cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A non-uniform sampling ADC architecture with embedded alias-free asynchronous filter

This work proposes a non-uniform sampling analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture that embeds an alias-free filter in the asynchronous digital domain to relax the requirements of the analog anti-aliasing filter, improve the overall signal dynamic range, and interface directly with synchronous digital circuitry. Both event-driven voltage and time quantizers are used in the conversion process. Furthermore, an analytical model for estimating their quantization noise power is derived, which matches the numerical simulation with less than 4% deviation within the region of interest. A signal to noise ratio (SNR) improvement of 27dB over conventional, uniformly sampled Nyquist ADCs is obtained given the same 10-bit quantizer.
University-School Teacher Education Partnerships in North Carolina.

Abstract Prospective teachers spending a year in classrooms … Teachers and professors studying problems that teachers face every day … Teachers co-teaching methods courses with university professors … These are some of the exciting outcomes of university-school teacher education partnerships in North Carolina.[1] Current interest in university-school collaboration in teacher education is high in the United States. The University-School Teacher Education Partnerships (USTEP) program, under way in North Carolina's 15 state-supported institutions that prepare teachers, is such a collaboration. The partnerships have been supported annually by the North Carolina legislature with $1.8 million (Coble, 1999a). The involved universities prepare roughly 70% of the teachers in the state each year. USTEP now is more than five years old, and we can begin to report some of its experiences, problems and successes.
From the Narrow Single Tax to Broad Progressivism: The Intellectual Development of Louis F. Post, 1898‐1913

. Following a brief biographical sketch of Louis F. post (1849-1928), this study focuses on the intellectual development of the man who became the de facto leader of the U.S. Single Tax Movement after the death of Henry George. During the period 1898–1913, Post served as editor of The Public, a Chicago weekly. In its analysis of Post's journalistic writings and of his books, The Ethics of Democracy (1905), Social Service (1909), and The Ethical Principles of Marriage and Divorce (1904), the study documents the broadening of Post's thought and suggests the influence which Progressivisim had on the single tax and vice versa. Single Taxers contributed greatly to the success of progressivism in America. In the process, however, many single taxers moderated their thinking to the point where the Single Tax Movement lost its separate identity. Post also participated in the 1909-1910 Reform movement in England.
The Role of Family Income in the Intergenerational Association of AFDC Receipt.

Daughters from low-income families who did not receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) are compared to daughters from low-income families who did receive assistance to better account for family income in the intergenerational association of AFDC. The research models the timing of a daughter's first birth and, for those who become mothers, the number of years a daughter receives any AFDC. Women whose families received AFDC during their childhood are more likely to receive AFDC as adults relative to those women whose families did not receive AFDC. Controlling for family income in a more careful and comprehensive way than past research explains part but not all of the effects of childhood AFDC receipt. Among daughters from chronically poor families, however, parental AFDC use is not associated with additional years of AFDC participation. Although the present research cannot confirm or deny a causal role for parental welfare use, the intergenerational transmission of financial resources does explain part of the intergenerational association of welfare use.
Diapause in the alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus roddi (Gussakovsky) in relation to natural photoperiod.

Diapause in the alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus roddi (Gussakovsky), is 1 of the principal mechanisms for survival and perpetuation of this multivoltine species in seed alfalfa. The chalcid actively developed through 2 generations, which lasted about 2½ mo from about June 15 to Sept. 1. The chalcid diapaused in the prepupal stage. Diapause began about Sept. 1 and was completed about Dec. 1, 3 mo later, when 100% of the population was in diapause. The daylength for induction ranged from 10½–13 h; only about 40% of the population diapaused between 10¼ and 11 hours. Diapause lasted about 5½ mo, from Dec. 1 to April 15. Termination of diapause and emergence of the population occurred over a period of about 2 mo, from April 15 to June 15. Daylength of 13–14½ h terminated diapause.
Baths Salts, Spice, and Related Designer Drugs: The Science Behind the Headlines

The abuse of synthetic psychoactive substances known as “designer drugs,” or “new psychoactive substances” (NPS), is increasing at an alarming rate. NPS are purchased as alternatives to traditional illicit drugs of abuse and are manufactured to circumvent laws regulating the sale and use of controlled substances. Synthetic cathinones (i.e., “bath salts”) and synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., “spice”) are two types of NPS that have received substantial media attention. Although low recreational doses of bath salts or spice compounds can produce desirable effects, high doses or chronic exposure often leads to dangerous medical consequences, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and even death. Despite the popularity of NPS, there is a paucity of scientific data about these drugs. Here we provide a brief up-to-date review describing the mechanisms of action and neurobiological effects of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.
Follicular lymphoma: 2014 update on diagnosis and management.

