Data-based acoustic and seismoacoustic sensing methods : : differencing approaches for signal processing with minimum a priori information

The emphasis of this thesis is to use differencing approaches to develop data-based acoustic and seismoacoustic sensing methods (actively and passively) with minimal a priori information and modeling; such as extracting seismic information without using seismometers, performing an active localization in a complex medium without an accurate propagation model, and performing an active probing without active sources. The differencing methods are explored to extract information from ocean and laboratory data. Chapter two provides a simple vector sensor emulation analysis by differencing the acoustic pressure fields. We test this concept by processing hydroacoustic data from Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's (CTBTO) International Monitoring System (IMS) stations in the Indian Ocean, and comparing the obtained simulated seismograms to velocity records from a nearby island seismic station. We demonstrate the procedure with simple analyses of records of the Great Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake of 2004, and show that water column data can be used to emulate seismometer measurements. The demonstrated vector sensor emulation method provides a potential opportunity to employ ocean remote sensing methodologies in deep water regions, therefore providing supplemental seismic measurements. Chapter three demonstrates a target localization using a data-based sensitivity kernel (SK), a perturbation approach, without using a complicated model. Experimental confirmation of the method is obtained using a cylindrical tank and an aggregate of ping-pong balls as targets surrounded by acoustic sources and receivers in a multistatic configuration. The differencing approach is implemented as amplitude change between target-free and target-present fields. The experimental observations show that target localization is successful using only the direct path arrivals, and improves by including later arrivals from the tank wall and the bottom/surface reverberation. As a follow up study, ambient noise resident in the tank is analyzed with a motivation of active probing without active sources. Using the same laboratory-set up as in Chapter three, we show that it is possible to extract the acoustic response of the tank using only ambient noise recorded in the tank. The work presented here is a validation of early work in the ocean environmen

Awareness of Diabetes and Obesity in Turkey

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity (OB) are rising problems globally, and are also rapidly growing health issues in Turkey. The lack of a proper public awareness has worsened the situation, thereby hampering the implementation of preventive measures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a questionnaire, specifically designed for measuring the level of awareness of the general Turkish population on DM and OB

On the scattering of electromagnetic waves by periodic rough dielectric surfaces: A BOA solution

WOS: 000259231600012A new approach for the scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves from periodic dielectric rough surfaces is addressed. The method is an extension of the buried object approach (BOA), which is developed for rough surfaces of infinite extend, to the present problem. The BOA allows to model the original problem as the scattering of EM waves from cylindrical objects located in a two-half-space medium with planar interface. Then, the problem is reduced to the solution of a Fredholm integral equation of second kind through the periodic Green's function of two-half-space medium. The periodic Green's function of two-half-space medium is calculated via the Floquet mode expansion, whose numerical evaluation can be accelerated by using effective methods. The method can also be used to solve the scattering problems of rough surfaces of infinite extend and having a localized roughness. Numerical simulations show that the method yields effective and accurate results for surfaces of arbitrary variation.Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) [105E029]Manuscript received November 13, 2007; revised January 28, 2008. This work was supported by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) under Grant 105E029

TINU-associated Fanconi syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Abstract Background Tubulo-interstitial Nephritis and Uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare oculo-renal inflammatory disease. Renal tubular defects are usually found, but full proximal tubular abnormalities have rarely been described. Case presentation We report the case of a 55-year old woman, native from Morocco, presenting with bilateral, non-granulomatous, anterior uveitis, mild renal insufficiency, leucocyturia and glycosuria. Further work-up showed hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia, hypouricemia and hyperuricosuria, and hyper aminoaciduria, consistent with Fanconi syndrome. A kidney biopsy was obtained and showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates with tubular necrosis. The patient improved after the initiation of a corticosteroid therapy, with tapering dose. Conclusions We reviewed the literature and found nine similar cases. This association mostly occurs in adult woman, without current evidence for an ethnic predilection, unlike previously reported. The renal prognosis seems favorable after corticosteroid therapy, even in case of severe renal injury. Nonetheless mild tubular defects may persist after treatment or spontaneous remission

Minimal change disease associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma: case report and review of the literature.

A 77-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure was admitted to our internal medicine division for generalised weakness, fatigue, loss of weight, night sweats and difficulty for breathing since 3 months. Clinical examination revealed left fine crackles and bilateral leg oedema. Blood test showed elevated C reactive protein level at 142 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase level at 421 UI, creatinine level at 5.75 mg/dL. Serum albumin level at 30 g/L, urinalysis showed significant proteinuria at 6.4 g/L. Chest X-ray showed left pleural effusion. Renal ultrasonography was normal. Thoracic CT and positron emission tomography showed mediastinal enlargement with lymphadenopathies and left pleural effusion and thickening. A pleural biopsy showed features compatible with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. Renal biopsy showed minimal change disease and acute tubular necrosis. A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma associated with minimal change disease and acute tubular necrosis secondary was then made. Given the poor general condition, palliative care was initiated and the patient died from respiratory failure 3 months later