Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NoC performance parameters estimation at design stage

Nowadays different types of communication systems are used in designing of data transmission systems. Performance and operating characteristics of communication systems are crucial. System-on-chip (SoC) communication system can be built based on a bus, switch or network-on-chip (NoC). Type of communication system is selected according to user requirements for bandwidth, time delays, hardware cost of communication systems implementation and technology limitations. In this paper we consider the problem of different communication systems characteristics estimation. Formulas for average and maximum data transmission time calculation of different flows will be presented for different types of communication systems. Load estimation for each transfer point will be presented also. Proposed network calculator includes mechanisms based on the queuing systems to calculate the parameters of communication system. Attention will be paid to NoC communication system characteristics calculation.
The Object-Oriented Entity-Relationship Model (OOERM)

Abstract:The Object-Oriented Entity-Relationship Model (ooerm) and its associated diagramming technique (ooerd) are presented as a natural extension to the er approach for modeling the dynamics of entity classes. In addition to modeling static properties, ooerm incorporates concepts from the object-oriented programming (oop) paradigm to model operational properties of entities. Relationships among entities are used in message passing to allow an entity to access the attributes and operations of other related entities. An ooerd is a graphical abstraction of an underlying ooerm scheme description that is used to depict the dynamics of message passing among entities. The synergy between oop and er concepts is also discussed. The syntax and semantics of the ooerm language are informally presented, along with the graphic notations and icons of the ooerd. Structural and operational modeling in ooerm is illustrated through examples.
Discordance between self-reported and performance-based function among knee osteoarthritis surgical patients: Variations by sex and obesity

Background There is currently no standardized method for measuring functional status in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients, despite that it is one of the top priorities when determining eligibility for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the current investigation was to identify factors associated with discordance between individual self-report and performance-based measures of function for obese and non-obese men and women with knee OA. Methods In a cohort of 727 knee OA patients scheduled for TKA, physical function prior to surgery was assessed with the self-reported physical function subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC-pf), and the performance-based Timed Up and Go (TUG). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, knee pain intensity, symptomatic joint site count, and pain catastrophizing were collected via questionnaire. The primary outcome was the difference in rescaled score between a participant’s self-report and performance-based measures of function. Multivariable linear regression stratified by sex and obesity status was used to identify factors associated with discordance. Results The mean age of participants was 65.5 years and 55% were women. With younger age, self-reported scores indicated increasingly worse function compared to performance-based scores, regardless of sex or obesity status. Among non-obese individuals, greater knee pain intensity was associated with a participant’s self-report score indicating increasingly worse function compared to their performance-based score. For obese women, pain catastrophizing, and number of symptomatic joints were also associated with discordance as was reporting fewer comorbidities. Conclusions Physical function may be differentially represented by self-reported and performance-based measures depending on a variety of patient factors. Our findings add to the evidence which suggests both measures should be used when assessing functional status prior to TKA.
UNMITIGATED PUNISHMENT: ADOLESCENT CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LWOP SENTENCES

For more than a century, youth crime policies have oscillated between periods of more lenient treatment and harsher punishment. Justice officials and the public alternatively attributed high crime rates either to ";soft"; rehabilitative policies and advocated ";tougher"; sanctions, or to excessively harsh penalties that failed adequately to treat youths. A century ago, Progressive reformers combined a more modern construction of childhood with a more scientific conception of social control to create a judicial-welfare alternative and to remove children from the adult criminal process. 2 They used juvenile courts to assimilate, ";Americanize,"; and control ";other people's"; children.
Stacked-Element Connectivity Parameterization for Topology Optimization of Nonlinear Magnetic Systems

To design a magnetic system under a high-strength magnetic field, a nonlinear B-H relation must be considered. However, topology optimization using the nonlinear relation is rare. If the standard topology optimization formulation-varying the densities of design domain-discretizing magnetic finite elements-is used for nonlinear magnetic systems, the nonlinear material behavior will have to be interpolated. Because no consistent interpolating scheme is available, it is difficult to obtain converged distinct air-nonlinear material distributions without several trial-and-error attempts. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is very complicated because of the interpolated material nonlinearity. We have devised an alternative topology optimization formulation, called stacked-element connectivity parameterization (S-ECP), for the topology optimization of magnetic systems involving nonlinear B-H relations. The key idea is to discretize the design domain in terms of linear air elements, stack modified nonlinear magnetic material elements on the air elements, and control the element connectivity by varying the permeability of linearly behaving zero-length one-dimensional magnetic links. The links are introduced mainly to connect the air and nonlinear elements. Because a link is modeled by a linear material, the sensitivity analysis does not require complicated analysis involving the differentiation of nonlinear B-H relations, unlike the standard density method. Furthermore, it is much easier to find interpolation functions yielding converged distinct air-magnetic material states. We present numerical examples of C-shaped core design to demonstrate the effectiveness of the formulation.
Heroin addiction in African Americans: a hypothesis‐driven association study

