bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel TMEM127 Variant Associated to Bilateral Phaeochromocytoma with an Uncommon Clinical Presentation
Authors: Fernández-Pombo Antía , Cameselle-Teijeiro José M. , Puñal-Rodríguez Jose A. , Loidi Lourdes , Peinó-García Roberto , Cabanas-Rodríguez Paloma , Garrido-Pumar Miguel , Baleato-González Sandra , Flores-Ríos Enrique , Araújo-Vilar David
Published: October 2019

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumours arising from the adrenal medulla or sympathetic paraganglia. It is known that 20–30% of all cases occur as a result of germline variants in several well known genes. The TMEM127 gene was recently identified as a new phaeochromocytoma susceptibility gene. However, until a larger sample of cases is available, the prevalence, genotype-phenotype correlation, and a clear predominant biochemical pattern of TMEM127-related PCC, remain to be defined. We present a woman with the pathogenic variant c.86delG (p.Arg29Leufs∗52) in the TMEM127 gene, which has not been previously reported, associated to a bilateral phaeochromocytoma, with an uncommon initial clinical presentation and a biochemical profile that is distinctly adrenergic. Her two young children carry the same variant and are, at present, disease-free. Physicians should be aware that phaeochromocytoma can manifest in an atypical manner, as with episodic hypotension, mainly if the symptoms have no obvious aetiology and they worsen over time. This case also supports the presence of a predominant adrenaline secreting pattern in TMEM127-positive tumours, as well as the need to consider multigene panel testing in patients with bilateral phaeochromocytomas.
Fusion Algorithm‐Based Temperature Compensation Method for High‐G MEMS Accelerometer
Authors: Lu Qing , Shen Chong , Cao Huiliang , Shi Yunbo , Liu Jun
Published: October 2019

In recent years, High‐G MEMS accelerometers have been widely used in aviation, medicine, and other fields. So it is extremely important to improve the accuracy and performance of High‐G MEMS accelerometers. For this purpose, we propose a fusion algorithm that combines EMD, wavelet thresholding, and temperature compensation to process measurement data from a High‐G MEMS accelerometer. In the fusion algorithm, the original accelerometer signal is first decomposed by EMD to obtain the intrinsic mode function (IMF). Then, sample entropy (SE) is used to divide the IMF components into three segments. The noise segment is directly omitted, wavelet thresholding is performed on the mixing segment, and a GA‐BP performs temperature compensation on the drift segment. Finally, signal reconstruction is implemented. Later, a comparative analysis is carried out on the results from four models: EMD, wavelet thresholding, EMD + wavelet thresholding, and EMD + wavelet thresholding + temperature compensation. The experimental data show that the acceleration random walk change from 1712.66 g/h/Hz0.5 to 79.15 g/h/Hz0.5 and the zero‐deviation stability change from 49275 g/h to 774.7 g/h. This indicates that the fusion algorithm (EMD + wavelet thresholding + temperature compensation) not only effectively suppresses the noise of high‐frequency components but also compensates for temperature drift in the accelerometer.
African Swine Fever Outbreak at a Farm in Central Namibia
Authors: Samkange Alaster , Mushonga Borden , Mudimba Douglas , Chiwome Bernard A. , Jago Mark , Kandiwa Erick , Bishi Alec S. , Molini Umberto
Published: October 2019

An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) occurred at a farm in central Namibia in March 2018. Fourteen pigs died out of a herd of 59 animals over a period of 16 days between the first and sixteenth of March 2018. The clinical signs observed included sternal recumbency, fever, weakness, pain and reluctance to move, hyperemia of the skin and anorexia, followed by death. Necropsy findings included large amounts of unclotted blood in the pleural and peritoneal cavities, diffuse carcass congestion, splenomegaly, consolidation of both lungs, hemorrhagic and frothy airways and trachea, hepatomegaly and congestion, congestion of the gastric mucosa, enlarged and congested kidneys, ecchymotic epicardial, and endocardial hemorrhages, and very enlarged and congested urinary bladder. All the remaining pigs were euthanized, burned, and buried under state veterinary supervision. The authors concluded that the outbreak resulted from indirect transmission of the ASF virus due to lapses in biosecurity measures.
Correlation of Ultrasonographic Estimation of Fetal Weight with Actual Birth Weight as Seen in a Private Specialist Hospital in South East Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Chisolum Ogechukwu , Okafor Charles Ikechukwu , Mbachu Ikechukwu Innocent , Obionwu Izuchukwu Christian , Aronu Michael Echeta
Published: October 2019

