bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Effects of Stromal-Selective Targeting by uPAR-Retargeted Oncolytic Virus in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jing Yuqi , Chavez Valery , Ban Yuguang , Acquavella Nicolas , El-Ashry Doraya , Pronin Alexey , Chen Xi , Merchan Jaime R.
Published: July 2017

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a relevant target for novel biological therapies. MV-m-uPA and MV-h-uPA are fully retargeted, species-specific, oncolytic measles viruses (MV) directed against murine or human urokinase receptor (PLAUR/uPAR), expressed in tumor and stromal cells. The effects of stromal-selective targeting by uPAR-retargeted MVs were investigated. In vitro infection, virus-induced GFP expression, and cytotoxicity by MV-h-uPA and MV-m-uPA were demonstrated in human and murine cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in a species-specific manner. In a murine fibroblast/human breast cancer 3D coculture model, selective fibroblast targeting by MV-m-uPA inhibited breast cancer cell growth. Systemic administration of murine-specific MV-m-uPA in mice bearing human MDA-MB-231 xenografts was associated with a significant delay in tumor progression and improved survival compared with controls. Experiments comparing tumor (MV-h-uPA) versus stromal (MV-m-uPA) versus combined virus targeting showed that tumor and stromal targeting was associated with improved tumor control over the other groups. Correlative studies confirmed in vivo viral targeting of tumor stroma by MV-m-uPA, increased apoptosis, and virus-induced differential regulation of murine stromal genes associated with inflammatory, angiogenesis, and survival pathways, as well as indirect regulation of human cancer pathways, indicating viral-induced modulation of tumor–stroma interactions. These data demonstrate the feasibility of stromal-selective targeting by an oncolytic MV, virus-induced modulation of tumor–stroma pathways, and subsequent tumor growth delay. These findings further validate the critical role of stromal uPAR in cancer progression and the potential of oncolytic viruses as antistromal agents.

Implications: The current report demonstrates for the first time the biological, in vitro, and in vivo antitumor and molecular effects of stromal selective targeting by an oncolytic virus. Mol Cancer Res; 15(10); 1410–20. ©2017 AACR.
Improving the Armamentarium of PI3K Inhibitors with Isoform-Selective Agents: A New Light in the Darkness
Authors: Rodon Jordi , Tabernero Josep
Published: July 2017

Summary: Excitement and drug-development efforts aimed at targetable genetic aberrations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway have declined due to the limited clinical performance of these inhibitors as monotherapies. New, more isoform-selective treatments, such as taselisib, promise to both expand the therapeutic window and increase efficacy. Cancer Discov; 7(7); 666–9. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Juric et al., p. 704.
Natural History of T1N0M0 Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Large-Scale Study in the United States
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Abdel-Wahab Reham , Hassan Manal M. , Shalaby Ahmed S. , Dahbour Ibrahim , Lacin Sahin , Mahvash Armeen , Odisio Bruno C. , Murthy Ravi , Avritscher Rony , Abdelsalam Mohamed E. , Rashid Asif , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Aloia Thomas A. , Conrad Claudius , Chun Yun Shin , Krishnan Sunil , Das Prajnan , Koay Eugene J. , Amin Hesham M. , Yao James C. , Kaseb Ahmed O.
Published: July 2017

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis depends on clinicopathological features in addition to the treatment provided. We aimed to assess the natural history of TNM stage I HCC tumors which received different treatment over a period of 20 years. Methods: Between 1992 and 2011, a total of 397 stage I HCC patients were included. Detailed information was retrieved from MD Anderson Cancer Center patients' medical records. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate patients' overall survival (OS). Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the estimated hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of different prognostic factors. Results: Out of 397 patients, 67.5% were males, 42.8% had hepatitis-related HCC, and 59.7% had underlying cirrhosis. After adjustment for confounding factors, we found that all therapeutic modalities were associated with a significant mortality rate reduction with an OS of 63, 42.03, 34.3, and 22.1 months among patients treated with surgery, ablation, local, and systemic therapy, respectively. A restricted analysis of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients showed that ablative and local therapy were significantly associated with a longer OS compared to systemic therapy. Conclusion: TNM stage I HCC patients have a favorable prognosis regardless of the type of treatment. Notably, ablative and local therapy significantly improved OS compared to systemic therapy.
Potential Role of the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis in the Immune Regulation of Chronic GVHD
Authors: Klobuch Sebastian , Weber Daniela , Holler Barbara , Herr Wolfgang , Holler Ernst , Wolff Daniel
Published: July 2017

