bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid DRAM/PCM Buffer Cache Architecture for Smartphones with QoS Consideration
Authors: Lin Ye-Jyun , Yang Chia-Lin , Li Hsiang-Pang , Wang Cheng-Yuan Michael
Published: December 2016

Flash memory is widely used in mobile phones to store contact information, application files, and other types of data. In an operating system, the buffer cache keeps the I/O blocks in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) to reduce the slow flash accesses. However, in smartphones, we observed two issues which reduce the benefits of the buffer cache. First, a large number of synchronous writes force writing the data from the buffer cache to flash frequently. Second, the large amount of I/O accesses from background applications diminishes the buffer cache efficiency of the foreground application, which degrades the quality-of-service (QoS). In this article, we propose a buffer cache architecture with hybrid DRAM and phase change memory (PCM) memory, which improves the I/O performance and QoS for smartphones. We use a DRAM first-level buffer cache to provide high buffer cache performance and a PCM last-level buffer cache to reduce the impact of frequent synchronous writes. Based on the proposed hierarchical buffer cache architecture, we propose a sub-block management and background flush to reduce the impact of the PCM write limitation and the dirty block write-back overhead, respectively. To improve the QoS, we propose a least-recently-activated first replacement policy (LRA) to keep the data from the applications that are most likely to become the foreground one. The experimental results show that with the proposed mechanisms, our hierarchical buffer cache can improve the I/O response time by 20% compared to the conventional buffer cache. The proposed LRA can improve the foreground application performance by 1.74x compared to the conventional CLOCK policy.
An Elastic Mixed-Criticality Task Model and Early-Release EDF Scheduling Algorithms
Authors: Su Hang , Zhu Dakai , Brandt Scott
Published: December 2016

Many algorithms have recently been studied for scheduling mixed-criticality (MC) tasks. However, most existing MC scheduling algorithms guarantee the timely executions of high-criticality (HC) tasks at the expense of discarding low-criticality (LC) tasks, which can cause serious service interruption for such tasks. In this work, aiming at providing guaranteed services for LC tasks, we study an elastic mixed-criticality (E-MC) task model for dual-criticality systems. Specifically, the model allows each LC task to specify its maximum period (i.e., minimum service level) and a set of early-release points. We propose an early-release (ER) mechanism that enables LC tasks to be released more frequently and thus improve their service levels at runtime, with both conservative and aggressive approaches to exploiting system slack being considered, which is applied to both earliest deadline first (EDF) and preference-oriented earliest-deadline schedulers. We formally prove the correctness of the proposed early-release--earliest deadline first scheduler on guaranteeing the timeliness of all tasks through judicious management of the early releases of LC tasks. The proposed model and schedulers are evaluated through extensive simulations. The results show that by moderately relaxing the service requirements of LC tasks in MC task sets (i.e., by having LC tasks’ maximum periods in the E-MC model be two to three times their desired MC periods), most transformed E-MC task sets can be successfully scheduled without sacrificing the timeliness of HC tasks. Moreover, with the proposed ER mechanism, the runtime performance of tasks (e.g., execution frequencies of LC tasks, response times, and jitters of HC tasks) can be significantly improved under the ER schedulers when compared to that of the state-of-the-art earliest deadline first—virtual deadline scheduler.
Secure and Flexible Trace-Based Debugging of Systems-on-Chip
Authors: Backer Jerry , Hely David , Karri Ramesh
Published: December 2016

This work tackles the conflict between enforcing security of a system-on-chip (SoC) and providing observability during trace-based debugging. On one hand, security objectives require that assets remain confidential at different stages of the SoC life cycle. On the other hand, the trace-based debug infrastructure exposes values of internal signals that can leak the assets to untrusted third parties. We propose a secure trace-based debug infrastructure to resolve this conflict. The secure infrastructure tags each asset to identify its owner (to whom it can be exposed during debug) and nonintrusively enforces the confidentiality of the assets during runtime debug. We implement a prototype of the enhanced infrastructure on an FPGA to validate its functional correctness. ASIC estimations show that our approach incurs practical area and power costs.
Designing a Tunable Nested Data-Parallel Programming System
Authors: Muralidharan Saurav , Garland Michael , Sidelnik Albert , Hall Mary
Published: December 2016

This article describes Surge, a nested data-parallel programming system designed to simplify the porting and tuning of parallel applications to multiple target architectures. Surge decouples high-level specification of computations, expressed using a C++ programming interface, from low-level implementation details using two first-class constructs: schedules and policies. Schedules describe the valid ways in which data-parallel operators may be implemented, while policies encapsulate a set of parameters that govern platform-specific code generation. These two mechanisms are used to implement a code generation system that analyzes computations and automatically generates a search space of valid platform-specific implementations. An input and architecture-adaptive autotuning system then explores this search space to find optimized implementations. We express in Surge five real-world benchmarks from domains such as machine learning and sparse linear algebra and from the high-level specifications, Surge automatically generates CPU and GPU implementations that perform on par with or better than manually optimized versions.
Aggregate Flow-Based Performance Fairness in CMPs
Authors: Lu Zhonghai , Yao Yuan
Published: December 2016

