bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertain Stochastic Option Pricing in the Presence of Uncertain Jumps
Authors: Chirima Justin , Chikodza Eriyoti , Hove-Musekwa Senelani Dorothy
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a new differential equation, driven by aleatory and epistemic forms of uncertainty, is introduced and applied to describe the dynamics of a stock price process. This novel class of differential equations is called uncertain stochastic differential equations(USDES) with uncertain jumps. The existence and uniqueness theorem for this class of differential equations is proposed and proved. An appropriate version of the chain rule is derived and applied to solve some examples of USDES with uncertain jumps. The differential equation discussed is applied in an American call option pricing problem. In this problem, it is assumed that the evolution of the stock price is driven by a Brownian motion, the Liu canonical process and an uncertain renewal process. MATLAB is employed for implementing the derived option pricing model. Results show that option prices from the proposed call option pricing formula increase as the jump size increases. As compared to the proposed call option pricing formula, the Black-Scholes overprices options for a certain range of strike prices and under-prices the same options for another range of exercise prices when the jump size is zero.
Cosmic acceleration sourced by modification of gravity without extra degrees of freedom
Authors: Agarwal Abhineet , Myrzakulov R. , Pacif S. K. J. , Sami M. , Wang Anzhong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we investigate a scenario in which late-time cosmic acceleration might arise due to coupling between dark matter and baryonic matter without resorting to dark energy or large-scale modification of gravity associated with extra degrees of freedom. The scenario can give rise to late-time acceleration in Jordan frame and no acceleration in Einstein frame — generic modification of gravity caused by disformal coupling. Using a simple parametrization of the coupling function, in maximally disformal case, we constrain the model parameters by using the age constraints due to globular cluster data. We also obtain observational constraints on the parameters using [Formula: see text] datasets. In this case, we distinguish between phantom and non-phantom acceleration and show that the model can give rise to phantom behavior in a narrow region of parameter space.
Some inequalities for statistical submanifolds of quaternion Kaehler-like statistical space forms
Authors: Aquib Mohd.
Published: June 2019

Motivated by one of the problems proposed by [Vilcu and Vilcu, Statistical manifolds with almost quaternionic structures and quaternionic Kaehler-like statistical submersions, Entropy 17 (2015) 6213–6228] in this paper, we study the statistical submanifolds of quaternion Kaehler-like statistical space forms and provide an answer to the problem. Further, we derive the statistical version of Chen inequality for totally real statistical submanifold in such ambient.
Crystal Structure Control of ZnxCd1−xS Alloyed Nanocrystals and Structural Dependent Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Qin Kaili , Li Jingling , Zhu Yanqing , Xu Xueqing , Xiao Xiudi , Deng Bing , Yang Juan , Bi Zhuoneng , Chen Shuaijun , Xu Gang
Published: June 2019

Crystal structure control is so important to the fluorescence properties that each element should be considered carefully. In conventional synthesis of ZnxCd[Formula: see text]S alloyed nanocrystals (NCs), most of studies focus on ligand–surface interaction on the formation of either zinc blende or wurtzite ZnxCd[Formula: see text]S nanocrystals, instead of the reactant source. In this work, mixed crystal phase was found easily in ZnxCd[Formula: see text]S alloyed NCs when reaction proceeded at high Zn/Cd source ratio condition. Therefore, we regulate the Zn/Cd ratio to obtain relative pure zinc-blende structure, and study the influence of structure change on the fluorescence properties. Further, we have proposed a two-step ZnS coating method to acquire ZnxCd[Formula: see text]S/ZnS NCs with separated crystal-phase between core and shell. Compared with maximum QY of 81% for ZnxCd[Formula: see text]S/ZnS NCs synthesized by conventional one-step coating method, the performance of the optimized NCs has significantly improved with maximum QY of 93%.
BMAL1 controls glucose uptake through paired-homeodomain transcription factor 4 in differentiated Caco-2 cells
Authors: Sussman Whitney , Stevenson Matthew , Mowdawalla Cyrus , Mota Samantha , Ragolia Louis , Pan Xiaoyue
Published: June 2019

The transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein-1 (BMAL1) is an essential regulator of the circadian clock, which controls the 24-h cycle of physiological processes such as nutrient absorption. To examine the role of BMAL1 in small intestinal glucose absorption, we used differentiated human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells). Here, we show that BMAL1 regulates glucose uptake in differentiated Caco-2 cells and that this process is dependent on the glucose transporter sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). Mechanistic studies show that BMAL1 regulates glucose uptake by controlling the transcription of SGLT1 involving paired-homeodomain transcription factor 4 (PAX4), a transcriptional repressor. This is supported by the observation that clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas9 (Cas9) knockdown of PAX4 increases SGLT1 and glucose uptake. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-quantitative PCR assays show that the knockdown or overexpression of BMAL1 decreases or increases the binding of PAX4 to the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-α binding site of the SGLT1 promoter, respectively. These findings identify BMAL1 as a critical mediator of small intestine carbohydrate absorption and SGLT1.
A distinct transcriptional profile in response to endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II is partially mediated by JAK-STAT3 in murine macrophages
Authors: Lee Daniel D. , Hochstetler Alexandra , Murphy Christina , Lowe Chinn-Woan , Schwarz Margaret A.
Published: June 2019

