bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isoprene Production on Enzymatic Hydrolysate of Peanut Hull Using Different Pretreatment Methods
Authors: Wang Sumeng , Li Ruichao , Yi Xiaohua , Fang Tigao , Yang Jianming , Bae Hyeun-Jong
Published: October 2016

The present study is about the use of peanut hull for isoprene production. In this study, two pretreatment methods, hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAC) and popping, were employed prior to enzymatic hydrolysis, which could destroy the lignocellulosic structure and accordingly improve the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. It is proven that the isoprene production on enzymatic hydrolysate with HPAC pretreatment is about 1.9-fold higher than that of popping pretreatment. Moreover, through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, the amount and category of inhibitors such as formic acid, acetic acid, and HMF were assayed and were varied in different enzymatic hydrolysates, which may be the reason leading to a decrease in isoprene production during fermentation. To further increase the isoprene yield, the enzymatic hydrolysate of HPAC was detoxified by activated carbon. As a result, using the detoxified enzymatic hydrolysate as the carbon source, the engineered strain YJM21 could accumulate 297.5 mg/L isoprene, which accounted for about 90% of isoprene production by YJM21 fermented on pure glucose (338.6 mg/L). This work is thought to be the first attempt on isoprene production by E. coli using peanut hull as the feedstock. More importantly, it also shows the prospect of peanut hull to be considered as an alternative feedstock for bio-based chemicals or biofuels production due to its easy access and high polysaccharide content.
Severe Hyponatremia due to Levofloxacin Treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Community-Acquired Pneumonia in a Patient with Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Mocan Mihaela , Blaga Sorin Nicu
Published: October 2016

Hyponatremia (serum Na levels of <135 mEq/L) is the most common electrolyte imbalance encountered in clinical practice, affecting up to 15–28% of hospitalized patients. This case report refers to a middle-aged man with severe hyponatremia due to Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion related to four possible etiological factors: glossopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, cisplatin treatment, right basal pneumonia with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the treatment with Levofloxacin. This case report discusses a rare complication of common conditions and of a common treatment. To our knowledge this is the first case of hyponatremia related to Levofloxacin and the second related to fluoroquinolones.
Automatic Detection of Pectoral Muscle Region for Computer-Aided Diagnosis Using MIAS Mammograms
Authors: Yoon Woong Bae , Oh Ji Eun , Chae Eun Young , Kim Hak Hee , Lee Soo Yeul , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: October 2016

The computer-aided detection (CAD) systems have been developed to help radiologists with the early detection of breast cancer. This system provides objective and accurate information to reduce the misdiagnosis of the disease. In mammography, the pectoral muscle region is used as an index to compare the symmetry between the left and right images in the mediolateral oblique (MLO) view. The pectoral muscle segmentation is necessary for the detection of microcalcification or mass because the pectoral muscle has a similar pixel intensity as that of lesions, which affects the results of automatic detection. In this study, the mammographic image analysis society database (MIAS, 322 cases) was used for detecting the pectoral muscle segmentation. The pectoral muscle was detected by using the morphological method and the random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm. We evaluated the detected pectoral muscle region and compared the manual segmentation with the automatic segmentation. The results showed 92.2% accuracy. We expect that the proposed method improves the detection accuracy of breast cancer lesions using a CAD system.
Heavy Alcohol Drinking Associated Akathisia and Management with Quetiapine XR in Alcohol Dependent Patients
Authors: Kurlawala Zimple , Vatsalya Vatsalya
Published: October 2016

Heavy drinking contributes to involuntary body movements such as akathisia. Quetiapine has been shown to alleviate symptoms of akathisia; however, its efficacy in the alcohol dependent population is not well established. Thus, we aimed to identify efficacy of Quetiapine in treating akathisia in very heavy drinking alcohol dependent patients. 108 male and female heavy alcohol consuming study participants received 13 weeks of Quetiapine XR. Drinking history (Timeline Followback, TLFB), depression (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, MADRS), and movement (Barnes Akathisia Scale, BARS) measures were collected at baseline (0 W), week 6 (6 W), and week 12 (12 W). The role of drinking, symptoms of depression, and efficacy of Quetiapine for treating akathisia were assessed. In patients with no symptoms of depression (low MADRS), Quetiapine treatment decreased symptoms of akathisia. Patients with clinically significant depression (high MADRS) reported a significant increase in akathisia measures at 6 W which eventually decreased at 12 W to below baseline levels. The increase in akathisia at 6 W corresponded with a significant increase in the patients’ total drinks and heavy drinking pattern. Treatment with Quetiapine progressively lowered the occurrence of akathisia in alcohol dependent patients who do not show symptoms of depression. Quetiapine treatment lowered akathisia over time in heavy drinkers who had clinically significant symptoms of depression.
Intermediate Frequency Digital Receiver Based on Multi-FPGA System
Authors: Zhang Chengchang , Zhang Lihong
Published: October 2016

