Rayleigh-based segmentation of ISAR images.

Inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) provides a solution to increase the radar angular resolution by observing a moving target over time. The high-resolution ISAR image should undergo a segmentation step to get the target's point cloud data, which is then used for classification purposes. Existing segmentation algorithms seek an optimal threshold in an iterative manner, which adds to the complexity of ISAR and results in an increase in the processing time. In this paper, we take advantage of the distribution of the ISAR image intensity, which is based on the Rayleigh distribution, and obtain an explicit relationship for the optimal segmentation threshold. The proposed segmentation algorithm alleviates the requirement for iterative optimization and its efficiency is shown using both simulated and experimental ISAR images.

Anti-drug antibodies of IL-23 inhibitors for psoriasis: a systematic review.

Anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) can form with certain biological medications, but their clinical significance is not fully understood. ADA formation in psoriasis patients treated with IL-23 inhibitors was evaluated, looking at the incidence of ADAs, impact on clinical outcomes and association with adverse events. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases yielded 318 articles, which were manually reviewed. A total of 19 articles met the eligibility criteria. The incidence of ADAs with the IL-23 inhibitors was as follows: 4.1-14.7% with guselkumab, 141-31% with risankizumab and 6.51-18% with tildrakizumab. The incidence of neutralizing antibodies ranged from 01-0.6% with guselkumab, 21-16% with risankizumab and 2.5 to 3.2% with tildrakizumab. There was no evidence of reduced efficacy of psoriasis treatment with ADA presence alone. However, some studies found a reduction in clinical response with high ADA titres or with the presence of neutralizing antibodies. A few studies reported that patients with ADAs to guselkumab and risankizumab had a higher incidence of injection site reactions (ISRs). There do not appear to be other adverse events associated with ADAs with IL-23 inhibitors. Testing for presence of ADAs alone in this patient group does not appear to be predictive of treatment response. Clinically, it may be more productive to test for neutralizing antibodies or ADA titre values, although further investigation is required to show a definitive correlation.

Clustering and Smoothing Pipeline for Management Zone Delineation Using Proximal and Remote Sensing.

In precision agriculture (PA) practices, the accurate delineation of management zones (MZs), with each zone having similar characteristics, is essential for map-based variable rate application of farming inputs. However, there is no consensus on an optimal clustering algorithm and the input data format. In this paper, we evaluated the performances of five clustering algorithms including k-means, fuzzy C-means (FCM), hierarchical, mean shift, and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) in different scenarios and assessed the impacts of input data format and feature selection on MZ delineation quality. We used key soil fertility attributes (moisture content (MC), organic carbon (OC), calcium (Ca), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), exchangeable phosphorous (P), and pH) collected with an online visible and near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectrometer along with Sentinel2 and yield data of five commercial fields in Belgium. We demonstrated that k-means is the optimal clustering method for MZ delineation, and the input data should be normalized (range normalization). Feature selection was also shown to be positively effective. Furthermore, we proposed an algorithm based on DBSCAN for smoothing the MZs maps to allow smooth actuating during variable rate application by agricultural machinery. Finally, the whole process of MZ delineation was integrated in a clustering and smoothing pipeline (CaSP), which automatically performs the following steps sequentially: (1) range normalization, (2) feature selection based on cross-correlation analysis, (3) k-means clustering, and (4) smoothing. It is recommended to adopt the developed platform for automatic MZ delineation for variable rate applications of farming inputs.

Combined Use of Vis-NIR and XRF Sensors for Tropical Soil Fertility Analysis: Assessing Different Data Fusion Approaches.

