bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of an experimentally induced increase in arterial blood pressure on left ventricular twist mechanics
Authors: Balmain B. , Stewart G. M. , Yamada A. , Chan J. , Haseler L. J. , Sabapathy S.
Published: October 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Increases in blood pressure elicited by isometric hand‐grip exercise (IHG) have been shown to impair ventricular twist mechanics. However, the utility of the IHG model is confounded by a concurrent increase in heart rate, which independently influences ventricular mechanics.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We show that a period of post‐IHG circulatory occlusion isolates the effect of an arterial blood pressure increase from heart rate and magnifies the impairment of left ventricular twist when compared with IHG alone. A protocol using IHG followed by brief circulatory occlusion may serve as a useful tool in examining and understanding the relationships between afterload and cardiac function in various disease states.

The effects of isometric hand‐grip exercise (IHG) coupled with a period of postexercise circulatory occlusion (OCC; known to sustain exercise‐induced increases in blood pressure while facilitating a decrease in heart rate) on left ventricular (LV) twist mechanics was examined. Two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography was used to assess LV apical and basal rotation and LV twist in 19 healthy participants (23 ± 2 years old) at rest, during 3 min of IHG (performed at 40% maximal voluntary contraction) and 3 min of OCC immediately following IHG. The IHG elicited significant (P < 0.001) increases in mean arterial pressure (rest, 91 ± 1 mmHg; IHG, 122 ± 2 mmHg) and heart rate (rest, 65 ± 2 beats min−1; IHG, 91 ± 4 beats min−1). Mean arterial pressure remained elevated during OCC (116 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.001 versus rest), whereas heart rate returned to resting levels (68 ± 3 beats min−1; P = 0.159 versus rest). Apical rotation decreased significantly (P < 0.01) by 10 ± 5% during IHG and 21 ± 4% during OCC, whereas basal rotation remained unchanged from rest. Left ventricular twist decreased from rest to IHG (12 ± 5%; P = 0.015) and OCC (21 ± 4%; P = 0.001), whereas a decrease in LV untwist rate was observed only during OCC. An increase in blood pressure generated by IHG, and maintained by a period of OCC, impairs aspects of LV twist mechanics. Postexercise circulatory occlusion isolated the effect of the arterial blood pressure rise (from heart rate), magnifying the impairment of LV twist mechanics when compared with IHG, whilst also negatively impacting LV relaxation. We propose that a protocol using isometric exercise followed by circulatory occlusion provides a method for studying the effects of blood pressure changes on LV twist mechanics.
Damping of Torsional Beam Vibrations by Control of Warping Displacement
Authors: Høgsberg Jan , Hoffmeyer David , Ejlersen Christian
Published: October 2015

Supplemental damping of torsional beam vibrations is considered by viscous bimoments acting on the axial warping displacement at the beam supports. The concept is illustrated by solving the governing eigenvalue problem for various support configurations with the applied bimoments represented as viscous boundary conditions. It is demonstrated that properly calibrated viscous bimoments introduce a significant level of supplemental damping to the targeted vibration mode and that the attainable damping can be accurately estimated from the two undamped problems associated with vanishing and infinite viscous parameters, respectively.
The Physics of H-Darrieus Turbine Starting Behavior
Authors: Worasinchai Supakit , Ingram Grant L. , Dominy Robert G.
Published: October 2015

This paper provides a resolution to the contradictory accounts of whether or not the Darrieus turbine can self-start. The paper builds on previous work proposing an analogy between the aerofoil in Darrieus motion and flapping-wing flow mechanisms. This analogy suggests that unsteadiness could be exploited to generate additional thrust and that this unsteady thrust generation is governed by rotor geometry. Rotors which do not exploit this unsteadiness will not self-start. To confirm the hypothesis, unsteady effects were measured and then incorporated into a time-stepping rotor analysis and compared to experimental data for self-starting wind turbines. When unsteady effects were included, the model was able to predict the correct starting behavior. The fundamental physics of starting were also studied and parameters that govern the generation of unsteady thrust were explored, namely, chord-to-diameter and blade aspect ratios (ARs). Further simulation showed that the Darrieus rotor is prone to be locked in a deadband where the thrust is not continuous around a blade rotation. This discrete thrust is caused by the large variation in incidence angle during startup, making the Darrieus blade ineffective during part of the rotation. The results show that unsteady thrust can be promoted through an appropriate selection of blade aspect and chord-to-diameter ratios, therefore self-starting rotors may be designed. A new definition of self-starting is also proposed.
Predicting Gas Leakage in the Rotary Engine—Part I: Apex and Corner Seals
Authors: Picard Mathieu , Tian Tian , Nishino Takayuki
Published: October 2015

