fragment released by activated Factor X when Intermediate 1 is converted to Intermediate 2 (Paper I; Owen, W. G., Esmon, C. T., and Jackson, C. M. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 594–605). It is proposed that the formation of Intermediate 1 during prothrombin activation is solely the result of thrombin-catalyzed proteolysis of prothrombin.
Review of Handbook on Climate Change and Agriculture, by Ariel Dinar and Robert Mendelsohn (Eds.).

The Handbook of Climate Change and Agriculture may be somewhat misleadingly titled, as there is no mention of the word economics. The two editors are economists, as are more than half of the contri...
Fraction of Ribosomes Synthesizing Protein as a Function of Specific Growth Rate

The fraction of ribosomes engaged in protein synthesis in Escherichia coli growing at specific growth rates ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 h−1 was estimated from measurements of nascent protein/ribosome and of polyribosomes. Both measurements showed that the fraction of ribosomes synthesizing protein increased with specific growth rate, from 30 to 70% over the range studied. Polyribosome measurements made at different specific growth rates in four E. coli strains showed no significant differences between strains. The increase in the fraction of polyribosomes had begun within 30 s after a shift-up from glucose-minimal medium, and was complete within 2 to 5 min. These results indicate that the function of ribosomes is regulated.
Monitoring off-the-shelf components

Software is being developed from off-the-shelf third party components. The interface specification of such a component may be under specified or may not fully match the user requirement. In this paper, we address the problem of customizing such components to particular users. We achieve this by constructing a monitor that monitors the component and detects any bad behaviors. Construction of such monitors essentially involves synthesizing safety properties that imply a given property that is obtained from the interface specifications of the component and the goal specification of the user. We present various methods for synthesizing such safety properties when the given property is given by an automaton or a temporal logic formula. We show that our methods are sound and complete. These results are extensions of the results given in [11].
Changes in AMPA receptor currents following LTP induction on rat CA1 pyramidal neurones

In the CA1 region of the hippocampus, LTP is thought to be initiated by a transient activation of NMDA receptors and is expressed as a persistent increase in synaptic transmission through AMPA receptors. To investigate the postsynaptic modifications of AMPA receptors involved in this enhanced synaptic transmission, the channel density and single-channel properties of extrasynaptic AMPA receptors located in synaptically active dendritic regions were examined following the induction of LTP. Following tetanic stimulation an outside-out patch was excised from the apical dendrite near the point of stimulation and saturating concentrations of glutamate were rapidly applied to the patch. AMPA current amplitude and duration were increased significantly in patches pulled from dendrites that expressed LTP. Non-stationary fluctuation analysis of AMPA currents indicated that AMPA channel number was nearly twofold larger than in controls, while single channel conductance and maximum open-probability were unchanged. Furthermore, while subtle changes in AMPA channel kinetics could also be observed, we did not find any evidence that receptor affinity or rectification properties were altered by LTP induction. Very similar results were found when CaMK-II activity was increased through the intracellular application of Ca/CaM. Together, we interpret our data to indicate that the stimuli used here produce an increased delivery of AMPA receptors to synaptically active regions of the apical dendrite without inducing any significant changes in their basic biophysical properties and that such delivery is a key element in this form of synaptic plasticity.
Proximity Graphs Based Multi-scale Image Segmentation

We present a novel multi-scale image segmentation approach based on irregular triangular and polygonal tessellations produced by proximity graphs. Our approach consists of two separate stages: polygonal seeds generation followed by an iterative bottom-up polygon agglomeration. We employ constrained Delaunay triangulation combined with the principles known from visual perception to extract an initial irregular polygonal tessellation of the image. These initial polygons are built upon a triangular mesh composed of irregular sized triangles, whose spatial arrangement is adapted to the image content. We represent the image as a graph with vertices corresponding to the built polygons and edges reflecting polygon relations. The segmentation problem is then formulated as Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) construction. We build a successive fine-to-coarse hierarchy of irregular polygonal partitions by an iterative graph contraction. It uses local information and merges the polygons bottom-up based on local region- and edge- based characteristics.
La Casa De Esperanza: The House That Multicultural Education Built

Using a house (la casa) as a metaphor, this manuscript attempts to provide a broad overview of the field of multicultural education as an academic discipline. It includes viewing multicultural education from a macrolevel perspective (el barrio), describing many paths multicultural educators have taken (los calles), and reading the stories of oppression and resistance which they face (los paredes). It details the icons in the field (la entrada), the people with whom we work everyday (la sala), the places for networking and academic engagement (el patio), the myths and stereotypes as well as our responses to these about multicultural education (la cocina), and the tough issues we have yet to address fully (el ropero). It ends with a description of promising practices and a long-term vision (including the DREAM Act) for multicultural education (el techo). Chicano Art is used throughout.
Single-incision laparoscopic endorectal pull-through (SILEP) for hirschsprung disease.

