bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directional modulation techniques for secure wireless communication: a comprehensive survey
Authors: Ansari Omar , Amin Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Directional Modulation (DM) techniques provide wireless communication security against passive eavesdropping by means of specific physical layer characteristics. The original symbol constellations are transmitted along pre-specified spatial direction of legitimate users, while phase-amplitude distorted symbols are transmitted along the undesired directions of eavesdropper. In this paper, a comprehensive review of DM techniques and the most recent developments in this area are discussed. An analysis from three independent Physical Layer Security (PLS) viewpoints; communications, information-theoretic and cryptographic perspective is presented. Different performance metrics in literature are compared and the need for unified PLS approach is emphasized. As DM techniques constitute a relatively new class of PLS, there is no systematic organization of these techniques so far. This paper presents a classification framework for DM comprising of two main categories; angular (1D) and range-angular (2D) techniques. The former secures data along angular direction of physical space, while the latter provides security within certain range (distance) from the transmitter along desired angular direction. Further sub-categorization is based on the under-lying physical layer parameters exploited to achieve security, i.e. space, time, frequency, phase and polarization. The proposed framework is generic, flexible and extend-able to future research. In the end, limitations of existing techniques are pointed out and research directions are suggested.
60 GHz RF module with beam-steering optimization algorithm for high data rate access and backhaul communications
Authors: Aziz Imran , Franzén Björn , Öjefors Erik , Dancila Dragos
Published: September 2022

This paper presents an 802.11ad-based radio frequency module for high data rate fixed wireless access and backhaul communications. The transceiver chip is manufactured in SiGe BiCMOS technology covering 57–71 GHz, providing 16 RX and 16 TX paths with combined output power of more than 20 dBm. The chip is packaged using embedded wafer-level BGA technology of the size $$12.6\times 12.6\times 0.8~{\text{ mm }}^3$$

12.6
×
12.6
×
0.8

mm

3

and employs advanced dielectric materials with 2 metallic redistribution layers. The package integrates the transceiver chip with RX and TX high gain PCB antenna arrays, allowing effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of more than 40 dBm. Beam steering is achieved in ± 50$$^{\circ }$$

∘

by the transceiver through providing appropriate weights to the antenna arrays. The paper presents generation of beamforming lookup table along with optimization of the power distribution to the array. This optimization results in flattening of the EIRP over the whole beam-steering range and frequency bandwidth. The module allows for data rates up to 10 Gbps by employing full-channel 128 QAM and half-channel 256 QAM single-carrier modulation.
Adapting step size algorithms for solving split equilibrium problems with applications to signal recovery
Authors: Mekruksavanich Sakorn , Kaewyong Nattakarn , Jitpattanakul Anuchit , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: September 2022

Recent developments in split equilibrium problems (SEPs) have found practical applications in convex optimization problems, information theory, and signal processing. In this paper, we present three novel algorithms with no prior knowledge of the operator norm of a bounded linear operator to approximated solutions for SEPs. Strong convergence results are well presented under appropriate conditions. In addition, we illustrate our main results by providing various numerical examples. Their computational performances are compared with those previously studied in the literature, and the results are presented by showing numerical implementation of the sparse sensor signal recovery problem.
Equal-norm Parseval K-frames in Hilbert spaces with a new inequality
Authors: Sadri Vahid , Rahimlou Gholamreza
Published: September 2022

The focus of this paper is mainly on the frames of operators orK-frames on Hilbert spaces in Parseval cases. Since equal-norm tight frames play an important role for transmitting robust data, we aim to study this topic on ParsevalK-frames. We find that each finite set of equal-norm of vectors can be extended to an equal-normK-frame. We also find a correspondence between ParsevalK-frames and the set of all closed subspaces of a finite Hilbert space. Furthermore, we provide a construction of dual equal-normK-frames.
Study protocol for an adapted personal project analysis to measure vertical inter-goal relations on physical activity and diet
Authors: Kassas Sara , Culot Catherine , Crombez Geert , Smeding Annique , Leys Christophe , Thompson Debbe , DeSmet Ann
Published: September 2022

Background

The promotion of multiple healthy lifestyles has been implemented as part of public health efforts to prevent and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. However, these interventions have shown a heterogeneity in their effectiveness. The pursuit of multiple daily goals may influence overall progress in achieving health goals. Horizontal inter-goal relations can be conflicting (due to time constraints) or facilitating (due to goal compatibility) and impact progress towards goal achievement. Personal values also play an important role in health promotion. Personal values direct attention towards accomplishing a higher-level goal through goal setting. Identifying the conflicting or facilitating relationships between health goals and personal values would provide insights in how individuals value health and the personal values that may support the adoption of a healthy behavior. The health goals that this study will focus on are physical activity and a healthy diet.

