bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a nationwide survey of primary health care in China: the China PEACE (Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events) MPP (Million Persons Project) Primary Health Care Survey
Authors: Su Meng , Zhang Qiuli , Lu Jiapeng , Li Xi , Tian Na , Wang Yun , Yip Winnie , Cheng Kar Keung , Mensah George A , Horwitz Ralph I , Mossialos Elias , Krumholz Harlan M , Jiang Lixin
Published: August 2017

Introduction

China has pioneered advances in primary health care (PHC) and public health for a large and diverse population. To date, the current state of PHC in China has not been subjected to systematic assessments. Understanding variations in primary care services could generate opportunities for improving the structure and function of PHC.

Methods and analysis

This paper describes a nationwide PHC study (PEACE MPP Primary Health Care Survey) conducted across 31 provinces in China. The study leverages an ongoing research project, the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE) Million Persons Project (MPP). It employs an observational design with document acquisition and abstraction and in-person interviews. The study will collect data and original documents on the structure and financing of PHC institutions and the adequacy of the essential medicines programme; the education, training and retention of the PHC workforce; the quality of care; and patient satisfaction with care. The study will provide a comprehensive assessment of current PHC services and help determine gaps in access and quality of care. All study instruments and documents will be deposited in the Document Bank as an open-access source for other researchers.

Ethics and dissemination

The central ethics committee at the China National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease (NCCD) approved the study. Written informed consent has been obtained from all patients. Findings will be disseminated in future peer reviewed papers, and will inform strategies aimed at improving the PHC in China.

Trial registration number

NCT02953926
The clinical academic workforce of the future: a cross-sectional study of factors influencing career decision-making among clinical PhD students at two research-intensive UK universities
Authors: Lopes Joana , Ranieri Veronica , Lambert Trevor , Pugh Chris , Barratt Helen , Fulop Naomi J , Rees Geraint , Best Denise
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To examine clinical doctoral students’ demographic and training characteristics, career intentions, career preparedness and what influences them as they plan their future careers.

Design and setting

Online cross-sectional census surveys at two research-intensive medical schools in England in 2015–2016.

Participants

All medically qualified PhD students (N=523) enrolled at the University of Oxford and University College London were invited to participate. We report on data from 320 participants (54% male and 44% female), who were representative by gender of the invited population.

Main outcome measures

Career intentions.

Results

Respondents were mainly in specialty training, including close to training completion (25%, n=80), and 18% (n=57) had completed training. Half (50%, n=159) intended to pursue a clinical academic career (CAC) and 62% (n=198) were at least moderately likely to seek a clinical lectureship (CL). However, 51% (n=163) had little or no knowledge about CL posts. Those wanting a CAC tended to have the most predoctoral medical research experience (χ2(2, N=305)=22.19, p=0.0005). Key reasons cited for not pursuing a CAC were the small number of senior academic appointments available, the difficulty of obtaining research grants and work-life balance.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that urging predoctoral clinicians to gain varied research experience while ensuring availability of opportunities, and introducing more flexible recruitment criteria for CL appointments, would foster CACs. As CL posts are often only open to those still in training, the many postdoctoral clinicians who have completed training, or nearly done so, do not currently gain the opportunity the post offers to develop as independent researchers. Better opportunities should be accompanied by enhanced career support for clinical doctoral students (eg, to increase knowledge of CLs). Finally, ways to increase the number of senior clinical academic appointments should be explored since their lack seems to significantly influence career decisions.
Integrating national surveys to estimate small area variations in poor health and limiting long-term illness in Great Britain
Authors: Moon Graham , Aitken Grant , Taylor Joanna , Twigg Liz
Published: August 2017

Objectives

This study aims to address, for the first time, the challenges of constructing small area estimates of health status using linked national surveys. The study also seeks to assess the concordance of these small area estimates with data from national censuses.

Setting

Population level health status in England, Scotland and Wales.

Participants

A linked integrated dataset of 23 374 survey respondents (16+ years) from the 2011 waves of the Health Survey for England (n=8603), the Scottish Health Survey (n=7537) and the Welsh Health Survey (n=7234).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Population prevalence of poorer self-rated health and limiting long-term illness. A multilevel small area estimation modelling approach was used to estimate prevalence of these outcomes for middle super output areas in England and Wales and intermediate zones in Scotland. The estimates were then compared with matched measures from the contemporaneous 2011 UK Census.

Results

There was a strong positive association between the small area estimates and matched census measures for all three countries for both poorer self-rated health (r=0.828, 95% CI 0.821 to 0.834) and limiting long-term illness (r=0.831, 95% CI 0.824 to 0.837), although systematic differences were evident, and small area estimation tended to indicate higher prevalences than census data.