In CMPs, multiple co-executing applications create mutual interference when sharing the underlying network-on-chip architecture. Such interference causes different performance slowdowns to different applications. To mitigate the unfairness problem, we treat traffic initiated from the same thread as an aggregate flow such that causal request/reply packet sequences can be allocated to resources consistently and fairly according to online profiled traffic injection rates. Our solution comprises three coherent mechanisms from rate profiling, rate inheritance, and rate-proportional channel scheduling to facilitate and realize unbiased workload-adaptive resource allocation. Full-system evaluations in GEM5 demonstrate that, compared to classic packet-centric and latest application-prioritization approaches, our approach significantly improves weighted speed-up for all multi-application mixtures and achieves nearly ideal performance fairness.
User-Assisted Store Recycling for Dynamic Task Graph Schedulers
Authors: Kurt Mehmet Can , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Agrawal Gagan , Ren Bin
Published: December 2016

The emergence of the multi-core era has led to increased interest in designing effective yet practical parallel programming models. Models based on task graphs that operate on
single-assignment
data are attractive in several ways. Notably, they can support dynamic applications and precisely represent the available concurrency. However, for efficient execution, they also require nuanced algorithms for scheduling and memory management. In this article, we consider memory-efficient dynamic scheduling of task graphs. Specifically, we present a novel approach for dynamically recycling the memory locations assigned to data items as they are produced by tasks. We develop algorithms to identify memory-efficient store recycling functions by systematically evaluating the validity of a set of user-provided or automatically generated alternatives. Because recycling functions can be input data-dependent, we have also developed support for continued correct execution of a task graph in the presence of a potentially incorrect store recycling function.

Experimental evaluation demonstrates that this approach to automatic store recycling incurs little to no overheads, achieves memory usage comparable to the best manually derived solutions, often produces recycling functions valid across problem sizes and input parameters, and efficiently recovers from an incorrect choice of store recycling functions.
Muscle interleukin-6 and fasting-induced PDH regulation in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Gudiksen Anders , Bertholdt Laerke , Vingborg Mikkel Birkkjaer , Hansen Henriette Watson , Ringholm Stine , Pilegaard Henriette
Published: December 2016

Fasting prompts a metabolic shift in substrate utilization from carbohydrate to predominant fat oxidation in skeletal muscle, and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is seen as a controlling link between the competitive oxidation of carbohydrate and fat during metabolic challenges like fasting. Interleukin (IL)-6 has been proposed to be released from muscle with concomitant effects on both glucose and fat utilization. The aim was to test the hypothesis that muscle IL-6 has a regulatory impact on fasting-induced suppression of skeletal muscle PDH. Skeletal muscle-specific IL-6 knockout (IL-6 MKO) mice and floxed littermate controls (control) were either fed or fasted for 6 or 18 h. Lack of muscle IL-6 elevated the respiratory exchange ratio in the fed and early fasting state, but not with prolonged fasting. Activity of PDH in the active form (PDHa) was higher in fed and fasted IL-6 MKO than in control mice at 18 h, but not at 6 h, whereas lack of muscle IL-6 did not prevent downregulation of PDHa activity in skeletal muscle or changes in plasma and muscle substrate levels in response to 18 h of fasting. Phosphorylation of three of four sites on PDH-E1α increased with 18 h of fasting, but was lower in IL-6 MKO mice than in control. In addition, both PDK4 mRNA and protein increased with 6 and 18 h of fasting in both genotypes, but PDK4 protein was lower in IL-6 MKO than in control. In conclusion, skeletal muscle IL-6 seems to regulate whole body substrate utilization in the fed, but not fasted, state and influence skeletal muscle PDHa activity in a circadian manner. However, skeletal muscle IL-6 is not required for maintaining metabolic flexibility in response to fasting.
Nanostructured Fe2O3 Based Composites Prepared through Arc Plasma Method as Anode Materials in the Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Liang Minpeng , Zou Jianxin , Zeng Xiaoqin , Ding Wenjiang
Published: December 2016

