cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal constraints in reaching and grasping behavior

Abstract Under specific task conditions, many types of human movement behavior such as speech, locomotion and handwriting exhibit a temporal constraint on the many potential degrees of freedom in the form of relative timing among movement components. In the present experiments, we show evidence of temporal constraints in the control of adult prehensile movement independent of transport duration (experiment 1) and initial conditions (experiment 2). In both experiments, subjects were required to reach and grasp a dowel, mounted vertically on a joystick over a distance of 23 cm. Using light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed on the subject's finger, thumb and forearm, individual LED trajectories were captured on film and later kinematically analyzed. In experiment 1, transport duration varied from 300 to 800 ms and in experiment 2, initial conditions were manipulated by requiring subjects to adopt different initial grip postures. Regardless of these manipulations, little change was observed in the temporal occurrence of maximum aperture and onset of grip closure relative to overall movement duration. Functional coupling between fingers and forearm was indicated by high, within-trial co-variation between aperture size and forearm velocity. These results provide further evidence for a temporal constraint on the individual components of prehensile action.
Group Membership and Diffusion in Virtual Worlds

Virtual goods continue to emerge in online communities, offering scholars an opportunity to understand how social networks can facilitate the diffusion of innovations. We examine the social ties for over one million user-to-user virtual goods transfers in Second Life, a popular 3D virtual world, and the unique role that groups play in the diffusion of virtual goods. The results show that individuals -- especially early adopters -- are more likely to adopt a virtual good when they belong to the same groups as previous adopters. We also find that groups exhibit bursty adoption, in which many individuals adopt in short succession. In addition, we show that adoption activity within a group depends on the group's size and interactivity. Our work provides insights into theories of social influence and homophily.
CT-guided needle biopsy of deep pelvic lesions by extraperitoneal approach through iliopsoas muscle

We report our experience with computed tomography (CT)-guided coaxial needle biopsy of deep pelvic lesions by an extraperitoneal approach through the iliopsoas muscle, using a curved needle for difficult-to-reach lesions. We reviewed the records of all patients with pelvic masses who underwent CT-guided percutaneous biopsy via iliopsoas muscle between January 1999 and December 2001. Direct anterior or posterior approach to the lesion was obstructed by bowel, bladder, vessels, or bones in all patients. An 18-gauge guide needle was advanced through the iliopsoas muscle and a 22-gauge Chiba needle was used to perform the biopsy. A custom-tailored curved 22-g needle was used in 17 procedures when the location of the iliac vessels and the slope of the iliac wing obstructed a straight path to the lesion. Fifty-three patients underwent 57 CT-guided needle biopsies during the study period. The lesions comprised obturator (n = 25), internal iliac (n = 11), anterior external iliac (n = 4), and common iliac nodes (n = 4); soft tissue masses along pelvic side-wall (n = 6); adnexal lesions (n = 5); a loculated fluid collection, and a perirectal node. All lesions were safely accessed, and major vessels and viscera were avoided in all cases. Of the 57 biopsies, 53 (93%) yielded diagnostic specimens. No major complications were encountered. CT-guided coaxial needle biopsy by an anterolateral approach through the iliopsoas muscle, with the use of a curved needle in selected cases is safe and effective for obtaining samples from deep pelvic lesions.
A point mutation of the rhodopsin gene in one form of retinitis pigmentosa

The gene for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa in a large pedigree of Irish origin has recently been found to be linked to an anonymous polymorphic sequence, D3S47 (C17), from the long arm of chromosome 3. As the gene coding for rhodopsin is also assigned to the long arm of chromosome 3 and is expressed in rod photoreceptors that are affected early in this blinding disease, we searched for a mutation of the rhodopsin gene in patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We found a C----A transversion in codon 23 (corresponding to a proline----histidine substitution) in 17 of 148 unrelated patients and not in any of 102 unaffected individuals. This result, coupled with the fact that the proline normally present at position 23 is highly conserved among the opsins and related G-protein receptors, indicates that this mutation could be the cause of one form of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.
Probability inequalities related to Markov's theorem

A recurrent theme of interest in probability and statistics is to determine the best bounds for two probabilities, Pr(X ≥ r) and Pr(s < X - μ < t), when only the mean μ and the standard deviation σ of a random variable X are known. This article addresses the issue under two circumstances, when X is arbitrary and when X is nonnegative. The answers are provided in a unified manner using only Markov's theorem. The existing literature on related inequalities is reviewed. Some examples are given to illustrate the use of the inequalities.
On p -groups with a cyclic commutator subgroup

This paper contains the complete classification of the finite p-groups G where p is an odd prime, G is generated by two elements, and the commutator subgroup of G is cyclic. These groups are a special kind of two-generator metabelian group, a class that has been studied by Szekeres (1965). He determined the defining relations of such groups but, as he noted, a “residual isomorphism problem” remains. The cyclic commutator groups are simple when considered from this first point of view; they have a short, easily derived set of defining relations. However, the isomorphism problem is a bit complicated for the defining relations contain nine parameters and each of these parameters might and can be an invariant of the group.
Design Automation Standards Development