Conclusions

Despite strong concordance, variations in the small area prevalences of poorer self-rated health and limiting long-term illness evident in census data cannot be replicated perfectly using small area estimation with linked national surveys. This reflects a lack of harmonisation between surveys over question wording and design. The nature of small area estimates as ‘expected values’ also needs to be better understood.
Excisional treatment in women with cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS): a prospective randomised controlled non-inferiority trial to compare AIS persistence/recurrence after loop electrosurgical excision procedure with cold knife cone biopsy: protocol for a pilot study
Authors: Cohen Paul A , Brand Alison , Sykes Peter , Wrede David C H , McNally Orla , Eva Lois , Rao Archana , Campion Michael , Stockler Martin , Powell Aime , Codde Jim , Bulsara Max K , Anderson Lyndal , Leung Yee , Farrell Louise , Stoyles Pennie
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the uterine cervix is the precursor to invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma. An excisional biopsy such as a cold knife cone biopsy (CKC) should be performed to exclude invasive adenocarcinoma. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is an alternative modality to CKC but is controversial in AIS. There is a perception that there is a greater likelihood of incomplete excision of AIS with LEEP because the depth of excised tissue tends to be smaller and the tissue margins may show thermal artefact which can interfere with pathology assessment. In the USA, guidelines recommend that any treatment modality can be used to excise AIS, provided that the specimen remains intact with interpretable margins. However, there are no high-quality studies comparing LEEP with CKC and well-designed prospective studies are needed. If such a study were to show that LEEP was non-inferior to CKC for the outcomes of post-treatment persistence, recurrence and adenocarcinoma, LEEP could be recommended as an appropriate treatment option for AIS in selected patients. This would benefit women because, unlike CKC, LEEP does not require general anaesthesia and may be associated with reduced morbidity.

Methods and analysis

The proposed exploratory study is a parallel group trial with an allocation ratio of 2:1 in favour of the intervention (LEEP: CKC). Participants are women aged ≥18 to ≤45 years diagnosed with AIS on cervical screening and/or colposcopically directed biopsy in Australia and New Zealand, who are to receive excisional treatment in a tertiary level centre.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study has been granted by the St John of God Healthcare Human Research Ethics Committee (reference number #1137). Results from the study will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Registration

ANZCTR registration number ACTRN12617000132347https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372173&isReview=true
Association between osteoarthritis and dyslipidaemia: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baudart Pauline , Louati Karine , Marcelli Christian , Berenbaum Francis , Sellam Jérémie
Published: August 2017

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and whether OA and dyslipidemia are associated.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis, including cross-sectional, cohort and case–control studies, to assess the number of patients with OA and/or dyslipidemia. We calculated the mean (±SD) prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with and without OA and the risk of dyslipidemia (OR, 95% CI) among patients with OA.

Results

From 605 articles screened, 48 were included in the analysis (describing 29 cross-sectional, 10 cohort and 9 case–control studies). The mean prevalence of dyslipidemia was 30.2%±0.6% among 14 843 patients with OA and 8.0%±0.1% among 196 168 without OA. The risk of dyslipidemia was greater with than without OA overall (OR 1.98,95% CI 1.43 to 2.75, p<0.0001) and with knee OA (OR 2.27, 1.33 to 3.89, p=0.003) and hand OA (OR 2.12, 1.46 to 3.07), p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The risk of dyslipidemia was twofold greater with than without OA, so lipid disturbances could be a risk factor for OA. Such a result supports the individualisation of the metabolic syndrome-associated OA phenotype.
‘Bottom‐hung window’ trauma in cats: neurological evaluation and outcome in 71 cats with bilateral hindlimb injury
Authors: Gradner Gabriele M , Dogman‐Rauberger Lina , Dupré Gilles
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Influence of neurological status on the mortality rate of paraparetic/paralysed cats presenting after entrapment in a bottom‐hung window was evaluated. It was hypothesised that (1) loss of deep pain sensation at admission would not be a negative prognostic factor for regaining motor function and that (2) mortality rate would be influenced by the severity of neurological grade upon admission.

Methods

Clinical and pathological data of affected cats that presented at our institution between 2001 and 2012 for this specific trauma were collected retrospectively: breed, age, sex, last contact with owner (<3 hours and >3 hours), whether the cat was suffering from monoparesis or paraparesis/paraplegia, duration of hospitalisation, rectal temperature, surface temperature of the skin of the hindlimbs, femoral pulse and tone of the pelvic musculature. Neurological status was categorised according to Scott's classification scheme with neurological grade 1 representing spinal pain on manipulation down to neurological grade 5 representing paraplegia with no deep pain sensation.

Results

Data were collected for 98 cats that had been caught in the thoracolumbar area. A total of 71 cats were included in the statistical analysis after excluding 27 cats for the following reasons: monoparesis/monoplegia by getting one limb caught only (15), no initial neurological examination (5), was dead on arrival (1), caught within the thoracolumbar area but no clinical or neurological abnormalities (6). The proportional mortality rate overall was 35% (25/71) with 65% of these (16/25) dying with clinical signs of respiratory distress. The proportional mortality rate of patients with a neurological grade of 5 on admission was 55% (17/31).

