A Voltage Sag Severity Evaluation Method for the System Side which Considers the Influence of the Voltage Tolerance Curve and Sag Type

Considering the influence of user equipment voltage tolerance characteristics and sag types on the evaluation results, this paper proposes a voltage sag severity evaluation method for the system side which considers the influence of the voltage tolerance curve and sag type. As such, a quantitative evaluation of the severity of voltage sag events can be achieved. Firstly, the user’s voltage tolerance curve is used to construct the comparison reference value of the energy index, in order to realize the rapid analysis of the severity of the sag event in the normal area and the abnormal area. Secondly, aiming at the problem of insufficient descriptions of the severity difference of sag events in uncertain areas, an improved energy index evaluation model combined with user tolerance characteristics is established through an interval division and interval weight calculation, so as to divide and evaluate the severity of sag events in uncertain areas. Considering the influence of the sag type on the voltage tolerance curve and user equipment, the energy index correction factor is then constructed, and the measurement function is used for an interval evaluation to obtain the ranking result of the voltage sag severity, which is more in line with the actual situation. Finally, the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by analyzing 24 voltage sag events at a monitoring node.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Synthetic Conotoxin s-cal14.2b, Derived from Californiconus californicus, for Treating Type 2 Diabetes

The FDA’s approval of peptide drugs such as Ziconotide or Exendin for pain relief and diabetes treatment, respectively, enhanced the interest to explore novel conotoxins from Conus species venom. In general, conotoxins can be used in pathologies where voltage-gated channels, membrane receptors, or ligands alter normal physiological functions, as in metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. In this study, the synthetic cal14.2b (s-cal14.2b) from the unusual Californiconus californicus demonstrated bioactivity on NIT-1 insulinoma cell lines stimulating insulin secretion detecting by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Accordingly, s-cal14.2b increased the CaV1.2/1.3 channel-current by 35 ± 4% with a recovery τ of 10.3 ± 4 s in primary cell culture of rat pancreatic β-cells. The in vivo results indicated a similar effect of insulin secretion on mice in the glucose tolerance curve model by reducing the glucose from 500 mg/dL to 106 mg/dL in 60 min, compared to the negative control of 325 mg/dL at the same time. The PET-SCAN with radiolabeling 99mTc-s-cal14.2b demonstrated biodistribution and accumulation in rat pancreas with complete depuration in 24 h. These findings show the potential therapeutic use of s-cal14.2b in endocrinal pathologies such as early stages of Type 2 Diabetes where the pancreas’s capability to produce insulin is still effective.

Blood glucose levels in children with acanthosis nigricans associated with obesity

Background: A body mass index ≥95 percentile increases 40 times the risk of diabetes. The hyperinsulinemia secondary to the resistance of insulin and obesity is associated to the development of acanthosis nigricans. The objective of current study was to associate acanthosis nigricans with childhood obesity with alterations in the curve of glucose tolerance.Methods: In current study 90 children were evaluated with obesity and acanthosis nigricans of which only 34 concluded the study. Glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels were determined while in fasting state, and glucose tolerance curve was conducted. The statistical analysis was done by determining X², Fisher´s test and U, Mann Whitney test.Results: Statistically significant difference was found between glucose levels at 2 hours and the presence of obesity and acanthosis nigricans (p<0.01).Conclusions: It is important that all the children with obesity and Acanthosis nigricans apply for a curve of glucose tolerance.

SUN-LB121 Nifedipine Worsens Glucose Tolerance in C57BL/6J Mice Exposed to Intermittent Hypoxia

Background: Intermittent hypoxemia (IH), a pathognomonic component of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has been independently associated with development of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. L-type calcium channel blockers (CCB) influence glucose homeostasis including insulin sensitivity and secretion. To date, the potential impact of the combined effects of L-type CCB and IH on fasting glycemia and glucose tolerance have not been examined. The objective of this study was to determine whether CCB alters glucose metabolism in a murine model of IH. Methods: Adult male C57BL6/J mice (age 19-week-old) were exposed to IH using an automated system with specially-modified cages that oscillated FiO2from 21% to 5.5% at a target rate of 60 events/h during a 12 h (7am – 7pm) light cycle to simulate severe OSA for 5 days. The L-type CCB, nifedipine, or vehicle (polyethleneglycol-400) were administered at a dose of 20mg/kg/day via subcutaneous osmotic pumps (Alzet model 2001). Mice were exposed to IH or intermittent air (IA) with four resulting groups: IA-vehicle (n=12), IH-vehicle (n=16), IA–nifedipine (n=10), and IH–nifedipine (n=13). Fasting glucose, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, and insulin levels were obtained after exposures. Results: In the absence of a L-type CCB, IH increased fasting (105.1 vs. 71.2 mg/dL; p&lt;0.001) and 2-hour glucose levels (104.8 vs. 82.0 mg/dL; p=0.003). The area under the glucose tolerance curve (AUC) was also higher with IH than IA in mice treated with vehicle (17896.3 vs.13965.8 mg-min/dL; p&lt;0.001). Although the effects of IH on fasting glucose levels were comparable with and without L-type CCB treatment, the 2-hour glucose levels and the AUCs were substantially different. A statistically significant interaction was noted for the 2-hr glucose levels between IH and treatment with a L-type CCB (IH-CCB: 193.7; IH-V: 122.6; IA-CCB: 103.5; and IA-V: 82.0 mg/dL; p&lt;0.05 for interaction between IH and CCB). Finally, the AUC for IH-CCB treated mice was significantly higher than the AUC for IH-V treated mice (IH-CCB: 30223.1; IH-V: 17896.3. mg-min/dL; p=0.0001) Conclusions: In a murine model of IH, treatment with an L-type CCB exacerbates the deleterious effects of IH on glucose tolerance. Thus, use of CCB in patients with OSA should take into consideration these unfavorable effects particularly in those who are metabolically compromised.

