cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robustness of feedforward neural networks

Designing dense, high speed, feedforward neural networks requires an understanding of the consequences of using simple neurons with significant input and weights errors. To develop a generalized understanding of these consequences, independent of the choice of inputs and weights, an analysis is presented of a general class of Madalines, i.e., those with random inputs and weights. Using a stochastic model for input and weight errors, simple analytical expressions for the output error variance of feedforward neural networks composed of sigmoidal, threshold or linear units are derived. These expressions show that the gain in error from input to output in any layer of a Madaline is greater than one. Madalines are sensitive to implementation errors, and in this sense are not inherently robust. >
Biologically-inspired distributed middleware management for stream processing systems

We present a decentralized and dynamic biologically-inspired algorithm for placing dataflow graphs composed of stream processing tasks onto a distributed network of machines, while minimizing the end-to-end latency. Our algorithm responds on-the-fly to placement requests of new flow graphs or to modifications of an already running stream processing flow graph, and dynamically adapts to changes in performance characteristics such as message rates or service times as well as to changes in processor availability or link performance during runtime. Our algorithm is derived by analogy to pheromone-based cooperation between ants to fulfill goals such as food discovery. We have conducted extensive simulation experiments to show the scalability and adaptability of our algorithm.
Lung cancer biomarkers, targeted therapies and clinical assays

Until recently, the majority of genomic cancer research has been in discovery and validation; however, as our knowledge of tumor molecular profiling improves, the idea of genomic application in the clinic becomes increasingly tangible, paralleled with the drug development of newer targeted therapies. A number of profiling methodologies exist to identify biomarkers found within the patient (germ-line DNA) and tumor (somatic DNA). Subsequently, commercially available clinical assays to test for both germ-line and somatic alterations that are prognostic and/or predictive of disease outcome, toxicity or treatment response have significantly increased. This review aims to summarize clinically relevant cancer biomarkers that serve as targets for therapy and their potential relationship to lung cancer. In order to realize the full potential of genomic cancer medicine, it is imperative that clinicians understand these intricate molecular pathways, the therapeutic implication of mutations within these pathways, and the availability of clinical assays to identify such biomarkers.
Small autonomous mobile robots: sensing and action

Summary form only given, as follows. In trying to build complete autonomous and self-contained mobile robots that can operate in dynamic environments the authors have developed a set of constraints on both sensing and action that are somewhat different from the traditional assumptions. The authors have built a number of small (on the order of a few pounds in weight) totally autonomous mobile robots which do real-time sensing, some including vision, as they navigate about. This paper focuses on the connection of sensing to action and how that constrains each of them. >
The Effects of Dietary Calcium and Chlordecone on Cholinesterase, Triglycerides, Low Density Lipoproteins, and Cholesterol in Serum of Rat

Male, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0, 1, 10, 50, 100 ppm chlordecone (Cd) mixed in calcium-sufficient (Ca-S) or calcium-deficient (Ca-D) diet for 15 days. A significant decrease in body weight gain was observed in 100 ppm of Cd-treated rats. Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was significantly decreased in serum of Ca-D rats. Chlordecone did not alter serum ChE activity in both Ca-S and Ca-D rats. However, Cd decreases serum triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and cholesterol in both Ca-S and Ca-D rats. Rats fed with Ca-S or Ca-D diet exhibited differential sensitivity to Cd-toxicity. Decreased levels of serum triglycerides, LDL and cholesterol suggest that Cd might interfere in lipid metabolism.
Investigation of thick film technology for microwave applications

Recently, considerable interest has arisen in the use of thick film technology for microwave circuit applications. The thick film process can be used to fabricate microwave circuits that perform just as well as thin film counterparts in the lower-frequency region below 1 GHz, but systematic efforts to explore the upper frequency limit of thick-film technology with practical microwave circuits have been lacking. We describe such an effort which involved testing four scaled versions of one microwave circuit design over an 18-to-one frequency range. By using the same basic design and scaling the circuit physically to cover a given sub-range, variations in the circuit design were eliminated and any degradation in measured performance can be attributed to intrinsic process limitations. Results are presented for octave-bandwidth Wilkinson power dividers for the frequency ranges 1–2 GHz, 2–4 GHz, 4–8 GHz, and 9–18 GHz. We conclude that satisfactory microwave performance can be obtained routinely from thick-film circuits up to approximately 10 GHz, and with special attention designs can be extended to perhaps 12–15 GHz.
A survey of the removable prosthodontic clinical experience of dental students

