bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Robot-Assisted Training for the Unaffected Arm in Patients with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study
Authors: Picelli Alessandro , La Marchina Elisabetta , Vangelista Antonella , Chemello Elena , Modenese Angela , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Ciceri Elisa Francesca Maria , Bucci Alessandra , Zoccatelli Giada , Saltuari Leopold , Waldner Andreas , Baricich Alessio , Santamato Andrea , Smania Nicola
Published: July 2017

On a voluntary basis, 10 adolescents with hemiparesis due to cerebral palsy and 11 neurologically healthy control subjects participated in this proof-of-concept pilot study. The aim was to examine the effects of robot-assisted training for the unaffected arm in patients with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Baseline comparison between the unaffected arm of the hemiparetic patients with cerebral palsy and the dominant arm of healthy control subjects showed significant differences on the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test and action planning ability tests. Within-group comparison after ten 30-minute sessions (five days a week for two consecutive weeks) of robot-assisted training for the unaffected arm showed significant improvements in patients with cerebral palsy on the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test (performed at both hands) and action planning ability test (evaluated at the unaffected arm). Our findings are in line with previous evidences of action planning deficits at the unaffected arm in patients with hemiparetic cerebral palsy and support the hypothesis that robot-assisted training for the unaffected arm may be useful to improve manual dexterity and action planning in patients with hemiparesis due to cerebral palsy.
Tacrolimus-Induced Type IV Renal Tubular Acidosis following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Schmoyer Christopher , Mishra Suraj , Fulco Frank
Published: July 2017

Calcineurin inhibitors remain an integral component of immunosuppressive therapy regimens following solid organ transplantation. Although nephrotoxicity associated with these agents is well documented, type IV renal tubular acidosis is a rare and potentially underreported complication following liver transplantation. Hepatologists must be able to recognize this adverse effect as it can lead to fatal hyperkalemia. We describe a case of tacrolimus-induced hyperkalemic type IV renal tubular acidosis in a patient following an orthotopic liver transplant for alcoholic cirrhosis.
Efficacy of Onalespib, a Long-Acting Second-Generation HSP90 Inhibitor, as a Single Agent and in Combination with Temozolomide against Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Canella Alessandro , Welker Alessandra M. , Yoo Ji Young , Xu Jihong , Abas Fazly S. , Kesanakurti Divya , Nagarajan Prabakaran , Beattie Christine E. , Sulman Erik P. , Liu Joseph , Gumin Joy , Lang Frederick F. , Gurcan Metin N. , Kaur Balveen , Sampath Deepa , Puduvalli Vinay K.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: HSP90, a highly conserved molecular chaperone that regulates the function of several oncogenic client proteins, is altered in glioblastoma. However, HSP90 inhibitors currently in clinical trials are short-acting, have unacceptable toxicities, or are unable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We examined the efficacy of onalespib, a potent, long-acting novel HSP90 inhibitor as a single agent and in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) against gliomas in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Design: The effect of onalespib on HSP90, its client proteins, and on the biology of glioma cell lines and patient-derived glioma-initiating cells (GSC) was determined. Brain and plasma pharmacokinetics of onalespib and its ability to inhibit HSP90 in vivo were assessed in non–tumor-bearing mice. Its efficacy as a single agent or in combination with TMZ was assessed in vitro and in vivo using zebrafish and patient-derived GSC xenograft mouse glioma models.

Results: Onalespib-mediated HSP90 inhibition depleted several survival-promoting client proteins such as EGFR, EGFRvIII, and AKT, disrupted their downstream signaling, and decreased the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and survival of glioma cell lines and GSCs. Onalespib effectively crossed the BBB to inhibit HSP90 in vivo and extended survival as a single agent in zebrafish xenografts and in combination with TMZ in both zebrafish and GSC mouse xenografts.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the long-acting effects of onalespib against gliomas in vitro and in vivo, which combined with its ability to cross the BBB support its development as a potential therapeutic agent in combination with TMZ against gliomas. Clin Cancer Res; 23(20); 6215–26. ©2017 AACR.
Sequential Tracking of PD-L1 Expression and RAD50 Induction in Circulating Tumor and Stromal Cells of Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Adams Daniel L. , Adams Diane K. , He Jianzhong , Kalhor Neda , Zhang Ming , Xu Ting , Gao Hui , Reuben James M. , Qiao Yawei , Komaki Ritsuko , Liao Zhongxing , Edelman Martin J. , Tang Cha-Mei , Lin Steven H.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Evidence suggests that PD-L1 can be induced with radiotherapy and may be an immune escape mechanism in cancer. Monitoring this response is limited, as repetitive biopsies during therapy are impractical, dangerous, and miss tumor stromal cells. Monitoring PD-L1 expression in both circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating stromal cells (CStCs) in blood-based biopsies might be a practical alternative for sequential, noninvasive assessment of changes in tumor and stromal cells.

Experimental Design: Peripheral blood was collected before and after radiotherapy from 41 patients with lung cancer, as were primary biopsies. We evaluated the expression of PD-L1 and formation of RAD50 foci in CTCs and a CStC subtype, cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs), in response to DNA damage caused by radiotherapy at the tumor site.

