bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l
-Serine dietary supplementation is associated with clinical improvement of loss-of-function
GRIN2B
-related pediatric encephalopathy
Authors: Soto David , Olivella Mireia , Grau Cristina , Armstrong Judith , Alcon Clara , Gasull Xavier , Santos-Gómez Ana , Locubiche Sílvia , Gómez de Salazar Macarena , García-Díaz Roberto , Gratacòs-Batlle Esther , Ramos-Vicente David , Chu-Van Emeline , Colsch Benoit , Fernández-Dueñas Víctor , Ciruela Francisco , Bayés Àlex , Sindreu Carlos , López-Sala Anna , García-Cazorla Àngels , Altafaj Xavier
Published: June 2019

Dietary
l
-serine supplements correct NMDAR deficiency and neurodevelopmental defects in a pediatric patient.
Evaluation of BacterioScan 216Dx in Comparison to Urinalysis as a Screening Tool for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Authors: Hassan Ferdaus , Bushnell Heather , Taggart Connie , Gibbs Caitlin , Hiraki Steve , Formanek Ashley , Gripka Megan , Selvarangan Rangaraj
Published: June 2019

Urinalysis (UA) has routinely been used as a screening tool prior to urine culture set up. BacterioScan 216Dx is an FDA-cleared semiautomated system to detect bacterial growth in urine. The aim of this study was to evaluate 216Dx in comparison to UA for diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children.
Monoclonal Antibody 2C6 Targets a Cross-Clade Conformational Epitope in gp41 with Highly Active Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
Authors: Sojar Hakimuddin , Baron Sarah , Sullivan Jonathan T. , Garrett Meghan , van Haaren Marlies M. , Hoffman Jonathon , Overbaugh Julie , Doranz Benjamin J. , Hicar Mark D.
Published: June 2019

This paper further defines the function and area of the HIV trimeric envelope protein targeted by the monoclonal antibody 2C6. 2C6 binding is influenced by amino acid mutations across two separate gp41 sections of the envelope trimer. This epitope is recognized on multiple clades (variant groups of circulating viruses) of gp41, gp140 trimers, and SOSIP trimers. For the clades tested, 2C6 has robust ADCC. As the target of 2C6 is available in the major clades of HIV and has robust ADCC activity, further definition and appreciation of targeting of antibodies similar to 2C6 during vaccine development should be considered.
Functional Metagenomics Reveals a New Catalytic Domain, the Metallo-β-Lactamase Superfamily Domain, Associated with Phytase Activity
Authors: Castillo Villamizar Genis Andrés , Funkner Katrina , Nacke Heiko , Foerster Karolin , Daniel Rolf
Published: June 2019

Phytic acid is a phosphorus storage molecule in many plant tissues, a source of phosphorus alternative to phosphate rocks, but it can also be a problematic antinutrient. In comparison to other phosphorus sources, phytic acid exhibits reduced bioavailability. Additionally, it influences functions of secondary messengers and acts as antioxidant in tumor growth prevention. The enzymatic capability to process phytate has been reported for a limited number of protein families. This might be due to the almost exclusive use of proteins derived from individual microorganisms to analyze phytase activity. With such a restriction, the study of the complexity and diversity of the phytases remains incomplete. By using metagenome-derived samples, this study demonstrates the existence of phytase activity in one of the most promiscuous superfamilies, the metallo-β-lactamases. Our results increase the general knowledge on phytase diversity in environmental samples and could provide new avenues for the study and engineering of new biocatalysts.
mSphere of Influence: the Value of Simplicity in Experiments and Solidarity among Lab Members
Authors: Wallace Nicholas A.
Published: June 2019

Nicholas Wallace studies how human papillomaviruses cause cancer throughout the genital and oropharyngeal tracts as well as in the skin. These viruses inhibit host DNA repair to promote their life style and in doing increase the risk of oncogenic mutations. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers influenced him. “Human Papillomaviruses Activate the ATM DNA Damage Pathway for Viral Genome Amplification upon Differentiation” by C. A. Moody and L.
mSphere of Influence: a Systematic Approach To Dissect Virulence Traits in Candida albicans
Authors: Pérez J. Christian
Published: June 2019

J. Christian Pérez studies the interplay between
Candida albicans
and the mammalian host. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how “Systematic screens of a
Candida albicans
homozygous deletion library decouple morphogenetic switching and pathogenicity” (S. M. Noble, S. French, L. A. Kohn, V.
Trace element–enriched mid-Visean dikes in the New Carlisle area of Quebec, Canada: Unusual products of a tholeiitic melt sourced from metasomatized mantle rocks and fractionated in a brine-rich upper-crustal environment
Authors: Jutras Pierre , Dostal Jaroslav , Kamo Sandra
Published: June 2019

