bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NSAF: An Approach for Ensuring Application-Aware Routing Based on Network QoS of Applications in SDN
Authors: Park Joonseok , Hwang Jeseung , Yeom Keunhyuk
Published: April 2019

The advent of software-defined networking (SDN) has led to the paradigm of programmable network environments. Conceptually, the structure of SDN is divided into three layers: application, control, and infrastructure. The SDN controller in the control layer can configure and execute the routing of applications to the infrastructure layer consisting of network devices, including hosts and switches. Current studies on SDN have predominantly focused on control layer aspects, such as controller development, performance aspects of the controller, and interaction among different controllers and between controllers and network devices. However, to provide seamless network services and efficiently manage network environments, application-aware routing is essential because applications may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as maximum bandwidth and minimum delay. This study proposes the Network Situation-Aware Framework (NSAF) to more efficiently handle application routing based on the QoS requirements and changing network status. A mechanism for supporting the NSAF consisting of application registration, network status monitoring, violation detection, and routing control is also presented. The applicability and feasibility of the proposed NSAF are verified by implementing a prototype. The NSAF may be used as a reference model for efficiently managing SDN-based networks to ensure application QoS.
99mTc-Radiolabeled TPGS Nanomicelles Outperform 99mTc-Sestamibi as Breast Cancer Imaging Agent
Authors: Tesan Fiorella C. , Nicoud Melisa B. , Nuñez Mariel , Medina Vanina A. , Chiappetta Diego A. , Salgueiro María J.
Published: April 2019

D-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved biomaterial that can form nanosized micelles in aqueous solution. TPGS micelles stand as an interesting system to perform drug delivery as they can carry lipophilic drugs and overcome P glycoprotein efflux as well. Therefore, TPGS micelles combined with other copolymers have been reported in many cancer research studies as a carrier for therapeutic drugs. Their ability to reach tumoral tissue can also be exploited to develop imaging agents with diagnostic application. A radiolabeling method with 99mTc for TPGS nanosized micelles and their biodistribution in a healthy animal model as well as their pharmacokinetics and radiolabeling stability in vivo was previously reported. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of this radioactive probe as a diagnostic imaging agent compared to routinely available SPECT radiopharmaceutical, 99mTc-sestamibi. A small field of view gamma camera was used for scintigraphy studies using radiolabeled TPGS micelles in two animal models of breast cancer: syngeneic 4T1 murine cell line (injected in BALB/c mice) and chemically NMU-induced (Sprague-Dawley rats). Ex vivo radioactivity accumulation in organs of interest was measured by a solid scintillation counter, and a semiquantitative analysis was performed over acquired images as well. Results showed an absence of tumoral visualization in 4T1 model for both radioactive probes by gamma camera imaging. On the contrary, NMU-induced tumors had a clear tumor visualization by scintigraphy. A higher tumor/background ratio and more homogeneous uptake were found for radiolabeled TPGS micelles compared to 99mTc-sestamibi. In conclusion, 99mTc-radiolabeled TPGS micelles might be a potential SPECT imaging probe for diagnostic purposes.
Ballooning Graphics Memory Space in Full GPU Virtualization Environments
Authors: Park Younghun , Gu Minwoo , Park Sungyong
Published: April 2019

Advances in virtualization technology have enabled multiple virtual machines (VMs) to share resources in a physical machine (PM). With the widespread use of graphics-intensive applications, such as two-dimensional (2D) or 3D rendering, many graphics processing unit (GPU) virtualization solutions have been proposed to provide high-performance GPU services in a virtualized environment. Although elasticity is one of the major benefits in this environment, the allocation of GPU memory is still static in the sense that after the GPU memory is allocated to a VM, it is not possible to change the memory size at runtime. This causes underutilization of GPU memory or performance degradation of a GPU application due to the lack of GPU memory when an application requires a large amount of GPU memory. In this paper, we propose a GPU memory ballooning solution calledgBalloonthat dynamically adjusts the GPU memory size at runtime according to the GPU memory requirement of each VM and the GPU memory sharing overhead. ThegBalloonextends the GPU memory size of a VM by detecting performance degradation due to the lack of GPU memory. ThegBalloonalso reduces the GPU memory size when the overcommitted or underutilized GPU memory of a VM creates additional overhead for the GPU context switch or the CPU load due to GPU memory sharing among the VMs. We implemented thegBalloonby modifying thegVirt, a full GPU virtualization solution for Intel’s integrated GPUs. Benchmarking results show that thegBalloondynamically adjusts the GPU memory size at runtime, which improves the performance by up to 8% against thegVirtwith 384 MB of high global graphics memory and 32% against thegVirtwith 1024 MB of high global graphics memory.
Big Data Market Optimization Pricing Model Based on Data Quality
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhao Chongchong , Xing Chunxiao
Published: April 2019

