bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Protective Effect of Low-Dose Ethanol on Myocardial Fibrosis through Downregulating the JNK Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Yu Ying , Jia Xian-Jie , Zhang Wei-ping , Fang Ting-ting , Hu Jie , Ma Shan-Feng , Gao Qin
Published: July 2016

Objective. To investigate the effects of low dose ethanol feeding in diabetic rats and analyze its underlying mechanisms.Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control (Con), diabetes at 4 weeks (DM4W), diabetes at 8 weeks (DM8W), and EtOH + DM8W. After 8 weeks, hemodynamic parameters were recorded and heart weight/body weight (H/B) and hydroxyproline (Hp) content in myocardium were measured. Morphology of collagen in myocardial tissue was observed with Masson’s trichrome staining method and collagen volume fraction (CVF) was analysed. The mRNA expression of ALDH2 was assessed with Real-Time PCR. The protein expressions of p-JNK and JNK were evaluated using western blot.Results. In contrast to Con group, there was no difference in hemodynamic parameters in DM4W group, but mean arterial pressure and heart rate were decreased in DM8W group, and the ratios of H/B, Hp, and CVF were markedly increased. ALDH2 mRNA expression was decreased, while the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. Compared with DM8W group, the above indexes were improved in EtOH + DM8W group.Conclusion. With low dose ethanol intervention, enhanced ALDH2 expression can antagonize the happening of myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with downregulating the JNK pathway.
Antinociceptive Activity of Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. Essential Oil
Authors: Donald Graciela Rocha , Fernandes Patrícia Dias , Boylan Fabio
Published: July 2016

Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. (ZP) is a traditional medicinal plant used mainly in countries from Asia such as Japan. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of ZP essential oil (ZPEO). The major component present in the essential oil was beta‐phellandrene (29.39%). Its antinociceptive activity was tested through animal models (formalin‐, capsaicin‐, and glutamate‐induced paw licking and hot plate). The anti‐inflammatory effect was evaluated through the carrageenan‐induced leukocyte migration into the subcutaneous air pouch (SAP), with measurement of cytokines. The results showed antinociceptive effect for ZPEO for the first phase of the formalin‐induced licking, glutamate, and hot plate tests. However, ZPEO had no effect on reducing paw licking induced by capsaicin. Finally, ZPEO had no effect against inflammation induced by carrageenan.
Approaches to Peripheral Nerve Repair: Generations of Biomaterial Conduits Yielding to Replacing Autologous Nerve Grafts in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Gaudin Robert , Knipfer Christian , Henningsen Anders , Smeets Ralf , Heiland Max , Hadlock Tessa
Published: July 2016

Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical entity, which may arise due to traumatic, tumorous, or even iatrogenic injury in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Despite advances in biomaterials and techniques over the past several decades, reconstruction of nerve gaps remains a challenge. Autografts are the gold standard for nerve reconstruction. Using autografts, there is donor site morbidity, subsequent sensory deficit, and potential for neuroma development and infection. Moreover, the need for a second surgical site and limited availability of donor nerves remain a challenge. Thus, increasing efforts have been directed to develop artificial nerve guidance conduits (ANCs) as new methods to replace autografts in the future. Various synthetic conduit materials have been testedin vitroandin vivo,and several first- and second-generation conduits are FDA approved and available for purchase, while third-generation conduits still remain in experimental stages. This paper reviews the current treatment options, summarizes the published literature, and assesses future prospects for the repair of peripheral nerve injury in craniomaxillofacial surgery with a particular focus on facial nerve regeneration.
Predicting Diagnostic Gene Biomarkers for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liang Bin , Shao Yang , Long Fei , Jiang Shu-Juan
Published: July 2016

Lung cancer is the primary reason for death due to cancer worldwide, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Most patients die from complications of NSCLC due to poor diagnosis. In this paper, we aimed to predict gene biomarkers that may be of use for diagnosis of NSCLC by integrating differential gene expression analysis with functional association network analysis. We first constructed an NSCLC-specific functional association network by combining gene expression correlation with functional association. Then, we applied a network partition algorithm to divide the network into gene modules and identify the most NSCLC-specific gene modules based on their differential expression pattern in between normal and NSCLC samples. Finally, from these modules, we identified genes that exhibited the most impact on the expression of their functionally associated genes in between normal and NSCLC samples and predicted them as NSCLC biomarkers. Literature review of the top predicted gene biomarkers suggested that most of them were already considered critical for development of NSCLC.
Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Diarrhea‐Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhu Jia-Jie , Liu Shan , Su Xiao-Lan , Wang Zi-Song , Guo Yu , Li Yi-Jie , Yang Yang , Hou Li-Wei , Wang Qing-Guo , Wei Ru-Han , Yang Jian-Qin , Wei Wei
Published: July 2016

