• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.129-134
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• 2020

In most developing countries, Dientamoeba fragilis infection is an obscure protozoan infection. We aimed to determine a frequency and clinical importance of D. fragilis infection in Taif, Saudi Arabia. A 1-year case control study included patients with gastrointestinal (cases, n=114) or non-gastrointestinal symptoms (controls, n=90). The fecal samples were examined with the classical parasitological methods for intestinal protozoa, and by real time PCR for D. fragilis. The infection by D. fragilis was detected in 5.8% by PCR and in 4.4% patients by microscopy. The infection was identified more in control group (n=9) than in cases (n=3); a sole infection in 11 patients and mixed with Giardia in 1 patient. The other enteric parasites detected were Blastocystis sp. (8.3%), Giardia sp. (5.3%), Cryptosporidium sp. (2.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.4%), Entamoeba coli (0.9%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.4%). Our results tend to reinforce the need to increase awareness of D. fragilis infection in Saudi Arabia.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• 제17권6호
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• pp.1454-1468
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• 2017

In this study, a new dual-active soft-switching converter is proposed to improve conversion efficiency and extend the load range for an MTEM electromagnetic transmitter in geological exploration. Unlike a conventional DC/DC converter, the proposed converter can operate in passive soft-switching, single-active soft-switching, or dual-active soft-switching modes depending on the change in load power. The main switches and lagging auxiliary switches of the converter can attain soft-switching over the entire load range. The conduction and switching losses are greatly reduced compared with those of ordinary converters under the action of the cut-off diodes and auxiliary windings coupled to the main transformer in the auxiliary circuits. The conversion efficiency of the proposed converter is significantly improved, especially under light-load conditions. First, the working principle of the proposed converter is analyzed in detail. Second, the relationship between the different operating modes and the load power is given and the design principle of the auxiliary circuit is presented. Finally, the Saber simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility and validity of the converter and a 50 kW prototype is implemented.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제20권6호
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• pp.711-718
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• 2017

Nanotechnology is a new filed in concrete structures which can improve the mechanical properties of them in confronting to impact and blast. However, in this paper, a mathematical model is introduced for the concrete models subjected to impact load for wave propagation analysis. The structure is simulated by the sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT) and the governing equations of the concrete model are derived by energy method and Hamilton's principle. The silicon dioxide ($SiO_2$) nanoparticles are used as reinforcement for the concrete model where the characteristics of the equivalent composite are determined using Mori-Tanaka approach. An exact solution is applied for obtaining the maximum velocity of the model. In order to validate the theoretical results, three square models with different impact point and Geophone situations are tested experimentally. The effect of different parameters such as $SiO_2$ nanoparticles volume percent, situation of the impact, length, width and thickness of the model as well as velocity, diameter and height of impactor are shown on the maximum velocity of the model. Results indicate that the theoretical and experimental dates are in a close agreement with each other. In addition, using from $SiO_2$ nanoparticles leads to increase in the stiffness and consequently maximum velocity of the model.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.449-457
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• 2021

The aim of the present study was to survey the frequency of inducible and constitutive phenotypes and inducible cross-resistant genes by regulating the methylation of 23S rRNA (ermA, ermB, and ermC) and macrolide efflux-related msrA gene in Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis strains. A total of 172 bacterial isolates (identified based on standard tests), were examined in this study. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method, and all isolates were evaluated with respect to inducible and constitutive phenotypes. The presence of ermA, ermB, ermC, and msrA genes was investigated by a PCR assay. The constitutive resistance phenotypes showed a higher distribution among the isolates. R phenotype was detected more among S. epidermidis isolates (46.25%). ermB, ermC, and msrA genes were detected more in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) isolates that had R and HD phenotypes (>77% strains). The ermA gene had the lowest frequency among MRSA, MRSE, MSSA, and MSSE strains (<14% isolates). Distribution of inducible resistance genes in MRSA and MRSE strains, and possibly other species, leads to increased constitutive resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, and other similar antibiotics. Therefore, it can be challenging to treat infections caused by these resistant strains.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제69권3호
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• pp.269-281
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• 2019

This work addresses a three-dimensional nonlinear structural analysis of the constructive phases of a cable-stayed segmental concrete bridge using The Finite Element Method through ANSYS, version 14.5. New subroutines have been added to ANSYS via its UPF customization tool to implement viscoelastoplastic constitutive equations with cracking capability to model concrete's structural behavior. This numerical implementation allowed the use of three-dimensional twenty-node quadratic elements (SOLID186) with the Element-Embedded Rebar model option (REINF264), conducting to a fast and efficient solution. These advantages are of fundamental importance when large structures, such as bridges, are modeled, since an increasing number of finite elements is demanded. After validating the subroutines, the bridge located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and known as "Ponte do Saber" (Bridge of Knowledge, in Portuguese), has been numerically modeled, simulating each of the constructive phases of the bridge. Additionally, the data obtained numerically is compared with the field data collected from monitoring conducted during the construction of the bridge, showing good agreement.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제69권5호
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• pp.567-577
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• 2019

Guyed steel lattice towers (or guyed masts) are widely used for supporting antennas for telecommunications and broadcasting. This paper presents a numerical study on the static and dynamic response of guyed towers. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite-element models are used to simulate the response. Through performing static pushover analyses and free-vibration (modal) analyses, the effect of different bracing configurations is investigated. In addition, seismic analyses are performed on towers of different heights to study the influence of earthquake excitation time-lag (or the earthquake travel distance between tower anchors) and antenna weight on the seismic response of guyed towers. The results show that the inclusion of time lag in the seismic analysis of guyed towers can influence shear and moment distribution along the height of the mast. Moreover, it is found that the lateral response is insensitive to bracing configurations. The results also show that, depending on the mast height, an increased antenna weight can reduce the tower maximum base shear while other response quantities, such as cables tension force are found to be insensitive to variation in the antenna weight.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권16호
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• pp.6997-7002
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• 2015

