Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of oscillometric aortic pressure and stiffness assessment using the VaSera VS-1500: comparison with a common tonometric method

ObjectivesA number of operator-independent oscillometric devices to measure hemodynamics and arterial stiffness became available recently, but some and in particular VaSera VS-1500 do not provide estimates of aortic pressures and aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). The aim of this work was the retrospective application of the ARCSolver algorithm to pulse wave signals acquired with the VaSera VS-1500 device to estimate central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and aPWV. Materials and methodsARCSolver estimates of cSBP and aPWV, on the basis of brachial cuff measurements, were compared pair-wise with results from the tonometric SphygmoCor device in 68 individuals (mean age 51±18 years). We used variation estimates, correlation coefficients, age group-related t-tests, and the Bland–Altman method to analyze the reproducibility and agreement of the two methods. ResultscSBP reproducibility expressed as variability was 14.9% for ARCSolver and 11.6% for SphygmoCor. PWV reproducibility was better for ARCSolver, with a variation estimate of 6.5%, compared with 20.9% using SphygmoCor. The mean cSBP difference was 0.5 mmHg (SD 6.9 mmHg) and 0.32 m/s (SD 1.20 m/s) for PWV, respectively. The age-related differences between ARCSolver and SphygmoCor are in line with previous studies. Bland–Altman plots showed considerable agreement between the two methods without signs of systematic bias. ConclusionThese results show that the combined application of the ARCSolver method with the VaSera VS-1500 device is feasible and the results are comparable with tonometric determination of cSBP and aPWV. This successful application of the ARCSolver may potentially help to improve cardiovascular risk stratification and prevention at an early stage in a community setting.
Development of Ferromagnetic Metallic Glasses into Low Loss Power Transformer Cores

Currently, 3% of energy losses in the U.S. electrical grid occur at power transformers. With a transition to Metglas, transformer efficiency could be increased, but is Metglas the best replacement material for power transformers? With this in mind we develop a Fe-based metallic glass for its glass forming ability and soft magnetic properties. During this development we identify a redox reaction of boron oxide by Si during melt fluxing of the Fe-based glass, which promotes an unexpected exchange of Si and B in the alloy. Taking this reaction into account, a unique optimization strategy is implemented, enabling oxide purification of the melt coupled with a significant but predictable shift in composition. This leads to an optimized Fe-based glass demonstrating a global peak in glass forming ability. Following boron oxide fluxing in the high temperature melt, alloy with composition Fe57.5Co20. 2Si10.2B2. 05P10.05 transforms to Fe57Co19.2Si6. 8B7.4P9. 6, and increases its critical rod diameter from 1 mm to 5 mm. The alloy also demonstrates excellent soft ferromagnetic performance characterized by a magnetic saturation of 1.53 T. While developing the above alloy, we also analyzed the effect of varying thickness of a Fe68Mo4Ni3Co5Si1P11.5C5B2. 5 transformer core as a function of frequency to discover if there was a minimum in the losses. We did not find a single minimum, but found that the optimal thickness exhibits a logarithmic dependency on frequency. This dependence suggests the optimal thickness of a core ranges from 100−400μm, instead of in the
Power estimation methods for sequential logic circuits

Recently developed methods for power estimation have primarily focused on combinational logic. We present a framework for the efficient and accurate estimation of average power dissipation in sequential circuits. Switching activity is the primary cause of power dissipation in CMOS circuits. Accurate switching activity estimation for sequential circuits is considerably more difficult than that for combinational circuits, because the probability of the circuit being in each of its possible states has to be calculated. The Chapman-Kolmogorov equations can be used to compute the exact state probabilities in steady state. However, this method requires the solution of a linear system of equations of size 2/sup N/ where N is the number of flip-flops in the machine. We describe a comprehensive framework for exact and approximate switching activity estimation in a sequential circuit. The basic computation step is the solution of a nonlinear system of equations which is derived directly from a logic realization of the sequential machine. Increasing the number of variables or the number of equations in the system results in increased accuracy. For a wide variety of examples, we show that the approximation scheme is within 1-3% of the exact method, but is orders of magnitude faster for large circuits. Previous sequential switching activity estimation methods can have significantly greater inaccuracies. >
Design and Implementation of JPEG 2000 Image Compression using FPGA