Conclusions

Mortality was influenced by the severity of neurological grade on admission, with the majority of cats having a neurological grade of 5 (paraplegia with loss of deep pain perception) at admission dying (11/31) rather than undergoing euthanasia on admission at the owner's request (6/31). In the survivors’ group, loss of deep pain perception was not a negative prognostic factor for regaining motor function although it was associated with mortality.
Short-term effects of hemodiafiltration versus conventional hemodialysis on erythrocyte performance
Authors: Georgatzakou Hara T. , Tzounakas Vassilis L. , Kriebardis Anastasios G. , Velentzas Athanassios D. , Kokkalis Apostolos C. , Antonelou Marianna H. , Papassideri Issidora S.
Published: August 2017

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is a renal replacement therapy that is based on the principles of diffusion and convection for the elimination of uremic toxins. A significant and increasing number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are treated with HDF, even in the absence of definite and conclusive survival and anemia treatment data. However, its effects on red blood cell (RBC) physiological features have not been examined in depth. In this study, ESRD patients under regular HDF or conventional hemodialysis (cHD) treatment were examined for RBC-related parameters, including anemia, hemolysis, cell shape, redox status, removal signaling, membrane protein composition, and microvesiculation, in repeated paired measurements accomplished before and right after each dialysis session. The HDF group was characterized by better redox potential and suppressed exovesiculation of blood cells compared with the cHD group pre-dialysis. However, HDF was associated with a temporary but acute, oxidative-stress-driven increase in hemolysis, RBC removal signaling, and stomatocytosis, probably associated with the effective clearance of dialyzable natural antioxidant components, including uric acid, from the uremic plasma. The nature of these adverse short-term effects of HDF on post-dialysis plasma and RBCs strongly suggests the use of a parallel antioxidant therapy during the HDF session.
Meson spectrum for arbitrary twist in soft-wall holographic model
Authors: Afonin S. S.
Published: August 2017

The Regge spectrum of soft-wall holographic model is generalized to the case of arbitrary twist. Combining this result with the light-front holographic QCD, one arrives at a broad hydrogen-like degeneracy of the same sort as the degeneracy observed experimentally in the spectrum of light mesons.
Value Congruence, Trust, and Their Effects on Purchase Intention and Reservation Price
Authors: Cazier Joseph , Shao Benjamin , Louis Robert St.
Published: August 2017

We study the roles of value congruence and trust in increasing online shoppers’ intention to purchase goods and their reservation prices for these goods. Hypotheses are developed and a controlled experiment is conducted to measure subjects’ value congruence with and their trust in online sellers with disparate values, along with their purchase intention and willingness to pay price premiums. Using social exchange theory, we find that, for business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce, value congruence increases consumer online trust, and both value congruence and online trust have direct effects on purchase intention and reservation prices. In particular, in the positive value congruence vs. value neutral case, trust has a greater effect than value congruence on purchase intention, but value congruence has a greater effect than trust on reservation price. These findings suggest that trust is essential to a consumer's intention to purchase online but value congruence can induce price premiums from potential buyers for online sellers. This implies that trust is essential to B2C e-commerce, but value congruence can be a more effective instrument for online sellers to achieve competitive advantage through value-based differentiation in the virtual marketplace.
Genetics and Evolution of Social Behavior in Insects
Authors: Weitekamp Chelsea A. , Libbrecht Romain , Keller Laurent
Published: August 2017

The study of insect social behavior has offered tremendous insight into the molecular mechanisms mediating behavioral and phenotypic plasticity. Genomic applications to the study of eusocial insect species, in particular, have led to several hypotheses for the processes underlying the molecular evolution of behavior. Advances in understanding the genetic control of social organization have also been made, suggesting an important role for supergenes in the evolution of divergent behavioral phenotypes. Intensive study of social phenotypes across species has revealed that behavior and caste are controlled by an interaction between genetic and environmentally mediated effects and, further, that gene expression and regulation mediate plastic responses to environmental signals. However, several key methodological flaws that are hindering progress in the study of insect social behavior remain. After reviewing the current state of knowledge, we outline ongoing challenges in experimental design that remain to be overcome in order to advance the field.
Multistable Perception and the Role of the Frontoparietal Cortex in Perceptual Inference
Authors: Brascamp Jan , Sterzer Philipp , Blake Randolph , Knapen Tomas
Published: August 2017

