bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with heart disease: Hospital General León experience
Authors: Treviño Edgar Ruiz , Delgado Gabriela Tecayehuatl , Navarro Junior Joel Araiza
Published: December 2018

Background: Pregnancies in patients with heart disease are often complicated. The prevalence in our country is at 0.1 to 4%. An increase in the morbidity and mortality of pregnant patients with heart disease was observed, so it is recommended to evaluate the maternal risk with the WHO Classification. The objective of the study was to determine adverse outcomes; cardiac, obstetric and fetal/neonatal.Methods: We retrospectively studied all pregnancies of women with heart disease that were presented on an outpatient basis in the period of 4 years at the General Hospital of León and maternal, obstetric and fetal/ neonatal outcomes were reviewed.Results: In our study population, no maternal or fetal mortality was observed. Of 16 pregnancies of patients with heart disease were complicated by adverse cardiac events (2 of 16), obstetric (9 of 16), fetal/ neonatal (6 of 16). Hospitalization was required during the pregnancy of 11 patients. WHO class IV was the only group in which there were adverse cardiac events. 12 pregnancies were interrupted abdominally. Low fetal growth curve was observed in 6 of the 16 patients.Conclusions: Pregnancies in patients with heart disease have a high risk of cardiac, obstetric and fetal / neonatal complications. Therefore, preconceptionally counseling and specialized multidisciplinary management should be offered to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Role of camylofin and its combinations in obstetrics and gynaecological practice: a review of Indian evidence
Authors: Mayadeo Niranjan
Published: December 2018

Anti-spasmodic drugs like camylofin are used in obstetrics and gynaecological practice for broadly two conditions - spasmodic abdominal pain and management of prolonged labor. Camylofin has been in use in India for almost six decades. As a spasmolytic, camylofin has demonstrated good efficacy and tolerability, both in the management of abdominal spasmodic pain and in augmentation of labor. Literature evidences has suggested that camylofin has demonstrated a statistically significant superiority, such as higher spasmolytic potency compared to other anti-spasmodics like drotaverine, hyoscine and valethamate. In some studies, camylofin maintained the superior efficacy, despite being given as a single dose compared to repeat doses of comparator drugs. Also, in augmentation of labor, camylofin single dose demonstrated superior efficacy when the comparator arm was given a combination of two anti-spasmodic drugs i.e. hyoscine and valethamate in three doses at hourly intervals. Clinical studies in abdominal colic pain revealed significant superiority of the camylofin-paracetamol combination over dicylomine paracetamol combination, this despite the camylofin combination containing 300mg paracetamol as compared to the dicyclomine combination containing 500mg paracetamol. Similar results, highlighting better outcomes in abdominal colic of different types, was shown in studies comparing camylofin-diclofenac combination compared with hyoscine (in renal colic) and also camylofin-mefenamic acid combination compared with dicyclomine-mefenamic acid combination (in menstrual colic). All the above clinical study results resonate in the findings of a recent survey with gynaecologists across the country, which showed that camylofin is considered as the anti-spasmodic most suitable for female patients compared to drotaverine, dicyclomine and hyoscine. Given the availability of strong clinical trial data in Indian women patients, camylofin along with its combinations holds a strong place in the armamentarium of practicing obstetricians and gynaecologists and can be a preferred choice of therapy in treatment protocols of abdominal spasmodic pain and augmentation of labor.
Boundary extraction in images using a clustering algorithm
Authors:   F.M. Dostoevskiy Omsk State University, Belim S. , Kutlunin P. ,   F.M. Dostoevskiy Omsk State University
Published: December 2018

The article suggests an algorithm of boundary extraction based on image clustering. In the process of clustering, the image is decomposed into simply connected regions based on pixel color. Edges of the regions are considered as the boundaries. The proposed approach allows obtaining well-defined boundaries without blurring. The algorithm is highly resistant to impulse noise.
Simulation of resonance focusing of a picosecond pulse by a dielectric microcylinder
Authors:   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kozlova E. ,   Samara State Aerospace University, Kotlyar V. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences,   Samara State Aerospace University, Degtyarev S. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences,   Samara State Aerospace University
Published: December 2018

