bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product of Implication-Based Intuitionistic Fuzzy Semiautomatons over Finite Groups
Authors: Selvarathi M.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, Implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy semiautomaton (IB-IFSA) of a finite group is defined and investigated. The theory of an implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy kernel and implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy subsemiautomaton of an IB-IFSA over a finite group are formulated using the approach of implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy subgroup and implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy normal subgroup. The product of implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy subgroups is postulated and investigated. Further, direct product of implication-based intuitionistic fuzzy semiautomatons over the finite groups is elaborately studied. Fundamental properties concerning them are also dealt with.
Studies of dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PbTi0.8−x Te0.2GdxO3 nano ceramics prepared by high energy ball milling
Authors: Sinha S. K. , Kumari S. , Chaudhary R. K.
Published: April 2019

Incorporation of Te and Gd were done based on the stoicheometric formula PbTi[Formula: see text] Te[Formula: see text]GdxO3 (PTTeG). TG characterization of green powder revealed the completion of solid state reaction at temperature 450∘ C. XRD of modified PTTeG powders milled for 10[Formula: see text]h was found most suitable as it gives pure single-phase tetragonal structure. Dielectric constant was found as 2543 at curie temperature of 480∘C in the case of 5[Formula: see text]wt.% of Gd in PTTeG. Piezoelectric Coefficient was found as 241 [Formula: see text] 10 [Formula: see text] C/N at 39[Formula: see text]Kv/cm of poling field. The results obtained were comparable and even better than so far reported in similar kind of materials.
FDI AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO ECONOMIC GROWTH IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRUE IS THIS?
Authors: ZANDILE ZEZETHU , PHIRI ANDREW
Published: April 2019

Much emphasis has been placed on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Burkina Faso as a catalyst for improved economic growth within the economy. Against the lack of empirical evidence for evaluating this claim, we use data collected from 1970 to 2017 to investigate the FDI-growth nexus for the country using the ARDL bounds cointegration analysis. Our empirical model is derived from endogenous growth theoretical framework in which FDI may have direct or spillover effects on economic growth via improved human capital development as well as technological developments reflected in urbanization and improved export growth. Our findings fail to establish any direct or indirect effects of FDI on economic growth except for FDI’s positive interaction with export-oriented growth, albeit being constrained to the short-run. Therefore, in summing up our recommendations, political reforms and the building of stronger economic ties with the international community in order to raise investor confidence, which has been historically problematic, should be at the top of the agenda for policymakers in Burkina Faso.
Pseudorandomness from Shrinkage
Authors: Impagliazzo Russell , Meka Raghu , Zuckerman David
Published: April 2019

One powerful theme in complexity theory and pseudorandomness in the past few decades has been the use of lower bounds to give pseudorandom generators (PRGs). However, the general results using this hardness vs. randomness paradigm suffer from a quantitative loss in parameters, and hence do not give nontrivial implications for models where we don’t know super-polynomial lower bounds but do know lower bounds of a fixed polynomial. We show that when such lower bounds are proved using random restrictions, we can construct PRGs which are essentially best possible without in turn improving the lower bounds.

More specifically, say that a circuit family has shrinkage exponent Γ if a random restriction leaving a
p
fraction of variables unset shrinks the size of any circuit in the family by a factor of
p

Γ +
o
(1)

. Our PRG uses a seed of length
s

1/(Γ + 1) +
o
(1)

to fool circuits in the family of size
s
. By using this generic construction, we get PRGs with polynomially small error for the following classes of circuits of size
s
and with the following seed lengths:

(1) For de Morgan formulas, seed length
s

1/3+
o
(1)

;

(2) For formulas over an arbitrary basis, seed length
s

1/2+
o
(1)

;

(3) For read-once de Morgan formulas, seed length
s
.234...
;

(4) For branching programs of size
s
, seed length
s

1/2+
o
(1)

.

The previous best PRGs known for these classes used seeds of length bigger than
n
/2 to output
n
bits, and worked only for size
s
=
O
(
n
) [8].
Spiking Neural Networks Hardware Implementations and Challenges
Authors: Bouvier Maxence , Valentian Alexandre , Mesquida Thomas , Rummens Francois , Reyboz Marina , Vianello Elisa , Beigne Edith
Published: April 2019

Neuromorphic computing is henceforth a major research field for both academic and industrial actors. As opposed to Von Neumann machines, brain-inspired processors aim at bringing closer the memory and the computational elements to efficiently evaluate machine learning algorithms. Recently, spiking neural networks, a generation of cognitive algorithms employing computational primitives mimicking neuron and synapse operational principles, have become an important part of deep learning. They are expected to improve the computational performance and efficiency of neural networks, but they are best suited for hardware able to support their temporal dynamics. In this survey, we present the state of the art of hardware implementations of spiking neural networks and the current trends in algorithm elaboration from model selection to training mechanisms. The scope of existing solutions is extensive; we thus present the general framework and study on a case-by-case basis the relevant particularities. We describe the strategies employed to leverage the characteristics of these event-driven algorithms at the hardware level and discuss their related advantages and challenges.
Mechanism for Measuring System Complexity Applying Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Gomes Viviane M. , Paiva Joao R. B. , Reis Marcio R. C. , Wainer Gabriel A. , Calixto Wesley P.
Published: April 2019

