cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TransPlant: A parameterized methodology for generating transactional memory workloads

Transactional memory provides a means to bridge the discrepancy between programmer productivity and the difficulty in exploiting thread-level parallelism gains offered by emerging chip multiprocessors. Because the hardware has outpaced the software, there are very few modern multithreaded benchmarks available and even fewer for transactional memory researchers. This hurdle must be overcome for transactional memory research to mature and to gain widespread acceptance. Currently, for performance evaluations, most researchers rely on manually converted lock-based multithreaded workloads or the small group of programs written explicitly for transactional memory. Using converted benchmarks is problematic because they have been tuned so well that they may not be representative of how a programmer will actually use transactional memory. Hand coding stressor benchmarks is unattractive because it is tedious and time consuming. A new parameterized methodology that can automatically generate a program based on the desired high-level program characteristics benefits the transactional memory community. In this work, we propose techniques to generate parameterized transactional memory benchmarks based on a feature set, decoupled from the underlying transactional model. Using principle component analysis, clustering, and raw transactional performance metrics, we show that TransPlant can generate benchmarks with features that lie outside the boundary occupied by these traditional benchmarks. We also show how TransPlant can mimic the behavior of SPLASH-2 and STAMP transactional memory workloads. The program generation methods proposed here will help transactional memory architects select a robust set of programs for quick design evaluations.
Buoyancy-induced on-the-spot mixing in droplets evaporating on nonwetting surfaces

We investigate hitherto-unexplored flow characteristics inside a sessile droplet evaporating on heated hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces and propose the use of evaporation-induced flow as a means to promote efficient ``on-the-spot'' mixing in microliter-sized droplets. Evaporative cooling at the droplet interface establishes a temperature gradient that induces buoyancy-driven convection inside the droplet. An asymmetric single-roll flow pattern is observed on the superhydrophobic substrate, in stark contrast with the axisymmetric toroidal flow pattern that develops on the hydrophobic substrate. The difference in flow patterns is attributed to the larger height-to-diameter aspect ratio of the droplet (of the same volume) on the superhydrophobic substrate, which dictates a single asymmetric vortex as the stable buoyancy-induced convection mode. A scaling analysis relates the observed velocities inside the droplet to the Rayleigh number. On account of the difference in flow patterns, Rayleigh numbers, and the reduced solid-liquid contact area, the flow velocity is an order of magnitude higher in droplets evaporating on a superhydrophobic substrate as compared to hydrophobic substrates. Flow velocities in all cases are shown to increase with substrate temperature and droplet size: The characteristic time required for mixing of a dye in an evaporating sessile droplet is reduced by \ensuremath{\sim}8 times on a superhydrophobic surface when the substrate temperature is increased from 40 to 60 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The mixing rate is \ensuremath{\sim}15 times faster on the superhydrophobic substrate compared to the hydrophobic surface maintained at the same temperature of 60 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C.
Poxvirus membrane biogenesis

Poxviruses differ from most DNA viruses by replicating entirely within the cytoplasm. The first discernible viral structures are crescents and spherical immature virions containing a single lipoprotein membrane bilayer with an external honeycomb lattice. Because this viral membrane displays no obvious continuity with a cellular organelle, a de novo origin was suggested. Nevertheless, transient connections between viral and cellular membranes could be difficult to resolve. Despite the absence of direct evidence, the intermediate compartment (ERGIC) between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus and the ER itself were considered possible sources of crescent membranes. A break-through in understanding poxvirus membrane biogenesis has come from recent studies of the abortive replication of several vaccinia virus null mutants. Novel images showing continuity between viral crescents and the ER and the accumulation of immature virions in the expanded ER lumen provide the first direct evidence for a cellular origin of this poxvirus membrane.
Current trends in the management of bladder cancer

This article provides a review of bladder cancer etiology, diagnosis, and management for WOC nurses. Bladder cancer incidence continues to rise yearly in the United States, and patients with bladder cancer comprise some of the most challenging cases in urologic oncology. Nurses are involved with all aspects of the processes of care for the patient with bladder cancer, from initial diagnosis and treatment to postsurgical care and follow-up. For nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, treatment includes transurethral resection followed by intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy to prevent recurrence or progression. Radical cystectomy along with chemotherapy protocols provides a survival advantage for muscle invasive bladder cancer, although the timing of chemotherapy remains controversial. Numerous factors are considered when determining the type of urinary diversion used at the time of radical cystectomy, but patient, family, surgeon, and nursing input are essential for preserving an optimal health-related quality of life and reducing morbidity. Patients with metastatic bladder cancer are generally treated with a cisplatin-based chemotherapy but continue to have a poor prognosis. Newer therapies involving novel molecular-targeted agents provide hope for the future for patients with metastatic disease.
Viability of Bacillus thuringiensis and its efficacy for larvae of the greater wax moth (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) following storage of treated combs