``Creating, modifying, supporting and managing complex electronic systems are dependent upon the ability to communicate the design details from one design discipline to another and to integrate the various types of data representing the many facets of the product description.'' The reliability of complex electronic systems is equally dependent on the ability to communicate the necessary data, throughout a product's life cycle, among those who design and maintain the product. The VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and the Electronic Design Interchange Format (EDIF) are two standards that may help to streamline the process. A conceptual schema for shared product data may be used to relate the electrical design environment to the mechanical design and fabrication environment. This paper addresses the design automation standards environment and the relationships being formed between the Design Automation Standards Subcommittee (DASS) and other standardsmaking activities. The ongoing effort within the DASS to develop a range of standards and recommended practices that will aid the electronics industry to achieve necessary data communication capabilities are discussed. Two of the prominent new design automation standards, VHDL and EDIF, are described.
Reliance on Visual Imagery and its Relation to Mental Rotation

The relationship of habitual use of visual imagery and mental rotation was investigated. Reliance on Visual Imagery scores were used to define subjects as high frequency or low frequency visualizers. During the mental rotation task, subjects indicated if a pair of 2-dimensional stimulus figures displayed on a computer screen were identical or mirror-images. Figures on the right were rotated in relation to those on the left by 0, 60, 120, or 180 degrees. Data supported the prediction that subjects who report high use of imagery would perform the task with greater accuracy (z = 1.97, p < .05) than subjects who reported low use. The imagery groups did not differ in response latency (z = .91, p < .36). A comparison of performance on Trials 1 to 24 with performance on Trials 115-138 indicated a learning effect in both accuracy (z = 7.58, p < .01) and latency (z = 9.72, p < .01) for all subjects.
A proposed model for the cost of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

In-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is associated with substantial costs beyond those of the resuscitation itself. These costs are important to understand because health care resources are limited. To that end, a model of CPR is proposed, including an examination of the effect of several variables on the cost per patient surviving to discharge. The cost of CPR was estimated using a model that describes the CPR process as a series of decision points, each with an associated survival rate and cost. Sensitivity analyses were performed for critical variables to examine their effect on cost. The cost per patient surviving to discharge increases exponentially as the rate of survival to discharge decreases. This cost was $117,000 for a rate of survival to discharge of 10%, $248,271 for a rate of 1%, and $544,521 for a rate of 0.2%. Analysis of the model shows that health care costs related to CPR could be reduced most by decreasing the hospital length of stay and charges for patients who survive the initial resuscitation event, by increases in the overall survival rate, and by the prospective stratification of hospitalized patients according to their anticipated response to resuscitation efforts. The model allows the marginal cost-effectiveness of CPR to be quantitatively evaluated relative to survival rate.
Human urinary kallikrein converts inactive to active renin and is a possible physiological activator of renin.

WE have found that human urinary kallikrein converts inactive plasma renin in vitro to an enzyme with renin-like activity. This observation is interesting because renal kallikrein, the presumed precursor of urinary kallikrein1, is thought to be situated in or on cells of the distal convoluted tubule, including the macula densa cells1–3, which are adjacent to the storage site of renin, the juxtaglomerular cells4. Also, human urinary kallikrein is a trypsin-like enzyme of highly restricted specificity5, and although trypsin is capable of activating inactive renin6, we have found that kallikrein is at least 10 times more active. Therefore it seems possible that urinary kallikrein is the in vivo converting enzyme of prorenin and may activate the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone hormonal system, as it participates in sodium and potassium homeostasis4 and in the blood pressure maintenance of a majority of hypertensive patients7.
Happiness the World Over

In the 21 countries reported in “Happiness the World Over” the relationships between subjective wellbeing were found to be positively correlated with countries that enjoy individual and economic freedom, higher life expectancy, lower rates of infant mortality and greater wealth. There were no significant correlations between happiness and marriage rates, divorce rates, fertility rates, literacy rates, suicide rates and penal incarceration rates.
Ubiquitination in the First Cytoplasmic Loop of μ-Opioid Receptors Reveals a Hierarchical Mechanism of Lysosomal Down-regulation

