Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential and Achievable Parallelism in the Unsymmetric-pattern Multifrontal Lu Factorization Method for Sparse Matrices

The unsymmetric-pattern multifrontal method of Davis and Duu 1] generalizes earlier multifrontal approaches to LU factorization by removing the assumption of a symmetric-pattern of nonzeros in the sparse matrix. As a result, the underlying computational structure becomes a directed acyclic graph (DAG) instead of a tree. This research explores the potential parallelism available in the unsymmetric-pattern multifrontal method using both unbounded and bounded parallelism models based on this DAG. The bounded parallelism model is extended to reeect the performance characteristics of the nCUBE 2 distributed memory multiprocessor to investigate the achievable parallelism. Finally, a factorization-only version of the method is implemented on the nCUBE 2 and its achieved parallelism and scalability evaluated. 1 Unsymmetric-Pattern Multifrontal Method Multifrontal methods for the LU factorization of sparse matrices 1, 4, 5, 8] decompose the sparse matrix into a set of overlapping dense submatrices called frontal matrices. Each frontal matrix contains one or more pivots and is partially factorized according to these pivots. The updated entries in the unfactorized portion of a frontal matrix (called the contribution block) are passed and assembled (added) into subsequent frontal matrices. The assembly directed acyclic graph (DAG) represents frontal matrices as nodes and the passing of contributions blocks as directed edges. With previous multifrontal methods, the assumption of a symmetric-pattern matrix caused the assembly DAG to be a tree (or a forest). The tree structure results as the contribution of a frontal matrix can be completely absorbed within a single subsequent frontal matrix. When the assumption of symmetry in the pattern is removed, contribution blocks need to be fragmented with the various pieces passed to diierent frontal matrices. The assembly DAG also serves as a task graph with the nodes representing the factorization of individual frontal matrices and the edges as inter-task data dependencies. Large grain parallelism is available among independent nodes in the assembly DAG. Furthermore, the factorization of the dense frontal matrices provides a second level of parallelism as there is a great deal of independence and regularity in the factorization for each pivot. Earlier eeorts have shown that exploitation of both levels of parallelism is necessary for the best performance 2, 3].
Evaluation of eddy current losses in coreless stator axial flux permanent magnet machines based on magnetic network method

This paper presents a novel method for the calculation of eddy current loss in coreless stator axial field permanent magnet (AFPM) machines based on a universal parametric magnetic network model. To account for three-dimensional field effects in an AFPM machine, a multilayer modeling method is used to estimate both the axial and tangential magnetic field component in the air gap. The winding eddy current loss is calculated using the results of magnetic network analysis, taking into account 2-D and 3-D effects and non-sinusoidal field distribution. Furthermore, these calculations are compared to those from finite-element analysis and experimental tests with good agreement.
Recent Advances and New Applications

© T O U C H B R I E F I N G S 2 0 1 1 Abstract Interventional neurology refers to endovascular, catheter-based techniques using fluoroscopy and angiography to diagnose and treat vascular disease of the central nervous system. This article provides an update on the recent advances and newer applications of diagnostic cerebral angiography, acute endovascular stroke treatment, revascularization of carotid and intracranial stenosis, as well as cerebral aneurysm treatment. More importantly, however, is demonstrating not only how diagnostic cerebral catheter angiography has been redefined, but also how the associated interventional procedures have transformed the therapeutic landscape for stroke patients.
Percutaneous Transarterial Aortic Valve Replacement in Selected High-Risk Patients With Aortic Stenosis

Background— Percutaneous aortic valve replacement represents an endovascular alternative to conventional open heart surgery without the need for sternotomy, aortotomy, or cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods and Results— Transcatheter implantation of a balloon-expandable stent valve using a femoral arterial approach was attempted in 50 symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis in whom there was a consensus that the risks of conventional open heart surgery were very high. Valve implantation was successful in 86% of patients. Intraprocedural mortality was 2%. Discharge home occurred at a median of 5 days (interquartile range, 4 to 13). Mortality at 30 days was 12% in patients in whom the logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation risk score was 28%. With experience, procedural success increased from 76% in the first 25 patients to 96% in the second 25 (P=0.10), and 30-day mortality fell from 16% to 8% (P=0.67). Successful valve replacement was associated with an increase in echocardiographic valve area from 0.6±0.2 to 1.7±0.4 cm2. Mild paravalvular regurgitation was common but was well tolerated. After valve insertion, there was a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.0001), mitral regurgitation (P=0.01), and functional class (P<0.0001). Improvement was maintained at 1 year. Structural valve deterioration was not observed with a median follow-up of 359 days. Conclusion— Percutaneous valve replacement may be an alternative to conventional open heart surgery in selected high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.
A Look Into Goal Pursuit Moderated By Imagery Perspective

