Rotor fault classification technique and precision analysis with kernel principal component analysis and multi-support vector machines

To solve the diagnosis problem of fault classification for aero-engine vibration over standard during test, a fault diagnosis classification approach based on kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) feature extraction and multi-support vector machines (SVM) is proposed, which extracted the feature of testing cell standard fault samples through exhausting the capability of nonlinear feature extraction of KPCA. By computing inner product kernel functions of original feature space, the vibration signal of rotor is transformed from principal low dimensional feature space to high dimensional feature spaces by this nonlinear map. Then, the nonlinear principal components of original low dimensional space are obtained by performing PCA on the high dimensional feature spaces. During muti-SVM training period, as eigenvectors, the nonlinear principal components are separated into training set and test set, and penalty parameter and kernel function parameter are optimized by adopting genetic optimization algorithm. A high classification accuracy of training set and test set is sustained and over-fitting and under-fitting are avoided. Experiment results indicate that this method has good performance in distinguishing different aero-engine fault mode, and is suitable for fault recognition of a high speed rotor

MicroRNA miR-326 regulates TH-17 differentiation and is associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

MicroRNA miR-326 regulates TH-17 differentiation and is associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis Changsheng Du1,5, Chang Liu1,5, Jiuhong Kang1,2, Guixian Zhao3, Zhiqiang Ye4, Shichao Huang1, Zhenxin Li3, Zhiying Wu3 & Gang Pei1,2 Interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing T helper cells (TH-17 cells) are increasingly recognized as key participants in various autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Although sets of transcription factors and cytokines are known to regulate TH-17 differentiation, the role of noncoding RNA is poorly understood. Here we identify a TH-17 cell–associated microRNA, miR-326, whose expression was highly correlated with disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis and mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In vivo silencing of miR-326 resulted in fewer TH-17 cells and mild EAE, and its overexpression led to more TH-17 cells and severe EAE. We also found that miR-326 promoted TH-17 differentiation by targeting Ets-1, a negative regulator of TH-17 differentiation. Our data show a critical role for microRNA in TH-17 differentiation and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Ganglion Cell Complex in Patients with Optic Neuritis or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders Using Optical Coherence Tomography in a Chinese Cohort

We evaluate a cohort of optic neuritis and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders patients in a territory hospital in China. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) were measured using spectral-domain OCT after 6 months of acute onset. The results showed that both the peripapillary RNFL and macular GCC were significantly thinner in all optic neuritis subtypes compared to controls. In addition, the recurrent optic neuritis and NMO groups showed more severe damage on the RNFL and GCC pattern

Recurrent CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy: a case report and literature review

BackgroundContactin-1 (CNTN1) antibody-positive nodopathy is rare and exhibits distinct clinical symptoms such as tremors and ataxia. However, the mechanisms of these symptoms and the characteristics of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) remain unknown.Case presentationHere, we report a case of recurrent CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy. Initially, a 45-year-old woman experiencing numbness in the upper limbs and weakness in the lower limbs was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Eleven years later, her symptoms worsened, and she began to experience tremors and ataxia. Tests for serum CNTN1, GT1a, and GQ1b antibodies returned positive. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy and underwent plasmapheresis therapy, although the treatment’s efficacy was limited. To gain a deeper understanding of the disease, we conducted a comprehensive literature review, identifying 52 cases of CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy to date, with a tremor prevalence of 26.9%. Additionally, we found that the average CSF protein level in CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy was 2.57 g/L, with 87% of patients exhibiting a CSF protein level above 1.5 g/L.ConclusionWe present a rare case of recurrent CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of tremor (26.9%) and elevated CSF protein levels among patients with CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy

Robust min-max model predictive vehicle platooning with causal disturbance feedback

Platoon-based vehicular cyber-physical systems have gained increasing attention due to their potentials in improving traffic efficiency, capacity, and saving energy. However, external uncertain disturbances arising from mismatched model errors, sensor noises, communication delays and unknown environments can impose a great challenge on the constrained control of vehicle platooning. In this paper, we propose a closed-loop min-max model predictive control (MPC) with causal disturbance feedback for vehicle platooning. Specifically, we first develop a compact form of a centralized vehicle platooning model subject to external disturbances, which also incorporates the lower-level vehicle dynamics. We then formulate the uncertain optimal control of the vehicle platoon as a worst-case constrained optimization problem and derive its robust counterpart by semidefinite relaxation. Thus, we design a causal disturbance feedback structure with the robust counterpart, which leads to a closed-loop min-max MPC platoon control solution. Even though the min-max MPC follows a centralized paradigm, its robust counterpart can keep the convexity and enable the efficient and practical implementation of current convex optimization techniques. We also derive a linear matrix inequality (LMI) condition for guaranteeing the recursive feasibility and input-to-state practical stability (ISpS) of the platoon system. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed MPC in terms of constraint satisfaction, platoon stability and robustness against different external disturbances

