cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Team Innovation Processes: An Examination of Activity Cycles in Creative Project Teams

This study investigates cycles of planning, enacting, and reviewing activities over time in teams engaged in creative projects. Drawing on longitudinal case studies of two interactive media development teams, two distinct cycles of planning, enacting, and reviewing activities are identified: experimentation cycles and validation cycles. Experimentation cycles are discovery-oriented processes where teams gather insights into project requirements, constraints, and design specifications through trial-and-error. Validation cycles are correction-oriented processes where teams align their output with project requirements through incremental modifications. These findings are then built on to develop testable propositions about the relationship between the duration of planning, enacting, and reviewing activities and the innovativeness and quality of team outcomes.
Expression quantitative trait analyses to identify causal genetic variants for type 2 diabetes susceptibility.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a common metabolic disorder which is caused by multiple genetic perturbations affecting different biological pathways. Identifying genetic factors modulating the susceptibility of this complex heterogeneous metabolic phenotype in different ethnic and racial groups remains challenging. Despite recent success, the functional role of the T2D susceptibility variants implicated by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) remains largely unknown. Genetic dissection of transcript abundance or expression quantitative trait (eQTL) analysis unravels the genomic architecture of regulatory variants. Availability of eQTL information from tissues relevant for glucose homeostasis in humans opens a new avenue to prioritize GWAS-implicated variants that may be involved in triggering a causal chain of events leading to T2D. In this article, we review the progress made in the field of eQTL research and knowledge gained from those studies in understanding transcription regulatory mechanisms in human subjects. We highlight several novel approaches that can integrate eQTL analysis with multiple layers of biological information to identify ethnic-specific causal variants and gene-environment interactions relevant to T2D pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss how the eQTL analysis mediated search for “missing heritability” may lead us to novel biological and molecular mechanisms involved in susceptibility to T2D.
Syndromic surveillance: the effects of syndrome grouping on model accuracy and outbreak detection.

Abstract Study objective Data used by syndromic surveillance systems must be grouped into syndromes or prodromes. Previous studies have examined the accuracy of different methods of syndromic grouping. We seek to study the effects of different syndrome grouping methods on model accuracy, a key factor in the outbreak-detection performance of syndromic surveillance systems. Methods Daily emergency department visit rates were analyzed from 2 urban academic tertiary care hospitals for 1,680 consecutive days. During this period, each hospital census totaled approximately 230,000 patient visits. Three methods were used to group the visits into a respiratory-related syndrome category: 1 relying on chief complaint, 1 on diagnostic codes, and 1 on a combination of the two. The different groupings of the syndromic data resulting from these methods were used to build different historical models that were then tested for forecasting accuracy and for sensitivity to detecting simulated outbreaks. Results For both hospitals, the data grouped according to chief complaints alone yielded the lowest model accuracy and the lowest detection sensitivity. Using diagnostic codes to group the data yielded better results in accuracy and sensitivity. Combining the 2 grouping methods yielded the best results in accuracy and sensitivity. Temporal smoothing of the data was shown to improve sensitivity in all cases, although to various degrees in the different models. Conclusion The methods used to group input data into syndromic categories can have substantial effects on the overall performance of syndromic surveillance systems. The results suggest that incorporating diagnostic data into these systems can improve the modeling accuracy and its detection sensitivity. Furthermore, the best results may be achieved by using a combination of methods to group visits into syndromic categories.
Demographic change and microhabitat variability in a grassland endemic, Silene douglasii var. oraria (Caryophyllaceae)

Variable spatial and temporal environments are known to affect the population dynamics of plants, but studies of localscale variability and its relationship to demographic change within a population remain limited. Using mapped plants, we examined the population dynamics of a coastal grassland endemic, Silene douglasii var. oraria, in two habitats over 10 yr. We hypothesized that ecological differences between rocky and grassy habitats might influence demographic parameters, including adult survival, growth, and density. Soil pH, soil moisture, and other abiotic variables differed little between habitats, but microsite differences in light, soil depth, and vegetation height were related to variation in Silene density and plant circumference. We also found significantly higher population densities, lower adult mortality, and more juvenile recruitment in rocky areas. Finite rates of population growth varied across years and habitats ( l5 0.8221.12), with different patterns evident in the two habitats. In both, observed population sizes in 1992 were similar to matrix projections using 1982‐1985 data. Populations declined in size in some years despite high adult survivorship and variable recruitment. More intensive study of seedlings is needed, including experimental evaluation of the role of light and competition. However, the habitat-specific differences we observed imply that ecological studies and conservation plans developed for rare plants should consider the effect of local scale variability on demography.
Methylmercury Activates Enhancer-of-Split and Bearded Complex Genes Independent of the Notch Receptor

