bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controversies in Narcissism
Authors: Miller Joshua D. , Lynam Donald R. , Hyatt Courtland S. , Campbell W. Keith
Published: March 2017

There has been a surge in interest in and research on narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Despite or because of this increased attention, there are several areas of substantial debate that surround the construct, including descriptions of grandiose and vulnerable dimensions or variants, questions regarding the existence of a consensual description, central versus peripheral features of narcissism, distinctions between normal and pathological narcissism, possible etiological factors, the role of self-esteem in narcissism, where narcissism should be studied, how it can be assessed, and its representation in diagnostic nosologies. We suggest that a failure to distinguish between grandiose (i.e., overtly immodest, self-centered, entitled, domineering) and vulnerable (e.g., self-centered, distrustful, neurotic, introverted) presentations of narcissism has led to a less cohesive and coherent literature and that trait-based models of personality and personality disorder can bring greater clarity to many of these important debates.
Synthetic Two-Dimensional Polymers
Authors: Servalli Marco , Schlüter A. Dieter
Published: March 2017

Synthetic two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) are an emerging subclass of 2D materials that are accessible by mild and rational synthesis procedures. Because of their structure, which is reminiscent of a molecular fisherman's net, 2DPs strongly differ from conventional linear polymers. They are expected to show applications in fields such as gas separation, nonlinear optics, and miniaturization of optical devices. The article sketches the historic development that led to the first fully proven representatives, describing each case in detail and comparing the current main access routes. Insights into some application aspects are also given. Alternative synthesis routes are also presented, together with the critical analytical issues. Structure analysis is perhaps the greatest challenge in this field, which arises with regard to proving the periodic structure of a 2DP. This article intends to stimulate the interest of an interdisciplinary community to join forces to develop this promising field even more quickly.
Multiple AMPK activators inhibit l-carnitine uptake in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes
Authors: Shaw Andy , Jeromson Stewart , Watterson Kenneth R. , Pediani John D. , Gallagher Iain J. , Whalley Tim , Dreczkowski Gillian , Brooks Naomi , Galloway Stuart D. , Hamilton D. Lee
Published: March 2017

Mutations in the gene that encodes the principal l-carnitine transporter, OCTN2, can lead to a reduced intracellular l-carnitine pool and the disease Primary Carnitine Deficiency. l-Carnitine supplementation is used therapeutically to increase intracellular l-carnitine. As AMPK and insulin regulate fat metabolism and substrate uptake, we hypothesized that AMPK-activating compounds and insulin would increase l-carnitine uptake in C2C12 myotubes. The cells express all three OCTN transporters at the mRNA level, and immunohistochemistry confirmed expression at the protein level. Contrary to our hypothesis, despite significant activation of PKB and 2DG uptake, insulin did not increase l-carnitine uptake at 100 nM. However, l-carnitine uptake was modestly increased at a dose of 150 nM insulin. A range of AMPK activators that increase intracellular calcium content [caffeine (10 mM, 5 mM, 1 mM, 0.5 mM), A23187 (10 μM)], inhibit mitochondrial function [sodium azide (75 μM), rotenone (1 μM), berberine (100 μM), DNP (500 μM)], or directly activate AMPK [AICAR (250 μM)] were assessed for their ability to regulate l-carnitine uptake. All compounds tested significantly inhibited l-carnitine uptake. Inhibition by caffeine was not dantrolene (10 μM) sensitive despite dantrolene inhibiting caffeine-mediated calcium release. Saturation curve analysis suggested that caffeine did not competitively inhibit l-carnitine transport. To assess the potential role of AMPK in this process, we assessed the ability of the AMPK inhibitor Compound C (10 μM) to rescue the effect of caffeine. Compound C offered a partial rescue of l-carnitine uptake with 0.5 mM caffeine, suggesting that AMPK may play a role in the inhibitory effects of caffeine. However, caffeine likely inhibits l-carnitine uptake by alternative mechanisms independently of calcium release. PKA activation or direct interference with transporter function may play a role.
Helminths in the gastrointestinal tract as modulators of immunity and pathology
Authors: Varyani Fumi , Fleming John O. , Maizels Rick M.
Published: March 2017

Helminth parasites are highly prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries, in which inflammatory bowel disease and other immunopathologies are less frequent than in the developed world. Many of the most common helminths establish themselves in the gastrointestinal tract and can exert counter-inflammatory influences on the host immune system. For these reasons, interest has arisen as to how parasites may ameliorate intestinal inflammation and whether these organisms, or products they release, could offer future therapies for immune disorders. In this review, we discuss interactions between helminth parasites and the mucosal immune system, as well as the progress being made toward identifying mechanisms and molecular mediators through which it may be possible to attenuate pathology in the intestinal tract.
Thermoregulatory responses to exercise at a fixed rate of heat production are not altered by acute hypoxia
Authors: Coombs Geoff B. , Cramer Matthew N. , Ravanelli Nicholas , Imbeault Pascal , Jay Ollie
Published: March 2017

