A CDCL-style calculus for solving non-linear constraints

In this paper we propose a novel approach for checking satisfiability of non-linear constraints over the reals, called ksmt. The procedure is based on conflict resolution in CDCL style calculus, using a composition of symbolical and numerical methods. To deal with the non-linear components in case of conflicts we use numerically constructed restricted linearisations. This approach covers a large number of computable non-linear real functions such as polynomials, rational or trigonometrical functions and beyond. A prototypical implementation has been evaluated on several non-linear SMT-LIB examples and the results have been compared with state-of-the-art SMT solvers.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures; accepted at FroCoS 2019; software available at <http://informatik.uni-trier.de/~brausse/ksmt/

The intermediate learner’s choice of self-as-a-model strategies and the eight-session practice in learning of the front crawl swim

The aim of this study was to investigate the intermediate learners’ choice of self-as-a-model strategies for learning the front crawl swim by extending the amount of practice. Participants (n=40) were divided into three groups: choice (free to choose to watch a video footage of their best or overall performance anytime during a practice), yoked (paired to the learners of the choice group), and control group (did not watch any video). Experimental design also involved a pretest, eigh tacquisition blocks, and a 48-hour retention test. The measures included a qualitative analysis of the front crawl swim and the rate of self-efficacy belief questionnaire. Results showed better learning of the front crawl swim for the choice group in comparison to the yoked and control group. It was also verified that the belief of self-efficacy improved in the choice and yoked groups. Most learners chose self-observation of their overall performance during the entire practice. The rest of learners waved in their choices. Self-observation of either the best or overall performance had similar effects on learning the front crawl swim. In conclusion, to provide learners with freedom of choice during the extended acquisition phase was positive for motor learning, regardless of whether or not there were changes in their choices

Functional Dynamics of PDZ Binding Domains: A Normal Mode Analysis

PDZ (Post-synaptic density-95/discs large/zonula occludens-1) domains are relatively small (80 to 120 residues) protein binding modules central in the organization of receptor clusters and in the association of cellular proteins. Their main function is to bind C-terminals of selected proteins that are recognized through specific amino-acids in their carboxyl end. Binding is associated with a deformation of the PDZ native structure and is responsible for dynamical changes in regions not in direct contact with the target. We investigate how this deformation is related to the harmonic dynamics of the PDZ structure and show that one low-frequency collective normal mode, characterized by the concerted movements of different secondary structures, is involved in the binding process. Our results suggest that even minimal structural changes are responsible of communication between distant regions of the protein, in agreement with recent Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. Thus PDZ domains are a very clear example of how collective normal modes are able to characterize the relation between function and dynamics of proteins, and to provide indications on the precursors of binding/unbonding events.Comment: 25 pages, 10 figures, submitted to Biophysical Journa

Faixa de amplitude de conhecimento de resultados e processo adaptativo na aquisição de controle da força manual

A aquisição de habilidades motoras implica em estabilização funcional e aplicação do que foi adquirido a novas situações. Esse processo dinâmico caracteriza um ciclo de instabilidade-estabilidade-instabilidade, que resulta em crescente complexidade e pressupõe a reconsideração de fatores de incerteza e desordem. O conhecimento de resultados (CR), informação externa para o aprendiz sobre o resultado do movimento, é um fator que permite a manipulação da quantidade de certeza relativamente à meta. A presente pesquisa teve o propósito de estudar a integralidade do fornecimento de CR no processo adaptativo em aprendizagem motora. Segundo os resultados, CR fornecido apenas quando o erro ultrapassa um limite preestabelecido não prejudicou a aquisição de uma habilidade motora de controle de força manual.Motor skill acquisition implies functional stability and applying what was acquired to new contexts. This cyclic and dynamic process of instability-stability-instability results in increasing complexity and presumes the reconsideration of factors such as uncertainty and disorder. The knowledge of results (KR), external information given to the learner about the movement outcome, is a factor which allows manipulating the amount of uncertainty in relation to the goal. This study aimed to investigate the role of integral KR information in motor learning viewed as an adaptive process. The results indicated that KR given inside an error bandwidth was not harmful to the adaptive process in acquiring a manual force control motor task

Pandrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Causing Nosocomial Infections in a University Hospital, Taiwan

The rapid emergence (from 0% before 1998 to 6.5% in 2000) of pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (PDRAB) was noted in a university hospital in Taiwan. To understand the epidemiology of these isolates, we studied 203 PDRAB isolates, taken from January 1999 to April 2000: 199 from 73 hospitalized patients treated at different clinical settings in the hospital and 4 from environmental sites in an intensive-care unit. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) generated by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction of these 203 isolates showed 10 closely related genotypes (10 clones). One (clone 5), belonging to pulsotype E and RAPD pattern 5, predominated (64 isolates, mostly from patients in intensive care). Increasing use of carbapenems and ciprofloxacin (selective pressure) as well as clonal dissemination might have contributed to the wide spread of PDRAB in this hospital

State of Utah v. Theodore Samuel Pacheco : Brief of Appellant

\u3cp\u3eCardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in Western countries. Physician adherence to guidelines is often suboptimal, resulting in impaired patient outcome and prognosis. Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate patterns and the influencing factors of patient adherence, but little is known about factors influencing physician guideline adherence. This review aims to identify factors influencing physician guideline adherence relevant to cardiology and to provide insights and suggestions for future improvement. Physician adherence was measured as adherence to standard local medical practice and applicable guidelines. Female gender and older age had a negative effect on physician guideline adherence. In addition, independent of the type of heart disease, physicians without cardiologic specialization were linked to physician noncompliance. Also, guideline adherence in primary care centers was at a lower level compared with secondary or tertiary care centers. The importance of guideline adherence increases as patients age, and complex diseases and comorbidity arise. Appropriate resources and interventions, taking important factors for nonadherence in account, are necessary to improve guideline adoption and adherence in every level of the chain. This in turn should improve patient outcome.\u3c/p\u3

Test of CPT Symmetry and Quantum Mechanics with Experimental data from CPLEAR

We use fits to recent published CPLEAR data on neutral kaon decays to $\pi^+\pi^-$ and $\pi e\nu$ to constrain the CPT--violation parameters appearing in a formulation of the neutral kaon system as an open quantum-mechanical system. The obtained upper limits of the CPT--violation parameters are approaching the range suggested by certain ideas concerning quantum gravity.Comment: 9 pages of uuencoded postscript (includes 3 figures