bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of microstructural heterogeneity on pore size distribution and permeability in Opalinus Clay (Mont Terri, Switzerland): insights from an integrated study of laboratory fluid flow and pore morphology from BIB-SEM images
Authors: Philipp T. , Amann-Hildenbrand A. , Laurich B. , Desbois G. , Littke R. , Urai J. L.
Published: March 2017

Opalinus Clay (OPA) is considered as a potential host rock for the deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. One key parameter in long-term storage prediction is permeability. In this study we investigated microstructural controls on permeability for the different facies of OPA. Permeability and porosity were determined under controlled pressure conditions. In addition, the pore space was investigated by SEM, using high-quality surfaces prepared by broad ion beam (BIB) milling. Water permeability coefficients range from 1.6×10
−21
to 5.6×10
−20
m
2
; He-pycnometer porosities range between approximately 21 and 12%. The sample with the highest He porosity (shaly facies) is characterized by the lowest permeability, and vice versa (carbonate-rich sandy facies). This inverse behaviour deviates from the generally reported trend of increasing permeability with increasing porosity, indicating that parameters other than porosity affect permeability. Visible porosities from SEM images revealed that 67–95% of the total porosity resides within pores smaller than the SEM detection limit. Pore sizes follow a power-law distribution, with characteristic power-law exponents (
D
) differing greatly between the facies. The carbonate-rich sandy facies contains a network of much larger pores (
D
(shaly)
≈2.4;
D
(carbonate-rich)
c.
2.0), because of the presence of load-supporting sand grains that locally prevent clay compaction, and are responsible for a higher permeability.
Identification and Quantitation of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Rawal Siddarth , Yang Yu-Ping , Cote Richard , Agarwal Ashutosh
Published: March 2017

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from the primary tumor into the circulatory system and act as seeds that initiate cancer metastasis to distant sites. CTC enumeration has been shown to have a significant prognostic value as a surrogate marker in various cancers. The widespread clinical utility of CTC tests, however, is still limited due to the inherent rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs, which necessitate robust techniques for their efficient enrichment and detection. Significant recent advances have resulted in technologies with the ability to improve yield and purity of CTC enrichment as well as detection sensitivity. Current efforts are largely focused on the translation and standardization of assays to fully realize the clinical utility of CTCs. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of CTC enrichment and detection techniques with an emphasis on novel approaches for rapid quantification of CTCs.
Endoplasmic Reticulum–Plasma Membrane Contact Sites
Authors: Saheki Yasunori , De Camilli Pietro
Published: March 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has a broad localization throughout the cell and forms direct physical contacts with all other classes of membranous organelles, including the plasma membrane (PM). A number of protein tethers that mediate these contacts have been identified, and study of these protein tethers has revealed a multiplicity of roles in cell physiology, including regulation of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and signaling as well as control of lipid traffic and homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the cross talk between the ER and the PM mediated by direct contacts. We review factors that tether the two membranes, their properties, and their dynamics in response to the functional state of the cell. We focus in particular on the role of ER–PM contacts in nonvesicular lipid transport between the two bilayers mediated by lipid transfer proteins.
Microbial Rhodopsins: Diversity, Mechanisms, and Optogenetic Applications
Authors: Govorunova Elena G. , Sineshchekov Oleg A. , Li Hai , Spudich John L.
Published: March 2017

Microbial rhodopsins are a family of photoactive retinylidene proteins widespread throughout the microbial world. They are notable for their diversity of function, using variations of a shared seven-transmembrane helix design and similar photochemical reactions to carry out distinctly different light-driven energy and sensory transduction processes. Their study has contributed to our understanding of how evolution modifies protein scaffolds to create new protein chemistry, and their use as tools to control membrane potential with light is fundamental to optogenetics for research and clinical applications. We review the currently known functions and present more in-depth assessment of three functionally and structurally distinct types discovered over the past two years: (a) anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) from cryptophyte algae, which enable efficient optogenetic neural suppression; (b) cryptophyte cation channelrhodopsins (CCRs), structurally distinct from the green algae CCRs used extensively for neural activation and from cryptophyte ACRs; and (c) enzymerhodopsins, with light-gated guanylyl cyclase or kinase activity promising for optogenetic control of signal transduction.
Imaging and Optically Manipulating Neuronal Ensembles
Authors: Carrillo-Reid Luis , Yang Weijian , Kang Miller Jae-eun , Peterka Darcy S. , Yuste Rafael
Published: March 2017

The neural code that relates the firing of neurons to the generation of behavior and mental states must be implemented by spatiotemporal patterns of activity across neuronal populations. These patterns engage selective groups of neurons, called neuronal ensembles, which are emergent building blocks of neural circuits. We review optical and computational methods, based on two-photon calcium imaging and two-photon optogenetics, to detect, characterize, and manipulate neuronal ensembles in three dimensions. We review data using these methods in the mammalian cortex that demonstrate the existence of neuronal ensembles in the spontaneous and evoked cortical activity in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, two-photon optogenetics enable the possibility of artificially imprinting neuronal ensembles into awake, behaving animals and of later recalling those ensembles selectively by stimulating individual cells. These methods could enable deciphering the neural code and also be used to understand the pathophysiology of and design novel therapies for neurological and mental diseases.
Lovesick: How Couples’ Relationships Influence Health
Authors: Kiecolt-Glaser Janice K. , Wilson Stephanie J.
Published: March 2017

