bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method of geo-acoustic parameter inversion in shallow sea by the Bayesian theory and the acoustic pressure field
Authors: Zheng Guangxue , Zhu Hanhao , Zhu Jun
Published: June 2019

A method of geo-acoustic parameter inversion based on the Bayesian theory is proposed for the acquisition of acoustic parameters in shallow sea with the elastic seabed. Firstly, the theoretical prediction value of the sound pressure field is calculated by the fast field method (FFM). According to the Bayesian theory, we establish the misfit function between the measured sound pressure field and the theoretical pressure field. It is under the assumption of Gaussian data errors which are in line with the likelihood function. Finally, the posterior probability density (PPD) of parameters is given as the result of inversion. Our research is conducted in the light of Metropolis sample rules. Apart from numerical simulations, a scaled model experiment has been taken in the laboratory tank. The results of numerical simulations and tank experiments show that sound pressure field calculated by the result of inversion is consistent with the measured sound pressure field. Besides, s-wave velocities, p-wave velocities and seafloor density have fewer uncertainties and are more sensitive to complex sound pressure than s-wave attenuation and p-wave attenuation. The received signals calculated by inversion results are keeping with received signals in the experiment which verify the effectiveness of this method.
Reinforcement learning-based link adaptation in long delayed underwater acoustic channel
Authors: Wang Jingxi , Yuen Chau , Guan Yong Liang , Ge Fengxiang
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we apply reinforcement learning, a significant area of machine learning, to formulate an optimal self-learning strategy to interact in an unknown and dynamically variable underwater channel. The dynamic and volatile nature of the underwater channel environment makes it impossible to employ pre-knowledge. In order to select the optimal parameters to transfer data packets, by using reinforcement learning, this problem could be resolved, and better throughput could be achieved without any environmental pre-information. The slow sound velocity in an underwater scenario, means that the delay of transmitting packet acknowledgement back to sender from the receiver is material, deteriorating the convergence speed of the reinforcement learning algorithm. As reinforcement learning requires a timely acknowledgement feedback from the receiver, in this paper, we combine a juggling-like ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) mechanism with reinforcement learning to minimize the long-delayed reward feedback problem. The simulation is accomplished by OPNET.
Development of an assembly for the realization of a transducer able to operate at very high temperatures
Authors: Flotté Didier , Macel David , Bouzenad Abd Ennour , Navacchia Frédéric
Published: June 2019

Monitoring the operation of the latest-generation nuclear reactor requires ultrasonic transducers able to operate at very high temperatures (> 600°C). To achieve this, CEA has requested from “Institut de Soudure” to help developing a new technology for these transducers compared to the one previously developed. This began with the development of a reliable assembly technique between a lithium niobate piezoelectric disc whose Curie temperature exceeds 1100°C and stainless steel discs. The chosen solution was to braze the niobate disc between two stainless steel discs. Parallel to this development, it was also necessary to develop a NDE procedure to verify the quality of the brazing assemblies. This development began with a simulation of immersion ultrasonic testing of the assemblies. The constraints were to be able to control the two brazed interfaces from the same access face, with the possibility of detecting and dimensioning defects with an equivalent diameter of 0.25 mm. This phase is important to define the optimal transducer with the associated operating conditions. The first assemblies validated the preliminary choices. To exploit the cartographies obtained, a signal processing procedure was developed. This enabled an automatic characterization of the indications observed. However, the analysis of the signals observed proved to be more complex than the one predicted by the simulation. Once the origin of the various observed signals was identified it was then possible to define windows allowing the construction of the cartographies to analyze. In case of a good quality assembly, it was possible to qualify the generated beam and to image it in the focal plane but with an observed signal having a very low damping. These first encouraging results, however, show that there is still some validation and development work to increase the sensitivity of the developed translator and its damping.
Resolving velocity ambiguity of two coded pulse in broad-band acoustic Doppler current profiler
Authors: Zhang Weixuan , Wang Changhong , Deng Kai
Published: June 2019

Broad-band Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (BBADCP) adopts short-sequence coded pulse to measure high velocity. Short-sequence coded pulse has large measurable velocity, so it is not easy to have velocity ambiguity. But short coded pulse deteriorates the accuracy of the velocity. To obtain more accurate velocity, we adopt two coded pulse with a time lag. This paper analyzes the ambiguity velocity and velocity standard deviation of two coded pulse and single coded pulse, and gives a solution to resolve velocity ambiguity: single coded pulse which has a large ambiguity velocity due to the short time lag is used to establish a coarse estimate of the velocity, two coded pulsewhich has a long time lag is used to have a high accuracy velocity, then we combine the two velocities in a way to provide an accurate velocity. It has been demonstrated that the two coded pulse can reduce variance of velocity through analyzing numerous experimental data of pool. Meanwhile, the efficiency of method to solve ambiguity has been proved in accordance with multiple sets of data. Compared with the traditional methods, this method has good anti-noise performance and high single measurement accuracy.
The system design for calibrating acoustic Doppler current meter in the laboratory
Authors: Jiang Hongxu , Li Yalin , Liu Yongwei , Shang Dejiang
Published: June 2019

