bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agnostic Pointwise-Competitive Selective Classification
Authors: Wiener Yair , El-Yaniv Ran
Published: July 2018

Pointwise-competitive classifier from class F is required to classify identically to the best classifier in hindsight from F. For noisy, agnostic settings we present a strategy for learning pointwise-competitive classifiers from a finite training sample provided that the classifier can abstain from prediction at a certain region of its choice. For some interesting hypothesis classes and families of distributions, the measure of this rejected region is shown to be diminishing at a fast rate, with high probability. Exact implementation of the proposed learning strategy is dependent on an ERM oracle that can be hard to compute in the agnostic case. We thus consider a heuristic approximation procedure that is based on SVMs, and show empirically that this algorithm consistently outperforms a traditional rejection mechanism based on distance from decision boundary.
BDD Ordering Heuristics for Classical Planning
Authors: Kissmann P. , Hoffmann J.
Published: July 2018

Symbolic search using binary decision diagrams (BDDs) can often save large amounts of memory due to its concise representation of state sets. A decisive factor for this method's success is the chosen variable ordering. Generally speaking, it is plausible that dependent variables should be brought close together in order to reduce BDD sizes. In planning, variable dependencies are typically captured by means of causal graphs, and in preceding work these were taken as the basis for finding BDD variable orderings. Starting from the observation that the two concepts of "dependency" are actually quite different, we introduce a framework for assessing the strength of variable ordering heuristics in sub-classes of planning. It turns out that, even for extremely simple planning tasks, causal graph based variable orders may be exponentially worse than optimal.

Experimental results on a wide range of variable ordering variants corroborate our theoretical findings. Furthermore, we show that dynamic reordering is much more effective at reducing BDD size, but it is not cost-effective due to a prohibitive runtime overhead. We exhibit the potential of middle-ground techniques, running dynamic reordering until simple stopping criteria hold.
The Ceteris Paribus Structure of Logics of Game Forms
Authors: Grossi Davide , Lorini Emiliano , Schwarzentruber Francois
Published: July 2018

The article introduces a ceteris paribus modal logic, called CP, interpreted on the equivalence classes induced by finite sets of propositional atoms. This logic is studied and then used to embed three logics of strategic interaction, namely atemporal STIT, the coalition logic of propositional control (CL−PC) and the starless fragment of the dynamic logic of propositional assignments (DL−PA). The embeddings highlight a common ceteris paribus structure underpinning the key operators of all these apparently very different logics and show, we argue, remarkable similarities behind some of the most influential formalisms for reasoning about strategic interaction
Scheduling Conservation Designs for Maximum Flexibility via Network Cascade Optimization
Authors: Xue Shan , Fern Alan , Sheldon Daniel
Published: July 2018

One approach to conserving endangered species is to purchase and protect a set of land parcels in a way that maximizes the expected future population spread. Unfortunately, an ideal set of parcels may have a cost that is beyond the immediate budget constraints and must thus be purchased incrementally. This raises the challenge of deciding how to schedule the parcel purchases in a way that maximizes the flexibility of budget usage while keeping population spread loss in control. In this paper, we introduce a formulation of this scheduling problem that does not rely on knowing the future budgets of an organization. In particular, we consider scheduling purchases in a way that achieves a population spread no less than desired but delays purchases as long as possible. Such schedules offer conservation planners maximum flexibility and use available budgets in the most efficient way. We develop the problem formally as a stochastic optimization problem over a network cascade model describing a commonly used model of population spread. Our solution approach is based on reducing the stochastic problem to a novel variant of the directed Steiner tree problem, which we call the set-weighted directed Steiner graph problem. We show that this problem is computationally hard, motivating the development of a primal-dual algorithm for the problem that computes both a feasible solution and a bound on the quality of an optimal solution. We evaluate the approach on both real and synthetic conservation data with a standard population spread model. The algorithm is shown to produce near optimal results and is much more scalable than more generic off-the-shelf optimizers. Finally, we evaluate a variant of the algorithm to explore the trade-offs between budget savings and population growth.
Synthetic Treebanking for Cross-Lingual Dependency Parsing
Authors: Tiedemann Jörg , Agić Zeljko
Published: July 2018

How do we parse the languages for which no treebanks are available? This contribution addresses the cross-lingual viewpoint on statistical dependency parsing, in which we attempt to make use of resource-rich source language treebanks to build and adapt models for the under-resourced target languages. We outline the benefits, and indicate the drawbacks of the current major approaches. We emphasize synthetic treebanking: the automatic creation of target language treebanks by means of annotation projection and machine translation. We present competitive results in cross-lingual dependency parsing using a combination of various techniques that contribute to the overall success of the method. We further include a detailed discussion about the impact of part-of-speech label accuracy on parsing results that provide guidance in practical applications of cross-lingual methods for truly under-resourced languages.
Scrubbing During Learning In Real-time Heuristic Search
Authors: Sturtevant Nathan R. , Bulitko Vadim
Published: July 2018