Time dependence of the parameters of a focal spot when performing the resonance focusing of a plane TE-wave with a dielectric microcylinder (refractive index n = 1.59) is investigated using the FDTD-method. It is shown that as the picosecond pulse passes through the cylinder, the focus width decreases, whereas the intensity of the focus increases, as does the energy of light accumulated in the cylinder. Following the pulse propagation, a leaking whispering gallery mode is excited within the cylinder, which is matching a round-wire-fiber mode with zero propagation constant. With time the mode energy is leaking. Solving the Helmholtz equation by a finite element method, the best parameters of the focal spot are shown to be achieved for a cylinder of radius 2.1749λ, with the focal spot size at full width at half maximum of intensity being 0.226λ and the maximum intensity in the focus being 60 times the incident light intensity, where λ is the incident wavelength.
Asymmetrical Bessel modes of the first and second type and their superpositions
Authors:   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Kovalev A. ,   Samara State Aerospace University, Kotlyar V. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Science,   Samara State Aerospace University, Fakhriev R. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Science,   Samara State Aerospace University
Published: December 2018

We considered nonparaxial asymmetric Bessel modes of the first and second type, which differ from a conventional symmetric Bessel mode by a real-valued shift along one Cartesian coordinate and imaginary shift along the other (both shifts are equal in modulus). Bessel modes of the first and second type differ only in the shift sign and, therefore, have different orbital angular momentum (OAM) (integer or fractional). Addition and subtraction of two identical asymmetric Bessel modes of the first and second type leads to light beams with the same integer OAM equal to the topological charge of the generating mode, but with different transverse intensity distributions, which depend on the shift magnitude.
Binary doe with elongated focal depth to focus terahertz free electron laser radiation (novofel)
Authors:   Samara State Aerospace University, Agafonov A. , Volodkin B. ,   Samara State Aerospace University, Kaveev A. ,   Tydex LLC, Kachalov D. ,   Samara State Aerospace University, Knyazev B. ,   Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS,   Novosibirsk State University, Kropotov G. ,   Tydex LLC, Tukmakov K. ,   Samara State Aerospace University, Pavelyev V. ,   Samara State Aerospace University,   Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tsypishka D. ,   Tydex LLC, Choporova Yu. ,   Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS,   Novosibirsk State University
Published: December 2018

A binary silicon diffractive optical element (DOE) focusing laser radiation onto an axial segment (or a DOE with elongated focal depth) for the terahertz spectral range has been designed and characterized using terahertz radiation of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser (NovoFEL).
On the automation of gestalt perception in remotely sensed data
Authors:   Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB, Michaelsen E.
Published: December 2018

Gestalt perception, the laws of seeing, and perceptual grouping is rarely addressed in the context of remotely sensed imagery. The paper at hand reviews the corresponding state as well in machine vision as in remote sensing, in particular concerning urban areas. Automatic methods can be separated into three types: 1) knowledge-based inference, which needs machine-readable knowledge, 2) automatic learning methods, which require labeled or un-labeled example images, and 3) perceptual grouping along the lines of the laws of seeing, which should be pre-coded and should work on any kind of imagery, but in particular on urban aerial or satellite data. Perceptual grouping of parts into aggregates is a combinatorial problem. Exhaustive enumeration of all combinations is intractable. The paper at hand presents a constant-false-alarm-rate search rationale. An open problem is the choice of the extraction method for the primitive objects to start with. Here super-pixel-segmentation is used.
Elements marking of partially masked group objects using local descriptions of an associated continuous image
Authors:   Volga State University of Technology, Krevetsky A. , Chesnokov S. ,   Volga State University of Technology
Published: December 2018

Questions of recognizing images of multiple objects whose dimensions are close to the resolution limit of recording equipment - groups of point objects (GPO) - are investigated. Images in the form of GPOs are found in radar images, whereas images of large-scale objects represented by characteristic points, clusters of data in a feature space, and events in mass service systems and automated control systems can be reduced to them. GPO recognition is complicated by disconnectedness of constituent elements, the narrowness of the image autocorrelation function in terms of the geometric transform parameters, spatial fluctuations of elements, false markings and omissions of signal markings. The most promising approaches to the image recognition of this type are based on the transformation of the GPO into a connected object - an associated continuous image (ACI) - and the analysis of its secondary features. However, for GPO with a non-stationary configuration and / or partially masked GPO, the recognition issues are still poorly investigated. The paper proposes an approach to the recognition of GPO based on the marking of their elements - the identification of point objects to within a metaclass (family, type) that is stable for nonstationary and partially masked GPOs. Four metaclasses are proposed: the extreme and inner points of the GPO with a chain structure, the outer and inner points of clusters. The essence of the approach to marking point marks is the recognition of complex-valued contour codes composed of samples of the cylindrical sections of an associated continuous image (ASI) around the GPO elements. To form the ASI, a vector field with partial sources in the elements of the GPO is used. Evaluations of the reliability of marking under various observation conditions are obtained. The results of marking are both of independent significance for various applied problems and suited for the subsequent recognition of GPO. Approaches to GPO recognition based on the results of marking of their elements are suggested.
Comparison of hyperspectral and multi-spectral imagery to building a spectral library and land cover classification performance
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Boori M. ,   American Sentinel University, Paringer R. ,   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Choudhary K. ,   Samara National Research University,   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kupriyanov A. ,   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: December 2018

