bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of self‐adaptable data parallel applications on multicore clusters automatically optimized for performance and energy through load distribution
Authors: Reddy Manumachu Ravi , Lastovetsky Alexey L. 
Published: August 2018

SummarySelf‐adaptability is a highly preferred feature in HPC applications. A crucial building block of a self‐adaptable application is a data partitioning algorithm that must possess several essential qualities apart from low runtime and memory costs. On modern platforms composed of multicore CPU processors, data partitioning algorithms striving to solve the bi‐objective optimization problem for performance and energy (BOPPE) face a formidable challenge. They must take into account the new complexities inherent in these platforms such as severe resource contention and non‐uniform memory access (NUMA). Novel model‐based methods and data partitioning algorithms have been proposed that address the challenge. However, these methods take as input full functional performance and energy models (FPM and FEM), which have prohibitively high model construction costs. Therefore, they are not suitable for employment in self‐adaptable applications. In this paper, we present a self‐adaptable data partitioning algorithm called ADAPTALEPH, which solves BOPPE on homogeneous clusters of multicore CPUs. Unlike the state‐of‐the‐art solving BOPPE that take as inputs full FPM and FEM, it constructs partial FPM and FEM during its execution using all the available processors. It returns a locally Pareto‐optimal set of solutions, which are the heterogeneous workload distributions that achieve inter‐node optimization of data‐parallel applications for performance and energy. We experimentally study the efficiency of ADAPTALEPH for three data‐parallel applications, ie, matrix‐vector multiplication, matrix‐matrix multiplication, and fast Fourier transform, on a modern multicore CPU and simulations for homogeneous clusters of such CPUs. We demonstrate that the locally Pareto‐optimal front approaches the globally Pareto‐optimal front as the number of points in the partial discrete FPM and FEM functions are increased. The number of points in the partial FPM/FEM when the locally Pareto‐optimal front becomes the globally Pareto‐optimal front is considerably less than the number of points in the full FPM/FEM thereby suggesting development of methods that can leverage this finding to drastically reduce the model construction times.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride and Titanium Dioxide Modified with 1 D and 2 D Carbon Structures for Photocatalysis
Authors: Baca Martyna , Kukułka Wojciech , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Mijowska Ewa , Kaleńczuk Ryszard Józef , Zielińska Beata 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEnhancing the photocatalytic performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4, GCN) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) has played a key role in the energy and environmental protection research community. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the synergy of both materials with carbon nanostructures for photocatalysis. Among the variety of carbon materials, graphene flakes and nanotubes, as nanoadditives to improve electron charge transfer and the optical absorption behavior in the visible‐light region, have been widely explored. Thus, flake‐like (2 D) and tubular (1 D) carbon structures in composition with GCN and/or TiO2 are reviewed, as are their photocatalytic response. Current trends clearly indicate that this type of molecular hybrids can be efficiently exploited in this field. This Minireview covers state‐of‐the‐art research over the period of 2015 to 2018.
Sustainable Utilization of Biomass Refinery Wastes for Accessing Activated Carbons and Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Chernysheva Daria V. , Chus Yuri A. , Klushin Victor A. , Lastovina Tatiana A. , Pudova Lyudmila S. , Smirnova Nina V. , Kravchenko Oleg A. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Ananikov Valentine P. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBiomass processing wastes (humins) are anticipated to become a large‐tonnage solid waste in the near future, owing to the accelerated development of renewable technologies based on utilization of carbohydrates. In this work, the utility of humins as a feedstock for the production of activated carbon by various methods (pyrolysis, physical and chemical activation, or combined approaches) was evaluated. The obtained activated carbons were tested as potential electrode materials for supercapacitor applications and demonstrated combined micro‐ and mesoporous structures with a good capacitance of 370 F g−1 (at a current density of 0.5 A g−1) and good cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 92 % after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles (at 10 A g−1 in 6 m aqueous KOH electrolyte). The applicability of the developed activated carbon for practical usage as a supercapacitor electrode material was demonstrated by its successful utilization in symmetric two‐electrode cells and by powering electric devices. These findings provide a new approach to deal with the problem of sustainable wastes utilization and to advance challenging energy storage applications.
