cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin is lower in African American men with diabetes and associates with psycho-social and metabolic health factors.

OBJECTIVE Recently, it has been suggested that oxytocin (OT) has a role in metabolism and neuropsychiatry health and disease, and therefore, it may represent a potential therapeutic target. The current study aimed to investigate relationships between OT and glycemic status along with psycho-social and behavioral factors. DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 92 obese or overweight, African American, male subjects were enrolled in the study. Biometric and biochemical data were collected including oral glucose tolerance testing and urinary OT (measured by ELISA). Subjects also completed questionnaires on social and lifestyle factors. RESULTS OT levels were found to be significantly lower in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to normal glucose tolerance (p<0.05). When stratified by OT tertiles, subjects with higher OT had lower weight, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1c, but higher eGFR which remained significant after BMI adjustment. The highest OT tertile also had more smokers and more users of psychiatric medications. A stepwise ordered logistic regression supported these findings and could account for 21% of the variation in OT categories (pseudoR2 = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS In this unique population, OT was found lower in subjects with diabetes but higher with better renal function, cigarette smoking and use of psychiatric medications. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and examine the potential therapeutic role of OT.
Atrial Repolarization Waves (Ta) Mimicking Inferior Wall ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Ectopic Atrial Rhythm

We present a case of atrial repolarization waves from an ectopic atrial rhythm mimicking inferior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in a 78-year-old male patient who presented with left sided chest wall and shoulder pain. His ischemic workup was negative, and the ST elevations completely resolved upon the resumption of sinus rhythm before discharge.
Childhood Obesity Declines Project: An Effort of the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research to Explore Progress in Four Communities.

Abstract Background: Recent findings show that national childhood obesity prevalence overall is improving among some age groups, but that disparities continue to persist, particularly among populat...
A novel technique for the measurement of eyelid contour to compare outcomes following Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection and external levator resection surgery.

Both external levator resection (ELR) and Muller’s muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) are procedures well known to improve marginal reflex distance (MRD1) in patients with ptosis. This study aims to understand differential post-operative changes in eyelid contour for MMCR and ELR surgery. In this cross-sectional cohort study, patients affected by involutional ptosis were randomized into two groups: those who underwent ELR or MMCR surgery. Pre-operative and late post-operative photographs were obtained. Digital analysis of the lid contour was performed by measuring the vertical distance from a line intersecting the center of the pupil to the eyelid margin at 10 positions at 2 mm intervals. Mean distance at each position was compared pre- and post-operatively between the groups. The final sample included 60 eyes from 39 patients, 30 eyes per group. At each time point there was significant variation in height across the eyelid (p < 0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) group difference in vertical height was noted only at the 2 and 4 mm temporal positions in the post-operative analysis, with the ELR group being slightly higher. There were no significant differences in MRD1, pre- or post-operatively, between the ELR and MMCR groups. Both ELR and MMCR are effective at elevating the eyelid in multiple positions across the length of the eyelid. Although they do not produce significantly different MRD1 results, ELR was associated with a greater eyelid height at the 2 and 4 mm temporal positions.
The Invention of Refrigerated Transport and the Development of the International Dressed Meat Trade

In 1898, a terrible scandal occurred involving the beef fed to U.S. soldiers during the Spanish American War. The commander of the Army, General Nelson A. Miles charged that the military had provided condemned meat to its fighting men. Some of the beef that Miles described in testimony before Congress came from cans. Most of it had been preserved by refrigeration. According to Miles, 337 t of this refrigerated meat was preserved by “embalming.” That meant injecting it with dangerous chemicals. In response to these charges, President William McKinley appointed a commission headed by Major-General James F. Wade to investigate. He found no evidence that any of the beef fed to troops was tainted. Instead, Wade’s investigation blamed the way the meat had been handled between the Chicago packing plants where it originated and the soldiers in the field. Poor sanitation, slow delivery, lack of cold storage warehouses in Cuba, lack of ice to preserve the meat en route to the battlefield; these were the causes of the problems which led to the complaints (Young, Pure food: securing the federal food and drugs act of 1906. Princeton University Press, Princeton, pp 135–137, 1989).
Role of Catecholamines in the Development of Tolerance to Barbiturates and Ethanol

The destruction of noradrenergic systems in brain by administration of 6-hydroxydopamine prior to chronic ethanol treatment prevented the development of tolerance to ethanol. Animals pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine also showed no cross tolerance to barbiturates. Destruction of noradrenergic systems prior to chronic treatment with barbiturates also partially prevented the development of tolerance to pentobarbital. 6-Hydroxydopamine pretreatment had little effect on the signs of physical dependence produced by ethanol. The possible dissociation of tolerance and dependence and the role of noradrenergic systems in these phenomena is discussed.
Introduction to Mirror Symmetry

An introduction to mirror symmetry in Hodge diamonds, with a review of the prerequisite geometry.
Forensics: Educating the Lawyers