Background Over the last 15 years, the laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through procedure first described by Georgeson has become the standard treatment for Hirschsprung disease in many centers around the world. We report the first six patients who were operated using a single-incision endosurgical approach.
Fuzzy logic-based evaluation function for haptic tasks

This paper discusses the possibility of improving eye-hand coordination in children diagnosed with this problem, using a robotic mapping from a haptic user interface to a virtual environment. The goal is to develop, implement and refine a system that will assess and improve the eye-hand coordination and grip strength in children diagnosed with having problems with it. A detailed analysis of patters (e.g., labyrinths, letters and angles) was conducted which would yield the greatest benefit in terms of assessment of coordination and strength issues as well as in training. Support algorithms (position, force, velocity, inertia and viscosity) were also developed and incorporated into the tasks to assist the user's movements. The evaluate performance (given by % accuracy and time) of the executed tasks; a sophisticated evaluation function was designed based on image analysis and edge detection algorithms. A Fuzzy Logic-based function that takes the accuracy and time results and makes a suggestion in the next task to be performed is also described in this paper. This paper also presents the results of a study implemented at the Motor Development Clinic at Cal Poly Pomona. The purpose of this study was to test the functionality of the haptic tasks, evaluation function and Fuzzy Logic-based decision making algorithm.
The design of gaze behavior for embodied social interfaces

Non-verbal behavior, particularly gaze, is a crucial part of human communication. To interact with humans in a rich, natural way, social interfaces need to use this communicative channel effectively. While the role and mechanics of human gaze are extensively studied, how gaze might be used effectively by embodied interfaces is not well explored. The goal of my dissertation is to gain a deeper understanding of how gaze behavior affects people's interactions with embodied social interfaces and how we can design gaze for effective communication. This research focuses on four main social functions of gaze: Regulation, Expression, Establishing Joint Attention, and Initiating/Avoiding of Social Encounters and four sets of design variables: Temporal, Spatial, Physiological, and Contextual. A systematic study of how these functions and design variables affect each other is conducted through a series of empirical studies.
Shaping quantum pulses of light via coherent atomic memory

We describe proof-of-principle experiments demonstrating a novel approach for generating pulses of light with controllable photon numbers, propagation direction, timing, and pulse shapes. The approach is based on preparation of an atomic ensemble in a state with a desired number of atomic spin excitations, which is later converted into a photon pulse. Spatiotemporal control over the pulses is obtained by exploiting long-lived coherent memory for photon states and Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in an optically dense atomic medium. Using photon counting experiments, we observe Electromagnetically Induced Transparency based generation and shaping of few-photon sub-Poissonian light pulses.
Some new evidence on teacher and student competencies

Abstract This paper reports statistical analysis of the determinants of average student performance on standardized examinations, and also the determinants of the extent to which students fail such examinations. Unlike most other cross-sectional studies of performance among school districts within one state, this study uses the quality of teachers, as measured by standardized test scores, as a determinant of performance. Perhaps the most striking empirical result of the study is the finding that a 1% increase in teacher quality, as measured by standardized test scores, is accompanied by a 5% decline in the rate of failure of students on standardized competency examinations. The corresponding impact on average or mean achievement of teacher quality is. by contrast, quite modest: 0.5%–0.8% per 1% improvement in teacher quality.
The impacted maxillary canine: a proposed classification for surgical exposure

Objective One of the treatment options for the impacted maxillary canine is surgical exposure followed by orthodontic forced eruption. Several surgical techniques have been introduced in the literature for the exposure of the impacted canine. The aim of this study was to review the current literature and to introduce a classification for maxillary canine impactions that includes guidelines for selecting the proper surgical approach. Methods Epidemiology of canine impaction, diagnosis, and surgical options for the exposure of an impacted maxillary canine are discussed based on the current literature. Results Careful clinical examination and proper diagnostic imaging should be used to define the anatomical position of the impacted canine. The surgical approach for exposure of impacted maxillary canines should consider the anatomical position of the tooth in relation to the alveolar ridge and the amount of keratinized mucosa/gingiva. Conclusions The proposed clinical classification provides a structured approach to treatment based on impacted tooth location and anatomical factors.
Modified light field architecture for reconfigurable multimode imaging