The Wankel rotary engine offers a greater power density than piston engines, but higher fuel consumption and higher hydrocarbon emissions, in large part due to poor gas sealing. This paper presents a modeling approach to evaluate the gas leakage of apex and corner seals in rotary engines. The apex seal is modeled as a deformable beam and its dynamics is coupled with the gas flows around the seal. It is shown that the main leakage mechanisms are: (1) corner seal clearance leakage, (2) leakage around the apex seal through the spark plug cavities, and (3) flank leakage at high speed. The side piece corner orifice and the trailing spark plug cavity also contribute to leakage, but to a lesser extent. Leakage through the seal–housing interface is negligible as the apex seal can conform to the distorted shape of the rotor housing.
Experimental Investigation of a Leaf Seal Prototype at Engine-Representative Speeds and Pressures
Authors: Pekris Michael J. , Franceschini Gervas , Jahn Ingo H. J. , Gillespie David R. H.
Published: October 2015

The application of compliant filament seals to jet engine secondary air systems has been shown to yield significant improvements in specific fuel consumption and improved emissions. One such technology, the leaf seal, provides comparable leakage performance to the brush seal but offers higher axial rigidity, significantly reduced radial stiffness, and improved compliance with the rotor. Investigations were carried out on the Engine Seal Test Facility at the University of Oxford into the behavior of a leaf seal prototype at high running speeds. The effects of pressure, speed, and cover plate geometry on leakage and torque are quantified. Earlier publications on leaf seals showed that air-riding at the contact interface might be achieved. Results are presented which appear to confirm that air-riding is taking place. Consideration is given to a possible mechanism for torque reduction at high rotational speeds.
Comparison of glottal flow rate characteristics based on experimental and computational data
Authors: Oren Liran , Khosla Sid , Gutmark Ephraim
Published: October 2015

In a recent computational model, Farahani and Zhang [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 136, EL369−EL375 (2014)] concluded that intraglottal vortices did not affect the closing mechanism of the folds. In order to determine the validity of any model that addresses the issue of vortex significance, it is important that the results of the computational model are comparable to experimental results. The results of Farahani and Zhang's model are inconsistent with data published for experimental models, which may challenge the validity of their conclusions.
Using Facebook and Twitter to Encourage Physical Activity: Are College Students Connecting with Campus Recreation on Social Media? A Pilot Study
Authors: Achen Rebecca M.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine students' use of the campus recreation center and their engagement with the center's social media accounts as a basis for future research. A survey was completed by 257 students in an undergraduate health course. The respondents were 38% female and 61% male, and 29% freshmen, 44% sophomores, 18% juniors, and 7% seniors. Results indicated that while the majority of students use Facebook and Twitter, most of them do not follow the center's accounts. However, students who participated in the least popular activities at the center were more likely to follow and interact with the center's social media. Potentially, students do not want to connect with the recreation center on social media and managers should shift resources to a different marketing strategy, or managers need to engage in a campaign to increase students' awareness of the center's accounts.
Undergraduate Student Engagement in Informal Recreational Swim: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Eubank Jake , DeVita James
Published: October 2015

The current study examined the relationship between undergraduate student engagement in an informal recreational activity (swimming) and participants' overall college experiences. Engagement in informal recreational swimming was shown to positively affect the well-being and sense of belonging of participants, as well as to establish a sense of connection with others who swam. Participants also expressed a positive change in mood and energy from participation in informal recreational swimming. Recommendations for other informal recreational activities (e.g., running, climbing) as well as for additional swimming programs are discussed.
Another mistaken case of appendicitis
Authors: Laji Nidhin , Bowyer Richard , Jeyaratnam Dakshika , Zuckerman Mark
Published: October 2015

In 2010, when I was 17, I presented to hospital with progressive discomfort and pain in the right iliac fossa when eating and moving, associated with mild fever and diarrhoea. Appendicitis was suspected but immediate surgery was deferred, as the inflammatory markers did not adequately support the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis. Further tests, including MRI, were then undertaken. The MRI showed evidence of terminal ileitis and a normal appendix. Crohn's disease was considered as part of the differential diagnosis. However, aYersinia enterocoliticainfection was subsequently confirmed. The episode highlighted several learning points including preventing unnecessary surgery and the advantages of using a multidisciplinary approach involving imaging the abdomen and microbiological input.
Pregnancy with a ruptured renal artery aneurysm: management concerns and endovascular management
Authors: Yadav Siddharth , Sharma Sanjay , Singh Prabhjot , Nayak Brusabhanu
Published: October 2015

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) affects <0.01% of the general population. Rupture of RAA is a rare catastrophe that can complicate pregnancy and is associated with high maternal and fetal mortality. Presentation is usually acute with severe flank pain, with or without haematuria, and haemodynamic instability requiring exploration and nephrectomy. A 26-year-old pregnant woman had sudden onset of gross haematuria and on evaluation was found to have a left RAA with an intrapelvic rupture and thinned out renal parenchyma. In view of the high risk of surgery, she was managed with endovascular placement of an Amplatzer type II vascular plug. Immediate and complete occlusion of blood flow was achieved and nephrectomy was avoided. Follow-up Doppler ultrasound revealed a reduced 5 cm mass in the left renal fossa with no internal flow and plug in position. She is currently on follow-up with 3–6 monthly ultrasonography not requiring any intervention.
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS AND BRIDGEHEAD EFFECT: EVIDENCE FROM KOREA–CHILE FTA
Authors: KANG KICHUN , KEYS PHYLLIS , SHIN YOON S.
Published: October 2015

