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Defense modeling and simulation (DMS and prescriptive modeling to discover best individual actions in the reduced space. For the generalization, the proposed method adapts both modeling methods being modularized, and then the proposed method suggested an interface between them that is based on their semantic analogies. Both modeling methods are modularized, so they are interacted through an interface defined in the proposed method. This paper presents a realization of the proposed method through a case study of infantry company-level operations. In the case study, the proposed method is implemented with discrete event system specification formalism as the descriptive part and Markov decision process as the prescriptive part. The experimental results illustrated that the combat effectiveness resulted from the proposed method is statistically better than that from the descriptive-only modeling, and the difference would be guided by the objective of the combat behavior. Through the presented experimental results and the discussion, this paper argues that future DM&S should consider a broad spectrum from the battlefield incorporating the rational behavior of military individuals.

This paper presents a application system using imperceptible metamer markers. The proposed system is based on metamer markers that are invisible to the human eye but visible to infrared (IR) cameras. The metamer means the indistinguishable colors with different spectrums. RGB cameras cannot capture the different spectrums of metamer markers, but IR cameras can detect the metamer markers printed under the color image. This paper describes how to create metamer markers using a ordinary color printer. First, uniformly select color samples from the RGB color space, analyze the visibility of RGB colors and metamer color printed by the printer, and then design a color mapping model between color printers to produce the effective metamer color. After confirming successful detection of a metamer marker under various infrared lightings and filters, the exact color differences were analyzed and the validity of the proposed method was clarified. To verify its applicability, a prototype of fairytale book was published and demonstrated as an AR-book. The metamer markers are expected to be very useful for AR applications, projector-camera systems, human-computer interaction systems, and so on.

Objectives We evaluate the surgical outcome of clinically single-zone N2 lung cancer limited to aortopulmonary zone (AP zone; lymph node #5 or #6). Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, in whom mediastinal lymph node metastasis was confined to AP zone. Results A total of 84 patients who underwent upfront surgery were included in final analysis. Among these patients, pathological nodal outcomes were pN0–1 in 27 patients (32.1%), pN2a in 31 (36.9%), and pN2b in 26 (31.0%). In multivariate analysis, adenocarcinoma (p = 0.005) and staging workup without endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for unexpected pN2b. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 55.9 and 54.4%, respectively. There was no survival difference among patients with pN0–1, pN2a, and pN2b (p = 0.717). In survival analysis, there were no significant risk factors for OS. However, female sex and the ratio of positive lymph nodes to removed lymph nodes were significant risk factors for DFS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.032 and p = 0.009). Conclusion In this study, cN2a in the AP zone with current diagnostic tool exhibited a relatively high false-positive rate (cN2/pN0–1; 32.1%). However, despite the possibility of pN2b, there were no significant differences in survival outcome according to the pathologic nodal stage.

Background This retrospective study investigated the natural course of synchronous ground-glass nodules (GGNs) that remained after curative resection for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Prospectively collected retrospective data were reviewed concerning 2,276 patients who underwent curative resection for NSCLC between 2008 and 2017. High-resolution computed tomography or thin-section computed tomography data of 82 patients were included in the study. Growth in size was considered the most valuable outcome, and patients were grouped according to GGN size change. Patient demographic data (e.g., age, sex, and smoking history), perioperative data (e.g., GGN characteristics, histopathology and pathological stage of the resected tumours), and other medical history were evaluated in a risk factor analysis concerning GGN size change. Results The median duration of follow-up was 36.0 months (interquartile range, 23.0–59.3 months). GGN size decreased in 6 patients (7.3%), was stationary in 43 patients (52.4%), and increased in 33 patients (40.2%). In univariate analysis, male sex, the GGN size on initial CT, part-solid GGN and smoking history (≥ 10 pack-years) were significant risk factors. Among them, multivariate analysis revealed that lager GGN size, part-solid GGN and smoking history were independent risk factors. Conclusion During follow-up, 40.2% of GGNs increased in size, emphasising that patients with larger GGNs, part-solid GGN or with a smoking history should be observed., Graphical Abstract

Electrical Network Frequency (ENF) is a frequency of the electrical power signal of the power grid that plays a key role in the level of security. There is a difference in the values on the supply and demand on power usage. Due to its distinctive value, the ENF data hold great importance in the field of security. Examining the ENF signal makes it possible to trace the location where the ENF signal was generated. By making the most use of certain interpolation techniques, we can estimate the ENF value of a specific location and evaluate the estimated performance. Interpolating the ENF signals on the target location can increase the accuracy of the estimate for the unacquainted ENF signals. In this paper, we interpolated the ENF values of the power grid of the United States by using three different methods: IDW, Ordinary Kriging, and Universal Kriging. Then we evaluated the RMSE calculated by varying the hyper-parameters and models of interpolation methods. As a result, it was found that applying the Ordinary Kriging in the Western grid had the lowest RMSE. For the Eastern power grid, it was the IDW with λ=−1 which showed the lowest RMSE. We concluded that each power grid had different characteristics. Therefore different interpolation techniques should be applied to each case for precise approximation.