Previous research suggests a link between visual perspective and goal-related behavior. The third-person perspective has been shown to facilitate goal pursuit after imagining a goal-related success, while the first-person perspective has been shown to facilitate goal pursuit after imagining a goal-related failure. The present study investigates whether these findings result from a change in perceived levels of commitment and progress toward a goal. Participants imagined a goal-related success or failure from a specified visual perspective (own first-person vs. observer’s third-person), and then completed a series of goal pursuit measurements. Results suggest that imagining a failure while using the first-person perspective facilitates goal pursuit, as compared to an imagined success from the first-person perspective, because of a perceived lack of progress toward the goal. No clear results emerged between imagining a success or failure while using the third-person perspective. Implications for future research are discussed.
QbD-enabled systematic development of gastroretentive multiple-unit microballoons of itopride hydrochloride

Abstract The objectives of present studies were to develop the systematically optimized multiple-unit gastroretentive microballoons, i.e. hollow microspheres of itopride hydrochloride (ITH) employing quality by design (QbD)-based approach. Initially, the patient-centric QTPP and CQAs were earmarked, and preliminary studies were conducted to screen the suitable polymer, solvent, solvent ratio, pH and temperature conditions. Microspheres were prepared by non-aqueous solvent evaporation method employing Eudragit S-100. Risk assessment studies carried out by constructing Ishikawa cause-effect fish-bone diagram, and techniques like risk estimation matrix (REM) and failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) facilitated the selection of plausible factors affecting the drug product CQAs, i.e. percent yield, entrapment efficiency (EE) and percent buoyancy. A 33 Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed for optimizing CMAs and CPPs selected during factor screening studies employing Taguchi design, i.e. drug–polymer ratio (X1), stirring temperature (X2) and stirring speed (X3). The hollow microspheres, as per BBD, were evaluated for EE, particle size and drug release characteristics. The optimum formulation was embarked upon using numerical desirability function yielding excellent floatation characteristics along with adequate drug release control. Drug-excipient compatibility studies employing FT-IR, DSC and powder XRD revealed absence of significant interaction among the formulation excipients. The SEM studies on the optimized formulation showed hollow and spherical nature of the prepared microspheres. In vivo X-ray imaging studies in rabbits confirmed the buoyant nature of the hollow microspheres for 8 h in the upper GI tract. In a nutshell, the current investigations report the successful development of gastroretentive floating microspheres for once-a-day administration of ITH.
Patients struggle to access effective health care due to ongoing violence, distance, costs and health service performance in Afghanistan

Background The Afghan population suffers from a long standing armed conflict. We investigated patients’ experiences of their access to and use of the health services. Methods Data were collected in four clinics from different provinces. Mixed methods were applied. The questions focused on access obstacles during the current health problem and health seeking behaviour during a previous illness episode of a household member. Results To access the health facilities 71.8% (545/759) of patients experienced obstacles. The combination of long distances, high costs and the conflict deprived people of life-saving healthcare. The closest public clinics were underused due to perceptions regarding their lack of availability or quality of staff, services or medicines. For one in five people, a lack of access to health care had resulted in death among family members or close friends within the last year. Conclusions Violence continues to affect daily life and access to healthcare in Afghanistan. Moreover, healthcare provision is not adequately geared to meet medical and emergency needs. Impartial healthcare tailored to the context will be vital to increase access to basic and life-saving healthcare.
A retrospective study on the epidemiology and treatment of maxillofacial fractures.

BACKGROUND Maxillofacial injuries constitute a substantial proportion of cases of trauma. This descriptive analytical study assesses the cause, type, incidence, and demographic and treatment data of maxillofacial fractures. METHODS A retrospective study on maxillofacial traumas was carried out in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Sişli Etfal Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005. The study included 216 patients with a mean age of 29.8 years. Sex and age distribution of patients, etiology of trauma, localization of the fractures, treatment modalities, time to treatment after the trauma, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS The male predilection was 75.5%. Road traffic accident was the most common causative factor (67.1%), followed by interpersonal violence (19.4%), falls (12.5%), and work- and sport-related accidents (0.9%). A total of 50% of the patients suffered isolated mandibular fractures, 23.6% had isolated midface fractures, and 26.3% had combined midface and mandibular fractures. Regarding distribution of mandibular fractures, the majority (26.8%) occurred in the parasymphysis, 14.8% in the angulus, and 11.1% each in the symphysis and corpus. Complications occurred in 6% of patients, and the most common was malocclusion followed by infection and nonunion. CONCLUSION The causes and pattern of maxillofacial fractures reflect trauma patterns within the community and, as such, can provide a guide for the design of programs geared toward prevention and treatment.
Distributed parameter estimation in sensor networks based on stochastic approximation