Aiming at high-cost, large-size, and inflexibility problems of traditional analog intermediate frequency receiver in the aerospace telemetry, tracking, and command (TTC) system, we have proposed a new intermediate frequency (IF) digital receiver based on Multi-FPGA system in this paper. Digital beam forming (DBF) is realized by coordinated rotation digital computer (CORDIC) algorithm. An experimental prototype has been developed on a compact Multi-FPGA system with three FPGAs to receive 16 channels of IF digital signals. Our experimental results show that our proposed scheme is able to provide a great convenience for the design of IF digital receiver, which offers a valuable reference for real-time, low power, high density, and small size receiver design.
A Method of Selecting the Block Size of BMM for Estimating Extreme Loads in Engineering Vehicles
Authors: Wang Jixin , You Shuang , Wu Yuqian , Zhang Yingshuang , Bin Shibo
Published: October 2016

Extreme loads have a significant effect on the fatigue damage of components. The block maximum method (BMM) is widely used to estimate extreme values in various fields. Selecting a reasonable block size for BMM is crucial to ensure that proper extreme values are extracted to get extreme sample to estimate extreme values. Aiming at this issue, this study proposed a comprehensive evaluation approach based on multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) method to select a proper block size. A wheel loader with six sections in one operating cycle was illustrated as an example. First, spading sections of each operating cycle were extracted and connected as extreme loads often occur at that section. Then extreme sample was obtained by BMM for fitting the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, Pearson’s Chi-Square (χ2) test, and average deviation in Probability Distribution Function (PDF) are selected as the fitting test. The comprehensive weights are calculated by the maximum entropy principle. Finally, the optimal block size corresponding to the minimum comprehensive evaluation indicator is obtained and the result exhibited a good fitting effect. The proposed method can also be flexibly used in various situations to select a block size.
Differences in Functional Trait Distribution between Inselberg and Adjacent Matrix Floras
Authors: Hunter John T.
Published: October 2016

Inselbergs and the adjacent matrix represent extremes of different environmental conditions and should shed light on the changing allocation of plant resources across strong and abrupt resource gradients. Here I use collated life history trait data from 840 taxa found within typical insular inselberg and adjacent matrix floras from the New England Batholith region of eastern Australia. These species were sorted into guilds of specificity to the inselberg environment. Scored traits include life form, plant height, leaf area, fruit size, seed size, mono- or polycarpy, underground storage organs, regenerative/clonality, and flowering phenology. With reduced water and nutrient resources, typical of inselbergs, allocation of plant resources to vegetative reproduction and storage organs is a disadvantage. Plants restricted to inselbergs were shorter, usually polycarpic shrubs, with smaller leaves, fruits, and seeds. Flowering time was found to be earlier and reduced in length; diaspores often have dormancy and are dispersed locally in comparison to the matrix. The results show that with limited resources the creation of underground storage organs or vegetative reproduction becomes unviable on habitats characterised by shallow soil. Inselberg taxa of the study region are likely to be under greater threat than the matrix due to anthropogenic climate change.
Nrf2 and Notch Signaling in Lung Cancer: Near the Crossroad
Authors: Sparaneo Angelo , Fabrizio Federico Pio , Muscarella Lucia Anna
Published: October 2016

The transcription factor Nrf2 (NF‐E2 related factor 2) is a master regulator of the cell antioxidant response associated with tumor growth and resistance to cytotoxic treatments. In particular, Nrf2 induces upregulation of cytoprotective genes by interacting with the closely situated AREs (Antioxidant Response Elements) in response to endogenous or exogenous stress stimuli and takes part to several oncogenic signaling pathways. Among these, the crosstalk with Notch pathway has been shown to enhance cytoprotection and maintenance of cellular homeostasis, tissue organization by modulating cell proliferation kinetics, and stem cell self‐renewal in several organs. The role of Notch and Nrf2 related pathways in tumorigenesis is highly variable and when they are both abnormally activated they can synergistically cause neoplastic proliferation by promoting cell survival, differentiation, invasion, and metastases. NFE2L2, KEAP1, and NOTCH genes family appear in the list of significantly mutated genes in tumors in both combined and individual sets, supporting the crucial role that the aberrant Nrf2‐Notch crosstalk might have in cancerogenesis. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the alterations of Nrf2 and Notch pathways and their reciprocal transcriptional regulation throughout tumorigenesis and progression of lung tumors, supporting the potentiality of putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Catalyzed Cyclocondensation Reaction: Synthesis of Pyrazoline
Authors: Punyapreddiwar Nitesh D. , Wankhade Atul V. , Zodape Sangesh P. , Pratap Umesh R.
Published: October 2016

A simple, efficient, and environment friendly method has been developed for the synthesis of pyrazoline by the cyclocondensation of chalcones and hydrazine hydrate using very cheaper catalyst, baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The 3,5-diphenyl pyrazolines are synthesized in moderate to good yield. The method also overcomes drawbacks of the previous pyrazoline synthetic methods and provides a new efficient route to 3,5-diphenyl pyrazoline derivatives.
Neuregulin-1 Regulates Cortical Inhibitory Neuron Dendrite and Synapse Growth through DISC1
Authors: Unda Brianna K. , Kwan Vickie , Singh Karun K.
Published: October 2016