This review highlights recent advances in research addressing intimate partner relationships and health. Consideration of the strong mutual influences that the members of a couple have on each other's mental and physical health trajectories provides a new way to view the health implications of couples’ convergence or interdependence; marital closeness can have a clear downside when one partner has mental or physical health problems. Couples’ interconnectedness can also be leveraged to promote better treatment outcomes. Major themes include the pivotal role of depression and the importance of gender differences in the pathways from the marital relationship to physiological functioning and health. The health risks and benefits of support are weighed. Additionally, two prominent emerging paths from marital distress to poor health are emphasized: sleep problems and metabolic alterations that promote obesity and its comorbidities.
The Microbiome and Host Behavior
Authors: Vuong Helen E. , Yano Jessica M. , Fung Thomas C. , Hsiao Elaine Y.
Published: March 2017

The microbiota is increasingly recognized for its ability to influence the development and function of the nervous system and several complex host behaviors. In this review, we discuss emerging roles for the gut microbiota in modulating host social and communicative behavior, stressor-induced behavior, and performance in learning and memory tasks. We summarize effects of the microbiota on host neurophysiology, including brain microstructure, gene expression, and neurochemical metabolism across regions of the amygdala, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and hypothalamus. We further assess evidence linking dysbiosis of the gut microbiota to neurobehavioral diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder and major depression, drawing upon findings from animal models and human trials. Finally, based on increasing associations between the microbiota, neurophysiology, and behavior, we consider whether investigating mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain axis could lead to novel approaches for treating particular neurological conditions.
Phospholipid Bilayers: Stability and Encapsulation of Nanoparticles
Authors: Alipour Elnaz , Halverson Duncan , McWhirter Samantha , Walker Gilbert C.
Published: March 2017

Nanoparticles are widely studied for their potential medical uses in diagnostics and therapeutics. The interface between a nanoparticle and its target has been a focus of research, both to guide the nanoparticle and to prevent it from deactivating. Given nature's frequent use of phospholipid vesicles as carriers, much attention has been paid to phospholipids as a vehicle for drug delivery.

The physical chemistry of bilayer formation and nanoparticle encapsulation is complex, touching on fundamental properties of hydrophobicity. Understanding the design rules for particle synthesis and encapsulation is an active area of research.

The aim of this review is to provide a perspective on what preparative guideposts have been empirically discovered and how these are related to theoretical understanding. In addition, we aim to summarize how modern theory is beginning to help guide the design of functional particles that can effectively cross biological membranes.
Ice Surfaces
Authors: Shultz Mary Jane
Published: March 2017

Ice is a fundamental solid with important environmental, biological, geological, and extraterrestrial impact. The stable form of ice at atmospheric pressure is hexagonal ice, Ih. Despite its prevalence, Ihremains an enigmatic solid, in part due to challenges in preparing samples for fundamental studies. Surfaces of ice present even greater challenges. Recently developed methods for preparation of large single-crystal samples make it possible to reproducibly prepare any chosen face to address numerous fundamental questions. This review describes preparation methods along with results that firmly establish the connection between the macroscopic structure (observed in snowflakes, microcrystallites, or etch pits) and the molecular-level configuration (detected with X-ray or electron scattering techniques). Selected results of probing interactions at the ice surface, including growth from the melt, surface vibrations, and characterization of the quasi-liquid layer, are discussed.
Negative regulation of Smad1 pathway and collagen IV expression by store-operated Ca2+entry in glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: Wu Peiwen , Ren Yuezhong , Ma Yuhong , Wang Yanxia , Jiang Hui , Chaudhari Sarika , Davis Mark E. , Zuckerman Jonathan E. , Ma Rong
Published: March 2017

Collagen IV (Col IV) is a major component of expanded glomerular extracellular matrix in diabetic nephropathy and Smad1 is a key molecule regulating Col IV expression in mesangial cells (MCs). The present study was conducted to determine if Smad1 pathway and Col IV protein abundance were regulated by store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE). In cultured human MCs, pharmacological inhibition of SOCE significantly increased the total amount of Smad1 protein. Activation of SOCE blunted high-glucose-increased Smad1 protein content. Treatment of human MCs with ANG II at 1 µM for 15 min, high glucose for 3 days, or TGF-β1 at 5 ng/ml for 30 min increased the level of phosphorylated Smad1. However, the phosphorylation of Smad1 by those stimuli was significantly attenuated by activation of SOCE. Knocking down Smad1 reduced, but expressing Smad1 increased, the amount of Col IV protein. Furthermore, activation of SOCE significantly attenuated high-glucose-induced Col IV protein production, and blockade of SOCE substantially increased the abundance of Col IV. To further verify those in vitro findings, we downregulated SOCE specifically in MCs in mice using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) against Orai1 (the channel protein mediating SOCE) delivered by the targeted nanoparticle delivery system. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that expression of both Smad1 and Col IV proteins was significantly greater in the glomeruli with positively transfected Orai1 siRNA compared with the glomeruli from the mice without Orai1 siRNA treatment. Taken together, our results indicate that SOCE negatively regulates the Smad1 signaling pathway and inhibits Col IV protein production in MCs.
Visual and presaccadic activity in area 8Ar of the macaque monkey lateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Bullock Kelly R. , Pieper Florian , Sachs Adam J. , Martinez-Trujillo Julio C.
Published: March 2017

