bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Pentax-AWS Airwayscope and Glidescope for Infant Tracheal Intubation by Anesthesiologists during Cardiopulmonary Arrest Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Fujiwara Shunsuke , Komasawa Nobuyasu , Matsunami Sayuri , Okada Daisuke , Minami Toshiaki
Published: June 2015

Background. Recent guidelines for infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation emphasize that all rescuers should minimize interruption of chest compressions, even for endotracheal intubation. We compared the utility of the Pentax-AWS Airwayscope (AWS) with the Glidescope (GS) during chest compressions on an infant manikin.Methods. Twenty-four anesthesiologists with more than two years of experience performed tracheal intubation on an infant manikin using the AWS and GS, with or without chest compressions.Results. In GS trials, none of the participants failed without compressions, while three failed with compressions. In AWS trials, all participants succeeded regardless of chest compressions. Intubation time was significantly longer with chest compressions with the GS (P<0.05), but not with the AWS. Difficulty of operation on a visual analog scale (VAS) for laryngoscopy did not increase significantly with chest compressions with either the GS or the AWS, while the VAS for tube passage through the glottis increased with compressions with the GS, but not with the AWS.Conclusion. We conclude that in infant simulations managed by anesthesiologists, the AWS performed better than the GS for endotracheal intubation with chest compressions.
Biaxial Solar Tracking System Based on the MPPT Approach Integrating ICTs for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Gregor Raúl , Takase Yoshihiko , Rodas Jorge , Carreras Leonardo , Gregor Derlis , López Andrés
Published: June 2015

The smart grid and distributed generation based on renewable energy applications often involve the use of information and communication technology (ICT) coupled with advanced control and monitoring algorithms to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electrical grid and renewable generation systems. Photovoltaic (PV) systems have been recently applied with success in the fields of distributed generation due to their lower environmental impact where the electrical energy generation is related to the amount of solar irradiation and thus the angle of incident ray of the sun on the surface of the modules. This paper introduces an integration of ICTs in order to achieve the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) using a biaxial solar tracking system for PV power applications. To generate the references for the digital control of azimuth and elevation angles a Global Positioning System (GPS) by satellites is used which enables acquiring the geographic coordinates of the sun in real-time. As a total integration of the system a communication platform based on the 802.15.4 protocol for the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is adopted for supervising and monitoring the PV plant. A 2.4 kW prototype system is implemented to validate the proposed control scheme performance.
Brain Network Response to Acupuncture Stimuli in Experimental Acute Low Back Pain: An fMRI Study
Authors: Shi Yu , Liu Ziping , Zhang Shanshan , Li Qiang , Guo Shigui , Yang Jiangming , Wu Wen
Published: June 2015

Most neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly modulate brain activation patterns in healthy subjects, while only a few studies have examined clinical pain. In the current study, we combined an experimental acute low back pain (ALBP) model and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the neural mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia. All ALBP subjects first underwent two resting state fMRI scans at baseline and during a painful episode and then underwent two additional fMRI scans, once during acupuncture stimulation (ACUP) and once during tactile stimulation (SHAM) pseudorandomly, at the BL40 acupoint. Our results showed that, compared with the baseline, the pain state had higher regional homogeneity (ReHo) values in the pain matrix, limbic system, and default mode network (DMN) and lower ReHo values in frontal gyrus and temporal gyrus; compared with the OFF status, ACUP yielded broad deactivation in subjects, including nearly all of the limbic system, pain status, and DMN, and also evoked numerous activations in the attentional and somatosensory systems; compared with SHAM, we found that ACUP induced more deactivations and fewer activations in the subjects. Multiple brain networks play crucial roles in acupuncture analgesia, suggesting that ACUP exceeds a somatosensory-guided mind-body therapy for ALBP.
Hydrothermal Growth of Quasi-Monocrystal ZnO Thin Films and Their Application in Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Tu Yung-Chun , Wang Shui-Jinn , Lin Tseng-Hsing , Hung Chien-Hsiung , Tsai Tsung-Che , Wu Ru-Wen , Uang Kai-Ming , Chen Tron-Min
Published: June 2015

Quasi-monocrystal ZnO film grown using the hydrothermal growth method is used for the fabrication of Cu2O/ZnO heterojunction (HJ) ultraviolet photodetectors (UV-PDs). The HJ was formed via the sputtering deposition of p-type Cu2O onto hydrothermally grown ZnO film (HTG-ZnO-film). The effect of annealing temperature in the nitrogen ambient on the photoluminescence spectra of the synthesized ZnO film was studied. The optoelectronic properties of Cu2O/ZnO film with various Cu2O thicknesses (250–750 nm) under UV light (365 nm; intensity: 3 mW/cm2) were determined. The UV sensitivity of the HTG-ZnO-film-based UV-PDs and the sputtered ZnO-film-based UV-PDs were 55.6-fold (SHTG) and 8.8-fold (Ssputter), respectively. The significant gain in sensitivity (SHTG/Ssputter= 630%) of the proposed ZnO-film-based device compared to that for the device based on sputtered film can be attributed to the improved photoelectric properties of quasi-monocrystal ZnO film.
Acute Liver Toxicity due to Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir
Authors: Patil Rashmee , Ona Mel A. , Papafragkakis Haris , Carey Jeanne , Moshenyat Yitzchak , Alhaddad Adib , Anand Sury
Published: June 2015

