bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering-Based Selection for the Exploration of Compiler Optimization Sequences
Authors: Martins Luiz G. A. , Nobre Ricardo , Cardoso João M. P. , Delbem Alexandre C. B. , Marques Eduardo
Published: March 2016

A large number of compiler optimizations are nowadays available to users. These optimizations interact with each other and with the input code in several and complex ways. The sequence of application of optimization passes can have a significant impact on the performance achieved. The effect of the optimizations is both platform and application dependent. The exhaustive exploration of all viable sequences of compiler optimizations for a given code fragment is not feasible. As this exploration is a complex and time-consuming task, several researchers have focused on Design Space Exploration (DSE) strategies both to select optimization sequences to improve the performance of each function of the application and to reduce the exploration time. In this article, we present a DSE scheme based on a clustering approach for grouping functions with similarities and exploration of a reduced search space resulting from the combination of optimizations previously suggested for the functions in each group. The identification of similarities between functions uses a data mining method that is applied to a symbolic code representation. The data mining process combines three algorithms to generate clusters: the Normalized Compression Distance, the Neighbor Joining, and a new ambiguity-based clustering algorithm. Our experiments for evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed approach address the exploration of optimization sequences in the context of the ReflectC compiler, considering 49 compilation passes while targeting a Xilinx MicroBlaze processor, and aiming at performance improvements for 51 functions and four applications. Experimental results reveal that the use of our clustering-based DSE approach achieves a significant reduction in the total exploration time of the search space (20× over a Genetic Algorithm approach) at the same time that considerable performance speedups (41% over the baseline) were obtained using the optimized codes. Additional experiments were performed considering the LLVM compiler, considering 124 compilation passes, and targeting a LEON3 processor. The results show that our approach achieved geometric mean speedups of 1.49 × , 1.32 × , and 1.24 × for the best 10, 20, and 30 functions, respectively, and a global improvement of 7% over the performance obtained when compiling with -O2.
Fuzzy logic based adaptive hierarchical scheduling for periodic real-time tasks
Authors: Springer Tom , Peter Steffen , Givargis Tony
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we present a new scheduling approach for real-time tasks in an embedded system. Our method utilizes hierarchical scheduling to provide a resource based allocation scheme while using a fuzzy logic based feedback scheduler to react to environmental changes within the application. The primary goal is to provide a scheduling mechanism that can adapt to overload conditions but still present a level of service while enforcing the temporal isolation between independent applications. The scheduler then considers this level of service to make scheduling decisions based upon a task's service requirements, such as criticality or timeliness. Implemented in VxWorks on a uniprocessor-based platform results show that our adaptive approach provides significant advantages, during overload conditions, over traditional fixed-priority scheduling schemes.
Towards integration of adaptability and non-intrusive runtime verification in avionic systems
Authors: Rufino José
Published: March 2016

Unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) avionics call for advanced computing system architectures fulfilling strict size, weight and power consumption (SWaP) requisites, decreasing the vehicle cost and ensuring the safety and timeliness of the system. The AIR (ARINC 653 in Space Real-Time Operating System) architecture defines a partitioned environment for the development and execution of aerospace applications, following the notion of time and space partitioning (TSP), preserving application timing and safety requisites.

The plan for a UAS mission may vary with the passage of time, according to its mode/phase of operation, and the vehicle may be exposed to unpredictable (environmental) events and failures, calling for the advanced adaptability and reconfigurability features included in the AIR architecture. This paper explores the potential of non-intrusive runtime verification (RV) mechanisms, currently being included in AIR, to improve system safety and to decrease the computational cost of timeliness adaptability and of the corresponding overhead on the system.
Resolving Ambiguity in Emotional Disorders: The Nature and Role of Interpretation Biases
Authors: Hirsch Colette R. , Meeten Frances , Krahé Charlotte , Reeder Clare
Published: March 2016

People with emotional disorders, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression, demonstrate a consistent tendency, or bias, to generate negative interpretations of ambiguous material. This is different from people without emotional disorders who tend, in general, to make positive interpretations of ambiguity. If central components of an emotional disorder have high levels of inherent ambiguity (e.g., concern about the negative perceptions of others in SAD, or worry in GAD), then interpretive bias may have a causal maintaining role, and this has been demonstrated in studies using cognitive bias modification techniques. This research has also shown that interpretation biases combine with other cognitive processes, such as imagery and memory, which could exacerbate distress. Psychological interventions will benefit from effectively targeting negative interpretations, and future experimental research can inform ways to improve facilitation of more benign inferential processing to maximize amelioration of key components of emotional disorders.
Developmental Demands of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Children and Adolescents: Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Processes
Authors: Garber Judy , Frankel Sarah A. , Herrington Catherine G.
Published: March 2016