Objective. To explore the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D‐IBS). Methods. Four English and four Chinese databases were searched through November, 2015. Randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled trials were selected. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed by two authors independently. RevMan 5.2.0 software was applied to analyze the data of included trials. Results. A total of 14 trials involving 1551 patients were included. Meta‐analysis demonstrated superior global symptom improvement (RR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.31, 2.00; P < 0.00001; number needed to treat = 3.6), abdominal pain improvement (RR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.61, 2.35; P < 0.00001), diarrhea improvement (RR = 1.87; 95% CI 1.60, 2.20; P < 0.00001), pain threshold assessment (MD = 54.53; 95% CI 38.76, 70.30; P < 0.00001), and lower IBS Symptom Severity Score (SMD = −1.01; 95% CI −1.72, −0.30; P = 0.005), when compared with placebo, while for defecation threshold assessment, quality of life, and adverse events, no differences were found between treatment groups and controlled groups. Conclusion. This meta‐analysis shows that Chinese herbal medicine is an effective and safe treatment for D‐IBS. However, due to the small sample size and high heterogeneity, further studies are required.
Synergic Effect of Borneol and Ligustrazine on the Neuroprotection in Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Region‐Specificity Study
Authors: Yu Bin , Ruan Ming , Zhang Zhen-Nian , Cheng Hai-Bo , Shen Xiang-Chun
Published: July 2016

The cooperation of ligustrazine (LI) and borneol was proved to be much better than each of them in treating cerebral ischemia. However, the mechanism of their synergic therapy is unclear till now. Moreover, whether their cooperation brought different degrees of protection among different brain regions was also unclear. In the present study, the effects of LI, borneol, and their mixture were observed in global cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (GCIR) injury by detecting microcirculation, expressions of caspase‐3 and p53, levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, and contents of SOD, GSH‐Px, and MDA in cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum, respectively. Furthermore, Nissl bodies were scored also. Monotherapy of LI or borneol showed obvious improvements in the four regions, specially in cortex and hippocampus. Interestingly, the cooperation of LI and borneol brought some new improvements, specially in hypothalamus and striatum. Thus, the synergic effect of the two drugs showed region‐specificity in GCIR injury except the expressions of caspase‐3 and p53.
Relation between Silver Nanoparticle Formation Rate and Antioxidant Capacity of Aqueous Plant Leaf Extracts
Authors: Akbal Azat , Turkdemir M. Haluk , Cicek Ahmet , Ulug Bulent
Published: July 2016

Correlation between the antioxidant capacity and silver nanoparticle formation rates of pomegranate (Punica granatum), quince (Cydonia oblonga), chestnut (Castanea sativa), fig (Ficus carica), walnut (Juglans cinerea), black mulberry (Morus nigra), and white mulberry (Morus alba) leaf extracts is investigated at a fixed illumination. Silver nanoparticles formed in all plant leaf extracts possess round shapes with average particle size of 15 to 25 nm, whereas corresponding surface plasmon resonance peak wavelengths vary between 422 nm and 451 nm. Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity technique is used as a reference method to determine total antioxidant capacity of the plant leaf extracts. Integrated absorbance over the plasmon resonance peaks exhibits better linear relation with antioxidant capacities of various plant leaf extracts compared to peak absorbance values, with correlation coefficient values of 0.9333 and 0.7221, respectively.
Tuberculous Empyema Necessitatis in a 40-Year-Old Immunocompetent Male
Authors: Babamahmoodi Farhang , Davoodi Lotfollah , Sheikholeslami Roya , Ahangarkani Fatemeh
Published: July 2016

Empyema necessitans (EN) is a kind of empyema that diffuses to extrapleural space and can involve chest pain. Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of EN. This disease can be found in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals but is usually seen in the immunocompromised individuals. Because of long duration and ambiguous symptoms of the disease, diagnosis can be hard. The disease can be treated both medically and surgically. Missing the disease can lead to undesirable effects on patient’s condition and health care setting. This problem can be seen in endemic area in which controlling of TB is hard. Report of the disease in local health care center for desirable treatment and health maintenance is necessary. We explained a rare case of pulmonary TB in a patient that was healthy in other fields and just showed the minimum systemic symptoms. The patient came with a mass in lower part of back of chest cage, with a mild pain. The imaging survey showed EN. Smear and Ziehl-Neelsen stains from subcutaneous aspiration were positive for TB. This case showed importance of clinical view and awareness of this silent but serious disease in endemic area especially for TB.
Robotic Visual Tracking of Relevant Cues in Underwater Environments with Poor Visibility Conditions
Authors: Maldonado-Ramírez Alejandro , Torres-Méndez L. Abril
Published: July 2016

Using visual sensors for detecting regions of interest in underwater environments is fundamental for many robotic applications. Particularly, for an autonomous exploration task, an underwater vehicle must be guided towards features that are of interest. If the relevant features can be seen from the distance, then smooth control movements of the vehicle are feasible in order to position itself close enough with the final goal of gathering visual quality images. However, it is a challenging task for a robotic system to achieve stable tracking of the same regions since marine environments are unstructured and highly dynamic and usually have poor visibility. In this paper, a framework that robustly detects and tracks regions of interest in real time is presented. We use the chromatic channels of a perceptual uniform color space to detect relevant regions and adapt a visual attention scheme to underwater scenes. For the tracking, we associate with each relevant point superpixel descriptors which are invariant to changes in illumination and shape. The field experiment results have demonstrated that our approach is robust when tested on different visibility conditions and depths in underwater explorations.
Low Level Laser Therapy to Reduce Recurrent Oral Ulcers in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Babu D. B. Gandhi , Chavva Sunanda , Waghray Shefali , Allam Neeharika Satya Jyothi , Kondaiah Marella
Published: July 2016