The fixed-dose combination of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir is a first-line agent for the treatment of HIV; however few cases have reported hepatotoxicity associated with the drug. We report a case of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir-associated hepatotoxicity presenting mainly with hepatocellular injury characterized by extremely elevated aminotransferase levels, which resolved without acute liver failure or need for liver transplant referral.
The AirView Study: Comparison of Intubation Conditions and Ease between the Airtraq-AirView and the King Vision
Authors: Schoettker Patrick , Corniche Jocelyn
Published: June 2015

We conducted a study assessing the quality and speed of intubation between the Airtraq with its new iPhone AirView app and the King Vision in a manikin. The primary endpoint was reduction of time needed for intubation. Secondary endpoints included times necessary for intubation. 30 anaesthetists randomly performed 3 intubations with each device on a difficult airway manikin. Participants had a professional experience of 12 years: 60.0% possessed the Airtraq in their hospital, 46.7% the King Vision, and 20.0% both. Median time difference [IQR] to identify glottis (1.1 [−1.3; 3.9]P=0.019), for tube insertion (2.1 [−2.6; 9.4]P=0.002) and lung ventilation (2.8 [−2.4; 11.5]P=0.001), was shorter with the Airtraq-AirView. Median time for glottis visualization was significantly shorter with the Airtraq-AirView (5.3 [4.0; 8.4] versus 6.4 [4.6; 9.1]). Cormack Lehane before intubation was better with the King Vision (P=0.03); no difference was noted during intubation, for subjective device insertion or quality of epiglottis visualisation. Assessment of tracheal tube insertion was better with the Airtraq-AirView. The Airtraq-AirView allows faster identification of the landmarks and intubation in a difficult airway manikin, while clinical relevance remains to be studied. Anaesthetists assessed the intubation better with the Airtraq-AirView.
Effects of Cyclosporine on Reperfusion Injury in Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Song Kangxing , Wang Shuxia , Qi Dake
Published: June 2015

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening due to its role in regulating ROS generation contributes to cardiac reperfusion injury. In animals, cyclosporine (cyclosporine A, CsA), an inhibitor of mPTP, has been found to prevent reperfusion injury following acute myocardial infarction. However, the effects of CsA in reperfusion injury in clinical patients are not elucidated. We performed a meta-analysis using published clinical studies and electronic databases. Relevant data were extracted using standardized algorithms and additional data were obtained directly from investigators as indicated. Five randomized controlled blind trials were included in our meta-analysis. The clinical outcomes including infarct size (SMD: −0.41; 95% CI: −0.81, 0.01;P= 0.058), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (SMD: 0.20; 95% CI: −0.02, 0.42;P= 0.079), troponin I (TnI) (SMD: −0.21; 95% CI: −0.49, 0.07;P= 0.149), creatine kinase (CK) (SMD: −0.32; 95% CI: −0.98, 0.35;P= 0.352), and creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) (SMD: −0.06; 95% CI: −0.35, 0.23;P= 0.689) suggested that there is no significant difference on cardiac function and injury with or without CsA treatment. Our results indicated that, unlike the positive effects of CsA in animal models, CsA administration may not protect heart from reperfusion injury in clinical patients with myocardial infarction.
An Improved 3D Localization Algorithm for the Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhuang Yi , Gu Jing-jing
Published: June 2015

Location information is crucial in the wireless sensor network. The nodes in wireless sensor networks are often deployed in the three-dimensional scenario. Therefore, the three-dimensional localization algorithm has become hot in wireless sensor networks. However, existing 3D localization algorithms have shortcomings, such as high complexity, low positioning accuracy, and great energy consumption. Aiming at the existing problems of the current 3D localization algorithms, an improved 3D localization algorithm based on Degree of Coplanarity (3D-IDCP) is proposed. The concept of coplanarity is added into the traditional DV-Distance algorithm to reduce the positioning error caused by anchor nodes which are coplanar. Those unknown nodes which have been located are promoted to assistant anchor nodes to improve the positioning coverage. The simulation results show that the proposed method is accurate in positioning and can enhance the positioning coverage.
The Effect of C-X-C Motif Chemokine 13 on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associates with Wnt Signaling
Authors: Li Chunyan , Kang Dong , Sun Xiguang , Liu Yufei , Wang Jinhong , Gao Pujun
Published: June 2015

