The First Pilot Epigenetic Type Improvement of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in a Polymorphic Dopamine D2 (-DRD2/ANKK (Taq1A)), OPRM1 (A/G), DRD3 (C/T), and MAOA (4R) Compromised Preadolescence Male with Putative PANDAS/CANS: Positive Clinical Outcome with Precision-Guided DNA Testing and Pro-Dopamine Regulation (KB220) and Antibacterial Therapies

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with or without streptococcal and other bacterial infections (PANDAS/CANS) are emerging as a featured pediatric disorder. Although there is some controversy regarding treatment approaches, especially related to the behavioral sequelae, we have hypothesized in other published work that it is characterized by the rapid onset of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) in children. We propose utilizing a multi-systems biological approach involving the coupling of genetic addiction risk testing and pro-dopamine regulation (KB220/POLYGEN®) to help induce “dopamine homeostasis” in patients with PANDAS, especially those with known DNA-induced hypodopaminergia. This case study examines a 12-year-old Caucasian male with no prior psychiatric issues who presented with a sudden onset of severe anxiety, depression, emotional liability, and suicidal ideation. The patient underwent genotyping and the genetic addiction risk score (GARS) testing, which revealed risk polymorphisms in the dopamine D2 (-DRD2/ANKK (Taq1A), OPRM1 (A/G), DRD3 (C/T), and MAOA (4R) genes. These polymorphisms have been linked to hypodopaminergia. The patient was subsequently placed on research ID-KB220ZPBMPOLY (POLYGEN®), and albeit the possibility of bias, based upon self and parental assessment, a marked rapid improvement in psychiatric symptoms was observed. In the second phase of treatment (102 days utilizing KB220), the patient received standard antibody testing, which was positive for Lyme. Antibacterial therapy started immediately, and KB220z was discontinued to provide a wash-out period. A monotonic trend analysis was performed on each outcome measure, and a consistently decreasing trend was observed utilizing antibacterial therapy. Our recommendation, albeit only one case, is to utilize and further research a combined therapeutic approach, involving precision-guided DNA testing and pro-dopamine regulation along with antibacterial therapy, as well as glutathione to address offensive enhanced cytokines, in patients with suspected PANDAS/CANS.

Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas after the 2017 Hurricane Harvey

Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas, United States is reported. Samples were collected within one week after the August 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer, 4 VOCs and 13 PAHs were found in the Barker Reservoir. Concentrations of acetone, benzene, chloroform, and toluene were 1500, 380, 830, and 290 parts per million (ppm), respectively. Benzene and chloroform are classified as probable human carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Six PAHs including benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene are probable human carcinogens. The most concentrated PAH was acenaphthylene at 0.068 ppm, while the least one was fluoranthene at 0.00046 ppm. Results revealed water contaminants in Houston and its vicinities during the flooding season and served as references for water monitoring purposes in the future.

Assessing the East Bay of Galveston Bay, Texas for Coliform Bacteria in Recreational Water

The Galveston Bay beach is a widely used recreational area that remains a concern in terms of water quality. There are many factors that contribute to its pollution such as fecal matter entering the bay due to overflow of the sewage system and run offs. Thus, evaluating the water quality for fecal matter and other pollutants is continuously monitored by citizen scientists and research groups throughout the Galveston Bay. The investigation utilizes the colorimetric response of coliform at three test sites along the East Bay of Galveston. Each response is positive for coliform that may indicate the presence of fecal matter. Other scientists have denoted the presence of fecal matter in the Galveston Bay at two sites using enterococci indicator which may be more associated with human fecal matter. The analyses show that the recreational water is likely not a threat since its levels were low. However, the need for analyses based on EPA protocols and standards is necessary to better access water pollution due to fecal matter in the Galveston Bay area.

