cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remix and play: lessons from rule variants in texas hold'em and halo 2

Players can change the rules of a multi-person game to experience a different gameplay mechanic, add thematic color, or fine-tune its balance. To better understand game variants, we use a grounded approach to analyze 62 variants for Texas Hold'em, a popular card game, and a follow-up case-study of 91 variants of Halo 2, a popular video game. We study their development and examine whether lessons from Texas Hold'em apply to a constrained system such as Halo 2. We discover video gamers' reliance on 'honor rules', rules dependent on the cooperative spirit of its players. We develop a theory of 'necessity' in rule adoption, showing players' sensitivity to the impact of one change on the whole game. In solving game-design problems, adjustments drawn from a set of 'canned' rule changes address common problems with familiar solutions. We find a complex interplay between who can play and what rules are chosen. Our findings have implications for game designers and for variants in non-game contexts.
Simultaneous extraction and assay of cyclic nucleotides, prostaglandins, and DNA from cat alveolar bone

Abstract A method for the simultaneous extraction of cAMP, cGMP, PGE 2 , PGF 2α , and DNA from a small sample of mineralized bone and the subsequent assay of these substances is described. Various solvents were tested for efficiency of extraction for the fatty acids, and water or 40% ethanol was found to extract more than 90% of labeled prostaglandin. In order to avoid enzymatic degradation, the substances were extracted at −5°C requiring a solvent which would not freeze during extraction. Frozen alveolar cat bone samples were homogenized in 40% ethanol in the presence of 5 m m EDTA to inhibit phosphodiesterase. Small aliquots of the homogenate were withdrawn for the spectrofluorophotometric assay of DNA. After centrifugation, the supernatant was extracted first with petroleum ether, in order to take out neutral lipids, followed by ethyl acetate partition. The ethyl acetate layer was dired with N 2 gas, reconstituted with assay buffer, and assayed for PGE 2 and PGF 2α . A portion of the aqueous fraction was used for cAMP binding assay, while the rest was column chromatographed to elute the cGMP for radioassay. On the basis of per microgram of DNA, values for each of the following in cat alveolar bone were: 0.346 ± 0.049 pmol for cAMP, 0.026 ± 0.001 pmol for cGMP, 5.52 ± 1.46 pg for PGE 2 , and 1.00 ± 0.29 pg for PGF 2α . Values calculated after the dilution of the sample aliquots or addition of standards to cAMP, cGMP, or PGE 2 showed no significant difference (P 2 , and PGF 2α in alveolar bone from the same sample.
Correction of surface deformities: Botox, soft-tissue fillers, lasers and intense pulsed light, and radiofrequency

The field of cosmetic surgery continues to be rapidly changing and expanding one. With the understanding of the changes that take place in aging and contribute to photodamaged skin, technologic advances have become more based in science. Patients are aware of these changes and are enthusiastically tracking them through all media channels. It has has become more important than ever for surgeons to stay abreast of this new knowledge.
Using Metaphor Theory to Examine Conceptions of Energy in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Energy is one of the most important unifying themes in science. Yet the way energy is conceptualized varies depending on context. In this paper, the discourse used to explain the role of energy in systems from biology, chemistry, and physics is examined from the perspective of metaphor theory. Six substance metaphors for energy are identified in pedagogical discourse (i.e., textbooks and the science education literature): energy as a substance that can be accounted for, can flow, can be carried, can change forms, can be lost, and can be an ingredient, a product or stored in some way. Each of these conceptual metaphors highlight and obscure various characteristics of energy, and provide a set of frameworks that each afford a different understanding of the energy concept.
Proving correctness of coroutines without history variables

We examine the question of whether history variables are necessary in formal proofs of correctness for coroutines. History variables are special variables, which are added to a program to facilitate its proof by recording the sequence of states reached by the program during a computation; after the proof has been completed the history variables may be deleted. The use of such variables in correctness proofs was first suggested by Clint [CL73] in a paper entitled "Program Proving: Coroutines;" subsequently, history variables have been used by Owicki [OW76a] and Howard [HO75] in verifying concurrent programs and by Apt [APT77] in verifying sequential programs. We argue that recording the entire history of a computation in a single set of variables can actually complicate a correctness proof and should be avoided if possible. We propose a modification of Clint's axiom system and a strategy for constructing proofs that eliminates the need for history variables in verifying simple coroutines. Examples (including Clint's program "Histo") are given to illustrate this technique of verifying coroutines, and our axiom system is shown to be sound and relatively complete with respect to an operational semantics for coroutines. Finally, we discuss extensions of the coroutine concept for which history variables do appear to be needed; we also discuss the question of whether such variables are necessary in verifying concurrent programs.
Cybersecurity in banking and financial sector: Security analysis of a mobile banking application