The main aim of this research work is to compare k -nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN) supervised classification with migrating means clustering unsupervised classification (MMC) method on the performance of hyperspectral and multispectral data for spectral land cover classes and develop their spectral library in Samara, Russia. Accuracy assessment of the derived thematic maps was based on the analysis of the classification confusion matrix statistics computed for each classified map, using for consistency the same set of validation points. We were analyzed and compared Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Hyperion hyperspectral data to Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Advance Land Imager (ALI) multispectral data. Hyperspectral imagers, currently available on airborne platforms, provide increased spectral resolution over existing space based sensors that can document detailed information on the distribution of land cover classes, sometimes species level. Results indicate that KNN (95, 94, 88 overall accuracy and .91, .89, .85 kappa coefficient for Hyp, ALI, OLI respectively) shows better results than unsupervised classification (93, 90, 84 overall accuracy and .89, .87, .81 kappa coefficient for Hyp, ALI, OLI respectively). Development of spectral library for land cover classes is a key component needed to facilitate advance analytical techniques to monitor land cover changes. Different land cover classes in Samara were sampled to create a common spectral library for mapping landscape from remotely sensed data. The development of these libraries provides a physical basis for interpretation that is less subject to conditions of specific data sets, to facilitate a global approach to the application of hyperspectral imagers to mapping landscape. In addition, it is demonstrated that the hyperspectral satellite image provides more accurate classification results than those extracted from the multispectral satellite image. The higher classification accuracy by KNN supervised was attributed principally to the ability of this classifier to identify optimal separating classes with low generalization error, thus producing the best possible classes’ separation.
Fast restoration of a blurred image obtained by a horizontally rotating camera
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Kozak A. , Steinberg B. ,   Southern Federal University, Steinberg O. ,   Southern Federal University
Published: December 2018

A problem of restoration of a blurred image obtained by a horizontally rotating camera is considered in this paper. The mathematical model of this problem is the convolution equation on a cyclic group. In the previous papers of the authors, the case of a non-singular equation was considered. The general case that admits the degeneracy of the convolution equation is considered in this paper. An algorithm is developed based on which a fast program for recovering blurred images is written. The complexity of the algorithm presented in this paper for the degenerate convolution equation is the same as for the non-singular case. The analysis of calculation errors affecting the image quality is given. The influence of the errors of the algorithm's initial data for a degenerate equation is not higher than for a non-singular case.
An algorithm for segmentation of aerosol inhomogeneities
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Filimonov P. , Belov M. ,   Research Institute of Radioelectronics and Laser Technologies of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Fedotov Yu. ,   Research Institute of Radioelectronics and Laser Technologies of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Ivanov S. ,   Research Institute of Radioelectronics and Laser Technologies of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Gorodnichev V. ,   Research Institute of Radioelectronics and Laser Technologies of Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Published: December 2018

We have developed an algorithm for segmentation of aerosol inhomogeneities in the registered field of lidar signal fluctuations in the atmosphere in the "Range – Time" coordinates that is based on a sliding window of a two-dimensional autocorrelation function. The obtained algorithm allows us to robustly detect aerosol inhomogeneities, which can be used in practical applications to study aerosol fields in the atmosphere and improve the accuracy of estimating the speed and direction of winds. The developed method was applied for obtaining a histogram of aerosol inhomogeneity-size distribution from 355-nm elastic lidar measurements data in the surface layer.
"Exotic" binary number systems for rings of Gauss and Eisenstein integers
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Chernov V. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: December 2018

