bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What influences attitudes towards clinically assisted hydration in the care of dying patients? A review of the literature
Authors: Gent Miriam J , Fradsham Sarah , Whyte Graham M , Mayland Catriona R
Published: March 2014

Background

An equivocal evidence base on the use of Clinically Assisted Hydration (CAH) in the last days of life presents a challenge for clinicians. In an attempt to provide clarity, the General Medical Council (GMC) has produced reasoned guidelines which identify that clinical vigilance is paramount, but that healthcare professionals should consider patient and family beliefs, values and wishes when making a decision to commence, withhold or withdraw CAH.

Aims

To describe the attitudes and knowledge of patients, families, healthcare professionals and the general public regarding CAH in the care of dying patients.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for empirical studies relating to attitudes and knowledge regarding CAH in the care of dying patients or end-of-life care (1985 and 2010). Selected studies were independently reviewed and data collaboratively synthesised into core themes.

Results

From 202 identified articles, 18 papers met inclusion criteria. Three core themes emerged: (1) the symbolic value of hydration; (2) beliefs and misconceptions and (3) cultural, ethical and legal ideas about hydration.

Conclusions

Developing international evidence suggests that cultural norms and ethical principles of a family, population or healthcare environment influence attitudes towards CAH, particularly where CAH has symbolic meaning; representing care, hope and trust. However, there is surprisingly little robust evidence regarding dying patients, or the wider general public's views, on the perceived value of CAH in the last days and hours of life. Accordingly, a need for greater understanding of the perceptions regarding CAH, and their effects, is required.
Improving the detection rate of vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonisation using groin swabs
Authors: Mahida Nikunj , Boswell Tim
Published: March 2014

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial pathogens associated with significant morbidity in immunosuppressed patients. Stool culture is considered the gold standard for VRE screening. However, in a clinical environment, there are difficulties associated with the practicalities of obtaining stool samples. Groin swabs, routinely collected as part of the mandatory admissions policy for meticillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusscreening were used to detect VRE. In direct comparison, stool culture had better sensitivity to groin swabs. However, groin swabs with broth enrichment allowed earlier detection of VRE carriage in 14 patients from whom stool samples could not be obtained in a timely manner.
Uptake of the HPV vaccination programme in England: a cross-sectional survey of young women attending sexual health services
Authors: Sacks Rachel J , Copas Andrew J , Wilkinson Dawn M , Robinson Angela J
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The UK human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination programme requires 80% uptake to have a significant impact on cervical cancer rates. Uptake in the first three years of the programme was 66%. We report the results of a cross-sectional survey of young women attending sexual health services (SHS) in England, reviewing HPV vaccination uptake and prevalence of HPV-related risk factors.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire surveyed women aged 13–19 attending 19 hospital-based and 13 community-based SHS across England, March–August 2011. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regression.

Results

2247 questionnaires were completed. Compared with national data, respondents had higher smoking rates (48% vs 14% of 15 year olds), coitarche under-16 (52% vs 38%), previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (25% vs 4%) and a higher proportion not in education, employment or training (NEETs) (8% vs 2% of 16 year olds).

Seventy-four per cent had been offered the vaccination, with significantly lower offer rates in London, non-white ethnicities, 17–19 year olds, NEETs, smokers and those with previous STIs (all p<0.05 in multivariate analysis). Sixty-five per cent of those offered, completed, with significantly lower completion rates in London, non-white ethnicities, 17–19 year olds, NEETs, smokers and those with previous STIs (all p<0.05 in multivariate analysis). Overall completion rate was 47%.

Conclusions

We observed lower vaccination offer and completion rates and higher prevalence of HPV-related risk factors compared with national data. The highest risk individuals were the least likely to have been offered or to have completed the course. This survey highlights an opportunity for primary prevention by routinely offering the HPV vaccine to eligible women attending SHS.
The diversity of iron−sulfur bonding in binuclear iron carbonyl sulfides
Authors: Zhou Liqing , Li Guoliang , Li Qian-Shu , Xie Yaoming , King R. Bruce
Published: March 2014

The potential accessibility of Fe2S(CO)n derivatives with 1:2 sulfur to iron ratios by the decarboxylation of iron carbonyl thionyls has led to their investigation using density functional theory. The lowest energy Fe2S(CO)n (n = 8, 7, 6) structures are predicted to be singlet structures with all terminal CO groups, a bridging sulfur atom, and a formal Fe–Fe single bond of length ∼2.5 Å. The Fe−S distances in these structures shorten from ∼2.3 to ∼2.1 Å as CO groups are lost, suggesting an increase in the formal Fe−S bond orders. The thermochemistry of CO dissociation suggests that both Fe2S(CO)8 and Fe2S(CO)7 are viable synthetic objectives. A similar density functional theory study of Fe2S2(CO)n derivatives (n = 7, 6, 5) finds the experimentally known Fe2S2(CO)7 structure with a bridging S2CO group and the Fe2S2(CO)6 structure with a bridging disulfide ligand to be the lowest energy structures by substantial margins of ∼17 and ∼21 kcal/mol, respectively. The low-energy structures for the unsaturated Fe2S2(CO)5 are derived from the low-energy Fe2S2(CO)6 structures by loss of a CO group in various ways with relatively little change in the underlying Fe2S2 framework.
HUMAN DETECTION IN VIDEO AND IMAGES — A STATE-OF-THE-ART SURVEY
Authors: WALIA GURJIT SINGH , KAPOOR RAJIV
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of state-of-the-art human detection methods, classify them into reasonable categories and listing new trends in this field. Human detection in static images or video sequences is a challenging area of research with its main application in surveillance, defence, intelligent vehicles and robotics. In this survey paper, we classify the human detection methods based upon the mode of data acquisition and features used for detection of human. The review of different algorithms reported in last few years for human detection is tabulated. Also, we reviewed standard dataset for evaluation of human detection and studied the statistics about these dataset such as number of frames, challenging environments conditions, ground truth structure, camera details, etc. Different performance measures for human detection algorithms both qualitative and quantitative are listed out. Our survey gauges the gap between the present research and future requirements.
Spatial Reasoning with Place Information on the Semantic Web
Authors: Smart Philip D. , Abdelmoty Alia I. , El-Geresy Baher
Published: March 2014