A given pattern of optical stimulation can arise from countless possible real-world sources, creating a dilemma for vision: What in the world actually gives rise to the current pattern? This dilemma was pointed out centuries ago by the astronomer and mathematician Ibn Al-Haytham and was forcefully restated 150 years ago when von Helmholtz characterized perception as unconscious inference. To buttress his contention, von Helmholtz cited multistable perception: recurring changes in perception despite unchanging sensory input. Recent neuroscientific studies have exploited multistable perception to identify brain areas uniquely activated in association with these perceptual changes, but the specific roles of those activations remain controversial. This article provides an overview of theoretical models of multistable perception, a review of recent neuroimaging and brain stimulation studies focused on mechanisms associated with these perceptual changes, and a synthesis of available evidence within the context of current notions about Bayesian inference that find their historical roots in von Helmholtz's work.
Small functional If current in sinoatrial pacemaker cells of the brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) heart despite strong expression of HCN channel transcripts
Authors: Hassinen Minna , Haverinen Jaakko , Vornanen Matti
Published: August 2017

Funny current ( If), formed by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (HCN channels), is supposed to be crucial for the membrane clock regulating the cardiac pacemaker mechanism. We examined the presence and activity of HCN channels in the brown trout ( Salmo trutta fario) sinoatrial (SA) pacemaker cells and their putative role in heart rate ( fH) regulation. Six HCN transcripts (HCN1, HCN2a, HCN2ba, HCN2bb, HCN3, and HCN4) were expressed in the brown trout heart. The total HCN transcript abundance was 4.0 and 4.9 times higher in SA pacemaker tissue than in atrium and ventricle, respectively. In the SA pacemaker, HCN3 and HCN4 were the main isoforms representing 35.8 ± 2.7 and 25.0 ± 1.5%, respectively, of the total HCN transcripts. Only a small If with a mean current density of −1.2 ± 0.37 pA/pF at −140 mV was found in 4 pacemaker cells out of 16 spontaneously beating cells examined, despite the optimization of recording conditions for If activity. If was not found in any of the 24 atrial myocytes and 21 ventricular myocytes examined. HCN4 coexpressed with the MinK-related peptide 1 (MiRP1) β-subunit in CHO cells generated large If currents. In contrast, HCN3 (+MiRP1) failed to produce If in the same expression system. Cs+ (2 mM), which blocked 84 ± 12% of the native If, reversibly reduced fH 19.2 ± 3.6% of the excised multicellular pacemaker tissue from 53 ± 5 to 44 ± 5 beats/min ( P < 0.05). However, this effect was probably due to the reduction of IKr, which was also inhibited (63.5 ± 4.6%) by Cs+. These results strongly suggest that fH regulation in the brown trout heart is largely independent on If.
Contribution of spiking activity in the primary auditory cortex to detection in noise
Authors: Christison-Lagay Kate L. , Bennur Sharath , Cohen Yale E.
Published: August 2017

A fundamental problem in hearing is detecting a “target” stimulus (e.g., a friend’s voice) that is presented with a noisy background (e.g., the din of a crowded restaurant). Despite its importance to hearing, a relationship between spiking activity and behavioral performance during such a “detection-in-noise” task has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we recorded spiking activity in primary auditory cortex (A1) while rhesus monkeys detected a target stimulus that was presented with a noise background. Although some neurons were modulated, the response of the typical A1 neuron was not modulated by the stimulus- and task-related parameters of our task. In contrast, we found more robust representations of these parameters in population-level activity: small populations of neurons matched the monkeys’ behavioral sensitivity. Overall, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the sensory evidence, which is needed to solve such detection-in-noise tasks, is represented in population-level A1 activity and may be available to be read out by downstream neurons that are involved in mediating this task.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study examines the contribution of A1 to detecting a sound that is presented with a noisy background. We found that population-level A1 activity, but not single neurons, could provide the evidence needed to make this perceptual decision.
Bacterial Stress and Osteoblast Responses on Graphene Oxide-Hydroxyapatite Electrodeposited on Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Parcharoen Yardnapar , Termsuksawad Preecha , Sirivisoot Sirinrath
Published: August 2017

To develop bone implant material with excellent antibacterial and biocompatible properties, nanotubular titanium surface was coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and graphene oxide (GO). Layer-by-layer deposition was achieved by coating HA on an anodic-grown titanium dioxide nanotube array (ATi) with electrolytic deposition, followed by coating with GO using anodic-electrophoretic deposition. The antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria was determined based on the percentage of surviving bacteria and the amount of ribonucleic acid (RNA) leakage and correlated with membrane disruption. The oxidative stress induced in both strains of bacteria by GO was determined by cyclic voltammetry and is discussed. Importantly, the antibacterial GO coatings on HA-ATi were not cytotoxic to preosteoblasts and promoted osteoblast proliferation after 5 days and calcium deposition after 21 days in standard cell culture conditions.
Robust H∞ Fault Detection for Networked Markov Jump Systems with Random Time‐Delay
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Li Zuxin , Wang Peiliang , Zhou Zhe
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the problem of robust H∞ fault detection for networked Markov jump systems with random time‐delay which is introduced by the network. The random time‐delay is modeled as a Markov process, and the networked Markov jump systems are modeled as control systems containing two Markov chains. The delay‐dependent fault detection filter is constructed. Furthermore, the sufficient and necessary conditions which make the closed‐loop system stochastically stable and achieve prescribed H∞ performance are derived. The method of calculating controller, fault detection filter gain matrices, and the minimal H∞ attenuation level is also obtained. Finally, one numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Oleate Prevents Palmitate‐Induced Atrophy via Modulation of Mitochondrial ROS Production in Skeletal Myotubes
Authors: Lee Hojun , Lim Jae-Young , Choi Seung-Jun
Published: August 2017

