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The introduction of distributed generation (DG) into distribution systems is expanding due to carbon neutral policies. DG with intermittent output characteristics brings frequent voltage variations in distribution systems. Generally, a step voltage regulator (SVR) is installed in the long distribution line and controls its voltage, which has limits of stable voltage regulations due to the slow tap-changing rate, switching losses, and short life span. To solve those problems, this paper proposes an IGBT-based SVR using zero-voltage switching. It is verified that the stable operation can be obtained through simulation by PSCAD/EMTDC 4.6 software and empirical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanin oligomers (AOs) are phytochemicals synthesized by fermenting anthocyanins extracted from grape skins and are more biologically active than monomeric anthocyanins. In this study, we evaluate the effects of an AO on triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. The cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by AO treatment for 24 h, while delphinidin (a monomeric anthocyanin) had no effect on cell viability. In addition, the AO increased H2A.X phosphorylation (a marker of DNA damage), reduced RAD51 (a DNA repair protein) and survivin (a cell survival factor) protein levels, and induced apoptosis by caspase-3-dependent PARP1 cleavage in both cell lines. Surprisingly, the AO induced autophagy by increasing intracellular LC3-II puncta and LC3-II and p62 protein levels. In addition, the AO inhibited the mTOR pathway in MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells by suppressing the HER2, EGFR1, and AKT pathways. These results demonstrate that the anti-cancer effect of the AO was due to the induction of apoptosis and autophagy via cleaved caspase-3-mediated PARP1 cleavage and mTOR pathway inhibition, respectively. Furthermore, our results suggest that anthocyanin oligomers could be considered potential candidates for breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy failure is often caused by drug resistance, for which no effective treatment strategy has been established. Many studies have been undertaken with the aim of overcoming drug resistance using natural products. Arctigenin (ATG), a natural product, has been investigated for its anti‐cancer effects in HER2‐overexpressing, ER‐positive, and triple‐negative breast cancer cells. We investigated the efficacy of ATG against self‐established doxorubicin (DOX)‐resistant breast cancer cells (MCF‐DR and MDA‐DR cells) derived from MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, respectively. ATG was found to increase DOX intracellular levels by downregulating multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) mRNA expression in DOX‐resistant cells. In addition, combined treatment with DOX and ATG (DOX/ATG) reduced the viability of and colony formation by DOX‐resistant cells. DOX/ATG also significantly induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by suppressing the Cyclin D1/CDK4/RB pathways and suppressed the expressions of MDR1 and Cyclin D1 by inhibiting the Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/Activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling pathways. Furthermore, DOX/ATG induced DNA damage and attenuated the expressions of RAD51 and Ku80. However, PARP1 (Poly [ADP‐ribose] polymerase1) cleavage and AIF (Apoptosis‐inducing factor) induced apoptosis did not occur despite DNA damage‐induced cell death. Rather, flow cytometry showed that DOX/ATG caused necrosis. In summary, DOX/ATG increased intracellular DOX levels by inhibiting MDR1 and inducing G2/M arrest by inhibiting the Cyclin D1/CDK4/RB pathways and causing necrosis by damaging DNA. Our results suggest that ATG might be used as an adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of DOX in DOX‐resistant breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable emphasis is being placed on combinatorial chemotherapeutic/natural treatments for breast cancer. This study reveals the synergistic anti-tumor activity of morin and Doxorubicin (Dox) co-treatment on MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation. Morin/Dox treatment promoted Dox uptake and induced DNA damage and formation of nuclear foci of p-H2A.X. Furthermore, DNA repair proteins, RAD51 and survivin, and cell cycle proteins, cyclin B1 and forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1), were induced by Dox alone but attenuated by morin/Dox co-treatment. In addition, Annexin V/7-AAD analysis revealed that necrotic cell death after co-treatment and apoptotic cell death by Dox alone were associated with the induction of cleaved PARP and caspase-7 without Bcl-2 family involvement. FOXM1 inhibition by thiostrepton showed that co-treatment caused FOXM1-mediated cell death. Furthermore, co-treatment downregulated the phosphorylation of EGFR and STAT3. Flow cytometry showed that the accumulation of cells in the G2/M and S phases might be linked to cellular Dox uptake, p21 upregulation, and cyclin D1 downregulation. Taken together, our study shows that the anti-tumor effect of morin/Dox co-treatment is due to the suppression of FOXM1 and attenuation of EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathways in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, which suggests that morin offers a means of improving therapeutic efficacy in TNBC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, utilities regulate the voltage on the long power distribution line within a permissible range by using a step voltage regulator (SVR), which is located around the middle of the line and operates according to the condition of the line current. However, as large-scale distributed generations (DG's) are interconnected into distribution lines, it is difficult to maintain the line voltage properly owing to bi-directional power flow or reverse power flow. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel SVR tap-changing algorithm to solve the problem, considering line load conditions and reverse power flow. Its validity is verified through the PSCAD/EMTDC software tool and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, several clinical studies have reported that combination treatments of radiation therapy (RT) and immunotherapy in patients with multiple lesions can improve tumor regression at a distance from the irradiated site, known as the abscopal effect. However, when RT and immunotherapy are concurrently applied, it is hard to distinguish the pure systemic effects of RT from those of the immunotherapy drug. In this preclinical study, the authors investigated the systemic antitumor effects of RT alone according to fraction dose size and splitting schedules. Materials and Methods: 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells were implanted into the right and left sides of mammary gland fat pads of BALB/c mice, followed by irradiation with 6 Gy × 3, 8 Gy × 2, and 13 Gy × 1 fractions when the right-side tumors were palpable. Results: The different irradiation schedules produced similar antitumor effects in irradiated right-side tumors and unirradiated left-side tumors. However, 8 Gy × 2 and 13 Gy × 1 fractions exhibited better antimetastatic potential than that from irradiation using 6 Gy × 3 fractions. Furthermore, 8 Gy × 2 and 13 Gy × 1 fractions produced higher expressions of HMGB1 and lower expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, from the irradiated tumor tissues. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 8 Gy × 2 and 13 Gy × 1 fractions can provide better systemic antitumor effects than 6 Gy × 3 fractions. The authors hope these results provide clues to optimize RT dose regimens to make the abscopal effect clinically more relevant in future combination treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its chemical conversion to high‐purity calcium carbonate salt, which has potential uses in a range of industrial sectors. Indirect inorganic aqueous carbonation methods were used, with seawater‐based industrial wastewater as the source of metal ions. The alkanolamine absorbent solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) were used at typical industrial concentrations of 30 wt%. Calcium ions from industrial wastewater were extracted in the form of gypsum. Subsequently, a carbonation reaction afforded high‐purity calcium carbonate salt. The conversion yields of 33.16% for monoethanolamine, 33.86% for diethanolamine, and 55.18% for methyldiethanolamine were achieved. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the purity of the product to be 93.6, 95.2 and 92.8 wt%, respectively. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed the crystal structure of the products to be aragonite mixed with vaterite. Furthermore, the CO2 capture capacity of each absorbent and the amount of CO2 desorbed by the carbonation reaction were investigated. The results may support the design of carbon capture and utilization plants and potential market research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The progression and development of congestive heart failure is still considered a large problem despite the existence of revascularization therapies and optimal, state-of-the-art medical services. An acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of congestive heart failure, so researchers are investigating techniques to complement primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy to prevent congestive heart failure after AMI.Methods: Twenty-six patients with successful PCI for acute ST-segment elevation anterior wall myocardial infarction were assigned to either a control group (n = 12) or a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) group (n = 14). The control group received optimum post-infarction treatment, and the BMSC group received intracoronary delivery of autologous BMSC at 1 month after PCI with the optimum medical treatment. The primary endpoint was a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) change from baseline to 4-month follow-up, as determined via myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).Results: The global LVEF at baseline (determined 3.5 ± 1.5 days after PCI) was 35.4 ± 3.0% in the control group and 33.6 ± 4.7% in the BM-MSC group. BMSC transfer enhanced left ventricular systolic function primarily in anterior wall myocardial segments adjacent to the LAD infarcted area. Four months later, via SPECT, global LVEF had increased by 4.8 ± 1.9% in the control group and 8.8 ± 2.9% in the BM-MSC group (p = 0.031). The cell transfer did not increase the risk of adverse clinical events, in-stent restenosis, or proarrhythmic effects. The echocardiographic evaluation also revealed a significant increase in the LVEF value from baseline to the 4-month (9.0 ± 4.7 and 5.3 ± 2.6%, p = 0.023) and 12-month (9.9 ± 5.2% and 6.5 ± 2.7%, p = 0.048) follow-up in the BM-MSC group but not in the control group.Conclusions: Intracoronary administration of autologous BM-MSC was tolerable and safe with significant improvement in LVEF at 4-month (SPECT and echocardiography result) and 12-month (echocardiography result only) follow-up in patients with anterior AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds/aims: Although post-polypectomy bleeding is the most frequent complication after colonoscopic polypectomy, only few studies have investigated the incidence of bleeding prospectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding and its associated risk factors prospectively.Methods: Patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 were prospectively enrolled in this study. Trained nurses contacted patients via telephone 7 and 30 days after polypectomy and completed a standardized questionnaire regarding the development of bleeding. Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding was categorized as minor or major and early or late bleeding. Major delayed bleeding was defined as a > 2-g/dL drop in the hemoglobin level, requiring hospitalization for control of bleeding or blood transfusion; late delayed bleeding was defined as bleeding occurring later than 24 h after polypectomy.Results: A total of 8175 colonoscopic polypectomies were performed in 3887 patients. Overall, 133 (3.4%) patients developed delayed post-polypectomy bleeding. Among them, 90 (2.3%) and 43 (1.1%) patients developed minor and major delayed bleeding, respectively, and 39 (1.0%) patients developed late delayed bleeding. In the polyp-based multivariate analysis, young age (< 50 years; odds ratio [OR] 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.68), aspirin use (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.23-6.31), and polyp size of > 10 mm (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.38-4.36) were significant risk factors for major delayed bleeding, while young age (< 50 years; OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.35-5.12) and immediate bleeding (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.49-7.30) were significant risk factors for late delayed bleeding.Conclusions: Young age, aspirin use, polyp size, and immediate bleeding were found to be independent risk factors for delayed post-polypectomy bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the chemical conversion of carbon dioxide contained in industrial flue gas. Unlike previous studies, which used natural resources to obtain inorganic metal carbonate salts, this study used industrial wastewater produced from a refined salt production facility. The calcium concentration in the wastewater was 21285.737 ppm, as estimated by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. Monoethanolamine, diethanolamine (DEA), and methyl-diethanolamine solutions were used as carbon dioxide absorbents, leading to CO 2 loading values for the first absorption step of 0.4193, 0.3967, and 0.2814 (mol CO 2 /mol amine), respectively. After saturating 400 mL of each absorbent solution using 15 vol% carbon dioxide gas mixed with nitrogen, 100 mL of industrial wastewater was added to the mixture, resulting in the formation of inorganic metal carbonate salts. After a filtration step, the samples were dried and instrumental analyses including scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry were performed. The best carbon fixation performance was obtained by employing an absorbent containing 30 wt% DEA together with 100 mL of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore whether theFOXP3−3279 A/C polymorphism and (GT)nmicrosatellite polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between theFOXP3−3279 A/C polymorphism and (GT)15and (GT)16polymorphisms and autoimmune diseases.Results: Twenty-two comparative studies with a total of 7962 patients and 7453 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed an association between autoimmune disease and theFOXP3−3279 AA + AC genotype (OR = 1.480, 95% CI = 1.263–1.614,p < 1.0 × 10−9), and stratification by ethnicity indicated a significant association between theFOXP3−3279 AA + AC genotype and autoimmune diseases in Asians (OR = 1.416, 95% CI = 1.225–1.637,p = 2.5 × 10−7) and non-Caucasians (OR = 1.432, 95% CI = 1.245–1.647,p = 7.5 × 10−8). In addition, correctedpvalues for multiple testing remained significant. Meta-analysis revealed no association between autoimmune disease and theFOXP3(GT)15allele (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 0.933–1.183,p = 0.413). Similarly, theFOXP3(GT)16allele showed no associations with autoimmune disease.Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that theFOXP3−3279 A/C polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease in Asians and non-Caucasians. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Germ cells differentiate into oocytes in females and are arrested at the first meiotic prophase. However, during arrest, oocytes undergo a growth phase leading to a dramatic increase in size, which is under control of transcription events. In the current study, we examined the transcriptional activity of growing pig oocytes using an immunocytochemical approach. Our data showed that fluorouridine (FU), a halogenated nucleotide, can be successfully incorporated into synthesizing RNAs and detected using a specific monoclonal antibody. Results: Using this method, we identified dynamic changes in transcriptional activity patterns in growing pig oocytes. Oocytes obtained from small follicles exhibited the highest level of transcription, while at the final phase of growth, transcription was no longer detected. These transcriptional changes were concomitant with chromatin compaction resulting in a tightly packed ring-like chromatin conformation surrounding the nucleolar structure. Also, FU incorporation appeared sensitive to the biochemical manipulation of transcription, because transcriptional inhibitors induced a decrease in signal intensity from FU labeling and transcriptional activation caused an increase in FU signal intensity. Conclusions: Our data collectively support that a direct link exists between chromatin configuration and transcriptional activity in pig oocytes, and support the suitability of FU for studies on transcription-related events in mammalian oocytes. Developmental Dynamics 242:16-22, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density of (30 mass % potassium carbonate + 3 mass% sarcosine)and (30 mass % K2CO3+ 3 mass % pipecolic acid)were measured for temperature ranging from (303 to 353) K. The experimentaldata are presented with an aqueous solution of 30 mass % K2CO3. The solubility of the aqueous blended solution wasmeasured at (353, 