cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Reliable Multicast: Performance Analysis and Optimal Placement of Proxies

This paper studies the use of multicast together with proxy nodes for reliably disseminating data from a single source to a large number of receivers. In order to achieve reliability, data must be retransmitted in case of loss either by the source or by special network nodes, called proxies. Each proxy is responsible for reliably delivering the data to a subgroup it is assigned. The multicast tree is partitioned into subgroups that form a hierarchy rooted at the source, hence the term hierarchical reliable multicast. The performance of this approach strongly depends on the topology and the loss characteristics of the underlying tree and the location of proxies. In the first part of the paper, we study the processing and bandwidth performance of such a reliable multicast dissemination given the tree and the placement of proxies. In the second part of the paper, we develop dynamic programming algorithms that give a placement of a fixed number of proxies on an arbitrary tree that minimizes the bandwidth used for reliable transfer. The first algorithm provides an optimal solution to the multicast proxies location problem in polynomial time, in the number of nodes and proxies. The second is an approximation algorithm that gives a solution with cost within a chosen precision from the optimal, in an improved running time. An optimal and an approximate solution are also provided for the proxies location problem if unicast is used for transmissions. Applications of this dynamic programming approach to related problems are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Electropolymerized Porphyrin Nanofibers

ABSTRACT Electrochemical oxidation of tetrakis-5,10,15,20-(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin (TAPP) on fluorine-doped tin oxide electrodes leads to a conductive polymeric film (poly-TAPP) with a nanostructured fibrous morphology. The nanofiber structure and growth rate are enhanced by the addition of pyridine (5 - 15%) to the dichloromethane electrochemical solution. Electropolymerization in the absence of pyridine leads to a more highly bundled poly-TAPP structure with a spectrum indicative of protonated porphyrin units. Testing of poly-TAPP electrodes in an electrochemical iodide cell and in a 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)propyl-1-phenyl[6,6]C 61 (PCBM) integrated solid state photovoltaic cell indicates modest photoactivity. INTRODUCTION Porphyrins and porphyrin-containing materials continue to attract a great deal of attention for organic photonic devices because of their versatile molecular framework, varied optoelectronic properties, and strongly light-absorbing chromophores. 1 The electropolymerization of porphyrins offers the advantage of controlling the film deposition and conductivity through varying porphyrin monomer, the potential window, and the electrolytic conditions.
The Institute of Medicine Guidelines for Gestational Weight Gain after a Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy Outcomes

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the impact of gestational weight gain outside the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations after the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) on perinatal outcomes. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. Women were classified as gestational weight gain (GWG) within, less than, or greater than IOM recommendations for body mass index as calculated by gestational weight gain per week after a diagnosis of GDM. Outcomes assessed were preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, A2 GDM, birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia, and preterm delivery. Groups were compared using analysis of variance and chi-square test for trend, as appropriate. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used to adjust for significant confounding factors. Results Of 635 subjects, 92 gained within, 175 gained less than, and 368 gained more than IOM recommendations. The risk of cesarean delivery and A2 GDM was increased in those gaining above the IOM recommendations compared with within. For every 1-lb/week increase in weight gain after diagnosis of GDM, there was a 36 to 83% increase in the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, A2 GDM, macrosomia, and LGA, without decreases in SGA or preterm delivery. Conclusion Weight gain more than the IOM recommendations per week of gestation after a diagnosis of GDM is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Haplo is the new black.

In this edition of Blood , Bertaina et al report 3-year survival exceeding 90% by using haploidentical αβ+CD3+/CD19+-depleted allogeneic transplantation for children with nonmalignant disorders.[1][1] ![Figure][2] General categories and specific approaches that have been taken to
Enhanced modeling of resonant frequency of piezoelectric bimorph cantilever energy harvester

With the popular use of wireless sensor networks, the replacement of the batteries becomes more concerned in the research communities. Piezoelectric materials (PZT) can be used to convert ambient vibration energy into electrical energy for use in powering microelectronics. Because the generated power and voltage depend on not only the amplitude and frequency of the ambient vibration, but also the geometric configuration of the piezoelectric bimorph generator, it is of great interest to study the relationships between the harvester's geometric configuration and its resonant frequency, and between the driving frequency and the harvested voltage and power. In this paper, a piezoelectric bimorph cantilever beam with a proof mass on the free end is adopted as the basic configuration, since it is simple and widely used as a low resonance frequency energy harvester. The previous model in the literature is described at the beginning, and then the Euler-Bernoulli beam model is created and calculated numerically. ANSYS simulation is performed to compare the results of the two different models. The results show that the Euler model has better predication of the resonant frequency of the PEH than the model in the literature. Finally, the design optimization of PEH is presented.
Correcting data for measurement error in generalized linear models