This work proposes a complexity metric which maps internal connections of the system and its relationship with the environment through the application of sensitivity analysis. The proposed methodology presents (i) system complexity metric, (ii) system sensitivity metric, and (iii) two models as case studies. Based on the system dynamics, the complexity metric maps the internal connections through the states of the system and the metric of sensitivity evaluates the contribution of each parameter to the output variability. The models are simulated in order to quantify the complexity and the sensitivity and to analyze the behavior of the systems leading to the assumption that the system complexity is closely linked to the most sensitive parameters. As findings from results, it may be observed that systems may exhibit high performance as a result of optimized configurations given by their natural complexity.
Improving Outcomes Defending Patient Safety: The Learning Journey in Robotic Liver Resections
Authors: Magistri Paolo , Guerrini Gian Piero , Ballarin Roberto , Assirati Giacomo , Tarantino Giuseppe , Di Benedetto Fabrizio
Published: April 2019

Background. While laparoscopy is currently adopted for hepatic resections, robotic approaches to the liver have not gained wide acceptance. We decided to analyze the learning curve in the field of robotic liver surgery comparing short-term outcomes between the first and the second half of our series. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed demographics and clinical data of patients who underwent robotic liver resection at our institution from July 2014 through September 2017. 60 patients diagnosed with primary or secondary liver neoplasms or hydatid disease were included in this study. ASA PS >3, heart failure, respiratory insufficiency, and general contraindication to pneumoperitoneum were exclusion criteria. Results. 60 patients were included. We observed a statistically significant decrease in operative time (p<0.001), intraoperative blood loss (p=0.01), and postoperative complications (p<0.001) after 30 cases. From the interpretation of the CUSUM curve, the time of operation appears to be significantly reduced after the first 30 operations. Discussion. This is the first European analysis of the learning curve for robotic liver resection in an HPB and liver transplant referral center. However, more studies are needed to confirm such results outside a HPB referral center. This is crucial to develop formal credentialing protocols for both junior and senior surgeons.
Effects of Different Penetration Patterns on a Fault during Underground Fluid Injection
Authors: Wei Xiaochen , Li Qi , Li Xiaying , Niu Zhiyong , Liu Xiangjun , Liang Lixi
Published: April 2019

At underground fluid injection sites with natural faults, understanding how to avoid the subsequent fault reactivation and induced seismicity plays a crucial role in the success of subsurface anthropogenic activities. In this work, with the objective of avoiding risky faults in site selection in the Shengli Oilfield, we investigated the faults that are usually encountered in the target demonstration zone; based on the geophysical observations of fault structures, we designed different fault tectonic scenarios to investigate the different penetration patterns of faults. We used the finite element-based numerical method to assess the influence of the effective lateral and vertical reservoir transmissivity in each fault penetration pattern. Our results indicate that when a permeable fault intersects into the target reservoir, it presents both barrier effect to reservoir transmissivity within the target reservoir and hydraulic connection between reservoirs. The effective lateral reservoir transmissivity is dominated by the barrier effect of the fault, and the effective vertical reservoir transmissivity is dominated by the hydraulic connection between reservoirs. Relatively impermeable faults with less contact with the target aquifer make higher effective lateral reservoir transmissivity and lower effective vertical reservoir transmissivity, which would mitigate the risk of caprock failure and the magnitude of the induced seismicity.
On Gravitational Casimir Effect and Stefan-Boltzmann Law at Finite Temperature
Authors: Ulhoa S. C. , Santos A. F. , Furtado T. F. , Khanna F. C.
Published: April 2019

Gravitons are described by the propagator in teleparallel gravity in nearly flat space-time. Finite temperature is introduced by using Thermofield Dynamics formalism. The gravitational Casimir effect and Stefan-Boltzmann law are calculated as a function of temperature. Then an equation of state for gravitons is determined.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Glycemic Control and Its Associated Factors among Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Asmelash Daniel , Abdu Netsanet , Tefera Samson , Baynes Habtamu Wondifraw , Derbew Cherie
Published: April 2019

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologic factors characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism. It can play the vital role in the cause of morbidity and mortality through continued clinical consequence. Therefore, good knowledge, attitude, and practices of glycemic control are necessary in promoting care, in enhancing better therapeutic outcomes, and in the prevention and management of diabetes complications. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was conducted to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice towards glycemic control and its associated factors. Diabetic patients who were attending the University of Gondar Hospital from March to May 2018 were included in the study. The data was collected using questionnaires, and individuals that can fulfill our inclusion criteria were selected by a simple random sampling technique. SPSS version 20 was used for descriptive and logistic regression analysis, and finally, the variables were summarized and presented using tables and graphs. Results. Of the total 403 participants, 216 (53.6%) were males and 176 (43.7%) were illiterate. Of the total, 250 (62%) had good knowledge, 271 (67.2%) had a good attitude, and 300 (74.4%) had good practice towards glycemic control. In multivariate logistic regression, occupational status and marital status were significantly associated with the knowledge of participants towards glycemic control. Occupational status, educational status, and marital status were significantly associated with attitude and practice towards glycemic control. Conclusion. More than half of the participants had good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards glycemic control. Occupational status and marital status were significantly associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice towards glycemic control.
Preemptive ECMO Cannulation in a Patient with Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Bui Phuong , Mascaro P. Gabriel , Henao-Mejia Juanita , Patel Selina
Published: April 2019