A survey was sent to every dental school in the contiguous United States and Puerto Rico to solicit answers to 15 questions concerning various aspects of the prosthodontic education of the dental student. It was found that student clinical experiences differed significantly among the regions in terms of the total number of prosthodontic patients treated per student. Fees also differed significantly among the regions. No comment was made on the possible effects of denturism on either the type of patient or the number of removable prosthodontic patients available for treatment by dental students. Concerning the difficulty in securing the various types of patients, all categories were mentioned as being somewhat in short supply, although the greatest shortage was complete denture patients. There was no universally recognized solution to the shortage of patients, although lowering of fees and substitution of requirements were mentioned most frequently. Pertaining to the presence or absence of a strict requirement system, the vast majority of schools reported use of at least some type of requirement system, though not necessarily a strict one.
The Role of Fear of Movement in Subacute Whiplash-Associated Disorders Grades I and II

Fear and avoidance of activity may play a role in fostering disability in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). This study examined the role of fear after WAD and assessed the effectiveness of 3 treatments targeting fear. People still symptomatic from WAD grade I-II injuries approximately 3months previously (n=191) completed questionnaires (eg, Neck Disability Index [NDI]) and were randomized to 1 of the treatments: (1) informational booklet (IB) describing WAD and the importance of resuming activities, (2) IB+didactic discussions (DD) with clinicians reinforcing the booklet, and (3) IB+imaginal and direct exposure desensitization (ET) to feared activities. DD and ET participants received three 2-hour treatment sessions. Absolute improvements in NDI were in predicted direction (ET=14.7, DD=11.9, IB=9.9). ETs reported significantly less posttreatment pain severity compared with the IB (Mean=1.5 vs 2.3, P<.001, d=0.6) and DD (M=1.5 vs 2.0, P=.039, d=0.6) groups. Reduction in fear was the most important predictor of improvement in NDI (β=0.30, P<.001), followed by reductions in pain (β=0.20, P=.003) and depression (β=0.18, P=.004). The mediational analysis confirmed that fear reduction significantly mediated the effect of treatment group on outcome. Results highlight the importance of fear in individuals with subacute WAD and suggest the importance of addressing fear via exposure therapy and/or educational interventions to improve function.
The Potential to Reduce Mental Health Disparities Through the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program

Few service systems are currently in place with the explicit purpose to reduce youth mental health disparities across socioeconomic status and race–ethnicity, despite substantial interest by the federal government and other institutions to redress health disparities. This study examines the potential for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program to address health disparities, even though this program was not explicitly designed for disparity reduction. Specifically, this study examines whether program sites disproportionately provide services within their catchment areas for youth who come from poor families, who are Black, and who are Hispanic. Data for this study come from 45 sites and 19,189 youth who were enrolled in program sites from 1997 to 2005. Meta-analysis was used to generate Forest plots and to obtain single, pooled estimates of risk ratios and their standard errors across all Children’s Mental Health Initiative communities. The results indicate that in comparison to the targeted catchment area (a) the percentage poor youth in the programs was almost three times higher, (b) the percentage Black in the programs was about twice as high, and (c) the percentage Hispanic in the programs was about the same. These results indicate that the program successfully reaches disadvantaged youth and can bring substantial infrastructure to address youth mental health disparities. In fact, to the extent that the program successfully improves mental health among enrollees it may be serving as one of the largest initiatives to redress health disparities, although its role in disparity reduction is not widely recognized.
The Effects of a Program of Behavior Modification and Reality Therapy on the Behavior of Emotionally Disturbed Institutionalized Adolescents.

Abstract This study used behavior modification and reality therapy to bring about behavioral changes in a group of twenty severely retarded, emotionally disturbed adolescents. The staff involved in the project were trained in both procedures, and observed periodically in order to determine the extent of their use. The subjects’ behavior was examined using two adaptive behavior scales. Significant positive changes in behavior were found on both scales over the course of the study. These behavioral changes have contributed to favourable changes in the daily routines and activities of the subjects.
Error behaviour of multistep methods applied to unstable differential systems

The problem of modelling a dynamic system described by a system of ordinary differential equations which has unstable components for limited periods of time is discussed. It is shown that the global error in a multistep numerical method is the solution to a difference equation initial value problem, and the approximate solution is given for several popular multistep integration formulae. Inspection of the solution leads to the formulation of four criteria for integrators appropriate to unstable problems. A sample problem is solved numerically using three popular formulae and two different stepsizes to illustrate the appropriateness of the criteria.
The Story of Stuff: Increasing Environmental Citizenship.

Abstract Objectives: After this lesson, students will be able to: (1) list the five stages of materials production, (2) report key facts related to the materials economy, (3) identify sustainable solutions that positively impact the environment, and (4) recognize how the environment affects health. Target Audience: This activity is designed for students in middle school and junior high school.
Lead screening in sickle cell disease