Macrophages are important responders to environmental changes such as secreted factors. Among the secreted factors in injured tissues, the highly conserved endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II (EMAP II) has been characterized to limit vessel formation, to be locally expressed near sites of injury labeling it a “find-me” signal, and to recruit macrophages and neutrophils. The molecular mechanisms mediated by EMAP II within macrophages once they are recruited are unknown. In this study, using a model of partially activated, recruited thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages, a transient, transcription profile of key functional genes in macrophages exposed to EMAP II was characterized. We found that EMAP II-mediated changes were elicited mainly through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as evidenced by increased Y705 phosphorylation and changes in activity and upstream of it, Janus associated kinase (JAK)1/2 upstream. Both inhibition of JAK1/2 and knockdown of Stat3 abrogated a subset of genes that are upregulated by EMAP II. Our results identify a rapid EMAP II-mediated STAT3 activation that coincides with altered pro- and anti-inflammatory gene expression in macrophages.
The Bardet-Biedl syndrome protein complex regulates cell migration and tissue repair through a Cullin-3/RhoA pathway
Authors: Guo Deng-Fu , Rahmouni Kamal
Published: June 2019

Cell motility and migration play critical roles in various physiological processes and disease states. Here, we show that the BBBsome, a macromolecule composed of eight Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins including BBS1, is a critical determinant of cell migration and wound healing. Fibroblast cells derived from mice or humans harboring a homozygous missense mutation (BBS1M390R/M390R) that disrupt the BBSome exhibit defects in migration and wound healing. Furthermore, we demonstrate that BBS1M390R/M390R mice have significantly delayed wound closure. In line with this, we provide data suggesting that BBS1M390R/M390R fibroblasts have impaired platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF) receptor-α signaling, a key regulator of directional cell migration acting as a chemoattractant during postnatal migration responses such as wound healing. In addition, we show that BBS1M390R/M390R fibroblasts have upregulated RhoA expression and activity. The relevance of RhoA upregulation is demonstrated by the ability of RhoA-kinase inhibitor Y27632 to partially rescue the migration defect of BBS1M390R/M390R fibroblasts cells. We also show that accumulation of RhoA protein in BBS1M390R/M390R fibroblasts cells is associated with reduction and inactivation of the ubiquitin ligase Cullin-3. Consistent with this, Cullin-3 inhibition with MLN4924 is sufficient to reduce migration of normal fibroblasts. These data implicate the BBSome in cell motility and tissue repair through a mechanism that involves PDGF receptor signaling and Cullin-3-mediated control of RhoA.
Cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis: a 2-yr longitudinal follow-up study using advanced cardiac imaging
Authors: Wiese Signe , Hove Jens D. , Mo Silje , Mygind Naja D. , Tønnesen Jacob , Petersen Claus L. , Clemmesen Jens O. , Goetze Jens P. , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren
Published: June 2019

The temporal relationship between cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, progression of liver disease, and survival remains unknown. Our aim was to investigate the development of structural and functional cardiac changes over time with the progression of cirrhosis and outcome. Sixty-three cirrhotic outpatients (Child class: A = 9, B = 46, C = 8) and 14 healthy controls were included in this 2-yr longitudinal study. Advanced cardiac characteristics such as cardiac MRI with extracellular volume (ECV) quantification, speckle tracking echocardiography, and biomarkers were assessed at 0/6/12/18/24 mo. Patients were followed-up for a median of 30 mo with registration of acute decompensations (ADs), liver transplantations (LTs), and deaths. Patients who progressed, underwent LT or died had more pronounced cardiac dysfunction, structural myocardial changes, and left atrial enlargement. Conversely, limited cardiac deterioration was seen in patients who remained stable or improved in cirrhosis. During follow-up 25 patients developed AD, 4 underwent LT, and 20 died. Mean arterial pressure was the only cardiovascular parameter associated with death in a univariate analysis ( P = 0.037), and the main predictors were model for end-stage liver disease and age. However, last-visit myocardial ECV was independently associated with the combined end point of LT/death ( P = 0.001), and in patients with AD a low cardiac index was independently associated with death ( P = 0.01). Cardiac function seems to deteriorate with the progression of cirrhosis and affects prognosis, especially in patients with AD. Conversely, patients with stable cirrhosis have limited progression in cardiac dysfunction over a 2-yr period with modest impact on survival. The results encourage careful cardiac monitoring in advanced cirrhosis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY For the first time, we have performed advanced cardiac imaging to investigate the development of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy over 2 years. We show that cardiac dysfunction deteriorates with progression of cirrhosis and may affect the prognosis in patients developing acute decompensation. Especially, structural myocardial abnormalities, left atrial enlargement, and a hypodynamic cardiac state seem of importance. Conversely, limited cardiac progression is seen in stable cirrhosis. These findings provide new insight into our understanding of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Urinary dysfunction in transgenic sickle cell mice: model of idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Karakus Serkan , Anele Uzoma A. , Silva Fábio H. , Musicki Biljana , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: June 2019