Although some treatments for depression in children and adolescents have been found to be efficacious, the effects sizes have tended to be modest. Thus, there is considerable room to improve upon existing depression treatments. Some children may respond poorly because they do not yet have the cognitive, social, or emotional maturity needed to understand and apply the skills being taught in therapy. Therefore, treatments for depression may need to be tailored to match children's ability to both comprehend and implement the therapeutic techniques. This review outlines the steps needed for such developmental tailoring: (a) Specify the skills being taught in depression treatments; (b) identify what cognitive, social, and emotional developmental abilities are needed to attain these skills; (c) describe the normative developmental course of these skills and how to determine a child's developmental level; and (d) use this information to design an individualized treatment plan. Possible approaches to intervening include: alter the therapy to meet the child's level of development, train the child on the skills needed to engage in the therapy, or apply a dynamic assessment approach that integrates evaluation into treatment and measures children's current abilities as well as their potential.
Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Definition and Clinical Impact
Authors: Geboes Karel , Rutgeerts Paul
Published: March 2016

Dysplasia is a morphological term that ethymologically means ‘malformation’. For the definition of inflammatory bowel disease‐related dysplasia, the nature and origin of the malformation are stressed and the lesion is defined as an epithelial malformation that is unequivocally neoplastic but noninvasive. The use of a precise definition is necessary because of the clinical consequences related to the finding of dysplasia in IBD. The microscopic diagnosis of dysplasia, however, remains difficult. Clinically, it is important to make a proper differential diagnosis between polypoid IBD‐related dysplasia and sporadic adenoma occurring in IBD, and between therapy‐related ‘pseudodysplasia’ and genuine dysplasia. When dysplasia is diagnosed, a second opinion may be indicated because of the clinical consequences. Additional techniques to search for genetic defects associated with carcinogenesis can help to support the diagnosis. They can identify changes in DNA content and molecular changes resulting from defects of genes controlling cell proliferation and death or tissue structure. These changes can, however, be absent, appear early or late in the transition from normality toward dysplasia and cancer, or appear during repair. Positive findings indicate an increased cancer risk, but the magnitude of the risk remains to be defined. A positive diagnosis of genuine dysplasia necessitates clinical action – either follow‐up of the patient or treatment. In practice, treatment means surgery because dysplasia can be a precursor and/or a marker of malignancy, except for sporadic adenomas, which can be removed locally.
The Unsolved Problem of Surveillance for Colorectal Cancer in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Delco Fabiola , Sonnenberg Amnon
Published: March 2016

The association between long standing extensive ulcerative colitis and the increased risk for developing colorectal cancer suggests that surveillance by frequent and regular colonoscopies may provide a means for reducing cancer‐related morbidity and mortality. A crude calculation suggests that such a surveillance program would also be cost effective. None of several clinical trials, however, has been able to provide unequivocal evidence in favour of surveillance. The major reason for this failure relates to the prohibitively large number of patients with ulcerative colitis who need to be followed over a prolonged time period before statistically sound results would be obtained. Because models of decision analyses themselves have to rely on medical evidence, they cannot provide a substitute for deficient clinical data. The issue of surveillance colonoscopy cannot be resolved by the available knowledge or analytical tools. Hopefully, new techniques of surveillance or even a cure for ulcerative colitis will render the question mute of whether or not to screen patients with ulcerative colitis by frequent colonoscopy.
Quality of Life in Arthritis Patients Using Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Wiklund Ingela
Published: March 2016

Arthritis is a painful and disabling condition. To suppress the pain and the inflammatory process, patients are often chronic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) users. Chronic use of NSAIDs may induce peptic ulcer, dyspeptic problems and heartburn. Therefore, these patients are often provided with treatment to relieve and/or protect against gastrointestinal problems. Rheumatic disorders also affect a range of health‐related quality of life domains. In one study, patients with NSAID‐associated gastroduodenal lesions complained about lack of energy, sleep disturbances, emotional distress and social isolation in addition to pain and mobility limitations. The degree of distress and dysfunction differed markedly from scores in an unselected population. Clinical trial data suggest that acid‐suppressing therapy with omeprazole is superior to therapy with misoprostol and ranitidine in healing gastroduodenal lesions and preventing abdominal pain, heartburn and indigestion symptoms during continued NSAID treatment. Because arthritic patients are severely incapacitated by their condition regarding most aspects of health‐related quality of life, it is important to offer a treatment that is effective in healing and preventing NSAID‐induced ulcers and gastrointestinal symptoms during continued NSAID treatment without further compromising the patients’ quality of life. Treatment with omeprazole once daily has been shown to be superior to that with ranitidine and misoprostol in this respect.
CanadianHelicobacter pyloriConsensus Conference Update: Infections in Adults
Authors: Hunt RH , Fallone CA , Thomson ABR , Canadian Helicobacter Study Group
Published: March 2016