Obstetric patients with heart failure undergoing cesarean delivery are high risk and the perioperative care of these patients poses significant multidisciplinary challenges. In contrast to the nonobstetric patient population the potential role of mechanical circulatory support in parturients with heart failure is not well established and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has rarely been reported. We report the case of a super morbidly obese patient with decompensated heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and superimposed preeclampsia undergoing preemptive ECMO cannulation for urgent cesarean delivery.
Luteolin Attenuates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats by Modulating Nrf2 Antioxidative Function
Authors: Xiao Chi , Xia Man-Li , Wang Jue , Zhou Xin-Ru , Lou Yang-Yun , Tang Li-Hui , Zhang Feng-Jiang , Yang Jin-Ting , Qian Ling-Bo
Published: April 2019

Luteolin has been reported to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the diabetic heart through endothelial nitric oxide synthase- (eNOS-) related antioxidative response. Though the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is regarded as a key endogenous factor to reduce diabetic oxidative stress, whether luteolin reduces cardiac I/R injury in the diabetic heart via enhancing Nrf2 function needs to be clarified. We hypothesized that pretreatment with luteolin could alleviate cardiac I/R injury in the diabetic heart by affecting the eNOS/Nrf2 signaling pathway. The diabetic rat was produced by a single injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.) for 6 weeks, and then, luteolin (100 mg/kg/day, i.g.), eNOS inhibitor L-NAME, or Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol was administered for the succedent 2 weeks. After that, the isolated rat heart was exposed to 30 min of global ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion to establish I/R injury. Luteolin markedly ameliorated cardiac function and myocardial viability; upregulated expressions of heme oxygenase-1, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase; and reduced myocardial lactate dehydrogenase release, malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in the diabetic I/R heart. All these ameliorating effects of luteolin were significantly reversed by L-NAME or brusatol. Luteolin also markedly reduced S-nitrosylation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and upregulated Nrf2 and its transcriptional activity. This effect of luteolin on Keap1/Nrf2 signaling was attenuated by L-NAME. These data reveal that luteolin protects the diabetic heart against I/R injury by enhancing eNOS-mediated S-nitrosylation of Keap1, with subsequent upregulation of Nrf2 and the Nrf2-related antioxidative signaling pathway.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl with Final Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Authors: Salehzadeh F. , Samadi Ali , Mirzarahimi M.
Published: April 2019

Background. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) occurs when the duodenum is compressed between the two arteries, superior mesenteric artery and aorta. The complications of this rarely found disorder in children range from causing trouble in duodenal functions to intestinal obstruction which is potentially life-threatening. Case Presentation. Here we are reporting a case of SMAS in a 6-year-old girl with the complaint of chronic abdominal pain since 3 years. She suffered from growth failure, while different workups were negative. Ultimately, imaging investigations detected superior mesenteric artery syndrome as an etiologic background. In the additional investigations, it is found that she suffered from celiac disease. Conclusion. We concluded that the inflammatory nature of the celiac disease can affect the anatomy of the duodenum beyond its mucosal surface in the mesenteric fat tissue and results in SMAS.
The Mediating Effect of Central Sensitization on the Relation between Pain Intensity and Psychological Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study with Mediation Analysis
Authors: Shigetoh Hayato , Tanaka Yoichi , Koga Masayuki , Osumi Michihiro , Morioka Shu
Published: April 2019