Disease overview Follicular lymphoma is generally an indolent B cell lymphoproliferative disorder of transformed follicular center B cells. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by diffuse lymphoadenopathy, bone marrow involvement, splenomegaly, and less commonly other extranodal sites of involvement. In general cytopenias can occur but constitutional symptoms of fever, nightsweats, and weight loss are uncommon. Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on histology of preferably a biopsy of a lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining is positive in virtually all cases for cell surface CD19, CD20, CD10, and monoclonal immunoglobulin, as well as cytoplasmic expression of bcl-2 protein. The overwhelming majority of cases have the characteristic t(14;18) translocation involving the IgH/bcl-2 genes. Risk stratification The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index prognostic model for FL uses five independent predictors of inferior survival: age >60 years, hemoglobin normal, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, number of involved nodal areas > 4. The presence of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3 adverse factors defines low, intermediate, and high-risk disease. With the use of more modern therapies, outcomes have improved. Risk-adapted therapy Observation continues to be adequate for asymptomatic patients with low bulk disease and no cytopenias. For patients needing therapy, most patients are treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab, which has improved response rates, duration of response and overall survival. Randomized studies have shown additional benefit for maintenance rituximab both following chemotherapy-rituximab and single agent rituximab. Experimental therapies as well as stem cell transplantation (SCT) are considered for recurrent disease. Am. J. Hematol. 89:430–436, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of doxorubicin on the sensitivity of L1210 leukemia cells to deformation-associated trauma.

Most of the cancer cells arrested in the microcirculation during hematogenous metastasis are rapidly killed; one major mechanism is surface-membrane rupture, associated with the mechanical deformation of cancer cells in capillaries. The feasibility of increasing the susceptibility of cancer cells to lethal, deformation-associated trauma by doxorubicin, was tested in an in vitro mechanical model system, by filtering suspensions of L1210 leukemia cells through 8-μm pore-size Nuclepore® membranes, with or without prior incubation with 10-7M doxorubicin. The results showed that mechanically-induced loss of cancer cells immediately after filtration was increased from 18 to 55% in cells previously exposed to doxorubicin for 48 h. The results indicate the feasibility of chemotherapeutic enhancement of the mechanical killing-action of the microvasculature as a potential rate-regulator of hematogenous metastasis.
Higher Angular Momenta and Long Range Interaction in Resonance Reactions

The results of two preceding articles on the energy dependence of the reaction and scattering cross sections are generalized. As before, the configuration space is divided into two parts. In the internal region or reaction zone there is no restriction on the type of interaction between the particles. In the external region, on the other hand, the interaction takes place between the colliding or separating particles without changing their structure (wave function). The present article deals with a more general situation than the preceding ones, first by allowing for an interaction, although only of a restricted type, outside the reaction zone. The most common type of interaction which plays a role outside the reaction zone is the electrostatic interaction of the colliding or separating particles. In addition, the present article does not restrict the angular momentum of the particles to zero, but permits the treatment of arbitrary angular momenta. The cross sections are expressed in well-known fashion in terms of the collision matrix $\mathfrak{U}$ which is, of course, independent of the size of the internal region. $\mathfrak{U}$, in its turn, is expressed by the $\mathfrak{R}$ matrix ((35) and (38)) and the quantities $\ensuremath{\omega}$, $\mathfrak{B}$, and $\mathfrak{C}$ describing the interaction in the external region. $\mathfrak{R}$ as function of energy is given by (24), and a number of properties of this function are enumerated. None of the quantities $\mathfrak{R}$, $\ensuremath{\omega}$, $\mathfrak{B}$, and $\mathfrak{C}$ are strictly independent of the size of the internal region, although the combination (38), i.e., the collision matrix, of course, is.
Application of microelectronic technology to general aviation flight control

This paper presents several different methods that can be used to determine the aircraft orientation (attitude) without direct measurement. The methods combine state estimation techniques with measurements from solid state pressure sensors, accelerometers, and magnetometers to determine the aircraft state. The paper demonstrates how the estimation algorithms were validated and compared using flight test data, and it presents results of performance sensitivity analyses of sensor error, modeling inaccuracies, and wind disturbance effects on the attitude estimation errors. If implemented, the methods presented could make it possible to eliminate directional and vertical gyros and to change from many isolated sensors to an integrated, small, reliable sensing package for determining the aircraft state.
A method for direct gastric feeding and the effect on voluntary ingestion in young swine