This paper discusses a general strategy for reducing measurement-error-induced bias in statistical models. It is assumed that the measurement error is unbiased with a known variance although no other distributional assumptions on the measurement-error are employed, Using a preliminary fit of the model to the observed data, a transformation of the variable measured with error is estimated. The transformation is constructed so that the estimates obtained by refitting the model to the ‘corrected’ data have smaller bias, Whereas the general strategy can be applied in a number of settings, this paper focuses on the problem of covariate measurement error in generalized linear models, Two estimators are derived and their effectiveness at reducing bias is demonstrated in a Monte Carlo study.
NMR investigation of the low-temperature dynamics of solid 4 He doped with 3 He impurities

The lattice dynamics of solid He-4 has been explored using pulsed NMR methods to study the motion of He-3 impurities in the temperature range (0.05-0.20 K) where experiments have revealed anomalies attributed to superflow or unexpected viscoelastic properties of the solid He-4 lattice. We report the results of measurements of the nuclear spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times that measure the fluctuation spectrum at high and low frequencies, respectively, of the He-3 motion that results from quantum tunneling in the He-4 matrix. The measurements were made for He-3 concentrations 16 < x(3) < 2000 ppm. For He-3 concentrations x(3) = 16 and 24 ppm, large changes are observed for both the spin-lattice relaxation time T-1 and the spin-spin relaxation time T-2 at temperatures close to those for which the anomalies are observed in measurements of torsional oscillator responses and the shear modulus. These changes in the NMR relaxation rates were not observed for higher He-3 concentrations.
Network coding-based protection

This paper serves as a tutorial lecture on the use of network coding to provide resource efficient and agile proactive protection. Network coding, which was introduced in Ahlswede et al. (2000) [1], allows intermediate network nodes to form linear combinations of packets received on different input links. The use of network coding results in capacity enhancement. This capacity enhancement is used to provide protection channels which are used to carry combinations of redundant data, and are solved by the receivers in order to recover data lost due to network failures. The paper starts by addressing network coding-based protection of bidirectional unicast connections, and explains the use of p-Cycles to carry linear combinations of the redundant data units. The paper also discusses an earlier protection strategy which is based on diversity coding, in which the linear combinations are formed at special nodes, including sources, and is used to protect unidirectional connections. A generalized network coding-based protection which uses a tree to carry the linear combinations will be presented. Protection of multicast connections using network coding is also explained.
Anticipatory saccades in smooth pursuit: Task effects and pursuit vector after saccades

The dramatic improvement in smooth pursuit performance seen while analyzing the pursuit target has been ascribed to attention enhancement. With a periodic constant velocity target trajectory we ran a concurrent listening condition instead, to see if this mild distraction would degrade performance. Performance improved somewhat with the listening task, suggesting that displacing attentional effort from pursuit accuracy, rather than increasing it, brings better pursuit performance. Catch-up saccades were evenly distributed across tracking, listening, and target analysis conditions, but anticipatory and overshooting saccades were almost eliminated with target analysis. Thus the poor pursuit seems to have been caused by anticipatory and overshooting saccades, produced erroneously in the attempt to perform purposive smooth pursuit. Pursuit velocity immediately following anticipatory saccades was reduced such that the target would catch up with the point of gaze when it reached the endpoint of its trajectory, indicating a predictive goal other than instantaneous target foveation and velocity match.
Advance bandwidth reservation for energy efficiency in high-performance networks

An increasing number of high-performance networks provision dedicated channels through circuit-switching or MPLS/GMPLS tunneling techniques to support large data transfer. The link bandwidths of these networks are typically shared by multiple users through advance scheduling and reservation. The sheer volume of data transfer across such networks in a national or international scope requires a significant amount of energy on a daily basis. However, most existing bandwidth scheduling algorithms only concern traditional objectives such as data transfer time minimization, and very limited efforts have been devoted to energy efficiency in high-performance networks. In this paper, we adopt a practical power model and formulate an advance instant bandwidth scheduling problem to minimize energy consumption under a data transfer deadline constraint. We design a polynomial-time optimal solution to this problem and provide a rigorous correctness proof. The performance superiority of the proposed solution in terms of energy saving is illustrated by extensive results based on both simulated and real-life networks in comparison with existing methods.
Streamsight: a visualization tool for large-scale streaming applications