Background. Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight at term provides vital information for the skilled birth attendants to make decisions on the possible best route of delivery of the fetus. This is more pertinent in a setting where women book late for antenatal care. Aim and Objectives. The study evaluated the accuracy of estimation of fetal weight with ultrasound machine at term. Methods. This was a cross sectional study conducted at a private specialist hospital in Nigeria. A coded questionnaire was used to retrieve relevant information which included the last menstrual period, gestational age, parity, and birth weight. Other information obtained includes Ultrasound-delivery interval, maternal weight, and route of delivery. The ultrasound was used to estimate the fetal weight. The actual birth weight was determined using a digital baby weighing scale. The data were inputted into Microsoft excel and analyzed using STATA version 14. Statistical significance was considered at p-values less than 0.05. Measures of accuracy evaluated in the statistical analysis included mean error, mean absolute error, mean percentage error, and mean absolute percentage error. Pearson correlation was done between the estimated ultrasound fetal weight and the actual birth weight. The proportion of estimates within ±10% of actual birth weight was also determined. Result.A total of 170 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean maternal age was 30.77 years ± 5.54. The mean birth weight was 3.47 kg ± 0.47, while the mean estimated ultrasound weight was 3.43 kg ± 0.8. There was positive correlation between the ultrasound estimated weight and the actual birth weight. The mean ultrasound scan to delivery interval was 0.8 days (with range of 0–2 days). The study recorded a mean error of estimation of 41.17 grams and mean absolute error of 258.22 grams. The mean percentage error was 0.65%, while the mean absolute error of estimation was 7.56%. About 72.54% of the estimated weights were within 10% of the actual birth weight. Conclusion. The ultrasound estimated fetal weight correlated with the actual birth weight. Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight should be done when indicated to aid the clinician in making decisions concerning routes of delivery.
Aluminium Nanofluids Stability: A Comparison between the Conventional Two-Step Fabrication Approach and the Controlled Sonication Bath Temperature Method
Authors: Ali Naser , Teixeira Joao A. , Addali Abdulmajid
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the shelving stability of dispersed aluminium nanoparticles in water mixtures fabricated by the conventional and the controlled bath temperature two-step methods. The nanofluids were prepared with water of pH 9 and nanoparticles of 0.1–1.0 vol.%. A bath type ultrasonicator was employed for dispersing the nanoparticles into the base fluid. The sonication process, for all as-prepared samples, lasted for 4 hours and was either device bath temperature uncontrolled or controlled in the range of 10–60°C. Furthermore, the stability of the as-produced nanosuspensions was evaluated using the sedimentation photograph capturing method by capturing images at equal intervals of time for 12 hours then analysing the data based on the sample sedimentation height ratios. It was found that the sedimentation behaviour of the nanofluids fabricated via the controlled temperatures of less than 30°C was of dispersed sedimentation type, while those produced by the conventional method and the fixed temperatures of 30°C and higher were of flocculated sedimentation type. In addition, increasing the controlled sonication temperature has shown to increase the settling process of the sediments. Moreover, the rise in nanoparticle concentration was seen to reduce the variation in sedimentation height ratio between the fixed temperature samples. A comparison between the two fabrication methods has shown that the 30°C nanofluids had better short- and long-term stability than the conventionally produced suspensions.
Foundation of Interval‐Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Limit and Differential Theory and an Application to Continuous Data
Authors: Ai Zhenghai , Shu Xiaoqin , Xu Zeshui
Published: October 2019

The intuitionistic fuzzy calculus (IFC), based on the basic operational laws of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs), has been put forward. However, the interval‐valued IFC (IVIFC), based on the basic operational laws of interval‐valued IFNs (IVIFNs), is only in the original stage. To further develop the theory of the IVIFC and make it be rigorous, the primary task is to systematically investigate the characteristics of the limits and differentials, which is a foundation of the IVIFC. Moreover, there is quite a lot of literature on IVIFNs; however, the scholars did not reveal the relationships between IFNs and the IVIFNs. To do that, we first investigate the limit of interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy sequences, and then, we focus on investigating the limit, the continuity, and the differential of IVIFFs in detail and reveal their relationships. After that, due to the fact that the IFC and the IVIFC are based on the basic operational laws of IFNs and IVIFNs, respectively, we reveal the relationships between the IFNs and the IVIFNs via some homomorphic mappings. Finally, a case study about continuous data of IVIFNs is provided to illustrate the advantages of continuous data.
Parallel Multi-Gene Panel Testing for Diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism/Kallmann Syndrome
Authors: Senthilraja Manickavasagam , Chapla Aaron , Jebasingh Felix K. , Naik Dukhabhandhu , Paul Thomas V. , Thomas Nihal
Published: October 2019

Kallmann syndrome (KS)/Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia or hyposmia due to the abnormal migration of olfactory and gonadotropin releasing hormone producing neurons. Multiple genes have been implicated in KS/IHH. Sequential testing of these genes utilising Sanger sequencing is time consuming and not cost effective. The introduction of parallel multigene panel sequencing of small gene panels for the identification of causative gene variants has been shown to be a robust tool in the clinical setting. Utilizing multiplex PCR for the four gene KS/IHH panel followed by NGS, we describe herewith two cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with a Prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2) gene and KAL1 gene mutation. The subject with a PROKR2 mutation had a normal perception of smell and normal olfactory bulbs on imaging. The subject with a KAL1 gene mutation had anosmia and a hypoplastic olfactory bulb.
Central Pain Mimicking Trigeminal Neuralgia as a Result of Lateral Medullary Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ravichandran Abinayaa , Elsayed Kareem S. , Yacoub Hussam A.
Published: October 2019