The Acoustic Doppler Current meter is a most commonly device for the velocity measurement of the seawater in the ocean. We had designed an equipment to calibrate the Acoustic Doppler Current meter in the laboratory, which is mainly composed of a vertical circulating water tank and a system of Laser Doppler Velocimetry. The vertical circulating water tank is the key device of the calibration equipment. The optimization of flow field is carried out by the software, CFD. The optimization of structure intensity, modal analysis and low noise is carried out by the software, ANSYS. We had also used the propeller map to design the power section of the water tank. Through the comparison of the velocity of the flow between Acoustic Doppler Current meter and LDV at the same position in the working section of the water tank, the former can be calibrated, because the wavelength of optics is much less than that of acoustics in the water. After the experimental test, we found that when the fluid flows in the vertical circulating water tank, there exists no resonance phenomenon and the velocity of the flow in the working section is approximately proportional to the rotation speed of the propeller.
The Alpha stable distribution in ocean ambient noise modelling
Authors: Song Guoli , Guo Xinyi , Ma Li
Published: June 2019

In view of the non-Gaussian of ocean ambient noise, the  stable distribution is applied to the statistical modelling. Firstly, the one-to-one correspondence between the four parameters of stable distribution and the sample mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis are established according to physical meaning. Then, numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the suitability of stable distribution for non-Gaussian ambient noise. In the case of white noise interference, noise is divided into Gaussian state, leptokurtic, and platykurtic separately. The parameters of stable distribution are estimated by the sample quantile and characteristic function method jointly. The simulation results show that, in the Gaussian state,  stable distribution is equivalent to normal distribution. As for leptokurtic distribution, stable distribution is much better than normal distribution, indicating absolute predominance in impulse-like data modeling. But it is not adaptive for low kurtosis state because its characteristic exponent can’t be bigger than two. Finally, the result is verified by ambient noise collected in three environmental conditions, such as quiet ambient noise, airgun interference noise and ship noise. In all three cases,  stable distribution shows good adaptability and accuracy, especially for the airgun dataset it is far superior to normal distribution.
Estimating the parameters of the seabed using the spatial characteristics of ocean ambient noise
Authors: Li He , Guo Xiniyi , Ma Li , Song Guoli
Published: June 2019

When solving traditional underwater problems, the boundary condition is always used to calculate the sound field. In practice, however, it is hard to get the boundary conditions of the seabed. So geoacoustics inversion is needed to acquire the parameters of the seabed. In this paper, a method estimating seabed parameters by using the spatial characteristics of ocean ambient noise is demonstrated without using matched-field processing. For the reason of the limit of the resolution of conventional beamforming (CBF), a method of synthetic array processing (SAP) is used because of some characters of cross-spectrum density matrix (CSDM). The result shows that the method of synthetic array processing enhanced the resolution of critical angle to some degree. By comparing the true bottomloss calculated by OASR, the result of traditional beamforming and the synthetic array processing, the result of synthetic array processing is closer to the true bottomloss than the result of traditional beamforming. After ensuring a range of critical angle, the sound speed of the seabed can be estimated by using Snell law. And then, an experimental data collected in Qingdao, China, 2016 is used to prove the validity of the method of synthetic array processing and estimate the local seabed parameters.
The precision calibration of depth and resolution for multibeam sonar in anechoic pool in the laboratory
Authors: Shi Bei , Liu Yongwei , Shang Dejiang , Zhao Xianwen , Li Yalin
Published: June 2019

The multibeam sonar is an important device for underwater survey, of which the measurement precision is a key parameter. We had designed an equipment to calibrate the depth and resolution precision for multibeam sonar in the anechoic pool in the laboratory. The main frame of the equipment is built up by circular and square steel pipes. The absorption materials are laid outside of the pipes, so that the multibeam sonar cannot receive the strong enough reflected acoustic waves from the boundary. We had made a two-dimensional scanning mechanism, which ascends and descends freely for evaluating the depth precision of multibeam sonar. The minimum precision of the depth is 0.1 mm. We had set up a series of iron blocks with the dimension of 0.1,0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8, and 1.0 square meters, respectively, as the standard objects for evaluating the resolution capability of multibeam sonar. In addition, we had placed an underwater camera system to record the iron blocks in time. The result of iron blocks measured by the calibrated multibeam sonar is compared to that recorded by the camera. Because the wavelength of acoustics is larger than that of optics, therefore, good precision of the resolution can be gotten.
The suppression of hydrodynamic noise from underwater cavities by the change of back wall chamfer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Yongwei , Shang Dejiang
Published: June 2019

When underwater vehicles are sailing, high hydrodynamic noise will be generated through the opening cavities due to the interaction of the surface and the fluids. In the paper, we had tested different forms of back wall chamfer by numerical calculation based on the method of large eddy simulation, to control the impact of the eddy and break the flow at the trailing edge of the cavity, which is with the dimension of 100mm wide, 120mm high and 100mm long. The angle and shape of the trailing edge chamfer are changed to control the flow of the cavity. We had also investigated the effect of hydrodynamic noise suppression through the simulation, which is based on the method of Lighthill’s acoustic analogy. The results show that the change of back wall chamfer can stabilize the movement of the eddies inside the cavity and reduce the fluctuation pressure at the trailing edge of the cavity. The suppression of flow-induced noise can be up to 5 dB, if the back-wall chamfer is with the airfoil surface and the angle of back wall chamfer is properly designed.
The suppression of hydrodynamic noise from underwater sonar domes by flow control
Authors: Pei Jie , Niu Chen , Qu Junchao , Liu Yongwei , Shang Dejiang
Published: June 2019