Accumulation of saturated fatty acids contributes to lipotoxicity‐related insulin resistance and atrophy in skeletal muscle. Conversely, unsaturated fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid were proven to preserve muscle mass. However, it is not known if the most common unsaturated oleate will protect skeletal myotubes against palmitate‐mediated atrophy, and its specific mechanism remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of oleate on atrophy‐related factors in palmitate‐conditioned myotubes. Exposure of myotubes to palmitate, but not to oleate, led to an induction of fragmented nuclei, myotube loss, atrophy, and mitochondrial superoxide in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment of oleate to myotubes attenuated production of palmitate‐induced mitochondrial superoxide in a dose‐dependent manner. The treatment of oleate or MitoTEMPO to palmitate‐conditioned myotubes led to inhibition of palmitate‐induced mRNA expression of proinflammatory (TNF‐α and IL6), mitochondrial fission (Drp1 and Fis1), and atrophy markers (myostatin and atrogin1). In accordance with the gene expression data, our immunocytochemistry experiment demonstrated that oleate and MitoTEMPO prevented or attenuated palmitate‐mediated myotube shrinkage. These results provide a mechanism indicating that oleate prevents palmitate‐mediated atrophy via at least partial modulation of mitochondrial superoxide production.
Liver Regeneration: Analysis of the Main Relevant Signaling Molecules
Authors: Tao Yachao , Wang Menglan , Chen Enqiang , Tang Hong
Published: August 2017

Liver regeneration is a highly organized tissue regrowth process and is the most important reaction of the liver to injury. The overall process of liver regeneration includes three phases: priming stage, proliferative phase, and termination phase. The initial step aims to induce hepatocytes to be sensitive to growth factors with the aid of some cytokines, including TNF-αand IL-6. The proliferation phase promotes hepatocytes to re-enter G1 with the stimulation of growth factors. While during the termination stage, hepatocytes will discontinue to proliferate to maintain normal liver mass and function. Except for cytokine- and growth factor-mediated pathways involved in regulating liver regeneration, new substances and technologies emerge to influence the regenerative process. Here, we reviewed novel and important signaling molecules involved in the process of liver regeneration to provide a cue for further research.
Effects of Glutathione S‐Transferase Gene Polymorphisms and Antioxidant Capacity per Unit Albumin on the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cao Tinghui , Xu Naijin , Wang Zhen , Liu Hui
Published: August 2017

Objectives. To study the effects of GSTM1, GSTT1 gene polymorphisms, and organism antioxidant capacity and related indicators such as antioxidant capacity per unit of albumin (AC/ALB) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods. Using polymerase chain reaction technology, GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were detected in 33 COPD patients and 33 healthy people. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) found in serum was determined using the I2/KI potentiometric, KMnO4 microtitration, and H2O2 potentiometric methods. The AC/ALB was defined as the TAC divided by the serum albumin concentration. Logistic regression analysis was carried out with biochemical screening indices, which was found to be closely related with the incidence of COPD. Results. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion rate in the COPD group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The differences in serum TAC between the COPD and control groups, GSTM1 (+) and GSTM1 (−) groups, and GSTT1 (+) and GSTT1 (−) groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference in the AC/ALB between the COPD and control groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of COPD was closely related to the AC/ALB (P < 0.05). Conclusions. GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms are closely correlated with the pathogenesis of COPD, while the AC/ALB plays a decisive role in the occurrence and development of COPD.
Cyanidin-Based Novel Organic Sensitizer for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: DFT/TDDFT Study
Authors: Galappaththi Kalpana , Lim Andery , Ekanayake Piyasiri , Petra Mohammad Iskandar
Published: August 2017