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing multisystemic vascular condition. Behçet’s disease was described by Hulusi Behçet in 1937. This rare multisystem relapsing-remitting inflammatory disease is poorly understood but is thought to be an autoimmune inflammatory vasculitic process in a genetically predisposed population. Diagnosis of Behçet’s disease is based on International Criteria of Behçet’s Disease (ICBD). The present paper describes a case report of Behçet’s syndrome where aphthous stomatitis was treated with low level laser therapy.
Avian Mycobacteriosis: Still Existing Threat to Humans
Authors: Slany Michal , Ulmann Vit , Slana Iva
Published: July 2016

The nontuberculous mycobacteria are typically environmental organisms residing in soil and water. These microorganisms can cause a wide range of clinical diseases; pulmonary disease is most frequent, followed by lymphadenitis in children, skin and soft tissue disease, and rare extra pulmonary or disseminated infections.Mycobacterium aviumcomplex is the second most common cause of pulmonary mycobacterioses afterM. tuberculosis. This review covers the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of infection caused by the members of this complex and particularities for the treatment of different disease types and patient populations.
Numerical Analysis of Flattened Brazilian Disc Test Based on the Cusp Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Wang Min , Cao Ping
Published: July 2016

The Brazilian disc test is a simple and useful technique to determine the tensile strength of rock materials. By using FLAC3D, 63 numerical simulations in total were performed when flattened Brazilian disc coefficient and Poisson’s ratio were different. Based on Griffith theory, the corresponding FISH language was compiled to record the Griffith equivalent stress. Through analysis of numerical simulation results, it is indicated that fracture plane was not the plane going through center of the Brazilian disc, which was in good agreement with the references. In addition, the flattened Brazilian disc coefficients had greater influence on tensile strength than Poisson’s ratio. Based on cusp catastrophe theory, the flattened Brazilian disc coefficient should not exceed 0.035 for the flattened Brazilian disc tests. Consequently, a tensile strength empirical formula considering flattened Brazilian disc coefficient by utilizing the flattened Brazilian disc test was established, which wasσt=0.9993 exp (-11.65ε)2p/πDt,ε≤0.035.
Enhancing the Feasibility ofMicrocystis aeruginosaas a Feedstock for Bioethanol Production under the Influence of Various Factors
Authors: Khan Muhammad Imran , Lee Moon Geon , Seo Hyo Jin , Shin Jin Hyuk , Shin Tai Sun , Yoon Yang Ho , Kim Min Yong , Choi Jong Il , Kim Jong Deog
Published: July 2016

Microcystis aeruginosa, a freshwater microalga, is capable of producing and accumulating different types of sugars in its biomass which make it a good feedstock for bioethanol production. Present study aims to investigate the effect of different factors increasing growth rate and carbohydrates productivity ofM. aeruginosa. MF media (modified BG11 media) and additional ingredients such as aminolevulinic acid (2 mM), lysine (2.28 mM), alanine (1 mM), and Naphthalene acetic acid (1 mM) as cytokine promotedM. aeruginosagrowth and sugar contents.Salmonellashowed growth-assisting effect onM. aeruginosa. Enhanced growth rate and carbohydrates contents were observed inM. aeruginosaculture grown at 25°C under red LED light of 90 μmolm−2s−1intensity. More greenish and carbohydrates richM. aeruginosabiomass was prepared (final OD660 nm= 2.21 and sugar contents 10.39 mM/mL) as compared to control (maximum OD660 nm= 1.4 and sugar contents 3 mM/mL). The final algae biomass was converted to algae juice through a specific pretreatment method. The resulted algae Juice was used as a substrate in fermentation process. Highest yield of bioethanol (50 mM/mL) was detected whenBrettanomyces custersainus,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, andPichia stipitiswere used in combinations for fermentation process as compared to their individual fermentation. The results indicated the influence of different factors on the growth rate and carbohydrates productivity ofM. aeruginosaand its feasibility as a feedstock for fermentative ethanol production.
Development and Application of Urban Landslide Vulnerability Assessment Methodology Reflecting Social and Economic Variables
Authors: Park Yoonkyung , Pradhan Ananta Man Singh , Kim Ungtae , Kim Yun-Tae , Kim Sangdan
Published: July 2016