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a persistent environmental toxin that has targeted effects on fetal neural development. Although a number of cytotoxic mechanisms of MeHg have been characterized in cultured cells, its mode of action in the developing nervous system in vivo is less clear. Studies of MeHg-affected rodent and human brains show disrupted cortical and cerebellar architecture suggestive of mechanisms that augment cell signaling pathways potentially affecting cell migration and proliferation. We previously identified the Notch receptor pathway, a highly conserved signaling mechanism fundamental for neural development, as a target for MeHg-induced signaling in Drosophila neural cell lines. Here we have expanded our use of the Drosophila model to resolve a broader spectrum of transcriptional changes resulting from MeHg exposure in vivo and in vitro. Several Notch target genes within the Enhancer-of-split (E(spl)C) and Bearded (BrdC) complexes are upregulated with MeHg exposure in the embryo and in cultured neural cells. However, the profile of MeHg-induced E(spl)C and BrdC gene expression differs significantly from that seen with activation of the Notch receptor. Targeted knockdown of Notch and of the downstream coactivator Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), shows no effect on MeHg-induced transcription, indicating a novel Notch-independent mechanism of action for MeHg. MeHg transcriptional activation is partially mimicked by iodoacetamide but not by N-ethylmaleimide, two thiol-specific electrophiles, revealing a degree of specificity of cellular thiol targets in MeHg-induced transcriptional events.
Fresh Frozen Plasma Dosing for Warfarin Reversal: A Practical Formula

Abstract Objective To provide a practical formula for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) dosing for warfarin reversal. Patients and Methods We reviewed data on all adult patients who received a total of 7778 units of FFP for warfarin reversal at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk, VA) between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010. Patients with advanced liver disease, consumptive or dilutional coagulopathy, and administration of activated factor VII or prothrombin complex concentrate were excluded. First, we used regression analysis on the FFP1 subset (patients whose international normalized ratio [INR] was checked before and after 1 FFP administration) and derived a simple formula: DeltaINR (PreINR – PostINR) after 1 FFP = a × PreINR + b , where PreINR and PostINR are the INR values before and after FFP administration, respectively, and a and b are constants. In the validation step, the formula obtained for the FFP1 subset was repeatedly applied to the FFP2 (patients who received 2 units of FFP back-to-back without an intervening INR check), FFP3, and FFP4 subsets. Results A total of 956 patients were included. The formula DeltaINR after 1 FFP = 0.57 × PreINR – 0.72 explained 82.6% of the total variance in INR change in the FFP1 subset (n=308; P R 2 =95% between predicted and actual DeltaINR; P Conclusion This formula provides a practical and accurate method for FFP dosing for warfarin reversal.
Aspirin Therapy in Women Back to the ABCs

Comprehensive risk-factor management is the cornerstone of therapy in women and men with known cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therapeutic interventions can be summarized in an “ABC” format (Table).1–3 CVD death rates have declined in men and older women during the past decade.4 By contrast, there has been a significant rise in CVD deaths among younger women.5 Evidence-based therapies, including aspirin use, have been believed to account for half of the decline in CVD death rates, whereas improvement in risk factors, including lower cholesterol and blood pressure, accounts for the other half.6 View this table: Table. ABCs of CVD Therapies Article see p 78 The use of aspirin in medicine dates at least as far back as Hippocrates, who found analgesic effects for the extract (salicin) of white willow bark.7 Aspirin irreversibly inactivates platelet cyclooxygenase, preventing platelets from synthesizing thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor and promoter of platelet aggregation. Aspirin also has anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects that may be important. Over the past 3 decades, aspirin has been shown to decrease the risk of CVD events and mortality in clinical trials of men and women with CVD.8 The latest meta-analysis by the …
Isolation and preliminary characterization of a structural glycoprotein complex from bovine corneal stroma

After extraction of bovine corneal stroma with 1M CaC12 and subsequent digestion of the insoluble residue with purified bacterial collagenase, two crude structural glycoprotein (SPG) fractions were obtained; one which precipitated upon dialysis against water of the collagenase solubilized material and the other which was extracted by 8M urea from the collagenase insoluble material. Amino acid analyses of these crude SGP fractions indicated that they were primarily non-collagenous but that very small amounts of collagen-derived amino acids were present. Upon gel filtration of these SGP fractions on Sepharose 4B-CL, void volume fractions were isolated from each of the crude fractions which were enriched, relative to the original crude fractions, in the collagen-derived amino acids. Carbohydrate analysis indicated that the void volume fractions had the properties of glycoproteins rather than proteoglycans. Upon disulfide reduction and SDS-PAGE, each of these fractions was resolved into five major protein ban...
Adaptive functioning in children with seizures: impact of maternal anxiety about epilepsy