Beeswax combs were treated with formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner and assayed for the presence of viable spores following storage at 10 or 300c for different times and at different relative humidities. Other treated and stored combs were tested by feeding them to larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.). Increased storage time, temperature, and relative humidity reduced the number of viable B. thuringiensis spores on combs treated with a liquid concentrate of this bacterium (Certan, Sandoz, San Diego). A concomitant loss of activity against greater wax moth larvae after comb storage under certain conditions also was found. Sufficient numbers of spores do not remain or survive on treated combs in active honey bee colonies > 10-20 wk to preserve activity against wax moth larvae. Honey produced by bees on treated combs contained very low levels of viable B. thuringiensis spores. Wettable granule preparations of B. thuringiensis show promise for increased stability over Certan, but need further testing.
Adherence to Hemodialysis Dietary Sodium Recommendations: Influence of Patient Characteristics, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Barriers

Objective To identify characteristics of hemodialysis patients most likely to experience difficulty adhering to sodium restrictions associated with their dietary regimen. Design Secondary analysis using baseline data from an ongoing randomized clinical trial examining the effects of a technology-supported behavioral intervention on dietary sodium intake in hemodialysis patients. Setting Thirteen dialysis centers in southwestern Pennsylvania. Subjects We included 122 participants (61% women; 48% African American) aged 61 ± 14 years undergoing maintenance, intermittent hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease. Main Outcome Measures Normalized dietary sodium intake, adjusted interdialytic weight gain, perceived problems, and self-efficacy for restricting dietary sodium. Results Younger participants were more likely to report problems managing their hemodialysis diet and low self-efficacy for restricting sodium intake. Consistent with these findings, younger participants had a higher median sodium intake and higher average adjusted interdialytic weight gain. Females reported more problems managing their diet. Race, time on dialysis, and perceived income adequacy did not seem to influence outcome measures. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patients who are younger and female encounter more difficulty adhering to the hemodialysis regimen. Hence, there may be a need to individualize counseling and interventions for these individuals. Further investigation is needed to understand the independent effects of age and gender on adherence to hemodialysis dietary recommendations and perceived self-efficacy.
Potential factors affecting survival differ by run-timing and location: linear mixed-effects models of Pacific salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the Klamath River, California.

Understanding factors influencing survival of Pacific salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) is essential to species conservation, because drivers of mortality can vary over multiple spatial and temporal scales. Although recent studies have evaluated the effects of climate, habitat quality, or resource management (e.g., hatchery operations) on salmonid recruitment and survival, a failure to look at multiple factors simultaneously leaves open questions about the relative importance of different factors. We analyzed the relationship between ten factors and survival (1980–2007) of four populations of salmonids with distinct life histories from two adjacent watersheds (Salmon and Scott rivers) in the Klamath River basin, California. The factors were ocean abundance, ocean harvest, hatchery releases, hatchery returns, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, El Nino Southern Oscillation, snow depth, flow, and watershed disturbance. Permutation tests and linear mixed-effects models tested effects of factors on survival of each taxon. Potential factors affecting survival differed among taxa and between locations. Fall Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha survival trends appeared to be driven partially or entirely by hatchery practices. Trends in three taxa (Salmon River spring Chinook salmon, Scott River fall Chinook salmon; Salmon River summer steelhead trout O. mykiss) were also likely driven by factors subject to climatic forcing (ocean abundance, summer flow). Our findings underscore the importance of multiple factors in simultaneously driving population trends in widespread species such as anadromous salmonids. They also show that the suite of factors may differ among different taxa in the same location as well as among populations of the same taxa in different watersheds. In the Klamath basin, hatchery practices need to be reevaluated to protect wild salmonids.
Intra-set point generation and filtering in decision and criterion space

Abstract In various mathematical programming problems, especially in the area of multiple objective linear programming, the solution set generated by the model may often turn out to be a multidimensional subset of the feasible region rather than just a single point. Describing such solution sets to a decisionmaker can be difficult. In many cases, the only acceptable way to describe such a solution set is to do it by presenting the decision-maker with a finite number of representative points. The main purpose of this paper is to address techniques (that will be called intra-set point generation and filtering) that can be used to develop groups of representative solutions from a given set. Also, the paper outlines how the methods discussed can be coordinated with one another so as to form an interactive procedure. The interactive procedure can then be used to assist the decision-maker in locating his best solution in the set by looking at only a small finite number of representative solutions at each iteration. In order to demonstrate the usefulness of the intra-set point generation and filtering techniques, several illustrative applications have been provided.
The Structure of Near-Inertial Waves during Ocean Storms

