System-Level Modeling, Analysis and Code Generation: Object Recognition Case Study

International audienceOne of the most important challenges in complex embedded systems design is developing methods and tools for modeling and analyzing the behavior of application software running on multi-processor platforms. We propose a tool-supported flow for systematic and compositional construction of mixed software/hardware system models. These models are intended to represent, in an operational way, the set of timed executions of parallel application software statically mapped on a multi-processor platform. As such, system models will be used for performance analysis using simulation-based techniques as well as for code generation on specific platforms. The construction of the system model proceeds in two steps. In the first step, an abstract system model is obtained by composition and specific transformations of (1) the (untimed) model of the application software, (2) the model of the platform and (3) the mapping between them. In the second step, the abstract system model is refined into concrete system model, by including specific timing constraints for execution of the application software, according to chosen mapping on the platform. We illustrate the system model construction method and its use for performance analysis and code generation on an object recognition application provided by Hellenic Airspace Industry. This case study is build upon the HMAX models algorithm [RP99] and is looking at significant speedup factors. This paper reports results obtained on different system model configurations and used to determine the optimal implementation strategy in accordance to hardware resources

Mediterranean Diet Mediates the Adverse Effect of Depressive Symptomatology on Short-Term Outcome in Elderly Survivors from an Acute Coronary Event

Aims. We evaluated the interaction effect between depressive symptoms and dietary habits on 30-day development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (death or rehospitalization) in elderly, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors. Methods. During 2006–2008, we recorded 277 nonfatal, consecutive ACS admissions (75 ± 6 years, 70% males, 70% had diagnosis of myocardial infarction) with complete 30-day follow-up. Assessment of recent depressive symptoms was based on the CES-D scale. Among sociodemographic, bioclinical, lifestyle characteristics, the MedDietScore that assesses the inherent characteristics of the Mediterranean diet was applied. Results. 22% of the ACS pts developed a CVD event during the first 30 days (14.8% rehospitalization and 9.4% death). Patients in the upper tertile of the CES-D scale (i.e., >18) had higher incidence of CVD events as compared with those in the lowest tertile (21% versus 8%, P = .01). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that 1-unit increase in CES-D was associated with 4% higher odds (95% CI 1.008–1.076, P = .01) of CVD events; however, when MedDietScore was entered in the model, CES-D lost its significance (P = .20). Conclusion. Short-term depressive symptoms are related to a worsen 30-day prognosis of ACS patients; however, this relationship was mediated by Mediterranean diet adherence

Quantitative analysis of left atrial function in asymptomatic patients with b-thalassemia major using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is strong evidence that left atrial (LA) size is a prognostic marker in a variety of heart diseases. Recently, real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) has been reported as a useful tool for studying the phasic changes of the left atrial volumes. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the left atrium in beta-thalassemic patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and no iron overload, using RT3DE.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-eight asymptomatic b-thalassemic patients (32.2 ± 4.3 years old, 17 men) who were on iron chelating therapy, as well as 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent transthoracic RT3DE. The patient group had normal echocardiographic systolic and diastolic indices, while there was no myocardial iron disposition according to MRI. Apical full volume data sets were obtained and LA volumes were measured at 3 time points of the cardiac cycle: (1) maximum volume (LAmax) at end-systole, just before mitral valve opening; (2) minimum volume (LAmin) at end-diastole, just before mitral valve closure; and (3) volume before atrial active contraction (LApreA) obtained from the last frame before mitral valve reopening or at time of the P wave on the surface electrocardiogram. From the derived values, left atrial active and passive emptying volumes, as well as the respective emptying fractions were calculated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Left ventricular EF (59.2 ± 2.5% patients vs. 60.1 ± 2.1% controls), E/A, E/E' were similar between the two groups. Differences in the LAmax, LAmin and LApreA between b-thalassemic patients and controls were non-significant, LAmax:(35.5 ± 13.4 vs 31.8 ± 9.8)cm³, LAmin:(16.0 ± 6.0 vs. 13.5 ±4.2)cm³, and LApreA:(25.4 ± 9.8 vs. 24.3 ± 7.2)cm³. However, left atrial active emptying fraction was reduced in the patient group as compared to the healthy population (34.3 ± 16.4% vs. 43.2 ± 11.4%, p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>RT3DE may be a novel technique for the evaluation of LA function in asymptomatic patients with b-Thalassemia Major. Among three-dimensional volumes and indices, left atrial active emptying fraction may be an early index of LA dysfunction in the specific patient population.</p

Association of Total Atherosclerotic Burden with Progression of Penile Vascular Disease

