cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of chair massage on muscular discomfort in cardiac sonographers: a pilot study

Cardiac sonographers frequently have work-related muscular discomfort. We aimed to assess the feasibility of having sonographers receive massages during working hours in an area adjacent to an echocardiography laboratory and to assess relief of discomfort with use of the massages with or without stretching exercises. A group of 45 full-time sonographers was randomly assigned to receive weekly 30-minute massage sessions, massages plus stretching exercises to be performed twice a day, or no intervention. Outcome measures were scores of the Quick DASH instrument and its associated work module at baseline and at 10 weeks of intervention. Data were analyzed with standard descriptive statistics and the separation test for early-phase comparative trials. Forty-four participants completed the study: 15 in the control group, 14 in the massage group, and 15 in the massage plus stretches group. Some improvement was seen in work-related discomfort by the Quick DASH scores and work module scores in the 2 intervention groups. The separation test showed separation in favor of the 2 interventions. On the basis of the results of this pilot study, larger trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of massages with or without stretching on work-related discomfort in cardiac sonographers. NCT00975026 ClinicalTrials.gov
Coupled optimization in protein docking

Here, we introduce a new approach to macromolecular docking which combines the continuous global optimization algorithm CGU [6, 21] with the grid-based conformational search engine DOT [23]. We also detail the use of this method to dock acetylcholine into the fasciculin-acetylcholinesterase complex. Fasciculin blocks access to the long, narrow pathway leading to the active site, which is located in the interior of the acetylcholinesterase. For this reason, flnding the location computationally is rather non-trivial. We not only successfully identifled the optimal docking conflguration, but were able to do so in a matter of hours.
The establishment of β-galactosidase repression in the mating system of Escherichia coli K12☆

Experiments designed to explain the one-hour delay (latent period) in the establishment of repression of β-galactosidase synthesis following injection of F′i+ genes into F−i−, Escherichia coli K12 have shown the following: 1. (1) During the latent period, isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside doubled the rate of enzyme synthesis, indicating the existence of a low degree of repression. 2. (2) Complete repression was established rapidly at the end of the latent period. 3. (3) Puromycin or dl-4-methyltryptophan present from the beginning of mating blocked the establishment of repression. After the inhibitor was removed, a latent period of normal duration (60 minutes) was required to establish repression. Puromycin blocked protein synthesis, and 4-methyltryptophan was incorporated into protein. Therefore, synthesis of functional protein appears to be required to establish repression. 4. (4) During the first hour, addition of the same inhibitors for a brief period caused a subsequent partial repression. The degree of repression was proportional to the time interval between mating and addition of inhibitor. A new full-length latent period was subsequently required for the complete establishment of repression. 5. (5) De-repression upon removal of puromycin was never observed. This suggests that the repressor is stable under these conditions. The data are interpreted in the context of a repressor made of protein precursors, called here pro-repressor. Pro-repressor is synthesized and accumulates following mating. It can partly repress enzyme formation and can interact with isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside. When a sufficiently high concentration of prorepressor accumulates, aggregation occurs forming active repressor. As suggested by Sadler & Novick (1965), the lag in the establishment of repression might be explained by a high power dependence of the rate of formation of repressor on the concentration of pro-repressor.
Technique for transesophageal endoscopic cardiomyotomy (Heller myotomy): video presentation at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) 2008, Philadelphia, PA.

Background Previous investigators have shown the feasibility of performing an esophageal myotomy using natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), but have been unsuccessful at extending the myotomy onto the body of the stomach.
D-512 and D-440 as Novel Multifunctional Dopamine Agonists: Characterization of Neuroprotection Properties and Evaluation of In Vivo Efficacy in a Parkinson’s Disease Animal Model

In this Article, we have demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of D-512 and D-440 in a 6-OHDA-induced unilaterally lesioned rat model experiment, a Parkinson’s disease animal model. D-512 is a novel highly potent D2/D3 agonist, and D-440 is a novel highly selective D3 agonist. We evaluated the neuroprotective properties of D-512 and D-440 in the dopaminergic MN9D cells. Cotreatment of these two drugs with 6-OHDA and MPP+ significantly attenuated and reversed 6-OHDA- and MPP+-induced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner in the dopaminergic MN9D cells. The inhibition of caspase 3/7 and lipid peroxidation activities along with the restoration of tyrosine hydroxylase levels by D-512 in 6-OHDA-treated cells may partially explain the mechanism of its neuroprotective property. Furthermore, studies were carried out to elucidate the time-dependent changes in the pERK1/2 and pAkt, two kinases implicated in cell survival and apoptosis, levels upon treatment with 6-OHDA in presence of D-512. The neuroprotective property exhibited by these drugs was independent of their dopamine-agonist activity, which is consistent with our multifunctional drug-development approach that is focused on the generation of disease-modifying symptomatic-treatment agents for Parkinson’s disease.
Plasticity of the somatosensory cortical map in macaque monkeys after chronic partial amputation of a digit