This paper investigates the use of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA Xilinx Virtex-II) to perform hardware implementation for low speed part of JPEG2000 to achieve a real time JPEG2000 system. In this paper multi processes modules written in the VHDL is proposed that can be used to accelerate an existing software implementation of JPEG2000. خلا ـ صلا ـــــــ ة لمعلا اذه ثحبٌ سبك ةقٌرط ًف ةعرسلا ءًطب ءزجلا مٌمصت ذٌفنتل ةعساولا ةجمربملا تاباوبلا ةفوفصم مادختسا روصلا JPEG2000) ) روصلا سبك ماظن ىلع لوصحلل JPEG2000) ) ٌقح نمزب . ًق ةغلب اهتباتك مت ةددعتم تاٌلمع مٌدقت مت لمعلا اذه ًف ( VHDL ) فصول ةمدختسملا ةغللا ًهو ةمظنلأا ةٌمقرلا يدؤت ًتلاو ىلإ روصلا سبك ماظن ذٌفنت عٌرست JPEG2000) ) . Prof. Dr. Munther N. B. Al-Tikriti Computer & Software Eng. Dept., College of Eng. Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq Dr. Dhafer R. Z. Al-Rawi Computer & Software Eng. Dept., College of Eng. Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq Eng. Ienas F. Y. Iskander Maintenance and Engineering Department Ministry of Health, Baghdad, Iraq Journal of Engineering and Development, Vol. 10, No. 2, June (2006) ISSN 1813-7822
Comparison of experimental and bioelectrical impedance analysis methods in calculation of dry weight in peritoneal dialysis patients

Background: To optimize dialysis prescription and fluid balance of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, it is important to assess their dry weight accurately. The experimental evaluation is the method which is widely used in PD centers which needs continuous and controlled reduction of the postdialysis weight down to the point where patient does not show any signs of hypotension and volume overload. This study intends to indicate that the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method can be used as an alternative method to evaluate the dry weight. Materials and Methods: The demographic data of 101 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients of Alzahra and Noor hospitals of Isfahan University (50 males and 51 females) who had been referred for periodical examinations from April 2009 to April 2010 were extracted from their files. The normal body volume was selected as the inclusion criteria and identified by an examiner group (a nephrologist, a general practitioner and a PD nurse). The patients′ dry weights were calculated based on both methods. The bioelectrical impedance analysis method was done by the Maltron Bioscan ver916 and data were analyzed by SPSS program ver18. Results: There were 49.5% males and 50.5% females with the mean age of 54.6±17 years. The mean dry weight in the experimental method was 63.4±13.3 kg in comparison to the other (61.5± 13.7 kg). There was a significant difference between the results (P value <0.001) depended on the gender t-test, but there was a 98% correlation between the results by two methods. No correlation observed between the patient′s age, body mass index, blood pressure, previous hemodialysis history, PD duration time, and underlying disease. Conclusion: The study showed that there is significant difference between the two methods. However, there was 98% direct correlation between them. It is concluded that bioelectrical impedance analysis could be a better alternative for accurate evaluation of dry weight in PD patients because it is a fast and cheap method and does not depend on examiner′s capability. Further studies based on the results of this method are recommended to consider this method as the gold standard.
A 3.3/2.5 V-Supply 2400 mV-Swing Single-Ended SiGe BiCMOS Driver With Programmable Preemphasis for 3 Gb/s Data Transmission Over 75 $\Omega$ Coaxial Cable

This paper presents a quad single-ended cable driver delivering 2400 mV swing on each channel when double-terminated with 75 Ω loads from a 3.3 V termination supply. Fabricated in 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS it implements a switched current source to replace the conventional current steering emitter-coupled pair, with output swing controlled via replica biasing in place of a current mirror. All outputs meet industry-standard specifications for SD (270 Mb/s), HD (1.485 Gb/s), and 3G (2.97 Gb/s) data rates across the industrial temperature range, and the device is rated to withstand 4 kV human body model electrostatic discharge. The high swing can be applied directly to compensate for broadband implementation losses or configured to provide up to 9 dB of programmable preemphasis, extending the specified compliance point to the far end of 2 5 m (3G rate) or 40 m (HD rate) of Belden 1694A coaxial cable.
Improved Statistical Alignment Models

In this paper, we present and compare various single-word based alignment models for statistical machine translation. We discuss the five IBM alignment models, the Hidden-Markov alignment model, smoothing techniques and various modifications. We present different methods to combine alignments. As evaluation criterion we use the quality of the resulting Viterbi alignment compared to a manually produced reference alignment. We show that models with a first-order dependence and a fertility model lead to significantly better results than the simple models IBM-1 or IBM-2, which are not able to go beyond zero-order dependencies.
A consistent history link connectivity protocol

The RAIN (Reliable Array of Independent Nodes) project at Caltech is focusing on creating reliable distributed systems by leveraging commercially available personal computers and interconnect technologies. Fault-tolerance is introduced into the communication infrastructure by using multiple network interfaces per compute node. When using multiple network connections per compute node, the question of how to monitor connectivity between nodes arises. We examine a connectivity protocol that guarantees that each side of a point-to-point connection sees the same history of activity over the communication channel. In other words, we maintain a consistent history of the state of the channel. The history of channel-state is guaranteed to be identical at each endpoint within some bounded slack. Our main contributions are: (i) a simple, stable protocol for monitoring connectivity that maintains a consistent history with bounded slack, and (ii) proofs that this protocol exhibits correctness, bounded slack, and stability.
FABRICATION AND EFFECT OF PROCESS VARIABLES OF SITAGLIPTIN MICROSPHERES

