21 research outputs found
Short-term load forecast using ensemble neuro-fuzzy model
No full textIn this paper, Takagi-Sugeno-Kang neuro-fuzzy model is trained using locally linear model tree (LOLIMOT) method to forecast day-ahead hourly load profile. The proposed approach is applied to a real load profile measured in Iran as a geographically spread case study. The effects of partitioning the power system to smaller regions on the load forecasting and its advantages, such as practical consideration of daily average temperature data, are also shown. Moreover, a set of preprocessing approaches is proposed and implemented on historical load data to improve forecasting results. It is shown that by using LOLIMOT, the neuro-fuzzy model does not need the predetermined settings, such as the number of neurons, membership functions or fuzzy rules by an expert because all the parameters are set by the LOLIMOT method. This approach leads to the flexible network topology of the trained model for different days, which leads to extract the load profile trends more effectively.No Full Tex
Melatonin mediates the reversibility of brain hyperphosphorylated tau protein induced by synthetic torpor in rats
No full textBACKGROUND: The hyperphosphorylation of tau protein (PPtau) in the brain is the main pathophysiological marker of tauopathies. Recently was found that when induced by a "synthetic torpor" (ST)1 condition (induced on rats), PPtau accumulations is reversible, as observed in hibernators2 . Thus, ST uncover a latent physiological mechanism able to cope with PPtau and not specifically evolved with hibernation. Aim of the present work was to describe it. METHODS: We induced ST as already reported2 on 12 Sprague-Dawley rats. Hippocampal and plasma samples were collected at the following experimental conditions: nadir of hypothermia (N); early recovery (ER), as soon as animals reached normothermia following N; 6h following ER (R6). Control (C) animals were also included. Levels of AT8 (p[S020/T205]-tau), p[S9]-GSK3β (inhibited form of the main kinase targeting tau) and plasma melatonin were determined. To better understand in vivo experimental results, we performed in silico simulations of melatonin-tubulin interactions3 . RESULTS: Figure 1 shows, at N, a huge amount of AT8 and high levels of p[S9]-GSK3β and melatonin in respect to C. All factors returned to normal at R6. These paradoxical results (i.e. the coexistence of high levels of PPtau and p[S9]-GSK3β) could be interpreted considering the destabilization of microtubules (MTs) induced by hypothermia as the main trigger of the whole process, then eliciting a neuroprotective physiological response mediated by melatonin, also interacting with MTs. To sustain this hypothesis, we also provide computational analysis of the microtubule stability as a function of temperature and other factors, such as melatonin binding. The molecular docking simulation shows that melatonin did not bind to 1sa0 structure, but it binds to one site of 1jff structure on the α-tubulin monomer (Figure 2). This is further elucidated using a molecular fingerprint representation (Figure 3), showing the binding site of melatonin with respect to those well-known binding locations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results could pave the way for an effective new strategy to contrast tauopathies, with next-step studies aimed to pharmacologically interacting with this process at physiological temperature. References: (1) Luppi et al. Front Neuroanat 2019, 13:57; (2) Stieler et al. PLoS One 2011, 6: e14530. 3 Craddock, et al. Sci Reports 2017, 7:1
SNP mutations affect rhizomania-virus content of sugar beets grown on resistance-breaking soils
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Insight into curcumin nanomicelle-induced derangements in male reproduction potential: An experimental study
No full textWhat Would Be The Best Time For Taking Family Consent For Tissue Donation From Brain Dead Cases?
No full textThe Effect of G-ORS Along With Rice Soup in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: The world health organization guidelines for treatment of diarrhea in children emphasize on continued feeding together with prescription of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and supplementary zinc therapy. However, conflicting viewpoints exist regarding the optimal diet and dietary ingredients for children with diarrhea. Moreover, few studies have investigated the effect of rice soup along with ORS in the treatment of this disease.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore effects of simultaneous taking of glucose oral rehydration solution (G-ORS) and rice soup in the treatment of acute diarrhea in 8 to 24-month-old children.
Patients and Methods: This single-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted in the pediatric ward of 22nd of Bahman hospital, Gonabad, Iran between June 2013 and February 2014. Forty children aged 8-24 months with acute diarrhea were randomly assigned into an intervention group (G-ORS plus rice soup group) comprising 20 babies and a control group (G-ORS) of 20 children based on balanced blocking randomization. The variables under investigation were diarrhea duration, patient hospitalization, need for intravenous (IV) fluids and stool output frequency. Data was analyzed using independent samples t and chi-square test.