Background. Central sensitization (CS) and psychological factors are associated with pain intensity; however, the mediating role of CS on the relation between psychological factors and pain intensity remains unclear. Objectives. We performed mediation analysis to investigate how CS mediates relation between psychological factors and pain intensity. Methods. Twenty patients with musculoskeletal pain were included in this cross-sectional study. Central sensitization inventory (CSI), one pain intensity-related outcome measure (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2 (SFMPQ2)), and three psychological outcome measures (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale-4 (PCS), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK)) of all participants were assessed. The mediation analysis with a bootstrap sampling procedure was used to assess the indirect effects. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results. Mediation analysis showed that the HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and PCS had significant indirect effects on the pain ratings of CSI. Additionally, the direct effect was significant only for PCS. Conclusions. The relationship among anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and pain intensity was completely mediated by CS. Furthermore, the relationship between catastrophic thinking and pain intensity was partially mediated by CS. Our findings suggest that CS mediates relation between psychological factors and pain intensity, and CS-focused intervention may be important.
Hereditary Hypercalcemia Caused by a Homozygous Pathogenic Variant in theCYP24A1Gene: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cappellani Daniele , Brancatella Alessandro , Kaufmann Martin , Minucci Angelo , Vignali Edda , Canale Domenico , De Paolis Elisa , Capoluongo Ettore , Cetani Filomena , Jones Glenville , Marcocci Claudio
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Loss of function mutations of CYP24A1 gene, which is involved in vitamin D catabolism, cause vitamin D-mediated PTH-independent hypercalcemia. The phenotype varies from life-threatening forms in the infancy to milder forms in the adulthood.Case Presentation. We report a case of a 17-year-old woman with a history of nephrolithiasis, mild PTH-independent hypercalcemia (10,5mg/dL), and high serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations (107pg/mL). Other causes of hypercalcemia associated with the above biochemical signature were excluded. Family history revealed nephrolithiasis in the sister. Blood testing in first-degree relatives showed serum PTH in the low-normal range and 1,25(OH)2D at the upper normal limit or slightly elevated. The CYP24A1 gene analysis revealed a known homozygous loss-of-function pathogenic variant (c.428_430delAAG, rs777676129, p.Glu143del). The panel of vitamin D metabolites evaluated by liquid chromatography showed the typical profile of CYP24A1 mutations, namely, low 24,25(OH)2D3, elevated 25(OH)D3:24,25(OH)2D3ratio, and undetectable 1,24,25(OH)3D3. The parents and both the siblings harbored the same variant in heterozygosis. We decided for a watchful waiting approach and the patient remained clinically and biochemically stable over a 24-month followup.Conclusion.CYP24A1gene mutations should be considered in cases of PTH-independent hypercalcemia, once that more common causes (hypercalcemia of malignancy, granulomatous diseases, and vitamin D intoxication) have been ruled out.
Seasonal and Spatial Variation of Dissolved Oxygen and Nutrients in Padaviya Reservoir, Sri Lanka
Authors: Siriwardana C. , Cooray Asitha T. , Liyanage Sudantha S. , Koliyabandara S. M. P. A.
Published: April 2019

Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and aquifers are important freshwater sources for basic human needs such as drinking, sanitation, and agriculture. The anthropogenic influences on the natural environment, especially on freshwater resources, have increased dramatically during the last few decades. Eutrophication and pollution are major threats to many of these water bodies. There are thousands of man-made reservoirs, which are centuries old in Sri Lanka, and only a handful of them have been extensively studied and monitored. This study investigates the spatial and seasonal variations of water quality in Padaviya Reservoir by studying the vertical distribution of physical parameters and inorganic nitrogen species: ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, reactive phosphate, and dissolved oxygen. Padaviya Reservoir, which is an ancient man-made irrigation reservoir, has never been studied in detail to assess its water quality. Sharp chemical gradients for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, reactive phosphate, and dissolved oxygen were observed between surface and bottom waters of the reservoir, suggesting that it does not overturn completely. The temperature difference is between the surface and bottom waters of about 2°C, which is not large enough to cause thermal stratification. The most probable reason for the stratification is extensive photosynthesis at surface waters with subsequent decomposition of the organic material at the bottom.
The Effect of Splenectomy on the Reversal of Cirrhosis: a Prospective Study
Authors: Zeng Dao-Bing , Di Liang , Zhang Rui-Chi , Guo Qing-Liang , Duan Bin-Wei , Jia Cui-Yu , Chen Feng , Lin Dong-Dong , Zang Yun-jin , Lu Shi-Chun
Published: April 2019

Background. Studies have demonstrated that liver fibrosis can be reversed by medication treatments. After splenectomy, cirrhosis patients have short-term changes in several serum markers for cirrhosis and liver stiffness. Aims. To investigate the effect of splenectomy on the severity of cirrhosis. Methods. A total of 62 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension receiving splenectomy from December 2014 to July 2017 were enrolled. The degree of cirrhosis was preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated by serum markers, including hyaluronan (HA), laminin, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), type IV collagen (C-IV), liver stiffness (FibroScan), and liver volume. Results. HA levels significantly increased at 1 week and 1 month postoperation (both P<0.05), whereas the levels of PIIINP and C-IV significantly decreased from 1 month to 12 months postoperation (all P<0.05). In addition, elastography examination demonstrated that the FibroScan score significantly reduced from 1 month to 24 months postoperation as compared with the baseline level (all P<0.05). CT scan showed that the liver volume significantly increased at 6 months postoperation (P<0.05). Furthermore, the alteration trends of these serum markers and the FibroScan score were further confirmed by the multivariate linear regression. Conclusions. These observations suggested that splenectomy may result in long-term reversal of cirrhosis.
Prognostic Nomogram for the Overall Survival of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Xiao-Lei , Chen Wen-Ming , Zhou He-Bing
Published: April 2019