Hydrodynamic noise is one of the three major noise sources of underwater vehicles. The sonar dome is a device placed in front of the ship and the submarine to absorb the flow fluctuation and to reduce the hydrodynamic noise, so that the sonar inside the dome is not affected by the external fluid. However, with the increase of the velocity of ships and submarines, cavitation can usually form in the bulge of the sonar domes, which will bring high level of noise to the sonar. The internal self-noise of the sonar dome mainly comes from two areas: the leading-edge stagnation point and the transition zone of boundary layer. In the paper, we designed the leading-edge serrations and dimples in the leading-edge and transition areas of the sonar dome respectively to reduce the movement resistance and prevent the separation of the boundary layer. The research on leading-edge serrations and dimple technology is carried out by using theoretical analysis, numerical calculations. The results show that the leading-edge serrations and dimples can add energy from the outer flow into the boundary layer; the cavitation phenomenon can be delayed. The hydrodynamic noise has been suppressed by about 20dB.
Study of CO2injection on the desulfurization of low-titanium slag
Authors: Wang Baohua , Zhang Mingbo , Zhu Rong , Qiu Shengtao
Published: June 2019

A new idea that the low-titanium slag (LTS) used in the steelmaking process after CO2injection desulfurization is proposed in this paper. The CO2injection process mainly involves the grinding of low-titanium slag, mixing of slag and water, CO2injection, filtration, and then obtains the low sulfur and low titanium slag. The effects of cooling rates (water cooling, air cooling, crucible cooling, and furnace cooling) and CO2injection on the desulfurization of LTS were studied by both experimental and thermodynamic calculations. The results showed that sulfite and sulfate ions couldn’t be removed from LTS using this method, and the main removal substance in slag was sulfide ion S2−. The desulfurization mechanism with CO2injection was that the CO2injection reacted with H2O to form H2CO3, and then the H+disrupted from H2CO3reacted with the S2−in the slag to achieve desulfurization. During the desulfurization process, the desulfurization reaction was mainly determined by S2− + CO2(aq) + H2O (l) = CO32− + H2S(g) within the first 5 min, and then the main desulfurization reaction was S2− + 2CO2(aq) + 2H2O(l) = 2HCO3− + H2S(g). As the cooling rate decreasing, the desulfurization rate of LTS increased. The desulfurization effect of furnace-cooled slag is the highest in four kinds of slag. The desulfurization rate of furnace-cooled slag reaches 72.28%, which is 4.34, 1.75 and 1.15 times than that of water-cooled slag, air-cooled slag and crucible-cooled slag, respectively. The optimal rate of desulfurization is 80.0%.
Facile fabrication of silicon coating for improving biodegradation and cytocompatibility of pure magnesium by hydrothermal method
Authors: Ma Liyan , Niu Jia
Published: June 2019

In this study, a bioactive silicon coating was fabricated for reducing the degradation rate and enhancing the cytocompatibility of the pure magnesium. The morphology and phase of coating were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The electrochemical and immersion tests were conducted in a simulated body fluid to evaluate the in vitro degradation behavior of the Si-coated sample. Cell viability and cell adhesion assays of human osteosarcoma cells were performed to determine the biocompatibility of the Si-coating. The XRD pattern suggested that MgO, Mg2SiO4 and SiO2 were formed on the Si-coated sample. The results of the electrochemical and immersion tests showed that the Si-coating could significantly decrease degradation rate of the pure magnesium. Meanwhile, the Si-coating could significantly promote the cell adhesion, migration and proliferation in vitro. It is considered that the Si-coating showed a promising application in improving the anticorrosion and biocompatibility of the pure magnesium.
The use of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) for treatment of pelvic ring injuries in major trauma patients, complications and outcomes
Authors: Steer Richard , Balendra Ganesh , Matthews Justin , Wullschleger Martin , Reidy James
Published: June 2019

Purpose: Pelvic anterior internal fixators (INFIX) are a relatively new alternative in the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures. The authors wanted to review the use of complications and outcomes of this method of pelvic fixation at our institution.

Method: Patients over the age of 18 who had an INFIX used in treatment of their pelvic ring injury were identified. Patient demographics, fracture type, injury severity score, morbidity, complications and time until removal were recorded. All available patients were followed up following the removal of the INFIX and completed an Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS) at this time.