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of direct administration of diet into the stomach on total alimentation (quantity consumed voluntarily plus the quantity administered) by young pigs. Ten cross-bred pigs, 82 days of age, were assigned to five treatments (two replicates of five pigs) consisting of a control (C) and four gastric fistulated (GF) pigs. The GF pigs were fed daily via the fistula 0, 20, 40 and 60% of the dry matter consumed voluntarily by the control pigs and then allowed to consume diet ad libitum for the same period as the control pigs (17 h per day). Relative to the control pigs, the GF-0, GF-20, GF-40 and GF-60 pigs, respectively, ate 102·4, 99·9, 91·7 and 97·3% the quantity of diet and gained 116·7, 111·1,113·0 and 114·8% body weight; thus, the surgery, device and procedures were not detrimental. Voluntary consumption was physiologically regulated rapidly with good precision to adjust for the gastric fistula administered diet. Correlation and regression analyses of daily voluntary ingestion (y) versus gastric administration (x) of the six GF-20, -40 and -60 pigs gave a correlation coefficient, r =−0.926 (P P>0.05). The statistical coefficients indicate that voluntary ingestion was suppressed somewhat more than the quantity administered into the stomach.
Improved High-Frequency Compensation for Wide-Band Amplifiers

In order to obtain the best results from wide-band amplifiers of the type employed in television video amplifier and cathode-ray amplifier circuits, it is usually desirable to provide a means for producing high-frequency-response compensation. It is the purpose of this paper to show how, by proper design and at no additional cost, a single compensating element can be made to provide compensation equivalent to that obtainable in a circuit using two compensating elements and to discuss the characteristics of this type of compensation. The circuit under consideration will provide uniform response to a frequency approximately half an octave higher than that obtained with the single compensating element circuit extensively used at the present time.
Partial acetylation of polyethylenimine enhances in vitro gene delivery.

Purpose. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a highly effective gene delivery vector, but because it is an off-the shelf material, its properties may not be optimal. To investigate the effects of the protonation properties of the polymer, we generated PEI derivatives by acetylating varying fractions of the primary and secondary amines to form secondary and tertiary amides, respectively.
Lessons Learned From a Vessel Explosion Caused by Human Error

The object of this paper is to describe the details of a vessel explosion caused by human error, the incident investigation including engineering analysis of the explosion observations, and the recommended changes that were implemented to avoid a similar incident in the future. Fortunately, this incident did not cause any personal injuries. Stress analysis of the Breech Nut threads was performed to determine if the Breech Nut could be safely used after the incident. Released energy and missile analyses were performed to verify the assumptions made on the source of the explosion.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Expression of nebulette during early cardiac development.

Nebulette, a cardiac homologue of nebulin, colocalizes with α-actinin in the pre-myofibrils of spreading cardiomyocytes and has been hypothesized to play a critical role in the formation of the thin-filament-Z-line complex early during myofibrillogenesis. Data from mesodermal explants or whole tissue mounts of developing hearts suggest that the pattern of myofibrillogenesis in situ may differ from observations of spreading cardiomyocytes. To evaluate the role of nebulette in myofibrillogenesis, we have analyzed the expression of nebulette in chicken heart rudiments by immunoblots and immunofluorescence. We detect the 110 kDa nebulette in heart rudiments derived from stage 9–10 using the anti-nebulin mAb, N114, or polyclonal anti-nebulette Abs by immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence analysis of explants stained with anti-nebulette and anti-α-actinin Abs demonstrates that both proteins localize along actin filaments in punctate to continuous manner at early stages of cardiac development and later give rise to striations. In both cases, the punctate staining had a periodicity of ∼1.0 μm indicating a pre-myofibrils distribution at the earliest time points examined. We demonstrate that nebulette is indeed associated with premyofibrils in very early stages of myofibrillogenesis and suggest that nebulette may play an important role in the formation of these structures. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sex-influenced response in the pathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice.

Summary Male B10–129 (10M) ScSn mice were relatively resistant to cutaneous leishmanisis, while females frequently developed non-healing expanding ulcers, leading to loss of infected extremities, metastasis to distal skin sites, and in some animals, death. Anti-leishmanial antibody titers were higher, and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to parasite antigens, lower, in infected females than in males. Sex differences in response to cutaneous infection were not marked in BALB/cJ mice, a highly susceptible strain, and both males and females ultimately lost infected extremities, developed metastases, and died.
Luminosity enhancement by focusing and colliding beams in a plasma

The potential gain of luminosity by both focusing and colliding {ital e}{sup +}{ital e{minus}} beams in an underdense plasma is investigated. We first suggest the possibility of creating the plasms by the beam self-induced tunneling ionization'' of a gas. We then study the beam optics in the continuous focusing environment provided by the plasma, and the subsequent {ital e}{sup +}{ital e{minus}} beam-beam interaction in the same plasma. When applied to a range of beam parameters based upon the present Stanford Linear Collider conditions, we find that a gain by more than a factor of 10 in luminosity is possible. The sensitivity of various nonideal situations is discussed.
Sex differences in coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis: IL-12Rβ1 signaling and IFN-γ increase inflammation in males independent from STAT4

