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Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusion The age at onset (AAO) of Parkinson's disease (PD) varies widely among individuals and significantly influences disease progression and prognosis. However, few genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have investigated genetic variants determining AAO, particularly in East Asian populations.To identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting AAO of PD in Korean patients.We conducted a GWAS on AAO of PD in 1048 Korean patients using sex‐adjusted linear regression models. Additionally, we conducted downstream analyses of our primary GWAS results.rs2134545 demonstrated genome‐wide significance (β = −2.459; standard error [SE] = 0.851; P = 1.898 × 10−8) and is an intergenic SNP near the ALCAM gene associated with an average AAO reduction of 3.47 years. Additionally, rs4366309 (LYST; MIR1537) demonstrated suggestive significance (β = 2.949; SE = 1.072; P = 8.68 × 10−8) and was associated with an average delay of 3.05 years. The polygenic risk score based on known PD risk loci also affected the AAO for European and Korean PD risk loci, respectively (β = −0.149; P < 0.001 and β = −0.096; P = 0.002). However, the proportion of variance was small (r2 = 0.022 and 0.009, respectively).We identified a novel SNP associated with the AAO of PD near the ALCAM gene, distinct from previously reported PD risk loci. These findings need further functional validation; however, they suggest unique genetic pathways influencing the AAO of PD and highlight the need for further research in diverse populations. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various data types generated in the semiconductor manufacturing process can be used to increase product yield and reduce manufacturing costs. On the other hand, the data generated during the process are collected from various sensors, resulting in diverse units and an imbalanced dataset with a bias towards the majority class. This study evaluated analysis and preprocessing methods for predicting good and defective products using machine learning to increase yield and reduce costs in semiconductor manufacturing processes. The SECOM dataset is used to achieve this, and preprocessing steps are performed, such as missing value handling, dimensionality reduction, resampling to address class imbalances, and scaling. Finally, six machine learning models were evaluated and compared using the geometric mean (GM) and other metrics to assess the combinations of preprocessing methods on imbalanced data. Unlike previous studies, this research proposes methods to reduce the number of features used in machine learning to shorten the training and prediction times. Furthermore, this study prevents data leakage during preprocessing by separating the training and test datasets before analysis and preprocessing. The results showed that applying oversampling methods, excluding KM SMOTE, achieves a more balanced class classification. The combination of SVM, ADASYN, and MaxAbs scaling showed the best performance with an accuracy and GM of 85.14% and 72.95%, respectively, outperforming all other combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluated the impact of a deep learning (DL)-based image reconstruction on multi-arterial-phase magnetic resonance imaging (MA-MRI) for small hypervascular hepatic masses in patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 55 adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with small hepatic hypervascular mass (≤ 3 cm) between December 2022 and February 2023. All patients underwent MA-MRI, subsequently reconstructed with a DL-based application. Qualitative assessment with Linkert scale including motion artifact (MA), liver edge (LE), hepatic vessel clarity (HVC) and image quality (IQ) was performed. Quantitative image analysis including signal to noise ratio (SNR), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and noise was performed. Results: On both arterial phases (APs), all qualitative parameters were significantly improved after DL-based image reconstruction. (LE on 1st AP, 1.22 vs 1.61; LE on 2nd AP, 1.21 vs 1.65; HVC on 1st AP, 1.24 vs 1.39; HVC on 2nd AP, 1.24 vs 1.44; IQ on 1st AP, 1.17 vs 1.45; IQ on 2nd AP, 1.17 vs 1.47, all p values < 0.05). The SNR, CNR and noise were significantly improved after DL-based image reconstruction. (SNR on AP1, 279.08 vs 176.14; SNR on AP2, 334.34 vs 199.24; CNR on AP1, 106.09 vs 64.14; CNR on AP2, 129.66 vs 73.73; noise on AP1, 1.51 vs 2.33; noise on AP2, 1.45 vs 2.28, all p values < 0.05). Conclusions: Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MA-MRI with DL-based image reconstruction improved the qualitative and quantitative parameters. Despite the short acquisition time, high-quality MA-MRI is now achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-contrast T1-Sampling Perfection with Application-optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolutions (SPACE) is the preferred 3D T1 spin-echo sequence for evaluating brain metastases, regardless of the prolonged scan time. Purpose: To evaluate the application of accelerated post-contrast T1-SPACE with iterative denoising (ID) for intracranial enhancing lesions in oncologic patients. Material and Methods: For evaluation of intracranial lesions, 108 patients underwent standard and accelerated T1-SPACE during the same imaging session. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the overall image quality, artifacts, degree of enhancement, mean contrast-to-noise ratiolesion/parenchyma, and number of enhancing lesions for standard and accelerated T1-SPACE without ID. Results: Although there was a significant difference in the overall image quality and mean contrast-to-noise ratiolesion/parenchyma between standard and accelerated T1-SPACE without ID and accelerated SPACE with and without ID, there was no significant difference between standard and accelerated T1-SPACE with ID. Accelerated T1-SPACE showed more artifacts than standard T1-SPACE; however, accelerated T1-SPACE with ID showed significantly fewer artifacts than accelerated T1-SPACE without ID. Accelerated T1-SPACE without ID showed a significantly lower number of enhancing lesions than standard- and accelerated T1-SPACE with ID; however, there was no significant difference between standard and accelerated T1-SPACE with ID, regardless of lesion size. Conclusion: Although accelerated T1-SPACE markedly decreased the scan time, it showed lower overall image quality and lesion detectability than the standard T1-SPACE. Application of ID to accelerated T1-SPACE resulted in comparable overall image quality and detection of enhancing lesions in brain parenchyma as standard T1-SPACE. Accelerated T1-SPACE with ID may be a promising replacement for standard T1-SPACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a 320 × 240 CMOS image sensor (CIS) using the proposed hybrid-correlated multiple sampling (HMS) technique with an adaptive dual-gain analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The proposed HMS improves the noise characteristics under low illumination by adjusting the ADC gain according to the incident light on the pixels. Depending on whether it is less than or greater than 1/4 of the full output voltage range from pixels, either correlated multiple sampling or conventional-correlated double sampling (CDS) is used with different slopes of the ramping signals. The proposed CIS achieves 11-bit resolution of the ADC using an up-down counter that controls the LSB depending on the ramping signals used. The sensor was fabricated using a 0.11 μm CIS process, and the total chip area was 2.55 mm × 4.3 mm. Compared to the conventional CDS, the measurement results showed that the maximum dark random noise was reduced by 26.7% with the proposed HMS, and the maximum figure of merit was improved by 49.1%. The total power consumption was 5.1 mW at 19 frames per second with analog, pixel, and digital supply voltages of 3.3 V, 3.3 V, and 1.5 V, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the successful treatment of cutaneous siderosis, a condition characterized by gray to brown skin pigmentation, using a 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser. Cutaneous siderosis can occur as a complication of intravenous iron replacement therapy, resulting in permanent hyperpigmentation. The case study presented in the article describes a 35-year-old female who experienced this complication and underwent treatment with the picosecond laser, resulting in significant improvement in the hyperpigmentation without any adverse effects. The authors suggest that the 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser offers a novel and safe treatment option for cutaneous siderosis, although further research is needed to understand its mechanism of action. [Extracted from the article]