面向排放测算的随机性对跟驰模型车队稳定性的影响研究

在基于微观交通仿真模型进行交通能耗排放评估时,跟驰模型生成的车辆轨迹无法代表实际交通环境的驾驶特性,从而导致显著的排放测算误差,同时车辆排放在车队中的稳定性未被充分考虑。本文基于真实的车队轨迹比较了Gipps跟驰模型、全速差模型(FVDM)、智能驾驶员模型(IDM)和Wiedemann模型的面向排放测算的车队稳定性,分析了参数敏感性和随机性对跟驰模型的影响,提出了考虑随机参数的Gipps跟驰模型。结果表明,与Wiedemann模型相比,FVD模型和IDM模型在排放测算方面的误差较小,并且上述三个模型的排放测算误差沿车队是稳定的。Gipps模型能够真实地刻画车队中第一辆跟驰车的车辆动力学,但排放测算误差沿车队逐渐增大。参数敏感性分析表明模型参数标定难以提高Gipps模型的车队稳定性。结合随机参数对Gipps跟驰模型进行优化后,加速度分布均方根误差、VSP分布均方根误差和排放因子相对误差分别降低了5.00%、2.52%和11.04%,车队误差的标准差分别为0.18%、0.08%和0.86%,这表明随机参数能够提高Gipps跟驰模型面向排放测算的车队稳定性,提升仿真轨迹用于车辆能耗排放评估的准确性。

Neuroaxonal and cellular damage/protection by prostanoid receptor ligands,fatty acid derivatives and associated enzyme inhibitors

Cellular and mitochondrial membrane phospholipids provide the substrate for synthesis and release of prostaglandins in response to certain chemical,mechanical,noxious and other stimuli.Prostaglandin D_(2),prostaglandin E_(2),prostaglandin F_(2)α,prostaglandin I_(2)and thromboxane-A_(2)interact with five major receptors(and their sub-types)to elicit specific downstream cellular and tissue actions.In general,prostaglandins have been associated with pain,inflammation,and edema when they are present at high local concentrations and involved on a chronic basis.However,in acute settings,certain endogenous and exogenous prostaglandins have beneficial effects ranging from mediating muscle contraction/relaxation,providing cellular protection,regulating sleep,and enhancing blood flow,to lowering intraocular pressure to prevent the development of glaucoma,a blinding disease.Several classes of prostaglandins are implicated(or are considered beneficial)in certain central nervous system dysfunctions(e.g.,Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s,and Huntington’s diseases;amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis;stroke,traumatic brain injuries and pain)and in ocular disorders(e.g.,ocular hypertension and glaucoma;allergy and inflammation;edematous retinal disorders).This review endeavors to address the physiological/pathological roles of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and ocular function in health and disease,and provides insights towards the therapeutic utility of some prostaglandin agonists and antagonists,polyunsaturated fatty acids,and cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Ameliorative effects of glycine on cobalt chloride-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats

Background:The important roles of liver and kidney in the elimination of injurious chemicals make them highly susceptible to the noxious activities of various toxicants including cobalt chloride(CoCl_(2)).This study was designed to investigate the role of glycine in the mitigation of hepato-renal toxicities associated with CoCl_(2)exposure.Methods:Forty-two(42)male rats were grouped as Control;(CoCl_(2);300 ppm);CoCl_(2)+Glycine(50 mg/kg);CoCl_(2)+Glycine(100 mg/kg);Glycine(50 mg/kg);and Glycine(100 mg/kg).The markers of hepatic and renal damage,oxidative stress,the antioxidant defense system,histopathology,and immunohistochemical localization of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin(NGAL)and renal podocin were evaluated.Results:Glycine significantly reduced the markers of oxidative stress(malondialdehyde content and H_(2)O_(2) generation),liver function tests(ALT,AST,and ALP),markers of renal function(creatinine and BUN),and decreased the expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)and podocin compared with rats exposed to CoCl_(2)toxicity without glycine treatment.Histopathology lesions including patchy tubular epithelial necrosis,tubular epithelial degeneration and periglomerular inflammation in renal tissues,and severe portal hepatocellular necrosis,inflammation,and duct hyperplasia were observed in hepatic tissues of rats exposed to CoCl_(2)toxicity,but were mild to absent in glycine-treated rats.Conclusion:The results of this study clearly demonstrate protective effects of glycine against CoCl_(2)-induced tissue injuries and derangement of physiological activities of the hepatic and renal systems in rats.The protective effects are mediated via augmentation of total antioxidant capacity and upregulation of NGAL and podocin expression.