Real-time agent-centered heuristic search is a well-studied problem where an agent that can only reason locally about the world must travel to a goal location using bounded computation and memory at each step. Many algorithms have been proposed for this problem and theoretical results have also been derived for the worst-case performance with simple examples demonstrating worst-case performance in practice. Lower bounds, however, have not been widely studied. In this paper we study best-case performance more generally and derive theoretical lower bounds for reaching the goal using LRTA*, a canonical example of a real-time agent-centered heuristic search algorithm. The results show that, given some reasonable restrictions on the state space and the heuristic function, the number of steps an LRTA*-like algorithm requires to reach the goal will grow asymptotically faster than the state space, resulting in ``scrubbing'' where the agent repeatedly visits the same state. We then show that while the asymptotic analysis does not hold for more complex real-time search algorithms, experimental results suggest that it is still descriptive of practical performance.
A Distributed Representation-Based Framework for Cross-Lingual Transfer Parsing
Authors: Guo Jiang , Che Wanxiang , Yarowsky David , Wang Haifeng , Liu Ting
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the problem of cross-lingual transfer parsing, aiming at inducing dependency parsers for low-resource languages while using only training data from a resource-rich language (e.g., English). Existing model transfer approaches typically don't include lexical features, which are not transferable across languages. In this paper, we bridge the lexical feature gap by using distributed feature representations and their composition. We provide two algorithms for inducing cross-lingual distributed representations of words, which map vocabularies from two different languages into a common vector space. Consequently, both lexical features and non-lexical features can be used in our model for cross-lingual transfer. Furthermore, our framework is flexible enough to incorporate additional useful features such as cross-lingual word clusters. Our combined contributions achieve an average relative error reduction of 10.9% in labeled attachment score as compared with the delexicalized parser, trained on English universal treebank and transferred to three other languages. It also significantly outperforms state-of-the-art delexicalized models augmented with projected cluster features on identical data. Finally, we demonstrate that our models can be further boosted with minimal supervision (e.g., 100 annotated sentences) from target languages, which is of great significance for practical usage.
Bayesian Network Structure Learning with Integer Programming: Polytopes, Facets and Complexity
Authors: Cussens James , Järvisalo Matti , Korhonen Janne H. , Bartlett Mark
Published: July 2018

The challenging task of learning structures of probabilistic graphical models is an important problem within modern AI research. Recent years have witnessed several major algorithmic advances in structure learning for Bayesian networks - arguably the most central class of graphical models - especially in what is known as the score-based setting. A successful generic approach to optimal Bayesian network structure learning (BNSL), based on integer programming (IP), is implemented in the GOBNILP system. Despite the recent algorithmic advances, current understanding of foundational aspects underlying the IP based approach to BNSL is still somewhat lacking. Understanding fundamental aspects of cutting planes and the related separation problem is important not only from a purely theoretical perspective, but also since it holds out the promise of further improving the efficiency of state-of-the-art approaches to solving BNSL exactly. In this paper, we make several theoretical contributions towards these goals: (i) we study the computational complexity of the separation problem, proving that the problem is NP-hard; (ii) we formalise and analyse the relationship between three key polytopes underlying the IP-based approach to BNSL; (iii) we study the facets of the three polytopes both from the theoretical and practical perspective, providing, via exhaustive computation, a complete enumeration of facets for low-dimensional family-variable polytopes; and, furthermore, (iv) we establish a tight connection of the BNSL problem to the acyclic subgraph problem.
Probabilistic Description Logics for Subjective Uncertainty
Authors: Gutierrez-Basulto Victor , Jung Jean Christoph , Lutz Carsten , Schröder Lutz
Published: July 2018

We propose a family of probabilistic description logics (DLs) that are derived in a principled way from Halpern's probabilistic first-order logic. The resulting probabilistic DLs have a two-dimensional semantics similar to temporal DLs and are well-suited for representing subjective probabilities. We carry out a detailed study of reasoning in the new family of logics, concentrating on probabilistic extensions of the DLs ALC and EL, and showing that the complexity ranges from PTime via ExpTime and 2ExpTime to undecidable.
Axiomatising Incomplete Preferences through Sets of Desirable Gambles
Authors: Zaffalon Marco , Miranda Enrique
Published: July 2018