Activity-dependent changes in cortical representational maps have been reported in many studies of adult mammals. Limits in the extent of change have been attributed to limited divergence in the thalamocortical projection. However, studies have commonly been restricted to animals surviving less than a year following relatively modest peripheral sensory perturbations. After extensive deafferentation and long-term survival, more extensive changes, seemingly beyond the limits of thalamocortical divergence, have been reported. We report changes in the somatotopic map in area 3b of an adult macaque monkey, in which part of the index finger of one hand had been amputated two years previously. The representation of the remaining stump occupied the whole region of area 3b normally devoted to the representation of the entire digit. The skin surrounding the stump appeared to have been hyperinnervated by axons severed during the amputation. The hyperinnervation of remaining skin may have reactivated neurons of the somatosensory system silenced by the amputation, leading to the recovery of a cortical map but with a modified organization.
Good Reasons to Stop Avoiding Taxes

Between college and graduate school, I spent a year typing and filing for a firm that specialized in investment deals-movies, section 8 housing, oil drilling-that would produce a few years of losses or tax write-offs before generating significant income. That year left me with a vivid image of the complex topography of tax, a legal landscape that concentrated flows of resources in some directions at the expense of others. Then I went off to graduate school, spent years studying political institutions and social policy, and, in the absence of reminders that it mattered, forgot all about taxation. This inattention to taxes was not simply a personal case of amnesia but a more general condition in the social sciences. We know more about social spending than we do about tax policy, and, as important, expertise on taxation tends to be segregated from other debates over politics and policy.' Given that we do not know when life will end but know without doubt that our next paycheck will be diminished by federal and state withholding, by
Superheated Steam From CLFR Solar Steam Generators

AREVA Solar has designed, constructed and demonstrated the first successful Once Through Solar Steam Generator (SSG) to deliver superheated steam without intermediate heat transfer fluids. Deployed at the Kimberlina Solar Thermal Power Station, SSG4 represents the state of the art for solar steam production, for stand-alone power generation and augmentation of fossil fueled steam cycles. The ASME Section I boiler was designed, constructed, stamped and commissioned during 2010, and includes a novel Model Predictive Control system capable of maintaining any two of three steam conditions (flow, pressure, temperature) under varying solar input. During field trials in September 2010, exit steam conditions were maintained at 60 +/− 3 bar and 370 +/− 20C during steady and transient conditions, while steam flow consistently exceeded predictions. In a “lights-out” test, simulating complete instantaneous cloud cover, SSG4 had sufficient thermal inertia to supply more than 18 minutes of superheated steam. AREVA Solar’s SSGs incorporate a 400m long tube bundle within an elevated insulated cavity receiver, onto which sunlight is concentrated by reflectors. The multi-pass tube bundle arranges superheater tubes in the high flux regions, and economizer/evaporator tubes in lower flux regions. This assures sufficient heat flux to sustain superheated steam temperatures throughout the operating day, and also reduces the average bundle temperature to reduce radiant heat losses. Boiler tubes were prepared in AREVA Solar’s factory to improve their absorption of solar energy and reduce radiant heat losses. The inverted cavity maintains a stagnant air layer between the tube bundle and a glass cover below the boiler tube supports, to reduce convective heat loss. SSG4 was designed for a Maximum Allowable Working Pressure of 105 bara , and a Maximum Mean Wall Temperature of 482C in the superheater section. AREVA Solar is the first Concentrated Solar Power provider with an ASME “S” Stamp and National Board authorization. Following the initial trials at 370C, the SSG is expected to operate at 450C superheated steam temperature. This paper describes the design, construction, commissioning, and testing of the Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) SSG4.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A preliminary report of an educational intervention in practice management

Practice management education continues to evolve, and little information exists regarding its curriculum design and effectiveness for resident education. We report the results of an exploratory study of a practice management curriculum for primary care residents. After performing a needs assessment with a group of primary care residents at Wright State University, we designed a monthly seminar series covering twelve practice management topics. The curriculum consisted of interactive lectures and practice-based application, whenever possible. We descriptively evaluated two cognitive components (practice management knowledge and skills) and the residents' evaluation of the curriculum. The mean correct on the knowledge test for this group of residents was 74% (n = 12) and 91% (n = 12) before and after the curriculum, respectively. The mean scores for the practice management skill assessments were 2.62 before (n = 12), and 3.65 after (n = 12) the curriculum (modified Likert, 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). The residents rated the curriculum consistently high. This exploratory study suggests that this curriculum may be useful in developing knowledge and skills in practice management for primary care residents. This study suggests further research into evaluation of this curriculum may be informative for practice-based education.
An experimental APL compiler for a distributed memory parallel machine