In the present work, a method combining arc plasma evaporation of a metal followed by oxidation in air was developed to produce nanosized metal oxide based composites in large scale. As an example, Fe2O3 based nanocomposites were prepared through such a method. With increasing the oxidation temperature, α-Fe2O3 content in the composites increases, while γ-Fe2O3 and residual α-Fe contents decrease. As anode materials for lithium batteries, the electrochemical properties of nanosized Fe2O3 composites were tested. It was found that the anode materials changed to tiny crystallites and then followed by grain growth during the galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. A capacity rising was observed for the composites obtained at 400°C and 450°C, which was more prominent with increasing the oxidation temperature. Among these composites, the one obtained at 450°C showed the best performance: a specific capacity of 507.6 mAh/g remained after 150 cycles at a current density of 200 mA/g, much higher than that of the commercial nano-Fe2O3 powder (~180 mAh/g after 30 cycles).
A New Algorithm for Distributed Control Problem with Shortest-Distance Constraints
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng Wenfeng , Shen Zhixi
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the distributed shortest-distance problem of multiagent systems where agents satisfy the same continuous-time dynamics. The objective of multiagent systems is to find a common point for all agents to minimize the sum of the distances from each agent to its corresponding convex region. A distributed consensus algorithm is proposed based on local information. A sufficient condition also is given to guarantee the consensus. The simulation example shows that the distributed shortest-distance consensus algorithm is effective for our theoretical results.
Image Retrieval Based on Multiview Constrained Nonnegative Matrix Factorization and Gaussian Mixture Model Spectral Clustering Method
Authors: Xie Qunyi , Zhu Hongqing
Published: December 2016

Content-based image retrieval has recently become an important research topic and has been widely used for managing images from repertories. In this article, we address an efficient technique, called MNGS, which integrates multiview constrained nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and Gaussian mixture model- (GMM-) based spectral clustering for image retrieval. In the proposed methodology, the multiview NMF scheme provides competitive sparse representations of underlying images through decomposition of a similarity-preserving matrix that is formed by fusing multiple features from different visual aspects. In particular, the proposed method merges manifold constraints into the standard NMF objective function to impose an orthogonality constraint on the basis matrix and satisfy the structure preservation requirement of the coefficient matrix. To manipulate the clustering method on sparse representations, this paper has developed a GMM-based spectral clustering method in which the Gaussian components are regrouped in spectral space, which significantly improves the retrieval effectiveness. In this way, image retrieval of the whole database translates to a nearest-neighbour search in the cluster containing the query image. Simultaneously, this study investigates the proof of convergence of the objective function and the analysis of the computational complexity. Experimental results on three standard image datasets reveal the advantages that can be achieved with the proposed retrieval scheme.
Comparison of AOPs Efficiencies on Phenolic Compounds Degradation
Authors: Hurtado Lourdes , Amado-Piña Deysi , Roa-Morales Gabriela , Peralta-Reyes Ever , Martin del Campo Eduardo , Natividad Reyna
Published: December 2016

In this work, a comparison of the performances of different AOPs in the phenol and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degradation at lab and pilot scale is presented. It was found that, in the degradation of phenol, the performance of a coupled electro-oxidation/ozonation process is superior to that observed by a photo-Fenton process. Phenol removal rate was determined to be 0.83 mg L−1 min−1 for the coupled process while the removal rate for photo-Fenton process was only 0.52 mg L−1 min−1. Regarding 4-CP degradation, the complete disappearance of the molecule was achieved and the efficiency decreasing order was as follows: coupled electro-oxidation/ozonation > electro-Fenton-like process > photo-Fenton process > heterogeneous photocatalysis. Total organic carbon was completely removed by the coupled electro-oxidation/ozonation process. Also, it was found that oxalic acid is the most recalcitrant by-product and limits the mineralization degree attained by the technologies not applying ozone. In addition, an analysis on the energy consumption per removed gram of TOC was conducted and it was concluded that the less energy consumption is achieved by the coupled electro-oxidation/ozonation process.
UnderstAID, an ICT Platform to Help Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Núñez-Naveira Laura , Alonso-Búa Begoña , de Labra Carmen , Gregersen Rikke , Maibom Kirsten , Mojs Ewa , Krawczyk-Wasielewska Agnieszka , Millán-Calenti José Carlos
Published: December 2016

Information and communications technology (ICT) could support ambient assisted living (AAL) based interventions to provide support to informal caregivers of people with dementia, especially when they need to cope with their feelings of overburden or isolation. An e-learning platform (understAID application) was tested by informal caregivers from Denmark, Poland, and Spain to explore the technical and the pedagogical specifications, as well as evaluating the impact of its use on the psychological status of the participants. 61 informal caregivers completed the study taking part in the experimental (n=30) or control (n=31) groups. 33.3% of the caregivers were satisfied with the application and around 50% of the participants assessed it as technically and pedagogically acceptable. After using understAID the caregivers in the experimental group significantly decreased their depressive symptomatology according to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, but a possible benefit on their feelings of competence and satisfaction with the caring experience was also observed. The low scores obtained for satisfaction were highlighting issues that need to be modified to meet the informal caregivers’ needs in national, social, and cultural context. Some possible biases are also considered and discussed to be taken into account in future improvements of understAID application.
Size and Charge Stability of Oil Bodies from Peanut
Authors: Hao Lihua , Chen Fusheng , Xia Yimiao , Zhang Lifen , Xin Ying
Published: December 2016