Abstract Current meter data from two sites were analyzed for near-inertial motions generated by storm during the ten-month period of the Ocean Storms Experiment in the northeast Pacific Ocean. The most striking feature of the inertial wave response to storms was the almost instantaneous generation of waves in the mixed layer, followed by a gradual propagation into the thermocline that often lasted many days after the initiation of the storm. The propagation of near-inertial waves generated by three storms in October, January, and March was studied by using group propagation theory based on the WKB approximation. It was found that wave frequencies were slightly superinertial, with inertial shifts 1%–3% in October and March and around 1% in January. The phase of near-inertial currents propagated upward below the mixed layer, confirming the downward radiation of energy by these waves. The average downward energy flux during the storm periods was between 0.5 and 2.8 mW m−2. The vertical wavelengths indicated ...
An interactive multi-objective gradient search

In recent years there has been much interest in developing interactive algorithms for solving multiple objective optimization problems. In this paper we present an approach for estimating the gradient within a line-search algorithm. The approach uses a numerical approximation to the gradient obtained by fitting a first-order experimental design to the decision maker's value function. Test results indicate that the algorithm provides accurate utility predictions for numerically assessed gradient vectors, relative to analytical gradient vectors.
NEW METHODS FOR STATIC MESON POTENTIALS

The interaction potentials for two static sources of isovector scalar meson field are calculated using methods that treat the asymptotic region correctly. The variational calculations for both the single source and the two interacting sources use coherent meson-pair states that give good results for all coupling strengths. Both the T = 0 and T = 1 potentials are shown to be attractive at small enough source separation. The dependence of the potentials on the form factor of the Yukawa interaction is exhibited.
The viral erbA oncogene protein, a constitutive repressor in animal cells, is a hormone-regulated activator in yeast

The v-erbA oncogene is a retrovirus-transduced and altered copy of a cellular gene for a thyroid hormone receptor. In animal cells, the v-erbA protein fails to respond to hormone and acts as a dominant negative allele, inhibiting gene activation normally conferred by the wild-type thyroid hormone receptor. We report here that, unexpectedly, the v-erbA protein acts as a hormone-regulated transcriptional activator in S. cerevisiae. We suggest that the ability of v-erbA protein to function as a transcriptional repressor or an activator is determined by interaction with, or modification by, other cellular factors, and that this phenomenon may be relevant to understanding ligand regulation of the normal thyroid and steroid hormone receptors.
Line Profiles in the Far-uv Absorption Spectra of the Rare Gases

The line profiles of a dozen series of widely different appearance, observed recently in the rare-gas optical absorption spectra between 20 and 100 eV, are analyzed by adapting and extending previously developed theory. Theory characterizes each profile by its linewidth, $q$ index, and correlation coefficient $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and relates these parameters to matrix elements of the energy and of the electric dipole moment. Because the profiles result from interference effects, the signs of these matrix elements are highly relevant. Crude estimates of such, hitherto hardly accessible, matrix elements are obtained from experimental evidence and from atomic theory, and are intercompared and found to be in general agreement. Similarities and differences among the line profiles are thereby tentatively explained. The connection of Rydberg series and absorption edges is discussed and the occurrence of downward jumps at some edges is explained. This exploratory investigation demonstrates how one can treat experimental data, and it surveys the kind and volume of information on the dynamics of highly and multiply excited atoms made accessible by recent experimental techniques.
OMVPE growth of GaInAsSb in the 2-2.4 μm range

Abstract Ga 1− x In x As y Sb 1− y epilayers were grown lattice matched to GaSb substrates by organometallic vapour phase epitaxy using all organometallic precursors, which include triethylgallium, trimethylindium, tertiarybutylarsine, and trimethylantimony. Layers were grown over a temperature range between 525 and 575°C, a V/III ratio range between 0.9 and 1.7, x y 15 cm −3 and hole mobility of ∼430–560 cm 2 /(V s). The n- and p-type doping of GaInAsSb with diethyltellurium and dimethylzinc, respectively, are also reported.
A linear matrix inequality approach to decentralized control of distributed parameter systems

In this paper preliminary results in the use of linear matrix inequalities for the decentralized control of distributed parameter systems is presented. The class of systems being considered are those that can be expressed as multidimensional systems. It is shown that linear matrix inequalities can be used to provide tractable solutions to this problem; the conditions are in general conservative, but are computationally attractive and lead to controllers which have a decentralized structure.
Trials of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists during percutaneous coronary revascularization