An urban landslide vulnerability assessment methodology is proposed with major focus on considering urban social and economic aspects. The proposed methodology was developed based on the landslide susceptibility maps that Korean Forest Service utilizes to identify landslide source areas. Frist, debris flows are propagated to urban areas from such source areas by Flow-R (flow path assessment of gravitational hazards at a regional scale), and then urban vulnerability is assessed by two categories: physical and socioeconomic aspect. The physical vulnerability is related to buildings that can be impacted by a landslide event. This study considered two popular building structure types, reinforced-concrete frame and nonreinforced-concrete frame, to assess the physical vulnerability. The socioeconomic vulnerability is considered a function of the resistant levels of the vulnerable people, trigger factor of secondary damage, and preparedness level of the local government. An index-based model is developed to evaluate the life and indirect damage under landslide as well as the resilience ability against disasters. To illustrate the validity of the proposed methodology, physical and socioeconomic vulnerability levels are analyzed for Seoul, Korea, using the suggested approach. The general trend found in this study indicates that the higher population density areas under a weaker fiscal condition that are located at the downstream of mountainous areas are more vulnerable than the areas in opposite conditions.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Female Reproduction and Fertility
Authors: Vitti Maurizio , Di Emidio Giovanna , Di Carlo Michela , Carta Gaspare , Antonosante Andrea , Artini Paolo Giovanni , Cimini Annamaria , Tatone Carla , Benedetti Elisabetta
Published: July 2016

Reproductive functions may be altered by the exposure to a multitude of endogenous and exogenous agents, drug or environmental pollutants, which are known to affect gene transcription through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) activation. PPARs act as ligand activated transcription factors and regulate metabolic processes such as lipid and glucose metabolism, energy homeostasis, inflammation, and cell proliferation and differentiation. All PPARs isotypes are expressed along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and are strictly involved in reproductive functions. Since female fertility and energy metabolism are tightly interconnected, the research on female infertility points towards the exploration of potential PPARs activating/antagonizing compounds, mainly belonging to the class of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and fibrates, as useful agents for the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis in women with ovarian dysfunctions. In the present review, we discuss the recent evidence about PPARs expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and their involvement in female reproduction. Finally, the therapeutic potential of their manipulation through several drugs is also discussed.
Biosynthesis and Biological Activity of Carbasugars
Authors: Roscales Silvia , Plumet Joaquín
Published: July 2016

The first synthesis of carbasugars, compounds in which the ring oxygen of a monosaccharide had been replaced by a methylene moiety, was described in 1966 by Professor G. E. McCasland’s group. Seven years later, the first true natural carbasugar (5a-carba-R-D-galactopyranose) was isolated from a fermentation broth ofStreptomycessp. MA-4145. In the following decades, the chemistry and biology of carbasugars have been extensively studied. Most of these compounds show interesting biological properties, especially enzymatic inhibitory activities, and, in consequence, an important number of analogues have also been prepared in the search for improved biological activities. The aim of this review is to give coverage on the progress made in two important aspects of these compounds: the elucidation of their biosynthesis and the consideration of their biological properties, including the extensively studied carbapyranoses as well as the much less studied carbafuranoses.
Elastic Equilibrium of Porous Cosserat Media with Double Porosity
Authors: Janjgava Roman
Published: July 2016

The static equilibrium of porous elastic materials with double porosity is considered in the case of an elastic Cosserat medium. The corresponding three-dimensional system of differential equations is derived. Detailed consideration is given to the case of plane deformation. A two-dimensional system of equations of plane deformation is written in the complex form and its general solution is represented by means of three analytic functions of a complex variable and two solutions of Helmholtz equations. The constructed general solution enables one to solve analytically a sufficiently wide class of plane boundary value problems of the elastic equilibrium of porous Cosserat media with double porosity. A concrete boundary value problem for a concentric ring is solved.
Functional Catastrophe Analysis of Collapse Mechanism for Shallow Tunnels with Considering Settlement
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xiao Hai-Bo , Li Wen-Tao
Published: August 2016

Limit analysis is a practical and meaningful method to predict the stability of geomechanical properties. This work investigates the pore water effect on new collapse mechanisms and possible collapsing block shapes of shallow tunnels with considering the effects of surface settlement. The analysis is performed within the framework of upper bound theorem. Furthermore, the NL nonlinear failure criterion is used to examine the influence of different factors on the collapsing shape and the minimum supporting pressure in shallow tunnels. Analytical solutions derived by functional catastrophe theory for the two different shape curves which describe the distinct characteristics of falling blocks up and down the water level are obtained by virtual work equations under the variational principle. By considering that the mechanical properties of soil are not affected by the presence of underground water, the strength parameters in NL failure criterion can be taken to be the same under and above the water table. According to the numerical results in this work, the influences on the size of collapsing block different parameters have are presented in the tables and the upper bounds on the loads required to resist collapse are derived and illustrated in the form of supporting forces graphs that account for the variation of the embedded depth and other factors.
The Presence of a Large Chiari Network in a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Authors: Schwimmer-Okike Nneka , Niebuhr Johannes , Schramek Grit Gesine Ruth , Frantz Stefan , Kielstein Heike
Published: July 2016