Cortical inhibitory neurons play crucial roles in regulating excitatory synaptic networks and cognitive function and aberrant development of these cells have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. The secreted neurotrophic factor Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and its receptor ErbB4 are established regulators of inhibitory neuron connectivity, but the developmental signalling mechanisms regulating this process remain poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that NRG1-ErbB4 signalling functions through the multifunctional scaffold protein, Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), to regulate the development of cortical inhibitory interneuron dendrite and synaptic growth. We found that NRG1 increases inhibitory neuron dendrite complexity and glutamatergic synapse formation onto inhibitory neurons and that this effect is blocked by expression of a dominant negative DISC1 mutant, or DISC1 knockdown. We also discovered that NRG1 treatment increases DISC1 expression and its localization to glutamatergic synapses being made onto cortical inhibitory neurons. Mechanistically, we determined that DISC1 binds ErbB4 within cortical inhibitory neurons. Collectively, these data suggest that a NRG1-ErbB4-DISC1 signalling pathway regulates the development of cortical inhibitory neuron dendrite and synaptic growth. Given that NRG1, ErbB4, and DISC1 are schizophrenia-linked genes, these findings shed light on how independent risk factors may signal in a common developmental pathway that contributes to neural connectivity defects and disease pathogenesis.
Relationship among Corneal Biomechanics, Anterior Segment Parameters, and Geometric Corneal Parameters
Authors: Çevik Sadık Görkem , Kıvanç Sertaç Argun , Akova-Budak Berna , Tok-Çevik Mediha
Published: October 2016

Purpose. To investigate the relationship between corneal biomechanical parameters, anterior segment parameters, and geometric corneal parameters in a healthy Caucasian group. Methods. This retrospective study included the healthy eyes with best corrected visual acuity of at least 20/40 of 122 Caucasian subjects. The anterior segment parameters and geometric corneal parameters such as corneal volume, central corneal thickness, horizontal and vertical corneal radii, anterior and posterior steep, and flat keratometric values were measured with a Scheimpflug camera. The biomechanical properties were measured with Ocular Response Analyzer. Results. One hundred and twenty-two healthy Caucasian subjects (67 males, 55 females) with a mean age of 45.32±20.23 were enrolled. Both corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor were positively correlated with CCT (r=0.529, p<0.001; r=0.638, p<0.001) and CV (r=0.635, p<0.001; r=0.579, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with age (r=-0.373, p<0.001; r=-0.249, p<0.001). Both in age-gender and multivariate models, CH and CRF had statistically significant negative association with the posterior steep K value. Conclusions. CH and CRF are negatively correlated with posterior steep and average posterior K values.
Morphology of Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: A Cadaveric Observation with Clinical Insight
Authors: Potu Bhagath Kumar , Salem Abdel Halim , Abu-Hijleh Marwan F.
Published: October 2016

Background. The morphology and function of anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee are not clearly understood even today with all the sophisticated techniques available. There have been differing descriptions of the ALL of the knee in literature, and not all of them have been named or described clearly.Aim. The present study was undertaken to provide a clear structure/relationship description on ALL.Materials and Methods. We used 24 formalin-fixed cadaveric limbs. Knee regions of the all the limbs were neatly dissected and the ALL was exposed. Its proximal and distal attachments were traced carefully. Middle portion of ALL was removed and processed for histological analysis.Results. ALL was found in one right knee (4.16%). It extended distally from the lateral femoral condyle to the lateral tibial plateau margin. Its attachment on the tibial plateau was located between head of the fibula and Gerdy’s tubercle. A strong connection was identified between the ALL and the periphery of the middle third of the lateral meniscus. Histological analysis of ALL confirmed the presence of true ligamentous structure in it with dense connective tissue and plenty of fibroblasts.Conclusion. The prevalence of ALL in different populations along with its clinical significance has been discussed in detail in this paper.
Rare Case of an Epithelial Cyst in an Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Treated by Robot-Assisted Spleen Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Dijck Willemijn P. M. van , Groot Vincent P. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Hagendoorn Jeroen , Rinkes Inne H. M. Borel , Leeuwen Maarten S. van , Molenaar I. Quintus
Published: October 2016

Epithelial cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (ECIPAS) is exceedingly rare with only 57 cases reported since the first publication in 1980. Comprehensive clinical and diagnostic features remain to be clarified. We present a case of ECIPAS in a 21-year-old Philippine woman who was admitted with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. A cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail was discovered and evaluated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Based on clinical and radiological features a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm was suspected. The patient underwent robot-assisted spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy. Pathological evaluation revealed a 26 mm intrapancreatic accessory spleen with a 16 mm cyst, lined by multilayered epithelium in the tail of the pancreas. The postoperative course was uneventful. Differentiating ECIPAS from (pre)malignant cystic pancreatic neoplasms based on clinical and radiological features remains difficult. When typical radiological signs can be combined with scintigraphy using Technetium-99m labelled colloid or Technetium-99m labelled erythrocytes, which can identify the solid component of the lesion as splenic tissue, it should be possible to make the right diagnosis noninvasively. When pancreatectomy is inevitable due to symptoms or patient preference, minimally invasive laparoscopic or robot-assisted spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy should be considered.
Aqueous Extract of Clerodendranthus spicatus Exerts Protective Effect on UV‐Induced Photoaged Mice Skin
Authors: Wang Lan , Zhang Xie , Li Yong-xian , Xu Lie-qiang , Li Cai-lan , Zhang Zhen-biao , Liang Jia-li , Su Zi-ren , Zeng Hui-fang , Li Yu-cui
Published: October 2016

Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) C.Y.Wu (CS) is commonly used to treat kidney diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for its prominent anti‐inflammatory effect and nourishing function to kidneys. In this study, aqueous extract of CS was assessed for its protective effect on UV‐induced skin damage of mice. The chemical compositions of CS aqueous extract were determined by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS, in which 10 components were identified. During the experimental period, CS (0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 g/mL) was externally applied to shaved dorsal skins of mice prior to UV irradiation, daily for ten weeks. The results presented that CS (3.6 g/mL) apparently improved photodamaged skin appearance such as erythema, edema, and coarseness. The abnormal epidermal thickening was significantly reduced, and the dermal structures became more complete. The underlying protective mechanisms were associated with improving antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), downregulating inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, COX‐2, and PGE2) expressions, recovering collagen density, and reducing matrix metalloproteinases productions. Sun protection factor of CS (3.6 g/mL) was 16.21 ± 0.03. Our findings for the first time demonstrated that CS had therapeutic effect on the photoaged skin. The results indicated that CS is a potential agent for photoprotective cosmetics.
Colorectal Adenomas in Participants of the SELECT Randomized Trial of Selenium and Vitamin E for Prostate Cancer Prevention
Authors: Lance Peter , Alberts David S. , Thompson Patricia A. , Fales Liane , Wang Fang , San Jose Jerilyn , Jacobs Elizabeth T. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Darke Amy K. , Yee Monica , Minasian Lori , Thompson Ian M. , Roe Denise J.
Published: October 2016

Selenium and vitamin E micronutrients have been advocated for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Colorectal adenoma occurrence was used as a surrogate for colorectal cancer in an ancillary study to the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) for prostate cancer prevention. The primary objective was to measure the effect of selenium (as selenomethionine) on colorectal adenomas occurrence, with the effect of vitamin E (as α-tocopherol) supplementation on colorectal adenoma occurrence considered as a secondary objective. Participants who underwent lower endoscopy while in SELECT were identified from a subgroup of the 35,533 men randomized in the trial. Adenoma occurrence was ascertained from the endoscopy and pathology reports for these procedures. Relative Risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of adenoma occurrence were generated comparing those randomized to selenium versus placebo and to vitamin E versus placebo based on the full factorial design. Evaluable endoscopy information was obtained for 6,546 participants, of whom 2,286 had 1+ adenomas. Apart from 21 flexible sigmoidoscopies, all the procedures yielding adenomas were colonoscopies. Adenomas occurred in 34.2% and 35.7%, respectively, of participants whose intervention included or did not include selenium. Compared with placebo, the RR for adenoma occurrence in participants randomized to selenium was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90–1.02; P = 0.194). Vitamin E did not affect adenoma occurrence compared with placebo (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.96–1.10; P = 0.38). Neither selenium nor vitamin E supplementation can be recommended for colorectal adenoma prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 10(1); 45–54. ©2016 AACR.
Giant Hypothalamic Hamartoma in an Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kandregula Sandeep , Savardekar Amey R. , Nandeesh B.N. , Arivazhagan A. , Rao Malla Bhaskar
Published: October 2016