A distributed stochastic approximation algorithm with expanding truncations (DSAAWET) is proposed to estimate the unknown parameter linearly appearing in the sensor networks. Each agent updates its local estimate by averaging its neighbors' estimates with weights and by processing its local current observation. The estimates are shown to converge to the true parameter with probability one. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the obtained theoretic result.
Ipilimumab-induced autoimmune hypophysitis: a differential for sellar mass lesions

Summary Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) has been previously described in a typical demographic population, primarily women in the reproductive age group and perinatal period. The era of immune modulation using anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 biological therapy (ipilimumab) against advanced cancers like metastatic melanomas has now resulted in a new form of hypophysitis being increasingly recognised under a spectrum of immune-related adverse events. Drug-related AH often presents with subtle symptoms and a pituitary mass, with the potential for fatality necessitating wide awareness and a high index of clinical suspicion given that it is usually treatable. We describe below two cases of AH within the last three months at our centre, which were treated with different regimens and produced good endocrine outcomes. Learning points AH is a new and defined clinical entity occurring as a side effect of ipilimumab, which enhances immune-mediated destruction of metastatic melanoma. It can present insidiously and have life-threatening complications related to hypocortisolism, hence a high index of clinical suspicion must be exerted by treating physicians, and seems to result in resolution of pituitary masses and variable improvements of pituitary function. Clinical improvement, radiological resolution of pituitary masses and variable normalisation of pituitary function are possible with early treatment with high-dose oral or i.v. steroids and hormone replacement therapy, although duration and dosing protocols are unclear at this stage. Ipilimumab should continue to be prescribed as treatment for metastatic melanoma; however, close clinical observation of patient's progress must be maintained while they are on this drug. Predictive factors for onset of AH remain unclear and it is imperative that AH is distinguished from pituitary metastases. Further studies are required to determine the safety of continuing therapy with ipilimumab in patients who have developed AH while on treatment.
Effects of Sog on Dpp-Receptor Binding

Concentration gradients of morphogens are known to be instrumental in cell signaling and tissue patterning. Of interest here is how the presence of a competitor of BMP ligands affects cell signaling. The effects of Sog on the binding of Dpp with cell receptors are analyzed for dorsal-ventral morphogen gradient formation in vertebrate and Drosophila embryos. This prototype system includes diffusing ligands, degradation of morphogens, and cleavage of Dpp-Sog complexes by Tolloid to free up Dpp. Simple and biologically meaningful necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a steady state gradient configuration are established, and existence theorems are proved. For high Sog production rates (relative to the Dpp production rate), it is found that the steady state configuration exhibits a more intense Dpp-receptor concentration near the dorsal midline. Numerical simulations of the evolution of the system show that, beyond some threshold Sog production rate, the transient Dpp-receptor concentration at the dorsal midline would become more intense than that of the steady state, before subsiding and approaching a nonuniform steady state of lower magnitude. The magnitude of the transient concentration has been found to increase by several fold with increasing Sog production rate. The highly intense Dpp activity at and around the dorsal midline is consistent with available experimental observations and other analytical studies.
Automated Estimation of Reinforced Precast Concrete Rebar Positions Using Colored Laser Scan Data

Precast concrete elements are widely adopted and the performance of precast structures is relying on the quality of connections between adjacent elements. For reinforced precast concrete elements, rebar positions are important for the overall structural performance, however, they are usually manually inspected. This study develops a technique for automated position estimation of rebars on reinforced precast concrete elements using colored laser scan data. A novel mixed pixel filter is developed to remove mixed pixels from the raw scan data based on both distance and color difference. A one‐class classifier is used for extracting rebars from all the data based on both geometric and color features of points. Furthermore, a novel rebar recognition algorithm is developed to recognize individual rebars based on two newly defined metrics. Experiments on two reinforced precast concrete bridge deck panels were conducted and showed that the proposed technique can accurately and efficiently estimate rebar positions.
THE MINIMUM INFLATION RATE FOR EUROLAND Hans-Werner Sinn

As a result of the Balassa effect relative prices change rapidly between and within the euro countries. Thus it is impossible to find a common monetary policy that will result in price stability in all countries. Based on empirical estimates of the Balassa model, the paper calculates a minimum aggregate inflation rate which is compatible with the requirement that no country face a deflation. This minimum aggeragate inflation rate is 0.94% in the euro-11 countries and 1.13% in an extended Europe which incorporates the east European countries.
IPS multicentric study: Antidepressant prescription patterns

