Optimal Embedding of Functions for In-Network Computation: Complexity Analysis and Algorithms

We consider optimal distributed computation of a given function of distributed data. The input (data) nodes and the sink node that receives the function form a connected network that is described by an undirected weighted network graph. The algorithm to compute the given function is described by a weighted directed acyclic graph and is called the computation graph. An embedding defines the computation communication sequence that obtains the function at the sink. Two kinds of optimal embeddings are sought, the embedding that---(1)~minimizes delay in obtaining function at sink, and (2)~minimizes cost of one instance of computation of function. This abstraction is motivated by three applications---in-network computation over sensor networks, operator placement in distributed databases, and module placement in distributed computing. We first show that obtaining minimum-delay and minimum-cost embeddings are both NP-complete problems and that cost minimization is actually MAX SNP-hard. Next, we consider specific forms of the computation graph for which polynomial time solutions are possible. When the computation graph is a tree, a polynomial time algorithm to obtain the minimum delay embedding is described. Next, for the case when the function is described by a layered graph we describe an algorithm that obtains the minimum cost embedding in polynomial time. This algorithm can also be used to obtain an approximation for delay minimization. We then consider bounded treewidth computation graphs and give an algorithm to obtain the minimum cost embedding in polynomial time

Robotic Resistance Treadmill Training Improves Locomotor Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Objective To determine whether applying controlled resistance forces to the legs during the swing phase of gait may improve the efficacy of treadmill training as compared with applying controlled assistance forces in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design Randomized controlled study. Setting Research unit of a rehabilitation hospital. Participants Children with spastic CP (N=23; mean age, 10.6y; range, 6–14y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels, I–IV). Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to receive controlled assistance (n=11) or resistance (n=12) loads applied to the legs at the ankle. Participants underwent robotic treadmill training 3 times a week for 6 weeks (18 sessions). A controlled swing assistance/resistance load was applied to both legs starting from the toe-off to mid-swing phase of gait during training. Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures consisted of overground walking speed, 6-minute walk distance, and Gross Motor Function Measure scores and were assessed pre and post 6 weeks of training and 8 weeks after the end of training. Results After 6 weeks of treadmill training in participants from the resistance training group, fast walking speed and 6-minute walk distance significantly improved (18% and 30% increases, respectively), and 6-minute walk distance was still significantly greater than that at baseline (35% increase) 8 weeks after the end of training. In contrast, overground gait speed and 6-minute walk distance had no significant changes after robotic assistance training. Conclusions The results of the present study indicated that robotic resistance treadmill training is more effective than assistance training in improving locomotor function in children with CP

Self-energy corrections in an antiferromagnet -- interplay of classical and quantum effects on quasiparticle dispersion

Self-energy corrections due to fermion-magnon interaction are studied in the antiferromagnetic state of the $t-t'-t''$ Hubbard model within the rainbow (noncrossing) approximation in the full $U$ range from weak to strong coupling. The role of classical (mean-field) features of fermion and magnon dispersion, associated with finite $U,t',t''$, are examined on quantum corrections to quasiparticle energy, weight, one-particle density of states etc. A finite-$U$ induced classical dispersion term, absent in the $t-J$ model, is found to play an important role in suppressing the quasiparticle weight for states near ${\bf k}=(0,0)$, as seen in cuprates. For intermediate $U$, the renormalized AF band gap is found to be nearly half of the classical value, and the weak coupling limit is quite non-trivial due to strongly suppressed magnon amplitude. For finite $t'$, the renormalized AF band gap is shown to vanish at a critical interaction strength $U_c$, yielding a spin fluctuation driven first-order AF insulator - PM metal transition. Quasiparticle dispersion evaluated with the same set of Hubbard model cuprate parameters, as obtained from a recent magnon spectrum fit, provides excellent agreement with ARPES data for $\rm Sr_2 Cu O_2 Cl_2$.Comment: 11 pages, 17 figure