Abstract Selective inhibition of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa surface receptor is a potent mechanism to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Over 15,000 patients have been enrolled in pivotal trials of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade with the parenteral inhibitors abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban during coronary intervention, unequivocally establishing the clinical efficacy of this class of therapy in this setting. Reductions of up to 50–60% in the risk of important clinical endpoints have been achieved with these agents, a treatment effect that extends to all components of the composite clinical endpoints (death, myocardial infarction, and emergency revascularization). Inhibition of ischemic events by GP IIb/IIIa blockade is achieved early and almost invariably maintained without attenuation over long-term follow-up, although an influence of these agents on the risk of restenosis has not been consistently observed. All patients undergoing intervention appear to benefit from this class of therapy, irrespective of their risk profile or indication for revascularization, and clinical benefit is independent of the device or modality (stent, balloon, atherectomy) used. Patients undergoing coronary revascularization for acute ischemic syndromes such as unstable angina may derive exceptional treatment effect. Excessive bleeding risk associated with these agents may be markedly diminished without loss of efficacy by reduction in conjunctive heparin dosing.
The neurobiology of the stress-resistant brain

The 2010 Neurobiology of Stress Workshop brought together scientists from all over the world to share and discuss their results from studies examining the consequences of acute, repeated, and chronic stressor exposure on health and disease. Session IV entitled “The neurobiology of the stress-resistant brain” explored how we can intervene to promote stress resistance and stress resilience. Four scientists, who explore this topic from unique and convergent perspectives, presented their experimental results derived from studies in rat (Fleshner and Maier), non-human primates (Lyons), and human (Raskind). Summaries of each presentation, supporting publications, and overall take-home messages from the session are presented.
Effects of Illness (Phlebotomus Fever) on Sustained Performance and Muscular Output

During a period of illness with Phlebotomus fever, decrements in the performances of eight experimental subjects were found to be approximately 18% in average work efficiency (sustained performance) and 14% in average muscular output. Both aspects of performance had recovered completely four days after the day of peak illness. Analyses of 24 biomedical indices of infection were also computed, and the average biomedical response was found to have decreased approximately 26% during illness without recovery to normal levels at the end of the 15-day study.
Multiplexed analysis of inflammation biomarkers using spectrally-encoded on-chip electrophoresis

We report on development of spectrally multiplexed immunoassays for inflammatory biomarkers utilizing onchip electrophoresis. Direct immunoassays are developed for TNF-α and CRP using affinity reagents (antibodies) labeled with spectrally distinct fluorophores. Following off chip incubation, unbound affinity reagents were rapidly resolved from bound immune complex via on-chip electrophoretic separation. Bound immune complex were quantified using 2-color imaging. Dose response curves are generated for both biomarkers at clinically relevant concentrations. With spectral multiplexing, multiple biomarkers can be analyzed in a single microfluidic channel. The technique reported here shows promise as biomarker profiling tool for differential diagnosis in clinical setting.
Generating catalogs of transverse matching solutions

An algorithm is described which rapidly finds a catalog of approximate transverse beam matching solutions. For a given initial beam, the algorithm finds the gradients of four quadrupole magnets so as to get four Twiss parameters (alpha and beta for horizontal and vertical planes) which are close to a set of desired values at the exit of a constant-energy beam line with no horizontal-vertical cross coupling and no space charge. The beam line may contain bending elements with edge corrections and other elements for which the r matrixes are known. The algorithm transforms the entrance and exit beam specifications to waist specifications and uses the properties of waist-to-waist transport to reduce the problem from a four-dimensional search to a two-dimensional search. The procedure described has been added to the TRACE package used by the LAMPF (Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility) accelerator operators. First indications are that use of the procedure results in significant time savings when the operators are determining the best way to match the beam into one of the linacs. >
Time spent with patients by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in community health centers, 2006-2010.

Background As health systems struggle to meet access, cost and quality goals in the setting of increased demand, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are expected to help meet the need for care. The amount of time spent with each patient can affect the clinical productivity, quality of care, and satisfaction of patients and clinicians. This paper compares time spent per patient in community health centers by whether the provider is a physician, NP, or PA. Methods This paper uses National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) Community Health Center (CHC) data from 2006–2010. The NAMCS CHC strata is a national sample of CHCs, providers within CHCs, and patient visits to CHCs. Provider characteristics and variables related to time spent with patients across provider types were compared using t tests and chi square tests of association. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to compare time spent with patients, controlling for patient and visit characteristics. Results There were no differences in the number of visits by provider type, but PAs saw patients for a slightly larger portion of the week (3.8 days) than did physicians (3.5 days, p<0.05) or NPs (3.4 days, p<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the mean time spent per patient in the crude and adjusted analyses. Conclusions Time spent per patient in CHCs is similar for physicians, NPs and PAs. This information may be useful to planners concerned with health system capacity and cost efficiency, and has implications for patient and provider satisfaction.
Middle to late Cenozoic geology, hydrography, and fish evolution in the American Southwest