Methods

Participants between 18 and 30 years old residing in Belgium and interested in a healthy diet and/or physical activity, will be recruited. The study will be a mixed-methods research study based on an adapted personal project analysis for goal elicitation, goal appraisal, and rating of inter-goal conflicting or facilitating relations on a cross-impact matrix. The main objectives include examining the conflicting and facilitating relations between health goals and personal values. Secondary objectives include: examining correlations between horizontal and vertical goal relations; and the goal self-concordance score as a method of data triangulation of facilitating relations between goals and personal values.

Discussion

This study will provide insights into how the emerging adult population relate healthy behaviors, specifically physical activity and a healthy diet, to their personal values. The degree to which individuals are able to pursue a health goal is also influenced by other life goals, and therefore the conflicting and facilitating relations between health goals and other life goals will also be examined. This study contributes to multiple health behavior change theories and has implications for the formulation of interventions for the promotion of healthy behaviors.
Stem cambial variants of Taiwan lianas
Authors: Yang Sheng-Zehn , Chen Po-Hao , Chen Jian-Jhong
Published: September 2022

Background

Cambium in lianas, responsible for secondary growth, develop diverse and diagnostic traits during the climbing phase. Studies on the cross-section of Taiwanese liana cambial variants are scarce. We collected multiple stem cross-sections from 287 liana species belonging to 52 families. Each sample was examined on five occasions, and the observations were documented.

Results

The results showed that approximately 22 cambial variants types were displayed in Taiwan lianas. Among these, axial vascular elements in radial segments were the most common, followed by the variants with the irregular conformation and intraxylary phloem. Based on our assessment, we provide the following identification features of a few families: Apocynaceae had intraxylary phloem; Convolvulaceae had intraxylary phloem combined with successive cambia; Lardizabalaceae, Menispermaceae, and Ranunculaceae possessed axial vascular elements in segments; Piperaceae had external primary vascular bundle cylinder combined with axial vascular elements in segments; Vitaceae had axial vascular elements in segments combined with irregular conformation. Axial vascular elements in segments and intraxylary phloem appeared in six or five combination types, showing that these two types combined with many variants are helpful for the identification of lianas. Two species, Momordica charantia var. abbreviata, and Momordica cochinchinensis had a cambium element in the outer cylinder of cortical bicollateral vascular bundles and formed directional layers of successive cambia.

Conclusions

Our study documented regular secondary growth with a single cambium in 36 species and cambial variants present in 16 species of Taiwanese lianas. Furthermore, we provide crucial baseline data on liana cambial variations, thereby improving our understanding of their morphology and identification.
The prognostic role of early tumor shrinkage in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing immunotherapy
Authors: Müller Lukas , Gairing Simon Johannes , Kloeckner Roman , Foerster Friedrich , Schleicher Eva Maria , Weinmann Arndt , Mittler Jens , Stoehr Fabian , Halfmann Moritz Christian , Düber Christoph , Galle Peter Robert , Hahn Felix
Published: September 2022

Background

Early tumor shrinkage (ETS) has been identified as a promising imaging biomarker for patients undergoing immunotherapy for several cancer entities. This study aimed to validate the potential of ETS as an imaging biomarker for patients undergoing immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We screened all patients with HCC that received immunotherapy as the first or subsequent line of treatment at our tertiary care center between 2016 and 2021. ETS was defined as the reduction in the sum of the sizes of target lesions, between the initial imaging and the first follow-up. The ETS was compared to the radiologic response, according to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). Furthermore, we evaluated the influence of ETS on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response.

Results

The final analysis included 39 patients with available cross-sectional imaging acquired at the initiation of immunotherapy (baseline) and after 8–14 weeks. The median ETS was 5.4%. ETS was significantly correlated with the response according to mRECIST and with the AFP response. Patients with an ETS ≥10% had significantly longer survival times after the first follow-up, compared to patients with < 10% ETS (15.1 months vs. 4.0 months, p = 0.008). Additionally, patients with both an ETS ≥10% and disease control, according to mRECIST, also had significantly prolonged PFS times after the initial follow-up (23.6 months vs. 2.4 months, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

ETS was strongly associated with survival outcomes in patients with HCC undergoing immunotherapy. Thus, ETS is a readily assessable imaging biomarker that showed potential for facilitating a timely identification of patients with HCC that might benefit from immunotherapy.
Development of cellulosic-based hemostatic dressing with antibacterial activity
Authors: Goodarz Mostafa , Behzadnia Amir , Mohammadi Hassan
Published: September 2022