Heartbeat and Temperature Monitoring System for Remote Patients using Arduino

This paper describes the working of a wireless heartbeat and temperature monitoring system based on a microcontroller ATmega328 (arduino uno). Most monitoring systems that are in use in today\u27s world works in offline mode but our system is designed such that a patient can be monitored remotely in real time. The proposed approach consists of sensors which measures heartbeat and body temperature of a patient which is controlled by the microcontroller. Both the readings are displayed in LCD monitor. Wireless system is used to transmit the measured data from the remote location. The heartbeat sensor counts the heartbeat for specific interval of time and estimates Beats per Minute while the temperature sensor measures the temperature and both the data are sent to the microcontroller for transmission to receiving end. Finally, the data are displayed at the receiving end. This system could be made available at a reasonable cost with great effect

Accuracy of the implant impression obtained from different impression materials and techniques: review

With the predictable integration of implants, the emphasis is shifted towards precise prosthesis. Reproducing the intraoral relationship of implants through impression procedures is the first step in achieving an accurate, passively fitting prosthesis. The critical aspect is to record the three dimensional orientation of the implant as it is present intraorally, other than reproducing fine surface detail for successful implant prosthodontic treatment. The development of impression techniques to accurately record implant position has become more complicated and challenging. During the prosthetic phase of implant therapy there are numerous options available to the implantologist in relation to different impression techniques and materials available for impression making. It is critical to ensure that implant – prosthesis interface have passive fit and original position of the implant maintained in the master cast. There is no evidence supporting that one impression technique or material is better than the other. In the present article the various parameters affecting the accuracy of implant impression along with impression material and technique pertaining to different clinical situations is reviewed

Modulation of plant autophagy during pathogen attack

In plants, the highly conserved catabolic process of autophagy has long been known as a means of maintaining cellular homeostasis and coping with abiotic stress conditions. Accumulating evidence has linked autophagy to immunity against invading pathogens, regulating plant cell death, and antimicrobial defences. In turn, it appears that phytopathogens have evolved ways not only to evade autophagic clearance but also to modulate and co-opt autophagy for their own benefit. In this review, we summarize and discuss the emerging discoveries concerning how pathogens modulate both host and self-autophagy machineries to colonize their host plants, delving into the arms race that determines the fate of interorganismal interaction.Fil: Leary, Alexandre Y. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Sanguankiattichai, Nattapong. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Duggan, Cian. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Tumtas, Yasin. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Pandey, Pooja. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Segretin, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; ArgentinaFil: Salguero Linares, Jose. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Savage, Zachary D. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Yow, Rui Jin. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Bozkurt, Tolga O.. Imperial College London; Reino Unid

Erenumab in chronic migraine: Patient-reported outcomes in a randomized double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of erenumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), headache impact, and disability in patients with chronic migraine (CM). METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 667 adults with CM were randomized (3:2:2) to placebo or erenumab (70 or 140 mg monthly). Exploratory endpoints included migraine-specific HRQoL (Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire [MSQ]), headache impact (Headache Impact Test-6 [HIT-6]), migraine-related disability (Migraine Disability Assessment [MIDAS] test), and pain interference (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Pain Interference Scale short form 6b). RESULTS: Improvements were observed for all endpoints in both erenumab groups at month 3, with greater changes relative to placebo observed at month 1 for many outcomes. All 3 MSQ domains were improved from baseline with treatment differences for both doses exceeding minimally important differences established for MSQ-role function-restrictive (≥3.2) and MSQ-emotional functioning (≥7.5) and for MSQ-role function-preventive (≥4.5) for erenumab 140 mg. Changes from baseline in HIT-6 scores at month 3 were -5.6 for both doses vs -3.1 for placebo. MIDAS scores at month 3 improved by -19.4 days for 70 mg and -19.8 days for 140 mg vs -7.5 days for placebo. Individual-level minimally important difference was achieved by larger proportions of erenumab-treated participants than placebo for all MSQ domains and HIT-6. Lower proportions of erenumab-treated participants had MIDAS scores of severe (≥21) or very severe (≥41) or PROMIS scores ≥60 at month 3. CONCLUSIONS: Erenumab-treated patients with CM experienced clinically relevant improvements across a broad range of patient-reported outcomes. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02066415. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with CM, erenumab treatment improves HRQoL, headache impact, and disability