The Chiari network is an embryological remnant found in the right atrium, mostly without any significant pathophysiological consequences. However, several cardiac associations are reported in the literature including supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. We present a case of a 96-year-old body donor with a stroke episode and intermittent atrial fibrillations. The dissection of the heart revealed the presence of an immense Chiari network with a large central thrombus. The role of a Chiari network in the pathogenesis of stroke and pulmonary embolism is discussed.
Humidity Detection Using Metal Organic Framework Coated on QCM
Authors: Kosuru Lakshmoji , Bouchaala Adam , Jaber Nizar , Younis Mohammad I.
Published: July 2016

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coated with poly-4-vinylpyridine (PVP) and metal organic framework HKUST-1 are investigated and compared for humidity sensing. Drop casting method is employed to coat the PVP and HKUST-1 solutions onto the surface of a quartz crystal microbalance. The resonance frequencies of these sensors with varying relative humidity (RH) from 22% RH to 69% RH are measured using impedance analysis method. The sensitivity, humidity hysteresis, response, and recovery times of these sensors are studied. The sensitivities of uncoated, PVP, and HKUST-1 coated QCM sensors are 7 Hz, 48 Hz, and 720 Hz, respectively, in the range of 22% RH–69% RH. The extraction of desorption rate and adsorption energy associated with the adsorption and desorption of water molecules on these surfaces reveals that HKUST-1 has better sensing properties than PVP and uncoated QCM sensors. In this work, the HKUST-1 coated QCM is shown to be a promising material for moisture detection.
Multilevel Production Systems with Dependent Demand with Uncertainty of Lead Times
Authors: Sadeghi Haibatolah , Makui Ahmad , Heydari Mehdi
Published: July 2016

This study considers a multilevel assembly system with several components in each sublevel. It is assumed that actual lead time for all components is probabilistic; and periodic order quantity (POQ) policy for ordering is utilized. If at a certain level a job is not received at the expected time, a delay is incurred at the delivery of production at this level and this may result in backorders of the finished product. It is assumed in this case that a fixed percentage of the shortage is backlogged and other sales are lost. In the real situation, some but not all customers will wait for backlogged components during a period of shortage, such as for fashionable commodities or high-tech products with the short product life cycle. The objective of this study is to find the planned lead time and periodicity for the total components in order to minimize the expected fixed ordering, holding, and partial backlogging costs for the finished product. In this study, it is assumed that a percentage of components at each level are scrap. A general mathematical model is suggested and the method developed can be used for optimization planned lead time and periodicity for such an MRP system under lead time uncertainties.
Exact and Heuristic Algorithms for Routing AGV on Path with Precedence Constraints
Authors: Xu Liang , Wang Yao , Liu Lin , Wang Jiaxing
Published: July 2016

A new problem arises when an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is dispatched to visit a set of customers, which are usually located along a fixed wire transmitting signal to navigate the AGV. An optimal visiting sequence is desired with the objective of minimizing the total travelling distance (or time). When precedence constraints are restricted on customers, the problem is referred to as traveling salesman problem on path with precedence constraints (TSPP-PC). Whether or not it is NP-complete has no answer in the literature. In this paper, we design dynamic programming for the TSPP-PC, which is the first polynomial-time exact algorithm when the number of precedence constraints is a constant. For the problem with number of precedence constraints, part of the input can be arbitrarily large, so we provide an efficient heuristic based on the exact algorithm.
Why Do Electricity Policy and Competitive Markets Fail to Use Advanced PV Systems to Improve Distribution Power Quality?
Authors: McHenry Mark P. , Johnson Jay , Hightower Mike
Published: July 2016

The increasing pressure for network operators to meet distribution network power quality standards with increasing peak loads, renewable energy targets, and advances in automated distributed power electronics and communications is forcing policy-makers to understand new means to distribute costs and benefits within electricity markets. Discussions surrounding how distributed generation (DG) exhibits active voltage regulation and power factor/reactive power control and other power quality capabilities are complicated by uncertainties of baseline local distribution network power quality and to whom and how costs and benefits of improved electricity infrastructure will be allocated. DG providing ancillary services that dynamically respond to the network characteristics could lead to major network improvements. With proper market structures renewable energy systems could greatly improve power quality on distribution systems with nearly no additional cost to the grid operators. Renewable DG does have variability challenges, though this issue can be overcome with energy storage, forecasting, and advanced inverter functionality. This paper presents real data from a large-scale grid-connected PV array with large-scale storage and explores effective mitigation measures for PV system variability. We discuss useful inverter technical knowledge for policy-makers to mitigate ongoing inflation of electricity network tariff components by new DG interconnection requirements or electricity markets which value power quality and control.
Campylobacter Pouchitis Mimicking the Appearance of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Cohen Greg S. , Prasad Meena
Published: July 2016

An unusual case of campylobacter pouchitis resembling the endoscopic appearance of Crohn’s disease is reported.
Management of Maternal Cardiac Arrest in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study
Authors: Adams Jacquelyn , Cepeda Brito Jose R. , Baker Lauren , Hughes Patrick G. , Gothard M. David , McCarroll Michele L. , Davis Jocelyn , Silber Angela , Ahmed Rami A.
Published: July 2016