The first CanadianHelicobacter pyloriConsensus Conference took place in April 1997. The initial recommendations of the conference were published in early 1998. An update meeting was held in June 1998, and the present paper updates and complements the earlier recommendations. Key changes included the following: the recommendation for testing and treatingH pyloriinfection in patients with known peptic ulcer disease was extended to testing and treating patients with ulcer-like dyspepsia; it was decided that the urea breath test (not serology) should be used for routine diagnosis ofH pyloriinfection unless endoscopy is indicated for another reason; and recommended therapies were a twice daily, seven-day regimen of a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole 20 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg, pantoprazole 40 mg) or ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg, plus clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg, or plus clarithromycin 500 or 250 mg and metronidazole 500 mg. The need was reiterated to have funding for readily accessible, accurate testing forH pyloriinfection with the urea breath test. It was strongly recommended that regional centres be established to monitor the prevalence of antibiotic-resistantH pyloriinfections. The initial consensus document referred to pediatric issues that were not addressed in this update but were the subject of a subsequent CanadianHelicobacterStudy Group meeting, and will be published later in 1999.
Future Directions in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Gish Robert G
Published: March 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects over 170 million people worldwide. While interferon is currently the most used single agent therapy, this drug may result in a sustained loss of virus from the blood in only up to 15% of patients; new options for treatment are needed. With the release of ribavirin in North America and Europe, a viral clearance rate or ‘cure’ may be attained in up to 40% of patients. Developing successful antiviral therapy that prevents or delays the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer as well as decreasing the demand for liver transplantation are clearly identified goals. Unfortunately, there is no complete in vitro model of HCV replication or translation. Due to the lack of an animal or cell culture model of HCV infection, in vitro translation screening systems to identify inhibitors of HCV protein translation are being evaluated by a large number of biotechnology companies. With advancing computer technology, high throughput screening processes are now possible and can be joined to specific in vitro model testing systems. Along with examining some of the information known about HCV therapy and the HCV genome, the present review discusses potential targets for new therapies and identifies therapeutic agents that are nearing clinical application
13C Urea Breath Testing to Diagnose Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Deslandres Colette
Published: March 2016

The causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori colonization of the gastric mucosa and gastritis has been proven. Endoscopy and subsequent histological examination of antral biopsies have been regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing H pylori gastritis. The 13C urea breath test is a noninvasive test with a high specificity and sensitivity for H pylori colonization. Increasingly, it is becoming an important tool for use in diagnosing H pylori infection in paediatric populations. This test is particularly well suited for epidemiological studies evaluating reinfection rates, spontaneous clearance of infection and eradication rates after therapy. However, few groups have validated the test in the pediatric age group. The testing protocol has not yet been standardized. Variables include fasting state, dose of urea labelled with 13C, delta cutoff level of 13C carbon dioxide, choice of test meal and timing of collection of expired breath samples. Further studies are urgently needed to evaluate critically the impact of H pylori infection in children. The 13C urea breath test should prove very useful in such prospective studies.
Lupus‐Like Syndrome Caused by 5‐Aminosalicylic Acid in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kirkpatrick Andrew W , Bookman Arthur A , Habal Flavio
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Although 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) preparations used to treat inflammatory bowel disease are reported to have fewer side effects than sulphasalazine, increased clinical use of these compounds has resulted in increased reports of significant side effects.

OBJECTIVE: To report four patients with antinuclear antibody‐positive migratory arthralgias and acute inflammation unrelated to the underlying inflammatory bowel disease, fulfilling the criteria of a drug‐induced lupus‐like syndrome.

SETTING: A university‐affiliated teaching hospital.

INTERVENTION: Cessation of treatment with 5‐ASA compounds.

RESULTS: The cases described constitute a drug‐induced lupus‐like syndrome. All patients improved rapidly after discontinuation of 5‐ASA compounds.

CONCLUSIONS: Reversible lupus‐like syndrome appears to be a rare but significant side effect of 5‐ASA compounds. Patients treated with 5‐ASA compounds who experience acute inflammatory symptoms or clinical deterioration not related to their gastrointestinal disease should be screened to rule out a lupus‐like reaction.
Liver Transplantation: Past Accomplishments and Future Challenges
Authors: Wall William J
Published: March 2016

Liver transplantation has evolved from a rare and risky operation of questionable therapeutic value to the preferred treatment for an extensive list of end-stage liver diseases. Superior immunosuppression (cyclosporine), and improvements in surgery and anesthesia brought liver grafting to its current level of success. Nearly 60,000 liver transplants have been performed, and survival rates are very good; however liver grafting faces serious immediate and long term challenges, mainly due to the widening gap between donor supply and recipient demand. Increasing numbers of sick candidates, recurrent disease (especially hepatitis C) and recidivism rates after transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis will force increasingly difficult decisions on candidate selection and priority listing of potential recipients. Although xenotransplantation may be the ultimate solution, it has its own specific set of biological and societal challenges - the full extent of which should be revealed in the next several years.
Hyposplenism, Antiendomysial Antibodies and Lymphocytic Colitis in Collagenous Sprue
Authors: Freeman Hugh J
Published: March 2016