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in North America. Male BALB/c mice infected with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) develop more severe inflammatory heart disease compared to female mice, similar to the increased heart disease that occurs in men. We show here that increased inflammation in male mice is not due to increased viral replication in the heart, but associated with increased proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and IFN-γ. We have previously reported that IL-12Rβ1 signaling increases CVB3-induced myocarditis and IL-1β/IL-18 levels in males, while IL-12(p35)/STAT4-induced IFN-γ does not alter the severity of acute disease. However, whether differences exist between males and females in these two cytokine signaling pathways is unknown. In this study, we examined sex differences in 1) IL-12Rβ1 signaling or 2) STAT4/IFN-γ pathways following CVB3 infection in BALB/c mice. We found that male and female mice deficient in IL-12Rβ1 had decreased inflammation and viral replication in the heart, indicating that IL-12Rβ1 signaling increases myocarditis in both sexes. In contrast, STAT4 deficiency did not alter the sex difference in myocarditis, with males maintaining increased inflammation over females. IFN-γ deficient males, however, had decreased myocarditis and viral replication compared to females. Thus, IFN-γ increases inflammation in males independent from STAT4. These results demonstrate that sex differences greatly influence viral replication and the severity of acute CVB3-induced myocarditis.
A system architecture for real-time imaging of nano-scale viruses using remote AFM

Recent advances in telepathology, telemicroscopy, and telemedicine have opened new avenues for collaboration in medical care and scientific research. Such technology allows remote scientists and physicians to visualize and investigate biological samples in real-time. Imaging of biological specimens requires micro and even nano-scale resolution for which atomic force microscope (AFM) provides unprecedented capabilities. However, AFM has some limitations in particular, the probing hardware of AFM can introduce noise in the captured images. Robust image processing techniques are needed for accurate nano-scale representation and visualization of images generated by AFM. In this paper, we present a real-time architecture for an integrated remote AFM-based imaging system. The proposed architecture allows real-time control of a remotely located AFM and enables capturing, processing and communication of AFM images over the network. The architecture consists of four major components including, a remote AFM and real-time controller module, an image processing module for real-time image correction, a client system for visualization of scanned biological images, and a distributed image database system for information retrieval, classification, and archiving of biological specimen images received from remote AFM.
Modeling the effects of bed topography on fluvial bedrock erosion by saltating bed load

Abrasion by saltation is an important mechanism of fluvial incision into bedrock. Sklar and Dietrich (2004) introduced an abrasion model in which the erosion rate of an “approximately planar” bed is linearly dependent on the kinetic energy transferred by the vertical velocity of saltating grains. However, most bedrock-floored channels exhibit topographic variations that yield deviations from a planar surface, referred to as “bed topography.” Observations show that bed topography affects erosion. Here the saltation-abrasion model is extended for a nonplanar bed. A several-centimeter high bump, transverse to the flow, is repeated every 50 cm. The kinetic energy of grain impacts is calculated in two ways: (1) impact velocity normal to bed topography and (2) vertical impact velocity. By comparing the latter case with the planar model, it is possible to isolate the effects of topography on the interception of saltation trajectories. Incorporating bed topography changes erosion in three ways. First, erosion is 10 to 1000 times faster, depending upon transport stage and grain size. Enhanced erosion results from both the interception of grains by topography and the increased kinetic energy transfer associated with high-angle impacts on the stoss side of bumps. Second, erosion increases monotonically with transport stage, whereas maximum erosion occurs at low to intermediate transport stage with a planar bed. Third, erosion decreases monotonically with grain size, whereas maximum erosion occurs with intermediate-sized grains with a planar bed. Although the model is highly simplified, results show that bed topography should be considered when simulating erosion of bedrock.
Theory and Practice of Refraction Interferometry

Summary The theory and practice of refraction interferometry is presented. We show that the crosscorrelation between a nearby pair of refraction traces yields a head wave event kinematically equivalent to one generated by a source at position x along the refractor. This redatumed source location x is independent of the surface source location, so that all head waves arrive at the same time in a redatumed common geophone-pair gather (CPG). Thus, the traces in a redatumed CPG can be stacked together to yield an N-fold refraction trace, and combining dieren t trace pairs yields N-fold refraction shot gathers. The benets are that traveltime picking errors can be greatly reduced for noisy head wave arrivals such as far oset refraction events or secondary head-wave arrivals. We also show that head-wave events in a redatumed common geophonepair gather will follow a at trajectory in oset-time coordinates compared to the curved trajectory of a diving wave event. Thus, head waves can be distinguished from diving waves using redatumed CPGs, with the possibility of estimating the type of velocity gradient along an interface. This might be important for determining the lithology associated with important interfaces such as the Moho or an oil/gas bearing boundary.
Electromagnetic scattering by stratified inhomogeneous anisotropic media