cases. Devic disease has been reported to occur following mumps and rubeola infections5 3 but we are aware of only one other patient who developed this syndrome following varicella infection: a 15-year-old girl who developed complete paraplegia and blindness several days after the onset of varicella. 4 She recovered totally after corticosteroid therapy. Histopathologically, Devic disease is characterized by the presence of demyelinating lesions within the white matter of the optic nerves and spinal cord. This syndrome may be the harbinger of multiple sclerosis in some patients, but the relationship between these two entities remains unclear. The prognosis of Devic disease is variable. About 20% of the patients die in the acute phase, 30% die with complications after many months, and 50% survive with a varied degree of residual disability/ Although the combination of transyerse myelitis and optic neuritis following varicella infection appears to be exceedingly rare, isolated optic neuritis or acute transverse myelitis following varicella has been reported more frequently. ~ McCarthy ~ described nine cases of post varicella transverse myelitis. All except one had total recovery from all signs and symptoms of myelitis within one month of disease onset. Optic neuritis has been reported following varicella, and again recovery is usually rapid and complete. ~ Thus, although neurologic complications after varicella are uncommon, they can cause significant morbidity�9
Laser-induced birefringence in fused silica from polarized lasers

Fused silica, when exposed to excimer laser light, exhibits permanent anisotropic birefringence and wavefront changes. These laser-induced changes depend on the silica composition and processing conditions. The optical anisotropy is most clearly observed in samples that are exposed with linear polarization. This polarization-induced effect has been known for several years, but has become much more important with the advent of immersion lithography and its associated very high numerical apertures. High numerical aperture optics require controlled polarization, notably linear polarization, in order to maintain phase contrast at the image. When birefringence and wavefront changes are induced by laser exposure, the image contrast at the wafer deteriorates. We interpret the changes in optical properties in terms of permanent anisotropic strain induced by laser damage, and the associated strain-induced optical effects. This is accomplished using the mathematics of tensors to account for anisotropic strain and optical anisotropy, and using finite element analysis to calculate the strain fields taking the sample and exposure geometries into account. We report the relations between underlying density and strain anisotropy changes and the induced birefringence and wavefront for a given experimental sample geometry. We also report some examples of the different degree of laser damage from silica with different compositions and processing conditions.
Effect of Injectant Composition and Pressure on Displacement of Oil by Enriched Hydrocarbon Gases

Reservoir-condition phase-behavior and tertiary-gas flood studies have been conducted in the laboratory to investigate the effect of hydrocarbon-injectant composition and pressure on oil-displacement efficiency. Lower oil-recovery efficiencies and lower injectant mobilities have been observed at lower enrichment levels and/or at lower pressures. Coreflood oil recoveries, however, remained high for gas injectants that are below multiple-contact miscible (MCM) with the oil. These results suggest that near-miscible hydrocarbon-gas-injection processes show promise and that there may be a trade-off between local oil-displacement efficiency and gas-sweep efficiency in near-miscible displacements in the field.
Suspended-Sediment Transport and Benthic Boundary-Layer Dynamics

Abstract The Mellor-Yamada Level II Turbulence Closure Model is used to examine the dynamics of a benthic boundary layer (BBL) carrying sediment in suspension. Using flow and sediment properties from observations in the Florida Straits, implications for sediment transport in this and similar environments are discussed. Model results indicate that three size classes provide an adequate representation of the frequency distribution of a moderately well-sorted, sand-size sediment. The benthic boundary layer responds to a stabilizing suspended-sediment concentration gradient by a reduction of about 45% in the bottom stress (damping of turbulence) and by a decrease in the slope of the velocity profile. The velocity field in the lowermost portion of a neutrally stratified bottom boundary layer is governed by the relationship u = ( u ∗ k ) ln z z 0 . To recover the predicted velocity distribution in the sediment-stratified BBL from this relationship, Von Karman's constant k must be reduced by about 15%. The model, however, treats k as internally invariant. Applying similarity theory to the model output yields u = ( u ∗ k' ) ln z z 0 , where k' = k (1 + AR f ) , A is an empirically determined constant, and Rf is the flux Richardson number. In this case k' may be interpreted as a modified Von Karman's constant. Increases in the angle of turning of the current vector ≅5°, and enhancement of the Ekman-like nature of the current spiral, are predicted. These model predictions are consistent with findings from studies of stably stratified atmospheric boundary layers and sediment-laden channel flows.
Dose-ranging study of depot disulfiram in alcohol abusers.

The object of this early Phase 2 study was to determine the dosage of depot disulfiram (DSF) required to induce sustained sensitivity to alcohol. Sixteen abstinent alcohol abusers were studied in an un-blinded ascending-dose trial of DSF suspended in either (1) 5% methylcellulose or (2) 0.1% polysorbate 80. Five pairs of subjects received a single subcutaneous dose of Formulation A (1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 g). Three pairs were treated with Formulation B (60, 75, or 90 mg/kg) plus an oral loading dose of DSF (15 mg/kg). Subjects were challenged with oral alcohol (0.15 g/kg) before treatment, and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Subjective and objective responses to alcohol challenges (skin temperature, breath acetaldehyde, pulse rate, and blood pressure) were measured, and mobilization of DSF was assessed by carbon disulfide levels in breath. Treatment with Formulation B (75 or 90 mg/kg) plus an oral-loading dose (15 mg/kg) was consistently followed by sustained sensitivity to alcohol. Some subjects experienced the subjective and objective features of the DSF-ethanol reaction for 28 days, but these reactions achieved statistical significance only on day 7 for objective changes and on days 7 and 14 for subjective discomfort. Breath carbon disulfide was detectable until day 28 in all subjects receiving more than 1.0 g DSF, demonstrating sustained release of the drug. Treatment with depot DSF merits further study for its potential benefits in chronic alcohol abuse.
Multistage stochastic convex programs: Duality and its implications