We establish the equivalence of two very general theories: the first is the decision-theoretic formalisation of incomplete preferences based on the mixture independence axiom; the second is the theory of coherent sets of desirable gambles (bounded variables) developed in the context of imprecise probability and extended here to vector-valued gambles. Such an equivalence allows us to analyse the theory of incomplete preferences from the point of view of desirability. Among other things, this leads us to uncover an unexpected and clarifying relation: that the notion of `state independence'---the traditional assumption that we can have separate models for beliefs (probabilities) and values (utilities)---coincides with that of `strong independence' in imprecise probability; this connection leads us also to propose much weaker, and arguably more realistic, notions of state independence. Then we simplify the treatment of complete beliefs and values by putting them on a more equal footing. We study the role of the Archimedean condition---which allows us to actually talk of expected utility---, identify some weaknesses and propose alternatives that solve these. More generally speaking, we show that desirability is a valuable alternative foundation to preferences for decision theory that streamlines and unifies a number of concepts while preserving great generality. In addition, the mentioned equivalence shows for the first time how to extend the theory of desirability to imprecise non-linear utility, thus enabling us to formulate one of the most powerful self-consistent theories of reasoning and decision-making available today.
Welfare Effects of Market Making in Continuous Double Auctions
Authors: Wah Elaine , Wright Mason , Wellman Michael P.
Published: July 2018

We investigate the effects of market making on market performance, focusing on allocative efficiency as well as gains from trade accrued by background traders. We employ empirical simulation-based methods to evaluate heuristic strategies for market makers as well as background investors in a variety of complex trading environments. Our market model incorporates private and common valuation elements, with dynamic fundamental value and asymmetric information. In this context, we compare the surplus achieved by background traders in strategic equilibrium, with and without a market maker. Our findings indicate that the presence of the market maker strongly tends to increase total welfare across various environments. Market-maker profit may or may not exceed the welfare gain, thus the effect on background-investor surplus is ambiguous. We find that market making tends to benefit investors in relatively thin markets, and situations where background traders are impatient, due to limited trading opportunities. The presence of additional market makers increases these benefits, as competition drives the market makers to provide liquidity at lower price spreads. A thorough sensitivity analysis indicates that these results are robust to reasonable changes in model parameters.
Learning Discrete Bayesian Networks from Continuous Data
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , Wheeler Tim A. , Kochenderfer Mykel J.
Published: July 2018

Learning Bayesian networks from raw data can help provide insights into the relationships between variables. While real data often contains a mixture of discrete and continuous-valued variables, many Bayesian network structure learning algorithms assume all random variables are discrete. Thus, continuous variables are often discretized when learning a Bayesian network. However, the choice of discretization policy has significant impact on the accuracy, speed, and interpretability of the resulting models. This paper introduces a principled Bayesian discretization method for continuous variables in Bayesian networks with quadratic complexity instead of the cubic complexity of other standard techniques. Empirical demonstrations show that the proposed method is superior to the established minimum description length algorithm. In addition, this paper shows how to incorporate existing methods into the structure learning process to discretize all continuous variables and simultaneously learn Bayesian network structures.
Modelling of ex situ dissolution for CO2 sequestration
Authors: Cholewinski Aleksander , Leonenko Yuri
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a model for diffusion-controlled dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) droplets is presented. This model is applied to a system of co-current turbulent horizontal pipe flow of carbon dioxide–brine mixture in order to determine the feasibility of dissolving carbon dioxide within the pipe before injecting underground. Depending on the droplet size, there are two regimes of dissolution within the pipe: turbulent for large droplet size and laminar (pure diffusion) for smaller sizes. Since the droplet (while dissolving and therefore shrinking in size) may undergo both regimes, the droplet size at which it transitions from turbulent to diffusion-controlled dissolution is estimated and used to find the total time spent in diffusion-controlled dissolution regime. It was observed that diffusive dissolution is of similar order of magnitude to turbulent dissolution, and so both mechanisms must be taken into account in the evaluation of the total dissolution time. This diffusive dissolution time should be combined with the time spent in the turbulent regime to determine time pipe lengths required for complete dissolution of carbon dioxide droplets.
Recovery and reuse of structural products from end-of-life buildings
Authors: Hopkinson Peter , Chen Han-Mei , Zhou Kan , Wang Yong , Lam Dennis
Published: July 2018

Buildings and construction have been identified as having the greatest potential for circular economy value creation. One source of value creation is to recover and reuse building products from end-of-service-life buildings, rather than destructive demolition and downcycling. While there is a trade in non-structural and heritage product recovery and reuse, the largest volume, mass and value of most buildings comprise structural elements – concrete, brick and masonry, and steel – which present many challenges. A comprehensive literature review confirms limited attention to innovation and advanced techniques to address these challenges and therefore the potential reuse of the stocks of accumulated building products globally and associated environmental benefits. Potential techniques being tested in an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council circular economy research programme are referenced as a key building block towards circular economy building system redesign.
Offshore pile load tests in Chalk to support the design of jacket foundations
Authors: Geduhn Magnus , Barbosa Pedro , Dührkop Jan , Augustesen Anders H. , Østergaard Martin U. , Steenfelt Jørgen S.
Published: July 2018