The data shows that lawyers and judges are not adequately dealing with an important component of the job, that is, forensic science. They are inadequately educated. The data empirically demonstrates that this inadequate education has resulted in a crisis in the courts. Wrongful convictions have been documented at an alarming rate and a substantial number of those wrongful convictions, including condemnation of innocent people to death, are the result of substandard forensic expert testimony. In addition, controversies regarding civil judgments have continued to proliferate focusing on what is characterized as “junk science” invoked either for the plaintiffs or the defendants – or, sometimes, both. At the heart of this empirically verifiable crisis in forensic science, including wrongful convictions and unsupported civil judgments, is the fact that the end-users – the lawyers and judges – are under-educated on what should be admissible in court. Law school education, the Juris Doctor (J.D.) curriculum, does not have a sufficient component related to forensic science. As a result, lawyers and judges are not intellectually equipped to litigate and rule on the admissibility of forensic evidence and, where it is admissible, to fashion intelligent rulings regarding the scope of forensic opinions. This requires a paradigm shift in what constitutes a legal education. This is not to diminish the good work of a minority of judges and lawyers who have actively pursued an education in forensics but it is to state the empirically demonstrated fact that, in the majority of courtrooms, substandard science still appears and can be outcome determinative. These results occur with the participation of the many lawyers and judges who have no significant forensic education but who are, nevertheless, the end-users of forensic services. The education of these end-users should begin in law school. However, there is a lack of structure to the forensic education, if any, that is offered as a part of the J.D. curriculum. The typical evidence class in law school dedicates only a week or two to forensic evidence while spending several weeks on the hearsay rule. Electives in forensics are on the potential class list of many law schools but, even then, there is no regularity as to when they are offered and no structure for a forensic concentration as a part of the J.D. curriculum. This article recommends that the J.D. curriculum be revised to include more mandatory education relating to forensic evidence. Beyond that, this article recommends that there be concentrations or certificate programs offered in law and forensic science that can be accomplished while obtaining the J.D. degree. Finally, that organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Council of Forensic Science Educators, promote and encourage such programs.
Scaling of lipid membrane rigidity with domain area fraction

Biological membranes are highly heterogeneous in composition which in turn leads to local variations in the physical properties. Here we quantify how heterogeneity in stiffness determines the effective bending modulus, κeff, of model phase-separated membranes with coexisting soft fluid and rigid gel domains. We find that the temperature- and composition- dependent trends in membrane rigidity collapse onto a single curve, such that κeff directly scales with the area fraction of the rigid gel domains. Using no adjustable parameters, the measurements are found to agree with theoretical predictions for inhomogenous membranes and indicate that κeff is sensitive to the lateral distribution of the rigid phase within the membrane. This key finding confirms that the properties of heterogeneous membranes can be quantitatively predicted if the area fraction and properties of the individual phases are known.
Why Are Host Stars Important for Understanding Exoplanet Atmospheres

Like planets in the solar system, exoplanets form, evolve, and interact with their host stars in many ways. Exoplanets form out of protostellar disks, which contain positive ions (H+, H\(^+_2\), and H\(_3^+\)) and other radicals produced when molecules in the disk are photo-dissociated by stellar UV and X-ray photons and then charge-exchanged by protons in the stellar wind. These positive ions become the formation seeds of complex molecules including simple organics.
Excited state energy transfer from terminal β-diketonate ligands to a central boron dipyrrin (Bodipy), mediated by lanthanide (III) metals

Abstract A new boron-dipyrromethene (Bodipy) dye with phenanthro-fused groups at the β-pyrrole positions is described. The π-extended pyrrole units result in intense red-shifted absorption and emission in the visible region of the spectrum. The phenathroline groups are incorporated to allow for coordination of Ln(III) β-diketonates giving the first examples of bis-Ln(III)-Bodipy complexes (where Ln = Eu and Tb). Electronic spectroscopy of the disubstituted Ln(III)-Bodipy complexes reveal β-diketonate charge transfer in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum and π π * transitions associated with the Bodipy core. Upon excitation of the terminal antenna β-diketonate ligands, within the ultraviolet region, emission of the Bodipy core is observed with no evidence of Ln(III) emission; suggesting energy transfer from the antenna ligands to the lanthanide ion to the Bodipy core (An → Ln(III) → Bodipy).
A Description of Initial Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Selection in Premature Infants Receiving High-Frequency Jet Ventilation