Objects. To investigate the effect of CXCL13 (C-X-C motif chemokine 13) on hepatocellular carcinoma and clarify the potential mechanisms. Methods. 32 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 12 healthy controls were recruited for analyzing the expression of CXCL13 by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). ELISA (enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay) was used to test the concentration of serum CXCL13. The interaction between CXCL13 and Wnt signaling was analyzed by western blot. In vitro PBMCs cultured with HepG2 supernatant, the levels of IL-12, IL4, IL-6, and IL-17, and four IgG subclasses were detected by ELISA. Results. The rate of high expression CXCL13 was 63.4% in advanced HCC patients, and the serum CXCL13 was also at a high level in stage IV HCC patients. Meanwhile CXCL13 level was positively correlated with serum ALT (Alanine Transaminase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase). CXCL13 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling shared a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, CXCL13 could obviously promote the expressions of IL-12 and IL-17, and induce IgG4 secreted by B cells. Conclusions. The effect of CXCL13 on promoting liver cancer is related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the facilitation of IL-12, IL-17 and IgG4. CXCL13 plays an important role in the progression of HCC, and it may act as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
WeightedBMOEstimates for Toeplitz Operators on Weighted Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: Lin Yan , Zhang Mengmeng
Published: June 2015

The authors establish the weightedBMOestimates for a class of Toeplitz operators related to strongly singular Calderón-Zygmund operators on weighted Lebesgue spaces. Moreover, the corresponding result for the Toeplitz operators related to classical Calderón-Zygmund operators can be deduced.
Improved Fractal Space Filling Curves Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Yue Yi-xiang , Zhang Tong , Yue Qun-xing
Published: June 2015

Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is one of the key issues in optimization of modern logistics system. In this paper, a modified VRP model with hard time window is established and a Hybrid Optimization Algorithm (HOA) based on Fractal Space Filling Curves (SFC) method and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is introduced. By incorporating the proposed algorithm, SFC method can find an initial and feasible solution very fast; GA is used to improve the initial solution. Thereafter, experimental software was developed and a large number of experimental computations from Solomon’s benchmark have been studied. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the HOA.
Maximum Power Point Tracking Based on Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Vázquez Nimrod , Azaf Yuz , Cervantes Ilse , Vázquez Eslí , Hernández Claudia
Published: June 2015

Solar panels, which have become a good choice, are used to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. This generated power starts with the solar cells, which have a complex relationship between solar irradiation, temperature, and output power. For this reason a tracking of the maximum power point is required. Traditionally, this has been made by considering just current and voltage conditions at the photovoltaic panel; however, temperature also influences the process. In this paper the voltage, current, and temperature in the PV system are considered to be a part of a sliding surface for the proposed maximum power point tracking; this means a sliding mode controller is applied. Obtained results gave a good dynamic response, as a difference from traditional schemes, which are only based on computational algorithms. A traditional algorithm based on MPPT was added in order to assure a low steady state error.
The Effect of Park and Urban Environments on Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Grazuleviciene Regina , Vencloviene Jone , Kubilius Raimondas , Grizas Vytautas , Dedele Audrius , Grazulevicius Tomas , Ceponiene Indre , Tamuleviciute-Prasciene Egle , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Jones Marc , Gidlow Christopher
Published: June 2015

Aim. To test the hypothesis that walking in a park has a greater positive effect on coronary artery disease (CAD) patients’ hemodynamic parameters than walking in an urban environment.Methods. Twenty stable CAD patients were randomized into two groups: 30-minute walk on 7 consecutive days in either a city park or busy urban street. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to study short-term (30 min) and cumulative changes (following 7 consecutive days of exposure) in resting hemodynamic parameters in different environments.Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline and peak exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), exercise duration, or HR recovery in urban versus park exposure groups. Seven days of walking slightly improved all hemodynamic parameters in both groups. Compared to baseline, the city park group exhibited statistically significantly greater reductions in HR and DBP and increases in exercise duration and HR recovery. The SBP and DBP changes in the urban exposed group were lower than in the park exposed group.Conclusions. Walking in a park had a greater positive effect on CAD patients’ cardiac function than walking in an urban environment, suggesting that rehabilitation through walking in green environments after coronary events should be encouraged.
Kinetics of Circulating Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns in Sepsis
Authors: Miki Takahiro , Iba Toshiaki
Published: June 2015

Circulating levels of conventional biomarkers and damage-associated molecular patterns were examined in 30 severe sepsis patients (20 survivors and 10 nonsurvivors). Plasma levels of interleukin 6, CRP, and procalcitonin reached their peaks on Day 0 (onset of sepsis) or Day 1 and declined rapidly thereafter despite the persistent severity. In contrast, elevated levels of histone H3, nucleosome, and high-mobility group protein Box 1 remained for longer periods of time. The peak level of histone H3 in the nonsurvivors was higher than that of the survivors (p<0.05on Day 7). The cutoff value of the histone H3 on Day 7 for death was 0.08 AU and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed discriminative powers of 0.74. Measurement of circulating levels of the histone H3 provides additional information to that of the conventional indicators of inflammation for determining the severity of sepsis.
An Ultrafast Maximum Power Point Setting Scheme for Photovoltaic Arrays Using Model Parameter Identification
Authors: Cen Zhaohui
Published: June 2015