This study sought to assess the within-subject influence of acute hypoxia on exercise-induced changes in core temperature and sweating. Eight participants [1.75 (0.06) m, 70.2 (6.8) kg, 25 (4) yr, 54 (8) ml·kg−1·min−1] completed 45 min of cycling, once in normoxia (NORM; [Formula: see text] = 0.21) and twice in hypoxia (HYP1/HYP2; [Formula: see text]= 0.13) at 34.4(0.2)°C, 46(3)% RH. These trials were designed to elicit 1) two distinctly different %V̇o2peak [NORM: 45 (8)% and HYP1: 62 (7)%] at the same heat production (Hprod) [NORM: 6.7 (0.6) W/kg and HYP1: 7.0 (0.5) W/kg]; and 2) the same %V̇o2peak [NORM: 45 (8)% and HYP2: 48 (5)%] with different Hprod [NORM: 6.7 (0.6) W/kg and HYP2: 5.5 (0.6) W/kg]. At a fixed %V̇o2peak, changes in rectal temperature (ΔTre) and changes in esophageal temperature (ΔTes) were greater at end-exercise in NORM [ΔTre: 0.76 (0.19)°C; ΔTes: 0.64 (0.22)°C] compared with HYP2 [ΔTre: 0.56 (0.22)°C, P < 0.01; ΔTes: 0.42 (0.21)°C, P < 0.01]. As a result of a greater Hprod ( P < 0.01) in normoxia, and therefore evaporative heat balance requirements, to maintain a similar %V̇o2peak compared with hypoxia, mean local sweat rates (LSR) from the forearm, upper back, and forehead were greater (all P < 0.01) in NORM [1.10 (0.20) mg·cm−2·min−1] compared with HYP2 [0.71 (0.19) mg·cm−2·min−1]. However, at a fixed Hprod, ΔTre [0.75 (0.24)°C; P = 0.77] and ΔTes [0.63 (0.29)°C; P = 0.69] were not different in HYP1, compared with NORM. Likewise, mean LSR [1.11 (0.20) mg·cm−2·min−1] was not different ( P = 0.84) in HYP1 compared with NORM. These data demonstrate, using a within-subjects design, that hypoxia does not independently influence thermoregulatory responses. Additionally, further evidence is provided to support that metabolic heat production, irrespective of %V̇o2peak, determines changes in core temperature and sweating during exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a within-subject design, hypoxia does not independently alter core temperature and sweating during exercise at a fixed rate of heat production. These findings also further contribute to the development of a methodological framework for assessing differences in thermoregulatory responses to exercise between various populations and individuals. Using the combined environmental stressors of heat and hypoxia we conclusively demonstrate that exercise intensity relative to aerobic capacity (i.e., %V̇o2max) does not influence changes in thermoregulatory responses.
Astrophysical Aspects of Neutrino Dynamics in Ultradegenerate Quark Gluon Plasma
Authors: Adhya Souvik Priyam
Published: March 2017

The cardinal focus of the present review is to explore the role of neutrinos originating from the ultradense core of neutron stars composed of quark gluon plasma in the astrophysical scenario. The collective excitations of the quarks involving the neutrinos through the different kinematical processes have been studied. The cooling of the neutron stars as well as pulsar kicks due to asymmetric neutrino emission has been discussed in detail. Results involving calculation of relevant physical quantities like neutrino mean free path and emissivity have been presented in the framework of non-Fermi liquid behavior as applicable to ultradegenerate plasma.
Convergence Rates and Limit Theorems for the Dual Markov Branching Process
Authors: Pakes Anthony G.
Published: March 2017

This paper studies aspects of the Siegmund dual of the Markov branching process. The principal results are optimal convergence rates of its transition function and limit theorems in the case that it is not positive recurrent. Additional discussion is given about specifications of the Markov branching process and its dual. The dualising Markov branching processes need not be regular or even conservative.
A Modified Pareto Ant Colony Optimization Approach to Solve Biobjective Weapon-Target Assignment Problem
Authors: Li You , Kou Yingxin , Li Zhanwu , Xu An , Chang Yizhe
Published: March 2017

The weapon-target assignment (WTA) problem, known as an NP-complete problem, aims at seeking a proper assignment of weapons to targets. The biobjective WTA (BOWTA) optimization model which maximizes the expected damage of the enemy and minimizes the cost of missiles is designed in this paper. A modified Pareto ant colony optimization (MPACO) algorithm is used to solve the BOWTA problem. In order to avoid defects in traditional optimization algorithms and obtain a set of Pareto solutions efficiently, MPACO algorithm based on new designed operators is proposed, including a dynamic heuristic information calculation approach, an improved movement probability rule, a dynamic evaporation rate strategy, a global updating rule of pheromone, and a boundary symmetric mutation strategy. In order to simulate real air combat, the pilot operation factor is introduced into the BOWTA model. Finally, we apply the MPACO algorithm and other algorithms to the model and compare the data. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is successfully applied in the field of WTA which improves the performance of the traditional P-ACO algorithm effectively and produces better solutions than the two well-known multiobjective optimization algorithms NSGA-II and SPEA-II.
Probabilistic Forecasting of Traffic Flow Using Multikernel Based Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Xing Yiming , Ban Xiaojuan , Guo Chong
Published: March 2017