Background. Central pain mimicking trigeminal neuralgia (TN) as a result of lateral medullary infarction or Wallenberg syndrome has been rarely reported. Case Report. We discuss a patient who presented with a lateral medullary infarct and shortly after developed facial pain mimicking TN. We also elaborate on the anatomical pathway of the trigeminal nerve explaining facial pain as a result of a lateral medullary lesion. Discussion. Clinicians should be aware of this typical complication of lateral medullary infarct in order to attain proper management and work-up.
ANGPTL4: A Predictive Marker for Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Al Shawaf Eman , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Devarajan Sriraman , Alsairafi Zahra , Al-Khairi Irina , Cherian Preethi , Ali Hamad , Mathur Aditi , Al-Mulla Fahd , Al Attar Abdulnabi , Abubaker Jehad
Published: October 2019

Background. ANGPTL4 is a glycoprotein that is involved in regulating triglyceride metabolism by inhibiting LPL activity under fasting conditions. Additionally, ANGPTL4 has been suggested as a link between hypertriglyceridemia and albuminuria in the nephrotic syndrome. In this study, we examined levels of circulating ANGPTL4 in people with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its association with established DN-associated proteins such as IGFBP1 and IGFBP4. Methods. We quantified circulating ANGPTL4, IGFBP1, IGFBP3, and IGFBP4 in fasting plasma samples of 122 Kuwaiti participants using a multiplexing assay. The study involved 36 controls, as well as 86 people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) including 37 people with normal kidney function and 49 people with DN. Results. ANGPTL4 level was increased in people with DN (241.56±14.1 μg/ml) compared to the control group (178.43±24.09 μg/ml). The increase in ANGPTL4 correlated with clinical parameters of DN including albumin-to-creatinine ratio (r=0.271, P=0.002), serum creatinine (r=0.381, P=0.0001), and eGFR (r=−0.349, P<0.0001). Furthermore, ANGPTL4 correlated positively with both IGFBP1 (r=0.202, P=0.026) and IGFBP4 (r=0.364, P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed increased IGFBP1 and TG as predictors of higher ANGPTL4 in people with DN. In people with T2D, only IGFBP1 acted as a positive predictor of a rise in ANGPTL4. Conclusion. In this study, our data showed a significant increase in circulating ANGPTL4, IGFBP1, and IGFBP4 in patients with DN. The elevation in ANGPTL4 correlated significantly with clinical markers of DN such as ACR, serum creatinine, and eGFR, as well as IGFBP1 and IGFBP4. Altogether, this suggests a potential role for ANGPTL4 in DN perhaps through its role in inhibiting LPL activity and promotes ANGPTL4 as a biochemical marker for the detection of a diabetic kidney disease in patients with T2D.
A Toxicological Evaluation of Methylliberine (Dynamine®)
Authors: Murbach Timothy S. , Glávits Róbert , Endres John R. , Clewell Amy E. , Hirka Gábor , Vértesi Adél , Béres Erzsébet , Szakonyiné Ilona Pasics
Published: October 2019

Methylliberine (CAS 51168-26-4), a methoxiuric acid, is a caffeine metabolite present at low levels in various Coffea plants; however, very little has been published regarding this compound and we could find no toxicological data in the public domain. Therefore, we undertook the toxicological investigation of a pure, synthetic form of methylliberine in order to evaluate its potential health hazards as a food ingredient. A (1) bacterial reverse mutation test, (2) in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, (3) in vivo mammalian micronucleus test, and (4) 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats with a 28-day recovery period were conducted. No in vitro mutagenic or clastogenic activity was observed in the presence or absence of metabolic activation up to the maximum OECD recommended test concentrations. No genotoxicity was observed in the mammalian micronucleus study up to the highest dose tested of 700 mg/kg bw. In the 90-day study, methylliberine was administered to Han:WIST rats at doses of 0, 75, 112, 150, 187, and 225 mg/kg bw/day. No mortality or morbidity was observed and no toxicologically relevant clinical effects or effects on clinical pathology parameters were observed. In male animals, test item-related effects on body weight and sexual organs, which were not reversible after a 28-day recovery period without treatment, were observed in the high-dose group. Body weight development was also slightly and reversibly depressed in the 187 mg/kg bw/day male group. No toxicological effects were observed in females. The NOAEL for females was determined to be 225 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested, while the NOAEL for males was determined to be 150 mg/kg bw/day. Future studies are encouraged to corroborate the safety, and assess efficacy, of methylliberine in humans.
Transcriptome Analysis of Hypertrophic Heart Tissues from Murine Transverse Aortic Constriction and Human Aortic Stenosis Reveals Key Genes and Transcription Factors Involved in Cardiac Remodeling Induced by Mechanical Stress
Authors: Yu Peng , Zhang Baoli , Liu Ming , Yu Ying , Zhao Ji , Zhang Chunyu , Li Yana , Zhang Lei , Yang Xue , Jiang Hong , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2019

