bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and experiment of testbed using network coding for power management
Authors: Koo Ki-sung , Govindarasu Manimaran
Published: August 2015

Energy optimization is an important problem in modern wireless embedded systems. In recent years, several techniques have been proposed to optimize power consumption at the computing and communication layers of these systems. Network coding is one of the promising techniques at the communication layer in which multiple messages are opportunistically encoded into a single message to reduce the number of transmissions. While network coding is a theoretically promising technique, its benefit in energy efficiency depends on the practical overheads associated with various computations such as encoding, decoding, and the coding opportunity algorithm itself. Analytical and simulation-based studies are often inadequate to sufficiently evaluate the effectiveness of network coding. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a wireless testbed for the purpose of energy-aware resource management in networked embedded systems. We also evaluate the energy performance of network coding technique under a wide range of channel and traffic conditions. Our results show that the network coding is indeed beneficial under poor channel and heavy network traffic conditions even when all the encoding and decoding overheads are accounted.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Factors Promote Tissue Repair in a Small-for-Size Ischemic Liver Model but Do Not Protect against Early Effects of Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Fouraschen Suomi M. G. , Wolf Joshua H. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , de Ruiter Petra E. , Hancock Wayne W. , van Kooten Job P. , Verstegen Monique M. A. , Olthoff Kim M. , de Jonge Jeroen
Published: August 2015

Loss of liver mass and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) are major contributors to postresectional liver failure and small-for-size syndrome. Mesenchymal stromal cell- (MSC-) secreted factors are described to stimulate regeneration after partial hepatectomy. This study investigates if liver-derived MSC-secreted factors also promote liver regeneration after resection in the presence of IRI. C57BL/6 mice underwent IRI of 70% of their liver mass, alone or combined with 50% partial hepatectomy (PH). Mice were treated with MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) or unconditioned medium (UM) and sacrificed after 6 or 24 hours (IRI group) or after 48 hours (IRI + PH group). Blood and liver tissue were analyzed for tissue injury, hepatocyte proliferation, and gene expression. In the IRI alone model, serum ALT and AST levels, hepatic tissue damage, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression showed no significant differences between both treatment groups. In the IRI + PH model, significant reduction in hepatic tissue damage as well as a significant increase in hepatocyte proliferation was observed after MSC-CM treatment.Conclusion. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived factors promote tissue regeneration of small-for-size livers exposed to ischemic conditions but do not protect against early ischemia and reperfusion injury itself. MSC-derived factors therefore represent a promising treatment strategy for small-for-size syndrome and postresectional liver failure.
Keishibukuryogan, a Traditional Japanese Medicine, Inhibits Platelet Aggregation in Guinea Pig Whole Blood
Authors: Terawaki Kiyoshi , Noguchi Masamichi , Yuzurihara Mitsutoshi , Omiya Yuji , Ikarashi Yasushi , Kase Yoshio
Published: August 2015

Effects of keishibukuryogan (KBG) on platelet aggregation were investigated. To ensure the specificity of KBG, tokishakuyakusan (TSS) and kamisyoyosan (KSS), which are known to have platelet aggregation-inhibiting effects, and rikkunshito (RKT) and shakuyakukanzoto (SKT), which are considered to be devoid of such effects, were used for comparison. The platelet aggregation of each test drug was measured by the screen filtration pressure method using whole blood of guinea pigs and expressed as a collagen-induced pressure rate (%) or a collagen concentration required for 50% increase in the pressure rate (PATI value). KBG suppressed the collagen-induced whole blood pressure rate increase and increased the PATI value, like TSS and KSS. Neither RKT nor SKT showed these effects. The Moutan cortex and Cinnamomi cortex, the constituent crude drugs of KBG, showed KBG-like pressure rate suppression and PATI-increasing effects. Furthermore, paeonol, a representative component of Moutan cortex, and aspirin which is known to have platelet aggregation-inhibiting activity (COX-1 inhibitor) also showed similar effects. These results suggest that the platelet aggregation-inhibiting activity of the constituent crude drugs Moutan cortex and Cinnamomi cortex is involved in the improving effects of KBG on impaired microcirculation and that paeonol plays a role in these effects.
Systematic Spectral Lag Analysis of Swift Known-zGRBs
Authors: Kawakubo Yuta , Sakamoto Takanori , Yoshida Atsumasa , Kazanas Demos
Published: August 2015