In recent years, data has become a special kind of information commodity and promoted the development of information commodity economy through distribution. With the development of big data, the data market emerged and provided convenience for data transactions. However, the issues of optimal pricing and data quality allocation in the big data market have not been fully studied yet. In this paper, we proposed a big data market pricing model based on data quality. We first analyzed the dimensional indicators that affect data quality, and a linear evaluation model was established. Then, from the perspective of data science, we analyzed the impact of quality level on big data analysis (i.e., machine learning algorithms) and defined the utility function of data quality. The experimental results in real data sets have shown the applicability of the proposed quality utility function. In addition, we formulated the profit maximization problem and gave theoretical analysis. Finally, the data market can maximize profits through the proposed model illustrated with numerical examples.
Adsorption of Uranium(VI) from Aqueous Solution by Modified Rice Stem
Authors: Xiao-teng Zhang , Dong-mei Jiang , Yi-qun Xiao , Jun-chang Chen , Shuai Hao , Liang-shu Xia
Published: April 2019

The biosorption is an effective and economical method to deal with the wastewater with low concentrations of uranium. In this study, we present a systematic investigation of the adsorption properties, such as the kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms, of modified rice stems. The rice stems treated with 0.5 mol/L NaOH solutions show higher removal percentage of uranium than those unmodified under the conditions of initial pH (pH = 4.0), absorbent dosage (5–8 g/L), temperature (T = 298 K), and adsorption equilibrium time (t = 180 min). The removal percentage of uranium(VI) decreases with increasing initial concentration of uranium(VI). The Langmuir isotherm model, which suggests predominant monolayered sorption, is better than Freundlich and Temkin models to elucidate the adsorption isotherm of adsorbed uranium. Kinetic analyses indicate that the uranium(VI) adsorption of the modified rice stem is mainly controlled by surface adsorption. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with the correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9992, fits the adsorption process much better than other kinetic models (e.g., pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Elovich kinetic model, and intraparticle diffusion model). The thermodynamic parameters ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 demonstrate that the adsorption of uranium(VI) is an endothermic and spontaneous process, which can be promoted by temperature. The adsorption of uranium can change the morphology and the structure characteristics of the modified rice stem through interaction with the adsorption sites, such as O-H, C=O, Si=O, and P-O on the surface.
Analyzing Tight Sand Characteristics and Its Influence on Aqueous Phase Removal by Gas Displacement
Authors: Meng Mianmo , Ge Hongkui , Shen Yinghao , Ji Wenming , Wu Yang , Xu Xiaosong , Huang Weihan , Li Qinyu , Yu Jiayao
Published: April 2019

Tight sand gas is an important unconventional natural gas. Liquid filtration plays a main role in the formation damage. Flowback rate is closely related to the formation permeability recovery. Usually, the more flowback rate is, the better the permeability recovery is. In order to research the factors that influence the liquid flowback, the tight sand characteristics and gas displacement have been investigated. Some experiments were carried out, including porosity, permeability, XRD, casting thin section, SEM, stress sensitivity, rock expansion, and gas displacement. The results are shown as follows. Taiyuan formation has average high clay content than H8 formation. Illite is the main clay in Taiyuan formation; chlorite is the main clay in H8 formation. From the casting thin section, the rock has strong compression. Taiyuan formation has large pore. However, H8 formation mainly has small cracks. Through the SEM, there are many micro- to nanocracks as well as some pores in these two formations. In some cases, cracks penetrate the clays. From the permeability stress sensitivity, these tight sands have strong stress sensitivity. Permeability decreases quickly with increasing confining pressure. In the rock expansion experiment, the tight sand has less expansion rate compared with shale gas rock and volcanic gas rock. Rock expansion rate has positive relationship with clay content. In the gas displacement experiment, usually the higher the clay content, the lesser the liquid flowback. Some samples have high clay content. However, it has high flowback rate, which may account for good pore connection. Through the above study, the flowback rate has negative relationship with clay content and positive relationship with pore size, pore connection, and displacement pressure. In order to increase tight gas production in the study area, the formation should have high flowback rate and less liquid retention. Therefore, clay expansion preventing additives should be added into the fracturing liquid to reduce the liquid retention. The quick flowback should be implemented after hydraulic fracturing for reducing the interaction between liquid and rock. At the same time, the drawdown pressure should keep in a certain value to reduce stress sensitivity.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Lactoperoxidase–Thiocyanate–Hydrogen Peroxide System in Reduced-Lactose Milk Whey
Authors: Al-Baarri Ahmad Ni’matullah , Damayanti Novia Tri , Legowo Anang Mohamad , Tekiner İsmail Hakkı , Hayakawa Shigeru
Published: April 2019