An analytical formulation is presented for the computation of scattering and transmission by general anisotropic stratified material. This method employs a first-order state-vector differential equation representation of Maxwell's equations whose solution is given in terms of a 4 \times 4 transition matrix relating the tangential field components at the input and output planes of the anisotropic region. The complete diffraction problem is solved by combining impedance boundary conditions at these interfaces with the transition matrix relationship. A numerical algorithm is described which solves the state-vector equation using finite differences. The validation of the resultant computer program is discussed along with example calculations.
Cardiometabolic risk management in type 2 diabetes and obesity

Type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic in the United States, mainly due to an increase in obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is considered a cardiovascular risk equivalent, and cardiovascular death remains the most common cause of death in this population. The cardiovascular complications of diabetes, beginning as early as 10 years before the development of frank hyperglycemia, are strongly linked to the development of insulin resistance and the ensuing metabolic disarray often referred to as the metabolic syndrome. To provide proper therapy for cardiovascular prevention, the down-stream effects of insulin resistance must be understood. The most important aspect of treating patients with the metabolic syndrome is the realization that treatment must begin before the development of frank hyperglycemia, particularly if cardiovascular events are to be avoided. Thus, in addition to managing the hyperglycemia that develops with the onset of diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension must also be properly addressed.
Using PHStat And Camtasia Studio 2 In Teaching Business Statistics

More and more business professors are integrating technology into their courses to create a more stimulating learning environment and develop better communication channels between students and instructors. Online lessons, whether used as a study aid in the hybrid classroom or, as a complete package for the distance learner, create additional workloads for instructors who are willing to commit to the online environment. Any tool that can ease the creation process is a welcome addition to even the most technologically savvy professor. This paper shows how a statistics application program, such as PHStat, can be fully integrated into a complete online reenactment by using a video/sound capture program such as Camtasia Studio 2.
Do Insiders Make Better CEOs than Outsiders

Each year, 10%-15% of major U.S. corporations change their chief executive officers. The majority of these corporations (80% -85%) select their new CEOs from outside their organizations. Why do they prefer outsiders? Do insiders make better CEOs than do outsiders? Some of the nation's most respected companies-including GE, GM, IBM, and CocaCola-seem to think so. In his book Theory Z, William Ouchi asserts that promoting executives from inside is a characteristic of well managed companies in both Japan and the United States; the policy provides employees with opportunities to advance within the company and thus creates a sense of loyalty and stability.' Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman, in In Search of Excellence, echo this sentiment.2 According to them, successful American companies motivate their employees by providing job security and creating a "feeling of family." These organizations rarely hire managers from the outside. The most convincing argument for hiring insiders has been advanced by John Kotter.3 He asserts that successful managers acquire expertise through long tenure with one company (or companies in one industry). According to Kotter, insiders have advantage over outsiders for two reasons. First, insiders are more knowledgeable than outsiders about a firm's specific products, competitors, markets, customers, and employees. This knowledge helps managers understand a large, complex, and diverse sets of activities and make appropriate decisions. Second, insiders have established social networks-including superiors, subordinates, peers, and others-through which they gain the information and support needed to perform their job. Outsiders must devote a considerable amount of time to establishing such networks. While most companies replace their CEOs with insiders, a small number of companies hire insiders. Why? Researchers agree that troubled companies often need to hire outside CEOs because they are more likely than insiders to be able to alter existing strategies and values that caused the current problems.4 Outsiders are likely to take decisive action to turn around a bad situation, while insiders are likely to be slow in recognizing the urgency of current problems and may pursue the old strategies that are no longer effective. Chrysler and International Harvester recently replaced their CEOs with outsiders in the hope that the new CEO would turn aound their ailing operations. Given the above observations, experts generally suggest that troubled firms hire outsiders to turn around their operations and successful firms select insiders to sustain their superb performance. Although this view has been widely held in management literature, it has not been empirically tested. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to investigate the differential effects of outsiders and outsiders on corporate performance (as measured by profitability and stock price), and (2) to discern actual CEO hiring practices.
Phase Equilibria in the System MgO—FeO—Fe2O2, in Temperature Range 1400° to 1800°C

Equilibrium relations in isothermal sections through the system MgO-FeO-Fe2O3 have been determined in the temperature range 1400° to 1800°C. Oxide mixtures prepared from reagent-grade chemicals were equilibrated and subsequently quenched to room temperature while sealed in 80Pt20Rh tubes. The data obtained for the isothermal sections are used to infer equilibrium relations existing along the liquidus surface of the system.
EVIDENCE FOR PROINSULIN IN HUMAN URINE AND SERUM

Abstract Proinsulin, a biosynthetic precursor of insulin, has been demonstrated in blood or urine from five individuals. Since this molecule is immunologically similar to insulin but has very low biological potency, its presence in the peripheral circulation will necessitate a re-evaluation of the specificity and significance of previously reported immunoreactive insulin levels. It is possible that disorders in the system responsible for converting proinsulin to insulin in the pancreatic β cell may play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of some forms of diabetes mellitus.
Using discrete event simulation to evaluate time series forecasting methods for security applications