An experimental APL compiler has been developed for the IBM SP1 distributed memory parallel machine. It accepts classical APL programs, without additional directives, and generates parallelized C code for execution on the SP1 machine. The compiler exploits data parallelism in APL programs based on parallel high-level primitives. Program variables are either replicated or partitioned. We also present performance data for five moderate-size programs running on the SP1. >
Optimization and evaluation of the reconfigurable Grid Alu Processor

Currently few architectural approaches propose new paths to raise the performance of conventional sequential instruction streams in the time of the billions transistor era. Many application programs could profit from processors that are able to speed up the execution of sequential applications beyond the performance of current superscalar processors. The Grid Alu Processor (GAP) is a runtime reconfigurable processor designed for the acceleration of a conventional sequential instruction stream without the need of recompilation. It comprises a superscalar processor front-end, a configuration unit, and an array of reconfigurable functional units (FUs), which is fully integrated into the pipeline. The configuration unit maps data dependent and independent instructions simultaneously at runtime into the array of FUs. This paper evaluates the GAP architecture and optimizes the hardware, the number of FUs, and the configuration layers implemented in the array. The simulations show a significant speed up for sequential applications on GAP in comparison to an out-of-order superscalar simulator (SimpleScalar). GAP outperforms SimpleScalar in average by about 50% on the basic architecture and about 100% with an extended version including configuration layers.
LY191704 inhibits type I steroid 5 alpha-reductase in human scalp

Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has been demonstrated to be catalyzed by two isoforms of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, designated types I and II. Although several classes of steroid-based inhibitors of the type II isoform have been identified, these agents have not demonstrated highly selective pharmacological activity against human type I 5 alpha-reductase. LY191704 is representative of a series of nonsteroidal agents that have potent [apparent inhibitory constant (Ki) = 11.3 nM] inhibitory activity in human scalp skin homogenates (pH 7.5), a source of type I 5 alpha-reductase. [3H]-DHT production in the presence and absence of LY191704 is consistent with a noncompetitive mode of inhibition. In human prostatic homogenates (pH 5.5), a source of type II 5 alpha-reductase, LY191704 is virtually inactive as an inhibitor [concentration of inhibitor producing 50% inhibition of enzymatic activity (IC50) > 1,000 nM] of [3H]-DHT formation. LY191704 does not inhibit the type I or type II isoforms of rat 5 alpha-reductase, nor does the compound compete for binding to the murine androgen receptor expressed in SF9 cells using a baculo virus expression system. The benzoquinolinones, as exemplified by LY191704, possess exquisite pharmacological selectivity and provide a tool to understand the role of human type I 5 alpha-reductase in normal and pathophysiological states. These agents may also find clinical utility in treating androgen-dependent dermatological conditions.
Nucleosomal occupancy changes locally over key regulatory regions during cell differentiation and reprogramming

Chromatin structure determines DNA accessibility. We compare nucleosome occupancy in mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiated cell types using MNase-seq. To address variability inherent in this technique, we developed a bioinformatic approach to identify regions of difference (RoD) in nucleosome occupancy between pluripotent and somatic cells. Surprisingly, most chromatin remains unchanged; a majority of rearrangements appear to affect a single nucleosome. RoDs are enriched at genes and regulatory elements, including enhancers associated with pluripotency and differentiation. RoDs co-localize with binding sites of key developmental regulators, including the reprogramming factors Klf4, Oct4/Sox2 and c-Myc. Nucleosomal landscapes in ESC enhancers are extensively altered, exhibiting lower nucleosome occupancy in pluripotent cells than in somatic cells. Most changes are reset during reprogramming. We conclude that changes in nucleosome occupancy are a hallmark of cell differentiation and reprogramming and likely identify regulatory regions essential for these processes.
A review of polymer-based water conditioners for reduction of handling-related injury

Fish are coated with an external layer of protective mucus. This layer serves as the primary barrier against infection or injury, reduces friction, and plays a role in ionic and osmotic regulation. However, the mucus layer is easily disturbed when fish are netted, handled, transported, stressed, or subjected to adverse water conditions. Water additives containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or proprietary polymers have been used to prevent the deleterious effects of mucus layer disturbances in the commercial tropical fish industry, aquaculture, and for other fisheries management purposes. This paper reviews research on the effectiveness of water conditioners, and examines the contents and uses of a wide variety of commercially available water conditioners. Water conditioners containing polymers may reduce external damage to fish held in containers during scientific experimentation, including surgical implantation of electronic tags. However, there is a need to empirically test the effectiveness of water conditioners at preventing damage to and promoting healing of the mucus layer. A research agenda is provided to advance the science related to the use of water conditions to improve the condition of fish during handling and tagging.
The Effect of the Injection of Biotin and Insulin on Congenital Deformities in the Chick