The product of the lactoperoxidase system (LPOS) has been developed as a preservative agent to inhibit foodborne bacteria, but its action was, heretofore, limited to several original compounds in milk. This research was conducted to analyze the application of the lactoperoxidase system against Escherichia coli in fresh bovine milk and its derivative products to determine the strength of antibacterial activity. Lactoperoxidase was purified from bovine whey using the SP Sepharose Big Beads Column. The enzymatic reaction involving lactoperoxidase, thiocyanate, and hydrogen peroxide was used to generate the antibacterial agent from LPOS. This solution was then added to milk, skimmed milk, untreated whey, reduced-LPO whey, reduced-lactose whey, and high-lactose solution containing E. coli at an initial count of 6.0 log CFU/mL. LPOS showed the greatest reduction of bacteria (1.68 ± 0.1 log CFU/mL) in the reduced-lactose whey among the products tested. This result may lead to a method for enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of LPOS in milk and derived products.
Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) Enhances IFN-α Inhibitory Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Reducing VEGF Expression: Validation by Gene Silencing Technique
Authors: Chen Xiaoheng , Qi Shuo , Li Zhe , He Bei , Li Hui long , Fu Jinxiang , Huang Sheng , Zhang Lei , Li Xinai , Hu Rui , Li Lu , Wang Tangshun , Xue Feng , Gao Xiang , Shi Xiaoguang , Zhang Tao , Wang Xin , Wang Junhui , Ding Zhiguo
Published: April 2019

Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) is a traditional Chinese medicine injection with anticancer properties and is mainly composed of ginseng and astragalus. Its efficacy has been confirmed in clinical trials, but the mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effect of SFI on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and identified its possible mechanism of synergistic effects when combined with the chemotherapeutic drug interferon (IFN-) α. An MTT assay was used to measure the inhibition effects of low-dose IFN-α (6000 IU) with or without SFI (0.5 g/L) on the HCC cell line MHCC97. VEGF-silenced MHCC97L-mir200 cell lines were prepared using lentiviral vectors and evaluated by real-time PCR to determine the inhibition effect. We examined MHCC97L-mir200 and MHCC97L cells by MTT assay, using IFN-α alone or in combination with SFI. The inhibition ratio of IFN-α (6000 IU) was -29.5%, while that for IFN-α (6000 IU) + SFI (0.5 g/L) was 17.0%, which was significantly higher than that for the IFN-α group (P < 0.01). The VEGF gene was silenced successfully in MHCC97-L cells. After interference of VEGF, the inhibition by SFI and IFN-α in MHCC97L-mir200 did not differ from that in MHCC97-L cells (P > 0.05). SFI can reduce the expression of VEGF in HCC, which can increase the efficacy of IFN-α, providing a theoretical basis for clinical application.
The Cytotoxic Properties of Baeckea frutescens Branches Extracts in Eliminating Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Shahruzaman S. H. , Mustafa M. F. , Ramli S. , Maniam S. , Fakurazi S. , Maniam S.
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in over 100 countries worldwide and accounts for almost 1 in 4 cancer cases among women. Baeckea frutescens of the family Myrtaceae has been used in traditional medicine and is known to possess antibacterial, antipyretic, and cytoprotective properties. In this study, we investigated the role of Baeckea frutescens branches extracts against human breast cancer cells. Baeckea frutescens branches extracts were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of different polarity. The selective cytotoxic activity and the glucose consumption rate of Baeckea frutescens branches extracts of various concentrations (20 to 160 ug/ml) at 24-, 48-, and 72-hour time points were studied using MTT and glucose uptake assay. The IC50 values in human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and mammary breast (MCF10A) cell lines were determined. Apoptotic study using AO/PI double staining was performed using fluorescent microscopy. The glucose uptake was measured using 2-NBDG, a fluorescent glucose analogue. The phytochemical screening of major secondary metabolites in plants was performed. This study reports that Baeckea frutescens branches extracts showed potent selective cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells compared to MDA-MB-231 cells after 72 hours of treatment. Evidence of early apoptosis which includes membrane blebbing and chromatin condensation was observed after 72 hours of treatment with Baeckea frutescens branches extracts. Interestingly, for the glucose uptake assay, the inhibition was observed as early as 24 hours upon treatment. All Baeckea frutescens extracts showed the presence of major secondary metabolites such as tannin, triterpenoid, flavonoid, and phenol. However, alkaloid level was unable to be determined. The identification of Baeckea frutescens and its possible role in selectively inhibiting glucose consumption in breast cancer cells defines a new role of natural product that can be utilised as an effective agent that regulates metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer.
Emergence of New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase (NDM) and Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC) Production by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Southern Vietnam and Appropriate Methods of Detection: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hoang Cuong Q. , Nguyen Hai D. , Vu Huy Q. , Nguyen Anh T. , Pham Binh T. , Tran Trung L. , Nguyen Hanh T. H. , Dao Y. M. , Nguyen Tuyet S. M. , Nguyen Dung A. , Tran Hang T. T. , Phan Lan T.
Published: April 2019