Early Carboniferous tholeiitic dikes in the New Carlisle area of Quebec, Canada, are abnormally enriched in high field strength elements (HFSEs), including rare earth elements. The enrichment is systematic and was apparently caused by an enhanced incompatibility of HFSEs during a prolonged episode of crystal fractionation. As a result, HFSE concentrations are up to one order of magnitude higher than those of typical mafic rocks. Very high F and Cl contents suggest that halogen complexing was largely responsible for the trace-element enrichment. The high halogen contents are in part accounted for by a subcontinental lithospheric mantle source that had previously been enriched in these elements by prolonged subduction. Additional Cl enrichment is interpreted to have occurred in a magma chamber that developed within porous and brine-rich country rocks of the upper crust. This conclusion is supported by the observation that HFSE-enriched mafic plutons in the same magmatic province occur in nonmetamorphosed upper-crustal rocks, suggesting high buoyancy and therefore high temperatures. Such evidence for high heat in the late Paleozoic magmatic system of eastern Canada corroborates previous studies suggesting that the transtensional basin in which it evolved was overriding a mantle plume at the time. In the case of the New Carlisle dikes, which are more than twice as enriched in incompatible trace elements as slightly older mafic rocks of the same magmatic system, the regional paleoenvironmental setting suggests that the associated upper-crustal magma chamber may have evolved in rocks with saltier pore water due to long-lasting evaporitic conditions at the surface.
Effects of a training programme of functional electrical stimulation (FES) powered cycling, recreational cycling and goal-directed exercise training on children with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Armstrong Ellen L , Boyd Roslyn N , Kentish Megan J , Carty Christopher P , Horan Sean A
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience declines in gross motor ability as they transition from childhood to adolescence, which can result in the loss of ability to perform sit-to-stand transfers, ambulate or participate in leisure activities such as cycling. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is a novel technology that may provide opportunities for children with CP to strengthen their lower limbs, improve functional independence and increase physical activity participation. The proposed randomised controlled trial will test the efficacy of a training package of FES cycling, adapted cycling and goal-directed functional training to usual care in children with CP who are susceptible to functional declines.

Methods and analysis

Forty children with CP (20 per group), aged 6–8 years and classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II–IV will be recruited across South East Queensland. Participants will be randomised to either an immediate intervention group, who will undertake 8 weeks of training, or a waitlist control group. The training group will attend two 1 hour sessions per week with a physiotherapist, consisting of FES cycling and goal-directed, functional exercises and a 1 hour home exercise programme per week, consisting of recreational cycling. Primary outcomes will be the gross motor function measure and Canadian occupational performance measure, and secondary outcomes will include the five times sit-to-stand test, habitual physical activity (accelerometry), power output during cycling and Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, postintervention (8 weeks) and 8 weeks following the intervention (retention).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from Griffith University (2018/037) and the Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/17/QRCH/88). Site-specific approval was obtained from CHQHHS research governance (SSA/17/QRCH/145). Results from this trial will be disseminated via publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617000644369p.
Individualised screening for diabetic retinopathy: the ISDR study—rationale, design and methodology for a randomised controlled trial comparing annual and individualised risk-based variable-interval screening
Authors: Broadbent Deborah M , Sampson Christopher J , Wang Amu , Howard Lola , Williams Abigail E , Howlin Susan U , Appelbe Duncan , Moitt Tracy , Cheyne Christopher P , Rahni Mehrdad Mobayen , Kelly John , Collins John , García-Fiñana Marta , Stratton Irene M , James Marilyn , Harding Simon P
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Currently, all people with diabetes (PWD) aged 12 years and over in the UK are invited for screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) annually. Resources are not increasing despite a 5% increase in the numbers of PWD nationwide each year. We describe the rationale, design and methodology for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the safety, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of personalised variable-interval risk-based screening for DR. This is the first randomised trial of personalised screening for DR and the largest ophthalmic RCT in the UK.

Methods and analysis

PWD attending seven screening clinics in the Liverpool Diabetic Eye Screening Programme were recruited into a single site RCT with a 1:1 allocation to individualised risk-based variable-interval or annual screening intervals. A risk calculation engine developed for the trial estimates the probability that an individual will develop referable disease (screen positive DR) within the next 6, 12 or 24 months using demographic, retinopathy and systemic risk factor data from primary care and screening programme records. Dynamic, secure, real-time data connections have been developed. The primary outcome is attendance for follow-up screening. We will test for equivalence in attendance rates between the two arms. Secondary outcomes are rates and severity of DR, visual outcomes, cost-effectiveness and health-related quality of life. The required sample size was 4460 PWD. Recruitment is complete, and the trial is in follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from National Research Ethics Service Committee North West – Preston, reference 14/NW/0034. Results will be presented at international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. This pragmatic RCT will inform screening policy in the UK and elsewhere.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN87561257; Pre-results.
The acceptability of addressing alcohol consumption as a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer: a mixed method study within breast screening services and symptomatic breast clinics
Authors: Sinclair Julia , McCann Mark , Sheldon Ellena , Gordon Isabel , Brierley-Jones Lyn , Copson Ellen
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Potentially modifiable risk factors account for approximately 23% of breast cancers, with obesity and alcohol being the two greatest. Breast screening and symptomatic clinical attendances provide opportunities (‘teachable moments’) to link health promotion and breast cancer-prevention advice within established clinical pathways. This study explored knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol as a risk factor for breast cancer, and potential challenges inherent in incorporating advice about alcohol health risks into breast clinics and screening appointments.