Background: In cervical cancer patients it has been reported that there in a significant Ki-67/MIB-1 expression is correlated with survival in cervical cancer patients. However, the prognostic value is still not well understood. Materials and Methods: In the present meta-analysis the prognostic value of Ki-67/MIB-1 with regard to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cervical cancer was investigated. The databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library were used to identify appropriate literature. Results: In order to explore the relationship between Ki-67/MIB-1 and cervical cancer, we have included 13 studies covering 894 patients in the current meta-analysis. The effect of Ki-67/MIB-1 on OS for pooled random effects HR estimate was 1.63 (95%confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.45; P<0.05). The pooled HR for DFS was 1.26 (95%CI 0.58-2.73; P>0.05) and the subgroup analysis indicated Ki-67/MIB1 was associated with DFS (HR=3.67, 95%CI 2.65-5.09) in Asians. Conclusions: According to this meta-analysis, Ki-67/MIB-1 has prognostic value for OS in patients suffering from cervical cancer. For better evaluation of the prognostic role of Ki-67/MIB-1 on DFS, studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to validate present findings in the future.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.1527-1539
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• 2015

In this paper the hardware implementation of the direct torque control based on the fuzzy logic technique of induction motor on the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is presented. Due to its complexity, the fuzzy logic technique implemented on a digital system like the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and microcontroller is characterized by a calculating delay. This delay is due to the processing speed which depends on the system complexity. The limitation of these solutions is inevitable. To solve this problem, an alternative digital solution is used, based on the FPGA, which is characterized by a fast processing speed, to take the advantage of the performances of the fuzzy logic technique in spite of its complex computation. The Conventional Direct Torque Control (CDTC) of the induction machine faces problems, like the high stator flux, electromagnetic torque ripples, and stator current distortions. To overcome the CDTC problems many methods are used such as the space vector modulation which is sensitive to the parameters variations of the machine, the increase in the switches inverter number which increases the cost of the inverter, and the artificial intelligence. In this paper an intelligent technique based on the fuzzy logic is used because it is allows controlling the systems without knowing the mathematical model. Also, we use a new method based on the Xilinx system generator for the hardware implementation of Direct Torque Fuzzy Control (DTFC) on the FPGA. The simulation results of the DTFC are compared to those of the CDTC. The comparison results illustrate the reduction in the torque and stator flux ripples of the DTFC and show the Xilinx Virtex V FPGA performances in terms of execution time.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제24권10호
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• pp.1372-1376
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• 2011

The content of Ca in milk exceeds the typical saturation level of Ca salts, which is necessary for neonate growth. This calcium is distributed between the casein micelles in the colloidal and aqueous phases. Information on the properties of calcium activity in the aqueous phase is limited compared with that on the properties of bound or sequestrated calcium. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the changes in calcium activity in fresh milk using an ion-selective electrode and to assess the relationship between calcium activity and milk production in hot season. Milk samples collected from 10 cows at the National Agricultural Research Center for Kyushu Okinawa Region in June to October (Min-Max: 7.2-$35.2^{\circ}C$, 24.3-100% RH) were analyzed on total calcium concentrations and calcium activity. We observed that the rectal temperature of the cows increased according to elevation of ambient temperature but that the pH of the collected milk ($6.61{\pm}0.01$ (Mean${\pm}$SEM)) was not significantly influenced by rectal and ambient temperature. Total calcium concentrations and calcium activity in fresh milk decreased in July (Min-Max: 21.1-$33.5^{\circ}C$, 48.9-100.0% RH) compared with the values after August (Min-Max: 18.1-$35.0^{\circ}C$, 26.5-96.2% RH) (p<0.05); however, there was no significant correlation between the two parameters. The ratio of calcium activity to total calcium concentration decreased after August compared with the values in June and July (p<0.05). The calcium activity in fresh milk was positively correlated with milk yield (r = 0.45, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with milk lactose content (r = -0.53, p<0.01). These results suggest that the calcium activity in milk could be affected by ambient temperature and might be associated with milking production in hot season.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.733-738
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• 2016

Background: Ardabil, a Northwestern province of Iran, was found to have the highest rate of gastric cancer (GC) in the country (ASRs = 51.8/100,000 for males and 24.9/100,000 for females) and one of the highest gastric cardia cancer rates in the world. The aim of the present study was to assess the associations of the cagA and babA2 status of Helicobacter pylori with GC in the Ardabil population. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 patients with non-atrophic gastritis (56) and GC (47), who underwent endoscopy at the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil, were assessed. The status of 16S rDNA, cagA and babA2 genes was determined using PCR and histopathological assessment was performed. Results: The following genotypic frequency was observed: cagA+ (50.6%), cagA-(49.4%), babA2+ (26.5%), babA2- (73.5%) cagA+/babA2+ (19.3%), cagA-/babA2+ (7.2%), cagA+/babA2-(31.3%), cagA-/babA2-(42.2%). Although the frequency of the cagA+, cagA+/babA2+ and cagA-/babA2+ genotypes in patients with GC (55.6%, 25.9%, and 14.8%, respectively) was higher than in those with NAG (48.2%, 16.1%, and 3.6%, respectively), the difference did not reach significance. In contrast, the presence of the babA2 gene (40.7% vs 19.6%) significantly increased the risk of GC; the age-sex-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 5.068 (1.506-17.058; P=0.009), by multiple logistic regression. Conclusions: It is proposed that the H. pylori babA2 positivity might be considered as an important determinant of GC risk in Ardabil.