In this paper, we study alternative primal and dual formulations of multistage stochastic convex programs (SP). The alternative dual problems which can be traced to the alternative primal representations, lead to stochastic analogs of standard deterministic constructs such as conjugate functions and Lagrangians. One of the by-products of this approach is that the development does not depend on dynamic programming (DP) type recursive arguments, and is therefore applicable to problems in which the objective function is non-separable (in the DP sense). Moreover, the treatment allows us to handle both continuous and discrete random variables with equal ease. We also investigate properties of the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) within the context of SP, and the connection between EVPI and nonanticipativity of optimal multipliers. Our study reveals that there exist optimal multipliers that are nonanticipative if, and only if, the EVPI is zero. Finally, we provide interpretations of the retroactive nature of the dual multipliers.
The Ethics of Nursing Student International Clinical Experiences

This article explores the motivations for offering international nursing student experiences and the reasons students choose to participate. Students should prepare by learning cultural humility rather than cultural competency, and they should be oriented to the ethical responsibility implicit in caring for those in developing countries. Programs that provide these experiences need to be developed with an eye to sustainability so the lives of those receiving care will be enriched after the students go home.
Ebook Resource Sharing Models: Borrow, Buy, or Rent

Libraries are purchasing access to increasing numbers of electronic resources, which has brought to the forefront many issues regarding the interlibrary lending of electronic books. The three predominantly accepted models for providing access to ebooks include borrowing, buying, and renting. Libraries have used these models in many ways to provide access to electronic content. Options for addressing barriers for ebook resource sharing include reviewing local license agreements for ebooks, gathering information on customer preferences, providing feedback to vendors and licensing librarians on customer needs, and evaluating ebook borrowing, buying, and renting options to identify which options best meets the needs of customers.
1541nm GmAPD LADAR system

The single photon sensitivity of Geiger-mode avalanche photo diodes (GmAPDs) has facilitated the development of LADAR systems that operate at longer stand-off distances, require lower laser pulse powers and are capable of imaging through a partial obscuration. In this paper, we describe a GmAPD LADAR system which operates at the eye-safe wavelength of 1541 nm. The longer wavelength should enhance system covertness and improve haze penetration compared to systems using 1064 nm lasers. The system is comprised of a COTS 1541 nm erbium fiber laser producing 4 ns pulses at 80 kHz to 450 kHz and a COTS camera with a focal plane of 32x32 InGaAs GmAPDs band-gap optimized for 1550 nm. Laboratory characterization methodology and results are discussed. We show that accurate modeling of the system response, allows us to achieve a depth resolution which is limited by the width of the camera’s time bin (.25 ns or 1.5 inches) rather than by the duration of the laser pulse (4 ns or 2 ft.). In the presence of obscuration, the depth discrimination is degraded to 6 inches but is still significantly better than that dictated by the laser pulse duration. We conclude with a discussion of future work.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Pipe Cooling in End Milling Operations: Part I—Thermal, Structural Static, and Dynamic Analyses

In this paper, the feasibility and effectiveness of heat pipe cooling in end milling operations is investigated. A new embedded heat pipe technology was used to remove the heat generated at the tool-interface in the end milling process. Numerical studies were involved in four cases, including solid end-mill, solid end-mill with coolant, heat pipe end-mill and heat pipe end-mill with coolant. The thermal, static and dynamic characteristics of the end-mill were investigated using a numerical calculation with Fast Finite Element (FFE) plus solvers based on explicit finite element analysis software. The results indicate the heat pipe end-mill is most feasible and effective in the actual end milling processes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Comparative analysis of environmental impact of S2P (Sunshine to Petrol) system for transportation fuel production

Abstract A previous study on Sunshine to Petrol (S2P), a technology framework to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels from CO2 and water using a concentrated solar energy source, focused on process development as well as economic evaluation. The study herein presents results from a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to a comparative analysis of the environmental impacts of S2P-derived and petroleum-derived gasoline. Results reveal that S2P gasoline shows lower impact scores than the conventional gasoline for all evaluated impact categories. Based on the LCA results, we then analyze the environmental benefits including greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and external cost savings. We find that if S2P gasoline could be successfully introduced to satisfy the gasoline demand of a sample city, Victorville in east California, 3.6 Mt CO2-eq of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (77% of the total regional emissions) would be mitigated based on the current fleet of vehicles. The lighter impact also corresponds to 4.2 M$ annual cost savings from avoided environment damage. More generally, for each million vehicles running on S2P gasoline there would be nearly $30 M in savings and 335 M gallons of gasoline displaced, which in turn results in nearly 25.8 Mt of CO2-eq avoided.
Protection of chlorophyll by phospholipids from photooxidation