Background: Antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have been shown to have substantial antitumor effects also in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) relapsing after conventional chemotherapy or even autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT). In the case of allogeneic HSCT (alloHSCT), this treatment bears the risk of inducing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). So far, only a small number of patients who developed acute GVHD after PD-1 antibody administration are described in the literature. Case Reports: We herein report the cases of 2 HL patients after alloHSCT who both responded well to the therapy; however, 1 patient developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD) within 3 days of administration of nivolumab. This patient already had a history of cGVHD and interestingly showed manifestations at the very same sites. The other patient never showed any signs of cGVHD, even with the administration of 13 cycles of anti-PD-1 therapy and large doses of donor lymphocytes. Conclusion: The rapid reappearance of cGVHD after blockade of PD-1 implies an important role of PD-1/PD-L1 in peripheral immune tolerance in cGVHD after alloHSCT and warrants further investigation.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Acyltransferase-3 Expression Is Associated with Atherosclerosis Progression
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Zaima Nobuhiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Yamamoto Naoto , Inuzuka Kazunori , Yata Tatsuro , Iwaki Takayuki , Umemura Kazuo , Sano Hideto , Suzuki Yuko , Urano Tetsumei , Setou Mitsutoshi , Unno Naoki
Published: July 2017

Free arachidonic acid (AA) is an important precursor of lipid mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins that induces inflammation and is associated with atherosclerosis progression. Recent studies have shown that lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase-3 (LPCAT3) converts lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and free AA into phosphatidylcholine (PC)-containing AA (arachidonyl-PC) and thereby can regulate intracellular free-AA levels. However, the association between LPCAT3 and atherosclerosis remains to be established. In this study, we analyzed human and mouse atherosclerotic tissues to gain insight into the arachidonyl-PC metabolism involving LPCAT3 using imaging mass spectrometry. The data revealed a complementary distribution of arachidonyl-PC and LPC in human atherosclerotic tissues with arachidonyl-PC decreasing and LPC increasing as atherosclerosis progressed. Furthermore, we found a homologous distribution of LPCAT3 expression and arachidonyl-PC based on atherosclerotic progression. In contrast, in ApoE-deficient mice, atherosclerosis increased both arachidonyl-PC accumulation and LPCAT3 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that the regulation of LPCAT3 expression might be associated with atherosclerotic progression in humans.
Can Noncardiac Syncope Occur during Exercise?
Authors: Christou Georgios A. , Christou Konstantinos A. , Christou Evangelos A. , Kiortsis Dimitrios N.
Published: July 2017

We describe the case of a 25-year-old athlete experiencing syncope during a 5-km running race. A thorough diagnostic workup reasonably excluded a cardiac disorder as the cause of syncope. The characterization of this episode of syncope as noncardiac appears to contradict the common belief that syncope during exercise has always a cardiac origin. Following a detailed history taking, it was revealed that the symptoms of the athlete started after a 180° turn of the route. This situation represents a setting relevant to a runner who stops suddenly after reaching the finish line and soon after experiences noncardiac syncope due to the abrupt cessation of muscle pump function of the lower limbs. Although the symptoms of the athlete in this report occurred during running, implying at a first glance the diagnosis of syncope occurring during exercise, a more detailed analysis of the circumstances indicated that these symptoms were in essence presenting after exercise from a pathophysiological view. The distinction between syncope occurring during and after exercise may be challenging enough for athletic activities involving a sudden stop of the running activity, such as for running races with sudden inversion of the route and sports characterized by rapid “starts and stops.”
Binocular Fixation Reduces Fixational Eye Movements in the Worst Eye of Patients with Center-Involving Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Jakobsen Nanna Stæhr , Larsen Dorte Ancher , Bek Toke
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Treatment of diabetic maculopathy with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors is in some patients ineffective, and, therefore, parameters predicting visual outcome after treatment should be identified. It has been shown that fixational saccades are increased in patients with reduced visual acuity secondary to diabetic maculopathy, but it is unknown to what extent these saccades in an eye affected by diabetic maculopathy are influenced by the other eye during binocular fixation. Methods: In 57 eyes from 29 diabetic patients with clinically significant macular edema, fixational eye movements were recorded using the iView X™ video-based eye tracker, and quantitative measures of fixation with the worst eye obtained during monocular and binocular fixation were compared. Results: Fixational saccades during monocular fixation had a significantly higher frequency (p = 0.005), a larger amplitude (p = 0.03), and involved a larger retinal area (p = 0.02) than during binocular fixation. There was a significant negative correlation (r2 = 0.18, p = 0.02) between visual acuity and the area of fixation during monocular but not during binocular fixation (r2 = 0.007, p = 0.68). Conclusion: Binocular fixation can reduce the area of fixation and the amplitude of fixational saccades in the worst eye of patients with diabetic maculopathy. Fixational saccades in diabetic maculopathy should be studied during monocular fixation.
ABCA3 Phenotype in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Indicates Poor Outcome
Authors: Overbeck Tobias R. , Arnemann Johanna , Waldmann-Beushausen Regina , Trümper Lorenz , Schöndube Friedrich A. , Reuter-Jessen Kirsten , Danner Bernhard C.
Published: July 2017