Giant hypothalamic hamartomas (GHH) are extremely rare lesions in infants and usually intrinsically epileptogenic. We present the case of a 10-month-old girl child presenting with drug-resistant seizures and a giant hypothalamic lesion that was confirmed as hamartoma on histopathology. Surgical decompression and disconnection from the hypothalamus was performed with the intent of controlling her seizures. Unfortunately, the patient developed right middle cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery territory infarction, possibly due to vasospasm or thrombosis of the vessels. The patient had a stormy postoperative course but has recovered well neurologically at the 18-month follow-up. Histopathological examination revealed abnormal clusters of NeuN-positive neurons, which was confirmatory of hypothalamic hamartoma. A review of the published literature on infantile GHH, its management and the postoperative complications is undertaken in this short report.
Curcumin (Diferulolylmethane) Reduces Transglutaminase 2 Overexpression Induced by Retinoic Acid in Human Nervous Cell Lines
Authors: Gatta Nicola Gaetano , Cammarota Gaetano , Iannaccone Martina , Serretiello Enrica , Gentile Vittorio
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Curcumin, a naturally occurring compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa) has long been suggested to have strong therapeutic or preventive potential against human diseases because of its antioxidative, anticancerous, and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin is known to exert anti-inflammatory effects by interrupting NF-κB signaling at multiple levels. Many observations indicate that curcumin shows its valuable potential by inhibiting the activity of I-κB kinase. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression is increased in inflammatory diseases. Data in the literature suggest that this enzyme activates the proinflammatory transcriptional factor NF-κB by inducing the polymerization of its inhibitory subunit I-κBα, which in turn results in the dissociation of NF-κB and its translocation to the nucleus, where it is capable of upregulating host inflammatory genes. Interestingly, NF-κB regulatory response elements are also present in the TG2 promoter, suggesting a possible role for this pathway in the mechanism responsible for chronic inflammation. On the basis of these literature data, our objective was to analyze the effects of curcumin on TG2 expression in human nervous cell lines. Methods: Human nervous cell lines were treated with curcumin alone or in association with retinoic acid in order to induce TG2 overexpression. TG2 levels were analyzed by Western blot and real-time PCR analyses. Results: Curcumin was able to downregulate the expression of TG2 in human nervous cell lines, which was also the case after treatment with retinoic acid. Conclusions: These results suggest a possible use of curcumin in reducing TG2 overexpression in human nervous cells.
Do JJ Stents Increase the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Pediatric Renal Stones?
Authors: Gündüz Metin , Sekmenli Tamer , Ciftci İlhan , Elmacı Ahmet Midhat
Published: October 2016

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative urinary catheterization in nephrolithiasis treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Methods: Patients admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery for renal stones between June 2012 and June 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on JJ stent placements. Group 1 did not receive JJ stents, while group 2 did. The recorded demographic data for each group included age, gender, stone size, location, sessions, and complications. The Elmed Complit ESWL system was used with 11-13 kV, and 1,000-1,200 shots in patients 2-4 years of age, and 11-14 kV, and 1,000-1,500 shots for patients over 4 years. Results: In group 1, 18 sessions of SWL were performed on 8 female and 2 male children with a mean age of 4.5 (range 2-12) years and stone diameter of 9 (range 7-15) mm. The locations of the renal stones were in the upper pole in 1 patient, 7 in the lower pole, and 2 in the pelvis renalis. Postoperatively, 1 patient had hematuria, 2 had dysuria, and one had a stone in the external urethral meatus. Eighty percent of patients were stone free; there were no fragmentations in 2 patients, and 1 patient discontinued treatment. In group 2, 15 SWL sessions were performed on 5 female and 5 male children aged 4 (range 3-5) and the stone diameter was 9 (range 7-16) mm. The locations of the renal stones were in the upper pole in 6 patients, in the lower pole in 3 patients, and in the ureteropelvic junction in one patient. JJ stents were placed in all patients preoperatively. Postoperatively, 3 patients had hematuria and one had dysuria. At the end of the study, all of the patients were stone free. Statistically, there were no differences in age, gender, stone size, location, and the number of sessions. Conclusions: Our results indicate that SWL without preoperative ureteral stenting is an effective and safe procedure that can be carried out in the pediatric population. Preoperative JJ stenting is unnecessary in patients, especially in those with smaller stone diameters.
Interleaved High Step-up DC-DC Converter with Diode-Capacitor Multiplier Cell and Ripple-Free Input Current
Authors: Ebrahimi Mostafa Jalalian , Viki Abbas Houshmand Viki
Published: October 2016

In this paper interleaving and switched-capacitor techniques are used to introduce a high step-up DC-DC converter for renewable energy systems application. The proposed converter delivers high voltage gain without utilizing transformer or excessive duty cycle and features ripple-free input current which results in lower conduction losses and decreased electromagnetic interference (EMI). Lower output capacitance is another advantage of proposed converter, leading to smaller size and lower cost. Furthermore lower voltage stress on switches allows the utilization of switches with low resistance. Simulation results verify the performance of suggested converter.
Comparative Analysis of DITC Based Switched Reluctance Motor Using Asymmetric Converter and Four-Level Converter
Authors: Srinivas P. , Amulya K.
Published: October 2016

High torque ripple is the main draw of Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) compared to other conventional motor. Torque ripples can be minimized by Direct Instantaneous Torque Control (DITC) technique. DITC responds against the torque error instantaneously by using hysteresis torque controller and regulate the torque output of the motor within hysteresis band.This paper compares the performance of Switched Reluctance Motor in terms of torque ripples with DITC strategy for both Asymmetric converter and Four-level converter. Asymmetric converter has three states namely magnetization, freewheeling and demagnetiztion states. With four-level converter, fast magnetization and fast demagnetization are also possible. Thus, the current build up and decay time is reduced which improves the dynamic performance. SRM is simulated using DITC scheme with Asymmetric converter and Four-level converter in MATLAB/SIMULINK to analyze torque ripples and it is observed that DITC with four level converter is better than that with Assymetrical converter.
A Novel Grid Connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Rahnamaei Ali , Salimi Mahdi
Published: October 2016