Abstract Rapid photooxidation of chlorophyll in chloroform was shown to be partly inhibited by various biologically significant compounds including β-carotene, xanthophyll and several synthetic and natural phospholipids. Protection from bleaching by phospholipids was most evident for the phosphatidyl cholines and was less for the phosphatidyl ethanolamines. Protection was independent of the chain length and unsaturation of the esterified fatty acids and depended primarily on the nature of the polar head group of the phospholipids.
Suppression of plasma aldosterone by partial immersion

Abstract The effect of partial immersion in water (94°F for 4 hr) was studied in a group of normal subjects. Plasma aldosterone was measured after the patients had been NPO for 12 hr and ambulatory 2 hr as the initial condition, and then after 1, 2, and 4 hr of immersion. Immersion caused a 71%–73.4% decrease in plasma aldosterone and a 51%–51.5% decrease in plasma renin activity after 2 and 4 hr of immersion. Plasma aldosterone levels under the initial condition (NPO 12 hr plus ambulation 2 hr) was significantly lower in the older age group (46–80) than in the younger age group (20–45). Changing from the ambulatory posture to immersion was also accompanied by the following additional changes: There was a 2.7–2.9 percentage point decrease in hematocrit, which represented approximately a 430-ml increase in plasma volume. There was an increased rate of elimination of water, sodium, and potassium in the urine, with an extra loss above the preimmersion rate of 323 ml of water, 39.1 meq of sodium, and 9.8 meq of potassium for the 4-hr period. There was, on the average, a maximum increase of 74% in creatinine clearance and an increase of 230% in urea clearance above the rate before immersion.
Effect of Germination on Trypsin Inhibitor and Hemagglutinating Activities in Phaseolus vulgaris

Measurements of trypsin inhibitor and hemagglutinating activities were made daily during a 10-day period of the germination of Phaseolus vulgaris. When these results were expressed on the basis of dry weight or protein, trypsin inhibitor activity did not begin to decrease until the ninth day. Hemagglutinating activity decreased gradually and by the tenth day had reached less than 10% of the original activity. Expression of the data on a per cotyledon basis revealed a much earlier and greater reduction in both of these activities. The in vitro digestibility of the protein did not undergo any significant change through the 10 days of germination.
Algal-periphyton population and community changes from zinc stress in stream mesocosms

Three treatments of zinc (0.05, 0.5, 1.0 mg Zn l−1) and a control could be identified by different algal communities in outdoor, flow-through, stream mesocosms. Established communities were continuously exposed to Zn, and samples were collected on days 0, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 after treatment began. Experiments were conducted in spring, summer, and fall 1984. Control stream mesocosms could be identified by diatoms in all seasons. The 0.05 mg Zn l−1 treatment could be identified by certain diatom taxa being more abundant than in the control in all seasons and by a filamentous green alga in summer and fall. The 0.5 mg Zn l−1 treatment could be identified by a filamentous green alga in fall. The 1.0 mg Zn l−1 treatment was dominated by unicellular green algae in all seasons and by a filamentous blue-green alga in summer. A similarity index (SIMI) indicated that Zn-stressed samples generally became less similar to control samples as Zn concentration increased from 0.05 to 1.0 mg Zn l−1. Total biovolume-density of all taxa responded slower than individual taxa in spring and failed to distinguish between Zn treatments in summer and fall. Zinc bound to periphyton was much better than total Zn in water for identifying Zn treatments. Zinc treatments as low as 0.05 mg Zn l−1 changed algal species composition despite 0.047 mg Zn l−1 being the Criterion of the US Environmental Protection Agency for the 24-h average of total recoverable Zn.
Human leukemic cells. Abnormal amount of methylated base in DNA.

Summary Since information relative to the etiology of human leukemia might derive from study of human leukemic cells [11], base ratio and nearest-neighbor analyses were undertaken with DNA isolated from human leukemic lymphoblasts derived in continuous suspension culture. During these studies, an anomalous base was detected repeatedly in such DNA, which has been identified as 5-methylcytosine. The present report describes methylation studies undertaken with these and other human lymphocytes similarly derived from patients with infectious mononucleosis.
On the Performance of Apache Hadoop in a Tiny Private IaaS Cloud