Common trends observed in many visual and oculomotor-related cortical areas include retinotopically organized receptive and movement fields exhibiting a Gaussian shape and increasing size with eccentricity. These trends are demonstrated in the frontal eye fields, many visual areas, and the superior colliculus but have not been thoroughly characterized in prearcuate area 8Ar of the prefrontal cortex. This is important since area 8Ar, located anterior to the frontal eye fields, is more cytoarchitectonically similar to prefrontal areas than premotor areas. Here we recorded the responses of 166 neurons in area 8Ar of two male macaques while the animals made visually guided saccades to a peripheral sine-wave grating stimulus positioned at 1 of 40 possible locations (8 angles along 5 eccentricities). To characterize the neurons’ receptive and movement fields, we fit a bivariate Gaussian model to the baseline-subtracted average firing rate during stimulus presentation (early and late visual epochs) and before saccade onset (presaccadic epoch). One hundred twenty-one of one hundred sixty-six neurons showed spatially selective visual and presaccadic responses. Of the visually selective neurons, 76% preferred the contralateral visual hemifield, whereas 24% preferred the ipsilateral hemifield. The angular width of visual and movement-related fields scaled positively with increasing eccentricity. Moreover, responses of neurons with visual receptive fields were modulated by target contrast, exhibiting sigmoid tuning curves that resemble those of visual neurons in upstream areas such as MT and V4. Finally, we found that neurons with receptive fields at similar spatial locations were clustered within the area; however, this organization did not appear retinotopic.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We recorded the responses of neurons in lateral prefrontal area 8Ar of macaques during a visually guided saccade task using multielectrode arrays. Neurons have Gaussian-shaped visual and movement fields in both visual hemifields, with a bias toward the contralateral hemifield. Visual neurons show contrast response functions with sigmoid shapes. Visual neurons tend to cluster at similar locations within the cortical surface; however, this organization does not appear retinotopic.
GuideLoc: UAV-Assisted Multitarget Localization System for Disaster Rescue
Authors: Wang Anwen , Ji Xiang , Wu Dajun , Bai Xuedong , Ding Nana , Pang Jing , Chen Shaofeng , Chen Xiaojiang , Fang Dingyi
Published: March 2017

Locating trapped targets using the signals of wireless devices such as mobile phones carried by targets is increasingly becoming the preferred scheme for disaster rescue. However, the accuracy of radio-localization technology currently adopted in the rescue is not high enough. To solve such problems, researchers proposed the approaches of Warwalking or Wardriving. However, both approaches are all limited by application scenarios. This paper proposes GuideLoc, a highly efficient aerial wireless localization system, which uses the target guiding technology based on region division. GuideLoc allows an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to fly over a target device and provide position coordinates of the UAV as the target location information. During the process of positioning targets, based on the result of regional division, GuideLoc uses a number of fixed antennas to get the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and angle of arrival (AOA) information of the target and estimates the target location using the information and correspondingly controls the UAV to fly towards the target. Averaging method is also applied for determining coordinates of the target. Experiment results show that GuideLoc can in short time achieve 2.7-meter positioning accuracy in average. Compared with other wireless localization methods using UAVs proposed in the literature, it shortened the flight distance by more than 50%. In addition, energy efficiency is also improved significantly.
On Optimal Truncated Biharmonic Current Waveforms for Class‐F and Inverse Class‐F Power Amplifiers
Authors: Juhas Anamarija , Dautovic Stanisa , Novak Ladislav A.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, two‐parameter families of periodic current waveforms for class‐F and inverse class‐F power amplifiers (PAs) are considered. These waveforms are obtained by truncating cosine waveforms composed of dc component and fundamental and either second (k = 2) or third (k = 3) harmonic. In each period, waveforms are truncated to become zero outside of a prescribed interval (so‐called conduction angle). The considered families of waveforms include both discontinuous and continuous waveforms. Fourier series expansion of truncated waveform contains an infinite number of harmonics, although a number of harmonics may be missing. Taking into account common assumptions that for class‐F PA the third (n = 3) harmonic is missing in current waveform and for inverse class‐F PA the second (n = 2) harmonic is missing in current waveform, we consider the following four cases: (i) n = k = 3, (ii) n = 3, k = 2, (iii) n = k = 2, and (iv) n = 2, k = 3. We show that, in each of these cases, current waveform enabling maximal efficiency (optimal waveform) of class‐F and inverse class‐F PA is continuous for all conduction angles of practical interest. Furthermore, we provide closed‐form expressions for parameters of optimal current waveforms and maximal efficiency of class‐F (inverse class‐F) PA in terms of conduction angle only. Two case studies of practical interest for PA design, involving suboptimal current waveforms, along with the results of nonlinear simulation of inverse class‐F PA, are also presented.
Behavior of Low Grade Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Made with Fresh and Recycled Brick Aggregates
Authors: Islam Md. Shariful , Siddique Mohammad Al Amin
Published: March 2017