Iberdrola developed the 350 MW Wikinger offshore windfarm (OWF) in the German Baltic Sea where ground conditions are mainly dominated by deposits of the Upper Quaternary series and post-glacial deposits overlying Cretaceous Upper Chalk (low-density, grade A1/A2) of Maastrichtian age and at some locations with Paleogene Limestone (high-density to very high density, grade A1/A2). Current pile design methods for open tubular steel piles in Chalk highlighted significant design uncertainties for open tubular piles that would lead to unnecessarily conservative pile dimensions of 70 m embedded length or longer for the 70 four-legged jacket wind turbine support structures and the six-legged offshore substation. For mainly axially loaded piles, German legislation requires the execution of dynamic pile load tests on production piles at a minimum of 10% of wind turbine generator locations immediately following pile installation. This practice offers no opportunity for pile design optimisation. If positive, the pile tests can confirm design assumptions, but risk costly delays in OWF commissioning if the dynamically ‘measured’ capacities fall below design requirements. After careful consideration of costs and benefits, and with the clear advantages of eliminating ambiguity of test results, it was decided that offshore tests at the Wikinger OWF offered the best return on investment regarding foundation design optimisation, assurance and certification. To address these concerns, in advance of final design, offshore dynamic and fully autonomous static pile load tests were commissioned. These were completed 10 weeks after pile driving on 50%-downscaled piles with penetrations of up to 31 m in water depths of around 40 m. This paper provides an overview of the test results and how they were applied in detailed design and validated during construction through dynamic pile tests. Lessons learned are shared and conclusions are drawn regarding on-site offshore pile test results and their transfer into the foundation design and planning process.
Challenging Power, Constructing Boundaries, and Confronting Anxieties: Michael Kattirtzi Talks with Andrew Stirling
Authors: Kattirtzi Michael , Stirling Andrew
Published: July 2018

In this interview, Andy Stirling talks to Michael Kattirtzi about what initially drew him to Science and Technology Studies, his account of the impact of the Science Wars on the field, and why it matters that STS researchers do not shy away from challenging incumbents. Through a series of thoughtful reflections on his encounters with STS researchers, Stirling arrives at the conclusion that we should not expect the field to reconcile tensions that are more deeply rooted in society. Nonetheless, he hopes that in the future STS researchers will be more open and admitting of a plurality of epistemic perspectives within the field and avoid overly constraining it––all the while as he continues to demonstrate the value of appreciating such epistemic pluralism to policy-makers and stakeholders.  A reflection by Michael Kattirtzi follows the interview.
Ultra II DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina E7645/E7103 v1
Authors: England Biolabs New
Published: July 2018

The NEBNext Ultra II DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina contains the enzymes and buffers required to convert a broad range of input amounts of DNA into high quality libraries for next-generation sequencing on the Illumina platform. The fast, user-friendly workflow also has minimal hands-on time.
DNA Barcoding of Aristolochia Plants v1
Authors: Dechbumroong Piroonrat , Aumnouypol Surattana , Denduangboripant Jessada , Sukrong Suchada
Published: July 2018

The anecdotal evidence is outstanding on the uses of Aristolochia plants as traditional medicines and dietary supplements in many regions of the world. However, herbal materials derived from Aristolochia species have been identified as potent human carcinogens since the first case of severe renal disease after ingesting these herbal preparations. Any products containing Aristolochia species have thus been banned on many continents, including Europe, America and Asia. Therefore, the development of a method to identify these herbs is critically needed for customer safety. The present study evaluated DNA barcoding of the rbcL, matK, ITS2 and trnH-psbA regions among eleven Aristolochia species collected in Thailand. Polymorphic sites were observed in all four DNA loci. Among those eleven Aristolochia species, three species (A. pierrei, A. tagala and A. pothieri) are used as herbal materials in Thai folk medicine, namely, in Thai “Krai-Krue”. “Krai-Krue” herbs are interchangeably used as an admixture in Thai traditional remedies without specific knowledge of their identities. A species-specific multiplex PCR based on nucleotide polymorphisms in the ITS2 region was developed as an identification tool to differentiate these three Aristolochia species and to supplement the HPTLC pattern in clarifying the origins of herbal materials. The combination of multiplex PCR and HPTLC profiling achieves accurate herbal identification with the goal of protecting consumers from the health risks associated with product substitution and contamination.
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy in a population of Cameroonian women: a case-control study v1
Authors: Audrey Assouni Mindjah Yvette , Essiben Félix , Foumane Pascal , Dohbit Sama Julius , Telesphore Mboudou Emile
Published: July 2018

Objective: To identifie the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy in a population of Cameroonian women Sample and methods: We wil perform a matched case-control study in two university hospitals caring for pregnant women in Yaoundé Cameroon; women with diagnosed EP (cases) and those with first trimester intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) as the controls. They will be questionned about sociodemographics characteristics, gynecological, reproductive and surgical histories, previous and current use of contraceptives. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be calculated and adjusted for potential confounding factors via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Funding: None
Glutamate measurement v1
Authors: Maciel de Oliveira Karen
Published: July 2018

Glutamate is enzymatically measured in the cerebrospinal fluid by monitoring the fluorescence increase due to NADPH+ production in the presence of glutamate dehydrogenase and NADP+ on a spectrofluorimeter (Shimadzu RF-5301PC, Japan).
Assessment of cell death v1
Authors: maciel de oliveira karen
Published: July 2018

