bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kyungheechunggan‐Tang‐01, a New Herbal Medication, Suppresses LPS‐Induced Inflammatory Responses through JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Han Hee-Soo , Jang Eungyeong , Shin Ji-Sun , Inn Kyung-Soo , Lee Jang-Hoon , Park Geonha , Jang Young Pyo , Lee Kyung-Tae
Published: December 2017

Medicinal plants have been used as alternative therapeutic tools to alleviate inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate anti‐inflammatory properties of Kyungheechunggan‐tang‐ (KCT‐) 01, KCT‐02, and Injinchunggan‐tang (IJCGT) as newly developed decoctions containing 3–11 herbs in LPS‐induced macrophages. KCT‐01 showed the most potent inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced NO, PGE2, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 production among those three herbal formulas. In addition, KCT‐01 significantly inhibited LPS‐induced iNOS and COX‐2 at protein levels and expression of iNOS, COX‐2, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 at mRNA levels. Molecular data revealed that KCT‐01 attenuated the activation of JAK/STAT signaling cascade without affecting NF‐κB or AP‐1 activation. In ear inflammation induced by croton oil, KCT‐01 significantly reduced edema, MPO activity, expression levels of iNOS and COX‐2, and STAT3 phosphorylation in ear tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that KCT‐01 can downregulate the expression of proinflammatory genes by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling pathway under inflammatory conditions. This study provides useful data for further exploration and application of KCT‐01 as a potential anti‐inflammatory medicine.
Output Feedback Stabilization for Stochastic Nonholonomic Systems under Arbitrary Switching
Authors: Liu Xianjun , Zhao Yinghui , Yue Ye , Zhang Dongkai
Published: December 2017

The output feedback controllers of stochastic nonholonomic systems under arbitrary switching are discussed. We adopt an observer which can simplify the design process. The designed control laws cause the calculation of the gain parameter to be very convenient since the denominator of virtual controllers does not contain the gain parameter. Finally, an example is given to show the effectiveness of controllers.
Study of Incidence of Gross Urogenital Lesions and Abnormalities on Does Slaughtered at Nyagatare Slaughterhouse, Eastern Province, Rwanda
Authors: Mushonga Borden , Twiyizeyimna Sylvine , Habarugira Gervais , Kandiwa Erick , Chinyoka Simbarashe , Samkange Alaster , Bishi Alec
Published: December 2017

Reproductive and urinary tract abnormalities are a cause of infertility, reproductive inefficiency, and economic losses in goats. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and nature of reproductive and urinary tract abnormalities encountered in female goats slaughtered at Nyagatare abattoir in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Reproductive and urinary organs from 369 female goat carcasses were opened by incision and then given a thorough macroscopic examination by visually inspecting and palpating for evidence of abnormalities. The results showed that there was an overall occurrence of 7.8% reproductive organ/tract abnormalities and 10.6% urinary organ/tract abnormalities. Ovarian hypoplasia was the reproductive abnormality with the highest overall occurrence (32.3%) and renal calculi were the urinary organ abnormality with the highest occurrence (38.1%). 95.2% of the reproductive organ/tract abnormalities observed usually result in infertility and 91.3% of the urinary organ/tract abnormalities observed result in economic losses through condemnation of kidneys at slaughter. The high incidence of the observed urinary organ/tract abnormalities represents a potential public health challenge. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of reproductive organ/tract abnormalities according to breed (p>0.05, n=31). There was also no significant difference in the occurrence of urinary organ abnormalities according to breed (p>0.05, n=42).
An Uncommon Case of Bilateral Breast Enlargement Diagnosed as Tumoral Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia: Imaging and Pathological Findings
Authors: Sollozo-Dupont Isabel , Domínguez-Hernández Héctor Alejandro , Pavón-Hernández Cecilia , Villaseñor-Navarro Yolanda , Shaw-Dulin Robin , Pérez-Sánchez Victor Manuel , España-Ferrufino Alejandro Javier , Álvarez-Guadarrama Laura Marysol , Porras-Reyes Fany Iris , Pérez-Badillo M. Patricia
Published: December 2017

The incidence of reported pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH), as well as the variability and severity of clinical presentations, is increasing in the literature. In parallel, several authors posit the need for an improved classification of PASH to avoid possible variables associated with this diagnosis. Here, we present a 25-year-old woman with PASH accompanied by severe bilateral and symmetrical breasts enlargement, highlighting an uncommon clinical presentation of PASH as much as the careful interdisciplinary review and correlation of histology and all available imaging studies to confirm the definitive diagnosis.
Purification, Characterization, and Mode of Action of Pentocin JL-1, a Novel Bacteriocin Isolated from Lactobacillus pentosus, against Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jiang Han , Zou Jiong , Cheng Hui , Fang Jiehong , Huang Guangrong
Published: December 2017