Background: High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) has been utilized as a modality in infants with respiratory distress syndrome who are refractory to conventional ventilation. There is a paucity of data informing initial PEEP selection during HFJV. Therefore, we sought to describe parameters that were associated with PEEP levels following conversion to HFJV. Methods: An IRB approved single-center retrospective review was conducted on subjects who underwent HFJV between 01/2015-01/2019. Subjects were enrolled if birth weight ≤ 2,000 grams and ≤ 34 weeks gestational age. Subjects were excluded if they received HFJV as a first line therapy upon admission. Ventilator parameters and laboratory data were extracted and analyzed prior to HFJV transition and at hours 1, 4, 6 and 12 following conversion. Data included: PEEP, mean airway pressure, FIO2, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), pH, capillary carbon dioxide level and sigh-breaths. Since the data were not normally distributed, they are reported as median (interquartile range). The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn posttest were used in order to evaluate differences in parameters over time. Results: Fifty-three premature subjects (n = 37 male) were studied. Median gestational age was 25.5 weeks (24.1 – 27.8) and birthweight of 900g (695 – 1,555). Subjects received conventional ventilation for a median of 50 hours (13.8 – 218) prior to HFJV; with PIP 20 cm H2O (18 – 24) and frequency 40 breaths/min (38 – 44) respectively. A HFJV frequency of 420 breaths/min and on-time of 0.02 seconds were used for all subjects. A target pH ≥ 7.25 and FIO2 ≤ 0.4 was achieved in 54% and 60% of subjects at four hours, respectively. Ventilator parameters and laboratory data are displayed in Table 1. Conclusions: We observed a statistically significant increase in PEEP, PIP, pH and decrease in PcCO2 compared with baseline. Our findings may inform initial PEEP during conversion to HFJV.
IDH-mutant gliomas harbor fewer regulatory T cells in humans and mice

The metabolic gene isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is commonly mutated in lower grade glioma (LGG) and secondary glioblastoma (GBM). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a significant role in the suppression of antitumor immunity in human glioma. Given the importance of Tregs in the overall framework of designing immune-based therapies, a better understanding on their association with IDH mutational status remains of critical clinical importance. Using multispectral imaging analysis, we compared the incidence of Tregs in IDH-mutant and IDH wild-type glioma from patient tumor samples of LGG. An orthotopic IDH-mutant murine model was generated to evaluate the role of mutant IDH on Treg infiltration by immunohistochemistry. When compared to IDH wild-type controls, Tregs are disproportionally underrepresented in mutant disease, even when taken as a proportion of all infiltrating T cells. Our findings suggest that therapeutic agents targeting Tregs may be more appropriate in modulating the immune response to wild-type disease.
The development and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen: reviewing over a century of progress

Acetaminophen (APAP) was first synthesized in the 1800s, and came on the market approximately 65 years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most used drugs in the world. However, it is also a ...
A covalent p97/VCP ATPase inhibitor can overcome resistance to CB-5083 and NMS-873 in colorectal cancer cells.

Abstract Small-molecule inhibitors of p97 are useful tools to study p97 function. Human p97 is an important AAA ATPase due to its diverse cellular functions and implication in mediating the turnover of proteins involved in tumorigenesis and virus infections. Multiple p97 inhibitors identified from previous high-throughput screening studies are thiol-reactive compounds targeting Cys522 in the D2 ATP-binding domain. Thus, these findings suggest a potential strategy to develop covalent p97 inhibitors. We first used purified p97 to assay several known covalent kinase inhibitors to determine if they can inhibit ATPase activity. We evaluated their selectivity using our dual reporter cells that can distinguish p97 dependent and independent degradation. We selected a β-nitrostyrene scaffold to further study the structure-activity relationship. In addition, we used p97 structures to design and synthesize analogues of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP). We incorporated electrophiles into a PP-like compound 17 (4-amino-1-tert-butyl-3-phenyl pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) to generate eight compounds. A selective compound 18 (N-(1-(tert-butyl)-3-phenyl-1H- p yrazolo[3,4-d] p yrimidin-4-yl) a crylamide, PPA) exhibited excellent selectivity in an in vitro ATPase activity assay: IC50 of 0.6 μM, 300 μM, and 100 μM for wild type p97, yeast Cdc48, and N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF), respectively. To further examine the importance of Cys522 on the active site pocket during PPA inhibition, C522A and C522T mutants of p97 were purified and shown to increase IC50 values by 100-fold, whereas replacement of Thr532 of yeast Cdc48 with Cysteine decreased the IC50 by 10-fold. The molecular modeling suggested the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in addition to the covalent bonding at Cys522 between WT-p97 and PPA. Furthermore, tandem mass spectrometry confirmed formation of a covalent bond between Cys522 and PPA. An anti-proliferation assay indicated that the proliferation of HCT116, HeLa, and RPMI8226 was inhibited by PPA with IC50 of 2.7 μM, 6.1 μM, and 3.4 μM, respectively. In addition, PPA is able to inhibit proliferation of two HCT116 cell lines that are resistant to CB-5083 and NMS-873, respectively. Proteomic analysis of PPA-treated HCT116 revealed Gene Ontology enrichment of known p97 functional pathways such as the protein ubiquitination and the ER to Golgi transport vesicle membrane. In conclusion, we have identified and characterized PPA as a selective covalent p97 inhibitor, which will allow future exploration to improve the potency of p97 inhibitors with different mechanisms of action.
COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics: A Space-and-Time Approach