This assay is used to measure cell viability. Dead cells have damage membranes. The ethidium homodimer-1 enters damaged cells and is fluorescent when bound to nucleic acids, producing a bright red fluorescence in damaged or dead cells.
Reactive oxygen species assessment v1
Authors: Maciel de Oliveira Karen
Published: July 2018

The ROS measurements of the supernatant is performed by using DCF-DA, 2’,7’- dichlorofluorescein diacetate, a fluorescent probe for the assay. The formation of the oxidized fluorescent derivative (DCF) is monitored at excitation and emission wavelengths of 488 and 525 nm, respectively, in a fluorescent plate reader.
Catalase activity assessment v1
Authors: Maciel de Oliveira Karen
Published: July 2018

Catalase activity is assayed based on the decomposition of H2O2 by the enzyme.
Superoxide dismutase activity assessment v1
Authors: Maciel de Oliveira Karen
Published: July 2018

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity isevaluated by means of a previously described spectrophotometric method [48].
Metalinguagem como recurso argumentativo em textos religiosos
Authors: Bertucci Roberlei Alves
Published: July 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as ocorrências de recursos metalinguísticos em textos religiosos. Considerando que a argumentatividade é inerente à linguagem, defendemos que esses recursos servem de estratégia argumentativa na defesa de uma tese e estabelecem relações de identidade ou transitividade entre os fatos, conforme Perelman e Olbrechts-Tyteca (2014). Isso ocorre porque os autores dos textos religiosos fazem uso da metalinguagem com o objetivo de apresentar uma relação mais clara entre a expressão referida e a ideia religiosa veiculada por ele. Com isso, há uma clara identidade entre o conceito e essa ideia, o que caracteriza uma construção argumentativa importante nesses textos em que o orador pretende a adesão do auditório por meio de seu discurso. Para a análise, selecionamos textos de comentários religiosos em que a metalinguagem aparecia especialmente na forma de etimologia. 
Brasil, Pátria educadora: memória discursiva e interdiscurso na tessitura da língua de Estado
Authors: Rocha Tacia , Vitoriano-Gonçalves Luana , Barbosa Flávia Cristina Silva
Published: July 2018

A propaganda política utiliza técnicas de comunicação para materializar discursos partidários. O slogan é um exemplo, visto que mobiliza o funcionamento discursivo sobre as formas de governo do Estado, as ideologias partidárias, a imagem do candidato, sua principal estratégia de governo, e também representa uma vantagem em relação ao adversário político. O objetivo deste artigo é compreender, a partir da interpretação de sequências discursivas do pronunciamento de Dilma Rousseff, os modos como a memória discursiva determina a ordem do enunciável no lema “Brasil, pátria educadora”. Como arcabouço teórico-metodológico, recorre-se aos conceitos de memória discursiva e interdiscurso. Para tanto, abordam-se as características do discurso político e as especificidades da linguagem da propaganda. Os resultados indicam os efeitos de sentidos do lema, destacam o passado de uma pátria educadora para a elite e descortinam um presente fértil de ações efetivas do governo federal, apagando as contradições e apontando para um futuro prenhe de esperança na equidade social.
Poder e verdade na polêmica sobre o programa “Allimento para Todos”
Authors: Figueira Filipo Pires
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo pretende explorar uma tese de Foucault (2016) segundo a qual o discurso da Verdade investe-se de um poder tal que, em nossa sociedade, invade e regula outros discursos. Para explorá-la, elegeu-se a polêmica estabelecida na mídia entre o prefeito da cidade de São Paulo, João Doria Jr., e diversos especialistas em nutrição sobre o programa “Allimento para Todos”. Foram selecionadas notícias e notas e, a partir delas, analisou-se a imbricação entre política e ciência, com base nas considerações de Foucault e Bourdieu. A análise dividiu-se em duas partes: primeiro, constatando como Doria, no campo político, valeu-se do discurso científico para legitimar seu programa; segundo, como os especialistas deslocaram a discussão do campo político para seu encontro-limite com o científico, redefinido a discussão. Concluiu-se que não apenas o discurso científico invadiu o campo político, como retirou do debate as suas características, invalidando a proposta de Doria.
A Política de Fundos (Fundef/Fundeb) e suas Disparidades no Financiamento da Educação Básica no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Conte Nelton Carlos
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar se os fundos contábeis, conforme se estruturam no Fundef e no Fundeb, diante da complexidade da estrutura federativa brasileira, têm se constituído em alternativa adequada para o financiamento da educação. Por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva e documental, com dados do período 2005 a 2014, foi analisado o impacto dos fundos nas finanças dos 497 municípios gaúchos, segregados em regiões dos Coredes/RS e em faixas populacionais. A pesquisa evidenciou que municípios que apresentam ganhos de recursos com o fundo são os mais populosos e com maior PIB (produto interno bruto), o que promove a concentração de recursos para o financiamento da educação em poucas regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As conclusões e apontamentos elencados procuram contribuir para o debate do novo modelo de financiamento da educação básica, uma vez que o Fundeb tem sua vigência até o ano de 2020.
Outcomes of surgical treatment for ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysms
Authors: Krylov V. V. , Dashyan V. G. , Grigoryev I. V. , Lukyanchikov V. A. , Senko I. V. , Sharifullin V. A.
Published: July 2018

The study objectiveis to assess short-term outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with ruptured pericallosal artery aneurysms (PCAA) and to identify factors affecting treatment outcomes.