Background: There are very few studies from India which have evaluated the prescription pattern for antidepressants by psychiatrists for treatment of depression. Aim: To study the psychotropic prescription patterns of patients with first episode depression from diverse settings including teaching institutions in public and private sectors and even privately run psychiatric clinics. Materials and Methods: Prescription data of 706 patients with first episode depression, who participated in the IPS multicentric study, were evaluated. Results: Escitalopram was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant, comprising 40% of the total prescriptions. This was followed by sertraline (17.6%) and fluoxetine (16.3%). In total, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) formed 79.2% of all the prescriptions. Tricyclic antidepressants formed a small part (15.15%) of total prescriptions, with imipramine being the most commonly used tricyclic antidepressant. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine and duloxetine) were prescribed to 11.3% of patients with equal share of venlafaxine and duloxetine. About one-sixth (N=104; 14.7%) of the patients were prescribed more than one antidepressant. Nearly three-fourth of the patients (N=523; 74.1%) were prescribed a benzodiazepine, with clonazepam being the most preferred agent, prescribed to nearly half of the participants (49%) and formed nearly two-third of the total benzodiazepine prescriptions (346 out of 523). Conclusion: Escitalopram is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant and SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. Poly pharmacy in the form of concomitant use of two antidepressants is practiced infrequently. However, benzodiazepines are used quite frequently as the co-prescription.
Adapting to Dynamic Stimulus-Response Values: Differential Contributions of Inferior Frontal, Dorsomedial, and Dorsolateral Regions of Prefrontal Cortex to Decision Making

Dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) have all been implicated in resolving decision conflict whether this conflict is generated by having to select between responses of similar value or by making selections following a reversal in reinforcement contingencies. However, work distinguishing their individual functional contributions remains preliminary. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to delineate the functional role of these systems with regard to both forms of decision conflict. Within dmPFC and dlPFC, blood oxygen level-dependent responses increased in response to decision conflict regardless of whether the conflict occurred in the context of a reduction in the difference in relative value between objects, or an error following a reversal of reinforcement contingencies. Conjunction analysis confirmed that overlapping regions of dmPFC and dlPFC were activated by both forms of decision conflict. Unlike these regions, however, activity in IFG was not modulated by reductions in the relative value of available options. Moreover, although all three regions of prefrontal cortex showed enhanced activity to reversal errors, only dmPFC and dlPFC were also modulated by the magnitude of value change during the reversal. These data are interpreted with reference to models of dmPFC, dlPFC, and IFG functioning.
The measurement method of EM field inside box

This paper presents the way of measuring EM field inside metal box using loop and monopole sensor. The rectangular box which has two rooms and two apertures was placed in four-wire TEMcell. EM field can penetrate the shield through apertures and cables. Penetrated EM field into box was investigated. Knowledge of EM field inside box is useful information to determining areas of high current concentration which may cause chip or circuit to malfunction. It is possible to find out selectively dominant frequencies which exist and influence circuits inside box. The calibration method was used to obtain accurate EM field measurement. To calibrate the measurement of surface current, theoretical surface current of the sphere computed from the Mie series was used. And the measured results were compared to the simulation results.
Synapse Formation Is Arrested in Retinal Photoreceptors of the Zebrafish nrc Mutant

We describe the effects of a recessive mutation on visual behavior, the electroretinogram (ERG), and photoreceptor structure in zebrafish. At 6 d post-fertilization (dpf), no optokinetic reflex could be elicited in no optokinetic response c(nrc) mutant animals under any test condition. The animals exhibited ERG responses at 5–7 dpf that were markedly abnormal and could be categorized into two groups. The first showed an initial negative a-wave followed by a delayed positive b-wave of small amplitude. Often a second ERG-like response was recorded after the initial b-wave. The second group showed only a large negative a-wave; an initial b-wave was not evident. In most recordings additional oscillatory waves varying in number, amplitude, and time course were observed. Multiple responses at the cessation of long-duration flashes were also observed. Light and electron microscopy revealed that the cone photoreceptor pedicles of nrcfish were highly abnormal. Although the appropriate number of synaptic ribbons formed in these terminals, they “floated” in the terminal, unassociated with postsynaptic processes or arciform densities. The few processes invaginating the nrc pedicles resembled those of horizontal cells. Invaginating bipolar cell processes were rare, but basal contacts were observed on pedicle surfaces. The severity of the mutation did not change between 6 and 8 dpf, showing that there is neither a delay in development nor a degeneration of the terminals; rather, nrc pedicle development appears arrested. Bipolar cell terminals in the inner plexiform layer made normal ribbon synapses; thus, the mutation appears to affect only the outer retina.