Real-time and accurate prediction of traffic flow is the key to intelligent transportation systems (ITS). However, due to the nonstationarity of traffic flow data, traditional point forecasting can hardly be accurate, so probabilistic forecasting methods are essential for quantification of the potential risks and uncertainties for traffic management. A probabilistic forecasting model of traffic flow based on a multikernel extreme learning machine (MKELM) is proposed. Moreover, the optimal output weights of MKELM are obtained by utilizing Quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm. To verify its effectiveness, traffic flow probabilistic prediction using QPSO-MKELM was compared with other learning methods. Experimental results show that QPSO-MKELM is more effective for practical applications. And it will help traffic managers to make right decisions.
Statistical Prior Aided Separate Compressed Image Sensing for Green Internet of Multimedia Things
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Zhang Tiantian , Jiao Jian , Yang Jingran , Zhang Qinyu
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we aim to propose an image compression and reconstruction strategy under the compressed sensing (CS) framework to enable the green computation and communication for the Internet of Multimedia Things (IoMT). The core idea is to explore the statistics of image representations in the wavelet domain to aid the reconstruction method design. Specifically, the energy distribution of natural images in the wavelet domain is well characterized by an exponential decay model and then used in the two-step separate image reconstruction method, by which the row-wise (or column-wise) intermediates and column-wise (or row-wise) final results are reconstructed sequentially. Both the intermediates and the final results are constrained to conform with the statistical prior by using a weight matrix. Two recovery strategies with different levels of complexity, namely, the direct recovery with fixed weight matrix (DR-FM) and the iterative recovery with refined weight matrix (IR-RM), are designed to obtain different quality of recovery. Extensive simulations show that both DR-FM and IR-RM can achieve much better image reconstruction quality with much faster recovery speed than traditional methods.
Revisiting Hemicraniectomy: Late Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke and the Role of Infarct Growth Rate
Authors: Kamran Saadat , Akhtar Naveed , Salam Abdul , Alboudi Ayman , Kamran Kainat , Ahmed Arsalan , Khan Rabia A. , Mirza Mohsin K. , Inshasi Jihad , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: March 2017

Objective and Methods.The outcome in late decompressive hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery stroke and the optimal timings of surgery has not been addressed by the randomized trials and pooled analysis. Retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study to measure outcome following DHC under 48 or over 48 hours using the modified Rankin scale [mRS] and dichotomized as favorable ≤4 or unfavorable >4 at three months.Results.In total, 137 patients underwent DHC. Functional outcome analyzed as mRS 0–4 versus mRS 5-6 showed no difference in this split between early and late operated on patients [P=0.140] and mortality [P=0.975]. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 55 years, MCA with additional infarction, septum pellucidum deviation ≥1 cm, and uncal herniation were independent predictors of poor functional outcome at three months. In the “best” multivariate model, second infarct growth rate [IGR2] >7.5 ml/hr, MCA with additional infarction, and patients with temporal lobe involvement were independently associated with surgery under 48 hours. Both first infarct growth rate [IGR1] and second infarct growth rate [IGR2] were nearly double [P<0.001] in patients with early surgery [under 48 hours].Conclusions.The outcome and mortality in malignant middle cerebral artery stroke patients operated on over 48 hours of stroke onset were comparable to those of patients operated on less than 48 hours after stroke onset. Our data identifies IGR, temporal lobe involvement, and middle cerebral artery with additional infarct as independent predictors for early surgery.
Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Eriobotrya japonica Leaf Triterpene Acids in ICR Mice
Authors: Li Feng , Li Yijia , Li Qingxian , Shi Xianai , Guo Yanghao
Published: March 2017

The interest focusing on Eriobotrya japonica leaf triterpene acid (ELTA) has increased recently because of its beneficial effects on health. However, there has been a lack of experimental data on its toxicity. The present study therefore was conducted to evaluate its toxicity in ICR mice. The results showed that ELTA produced neither mortality nor toxicity of the main organs in ICR male and female mice in both acute (0.30, 0.65, 1.39, and 3.00 g·kg−1 body weight) and subacute (150, 300, and 600 mg·kg−1 BW) 28‐day toxicity studies. Because of lacking apparently adverse effects found in the hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology evaluation, results of the present study together with the beneficial effects make ELTA as a promising dietary supplement and indicated that ELTA administered orally might have a large safety margin for human.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Methamphetamine‐Induced Behavioral Changes in Mice
Authors: Ho Tsung-Jung , Lee Chiang-Wen , Lu Zi-Yun , Lane Hsien-Yuan , Tsai Ming-Horng , Ho Ing-Kang , Huang Chieh-Liang , Chiang Yao-Chang
Published: March 2017