A cotton-based hemostatic dressing featuring antibacterial properties was developed with the potential of being used in traffic accidents to control hemorrhage. Cotton gauze was oxidized initially in an acidic medium and then coated by PVA nanofibers and/or PVA nanofibers loaded with Ciprofloxacin. Fabricated dressings were characterized by FTIR analysis and SEM images. The FTIR spectrum showed the existence of carboxyl groups on the oxidized cotton gauze's surface. The carboxyl groups content was estimated to be 17.3 ± 0.3 for the oxidized sample with a mixture of nitric acid and phosphoric acid for 24 h (OCF-Mixed acid24). Moreover, the effect of the exposure duration of cotton gauze in the acidic medium on the blood coagulation activity was assessed. It was observed that the OCF-Mixed acid24 sample exhibited an agreeable hemostatic activity (BCIs = 10). The antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria was also captured for the coated cotton gauze by the PVA nanofibers loaded with Ciprofloxacin.
Triangulation proves Geum brocade with the horizontal loom of Gojoseon
Authors: Kim Jisu , Na Young-Joo
Published: September 2022

Geum (錦, Jin) is a jacquard brocade silk fabric (or doubled~tripled woven) with multi-colored warps. Because patterns are shown by colored yarns of overlapping warp layers, it is dense and stiff, making bulky silhouette of layerlook suitable in cool or dry weather. This fabric is completely different from the drape and lightweight low-density plain weave of ‘China silk’. KyungGeum (經錦, warp direction color yarns) requires a high level of weaving technology, different from WiGeum(緯錦, weft direction color yarns). Geums excavated in Louran and Niya of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Astana, Pazyrik and Noin-Ula have the pattern of animal flock style of Northern people. The purpose of this study is to find out who wove these Geum fabrics by the triangulation of literatures, relics and loom technology. The pattern was quite complex, so a horizontal and rectangular type of loom or a special loom ‘JeHwa-Ru(製華樓)’ were required. Since the ‘Warring States Period(戰國時代)’ of China, all Han (漢) looms were oblique looms with one heald and KyungGeum production was impossible with these looms. The same is true for vertical looms in Central Asia. Also, the Odes(詩經) and the Shujing(書經) told that barbarian and bandits had weaved KyungGeum. Geum as the special products of Goguryeo and Silla it was exported to China and Japan. Therefore it is reasonable to regard the KyungGeum relics of Niya and of Louran as those from Gojoseon, Goguryeo, Silla(Seres) of Korea, as a result of comprehensive examining the year of production, historical documents, pattern symbolism and loom types.
Choroidal ischemia as one cardinal sign in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Casella Antonio M. B. , Mansour Ahmad M. , EC Souza , do Prado Rodrigo B. , Meirelles Rodrigo , Wong Keye , Yassine Salma , Monteiro Mário Luiz R.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To describe chorioretinal signs in a case series of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective observational case series with GCA that presented with a headache and an abrupt, unilateral loss in vision. Workup included temporal artery biopsies, intravenous fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), blood levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results

There are a total of 8 GCA instances presented. Average age was 74.5. (Range 68–83 years). The patients reported that one eye's visual loss had suddenly started, along with a fresh headache and other systemic symptoms. Eight patients exhibited choroidal ischemia, five paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) lesions, five cotton wool spots, four anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and one central retinal arterial occlusion at the time of presentation. The average ESR at presentation was 68 mm/hr (range 4–110), and 4/6 individuals had a significant increase. The mean CRP level was 6.2 mg/dL (range 2.0–15.4), and the level was always over the normal range. All patients' temporal artery biopsies were positive.

Conclusion

Alongside PAMM lesions, cotton wool spots, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and central retinal artery occlusion, choroidal ischemia is a key angiographic indicator in the diagnosis of GCA. It may be crucial to recognize these typical ischemic chorioretinal signs while diagnosing GCA.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and HHV-8 from a large pericardial effusion in an HIV-positive patient with COVID-19 and clinically diagnosed Kaposi sarcoma: a case report
Authors: Yanes Ryan R. , Malijan Greco Mark B. , Escora-Garcia Lyka Kymm , Ricafrente Stephanie Angel M. , Salazar Mary Jane , Suzuki Shuichi , Smith Chris , Ariyoshi Koya , Solante Rontgene M. , Edrada Edna M. , Takahashi Kensuke
Published: September 2022

Background

Pericardial effusion is a late manifestation of HIV more commonly observed in individuals with depressed CD4 counts. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains to be one of the most frequently identified pathogens in the pericardial fluid among people living with HIV, less commonly described etiologies include SARS-CoV-2 that causes coronavirus disease and human herpesvirus-8 which is associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Isolation of more than one pathogen in normally sterile sites remains challenging and rare. We report the first documentation of both SARS-CoV-2 and HHV-8 in the pericardial fluid.

Case presentation

We present the case of a young man in his 20s with a recent history of clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis who was admitted for progressive dyspnea and cough. He had multiple violaceous cutaneous lesions on the face, neck, and trunk and diffused lymphadenopathies. He tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on admission. The patient was clinically diagnosed with pneumonia, Kaposi sarcoma, and HIV/AIDS. Empiric broad spectrum antimicrobial regimen was subsequently initiated. HIV with low CD4 count was confirmed during hospitalization. Echocardiography revealed a large pericardial effusion, in impending cardiac tamponade. Frond-like fibrin strands, extending to the parietal pericardium, were also observed. Pericardiostomy yielded hemorrhagic, exudative effusion with lymphocytic predominance. SARS-CoV-2 and HHV-8 were detected in the pericardial fluid, and bacterial, fungal, and tuberculous studies were negative. The patient had clinical improvement after pericardial drainage. However, despite our best clinical care, he developed a nosocomial infection leading to clinical deterioration and death.

