bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Instruction Driven Cross-layer CNN Accelerator for Fast Detection on FPGA
Authors: Yu Jincheng , Ge Guangjun , Hu Yiming , Ning Xuefei , Qiu Jiantao , Guo Kaiyuan , Wang Yu , Yang Huazhong 
Published: December 2018

In recent years, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been widely applied in computer vision and have achieved significant improvements in object detection tasks. Although there are many optimizing methods to speed up CNN-based detection algorithms, it is still difficult to deploy detection algorithms on real-time low-power systems. Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) has been widely explored as a platform for accelerating CNN due to its promising performance, high energy efficiency, and flexibility. Previous works show that the energy consumption of CNN accelerators is dominated by the memory access. By fusing multiple layers in CNN, the intermediate data transfer can be reduced. However, previous accelerators with the cross-layer scheduling are designed for a particular CNN model. In addition to the memory access optimization, the Winograd algorithm can greatly improve the computational performance of convolution.
In this article, to improve the flexibility of hardware, we design an instruction-driven CNN accelerator, supporting the Winograd algorithm and the cross-layer scheduling, for object detection. We modify the loop unrolling order of CNN, so that we can schedule a CNN across different layers with instructions and eliminate the intermediate data transfer. We propose a hardware architecture to support the instructions with Winograd computation units and reach the state-of-the-art energy efficiency. To deploy image detection algorithms onto the proposed accelerator with fixed-point computation units, we adopt the fixed-point fine-tune method, which can guarantee the accuracy of the detection algorithms.
We evaluate our accelerator and scheduling policy on the Xilinx KU115 FPGA platform. The intermediate data transfer can be reduced by more than 90% on the VGG-D CNN model with the cross-layer strategy. Thus, the performance of our hardware accelerator reaches 1700GOP/s on the classification model VGG-D. We also implement a framework for object detection algorithms, which achieves 2.3× and 50× in energy efficiency compared with GPU and CPU, respectively. Compared with floating-point algorithms, the accuracy of the fixed-point detection algorithms only drops by less than 1%.
Predictive Score for Identifying Survival and Recurrence Risk Profiles in Patients Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: Vergara Pasquale , Tzou Wendy S. , Tung Roderick , Brombin Chiara , Nonis Alessandro , Vaseghi Marmar , Frankel David S. , Di Biase Luigi , Tedrow Usha , Mathuria Nilesh , Nakahara Shiro , Tholakanahalli Venkat , Bunch T. Jared , Weiss J. Peter , Dickfeld Timm , Lakireddy Dhanunjaya , Burkhardt J. David , Santangeli Pasquale , Callans David , Natale Andrea , Marchlinski Francis , Stevenson William G. , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Sauer William H. , Della Bella Paolo 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Several distinct risk factors for arrhythmia recurrence and mortality following ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation have been described. The effect of concurrent risk factors has not been assessed so far; thus, it is not yet possible to estimate these risks for a patient with several comorbidities. The aim of the study was to identify specific risk groups for mortality and VT recurrence using the Survival Tree (ST) analysis method.

Methods:
In 1251 patients 16 demographic, clinical and procedure-related variables were evaluated as potential prognostic factors using ST analysis using a recursive partitioning algorithm that searches for relationships among variables. Survival time and time to VT recurrence in groups derived from ST analysis were compared by a log-rank test. A random forest analysis was then run to extract a variable importance index and internally validate the ST models.

Results:
Left ventricular ejection fraction, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization device, previous ablation were, in hierarchical order, identified by ST analysis as best predictors of VT recurrence, while left ventricular ejection fraction, previous ablation, Electrical storm were identified as best predictors of mortality. Three groups with significantly different survival rates were identified. Among the high-risk group, 65.0% patients were survived and 52.1% patients were free from VT recurrence; within the medium- and low-risk groups, 84.0% and 97.2% patients survived, 72.4% and 88.4% were free from VT recurrence, respectively.

Conclusions:
Our study is the first to derive and validate a decisional model that provides estimates of VT recurrence and mortality with an effective classification tree. Preprocedure risk stratification could help optimize periprocedural and postprocedural care.
Clinical and Genetic Determinants of Varicose Veins
Authors: Fukaya Eri , Flores Alyssa M. , Lindholm Daniel , Gustafsson Stefan , Zanetti Daniela , Ingelsson Erik , Leeper Nicholas J. 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Varicose veins are a common problem with no approved medical therapies. Although it is believed that varicose vein pathogenesis is multifactorial, there is limited understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to their formation. Large-scale studies of risk factors for varicose veins may highlight important aspects of pathophysiology and identify groups at increased risk for disease.