In recent years, recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) have been widely accepted in construction sectors as the replacement of coarse aggregate in order to minimize the excessive use of natural resources. In this paper, an experimental investigation is carried out to observe the influence of low grade steel fiber reinforcements on the stress-strain behavior of concrete made with recycled and fresh brick aggregates. In addition, compressive strength by destructive and nondestructive tests, splitting tensile strength, and Young’s modulus are determined. Hooked end steel wires with 50 mm of length and an aspect ratio of 55.6 are used as fiber reinforcements in a volume fraction of 0% (control case), 0.50%, and 1.00% in concrete mixes. The same gradation of aggregates and water-cement ratio (w/c=0.44) were used to assess the effect of steel fiber in all these concrete mixes. All tests were conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days to perceive the effect of age on different mechanical properties. The experimental results show that around 10%～15% and 40%～60% increase in 28 days compressive strength and tensile strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete, respectively, compared to those of the control case. It is observed that the effect of addition of 1% fiber on the concrete compressive strength is little compared to that of 0.5% steel fiber addition. On the other hand, strain of concrete at failure of steel fiber reinforced concrete has increased almost twice compared to the control case. A simple analytical model is also proposed to generate the ascending portions of the stress-strain curve of concrete. There exists a good correlation between the experimental results and the analytical model. A relatively ductile failure is observed for the concrete made with low grade steel fibers.
Performance and Flow Field of a Gravitation Vortex Type Water Turbine
Authors: Nishi Yasuyuki , Inagaki Terumi
Published: March 2017

A gravitation vortex type water turbine, which mainly comprises a runner and a tank, generates electricity by introducing a flow of water into the tank and using the gravitation vortex generated when the water drains from the bottom of the tank. This water turbine is capable of generating electricity using a low head and a low flow rate with relatively simple structure. However, because its flow field has a free surface, this water turbine is extremely complicated, and thus its relevance to performance for the generation of electricity has not been clarified. This study aims to clarify the performance and flow field of a gravitation vortex type water turbine. We conducted experiments and numerical analysis, taking the free surface into consideration. As a result, the experimental and computational values of the torque, turbine output, turbine efficiency, and effective head agreed with one another. The performance of this water turbine can be predicted by this analysis. It has been shown that when the rotational speed increases at the runner inlet, the forward flow area expands. However, when the air area decreases, the backward flow area also expands.
Leader-Follower Fixed-Time Group Consensus Control of Multiagent Systems under Directed Topology
Authors: Shang Yilun , Ye Yamei
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the fixed-time group consensus problem for a leader-follower network of integrators with directed topology. A nonlinear distributed control protocol, based on local information, is proposed such that the follower agents in each subgroup are able to track their corresponding leaders in a prescribed convergence time regardless of the initial conditions. Simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the availability of our theoretical results.
Sunspots Time‐Series Prediction Based on Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Li Guohui , Wang Siliang
Published: March 2017

The sunspot numbers are the major target which describes the solar activity level. Long‐term prediction of sunspot activity is of great importance for aerospace, communication, disaster prevention, and so on. To improve the prediction accuracy of sunspot time series, the prediction model based on complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) and wavelet neural network (WNN) is proposed. First, the sunspot time series are decomposed by CEEMD to obtain a set of intrinsic modal functions (IMFs). Then, the IMFs and residuals are reconstructed to obtain the training samples and the prediction samples, and these samples are trained and predicted by WNN. Finally, the reconstructed IMFs and residuals are the final prediction results. Five kinds of prediction models are compared, which are BP neural network prediction model, WNN prediction model, empirical mode decomposition and WNN hybrid prediction model, ensemble empirical mode decomposition and WNN hybrid prediction model, and the proposed method in this paper. The same sunspot time series are predicted with five kinds of prediction models. The experimental results show that the proposed model has better prediction accuracy and smaller error.
Metals Are Important Contact Sensitizers: An Experience from Lithuania
Authors: Linauskienė Kotryna , Malinauskienė Laura , Blažienė Audra
Published: March 2017