Stream processing is becoming a new and important computing paradigm. Innovative streaming applications are being developed in areas ranging from scientific applications (e.g., environment monitoring), to business intelligence (e.g., fraud detection and trend analysis), to financial markets (e.g., algorithmic trading strategies). Developing, understanding, debugging, and optimizing streaming applications is non-trivial because of the adaptive and dynamic nature of these applications. The sheer complexity and the distributed character of a large number of cooperating components hosted on a distributed environment further complicate matters. In this paper we describe Streamsight, a new visualization tool built to examine, monitor, and help understand the dynamic behavior of streaming applications. Previously developed stream processing visualization tools focus solely on composition of dataflow graphs. Streamsight's novelty hinges on a wide range of capabilities, including the ability to manage the dynamics of large and evolving topologies comprising multiple streaming applications with thousands of nodes and interconnections. From rendering live performance counters using different perspectives to allowing recordings and replays of the execution process, Streamsight provides the mechanisms that permit a better understanding of the evolving and adaptive behavior of streaming applications. These capabilities are used for debugging purposes, for performance optimization, and management of resources, including capacity planning. More than 50 developers, both inside and outside IBM, have been using Streamsight.
Role of Effect Sizes in Contemporary Research in Counseling

Effect sizes (e.g., Cohen's d, Glass's Δ, η2, adjusted R2, ω2) quantify the extent to which sample results diverge from the expectations specified in the null hypothesis. The present article addresses 5 related questions. First, is the advocacy for reporting and interpreting effect sizes part of the controversy over statistical significance testing? Second, why cannot p values be used as effect sizes? Third, what are the various categories of effect sizes and some commonly used examples of each type? Fourth, how should effect sizes be interpreted? Fifth, what are some recommendations for further reading?
Predicting bicycle helmet stage-of-change among middle school, high school, and college cyclists from demographic, cognitive, and motivational variables

Abstract Objectives To apply Prochaska's Transtheoretical model of behavior change to bicycle helmet use among middle school, high school, and college students. Study design A battery of questionnaires was administered to cyclists in the seventh and ninth grades and to college students in Phoenix, Arizona (N = 797). The battery included: (1) a question to determine respondent's stage of behavior change in Prochaska's Transtheoretical model; (2) items assessing the perceived pros and cons of helmet use; (3) a bicycle safety knowledge test; and (4) demographic information. Results Forty-three percent of the students were in “Precontemplation,” 17% were in either “Contemplation” or “Preparation,” 16% were in either “Action” or “Maintenance,” and 24% were in the “Relapse” stage of change. Grade, Sex, Knowledge, Pros, and Cons, and the Grade by sex and the Grade by knowledge interactions were significant predictors of helmet use stages. Compared with students in Precontemplation, students in the Contemplation stage were disproportionately younger and had higher Pro scores, lower Con scores, and more knowledge (except in the ninth grade). Conclusions The Transtheoretical model of behavior change is a viable theoretical framework for designing interventions aimed at increasing bicycle helmet use in children and adolescents.
Free-form text summarization in social sensing

This demonstration illustrates an information aggregation and summarization service for social sensing applications. Social sensing, using mobile phones and other networked devices in the possession of individuals, has gained significant popularity in recent years. In some cases, the information collected is structured, such as numeric data from temperature sensors, accelerometers, or GPS devices. Aggregate statistical properties, such as expected values, standard deviations, and outliers, can be easily computed, and can be used to summarize the data set. In other cases, however, the collection includes unstructured data types such as text or images with textual annotations. The concepts of expected values and outliers are harder to define, yet it is still important to be able to aggregate and summarize the data. We demonstrate a system which can automatically summarize real-time textual data common to social sensing applications. Specifically, we focus on text messages that describe events in the environment. The output of our service provides a reliable summary of observations that can be used in many contexts from military intelligence to participatory sensing campaigns.
Comparison of clinical results for unilateral and bilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction

Abstract Background . It is widely believed that bilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction (BTLVR) yields superior results when compared with unilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction (UTLVR) with regard to spirometry, functional capacity, oxygenation and quality of life results. Methods . To address these issues, we compared the results of patients undergoing UTLVR (N = 338 patients) and BTLVR (N = 344 patients) from 1993 to 1998 at five institutions. Follow-up data were available on 671 patients (98.4%) between 6 and 12 months after surgery, and a patient self-assessment was obtained at a mean of 24 months. Results . It was found that BTLVR provides superior improvement in measured postoperative percent change in FEV 1 (L) (UTLVR 23.3% ± 55.3 vs BTLVR 33% ± 41, p = 0.04), FVC(L) (10.5% ± 31.6 vs 20.3% ± 34.3, p = 0.002) and RV(L) (−13% ± −22 vs −22% ± 17.9, p = 0.015). BTLVR also provides a slight improvement over UTLVR in patient's perception regarding improved quality of life (UTLVR 79% vs BTLVR 88%, p = 0.03) and dyspnea relief (71% vs 61%, p = 0.03). There was no difference in mean changes in Po 2 (mm Hg) (UTLV 4.5 ± 12.3 vs BTLVR 4.9 ± 13.3, p = NS), 6-minute walk (UTLVR 26% ± 66.1 vs BTLVR 31% ± 59.6, p = NS) or decreased oxygen utilization (UTLVR 78% vs BTLVR 74%, p = NS). Conclusions . These data suggest that both UTLVR and BTLVR yield significant improvement, but the results of BTLVR seem to be superior with regard to spirometry, lung volumes, and quality of life.
A high pressure electrical conductivity apparatus