Visible and near infrared (vis-NIR) diffuse reflectance and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors are promising proximal soil sensing (PSS) tools for predicting soil key fertility attributes. This work aimed at assessing the performance of the individual and combined use of vis-NIR and XRF sensors to predict clay, organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, base saturation (V), and extractable (ex-) nutrients (ex-P, ex-K, ex-Ca, and ex-Mg) in Brazilian tropical soils. Individual models using the data of each sensor alone were calibrated using multiple linear regressions (MLR) for the XRF data, and partial least squares (PLS) regressions for the vis-NIR data. Six data fusion approaches were evaluated and compared against individual models using relative improvement (RI). The data fusion approaches included (i) two spectra fusion approaches, which simply combined the data of both sensors in a merged dataset, followed by support vector machine (SF-SVM) and PLS (SF-PLS) regression analysis; (ii) two model averaging approaches using the Granger and Ramanathan (GR) method; and (iii) two data fusion methods based on least squares (LS) modeling. For the GR and LS approaches, two different combinations of inputs were used for MLR. The GR2 and LS2 used the prediction of individual sensors, whereas the GR3 and LS3 used the individual sensors prediction plus the SF-PLS prediction. The individual vis-NIR models showed the best results for clay and OM prediction (RPD ≥ 2.61), while the individual XRF models exhibited the best predictive models for CEC, V, ex-K, ex-Ca, and ex-Mg (RPD ≥ 2.57). For eight out of nine soil attributes studied (clay, CEC, pH, V, ex-P, ex-K, ex-Ca, and ex-Mg), the combined use of vis-NIR and XRF sensors using at least one of the six data fusion approaches improved the accuracy of the predictions (with RI ranging from 1 to 21%). In general, the LS3 model averaging approach stood out as the data fusion method with the greatest number of attributes with positive RI (six attributes; namely, clay, CEC, pH, ex-P, ex-K, and ex-Mg). Meanwhile, no single approach was capable of exploiting the synergism between sensors for all attributes of interest, suggesting that the selection of the best data fusion approach should be attribute-specific. The results presented in this work evidenced the complementarity of XRF and vis-NIR sensors to predict fertility attributes in tropical soils, and encourage further research to find a generalized method of data fusion of both sensors data.

Learning Wireless Sensor Networks for Source Localization.

Source localization and target tracking are among the most challenging problems in wireless sensor networks (WSN). Most of the state-of-the-art solutions are complicated and do not meet the processing and memory limitations of the existing low-cost sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose computationally-cheap solutions based on the support vector machine (SVM) and twin SVM (TWSVM) learning algorithms in which network nodes firstly detect the desired signal. Then, the network is trained to specify the nodes in the vicinity of the source (or target); hence, the region of event is detected. Finally, the centroid of the event region is considered as an estimation of the source location. The efficiency of the proposed methods is shown by simulations.

Imaging findings of recurrent pancreatic cancer following resection.

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging malignancy to treat, largely due to aggressive regional involvement, early systemic dissemination, high recurrence rate, and subsequent low patient survival. Generally, 15-20% of newly diagnosed pancreatic cancers are candidates for possible curative resection. Eighty percent of these patients, however, will experience locoregional or distant recurrence in first 2 years. Although there is no strong evidence-based guideline for optimal surveillance after pancreatic cancer resection, careful comparison of surveillance follow-up multi-detector CT (MDCT) studies with a postoperative baseline MDCT examination aids detection of early recurrent pancreatic cancer. In this review article, we describe imaging findings suggestive of recurrent pancreatic cancer and review routine and alternative imaging options.

Combining an experimental study and ANFIS modeling to predict landfill leachate transport in underlying soil-a case study in north of Iran.

In the contemporary world, urbanization and progressive industrial activities increase the rate of waste material generated in many developed countries. Municipal solid waste landfills (MSWs) are designed to dispose the waste from urban areas. However, discharged landfill leachate, the soluble water mixture that filters through solid waste landfills, can potentially migrate into the soil and affect living organisms by making harmful biological changes in the ecosystem. Due to well-documented landfill problems involving contamination, it is necessary to investigate the long-term influence of discharged leachate on the consistency of the soil beds beneath MSW landfills. To do so, the current study collected vertical deep core samples from different locations in the same unlined landfill. The impacts of effluent leachate on physical and chemical properties of the soil and its propagation depth were studied, and the leachate-transport pattern between successive boreholes was predicted by a developed mathematical model using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The decomposition of organic leachate admixtures in the landfill yield is to produce organic acids as well as carbon dioxide, which diminishes the pH level of the landfill soil. The chemical analysis of discharged leachate in the soil samples showed that the concentrations of heavy metals are much lower than those of chloride, COD, BOD5, and bicarbonate. Using linear regression and mean square errors between the measured and predicted data, the accuracy of the proposed ANFIS model has been validated. Results show a high correlation between observed and predicated data.

Tropisetron diminishes demyelination and disease severity in an animal model of multiple sclerosis.

Tropisetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) antagonist, has been widely used to counteract chemotherapy-induced emesis. New investigations described the immunomodulatory properties of tropisetron which may not be 5HT3R mediated. In the present study, we assessed the potential effects of tropisetron on an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35-55) immunization. Animals were treated with tropisetron (5 mg/kg/day); m-chlorophenylbiguanide (mCPBG), a selective 5-HT3R agonist (10 mg/kg/day); tropisetron (5 mg/kg/day) plus mCPBG (10 mg/kg/day), and granisetron (5 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally on days 3-35 post-immunization. Treatment with tropisetron and granisetron markedly suppressed the clinical symptoms of EAE (p<0.001) and reduced leukocyte infiltration as well as demyelination in the spinal cord (p<0.05). In addition, in vivo tropisetron, granisetron or tropisetron plus mCPBG therapy greatly reduced in vitro MOG35-55-stimulated proliferation of mononuclear cells from spleens, and MOG35-55-induced IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17 production by splenocytes isolated from EAE-induced mice (p<0.05). Concurrent administration of tropisetron and mCPBG did not significantly alter the histological damage in the spinal cord. mCPBG had no effect on the mentioned parameters. Taken together, these findings indicate that tropisetron has considerable immunoregulatory functions in EAE and may be promising for the treatment of MS or other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the CNS. Furthermore, beneficial effects of tropisetron in this setting seem to be both receptor dependent and receptor independent in the early phase of the disease.

Hair Contamination of Sheepdog and Pet Dogs with Toxocara canis Eggs.

BACKGROUND: We tried to investigate the hair contamination of pet dogs and farm sheepdog with Toxocara eggs in terms of the different sex and age groups in north-west of Iran (Urmia and its suburbs). METHODS: Hair samples were collected from a total of 138 pet and farm sheepdogs from November 2008 to June 2009 in Urmia City and the suburb (West Azerbaijan-Iran) and examined for the presence of T. canis eggs. RESULTS: T. canis eggs found in 60 samples altogether (pet and shepherd dogs) showed a contamination rate of 36.2%. The number of observed T. canis eggs in each microscope field was varied from 1 to > 400. The age of the dog was found a significant factor to influence the prevalence and intensity of contamination, with 82% of all the eggs recovered from puppies (six months and younger). Additionally, the numbers of eggs in farm sheepdogs were significantly higher than pet dogs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This report shows that direct contact with T. canis infected dogs, particularly puppies from shepherd dogs, may pose a serious hazard to human. Besides, as they may harbor a considerable number of eggs on their hair, they can contaminate the soil and the environment.

Body composition and heat expenditure in broiler chickens fed diets with or without trans fatty acids.

The effect of a diet containing trans fatty acids (TFA) on the fatty acid composition and fat accumulation was investigated in broiler chickens. Female broilers were fed a control or a TFA-containing diet. The difference between the diets was that a part of cis 18:1 in the control diet was replaced by the TFA. Body composition, energy balance and the fatty acid composition were examined. Over the time-period studied (15 days), the body fat content and the protein content did not differ significantly between the TFA-fed group and the control. In energy balance studies, total energy intake, energy loss in excreta, energy expenditure and energy storage did not differ between the treatments. Compared to the control diet, the TFA diet resulted in significantly higher amounts of 14:0 and 18:1n-7 and lower amounts of 18:1n-9 and 20:4n-6 in the body. In conclusion, the data suggest that feeding TFA for 15 days to female broilers had no effect on energy retention, energy expenditure and energy loss in excreta or in body composition in terms of fat and protein. Only the fatty acid composition in the body was affected by the treatment with TFA. In addition, 50% of ingested TFA was incorporated into the body fat. This may have a negative effect on the dietetic value of chicken meat.

Intradural nerve root hematoma in the lumbar spine. A case report.

Intradural nerve root hematoma of the lumbar spine is extremely rare and can cause compression of the cauda equina. This case, which presented with low back pain and radiation to both lower extremities, diagnosed as an intradural hematoma of nerve root by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was totally removed successfully. Intradural nerve root hematoma can present with or without a history of trauma or blood dyscrasia, where MRI is the best imaging modality, and can be well treated by surgery.