The paper considers nonstandard binary number systems for rings of Gauss and Eisenstein integers. The principal difference ("exoticism") of such number systems from the canonical number systems introduced by I. Katai for quadratic fields is that as a binary "digital alphabet", it uses a two-element set that does not contain a numeric zero. The paper also synthesizes algorithms for the representation of numbers in the considered number system and characterizes the possibility of an efficient implementation of arithmetic operations.
Many-parameter m-complementary Golay sequences and transforms
Authors:   Ural State Forest Engineering University, Labunets V. , Chasovskikh V. ,   Ural State Forest Engineering University, Smetanin Ju. ,   Federal Research Center “Information and Control” of the RAS, Ostheimer E. ,   Federal Research Center “Information and Control” of the RAS
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we develop the family of Golay–Rudin–Shapiro (GRS) m-complementary many-parameter sequences and many-parameter Golay transforms. The approach is based on a new generalized iteration generating construction, associated with n unitary many-parameter transforms and n arbitrary groups of given fixed order. We are going to use multi-parameter Golay transform in Intelligent-OFDM-TCS instead of discrete Fourier transform in order to find out optimal values of parameters optimized PARP, BER, SER, anti-eavesdropping and anti-jamming effects.
Method for forecasting changes in time series parameters in digital information management systems
Authors:   Murom Institute (Branch) of Vladimir State University, Kropotov Y. , Proskuryakov A. ,   Murom Institute (Branch) of Vladimir State University, Belov A. ,   Murom Institute (Branch) of Vladimir State University
Published: December 2018

Predicting changes in the parameters of time series is of high significance when monitoring the research processes in digital information management systems. This task also arises when researching the issues of increasing the prediction horizon and minimizing the forecast error. In this paper, we investigate prediction algorithms based on models that reproduce the dynamics of a time series in the form of artificial neural networks. We also consider the development of algorithms for control, functioning and training of an artificial neural network in a matrix form and obtaining an algorithm for the return substitution, with the help of which it is possible to obtain an increase in the depth of the forecast. The paper presents the solution of the prediction problem consisting in finding prediction estimates by minimizing the loss function - the square of the norm of estimate deviation from the observed values of the time series and in determining the model coefficients by using an artificial neural networks learning algorithm based on the iterative method of back-propagating errors. Application of the developed algorithms has allowed us to build a structural scheme for implementing neural network forecasting, with the help of which it is possible to obtain a fairly accurate representation of changes in the parameters of time series in the process monitoring systems in terms of the runtime and the minimized error of the forecasting.
Big data analysis in a geoinformatic problem of short-term traffic flow forecasting based on a k nearest neighbors method
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Agafonov A. , Yumaganov A. ,   Samara National Research University, Myasnikov V. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: December 2018

Accurate and timely information on the current and predicted traffic flows is important for the successful deployment of intelligent transport systems. These data play an essential role in traffic management and control. Using traffic flow information, travelers could plan their routes to avoid traffic congestion, reduce travel time and environmental pollution, as well as improving traffic operation efficiency in general. In this paper, we propose a distributed model for short-term traffic flow prediction based on a k nearest neighbors method, that takes into account spatial and temporal traffic flow distributions. The proposed model is implemented as a MapReduce based algorithm in an Apache Spark framework. An experimental study of the proposed model is carried out on a traffic flow data in the transportation network of Samara, Russia. The results demonstrate that the proposed model has high predictive accuracy and an execution time sufficient for real-time prediction.
A continuous-profile diffractive focuser for terahertz radiation fabricated by laser ablation of silicon
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Tukmakov K. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Komlenok M. ,   Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   National Research Nuclear University „MEPhI“, Pavelyev V. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Kononenko T. ,   Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   National Research Nuclear University „MEPhI“, Konov V. ,   Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   National Research Nuclear University „MEPhI“
Published: December 2018

A method of high-frequency laser ablation using a two-coordinate beam scanner for the fabrication of a diffractive element of terahertz range with a continuous profile has been developed and successfully applied. Results of the characterization of the fabricated microrelief of a silicon focuser of a Gaussian beam into a square region are presented.
Propagation of electromagnetic pulses and calculation of dynamic invariants in a waveguide with a convex shell
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Kharitonov S. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Volotovsky S. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Khonina S. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Kazanskiy N. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we consider a method for solving a system of Maxwell's equations in the case of time-dependent boundary conditions at the end of a waveguide with superconducting walls. An explicit analytical solution is obtained for a quasi-harmonic signal whose pulse width in the frequency domain is much smaller than the carrier frequency. Numerical examples are calculated in the case of a Gaussian pulse as a superposition of modes propagating in a circular hollow metal waveguide. The calculation of dynamic invariants of short pulses propagating in a waveguide with an arbitrarily-shaped conducting shell is considered. A procedure for quantizing an electromagnetic field in a waveguide with superconducting walls is described.
Manifestation of effects of the angular spectrum of the illuminating field in polychromatic interference microscopy of stratified objects
Authors:   Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dyachenko A. ,   Saratov State University, Maksimova L. ,   Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ryabukho V. ,   Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   Saratov State University
Published: December 2018