Results: Only 24% of primary biopsies had sufficient tissue for PD-L1 testing, tested with IHC clones 22c3 and 28-8. A CTC or CAML was detectable in 93% and 100% of samples, prior to and after radiotherapy, respectively. RAD50 foci significantly increased in CTCs (>7×, P < 0.001) and CAMLs (>10×, P = 0.001) after radiotherapy, confirming their origin from the radiated site. PD-L1 expression increased overall, 1.6× in CTCs (P = 0.021) and 1.8× in CAMLs (P = 0.004): however, individual patient PD-L1 expression varied, consistently low/negative (51%), consistently high (17%), or induced (31%).

Conclusions: These data suggest that RAD50 foci formation in CTCs and CAMLs may be used to track cells subjected to radiation occurring at primary tumors, and following PD-L1 expression in circulating cells may be used as a surrogate for tracking adaptive changes in immunotherapeutic targets. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5948–58. ©2017 AACR.
Detection of Activating Estrogen Receptor Gene (ESR1) Mutations in Single Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Paolillo Carmela , Mu Zhaomei , Rossi Giovanna , Schiewer Matthew J. , Nguyen Thomas , Austin Laura , Capoluongo Ettore , Knudsen Karen , Cristofanilli Massimo , Fortina Paolo
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Early detection is essential for treatment plans before onset of metastatic disease. Our purpose was to demonstrate feasibility to detect and monitor estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene mutations at the single circulating tumor cell (CTC) level in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Experimental Design: We used a CTC molecular characterization approach to investigate heterogeneity of 14 hotspot mutations in ESR1 and their correlation with endocrine resistance. Combining the CellSearch and DEPArray technologies allowed recovery of 71 single CTCs and 12 WBC from 3 ER-positive MBC patients. Forty CTCs and 12 WBC were subjected to whole genome amplification by MALBAC and Sanger sequencing.

Results: Among 3 selected patients, 2 had an ESR1 mutation (Y537). One showed two different ESR1 variants in a single CTC and another showed loss of heterozygosity. All mutations were detected in matched cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Furthermore, one had 2 serial blood samples analyzed and showed changes in both cfDNA and CTCs with emergence of mutations in ESR1 (Y537S and T570I), which has not been reported previously.

Conclusions: CTCs are easily accessible biomarkers to monitor and better personalize management of patients with previously demonstrated ER-MBC who are progressing on endocrine therapy. We showed that single CTC analysis can yield important information on clonal heterogeneity and can be a source of discovery of novel and potential driver mutations. Finally, we also validate a workflow for liquid biopsy that will facilitate early detection of ESR1 mutations, the emergence of endocrine resistance and the choice of further target therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(20); 6086–93. ©2017 AACR.
Novel Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Cytarabine Resistance in Primary AML Cells
Authors: Schimmer Aaron D.
Published: July 2017

Summary: Farge and colleagues describe a novel in vivo approach to identify and study primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells that persist in the marrow after chemotherapy. They discovered that AML cells that persist in the mouse marrow after treatment with cytarabine have increased oxidative phosphorylation and that inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation can restore sensitivity to cytarabine. Cancer Discov; 7(7); 670–2. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Farge et al., p. 716.
Gut Microbiota in Health, Diverticular Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Time for Microbial Marker of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Lopetuso Loris Riccardo , Petito Valentina , Graziani Cristina , Schiavoni Elisa , Paroni Sterbini Francesco , Poscia Andrea , Gaetani Eleonora , Franceschi Francesco , Cammarota Giovanni , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Masucci Luca , Scaldaferri Franco , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: July 2017

Few data exist on differences in gut microbiota composition among principal gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. We evaluated the differences in gut microbiota composition among uncomplicated diverticular disease (DD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients. DD, IBS, and IBD patients along with healthy controls (CT) were enrolled in our Italian GI outpatient clinic. Stool samples were collected. Microbiota composition was evaluated through a metagenomic gene-targeted approach. GI pathology represented a continuous spectrum of diseases where IBD displayed one extreme, while CT displayed the other. Among Phyla, Biplot PC2/PC3 and dendogram plot showed major differences in samples from IBS and IBD. DD resembled species CT composition, but not for Bacteroides fragilis. In IBS, Dialister spp. and then Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were the most representative species. Ulcerative colitis showed a reduced concentration of Clostridium difficile and an increase of Bacteroides fragilis. In Crohn's disease, Parabacteroides distasonis was the most represented, while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides fragilis were significantly reduced. Each disorder has its definite overall microbial signature, which produces a clear differentiation from the others. On the other hand, shared alterations constitute the “core dysbiosis” of GI diseases. The assessment of these microbial markers represents a parameter that may complete the diagnostic assessment.
Quadruple Neoplasms following Radiation Therapy for Congenital Bilateral Retinoblastoma
Authors: Szymanski Linda J. , Sibug Saber Maria E. , Kim Jonathan W. , Go John L. , Zada Gabriel , Rao Narsing , Hurth Kyle M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe a 34-year-old male with hereditary bilateral retinoblastoma treated with radiotherapy as a child who developed 4 distinct tumors within the radiation field. Methods: A 34-year-old male with bilateral retinoblastoma status postradiation therapy and recurrence requiring enucleation presented with left-eye visual acuity changes. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a left orbital mass and a right parasellar complex lobulated mass (right sphenoid and right cavernous sinus). Two weeks later, the patient underwent excision of the orbital mass and biopsy of an upper-lid nodule. This was followed by craniotomy for removal of the complex mass. Results: Histology revealed 4 distinct tumors, including an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (left orbit), a radiation-induced meningioma (right sphenoid), a schwannoma (right cavernous sinus), and a basal-cell carcinoma (left lid). Conclusion: Although occurrence of a second neoplasm is a well-known outcome following radiation treatment in patients with hereditary retinoblastoma, the diagnosis of 4 additional neoplasms is rare. Pleomorphic sarcoma, radiation-induced meningioma, and schwannoma are uncommon tumors and not well represented in the literature describing irradiated retinoblastoma patients. Secondary malignancies are a leading cause of early death in retinoblastoma survivors, and long-term follow-up is crucial for patient care.
Genetics of Cerebellar and Neocortical Expansion in Anthropoid Primates: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Harrison Peter W. , Montgomery Stephen H.
Published: July 2017