This study evaluated the impact of maternal anxiety about a childs epilepsy on parental overprotection and the childs adaptive functioning. Specific maternal and family characteristics that contribute to elevated maternal anxiety about epilepsy were also studied over a years time in a group of 56 mothers with children recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Overall, the primary predictor of maternal anxiety about epilepsy was the mothers level of coping resources, although family stress aggravated anxiety at the initial time point. Maternal anxiety about epilepsy was associated with overprotective and overly directive parenting styles, but it was the anxiety level itself that was most strongly related to the childs adaptive functioning. Maternal anxiety about epilepsy decreased over time, as did the relationship of maternal anxiety to the childs adaptive functioning. Nonetheless, after a year had elapsed, maternal anxiety was still associated with poorer adaptive skills. 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Computer simulation and experimental research of the vehicle impact

This paper investigates the vehicle rear impact and its consequences and analyzes the research developed in this field. In road traffic, especially in urban traffic, numerous rear collisions have taken place, resulting in serious injuries for passengers. The numerous studies that have been carried out lead to today's internationally recognized demand on the car driver's head restraint adjustment for an optimal protection of the neck spinal column (HWS) with regard to rear end collisions. Mathematical modeling of passenger movement during head impact may be a successful tool in establishing the neck injury mechanism, especially when working in parallel with experimental studies. In order to accomplish experimental studies for data acquisition and video and image samples analysis, the preparation of testing device are needed. Validation mathematical models using experimental tests, offers a vast range of their use. Thus, the simulation on the computer of the phenomena that take place during road events can be studied more comprehensively, and may allow optimize passive safety systems in order to diminish adverse effects of these phenomena.
Live‐birth rates and multiple‐birth risk of assisted reproductive technology pregnancies conceived using thawed embryos, USA 1999–2000

BACKGROUND: Increasing use of assisted reproductive technology treatments has been associated with the current rise in multiple births in the USA. Embryo cryopreservation and subsequent thawed embryo transfer may favourably impact the multiple-birth risk by relieving some pressure that patients and providers may feel to transfer several embryos in a single cycle. The study objective was to examine both live-birth rates and multiple-birth risk in thawed cycles. METHODS: The authors used a population-based sample of 21 555 assisted reproductive technology procedures performed in US clinics in 1999 and 2000 that used thawed embryos derived from the patient's oocytes. RESULTS: Both patient age and the number of embryos transferred were independent predictors of live birth. Even among women aged 20-29 years, the transfer of three embryos resulted in an increase in the live-birth rate compared with cycles in which one or two embryos were transferred. This increase in success was accompanied by an increased multiple-birth risk. In all age groups up to 40 years, the transfer of just two embryos resulted in a multiple-birth risk of 16-17%. The multiple-birth risk increased with the number of embryos transferred. CONCLUSIONS: Patient age and the number of embryos transferred significantly affect live-birth and multiple-birth rates among women who use thawed embryos.
Of Wonders and Wise Men: Religion and Popular Cultures in Southeast Mexico, 1800–1876

Of Wonders and Wise Men: Religion and Popular Cultures in Southeast Mexico, 1800–1876. Terry Rugeley. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2001. 384 pp.
Metaphors and accounting for stock options

This essay explores the role that metaphor has played in the conceptualization of the controversial accounting for stock options issue. We explore the particular metaphors engaged within the stock options discourse over time through reference to dialogues appearing in the professional and popular business press and related hearings. Our analysis begins with the 1993 issuance of a FASB exposure draft (to require expense recognition) and ends with the reconsideration of the accounting for stock options issue by the FASB in 2003. We find that the dominant metaphors engaged change over time and differ markedly in their renderings of stock options and stock options accounting. Metaphors appearing earlier in the debate, engaged against the backdrop of a stalled economy and high hopes for an economic recovery driven by the tech industry, carry positive attitudes with respect to the use of options with corollary rational prescriptions for accounting policy. In contrast, later metaphors, engaged within a markedly different socio-economic frame, carry derogatory attitudes with respect to the use of stock options implying decidedly different rationalizations regarding accounting policy. We close by discussing the significance of metaphor in accounting policy debates. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Molecular Evidence for the Early History of Living Amphibians

The evolutionary relationships of the three orders of living amphibians (lissamphibians) has been difficult to resolve, partly because of their specialized morphologies. Traditionally, frogs and salamanders are considered to be closest relatives, and all three orders are thought to have arisen in the Paleozoic (>250 myr). Here, we present evidence from the DNA sequences of four mitochondrial genes (2.7 kilobases) that challenges the conventional hypothesis and supports a salamander-caecilian relationship. This, in light of the fossil record and distribution of the families, suggests a more recent (Mesozoic) origin for salamanders and caecilians directly linked to the initial breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. We propose that this single geologic event isolated salamanders and archaeobatrachian frogs on the northern continents (Laurasia) and the caecilians and neobatrachian frogs on the southern continents (Gondwana). Among the neobatrachian frog families, molecular evidence supports a South American clade and an African clade, inferred here to be the result of mid-Cretaceous vicariance.
Autonomic and glucocorticoid associations with the steady-state expression of latent Epstein-Barr virus.