Staphylococcus aureus and its drug-resistant strains, which threaten public health and food safety, are in need of effective control by biopreservatives. A novel bacteriocin, pentocin JL-1, produced by Lactobacillus pentosus that was isolated from the intestinal tract of Chiloscyllium punctatum, was purified by a four-step chromatographic process. Mass spectrometry based on MALDI-TOF indicated that pentocin JL-1 has a molecular mass of 2987.23 Da. Only six of the twenty-five amino acids could be identified by Edman degradation. This bacteriocin is thermostable and tolerates a pH range of 5–7. Also, it is sensitive to proteinase K, trypsin, pepsin, and alkaline protease. This bacteriocin has a broad inhibitory spectrum against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains and in particular is effective against multidrug-resistant S. aureus. Additionally, we showed that the cell membrane is the target of pentocin JL-1 against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), causing a loss of proton motive force. Furthermore, pentocin JL-1 has a drastic impact on the structure and integrity of MRSA cells. These results suggest that pentocin JL-1 has potential as a biopreservative in the food industry.
S1P Lyase Regulation of Thymic Egress and Oncogenic Inflammatory Signaling
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Zamora-Pineda Jesus , Degagné Emilie , Saba Julie D.
Published: December 2017

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a potent lipid signaling molecule that regulates pleiotropic biological functions including cell migration, survival, angiogenesis, immune cell trafficking, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. It acts as a ligand for a family of cell surface receptors. S1P concentrations are high in blood and lymph but low in tissues, especially the thymus and lymphoid organs. S1P chemotactic gradients are essential for lymphocyte egress and other aspects of physiological cell trafficking. S1P is irreversibly degraded by S1P lyase (SPL). SPL regulates lymphocyte trafficking, inflammation and other physiological and pathological processes. For example, SPL located in thymic dendritic cells acts as a metabolic gatekeeper that controls the normal egress of mature T lymphocytes from the thymus into the circulation, whereas SPL deficiency in gut epithelial cells promotes colitis and colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC). Recently, we identified a complex syndrome comprised of nephrosis, adrenal insufficiency, and immunological defects caused by inherited mutations in humanSGPL1, the gene encoding SPL. In the present article, we review current evidence supporting the role of SPL in thymic egress, inflammation, and cancer. Lastly, we summarize recent progress in understanding other SPL functions, its role in inherited disease, and SPL targeting for therapeutic purposes.
Multiphase Flow Behavior of Layered Methane Hydrate Reservoir Induced by Gas Production
Authors: Yuan Yilong , Xu Tianfu , Xin Xin , Xia Yingli
Published: December 2017

Gas hydrates are expected to be a potential energy resource with extensive distribution in the permafrost and in deep ocean sediments. The marine gas hydrate drilling explorations at the Eastern Nankai Trough of Japan revealed the variable distribution of hydrate deposits. Gas hydrate reservoirs are composed of alternating beds of sand and clay, with various conditions of permeability, porosity, and hydrate saturation. This study looks into the multiphase flow behaviors of layered methane hydrate reservoirs induced by gas production. Firstly, a history matching model by incorporating the available geological data at the test site of the Eastern Nankai Trough, which considers the layered heterogeneous structure of hydrate saturation, permeability, and porosity simultaneously, was constructed to investigate the production characteristics from layered hydrate reservoirs. Based on the validated model, the effects of the placement of production interval on production performance were investigated. The modeling results indicate that the dissociation zone is strongly affected by the vertical reservoir’s heterogeneous structure and shows a unique dissociation front. The beneficial production interval scheme should consider the reservoir conditions with high permeability and high hydrate saturation. Consequently, the identification of the favorable hydrate deposits is significantly important to realize commercial production in the future.
Jail Diversion for Persons with Serious Mental Illness Coordinated by a Prosecutor’s Office
Authors: Gill Kenneth J. , Murphy Ann A.
Published: December 2017

Persons with serious mental illnesses (SMI) are involved in the criminal justice system at a disproportionately higher rate than the general population. While the exact causes remain unclear, it is accepted that a comprehensive strategy including mental health treatment is needed to reduce recidivism. This paper describes a unique jail diversion program coordinated by a county prosecutor’s office in which individuals were diverted towards mental health services including case management, community-based services, and housing supports. Outcomes were studied over a five-year period, beyond the typical 12- to 24-month follow-up in other studies. Individuals who completed the program, compared to those who did not complete it, were at lower risk for being rearrested, arrested fewer times, and incarcerated fewer days. Gains were moderated by previous criminal justice involvement and substance use but, nevertheless, were maintained despite severity of history. The strongest gains were seen while the individual was still actively enrolled in the diversion services and these outcomes were maintained for up to four years. These findings suggest that completion of a jail diversion program facilitated by a prosecutor’s office can lower recidivism and days incarcerated. Further research is needed to assess the unique contribution of prosecutor office facilitation.
Maternal Adaptive Immune Cells in Decidua Parietalis Display a More Activated and Coinhibitory Phenotype Compared to Decidua Basalis
Authors: Solders Martin , Gorchs Laia , Gidlöf Sebastian , Tiblad Eleonor , Lundell Anna-Carin , Kaipe Helen
Published: December 2017