An evaluation of the poorly understood Cenozoic hydrologic history of the American Southwest using combined geological and biological data yields new insights with implications for tectonic evolution. The Mesozoic Cordilleran orogen next to the continental margin of southwestern North America probably formed the continental divide. Mountain building migrated eastward to cause uplift of the Rocky Mountains during the Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary Laramide orogeny. Closed drainage basins that developed between the two mountain belts trapped lake waters containing fish of Atlantic affinity. Oligocene-Miocene tectonic extension fragmented the western mountain belt and created abundant closed basins that gradually filled with sediments and became conduits for dispersal of fishes of both Pacific and Atlantic affinity. Abrupt arrival of the modern Colorado River to the Mojave-Sonora Desert region at ca. 5 Ma provided a new conduit for fish dispersal. Great dissimilarities in modern fish fauna, including differences in their mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), indicate that late Miocene runoff from the Colorado Plateau did not flow down the Platte or Rio Grande, or through the Lake Bonneville Basin. Fossil fishes from the upper Miocene part of the Bidahochi Formation on the Colorado Plateau have characteristics that reflect a habitat of large, swift-moving waters, and they are closely related to fossil fishes associated with the Snake and Sacramento Rivers. This evidence suggests that influx of fishes from the ancestral Snake River involved a major drainage, not merely small headwater transfers.
Adaptive Neural Network Saturation Compensation in Motion Control Systems

A neural network-based saturation compensation signal is inserted into the actuator control, effectively preventing it from being saturated. The proposed neural network (NN) saturation compensation scheme presents a form of intelligent anti-windup saturation where NN adjusts its output to prevent saturation of the control signal. On-line weights tuning law, the overall closed-loop performance, and the boundedness of the NN weights are derived and guaranteed based on the Lyapunov approach. The actuator saturation is assumed to be unknown, and the compensator is inserted into a feedforward path. The simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can effectively compensate for the saturation nonlinearity in the presence of system uncertainty
Vicarious Revolutionaries: Martial Discourse and the Origins of Mass Party Competition in the United States, 1789–1848

Social scientists of democratic change have emphasized the role of class action in that process, neglecting the discursive shift that was necessary to legitimate mass party competition in the early American case. Although historians of U.S. party formation have emphasized the discursive dimension of this transition, they have focused on more formal theories of party and neglected the importance of martial discourse, which was perhaps more pedestrian, but had a distinctive mass appeal. Drawing on the papers of prominent politicians and the editorials of local party newspapers in Alabama and Illinois, I argue that incipient party elites used the language of wartime discipline to recruit national-level leaders, local operatives, and voters to the new form of elective politics. Martial discourse was therefore integral to the larger discourse of party, which ultimately helped to overcome the inherited antipartyism of the early Republic.
Void-precipitate association during neutron irradiation of austenitic stainless steel

Microstructural data have recently become available on a single heat of 316 stainless steel irradiated in EBR-II and HFIR, over a wide range of irradiation temperatures (55 to 750°C), doses (7 to 75 dpa), and several helium generation rates (0.5 to 55 atomic ppm He/dpa). Results on just one heat of steel minimize effects that may be related to compositional differences. In this work we present these data in order to offer a characterization of precipitate-void association within the context of the overall microstructural evolution. Observations on a second heat of steel are also presented here to allow us to assess which microstructural correlations are general. The analysis of experimental results leads us, first, to conclude that precipitate-void association is not only dependent upon local conditions at the precipitate interface but is also strongly related to the overall microstructural evolution. Second, we suggest a precipitation mechanism that helps to understand precipitate-void codevelopment.
How Fast Do We Grow

The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether major results from Mankiw, Romer, and Weil (1992) cross national study on productivity convergence hold when applied to U.S. states where there is more uniformity of institutional factors and homogeneity of the economic data. Similar to the international studies, this paper identifies the contribution of factor inputs and human capital by state for the period 1969–88. The study finds a strong tendency for convergence even when controlling for other factors, with human capital growth being most important; the speed of convergence is roughly twice as high as between countries.
Median arcuate ligament syndrome with multivessel involvement: diagnosis with spiral CT angiography