An effect of the angular spectrum width of a polychromatic illuminating field on the interference pattern color in optical microscopy of stratified objects is considered. Equations describing the intensity of interference patterns of thin stratified objects are obtained with due account for the influence of both frequency and angular spectra of the illuminating field. The angular spectrum width of the illuminating field is shown to affect the mutual coherence and phase difference of the interfering fields. Computer-simulated interference patterns for a thin layer under monochromatic and polychromatic illumination with different widths of the angular spectrum are presented. Quantitative analysis of the effect of angular aperture of white light on the colors of the resulting interference pattern is carried out. Changes in the colors of the layer interference patterns are experimentally studied when changing the width of the angular spectrum of the illuminating field. Color variations of the interference patterns obtained experimentally and theoretically are compared.
Effects of fabrication errors on the focusing performance of a sector metalens
Authors:   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Stafeev S. ,   Samara National Research University, Nalimov A. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, O’Faolain L. ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Kotlyar M. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: December 2018

Using e-beam lithography, a 16-sector spiral metalens was fabricated in an amorphous silicon, capable of converting linearly polarized incident light into an azimuthally polarized optical vortex. When illuminated by a 633-nm linearly polarized laser beam, the metalens generated a near-surface subwavelength focal spot equal to 0.75 of the incident wavelength at full-width of half-maximum intensity. The focusing performance of the spiral metalens was numerically shown to be sensitive to the deviation of the factual microrelief from the calculated height. For the designed microrelief height, a circularly polarized incident beam was focused into a bright ring with a reverse energy flow occurring at its center. For the microrelief height other than the designed one, the energy backflow effect did not occur.
Modeling of the optical vortex generation using a silver spiral zone plate
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Kozlova E. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: December 2018

Using a FDTD-method implemented in the FullWAVE (RSoft) software, a process of generating optical vortices during the propagation of a left- or right-hand circularly polarized Gaussian pulse through a phase and amplitude spiral zone plate with topological charge 2, a diameter of 8 μm, and a focal length of 532 nm is numerically modeled. An investigation of the amplitude and phase distributions in the focal plane shows the presence of optical vortices with topological charge 2. Analysis of the longitudinal component of the Umov-Poynting vector shows the presence of an inverse energy flow in the focal plane. In the case of using an amplitude spiral zone plate, the magnitude of the reverse flow decreases sharply until it disappears completely for the left circularly polarized incident beams.
Estimation of the geometrical measurement error at the stage of stereoscopic system design
Authors:   Scientific and Technological Center of Unique Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gorevoy A. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University,   Moscow Power Engineering University, Kolyuchkin V. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Machikhin A. ,   Scientific and Technological Center of Unique Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences,   Moscow Power Engineering University
Published: December 2018

The article is dedicated to the error estimation method for stereoscopic systems measuring three-dimensional coordinates and geometric parameters of objects. This method is required for stereoscopic system design to optimize the parameters of the image acquisition system and the data processing algorithms. The technique should be suitable for different mathematical models of image acquisition systems and allow to access the measurement uncertainty with a known uncertainty in determining the coordinates of the corresponding points on the images and the uncertainty of the calibration parameters. We analyzed known methods by comparing their results with the Monte Carlo simulation for the pinhole and the ray tracing models. It is shown that the method using the unscented transformation provides better accuracy and versatility than the linearization method. Using the example of measuring the length of a segment, it is demonstrated that the use of a symmetric confidence interval constructed from the mean and variance can lead to an inaccurate estimation of the error in measuring geometric parameters. We propose a method for calculating confidence intervals based on a combination of unscented transformation and interval analysis and confirm its effectiveness by the computer simulation. The analysis is applicable to the design of both passive stereoscopic devices and active triangulation systems as well as improving their software.
D-Serine Induced by Ocular Hypertension is Associated with Retinal Cell Death
Authors: Kanamoto Takashi , Kitaoka Yasushi , Sakaue Hiroaki , Murakami Yusuke , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Tobiume Kei , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: December 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of free D-serine in the death of retinal cells caused by ocular hypertension.Methods: Adult Wistar rats were used as an experimental model of ocular hypertension. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the retinal sites and expression patterns of D-serine and serine racemase in the rat retina. The concentrations of free D-serine and L-serine in the retina were measured by two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography. Retinal cell death was investigated by Immunohistochemistry.Results: D-serine was expressed on the retinal ganglion cell layer in the retinas of rats with ocular hypertension. A serine racemase was specifically expressed in the retinal ganglion cells. The ratio of free D-/L-serine in the retinas with ocular hypertension was higher than that in the retinas with normal tension. Annexing-V-positive cells were observed in the retinal ganglion cell layer in the retinas of the rats with ocular hypertension, and these cells were also co-localized with D-serine expression.Conclusions: We suspect that the up-regulation of serine racemase expression induced by ocular hypertensionleads to an increase in free D-serine converted from free L-serine in retinal ganglion cells and that retinal cell death is associated with D-serine expression.
A Diagnostic Imaging Method – Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Zemanova Marketa
Published: December 2018

Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique, that maps the elastic properties of tissues. Nowadays this modality develops increasingly in medicine across its disciplines and opens a new era of high-quality ultrasound examination because it increases the specificity and thus improves diagnostic assurance. This method is similar to manual palpation, shows elastic properties of biological tissues and provides a kind of reconstruction of the internal structure of soft tissues based on measurement of the response of tissue compression. Results: This method is already used routinely in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, in hepatology, cardiology, view of the carotid arteries and lymphatic nodules. Standards of elasticity values for human tissues such as the mammary gland, liver, prostate or thyroid gland are progressively being created across the medical fields. Finally, the article examines its unquestioned benefit in ophthalmology. In ophthalmology, it already appears as an up-and-coming method in diagnostics and in evaluating the changes in oculomotor muscles and orbital tissues in patients with endocrine orbitopathy. Conclusion: Shear wave elastography offers three main innovations: the quantitative aspect, dimensional resolution, and real-time imaging ability. Determination of the utilization rate of this method and its inclusion into the diagnostics of endocrine orbitopathy is still a question and the subject of presently conducted clinical studies.
Endoscopic Incisional Technique for Histological Diagnosis of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions following EUS Evaluation
Authors: Pagano Nico
Published: December 2018

Objective: Tissue acquisition is the gold standard for diagnosis and characterization of gastric subepithelial tumours (SETs). We present our experience with endoscopic incisional tissue acquisition (ITA) technique in hypoechoic SETs of the fourth layer at EUS examination. Methods: The ITA technique was performed in 32 patients. The mean size of the lesions was 19 mm, and the gastric body was the most common location. The mean procedure time was 19 minutes; a mean of 4 biopsies per lesion were taken. Results: Tissue samples were adequate for histological diagnosis in 30/32 cases (diagnostic yield 94%). The most frequent histological pattern was gastrointestinal stromal tumour in 20 cases. Surgical resection was performed in 12 cases, while the remaining patients were followed without additional therapy. Conclusion: Endoscopic ITA technique is a safe and effective sampling method for histological diagnosis of gastric SETs.
Colonic Diverticulitis Complicated by Liver Abscess: Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Uffenheimer Meka Adi , Kohanteb Paul A , Liu Cynthia , Annamalai Alagappan , Wachsman Ashley , Nasseri Yosef
Published: December 2018

Aim: Evaluate patients with colonic diverticulitis complicated by liver abscesses at a single center and provide review of literature.Methods: Patients with colonic diverticulitis and liver abscess were identified via an administrative database and imaging search engine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (CSMC). Clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging findings and treatment strategies were assessed.Results: We identified 10 patients with a median age of 59 and a 7:3 male: female ratio. The top presenting signs and symptoms were: fever (90%), malaise (70%), anorexia (60%), nausea (40%), and right upper quadrant abdominal pain (30%). Mean white blood cell count was 22.4 1000/UL, total bilirubin 2.59 mg/DL, and alkaline phosphatase 206.6 IU/L. Of the reported liver abscess cultures, 5 patients grew a single organism and 2 had multiple organisms. Most common bacteria genus was Streptococcus (n=4). Five patients had right hepatic abscesses, 3 had bilobar, and 2 had left hepatic abscesses. Four patients had locally complicated diverticulitis: 2 with paracolonic abscess and 2 with purulent peritonitis. Nine patients had CT-guided drainage of liver abscess, while 2 needed surgical drainage of liver abscess (one required both). Five patients had colectomy: 1 emergently and 4 electively. Two patients who did not have colectomy had recurrent diverticulitis, and underwent colectomy following recurrence.Conclusion: Majority of patients with diverticulitis with liver abscess were males presenting with fever, and leukocytosis. Most had right liver lobe abscesses and most underwent colectomies. Diverticulitis with liver abscess is likely best treated as locally complicated disease and should undergo colectomy.
Endoscopy lists Distribution between Medical and Surgical Gastroenterology: What’s The Impact on Work Force?
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: December 2018

