Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Graphics Cards for Quantized FEM Computations

Graphics cards exercise increasingly more computing power and are highly optimized for high data transfer volumes. In contrast typical workstations perform badly when data exceeds their processor caches. Performance of scientific computations very often is wrecked by this deficiency. Here we present a novel approach by shifting the computational load from the CPU to the graphics card. We represent data in images and operations on vectors in graphics operations on images. Broad access to graphics memory and parallel processing of image operands thus turns the graphics card into an ultrafast vector coprocessor. The presented strategy opens up a wide area of numerical applications for hardware acceleration. The implementations of Finite Element solvers for the linear heat equation and the anisotropic diffusion method in image processing underline its practicability. We explain the vector processor usage of graphics cards in detail. An extensive correspondence of vector and graphics operations is given and the decomposition of complex operations into hardware supported is explicated. We also sketch the realization of arbitrary number formats in graphics hardware and the consequences of the restricted precision. Finally, we propose slight modifications and extensions which would further improve computational benefits and extend the range of applicability of the proposed approach. Computing in image processing at ms for an Jacobi iteration on images is exemplarily depicted as an ideal field, where Finite Element methods can be greatly accelerated and ultimate number precision is not required.
The Preparation of Special Education Personnel

Mackie and Williams (1959) presented the most recent predecessor to this chapter of research on special education personnel and their preparation. They concluded that at that time research in this area lagged behind productivity in the general field of special education insofar as the output of experimental studies was concerned. They reported research to be centering primarily in the area "of developing conceptual constructs, of collecting status data, of appraisal by the technique of consensus of expert opinion. " (p. 404). More recently, Roucek's (1963) review of this literature and Cain's (1964) statement on the preparation of special education teachers have reinforced the comments of Mackie and Williams. However, Cain's critique went somewhat further than either of the aforementioned reports, in suggesting that other disciplines, such as medicine, psychology, and psychiatry, have contributed more to increasing understanding of special education than has this field itself, and that the general literature in teacher education shows a void in research during the past 10 years. This is not to say that there has not been a great deal of criticism of both content and procedures of teacher preparation in the United States. Nor is it to be implied that this decade has not presented us with a number of well reasoned and passionate appeals for a resurgence of research on teacher education (see Gage, 1964). Further, some might claim that Conant's (1963) prestigious contribution answered this demand. The following review may indicate that there has been remarkably little change since 1959 in the status of research on the preparation of special education teachers. Little experimental work has been completed; there is, in fact, a scarcity of any systematic study of the problem, whether historical, descriptive, or experimental. Borrowing from Gage's (1964) classification of stages of knowledge, obtained from psychological theory and empirical research for purposes of teacher education, one might conclude from this review that (a) we know more and utilize more of our research findings than ever before, (b) we are narrowing the difference between what we know ahd what we utilize of what we know, and (c) we are making very slow progress in investigating unsolved problems and unexplored areas.
Back-propagation based beamformer design for Transverse Oscillations in Echocardiography

Transverse oscillation (TO) imaging is a technique that produces ultrasound radiofrequency images featuring oscillations in both spatial dimensions. This is natural for axial direction but necessitates specific beamforming for transverse direction. Conventional TO beamformer design using Fraunhofer approximation (FA) has been properly developed in linear geometry. Using cosine function modulated by Gaussian as a lateral profile, the apodization function defined as inverse Fourier transform of the profile thus corresponds to the convolution between a Gaussian and two Dirac. This approach works well in linear geometry but is limited for sector scan as in echocardiography. We propose to use back-propagation based on reciprocity theorem, which appropriately takes into account the fact that the expected oscillation profiles are in polar coordinate. To validate with simulations using Filled II, the comparison of PSFs obtained using FA and back-propagation with theoretical profiles is quantified using root mean square error. The result clearly shows that PSFs obtained using back-propagation are more accurate than using FA. But it has declining advantages than FA at larger depth because the transformation from Cartesian to polar coordinate becomes closer for FA. The next step is to validate that the obtained PSF and associated TO allow more accurate motion estimates.
Family socialization of adolescent's self-reported cigarette use: the role of parents' history of regular smoking and parenting style.