The goal of providing a totally secure mobile based internet banking environment continues to be a moving target exacerbated by the free and readily available flow of information on the Internet at the disposal of would be attackers. As new security measures are devised, new attack vectors are developed to thwart these measures. A trusted device segregated from the Internet and potential malware seems like a simple, straight-forward solution. With the rapid development of smart phones and the plethora of smart phone applications becoming developed, the lines between the cellular network and the internet are being blurred, rendering the phone a not-so-trusted device. In this paper we show how existing smart phone banking applications can be tampered to capture user information and password.
Probabilistic Finite Element Analysis of ASTM D6641 Compression Test for Marine Grade Polymer Matrix Composites

The variability of compressive mechanical properties of a polymer matrix composite material with woven fabric reinforcement is studied using both experimental work and numerical simulations. Four E-glass/vinyl ester composite plates were fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) by a US Navy contractor. The materials and process selected are representative of marine grade composites typically used by the US Navy. Standard ASTM D6641 coupons were obtained from the plates and the laboratory results were compared with those of a 3D probabilistic finite element analysis (FEA). In the probabilistic FEA model, elastic properties, strength parameters and geometric properties of the woven fabric E-glass/vinyl ester coupons were considered as random fields, and generated using Monte Carlo simulations. The study evaluates the effects of spatial correlation, finite element size, probability distribution functions (PDF) types and failure criteria on statistical strength properties of the [0/...
A Hecke Algebra Quotient and Some Combinatorial Applications

Let (W, S) be a Coxeter group associated to a Coxeter graph which has no multiple bonds. Let H be the corresponding Hecke Algebra. We define a certain quotient \bar H of H and show that it has a basis parametrized by a certain subset Wc of the Coxeter group W. Specifically, Wc consists of those elements of W all of whose reduced expressions avoid substrings of the form sts where s and t are noncommuting generators in S. We determine which Coxeter groups have finite Wc and compute the cardinality of Wc when W is a Weyl group. Finally, we give a combinatorial application (which is related to the number of reduced expressions for \omega \in W_c) of an exponential formula of Lusztig which utilizes a specialization of a subalgebra of \bar H.
Enhanced peripheral visual processing in congenitally deaf humans is supported by multiple brain regions, including primary auditory cortex

Brain reorganization associated with altered sensory experience clarifies the critical role of neuroplasticity in development. An example is enhanced peripheral visual processing associated with congenital deafness, but the neural systems supporting this have not been fully characterized. A gap in our understanding of deafness-enhanced peripheral vision is the contribution of primary auditory cortex. Previous studies of auditory cortex that use anatomical normalization across participants were limited by inter-subject variability of Heschl’s gyrus. In addition to reorganized auditory cortex (cross-modal plasticity), a second gap in our understanding is the contribution of altered modality-specific cortices (visual intramodal plasticity in this case), as well as supramodal and multisensory cortices, especially when target detection is required across contrasts. Here we address these gaps by comparing fMRI signal change for peripheral versus perifoveal visual stimulation (11-15° vs. 2°-7°) in congenitally deaf and hearing participants in a blocked experimental design with two analytical approaches: a Heschl’s gyrus region of interest analysis and a whole brain analysis. Our results using individually-defined primary auditory cortex (Heschl’s gyrus) indicate that fMRI signal change for more peripheral stimuli was greater than perifoveal in deaf but not in hearing participants. Whole-brain analyses revealed differences between deaf and hearing participants for peripheral versus perifoveal visual processing in extrastriate visual cortex including primary auditory cortex, MT+/V5, superior-temporal auditory and multisensory and/or supramodal regions, such as posterior parietal cortex, frontal eye fields, anterior cingulate, and supplementary eye fields. Overall, these data demonstrate the contribution of neuroplasticity in multiple systems including primary auditory cortex, supramodal and multisensory regions, to altered visual processing in congenitally deaf adults.
Preoperative Learning Goals Set by Surgical Residents and Faculty