What adaptive changes in brain structure and function underpin the evolution of increased cognitive performance in humans and our close relatives? Identifying the genetic basis of brain evolution has become a major tool in answering this question. Numerous cases of positive selection, altered gene expression or gene duplication have been identified that may contribute to the evolution of the neocortex, which is widely assumed to play a predominant role in cognitive evolution. However, the components of the neocortex co-evolve with other functionally interdependent regions of the brain, most notably in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is linked to a range of cognitive tasks and expanded rapidly during hominoid evolution. Here we present data that suggest that, across anthropoid primates, protein-coding genes with known roles in cerebellum development were just as likely to be targeted by selection as genes linked to cortical development. Indeed, based on currently available gene ontology data, protein-coding genes with known roles in cerebellum development are more likely to have evolved adaptively during hominoid evolution. This is consistent with phenotypic data suggesting an accelerated rate of cerebellar expansion in apes that is beyond that predicted from scaling with the neocortex in other primates. Finally, we present evidence that the strength of selection on specific genes is associated with variation in the volume of either the neocortex or the cerebellum, but not both. This result provides preliminary evidence that co-variation between these brain components during anthropoid evolution may be at least partly regulated by selection on independent loci, a conclusion that is consistent with recent intraspecific genetic analyses and a mosaic model of brain evolution that predicts adaptive evolution of brain structure.
Disease-Modifying Therapies and Adherence in Multiple Sclerosis: Comparing Patient Self-Report with Pharmacy Records
Authors: McKay Kyla A. , Evans Charity , Fisk John D. , Patten Scott B. , Fiest Kirsten , Marrie Ruth Ann , Tremlett Helen
Published: July 2017

Background: Self-report and pharmacy records are often used to measure adherence rates to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS), but little is known about how the sources compare. Objective: Compare self-report and pharmacy records for assessing DMT use and adherence rates. Methods: Demographic information, self-reported DMT use, and missed DMT doses in the previous 30 days were obtained from consecutive MS patients attending an MS clinic and linked to pharmacy records. A medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated using pharmacy records for the year before and after the visit; MPR <80% defined nonadherence. Agreement between self-report and pharmacy records was assessed using Cohen's kappa (κ). Results: Of 326 participants, 135 reported using an injectable DMT. There was near-perfect and perfect agreement between self-report and pharmacy records for DMT use (κ = 0.95; 95% CI 0.91-0.98) and DMT agent (κ = 1.00). Nonadherence was estimated at 13% (17/128) from the 30-days self-report compared to 30% (34/113) and 43% (53/123) in the year pre- and post-clinic visit from pharmacy records, indicating moderate to fair agreement (year prior: κ = 0.41; 95% CI 0.22-0.59; year post: κ = 0.22; 95% CI 0.09-0.36). Conclusions: Patients self-reports closely reflected pharmacy records when assessing DMT use and product. Moderate to fair agreement was found when comparing adherence rates between sources.
Replication Protein A 3 Is Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumorigenesis and Poor Patient Survival
Authors: Xiao Wenbo , Zheng Jun , Zhou Baoyong , Pan Long
Published: July 2017

Background: Replication protein A (RPA) 3 is a subunit of the RPA protein complex, which functions in multiple processes of DNA metabolism. Dysregulation of RPA1 and RPA2 has been implicated in tumor progression in several cancer types. However, the function of RPA3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis has not been elucidated. Method: In this study, we investigated the function of RPA3 in HCC development by stably knocking down its expression using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in HepG2 cell line, followed by cell proliferation, colony formation, soft agar, and invasion assays. Xenograft experiment was performed to examine in vivo tumor-promoting properties of RPA3. Results: Downregulation of RPA3-inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, soft agar growth as well as invasion in HepG2 cells were observed. Stable knockdown of RPA3 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model. In addition, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that RPA3 was upregulated in human HCC tissues compared with matched noncancerous adjacent tissues (NATs). High expression of RPA3 was associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion: Elevated expression of RPA3 promotes tumor progression in HCC cells. RPA3 is upregulated in HCC tissues and high expression of RPA3 is associated with poorer patient survival. Therefore, this protein may represent a novel therapeutic target for intervention of HCC and prognostic biomarker for patient survival.
Generation of Electricity by Vibrating Piezoelectric Crystal in Staircases
Authors: Aswal Pankaj , Singh Suyash Kumar , Sharma Gayatri , Bisht Pooja , Singh Shatakshi
Published: July 2017