High performance and parallel computing are traditionally implemented on very large dedicated compute clusters. However, as many organizations begin to adopt service-oriented cloud-based infrastructures, we can expect to see the development of parallel computing in the cloud. The goal of a parallel compute cluster is to divide a large job into several small jobs, execute the small jobs in parallel on many compute nodes, and then combine the results in some coherent manner. The biggest hurdle in moving this type of service to a cloud-based infrastructure is that performance will undoubtedly be affected by many factors, particularly those related to virtualization in clouds, such as memory and CPU overhead, limited resources, and others relating to hardware virtualization. In order to fully understand how virtualization can affect parallel computing in a tiny private cloud, we have devised four case studies that examine the performance of Apache Hadoop in varying environments on our private cloud. Our case studies are comprised of a baseline or bare metal (non-virtualized) cluster deployment consisting of seven nodes, a seven-node virtual machine cluster, a twenty-node virtual machine cluster, and an optimized seven-node virtual machine cluster. Results show that, although small data sets result in comparable job completion times, as the data size increases the performance of Apache Hadoop is affected greatly by virtualization even when we attempt to optimize the configuration of our cloud.
Influential observations i n the analysis of variance

The effect of influental observation son the parameter estimates of ordinary least squares regression models has received considerable a t t e n t i o n fn the last decade. However, very little attention has been given to the problem of influential observation sinthea naysis of variace . The purpose of this paper is to show by way of examples that in fluential observations can alter the conclusions of tests of hypotheses in the analysis of variance . Regression diagno stics for identifying both extreme points and out liers can be used toreveal potential data and design problems.
Prospective validation of artificial neural network trained to identify acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Summary Background Artificial neural networks apply non-linear statistics to pattern recognition problems. One such problem is acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a diagnosis which, in a patient presenting as an emergency, can be difficult to confirm. We report here a prospective comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of a network and that of physicians, on the same patients with suspected AMI. Methods Emergency department physicians who evaluated 1070 patients 18 years or older presenting to the emergency department of a teaching hospital in California, USA with anterior chest pain indicated whether they thought these patients had sustained a myocardial infarction. The network analysed the patient data collected by the physicians during their evaluations and also generated a diagnosis. Findings The physicians had a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for myocardial infarction of 73·3% (95% confidence interval 63·3-83·3%) and 81·1% (78·7-83·5%), respectively, while the network had a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 96·0% (91·2-100%) and 96·0% (94·8-97·2%), respectively. Only 7% of patients had had an AMI, a low frequency but typical for anterior chest pain. Interpretation The application of non-linear neural computational analysis via an artificial neural network to the clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction appears to have significant potential.
Mechanical devices for arterial occlusion and therapeutic vascular occlusion utilizing steel coil technique: clinical applications.

321 Tumor Institute in Houston, Texas, a number of investigators reported on techniques and results of transcatheter arterial embolization. Indications for this procedure included bleeding from multiple organ systems due to trauma, neoplasia, and other causes; control of symptomatic vascular malformations; and palliation or preoperative embolization of neoplasms. In general, agents used to occlude vessels were not radiopaque and thus were not directly visible with fluoroscopy, were temp­ orary in nature owing to dissolution by various host proteolytic enzymes, were designed for occlusion of small­caliber vessels, and were delivered passively by hydraulic injection of saline solution or contrast medium. This last feature put patients at risk of com pli cations of nontarget embol ization. Examples of agents were autologous blood clot and tissue, gelatin sponge, various small inert particles of particulates, and glues. The work by Gianturco and Wallace and their colleagues that led to development of their embolic devices and the techniques of trans­ catheter delivery directly solved most of the shortcomings of previous embolic agents. They developed and described two devices. One of the devices, the cotton tail, did not gain widespread acceptance and is not commercially available. The other device, the wool coil, has been adopted worldwide as a fundamental embolic device particularly suited to occlusion of large and medium­sized arteries. Thirty­three years after the original description, these coils are in use with minor modification and are commercially available as stainless steel Gianturco embolic coils. The cotton­tail embolic device consisted of a 3­mm body of 19­gauge steel fixed to a trail­ ing tail consisting of eight 5­mm cotton threads (Fig. 1). The construction was reminiscent of Mechanical Devices for Arterial Occlusion and Therapeutic Vascular Occlusion Utilizing Steel Coil Technique: Clinical Applications
A Response-Dependent Theory of Precedent

Doctrinally, a precedent is a case of the same or higher court that furnishes an authoritative rule for the determination of the case at hand, either because the facts are alike, or, if the facts are different, because the principle that governed the first case is applicable to the different facts. In this article I try to free precedent form the dominant doctrinal view by offering a more intuitive conception: that to be precedent means to be treated as precedent. Put differently, I attempt to see precedent not as descriptive of a previous decision or rule but as the aggregate effect of responses to one or a series of court decisions in the legal community. I illustrate this viewpoint by developing a version of a response-dependent concept that incorporates our intuitive grasp of how precedent works. In the pursuit of this task I rely on the basic philosophical premises of response-dependence theory and on one paradigmatic response-dependent concept—the quality of being “funny.”
High-quality epitaxial growth of gamma -alumina films on alpha -alumina sapphire induced by ion-beam bombardment.