Conclusion

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and HHV-8 in the pericardial fluid is rare, and interpretation of their significance in clinical care is challenging. However, coronavirus disease and Kaposi sarcoma must be considered and adequately addressed in immunocompromised adults presenting with large pericardial effusion.
The remarkable history of pneumococcal vaccination: an ongoing challenge
Authors: Musher Daniel M. , Anderson Ronald , Feldman Charles
Published: September 2022

Although it varies with age and geographical distribution, the global burden of infection withStreptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) remains considerable. The elderly, and younger adults with comorbid conditions, are at particularly high risk of pneumococcal infection, and this risk will increase as the population ages. Vaccination should be the backbone of our current strategies to deal with this infection.

Main body: This manuscript reviews the history of the development of pneumococcal vaccines, and the impact of different vaccines and vaccination strategies over the past 111 years. It documents the early years of vaccine development in the gold mines of South Africa, when vaccination with killed pneumococci was shown to be effective, even before the recognition that different pneumococci were antigenically distinct. The development of type-specific vaccines, still with whole killed pneumococci, showed a high degree of efficacy. The identification of the importance of the pneumococcal capsule heralded the era of vaccination with capsular polysaccharides, although with the advent of penicillin, interest in pneumococcal vaccine development waned. The efforts of Austrian and his colleagues, who documented that despite penicillin therapy, patients still died from pneumococcal infection in the first 96 h, ultimately led to the licensing first of a 14-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide in 1977 followed by the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide in 1983. The principal problem with these,as with other polysaccharide vaccines, was that that they failed to immunize infants and toddlers, who were at highest risk for pneumococcal disease. This was overcome by chemical linking or conjugation of the polysaccharide molecules to an immunogenic carrier protein. Thus began the era of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), starting with PCV7, progressing to PCV10 and PCV13, and, most recently, PCV15 and PCV20. However, these vaccines remain serotype specific, posing the challenge of new serotypes replacing vaccine types. Current research addresses serotype-independent vaccines which, so far, has been a challenging and elusive endeavor.

Conclusion: While there has been enormous progress in the development of pneumococcal vaccines during the past century, attempts to develop a vaccine that will retain its efficacy for most pneumococcal serotypes are ongoing.
Vertebroplasty in geriatric patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures: single-center cohort study at a level 1 center for spinal surgery
Authors: Banat Mohammed , Bara Gregor , Salemdawod Abdallah , Rana Shaleen , Hamed Motaz , Scorzin Jasmin , Vatter Hartmut
Published: September 2022

Study design

Retrospective single-center cohort study.

Background

The spine is the most common anatomic site for osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures play an increasingly important role in geriatric patients and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) constitutes a common treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PVP in geriatric patients with cardiovascular comorbidities at our center.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, 49 patients aged ≥ 65 with a total of 88 vertebral fractures underwent vertebroplasty. MRI and CT scans of the spine were performed in all patients prior to surgery. All patients were evaluated 4 weeks after surgery as part of their clinical follow-up. VAS scores were recorded before and after the operation. Postoperative complications within 30 days of the initial surgery were analyzed.

Results

The mean age of patients was 77 years (± 6.4). Of the 49 patients, 39 (80%) were female, and 36 (76%) had cardiovascular comorbidities. The most frequent postoperative complications were cement leakage with no new neurological postoperative deficits (14.3%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1 out of 49 patients (2%). VAS scores revealed an overall pain reduction of > 97%. None of the following affected patient safety: ASA, BMI, duration of surgery, or the level or localization of vertebroplasty.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that vertebroplasty was a feasible and effective treatment for pain reduction in geriatric patients with osteoporotic fractures despite cardiovascular comorbidities.

Level of evidence

3.
Quadratus lumborum (QL1) block in a morbidly obese patient posted for laparoscopic mesh hernia repair: a case report
Authors: Malviya Amit Kumar , Bhoi Debesh , Mohan Virender Kumar , Gupta Anju
Published: September 2022

Background

Quadratus lumborum block has been claimed to provide effective analgesia in abdominal surgeries by covering both somatic as well as visceral pain. However, its utility in morbidly obese patients has not been reported or evaluated.

Case presentation

In this case report, of laparoscopic hernia repair in a morbidly obese patient (weight 110 kg, height 1.53 m, BMI 46.9 kg/m2), there was excellent perioperative analgesia with no rescue opioid consumption in intraoperative period and average VAS score of 3 in 24 h postoperatively. The first recue analgesic was administered in the form of intravenous (IV) diclofenac 75 mg (diluted in 100 ml normal saline) 12 h after surgery when the patient reported a VAS of 5.