Recent literature on the dynamics of export destinations has argued that firms export their products to new markets that are geographically close and culturally related to their previous export destinations. A modified version of [Melitz, M (2003). The impact of trade on intra-industry reallocations and aggregate industry productivity. Econometrica, 71(6), 1695–1725.] model suggests that a preferential trade agreement may provide inefficient firms with opportunities to export their products to third destination countries. This paper finds that new Korean products have been exported to the Chile market because of reductions in Chilean tariffs and the experience gained from exporting to the Chilean market has increased the likelihood of subsequent export to other countries in South America. The paper provides direct evidence that a free trade agreement (FTA) can serve as a stepping stone to other markets.
Nonlinear optical properties of 3-HF in different polar solvents investigated by Z-scan technique using picosecond laser pulse
Authors: Wu Feng , Ma Lina , Zhang Siwen , Wang Zhe , Cheng Xiaoman
Published: October 2015

3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) is an organic molecule with excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) effect. The nonlinear optical properties of 3-HF in the three different polar solvents (cyclohexane, ethanol and their mixture) were investigated by Z-scan technique under the excitation of the 1064 nm picoseconds laser pulse. The 3-HFs in these solvents exhibit the self-defocusing effect and their nonlinear refraction indices are in the order of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. The large nonlinear refraction indices may allow them to be widely used for the optoelectronic devices.
Facile Preparation of TiO2 Nanobranch/Nanoparticle Hybrid Architecture with Enhanced Light Harvesting Properties for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Ju Seong , Shin Seong Sik , Han Hyun Soo , Shin Sun , Suk Jae Ho , Kang Kisuk , Hong Kug Sun , Cho In Sun
Published: October 2015

We report TiO2 nanobranches/nanoparticles (NBN) hybrid architectures that can be synthesized by a facile solution phase method. The hybrid architecture simultaneously improves light harvesting and charge collection performances for a dye‐sensitized solar cell. First, TiO2 nanorods with a trunk length of 2 μm were grown on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/glass substrate, and then nanobranches and nanoparticles were deposited on the nanorods’ trunks through a solution method using an aqueous TiCl3 solution at 80°C. The relative amount of nanobranches and nanoparticles can be controlled by multiplying the number of TiCl3 treatments to maximize the amount of surface area. We found that the resultant TiO2 NBN hybrid architecture greatly improves the amount of dye adsorption (five times compared to bare nanorods) due to the enhanced surface area, while maintaining a fast charge collection, leading to a three times higher current density and thus tripling the maximum power conversion efficiency for a dye‐sensitized solar cell.
Ciprofloxacin-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case of Successful Treatment and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hashmi Hafiz Rizwan Talib , Diaz-Fuentes Gilda , Jadhav Preeti , Khaja Misbahuddin
Published: October 2015

A 49-year-old African American woman was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. She was receiving ciprofloxacin for a urinary-tract infection prior to admission. Laboratory examination revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and serum creatinine. Peripheral smear showed numerous schistocytes, and the patient was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Ciprofloxacin was identified as the offending agent. The patient received treatment with steroids and plasmapheresis, which led to rapid clinical recovery. This is the first case to our knowledge of successfully treated ciprofloxacin-induced TTP; previously reported cases had fulminant outcomes. Quinolones are an important part of the antibiotic armamentarium, and this case can raise awareness of the association between quinolones and TTP. A high index of suspicion for detection and early and aggressive management are vitally important for a successful outcome.
Prediction of the Service Life of a Reinforced Concrete Column under Chloride Environment
Authors: Alkam Mohammad K. , Alqam Maha
Published: October 2015

In the present investigation, service life of a reinforced concrete column exposed to chloride environment has been predicted. This study has been based on numerical simulation of chloride ion diffusion in a concrete column during its anticipated life span. The simulation process has included the concrete cover replacement whenever chloride ion concentration has reached the critical threshold value at the reinforcement surface. Repair scheduling of the concrete column under consideration has been discussed. Effects of the concrete cover thickness and the water cement ratio on the service life of the concrete column at hand have been presented. A new approach for arranging locations of reinforcement steel bars has been introduced. This approach is intended to prolong the service life of the concrete column under consideration against chloride induced corrosion.
Ionic Liquid-Facilitated Preparation of Lignocellulosic Composites
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Larson Erik , Gray David , Dexter Nathaniel , Meunier Carl , Moore Lena , Haverhals Luke
Published: October 2015