道路交通安全管理系统的研究与开发

为了提高道路交通安全管理的水平和效率,该文建立了基于地理信息的道路安全管理系统。针对目前道路交通安全的状况,进行了道路安全管理系统的总体设计,该系统由数据库及其管理系统、模型库及其管理系统、方法库及其管理系统、人机交互系统组成;进而利用近几年经过某城市的国道的道路属性数据和事故数据,建立了道路交通安全管理系统。该系统的实现,可以任意选取路段对事故进行致因分析和事故预测,并且可对道路上的安全性进行评价。分析、预测和评价的结果可在道路上直观显示。

Identification and characteristics analysis of bottlenecks on urban expressways based on floating car data

Identifying bottlenecks and analyzing their characteristics are important tasks to city traffic management authorities.Although the speed difference was proposed for the bottleneck identification in the existing research,the use of a secondary indicator has not been fully discussed.This paper strived to develop a method to identify the bottleneck on expressways by using the massive floating car data(FCD)in Beijing.First,the speed characteristics of bottlenecks on expressway were analyzed based on the speed contour map.The results indicated that there was a significant difference between speeds on the bottleneck and downstream links when a bottleneck was observed.The speed difference could indeed be used as the primary indicator to identify the bottleneck.However,it was also shown that a sufficiently large speed difference does not necessitate an activation of a bottleneck.The speed-at-capacity was then used as the secondary indicator to distinguish the real bottleneck from the non-bottleneck speed difference.Second,a practical method for identifying the bottleneck on expressways was developed based on the speed difference and the speed-at-capacity.Finally,the method was applied to identifying the bottlenecks of the 3rd Outer Ring Expressway in Beijing.The duration,affected distance,delay and cause were used to evaluate and analyze the bottlenecks.

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy treatment options:the promise of novel therapeutics,techniques and tools to help preserve vision

Peripheral vision loss followed by ＂tunnel vision＂ and eventual irreversible blindness is the fate of patients afflicted by various forms of glaucoma including primary open-angle glaucoma（POAG） and normotensive glaucoma（NTG）.These complex and heterogeneous diseases are characterized by extensive death of retinal ganglion cells（RGCs） accompanied by retraction and severance of their axonal connections to the brain and thus damage to and thinning of the optic nerve.Since patients suffering from this glaucomatous optic neuropathy（GON） first notice visual impairment when they have lost 〉 40% of their RGCs,early diagnosis is the key to retard the progression of glaucoma.Elevated intraocular pressure（IOP）,low cerebrospinal and/or low intracranial fluid pressure,advancing age,and ethnicity are major risk factors associated with POAG.However,retinal vascular abnormalities and a high sensitivity of RGCs and optic nerve head components to neurotoxic,inflammatory,oxidative and mechanical insults also contribute to vision loss in POAG/GON.Current treatment modalities for POAG and NTG involve lowering IOP using topical ocular drugs,combination drug products,and surgical interventions.Two recently approved multi-pharmacophoric drugs（e.g.,rho kinase inhibitor,Netarsudil;a drug conjugate,Latanoprostene Bunod） and novel aqueous humor drainage devices（i Stent and Cy Pass） are also gaining acceptance for treating POAG/NTG.Neuroprotective and regenerative agents,coupled with electroceutical,mechanical support systems,stem cell transplantation and gene therapy are emerging therapeutics on the horizon to help combat GON.The latter techniques and approaches hope to rejuvenate RGCs and repair the optic nerve structures,thereby providing a gain of function of the visual system for the glaucoma patients.