OBJECTIVE To examine the main and interactive effects of parental history of regular cigarette smoking and parenting style on adolescent self-reported cigarette use. METHODS Predictors of adolescent self-reported cigarette use, including parents' history of regular cigarette smoking and two dimensions of parenting behavior, were analyzed in a sample of 934 predominately Caucasian (96.3%) parent-adolescent dyads. Families were drawn from the control group of a randomized control trial aimed at preventing adolescent substance use. RESULTS In addition to the main effects of parents' history of regular smoking and parental warmth, logistic regression analysis revealed that the interaction of these two variables was associated with adolescent self-reported cigarette use. Parental warmth was associated with a decreased likelihood of the adolescent ever having smoked a cigarette; however, this was true only if neither parent had a history of regular cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that adolescent smoking prevention programs may be more efficacious if they address both parental history of regular smoking and parenting behavior.
Tinnitus Patients with Comorbid Headaches: The Influence of Headache Type and Laterality on Tinnitus Characteristics

Background Both clinical experience and clinical studies suggest a relationship between tinnitus and headache. Here, we aimed to investigate the influence of comorbid headache type and headache laterality on tinnitus characteristics. Method The Tinnitus Research Initiative database was screened for patients of the Tinnitus Center of the University Regensburg who reported comorbid headaches. These patients were contacted to complete additional validated questionnaires. Based on these data, patients were categorized according to headache type and headache laterality, and their clinical characteristics were compared with tinnitus patients, who did not report comorbid headaches. Results Data from 193 patients with tinnitus and comorbid headaches were compared with those from 765 tinnitus patients without comorbid headaches. Tinnitus patients with comorbid headache have higher scores in tinnitus questionnaires, a lower quality of life and more frequently comorbidities such as painful sensation to loud sounds, vertigo, pain (neck, temporomandibular, and general), and depressive symptoms when compared with tinnitus patients without headaches. Both headache laterality and headache type interact with the degree of comorbidity with higher impairment in patients with left-sided and bilateral headaches as well as in patients with migraine or cluster headache. Conclusion The observed increased impairment in tinnitus patients with comorbid headache can be explained as an additive effect of both disorders on health-related quality of life. The more frequent occurrence of further comorbidities suggests a generally increased amplification of sensory signals in a subset of tinnitus patients with comorbid headaches.
Adaptive fuzzy control of the dissolved oxygen concentration in an activated sludge process

In this paper an adaptive fuzzy control strategy for dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) control of an activated sludge process is proposed and evaluated in a benchmark simulation model. The controller uses DO concentration error feedback and manipulates the flow control valves supplying air to the bioreactor cells. The results of simulation shows that this adaptive controller can optimize control rules resulting in an accurate controls of dissolved oxygen.
An Optimal Mid-Course Guidance Law For Fixed-Interval Propulsive Maneuvers

In this paper we develop an optimal mid-course strategy for guiding an interceptor. We assume that the target is outside of the sensible atmosphere and is not maneuvering throughout the engagement, and the thrust vector controlled interceptor has a fixed maneuvering time which ends well before the actual intercept. We will later extend the optimal solution to a family of guidance laws that guarantee perfect intercept for the fixed-interval maneuvering problems.
Condomless Anal Intercourse Among Males and Females at High Risk for Heterosexual HIV Infection

Background Understanding and addressing heterosexual HIV transmission requires attention to the range and context of heterosexual sexual behaviors. We sought to determine population-based prevalence of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among individuals at increased heterosexual HIV risk in Baltimore and to identify demographic, behavioral, and health-related correlates. Methods Data were from a cross-sectional study of 185 males and 198 females at increased heterosexual risk for HIV recruited using respondent-driven sampling as part of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Project in Baltimore, August-December 2010. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression examined factors associated with heterosexual CAI. Results The sample was majority African American, with a mean age of 38 years among men and 34 years among women. Forty-two percent of men (95% confidence interval, 30.9%–52.0%) and 38% of women (95% confidence interval, 29.4%–47.2%) reported any CAI in the past year, with variance by partner type and sex. Among men, CAI was significantly associated with homelessness, casual and exchange partners, same-sex partner in past year, and substance use. Among women, CAI was significantly associated with lower education, casual and exchange partners, same-sex partner in past year, multiple partners, and substance use. In adjusted sex-specific models, males and females with increasing numbers of partners were more likely to engage in CAI. Conclusions It is important to recognize the efficiency of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections through CAI. There is a need to broaden heterosexual sexual health promotion and HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention to adequately and appropriately address risks and prevention strategies for anal intercourse.
An evaluation of the Human Capital BRidge TM framework