Background. Mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling that results in heart failure is characterized by transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression. However, a systematic study of genomic changes involved in this process has not been performed to date. To investigate the genomic changes and underlying mechanism of cardiac remodeling, we collected and analyzed DNA microarray data for murine transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and human aortic stenosis (AS) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the European Bioinformatics Institute. Methods and Results. The differential expression genes (DEGs) across the datasets were merged. The Venn diagrams showed that the number of intersections for early and late cardiac remodeling was 74 and 16, respectively. Gene ontology and protein–protein interaction network analysis showed that metabolic changes, cell differentiation and growth, cell cycling, and collagen fibril organization accounted for a great portion of the DEGs in the TAC model, while in AS patients’ immune system signaling and cytokine signaling displayed the most significant changes. The intersections between the TAC model and AS patients were few. Nevertheless, the DEGs of the two species shared some common regulatory transcription factors (TFs), including SP1, CEBPB, PPARG, and NFKB1, when the heart was challenged by applied mechanical stress. Conclusions. This study unravels the complex transcriptome profiles of the heart tissues and highlighting the candidate genes involved in cardiac remodeling induced by mechanical stress may usher in a new era of precision diagnostics and treatment in patients with cardiac remodeling.
Stability of Tissue Augmented with Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral Particles Associated with Implant Placement in Anterior Maxilla
Authors: Kamadjaja David Buntoro , Sumarta Ni Putu Mira , Rizqiawan Andra
Published: October 2019

Background. Implant placement in defective anterior maxilla poses a great challenge regarding functional and aesthetic outcomes. Therefore, it requires predictable alveolar ridge augmentation. Deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particle has commonly been used for bone grafting. However, it is associated with low resorption rates which potentially compromise the outcome of horizontal augmentation in conjunction with implant placement. Aims. This study is aimed at evaluating the stability of tissue augmented with DBBM particle associated with implant placement in the anterior maxilla. Materials and Methods. The inclusive criteria consist of patients being treated with guided bone regeneration (GBR) incorporating the use of DBBM particles with either a simultaneous or staged approach. The parameters analyzed include the implant survival rate, post-GBR clinical stability based on tissue resorption level, and the tissue stability between simultaneous and staged approaches. Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test is performed with significance determined at p value < 0.05. Results. Seventeen patients with 23 implant placements satisfy the criteria for this study. Simultaneous approach is adopted in 18 (78.3%) implants and a staged approach in 5 (21.7%) implants. The implant survival rate is 100%. The evaluation of horizontal tissue stability reveals a low resorption level in 19 (82.6%) implants, while moderate and high resorption levels are found in 3 (13.0%) and 1 (4.3%) implants, respectively. The statistical analysis shows that the simultaneous approach produces significantly (p=0.005) lower resorption level compared to the staged approach. Conclusion. Horizontal ridge augmentation using DBBM particles associated with implant placement in the anterior maxilla produces good clinical stability. The stability appears to be higher in the simultaneous approach compared to the staged approach.
Simultaneous Association of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Kaposi’s Sarcoma in an Immunocompetent Subject: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Baina Sofia , Achrane Jihane , Benamor Jouda , Bourkadi Jamal Eddine
Published: October 2019

Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) occurs as a pathological entity that may be classified into four different types: classic, endemic, epidemic, and iatrogenic. It can arise among HIV-positive subjects or within immunosuppression, yet exceptionally of tuberculous origin. We describe a new case report of an HIV-negative patient, manifesting Kaposi’s disease in the course of tuberculosis, with the aim to assess this uncommon disorder and to outline this rare atypical association.
A New 4D Chaotic System with Two‐Wing, Four‐Wing, and Coexisting Attractors and Its Circuit Simulation
Authors: Huang Lilian , Zhang Zefeng , Xiang Jianhong , Wang Shiming
Published: October 2019

In order to further improve the complexity of chaotic system, a new four‐dimensional chaotic system is constructed based on Sprott B chaotic system. By analyzing the system’s phase diagrams, symmetry, equilibrium points, and Lyapunov exponents, it is found that the system can generate not only both two‐wing and four‐wing attractors but also the attractors with symmetrical coexistence, and the dynamic characteristics of the new system constructed are more abundant. In addition, the system is simulated by Multisim software, and the simulation results show that the results of circuit simulation and numerical simulation analysis are basically the same.
Giant Squamous Cell Papilloma of the Eyelid—Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Vass Attila , Vass Gábor , Kis Erika Gabriella , Kuthi Levente , Oláh Judit , Hortobágyi Tibor , Tóth-Molnár Edit
Published: October 2019