Abstract ABNORMALITIES of the beak, extremities and eyes occur during the embryonic development of the chick when insulin is injected into the incubating egg at 120 hours of incubation (Landauer, 1947). A close similarity exists between these anomalies and the micromelia which occurs in eggs from hens fed a biotin-low diet (Cravens et al. 1944 and Couch, et al. 1948). The latter can be prevented by injecting biotin into the egg prior to setting (Couch et al. 1948). The present investigation was initiated to determine whether the anomalies resulting from the injection of 5 units of insulin per egg at 120 hours of incubation could be prevented by a single injection of biotin prior to the start of the incubation period. METHOD OF PROCEDURE Eggs from eight Single Comb White Leghorn hens were used in this test. The birds were fed a practical all mash diet. Artificial inseminations with mixed semen . . .
The effects of defect size, orientation, and location on subchondral bone contact in oval-shaped experimental articular cartilage defects in a bovine knee model.

Chondral defects of the knee may lead to pain and disability, often requiring surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify how size, location, and orientation influences subchondral bone contact within oval-shaped chondral defects. Full-thickness defects were created in twelve bovine knees. Defect orientation was randomized between coronal and sagittal planes on both the medial and lateral femoral condyles (MFC and LFC). In extension, knees were statically loaded to 1,000 N. Area measurements were recorded using Tekscan sensors and I-Scan software. A MATLAB program computed defect area and the area within the defect demonstrating subchondral bone contact. Defect area, location, and orientation each had a significant effect on subchondral bone contact (p < 0.001), and significant interactions were found between defect area and both location and orientation. The size threshold (cm2) at which significant contact occurred on the subchondral bone within the defect was smallest for LFC/coronal defects (0.73 cm2), then LFC/sagittal (1.14 cm2), then MFC/coronal (1.61 cm2), and then MFC/sagittal (no threshold reached). Intra-articular location and orientation of a femoral condyle chondral defect, in addition to area, significantly influence femoral subchondral bone contact within the defect and the threshold at which subchondral bone contact occurs within the defect. The parameters of defect location and shape orientation supplement current surgical algorithms to manage knee articular cartilage surgery. This may indicate different cartilage restorative procedures based on the effect on the subchondral bone from the defect geometry itself and the selected cartilage surgery.
Integrated System-Level Optimization for Concurrent Engineering with Parametric Subsystem Modeling

The introduction of concurrent design practices to the aerospace industry has greatly increased the productivity of engineers and teams during design sessions as demonstrated by JPL's Team X. Simultaneously, advances in computing power have given rise to a host of potent numerical optimization methods capable of solving complex multidisciplinary optimization problems containing hundreds of variables, constraints, and governing equations. Unfortunately, such methods are tedious to set up and require significant amounts of time and processor power to execute, thus making them unsuitable for rapid concurrent engineering use. This paper proposes a framework for Integration of System-Level Optimization with Concurrent Engineering (ISLOCE). It uses parametric neural-network approximations of the subsystem models. These approximations are then linked to a system-level optimizer that is capable of reaching a solution quickly due to the reduced complexity of the approximations. The integration structure is described in detail and applied to the multiobjective design of a simplified Space Shuttle external fuel tank model. Further, a comparison is made between the new framework and traditional concurrent engineering (without system optimization) through an experimental trial with two groups of engineers. Each method is evaluated in terms of optimizer accuracy, time to solution, and ease of use. The results suggest that system-level optimization, running as a background process during integrated concurrent engineering sessions, is potentially advantageous as long as it is judiciously implemented.
Finding seller quality and quality sellers in online markets: an agent-based analysis

We construct an agent-based model of the online electronics market, consisting of 10,000 buyers and 50 sellers. Buyers repeatedly interact with sellers, searching for high quality and low price, but only some buyers know seller quality prior to purchase. Buyers may learn seller quality directly or from information obtained from other buyers or else estimate quality through market share heuristics. We examine the efficacy of these learning and estimation methods and find that preferential searching, where the probability of searching any seller is its market share, leads to higher consumer surplus and significantly lower levels of price dispersion.
A Rubbertuator-based structure-climbing inspection robot