A number of renewable or non-renewable sources of energy present these days are not able to meet our need of power. The need of power is increasing day by day as the population is increasing so we are finding different ways to generate power. In this paper we are generating power by walking on the stairs and the power which is generated can be stored for the further use. We can use this system in malls, homes, schools, companies, college, metro etc. When the group of people walk on these stairs, power is generated by the continuous movement of the persons. Here mechanical power is converted into electrical power. The power which is generated can be used to charge mobile.
Development of an Automated Three-Phase Distribution Box System
Authors: Nor N M , Zemri N S , Daud S A , Ibrahim T , Daud H
Published: July 2017

Most electrical appliances require continuous power supply. For domestic use, crucial appliances such as refrigerator, aquarium and alarm system highly depend upon the continuity of power supply. However, if they are left without electricity due to power outage or blackouts caused by internal or external disturbance, the discontinuity of power supply could be a critical issue to some involving party. Blackouts may be due to short circuit, fault or the overloading of electricity mains. During power outage, Residual Current Device (RCD) detects fault currents from live to the neutral wire within circuit and will trip to prevent shock. This circumstance can increase safety when a house is left unoccupied. Be that as it may, the power will remain switched off until manually reset by man. Thus, this paper presented a new concept of Three-Phase distribution box system in order to overcome tripping problem. This system will be able to identify and isolate the fault using measurement of current flow into each Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) of appliances and current flowing out from each of the load. The measured current value will be compared and the maximum allowable difference is 30mA. If the current difference exceeds the maximum limit then the fault MCB will be detected. Hence RCD will be automatically close the circuit after determining the fault location via the motor operation to make sure of power stability and evade any property loss.
Comparison Model Hargreaves, Annandale and New Model for Estimation of Solar Radiation in Perlis, Malaysia
Authors: Suwarno Suwarno , Rohana Rohana
Published: July 2017

Sunlight is a potential source of electrical energy in the universe. Utilization of solar radiation is not optimal to be a source of electricity generation. Before harnessed solar radiation in order to know in advance the estimated potential energy. Modelling estimates of solar radiation in three models: models Hargreaves, Annandale and the proposed new model. The new model proposed solar radiation estimates based on models Hargreaves and Annandale. Some models for estimating solar radiation is discussed in this paper which aims to determine the potential of solar radiation into electrical energy potential. A new model is proposed to estimate solar radiation. Comparison of the three models are estimated using statistical analysis e (%), CRM, and RMSE is obtained that the proposed new model is better, when compared to other models.
Current PI-Gain Determination for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor by using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Abd Samat Ahmad Asri , Zainal M.S , Ismail L.N , Saidon Wan Salha , Tajudin A. Idzwan
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes the modern approach using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm in determining the ideal value of Proportional Integral (PI) gain for current controller of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Controlling the torque of PMSM and optimizing the PI-gain are the main objectives of this project. The PI controller is employed to control the speed and the torque of the PMSM with the implementation of Field Oriented Control (FOC) method. This new proposed PSO technique proved that the ability in reducing the torque ripple compared to conventional heuristic method. The ideal PI-gain acquired from the PSO was included into current PI controller. From the result obtained, it shows that the viability of the PSO technique is the best to determine PI-gain for current controller.
A Graph Based Approach to Identify Objects using Identifying Attribute
Authors: Kushwaha Anita , Pandey R.S.
Published: July 2017

We have proposed a method to identify objects in database schema using association degree with other objects. We have also used identifying attribute of associations in graph to specify a unique path to resolve ambiguity of Fuzzy Object Functional Dependencies. Recently Fuzzy Concepts were used in Object Oriented Data Models. The Object Identifier allows distinguishing between similar objects. Functional Dependencies play a dominant role to uniquely identify objects. Moreover object identification has now become a modeling concept rather than database concept so starting a search for objects with a set of values is possible. We have also investigated the presence of identifying attributes in fuzzy object schema and its implications.
An Improved Features of Health Screening Test System for Malaysian Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Programme
Authors: Abdullah A. R. , Syafeeza A. R. , Mood M. A. U. C. , Zawawi T. N. S. T. , Munzier A. R.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to improve the features of Health Screening Test System (HSTS) on Social Security Organization (SOCSO) program as physical evaluation for musculoskeletal disable workers (MSDs). SOCSO existing functional testing system are not suitable because of the evaluation was recorded manually peg board too high for Asian people. The occupational therapist whose involve in all the procedures is just doing the judgment in times to determine the capability of the patients. The functional capacity evaluation (FCE) technique is based on the functional range of motion evaluation that consist of positional tolerance respecting to time-motion testing on HSTS peg board and it is by referring to the original work movement. The main features of HSTS are able to measure speed, acceleration and evaluation of SOCSO’s patients for returning to work based on SOCSO’s requirement. In order to validate the accuracy of the proposed model, HSTS is used to evaluate the patient’s positional tolerance and then the result would be compare over the time frame which is Method Time Measurement (MTM) standard. This method is able to provide information and feedback for therapies as a status of patients. It is found that the proposed model is superior in getting the accurate time test for patient’s movements besides practicable and suitable for physical evaluation on MSD patients.
Aging Detection of Glass Disc Insulator by using Infrared Camera
Authors: Mousa Mohammed Imran , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Mousa Zainab Imran
Published: July 2017