Cyanidin is widely considered as a potential natural sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells due to its promising electron-donating and electron-accepting abilities and cheap availability. We consider modifications of cyanidin structure in order to obtain broader UV-Vis absorption and hence to achieve better performance in DSSC. The modified molecule consists of cyanidin and the benzothiadiazolylbenzoic acid group, where the benzothiadiazolylbenzoic acid group is attached to the cyanidin molecule by replacing one hydroxyl group. The resulting structure was then computationally simulated by using the Spartan’10 software package. The molecular geometries, electronic structures, absorption spectra, and electron injections of the newly designed organic sensitizer were investigated in this work through density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations using the Gaussian’09W software package. Furthermore, TDDFT computational calculations were performed on cyanadin and benzothiadiazolylbenzoic acid separately, as reference. The computational studies on the new sensitizer have shown a reduced HOMO-LUMO gap; bathochromic and hyperchromic shifts of absorption spectra range up to near-infrared region revealing its enhanced ability to sensitize DSSCs.
Asymptomatic Pancreatic Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed 21 Years after Nephrectomy
Authors: Zianne Megumi , Takahashi Naoki , Tsujibata Akihiko , Miwa Kazuhiro , Goto Yoshinori , Matano Yutaka
Published: August 2017

This report presents our experience with a case of pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at a long-term follow-up after nephrectomy. A 73-year-old man underwent nephrectomy for right RCC 21 years ago; computed tomography (CT) scanning on routine follow-up revealed a solid mass in the tail of the pancreas, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed some tumors in the head and tail of the pancreas. The patient was asymptomatic and allergic to contrast medium. Therefore we could not perform contrast CT/MRI for further examination to diagnose pancreatic tumors. We undertook endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and detected a hypervascular and low echoic mass; tumor tissues were obtained by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Pathological diagnosis revealed pancreatic metastasis of clear cell RCC; this was similar to the pathological findings of tumor tissues initially obtained by nephrectomy. EUS-FNA was extremely useful for the definitive diagnosis of a rare type of pancreatic tumor.
Histopathological Evidence of the Efficacy of Percutaneous Ethanol Injection in the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis: A Promising New Procedure
Authors: Asilian Ali , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh , Shahbazi Masoom
Published: August 2017

Axillary osmidrosis (AO) is a common disease, affecting patients psychologically and influencing their quality of life. The medical approach to AO remains controversial, ranging from conservative medical to surgical choices. We describe the successful treatment of AO and axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) using percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in a 30-year-old patient with AO and AH who did not respond to topical and systemic medication. We also describe the clinical efficacy of PEI by presenting our experience with histopathological evidence of necrosis of the sweat glands.
Poly (Ethylene Glycol)-Block-Brush Poly (L-Lysine) Copolymer as an Efficient Nanocarrier for Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor with Enhanced Bioavailability and Anti-Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Efficacy
Authors: Tong Fei , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF)-loaded poly (ethylene glycol)-b-brush poly (l-lysine) (PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL)) copolymer on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury to different organs. Methods: The isoelectric point (pI) of hHGF is 5.5, and hHGF combined with PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL) copolymer via electrostatic interactions at pH 7.4. The synthesized PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL) copolymer was analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The hHGF/PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL) complex was evaluated using a nanoparticle size instrument and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, vivo performance of hHGF/PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL) complex was evaluated using plasma hHGF concentration and different organs ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. Results: An in vitro investigation showed that PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL) could serve as a potential hHGF nanocarrier with efficient encapsulation and sustained release. An additional in vivo investigation revealed that the hHGF/PEG-b-P(ELG-g-PLL) complex could prolong increases in plasma hHGF concentration and protect different organs (the brain, heart and kidney) against I/R injury. Conclusion: Poly (ethylene glycol)-block-brush poly (l-lysine) copolymer as an efficient nanocarrier for human hepatocyte growth factor with enhanced bioavailability and anti-ischemia reperfusion injury efficacy.
A Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Erinacine A’s Inhibition of Gastric Cancer Cell Viability and Invasiveness
Authors: Kuo Hsing-Chun , Kuo Yur-Ren , Lee Kam-Fai , Hsieh Meng-Chiao , Huang Cheng-Yi , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Lee Ko-Chao , Kuo Hsiang-Lan , Lee Li-Ya , Chen Wan-Ping , Chen Chin-Chu , Tung Shui-Yi
Published: August 2017

Background / Aims: Erinacine A, isolated from the ethanol extract of the Hericium erinaceus mycelium, has been demonstrated as a new alternative anticancer medicine. Drawing upon current research, this study presents an investigation of the molecular mechanism of erinacine A inhibition associated with gastric cancer cell growth. Methods: Cell viability was determined by Annexin V–FITC/propidium iodide staining and migration using a Boyden chamber assay to determine the effects of erinacine A treatment on the proliferation capacity and invasiveness of gastric cancer cells. A proteomic assay provided information that was used to identify the differentially-expressed proteins following erinacine A treatment, as well as the mechanism of its targets in the apoptotic induction of erinacine A. Results: Our results demonstrate that erinacine A treatment of TSGH 9201 cells increased cytotoxicity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as decreased the invasiveness. Treatment of TSGH 9201 cells with erinacine A resulted in the activation of caspases and the expression of TRAIL. Erinacine A induction of apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of FAK/AKT/p70S6K and the PAK1 pathways, as well as the generation of ROS. Furthermore, the induction of apoptosis and anti-invasion properties by erinacine A could involve the differential expression of the 14-3-3 sigma protein (1433S) and microtubule-associated tumor suppressor candidate 2 (MTUS2), with the activation of the FAK/AKT/p70S6K and PAK1 signaling pathways. Conclusions: These results lead us to speculate that erinacine A may generate an apoptotic cascade in TSGH 9201 cells by activating the FAK/AKT/p70S6K/PAK1 pathway and upregulating proteins 1433S and MTUS2, providing a new mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of erinacine A in human gastric cancer cells.
Non-Genomic Action of Androgens is Mediated by Rapid Phosphorylation and Regulation of Androgen Receptor Trafficking
Authors: Deng Qiong , Zhang Zeng , Wu Yong , Yu Wang-yang , Zhang Jianwen , Jiang Zhi-mao , Zhang Ying , Liang Hui , Gui Yao-ting
Published: August 2017