The difference of photon arrival time, which is known as spectral lag, is well known characteristics of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In particular, long duration GRBs show a soft lag which means that high energy photons arrive earlier than soft photons. The lag-luminosity relation is the empirical relationship between the isotropic peak luminosity and the spectral lag. We calculated the spectral lags for 40 known redshift GRBs observed bySwiftaddition to the previous 31 GRB samples. We confirmed that most of our samples follow the lag-luminosity relation. However, we noticed that there are some GRBs which show a significant scatter from the relation. We also confirm that the relationship between the break time and the luminosity of the X-ray afterglow (so-called Dainotti relation) extends up to the lag-luminosity relation.
Characterizing the Dynamic Response of a Chassis Frame in a Heavy-Duty Dump Vehicle Based on an Improved Stochastic System Identification
Authors: Chen Zhi , Wang Tie , Gu Fengshou , Zhang Ruiliang
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an online method for the assessment of the dynamic performance of the chassis frame in a heavy-duty dump truck based on a novel stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method. It introduces the use of an average correlation signal as the input data to conventional SSI methods in order to reduce the noisy and nonstationary contents in the vibration signals from the frame, allowing accurate modal properties to be attained for realistically assessing the dynamic behaviour of the frame when the vehicle travels on both bumped and unpaved roads under different operating conditions. The modal results show that the modal properties obtained online are significantly different from the offline ones in that the identifiable modes are less because of the integration of different vehicle systems onto the frame. Moreover, the modal shapes between 7 Hz and 40 Hz clearly indicate the weak section of the structure where earlier fatigues and unsafe operations may occur due to the high relative changes in the modal shapes. In addition, the loaded operations show more modes which cause high deformation on the weak section. These results have verified the performance of the proposed SSI method and provide reliable references for optimizing the construction of the frame.
A Dynamic Resource Scheduling Method Based on Fuzzy Control Theory in Cloud Environment
Authors: Chen Zhijia , Zhu Yuanchang , Di Yanqiang , Feng Shaochong
Published: August 2015

The resources in cloud environment have features such as large-scale, diversity, and heterogeneity. Moreover, the user requirements for cloud computing resources are commonly characterized by uncertainty and imprecision. Hereby, to improve the quality of cloud computing service, not merely should the traditional standards such as cost and bandwidth be satisfied, but also particular emphasis should be laid on some extended standards such as system friendliness. This paper proposes a dynamic resource scheduling method based on fuzzy control theory. Firstly, the resource requirements prediction model is established. Then the relationships between resource availability and the resource requirements are concluded. Afterwards fuzzy control theory is adopted to realize a friendly match between user needs and resources availability. Results show that this approach improves the resources scheduling efficiency and the quality of service (QoS) of cloud computing.
Transcriptional Pathways Associated with Skeletal Muscle Changes after Spinal Cord Injury and Treadmill Locomotor Training
Authors: Baligand Celine , Chen Yi-Wen , Ye Fan , Pandey Sachchida Nand , Lai San-Huei , Liu Min , Vandenborne Krista
Published: August 2015

The genetic and molecular events associated with changes in muscle mass and function after SCI and after the implementation of candidate therapeutic approaches are still not completely known. The overall objective of this study was to identify key molecular pathways activated with muscle remodeling after SCI and locomotor training. We implemented treadmill training in a well-characterized rat model of moderate SCI and performed genome wide expression profiling on soleus muscles at multiple time points: 3, 8, and 14 days after SCI. We found that the activity of the protein ubiquitination and mitochondrial function related pathways was altered with SCI and corrected with treadmill training. The BMP pathway was differentially activated with early treadmill training as shown by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The expression of several muscle mass regulators was modulated by treadmill training, includingFst,Jun,Bmpr2,Actr2b, andSmad3. In addition, key players in fatty acids metabolism (LplandFabp3) responded to both SCI induced inactivity and reloading with training. The decrease inSmad3andFstearly after the initiation of treadmill training was confirmed by RT-PCR. Our data suggest that TGFβ/Smad3 signaling may be mainly involved in the decrease in muscle mass observed with SCI, while the BMP pathway was activated with treadmill training.
GRB 130603B: No Compelling Evidence for Neutron Star Merger
Authors: Dado Shlomo , Dar Arnon
Published: August 2015

The near infrared (NIR) flare/rebrightening in the afterglow of the short hard gamma ray burst (SHB) 130603B measured with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and an alleged late-time X-ray excess were interpreted as possible evidence of a neutron star merger origin of SHBs. However, the X-ray afterglow that was measured with the Swift XRT and Newton XMM has the canonical behaviour of a synchrotron afterglow produced by a highly relativistic jet. The H-band flux observed with HST 9.41 days after burst is that expected from the measured late-time X-ray afterglow. The late-time flare/rebrightening of the NIR-optical afterglow of SHB 130603B could have been produced also by jet collision with an interstellar density bump. Moreover, SHB plus a kilonova can be produced also by the collapse of a compact star (neutron star, strange star, or quark star) to a more compact object due to cooling, loss of angular momentum, or mass accretion.
The Mechanism Research of Qishen Yiqi Formula by Module-Network Analysis
Authors: Zheng Shichao , Zhang Yanling , Qiao Yanjiang
Published: August 2015

