bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling of Reactor Temperature and Re-Generator Temperature in FCCU
Authors:   Department of EEE, V.S.B. EngineeringCollege, Karur, India., Periyasamy Elamurugan , S Ragul ,   Department of EEE, V.S.B. EngineeringCollege, Karur, India, Aafdeen Jainul ,   Department of EEE, V.S.B. EngineeringCollege, Karur, India.., G Varathan ,   Department of EEE, V.S.B. EngineeringCollege, Karur, India
Published: August 2019

The paper shows the machine of RGA investigation, decoupler and prescient command to the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU).A circuitous activating archetypal of the riser–regenerator arrangement is urbanized and after acclimated in the controller. A archetypal FCCU processes a ample bulk of the feedstock into added admired products. The all-embracing bread-and-butter allowances of a adorning could be appreciably added if able ascendancy and enhancement strategies are implemented. Ascendancy of the FCC continues to be a arduous and important problem. An ascendancy arrangement is composed of several interacting ascendancy loops. The amount of achievable another configurations of ascendancy loops is actual large. Multi bend ascendancy systems are generally acclimated for multivariable progressions as of their minimalism. Relative accretion arrangement is acclimated to abbreviate the alternation and bidets the capricious pairings and again decoupler is developed to abolish alternation completely. Stabilization can be accomplished through apish accomplishing of a archetypal predictive ascendancy (MPC).
Secure Data Sharing Of Sensitive Medical Record (Phr) In the Cloud
Authors:   Research Scholar, Government Arts College,Coimbatore,India,Tamilnadu, India., Ramesh L. , Roseline R.A. ,   Associate Professor & Head, Government Arts College,Coimbatore,India,Tamilnadu, India.
Published: August 2019

Present day human services areas need to make a domain which lessens tedious endeavors and other expensive tasks to acquire a Patient complete medicinal transcription and consistently incorporates this multifariousness accumulation of therapeutic information to convey it to the social insurance specialists. Sensitive medical record (PHRs) came to be generally embraced to empower social insurance suppliers and patients to make, oversee and get to human services data from wherever, and whenever. Cloud administrations give the essential foundation at lower cost and better quality. Distributed computing when utilized in Healthcare segment diminishes the expense of putting away, handling and refreshing with improved proficiency and quality. In any case, the security of information in the cloud isn't acceptable today. The electronic wellbeing record comprises of pictures of the patient's record which is exceptionally private. Human services information has stringent security prerequisites for secrecy, accessibility to approved clients, and detect ability of connection. The focal point of the present examination is explore on the above mentioned problem necessities and suggest an answer for human services cloud suppliers this study will assist in ensuring persistent' information they have and of those mentioned high significance. The attention will be on explicit distributed computing medicinal services confidential matter and how cloud homomorphic encryption with part key and key designation can help in gathering social insurance administrative necessities. The recommended system depends on proposed calculation, RSA calculation, and Secret sharing calculation, Data imparting calculation to key assignment to guarantee information privacy, validation, respectability, and accessibility in a staggered progressive request. This will empower the social insurance supplier to accept/discard several entrance conditions in several requests, particularly in therapeutic investigation condition.
E-Type Asymmetric Multilevel Inverter Based Transformer less Traction Drive
Authors:   M.Tech in power electronics & drives from College of Engineering & Technology, Mohapatral Ashok Kumar , Behera Minakhi ,   assistant professor at College of Engineering & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Ray Nanda Kishore ,   assistant professor at Centurion University, Odisha
Published: August 2019

To overcome the limitations of conventional multilevel inverter such as of more no. of power semiconductor switches, large no. of capacitors, more switching loss etc. , a new topology of Envelope type (E-type) MLI is used. This E-type Module has some preferable features like reduced no. of components and low switching frequency. This E-type asymmetric converter uses four unequal DC sources and ten switches to generate 13 level of output voltage. SHE modulation technique is used to achieve high quality output voltage with low harmonic content. This E-type converter configuration will be used in transformer less traction drive. Nowadays Induction motors are used as electric drives for most of the electric railways. A transformer less connection is used for feeding Induction motor. This converter-inverter configuration will convert single phase AC voltage to DC and again this DC voltage will be converted into three phase AC. The output of the E-type Multi level inverter will be used to drive the Induction motors.
Recent Innovations in Automated Detection and Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors:   MSc IT Student, Middle East College, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,, Aladawi Wafa , Jayakumari Dr.C. ,   Faculty, Dept of Computing, Middle East College, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, E P Sumesh ,   Faculty, Dept of Electronic, Middle East College, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Vidhyalavanya  ,   Faculty, Dept of Electronic, Middle East College, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Published: August 2019

Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetic retinopathy worldwide, it’s an urgent need to develop smart system that help to detect disease using one of the modern technologies. Artificial intelligence is one of the popular techniques nowadays which has the ability to learn from experience and carry out human-like tasks. Large number of researches have been conducted to find out effective medical diagnosis methods for numerous diseases. Likewise, huge number of researches have been done that discuss automated detection and classification of diabetic retinopathy. This paper reviews the existing methodologies, datasets, sensitivity, specificity and classification accuracy in diabetic retinopathy.
Characterization of ABS for Enhancement of Mechanical Properties
Authors:   is pursuing M.E. degree in Manufacturing Technology at National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh 160019, India., Saroha Vishal , Pabla Dr. B. S. ,   currently serving as professor in National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh 160019, India., Bhogal Dr. Sukhdev Singh ,   currently serving as Head of Department of Production Engineering, Chandigarh College of Engineering & Technology, Chandigarh 160019, India.
Published: August 2019

Polymers have been increasingly used in industry due to their light weight, lower cost, reduced secondary operations, design flexibility and ease in manufacturing. However the mechanical properties like micro hardness and wear resistance of plastic restrict their applications. In this paper an effort has been made to improve the mechanical properties of plastic by applying a coating of Ni through electrodeposition method. There has been a remarkable improvement in the wear resistance and hardness after coating. The experimental investigation, analysis of result and conclusion are presented in this paper.
“Enabling Women Entrepreneurs in Horticulture and Instruction Parts in India through Microfinance Advancements”
Authors:   Assistant Professor , Department of Management Studies, IASE Deemd to be University, Srdarshahr, India., Pareek Dr. Avinash , Kumar Sandeep ,   Deputy Registrar, IASE Deemed to be University, Sardarshahr , India, Holla Dr.Chitra ,   Professor, Department of Management Studies, Seshadripuram College, Seshadripuram, Bangalore , , India., Nagaraju Dr. Geetha ,   Professor (Mechanical Engineering ) , Head of Training & Placements department , East West College of Engineering , Bengaluru , , India
Published: August 2019

Empowerment is a multi-dimensional, social procedure of expanding the limit of people or gatherings to settle on decisions and to change those decisions into wanted activities and results. This procedure makes the ability to utilize these decisions in his or her very own life, network and society, with people following up on issues that they characterize as vital. Empowerment is a procedure which empowers one to pick up power, expert and impact over themselves, organizations or society. At the end of the day, empowerment is having basic leadership intensity of one's own and the capacity to settle on appropriate choices. Empowerment likewise implies capacity to learn abilities for enhancing one's close to home or gathering power. This Research Paper centers around understanding the connection between connection between social factor components with by and large social factor of women by directing a poll study.
Software in the Architectural Presentation And Design Of Buildings: State-Of-The-Art
Authors:   Professor Architecture Department, Near East University, Nicosia, North Cyprus, via Mersin 10, Turkey., Onur Zeynep , Nouban Dr. Fatemeh ,   Assist. Prof., Civil Engineering Department, Near East University, Nicosia, North Cyprus, via Mersin10, Turkey
Published: August 2019

Since in the recent years the architecture software have completely changed the work of architects, today, the architects begin to use software to achieve every kind of design that they are working for from the very beginning until the end. As presented in this paper, the choice of architectural software depends on the specific needs of the designs ranging from two-dimensional design to three-dimensional or BIM technologies. Since some architects prefer to use different software specific for the design that they are working on and they combine the results to produce the intended ultimate result, while some prefer only one software for the entire work, in this paper, it has been attempted to cover both cases.The main aim of this paper is to introduce the most used architectural and building design software from two-dimensional to BIM technologies to cover the needs of architects in the presentation and design of buildings. Twelve architectural and building design software were selected and classified depending on the purpose of their application. The selected software have been analyzed according to the BIM levels, and most commonly used software in every BIM level and their advantages and disadvantages are presented. Two software from BIM level 0, three software from BIM level 1, and four software from BIM level 2, together with 3 software for the design of buildings, a total of twelve software have been selected and technically described by giving the technical specifications, characteristics, application domains, limitation, technical popularity and capabilities that can be a complete guideline for architects and building designers to choose the suitable software to be applied in architectural and building design professions. Finally for the architectural presentation the software of BIM level 0 (AutoCAD LT and DraftSight), BIM level 1 (AutoCAD Architecture, Chief Architect and TurboCAD), BIM level 2 (ArchiCAD, Revit, Vectorworks Architect and Allplan Architecture), and for the buildings design the CSI software packages (SAP 2000, ETABS and SAFE) and STAAD.PRO software are recommended to be employed.
Performance Evaluation of Battery and Super-Capacitor for Electric Vehicle with Hybrid Techniques
Authors:   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, REVA University, Bangalore, India., B.K. Nagesh , Kantha Dr. B. R. Lakshmi ,   Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology & Management, Bangalore, India.
Published: August 2019