Squamous cell papilloma (SCP) is generally a human papillomavirus (HPV) induced exophytic or endophytic proliferation on the surface of the skin, oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, cervix, vagina, and anal canal. The endophytic type SCP can cause differential diagnostic difficulties with keratoacanthoma, inverted follicular keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma; however, these lesions are not associated with HPV infection. The authors present a female patient who noticed an extremely rapidly growing tumor destructing the left lower eyelid. The histological analysis of the biopsy sample revealed a virus-induced squamoproliferative lesion. The eyelid affected was completely removed, and the histological examination resulted in a HPV induced endophytic squamous cell papilloma. The tarsus and the conjunctiva were replaced by a chondromucosal graft harvested from the nasal septum, while the skin defect could be closed directly. Restoration of the eyelid function has been achieved with satisfying functional and cosmetic results.
Autoantibodies as Diagnostic Markers and Mediator of Joint Inflammation in Arthritis
Authors: Fang Qinghua , Ou Jiaxin , Nandakumar Kutty Selva
Published: October 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, polygenic, and multifactorial syndrome characterized by erosive polyarthritis, damage to joint architecture, and presence of autoantibodies against several self-structures in the serum and synovial fluid. These autoantibodies (anticitrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPAs), rheumatoid factors (RF), anticollagen type II antibodies, antiglucose-6 phosphate isomerase antibodies, anticarbamylated protein antibodies, and antiacetylated protein antibodies) have different characteristics, diagnostic/prognostic value, and pathological significance in RA patients. Some of these antibodies are present in the patients’ serum several years before the onset of clinical disease. Various genetic and environmental factors are associated with autoantibody production against different autoantigenic targets. Both the activating and inhibitory FcγRs and the activation of different complement cascades contribute to the downstream effector functions in the antibody-mediated disease pathology. Interplay between several molecules (cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and inflammatory mediators) culminates in causing damage to the articular cartilage and bones. In addition, autoantibodies are proven to be useful disease markers for RA, and different diagnostic tools are being developed for early diagnosis of the clinical disease. Recently, a direct link was proposed between the presence of autoantibodies and bone erosion as well as in the induction of pain. In this review, the diagnostic value of autoantibodies, their synthesis and function as a mediator of joint inflammation, and the significance of IgG-Fc glycosylation are discussed.
Efficient and Transparent Method for Large-Scale TLS Traffic Analysis of Browsers and Analogous Programs
Authors: Pan Jiaye , Zhuang Yi , Sun Binglin
Published: October 2019

Many famous attacks take web browsers as transmission channels to make the target computer infected by malwares, such as watering hole and domain name hijacking. In order to protect the data transmission, the SSL/TLS protocol has been widely used to defeat various hijacking attacks. However, the existence of such encryption protection makes the security software and devices confront with the difficulty of analyzing the encrypted malicious traffic at endpoints. In order to better solve this kind of situation, this paper proposes a new efficient and transparent method for large-scale automated TLS traffic analysis, named as hyper TLS traffic analysis (HTTA). It extracts multiple types of valuable data from the target system in the hyper mode and then correlates them to decrypt the network packets in real time, so that overall data correlation analysis can be performed on the target. Additionally, we propose an aided reverse engineering method to support the analysis, which can rapidly identify the target data in different versions of the program. The proposed method can be applied to the endpoints and cloud platforms; there are no trust risk of certificates and no influence on the target programs. Finally, the real experimental results show that the method is feasible and effective for the analysis, which leads to the lower runtime overhead compared with other methods. It covers all the popular browser programs with good adaptability and can be applied to the large-scale analysis.
Hyperandrogenism, Elevated 17-Hydroxyprogesterone and Its Urinary Metabolites in a Young Woman with Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wong Felix C. K. , Chan Angela Z. , Wong W. S. , Kwan Angel H. W. , Law Tracy S. M. , Chung Jacqueline P. W. , Kwok Jeffrey S. S. , Chan Angel O. K.
Published: October 2019

We describe a case of a 24-year-old overweight woman who presented with hirsutism, secondary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and symptoms of diabetes mellitus (DM). While a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with its associated metabolic disturbances was initially considered, serum total testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were significantly increased. As 17-OHP did not increase upon ACTH (Synacthen) stimulation and the urinary steroid profile (USP) was compatible with an ovarian source of 17-OHP excess rather than adrenal, non classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) was unlikely and an androgen-secreting tumor was suspected. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of an enlarged right ovary with a polycystic ovary morphology and no discrete mass. Transvaginal ultrasound and [18F]− fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG PET–CT) enabled the localization of a right ovarian tumor. Laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and a histological diagnosis of steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (SCT–NOS) was made. Hyperandrogenism and menstrual disturbances resolved postoperatively. A literature review revealed that 17-OHP-secreting SCT–NOS may uncommonly show positive responses to ACTH stimulation similar to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Alternatively, USP might be useful in localizing the source of 17-OHP to the ovaries. Its diagnostic performance should be evaluated in further studies.
A Proteomic Network Approach across the Kidney Stone Disease Reveals Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Crystal-Cell Interaction in the Kidney
Authors: Yang Baoyu , Lu Xiuli , Li Yang , Li Yuanyuan , Yu Daojun , Zhang Weiwen , Duan Chaojie , Taguchi Kazumi , Yasui Takahiro , Kohri Kenjiro , Gao Bing
Published: October 2019

