A clustering method to distribute a database on a grid

Clusters and grids of workstations provide available resources for data mining processes. To exploit these resources, new distributed algorithms are necessary, particularly concerning the way to distribute data and to use this partition. We present a clustering algorithm dubbed Progressive Clustering that provides an “intelligent” distribution of data on grids. The usefulness of this algorithm is shown for several distributed datamining tasks.     

A multiparameter wearable physiologic monitoring system for space and terrestrial applications.

A novel, unobtrusive and wearable, multiparameter ambulatory physiologic monitoring system for space and terrestrial applications, termed LifeGuard, is presented. The core element is a wearable monitor, the crew physiologic observation device (CPOD), that provides the capability to continuously record two standard electrocardiogram leads, respiration rate via impedance plethysmography, heart rate, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, ambient or body temperature, three axes of acceleration, and blood pressure. These parameters can be digitally recorded with high fidelity over a 9-h period with precise time stamps and user-defined event markers. Data can be continuously streamed to a base station using a built-in Bluetooth RF link or stored in 32 MB of on-board flash memory and downloaded to a personal computer using a serial port. The device is powered by two AAA batteries. The design, laboratory, and field testing of the wearable monitors are described.     

Maximizing learning without sacrificing the fun: Stealth assessment,adaptivity and learning supports in educational games

In this study, we investigated the validity of a stealth assessment of physics understanding in an educational game, as well as the effectiveness of different game-level delivery methods and various in-game supports on learning. Using a game called Physics Playground, we randomly assigned 263 ninth- to eleventh-grade students into four groups: adaptive, linear, free choice and no-treatment control. Each condition had access to the same in-game learning supports during gameplay. Results showed that: (a) the stealth assessment estimates of physics understanding were valid—significantly correlating with the external physics test scores; (b) there was no significant effect of game-level delivery method on students' learning; and (c) physics animations were the most effective (among eight supports tested) in predicting both learning outcome and in-game performance (e.g. number of game levels solved). We included student enjoyment, gender and ethnicity in our analyses as moderators to further investigate the research questions.     

On the role of conserved proline residues in the structure and function of Clostridium pasteurianum 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin

The widespread occurrence of Pro residues adjacent to Cys ligandsin the sequences of [4Fe-4S] electron transfer proteins hasnot yet found a functional basis. The two such Pro of Clostridiumpasteurianum 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin have been probed by site-directedmutagenesis. Any one of them, but not both simultaneously, canbe substituted without impairing the proper folding of the protein.The reduction potentials of the ferredoxin variants fall ina narrow range of <20 mV above the potential of the nativeprotein. The biological activities with C.pasteurianum hydrogenaseand pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase do not change significantly,except when Lys replaces Pro. In these cases, the data suggestthat the two clusters of 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin may not alwaysbe equivalent in the interaction with the redox partners. Destabilizationof the structure has been observed as the consequence of theProl9 or Pro48 substitutions. Using 2-D NMR, this effect hasbeen associated with perturbations of both the hydrogen bondnetwork and one amino acid side chain around the [4Fe-4S] clusters.Thus, the conserved Pro found in the binding motif of [4Fe-4S]clusters in proteins strongly stabilizes the active site butdoes not play an essential role in the mechanism of electrontransfer.     

Parametric study on smoothed particle hydrodynamics for accurate determination of drag coefficient for a circular cylinder

Simulations of two-dimensional (2D) flow past a circular cylinder with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method were conducted in order to accurately determine the drag coefficient. The fluid was modeled as a viscous liquid with weak compressibility. Boundary conditions, such as a no-slip solid wall, inflow and outflow, and periodic boundaries, were employed to resemble the physical problem. A sensitivity analysis, which has been rarely addressed in previous studies, was conducted on several SPH parameters. Hence, the effects of distinct parameters, such as the kernel choices and the domain dimensions, were investigated with the goal of obtaining highly accurate results. A range of Reynolds numbers (1–500) was simulated, and the results were compared with existing experimental data. It was observed that the domain dimensions and the resolution of SPH particles, in comparison to the obstacle size, affected the obtained drag coefficient significantly. Other parameters, such as the background pressure, influenced the transient condition, but did not influence the steady state at which the drag coefficient was determined.     