The maternal part of the placenta, the decidua, consists of maternal immune cells, decidual stromal cells, and extravillous fetal trophoblasts. In a successful pregnancy, these cell compartments interact to provide an intricate balance between fetal tolerance and antimicrobial defense. These processes are still poorly characterized in the two anatomically different decidual tissues, basalis and parietalis. We examined immune cells from decidua basalis and parietalis from term placentas (n=15) with flow cytometry. By using multivariate discriminant analysis, we found a clear separation between the two decidual compartments based on the 81 investigated parameters. Decidua parietalis lymphocytes displayed a more activated phenotype with a higher expression of coinhibitory markers than those isolated from basalis and contained higher frequencies of T regulatory cells. Decidua basalis contained higher proportions of monocytes, B cells, and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. The basalis B cells were more immature, and parietalis MAIT cells showed a more activated phenotype. Conventional T cells, NK cells, and MAIT cells from both compartments potently responded with the production of interferon-γand/or cytotoxic molecules in response to stimulation. To conclude, leukocytes in decidua basalis and parietalis displayed remarkable phenotypic disparities, indicating that the corresponding stromal microenvironments provide different immunoregulatory signals.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Benefits Observed in Bone Marrow Failure and Acquired Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Gonzaga Vivian Fonseca , Wenceslau Cristiane Valverde , Lisboa Gustavo Sabino , Frare Eduardo Osório , Kerkis Irina
Published: December 2017

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a type of bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome characterized by partial or total bone marrow (BM) destruction resulting in peripheral blood (PB) pancytopenia, which is the reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC), as well as platelets (PLT). The first-line treatment option of AA is given by hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) transplant and/or immunosuppressive (IS) drug administration. Some patients did not respond to the treatment and remain pancytopenic following IS drugs. The studies are in progress to test the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapies as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which confer low immunogenicity and are reliable allogeneic transplants in refractory severe aplastic anemia (SAA) cases. Moreover, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) constitute an essential component of the hematopoietic niche, responsible for stimulating and enhancing the proliferation of HSCs by secreting regulatory molecules and cytokines, providing stimulus to natural BM microenvironment for hematopoiesis. This review summarizes scientific evidences of the hematopoiesis improvements after MSC transplant, observed in acquired AA/BMF animal models as well as in patients with acquired AA. Additionally, we discuss the direct and indirect contribution of MSCs to the pathogenesis of acquired AA.
Evaluation of Groundwater Storage Variations in Northern China Using GRACE Data
Authors: Yin Wenjie , Hu Litang , Jiao Jiu Jimmy
Published: December 2017

Dynamic change of groundwater storage is one of the most important topics in the sustainable management of groundwater resources. Groundwater storage variations are firstly isolated from the terrestrial water storage change using the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). Two datasets are used: (1) annual groundwater resources and (2) groundwater storage changes estimated from point-based groundwater level data in observation wells. Results show that the match between the GRACE-derived groundwater storage variations and annual water resources variation is not good in six river basins of Northern China. However, it is relatively good between yearly GRACE-derived groundwater storage data and groundwater storage change dataset in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and the Song-Liao Plain. The mean annual depletion rate of groundwater storage in the Northern China was approximately 1.70 billion m3 yr−1 from 2003 to 2012. In terms of provinces, the yearly depletion rate is higher in Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province) and lowest in Henan province from 2003 to 2012, with the rate of 0.70 and 0.21 cm yr−1 Equivalent Water Height (EWH), respectively. Different land surface models suggest that the patterns from different models almost remain the same, and soil moisture variations are generally bigger than snow water equivalent variations.
Temperature Effects on Tensile and Compressive Mechanical Behaviors of C-S-H Structure via Atomic Simulation
Authors: Xin Hao , Lin Weihui , Fu Jia , Li Wu , Wang Zhihua
Published: December 2017

An atomic scale model of amorphous calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) with Ca/Si ratio of 1.67 is constructed. Effects of temperature on mechanical properties of C-S-H structure under tensile and compressive loading in the layered direction are investigated via molecular dynamics simulations. Results from present simulations show that (1) the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of C-S-H structure significantly decrease with the increase of the temperature; (2) the water layer plays an important role in the mechanical properties of C-S-H structure; (3) the compressive strength is stronger than tensile strength, which corresponds with the characteristic of cement paste.
Infiltrating Cardiac Synovial Sarcoma Presenting as Acute Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Okoro Kelechukwu U. , Roby Matthew D. , Sane David C. , Budin Robert E.
Published: December 2017

Primary cardiac sarcoma is a rare malignant myocardial neoplasm that does not exhibit gender predominance or age predilection. The classification of these tumors includes several subtypes, of which synovial sarcoma is a rare manifestation. When present, these tumors portend a poor prognosis with high morbidity and mortality that is attributable to their inherent infiltrative capacity, especially in the absence of treatment. The general consensus for treatment is surgical excision and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this report, a case of synovial sarcoma involving the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic valve is presented.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers Attending Private Pediatric and Child Clinics, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Elyas Laykewold , Mekasha Amha , Admasie Amha , Assefa Etagegnehu
Published: December 2017