Background: The optimal chemical agent for additional pleurodesis during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bleb resection in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial. We compared the efficacy and safety of iodopovidone with those of minocycline for additional chemical pleurodesis during VATS bleb resection. Methods: Of 332 patients who underwent VATS bleb resection, 299 patients diagnosed with PSP were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the chemical agents used for additional pleurodesis (iodopovidone versus minocycline). Propensity score matching was performed on the basis of the preoperative clinical parameters. Postoperative complications, chest tube indwelling time, postoperative hospital stay, and recurrence rate were compared between the two groups. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 14 months (range, 1–94 months). After propensity score matching, 94 patients from the iodopovidone group and 94 patients from the minocycline group were matched. The perioperative outcomes, including fever, prolonged air-leak, prolonged-effusion, postoperative bed-side pleurodesis, and rehospitalization because of complications, were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the amount of drainage during the first two postoperative days, duration of chest tube indwelling, and duration of hospitalization were significantly shorter in the minocycline group (P Conclusions: This study confirmed the safety of both minocycline and iodopovidone for additional pleurodesis. However, we carefully recommend minocycline over iodopovidone for pleurodesis because of faster postoperative recovery.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a form of non–Langerhans cell histiocytosis that most commonly involves the skeletal system. We report an unusual case of ECD presenting as an anterior mediastinal tumor without skeletal involvement. A 60-year-old man with no remarkable medical history was referred for evaluation of a mediastinal mass. The patient underwent surgical excision of the tumor via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Histologic examination revealed marked proliferation of atypical histiocytes with sclerosis, and the results of immunohistochemical staining were suggestive of ECD.

Background The aim of this retrospective study was to review recurrence patterns of stage I non-small-cell lung cancer and identify prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival. Methods Among 940 patients with pathological stage I non-small-cell lung cancer who underwent curative resection, 261 experienced a recurrence; of these, 188 had adenocarcinoma and 62 had squamous cell carcinoma. Oligo-recurrence was defined as 1–3 recurrent lesions restricted to a single organ. Potentially curative local treatment included surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Results The median follow-up duration was 65 months (range 4–186 months). The most common site of recurrence was the lung in 145 patients, followed by mediastinal lymph nodes in 49, pleura in 30, and brain in 27. Local treatment for recurrent tumors included surgery in 59 patients, stereotactic radiotherapy in 46, photodynamic therapy in 2, and other radiotherapy in 41. Seventy-eight patients received chemotherapy only, and 35 received conservative treatment. Among 125 patients who were evaluated for an epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation, 31 were treated with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The 3- and 5-year post-recurrence survival rates were 49.1% and 33.8%, respectively. Age at recurrence, adenocarcinoma cell type, disease-free interval, epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, and potentially curative local treatment were independent prognostic factors for survival in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Local treatment for recurrence should be considered in selected candidates, and use of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor I is reasonable if an epidermal growth factor receptor mutation is detected.

Background: This study assessed the efficacy of pulmonary metastasectomy for synovial sarcoma in adult patients. Methods: Fifty patients, diagnosed with pulmonary metastasis from June 1990 to August 2010, were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-eight patients underwent complete pulmonary metastasectomy, and their survival was evaluated. Age, sex, time to metastatic progression, laterality, number of tumors, size of largest nodule, and number of metastasectomies were analyzed as potential prognostic factors. Results: I n all, 2 9 patients underwent at least one pulmonary metastasectomy, and 51 resections were performed. One intraoperative mortality occurred, and the 5-year survival rate was 58.4%. Bilateral metastases and early metastatic progression were associated with poor survival in multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Surgical resection can be a good option for treating pulmonary metastasis in patients with synovial sarcoma. Repeated resection was feasible with low mortality and morbidity.