Light field cameras can simultaneously capture the spatial location and angular direction of light rays emanating from a scene. By placing a variable bandpass filter in the aperture of a light field camera, we demonstrate the ability to multiplex the visible spectrum over this captured angular dimension. The result is a novel design for a single-snapshot multispectral imager, with digitally reconstructed images exhibiting reduced spatial resolution proportional to the number of captured spectral channels. This paper explores the effect of this spatial-spectral resolution tradeoff on camera design. It also examines the concept of utilizing a non-uniform pinhole array to achieve varying spectral and spatial capture over the extent of the sensor. Images are presented from several different light field - variable bandpass filter designs, and limitations and sources of error are discussed.
An Efficient Fully Parallel Decoder Architecture for Nonbinary LDPC Codes

Nonbinary low-density parity-check (NB-LDPC) codes outperform their binary counterparts in some cases, but their high decoding complexity is a significant hurdle to their applications. In this paper, we propose a decoding algorithm with reduced computational complexities and smaller memory requirements for NB-LDPC codes. First, a simplified algorithm is proposed to reduce the computational complexity of variable node processing. To reduce the memory requirements, existing NB-LDPC decoders often truncate the message vectors to a limited number n m of values. However, the memory requirements of these decoders remain high when the field size is large. In this paper, an improved trellis-based check node processing algorithm is proposed to significantly reduce the memory requirement. The number of elements in a variable-to-check message is reduced to n v (n v <; n m ). The sorted log likelihood ratio (LLR) vector of a check-to-variable (c-to-v) message is approximated using a piecewise linear function. For each a priori message, most of the LLRs are approximated with a linear function. Two low complexity LLR generation units (LGUs) are proposed to compute LLR vectors for c-to-v messages. A fully parallel NB-LDPC decoder over GF(256) is implemented with 28-nm CMOS technology. The decoder over GF(256) achieves a throughput of 546 Mb/s and an energy efficiency of 0.178 nJ/b/iter.
Mexican pharmacies: benefits and risks for border residents in the United States of America and Mexico

OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefits and risks of using Mexican pharmacies by better understanding the sociodemographics and medication needs of pharmacy clients in Ciudad Juarez; and to ascertain the role and expertise of pharmacy clerks and their impact on medication use. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 32 pharmacies in Ciudad Juarez conducted in August 2007-January 2008. Medical professionals interviewed 230 pharmacy clients and 25 pharmacy owners and clerks, and observed 152 clerk-client interactions. The cost of the most frequently-purchased medications was compared with pricing at pharmacies in El Paso, Texas, United States. RESULTS: Of the 311 medications purchased, the most frequent were: antibiotics (54), analgesics (49), fixed drug combinations (29), and blood pressure medications (26). Only 38% were purchased with a prescription; 62% of the prescription drugs bought without a prescription were self-prescribed. Many products purchased were of limited therapeutic value, and others could be harmful when used inappropriately. Pharmacy clerks were poorly trained and did not offer appropriate information on drug use; contraindications were never discussed. Contrary to popular perception, some generic drugs were cheaper in the United States than in Mexico. Conflicts of interest were identified that could be leading to over-medication. CONCLUSIONS: While the risks are evident, some uninsured, chronically-ill United States residents may benefit from access to medications previously recommended by a physician, without obtaining a new prescription. The authors suggest five steps for reducing the risks and improving pharmaceutical utilization in the border area.
Evolution of dislocation loops in silicon in an inert ambient—II

Abstract A plan-view TEM study has been made of the distribution, geometry and the time-dependent annealing behavior of type II (end of range) dislocation loops introduced by 1 × 1015/cm2 50 keV Si+ implantation into silicon. The size and density distributions of the loops have been quantitatively analyzed, and loop growth behavior has been compared with that predicted by a bulk-diffusion mechanism and by a glide and self-climb mechanism. It has been shown that the loop growth rate is approximately constant for each annealing temperature (700–1000°C) and that the growth is governed by the bulk-diffusion mechanism. Regions of growth and shrinkage have been investigated for different annealing temperatures in terms of interstitial supersaturation and the critical loop growth radius. The activation energy for loop growth is determined to be 1.0 ± 0.2 eV from the Arrhenius plot of loop growth rate versus the reciprocal of annealing temperature.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISOLATED ROOTS OF COMPTONIA PEREGRINA (MYRICACEAE) IN CULTURE