We describe our progress on the development of ROBIN, a robotic inspector. ROBIN is a structure-climbing robot designed for man-made environments. It is intended to carry cameras and other sensors onto man-made structures such as bridges, buildings, aircraft and ships for inspection. The robot has two vacuum fixtures connected by a 4 degree-of-freedom articulated mechanism that together allow it to walk across surfaces and will permit transition between adjacent surfaces. ROBIN is novel in several areas. It is the only climbing robot that uses McKibben type pneumatic muscles for movement. It is also novel in its use of a subsumption architecture controller in a climbing robot. ROBIN is one of the few climbing robots that is equipped with a mechanism that is capable of transitions between surfaces or from a horizontal surface to a vertical surface below.
Heterogeneous process simulation tool integration

An unified strategy for achieving heterogeneous tool integration within the technology computer-aided design (TCAD) realm is presented. Geometry, grid and surface mesh servers are defined and implemented in a program that contains the different data and provides common services for TCAD applications. These services form the backbone of the integration framework. Functional abstraction is used to provide unified access to the servers' data and procedures. The role of each server and their interactions, including those with applications, are delineated. Existing tools such as SUPREM-IV and SPEEDIE, together with new tools have been integrated to illustrate the utility and versatility of the approach. This paper discusses the integration strategy, shows results and fully specifies standard functional server interfaces needed for TCAD tool integration.
Update on food allergy

Tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of food-based allergic disorders over the past 5 years. Recent epidemiologic studies suggest that nearly 4% of Americans are afflicted with food allergies, a prevalence much higher than appreciated in the past. In addition, the prevalence of peanut allergy was found to have doubled in American children less than 5 years of age in the past 5 years. Many food allergens have been characterized at the molecular level, which has contributed to our increased understanding of the immunopathogenesis of many allergic disorders and might soon lead to novel diagnostic and immunotherapeutic approaches. The management of food allergies continues to consist of educating patients on how to avoid relevant allergens, to recognize early symptoms of an allergic reaction in case of an accidental ingestion, and to initiate the appropriate emergency therapy. However, the recent successful clinical trial of anti-IgE therapy in patients with peanut allergy and the number of immunomodulatory therapies in the pipeline provide real hope that we will soon be able to treat patients with food allergy.
Evidence for mouse Th1- and Th2-like helper T cells in vivo. Selective reduction of Th1-like cells after total lymphoid irradiation

Purified CD4+ BALB/c spleen T cells obtained 4-6 wk after total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) helped normal syngeneic B cells to produce a vigorous antibody response to TNP keyhole limpet hemocyanin in adoptive cell transfer experiments. However, the same cells failed to transfer delayed-type hypersensitivity to the adoptive hosts as measured by a foot pad swelling assay. In addition, purified CD4+ cells from TLI-treated mice were unable to induce graft vs. host disease in lethally irradiated allogeneic C57BL/Ka recipient mice. In response to mitogen stimulation, unfractionated spleen cells obtained from TLI mice secreted normal levels of IL-4 and IL-5, but markedly reduced levels of IL-2 and INF-gamma. A total of 229 CD4+ clones from spleen cells of both normal and TLI-treated mice were established, and the cytokine secretion pattern from each clone was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the ratio of Th1- and Th2-like clones in the spleens of normal BALB/c mice is 1:0.6, whereas the ratio in TLI mice is approximately 1:7. These results suggest that Th2-like cells recover rapidly (at approximately 4-6 wk) after TLI treatment and account for the early return of antibody helper activity and secretion of IL-4 and IL-5, but Th1-like cells recover more slowly (in approximately 3 mo) after irradiation, and this accounts for the deficit in cell-mediated immunity and the reduced amount of IL-2 and IFN-gamma secretion.
Temperature Corrections in the Case of Derivative Interactions

We calculate the scalar propagator in a constant background field for a general theory with noncanonical kinetic energy. As an illustrative application, we calculate finite-temperature corrections for the nonlinear \ensuremath{\sigma} model. We discuss the application of our results to finite-temperature potentials in locally supersymmetric theories.
Measurements and Analysis of M/M/1 and M/M/c Queuing Models of the SIP Proxy Server