Voiding abnormalities are common among the sickle cell disease (SCD) population, among which overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is observed at rates as high as 39%. Although detrusor overactivity is the most common cause of OAB, its molecular pathophysiology is not well elucidated. The nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of lower genitourinary tract function. In the present study, we evaluated the role of the NO signaling pathway in voiding function of transgenic SCD mice compared with combined endothelial and neuronal NO synthase gene-deficient mice, both serving as models of NO deficiency. Mice underwent void spot assay and cystometry, and bladder and urethral specimens were studied using in vitro tissue myography. Both mouse models exhibited increased void volumes; increased nonvoiding and voiding contraction frequencies; decreased bladder compliance; increased detrusor smooth muscle contraction responses to electrical field stimulation, KCl, and carbachol; and increased urethral smooth muscle relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside compared with WT mice. In conclusion, our comprehensive behavioral and functional study of the SCD mouse lower genitourinary tract, in correlation with that of the NO-deficient mouse, reveals NO effector actions in voiding function and suggests that NO signaling derangements are associated with an OAB phenotype. These findings may allow further study of molecular targets for the characterization and evaluation of OAB.
Cannabinoid receptor-mediated modulation of inhibitory inputs to mitral cells in the main olfactory bulb
Authors: Wang Ze-Jun , Hu Sherry Shu-Jung , Bradshaw Heather B. , Sun Liqin , Mackie Ken , Straiker Alex , Heinbockel Thomas
Published: June 2019

The endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling system has been functionally implicated in many brain regions. Our understanding of the role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in olfactory processing remains limited. Cannabinoid signaling is involved in regulating glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). However, the cannabinoid-related circuitry of inputs to mitral cells in the MOB has not been fully determined. Using anatomical and functional approaches we have explored this question. CB1was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive subpopulation of interneurons but not in mitral cells. We detected eCBs in the mouse MOB as well as the expression of CB1and other genes associated with cannabinoid signaling in the MOB. Patch-clamp electrophysiology demonstrated that CB1agonists activated mitral cells and evoked an inward current, while CB1antagonists reduced firing and evoked an outward current. CB1effects on mitral cells were absent in subglomerular slices in which the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer were removed, suggesting the glomerular layer as the site of CB1action. We previously observed that GABAergic periglomerular cells show the inverse response pattern to CB1activation compared with mitral cells, suggesting that CB1indirectly regulates mitral cell activity as a result of cellular activation of glomerular GABAergic processes . This hypothesis was supported by the finding that cannabinoids modulated synaptic transmission to mitral cells. We conclude that CB1directly regulates GABAergic processes in the glomerular layer to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cannabinoid signaling with cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) is involved in the regulation of glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). We detected endocannabinoids in the mouse MOB. CB1was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive subpopulation of interneurons. CB1agonists activated mitral cells. CB1directly regulates GABAergic processes to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.
A quantitative confidence signal detection model: 2. Confidence analysis
Authors: Yi Yongwoo , Wang Wei , Merfeld Daniel M.
Published: June 2019

Decision making is a fundamental subfield within neuroscience. While recent findings have yielded major advances in our understanding of decision making, confidence in such decisions remains poorly understood. In this paper, we present a confidence signal detection (CSD) model that combines a standard signal detection model yielding a noisy decision variable with a model of confidence. The CSD model requires quantitative measures of confidence obtained by recording confidence probability judgments. Specifically, we model confidence probability judgments for binary direction recognition (e.g., did I move left or right) decisions. We use our CSD model to study both confidence calibration (i.e., how does confidence compare with performance) and the distributions of confidence probability judgments. We evaluate two variants of our CSD model: a conventional model with two free parameters (CSD2) that assumes that confidence is well calibrated and our new model with three free parameters (CSD3) that includes an additional confidence scaling factor. On average, our CSD2 and CSD3 models explain 73 and 82%, respectively, of the variance found in our empirical data set. Furthermore, for our large data sets consisting of 3,600 trials per subject, correlation and residual analyses suggest that the CSD3 model better explains the predominant aspects of the empirical data than the CSD2 model, especially for subjects whose confidence is not well calibrated. Moreover, simulations show that asymmetric confidence distributions can lead traditional confidence calibration analyses to suggest “underconfidence” even when confidence is perfectly calibrated. These findings show that this CSD model can be used to help improve our understanding of confidence and decision making.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We make life-or-death decisions each day; our actions depend on our “confidence.” Though confidence, accuracy, and response time are the three pillars of decision making, we know little about confidence. In a previous paper, we presented a new model — dependent on a single scaling parameter — that transforms decision variables to confidence. Here we show that this model explains the empirical human confidence distributions obtained during a vestibular direction recognition task better than standard signal detection models.
Successful auditory motor adaptation requires task-relevant auditory errors
Authors: Daliri Ayoub , Dittman Jonathan
Published: June 2019