Methods:
We applied machine learning to agnostically search for risk factors of varicose veins in 493 519 individuals in the UK Biobank. Predictors were further studied with univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses (2441 incident events). A genome-wide association study of varicose veins was also performed among 337 536 unrelated individuals (9577 cases) of white British descent, followed by expression quantitative loci and pathway analyses. Because height emerged as a new candidate risk factor, we performed mendelian randomization analyses to assess a potential causal role for height in varicose vein development.

Results:

Machine learning confirmed several known (age, sex, obesity, pregnancy, history of deep vein thrombosis) and identified several new risk factors for varicose vein disease, including height. After adjustment for traditional risk factors in Cox regression, greater height remained independently associated with varicose veins (hazard ratio for upper versus lower quartile, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.51–2.01;
P
<0.0001). A genome-wide association study identified 30 new genome-wide significant loci, identifying pathways involved in vascular development and skeletal/limb biology. Mendelian randomization analysis provided evidence that increased height is causally related to varicose veins (inverse-variance weighted: odds ratio, 1.26;
P
=2.07×10
−16
).

Conclusions:
Using data from nearly a half-million individuals, we present a comprehensive genetic and epidemiological study of varicose veins. We identified novel clinical and genetic risk factors that provide pathophysiological insights and could help future improvements of treatment of varicose vein disease.
Non-Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: Eosinophil, Basophil, and Neutrophil Blood Counts Before and After Surgery
Authors: Parrino Daniela , Brescia Giuseppe , Zanotti Claudia , Tealdo Giulia , Giacomelli Luciano , Barion Umberto , Sfriso Paolo , Marioni Gino 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Research selectively investigating non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is lacking. The inflammatory patterns seen in non-eosinophilic CRSwNP are still poorly understood. The present study is the first to compare blood eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts before/after surgery in patients with non-eosinophilic CRSwNP stratified by their clinical features. Methods: The study concerned 107 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed non-eosinophilic CRSwNP who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Results: Statistical analysis ruled out any significant change in mean blood eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts after ESS. A significant positive correlation emerged between blood eosinophil and basophil counts in both pre- and post-ESS laboratory tests. In the subcohort of allergic patients, a significant negative correlation was found after ESS between eosinophil and neutrophil levels and between basophil and neutrophil levels. Conclusions: In eosinophilic CRSwNP, ESS can clear polyps, remove inflammatory tissue, and reduce the inflammatory cytokines it generates, with a consequent reduction in blood eosinophil levels. The different results in non-eosinophilic CRSwNP support the conviction that the 2 types of CRSwNP are entities with distinct inflammatory response patterns.
Perceptions of palliative care in a lower middle-income Muslim country: A qualitative study of health care professionals, bereaved families and communities
Authors: Fearon David , Kane Hélène , Aliou N’Diaye , Sall Alhousseynou 
Published: December 2018

Background: Palliative care has been successfully integrated into many Muslim-majority countries, most frequently in urbanised areas with developed health care systems. Less is known as to how the concept of palliative care is perceived by Muslim populations and health workers in rural, resource-limited contexts. Aim: This study seeks to explore whether the principles of palliative care are congruent with the perspectives of health professionals, families and communities in rural areas of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, in West Africa. Design: A qualitative research design was employed underpinned by a constructionist paradigm. Data were collected through 31 interviews and 8 focus groups. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting/participants: A total of 76 participants were recruited from across rural Mauritania; 33 health care professionals, 12 recently bereaved family members and 31 community leaders. Data collection occurred during training events in the capital and visits to villages and rural health posts. Results: Three major themes were identified. First, there is a perceived lack of congruency between an illness which limits life and the strong belief in destiny. The second theme describes the perceived barriers to communication of issues relating to palliative care. Finally, a good death is described, framed within the interplay of religious faith and cultural practices. Conclusion: The palliative care ethos is viewed positively by the majority of participants. The need to understand and respect a Muslim individual’s faith does not diminish our obligation to personalise palliative care provided for them and their family.
Insertion depth of nasotracheal tubes sized to fit the nostril: an observational study
Authors: Lee Bora , Park Wyun Kon , Yun Soon Young , Kang Soojeong , Kim Hyun Joo 
Published: December 2018