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are well known to cause many serious infections resulting in increasing mortality rate, treatment cost, and prolonged hospitalization. Among the widely recognized types of carbapenemases, New Delhi β-lactamase (NDM) and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) are the most important enzymes. However, in Vietnam, there are only scattered reports of CPE due to the lack of simple and affordable methods that are suitable to laboratory conditions. This study aims to survey the characteristics of carbapenem-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae (CR-E/K) at two hospitals in Southern Vietnam and perform some simple methods to detect the two enzymes. A total of 100 CR-E/K strains were collected from clinical isolates of Gia Dinh People’s Hospital and Dong Nai General Hospital, Vietnam, from November 2017 to May 2018. The patient-related information was also included in the analysis. We conducted real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Modified Hodge Test (MHT), and combined disk test (CDT) on all isolates. Carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected in 47 isolates (36 NDM, 10 KPC, and one isolate harboring both genes). The E. coli strain carrying simultaneously these two genes was the first case reported here. Most of isolates were collected from patients in ICU, Infectious Disease Department, and Department of Urologic Surgery. Urine and sputum were two common specimens. The true positive rate (sensitivity, TPR) and specificity (SPC) of the imipenem–EDTA (ethylen diamine tetra acetic acid) for NDM detection and the imipenem–PBA (phenylboronic acid) for KPC detection on E. coli were 93.8%, 97.1% and 66.7%, 95.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, the imipenem–EDTA for NDM detection and the imipenem–PBA for KPC detection among K. pneumonia achieved 90.5%, 100% and 100%, 92.9% TPR and SPC, respectively. However, MHT showed low sensitivity and specificity. Our findings showed that CP-E/K were detected with high prevalence in the two hospitals. We suggest that CDT can be used as a low-priced and accurate method of detection.
MicroRNA-92 Expression in CD133+ Melanoma Stem Cells Regulates Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment via Integrin-Dependent Activation of TGFβ
Authors: Shidal Chris , Singh Narendra P. , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: April 2019

In addition to being refractory to treatment, melanoma cancer stem cells (CSC) are known to suppress host antitumor immunity, the underlying mechanisms of which need further elucidation. In this study, we established a novel role for miR-92 and its associated gene networks in immunosuppression. CSCs were isolated from the B16-F10 murine melanoma cell line based on expression of the putative CSC marker CD133 (Prominin-1). CD133+ cells were functionally distinct from CD133− cells and showed increased proliferation in vitro and enhanced tumorigenesis in vivo. CD133+ CSCs also exhibited a greater capacity to recruit immunosuppressive cell types during tumor formation, including FoxP3+ Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and M2 macrophages. Using microarray technology, we identified several miRs that were significantly downregulated in CD133+ cells compared with CD133− cells, including miR-92. Decreased expression of miR-92 in CSCs led to higher expression of target molecules integrin αV and α5 subunits, which, in turn, enhanced TGFβ activation, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of SMAD2. CD133+ cells transfected with miR-92a mimic and injected in vivo showed significantly decreased tumor burden, which was associated with reduced immunosuppressive phenotype intratumorally. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database of patients with melanoma, we also noted a positive correlation between integrin α5 and TGFβ1 expression levels and an inverse association between miR-92 expression and integrin alpha subunit expression. Collectively, this study suggests that a miR-92–driven signaling axis involving integrin activation of TGFβ in CSCs promotes enhanced tumorigenesis through induction of intratumoral immunosuppression.

Significance:

CD133+ cells play an active role in suppressing melanoma antitumor immunity by modulating miR-92, which increases influx of immunosuppressive cells and TGFβ1 expression.
Small Molecules Target the Interaction between Tissue Transglutaminase and Fibronectin
Authors: Sima Livia Elena , Yakubov Bakhtiyor , Zhang Sheng , Condello Salvatore , Grigorescu Arabela A. , Nwani Nkechiyere G. , Chen Lan , Schiltz Gary E. , Arvanitis Constandina , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Matei Daniela
Published: April 2019

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional protein with enzymatic, GTP-ase, and scaffold properties. TG2 interacts with fibronectin (FN) through its N-terminus domain, stabilizing integrin complexes, which regulate cell adhesion to the matrix. Through this mechanism, TG2 participates in key steps involved in metastasis in ovarian and other cancers. High-throughput screening identified several small molecule inhibitors (SMI) for the TG2/FN complex. Rational medicinal chemistry optimization of the hit compound (TG53) led to second-generation analogues (MT1-6). ELISA demonstrated that these analogues blocked TG2/FN interaction, and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) showed that the SMIs bound to TG2. The compounds also potently inhibited cancer cell adhesion to FN and decreased outside-in signaling mediated through the focal adhesion kinase. Blockade of TG2/FN interaction by the small molecules caused membrane ruffling, delaying the formation of stable focal contacts and mature adhesions points and disrupted organization of the actin cytoskeleton. In an in vivo model measuring intraperitoneal dissemination, MT4 and MT6 inhibited the adhesion of ovarian cancer cells to the peritoneum. Pretreatment with MT4 also sensitized ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. The data support continued optimization of the new class of SMIs that block the TG2/FN complex at the interface between cancer cells and the tumor niche.
The Pluripotency Regulator PRDM14 Requires Hematopoietic Regulator CBFA2T3 to Initiate Leukemia in Mice
Authors: Tracey Lauren J. , Brooke-Bisschop Travis , Jansen Pascal W.T.C. , Campos Eric I. , Vermeulen Michiel , Justice Monica J.
Published: April 2019