Suitable diagnostic techniques for outdoor glass insulators are important for ensuring the reliablilty and stability of power system. The possibility of insulator flash-over increases, especially when the insulator is covered by pollution layers or has an internal defect. In this paper, a new technique to detect the pollution level and invisible damage by measuring the surface temperature of glass disc insulators is proposed. A high definition camera had been used to determine the surface temperatures of four glass insulators. The effects of applied voltage on the surface temperature and its distribution were studied. The results show the possibility of using the infrarad camera to detect the aging level and invisible damages of the glass insulators.
The Application of Scanning Electron Microscope and Melt Flow Index for Orange Peel in Laser Sintering Process
Authors: Yusoff Wan Ahmad
Published: July 2017

In manufacturing, many products need to undergo increasing customisation, and a shortening of the manufacturing cycle time. This makes the time needed to produce prototypes one of the most important contributors to product development cycles. Rapid Prototyping (RP) offers the user the ability to optimise part design in order to meet customer requirements with few manufacturing restrictions. One of the most common RP processes is Laser Sintering (LS). A problem with LS is that sometimes the surface of the parts produced displays a texture similar to that of the skin of an orange (the so-called “orange peel” texture). This problem must be addressed before the technology can gain wider acceptance. The main aim of this research is to develop a methodology of controlling the input material properties that will ensure consistent and good quality of the fabricated parts. From the experiment, it was found that PA12 powder with high melt flow rate, low melting temperature, low glass transition temperature and low degree of crystallization temperature could improve the sintering process to produce a good Laser Sintering (LS) parts with lower shrinkage rate. The powder which has higher melt viscosity and lower melting heat becomes liquid more easily and therefore flows better during the sintering process due to a shorter chain molecular structure. The results of experimental work indicate that the melt viscosity, and part surface finish are correlated.
Comparative Study of Extension Mode Method in Reducing Border Distortion Effect for Transient Voltage Disturbance
Authors: Habsah Asman Saidatul , Farid Abidin Ahmad
Published: July 2017

Wavelet transform is an essential method for preprocessing and analyzing non-stationary signal of power quality disturbances. Recently, power quality disturbances cause various effect which reduce the accuracy of the signal such as border distortion. This paper is presenting the comparative study on extension mode scheme to reduce border distortion effect in Discrete Wavelet Transform. The three different method namely zero padding, smooth padding of order 1 and symmetrization mode have been carried to observe their capability on reducing border distortion effectively. The implementation of these modes has been carried out in Matlab Software version R2014a. The analysis is considering the decomposition coefficient at level 4 with mother wavelet type Daubechies. With the aid of soft- threshold function, the noise and unwanted signal is effectively removed to recover the original signal. The comparative study provides the best mode to reduce border distortion effect with the presence of transient voltage is smooth padding of order 1.
Design and Performance Analysis of 1.8 GHz Low Noise Amplifier for Wireless Receiver Application
Authors: Amin A.A , Islam M. S. , Masud A.A.M. , Khan M. N. H.
Published: July 2017

In present stereo audio system is a most popular audio system for different purposes. Now a day’s stereo system is commonly used in communication and other purposes. Moreover Normalized Least Mean Square (NLMS) based adaptive filtering is an effective filtering process in case of communication and other applications. However adaptive filtering is an adaptive filter process to cancel out the noise from audio signal successfully. Hence the main objective of this paper is to design a NLMS adaptive filter which cancels out the noise from a noisy wave format stereo audio file. Moreover by varying the order of the adaptive filter (such as 8th, 16th, 32th and 64th), the performance of the NMLS adaptive filtered signal with respect to reference and noisy stereo audio signal are analyzed as well.
A Proposal for Mitigating Fishermen Killing in Indian Sea Borders through Technology – Maritime Boundary Identification Device
Authors: SN Abhishek , Vasudevan Shriram K , Nair Prashant R , S Thangavelu , RMD Sundaram
Published: July 2017