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for photovoltaic (PV) arrays is essential to optimize conversion efficiency under variable and nonuniform irradiance conditions. Unfortunately, conventional MPPT algorithms such as perturb and observe (P&O), incremental conductance, and current sweep method need to iterate command current or voltage and frequently operate power converters with associated losses. Under partial overcast conditions, tracking the real MPP in multipeakP-IorP-Vcurve model becomes highly challenging, with associated increase in search time and converter operation, leading to unnecessary power being lost in the MPP tracking process. In this paper, the noted drawbacks in MPPT-controlled converters are addressed. In order to separate the search algorithms from converter operation, a model parameter identification approach is presented to estimate insolation conditions of each PV panel and build a real-time overallP-Icurve of PV arrays. Subsequently a simple but effective global MPPT algorithm is proposed to track the MPP in the overallP-Icurve obtained from the identified PV array model, ensuring that the converter works at the MPP. The novel MPPT is ultrafast, resulting in conserved power in the tracking process. Finally, simulations in different scenarios are executed to validate the novel scheme’s effectiveness and advantages.
Percutaneous Transtracheal Jet Ventilation with Various Upper Airway Obstruction
Authors: Doi Tomoki , Miyashita Tetsuya , Furuya Ryousuke , Sato Hitoshi , Takaki Shunsuke , Goto Takahisa
Published: June 2015

A “cannot-ventilate, cannot-intubate” situation is critical. In difficult airway management, transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV) has been recommended as an invasive procedure, but specialized equipment is required. However, the influence of upper airway resistance (UAR) during TTJV has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to compare TTJV using a manual jet ventilator (MJV) and the oxygen flush device of the anesthetic machine (AM). We made a model lung offering variable UAR by adjustment of tracheal tube size that can ventilate through a 14-G cannula. We measured side flow due to the Venturi effect during TTJV, inspired tidal volume (TVi), and expiratory time under various inspiratory times. No Venturi effect was detected during TTJV with either device. With the MJV, TVi tended to increase in proportion to UAR. With AM, significant variations in TVi was not detected with changes in any UAR. In conclusion, UAR influenced forward flow of TTJV in the model lung. The influence of choked flow from the Venturi effect was minimal under all UAR settings with the MJV, but the AM could not deliver sufficient flow.
A Learning Framework of Nonparallel Hyperplanes Classifier
Authors: Yang Zhi-Xia , Shao Yuan-Hai , Jiang Yao-Lin
Published: June 2015

A novel learning framework of nonparallel hyperplanes support vector machines (NPSVMs) is proposed for binary classification and multiclass classification. This framework not only includes twin SVM (TWSVM) and its many deformation versions but also extends them into multiclass classification problem when different parameters or loss functions are chosen. Concretely, we discuss the linear and nonlinear cases of the framework, in which we select the hinge loss function as example. Moreover, we also give the primal problems of several extension versions of TWSVM’s deformation versions. It is worth mentioning that, in the decision function, the Euclidean distance is replaced by the absolute value |wTx + b|, which keeps the consistency between the decision function and the optimization problem and reduces the computational cost particularly when the kernel function is introduced. The numerical experiments on several artificial and benchmark datasets indicate that our framework is not only fast but also shows good generalization.
Personal Strengths and Health Related Quality of Life in Dementia Caregivers from Latin America
Authors: Trapp Stephen K. , Perrin Paul B. , Aggarwal Richa , Peralta Silvina Victoria , Stolfi Miriam E. , Morelli Eliana , Peña Obeso Leticia Aracely , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos
Published: June 2015

The research literature has begun to demonstrate associations between personal strengths and enhanced psychosocial functioning of dementia caregivers, but these relationships have not been examined in the context of dementia caregivers in Latin America. The present study examined whether personal strengths, including resilience, optimism, and sense of coherence, were associated with mental and physical health related quality of life (HRQOL) in 130 dementia caregivers in Mexico and Argentina. Structural equation modeling found that the personal strengths collectively accounted for 58.4% of the variance in caregiver mental HRQOL, and resilience, sense of coherence, and optimism each had unique effects. In comparison, the personal strengths together accounted for 8.9% of the variance in caregiver physical HRQOL, and only sense of coherence yielded a unique effect. These results underscore the need to construct and disseminate empirically supported interventions based in part on important personal strengths, particularly sense of coherence, for this underrepresented group.
Interleukin 16- (IL-16-) Targeted Ultrasound Imaging Agent Improves Detection of Ovarian Tumors in Laying Hens, a Preclinical Model of Spontaneous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Barua Animesh , Yellapa Aparna , Bahr Janice M. , Adur Malavika K. , Utterback Chet W. , Bitterman Pincas , Basu Sanjib , Sharma Sameer , Abramowicz Jacques S.
Published: June 2015