Lignocellulosic composites (LCs) were prepared by partially dissolving cotton along with steam exploded Aspen wood and burlap fabric reinforcements utilizing an ionic liquid (IL) solvent. Two methods of preparation were employed. In the first method, a controlled amount of IL was added to preassembled dry matrix of cotton and Aspen wood with a burlap weave reinforcement. In the second method, IL solvent, cotton, and Aspen wood were mixed to produce a thick paste matrix that was subsequently pressed into the burlap weave reinforcement. The IL-based solvent was removed via water soaking, and the flexural and tensile properties of the LCs were examined. In this study, the matrix paste method produced a superior LC. Variables such as processing time (IL interaction time) and fabric weaves were found to influence the mechanical properties of the LCs. Although significant process optimization can still be realized, the mechanical properties of several of the LCs fabricated in this study were comparable to injection molded test specimens of neat high density polyethylene or neat polypropylene.
A New CT Method for Assessing 3D Movements in Lumbar Facet Joints and Vertebrae in Patients before and after TDR
Authors: Svedmark Per , Berg Svante , Noz Marilyn E. , Maguire Gerald Q. , Zeleznik Michael P. , Weidenhielm Lars , Nemeth Gunnar , Olivecrona Henrik
Published: October 2015

This study describes a 3D-CT method for analyzing facet joint motion and vertebral rotation in the lumbar spine after TDR. Ten patients were examined before and then three years after surgery, each time with two CT scans: provoked flexion and provoked extension. After 3D registration, the facet joint 3D translation and segmental vertebral 3D rotation were analyzed at the operated level (L5-S1) and adjacent level (L4-L5). Pain was evaluated using VAS. The median (±SD) 3D movement in the operated level for the left facet joint was 3.2 mm (±1.9 mm) before and 3.5 mm (±1.7 mm) after surgery and for the right facet joint was 3.0 mm (±1.0 mm) before and 3.6 mm (±1.4 mm) after surgery. The median vertebral rotation in the sagittal plane at the operated level was 5.4° (±2.3°) before surgery and 6.8° (±1.7°) after surgery and in the adjacent level was 7.7° (±4.0°) before and 9.2° (±2.7°) after surgery. The median VAS was reduced from 6 (range 5–8) to 3 (range 2–8) in extension and from 4 (range 2–6) to 2 (range 1–3) in flexion.
The Influence of the Punched Delta Wings on Flow Pattern and Heat Transfer Characteristic in a Fin-and-Oval-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Boonloi Amnart
Published: October 2015

3D numerical investigations are performed to study the heat transfer, friction factor, and thermal performance of a fin-and-oval heat exchanger with punched delta wings for a range of 500 ≤ Re ≤ 2500 (based on the hydraulic diameter). The influences of the punched angles, 20°, 30°, and 45°, flow directions, wing tips pointing downstream and upstream, and pitch ratios, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, are investigated. The results show that the use of the punched delta wings in the fin-and-oval-tube heat exchanger leads to an enhancement in the heat transfer and friction loss as compared to the plain fin for all cases (Nu/Nu0 and f/f0 higher than 1). The enhancements of the heat transfer and friction factor are around 1.01–1.22 and 1.37–2.65 times higher than the base case, respectively. The punched delta wings create the vortex flows through the test section that helps enhance the strength of the impinging flow on the tube walls. The impingement of the fluid flow is an important key to augment the heat transfer rate and thermal performance in the heat exchanger.
Syncytiotrophoblast Functions and Fetal Growth Restriction during Placental Malaria: Updates and Implication for Future Interventions
Authors: Kidima Winifrida B.
Published: October 2015