In recent trends, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have an excessive opportunity due to its charging facilities and charge storage system. Through appropriate design and development, Electric Vehicles (EVs) not only eliminate the pollution but also make the system more efficient over traditional vehicles. However, still it is in the progress of the investigation and has several unanswered issues. The performance of PHEV depends upon proper utilization of electric power which is solely affected by the battery State-Of-Charge (SOC). SOC determination becomes a vital problem in whole area where it comprises a battery storage; because it has several drawbacks such as weak power density, longevity, etc. one probable and favourable resolution for this issue is multi-source EV. Both the batteries and Ultra-Capacitors (UC) can reduce the aforementioned disadvantages in existing systems. This proposed work has more efficiency because of the combined design model of both battery and super-capacitor. Hence, in this work, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique with Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is implemented for optimal sharing of power between the battery and the super-capacitor.A
Wireless Security Camera System
Authors:   Electronics and Telecommunication, DBATU University, P.V.P.I.T, Budhgaon, India, Lande Miss. Aishwarya Sunil , Kulkarni Mr. Bharat P. ,   Electronics and Telecommunication, DBATU University, P.V.P.I.T, Budhgaon, India
Published: August 2019

As the technology is advancing day by day, there are various alternatives occurring for the already present or previous technologies. This article suggests the working of an wireless CCTV camera. The article gives a brief idea of various technologies or software being used for to security purpose. The main goal of our design was to develop a network that allowed for the transmitting and receiving of images from camera nodes to a base station. The main objective is self powered wireless security camera.
Application of Vee Diagram as a Problem-Solving Strategy in Developing Students’ Conceptual and Procedural Knowledge
Authors:   HLCE Hope RC Sdn. Bhd., Taman Ponderosa, Johor, Malaysia, Ling Chua Ye , Osman Sharifah ,   School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia., Daud Mohd Fadzil ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia., Hussin Wan Nazdah Wan ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Published: August 2019

Vee diagram is a constructivist approach to teaching and learning, to help students understand the relevant principles and concepts of mathematical problem-solving. This study aimed to investigate the development of students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge after the Vee diagram is introduced as a problem-solving strategy in learning a topic in mathematics. This study used a quasi-experimental research design, which involved 48 lower secondary school students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a set of pre-test and post-test that consists of 5 mathematical problem-solving questions. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23. Findings of this study showed that the application of Vee diagram as a mathematical problem-solving strategy has significantly developed students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge.
A Novel Framework design for Semantic based Image retrieval as a Cyber Forensic Tool
Authors:   Research Scholar, University College of Engineering and Technology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P., Babu P Ramesh , Reddy Prof. E. Sreenivasa ,   DEAN, University College of Engineering and Technology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P.
Published: August 2019

Cyber forensics includes the areas of computer forensics, network forensics and internet forensics. Digital images were commonly used in cyber forensics to collect criminal images, fingerprints, images of crime events and so on. Since the current cyber forensic tools are not very much furnished with the course of action of huge image data, it becomes a big issue to obtain image evidence to prosecute the criminal, most of the evidence is available in the form of raw semantics. Cyber forensic investigators often face the challenge of manually examining an enormous quantity of digital image information to identify direct evidence with the assistance of this semantics. Semantic based image retrieval system (SBIR) is therefore the recent and best option to solve this drawback. The main purpose of this research is to design for cyber forensic tools a novel framework of semantic-based image retrieval system. We therefore present a deep learning framework based on the Convolution neural network(GoogLeNet) for recognizing distinct facial expressions from the Yale facial image database for cyber associated forensic tools, the presented framework is very effective for classification and detection based on semantics or verbal descriptions. The network has accomplished a decent accuracy of 86.25 % after training.
Despeckling and Analysing Land Use Land Cover of Synthetic Aperture Radar Image
Authors:   CSE, Vardhaman College of Engineering, affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, India., Pravalika V.B. , Sirisala Nageswararao ,   CSE, Vardhaman College of Engineering, affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, India.
Published: August 2019

In Image processing, Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR) images are inherently affected by speckle noise, which visually degrades the appearance of the images and may severely affect the quality of SAR image interpretation tasks like object detection or target detection, instance segmentation and image analysis. Hence SAR image Despeckling becomes a hot research issue. In this paper, the proposed method Total Variation (TV) Denoising is used to address this issue. It is applied to SAR imagery to decrease the noise. It is a filtering method which works efficiently. The process of decreasing the speckle noise is known as Despeckling. When there is noise in the image the actual data is affected. The actual meaning of noise is unwanted signal. Noise is an undesirable by-product in an image that disturbs the original image. On removal of noise, it results in the noise free SAR image. The Land Use Land Cover (LULC) analysis of a SAR image can be accurate when there is no noise in the SAR image. Therefore the main aim of this paper is to analyze the land use and land cover (LULC) in the despeckled high resolution image.
Confidence-Based Assessment of Safety of Irrigation Reservoir in Vietnam
Authors:   Thuyloi University, Hanoi, 100000 Ha noi, Vietnam., Nguyen Lan Huong , Nguyen Quang Hung ,   Thuyloi University, Hanoi, 100000 Ha noi, Vietnam.
Published: August 2019