To establish a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), 304 patients with newly diagnosed MM were recruited between June 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015, from the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, and randomly divided into training (n=214) and validation (n=90) cohorts. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the prognostic effects of multiple clinical and laboratory parameters on survival. Significant prognostic factors were combined to build a nomogram. The discriminative ability and predictive accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated using the index of concordance (C-index) and calibration curves and compared with the five staging systems currently used for MM. Multivariate analysis of the training cohort revealed that the age at diagnosis, clonal bone marrow plasma cells, serum lactate dehydrogenase, serumβ2-microglobulin, and del (17p) were independent risk factors for OS and were used to establish the nomogram. The C-index value of the nomogram for predicting OS was 0.749, which was significantly higher than the C-indices of the five most common staging systems currently used for MM. In the validation cohort, the C-index for nomogram-based predictions was 0.711 for OS, and the nomogram discrimination was better than the above mentioned five staging systems (P<0.001). All calibration curves revealed good consistency between predicted and actual survivals. The proposed nomogram is more accurate in predicting the prognoses of patients with newly diagnosed MM.
Seizure: An Adverse Effect of Regadenoson in Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Radwan Sohab S. , Schwartz Owen G.
Published: April 2019

Regadenoson is a selective adenosine 2a (A2a) receptor agonist that is used in cardiac stress testing to evaluate for ischemic heart disease and has largely replaced adenosine in the modern era. Since adenosine receptors are involved in synaptic transmission between neurons throughout the central nervous system (CNS) including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and other structures as well, regadenoson can lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals. Epileptogenic activity is an uncommon yet potentially severe adverse effect of regadenoson use, and therefore, more awareness is required in screening patients at risk and evaluating alternate ways to investigate coronary artery disease (CAD) in susceptible individuals.
Land Cover and Soil Properties Influence on Forage Quantity in a Semiarid Region in East Africa
Authors: Egeru Anthony , Wasonga Oliver , Gabiri Geofrey , MacOpiyo Laban , Mburu John , Mwanjalolo Majaliwa Jackson Gilbert
Published: April 2019

Soil properties contribute to the widely recognised resilience of semiarid areas. However, limited attention has been given in providing a scientific basis of how semiarid soil properties in the various land covers occur and how they influence forage quantity. This study investigated the influence of different soil properties and land cover types on herbaceous biomass quantity in the Karamoja subregion of Uganda. A completely randomized design in three land cover types (thickets and shrublands, woodlands, and savannah grasslands) was implemented. In each vegetation type, 50 × 40 m plots were demarcated with nested plots to facilitate clipping of the herbaceous layer. Composite soil samples at two depths (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm) were obtained from each plot. The results showed that soil properties varied across land cover types. Soil pH ranged between 6.9 and 8.1 and SOM, N, P, and K were generally low in all land cover types. Soil hydraulic properties revealed the existence of rapid to very rapid permeability in thickets/shrublands, grasslands, and woodlands. Percent change in soil properties (0–15 cm to 15–30 cm) was highest in P, Ca, Mg, Na, and SOM. In the grasslands, P positively (p≤0.01) influenced herbaceous biomass, whereas pH, K, Na, % sand, and % clay, N, and SOM had a negative relationship with herbaceous biomass (p≤0.05). Herbaceous biomass in the thickets/shrublands was negatively influenced by P, Ca, and Mg and % clay and positively by N and % silt (p≤0.05). Only N and SOM were significant determinants of herbaceous biomass in the woodlands (p≤0.05). The low level of soil nutrients observed in this study reveals the fragility of semiarid soils, indicating the need for sustainable landscape management.
Deploying a Reliable UAV-Aided Communication Service in Disaster Areas
Authors: Mayor Vicente , Estepa Rafael , Estepa Antonio , Madinabeitia German
Published: April 2019

When telecommunication infrastructure is damaged by natural disasters, creating a network that can handle voice channels can be vital for search and rescue missions. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) equipped with WiFi access points could be rapidly deployed to provide wireless coverage to ground users. This WiFi access network can in turn be used to provide a reliable communication service to be used in search and rescue missions. We formulate a new problem for UAVs optimal deployment which considers not only WiFi coverage but also the mac sublayer (i.e., quality of service). Our goal is to dispatch the minimum number of UAVs for provisioning a WiFi network that enables reliable VoIP communications in disaster scenarios. Among valid solutions, we choose the one that minimizes energy expenditure at the user’s WiFi interface card in order to extend ground user’s smartphone battery life as much as possible. Solutions are found using well-known heuristics such as K-means clusterization and genetic algorithms. Via numerical results, we show that the IEEE 802.11 standard revision has a decisive impact on the number of UAVs required to cover large areas, and that the user’s average energy expenditure (attributable to communications) can be reduced by limiting the maximum altitude for drones or by increasing the VoIP speech quality.
Use of Vegetation as Biomaterial for Controlling Measures of Human Impact on the Environment
Authors: Termini Donatella
Published: April 2019

In a context of a climate change, bioengineering techniques and biomaterials are needed to reduce the human impact on the environment. Thus, in recent years, living materials have been used in environmental engineering applications. In the present paper, attention is restricted to the vegetation, and a brief review on its use as biomaterial in engineering control techniques is presented. The core of this review is a comprehensive overview of two important techniques using vegetation as living material for measures limiting the human impact both in extra-urban and in urban sites. In particular, the use of vegetation both as living material for soil erosion protection and river’s bank stabilization in extra-urban areas and as a part of green roofs or walls added to buildings in urban areas is presented. Considerations about the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques conclude this review.
mmWave Backhaul Testbed Configurability Using Software-Defined Networking
Authors: Santos Ricardo , Koslowski Konstantin , Daube Julian , Ghazzai Hakim , Kassler Andreas , Sakaguchi Kei , Haustein Thomas
Published: April 2019