Design

A mixed-method study including a survey on risk factors for breast cancer and understanding of alcohol content. Survey results were explored in a series of five focus groups with women and eight semi-structured interviews with health professionals.

Setting

Women attending NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) mammograms, symptomatic breast clinics and healthcare professionals in those settings.

Participants

205 women were recruited (102 NHSBSP attenders and 103 symptomatic breast clinic attenders) and 33 NHS Staff.

Results

Alcohol was identified as a breast cancer risk factor by 40/205 (19.5%) of attenders and 16/33 (48.5%) of staff. Overall 66.5% of attenders drank alcohol, and 56.6% could not estimate correctly the alcohol content of any of four commonly consumed alcoholic drinks. All women agreed that including a prevention-focussed intervention would not reduce the likelihood of their attendance at screening mammograms or breast clinics. Qualitative data highlighted concerns in both women and staff of how to talk about alcohol and risk factors for breast cancer in a non-stigmatising way, as well as ambivalence from specialist staff as to their role in health promotion.

Conclusions

Levels of alcohol health literacy and numeracy were low. Adding prevention interventions to screening and/or symptomatic clinics appears acceptable to attendees, highlighting the potential for using these opportunities as ‘teachable moments’. However, there are substantial cultural and systemic challenges to overcome if this is to be implemented successfully.
The specification, acceptability and effectiveness of respite care and short breaks for young adults with complex healthcare needs: protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Pilkington Gerlinde , Knighting Katherine , Bray Lucy , Downing Julia , Jack Barbara A , Maden Michelle , Mateus Ceu , Noyes Jane , O’Brien Mary R , Roe Brenda , Tsang Anthony , Spencer Sally
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The number of young adults with complex healthcare needs due to life-limiting conditions/complex physical disability has risen significantly as children with complex conditions survive into adulthood. Respite care and short breaks are an essential service, however, needs often go unmet after the transition to adult services, leading to a significant impact on the life expectancy and quality of life for this population. We aim to identify, appraise and synthesise relevant evidence to explore respite care and short breaks provision for this population, and to develop a conceptual framework for understanding service models.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-methods systematic review conducted in two stages: (1) knowledge map and (2) evidence review. We will comprehensively search multiple electronic databases; use the Citations, Lead authors, Unpublished materials, Google Scholar, Theories, Early examples, and Related projects (CLUSTER) approach, search relevant websites and circulate a ‘call for evidence’. Using the setting, perspective, intervention/phenomenon of interest, comparison and evaluation framework, two reviewers will independently select evidence for inclusion into a knowledge map and subsequent evidence review, extract data relating to study and population characteristics, methods and outcomes; and assess the quality of evidence. A third reviewer will arbitrate where necessary.

Evidence will be synthesised using the following approaches: quantitative (narratively/conducting meta-analyses where appropriate); qualitative (framework approach); policy and guidelines (documentary analysis informed approach). An overall, integrated synthesis will be created using a modified framework approach. We will use Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)/GRADE-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research to assess the strength and confidence of the synthesised evidence. Throughout, we will develop a conceptual framework to articulate how service models work in relation to context and setting.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this is a systematic review. We will present our work in academic journals, at appropriate conferences; we will disseminate findings across networks using a range of media. Steering and advisory groups were established to ensure findings are shared widely and in accessible formats.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018088780.
Adjustable column length using a water stationary phase in supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Saowapon Matthew T. , Thurbide Kevin B.
Published: June 2019

A novel method for adjusting the column length during analysis in capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is introduced. The approach is based on using a water stationary phase that can be partially ejected (or replenished) from the column as desired, without physically removing the supporting hardware elements. By flowing cool air through a sleeve surrounding the column in a heated oven, an axial thermal gradient along the length of the column was formed. This established a cooler region where the water stationary phase could be maintained and a hotter region where the coating was removed through dehydration. As such, the effective column length could be easily adjusted by changing the gradient via the air flow rate. Using this prototype arrangement, column lengths could be readily varied between 1.4 and 10 m. System response was also fairly rapid and changes took effect in under 1 min. Once a given length was established, retention times were highly reproducible with a relative standard deviation of 1.8% (n = 3). The method is cheaper and faster than the conventional method of storing numerous columns for manual switching. Further, it avoids the convolution of system pressure and flow rate that accompanies the pressure adjustments normally used to optimize capillary SFC separations. Results indicate that this approach could be a useful alternative for adjusting column length to optimize separation speed and resolution.
Riverscape recruitment: a conceptual synthesis of drivers of fish recruitment in rivers
Authors: Humphries Paul , King Alison , McCasker Nicole , Kopf R. Keller , Stoffels Rick , Zampatti Brenton , Price Amina
Published: June 2019