Conclusions

QL block is an effective, feasible, and safe option for providing analgesia for laparoscopic hernia repair in morbidly obese patients.
Pathway analysis of sepsis-induced changes gene expression
Authors: Elbakkoush Abdallah Ahmed , Khaleel Anas , Mohamed Albakush Nura Ahmed , Alathamneh Ahmad
Published: September 2022

Background

Sepsis reaction is a response to an infection composed of genetic elements. This research aims to better understand how sepsis affects the molecular pathways in whole blood samples.

Methods

Whole blood samples from healthy controls (n = 18), sepsis nonsurvivors (n = 9), and sepsis survivors (n = 26) were retrieved from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) collection of the national center for biotechnology information (NCBI) (accession number GSE54514). The NCBI's GEO2R program was used to determine differential expression, and the ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software was utilized to do a pathway analysis.

Results

In sepsis patients, 2672 genes were substantially differently expressed (p value 0.05). One thousand three hundred four genes were overexpressed, and one thousand three hundred sixty-eight were under-expressed. The inhibition of ARE-mediated mRNA degradation pathway and the Pl3K/AKT signaling spliceosomal cycle were the most significant canonical pathways identified by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). The IPA upstream analysis predicted the ESR1, SIRT1, and PTPRR proteins, and the drugs filgrastim and fluticasone were top transcriptional regulators.

Conclusions

The inhibition of ARE-mediated mRNA degradation pathway and the Pl3K/AKT signaling spliceosomal cycle were highlighted as essential pathways of inflammation by IPA, indicating widespread cancer owing to sepsis. Our data imply that sepsis considerably influences gene pathways in whole blood samples, pointing to possible targets for sepsis treatment.
The economics of adaptations to evidence-based practices
Authors: Salloum Ramzi G. , Wagner Todd H. , Midboe Amanda M. , Daniels Sarah I. , Quanbeck Andrew , Chambers David A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are frequently adapted in response to the dynamic contexts in which they are implemented. Adaptation is defined as the degree to which an EBP is altered to fit the setting or to improve fit to local context and can be planned or unplanned. Although adaptations are common and necessary to maximizing the marginal impact of EBPs, little attention has been given to the economic consequences and how adaptations affect marginal costs.

Discussion

In assessing the economic consequences of adaptation, one should consider its impact on core components, the planned adaptive periphery, and the unplanned adaptive periphery. Guided by implementation science frameworks, we examine how various economic evaluation approaches accommodate the influence of adaptations and discuss the pros and cons of these approaches. Using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based interventions (FRAME), mixed methods can elucidate the economic reasons driving the adaptations. Micro-costing approaches are applied in research that integrates the adaptation of EBPs at the planning stage using innovative, adaptive study designs. In contrast, evaluation of unplanned adaptation is subject to confounding and requires sensitivity analysis to address unobservable measures and other uncertainties. A case study is presented using the RE-AIM framework to illustrate the costing of adaptations. In addition to empirical approaches to evaluating adaptation, simulation modeling approaches can be used to overcome limited follow-up in implementation studies.

Conclusions

As implementation science evolves to improve our understanding of the mechanisms and implications of adaptations, it is increasingly important to understand the economic implications of such adaptations, in addition to their impact on clinical effectiveness. Therefore, explicit consideration is warranted of how costs can be evaluated as outcomes of adaptations to the delivery of EBPs.
A rare case report of combined metformin-associated lactic acidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Kularathne Yudara , Goh Shaun , Pothiawala Sohil
Published: September 2022

Background

Triad of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) comprises of hyperglycemia with serum glucose > 11 mmol/L, high anion gap metabolic acidosis and ketonemia. Hyperlactemia is often noted in patients with DKA. Metformin use is one of the risk factors of hyperlactemia, resulting in high anion gap metabolic acidosis, known as metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA). This report is of a 60-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with combined metformin-associated lactic acidosis MALA and DKA.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old diabetic female presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. She was on metformin for the last 10 years, but despite compliance to medications, her HbA1c was 14.1. With an aim to improve her glycemic control, linagliptin 5 mg once a day was added 1 month ago. Initial investigations in ED including arterial blood gas analysis revealed metabolic acidosis, ketosis, hyperlactemia, and acute kidney injury. In view of metabolic acidosis and ketosis with elevated blood glucose level, she was diagnosed to have DKA. Compared to isolated DKA, patients with combined MALA and DKA have severe metabolic acidosis, a greater degree of hyperlactatemia but less extensive ketoacidosis. Hence, she was diagnosed to have combined MALA and DKA. She was admitted to intensive care unit and treated with intravenous fluids, insulin infusion, and continuous renal replacement therapy. Her metabolic acidosis, hyperlactemia, and kidney injury resolved and she was discharged well.