Orientation: The methodologies employed for achieving two important goals of human resource (HR) measurement, namely to enhance decisions about human capital and to connect HR and business strategy, are rarely empirically investigated. Research purpose: The aim of the present study was therefore to use the Human Capital (HC) BRidge TM framework to compare the views of HR practitioners with those of line management on HC solutions towards achieving strategic business objectives. Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study was to determine whether the HC BRidge TM framework can create a useful platform for leveraging human capital solutions and for demonstrating HR value-add. Research design: A census-based survey was conducted on a target population of 787 supervisors and managers in specific categories in a mining company, which yielded 202 responses. The measuring instrument used was based on the HC BRidge TM framework and on the company’s strategic objectives. Item intercorrelations on the subscales were followed by factor analyses and iterative item analyses. Main findings/results: The self-developed measuring instrument yielded an overall Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.97. Statistically significant differences were found between line management’s and HR practitioners’ views in respect of the three strategic business objectives. Practical/managerial implications: The results suggested that HR management was not yet fully aligned in respect of strategic business objectives and of becoming a strategic business partner. Contribution/value-add: The study therefore suggested that the HC BRidge TM framework can be used as a method to connect human capital processes with business strategy to leverage business results and to demonstrate value-add.
Pairwise Testing in the Real World : Practical Extensions to Test-Case Scenarios

Jacek Czerwonka Microsoft Corporation February 2008 Summary: Pairwise testing has become an indispensable tool in a software tester’s toolbox. This article pays special attention to usability of the pairwise-testing technique. In particular, it focuses on ways in which the pure pairwise-testing approach must be modified to become practically applicable, and on the features that tools must offer to support the tester who is trying to use pairwise testing in practice. (15 printed pages)
The Parent–Infant Interaction Observation Scale: reliability and validity of a screening tool

Background: Sensitive responsiveness in parent–infant interaction is a significant predictor of infant attachment security, but frontline practitioners do not currently have the tools to identify ‘high-risk’ dyads. There is an urgent need for a brief screening tool that can be used by practitioners to screen new parents. Aims: To assess the reliability and validity of the Parent–Infant Interaction Observation Scale (PIIOS) in screening parent–infant interaction at 2–7 months. Method: Twenty-three professionals trained in parent–infant observation rated 14 3-minute videotapes of parent–infant interaction using the PIIOS in two studies. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, and validity was assessed by comparing the CARE-Index Maternal Sensitivity scale with the new scale, with inter-item correlation expressed as mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The inter-rater reliability was excellent – study 1 0.94 (95% CI 0.92–0.95) and study 2 0.94 (95% CI 0.93–0.95). Higher correlation coefficients were obtained for scores in the lower range. A strong overall correlation coefficient was obtained with the CARE-Index Sensitivity scale – study 1: –0.88, and study 2: –0.86 (p < 0.001), ranging from 0.60 to 0.94 (study 1) and 0.59 to 0.89 (study 2) for individual coders. There was also strong internal consistency with positive correlations between each item score and the total score (range: 0.55–0.87). Conclusion: The PIIOS comprises a brief and easily administered method of screening parent–infant interaction, which could be used by primary care practitioners to identify parents in need of further support.
Peptidergic innervation and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the primate basal nucleus

Peptidergic innervation and localization of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was studied in the basal forebrain of Macaca fascicularis in order to provide microstructural proofs for the theory ( Changeux et al. 1992 ) that calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is responsible for the maintenance of the acetylcholine receptor. Distribution and localization of five neuropeptides, namely substance P (SP), CGRP, neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurotensin (NT), and the neuropeptides parvalbumin (PV) and the α‐bungarotoxin‐ (α‐BTX‐) binding protein was studied by means of light‐ and electron microscopic pre‐embedding immunocytochemistry. Immunohistochemical double staining revealed that large cholinergic principal nerve cells in the basal forebrain, corresponding to cell group Ch4 constituting Meynert’s basal nucleus (BNM), and exerting intense choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity, are synaptically innervated by axons displaying CGRP immunoreactivity. While SP, NPY, PV and CGRP establish dense networks in BNM, innervation by NT and VIP is sparse. Biotinylated α‐BTX visualizes beaded axons that surround dendrites and perikarya of cholinergic principal cells. Electron microscopic organization of the neuropil in BNM is characterized by a glomerular (or rather cartridge‐like) arrangement of axons surrounding dendrites of non‐cholinergic principal nerve cells. At least one of the axons establishing the glomerulus (cartridge) exerts CGRP immunopositivity while α‐BTX‐immunopositive axons, presynaptic to dendrites of principal cells, are attached to the glomeruli (cartridges) from outside. As α‐BTX‐binding indicates localization of the α7 subunit of the neuronal nAChR, the microtopographical arrangement supports the idea that, in a manner similar to that in the neuromuscular junction, CGRP might contribute to the maintenance of nAChR also in BNM. Our results suggest that presynaptic nAChR‐s are involved in the regulation of acetylcholine release from a feed‐forward amplification mechanism of cholinergic principal cells of BNM.
How to keep from falling forward: elementary swing leg action for passive dynamic walkers