When we produce speech movements, we also predict the auditory consequences of the movements. We use discrepancies between our predictions and incoming auditory information to modify our future movements (adapt). Although auditory errors are crucial for speech motor learning, not all perceived auditory errors are consequences of our own actions. Therefore, the brain needs to evaluate the relevance of perceived auditory errors. In this study, we examined error assessment processes involved in auditory motor adaptation by systematically manipulating the correspondence between speech motor outputs and their auditory consequences during speaking. Participants ( n = 30) produced speech while they received perturbed auditory feedback (e.g., produced “head” but heard a word that sounded like “had”). In one condition, auditory errors were related to participants’ productions (task-relevant errors). In another condition, auditory errors were defined by the experimenter and had no correspondence with participants’ speech output (task-irrelevant errors). We found that the extent of adaptation and error sensitivity (derived from a state-space model) were greater in the condition with task-relevant auditory errors compared with those in the condition with task-irrelevant auditory errors. Additionally, participants with smaller perceptual targets (derived from a categorical perception task) adapted more to auditory perturbations, and participants with larger perceptual targets adapted less. Similarly, participants with smaller perceptual targets were more sensitive to errors in the condition with task-relevant auditory errors. Together, our results highlight the intricate mechanisms, involving both perception and production systems, that the brain uses to optimally integrate auditory errors for successful speech motor learning.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Feedback monitoring is essential for accurate speech production. By providing empirical results and a computational framework, we show that 1) the brain evaluates relevance of auditory errors and responds more to relevant errors, and 2) smaller perceptual targets are associated with more sensitivity to errors and more auditory motor adaptation.
Effects of Curcumin on Vessel Formation Insight into the Pro- and Antiangiogenesis of Curcumin
Authors: Wang Ting-ye , Chen Jia-xu
Published: June 2019

Curcumin is a compound extracted from theCurcuma longa L,which possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects. However, few studies have collected scientific evidence on its dual effect on angiogenesis. The present review gathered the fragmented information available in the literature to discuss the dual effect and possible mechanisms of curcumin on angiogenesis. Available information concerning the effect of curcumin on angiogenesis is compiled from scientific databases, including PubMed and Web of Science using the key term (curcumin and angiogenesis). The results were reviewed to identify relevant articles. Related literature demonstrated that curcumin has antiangiogenesis effect via regulating multiple factors, including proangiogenesis factor VEGF, MMPs, and FGF, bothin vivoandin vitro, and could promote angiogenesis under certain circumstances via these factors. This paper provided a short review on bidirectional action of curcumin, which should be useful for further study and application of this compound that require further studies.
Emerging Risk Management in Industry 4.0: An Approach to Improve Organizational and Human Performance in the Complex Systems
Authors: Brocal F. , González C. , Komljenovic D. , Katina P. F. , Sebastián Miguel A.
Published: June 2019

Industry 4.0 in the contemporary operating context carries important sources of complexity. This context generates both traditional risks and emerging risks that must be managed. The management of these risks includes both industrial risks and occupational risks, since they are heavily interlinked. The human factor can be considered the main link between both types of risks. Thus, understanding risks originating from human errors and organizational weaknesses as causes of accidents and other disruptions in complex systems requires elaborating sophisticated modeling approaches. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to propose an organizational and human performance approach to improve the emerging risk management linked to the complex systems, like as Human‐Machine Interactions (HMI) and Human‐Robot Interaction (HRI). To fulfill this objective, we first introduce the concept of emerging risk linked to human factor. Then, we introduce the concept of emerging risk management in the Industry 4.0 context. Under this complex context, we expose the concept considering the current models of risk management. Finally, we discuss how enhancing human and organizational performance can be achieved through risk management in complex systems linked to Industry 4.0. Therefore, we conclude that while Industry 4.0 brings numerous advantages, it must contend with emerging risks and challenges associated with organizational and human factors. These emerging risks include industrial risks as well as occupational risks. Moreover, the human factor aspect of Industry 4.0 is directly linked to industrial emerging and occupational emerging via context of operations. To cope with these new challenges, it is necessary to develop new approaches. One of such approaches is Complex System Governance. This approach is discussed along with the need for adequate organizational and human performance models dealing with, for example, experience from other domains such as nuclear, space, aviation, and petrochemical.
Undisturbed Switching Control Method of Superheated Steam Temperature Systems
Authors: Yu Lei
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a new type of superheated steam temperature switching control system for thermal power plants is presented. A single neuron adaptive PSD (Proportional Sum Differential) predictive controller is designed. The DCS (Distributed Control System) control system platform is used for configuration design. At the same time, the feedforward compensation technology and anti‐integration saturation technology are employed to improve the characteristics of large hysteresis and multi‐interference in the superheated steam temperature system. Undisturbed switching performance can be well obtained between the new controller and its own PID controller. This proposed method has been well applied in a thermal power plant (600MW) and achieved better control quality.
Automatic Implementation of Fuzzy Reasoning Spiking Neural P Systems for Diagnosing Faults in Complex Power Systems
Authors: Rong Haina , Yi Kang , Zhang Gexiang , Dong Jianping , Paul Prithwineel , Huang Zhiwei
Published: June 2019