A series of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) co- or terpolymers as PAN-based carbon fiber precursors was prepared using methyl acrylate (MA) as neutral comonomer and fumaric acid (fa) or maleic acid (ma) as acidic comonomer which is trans/cis isomer, respectively. In order to establish the optimized condition of polymerization, PAN polymers with different acrylonitrile weight ratios (92, 94, and 96 wt%) were synthesized with appropriate yield via stepwise solution polymerization system. The efficiency of cyclization reaction of PAN polymers containing fa or ma were dramatically improved as compared to PAN homopolymer, and initiation of cyclization showed a rapid progress at 210 °C despite short thermal treatment time during thermal oxidative stabilization (TOS). Additionally, the char yield of PAN co- or terpolymers was reasonable value which was similar to PAN homopolymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakdown (BD) voltage is significant in high-voltage power electric machines. Currently, BD voltages are mainly predicted by the semi-empirical formula in strongly inhomogeneous electric fields. However, the equation could not be applied for electrodes with weakly inhomogeneous electric fields. In this paper, positive lightning impulse BD voltages are predicted in various sphere-to-plane air gaps using forms of machine learning such as support vector regression (SVR), Bayesian regression (BR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP). Unlike previous studies, a method is also proposed by introducing streamer propagation characteristics as new features and by removing electric field gradients as unnecessary features to find out how to reduce the feature dimension. The streamer propagation characteristics are suggested to reflect the possibility of a discharge process between electrodes. Predicted voltages from machine learning algorithms are compared with the experimental results and calculated voltages from the semi-empirical formula. Firstly, the predictions from each model agreed well with the datasets. New features were observed to be applied for machine learning algorithms and to be as important as known electrostatic features before discharge. Secondly, predicted BD voltages were more accurate than calculated voltages from the semi-empirical equation in strongly inhomogeneous electric fields. Predictions from each model also agreed well with the experimental results in weakly inhomogeneous electric fields. The prediction accuracy of SVR was better than those of BR and MLP. Machine learning algorithms were also shown to be applied for electrodes with a wide range of inhomogeneities, unlike a semi-empirical method. We expect that the suggested features and machine learning algorithms can be used for accurately calculating BD voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and validate a nomogram based on MRI features for predicting iNPH. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 60 years (clinically diagnosed with iNPH, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease or healthy controls) who underwent MRI including three-dimensional T1-weighted volumetric MRI were retrospectively identified from two tertiary referral hospitals (one hospital for derivation set and the other for validation set). Clinical and imaging features for iNPH were assessed. Deep learning–based brain segmentation software was used for 3D volumetry. A prediction model was developed using logistic regression and transformed into a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed with respect to discrimination and calibration abilities. The nomogram was internally and externally validated. Results: A total of 452 patients (mean age ± SD, 73.2 ± 6.5 years; 200 men) were evaluated as the derivation set. One hundred eleven and 341 patients were categorized into the iNPH and non-iNPH groups, respectively. In multivariable analysis, high-convexity tightness (odds ratio [OR], 35.1; 95% CI: 4.5, 275.5), callosal angle < 90° (OR, 12.5; 95% CI: 3.1, 50.0), and normalized lateral ventricle volume (OR, 4.2; 95% CI: 2.7, 6.7) were associated with iNPH. The nomogram combining these three variables showed an area under the curve of 0.995 (95% CI: 0.991, 0.999) in the study sample, 0.994 (95% CI: 0.990, 0.998) in the internal validation sample, and 0.969 (95% CI: 0.940, 0.997) in the external validation sample. Conclusion: A brain morphometry–based nomogram including high-convexity tightness, callosal angle < 90°, and normalized lateral ventricle volume can help accurately estimate the probability of iNPH. Key Points: • The nomogram with MRI findings (high-convexity tightness, callosal angle, and normalized lateral ventricle volume) helped in predicting the probability of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus. • The nomogram may facilitate the prediction of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus and consequently avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as the cerebrospinal fluid tap test, drainage test, and cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ramsay-Hunt syndrome (RHS) due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is commonly reported in individuals aged at least 50 years or immunocompromised individuals. VZV infection may invade the central nervous system (CNS) and cause meningitis or encephalitis, which are more likely to occur in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and chronic renal failure. However, cases with VZV-induced concurrent RHS and CNS infections are rare. Case presentation: Two young male patients, aged 32 and 43 years, with no underlying disease developed VZV meningitis, followed by RHS involving cranial nerves VII and VIII. Both patients presented with symptoms of peripheral facial palsy, and dizziness accompanied by tinnitus and hearing loss, which appeared several days after the onset of fever and headache. These symptoms were documented as facial neuropathy and sensorineural hearing loss in the electrophysiologic studies. Lymphocyte-dominant pleocytosis and VZV positivity were confirmed from cerebrospinal fluid examination and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The patients were treated with intravenous acyclovir and oral steroids simultaneously. Following the treatment completion, both patients were relieved of their headaches and fever; however, facial palsy, dizziness, and tinnitus persisted. They were followed up at the outpatient clinic. Conclusion: These cases confirmed that RHS and CNS infections can co-exist even in young adults with normal immune function and more importantly, that CNS infection can precede RHS. Since early detection and treatment of RHS improve the prognosis, it is critical to closely monitor patients with VZV meningitis or encephalitis considering the possible superimposition of RHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated whether the pathogens identified during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) are associated with the COPD medications used in the 6 months before AE-COPD. We collected the medical records of patients diagnosed with AE-COPD at 28 hospitals between January 2008 and December 2019 and retrospectively analyzed them. Microorganisms identified at the time of AE-COPD were analyzed according to the use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and systemic steroid after adjusting for COPD severity. We evaluated 1177 patients with AE-COPD and available medication history. The mean age of the patients was 73.9 ± 9.2 years, and 83% were males. The most frequently identified bacteria during AE-COPD were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (9.4%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (5.1%), whereas the most commonly identified viruses were rhinovirus (11%) and influenza A (11%). During AE-COPD, bacteria were more frequently identified in the ICS than non-ICS group (p = 0.009), and in the systemic steroid than non-systemic steroid group (p < 0.001). In patients who used systemic steroids before AE-COPD, the risk of detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly higher during AE-COPD (OR 1.619, CI 1.007–2.603, p = 0.047), but ICS use did not increase the risk of Pseudomonas detection. The risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection was low when ICS was used (OR 0.492, CI 0.244–0.988, p = 0.045). COPD patients who used ICS had a lower rate of RSV infection and similar rate of P. aeruginosa infection during AE-COPD compared to patients who did not use ICS. However, COPD patients who used systemic steroids within 6 months before AE-COPD had an increased risk of P. aeruginosa infection. Therefore, anti-pseudomonal antibiotics should be considered in patients with AE-COPD who have used systemic steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the association between pulmonary hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). The study participants were all VLBW newborns admitted