PR domain–containing 14 (Prdm14) is a pluripotency regulator central to embryonic stem cell identity and primordial germ cell specification. Genomic regions containing PRDM14 are often amplified leading to misexpression in human cancer. Prdm14 expression in mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) leads to progenitor cell expansion prior to the development of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), consistent with PRDM14's role in cancer initiation. Here, we demonstrate mechanistic insight into PRDM14-driven leukemias in vivo. Mass spectrometry revealed novel PRDM14–protein interactions including histone H1, RNA-binding proteins, and the master hematopoietic regulator CBFA2T3. In mouse leukemic cells, CBFA2T3 and PRDM14 associate independently of the related ETO family member CBFA2T2, PRDM14's primary protein partner in pluripotent cells. CBFA2T3 plays crucial roles in HSC self-renewal and lineage commitment, and participates in oncogenic translocations in acute myeloid leukemia. These results suggest a model whereby PRDM14 recruits CBFA2T3 to DNA, leading to gene misregulation causing progenitor cell expansion and lineage perturbations preceding T-ALL development. Strikingly, Prdm14-induced T-ALL does not occur in mice deficient for Cbfa2t3, demonstrating that Cbfa2t3 is required for leukemogenesis. Moreover, T-ALL develops in Cbfa2t3 heterozygotes with a significantly longer latency, suggesting that PRDM14-associated T-ALL is sensitive to Cbfa2t3 levels. Our study highlights how an oncogenic protein uses a native protein in progenitor cells to initiate leukemia, providing insight into PRDM14-driven oncogenesis in other cell types.

Implications:

The pluripotency regulator PRDM14 requires the master hematopoietic regulator CBFA2T3 to initiate leukemia in progenitor cells, demonstrating an oncogenic role for CBFA2T3 and providing an avenue for targeting cancer-initiating cells.
Microbleeds of Lacunar Infarction and Middle Cerebral Artery Flow Velocity of Branch Atheromatous Disease Are Essential Factors of Stroke Etiology
Authors: Terasawa Yuka , Sakai Kenichiro , Komatsu Teppei , Sakuta Kenichi , Omoto Shusaku , Mitsumura Hidetaka , Iguchi Yasuyuki
Published: April 2019

Background: Although subcortical infarction patients sometimes show larger infarction size than the definition of small vessel occlusion (SVO), there are no specific predictors of larger size. The aim of this study was to identify the factors, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonographic parameters, to predict larger subcortical infarction. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute supratentorial subcortical infarction were studied. Patients were classified into 2 groups (L: larger group, ≥15 mm and ≥3 slices; S: smaller group, SVO based on the TOAST classification). Clinical information, MRI findings including the presence of microbleeds, and ultrasonography findings were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Results: A total of 120 patients (81 male, mean 67 years old) were enrolled. The L group included 22 patients (18%), and the S group had 98 patients (82%). On neuroimaging, microbleeds were seen less frequently in the L group than in the S group (23 vs. 53%, p = 0.017), and peak systolic velocity (PSV) by transcranial color-coded sonography was faster in the L group than in the S group (121 ± 39.8 vs. 83.4 ± 25.4 cm/s, p = 0.002). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, no evidence of microbleeds (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.41–13.68, p = 0.011) and PSV over 92 cm/s (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.007–9.719, p = 0.049) were found to be independently associated with larger size. Conclusion: Microbleeds is related to smaller size and middle cerebral artery PSV > 92 cm/s indicate larger size in supratentorial subcortical infarcts.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients Operated with Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Poulsen Christina D. , Green Anders , Grauslund Jakob , Peto Tunde
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To determine the long-term outcome of patients operated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to identify potential predictors for poor visual outcome. Methods: Prospective, observational 30-month study of patients operated for primary RRD with PPV. Examinations were performed preoperatively and after months 2, 6, and 30. Results: Eighty-four patients (84 eyes) were included and 73 (86.9%) participated at month 30. The macula was attached in 30 (35.7%) patients at primary operation. The majority of patients (n = 59, 80.8%) achieved a good final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA ≤0.3 logMAR, ≥0.5 Snellen) with a better outcome in patients with the macula attached than detached (0.02 vs. 0.17 logMAR, p = 0.007). Variables associated with poor visual outcome were baseline BCVA >0.3 logMAR (p = 0.03), female gender (p = 0.02), silicone oil (p = 0.03), and larger areas of retinal detachment (p = 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, female gender (OR = 8.5 [95% CI 1.8–39.8]) was the strongest risk factor for poor visual outcome. Conclusion: The majority of patients operated for primary RRD achieved a reasonable long-term visual outcome. Notably, female gender was associated with poor visual outcome, indicating a need for closer follow-up.
Severe, Symptomatic Hypocalcemia due to Denosumab Administration: Treatment and Clinical Course
Authors: Strickling Jarred , Wilkowski Michael J.
Published: April 2019

Denosumab is a receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) ligand inhibitor used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Blockade of RANK ligand prevents osteoclastic resorption of bone, but in doing so impairs the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-driven maintenance of serum calcium. A subsequent elevation of PTH remains active at sites other than bone, potentially lowering serum phosphate by inhibiting proximal tubular reabsorption. We present 2 patients who developed severe, symptomatic hypocalcemia after administration of denosumab. These patients provide an opportunity to describe the clinical course and treatment, including the need to consider a continuous calcium infusion, of severe, symptomatic hypocalcemia caused by denosumab.
An Esophageal Ulcer Associated with a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Kayashima Atsuto , Mori Hideki , Okuzawa Anna , Kubosawa Yoko , Hirai Yuichiro , Kinoshita Satoshi , Nakazato Yoshihiro , Fujimoto Ai , Kikuchi Masahiro
Published: April 2019