Results and Discussion: 24 patients (19 male) with a mean age of 38.5 (range 18–71) met the inclusion criteria with an average injury severity score of 29.8 (10–66). The most common complication following insertion was a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, which occurred in 11 patients (bilaterally in two), 6 patients (25%) had ongoing numbness 6 months post removal. Two patients had an infection, one of which prompted the removal of the INFIX. One INFIX was removed for implant failure. All other removals were planned electively. Heterotopic ossification was noted to have occurred in five cases. The mean IPS following removal of the INFIX was 79.2 (52–100). INFIX is a safe and successful treatment for unstable pelvic ring injuries. Overall, patients tolerate the INFIX well with good outcome scores. The main concern being the high rate of LFCN injuries, although many resolved after removal of the INFIX.
The clinical outcomes of total femur prosthesis in patients with musculoskeletal tumors
Authors: Kakimoto Takuya , Matsumine Akihiko , Asanuma Kunihiro , Matsubara Takao , Nakamura Tomoki , Sudo Akihiro
Published: June 2019

Introduction:Reconstruction using a total femur prosthesis (TFP) remains a challenging procedure in musculoskeletal tumor surgery. The purpose of this study was to show the clinical outcomes of total femur replacement (TFR) in our institute.

Methods:Nine patients underwent reconstruction with a TFP after the wide resection of malignant bone and soft-tissue tumors of the femur between January 2003 and April 2014. The mean age of the patients at the time of TFR was 47.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 52.9 months. The histological diagnoses were as follows: bone sarcoma (n = 4), soft-tissue sarcoma invading the femoral bones (n = 4), and metastatic bone tumor (n = 1).

Results: The oncological outcomes were as follows: three patients achieved continuous disease free, two patients were alive with disease, and four patients died from disease. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 88.9% and 55.6%, respectively. The rate of the overall survival in patients with primary bone tumors (100% at 5 years) was significantly better than that in patients with primary soft tissue sarcomas (0% at 5 years) (p = 0.015). A deep infection occurred postoperatively in one patient, but the patient was successfully treated with surgical debridement and revision surgery. There were no patients who showed dislocation or aseptic loosening. The mean Musculo-Skeletal Tumor Society functional score was 58.5% (46.7–80.0), with scores of 65.5% in patients with a primary bone tumor and 50.8% in those with a primary soft-tissue sarcoma.

Discussion: In the present study, the patients who underwent TFR due to bone invasion by soft tissue sarcoma had a worse prognosis than the bone sarcoma patients.
Nutrition for master athletes: from challenges to optimisation strategies
Authors: Louis Julien , Vercruyssen Fabrice , Dupuy Olivier , Bernard Thierry
Published: June 2019

Master athletes are genuine examples of successful ageing thanks to their capacity of maintaining a high level of sports performance during their entire life. Within the last decade many studies have focused on the evolution of performance in many sports with ageing, as well as on the training modalities to reach such performance. On the contrary, there is a paucity of data on the nutritional habits of master athletes and the question of whether they need to adapt their nutrition to the ageing process remains unsolved. This is within this context of the optimisation of nutrition for master athletes that this review stands. The aim is to identify the potential nutritional challenges encountered by master athletes and how to handle them through adapted nutritional strategies. Given the lack of data specific to master athletes, studies including master athletes are considered as a priority, though we also make inferences based on nutrition for young adults and perturbations induced by ageing in non-athletic populations. The first part of this opinion paper tackles the first challenge faced by master athletes which is the gradual reduction in energy intake with ageing. The second challenge is the anabolic resistance and the need for increased protein intake. The third nutritional challenge we present is the episodes of metabolic crisis master athletes may face throughout life. Finally, we gather the main nutritional recommendations for master athletes and suggest the next stage of research.
Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie
Authors: Horneff Gerd
Published: June 2019

Liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen,

als Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologe war ich hocherfreut, die Aufforderung zu bekommen, eine ganze Ausgabe in dieser Zeitschrift kinder- und jugendrheumatologisch zu gestalten. Dabei war mir bewusst, dass diese Zeitschrift sich insbesondere an den praktisch tätigen Rheumatologen richtet. Die Auswahl der Themen wurde durch den Leitgedanken getrieben, Ihnen in der Arbeit mit Kindern und Jugendlichen eine bedeutsame Unterstützung zu bieten.
Mikrovaskuläre Folgeerkrankungen des Diabetes
Authors: Pschiebl Simone
Published: June 2019

Die diabetische Nephropathie zählt zu den mikrovaskulären Folgeerkrankungen des Diabetes mellitus und weist in den letzten Jahren einen relevanten Anstieg auf. Sie ist in Deutschland zur häufigsten Ursache einer behandlungspflichtigen terminalen Niereninsuffizienz geworden und erlangt damit zunehmend auch eine gesundheitspolitische Bedeutung 1. Eine spezielle „Nierenschutzdiät“ gibt es nicht. In der Primärprävention ist ein HbA1c-Wert zwischen 6,5 % (48 mmol/mol) und 7,5 % (58 mmol/mol) anzustreben. Für Patienten mit makroangiopathischen Komplikationen und/oder Vorliegen einer Hypoglykämie-Wahrnehmungsstörung gilt der obere Zielbereich (7,0 – 7,5% [53–58 mmol/mol]) 2. Bei den Empfehlungen zur Eiweißzufuhr stößt man häufig auf Widersprüche, eine Natriumchloridbeschränkung und eine Nikotinkarenz sind in jedem Fall zu empfehlen.
CGM-Parameter für das Diabetesmanagement – ein Update
Authors: Siegmund Thorsten , Kolassa Ralf , Thomas Andreas
Published: June 2019