Background.Metals are very frequent sensitizers causing contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis worldwide; up-to-date data based on patch test results has proved useful for the identification of a problem.Objectives.In this retrospective study prevalence of contact allergy to metals (nickel, chromium, palladium, gold, cobalt, and titanium) in Lithuania is analysed.Patients/Methods.Clinical and patch test data of 546 patients patch tested in 2014–2016, in Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, was analysed and compared with previously published data.Results.Almost third of tested patients (29.56%) were sensitized to nickel. Younger women were more often sensitized to nickel than older ones (36% versus 22.8%,p=0.0011). Women were significantly more often sensitized to nickel than men (33% versus 6.1%,p<0.0001). Younger patients were more often sensitized to cobalt (11.6% versus 5.7%,p=0.0183). Sensitization to cobalt was related to sensitization to nickel (p<0.0001). Face dermatitis and oral discomfort were related to gold allergy (28% versus 6.9% dermatitis of other parts,p<0.0001). Older patients were patch test positive to gold(I) sodium thiosulfate statistically significantly more often than younger ones (44.44% versus 21.21%,p=0.0281).Conclusions.Nickel, gold, cobalt, and chromium are leading metal sensitizers in Lithuania. Cobalt sensitization is often accompanied by sensitization to nickel. Sensitivity rate to palladium and nickel indicates possible cross-reactivity. No sensitization to titanium was found.
An Improved Belief Entropy and Its Application in Decision-Making
Authors: Zhou Deyun , Tang Yongchuan , Jiang Wen
Published: March 2017

Uncertainty measure in data fusion applications is a hot topic; quite a few methods have been proposed to measure the degree of uncertainty in Dempster-Shafer framework. However, the existing methods pay little attention to the scale of the frame of discernment (FOD), which means a loss of information. Due to this reason, the existing methods cannot measure the difference of uncertain degree among different FODs. In this paper, an improved belief entropy is proposed in Dempster-Shafer framework. The proposed belief entropy takes into consideration more available information in the body of evidence (BOE), including the uncertain information modeled by the mass function, the cardinality of the proposition, and the scale of the FOD. The improved belief entropy is a new method for uncertainty measure in Dempster-Shafer framework. Based on the new belief entropy, a decision-making approach is designed. The validity of the new belief entropy is verified according to some numerical examples and the proposed decision-making approach.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Undiscovered Sigmoid Colon Cancer
Authors: Po-Yen Huang , Po-Ming Ku
Published: March 2017

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a stress-related cardiomyopathy that is characterized by reversible left systolic dysfunction, which appears to be precipitated by sudden emotional or physical stress in the absence of myocardial infarction. Here we present a rare case that clinically presented with intermittent abdominal pain, initially impressed as non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure but with a normal coronary angiogram. Her symptoms relieved spontaneously without returning. Sigmoid colon cancer was diagnosed via colonoscopy later due to persistent abdominal discomfort. In the absence of detectable emotional or physical stress factors, the newly diagnosed sigmoid colon cancer was the only possible trigger factor of TTC. We offer this case as a reminder that cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with the etiology of TTC.
Household Food Insecurity and Its Association with Nutritional Status of Children 6–59 Months of Age in East Badawacho District, South Ethiopia
Authors: Betebo Bealu , Ejajo Tekle , Alemseged Fissahaye , Massa Desalegn
Published: March 2017

Background. Ethiopia has one of the highest child malnutrition rates in the world. Food insecurity is one of the determinant factors of malnutrition in developing countries; however its role remains unclear.Objective. To assess household food insecurity and its association with the nutritional status of children 6–59 months of age in East Badawacho District, South Ethiopia.Methods. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20 to 30, 2014 on a sample of 508 mother/child pairs of 6–59-month-old children. Sample households with eligible children were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify factors associated with nutritional status of children.Pvalue of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Result. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 75.8%. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children were 45.6%, 26.3%, and 14.6%, respectively. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with underweight (AOR = 3.82; CI = 1.78–8.19) and stunting (AOR = 6.7; CI = 3.71–12.1) but not with wasting.Conclusion and Recommendation. Household food insecurity and the prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting, among children 6 to 59 months, were high. Intervention programs should focus on improving household food insecurity and nutritional status of children.
Endovascular Stent Grafting for Aortic Arch Aneurysm in Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease following Aortic Arch Debranching and Aortobifemoral Reconstruction
Authors: Oztas Didem Melis , Canbay Cagla , Onal Yilmaz , Beyaz Metin Onur , Sayin Omer Ali , Barburoglu Mehmet , Buget Mehmet , Yornuk Mesut , Ari Aziz , Ugurlucan Murat , Acunas Bulent , Alpagut Ufuk , Dayioglu Enver
Published: March 2017

Treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms constitutes high mortality and morbidity rates despite improvements in surgery, anesthesia, and technology. Endovascular stent grafting may be an alternative therapy with lower risks when compared with conventional techniques. However, sometimes the branches of the aortic arch may require transport to the proximal segments prior to successful thoracic aortic endovascular stent grafting. Atherosclerosis is accounted among the etiology of both aneurysms and occlusive diseases that can coexist in the same patient. In these situations stent grafting may even be more complicated. In this report, we present the treatment of a 92-year-old patient with aortic arch aneurysm and proximal descending aortic aneurysm. For successful thoracic endovascular stent grafting, the patient needed an alternative route other than the native femoral and iliac arteries for the deployment of the stent graft. In addition, debranching of left carotid and subclavian arteries from the aortic arch was also required for successful exclusion of the thoracic aneurysm.
Application of Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method for Solving a Class of Nonlinear Integral Equations
Authors: Farzaneh Javan Sedigheh , Abbasbandy Saeid , Fariborzi Araghi M. Ali
Published: March 2017

A new approach based on the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method is proposed to approximate the solution of the second‐kind nonlinear integral equations. In this case, the Gram‐Schmidt process is substituted by another process so that a satisfactory result is obtained. In this method, the solution is expressed in the form of a series. Furthermore, the convergence of the proposed technique is proved. In order to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the method, four sample integral equations arising in electromagnetics are solved via the given algorithm.
Collagen Sponge Functionalized with Chimeric Anti-BMP-2 Monoclonal Antibody Mediates Repair of Critical-Size Mandibular Continuity Defects in a Nonhuman Primate Model
Authors: Xie Yilin , Su Yingying , Min Seiko , Tang Jianxia , Goh Bee Tin , Saigo Leonardo , Ansari Sahar , Moshaverinia Alireza , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Jinsong , Liu Yi , Khojasteh Arash , Zadeh Homayoun H. , Wang Songlin
Published: March 2017

Antibody-mediated osseous regeneration (AMOR) has been introduced by our research group as a tissue engineering approach to capture of endogenous growth factors through the application of specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) immobilized on a scaffold. Specifically, anti-Bone Morphogenetic Protein- (BMP-) 2 mAbs have been demonstrated to be efficacious in mediating bone repair in a number of bone defects. The present study sought to investigate the application of AMOR for repair of mandibular continuity defect in nonhuman primates. Critical-sized mandibular continuity defects were created in Macaca fascicularis locally implanted with absorbable collagen sponges (ACS) functionalized with chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb or isotype control mAb. 2D and 3D analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging demonstrated increased bone density and volume observed within mandibular continuity defects implanted with collagen scaffolds functionalized with anti-BMP-2 mAb, compared with isotype-matched control mAb. Both CBCT imaging and histologic examination demonstrated de novo bone formation that was in direct apposition to the margins of the resected bone. It is hypothesized that bone injury may be necessary for AMOR. This is evidenced by de novo bone formation adjacent to resected bone margins, which may be the source of endogenous BMPs captured by anti-BMP-2 mAb, in turn mediating bone repair.
Recent Developments of Photovoltaics Integrated with Battery Storage Systems and Related Feed-In Tariff Policies: A Review
Authors: Bayod-Rújula Angel A. , Burgio Alessandro , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Menniti Daniele , Pinnarelli Anna , Sorrentino Nicola
Published: March 2017

The paper presents a review of the recent developments of photovoltaics integrated with battery storage systems (PV-BESs) and related to feed-in tariff policies. The integrated photovoltaic battery systems are separately discussed in the regulatory context of Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Australia, and Greece; the attention of this paper is focused on those integrated systems subject to incentivisation policies such as feed-in tariff. Most of the contributions reported in this paper consider already existing incentive schemes; the remaining part of the contributions proposes interesting and novel feed-in tariff schemes. All the contributions provide an important resource for carrying out further research on a new era of incentive policies in order to promote storage technologies and integrated photovoltaic battery systems in smart grids and smart cities. Recent incentive policies adopted in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia are also discussed.
Establishment of Passive Energy Conservation Measure and Economic Evaluation of Fenestration System in Nonresidential Building of Korea
Authors: Choi Bo-Eun , Shin Ji-Hyun , Lee Jin-Hyun , Kim Sun-Sook , Cho Young-Hum
Published: March 2017

ECO2 (building energy efficiency rating program) and passive energy conservation measures (ECMs) were established as a basic study for targeted methodologies and decision support systems development in Korea to meet national regulations. The primary energy consumption and economic evaluation of nonresidential buildings was performed. Passive ECMs were classified as planning and performance elements. The planning elements are the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and horizontal shading angle. The performance elements are the thermal transmittance (U-value) of the walls, roof, and floor and the U-value and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of windows. This study focused on the window-to-wall ratio and the U-value and solar heat gain coefficient of windows. An economic efficiency database for the constructed alternatives was built; the target building was set and the Passive ECM List for the target building was derived. The energy consumption evaluation and economic evaluation were performed for each of the constructed alternatives, and a methodology for guiding energy efficiency decisions was proposed based on the performance evaluation results, and the optimal Passive ECM List for the target building was derived.
Dental Age in Orthodontic Patients with Different Skeletal Patterns
Authors: Lauc Tomislav , Nakaš Enita , Latić-Dautović Melina , Džemidžić Vildana , Tiro Alisa , Rupić Ivana , Kostić Mirjana , Galić Ivan
Published: March 2017