Conclusion

This report has shown the importance of rapid diagnosis and management of the rare and challenging diagnosis of combined MALA and DKA. The main goal of therapy is preventing hyperglycemia and ketosis, resolution of metabolic acidosis, and removal of accumulated metformin using intensive therapies like aggressive fluid resuscitation and early initiation of renal replacement therapy. Adjustment of dose of medications is needed to avoid this complication.
Experimental investigation of small-scale shear walls under lateral loads
Authors: Fadallah Reda , Elbayomy Mohamed , Ghith Hatem , Salem Hamed
Published: September 2022

Shear walls are critical in designing of reinforced concrete structures against lateral loads. Although various research studies have been conducted on the design of reinforced concrete shear walls, these studies were limited by the laboratory capacity. This led to inability of testing walls with their full height for high to mid-rise shear walls. Fortunately, progress in specimen modeling techniques permitted performing scaled experimental studies. This paper presents 11 scaled down reinforced concrete shear walls—with 1/10 scale. The shear walls were cast to investigate various number of parameters. Shear walls have been tested under both monotonic and cyclic lateral loads. The scaled down tested specimens showed a behavior close to that of large-scale shear wall structural elements, not only in monotonic lateral loading, but also, in cyclic loading stiffness degradation and energy dissipation behavior. Experimental results were compared to that estimated by ACI sectional analysis as well as the ACI SP-36 and showed great similitude. The applicability to use the presented methodology is tested, in order to construct and test small-scale models of full-scale shear walls to allow for better understanding shear wall behavior under various loading conditions.
Immunological effects of glutamine supplementation in polytrauma patients in intensive care unit
Authors: Cotoia Antonella , Cantatore Leonarda Pia , Beck Renata , Tullo Livio , Fortarezza Donatella , Marchese Flavia , Ferrara Giuseppe , Cinnella Gilda
Published: September 2022

Background

In polytrauma intensive care unit (ICU) patients, glutamine (GLN) becomes a “conditionally essential” amino acid; its role has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials but their results are inconclusive.

We evaluated the IgA-mediated humoral immunity after GLN supplementation in polytrauma ICU patients.

Methods

All consecutive patients with polytrauma who required mechanical ventilation and enteral nutrition (EN) provided within 24 h since the admission in ICU at the University Hospital of Foggia from September 2016 to February 2017 were included.

Thereafter, two groups were identified: patients treated by conventional EN (25 kcal/kg/die) and patients who have received conventional EN enriched with 50 mg/kg/ideal body weight of alanyl-GLN 20% intravenously.

We analysed the plasmatic concentration of IgA, CD3+/CD4+ T helper lymphocytes, CD3+/CD8+ T suppressor lymphocytes, CD3+/CD19+ B lymphocytes, IL-4 and IL-2 at admission and at 4 and 8 days.

Results

We identified 30 patients, with 15 subjects per group. IgA levels increased significantly in GLN vs the control group at T0, T4 and T8. CD3+/CD4+ T helper lymphocyte and CD3+/CD8+ T suppressor lymphocyte levels significantly increased in GLN vs the control group at T4 and T8. CD3+/CD19+ B lymphocyte levels increased significantly in GLN vs the control group only at T8. IL-2 and IL-4 levels showed no significant differences when comparing GLN with the control group.

Conclusions

Our study showed that there was an improvement in humoral and cell-mediated immunity with GLN supplementation in polytrauma ICU patients using recommended doses.
Induction Chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Simple Scoring System to Predict Effect and Prognosis
Authors: Tanaka Masayuki , Heckler Max , Mihaljevic André L. , Ei Shigenori , Klaiber Ulla , Heger Ulrike , Büchler Markus W. , Hackert Thilo
Published: September 2022

Background

Effective chemotherapy (CTx) protocols as induction treatment provide increasing opportunities for surgical resection of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Although improved survival after resection of LAPC with CTx has been reported for selected patients, reliable recommendations on the indication for conversion surgery after induction treatment are currently lacking. We investigated the factors predictive of prognosis in resected LAPC after FOLFIRINOX.

Methods

Consecutive patients with LAPC undergoing curative resection after FOLFIRINOX between 2011 and 2018 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Relevant clinical parameters and CT findings were examined. A scoring system was developed based on the ratio of hazard ratios for overall survival of all significant predictors.