Materials and methods.Patients with ruptured PCAA (n = 61) were admitted to the Department of Emergency Neurosurgery at the N. V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine for examination and surgical treatment between 01.01.1992 and 31.12.2015.

Results.At the moment of discharge, 33 (54.1 %) patients demonstrated good recovery (Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5), 9 (14.7 %) patients had moderate disability (GOS 4), 6 (9.9 %) patients had severe disability (GOS 3), and 13 (21.3 %) patients died (GOS of 1). An outcome was rated as favorable if the GOS was 4 or 5 and unfavorable if the GOS was 1–3. The following risk factors were found to be significant for unfavorable surgical outcome: Hunt and Hess grade 4 and 5, presence of intracerebral hematoma and its volume over 20 cm3, recurrent aneurysm rupture, pronounced angiospasm and intraventricular hemorrhage, early surgery (within 1–3 days). The patient»s age and the volume of intraventricular hemorrhage had no impact on the surgical outcome.

Conclusion.The choice of an optimal surgery time should be based on the assessment of hemorrhage severity upon admission. Early surgery is recommended for all patients with Hunt and Hess grade I–II, whereas in patients with Hunt and Hess grade V, the intervention should be postponed until the condition is stabilized, unless the severity is associated with a dislocation syndrome due to intracerebral hematoma or occlusive hydrocephalus. In patients with Hunt and Hess grade III–IV, the decision on surgery time should be made for each individual patient according to existing risk factors.
Flow diverting stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Sosnov A. O. , Kiselev V. S. , Gafurov R. R. , Perfilev A. М.
Published: July 2018

The study objectiveis to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the use of flow diverting stents (FDS).

Materials and methods.In 2016, in the Federal Neurosurgical Center (Novosibirsk) 64 patients (11 men, 53 women, mean age – 50.1 ± 11.4 years) with intracranial aneurysms were operated on; 69 FDS were implanted. Total number of occluded aneurysms 64.

Results.The digital subtraction angiography control after 6 months demonstrated, that the total occlusion rate with was in 71 % cases, subtotal – in 29 %. An excellent and good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–2) was obtained in 60 (93.7 %) patients, poor (modified Rankin scale 3–5) – in 4 (6.3 %). Complications rate were 4.7 %, death rate – 0 %.

Conclusion.The implantation of FDSs is an effective method for the treating of cerebral aneurysms, including cases, when using alternative endovascular techniques has a high risk of recanalization, and the microsurgical treatment has an increased operating risk.
Damage to vessels and retroperitoneal organs during lumbar spine surgery through the posterior approach
Authors: Grin’ A. A. , Kovalenko R. A. , Konovalov N. А. , Efimov D. V. , Antonov A. V. , Godkov I. M.
Published: July 2018

The study objective is to summarize the existing literature and own experience related to damage to vessels, retroperitoneal organs, and abdominal organs during lumbar spine surgery through the posterior approach, as well as to identify risk factors associated with this damage and to describe measures for their elimination and prevention.

Materials and methods. In addition to analyzing the research literature, we also described 9 cases (3 males and 6 females; mean age 52 ± 9 years) of intraoperative damage to vessels and adjacent organs during lumbar spine surgery for some degenerative disease, including herniated disc (n = 7), anterolisthesis (n = 1), and vertebral-motor segment instability (n = 1). The surgery was performed at the L4–L5 level (n = 7) and L5–S1 level (n = 2).

 Results. The damages observed in the cohort analyzed were caused by a conchotome (n = 6), transpedicular screw (n = 1), Volkmann spoon (n = 1), and a tip of the SpineJet Hydrodiscectomy System (n = 1). The following structures were damaged; left common iliac vein (n = 2), left common iliac artery (n = 2), left common iliac vein and root of the small-bowel mesentery (n = 1), sigmoid colon (n = 1), aorta (n = 1), inferior vena cava (n = 1), and aortocaval anastomosis (n = 1). Five patients had intraoperative hemorrhagic complications. Four patients were found to have damage to vessels or abdominal organs later (1 h, 2 h, 3 days, and 4 months postoperatively). Four patients were discharged without consequences; 2 patients became disabled; 3 patients died.