As an important variant of membrane computing models, fuzzy reasoning spiking neural P systems (FRSN P systems) were introduced to build a link between P systems and fault diagnosis applications. An FRSN P system offers an intuitive illustration based on a strictly mathematical expression, a good fault‐tolerant capacity, a good description for the relationships between protective devices and faults, and an understandable diagnosis model‐building process. However, the implementation of FRSN P systems is still at a manual process, which is a time‐consuming and hard labor work, especially impossible to perform on large‐scale complex power systems. This manual process seriously limits the use of FRSN P systems to diagnose faults in large‐scale complex power systems and has always been a challenging and ongoing task for many years. In this work we develop an automatic implementation method for automatically fulfilling the hard task, named membrane computing fault diagnosis (MCFD) method. This is a very significant attempt in the development of FRSN P systems and even of the membrane computing applications. MCFD is realized by automating input and output, and diagnosis processes consists of network topology analysis, suspicious fault component analysis, construction of FRSN P systems for suspicious fault components, and fuzzy inference. Also, the feasibility of the FRSN P system is verified on the IEEE14, IEEE 39, and IEEE 118 node systems.
Clinical Approach to Hypocalcemia in Newborn Period and Infancy: Who Should Be Treated?
Authors: Vuralli Dogus
Published: June 2019

Introduction. Hypocalcemia is a common metabolic problem in newborn period and infancy. There is consensus on the treatment of the symptomatic cases while the calcium level at which the treatment will be initiated and the treatment options are still controversial in asymptomatic hypocalcemia.Methods. This review article will cover hypocalcemia with specific reference to calcium homeostasis and definition, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hypocalcemia in newborn and infancy period.Results. Hypocalcemia is defined as total serum calcium <8 mg/dL (2 mmol/L) or ionized calcium <4.4 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L) for term infants or preterm infants weighing >1500 g at birth and total serum calcium <7 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) or ionized calcium <4 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) for very low birth weight infants weighing <1500 g. Early-onset hypocalcemia is generally asymptomatic; therefore, screening for hypocalcemia at the 24th and 48th hour after birth is warranted for infants with high risk of developing hypocalcemia. Late-onset hypocalcemia, which is generally symptomatic, develops after the first 72 h and toward the end of the first week of life. Excessive phosphate intake, hypomagnesemia, hypoparathyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency are commonest causes of late-onset hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia should be treated according to etiology. Calcium replacement is the cornerstone of the treatment. Elementary calcium replacement of 40 to 80 mg/kg/d is recommended for asymptomatic newborns. Elementary calcium of 10 to 20 mg/kg (1–2 mL/kg/dose 10% calcium gluconate) is given as a slow intravenous infusion in the acute treatment of hypocalcemia in patients with symptoms of tetany or hypocalcemic convulsion.Conclusion. Since most infants with hypocalcemia are usually asymptomatic, serum total or ionized calcium levels must be monitored in preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks, small for gestational age infants, infants of diabetic mothers, and infants with severe prenatal asphyxia with a 1 min Apgar score of <4. The treatment of hypocalcemia should be initiated immediately in infants with reduced calcium levels while investigating the etiology.
A Group Decision‐Making Approach Based on DST and AHP for New Product Selection under Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Wu Chong , Zhang Zijiao , Zhong Wei
Published: June 2019