Future mobile data traffic predictions expect a significant increase in user data traffic, requiring new forms of mobile network infrastructures. Fifth generation (5G) communication standards propose the densification of small cell access base stations (BSs) in order to provide multigigabit and low latency connectivity. This densification requires a high capacity backhaul network. Using optical links to connect all the small cells is economically not feasible for large scale radio access networks where multiple BSs are deployed. A wireless backhaul formed by a mesh of millimeter-wave (mmWave) links is an attractive mobile backhaul solution, as flexible wireless (multihop) paths can be formed to interconnect all the access BSs. Moreover, a wireless backhaul allows the dynamic reconfiguration of the backhaul topology to match varying traffic demands or adaptively power on/off small cells for green backhaul operation. However, conducting and precisely controlling reconfiguration experiments over real mmWave multihop networks is a challenging task. In this paper, we develop a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) based approach to enable such a dynamic backhaul reconfiguration and use real-world mmWave equipment to setup a SDN-enabled mmWave testbed to conduct various reconfiguration experiments. In our approach, the SDN control plane is not only responsible for configuring the forwarding plane but also for the link configuration, antenna alignment, and adaptive mesh node power on/off operations. We implement the SDN-based reconfiguration operations in a testbed with four nodes, each equipped with multiple mmWave interfaces that can be mechanically steered to connect to different neighbors. We evaluate the impact of various reconfiguration operations on existing user traffic using a set of extensive testbed measurements. Moreover, we measure the impact of the channel assignment on existing traffic, showing that a setup with an optimal channel assignment between the mesh links can result in a 44% throughput increase, when compared to a suboptimal configuration.
A Case of Lung Adenocarcinoma Originating from an Old Posttraumatic Scar in a Young Patient
Authors: Ahmed Fatima , Yasin Hassaan , Mohamed Hesham E.
Published: April 2019

A relationship between lung scarring and cancer has been recognized for many decades but more evidence is needed to strengthen this association. A 34-year-old nonsmoker male with a history of left lower lobe lung scar secondary to a pulmonary contusion from a motor vehicle accident in 2012 was admitted with shortness of breath and cough. A computed tomography (CT) angiography of the chest demonstrated bilateral pulmonary emboli, left lower lobe mass, left lung septal thickening, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A CT-guided biopsy of the mass was performed, and pathology was consistent with lung adenocarcinoma. Staging work-up revealed a widely metastatic disease. The patient developed severe complications requiring hospitalization after the first cycle of chemotherapy and subsequently passed away. Lung scar carcinoma originates around peripheral scars resulting from a variety of infections, injuries, and lung diseases. It has poor prognosis because it metastasizes from relatively small lesions. Our case further endorses that lung scarring can potentially lead to the development of cancer. Furthermore, we want to highlight the need to conduct studies to determine if monitoring this patient population with periodic imaging can have a survival benefit.
The Accuracy of Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery Performed Using Fully Guided Templates versus Pilot-Drill Guided Templates
Authors: De Santis Daniele , Malchiodi Luciano , Cucchi Alessandro , Cybulski Adam , Verlato Giuseppe , Gelpi Federico , Nocini Pier Francesco
Published: April 2019

Purpose. Computer-assisted stereolithographically guided surgery allows an ideal implant placement for prosthetic restoration. Two types of stereolithographic templates are currently available: a fully guided template and a pilot-drill guided template. The purpose of this study was (i) to evaluate the accuracy of implant insertion using these types of surgical templates and (ii) to define parameters influencing accuracy. Materials and Methods. 20 patients were enrolled and divided into 2 study groups: in group A, implants were placed using CAD-CAM templates with fully guided sleeves; in group B, implants were placed with a template with only pilot-drill guided sleeves. Pre- and postoperative computed tomographies were used to measure differences between final positions of implants and virtually planned positions. Three linear discrepancies (coronal, apical, and depth) and two angular ones (buccolingual and mesiodistal) were measured. Correlations between accuracy and jaws of interest, implant length and diameters, and type of edentulism were also analysed. Results. A total of 50 implants were inserted in 15 patients using CAD-CAM templates: 23 implants in group A and 27 in group B. The mean coronal deviations were 1.16 and 1.11 mm (P = 0.35), respectively; the mean apical deviations were 1.65 and 1.71 mm (P = 0.22); the mean depth deviations were 0.95 and −0.68 mm (P = 0.032); the mean buccolingual angular deviations were 4.16° and 6.72° (P = 0.042); and the mean mesiodistal ones were 2.81° and 5.61° (P = 0.029). In addition, the accuracy was statistically influenced only by implant diameter for coronal discrepancy (P = 0.035) and by jaw of interest for mesiodistal angulation (P = 0.045). Conclusion. Fully guided implant surgery was more accurate than pilot-drill guided surgery for different parameters. For both types of surgery, a safety margin of at least 2mm should be preserved during implant planning to prevent damage to nearby anatomical structures.
Effective Analgesia with Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Catheters for a Patient with Traumatic Rib and Spine Fractures
Authors: Klesius L. , Schroeder K.
Published: April 2019

