GPU accelerated maximum cardinality matching algorithms for bipartite graphs

We design, implement, and evaluate GPU-based algorithms for the maximum cardinality matching problem in bipartite graphs. Such algorithms have a variety of applications in computer science, scientific computing, bioinformatics, and other areas. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study which focuses on GPU implementation of the maximum cardinality matching algorithms. We compare the proposed algorithms with serial and multicore implementations from the literature on a large set of real-life problems where in majority of the cases one of our GPU-accelerated algorithms is demonstrated to be faster than both the sequential and multicore implementations.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figure

Responses of salivary cortisol levels and sedation score to oral hydroxyzine premedication in children undergoing outpatient surgery

Aim: To evaluate the sedation score response and salivary cortisol levels (SC) to premedication with sedative hydroxyzine in children with outpatient surgery and the relationships between the two. Methods: Eighty-seven ASA 1 classified patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification 1, normal healthy patients), aged 4-13 years, were randomly and prospectively allocated into the study. Children having outpatient surgery (e.g. inguinal/abdominal surgery, circumcision) either did not have a premedication or received oral hydroxyzine (2 h before the surgery) as a sedative drug. All patients were evaluated for the level of sedation by Ramsay sedation score [RSS, from 1 (awake, anxious, restless or both) to 6 (asleep, exhibits no response)] by an independent anesthesiologist. Salivary samples taken during the assessment of sedation score were analyzed for cortisol levels. Results: SC increased significantly by increasing age (r=0.447; p<0.001). Premedication with hydroxyzine produced higher sedation scores (1.73 vs 1.46, p=0.014) and patients with higher sedation scores had lower SC (p<0.01). Circumcised children had similar SC to hernia/inguinal surgery (p>0.05). Conclusion: The data suggest that salivary cortisol increases by increased age and provide evidence that sedation is associated with suppressed cortisol levels. Moreover, different types of surgery appear to be perceived as similar threats by the children

Early Maturation of Corpus Luteum in Rabbits - Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on Luteolytic Capacity in the Early Luteal Period

Background:  Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) binds to the specific receptor (PTGFR) on the corpus luteum (CL) in mammals, inducing regression of the CL structure (luteolysis) and initiating a new cycle. While PGF2α is effective only on mature CL, the immature CL structure (early luteal phase) resists PGF2α. In this study, sildenafil citrate, which is used to increase blood flow in the genital organs for treating specific pregnancy issues in women, was administered during the early luteal phase in a rabbit model to test the hypothesis of enhancing blood flow to the CL, thereby promoting earlier maturation and enabling a response to PGF2α. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in 2 sub-studies: clinical and molecular. A large number of rabbits were initially included in the sub-studies to ensure a sufficient number of pseudo-pregnant rabbits. Ovulation in rabbits was induced with buserelin acetate and was considered as day 0 of the study. The sub-studies were continued with rabbits whose pseudo-pregnancies were confirmed according to progesterone (P4) results. As a result, the studies were continued with a total of 41 pseudo-pregnant New Zealand female rabbits, 21 of which were included in the clinical sub-study and 20 in the molecular sub-study. In both sub-studies, on day 3 of the luteal period, rabbits in the treatment group received 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate and all rabbits received a single dose of exogenous PGF2α on day 4 to induce luteolysis. In the clinical sub-study, echotexture and intraovarian blood flow changes in the ovaries were determined by ultrasonography (USG) examination. In the molecular sub-study, the expression changes of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF1A) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) related to angiogenesis, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) related to P4 metabolism, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) related to prostaglandin (PG) mechanism and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (HPGD) genes at mRNA level were determined using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in CL tissues obtained with ovariohysterectomy (OVH) at 1 and 12 h after PGF2α injection. In addition, blood samples were collected for determine P4 levels from all rabbits. In the clinical sub-study; there was no difference between the groups in mean gray values (MGV), whereas there was a significant decrease in both pulsatile index (PI) and resistance index (RI) values at 40 min after PGF2α injection (P < 0.05). In the molecular sub-study, it was determined that sildenafil citrate had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the expression levels 1 and 12 h after PGF2α injection.  According to the results of the molecular sub-study, no significant effect of sildenafil citrate on the mRNA expression levels in the investigated genes was detected (P > 0.05). However, within each group, differences were found according to OVH time after PGF2α injection. It was observed that PTGS2 and HPGD mRNA expressions decreased at the 12th h compared to the 1st h, while HIF1A expression increased (P < 0.05). Discussion: According to the results obtained from clinical and molecular sub-studies, it was determined that a single dose of sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg) applied on the 3rd day of the luteal period did not contribute to the maturation process of the CL, did not increase blood flow, and was insufficient to break the resistance of the CL against PGF2α applied on the 4th day of the luteal period. However, a significant decrease in the PI value at the 40th min after PGF2α injection suggests that sildenafil citrate has a supportive effect, and that this decrease is also seen in the RI value, suggesting that its effect is insufficient against the vasoconstrictive effect of PGF2α. Keywords: sildenafil citrate, PGF2 alpha, corpus luteum, early luteal stage, rabbit

