bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant Layout and Pick‐and‐place Strategies for Improving Performances in Secondary Packaging Plants of Food Products
Authors: Comba Lorenzo , Belforte Gustavo , Gay Paolo 
Published: July 2012

The aim of secondary packaging plants is to pick food products from a conveyor belt and to place them into boxes. The typical configuration of these packaging plants consists of a set of sequential robot stations, performing pick‐and‐place cycles from one conveyor to another parallel one, which transport the products and the boxes to be filled. Depending on the relative movement of the two conveyors, the plant operates in co‐current or counter‐current flow configuration. Undesired perturbations in the product flow rate from its nominal value can lead to critical events, i.e. unpicked product at the end of the first conveyor or not completely filled boxes. Even if the structures of co‐current flow and of counter‐current flow plants are very similar, their behaviour in non‐nominal or perturbed conditions can significantly differ.The aim of this paper is to deeply investigate the behaviour of these two kinds of secondary packaging lines, evaluating their performances in the case of different pick‐and‐place strategies, using discrete events simulation techniques.Results show to which extent the different proposed control strategies can improve the performances of both co‐current and counter‐currents plants and, in particular, how co‐current plant layouts can achieve performances that are equivalent to, or perhaps even better than, those that can be obtained with a counter‐current plant layout, which cannot be freely used because of patent. The simulation tool, control algorithms and results presented can help packaging plant designers for choosing the most appropriate solutions and for properly sizing the plant. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Lyapunov approach to boundary stabilization of an anti‐stable one‐dimensional wave equation with boundary disturbance
Authors: Guo Bao‐Zhu , Kang Wen 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, we are concerned with the boundary stabilization of a one‐dimensional anti‐stable wave equation with the boundary external disturbance. The backstepping method is first applied to transform the anti‐stability from the free end to the control end. A variable structure feedback stabilizing controller is designed by the Lyapunov function approach. It is shown that the resulting closed‐loop system is associated with a nonlinear semigroup and is asymptotically stable. In addition, we show that this controller is robust to the external disturbance in the sense that the vibrating energy of the closed‐loop system is also convergent to zero as time goes to infinity in the presence of bounded deterministic disturbance at the control end. The existence and uniqueness of the solution are also developed by the Galerkin approximation scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General static load‐carrying capacity of four‐contact‐point slewing bearings for wind turbine generator actuation systems
Authors: Aguirrebeitia Josu , Plaza Jon , Abasolo Mikel , Vallejo Javier 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTFour‐contact‐point slewing bearings are widely used in wind turbine generators (WTGs) to adjust the orientation of the blades and the nacelle to fully exploit wind resources. These bearings must withstand static and fatigue loads; however, at the first stages of the design process, the bearings are commonly selected by considering only static loads. This paper presents a further step of a previous theoretical work published by the authors in the field of the static load‐carrying capacity of four‐contact‐point slewing bearings under axial, radial and tilting‐moment loads. In that work, a generalization of the works by Sjoväll and Rumbarger was presented, providing an acceptance surface of the bearing in the load space. The contact angle of the balls was assumed to be load independent. The present work improves that development by considering the influence of the variability of the contact angle with the applied load, and as a result, the acceptance surface has been redefined. By comparing the results with those of the finite element model published by the authors, it is proven that the new model presented in this work is more realistic than the previous one. Thus, it is believed that this methodology can be easily applied for the initial selection of blade and yaw bearings in WTGs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comment on holographic Luttinger theorem
Authors: Hashimoto Koji , Iizuka Norihiro 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRobustness of the Luttinger theorem for fermionic liquids is examined in holography. The statement of the Luttinger theorem, the equality between the fermion charge density and the volume enclosed by the Fermi surface, can be mapped to a Gauss’s law in the gravity dual,a laSachdev. We show that various deformations in the gravity dual, such as inclusion of magnetic fields, a parity-violatingθ-term, dilatonic deformations, and higher-derivative corrections, do not violate the holographic derivation of the Luttinger theorem, as long as the theory is in a confining phase. Therefore a robustness of the theorem is found for strongly correlated fermions coupled with strongly coupled sectors which admit gravity duals. On the other hand, in the deconfined phase, we also show that the deficit appearing in the Luttinger theorem is again universal. It measures a total deficit which measures the charge of the deconfined (“fractionalized”) fermions, independent of the deformation parameters.