The markers used in the marker-based Augmented Reality have disadvantages that they are heterogeneous in their surroundings and difficult to detect in a dark environment. Therefore, it is necessary to study the markers that can be identified even in dark situations. We analyzed the studies that supplemented the weakness of markers and created new markers. In this method, it is produced by overlapping printing of markers and pictures based on the fact that infrared images vary depending on the type of printer. However, the printed color was darker than the original one, because the marker and the color of the picture were becoming a subtractive mixture. In order to reduce the color difference and to show a similar color, it is required to correct the picture color of the marker part and the picture color of the non-marker part. The color correction was processing by comparing the combined result of Printer-A RGB color code on the top of markers pressed by Printer-B and the sole result of Printer-A RGB color code. As a result, the color difference between the marker, the overlapping part of the picture and the picture part was reduced, and the marker was concealed so that it was not visible to the eye. The concealed markers are able to replace existing invisible markers and can be detected in dark environments. In particular, since the marker concealment method uses original ink or toner without modifying a general printer, it can be easily manufactured. Besides, given that printing work is done by a printer, it is possible to mass-produce uniform quality markers.

One-lung ventilation is considered to be mandatory in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. However, the authors showed in a previous report that two-lung ventilation with low tidal volume is feasible in thoracoscopic bleb resection (TBR). In this study, they evaluated optimal respiratory rate during TBR under two-lung ventilation with low-tidal volume anesthesia.A prospective, randomized, single-blinded intervention study.An operating room in a teaching hospital.Forty-eight patients who underwent scheduled TBR under general anesthesia.TBR was performed under low-tidal-volume (5 mL/kg), two-lung ventilation. Respiratory rate (RR) varied according to the protocol: 15 (group I), 18 (group II), and 22 cycles/min (group III). Using block randomization method, 16 patients were assigned to each of 3 groups.Minute ventilation of group I was lowered significantly compared with the other groups (p0.001). The results of arterial blood gas analysis were in the physiologic range in all patients. Surgery and anesthetic times and number of endostaples used were not significantly different among the 3 groups.The RR of 15 cycles/min with low-tidal volume (5 mL/kg) and two-lung ventilation did not produce abnormal physiologic changes including arterial pH, partial arterial oxygen pressure, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide and guaranteed an optimal surgical field. Therefore, these setting are considered acceptable for two-lung ventilation during TBR.

We propose an invisible metamer marker that can be used in low illumination environments. The proposed marker is not visible to the eye as the color of the background is similar. In our system, the marker and the background image look differently in the infrared camera image by using different printers for each region. The proposed method is able to produce uniform quality unlike existing invisible markers. Based on these metamerism features in infrared band, markers can be successfully used even in low light and dark environments and the commercial applicability is high.

There are various objects in a scene, and some of them are unwanted. In particular, background photographs and portraits contain photographs of unwanted people. It is also problematic to include unwanted objects in terms of portrait rights, trademark exposure, and copyright protection. It is important to diminish these unwanted objects more naturally than to simply erase or mosaic them. We propose a method to actively detect a person and naturally fill that region. The proposed methods perform diminishing people by combining an object detection method based on deep learning and an exemplar-based image inpainting method. To measure the performance accurately, the object to be removed is synthesized with the image. In addition, we constructed the proposed method partially or in whole by deep learning and compared the results.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a non-artherosclerotic cause of claudication and acute ischemia of the legs in young athletic individuals. It is classified in terms of the abnormal anatomical relationship between the popliteal artery and surrounding structures. All types of PAES have the same pathophysiology. Repetitive arterial compression by surrounding structures causes progressive vascular injury. Bilateral PAES is reported in about 30% of cases. Bilateral PAES is usually of the same type in each artery; exceptions are rare. We report a case of a young athletic patient who suffered bilateral PAES of two different types.

A 35-year-old man was admitted to Korea University Anam Hospital for evaluation of intermittent chest pain. Computed tomography of the chest showed enlargement of a previously identified anterior mediastinal mass and also a well-defined, circumscribed mass in the subcarinal area, surrounded by the roof of the left atrium, right pulmonary artery, and the carina. Complete resection of the intrapericardial tumor was performed through median sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. Pathologic examination identified the tumor as schwannoma, of an ancient type, diffusely positive for the S-100 antigen. Unlike other reported cases, grossly, the tumor did not seem to be involved with any nerve.

Background: A closed pleural biopsy is commonly performed for diagnosing patients exhibiting pleural effusion if prior thoracentesis is not diagnostic. However, the diagnostic yield of such biopsies is unsatisfactory. Instead, a thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is more useful and less painful. Methods: We compared the diagnostic yield of needle thoracoscopic pleural biopsy performed under local anesthesia with that of closed pleural biopsy. Sixty-seven patients with pleural effusion were randomized into groups A and B. Group A patients were subjected to closed pleural biopsies, and group B patients were subjected to pleural biopsies performed using needle thoracoscopy under local anesthesia. Results: The diagnostic yields and complication rates of the two groups were compared. The diagnostic yield was 55.6% in group A and 93.5% in group B (p

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is one of the most critical disorders of acute deep vein thrombosis in that it can cause permanent disability secondary to the compartment syndrome. Although several etiological factors have been proposed, PCD after coronary artery bypass surgery is extremely rare and its definitive pathophysiology is still under debate. We herein present a case of PCD that resulted in the compartment syndrome after coronary artery bypass surgery. Early recognition and decompression of PCD are crucial for saving the affected limbs.