Background The operating room (OR) remains the main teaching venue for surgical trainees. The OR is considered a pure-discovery learning environment; the downsides of this can be putatively overcome when faculty and trainee arrive at a shared understanding of learning. This study aimed to better understand preoperative learning goals to identify areas of commonalities and potential barrier to intraoperative teaching. Methods Brief, structured preoperative interviews were conducted outside the OR with the resident and faculty member who were scheduled to operate together. Answers were analyzed and grouped using grounded theory. Results Twenty-seven resident-faculty pairs were interviewed. Nine residents (33.3%) were junior (PGY 1 and 2) and 18 (66.7%) were senior (PGY 3 through 5). Learning goal categories that emerged from the response analysis were anatomy, basic and advanced surgical skills, general and specific procedural tasks, technical autonomy, and pre-, intra-, and postoperative considerations. Residents articulated fewer learning goals than faculty (1.5 versus 2.4; P = 0.024). The most frequently identified learning goal by both groups was one classifiable under general procedural tasks; the greatest divergence was seen regarding perioperative considerations, which were identified frequently by faculty members but rarely by residents. Conclusions Faculty articulate significantly more learning goals for the residents they will operate with than residents articulate for themselves. Our data suggest that residents and faculty align on some learning goals for the OR but residents tend to be more limited, focusing predominantly on technical aspects of the operation. Faculty members tend to hold a broader view of the learning potential of the OR. These discrepancies may present barriers to effective intraoperative teaching.
Finite difference model of thoracic fields and current flow due to surface applied defibrillation voltages

A finite difference model with 216000 elements was developed based on magnetic resonance (MR) images to determine an improved electrode size and position for external electrode defibrillation. With 10*10 cm electrodes located in the standard position on the anterior thoracic surface 31% of the current passed through the entire heart but only 8.5% of the current passed through the myocardium. Moving each electrode laterally 3.3 cm reduced the current passing through the heart to 25.4% but improved the uniformity of the current passing the myocardium by nearly a factor of two based on an index developed to assess electrode performance. It appears an improved electrode size and position can be developed but its effect on the output level settings used with commercial defibrillators needs to be carefully considered because of load impedance changes. >
Persistence of Buggy Creek Virus (Togaviridae, Alphavirus) for Two Years in Unfed Swallow Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae: Oeciacus vicarius)

ABSTRACT Alphaviruses (Togaviridae) have rarely been found to persist for long in the adult insects that serve as their vectors. The ectoparasitic swallow bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae: Oeciacus vicarius Horvath), the vector for Buggy Creek virus (BCRV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus), lives year-round in the mud nests of its host, the cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Vieillot). We measured the prevalence of BCRV in swallow bugs at sites with cliff swallows present and at the same sites after cliff swallows had been absent for 2 yr. We collected bugs directly from cliff swallow nests in the field and screened bug pools with BCRV-specific real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and plaque assay. At two colony sites last occupied by birds 2 yr earlier, we found 12.5 and 55.6% of bug pools positive for BCRV RNA by RT-PCR, Infection rates (per 1,000 bugs) for these sites were 1.32 and 7.39. RNA prevalence in the unfed bugs was not significantly different from that in fed bugs 2 yr earlier at the same sites. ...
Vibroacoustic Stimulation and Auditory Acuity in Preterm Infants

Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) is widely accepted as a simple and inexpensive adjunctive antenatal test for fetal well-being. However, possible adverse effects of VAS on auditory acuity are not completely known and are of concern, especially for infants delivered prematurely. The purpose of our study was to evaluate neonatal hearing with the brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) in 33 preterm neonates exposed to acoustic stimulation in utero and to compare the results with those of 33 preterm neonates who were not exposed to acoustic stimulation. Of the 33 exposed neonates, four had abnormal BAER results, indicating an apparent hearing loss. In three of four cases, an infectious etiology was found, suggesting a lack of association between antenatal VAS and hearing loss. By comparison, of the 33 preterm infants not exposed to VAS antenatally (control group), one infant had an abnormal BAER result and was subsequently diagnosed to have suffered a congenital hearing loss.Thus, the risk of acoustic trau...
Arsenic Trioxide Affects Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Proteins through Alteration of Protein Tyrosine Kinase Phosphorylation

Purpose: Arsenic trioxide decreases proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, but its precise mechanism of action is unknown. Experimental Design: We studied the effect of arsenic trioxide on patient samples and the AML cell line HEL, which, like leukemic blasts from 50% of AML cases, has constitutively activated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. Results: Arsenic trioxide induced mitotic arrest starting at 24 hours and significant cell death at 48 hours. These events were preceded by an arsenic trioxide dose-dependent down-regulation of activated STAT proteins starting at 6 hours. We hypothesized that arsenic trioxide inhibits protein tyrosine kinases (PTK), which, among others, phosphorylate and activate STATs. We therefore studied arsenic trioxide effects on Janus kinases and on three oncogenic PTKs that are known to activate STATs [FLT3, ZNF198/fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), and BCR/ABL]. Arsenic trioxide reduced STAT3 activation by Janus kinases, altered phosphorylation and electrophoretic mobility of ZNF198/fibroblast growth factor receptor 1, reduced kinase protein level, and decreased STAT3 protein phosphorylation. Arsenic trioxide also reduced the phosphorylation of BCR/ABL and FLT3 with corresponding decreased STAT5 phosphorylation. Conclusions: These results suggest a selective activity of arsenic trioxide on PTKs and will assist in developing clinical trials in AML.
Surface temperature and time‐dependent measurements of black liquor droplet combustion