Inthispaper, a novel grid connected photovoltaic system is proposed which can function as an Active Power Filter (APF) with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). Filter reference current is derived using Fourier Transform. Considering 33% reduction in inverter switches, cost of the grid-connect photovoltaic power plant can be reduced considerably. Using this approach, it is also possible to compensate for reactive and harmonic components of the local loads; moreover it can inject generated active power into grid at maximum power point of the photovoltaic cells. According to this, during daytime, the proposed system injects active power to the grid and at the same time compensates for the reactive power of the load. When there is no sunlight, the inverter only compensates local loads. Considering cost reduction, such capabilities may result in more application of the grid connected photovoltaic systems. Main novelty of the proposed system is simultaneous APF and MPPT functioning using single DC/AC converter. In fact, extra DC-DC converter is not required in the proposed system for MPPT. In order to verify the performance of the proposed method, some simulation is done using MATLAB/Simulink software. Also, some experimental results are presented for practical verification of the proposed grid connected inverter.
Fault Detection and Classification in Transmission Line Using Wavelet Transform and ANN
Authors: Sharma Purva , Saini Deepak , Saxena Akash
Published: October 2016

Recent years, there is an increased interest in fault classification algorithms. The reason, behind this interest is the escalating power demand and multiple interconnections of utilities in grid. This paper presents an application of wavelet transforms to detect the faults and further to perform classification by supervised learning paradigm. Different architectures of ANN aretested with the statistical attributes of a wavelet transform of a voltage signal as input features and binary digits as outputs. The proposed supervised learning module is tested on a transmission network. It is observed that ANN architecture performs satisfactorily when it is compared with the simulation results. The transmission network is simulated on Matlab. The performance indices Mean Square Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Sum Square Error (SSE) are used to determine the efficacy of the neural network.
Simulation and Implementation of a Wireless Metal Detector with Variety of Flexible Responses- A Solution to Extensive Security Threats
Authors: Ahmed Awais , Sarwar Hassan
Published: October 2016

We proposed a design of a wireless metal detector in this research article. A system is designed which offers a variety of electrical equipments necessary for a privatized metal sensor. The main objective of this research is to provide a mature solution to the recent security threads all over the world by designing a localized wireless metal detection system. Different analysis has been shown graphically in this article. In addition, the system is kept flexible to respond to a security threat e.g. in case of a metal detection. The case study chosen for this article is Pakistan, a country facing extensive threats in the age of globalization.
A New Duplication Task Scheduling Algorithm in Heterogeneous Distributed Computing Systems
Authors: A Nasr Aida , EL-Bahnasawy Nirmeen A , EL-Sayed Ayman
Published: October 2016

The efficient scheduling algorithm is critical to achieve high performance in parallel and distributed systems. The main objective of task scheduling is to assign the tasks onto the available processors with the aim of producing minimum schedule length and without violating the precedence constraints. So we developed new algorithm called Mean Communication Node with Duplication MCND algorithm to achieve high performance task scheduling. The MCND algorithm has two phases namely, task priority and processor selection. Our algorithm takes into account the average of parents' communication costs for each task to reduce the overhead communication. The algorithm uses new task duplication algorithm. We build a simulation to compare the MCND algorithm with CPOP with duplication algorithm. The algorithms are applied on real application. From results, the MCND algorithm shows the best results
Duration of Prehospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Favorable Neurological Outcomes for Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests
Authors: Goto Yoshikazu , Funada Akira , Goto Yumiko
Published: October 2016

Background:

The appropriate duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) remains unclear and may differ based on initial rhythm. We aimed to determine the relationship between the duration of prehospital CPR by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and post-OHCA outcomes.

Methods:

We analyzed the records of 12 877 pediatric patients who experienced OHCAs (<18 years of age). Data were recorded in a nationwide Japanese database between 2005 and 2012. Study end points were 30-day survival and 30-day survival with favorable neurological outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category [CPC] scale 1–2). Prehospital EMS-initiated CPR duration was defined as the time from CPR initiation by EMS personnel to prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or to hospital arrival when prehospital ROSC was not achieved during prehospital CPR efforts.

Results:

The rates of 30-day survival and 30-day CPC 1 to 2 were 9.1% (n=1167) and 2.5% (n=325), respectively. Prehospital EMS-initiated CPR duration was significantly and inversely associated with 30-day outcomes (adjusted odds ratio for 1-minute increments: 0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.93–0.95 for survival; adjusted odds ratio: 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–0.92 for CPC 1–2). The duration of prehospital EMS-initiated CPR, beyond which the chance for favorable outcomes diminished to <1%, was 42 minutes for each key outcome, 30-day survival, and 30-day survival with CPC 1 to 2. When categorized by initial rhythm, the prehospital EMS-initiated CPR durations beyond which the chance for 30-day survival with CPC 1 to 2 diminished to <1% were 39 minutes for shockable rhythms, 42 minutes for pulseless electric activity, and 46 minutes for asystole, respectively. In patients with bystander-initiated CPR, the prehospital CPR duration, beyond which the chance for favorable outcome diminished to <1%, was 46 minutes from call receipt.