Agency for Defense DevelopmentCombat Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is significant to decision makers who predict the next direction of wars. Classical methodologies for combat M&S aimed to describe the exact behaviors of combat entities from military doctrines, yet they had a limitation of describing reasonable behaviors of combat entities that did not appear in the doctrines. Hence, this paper proposed a synthesizing modeling methodology for combat entity models considering both 1) the exact behaviors using descriptive modeling and 2) the reasonable behaviors using prescriptive modeling. With the proposed methodology, combat entities can represent a reality for combat actions rather than the classical methodologies. Moreover, the experiment results using the proposed metho-dology were significantly different from the results using the classical methodologies. Through the analyses of the experiment results, we showed that the reasonable behaviors of combat entities, which are not specified in the doctrines, should be considered in combat M&S.

In this paper, we propose a contactless touch interface using thermal imaging camera is, for users who are not capable of using their fingers and hands. In this way, an interaction where a user does not need to directly touch with his/her finger is made possible. For the interaction method, user's breath touches the surface of a screen, transmitting the heat to the surface; then the thermal residue is detected as a touched spot, enabling to operate in the same way which touch by finger works. The proposed method is highly useful in the sense that many users who cannot use their fingers and hands can interact under a system that is quasi-identical to normal touch system, along with the sense that it can enlarge available ranges of touch interface.

The damage of the accident between a pedestrian and a vehicle is most serious in the kind of traffic accidents. According to the statistics, 38% of road fatalities occur in an accident between a pedestrian and a vehicle, and the night accident is accounted for 64% in that number. This paper proposes pedestrian recognition algorithm with the far-infrared image sensor mounted vehicle at night time. We propose recognition algorithm with noble features which are Local Binary Pattern Haar-like (LBP-Haar_like), Advanced Histogram Oriented Gradient-Local Binary Pattern_histogram (adv_HOG- LBP _histogram) features. The features are extracted from big database (DB) using Adaptive Boosting (ada-boost) classification. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can detect and track pedestrian with 97% accuracy at average 20 frames per second.

Background Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is a major enzyme responsible for the formation of methylarginine in mammalian cells. Recent studies have revealed that PRMT1 plays important roles in the development of various tissues. However, its role in pancreas development has not yet been elucidated. Methods Pancreatic progenitor cell-specific Prmt1 knock-out (Prmt1 PKO) mice were generated and characterized for their metabolic and histological phenotypes and their levels of Neurog3 gene expression and neurogenin 3 (NGN3) protein expression. Protein degradation assays were performed in mPAC cells. Results Prmt1 PKO mice showed growth retardation and a severely diabetic phenotype. The pancreatic size and β-cell mass were significantly reduced in Prmt1 PKO mice. Proliferation of progenitor cells during the secondary transition was decreased and endocrine cell differentiation was impaired. These defects in pancreas development could be attributed to the sustained expression of NGN3 in progenitor cells. Protein degradation assays in mPAC cells revealed that PRMT1 was required for the rapid degradation of NGN3. Conclusion PRMT1 critically contributes to pancreas development by destabilizing the NGN3 protein.

We propose a pre-registration based packet reservation multiple access method (Regi-PMA) for use in a a digital micro cellular environment. With registration, collisions and overflow of information channels are reduced in heavy traffic conditions. Reservation for speech terminals precedes information channel setup. Voice activity factor is applied to the Regi-PMA to maximize channel utilization over the distributed terminals in a service area.

Recently, piezoelectric materials have attracted considerable attention because of its self-sensing and actuating properties. To model smart structures, numerical modeling of structures with piezoelectric devices is essential. As many factors affect the performance of smart structures, optimization of these parameters is necessary. In this paper, the shape design sensitivity analysis of the 3D piezoelectric and structural elements is developed and shape optimization is performed using the sensitivity. For the evaluation of the sensitivity, the finite element method is used. For the shape sensitivity, the domain velocity field is calculated. Two numerical examples are presented to study the feasibility of the formulation. The continuum sensitivity is compared with the results of the finite difference method by ANSYS. And the sequential linear programming (SLP) algorithm is used as the optimization algorithm.