Previous studies have demonstrated the impact of psychological stress on the steady-state expression/reactivation of latent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Stress-induced decrements in the cellular immune response result in less control over the expression of the latent virus, resulting in increases in antibody to the virus. In Study 1, we investigated whether the steady-state expression of latent EBV in vivo differed between high and low stress reactors, as defined by sympathetic cardiac reactivity. Autonomic activity and antibody titers to Epstein–Barr virus capsid antigen (VCA) were measured in 50 elderly women latently infected with EBV. Results revealed that women who were high stress reactors were characterized by higher antibody titers to the latent virus than low stress reactors. High reactors tended to show larger stress-related increases in cortisol than low reactors, but the differences were not significant. Daily stressors can activate the autonomic nervous system and promote the release of pituitary and adrenal hormones, especially in high reactors. Glucocorticoid hormones have been shown to reactivate EBV in vitro from cells latently infected with the virus. We hypothesized that absolute levels of plasma cortisol may not be the only explanation for stress-induced reactivation of latent EBV and that the diurnal changes in the production of cortisol may be an important factor in these interactions. To examine the feasibility of this hypothesis, an in vitro study was conducted (Study 2) to determine whether changing glucocorticoid concentrations in the medium, in which EBV latently infected cells were cultured, to mimic diurnal changes in plasma cortisol concentrations would enhance the reactivation of the latent virus. Cells latently infected with EBV were exposed to either constant or varying concentrations of the synthetic glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone (Dex), for 72 h. Results revealed a three- to eightfold enhancement of reactivation of latent EBV in cells pulsed with varying Dex concentrations when compared with cells exposed to a constant and/or a higher mean level of one Dex concentration. Together, these studies raise the possibility that differences in the kinetics of glucocorticoid concentrations may contribute to differences in the reactivation of latent EBV.
Solution of problems in electromagnetic wave theory on a high speed digital calculating machine

This paper contains references to several problems in electromagnetic wave theory which have been solved by numerical methods. In particular, it treats the methods and machines employed by groups at the University of Michigan, Willow Run Research Center, and at the U. S. Naval Proving Ground, Dahlgren, Virginia, in obtaining on a high-speed computing machine a numerical solution for the radar cross section of a prolate spheroid. At the University of Michigan the work was under the direction of K. M. Siegel, while R. A. Niemann was responsible for that done at the Naval Proving Ground.
Causes for 30-Day Readmission following Transsphenoidal Surgery:

ObjectiveThe Affordable Care Act Readmissions Reduction Program introduced reimbursement policy changes resulting in penalties for hospitals with higher-than-average readmission rates among several...
Biomechanics of craniofacial sutures: orthopedic implications.

Abstract Sutures are soft connective tissue articulations between craniofacial bones. Suture mechanics deals with patterns of mechanical stress experienced in sutures resulting from natural activities such as mastication and exogenous forces such as orthopedic loading. Patterns of sutural mechanical stress can be delineated readily as sutural strain using strain gages attached over the suture. In mastication, complex sutural strain patterns have been elucidated in a few species. Mechanical stresses are not transmitted in the skull as a continuing gradient, for different sutures are capable of redefining a propagating mechanical force as predominately tensile or compressive strain. Exogenous mechanical forces with engineering waveforms such as static and sine wave at different frequencies induce corresponding waveforms and rates of sutural strain, providing the basis for applying novel mechanical stimuli to engineer sutural growth. The available data on suture mechanics converge to a hypothetical theme tha...
Personality’s Top 40: An Assignment to Motivate Students to Apply Personality Concepts to Their Favorite Songs

We created an activity in an upper-level personality psychology course in which interested students created an “entry” for a contest in which they chose a popular song that illustrated a course con...
Polyisocyanates as Curing Adjuvants for Ethylene—Propylene Terpolymers

Abstract Ethylene—propylene—nonconjugated diene terpolymers yield vulcanizates of high modulus and tensile strength in the presence of strongly reinforcing fillers. In many applications where low cost, light color, or nonconductivity are required, it is necessary to use poorly reinforcing mineral fillers. The combination of poorly reinforcing mineral filler and amorphous EP terpolymer yields vulcanizates which do not have the excellent stress-strain properties characteristic of many black loaded stocks. The purpose of this paper is to present a new method of obtaining superior properties in mineral filled EP terpolymer vulcanizates.
Focal neocortical seizures in infants and children.