Geographical referencing of data and resources on the Web has become prevalent. Discovering and linking this information poses eminent research challenges to the geospatial semantic web, with regards to the representation and manipulation of information on geographic places. Towards addressing these challenges, this work explores the potential of the current semantic web languages and tools. In particular, an integrated logical framework of rules and ontologies, using current W3C standards, is assessed for modeling geospatial ontologies of place and for encoding both symbolic and geometric references to place locations. Spatial reasoning is incorporated in the framework to facilitate the deduction of implicit spatial relations and for expressing spatial integrity constraints. The logical framework is extended with geo-computation engines that offer more effective manipulation of geometric information. Example data sets mined from web resources are used to demonstrate and evaluate the framework, offering insights to its potentials and limitations.
Static charged fluid in (2 + 1)-dimensions admitting conformal Killing vectors
Authors: Rahaman Farook , Ray Saibal , Karar Indrani , Fatima Hafiza Ismat , Bhowmick Saikat , Ghosh Gourab Kumar
Published: March 2014

New solutions for (2 + 1)-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell spacetime are found for a static spherically symmetric charged fluid distribution with the additional condition of allowing conformal Killing vectors (CKV). We discuss physical properties of the fluid parameters. Moreover, it is shown that the model actually represents two structures, namely (i) Gravastar as an alternative of black hole and (ii) Electromagnetic Mass model depending on the nature of the equation of state of the fluid. Here the gravitational mass originates from electromagnetic field alone. The solutions are matched with the exterior region of the Bañados–Teitelboim–Zanelli (BTZ) type isotropic static charged black hole as a consequence of junction conditions. We have shown that the central charge density is dependent on the value of M0, the conserved mass of the BTZ black hole. This, in turn, depends on the black hole event horizon which again is related to the Hawking radiation temperature of a BTZ black hole. Thus, one may have a clue that the central charge density is related with Hawking radiation temperature of the BTZ black hole on the exterior region of the static charged fluid sphere.
SIMULTANEOUS FOUR FINGER METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT FUSIONS – INDICATIONS AND RESULTS
Authors: Ledgard James P. , Tonkin Michael A.
Published: March 2014

Purpose: To review the results and indications of simultaneous four finger metacarpophalangeal joint fusions.

Methods: The clinical records and X-rays of nine patients undergoing the above procedure were reviewed. The indication for surgery was to reverse severe metacarpophalangeal joint flexion deformities in eight patients, and following a traumatic four finger amputation in one. Seven patients returned for follow-up assessment. The fusions were performed with a tension band wire technique, aiming for 20 degrees of flexion for index and middle fingers and 40 degrees in the ring and little fingers. Time to radiological fusion and position of fusion, and improvement in function and appearance were assessed.

Results: All joints were radiologically fused between six and 12 weeks. The average position of fusion of index and middle fingers was 20 degrees (range: 15–30) and ring and little fingers was 40 degrees (range: 35–50). Appearance was improved in all patients. Improved function was reported by four patients, and improved ease of hygiene and general care in four patients with non-functioning or poorly functioning hands.

Discussion: Simultaneous fusion of all four finger metacarpophalangeal joints may be considered as a primary procedure to reconstruct destroyed metacarpophalangeal joints due to inflammatory arthropathy or trauma, and for inability to correct deformity or maintain the correction with soft tissue procedures for patients with cerebral palsy, adult brain injury and arthrogryposis.
OUTCOME OF PYROCARBON PROXIMAL INTERPHALENGEAL JOINT REPLACEMENT
Authors: Desai Aravind , Gould Fraser J. , Mackay David C.
Published: March 2014

Pyrocarbon arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) has been reported to provide excellent pain relief when treating osteoarthritis of the hand. We retrospectively reviewed 20 PIPJ arthroplasties performed on 14 patients by a single surgeon using Ascension prosthesis. The mean follow up period was 3.5 years (range 1–7 years). Excellent pain relief was noted at the final follows-up. The mean range of motion improved from 40° pre-operatively to 70° post-operatively which was statistically significant. Twelve patients had significant improvement in quality of life and would consider similar procedure for other fingers. Radiological assessment revealed an average of 1 mm subsidence and there was no correlation noted between subsidence, migration and ROM at the final follow-up. Stiffness was the main complication and was comparable with other studies. The results of this series are encouraging and demonstrate excellent to good outcome in 86% of patients at the mid-term follow-up.
SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS AFFECTING A DIGITAL PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT
Authors: Spiers James David , Wijeratna Malin D. , Jones Jonathan W. M.
Published: March 2014