Intestinal angina may be caused by compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm. Aortography can suggest the diagnosis, but the diaphragm cannot be visualized by this examination. We report a symptomatic woman in whom spiral computed tomography-guided angiography demonstrated stenosis of the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and both renal arteries due to diaphragmatic compression. Surgery was beneficial.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy by Human Immunodeficiency Virus—Infected Patients

Poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment regimens has serious consequences for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, including failure to prevent viral replication and an increased risk of developing viral resistance. Recent data suggest that the level of medication adherence required for optimal treatment effectiveness is extremely high. Treatment adherence can be measured by use of a variety of methods, including patients' self-reports, pharmacy-based approaches, pill counts, and electronic monitoring. However, these measures of adherence have different strengths and weaknesses in regard to practical application and identifying deficient adherence. All patients receiving antiretroviral therapy require support to insure a high level of treatment adherence, but the evidence about effective interventions is limited. Emerging evidence suggests adherence interventions should employ a multidisciplinary effort involving health care providers, social support networks, family, and friends. Although such programs will require a substantial investment in terms of time and energy, the rewards associated with optimal treatment adherence are worth the effort.
Reconfigurable wireless stand-alone platform for Electrical Capacitance Tomography

This paper presents the assessment of using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) technology to design a stand-alone Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) system. ECT application is manifested by computationally intensive image reconstruction algorithms requiring fast processing of large amounts of data. To date, reconfigurable hardware has not been used in the area of electrical tomography. Furthermore, the experimental results show that using the FPGA as a hardware platform to realize ECT system achieves superior performance in terms of speed and design compactness compared to DSP implementation.
Public speaking state anxiety as a function of trait anxiety and reactivity mechanisms

Over the past several decades, communication scholars have focused on the interesting relationship between state and trait anxiety. Generally, they have been able to account for about 50% of the variance between these two forms of anxiety. In the present study, sensitization during the initial minute of speech performance was shown to be directly related to speaker state anxiety, whereas habituation (adaptation) was inversely related to speech anxiety, suggesting a maladaptive component of psychological arousability. When combined with trait anxiety, maladaptive and hypersensitive psychological arousal accounted for 72 % of public speaking state anxiety. Consequently, combining psychological reactivity and trait anxiety provides an effective model for describing and predicting speech state anxiety in public speakers. Recommendations for therapeutic and pedagogical practices are suggested.
Social Implementation of Neurodegenerative Disease Research and Neuroethics

Twenty-first century research and development into neuroscience has brought about new methodologies that can be used to investigate the biological basis of neurodegenerative diseases and to provide new insights into understanding neurodegenerative diseases. There is a recognition that functional and structural networks across the neural system and other biological systems in the human body may affect the occurrence and ingravescence of neurodegenerative diseases. There is also suggestion that diseases which were once considered to be different or independent may have closer relationship. Thus, it can confidently be said that neurodegenerative diseases are caused not only by the direct deficit of brain and nerves, but also by the effect on the neural system by deficits in other functional systems in the human body. This idea provides researchers with a new biological approach to neurodegenerative diseases. Various clinical studies will be conducted for subjects with neurodegenerative diseases in the near future on this basis. From the perspective of bioethics research, this chapter discusses current issues and future views regarding the research and development of treatment technology for neurodegenerative diseases by focusing on protection of the subject.
Decay of mass-separated /sup 78/Ga to levels in even-even /sup 78/Ge

The decay of mass-separated $^{78}\mathrm{Ga}$ produced in the thermal neutron fission of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ was studied and a decay scheme was deduced from results of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-singles and coincidence measurements. The $^{78}\mathrm{Ga}$ half-life was determined to be 5.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25 s and 45 $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transitions were placed in a level scheme for $^{78}\mathrm{Ge}$ including 19 excited states up to 5078 keV. Observation of a level at 1644 keV with a probable ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ of ${3}^{+}$ completes a level structure which is in good agreement up to 2 MeV with a dynamic deformation calculation.RADIO ACTIVITY $^{78}\mathrm{Ge}$ [from $^{235}\mathrm{U}(n, f)$]; measured ${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$-coin, Ge(Li) detectors; $^{78}\mathrm{Ga}$ deduced levels, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$, $log\mathrm{ft}$, ${Q}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$. Mass-separated $^{78}\mathrm{Ga}$ activity.
Oxidative stress decreases microtubule growth and stability in ventricular myocytes