Recently, in Vietnam deterministic design method has been applying for assessment of dam safety which confidence for the works and the headworks are not quantified. Under this study audience are introduced to the number of existing dams in Vietnam and relevant studies on confidence in the field of irrigation. The authors have applied theories of irrigation works, the theory of statistical probability and the theory of system analysis in developing algorithms for assessment of confidence level II for irrigation reservoir headworks in conditions in Vietnam. Based on detailed algorithms and block diagrams, the authors have built program for design of safety probability for incident mechanisms for individual works and the entire system of Phu Ninh reservoir in Quang Nam province. Analysis of the influence of random variables on individual incident mechanisms, the impact of incident mechanisms on the confidence of the works and the level of effect caused by the works on the overall confidence of the system brought the authors about solutions that improve the confidence of the system in case of new design or system repair.
Crumb Rubber: A sustainable road paving material
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering) Centurion University of Technology and Managemen Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Mohanty Minati , Panda Sagarika ,   Department of Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering) Centurion University of Technology and Management Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Published: August 2019

In the Present Scenario, the use of automobiles has increased significantly and due to that the waste or scrap tyres are also increasing day by day. The waste tyres are classified as solid waste. The proper disposal of these waste tyres has become a serious environmental issue as the tyres are manufactured with synthetic rubber. According to the past records, the scrap tyres were used as a common additive to bituminous binders which not only addresses the pavement performance issues but also tackles the problem of disposal of these tyres. Therefore, In this study an attempt is made to know what percentage incorporation of crumb rubber to bitumen upgrade the strength and durability of the pavement and a comparative study has been done using both wet process and dry process on semi-dense bituminous concrete. Efforts are being made to make it a Sustainable road paving material.
Implementation of User Centric SSE for Privacy-Preserving and Enhancing Searching Efficiency in Cloud Environment
Authors:   Research Scholar, VTU RRC, Department of CSE, KLS GIT, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, India., Patil Rudragoud , Goudar Dr. R. H. ,   Department of CSE, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, India.
Published: August 2019

Cloud computing allows the users geographically located to access data and application from a cloud which follows the pay-as-you-go financial model. This technology provides a method to enhance the capabilities dynamically without having to spend in new infrastructure or training personnel. Cloud computing promises to offer reliable services to the customer through the construction of next-generation data centers and storage technology. With its wide advantages, cloud computing has emerged as fast emergent segments of the IT. Hence data security is a major concern for cloud users. One solution to this is that user can apply encryption techniques on data before sending it to the cloud server. But encrypted data limits the server’s capability to make plaintext keyword search. Keyword search functionality that can function over the encrypted data is desirable but no information about the searched keyword or the retrieved document should not compromise in this process. Our implementation of searchable symmetric encryption proves that it is not vulnerable to such things and preserves privacy of user data and query.
Sustainable Environmental Monitoring and Database Development Method for Climate Induced Hazard Management
Authors: Ehiorobo J. O. , Ehigiator-Irughe R.
Published: August 2019

Nigeria is currently confronted with a myriad of environmental hazards notably flooding and erosion. The impact of these environmental hazards is discussed. Climate change as a result of global warming is likely to result in increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Designating houses in flood prone areas, urban migration, deforestation, sea-level rise and other factors will contribute to more serious impacts and damages,. Access to available observation data is a prerequisite to improving our understanding of the consequences of on-going changes and extreme weather events and their devastating effect. In this paper, an overview of environmental factors contributing to the on-going environmental hazards and their impacts are reviewed. The creation of a database and the continuous monitoring of the environment using space based sensors and GIS not only for hazard monitoring but also for mitigation that aid in social economic development are provided. Preliminary results of work done under the EU-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Water Science and Technology with respect to precipitation frequency analysis are presented. The paper stresses the need for institutional collaboration in creating a data base that will assist not only for early warning against disaster but serve as a database for protection against climate induced disaster that could affect infrastructures, agriculture and agro-based industries as well as national security.
Bathymetric and Volumetric Analysis of Jebba (Hydropower) Dam Harnessing its Capability for Multipurpose Use
Authors: Olushola S. O. , Ehigiator–Irughe R. R.
Published: August 2019