We present a case of synovial chondromatosis affecting the interphalangeal joint where the disease did not clearly manifest itself on pre-operative radiographs. Although rare, surgeons should consider articular synovial chondromatosis as a differential for pain and stiffness in any joint, even those of the hand.
Interpretable groups are definable
Authors: Eleftheriou Pantelis E. , Peterzil Ya'acov , Ramakrishnan Janak
Published: March 2014

We prove that in an arbitrary o-minimal structure, every interpretable group is definably isomorphic to a definable one. We also prove that every definable group lives in a cartesian product of one-dimensional definable group-intervals (or one-dimensional definable groups). We discuss the general open question of elimination of imaginaries in an o-minimal structure.
Nontame mouse from the failure of square at a singular strong limit cardinal
Authors: Sargsyan Grigor
Published: March 2014

Building on the work of Schimmerling [Coherent sequences and threads, Adv. Math.216(1) (2007) 89–117] and Steel [PFA implies AD L(ℝ), J. Symbolic Logic70(4) (2005) 1255–1296], we show that the failure of square principle at a singular strong limit cardinal implies that there is a nontame mouse. The proof presented is the first inductive step beyond L(ℝ) of the core model induction that is aimed at getting a model of ADℝ + "Θ is regular" from the failure of square at a singular strong limit cardinal or PFA.
Asymptotic methods for stochastic dynamical systems with small non-Gaussian Lévy noise
Authors: Qiao Huijie , Duan Jinqiao
Published: March 2014

The goal of the paper is to analytically examine escape probabilities for dynamical systems driven by symmetric α-stable Lévy motions. Since escape probabilities are solutions of a type of integro-differential equations (i.e. differential equations with nonlocal interactions), asymptotic methods are offered to solve these equations to obtain escape probabilities when noises are sufficiently small. Three examples are presented to illustrate the asymptotic methods, and asymptotic escape probability is compared with numerical simulations.
Regularization schemes for minimum error entropy principle
Authors: Hu Ting , Fan Jun , Wu Qiang , Zhou Ding-Xuan
Published: March 2014

We introduce a learning algorithm for regression generated by a minimum error entropy (MEE) principle and regularization schemes in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces. This empirical MEE algorithm is highly related to a scaling parameter arising from Parzen windowing. The purpose of this paper is to carry out consistency analysis when the scaling parameter is large. Explicit learning rates are provided. Novel approaches are proposed to overcome the difficulties in bounding the output function uniformly and in the special MEE feature that the regression function may not be a minimizer of the error entropy.
A unified treatment for Tikhonov regularization using a general stabilizing operator
Authors: Nair M. T.
Published: March 2014

While dealing with the problem of solving an ill-posed operator equation Tx = y, where T : X → Y is a bounded linear operator between Hilbert spaces X and Y, one looks for a stable method for approximating [Formula: see text], a least-residual norm solution which minimizes a seminorm x ↦ ‖Lx‖, where L : D(L) ⊆ X → X is a (possibly unbounded) closed densely defined operator in X. If the operators T and L satisfy a completion condition ‖Tx‖2 + ‖Lx‖2 ≥ γ‖x‖2 for all x ∈ D(L*L) for some constant γ > 0, then Tikhonov regularization is one of the simple and widely used of such procedures in which the regularized solution is obtained by solving a well-posed equation [Formula: see text] where yδ is a noisy data and α > 0 is the regularization parameter to be chosen appropriately. We prescribe a condition on (T, L) which unifies the analysis for ordinary Tikhonov regularization, that is, L = I, and also the case of L = Bs with B being a strictly positive closed densely defined unbounded operator which generates a Hilbert scale {Xt}t>0. Under the new framework, we provide estimates for the best possible worst error and order optimal error estimates for the regularized solutions under certain general source condition which incorporates in its fold many existing results as special cases, by choosing regularization parameter using a Morozov-type discrepancy principle.
Relaxation of Ginzburg–Landau functional perturbed by continuous nonlinear lower-order term in one dimension
Authors: Raguž Andrija
Published: March 2014

We study the asymptotic behavior as ε → 0 of the Ginzburg–Landau functional [Formula: see text], where A(s, v, v′) is the nonlinear lower-order term generated by certain Carathéodory function a : (0, 1)2 × R2 → R. We obtain Γ-convergence for the rescaled functionals [Formula: see text] as ε → 0 by using the notion of Young measures on micropatterns, which was introduced in 2001 by Alberti and Müller. We prove that for ε ≈ 0 the minimal value of [Formula: see text] is close to [Formula: see text], where A∞(s) : = ½A(s, 0, -1) + ½A(s, 0, 1) and where E0 depends only on W. Further, we use this example to establish some general conclusions related to the approach of Alberti and Müller.
A Traub type result for one-point iterative methods with memory
Authors: Ezquerro J. A. , Grau-Sánchez M. , Hernández-Verón M. A. , Noguera M.
Published: March 2014