Crystal-cell interactions are a vital step toward kidney stone formation. However, its mechanisms remained unclear. Here, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of a kidney stone revealed that the proteins were enriched in a posttranslational protein modification process in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Thein vitrostudy showed that the markers of ER stress, including Bip and CHOP, were upregulated, PERK and ATF6 were activated, and XBP-1 mRNA was spliced. An ER stress-specific protein, caspase-12, was activated in the apoptotic cells induced by calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals. The treatment with tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, promoted the crystal-cell adhesion assayed by atomic absorption, reduced cell viability assayed by MTT, and downregulated the expression of proteins involved in the crystal formations. The treatment with salubrinal, an ER stress inhibitor, reversed the above effects for both tunicamycin and COM crystals. The aforementioned main observations were supported byin vivostudy. These data demonstrated that ER stress was an essentially biological process of crystal-cell interactions. Our findings suggest that blocking ER stress may become a potential approach to preventing a kidney stone.
Ketogenic Weight Loss Diet Rapidly Unmasks an Insulinoma
Authors: Meier Erin , Winnicka Lydia , Lau Michael , Vo Duc , Joutovsky Alla , Shenoy Mangalore Amith
Published: October 2019

The ketogenic diet, a diet high in fat and extremely low in carbohydrates, has recently gained momentum and is increasingly employed by patients in order to lose weight. We report a case of an otherwise healthy 47-year-old male who developed seizures and hypoglycemia shortly after initiating this diet. Biochemical testing confirmed hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and a subsequent abdomen MRI showed a pancreatic mass. The tumor was ultimately excised with pathology confirming an insulinoma. It was felt that his abrupt decrease in carbohydrate consumption led to the rapid unmasking of this tumor.
Lymphopenia Is Associated with Gross Target Volumes and Fractions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with External Beam Radiation Therapy and Also Indicates Worse Overall Survival
Authors: Zhang Hai-Ge , Yang Ping , Jiang Tao , Zhang Jian-Ying , Jin Xue-Juan , Hu Yong , Sun Jing , Du Shi-Suo , Zeng Zhao-Chong
Published: October 2019

Purpose. To investigate whether lymphocyte nadir induced by radiation is associated with survival and explore its underlying risk factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods. Total lymphocyte counts were collected from 184 HCC patients treated by radiotherapy (RT) with complete follow-up. Associations between gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and radiation-associated parameters with lymphocyte nadir were evaluated by Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Kaplan–Meier analysis, log-rank test, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to assess the relationship between lymphocyte nadir and overall survival (OS).Results. GTVs and fractions were negatively related with lymphocyte nadir (p<0.001andp=0.001, respectively). Lymphocyte nadir and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage were independent prognostic factors predicting OS of HCC patients (allp<0.001). Patients in the GTV ≤55.0 cc and fractions ≤16 groups were stratified by lymphocyte nadir, and the group with the higher lymphocyte counts (LCs) showed longer survival than the group with lower LCs (p<0.001andp=0.006, respectively). Patient distribution significantly differed among the RT fraction groups according to BCLC stage (p<0.001). However, stratification of patients in the same BCLC stage by RT fractionation showed that the stereotactic body RT (SBRT) group achieved the best survival. Furthermore, there were significant differences in lymphocyte nadir among patients in the SBRT group.Conclusions. A lower lymphocyte nadir during RT was associated with worse survival among HCC patients. Smaller GTVs and fractions reduced the risk of lymphopenia.
Stepper motor movement design based on FPGA
Authors: Silaban Freddy Artadima , Budiyanto Setiyo , Raharja Wahyu Kusuma
Published: October 2019

A stepper motor is an electro mechanical device that can convert electrical pulses to the axis of movement. The finding problem  in the movement of a stepper motor is  cannot respond to the clock signal directly because the motor windings require a clock (sequence) in the correct order. If the control signal given is not correct, the motor is not moving according to the specified precision. To answer these problems, it is necessary to move the stepper motor with a clock signal that works in real time. The research method is done by designing and testing the stepper motor movement in full stepp and half step with the direction of Clock Wise (CW) and Counter Clock Wise (CCW) movement. These are simulated by using FPGA Isim and implementation using a stepper motor. The results of several experiments have been carried out the stepper motor movement degree according to the input value entered,responding timely movement, and the direction of movement stepper motor.
Design and simulation of high frequency colpitts oscillator based on BJT amplifier
Authors: Humood Khalid A. , Imran Omar A. , Taha Adnan M.
Published: October 2019

Frequency oscillator is one of the basic devices that can be used in most electrical, electronics and communications circuits and systems. There are many types of oscillators depending on frequency range used in an application such as audio, radio and microwave. The needed was appeared to use high and very high frequencies to make the rapid development of advanced technology Colpitts oscillator is one of the most common types of oscillator, it can be used for radio frequency (RF), that its output signal is often utilized at the basic of a wireless communication system in most application. In this research, a Colpitts oscillator is comprised from a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) amplifier with LC tank. This design is carrying out with a known Barkhausen criterion for oscillation. Firstly, is carried out using theoretical calculation. The secondary is carried out using simulation (Multisim 13). All the obtained result from the above two approaches are 10 MHz and 9.745 MHz respectively. This result is seen to be very encouraging.
Impact of LCC–HVDC multiterminal on generator rotor angle stability
Authors: Oni Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Swanson Andrew G. , Carpanen Rudiren Pillay
Published: October 2019