The Tamil Nadu – Sri Lanka maritime boundary has been responsible for frequent controversies in the global front, due to fishermen from Rameshwaram and Ramanthapuram districts recklessly straying past Indian waters. Instances of Indian fishermen being captured and killed by the Sri Lankan navy have spun vivid images of violence and human rights violation among the masses. Social activists are desperate for an automatic alarm system to warn the fishermen when they are about to cross the border, and avert a possible impending crisis. The following discussion focuses on the design of an alarm signal system that could alert the fishermen on a periodic basis as they approach closer to the maritime boundary. Installing Global Positioning System (GPS) devices would pose several economic challenges. Instead of the conventional approach of using GPS devices to track location, a transmitter – receiver system exquisitely designed to send signals to the boat would be effective. This system helps in keeping a continuous track of the boats. It provides a reliable solution to alert fishermen before they could inadvertently exceed the boundary. 
A Sales Prediction Model Adopted the Recency-Frequency-Monetary Concept
Authors: Gustriansyah Rendra , Sensuse Dana Indra , Ramadhan Arief
Published: July 2017

Predicting future sales is intended to control the number of existing stock, so the lack or excess stock can be minimized. When the number of sales can be accurately predicted, then the fulfillment of consumer demand can be prepared in a timely and cooperation with the supplier company can be maintained properly so that the company can avoid losing sales and customers. This study aims to propose a model to predict the sales quantity (multi-products) by adopting the Recency-Frequency-Monetary (RFM) concept and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method. The measurement of sales prediction accuracy in this study using a standard measurement of Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), which is the most important criteria in analyzing the accuracy of the prediction. The results indicate that the average MAPE value of the model was high (3.22%), so this model can be referred to as a sales prediction model.
Whole blood ristocetin-activated platelet impedance aggregometry (Multiplate) for the rapid detection of Von Willebrand disease
Authors: Schmidt David E , Bruzelius Maria , Majeed Ammar , Odeberg Jacob , Holmström Margareta , Ågren Anna
Published: July 2017

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder, but no bedside tests specific for Von Willebrand factor are available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of whole blood ristocetin-induced platelet aggregometry (WB-RIPA) in VWD. WB-RIPA was performed in VWD patients (n=100) and healthy controls (n=17) using the Multiplate® platelet impedance aggregometry platform. The diagnostic properties of the test were described as sensitivity/specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and ROC area under the curve (AUC). Patients with VWD had impaired platelet aggregation by WB-RIPA. At a cut-off of 98 U, the test sensitivity and specificity of WB-RIPA for VWD was 0.95 and 0.53. A cut-off of 60 U provided a specificity of 1.00 with reduced sensitivity of 0.76. All patients with type 3 VWD and >90% of patients with type 2 VWD were accurately distinguished from the controls. Incorrect classifications were attributable to patients with type 1 VWD, showing partly overlapping WB-RIPA results with healthy controls. Remarkably, these patients had lower bleeding scores and higher VWF activity than other type 1 VWD patients. Overall, WB-RIPA discriminated VWD patients from healthy controls accurately with a ROC AUC of 0.94. These results show that WB-RIPA is a promising diagnostic test for VWD, especially when timely results are required. Depending on the chosen test threshold, WB-RIPA could be clinically used as a rule out test, or to suggest patients in whom further testing for VWD is warranted.
Safety and efficacy of a glycoPEGylated rFVIII (turoctocog alpha pegol, N8-GP) in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Meunier Sandrine , Alamelu Jayanthi , Ehrenforth Silke , Hanabusa Hideji , Karim Faraizah Abdul , Kavakli Kaan , Khodaie Melanie , Staber Janice , Stasyshyn Oleksandra , Yee Donald , Rageliene Lina
Published: July 2017

Turoctocog alfa pegol (N8-GP, Novo Nordisk, Bagsværd, Denmark), an extended half-life glycoPEGylated recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), is being developed for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeds in haemophilia A patients. pathfinder™5 is a multinational, open-label, single-arm trial to assess safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of N8-GP in paediatric (<12 years), previously treated patients. Boys with severe haemophilia A (<1 % FVIII), no history of inhibitors and previously treated with FVIII products (>50 exposure days [ED] for patients aged 0–5 years [younger cohort]; >150 ED for patients aged 6–11 years [older cohort]) were included. For prophylaxis, N8-GP was dosed at 50–75 IU/kg twice weekly; bleeds were treated with 20–75 IU/kg. Half-life was estimated for the patients’ previous FVIII product and for N8-GP. Sixty-eight patients received N8-GP; none developed inhibitors and no other concerns were identified. Median annualised bleeding rate was 1.95 (1.94 and 1.97 in the younger and older cohorts, respectively). Twenty-nine patients (42.6 %; 15 younger and 14 older children, respectively) did not report any bleeding while on N8-GP prophylaxis; 39 patients (57.4 %; 19 younger and 20 older children, respectively) reported 70 bleeds (all mild/moderate). N8-GP treatment was successful for 78.6 % of bleeds in all patients, 80.0 % in younger and 77.5 % in older patients. Most bleeds (80.0 %) were treated with ≤2 injections. Half-life ratio between N8-GP and the patients’ previous FVIII product was 1.85. N8-GP was well tolerated and provided effective prophylaxis and treatment of bleeds in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A.

Trial registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01731600).