Bayesian Network-Based Process Downtime Cost Determination of an Industrial Plant

Industrial plants utilize sensitive equipment to produce their products and meet their financial targets. Equipment downtime caused by power quality issues such as voltage sag affects production and entails cost hence poses a threat to their ability to deliver their financial objectives. This research aims to determine the response of industrial equipment to sag events and quantify the downtime cost caused by interruption in the production process. The study used the voltage tolerance curve to determine the individual equipment response to sag events and the Bayesian Network to establish the network structure of the production process. The probability of process interruption and the associated downtime losses was computed using a mathematical software. The research shows a strong relationship between the equipment’s response to voltage sag events and the production downtime cost and highlights the importance of the immunity of equipment to voltage sags.

Study of prevalence for lactose malabsorption in malnutrition

Background: Milk is the major food in the diet of the infant mammal and consequently has always attracted considerable interest from the physician, the industrialist and the mother. The concentration of lactose in milk varies from species to species. Main objective is to study the prevalence of malabsorption in malnutrition.Methods: Sixty-seven children ranged between ages of 6 months to 3 years, of both sex and varying grades of malnutrition, were studied. Study conducted between July 1979-December 1979. All children were grouped into 4 grades of malnutrition according to Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommendation.Results: Out of 67 cases, 50 were followed up. Severe malnutrition of grades III and IV (less than 60 percent of expected body weight) comprises 58.2 percent (39 out of 67) in first seen group, and 52 percent (26 out of 50) in follow up group. 59.7 percent Males and 40.3 percent females in first seen cases. 58 percent males and 42 percent females in follow up cases. 24 cases (53.33 percent) of lactose malabsorbers were males and 21 cases (46.67 percent) were females.Conclusions: Lactose malabsorption is common in protein-energy malnutrition. This can be determined by simple ward tests and abnormal lactose tolerance curve after oral lactose load. Lactose malabsorption increases with the severity of malnutrition. Malnutrition leads to lactose malabsorption and lactose malabsorption is an important contributory factor in production of malnutrition.

The development of a threshold curve for the understanding of concussion in sport

Much of what is known concerning human brain injury thresholds is based upon impacts to cadavers and animal models that were used to generate the Wayne State Concussion Tolerance Curve (WSTC) and similar curves. These curves are the foundation for predictive metrics used in standard development as well as helmet design. These curves were based upon a very narrow range of impacts; impacts whose characteristics differ greatly from how the head is impacted in sport. This research examines the uses of time-based curves like the WSTC in the context of understanding mechanisms of brain injury and head protection. Published linear/rotational acceleration magnitude/duration data from Hybrid III laboratory reconstructions of brain injury events were plotted. This research further develops the understanding of injury thresholds in comparison to threshold curves such as the WSTC and Brain Injury Curve Leuven. The data demonstrate the relationships between magnitude and duration of dynamic response on minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in sport.

Evaluation of Hypoglycemic and Genotoxic Effect of Polyphenolic Bark Extract from Quercus sideroxyla

Quercus sideroxyla is a wood species whose bark has phenolic compound and should be considered to be bioactive; the hypoglycemic and genotoxic properties of Q. sideroxyla bark were evaluated in this study. Total phenolic compound was determined in crude extract (CE) and organic extract (OE). The OE has the highest amount of phenols (724.1±12.0 GAE/g). Besides, both CE and OE demonstrated effect over the inhibition of α-amylase in vitro. Hypoglycemic activity was assessed by glucose tolerance curve and the area under curve (UAC); OE showed the highest hypoglycemic activity. In addition, diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and the extracts (50 mg/kg) were administered for 10 days; OE showed hypoglycemic effect compared with diabetic control and decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation. Acute toxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated in CE; results of acute toxicity did not show any mortality. Besides, the comet assay showed that CE at a dose of 100 mg/kg did not show any genotoxic effect when evaluated at 24 h, whereas it induced slight damage at 200 mg/kg, with the formation of type 1 comets.

A New Method of Evaluating the Sensitivity of Sensitive Load to Voltage Sag

This paper proposes a new method to evaluate the voltage sag sensitivity (VSS) of the sensitive load by the combination of several probability density function models, which can fully describe the randomness of load sensitivity. Firstly, five common probability density functions were respectively used to build the mathematical model of voltage tolerance curve (VTC) of sensitive load in uncertainty region. Secondly, the VSS of sensitive load was respectively evaluated by five models, and the weighted sum of five models’ results was calculated by unbiased variance method. In the end, the proposed method was verified to be rational according to an application example.