Abstract A high pressure electrical conductivity (EC) apparatus. capable of operation at pressures from 1 to 170 atm in the temperature range from 25 to 500°C, is described. The effects of the sample holder geometry, pressure, and sample packing on the resulting EC curves are given. Operation of the apparatus is illustrated by the deaquation reactions of BaCI2·2H20.
Stored energy and plastic volume change

Abstract In this brief note it is pointed out that a relation between stored elastic energy due to plastic work and volume change, as derived by Toupin and Rivlin (1960), is bourne out remarkably well in the case of four metals for which sufficient data exist in the literature. Some conditions that should enhance volume change are pointed out, and partial data for six other metals are tabulated.
Heart failure in women

Increasingly high mortality from cardiovascular disease in women has sparked nationwide campaigns to raise awareness of this significant threat to women’s health. Heart failure has the most lethal prognosis of the major cardiovascular diseases, yet women demonstrate an apparent survival advantage compared with men. Sex-linked disparities in heart failure risk factors and pathophysiology contribute to this divergent clinical outcome. Heart failure etiology and clinical manifestations unique to female sex exist. At age 40, the lifetime risk of developing heart failure is equal for men and women, whereas the lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease is one in two for men and one in three for women. Understanding sex-inherent characteristics related to heart failure may help determine whether the optimal therapy for this prevalent syndrome should be modified according to sex. Until prospective trial data prove otherwise, heart failure treatment guidelines should be uniformly applied to both women and men.
(1S,2R,8R,8aR)-1,2,8-trihydroxyoctahydroindolizine (swainsonine), an α-mannosidase inhibitor from Rhizoctonia leguminicola

Abstract The structure of an alkaloid isolated from Rhizoctonia leguminicola , which was previously assigned as 3,4.5-trihydroxyoctahydro-1-pyrindine, has now been revised to (1S,2R,8R,8aR)-1,2,8-trihydroxyoctahydroindolizine. The alkaloid is identical with swainsonine, obtained from the legume Swainsona canescens , and is a potent inhibitor of α-mannosidase.
Anchimeric assistance in electron‐impact reactions: Homoallylic systems

A combination of a kinetic approach, thermochemical approach and atomic labeling techniques has been employed to demonstrate that several series of allylic and homoallylic bromides undergo Br· expulsion with the aid of remote π-electron density.
Evolution of weak solar magnetic fields

The present evaluation of Big Bear videomagnetograph studies of the evolution of weak solar magnetic fields notes that the general weak network fields are the remnants of ephemeral regions which also play a role in the field diffusion as proposed by Marsh (1978). The intranetwork elements show a shorter lifetime and much more rapid motion than the network elements. They are in some cases noted to stream into existing network elements and may merge to form new elements, but need also show no preferential motion to the network edges. There seem to be fewer ephemeral regions in magnetically active areas.
Multiple follicle culture supports primary follicle growth through paracrine-acting signals

In vitro follicle growth in alginate hydrogels is a unique and versatile method for studying ovarian and follicle biology that may also have implications for fertility preservation. Current culture systems support the development of isolated mouse follicles from the secondary stage onward. However, it has been a challenge to grow smaller follicles in vitro due to the dissociation of the oocyte from companion somatic cells. Recent work has demonstrated that coculturing primary follicles with mouse embryonic fibroblasts or ovarian stromal cells supports follicle survival and growth. In this study, we demonstrate that follicles themselves can exert a beneficial coculture effect. When primary follicles were cultured in groups of five or ten (multiple follicle culture), there was increased growth and survival. The multiple follicle culture approach maintained follicle integrity and resulted in the formation of antral stage follicles containing meiotically competent gametes. The growth and survival of primary follicles were highly number dependent, with the most significant enhancement observed when the largest number of follicles was grown together. Our data suggest that the follicle unit is necessary to produce the secreted factors responsible for the supportive effects of multiple follicle culture, as neither denuded oocytes, oocyte-secreted factors, nor granulosa cells alone were sufficient to support early follicle growth in vitro. Therefore, there may be signaling from both the oocyte and the follicle that enhances growth but requires both components in a feedback mechanism. This work is consistent with current in vivo models for follicle growth and thus advances the movement to recapitulate the ovarian environment in vitro.
A Comparison of Coarse-Grained and Continuum Models for Membrane Bending in Lipid Bilayer Fusion Pores