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
CORREDOR PARQUE DA ÁGUA BRANCA – CANTAREIRA: O POTENCIAL DAS INFRAESTRUTURAS LINEARES NA CRIAÇÃO DE UM SISTEMA DE ÁREAS VERDES
Authors: Hannes Evy , Suassuna Sarah
Published: July 2017

O presente artigo faz uma leitura sobre o desenvolvimento de sistemas de áreas verdes a partir do transporte público e das infraestruturas lineares no eixo da Trilha Norte/ Sul da cidade de São Paulo, entre o Parque da Água Branca e o Parque Estadual Serra da Cantareira.Para isso, foi feito um breve esclarecimento de conceitos e princípios relacionados a mobilidade urbana sustentável e as conexões ecológicas e paisagísticas entre espaços verdes. No que é pertinente ao tema mobilidade urbana sustentável, foram citados conceitos de Jeffrey Tumlin, do Instituto de Políticas de Transporte e Desenvolvimento e de alguns estudos que analisam a utilização de áreas verdes em infraestruturas lineares. Em seguida, no que é pertinente ao tema conexão ecológica e paisagística entre espaços verdes, foram citados consagrados estudiosos dessas áreas, principalmente Jack Ahern e Richard Forman. Por fim, com embasamento, sobretudo nos conceitos desses teóricos e nas teorias de desenho ambiental discutidas durante o laboratório de Desenho Ambiental do Programa de Pós-Graduação da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo em 2016, foram propostas algumas diretrizes de projeto que possibilite uma ligação simples e eficaz do Parque da Água Branca a Serra da Cantareira.
PRINCÍPIOS DE ECOLOGIA DA PAISAGEM E A PRESTAÇÃO DE SERVIÇOS ECOSSISTÊMICOS PARA A MICROBACIA DO RIBEIRÃO DO MANDAQUI
Authors: Carvalho Natalia Rezende
Published: July 2017

Tanto quem busca por refúgios naturais em condomínios á beira da Mata Atlântica, próximos ao cinturão verde da cidade de São Paulo, quanto os que veem o urbanismo sustentável como uma saída para os desafios da cidade, há um ponto em comum: reafirmar a relação entre ser humano e natureza. Estudos recentes constatam a redução do contato das crianças com o ambiente natural quando comparadas aos seus primogênitos. Quanto menor o contato, menor é a identificação com a natureza e as ações em protegê-la e preserva-la. Pensando na realidade das crianças com o meio urbano, onde é necessário um ambiente saudável para crescer e se desenvolver, propõe-se esta análise sobre o Ribeirão do Mandaqui, na Zona Norte de São Paulo, sob a ótica dos princípios da ecologia da paisagem e da prestação de serviços ecossistêmicos. O Ribeirão do Mandaqui está inserido na Trilha Norte Sul proposta na disciplina AUP5853 – Desenho Ambiental da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo de São Paulo e é um importante corpo d’água na proposição de um Corredor Verde no município de São Paulo.
Global Longitudinal Strain and Left Atrial Volume Index Provide Incremental Prognostic Value in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hiemstra Yasmine L. , Debonnaire, Philippe , Bootsma Marianne , van Zwet, Erik W. , Delgado, Victoria , Schalij Martin J. , Atsma Douwe E. , Bax Jeroen J. , Marsan Nina Ajmone
Published: July 2017

Background—

Current methods for predicting adverse events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are still limited. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) have been recently proposed as novel prognostic factors in several cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of GLS and LAVI in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 427 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (66% men, age 52±15 years), and LAVI and GLS were assessed. During follow-up, the primary end point of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, sudden cardiac death, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy was noted. A total of 103 patients reached the primary end point during a follow-up of 6.7 (interquartile range, 3.3–10.0) years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed GLS and LAVI to be independently associated with the primary end point (hazard ratio GLS, 1.10 [1.03–1.19],
P
=0.007; hazard ratio LAVI, 4.27 [2.35–7.74],
P
<0.001) after correcting for other clinical variables. When applying the pre-specified cut-off values of 34 mL/m
2
for LAVI and −15% for GLS, Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed significant better survival for patients with LAVI <34 mL/m
2
(
P
<0.001) and GLS <−15% (
P
<0.001) as compared with their counterparts. The likelihood ratio test showed a significant incremental prognostic value of LAVI and GLS (
P
<0.001) as compared with a model with clinical and standard echocardiographic risk factors. The C-statistic for this model increased from 0.68 to 0.73 when adding GLS and LAVI.

Conclusions—

GLS and LAVI are independently associated with adverse outcome in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and may help to optimize risk stratification in these patients.
Histone Deacetylase 1 Depletion Activates Human Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Proangiogenic Paracrine Signaling Through a Mechanism Requiring Enhanced Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Synthesis and Secretion
Authors: Moore Joseph B. , Zhao John , Fischer Annalara G. , Keith Matthew C.L. , Hagan David , Wysoczynski Marcin , Bolli Roberto
Published: July 2017

Background

Cardiac mesenchymal cell (
CMC
) administration improves cardiac function in animal models of heart failure. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, transdifferentiation and paracrine signaling are suggested to underlie their cardiac reparative effects. We have shown that histone deacetylase 1 (
HDAC
1) inhibition enhances
CMC
cardiomyogenic lineage commitment. Here, we investigated the impact of
HDAC
1 on
CMC
cytokine secretion and associated paracrine‐mediated activities on endothelial cell function.

