38 research outputs found

    Synergizing airborne non-terrestrial networks and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces-aided 6G IoT

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    On the one hand, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) emerge as a promising solution to meet the demand for higher data rates, improved coverage, and efficient spectrum utilization. On the other hand, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) offer unprecedented possibilities for global connectivity. Moreover, the NTN can also support the upsurge in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices by providing reliable and ubiquitous connectivity. Although NTNs have shown promising results, there are several challenges associated with their usage, such as signal propagation delays, interference, security, etc. In this article, we have discussed the possibilities of integrating RIS with an NTN platform to overcome the issues associated with NTN. Furthermore, through experimental validation, we have demonstrated that the RIS-assisted NTN can play a pivotal role in improving the performance of the entire communication system

    Synergizing Airborne Non-Terrestrial Networks and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces-Aided 6G IoT

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    On the one hand, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) emerge as a promising solution to meet the demand for higher data rates, improved coverage, and efficient spectrum utilization. On the other hand, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) offer unprecedented possibilities for global connectivity. Moreover, the NTN can also support the upsurge in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices by providing reliable and ubiquitous connectivity. Although NTNs have shown promising results, there are several challenges associated with their usage, such as signal propagation delays, interference, security, etc. In this article, we have discussed the possibilities of integrating RIS with an NTN platform to overcome the issues associated with NTN. Furthermore, through experimental validation, we have demonstrated that the RIS-assisted NTN can play a pivotal role in improving the performance of the entire communication system.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figure

    Paranasal manifestations of early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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    OBJECTIVE: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia. A few studies have been reported about the relationship between CLL and paranasal sinuses. We aimed to investigate the paranasal manifestations of CLL and to determine the expression of nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-kB) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in the nasal mucosa in patients with CLL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a clinical trial that involved 40 patients. Group CLL (n=20) consisted of patients with early-stage CLL who were followed-up at the hematology clinic and who did not receive any treatment. The control group (n=20) consisted of patients who had undergone concha surgery because of nasal obstruction. Paranasal sinus computer tomography scans of all patients were taken, they were scored on the basis of the Lund–Mackay system, and sinusitis findings were recorded. The biopsy material taken from the inferior concha head of all patients was immunohistochemically stained with primary antibodies against NF-kB and TNF-α. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to NF-κB (p=0.716) and TNF-α staining scores (p=1.000). The Lund–Mackay scores were significantly higher in the CLL group than in the control group (p=0.004). Fourteen patients had sinusitis at different locations, while the most common diagnosis was maxillary sinusitis (n=8) in the CLL group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with early-stage CLL tend to have rhinosinusitis. However, NF-kB and TNF-α may not have a role in the inflammatory process involving the paranasal sinuses in patients with CLL.AMAÇ: Kronik lenfositik lösemi (KLL) en yaygın görülen yetişkin lösemi alt grubudur. Ancak paranazal sinüsler ve KLL arasındaki ilişkiyi araştıran az sayıda çalışma rapor edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada KLL’nin paranazal belirtilerini ve KLL hastalarının nazal mukozalarında Nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-kB) ve Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) salınımını saptamayı amaçlandı. GEREÇ VE YÖNTEMLER: Bu çalışma 40 hastayı içeren bir klinik çalışma olarak yapılmıştır. Grup KLL (n=20) herhangi bir tedavi almamış hematoloji kliniği tarafından takip edilen erken evre KLL hastalarından oluşturuldu. Kontrol grubu (n=20) burun tıkanıklığı nedeniyle konka cerrahisi geçirmiş hastalardan oluşturuldu. Tüm hastaların paranazal sinus tomografileri çekilip Lund Mackay sistemine gore skorlandı ve sinüzit bulguları kaydedildi. Tüm hastaların alt konka başından alınan biyopsi materyalleri, NF-kB and TNF-α primer antikorları ile immünohistokimyasal olarak boyandı. BULGULAR: İki grup arasında NF-κB (p=0.716) ve TNF-α (p=1.000) boyama skorlarına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık yoktu. Lund-Mackay skoru (p=0.004) kontrol grubuna göre KLLgrubunda anlamlı olarak daha yüksek bulundu. KLL grubunda en yaygın tanı maksiler sinüzit (n=8) iken, 14 hastada farklı lokalizasyonlarda sinüzit bulguları saptandı. SONUÇ: Bu çalışma erken evre KLL hastalarının akut rinosinüzite eğilimli olduğunu göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, paranazal sinüsleri kapsayan inflamatuvar süreçte NF-kB ve TNF-α bir role sahip olmadığını düşünmekteyiz