A 66‐year‐old woman was seen repeatedly over a decade to remove recurrent colonic adenomas and investigate episodes of watery diarrhea. Although the diarrhea was believed to be due to lymphocytic colitis, she developed weight loss, hypoproteinemia and hyposplenism that resulted in further studies, specifically to exclude celiac disease. Small intestinal biopsies, however, showed severely ‘flattened’ villous architecture with trichrome‐positive subepithelial collagenous deposits, characteristic of collagenous sprue. Antiendomysial antibodies, known serological markers of celiac disease, were also detected. While collagenous sprue has been considered a distinct small intestinal disorder, the constellation of clinical and pathological findings in this patient suggests a close link with adult celiac disease.
Management of Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug‐Induced Gastroduodenal Disease by Acid Suppression
Authors: Lad R , Armstrong D
Published: March 2016

One major cause of peptic ulceration is the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The precise mechanisms through which NSAIDs cause peptic ulceration are unknown, but the discovery that they reduce the production of ‘cytoprotective’ prostaglandins led to the hypothesis that coadministration of exogenous prostaglandins heals and prevents NSAID‐induced gastroduodenal ulcers and other mucosal lesions. Studies using high doses of misoprostol have shown that it does have a protective effect; however, gastrointestinal intolerance of this prostaglandin E2 analogue is common. Early indications that acid suppression was effective in the management of NSAID‐related peptic ulcers came from studies showing that gastric ulcers could be healed by omeprazole in patients who continued to take NSAIDs. Other studies suggested that acid suppression reduces the incidence of mucosal lesions but that standard dose ranitidine protects only against duodenal lesions. Subsequent studies reported that higher dose H2 receptor antagonist therapy can protect against both gastric and duodenal ulcers during continued NSAID therapy. An ideal therapeutic strategy would heal NSAID‐related ulcers and prevent the development of new NSAID‐related lesions and complications in patients who are unable to discontinue NSAID therapy. A number of recent studies indicate that effective acid‐suppressive treatment with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole can achieve these aims. Overall, data from recent studies show that acid suppression with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole at a dose of 20 mg daily is the most effective means of healing NSAID‐associated gastroduodenal lesions and that it is the most effective prophylactic therapy. In the long run, the role of omeprazole will have to be evaluated with respect to its cost effectiveness compared with other strategies and with respect to the development of less damaging NSAIDs.
Transmission ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection
Authors: Oderda Giuseppina
Published: March 2016

Helicobacter pyloriinfection is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. It is accepted as the major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, carcinoma of the distal part of the stomach and gastric lymphoma. However, how and when the infection is acquired remain largely unknown. Identification of mode of transmission is vital for developing preventive measures to interrupt its spread, but studies focused on this issue are difficult to implement. From epidemiological studies, it is known that there are great differences in the prevalence of infection in different populations and in ethnic groups originating from high prevalence regions. This is likely related to inferior hygienic conditions and sanitation. In developing countries, infection occurs at a much earlier age. In developed countries, the prevalence of infection is related to poor socioeconomic conditions, particularly density of living. Humans seem to be the only reservoir ofH pylori, which spread from person to person by oral-oral, fecal-oral or gastro-oral routes. Most infections are acquired in childhood, possibly from parents or other children living as close contacts. Infection from the environment or from animals cannot be entirely excluded.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Type II Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome
Authors: Borgaonkar Mark Ram , Morgan David Geoffrey
Published: March 2016

A 45‐year‐old female was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 1976 and Addison’s disease in 1979. At that time, her antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) level was elevated at 1:32. She subsequently developed premature ovarian failure and type I diabetes mellitus. In 1996, she became jaundiced with a cholestatic enzyme pattern. AMA was positive at a titre of 1:256. A liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). She underwent a liver transplantation in January 1998. This is the first report of PBC in association with type II autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. The association of PBC with other organ‐specific autoimmune diseases supports an immune‐mediated pathogenesis and may have implications in further studies of PBC.
Intrahepatic Stones: The Percutaneous Approach
Authors: Neuhaus Horst
Published: March 2016