Background: ATP-binding cassette transport protein A3 (ABCA3) is expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We hypothesize that high-level ABCA3 expression may have a negative prognostic impact in patients with NSCLC. Methods: In 89 patients with NSCLC and curative intended surgery, we analyzed postoperative immunohistochemistry staining of primary tumors (anti-ABCA3) and clinicopathological parameters. We used a unidimensional four point score (FPS) system for intensity assessment and, furthermore, a combined bidimensional scoring of intensity and quantity resulting in the positive index (PI). Results: Former or never-smokers were more likely to have intermediate or strong ABCA3 unidimensional expression (FPS) compared with current smokers (p < 0.01). Patients >65 years of age had a higher probability of intermediate/strong ABCA3 expression (FPS) than younger patients (p < 0.05). In PI measurement, there were no significant correlations between ABCA3 and clinicopathological parameters. Patients with high-level PI had a significantly worse disease-free survival as well as overall survival than patients with low-level PI (p < 0.05). Conclusions: High-level PI of ABCA3 in NSCLC showed poor disease-free and overall survival in this patient cohort, potentially indicating the relevance of ABCA3 in lung cancer. This observation needs to be validated in larger series.
Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Staging of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer without Mediastinal Involvement at Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography
Authors: Naur Therese Maria Henriette , Konge Lars , Clementsen Paul Frost
Published: July 2017

Background: Staging of lung cancer is essential to the treatment, which is curative only in cases of localized disease. Previous studies have suggested that endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is unnecessary when positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) shows no mediastinal involvement. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate how often EBUS-TBNA resulted in a clinically relevant upstaging in patients with lung cancer without mediastinal involvement at PET-CT. Methods: A total of 981 consecutive patients from 2009 to 2014 were referred for preoperative EBUS-TBNA. We included 167 patients with lung cancer without involvement of the mediastinum at PET-CT (115 N0 and 52 N1). Results: Of the 167 patients included, 10 (6.0%) were upstaged to N2 or N3 by EBUS-TBNA; 9 of these were originally classified as N1 at PET-CT. Therefore, 17.3% of the included N1 patients were upstaged to N2/N3 after EBUS-TBNA. This compares to only 0.9% of the N0 patients. After both EBUS-TBNA and PET-CT, 115 patients were operated, and 12 (10.4%) of these proved to be N2/N3. We calculated the sensitivity as 42.9%, the specificity as 99.0%, and the negative predictive value as 89.6%. Conclusions: The overall probability of a clinically relevant upstaging by EBUS-TBNA in patients judged as N0/N1 at PET-CT was 6.0%, compared to 0.9% in patients classified as N0 and 17.3% in patients classified as N1. The risk of overlooking N2/N3 disease after both PET-CT and EBUS-TBNA was 10.4%.
Long-Term Health Impact of Early Nutrition: The Power of Programming
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Brands Brigitte , Grote Veit , Kirchberg Franca F. , Prell Christine , Rzehak Peter , Uhl Olaf , Weber Martina ,   for the Early Nutrition Programming Project
Published: July 2017