To establish the validity of continuum mechanics models quantitatively for the analysis of membrane remodeling processes, we compare the shape and energies of the membrane fusion pore predicted by coarse-grained (MARTINI) and continuum mechanics models. The results at these distinct levels of resolution give surprisingly consistent descriptions for the shape of the fusion pore, and the deviation between the continuum and coarse-grained models becomes notable only when the radius of curvature approaches the thickness of a monolayer. Although slow relaxation beyond microseconds is observed in different perturbative simulations, the key structural features (e.g., dimension and shape of the fusion pore near the pore center) are consistent among independent simulations. These observations provide solid support for the use of coarse-grained and continuum models in the analysis of membrane remodeling. The combined coarse-grained and continuum analysis confirms the recent prediction of continuum models that the fusion pore is a metastable structure and that its optimal shape is neither toroidal nor catenoidal. Moreover, our results help reveal a new, to our knowledge, bowing feature in which the bilayers close to the pore axis separate more from one another than those at greater distances from the pore axis; bowing helps reduce the curvature and therefore stabilizes the fusion pore structure. The spread of the bilayer deformations over distances of hundreds of nanometers and the substantial reduction in energy of fusion pore formation provided by this spread indicate that membrane fusion can be enhanced by allowing a larger area of membrane to participate and be deformed.
Effects of ion implantation on microstructure, endurance and wear behavior of IBAD MoS2

Thin MoS 2 coatings were prepared on steel and Si substrates via ion-beam assisted deposition using conditions known to produce dense, basal oriented microstructures. After deposition, the coated substrates were irradiated with 180 keV Ar ++ ions at doses of 1x10 15 , 1x10 16 , and 5x10 16 ions/cm 2 . Microstructures of as-deposited and ion irradiated MoS 2 coatings were examined using x-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Friction, wear and endurance were examined under both unidirectional and reciprocating sliding conditions in dry air. The lowest ion irradiation dose altered the initial microstructure, producing basal oriented, nearly defect-free crystalline domains of MoS 2 in an amorphous matrix; at the highest dose the coatings were nearly amorphous, but the remaining MoS 2 showed mixed orientation. Ion irradiation of the MoS 2 coatings did not significantly modify the friction behavior, and only at the highest dose was the endurance altered, decreasing by more than 75%. Two changes in wear behavior were observed in the highest dosed coatings: 1) accelerated wear of the coating and 2) elimination of solid lubricant reservoirs. Destruction of the solid lubricant replenishment process resulted in premature failure of the highest dosed coating.
Development of high pressure sensors using PZT-based thick films

A new type of pressure sensor is presented which is based on the piezoelectric effect principle in screen printed and fired thick-films. The sensitive element, consisting of a circular piezoelectric layer sandwiched in two conductive layers, is screen printed and fired over an alumina substrate, 2 mm thickness and 3 mm diameter. The sensitive element has a structure of a plane capacitor with the piezoelectric film as dielectric and the two conductive layers, based on Pt/Au material, as armatures, device was encapsulated in a stainless steel housing for the dynamic test. The measuring range covers pressure up to MPa while the reaction time is less than 10 /spl mu/s. The experimental analysis shows, in a measuring range up to 100 MPa, a sensitivity of about 80-110 pC/MPa. The linearity in the range 25-60 MPa is /spl les/2% FSO while in the range 60-150 MPa is /spl les/3% FSO.
Comparison of Type 2 and Type 4 services for MIL-STD-188-220B

The two most visible and perhaps viable media access control (MAC) algorithms from MIL-STD-188-220B are deterministic adaptable priority network access delay (DAP-NAD) and radio embedded network access delay (RE-NAD). Analyses of these algorithms and their variations have been published. These comparative analyses of parts of MIL-STD-188-220B have not addressed an equally fundamental aspect of the data link layer protocol: the type of service supported. MIL-STD-188-220B has defined four types of service: Types 1, 2, 3, and 4. Type 2 and 4 are generally used to reliably transfer large amounts of data because they allow concatenation and acknowledgments. Type 2 services are connection oriented with decoupled acknowledgments based on HDLC protocols. Type 4 services are connectionless with individual decoupled acknowledgments for every packet received. As an outgrowth of the work begun on the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) program, a detailed model for the analysis and evaluation of many aspects of MIL-STD-188-220B has been built. This model has been used to develop many important results about the performance of MIL-STD-188-220B for various network configurations and message types and loads. The primary emphasis in this paper is on the comparative results for Type 2 and Type 4 services. The message behavior (threads, sizes, frequency, dependencies, sequences, etc.) of an actual fire support (FS) system have been used to drive the model. Most of the comparative studies for Type 2 and Type 4 were done using DAP-NAD. We show, for our example networks, that if they are lightly or moderately loaded in an error-free environment, then the performance of the Type 2 and Type 4 services for average message latency and for the completion of fire missions are relatively close to each other.
Polity scale shifts in world-systems since the Bronze Age: A comparative inventory of upsweeps and collapses