Intrahepatic stones are prevalent in the Far East, whereas they are infrequently seen in Western countries. Hepatolithiasis can cause recurrent attacks of cholangitis, with a risk of liver abscesses, sepsis or hepatic failure. Immediate biliary decompression can usually be achieved by endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic drainage. Definitive treatment should aim for complete elimination of bile stasis and removal of all stones. Hepatic resection promises the best long term results when the disease is limited to segments or the left liver lobe. Endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography is not well established for intrahepatic stones because of frequent failures due to associated biliary strictures, angulated ducts or peripherally impacted concrements. In contrast, percutaneous procedures can be easily performed through a T tube tract for residual stones after surgery. Establishment of a transhepatic fistula allows a targeted approach to liver segments with catheters or miniscopes, without the need for laparotomy. Biliary strictures can be dilated with balloons, and intrahepatic stones can be removed with baskets under fluoroscopic or cholangioscopic control. These techniques can be combined with electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy for disintegration of impacted calculi. The risk of stone recurrence is particularly high in patients with associated biliary stenoses. Temporary or long term transhepatic intubation is a promising approach in these cases. The optimal management of intrahepatic stones remains a challenging task that requires an experienced team of gastroenterologists, surgeons and radiologists.
Zapping Zenker’s Diverticulum: Gastroscopic Treatment
Authors: Mulder Chris JJ
Published: March 2016

Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is a common cause of dysphagia in the elderly. Many symptomatic elderly are poor candidates for surgery and/or ear, nose and throat treatment. The author’s first experiences with gastroscopic treatment by cutting the Zenker bridge to allow an overflow have recently been published. Only patients with contraindications for general anesthesia were accepted to the pilot group. However, the author now treats all ZD patients in this manner. One hundred and twenty‐five patients (male to female ratio 1.6) were referred for treatment from 1993 to 1997. After introduction of the gastroscope into the esophagus, a nasogastric tube was positioned to treat a ZD bridge with a height of less than 1 cm. The ZD bridge was divided by argon plasma coagulation, if necessary, in combination with monopolar forceps, Savary dilator and/or precut needle. All patients received antibiotics, topical anesthesia to the throat, if necessary, and intravenous midazolam, if possible. Radiography was performed after treatment. Normalization of the diet was allowed when the x‐ray showed no signs of leakage. All patients referred for treatment were treated successfully. The median age was 77 years (range 41 to 100 years). Symptomatic improvement was seen in all patients after treatment. Complications included subcutaneous emphysema (n=17), mediastinal emphysema (n=5) and bleeding (n=2). One patient (95 years of age) died in her nursing home 27 days after treatment due to massive pulmonary embolism. The thirty‐day mortality rate was otherwise zero. Three patients had been previously treated by surgeons and 12 by ear, nose and throat physicians, without sufficient improvement; all were adequately treated by the author. The mean number of treatment sessions was 1.8. This approach seems safe and effective. Treatment of every patient was possible and was carried out, even in patients in very poor condition, without general anesthesia.
Tumor Metastasis to the Liver, and the Roles of Proteinases and Adhesion Molecules: New Concepts from In Vivo Videomicroscopy
Authors: Groom Alan C , MacDonald Ian C , Schmidt Eric E , Morris Vincent L , Chambers Ann F
Published: March 2016

Most preclinical studies of tumour metastasis and effects of molecular interventions have been based on end point assays, and little is known about the fate of cells at sequential steps in the metastatic process. In vivo videomicroscopy permits direct observations of sequential steps in hematogenous metastasis as they occur in living animals over time. These steps include initial arrest of cells in the microcirculation, extravasation, postextravasation migration and growth in the target organ. In the mouse liver model, cells are arrested in periportal sinusoids based on size restriction, survive in the circulation and extravasate into the tissue by 48 to 72 h regardless of metastatic potential. Thereafter, cells may migrate to preferred sites for growth. Critical steps responsible for cell losses and metastatic inefficiency occur at the level of postextravasation cell growth. Many extravasated cells may remain dormant, and growth to form micrometastases is initiated in only a small subset of cells. Most early micrometastases may disappear after a few days, and only a small subset continue growth into macroscopic tumours. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for continued growth of metastases, as shown previously by others. Integrin‐based interventions can modulate postextravasation cell migration and cell growth. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors can inhibit tumour angiogenesis and thus reduce growth. Key targets against which future therapeutic strategies should be directed include the initiation and maintenance of growth of micrometastases, and the activation of dormant solitary cells.
Clinical Practice Guidelines andHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Children
Authors: Macarthur Colin , Jaakkimainen Liisa
Published: March 2016

The objective of this paper is to review the principles, methods and issues behind the development of clinical practice guidelines. Practice guidelines have been defined as “systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances”. The ultimate goal of guidelines is to improve patient outcomes; however, they may also be used as tools to decrease health care costs, improve medical education and enhance quality assurance. Evidence-based guidelines use explicit methods to link recommendations to the quality of the underlying research. Following development of the guideline, implementation and evaluation are key steps. The ultimate aim of guideline development is to influence physician knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.
Principles in the Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Viral Infection
Authors: Minuk Gerald Y
Published: March 2016