Most fish recruitment models consider only one or a few drivers in isolation, rarely include species’ traits, and have limited relevance to riverine environments. Despite their diversity, riverine fishes share sufficient characteristics that prediction of recruitment should be possible. Here we synthesize the essential components of fish recruitment hypotheses and the key features of rivers to develop a model that predicts relative recruitment strength, for all fishes, in rivers under all flow conditions. The model proposes that interactions between flow and physical complexity will create locations in rivers, at mesoscales, where energy and nutrients are enriched. The resultant production of small prey will be concentrated and prey and fish larvae located (through dispersal or retention) so that the larvae can feed, grow, and recruit. Our synthesis explains how flow and physical complexity affect fish recruitment and provides a conceptual basis to better conserve and manage riverine fishes globally.
Population dynamics of Podocarpus lambertii in southern Brazilian forest–grassland mosaics
Authors: Bernardi Alison Paulo , Lauterjung Miguel Busarello , Montagna Tiago , Candido-Ribeiro Rafael , Hoeltgebaum Marcia Patricia , Mantovani Adelar , dos Reis Maurício Sedrez
Published: June 2019

The grasslands conversion to forests is occurring globally and modifying the population dynamics of species. Here, we characterized the population dynamics of Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl. over four years in southern Brazilian forest–grassland mosaics. We asked (i) if the studied P. lambertii population would decrease or increase over time and (ii) what the role of forest patches is in the growth and recruitment of a P. lambertii population. Thus, we studied forest–grassland mosaics, stratified the population into four demographic classes, evaluated the population dynamics, and estimated the correlation between canopy cover and average number of individuals. All individuals of P. Lambertii occurred in forest patches. Density was high but decreased from seedlings to the reproductive stage. The population growth rate was λ = 1.025, and the recruitment of individuals was high and variable among years. The transition and mortality rates showed a pattern of reduction from seedlings to the reproductive stage. Mortality rate for seedlings and juveniles was low and concentrated at the smaller heights. The correlations between canopy cover and the average number of individuals were positive and significant. The ecological characteristics of this species and specific conditions provided by forest patches allow population growth and species conservation in the southern Brazilian forest–grassland mosaics.
Electronic structure and optical properties of anion-doped monoclinic NaTaO3 by first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Ji , Zhang Deming
Published: June 2019

First-principles density function theory calculations have been performed on the electronic structure and optical properties of mono-doped and co-doped monoclinic NaTaO3 systems. Doping of certain nonmetal ions (N, C, S, and P) and certain co-dopant pairs (C–N, S–N, P–N, and S–P) is investigated. Our calculations show that substitutional doping of C at a Na site, N at an O site, S at a Na site, and P at a Ta site require smaller formation energy based on the optimized structures of doped NaTaO3. In the case of mono-doped NaTaO3, the results indicate that the band gaps were all narrowed resulting in redshift of the absorption edge. However, for C–N, S–N, P–N, and S–P co-doped systems, though the band gap broadened, the appearance of mid-gap and movement of conduction band minimum (CBM) to Fermi energy led to absorption in the visible range. On the basis of the calculated results on nonmetal doped NaTaO3, we theoretically predicted that mono-doped NaTaO3 is more suitable for photocatalysts of water splitting.
Evaluating the potential for double cropping in Canada: effect of seeding date and relative maturity on the development and yield of maize, white bean, and soybean
Authors: Page Eric R. , Meloche Sydney , Larsen Jamie
Published: June 2019

Double cropping is not presently a common practice in Canada. The long-term climate averages, however, suggest that the practice should be possible in the most southern portions of the country. The study described herein represents the first simultaneous evaluation of three crops—maize, soybean, and white bean—seeded at five seeding dates spanning late June through early August in the most southern region of Canada. Germplasm was chosen such that physiological maturity could theoretically be reached if seeded following winter wheat. Results indicate that, following summer seeding, development in all three crops was primarily driven by thermal requirements. Only the pod filling stage of soybean was influenced by the declining daylengths of autumn, and this effect was most pronounced in germplasm of longer relative maturity. Yields of white bean and maturity group 00 soybean were unaffected by seeding up to the third week of July, whereas yield of maize and higher maturity group soybeans declined from June onward. For the latter, declining yields were primarily attributable to the interaction of seeding date and relative maturity and their effect on season length. These results clearly demonstrate that with the appropriate selection of germplasm, there is a seeding date window where maize, soybean, or white bean can be expected to reach physiological maturity as a double crop in Canada.
Equation of state and sound velocity in hybrid stars with a Dyson–Schwinger quark model
Authors: Luo Z.-H. , Wei J.-B. , Chen G. , Chen H. , Schulze H.-J.
Published: June 2019