We present an extension of a well-known result of Traub to increase the R-order of convergence of one-point iterative methods by a simple modification of this type of methods. We consider the extension to one-point iterative methods with memory and present a particular case where Kurchatov's method is used. Moreover, we analyze the efficiency and the semilocal convergence of this method. Finally, two applications are presented, where differentiable and nondifferentiable equations are considered, that illustrate the above-mentioned.
A Hodge theory for Alexandrov spaces with curvature bounded from above
Authors: Smale Nat
Published: March 2014

It is shown that the Hodge theory for metric spaces based on the Alexander Spanier coboundary operator, in the presence of a measure previously developed in [4], holds for the class of compact Alexandrov spaces with curvature bounded from above. In particular, the real cohomology of the space is isomorphic to the corresponding space of harmonic co-chains.
Landau constants and their q-analogues
Authors: Ismail Mourad E. H. , Li Xin , Rahman M.
Published: March 2014

We derive inequalities and a complete asymptotic expansion for the Landau constants Gn, as n → ∞ using the asymptotic sequence n!/(n + k)!. We also introduce a q-analogue of the Landau constants and calculate their large degree asymptotics. In the process, we also establish q-analogues of identities due to Ramanujan and Bailey.
Stability in the obstacle problem for a shallow shell
Authors: Léger Alain , Miara Bernadette
Published: March 2014

This work deals with the variation of the solution to an obstacle problem with respect to the variation of its parameters. More precisely, a mechanical structure is pushed by some external forces against an obstacle in such a way that the equilibrium solution involves a part of the domain in which the structure is strictly in contact with the obstacle. It is known from the theory of variational inequalities that studying the variation of the solution as the external forces vary amounts to studying the variation of the boundary of this contact zone. This problem has been studied in previous works in the scalar case, and it was open in the general case where the unknown is a vector field, due to the coupling between the components. As a first step, the present work considers the case of a linearly elastic shallow membrane shell where the coupling between the in-plane and normal components of the displacement arises from the curvature.
Perturbation of the generator of a quaternionic evolution operator
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Colombo Fabrizio , Sabadini Irene
Published: March 2014

The theory of slice hyperholomorphic functions, introduced in recent years, has important applications in operator theory. The quaternionic version of this function theory and its Cauchy formula yield to a definition of the quaternionic version of the Riesz–Dunford functional calculus which is based on the notion of S-spectrum. This quaternionic functional calculus allows to define the quaternionic evolution operator which appears in the quaternionic version of quantum mechanics proposed by J. von Neumann and later developed by S. L. Adler. Generation results such as the Hille–Phillips–Yosida theorem have been recently proved. In this paper, we study the perturbation of the generator. The motivation of this study is that, as it happens in the classical case of closed complex linear operators, to verify the generation conditions of the Hille–Phillips–Yosida theorem, in the concrete cases, is often difficult. Thus in this paper we study the generation problem from the perturbation point of view. Precisely, given a quaternionic closed operator T that generates the evolution operator [Formula: see text] we study under which condition a closed operator P is such that T + P generates the evolution operator [Formula: see text]. This paper is addressed to people working in different research areas such as hypercomplex analysis and operator theory.
Socially Interactive Robotic Platforms as Sign Language Tutors
Authors: Kose Hatice , Akalin Neziha , Uluer Pinar
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the role of interaction and communication kinesics in human–robot interaction. This study is part of a novel research project on sign language (SL) tutoring through interaction games with humanoid robots. The main goal is to motivate the children with communication problems to understand and imitate the signs implemented by the robot using basic upper torso gestures and sound. We present an empirical and exploratory study investigating the effect of basic nonverbal gestures consisting of hand movements, body and face gestures expressed by a humanoid robot, and having comprehended the word, the participants will give relevant feedback in SL. This way the participant is both a passive observer and an active imitator throughout the learning process in different phases of the game. A five-fingered R3 robot platform and a three-fingered Nao H-25 robot are employed within the games. Vision-, sound-, touch- and motion-based cues are used for multimodal communication between the robot, child and therapist/parent within the study. This paper presents the preliminary results of the proposed game tested with adult participants. The aim is to evaluate the SL learning ability of participants from a robot, and compare different robot platforms within this setup.
GPU-like on-chip system for decoding LDPC codes
Authors: Gal Bertrand Le , Jego Christophe
Published: March 2014

Rapid prototyping is an important step in the development and the verification of computationally demanding tasks of digital communication systems, such as Forward Error Correction (FEC) decoding. The goal is to replace time-consuming simulations based on abstract models of the system with real-time experiments under real-world conditions. GPU-like architecture is a promising approach to fully exploit the potential of FPGA-based acceleration platforms. In this article, an application-specific GPU-like architecture and a complete compilation framework for decoding LDPC codes are proposed. The interest in an application-specific GPU in comparison with current GPUs is detailed. Finally, real-time experimentations demonstrate the potential of the GPU-like decoder to investigate both algorithmic and architectural issues.
Algorithm 938
Authors: Gunther John C.
Published: March 2014