Objective. To evaluate confidence, knowledge, and competence after a simulation-based curriculum on maternal cardiac arrest in an Obstetrics & Gynecologic (OBGYN) residency program.Methods. Four simulations with structured debriefing focusing on high yield causes and management of maternal cardiac arrest were executed. Pre- and post-individual knowledge tests (KT) and confidence surveys (CS) were collected along with group scores of critical performance steps evaluated by content experts for the first and final simulations.Results. Significant differences were noted in individual KT scores (pre:58.9±8.9versus post:72.8±6.1,p=0.01) and CS total scores (pre:22.2±6.4versus post:29.9±3.4,p=0.007). Significant differences were noted in airway management,p=0.008; appropriate cycles of drug/shock-CPR,p=0.008; left uterine displacement,p=0.008; and identifying causes of cardiac arrest,p=0.008. Nonsignificant differences were noted for administration of appropriate drugs/doses,p=0.074; chest compressions,p=0.074; bag-mask ventilation before intubation,p=0.074; and return of spontaneous circulation identification,p=0.074. Groups remained noncompetent in team leader tasks and considering therapeutic hypothermia.Conclusion. This study demonstrated improved OBGYN resident knowledge, confidence, and competence in the management of third trimester maternal cardiac arrest. Several skills, however, will likely require more longitudinal curricular exposure and training to develop and maintain proficiency.
Maraviroc-Mediated Lung Protection following Trauma-Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Liu Fu-Chao , Zheng Chih-Wen , Yu Huang-Ping
Published: July 2016

Objectives.The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) pathway exerts anti-inflammatory effects in response to injury. Maraviroc has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PPARγplays an important role in maraviroc-mediated lung protection following trauma-hemorrhage.Methods.Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure maintained at approximately 35–40 mmHg for 90 minutes), followed by fluid resuscitation. During resuscitation, a single dose of maraviroc (3 mg/kg, intravenously) with and without a PPARγinhibitor GW9662 (1 mg/kg, intravenously), GW9662, or vehicle was administered. Lung water content, tissue histology, and other various parameters were measured (n=8rats/group) 24 hours after resuscitation. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s testing were used for statistical analysis.Results.Trauma-hemorrhage significantly increased lung water content, myeloperoxidase activity, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1βlevels. These parameters significantly improved in the maraviroc-treated rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. Maraviroc treatment also decreased lung tissue damage as compared to the vehicle-treated trauma-hemorrhaged rats. Coadministration of GW9662 with maraviroc abolished the maraviroc-induced beneficial effects on these parameters and lung injury.Conclusion.These results suggest that PPARγmight play a key role in maraviroc-mediated lung protection following trauma-hemorrhage.
Trauma Simulation Training Increases Confidence Levels in Prehospital Personnel Performing Life-Saving Interventions in Trauma Patients
Authors: Van Dillen Christine M. , Tice Matthew R. , Patel Archita D. , Meurer David A. , Tyndall Joseph A. , Elie Marie Carmelle , Shuster Jonathan J.
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Limited evidence is available on simulation training of prehospital care providers, specifically the use of tourniquets and needle decompression. This study focused on whether the confidence level of prehospital personnel performing these skills improved through simulation training.Methods. Prehospital personnel from Alachua County Fire Rescue were enrolled in the study over a 2- to 3-week period based on their availability. Two scenarios were presented to them: a motorcycle crash resulting in a leg amputation requiring a tourniquet and an intoxicated patient with a stab wound, who experienced tension pneumothorax requiring needle decompression. Crews were asked to rate their confidence levels before and after exposure to the scenarios. Timing of the simulation interventions was compared with actual scene times to determine applicability of simulation in measuring the efficiency of prehospital personnel.Results. Results were collected from 129 participants. Pre- and postexposure scores increased by a mean of 1.15 (SD 1.32; 95% CI, 0.88–1.42;P<0.001). Comparison of actual scene times with simulated scene times yielded a 1.39-fold difference (95% CI, 1.25–1.55) for Scenario 1 and 1.59 times longer for Scenario 2 (95% CI, 1.43–1.77).Conclusion. Simulation training improved prehospital care providers’ confidence level in performing two life-saving procedures.
Delayed Axillary Artery Occlusion after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Ghanem Omar M. , Sacco Jana , Heitmiller Richard F. , Gashti Seyed Mojtaba
Published: July 2016

Axillary artery injury has been associated with shoulder dislocation and surgery. We describe a case of delayed axillary artery occlusion after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The injury was confirmed by Doppler and angiography and was treated with angioplasty and stenting. Early recognition and treatment of this injury are mandatory for patients’ recovery.
Radiation Exposure to Staff in Intensive Care Unit with Portable CT Scanner
Authors: Xie Zhichao , Liao Xuelian , Kang Yan , Zhang Jiangqian , Jia Lingli
Published: July 2016