from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. The BPD subjects finally included were VLBWIs who survived until the diagnosis was established. This study was divided into pulmonary hemorrhage group (PH group, n = 35) and non-pulmonary hemorrhage group (Non-PH group, n = 190). By univariate analysis it was found that premature rupture of membranes, tracheal intubation in the delivery room, duration of mechanical ventilation, course of invasive ventilation (≥3 courses), pulmonary surfactant (>1 dose), medically and surgically treated patent ductus arteriosus, grade III-IV RDS, early onset sepsis, BPD and moderate to severe BPD showed significant differences between groups (p <.05). By Multivariate analysis, pulmonary hemorrhage did not increase the risks of BPD and moderate to severe BPD (adjusted OR for BPD = 1.710, 95% CI 0.581–5.039; adjusted OR for moderate to severe BPD = 2.401, 95% CI 0.736–7.834). It suggests that pulmonary hemorrhage is not associated with the development of BPD and moderate to severe BPD in VLBWIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reusing or recycling waste into new useful materials is essential for environmental protection. Herein, we used discarded polystyrene (PS) and fly-ash (FA) particles and a fabricated fly-ash incorporated polystyrene fiber (FA/PS fiber) composite. The electrospinning process produced continuous PS fibers with a good distribution of FA particles. The prepared nanofibers were characterized by state-of-the-art techniques. The performances of the composite nanofibers were tested for fire-retardant applications. We observed that the incorporation of FA particles into the PS fibers led to an improvement in the performance of the composite as compared to the pristine PS fibers. This study showed an important strategy in using waste materials to produce functional nanofibers through an economical procedure. We believe that the strategy presented in this paper can be extended to other waste materials for obtaining nanofiber membranes for various environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface roughness is a crucial factor affecting the surface quality of workpieces in manufacturing industries. Thus, it is important to provide an accurate performance of surface roughness prediction and optimal parameters to reduce the burden of time and costs during the process. In this study, two predict models, namely multiple linear regression and deep belief network (DBN) models, were performed to accurately predict change in surface roughness in the rotational electromagnetic finishing (REMF). Compared to the statistical-based model, the data-driven model based on the DBN architecture was a significantly considerable effect on surface roughness prediction in the REMF process. Among the considered DBN models, DBN5 architecture as [7, 14, 14, 1] showed effective features of the nonlinear relationship between process parameters and response with the highest determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9340 and the lowest mean squared error (MSE) of 1.3037 × 10−3 in the testing datasets. In addition, a genetic algorithm (GA) as a heuristic optimization technique was adopted to optimize the input parameters of the best derived DBN model. It showed that the maximum change in surface roughness was 0.530 at particle length of 3 mm, particle diameter of 0.7 mm, particle weight of 1.3 kg, liquid water quantity of 1.0 l, a rotational speed of 1323 rpm, working time of 35 min, and initial surface roughness of 2.5478 m μ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen and phytopathogen alter plant organic volatiles that attract insect herbivores and their natural enemies. However, the interactive effects of nitrogen input and pathogen infection on volatile-mediated insect behavior are poorly understood. This study evaluates the impact of nitrogen application and bacterial blight Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) on tri-trophic interactions involving rice plant, the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, and its egg parasitoid Anagrus nilaparvatae on a temporal scale. Both N. lugens and A. nilaparvatae showed an obvious preference for Xooinfected rice plants, but such preferences depended on nitrogen application. With prolonged Xoo infection and nitrogen fertilizer input, N. lugens and A. nilaparvatae preferred Xoo-infected plants. One possible mechanism was that the input nitrogen increased plant resistance to Xoo, which thus delayed the impact of Xoo infection on behavior of N. lugens and A. nilaparvatae. Further analyses indicated that the plant phytohormone JA regulated rice volatiles composition altering N. lugens preference, while SA regulated N. lugens-induced rice volatiles composition altering A. nilaparvatae preference. Moreover, with the development of the disease, Xoo infection had greater effects on plant volatiles and phytohormones than nitrogen fertilizer. Together, this finding provides new insights into how nitrogen application interacts with Xoo infection to modulate interactions among rice plants, N. lugens, and A. nilaparvatae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a machine learning algorithm is applied for the first time in inductive power transfer (IPT) to find a ferrite core structure with high magnetic coupling between transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) coils for an electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging system. Since formula-based theoretical design is not available due to the nonlinear magnetic field distortion stemming from the presence of the ferrite core in an IPT system, the proposed core structure design has been achieved through finite-element analysis simulation-based data learning. The proposed design methods are so general that they can be applied to any conventional IPT coil design. Furthermore, it can optimize the core structures for high coupling coefficient, mutual inductance, desired magnetic flux density in the specific area, etc. By training only 0.011% data out of the total possible cases, it is verified by simulation and experiment that the ferrite core structure obtained by the proposed method has a mutual inductance that is 0.6% higher than that of the conventional design level in the case of 15 cm distance between the Tx and Rx coils, even though the volume of the ferrite cores are reduced to 90%. Also, a prototype 3.0 kW stationary EV wireless charging system was implemented and showed fairly better performance than a conventional case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor of mortality and morbidity from various cancerous, respiratory, and myocardial diseases. Nicotine dependence is assessed based on the degree of physical dependence. We aimed to determine the clinical, socioeconomic and psychological factors associated with the smoking status and degree of nicotine dependence of smokers. From April 2009 to September 2010, we retrospectively collected data from 17,577 subjects aged ≥ 18 years who had undergone a general health examination at a health promotion center. The instruments used included the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Stress Response Inventory (SRI), and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Of the current smokers (N = 3946), 2345 (59%), 1154 (29%), and 447 (12%) had low, moderate, and high nicotine dependence, respectively. In multiple logistic analysis, predictors of high nicotine dependence were male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.705, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.997–6.945), older age (≥ 65 years) (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.004–1.029), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.048, 95% CI 1.018–1.078), diabetes (OR 1.870, 95% CI 1.251–2.794), single marital status (OR 1.575, 95% CI 1.186–2.092), lower education level (OR 1.887, 95% CI 1.463–2.433), and a higher stress level (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.997–6.945). Thus, clinical, psychological, socioeconomic status including male, older age, higher BMI, diabetes, single marital status, lower education, and higher stress should be taken into consideration by promoting smoking cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To analyze the findings and serial changes in chest CT lesions in 123 symptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods From February 19 to April 7, 2020, a total of 123 confirmed COVID-19 patients (male, 44; female, 79; mean age, 59.2 ± 18.6) were enrolled in this retrospective study. A total of 234 CT scans were reviewed for the following patterns: acute alveolar insult (AAI) patterns: ground-glass opacity (GGO), crazy-paving appearance, mixed pattern, and consolidation; organizing pneumonia (OP) patterns: perilobular patterns, band opacity, curvilinear opacity, reversed halo opacity, and small nodular consolidation; resolving patterns: pure GGO, remnant curvilinear, small