Heroin addiction is a chronic complex disease with a substantial genetic contribution. This study was designed to identify gene variants associated with heroin addiction in African Americans. The emphasis was on genes involved in reward modulation, behavioral control, cognitive function, signal transduction and stress response. We have performed a case–control association analysis by screening with 1350 variants of 130 genes. The sample consisted of 202 former severe heroin addicts in methadone treatment and 167 healthy controls with no history of drug abuse. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), haplotype and multi‐SNP genotype pattern analyses were performed. Seventeen SNPs showed point‐wise significant association with heroin addiction (nominal P< 0.01). These SNPs are from genes encoding several receptors: adrenergic (ADRA1A), arginine vasopressin (AVPR1A), cholinergic (CHRM2), dopamine (DRD1), GABA‐A (GABRB3), glutamate (GRIN2A) and serotonin (HTR3A) as well as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH7), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD1 and GAD2), the nucleoside transporter (SLC29A1) and diazepam‐binding inhibitor (DBI). The most significant result of the analyses was obtained for the GRIN2A haplotype G‐A‐T (rs4587976‐rs1071502‐rs1366076) with protective effect (Puncorrected = 9.6E‐ 05, Pcorrected = 0.058). This study corroborates several reported associations with alcohol and drug addiction as well as other related disorders and extends the list of variants that may affect the development of heroin addiction. Further studies will be necessary to replicate these associations and to elucidate the roles of these variants in drug addiction vulnerability.
Wonders and Worries of Parenting a Child With Asperger Syndrome & Nonverbal Learning Disorder

PURPOSE:To describe the prevalent joys and pressing concerns of parents of children with Asperger syndrome (AS) and nonverbal learning disorder (NLD). DESIGN AND METHODS:An exploratory study of written responses of 103 matched couples from survey data gathered in a larger study that examined the parental experiences of raising a child with AS and NLD. Participants were recruited from two national Internet Web sites for parents of children with AS and NLD. Data were qualitatively analyzed to develop categories and themes. RESULTS:Prevalent joys of mothers and fathers included child characteristics such as personality traits of the child, observing their child happy, and watching him/her grow, mature, and succeed. Parents’ most pressing worries focused on adulthood and the future of their child. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:The findings of this study can inform the care given by nurses in the pediatric, family, and mental health settings. Family nurses are in a unique position to assess and respond to the special adaptive needs of families of children with learning disorders such as AS/NLD. As part of routine health screening and well-child visits, providers can ask about the joys and assess the beliefs and worries parents have; this could lead to reinforcement of their strengths and motivations and better meeting of their needs.
Action-driven automation test framework for Graphical User Interface (GUI) software testing

In this paper we describe the design and implementation of an action-driven automation test framework especially for GUI software testing. The idea of action-driven automation test framework comes from the core concept of "quality assurance (QA)". Better quality can be ensured by increasing the coverage of test cases on the software but the process of creating large number of test cases has to be optimized. With this goal the framework was designed to primarily increase the efficiency and flexibility in composing test cases and simplify the process of learning the test cases. This paper describes the background, features, and implementation details of the framework.
N-terminal Activation Is an Essential Early Step in the Mechanism of Action of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Insecticidal Toxin*

A variant form of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin that is not cleaved at the N terminus during proteolytic activation with trypsin was found to be incapable of forming pores in Manduca sexta brush border membrane vesicles in vitro and had reduced insecticidal activity in vivo. Binding studies indicated an altered binding pattern of the mutant toxin in that bound toxin could not be fully displaced by a high molar excess of fully trypsin-activated toxin. These results suggest that proteolytic removal of the N-terminal peptide of Cry1Ac is an important step in toxin activation.
E‐SELECTIN EXPRESSION IN EXPERIMENTAL MODELS OF INFLAMMATION IN MICE