Data sequences generated by on-line sensors can become arbitrarily large and must, therefore, be pared down to fit into available memory. For situations where only the most recent data is of interest, this problem can be solved with optimal efficiency by a simple circular buffer: it fills each memory location with useful data, and requires just one write to memory per update. The algorithm presented here provides essentially the same efficiency, but while maintaining a continuously updated, fixed-size, compressed representation of the entire data sequence. Each value in these compressed sequences represents a statistic (an average, maximum, random sample, etc.) computed over a contiguous chunk of the original sequence. Compressing circular buffers gain their efficiency by using an alternative indexing sequence, based on well-known principles of elementary number theory, to ensure that each newly written value gets stored in the unoccupied location created when the two oldest sequential over-sampled values are compressed into one. The associated Java implementation supports a variety of aggregating statistics and is used to compare the algorithm's performance with a more obvious approach (doubling).
Task scheduling
Authors: Maggio Martina , Terraneo Federico , Leva Alberto
Published: March 2014

This article presents a new approach to the design of task scheduling algorithms, where system-theoretical methodologies are used throughout. The proposal implies a significant perspective shift with respect to mainstream design practices, but yields large payoffs in terms of simplicity, flexibility, solution uniformity for different problems, and possibility to formally assess the results also in the presence of unpredictable run-time situations. A complete implementation example is illustrated, together with various comparative tests, and a methodological treatise of the matter.
Building timing predictable embedded systems
Authors: Axer Philip , Ernst Rolf , Falk Heiko , Girault Alain , Grund Daniel , Guan Nan , Jonsson Bengt , Marwedel Peter , Reineke Jan , Rochange Christine , Sebastian Maurice , Hanxleden Reinhard Von , Wilhelm Reinhard , Yi Wang
Published: March 2014

A large class of embedded systems is distinguished from general-purpose computing systems by the need to satisfy strict requirements on timing, often under constraints on available resources. Predictable system design is concerned with the challenge of building systems for which timing requirements can be guaranteed
a priori
. Perhaps paradoxically, this problem has become more difficult by the introduction of performance-enhancing architectural elements, such as caches, pipelines, and multithreading, which introduce a large degree of uncertainty and make guarantees harder to provide. The intention of this article is to summarize the current state of the art in research concerning how to build predictable yet performant systems. We suggest precise definitions for the concept of “predictability”, and present predictability concerns at different abstraction levels in embedded system design. First, we consider timing predictability of processor instruction sets. Thereafter, we consider how programming languages can be equipped with predictable timing semantics, covering both a language-based approach using the synchronous programming paradigm, as well as an environment that provides timing semantics for a mainstream programming language (in this case C). We present techniques for achieving timing predictability on multicores. Finally, we discuss how to handle predictability at the level of networked embedded systems where randomly occurring errors must be considered.
Envy-free pricing in multi-item markets
Authors: Chen Ning , Deng Xiaotie
Published: March 2014

In this article, we study revenue maximizing envy-free pricing in multi-item markets: There are
m
indivisible items with unit supply each and
n
potential buyers where each buyer is interested in acquiring one item. The goal is to determine allocations (a matching between buyers and items) and prices of all items to maximize total revenue given that all buyers are envy-free.

We give a polynomial time algorithm to compute a revenue maximizing envy-free pricing when every buyer evaluates at most two items at a positive valuation, by reducing it to an instance of weighted independent set in a perfect graph and applying the Strong Perfect Graph Theorem. We complement our result by showing that the problem becomes NP-hard if some buyers are interested in at least three items.
BPM/BPM+
Authors: Liu Lei , Cui Zehan , Li Yong , Bao Yungang , Chen Mingyu , Wu Chengyong
Published: March 2014

The main memory system is a shared resource in modern multicore machines that can result in serious interference leading to reduced throughput and unfairness. Many new memory scheduling mechanisms have been proposed to address the interference problem. However, these mechanisms usually employ relative complex scheduling logic and need modifications to Memory Controllers (MCs), which incur expensive hardware design and manufacturing overheads.

This article presents a practical software approach to effectively eliminate the interference without any hardware modifications. The key idea is to modify the OS memory management system and adopt a page-coloring-based Bank-level Partitioning Mechanism (BPM) that allocates dedicated DRAM banks to each core (or thread). By using BPM, memory requests from distinct programs are segregated across multiple memory banks to promote locality/fairness and reduce interference. We further extend BPM to BPM+ by incorporating channel-level partitioning, on which we demonstrate additional gain over BPM in many cases. To achieve benefits in the presence of diverse application memory needs and avoid performance degradation due to resource underutilization, we propose a dynamic mechanism upon BPM/BPM+ that assigns appropriate bank/channel resources based on application memory/bandwidth demands monitored through PMU (performance-monitoring unit) and a low-overhead OS page table scanning process.