Development of probe control system and median nerve extraction in ultrasound images for 3D visualization
Authors: Katayama Koutaro , Shibata Keiji , Sasaki Tohru , Osada Ryuusuke , Horita Yuukou 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn the diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorder such as carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor and the scientific occupational therapist mainly narrow down the position of the lesion by function evaluation. The diagnosis has been decided by the evaluation of the electrophysiological nerve conduction characteristics. In addition to this, in recent years, it has become possible to observe the median nerve as a tomogram using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, so it is possible to check the thickness and shape of the median nerve without cutting the wrist joint part. However, in order to objectively observe a tissue having a three‐dimensional structure such as a median nerve, it is required to obtain not only tomographic images of the median nerve but also three‐dimensional shape information. Therefore, in order to visualize the median nerve as the three‐dimensional structure, we develop a device that mechanically manipulates an ultrasound probe, while operating an ultrasound probe, it takes photographs of the nerve tomographic images as well as it extracts the nerve from the images. In this paper, we describe the development of a device that operates an ultrasound probe and extract the median nerve in an ultrasound images.
A Commitment to HIV Diagnostic Accuracy – a comment on “Towards more accurate HIV testing in sub‐Saharan Africa: a multi‐site evaluation of HIV RDTs and risk factors for false positives” and “HIV misdiagnosis in sub‐Saharan Africa: a performance of diagnostic algorithms at six testing sites”
Authors: Kravitz Del Solar Amy S , Parekh Bharat , Douglas Meaghan O'Keefe , Edgil Dianna , Kuritsky Joel , Nkengasong John 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAs part of the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is committed to the provision of high‐quality services and ensuring testing accuracy. Two recently published papers focusing on HIV testing and misdiagnosis in sub‐Saharan Africa by Kosack et al. report on evaluations of HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and found lower than expected specificity and sensitivity on some tests when used in certain geographic locations. The magnitude of PEPFAR's global HIV response has been possible due to the extensive use of RDTs, which have made HIV diagnosis accessible all over the world. We take the opportunity to address concerns raised about the potential implications that these findings could have on real‐world HIV testing accuracy. PEPFAR supported countries adhere to the normative guidance by World Health Organization (WHO) supporting algorithms which require sequential positive tests for diagnostic accuracy. An analysis of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) RDT site‐specific data applied to PEPFAR in‐country protocols demonstrate a variation in the diagnostic accuracy of the testing algorithms, but with a very small population‐level effect. The data demonstrate, with the use of these algorithms, that the RDT outcomes found in the study by Kosack et al. would be largely mitigated and would not be expected to have a significant impact on diagnostic accuracy and overall programming in most countries. Avoiding any misdiagnosis is a priority for PEPFAR, and it remains vital to gain a deeper understanding of the causes and the extent of diagnostic errors and any misclassification. Extensive quality control mechanisms and continued research are essential. With a focus on epidemic control and ensuring diagnostic accuracy, PEPFAR recommends that all countries use WHO pre‐qualified RDTs within the recommended strategies and algorithms for HIV testing. We also support validation of HIV testing algorithms using in‐country specimens to determine optimal performance, and the reverification testing of all people diagnosed with HIV prior to starting treatment as an essential quality assurance measure.
Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus subtypes circulating in Algeria and seroprevalence of HDV infection
Authors: Gourari Samir , Brichler Ségolène , Le Gal Frédéric , Abdou‐Chekaraou Mariama , Beloufa Mohamed Amine , Khelifa Rim , Djaballah Hafida , Boufekane Mounira , Nani Abdelbasset , Afredj Nawel , Debzi Nabil , Dény Paul , Gordien Emmanuel , Tazir Mohamed 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundLittle is known about molecular characteristics of HBV strains circulating in Algeria and there are few data regarding HDV infection.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe the genetic diversity of HBV and HDV strains existing in Algeria and to determine the seroprevalence of HDV infection.Study designPlasma samples from 134 patients were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay method for HBV and HDV serological markers. Genotyping of HBV and HDV strains were performed using direct sequencing followed by phylogenetic analyses of the PreS1 and R0 region of the HBV and HDV genome respectively.ResultsThe PreS1 gene was successfully amplified in 119 patients (82 males and 37 females). Phylogenetic analysis of HBV strains revealed the presence of genotypes D (86.5%) and A2 (11.76%). The subgenotypes D are distributed as follows: HBV/D7 (43.5%), HBV/D3 (24.75%), HBV/D1 (16.8%) and HBV/D2 (14.85%). A recombinant between genotypes A, E and D was found. The seroprevalence of HDV infection among HBV carriers was less than 5.35%. Only one isolate of HDV genotype 1 was identified.ConclusionsOur data indicate the predominance of HBV subgenotype D7 and a low prevalence of HDV infection.