Background.Bedside radiological procedures pose a risk of radiation exposure to ICU staff. The perception of risk may increase the degree of caution among the health care staff and raise new barriers preventing patients from obtaining prompt care.Objective.The aim of this study was to estimate the annual cumulative radiation dose to individual ICU staff.Methods.In this prospective study, forty subjects were required to wear thermoluminescent dosimeter badges during their working hours. The badges were analyzed to determine the exposure after 3 months.Results.A total of 802 radiological procedures were completed at bedside during the study period. The estimated annual dosage to doctors and nurses on average was 0.99 mSv and 0.88 mSv (p<0.001), respectively. Residents were subjected to the highest radiation exposure (1.04 mSv per year,p=0.002). The radiation dose was correlated with day shift working hours (r=0.426;p=0.006) and length of service (r=-0.403;p<0.01).Conclusions.With standard precautions, bedside radiological procedures—including portable CT scans—do not expose ICU staff to high dose of ionizing radiation. The level of radiation exposure is related to the daytime working hours and length of service.
Impact Analysis of Roller System Stability for Four-High Mill Horizontal Vibration
Authors: Fan Xiao-bin , Zang Yong , Sun Yuan-kui , Wang Ping-an
Published: July 2016

In order to study the hot Compact Strip Production (CSP), four-high mill vibration characteristics, and vibration suppression method, the roller system structure stability was analyzed and calculated at first in the paper. And then, the mill stand gap was measured at field and its influence on roll transverse vibration was analyzed. The drum gear coupling effect on the roller system stability and the automatic balance conditions of the coupling transmission torque were studied; the influence of axial force caused by the roller cross on the system stability was analyzed. Finally, the roller transverse friction chatter vibration mechanics model was established; the simulation analysis was carried out with eliminating mill house-bearing clearance and adding floating support for coupling, respectively. And the characteristics of the roller “jump vibration” were studied. We applied copper gaskets to eliminate or reduce mill house-bearing clearance for suppressing the rolling mill vibration on the spot; the test results show that the roller transverse vibration was suppressed after eliminating clearance.
An Efficient Algorithm for Learning Dictionary under Coherence Constraint
Authors: Bai Huang , Li Sheng , Jiang Qianru
Published: July 2016

Dictionary learning problem has become an active topic for decades. Most existing learning methods train the dictionary to adapt to a particular class of signals. But as the number of the dictionary atoms is increased to represent the signals much more sparsely, the coherence between the atoms becomes higher. According to the greedy and compressed sensing theories, this goes against the implementation of sparse coding. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to learn the dictionary that minimizes the sparse representation error according to the training signals with the coherence taken into consideration. The coherence is constrained by making the Gram matrix of the desired dictionary approximate to an identity matrix of proper dimension. The method for handling the proposed model is mainly based on the alternating minimization procedure and, in each step, the closed-form solution is derived. A series of experiments on synthetic data and audio signals is executed to demonstrate the promising performance of the learnt incoherent dictionary and the superiority of the learning method to the existing ones.
Efficient Catalyst One-Pot Synthesis of 7-(Aryl)-10,10-dimethyl-10,11-dihydrochromeno[4,3-b]chromene-6,8(7H,9H)-dione Derivatives Complemented by Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Al-Majedy Yasameen K. , Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Mohamad Abu Bakar
Published: July 2016

The problem of bacteria resistance to many known agents has inspired scientists and researchers to discover novel efficient antibacterial drugs. Three rapid, clean, and highly efficient methods were developed for one-pot synthesis of 7-(aryl)-10,10-dimethyl-10,11-dihydrochromeno[4,3-b]chromene-6,8(7H,9H)-dione derivatives. Three components are condensed in the synthesis, 4-hydroxycoumarin, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione, and aromatic aldehydes, using tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP), or ferric chloride (FeCl3), respectively. Each method has different reaction mechanisms according to the catalyst. The present methods have advantages, including one-pot synthesis, excellent yields, short reaction times, and easy isolation of product. All catalysts utilized in our study could be reused several times without losing their catalytic efficiency. All synthesized compounds were fully characterized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity.
Relationship of Inflammatory Biomarkers with Severity of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Igari Kimihiro , Kudo Toshifumi , Toyofuku Takahiro , Inoue Yoshinori
Published: July 2016

Objective. The pentraxin family, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum amyloid P (SAP), and pentraxin 3 (PTX3), has been identified as playing a key role in inflammatory reactions such as in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined the relationship between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and serum levels of pentraxins.Methods. This study was undertaken via a retrospective review of PAD patients with surgical intervention for lesions of the common femoral artery. We evaluated the preoperative patient conditions, hemodynamic status, such as ankle brachial index (ABI), and clinical ischemic conditions according to Rutherford classification. Preoperatively, we collected blood samples for determining the serum levels of hs-CRP, SAP, and PTX3.Results. Twelve PAD patients with common femoral arterial lesions were treated and examined. The hemodynamic severity of PAD was not negatively correlated with hs-CRP, SAP, or PTX3. The clinical severity evaluated by Rutherford classification was significantly positively correlated with the serum level of PTX3 (p=0.019).Conclusion. We demonstrated that PTX3 might be a better marker of PAD than hs-CRP and SAP. Furthermore, PTX3 might be a prognostic marker to evaluate the severity of PAD.
Effectiveness of Simple Individual Psychoeducation for Bipolar II Disorder
Authors: Saito-Tanji Yuka , Tsujimoto Emi , Taketani Reiko , Yamamoto Ami , Ono Hisae
Published: July 2016