Qishen Yiqi formula (QSYQ) has the effect of tonifying Qi and promoting blood circulation, which is widely used to treat the cardiovascular diseases with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. However, the mechanism of QSYQ to tonify Qi and promote blood circulation is rarely reported at molecular or systems level. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of QSYQ based on the protein interaction network (PIN) analysis. The targets’ information of the active components was obtained from ChEMBL and STITCH databases and was further used to search against protein-protein interactions by String database. Next, the PINs of QSYQ were constructed by Cytoscape and were analyzed by gene ontology enrichment analysis based on Markov Cluster algorithm. Finally, based on the topological parameters, the properties of scale-free, small world, and modularity of the QSYQ’s PINs were analyzed. And based on function modules, the mechanism of QSYQ was elucidated. The results indicated that Qi-tonifying efficacy of QSYQ may be partly attributed to the regulation of amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and cAMP metabolism, while QSYQ improves the blood stasis through the regulation of blood coagulation and cardiac muscle contraction. Meanwhile, the “synergy” of formula compatibility was also illuminated.
The Social Determinants of Health in Military Forces of Iran: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bahadori Mohammadkarim , Sanaeinasab Hormoz , Ghanei Mostafa , Mehrabi Tavana Ali , Ravangard Ramin , Karamali Mazyar
Published: August 2015

Providing effective health interventions and achieving equity in health need to apply the community-based approaches such as social determinants of health. In the military organizations, these determinants have received less attention from the military health researchers and policymakers. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and explain the social determinants affecting the health of military forces in Iran. This was a qualitative study which was conducted in 2014. The required data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed through Conventional Content Analysis. The studied sample consisted of 22 military health experts, policymakers, and senior managers selected using purposeful sampling method with maximum variation sampling. MAXQDA.2007 was used to analyze the collected data. After analyzing the collected data, two main contents, that is, “general social determinants of health” and “military social determinants of health,” with 22 themes and 90 subthemes were identified as the social determinants of military forces’ health. Main themes were religious rule, spirituality promotion policies, international military factors, military command, and so forth. Given the role and importance of social factors determining the military forces’ health, it can be recommended that the military organizations should pay more attention to these determinants in making policies and creating social, economic, and cultural structures for their forces.
A Genetic Variant in miRNA-219-1 Is Associated with Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Chinese Kazakhs
Authors: Song Xiaoyue , You Weiyan , Zhu Jianbo , Cui Xiaobin , Hu Jianming , Chen Yunzhao , Liu Wei , Wang Lianghai , Li Shugang , Wei Yutao , Yang Lan , Li Feng
Published: August 2015

Background. Esophageal cancer (EC), an aggressive digestive tract malignancy, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Besides environmental risk factors, genetic factors might play a key role in the EC carcinogenesis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of miR219-1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with EC.Methods. A total of 248 Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cases and 300 frequency-matched control subjects were recruited for this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from the samples. The miR-219-1 rs107822G > A and rs213210T > C genotypes were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype analysis were used to detect the degree of association on miR-219-1 rs107822 and rs213210. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect miR-219-1 expression with miR-219-1 rs107822 polymorphism.Result. The SNP rs107822G > A in the miR-219-1 gene decreased the risk of Kazakh ESCC. Furthermore, two miR-219-1 SNPs, namely, rs107822 and rs213210, may tag each other to decrease the risk of Kazakh ESCC. These findings indicated that functional polymorphisms miR-219-1 rs107822G > A might change individual susceptibility to Kazakh ESCC.
An Enhanced Differential Evolution with Elite Chaotic Local Search
Authors: Guo Zhaolu , Huang Haixia , Deng Changshou , Yue Xuezhi , Wu Zhijian
Published: August 2015

Differential evolution (DE) is a simple yet efficient evolutionary algorithm for real-world engineering problems. However, its search ability should be further enhanced to obtain better solutions when DE is applied to solve complex optimization problems. This paper presents an enhanced differential evolution with elite chaotic local search (DEECL). In DEECL, it utilizes a chaotic search strategy based on the heuristic information from the elite individuals to promote the exploitation power. Moreover, DEECL employs a simple and effective parameter adaptation mechanism to enhance the robustness. Experiments are conducted on a set of classical test functions. The experimental results show that DEECL is very competitive on the majority of the test functions.
Automorphism Properties and Classification of Adinkras
Authors: Douglas B. L. , Gates S. James , Segler B. L. , Wang J. B.
Published: August 2015

Adinkras are graphical tools for studying off-shell representations of supersymmetry. In this paper we efficiently classify the automorphism groups of Adinkras relative to a set of local parameters. Using this, we classify Adinkras according to their equivalence and isomorphism classes. We extend previous results dealing with characterization of Adinkra degeneracy via matrix products and present algorithms for calculating the automorphism groups of Adinkras and partitioning Adinkras into their isomorphism classes.
Screening of the Seed Region ofMIR184in Keratoconus Patients from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abu-Amero Khaled K. , Helwa Inas , Al-Muammar Abdulrahman , Strickland Shelby , Hauser Michael A. , Allingham R. Rand , Liu Yutao
Published: August 2015

