cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A throughput optimal algorithm for map task scheduling in mapreduce with data locality

MapReduce/Hadoop framework has been widely used to process large-scale datasets on computing clusters. Scheduling map tasks to improve data locality is crucial to the performance of MapReduce. Many works have been devoted to increasing data locality for better efficiency. However, to the best of our knowledge, fundamental limits of MapReduce computing clusters with data locality, including the capacity region and throughput optimal algorithms, have not been studied. In this paper, we address these problems from a stochastic network perspective. Our focus is to strike the right balance between data-locality and load-balancing to maximize throughput. We present a new queueing architecture and propose a map task scheduling algorithm constituted by the Join the Shortest Queue policy together with the MaxWeight policy. We identify an outer bound on the capacity region, and then prove that the proposed algorithm can stabilize any arrival rate vector strictly within this outer bound. It shows that the algorithm is throughput optimal and the outer bound coincides with the actual capacity region. The proofs in this paper deal with random processing time with different parameters and nonpreemptive tasks, which differentiate our work from many other works, so the proof technique itself is also a contribution of this paper.
Lagrangian Microscales in Turbulence

Though difficult to obtain experimentally, lagrangian quantities are readily extracted from direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulence. Results from recent DNS studies on the temporal nature of lagrangian acceleration and strain rate are reviewed and analysed. Contrary to the long-accepted paradigm, it is found that turbulent straining is not persistent. Both for acceleration and strain rate, directional information is lost in a matter of one or two Kolmogorov timescales; whereas the amplitudes of acceleration and strain rate have longer timescales, that increase with Reynolds number (relative to the Kolmogorov timescale). It is shown that the lagrangian time series of dissipation (i.e. straining amplitude) can be reasonably approximated as the product to two independent random functions; the first is universal and scales with the Kolmogorov scales; the second has a longer timescale and accounts for internal intermittency.
Artificial diffraction anomalies for gratings of rectangular profile.

Wood’s anomalies are investigated by using a microwave spectrometer operating at a wavelength of 3.8 mm. For S-polarization, high surface conductivity, periodicities of 2λ and 3λ, and groove depths from λ/8 to (5λ)/4, rectangular profile gratings are shown to exhibit anomalies which can be explained by simple interference between the orders due to the incident beam and the orders due to the passing-off order if it is considered as a second beam incident at ±90°. Artificial passing-off orders are formed, and these permit one to change the natural anomalies from bright to dark and vice versa. Interference of the orders owing to the incident and imposed beams at anomalous angles is demonstrated by measuring the power in each of the overlapping orders separately and comparing the sum of their amplitudes with the value measured at the anomalous angle. For all cases tested the results are satisfactory for either bright or dark anomalies. By adjusting the angle of a second incident beam to calculated values, artificial anomalies, i.e., anomalies at angles of incidence where they do not normally occur, are created. These anomalies cannot be distinguished from their natural counterparts.
The economic impact of divorce law reform

The role no-fault divorce plays in lowering the economic well-being of women remains controversial. This paper attempts to shed light on this issue by surveying the literature and presenting new evidence that also considers state laws governing the distribution of marital property at divorce. The data suggest that the economic impact of no-fault divorce is very sensitive to the type of marital property law in each state. Under certain marital property laws the adoption of no-fault divorce may even be welfare improving for married women.
Statistical self-similarity of magmatism and volcanism

Magmatism and volcanism exhibit spatial and temporal clustering on a wide range of scales. Using the spatial pair-correlation function, the number of pairs of magmatic or volcanic events whose separation is between r − ½Δr and r + ½Δr per unit area, we quantify the spatial clustering of magmatism and volcanism in several data sets. Statistically self-similar clustering characterized by power law spatial pair-correlation functions is observed. The temporal pair-correlation function is used to identify self-similar temporal clustering of magmatism and volcanism in the Radiometric Age Data Bank of 11,986 dated intrusive and extrusive rocks in the North American Cordillera. The clustering of magmatism and volcanism in space and time in this data set is found to be statistically self-similar and identical to those of distributed seismicity. The frequency-size distributions of eruption volume and areal extent of basaltic flows are also found to be self-similar with power laws analogous to the Gutenburg-Richter distribution for earthquakes. In an attempt to understand the origin of statistical self-similarity in magmatism and volcanism we present one end-member model in which the ascent of magma through a disordered crust of variable macroscopic permeability is modeled with a cellular-automaton model to create a distribution of magma supply regions which erupt with equal probability per unit time. The model exhibits statistical self-similarity similar to that observed in the real data sets.
A Case Study of Low Collective Efficacy and Lack of Collective Community Action

