Shifting gears: Changing algorithms on the fly to expedite Byzantine agreement

We describe several new algorithms for Byzantine agreement. The first of these is a simplification of the original exponential-time Byzantine agreement algorithm due to Pease, Shostak, and Lamport, and is of comparable complexity to their algorithm. However, its proof is very intuitively appealing. A technique of shifting between algorithms for solving the Byzantine agreement problem is then studied. We present two families of algorithms obtained by applying a shift operator to our first algorithm. These families obtain the same rounds to message length trade-off as do Coan's families but do not require the exponential local computation time (and space) of his algorithms. We also describe a modification of an -resilient algorithm for Byzantine agreement of Dolev, Reischuk, and Strong. Finally, we obtain a hybrid algorithm that dominates all our others, by beginning execution of an algorithm in one family, first shifting into an algorithm of the second family, and finally shifting into an execution of the adaptation of the Dolev, Reischuk, and Strong algorithm.     

Numerical modelling and implementation of ferrite cored eddy current probes

This paper focuses on the development of a magnetic moment method of calculating vector field quantities for a highly permeable ferrite cored eddy current probe. Basis functions are used in this method to replace the scattered field caused by the probe core in accordance with the surface equivalence theorem. These functions are further developed and tested for accuracy and convergence. An efficient material profile equation, independent of probe coil and basis function properties, is also designed and verified. Collocation point selection and optimisation is finally undertaken leading to the accurate determination of probe source coil impedance. The accuracy of calculation is verified using an industry standard finite element solver.     

Sensation seeking, augmenting-reducing, and absolute auditory threshold: A strength-of-the-nervous-system perspective.

Tested 40 male and female high school and college students on the General and the Disinhibition subscales of the Sensation Seeking Scale (Form IV), the Reducer-Augmenter Scale (RAS), and the absolute auditory threshold (AAT). General sensation seeking correlated significantly with the RAS and the AAT. Both results were general across sex. These findings, that high-sensation seekers tend to be reducers and to lack sensitivity to weak stimulation, are interpreted as supporting strength-of-the-nervous-system theory more than the formulation of M. Zuckerman et al (see record 1975-02479-001). (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of Surface Roughness on the Acid Etching of Amorphous Silica

The effect of the root-mean-square (rms) roughness on the acid etching of roughened amorphous silica was studied as a function of time using atomic force microscopy and laser light scattering. The initial size and distribution of micrometer-sized surface flaws are shown to influence the time evolution of the etching by hydrofluoric acid. The increase in the optical transparency of the samples is linked to the large increases in the correlation lengths of the sample surfaces, an effect which counteracts the accompanying rise in the rms roughness.     

Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas of the legs. A distinct type of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with an intermediate prognosis. Dutch Cutaneous Lymphoma Working Group

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: Primary cutaneous follicular center cell lymphomas represent a distinct type of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, clinically characterized by localized skin lesions on the head or trunk and an excellent prognosis. Histologically similar lymphomas may occur on the legs. The clinical behavior of this group is still undefined, and controversy exists whether these lymphomas should be classified as follicular center cell lymphoma or B-immunoblastic lymphoma. We reviewed the clinical, histologic, and follow-up data of 18 patients with primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma of the legs. RESULTS: Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma of the legs generally occurred in elderly patients (median age at diagnosis, 76 years), in particular women (male-female ratio, 7:2), and preferentially affected the lower legs (14 of 18 patients). Radiotherapy and/or systemic polychemotherapy resulted in complete remissions in 16 of 17 patients. Follow-up data demonstrated estimated 2- and 5-year survival rates of 77% and 58%, respectively. Histologic evaluation showed diffuse dermal infiltrates with variable proportions of centroblasts (large noncleaved cells), large centrocytes (large cleaved cells), and B immunoblasts. Seventeen of 18 patients were diagnosed as having primary cutaneous follicular center cell lymphoma; only 1 patient, whose histologic examination showed more than 30% immunoblasts, was diagnosed as having B-immunoblastic lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma of the legs is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that mainly affects elderly patients and has an intermediate prognosis. Although most cases have a follicular center cell origin, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma is proposed as the most appropriate term for this type of cutaneous lymphoma.     

Towards a re-programmable DNA computer

Microreactors lend themselves to a relatively simple implementation of DNA computing. Not only is the design of the DNA library critical for the success of the system but also the architecture of the microfluidic structure. Microreactors can be configured as Boolean operators. This paper will show that biomolecular computing can be performed with elementary building blocks, analogous to electronic logic gates. These logical operations will be performed using negative selection. Furthermore, an alternative bead barrier is introduced which can render the computer re-programmable and shows an principle architecture for selection and analysis.     

Best Linear Unbiased Estimator of the Parameter of the Rayleigh Distribution?Part II: Optimum Theory for Selected Order Statistics

The member of the class of best linear unbiased estimators (BLUEs) of a parameter based on k order statistics which has minimum variance is called the k-optimum BLUE. The ranks, coefficients, variance, and efficiency are given for the k-optimum BLUE of the parameter of the Rayleigh distribution for k = 2(1)4 and a sample size of N = 2(1)22. In addition, an approximate k-optimum BLUE is given for k = 2(1)4 and N ? 23.     

Prospective study of postpartum depression: Prevalence, course, and predictive factors.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 94(2) of Journal of Abnormal Psychology (see record 2008-10964-001). Much of the data reported in Tables 4 and 5 are incorrect. Most of the errors are small and they do not affect the p values shown in the tables, with three exceptions which are provided in the erratum.] 99 women (mean age 26.5 yrs) were followed from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy until about 6 mo postpartum. Depression diagnostic and severity assessments were conducted during pregnancy and after delivery. Instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory and an interview adapted from the Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. Depression severity decreased steadily from the 2nd trimester until 9 wks postpartum. Approximately 9% of the Ss during pregnancy and 12% of the Ss during the postpartum period were diagnosed as having a major or minor depression. A model of depression was constructed to account for both postpartum depression symptomatology and the syndrome of postpartum depression. Predictor variables (e.g., prepartum depression symptomatology, obstetric risk factors) accounted for about 50% of the variance in depressive symptomatology. Predictor variables (e.g., depression history, stressful childcare events) accounted for about 30% of the variance in diagnostic status. Findings underscore the importance of studying changes in depression diagnostic status as well as changes in level of depressive symptomatology in prospective studies. (43 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)