Syncytiotrophoblast lines the intervillous space of the placenta and plays important roles in fetus growth throughout gestation. However, perturbations at the maternal-fetal interface during placental malaria may possibly alter the physiological functions of syncytiotrophoblast and therefore growth and development of the embryoin utero. An understanding of the influence of placental malaria on syncytiotrophoblast function is paramount in developing novel interventions for the control of placental pathology associated with placental malaria. In this review, we discuss how malaria changes syncytiotrophoblast function as evidenced from human, animal, andin vitrostudies and, further, how dysregulation of syncytiotrophoblast function may impact fetal growthin utero. We also formulate a hypothesis, stemming from epidemiological observations, that nutrition may override pathogenesis of placental malaria-associated-fetal growth restriction. We therefore recommend studies on nutrition-based-interventional approaches for high placental malaria-risk women in endemic areas. More investigations on the role of nutrition on placental malaria pathogenesis are needed.
Clear Corneal Phacovitrectomy with Posterior Capsulorhexis and IOL Implantation in Management of Selective Vitreoretinal Cases
Authors: Boiko Ernest V. , Churashov Sergey V. , Kulikov Alexei N. , Maltsev Dmitrii S.
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To describe our technique, clear corneal phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulorhexis (CCPV), for the management of selected posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB), posteriorly dislocated lens fragments (PDLF), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) cases.Methods. This was a single-center retrospective interventional case series. In 21 patients (21 eyes) we performed phacovitrectomy through three clear corneal tunnel incisions (CCTI) and posterior capsulorhexis to remove IOFB (n=8), PDLF from the vitreous cavity after complicated phacoemulsification (n=6), and vitreous hemorrhage and epiretinal membranes in PDR (n=7). The procedure was completed with implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic IOL through the CCTI.Results. The mean visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.90 preoperative and improved to 0.26 over a mean follow-up of 8.7 months (range, 6–12 months). The intraocular lens was implanted into the capsular bag (n=12) or onto the anterior capsule (n=9). One PDR patient experienced an intraprocedural complication, hemorrhage from isolated fibrovascular adhesions. One IOFB patient developed apparent anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy and required a repeat intervention.Conclusion. Selected vitreoretinal IOFB, PDLF, and PDR cases can be successfully managed by a combined surgical approach involving clear corneal phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulorhexis and implantation of an IOL, with good visual outcome and a low complication rate.
Salutary Effects of Cepharanthine against Skeletal Muscle and Kidney Injuries following Limb Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Kao Ming-Chang , Chung Chih-Yang , Chang Ya-Ying , Lin Chih-Kung , Sheu Joen-Rong , Huang Chun-Jen
Published: October 2015

Limb ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes oxidation and inflammation and subsequently induces muscle and kidney injuries. Cepharanthine, a natural plant alkaloid, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. We elucidated the salutary effects of cepharanthine against muscle and kidney injuries following limb I/R. Adult male rats were randomized to receive I/R or I/R plus cepharanthine. I/R was achieved by applying tourniquet high around each thigh for 3 hours followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. Cepharanthine (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was injected immediately before reperfusion. After euthanization, degrees of tissue injury, inflammation, and oxidation were examined. Our data revealed that the I/R group had significant increases in injury biomarker concentrations of muscle (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) and kidney (creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and kidney injury molecule-1). Histological assays revealed moderate muscle and kidney injury characteristics in the I/R group. The I/R group also had significant increases in concentrations of inflammatory molecules (interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and prostaglandin E2) and reactive nitrogen species (nitric oxide) as well as lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde). Of note, these effects of limb I/R could be mitigated by cepharanthine. These data confirmed that cepharanthine attenuated muscle and kidney injuries induced by limb I/R. The mechanisms may involve its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacities.
Knowledge Level of the Primary Healthcare Providers on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Authors: Göktalay Tuğba , Tuncal Ayşe Nur , Sarı Seçil , Köroğlu Galip , Havlucu Yavuz , Yorgancıoğlu Arzu
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Awareness of the healthcare providers on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in our country and all over the world, and on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) which plays an important role in its nonpharmacological treatment will provide effectiveness in diagnosis and treatment of COPD. The present study aimed at determining knowledge level of the healthcare providers about COPD and PR.Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, family practitioners and staff of home-care in central county of Manisa City were applied a questionnaire in order to determine their knowledge level on COPD and pulmonary rehabilitation during the in-service training on “pulmonary rehabilitation, home-care services for the pulmonary diseases, and respiratory exercises.”Results. 65.5% of the healthcare providers responded to the survey. Rate of those correctly knowing at least one of four items was 97.2%. No responder knew all items correctly. Average value for correct answers was 5.30 ± 2.1 (range: 1–10). The physicians, men, and those working in family health centers had higher level of knowledge on COPD compared to nonphysician healthcare providers(p=0.006), women(p=0.002), and those working in other practices(p=0.019), respectively.Conclusion. Knowledge level of the primary healthcare providers on COPD and PR remains inadequate. Dynamic postgraduate training on this topic will be useful in referring the patients to centers giving service for this condition.
Fluoroscopic-Assisted Olecranon Fracture Repair in Three Dogs
Authors: Jones Stephen C. , Lewis Daniel D. , Winter Matthew D.
Published: October 2015

Olecranon fractures in dogs are often both comminuted and intra-articular. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are thus paramount to achieving primary bone healing and mitigating the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Intraoperative fluoroscopy can be useful to confirm accurate fracture reduction and facilitate precise implant placement, potentially reducing the surgical exposure required and additional trauma. Despite widespread use in human surgery, reports of fluoroscopic-assisted fracture repair in dogs are limited. Presented here are three dogs in which intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to facilitate accurate olecranon fracture reduction and implant positioning. The olecranon fractures appeared to heal by primary bone union, although the anconeal process failed to obtain osseous union in one dog. Despite the development of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis in all three dogs, and the nonunion of the anconeal process in one dog, the clinical outcome was considered successful with all dogs subjectively free of lameness at long-term follow-up evaluation. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was found to be a useful modality during fracture reduction and implant placement in dogs with olecranon fractures.
Energy-Saving Generation Dispatch Using Minimum Cost Flow
Authors: Zhang Zhan’an , Cai Xingguo
Published: October 2015