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression that control various biological processes. The role of many identified miRNAs is not yet resolved. Recent evidence suggests that miRNA mutations and/or misexpression may contribute to genetic disorders. Point mutations in the seed region ofMIR184have been recently identified in Keratoconus (KC) patients with or without other corneal and lens abnormalities. We investigated mutations withinMIR184in KC patients from Saudi Arabia and examined the relative expression of miR-184 and miR-205 in human cornea. Ethnically matched KC cases (n=134) were recruited and sequencing was performed using PCR-based Sanger sequencing and analyzed using the Sequencher 5.2 software. Expression of miR-184 and miR-205 was profiled in postmortem unaffected ocular tissues obtained from donors with no history of ocular diseases. miR-184 expression was 15-fold higher than that of miR-205 in cornea samples. No mutation(s) within the screened genomic region ofMIR184in KC cases was detected. This suggests that mutation inMIR184is a rare cause of KC alone and may be more relevant to cases of KC associated with other ocular abnormalities. The increased expression of miR-184 versus miR-205 in normal cornea samples implies a possible role of miR184 in cornea development and/or corneal diseases.
Study on the Effects of Liquid Thermal Media on the Irradiation Capsule of High-Temperature Materials
Authors: Cho Man Soon , Kim Sung Ryul , Yang Seong Woo , Choo Kee Nam
Published: August 2015

Irradiation tests of materials at HANARO have usually been conducted using a standard capsule at temperatures of about 300°C for irradiation of materials used at PWR. Thus, the standard capsule uses aluminum as the specimen holder, which acts to dissipate the thermal energy. Future nuclear systems such as a VHTR and SFR require the irradiation tests at a relatively high temperature. As an alternative to aluminum which has been used as the thermal media in a standard material capsule, the characteristics of liquid metals such as NaK and LBE are reviewed. The temperatures of the capsule are affected by the variation of parameters such as the gap and wall thickness of the container. In particular, the external gap is most important in determining the temperature of the specimen. LBE raises the temperature of the specimen higher than NaK at the same configuration of the capsule. Thus, LBE can lessen the gap of the parts and reduce the vibration for a stable long-term test in reactor.
Gene Network Analysis of Glucose Linked Signaling Pathways and Their Role in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth and Survival in HuH7 and HepG2 Cell Lines
Authors: Berger Emmanuelle , Vega Nathalie , Weiss-Gayet Michèle , Géloën Alain
Published: August 2015

Cancer progression may be affected by metabolism. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of glucose on the proliferation and/or survival of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Human gene datasets regulated by glucose were compared to gene datasets either dysregulated in HCC or regulated by other signaling pathways. Significant numbers of common genes suggested putative involvement in transcriptional regulations by glucose. Real-time proliferation assays using high (4.5 g/L)versuslow (1 g/L) glucose on two human HCC cell lines and specific inhibitors of selected pathways were used for experimental validations. High glucose promoted HuH7 cell proliferation but not that of HepG2 cell line. Gene network analyses suggest that gene transcription by glucose could be mediated at 92% through ChREBP in HepG2 cells, compared to 40% in either other human cells or rodent healthy liver, with alteration of LKB1 (serine/threonine kinase 11) and NOX (NADPH oxidases) signaling pathways and loss of transcriptional regulation of PPARGC1A (peroxisome-proliferator activated receptors gamma coactivator 1) target genes by high glucose. Both PPARA and PPARGC1A regulate transcription of genes commonly regulated by glycolysis, by the antidiabetic agent metformin and by NOX, suggesting their major interplay in the control of HCC progression.
Factors Associated with Perforated Appendicitis in Elderly Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sirikurnpiboon Siripong , Amornpornchareon Suparat
Published: August 2015

Background. The incidence of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients is high and carries increased morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of perforation in elderly patients who presented with clinical of acute appendicitis.Methods. This was a retrospective study, reviewing medical records of patients over the age of 60 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Patients were classified into two groups: those with perforated appendicitis and those with nonperforated appendicitis. Demographic data, clinical presentations, and laboratory analysis were compared.Results. Of the 206 acute appendicitis patients over the age of 60 years, perforated appendicitis was found in 106 (50%) patients. The four factors which predicted appendiceal rupture were as follows: male; duration of pain in preadmission period; fever (>38°C); and anorexia. The overall complication rate was 34% in the perforation group and 12.6% in the nonperforation group.Conclusions. The incidence of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients was higher in males and those who had certain clinical features such as fever and anorexia. Duration of pain in the preadmission period was also an important factor in appendiceal rupture. Early diagnosis may decrease the incidence of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients.
Performance Comparison of Data Reduction Techniques for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network Applications
Authors: Sarisaray-Boluk Pinar , Akkaya Kemal
Published: August 2015

With the increased use of smart phones, Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) will have opportunities to deploy such devices in several contexts for data collection and processing. While smart phones come with richer resources and can do complex processing, their battery is still limited. Background subtraction (BS) and compression techniques are common data reduction schemes, which have been used for camera sensors to reduce energy consumption in WMSNs. In this paper, we investigate the performance of various BS algorithms and compression techniques in terms of computation and communication energy, time, and quality. We have picked five different BS algorithms and two compression techniques and implemented them in an Android platform. Considering the fact that these BS algorithms will be run within the context of WMSNs where the data is subject to packet losses and errors, we also investigated the performance in terms of packet loss ratio in the network under various packet sizes. The experiment results indicated that the most energy-efficient BS algorithm could also provide the best quality in terms of the foreground detected. The results also indicate that data reduction techniques including BS algorithms and compression techniques can provide significant energy savings in terms of transmission energy costs.
Physics of Gamma-Ray Bursts Prompt Emission
Authors: Pe’er Asaf
Published: August 2015