Das kontinuierliche Glukosemonitoring (CGM) liefert nicht nur ein lückenloses Glukoseprofil, sondern auch Parameter wie die Zeit im Zielbereich (TiR) oder die glykämische Variabilität, womit sich die Glykämie besser beschreiben und beurteilen lässt. Die wichtigsten Parameter wurden kürzlich in einem Konsensus-Statement definiert 1. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Relevanz dieser CGM-Parameter beleuchtet und dargestellt, ob sich daraus Zusammenhänge zum HbA1c-Wert aufzeigen und das Risiko für die Entwicklung diabetischer Folgeerkrankungen ableiten lassen. Ob solche Zusammenhänge einfach kausal sind, also sich nur zwischen jeweils 2 Parametern ergeben, ist zu diskutieren. Vermutlich sind diese komplexer zueinander, so dass möglicherweise nur zusammengesetzte Metriken eine ausreichende Aussage zur Prognose ermöglichen. Weiterhin wird auf die ebenfalls in dem Konsensus-Statement angeregte Analyse von CGM-Daten mit dem AGP eingegangen.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Tonic, Phasic and Inflammatory Mouse Models
Authors: Miranda Hugo F. , Noriega Viviana , Sierralta Fernando , Poblete Paula , Aranda Nicolas , Prieto Juan Carlos
Published: June 2019

The principal mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the inhibition of ciclooxigenases. In this study was evaluated if NSAIDs could induce antinociceptive differences according to the type of murine pain model. Male mice were injected intraperitoneally with meloxicam, diclofenac, piroxicam, metamizol, ibuprofen, naproxen and paracetamol in the writhing, tail flick and formalin orofacial tests and dose-response were analyzed to obtain the ED50 of each drugs. Administration of NSAIDs produced in a dose-dependent antinociception with different potency in the tests. The relative potency of NSAIDs among the tests shows a value of 5.53 in the orofacial formalin test in phase I and 6.34 in phase II between meloxicam and paracetamol; of 7.60 in the writhing test between meloxicam and paracetamol and of 8.46 in the tail flick test between ibuprofen and paracetamol. If the comparison is made for each NSAID in the different tests, the minimum value was 0.01 for between writhing and phase II of the orofacial formalin. Meanwhile, the highest power ratio was 11.71 for diclofenac between writhing and tail flick tests. In conclusion, the results suggests that intraperitoneal NSAIDs administration induce antinociceptive activity depending on the type of pain. The results support that NSAIDs administration, induce a wide variety of antinociceptive effect, depending on the type of pain. This suggest the participation of different mechanisms of action that can be added to the simple inhibition of COXs controlled by NSAIDs.
Evolution of a Chemical Strategy Toward the Synthesis of Unsymmetrically Oxidized Nuphar Alkaloids
Authors: Lacharity Jacob J. , Zakarian Armen
Published: June 2019

Here we describe the frustrations, joys, and unexpected turns experienced in our journey toward a successful strategy directed at the total synthesis of unsymmetrically oxidized Nuphar thioalkaloids. While many adjustments were made to our initial synthesis plan, our general approach to the construction of the central bis(spirothiolane) moiety remained unchanged. Specifically, each iteration of our synthesis design involved the formation of the thiaspirane motif through the stereodivergent coupling of a thietane with a metal carbenoid, followed by a Stevens-type rearrangement of the resulting sulfonium ylide.

1 Introduction

2 First-Generation Strategy

3 Second-Generation Strategy

4 Third-Generation Strategy

5 Conclusion
Recaída bioquímica en cáncer de próstata de bajo riesgo tratados con prostatectomía radical y linfadenectomía pélvica
Authors: Varela Rodolfo , Céspedes Carlos , López de Mesa Byron , González Juanita , González Nataly
Published: June 2019

Objetivo La linfadenectomía pélvica ampliada es el método más confiable para identificar compromiso ganglionar en cáncer de próstata, sin embargo, la morbilidad, el tiempo quirúrgico, el papel terapéutico y las complicaciones, han sido temas de debate. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características clínicas y patológicas de acuerdo con la presentación de recaída bioquimíca de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata de bajo riesgo tratados con prostatectomía radical más linfadenectomía pélvica ampliada.

Métodos Estudio descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo en una cohorte de pacientes con cáncer de próstata de bajo riesgo tratados quirúrgicamente, entre enero 2006 hasta diciembre 2016. Se revisaron 210 historias clínicas, 178 cumplían los criterios de inclusión: PSA < 10 ng/mL; Gleason < 6, cT1–cT2a, revisión de las biopsias de próstata y procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en la misma institución. Las variables a evaluar: porcentaje de compromiso tumoral, invasión linfovascular, concordancia de gleason, numero de ganglios resecados, ganglios positivos, densidad ganglionar, recaída bioquímica.

Resultados 178 pacientes con: 64 años, 62% T1c, psa de 6,37, compromiso de biopsia 23%. El 47% estaban subestadificados por gleason, con un promedio de ganglios resecados de 21, el compromiso ganglionar se encontró en un 3%, los bordes positivos en un 34% y la recaída bioquímica en un 19%. De los 33 pacientes con recaída bioquímica, el 6% tenían ganglios positivos y el 79% tenían bordes positivos, comparado con los que no recayeron: el 1% tenían ganglios positivos y el 23% eran R1, mientras que la invasión linfovascular solo estuvo presente en el 6% vs el 1% sin recaída. El tiempo a la recaída fue de 26 meses.