Prediagnostic electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings of biopsy‐proven hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Seki Shunji , Yamashita Erika , Tanoue Kazuyuki , Nuruki Norihito , Sonoda Masahiro , Ohno Seiko , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Tanaka Yuji , Yoshinaga Masao 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe present two cases of biopsy‐proven hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Both cases showed abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) findings more than 8 years before diagnosis. A 16‐year‐old healthy male experienced a rescued cardiac arrest. Another male adolescent showed abnormal Q wave and thickened ventricular wall at 15 years old. Retrospective analyses of ECGs performed at 6 years old indicated abnormal ECG findings. However, the diagnosis was normal because no ventricular wall thickening was present in echocardiography. For early diagnosis of HCM to prevent sudden cardiac arrest or death, it is essential to establish ECG and echocardiographic criteria to screen HCM in the young.
Selective determination of nitrite/nitrate based on photo‐induced redox activity of titanium dioxide
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Wang Qiuquan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGiven its unique photocatalytic and structural properties, titanium dioxide was used as a sensitizer for the quantification of nitrite and nitrate contents by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet/nano‐titanium dioxide photo‐induced chemiluminescence detection. The photo‐induced chemiluminescence signal was enhanced after the introduction of titanium dioxide. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, as a positive hole scavenger, considerably improved the signal. The peak area of the chemiluminescence signal was enhanced 85 times after ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was added to 1 × 10−6 mol/L of nitrite. The detection limits of nitrite and nitrate were 9.0 × 10−9 and 1.4 × 10−7 mol/L, respectively. Our method was applied for the determination of nitrite and nitrate contents in water samples. In contrast to other methods, our method is simple and environmentally friendly and enables the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate.
Development and evaluation of a low‐cost, portable, LED‐based device for PDT treatment of early‐stage oral cancer in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Liu Hui , Daly Liam , Rudd Grant , Khan Amjad P. , Mallidi Srivalleesha , Liu Yiran , Cuckov Filip , Hasan Tayyaba , Celli Jonathan P. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) using δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photosensitization has shown promise in clinical studies for the treatment of early‐stage oral malignancies with fewer potential side effects than traditional therapies. Light delivery to oral lesions can also carried out with limited medical infrastructure suggesting the potential for implementation of PDT in global health settings.ObjectivesWe sought to develop a cost‐effective, battery‐powered, fiber‐coupled PDT system suitable for intraoral light delivery enabled by smartphone interface and embedded electronics for ease of operation.MethodsDevice performance was assessed in measurements of optical power output, spectral stability, and preclinical assessment of PDT response in ALA‐photosensitized squamous carcinoma cell cultures and murine subcutaneous tumor xenografts.ResultsThe system achieves target optoelectronic performance with a stable battery‐powered output of approximately 180 mW from the fiber tip within the desired spectral window for PpIX activation. The device has a compact configuration, user friendly operation and flexible light delivery for the oral cavity. In cell culture, we show that the overall dose‐response is consistent with established light sources and complete cell death of ALA photosensitized cells can be achieved in the irradiated zone. In vivo PDT response (reduction in tumor volume) is comparable with a commercial 635 nm laser.ConclusionsWe developed a low‐cost, LED‐based, fiber‐coupled PDT light delivery source that has stable output on battery power and suitable form factor for deployment in rural and/or resource‐limited settings. Lasers Surg. Med. 9999:1–7, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic Assignment of Brook Trout Reveals Rapid Success of Culvert Restoration in Headwater Streams
Authors: Wood Darren M. , Welsh Amy B. , Todd Petty J. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Fragmentation of aquatic habitats is a global conservation concern. Losses of both biodiversity and genetic diversity have been attributed to this phenomenon as dispersal movements between habitat patches are restricted. Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis in the upper Shavers Fork watershed of West Virginia exhibit high dispersal rates and lengthy dispersal distances; however, road culverts have been hypothesized to influence the movement of Brook Trout between tributaries. Removing impassable culverts could serve as a tool to facilitate movements into previously isolated streams. We classified the passability of road culverts by their physical attributes and collected samples above each structure as well as in two streams without culverts to test for genetic population differentiation attributed to culverts. After we determined that the majority of streams consisted of a single genetic population, with the exception of two streams containing culverts designated as impassable (Beaver Creek and Lamothe Hollow), the culvert structures were restored to eliminate outlets perched above the stream bottom and were subsequently resampled 1 year after project completion. Although no individuals were assigned as first-generation migrants into either Beaver Creek or Lamothe Hollow before culvert restoration, five individuals were detected as first-generation migrants into Beaver Creek (13%), and one individual was identified as a first-generation migrant into Lamothe Hollow (4.5%) after culvert restoration. Three different streams were found to be sources of the migrants into Beaver Creek, and the single individual migrating into Lamothe Hollow was from a fourth source stream. The identification of first-generation migrants through genetic assignment not only provides a tool with which to test the effectiveness of barrier removal and subsequent restoration success but also to support the importance of culvert replacement in headwater streams.