Seedling roots of the sweet fern Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coult. were excised aseptically and cultured in a modified Bonner-Devirian liquid nutrient medium. Root elongation was very slow in the basic medium which contained inorganic salts, B-vitamins, trace elements and 4%o sucrose. The addition of plant hormones including gibberellic acid, indoleacetic acid, and zeatin, alone or in combinations, had little effect on growth. Myoinositol at 10 or 100 ppm doubled the rate of elongation. The effect of this sugar alcohol could not be replaced by scyllitol, D-sorbitol, D-mannitol or by increasing the sucrose concentration. Subcultured root tips showed progressively less elongation in successive transfers. Secondary thickening of the roots, especially in the basal half, occurred in initial passages and in subcultured roots without added hormones. Root buds also occurred spontaneously especially in the basal portions of cultured roots, both in first and in successive passages. An anatomical analysis showed that these buds were endogenous, arising from a secondary cortex of pericyclic origin. ISOLATED ROOTS of herbaceous species growing in sterile nutrient culture solutions have provided experimental systems for the study of various problems including root nutrition, lateral root and bud formation, secondary thickening and nodule development (Torrey, 1965). Although establishing roots of woody plants in culture has been a difficult process, limited success has been achieved with the following plants: Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. (Bonner, 1942), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Seeliger, 1956), Pinus spp. (Slankis, 1947; Barnes and Naylor 1959; Ulrich, 1962), Acer rubrum L. (Bachelard and Stowe, 1963)
Extent, direction, and latency of autokinetic movement as a function of placement of an adjacent light.

Four Os drew maps of their autokinetic movement for a central light when it was the only stimulus, and when another light was adjacent to it. Eight directions (at 45° intervals) at each of two distances from the central light (1.27 and 2.54 cm) were used to yield 16 different placements of the light-pairs. The addition of the second light in any placement resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of movement and an increase in its latency. At either of the distances used, both lights were still viewed in the fovea, and the results did not differ in this respect. The direction of the second light from the central one did exert a significant influence, however. The results are compatible with the view that autokinesis results from a combination of eye movements and efferent tension.
The Geoarchaeological Context of Grand Island

Interpretations of the geoarchaeological context of Grand Island, Michigan have been a critical part of prehistoric archaeological investigations. Geoarchaeological investigations have generally focused on determining the age of various geomorphic surfaces, interpreting site settings, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Although no Paleoindian materials have yet been found, the island was available for human occupation following final deglaciation sometime after 13,000 cal b.p. High lake levels during the Nipissing Phase (ca. 5700–4450 cal B.P.) built a series of coastal landforms that where heavily used by Archaic Period people. Post-Nipissing fluctuations in lake levels presented a highly variable coastal setting for Terminal Archaic and Woodland Period people
Parallel torsions on lie groups and spontaneous compactification in Kaluza-Klein theories☆

Abstract In d-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theories of gravity coupled to a rank-three fully antisymmetric gauge field, a Freund-Rubin type compactification into a product space of a (d − r) hyperbolic constant curvature spacetime and a compact manifold of a r-parameter semisimple Lie group Gr is achieved. The index-three field takes on the geometrical meaning of the left or right parallelizable torsion of Gr.
A Triple Interferometer for Distinguishing Flexural and Longitudinal Vibrations in Quartz

A triple interferometer arrangement for determining the relative motion of opposing areas on the front and back surfaces of any vibrating plate is described and illustrated. The manner in which this interferometer is used to distinguish between flexural and longitudinal modes in quartz plates is also discussed and illustrated. These illustrations are selected to demonstrate several very interesting characteristics of an oscillating quartz plate. In the case of a quartz cube operated as an X-cut the influence of lateral vibrations is seen to affect seriously the computed frequency of the fundamental longitudinal waves propagated along X. A simple interferometer employed in the study of quartz plates is described, together with a strip method of excitation used in conjunction with this interferometer.