Recently licensed and promising new experimental agents should have a profound impact on the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, certain management principles should remain unaltered. Recognizing the need for more urgent treatment in some individuals, being able to identify which patients require treatment and those who are most likely to respond to treatment, and selecting the optimal timing for treatment are clinical decisions that must continue to be addressed regardless of the antiviral agent ‘of the month’. This review outlines general principles and provides a generic, timeless approach to the management of patients with chronic HBV infection.
Helicobacter pyloriand Its Genome: Lessons from the Treasure Map
Authors: Taylor Diane E
Published: March 2016

The availability of the complete genome sequence ofHelicobacter pylori26695 has opened new avenues for research in the molecular biology of this gastric pathogen. The present review gives a general overview ofH pyloriobtained from the complete genome sequence and compares this with data previously obtained from cloning and functional studies ofH pylori. The cagA pathogenicity island of 40 kilobases, which encodes a type IV secretion system, is discussed. The diversity ofH pylorigenomes is well known, yet new data indicate that some aspects of the genome, particularly outer membrane protein genes, are conserved. Genes encoding proteins involved in molecular mimicry between bacterium and gastric epithelial tissue, specifically those encoding Lewis X and Lewis Y antigens, are discussed. The large number of DNA restriction and modification genes and their role inH pyloriinfection are considered. Finally, gene transfer is discussed. The availability of the complete genome sequence ofH pylori26695 and the soon to be available sequence of J99 will speed up and assist in the analysis ofH pylorigenes and their encoded proteins. The genomes of both strains will be useful as references with which otherH pylorigenomes can be compared.
Application of Residual-Based EWMA Control Charts for Detecting Faults in Variable-Air-Volume Air Handling Unit System
Authors: Wang Haitao
Published: March 2016

An online robust fault detection method is presented in this paper for VAV air handling unit and its implementation. Residual-based EWMA control chart is used to monitor the control processes of air handling unit and detect faults of air handling unit. In order to provide a level of robustness with respect to modeling errors, control limits are determined by incorporating time series model uncertainty in EWMA control chart. The fault detection method proposed was tested and validated using real time data collected from real VAV air-conditioning systems involving multiple artificial faults. The results of validation show residual-based EWMA control chart with designing control limits can improve the accuracy of fault detection through eliminating the negative effects of dynamic characteristics, serial correlation, normal transient changes of system, and time series modeling errors. The robust fault detection method proposed can provide an effective tool for detecting the faults of air handling units.
Two tagSNPs rs352493 and rs3760908 withinSIRT6Gene Are Associated with the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Tang Sai-sai , Xu Shun , Cheng Jie , Cai Meng-yun , Chen Lin , Liang Li-li , Yang Xi-li , Chen Can , Liu Xin-guang , Xiong Xing-dong
Published: March 2016

SIRT6has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on endothelial cells and is closely associated with lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and obesity, indicating an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Nonetheless, the biological significance ofSIRT6variants on CAD is far to be elucidated. Here we aimed to investigate the influence ofSIRT6polymorphisms on individual susceptibility and severity of CAD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis exhibited no significant association between these five polymorphisms and CAD risk in the genotype and allele frequencies. However, we found that the rs352493 polymorphism inSIRT6exhibited a significant effect on the severity of CAD; C allele (χ2= 7.793, adjustedP=0.013) and the combined CC/CT genotypes (χ2= 5.609, adjustedP=0.031) presented the greater CAD severity. In addition, A allele (χ2= 5.208, adjustedP=0.046) and AA (χ2= 4.842, adjustedP=0.054) of rs3760908 were also associated with greater CAD severity in Chinese subjects. Our data provided the first evidence thatSIRT6tagSNPs rs352493 and rs3760908 play significant roles in the severity of CAD in Chinese Han subjects, which might be useful predictors of the severity of CAD.
A Review and Comparative Study of Existing Shrinkage Prediction Models for Portland and Non-Portland Cementitious Materials
Authors: Ye Hailong , Radlińska Aleksandra
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews shrinkage prediction models for cementitious materials and presents analysis of selected published data utilizing the aforementioned models. The main objective of this review is to revisit and reexamine the primary shrinkage mechanisms, that is, capillary pressure theory, Gibbs-Bangham shrinkage, and withdrawal of disjoining pressure in Portland and non-Portland cement. In particular, the theoretical basis for current shrinkage models is elaborated on and its soundness and applicability to explain the published experimental data are discussed. Additionally, a specific comparison was made among high water-to-cement (w/c) ratio ordinary Portland cement (OPC), low w/c OPC, and alkaline activated slag.
A Giant Intrathoracic Malignant Schwannoma Causing Respiratory Failure in a Patient without von Recklinghausen’s Disease
Authors: Angelopoulos Epameinondas , Eleftheriou Konstantinos , Kyriakopoulos Georgios , Athanassiadi Kalliopi , Rontogianni Dimitra , Routsi Christina
Published: March 2016