Practical approach to determining traffic congestion propagation boundary due to traffic incidents

A practical approach for predicting the congestion boundary due to traffic incidents was proposed. Based on the kinematic wave theory and Van Aerde single-regime flow model, a model for estimating the congestion propagation speed for the basic road segment was developed. Historical traffic flow data were used to analyze the time variant characteristics of the urban traffic flow for each road type. Then, the saturation flow rate was used for analyzing the impact of the traffic incident on the traversing traffic flow at the congestion area. The base congestion propagation speed for each road type was calculated based on field data, which were provided by the remote traffic microwave sensors(RTMS), floating car data(FCD) system and screen line survey. According to a comparative analysis of the congestion propagation speed, it is found that the expressway, major arterial, minor arterial and collector are decreasingly influenced by the traffic incident. Subsequently, the impact of turning movements at intersections on the congestion propagation was considered. The turning ratio was adopted to represent the impact of turning movements, and afterward the corresponding propagation pattern at intersections was analyzed. Finally, an implementation system was designed on a geographic information system(GIS) platform to display the characteristics of the congestion propagation over the network. The validation results show that the proposed approach is able to capture the congestion propagation properties in the actual road network.

Robust control for a class of nonlinear networked systems with stochastic communication delays via sliding mode conception

This paper deals with the robust control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear networked systems with stochastic communication delays via sliding mode conception （SMC）. A sequence of variables obeying Bernoulli distribution are employed to model the randomly occurring communication delays which could be different for different state variables. A discrete switching function that is different from those in the existing literature is first proposed. Then, expressed as the feasibility of a linear matrix inequality （LMI） with an equality constraint, sufficient conditions are derived in order to ensure the globally mean-square asymptotic stability of the system dynamics on the sliding surface. A discrete-time SMC controller is then synthesized to guarantee the discrete-time sliding mode reaching condition with the specified sliding surface. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

一种改善的路面粗糙度评价抽样方法(英文)

鉴于对国家公路系统进行全面评价的方法耗费太大,一般采用抽样方法来评价路面粗糙度,这涉及到很多实际因素.尽管分层随机抽样的方法已经在干线和一般的集散系统得到利用,它仍有很大的发展空间.本文在提出多个针对路面条件的随机变量的基础上,通过改变路面粗糙度分布的基本假定来改进抽样方法,为路面粗糙度的估计建立了一个整体的框架.论文简要介绍了简单随机抽样、分层随机抽样方式,通过分析说明后者能够对路面网络的粗糙度样本提供更全面的估计,而且其偏差更小.论文进一步讨论了以精确估计为基础的良好分层带来的影响.结果表明,在交通网络上可找到一种独特的优化分层方法.根据分析结果,本文定义了该改进分层方法.

Identifying Smartphone Based Intelligent Messages for Worker’s Crossing in Work Zones

A smartphone warning system is a feasible option to notify motorists about a safety threat and/or pedestrian crossings ahead. In this paper, a smartphone-based warning system was proposed to enhance workers’ safety in work zones. Three different warning message systems, including sound, male voice and female voice, were designed to alert drivers. Twenty-four subjects were recruited for a total of ninety-six rounds driving simulator test in a work zone to investigate the impacts of smartphone-based warning messages on subjects’ driving performance, in terms of driving speed, speed variation, acceleration, and brake reaction distance. The outcome showed that, with the assistance of the sound and voice (either female or male) warning messages, drivers could effectively reduce their accelerations and speeds. Meanwhile, such a warning system can induce subjects to shorten their brake reaction distances for worker crossings. All participants found that this warning system is applicable to enhance their defensive driving behaviors while driving through a work zone.