In recent years, our understanding of gamma-ray bursts (GRB) prompt emission has been revolutionized, due to a combination of new instruments, new analysis methods, and novel ideas. In this review, I describe the most recent observational results and current theoretical interpretation. Observationally, a major development is the rise of time resolved spectral analysis. These led to (I) identification of a distinguished high energy component, with GeV photons often seen at a delay and (II) firm evidence for the existence of a photospheric (thermal) component in a large number of bursts. These results triggered many theoretical efforts aimed at understanding the physical conditions in the inner jet regions. I highlight some areas of active theoretical research. These include (I) understanding the role played by magnetic fields in shaping the dynamics of GRB outflow and spectra; (II) understanding the microphysics of kinetic and magnetic energy transfer, namely, accelerating particle to high energies in both shock waves and magnetic reconnection layers; (III) understanding how subphotospheric energy dissipation broadens the “Planck” spectrum; and (IV) geometrical light aberration effects. I highlight some of these efforts and point towards gaps that still exist in our knowledge as well as promising directions for the future.
Biological Activities of Tetrodotoxin-ProducingEnterococcus faeciumAD1 Isolated from Puffer Fishes
Authors: Nguyen Tu Hoang Khue , Nguyen Huu Ngoc , Nghe Dat Van , Nguyen Kim Hoang
Published: August 2015

Puffer fishes were collected from the central sea in Vietnam from spring to summer season. The eggs were incubated in MRS broth that was used to test the toxicity in mice and isolate the lactic acid bacteria community that could produce tetrodotoxin (TTX). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance lipid chromatography (HPLC) were used to detect and quantify TTX. As a result,Enterococcus faeciumAD1 which was identified by biochemical test and 16S rRNA analysis could produce TTX 0.3 mg/mL when cultured in MRS broth. The bacterium was optimized for TTX production and gave 0.18 mg/mL, 0.07 mg/mL, and 0.15 mg/mL in media prepared from the meat-washing water of freshwater fishes (Pangasius bocourti,Oreochromissp.) and sea fish (Auxis thazard), respectively, that are also hopeful to answer some poisoning cases related to eating fishes.Enterococcus faeciumalso showed the wide antimicrobial activities on yeast, Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Extracted exopolysaccharide (EPS) that reacted with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl to give IC50at 5 mg/mL equaled 11 mg/mL ascorbic acid which could show effects on Hela-6 and Hep G2 using sulforhodamine B test.Enterococcus faeciumcan be claimed as a promising source in tetrodotoxin and biological compounds.
New Pinning Synchronization of Complex Networks with Time-Varying Coupling Strength and Nondelayed and Delayed Coupling
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Yue Zhongbao , Wang Feng
Published: August 2015

The pinning synchronization problem for a class of complex networks is studied by a stochastic viewpoint, in which both time-varying coupling strength and nondelayed and delayed coupling are included. Different from the traditionally similar methods, its interval is separated into two subintervals and described by a Bernoulli variable. Both bounds and switching probability of such subintervals are contained. Particularly, the nondelayed and delayed couplings occur alternately in which another independent Bernoulli variable is introduced. Then, a new kind of pinning controller without time-varying coupling strength signal is developed, in which only its bounds and probabilities are contained. When such probabilities are unavailable, two different kinds of adaption laws are established to make the complex network globally synchronous. Finally, the validity of the presented methods is proved through a numerical example.
Peripheral Muscle Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Neonates: Ready for Clinical Use? A Systematic Qualitative Review of the Literature
Authors: Höller Nina , Urlesberger Berndt , Mileder Lukas , Baik Nariae , Schwaberger Bernhard , Pichler Gerhard
Published: August 2015

Background: Peripheral muscle near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements are of increasing interest especially in the care of critically ill patients. Objective: The aim was to perform a systematic qualitative review on peripheral muscle NIRS measurements in the clinical care of term and preterm neonates. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Ovid Embase was performed using the following terms: neonate, neonates, newborn, newborns, infant, infants, near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS, oxygenation, perfusion, oxygen extraction, peripheral, tissue, muscle, calf, forearm and thigh. Additional articles were identified by a manual search of the cited references. Only human studies were included. Results: Twenty-one studies were identified to use peripheral muscle NIRS measurements as a single method, 17 studies combined cerebral and peripheral muscle NIRS measurements and 1 study used multi-site NIRS measurements in human neonates. Two randomized studies were identified. Two additional publications were included because they provided important general information about peripheral muscle NIRS measurements. Conclusion: In the care of critically ill neonates peripheral muscle NIRS measurements alone or in combination with cerebral or multi-site NIRS measurements provide useful additional information about peripheral circulation and oxygenation. This method is a promising tool in the recognition of early states of centralization (compensated shock) in this vulnerable group of patients. However, before this method can be used in the clinical routine it has to be tested as monitoring to guide interventions in further studies.
Prognostic Significance of AMP-Dependent Kinase Alpha Expression in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Choi Chel Hun , Chung Joon-Yong , Cho Hanbyoul , Kitano Haruhisa , Chang Eileen , Ylaya Kris , Chung Eun Joo , Kim Jae-Hoon , Hewitt Stephen M.
Published: August 2015