Objective Nasotracheal (NT) intubation is commonly applied during head and neck surgery. However, improper tube size and depth may cause complications. In the current study, we investigated whether NT tubes are being appropriately used in terms of size and depth in adult patients. Methods Nares were sized in 40 patients using standard nasopharyngeal airways (6.0–8.0) before elective surgery under general anesthesia. The largest sized airway that passed easily into the nasopharynx without resistance was considered as a proper size. Using a fiberoptic scope, the distances from the nares to the vocal cords and the nares to the carina were measured. Rates of proper NT tube positioning were calculated with regard to the cuff and distal tip. Results The most frequent sizes of properly fitted NT tubes were 6.5 and 6.0 in male and female patients, respectively. Positioning of the cuff and distal tip was only appropriate when using a properly sized tube in 26% and 47% of male and female patients, respectively. Conclusion Care should be taken to determine the insertion depth after placing an NT tube that has been sized to fit the nostril. Moreover, NT tubes of the same diameter may be required in various lengths. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrial.gov; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02876913 ; Registration number NCT02876913
Long intergenic noncoding RNA-p21 inhibits apoptosis by decreasing PUMA expression in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Li , Xiao Chunyan , Guo Bingling , Gong Yi , Liang Xiping , Huang Dehong , Li Qiying , Nan Yingyu , Xiang Ying , Shao Jianghe 
Published: December 2018

Objective Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important mediators in tumor progression. Long intergenic noncoding RNA-p21 (lincRNA-p21) participates in multiple biological processes. This study explored the role of lincRNA-p21 in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and potential regulatory mechanisms. Methods LincRNA-p21 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines (A549, H1299, H1650, and NCI-H2087) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. LincRNA-p21 overexpressing and sh-lincRNA-p21 lentiviral were respectively transfected into H1299 and A549 cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis. Microarray analysis and RNA pull-down assay were used to predict the target genes of lincRNA-p21. Finally, PUMA siRNA and overexpressing PUMA were transfected into NSCLC cells, and the extent of cell apoptosis was measured. The protein expression levels of the relative genes were confirmed by western blot analysis. Results LincRNA-p21 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. The upregulation of lincRNA-p21 considerably inhibited cell apoptosis while the downregulation of lincRNA-p21 showed the opposite effect. PUMA was a direct target gene of lincRNA-p21 and was negatively correlated with lincRNA-p21 in NSCLC specimens. The anti-apoptotic effect of lincRNA-p21 can be effectively attenuated by the upregulation of PUMA. Conclusion LincRNA-p21 is aberrantly upregulated in NSCLC and inhibits cell apoptosis by decreasing PUMA expression.
Retrospective analysis of pleural effusion in cats
Authors: König Alla , Hartmann Katrin , Mueller Ralf S , Wess Gerhard , Schulz Bianka S 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Pleural effusion is a common presenting cause for feline patients in small animal practice. The objectives of this study were to identify possible correlations between the aetiology of effusion and clinical and laboratory findings. Methods In this retrospective study of 306 cats diagnosed with pleural effusion of established aetiology, cats were divided into six major groups: cardiac disease (CD), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), neoplasia, pyothorax, chylothorax and miscellaneous. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic parameters were compared between groups. Results CD was the most common aetiology (35.3%), followed by neoplasia (30.7%), pyothorax (8.8%), FIP (8.5%), chylothorax (4.6%) and miscellaneous diseases (3.7%). In 26 (8.5%) cats, more than one underlying disease was diagnosed as a possible aetiology for pleural effusion. Cats with FIP were significantly younger than those with CD ( P <0.001) and neoplasia ( P <0.001). Cats with CD were presented with a significantly lower body temperature compared with cats with FIP ( P = 0.022). Cats with CD had significantly higher serum alanine aminotransferase activity compared with all other cats (FIP and pyothorax, P <0.001; neoplasia and chylothorax, P = 0.02) and serum alkaline phosphatase activity compared with the pyothorax ( P <0.001) and FIP groups ( P = 0.04), and significantly lower protein concentrations (FIP, pyothorax and neoplasia, P <0.001; chylothorax, P = 0.04) and nucleated cell counts in the effusion than all other groups (pyothorax and neoplasia, P <0.001; chylothorax, P = 0.02; FIP, P = 0.04). The glucose level in the effusion of cats with pyothorax was significantly lower than glucose levels in patients with CD, neoplasia and chylothorax ( P <0.001). Of 249 cats with a follow-up of at least 10 days, 55.8% died or were euthanased during that time. Conclusions and relevance CD and neoplasia were the most common causes for feline pleural effusion. Age, liver enzymes, as well as cell count, protein and glucose levels in the effusion can aid in the investigation of underlying aetiologies.
Physician Parents Attending Work Despite Own Sick Children: A Qualitative Study on Caregiver Presenteeism Among Norwegian Hospital Physicians
Authors: Løvseth Lise Tevik , Giaever Fay 
Published: December 2018