The Power of Programming conference 2016 at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich brought together about 600 researchers and other stakeholders from around the world who reviewed the recent evidence on the lasting health impact of environment and nutrition during early life, from pre-pregnancy to early childhood. The conference was hosted by the Early Nutrition Project, a multidisciplinary research collaboration funded by the European Commission with collaborating researchers from 35 institutions in 15 countries in Europe, the United States and Australia. The project explores the early origins of obesity, adiposity and associated non-communicable diseases, underlying mechanisms and opportunities for prevention. The project also proactively supports translational application of research findings. In fact, some existing evidence has already been rapidly adopted into policy, regulatory standards and practice. Further, broad dissemination of findings is achieved through the established digital eLearning platform of the Early Nutrition eAcademy, video clip-based learning and graphically supported messaging to consumers. The project demonstrated powerful effects of early metabolic programming on later health. Compared to other common prevention strategies, modifying risk trajectories in early life can achieve a much larger risk reduction and be more cost-effective. While some effective prevention strategies have been promptly implemented in policy and guidelines, legislation and practice, in other areas, the uptake is limited by a paucity of quality human intervention trials and insufficient evaluation of the feasibility of implementation and econometric impact. This needs to be strengthened by future collaborative research work.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Coinfection: Implications for Infection Control
Authors: Alfaraj Sarah H. , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Altuwaijri Talal A. , Memish Ziad A.
Published: July 2017

Coinfection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) with tuberculosis (TB) has not been previously reported. Here, we present 2 cases with both MERS-CoV and pulmonary TB. The first case was a 13-year-old patient who was admitted with a 2-month history of fever, weight loss, night sweats, and cough. The second patient was a 30-year-old female who had a 4-week history of cough associated with shortness of breath and weight loss of 2 kg. The 2 patients were diagnosed with pulmonary TB and had positive MERS-CoV. Both patients were discharged to complete their therapy for TB at home. It is likely that both patients had pulmonary TB initially as they had prolonged symptoms and they subsequently developed MERS-CoV infection. It is important to carefully evaluate suspected MERS-CoV patients for the presence of other infectious diseases, such as TB, especially if cohorting is done for suspected MERS-CoV to avoid nosocomial transmission.
Clinical Relevance of Circulating, Cell-Free and Exosomal microRNAs in Plasma and Serum of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Schwarzenbach Heidi
Published: July 2017

The expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in a tissue- and development-specific manner has indicated that they play an essential role in the maintenance of biological homeostasis. In cancer, the deregulation of these small non-coding RNA molecules modulates the expression of numerous tumor-associated genes and cellular processes. The high levels of cancer-associated sensitivity and specificity of plasma/serum and exosomal miRNA profiles reflect disease development, tumor load, malignant progression towards metastatic relapse and drug resistance. The present review focuses on the findings related to the expression and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, and discusses the potential clinical uses of miRNAs, including their roles as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
Effect of Circular ANRIL on the Inflammatory Response of Vascular Endothelial Cells in a Rat Model of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Song Chun-Li , Wang Jin-Peng , Xue Xin , Liu Ning , Zhang Xiao-Hao , Zhao Zhuo , Liu Jian-Gen , Zhang Chun-Peng , Piao Zhe-Hao , Liu Yang , Yang Yi-Bo
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: This study aims to investigate the role of circular antisense non-coding RNA at the INK4 locus (cANRIL) in the inflammatory response of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in a rat model of coronary atherosclerosis (AS). A rat model of AS was established with rats that were injected with a large dose of vitamin D3 and fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into control, model, empty vector, over-expressed cANRIL and low-expressed cANRIL groups (12 rats in each group). Sixteen weeks later, the ultrastructure of their coronary arteries was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Rat serum lipid levels were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer, and their atherogenic index (AI) values were calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the endothelial morphology of rats. Additionally, rat EC apoptosis was tested via a TUNEL assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were applied to measure serum levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The cANRIL, Bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 mRNA expression levels were measured with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of Bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 were detected using immunohistochemistry. Results: In the control group, ECs were closely arranged with normal structures, and there was no proliferation. In the model, empty vector and over-expressed cANRIL groups, some cells were not present, and atherosclerotic plaques and thrombi appeared. However, in the under-expressed cANRIL group, the cells had a normal structure. Compared with the model and empty vector groups, the levels of total cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein (LDL), IL-1, IL-6, MMP-9, CRP, cANRIL, Bax, and caspase-3, AI values, and rates of EC apoptosis decreased in the low-expressed cANRIL group, while HDL (high density lipoprotein) levels and mRNA and protein expression levels of bcl-2 were increased. The changes in expression levels in the over-expressed cANRIL group were the opposite of those in the low-expressed cANRIL group. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that reduced cANRIL expression could prevent coronary AS by reducing vascular EC apoptosis and inflammatory factor expression.
Power System State Estimation by Novel Approach of Kalman Filter
Authors: Khandelwal Arpit , Tandon Ankush , Saxena Akash
Published: July 2017