A Pharmacist-Led Medication Use Evaluation of Proton-Pump Inhibitors

Objective： To determine whether patients maintain symptom control after discontinuation of PPI （proton-pump inhibitor） therapy through intervention of a pharmacist-led medication utilization program and determine annual clinic cost-savings per prescription. Design： The study was conducted as a prospective, medication use evaluation. Using an electronic medical record system at a clinic, reports generated all patients receiving PP1 therapy from January 2013-June 2015. Patients were encouraged to participate in a PPI discontinuation trial through a pharmacist-led educational session. Participants were followed-up three months post enrollment to assess their quality of life through a survey assessing severity and frequency of symptoms. Participants unable to maintain symptom control after the intervention were referred back to their primary care physician for further evaluation. Results： Of one hundred participants, 25% （n = 25） were able to discontinue the use of PPI by lifestyle modifications, 43% （n = 43） refused to discontinue PP1 therapy and lifestyle changes due to the severity of their symptoms, 17% （n = 17） switched to over-the-counter H2 receptor antagonist daily to control their symptoms, 9% （n = 9） used PPIs only as needed, and 6% （n = 6） of participants were dropped from the study after three failed communication attempts. The clinic saved approximately $11 thousand annually for every one prescription of PPI＇s. Conclusions： Discontinuation of PPI or step-down therapy was possible for patients with mild-moderate GERD （Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease） symptoms when mediated by pharmacist counseling and follow-up. Also, the annual PPI expenditure at this clinic will decrease due to participant＇s discontinuation of therapy.

Algorithms and Identities for(q, h)-Bernstein Polynomials and(q, h)-Bézier Curves–A Non-Blossoming Approach

We establish several fundamental identities, including recurrence relations, degree elevation formulas, partition of unity and Marsden identity, for quantum Bernstein bases and quantum Bezier curves. We also develop two term recurrence relations for quantum Bernstein bases and recursive evaluation algorithms for quantum Bezier curves. Our proofs use standard mathematical induction and other elementary techniques.

Volatile Organic Compounds in Crude Coconut and Petroleum Oils in Nigeria

Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in crude coconut and petroleum oils from Nigeria is reported. Using head-space gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and mass spectrometer, 8 VOCs were found in crude coconut oil and 29 VOCs were identified in crude petroleum oil. Crude coconut oil contained two aromatic, two nitrogenated, and four oxygenated compounds. Alkane, alkene, alkyne, halogenated, and sulfur compounds were absent in crude coconut oil but not in crude petroleum oil. The same observation held true for naphthalene. Conversely, benzofuran was absent in crude petroleum oil but was present in crude coconut oil at a concentration of 1.38 part-per-billion (ppb). The most concentrated VOC in crude coconut oil was dodecanoic acid at 9.98 ppb and that of crude petroleum oil was toluene at 12.61 ppb. Total VOC concentrations in crude coconut and petroleum oils are 20.49 and 87.46 ppb, respectively. These results are helpful in characterizing the chemical signature of Nigerian crude coconut oil for potential forensics use or in biofuel research.

Measurement of Emissions from Passenger-Picking-up Vehicles at Airport Terminals

Rather than parking at nearby hourly parking lots, many passenger-picking-up vehicles prefer to idle at terminals and/or drive cycling around terminal facilities. As a result, extra vehicle emissions may be produced in an airport area. Even though there are limited studies on such emissions at airports, these estimations were normally based on the date emission models, which might cause bias in emission estimations. This paper proposes an approach to employ the floating car method and Global Positioning System （GPS） to record speeds and acceleration rates of idling and cycling vehicles at airport terminals. The tests were conducted under different time periods and traffic demands with different waiting time. The speeds and acceleration rates are synthesized to yield Vehicle Specific Power＇s （VSP） and Operational Mode （OM） distributions. Utilizing the Environmental Protection Agency （EPA） emission estimation model Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator （MOVES）, pollutants and green house gas emission indexes （e.g. NOx, CO, CO2 and HC） and fuel consumptions can be easily estimated. As an illustration of the proposed approach, the research team collected GPS data at a terminal in Houston William Hobby Airport （HOU）, and calculated the VSP distributions and OM distributions. Emissions of passenger-picking-up vehicles around these congested airport terminals.