Objectives: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide, and its association with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical correlation between AMPK expression and cervical cancer. Methods: The expression of AMPKα1, AMPKα2 and phosphorylated AMPKα (p-AMPKα) was determined immunohistochemically in 524 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded malignant and premalignant cervical tissues. Subsequently, associations with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival were assessed. Results: AMPKα2 expression was observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, while expression of AMPKα1 and p-AMPKα was mainly observed in the cytoplasm. p-AMPKα expression increased during the normal-to-tumor transition of cervical carcinoma (p < 0.001), but, once cancer developed, the expression of AMPKα2 and p-AMPKα decreased in large-sized tumors when compared to smaller tumors (36 vs. 68%, p = 0.004 and 39 vs. 64%, p = 0.029, respectively). Notably, AMPKα2 expression was significantly associated with better disease-free survival (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.86, p = 0.026). Conclusion: The AMPKα2 isoform showed potential as a favorable prognostic marker in cervical cancer. Therefore, additional studies are necessary to further clarify the complex contribution of AMPK isoforms and of phosphorylation status to cervical cancer progression and prognosis.
Sodium Cromoglycate Prevents Exacerbation of IgE-Mediated Food-Allergic Reaction Induced by Aspirin in a Rat Model of Egg Allergy
Authors: Yokooji Tomoharu , Matsuo Hiroaki
Published: August 2015

Background: Aspirin (ASP)-facilitated absorption of ingested allergens is considered an exacerbating factor in the development of food allergy. Sodium cromoglycate (SCG) is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis with food allergy, but the efficacy of SCG in ASP-exacerbated food-allergy reactions is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SCG on ASP-exacerbated food-allergic reactions, as well as allergen absorption, in egg-allergic model rats. Methods: Plasma concentrations of ovalbumin (OVA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (FD-40), a marker for nonspecific-absorption pathways, were measured after oral administration of mixtures of OVA and FD-40 in OVA-unsensitized and OVA-sensitized rats. IgE-mediated allergic reactions were evaluated by measuring changes in rectal temperature and Evans blue dye (EBD) extravasation in the intestine and liver after oral challenge with OVA. The effects of ASP and SCG on such absorption and allergic reactions were also evaluated kinetically. Results: In OVA-sensitized rats, plasma concentrations of OVA and FD-40 were significantly higher than those in unsensitized rats after oral administration. ASP increased the intestinal absorption of OVA and FD-40 via the paracellular pathway, and a lower rectal temperature and higher EBD extravasation were detected in the intestine and liver of OVA-sensitized rats. SCG ameliorated these ASP-facilitated absorptions and allergic reactions in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, high-dose SCG (195.2 μmol/kg) completely inhibited these absorptions and reactions. Conclusion: SCG can prevent ASP-exacerbated allergic reactions in patients with food allergy resulting from inhibition of increases in allergen absorption.
Does Pre-Operative Multiple Immunosuppressive Therapy Associate with Surgical Site Infection in Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis?
Authors: Uchino Motoi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Bando Toshihiro , Hirose Kei , Hirata Akihiro , Chohno Teruhiro , Sasaki Hirofumi , Takahashi Yoshiko , Takesue Yoshio , Hida Nobuyuki , Hori Kazutoshi , Nakamura Shiro
Published: August 2015

Background: Almost all surgeries for ulcerative colitis (UC) are performed under immunosuppressive conditions. Immunomodulators or biologics, with the exception of corticosteroids, do not appear to be risk factors for post-operative infectious complications. However, many patients are on multiagent immunosuppressive therapy at the time of surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of pre-operative multiple immunosuppressives on the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) in UC. Methods: We reviewed surveillance data from 181 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy between January 2012 and March 2014. The incidences of SSI and the possible risk factors among patients receiving different immunosuppressive therapies were compared and analyzed. Results: The incidence of incisional (INC) SSI was 13.3% and that of organ/space (O/S) SSI was 7.2%. The number of immunosuppressives did not significantly correlate with each incidence. Total prednisolone administration ≥12,000 mg (OR 2.6) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 (OR 2.8) were shown to be independent risk factors for overall SSI, whereas corticosteroid use in INC SSI (OR 17.4) and severe disease (OR 5.2) and a large amount of blood loss (OR 3.9) in O/S SSI were identified as risk factors. Conclusion: Although a correlation between multiple immunosuppressive therapy and SSIs was not found, it is not recommended that all patients be treated with multiple immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment strategy should be applied based on the patient's condition.
Changing Epidemiology of Intestinal Obstruction in Ghana: Signs of Increasing Surgical Capacity and an Aging Population
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Abantanga Francis , Kyei Ishmael , Boakye Godfred , Stewart Barclay T.
Published: August 2015