In recent years, Internet Protocol (IP) telephony has been a real alternative to the traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN). IP telephony offers more flexibility in the implementation of new features and services. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is becoming a popular signaling protocol for Voice over IP (VoIP) based applications. The SIP Proxy server is a software application that provides call routing services by parsing and forwarding all the incoming SIP packets in an IP telephony network. The efficiency of this process can create large scale, highly reliable packet voice networks for service providers and enterprises. We established that the efficient design and implementation of the SIP Proxy server architecture can enhance the performance characteristics of a SIP Proxy server significantly. Since SIP Proxy server performance can be characterized by its transaction states of each SIP session, we emulated the M/M/1 performance model of the SIP Proxy Server and studied some of the key performance benchmarks such as average response time to process the SIP calls and mean number of SIP calls in the system. We showed its limitations, and then studied an alternative M/M/c based SIP Proxy Server performance model with enhanced performance and predictable results. Index Terms—SIP, Performance, M/M/1,M/M/c in the SIP Proxy Server software, which forms a central part of the control plane corresponding to the VoIP data plane. Our key contribution in this paper is obtaining a better understanding of the performance of the SIP Proxy system. We emulated the M/M/1 queuing model proposed in (7), obtained the analytical results and compared them with exper- iments performed on a real SIP Proxy Server. Motivated by our understanding of the SIP Proxy Server software architecture, we proposed a less complex, more predictable, and more realistic SIP Proxy Server based on M/M/c queuing model. Current trends in server architecture make this model more suitable than the M/D/1 model we proposed in (18). In M/M/cmodel, we considered a single proxy server with mul- tiple threads to process all the incoming SIP calls generated from SIP endpoints. To avoid the propagation delay between the proxy servers, we considered a single proxy server in this model. This paper is organized as follows: Section II addresses the background information on SIP and SIP Proxy Server; Section III provides the motivation for this research; Section IV defines the actual M/M/cbased modeling of the SIP Proxy Server, followed by the analytical and experimental results of the M/M/1 and M/M/c models in Section V; Section VI details the comparative study of the results of the SIP Proxy Server models.
Decomposition of timed decision tables and its use in presynthesis optimizations

Presynthesis optimizations transform a behavioral HDL description into an optimized HDL description that results in improved synthesis results. We introduce the decomposition of timed decision tables (TDT), a tabular model of system behavior. The TDT decomposition is based on the kernel extraction algorithm. By experimenting using named benchmarks, we demonstrate how TDT decomposition can be used in presynthesis optimizations.
Pediatric Pain After Ambulatory Surgery: Where's the Medication?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this controlled study was to provide a description of children9s postoperative pain, including pain intensity and analgesic consumption. METHODS: Participants included 261 children, 2 to 12 years of age, undergoing routine tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery. Baseline and demographic data were collected before surgery, and a standardized approach to anesthesia and surgical procedures was used. Pain and analgesic consumption were recorded for 2 weeks at home. RESULTS: On the first day at home, although parents rated 86% of children as experiencing significant overall pain, 24% of children received 0 or just 1 medication dose throughout the entire day. On day 3 after surgery, although 67% of children were rated by parents as experiencing significant overall pain, 41% received 0 or 1 medication dose throughout the entire day. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a large proportion of children receive little analgesic medication after surgery and research efforts should be directed to the discrepancy between high ratings of postoperative pain provided by parents and the low dosing of analgesics they use for their children.
45nm transistor variability study for memory characterization

We have previously analyzed spatial process variation using 45nm ring oscillator arrays. Our hierarchical variability model had proven to be very useful in revealing interesting systematic patterns, and in separating them from native random variability. To further understand the underlying mechanism of the process variation, we continue to work on the analysis and modeling of spatial variation of transistors made on the same 45nm technology test chips. A novel statistical compact device modeling procedure is used to extract the systematic and random variation of device parameters across wafer and within die. Statistical SPICE simulation is then performed based on the extracted variation model of device parameters. The results compare well with actual ring oscillator and SRAM measurements, in that the characteristic systematic, spatial and random patterns have been captured for circuit-level simulation.
The Visceral Skeleton and Jaw Suspension In the Durophagous Hybodontid Shark Tribodus limae from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil

Abstract The visceral skeleton (including complete mandibular, hyoid, and branchial arches) and teeth of the Lower Cretaceous hybodontid shark Tribodus limae are described based on well preserved fossil material. Jaw suspension and musculature are reconstructed, representing the first reconstruction of jaw musculature in a hybodont. The jaw suspension of Tribodus is similar to batoids and advanced galeomorphs in lacking direct cranio–palatine articulations and having skeletal jaw support by the hyoid arch alone (unlike most other hybodonts), but differs from batoids in that an intact hyoid arch is present. As in Asteracanthus and Lonchidion, the jaws do not extend to the snout, and were connected symphysially but not fused. CT scanning reveals the presence of supportive 'trabecular cartilage' struts in force-bearing regions of the jaws, representing the first report of these structures in an extinct chondrichthyan. Five branchial arches are present, of which pharyngobranchial, epibranchial, and ceratobran...
APOPTOSIS IN CANCER