Temporal trends in the proportion of “cure” in children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in England: A population‐based study
Authors: Drozdov Daniel , Bonaventure Audrey , Nakata Kayo , Suttorp Meinolf , Belot Aurélien 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundSurvival probability in children, adolescents, and young adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has dramatically improved during recent years. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), targeted drugs developed for patients with CML, were introduced in 2001 in England. We here quantify the trends in the “cure” proportion according to the year of diagnosis.MethodsWe included all children, adolescents, and young patients with CML (0 to 24 years) diagnosed in England during 1980 to 2005. We fitted mixture cure models to estimate the “cure” proportion and the median survival time among the “uncured” patients according to the year of diagnosis, adjusted for age at diagnosis.ResultsThe “cure” proportion increased dramatically between 1980 and 2005, from under 10% to over 80%, while conversely, the median survival time of “uncured” patients decreased slightly between 1980 and 1999, with the trend from 2000 being uncertain.ConclusionsThe striking improvement of the “cure” fraction in young patients with CML since the early 1980s is concomitant with improvement of treatment, especially the allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplant and, later, the introduction of TKI. The trends over the last years (2000–2005) remain, however, uncertain and would benefit from further studies with more recent data and updated follow‐up.
A tailor‐made approach for causality assessment for ADR reports on drugs and vaccines
Authors: Oosterhuis Ingrid , Zweers Petra , Rümke Hans , Muller‐Hansma Annemarie , van Puijenbroek Eugène Paul 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeTo estimate causation of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports, causality methods were developed from a theoretical perspective. In daily practice, not all information is relevant or available, decreasing the applicability. We developed a new causality documentation tool (CausDoc) where an algorithm is combined with expert judgement. The aim of this study is to test the validity and reliability of CausDoc for ADR reports on drugs and vaccines.MethodsCausDoc provides 9 structured relevant questions. If information is available, an answer will be chosen. If not, the question is excluded. Causality outcome is based on the sum score of all answers divided by the included questions: ≤30%: unlikely, 31% to 70%: possible, 71% to 90%: probable, and >90%: certain. Other relevant information is taken into account by expert judgement in the final step by adjusting the outcome to a limited extent. After testing face validity on 12 ADR reports, sensitivity and specificity were tested on 40 ADR reports, compared with the Naranjo algorithm and WHO AEFI criteria, using the expert panel's judgements as a standard. Inter‐rater reliability was tested using weighted Cohen kappa coefficient.ResultsAverage sensitivity and specificity with CausDoc were 47% and 83% for drugs (29% and 78% with Naranjo) and 72% and 89% for vaccines (65% and 87% with WHO AEFI criteria). Reliability between the 2 couples of assessors: κ 0.48 and 0.75.ConclusionsCausDoc shows a better performance and allows for a better documentation of ADRs in clinical practice. This approach is useful in assessing the causality of adverse drug reactions.
Effectiveness of a community‐based exercise training programme to increase physical activity level in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Varas Ana Beatriz , Córdoba Silvia , Rodríguez‐Andonaegui Irene , Rueda Ma. Rocío , García‐Juez Susana , Vilaró Jordi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe exercise training included in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes improves exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the duration of these effects is limited, and the implementation of PR is still insufficient. Moreover, the physical activity level of COPD patients is low, and it is not modified with the classic PR programmes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a community‐based PR programme designed to increase physical activity in COPD patients.MethodsStable COPD patients were assigned to either an experimental group (EG, n = 17) who followed a community‐based 8‐week programme consisting of exercise training through walking and a plan to increase activity, using a pedometer for feedback; or a control group (n = 16), who followed general recommendations to walk more every day. The following were evaluated postintervention, after 3 months, and after 12 months: exercise capacity (endurance shuttle test [EST]), physical activity (steps/day and modified Baecke questionnaire), quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]), dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council scale), and exacerbations.ResultsPostintervention, the EG showed significant improvements in EST times (7.6 min [4.4, 10.7]), distance (549 m [282, 815]; p < 0.01, both), number of steps (3,361 [1,553, 5,118]), and Baecke scores (1.6 [0.2, 3.1], p < 0.01). SGRQ scores decreased (−5.4 [−8.6, −2.4], p < 0.01). These results remained evident after 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01). There were no differences between the groups nor in the exacerbations or dyspnoea. A significant association was found between increase in physical activity level, improvement in exercise capacity, and quality of life during the period monitored.ConclusionsA community‐based programme of exercise training through walking and increased physical activity, using pedometers as feedback, produces short‐ and long‐term improvements in exercise capacity, physical activity level, and quality of life in COPD patients.