To differentiate discrete focal neocortical seizures from multifocal and generalized seizures and from those occurring as part of a diffuse process, careful correlation of the entire history, physical examination, and laboratory studies is necessary. The choice of treatment depends on the cause. Early surgical intervention is generally indicated in seizures due to mass lesions. In those due to focal atrophy, gliosis or unknown causes, anticonvulsant therapy should be used.
Capecitabine for treating head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: With an increasing incidence, over half a million cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) are diagnosed annually worldwide. Various chemotherapeutic agents are utilized to achieve adequate locoregional control. Cisplatin, fluorouracil (FU), and taxanes are often used to treat HNC but these regimens have shown high toxicity and poor patient compliance. Capecitabine is an orally administered prodrug that is preferentially converted to FU in tumor cells in comparison to normal cells.Area covered: In this review, the authors evaluate the role of capecitabine in radical and palliative settings either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs in the management of HNC. In addition, metabolic conversion, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity profile of capecitabine are discussed.Expert opinion: Various phase II trials conducted on capecitabine in the management of recurrent HNC have shown comparable results and tolerable toxic effects especially in pre-treated fragile ...
A Study on Leakage Current Properties of Composite Insulators in Constant Voltage Clean Fog Environment

To establish the relation between leakage current and pollution flashover, taking a kind of 10kV composite insulator as test specimen whose hydrophobicity is adequately mitigated and by use of constant voltage clean fog test method, the long-term variation feature of characteristic parameters of leakage current with wetting time is analyzed and the corresponding relation of each characteristic parameter of leakage current to pollution flashover is researched. Research results show that there is corresponding relation among both cumulative pulse numbers of leakage current and variation feature of cumulative charge with time to whether the test specimen flashover or not, namely, the ascending velocities of cumulative pulse numbers of leakage current and the cumulative charge of the test specimen on which the flashover occurred are faster than that of the test specimen on which the flashover does not occur.
Typical application of TRUNK technology in VLAN

VLAN broke the geographical constraints,without changing the physical connection of the network circumstances can be mobile workstation new logical workgroups or virtual sub network,improve the operation performance of the system,balance the network data flow,the rational use of cyber source.Trunk technology is a point-to-point link is established between two switches,the corresponding port per switch called relay port,a link can transmit multiple data stream of VLAN,and allows the user to the VLAN range extends from one switch to another switch.Application examples summarized Trunk technology in VLAN.
Testing the limits of the price elasticity of potential students at colleges and universities: has the increased direct cost to the student begun to drive down higher education enrolment?

ABSTRACTHigher education enrolment has long been known to rise and fall counter to the current economic situation. This counter-cyclical enrolment response represents an economic principle where a price-elastic consumer is more likely make a consumption choice when another valuable use of resources is not available. Higher unemployment has historically led to increased enrolment as fewer prospective students have had attractive employment opportunities as an alternative use of the resource of time. This consumer decision was possible students generally had the ability to pay the cost. This trend has now ended as enrolment is no longer rising with increased unemployment. This indicates that ability of many students to pay has now been exceeded by the cost of tuition and other fees.
Approximation of the classes CβψHω by generalized Zygmund sums

We obtain asymptotic equalities for the least upper bounds of approximations by Zygmund sums in the uniform metric on the classes of continuous 2π-periodic functions whose (ψ, β)-derivatives belong to the set H ω in the case where the sequences ψ that generate the classes tend to zero not faster than a power function.
Effects of Ligands on Charge Generation and Recombination in Hybrid Polymer/Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Control of quantum dot surface chemistry offers a direct approach to tune the molecular interface between donor and acceptor constituents in hybrid bulk heterojunction photovoltaics incorporating organic semiconductors and colloidal quantum dots. We investigate the effects of altering the quantum dot surface chemistry via ligand exchange in blends of PbS quantum dots with the conjugated polymer poly((4,8-bis(octyloxy)benzo(1,2-b:4,5-b′)dithiophene-2,6-diyl)(2-((dodecyloxy)carbonyl)thieno(3,4-b)thiophenediyl)) (PTB1). We study organic ligands with both thiol and carboxylic acid functional groups including 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), and malonic acid (MA), in addition to inorganic halide ions such as tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI). We show that the different ligand treatments influence hybrid solar cell efficiency primarily through changes in open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). We use photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy to probe the generation of long-lived...
Teleology: One of Aspiration and Not Actualization