A mixed-method case study was used to investigate why members of a community do not take collective action to protect their well-being from detrimental neighboring industrial businesses. A hierarchical regression analysis from a self-administered survey (n = 95) shows that low collective efficacy is the main factor contributing to the lack of collective action among the residents (Adjusted R2 = .155, df = 1, F = 15.355, p < .001). Data from an informal participant observation and an archived documents review suggest that limited learned helplessness may have evolved in the community and lowered collective efficacy among its residents.
Solid-State Stabilization of α-Chymotrypsin and Catalase with Carbohydrates

We report a systematic investigation of the effects of five carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, trehalose, maltotriose, and dextran), freeze-drying, and subsequent heat treatment (up to 8 days at 80 °C) on the structure and enzymatic activity of α-chymotrypsin and catalase. Importantly, we investigate high carbohydrate-to-protein mass ratio conditions (20:1 by mass) so as to minimize protein−protein interactions (e.g., protein aggregation). The activity of α-chymotrypsin is almost quantitatively recovered (greater than 80% of the initial activity) after lyophilization with or without added carbohydrates, and its conformation in the dried solid state as well as in an aqueous solution (after rehydration of lyophilized samples) is unchanged by the presence of carbohydrates. In contrast, catalase lyophilized without carbohydrates loses almost half of its activity upon reconstitution and shows significant structural changes in the dried state. The loss of activity and the lyophilization-induced structural altera...
The Histology of the Early Carious Lesion in Primary Teeth with Special Reference to a "Prismless" Outer Layer of Primary Enamel

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAHISTOLOGIA DEL PRECOCE LESION CARIOSE.—Attention special esseva prestate al contribution del adamantin prismas e strias de Retzius al morphologia del lesion. Le conformation del lesion macula blanc in molares primari, como illo se presenta in le section transverse, pare esser determinate exclusivemente per le direction del prismas adamantin. Le strias de Retzius non pare servir como portas de intrata, e illos non pare facilitar le dissemination occlusogingival del lesion, como on to ha reportate pro simile lesiones in dentes permanente.
New Species of Halictophagus with a Key to the Genus in North America (Strepsiptera, Halictophagidae)

Since the publication of the writer's revision of the Strepsiptera enough material has been studied, principally through the cooperation of P. W. Oman, of the U. S. National Museum, to warrant a synopsis of the genus Halictophagus Curtis. A generic synonymy has been previously published.[1][1] [1]: #fn-1
Shedding light by cancer redox—human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 activation of a cloaked fluorescent dye

A new quinone propionic acid-cloaked rhodamine fluorophore has its fluorescence revealed (de-cloaked) upon activation by human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (hNQO1), an upregulated enzyme in cancer cells and tumors.
Teenage Girls in Rural New York: A Case of Conversion Disorder

I focus in this article on the case of 20 high school girls in Le Roy, New York, who in 2011–2012 manifested neurological symptoms leading to the official diagnosis of conversion disorder. I employ articles by investigative reporters (Dominus 2012; Hass 2012; Jackson 2012; Perry 2012), a mental health expert (Raisson 2012), and the report of the investigation conducted by the New York State Department of Health (2012) to provide a general introduction to the case and, more specifically, the grounds for the diagnosis of conversion disorder. Then I introduce the diagnostic criteria for conversion disorder presented and discussed in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Medical Association 1994) and make particular note of the fact that a prominent characteristic of conversion disorder is that the somatic symptoms may represent a symbolic resolution of an unconscious psychological conflict, thus reducing anxiety but also serving to keep this conflict out of awareness. Finally, I present in abbreviated form my analysis of the biblical case of Jairus’s daughter (Capps 2008, pp. 105–131) as one of conversion disorder and consider its implications for the Le Roy girls’ prospects for a full recovery.
The effect of neonatal 6‐hydroxydopamine treatment on synaptogenesis in the visual cortex of the rat

It has been proposed repeatedly that the noradrenergic (NE) system may exert an influence on cortical development. We have tested this proposition by examining synaptogenesis in the visual cortex of rats whose NE afferents were selectively lesioned by injections of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Control littermates were injected with equal volumes of vehicle. Montages of electron micrographs covering approximately 50 micrometers-wide strips of cortex were assembled from both groups of animals at 2,4,6,8,14, and 90 days of age. Synapse counts revealed a significantly higher density of synapses in the cortex of 6-OHDA-treated rats during the first week of postnatal life. The difference between the experimental and control rats was less apparent during the second postnatal week, and at day 90 the densities of synapses were similar for the two groups of animals. The enhanced density, which was the result of the increased number of Gray's type I synapses, was confined to the subplate region at day 2 but became more widespread in the cortex at subsequent stages of development. From these observations it would appear that the NE system exerts an inhibitory influence on synapse formation in the visual cortex in early postnatal life.
A Teacher Training Model and Educational Guidelines for Environmental Values Education