Methamphetamine (METH) is a major drug of abuse worldwide, and no efficient therapeutic strategies for treating METH addiction are currently available. Continuous METH use can cause behavioral upregulation or psychosis. The dopaminergic pathways, particularly the neural circuitry from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), have a critical role in this behavioral stage. Acupuncture has been used for treating diseases in China for more than 2000 years. According to a World Health Organization report, acupuncture can be used to treat several functional disorders, including substance abuse. In addition, acupuncture is effective against opioids addiction. In this study, we used electroacupuncture (EA) for treating METH‐induced behavioral changes and investigated the possible therapeutic mechanism. Results showed that EA at the unilateral Zhubin (KI9)–Taichong (LR3) significantly reduced METH‐induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference. In addition, both dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels decreased but monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A) levels increased in the NAc of the METH‐treated mice receiving EA compared with those not receiving EA. EA may be a useful nonpharmacological approach for treating METH‐induced behavioral changes, probably because it reduces the METH‐induced TH expression and dopamine levels and raises MAO‐A expression in the NAc.
Cloud-Based Fault Tolerant Control for a DC Motor System
Authors: He Xiao , Ju Yamei , Liu Yang , Zhang Bangcheng
Published: March 2017

The fault tolerant control problem for a DC motor system is investigated in a cloud environment. Packet dropout phenomenon introduced by the limited-capacity communication channel is considered. Actuator faults are taken into consideration and fault diagnosis and fault tolerant control methods towards actuator faults are proposed to enhance the reliability of the whole cloud-based DC motor system. The fault diagnosis unit is then established with purpose of obtaining fault information. When the actuator fault is detected by comparing the residual signal with a predefined threshold, a residual matching approach is utilized to locate the fault. The fault can be further estimated by a least-squares filter. Based on the fault estimation, a fault tolerant controller is designed to guarantee the stability as well as the control performance of the DC motor system. Simulation result on a DC motor system shows the efficiency of the fault tolerant control method proposed in this paper.
Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy on Locally Advanced Rectal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Sun Yan-wu , Chi Pan , Lin Hui-ming , Lu Xing-rong , Huang Ying , Xu Zong-bin , Huang Sheng-hui , Wang Xiao-jie
Published: March 2017

Aims. To compare the surgical and oncological outcomes of rectal mucinous adenocarcinomas treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus surgery alone. Methods. A total of 167 locally advanced rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery alone between 2008 and 2014 were matched using propensity score; the surgical and oncological outcomes were compared. Results. Ninety-six patients were matched. Postoperative morbidity was similar between groups. Sphincter preservation rate was higher in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (79.2% versus 60.4%, P=0.045), especially for tumors ≥ 3 cm but ≤5 cm from the anal verge (75.0% versus 44.0%, P=0.036). With a median follow-up of 54.8 months, the 5-year overall survival rate (neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus surgery alone: 79.6% versus 67.1%; P=0.599) and disease-free survival rate (75.6% versus 64.2%; P=0.888) were similar. The 5-year local recurrence rate was lower in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (7.7% versus 26.0%, P=0.036), while no difference was observed in distant metastasis. A poor response to chemoradiation was associated with higher local recurrence (P=0.037). Conclusions. Compared with surgery alone, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was found to increase the sphincter preservation rate and reduce local recurrence, thus being beneficial for locally advanced rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma patients.
Effect of Quinacridone Pigments on Properties and Morphology of Injection Molded Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Barczewski Mateusz , Matykiewicz Danuta , Hoffmann Bartłomiej
Published: March 2017

Two quinacridone pigments were added (0.01; 0.05; 0.1; 0.5; 1; 2 wt%) to isotactic polypropylene (iPP), and their influence on mechanical and thermomechanical properties were investigated. Complex mechanical and thermomechanical iPP properties analyses, including static tensile test, Dynstat impact resistance measurement, and hardness test, as well as dynamic mechanic thermal analysis (DMTA), were realized in reference to morphological changes of polymeric materials. In order to understand the differences in modification efficiency and changes in polymorphism of polypropylene matrix caused by incorporation of pigments, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) experiments were done. Both pigments acted as highly effective nucleating agents that influence morphology and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene injection molded samples. Differences between polypropylene samples nucleated by two pigments may be attributed to different heterogeneous nucleation behavior dependent on pigment type. As it was proved by WAXS investigations, the addition of γ-quinacridone (E5B) led to crystallization of polypropylene in hexagonal phase (β-iPP), while for β-quinacridone (ER 02) modified polypropylene no evidence of iPP β-phase was observed.
Lifestyle‐Related Factors in the Self‐Management of Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Derksen Tess M. E. , Bours Martijn J. L. , Mols Floortje , Weijenberg Matty P.
Published: March 2017