Limited resolution of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) scanning is a significant barrier to early detection of ovarian cancer (OVCA). Contrast agents have been suggested to improve the resolution of TVUS scanning. Emerging evidence suggests that expression of interleukin 16 (IL-16) by the tumor epithelium and microvessels increases in association with OVCA development and offers a potential target for early OVCA detection. The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility of IL-16-targeted contrast agents in enhancing the intensity of ultrasound imaging from ovarian tumors in hens, a model of spontaneous OVCA. Contrast agents were developed by conjugating biotinylated anti-IL-16 antibodies with streptavidin coated microbubbles. Enhancement of ultrasound signal intensity was determined before and after injection of contrast agents. Following scanning, ovarian tissues were processed for the detection of IL-16 expressing cells and microvessels. Compared with precontrast, contrast imaging enhanced ultrasound signal intensity significantly in OVCA hens at early(P<0.05)and late stages(P<0.001). Higher intensities of ultrasound signals in OVCA hens were associated with increased frequencies of IL-16 expressing cells and microvessels. These results suggest that IL-16-targeted contrast agents improve the visualization of ovarian tumors. The laying hen may be a suitable model to test new imaging agents and develop targeted anti-OVCA therapeutics.
Organ-Protective Effects of Red Wine Extract, Resveratrol, in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Fu-Chao , Tsai Hsin-I , Yu Huang-Ping
Published: June 2015

Resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from red wine, possesses potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, including the reduction of free radicals and proinflammatory mediators overproduction, the alteration of the expression of adhesion molecules, and the inhibition of neutrophil function. A growing body of evidence indicates that resveratrol plays an important role in reducing organ damage following ischemia- and hemorrhage-induced reperfusion injury. Such protective phenomenon is reported to be implicated in decreasing the formation and reaction of reactive oxygen species and pro-nflammatory cytokines, as well as the mediation of a variety of intracellular signaling pathways, including the nitric oxide synthase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, deacetylase sirtuin 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha, hemeoxygenase-1, and estrogen receptor-related pathways. Reperfusion injury is a complex pathophysiological process that involves multiple factors and pathways. The resveratrol is an effective reactive oxygen species scavenger that exhibits an antioxidative property. In this review, the organ-protective effects of resveratrol in oxidative stress-related reperfusion injury will be discussed.
Passive Diagnosis for WSNs Using Time Domain Features of Sensing Data
Authors: Mo Lufeng , Li Jinrong , Wang Guoying , Chen Liping
Published: June 2015

Due to the dynamic network topology and limit of resources, fault diagnosis for wireless sensor networks is difficult. The existing diagnostic methods consume a lot of communication bandwidth and node resources, which lead to heavy burden of the resources limited network. This paper presents a passive diagnosis method used for fault detection and fault classification based on the time domain features of sensing data (TDSD). Firstly, the feature extraction and analysis of the sensing data are carried out using one-dimensional discrete Gabor transform, and then the data are diagnosed and classified with Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) neural network; finally the current network status and identifying the fault cause are determined. The results show that, comparing with other methods, this method has fewer burdens in network communication, better diagnostic accuracy rate and classification results, and so forth, and it has a high diagnostic accuracy especially for both node fault and network fault.
Photovoltaic Array Reconfiguration Strategy for Maximization of Energy Production
Authors: Vicente Paula dos Santos , Pimenta Tales Cleber , Ribeiro Enio Roberto
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a dynamic reconfiguration method for electrical connections in a Series-Parallel connected photovoltaic array under partial shading conditions. It is desirable to extract the maximum energy from the array, but it does not occur in situations where the modules have different points of operation caused by shading. The proposed method is then characterized by the maintenance of the PV array dimensions, that is; no module is removed or added to the array. Furthermore, the control algorithm is based on the Rough Sets Theory, which allows the fast and efficient implementation of a control system, comprising rules that identify the system optimal configuration.
A Community-Based Approach for Link Prediction in Signed Social Networks
Authors: Shahriary Saeed Reza , Shahriari Mohsen , MD Noor Rafidah
Published: June 2015

In signed social networks, relationships among nodes are of the types positive (friendship) and negative (hostility). One absorbing issue in signed social networks is predicting sign of edges among people who are members of these networks. Other than edge sign prediction, one can define importance of people or nodes in networks via ranking algorithms. There exist few ranking algorithms for signed graphs; also few studies have shown role of ranking in link prediction problem. Hence, we were motivated to investigate ranking algorithms availed for signed graphs and their effect on sign prediction problem. This paper makes the contribution of using community detection approach for ranking algorithms in signed graphs. Therefore, community detection which is another active area of research in social networks is also investigated in this paper. Community detection algorithms try to find groups of nodes in which they share common properties like similarity. We were able to devise three community-based ranking algorithms which are suitable for signed graphs, and also we evaluated these ranking algorithms via sign prediction problem. These ranking algorithms were tested on three large-scale datasets: Epinions, Slashdot, and Wikipedia. We indicated that, in some cases, these ranking algorithms outperform previous works because their prediction accuracies are better.
Prevalence of Hypogonadism in a Male Population below 60 Years of Age with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ríos Rafael , Jara Natalia , Ratkman Bernardita , Valenzuela Alejandra , Palavecino Carla , Ortuya José Manuel
Published: June 2015