ABSTRACT:Researchers and practitioners in environmental education have widely recognized the importance of facilitating the growth of positive environmental values among learners. Environmental Values Education (EVE) is included in environmental education programs, whether it is consciously planned or is an implicit part of the learner's experience. There are, however, many constraints to developing a well-planned EVE program and integrating this into the general curriculum; foremost among these is the need for teacher training in the theory and methods of EVE. Coursework and practical training for teachers is needed in several areas. When choosing appropriate strategies for teaching environmental ethics, each teacher will need to become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, his or her own capabilities and need for further theoretical and practical training and the needs of learners and the nature of the situation at hand. Each learner's level of moral development is an especially i...
Multivariate generalization of t'- statistic based on the mean square successive difference

The usual t-statistic is not useful if the successive observations have some kind of linear trend. This generally arises in the drug testing experiment and it is clearly pointed out by Shah (1988). He suggests to use t'-statistic which is defined by for testing μ = 0 where , and y1.,…,yk are independent observations from . We generalize this statistic to multivariate situation and define T'-statistic as where .The exact null distribution of T' and an approximate null distribution of T' are obtained. For p = 1, this approximate values are compared.
Should child labor be eliminated? An HRD perspective

Child labor, especially in developing countries, has been an increasing target for social reformers. Although there are many suggested solutions for the eradication of child labor, many are simplistic and create more problems than they cure. Suggested reforms are explored and analyzed. Additional recommendations, especially from a human resource development perspective, are explored.
'The top of woman! All her sex in abstract!': Ben Jonson Directs the Boy Actor in The Devil is an Ass

Working from the premise that Jonson's copious stage directions and meta-theatrical dialogue offer insight into early modern theatrical practice, I use The Devil Is an Ass to consider anew the question of the cross-dressed boy actor. Jonson draws careful distinctions among the female characters in The Devil Is an Ass , suggesting a range of performance styles for the boy actor. The meta-theatrical discussion of cross-dressed performance in The Devil is an Ass coupled with the sheer variety in its female characters make this play a fascinating artifact chronicling the range of the boy players' abilities and what playwrights and stage managers expected of them.
Restoration of X-ray and etoposide resistance, Ku-end binding activity and V(D) J recombination to the Chinese hamster sxi-3 mutant by a hamster Ku86 cDNA.

Abstract Ku is a heterodimeric protein composed of 86 and 70 kDa subunits that binds preferentially to the double-stranded ends of DNA. Recent molecular characterization of ionizing-radiation sensitive (IRs) mutants belonging to the XRCC5 complementation group demonstrated the involvement of Ku in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and lymphoid V(D)J recombination. Here, we describe the isolation of a full-length hamster cDNA encoding the large subunit of the Ku heterodimer and demonstrate that the stable expression of this cDNA can functionally restore IRr, Ku DNA end-binding activity and V(D)J recombination proficiency in the Chinese hamster IRs sxi-3 mutant. Moreover, we also demonstrate that sxi-3 cells are hypersensitive to etoposide, a DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor, and that resistance to this drug was restored by the Ku86 cDNA. These experiments suggest that a defect in the large subunit of the heterodimeric Ku protein is the sole factor responsible for the known defects of sxi-3 cells and our data further support the role of Ku in DNA DSB repair and V(D)J recombination.
Comparison of duodenal with jejunal biopsy and aspirate in chronic human immunodeficiency virus–related diarrhea

Comparison of duodenal with jejunal biopsy and aspirate in chronic human immunodeficiency virus–related diarrhea
Comparison of steam and autothermal reforming of methanol using a packed-bed low-cost copper catalyst

Abstract Small-scale reformers for hydrogen production via steam and autothermal reforming of hydrocarbon feedstocks can be a solution to the lack of hydrogen distribution infrastructure. A packed-bed reactor is one possible design for such purpose. However, the two reforming processes of steam and autothermal methods have different characteristics, thus they have different and often opposite design requirements. In implementing control strategy for small-scale reformers, understanding the overall chemical reactions and the reactor physical properties becomes essential. This paper presents some inherent features of a packed-bed reactor that can both improve and/or degrade the performance of a packed-bed reactor with both reforming modes. The high thermal resistance of the packed bed is disadvantageous to steam reforming (SR), but it is beneficial to the autothermal reforming (ATR) mode with appropriate reactor geometry. The low catalyst utilization in steam reforming can help to prevent the unconverted fuel leaving the reactor during transient by allowing briefly for higher reactant fuel flow rates. In this study, experiments were performed using three reactor geometries to illustrate these properties and a discussion is presented on how to take advantages of these properties in reactor design.
Nonrandom DNA sequencing of exonuclease III-deleted complementary DNA.