This study uses a minimum cost flow method to solve a dispatch problem in order to minimize the consumption of coal in the dispatching of a thermal power system. Low-carbon generation dispatching is also considered here since the scheduling results are consistent with energy-saving generation dispatch. Additionally, this study employs minimum coal consumption as an objective function in considering the output constraints, load balance constraints, line loss, ramp rate limits, spinning reverse needs, prohibited operating zone requirements, security constraints, and other common constraints. The minimum cost flow problem, considering the loss of network flow, is known as a generalized network flow problem, which can be expressed as a quadratic programming problem in mathematics. Accordingly, the objective function was solved by LINGO11, which was used to calculate a network in a single time; a continuous period dispatch plan was obtained by accumulating each period network flow together. This analysis proves it feasible to solve a minimal cost flow problem with LINGO11. Theoretical analysis and numerical results prove the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
An Overview of Biomolecular Event Extraction from Scientific Documents
Authors: Vanegas Jorge A. , Matos Sérgio , González Fabio , Oliveira José L.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a review of state-of-the-art approaches to automatic extraction of biomolecular events from scientific texts. Events involving biomolecules such as genes, transcription factors, or enzymes, for example, have a central role in biological processes and functions and provide valuable information for describing physiological and pathogenesis mechanisms. Event extraction from biomedical literature has a broad range of applications, including support for information retrieval, knowledge summarization, and information extraction and discovery. However, automatic event extraction is a challenging task due to the ambiguity and diversity of natural language and higher-level linguistic phenomena, such as speculations and negations, which occur in biological texts and can lead to misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation. Many strategies have been proposed in the last decade, originating from different research areas such as natural language processing, machine learning, and statistics. This review summarizes the most representative approaches in biomolecular event extraction and presents an analysis of the current state of the art and of commonly used methods, features, and tools. Finally, current research trends and future perspectives are also discussed.
Nosocomial Isolates and Their Drug Resistant Pattern in ICU Patients at National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Pashupati , Thapa Ganesh , Pokhrel Bharat Mani , Bhatta Dwij Raj , Devkota Upendra
Published: October 2015

Multidrug resistant organisms are increasing day by day and the cause is poorly known. This study was carried out from June 2011 to May 2012 at National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences Kathmandu, Nepal, with a view to determining drug resistant pathogens along with detection of extended spectrumβ-lactamase (ESBL), AmpCβ-lactamase (ABL), and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing bacteria causing infection to ICU patients. A standard methodology was used to achieve these objectives as per recommendation of American Society for Microbiology. ESBL was detected by combined disc assay using cefotaxime and cefotaxime clavulanic acid, ABL by inhibitor based method using cefoxitin and phenylboronic acid, and MBL by imipenem-EDTA combined disk method. Two hundred and ninety-four different clinical samples such as tracheal aspirates, urine, pus, swabs, catheter tips, and blood were processed during the study. Most common bacteria wereAcinetobacterspp. Of the total 58Acinetobacterspp., 46 (79%) were MDR, and 27% were positive for ABL and 12% were for MBL. Of the 32 cases ofStaphylococcus aureus, 18 (56%) were MDR. Findings of this study warrant routineβ-lactamase testing in clinical isolates.
Association between Genetic Variants and Diabetes Mellitus in Iranian Populations: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Khodaeian Mehrnoosh , Enayati Samaneh , Tabatabaei-Malazy Ozra , Amoli Mahsa M.
Published: October 2015

Introduction.Diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent metabolic disease is a multifactorial disease which is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. In this systematic review, we assessed the association between genetic variants and diabetes/its complications in studies with Iranian populations.Methods.Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Persian web databases were systematically searched up to January 2014. The search terms were “gene,” “polymorphism,” “diabetes,” and “diabetic complications”; nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, foot ulcer, and CAD (coronary artery diseases); and Persian equivalents. Animal studies, letters to editor, and in vitro studies were excluded.Results.Out of overall 3029 eligible articles, 88 articles were included. We found significant association between CTLA-4, IL-18, VDR, TAP2, IL-12, and CD4 genes and T1DM, HNFαand MODY, haptoglobin, paraoxonase, leptin, TCF7L2, calreticulin, ERα, PPAR-γ2, CXCL5, calpain-10, IRS-1 and 2, GSTM1, KCNJ11, eNOS, VDR, INSR, ACE, apoA-I, apo E, adiponectin, PTPN1, CETP, AT1R, resistin, MMP-3, BChE K, AT2R, SUMO4, IL-10, VEGF, MTHFR, and GSTM1 with T2DM or its complications.Discussion.We found some controversial results due to heterogeneity in ethnicity and genetic background. We thought genome wide association studies on large number of samples will be helpful in identifying diabetes susceptible genes as an alternative to studying individual candidate genes in Iranian populations.
Measuring Intraspecific Variation in Flight-Related Morphology of Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus): Which Sex Has the Best Flying Gear?
Authors: Davis Andrew K. , Holden Michael T.
Published: October 2015

