Instantaneous noise-based logic

We show two universal, Boolean, deterministic logic schemes based on binary noise timefunctions that can be realized without time-averaging units. The first scheme is based on a new bipolar random telegraph wave scheme and the second one makes use of the recent noise-based logic which is conjectured to be the brain's method of logic operations [Physics Letters A 373 (2009) 2338-2342]. Error propagation and error removal issues are also addressed.Comment: Accepted for publication in Fluctuation and Noise Letters (December 2010 issue

Das Zeitalter der heuristischen Epoché

Elektronische Version der gedr. Ausg. 199

A Neural Circuit Model for Prospective Control of Interceptive Reaching

Two prospective controllers of hand movements in catching -- both based on required velocity control -- were simulated. Under certain conditions, this required velocity controlled to overshoots of the future interception point. These overshoots were absent in pertinent experiments. To remedy this shortcoming, the required velocity model was reformulated in terms of a neural network, the Vector Integration To Endpoint model, to create a Required Velocity Integration To Endpoint modeL Addition of a parallel relative velocity channel, resulting in the Relative and Required Velocity Integration To Endpoint model, provided a better account for the experimentally observed kinematics than the existing, purely behavioral models. Simulations of reaching to intercept decelerating and accelerating objects in the presence of background motion were performed to make distinct predictions for future experiments.Vrije Universiteit (Gerrit-Jan van Jngen-Schenau stipend of the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences); Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences; Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Office of Naval Research (N00014-95-1-0409

Analysis of HHS Final Rules on Reinsurance, Risk Corridors and Risk Adjustment

Summarizes final rules for states and health insurance plans for minimizing adverse selection under federal healthcare reform and highlights changes from proposed rules. Outlines implications for states and plans, as well as outstanding issues

Risk Adjustment and Reinsurance: A Work Plan for State Officials

Outlines the decisions and actions states need to take to implement the risk adjustment and reinsurance provisions of the 2010 health reform law, including risk adjustment model, reinsurance parameters, stakeholder engagement, and program administration

Organizational Communication and Burnout Symptoms

Job burnout is a psychological response to work stress. Many studies have been conducted measuring burnout and its causes and consequences. The research into causes of burnout brings up various communication-related constructs, but the relationships with feedback employees receive and communication climate is underexposed. This study investigates these relationships. Data for the current study were collected through a web-based questionnaire held among employees of a Dutch subsidiary of an international financial consultancy firm. The questionnaire included the following clusters of independent variables: (a) background variables, (b) work characteristics, (c) communication, and (d) organizational engagement. Of the four clusters of variables, the organizational engagement variables appeared to be the strongest predictors of job burnout. Still, the communication variables also made an important contribution. Particularly the communication climate and the co-worker social support appeared to be important antecedents of job burnout

Analysis of HHS Proposed Rules on Reinsurance, Risk Corridors and Risk Adjustment

Offers questions and answers about rules for lessening the financial risk of health insurance issuers and exchanges under healthcare reform. Outlines steps for states and health plans, outstanding issues, and operational impact on states

Mass perturbation of a body segment: 1. Effects on segment dynamics

Investigators often use mass perturbation of body segments as an experimental paradigm to study movement coordination. To analyze the effect of mass perturbation on small-amplitude oscillations, the authors linearize the equation of motion of a single segment moving in a vertical plane and derive the effect of added mass on the undamped eigenfrequency, the relative damping, and the low-frequency control gain of the segment. Mass addition results in a decrease in both the relative damping and the low-frequency control gain; the undamped eigenfrequency increases for mass addition between the pivot point and