Abstract The nonrandom DNA sequence analysis procedure of Poncz et al. [ Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79, 4298–4302 (1982)] was extensively modified to permit the determination of complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences containing G-C homopolymer regions. The recombinant cDNA plasmid was cleaved at a unique restriction enzyme site close to the cDNA and treated with Exonuclease III under controlled conditions to generate a set of overlapping fragments having deletions 50–1500 bases in length at the free 3′ termini. After removal of single-stranded DNA regions by Bal 31 and DNA polymerase I large fragment, the unique restriction enzyme site was recreated by blunt end ligation of synthetic oligonucleotides to the deleted DNA fragments and restriction enzyme digestion. The cDNA fragment was excised from the cloning vector using a second different restriction enzyme having a unique site that flanks the cDNA fragment and subsequently force-cloned into either M13 mp10 or mp11. This method should also be particularly useful for the sequencing of other types of DNA molecules with lengths 1500 bp or smaller.
Formation of p-cymene from OH + γ-terpinene: H-atom abstraction from the cyclohexadiene ring structure

Abstract γ-Terpinene [1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-1,4-cyclohexadiene] is a C 10 monoterpene emitted in relatively small amounts from vegetation. p -Cymene [1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene or 4-isopropyltoluene] is formed from the OH + γ-terpinene reaction after H-atom abstraction from the two ring CH 2 groups, and its molar formation yield has been measured to be 13.6 ± 2.5%. This corresponds to a rate constant for H-atom abstraction from the ring CH 2 groups in γ-terpinene of (2.41 ± 0.45) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , a factor of ∼1.7 higher than the literature rate constants for the corresponding H-atom abstraction pathways in the OH radical-initiated reactions of 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexadiene but significantly lower than the reported overall H-atom abstraction rate constants in the OH + α-terpinene and α-phellandrene reactions.
Transport of uridine in Escherichia coli B and a showdomycin-resistant mutant.

Abstract The mechanism of uridine transport in Escherichia coli B cells was studied using experimental approaches designed to limit possible ambiguities in interpretation of data obtained previously. For this purpose, the transport of [2-14C]uridine and [U-14C]uridine was determined in E. coli B and an E. coli B mutant which is resistant to the inhibitory effects of the nucleoside antibiotic, showdomycin. The majorty of the uridine transported as the intact nucleoside is cleaved to uracil and ribose l-phosphate. The uracil, in large part, is excreted, while ribose l-phosphate is retained. In addition, uridine is also rapidly cleaved to uracil and ribose l-phosphate in the periplasmic space. The uracil moiety may enter the cell, whereas ribose l-phosphate is not transported. The showdomycin-resistant mutant transports the intact nucleoside inefficiently, or not at all, but retains its ability to convert uridine to uracil in the periplasmic space.
Purification and physicochemical properties of a unique vero cell cytotoxin from Escherichia coli 0157: H7

A unique Vero cell cytotoxin has been purified to homogeneity from a strain of Escherichia coli 0157: H7, using ultrafiltration with Pellicon membrane cassettes and chromatography with QAE Sephadex A-50. SDS-PAGE showed the molecular weight of the toxin to be 64, 000 and the absence of subunits. Based on analytical isoelectric focusing, the toxin had p1 of 5.2. This Vero cell toxin was lethal to mice and showed pathological abnormalities of the mouse colonic mucosa when administered intraperitoneally. Vero cell cytotoxicity of this toxin was not neutralizable with rabbit antiserum to Shiga toxin. Based on physicochemical and immunological properties, this toxin is different from the Shiga-like toxin previously found in this organism.
Lack of Triggered Automaticity Despite Repolarization Abnormalities due to Bepridil and Lidoflazine

Bepridil and lidoflazine are calcium channel antagonists that also prolong action potential duration, produce QT interval prolongation on the surface ECG, and have been associated with the distinctive form of ventricular tachycardia, torsade de pointes. It has been demonstrated that quinidine, which also prolongs QT interval and induces torsade de pointes, produces early afterdepolarizations and triggered activity in canine Purkinje fibers driven at slow rates. The effects of bepridil (1-10 microM) and of lidoflazine (5-15 microM) on the transmembrane action potential from canine Purkinje fibers were therefore studied. At long cycle lengths, unlike with quinidine, triggered activity arising during phase 3 was rare; phase 3 secondary plateaus (early afterdepolarizations) were, however, common. Arrest of transmembrane potential between -50 and -60 mV during stimulation at long cycle lengths was also frequently observed (7/20 of bepridil and 3/15 of lidoflazine-treated fibers). In preparations with prominent phase 3 secondary plateaus, addition of epinephrine resulted in triggered activity; similarly, epinephrine caused automaticity from a depolarized membrane potential in 8/9 fibers quiescent at -50 to -60 mV. Thus, the calcium channel blocking drugs bepridil and lidoflazine produced striking repolarization changes at slow stimulation rates, but unlike quinidine, triggered activity was rare. The effect of epinephrine on these drug-treated fibers suggests that the slow inward calcium current plays a role in the generation of triggered activity in the presence of prolonged repolarization.
Effect of age on the clinical presentation of incident symptomatic urolithiasis in the general population.