μ-Type opioid receptors (MORs) are members of the large seven-transmembrane receptor family which transduce the effects of both endogenous neuropeptides and clinically important opioid drugs. Prolonged activation of MORs promotes their proteolytic degradation by endocytic trafficking to lysosomes. This down-regulation process is known to contribute to homeostatic regulation of cellular opioid responsiveness, but mechanisms that mediate and control MOR down-regulation have not been defined. We show here that lysosomal down-regulation of MORs is ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport)-dependent and involves ubiquitin-promoted transfer of internalized MORs from the limiting endosome membrane to lumen. We also show that MOR down-regulation measured by conventional radioligand binding assay is determined specifically by ubiquitination in the first cytoplasmic loop. Surprisingly, we were unable to find any role of ubiquitination in determining whether internalized receptors recycle or are delivered to lysosomes. Instead, this decision is dictated specifically by the MOR C-tail and occurs irrespectively of the presence or absence of receptor ubiquitination. Our results support a hierarchical organization of discrete ubiquitin-independent and -dependent sorting operations, which function non-redundantly in the conserved down-regulation pathway to mediate precise endocytic control. Furthermore, they show that this hierarchical mechanism discriminates the endocytic regulation of naturally occurring MOR isoforms. Moreover, they are the first to reveal, we believe, for any seven-transmembrane receptor, a functional role of ubiquitination in the first cytoplasmic loop.
The Book of Leviticus Interpreted as Jewish Community

This article addresses an essay, published in 2001 by John Van Engen, entitled "Ralph of Flaix: The Book of Leviticus Interpreted as Christian Community.” Ralph’s voluminous commentary, composed and published in the mid-twelfth century, aimed, in Van Engen’s words, at “refuting Jewish arguments” about the biblical book and the nature of the levitical law, particularly as these arguments might influence young Christian clerics who were “fascinated and troubled by a close reading of the biblical text.” The present article examines three rabbinic commentaries on Leviticus roughly contemporary with Ralph, those of Rashi, Rashbam and R. Joseph Bekhor Shor. Through examining the “close reading” through which these three exegetes interpreted specific biblical texts, the article considers whether or not they presented what might be considered as “the Book of Leviticus Interpreted as Jewish Community” and as such conveyed what may have been the types of arguments with which Ralph was in conversation. The article does not attempt to provide a direct correspondence between specific Jewish and Christian exegetes. Rather, the article suggests that the content and form of 12th century Jewish and Christian biblical exegesis bespeak a type of conversation among those using the literary genre of “commentary writing,” and that it is possible to gain an understanding of the contours of that conversation through analysis of the commentaries they wrote. Additionally, the article examines ways in which medieval Jewish exegetes may have advanced arguments in their commentaries that were intended to sustain the Jewish community in their observances and belief structures in the presence of Christian hegemony.
Just how important is 3D for CVEs

In this panel we explore both the quality and effectiveness of interactions in virtual environments, and the perceived immersion in 3D collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) for work, entertainment, and collaborative learning.
Transformer oil preservation methods

IN ALL COMMONLY USED SYSTEMS of oil preservation for power transformers, the oil surface is exposed to a gas, either air as with a conservator system or nitrogen if the automatic-gas-seal system is used. Where a gas and a liquid are in such contact, some of the gas dissolves into the liquid, the quantity depending upon the kind of gas and liquid and their temperature and pressure. The solubility of nitrogen in transformer oil increases linearly with both pressure and temperature over the relatively narrow ranges encountered in transformer operation.
Modulation of memory processing by neuropeptide Y varies with brain injection site

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36 amino acid peptide which was shown to enhance memory retention, recall and prevent amnesia induced by either scopolamine or anisomycin. In this study, we examined the effects of NPY administration into 6 areas of the mouse brain on memory retention for footshock avoidance training in a T-maze. NPY was injected into the rostral and caudal hippocampus, amygdala, caudate, septum and thalamus shortly after training. NPY improved retention when injected into the rostral portion of the hippocampus and septum, impaired retention in the caudal portion of the hippocampus and amygdala and had no effect in the thalamus and caudate. NPY was ineffective at either improving or impairing retention when injected 24 h after training, thus demonstrating that the effects of NPY or retention were time-dependent and not due to proactive effects on retention test performance per se. In addition, NPY had no effect on retention when injected into overlying cortical areas. NPY antibody impaired retention when administered into the rostral hippocampus and septum; it improved retention in the caudal hippocampus and amygdala. Thus NPY antibody had the opposite effect to that of NPY on memory retention suggesting that NPY has a physiological role as a modulator of memory processing within specific anatomical areas of the central nervous system.
Polymeric ligands. IV. Vinyltriacylmethanes

Methacrylylacetylacetone and acrylylacetylacetone were prepared by acylation of acetylacetone enolate salts with methacrylyl chloride and acrylyl chloride, respectively. Both monomers yielded poor homopolymers. Methacrylylacetylacetone formed copolymers with styrene and methyl methacrylate without difficulty.
Optical mammography instrument for broadband spectral imaging with depth discrimination

We are developing a new instrument for diffuse optical mammography in parallel plate geometry that operates over a broad spectral range of 600-1000 nm, features a scan time of 1-2 min, and allows for dynamic measurements at a selected region of interest. Furthermore, this new instrument is capable of depth discrimination of optical inhomogeneities embedded in the examined tissue by using multiple off-axis detection fibers. Using a solid silicone phantoms, mimicking breast tissue with 39 mm thickness, we demonstrate the capability of this instrument to recover the depth of blood-vessel-like structures to within ~2 mm. Additionally, we demonstrate the capability of this instrument to perform dynamic optical measurements with a temporal sampling rate as high as 20 Hz. We describe our plans to integrate this rich spectral, spatial, and temporal information into a single instrument for translation into clinical measurements on breast cancer patients.
TL1A-induced NF-κB Activation and c-IAP2 Production Prevent DR3-mediated Apoptosis in TF-1 Cells