Black liquor droplets, initially 1–3 mm in diameter, were burned while simultaneously measuring surface and internal temperature, mass loss, and diameter to gain insight into the physical processes of single droplet combustion. Data were collected by weighing a droplet hanging on a thermocouple wire within a heated furnace. Two-color images of the droplet were obtained to determine a surface temperature and particle size. The data suggest that models of droplet combustion should treat drying, devolatilization, and char oxidation as occurring simultaneously, though typically in different regions of the particle. Isothermal models should be avoided as temperature differences in excess of 300 K exist between the surface and interior, with larger gradients along the surface. Droplet swelling increased at lower ambient temperatures, and is greater for softwood than hardwood liquors. Additional unidentified factors also influence swelling, meaning it is still highly unpredictable and may be a function of initial droplet shape, size, and chemical composition. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Reducing the Expression of Racial Prejudice

We conducted two experiments designed to evaluate the effects of normative influence on reactions to racism. The current problem of racism on college campuses provided the context for these studies. We found that exposure to strongly antiracist normative influence induced the expression of more strongly antiracist opinions, regardless of the number of influencing agents and regardless of whether persons expressed their opinions publicly or privately, than occurred following exposure to normative influence reflecting strong acceptance of racism. Overhearing others voice opinions that reflect strong acceptance of racism led persons to express less strongly antiracist opinions than when no influence was exerted.
Osteoid osteoma causing subtalar joint arthralgia: a case report.

The authors describe a juvenile patient with an osteoid osteoma in the foot-a relatively rare location for this type of lesion. The appearance of this lesion in a juxtaarticular location is even more rare. An 11-year-old boy with a 6-month history of limping secondary to subtalar joint pain presented with a juxtaarticular osteoid osteoma located within the calcaneus. The lesion was present beneath the sinus tarsi and the subtalar joint region. Plain radiographs showed equivocal changes; however, magnetic resonance imaging clearly showed a central nidus. The lateral aspect and midbody of the calcaneus showed a spherical focus of diminished signal on both the T1- and T2-weighted images. This focus had a surrounding rim of significantly diminished signal on all sequences. Thus, findings were most consistent with an osteoid osteoma, although a Brodie abscess could not be ruled out. Surgical excision was performed and led to complete resolution of pain and limping. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma.
Fine-scale differentiation between sockeye salmon ecotypes and the effect of phenotype on straying.

A long-standing goal of evolutionary biology is to understand the factors that drive population divergence, local adaptation and speciation. In particular, the effect of selection against dispersers on gene flow and local adaptation has attracted interest, although empirical data on phenotypic characters of dispersers are scarce. Here, we used genetic and phenotypic data from beach and creek ecotypes of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in Little Togiak Lake, Alaska, to examine the relationship between gene flow and phenotypic and genetic differentiation. Despite close geographic proximity, both genetic and phenotypic differentiation between beach and creek fish was high and significant in all sampling years, with beach males having deeper bodies than creek males. Strays, or fish that did not return to their natal sites to spawn as determined by genetic assignment, tended to morphologically resemble the fish in the population that they joined. Male strays from beaches to creeks were shallower bodied than other beach fish, and male strays from creeks to beaches were deeper bodied than other creek males. Our results indicated that selection against strays may be moderated by the strays’ phenotypic similarity to individuals in the recipient populations, but comparison of assignment results with long-term estimates of gene flow from FST still suggested that strays had low reproductive success.
Complications of Facial Fillers

One of the cornerstones of modern facial esthetics is the use of facial fillers. We now recognize that loss of volume is a key aspect of the aging face. In addition to elastosis and rhytidosis, volume rejuvenation is essential to create a natural, harmonious facial appearance. The vast majority of facial filler applications are safe and allow for consistent results. That being said there are a variety of off-label uses of filler as well as expanded indications and usage. No procedure is without complications and the purpose of this article is to evaluate the recent literature and report on the latest findings of complications from facial fillers.
Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Deep brain stimulation and electrical neuro-network modulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy that involves the delivery of an electrical current to one or more brain targets. This technology has been rapidly expanding to address movement, neuropsychiatric, and other disorders. The evolution of DBS has created a niche for neurologists, both in the operating room and in the clinic. Since DBS is not always deep, not always brain, and not always simply stimulation, a more accurate term for this field may be electrical neuro-network modulation (ENM). Fellowships will likely in future years evolve their scope to include other technologies, and other nervous system regions beyond typical DBS therapy.
Concord: re-thinking the division of labor in a distributed shared memory system