Background: At the end of January 2021, Portugal had over 700,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The burden of COVID-19 varies between and within countries due to differences in contextual and individual factors, transmission rates, and clinical and public health interventions. Objectives: To identify high-risk areas, between April and October, on a weekly basis and at the municipality level, and to assess the temporal evolution of COVID-19, considering municipalities classified by incidence levels. Methods: This is an ecological study following a 3-step approach, i.e., (1) calculation of the relative risk (RR) of the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases, weekly, per municipality, using a spatial scan analysis;(2) classification of the municipalities according to the European Centre for Disease Control incidence categorization on November 19;and (3) characterization of RR temporal evolution by incidence groups. Results: Between April and October, the mean RR was 0.53, with a SD of 1.44, varying between 0 and 46.4. Globally, the north and Lisbon and Tagus Valley (LVT) area were the regions with the highest number of municipalities with a RR above 3.2. In April and beginning of May, most of the municipalities with an RR above 3.2 were from the north, while between May and August most municipalities with an RR above 3.2 were from LVT area. Comparing the incidence in November and retrospectively analyzing the RR showed the huge variation, with municipalities with an RR of 0 at a certain time classified as extremely high in November. Conclusions: Our results showed considerable variation in RR over time and space, with no consistent "better"or "worst"municipality. In addition to the several factors that influence COVID-19 transmission dynamics, there were some outbreaks over time and throughout the country and this may contribute to explaining the observed variation. Over time, on a weekly basis, it is important to identify critical areas allowing tailored and timely interventions in order to control outbreaks in early stages. © 2021 S. Karger AG. All rights reserved.
Managing 'Forced' Technology Transfer in Emerging Markets: The Case of China

This paper explores how foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) manage risks associated with “forced” technology transfer (“FTT”) policies in emerging markets. Although MNCs are increasingly exposed to appropriability risks from these policies, how they respond is relatively understudied in international business (IB) research. We explore this topic based upon a survey and interviews with Western MNCs doing business in China, as well as a discussion about the recent US-China trade war. We find that, as traditional IB theory would predict, internally-oriented strategies (e.g., internalization, maintenance of informal intellectual property (IP), and control of technological centrality and sophistication) are often used to respond to FTT policies; however, the risks from such policies can sometimes be more efficiently managed by externally-oriented strategies (e.g., non-market activities and reliance on formal IP). We discuss how the co-evolution of MNCs' risk management strategies alongside changing value chains, IP institutions, and conditions determining the leverage of FTT policies appear to contribute to this phenomenon. We argue that IB research should more prominently recognize the role of externally-oriented strategies, not only internally-oriented ones, in managing the complex IP-related institutional challenges present in emerging markets today.
From Text-based Genome, Population Variations, and Transcriptome Datafiles to SQLite Database and Web Application: A Bioinformatical Study on Alfalfa

Abstract In this study, a web database application with the Flask framework was developed to implement three types of queries and visualize the results over a bioinformatical dataset from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). A backend SQLite database was constructed from genome FASTA, population variations, transcriptome, and annotation files with extensions “.fasta”, “.gff”, “vcf”, “.annotate”, etc. Further, a supplementary command-line-based Java application was also developed for faster access to the database without direct SQL programming. Overall, Python, Java, and HTML were the main programming languages used in this application. Those scripts and the development procedures are valuable for bioinformaticians to build online databases from similar raw datasets of other species.
Exploration of the concept of collaboration within the context of nurse practitioner-physician collaborative practice.

AbstractPurpose:Collaboration in the healthcare setting is a multifaceted process that calls for deliberate knowledge sharing and mutual accountability for patient care. The purpose of this analysis is to offer an increased understanding of the concept of collaboration within the context of nurse pr
A peak-to-average power reduction method for third generation CDMA reverse links

Proposals for third generation cellular standards based on code division multiple access (CDMA) methods are being developed in several standards bodies around the world. The reverse link (mobile-to-base station) in these proposals is similar in structure and function. A method is described that reduces the peak-to-average power of the mobile station transmission. By reducing the peak-to-average power ratio, spectral regrowth created by the mobile station power amplifier is reduced. This method is known as hybrid PSK (HPSK). HPSK is utilized in the generation of the complex scrambling sequence of the reverse link. Currently, HPSK has been adopted for the reverse link of third generation CDMA proposals by the TIA for the USA, ETSI for Europe, ARIB for Japan, and TTA for Korea.
Mitochondrial processing peptidases as a target therapy for vascular endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis (1146.8)

Oxidized Low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) acts via its receptor LOX-1 and elicits endothelial dysfunction that is considered a hallmark for initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the precise mechanism by which this occurs is still unclear and is the main focus of current study. Our time course, subcellular fractionation, and immunofluorescence data support our hypothesis that Arg2 is a dual-targeted single gene and single mRNA product found in both mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions of HAEC - a novel pattern of effector system activation in mammalian vascular injury. These data indicate that OxLDL-mediated activation of Arg2 in HAEC and in mouse aortic intima occurs via post-translational modification and subcellular translocation of pre-existing pools of Arg2 from mitochondria to the cytosol. Accumulated Arginase 2 in cytosol diminishes the concentration of cytosolic L-arginine and leads to eNOS uncoupling. OxLDL-evoked changes in cytosolic Arg2 activity are muted by Rho-kinase inhibit...
The rotational approach to medical education: time to confront our assumptions?