We recently identified TL1A, an endothelium-derived T cell costimulator and a ligand for tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily members DR3 and decoy receptor 3. To elucidate the signaling events triggered by TL1A-DR3 interaction and to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating DR3-mediated apoptosis, we have studied the effect of TL1A and an agonistic DR3 monoclonal antibody in human erythroleukemic TF-1 cells, which express DR3 endogenously. TL1A induced the formation of a DR3 signaling complex containing TRADD, TRAF2, and RIP and activated the NF-kappaB and the ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. However, TL1A or an agonistic DR3 monoclonal antibody did not induce apoptosis in these cells nor were there detectable levels of FADD or procaspase-8 seen in the signaling complex. Interestingly, DR3-mediated apoptosis was induced in TF-1 cells in the presence of a NF-kappaB pathway-specific inhibitor but not in the presence of mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors, either alone or in combination, suggesting that DR3-induced NF-kappaB activation was responsible for resistance to apoptosis in these cells. Consistent with this, we found that TL1A significantly increased the production of c-IAP2, a known NF-kappaB-dependent anti-apoptotic protein, and that the NF-kappaB inhibitor or cycloheximide prevented its synthesis. Furthermore, inhibition of c-IAP2 production by RNA interference significantly sensitized TF-1 cells to TL1A-induced apoptosis. Our study identifies a molecular mechanism by which TL1A and DR3 regulate cell fate in TF-1 cells.
Monitoring signal transduction in cancer: cDNA microarray for semiquantitative analysis.

This study targeted the development of a novel microarray tool to allow rapid determination of the expression levels of 58 different tyrosine kinase (tk) genes in small tumor samples. The goals were to define a reference probe for multi-sample comparison and to investigate the variability and reproducibility of the image acquisition and RT-PCR procedures. The small number of tk genes on our arrays enabled us to define a reference probe by artificially mixing all genes on the arrays. Such a probe provided contrast reference for comparative hybridization of control and sample DNA and enabled cross-comparison of more than two samples against one another. Comparison of signals generated from multiple scanning eliminated the concern of photo bleaching and scanner intrinsic noise. Tests performed with breast, thyroid, and prostate cancer samples yielded distinctive patterns and suggest the feasibility of our approach. Repeated experiments indicated reproducibility of such arrays. Up- or downregulated genes iden...
Office building model identification and control design

This paper presents the identification of a lumped thermal model for one floor of a large office building consisting of partitioned cubicles and conference rooms. The space is instrumented with a large number of interior temperature sensors as well as supply-air temperature and flowrate sensors. Roof top solar radiation data is also available. The first step in the model identification process is to cluster the interior temperature measurements into zones. The zones form a thermal connectivity graph based on the physical location of the clusters. Each zone corresponds to a node in the graph with a corresponding thermal capacitance. The zones connect to adjacent zones and to the ambient via thermal resistances. Due to large windows on two walls and the ceiling, the model also needs to account for the radiant heat input into the space. We identify thermal capacitance, thermal resistance, and radiant heat transfer coefficients in the model by matching the predicted temperature trajectory with the measured data. As validation, the model shows reasonable prediction of temperatures on dates not used for identification. Using the identified model, we also consider the temperature control problem with real-world ambient temperature and solar data. By using our previously reported passivity-based temperature controller, we achieve tighter temperature regulation while consuming less energy as compared with the existing controller.
Taurine depletion increases phosphorylation of a specific protein in the rat retina

Partial depletion of the taurine content in the rat retina was accomplished for up to 22 weeks by introduction of 1.5% guanidinoethanesulfonate (GES) in the drinking water. Taurine levels decreased by 50% after 1 week of GES treatment and by 80% at 16 weeks. Replacement of GES by taurine to the GES-treated rats from week 16 to 22 returned their taurine content to the control value. Whereas addition of taurine (1.5%) to the drinking water of control rats from week 16 to 22 elevated the retinal taurine content to 118% of the control value, the administration of untreated water to GES-treated animals for the 16 to 22 week time period increased the retinal taurine content to only 76% of the control value.
Women, Religion, and Professional Communication: Communication Design for the Female Relief Society, 1842--1920