In the last decade, basic cancer research has produced remarkable advances in our understanding of cancer biology and cancer genetics. Among the most important of these advances is the realization that apoptosis and the genes that control it have a profound effect on the malignant phenotype. For example, it is now clear that some oncogenic mutations disrupt apoptosis, leading to tumor initiation, progression or metastasis. Conversely, compelling evidence indicates that other oncogenic changes promote apoptosis, thereby producing selective pressure to override apoptosis during multistage carcinogenesis. Finally, it is now well documented that most cytotoxic anticancer agents induce apoptosis, raising the intriguing possibility that defects in apoptotic programs contribute to treatment failure. Because the same mutations that suppress apoptosis during tumor development also reduce treatment sensitivity, apoptosis provides a conceptual framework to link cancer genetics with cancer therapy. An intense research effort is uncovering the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis such that, in the next decade, one envisions that this information will produce new strategies to exploit apoptosis for therapeutic benefit.
Quantum evolutionary programming

Recent developments in quantum technology have shown that quantum computers can provide dramatic advantages over classical computers for some problems [1] [2]. These quantum algorithms rely upon the inherent parallel qualities of quantum computers to achieve their improvement. In this paper we provide a brief background of quantum computers. We present a simple quantum approach to genetic algorithms and analyze its benefits and drawbacks. We describe the quantum advantage of true randomness. We show that in some cases, such as program induction, there is a measurable difference [3]. These algorithms are significant because to date there are only a handful of quantum algorithms that take advantage of quantum parallelism [4] and none that show an advantage due to true randomness. Finally, we provide ideas for directions of future research.
Uncovering racial bias in nursing fundamentals textbooks.

Abstract This article describes research that sought to identify and critique selected content areas from three nursing fundamentals textbooks for the presence or absence of racial bias embedded in the portrayal of African Americans. The analyzed content areas were the history of nursing, cultural content, and physical assessment/hygiene parameters. A researcher-developed guide was used for data collection and analysis of textual language, illustrations, linguistics, and references. A thematic analysis resulted in 11 themes reflecting the portrayal of African Americans in these sampled textbooks. An interpretive analysis with a lens of Sadker and Sadker's categories of bias, along with other literary and theoretical contexts, were used to explore for the presence or absence of racial bias. Recommendations for nursing education are provided.
Clinical, EEG, and MRI Differences in Frontal and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Children who underwent video-EEG monitoring between 1995 and 2000, and were classified as frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) (n=39) or mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) (n=17), were examined for clinical, EEG, and quantitative MRI differences, in a study at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Australia.
ANALYSES OF HINGED WAVEMAKERS FOR RANDOM WAVES

The theoretical dimensionless frequency response functions for the wavemaker stroke spectrum, Qs(iu), and for the wavemaker dynamic pressure moment spectrum, Q^{m), were verified experimentally in the Oregon State University-Wave Research Facility (OSU-WRF) from random waves which were simulated from two types of two-parameter theoretical design wave spectra. The random motions of the wavemaker were first digitally simulated by a unique inverse stacked FFT algorithm which were then used to drive the wavemaker through digital-to-analog converters (DAC). The dimensionless frequency response function for the hydrodynamic pressure moment spectrum was not measured directly but was computed from the dynamic covariance equations for a hinged wavemaker of variable-draft by linear combinations of related dimensionless frequency response functions and cross-spectral estimates. The measured estimates were found to agree reasonably well with the analytical approximations, and these measured stochastic hydrodynamic pressure moment estimates on a hinged wavemaker of variable draft are believed to be unique.
Incidence and detection of testicular leukemia in children.

The current treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia in children continues to result in improved survival statistics. Unfortunately, some children who appear to be free of disease show a relapse because of an apparent propensity of leukemic cells to infiltrate the testis and resist conventional therapy. In an effort to detect subclinical testicular leukemia, 14 males with acute lymphocytic leukemia achieving 36 months of continuous complete remission due to protocol chemotherapy underwent routine bilateral testis biopsy immediately prior to the planned cessation of maintenance chemotherapy. Biopsy findings determined the need for testicular irradiation and reinduction of systemic chemotherapy. Thirteen patients had palpably normal testes at the time of biopsy and no histologic evidence of leukemic testicular infiltration. One patient had a normal right testis and a firm left testis with bilateral leukemic involvement as shown by the biopsy results. This represents a 7.1% incidence of occult testicular leukemia. Theoretic considerations of leukemic infiltration of the testis and the improved prognosis of patients treated for residual or persistent testicular disease suggest the need for a reliable method to detect testicular leukemia. This experience with routine testicular biopsy of palpably normal testes and with biopsy of palpably abnormal testes with testicular infiltration in patients still undergoing chemotherapy suggests that physical examination alone is a reliable method to detect leukemic testicular infiltration in most patients. Nevertheless, continued routine biopsy immediately prior to cessation of maintenance chemotherapy is still recommended to ensure that patients with occult testicular leukemia are identified.
Statin-activated nuclear receptor PXR promotes SGK2 dephosphorylation by scaffolding PP2C to induce hepatic gluconeogenesis