Optimal flight in butterflies depends on structural features of the wings and body, including wing size, flight muscle size, and wing loading. Arguably, there is no butterfly for which flight is more important than the monarch (Danaus plexippus), which undergoes long-distance migrations in North America. We examined morphological features of monarchs that would explain the apparent higher migratory success and flight ability of females over males. We examined 47 male and 45 female monarch specimens from a project where monarchs were reared under uniform conditions. We weighed individual body parts, including the thorax (flight muscle) and wings, and computed wing loading and wing thickness for all specimens. When we compared each morphological trait between sexes, we found that females did not differ from males in terms of relative thorax (wing muscle) size. Females were generally smaller than males, but females had relatively thicker wings than males for their size, which suggests greater mechanical strength. Importantly, females had significantly lower wing loading than males (7% lower). This would translate to more efficient flight, which may explain their higher migratory success. Results of this work should be useful for interpreting flight behavior and/or migration success in this and other Lepidopteran species.
Geometric-Process-Based Battery Management Optimizing Policy for the Electric Bus
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Jin-kuan , Han Peng , Han Ying-hua
Published: October 2015

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry and promotive policies worldwide, the electric bus (E-bus) has been adopted in many major cities around the world. One of the most important factors that restrain the widespread application of the E-bus is the high operating cost due to the deficient battery management. This paper proposes a geometric-process-based (GP-based) battery management optimizing policy which aims to minimize the average cost of the operation on the premise of meeting the required sufficient battery availability. Considering the deterioration of the battery after repeated charging and discharging, this paper constructs the model of the operation of the E-bus battery as a geometric process, and the premaintenance time has been considered with the failure repairment time to enhance the GP-based battery operation model considering the battery cannot be as good as new after the two processes. The computer simulation is carried out by adopting the proposed optimizing policy, and the result verifies the effectiveness of the policy, denoting its significant performance on the application of the E-bus battery management.
Design of a PID Controller for a Linearized Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Psonis Theodore K. , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G. , Mitronikas Epaminondas
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the study of magnetic bearings regarding a linear model. Initially, the advantages of magnetic bearings are referenced, in relation to the existing technology. Subsequently, the linearized model of the system is presented and the need for closed loop and control of the system is clarified. This need leads to further analysis of linear controllers like P, I, D, PI, PD, and PID. For each of them, the stability of closed loop system is studied, using the characteristic equation of the system and the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. To this end, the boundary conditions for the existence of the stability of each of them are found and presented. After finding the controllers’ characteristic parameters which could provide stability to the system, simulation tests with existence of white noise follow. Finally, the proposed PID controller performance is examined, based on existing laboratory data, and results concerning the stability of this controller are presented.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in an Infant Mimicking a Lymphoma at Presentation
Authors: Madasu Anjan , Noor Rana Asim , Banat Saleh , Humad Hani , Mustafa Rashid , AlJassmi Abdulrahman Mohd
Published: October 2015

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by proliferation and accumulation of clonal dendritic cells with varied clinical presentation and an unpredictable course. We report a 5-month-old infant with LCH who presented with severe respiratory distress, a large mediastinal mass, significant generalized lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Lymphoma, especially T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, can present with superior mediastinal syndrome needing urgent empirical therapy without biopsy. However, lack of response prompted a biopsy which confirmed it to be a case of LCH and that leads to appropriate therapy and survival. There have been reports of LCH presenting with isolated mediastinal mass or with generalized lymphadenopathy, but the combined presentation of generalized lymphadenopathy with large mediastinal mass, hepatosplenomegaly, and fever in an infant has rarely been reported.Conclusion. LCH should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of an infant presenting with generalized lymphadenopathy, mediastinal mass, hepatosplenomegaly, and fever.
Small Bowel Obstruction Masquerading as Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Parikh Manan , Amor Martin Miguel , Verma Isha , Osofsky Jeffrey , Paladugu Madhu
Published: October 2015

ST segment elevation on EKG remains among the most important presentations of acute myocardial infarction. Due to the urgency of intervention for this finding, other clinical scenarios causing ST elevations on EKG may sometimes go unaddressed and can lead to fatal complications. We present a case of an 86-year-old male presenting with small bowel obstruction leading to EKG findings of ST segment elevation in the absence of critical coronary obstruction. The EKG finding resolved after the improvement of small bowel obstruction reflecting the reversible cause of the changes.
Glazed PVT Collector with Polysiloxane Encapsulation of PV Cells: Performance and Economic Analysis
Authors: Matuska Tomas , Sourek Borivoj , Jirka Vladimir , Pokorny Nikola
Published: October 2015