Purpose: We characterized variation in the clinical presentation between older and younger first time symptomatic stone formers in the general population.Materials and Methods: We studied a random sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents with their first diagnostic code for urolithiasis between 1984 and 2003. Chart validated symptomatic stone formers had a confirmed stone by imaging or stone passage. Clinical presentation characteristics were compared between age groups.Results: Among the 3,473 charts reviewed there were 1,590 validated incident symptomatic stone formers (mean age 43 years, range 18 to 96). Older individuals were more likely to present with atypical or no pain, fever, diarrhea, pyuria, urinary tract infections and bacteremia (p <0.001). Stone size and location did not differ by patient age. Calcium phosphate stone disease was associated with younger age, while uric acid stone and atypical stone composition was associated with older age (p <0.001). Older individuals were less likely t...
A new 3D fluorescence imaging method

Here we propose a novel fluorescence optical tomography method. In this method, ultrashort laser pulses are used to excite the fluorescent dye concentrated at the tumor region, and the temporal fluorescence light signals are detected around the boundaries of the target tissue. The temporal information of the fluorescence light intensity is employed to construct tomographic and 3D images of the fluorescent radiation in the tumor region. Two new concepts, i.e., solid geometric correlation property and photon migration statistic property, are introduced to set up the criteria for probing the location and shape of the tumor. This method can visualize an abnormal region in turbid tissues conveniently, simply, efficiently and effectively. It does not require a complicated image reconstruction procedure such that it only takes a few minutes in the computation of image construction. We demonstrate its feasibility in imaging a 4/spl times/4/spl times/4mm/sup 3/ tumor embedded at the center of a 20/spl times/20/spl times/20mm/sup 3/ rectangular tissue in this paper.
Organisms, Traits, and Population Subdivisions: Two Arguments against the Causal Conception of Fitness?

A major debate in the philosophy of biology centers on the question of how we should understand the causal structure of natural selection. This debate is polarized into the causal and statistical positions. The main arguments from the statistical side are that a causal construal of the theory of natural selection’s central concept, fitness, either (i) leads to inaccurate predictions about population dynamics, or (ii) leads to an incoherent set of causal commitments. In this essay, I argue that neither the predictive inaccuracy nor the incoherency arguments successfully undermine the causal account of fitness.
The Genealogical Society Library of Salt Lake City: A Source of Data for Economic and Social Historians

(1975). The Genealogical Society Library of Salt Lake City: A Source of Data for Economic and Social Historians. Historical Methods Newsletter: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 51-58.
Automated tracking and grasping of a moving object with a robotic hand-eye system

An attempt to achieve a high level of interaction between a real-time vision system capable of tracking moving objects in 3-D and a robot arm with gripper that can be used to pick up a moving object is described. The interplay of hand-eye coordination in dynamic grasping tasks such as grasping of parts on a moving conveyor system, assembly of articulated parts, or for grasping from a mobile robotic system is explored. The goal is to build an integrated sensing and actuation system that can operate in dynamic as opposed to static environments. The system built addresses three distinct problems in using robotic hand-eye coordination for grasping moving objects: fast computation of 3-D motion parameters from vision, predictive control of a moving robotic arm to track a moving object, and interception and grasping. The system operates at approximately human arm movement rates. Experimental results in which a moving model train is tracked, stably grasped, and picked up by the system are presented. The algorithms developed to relate sensing to actuation are quite general and applicable to a variety of complex robotic tasks. >
Buckling of a stiffened cylindrical shell with transverse shear load.

Buckling load of cylindrical shell with inclined stiffeners, using method for stability of thin walled cylinder under transverse end load at free end
A gradient of basic fibroblast growth factor in rod photoreceptors in the normal human retina

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited disease that causes primary degeneration of rod photoreceptors in the retina. Although the causal gene (e.g. rhodopsin) is thought to be expressed in all rods across the retina, the degeneration is typically nonuniform, with rods in the far periphery surviving significantly longer than those in the midperiphery and macula. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a putative survival factor for photoreceptors, and the characteristic regional pattern of rod cell survival in RP suggested that bFGF might be distributed nonuniformly in the human retina. We performed double-label immunocytochemistry on 15 normal human retinas, using anti-bFGF and other antibody markers for retinal neurons and glia. Immunoreactivity for bFGF was consistently absent from cones but was present in rods, populations of cone bipolar and amacrine cells, Muller glial cells, and astrocytes. In the macula, the percentage of bFGF-reactive rods was very low (approximately 0.5%) but it increased in a central to peripheral gradient, accounting for up to approximately 88% of the rods in the far periphery. These findings suggest that a central to peripheral gradient of rod bFGF is present in normal human retina and may influence the pattern of photoreceptor degeneration in RP. The absence of bFGF in cones and the low number of bFGF-positive rods in the macula may correlate with the vulnerability of these cells in RP, age-related macular degeneration, and other retinal diseases.
Lectures on the thermodynamic limit for Coulomb systems

