Code Compaction Using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract One method for compacting executable computer code is to replace commonly repeated sequences of instructions with macro instructions from a decoding dictionary. The size of the decoding dictionary is often small in comparison to the number of all possible macros. Choosing the macros that yield the best compaction is a di cult subset selection problem because multiple, but colliding, macros may be applicable to many code segments. We show that a genetic algorithm using a new crossover operator, MSX, gives better compaction than heuristics designed speci cally for this problem. We also compare MSX with other crossover operators on a surrogate problem that models the essential properties of the code compaction problem

Fish taphonomy and environmental inference in paleolimnology

The contribution of fish studies to palaeoecology generally takes the form of (1) inference from analogies in modern fish faunas and (2) fish taphonomy--the pattern of death and dispersal of bones. (1) Modern fish faunas and associated organisms provide taxonomic, ecological, or functional analogues for interpretation of ancient limiting factors and behaviors. These inferences presume taxonomic conservatism. They also presume functional relationships between morphological form and feeding mode or habitat. They become weak with increased geologic age or phyletic distance between ancient subject and modern anaogue. (2) Fish taphonomy may contribute information about limnology, community composition, life history, mortality, depositional environment, and preservation. Taphonomic reconstruction of ecology and preservation depends on the applicability of analogous processes in modern ecology and l limnology.In aquatic taphonomy, temperature is the most important factor in determining the fate of a carcass. Above about 16[deg]C (depending on depth and pressure), most carcasses are made buoyant by bacterial decay gases and are transported to the surface where they may decay further and fall piecemeal into deepwater environments, or drift to beach environments where wave energy disarticulates, abrades, and scatters the bones. Below about 16[deg]C, most carcasses remain on the bottom until buried; they may be disturbed by scavengers, depending on oxygen concentration in the hypolimnion.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/27579/1/0000623.pd

Writing Chandra Levy: Real life, ritual, revision

This piece explores how national events affect art by chronicling one author\u27s writing process. Specifically, this piece looks at how September 11, 2001, affected the writing of a play about missing intern Chandra Levy. Though overshadowed by the nation-changing events, the scandal surrounding Levy\u27s disappearance was a top news story in the summer of 2001. This essay explores one author\u27s writing process as a play morphed in the face of national cataclysm. By tracing and describing revision, the piece explores how an academic exercise about the liminality of missing-ness turned into a religious ritual promoting compassion. © 2011 National Communication Association

Teaching Audio Playwriting: The Pedagogy of Drama Podcasting

This article suggests how teaching artists can develop practical coursework in audio playwriting. © , Copyright Taylor & Francis

How do I cope with pain? Let me count the ways: awareness of pain coping behaviors and relationships with depression and anxiety.

Patients with chronic pain are often undertreated with medications alone and need alternative ways of coping. Identifying pain coping skills patients use may be beneficial; however, no research has investigated whether patients are aware of their coping skills. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients are aware of their pain coping skills, whether certain patient characteristics were related to using coping strategies, and whether coping strategies were related to psychiatric symptoms. Chart reviews were conducted on seventy-eight chronic pain patients who completed a semi-structured psychological interview. Patients endorsed using more coping strategies on the measure compared to the verbal self-report. Identifying with certain patient demographics was related to higher use of some coping strategies. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were also related to the use of some coping strategies. Anxiety was negatively related to ignoring the pain and using self-talk coping statements and positively related to catastrophizing. Depression was negatively related to the use of distraction, ignoring the pain, and using self-talk coping statements. Depression and pain severity were both positively related to catastrophizing and prayer. Results suggest that clinicians may need to help patients become aware of adaptive coping strategies they already use and that the use of certain coping strategies is related to lower levels of depression and anxiety

How do I cope with pain? Let me count the ways: awareness of pain coping behaviors and relationships with depression and anxiety

Patients with chronic pain are often undertreated with medications alone and need alternative ways of coping. Identifying pain coping skills patients use may be beneficial; however, no research has investigated whether patients are aware of their coping skills. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients are aware of their pain coping skills, whether certain patient characteristics were related to using coping strategies, and whether coping strategies were related to psychiatric symptoms. Chart reviews were conducted on seventy-eight chronic pain patients who completed a semi-structured psychological interview. Patients endorsed using more coping strategies on the measure compared to the verbal self-report. Identifying with certain patient demographics was related to higher use of some coping strategies. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were also related to the use of some coping strategies. Anxiety was negatively related to ignoring the pain and using self-talk coping statements and positively related to catastrophizing. Depression was negatively related to the use of distraction, ignoring the pain, and using self-talk coping statements. Depression and pain severity were both positively related to catastrophizing and prayer. Results suggest that clinicians may need to help patients become aware of adaptive coping strategies they already use and that the use of certain coping strategies is related to lower levels of depression and anxiety