A distributed shared memory system provides the abstraction of a shared address space on either a network of workstations or a distributed-memory multiprocessor. Although a distributed shared memory system can improve performance by relating the memory consistency model and maintaining memory coherence at a granularity specified by the programmer, the challenge is to offer ease of programming while maintaining high performance. Concord meets this challenge by carefully splitting responsibilities among the programmer, the compiler, and the runtime system. Concord has allowed a single programmer to port several real, large shared-memory parallel programs onto an Intel iPS/2 in a few weeks and achieve reasonable speedup. >
Increased temperature mitigates the effects of ocean acidification in calcified green algae ( Halimeda spp.)

The singular and interactive effects of ocean acidification and temperature on the physiology of calcified green algae (Halimeda incrassata, H. opuntia, and H. simulans) were investigated in a fully factorial, 4-week mesocosm experiment. Individual aquaria replicated treatment combinations of two pH levels (7.6 and 8.0) and two temperatures (28 and 31 °C). Rates of photosynthesis, respiration, and calcification were measured for all species both prior to and after treatment exposure. Pre-treatment measurements revealed that H. incrassata displayed higher biomass-normalized rates of photosynthesis and calcification (by 55 and 81 %, respectively) relative to H. simulans and H. opuntia. Furthermore, prior to treatment exposure, photosynthesis was positively correlated to calcification, suggesting that the latter process may be controlled by photosynthetic activity in this group. After treatment exposure, net photosynthesis was unaltered by pH, yet significantly increased with elevated temperature by 58, 38, and 37 % for H. incrassata, H. simulans, and H. opuntia, respectively. Both pH and temperature influenced calcification, but in opposing directions. On average, calcification declined by 41 % in response to pH reduction, but increased by 49 % in response to elevated temperature. Within each pH treatment, elevated temperature increased calcification by 23 % (at pH 8.0) and 74 % (at pH 7.6). Interactions between pH, temperature, and/or species were not observed. This work demonstrates that, in contrast to prior studies, increased temperature may serve to enhance the metabolic performance (photosynthesis and calcification) of some marine calcifiers, despite elevated carbon dioxide concentrations. Thus, in certain cases, ocean warming may mitigate the negative effects of acidification.
Tall Man lettering and potential prescription errors: a time series analysis of 42 children's hospitals in the USA over 9 years

Background Despite the widespread implementation of Tall Man lettering, little evidence exists regarding whether this technique has reduced drug errors due to look-alike sound-alike (LA-SA) drug names. This study evaluated rates of potential LA-SA drug errors in the drug management process through to the point of dispensing before and after implementation of Tall Man lettering in 2007. Methods We used detailed pharmacy data for paediatric inpatients ( Results Among 1 676 700 hospitalisations, no statistically significant change was detected for either the intercept or the slope of LA-SA error rate for each of the 11 drug pairs or for the combined error rate. In a sensitivity analysis of the moving average of the potential error rate over the entire study period, no downward trend in potential LA-SA drug error rates was evident over any time period 2004 onwards. Conclusions Implementation of Tall Man lettering in 2007 was not associated with a reduction in the potential LA-SA error rate. Whether Tall Man lettering is effective in clinical practice warrants further study.
Using a Person-Centered Approach to Examine the Impact of Homelessness on School Absences

Brought on by increasing levels of economic vulnerability, homelessness is a pressing issue for our schools. Homeless students often miss an inordinate amount of school days and are thought to fall at the farthest end of a “continuum of poverty.” Theoretically they have worse outcomes than their peers, though the past 20 years of literature have found inconsistencies in these comparisons. Thus the literature suggests analysis to compare types of students based on outcomes rather than demographic categorizations, a person-centered approach. Using this approach, a comparison of the number of absences for homeless students and their housed peers is made through quantile analysis. Using school administrative data collected over one school year for an entire school district we found that homeless students as an aggregate do not miss significantly more days of school than their poorest peers. However, we found homelessness and poverty dramatically increase the number of absences for children who are in the higher percentiles of absences meaning homelessness has a greater impact on those who miss more days of school in general compared to regular attendees. Findings from this study indicate that homelessness may exacerbate problems rather than cause them. Implications for practice are discussed and directions for future study are proposed.
The Nature of Law and Reasons for Action