Massive inguinoscrotal bladder hernia causing hydronephrosis: Two cases

• Complete bladder herniation are very rare compared to incomplete bladder herniation. • Massive scrotal cystocele is usually defined with voiding symptoms. • CT, ultrasonography and retrograde cystogram should be performed to determine the involvement of the bladder in cases of massive inguinoscrotal hernias. • In massive scrotal hernia cases, bladder can protrude with the ureter causing hydronephrosis on the affected side. • It is necessary to place urinary catheter to empty the urinary bladder to manage the pain and to decrease the risk of injury of bladder during the surgery

Evaluación de parámetros de estrés oxidativo y actividades metabólicas de enfermeras trabajando en turnos diurnos y nocturnos

Se objetivó evaluar estrés oxidativo y actividades metabólicas de enfermeras en turnos diurnos y nocturnos. Participaron enfermeras de Unidad de Terapia Intensiva (UTI, n=70) y del servicio común (SC, n=70). Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas al inicio y al final de los turnos para medir parámetros de estrés oxidativo. Las actividades metabólicas también fueron analizadas utilizando brazaletes SenseWear. Los parámetros de estrés oxidativo aumentaron hacia el final de los turnos de todas las enfermeras SC y UTI, comparados con la medida de inicio. Los niveles de TAS, TOS y OSI no eran significativamente diferentes entre enfermeras SC y UTI al cierre de los turnos diurnos y nocturnos. Las actividades metabólicas de enfermeras SC y UTI se mostraron similares. Consecuentemente, los parámetros de estrés oxidativo y las actividades metabólicas de enfermeras SC y UTI no resultaron diferentes, y todas las enfermeras sufren efectos semejantes en sus turnos, tanto diurnos como nocturnos.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estresse oxidativo e as atividades metabólicas das enfermeiras em turnos diurnos e noturnos. Enfermeiras da Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo (UTI) (n=70) e do serviço comum (SC) (n=70) participaram do estudo. Logo no início e ao final dos turnos, amostras de sangue foram obtidas para medir parâmetros de estresse oxidativo. Atividades metabólicas também foram analisadas com o uso da braçadeira SenseWear. Parâmetros de estresse oxidativo aumentaram no fim dos turnos de todas as enfermeiras SC e UTI quando comparados ao início dos turnos. Comparados às enfermeiras SC, os níveis de TAS, TOS e OSI das enfermeiras de UTI não eram significativamente diferentes no final dos turnos diurnos e noturnos. Além disso, as atividades metabólicas das enfermeiras de SC e UTI se revelaram como sendo similares. Assim, os parâmetros de estresse oxidativo e as atividades metabólicas das enfermeiras SC e UTI não eram diferentes, e todas as enfermeiras sofrem efeitos semelhantes dos turnos, tanto no dia quanto na noite.The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress and metabolic activities of nurses working day and night shifts. Intensive care unit (ICU) (n=70) and ordinary service (OS) nurses (n=70) were enrolled in the study. Just before and the end of the shifts, blood samples were obtained to measure the participants' oxidative stress parameters. Metabolic activities were analyzed using the SenseWear Armband. Oxidative stress parameters were increased at the end of the shifts for all OS and ICU nurses compared to the beginning of the shifts. Compared to the OS nurses, the ICU nurses' TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significantly different at the end of the day and night shifts. The metabolic activities of the OS and ICU nurses were found to be similar. As a result, the OS and ICU nurses' oxidative stress parameters and metabolic activities were not different, and all of the nurses experienced similar effects from both the day and night shifts

Plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins during Postpartum period in Konya Merino ewes lambing single and twin

This study investigated the plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) after lambing in Konya Merino ewes using specific cattle pregnancy test kit. A total of 16 Konya Merino ewes were used as a material. Four groups were set up, ewes birthing a male lamb (SM group, n=4), a female lamb (SF group, n=4), twin male lambs (TM group, n=4) or twin female lambs (TF group, n=4). Blood plasma samples were taken on days 0 (lambing day), 3, 7, 10, 14 and then weekly until day 35. All samples were analysed using a bovine pregnancy test kit to detect of PAGs level. It was determined that there was a strong negative correlation between PAGs levels in peripheral blood and days after lambing (r2=0.969; P<0.01). However, no relationship was found between PAGs level and lamb gender or birth type. In conclusion, plasma PAGs level decreases rapidly in Konya Merino ewes regardless of lamb gender and birth type. Moreover, the results showed that the plasma profile of PAGs after lambing in Konya Merino ewes can be monitored with a bovine commercial ELISA–based pregnancy test kit, and the test results can be used in decisions and assessments based on the levels of PAG molecules

