Technology and device scaling considerations for CMOS imagers

This paper presents an analysis of the impact of device and technology scaling on active pixel CMOS image sensors. Using the SLA roadmap as a guideline, we calculate the device characteristics that are germane to the image sensing performance of CMOS imagers, and highlight the areas where the CIMOS imager technology may need to depart from “standard” CMOS technologies. The impact of scaling on those analog circuit performance that pertain to image sensing performances are analyzed. Our analyses suggest that while “standard” CMOS technologies may provide adequate imaging performance at the 2-1 μm generation without any process change, some modifications to the fabrication process and innovations of the pixel architecture are needed to enable CMOS to perform good quality imaging at the 0.5 μm technology generation and beyond. Finally, the challenges to the CMOS imager research community are outlined     

The integrated processes of hard tissue regeneration with special emphasis on fracture healing

When bone is fractured, a sequence of dynamic events ensue to restore form and therefore function. Many key biologic cell regulators for these events have been identified, expressed through recombinant technology, and their roles posited. Moreover, the availability of recombinantly engineered molecules, such as the bone morphogenetic proteins with their potential to benefit patient care, has ushered in an important era in clinical dentistry that may eliminate either autografting or bank bone allografts. Therefore, in this review article, we have highlighted some of the exciting biologic regulators relevant to bone fracture healing and outlined the dynamic elements in this process.     

Thermal-hydraulic assessment of high heat flux removal techniques for fusion applications

This paper is an assessment of three possible thermal-hydraulic high heat flux heat removal techniques which will result in adequate heat removal from fusion components with minimum penalty. The heat removal alternatives are: (1) subcooled flow boiling (SFB) with water, (2) high velocity helium gas convection (HGC), and (3) liquid metal (LM) heat transfer in the presence of a transverse magnetic field (TM). Advantages and disadvantages of each technique are delineated. Each heat removal technique is examined for a case study applicable to near-term fusion components such as limiters and divertors.Comparisons are made for the selected case study involving heat removal from a 1.5 m long, 1.0 cm diameter (inside) coolant channel which is subjected to a unifirm steady-state heat flux of 0.5 kW/cm². The results show that SFB has the greatest heat removal capability, with the lowest coolant channel wall temperature and pumping power, followed by HGC and LMTM. Critical research and development needs for each technique are also summarized.     

一种任意图形编码的（0，π）型二维位相光栅的设计

基于分析和比较各种编码图形的二维二值位相光栅的优缺点．提出了一种设计任意图形编码的二值位相光栅的方法。该方法主要分为两步．首先以获得最高衍射效率为基准．寻求任意图形编码的二维二值位相光栅的初始结构．然后采用一种迭代算法优化初始结构获得期望的光强分布。设计了７个可等强分束的二维二值位相光栅，其衍射效率均大于８０％，均匀性偏差均小于０．０１％。     

The sociopsychological importance of food in hospital. Evaluation of a new meal system in a children's cancer ward

Malnutrition of patients in hospitals is a subject that is fairly well described in the medical literature, but less attention has been paid to the social significance of food in hospitals. This article describes a study of the social and psychological impact of the introduction of a new meal delivery system in a children's cancer ward. A traditional centralized meal system was replaced by a staffed local kitchen. The evaluation involved questionnaires to the children, parents and staff members; qualitative, indepth, semi-structured interviews with subgroups; observations of meals. Children, staff and parents greatly preferred the new meal system, which changed the significance of food and meals in the hospital: from an arena of conflict and problems to one with a greatly enhanced social status. The article underlines that it is important to integrate socio-psychological and nutritional aspects of food and eating if malnutrition in hospitals is to be overcome.     

Assessing genetic-based therapies for AIDS using the simian immunodeficiency virus

Biochemical assays have demonstrated the existence of hormone receptors in lung tissue from patients with pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM). This finding is the biologic corollary to the finding that LAM responds to hormonal therapy. We have examined lung tissue from two patients with LAM for estrogen and progesterone receptors by immunohistochemistry and a biochemical assay. Although specimens from both patients were negative for estrogen receptor activity by the biochemical assay, positive stain of estrogen receptors was observed in both patients with immunohistochemistry.     

Contact technology for high performance scalable BiCMOS on TFSOI

A selective W contact layer is deposited on both poly and silicon electrodes to realize scalable, high performance TFSOI BiCMOS. A unique double spacer integration results in high performance MOS and bipolar operation while providing adequate separation between poly and silicon electrodes to prevent sidewall leakage. Switching speed more than twice that of comparable bulk circuits is demonstrated. Limitations imposed by conventional silicon- and metal-diffusing self aligned silicides (Ti and Pt) are described. Pt silicide limits scaling of the spacer width while Ti silicide limits scaling of the silicon thickness. Selective W is shown capable of maintaining good device and circuit performance while not imposing such limitations     

Infraclavicular brachial plexus block: parasagittal anatomy important to the coracoid technique

OBJECTIVE: This study's objective was to determine whether the concentrations of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in the secretions of the cervix and vagina could be used to predict preterm delivery in a group of women at high risk for this complication. STUDY DESIGN: Women attending a prematurity prevention clinic at an inner-city hospital July 1, 1996-October 1, 1997, were invited to participate. From those who consented, secretions from the cervix and posterior vaginal fornix were sampled every 2 weeks until delivery, beginning at 24 weeks' gestation. Concentrations of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin were measured with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Providers of obstetric care were blinded to the results. Levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in those who were delivered before 34 weeks' gestation and those who were delivered at term were compared. A value >50 mIU/mL was considered elevated. This cutoff value was determined according to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin values obtained during pregnancies that were delivered at term. RESULTS: Of the 146 women asked to participate, 77 consented. There was no difference between participants and nonparticipants with respect to age, race, indication for enrollment in the clinic, gestational age at delivery, or parity. Of the 77 participants, 24 (31%) were delivered before 37 weeks' gestation and 12 (16%) were delivered before 34 weeks' gestation. A single beta-human chorionic gonadotropin value >50 mIU/mL obtained between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of delivery before 34 weeks' gestation (P = .03). This cutoff value had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for predicting delivery before 34 weeks' gestation of 50%, 87%, 33%, and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the concentration of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in cervicovaginal secretions may be a useful predictor of preterm delivery.