We implement BPM/BPM+ in Linux 2.6.32.15 kernel and evaluate the technique on four-core and eight-core real machines by running a large amount of randomly generated multiprogrammed and multithreaded workloads. Experimental results show that BPM/BPM+ can improve the overall system throughput by 4.7%/5.9%, on average, (up to 8.6%/9.5%) and reduce the unfairness by an average of 4.2%/6.1% (up to 15.8%/13.9%).
REUSABLE SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
Authors: Levine Trudy
Published: March 2014

This column consists of our January 2010 listing of sources for reusable software components. All information is obtained from web sites or directly from the parties involved. As always, no recommendation or guarantee by this column is implied.

We note that this issue marks twenty years of this column appearing in Ada Letters.
Practice-Based Evidence in Public Health: Improving Reach, Relevance, and Results
Authors: Ammerman Alice , Smith Tosha Woods , Calancie Larissa
Published: March 2014

The most threatening public health challenges today are chronic and complex and require joint effort from academic researchers in partnership with clinical and public health practitioners to identify and implement sustainable solutions that work in the real world. Practice-based research offers researchers and practitioners an underutilized way forward, an opportunity to work together to design and test feasible, evidence-based programs to address our greatest challenges. In this article, we outline the need for practice-based evidence, tools, and strategies that investigators can use to generate practice-based evidence, describe approaches to translating practice-based evidence into practice, and offer recommendations for making practice-based research the norm in public health.
Association and Predictive Value Analysis for Resting Heart Rate and Diabetes Mellitus on Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in General Population
Authors: Tang Zi-Hui , Zeng Fangfang , Li Zhongtao , Zhou Linuo
Published: March 2014

Background.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of DM and resting HR on CAN in a large sample derived from a Chinese population.Materials and Methods.We conducted a large-scale, population-based, cross-sectional study to explore the relationships of CAN with DM and resting HR. A total of 387 subjects were diagnosed with CAN in our dataset. The associations of CAN with DM and resting HR were assessed by a multivariate logistic regression (MLR) analysis (using subjects without CAN as a reference group) after controlling for potential confounding factors. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance of resting HR and DM.Results.A tendency toward increased CAN prevalence with increasing resting HR was reported (Pfor trend<0.001). MLR analysis showed that DM and resting HR were very significantly and independently associated with CAN (P<0.001for both). Resting HR alone or combined with DM (DM-HR) both strongly predicted CAN (AUC = 0.719, 95% CI 0.690–0.748 for resting HR and AUC = 0.738, 95% CI 0.710–0.766 for DM-HR).Conclusion.Our findings signify that resting HR and DM-HR have a high value in predicting CAN in the general population.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour of the Maxilla
Authors: Sahai Puja , Mohanti Bidhu Kalyan , Nath Devajit , Bhasker Suman , Chander Subhash , Bakhshi Sameer , Singh Chirom Amit
Published: March 2014

A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the maxilla. He was treated with total maxillectomy. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a close resection margin. The tumour was of high grade with an MIB-1 labelling index of almost 60%. At six weeks following the surgery, he developed local tumour relapse. The patient succumbed to the disease at five months from the time of diagnosis. The present report underlines the locally aggressive nature of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the maxilla which necessitates an early therapeutic intervention. A complete resection with clear margins is the most important prognostic factor for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour in the head and neck region. Adjuvant radiotherapy may be considered to improve the local control. Future research may demarcate the role of targeted therapy for patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour.
Time-to-Delivery after Maternal Transfer to a Tertiary Perinatal Centre
Authors: Hutchinson Fiona H. , Davies Mark W.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. To determine, in women transferred antenatally for acute admission with high risk pregnancies, the numbers who deliver, the average time from transfer to delivery, and whether the reason for transfer influences the time-to-delivery.Methods. A retrospective analysis of time-to-delivery was performed in a population of women transferred to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD. Data were obtained from the hospital obstetric, neonatal, and admission databases.Results. A total of 941 women were transferred antenatally with high risk pregnancies where delivery was deemed potentially imminent. Of these 821 (87%) delivered at RBWH. The remaining 120 women (13%) were discharged prior to delivery and then delivered elsewhere. Of the 821 maternal transfers that delivered, the median time to delivery was 24.4 hrs. There were 43% who delivered within 24 hours of admission and 29% who either delivered after 7 days or delivered elsewhere. Most transfers for fetal abnormality delivered in the first 24 hours while most transfers for antepartum haemorrhage and preterm prelabour membrane rupture delivered beyond 24 hours.Conclusion. There are significant differences in time-to-delivery following transfer depending on the reason for transfer and many infants transferredin uterowill not deliver imminently.
Association ofP2Y12Gene Promoter DNA Methylation with the Risk of Clopidogrel Resistance in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Su Jia , Li Xiaojing , Yu Qinglin , Liu Yahui , Wang Yaqing , Song Haojun , Cui Hanbin , Du Weiping , Fei Xiaohong , Liu Junsong , Lin Shaoyi , Wang Jian , Zheng Wenyuan , Zhong Jinyan , Zhang Lulu , Tong Maoqing , Xu Jin , Chen Xiaomin
Published: March 2014