Selecting the most appropriate new product(s) is regarded as a critical decision which greatly influences the development of manufacturing enterprises. In order to improve the accuracy of selection, more experts are required to be invited to predict key indicators for new products selection. Due to limited knowledge, experts use fuzzy numbers more confidently than using numerical values in the prediction. Therefore, new product selection is a multiattribute group decision‐making process under epistemic uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new hybrid decision‐making approach based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Dempster‐Shafer Theory (DST) to evaluate and select a new product. AHP and DST are used in weight determination to improve the accuracy and objectivity. In addition, this paper proposes that DST is a proper mathematical framework to deal with the epistemic uncertainty on the indicators of new product scheme selection. In particular, the initial assessments from experts are disassembled and then combined into the evidence information. By setting confidence degree, reliability function and likelihood function are used to evaluate and rank new products. A case study in a home appliance manufacturer is provided to illustrate the proposed hybrid approach and demonstrate its applicability.
An NMR Metabolomics Approach and Detection ofGanoderma boninense-Infected Oil Palm Leaves Using MWCNT-Based Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Isha Azizul , Akanbi Fowotade Sulayman , Yusof Nor Azah , Osman Rosiah , Mui-Yun Wong , Abdullah Siti Nor Akmar
Published: June 2019

Ganoderma boninense(G. boninense) has been identified as a major problem in oil palm industry which caused basal stem rot disease. Identification of metabolite variation of healthy andG. boninense-infected oil palm leaves at 14 days postinfection using NMR metabolomics approach followed by characterization of an electrochemical sensor based on a functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) layer-by-layer framework on modified screen-printed carbon electrode has been successfully determined. Significant differences from the1H NMR data were observed between healthy andG. boninense-infected oil palm leaves, according to principal component analysis. Gold nanoparticle-functionalized MWCNT and chitosan-functionalized MWCNT were deposited on a screen-printed carbon electrode and were applied for the electrochemical detection of healthy andG. boninense-infected oil palm leaves. The electrocatalytic activities of a modified electrode towards oxidation of healthy andG. boninense-infected oil palm leaves at a concentration of 100 mg/L were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The limits of detection of healthy andG. boninense-infected oil palm leaves were calculated to 0.0765 mg/L and 0.0414 mg/L, respectively. The modified electrode shows a good sensitivity and reproducibility due to the unique characteristics of gold nanoparticles, chitosan, MWCNTs, and synergistic interaction between them.
Operation of Parallel Inverters in Microgrid Using New Adaptive PI Controllers Based on Least Mean Fourth Technique
Authors: Elnady A. , AlShabi M.
Published: June 2019

This paper shows the operation of the microgrid using a new adaptive PI controller based operational (control) scheme. The core of the proposed control scheme is the suggested adaptive PI controller. The parameters of the PI controller are adaptively tuned using a variable step‐size least mean fourth algorithm with no need for any system model to operate this adaptive controller. The main merit of the proposed scheme is that it stabilizes the magnitude and frequency of the voltage at any loading condition such as variable balanced loads, variable unbalanced loads, and nonlinear loads. The proposed scheme has a simple structure and accurate performance. In addition, the structure of proposed scheme provides a seamless transition toward any loss or reconnection of any inverter in the microgrid. Furthermore, the suggested operational scheme is flexible enough to enable the microgrid to be operative in a grid‐connected mode and to transfer from the voltage control mode to power control mode with a smooth transitional procedure. To validate the meritorious performance of the suggested scheme, its performance is compared to similar schemes based on a linear controller (regular PI controller), single‐neuron PI controller (adaptive PI controller), recursive least square‐support vector machine based PI controller (another adaptive PI controller), and nonlinear controller (sliding mode controller) for different operations of the microgrid.
Substernocleidomastoid Muscle Neck Lipoma: An Isolated Case Report
Authors: Rico Ferdinand , Hoang Dustin , Lung John , Puccio Olivia , Brito Michelle , Nazim M. Haris , Sbar Alan
Published: June 2019

Introduction. We report this large neck mass, located behind the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) within the posterior cervical space and anterior to the prevertebral fascia. The mass is displacing the carotid sheath and its neurovascular contents medially. It extends almost the whole length of the SCM muscle all the way down to the lung apex. Case Presentation. A 30-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with a left anterior neck mass for a few months with dysphagia. The lipoma was excised completely along with level II to IV lymphadenectomy. A very small volume chyle leak was noted intraoperatively. The drain was removed 2 weeks later only to recur in one month. A new drain was placed by interventional radiology, and the drainage resolved completely. Discussion. The patient with mild dysphagia had a lipoma large enough to push vital structures away from their normal anatomical position. Due to the difficult location and the size of the lipoma, a meticulous formal lateral neck dissection was required. A 3D imaging like CT or MRI would be helpful to preoperatively plan the dissection. Substernocleidomastoid neck lipoma in our case is a rare benign tumor that was challenging to excise.
Prevalence of the Ser217Leu Variant of the ELAC2 Gene and Its Association with Prostate Cancer in Population of the Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Djomkam Alexandra Lindsey Zune , Beyeme Sala Theodore , Baari Memba Clarisse , Njimoh Dieudonné Lemuh
Published: June 2019

