Model in-cognizant control of residential HVAC units with limited sensing and actuation

In this paper, we consider the problem of controlling residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units in response to changes in grid-side electrical power imbalances causing unacceptable frequency. We derive a novel energy-based model that relates the HVAC physics-based dynamics to both real and reactive power balance at the point of interconnection with the grid. Based on this modeling, we propose a composite control comprising of a robust sliding mode controller in tandem with a slower model predictive controller that can achieve near-optimal physical and economic performance. In contrast to several other approaches in the literature, we analyze whether a limited number of HVAC units can meet the stringent performance metrics set by the ARPA-E/NODES program on following the regulation signal, while maintaining consumer comfort. Theoretical and simulation-based evidence is provided to show that the proposed approach to control a single HVAC unit results in a provable response simultaneously satisfying NODES program performance metrics and consumer comfort constraints. The use of this model overcomes fundamental issues concerning limited sensor measurements and model uncertainties.Comment: Preprint submitted to IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technolog

EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTATION WITH VITAMIN E ON GENTAMYCIN-INDUCED ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN RATS

A frequent administration of gentamicin in clinical practice has shown its bactericidal activity, and besides being vestibulotoxic it is highly nephrotoxic, which can further result in acute renal insufficiency. The study analyzed 24 Wistar rats, divided into three equal groups. GM group received gentamicin (100 mg/kg), GME group received vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and the same dose of gentamicin as GM rats, while the third group served as the control group and received saline (1 ml/24h) for 8 days. Pathohistological examination of the kidney tissues from GM group rats showed areas of coagulation-type necrosis in a large number of proximal tubules, while their glomeruli were considerably enlarged compared both to control and GME group rats. In GME rats, changes in glomeruli were less visible, while areas of coagulation-type necrosis were not found.  Biochemical analysis showed significantly higher values of blood urea and creatinine in GM group rats in comparison to C group and GME group (p<0.001). The concentrations of potassium in blood serum was significantly lower in GM group compared to control group (p<0.01), whereas the concentration of sodium was lower, however, without statistical significance. The concentrations of AOPP for GM group were significantly higher when compared to C group (p<0.001), whereas the values for GME group of rats were statistically significantly lower than AOPP recorded for GM group (p<0.001). Our experimental study has shown that gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity can be significantly reduced by simultaneous administration of vitamin E.Key words: Gentamicin, vitamin E, nephrotoxicity, Wistar rat

THE EFFECTS OF AN ERGONOMIC EXERCISE PROGRAM WITH A PILATES BALL ON REDUCING THE RISK OF THE INCIDENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Introduction: Very few scientists have studied the influence of rehabilitation exercises on lowering the risks of muscular-skeletal disorder incidence (MSD). Therefore, it is necessary to study the influence of these exercise programmes on the prevention of and decrease in the risk of MSD development among schoolchildren. A special programme is based on the education of schoolchildren on ergonomic risks and their prevention by means of specific exercises with a Pilates ball for each recognized MSD, with the assumption that its sixteen-week application will significantly influence the risk of MSD incidence. Methods: The overall sample consisted of 55 students whose chronological age was 11, of both sexes, which was divided into two sub-samples: the experimental group (EG) of 28 students and the control group (CG) of 27 students. The Spinal Mouse with the appropriate programme support was used for the evaluation of muscular-skeletal disorders of the spine in the sagittal and frontal parts (kyphosis, lordosis, thoracic scoliosis). Results and Discussion: The results, following the experimental programme, have shown significantly lowered values of the kyphotic and thoracic scoliotic curve in the experimental group (EG), whereas the condition of the control group (CG) deteriorated, however not with the statistical significance. As for lordosis, there were no significant changes in either group during the experimental treatment. A variance analysis showed that exercises with a Pilates ball programme had statistically significant effects on decreasing MSD with kyphotic and thoracic scoliotic curves but with no significant effects on lordosis as compared to the school exercise programme. Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the analysis of the effects of the specially defined ergonomic programme, in the form of specific exercises with a Pilates ball, is that it leads to the decreased risk of MSD incidence among fourth-grade primary school students. Applied experimental actions had a positive influence on lowering the spine MSD in the case of the experimental group, but that there were no significant changes in the case of the control group

The Encapsulation of Lycopene in Nanoliposomes Enhances Its Protective Potential in Methotrexate-Induced Kidney Injury Model

Methotrexate is an antimetabolic drug with a myriad of serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, which presumably occurs due to oxidative tissue damage. Here, we evaluated the potential protective effect of lycopene, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, given in two different pharmaceutical forms in methotrexate-induced kidney damage in rats. Serum biochemical (urea and creatinine) and tissue oxidative damage markers and histopathological kidney changes were evaluated after systemic administration of both lycopene dissolved in corn oil and lycopene encapsulated in nanoliposomes. Similar to previous studies, single dose of methotrexate induced severe functional and morphological alterations of kidneys with cell desquamation, tubular vacuolation, and focal necrosis, which were followed by serum urea and creatinine increase and disturbances of tissue antioxidant status. Application of both forms of lycopene concomitantly with methotrexate ameliorated changes in serum urea and creatinine and oxidative damage markers and markedly reversed structural changes of kidney tissue. Moreover, animals that received lycopene in nanoliposome-encapsulated form showed higher degree of recovery than those treated with free lycopene form. The findings of this study indicate that treatment with nanoliposome-encapsulated lycopene comparing to lycopene in standard vehicle has an advantage as it more efficiently reduces methotrexate-induced kidney dysfunction