CONTEXT Trainees in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education engage in multiple transitions as part of the educational process, including many transitions that occur on both periodic and daily bases within medical education programmes. The clinical rotation, based on either a medical discipline or clinical care setting and occurring over a predetermined, short period of time, is a deeply entrenched educational approach with its roots in Abraham Flexner's seminal report. Many assumptions about the presumed benefits of clinical rotations have become pervasive despite a lack of empirical evidence on their optimal timing and structure, and on how transitions between clinical rotations should occur. METHODS In this paper, we examine the issue of rotational transitions from the three perspectives of sociology, learning theory, and the improvement of quality and safety. RESULTS Discussion from the sociological perspective addresses the need for much greater attention to interprofessional relationships and professional development, whereas that from the learning theory perspective examines the gap between what is known from pedagogical and cognitive science and what is currently practised (learning theory). Discussion from the perspective of improving quality and safety refers to the critical need to embed trainees in functional clinical microsystems as meaningful participants. CONCLUSIONS Research is urgently needed on the effects of transitions on trainees, faculty staff, non-doctor health care providers and patients in order to optimise future competency-based training models and confirm or refute current assumptions.
Diethyldithiocarbamic Acid Inhibits the Octadecanoid Signaling Pathway for the Wound Induction of Proteinase Inhibitors in Tomato Leaves

The induction of proteinase inhibitor I synthesis in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) leaves in response to wounding is strongly inhibited by diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DIECA). DIECA also inhibits the induction of inhibitor I synthesis by the 18-amino acid polypeptide systemin, polygalac turonic acid (PGA), and linolenic acid, but not by jasmonic acid, suggesting that DIECA interferes with the octadecanoid signaling pathway. DIECA only weakly inhibited tomato lipoxygenase activity, indicating that DIECA action occurred at a step after the conversion of linolenic acid to 13(S)-hydroperoxylinolenic acid (HPOTrE). DIECA was shown to efficiently reduce HPOTrE to 13-hydroxylinolenic acid (HOTrE), which is not a signaling intermediate. Therefore, in vivo, DIECA is likely inhibiting the signaling pathway by shunting HPOTrE to HOTrE, thereby severely reducing the precursor pool leading to cyclization and eventual synthesis of jasmonic acid. Phenidone, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase, inhibited proteinase inhibitor I accumulation in response to wounding, further supporting a role for its substrate, linolenic acid, and its product, HPOTrE, as components of the signal-transduction pathway that induces proteinase inhibitor synthesis in response to wounding, systemin, and PGA.
Teaching Hybrid Principles of Finance to Undergraduate Business Students--Can It Work?.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between course design and predictor variables: motivation, satisfaction, and success for students enrolled in the hybrid Principles of Finance course. The participants for this research project were 117 undergraduate students (encompassing 6 semesters) at Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The results indicate that course design does influence the predictor variables. (A hybrid course combines face-to-face classroom instruction with computer-based learning. These courses move a portion of course learning online and, as a result, reduce the amount of classroom time needed.)
Associated top quark Higgs boson production at the LHC

We compute the O(alpha_s^3) inclusive cross section for the process pp -> t-tbar-h in the Standard Model, at sqrt(s)=14 TeV. The next-to-leading order corrections drastically reduce the renormalization and factorization scale dependence of the Born cross section and increase the total cross section for renormalization and factorization scales larger than m_t. These corrections have important implications for models of new physics involving the top quark.
High-Performance Digital Defuzzification and Defuzzifier Circuit

This article discusses the design and development of a high-speed digital defuzzifier circuit that can be used as a stand alone chip associated with a conventional or fuzzy logic processor or as a macrofunctional block built into the fuzzy logic processor chip. As a case example, the presented defuzzifier circuit is designed to have 64*5 bit input data bus and 32 bit output data bus. The choice of the input/output data bus size is arbitrary and the design can be modified according to the user's needs. The output data bus, representing the scalar output value, is organized in such a way that the first 8 bits represent the real number and the remaining 24 bits represent its fraction. The accuracy of the defuzzification equals 11256. The defuzzifier is pipelined to assist in higher throughput, and therefore, for a used technology n-well 1.2-μm CMOS its maximum frequency of operation is 100 MHz. This means that as soon as the pipeline is filled, the defuzzifier reads 64*5 bit fuzzy input and generates the 32-bit scalar output every 10 ns. This defuzzifier, as an element of the fuzzy logic controller design, was simulated at the postlayout stage of development.
Intelligent query answering in rule based systems