Objective: The study is to formulate and assess the effects of different variables on the release profile of sitagliptin microspheres. Methods: The microspheres were prepared by emulsion-solvent diffusion method and ionotropic gelation method using ethyl cellulose and sodium alginate as the polymers, respectively. The formulations are optimized by applying 23 factorial design based on the drug-polymer ratio, stirring speed, and method of preparation. Results: The drug-polymer interaction was checked by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry the results of which indicated no incompatibility. The formulated sitagliptin microspheres were evaluated for shape, morphology, particle size, the degree of swelling, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release studies for 12 h, and kinetics of drug release. Conclusion: The results showed that the drug-polymer ratio and stirring speed affected the particle size and drug release. The release of the drug was found to be sustained, and diffusion path is following cube root law of Hixson-Crowell kinetics. The batch F3 was found to be desirable and was further characterized by scanning electron microscope for morphology.
Dyspnea-12 is a valid and reliable measure of breathlessness in patients with interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Dyspnea-12 questionnaire (D-12) for the assessment of breathlessness in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS A total of 101 patients with ILD completed the D-12 (scale range, 0-36, with a high score indicating worse dyspnea), Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, and 84 patients completed the D-12 and a global health transition score at follow-up 2 weeks later. D-12 psychometric properties, including floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity were examined. RESULTS The D-12 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α, 0.93) and repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.94). Its scores were significantly associated with MRC grade (r = 0.59; P < .001), SGRQ (symptoms, r = 0.57; activities, r = 0.78; impacts, r = 0.75; total, r = 0.79; P < .001). Factor analysis confirmed the previously determined structure of the D-12 in this patient group. CONCLUSION In patients with ILD, the D-12, a patient-reported measure of dyspnea severity that requires no reference to activity, is a reliable and valid instrument. It is short, simple to complete, and easy to score.
Addictive disorders: finding the predisposing traits.

Substance use may well be an epiphenomenon, albeit a potentially dangerous and toxic one, of a more pervasive neurobehavioral problem. ur nosology defines substance use disorders by specific behaviors and their consequences. Yet current research, as exemplified in the article by Ersehe et al. in this issue (1), is now based on the implicit assumption that addictive disorders depend on characteristics that preceded—and can be dissociated from—the behavior that defines them. Identifying these characteristics is part of a general strategy in psychiatric research to investigate underlying features (perhaps heritable) that predispose some individuals to more overt signs of a disorder. In fact, substance use may well be an epiphenomenon, albeit a potentially dangerous and toxic one, of a more pervasive neurobehavioral problem. For example, substance use disorders are highly prevalent in affective, anxiety, psychotic, and impulse control disorders (2). Therefore, susceptibility might be related to neural functions like the regulation of reward sensitivity, motivation, or arousal or to behavioral constructs like impulsivity or impaired decision making, which would underlie these conditions as well as substance use (3, 4). The Ersehe et al. study used judiciously chosen markers for such characteristics, many of which were characterized in terms of underlying neural mechanisms (1). Studies of such underlying traits or endophenotypes typically require at least three subject groups: probands with the condition in question, their nonaffected family members, and comparison subjects without the condition (or a family history of it) who are otherwise comparable to the probands (5). Endophenotype studies of substance use disorders are challenging. An individual diagnosed with a substance use disorder has already been exposed to the substance, resulting in potentially lasting behavioral, cognitive, or physiological changes. Furthermore, individuals with substance use disorders are likely to be currently using the substance, complicating the process of dissociating the underlying disorder from the drug. Requiring abstinence would bias recruitment to individuals who may not be as ill, and it raises further questions about the period of abstinence that should be required and the confounding withdrawal effects (6). During the Ersehe et al. study (1), 45 of the 50 stimulant-dependent probands were actively using stimulants (interestingly, 76% were enrolled in a drug treatment program). Despite the problems discussed above, this sample provided a representative population without the confounding effects of withdrawal. Arguably, since the probands were generally taking stimulants, the authors were not measuring endophenotypes in a strict sense, but they were definitely investigating characteristics very likely to mark genetic risk for the clinical condition. The authors measured social, environmental, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics, and the analyses focused on similar features shared by drug-dependent individuals
Psychosocial factors and oral health practices of preschool-aged children: a qualitative study with Hispanic mothers