Several studies have proven the effectiveness of psychoeducation in bipolar II disorder patients; however, simpler psychoeducation is needed in daily medical practice. Therefore, we devised a simple individual psychoeducation program, which involved 20-minute sessions spent reading a textbook aloud in the waiting time before examination. Here, we report a successful case of simple individual psychoeducation with a patient with bipolar II disorder, a 64-year-old woman who had misconceptions surrounding her mood due to 24 years of treatment for depression. Her perception of mood state, particularly mixed state, was dramatically changed, and her quality of life was improved after the simple individual psychoeducation. This case suggests that the simple individual psychoeducation could be effective for bipolar II disorder by improving understanding of the disease and by meeting different individual needs.
A New Swap-Based Frequency-Domain Packet Scheduling Algorithm in OFDMA System with Data Queue Size Constraints
Authors: Shao Lin , Zu Yunxiao , Shao Hanyong
Published: July 2016

This paper aims at the frequency-domain packet scheduling (FDPS) problem in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system. Under users’ data queue size constraints, a new swap-based FDPS algorithm is proposed to achieve further improvement in system throughput. In this algorithm, the swap of physical resource blocks (PRBs) between different users is introduced to give a comprehensive view of the overall scheduling process. Moreover, the proposed algorithm optimizes the choosing method of swap candidates and always tries to select the user who can maximize the throughput improvement. Simulation results demonstrate that this new algorithm can improve the system throughput significantly as well as reduce the resource waste effectively.
Early Esophageal Cancer Specific Survival Is Unaffected by Anatomical Location of Tumor: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Amin Rajan N. , Parikh Samip J. , Gangireddy Venu Gopala Reddy , Kanneganti Praveen , Talla Swathi , Daram Sumanth
Published: July 2016

Background. Approximately one-fifth of all esophageal cancer cases are defined as early esophageal cancer (EEC). Although endoscopic therapy (ET) has been shown to be equally effective as esophagectomy (EST) in patients with EEC, there is little information comparing the survival outcomes of the two therapies based on anatomical location.Methods. A population-based study was conducted and the data was obtained from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Patients with EEC (i.e., stages Tis and T1a) and treated with either ET or EST were analyzed to compare EEC-related survival for three different locations of tumor.Results. The overall EEC-specific 1-year and 5-year mean (±SE) survival rates were11.66±0.05and52.80±0.58months, respectively. Tumors located in lower third had better 5-year survival compared to those located in middle third (83.50% versus 73.10%,p<0.01). However, when adjusted for age, race, gender, marital status, grade, stage of tumor, histological type, and treatment modality, there was no significant difference.Conclusion. The EEC-specific 1-year or 5-year adjusted survival did not differ by anatomic location of the tumor. Therefore, ET might serve as a minimally invasive yet effective alternative to EST to treat EEC.
Hyperbilirubinemia Protects against Aging‐Associated Inflammation and Metabolic Deterioration
Authors: Zelenka Jaroslav , Dvořák Aleš , Alán Lukáš , Zadinová Marie , Haluzík Martin , Vítek Libor
Published: July 2016

Mild constitutive hyperbilirubinemia is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Since these pathologies are associated with aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress, we investigated whether hyperbilirubinemia interferes with ROS homeostasis in cell cultures and with inflammation, senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction in aged rats. Human embryonic kidney cells and rat primary fibroblasts showed a dose‐dependent decrease in the ratio of oxidized/reduced glutathione, intracellular H2O2 levels, and mitochondrial ROS production, with increasing bilirubin concentrations in the culture media. Compared to their normobilirubinemic siblings, aged hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats showed significantly smaller amounts of visceral fat, better glucose tolerance, and decreased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL‐1β, and IL‐18. Simultaneously, livers from Gunn rats showed decreased expression of senescence markers and cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p16. Mitochondria from aged Gunn rats showed higher respiration and lower H2O2 production compared to controls. In conclusion, we demonstrated that mildly elevated serum bilirubin is generally associated with attenuation of oxidative stress and with better anthropometric parameters, decreased inflammatory status, increased glucose tolerance, fewer signs of cellular senescence, and enhanced mitochondrial function in aged rats.
Acute Failure of a Glenoid Component in Anatomic Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Daner, III William E. , Boardman, III Norman D.
Published: July 2016

Glenoid loosening is the most common cause of failure in primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and often occurs years after the initial surgery. It is rare for a glenoid component to fail acutely. Several case reports of complete glenoid dissociation appear in the literature. It is important to report these failures to identify technical errors or component design flaws to improve outcomes in TSA. In this case report, we present an unrecognized acute failure of a cemented hybrid glenoid component at the time of surgery.