Background. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is globally low (35%) in sub-Saharan Africa, whereas it is 58% in Ethiopia. Exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to prevent 11.6% of under-five deaths in developing countries. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the exclusive breastfeeding practice and associated factors on mothers attending private pediatric and child clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 380 samples were obtained. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used. Results. From 380 mothers, only 44.2% of the mothers practiced EBF. Two hundred (52.6%) mothers started breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery; 161 (42.4%) of the mothers gave extra food before six months, and 244 (64.2%) believed that exclusive breastfeeding was sufficient. Moreover, 288 (75.8%) mothers breastfed their children eight or more times per day. Spontaneous vaginal delivery was a significant factor to practice EBF (AOR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.19–2.89). Conclusion. EBF practice in this study was low. Spontaneous vaginal delivery was a significant factor for EBF; hence, it is very crucial to promote EBF.
Dracorhodin Perchlorate Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing in Wistar Rats
Authors: Jiang Xiao-wen , Qiao Lu , Liu Lin , Zhang Bin-qing , Wang Xue-wei , Han Yu-wen , Yu Wen-hui
Published: December 2017

Dracorhodin perchlorate (DP) is extracted from Dragon’s blood, which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially in wound healing. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of DP ointment, which contained DP dissolved in DMSO and mixed with Vaseline, on cutaneous wound healing in Wistar rats. Forty Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and DP groups. The skin on the back of each rat was punched with two full‐thickness wounds and then treated with the corresponding drug. After 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days, four rats were sacrificed for immunological, biochemical, and histological analyses. Compared with the control treatment, DP could significantly promote wound closure. Histological and biochemical analyses of the skin biopsies also showed that DP regulated the expression of inflammatory responses by TNF‐α and IL‐β and by supporting wound tissue growth and collagen deposition. Western blot revealed that DP could also facilitate the expression of EGF and VEGF proteins. In conclusion, DP promotes wound healing.
A New Robust Classifier on Noise Domains: Bagging of Credal C4.5 Trees
Authors: Abellán Joaquín , Castellano Javier G. , Mantas Carlos J.
Published: December 2017

The knowledge extraction from data with noise or outliers is a complex problem in the data mining area. Normally, it is not easy to eliminate those problematic instances. To obtain information from this type of data, robust classifiers are the best option to use. One of them is the application of bagging scheme on weak single classifiers. The Credal C4.5 (CC4.5) model is a new classification tree procedure based on the classical C4.5 algorithm and imprecise probabilities. It represents a type of the so-calledcredal trees. It has been proven that CC4.5 is more robust to noise than C4.5 method and even than other previous credal tree models. In this paper, the performance of the CC4.5 model in bagging schemes on noisy domains is shown. An experimental study on data sets with added noise is carried out in order to compare results where bagging schemes are applied on credal trees and C4.5 procedure. As a benchmark point, the known Random Forest (RF) classification method is also used. It will be shown that the bagging ensemble using pruned credal trees outperforms the successful bagging C4.5 and RF when data sets with medium-to-high noise level are classified.
An Aggressive Form of Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis in an Adult: Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Seegobin Karan , Maharaj Satish , Baldeo Cherisse , Shukri Amal , Rana Fauzia N.
Published: December 2017

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is rare in adults. Regular follow-up is mandatory due to reoccurrence. A 35-year-old male with an incidental left iliac bone lesion was diagnosed with LCH. He later became symptomatic with hip pain and spread of the disease. Despite excision of the symptomatic iliac lesion, he had progression while on cytarabine and nivolumab, evidenced by increased bone pain and involvement of other bones on imaging. He underwent excision of the jaw lesion followed by vinblastine; he was pain free and had stable disease on PET imaging after 3 months. LCH is an uncommon neoplasia. Treatment is reserved for symptomatic patients while asymptomatic patients are observed. Follow-up is imperative due to the risk of reoccurrence. Despite surgical treatment together with one of the front-line agents for refractory disease, in this case cytarabine, he still had progression of the disease. Furthermore, the trial of nivolumab was of no benefit. This case highlights good response to vinblastine which is previously reported to have good success. No trials are published, and the optimal strategy has yet to be defined. LCH with multiple bony involvement can be aggressive and therapeutically challenging.
Modal Analysis of a Simply Supported Steel Beam with Cracks under Temperature Load
Authors: Ma Yijiang , Chen Guoping , Yang Fan
Published: December 2017

Based on the transfer matrix method, an analytical method is proposed to conduct the modal analysis of the simply supported steel beam with multiple transverse open cracks under different temperatures. The open cracks are replaced with torsion springs without mass, and local flexibility caused by each crack can be derived; the temperature module is introduced by the mechanical properties variation of the structural material, and the temperature load is caused by the temperature variation, which can be transformed to the axial force on the cross-section. The transfer matrix of the whole beam with the temperature and geometric parameters of cracks can be obtained. According to boundary conditions of the simply supported beam, natural frequencies of the beam can be calculated, which are compared with the finite element results. Results indicate that the analytical method proposed has a high accuracy; the natural frequencies of the simply supported steel beam are mostly affected by the temperature load, which cannot be ignored.
Enriching Genomic Resources and Transcriptional Profile Analysis of Miscanthus sinensis under Drought Stress Based on RNA Sequencing
Authors: Nie Gang , Huang Linkai , Ma Xiao , Ji Zhongjie , Zhang Yajie , Tang Lu , Zhang Xinquan
Published: December 2017