My archival research internship experience with a women's discourses project suggests that professional documentation is a vital part of building and maintaining organizations. The historical sources I examined from a religious institution's women's organization displayed a variety of professional communication genres, all of them working to make the larger organization successful and functional. Organizational communication worked to simultaneously promote women's industrial independence while tying women to the larger organization by promoting identities for participating women. These forms of communication ultimately united and disciplined the women of the organization, allowing them to share religious best practices, domestic techniques, and community values with one another. There is much work to be done on the history of professional communication in archives, including how it has been used to design religious organizations.
Polyelectrolytes. III. Viscosities of n-butyl bromide addition compounds of 4-vinylpyridine-styrene copolymers in nitromethane-dioxane mixtures†

A series of copolymers, of 4-vinylpyridine and styrene, covering the range 1.5 to 100% vinylpyridine were prepared in 20% toluene solution at 80°. Strong electrolytes were then made by the addition of n-butyl bromide in nitromethane solution. The salts with high vinylpyridine content were soluble in water, alcohols, nitromethane, and other polar solvents. Viscosities of the parent copolymers in methyl ethyl ketone were in the range 0.15–0.20; osmotic pressures gave molecular weights in the range 50,000-80,000. The polyelectrolytes in nitromethane and nitromethane-dioxane mixtures gave viscosity-concentration curves which were strongly concave upwards: at 1 mg./100 cc., the reduced viscosity of the salt of polyvinylpyridine in nitromethane was 6.0. The salts of the different copolymers did not differ much in their viscosities at concentrations above a few tenths of a gram per 100 cc., a fact which shows a high degree of ionic association; only as zero concentration is approached, can the detailed polymer structure be seen. The extent of association at a given concentration is controlled by the amount of vinylpyridine in the copolymer and by the dielectric constant of the solvent. Addition of simple one-one electrolytes, such as tetrabuty lammonium bromide, suppresses the electrostatic increase in viscosity which otherwise appears at low concentrations. The following empirical equation: was found to fit the data for the different systems studied. The constant A depends on copolymerization ratio and probably on molecular weight; it is a measure of the extent to which the polymer coil can spread out at infinite dilution as a consequence of the intramolecular Coulomb repulsion between charges attached to the chain. It is roughly several orders of magnitude larger than the intrinsic viscosity of the parent polymer. The constant B is a measure of the electrostatic forces and increases with decreasing dielectric constant of the solvent.
Narrative development as symbol formation: Gestures, imagery and the emergence of cohesion

We extend Werner and Kaplan’s (1963) account of early language development as symbol formation to the development of cohesion in young children’s narratives. We propose that the development of cohesion relies on imagistic gestures, specifically on gestural catchments – series of gestures (not necessarily continuous) with recurring features that embody discourse themes. Our argument is supported by the narratives of a child recorded and transcribed by Forrester (2002, 2008), and available on Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES). From ages 1;5 to 2;9 we find three periods of changing relationships between speech and gesture – in the first, gestures helping to create simple referring-and-predicating constructions, and in the last marking what is newsworthy relative to what has come before. The period between is a time of transition from gestures in an extralinguistic to an intralinguistic function. We examine this change in the context of Werner and Kaplan’s (1963) shift from parataxis to hypotaxis,...
An Investigation of the Characteristics of a Bayesian Military Impulse Noise Classifier

In extension of previous methods to identify military impulse noise in the civilian environmental noise monitoring setting by means of a set of computed scalar metrics input to artificial neural network structures, Bayesian methods are investigated to classify the same dataset. Four interesting cases are identified and analyzed: A) Maximum accuracy achieve on training data, B) Maximum overall accuracy on blind testing data, C) Maximum accuracy on testing data with zero false positive detections, D) Maximum accuracy on testing data with zero false negative rejections. The first case is used to illustrative example and the later three represent actual monitoring modes. All of the cases are compared and contrasted to illuminate respective strengths and weaknesses. Overall accuracies of up to 99.8% are observed with no false negative rejections and accuracies of up to 98.4% are also achieved with no false positive detections.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effect of Altering the Physical Form of Corn Silage on Utilization by Dairy Cattle

Abstract In a 70-day experiment, 12 lactating cows were fed either field chop or plant rechop (field chop passed through a rechopper) corn silage (37% dry matter) ad libitum, and concentrate at 1kg : 3kg milk. Fat-corrected milk yields averaged 20.0 kg/day and were not significantly different between rations for the total period, but differences were apparent at the end of the experiment. This was due to milk fat percentage, which declined from 3.5 to 3.0 during ten weeks on rechop silage. Dry matter voided as whole kernels was 480 and 90g/day for field chop and rechop silages. In a succeeding 56-day experiment, 18 cows were randomized to receive one of the following silages: field chop, ear ground and mixed with field chop fodder, and plant rechop. The resulting silages (44% dry matter) contained on a dry basis 10.1, 1.4, and 0.3% whole kernels, respectively. Fat-corrected milk production was highest (P
A copper/silica catalyst prepared from a monolayer film of copper 2,2′-bipyridine dimer on CabOSil☆