Resumen:Si una norma juridica nos dice que hagamos algo, ?acaso por ese solohecho tenemos una razon para hacerlo? Esta sigue siendo una de laspreguntas mas basicas para la reflexion juridica, tanto teorica comopractica. Se trata de una cuestion fundamental que muchos teoricos importantesdel derecho han discutido; aunque el topico sigue estando muypobremente entendido. No obstante que recientemente muchos teoricospositivistas han buscado “explicar la normatividad”, este es probablementeun proyecto inconsistente con los compromisos basicos del positivismojuridico y, en cualquier caso, totalmente innecesario. Siguiendolas ideas de M. B. E. Smith y David Enoch, este articulo subraya que elderecho no siempre (o no “esencial” o paradigmaticamente) ofrece razonespara la accion, y cuando es el caso que ofrece razones para la accionlo hace de una manera irrelevante. Abstract:If a legal rule tells us to do something, do we thereby have a reason to doit? This remains one of the most basic questions for theoretical and practical reflection on law. It is a foundational question, which many prominentcontemporary theorists have discussed, yet the topic remains poorly understood.While many legal positivists have recently sought to “explainnormativity”, this is likely a project inconsistent with the basic commitmentsof legal positivism, and, in any event, thoroughly unnecessary. Followingides of M. B. E. Smith and David Enoch, this article emphasizes that lawdoes not always (or “essentially” or paradigmatically) give reasons for action,and when it does give us reasons for action, it does so in unremarkableways.
Aging is associated with dimerization and inactivation of the brain-enriched tyrosine phosphatase STEP

The STriatal-Enriched tyrosine Phosphatase (STEP) is involved in the etiology of several age-associated neurologic disorders linked to oxidative stress and is also known to play a role in neuroprotection by modulating glutamatergic transmission. However, the possible effect of aging on STEP level and activity in the brain is still unclear. In this study, using young (1 month), adult (4 months), and aged (18 months) rats, we show that aging is associated with increase in dimerization and loss of activity of STEP. Increased dimerization of STEP is primarily observed in the cortex and hippocampus and is associated with depletion of both reduced and total glutathione levels, suggesting an increase in oxidative stress. Consistent with this interpretation, studies in cell culture models of glutathione depletion and oxidative stress also demonstrate formation of dimers and higher order oligomers of STEP that involve intermolecular disulfide bond formation between multiple cysteine residues. Conversely, administration of N-acetyl cysteine, a major antioxidant that enhances glutathione biosynthesis, attenuates STEP dimerization both in the cortex and hippocampus. The findings indicate that loss of this intrinsic protective response pathway with age-dependent increase in oxidative stress may be a contributing factor for the susceptibility of the brain to age-associated neurologic disorders.
Work Unit Compensation: A Win-Win Compensation Plan for Nuclear Medicine

Work Unit Compensation has been developed with the goal of rewarding quality individuals for work performed above a predetermined threshold. This threshold is set by the institution to represent the I 00% expected performance of an individual or department during a specified amount of time. In our nuclear medicine department, the threshold is defined as: for each 60 min of pay, the technologist or group is producing 52.5 min of chargeable work. This represents 87.5% efficiency by the individual or the area being reviewed. The normal or acceptable level is 60% for employees in our radiologic service areas. The non-productive time has been calculated into the production time threshold. The non-productive time includes room preparation, injection time, placement of patients into positions, removing patients from the procedure room and the administrative responsibilities of the supervisor or chief technologist. In our system the nuclear medicine department has developed a mechanism to compensate for the time spent in the radiopharmacy and on quality control procedures. In anticipation of the major expansion of the hospital and the department, the staffing shortage in the area needed to be addressed. Since 1988, the nuclear medicine department has replaced two computer systems and purchased an additional camera. Currently, we are replacing an additional system to meet the growing needs of the medical staff. The department is busy recruiting quality personnel that can meet the demands and the quality standards set by the department. The current nuclear medicine schedule has produced as many as 60 procedures on four systems in one day of operation (7am-8pm). In order to meet this volume the hospital has purchased state of the art equipment, which experiences minimal downtime (<0.01% over the past two years). The key to the operation is a staff of quality personnel willing to give 100%. In this area, our supervisor and staff have recorded statistical data that supports the benefit of strong recruitment efforts. The current staff numbers five with a recent opening and an additional position pending in 1991. The ability of our staff to continue meeting the demands of
Magnetic resonance imaging of pediatric brain tumors: state of the art.