This paper documents the use of a discrete event simulation model to compare the effectiveness of forecasting systems available to support routine forecasts of criminal events in security applications. Military and police units regularly use forecasts of criminal events to divide limited resources, assign and redeploy special details, and conduct unit performance assessment. We use the simulation model to test the performance of available forecasting methods under a variety of conditions, including the presence of trends, seasonality, and shocks. We find that, in most situations, a simple forecasting method that fuses the outputs of crime hot-spot maps with the outputs of univariate time series methods both significantly reduces modeling workload and provides significant performance improvement over the three currently used methods: naive forecasts, Holt-Winters smoothing, and ARIMA models.
Altered Pituitary Hormone Response to Naloxone in Hypertension Development

Endogenous opioid regulation of blood pressure is altered during stress in young adults at risk for hypertension. We studied the effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on the secretion of corticotropin and beta-endorphin during psychological stress in young adults with mildly elevated casual arterial pressures. Naloxone-induced secretion of both corticotropin and beta-endorphin was significantly diminished in persons at enhanced risk for hypertension compared with the low blood pressure control group. Results suggest that opioidergic inhibition of anterior pituitary function is altered in hypertension development.
Proteolytic Processing and Activation of Clostridium perfringens Epsilon Toxin by Caprine Small Intestinal Contents

Epsilon toxin (ETX), a pore-forming toxin produced by type B and D strains of Clostridium perfringens, mediates severe enterotoxemia in livestock and possibly plays a role in human disease. During enterotoxemia, the nearly inactive ETX prototoxin is produced in the intestines but then must be activated by proteolytic processing. The current study sought to examine ETX prototoxin processing and activation ex vivo using the intestinal contents of a goat, a natural host species for ETX-mediated disease. First, this study showed that the prototoxin has a KEIS N-terminal sequence with a molecular mass of 33,054 Da. When the activation of ETX prototoxin ex vivo by goat small intestinal contents was assessed by SDS-PAGE, the prototoxin was processed in a stepwise fashion into an ~27-kDa band or higher-molecular-mass material that could be toxin oligomers. Purified ETX corresponding to the ~27-kDa band was cytotoxic. When it was biochemically characterized by mass spectrometry, the copresence of three ETX species, each with different C-terminal residues, was identified in the purified ~27-kDa ETX preparation. Cytotoxicity of each of the three ETX species was then demonstrated using recombinant DNA approaches. Serine protease inhibitors blocked the initial proteotoxin processing, while carboxypeptidase inhibitors blocked further processing events. Taken together, this study provides important new insights indicating that, in the intestinal lumen, serine protease (including trypsin and possibly chymotrypsin) initiates the processing of the prototoxin but other proteases, including carboxypeptidases, then process the prototoxin into multiple active and stable species. Importance: Processing and activation by intestinal proteases is a prerequisite for ETX-induced toxicity. Previous studies had characterized the activation of ETX using only arbitrarily chosen amounts of purified trypsin and/or chymotrypsin. Therefore, the current study examined ETX activation ex vivo by natural host intestinal contents. These analyses demonstrated that (i) ETX processing in host intestinal contents occurs in an ordered, stepwise fashion, (ii) processing of prototoxin by host intestinal contents results in higher-molecular-mass material and 3 distinct ~27-kDa ETX species, and (iii) serine proteases, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and other proteases, including carboxypeptidases, play a role in the activation of ETX by intestinal contents. These studies provide new insights into the activation and processing of ETX and demonstrate that this process is more complicated than previously appreciated.
Sporting Metaphors: Competition and the Ethos of Capitalism

(2007). Sporting Metaphors: Competition and the Ethos of Capitalism. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 52-67.
A preliminary report on the distribution of gallium, palladium, gold and nickel in 45 iron meteorites

AND INTRODUCTION We have completed the analysis of 45 iron meteorites (siderites) for gallium, palladium, gold, and nickel, utilizing the neutron activation method of analysis for the first three elements named.1,2 Nickel was determined by the method employed by Henderson,3 and good checks were obtained with his analyses. The iron meteorites studied cover the complete range of classes, hexahedrites, octahedrites, and ataxites. Our results will be published in detail at a later date. In the meantime, certain features of the distributions are of sufficient interest to warrant a preliminary report.
First steps toward a nonideal theory of justice