nodular consolidation, and serial changes of lung abnormalities. We compared the proportions of AAI pattern, OP pattern, or resolving pattern with time progression and analyzed the association between the patterns and disease severity using Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Results Predominant CT patterns were AAI pattern (87%) in the early hospital period group (0- 10 days, after the onset of symptoms), OP pattern (45.7%) in the later hospital period group (after 10 days), and resolving pattern in discharge and follow-up group (47.2% and 84.8%, respectively). The difference in the proportions of predominant CT patterns with time progression was statistically significant (p < 0.001, Pearson’s chi-square test). No statistically significant association was observed between the patterns and disease severity (p = 0.055, Fisher’s exact test). No fibrous changes in the lesions were observed on follow-up CT scans. Conclusion The serial CT scans of COVID-19 patients showed the spectrum of COVID pneumonia CT manifestations as different phases of lung injury and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to produce a citrus fruit with no seed and with edible peel. Therefore, the seedless Yoshida navel oranges (Citrus sinensis 'Yoshida navel') and Jangsil kumquat (Fortunella japonica) with edible peel were used as the starting materials. Since two varieties of different genera and different flowering periods would be difficult to crossbreed, protoplast fusion was conducted using the polyethylene glycol method. Yoshida navel orange and Jangsil kumquat were used as an embryogenic callus line and a mesophyll line, respectively. The regenerated plants were analyzed by flow cytometry to identify tetraploids, which were further evaluated by polymerase chain reaction, using simple sequence repeat markers specific for the nuclear and cytoplasmic organellar DNAs of the two parents, to confirm allotetraploids and cybrids. Sixteen allotetraploids were finally produced and characterized phenotypically for leaf morphology and fruit quality. All allotetraploids contained mitochondria originating from Yoshida navel orange; 12 contained chloroplasts derived from navel orange whereas four contained chloroplasts of kumquat origin. We investigated both plant and fruit characteristics of allotetraploids derived from the protoplast fusion of navel orange and kumquat. The sizes of the allotetraploid leaves were intermediate between those of both parents. However, in contrast to the spindle-shaped leaves of both parents, those of the allotetraploids were obovate. Petiole wings were absent in the allotetraploids, a known kumquat trait. Similar to navel oranges, flowering time was mid-May, and pollen was sterile, whereas fruit size, external shape, soluble solids content, and acidity were all intermediate between the two parents. Peel thickness and the number of segments were similar to those of kumquat, and flesh weight was similar to that of navel orange. Collectively, these results indicated that the intergeneric allotetraploids derived from navel orange and kumquat inherited favorable traits of both parents and could be produced and selected despite a lack of extensive parental variation. This is one of the first reports showing fruiting results of protoplast-fused citrus plants. The study reported characteristics of the fruits from both the original plants as well as from the protoplast-fused plant. Detailed characteristics of the allotetraploid fruit produced by protoplast fusion would be very helpful for future polyploid studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although epilepsy is an uncommon comorbidity of Parkinson's disease (PD), the exact incidence of PD among the patients with epilepsy is not clarified yet. We aimed to estimate the incidence of PD in patients with epilepsy and explore the association between epilepsy and PD. Epilepsy patients enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HealS) (2002−2013) between 2003 and 2007 were set up as the experimental group. The major outcome was the occurrence of PD. Non-epilepsy patients were obtained through Propensity Score Matching of 'greedy nearest neighbor' algorithm in 1:1 ratio. The Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to calculate PD incidence and hazard ratio (HR). A total of 10,510 patients were finally included in the study, which contained 5255 patients in epilepsy and non-epilepsy groups, respectively. During the follow-up period, 85 patients with Parkinson's disease among 5255 patients with epilepsy and 57 patients with Parkinson's disease among 5255 patients without epilepsy occurred. The 10,000 Person-Year (PY), representing the number of PD patients per 10,000 per year, was 21.38 in the epilepsy group and 11.18 in the non-epilepsy group. When all variables were adjusted, it was found that the epilepsy group had a 2.19 times significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease than the control group (The adjusted HR: 2.19 (95% CI, 1.55–3.12)). This study indicates an increased risk of PD in patients with epilepsy. However, further research is needed to prove an exact causal relationship between these two brain disorders. • The incidence of Parkinson's disease among the patients with epilepsy is not clarified. • 5255 patients in epilepsy and non-epilepsy groups, respectively, were included in this study. • The epilepsy group had a 2.19 times higher risk of Parkinson's disease than the control group. • This study indicates an increased risk of PD in patients with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The vermiform appendix is considered a potential reservoir for the abnormal α‐synuclein aggregate in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous epidemiologic evidence on the association between appendectomy and PD risk remains inconclusive, especially outside the Western world. Objectives: To investigate the association between appendectomy and PD risk in Korea. Methods: Among 703,831 eligible adult subjects in the National Health Insurance Service sample cohort, we identified 16,122 patients who underwent appendectomy. The rest formed the control group. PD risk was assessed using time‐dependent Cox regression analyses. Results: The appendectomy group did not have altered risk of PD compared with the control group in either unadjusted [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.80, P = 0.08] or adjusted model (HR 1.42, CI 0.88–2.30, P = 0.15). No further statistical difference appeared when stratified by sex. Conclusions: Appendectomy is not associated with altered risk of PD in the Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the results of an experimental study on the effect of drilling fluid on concrete-soil/rock interface shear strength in the seawater drilling environment are presented. The series of direct shear tests using a purpose-designed shear box with seawater were performed considering different types of drilling fluid and base material, various normal stress levels at the interface, and filtration times. The results indicated that bentonite drilling fluid significantly decreased the concrete-soil/rock interface shear strength while a negligibly small effect was observed for polymer drilling fluid, confirming the findings from the previous studies. It was also observed that the degree of interface shear strength reduction when using bentonite drilling fluid varied with the type of base material as well as the level of normal stress at the interface. The results also confirmed that the groundwater chemistry does not alter governing mechanism of the drilling fluids and the concrete-soil/rock interface interaction and that significant benefit can also be expected when using polymer-based drilling fluid over bentonite in terms of the side resistance of a drilled shaft in seawater drilling environment as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance, image quality, artifacts, and radiation doses of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images, relative to true non-contrast (TNC) images, in patients with surgically clipped aneurysms. Methods: Seventy-six patients who underwent unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy (DE)-CT angiography after surgical clipping of 85 intracranial aneurysms were included in the study. Diagnostic performances of VNC and TNC images were compared with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. The results of quantitative and qualitative analyses were compared between VNC and TNC images. Radiation doses were also compared between VNC and TNC images. Results: Diagnostic performance of VNC images was lower than that of TNC images; however, addition of contrast-enhanced images improved diagnostic performance. Image noise and mean attenuation of VNC images were significantly higher than those of TNC images in the centrum semiovale, cerebellum, and pons. The quality of VNC images was excellent or sufficient (85.5% for observer 1, 85.5% for observer 2), and complete acceptance of VNC images was achieved in 64.5% for observer 1 and in 71.0% for observer 2; however, the addition of contrast-enhanced images increased the level of acceptance (92.0% for observer 1, 90.9% for observer 2). Clip artifacts were significantly lower in VNC images than in TNC images. CT dose index, dose-length product, and effective dose were significantly lower without TNC images. Conclusion: VNC images showed lower diagnostic performance and image quality, and higher image noise than TNC images; however, VNC images could reduce clip artifacts and radiation doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus suffer from anxiety and depression, which make controlling blood glucose levels difficult. Introduction:This quasi-experimental study uses a nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design to investigate the effects of a web-based self-care program on self-care behaviors, anxiety, depression, and blood glucose in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods:The subjects of the study were outpatients being treated in the Department of Endocrinology at Hospital G, located in Seoul near University C, from July 15, 2015, to December 31, 2016. The experimental and control groups contained 22 participants each. The experimental group received a 12-week web-based program and one session of nutrition education; the control group received nutrition education. Using the SPSS program, pre–post changes in blood glucose, anxiety, depression, and self-care behaviors were examined between the two groups by a repeated-measures ANOVA. Results:After the 12 weeks intervention, self-care behaviors increased in both groups, and blood glucose monitoring increased in the experimental group (p = 0.001). Anxiety in the experimental group decreased by 5.1 points but increased by 1.0 point in the control group (p = 0.048). Depression increased in both groups. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels decreased in the experimental group but increased in the control group (p = 0.001). Discussion:In addition to reducing HbA1C and anxiety, the web-based self-care program was effective in increasing the frequency of daily blood glucose monitoring in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions:This study will be helpful in informing an anxiety intervention program, blood glucose control, and healthy self-care behaviors in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A simple reactive power controller that can memorize the voltage deviation from the optimal operating point is proposed. • Voltage deviations due to RESs' own output power as well as other RESs' power fluctuations are reduced. • Deviations from the optimal operating point of the RESs are reduced. • The proposed method outperformed the conventional method in terms of voltage deviation and line loss reduction. Abstract The power output of renewable energy sources (RESs) is inherently unpredictable and frequently deviates from its forecasted value, leading to variations in voltage. These voltage deviations may significantly impede the exploitation of RESs in power systems. Moreover, these unpredictable deviations may also cause the operating point of the system to deviate from its optimal value. This paper proposes a reactive power control method for RESs that reduces voltage deviations resulting from fluctuations in output power, and may also reduce energy loss. To this end, a simple voltage deviation-memorizing technique is applied to the reactive power controller of the RES. By memorizing the voltage deviation, the proposed method rectifies the voltage deviations caused by output power fluctuations, while compensating for deviations caused by other factors via conventional volt/var control. The efficacy of this combination of control methods is verified using simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel supervisory control method for an islanded hybrid ac/dc microgrid (HMG) with a high renewable energy source (RES) penetration. Droop control can respond to inevitable uncertainties in the load and RES. However, this leads to frequency and voltage deviations, and the generator output power may deviate from the optimal point. To restore the frequency and voltage of both ac and dc grids while reducing generation cost at short time intervals, a model predictive control based optimization problem is formulated to update the set-points of the available resources including the interlinking converter and distributed generators. With the sensitivities, which help to linearly express the frequency and voltage for resource output power, the problem can be approximated to a quadratic programming model. In addition, to consider the effect of the reactive power on the frequency and improve the accuracy, the second-order frequency sensitivity is calculated and applied selectively. The proposed method was tested on a modified IEEE 33-bus system connected to a sample dc grid. The simulation results validate its performance for reliable and economic operation in an islanded HMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A method of sequence-related amplified polymorphism is used to detect scion roots. • The method employs sequence-characterized amplified region markers. • The method can be used by identify early scion rooting in Citrus cultivars. Abstract Recently, scion rooting at the grafted region of Poncirus trifoliata rootstocks has been found to decrease fruit setting and quality. Under cultivation conditions, the identification of scion-rooted Shiranuhi mandarin hybrid [(Citrus unshiu Marcov. × C. sinensis Osbeck) × C. reticulata Blanco] trees is difficult. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel method for rapid and accurate identification of scion roots based on sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) in combination with a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker. The genomic DNA was extracted from the normal rootstocks of P. trifoliata and scion roots of Shiranuhi. The sequence of amplified DNA fragments from scion root samples was analyzed using SRAP F4 and R15 primer combination, and was used to construct nine combinations of SCAR primers. Five markers (P1, P2, P3, P4, and P6) were obtained, of which SCAR-P3 presented the best results. We also efficiently screened the scion roots in Kiyomi and Settokka. These SCAR markers accurately identified scion rooting in Shiranuhi mandarin hybrid and other citrus cultivars, thus allowing the implementation of improved cultivation techniques to ensure normal fruit setting. The proposed method can also be applied to control the damage caused by scion rooting in other Citrus cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Process simulation and design as well as economic analysis were carried out to evaluate technical and economic feasibility of steam reforming of methanol in a membrane reactor (MR) for ultra-pure H 2 production. Using a commercial process simulator, Aspen HYSYS®, comparative studies were conducted to investigate the effect of operating conditions including the H 2 permeance (1 × 10−5 - 6 × 10−5 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1), a H 2 O sweep gas flow rate (1–20 kmol h−1), and a reaction temperature (448–493 K) in a conventional packed-bed reactor (PBR) and the MR using a previously reported reaction kinetics. Improved performances such as methanol conversions and H 2 yields were observed in the MR compared to the PBR and several design guidelines for the MR were obtained to develop H 2 separation membranes with optimal H 2 permeance and to select a suitable H 2 O sweep gas flow rate. In addition, economic analysis based on itemized cost estimations was conducted for a small-sized H 2 fueling station by calculating a unit H 2 production cost for both the PBR and the MR reflecting a current economic status in Korea. As a result, a cost saving of about 23% was obtained in the MR (7.24 $ kgH 2 −1) compared to the PBR (9.37 $ kgH 2 −1) confirming the benefit of employing the MR for ultra-pure H 2 production. Highlights • Techno-economic analysis for steam reforming of methanol was conducted. • Improved methanol conversion and H 2 yield were obtained in the MR. • A cost saving of about 23% in a unit H 2 production cost was observed in the MR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies have been carried out for CO 2 reforming of methane in both a packed-bed reactor (PBR) and a membrane reactor (MR) with a heating tube as a heat source at the center of a reactor. The effect of a reactor geometry on the temperature and H 2 and CH 4 concentration profiles within a PBR and a MR have been investigated numerically by changing the distance of membranes from the center of a heating tube (D center = radial distance between the center of the reactor and the center of the membrane) for a given heating tube temperature. The distances of