Background. Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy treatment in colorectal cancer (CRC), negatively affecting the daily functioning and quality of life of CRC patients. Currently, there are no established treatments to prevent or reduce CIPN. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify lifestyle‐related factors that can aid in preventing or reducing CIPN, as such factors may promote self‐management options for CRC patients suffering from CIPN. Methods. A literature search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Original research articles investigating oxaliplatin‐related CIPN in CRC were eligible for inclusion. Results. In total, 22 articles were included, which suggested that dietary supplements, such as antioxidants and herbal extracts, as well as physical exercise and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, may have beneficial effects on preventing or reducing CIPN symptoms. However, many of the reviewed articles presented various limitations, including small sample sizes and heterogeneity in study design and measurements of CIPN. Conclusions. No strong conclusions can be drawn regarding the role of lifestyle‐related factors in the management of CIPN in CRC patients. Certain dietary supplements and physical exercise may be beneficial for the management of CIPN, but further research is warranted.
Experimental Study on Slope Deformation Monitoring Based on a Combined Optical Fiber Transducer
Authors: Zheng Yong , Liu Dong-Yan , Zhu Zheng-Wei , Liu Hong-Lin , Liu Bang
Published: March 2017

Landslide monitoring is very important in predicting the behavior of landslides, thereby ensuring environment, life, and property safety. On the basis of our previous studies, a novel combined optic fiber transducer (COFT) for landslides monitoring and the related analysis methods are presented. Based on the principles of optical fiber microbending loss, the empirical formula of the shearing displacement of sliding body versus optical loss was established through a stretching test of optical fiber bowknot. Then the COFT grouting direct shearing tests, a large-scale landslide model test, and numerical modeling verification with FLAC3D are carried out. According to the results, the initial measurement precision of the designed COFT in sandy clay is 1 mm; its monitoring sliding distance is larger than 26.5 mm. The calculated values based on empirical formula are in good agreement with the laboratory tests and numerical simulation results. When the ratio of cement and sand in mortar is 1 : 5, the error between the calculated displacement and the measured displacement of sliding surface is the smallest. The COFT with expandable polystyrene (EPS) as its base material performs better in monitoring sandy clay slopes because both the error and the mean square deviation of the empirical formula are smaller.
Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between NM23 Expression to Gastric Cancer Risk and Clinical Features
Authors: Fang Min , Tao Yifeng , Liu Zhimin , Huang Hao , Lao Min , Huang Lingsha , Zhu Bo
Published: March 2017

The prognostic value of reduced NM23 expression for gastric cancer (GC) patients is still contradictory. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the association of NM23 expression with GC risk and clinical features by analyzing 27 publications. The result of our meta-analysis indicated that NM23 expression is markedly reduced in gastric cancer tissues (OR = 3.15; 95% CI = 1.97–5.03;P<0.001). Furthermore, NM23 expression was negatively correlated with N stage, TNM stage, and histological grade. However, NM23 expression was not correlated with T stage, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and 5-year overall survival rate. In conclusion, reduced NM23 expression correlated with gastric cancer risk, but its association with GC clinical features remains inconclusive. Therefore, large-scale and well-designed studies, which use uniform antibody and criterion of NM23 positive expression, are required to further validate the role of the NM23 in predicting GC progression.
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Jamshidi Negar , Cohen Marc M.
Published: March 2017

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is indigenous to the Indian continent and highly revered for its medicinal uses within the Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems. Many in vitro, animal and human studies attest to tulsi having multiple therapeutic actions including adaptogenic, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, yet to date there are no systematic reviews of human research on tulsi’s clinical efficacy and safety. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of human studies that reported on a clinical outcome after ingestion of tulsi. We searched for studies published in books, theses, conference proceedings, and electronic databases including Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, and Indian Medical databases. A total of 24 studies were identified that reported therapeutic effects on metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immunity, and neurocognition. All studies reported favourable clinical outcomes with no studies reporting any significant adverse events. The reviewed studies reinforce traditional uses and suggest tulsi is an effective treatment for lifestyle‐related chronic diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. Further studies are required to explore mechanisms of action, clarify the dosage and dose form, and determine the populations most likely to benefit from tulsi’s therapeutic effects.
A Novel Histogram Region Merging Based Multithreshold Segmentation Algorithm for MR Brain Images
Authors: Liu Siyan , Shen Xuanjing , Feng Yuncong , Chen Haipeng
Published: March 2017

Multithreshold segmentation algorithm is time-consuming, and the time complexity will increase exponentially with the increase of thresholds. In order to reduce the time complexity, a novel multithreshold segmentation algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, all gray levels are used as thresholds, so the histogram of the original image is divided into 256 small regions, and each region corresponds to one gray level. Then, two adjacent regions are merged in each iteration by a new designed scheme, and a threshold is removed each time. To improve the accuracy of the merger operation, variance and probability are used as energy. No matter how many the thresholds are, the time complexity of the algorithm is stable at O(L). Finally, the experiment is conducted on many MR brain images to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experiment results show that our method can reduce the running time effectively and obtain segmentation results with high accuracy.
Can Consideration of the Microbiome Improve Antimicrobial Utilization and Treatment Outcomes in the Oncology Patient?
Authors: Galloway-Peña Jessica R. , Jenq Robert R. , Shelburne Samuel A.
Published: March 2017