Primary hyperaldosteronism, a mediator of progressive renal disease in cats.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in primary hyperaldosteronism, particularly because of its possible role in the progression of kidney disease. While most studies have concerned humans and experimental animal models, we here report on the occurrence of a spontaneous form of (non-tumorous) primary hyperaldosteronism in cats. At presentation, the main physical features of 11 elderly cats were hypokalemic paroxysmal flaccid paresis and loss of vision due to retinal detachment with hemorrhages. Primary hyperaldosteronism was diagnosed on the basis of plasma concentrations of aldosterone (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA), and the calculation of the PAC:PRA ratio. In all animals, PACs were at the upper end or higher than the reference range. The PRAs were at the lower end of the reference range, and the PAC:PRA ratios exceeded the reference range. Diagnostic imaging by ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed no or only very minor changes in the adrenals compatible with nodular hyperplasia. Adrenal gland histopathology revealed extensive micronodular hyperplasia extending from zona glomerulosa into the zona fasciculata and reticularis. In three cats, plasma urea and creatinine concentrations were normal when hyperaldosteronism was diagnosed but thereafter increased to above the upper limit of the respective reference range. In the other eight cats, urea and creatinine concentrations were raised at first examination and gradually further increased. Even in end-stage renal insufficiency, there was a tendency to hypophosphatemia rather than to hyperphosphatemia. The histopathological changes in the kidneys mimicked those of humans with hyperaldosteronism: hyaline arteriolar sclerosis, glomerular sclerosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The non-tumorous form of primary hyperaldosteronism in cats has many similarities with "idiopathic" primary hyperaldosteronism in humans. The condition is associated with progressive renal disease, which may in part be due to the often incompletely suppressed plasma renin activity.

Plasma aldosterone concentrations and plasma renin activity in healthy dogs and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

The mean (se) basal plasma aldosterone concentrations were significantly lower in 31 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) (75 [9] pmol/litre) than in 12 healthy dogs (118 [14] pmol/litre), whereas in five dogs with hyperadrenocorticism due to an adrenocortical tumour they were significantly higher (205 [109] pmol/litre). The mean basal renin activity was not significantly different between the dogs with PDH (303 [48] fmol/litre/second), the dogs with an adrenocortical tumour (141 [63] fmol/litre/second), and the control dogs (201 [25] fmol/litre/second). At three and four hours after the intravenous administration of 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone, the concentrations of aldosterone decreased significantly to about 60 per cent of their initial values in the control dogs but did not change in the dogs with PDH or an adrenocortical tumour. In the dogs with PDH the renin activity increased significantly after the administration of dexamethasone.

Imaging of the liver with helical CT: a survey of scanning techniques.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a survey of the members of the Society of Computed Body Tomography/Magnetic Resonance to assess current techniques in liver imaging using helical CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey, which was designed to update earlier surveys from 1987 and 1993, included a questionnaire distributed to 77 members of the Society of Computed Body Tomography/Magnetic Resonance. RESULTS: Forty-nine members responded, representing 28 institutions. In 1993, 19% (5/26) of institutions used helical scanners, compared with 82% (23/28) in 1996. The group of institutions with helical CT served as the focus of this survey. In 1993, 58% of institutions used 1-cm collimation: in 1996, 78% (18/23) used thinner, 7- to 8-mm collimation. In 1987, 41% used power injectors compared with 85% in 1993 and 100% in 1996. In 1996, monophasic injections were used by 96% (22/23) of institutions. In 1993, most institutions used a contrast material injection rate of 1.5-2.0 ml/sec; in 1996, most used a 2.5-3.0 ml/sec injection rate. In 1993, 96% of institutions used 125-150 ml of contrast material; in 1996, 57% (13/23) of institutions used 125-150 ml and 30% of institutions used less than 125 ml of contrast material. A delay time of 21-45 see was used by 83% of institutions in 1993, whereas in 1996, 83% (19/23) of institutions used a longer delay time of 50-80 sec. In 1996, 13% of institutions used an individual scan delay technology and all institutions performed multiphasic scanning of hypervascular lesions. CONCLUSION: The availability of helical CT has changed radiologists' approach to liver imaging. The greatest effects of which are a more widespread use of power injectors, longer delay times, thinner collimation, increased contrast material injection rates, decreased contrast material volumes, and multiphasic scanning.