The need to carry out routine bathymetric survey on dam in order to analyse the quantity of water in the dam’s reservoir cannot be underrated. “multipurpose water uses of hydropower reservoirs” has been the world water council advocacy. Multipurpose water use include categories, such as domestic purposes, cooling of power plants, irrigation, mining, recreation, navigation, fisheries, etc., This research uses topographic and bathymetric data obtained from field operations to compute the volume of water present in the dam. Midas Surveyor dual frequency GPS echo sounder, Trimble 5700 Dual Frequency GPS ‘Base Station’ receiver and Trimble 5800 Dual Frequency GPS ‘Rover’ receiver, were employed for data collections. Data processing and presentation were done with Surfer 10 software. The volume computed from data analysis gives 3880 x 106 MCM. The volume of water needed to run the six turbines per day added up to 1,735200 litres and that of per capita use was 0.006 litre per day for minimum and 0.025 litres per day for maximum. The volume left after removing other withdrawer was 62% of the actual volume computed for the dam.
Why Do Students Engage in Examination Malpractice? The University for Development Studies Experience
Authors: Thompson John Dadzie , Ansoglenang Gilbert , Laar Suuk
Published: August 2019

Any form of examination malpractice is unacceptable, fraudulent, and signifies an act of academic dishonesty with significant punitive consequences. This paper investigated the reasons why students engage in examination malpractice during examinations at the University for Development Studies (UDS). The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design for this research and targeted undergraduate students of the Tamale Campus of the UDS. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 278 out of a total student population of 6,729 for the study. They responded mainly to questionnaire and a few open ended questions to provide the needed data for analysis. The findings suggest that (i) smuggling of prepared notes on pieces of papers (foreign material) into the examination hall,(ii) writing of examination answers on palms, thighs and other body parts, and (iii) communication by seeking for answers from colleagues are the three topmost forms/methods students engage to cheat during examinations. The desire to obtain good grades just as the more intelligent students pushes some students to cheat during examinations. The introduction of scanners and e-search software, the spacing of sitting arrangements, installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in large examination halls may help curb cheating.
Indications of transgenerational phenotypic plasticity for morphological traits in Bromus tectorum under a two-generation reciprocal drought experiment
Authors: Moler Ehren RV , Zorio Stephanie , Eckert Peter , Aho Ken
Published: August 2019

Invasive plant species such as Bromus tectorum pose a substantial threat to low-resilience ecosystems such as the sagebrush steppe in the North American intermountain west. Determining the extent to which B. tectorum expresses transgenerational morphological plasticity in response to drought is necessary for understanding how rapidly the species may acclimate to novel climates and colonize new environments. We investigated transgenerational plasticity of stomatal density, root and shoot length, and root and shoot length ratio across replicates of four genotypes reciprocally subjected to two generations of high and low watering regimes. Average stomatal density of offspring of water-limited parents did not differ based on whether they received high or low water treatments. Well-watered offspring of parents from the low water treatment had significantly longer roots and shoots than water-limited offspring. Water-limited offspring of parents from the low watering treatment displayed greater root : shoot lengths than did well-watered offspring. Additionally, genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity was detected for root and shoot length as well as the ratio of root : shoot length, but not for stomatal density. We conclude that B. tectorum is phenotypically plastic in response to drought and furthermore displays complex tradeoffs and transgenerational phenotypic plasticity for morphological traits, which together may influence both how the species will cope with climate change and our ability to control the species.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Poultry (Broiler) Production in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Osuji M. N.
Published: August 2019

The study assessed the factors affecting poultry (broiler) production in Imo State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. A total of eighty four (84) poultry producers were randomly selected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression models. The result shows that majority (59.5%) of the producers were male, mean age was 45 years, mean household size was 6 persons, 67.86% of the producers attended tertiary education, mean years of farming experience was 9.3 years. The multiple regression analysis showed that farm experience, drug costs, farm size and disease occurrence were statistically significant at 10% level of probability implying that these are the key factors affecting poultry production. The major constraints militating against poultry production were high feed cost, lack of fund, outbreak of disease and high transportation cost. The study recommended that the government should provide credit facilities to poultry producers to abate lack of fund and provision of appropriate vaccines in the study area.
PsbS‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms regulate carotenoid‐chlorophyll energy coupling in grana thylakoids
Authors: Gacek Daniel A. , Holleboom Christoph‐Peter , Tietz Stefanie , Kirchhoff Helmut , Walla Peter Jomo
Published: August 2019