Summary:Over the past 25 years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has developed into the primary imaging tool for evaluation of the central nervous system. MRI is the essential imaging study in the twenty-first century for the evaluation of the child with a brain tumor for initial preoperative diagno
Pine vole (Microtus pinetorum) movement toward areas in apple orchards with reduced populations

Using radiotelemetry, the movements and activity of 24 adult pine voles (Microtus pine- toruni) were examined before and during removal of neighbouring voles in three North Carolina orchards. Each site had control and treatment plots that were monitored concurrently for 28 d, the first 7 d defining normal behaviour patterns. For the following 21 d, animals were removed from half of each treatment plot while baited, inoperable traps were tended in half of each control plot. Relative to controls, treatment animals moved significantly toward removal areas and significantly increased activity. Although both sexes responded to removal of neighbours, males tended to move further than females. Pine voles actively invade areas in which populations have been reduced, therefore control measures in orchards cannot be limited to one-time removal of problem animals.
Synthesis and Structure of Bis- and Tris-Benzyl Bismuth Complexes

The first crystallographic characterization of bismuth complexes containing benzyl ligands is reported. The NCN pincer ligand complex, Ar′BiCl2 [Ar′ = 2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3], reacts with (PhCH2)MgCl to form Ar′Bi(η1-CH2Ph)2 in high yield. X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic studies confirm η1-bonding of the benzyl ligands in Ar′Bi(η1-CH2Ph)2 as well as in the homoleptic Bi(η1-CH2Ph)3.
A Model and Algorithm for Optimum Trip Route in Public Transit System

The optimum trip route select model established on the analysis of evaluating index of the optimum trip route selection,can effectively solve the issue of selecting the optimum trip route,and provide some reference for the similar research as well.
The upper crust of the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone: Insights from potential fields inversion

Abstract The study investigates the crustal structure of the eastern Tennessee seismic zone (ETSZ) by means of potential field inversion through the located Euler deconvolution method. Inversion of magnetic field data shows that the top of the magnetic basement ranges between 6 and 12 km depth in the Valley and Ridge physiographic province while it is shallower (
An immersed boundary method for direct and large eddy simulation of stratified flows in complex geometry

A sharp-interface Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) is developed to simulate density-stratified turbulent flows in complex geometry using a Cartesian grid. The basic numerical scheme corresponds to a central second-order finite difference method, third-order Runge-Kutta integration in time for the advective terms and an alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme for the viscous and diffusive terms. The solver developed here allows for both direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large eddy simulation (LES) approaches. Methods to enhance the mass conservation and numerical stability of the solver to simulate high Reynolds number flows are discussed. Convergence with second-order accuracy is demonstrated in flow past a cylinder. The solver is validated against past laboratory and numerical results in flow past a sphere, and in channel flow with and without stratification. Since topographically generated internal waves are believed to result in a substantial fraction of turbulent mixing in the ocean, we are motivated to examine oscillating tidal flow over a triangular obstacle to assess the ability of this computational model to represent nonlinear internal waves and turbulence. Results in laboratory-scale (order of few meters) simulations show that the wave energy flux, mean flow properties and turbulent kinetic energy agree well with our previous results obtained using a body-fitted grid (BFG). The deviation of IBM results from BFG results is found to increase with increasing nonlinearity in the wave field that is associated with either increasing steepness of the topography relative to the internal wave propagation angle or with the amplitude of the oscillatory forcing. LES is performed on a large scale ridge, of the order of few kilometers in length, that has the same geometrical shape and same non-dimensional values for the governing flow and environmental parameters as the laboratory-scale topography, but significantly larger Reynolds number. A non-linear drag law is utilized in the large-scale application to parameterize turbulent losses due to bottom friction at high Reynolds number. The large scale problem exhibits qualitatively similar behavior to the laboratory scale problem with some differences: slightly larger intensification of the boundary flow and somewhat higher non-dimensional values for the energy fluxed away by the internal wave field. The phasing of wave breaking and turbulence exhibits little difference between small-scale and large-scale obstacles as long as the important non-dimensional parameters are kept the same. We conclude that IBM is a viable approach to the simulation of internal waves and turbulence in high Reynolds number stratified flows over topography.
Heuristic passive and active matching circuit design method for wireless power transfer for moving objects

In this paper, a novel matching circuit design method utilizing a genetic algorithm and measured S-parameters of randomly moved coils is discussed. From the analytical comparison of different matching circuit topology, the superiority of active matching circuit is suggested, and potentially there is 21.4 % improvement in wireless power transfer efficiency by using 4 cell active matching circuit, which can create 16 different impedance values. Also, the matching circuit design simulation can be simplified by choosing representative impedance values of coils utilizing K-means clustering and use these values as targets. This drastically reduce the time for the matching circuit design simulation, especially for the matching circuit with larger number of cells.
A General Equilibrium Model of Production Under Uncertainty

