Coherence resonance in an unijunction transistor relaxation oscillator

The phenomenon of coherence resonance (CR) is investigated in an unijunction transistor relaxation oscillator (UJT-RO) and quantified by estimating the normal variance (NV). Depending upon the measuring points two types of NV curves have been obtained. We have observed that the degradations in coherency at higher noise amplitudes in our system is probably the result of direct interference of coherent oscillations and the stochastic perturbation. Degradation of coherency may be minimal if this direct interference of noise and coherent oscillations is eliminated.Comment: 4 pages, Coherence resonace, Uni junction relaxation oscillato

Enhanced bully algorithm for leader node election in synchronous distributed systems

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

An Exploration of the Effects of Toning and Quartz Crystal Bowls on the Energetic Balance in the Body as Measured Electrically Through the Acupuncture Meridians

This study explored the eHects of toning with a Marcel Vogel crystal and the playing of a quartz crystal bowl on the energetic balance in the body, as measured electrically through the acupuncture meridians

A Study of Wellness Education as a Burnout Coping Strategy

Introduction: The MedScape National Physician Burnout & Depression 2018 report states that over 40% of responding physicians reported burnout, with 12% reporting clinical depression. As such, there is a need to study burnout mitigation. Objective: This study seeks to validate the hypothesis that intervention will prevent burnout and promote physician well-being. Methods: 200 medical professionals attending the November 2018 NMPRA conference in Orlando were administered a survey to assess attitudes and prevalence of burnout. Education about burnout was provided through an information booth, handouts, and discussions. A monthly newsletter about wellness will seek to inspire participants. Another survey after 6 months will re-assess attitudes and burnout and the data will be analyzed. Results: Of 56 surveys returned, 66% were female respondents. 34% of responders have been practicing under 5 years, while 28% have over 20 years of practice. 63% of males and 86% of females reported burnout. While 72% reported participation in wellness activities, over 93% thought they worked too hard. At least 50% thought they were appreciated and supported at work by their colleagues, and 85-90% thought their work was meaningful. 73% of males and 62% of females blamed lack of sleep for burnout. Discussion: While physicians by and large are satisfied with their job and feel well supported, burnout is widespread, especially among females. Time pressure and wellness being lower priority may be issues, and this seems to indicate that the planned interventions should have a positive effect on wellness outcomes

Troponin Elevations After Electroconvulsive Therapy: The Need for Caution

BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat patients with severe or resistant depression. Troponin elevations are associated with an adverse prognosis, and it is well known that central nervous system insults can cause biochemical evidence of cardiac injury. No study previously has studied this with electroconvulsive therapy. METHODS: Patients scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy were enrolled. Clinical information, an electrocardiogram, and a baseline sample for cardiac troponin I and T (cTnI and cTnT) were obtained. Electroconvulsive therapy was done with standard techniques. Subsequently, electrocardiograms and additional samples were obtained. cTnT was measured with the Roche assay and cTnI with the Dade Stratus equipment. Values above the 99th percentile were considered abnormal. RESULTS: Seventy patients completed the study. Four patients had elevated levels of cTn before treatment. In 3 patients, the elevations persisted. Four additional patients developed elevated cTn levels during electroconvulsive therapy. Two of the patients with cTn elevations died. No other events occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Elevations of cTn occurred in 11.5% of patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy. Some of the elevations preceded therapy and some occurred during treatment. Given the adverse prognostic importance of cTn elevations in general, in addition to additional studies, an increased degree of medical scrutiny may be appropriate for this group of patients and for those receiving electroconvulsive therapy

The Association between Food Insecurity, Glycemic Control, Self-Care, and Quality of Life in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Food insecurity is the inability to obtain adequate nutritious food. Therefore, the study assessed the relationship between food insecurity, glycemic control, self-care behaviors, and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Cross sectional study of 356 adults with T2DM recruited from an academic medical center and a veterans affairs medical center. The independent predictor was food insecurity, and the outcomes were glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, self-care behaviors, and quality of life (QOL). Logistic regression was used to assess the independent factors associated with food insecurity. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between food insecurity and outcomes. Stata was used for the analyses. The majority (88%) was ≥50 years old, male (70%), and non-Hispanic black (55%). Thirty-five percent were food insecure. Compared to those who had 16 years of education were less likely to be food insecure (Odds ratio (OR) 0.25; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.07, 0.92). Compared to those making \u3c$10,000, those with income levels of$20,000-$34,999 (OR 0.31; 95$35,000 (OR 0.15, 95% 0.06, 0.38) were less likely to be food insecure. In adjusted modeling, food insecurity was marginally associated with glycemic control (βeta coefficient =-0.41; 95% CI -0.85, 0.02), and not significantly associated with self-care behaviors or QOL. In this sample of adults with T2DM, food insecurity was significantly associated with education and income and marginally associated with glycemic control. Further research is needed to assess the relationship between these factors

The Role of IFN-α/β in Host Antiviral Response to T3D Mammalian Orthoreovirus

The antiviral activity of Type 1 Interferon (IFN) has been extensively studied and recognized, especially in regards to Hepatitis and HIV; however the IFN antiviral activity has not been specifically analyzed in reoviral infection. In this study, a mouse model of reoviral encephalitis was used to determine the role of Type 1 Interferon (IFN) in host antiviral activity. Six mice deficient in IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) function were inoculated with Type 3 Dearing (T3D) mammalian orthoreovirus intracranially at 15 days of age and showed signs of clinical illness, lethargy, hunched posture, and dull hair coat at day 7 post infection. Mice were humanely euthanized and tissues were harvested for histologic evaluation on days 8 and 9 post infection. Pathologic lesions including meningoencephalitis, hydrocephalus, rhinitis, hepatitis, interstitial pneumonia and marked lymphoid depletion were identified on routine histologic exam. Further investigation utilizing immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Reovirus, CD3 cells, B220 cells, and F4/80 was performed on the affected tissues. Reovirus was detected in the brain, liver and lung. In the brain there was a robust T-cell (CD3) and macrophage (F4/80) response. In the spleen Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry confirmed marked apoptosis in the lymphoid tissue. Pathologic lesions were not present in the gastrointestinal tract, heart, or kidneys. This study shows that IFNAR deficient mice are susceptible to reovirus infection at post natal day 15 with morbidity and mortality due to reovirus induced meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, and interstitial pneumonia