    Characteristic Features of Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

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    Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is the most common, progressive, multisystemic, autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome. Its clinical features begin to present during childhood. Early diagnosis and follow-up of children with NF-1 is necessary due to predisposition to tumors and complications. Herein we aimed to evaluate patient characteristics', neuroradiologic findings and frequency of tumors in children with NF-1 who have been followed up at our center from January 1989 to June 2008. Medical records of 64 children with NF-1 were analized retrospectively for age, gender, diagnostic criteria for NF-1, unidentified bright objects (UBOs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complications related to NF-1, and tumors. The median age of patients was 9.5 years (0.5 18), M:F ratio was 1.2. The incidence of the diagnostic criteria were as following, café au lait spots: 100%, freckling: 62.5%,neurofibromas ± plexiform neurofibromas: 47%, Lisch nodules: 38%, optic gliomas: 11%,distinctive osseous lesions: 11%, and first degree relative with NF- 1: 30%. Cranial MRI had been performed in 38 patients, and 58% of them revealed UBOs. The most common complications were kyphoscoliosis (19%), convulsion (11%). Benign tumors and malignant ± benign tumors developed in52%and19%of patients, respectively. The importance of careful physical examination was showed by the high frequency of positive clinical diagnostic criteria of NF-1. The frequency of UBOs on MRI was high in children with NF-1. This was suggested that neuroradiologic findings may be proposed as an additional diagnostic criterion for NF-1, particularly for young children who didn't meet the diagnostic criteria. Management and follow up of complications related to NF-1, and offering genetic counseling to parents could be making by early diagnosis of NF-1 in childhood. The predisposition to tumors and the high frequencies of complications related to NF-1 were showed that the importance of multidisciplinary follow up of children with NF-1.Nörofibromatozis Tip1 (NF1) toplumda en sık karsılasılan, klinik bulguları çocukluk çagında ortaya çıkmaya baslayan, zamanla ilerleyici seyir göstererek pek çok sistemi etkileyebilen otozomal dominant geçisli bir nörokutan sendromdur. Beniyn ve maliyn tümör gelismesine yatkınlık yaratması ve NF1 iliskili komplikasyonlar nedeniyle, NF1' in çocukluk çagında erken tanısı ve klinik izlemi önemlidir. Bu çalısmada merkezimizde Ocak 1989-Haziran 2008 tarihleri arasında, NF1 tanısıyla izlenen çocuk hastaların karakteristik özellikleri, nöroradyolojik bulguları ve tümör sıklıgınındegerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıstır. Nörofibromatozis Tip1 tanı kriterlerini karsılayan 64 hastanın dosyaları retrospektif olarak incelendi. Hastaların yas, cinsiyet, NF1 tanı kriterleri, manyetik rezonans görüntülemede (MRG) tanımlanmamıs parlak objelerin (UBO: unidentified bright objects) görülme sıklıgı, NF1 iliskili komplikasyonlar, gelisen tümörler degerlendirildi. Hastaların ortanca tanı yası 9.5 yas (0.5 18), E:K oranı 1.2 bulundu. Tanı kriterlerinin sıklıgı: sütlü kahve lekeleri %100, çillenme %62.5, nörofibrom veya pleksiform nörofibrom %47, Lisch nodülü %38, optik gliom %11, kemik lezyonu %11, birinci derece akrabalarda NF1 tanısı %30 bulundu. Kraniyal MRG yapılan 38 hastadan 58%'inde UBO mevcuttu. En sık gelisen komplikasyonlar; kifoskolyoz (%19) ve konvülzyondu (%11). Hastaların %52'inde beniyn, %19'inde maliyn±beniyn tümörler gelismisti. Nörofibromatozis Tip1'in fizik inceleme ile saptanabilen klinik tanısal kriterlerinin sıklıgı, iyi bir fizik incelemenin önemini göstermektedir. Kraniyal MRG ile NF1 tanılı çocuk hastalarda yüksek oranda UBO pozitifligi izlendigi görülmüstür. Bu bulgu, özellikle henüz klinik bulguları NF1 kriterlerini karsılamayan küçük yas grubunda nöroradyolojik bulguların ek bir kriter olarak arastırılmasının hastaların erken tanısını saglayabilecegini düsündürmektedir. Erken tanı ile hem çocukta gelisebilecek problemlerin izlemi ve tedavisi, hem de ailelere genetik danısma verilmesi saglanabilecektir. Beniyn ve maliyn tümörlere yatkınlık ve diger NF1 iliskili komplikasyonların sıklıgının yüksek olması, NF1 tanılı çocukların multidisipliner izleminin önemini göstermistir