Quantifying Changes of Mobile Source Air Pollution in Metropolitan Areas Using Vehicle Emission Model MOVES

Vehicle emissions are one of the major sources of urban air pollution and are also called mobile source emissions. A large amount of gross vehicle emissions is generated by vehicles commuting between residential homes and the workplace. Homebuyers generally prefer to purchase residential houses that are relatively less expensive, albeit at the cost of relatively longer commuting times. Consumers usually consider additional travel time, fuel consumption, and other personally concerned factors, with less apprehension about the extra air pollution possibly generated. In cities with populations between 15,000 and 1,000,000, an increase of one additional minute of average commuting time is associated with a reduction of 1.9 dollars in housing price per square foot （p-value： 0.038）. To account for the generation of additional air pollution, this paper numerically characterizes factors related to air pollutants caused by additional travel time due to housing prices. Air pollutants such as CO, CO2, NO2, NO, NOx and SO2 as well as fuel consumption were estimated by MOVES （motor vehicle emissions simulator）. The results will be a useful reference to generate recommendations for more efficient reduction of mobile source air pollution in metropolitan areas through joint efforts by government, agencies, the public, and industry from multiple fields including environment protection, land use, housing markets, transportation management, and law enforcement.

Toxicity Symptoms among Migrant Agropesticide Workers in Oman

The toxicity symptoms among 79migrant pesticide workers involved in open-field pesticide application in Oman were studied. Questionnaires addressing the workers＇ demographics, pesticide use and practices, use of protective devices, disposal of empty containers, storage of pesticides and self-reported poisoning symptoms were administered face-to-face to the workers before commencement of work, during break or at home. A total of 28 toxicity symptoms were reported, skin rash being the symptom reported by a majority of the workers （78%）, followed by increased salivation （68%）. The gravity of toxicity symptoms was attributed principally to the non-use of protective devices during pesticide spraying. Other factors contributing to poisoning were the workers＇ poor post-application sanitation habits, improper disposal of empty pesticide containers and storage of partially used pesticides in bedrooms. In order to reduce the incidents of poisoning among the agropesticide workers, there is a need to educate them about the benefits of using PPE （personal protective equipment） and ensuring that they adopt good hygiene and sanitation habits at all stages of pesticide handling.

Differential Effects of Angiotensin II on Intra-Renal Hemodynamics in Rats;Contribution of Prostanoids, NO and K⁺Channels

Many agents are known to cause qualitative and quantitative differences in intrarenal blood flow. This study tested the hypothesis that angiotensin II (AII) evokes a differential effect on cortical (CBF) and medullary blood flow (MBF) and that AT2 receptor mediates AII-induced increase in renal MBF by mechanisms related to nitric oxide (NO) and prostanoids. AII (100, 300 and 1000 ng/kg/min) increased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) by 24% ± 7% (p G nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), an inhibitor of NO synthase (100 mg/L in drinking water) enhanced AII effects on MABP (169 ± 75, p ATP channel blocker, did not affect intra-renal hemodynamics elicited by AII. Blockade of AT2 receptors with PD123319 (50 μg/kg/min) did not change basal or AII-induced changes MABP or CBF but blunted AII-induced increase in MBF by 60% ± 11 % (p 2 receptor agonist, elicited a reduction in MABP and increases in CBF and MBF that were abolished or attenuated by PD123319. These findings demonstrate that AII elicited differential changes in intrarenal blood flow;an AT1-mediated reduction in CBF but an AT2-mediated increase in MBF. The AT2 receptor-mediated increase in MBF involves guanylase cyclase, NO and dilator prostanoids but not KATP channels.