Miscanthus × giganteus is wildly cultivated as a potential biofuel feedstock around the world; however, the narrow genetic basis and sterile characteristics have become a limitation for its utilization. As a progenitor of M. × giganteus, M. sinensis is widely distributed around East Asia providing well abiotic stress tolerance. To enrich the M. sinensis genomic databases and resources, we sequenced and annotated the transcriptome of M. sinensis by using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Approximately 316 million high-quality trimmed reads were generated from 349 million raw reads, and a total of 114,747 unigenes were obtained after de novo assembly. Furthermore, 95,897 (83.57%) unigenes were annotated to at least one database including NR, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, COG, GO, and NT, supporting that the sequences obtained were annotated properly. Differentially expressed gene analysis indicates that drought stress 15 days could be a critical period for M. sinensis response to drought stress. The high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of M. sinensis under drought stress has greatly enriched the current genomic available resources. The comparison of DEGs under different periods of drought stress identified a wealth of candidate genes involved in drought tolerance regulatory networks, which will facilitate further genetic improvement and molecular studies of the M. sinensis.
A Design Space Exploration Framework for ANN-Based Fault Detection in Hardware Systems
Authors: Savva Andreas G. , Theocharides Theocharis , Nicopoulos Chrysostomos
Published: December 2017

This work presents a design exploration framework for developing a high level Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for fault detection in hardware systems. ANNs can be used for fault detection purposes since they have excellent characteristics such as generalization capability, robustness, and fault tolerance. Designing an ANN in order to be used for fault detection purposes includes different parameters. Through this work, those parameters are presented and analyzed based on simulations. Moreover, after the development of the ANN, in order to evaluate it, a case study scenario based on Networks on Chip is used for detection of interrouter link faults. Simulation results with various synthetic traffic models show that the proposed work can detect up to 96–99% of interrouter link faults with a delay less than 60 cycles. Added to this, the size of the ANN is kept relatively small and they can be implemented in hardware easily. Synthesis results indicate an estimated amount of 0.0523 mW power consumption per neuron for the implemented ANN when computing a complete cycle.
Optimal Power Flow Techniques under Characterization of Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Khan Baseem , Singh Pawan
Published: December 2017

The exhaustive knowledge of optimal power flow (OPF) methods is critical for proper system operation and planning, since OPF methods are utilized for finding the optimal state of any system under system constraint conditions, such as loss minimization, reactive power limits, thermal limits of transmission lines, and reactive power optimization. Incorporating renewable energy sources optimized the power flow of system under different constraints. This work presents a comprehensive study of optimal power flows methods with conventional and renewable energy constraints. Additionally, this work presents a progress of optimal power flow solution from its beginning to its present form. Authors classify the optimal power flow methods under different constraints condition of conventional and renewable energy sources. The current and future applications of optimal power flow programs in smart system planning, operations, sensitivity calculation, and control are presented. This study will help the engineers and researchers to optimize power flow with conventional and renewable energy sources.
Synthetic Cannabinoid Abuse and a Rare Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Mutant Causing Acute Fulminant Hepatitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Knowles Kurt J. , Wei Eric X. , Seth Abhishek , Bienvenu John , Morris James , Manas Kenneth , Jordan Paul , Boktor Moheb
Published: December 2017

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) abuse is on the rise because they are easily obtained over the counter; they are potent psychoactive compounds and routine drug testing does not detect them. As their abuse is on the rise, so are their detrimental side effects; however, the occurrence of acute hepatitis due to SCs abuse has been reported only once before. In this case, testing revealed that the patient was also heterozygous for alpha-1-antitrypsin (A-1-AT) with the phenotype of PI⁎EM. This mutant phenotype has never been reported as a cause of A-1-AT disease and the abuse of SCs in a patient with this phenotype has also never been reported. This case illustrates the possible need to expand routine drug testing for SCs and consider A-1-AT phenotyping in certain clinical scenarios.
Development of a Voltage Compensation Type Active SFCL and Its Application for Transient Performance Enhancement of a PMSG-Based Wind Turbine System
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Hongkun , Yang Jun , He Huiwen
Published: December 2017