Using a virtual environment to assess cognition in the elderly

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is essential if treatments are to be administered at an earlier point in time before neurons degenerate to a stage beyond repair. In order for early detection to occur tools used to detect the disorder must be sensitive to the earliest of cognitive impairments. Virtual reality technology offers opportunities to provide products which attempt to mimic daily life situations, as much as is possible, within the computational environment. This may be useful for the detection of cognitive difficulties. We develop a virtual simulation designed to assess visuospatial memory in order to investigate cognitive function in a group of healthy elderly participants and those with a mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants were required to guide themselves along a virtual path to reach a virtual destination which they were required to remember. The preliminary results indicate that this virtual simulation has the potential to be used for detection of early AD since significant correlations of scores on the virtual environment with existing neuropsychological tests were found. Furthermore, the test discriminated between healthy elderly participants and those with a MCI.     

The development of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders

This paper describes the development and evaluation of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC), which is an observational tool developed for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practitioners to assess exposure to risks for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and provide a basis for ergonomic interventions. The tool is based on epidemiological evidence and investigations of OSH practitioners' aptitudes for undertaking assessments. It has been tested, modified and validated using simulated and workplace tasks, in two phases of development, with participation of 206 practitioners. The QEC allows the four main body areas to be assessed and involves practitioners and workers in the assessment. Trials have determined its usability, intra- and inter-observer reliability, and validity which show it is applicable to a wide range of working activities. The tool focuses primarily on physical workplace factors, but also includes the evaluation of psychosocial factors. Tasks can normally be assessed within 10min. It has a scoring system, and exposure levels have been proposed to guide priorities for intervention. Subsequently it should be used to evaluate the effectiveness of any interventions made. The QEC can contribute to a holistic assessment of all the elements of a work system.     

Distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of neurons in the porcine caudal mesenteric ganglion projecting to the vas deferens and seminal vesicle

The subperiosteal browlift and midface lift combination is a total mobilization of the composite full-thickness soft tissues from the bony skeleton with superior suspension. The object is to correct midfacial ptosis and the "tired" look of the lateral eyelids. It is done in conjunction with a browlift so that a composite correction of the upper and midface is achieved. When indicated, a modified lower cheeklift and the usual procedures for correcting neck deformities are utilized in combination. We believe the procedure is safe and the results reported are natural and long-lasting. This review of 130 cases also stresses technical aspects and the safety of the procedure.     

Illustrative stream surfaces

Stream surfaces are an intuitive approach to represent 3D vector fields. In many cases, however, they are challenging objects to visualize and to understand, due to a high degree of self-occlusion. Despite the need for adequate rendering methods, little work has been done so far in this important research area. In this paper, we present an illustrative rendering strategy for stream surfaces. In our approach, we apply various rendering techniques, which are inspired by the traditional flow illustrations drawn by Dallmann and Abraham \& Shaw in the early 1980s. Among these techniques are contour lines and halftoning to show the overall surface shape. Flow direction as well as singularities on the stream surface are depicted by illustrative surface streamlines. ;To go beyond reproducing static text book images, we provide several interaction features, such as movable cuts and slabs allowing an interactive exploration of the flow and insights into subjacent structures, e.g., the inner windings of vortex breakdown bubbles. These methods take only the parameterized stream surface as input, require no further preprocessing, and can be freely combined by the user. We explain the design, GPU-implementation, and combination of the different illustrative rendering and interaction methods and demonstrate the potential of our approach by applying it to stream surfaces from various flow simulations. ;     

Streamline predicates

Predicates are functions that return Boolean values. They are an essential tool in computer science. A close look at flow feature definitions reveals that they can be seen as point predicates that tell if a specific feature exists at a certain point. Besides the information about features, scientists and engineers like to know the overall behavior of all streamlines in the flow, typically in the connection with the important features in their application domain. We call this a structure definition for the flow. A successful example for a structure definition is flow topology. In this paper, we present streamline predicates as functions that tell the user about the connection between streamlines and features selected by the user. This means answers to questions like: Which streamlines flow through a given vortex, separation bubble, or shock wave? It can be shown that streamline predicates may refine flow topology so that it also reveals questions about vortices in 3D.