Development of a new concept of glazed PVT collector based on temperature resistant polysiloxane encapsulation material is presented together with the results from experimental testing and modelling. Performance and economic analysis in 4 different European climates has been done to derive the competitive price of the PVT collector concepts with main focus on the glazed PVT collector under development. Results have shown that specific market price 400 to 500 EUR/m2for the glazed PVT collector should not be exceeded in order to become competitive with conventional combination of photothermal and photovoltaic collectors.
Filament Dynamics during Simulated Ventricular Fibrillation in a High-Resolution Rabbit Heart
Authors: Pathmanathan Pras , Gray Richard A.
Published: October 2015

The mechanisms underlying ventricular fibrillation (VF) are not well understood. The electrical activity on the heart surface during VF has been recorded extensively in the experimental setting and in some cases clinically; however, correspondingtransmuralactivation patterns are prohibitively difficult to measure. In this paper, we use a high-resolution biventricular heart model to study three-dimensional electrical activity during fibrillation, focusing on the driving sources of VF: “filaments,” the organising centres of unstable reentrant scroll waves. We show, for the first time, specific 3D filamentdynamicsduring simulated VF in a whole heart geometry that includes fine-scale anatomical structures. Our results suggest that transmural activity is much more complex than what would be expected from surface observations alone. We present examples of complex intramural activity, including filament breakup and reattachment, anchoring to the thin right ventricular apex; rapid transitions among various filament shapes; and filament lengths much greater than wall thickness. We also present evidence for anatomy playing a major role in VF development and coronary vessels and trabeculae influencing filament dynamics. Overall, our results indicate that intramural activity during simulated VF is extraordinarily complex and suggest that further investigation of 3D filaments is necessary to fully comprehend recorded surface patterns.
Diffusion of Chemically Reactive Species in Casson Fluid Flow over an Unsteady Stretching Surface in Porous Medium in the Presence of a Magnetic Field
Authors: Makanda Gilbert , Shaw Sachin , Sibanda Precious
Published: October 2015

A study is performed on two-dimensional flow and diffusion of chemically reactive species of Casson fluid from an unsteady stretching surface in porous medium in the presence of a magnetic field. The boundary layer velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are numerically computed for different governing parameters. The paper intends to show unique results of a combination of heat transfer and chemical reaction in Casson fluid flow. The resulting partial differential equations are converted to a system of ordinary differential equations using the appropriate similarity transformation, which are solved by using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg numerical scheme. The results in this work are validated by the comparison with other authors.
Pain Levels after Local Anaesthetic with or without Hyaluronidase in Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Yeo G. , Gupta A. , Ding G. , Skerman H. , Khatun M. , Melsom D.
Published: October 2015

Purpose. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that temporarily liquefies the interstitial barrier, allowing easy dispersal of local anaesthetic through cleavage of tissue planes. This prospective, blinded, randomised controlled study investigates the utility of adding hyaluronidase to local anaesthetic in the setting of carpal tunnel release.Methods. 70 consecutive carpal tunnel release patients were recruited and randomised into a control group only receiving local anaesthetic and a hyaluronidase group receiving both hyaluronidase and local anaesthetic. Pain scores were rated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) by patients immediately after local anaesthetic injection and again immediately after the carpal tunnel release.Results. Preoperative VAS scores, taken after local anaesthetic injection, were greater than postoperative VAS scores. Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the hyaluronidase group and tourniquet times were significantly shorter in the hyaluronidase group.Conclusion. Hyaluronidase addition to local anaesthetic in carpal tunnel release resulted in significant reductions in operative time and pain immediately after operation.
A Solution for the Generalized Synchronization of a Class of Chaotic Systems Based on Output Feedback
Authors: Aguilar-Ibanez Carlos , Martínez-Guerra R. , Pérez-Pinacho C. , García-Canseco E. , Suarez-Castanon Miguel S.
Published: October 2015

A solution to the output-feedbackgeneralized synchronizationproblem for two chaotic systems, namely, the master and the slave, is presented. The solution assumes that the slave is controlled by a single input, and the states of each system are partially known. To this end, both systems are expressed in their corresponding observable generalized canonical form, through their differential primitive element. The nonavailable state variables of both systems are recovered using a suitable Luenberger observer. The convergence analysis was carried out using the linear control approach in conjunction with the Lyapunov method. Convincing numerical simulations are presented to assess the effectiveness of the obtained solution.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Ag3PO4 Triangular Prism
Authors: Dong Pengyu , Hao Yan , Gao Peiyang , Cui Entian , Zhang Qinfang
Published: October 2015

Ag3PO4 triangular prism was synthesized by a facile chemical precipitation approach by simply adjusting external ultrasonic condition. The as‐synthesized Ag3PO4 triangular prism was characterized by X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance (UV‐vis DRS) absorption spectra. The photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4 triangular prism was evaluated by photodegradation of organic methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and phenol under visible light irradiation. Results showed that Ag3PO4 triangular prism exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than N‐doped TiO2 and commercial TiO2 (P25) under visible light irradiation.