Introduction. A high prevalence of hypogonadism (H) has been demonstrated in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). There are no studies in Latin America showing the prevalence of H in MetS in men below 60 years of age. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the MetS and levels of testosterone (T) and calculated free testosterone (cfT) in men under 60 years of age. Methodology. 101 men were included between 18 and 60 years who met the IDF MetS criteria. The diagnosis of H was considered <70 pg/mL of cfT and <10.4 nmol/L (300 ng/dL) of T. Results. H with T was 17.8% and 20.7% with cfT. The H according to T had higher BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat, markers of insulin resistance, SHBG, LH, and E2. We find an inverse but weak significant correlation between T, visceral fat, and HOMA index. The linear regression analysis showed that E2 and visceral fat are determinants in H. Conclusion. We found a high prevalence of H using T and cfT in Chilean patients with MetS below 60 years of age, who turned out to be more insulin-resistant and have more visceral fat, waist, and E2 than non-H.
Neuroprotective Effect of Ulinastatin on Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
Authors: Liu Bingbing , Huang Weihua , Xiao Xiaoshan , Xu Yao , Ma Songmei , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: June 2015

Ulinastatin (UTI), a trypsin inhibitor, is isolated and purified from human urine and has been shown to exert protective effect on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in patients. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of ulinastatin on neurologic functions after spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanism. The spinal cord IR model was achieved by occluding the aorta just caudal to the left renal artery with a bulldog clamp. The drugs were administered immediately after the clamp was removed. The animals were terminated 48 hours after reperfusion. Neuronal function was evaluated with the Tarlov Scoring System. Spinal cord segments between L2and L5were harvested for pathological and biochemical analysis. Ulinastatin administration significantly improved postischemic neurologic function with concomitant reduction of apoptotic cell death. In addition, ulinastatin treatment increased SOD activity and decreased MDA content in the spinal cord tissue. Also, ulinastatin treatment suppressed the protein expressions of Bax and caspase-3 but enhanced Bcl-2 protein expression. These results suggest that ulinastatin significantly attenuates spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves postischemic neuronal function and that this protection might be attributable to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.
Effect of Acupuncture on Functional Connectivity of Anterior Cingulate Cortex for Bell’s Palsy Patients with Different Clinical Duration
Authors: Wu Hongli , Kan Hongxing , Li Chuanfu , Park Kyungmo , Zhu Yifang , Mohamed Abdalla Z. , Xu Chunsheng , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhang Wei , Yang Jun
Published: June 2015

Acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of Bell’s palsy (BP) in many countries, but its underlying physiological mechanism remained controversial. In order to explore the potential mechanism, changes of functional connectivity (FC) of anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC) were investigated. We collected 20 healthy (control group) participants and 28 BP patients with different clinical duration accepted resting state functional MRI (rfMRI) scans before and after acupuncture, respectively. The FC of ACC before and after acupuncture was compared with pairedt-test and the detailed results are presented in the paper. Our results showed that effects of the acupuncture on FC were closely related to clinical duration in patients with BP, which suggested that brain response to acupuncture was closely connected with the status of brain functional connectivity and implied that acupuncture plays a homeostatic role in the BP treatment.
OGG1 Involvement in High Glucose-Mediated Enhancement of Bupivacaine-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Liu Zhong-Jie , Zhao Wei , Zhang Qing-Guo , Li Le , Lai Lu-Ying , Jiang Shan , Xu Shi-Yuan
Published: June 2015

Hyperglycemia can inhibit expression of the 8-oxoG-DNA glycosylase (OGG1) which is one of the key repair enzymes for DNA oxidative damage. The effect of hyperglycemia on OGG1 expression in response to local anesthetics-induced DNA damage is unknown. This study was designed to determine whether high glucose inhibits OGG1 expression and aggravates bupivacaine-induced DNA damage via reactive oxygen species (ROS). SH-SY5Y cells were cultured with or without 50 mM glucose for 8 days before they were treated with 1.5 mM bupivacaine for 24 h. OGG1 expression was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. ROS was estimated using the redox-sensitive fluorescent dye DCFH-DA. DNA damage was investigated with immunostaining for 8-oxodG and comet assays. OGG1 expression was inhibited in cells exposed to high glucose with concomitant increase in ROS production and more severe DNA damage as compared to control culture conditions, and these changes were further exacerbated by bupivacaine. Treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) prevented high glucose and bupivacaine mediated increase in ROS production and restored functional expression of OGG1, which lead to attenuated high glucose-mediated exacerbation of bupivacaine neurotoxicity. Our findings indicate that subjects with diabetes may experience more detrimental effects following bupivacaine use.
Isolated Sensorineural Hearing Loss as a Sequela after Lightning Strike
Authors: Turan Mahfuz , Kalkan Ferhat , Bozan Nazım , Özçalimli İsa , Zeki Erdem Mehmet , Yalınkılıç Abdülaziz , Garca Mehmet Fatih
Published: June 2015