Usefulness of ST elevation score by using vector‐projected virtual 187‐channel ECG for risk stratification in patients with Brugada‐type ECG pattern
Authors: Ishikawa Shoko , Niwano Shinichi , Kishihara Jun , Imaki Ryuta , Murakami Masami , Aoyama Yuya , Satoh Akira , Niwano Hiroe , Izumi Tohru 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundAlthough powerful defibrillation devices are available in clinical practice, risk stratification is important in asymptomatic Brugada syndrome. In this study, vector‐projected 187‐channel electrocardiogram (VP‐ECG) was used to calculate the ST‐elevation score in Brugada‐type ECG and test its usefulness in risk stratification.Methods and resultsVP‐ECG was recorded in 108 patients with Brugada‐type ECG having ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes (±; n=13/95). The ST morphologies were evaluated in 80/187 precordial leads. The coved‐ and saddleback types (4–6 vs. 1–3 points) of ST‐elevation scores in 332 recordings were 58±57 points, which were calculated using virtual ECG leads. Compared with types 1–3 ECG patterns, the scores were significantly different among the groups (107±65, 62±45, and 14±22, respectively; p<0.01). In patients with VF (−), that is, asymptomatic Brugada syndrome, new VF occurrences, family history, or inducible VF showed a higher score than in those without these occurrences (p<0.01).ConclusionThe ST elevation score in VP‐ECG objectively documented the degree of ST elevation in surface ECG in Brugada‐type ECG patterns. The ST‐elevation score might be useful for risk stratification in patients with asymptomatic Brugada syndrome.
Brugada syndrome associated with J waves in multiple leads and “pseudo‐epsilon” wiggle waves in lateral leads: Possible conduction delay in J‐wave syndrome
Authors: Ishibashi Kazuya , Takeda Mitsuo , Yamahara Yasuhiro , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Shirayama Takeshi , Matsubara Hiroaki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe present a case of Brugada syndrome associated with augmentation of multiple J waves and the presence of “pseudo‐epsilon” wiggle waves in the lateral leads. Just after ventricular fibrillation (VF), J waves were prominent in leads V1 through V4 and in the inferior leads. Moreover, pseudo‐epsilon wiggle waves were recorded at the terminal portion of the QRS‐complexes in leads V5 and V6. Oral administration of quinidine eliminated the epsilon‐like waves and J waves, thus completely suppressing VF. In this case, both the pseudo‐epsilon wiggle waves in the lateral leads and the J waves were thought to be associated with VF. In this case report, we discuss the etiology of J‐wave syndrome from the perspective of the appearance of epsilon‐like delayed waves.
Irregular atrial flutter following pulmonary vein isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Irie Tadanobu , Kaneko Yoshiaki , Nakajima Tadashi , Ota Masaki , Kato Toshimitsu , Iijima Takafumi , Tamura Mio , Iizuka Takashi , Saito Akihiro , Ito Toshio , Kurabayashi Masahiko 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA 65‐year‐old man with a history of refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent catheter ablation for persistent AF lasting 2 months. AF was not terminated after complete isolation of the 4 pulmonary veins (PV). Instead, it was transformed to a sustained atrial tachyarrhythmia with beat‐to‐beat variability in the atrial cycle length. A 12‐lead electrocardiogram during tachycardia showed negative flutter‐like waves in the inferior leads. Entrainment pacing along the tricuspid annulus confirmed the diagnosis of irregular cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)‐dependent typical atrial flutter (AFL). Linear ablation of the CTI terminated AFL and restored sinus rhythm.