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of intestinal obstruction at a tertiary hospital in Ghana over time. Methods: Records of all patients admitted to a tertiary hospital from 2007 to 2011 with intestinal obstruction were identified using ICD-9 codes. Sociodemographic and clinical data were compared to a previously published series of intestinal obstructions from 1998 to 2003. Factors contributing to longer than expected hospital stays and death were further examined. Results: Of the 230 records reviewed, 108 patients (47%) had obstructions due to adhesions, 50 (21%) had volvulus, 22 (7%) had an ileus from perforation and 14 (6%) had intussusception. Hernia fell from the 1st to the 8th most common cause of obstruction. Patients with intestinal obstruction were older in 2007-2011 compared to those presenting between 1998 and 2003 (p < 0.001); conditions associated with older age (e.g. volvulus and neoplasia) were more frequently encountered (p < 0.001). Age over 50 years was strong factor of in-hospital death (adjusted OR 14.2, 95% CI 1.41-142.95). Conclusion: Efforts to reduce hernia backlog and expand the surgical workforce may have had an effect on intestinal obstruction epidemiology in Ghana. Increasing aging-related pathology and a higher risk of death in elderly patients suggest that improvement in geriatric surgical care is urgently needed.
Effects of Recombinant Human Leptin (Metreleptin) on Nocturnal Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Lipodystrophy Patients
Authors: Abel Brent S. , Muniyappa Ranganath , Stratton Pamela , Skarulis Monica C. , Gorden Phillip , Brown Rebecca J.
Published: August 2015

Background: Leptin replacement in patients with leptin gene mutations improves hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The effects of leptin replacement on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in patients with lipodystrophy are unknown. Aim: We examined nocturnal LH secretory dynamics on and off exogenous leptin therapy using a 2-period, nonrandomized study that included leptin-naïve and leptin-treated subjects with lipodystrophy. Methods: In period 1 (5 days) the leptin-treated group (n = 4) continued leptin; leptin was then withdrawn for the next 14 days (period 2). Leptin-naïve subjects (n = 8) were studied without leptin in period 1 and with leptin replacement in period 2. LH secretory dynamics were assessed (23:00-07:00 h, sampling every 10 min, analyzed by multiparameter deconvolution algorithm) at the end of each period. Results: Mean (on vs. off: 5.0 ± 3.1 vs. 3.2 ± 1.3 IU/l, p = 0.04) and integrated LH concentrations (2,403 ± 1,495 vs. 1,534 ± 642 IU × l-1 × min-1, p = 0.04) were higher on leptin therapy. Leptin treatment increased burst mass (9.7± 15.4 vs. 7.0 ± 11.2 IU/l, p = 0.03) and tended to nonsignificantly increase LH burst frequency (0.77 ± 0.26 vs. 0.67 ± 0.24 h-1, p = 0.08). Consequently, leptin therapy increased the pulsatile production rate (64 ± 101 vs. 57 ± 73 IU × l-1 × 8 h-1, p = 0.01). On leptin, testosterone (507 ± 286 vs. 360 ± 174 ng/dl, p = 0.09) and estradiol levels (74 ± 36 vs. 29 ± 24 pg/ml, p = 0.01) were higher in males and females, respectively. Conclusions: Leptin increases spontaneous nocturnal LH secretion in patients with lipodystrophy. This is consistent with rodent and in vitro studies showing a direct stimulatory effect (hypothalamic, pituitary or both) of leptin on LH secretion. These novel findings may explicate some of the salutary effects of leptin therapy on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in lipodystrophy.
Pituitary Hormone Secretion Profiles in IGSF1 Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Joustra Sjoerd D. , Roelfsema Ferdinand , Endert Erik , Ballieux Bart E.P.B. , van Trotsenburg A.S. Paul , Fliers Eric , Corssmit Eleonora P.M. , Bernard Daniel J. , Oostdijk Wilma , Wit Jan Maarten , Pereira Alberto M. , Biermasz Nienke R.
Published: August 2015