In order to offer scientific bases for the application of oil bodies from peanut in food, this research was undertaken to study the size and charge stability of oil bodies from five peanut varieties. It showed that the mean diameter of oil bodies fromyuhua9719andyuhua9830is obviously larger thanyuhua23,yuhua27, andyuhua9502in the peanut cell. Moreover, the analysis of diameter distribution of oil bodies also showed that the median diameter of oil bodies increased dramatically in the order ofyuhua9719>yuhua9830>yuhua23>yuhua27>yuhua9502after aqueous extraction. The charge stability of oil bodies from peanut was observed with zeta (ζ) potential measurements, which indicated that charge properties and the absolute value of oil bodies from five peanut varieties were significantly affected by pH and salt concentration, but the degree of influence is different. Of the five peanut varieties,yuhua27andyuhua9830possessed excellent charge stability (ζ-potential>35 mV) in neutral microenvironment without salt concentration.
Handheld Capillary Blood Lactate Analyzer as an Accessible and Cost-Effective Prognostic Tool for the Assessment of Death and Heart Failure Occurrence during Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Kubiak Grzegorz M. , Jacheć Wojciech , Wojciechowska Celina , Traczewska Magdalena , Kolaszko Agnieszka , Kubiak Leszek , Jojko Joanna , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa
Published: December 2016

Impact of tissue lactate accumulation on prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is biased. The study aimed to assess the prognostic role of lactate concentration (LC) in patients with AMI during one year of follow-up. 145 consecutive patients admitted due to AMI were enrolled. The data on the frequency of endpoint occurrence (defined as I, death; II, heart failure (HF); and III, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI)) were collected. The patients were divided into group A (LC below the cut-off value) and group B (LC above the cut-off value) for the endpoints according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The cumulative survival rate was 99% in group I-A and 85% in group I-B (p = 0.0004, log-rank test). The HF-free survival rate was 95% in group II-A and 82% in group II-B (p = 0.0095, log-rank test). The re-MI-free survival rate did not differ between groups. A multivariate Cox analysis showed a statistically significant influence of LC on death [Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.41, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.13–1.76), and p = 0.002] and HF [HR: 1.21, 95% CI (1.05–1.4), and p = 0.007] with no impact on re-MI occurrence. LC in capillary blood may be considered a useful prognostic marker of late-onset heart failure and death after AMI.
An Improved Semisupervised Outlier Detection Algorithm Based on Adaptive Feature Weighted Clustering
Authors: Deng Tingquan , Yang Jinhong
Published: December 2016

There exist already various approaches to outlier detection, in which semisupervised methods achieve encouraging superiority due to the introduction of prior knowledge. In this paper, an adaptive feature weighted clustering-based semisupervised outlier detection strategy is proposed. This method maximizes the membership degree of a labeled normal object to the cluster it belongs to and minimizes the membership degrees of a labeled outlier to all clusters. In consideration of distinct significance of features or components in a dataset in determining an object being an inlier or outlier, each feature is adaptively assigned different weights according to the deviation degrees between this feature of all objects and that of a certain cluster prototype. A series of experiments on a synthetic dataset and several real-world datasets are implemented to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposal.
Moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea at Different Interventional Times: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gou Chao-qin , Gao Jing , Wu Chen-xi , Bai Ding-xi , Mou Hong-yuan , Hou Xiao-lin , Zhao Xia
Published: December 2016

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common diseases in gynecology at present. Some clinical trials have reported the effects of moxibustion and confirmed temporal factors are the important elements influencing the efficacy of moxibustion. However, no systematic review has yet been conducted. In this study, we assessed the effects of moxibustion in patients with PD enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the difference among different intervention times to start moxibustion. We extracted data for studies searched from 10 electronic databases and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. We discussed three outcomes: effective rate, pain remission, and the level of PGF2α in serum. Current clinical researches showed that, compared with nonmoxibustion treatments for PD, moxibustion leads to higher effective rate and lower level of PGF2α in serum. However, there was no difference in using moxibustion to treat PD at different intervention times. Based on the theory of Chinese medicine and the results of this study, choosing 5 ± 2 days before menstruation to start moxibustion can achieve good efficacy for PD patients. However, more high‐quality RCTs are needed to confirm the conclusions.
GuideLiner Balloon Assisted Tracking (GBAT): A New Addition to the Interventional Toolbox
Authors: Elbarouni Basem , Moussa Motaz , Kass Malek , Toleva Olga , Vo Minh , Ravandi Amir
Published: December 2016

The use of guide extension catheters, such as GuideLiner, allows for increased guide support and facilitates device delivery in tortuous vessels. In cases which the GuideLiner catheter cannot be advanced even with balloon anchoring technique, we inflate a noncompliant balloon protruding from the GuideLiner catheter at nominal pressure and both the GuideLiner and the balloon are advanced over the coronary guidewire through the tortuous segments. This technique can be applied to 5.5 Fr., 6 Fr., and 7 Fr. GuideLiner catheters. This technique is termed GuideLiner Balloon Assisted Tracking (GBAT).
Incident Reporting Behaviours and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Gondar University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Engeda Eshetu Haileselassie
Published: December 2016