Theorists have long debated whether John Rawls’ conception of justice as fairness can be extended to nonideal (i.e. unjust) social and political conditions, and if so, what the proper way of extending it is. This paper argues that in order to properly extend justice as fairness to nonideal conditions, Rawls’ most famous innovation—the original position—must be reconceived in the form of a ‘nonideal original position’. I begin by providing a new analysis of the ideal/nonideal theory distinction within Rawls’ theoretical framework. I then systematically construct a nonideal original position, showing that although its parties must have Rawls’ principles of ideal justice and priority relations as background aims, the parties should be entirely free to weigh those aims against whatever burdens and benefits they might face under nonideal conditions. Next, I show that the parties ought to aim to secure for themselves a special class of nonideal primary goods : all-purpose goods similar to Rawls’ original primary goods, but which in this case are all-purpose goods individuals might use to (a) promote Rawlsian ideals under nonideal conditions, (b) weigh Rawls’ principles of ideal justice and priority relations against whatever burdens and benefits they might face under nonideal conditions, and (c) effectively pursue their most favored weighting thereof. Finally, I defend a provisional list of nonideal primary goods, and briefly speculate on how the parties to the nonideal original position might deliberate to principles of nonideal justice for distributing them. Keywords: justice; fairness; Rawls; ideal; nonideal; political; morality (Published: 5 September 2014) Citation : Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 7, No. 3, 2014, pp. 95–117. http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/egp.v7.22609
Cloning, yeast expression, isolation, and vaccine testing of recombinant Ancylostoma-secreted protein (ASP)-1 and ASP-2 from Ancylostoma ceylanicum.

cDNAs encoding 2 Ancylostoma-secreted proteins (ASPs), Ancylostoma ceylanicum (Ay)-ASP-1 and Ay-ASP-2, were cloned from infective third-stage larvae (L3) of the hookworm A. ceylanicum and were expressed as soluble recombinant fusion proteins secreted by the yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant fusion proteins were purified, adjuvant formulated, and injected intramuscularly into hamsters. Hamsters vaccinated either by oral vaccination with irradiated L3 (irL3) or by injections of the adjuvants alone served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Anti-ASP-1 and anti-ASP-2 antibody titers exceeded 1:100,000. Each vaccinated hamster was challenged orally with 100 L3. Two groups of vaccinated hamsters (i.e., those vaccinated with either irL3 or ASP-2 formulated with Quil A) exhibited significant reductions in adult hookworm burdens, compared with control hamsters. The hookworms recovered from the hamsters vaccinated with ASP-2 plus Quil A were reduced in length. Splenomegaly, which was observed in control hamsters, was not seen in hamsters vaccinated with either irL3 or ASP-2 formulated with Quil A. These results indicate that ASP-2 is a promising molecule for the development of a hookworm vaccine.
Learning in networks: Complex-valued neurons, pruning, and rule extraction

This paper focuses on neural networks with complex-valued (CV) neurons as well as on selected aspects of neural networks learning, pruning and rule extraction. CV neurons can be used as versatile substitutes in real-valued perceptron networks. Learning of CV layers is discussed in context of traditional multilayer feedforward architecture. Such learning is derivative-free and it usually requires networks of reduced size. Selected examples and applications of CV-networks in bioinformatics and pattern recognition are discussed. The paper also covers specialized learning techniques for logic rule extraction. Such techniques include learning with pruning, and can be used in expert systems, and other applications that rely on models developed to fit measured data.
Trauma capacity in the central plateau department of Haiti

Abstract Background Surgical burden is a large and neglected global health problem in low- and middle-income countries. With the increasing trauma burden, the goal of this study was to evaluate the trauma capacity of hospitals in the central plateau of Haiti. Materials and methods The World Health Organization Emergency and Essential Surgical Care survey was adapted with a focus on trauma capacity. Interviewers along with translators administered the survey to key hospital staff. Results Seven hospitals in the region were surveyed. Of the hospitals surveyed, 3/7 had functioning surgical facilities. None of the hospitals had trauma registries. 71% of the hospitals had no formal trauma guidelines. 2/7 hospitals had a general surgeon available 100% of the time. All surgical facilities had oxygen cylinders available 100% of the time, but three of the primary level hospitals only had it available 51%–90% of the time. Intubation equipment was available at 57% of the facilities. Ventilators were only available in the operating room. Only the largest hospital had a computed tomography scanner. Other hospitals (66%) had a functioning x-ray machine 76%–90% of the time. Hospitals (57%) had an ultrasound machine. The most common reasons for referral were lack of appropriate facilities and supplies at the primary level care centers or lack of trained personnel at higher-level facilities. Conclusions Trauma capacity in the central plateau of Haiti is limited. There is a great need for more personnel, trauma training at all staff levels, emergency care guidelines, trauma registries, and imaging equipment and training, specifically in ultrasonography. To accomplish this, coordination is needed between the Haitian government and local and international nongovernmental organizations.
The effects of taste and consistency on swallow physiology in younger and older healthy individuals: a surface electromyographic study.