Conclusiones El compromiso ganglionar en cáncer de próstata es bajo, pero la subestadificación es alta. En el grupo de recaída bioquímica se observó que la mayoría de los pacientes presentaban bordes positivos y una subestadificacion del Gleason.
Lessons for Diabetes Care from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet
Authors: Kalra Sanjay , Priya Gagan , Ruder Sundeep
Published: June 2019

Khalil Gibran's book The Prophet (1923) shares the conversations of a preacher, Almustafa, as he prepares to leave the city of Orphalese, where he spent 12 years. A collection of prose poetry fables continues to inspire people from all walks of life and remains as relevant as when it was written. This opinion piece uses curated verses from The Prophet to highlight the relevance of Gibran's timeless wisdom to modern diabetes care. It attempts to extract core lessons and present in a contemporary way for a modern health care professional to effect on and use.
¿Qué factores se asocian con la reestrechez uretral en el paciente llevado a uretroplastia con o sin injerto?
Authors: Ramos Ana María , Ibáñez Diego Riatiga , Bolaños Andrea , Castillo Luisana , Zapata Carlos , Espinel Natalia Càrdenas
Published: June 2019

Objetivo Determinar los factores asociados a la reestrechez uretral en pacientes llevados a uretroplastia.

Métodos Estudio observacional analítico retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de pacientes llevados a uretroplastia en el HSJ entre 2012-2017. Se realizó un análisis bivariado para estudiar las asociaciones entre la reestrechez uretral posterior a la uretroplastia y las caracteristicas preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias, así como un modelo de regresión logística múltiple.

Resultados El total de pacientes llevados a uretroplastia fue de 82. La mediana de edad fue de 52 (RIQ = 35 -67) años. De todos los pacientes incluidos en el estudio 29 (36,2%) presentaron reestrechez. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a los factores de riesgo en relación con reestrechez uretral en la población de estudio. Dentro de las técnicas quirúrgicas realizadas, los tipos de injerto utilizados en nuestros pacientes fueron la técnica con injerto de mucosa oral y con injerto de prepucio. De los pacientes a los cuales se les realizó uretroplastia con injerto de prepucio 13 (52%), presentaron reestrechez mostrando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,02). El tiempo quirúrgico fue mayor en los pacientes con reestrechez uretral (180 min RIQ = 120,0-189,0) comparado con los pacientes sin reestrechez (140 min RIQ = 120,0-198,0). En cuanto al modelo de regresión logística, pacientes llevados a uretroplastia con injerto de prepucio poseen más riesgo de presentar reestrechez uretral comparado con los pacientes a los cuales se les realizó la uretroplastia con otro tipo de injerto o con una tecnica terminoterminal sin injerto OR = 2,91 IC 95% (1,02-8,28).

Conclusiones En nuestro estudio solo se encontró que el tipo de injerto utilizado es el único factor asociado al desarrollo de reestrechez uretral posterior a la realización de uretroplastia, otras variables clínicas descritas en la literatura no tuvieron asociación en nuestro estudio.
Changes in Maximal Isometric Quadriceps Strength after the Application of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve: A Case Series
Authors: Álvarez-Prats David , Carvajal-Fernández Óscar , Pérez-Mallada Néstor , Minaya-Muñoz Francisco
Published: June 2019

Introduction For those individuals who have suffered an injury to the knee or undergone a surgical intervention, the early recovery of the muscle strength contraction properties of the quadriceps is essential for a favorable recovery and for a return to the activities of daily living and other work- or sports-related activities.

Objectives To evaluate the changes in maximal isometric strength (MIS) of the quadriceps muscle after the application of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (US-guided PNM) on the femoral nerve.

Materials and Methods A case series involving subjects who had previously presented unilateral knee pathology and were in the stage of recovery of quadriceps strength. The subjects were pain-free at the time of the dynamometry measurements, which were performed before and after the application of the US-guided PNM technique. The isometric measurement was performed using the KINEO dynamometry system, performing a preintervention measurement of the mean maximal isometric strength (mMIS) based on 3 repetitions (3 seconds contraction and 6 seconds relaxation). The US-guided PNM technique was performed on the femoral nerve, using the Physio Invasiva CE0120 device (Prim Physio, Madrid, Spain) and a GE Logiq e R7 ultrasound (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA).

Results In total, 13 subjects participated in the present study. Significant changes were obtained (p < 0.001) in the mMIS of the quadriceps of the affected knee, which progressed from a mean strength of 25.91 kg (standard deviation [SD]: 7.17 kg) to a mean strength of 29.98 kg (SD: 9.06 kg).

Discussion In subjects with knee pathology, the quadriceps muscle is inhibited despite being pain-free during the strength measurements. This process of inhibition can improve with the application of low frequency percutaneous electrical stimulation on the femoral nerve. This technique represents a complementary strategy for the recovery of the normal strength values in pathological knees with or without prior surgery.