Abstract A dinuclear copper complex was supported as a monolayer film on Cab-O-Sil (2.27 wt% Cu) as a model for Cu/silica. The supported and unsupported metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, EPR, SQUID, DRIFTS, and mass spectrometry (EI and FAB) techniques. The magnetic properties and infrared vibrational spectra were altered when the complex interacted strongly with the support by an ion exchange mechanism. The samples were subsequently decomposed by heating in oxygen to produce a highly dispersed supported CuO/silica. This sample was reduced in H2 and the catalyst was exposed to NO and N2O under controlled conditions in separate experiments. The results of these characterizations are discussed in the framework of the theories of catalytic ensembles.
The formal definition of a real-time language

This paper presents the formal definition of TOMAL (Task-Oriented Microprocessor Applications Language), a programming language intended for real-time systems running on small processors. The formal definition addresses all aspects of the language. Because some modes of semantic definition seem particularly well-suited to certain aspects of a language, and not as suitable for others, the formal definition employs several complementary modes of definition. The primary definition is axiomatic and is employed to define most statements of the language. Simple, denotational (but not lattice-theoretic) semantics complement the axiomatic semantics to define type-related features, such as binding of names to types, data type coercions, and evaluation of expressions. Together, the axiomatic and denotational semantics define all features of the sequential language. An operational definition is used to define real-time execution, and to extend the axiomatic definition to account for all aspects of concurrent execution. Semantic constraints, sufficient to guarantee conformity of a program with the axiomatic definition, can be checked by analysis of a TOMAL program at compilation.
The Experience of Headaches in Health Care Workers: Opportunity for Care Improvement

Objective/Background This study assessed the relationship between health care workers' self-reported experience of headaches/migraines, their overall quality of life, and treatment outcomes. Methods The study sample consisted of adults employed by a self-insured hospital system located in the Southeast United States. Study participants responded to a web-based survey disseminated via work email accounts. The survey measured headache medication use, health care service utilization, and impacts on quality of life and treatment optimization using standardized instruments. Results We received responses from 2453 employees (response rate 33.8%), of which 84.4% reported headaches, suggesting that those with headaches were more likely to complete the survey. Forty percent of respondents reported mild to severe disability due to headaches, and approximately 65% used prescription or over-the-counter medications to treat headaches. Approximately 45% of participants taking headache medications reported unsatisfactory treatment. Among all respondents, those with mild, moderate, or severe migraine disability were 2.35, 1.7, or 2.08 times more likely to take headache medications than those with little or no migraine disability. Among those taking headache medications for treatment, respondents with nonclinical job titles, presenting better physical health status, or reporting little or no migraine disability were more likely to achieve treatment optimization. Conclusions Recognizing the potential over response by employees who have headaches, our study remains suggestive of a care improvement opportunity in the health care workforce.
Practical issues in high speed PCB design

Current high-speed PCB (printed circuit board) designs need extra care due to the frequency of operation and reduced rise time signals. We present the main issues and parameters that a PCB designer has to consider and analyze before a board layout is created. First order approximation equations for various parameters are presented, based on the geometry of the PCB traces. Some useful design practices are also mentioned. As the speed of operation increases, the variables that are neglected in the lower frequency/higher rise time situation become more significant. Such parameters increase the complexity of the design. Three-dimensional analysis becomes a must to calculate and model interconnects accurately. This is where field solvers and the role of the signal integrity engineer come into play.
Urban impacts on regional carbonaceous aerosols: case study in central Texas.

Rural and background sites provide valuable information on the concentration and optical properties of organic, elemental, and water-soluble organic carbon (OC, EC, and WSOC), which are relevant for understanding the climate forcing potential of regional atmospheric aerosols. To quantify climate- and air quality-relevant characteristics of carbonaceous aerosol in the central United States, a regional background site in central Texas was chosen for long-term measurement. Back trajectory (BT) analysis, ambient OC, EC, and WSOC concentrations and absorption parameters are reported for the first 15 months of a long-term campaign (May 2011–August 2012). BT analysis indicates consistent north–south airflow connecting central Texas to the Central Plains. Central Texas aerosols exhibited seasonal trends with increased fine particulate matter (<2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter, PM2.5) and OC during the summer (PM2.5 = 10.9 μg m−3 and OC = 3.0 μg m−3) and elevated EC during the winter (0.22 μg m−3). When compared to mea...
Using Social Network Analysis to Measure IT-Enabled Business Process Performance