In higher plants, PsbS is known to play a key role in the regulation of photosynthetic light harvesting. However, the molecular mechanism and role of electronic carotenoid–chlorophyll (Chl) interactions for the downregulation of excess excitation (nonphotochemical energy quenching, NPQ) are still poorly understood. Here, we explored carotenoid → Chl energy transfer in isolated grana thylakoid membranes from mutants either deficient in or overexpressing PsbS. Since it was suggested that PsbS regulates the supramolecular protein network to control NPQ, we varied this network by diluting the grana protein densities. Our results indicate that different electronic quenching mechanisms are operative in grana thylakoids: a PsbS‐dependent mechanism and a membrane protein density‐dependent mechanism that is also operative in the absence of PsbS.
Evaluation of a simplified optimizer for MR‐guided adaptive RT in case of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cusumano Davide , Boldrini Luca , Menna Sebastiano , Teodoli Stefania , Placidi Elisa , Chiloiro Giuditta , Placidi Lorenzo , Greco Francesca , Stimato Gerardina , Cellini Francesco , Valentini Vincenzo , Azario Luigi , De Spirito Marco
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Magnetic resonance‐guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) is considered a promising resource for pancreatic cancer, as it allows to online modify the dose distribution according to daily anatomy. This study aims to compare the dosimetric performance of a simplified optimizer implemented on a MR‐Linac treatment planning system (TPS) with those obtained using an advanced optimizer implemented on a conventional Linac.

Methods

Twenty patients affected by locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) were considered. Gross tumor volume (GTV) and surrounding organ at risks (OARs) were contoured on the average 4DCT scan. Planning target volume was generated from GTV by adding an isotropic 3 mm margin and excluding overlap areas with OARs.

Treatment plans were generated by using the simple optimizer for the MR‐Linac in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the advanced optimizer for conventional Linac in IMRT and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique. Prescription dose was 40 Gy in five fractions. The dosimetric comparison was performed on target coverage, dosimetric indicators, and low dose diffusion.

Results

The simplified optimizer of MR‐Linac generated clinically acceptable plans in 80% and optimal plans in 55% of cases. The number of clinically acceptable plans obtained using the advanced optimizer of the conventional Linac with IMRT was the same of MR‐Linac, but the percentage of optimal plans was higher (65%). Using the VMAT technique, it is possible to obtain clinically acceptable plan in 95% and optimal plans in 90% of cases.

The advanced optimizer combined with VMAT technique ensures higher target dose homogeneity and minor diffusion of low doses, but its actual optimization time is not suitable for MRgART.

Conclusion

Simplified optimization solutions implemented in the MR‐Linac TPS allows to elaborate in most of cases treatment plans dosimetrically comparable with those obtained by using an advanced optimizer. A superior treatment plan quality is possible using the VMAT technique that could represent a breakthrough for the MRgART if the modern advancements will lead to shorter optimization times.
Patterns of Arterial Disease in Takayasu Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Gribbons K. Bates , Ponte Cristina , Carette Simon , Craven Anthea , Cuthbertson David , Hoffman Gary S. , Khalidi Nader A. , Koening Curry L. , Langford Carol A. , Maksimowicz-McKinnon Kathleen , McAlear Carol A. , Monach Paul A. , Moreland Larry W. , Pagnoux Christian , Quinn Kaitlin A. , Robson Joanna C. , Seo Philip , Sreih Antoine G. , Suppiah Ravi , Warrington Kenneth J. , Ytterberg Steven R. , Luqmani Raashid , Watts Richard , Merkel Peter A. , Grayson Peter C.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To identify and validate, using computer‐driven methods, patterns of arterial disease in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

Patients with TAK or GCA were studied from the Diagnostic and Classification Criteria for Vasculitis (DCVAS) cohort and a combined North American cohort. Case inclusion required evidence of large‐vessel involvement, defined as stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm by angiography/ultrasonography, or increased18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by positron emission tomography (PET) in at least 1 of 11 specified arterial territories. K‐means cluster analysis identified groups of patients based on the pattern of arterial involvement. Cluster groups were identified in the DCVAS cohort and independently validated in the North American cohort.

Results

A total of 1,068 patients were included (DCVAS cohort: TAK = 461, GCA = 217; North American cohort: TAK = 225, GCA = 165). Six distinct clusters of patients were identified in DCVAS and validated in the North American cohort. Patients with TAK were more likely to have disease in the abdominal vasculature, bilateral disease of the subclavian and carotid arteries, or focal disease limited to the left subclavian artery than GCA (P< 0.01). Patients with GCA were more likely to have diffuse disease, involvement of bilateral axillary/subclavian arteries, or minimal disease without a definable pattern than TAK (P< 0.01). Patients with TAK were more likely to have damage by angiography, and patients with GCA were more likely to have arterial FDG uptake by PET without associated vascular damage.