Background: Minimum number of endoscopic procedures must be done to maintain accreditation as an endoscopist.Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to look at the general distribution of endoscopic procedures amongst physician gastroenterologists and the surgeons in a sample district hospital of United Kingdom. It would then infer what impact this could have on the work force.Methods: Prospective study recruited all endoscopy done in a district general hospital of United Kingdom for 90 days.Results: Physicians had 30% less lists while Surgeons had 47.5% more lists according to the eligibility criterion of two lists per consultant per week.Conclusion: Predominance of surgeons doing procedures in endoscopy has a potential of having a direct impact on training of medical gastroenterologists, service delivery and recruitment. Authorities must find correct balance of medical and surgical lists in endoscopy for a cost effective and clinically effective service.
Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Li , Ji Guang
Published: December 2018

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a common cause of chronic liver disease, represents a spectrum of histopathologic abnormalities. NAFLD is often associated to the typical components of the metabolic syndrome (MS), with characteristics including abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, Insulin Resistance (IR), hypertension, and Hypertriglyceridemia, and has seriously threatened human health. IR, a crucial element of MS, is the fundamental contributor in the process of NAFLD. Therapy strategies are finite and, for now, are basically concentrated on weight reduction and utilization of insulin sensitizing agents. Recent literature indicated IR related to the abnormal glucose metabolism play a pivotal role in the development of NAFLD. Moreover, glucose resistance, glucocorticoid hormones, leptin, et al are also associated with glucose metabolism dysfunction in NAFLD. We highlight the mechanisms of these components in NAFLD, and our work might be beneficial for comprehending the mechanism and treatment of abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with NAFLD.
A Case of Two Resections for Metachronous Liver Metastases of Gastric Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yusuke Ishibashi , Hironori Tsujimoto , Junji Yamamoto , Hideki Ueno
Published: December 2018

Background: The clinical significance of surgical resection for liver metastases of gastric cancer remains controversial. Herein, we report a case of twice resections for metachronous liver metastases of gastric cancer in combination with perioperative chemotherapy, which resulted in long-term survival. Case Presentation: The patient was a 66-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (Stage IB) in March 2012, and subsequently underwent right hemi-hepatectomy with partial resection of the vena cava and diaphragm for solitary metastases in segments 7-8 in April 2013. In September 2013, abdominal computed tomography detected a liver metastasis in segment 4. We administered systematic chemotherapy with S-1 plus cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP). Because the tumor decreased in size after five courses, and curative resection of the tumor was considered possible, hepatic resection of S4+1 was performed in June 2014. The patient has been followed for 26 months, and, after the last hepatectomy, had no evidence of recurrence.Conclusion: We experienced a case of long-term survival after twice resections for liver metastases from gastric cancer. Surgical resection for liver metastases of gastric cancer, even repeat hepatectomy, may be an effective treatment after careful selection of the optimal candidate.
Implementasi pendekatan problem posing untuk meningkatkan prestasi belajar Fisika dan keterampilan berpikir siswa
Authors: Kusumawati Erna Risfaula
Published: December 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah prestasi belajar dan thinking skill (kemampuan berpikir) siswa dengan pembelajaran menggunakan pendekatan problem posing lebih tinggi daripada pembelajaran konvensional menggunakan metode ceramah. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian quasi experimentation dengan rancangan randomized posttest control group design. Sampel penelitian terdiri atas siswa kelas XI IPA 1 yang berjumlah 42 siswa sebagai kelas kontrol dan XI IPA 3 yang berjumlah 41 siswa sebagai kelas eksperimen. Hasil penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa pembelajaran fisika dengan pendekatan problem posing dapat meningkatkan prestasi belajar dan thinking skill siswa. Prestasi belajar fisika dan kemampuan berpikir siswa dengan pembelajaran menggunakan pendekatan problem posing lebih tinggi daripada siswa dengan pembelajaran konvensional menggunakan metode ceramah. Siswa kelas sampel dengan pembelajaran menggunakan pendekatan problem posing memiliki rata-rata prestasi belajar 87,4 dan presentase kemampuan berpikir 75% sedangkan siswa kelas sampel dengan pembelajaran konvensional menggunakan metose ceramah rata-rata prestasi belajar 76,3 dan persentase kemampuan berpikir 60%. This study aims to determine whether students' learning and thinking skills (thinking ability) with learning use a problem posing approach higher than conventional learning using the lecture method. This study was a quasi-experimentation study with a randomized posttest control group design. The study sample consisted of students of class XI IPA 1, amounting to 42 students as the control class and XI IPA 3, amounting to 41 students as the experimental class. The results of this study prove that physics learning with a problem posing approach can improve student achievement and thinking skills. Physics learning achievement and students' thinking ability with learning use a problem posing approach higher than students with conventional learning using the lecture method. Sample class students with learning using the problem posing approach have an average learning achievement of 87.4 and a percentage of thinking skills of 75% while students in the sample class with conventional learning use lecture method average learning achievement 76.3 and the percentage of thinking ability 60%.
Synthesis and Usage of Active Modified Zn-Zeolite as an Antibacterial Agent
Authors: Akca Candan , EKMEKÇİ KÖRLÜ Ayşegül , ATEŞ Mustafa
Published: December 2018