We investigate the equation of state (EOS) and the corresponding sound velocity of the dense matter in hybrid neutron stars. For the hadron matter, the Bruckner–Hartree–Fock (BHF) many-body theory with Bonn-B potential is adopted. For the quark matter, the Dyson–Schwinger quark model is adopted, with the rainbow approximation and the Gaussian type effective interaction for quark–gluon vertex and gluon propagator. The phase transition is considered with both Maxwell condition and Gibbs condition. Then, the sound velocity in the pure hadron phase, pure quark phase and the mixed phase are obtained. The causality requirement [Formula: see text] puts a strong constraint on the EOS from BHF theory. In quark matter, it is found that [Formula: see text] and varies slowly. In the mixed phase with Gibbs condition, the sound velocity varies strongly and nonmonotonically.
A theoretical investigation of the magnetic dipole moment of the ground- and excited-states below 600keV in well-deformed 183,185W, 185,187Re and 187,189Os
Authors: Tabar E.
Published: June 2019

Magnetic dipole moments of the ground- and excited-states below 600[Formula: see text]keV in [Formula: see text]W, [Formula: see text]Re and [Formula: see text]Os nuclei have been systematically studied in the framework of a microscopic Quasiparticle Phonon Nuclear Model (QPNM) including an axially symmetric Wood–Saxon potential as a mean field and the residual spin–spin interaction. The obtained results of the magnetic moment, intrinsic [Formula: see text] factor and the effective spin gyromagnetic factor have been compared with the available experimental data and also with the calculations based on different approaches. It has been demonstrated that the QPNM reproduces reasonably well the recent experimental value of the ground-state magnetic moment and satisfactorily describes the measured magnetic moment of low-lying states below 600[Formula: see text]keV in these nuclei.
Detection of Damaged Supports Under Railway Track Using Dynamic Response of a Passing Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Yao , Wang Longqi , Zhao Haisheng , Lie Seng Tjhen
Published: June 2019

Track is a key component in railway transportation systems. They are usually fixed by fasteners and supported by discrete sleepers, which sit on the ballast. A lot of research has been conducted to check the integrity of the rail track itself, like railway level and alignment; however, limited work has been carried out on the damages of railway supports including loosing and missing fasteners and damaged ballast. In this paper, the support–track–vehicle interaction system is analyzed in which the supports and track are modeled as evenly distributed springs and Euler beam, respectively, and the vehicle is simplified as a spring–mass system. It is found the natural frequencies of the interaction system change periodically with respect to the location of the vehicle, whereas the periodicity is broken when the support is damaged. Then, a detection method is proposed to identify the damaged supports by using the vertical acceleration of the traversing inspection vehicle, which acts as both the “exciter” and “message carrier” of the test. It shows good performance on the detection of damaged supports in both numerical and experimental validations. Moreover, it is more practical than other detection methods in real engineering applications because only one single accelerometer is required.
An Efficient GPU Cache Architecture for Applications with Irregular Memory Access Patterns
Authors: Li Bingchao , Wei Jizeng , Sun Jizhou , Annavaram Murali , Kim Nam Sung
Published: June 2019

GPUs provide high-bandwidth/low-latency on-chip shared memory and L1 cache to efficiently service a large number of concurrent memory requests. Specifically, concurrent memory requests accessing contiguous memory space are coalesced into warp-wide accesses. To support such large accesses to L1 cache with low latency, the size of L1 cache line is no smaller than that of warp-wide accesses. However, such L1 cache architecture cannot always be efficiently utilized when applications generate many memory requests with irregular access patterns especially due to branch and memory divergences that make requests uncoalesced and small. Furthermore, unlike L1 cache, the shared memory of GPUs is not often used in many applications, which essentially depends on programmers. In this article, we propose Elastic-Cache, which can efficiently support both fine- and coarse-grained L1 cache line management for applications with both regular and irregular memory access patterns to improve the L1 cache efficiency. Specifically, it can store 32- or 64-byte words in non-contiguous memory space to a single 128-byte cache line. Furthermore, it neither requires an extra memory structure nor reduces the capacity of L1 cache for tag storage, since it stores auxiliary tags for fine-grained L1 cache line managements in the shared memory space that is not fully used in many applications. To improve the bandwidth utilization of L1 cache with Elastic-Cache for fine-grained accesses, we further propose Elastic-Plus to issue 32-byte memory requests in parallel, which can reduce the processing latency of memory instructions and improve the throughput of GPUs. Our experiment result shows that Elastic-Cache improves the geometric-mean performance of applications with irregular memory access patterns by 104% without degrading the performance of applications with regular memory access patterns. Elastic-Plus outperforms Elastic-Cache and improves the performance of applications with irregular memory access patterns by 131%.
The Arm Triple Core Lock-Step (TCLS) Processor
Authors: Iturbe Xabier , Venu Balaji , Ozer Emre , Poupat Jean-Luc , Gimenez Gregoire , Zurek Hans-Ulrich
Published: June 2019