Conclusion

Arterial patterns of disease highlight both shared and divergent vascular patterns between TAK and GCA and should be incorporated into classification criteria for large‐vessel vasculitis.
Clinical Presentation, Management, and Long‐Term Outcome of Pars Planitis, Panuveitis, and Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada Disease in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Reiff Andreas
Published: August 2019

Objective

Chronic uveitis is a common manifestation of pediatric rheumatologic conditions and may result in irreversible blindness and long‐term disability. While chronic anterior uveitis is the most commonly encountered ocular manifestation of rheumatic disease, little is known about the clinical presentation, management, and long‐term outcome of more complex eye conditions such as pars planitis (PP), panuveitis (PU), and Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease (VKH). The present study was undertaken to comprehensively assess the long‐term safety and efficacy of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for the treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients with PP, PU, and VKH.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 75 children and adolescents with idiopathic PP (n = 50), PU (n = 12), and VKH (n = 14) followed by the Pediatric Rheumatology Core at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and evaluated referral patterns, clinical presentation, treatment response, and long‐term clinical outcome.

Results

Patients were followed for an average of 52 months. Their mean age at disease onset was 10 years. Bilateral eye involvement was seen in 87% of the patients. At first presentation to an ophthalmologist, glaucoma was noted in 21% of patients and vision loss (<20/40) in 87% of patients, while legal blindness (≤20/200 in the better‐seeing eye) was diagnosed in 18 of 75 (24%) of patients (PP 22%, PU 36%, and VKH 21%). The average referral time to a pediatric rheumatologist was 13 months (range 1–96 months). Topical steroids were used in all patients, but 98% of patients required additional DMARDs, and 73% required therapy with biologics. After a mean of 52 months, 35% of patients across all disease groups had significant vision loss or were blind, and only 28% were in clinical remission without medications. The worst outcome was observed in children with PU. Regression analysis, young age at onset, delayed referral to a pediatric rheumatologist, and chronic disease were strong predictors for the risk of long‐term blindness.

Conclusion

PP, PU, and VKH involve a high risk of permanent vision loss and should be managed by a skilled rheumatologist as early and as aggressively as possible.
Real‐Time Imaging of Ammonia Release from Single Live Cells via Liquid Crystal Droplets Immobilized on the Cell Membrane
Authors: Khan Mashooq , Li Weiwei , Mao Sifeng , Shah Syed Niaz Ali , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: August 2019

Tumor cells exhibit prominent metabolic alterations through which they acclimatize to their stressful microenvironment. These cells have a high rate of glutaminolysis and release ammonia (NH3) as a byproduct, which may function as a diffusible signal among cancer cells and can reveal cellular heterogeneity. E7, a nematic liquid crystal (LC), is doped with 4‐pentyl‐4′‐biphenyl carboxylic acid (PBA) and encapsulated in polymeric microcapsules (P‐E7PBA), which are then immobilized on cells in a microfluidic channel. Normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and myeloma, human primary glioblastoma (U87), human colon carcinoma (Caco‐2), and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) cells are investigated for the release of NH3. The P‐E7PBA is able to visualize NH3 release from the cell via a radial‐to‐bipolar (R‐B) orientation change, observed through a polarized optical microscope. The various cell lines significantly differ in their response time required for an R‐B change. The mean response times for Caco‐2, U87, and MCF‐7 cells are 277, 155, and 121 s, respectively. NH3 release from a single cell captured in a microwell flow chip shows a similar R‐B change. The P‐E7PBA droplets technology could be applied to other multiple targets by functionalizing LCs with different probes.
Physical activity and the association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and obesity in Portuguese children aged 3 to 11 years
Authors: Manco Licínio , Pinho Simão , Albuquerque David , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Padez Cristina
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To investigate whether objectively measured physical activity (PA) modulates the association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and obesity variables in a sample of Portuguese children.

Methods

A total of 440 children (213 girls and 227 boys) aged 3 to 11 years were observed. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assay. Body mass index (BMI), BMI Z scores, waist circumference (WC), and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. PA was estimated in 399 children by accelerometry.

Results

Linear regression, in the additive model, showed that the rs9939609 minor A‐allele significantly associated with BMI (P = .029), BMI Z score (P = .017), WC (P = .016), and WHtR (P = .019). Logistic regression, in the additive model, showed a marginally significant association between the A‐allele and overweight/obesity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.372; P = .049). When stratified by sex, rs9939609 showed marginal or significant associations with BMI (P = .08), BMI Z score (P = .07), WC (P = .005), WHtR (P = .02), and overweight/obesity (OR: 1.529; P = .064) in girls but not in boys (P > .05). Significant interactions were not found between the FTO polymorphism and PA (inactive vs active groups of children) for BMI (P = .461), BMI Z score (P = .387), WC (P = .757), or WHtR (P = .621).