    Production of virgin coconut oil via centrifugation and oven methods

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    The conventional ways of breaking emulsions using heat is disadvantageous from the both economic and environmental perspectives. In this study, the production of virgin coconut oil from coconut oil milk was investigated. Centrifugation and hot method were used for separation of oil. Analysis was carried out by gas chromatography. Results show that, production of virgin coconut oil increases with increasing centrifugal speed. The optimum temperature required to maintain the nutrition oil oil was found to be 60oC. Experimental data also presented to show the influence of Triton –X-100, Tween 20 and SDDS on stability of virgin coconut oil emulsion

    Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

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    Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

    Corrigendum to: “Measurement of the tt ̄ production cross-section using eμ events with b-tagged jets in pp collisions at √s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector” [Phys. Lett. B 761 (2016) 136–157]

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    This paper describes a measurement of the inclusive top quark pair production cross-section (sigma(t (t) over bar)) with a data sample of 3.2fb(-1)of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of root s= 13TeV, collected in 2015 by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. This measurement uses events with an opposite-charge electron-muon pair in the final state. Jets containing b-quarks are tagged using an algorithm based on track impact parameters and reconstructed secondary vertices. The numbers of events with exactly one and exactly two b-tagged jets are counted and used to determine simultaneously sigma(t (t) over bar) and the efficiency to reconstruct and b-tag a jet from a top quark decay, thereby minimising the associated systematic uncertainties. The cross-section is measured to be:sigma(t (t) over bar) = 818 +/- 8 (stat) +/- 27 (syst) +/- 19 (lumi) +/- 12 (beam) pb,where the four uncertainties arise from data statistics, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, the integrated luminosity and the LHC beam energy, giving a total relative uncertainty of 4.4%. The result is consistent with theoretical QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order. A fiducial measurement corresponding to the experimental acceptance of the leptons is also presented

    Role of Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion

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    Introduction: Retinal vein occlusion  is a common vascular disorder disrupting vision. Two basic types of RVO are branch retinal vein occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).  Retinal vein occlusion is a multifactor process including systemic illness and local retinal factors.RVO may be associated with atherosclerotic risk factors. We analyzed the role of 2 dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for detecting the cardiac disease in patients with retinal veins occlusion. Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study 70 recently diagnosed patients with RVO enrolled in the study. The clinical diagnosis of retinal vein occlusion and its type was confirmed by a vitreoretinal specialist. The Patients were then referred for performing complete TTE. Results: The prevalence of RVO increased with age, but did not vary by sex. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factor was hypertension. The findings of our study revealed that a variety of echocardiographic abnormalities may be presented in patients with RVO. Diastolic dysfunction was the most frequent echocardiographic finding and we found positive correlation between diastolic dysfunction with increasing age and the presence of hypertension. Other findings included mitral regurgitation (52.9%), mitral stenosis (2.9%), mitral annulus calcification (1.4%), mitral valve prolapse (8.6%), aortic insufficiency (22.9%), sclerotic aortic valve (27.1%), tricuspid regurgitation (45.7%), pulmonary insufficiency (8.6%), mild pulmonary hypertension (8.6%), and moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (4.3%) Mild LVH (11.4%), Moderate LVH (8.6%). Abnormality on IAS was defined in these patients, including paten foramen ovale, lipomatosis IAS, exaggerated motion of IAS, and aneurysm of IAS. Conclusion: In our study, the most common echocardiographic finding was diastolic dysfunction which was compatible with the patients' age and the fact that the most prevalent risk factor was hypertension. Other findings were not more prevalent than general population.We think that a routine workup for structural heart diseases is unwarranted in these patients
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