Background. Clopidogrel inhibits the ADP receptorP2Y12to keep down the platelet aggregation. The goal of our study is to investigate the contribution ofP2Y12promoter DNA methylation to the risk of clopidogrel resistance (CR).Methods. The platelet functions were measured by the VerifyNowP2Y12assay. Applying the bisulfite pyrosequencing technology, DNA methylation levels of two CpG dinucleotides onP2Y12promoter were tested among 49 CR cases and 57 non-CR controls. We also investigated the association amongP2Y12DNA methylation, various biochemical characteristics, and CR.Result. Lower methylation of two CpGs indicated the poorer clopidogrel response (CpG1,P=0.009; CpG2,P=0.022) in alcohol abusing status. Meanwhile CpG1 methylation was inversely correlated with CR in smoking patients (P=0.026) and in subgroup of Albumin < 35 (P=0.002). We observed that the level of DNA methylation might be affected by some clinical markers, such as TBIL, LEVF, Albumin, AST. The results also showed that the quantity of stent, fasting blood-glucose, and lower HbAC1 were the predictors of CR.Conclusions. The evidence from our study indicates thatP2Y12methylation may bring new hints to elaborate the pathogenesis of CR.
Nash Equilibria in Large Games
Authors: Glycopantis Dionysius
Published: March 2014

This paper adds to the discussion, in a general setting, that given a Nash-Schmeidler (nonanonymous) game it is not always possible to define a Mas-Colell (anonymous) game. In the two games, the players have different strategic behaviours and the formulations of the two problems are different. Also, we offer a novel explanation for the lack of a Nash equilibrium in an infinite game. We consider this game as the limit of a sequence of approximate, finite games for which an equilibrium exists. However, the limiting pure strategy function is not measurable.
A Hemodynamic Study to Evaluate the Buffer Response in Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Anders Margarita , Alvarez Daniel , Quiñonez Emilio , Orozco Federico , Goldaracena Nicolas , McCormack Lucas , Mastai Ricardo
Published: March 2014

The physiological regulation of the liver blood flow is a result of a reciprocal portal vein and hepatic artery flow relationship. This mechanism is defined as the hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR). This study was addressed to investigate whether HABR is maintained in denervated grafts in liver transplant recipients. Portal blood flow (PBF) and hepatic arterial resistance index (PI) were measured 6 months after transplantation using Doppler. In each patient we consecutively measured the vasodilator (Ensure Plus PO versus placebo) and vasoconstrictor (isosorbide dinitrate 5 mg SL versus placebo) stimuli. The meal ingestion caused a significant increase of both parameters, PBF (from 1495±260 to 2069±250 mL/min, P<0.05) and PI (from 0.7±0.2 to 0.8±0.2, P<0.05). By contrast, isosorbide dinitrate reduced PBF (from 1660±270 to 1397±250 mL/min, P<0.05) and PI (from 0.7±0.2 to 0.5±0.2, P<0.05). We show that PBF and PI are reciprocally modified with the administration of vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli. These results suggest the persistence of the HABR in a denervated human model, suggesting that this mechanism is independent of the regulation from the autonomic nervous system.
Texture‐Etched SnO2 Glasses Applied to Silicon Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Bing-Rui , Ou Sin-Liang , Lo Shih-Yung , Mao Hsin-Yuan , Yang Jhen-Yu , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: March 2014

Transparent electrodes of tin dioxide (SnO2) on glasses were further wet‐etched in the diluted HCl:Cr solution to obtain larger surface roughness and better light‐scattering characteristic for thin‐film solar cell applications. The process parameters in terms of HCl/Cr mixture ratio, etching temperature, and etching time have been investigated. After etching process, the surface roughness, transmission haze, and sheet resistance of SnO2 glasses were measured. It was found that the etching rate was increased with the additions in etchant concentration of Cr and etching temperature. The optimum texture‐etching parameters were 0.15 wt.% Cr in 49% HCl, temperature of 90°C, and time of 30 sec. Moreover, silicon thin‐film solar cells with the p‐i‐n structure were fabricated on the textured SnO2 glasses using hot‐wire chemical vapor deposition. By optimizing the texture‐etching process, the cell efficiency was increased from 4.04% to 4.39%, resulting from the increment of short‐circuit current density from 14.14 to 15.58 mA/cm2. This improvement in cell performances can be ascribed to the light‐scattering effect induced by surface texturization of SnO2.
Obesity and Cancer: A Gut Microbial Connection
Authors: Ohtani Naoko , Yoshimoto Shin , Hara Eiji
Published: March 2014

Multiple epidemiological studies have revealed that excess bodyweight, such as in people who are overweight or obese (defined by a body mass index higher than 25 kg/m2), is a major risk factor for not only diabetes and cardiovascular diseases but also cancer. Effective strategies for obesity prevention are therefore needed for cancer prevention. However, because the prevalence of excess bodyweight in most developed countries has been increasing markedly over the past several decades, with no signs of abating, alternative approaches are also required to conquer obesity-associated cancer. Therefore, we sought to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity-associated cancer. Although several phenomena have been proposed to explain how obesity increases cancer risk, the exact molecular mechanisms that integrate these phenomena have remained largely obscure. Recently, we have traced the association between obesity and increased cancer risk to gut microbiota communities that produce a DNA-damaging bile acid. The analyses also revealed the role of cellular senescence in cancer, which we have been studying for the past few decades. In this review, we provide an overview of our work and discuss the next steps, focusing on the potential clinical implications of these findings. Cancer Res; 74(7); 1885–9. ©2014 AACR.
Interstitielle Pneumonie in Verbindung mit linearer Immunglobulin-A-/Immunoglobulin-G-bullöser Dermatose
Authors: Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Tomimura Saori , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Sakamoto Noriho , Ishimatsu Yuji , Mukae Hiroshi , Kohno Shigeru
Published: March 2014