In this article we report an inventory of cycles, upward sweeps and collapses of polity sizes in five separate interpolity systems: Mesopotamia, Egypt, South Asia, East Asia and the expanding Central System that eventually became the contemporary global system. Upward sweeps are defined as instances in which the largest sovereign polity in a network of fighting and allying polities significantly increases in size. Collapses are instances in which the size of the largest polity greatly decreases and stays down for a significant period of time (centuries). We use regional interpolity systems rather than single polities as the unit of analysis, following the comparative world-systems framework. We are limited to those regions and time periods for which quantitative estimates of largest polity sizes are available. We compare the frequencies of cycles and sweeps across five interpolity networks, and find more similarities than differences across the five systems. This is somewhat surprising because most studie...
Primary liver cancer in a referral hospital in Hawaii

This is a retrospective review of 43 patients who had primary liver cancer diagnosed during 1974-1983. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 84 years (median 52.5). Nine of 39 patients with hepatoma were females, while two of the four patients with cholangiocarcinoma were women. Hepatitis surface antigen was positive in 90% tested, and 62% had cirrhosis. Also, 60-65% were heavy users of alcohol and cigarettes. Alpha-fetoprotein was elevated in one of four white patients, and in six of eight patients of other races (75%). Tissue diagnosis was obtained by peritoneoscopy in 16, by percutaneous biopsy in 7, by laparotomy in 9, and at autopsy in 11. Only one of 11 patients who were explored has his lesion resected. About half of the cases diagnosed antemortem died 1 month or less after diagnosis. The median survival of hepatoma patients who had no specific treatment or systemic chemotherapy was 2 months. Two patients who received chemotherapy in conjunction with occlusion of the hepatic artery lived 16 to 19 months.
An indifference-zone selection procedure with minimum switching and sequential sampling

Statistical ranking and selection (R&S) is a collection of experiment design and analysis techniques for selecting the "population" with the largest or smallest mean performance from among a finite set of alternatives. R&S procedures have received considerable research attention in the stochastic simulation community, and they have been incorporated in commercial simulation software. One of the ways that R&S procedures are evaluated and compared is via the expected number of samples (often replications) that must be generated to reach a decision. In this paper we argue that sampling cost alone does not adequately characterize the efficiency of ranking-and-selection procedures, and we introduce a new sequential procedure that provides the same statistical guarantees as existing procedures while reducing the expected total cost of application.
Disambiguating speech commands using physical context

Speech has great potential as an input mechanism for ubiquitous computing. However, the current requirements necessary for accurate speech recognition, such as a quiet environment and a well-positioned and high-quality microphone, are unreasonable to expect in a realistic setting. In a physical environment, there is often contextual information which can be sensed and used to augment the speech signal. We investigated improving speech recognition rates for an electronic personal trainer using knowledge about what equipment was in use as context. We performed an experiment with participants speaking in an instrumented apartment environment and compared the recognition rates of a larger grammar with those of a smaller grammar that is determined by the context.
ONSAGER ALGEBRA AND INTERGRABLE LATTICE MODELS

We derive many integrable lattice from the Ising and superintegrable chiral Potts models using the Onsager algebra. For each of these models, we also construct a class of integrable models from the automorphisms of the Onsager algebra. The extension of the Onsager algebra and associated intergrable models are considered.
Long-Term Outcome After Open (OR) and Endovascular Repairs (EVAR) of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) in Matched Cohorts Using Propensity Score Modeling

Objectives: To compare long-term outcomes after OR vs EVAR of AAAs at a tertiary center. Methods: Clinical data of consecutive AAA patients treated electively between 2000 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, secondary endpoints were complications, reinterventions and ruptures. Propensity score-based matching included age, gender, year of intervention and comorbidities was performed to compare outcomes. Results: There were 1350 matched cohorts (mean age 74 6 7 years). Thirty-day mortality was 1.3% after OR, 1.0% after EVAR (P 1⁄4 .40). Early complications were lower after EVAR (13% vs 25%; P < .0001). Mean follow-up was 4.2 years (30 days-12.7 years). At 5 years, all-cause mortality was lower, freedom from reintervention higher after OR (23% vs 32%, 87% vs 74%); freedom from complications the same (66%). In multi-variable analysis, SVS-comorbidity score and age were associated with allcause mortality. Results were similar in 1791 unmatched cohorts. There were 2 ruptures after OR, 8 after EVAR (P 1⁄4 .02). Conclusions: Both elective OR and EVAR have low early mortality, EVAR has fewer early complications. Advanced age and comorbidities predict high late mortality. This study failed to support long-term benefits of EVAR, since the procedure was associated with increased rates of late all-cause mortality, reinterventions and small but definite risk of late rupture.
[Comment to “What is AGU's proper role in society?”] Advocacy puts AGU's credibility at risk