Conclusions

Findings of the present study highlight the association between FTO rs9939609 and obesity or body fat indices in girls but not in boys. PA was not found to mediate the impact of FTO genetic variation on risk of obesity.
Associated anomalies in cases with agenesis of the corpus callosum
Authors: Stoll Claude , Dott Beatrice , Roth Marie‐Paule
Published: August 2019

Agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) is an uncommon congenital anomaly, its etiology is unclear and its pathogenesis is controversial. Cases with ACC often have other non‐ACC associated congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the types of these associated anomalies in a defined population. The associated anomalies in cases with ACC were collected in all live births, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy during 29 years in 387,067 consecutive births in the area covered by our population‐based registry of congenital malformations. Of the 99 cases with ACC, representing a prevalence of 2.56 per 10,000, 73 (73.7%) had associated anomalies. There were 16 (16.2%) cases with chromosomal abnormalities, and 13 (13.2%) nonchromosomal recognized dysmorphic conditions including syndromes two each: Aicardi, Dandy–Walker, and fetal alcoholism. Forty‐four (44.4%) of the cases had nonsyndromic multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Anomalies in the musculoskeletal, the urogenital, the central nervous, the cardiovascular, and the digestive systems were the most common other anomalies in the cases with MCA. The anomalies associated with ACC could be classified into a recognizable malformation syndrome in 29 out of the 73 cases (39.7%) with associated anomalies. This study included special strengths: it is population‐based, each affected child was examined by a geneticist, all elective terminations were ascertained, and the surveillance for anomalies was continued until 2 years of age. In conclusion the overall prevalence of associated anomalies, three of four cases, emphasizes the need for a screening for other anomalies in cases with ACC.
Novel homozygous ENPP1 mutation causes generalized arterial calcifications of infancy, thrombocytopenia, and cardiovascular and central nervous system syndrome
Authors: Staretz‐Chacham Orna , Shukrun Rachel , Barel Ortal , Pode‐Shakked Ben , Pleniceanu Oren , Anikster Yair , Shalva Nechama , Ferreira Carlos R. , Ben‐Haim Kadosh Admit , Richardson Justin , Mane Shrikant M. , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Vivante Asaf
Published: August 2019

Generalized arterial calcifications of infancy (GACI) is caused by mutations in ENPP1. Other ENPP1‐related phenotypes include pseudoxanthoma elasticum, hypophosphatemic rickets, and Cole disease. We studied four children from two Bedouin consanguineous families who presented with severe clinical phenotype including thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia, hepatic, and neurologic manifestations. Initial working diagnosis included congenital infection; however, patients remained without a definitive diagnosis despite extensive workup. Consequently, we investigated a potential genetic etiology. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for affected children and their parents. Following the identification of a novel mutation in the ENPP1 gene, we characterized this novel multisystemic presentation and revised relevant imaging studies. Using WES, we identified a novel homozygous mutation (c.556G > C; p.Gly186Arg) in ENPP1 which affects a highly conserved protein domain (somatomedin B2). ENPP1‐associated genetic diseases exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity depending on mutation type and location. Follow‐up clinical characterization of these families allowed us to revise and detect new features of systemic calcifications, which established the diagnosis of GACI, expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with ENPP1 mutations. Our findings demonstrate that this novel ENPP1 founder mutation can cause a fatal multisystemic phenotype, mimicking severe congenital infection. This also represents the first reported mutation affecting the SMB2 domain, associated with GACI.
Maternal environmental risk factors and the development of internalizing and externalizing problems in childhood: The complex role of genetic factors
Authors: Ensink Judith B. M. , de Moor Marleen H. M. , Zafarmand Mohammad Hadi , de Laat Sanne , Uitterlinden André , Vrijkotte Tanja G. M. , Lindauer Ramón , Middeldorp Christel M.
Published: August 2019

The development of problem behavior in children is associated with exposure to environmental factors, including the maternal environment. Both are influenced by genetic factors, which may also be correlated, that is, environmental risk and problem behavior in children might be influenced by partly the same genetic factors. In addition, environmental and genetic factors could interact with each other increasing the risk of problem behavior in children. To date, limited research investigated these mechanisms in a genome‐wide approach. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the association between genetic risk for psychiatric and related traits, as indicated by polygenetic risk scores (PRSs), exposure to previously identified maternal risk factors, and problem behavior in a sample of 1,154 children from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study at ages 5–6 and 11–12 years old. The PRSs were derived from genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) on schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, neuroticism, and wellbeing. Regression analysis showed that the PRSs were associated with exposure to multiple environmental risk factors, suggesting passive gene–environment correlation. In addition, the PRS based on the schizophrenia GWAS was associated with externalizing behavior problems in children at age 5–6. We did not find any association with problem behavior for the other PRSs. Our results indicate that genetic predispositions for psychiatric disorders and wellbeing are associated with early environmental risk factors for children's problem behavior.