373, and 393) K over CO2partial pressureranging from (0.1 to 1500) kPa. The results are shown with the solubilityof CO2in 30 mass % K2CO3. Due tothe fact that the amino acid has acidic character, the CO2solubility of aqueous blended solutions is slightly lower than thatof the solution of 30 mass % K2CO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The development of radioresistance during radiotherapy is a major cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. To provide new insights of the mechanisms underlying radioresistance, we established radioresistant cell lines derived from two different subtypes of breast cancer cells, HER2-positive SK-BR-3 and ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells, by exposing cells to 48 ~ 70 Gy of radiation delivered at 4–5 Gy twice weekly over 9 ~ 10 months. The established radioresistant SK-BR-3 (SR) and MCF-7 (MR) cells were resistant not only to a single dose of radiation (2 Gy or 4 Gy) but also to fractionated radiation delivered at 2 Gy/day for 5 days. Furthermore, these cells exhibited tumor-initiating potential in vivo and high CD24-/CD44 + ratio. To identify novel therapeutic molecular targets, we analyzed differentially expressed genes in both radioresistant cell lines and found that the expression of ACSL4 was significantly elevated in both cell lines. Targeting ACSL4 improved response to irradiation and inhibited migration activities. Furthermore, inhibition of ACLS4 using ASCL4 siRNA or triacsin C suppressed FOXM1 expression, whereas inhibition of FOXM1 using thiostrepton did not affect ACSL4 expression. Targeting the ACSL4-FOXM1 signaling axis by inhibiting ASCL4 or FOXM1 overcame the radioresistance by suppressing DNA damage responses and inducing apoptosis. This is the first study to report that ACSL4 plays a crucial role in mediating the radioresistance of breast cancer by regulating FOXM1. We propose the ACSL4-FOXM1 signaling axis be considered a novel therapeutic target in radioresistant breast cancer and suggest treatment strategies targeting this signaling axis might overcome breast cancer radioresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept that asthma diagnosis based on allergen-specific IgE levels in serum is more accurate than diagnosis based on skin test reactivity is controversial. Objective. To determine the atopy parameter that correlates most closely with airway reactivity to house dust mites in asthma. Methods. Forty-three asthma cases were examined retrospectively for data on Dermatophagoides farinae-specific bronchoprovocation, serum-specific IgE, and skin prick tests. Results. The maximal decreases in FEV1 following bronchoprovocation were correlated significantly with both the IgE levels and skin test scores. The accuracies of the tests were highest at a cutoff value of class 4 or higher for the IgE and of 3+ or higher for the skin test. At the cutoff values, the accuracies of both tests were similar (70% vs. 70%). The sensitivity of the skin test (81%) was higher than that of the IgE test (67%), whereas the specificity of the IgE test (71%) was higher than that of the skin test (52%). The sensitivity of the skin test was 91% at 2+ or higher, and the specificity of the IgE test was 95% at class 6 or higher. Conclusion. These results suggest that both the specific IgE level and the skin test reactivity are useful parameters in the prediction of positive airway responses to house dust mites in asthma. However, the skin test is more sensitive, whereas the IgE test is more specific. Therefore, these tests can be used in a complementary fashion (i.e., the skin test for screening and the specific IgE test for confirmation of the relevant allergen). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we discuss carbon capture and utilization processes using industrial wastewater. 5, 10, and 30 wt% aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions were used as the absorbent solution. A pretreated brine solution, in which contained calcium ion with concentration of 21972.64 ppm, was used to supply calcium cations. All of the experiments were done under ambient pressure and in a temperature range between 298.15 K and 343.15 K. 0.79, 0.34 and 0.19 mol of CO 2 was captured by 5, 10 and 30 wt% of aqueous MEA solutions, respectively. When 100 ml of pretreated brine solutions were added to each saturated MEA solution, 24.65%, 36.96%, and 41.65% (mol basis) of captured CO 2 was converted to calcium carbonate salts by carbon fixation process. To investigate possibility of absorbent recycle after precipitation step, second absorption experiments were performed. As a result 0.55, 0.27, and 0.16 mol of CO 2 were captured by 5, 10, and 30 wt% MEA solution, respectively. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, it was proven that the calcium carbonate formation was possible and the majority of calcium carbonate was in the form of calcite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This study investigated CO2 fixation when 10 and 30wt% MEA, DEA and MDEA were used. [•] All amine solutions can easily precipitate CO2 to greater than 84wt%. [•] In terms of moles of CaCO3/mole of CO2, the MDEA solution provided the highest CO2 conversion rate. [•] The precipitate consists of calcite, aragonite and vaterite, as indicated by XRD measurements. [•] We believe that this process can be used for CO2 capture as it requires no external energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the clinical presentation of myocarditis is very diverse, ranging from mild dyspnea to hemodynamic collapse, myocarditis accompanied with extracardiac myositis is extremely rare. We report a single case of fulminant myocarditis associated with orbital myositis and diaphragmatic paralysis in a 40-year-old man, which was successfully managed by immunosuppressive therapy with steroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]