These lecture notes present an outline of the proof of the existence of the thermodynamic limit for Coulomb system. A brief statement of the main result has appeared previously, [9], and the full work will appear shortly, [11]. What we have tried to do in these notes is to present the ideas and methods used in constructing this proof while leaving out most of the details of the analysis. In some places, such as section 3, we treat only the simplest kind of Coulomb system: two species of charged Particles (one positive and one negative) Whose only interaction is through the Coulomb Potential. In other places we simply state various lemmas and theorems without proof.
Signal recovery by best feasible approximation

The objective of set theoretical signal recovery is to find a feasible signal in the form of a point in the intersection of S of sets modeling the information available about the problem. For problems in which the true signal is known to lie near a reference signal r, the solution should not be any feasible point but one which best approximates r, i.e., a projection of r onto S. Such a solution cannot be obtained by the feasibility algorithms currently in use, e.g., the method of projections onto convex sets (POCS) and its offsprings. Methods for projecting a point onto the intersection of closed and convex sets in a Hilbert space are introduced and applied to signal recovery by best feasible approximation of a reference signal. These algorithms are closely related to the above projection methods, to which they add little computational complexity. >
Helminths from three species of African chameleons

Three species of African chameleons (Chamaeleo gracilis, C. jacksoni and C. johnstoni) were examined for helminths. Two species of Cestoda (Oochoristica truncata and tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp.) and four species of Nematoda (Oswaldocruzia chamaeleonis, Parapharyngodon kenyaensis, Raillietnema chamaeleo, and Strongyluris elegans) were found. Four new host records are reported.
Mesh deformation and modification for time dependent problems

Mesh coarsening and mesh refinement are combined to provide a flexible approach for the adaptation of time dependent problems. When the shape of the domain remains fixed but the computed solution is unsteady (e.g. vortex shedding of laminar flow over a cylinder), successive applications of coarsening and refinement allow the computed solution to be tracked in an efficient manner. The addition of a mesh movement phase extends this technique to handle a domain whose shape is also evolving with time. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Millimeter wave coherent synchrotron radiation in a compact electron storage ring

Installation of a 2856 MHz RF system into the XLS compact electron storage ring would allow the generation of millimeter wave coherent synchrotron radiation. Operating at 150 MeV, one could produce bunches containing on the order of 2/spl times/10/sup 7/ electrons with a bunch length /spl sigma//sub LO/=0.3 mm, resulting in coherent emission at wavelengths above 0.8 mm. The characteristics of the source and the emitted radiation are discussed. In the case of 100 mrad horizontal collection angle, the average power radiated in the wavelength band 1 mm /spl les//spl lambda//spl les/2 mm is 0.3 mW for single bunch operation and 24 mW for 80 bunch operation. The peak power in a single pulse of a few picosecond duration is on the order of one watt. By reducing the momentum compaction, the bunch length could be reduced to /spl sigma/(LO)=0.15 mm, resulting in coherent synchrotron radiation down to 500 /spl mu/m.
Constrained Sequential Resource Allocation and Guessing Games

In this paper, we consider a constrained sequential resource allocation problem where an individual needs to accomplish a task by repeatedly guessing/investing a sufficient level of effort/input. If the investment falls short of a minimum required level that is unknown to the individual, she fails; with each unsuccessful attempt, the individual then increases the input and tries again until she succeeds. The objective is to complete the task with as little resources/cost as possible subject to a delay constraint. The optimal strategy lies in the proper balance between 1) selecting a level (far) below the minimum required and therefore having to try again, thus wasting resources, and 2) selecting a level (far) above the minimum required, and therefore, overshooting and wasting resources. A number of motivating applications arising from communication networks are provided. Assuming that the individual has no knowledge on the distribution of the minimum effort required to complete the task, we adopt a worst-case cost measure and a worst-case delay measure to formulate the above constrained optimization problem. We derive a class of optimal strategies, shown to be randomized, and obtain their performance as a function of the constraint.
Bayesian bootstrap estimation of ROC curve

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is widely applied in measuring discriminatory ability of diagnostic or prognostic tests. This makes the ROC analysis one of the most active research areas in medical statistics. Many parametric and semiparametric estimation methods have been proposed for estimating the ROC curve and its functionals. In this paper, we propose the Bayesian bootstrap (BB), a fully nonparametric estimation method, for the ROC curve and its functionals, such as the area under the curve (AUC). The BB method offers a bandwidth-free smoothing approach to the empirical estimate, and gives credible bounds. The accuracy of the estimate of the ROC curve in the simulation studies is examined by the integrated absolute error. In comparison with other existing curve estimation methods, the BB method performs well in terms of accuracy, robustness and simplicity. We also propose a procedure based on the BB approach to test the binormality assumption.
Development of acute tolerance during steady-state arterial alcohol concentrations: a study of auditory event-related potentials in rats.