Abstract We propose that in large knowledge bases which are collections of atomic facts and general rules (Horn clauses), the rules should be allowed to occur in the answer for a query. We introduce a new concept of the answer for a query which includes both atomic facts and general rules. We provide a method of transforming rules by relational algebra expressions built from projection, join, and selection and demonstrate how the answers consisting of both facts and general rules can be generated.
Interleukin-1α and Interleukin-6 Enhance the Antibacterial Properties of Cultured Composite Keratinocyte Grafts

Tissue-engineered skin substitutes are a promising alternative for the permanent closure of burn wounds. 1,2 Methods are well established for the culture of large numbers of human epidermal keratinocytes as well as dermal fibroblasts, and several approaches have been developed to combine these cells with different analogs of the dermis. 3–5 Many of these cultured skin grafts have been evaluated in the clinic with some success. 6–10 Although a promising approach, none perform as well as a split-thickness skin graft. Graft failure resulting from infection is a problem and serious limitation and is related to the fact that at the time of grafting, cultured skin grafts do not contain immune cells, nor are they vascularized. Moreover, it has been shown that cultured skin grafts are more sensitive than split-thickness skin grafts to many topically applied antimicrobial agents. 11–14 The innate immune system, which is distinct from the adaptive or acquired immune response, provides a first line of host defense against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. 15–17 In contrast to acquired immunity, the innate immune system does not require recognition of specific antigens and can mount a more immediate response to pathogens. Components of the innate immune system are varied and include cells such as macrophages and neutrophils as well as antimicrobial peptides and proteins produced by various epithelia of the body. 16–19 Keratinocytes of the epidermis have been shown to produce a variety of peptides and proteins with antimicrobial activity. Proteins with antibacterial activities include phospholipase A2 and lysozyme, 20,21 and antimicrobial peptides include human beta defensin-1 (HBD-1), human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2), a member of the cathelicidin family (LL-37), and antileukoprotease. 22–26 Expression of some of these antimicrobial peptides and proteins is constitutive, whereas others are induced during inflammation or by specific cytokines. 22–26 Cultured skin grafts are produced ex vivo under aseptic conditions; however, soon after transplantation, they encounter a wide spectrum of microorganisms found in the typical burn wound site. To determine whether cultured skin grafts could be better prepared for this abrupt transition, we investigated whether cytokines could be used to stimulate the innate immune response of cultured composite keratinocyte grafts before transplantation.
Can students in technology entrepreneurship courses help foster start‐ups by the unemployed?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Lehigh University's demonstration program integrating technology entrepreneurship courses with state and federal employment and economic development agencies. The article aims to detail program goals, activities, resources and structure.Design/methodology/approach – The demonstration involved three stages over 30‐months in the context of Lehigh's Integrated Product Development Program. IPD engages students and faculty from business, engineering and design arts. Multidisciplinary student teams worked with unemployed clients with entrepreneurial new product ideas. The authors report results of several surveys and lessons learned from a comprehensive assessment process.Findings – One year after participating, compared to a control group of non‐participants, clients with student teams had made statistically significantly more progress in launching businesses and generated more economic activity. Family support and market knowledge were the strongest predictor...
Waste Not or Want Not? A Contingent Ranking Analysis of Curbside Waste Disposal Options

Abstract Recent growth in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream nationwide has prompted considerable research into alternative waste management programs that would divert a portion of the MSW stream from landfills. Using a sample of 350 individuals from a random digit-dialed telephone survey, a discrete choice contingent ranking (CR) approach is used to estimate household's willingness-to-pay for various curbside trash-separation services in Ogden, UT. Results indicate that Ogden residents are willing to pay approximately 3.7–4.6 cents per gallon of waste diverted for a curbside service that enables separation of green waste and recyclable material from other solid waste. Relative to costly waste diversion experiments conducted by other municipalities, the Ogden experience suggests CR is a cost-effective means for municipalities to evaluate waste disposal options.
Numerical study of amplified spontaneous emission and lasing in random media

We simulate the transition from amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) to lasing in random systems with varying degrees of mode overlap. This is accomplished by solving the stochastic Maxwell-Bloch equations with the finite-difference time-domain method. Below lasing threshold, the continuous emission spectra are narrowed by frequency-dependent amplification. Our simulations reproduce the stochastic emission spikes in the spectra. Well-defined peaks, corresponding to the system resonances, emerge at higher pumping and are narrowed by stimulated emission before lasing takes place. Noise tends to distribute pump energy over many modes, resulting in multimode operation. Well above the lasing threshold, the effects of noise lessen and results become similar to those without noise. By comparing systems of different scattering strength, we find that weaker scattering extends the transition region from ASE to lasing, where the effects of noise are most significant.
Capillary Performance of Evaporating Flow in Micro Grooves: An Approximate Analytical Approach and Experimental Investigation