In most of the surviving patients after a lightning strike, audiovestibular abnormalities have been reported. The most frequently reported type of abnormalities is a tympanic membrane perforation with hearing loss and external ear canal burn. However a sensor neural hearing loss and mixed type hearing loss can also occur, but these occur rarely. A nineteen-year-old female patient had, after a lightning strike, serious burns on the left ear, behind the ear, and on the chest and neck. She also had in her left ear 108 dB hearing loss with irregular central perforation and in her right ear 52 dB sensorineural hearing loss. There was no hearing loss before the strike. A hearing aid was recommended for the right ear and good care and follow-up were recommended for the left ear. A lightning strike can cause serious audiological damage. Therefore, it is necessary to make a careful audiovestibular evaluation of the patients. Although there exist rarely healed cases from sensorineural hearing loss after lightning strike in literature, in our case hearing loss occurred bilaterally and then it healed unilaterally. This condition is quite rare in literature.
Multiobjective CVaR Optimization Model and Solving Method for Hydrothermal System Considering Uncertain Load Demand
Authors: Tan Zhongfu , Ju Liwei , Li Huanhuan , Qin Chao , Peng Daoxin
Published: June 2015

In order to solve the influence of load uncertainty on hydrothermal power system operation and achieve the optimal objectives of system power generation consumption, pollutant emissions, and first-stage hydropower station storage capacity, this paper introduced CVaR method and built a multiobjective optimization model and its solving method. In the optimization model, load demand’s actual values and deviation values are regarded as random variables, scheduling objective is redefined to meet confidence level requirement and system operation constraints and loss function constraints are taken into consideration. To solve the proposed model, this paper linearized nonlinear constraints, applied fuzzy satisfaction, fuzzy entropy, and weighted multiobjective function theories to build a fuzzy entropy multiobjective CVaR model. The model is a mixed integer linear programming problem. Then, six thermal power plants and three cascade hydropower stations are taken as the hydrothermal system for numerical simulation. The results verified that multiobjective CVaR method is applicable to solve hydrothermal scheduling problems. It can better reflect risk level of the scheduling result. The fuzzy entropy satisfaction degree solving algorithm can simplify solving difficulty and get the optimum operation scheduling scheme.
Photocatalytic Performance of Carbon Monolith/TiO2Composite
Authors: Maletić Marina , Vukčević Marija , Kalijadis Ana , Laušević Zoran , Laušević Mila
Published: June 2015

The new and simple approach for deposition of catalytically active TiO2coating on carbon monolith (CM) carrier was presented. CM photocatalysts were impregnated with TiO2using titanium solution and thermal treatment, and their photocatalytic activity was investigated in the process of methylene blue (MB) photodegradation. For the purpose of comparison, CM composite photocatalysts were prepared by dip-coating method, which implies binder usage. The presence of TiO2on CM carrier was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The sorption characteristics of CM and the role of adsorption in the overall process of MB removal were evaluated through amount of surface oxygen groups obtained by temperature-programmed desorption and specific surface area determined by BET method. CM has shown good adsorption properties toward MB due to high amount of surface oxygen groups and relatively high specific surface area. It was concluded that photocatalytic activity increases with CM disc thickness due to increase of MB adsorption and amount of deposited TiO2. Good photocatalytic activity achieved for samples obtained by thermal treatment is the result of better accessibility of MB solution to the TiO2particles induced by binder absence.
The Breather-Like and Rational Solutions for the Integrable Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Based System
Authors: Wang Chuanjian , Dai Zhengde , Liu Changfu
Published: June 2015

The integrable Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-based system is studied. The breather-like (a pulsating mode) and rational solutions are presented applying Hirota bilinear method and Taylor series. The intricate structures of the rational solitary wave solution are discussed mathematically and graphically. The existence conditions of three different solitary wave solution structure for the short-wave field are given by the theory of extreme value analysis. By controlling the wave number of the background plane wave we may control the the behavior of rational solitary wave. However, the shape of the rational solitary wave solution for the real long-wave field is not affected as the wave number is varied.
Fast Parallel All-Subgraph Enumeration Using Multicore Machines
Authors: Shahrivari Saeed , Jalili Saeed
Published: June 2015