Crossing the bends: Support‐catheter based left ventricular lead placement in challenging cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation
Authors: Kumar Malik Amit , Ching Chi Keong , Tan Boon Yew , Chong Daniel , Teo Wee Siong 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe combined use of an Amplatz guiding catheter and support catheter creates a progressively supportive rail to implant the left ventricular (LV) lead in difficult cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation. We describe the case of a 32‐year‐old male with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy, left bundle‐branch block, and an LV ejection fraction of 30%, who was referred to our centre for a repeat attempt at an LV lead implant. Previously, the implanter had been unable to advance different guide catheters over the wire to the desired tributary of the coronary sinus (CS). At our centre, the CS was cannulated with a 6‐Fr AL2 coronary guiding catheter. A 135‐cm support catheter (Spectranetics Quick‐Cross) was advanced via AL2 guiding over the 0.035 in. guide wire to the distal CS. The proximal luer fitting of the support catheter was cut and an inner sheath (Medtronic ATTAIN SELECT II) advanced over the support catheter into the CS. A 4‐Fr over‐the‐wire LV lead was advanced through the inner sheath over a 0.014 in. percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty wire after removal of the support catheter. The use of a support catheter serves as rail for the placement of the inner sheath deep in the CS and facilitates implantation of the LV pacing lead. This technique is safe and easily applied.
Characterization of atrial fibrillation and the effect of pulmonary vein antrum isolation in endurance athletes
Authors: Yamaguchi Takanori , Tsuchiya Takeshi , Nagamoto Yasutsugu , Miyamoto Koji , Takahashi Naohiko 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionEndurance sports have recently been recognized as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to characterize AF in endurance athletes and to examine the efficacy of pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) in an attempt to clarify the mechanism.Methods and resultsTwenty‐two men (46±8 years old) with AF, who had no risk factors other than participation in long‐term endurance sports, were examined; 12 patients had paroxysmal AF, 9 had persistent AF, and 1 had long‐standing AF. Twelve patients (55%) were asymptomatic at rest. Nineteen patients (86%) experienced less exercise tolerance during AF than during sinus rhythm; exercise‐induced paroxysmal AF was noted in 14 of these patients (64%). Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) were used in 18 patients, but were effective in only 3 patients (16%). Eleven patients underwent PVAI; in these patients, AF was eliminated without AADs in 9 patients (82%) and with AADs in 2 patients over an average follow‐up period of 21±9 months.ConclusionAF in endurance athletes is frequently asymptomatic at rest, but manifests as reduced exercise tolerance. AF originates from the pulmonary veins; PVAI could be an effective non‐pharmacologic therapy.
Twiddler's syndrome detected by patient's complaint of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator rotation in the subcutaneous pocket
Authors: Konishi Hirokazu , Tokano Takashi , Nakazato Yuji , Komatsu Sayaka , Suwa Satoru , Komatsu Kaoru , Hayashi Hidemori , Sekita Gaku , Sumiyoshi Masataka , Bito Fumiyasu , Kizu Kyoko , Daida Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTwiddler's syndrome presents as a rare implantable‐cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) malfunction that is potentially fatal. The following case is that of a 79‐year‐old woman, who was implanted with an ICD and experienced Twiddler's syndrome. Five months after the implantation, the patient complained that the generator sometimes rotated in the subcutaneous pocket. Fluoroscopy showed that the generator had rotated and the leads were twisted, which is compatible with Twiddler's syndrome. Although all the leads were functioning normally, a procedure to repair the twisted leads was performed. Twiddler's syndrome is usually detected due to a serious device malfunction; however, this case study suggests that it can be detected prior to ICD malfunction by the patient's complaint.
Discontinuation of anti‐arrhythmic drugs in patients receiving hybrid therapy consisting of catheter ablation and bepridil for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Kurotobi Toshiya , Ito Hiroshi , Kimura Ryusuke , Toyoshima Yuko , Itoh Norihisa , Higuchi Yoshiharu , Date Motoo , Koyama Yasushi , Iwakura Katsuomi , Fujii Kenshi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐arrhythmic drugs (AADs) are often administered following catheter ablation (CA) for persistent atrial fibrillation (peAF) to maintain sinus rhythm (SR). It remains unclear whether AADs can be withdrawn in patients showing no recurrence after CA.MethodWe administered hybrid therapy consisting of CA and AAD (bepridil) in 75 patients with peAF. Withdrawal of AADs was attempted in patients who had no recurrence of AF for ≥6 months. We followed them for 22±16 months.ResultsPatients received 1.2±0.4 sessions of CA and a mean bepridil dose of 131±46 mg/day. After a 3‐month “blanking period,” 62 (83%) patients maintained SR without recurrence of tachyarrhythmia for ≥6 months. AADs were discontinued in 41 patients who agreed to medication withdrawal. Ten of these (24%) experienced a relapse of tachycardia, and these patients had a higher incidence of residual inducibility of tachyarrhythmia at the end of the CA procedure (70% vs. 32%; P=0.03) and required a higher dose of bepridil to maintain SR (170±48 mg vs. 106±30 mg; P<0.0001) than those without relapse.ConclusionsDiscontinuation of AADs occasionally results in recurrence, especially in patients with residual inducibility and in those requiring higher doses of AADs.