Stability control for walking bipeds has been considered a complex task. Even two-dimensional fore-aft stability in dynamic walking appears to be difficult to achieve. In this paper we prove the contrary, starting from the basic belief that in nature stability control must be the sum of a number of very simple rules. We study the global stability of the simplest walking model by determining the basin of attraction of the Poincare/spl acute/ map of this model. This shows that the walker, although stable, can only handle very small disturbances. It mostly falls, either forward or backward. We show that it is impossible for any form of swing leg control to solve backward falling. For the problem of forward falling, we devise a simple but very effective rule for swing leg action: "You will never fall forward if you put your swing leg fast enough in front of your stance leg. In order to prevent falling backward the next step, the swing leg shouldn't be too far in front. " The effectiveness of this rule is demonstrated with our prototype "Mike. ".
The Coming of the Secular in Indian Polity

Instead of searching for a definitive connotation of what is ‘secular’, the present essay explores how secular concepts gradually arrived on the scene of the Indian polity from a variety of areas and re-examines possibilities of probing the place of the secular in Indian polity by problematising its practice over time. Our methodology involves a shift of focus in searching for the roots of this concept in local and peripheral arenas rather than central texts and events. The dynamics of Indian centre-periphery relations have been dominantly historicised by the struggle for independence. This essay highlights the relevance of peripheral texts in defining secular aspects of polity, examining the dominant texts of the centre from the vantage point of the margin. While documenting an alternative discursive construction of secular politics in India, a sociologically informed reading on the question of ‘the secular’ argues that it will never dominate Indian politics without multiple challenges.
Mapping of Atypical Protein Kinase C within the Nerve Growth Factor Signaling Cascade: Relationship to Differentiation and Survival of PC12 Cells

ABSTRACT The pathway by which atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) contributes to nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling is poorly understood. We previously reported that in PC12 cells NGF-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) occurs independently of classical and nonclassical PKC isoforms, whereas aPKC isoforms were shown to be required for NGF-induced differentiation. NGF-induced activation of PKC-ι was observed to be dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and led to coassociation of PKC-ι with Ras and Src. Expression of dominant negative mutants of either Src (DN2) or Ras (Asn-17) impaired activation of PKC-ι by NGF. At the level of Raf-1, neither PKC-ι nor PI3 kinase was required for activation; however, PKC-ι could weakly activate MEK. Inhibitors of PKC-ι activity and PI3K had no effect on NGF-induced MAPK or p38 activation but reduced NGF-stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity. Src, PI3K, and PKC-ι were likewise required for NGF-induced NF-κB activation and cell survival, whereas Ras was not required for either survival or NF-κB activation but was required for differentiation. IKK existed as a complex with PKC-ι, Src and IκB. Consistent with a role for Src in regulating NF-κB activation, an absence of Src activity impaired recruitment of PKC-ι into an IKK complex and markedly impaired NGF-induced translocation of p65/NF-κB to the nucleus. These findings reveal that in PC12 cells, aPKCs comprise a molecular switch to regulate differentiation and survival responses coupled downstream to NF-κB. On the basis of these findings, Src emerges as a critical upstream regulator of both PKC-ι and the NF-κB pathway.
Genetic control of cell morphogenesis during Drosophila melanogaster cardiac tube formation

Tubulogenesis is an essential component of organ development, yet the underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly understood. We analyze here the formation of the Drosophila melanogaster cardiac lumen that arises from the migration and subsequent coalescence of bilateral rows of cardioblasts. Our study of cell behavior using three-dimensional and time-lapse imaging and the distribution of cell polarity markers reveals a new mechanism of tubulogenesis in which repulsion of prepatterned luminal domains with basal membrane properties and cell shape remodeling constitute the main driving forces. Furthermore, we identify a genetic pathway in which roundabout, slit, held out wings, and dystroglycan control cardiac lumen formation by establishing nonadherent luminal membranes and regulating cell shape changes. From these data we propose a model for D. melanogaster cardiac lumen formation, which differs, both at a cellular and molecular level, from current models of epithelial tubulogenesis. We suggest that this new example of tube formation may be helpful in studying vertebrate heart tube formation and primary vasculogenesis.