Results: At the end of study, the time for treating acute watery diarrhea in the intervention and control groups were 21.10 ± 8.81 and 34.55 ± 5.82 hours (P < 0.001) and hospital stay were 34.05 ± 6.62 and 40.20 ± 6.32 hours (P = 0.005). Moreover, stool output frequency were 4.20 ± 0.95 and 8.00 ± 1.37 (P < 0.001) in the first 24 hours, and 2.18 ± 0.60 and 2.80 ± 0.76 (P = 0.03) in the second 24 hours of treatment in intervention and control groups, respectively.
Conclusions: Rice soup regimen was highly effective and inexpensive in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children. Thus, in addition to the common treatment by G-ORS, rice soup can be consumed simultaneously with G-ORS
Electronic Structure of Tetrahedral, S = 2, [Fe(EP iPr2)2N2], e = S, Se, Complexes: Investigation by High-Frequency and -Field Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, 57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy, and Quantum Chemical Studies
No full textIn this work, we assessed the electronic structures of two pseudotetrahedral complexes of FeII, [Fe{(SPiPr2)2N}2] (1) and [Fe{(SePiPr2)2N}2] (2), using high-frequency and -field EPR (HFEPR) and field-dependent 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopies. This investigation revealed S = 2 ground states characterized by moderate, negative zero-field splitting (zfs) parameters D. The crystal-field (CF) theory analysis of the spin Hamiltonian (sH) and hyperfine structure parameters revealed that the orbital ground states of 1 and 2 have a predominant dx2-y2 character, which is admixed with dz2 (∼10%). Although replacing the S-containing ligands of 1 by their Se-containing analogues in 2 leads to a smaller |D| value, our theoretical analysis, which relied on extensive ab initio CASSCF calculations, suggests that the ligand spin-orbit coupling (SOC) plays a marginal role in determining the magnetic anisotropy of these compounds. Instead, the dx2-y2β → dxyβ excitations yield a large negative contribution, which dominates the zfs of both 1 and 2, while the different energies of the dx2-y2β → dxzβ transitions are the predominant factor responsible for the difference in zfs between 1 and 2. The electronic structures of these compounds are contrasted with those of other [FeS4] sites, including reduced rubredoxin by considering a D2-type distortion of the [Fe(E-X)4] cores, where E = S, Se; X = C, P. Our combined CASSCF/DFT calculations indicate that while the character of the orbital ground state and the quintet excited states' contribution to the zfs of 1 and 2 are modulated by the magnitude of the D2 distortion, this structural change does not impact the contribution of the excited triplet states. © 2021 American Chemical Society
Do spinal cord-injured individuals with stronger sense of coherence use different psychological defense styles?
No full textObjectives: Although the importance of sense of coherence (SOC) and psychological defense mechanisms (PDMs) in the process of coping has been demonstrated, it has not yet been clarified whether individuals with stronger SOC use specific PDMs.Study design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Iran. Methods: Demographic and injury-related variables including injury level, time since injury, American Spinal Cord Association (ASIA) Scale and Spinal cord independence measure-III were collected among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SOC was assessed by the Short-form Sense of Coherence Scale. PDMs were identified using 40-version of the Defense Style Questionnaire. Results: Neurotic defense style was the most commonly used style especially. The overall most commonly used PDM was 'rationalization', which was used by 95. Individuals with stronger SOC used more mature style (P=0.001, r=0.52), particularly 'humor' and 'suppression' mechanisms (P<0.0001 and 0.024, respectively). There was a negative correlation between stronger SOC and the use of immature defenses including passive aggression (P=0.001, r=-0.51), acting out (P=0.001, r=-0.48), isolation (P=0.009, r=-0.50), autistic fantasy (P=0.010, r=-0.30) and somatization (P<0.0001, r=-0.62). Married individuals had significantly stronger SOC (P=0.01). Age, gender, age at the time of injury incidence, time since injury, ASIA score and cause of injury were not determinants of SOC. Conclusion: In this study, PDMs, which are more probable to be used by individuals with stronger SOC, have been identified. Mature defenses including 'humor' and 'suppression' are used by stronger SOC more often, whereas immature mechanisms are less likely to be used. © 2016 International Spinal Cord Society
Do spinal cord-injured individuals with stronger sense of coherence use different psychological defense styles?
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