The modern deterministic theory of international trade has been built upon the salient characteristics of the two-sector, two-factor, general equilibrium model of production. Therefore, the prerequisite to the development of the stochastic theory of international trade is the formulation of a two-by-two general equilibrium model, which takes into account the random nature of the economic environment. This is the task assigned to this chapter.* In pursuit of this goal, we draw extensively on the analytical tools developed in the previous chapter.
ON THE NATURE OF THE HUMAN ENDONUCLEASE ACTIVITY DIRECTED AGAINST ULTRA-VIOLET IRRADIATED DNA

ABSTRACT Alkali-labile sites in UV irradiated DNA were detected by prolonged alkaline hydrolysis but were not detectable by shorter hydrolysis procedures. The number of such sites formed relative to UV dose corresponded to the number of the non-pyrimidine dimer UV endonuclease sensitive sites reported by other investigators. Evidence is presented that these sites are altered bases with an unstable N-glycosidic bond.
Beyond the Early Adopters: Examining the potential for car-sharing in Richmond, Virginia

BEYOND THE EARLY ADOPTERS: EXAMINING THE POTENTIAL FOR CARSHARING IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA By Steven P. Spears, MURP A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008 Major Director: Michela M. Zonta, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning Car-sharing is a membership-based mobility service that offers short-term vehicle rentals. Studies have shown that car-sharing can increase transportation sustainability by encouraging the use of public transit and reducing vehicle miles traveled. This thesis examines the potential for car-sharing in Richmond, Virginia through an attitude-based qualitative pilot study. Using the theory of planned behavior as a framework, urban and suburban residents were asked questions that measured car-sharing intention strength, mode choice habit, and life change effects. The study found that even among those with positive attitudes toward car-sharing, existing habits, lack of adequate commuting alternatives and the needs of non-driving dependents were major hindrances to sharedviii car use. Better facilities and interventions designed to encourage the use of transit, walking, and bicycling may play an important role in overcoming these obstacles and increasing the viability of car-sharing in Greater Richmond. Chapter I: Introduction Car-sharing is a mobility service that makes vehicles available to members on a short-term basis – normally a few hours at a time. Members typically pay a joining fee and are then charged based on time and/or mileage used. By trading car ownership for car access, members may save on their overall transportation costs and gain access to a range of vehicles that have specific capabilities for various journeys. Car-sharing can be utilized by both individuals and employers to increase mobility options and facilitate the use of other transportation modes, such as transit, walking, and cycling. Car sharing organizations take on a variety of structures, from for-profit corporations to local cooperatives to non-profit organizations. They also use a variety of operational models, including station cars, neighborhood car-sharing, multi-nodal shared-use vehicles, and hybrid approaches (Barth and Shaheen, 2002) . Station cars are located at major public transport stations and are intended to serve users on the final leg of a multi-modal journey. With neighborhood car-sharing, vehicles are placed within neighborhoods to serve the daily needs of local residents. Multi-nodal systems allow users to travel between multiple activity centers, including college campuses, airports, shops, and major employment centers. Cars can be used for round trips or driven oneway between activity centers. Finally, hybrid models have been developed that use combinations of the three other types. For example, the CarLink pilot program in the
Ultra-wideband and indoor localization

Indoor localization technology is completing a generational shift, improving from meter to near-centimeter level accuracy, and shifting research priorities from improving accuracy to building scalable, deployable systems. Leading this shift are ultra-wideband (UWB) RF solutions that have demonstrated their potential for very high accuracy indoor localization.This talk will explore how and why UWB technologies have driven many of the recent advancements in wireless localization. It will then explore how non-traditional UWB designs can solve two key upcoming challenges: scaling up in number (to thousands of localized devices) and down in power (to microwatt scale power budgets). Enabling these opportunities requires decoupling localization from data transmission and rethinking how we utilize the UWB channel from the ground up.
An open-end winding induction generation system for frequency insensitive AC loads in more electric aircraft

In more electric aircraft (MEA), supplying constant voltage variable frequency (CWF) AC power to frequency insensitive loads (eg. wing de-icing system, galleys, etc.) in DC primary distribution system requires an AC-DC-AC conversion which adds losses and additional hardware installment to the system. This paper presents a novel open-end winding induction generation system supplying CWF AC power for MEA As a subsystem of an AC/DC hybrid generation system, this CWF induction generation system uses a series connected inverter-load topology without any energy storage device. A current oriented control scheme is used to regulate both AC and DC side voltages of the system without battery compensation. The proposed series connected induction generation system presents reduced hardware footprint compared to conventional shunt connected and battery compensated series connected induction generation system. The performance of the proposed system is demonstrated by simulation in MATLAB/SIMULINK.