Increase in Tpeak–Tend interval induced by cardiac resynchronization therapy is a predictor of ventricular tachyarrhythmia
Authors: Miyoshi Fumito , Munetsugu Yumi , Onuma Yoshimasa , Kikuchi Miwa , Ito Hiroyuki , Watanabe Norikazu , Adachi Taro , Kawamura Mitsuharu , Asano Taku , Tanno Kaoru , Kobayashi Youichi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on dispersion of repolarization is controversial. This study aimed to determine whether CRT alters the QT interval and Tpeak–Tend interval (Tpeak–end) and whether such changes relate to the risk of developing a major arrhythmic event (MAE).MethodsData from 67 patients (49 men; age 71±10 years) who underwent CRT device placement were analyzed retrospectively. Patients had NYHA class III or IV heart failure. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 25±9%. The electrocardiogram was recorded at baseline and during follow‐up after implantation (3 days, 7 days, 1 month, and 2 months).ResultsAfter 29‐months of follow‐up, 11 patients had experienced MAEs. QT interval and Tpeak–end did not change significantly immediately after CRT. However, 3 days after CRT, Tpeak–end in patients with MAE was significantly increased when compared with patients without MAE (p<0.05). We divided patients into 2 groups according to the change in Tpeak–end at 3 days (increased Tpeak–end group, n=27; decreased Tpeak–end group, n=40). The increased Tpeak–end group demonstrated a significant increase in MAEs (p<0.05).ConclusionsIncreased Tpeak–end at 3 days after CRT was associated with a significant increase in MAEs. This could be a useful predictor of ventricular proarrhythmia.
Direct action of angiotensin II on the conduction through papillary muscle preparations of rat heart immediately after reoxygenation
Authors: Wakatsuki Daisuke , Tsutsumi Takeshi , Higashi Yukei , Suzuki Hiroshi , Takeyama Youichi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe investigated the direct action of angiotensin II (Ang II) on myocardial conduction and transmembrane action potential immediately after reoxygenation.MethodAfter superfusion in a simulated ischemic solution, ventricular papillary muscle preparations of rat heart were washed with oxygenated Tyrode solution containing Ang II, Ang II plus CV‐11974 (an AT1 receptor blocker), or Ang II plus 5‐hydroxydecanoic acid (mito‐KATP blocker), under rapid electrical stimulation (RES) for 60 s.ResultsIn the control experiments, the incidence of conduction delay and block was the highest within the first 10 s, and subsequently, 1:1 conduction was established after 40 s. Ang II significantly enhanced the 2:1 conduction block during the later phase of RES (40–60 s after reoxygenation). This effect of Ang II was abolished by either CV‐11974 (P<0.001) or 5‐HD (P<0.001).ConclusionRES‐induced conduction delay and block immediately after reoxygenation were accelerated by Ang II, which could be relevant to the maintenance of reperfusion arrhythmias. The mito‐KATP channel may participate in the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.
A case of biventricular pacing with a spike on T‐wave caused by the algorithm maintaining biventricular pacing rate
Authors: Fujimoto Manabu , Ikeda Tatsunori , Tuchida Masayuki , Kontani Kouichirou , Kiyama Masaru , Okeie Yasukazu , Yamamoto Masakazu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCardiac‐resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves the cardiac function of patients with left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. Maintenance of the biventricular pacing rate is very important in managing the hemodynamics in patients implanted with CRT devices. A low biventricular pacing rate, for example, in cases with atrial fibrillation or rapid intrinsic atrioventricular (AV) conduction, decreases the benefits of CRT. The LUMAX HF‐T 540 device series (BIOTRONIK, Berlin, Germany) has a LV‐triggered pace algorithm, which allows biventicular pacing rates to be maintained even during rapid intrinsic rhythms caused by shortened AV conduction and/or premature ventricular contraction (PVC) occurring in the right ventricle. We encountered a case of CRT device implantation with a defibrillator wherein this triggered pace algorithm caused a spike on T‐wave due to T‐wave oversensing. By remote monitoring, we were also able to determine that the T‐wave oversensing was due to a PVC. The LUMAX 540 series allows for changes in the sensing threshold and filter settings of the device, which facilitated the elimination of T‐wave oversensing in this case.