Background. A comprehensive and systematic approach to incident reporting would help learn from errors and adverse events within a healthcare facility.Objective. The aim of the study was to assess incident reporting behaviours and associated factors among nurses.Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 14 to 29, 2015. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were coded, entered into Epi Info 7, and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength of association.Results. The proportion of nurses who reported incidents was 25.4%. Training on incident reporting (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) [95% CI] 2.96 [1.34–6.26]), reason to report (to help patient) (AOR [95% CI] 3.08 [1.70–5.59]), fear of administrative sanctions (AOR [95% CI] 0.27 [0.12–0.58]), fear of legal penalty (AOR [95% CI] 0.09 [0.03–0.21]), and fear of loss of prestige among colleagues (AOR [95% CI] 0.25 [0.12–0.53]) were significantly associated factors with the incident reporting behaviour of nurses.Conclusion and Recommendation. The proportion of nurses who reported incidents was very low. Establishing a system which promotes incident reporting is vital.
Explicit Dynamic DDA Method considering Dynamic Contact Force
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xiao Ming , Chen Juntao , Li Dongdong
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes an explicit dynamic DDA method considering dynamic contact force, which aims at solving the problems of low efficiency of dynamic contact detection and the simulation of dynamic contact force in the conventional DDA method. The mutual contact between blocks can be regarded as the application of point loading on a single block, and the corresponding contact submatrix can be calculated and the simultaneous equations of the block system can be integrated. The central difference method is adopted to deduce the explicit expression of block displacement containing dynamic contact force. With the relationship between displacement and dynamic contact force, contact constraint equations of a block system are obtained to calculate the dynamic contact force and the corresponding block displacement. The accuracy of the explicit dynamic DDA method is verified using two numerical cases. The calculation results show that the new DDA method can be applied in large-scale geotechnical engineering.
Trophy Hunting, Conservation, and Rural Development in Zimbabwe: Issues, Options, and Implications
Authors: Muposhi Victor K. , Gandiwa Edson , Bartels Paul , Makuza Stanley M.
Published: December 2016

Trophy hunting has potential to support conservation financing and contribute towards rural development. We conducted a systematic review of the Zimbabwean trophy hunting perspective spanning from pre-1890 to 2015, by examining the following: (1) evolution of legal instruments, administration, and governance of trophy hunting, (2) significance of trophy hunting in conservation financing and rural development, and (3) key challenges, emerging issues in trophy hunting industry, and future interventions. Our review shows that (i) there has been a constant evolution in the policies related to trophy hunting and conservation in Zimbabwe as driven by local and international needs; (ii) trophy hunting providing incentives for wildlife conservation (e.g., law enforcement and habitat protection) and rural communities’ development. Emerging issues that may affect trophy hunting include illegal hunting, inadequate monitoring systems, and hunting bans. We conclude that trophy hunting is still relevant in wildlife conservation and rural communities’ development especially in developing economies where conservation financing is inadequate due to fiscal constraints. We recommend the promotion of net conservation benefits for positive conservation efforts and use of wildlife conservation credits for the opportunity costs associated with reducing trophy hunting off-take levels and promoting nonconsumptive wildlife use options.
Characterization and Growth Mechanism of Nickel Nanowires Resulting from Reduction of Nickel Formate in Polyol Medium
Authors: Logutenko Olga A. , Titkov Alexander I. , Vorob’yov Alexander M. , Yukhin Yriy M. , Lyakhov Nikolay Z.
Published: December 2016

Nickel linear nanostructures were synthesized by reduction of nickel formate with hydrazine hydrate in ethylene glycol medium in the absence of any surfactants or capping agents for direction of the particles growth. The effect of the synthesis conditions such as temperature, reduction time, type of polyol, and nickel formate concentration on the reduction products was studied. The size and morphology of the nickel nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. It was shown that the nickel nanocrystallites were wire-shaped with a face-center-cubic phase. Ethylene glycol was found to play a crucial role in the formation of the nickel nanowires. The possible growth processes of the wire-shaped particles taking place at 110 and 130°C are discussed. It was shown that, under certain synthesis conditions, nickel nanowires grow on the surface of the crystals of the solid intermediate of nickel with hydrazine hydrate.
A Prospective Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma as Biological Augmentation for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair
Authors: Zou Jian , Mo Xiaolian , Shi Zhongmin , Li Tanzhu , Xue Jianfeng , Mei Guohua , Li Xiaolin
Published: December 2016