Background: Testosterone is critical for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. The accomplishment of these processes requires the synergistic actions of the classical and non-classical signaling pathways of androgens. Methods: A murine testicular Sertoli cell line, TM4 cell was used to examine androgen actions in Sertoli cells. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay were employed to study the testosterone-induced Androgen receptor (AR) translocation. Protein phosphorylation antibody array was applied to identify the phosphorylation sites under testosterone treatment, and these findings were verified by Western blot analysis. Results: We found that a physiological dose of testosterone induced fast membrane association of AR. By using a phosphorylation antibody array, several phosphorylation sites, such as MEK1/2 (Ser217/221), Akt (Ser473), and Erk1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) were rapidly phosphorylated within 5 min of testosterone treatment. Inhibition of the MEK and Akt signaling pathways prevented AR trafficking. Blocking of AR by flutamide eliminated the stimulation effect of testosterone on kinase phosphorylation. Testosterone induced kinase Src phosphorylation, and inhibition of Src restricted AR translocation to the membrane and the nucleus. Conclusion: Findings suggested that the membrane association of AR was mediated by the MEK and Akt phosphorylation signaling pathways, which resulted in Src activation and was initiated by testosterone binding to the membrane-localized AR. This study provides new insights into the testosterone signaling pathway in Sertoli cells, which mediate spermatogenesis. In addition, the study can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility caused by disorders in spermatogenesis.
MicroRNA-222 Promotes the Proliferation of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells by Targeting P27 and TIMP3
Authors: Xu Ying , Bei Yihua , Shen Shutong , Zhang Jialiang , Lu Yichao , Xiao Junjie , Li Xinli
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays an important role in the development of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) have been implicated in the progression of PAH. miR-222 has a pro-proliferation effect on VSMCs while it has an anti-proliferation effect on vascular endothelial cells (ECs). As the biological function of a single miRNA could be cell-type specific, the role of miR-222 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation is not clear and deserves to be explored. Methods: PASMCs were transfected with miR-222 mimic or inhibitor and PASMC proliferation was determined by Western blot for PCNA, Ki-67 and EdU staining, and cell number counting. The target genes of miR-222 including P27 and TIMP3 were determined by luciferase assay and Western blot. In addition, the functional rescue experiments were performed based on miR-222 inhibitor and siRNAs to target genes. Results: miR-222 mimic promoted PASMC proliferation while miR-222 inhibitor decreased that. TIMP3 was identified to be a direct target gene of miR-222 based on luciferase assay. Meanwhile, P27 and TIMP3 were up-regulated by miR-222 inhibitor and down-regulated by miR-222 mimic. Moreover, P27 siRNA and TIMP3 siRNA could both attenuate the anti-proliferation effect of miR-222 inhibitor in PASMCs, supporting that P27 and TIMP3 are at least partially responsible for the regulatory effect of miR-222 in PASMCs. Conclusion: miR-222 promotes PASMC proliferation at least partially through targeting P27 and TIMP3.
Hybrid Photovoltaic and Wind Power System with Battery Management System Using Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Venkateshkumar M. , Raghavan R.
Published: August 2017

In recent year, the development of hybrid renewable energy sources has the important role of power generation. This paper focused on  design of hybrid PV / Wind power system and its battery management system. The fuzzy logic control based battery management system has been designed for effective power utilization. The proposed control to operate the battery charging and discharging mode during non-linear power generation. The battery will charge whenever the renewable energy power is greater than to consumer load power as well as the battery will discharge whenever the renewable energy power is lesser than to consumer load power. The proposed model will be simulated using Matlab environment and analysis the proposed system results. Finally, simulation results are evaluated and validating the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for An Optimal Solution for Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch Problem
Authors: Bhongade Sandeep , Agarwal Sourabh
Published: August 2017