The capillary flow along a microgroove channel was investigated both analytically and experimentally. In order to obtain insight into the phenomena, and because the governing equation had the form of a nonlinear differential equation, an analytical solution and approximate algebraic model were developed rather than using numerical methods. Approximating the governing equation as a Bernoulli differential equation resulted in an analytical solution for the radius curvature as the cube root of an exponential function. The axial variation of the radius of curvature profile as determined by this method was very similar to the numerical result as was the algebraic solution. However, the analytical model predicted the meniscus dryout location to be somewhat shorter than either the numerical results or the results from the algebraic solution. To verify the modeling results, the predictions for the axial capillary performance were compared to the results of the experimental investigation
Multi-scale pore membrane for continuous, passive fluid transport in a micro cooling device

We report a novel, passive micropump system utilizing nanowire-decorated pores to form a multi-scale membrane for continuously feeding coolant onto the surface of the wick in a micro-cooling device. The self-driven membrane was designed and fabricated by the combination of electrochemical etching to form the membrane pores in silicon and synthesis of nanowires to increase capillary pressure near the wick surface and enable fluid to flow up and out of the pores onto the wick surface itself. Through experimental testing this passive pumping mechanism was verified to allow for the jumping of microscale gaps making it possible for fluid to flow to an adjacent surface. This allows for a constant supply of fluid for the evaporator minimizing of probability of dryout in a micro-cooling device.
Industrial and non-industrial anthropogenic inputs to the global biogeochemical cycles: Implications for intertemporal environmental policy

Abstract The majority of developing nations continue to rely primarily of biomass energy sources even as they endeavor to modernize and industrialize their economic base. The implications of this dependence include a strong linkage between pre-industrial conditions and future national development, as well as the need for environmental planning that explicitly recognizes the natural time-scales of ecological change. Environmental policy analysts consequently must work with this mix of resources and constraints as well as the political and managerial environment generated by recent concerns over global warming and change. To develop a framework for evaluating long-term environmental impacts, we first elaborate on an earlier time-line model of pre-industrial anthropogenic carbon emissions (Kammen and Marino, 1993). We then examine the implications of environmental decision making necessitated by natural time-scales of forest growth, the natural biogeochemical cycles, and the anthropogenic release of trace gasses. This perspective provides a number of insights into sustainable levels of land-conversion for agricultural activity and biomass utilization, and more generally sets natural time-horizons that must be integrated into the planning of strategies for development and economic growth.
Damper placement for spaceborne interferometers using H/sub /spl infin//-norm optimization

A general methodology for damper placement in spaceborne interferometers is introduced. The process consists of combined structural/optical/damper modeling, H/sub /spl infin// cost selection, and genetic algorithm or simulated annealing optimization. Combined structural/optical modeling allows the ability to quantitatively predict the effect of mechanical disturbances on optical performance metrics. H/sub /spl infin// cost allows for the consideration of multiple dissimilar disturbance inputs and multiple dissimilar performance outputs, as well as consideration of worst-case analysis. Genetic algorithms and simulated annealing allow for an efficient search of a high-dimensional optimization space. A numerical example is shown to demonstrate the methodology. A comparison of placement of a finite number of passive dampers using genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and exhaustive search is considered.
Nonlinear optical properties of a C70 film between 740 and 880 nm

We use time resolved degenerate four-wave-mixing with femtosecond pulses to measure magnitude, phase, and dispersion of all nonzero components of the third order nonlinear optical susceptibility tensor (chi) (3)(-(omega) ; (omega) , (omega) , -(omega) ) of a polycrystalline C70 film. Rise and fall times of the nonlinearities measured are short compared to the (112 plus or minus 5 fs) pulses employed. Accordingly, the cw symmetry relation (chi 1111) equals 2 (chi 1212) plus (chi 1221) is experimentally found to be satisfied. The magnitude of (chi 1221) is measured to be (5.04 plus or minus 0.19) 10-13 esu relative to fused silica independent of wavelength. The ratio (chi 1212)/(chi 1221) is wavelength dependent and varies between 1.87 plus or minus 0.12 and 1.44 plus or minus 0.09. The magnitudes of phase angles for (chi 1111) and (chi 1212) are (120 plus or minus 22) degree(s) and (105 plus or minus 21) degree(s), respectively. The intensity dependence of the observed signals is cubic for intensities up to 20 GW/cm2 at all wavelengths. Good agreement between data derived from degenerate four-wave-mixing and third-harmonic generation in C70 as well as in C60 films is found.
Markets at Risk