Background: The blood alcohol clamp is a method whereby alcohol is infused intravenously to maintain a predetermined arterial alcohol concentration (AAC) for an indefinite period of time. The objective of this study was to use the clamp to examine the effects of alcohol on event-related potentials (ERPs) in rats and to assess the development of tolerance during a single alcohol exposure. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats that had a chronic implant of EEG electrodes overlying the frontal cortex and were equipped with cannulae in the jugular vein, were clamped at 75 or 150 mg/dl via an intravenous infusion of 20% (v/v) alcohol. Auditory ERPs were recorded before the alcohol infusion (baseline) and at 5, 15, 120, 135, or 195 min after steady-state AAC was achieved. In a separate group of rats, test-retest reliability was examined by acquiring ERPs two to three times in the same rat at 60-min intervals. Dependent variables were calculated as changes from baseline for each time point for P1-N1 amplitude and P1 and N1 latencies. Results: In the test-retest study, there were no differences in any of the dependent variables over time, indicating that the measures were stable and repeatable. Estimated AACs of 75 and 150 mg/dl significantly (p= 0.0001) decreased P1-N1 amplitude in a dose-related manner. During both clamps, the alcohol effect peaked at 120 min (p < 0.03) and decreased thereafter. Alcohol had no effect on P1 or N1 latencies. Conclusions: Pharmacologically relevant AACs significantly decreased the amplitude but not the latencies of the long-latency components of the rat auditory ERP. Acute tolerance developed because the amplitude of the ERP component recovered as AACs were held relatively constant.
Using computer algebra systems in the teaching of analysis of recursive functions

Many of the methods used in algorithm analysis often involve mathematics at the calculus III level or higher. Most computer science undergraduate programs do not require analysis beyond calculus II. A course in algorithmic analysis and design or data structures can easily turn into a course in mathematical analysis if algorithmic analysis is covered in depth. Generating functions and asymptotic approximations alone can take up a good part of the semester. This paper describes ways in which a computer algebra system, in this case Maple, can be used to help with the teaching of analysis of algorithms
Inductance simulation using modern current feedback amplifiers (CFAs)

The "optimal" design of an inductive impedance using the modern current feedback amplifiers (CFAs) in the well-known GIC configuration is presented in this article. PSPICE simulations are used to verify the theoretical evaluations.
Cortico-cortical relations of cat somatosensory areas SIV and SV.

Sensory cortex is characterized by multiple representations of a given modality which are generally highly interconnected and hierarchically arranged. The cat cerebral cortex contains at least five major areas dedicated to somatosensory processing, yet aside from areas SI and SII, little is known regarding the interconnectivity of the other, higher-level regions, such as SIV and SV. Therefore, this investigation examined the anatomical relationship of somatosensory areas SIV and SV to each other. In adult cats, wheatgerm agglutinin–horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) injected into SIV produced retrogradely labeled neurons in SV in a bilaminar pattern. When biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into SV, orthogradely labeled axon terminals were found in SIV across all laminae but predominated in supragranular locations. In the reciprocal direction, neurons located in both the supra- and infragranular layers of SIV projected across all laminae of SV, but also in a manner that favored the supragranular l...
There’s something fishy about this bleeding

Whittier and Korbet reported their experience with percutaneous renal biopsy using real-time ultrasound guidance and a 14-gauge automatic biopsy needle in 750 patients in which 6.4% of patients had a major complication, defined as a complication resulting in the need for blood transfusion, radiographic or surgical intervention, acute renal failure or obstruction, septicemia or death, with 79% of this group requiring blood transfusion. Life-threatening complications were fortunately rare, with a frequency of <0.1% [1]. Obviously, careful identification of factors that can increase bleeding risk, so they may be avoided, is essential to avoiding hemorrhagic complications. In addition to reviewing a complete blood count and standard metrics of coagulation such as prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, preparation for a renal biopsy includes a review of a patient’s medications to ensure that potential anticoagulants are discontinued beforehand. Regular ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oils, should be considered in pre-biopsy screening in light of the propensity of omega-3 fatty acids to impair platelet function. We present a case with the goal of increasing awareness of the antiplatelet properties of omega-3 fatty acids.
Crystal structure of a self-splicing group I intron with both exons

The discovery of the RNA self-splicing group I intron provided the first demonstration that not all enzymes are proteins. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure (3.1-A resolution) of a complete group I bacterial intron in complex with both the 5'- and the 3'-exons. This complex corresponds to the splicing intermediate before the exon ligation step. It reveals how the intron uses structurally unprecedented RNA motifs to select the 5'- and 3'-splice sites. The 5'-exon's 3'-OH is positioned for inline nucleophilic attack on the conformationally constrained scissile phosphate at the intron-3'-exon junction. Six phosphates from three disparate RNA strands converge to coordinate two metal ions that are asymmetrically positioned on opposing sides of the reactive phosphate. This structure represents the first splicing complex to include a complete intron, both exons and an organized active site occupied with metal ions.
Communication Satellites: Their Role in Medical Education and Health Care Delivery