A meaningful exploration of ofatumumab in refractory NMOSD: a case report

ObjectiveTo report the case of a patient with refractory neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), who, despite showing poor response or intolerance to multiple immunosuppressants, was successfully treated with Ofatumumab.Case presentationA 42-year-old female was diagnosed with NMOSD in the first episode of the disease. Despite treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin, rituximab and immunoadsorption, together with oral steroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus, she underwent various adverse events, such as abnormal liver function, repeated infections, fever, rashes, hemorrhagic shock, etc., and experienced five relapses over the ensuing four years. Finally, clinicians decided to initiate Ofatumumab to control the disease. The patient received 9 doses of Ofatumumab over the next 10 months at customized intervals. Her symptoms were stable and there was no recurrence or any adverse events.ConclusionOfatumumab might serve as an effective and safe alternative for NMOSD patients who are resistant to other current immunotherapies

The correlation of retinal neurodegeneration and brain degeneration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease using optical coherence tomography angiography and MRI

IntroductionPathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease can cause retina and optic nerve degeneration. The retinal changes are correlated with cognitive function. This study aimed to explore the relationship of retinal differences with neuroimaging in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, analyze the association of cognitive function with retinal structure and vascular density, and identify potential additional biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.MethodWe performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and neuropsychological assessments in 28 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease and 28 healthy controls. Retinal structure and vascular density were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between neuroimaging and OCTA parameters in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease with adjustment for age, gender, years of education, and hypertension.ResultsIn patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease, OCTA-detected retinal parameters were not significantly correlated with MRI-detected neuroimaging parameters after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Under multivariable analysis controlled for age, gender, years of education, and hypertension, the S-Hemi (0–3) sector of macular thickness was significantly associated with Mini-cog (β = 0.583, P = 0.002) with Bonferroni-corrected threshold at P < 0.003.ConclusionOur findings suggested decreased macular thickness might be associated with cognitive function in mild AD patients. However, the differences in retinal parameters didn’t correspond to MRI-detected parameters in this study. Whether OCTA can be used as a new detection method mirroring MRI for evaluating the effect of neuronal degeneration in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease still needs to be investigated by more rigorous and larger studies in the future

Preparation of a Novel NiAlO Composite Oxide Catalyst for the Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane

A series of NiAlO composite oxide catalysts with high surface areas and high Ni dispersion were prepared through an improved co-precipitation method. The new preparation method effectively improved the specific surface area and pore volume of the catalyst, promoted the dispersion of nickel species, alleviated the agglomeration of the catalyst, and improved the stability of the catalyst by strengthening the interaction between Ni and Al. The typical catalyst Ni20Al had a specific surface area of 359 m2/g and a NiAl2O4 phase. In the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane over the Ni20Al catalyst, the conversion of methylcyclohexane could reach 77.4%, with toluene selectivity of 85.6%, and a hydrogen release rate of 63.94 mmol g−1 h−1, and did not show any significant inactivation during the stability test over 29 h under the reaction conditions of reaction temperature 450 °C and LHSV = 4 mL g−1 h−1. However, the conversion of methylcyclohexane with the IM-NiAl catalyst prepared through the traditional impregnation method was only 50.75%, with toluene selectivity of 70.5%, and with a hydrogen release rate of 35.84 mmol g−1 h−1, and the lifetime of the catalyst was only 15 h

Targeting Strategies for Renal Cell Carcinoma: From Renal Cancer Cells to Renal Cancer Stem Cells

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common form of urologic tumor that originates from the highly heterogeneous epithelium of renal tubules. Over the last decade, targeting therapies to renal cancer cells have transformed clinical care for RCC. Recently, it was proposed that renal cancer stem cells (CSCs) isolated from renal carcinomas were responsible for driving tumor growth and resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, according to the theory of CSCs; this has provided the rationale for therapies targeting this aggressive cell population. Precise identification of renal CSC populations and the complete cell hierarchy will accurately inform characterization of disease subtypes. This will ultimately contribute to more personalized and targeted therapies. Here, we summarize potential targeting strategies for renal cancer cells and renal CSCs, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR), interleukins, CSC marker inhibitors, bone morphogenetic protein-2, antibody drug conjugates, and nanomedicine. In conclusion, targeting therapies for RCC represent new directions for exploration and clinical investigation and they plant a seed of hope for advanced clinical care

Giant cell arteritis presenting as bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a biopsy-proven case report in Chinese patient

Abstract Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis of medium and large-size vessels and can led to permanent visual loss in elderly patients. GCA is very rare among Asians. We report a Chinese patient presenting with acute bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and the temporal artery biopsy proved the diagnose of GCA. Case presentation A 77-year-old Chinese man presented with sudden bilateral blindness for 5 days with a severe headache. Funduscopic examination revealed bilateral optic disc swollen with “chalky white” pallid appearance. The blood tests showed the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) elevated dramatically. The color duplex ultrasonography (CDUS) of the superficial temporal artery revealed the inflammation of the vessel wall as a “halo sign”. The temporal artery biopsy was perfumed and the pathology revealed luminal occlusion with multinuclear giant cell infiltration. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days and oral prednisone weaning for 12 months. The visual acuity remained no light perception at one year follow-up. Conclusions Although very rare in Asian, GCA can led to permanent blindness in elderly Chinese caused by anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The noninvasive CDUS might be a promising technique for diagnose GCA in highly suspected patients