the center of the membranes in a MR from the reactor center were 0.028 m, 0.03 m, 0.033 m, 0.035 m, 0.038 m, 0.04 m, 0.042 m, 0.044 m and 0.045 m. With the help of COMSOL Multiphysics® modeling software, it was possible to visualize temperature and concentration profiles both axially and radially. Interestingly, it was found that H 2 enhancement is proportional to both D center and the magnitude of the H 2 flux. Further studies for the effect of a heating tube radius proposed an optimum radius for a maximum H 2 yield enhancement in a MR. Consequently, it turned out that CFD studies can be used as a critical guideline for an efficient reactor design focusing on a reactor geometry in a MR for given conditions. Highlights • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies for CO 2 reforming of methane were performed. • A 3-D visualization showing the effect of a reactor geometry was presented. • An optimum heating tube radius for a maximum H 2 yield enhancement was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The cAMP/PKA/EPAC signaling pathway increases TIM-3 expression in Jurkat T cells. • The PGE 2 -EP4 interaction increases TIM-3 expression in Jurkat T cells. • Breast tumor cell-conditioned media increase TIM-3 expression through PGE 2. • PKA/EPAC are involved in TIM-3 induction by breast tumor cell-conditioned media. Abstract T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) expression increases in exhausted T cells, which inhibits T cell function. TIM-3 expression is supposedly up-regulated in tumor-bearing individuals via chronic antigenic stimulation of T cells. Considering the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment, we investigated whether tumor-secreted molecules might enhance TIM-3 expression in Jurkat T cells. We observed that TIM-3 expression was increased by the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E 2 and cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathways. Adenylate cyclase activation led to protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent upregulation of the TIM-3 minimal promoter region and of upstream conserved non-coding sequences. TIM-3 expression in Jurkat T cells was increased by the exposure to breast tumor cell-conditioned media partially through the interaction between PGE 2 and its receptor, EP4. Our results propose that tumor-secreted molecules such as PGE 2 , which activates PKA and EPAC, may regulate TIM-3 expression in T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new generation adjustment method for achieving economical operation of power systems. Uncertainty in the loads and renewable energy sources is inevitable in power systems. The participation factor, which can be calculated using the incremental cost, is generally used to manage such unexpected variations. The incremental cost considers only the generators; however, owing to line loss, the location of the variation may also affect the operation performance. Herein, we introduce a bus-dependent participation factor (BDPF) to precisely reflect the line loss. The BDPF is calculated based on the generation-load incremental cost (GLIC), which is the cost variation for a specific generator and load. The GLIC can fairly reflect line loss changes; in addition, the second-order loss sensitivity is used to improve the accuracy of the BDPF. Using the BDPF, power generation can be instantly adjusted under unexpected variations, after which re-adjustment can be performed, if operation constraint violations exist. The proposed method is tested on the IEEE 14-bus and 118-bus systems, and the simulation results validate its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate neurofilament light chain (NfL), phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) and total tau (t-Tau) as plasma markers for clinical severity in Korean Huntington's disease (HD) cohort. Genetically-confirmed 67 HD patients participated from 13 referral hospitals in South Korea. The subjects were evaluated with the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), total motor score (TMS) and total functional capacity (TFC), Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K), and Beck's depression inventory (K-BDI). We measured plasma NfL, p-Tau and t-Tau concentrations using single-molecule array (SIMOA) assays. Stages of HD were classified based on UHDRS-TFC score and plasma markers were analyzed for correlation with clinical severity scales. Plasma NfL was elevated in both 6 premanifest and 61 full manifest HD patients compared to the reference value, which increased further from premanifest to manifest HD groups. The NfL level was not significantly correlated with UHDRS TMS or TFC scores in manifest HD patients. Plasma p-Tau was also elevated in HD patients (p = 0.038). The level was the highest in stage III-V HD (n = 30) group (post-hoc p < 0.05). The p-Tau was correlated with UHDRS TFC scores (adjusted p = 0.002). Plasma t-Tau neither differed among the groups nor associated with any clinical variables. This study supports plasma NfL being a biomarker for initial HD manifestation in Korean cohort, and a novel suggestion of plasma p-Tau as a potential biomarker reflecting the clinical severity in full-manifest HD. • Plasma NfL and p-tau levels are elevated in patients with Huntington's disease. • Plasma NfL level was not significantly correlated with UHDRS TMS or TFC scores. • Plasma p-Tau level was correlated with the UHDRS TFC scores among HD patients. • This study suggests that plasma p-Tau might reflect the disease severity in HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, touch screen panel technology is applied not only mobile device but also large size display. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the evaluation tool for large size touch sensor. In this study, the touch sensor used 23 inch size panel. The touch sensor used metal mesh as a transparent electrode. The metal mesh electrodes are a diamond shape structure and Cu material. The width between the electrodes is 10 μm. The structure of touch sensor is glass/film/film. The numbers of transmit layer and receive layer are individually 78 and 141. The characteristic evaluation of touch sensor is used by touch evaluation program which is based on Window 7. There are 4 anti-vibration poles under touch sensor for reducing ground vibration noise. The signal of touch input is made by conductive pen which is 8Φ, Cu rod. A new evaluation tool was proposed in order to promote the objective operation evaluation of a large size touch panel. The performance evaluation index is signal noise ratio, response time, hover effect, accuracy, precision and multi-touch recognition. The proposed evaluation tool is able to evaluate the large-size touch sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes a control method for distributed generation (DG) units to implement active power sharing and frequency recovery simultaneously in an islanded microgrid. Conventional active power–frequency (P –f) droop control is used for the DG controller, and the frequency deviation is recovered by the DG itself via self-frequency recovery control, without requiring secondary frequency control. Because the electrical distance (impedance) from each DG unit to a point where the load demand changes differs among DG units, the instantaneous frequency deviations may differ between DG units. These differences are fed into the integrators of the self-frequency recovery control and may result in errors in active power sharing. To solve this problem and share active power more accurately, a compensation control method is developed for active power sharing, which considers the droop coefficients of each of the DG units. Simulation results show that the proposed control method is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use machine-learning to train communication-free protective relays of a closed-loop distribution system. The proposed algorithm in the protective relays affords primary protection against electrical faults and classifies the fault types. We propose to replace a conventional algorithm (that depends on communication and fault direction information) with supervised learning (long short-term memory [LSTM]) to protect a closed-loop distribution system. To achieve this aim, we propose LSTM networks employing 12 types of time-series electrical data measured/calculated by each relay of a test power system with distributed energy resources (DERs). After adjustment of LSTM network hyperparameters to enhance circuit-breaker performance, all relays were trained using 6,000 cases and tested employing 3,000 cases, respectively. Simulations showed that the proposed protective relay showed mean accuracies over 96% in protection and over 93% in fault type classification; the proposed method afforded better performance in protection over relays having the conventional protection algorithm. • We used supervised learning to train relays for a normally closed-loop distribution system. • LSTM networks employ 12 types of time-series electrical data measured in a relay to perform classification. • The relay performs classification for both circuit-breaker operation and fault types. • The relay does not require communication systems for a protection scheme. • Relays with a proposed neural network have better protection performance than a conventional protection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of globus pallidus interna (GPi) is an established treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, in contrast to subthalamic nucleus (STN)-DBS, long-term outcomes of GPi-DBS have rarely been studied. We investigated the long-term motor outcomes in PD patients at 5 years after GPi-DBS. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for PD patients who underwent GPi-DBS. Longitudinal changes of UPDRS scores from baseline to 5 years after surgery were assessed. Forty PD patients with a mean age of 59.5 ± 7.9 years at DBS surgery (mean duration of PD: 11.4 ± 3.4 years) were included at baseline and 25 patients were included in 5-year evaluation after DBS. Compared to baseline, sub-scores for tremor, levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), and motor fluctuation indicated improved states up to 5 years after surgery (p < 0.001). However, UPDRS Part 3 total score and sub-score for postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) gradually worsened over time until 5 years after surgery (p > 0.017 after Bonferroni correction). In a logistic regression model, only preoperative levodopa response was associated with the long-term benefits on UPDRS Part 3 total score and PIGD sub-score (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.04–1.39; p = 0.015 and OR = 4.99; 95% CI = 1.39–17.89; p = 0.014, respectively). GPi-DBS provides long-term beneficial effects against tremor, motor fluctuation and LID, but PIGD symptoms gradually worsen. This selective long-term benefit has implications for the optimal application of DBS in PD patients. • We investigated the long-term motor outcomes in PD patients at 5 years after GPi-DBS. • GPi-DBS provides long-term beneficial effects against tremor, motor fluctuation and LID. • However, PIGD symptoms gradually worsen after improvement by GPi-DBS. • Preoperative levodopa response was associated with the long-term benefits on PIGD symptoms. • This selective long-term benefit has implications for the optimal application of DBS in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Electronical Committee (IEC) 61850-90-7 is a part of the IEC 61850 series which specifies the advanced functions and object models for power converter based Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). One of its functions, the Voltage/VAR (V/V) control function, is used to enhance the stability and the reliability of the voltage in the distribution system. The conventional V/V function acts mainly for flattening the voltage profile as for a basic grid support function. Currently, other objectives such as the minimization of line loss and the operational costs reduction are coming into the spotlight. In order to attain these objectives, the V/V function and hence the DER units shall actively respond to the change of distribution system conditions. In this paper, the modification of V/V function and new requirements are proposed. To derive new requirements of V/V function, loss minimization is applied to a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm where the condition of voltage constraint is considered not to deteriorate the voltage stability of the distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expressions and promoter methylation of genes detected in sputum may provide biomarkers for non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we evaluate the individual and combined analysis of the two classes of sputum molecular biomarkers for NSCLC detection. Results: We analyze expression of 3 miRNAs (miR-21, miR-31, and miR-210) and methylation of 3 genes (RASSF1A, PRDM14, and 3OST2), which were previously identified as potential biomarkers for NSCLC, in sputum of a set of 117 stage I NSCLC patients and 174 cancer-free smokers. The results are validated in a different set of 144 stage I NSCLC patients and 171 controls. The panel of 3 miRNA biomarkers has 81.5 % sensitivity and 85.9 % specificity; the panel of 3 methylation biomarkers displays 82.9 % sensitivity and 76.4 % specificity for NSCLC detection. Integrated analysis of 2 miRNAs (miR-31 and miR-210) and 2 genes (RASSF1A and 3OST2) yields higher sensitivity (87.3 %) and specificity (90.3 %) compared with the individual panels of the biomarkers (P < 0.05). Combined analysis of all the 3 miRNAs and 3 genes does not have performance superior to that of the panel of 2 miRNAs and 2 genes (P > 0.05). The performance of combined use of the two classes of biomarkers was confirmed in the validation set. Conclusions: The integration of two different classes of biomarkers synergistically improves both the sensitivity and the specificity for the early detection of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tim-3 is an immunomodulatory protein that is expressed constitutively on monocytes but is induced in activated T cells. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of TIM-3 transcription are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated whether methylation of the TIM-3 promoter is involved in regulatingTIM-3 transcription in T cells, and identified a transcription factor that regulates TIM-3 transcription by associating with the TIM-3 minimal promoter region. Pyrosequencing of the TIM-3 promoter up to −1440 bp revealed 11 hypermethylated CpG sites and 4 hypomethylated CpG sites in human CD4 + T cells as well as in CD11b + cells. Dimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4), a mark of transcriptional activation, was predominantly found in the proximal TIM-3 promoter −954 to −34 bp region, whereas trimethylation of H3K9 and H3K27, which are markers of transcriptional suppression, were mostly observed in the distal promoter −1549 to −1048 bp region in human CD4 + T cells and CD11b + cells. However, no change in the methylation status of CpG sites and the histone H3 in the TIM-3 promoter was found during induction of TIM-3 transcription in T cells. Finally, AP-1 involvement in TIM-3 transcription was shown in relation with the TIM-3 minimal promoter −146 to +144 bp region. The present study defines the minimal TIM-3 promoter region and demonstrates its interaction with c-Jun during TIM-3 transcription in CD4 + T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standalone microgrids, which are mainly constructed on island areas have low system inertia, may result large frequency deviations even for small load change. Moreover, increasing penetration level of renewable energy sources (RESs) into standalone microgrids makes the frequency stability problem even worse. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes an active power sharing method with zero frequency deviations. To this end, a battery energy storage system (BESS) is operated as constant frequency (CF) control mode, whereas the other distributed generations (DGs) are operated as an active and reactive power (PQ) control mode. As a result, a state of charge (SOC) of the BESS is changed as the system load varies. Based on the SOC deviation, DGs share the load change. The SOC data is assumed to be sent via communication system, hence the communication time delay is considered. To enhance reliability, controllers of DGs are designed to take account of the failure of communication system. The simulation results show that active power can be shared among DGs according to desired ratio without frequency deviations even for large variation of output power of RESs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early detection of lung cancer can reduce the mortality. However, there is no effective means in clinical settings for noninvasively detecting lung cancer. We previously developed 3 sputum miRNA biomarkers and 2 sputum small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) biomarkers that can potentially be used for noninvasively diagnosing lung cancer. Here we evaluate the individual and combined applications of the two types of biomarkers in different sets of lung cancer patients and controls. Combined analysis of the miRNAs and snoRNAs has a synergistic effect with 89 % sensitivity and 89 % specificity, and may provide a useful tool for lung cancer early detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone metastasis (BM) is common in patients with lung cancer. Osteolysis is caused by increased osteoclast activity. Interleukin-20 (IL-20) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) are crucial for osteoclast formation. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) inhibits a receptor activator of RANKL/RANK signaling. The aims of this study were to analyze the serum levels of IL-20, OPG, and RANKL in patients with and without BM and to observe the effect of chemotherapy on these cytokines.Patients and Methods: A total 54 cases of pathologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and 18 healthy individuals (Control) were enrolled in this study. Eligible patients were divided into three groups (18 patients per group): ADC without BM (ADC), ADC with BM (ADC + BM), and ADC with BM treated with chemotherapy (ADC + BM + Chemo). Serum IL-20, RANKL, and OPG levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Serum IL-20, RANKL, and OPG levels in ADC + BM patients were significantly elevated compared with that in the Control or ADC groups (both P < 0.001). The serum cytokine levels were significantly lower following chemotherapy compared with that in patients who did not receive chemotherapy (P < 0.001).Conclusions: Serum IL-20, RANKL, and OPG levels increase in patients with lung cancer and BMs. Chemotherapy suppresses the elevation of these cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a frequency and voltage control strategy for a standalone microgrid with high penetration of intermittent renewable generation systems, which might cause large frequency and voltage deviation in the system due to unpredictable output power fluctuations. To this end, a battery energy storage system (BESS) is suggested for generating the nominal system frequency instead of a synchronous generator, from a frequency control perspective. This makes the system frequency independent of the mechanical inertia of the synchronous generator. However, a BESS has a capacity limitation; a synchronous generator is used to maintain the state of charge (SOC) of the BESS at a certain value. For voltage control, we proposed that a reactive power/active power (Q/P) droop control be added to the conventional reactive power controller. By adding a Q/P droop control, renewable generation acquires a voltage-damping effect, which dramatically alleviates the voltage fluctuation induced by its own output power fluctuation. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy from both frequency and voltage control perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an optimal power flow (OPF) formulation for bipolar DC microgrids. The bipolar DC microgrid can integrate distributed generations (DGs) and supply power to end-users with high effectiveness and reliability. In comparison with the existing power flow methods for DC grids, which are based on power injection, the current injection power flow method should be adopted for bipolar DC microgrids to entirely consider the bipolar structure. In this regard, the OPF established herein is based on the current injection power flow method. The output current of DGs as well as pole voltages should be adopted as decision variables to utilize the linearity of the power flow equation. The optimal set point of the output power and balanced voltage level of the DGs are determined with respect to three objective functions: generation cost, voltage unbalance, and network loss. Depending on the existence of the constant power load and the generation cost function that cause bilinear equality constraints, the proposed OPF model is classified as a convex quadratic programming (QP) or a nonconvex quadratically constrained QP problem, which can be solved using commercial solvers. The case study validates that the proposed OPF formulation can find the optimal operating point with low computational burden at various grid conditions and operational priority. • Optimal power flow formulation for bipolar DC microgrids is proposed. • Proposed OPF utilizes current injection power flow method to entirely consider bipolar DC structure. • Proposed OPF determines optimal output power and balanced voltage level of distributed generations. • Developed method can be solved by off-the-shelf solvers with low computational burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a generic power flow algorithm for bipolar DC microgrids based on the Newton–Raphson (NR) method. The bipolar DC microgrid has gained considerable attention for its effectiveness and reliability with regard to power supply. To date, however, power flow algorithms for bipolar DC networks have not been fully investigated and generalized, although power flow analysis is an essential tool, with diverse applications ranging from network design to real-time control. In this study, a current injection-based power flow algorithm is established that considers the grounding scheme and voltage control method of energy source. Six bus types are defined, depending on the grounding scheme and voltage control combination. The unknown pole voltages and equations to be iteratively solved are identified. Afterwards, the unknown pole voltages are updated via a single NR method, which makes the proposed method straightforward and efficient. The case study validates that the proposed power flow algorithm can find the bus voltages of each pole sufficiently close to the simulation results of PSCAD/EMTDC, while having a low computational burden. • Generic power flow algorithm for bipolar DC microgrids is proposed. • Proposed algorithm considers grounding schemes and control modes of energy sources. • Proposed algorithm aids various power system applications for bipolar DC microgrids. • Developed method has high accuracy and low computation time with single NR method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative admission to the surgical intensive care unit (S-ICU) is commonly planned to prevent and treat complications, unnecessary admission to the S-ICU increases medical costs and length of hospital stay. This study aimed evaluated outcome and the predictive factors for mortality in patients admitted to the S-ICU after abdominal surgery. Methods: The 168 patients admitted to the S-ICU immediately after abdominal surgery were reviewed retrospectively from January to December 2011. Results: The mortality rate of patients admitted to the S-ICU after abdominal surgery was 8.9% (15 of 168). Two preoperative factors (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5 kg/m² [p < 0.001] and serum albumin < 3.0 g/dL [p = 0.018]), two operative factors (the need for transfusion [p = 0.008] or vasopressors [p = 0.013] during surgery), and three postoperative variables (mechanical ventilation immediately following surgery [p < 0.001], sequential organ failure assessment [p = 0.001] and SAPS II [p = 0.001] score) were associated with mortality in univariate analysis. After adjusting for age, gender, and SAPS II by a Cox regression, which revealed that BMI < 18.5 kg/m² (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] 9.690, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.990-25.258) and the use of mechanical ventilation on admission to S-ICU (p < 0.001, HR 34.671, 95% CI 6.440-186.649) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: In patients in S-ICU after abdominal surgery, low BMI and postsurgical mechanical ventilation should be considered important predictors of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method to seek the PI controller parameters of a PMSG wind turbine to improve control performance. Since operating conditions vary with the wind speed, therefore the PI controller parameters should be determined as a function of the wind speed. Small-signal modeling of a PMSG WT is implemented to analyze the stability under various operating conditions and with eigenvalues obtained from the small-signal model of the PMSG WT, which are coordinated by adjusting the PI controller parameters. The parameters to be tuned are chosen by investigating participation factors of state variables, which simplifies the problem by reducing the number of parameters to be tuned. The process of adjusting these PI controller parameters is carried out using particle swarm optimization (PSO). To characterize the improvements in the control method due to the PSO method of tuning the PI controller parameters, the PMSG WT is modeled using the MATLAB/SimPowerSystems libraries with the obtained PI controller parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode with a complex life cycle, including a free living cycle, a parasitic cycle, and an auto-infection cycle. S. stercolaris infection may occur in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. It is usually asymptomatic and undetectable for decades in a healthy host. In immunocompromised patient, however, it may cause life threatening hyperinfection involving multiple organs. In Korea, several cases of Strongyloides hyperinfection have been reported since 1959. However, reports with gastric involvement and peritoneal invasion are rare. This is a report of gastric strongyloidiasis hyperinfection identified at ascites in an elderly patient who had subtotal gastrectomy due to stomach cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]