Maimonides’ ethics is not simply Jewish law dressed in Greek philosophical garb, nor is it Greek philosophical ethics residing within the four cubits of Halakha. Rather, Maimonides uses Aristotelian philosophical language to describe a Jewish ethics that emerges from Jewish law. Moreover, even though Maimonides uses an Aristotelian framework upon which to base his teleology, he does not do so in a way that would make a contemporary Jewish virtue ethics that builds on Maimonides dependent on Aristotelian physics and metaphysics. Therefore, in constructing a contemporary Jewish ethics, I can still rely on Maimonides’ teleological account of ethical development without being constrained by an Aristotelian worldview.
Computing hyperbolic tangent and sigmoid functions using stochastic logic

This paper addresses implementations of tangent hyperbolic and sigmoid functions using stochastic logic. Stochastic computing requires simple logic gates and is inherently fault-tolerant. Thus, these structures are well suited for nanoscale CMOS technologies. Tangent hyperbolic and sigmoid functions are widely used in machine learning systems such as neural networks. This paper makes two major contributions. First, two approaches are proposed to implementing tangent hyperbolic and sigmoid functions in unipolar stochastic logic. The first approach is based on a JK flip-flop. In the second approach, the proposed designs are based on a general unipolar division. Second, we present two approaches to computing tangent hyperbolic and sigmoid functions in bipolar stochastic logic. The first approach involves format conversion from bipolar format to unipolar format. The second approach uses a general bipolar stochastic divider. Simulation and synthesis results are presented for proposed designs.
Hypothesis for the cause and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract The cause and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases remain unsolved puzzles. These diseases are correlated with presence of beta sheet-rich amyloid assemblies. Here, I derive and assemble puzzle pieces to obtain a loose end-tying hypothesis for cause with direct implications for therapy. I use the following extrapolations to find connectable puzzle pieces: (a) the traditional extrapolation that amyloid/amyloid precursors cause disease, (b) a recent extrapolation that amyloid-forming proteins, some of which are virus protein homologs, are components of an empirically obscure innate immune system that counters insults, including those by both viruses and bacteria, (c) a new extrapolation that various insults produce assemblies with structural features in common and that amyloid-forming, innate immune system proteins recognize these features and, then, counter insults by co-assembly, (d, 1) a second new extrapolation that beta sheet is a common structural feature and is extended during insult-neutralizing co-assembly and (d, 2) an appendix, derived from studies of phages T3 and T4, that most insult-produced assemblies are obscure to current biochemical analysis. The hypothesis is the following. One function of amyloid-forming proteins is non-classical innate immunity to biological insults. This immunity works via beta sheet-extending co-assembly of amyloid-forming proteins with beta sheet-containing insult products. For example, co-assembly with beta sheet-containing viral assembly intermediates inhibits virus production. Amyloid-forming proteins cause neurodegenerative disease when errant, typically overproduced. Other innate immunity systems sometimes exacerbate symptoms. This hypothesis suggests the following therapy, based on manipulating Nature’s chemistry. First, conduct directed evolution to obtain low-pathogenicity, chronic symptom-producing viruses with assembly intermediates that co-assemble with and destabilize both amyloid and amyloid sub-assemblies. Then, infect patients with these viruses.
Aponeurosis influences the relationship between muscle gearing and force

Muscle gearing is determined by muscle shape change during a contraction and varies with the force of contraction. Variable gearing influences muscle force and speed, but how gearing is modulated i...
Visitor suicide risk in casino resort areas

In a well-publicized analysis of visitor suicides in three casinoareas (Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Reno), elevated suicide risk among interstate visitors was attributed to the presence of legalized gambling. A fundamental limitation of the analysis, however, was the absence of estimatesfor at-risk populations. In the present paper, an analysis of 1995 visitor-suicide rates (incorporating estimates for at-risk population) for 310 large UScounties, including places both with and without gambling casinos, yields no evidence to support a gambling-suicide relationship.
Influence of feeding Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (Amaferm) on in situ fiber degradation, ruminal fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis in nonlactating cows fed alfalfa or bromegrass hay.