An aortoesophageal fistula, an abnormal anatomical communication between the aorta and the esophagus, is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The mortality rate of patients with this condition is very high. A 77-year-old man, who had undergone endovascular aortic repair for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, developed melena. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. This detected an esophageal ulcer, which had the potential to develop into an aortoesophageal fistula. Therefore, thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed on the following day. Thereafter, the course was uneventful. We encountered a rare case of an esophageal ulcer associated with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm before it developed into an aortoesophageal fistula.
Effect of Circadian Rhythm on Metabolic Processes and the Regulation of Energy Balance
Authors: Serin Yeliz , Acar Tek Nilüfer
Published: April 2019

Background: The circadian timing system or circadian clock plays a crucial role in many biological processes, such as the sleep-wake cycle, hormone secretion, cardiovascular health, glucose homeostasis, and body temperature regulation. Energy balance is also one of the most important cornerstones of metabolic processes, whereas energy imbalance is associated with many diseases (i.e., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease). Circadian clock is the main regulator of metabolism, and this analysis provides an overview of the bidirectional effect of circadian rhythm on metabolic processes and energy balance. Summary: The circadian timing system or circadian clock plays a crucial role in many biological processes, but the increase in activities that operate 24/7 and the common usage of television, internet, and mobile phones almost 24 h a day leads to a gradual decrease in the adequate sleeping time. According to recent research, long-term circadian disruptions are associated with many pathological conditions such as premature mortality, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, and cancer progression, whereas short-term disruptions are associated with impaired wellness, fatigue, and loss of concentration. In this review, the circadian rhythm in metabolic processes and their effect on energy balance were examined. Key Messages: Circadian rhythm has a bidirectional interaction with almost all metabolic processes. Therefore, understanding the main reason affecting the circadian clock and creating treatment guidelines using circadian rhythm may increase the success of disease treatment. Chronopharmacology, chrononutrition, and chronoexercise are the novel treatment approaches in metabolic balance.
Physical Exercise as Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Mechanism to Orientation
Authors: Yang Dan , Yang Yifan , Li Yanlin , Han Rui
Published: April 2019

Background: Exercise therapy plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The mechanism of exercise therapy in the improvement of glycolipid metabolism of T2DM is very complex and not completely clear. Summary: Exercise training improves the whole body metabolic health in patients with T2DM, leading to an increase in glycolipid uptake and utilization, improved insulin sensitivity, optimized body mass index, and modulated DNA methylation, etc. Recent findings support that some cytokines such as irisin, osteocalcin, and adiponectin are closely related to exercise and metabolic diseases. This study briefly reviews the physiological mechanisms of exercise therapy in diabetes and the potential role of these cytokines in exercise. Key Messages: More high-quality, targeted, randomized controlled studies are needed urgently, from mechanism study to treatment direction, to provide a more theoretical basis for exercise therapy and to explore new therapeutic targets for diabetes.
The Controlling Nutritional Status Score and Postoperative Complication Risk in Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Takagi Kosei , Domagala Piotr , Polak Wojciech G. , Buettner Stefan , Ijzermans Jan N.M.
Published: April 2019

The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score is associated with prognosis in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients, but the clinical significance of the CONUT score for postoperative short-term outcome remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the CONUT score on postoperative outcomes in patients with GI and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers. We conducted a systematic literature search of Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR) for postoperative complications in patients with lower ­CONUT score versus higher CONUT score. Furthermore, we explored the most appropriate cutoff value of the CONUT score to predict postoperative complications. Ten retrospective studies (5,138 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Patients with higher CONUT score had an increased risk of mortality (RR 5.38, 95% CI 2.19–13.2, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%), postoperative major complications (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.05–2.33, p= 0.03, I2 = 79%), and overall complications (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.16–1.63, p < 0.001, I2 = 6%). We found that the cutoff of CONUT ≤4 vs. CONUT ≥5 had the highest pooled RR compared with other cutoff values (RR 4.79, 95% CI 0.97–23.5, p= 0.05, I2 = 91%). In conclusion, the present study suggests that the preoperative CONUT score was associated with an increased risk of mortality and complications in GI and HPB surgical oncology. Patients with higher CONUT score as compared with those having a lower score had approximately a fivefold mortality risk and an increased risk up to 55% on major and overall complications after GI and HPB surgery. Our analysis indicates that the appropriate cutoff value of the CONUT score to predict postoperative major complications would be between 4 and 5. The preoperative evaluation of the CONUT score would be helpful for predicting the risk of postoperative outcomes.
Fuzzy Information Modeling in a Database System
Authors: Ismaeel Salam , Al-Khazraji Ayman , Al-delimi Karama
Published: April 2019