E‐selectin (CD62E, formerly termed ELAM‐1) is a cytokine‐inducible adhesion molecule which mediates the binding of neutrophils, monocytes, and skin homing T‐cells. The murine homologue of E‐selectin has been cloned. A monoclonal antibody (21KC10) was used here to study immunohistochemically the expression and regulation of murine E‐selectin in vitro and in vivo. As described for the human system, there was no staining of normal endothelium in skin and other tissues. LPS and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), but not interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) or interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), induced a transient expression of E‐selectin, both when injected in vivo and when added to endothelial cell lines in vitro. To analyse temporal expression of E‐selectin under pathophysiological conditions in vivo, we chose two murine models of inflammation: allergic (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Expression of E‐selectin was found to be induced on vascular endothelium of post‐capillary venules in both ACD and ICD. In ICD, maximal staining of endothelial cells occurred earlier than in ACD. Expression of E‐selectin during ICD and ACD was then compared between strains of mice which differ with regard to the intensity of their inflammatory reaction. BALB/c mice, which in contrast to C57BI/6 mice show a denser infiltrate and prolonged influx of granulocytes and monocytes, revealed a more pronounced and more prolonged expression of E‐selectin than C57BI/6 mice. This held true for both ACD and ICD, and in each case, peak expression of E‐selectin was associated with the highest density of the leukocytic infiltrate. This study thus reveals regulatory mechanisms involved in the expression of murine E‐selectin in vivo and in vitro. It also demonstrates a correlation between endothelial expression of E‐selectin and the genetically determined intensity of the inflammatory response.
Low-Overhead Multihop Device-to-Device Communications in Software Defined Wireless Networks

The growing massive number of user equipments (UE) is one issue that needs to be undertaken due to the development of Internet of Things. Device-to-device (D2D) communication and Software Defined Networks (SDN) are two promising technologies that can handle this challenge. Multihop D2D could be exploited as communication between devices while the routing is controlled via SDN. In this paper, we propose a wireless network architecture that exploits multihop D2D to provide effective and efficient communication between mobile devices in a network that are controlled via SDN techniques. We also propose five procedures for our proposed routing scheme, called low-overhead D2D routing (LODR). Several experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of LODR. The simulation results show that the LODR produces less control overhead by 55% and faster convergence by 40% than previous work.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein Endothelial Cell Precursor–Derived Regulator Regulates Retinal Angiogenesis In Vivo in a Mouse Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy

Objective—Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are potently proangiogenic; however, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of vessel development by BMPs are not fully understood. To assess the significance of BMP endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator (BMPER) in blood vessel formation in vivo, we investigated its role in retinal angiogenesis. Methods and Results—In a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, Bmper mRNA expression and protein levels are downregulated, correlating with the initiation of Sma and Mad related protein phosphorylation in endothelial cells. Moreover, Bmper haploinsufficiency results in an increased rate of retinal revascularization, with retinas from Bmper+/− mice displaying increased numbers of branching points and angiogenic sprouts at the leading edge of the newly formed vasculature. Furthermore, although Bmper haploinsufficiency does not alter Bmp expression, it does lead to an increase in BMP signaling, as evidenced by increased phosphorylated Sma and Mad related protein levels in endothelial cells and increased expression of known BMP target genes. Conclusion—These observations provide compelling evidence that BMPER is important in the regulation of BMP signaling and revascularization in the hypoxic retina. These bring forth the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches for pathological angiogenesis based on manipulation of BMP signaling.
Scaling of entanglement entropy for chains of arbitrary spin

We investigate the entanglement entropy of a 1D Hamiltonian written in terms of the generalized Gell-Mann matrices that shares some properties with the spin-1/2 XXZ model. In particular, we study the point that marks the boundary between a critical phase and a ferromagnetic phase. This point cannot be described by a conformal field theory and its ground state is infinitely degenerate in the thermodynamic limit. We find an analytical expression for the ground state and its Schmidt decomposition, and show that the entanglement entropy scales as s log2 L in the leading order, where L is the size of the subsystem and s is the spin. The scaling is related to the symmetric-like structure of the ground state.
Some aspects of the architecture of the possessive noun phrase in Bantu

Possessive noun phrases are minimally made up of at least two Noun phrases (NPs) that are possessively related to each other. In this article we argue that the syntactic order in which these noun phrases appear is not as random as it may look on the surface. Semantic constraints, in a large measure, determine the syntactic order of NPs constituting possessive phrases. Some such constraints include the Person-Animacy Hierarchy (PAH), generic and part-whole relationships of nouns among others that will be explored in the article. It shall also be argued that the said semantic constraints are not syntactic rules as such but are strong cross-linguistic tendencies to which the linear ordering of the possessive phrase more often than not conforms and especially within the performance as opposed to the competence domain of language ability.
A randomized trial of exercise versus control for musculoskeletal symptoms from adjuvant anastrozole (A) for postmenopausal early breast cancer (PEBC).