Methods and Results

CMC
s were transduced with sh
RNA
constructs targeting
HDAC
1 (sh
HDAC
1) or nontarget (sh
NT
) control. Cytokine arrays were used to assess the expression of secreted proteins in conditioned medium (
CM
) from sh
HDAC
1 or sh
NT
‐transduced
CMC
s. In vitro functional assays for cell proliferation, protection from oxidative stress, cell migration, and tube formation were performed on human endothelial cells incubated with
CM
from the various treatment conditions.
CM
from sh
HDAC
1‐transduced
CMC
s contained more cytokines involved in cell growth/differentiation and more efficiently promoted endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation compared with
CM
from sh
NT
. After evaluating key cytokines previously implicated in cell‐therapy–mediated cardiac repair, we found that basic fibroblast growth factor was significantly upregulated in sh
HDAC
1‐transduced
CMC
s. Furthermore, sh
RNA
‐mediated knockdown of basic fibroblast growth factor in
HDAC
1‐depleted
CMC
s inhibited the effects of sh
HDAC
1
CM
in promoting endothelial proliferation and tube formation—indicating that
HDAC
1 depletion activates
CMC
proangiogenic paracrine signaling in a basic fibroblast growth factor–dependent manner.

Conclusions

These results reveal a hitherto unknown role for
HDAC
1 in the modulation of
CMC
cytokine secretion and implicate the targeted inhibition of
HDAC
1 in
CMC
s as a means to enhance paracrine‐mediated neovascularization in cardiac cell therapy applications.
Secondary Versus Primary Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Darlington Atrial Fibrillation Registry
Authors: Mazurek Michał , Shantsila Eduard , Lane Deirdre A. , Wolff Andreas , Proietti Marco , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

Although patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who experienced an acute stroke are at high risk for recurrence, many patients are untreated or treated suboptimally for stroke prevention. The objective of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of AF patients with versus without previous stroke in relation to guideline-adherent antithrombotic treatment in a contemporary primary care population.

Methods—

Community cohort of 105 000 patients from 11 general practices in Darlington, England, was used to assess AF stroke prevention strategies against 2014 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

Results—

Overall, 2259 (2.15%) patients with AF were identified, of which 18.9% constituted a secondary prevention cohort. For secondary prevention, antithrombotic treatment was guideline adherent in 56.3%, 18.9% were overtreated, and 24.8% undertreated; corresponding proportions for primary prevention were 49.5%, 11.7%, and 38.8%, respectively. One-year stroke rates were 8.6% and 1.6% for secondary and primary prevention, respectively (
P
<0.001); corresponding all-cause mortality rates were 9.8% and 9.4%, respectively (
P
=0.79). On multivariable analysis, lack of antithrombotic treatment guideline adherence was associated with increased stroke risk for primary prevention (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–6.90;
P
=0.013 for undertreatment); for secondary prevention, lack of guideline adherence was associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke (odds ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–6.27;
P
=0.012 for overtreatment) and all-cause death (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–5.69;
P
=0.006 for undertreatment).

Conclusions—

Only approximately half of eligible patients with AF are prescribed oral anticoagulation in line with guidelines. Guideline-adherent antithrombotic treatment significantly reduces the risk of stroke among primary prevention patients and both risk of recurrent stroke and death in patients with previous stroke.
The International Public Corporation
Authors: Tsikata Dotse A.
Published: July 2017

The concept of the International Public Corporation (‘ipc’), elaborated by Wolfgang Friedmann in 1943 as a distinct sub-category of international organization, has disappeared from international law discourse. This paper argues that the ipc concept remains relevant and useful in classifying and analyzing international organizations for the following reasons. First, the prototype ipcs, the Bank for International Settlements (‘bis’), the International Monetary Fund (‘imf’), and World Bank remain in existence—their longevity and continuing importance reflects the viability and effectiveness of the ipc as a legal form. Second, the ipc model has continued to be propagated—many more ipcs have been established; the New Development Bank (the ‘brics Bank’) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (‘aiib’) being the most recent. Third, the ipcs raise a distinct set of governance and accountability issues that have been the subject of review and reform efforts, which could benefit from a greater contribution by public international law scholarship.
Democracy in the World Trade Organization
Authors: Ansong Alex
Published: July 2017

The wto has become one of the key international organisations responsible for regulating international economic relations among states. At first glance, the
wto Agreement makes very democratic provisions with respect to decision-making. All formal wto decision-making organs are open to all members. Independent of population size, economic might or contribution to international trade, each member of the wto wields a single unweighted vote—i.e., ‘one member, one vote’. Thus, at the formal level, all appears to bode well with the wto decision-making process. This seeming well-being, however, belies the true nature of the problems and challenges the decision-making process is encumbered with. This article undertakes analytical exegesis of the provisions on decision-making in Articles ix and x of the
wto Agreement. The article also explores possible options for reforming the wto decision-making process and its implications for developing countries.