In India Electrical Energy is generated mainly Coal based Thermal Power stations and hydro Electric Power Stations. The main aim of power generating company is to provide good quality and reliable power to consumers at minimum cost. The problem of Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch  deals with the minimization of both fuel cost and emission of pollutants such as oxides of Nitrogen and Oxides of Sulphur. In our power system the emission is major problem created that’s why in now a days we move from green energy source or renewable energy such as Sunlight, Wind, Tides, Wave, and Geothermal Heat Energy. The Emission constrained Economic Dispatch problem treats the emission limit as an additional constraint and optimizes the fuel cost. In this paper we optimizes the Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch problem by using two different optimization method such as Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and Genetic Algorithm (GA).The proposed ABC Algorithm has been successfully implemented is to IEEE 30 bus and Indian Utility sixty two Bus System The simulation result are compare and found the effective algorithm for Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch problem.
A New Method of Insulation Wire for Power Transformers
Authors: Y. Al-Zyoud Khalaf
Published: August 2017

This task go in order to developing a new way of enameled and polyester foil insulation of conductors used in building transformers thermal of class temperature about (150 C0 ), the production technology for two types of enameled and polyester foil-insulation conduction are presented. As will as the physical, mechanical and electrical characteristics of conductors in a normal climate N2, in a tropical climate T2 and after 28 cycle at ( 200 C0 )are presented.
Unified Power Quality Conditioner Using Injection Capacitors for Voltage Sag Compensation
Authors: Patro Madhusmita , Charan Bhuyan Kanhu
Published: August 2017

Power quality has become an important factor in power systems, for consumer and household appliances. The main causes of poor power quality are harmonic currents, poor power factor, supply voltage variations etc. A technique of achieving both active current distortion compensation, power factor correction and also mitigating the supply voltage variations at load side is compensated by unique device UPQC presented in this thesis. This concept presents a multi loop based controller to compensate power quality problems through a three phase four wire unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) under unbalanced and distorted load conditions. Here the UPQC is constituted of two voltage source converters (VSC) connected via power link. The series compensator is connected to the line in series and injects the voltage and thus compensates for voltage issues; whereas the shunt compensator injects current thus compensating for current issues, and is connected in shunt to the line. The voltage injection to the line uses an injecting transformer. The injection transformer is later replaced with injection capacitors, thus eliminating the drawback of conventional UPQC. In this way a good power quality is maintained.
New Optimization Method of the MPPT Algorithm and Balancing Voltage Control of the Three-Level Boost Converter (TLBC)
Authors: Abouobaida Hassan , Bied Said El
Published: August 2017

This paper is dedicated to studying the control of the three level Boost converters (TLBC) and the optimization method of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based a variable step. The main objective of the optimization is to find a compromise between the response time and the amplitude of the oscillations around the optimal point. The nonlinear behavior of the (TLBC) is manifested by the presence of the disturbances. For reasons of simplicity of the control, a linearization based on the dynamic compensation of the disturbance is proposed. On the one hand, a cascaded MPPT algorithm and a simple linear regulator allow adjusting the inductance current and a maximum power operation of the wind system. On the other hand, a second linear regulator ensures balancing of the output voltages. The paper proposes a new approach to the optimization of the Inc-Cond MPPT. The suggested contribution consists of using an exponential function of the power derivative to develop a variable step. The adoption of the variable step size according to the dynamics of the wind system implies a compromise between the response time and the amplitude of the ripples around the optimal point. The simulation results showed that a variable step size, especially in transient conditions and during a very rapid climate change recover the optimum power point within a reasonable time and suitable amplitude of the oscillations. The results achieved in this study show the ability of the proposed approach to extract the maximum power according to the available wind speed while guaranteeing a better efficiency.  The developed study is summarized by the following points: (a) modeling the wind conversion systems, (b) detailing the control approach of the (TLBC) and presenting the variable step method (c) presenting the simulations results and evaluating the perf
Asymptotic Stabilization of Delayed Systems with Input and Output Saturations
Authors: Mahjoub Adel , Derbel Nabil
Published: August 2017

We consider in this paper the problem of controlling an arbitrary linear delayed system with saturating input and output. We study the stability of such a system in closed-loop with a given saturating regulator. Using input-output stability tools, we formulated sufficient conditions ensuring global asymptotic stability.
Optimal Power Flow Based Economic Generation Scheduling in Day-ahead Power Market
Authors: Choudhary Kshitij , Kumar Rahul , Upadhyay Dheeresh , Singh Brijesh
Published: August 2017

The present work deals with the economic rescheduling of the generation in an hour-ahead electricity market. The schedules of various generators in a power system have been optimizing according to active power demand bids by various load buses. In this work, various aspects of power system such as congestion management, voltage stabilization and loss minimization have also taken into consideration for the achievement of the goal. The interior point (IP) based optimal power flow (OPF) methodology has been used to obtain the optimal generation schedule for economic system operation. The IP based OPF methodology has been tested on a modified IEEE-30 bus system. The obtained test results shows that not only the generation cost is reduced also the performance of power system has been improved using proposed methodology.