In this research a genetic fuzzy system (GFS) is proposed that performs discretization parameter learning in the context of the Fuzzy Inductive Reasoning (FIR) methodology and the Linguistic Rule FIR (LR-FIR) algorithm. The main goal of the GFS is to take advantage of the potentialities of GAs to learn the fuzzification parameters of the FIR and LR-FIR approaches in order to obtain reliable and...

Tissue repair begins with clot formation and platelet degranulation, which release the growth factors (GFs) necessary for wound repair. Platelet-derived GFs are biologically active substances that enhance tissue repair mechanisms such as chemotaxis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition, and remodeling. This review describes the biological background of the topical t...

The assimilation of official advisory minimum sea level pressure observations has been developed and tested in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) to address forecaster concerns regarding some tropical systems being far too weak in operational Global Forecast System (GFS) analyses. The assimilation of these observations has been operat...

Low-molecular-weight heparin/protamine microparticles (LMW-H/P MPs) were produced as a carrier for heparin-binding growth factors (GFs) and for various adhesive cells. A mixture of low-molecular-weight heparin (MW: approximately 5000 Da, 6.4 mg/mL) and protamine (MW: approximately 3000 Da, 10 mg/mL) at a ratio of 7:3 (vol:vol) yields a dispersion of microparticles (0.5-3 µm in diameter). LMW-H/...

BACKGROUND Hiking is a very popular sport in Hong Kong. Serious injuries can sometimes occur in the remote areas not accessible to roads. Aeromedical evacuation service is run by the Government Flying Service (GFS) with emergency physicians and nurses as volunteers in Hong Kong. In this paper we describe the profile and outcome of injured hikers rescued by the GFS. METHODS In this retrospecti...

The generalized Feistel structure (GFS) is a generalized form of the classical Feistel cipher. A popular version of GFS, called TypeII, divides a message into k > 2 sub blocks and applies a (classical) Feistel transformation for every two sub blocks, and then performs a cyclic shift of k sub blocks. Type-II GFS has many desirable features for implementation. A drawback, however, is its low diff...

Osteogenesis is a complex process that involves the synergistic contribution of multiple cell types and numerous growth factors (GFs). To develop effective bone tissue engineering strategies employing GFs, it is essential to delineate the complex and interconnected role of GFs in osteogenesis. The studies investigating the temporal involvement of GFs in osteogenesis are limited to in vitro stud...

The administration of growth factors (GFs) for treatment of experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) has shown limited benefits. One reason may be the mode of delivery to the injury site. We have developed a minimally invasive and safe drug delivery system (DDS) consisting of a highly concentrated collagen solution that can be injected intrathecally at the site of injury providing localized delive...

We have developed an antibody-based method to assess plasma uptake of a proprietary Undaria-derived fucoidan galactofucan sulfate (GFS(TM)) after oral ingestion by human volunteers. Fucoidans have high-molecular-weights but exert biological effects in experimental animals after oral intake. By using a novel antibody raised against sulfated polysaccharides, we carried out a competitive ELISA to ...

The study uses the RM3, the regional climate model at the Center for Climate Systems Research of Columbia University and the NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies (CCSR/GISS). The paper evaluates 30 48-hour RM3 weather forecasts over West Africa during September 2006 made on a 0.5° grid nested within 1° Global Forecast System (GFS) global forecasts. September 2006 was the Special Observing P...