Conclusions:

Prehospital EMS-initiated CPR duration for pediatric OHCAs was independently and inversely associated with 30-day favorable outcomes. The duration of prehospital EMS-initiated CPR, beyond which the chance for 30-day favorable outcomes diminished to <1%, was 42 minutes. However, the CPR duration to achieve this proportion of outcomes differed based on initial rhythm. Further research is required to elucidate appropriate CPR duration for pediatric OHCAs, including in-hospital CPR time.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02432196.
Trends in Antihypertensive Medication Use Among US Patients With Resistant Hypertension, 2008 to 2014
Authors: Hwang Andrew Y. , Dave Chintan , Smith Steven M.
Published: October 2016

Little is known of US trends in antihypertensive drug use for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH). We analyzed antihypertensive use among patients with TRH (treated with ≥4 antihypertensive drugs concurrently) from July 2008 through December 2014 using Marketscan administrative data. We included adults aged 18 to 65 years, with ≥6 months of continuous enrollment, a hypertension diagnosis, and ≥1 episode of overlapping use of ≥4 antihypertensive drugs; patients with heart failure were excluded. We identified 411 652 unique TRH episodes from 261 652 patients with a mean age of 55.9 years. From 2008 to 2014, we observed an increased prevalence, among TRH episodes, of β-blockers (+6.8% [79% to 85.8%]) and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (+8.1% [69.1% to 77.2%]), and a decreased prevalence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (−12.5% [60.4% to 47.9%]) and nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists (−5.0% [15% to 10%]). The prevalence of most other classes changed by <5% from 2008 to 2014. Thiazide diuretic use was largely unchanged from 2008 to 2014, with hydrochlorothiazide being by far the most prevalent thiazide diuretic; chlorthalidone use increased only modestly (+2.6% [3.8% to 6.4%]). Aldosterone antagonist use increased only modestly (+2.9% [7.3% to 10.2%]). Use of optimal regimens increased steadily (+13.8% [50.8% to 64.6%]) during the study period, whereas combined angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use declined (−11.4% [17.7% to 6.3%]). Our results highlight the persistent infrequent use of recommended therapies in TRH, including spironolactone and chlorthalidone, and suggest a need for better efforts to increase the use of such approaches in light of recent evidence demonstrating their efficacy.
The Neurocognitive Cost of Enhancing Cognition with Methylphenidate: Improved Distractor Resistance but Impaired Updating
Authors: Fallon Sean James , van der Schaaf Marieke E. , ter Huurne Niels , Cools Roshan
Published: October 2016

A balance has to be struck between supporting distractor-resistant representations in working memory and allowing those representations to be updated. Catecholamine, particularly dopamine, transmission has been proposed to modulate the balance between the stability and flexibility of working memory representations. However, it is unclear whether drugs that increase catecholamine transmission, such as methylphenidate, optimize this balance in a task-dependent manner or bias the system toward stability at the expense of flexibility (or vice versa). Here we demonstrate, using pharmacological fMRI, that methylphenidate improves the ability to resist distraction (cognitive stability) but impairs the ability to flexibly update items currently held in working memory (cognitive flexibility). These behavioral effects were accompanied by task-general effects in the striatum and opposite and task-specific effects on neural signal in the pFC. This suggests that methylphenidate exerts its cognitive enhancing and impairing effects through acting on the pFC, an effect likely associated with methylphenidate's action on the striatum. These findings highlight that methylphenidate acts as a double-edged sword, improving one cognitive function at the expense of another, while also elucidating the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying these paradoxical effects.
States of Mind: Characterizing the Neural Bases of Focus and Mind-wandering through Dynamic Functional Connectivity
Authors: Mooneyham Benjamin W. , Mrazek Michael D. , Mrazek Alissa J. , Mrazek Kaita L. , Phillips Dawa T. , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: October 2016

During tasks that require continuous engagement, the mind alternates between mental states of focused attention and mind-wandering. Existing research has assessed the functional connectivity of intrinsic brain networks underlying the experience and training of these mental states using “static” approaches that assess connectivity across an entire task. To disentangle the different functional connectivity between brain regions that occur as the mind fluctuates between discrete brain states, we employed a dynamic functional connectivity approach that characterized brain activity using a sliding window. This approach identified distinct states of functional connectivity between regions of the executive control, salience, and default networks during a task requiring sustained attention to the sensations of breathing. The frequency of these distinct brain states demonstrated opposing correlations with dispositional mindfulness, suggesting a correspondence to the mental states of focused attention and mind-wandering. We then determined that an intervention emphasizing the cultivation of mindfulness increased the frequency of the state that had been associated with a greater propensity for focused attention, especially for those who improved most in dispositional mindfulness. These findings provide supporting evidence that mind-wandering involves the corecruitment of brain regions within the executive and default networks. More generally, this work illustrates how emerging neuroimaging methods may allow for the characterization of discrete brain states based on patterns of functional connectivity even when external indications of these states are difficult or impossible to measure.
The Beginning of an Extra-Marital Affair: A Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Study and Clinical Implications
Authors: Zapien Nicolle
Published: October 2016

Extra-marital affairs are common in theusand frequently result in difficulties for individuals, families, and society. The psychological literature, however, does not provide adequate client-centered treatment directions for those who have affairs and seek psychotherapy for this issue.