A 6‐year‐old boy with secondary long QT syndrome
Authors: Kojo Kanami , Yoshinaga Masao , Kucho Yu , Hazeki Daisuke , Tanaka Yuji , Mizota Michiyo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSecondary long QT syndrome (LQTS) is caused by several drugs, cardiac conditions, and noncardiac conditions. One of the main metabolic causes is hypokalemia. We experienced treating a boy with secondary LQTS due to primary aldosteronism. The boy had been followed annually since he was 6 years old because his resting electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a prolonged QT interval. When he was 9 years old, he developed general fatigue and myalgia. The QT interval in his resting ECG became longer and serum data indicated rhabdomyolysis. The aldosterone level was high and renin activity was low. He was diagnosed with primary aldosteronism. When we, pediatricians, see children with LQTS, we are apt to think that their condition is congenital in nature. However, secondary or acquired LQTS should be always taken into consideration and be excluded not only in adults but also in the pediatric population.
Permanent pacemaker lead placement via the femoral vein in an elderly patient with a large thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Ohguchi Shiou , Morishima Itsuro , Mutou Masahiro , Isobe Tatsuo , Itou Ryuta , Shinji Kazuya , Morofuji Noriaki , Morikawa Shuji 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAn 87‐year‐old woman with complete atrioventricular block was admitted for permanent pacemaker implantation. The patient had a large thoracic aortic aneurysm that had been conservatively treated. Lead placement was not possible via the superior vena cava or the epicardial route because of the aneurysm. Therefore, we implanted a VVI pacemaker via the femoral approach. A unit was placed in a pouch on the right lower abdominal wall, and a lead was introduced into the right ventricle via the right femoral vein. The femoral vein approach is rarely used; however, it should be recognized as an effective alternative when the usual approach is difficult or impossible to be performed.
Unresolved matters related to implantable cardioverter defibrillators: How can we avoid shock therapy?
Authors: Noda Takashi , Shimizu Wataru 
Published: July 2012

AbstractImplantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have become very useful for patients with a high risk of sudden cardiac death, based on the results of several clinical trials. Although ICDs can improve survival when used in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular (LV) function, a recent sub‐analysis of major clinical trials regarding ICDs has revealed that ICD shock is associated with worsening HF or increase in mortality. ICD settings must be programmed appropriately, guided by clear evidence, to avoid unnecessary and inappropriate shocks. We discuss the benefits and pitfalls of ICD programming, such as tachycardia pacing, detection intervals, detection rates, and discriminators, to offer programming tips in this review.
Left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion before and after cardiac resynchronization therapy in chronic right ventricular apical pacing by echocardiogram‐gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Honda Yuki , Higashi Yuukei , Ebato Mio , Wakatsuki Daisuke , Shimojima Hisa , Suzuki Hiroshi , Takeyama Youichi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in cardiac performance and myocardial blood perfusion by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients upgrading to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) from right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP).MethodsEleven patients (age, 70±7.7 years; pacing career, 95±48.8 months) with chronic RVAP were studied. Their baseline characteristics included New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥2, with left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) >55 mm or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%, as shown by echocardiography. Cardiac function and cardiac blood perfusion of 17 segments were evaluated by SPECT. Cardio‐GRAF (cardio Gated single photon emission computed tomography Regional Assessment for left ventricular Function), a left ventricular (LV) segmental time–volume analyzing program for SPECT, was used to assess dyssynchrony.ResultsUpgrading from RVAP to CRT resulted in an increase in LVEF and a decrease in LVEDV. The standard deviation of the time from the onset of QRS to end‐systole in the 17 LV segments, which indicates LV dyssynchrony, showed the tendency to shorten from 98 to 70 ms. Furthermore, the %uptake of blood perfusion was increased at the inferoseptal lesion.ConclusionUpgrading to CRT from RVAP improved cardiac function and increased %uptake of blood perfusion at the inferoseptal lesion, as demonstrated by SPECT.