Background. HPC2/ELAC2 has been identified as a prostate cancer (PC) susceptibility gene. Ser- Leu changes at amino acid 217 have been one of the most studied variants of this gene. Several reports have shown association of this variant with PC in samples of men drawn from families with hereditary PC and even sporadic cases. Aim. This study aimed at assessing this association and the prevalence of the Ser217Leu variant of ELAC2 in populations of the Littoral Region of Cameroon. Method. 103 PC case subjects and 80 randomly selected controls identified from the study population participated in the study. 2 milliliters of blood samples was collected from each of the consented participants and used for human genomic DNA extraction and genotyping of the ELAC2 gene by the nonenzymatic salting out and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Results. The frequencies of the wild type (SS), heterozygous mutant (SL), and homozygous mutant (LL) genotypes were, respectively, 28.2%, 49.5%, and 22.3% in prostate cancer patients and 28.8%, 67.5%, and 3.7% in controls. Comparing the LL with SS and (SL+LL) with SS showed that the presence of two copies of the L allele confers a high risk of prostate cancer as compared to the presence of only one L allele which presents no risk of prostate cancer (OR = 6.080 and 1.030, respectively). Analysis of our results also suggested an association (P = 0.0012) of the Ser217Leu variant with increased risk of prostate cancer. Conclusion. Alterations in the ELAC2 gene contribute to prostate cancer susceptibility in men living in the Littoral Region of Cameroon.
A New Pseudorandom Bit Generator Based on Mixing Three‐Dimensional Chen Chaotic System with a Chaotic Tactics
Authors: Huang Xuan , Liu Lingfeng , Li Xiangjun , Yu Minrong , Wu Zijie
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a new chaotic system is proposed based on mixing three‐dimensional Chen chaotic system with a chaotic tactics. This new system is proved to be chaotic under Wiggins’ chaos definition and can generate chaotic sequences with high complexity. Furthermore, we propose a new pseudorandom bit generator (PRBG) based on this new system. A coding algorithm is used to make the sequences uniform. Both statistical and security tests are provided to show the generated sequences are with good randomness and high complexity to withstand attacks.
The Protective Effect of Sonneratia apetala Fruit Extract on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Luo Dandan , Wu Yulin , Gao Changjun , Lin Guosheng , Chen Jinfen , Wu Xiaoli , Zhang Qian , Cai Jian , Su Ziren
Published: June 2019

Acute liver injury is a common consequence of taking overdose of acetaminophen (APAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of a mangrove plant Sonneratia apetala fruit extract (SAFE) on APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Mice were orally pretreated with SAFE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily for one week. The control and APAP groups were intragastrically administered with distilled water, and NAC group was treated with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) before APAP exposure. The results manifested that SAFE significantly improved survival rates, attenuated hepatic histological damage, and decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in serum in APAP-exposed mice. SAFE treatment also increased glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, enhanced catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver. In addition, the formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in APAP-exposed mice were inhibited after SAFE treatment. And SAFE also displayed high DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power in vitro. The main bioactive components of SAFE such as total phenol, flavonoid, condensed tannin, and carbohydrate were determined. The current study proved that SAFE exerted potential protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury, which might be associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of SAFE.
Food Insecurity and Mental Distress among Mothers in Rural Tigray and SNNP Regions, Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Tarik Taye , Tadesse Amare Worku
Published: June 2019

Access to safe and adequate food is a basic human right under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Globally, more than 870 million people consume less calories than they require, which can lead to disabling physical and mental health outcomes. This study was designed to investigate the association between household food insecurity and mental distress among mothers in the Tigray and SNNP regions of Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional survey was completed on a total of 2,992 households. A linear multiple regression model was used to study the association between food insecurity and mental distress. More than half of the study participants, 57.9%, were experiencing food insecurity. The prevalence of mental distress among the mothers was 39%. Food insecurity was significantly associated with mental distress after controlling for socioeconomic covariates. Integrating screening and management of mental distress would result in a better health status of the mothers and those under their care.
EPR Spectroscopic Examination of Different Types of Paramagnetic Centers in the Blood in the Course of Burn Healing
Authors: Komosinska-Vassev Katarzyna , Olczyk Paweł , Kasperczyk Janusz , Pilawa Barbara , Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Dobosz Bernadeta , Ramos Paweł , Stojko Jerzy , Stojko Mateusz , Ivanova Diana , Olczyk Krystyna
Published: June 2019