A Fuzzy logic (FL) provides a remarkably simple way to draw definite conclusions from vague, ambiguous or imprecise information. In a sense, fuzzy logic resembles human decision making with its ability to work from approximate data and find precise solutions. In this paper a fuzzy information modeling system was developed then used in a database, which contains fuzzy data and real data, to create new information assistance capable of making any decision about this data. The proposed system is implemented on a special database used to evaluation workers or users in any formal organizations.
Multi-Operator Genetic Algorithm for Dynamic Optimization Problems
Authors: Amen Al-khafaji
Published: April 2019

Maintaining population diversity is the most notable challenge in solving dynamic optimization problems (DOPs). Therefore, the objective of an efficient dynamic optimization algorithm is to track the optimum in these uncertain environments, and to locate the best solution. In this work, we propose a framework that is based on multi operators embedded in genetic algorithms (GA) and these operators are heuristic and arithmetic crossovers operators. The rationale behind this is to address the convergence problem and to maintain the diversity. The performance of the proposed framework is tested on the well-known dynamic optimization functions i.e., OneMax, Plateau, Royal Road and Deceptive. Empirical results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm when compared to state-of-the-art algorithms from the literature.
Artificial Intelligence: Way Forward for India
Authors: Srivastava Sunil Kumar
Published: April 2019

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to transform the way we live and work. Due to its high potential, its adoption is being treated as the fourth industrial revolution. As with any major advancement in technology, it brings with it a spectrum of opportunities as well as challenges. On one hand, several applications have been developed or under development with potential to improve the quality of life significantly. As per a study, it is expected to double the annual economic growth rate of 12 developed countries by 2035. On the other hand, there is a possibility of loss of jobs. As per the available reports, the loss of jobs during the next 10-20 years is estimated to be 47% in the US, 35% in the UK, 49% in Japan, 40% in Australia, and 54% in the EU. In the era of globalization, no country can isolate itself from the impact of the advances in technology. However, the benefits can be maximized and losses can be minimized by putting necessary infrastructure and policy in place. Though several countries have decided their strategy for AI, India has not yet formulated its strategy. The report reviews the international as well as national scenario and suggests way forward for India. 
Analysing Event-Related Sentiments on Social Media with Neural Networks
Authors: Priya P. Santhi , Rao T. Venkate swara
Published: April 2019

Sentiment analysis is performed to determine the polarity of opinion on a subject. It has been applied to text corpora such as movie reviews, financial documents to glean information about overall-sentiment anc produce actionable data. Recent events have demonstrated that polling can be sometimes unreliable. People can be difficult to access through conventional polling methods and less than frank in polls. In the era of social media, voters are likely to more freely express their opinion on social media forums about divisive events especially in media where anonymity exists. Analyzing the prevailing opinion on these forums can indicate if there are any deficiencies in polling and can be a valuable addition to conventional polling. We analyzed text corpora from Reddit forums discussing the recent referendum in Britain to exit from the EU (known as Brexit). Brexit was an important world event and was very divisive in the run-up and post vote. We analyzed sentiment in two ways: Initially we tried to gauge positive, negative, and neutral sentiments. In the second analysis, we further split these sentiments into six different polarities based on the directionality of the positive and negative sentiments (for or against Brexit). Our technique utlilized paragraph vectors (Doc2Vec) to construct feature vectors for sentiment analysis with a Multilayer Perceptron classifier. We found that the second analysis yielded overall better results; although, our classifier didn’t perform as well in classifying positive sentiments. We demonstrate that it is possible glean valuable information from complicated and diverse corpora such as multi-paragraph comments from reddit with sentiment analysis.
A New Method of Insulation Wire for Power Transformers
Authors: Al-Zyoud Khalaf Y.
Published: April 2019

This task go in order to developing a new way of enameled and polyester foil insulation of conductors used in building transformers thermal of class temperature about (150 C0), the production technology for two types of enameled and polyester foil-insulation conduction are presented. As will as the physical, mechanical and electrical characteristics of conductors in a normal climate N2, in a tropical climate T2 and after 28 cycle at ( 200 C0 ) are presented.
Unified Power Quality Conditioner Using Injection Capacitors for Voltage Sag Compensation
Authors: Patro Madhusmita , Bhuyan Kanhu Charan
Published: April 2019

Power quality has become an important factor in power systems, for consumer and household appliances. The main causes of poor power quality are har ue of achieving active current distortion compensation, power factor monic currents, poor power factor, supply voltage variations etc. A techniq correction and also mitigating the supply voltage variations at load side is compensated by unique device UPQC presented in this thesis. This concept presents a multi loop based controller to compensate power quality problems through a three phase four wire Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) under unbalanced and distorted load conditions. Here the UPQC is constituted of two Voltage Source Converters (VSC) connected via power link. The series compensator is connected to the line in series and injects the voltage and thus compensates for voltage issues; whereas the shunt compensator injects current thus compensating for current issues, and is connected in shunt to the line. The voltage injection to the line uses an ijecting transformer. The injection transformer is later replaced with injection capacitors, thus eliminating the drawback of conventional UPQC. In this way a good power quality is maintained
Design and Simulation Analysis of Three-Phase Transformer Less Grid-Connected PV Inverters
Authors: Kanchikere Jayanna , Ghosh A.K. , Kalyankumar Kalyankumar
Published: April 2019