Theory of branching morphogenesis by local interactions and global guidance

Branching morphogenesis governs the formation of many organs such as lung, kidney, and the neurovascular system. Many studies have explored system-specific molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms, as well as self-organizing rules underlying branching morphogenesis. However, in addition to local cues, branched tissue growth can also be influenced by global guidance. Here, we develop a theoretical framework for a stochastic self-organized branching process in the presence of external cues. Combining analytical theory with numerical simulations, we predict differential signatures of global vs. local regulatory mechanisms on the branching pattern, such as angle distributions, domain size, and space-filling efficiency. We find that branch alignment follows a generic scaling law determined by the strength of global guidance, while local interactions influence the tissue density but not its overall territory. Finally, using zebrafish innervation as a model system, we test these key features of the model experimentally. Our work thus provides quantitative predictions to disentangle the role of different types of cues in shaping branched structures across scales

Finite Element Analysis of a PTO Shaft Used in an Agricultural Tractor

This study describes a finite element method (FEM) based deformation simulation procedure for a power take off (PTO) shaft in an agricultural tractor. The agricultural tractor is a mobile power source in agricultural fields. The Agricultural tractor transmits power to the working implement through several systems independently. Most especially, rotary elements used in agricultural machinery take the required power and movement from the tractor take off (PTO) shaft. During this operation, the PTO shaft experiences a high dynamic loading condition such as excessive instant (impact) loading. This may cause an undesired failure case for the PTO shaft. In order to prevent such undesired failures, loading condition and stress distribution on the component should be described properly; however, an accurate description of the structural stress distribution on the shaft becomes an important problem. In this content, a case study was carried out on a failed PTO shaft, as described in this paper. The aim of this case study is to exhibit the stress distribution on the PTO shaft through finite element analysis under a torsional loading case which may be considered as the main cause of the failure. Visual outputs from the simulation results revealed a better understanding of the failure zone on the shaft. The maximum equivalent stress magnitude obtained from the simulation was 632.08 [MPa] (which was lower than the fracture point) on the shaft under maximum PTO torque, however, it was concluded that the main reason for the failure was excessive shock torsional loading. This work contributes to further research into usage of numerical method based deformation simulation studies for the transmission elements used in agricultural tractors/machinery

The effect of the American Society of Anesthesiology classification scores on complications associated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effect of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification scoring and age on complications and surgical outcomes during and after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) operation. Material and methods: The records of 263 patients, above the age of 18 years, that underwent PCNL surgery between October 2014 and May 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups based on their ASA risk scores (ASA 1, 2, 3) and into two groups based on their age (younger and older than 65 years). Postoperative complications were assessed according to the ASA groups and age and according to the Clavien classification system. Results: The number of patients in the ASA 1, 2, and 3 groups were 97 (36.8%), 131 (49.8%) and 35 (13.3%), respectively. Four patients in ASA4 were not included in the study. There was no significant difference in ASA 1, 2, 3 groups in terms of changes in Hgb values, mean duration of operation, and mean hospital stay. When ASA1 was compared to ASA3 and ASA2 was compared to ASA3, there was no significant difference in the incidence of all complication rates. There were 159 (60.4%) patients in the young group and 104 (39.5%) patients in the elderly group. Postoperative PCNL complications of these 2 groups were compared according to Clavien classification system and no significant difference was found in incidence of complications. Conclusions: We believe that PCNL operation can be performed effectively and safely in both ASA3 patients and patients above the age of 65 years

Proanthocyanidin to prevent formation of the reexpansion pulmonary edema

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Proanthocyanidine (PC) in the prevention of RPE formation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Subjects were divided into four groups each containing 10 rats. In the Control Group (CG): RPE wasn't performed. Then subjects were followed up for three days and they were sacrificed after the follow up period. Samplings were made from tissues for measurement of biochemical and histopathologic parameters. In the Second Group (PCG): The same protocol as CG was applied, except the administration of PC to the subjects. In the third RPE Group (RPEG): Again the same protocol as CG was applied, but as a difference, RPE was performed. In the Treatment Group (TG): The same protocol as RPEG was applied except the administration of PC to the subjects.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In RPEG group, the most important histopathological finding was severe pulmonary edema with alveolar damage and acute inflammatory cells. These findings were less in the TG group. RPE caused increased MDA levels, and decreased GPx, SOD and CAT activity significantly in lung tissue.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>PC decreased MDA levels. Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathophysiology of RPE and PC treatment was shown to be useful to prevent formation of RPE.</p