The need to provide effective and timely antimicrobial treatment to cancer patients with infections is well recognized but tempered by preliminary, but accumulating, evidence that antibiotic-induced microbiome dysbiosis affects cancer therapy response, noninfectious toxicities, and infectious complications. Given only a minority of empirically treated cancer patients are proven to have a true bacterial infection, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of extensive broad-spectrum antimicrobial use on the commensal microbiota. Herein, we review the literature substantiating the dilemma oncologists face when treating suspected or documented infections with respect to the interaction between the host microbiome, antibiotics, and cancer-related clinical outcomes. We propose microbiome-based explorations that could assist oncologists in optimizing treatment strategies for cancer-related infections as well as the cancer itself. In addition, we discuss knowledge gaps and challenges in this nascent field that must be addressed to deliver medically relevant, translational applications. We anticipate that the emerging knowledge regarding the role of the microbiota in the health of cancer patients may cause a reappraisal of the manner in which antibiotics are used in the oncologic setting and how microorganisms are viewed by oncologists. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3263–8. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Fessler and Gajewski, p. 3229
Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Energy Conversion System
Authors: Kumari J.Surya , Saibabu Ch.
Published: March 2017

As the use of energy is increasing, the requirements for the quality of the supplied electrical energy are more tighten. Energy is the most basic and essential of all resources.  As conventional sources of energy are rapidly depleting and the cost of energy is rising, photovoltaic energy becomes a promising alternative source. Photovoltaic (PV) generation is becoming increasingly important as a renewable source since it exhibits a great many merits such as cleanness, little maintenance and no noise. The output power of PV arrays is always changing with weather conditions, i.e., solar irradiation and atmospheric temperature. Therefore, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control to extract maximum power from the PV arrays at real time becomes indispensable in PV generation system. In recent years, a large number of techniques have been proposed for tracking the maximum power point (MPP). MPPT is used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximize the photovoltaic array output power, irrespective of the temperature and radiation conditions and of the load electrical characteristics the PV array output power is used to directly control the dc/dc converter, thus reducing the complexity of the system. The resulting system has high-efficiency. This paper presents in details comparison  of most popular MPPT algorithms techniques which are Perturb & Observe algorithm(P&O) and Improved Perturb & Observe algorithm(IPO). Improved Perturb & Observe algorithm (IPO), is a very promising technique that allows the increase of efficiency and reliability of such systems. Modeling and designing a PV system with Improved Perturb & Observe algorithm (IPO) is remarkably more complex than implementing a standard MPPT technique. In this paper, Improved Perturb & Observe algorithm (IPO), system for PV arrays is proposed and analyzed.
Adoption of Park’s Transformation for Inverter Fed Drive
Authors: Pradeep Jayarama , Devanathan R.
Published: March 2017

Park’s transformation in the context of ac machine is applied to obtain quadrature voltages for the 3-phase balanced voltages. In the case of a inverter fed drive, one can adopt Park’s transformation to directly derive the quadrature voltages in terms simplified functions of switching parameters. This is the main result of the paper which can be applied to model based and predictive control of electrical machines. Simulation results are used to compare the new dq voltage modelling response to conventional direct –quadrature (dq) axes modelling response in direct torque control – space vector modulation scheme. The proposed model is compact, decreases the computation complexity and time. The model is useful especially in model based control implemented in real time, in terms of a simplified set of switching parameters.
Power Quality Improvement Using Custom Power Devices in Squirrel Cage Induction Generator Wind Farm to Weak-Grid Connection by using neuro-fuzzy control
Authors: Sai Teja Kopella , Prakash R.B.R.
Published: March 2017

Wind farm is connected to the grid directly.The wind is not constant voltage fluctuations occur at point of common coupling (PCC) and WF terminal . To over come this problem a new compensation strategy is used . By using Custom power devices (UPQC).It injects reactive power at PCC . The advantages of UPQC is it consists of both DVR and D-STATCOM . DVR is connected in series to the line and it injects in phase voltage into the line .D-STATCOM is connected shunt to the line .The internal control strategy is based on management of active and reactive power in series and shunt converters of UPQC . The power exchainge is done by using DC-link
Vibration Analysis of Industrial Drive for Broken Bearing Detection Using Probabilistic Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Jayakumar K. , Thangavel S.
Published: March 2017