Conclusions Ultrasound-guided PNM is an effective technique for the reestablishment of quadriceps strength in inhibited muscles.
Cerclage Location and Gestational Age at Delivery
Authors: Estrada Fatima , Karakash Scarlett , SeeToe Terry , Weedon Jeremy , Minkoff Howard
Published: June 2019

Objective Multiple authors have suggested cerclage position is a determinant of “success.” We assessed the interaction between cervical length (CL), cerclage height (cerH), proximal residual length (PRL), gestational age at delivery, and rate of delivery ≤ 34 weeks, in this study.

Study Design Present study is a retrospective cohort study of all cerclages placed at Maimonides Medical Center from 2006 to 2016. Outcomes: gestational age at delivery and delivery before 34 weeks; predictors: PRL, cerH, CL; and indications for cerclage: history (Hx), physical exam (PE), and ultrasound (US) indicated cerclage. A general linear model was used to predict power-transformed age at delivery from cerH, CL, and indication for cerclage. Subanalyses by indication were conducted. Logistic regression was used for delivery ≤ 34 weeks.

Results The cerH by indication did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.090). When stratified by indications, the effect of cerH on age at delivery was apparent for Hx (adjusted R
2 = 0.18, p < 0.001) and PE (adjusted R
2 = 0.43, p = 0.004) cerclages but not for US cerclages (adjusted R
2 = 0.08, p = 0.206). Logistic regression predicting delivery ≤ 34 weeks (n = 29) produced similar results.

Conclusions For Hx and PE indicated cerclages, the location of the stitch may influence the timing of delivery. Specifically, the higher the cerclage, the more advanced the gestational age at delivery.
New Approaches to Fetal Growth Restriction: The Time for Metabolomics Has Come
Authors: Leite Debora Farias Batista , Cecatti José Guilherme
Published: June 2019

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) diagnosis is often made by fetal biometric ultrasound measurements or Doppler evaluation, but most babies are only diagnosed after birth, using the birth weight as a proxy for intrauterine development. The higher risks of neurodevelopmental delay, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular illness associated with FGR impose a shift on the focus during pregnancy. New methodological approaches, like metabolomics, can provide novel biomarkers for intrauterine fetal development. Recent evidence on metabolites involved with fetal growth and weight show a consistent role played by lipids (especially fatty acids), amino acids, vitamin D and folic acid. Fetal energy source and metabolism, structural functions, and nervous system functioning need further evaluations in different populations. In the near future, the establishment of a core set of outcomes for FGR studies may improve the identification of the role of each metabolite in its development. Thus, we will concretely progress with the perspective of a translational capacity of metabolomics for this condition.
Can ReGeneraTing Agents Improve Functional Recovery of Transected Peripheral Nerve through a Nerve Gap Bridged with an Artery Graft?
Authors: Alexopoulos George , Pavlidis Leonidas , Tsagarakis Myron , Delimpaltas Alexandros , Tsimponis Antonios , Papalois Apostolos , Batistatou Anna , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Barritault Denis , Demiri Efterpi , Spyropoulou Georgia Alexandra
Published: June 2019

Background The purpose of this study was to use artery grafts filled with CACIPLIQ20 and see if they promote nerve regeneration.

Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 15): transected control group (negative control group [NCG]), sham-operated group (positive control group [SO]) artery graft group filled with saline (AG/NS), and CACIPLIQ20-treated group (AG/CACIPLIQ20). Fifteen rats were used as artery graft donors. In the SO group, the sciatic nerve was dissected from the surrounding tissues and left intact. In the NCG, AG/NS and AG/CACIPLIQ20) groups, a 10-mm gap was created in the left sciatic nerve. In the NCG group, the gap was not bridged with a graft. In the AG/NS group, the gap was bridged with a graft filled with saline. In the AG/CACIPLIQ20 group, the graft was filled with CACIPLIQ20. Walking track analysis was performed at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery. At 16 weeks postoperatively, the rats were sacrificed, nerve sections were harvested for histopathology analysis, and the weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured.

Results There was no significant difference in myelin sheath thickness between the AG/NS and AG/CACIPLIQ20 groups. Muscle weight in the AG/CACIPLIQ20 group was higher but not statistically significant (p = 0.168) compared with the AG/NS group. Also, AG/CACIPLIQ20 mean was better than AG/NS mean, although there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.605).

Conclusion There could be an indication that CACIPLIQ20 improves functional recovery of a transected peripheral nerve through a nerve gap bridged with an artery graft.
Ensuring Effective Communication in the Diabetes Clinic: Creating a Curve of Remembering
Authors: Lathia Tejal
Published: June 2019

Patient–doctor interview involves exchange of information. Often, consultation may be hurried in resource-constrained settings whereby large quantity of health-related information is delivered to patient in a short period of time. Most people quickly forget what they have heard only once, thus putting into doubt how much of what patients are told, is really comprehended, recalled and thus, acted on. Repeating information, information delivery in staggered format, as well as the use of media for reinforcement helps patients comprehend and recall information better.
Putting Knowledge into Practice—The Challenge of Acquiring Healthy Habits during Pregnancy
Authors: Godoy-Miranda Ana Carolina , Cirelli Jessica Fernandes , Pinho-Pompeu Maira , Paulino Daiane Sofia Morais , Morais Sirlei Siani , Surita Fernanda Garanhani
Published: June 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge concerning gestational weight gain (GWG), nutrition, and physical exercise (PE) in pregnant women, and how to put them into practice.