We report the formation of epitaxial $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-alumina thin films on $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-alumina substrates induced by ion-beam bombardment. Single-crystal (0001) $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-alumina was coated with 70-nm amorphous-alumina thin films and then bombarded with either 360-keV argon ions or 180-keV oxygen ions at 400, 500, and 600 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Ion-channeling measurements showed a consistent minimum yield of 50% for the aluminum in the grown films. Crosssectional transmission-electron microscopy revealed the formation of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-alumina epitaxially grown onto $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-alumina with an orientation relationship $[1\overline{1}0](111)\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\parallel}[01\overline{1}0](0001)\ensuremath{\alpha}$. The epitaxy of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-alumina was further confirmed by x-ray-diffraction $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ scans. This study indicates that ion-beam bombardment at 400-600 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C not only induces the amorphous-to-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ phase transformation but also effectively eliminates {111} twins of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-alumina, which are normally observed after thermal annealing at 800-900 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C.
An MNDO study of the structures, vibrational frequencies, and ionization energies of the first five poly-ynes

Abstract The recently developed semi-empirical SCF MO method MNDO was found to correctly predict the orderings of the π orbitals in the first four poly-ynes. The mean difference between the calculated π orbital energies and the observed PES ionization values was 0.22 eV. Among the remaining orbitals the highest was of 2p σ + g symmetry in all five-poly-ynes. The ionization from the highest occupied π orbital. These are discussed in terms of the vibrational fine structure observed in the photoelectron and emission spectra.
‘We Are Everywhere’: An Ecological Analysis of Organizations in the Anarchist Yellow Pages

The Anarchist Yellow Pages (AYP), an international directory of anarchist groupings throughout the world, listed over two thousand organizations in 2005. This paper explores the types of these anarchist organizations and their geographic clustering throughout the world, with special emphasis on the 21 countries with at least 20 such organizations. The concentrations of anarchist organizations found in the AYP suggest that the movement tends to be strongly European-centered. North Americans are greatly involved in various media organizations; Spain, France, and Sweden have strong syndicalist tendencies; Italy and Germany tend to have a high percentage of physical spaces like social centers and info shops. The theory of political opportunity is used to interpret the global anarchist movement, leading to the general conclusion that rights and democracy are related to the concentration of anarchist organizations.
RESPONSE TO INTRADERMAL HISTAMINE IN FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA--A DIAGNOSTIC TEST.

The intradermal injection of histamine produces a strikingly different response in the patient with dysautonomia from that in the normal individual or in the supposedly heterozygotic parents and siblings of children with dysautonomia. This observation provides a simple, diagnostic test for the disease and has theoretical implications in understanding the mechanism of the disease.
Angle dependent photon management in thin film photovoltaics using anodized aluminum oxide

Optical backscattering by anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) thin films has been experimentally shown to change significantly with the angle of incident light. We investigate the scattering physics of self-assembled nanoporous dielectric AAO structures and propose applying them to improve performance in thin film and semitransparent photovoltaics (PVs). Pairing AAO scatterers with thin absorbing layers can improve absorption via the scattered field component and enable angle-selective light management for new functionality. Numerical models show that incident light can be backscattered to extreme, near-horizontal angles, coupling to horizontally propagating modes and greatly improving optical path length and absorption in thin PV films.
A Critical Commentary on Research, Politics, and Whole Language

A recent exchange of four letters in The Reading Teacher exemplifies the revolution going on in reading education. It began with a letter from Joanne Yatvin, a superintendent of schools, apparently sympathetic to whole language, asking for evidence that "instruction based on whole language work(s) better for kids (or at least as well) when compared to more traditional instruction" (Yatvin, 1993). She acknowledges the importance of qualitative research, but continues that:
Prevalence of Obesity Among Children With Chronic Conditions

New evidence suggests that children with chronic conditions may be predisposed to overweight and obesity. This study provides prevalence estimate of obesity for children and adolescents with select chronic conditions. We analyzed reported height and weight and the corresponding BMI from 46,707 subjects aged 10-17 years collected by the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH-2003). Our main outcome measure was the prevalence of obesity (defined as >/=95th percentile of the sex-specific BMI for age growth charts), adjusted for underlying demographic and socioeconomic factors. We found that the prevalence of obesity among children 10-17 years of age without a chronic condition was 12.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.5-13.0); the prevalence of obesity for children with asthma was 19.7% (19.5-19.9); with a hearing/vision condition was 18.4% (18.2-18.5); with learning disability was 19.3% (19.2-19.4); with autism was 23.4% (23.2-23.6); and with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 18.9% (18.7-19.0). Our findings suggest that children 10-17 years of age with select chronic conditions were at increased risk for obesity compared to their counterparts without a chronic condition.
Urban Modeling and Contemporary Planning Theory: Is There a Common Ground?:

This article provides a critical review of the history of urban modeling in North America, with a focus on unraveling some fundamental issues that militated against incorporating the first-generati...
Engineering Design: Examining the Impact of Gender and the Team's Gender Composition

This project used Eberhardt's team functions as an observational protocol to examine the team process as it occurred in the Engineering Practices Introductory Course Sequence (EPICS) at the Colorado School of Mines. A design report scoring rubric was used to evaluate the quality of the team-produced final report. The results of this study suggest that the gender composition of the teams impacted both the interactions that took place during the team process and the quality of the team's final report. Members of majority male teams were more likely to be witnessed clarifying and standard setting during team interactions than were members of majority female teams. During the first course, the final reports that were produced by majority male teams on average were judged to be of higher quality than were those that were produced by majority female teams. The reverse was found to be true in the second course.
Estimation of the flammability zone boundaries for flammable gases

For flammable gases and liquids in air, the upper and lower flammable limits are adequate to define the flammability. However, for either nitrogen or oxygen enriched mixtures the flammability is expressed more generally as a boundary in a flammable zone. This work presents equations to model the boundary of the flammable zone, with an emphasis on developing simple, direct algebraic equations. Separate equations are developed for the upper and lower boundaries to estimate the flammable zone. Two methods are presented to predict the upper and lower flammability zone boundaries: a simple thermodynamic model and an empirical model. The flammability zone boundary models are also applied to predict the limiting oxygen concentration (LOC) and the upper and lower oxygen limits (LOL). The simple thermodynamic model is based on the adiabatic temperature change and assumes a simple reaction scheme and constant physical properties. This method approximates the boundaries as linear equations. This method uses the upper flammability and lower flammability limits (LFL) to calculate two adiabatic flame temperatures and attempts to account for the changes in the reactions along the upper flammability zone boundary. The empirical method approximates the boundaries with linear equations that are functions of the upper or LFL. Comparison of the models to experimental data shows that the empirical model works best for estimating the flammability zone boundaries. This model also estimates the limiting oxygen concentration, upper oxygen limit (UOL), and the LOL quite well. The regression coefficient values for the limiting oxygen concentration, UOL, and LOL are 0.672, 0.968, and 0.959, respectively. This is better than the fit of the yLOC = zyLFL method for the LOC, in which the regression coefficient's value is 0.416. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Root disease and canopy gaps in developed areas of Yosemite Valley, California

Abstract Root disease in conifers is among the most important vegetation management considerations in the Yosemite Valley of Yosemite National Park, California. Large trees with root decay have fallen in the valley causing human fatalities and property damage. Many of the problems associated with root disease can be traced back to the history of vegetation management in Yosemite Valley. Wildfire suppression and meadow draining have led to increased densities of conifers at the expense of meadows and oak woodlands. Root diseases, primarily caused by Heterobasidion annosum and Armillaria mellea , associated with bark beetles have led to conifer mortality and the formation of gaps in the forest canopy. We mapped 279 canopy gaps (mean area 1788 m 2 , range 29 m 2 to 5.4 ha) that occupied about 30% of 169 ha of mixed-conifer forest in the developed eastern end of Yosemite Valley. In 1971, canopy gaps associated with root disease occupied only 8.7% of gap area detected in 1999. Gaps associated with H. annosum occupied 41 ha (82% of all gap area). Seven of these gaps were larger than 1 ha and resulted from coalescence of multiple smaller gaps. Armillaria mellea was identified as the causal agent in gaps with a total area of 4.1 ha (mean area 511 m 2 , range 29–5343 m 2 ). Hazardous trees in canopy gaps have been felled by the park service since the 1970s, but the option of tree removal in developed areas must be continually evaluated in relation to the often competing requirements for public safety, aesthetics, and ecosystem function.
Synthesis and Characterization of α,ω‐bi[2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP)] poly(2‐methoxystyrene) Functional Polymers. Initial Evaluation of the Interaction of the Functional Polymers with RBL Mast Cells

Two series of functional polymers, α,ω‐bi[2,4‐dinitrophenyl][poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(2‐methoxystyrene)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)] (DNP‐PEO‐P2MS‐PEO‐DNP) and α,ω‐bi[2,4‐dinitrophenyl caproic][poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(2‐methoxystyrene)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)] (CDNP‐PEO‐P2MS‐PEO‐CDNP), were synthesized by anionic living polymerization. The polymers were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). The molecular weight distributions for the lower molecular weight functional polymers were slightly broad (1.3–1.5). However, the molecular weight distributions for higher molecular weight polymers were narrower (1.1–1.2). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed thermal transitions indicative of the presence of microphases in the polymer solid state. The polymers were white powders and soluble in tetrahydrofuran. The binding affinity of DNP‐PEO‐P2MS‐PEO‐DNP ligands towards anti DNP IgE was determined by titrations with fluorescently labeled FITC‐IgE. A water soluble CDN...