Statin therapy is known to increase blood glucose levels in humans. Statins utilize pregnane X receptor (PXR) and serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 2 (SGK2) to activate phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PEPCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) genes, thereby increasing glucose production in human liver cells. Here, the novel statin/PXR/SGK2-mediated signaling pathway has now been characterized for hepatic gluconeogenesis. Statin-activated PXR scaffolds the protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and SGK2 to stimulate PP2C to dephosphorylate SGK2 at threonine 193. Non-phosphorylated SGK2 co-activates PXR-mediated trans-activation of promoters of gluconeogenic genes in human liver cells, thereby enhancing gluconeogenesis. This gluconeogenic statin-PXR-SGK2 signal is not present in mice, in which statin treatment suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis. These findings provide the basis for statin-associated side effects such as an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Comparison Between Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time and Anti-Xa Heparin Assays on Patients on Unfractionated Heparin Therapy

The clinical laboratory at Veterans Affairs Medical Center–Memphis recently implemented anti-Xa heparin assays to monitor therapy for unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). The pharmacy became concerned by possible discrepant results between the new assay and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and we reviewed early data generated by the anti-Xa assay. Consecutive anti-Xa heparin results (n = 105 from 30 patients) were collected that had sufficient …
Can a Shale Gas Revolution Save Central and South Asia

This chapter explores how the potential for shale gas might affect the energy landscape in the countries of Central and South Asia. Although three countries in the region—India, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan—feature significant unconventional gas reserves, none of these countries has supported drilling for these resources in any significant way. This chapter explores the reasons for the lack of active drilling, including economic and security constraints as well as the absence of a coherent policy framework in these countries that would encourage foreign investors to actively engage in the development of shale gas. Furthermore, many countries in the region—especially Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and to some extent Uzbekistan—maintain abundant conventional oil and gas supplies that reduce the urgency to develop shale gas resources. Finally, the US government has actively promoted a “Silk Road” strategy to link the economies of Central and South Asia. Part of this strategy involves the encouraging countries of Central Asia to export gas and excess hydroelectric power via Afghanistan to the countries of South Asia.
Myocardial plasticity: cardiac development, regeneration and disease

The adult mammalian heart is unable to recover from myocardial cell loss due to cardiac ischemia and infarction because terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes proliferate at a low rate. However, cardiomyocytes in other vertebrate animal models such as zebrafish, axolotls, newts and mammalian mouse neonates are capable of de-differentiating in order to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and subsequent cardiac regeneration after injury. Although de-differentiation may occur in adult mammalian cardiomyocytes, it is typically associated with diseased hearts and pathologic remodeling rather than repair and regeneration. Here, we review recent studies of cardiac development, regeneration and disease that highlight how changes in myocardial identity (plasticity) is regulated and impacts adaptive and maladaptive cardiac responses.
Late Pleistocene microtine rodents from Snake Creek Burial Cave, White Pine County, Nevada

A total of 395 microtine rodent specimens recovered from Snake Creek Burial Cave (SCBC) are referred to Microtus sp. and Lemmiscus curtatus . Radiocarbon and Uranium series dates indicated an age for these fossils of between 9460 ± 160 yr. B.P. and 15,100 ± 700 yr. B.P. The sample of lower first molars of Lemmiscus includes 4-, 5-, and 6-closed triangle morphotypes. Earlier reports of the 4-closed triangle morphotype are from Irvingtonian deposits in Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico and from early Rancholabrean deposits in Washington. The morphotype is not known in living populations of Lemmiscus . SCBC specimens constitute the youngest record of the 4-closed triangle morphotype and are the only specimens reported from the late Rancholabrean. The time of disappearance of Lemmiscus with this molar morphology is unknown, but populations with this morphotype possibly became extinct at or near the end of the Pleistocene.
High Performance Packaging with Multi Layer Ceramic Modules

With increasing performance and functional integration of semiconductor technology the packaging of the chips gains more importance for the design of complex microelectronic systems. To avoid a major loss of system performance a relevant discussion of the packaging technologies has to be started early in the design process.
Cultural models of self and social class disparities at organizational gateways and pathways

Attaining a college degree has traditionally been assumed to be key to upward social and professional mobility. However, college graduates from working-class backgrounds achieve less career success in professional, white-collar workplaces compared to those from middle-class backgrounds. Using a cultural models approach, we examine how the independent cultural beliefs and practices promoted by professional organizations disadvantage people from working-class backgrounds, who espouse interdependent beliefs and practices. Our review illustrates how this disadvantage can manifest in two ways. First, despite relative equality in objective qualifications, it can occur at organizational gateways (e.g., interview and hiring decisions). Second, even after people from working-class backgrounds gain access to an organization, it can occur along organizational pathways (e.g., performance evaluations and assignment to high-profile tasks).