The Arm Triple Core Lock-Step (TCLS) architecture is the natural evolution of Arm Cortex-R Dual Core Lock-Step (DCLS) processors to increase dependability, predictability, and availability in safety-critical and ultra-reliable applications. TCLS is simple, scalable, and easy to deploy in applications where Arm DCLS processors are widely used (e.g., automotive), as well as in new sectors where the presence of Arm technology is incipient (e.g., enterprise) or almost non-existent (e.g., space). Specifically in space, COTS Arm processors provide optimal power-to-performance, extensibility, evolvability, software availability, and ease of use, especially in comparison with the decades old rad-hard computing solutions that are still in use. This article discusses the fundamentals of an Arm Cortex-R5 based TCLS processor, providing key functioning and implementation details. The article shows that the TCLS architecture keeps the use of rad-hard technology to a minimum, namely, using rad-hard by design standard cell libraries only to protect the critical parts that account for less than 4% of the entire TCLS solution. Moreover, when exposure to radiation is relatively low, such as in terrestrial applications or even satellites operating in Low Earth Orbits (LEO), the system could be implemented entirely using commercial cell libraries, relying on the radiation mitigation methods implemented on the TCLS to cope with sporadic soft errors in its critical parts. The TCLS solution allows thus to significantly reduce chip manufacturing costs and keep pace with advances in low power consumption and high density integration by leveraging commercial semiconductor processes, while matching the reliability levels and improving availability that can be achieved using extremely expensive rad-hard semiconductor processes. Finally, the article describes a TRL4 proof-of-concept TCLS-based System-on-Chip (SoC) that has been prototyped and tested to power the computer on-board an Airbus Defence and Space telecom satellite. When compared to the currently used processor solution by Airbus, the TCLS-based SoC results in a more than 5× performance increase and cuts power consumption by more than half.
Coordinated CTA Combination and Bandwidth Partitioning for GPU Concurrent Kernel Execution
Authors: Lin Zhen , Dai Hongwen , Mantor Michael , Zhou Huiyang
Published: June 2019

Contemporary GPUs support multiple kernels to run concurrently on the same streaming multiprocessors (SMs). Recent studies have demonstrated that such concurrent kernel execution (CKE) improves both resource utilization and computational throughput. Most of the prior works focus on partitioning the GPU resources at the cooperative thread array (CTA) level or the warp scheduler level to improve CKE. However, significant performance slowdown and unfairness are observed when latency-sensitive kernels co-run with bandwidth-intensive ones. The reason is that bandwidth over-subscription from bandwidth-intensive kernels leads to much aggravated memory access latency, which is highly detrimental to latency-sensitive kernels. Even among bandwidth-intensive kernels, more intensive kernels may unfairly consume much higher bandwidth than less-intensive ones.

In this article, we first make a case that such problems cannot be sufficiently solved by managing CTA combinations alone and reveal the fundamental reasons. Then, we propose a coordinated approach for CTA combination and bandwidth partitioning. Our approach dynamically detects co-running kernels as latency sensitive or bandwidth intensive. As both the DRAM bandwidth and L2-to-L1 Network-on-Chip (NoC) bandwidth can be the critical resource, our approach partitions both bandwidth resources coordinately along with selecting proper CTA combinations. The key objective is to allocate more CTA resources for latency-sensitive kernels and more NoC/DRAM bandwidth resources to NoC-/DRAM-intensive kernels. We achieve it using a variation of dominant resource fairness (DRF). Compared with two state-of-the-art CKE optimization schemes, SMK [52] and WS [55], our approach improves the average harmonic speedup by 78% and 39%, respectively. Even compared to the best possible CTA combinations, which are obtained from an exhaustive search among all possible CTA combinations, our approach improves the harmonic speedup by up to 51% and 11% on average.
Effective Treatment of a Malignant Breast Phyllodes Tumor with Doxorubicin-Ifosfamide Therapy
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya , Yamagishi Shigeru , Kohno Toshiro , Tajiri Ryosuke , Gondo Toshikazu , Yoshimoto Noboru , Kusano Nobuko
Published: June 2019

Malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast occur infrequently and are difficult to treat with chemotherapy. Here, we present an effective chemotherapy strategy for recurrent malignant breast phyllodes tumors. A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with a malignant phyllodes tumor in her right breast and underwent total right mastectomy. One year later, the tumor recurred in the right (a 2.2 cm mass) and left (a 10 cm mass) lungs; pleural effusion was also observed in the left lung. Eight courses of doxorubicin-ifosfamide (AI) therapy were administered. After treatment, the right lung mass and pleural effusion regressed completely and the left lung mass regressed to 2 cm. In conclusion, AI therapy is useful for treating recurrent malignant breast phyllodes tumors.
New Onset British Accent, Acute Behavioral Changes, and Seizures: A Unique Presentation of NMDAR Encephalitis
Authors: Kurukumbi Mohankumar , Shah Tulsi S. , Castillo Jose A. , Nayak Rahul U. , Madiraju Jahnnavi
Published: June 2019