Methods A cross-sectional study with 61 pregnant women above 26 weeks of gestation, at the Woman's Hospital, CAISM, University of Campinas. Questionnaires regarding the knowledge of healthy habits (HH) during pregnancy, sociodemographic data, and previous obstetric outcomes were applied. An educational guide with advice on HH during pregnancy and in the postpartum period was offered.

Results The average age of women was 28.7 ± 6.23 years, with 85% of them being married; 32% nulliparous; the average body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was 25.4 ± 9.8 kg/m2, and the mean number of years of schooling was 11.2 ± 3.8. Only 61% of the subjects had received any previous information about GWG during their antenatal care and were aware as to how many pounds they should gain during pregnancy. Among the 61 women, 85% understood that they did not need to “eat for 2” and 99% knew that PE had benefits for their body and was safe for their baby. Half of the women practiced PE prior to pregnancy; however, only 31% continued the practice of PE during the pregnancy.

Conclusion Despite understanding the need for HH during pregnancy, women still need encouragement to practice PE during pregnancy, as well as more information about GWG.
Autoimmune Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Successful Treatment with Adjunct High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Bakchoul Tamam , Borst Oliver , Riessen Reimer , Lucic Josip , Gawaz Meinrad , Althaus Karina , Aidery Parwez
Published: June 2019

We describe a rare case of autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in which antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin have led to platelet activation even after heparin cessation, causing a delayed drop in platelet count to below 20 × 109/L. Most interestingly, platelet count rapidly improved after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and no new thromboembolic complications were observed with further anticoagulation with rivaroxaban.
Experiment of supercritical CO2 fracturing: Invalid experimental data analysis and enlightenment
Authors: Wang Haizhu , Yang Bing , Zheng Yong , Li Yingjie , Yan Wanjuan , Shi Xiaomei
Published: June 2019

Supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) fracturing is considered as a new efficient and waterless fracturing technology for unconventional oil and gas stimulation. This process also can realize the CO2 sequestration and reduce the release of greenhouse gas. In order to further reveal the advantages and characteristics of SC-CO2 fracturing, laboratory fracturing experiments with shale were carried out. It was found that some rock samples could be fractured as expected while some other rock samples had higher initiation pressures that obviously deviated from normal value, furthermore several samples were not even able to be fractured. We found that when cementing the wellbore with resin glue, the additional glue would block the remaining space between the wellbore and the shale sample. Thus, the rock samples could hardly be fractured or fractured with extra high initiation pressures approaching the maximum limit of experimental equipment (55.0 MPa). In this case, dozen or more fractions with irregular shapes would be produced after the rock sample was destroyed, accompanied by strong breaking sound. Based on the results, a new method of SC-CO2 impact fracturing is proposed, which impacts and fractures the reservoir by building and instantly releasing pressure at bottom hole. This method may significantly improve the number of fractures and fracture connection in the reservoir, and realize efficient developments of unconventional oil and gas.
New water-based technique bonds III-nitride thin films to diamond substrates
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: June 2019

Chemically reconstructing the surface of a III-nitride thin film with a very thin layer of water bonds it to a diamond substrate without introducing additional layers.
Growing high-quality and high-purity beta-phase gallium oxide thin films
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: June 2019

Researchers successfully grow high mobility beta-phase gallium oxide thin films, an ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor with potential applications in high-power electronic devices.
Ethylene adsorption on Ag(111), Rh(111) and Ir(111) by (meta)-GGA based density functional theory calculations
Authors: Chen Pei-pei , Zhang Bing-yan , Gu Xiang-kui , Lic Wei-xue
Published: June 2019

Accurate description of the adsorption process of reactants on metal surfaces from theory is crucial for mechanistic understanding of activity and selectivity of metal catalysts, but it remains challengeable for the nowadays first-principles theory due to the lack of proper exchange-correlation functional describing the distinct interactions involved. We studied here the potential energy surfaces of ethylene adsorption on Ag(111), Rh(111) and Ir(111) using density functional theory calculations and (meta)-GGA functional including PBE, BEEF-vdW, SCAN, and SCAN+rVV10. For ethylene adsorption on noble metal Ag(111), it is found that BEEF-vdW, SCAN and SCAN+rVV10 predict the presence of the physisorption states only. For Rh(111), both SCAN and SCAN+rVV10 find that there is a precursor physisorption state before the chemisorption state. In contrast, there is no precursor state found based on potential energy surfaces from BEEF-vdW and PBE. Whereas for Ir(111), BEEF-vdW predicts the existence of a rather shallow precursor physisorption state, in addition to the chemisorption state. Irrespective to the transition metals considered, we find that SCAN+rVV10 gives the strongest binding strength, followed by SCAN, and PBE/BEEF-vdW, accordingly. The present work highlights great dependence of potential energy surface of ethylene adsorption on transition metal surfaces and exchange-correlation functionals.