Morphometric analysis of structural renal alterations and beneficial effects of aminoguanidine in acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats

Since cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity has very important clinical consequences, purpose of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of aminoguanidine on the acute kidney injury caused by cisplatin. Experiments were done on 40 Wistar rats divided into four groups. CIS group received cisplatin in a single dose of 8 mg/kg, while CISAG group received the same dose of cisplatin and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injections. Animals in AG group received only aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) and those in C group received saline. Quantitative evaluation of structural and functional alterations in the kidneys were performed by analysis of biochemical and parameters of oxidative stress and by histological and morphometric analysis of renal sections. Histological sections of kidney ameliorated structural damages of proximal tubules and glomeruli which were induced by cisplatin. Morphometric analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the area of proximal tubules, size and cellularity of glomeruli between CIS and CISAG group. Glomerular basement membrane thickness was increased in CIS group, while aminoguanidine attenuated these changes in CISAG group of rats. Our results suggest that aminoguanidine acts protectively and repairs structural and functional damages of kidney by engaging the existent antioxidative potential at the level of renal tissue.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Lycopene improves methotrexate-induced functional alterations of the Madin-Darby kidney cells in a concentration-dependent manner

Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidants among carotenoids due to its ability to quench singlet oxygen and react with free radicals to reduce DNA damage. Methotrexate is widely used in the treatment of several types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. One of the most common side effects of high-dose of methotrexate is kidney injury. In this study we evaluated effects of lycopene on the Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK)treated with methotrexate through the estimation of their mitochondrial and lysosomal functions (MTT reduction assay and NR uptake assay) and changes in cell oxidative status (determination of advanced oxidized proteins concentrations and reduced glutathione levels) and lysosomal enzymes activity (β-N acetyl glucosaminidase activity).Results of our study showed that lycopene applied in high concentration caused significant impairment of the MDCK function leading to cell death. Contrary, in relatively low concentrations lycopene moderately ameliorated methotrexate-induced MDCK cells’ death estimated by both biochemical and microscopic analyses. It also prevented a significant decline in the MDCK cells’ lysosomal function estimated by neutral red accumulation ability and activity of lysosomal enzyme β-N acetyl glucosaminidase.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Microinflammation Factors in the Common Diseases of the Heart and Kidneys

Aim. To determine levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in different cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) modalities and to compare findings to some already investigated direct and indirect parameters of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods. Testing involved 114 examinees, divided into control and clinical groups suffering from different modalities and were formed according to the basis of a valid classification for CRS. Results. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher in all CRSs in comparison to the control group ( &lt; 0.05). PAI-1 in CRSs was statistically higher than in the control group. IL-8 was increased in all CRSs, and especially in CRS-5, where no significance was found. PAI-1 correlated with IL-8 in all CRSs, with significant value in CRS-2 and CRS-5. Correlation for PAI-1 and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was found in CRS-4, while IL-8 was found to be related to CRP level in all CRSs, with significance only in CRS-1 ( &lt; 0.001). Conclusions. C-reactive protein, IL-8, and PAI-1 could be useful for clinical differentiation of chronic modalities of CRSs. Inflammation was the most pronounced in CRS-4. Lipid status parameters could be useful for differentiation of CRSs. Furthermore, HDL in chronic primary kidney diseases and triglycerides and total cholesterol in CRS-5 could be valuable

Microinflammation Factors in the Common Diseases of the Heart and Kidneys

Aim. To determine levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in different cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) modalities and to compare findings to some already investigated direct and indirect parameters of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods. Testing involved 114 examinees, divided into control and clinical groups suffering from different modalities and were formed according to the basis of a valid classification for CRS. Results. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher in all CRSs in comparison to the control group P<0.05. PAI-1 in CRSs was statistically higher than in the control group. IL-8 was increased in all CRSs, and especially in CRS-5, where no significance was found. PAI-1 correlated with IL-8 in all CRSs, with significant value in CRS-2 and CRS-5. Correlation for PAI-1 and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was found in CRS-4, while IL-8 was found to be related to CRP level in all CRSs, with significance only in CRS-1 P<0.001. Conclusions. C-reactive protein, IL-8, and PAI-1 could be useful for clinical differentiation of chronic modalities of CRSs. Inflammation was the most pronounced in CRS-4. Lipid status parameters could be useful for differentiation of CRSs. Furthermore, HDL in chronic primary kidney diseases and triglycerides and total cholesterol in CRS-5 could be valuable

Effects of coenzyme Q10 encapsulated in nanoliposomes on wound healing processes after tooth extraction

Background/purpose: Tooth extraction is often followed by a number of different complications that demand additional treatment. In order to accelerate healing processes and decrease the complication occurrence various agents, growth factors, natural and synthetic antioxidants (e.g coenzyme Q10-CoQ10), are applied. Due to the partially known health-promoting effects of CoQ10 we decided to assess potential of it's encapsulated in nanoliposomes form on wound healing process following tooth extraction. Materials and methods: Effects of free and encapsulated form of CoQ10 on wound healing processes after tooth extraction in rats, 3 and 7 days following surgical procedure, was studied by means of tissue biochemical (myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations) and pathohistological analysis. Results: The obtained results indicate that the encapsulated form of CoQ10 compared to control and CoQ10 treated animals statistically significantly decreases inflammatory process estimated through myeloperoxidase activity and NO concentrations, as well as based on histopathological analysis 3 and 7 days following surgery. Conclusion: The results of this study unequivocally prove that the encapsulation of CoQ10 in nanoliposomes enhances CoQ10 activity by accelerating wound healing process after tooth extraction