Pain management in trauma patients with acute rib and spine fractures presents a challenge for the anesthesiologist and achieving adequate analgesia is important in preventing pulmonary complications. Unfortunately, neuraxial techniques are often challenging or contraindicated due to spine fractures or coagulopathy. Erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks provide an alternative regional anesthetic technique to manage pain. We describe a case of bilateral ESP catheters placed intraoperatively after spinal instrumentation in a patient with bilateral rib and spine fractures sustained in a tractor rollover crash. Prior to surgery, the patient had inadequate pain control and poor respiratory function despite multimodal analgesia. With the addition of bilateral ESP catheters, the patient’s pain control improved and he was weaned from respiratory support. ESP blocks have been shown to provide effective analgesia in patients with rib fractures; however, the utilization of these blocks has not been described in patients with spine fractures undergoing spinal instrumentation. Thus, ESP blocks provide a simple alternative to providing surgical and trauma analgesia when neuraxial techniques are contraindicated. The success of bilateral ESP catheters in our patient indicates a further area for application of ESP blocks in patients undergoing spine surgery with acute traumatic spine fractures.
Determination of Lying Posture through Recognition of Multitier Body Parts
Authors: Kim Tae-Hwan , Kwon Soon-Ju , Choi Hyun-Min , Hong Youn-Sik
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we propose a lying posture discrimination algorithm to monitor the behavior pattern of a person lying in bed. Using FSR (force sensing resistor) sensors arranged in a grid structure, three major body parts such as head, shoulder, and hips are identified, and six lying positions are determined based on these body parts. Head, shoulder, and hips are relatively high in pressure and are easy to distinguish due to low movement. In addition, we have effectively limited the search space to identify the above body parts based on standard body dimensions. Experimental results show that there is a correlation between pressure distribution and lying posture. The results of this study can be applied to the monitoring of sleep posture and can also be used as an aid to prevent fall accidents and the occurrence of pressure ulcers of elderly patients who are unable to move.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Promotes Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer and Neuroendocrine Differentiation by Activated ZBTB46
Authors: Liu Yen-Nien , Niu Shaoxi , Chen Wei-Yu , Zhang Qingfu , Tao Yulei , Chen Wei-Hao , Jiang Kuo-Ching , Chen Xufeng , Shi Huaiyin , Liu Aijun , Li Jinhang , Li Yanjing , Lee Yi-Chao , Zhang Xu , Huang Jiaoti
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

The molecular targets for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are unknown because the disease inevitably recurs, and therapeutic approaches for patients with CRPC remain less well understood. We sought to investigate regulatory mechanisms that result in increased therapeutic resistance, which is associated with neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer and linked to dysregulation of the androgen-responsive pathway.

Experimental Design:

The underlying intracellular mechanism that sustains the oncogenic network involved in neuroendocrine differentiation and therapeutic resistance of prostate cancer was evaluated to investigate and identify effectors. Multiple sets of samples with prostate adenocarcinomas and CRPC were assessed via IHC and other assays.

Results:

We demonstrated that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was induced by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and was upregulated by ZBTB46 in prostate cancer to promote CRPC and neuroendocrine differentiation. LIF was found to be induced in patients with prostate cancer after ADT and was associated with enriched nuclear ZBTB46 staining in high-grade prostate tumors. In prostate cancer cells, high ZBTB46 output was responsible for the activation of LIF-STAT3 signaling and neuroendocrine-like features. The abundance of LIF was mediated by ADT-induced ZBTB46 through a physical interaction with the regulatory sequence of LIF. Analysis of serum from patients showed that cases of higher tumor grade and metastatic prostate cancer exhibited higher LIF titers.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that LIF is a potent serum biomarker for diagnosing advanced prostate cancer and that targeting the ZBTB46–LIF axis may therefore inhibit CRPC development and neuroendocrine differentiation after ADT.
Effects of Age on Voice Onset Time and Variability in Children with Repaired Cleft Palate
Authors: Bae Youkyung
Published: April 2019

Objective: To examine the effect of age on voice onset time (VOT) and VOT variability in children with repaired cleft palate. Methods: Twenty-two children with repaired cleft palate were allocated into two age groups: younger children (YC: n = 13) and older children (OC: n = 9). VOT measurements from monosyllabic words (/pɑ/, /tɑ/, and /kɑ/) and intraspeaker VOT variability estimated by coefficients of variation (CoV) of two age groups were compared. Results: Age was found to have a statistically significant effect on VOT and VOT variability. Specifically, OC had significantly longer VOT (F(1,66) = 4.196, p < 0.05) and less VOT variability (F(1,66) = 6.007, p < 0.05) for English voiceless stops than YC. No statistically significant main effect for speech sample or age by speech sample interaction was observed. Conclusions: Our data supplement the existing literature by adding VOT and VOT variability information for older children/adolescents with repaired cleft palate. Findings from the study suggest VOT patterns acquired at younger age appear to be further exaggerated and stabilized during the adolescent period among children with repaired cleft palate. A future study is necessary to determine different sources of VOT variability in children with a history of cleft palate, which may have clinical therapeutic implications.
Apalutamid: Eine neue Option für die Therapie des Hochrisiko-M0CRPC
Authors: Schwentner Christian
Published: April 2019