Background: Studies have shown that physicians manifest a clear duty to work, even in the face of personal risk, and despite their own symptoms of ill health; this is termed presenteeism. We lack knowledge on their willingness to attend work when their children are sick or in times of concern for their unborn; this is termed caregiver presenteeism. To gain a comprehensive knowledge on the occurrence of presenteeism among physicians, it is important to include caregiver presenteeism. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the perception and experience with caregiver presenteeism among hospital physicians who are parents or pregnant and to explore its foundations and its consequences. Methods: Secondary thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews of hospital physicians (N = 18). Results: Positive and negative dimensions associated with (1) situations with severe pregnancy symptoms or responsibility for sick children; (2) the perceived impact on their work commitments, personal health, and adequate care for own children; (3) accompanying moderators in the organisational structure and professional culture; and (4) proposed approaches to resolve caregiver and work responsibilities simultaneously contributing to caregiver presenteeism. Conclusions: The study underlines the impact of factors in organisational structure, professional culture, and the personal sphere affecting caregiver presenteeism. It appears that targeting factors contributing to attendance pressure in physicians, including those who are pregnant, is particularly important. This includes changing attitudes towards caregiver responsibilities among physician colleagues, department leaders, and physicians themselves, as well as simple cost-efficient organisational interventions in staffing, routines of absence, and work adjustment.
Distinction of Condylomata Acuminata From Vulvar Vestibular Papules or Pearly Penile Papules Using Ki-67 Immunostaining
Authors: Gardner Kerry M. , Crawford Richard I. 
Published: December 2018

Background: Ki-67 is an immunohistochemical stain used as a nuclear proliferation marker. It is nonspecific, and is expressed in all active phases of the cell cycle. Vulvar vestibular papules in women and pearly penile papules in men are benign fibrous papules on the genitals, are noninfectious, and do not require treatment. However, these lesions can be clinically confused with condylomata acuminata induced by human papillomavirus (HPV), which have medical and social implications. Objective: Because HPV infection is known to induce expression of proliferation markers, we propose that Ki-67 be used to differentiate condylomata acuminata from vulvar vestibular papules or pearly penile papules on pathologic examination. Methods: We reviewed a total of 26 lesions from 18 patients of previously pathologically diagnosed lesions, including condylomata acuminata (11 lesions), vulvar vestibular papules (10 lesions), and pearly penile papules (5 lesions). All slides were stained with Ki-67, reviewed, and categorized as positive or negative for Ki-67 staining by 1 investigator who was unaware of the original diagnosis. Results: Eleven out of 11 cases of condylomata acuminata were identified as positive for Ki-67 staining. Ten out of 10 cases of vulvar vestibular papules were negative for Ki-67. Five out of 5 cases of pearly penile papules were negative for Ki-67. Conclusion: Ki-67 is a reliable marker to pathologically distinguish benign vulvar vestibular papules in women, or pearly penile papules in men, from HPV-induced condylomata acuminata.
Effects of simultaneous steroid injection after percutaneous trigger finger release: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jegal Midum , Woo Sung Jong , Il Lee Hyun , Shim Jae Woo , Park Min Jong 
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an improved outcome can be achieved by employing simultaneous steroid injection after percutaneous A1 pulley release. One hundred and twelve digits were randomized to either percutaneous A1 pulley release alone or release of the A1 pulley with a steroid injection. The visual analogue scale score for pain, modified patient global impression of improvement and modified Quinnell grade were assessed at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery. At 3 weeks, subjective improvement in the group with simultaneous steroid injection was significantly superior. At 3 months, pain score in the patients without a steroid injection was significantly better. No significant differences were found in the modified Quinnell grade. We conclude from this study that the simultaneous steroid injection at the time of surgical release decreases pain and improves subjective outcomes during the early postoperative period after percutaneous trigger finger release. Level of evidence: I
Immunotherapy and pancreatic cancer: unique challenges and potential opportunities
Authors: Young Kate , Hughes Daniel J. , Cunningham David , Starling Naureen 
Published: December 2018

Despite decades of research, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to have the worst 5-year survival of any malignancy. With 338,000 new cases diagnosed and over 300,000 deaths per year globally there is an urgent unmet need to improve the therapeutic options available. Novel immunotherapies have shown promising results across multiple solid tumours, in a number of cases surpassing chemotherapy as a first-line therapeutic option. However, to date, trials of single-agent immunotherapies in PDAC have been disappointing and PDAC has been labelled as a nonimmunogenic cancer. This lack of response may in part be attributed to PDAC’s unique tumour microenvironment (TME), consisting of a dense fibrotic stroma and a scarcity of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. However, as our understanding of the PDAC TME evolves, it is becoming apparent that the problem is not simply the immune system failing to recognize the cancer. There is a highly complex interplay between stromal signals, the immune system and tumour cells, at times possibly restraining tumour growth and at others supporting growth and metastasis. Understanding this complexity will enable the development of rational combinations with immunotherapy, priming the TME to offer immunotherapy the best chance of success. This review seeks to describe the unique challenges of the PDAC TME, the potential opportunities it may afford and the trials in progress capitalizing on recent insights in this area.