The leading cause of autoimmune encephalitis is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Symptoms can present as prominent behavioral abnormalities prompting inaccurate psychiatric diagnoses. Psychiatric features such as bizarre behavior, agitation, anxiety, delusions, and hallucinations are well noted in the current literature, but a manifestation of foreign accent syndrome has, to our knowledge, never been reported in cases of encephalitis. Once diagnosed, initiation of therapy can result in effective treatment. Here, we present a case of a 32-year-old female with new onset seizures and marked behavioral changes, such as speaking in a foreign accent, who was empirically treated for NMDAR encephalitis due to strong clinical suspicion, showed no improvement with first line therapy with IVIG and IV steroids, and finally had rapid resolution of symptoms with the early initiation of second line therapy of rituximab. In a young female presenting with nonspecific behavioral changes, NMDAR encephalitis should be on the differential and, although CSF antibodies are definitively diagnostic, there should be a low threshold to start empiric therapy and escalate to second line treatment.
Initial Development and Validation of a Transition Readiness Scale for Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hammerman Oded , Bayatra Areej , Turner Dan , Levine Arie , Shamir Raanan , Assa Amit , Wilschanski Michael , Bachner Yaacov G. , Israeli Eran
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims. To date, there are no validated measures in IBD to assess the level of preparedness for transition into adult health care. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the reliability and validity of a “Transition Readiness” (TR) measure for adolescents with IBD, as well as to evaluate the level of TR synchronicity between adolescents themselves, their parents, and their pediatric gastroenterologists.Methods. A self-assessment tool was created to evaluate TR. Items were reviewed for face validation by IBD experts, and an exploratory factor analysis was performed which yielded 3 distinct domains. The study cohort included adolescents aged 12-21 yrs, their parents, and their physicians in pediatric IBD centers. Correlations between patient/parent/physician TR between each of the domains and the overall TR score to age were assessed.Results. 63 subjects (average age 16.6 yrs/79% Crohn’s disease/44% male) participated in this study. There was a significant correlation between the scoring of adolescents and parents on all three domains. The correlation between adolescents and physicians, as well as between parents and physicians, was only consistent for self-efficacy. Self-efficacy significantly correlated with age, while the correlations between perceived knowledge and perception of medical care with age were not significant.Conclusion. Validation of a novel TR measurement for adolescents with IBD demonstrated a good correlation between patients and parents. Out of the three proposed constructs, perceived self-efficacy is the most salient measure.
A Robust Bias‐Correction Fuzzy Weighted C‐Ordered‐Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Wenyuan , Huang Tianyu , Chen Jun
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes a modified fuzzy C‐means (FCM) algorithm, which combines the local spatial information and the typicality of pixel data in a new fuzzy way. This new algorithm is called bias‐correction fuzzy weighted C‐ordered‐means (BFWCOM) clustering algorithm. It can overcome the shortcomings of the existing FCM algorithm and improve clustering performance. The primary task of BFWCOM is the use of fuzzy local similarity measures (space and grayscale). Meanwhile, this new algorithm adds a typical analysis of data attributes to membership, in order to ensure noise insensitivity and the preservation of image details. Secondly, the local convergence of the proposed algorithm is mathematically proved, providing a theoretical preparation for fuzzy classification. Finally, data classification and real image experiments show the effectiveness of BFWCOM clustering algorithm, having a strong denoising and robust effect on noise images.
Effect of Sulforaphane on Bladder Compliance in a Rat Model of Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: Liu Chong , Wan Xiang , Gu Meng , Chen Yanbo , Cai Zhikang , Zhou Juan , Chen Qi , Wang Zhong
Published: June 2019