Objective. To evaluate the difference between chronological and dental age, calculated by Willems and Cameriere methods, in various skeletal patterns according to Steiner’s ANB Classification.Methods. This retrospective cross-sectional study comprised the sample of 776 participants aged between 7 and 15 years (368 males and 408 females). For each participant, panoramic images (OPT) and laterolateral cephalograms (LC) were collected from the medical database. On LC ANB angle was measured; on OPT dental age (DA) was calculated while chronological age (CA) and sex were recorded. The sample was divided into three subgroups (Class I, Class II, and Class III) with similar distribution based on the chronological age and ANB angle. CA was calculated as the difference between the date of OPT imaging and the date of birth, while DA was evaluated using Willems and Cameriere methods. ANB angle was measured on LC by two independent investigators using the cephalometric software. Differences between sexes and the difference between dental and chronological age were tested by independent and paired samplest-test, respectively; one-way ANOVA was used to test differences among ANB classes with Tukey post hoc test to compare specific pairs of ANB classes.Results. The significant difference was found between Class III and other two skeletal classes in males using both dental age estimation methods. In Class III males dental age was ahead averagely by 0.41 years when using Willems method, while Cameriere method overestimated CA for 0.22 years.Conclusion. In males with Class III skeletal pattern, dental development is faster than in Classes I and II skeletal pattern. This faster development is not present in females.
Practicalm-k-Anonymization for Collaborative Data Publishing without Trusted Third Party
Authors: Hua Jingyu , Tang An , Pan Qingyun , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond , Ding Hong , Ren Yizhi
Published: March 2017

In collaborative data publishing (CDP), anm-adversary attack refers to a scenario where up tommalicious data providers collude to infer data records contributed by other providers. Existing solutions either rely on a trusted third party (TTP) or introduce expensive computation and communication overheads. In this paper, we present a practical distributedk-anonymization scheme,m-k-anonymization, designed to defend againstm-adversary attacks without relying on any TTPs. We then prove its security in the semihonest adversary model and demonstrate how an extension of the scheme can also be proven secure in a stronger adversary model. We also evaluate its efficiency using a commonly used dataset.
Early Programming of Obesity Throughout the Life Course: A Metabolomics Perspective
Authors: Rauschert Sebastian , Kirchberg Franca F. , Marchioro Linda , Koletzko Berthold , Hellmuth Christian , Uhl Olaf
Published: March 2017

Background: Over the last decades, research on early life risk factors for obesity and its comorbidities in early life has gained attention within the field of developmental origins of health and diseases. Metabolomics studies that are trying to find early life biomarker and intervention targets for the early development of obesity and associated cardiovascular diseases could help break the inter-generational cycle of obesity. Summary: Metabolomics studies in the field of early programming are scarce and causality is lacking at this stage, as most of the studies are cross-sectional. The main metabolites in the focus of obesity are branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins. Sex and puberty have not been considered in most of the biomarker studies, but show differences in the metabolite associations to obesity. Key Messages: There is still a lot unknown about the associations between early programming exposures, metabolite concentrations, and the development of obesity. The few studies focusing on this topic find similar metabolite classes in the same age groups being associated with rapid early growth or obesity; but due to differences in the methodological and statistical approaches, the single species often differ. Therefore, more research, preferably with standardized approaches, is needed.
Optimal Planning of an Off-grid Electricity Generation with Renewable Energy Resources using the HOMER Software
Authors: Shahinzadeh Hossein , Gharehpetian Gevork B. , Fathi S. Hamid , Nasr-Azadani Sayed Mohsen
Published: March 2017

In recent years, several factors such as environmental pollution which is caused by fossil fuels and various diseases caused by them from one hand and concerns about the dwindling fossil fuels and price fluctuation of the products and resulting effects of these fluctuations in the economy from other hand has led most countries to seek alternative energy sources for fossil fuel supplies. Such a way that in 2006, about 18% of the consumed energy of the world is obtained through renewable energies. Iran is among the countries that are geographically located in hot and dry areas and has the most sun exposure in different months of the year. Except in the coasts of Caspian Sea, the percentage of sunny days throughout the year is between 63 to 98 percent in Iran. On the other hand, there are dispersed and remote areas and loads far from national grid which is impossible to provide electrical energy for them through transmission from national grid, therefore, for such cases the renewable energy technologies could be used to solve the problem and provide the energy. In this paper, technical and economic feasibility for the use of renewable energies for independent systems of the grid for a dispersed load in the area on the outskirts of Isfahan (Sepahan) with the maximum energy consumption of 3Kwh in a day is studied and presented. In addition, the HOMER simulation software is used as the optimization tool.
Experimental Study of the Boost Converter under Current Mode Control
Authors: Gozim Djamal , Guesmi Kamel , Mahi Djilali
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the practical analysis of Boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode under current control. We start by theconverter modeling, then experimental results will be exposed where we propose an experimental circuit, to study the influence of the variation of different circuit parameters such as reference current, input voltage and load. We also analyze the control technique performances. The experimental results are given and interpreted in each case.
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Emulator Using PI Controlled Buck Converter
Authors: Shekhar Das Himadry , Tan Chee Wei , Yatim AHM , Bin Muhamad Nik Din
Published: March 2017