Considering the rapid development of high temperature superconducting (HTS) materials, superconducting power applications have attracted more and more attention in the power industry, particularly for electrical systems including renewable energy. This paper conducts experimental tests on a voltage compensation type active superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) prototype and explores the SFCL’s application in a permanent-magnet synchronous generator- (PMSG-) based wind turbine system. The SFCL prototype is composed of a three-phase air-core superconducting transformer and a voltage source converter (VSC) integrated with supercapacitor energy storage. According to the commissioning test and the current-limiting test, the SFCL prototype can automatically suppress the fault current and offer a highly controlled compensation voltage in series with the 132 V electrical test system. To expand the application of the active SFCL in a 10 kW class PMSG-based wind turbine system, digital simulations under different fault cases are performed in MATLAB/Simulink. From the demonstrated simulation results, using the active SFCL can help to maintain the power balance, mitigate the voltage-current fluctuation, and improve the wind energy efficiency. The active SFCL can be regarded as a feasible solution to assist the PMSG-based wind turbine system to achieve low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) operation.
Improving EEG-Based Motor Imagery Classification for Real-Time Applications Using the QSA Method
Authors: Batres-Mendoza Patricia , Ibarra-Manzano Mario A. , Guerra-Hernandez Erick I. , Almanza-Ojeda Dora L. , Montoro-Sanjose Carlos R. , Romero-Troncoso Rene J. , Rostro-Gonzalez Horacio
Published: December 2017

We present an improvement to the quaternion-based signal analysis (QSA) technique to extract electroencephalography (EEG) signal features with a view to developing real-time applications, particularly in motor imagery (IM) cognitive processes. The proposed methodology (iQSA, improved QSA) extracts features such as the average, variance, homogeneity, and contrast of EEG signals related to motor imagery in a more efficient manner (i.e., by reducing the number of samples needed to classify the signal and improving the classification percentage) compared to the original QSA technique. Specifically, we can sample the signal in variable time periods (from 0.5 s to 3 s, in half-a-second intervals) to determine the relationship between the number of samples and their effectiveness in classifying signals. In addition, to strengthen the classification process a number of boosting-technique-based decision trees were implemented. The results show an 82.30% accuracy rate for 0.5 s samples and 73.16% for 3 s samples. This is a significant improvement compared to the original QSA technique that offered results from 33.31% to 40.82% without sampling window and from 33.44% to 41.07% with sampling window, respectively. We can thus conclude that iQSA is better suited to develop real-time applications.
Salidroside Inhibits HMGB1 Acetylation and Release through Upregulation of SirT1 during Inflammation
Authors: Qi Zhilin , Zhang Yao , Qi Shimei , Ling Liefeng , Gui Lin , Yan Liang , Lv Jun , Li Qiang
Published: December 2017

HMGB1, a highly conserved nonhistone DNA‐binding protein, plays an important role in inflammatory diseases. Once released to the extracellular space, HMGB1 acts as a proinflammatory cytokine that triggers inflammatory reaction. Our previous study showed that salidroside exerts anti‐inflammatory effect via inhibiting the JAK2‐STAT3 signalling pathway. However, whether salidroside inhibits the release of HMGB1 is still unclear. In this study, we aim to study the effects of salidroside on HMGB1 release and then investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. In an experimental rat model of sepsis caused by CLP, salidroside administration significantly attenuated lung injury and reduced the serum HMGB1 level. In RAW264.7 cells, we investigated the effects of salidroside on LPS‐induced HMGB1 release and then explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that salidroside significantly inhibited LPS‐induced HMGB1 release, and the inhibitory effect was correlated with the HMGB1 acetylation levels. Mechanismly, salidroside inhibits HMGB1 acetylation through the AMPK‐SirT1 pathway. In addition, SirT1 overexpression attenuated LPS‐induced HMGB1 acetylation and nucleocytoplasmic translocation. Furthermore, in SirT1 shRNA plasmid‐transfected cells, salidroside treatment enhanced SirT1 expression and reduced LPS‐activated HMGB1 acetylation and nucleocytoplasmic translocation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that salidroside might reduce HMGB1 release through the AMPK‐SirT1 signalling pathway and suppress HMGB1 acetylation and nucleocytoplasmic translocation.
An Adaptive Joint Sparsity Recovery for Compressive Sensing Based EEG System
Authors: Djelouat Hamza , Baali Hamza , Amira Abbes , Bensaali Faycal
Published: December 2017

The last decade has witnessed tremendous efforts to shape the Internet of things (IoT) platforms to be well suited for healthcare applications. These platforms are comprised of a network of wireless sensors to monitor several physical and physiological quantities. For instance, long-term monitoring of brain activities using wearable electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors is widely exploited in the clinical diagnosis of epileptic seizures and sleeping disorders. However, the deployment of such platforms is challenged by the high power consumption and system complexity. Energy efficiency can be achieved by exploring efficient compression techniques such as compressive sensing (CS). CS is an emerging theory that enables a compressed acquisition using well-designed sensing matrices. Moreover, system complexity can be optimized by using hardware friendly structured sensing matrices. This paper quantifies the performance of a CS-based multichannel EEG monitoring. In addition, the paper exploits the joint sparsity of multichannel EEG using subspace pursuit (SP) algorithm as well as a designed sparsifying basis in order to improve the reconstruction quality. Furthermore, the paper proposes a modification to the SP algorithm based on an adaptive selection approach to further improve the performance in terms of reconstruction quality, execution time, and the robustness of the recovery process.
Approximation Properties of q-Bernoulli Polynomials
Authors: Momenzadeh M. , Kakangi I. Y.
Published: December 2017