636 Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms, for which there is no standard therapy, are common in women on aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for PEBC. A phase III randomized study explored whether exercise improves arthralgias / myalgias (A/M). METHODS Eligible women with EPBC had A/M related to A and were randomized to an exercise (E) or a control (C) group. E patients exercised 3x weekly for 48 weeks; for the first 12 weeks in a supervised setting; for second 12 weeks, supervised once weekly and twice independently, and for the last 24 weeks independently, using aerobic and resistance programs tailored to their fitness. The primary endpoint was change in SF36 bodily pain domain scores at week 12 (W12). Secondary endpoints included change in bone density (BMD), change in body mass (BMI), strength, and in hot flash (HF) index. RESULTS The study closed due to poor accrual after 3 years with 22 (11C 11E) of the planned 72 subjects enrolled at two sites among 98 screened. Among 20 evaluable subjects, baseline median age was 62; BMI was 26 kg/m2 in the E and C arms; median number of A/M sites was 5, with a median worst score of 2 (CTC-version 2 criteria). In the E and C arms, respectively, mean baseline SF36 physical domain scores were 7 and 8 (best possible score 12, worst 2). At W12 the score improved in 6 (55%) E and 7 (64%) C subjects. Median weight dropped 4kg in the E and rose 4kg in the C groups by W48. W12 bench press and leg strength did not significantly change in either groups. At W48, there was minimal change in BMD in both groups compared to baseline, with only 1 C subject evolving from osteopenia to osteoporosis. Median baseline HF scores were low in both groups and did not differ significantly at any time point. CONCLUSIONS A 48 week supervised exercise intervention did not have a measurable improvement in A related A/M symptoms as measued by 12W SF36 bodily pain scores. Weight dropped in the E group by a median of 4kg (8kg difference compared to C group). Recruitment is an important consideration in exercise trials and may be challenging among patients more distant from their initial diagnosis of cancer.
Interactive Online Learning for Attending Physicians in Ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheter Insertion

Evidence has demonstrated that the use of dynamic ultrasound guidance (USG) for central venous catheter (CVC) significantly decreases attempts, failures, and complication rates. Despite national organizations recommending the use of USG and its increasing availability, USG is used inconsistently and non-uniformly. We sought to determine if an online training module for CVC insertion with ultrasound guidance will improve acquisition and long-term retention of knowledge and skills for attending physicians. Participants were tested for declarative knowledge and skills on a simulator (pre-test) for ultrasound-guided CVC insertion at baseline. They then completed an online learning module followed by an immediate post-test and a six-month retention test. There were 16 attending physicians who participated in the study. The CVC training module increased declarative knowledge acquisition and retention. No significant difference in simulated CVC performance was found over the three time points.
An adaptive subdivision algorithm for crack prevention in the display of parametric surfaces

An algorithm is presented for rendering parametric spline patches using adaptive subdivision. Criteria for the termination of subdivision are chosen to allow large approximating polygons whenever their . use do~s not result in visible errors in patch boundanes or 10 lighting anomalies. User specified tolerances can be used to specify the size of acceptable boundary and lighting errors controlling the speed and the quality of the rendering.
Medical education, research, and scientific thinking in the 21st century (part one of three).

BACKGROUND During the 20th century medical education has been preoccupied largely with discussions of the venues and methods for teaching. Little attention has been paid to what should be learned about the scientific paradigm underlying research and practice. A 17th century model has gradually produced a technically efficient but increasingly narrow, monocausal, reductionistic view of health and disease. This "belief system" fails to accommodate or explain the meaning and impact on patients' health of diverse internal and external experiences and influences. During this period new physics and systemic views of biosystems have extended the Newtonian scientific paradigm beyond its materialistic boundaries, which still determines most of the medical sciences. METHODS A broad range of historical and contemporary scientific literature is examined in support of four central questions addressed in this three-part series: Is there a reason to examine these matters now? How is medical scientific thinking influenced by the general reorientation of science during the 20th century? Is there is a reason to examine the impact of these changes on medicine now? Will a change of paradigm affect medical practice, research, and education? RESULTS The extraordinarily productive contemporary biomedical model should be expanded to include meaningful information about how each patient's experiences impinge on health status. CONCLUSIONS Family physicians, together with collaborators in the biological and behavioral sciences and other health professionals, should undertake rigorous research to establish the validity of the expanded paradigm espoused. Its impact could be profound on practice, research, education, and policies.