Enumerating all subgraphs of an input graph is an important task for analyzing complex networks. Valuable information can be extracted about the characteristics of the input graph using all-subgraph enumeration. Notwithstanding, the number of subgraphs grows exponentially with growth of the input graph or by increasing the size of the subgraphs to be enumerated. Hence, all-subgraph enumeration is very time consuming when the size of the subgraphs or the input graph is big. We propose a parallel solution namedSubenumwhich in contrast to available solutions can perform much faster. Subenum enumerates subgraphs using edges instead of vertices, and this approach leads to a parallel and load-balanced enumeration algorithm that can have efficient execution on current multicore and multiprocessor machines. Also, Subenum uses a fast heuristic which can effectively accelerate non-isomorphism subgraph enumeration. Subenum can efficiently use external memory, and unlike other subgraph enumeration methods, it is not associated with the main memory limits of the used machine. Hence, Subenum can handle large input graphs and subgraph sizes that other solutions cannot handle. Several experiments are done using real-world input graphs. Compared to the available solutions, Subenum can enumerate subgraphs several orders of magnitude faster and the experimental results show that the performance of Subenum scales almost linearly by using additional processor cores.
The Effects of Mind-Body Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Neuendorf Rachel , Wahbeh Helané , Chamine Irina , Yu Jun , Hutchison Kimberly , Oken Barry S.
Published: June 2015

Study Objectives. To evaluate the effect of mind-body interventions (MBI) on sleep.Methods. We reviewed randomized controlled MBI trials on adults (through 2013) with at least one sleep outcome measure. We searched eleven electronic databases and excluded studies on interventions not considering mind-body medicine. Studies were categorized by type of MBI, whether sleep was primary or secondary outcome measure and outcome type.Results. 1323 abstracts were screened, and 112 papers were included. Overall, 67 (60%) of studies reported a beneficial effect on at least one sleep outcome measure. Of the most common interventions, 13/23 studies using meditation, 21/30 using movement MBI, and 14/25 using relaxation reported at least some improvements in sleep. There were clear risks of bias for many studies reviewed, especially when sleep was not the main focus.Conclusions. MBI should be considered as a treatment option for patients with sleep disturbance. The benefit of MBI needs to be better documented with objective outcomes as well as the mechanism of benefit elucidated. There is some evidence that MBI have a positive benefit on sleep quality. Since sleep has a direct impact on many other health outcomes, future MBI trials should consider including sleep outcome measurements.
A Rare Presentation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Concurrent Aldosterone-Producing Adrenal Carcinoma
Authors: Molina-Ayala Mario , Ramírez-Rentería Claudia , Manguilar-León Analleli , Paúl-Gaytán Pedro , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo
Published: June 2015

Aldosterone-producing adrenocortical carcinomas are an extremely rare cause of hyperaldosteronism (<1%). Coexistence of different endocrine tumors warrants additional screening for multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes, especially in young patients with large or malignant masses. We present the case of a 40-year-old man with a history of hypertension that presented with an incidental left adrenal tumor during an ultrasound performed for nephrolithiasis. Biochemical assessment showed a mildly elevated calcium (11.1 mg/dL), high parathyroid hormone, and a plasma aldosterone concentration/plasma renin activity ratio of 124.5 (normal < 30), compatible with primary hyperparathyroidism with a concomitant primary hyperaldosteronism. A Tc99m-MIBI scintigraphy showed an abnormally increased tracer uptake in the right superior parathyroid and abdominal computed tomography confirmed a left adrenal tumor of 20 cm. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy and adrenalectomy with final pathology reports of parathyroid hyperplasia and adrenal carcinoma with biochemical remission of both endocrinopathies. He was started on chemotherapy, but the patient developed a frontal cortex and an arm metastasis and finally died less than one year later.
A Randomized Comparison Simulating Face to Face Endotracheal Intubation of Pentax Airway Scope, C-MAC Video Laryngoscope, Glidescope Video Laryngoscope, and Macintosh Laryngoscope
Authors: Choi Hyun Young , Oh Young Min , Kang Gu Hyun , Kang Hyunggoo , Jang Yong Soo , Kim Wonhee , Kim Euichung , Cho Young Soon , Choi Hyukjoong , Kim Hyunjong , Kim Gyoung Yong
Published: June 2015

Objectives. Early airway management is very important for severely ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of face to face intubation in four different types of laryngoscopes (Macintosh laryngoscope, Pentax airway scope (AWS), Glidescope video laryngoscope (GVL), and C-MAC video laryngoscope (C-MAC)).Method. Ninety-five nurses and emergency medical technicians were trained to use the AWS, C-MAC, GVL and Macintosh laryngoscope with standard airway trainer manikin and face to face intubation. We compared VCET (vocal cord exposure time), tube pass time, 1st ventilation time, VCET to tube pass time, tube pass time to 1st ventilation time, and POGO (percentage of glottis opening) score. In addition, we compared success rate according to the number of attempts and complications.Result. VCET was similar among all laryngoscopes and POGO score was higher in AWS. AWS and Macintosh blade were faster than GVL and C-MAC in total intubation time. Face to face intubation success rate was lower in GVL than other laryngoscopes.Conclusion. AWS and Macintosh were favorable laryngoscopes in face to face intubation. GVL had disadvantage performing face to face intubation.