We study the q-analogue of Euler-Maclaurin formula and by introducing a new q-operator we drive to this form. Moreover, approximation properties of q-Bernoulli polynomials are discussed. We estimate the suitable functions as a combination of truncated series of q-Bernoulli polynomials and the error is calculated. This paper can be helpful in two different branches: first we solve the differential equations by estimating functions and second we may apply these techniques for operator theory.
Engineering Design of a Voloxidizer with a Double Reactor for the Hull Separation of Spent Nuclear Fuel Rods
Authors: Kim Young-Hwan , Cho Yung-Zun , Lee Jae-Won , Lee Ju-Hoo , Jeon Sang-Chae , Ahn Do-Hee
Published: December 2017

A voloxidizer with a double reactor capable of processing several tens of kilograms of HM/batch of nuclear spent fuel has been developed for the decladding and voloxidation of rod-cuts into hulls and pellets through the conversion of UO2 pellets to U3O8 powder. In this study, we optimized the engineering design of this voloxidizer to improve its hull-recovery ratio. First, we tested the oxidation performance of the device prototype and evaluated the effectiveness of various mechanical and chemical voloxidizing methods. On the basis of the results, we selected the screw-and-rotation method for the double rotary drum. Next, we derived a theoretical equation for calculating the optimal reactor volume for various rod-cut weights and lengths and then validated the equation using centimeter-scale acryl reactors and hulls. Subsequently, we modularized the main components such as the heater, utility, motor, reactor, valve, and structure. The double reactor was subject to preliminary separation tests of hulls and powder. Moreover, the hull-separation performance of the voloxidizer reactor was tested at a loading of 50 kg HM/batch. Finally, the remote assembling and disassembling possibility of the modules were experimentally optimized.
Mutational Mechanisms That Activate Wnt Signaling and Predict Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Hankey William , McIlhatton Michael A. , Ebede Kenechi , Kennedy Brian , Hancioglu Baris , Zhang Jie , Brock Guy N. , Huang Kun , Groden Joanna
Published: December 2017

APC biallelic loss-of-function mutations are the most prevalent genetic changes in colorectal tumors, but it is unknown whether these mutations phenocopy gain-of-function mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin that also activate canonical WNT signaling. Here we demonstrate that these two mutational mechanisms are not equivalent. Furthermore, we show how differences in gene expression produced by these different mechanisms can stratify outcomes in more advanced human colorectal cancers. Gene expression profiling in Apc-mutant and Ctnnb1-mutant mouse colon adenomas identified candidate genes for subsequent evaluation of human TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data for colorectal cancer outcomes. Transcriptional patterns exhibited evidence of activated canonical Wnt signaling in both types of adenomas, with Apc-mutant adenomas also exhibiting unique changes in pathways related to proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and apoptosis. Apc-mutant adenomas were characterized by increased expression of the glial nexin Serpine2, the human ortholog, which was increased in advanced human colorectal tumors. Our results support the hypothesis that APC-mutant colorectal tumors are transcriptionally distinct from APC-wild-type colorectal tumors with canonical WNT signaling activated by other mechanisms, with possible implications for stratification and prognosis.