We report an unusual case of a thoracic opacity due to a huge mediastinal malignant schwannoma which compressed the whole left lung and the mediastinum causing respiratory failure in a 73-year-old woman without von Recklinghausen’s disease. Although the tumor was resected, the patient failed to wean from mechanical ventilation and died one month later because of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
The Novel Methods for Analysis of Exosomes Released from Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Wang Jinju , Guo Runmin , Yang Yi , Jacobs Bradley , Chen Suhong , Iwuchukwu Ifeanyi , Gaines Kenneth J. , Chen Yanfang , Simman Richard , Lv Guiyuan , Wu Keng , Bihl Ji C.
Published: March 2016

Exosomes (EXs) are cell‐derived vesicles that mediate cell‐cell communication and could serve as biomarkers. Here we described novel methods for purification and phenotyping of EXs released from endothelial cells (ECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by combining microbeads and fluorescence quantum dots (Q‐dots®) techniques. EXs from the culture medium of ECs and EPCs were isolated and detected with cell‐specific antibody conjugated microbeads and second antibody conjugated Q‐dots by using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) system. The sensitivities of the cell origin markers for ECs (CD105, CD144) and EPCs (CD34, KDR) were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity were determined by using positive and negative markers for EXs (CD63), platelets (CD41), erythrocytes (CD235a), and microvesicles (Annexin V). Moreover, the methods were further validated in particle‐free plasma and patient samples. Results showed that anti‐CD105/anti‐CD144 and anti‐CD34/anti‐KDR had the highest sensitivity and specificity for isolating and detecting EC‐EXs and EPC‐EXs, respectively. The methods had the overall recovery rate of over 70% and were able to detect the dynamical changes of circulating EC‐EXs and EPC‐EXs in acute ischemic stroke. In conclusion, we have developed sensitive and specific microbeads/Q‐dots fluorescence NTA methods for EC‐EX and EPC‐EX isolation and detection, which will facilitate the functional study and biomarker discovery.
Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics and Topology
Authors: Wasay Muhammad Abdul
Published: March 2016

Supersymmetric quantum mechanical models are computed by the path integral approach. In theβ→0limit, the integrals localize to the zero modes. This allows us to perform the index computations exactly because of supersymmetric localization, and we will show how the geometry of target space enters the physics of sigma models resulting in the relationship between the supersymmetric model and the geometry of the target space in the form of topological invariants. Explicit computation details are given for the Euler characteristics of the target manifold and the index of Dirac operator for the model on a spin manifold.
Thyroglossal Duct Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Synchronous Lingual Thyroid Atypia
Authors: Yoo Timothy , Kim Yohanan , Simental Alfred , Inman Jared C.
Published: March 2016

Thyroglossal duct and lingual thyroid ectopic lesions are exceedingly rare synchronous findings. Papillary thyroid carcinoma of these ectopic thyroid sites is well understood but still a rare finding. This case points to some management nuances in regard to ectopic thyroid screening with imaging and also shows the effectiveness of minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery for lingual thyroid.
Positive Selection and Centrality in the Yeast and Fly Protein-Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Chakraborty Sandip , Alvarez-Ponce David
Published: March 2016

Proteins within a molecular network are expected to be subject to different selective pressures depending on their relative hierarchical positions. However, it is not obvious what genes within a network should be more likely to evolve under positive selection. On one hand, only mutations at genes with a relatively high degree of control over adaptive phenotypes (such as those encoding highly connected proteins) are expected to be “seen” by natural selection. On the other hand, a high degree of pleiotropy at these genes is expected to hinder adaptation. Previous analyses of the human protein-protein interaction network have shown that genes under long-term, recurrent positive selection (as inferred from interspecific comparisons) tend to act at the periphery of the network. It is unknown, however, whether these trends apply to other organisms. Here, we show that long-term positive selection has preferentially targeted the periphery of the yeast interactome. Conversely, in flies, genes under positive selection encode significantly more connected and central proteins. These observations are not due to covariation of genes’ adaptability and centrality with confounding factors. Therefore, the distribution of proteins encoded by genes under recurrent positive selection across protein-protein interaction networks varies from one species to another.
Evaluation of Quality and Readability of Health Information Websites Identified through India’s Major Search Engines
Authors: Raj S. , Sharma V. L. , Singh A. J. , Goel S.
Published: March 2016