Ein 76-jähriger Patient mit interstitieller Lungenerkrankung wurde an unser Haus überwiesen, nachdem bei ihm eine persistierende Belastungsdyspnoe aufgetreten war. Er hatte außerdem ein Rezidiv bullöser Hauteruptionen am Rumpf und an den Extremitäten, die zuvor als vesikuläres Pemphigoid diagnostiziert worden waren. In der direkten Immunfluoreszenz einer Hautbiopsieprobe mittels Fluoreszenzmikroskopie zeigten sich lineare Ablagerungen von Immunglobulin A (IgA), IgG und C3 entlang der Basalmembran. Diese Befunde begründen die definitive Diagnose einer linearen IgA/IgG-bullösen Dermatose. Thorax-Computertomographie, bronchoalveoläre Lavage und transbronchiale Lungenbiopsie wiesen auf eine unspezifische interstitielle Pneumonie hin. In der direkten Immunfluoreszenz einer Biopsieprobe des Lungengewebes mittels Fluoreszenzmikroskopie zeigten sich ebenfalls Ablagerungen von IgA, IgG und C3 entlang der epithelialen Zellmembranen und Basalmembranen der Bronchiolen und Alveolen. Mit linearer IgA/IgG-bullöser Dermatose assoziierte Lungenerkrankungen treten extrem selten auf; nach unserem Wissen ist dies der erste Bericht über einen solchen Fall von interstitieller Pneumonie. Übersetzung aus Respiration 2013;86:347-351 (DOI:10.1159/000351427)
Concurrent Rho-Kinase and Tyrosine Kinase Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Inhibition in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena , Owczarek Jacek , Plichta Paulina , Orszulak-Michalak Daria
Published: March 2014

Background: We hypothesized that inhibition of Rho-kinase by fasudil, together with tyrosine kinase platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor inhibition by imatinib, results in greater pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) improvement. Methods: The effects of such regimens were investigated on hemodynamics, right ventricle hypertrophy, PDGF and ROCK in experimental monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension. Fourteen days after MCT injection, male rats were treated orally for another 14 days with imatinib, fasudil or their combination. Results: Concurrent imatinib and fasudil administration reversed an MCT-induced increase in right ventricular pressure more than either drug alone and decreased right ventricle hypertrophy (right ventricle weight to left ventricle plus septum weight ratio) significantly. The simultaneous administration of fasudil and imatinib caused a further decrease in plasma PDGF-BB levels compared to either drug alone. Conclusions: Inhibition of Rho-kinase by fasudil in addition to tyrosine kinase PDGF inhibition by imatinib can result in further PAH improvement. Such outcome may result from additional impact of the Rho-kinase inhibitor on the decrease in PDGF-induced effects.
Pathomechanisms in Coenzyme Q10-Deficient Human Fibroblasts
Authors: López Luis C. , Luna-Sánchez Marta , García-Corzo Laura , Quinzii Catarina M. , Hirano Michio
Published: March 2014

Primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is a rare mitochondrial disorder associated with 5 major clinical phenotypes: (1) encephalomyopathy, (2) severe infantile multisystemic disease, (3) cerebellar ataxia, (4) isolated myopathy, and (5) steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Growth retardation, deafness and hearing loss have also been described in CoQ10-deficient patients. This heterogeneity in the clinical presentations suggests that multiple pathomechanisms may exist. To investigate the biochemical and molecular consequences of CoQ10 deficiency, different laboratories have studied cultures of skin fibroblasts from patients with CoQ10 deficiency. In this review, we summarize the results obtained in these studies over the last decade.
Relationship between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Authors: Vujosevic Snezana , Borozan Sanja , Radojevic Nemanja , Aligrudic Svetlana , Bozovic Dragica
Published: March 2014

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine a correlation between the level of 25-hydroxivitamin D (25-OHD) and the incidence of diabetes. Subjects and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 97 (out of an initial 100) Caucasian women with osteoporosis (OS) were monitored for 2 years for the incidence of diabetes. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish an association with and prognostic value of vitamin D for the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the development of diabetes. The serum level of 25-OHD was measured using immunochemiluminescence in March and April 2011. Results: Of the 97 patients (mean age 51.64 ± 5.86 years, range 36.0-73.0), 21 (21.65%) were diagnosed with diabetes during the observational period. The study showed that the 22 patients with low levels of vitamin D were more susceptible to diabetes (odds ratio = 0.958). The cut-off value of vitamin D using a receiver operating characteristic curve was 62.36 nmol/l with a sensitivity of 39.5% and a specificity of 90.5%. With an increase in BMI and triglyceride levels, women were, respectively, 1,591 and 2,821 times more likely to get diabetes than those without an increase. Conclusion: This study showed that the patients with postmenopausal OS and hypovitaminosis D, besides a high BMI, elevated triglyceride levels and insulin resistance, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.