The electrical network measurements by measuring device Phasor Measurement Device (PMU) are usually sent to the control centers using data acquisition system and other communication protocols available. However, these measurements contain uncertainties due to the measurements and communication noise (errors), incomplete metering or unavailability of some of measurements. The overall aim of state estimation is to calculate the state variables of the power system by minimizing errors available at the control center. Due to generate desired quantities by optimal estimate which is given the set of measurements, Kalman filters are widely used. This paper discusses the application of an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm, the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) algorithm, and New EKF+M and UKF+M estimator algorithm, those are modification of EKF and UKF for enhance accuracy and elapse time is less. The effectiveness and performance of EKF+M and UKF+M Estimator over another Filtration algorithm is shown. These state estimation techniques applied on IEEE-30 bus, 14 bus and 9 bus test system.
Symmetrical Short Circuit Parameter Differences of Double Fed Induction Generator and Synchronous Generator Based Wind Turbine
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Shahzad , Wu Qinghua , Li Mengshi , Zhang Luliang
Published: July 2017

Considering the importance of perturbations during short circuit (SC) in power conversion devices, this study designed to find out the efficacy of symmetrical short circuit (SSC) of the synchronous generator (SG) and doubly fed induction generators (DFIG). Both wind power systems were separately built (Park’s model) and simulated. Simulation results showed that the DFIG is more efficient, fault tolerant, and proficient systems as compared to the SG based on the transient time, steady state, maximum current, and voltage dip values. This study can extend to design protection schemes, more accurate, stable and optimal proficient wind power conversion devices.
Wireless Power for Mobile Battery Charger
Authors: Fitra M. , S Elvy
Published: July 2017

This Wireless Mobile Battery Charger project is using technique of inductive coupling. The basic concept of his technique was applied in transformer construction. With this technique, the power from AC or DC can be transfer through the medium of magnetic field or air space. In this project, the method is divided into two major activities which is to purpose circuit construction and to fabricate the prototype. The result is to evaluate the distance of power that can be transferred using technique of inductive coupling.
A Comparison Study on Types of PV for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Power
Authors: Verayiah Renuga , Iyadurai Anusiya
Published: July 2017

Grid connected photovoltaic (PV) power systems is today’s breakthrough for renewable energy source in electricity generation Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power systems have the advantage of more effective utilization for highest renewable source of electricity generation and tendency to continual growth in the next years. The output performance grid connected photovoltaic (PV) power systems is influenced by the impact of cell temperature or ambient temperature and solar irradiance of the solar module. This paper highlights the effect of output energy of solar module by implementing different types of solar module technology and selecting the highest energy output of the module technology for modelling and simulating the design of grid connected photovoltaic (PV) power system using Matlab/Simulink.
Multi-output Portable Universal Power Supply Kit with Plug-and-Use Equipment for Emergency Application
Authors: Nazifah Abdullah A. , Asri Jusoh M. , Mohd Nayan Norkharziana , Syahril M. , Nadiah Ayop N.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents design and analysis of Multi-output Portable Universal Power Supply Kit (EPS Kit). This EPS Kit is intended as an alternative power supply kit to reduce the issue of a power outage. Lead Acid Battery which is considered one of the easiest sources that can be found during an emergency state is the best alternative energy source. The EPS Kit is designed to store the power in Lead Acid Battery as the main source and powered by the solar energy as the secondary source and will be providing both standard household alternating current (AC) and most common direct current (DC) power. This Kit is a stand-alone system comes with plug-and-use kit in which the system can be recharged using solar and AC power. The plug-and-use kit is equipped with intelligent multi-USB ports, adjustable dual mode NiCd, Ni-Mh, and Li-Ion battery which are Discharge/Charger mode, AC output port, LED lamp, and emergency electrical accessories. EPS Kit is also portable which installed with wheel and handle for mobility application. Production of EPS Kit is involved software and hardware. The software used are 3D CAD design software and circuit simulation software respectively for preliminary 3D drawing design and output circuit validation. Experimental results of the EPS Kit load testing, charging and discharging state are conducted in order to demonstrate the EPS Kit functionality and usage.
Leakage Current Based Thermal Modeling of Glass Disc Insulator Surface
Authors: Mousa Mohammed Imran , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Mousa Zainab Imran
Published: July 2017

