Evaluating Cache Coherent Shared Virtual Memory for Heterogeneous Multicore Chips

The trend in industry is towards heterogeneous multicore processors (HMCs), including chips with CPUs and massively-threaded throughput-oriented processors (MTTOPs) such as GPUs. Although current homogeneous chips tightly couple the cores with cache-coherent shared virtual memory (CCSVM), this is not the communication paradigm used by any current HMC. In this paper, we present a CCSVM design for a CPU/MTTOP chip, as well as an extension of the pthreads programming model, called xthreads, for programming this HMC. Our goal is to evaluate the potential performance benefits of tightly coupling heterogeneous cores with CCSVM

Ovarian biomarkers in fertility – Serum BMP15 and GDF9 as ovarian biomarkers in polycystic ovarian syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency

Background: Current biomarkers in widespread clinical use can only provide an indirect assessment of oocyte number (ovarian reserve) but not oocyte quality. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor (GDF9) are predominantly expressed by the oocytes and are critical regulators of female fertility. Serum biomarkers have demonstrated diagnostic potential; however, it is currently unknown if concentrations reflect ovarian function, oocyte quality, oocyte reserve and associated pathologies. Aim: To determine if serum BMP15 and GDF9 are associated with ovarian and endocrine parameters, and the ovarian pathologies polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Method: Three cross-sectional studies of women of reproductive age with PCOM; PCOS or POI were assessed based on diagnostic criteria for their condition compared to serum biomarker concentrations of BMP15 and GDF9. Results: Study one investigated biomarker concentrations in healthy women with PCOM and PCOS. Findings identified that biomarkers were associated with ovarian but not metabolic or androgenic characteristics of PCOS. GDF9 positively correlated with ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC). Similar although non-significant associations were associated with BMP15. Study two investigated biomarker concentrations in infertile women with PCOS. BMP15 and luteinising hormone (LH) positively correlated with advancing PCOS pathology suggesting higher concentrations of BMP15 correlated with increased follicular activity. Comparison between study one and two identified that BMP15 concentrations increased as PCOS advanced from fertile to infertile phenotypes. Study three, biomarker concentrations in infertile women with POI and comparisons between the studies and associated pathologies were assessed. These findings identified a positive correlation for BMP15 with the final stages of oocyte development and identified that GDF9 positively correlates with ovarian characteristics preceding ovulation. Conclusion: Serum BMP15 and GDF9 concentrations reflect ovarian characteristics of PCOS and POI with increased GDF9 reflecting high AFC and increased BMP15 reflecting the preovulatory stage of folliculogenesis. Assay improvements to increase sensitivity of analysis and detection of all circulating forms would enable increased understanding how how these biomarkers function in these pathologies

Peer Rejection and Friendships in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Contributions to Long-Term Outcomes

Even after evidence-based treatment, Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with poor long-term outcomes. These outcomes may be partly explained by difficulties in peer functioning, which are common among children with ADHD and which do not respond optimally to standard ADHD treatments. We examined whether peer rejection and lack of dyadic friendships experienced by children with ADHD after treatment contribute to long-term emotional and behavioral problems and global impairment, and whether having a reciprocal friend buffers the negative effects of peer rejection. Children with Combined type ADHD (N0300) enrolled in the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) were followed for 8 years. Peer rejection and dyadic friendships were measured with sociometric assessments after the active treatment period (14 or 24 months after baseline; M ages 9.7 and 10.5 years, respectively). Outcomes included delinquency, depression, anxiety, substance use, and general impairment at 6 and 8 years after baseline (Mean ages 14.9 and 16.8 years, respectively). With inclusion of key covariates, including demographics, symptoms ofADHD, ODD, and CD, and level of the outcome variable at 24 months, peer rejection predicted cigarette smoking, delinquency, anxiety, and global impairment at 6 years and global impairment at 8 years after baseline. Having a reciprocal friend was not, however, uniquely predictive of any outcomes and did not reduce the negative effects of peer rejection. Evaluating and addressing peer rejection in treatment planning may be necessary to improve long-term outcomes in children with ADHD

Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

This review focuses on the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. It briefly addresses prevalence, diagnostic and differential diagnostic issues specific to adults. Stimulant medication, non-stimulant medication, and psychosocial treatments are thoroughly reviewed. For each class of medication possible mechanism of action, efficacy and side effects are summarized. Special attention is given to the pharmacological treatment for patients with adult ADHD and various comorbidities. In summary, stimulant medications are most effective and combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most beneficial treatment option for most adult patients with ADHD