Alternative energy technologies are being popular for power generation applications nowadays. Among others, Fuel cell (FC) technology is quite popular. However, the FC unit is costly and vulnerable to any disturbances in input parameters. Thus, to perform research and experimentation, Fuel cell emulators (FCE) can be useful. FCEs can replicate actual FC behavior in different operating conditions. Thus, by using it the application area can be determined. In this study, a FCE system is modelled using MATLAB/Simulink®. The FCE system consists of a buck DC-DC converter and a proportional integral (PI) based controller incorporating an electrochemical model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The PEMFC model is used to generate reference voltage of the controller which takes the load current as a requirement. The characteristics are compared with Ballard Mark V 5kW PEMFC stack specifications obtained from the datasheet. The results show that the FCE system is a suitable replacement of real PEMFC stack and can be used for research and development purpose.
МОНІТОРИНГ ЗНАНЬ СТУДЕНТІВ ПЕРШИХ КУРСІВ ЧОРТКІВСЬКОГО ДЕРЖАВНОГО МЕДИЧНОГО КОЛЕДЖУ ЩОДО ПРОБЛЕМ ЙОДОДЕФІЦИТУ
Authors: Senyuk L. V. , Pasyechko N. V.
Published: March 2017

У статті висвітлено питання обізнаності студентів стосовно проблем йододефіциту.
ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ МАЙБУТНІХ МЕДИЧНИХ СЕСТЕР
Authors: Zadyraka L. V.
Published: March 2017

У статті здійснено теоретичний аналіз впливу індивідуальних особливостей майбутніх медичних сестер на професійне становлення та розвиток професійноважливих характеристик особистості для самореалізації в майбутній професії.
Echo Parameters for Differential Diagnosis in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Pagourelias Efstathios D. , Mirea Oana , Duchenne Jürgen , Van Cleemput Johan , Delforge Michel , Bogaert Jan , Kuznetsova Tatyana , Voigt Jens-Uwe
Published: March 2017

Background—

A plethora of echo parameters has been suggested for distinguishing cardiac amyloidosis (CA) from other causes of myocardial thickening with, however, scarce data on their head-to-head comparison. This study aimed at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of various deformation and conventional echo parameters in differentiating CA from other hypertrophic substrates, especially in the gray zone of mild hypertrophy (maximum wall thickness ≤16 mm) or normal ejection fraction (EF).

Methods and Results—

We included 100 subjects, of which 40 were patients with newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven CA (65.5±10.8 years, 65% male, 62.5% amyloidosis light chain [AL] type), 40 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy matched for demographics and maximum wall thickness (60.1±14.8 years, 85% male), and 20 hypertensives with prominent myocardial remodeling. Quantifiable conventional morphological and functional parameters along with multidimensional strain and strain-derived ratios indices, previously suggested to diagnose CA, were analyzed. EF global longitudinal strain ratio showed the best performance to discriminate CA (area under the curve, 0.95; 95% confidence intervals, 0.89–0.98;
P
<0.00005). Traditional echo indices showed overall low sensitivities and high specificities (among them myocardial contraction fraction ratio had the highest area under the curve, 0.80; 95% confidence intervals, 0.7–0.87;
P
<0.0001). In the challenging subgroups (maximum wall thickness ≤16 mm and EF>55%), EF global longitudinal strain ratio remained the best predicting parameter of CA diagnosis (multiple logistic regression models
P
<0.00005 and
P
=0.0002, respectively) independent of the CA type.

Conclusions—

Our study demonstrated that in patients with thickened hearts, EF global longitudinal strain ratio has the best accuracy in detecting CA, even among the most “challenging” patient subgroups as those with mild hypertrophy and normal EF.
Noninvasive Imaging in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Burchill Luke J. , Huang Jennifer , Tretter Justin T. , Khan Abigail M. , Crean Andrew M. , Veldtman Gruschen R. , Kaul Sanjiv , Broberg Craig S.
Published: March 2017

Multimodality cardiovascular imaging plays a central role in caring for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD clinicians and scientists are interested not only in cardiac morphology but also in the maladaptive ventricular responses and extracellular changes predisposing to adverse outcomes in this population. Expertise in the applications, strengths, and pitfalls of these cardiovascular imaging techniques as they relate to CHD is essential. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of cardiovascular imaging in CHD. We focus on the role of 3 widely used noninvasive imaging techniques in CHD—echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac computed tomography. Consideration is given to the common goals of cardiac imaging in CHD, including assessment of structural and residual heart disease before and after surgery, quantification of ventricular volume and function, stress imaging, shunt quantification, and tissue characterization. Extracardiac imaging is highlighted as an increasingly important aspect of CHD care.