Das Auftreten von Metastasen stellt beim nicht-metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinom (M0CRPC) einen Wendepunkt in der Erkrankung dar. Apalutamid, ein neuer Androgenrezeptorinhibitor (ARI), verlängerte in der SPARTAN-Studie beim Hochrisiko-M0CRPC im Vergleich zu Placebo das metastasenfreie Überleben (MFS) signifikant. Ähnliches ergab die PROSPER-Studie für Enzalutamid. Internationale Leitlinien empfehlen die beiden Wirkstoffe seit 2018 für die Therapie des Hochrisiko-M0CRPC.
Efficacy and Safety of ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Elderly Patients with Advanced ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Findings from the Real-Life Cohort
Authors: Bedas Aseel , Peled Nir , Maimon Rabinovich Natalie , Mishaeli Moshe , Shochat Tzippy , Zer Alona , Rotem Ofer , Allen Aaron M. , Bar Jair , Dudnik Elizabeth ,   On behalf of the Israel Lung Cancer Group
Published: April 2019

Background: Little is known regarding the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) efficacy and safety in the elderly. Objectives and Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 53) with ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with an ALK TKI were identified through internal databases of three cancer centers and divided into groups A (< 65 years old; n = 34) and B (≥65 years old; n = 19). Progression-free survival (PFS), ALK TKI safety and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Uni- and multivariate PFS and OS analyses were performed. Results: Crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib were administered in 94 and 100%, 35 and 31%, 38 and 52% of patients in groups A and B, respectively. The median PFS (months) was 5.4 (95% CI, 3.4–12.4) and 5.6 (95% CI, 2.5–14.7) with crizotinib (log-rank 0.0009, p = 0.9), 4.7 (95% CI, 1.0–11.5) and 23.0 (95% CI, 0.8–27.7) with ceritinib (log-rank 0.44, p = 0.5), and 21.2 (95% CI, 1.2 to not reached, NR) and 5.6 (95% CI, 0.5 to NR) with alectinib (log-rank 0.53, p = 0.5) in groups A and B, respectively. The median OS (months) comprised 29.8 (95% CI, 21.0 to NR) and 25.1 (95% CI, 10.8–53.6) in groups A and B, respectively (log-rank 0.57, p = 0.4). Age affected neither PFS nor OS. 19 and 37%, 50 and 40%, and 0 and 0% of patients in groups A and B, treated with crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib, respectively, developed high-grade adverse events. The treatment discontinuation rate was 9 and 21%, 16 and 60%, 0 and 0% with crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib in groups A and B, respectively. Conclusions: In the elderly, crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib treatments are associated with similar efficacy but different safety profiles; alectinib is associated with a lower rate of high-grade adverse events and a lower treatment discontinuation rate.
Comparison of Solute Clearance, Hospitalization Rate, and Aortic Arch Calcification between Online Hemodiafiltration and High-Flux Hemodialysis: A 6-Year Observational Study
Authors: Hao Na , Yang Cheng-Hong , Yang Hong-Tao , Wu Chien-Hsing , Lei Yang-Yang , Wu Yu-Pin , Lin Wan-Ting , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu , Chen Jin-Bor
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: Studies on the long-term clinical benefits of hemodiafiltration (HDF) and high-flux hemodialysis (HFHD) are very limited. This study aimed to investigate the hospitalization rate and aortic arch calcification (AAC) of these two dialysis modalities over 6 years. Methods: Participants who received regular HDF and HFHD in one hospital-facilitated hemodialysis center were prospectively enrolled after matching for age, sex, and diabetes between January 2009 and December 2014. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively on demographics, laboratory variables, calcified scores in aortic arch measured by chest radiography, and rates of hospital admission. Cox proportional hazard regression and linear regression were used to obtain the outcome results. Results: The HDF and HFHD groups consisted of 108 and 102 participants, respectively. Levels of laboratory variables including small soluble solutes and Kt/V were not statistically different over the 6-year period between the HDF and HFHD groups. Calcified scores of the aortic arch increased over 6 years in both groups. The changes in the mean calcified scores were significant when compared between the two groups (0.44–1.82 in HFHD, 0.79–1.8 in HDF, respectively, p = 0.008). Hospitalization rates were 735 per 1,000 patients in the HDF group and 852 per 1,000 patients in the HFHD group, respectively. No significant difference was observed in frequency and days of hospitalization between HDF and HFHD. Conclusion: Hospitalization rates and AAC were observed to be equal for HDF and HFHD.