Acute Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most common tendon injuries in adults. We hypothesized that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can be used as biological augmentation for surgical treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Our study is a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture undergoing surgical repair were randomly assigned into either control group or PRP group. End-to-end modified Krackow suture was performed in both groups. In the PRP group, PRP was injected into the paratenon sheath and around the ruptured tissue after the tendon was repaired. Postoperatively we evaluated isokinetic muscle strength at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. In addition, ankle ROM, calf circumference, Leppilahti score, and the SF-36 score were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months after operation. At 3 months, the PRP group had better isokinetic muscle. The PRP group also achieved higher SF-36 and Leppilahti scores at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, the PRP group had an improved ankle range of motion compared to the control group. Our study results suggest that PRP can serve as a biological augmentation to acute Achilles tendon rupture repair and improves both short and midterm functional outcomes.
Adenovirus Vectors Target Several Cell Subtypes of Mammalian Inner Ear In Vivo
Authors: Shu Yilai , Tao Yong , Li Wenyan , Shen Jun , Wang Zhengmin , Chen Zheng-Yi
Published: December 2016

Mammalian inner ear harbors diverse cell types that are essential for hearing and balance. Adenovirus is one of the major vectors to deliver genes into the inner ear for functional studies and hair cell regeneration. To identify adenovirus vectors that target specific cell subtypes in the inner ear, we studied three adenovirus vectors, carrying a reporter gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) from two vendors or with a genome editing gene Cre recombinase (Cre), by injection into postnatal days 0 (P0) and 4 (P4) mouse cochlea through scala media by cochleostomy in vivo. We found three adenovirus vectors transduced mouse inner ear cells with different specificities and expression levels, depending on the type of adenoviral vectors and the age of mice. The most frequently targeted region was the cochlear sensory epithelium, including auditory hair cells and supporting cells. Adenovirus with GFP transduced utricular supporting cells as well. This study shows that adenovirus vectors are capable of efficiently and specifically transducing different cell types in the mammalian inner ear and provides useful tools to study inner ear gene function and to evaluate gene therapy to treat hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction.
CD68-Positive Cells in Hepatic Angiomyolipoma
Authors: Tochio Hitoshi , Tamaki Eriko , Imai Yukihiro , Iwasaki Nobuhiro , Minowa Kazushi , Chung Hobyung , Suginoshita Yoshiki , Inokuma Tetsurou , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2016

Four resected specimens of hepatic angiomyolipoma in which uptake of Sonazoid was observed in the postvascular phase of Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasonography were analyzed. Macrophage localization in the tumor was revealed pathologically by immunohistochemical staining for CD68. CD68-positive cells were observed in the tumor in all cases. The density of CD68-positive cells was 100/mm2, and the ratio of CD68-positive cell density in the tumor to that in the surrounding parenchyma was 32-171%. These results suggested that the uptake of the contrast agent Sonazoid was related to the density of CD68-positive cells.
Reconstructive Surgery of the Upper Eyelid Using the Residual Tarsus after Excision of Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
Authors: Yunoki Tatsuya , Nakamura Yasuhisa , Fuchizawa Chiharu , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: December 2016

Purpose: To report a successful eyelid reconstruction performed using the residual tarsus after excision of a sebaceous gland carcinoma. Case Report: An 86-year-old woman presented with a sebaceous gland carcinoma of the upper eyelid margin. After excision of the tumor, she underwent reconstructive surgery of the superior eyelid performed using the residual tarsus. Because the tumor was localized on the upper lid margin, a tarsus of about 4–5 mm in height remained after the excision; we therefore used the residual tarsus to reconstruct the upper eyelid. No functional or cosmetic problems arose as a result of this method. Conclusions: Reconstructive surgery of the upper eyelid using the residual tarsus may be a viable option provided that surgeons can ensure a sufficient safety margin, and that more than 4 mm of the tarsus remains.
Real-Life ILUVIEN (Fluocinolone Acetonide) Case Study: Rapid Drying of the Macula and Improved Vision within 2 Years after Therapy Initiation
Authors: Quhill Hibba , Quhill Fahd
Published: December 2016

Importance: A case showing sustained structural and functional responses 2 years after a single treatment with ILUVIEN (0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide, FAc) despite suboptimal responses to ranibizumab. Observations: A 68-year-old female patient with diabetic macular oedema (DME) from type 2 diabetes mellitus was first diagnosed in October 2010 and had a baseline visual acuity (VA) of 46 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in the left eye. Central foveal thickness (CFT) was 712 microns. The patient was treated with 11 intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (5 in combination with a small-interfering RNA agent), and by March 2014, VA and CFT were largely unchanged (55 ETDRS letters and 774 microns). The patient was treated with ILUVIEN as she had a pseudophakic lens and a clearly suboptimal response to the prior therapy with ranibizumab. An implant releasing FAc at a dosage of 0.2 µg/day was administered in March 2014, and the optical coherence tomography indicated that the macula was dry after 7 days (CFT was below 300 microns). This was sustained at 6, 12, and 24 months after the treatment. VA improved by 5 letters within 7 days and by 15 letters within 14 days, and this was maintained after 24 months. Throughout the duration of this study, the intraocular pressure was ≤22 mm Hg, and no glaucoma medication was administered. Conclusions and Relevance: In real-life UK practice, this DME patient showed a suboptimal response to multiple intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. When subsequently treated with a single injection of ILUVIEN, there were large and rapid improvements in VA and CFT that were maintained for the following 2 years.
Transcriptional Gene Silencing of the Autism-Associated Long Noncoding RNA MSNP1AS in Human Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: DeWitt Jessica J. , Hecht Patrick M. , Grepo Nicole , Wilkinson Brent , Evgrafov Oleg V. , Morris Kevin V. , Knowles James A. , Campbell Daniel B.
Published: December 2016