Natural zeolites are one of the most examined natural minerals. By means
of new studies conducted on zeolites, new areas of usage are being discovered
day by day. It is possible to produce modified zeolites that having many
variable functions by using the ion exchange capability of zeolite. In this
study 100% cotton fabrics was used in the trials. The natural zeolite, used in
the trials, was provided from Enli Madencilik A.Ş. and originated from the
Manisa-Gördes region. The manufacturing of Zn-Zeolite was performed. And then
the Zn-Zeolite were applied to cotton fabrics. The characteristics of the
cotton fabrics treated with zinc-loaded antibacterial zeolite are analyzed in
this article.
In Vitro Propagation of Wetland Medicinal Plant Lythrum salicaria L.
Authors: Akın Betül , Çetin Burcu , Akanıl Bingöl Nüket
Published: December 2018

The aim of this experiment is to develop a protocol to establish the in vitro propagation potential of Lythrum salicaria L (purple loosestrife).
Seeds of L. salicaria were germinated
and grown in Murashige Skoog (MS) medium for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, shoot tips of L. salicaria were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different
combinations and concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 1, 2 and 3 mg/L) and
1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L). Regenerated shoots were transferred
to MS supplemented with varying concentrations of different auxins: NAA (0.5
and 1 mg/L) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) for rooting. Among
the cytokinins investigated, BAP indicated the best response to initiate shoot
elongation and multiple shoot formation alone. The highest number of shoot per
explant (37±3.38) was obtained in MS medium with 1 mg/L BAP. Although, the
highest shoot length (3.1 cm ± 0.48) was found on medium with 1 mg/L BAP+0.5 mg/L
NAA, there were no statistically differences among all types of medium.
Percentage of rooting, shoot length and root length were altered significantly
with different concentrations of NAA and IBA. Thus, shoot length (9.5 cm±0.46),
root length (4.1 cm±0.13) and the percentage of rooting (100%) increased
significantly with a concentration of 1 mg/L NAA.  It was concluded that MS medium with 1 mg/L
NAA has been superior for root development compared to other hormone
concentrations.
Investigation of Phase Transitions in Nematic Liquid Crystals by Fractional Calculation
Authors: Durukan Gültepe Müjde , Tek Zekai
Published: December 2018

In
this study, we investigate nematic-isotropic phase transitions in liquid
crystals using fractionally generalized form of the Maier-Saupe Theory (MST).
MST is one of the mean-field theories commonly used in the nematic liquid
crystals which proved to be extremely useful in explaining nematic-isotropic
phase transitions. Fractionally obtained results compared with those of the
experimental data for p-azoxyanisole (PAA) in the literature. In this context,
the dependence of fourth rank order parameters on second rank order parameters
is handled by being a measure of fractality of space. It is observed that the
variation of second-rank and fourth rank order parameters versus temperature
are in accordance with some values of fractal dimensions. As a result, we can
conclude that there is a close relationship between temperature and fractional derivative
order parameters.
Optimization of Cryopreservation Process Using Response Surface Methodology for Chlorella saccharophila and Chlorella zofingiensis
Authors: DEMİREL Zeliha , IMAMOGLU Esra , DENİZ İrem , CONK DALAY Meltem
Published: December 2018

The preservation of microalgae
in a stable state is a fundamental requirement in pharmaceutical, agricultural,
environmental sciences and different industries. Cryopreservation is widely
stabilized for achieving long-term storage and has been applied to an
increasingly diverse range of microalgae and cell cultures. The continuous storage
of actively growing microalgae strains by routine serial subculture is
relatively time-consuming and this technique has possible contamination risks.
In this study, the optimization of cryopreservation process was carried out for
two different Chlorella strains
using response surface methodology (RSM) with three factors (cryoprotectant
concentration, incubation time and cryopreservation time) including 19 runs. The
optimal cell viability of C. zofingiensis
was found at the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentration of 12.89% at the incubation
time of 8.14 min and with the cryopreservation time of 93.45 day, while C.
saccharophila was found at the
DMSO concentration of 12.86 % at the incubation time of 7.99 min and at
cryopreservation time of 95.17 day.