I am more than happy to reply to the Forum article, “What is AGU's Proper Role in Society?”, as requested by the authors. Let it be clearly stated that I am in complete agreement with the AGU Council, which in December 1989 turned down the two environmental policy statements endorsed by William Kaula and Don Anderson in their article as being “too political” and going “beyond the 1982 [Council] guidelines.” The Council's concern is that by venturing far beyond the recognized competence of the geophysics profession, AGU may lose credibility even in its area of expertise. This concern can be illustrated by analyzing the two policy statements; in my view, their adoption would expose AGU to justified criticism.
Possible origin and significance of extension-parallel drainages in Arizona's metamorphic core complexes

The corrugated form of the Harcuvar, South Mountains, and Catalina metamorphic core complexes in Arizona reflects the shape of the middle Tertiary extensional detachment fault that projects over each complex. Corrugation axes are approximately parallel to the fault-displacement direction and to the footwall mylonitic lineation. The core complexes are locally incised by enigmatic, linear drainages that parallel corrugation axes and the inferred extension direction and are especially conspicuous on the crests of antiformal corrugations. These drainages have been attributed to erosional incision on a freshly denuded, planar, inclined fault ramp followed by folding that elevated and preserved some drainages on the crests of rising antiforms. According to this hypothesis, corrugations were produced by folding after subaerial exposure of detachment-fault footwalls. An alternative hypothesis, proposed here, is as follows. In a setting where preexisting drainages cross an active normal fault, each fault-slip event will cut each drainage into two segments separated by a freshly denuded fault ramp. The upper and lower drainage segments will remain hydraulically linked after each fault-slip event if the drainage in the hanging-wall block is incised, even if the stream is on the flank of an antiformal corrugation and there is a large component of strike-slip fault movement. Maintenance of hydraulic linkage during sequential fault-slip events will guide the lengthening stream down the fault ramp as the ramp is uncovered, and stream incision will form a progressively lengthening, extension-parallel, linear drainage segment. This mechanism for linear drainage genesis is compatible with corrugations as original irregularities of the detachment fault, and does not require folding after early to middle Miocene footwall exhumation. This is desirable because many drainages are incised into nonmylonitic crystalline footwall rocks that were probably not folded under low-temperature, surface conditions. An alternative hypothesis, that drainages were localized by small fault grooves as footwalls were uncovered, is not supported by analysis of a down-plunge fault projection for the southern Rincon Mountains that shows a linear drainage aligned with the crest of a small antiformal groove on the detachment fault, but this process could have been effective elsewhere. Lineation-parallel drainages now plunge gently southwestward on the southwest ends of antiformal corrugations in the South and Buckskin Mountains, but these drainages must have originally plunged northeastward if they formed by either of the two alternative processes proposed here. Footwall exhumation and incision by northeast-flowing streams was apparently followed by core-complex arching and drainage reversal.
Targeted Inhibition of Glucuronidation Markedly Improves Drug Efficacy in Mice- a Model

Finding UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) require protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation is important information that allows manipulation of this critical system. UGTs glucuronidate numerous aromatic-like chemicals derived from metabolites, diet, environment and, inadvertently, therapeutics to reduce toxicities. As UGTs are inactivated by downregulating PKCs with reversibly-acting dietary curcumin, we determined the impact of gastro-intestinal glucuronidation on free-drug uptake and efficacy using immunosuppressant, mycophenolic acid (MPA), in mice. Expressed in COS-1 cells, mouse GI-distributed Ugt1a1 glucuronidates curcumin and MPA and undergoes irreversibly and reversibly dephosphorylation by PKC-specific inhibitor calphostin-C and general-kinase inhibitor curcumin, respectively, with parallel effects on activity. Moreover, oral curcumin-administration to mice reversibly inhibited glucuronidation in GI-tissues. Finally, successive oral administration of curcumin and MPA to antigen-treated mice increased serum free MPA and immunosuppression up to 9-fold. Results indicate targeted inhibition of GI glucuronidation in mice markedly improved free-chemical uptake and efficacy using MPA as a model.
Engine power smoothing energy management strategy for a series hybrid electric vehicle

Hybrid electric vehicles exploit energy production and energy storage systems to achieve improved fuel economy with respect to conventional powertrains. In order to maximize such improvements, advanced control strategies are needed for deciding the amount of energy to be produced and stored. In this paper we propose an approach for energy management of a series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV). This approach focuses on maximizing the pointwise powertrain efficiency, rather than the overall fuel consumption. For a given power request the steady state engine operating point is chosen to maximize the efficiency. A control algorithm regulates the transitions between different operating points, by using the battery to smoothen the engine transients. Due to the constrained nature of the transient smoothing problem, we implement the control algorithm by model predictive control. Experimental testing on the UDDS cycle shows improved fuel economy with respect to two baseline strategies.
File fragment encoding classification-An empirical approach