Daily additions of 3 g of Amaferm to alfalfa (13% CP) and bromegrass (6% CP) diets were evaluated for effects on ruminal and postruminal fiber and organic matter digestion, fermentation profile, and duodenal bacterial nitrogen flow. Eight beef cows were fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas. Two experiments were conducted. Eight cows were fed bromegrass hay, four received Amaferm and four served as controls; later, seven cows received alfalfa hay with three receiving Amaferm and four serving as controls. Each experiment lasted 28 d: d 1 to 14 for adaptation, d 15 to 21 for measurement of feed intake, and d 22 to 28 for ruminal and duodenal sampling. Dacron bags containing NDF substrate from alfalfa or bromegrass were used to determine ruminal fiber degradation at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. There were no Amaferm effects (P > .15) on rate or extent of fiber degradation in situ when bromegrass of alfalfa was fed. There were no Amaferm effects (P > .10) on concentrations or molar proportions of ruminal VFA, pH, or NH3 or on feed intake in either experiment. There were no effects (P > .10) of Amaferm on site or extent of organic matter or fiber digestion, or duodenal nitrogen flow in cows fed either bromegrass or alfalfa. Amaferm increased (P < .10) the number of ruminal anaerobic bacteria in cows fed bromegrass but not in those fed alfalfa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dynamic Axial Crush of Automotive Rail-Sized Composite Tubes: Part 2 — Tubes With Braided Reinforcements (Carbon, Kevlar®, and Glass) and Non-Plug Crush Initiators

This paper documents the braided reinforcement portion of a successful fundamental study of the dynamic axial crush of automotive rail-sized composite tubes. Braided reinforcements were comprised principally of carbon fiber but also of Kevlar® and E-glass and combinations of the three. Fourteen different braids were used, six of which were tri-axial and the remainder bi-axial. Tubes were manufactured using Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) with processing and molding techniques that are suitable for the low cost high volume needs of the automotive industry. Braids were obtained as continuous rolls of tubular sock-like material and pulled over metal mandrels one ply at a time. Carbon fiber tow sizes ranged from 6k to 48k. Dow Derakane 470 vinylester resin was used for all tubes. Tube geometry, a 88.9×88.9 mm square cross section with 2.54 mm thick walls, approximated that of the first 500 mm of the lower rail of a typical mid-size vehicle. Note in particular that tube wall thickness was fixed at a single value in this study. A 45° bevel on the outside edge of the lead end of each tube served as the crush initiator. In total 71 dynamic axial crush tests were conducted. In terms of important findings, consistent with the woven fabric portion of this program [1], desirable dynamic axial crush response was demonstrated for RTM’d automotive rail-sized carbon fiber reinforced tubes. For almost all parameter configurations, the tubes exhibited stable and progressive crush with a reasonably flat plateau force level and an acceptable crush initiation force, i.e. one that can be withstood by the backup structure. Additionally, crush debris from such tubes was found to neither contain objectionable sharp brittle splinters nor pose a health risk. Displacement average values of dynamic axial crush force ranged from 11.88 to 26.51 kN and values of SEA (specific energy absorption) ranged between 10.42 and 22.44 kJ/kg. In terms of parameter effects, the fiber type and reinforcement architecture were found to be capable of more than doubling/halving the dynamic axial crush force and SEA.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
X-Ray Lasing in a Muon Catalyzed Fusion System

When an energetic negative muon enters a dense DT target it initiates the chain of reactions: (a) stopping and capture of p into atomic levels of deuterium and tritium. (b)μ transfer from the duterium to the tritium which can occur both from excited and from the ground state of dμ. (d) Nuclear fusion of dt (the capital letters D and T denote the deuterium and tritium atoms while the small letters denote the nuclei). The muon is either released or captured by the nuclear fusion products (sticking).
Cost-effectiveness of drug therapies for Alzheimer's disease: A brief review.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an important and rapidly expanding public health problem. Its large economic burden is a result of its disabling nature, chronicity, and high prevalence in older segments of the population. Current treatments of AD have been criticized for providing insufficient benefit to justify their costs, but variability in assessing both costs and benefits make evaluation of the existing data problematic. Inclusion of the value of caregiver time is a major driver of the determination of cost-effectiveness. Population-based studies and those based on application of economic models to other study outcomes tend to identify greater cost-effectiveness than prospectively collected data. Differences in healthcare economics across countries also limit generalization of specific study findings. The current state of evidence suggests that treatment decisions in AD should be based on assessment of benefit in individual patients rather than broader societal economic factors.
Does messaging matter? Investigating the influence of media headlines on perceptions and attitudes of the in-group and out-group

Messaging and media stories can influence several aspects of consumer perceptions and behaviors. We experimentally investigated how exposure to various mediated messages and headlines influenced pe...
Biosynthetic Electronic Interfaces for Bridging Microbial and Inorganic Electron Transport.