This study demonstrates how social network analysis (SNA) theory supports the task of designing IT-enabled business processes by providing social network measures for evaluating alternative process designs. These measures offer better information for process designers who are faced with making IT investment tradeoffs, especially as the process design task is being undertaken. A seven step methodology is proposed, demonstrated with the help of two case studies showcasing the robustness and flexibility of SNA measures.
Progestin treatment decreases CD133+ cancer stem cell populations in endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objectives Endometrial cancer is a hormonally responsive malignancy. Response to progestins is associated with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status. CD133 is a marker of endometrial cancer stem cells. We postulated that CD133+ cells express ER and PR and that progestin therapy differentially regulates CD133+ cells. Methods The Ishikawa (ER/PR positive) and KLE (ER/PR negative) cell lines were examined for the presence of CD133 populations. Cell lines were treated with 30.4μM medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate (MPA) for 6days. After treatment, cell counts, apoptosis assays and CD133+ populations were examined. In a clinical project, we identified 12 endometrial cancer patients who were treated with progestin drugs at our institution. Using immunohistochemistry, CD133, ER, PR, and androgen receptor (AR) expression was scored and evaluated for change over time on serial biopsies. Results CD133+ populations were identified in Ishikawa and KLE cell lines. MPA treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of live cells (Ishikawa, P =0.036; KLE, P =0.0002), significant increase in apoptosis (Ishikawa, P =0.01; KLE, P =0.0006) and significant decrease in CD133+ populations (Ishikawa, P P =0.0001). ER, PR, AR and CD133 were present in 96.4%, 96.4%, 89.3% and 100% of patient samples respectively. Paralleling the in vitro results, CD133 expression decreased in patients who had histologic response to progestin treatment. Conclusion CD133+ populations decreased after treatment with MPA in an in vitro model and in patients responding to treatment with progestins. Progestin treatment differentially decreases CD133+ cells.
SPT15, the gene encoding the yeast TATA binding factor TFIID, is required for normal transcription initiation in vivo

Mutations in the S. cerevisiae SPT15 gene were isolated as suppressors of insertion mutations that alter the transcription of adjacent genes. Molecular and genetic analysis of the cloned SPT15 gene has shown that it is the same as the gene that encodes the TATA binding factor TFIID. Analysis of spt15 mutants has demonstrated that alterations in TFIID can change transcription initiation in vivo. In addition, we demonstrate that TFIID is essential for growth and that spt15 mutations are pleiotropic, as spt15 mutants grow slowly and have defects in both mating and sporulation. Therefore, TFIID is an essential transcription factor in vivo, likely to be required for normal expression of a large number of genes.
How Similar are Temperature and Humidity Profiles in the Unstable Boundary Layer

A comparison was made between temperature and humidity profiles obtained from radiosonde measurements under unstable conditions over hilly terrain in northeastern Kansas during the summer and fall of 1987. The summer profiles were found to be similar in a layer over the height range given by z = 65(plus or minus 45) to 124(plus or minus 54)m, where z is the height above the ground surface reference level. Evidence for this similarity was the closeness of the scaled ratio of the temperature and humidity gradients at any given time to the mean Bowen ratio determined at ground-based surface flux stations. Above the layer, in the outer region of the atmospheric boundary layer, it was found that the profiles of humidity and potential temperature are completely dissimilar in terms of the surface Bowen ratio. The profiles of the fall campaign when soil moisture content was low and vegetation senescent displayed a less pronounced similarity.
Modal Energy Trending for Ringdown Analysis in Power Systems Using Synchrophasors

Accurate on-line estimation of power systems oscillatory modes is important for dealing with complex interactions of large interconnected power systems especially in light of growing number of wind farms with complex power electronics controls. This paper describes an automatic ringdown analysis algorithm for extracting dominant oscillatory modes in power system responses from multiple synchronized Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) measurements. The proposed approach estimates the system modes by tracking and analyzing the trend of modal oscillation energy seen in the Power Spectrum Density (PSD) of the measured ringdown response. Singular Value Decomposition of Power Spectrum Density matrix as in Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) algorithm is used to get overall energy measures for each dominant mode from multiple PMU signals in the ringdown response. This method is useful for real-time oscillation detection and analysis. The combination of frequency domain analysis and SVD enable the method to be robust under noisy conditions. The method is tested with simulation data as well as real power system archived data, and is shown to accurately extract multiple oscillatory modes and their mode shapes from system measurements.
Short Biphasic Pulses from 90 Microfarad Capacitors Lower Defibrillation Threshold