Significance: These findings suggest that colon adenomas driven by APC mutations are distinct from those driven by WNT gain-of-function mutations, with implications for identifying at-risk patients with advanced disease based on gene expression patterns. Cancer Res; 78(3); 617–30. ©2017 AACR.
In Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Short Term Blood Pressure Variability is Associated with the Presence and Severity of Sleep Disorders
Authors: Pengo Martino F. , Ioratti Donatella , Bisogni Valeria , Ravarotto  Verdiana , Rossi Barbara , Bonfante Luciana , Simioni Francesca , Nalesso Federico , Maiolino Giuseppe , Calò Lorenzo A.
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with poor outcome. Sleep disturbances alter BP profiles in hypertensives but their influence on BPV in CKD patients is unknown. We screened a cohort of CKD/ESRD patients to investigate whether sleep quality impacts on BPV. Methods: Consecutive CKD patients’ sleep quality was assessed using validated questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale-ESS); International Restless legs scale-IRLS; Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire-FOSQ: Insomnia Severity Index-ISI; STOP-Bang). All patients underwent ambulatory blood pressure measurement. Results: 104 out of 143 enrolled patients (78.32% stage-3 CKD; 10.49% Stage-4; 11.19% Stage-5; 6.99% ESRD-under dialysis) completed all the questionnaires. 95.8% were hypertensives, 70% were non-dippers and 27.8% had resistant hypertension. STOP-Bang>4 proved sleep disorders in 84.84% of patients. Patients with IRLS>10 had greater diastolic nocturnal standard deviation (DNSD) and a trend (p=0.05) for systolic nocturnal SD (SNSD). Patients with ISI>14 had greater SNSD and in 28.8% FOSQ showed severely impaired sleep quality. Their systolic nocturnal BPV was significantly greater. ISI was independently associated with SNSD. FOSQ and diastolic nocturnal BPV were negatively correlated at the bivariate analysis and FOSQ independently predicts systolic nocturnal BPV at multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions: In CKD patients impaired sleep quality increases BPV, might contribute to their disease progression and worsen prognosis. Searching for sleep problems in CKD patients could help planning their treatment of sleep problems contributing to CV risk reduction. Our data provide the rationale working hypothesis for the need of studies with larger number of patients aimed to demonstrate improved outcome of CKD progression and CV risk with the treatment also of sleep disorders.
Impact of Three-Dimensional Surgical Simulation on Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Miyamoto Ryoichi , Oshiro Yukio , Nakayama Ken , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Anatomical variations are frequently encountered during hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgeries, requiring surgeons to have a precise understanding of the surgical anatomy in order to perform a safe surgery. We evaluated the impact of novel three-dimensional (3D) surgical simulation on pancreatic surgeries to enhance surgical residents' understanding. Methodology: Between January 2013 and May 2014, 61 preoperative 3D surgical simulations were performed. The consistency (0-10, with 10 representing 100% consistency) among the 15 surgical residents' anatomical drawings from multidetector computed tomography images and the simulated 3D images by SYNAPSE VINCENT® was assessed. We divided the surgical residents into two groups - first- to fifth-year postgraduate doctors (group A) and sixth- to tenth-year postgraduate doctors (group B) - and compared the self-assessment scores between these two groups. Results: In terms of the self-assessment scores, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, 3D surgical simulation was useful for preoperative assessments prior to pancreatic surgery, especially in younger postgraduate surgeons.
Intermediate‐Term Risk of Stroke Following Cardiac Procedures in a Nationally Representative Data Set
Authors: Stein Laura , Thaler Alison , Liang John W. , Tuhrim Stanley , Dhamoon Amit S. , Dhamoon Mandip S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Studies on stroke risk following cardiac procedures addressed only perioperative and long‐term risk following limited higher‐risk procedures, were poorly generalizable, and often failed to stratify by stroke type. We calculated stroke risk in the intermediate risk period following cardiac procedures compared with common noncardiac surgeries and medical admissions.

Methods and Results

The Nationwide Readmissions Database contains readmission data for 49% of US admissions in 2013. We compared age‐adjusted stroke readmission rates up to 90 days postdischarge. We used Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios, up to 1 year, of stroke risk comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus surgical aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft versus percutaneous coronary intervention. Procedures and diagnoses were identified by International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. After cardiac procedures, 90‐day ischemic stroke readmission rate was highest after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (2.05%); 90‐day hemorrhagic stroke rate was highest after left ventricular assist device placement (0.09%). The hazard ratio for ischemic stroke after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, in fully adjusted Cox models was 1.86 (95% confidence interval, 1.12–3.08;
P
=0.016) and 6.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.97–19.33;
P
=0.0018) for hemorrhagic stroke. There was no difference between coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Conclusions

We demonstrated elevated readmission rates for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the intermediate 30‐, 60‐, and 90‐day risk periods following common cardiac procedures. Furthermore, we found an elevated risk of stroke after transcatheter aortic valve replacement compared with surgical aortic valve replacement up to 1 year.
Matrine‐Type Alkaloids Inhibit Advanced Glycation End Products Induced Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated Apoptosis of Aortic Endothelial Cells In Vivo and In Vitro by Targeting MKK3 and p38MAPK Signaling
Authors: Liu Zhongwei , Lv Ying , Zhang Yong , Liu Fuqiang , Zhu Ling , Pan Shuo , Qiu Chuan , Guo Yan , Yang Tielin , Wang Junkui
Published: December 2017

Background

The matrine‐type alkaloids are bioactive components extracted from
Sophora flavescens
, which is used in treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional Chinese medicine. Advanced glycation end products mediate diabetic vascular complications. This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of matrine‐type alkaloids on advanced glycation end products–induced reactive oxygen species–mediated endothelial apoptosis.

Methods and Results

Rats aorta and cultured rat aortic endothelial cells were exposed to advanced glycation end products. Matrine‐type alkaloids, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, and small interference
RNA
s against p38
MAPK
kinases
MAPK
kinase kinase (
MKK
)3 and
MKK
6 were administrated. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production, cell apoptosis, phosphorylation of
MKK
s/p38
MAPK,
and expression levels of heme oxygenase/
NADPH
quinone oxidoreductase were assessed. The nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 nuclear translocation and the binding activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 with antioxidant response element were also evaluated. Matrine‐type alkaloids suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species production and inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis in vivo
and
in vitro by recovering phosphorylation of
MKK
3/6 and p38
MAPK
, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 nuclear translocation, and antioxidant response element binding activity, as well as the expression levels of heme oxygenase/
NADPH
quinone oxidoreductase. p38
MAPK
inhibitor treatment impaired the effects of matrine‐type alkaloids in vivo and in vitro.
MKK
3/6 silencing impaired the effects of matrine‐type alkaloids in vitro.

Conclusions

Matrine‐type alkaloids exert endothelial protective effects against advanced glycation end products induced reactive oxygen species–mediated apoptosis by targeting
MKK
3/6 and enhancing their phosphorylation.