Conclusion. Damage to vessels, retroperitoneal organs, and abdominal organs during lumbar spine surgery through the posterior approach is a rare, but mortally dangerous complication. Spine surgery should be performed in multi-unit hospitals that have a surgery unit, a vascular surgery unit, an intensive care unit, and a sufficient supply of blood for transfusion.
Ganglion cyst of Guyon’s canal as a rare cause of compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve (literature review and case report)
Authors: Evzikov G. Yu. , Bashlachev М. G. , Farafontov A. V.
Published: July 2018

The study objectiveis to analyze the existing research literature devoted to this problem and to assess clinical characteristics and specific features of the diagnosis and rational neurosurgical treatment for ganglion cyst of Guyon’s canal (GCGC) that caused compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve.

Materials and methods.Since 1955, researchers reported only 19 cases of ganglion cysts located in the wrist area and associated with tunnel neuropathy of the ulnar nerve. Since this condition is extremely rare, we present our own clinical observations.

Results.Using the literature data, we described various types of ulnar nerve compression according to individual nerve characteristics determining clinical manifestations of GCGC. We analyzed the prevalence of GCGC among patients of various age and gender, disease pathogenesis, and main diagnostic methods. A patient with GCGC-associated compression ischemic neuropathy of the ulnar nerve was treated in the neurological clinic of the I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University in 2016. Using visualization tools, we found a ganglion cyst located on the palmar surface at the level of the hook-shaped bone. The cyst caused medial displacement of the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery. We performed microsurgical decompression of the right ulnar nerve at the level of Guyon’s canal and removed the articular ganglion cyst using a standard procedure. In the postoperative period, we observed partial regression of neurological disorders.

Conclusion.To identify the cause of ulnar nerve neuropathy in Guyon’s canal, a physician should consider both clinical and electrophysiological data and the results of ultrasound examination and/or magnetic resonance imaging. A detailed examination of these patients allows clarifying morphological characteristics of the lesion and identifying such a rare lesion as ganglion cyst.
Use of mineral water in rehabilitation therapy of patients with nephrolithiasis
Authors: Nejmark Aleksandr I , Saldan Igor P , Davydov Andrej V
Published: July 2018

Background. Study of alternative non-pharmacological methods of rehabilitation therapy is an actual task in the direction of preventive and restorative medicine. An important role in rehabilitation measures in preventing urolithiasis relapse is therapy using balneological therapeutic methods. The aim of the study was to perform a clinical and laboratory analysis of the effectiveness of mineral water “Serebrjanniy kluch” (Silver Rill) in rehabilitation therapy for patients with urolithiasis. Materials and methods. The study is based on the results of survey data analysis and treatment of 36 patients with urolithiasis. All patients were randomized into two groups: the first (control) group comprised 17 patients who received standard conservative therapy (antispasmodics and analgesics) and fresh drinking water and the second (main) group comprised 19 patients who received standard conservative therapy and mineral drinking water “Serebrjanniy kljuch” at 5 ml/kg of body weight per serving, at 18°C-25°C for 30-40 minutes before meals 4 times a day in an outpatient setting. Results. In the second group, self-sustained calculus removal was recorded in 78.9% of cases, and there was an increase in daily diuresis in all patients, a decrease in the excretion of oxalate and uric acid in daily urine by 52.3% and 49.9%, respectively, and decrease and normalization of lactate dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase concentrations were 28.3%, 24.5%, and 12.5% (p < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the decrease and normalization of the accumulation time indicators were registered 2.7 times (p < 0.05), the half-life period was 2.1 times (p < 0.05), and the glomerular filtration rate increased by 60.1% (p < 0.05) with simultaneous improvement in microcirculation of the kidneys. Conclusions. Consuming mineral water “Serebrjanniy kljuch” as a part of rehabilitation therapy of patients with urolithiasis positively influences the clinical course of the disease, helps reduce the excretion of oxalates and uric acid in daily urine, reduces enzymes, and leads to an increase in daily diuresis. (For citation: Nejmark AI, Saldan IP, Davydov AV. Use of mineral water in rehabilitation therapy of patients with nephrolithiasis. Urologicheskie vedomosti. 2018;8(2):18-23. doi: 10.17816/uroved8218-23).
Scientific Output on Bovine Viral Diarrhoea: A Scientometric Study
Authors: Singh Nirmal , Chavan Shankar B. , Malhotra Puneet
Published: July 2018