Background. The available health information on websites should be reliable and accurate in order to make informed decisions by community. This study was done to assess the quality and readability of health information websites on World Wide Web in India.Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in June 2014. The key words “Health” and “Information” were used on search engines “Google” and “Yahoo.” Out of 50 websites (25 from each search engines), after exclusion, 32 websites were evaluated. LIDA tool was used to assess the quality whereas the readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and SMOG.Results. Forty percent of websites (n=13) were sponsored by government. Health On the Net Code of Conduct (HONcode) certification was present on 50% (n=16) of websites. The mean LIDA score (74.31) was average. Only 3 websites scored high on LIDA score. Only five had readability scores at recommended sixth-grade level.Conclusion. Most health information websites had average quality especially in terms of usability and reliability and were written at high readability levels. Efforts are needed to develop the health information websites which can help general population in informed decision making.
A Framework for QoE-Aware 3D Video Streaming Optimisation over Wireless Networks
Authors: Politis Ilias , Lykourgiotis Asimakis , Dagiuklas Tasos
Published: March 2016

The delivery of three-dimensional immersive media to individual users remains a highly challenging problem due to the large amount of data involved, diverse network characteristics, and user terminal requirements, as well as user’s context. This paper proposes a framework for quality of experience-aware delivering of three-dimensional video across heterogeneous wireless networks. The proposed architecture combines a Media-Aware Proxy (application layer filter), an enhanced version of IEEE 802.21 protocol for monitoring key performance parameters from different entities and multiple layers, and a QoE controller with a machine learning-based decision engine, capable of modelling the perceived video quality. The proposed architecture is fully integrated with the Long Term Evolution Enhanced Packet Core networks. The paper investigates machine learning-based techniques for producing an objective QoE model based on parameters from the physical, the data link, and the network layers. Extensive test-bed experiments and statistical analysis indicate that the proposed framework is capable of modelling accurately the impact of network impairments to the perceptual quality of three-dimensional video user.
Use of the CatWalk Gait Device to Assess Differences in Locomotion between Genders in Rats Inherently and following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Datto Jeffrey P. , Shah Anna K. , Bastidas Johana C. , Arheart Kristopher L. , Marcillo Alexander E. , Dietrich W. Dalton , Pearse Damien D.
Published: March 2016

A possible cause of differences in recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) is gender. The effect of gender on locomotor recovery following SCI, however, remains controversial and has produced conflicting results regarding gender’s impact on outcome. A significant shortcoming of previous studies was small sample size. The current work tested what, if any, significant differences existed between genders after SCI with CatWalk Gait Analysis that uses an automated device to measure the foot placement and gait of animals as they voluntarily cross an illuminated glass runway. We hypothesized that, by employing larger sample sizes in a reproducible and clinically relevant contusive SCI paradigm, subtle distinctions in locomotor recovery between sexes, if they exist, would be elucidated. During 13 weeks of functional assessment after SCI, a number of CatWalk parameters, including swing, single stance, and stride length, were significantly affected by gender only as identified by use of ANCOVA analysis, considering age, weight, and baseline performance as covariates. We report here our findings for 197 parameters that were assessed before and after SCI. Evaluating differences in locomotor recovery between sexes after SCI could point to a gender-related advantage and provide novel directions for the development of future therapeutics.
A Firefly Colony and Its Fuzzy Approach for Server Consolidation and Virtual Machine Placement in Cloud Datacenters
Authors: Perumal Boominathan , Murugaiyan Aramudhan
Published: March 2016

Managing cloud datacenters is the most prevailing challenging task ahead for the IT industries. The data centers are considered to be the main source for resource provisioning to the cloud users. Managing these resources to handle large number of virtual machine requests has created the need for heuristic optimization algorithms to provide the optimal placement strategies satisfying the objectives and constraints formulated. In this paper, we propose to apply firefly colony and fuzzy firefly colony optimization algorithms to solve two key issues of datacenters, namely, server consolidation and multiobjective virtual machine placement problem. The server consolidation aims to minimize the count of physical machines used and the virtual machine placement problem is to obtain optimal placement strategy with both minimum power consumption and resource wastage. The proposed techniques exhibit better performance than the heuristics and metaheuristic approaches considered in terms of server consolidation and finding optimal placement strategy.
Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, andIn SilicoCharacterization of Complex Formed between 2-Ferrocenylbenzoic Acid and DNA
Authors: Altaf Ataf Ali , Lal Bhajan , Khan Nasir , Badshah Amin , Ullah Shafiq , Akbar Kamran
Published: March 2016

We present the synthesis of 2-ferrocenylbenzoic acid (FcOH) and its electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization. FcOH was characterized for interaction with DNA using theoretical and experimental methods. UV-visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammeter (CV) were used for the experimental account of FcOH-DNA complex. The experimental results showed that the FcOH interacts by electrostatic mode. The binding constant (Kb) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for the FcOH-DNA complex have been estimated as 5.3 × 104 M−1and −6.44 kcal/mol, respectively. The theoretical DNA binding of FcOH was studied with AutoDock molecular docking software. The docking studies yield good approximation with experimental data and explain the sites of binding.