Over the past decade, a substantial effort has been put into developing methods to classify file fragments. Throughout, it has been an article of faith that data fragments, such as disk blocks, can be attributed to different file types. This work is an attempt to critically examine the underlying assumptions and compare them to empirically collected data. Specifically, we focus most of our effort on surveying several common compressed data formats, and show that the simplistic conceptual framework of prior work is at odds with the realities of actual data. We introduce a new tool, zsniff, which allows us to analyze deflate-encoded data, and we use it to perform an empirical survey of deflate-coded text, images, and executables. The results offer a conceptually new type of classification capabilities that cannot be achieved by other means.
Reliability assessment of an 'a posteriori' error estimate for adaptive computation of electromagnetic field problems

Optimal performance of an adaptive finite element (FE) computation depends on the availability of a reliable and computationally efficient 'a posteriori' error estimation strategy. The reliability of an error estimate ensures that the quality of the computed solution remains within a specified accuracy and also guarantees that the error estimate applies uniformly over the entire problem domain. Reliability analysis of two different error estimates with a model problem and numerical test results are reported in this paper. A mathematical model for the reliability assessment of an 'a posteriori' error estimate through asymptotic exactness is also presented. The reliability or the performance of two different error estimates is assessed by adaptively solving a linear boundary value problem. >
A spicy family tree: TRPV1 and its thermoceptive and nociceptive lineage.

In the current issue, Mishra and colleagues demonstrate that mice lacking somatosensory neurons in the TRPV1 lineage are completely insensitive to thermal stimuli of any quality or modality, including both hot and cold temperatures. TRPV1 is a heat‐gated ion channel expressed in most heat‐sensitive nociceptive neurons and is the receptor for capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in ‘hot’ chili peppers ( Caterina et al , 1997 ). In the adult mouse, TRPV1 neurons are molecularly heterogeneous, but channel expression is absent in the majority of cold‐sensitive neurons labelled with the menthol receptor TRPM8 and all presumptive mechanosensory neurons expressing the Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor D (Mrgprd). However, using a molecular genetic approach to label TRPV1 neurons from the inception of channel expression, the authors find that TRPV1 is a broad developmental marker for the majority of somatosensory neurons, including those expressing Mrgprd and TRPM8. Moreover, genetically targeted ablation of neurons within the TRPV1 lineage eliminates a broad range of mouse behaviours including thermosensation, thermoregulation, nociception, and pruriception, yet these animals retain normal mechanosensation. These results demonstrate that TRPV1 expression predominates embryonically, but is refined over postnatal development. Moreover, other thermosensitive and nociceptive molecules, such as TRPM8, are derived from the TRPV1 lineage even though they are not entirely co‐expressed in adults. These findings expand the role of TRPV1 and show the channel has a patriarchal role as a molecular indicator of thermal and nociceptive afferent circuits. We detect changes in our environment with specialized sensory nerve endings in the skin, many of which are activated by multiple modes of somatosensory stimuli, such as thermal and mechanical. This polymodality suggests that decoding of a specific sensory modality does not occur in the afferent, but is deciphered in higher centres such as the spinal cord or brain. However, this hypothesis has come under considerable debate with …
An algorithm to make cuts for magnetic scalar potentials in tetrahedral meshes based on the finite element method

A general approach to making cuts for magnetic scalar potentials that utilizes the formalism of algebraic topology and points to the external role played by mappings into circles was presented by D. Rodger and J.F. Eastham (1987). The author extends these previous results to practical algorithms by considering the variational formulation of harmonic maps into the circle and their numerical discretization by the finite element method. The harmonic map functional is nonquadratic and nonconvex. It is shown that a finite element discretization can make the problem reduce to that of harmonic functions subject to peculiar interelement constraints. Analyzing the continuity requirements of the harmonic map and the degrees of freedom in the interelement constraints which leave the discretized harmonic map functional invariant, the effective degrees of freedom in the element assembly are identified with topological constraints. The interelement constraints are then rephrased to make them amenable to well-known techniques of electric circuit theory. Finally, the entire development is summarized in the form of an algorithm. The results are important for the magnetic scalar potential analysis of eddy currents and nondestructive testing methodology in three dimensions. >
A bio-robotics approach to real-time skeletal joint fluoroscopy during natural movements

A new class of fluoroscopy, using a robotic mobile platform, is being developed. The Tracking Fluoroscope System (TFS) is intended to be an orthopedic diagnostic tool that provides more accurate and detailed in vivo pre-operative and post-operative information for surgeons. This is accomplished through the ability to fluoroscope natural and uninterrupted human joint motion during level walking, step climbing, and ramp walking. This overall functionality requires independent tracking of the position and orientation of the body with respect to the robotic platform, as well as the position of the joints with respect to the body. The overall robotic system, embodied in the TFS, necessary to accurately perform real-time imaging of joints in motion is discussed. Recent subject and joint tracking experimental results are presented.