In an attempt to begin to address this gap in the literature, a descriptive phenomenological psychological study, a method that has the goal of articulating the general structure of an experience, in a pretheoretical manner, was undertaken. Results suggest areas of further inquiry and may imply directions for psychotherapeutic praxis with those who have had affairs.
The genus Stevia (Eupatorieae, Asteraceae) in Chile: a taxonomical and morphological analysis
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ DIEGO G. , MUÑOZ-SCHICK MÉLICA , GROSSI MARIANA A. , RODRÍGUEZ-CRAVERO JUAN F. , MORALES VANEZZA , MOREIRA-MUÑOZ ANDRÉS
Published: October 2016

A taxonomical study of the Chilean Stevia is herein presented since there is no agreement on current names and the number of species for Chile. A detailed morphological analysis of type and non-type specimens including new field observations was undertaken. In this work we recognized only one species of Stevia in Chile: S. philippiana. This species has a wide morphological variation mainly in leaf and pappus features. A lectotype of the name S. hyssopifolia was designated. Stevia hyssopifolia var. panulensis was regarded as a new synonym of S. philippiana. On the other hand, S. adenophora and S. chamaedrys were excluded from the Chilean flora. Finally, Porophyllym tarapacanum was excluded from the Tagetean genus Porophyllum and included as a new synonym of S. philippiana, too.
A new species of Prosopistoma Latreille, 1833 (Ephemeroptera: Prosopistomatidae) from South India
Authors: BALACHANDRAN CHELLAPANDIAN , ANBALAGAN SANKARAPPAN , KANNAN MANI , DINAKARAN SUNDARAM , KRISHNAN MUTHUKALINGAN
Published: October 2016

A new species of Prosopistoma (Ephemeroptera: Prosopistomatidae) is described on the basis of mature nymphs from Coorg, Karnataka, South India. Prosopistoma coorgum, new species can be readily distinguished from the other members of Prosopistoma by the following combination of characters: inner margin of outer canine near apex with 2–3 short spines, the length ratio of maxillary palp segments (3.3:4.8:1), ventral margin of fore tibia with 6–8 pectinate setae, and gill II leaf-like and cleft.
Large-Eddy Simulations of the Impact of Ground-Based Glaciogenic Seeding on Shallow Orographic Convection: A Case Study
Authors: Chu Xia , Geerts Bart , Xue Lulin , Rasmussen Roy
Published: October 2016

This study uses the WRF large-eddy simulation model at 100-m resolution to examine the impact of ground-based glaciogenic seeding on shallow (~2 km deep), cold-based convection producing light snow showers over the Sierra Madre in southern Wyoming on 13 February 2012, as part of the AgI Seeding Cloud Impact Investigation (ASCII). Detailed observations confirm that simulation faithfully captures the orographic flow, convection, and natural snow production, especially on the upwind side. A comparison between treated and control simulations indicates that glaciogenic seeding effectively converts cloud water in convective updrafts to ice and snow in this case, resulting in increased surface precipitation. This comparison further shows that seeding enhances liquid water depletion by vapor deposition, and enhances buoyancy, updraft strength, and cloud-top height. This suggests that the dynamic seeding concept applies, notwithstanding the clouds’ low natural supercooled liquid water content. But the simulated cloud-top-height changes are benign (typically <100 m). This, combined with the fact that most natural and enhanced snow growth occurs in a temperature range in which the Bergeron diffusional growth process is effective, suggests that the modeled snowfall enhancement is largely due to static (microphysical) processes rather than dynamic ones.
Measuring the Marine Soundscape of the Indian Ocean with Southern Elephant Seals Used as Acoustic Gliders of Opportunity
Authors: Cazau Dorian , Bonnel Julien , Jouma’a Joffrey , le Bras Yves , Guinet Christophe
Published: October 2016

The underwater ambient sound field contains quantifiable information about the physical and biological marine environment. The development of operational systems for monitoring in an autonomous way the underwater acoustic signal is necessary for many applications, such as meteorology and biodiversity protection. This paper develops a proof-of-concept study on performing marine soundscape analysis from acoustic passive recordings of free-ranging biologged southern elephant seals (SES). A multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) framework is used to predict the measured ambient noise, modeled as a multivariate acoustic response, from SES (depth, speed, and acceleration) and environmental (wind) variables. Results show that the acoustic contributions of SES variables affect mainly low-frequency sound pressure levels (SPLs), while frequency bands above 3 kHz are less corrupted by SES displacement and allow a good measure of the Indian Ocean soundscape. Also, preliminary results toward the development of a mobile embedded weather sensor are presented. In particular, wind speed estimation can be performed from the passive acoustic recordings with an accuracy of 2 m s−1, using a rather simple multiple linear model.