This article describes an experiment in distance teaching/learning in large rural areas of North America using full duplex audiovisual interactive satellite communication. The effectiveness of the approach is compared with more conventional techniques in terms of regional faculty sharing, admissions and minority recruitment, the consultation process, independent learning and communication between public policy makers. Attention is paid to the cost and cost effectiveness of this form of communication.
Herbivores and toxic plants: Evolution of a menu of options for processing allelochemicals

Insects have evolved a potpourri of mechanisms for manipulating the allelochemicals that fortify their preferred host plants. A concatenation of physiological and biochemical events frequently follows the ingestion of a toxic natural product and can eventuate in a variety of fates for the compound. A particular allelochemical may be absorbed, metabolized, and sequestered, whereas the fates of concomitant natural products may be very different. Some compounds may be directly excreted in the faeces and their concentration will thus mirror that in the plant. In other cases, selective absorption and sequestration combine to biomagnify minor constituents so that the concentration of these sequestered compounds in insect tissues differs drastically from their concentrations in the host plants. The acridid Romalea guttata is utilized in this paper as a paradigmatic insect which eclectically processes ingested allelochemicals from a wide range of host plants. This generalist herbivore is eminently suitable as a model because it feeds on plants containing a veritable pharmacopoeia of toxic compounds. The proven sequestrative potential of its defensive glands further qualifies R. guttata as an excellent candidate for determining the fates of toxic phytochemicals. An analysis of this insect’s processing strategies for the compounds ingested after feeding on catnip (Nepeta cataria) reveals that for R. guttata variety is the spice of herbivorous life. The results of this investigation persuasively demonstrate that each insect species—and the phytochemical mixture that it ingests—must be regarded as a unique evolutionary case that constitutes a distinctively idiosyncratic phenomenon.
Implementation of an Accelerated Rehabilitation Protocol for Total Joint Arthroplasty in the Managed Care Setting: The Experience of One Institution

Accelerated rehabilitation following total joint replacement (TJR) surgery has become more common in contemporary orthopaedic practice. Increased utilization demands improvements in resource allocation with continued improvement in patient outcomes. We describe an accelerated rehab protocol (AR) instituted at a community based hospital. All patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) were included. The AR consisted of preoperative patient education, standardization of perioperative pain management, therapy, and next day in-home services consultation following discharge. Outcomes of interest include average length of stay (ALOS), discharge disposition, 42-day return to Urgent Care (UC), Emergency Department (ED), or readmission. A total of 4 surgeons performed TJR procedures on 1,268 patients in the study period (696 TKA, 572 THA). ALOS was reduced from 3.5 days at the start of the observation period to 2.4 days at the end. Discharge to skilled nursing reduced from 25% to 14%. A multifaceted and evidence based approach to standardization of care delivery has resulted in improved patient outcomes and a reduction in resource utilization. Adoption of an accelerated rehab protocol has proven to be effective as well as safe without increased utilization of UC, ER, or readmissions.
Antisperm antibody production following intrauterine insemination

Fifty-one infertile women were studied prospectively to assess whether intrauterine insemination (IUI) led to the development of antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus and/or serum. All women were tested for the presence of antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus and serum before and after IUI treatment. Each woman underwent between 1 and 9 cycles of IUI (mean: 4.0 cycles). Five women (9.8%) developed serum antisperm antibodies after IUI treatment. Three of 49 women (6.1%) developed cervical mucus antisperm antibodies and three other women demonstrated disappearance of antibodies following IUI treatment. IUI did not increase mucus or serum antibody titres in women who presented with antisperm antibodies. The number of IUI cycles did not correlate with the development of antisperm antibodies. We conclude that IUI increases the risk of the female partner developing systemic antisperm antibodies but the clinical significance of this finding in unclear.
A unique partnership between a health system’s insurance plan and the Integrative Medicine Department benefits patients and helps control costs

Health care costs continue to increase, affecting patients and insurance providers. Complementary health approaches are increasingly used to augment traditional medicine, and integrative medicine (IM) incorporates these complementary approaches into traditional patient care. The IM Department was established in our institution in 2004 and now offers a wide range of services to patients. Our institution offers health care coverage to all benefit-eligible hospital personnel and their eligible dependents. The use of IM has had a surprising and beneficial effect on the health care costs of this small, self-insured health plan. We found that the coverage of certain IM modalities for specific conditions had positive clinical results and resulted in significant cost savings to the insurance plan. At the same time, this partnership supports patients by providing appropriate and effective care, and we have seen success in terms of patient recovery and patient satisfaction. Here, we present the history of the relationship between the insurance plan and the IM Department, how the coverage of IM modalities has expanded, and the current practice at our institution. We demonstrate that this innovative relationship has benefitted patients and resulted in cost-savings for the insurance provider. Therefore, this partnership will continue to expand, thus providing patients with a wide range of treatment options and effective care.