A reliable monitoring of industrial drives plays a vital role to prevent from the performance degradation of machinery. Today’s fault detection system mechanism uses wavelet transform for proper detection of faults, however it required more attention on detecting higher fault rates with lower execution time. Existence of faults on industrial drives leads to higher current flow rate and the broken bearing detected system determined the number of unhealthy bearings but need to develop a faster system with constant frequency domain. Vibration data acquisition was used in our proposed work to detect broken bearing faults in induction machine. To generate an effective fault detection of industrial drives, Biorthogonal Posterior Vibration Signal-Data Probabilistic Wavelet Neural Network (BPPVS-WNN) system was proposed in this paper. This system was focused to reducing the current flow and to identify faults with lesser execution time with harmonic values obtained through fifth derivative. Initially, the construction of Biorthogonal vibration signal-data based wavelet transform in BPPVS-WNN system localizes the time and frequency domain. The Biorthogonal wavelet approximates the broken bearing using double scaling and factor, identifies the transient disturbance due to fault on induction motor through approximate coefficients and detailed coefficient. Posterior Probabilistic Neural Network detects the final level of faults using the detailed coefficient till fifth derivative and the results obtained through it at a faster rate at constant frequency signal on the industrial drive. Experiment through the Simulink tool detects the healthy and unhealthy motor on measuring parametric factors such as fault detection rate based on time, current flow rate and execution time.
ESPRIT Method Enhancement for Real-time Wind Turbine Fault Recognition
Authors: Chakkor Saad , Baghouri Mostafa , Hajraoui Abderrahmane
Published: March 2017

Early fault diagnosis plays a very important role in the modern energy production systems. The wind turbine machine requires a regular maintenance to guarantee an acceptable lifetime and to minimize production loss. In order to implement a fast, proactive condition monitoring, ESPRIT method seems the correct choice due to its robustness in improving the frequency and amplitude detection. Nevertheless, it has a very complex computation to implement in real time. To avoid this problem, a Fast-ESPRIT algorithm that combined the IIR band-pass filtering technique, the decimation technique and the original ESPRIT method were employed to enhance extracting accurately frequencies and their magnitudes from the wind stator current. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated by computer simulations with many fault scenarios. Study results demonstrate the performance of Fast-ESPRIT allowing fast and high resolution harmonics identification with minimum computation time and less memory cost.
Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Drive System Based on Maximum Power Curve Searching using Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Dida Abdelhak , Benattous Djilani
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a novel variable speed control algorithm for a grid connected doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) system. The main objective is to track the maximum power curve characteristic by using an adaptive fuzzy logic controller, and to compare it with the conventional optimal torque control method for large inertia wind turbines. The role of the FLC is to adapt the transfer function of the harvested mechanical power controller according to the operating point in variable wind speed.  The control system has two sub-systems for the rotor side and the grid side converters (RSC, GSC). Active and reactive power control of the back-to-back converters has been achieved indirectly by controlling q-axis and d-axis current components. The main function of the RSC controllers is to track the maximum power through controlling the electromagnetic torque of the wind turbine. The GSC controls the DC-link voltage, and guarantees unity power factor between the GSC and the grid. The proposed system is developed and tested in MATLAB/SimPowerSystem (SPS) environment.
Enhancement of Power Quality by an Application FACTS Devices
Authors: Kumar Prashant
Published: March 2017

The paper narrates widespread use of electrical energy by modern civilization has necessitated producing bulk electrical energy economically and efficiently. The Flexible AC Transmission system (FACTS) is a new technology based on power electronics, which offers an opportunity to enhance controllability, stability, and power transfer capability of AC transmission systems. Here SVC has been developed with the combination of TCSC and TCR. The paper contains simulation models of Thyristor controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) and Thyristor controlled Reactor (TCR)-based Static VAR Compensator (SVC) which are the series and shunt Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices. The fact devices are designed by considering the line losses and their stability. The design and simulations of TCSC and TCR-based SVC shows the effectiveness of result using the MATLAB/Simulink. The designed system will try to reduce the voltage drops and electrical losses in the network without the possibility of transient especially in case of long transmission system. Student feedback indicates that this package is user-friendly and considerably effective for students and researchers to study theory of controlled reactor compensators, series capacitor compensator, and the reactive power control and voltage regulation.
Selection of Power Semiconductor Switches in Modified Half Bridge Resonant Inverter Fitted Induction Heater in Power Line for Less Harmonic Injection
Authors: Sadhu Pradip Kumar , Pal Palash , Pal Nitai , Sanyal Sourish
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an approach to minimize the harmonics contained in the input current of single phase Modified Half Bridge Resonant inverter fitted induction heating equipment. A switch like IGBT, GTO, and MOSFET are used for this purpose. It analyzes the harmonics or noise content in the sinusoidal input current of this inverter. Fourier Transform has been used to distinguish between the fundamental and the harmonics, as it is a better investigative tool for an unknown signal in the frequency domain. An exhaustive method for the selection of different power semiconductor switches for Modified Half Bridge Resonant inverter fed induction heater is presented. Heating coil of the induction heater is made of litz wire which reduces the skin effect and proximity effect at high operating frequency. With the calculated optimum values of input current of the system at a particular operating frequency, Modified Half Bridge Resonant inverter topology has been simulated using P-SIM software. To obtain the Input current waveforms through it, further analysis has been employed. From this analysis selection of suitable power semiconductor switches like IGBT, GTO and MOSFET are made. Waveforms have been shown to justify the feasibility for real implementation of single phase Modified Half Bridge Resonant inverter fed induction heater in industrial application.
Design and Experimental Verification of Linear Switched Reluctance Motor with Skewed Poles
Authors: N C Lenin , R Arumugam
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the realization and design of a linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) with a new stator structure. One of the setbacks in the LSRM family is the presence of high force ripple leads to vibration and acoustic noise. The proposed structure provides a smooth force profile with reduced force ripple. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to predict the force and other relevant parameters.A frequency spectrum analysis of the force profile using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is presented.The FEA and experimental results of this paper prove that LSRMs are one of the strong candidates for linear propulsion drives.
Potential Development of Vehicle Traction Levitation Systems with Magnetic Suspension
Authors: Kireev A.V. , Kozhemyaka N.M. , Kononov G.N.
Published: March 2017