Multiterminal High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission utilizing Line Commutated Converter (LCC-HVDC) technology is on the increase in interconnecting a remote generating station to any urban centre via long distance DC lines. This Multiterminal-HVDC (MTDC) system offers a reduced right of way benefits, reduction in transmission losses, as well as robust power controllability with enhanced stability margin. However, utilizing the MTDC system in an AC network bring about a new area of associated fault analysis as well as the effect on the entire AC system during a transient fault condition. This paper analyses the fault current contribution of an MTDC system during transient fault to the rotor angle of a synchronous generator. The results show a high rotor angle swing during a transient fault and the effectiveness of fast power system stabilizer connected to the generator automatic voltage regulator in damping the system oscillations. The MTDC link improved the system performance by providing an alternative path of power transfer and quick system recovery during transient fault thus increasing the rate at which the system oscillations were damped out. This shows great improvement compared to when power was being transmitted via AC lines.
Current predictive controller for high frequency resonant inverter in induction heating
Authors: Khati Azzedine , Kansab Abdelkader , Taleb Rachid , Khouidmi Houari
Published: October 2019

In the context of this article, we are particularly interested in the modeling and control of an induction heating system powered by high frequency resonance inverter. The proposed control scheme comprises a current loop and a PLL circuit. This latter is an electronic assembly for slaving the instantaneous phase of output on the instantaneous input phase, and is used to follow the rapid variations of the frequency.To further improve the transient dynamics of the studied system and in order to reduce the impact of measurement noise on the control signal, a generalized predictive control has been proposed to control the current of the inductor. We discussed the main steps of this command, whose it uses a minimization algorithm to obtain an optimal control signals, its advantages are: its design is simple, less complexity and direct manipulation of the control signal.The results have shown the effectiveness of the proposed method, especially in the parameters variation and/or the change of the reference current.
Security system testing on electronic integrated antenatal care (e-iANC)
Authors: Hosizah Hosizah , Tamzil Fachmi
Published: October 2019

Electronic Integrated Antenatal Care (e-iANC) was built as a web-based application to assist midwives in recording Antenatal Care (ANC) data including Patient Registration; Anamnesis; Physical Examination; Laboratory Test, Screening of Risk Pregnancy; Communication, Information and Education; Treatment and follow-up; Patient Disposition. To ensure e-iANC becomes a safe system, security system testing was needed. Our goals were to test the security system by using the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). It was conducted in computer laboratory at Universitas Esa Unggul Jakarta in August 2017. The OWASP detect include Injection, Broken Authentication and Session Management, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Insecure Direct Object References, Security Misconfiguration, Sensitive Data Exposure, Missing Level Access Control, Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF), Using Known Vulnerable Components, Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards. The results indicated the risk level of e-iANC was the low category in the aspect of Cross-Domain JavaScript Source File Inclusion, Private IP Disclosure, XSS Protection Not Enabled Web Browser.
Dual technique of reconfiguration and capacitor placement for distribution system
Authors: Kadom Haider Fathi , Hussain Ali Nasser , Al-Jubori Waleed Khalid Shakir
Published: October 2019

Radial Distribution System (RDS) suffer from high real power losses and lower bus voltages. Distribution System Reconfiguration (DSR) and Optimal Capacitor Placement (OCP) techniques are ones of the most economic and efficient approaches for loss reduction and voltage profile improvement while satisfy RDS constraints. The advantages of these two approaches can be concentrated using of both techniques together. In this study two techniques are used in different ways. First, the DSR technique is applied individually. Second, the dual technique has been adopted of DSR followed by OCP in order to identify the technique that provides the most eﬀective performance. Three optimization algorithms have been used to obtain the optimal design in individual and dual technique. Two IEEE case studies (33bus, and 69 bus) used to check the effectiveness of proposed approaches. A Direct Backward Forward Sweep Method (DBFSM) has been used in order to calculate the total losses and voltage of each bus. Results show the capability of the proposed dual technique using Modified Biogeography Based Optimization (MBBO) algorithm to find the optimal solution for significant loss reduction and voltage profile enhancement. In addition, comparisons with literature works done to show the superiority of proposed algorithms in both techniques.
Location-Based Augmented Reality Information for Bus Route Planning System
Authors: Brata Komang Candra , Liang Deron , Pramono Sholeh Hadi
Published: October 2019

Bus Route Planner applications will unfold their full potential when bus passengers are enabled to get information about the shortest path route, make a travel plan and get the correct buses in order to reduce the travel time. However, all these information are provided in text based and map view. It is difficult to understand them for the person who does not know place in the map. This paper describes the android base application of Augmented Reality (AR) that has feature to support the action of a bus user in an innovative and dynamic ways by putting additional information layer on smart phone camera screen and give the instruction assistant that leading the user way to the nearest bus stop. The experimental results show that, the overall functional of proposed application can be run well in various type of Android smart phone. When compared with similar bus traveling applications, the proposed application works more efficient.
A Robotic Assistance Machine Vision Technique for An Effective Inspection and Analysis
Authors: Kumar Sahoo Santosh , Choudhury B. B.
Published: October 2019