Electron transport in biological and inorganic systems is mediated through distinct mechanisms and pathways. Their fundamental mismatch in structural and thermodynamic properties has imposed a sign...
A capabilities approach to female graduates’ post-secondary academic and career-related goal pursuit in Siem Reap Cambodia

This research uses Sen’s capabilities approach to examine two central questions: “how do female graduates, in Siem Reap, Cambodia, achieve their academic and career-related post-secondary goals?” and “how do personal, social and environmental factors contribute to or inhibit their post-secondary goal achievement?” Individual interviews with fifteen female secondary school graduates around Siem Reap, Cambodia revealed that interactions of environmental, social and personal factors are powerful forces in goal attainment, and that creative navigation of these factors, which supports Sen’s concept of instrumental agency, forms the foundation of academic and career-related post-secondary goal achievement for female graduates. Of particular importance is female graduates’ engagement of a number of external supporting factors, guiding the identification of multiple paths to their post-secondary career and academic pursuits. The findings contribute to the body of literature in girls’ resilience, education and well-being, which supports national development in Cambodia and indicates a need for a holistic approach to supporting post-secondary pursuits.
Learning in Motion: Dynamic Interactions for Increased Trust in Human-Robot Interaction Games

Embodiment of actions and tasks has typically been analyzed from the robot’s perspective where the robot’s embodiment helps develop and maintain trust. However, we ask a similar question looking at the interaction from the human perspective. Embodied cognition has been shown in the cognitive science literature to produce increased social empathy and cooperation. To understand how human embodiment can help develop and increase trust in human-robot interactions, we created conducted a study where participants were tasked with memorizing greek letters associated with dance motions with the help of a humanoid robot. Participants either performed the dance motion or utilized a touch screen during the interaction. The results showed that participants’ trust in the robot increased at a higher rate during human embodiment of motions as opposed to utilizing a touch screen device.
Machine learning analyses of automated performance metrics during granular sub-stitch phases predict surgeon experience.

Abstract Automated performance metrics objectively measure surgeon performance during a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Machine learning has demonstrated that automated performance metrics, especially during the vesico-urethral anastomosis of the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, are predictive of long-term outcomes such as continence recovery time. This study focuses on automated performance metrics during the vesico-urethral anastomosis, specifically on stitch versus sub-stitch levels, to distinguish surgeon experience. During the vesico-urethral anastomosis, automated performance metrics, recorded by a systems data recorder (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), were reported for each overall stitch (Ctotal) and its individual components: needle handling/targeting (C1), needle driving (C2), and suture cinching (C3) (Fig 1, A). These metrics were organized into three datasets (GlobalSet [whole stitch], RowSet [independent sub-stitches], and ColumnSet [associated sub-stitches] (Fig 1, B) and applied to three machine learning models (AdaBoost, gradient boosting, and random forest) to solve two classifications tasks: experts (≥100 cases) versus novices (
At the Intersection of Deep Sequential Model Framework and State-space Model Framework: Study on Option Pricing.

Inference and forecast problems of the nonlinear dynamical system have arisen in a variety of contexts. Reservoir computing and deep sequential models, on the one hand, have demonstrated efficient, robust, and superior performance in modeling simple and chaotic dynamical systems. However, their innate deterministic feature has partially detracted their robustness to noisy system, and their inability to offer uncertainty measurement has also been an insufficiency of the framework. On the other hand, the traditional state-space model framework is robust to noise. It also carries measured uncertainty, forming a just-right complement to the reservoir computing and deep sequential model framework. We propose the unscented reservoir smoother, a model that unifies both deep sequential and state-space models to achieve both frameworks' superiorities. Evaluated in the option pricing setting on top of noisy datasets, URS strikes highly competitive forecasting accuracy, especially those of longer-term, and uncertainty measurement. Further extensions and implications on URS are also discussed to generalize a full integration of both frameworks.
Students' perceptions and attitudes about digital dental technology is associated with their intention to use it.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To investigate factors associated with predoctoral students' intention to use dental technology in future practice using the theory of planned behavior. METHODS A comprehensive survey was developed consisting of 29 questions grouped in three main domains: knowledge, perception, and suggestions. After students had completed their digital dentistry didactic courses in 2019, the University of Iowa-College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics D2, D3, and D4 classes completed the survey. The D1 class was excluded because they had not finished their digital dentistry didactic courses. The survey data were tabulated for each class separately to compare trends among classes. Each response was analyzed individually before creating scores for the various subdomains. A linear regression analysis was used to create the final model for the outcome variable (intention to use technology). RESULTS The response rate was 95% (n = 232). The mean age of participants was 25.7 years (SD = 2.7). There were significant differences between the classes in their knowledge (p < 0.0001), perceived quality of training (p < 0.0001), and all perceptions related to digital dentistry. Controlling for significant covariates among higher level students, there were significant associations between intention to use dental technology and greater knowledge scores (p = 0.05), attitude (p < 0.0001), subjective social norms (p = 0.02), and perceived control on the future use of technology (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Students may be motivated to use digital technology when they have good knowledge, feel that others are using it or endorsing its use, and perceive that they have control in their future practice.