Below is given the brief analysis of development trend for vehicle traction levitation systems with magnetic suspension. It is presented the assessment of potential development of traction levitation systems in terms of their simplicity. The examples are considered of technical solutions focused on reducing the complexity of transport systems. It is proposed the forecast of their further development.
Effect of Parametric Variations and Voltage Unbalance on Adaptive Speed Estimation Schemes for Speed Sensorless Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Krishna. S Mohan , Daya. J.L Febin
Published: March 2017

Speed Estimation without speed sensors is a complex phenomenon and is overly dependent on the machine parameters. It is all the more significant during low speed or near zero speed operation. There are several approaches to speed estimation of an induction motor. Eventually, they can be classified into two types, namely, estimation based on the machine model and estimation based on magnetic saliency and air gap space harmonics. This paper analyses the effect of incorrect setting of parameters like the stator resistance, rotor time constant, load torque variations and also Voltage unbalance on various adaptive control based speed estimation techniques fed from the machine model. It also shows how the convergence mechanisms of the adaptation schemes are affected during these conditions. The equivalent models are built and simulated offline using MATLAB/SIMULINK blocksets and the results are analysed.
Advanced Techniques in Harmonic Suppression via Active Power Filter: A Review
Authors: Mhawi Ekhlas , Daniyal Hamdan , Sulaiman Mohd Herwan
Published: March 2017

This paper intends to present the recent development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in active power filter (APF). As a result of the development in power electronic technology, (APF) continues to attract ample attention. Compared with the traditional reactive LC filter, active power filter is considered to be more effective in compensating harmonic current generated by nonlinear loads.APF, can correct the power quality and improve the reliability and stability on power utility. A brief explanation of some important areas in AI and a comprehensive survey of the literature along the main categories of AI is presented to introduce the readers into the wide-ranging topics that AI encompasses. Plenty of relevant literatures have been selected in the review, mostly emphasized on better accuracy, robustness, efficiency, stability and tracking ability of the system.
Mathematical Model of Linear Switched Reluctance Motor with Mutual Inductance Consideration
Authors: Grebennikov Nikolay , Kireev Alexander , Kozhemyaka Nikolay
Published: March 2017

This paper presents developing an mathematical model for linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) with account of the mutual inductance between the phases. Mutual interaction between the phases of LSRM gives the positive effect, as a rule the power of the machine is increased by 5-15%.
An Improved Double Fuzzy PI Controller For Shunt Active Power Filter DC Bus Regulation
Authors: Elhaj Nabil , Sedra Moulay Brahim , Jarou Tarik , Djeghloud Hind
Published: March 2017

This paper targets to demonstrate the importance of the choice of the algorithm references detection to be applied with a double fuzzy PI corrector (DFPI) for the control and the regulation of a shunt active power filter (SAPF) DC bus voltage. In a previous work, the synchronous reference frame (SRF) algorithm was applied and gave satisfactory results. In the present paper, the SRF is substituted by the positive sequence of the fundamental of the source voltage algorithm (PSF) which offered better results regarding the power quality of the considered main utility feeding a variable DC RL load throughout a diode bridge. The results were carried out using computer simulation perfomed under MATLAB/Simulink environment. To make the obtained results more convenient, a comparison between the couples (SRF, PI), (PSF, PI), (SRF, DFPI), (PSF, DFPI) is added to prove the effectiveness of the couple (PSF, DFPI) in satisfying the compromise between a good regulation of the SAPF DC bus voltage and a good quality of filtering resulting in an improved quality of power.
Multi Carrier based Multilevel Inverter with Minimal Harmonic Distortion
Authors: Venkatesan V.Jamuna , Subarnan Gayathrimonicka
Published: March 2017

This paper presents performance features of Asymmetric Cascaded Multilevel inverter. Multilevel inverters are commonly modulated by using multicarrier pulse width modulation (MCPWM) techniques such as phase-shifted multicarrier modulation and level-shifted multicarrier modulation. Amongst these level-shifted multicarrier modulations technique produces the best harmonic performance. This work studies about multilevel inverter with unequal DC sources using level shifting MCPWM technique. The Performances indices like Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), reduction of switches and number of DC Sources are considered. A procedure to achieve the appropriate level shifting is also presented is this paper.