An Inspection is a study of methods and techniques that can be suitably employed in practical applications. In this paper, a new activity is proposed and analysis framework to facilitate the inspection of an object using machine vision technique in which maximum efficiency can be achieved. By using LABVIEW software and vision builder software the quality of output images such as image compression, image restoration and multimedia streaming are achieved successfully. So the proposed design makes use of various image processing functions like special filters and classifiers to compute the optimum results. Using smart camera in the inspection system the static as well as the dynamic object is captured in fraction of seconds without any blurs; as a result the optimum image quality without any distortion is obtained for better analysis. The proposed system is very precise, accurate and flexible with reasonable development cost compared to other model. With the aid of an Industrial robotic system with simulation software the object is replaced immediately when the same is rejected by the machine vision model. Apart from this, the proposed model can be implemented for any type of Automation work
Power System Oscillation Damping Using New Facts Device
Authors: Narasimha Rao D. , Saritha V.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents about improving stability of the system which can be possible with new FACTS device with more convenient. FACTS devices come under the influence of power electronics equipment. Distributed Power Flow Controller is a FACTS device used for damping low frequency oscillation with new controlling approach. It is valid for a wide range of the operating condition. In this work explain the basic model and its steady state operation, mathematical analysis injection of current control model of the DPFC. Using damping controller used in DPFC facts device as input to implement the task of power oscillation damping .Here this work had a brief study on damping, terminal voltage and excitation voltage at different load conditions, simulation results demonstrate damping low frequency oscillation at nominal, light and heavy loading conditions
A Power System Stabilizer for Multi-Machine Power Based on Hybrid BF0A-PSO
Authors: Saranya Mary , A Rajapandiyan , K. Fathima , S Hema , S GeethaPriya , S Saravanan
Published: October 2019

Bacterial Swarm Optimization (BSO) is used to design Power System Stabilizers in a multi machine power system. In BSO, the search directions of tumble behavior for each bacterium are oriented by the individual’s best location and the global best location of PSO. The hybrid BFOA-PSO algorithm has been applied to IEEE 14 bus test system under normal, light and heavy load conditions. Simulations results have revealed the strength of the BSO in tuning Power System Stabilizers under normal, light and heavy load conditions. The results present the effectiveness of the controller to improve the power system stability over a different range of loading conditions.
Recursive Least-Squares Estimation for the Joint Input-State Estimation of Linear Discrete Time Systems with Unknown Input
Authors: Bessaoudi Talel , Ben Hmida Fayçal
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a recursive least-squares approach to estimate simultaneously the state and the unknown input of linear time varying discrete time systems with unknown input. The method is based on the assumption that no prior knowledge about the dynamical evolution of the input is available. The joint input and state estimation are obtained by recursive least-squares formulation by applying the inversion lemmas. The proposed filter is equivalent to recursive three step filter. To illustrate the performance of the proposed filter an example is given.
Analysis Air Cooling Mechanism for Photovoltaic Panel by Solar Simulator
Authors: Yusoff Mohd. Irwan , Zhe Leow Wai , Misrun Muhammad Irwanto , Abd. Malek Mohd Fareq , Razak Amelia Abdul , Shasidharan Gomesh Nair A/L , Ibrahim Safwati
Published: October 2019

Measurement the outdoor efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels is essential, but it is not likely an exceptional circumstance at any given moment is always repeating itself. A solar simulator was designed and fabricated for the purpose of analyzing the performance of PV panel with and without an air cooling mechanism in indoor test. Twenty units of 500 W halogen lamps with build-in reflector support by the steel structure holder act as a natural sunlight. The uniformity of the solar radiation was measured in the test area. Two units of PV panel with same characteristics were experimental in three sets of uniformity of solar radiation, which are 620, 821 and 1016 W/m². The operating temperature of PV panel with an air cooling mechanism can be decreased 2-3 ˚C compared to PV panel reference. The PV panel with an air cooling mechanism can be increased in 3-7 % of maximum power output based on solar radiation. An overall method and procedure of the measurement by the solar simulator are discussed and proposed.
A New Approach Based on Quantum Clustering and Wavelet Transform for Breast Cancer Classification: Comparative Study
Authors: Hamdi Nezha , Auhmani Khalid , Hassani Moha.M’Rabet
Published: October 2019

Feature selection involves identifying a subset of the most useful features that produce the same results as the original set of features. In this paper, we present a new approach for improving classification accuracy. This approach is based on quantum clustering for feature subset selection and wavelet transform for features extraction. The feature selection is performed in three steps. First the mammographic image undergoes a wavelet transform then some features are extracted. In the second step the original feature space is partitioned in clusters in order to group similar features. This operation is performed using the Quantum Clustering algorithm. The third step deals with the selection of a representative feature for each cluster. This selection is based on similarity measures such as the correlation coefficient (CC) and the mutual information (MI). The feature which maximizes this information (CC or MI) is chosen by the algorithm. This approach is applied for breast cancer classification. The K-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier is used to achieve the classification. We have presented classification accuracy versus feature type, wavelet transform and K neighbors in the KNN classifier. An accuracy of 100% was reached in some cases.