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an early manifestation of a generalized arterial disease. The association between penile vascular disease progression and total atherosclerotic burden was investigated using a classification that incorporates ultrasonographic assessments of intima media thickness (IMT) and plaques from both the carotid and femoral arteries. Methods: Sixty-five ED patients (mean age, 56 +/- 10 yrs) were evaluated for cavernous vascular disease severity using penile Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasonographic assessments of IMT, lumen diameter, and plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries were evaluated, and patients were classified according to an ultrasound-based morphological system. Results: Based on the results of ultrasonic assessments, patients were divided into two groups-a high-score group and a low-score group. Patients in the high-score group had increased intima-media (&gt;1.0 mm) and/or plaque in any of the four arteries. Patients in the low-score group had normal carotid and femoral IMT and an absence of plaques in all four arteries. While the two groups did not differ in blood pressure parameters, metabolic profile, and smoking status, high-score patients (n = 31) had significantly decreased age-adjusted peak systolic velocity (25.2 cm versus 32.3 cm/s, P &lt; 0.01) and a longer duration of ED (3.8 years versus 2 years, P &lt; 0.05), compared with low-score patients (n = 34). In the high-score group, score level was inversely correlated with peak systolic velocity after adjusting for age and systolic blood pressure (b = -0.322, P = 0.025). There also was a positive linear relation of ED duration with prevalence of high score (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: In patients with vasculogenic ED, ultrasound findings of penile vasculature damage and long-standing ED correlate significantly with increasing carotid and femoral atherosclerotic burden. These data suggest a close interrelationship between progression of vasculogenic ED and peripheral atherosclerosis

Quantitative analysis of left atrial function in asymptomatic patients with b-thalassemia major using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography

Background: There is strong evidence that left atrial (LA) size is a prognostic marker in a variety of heart diseases. Recently, real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) has been reported as a useful tool for studying the phasic changes of the left atrial volumes. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the left atrium in beta-thalassemic patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and no iron overload, using RT3DE. Methods: Twenty-eight asymptomatic b-thalassemic patients (32.2 +/- 4.3 years old, 17 men) who were on iron chelating therapy, as well as 20 age-and sex-matched healthy controls underwent transthoracic RT3DE. The patient group had normal echocardiographic systolic and diastolic indices, while there was no myocardial iron disposition according to MRI. Apical full volume data sets were obtained and LA volumes were measured at 3 time points of the cardiac cycle: (1) maximum volume (LAmax) at end-systole, just before mitral valve opening; (2) minimum volume (LAmin) at end-diastole, just before mitral valve closure; and (3) volume before atrial active contraction (LApreA) obtained from the last frame before mitral valve reopening or at time of the P wave on the surface electrocardiogram. From the derived values, left atrial active and passive emptying volumes, as well as the respective emptying fractions were calculated. Results: Left ventricular EF (59.2 +/- 2.5% patients vs. 60.1 +/- 2.1% controls), E/A, E/E’ were similar between the two groups. Differences in the LAmax, LAmin and LApreA between b-thalassemic patients and controls were nonsignificant, LAmax:(35.5 +/- 13.4 vs 31.8 +/- 9.8) cm(3), LAmin:(16.0 +/- 6.0 vs. 13.5 +/- 4.2) cm(3), and LApreA:(25.4 +/- 9.8 vs. 24.3 +/- 7.2) cm(3). However, left atrial active emptying fraction was reduced in the patient group as compared to the healthy population (34.3 +/- 16.4% vs. 43.2 +/- 11.4%, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: RT3DE may be a novel technique for the evaluation of LA function in asymptomatic patients with b-Thalassemia Major. Among three-dimensional volumes and indices, left atrial active emptying fraction may be an early index of LA dysfunction in the specific patient population

Platinum Priority -Sexual Medicine Relationship of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine With Penile Doppler Ultrasound Parameters in Men with Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Please visit www.eu-acme.org/ europeanurology to read and answer questions on-line. The EU-ACME credits will then be attributed automatically. Abstract Background: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a selective endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is elevated in many conditions associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and renal failure; it is also increased in men with coronary artery disease and ED. The dynamic penile colour Doppler ultrasound is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of penile vascular damage. Objective: We investigated whether the extent of ultrasonographically documented penile vascular disease is associated with higher ADMA levels. Design, setting, and participants: One hundred four consecutive ED patients (mean age: 56 AE 9 yr) without manifest cardiovascular/atherosclerotic disease and 31 subjects with normal erectile function matched for age and traditional risk factors were studied. Measurements: We evaluated penile dynamic colour Doppler parameters of arterial insufficiency (peak systolic velocity) and veno-occlusive dysfunction (end diastolic velocity) and measured systemic inflammatory markers/mediators. Results and limitations: Compared to men without ED, ED patients had significantly higher ADMA levels ( p &lt; 0.001). ADMA was significantly increased in patients with severe arterial insufficiency (PSV &lt; 25 cm/s) compared to subjects with borderline insufficiency and men with normal penile arterial function ( p &lt; 0.001, by analysis of variance). Multivariable analysis adjusting for age, mean pressure, other risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, testosterone, and treatment showed independent inverse association between ADMA level and peak systolic velocity ( p &lt; 0.01). The combination of higher ADMA level with arterial insufficiency showed greater impact on 10-yr risk of a cardiovascular event compared to either parameter alone. Conclusions: ADMA level is independently associated with ultrasonographically documented poor penile arterial inflow. This finding underlines the important role of ADMA as a marker of penile arterial damage and implies a contribution of this compound to the pathophysiology of generalised vascular disease associated with ED