The long noncoding RNA MSNP1AS (moesin pseudogene 1, antisense) is a functional element that was previously associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with genome-wide significance. Expression of MSNP1AS was increased 12-fold in the cerebral cortex of individuals with ASD and 22-fold in individuals with a genome-wide significantly associated ASD genetic marker on chromosome 5p14.1. Overexpression of MSNP1AS in human neuronal cells caused decreased expression of moesin protein, which is involved in neuronal process stability. In this study, we hypothesize that MSNP1AS knockdown impacts global transcriptome levels. We transfected the human neural progenitor cell line SK- N-SH with constructs that caused a 50% suppression of MSNP1AS expression. After 24 h, cells were harvested for total RNA isolation. Strand-specific RNA sequencing analysis indicated altered expression of 1,352 genes, including altered expression of 318 genes following correction for multiple comparisons. Expression of the OAS2 gene was increased >150-fold, a result that was validated by quantitative PCR. Gene ontology analysis of the 318 genes with altered expression following correction for multiple comparisons indicated that upregulated genes were significantly enriched for genes involved in immune response, and downregulated genes were significantly enriched for genes involved in chromatin remodeling. These data indicate multiple transcriptional and translational functions of MSNP1AS that impact ASD-relevant biological processes. Chromatin remodeling and immune response are biological processes implicated by genes with rare mutations associated with ASD. Our data suggest that the functional elements implicated by association of common genetic variants impact the same biological processes, suggesting a possible shared common molecular pathway of ASD.
Endoscope-Assisted and Controlled Argus II Epiretinal Prosthesis Implantation in Late-Stage Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Özmert Emin , Demirel Sibel
Published: December 2016

Several different approaches for restoring sight in subjects who are blind due to outer retinal degeneration are currently under investigation, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and visual prostheses. Although many different types of visual prostheses have shown promise, to date, the Argus II Epiretinal Prosthesis System, developed in a clinical setting over the course of 10 years, is the world’s first and only retinal prosthesis that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been given the CE-Mark for sale within the European Economic Area (EEA). The incidence of serious adverse events from Argus II implantation decreased over time after minor changes in the implant design and improvements in the surgical steps used for the procedure had been made. In order to further decrease the scleral incision-related complications and enhance the assessment of the tack position and the contact between the array and the inner macular surface, we used an ophthalmic endoscope during the regular course of Argus II implantation surgery in 2 patients with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa in an attempt to improve the anatomical and functional outcomes.
A Comparative Study of a New Class of Gastric Acid Suppressant Agent Named Vonoparazan versus Esomeprazole for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Tsujimae Masahiro , Yamashita Hiroshi , Hashimura Hiroki , Kano Chise , Shimoyama Keiko , Kanamori Atsushi , Matsumoto Kei , Koizumi Akio , Momose Kenji , Eguchi Takaaki , Fukuchi Takumi , Fujita Mikio , Okada Akihiko
Published: December 2016

Background:Helicobacter pylori eradication rates have decreased worldwide. Gastric acid inhibition during treatment is important to eradicate these bacteria successfully. A new potassium-competitive acid blocker, vonoprazan (VPZ), has been shown to achieve high eradication rates in a previous randomized controlled trial. Objective: To determine the efficacy of VPZ for H. pylori eradication. Methods: A total of 874 patients were enrolled; 431 received esomeprazole (EPZ) and 443 received VPZ. First-line regimens contained clarithromycin (CAM) 200 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 750 mg b.i.d., and either EPZ 20 mg b.i.d. or VPZ 20 mg b.i.d. for 7 days. Metronidazole 250 mg b.i.d. replaced CAM in the second-line regimens. The eradication of H. pylori was assessed by 13C-urea breath tests 4-8 weeks after each therapy. Results: The overall first-line eradication rate was 79.9% (341/427) with EPZ vs. 86.3% (377/439) with VPZ (p = 0.019). The second-line eradication rate was 83.3% (45/51) with EPZ vs. 91.1% (41/45) with VPZ (p = 0.900). Conclusion: VPZ was significantly more effective than EPZ for first-line treatment. However, for second-line treatment, there was no significant difference between EPZ and VPZ.
The Use of Automated Electronic Alerts in Studying Short-Term Outcomes Associated with Community-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Hazara Adil M. , Elgaali Musab , Naudeer Sarah , Holding Stephen , Bhandari Sunil
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: The use of electronic alerts (e-alerts) may increase the detection rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) since they are sensitive to small changes in serum creatinine. Our aim was to follow-up a cohort of patients presenting to hospital from the community with AKI (community-acquired AKI [c-AKI]), detected through the use of e-alerts, and describe their short-term outcomes regardless of whether they were subsequently admitted to hospital. Methods: Blood samples for all hospital attenders from the community either to the Accidents and Emergency department or one of the acute care areas of the hospital during a 6-month period (November 1, 2013-April 30, 2014) were screened for presence of c-AKI using a locally developed e-alerts system based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Follow-up data were obtained for a period of 3 months. Results: A total of 1,277 c-AKI episodes were identified in 1,185 patients (incidence 579 per 100,000 persons). Episodes that lead to hospitalization (n = 1,096 [86%]) were associated with a median length of hospital stay of 6.6 days; a graded increase in duration of stay was noted with increasing severity of AKI. Acute dialysis was needed during 21 (1.6%) episodes. For mortality rates, only the first AKI episode was considered. There were 298 deaths within 30 days of diagnosis irrespective of admissions status (30-day mortality rate: 25%). Conclusions: Using e-alerts in acute care settings to detect c-AKI is novel and may be used to stage and follow-up AKI using existing diagnostic criteria. c-AKI is relatively common and leads to significant mortality.
Effect of Uric Acid–Lowering Agents on Endothelial Function
Authors: Borgi Lea , McMullan Ciaran , Wohlhueter Ann , Curhan Gary C. , Fisher Naomi D. , Forman John P.
Published: December 2016