The events of today are showing what risk really is, how at risk our financial markets truly are, and how much we do not know about risk. But risk is one thing; there is also uncertainty. Risk exists when an outcome can be described as a draw from a probability distribution with known parameters. Uncertainty is a bigger problem; with it, we do not even know the probability distribution. Risk and uncertainty can both translate into elevated levels of stock price volatility. Very high volatility has been with us for well over a year now. What causes it? How might volatility be better contained? This article offers some suggestions.
Clutter rejection using eigenspace transformation

An effective clutter rejection scheme is needed to distinguish between clutter and targets in a high-performance automatic target recognition system. In this paper, we present a clutter rejection scheme that consists of an eigenspace transformation and a multilayer perceptron (MLP). The input to the clutter rejector module is the output of the detector that provides the potential regions (target chips). We first use an eigen transformation for feature extraction and dimensionality reduction. The transformations considered in this research are principal component analysis (PCA) and the eigenspace separation transform (EST). These transformations differ in their capabilities to enhance the class separability and to compact the information (energy) for a given training set. The result of the eigenspace transformation is then fed to an MLP that predicts the identity of the input, which is either a target or clutter. To search for the optimal performance, we use different sets of eigentargets and construct the matching MLPs. Modified from the popular Qprop algorithm, we devise an MLP training algorithm that seeks to maximize the class separation at a given false-alarm rate, which does not necessarily minimize the average deviation of the MLP outputs from their target values. Experimental results are presented on a huge and realistic data set of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery.
Nucleation and growth of brushite and calcium oxalate in urine of stone-formers.

Abstract The physicochemical factors involved in the formation of calcium-containing renal stones have been elucidated previously and some of the techniques for their quantitation are currently available. Accordingly, urinary activity product ratio (state of saturation), formation product ratio (limit of metastability), and crystal growth of brushite and calcium oxalate in 24-hr urine samples were compared between a control group without stones and stone-forming groups composed of patients with absorptive hypercalciuria, normocalciuric nephrolithiasis, and primary hyperparathyroidism. The activity product ratios of brushite and calcium oxalate were significantly elevated in stone-forming groups, largely because of the high renal excretion of calcium. The formation product ratios were reduced in most stone-forming groups, and the crystal growth was increased in the group with primary hyperparathyroidism. Thus, the physicochemical environment of urine in stone-forming groups was favorable to the nucleation of the nidi of brushite and calcium oxalate; in primary hyperparathyroidism, it may be conducive to the subsequent growth of nidi as well.
A modeling study of the F-region response to SAPS

Abstract Sub-auroral polarization stream (SAPS) is the name given to an enhanced westward plasma flow in the night-time mid-latitude ionosphere during geomagnetically disturbed conditions. A description of the SAPS electric field, based on observations from the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar, is used here to create a driver for the Utah State University time-dependent ionospheric model in order to assess the effect of the SAPS on the mid-latitude night-time F-region. Tests are conducted for various effective durations of the SAPS, up to 7 h , as well as for different background convection patterns. A longitudinal, or UT, dependence of the ionospheric response is examined. It is found that within the SAPS region, much density structuring occurs, including both enhancements and depletions; in some cases the difference in NmF2 is as large as a factor of 10.
The nucleic acid of polyoma virus

The nucleic acid of polyoma (PY) virus was identified as DNA by the isolation of P32-labeled deoxyribonucleotides from purified P32-labeled PY virus. The inhibition of the multiplication of PY virus by aminopterin and bromodeoxyuridine (5-BDU) is described. Since both inhibitors are known to affect the synthesis of DNA, the results with both metabolic inhibitors support the conclusion that PY virus contains DNA as the essential nucleic acid.
Causal Understanding as a Developmental Primitive.

Abstract The major thesis of this paper is that causal understanding is a developmental primitive: Children develop core concepts of causality at a very early age, causality plays a necessary role in subsequent developments across many different domains, and basic causal processes can be activated automatically or implicitly, with minimal effort. This automaticity is not developed through extensive practice or overlearning, but occurs from the outset. To support the view of causal understanding as a developmental primitive, we examine the early origins of core causal concepts during the first 2 years of life in perception, in the understanding of self-action and the actions of other entities, and in the understanding of sequences of events. We then review literature suggesting that causal understanding is necessary for the development of naive theories of physics and psychology, for some applications of domain general mechanisms such as categorization and analogical reasoning, and for certain aspects of language development and text comprehension. We also argue that causal understanding in these domains often begins as an automatic rather than a controlled process.
Preferential adhesion of brain astrocytes to laminin and central neurites to astrocytes.

Astrocytes from either fetal or newborn rat brain adhered preferentially to surfaces coated with active laminin. Neurites from septal neurons did not show a preference for active over inactive laminin. However, when given a choice between laminin and an astrocytic surface, septal cells preferred to extend neurities over astroglial processes. Hence, laminin paths can guide astrocyte migration, which, in turn, can guide neurite elongation.