ABSTRACT Objective: This qualitative study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of Hispanic mother’s parenting experiences and perceptions about select psychosocial factors. How psychosocial factors influence mothers’ engagement in recommended oral health-related behaviors for their preschool-aged children (3–5 years) was explored. Psychosocial resources and barriers explored included maternal knowledge about children’s oral health, beliefs such as perceived self-efficacy and health locus of control, and parenting experience and stress. Design: Six focus groups and one individual interview with lower-income, Hispanic mothers of preschoolers (n = 36 total participants) were conducted in Spanish at a community health clinic on the California-Mexico border during summer 2010. A bilingual dentist led all sessions using a set of open-ended guiding questions. All sessions were audio-taped, translated and transcribed in English. Transcripts were coded and analyzed for common themes. Result(s): Six themes were identified around dental knowledge, the mothers’ primary role in performing the child’s oral hygiene among multiple caregiving priorities, parenting challenges, perceived self-efficacy, perceived future outlook for their child’s oral health, and family influences. Mothers recognized the importance of caring for primary teeth. However, few were knowledgeable about preventive practices to promote young children’s oral health, such as the recommended ages for brushing or first dental visit. Mothers that were more knowledgeable expressed feeling more efficacious about maintaining their child’s oral hygiene. All mothers believed they were primarily responsible for their child’s oral health, and most held positive future expectations for their child’s oral health. Conclusion: These findings provide insight into how Hispanic mothers of young children perceive their role as caregiver. Maternal knowledge and perceptions affect their ability to care for their child’s oral health and should be accounted for in future interventions.
Is Childhood Abuse or Neglect Associated With Symptom Reports and Physiological Measures in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Purpose. Early childhood traumatic experiences (e.g., abuse or neglect) may contribute to sleep disturbances as well as to other indicators of arousal in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study compared women with IBS positive for a history of childhood abuse and/or neglect to women with IBS without this history on daily gastrointestinal (GI), sleep, somatic, and psychological symptom distress, polysomnographic sleep, urine catecholamines (CAs) and cortisol, and nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV). Methods. Adult women with IBS recruited from the community were divided into two groups: 21 with abuse/neglect and 19 without abuse/neglect based on responses to the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ; physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect). Women were interviewed, maintained a 30-day symptom diary, and slept in a sleep laboratory. Polysomnographic and nocturnal HRV data were obtained. First-voided urine samples were assayed for cortisol and CA levels. Results. Women with IBS positive for abuse/neglect history were older than women without this history. Among GI symptoms, only heartburn and nausea were significantly higher in women with abuse/neglect. Sleep, somatic, and psychological symptoms were significantly higher in women in the abuse/neglect group. With the exception of percentage of time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, there were few differences in sleep-stage variables and urine hormone levels. Mean heart rate interval and the natural log of the standard deviation of RR intervals for the entire sleep interval (Ln SDNN) values were lower in those who experienced childhood abuse/neglect. Conclusion. Women with IBS who self-report childhood abuse/neglect are more likely to report disturbed sleep, somatic symptoms, and psychological distress. Women with IBS should be screened for adverse childhood events including abuse/neglect.
Defining the Roles of cis-Acting RNA Elements in Tombusvirus Replicase Assembly In Vitro

ABSTRACT In addition to its central role as a template for replication and translation, the viral plus-strand RNA genome also has nontemplate functions, such as recruitment to the site of replication and assembly of the viral replicase, activities that are mediated by cis-acting RNA elements within viral genomes. Two noncontiguous RNA elements, RII(+)-SL (located internally in the tombusvirus genome) and RIV (located at the 3′-terminus), are involved in template recruitment into replication and replicase assembly; however, the importance of each of these RNA elements for these two distinct functions is not fully elucidated. We used an in vitro replicase assembly assay based on yeast cell extract and purified recombinant tombusvirus replication proteins to show that RII(+)-SL, in addition to its known requirement for recruitment of the plus-strand RNA into replication, is also necessary for assembly of an active viral replicase complex. Additional studies using a novel two-component RNA system revealed that the recruitment function of RII(+)-SL can be provided in trans by a separate RNA and that the replication silencer element, located within RIV, defines the template that is used for initiation of minus-strand synthesis. Collectively, this work has revealed new functions for tombusvirus cis-acting RNA elements and provided insights into the pioneering round of minus-strand synthesis.
A scalable design approach for stencil computation on reconfigurable clusters

Stencil-based algorithms are known to be computationally intensive and used in many scientific applications. The scalability of stencil algorithms in large-scale clusters is limited by data dependency between distributed workload. This paper proposes a scalable communication model to schedule communication operations based on available resources and algorithm properties. Experimental results from the Maxeler MPC-C500 computing system with four Virtex-6 SX475T FPGAs demonstrate linear speedup.