Higher levels of serum uric acid are independently associated with endothelial dysfunction, a mechanism for incident hypertension. Overweight/obese individuals are more prone to endothelial dysfunction than their lean counterparts. However, the effect of lowering serum uric acid on endothelial dysfunction in these individuals has not been examined thoroughly. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of nonhypertensive, overweight, or obese individuals with higher serum uric acid (body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
and serum uric acid ≥5.0 mg/dL), we assigned subjects to probenecid (500–1000 mg/d), allopurinol (300–600 mg/d), or matching placebo. The primary outcome was endothelium-dependent vasodilation measured by brachial artery ultrasound at baseline and 8 weeks. By the end of the trial, 47, 49, and 53 participants had been allocated to receive probenecid, allopurinol, and placebo, respectively. Mean serum uric acid levels significantly decreased in the probenecid (from 6.1 to 3.5 mg/dL) and allopurinol groups (from 6.1 to 2.9 mg/dL) but not in the placebo group (6.1 to 5.6 mg/dL). None of the interventions produced any significant change in endothelium-dependent vasodilation (probenecid, 7.4±5.1% at baseline and 8.3±5.1% at 8 weeks; allopurinol, 7.6±6.0% at baseline and 6.2±4.8% at 8 weeks; and placebo, 6.5±3.8% at baseline and 7.1±4.9% at 8 weeks). In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, uric acid lowering did not affect endothelial function in overweight or obese nonhypertensive individuals. These data do not support the hypothesis that uric acid is causally related to endothelial dysfunction, a potential mechanism for development of hypertension.
Clinic Versus Daytime Ambulatory Blood Pressure Difference in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Banegas José R. , Ruilope Luis M. , de la Sierra Alejandro , Vinyoles Ernest , Gorostidi Manuel , de la Cruz Juan J. , Segura Julián , Oliveras Anna , Martell Nieves , García-Puig Juan , Williams Bryan
Published: December 2016

Clinic blood pressure (BP) is usually higher than daytime ambulatory BP in hypertensive patients, but some recent studies have challenged this view, suggesting that this relationship is strongly influenced by age. We used the Spanish ambulatory BP monitoring cohort to examine differences between clinic and daytime BP by age among 104 639 adult hypertensive patients (office systolic/diastolic BP ≥140/90 mm Hg or treated) in usual primary-care practice, across the wide age spectrum. To assess the impact of age, cardiovascular variables, and clinic BP on the clinic–daytime BP differences, we built multivariable regression models of the average BP differences, white-coat hypertension (high clinic BP and normal daytime BP), and masked hypertension (normal clinic BP and high daytime BP). In most patients, mean clinic BP values were higher than daytime BP at all ages. Some 36.7% of patients had white-coat hypertension (amounting to 50% at clinic systolic BP of 140–159 mm Hg) and 3.9% had masked hypertension (amounting to 18% at clinic systolic BP of 130–139 mm Hg). Age explained 0.1% to 1.7% of the variance of quantitative or categorical BP differences (
P
<0.001). Cardiovascular variables explained an additional 1.6% to 3.4% of the variance (
P
<0.001). Finally, clinic BP generally explained ≥20% more of the variance (
P
<0.01). In this large study in usual clinical practice, clinic BP misclassified hypertension status in >40% of patients. This misclassification was not importantly influenced by age but was more evident in patients with borderline/grade 1 hypertension. These findings reinforce the importance of ambulatory BP monitoring for defining BP status in routine clinical practice.