Three-stage transformer less inverter is broadly utilized as a part of low power photovoltaic (PV) framework associated frameworks because of its little size, high proficiency and ease. At the point when no transformer is utilized as a part of a framework associated photovoltaic (PV) framework, a galvanic association between the lattice and PV exhibit exists. In these conditions, perilous spillage streams (basic mode ebbs and flows) can show up through the stray capacitance between the PV cluster and the ground. The previous, keeping in mind the end goal to make a galvanic separation between the info and the yield incorporate a transformer (obligatory in a few nations) that restrains the entire framework exhibitions as far as effectiveness, weight, size and cost. Actually, transformer less inverters don't present any separation and are described by minimal size, bring down cost and higher effectiveness (over 2% higher). In any case, the absence of transformers prompts spillage streams that can be hurtful to the human body, and in addition for the entire transformation framework uprightness. With a specific end goal to keep away from the spillage streams, different Transformer less inverters have been proposed utilizing diverse topologies to create consistent regular mode voltage. In this paper, different as of late proposed transformer less PV inverters are researched. Their exhibitions are thought about and broke down.
Robust Speed-Sensorless Vector Control of Doubly Fed Induction Motor Drive Using Sliding Mode Rotor Flux Observer
Authors: Cherifi Djamila , Miloud Yahia
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a robust observer for sensorless speed control of doubly fed induction motor (DFIM), based on the slidin mode. In the first step, a model of the doubly fed induction motor fed by two PWM inverters with separate DC bus link is developed. In the second step and in order to provide a robust separate control between flux and motor speed a vector control by field oriented strategy applying a sliding mode regulator was implemented. Finally, speed estimation of a doubly fed induction motor based on sliding mode observer is presented. The simulation tests schow the effectiveness of the proposed method especially in the load disturbances, the change of the refrence speed and low speed. Also the influence of parameter variations will be studied by simulation
Development and sizing of a grid-connected solar PV power plant for Canaanland community
Authors: Alabi Adeyemi A. , Adoghe Anthony U. , Ogunleye Oluwasikemi G. , Awosope Claudius O. A
Published: April 2019

High costs of installation and maintenance as a result of storage units discourage the use of solar Photovoltaic system for power generation. To reduce these costs, Solar PV systems can be installed without storage units alongside conventional power generation systems. Such that the Solar systems cater for the daytime loads while the conventional generation system caters for loads at other times. This research paper explored the potential of installing Stand-Alone solar PV systems without storage to satisfy the daytime load demand of the Canaanland community. The load profile analysis of the Canaanland community was carried out from load consumption data and the solar power plants were designed based on this analysis. Simulation was carried out using the PV Syst 6.43 software and the result from the design was analyzed. The study revealed that the solar power plant will serve the daytime load of the community during the period of 10:30am-4:30pm daily satisfying the peak and base loads (5.16MW and 0.78MW) of the Canaanland community respectively.
Control of a stand-alone photovoltaic/battery bank system to supply energy to resistance load
Authors: Samuel G. Giftson , Muthuramaligam M. , Manoharan P. S. , Rajan C. Christober Asir
Published: April 2019

In this paper, supervisor control for stand-alone hybrid power system to supply energy to resistance load is presented. The hybrid system is used to produce energy withoutinterruption and it consists of a photovoltaic generator (PV), and a battery bank. PV system work in parallel via DC/DC converter and the battery bank is used to store the excess of energy. The mathematical model topology, the identification of each subsystem and the control supervision of theglobal system are the contribution of this paper. Obtained results under Matlab/Simulink presented and discussed.
Frequency adaptive sliding fourier transform for synchronizing VSI to the grid
Authors: M. Arafa Osama , Abdallah M. E. , Aziz Ghada A. Abdel
Published: April 2019

Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform (SDFT) is very efficient regarding computational load and it possesses a very fast phase angle detection with excellent harmonic rejection at nominal frequency. However, at off-nominal frequency, SDFT generates errors in both magnitude and phase angle due to spectral leakage. This paper introduces a workaround for Fourier Transform to handle this disability under off-nominal frequency while avoiding variable-rate sampling. Sliding Fourier Transform (SFT) is used as a phase detector for a phase-locked loop whose output frequency is used to drive the SFT. The paper revisits the mathematics of Fourier Transform (FT) in a three-phase setting via a time-domain approach to show a newly proposed filtering technique for the double-frequency oscillation just by summing the FT sine/cosine filter outputs of the three individual phases. Also, the analysis aims to determine and correct the phase and magnitude errors under offnominal frequency operation. The proposed technique (SFT-PLL) is tested in real time on dSPACE DS1202 DSP using voltage vectors that are pregenerated to simulate the most adverse grid conditions. The testing scenarios compare the performance of the SFT-PLL with that of the Decoupled Stationary Reference Frame PLL (dαβPLL). The results prove that SFT-PLL is superior to dαβPLL.