Results

A total of 62 patients with LAPC who underwent oncologic resection after FOLFIRINOX were analyzed. Tumor shrinkage, tumor density, and postchemotherapy CA19-9 serum levels were independently associated with overall survival (multivariate analysis: HR = 0.31, 0.17, and 0.18, respectively). One, two, and two points were allocated to these three factors in the proposed scoring system, respectively. The median overall survival of patients with a score from 0 to 2 was significantly shorter than that of patients with a score from 3 to 5 (22.1 months vs. 53.2 months, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Tumor density is a novel predictive marker for the prognosis of patients with resected LAPC after FOLFIRINOX. A simple scoring model incorporating tumor density, the tumor shrinkage rate, and CA 19-9 levels identifies patients with a low score, who may be candidates for additional treatment.
Textile Materials Science and Quality management
Authors: Shustov Yuriy , Kiryuhin Sergey , Matrohin Aleksey , Smirnova Nadezhda
Published: September 2022

The textbook provides general information about the properties of fibers, threads, fabrics, knitted and non-woven materials. The features of their structure, methods of obtaining, methods of determining quality indicators are given. The issues of quality control and management of textile materials are highlighted.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of textile universities studying in the field of training "Technology and design of textile products".
Research of socio-economic and political processes
Authors: Tavokin Evgeniy
Published: September 2022

The textbook presents theoretical and methodological, methodological and practical questions on the program of the discipline "Research of socio-economic and political processes".
The chapters and sections of the manual on structure and content fully comply with the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education in the field of training 38.03.04 "State and municipal Administration".
It is recommended to students and undergraduates of universities, as well as students of various forms of training, retraining and advanced training, studying domestic socio-economic and political processes.
Accounting. Collection of tasks, situations and tests
Authors: Gadzhiev Nazirhan , Zaugarova Evgeniya , Konovalenko Sergey , Kiseleva Ol'ga , Skripkina Ol'ga , Vladimir Ivanovich , Shaposhnikov A.A.
Published: September 2022

The fulfillment of the tasks and tests offered in the collection will allow cadets and students to master the basic techniques, accounting techniques, learn how to identify errors and violations in the accounting work of the organization, acquire accounting skills.
Complies with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for cadets, students studying in higher educational institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, specialty 38.05.01 "Economic security".
Tax audit
Authors: Savin Aleksey
Published: September 2022

The textbook discusses the theoretical foundations of tax audit, organization and methods of conducting inspections on federal, regional and local taxes of legal entities, entrepreneurs without legal entity formation and individuals.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of educational institutions of higher education studying in the economic areas of bachelor's and master's degrees.
Fundamentals of oil and gas geoecology
Authors: Pikovskiy Yuriy , Ismailov Nariman , Dorohova Marina , Goryachkin S.V. , Haustov A.P.
Published: September 2022

The textbook highlights the basic concepts and provisions of oil and gas geoecology: the impact on the biosphere of oil, hydrocarbon gas, petroleum products and related substances. The first section examines the composition, properties and toxicology of carbonaceous substances and their geochemical satellites, as well as their natural and man-made sources in the biosphere. The second section is devoted to the analysis of oil and gas technogenesis — changes in the atmosphere, soils, vegetation, surface and groundwater and the marine environment that occur under the influence of oil and gas production. The third section discusses the issues of self-restoration and reclamation of soil and aquatic ecosystems contaminated with oil and petroleum products. The fourth section discusses the main methods of environmental protection in the conditions of oil and gas production and processing.
The material is based on many years of original research by the authors and data from modern scientific sources and meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of higher educational institutions, specialists of environmental organizations of the oil and gas industry, as well as for a wide range of readers.
Organization and management of a private fleet of freight cars: an economic approach
Authors: Fedorovich Tat'yana , Kubrak Natal'ya , Tevs S.K. , Dmitrenko A.V.
Published: September 2022

The monograph discusses theoretical and practical issues related to the completion of the implementation of the introduction of new forms of ownership in the formation of the railway holding JSC "Russian Railways". The organizational and economic results of the structural reform of railway transport in Russia are analyzed in comparison with the experience of modern reform of foreign railway transport. The variants of transformation of the modern cargo transportation management system in the new economic conditions are proposed.
The main results of the study of modern economic and organizational conditions of cargo transportation, taking into account the specifics of working with a private car fleet, are presented. Based on a large-scale analysis of the loading dynamics of the main directions of the Russian Railways network and the resulting unevenness of operational work, new approaches are proposed for the formation of the market of freight operators of rolling stock.
An economic assessment of the implementation of scenario options for the introduction of technological outsourcing is given on the example of JSC "Federal Freight Company" with the justification of a methodological approach for the formation of a consolidated fleet of wagons based
on the algorithm of the cost method for calculating the throughput during the consolidation of a fleet of freight wagons.
For practitioners and researchers involved in cargo transportation management, forecasting and formation of private fleets of freight cars. It will be useful for graduate students, undergraduates and students of economic faculties of railway universities when studying courses in the economics of railway transport and the cost of freight transportation.
Organization of the investigator's work
Authors: Karagodin Valeriy
Published: September 2022