Microtubules (MTs) have many roles in ventricular myocytes, including structural stability, morphological integrity, and protein trafficking. However, despite their functional importance, dynamic MTs had never been visualized in living adult myocytes. Using adeno-associated viral vectors expressing the MT-associated protein plus end binding protein 3 (EB3) tagged with EGFP, we were able to perform live imaging and thus capture and quantify MT dynamics in ventricular myocytes in real time under physiological conditions. Super-resolution nanoscopy revealed that EB1 associated in puncta along the length of MTs in ventricular myocytes. The vast (~80%) majority of MTs grew perpendicular to T-tubules at a rate of 0.06μm∗s(-1) and growth was preferentially (82%) confined to a single sarcomere. Microtubule catastrophe rate was lower near the Z-line than M-line. Hydrogen peroxide increased the rate of catastrophe of MTs ~7-fold, suggesting that oxidative stress destabilizes these structures in ventricular myocytes. We also quantified MT dynamics after myocardial infarction (MI), a pathological condition associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our data indicate that the catastrophe rate of MTs increases following MI. This contributed to decreased transient outward K(+) currents by decreasing the surface expression of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 channels after MI. On the basis of these data, we conclude that, under physiological conditions, MT growth is directionally biased and that increased ROS production during MI disrupts MT dynamics, decreasing K(+) channel trafficking.
A Comparative Analysis of the BRICs Health Resources and Health Expenditure

Objective: A comparative analysis was conducted on the BRICS medical resources associated with health costs, to provide useful references to the currently deepening reform work. Methods: Data analysis and Literature study were used. Results: Chinese medical resources were in the middle level in the BRICs, but per capita hospital beds were relatively high; the total health expenditure, total health expenditure and health expenditure per capita growth rate ranked the first; the total health expenditure accounted for a low proportion of GDP, and the growth rate was slow; the government health expenditure accounted for the proportion of total health expenses increase was rapidly. Conclusion: On the basis of increasing health investment, China should adjust the structure of medical resources, change the health service model, take the preference for prevention, cure and prevention cooperation, implementing the mechanism of personnel training, compensation and performance appraisal system, focus on the system innovation, pay attention to the support of science and technology, strive to build upgraded version of China's health care reform and provide a solid guarantee for the realization of a well-off society in an all-round way and the Chinese dream.
Evidence from simultaneous intracellular recordings in rat hippocampal slices that area CA3 pyramidal cells innervate dentate hilar mossy cells.

1. Simultaneous intracellular recordings of area CA3 pyramidal cells and dentate hilar “mossy” cells were made in rat hippocampal slices to test the hypothesis that area CA3 pyramidal cells excite ...
Unusual problems in management of chest wall defects; report of two cases.

SUMMARY The recent literature on management of chest wall defects has been reviewed. Two illustrative case reports have been presented.
Psychometric Differentiation of Psychogenic and Organic Erectile Disorders

AbstractA study was conducted to assess the discriminant validity of patient responses to a questionnaire in distinguishing between organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction. A total of 56 urologist-referred veterans slept for 3 nights in a sleep laboratory for nocturnal penile tumescence recording. Based on nocturnal penile tumescence results 48 patients were assigned to an organic group and the remaining 8 were assigned to a psychogenic group. A discriminant function analysis of questionnaire responses yielded a highly significant discriminant function [chi-square (19) equals 63.88, p less than 10−6], and all 56 patients were classified correctly into the nocturnal penile tumescence-defined organic and psychogenic groups. It was concluded that verbally reported data contain diagnostically meaningful information and that such information can compare favorably with information collected through standard laboratory-based nocturnal penile tumescence techniques.
Smartcell: small-scale mobile congestion awareness

Despite improvements and expansion of cellular coverage in developing regions, a substantial qualitative divide remains. Maps that display the presence or absence of cellular coverage mask critical differences in infrastructure performance and client load. In order to illuminate challenges faced by users of such mobile networks, we collect and analyze GSM network measurements at the local scale. We discover higher network congestion in developing regions as well as performance differences between available carriers in each location. Based on our findings, we propose an app, called SmartCell, that informs and empowers users in near real time to seek out improved mobile connectivity.
Terahertz conductivity of ultra high electron concentration 2DEGs in NTO/STO heterostructures

We analyze the terahertz properties of complex oxide hetero-structures with record-high carrier concentration approaching 1015 cm-2. Our results evidence a large room temperature terahertz conductivity, which corresponds to 3X to 6X larger mobility than what is extracted from electrical measurements. That is, in spite of a relatively lower mobility, when taking into account its ultra-large carrier concentration, the 2DEG in complex oxide hetero-structures can still attain a large terahertz conductivity, which is comparable with that in traditional high-mobility semiconductors or large-area CVVD graphene films. Moreover, we also discuss the perspectives off these hetero-structures for terahertz and high frequency electronic applications.
Brain Mapping of Control Processes