Recent studies done on healthy older individuals have demonstrated elevated taste thresholds for sweet, sour, and salty taste. At suprathreshold levels, such individuals have also shown less abilit...
Allowing the Market to Rule: The Case of the United States

There are increasing calls in the UK and other countries for deregulating universities so that they can better compete in the global market for higher education. Frequent allusions are made to the superiority of the US market- oriented system. But is market competition for first degrees in the US efficient for the larger society? Do the constantly increasing social expenditures for higher education in the US benefit the public interest or do they advantage certain students and faculty members? Two recent economic studies provide greater insight into the impacts of market competition on US higher education. The results of these studies are discussed and their possible implications for higher education policy making in other countries are explored.
The design of flexible receivers for communicating appliances

This paper considers several aspects relating to the design of flexible receivers in communicating appliances. It begins by describing the benefits of flexible receivers. It then goes on to explore the feasibility of developing perhaps the "ultimate goal" of a flexible receiver, comprising of an analogue to digital converter with an antenna at its input. This is done through some analysis which describes the use of sample and hold devices for frequency conversion within a radio. Through the use of a perfect multiplier a model is developed in order that the noise figure of a sample and hold device can be predicted. The results show that sample and hold devices have higher noise figures than mixers and hence their use can give rise to reduced receiver sensitivity. The analysis also demonstrates that their noise figure performance is considerably improved through the use of RF gain and filtering. This demonstrates that the ability to sample at RF can only realistically be achieved with appropriate consideration of the necessary RF gain and selectivity, and thus flexible receivers need programmable filters. Finally it concludes with a summary of the relative merits of zero IF and superheterodyne receivers.
Stopping the Clock with MYC

In a recent paper in Cell Metabolism, Altman et al. (2015) report that MYC disrupts the molecular clock in cancer cells and describe a link between oncogenesis, circadian rhythms, and metabolism.
Do dentists have sufficient information about their patients to control infection

This study examined dentists' knowledge of infection control, what dentists say they do to control infection, and what procedures they actually take to prevent the transmission of disease. A professional actor, obviously in need of dental care and playing the part of a patient, was sent to three groups of randomly selected dentists in general practice. The dentists were uninformed subjects who were debriefed about the research immediately after their part in the experiment was completed. The study found that dentists apparently know what they should do to protect themselves from contamination. However, very few dentists discussed HIV or AIDS while taking a pretreatment history of a new patient even if that patient was perceived to belong to a high-risk group. The behavior of the dentists indicates a neglect of this important aspect of a thorough history, providing more evidence that emphasis on infection and infection control is necessary in the dental school curriculum and beyond. Unless dentists learn to fully understand what infections their patients may have, they take the chance of transmitting diseases to other patients as well as to themselves, their staff, and their families.
Quantitative Analysis of Identified Compounds in Pheromone Gland Rinses of Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia cautella at Different Times of Day

Concentrations of the sex pheromone ( Z,E )-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate present in superficial rinses of the sex pheromone gland of virgin female Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) at different times during a 14L:10D photoperiod fluctuated at least 10-fold. Maximum quantitites of pheromone, 1–2 ng/female, were obtained during the scotophase when ca. 90% of the females were calling. During the latter 1/2 of the photophase when calling was ca. 60%, less than 0.1 ng/female of the compound was detected. The corresponding alcohol, ( Z,E )-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol, showed a similar diel periodicity. Concurrent analyses of the pheromone levels in unmated females of Ephestia (= Cadra ) cautella Walker revealed little <2X) variation in the quantity of either of the 2 previously identified components [( Z,E )-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate and ( Z )-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate] at different times during the photoperiod. Ca. 46 and 30% of these females called during the scotophase and photophase, respectively.
The effect of an elective psychiatry course on pharmacy student empathy

Abstract Introduction While a number of published studies have evaluated the impact of pedagogical methods on pharmacy student stigma and attitudes toward patients with mental illness, the current study is the first to compare a psychiatry elective course to traditional lecture on pharmacy student empathy toward patients with mental illness. Materials and methods All third-year pharmacy students at one pharmacy school enrolled in the Pathophysiology/Therapeutics III course and prior to enrollment in an Advanced Psychiatry elective course, were invited to complete a survey containing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health Professions Student Version (JSE-HPS). Demographic variables including age, gender, family history of mental illness, and previous experience in mental health hospitals were also collected. The same survey instrument (JSE-HPS with demography) was administered after traditional lecture/prior to psychiatry elective and at the conclusion of the Advanced Psychiatry elective. Results The survey was completed by 60% ( N = 41) of students prior to traditional lecture, 45% ( N = 31) after traditional lecture and 88% ( N = 14) after the psychiatry elective. Mean empathy scores increased from 109.32 pre-lecture to 112.86 post-lecture ( p = 0.162 vs. pre-lecture) and 120.00 post-elective ( p = 0.001 vs. pre-lecture). Conclusion The teaching methods employed in the psychiatry elective course, including media, contact-based education and an auditory hallucination simulator, lead to an increase in pharmacy student empathy toward patients with mental illness. Pharmacy educators should continue to explore novel ways to increase pharmacy student empathy toward patients with mental illness.