Aims. To investigate the effect of Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN) on bladder compliance and the underlying mechanisms in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Methods. Male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. BOO rats were given daily 0.5 mg/kg sulforaphane (BOO+SFN) or vehicle (BOO) intraperitoneally for 4 weeks, while sham-operated rats were treated with vehicle (Sham). Bladder compliance, histological alteration, and collagen deposition were evaluated. The expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results. BOO led to a significant decrease in bladder compliance. The change was partially restored by SFN treatment. The expression of MMP-1 was significantly decreased accompanying with increased TIMP-1 expression in BOO rats compared with that in Sham rats, which was ameliorated by SFN treatment. Moreover, the increased collagen I/collagen III ratio in the BOO group was reversed by SFN treatment. Conclusions. Sulforaphane suppressed collagen deposition by regulating the MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression and decreasing the collagen I/III expression ratio in BOO rats and improved bladder compliance.
Constraint Sparse Maximum Correntropy Beamforming Algorithm against Impulsive Noise to Improve the Performance of GNSS Signal Acquisition
Authors: Zhang Haichuan , Zeng Fangling
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the new constraint correntropy beamforming method to improve the performance of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers. Although beamforming-based GNSS system possesses the ability of nulling interference sources, the distortions to satellite signal induced by impulsive noises are always neglected. This paper addresses the satellite navigation signal acquisition problem against impulsive noises using the constraint maximum correntropy criterion in framework of the GNSS system. In addition, in order to decrease the number of active elements for avoiding overmuch energy consumption, we introduce the L1-norm penalty equation to the list of constraints of the adaptive filter that forces the coefficients with small magnitudes to zero. From the above, we propose the norm-constraint beamforming method to satisfy the conflicting requirements between the coefficients sparsity and the performance of the satellite signal acquisition. The proposed CSMC maintains the robustness against impulsive outliers and achieve better performance in conjunction with less power consumption. An analysis of the mean square convergence properties of the proposed algorithms is presented, and the stability condition of the convergence is derived. Our simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed methods.
Scavenger Receptor Class B Member 1 Independent Uptake of Transthyretin by Cultured Hepatocytes Is Regulated by High Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Landers Kelly A. , d’Emden Michael C. , Richard Kerry
Published: June 2019

Thyroid hormone (thyroxine, T4) is essential for the normal function of all cell types and is carried in serum bound to several proteins including transthyretin. Recently, evidence has emerged of alternate pathways for hormone entry into cells that are dependent on hormone binding proteins. Transthyretin and transthyretin bound T4 are endocytosed by placental trophoblasts through the high-density lipoprotein receptor, Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 (SR-B1). High density lipoprotein (HDL) affects the expression and function of SR-B1 in trophoblast cells. SR-B1 is also expressed in hepatocytes and we sought to determine if hepatocyte SR-B1 was involved in transthyretin or transthyretin-T4 uptake and whether uptake was affected by HDL. Transthyretin and transthyretin-T4 uptake by hepatocytes is not dependent on SR-B1. HDL treatment reduced SR-B1 expression. However, pretreatment of hepatocytes with HDL increased uptake of transthyretin-T4. Knockdown of SR-B1 expression using siRNA also increased transthyretin-T4 uptake. Coaddition of HDL to transthyretin uptake experiments blocked both transthyretin and transthyretin-T4 uptake. Hepatocyte uptake of transthyretin-T4 uptake is influenced by, but is not dependent on, SR-B1 expression. HDL also decreases transthyretin-T4 uptake and therefore diet or drugs may interfere with this process. This suggests that multiple lipoprotein receptors may be involved in the regulation of uptake of transthyretin-T4 in a cell-type specific manner. Further study is required to understand this important process.
Hidden-Beauty Broad Resonance Yb(10890) in Thermal QCD
Authors: Süngü J. Y. , Türkan A. , Dağ H. , Veliev E. Veli
Published: June 2019

In this work, the mass and pole residue of resonance Yb is studied by using QCD sum rules approach at finite temperature. Resonance Yb is described by a diquark-antidiquark tetraquark current, and contributions to operator product expansion are calculated by including QCD condensates up to dimension six. Temperature dependencies of the mass mYb and the pole residue λYb are investigated. It is seen that near a critical temperature (Tc≃190  MeV), the values of mYb and λYb decrease to 87% and to 44% of their values at vacuum.
Application of a Cloud Model-Set Pair Analysis in Efficacy Assessment for Diabetic Ulcers
Authors: Kuai Le , Xing Jia-qi , Zhang Jing-ting , Xu Xun-zhe , Wu Min-feng , Zhao Ke-qin , Li Bin , Li Fu-lun
Published: June 2019

Because treatment of diabetic ulcers includes various uncertainties, efficacy assessments are needed and significant. In previous studies, set pair analysis (SPA) has been applied to the efficacy assessments of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that pick out uncertainties related to the development and prognosis of disease. Optimized clinical protocols of SPA improve clinical efficacy. In the article, cloud model (CM) is employed to improve SPA, and a novel efficacy assessment method for a treatment of diabetic ulcers is proposed based on the cloud model-set pair analysis (CM-SPA). It is recommended to replace connection degree (CD) with cloud connection degree (CCD) that the efficacy assessment results are shown as normal clouds. Then, three diabetic ulcers patients treated with TCM made importance assessment by both CM-SPA and AHP based SPA. The comparison of assessment results shows that the CM-SPA is efficacious for the efficacy assessment of a treatment for diabetic ulcers and the results will be more scientific and accurate via CM-SPA.
A Case of Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltze Syndrome) Masquerading as Lingual Tonsillar Hypertrophy
Authors: Roberts Samuel T. , Shein Greg , Jacobson Ian
Published: June 2019

Focal dermal hypoplasia is a rare condition affecting organ systems of mesodermal origin. We present a rare case of this condition presenting with apparent palatine tonsillar regrowth and outline our management. Airway management should always be a consideration in this rare condition.