The study analyses the dynamics of scientific output on ‘Bovine Viral Diarrhoea’ (BVD) published in journals, applying scientometric tools. The data was gathered from ‘Scopus’ database, conducting an advanced search for phrase ‘Bovine Viral Diarrhoea’ and substitute terms including ‘Bovine Virus Diarrhoea’, ‘Bovine Viral Diarrhea’ and ‘Bovine Virus Diarrhea’ as main operators for analytical purposes. The retrieved data was filtered for English language journal articles, for the period up to 31st December 2015, yielding 3561 relevant results. The different scientometric indicators of literature on BVD including it is growth, authorship, collaboration, publication pattern, geographical distribution, etc. were computed. International collaboration and keyword landscapes were visualized.
An Examination of the Quality of Catalogue Records of Management Institutes in India
Authors: Chandrappa  , Harinarayana N. S.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of catalogue records in the top five management institutes in India. The present study attempts to investigate the error rate found in the catalogue records of five management institutes by comparing with bibliographic records of Library of Congress (LoC). The study analysed the accuracy of 293 catalogue records. The errors in the data were listed and categorised as major and minor errors. The finding shows that while LoC records are absolutely error free, the quality of catalogue records of management institutes, on the other hand, was far from acceptable level. 1093 errors from 251 records were found amounting to 4.35 errors per record. These results show that there is a need for libraries in India to take up the bibliographic data entry more seriously than ever before.
The Status of Electronic Journals in India from 2006-2015 - A Brief Study
Authors: Satynarayana D.
Published: July 2018

Electronic journals in India have grown exponentially. The aim of this work is to examine the nature and growth of electronic journals that have been assigned ISSN from 2006 to 2015 by National Science Library, New Delhi. It covers a total of 5979 electronic journals with assigned ISSN.
Gender Differentiation and Perceived Ease of Usage of Electronic Resources by University Students in Selected Private Universities in Nigeria
Authors: Ebijuwa Adefunke S.
Published: July 2018

The importance of electronic resources as the bedrock of provision of accurate, easy to access, relevant and, up-to-date information in learning and research cannot be over-emphasized. Through electronic resources’ use students have access to global resources for their academic activities. However, despite the potential benefit electronic resources holds for effective learning and research by students, studies have shown that their proper and maximum use is still a matter for discussion. This study, therefore, examined perceived ease of use and gender differences as factors influencing electronic resources use by students in selected private universities in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a population of 4,452 undergraduate students. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting the sample size for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection which was analysed using descriptive statistics, standard deviation, Cross Tab Analysis (Pearson Chi-Square) and T-test. The result of the analysis revealed low usage of electronic resources by the students. It further revealed a renowned difference in gender differentiation. Also, a significant proportion of the students did not use electronic resources frequently. In addition, this study found that the respondents perceived use of electronic resources easy to use. However, the major constraints to electronic resources use by students were lack of knowledge of search techniques to retrieve information effectively, insufficient user training, lack of awareness, download delay and constant power failure. The findings indicated that both perceived ease of use and gender significantly influenced students’ use of electronic resources. Based on the findings, the study recommends that concerted effort by university libraries may ameliorate the problems of low use. Therefore, libraries should: integrate e-resources search techniques and retrieval skills into the curriculum of Use of Library taught at the universities, create awareness strategies by under taking university-wide lecture on access, promote e-resources through the use of e-mail alert and social media platforms, adopt various motivational strategies to encourage the use of electronic resources and should also endeavour to have standby generator, Inverter or Solar Power to limit the problem of constant power failure.
A Study on Application of the Technology for Activated Sludge Reducing
Authors: Yang Zhan
Published: July 2018

Activated sludge process is the most widely used technology in sewage bioremediation up to now. However, there is also a serious problem with this technology, that is, a great amount of sludge will be left over. In view of this situation, a study has been carried out through the domestic activated technology for sludge treatment and also research on the effective sludge treatment. They made use of the microbial decomposition to decompose the oxide by using the means of physical, chemical, biological, etc. to minimize the effluent from the sewage treatment plant and thus, reduced the amount of sludge produced.
Spatial Three-dimensional Technology of Special-shaped Pier Based on BIM
Authors: Yu Hongli , Long Wenliang , Qing Jia , Xiong Yuangu
Published: July 2018

The development of society pushes people to pay increasing attention to the appearance of bridges apart from their quality and safety. It turns to be an inevitable trend of the emergence of bridges with novel forms and unique shapes, which could not only meet traffic demand, but also effectively integrate with their surrounding environment to form a beautiful landscape. However, complicated structure and unique shape make it difficult of the bridge construction. As the basic part of construction, pier model affects the construction of pier formwork and pier reinforcement. Currently, BIM has been widely used in the construction industry in China. Nevertheless, there has not been any cases of the formwork design nor reinforcement processing of spatial three- dimensional special-shaped pier. And it is the first time for the construction of spatial three-dimensional special-shaped bridge. So it is of great significance of the analysis on spatial three-dimensional technology of special-shaped pier based on BIM to promote the development of construction industry.
Analysis of green environmental protection concept in environmental engineering design
Authors: Ding Yong , Zhang Xian , Liu Qiaohong , Wang Ya , Shao Yangci
Published: July 2018

With the development of China's economy, people's living standards are increasing, and the requirements for the living environment are also increasing. In order to meet the requirements of people's living environment while meeting the use of function, the idea of green environmental protection should be paid attention to in the process of engineering design. This paper analyzes the importance of the concept of green environmental protection, and analyzes how to adhere to the concept of green environmental protection.