For defibrillation between right ventricular and retropectoral patch electrodes using truncated exponential pulses, the stored energy defibrillation threshold (DFT) is lower for short pulses from small 60-microF capacitors than for conventional pulses from 120-microF capacitors, but 60-microF pulses frequently require higher voltages than are currently used. The goal of this study was to determine if DFT could be reduced by intermediate size 90-microF capacitors. This study compared biphasic waveform DFTs for 120 microF-65% tilt pulses, 90 microF-65% tilt pulses, and 90 microF-50% tilt pulses in 20 patients at defibrillator implantation. The 90 microF-50% tilt pulses were selected because their duration is half that of 120 microF-65% tilt pulses. The stored energy DFT for 90 microF-50% tilt pulses (9.1 +/- 4.3 J) was less than both the DFT for 120 microF-65% tilt pulses (12.0 +/- 5.5 J, P < 0.005) and the DFT for 90 microF-65% tilt pulses (11.6 +/- 5.8 J, P < 0.005). There was no significant difference between the latter two values. The voltage DFTs for 90 microF-50% pulses (436 +/- 113 V) and 120 microF-65% tilt pulses (436 +/- 104 V) were not statistically different; the voltage DFT for 90 microF-65% tilt pulses was higher than for either of the other two pulses (490 +/- 131, P < 0.005). The DFT was 20 J or greater in three patients for both 120 microF-65% tilt pulses and 90 microF-65% tilt pulses, but it was 16 J or less in all patients for 90 microF-50% tilt pulses. When pathways were dichotomized by the median resistance of 71 omega, 90 microF-50% tilt pulses significantly reduced DFTs compared to 120 microF-65% tilt pulses for higher resistance pathways (9.2 +/- 4.0 J vs 13.0 +/- 6.2 J, P = 0.002), but not lower resistance pathways (9.0 +/- 4.8 J vs 10.9 +/- 4.6 J, P = NS). For the electrode configuration tested, biphasic 90 microF-50% tilt pulses reduce stored energy DFT in comparison with 120 microF-65% tilt pulses without increasing voltage DFT. However, 90 microF-65% tilt pulses provide no benefit.
Postoperative Cerebral Oxygenation in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome After the Norwood Procedure

Background Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is being used with increasing frequency in the care of pediatric patients after surgery for congenital heart disease. Near-infrared spectroscopy provides a means of evaluating regional cerebral oxygen saturation (cSaO 2 ) noninvasively, with correlations to cardiac output and central venous saturation. Prior studies have demonstrated that systemic venous saturation can predict outcome after the Norwood procedure. With this in mind, we sought to determine whether regional cSaO 2 by NIRS technology could predict risk of adverse outcome after the Norwood procedure. Methods We reviewed the first 48 hours of postoperative hemodynamic data on 50 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at our institution who underwent the Norwood procedure. Cerebral oxygen saturation data within 48 hours of surgery were analyzed for association with subsequent adverse outcome, which was defined as intensive care unit length of stay greater than 30 days, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or hospital death after 48 hours. Results There were 18 adverse events among the 50 subjects. The mean cSaO 2 for the entire cohort at 1 hour, 4 hours, and 48 hours after surgery was 51% ± 7.5%, 50% ± 9.4%, and 59% ± 8.1%, respectively. Mean cSaO 2 for the first 48 postoperative hours of less than 56% was a risk factor for subsequent adverse outcome (odds ratio 11.9, 95% confidence interval: 2.5 to 55.8). Mean cerebral NIRs of less than 56% over the first 48 hours after surgery yielded a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 79.4% to predict those at risk for subsequent adverse events. Conclusions Low regional cerebral oxygen saturation by NIRS in the first 48 hours after the Norwood procedure has a strong association with subsequent adverse outcome. Monitoring of cerebral saturation can serve as a valuable monitoring tool and can identify patients at risk for poor outcome.
UVB phototherapy and skin cancer risk: a review of the literature

Background UVB phototherapy is a common treatment modality for psoriasis and other skin diseases. Although UVB has been in use for many decades, many clinicians are hesitant to use this type of phototherapy because of concern over increasing the skin cancer risk. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies have been published examining this issue, but a consensus or analysis of the skin cancer risk is required for the dermatologist to make an educated risk‐ benefit analysis. Objective To assess the risk of skin cancer associated with UVB phototherapy. Methods All prospective or retrospective studies were identified in MEDLINE from 1966 to June 2002. Bibliographies were searched to identify any additional studies examining this issue. All studies that attempted to quantify or qualify any additional skin cancer risk from UVB phototherapy were included. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Results Eleven studies (10 of which concerned psoriasis patients), involving approximately 3400 participants, were included. Of note, three of the studies involved the same cohort: members of the 16-center US Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) Follow-up Study. Other than the most recent Finnish study, all studies eventually showed no increased skin cancer risk with UVB phototherapy. One of the PUVA cohort studies examined genital skin cancers, and found an increased rate of genital tumors associated with UVB phototherapy, although this study has not been duplicated. Conclusion The evidence suggests that UVB phototherapy remains a very safe treatment modality.
Help, harm or avoid? On the personal advantage of dispositions to cooperate and punish in multilateral PD games with exit

Abstract Simulated round-robin tournaments are used (1) to assess the relative performance of non-defecting, conditionally cooperative programs in a three-person PD setting where exit is possible (PDEs) and (2) to assess the importance of sanctions for the success of joint enterprises. We find that the possibility of exit allows individuals to escape from dysfunctional teams which increases the potential benefits of cooperation while reducing those associated with free-riding. We also find that punishment, especially targeted punishment, is critical to the success of shorter term enterprises. Similar results held in evolutionary settings where successful behavioral programs can be imitated, or propagated by non-rational biological or social processes. Our results suggest that non-defecting programs of conditional cooperation can be rational, average payoff maximizing, strategies for participating in small multilateral settings where individuals can choose to participate in a PD game or not.