‘Cognitive control’ denotes the ability to use internal goals to guide sensory processing and motor processing in a context-sensitive fashion. The computational and neural mechanisms underpinning this ability are presently not well understood. This article reviews the cognitive capacities required for controlled behavior and the brain regions that have been implicated in mediating those mechanisms. This examination highlights the interplay of lateral frontoparietal cortices with sensory areas in the service of working memory (WM) and attention and with medial frontal and basal ganglia structures in regulating WM, attention, and motor output.
Multicast-Aware High-Performance Wireless Network-on-Chip Architectures

Today’s multiprocessor platforms employ the network-on-chip (NoC) architecture as the preferable communication backbone. Conventional NoCs are designed predominantly for unicast data exchanges. In such NoCs, the multicast traffic is generally handled by converting each multicast message to multiple unicast transmissions. Hence, applications dominated by multicast traffic experience high queuing latencies and significant performance penalties when running on systems designed with unicast-based NoC architectures. Various multicast mechanisms such as XY-tree multicast and path multicast have already been proposed to enhance the performance of the traditional wireline mesh NoC incorporating multicast traffic. However, even with such added features, the multihop nature of the wireline mesh NoC leads to high network latencies and thus limits the achievable system performance. In this paper, to sustain the high-bandwidth and high-throughput requirements of emerging applications, we propose the design of a wireless NoC (WiNoC) architecture incorporating necessary multicast support. By integrating congestion-aware multicast routing with network coding, the WiNoC is able to efficiently handle heavy multicast injections. For applications running with a broadcast-heavy Hammer cache coherence protocol, the proposed multicast-aware WiNoC achieves an average of 47% reduction in message latency compared with the XY-tree-based multicast-aware mesh NoC. This network level improvement translates into a 26% saving in full-system energy delay product.
The impact of parenting education on parent and child behaviors: Moderators by income and ethnicity

Abstract Parenting education has emerged as a promising resource for supporting parents, but the relative impact of parenting education among families facing higher versus lower risk remains unclear. The present study explored the effects of participating in an evidence-based parenting education series and examined whether those effects were moderated by families' socio-demographic contexts (income level and ethnicity status). Results indicated that parenting education series serving predominantly lower-income parents resulted in greater improvements in parents' parenting skills and their children's behaviors compared to series serving higher-income parents. Attending a parenting series with a higher proportion of Latino parents also significantly predicted greater improvements in child behaviors, but not parent skills. These findings provide preliminary evidence that parenting education may be most effective when it targets underserved populations. The findings further highlight the importance of continuing to explore the influence of parenting education adapted for low-income and Latino families to inform the design of evidence-based programs.
Proximal Femoral Osteotomy in Hip Preservation

Proximal femoral osteotomies (PFO) are rarely used in isolation for hip preservation. Instead, they are more commonly used as an adjunct and combined with procedures that have the ability to more closely treat the site of pathology or deformity. For example, in cases of acetabular dysplasia, the deformity occurs in the acetabulum and is therefore better treated with a pelvic osteotomy such as the periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) than an intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy (Millis and Kim, Clin Orthop Relat Res 405: 108–121, 2002). Similarly, the anatomic abnormality in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and Perthes disease is located at the femoral head and neck and is therefore best treated with procedures focused on that area such as femoral head/neck osteoplasty and osteotomy. More severe hip deformity involving both the proximal femur and acetabulum may have improved outcomes with combined acetabular and proximal femoral osteotomies (Clohisy et al., J Bone Joint Surg Am 89(7): 1417–1423, 2007; Ganz, Clin Orthop Relat Res 232: 26–36, 1988; Ninomiya and Tagawa, J Bone Joint Surg Am 66(3): 430–436, 1984; Turgeon et al., Clin Orthop Relat Res 441: 188–199, 2005). Femoral osteotomies performed in hip preservation include intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO), relative femoral neck lengthening (RFNL), femoral neck osteotomy (FNO), and femoral head reduction osteotomy. The indications for proximal femoral osteotomy performed either alone or in combination with other procedures for preservation of the mature hip are discussed in this chapter.
Advancing Patient Safety in U.S. Hospitals: Basic Strategies for Success

“To err is human” is often cited as the title of the 1999 landmark report from the Institute of Medicine that drew national attention to the magnitude of medical errors and their adverse effect on patient outcomes. The troubling statistics included in the report have been frequently mentioned in
A Successful Approach to the 2016 RobotX Challenge

Discover how the University of Florida's team prepared for the most difficult collegiate-level robotic competition. The Web extra at https://youtu.be/ODmYL8SQcN8 showcases the development of the NaviGator Autonomous Maritime System for participation in the 2016 Maritime RobotX Challenge in Hawaii.