Background: Loss-of-function mutations in immunoglobulin superfamily member 1 (IGSF1) cause an X-linked syndrome of central hypothyroidism, macroorchidism, delayed pubertal testosterone rise, variable prolactin deficiency and variable partial GH deficiency in childhood. The clinical features and gene expression pattern suggest a pivotal role for IGSF1 in the pituitary, but detailed knowledge on pituitary hormone secretion in this syndrome is lacking. We therefore aimed to study the 24-hour pituitary hormone secretion in male patients with IGSF1 deficiency. Methods: We collected blood samples every 10 min for 24 h in eight adult male IGSF1-deficient patients and measured circulating TSH, prolactin and gonadotropins. Deconvolution, modified cosinor and approximate entropy analyses were applied to quantify secretion rates, diurnal rhythmicity and regularity of hormone release. Results were compared to healthy controls matched for age and body mass index. Results: Compared to healthy controls, IGSF1-deficient patients showed decreased pulsatile secretion of TSH with decreased disorderliness and reduced diurnal variation. Basal and pulsatile secretion of FSH was increased by over 200%, while LH secretion did not differ from healthy controls. We observed a bimodal distribution of prolactin secretion, i.e. severe deficiency in three and increased basal and total secretion in the other five patients. Conclusion: The altered TSH secretion pattern is consistent with the previously hypothesized defect in thyrotropin-releasing hormone signaling in IGSF1 deficiency. However, the phenotype is more extensive and includes increased FSH secretion without altered LH secretion as well as either undetectable or increased prolactin secretion.
Grade Increases in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Metastases Compared to the Primary Tumor
Authors: Grillo Federica , Albertelli Manuela , Brisigotti Maria Pia , Borra Tiziana , Boschetti Mara , Fiocca Roberto , Ferone Diego , Mastracci Luca
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim: The neuroendocrine tumor (NET) proliferation-based grading system (ENETS/WHO) for gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tumors has proved reliable for prognostic stratification. To date, concerns exist regarding Ki-67 heterogeneity within the tumor and little is known on whether grade varies between primary and secondary sites. As tumor heterogeneity may have a significant impact on clinical management, our aim was to retrospectively evaluate Ki-67 on a series of GEP NETs in order to establish whether there is variability in different samples of the same lesion or between primary and metastatic disease (local/distant, synchronous/metachronous). Methods: Sixty patients with multiple samples of tumor were accrued from a total of 338 GEP NETs; 44 of them also had tissue from local/distant metastases and a further 5 had multiple metastatic foci from unknown primary tumors. Immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 was performed on all paraffin blocks from both primary and metastatic tumors. Results: Intratumor Ki-67 heterogeneity sufficient to change grade at first diagnosis was seen in 3/60 cases (5%). Out of 49 patients with primary NETs and/or multiple metastases, discrepancy in grade between sites was identified in 19 (39%) cases and in particular in 11/47 (23%) and in 10/12 (83%) patients with synchronous and metachronous metastases, respectively (p = 0.0002). Change in grade was more frequent in distant compared to locoregional metastases (p = 0.024) and in particular in distant sites other than the liver (p = 0.006). Conclusions: NETs show frequent differences in grade between primary sites and their synchronous/metachronous metastases; assessment of Ki-67 at all sites may prove to be significant for patient management.
Apolipoprotein A-IV Inhibits AgRP/NPY Neurons and Activates Pro-Opiomelanocortin Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus
Authors: Yan Chunling , He Yanlin , Xu Yuanzhong , Shu Gang , Wang Chunmei , Yang Yongjie , Saito Kenji , Xu Pingwen , Hinton Jr. Antentor Othrell , Yan Xiaofeng , Yu Likai , Wu Qi , Tso Patrick , Tong Qingchun , Xu Yong
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) in the brain potently suppresses food intake. However, the mechanisms underlying its anorexigenic effects remain to be identified. Methods: We first examined the effects of apoA-IV on cellular activities in hypothalamic neurons that co-express agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and in neurons that express pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). We then compared anorexigenic effects of apoA-IV in wild-type mice and in mutant mice lacking melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4Rs; the receptors of AgRP and the POMC gene product). Finally, we examined expression of apoA-IV in mouse hypothalamus and quantified its protein levels at fed versus fasted states. Results: We demonstrate that apoA-IV inhibited the firing rate of AgRP/NPY neurons. The decreased firing was associated with hyperpolarized membrane potential and decreased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current. We further used c-fos immunoreactivity to show that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of apoA-IV abolished the fasting-induced activation of AgRP/NPY neurons in mice. Further, we found that apoA-IV depolarized POMC neurons and increased their firing rate. In addition, genetic deletion of MC4Rs blocked anorexigenic effects of i.c.v. apoA-IV. Finally, we detected endogenous apoA-IV in multiple neural populations in the mouse hypothalamus, including AgRP/NPY neurons, and food deprivation suppressed hypothalamic apoA-IV protein levels. Conclusion: Our findings support a model where central apoA-IV inhibits AgRP/NPY neurons and activates POMC neurons to activate MC4Rs, which in turn suppresses food intake.
Evaluating the Radiation and Temperature Effect on Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Dorahaki Sobhan
Published: August 2015

One of the best ways to identify and design a system is simulating and to achieve this goal, we use simulation software such as MATLAB Simulink. In this study, the relations ruling photovoltaic is described. Then, on the relations basis, a photovoltaic system is simulated in MATLAB software. After photovoltaic system simulation, regardless the specific geographic area, radiation and temperature effect on photovoltaic system is generally simulated. Finally, with regard to radiation and temperature values effect on, it was concluded that we overlook the temperature effect than radiation effect on photovoltaic system designing. It certainly does not mean overlooking the temperature effect. It means a low-effect power changes per temperature changes against radiation.
Control of Indirect Matrix Converter by Using Improved SVM Method
Authors: Nannapaneni Lavanya , Gopala Rao M Venu
Published: August 2015

A novel space vector modulation (SVM) method for an indirect matrix converter (IMC) is used to reduce the common -mode voltage (CMV) in the output. The process of selecting required active vectors and to describe the switching sequence in the inverter stage of the IMC is explained in this paper. This novel SVM method used to decrease the peak -to-peak amplitude voltage of CMV without using any external hardware. The other advantage of this SVM method is to reduce the total harmonic distortion of line-to-line output voltage. This new modulation technique is easily implemented through simulation and its results are used to demonstrate the improved performance of the input/output waveforms.