The multicomponent electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the blood during healing of skin burned wounds treated with a new generation biodegradable dressings containing poly(lactide-co-glycolide) were analysed. The evolution of different types of paramagnetic centers in the blood with time of healing was determined. The EPR spectra of the blood samples at 230 K temperature were measured at 1, 10, and 21 days after burning of the pig skin. The EPR lines of the following paramagnetic centers: the high-spin Fe3+ in methemoglobin (line I), high-spin Fe3+ in transferrin (line II), and Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals (line III) were observed in the X-band (9.3 GHz) spectra of the blood. The multicomponent structure of the EPR spectra of the tested blood samples depended on the time of the healing of the burned wounds. The amount of the high-spin Fe3+ in methemoglobin (line I) in the blood decreased after 21 days of the healing of the burned wounds. The amount of the high-spin Fe3+ in transferrin (line II) slightly increased after 21 days of therapy with the basis. The amount of Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals (line III) in the blood was very high after 10 days of therapy. At the first day of the healing of the burned wounds, the highest amount of the high-spin Fe3+ in methemoglobin (line I), the relatively lower amounts of the high-spin Fe3+ in transferrin (line II), and Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals (line III) existed in the blood. In the medium phase (after 10 days) of the healing of the burned wounds, the extremely higher amounts of Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals (line III) appeared in the blood. In the last phase (after 21 days), only the low differences between the amounts of the high-spin Fe3+ in methemoglobin (line I), the high-spin Fe3+ in transferrin (line II), and Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals (line III) were observed. The present study may serve as a starting point for the development of a new technique for monitoring molecular complexes containing iron Fe3+ (methemoglobin, transferrin) or copper Cu2+ ions (ceruloplasmin) and free radicals in the blood during wound healing.
Sink‐Convergence Cascading Model for Wireless Sensor Networks with Different Load‐Redistribution Schemes
Authors: Fu Xiuwen , Yao Haiqing , Yang Yongsheng
Published: June 2019

Existing cascading models are unable to depict the sink‐convergence characteristic of WSNs (wireless sensor networks). In this work, we build a more realistic cascading model for WSNs, in which two load‐redistribution schemes (i.e., idle redistribution and even redistribution) are introduced. In addition, failed nodes are allowed to recover after a certain time delay rather than being deleted from the network permanently. Simulation results show that the network invulnerability is positively correlated to the tolerance coefficient and negatively correlated to the exponential coefficient. Under the idle‐redistribution scheme, the network can have stronger invulnerability against cascading failures. The extension of the recovery time will exacerbate the fluctuation of the cascading process.
Current Guideline of Chest Compression Depth for Children of All Ages May Be Too Deep for Younger Children
Authors: Lee Jang Hee , Han Sang Kuk , Na Ji Ung
Published: June 2019

Aim. To determine whether the chest compression depth of at least 1/3 of the Anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the chest and about 5 cm is appropriate for children of all age groups via chest computed tomography. Methods. The AP diameter of the chest, anterior chest wall diameter, and compressible diameter (Cd) were measured at the lower half of the sternum for patients aged 1-18 years using chest computed tomography. The mean ratio of 5 cm compression to the Cd of adult patients was used as the lower limit, and the mean ratio of 6 cm compression to the Cd of adult patients was used as the upper limit. Also, the depth of chest compression resulting in a residual depth <1 cm was considered to cause internal injury potentially. With the upper and lower limits, the compression ratios to the Cd were compared when compressions were performed at a depth of 1/3 the AP diameter of the chest and 5 cm for patients aged 1-18 years. Results. Among children aged 1-7 years, compressing 5 cm was deeper than 1/3 the AP diameter. Also, among children aged 1-5 years, 5 cm did not leave a residual depth of 1 cm, potentially causing intrathoracic injury. Conclusion. Current pediatric resuscitation guidelines of chest compression depth for children were too deep for younger children aged 1-7 years.
Atrophic Myenteric and Submucosal Neurons Are Observed in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ohlsson Bodil , Englund Elisabet
Published: June 2019

Aim. Parkinson’s disease is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, especially constipation. Microscopic studies of the enteric nervous system and enteric neuropathy have often been performed by immunostaining in the myenteric plexa. The aim of the present study was to examine whether pathologic changes could be identified by conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and could also be seen in the submucosal plexa.Materials and Methods. In 20 deceased cases (11 male/9 female) of Parkinson’s disease, the intestinal tract was investigated for potential neuroganglionic disease. Ten cases (7 male/3 female) of non-Parkinson, intestinally asymptomatic individuals were used as controls. Specimens from the jejunum and colon were sampled. The material was treated with standard histopathological procedures, i.e., fixed in formaldehyde solution, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm thickness, and stained with H&E and immunostaining forα-synuclein.Results. In 15 cases (7 male/8 female) of Parkinson’s disease, atrophic/pycnotic nerve plexus cells were present, i.e., signs of ganglionic degeneration in the submucosal and/or myenteric plexa, mostly identified in both loci, by H&E staining. In some cases, the degenerative signs were mild, however, corroborated by findings ofα-synuclein deposits in the ganglion cells. The remaining 5 cases showed no signs of degeneration in the H&E staining, but immunostaining revealed minimalα-synuclein deposits in 3 cases. None of the controls showed any ganglionic degeneration/α-synuclein deposits.Conclusion. It seems possible to identify a morphologic intestinal disease substrate in Parkinson’s disease by H&E staining, showing ganglion cell pycnosis and degeneration in both plexa. This finding may indicate a potential to diagnose enteric neuropathy in highly accessible sites.