The monograph is devoted to the organization of the investigator's own work. After analyzing the concept and structure of this line of investigative activity, practical recommendations for its implementation are offered. Serious attention is paid to the preparatory stage of labor organization, covering the assessment of the organizational and managerial situation, the design of the order of performance of official duties.
Some aspects of the main stage, which consists in the implementation of the investigator's chosen model of labor organization, are also investigated. Recommendations are given taking into account the level of professional qualification of the investigator and the conditions of typical organizational and managerial situations.
For employees of investigative agencies. It can be useful to students and teachers of law schools and institutions of secondary vocational education.
Countering Nazism: criminal law and criminological aspects
Authors: Zharikov Yuriy , Cvetkov Roman , Kostyuk Mihail , Kleschina Elena
Published: September 2022

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of the problems of countering the rehabilitation of Nazism from the standpoint of the current state of Russian legislation and the entire spectrum of theoretical and criminological views in this area of public relations.
The problems of responsibility for the rehabilitation of Nazism cannot be reduced only to questions of criminal law. In this regard, in addition to the traditional analysis of the topic from the standpoint of criminology and criminal law, the work reflects economic, sociological, psychological and political views on the spread of nationalist ideology in the country and opposition to it.
The author's concept of a comprehensive impact on the manifestations of Nazi ideology in the Russian multinational state is presented from the perspective of improving the mechanism of criminal law regulation of responsibility for these negative trends and criminological approach to their prevention through general social measures of influence.
For students, scientific and pedagogical workers, employees of criminal prosecution bodies and judges, as well as for a wide range of readers.
Alternative energy sources
Authors: Sibikin Mihail
Published: September 2022

The textbook examines the current state and prospects of using solar, wind, geothermal water, small rivers, oceans, seas, secondary energy resources and other renewable energy sources in Russia and abroad. Examples of their implementation in the national economy are given.
The methods of assessing the prospects for the use of alternative energy sources are considered.
For students of energy and heat engineering areas of training and specialties 13.03.01 "Heat power engineering and heat engineering", 13.03.02 "Electric power engineering and electrical engineering", 13.02.10 "Electric machines and apparatuses", 13.02.11 "Technical operation and maintenance of electrical and electromechanical equipment (by industry)", as well as for engineering and technical workers involved in solving problems of use alternative energy sources.
Actual problems of the development of Soviet historical science (1917-1991)
Authors: Smirnickiy Aleksandr , Shlyahov V.Yu. , Lushin A.N.
Published: September 2022

The monograph is devoted to the study of the problems of the formation and development of Soviet historical science in the context of the socio-political development of Soviet society. The successes and failures of Soviet historical science in the comprehension of history are analyzed, its influence on subsequent epochs is traced. On the basis of the sources and literature available to the author, the features of Soviet historical science as a socio-cultural phenomenon are revealed.
For a wide range of readers interested in historical science. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of historical faculties of universities.
Finding a Book: Marcel Proust in Search of Lost Time
Authors: Taganov Aleksandr
Published: September 2022

The monograph examines the process of formation of Marcel Proust's artistic system from his first literary experiments to the novel "In Search of Lost Time". For this purpose, his early works such as "Joys and Days", "Jean Santeuil", translations of J. Ruskin, the unfinished essay "Against Sainte-Beuve" and other texts.
It is addressed to literary critics, teachers, students, postgraduates, as well as a wide range of readers interested in culture and problems of the world literary process.
Political governance: a personal dimension
Authors: Semenov Aleksandr , Avdonin Vladimir
Published: September 2022

The monograph presents the author's methodological approach to the problem of the personal dimension of political governance.
For specialists in the field of political sciences, state and municipal administration, graduate students and students studying in the specialties and areas of training "Political Science", "State and Municipal Administration", as well as for anyone interested in the problems of political management.
Right
Authors: Rukavishnikova Irina
Published: September 2022

The textbook outlines the basics of legal knowledge in the course "Law", which is a mandatory discipline for studying in the field of humanities and socio-economic sciences.
For students in educational institutions of higher professional education, as well as for anyone interested in the basics of legal knowledge.
Sociolinguistics: a textbook
Authors: Nadeina Tat'yana
Published: September 2022

The textbook includes excerpts from the most significant works of domestic and foreign scientists. It is aimed at the formation of knowledge about the theoretical foundations of sociolinguistics and its concepts; about social varieties of language and their linguistic correlates; about methods of sociolinguistic research, principles of selection, analysis and processing of speech material; about the problems of the legal status of Russian and other languages of the Russian Federation; about the language policy of the state to change or preserve the functional distribution of languages or linguistic subsystems.
The manual also contains a brief overview of Russian and foreign studies in the field of sociolinguistics of the XXI century, aimed at forming a general idea of the topics of modern sociolinguistic research in Russia and abroad. Special attention is paid to the results that can be used in solving the problems facing legal linguistics, as well as in the production of judicial speech examinations.
For students studying in the direction 40.05.03 "Forensic examination" with the specialization "Speech expertise", it will be useful for teachers in preparation for lectures and practical classes.