The stability of transmission lines relies on the health of the insulators, such as glass string insulators, which may occasionally flashover during an overvoltage. The likelihood of flashover increases notably when the glass insulator is wrapped by a wet contaminant layer. In this paper a study of the surface thermal profile of glass disc insulators insulation had been carried out for both clean and polluted surfaces. A finite-element simulation with time dependent model was carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The variation of the insulator surface temperature with applied voltage as well as with pollution layer thickness is explained. The results illustrate the significant effect of pollution conductivity on heat propagate along the surface of the glass insulators with the increase higher voltages' magnitudes. Study of the aging level impact on a steady state thermal for glass insulation surface is also carried out.
System Dynamic Approach for Long-Term Solar Thermal Installed Capacity for Malaysian Industries
Authors: Sabirin Baharom Anis , Yenita Dahlan Nofri
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a novel System Dynamics model for solar thermal installed capacity for Malaysian Industries. The objective of this paper is to foresee the influences of technical acceptance and willingness of the Malaysian industries to install the solar thermal system to replace the current system for heating process. Results revealed the Malaysian industries interest level on solar thermal is low. Therefore to increase the interest, Malaysian industries need more booster supports from the government to increase the investment in new technology, which will advantage the company and Malaysia in long-term. Not only industries, the policy makers will also benefit from the outcome, to tailor the framework for solar thermal in developing the solar thermal policy for industries in Malaysia.
An Optimized FPGA Implementation of CAN 2.0 Protocol Error Detection Circuitry
Authors: Hashmi Md Farukh , G. Keskar Avinash
Published: July 2017

Controller Area Network is an ideal serial bus design suitable for modern embedded system based networks. It finds its use in most of critical applications, where error detection and subsequent treatment on error is a critical issue. CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) block was developed on FPGA in order to meet the needs for simple, low power and low cost wireless communication. This paper gives a short overview of CRC block in the Digital transmitter based on the CAN 2.0 protocols. CRC is the most preferred method of encoding because it provides very efficient protection against commonly occurring burst errors, and is easily implemented. This technique is also sometimes applied to data storage devices, such as a disk drive. In this paper a technique to model the error detection circuitry of CAN 2.0 protocols on reconfigurable platform have been discussed? The software simulation results are presented in the form of timing diagram.FPGA implementation results shows that the circuitry requires very small amount of digital hardware. The Purpose of the research is to diversify the design methods by using VHDL code entry through Modelsim 5.5e simulator and Xilinx ISE8.3i.The VHDL code is used to characterize the CRC block behavior which is then simulated, synthesized and successfully implemented on Sparten3 FPGA .Here, Simulation and Synthesized results are also presented to verify the functionality of the CRC -16 Block. The data rate of CRC block is 250 kbps .Estimated power consumption and maximum operating frequency of the circuitry is also provided.
A Concealment Aware UEP scheme for H.264 using RS Codes
Authors: Indoonundon Deevya , Fowdur Tulsi Pawan , Soyjaudah Sunjiv
Published: July 2017

H.264/AVC is currently the most widely adopted video coding standard due to its high compression capability and flexibility. However, compressed videos are highly vulnerable to channel errors which may result in severe quality degradation of a video. This paper presents a concealment aware Unequal Error Protection (UEP) scheme for H.264 video compression using Reed Solomon (RS) codes. The proposed UEP technique assigns a code rate to each Macroblock (MB) based on the type of concealment and a Concealment Dependent Index (CDI). Two interleaving techniques, namely Frame Level Interleaving (FLI) and Group Level Interleaving (GLI) have also been employed. Finally, prioritised concealment is applied in cases where error correction is beyond the capability of the RS decoder. Simulation results have demonstrated that the proposed framework provides an average gain of 2.96 dB over a scheme that used Equal Error Protection (EEP).
Haemostasis biomarkers and risk of intracerebral haemorrhage in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study
Authors: Zakai Neil A. , Olson Nels C. , Judd Suzanne E. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Kissela Brett M. , Howard George , Cushman Mary
Published: July 2017

Pathologic alterations in haemostasis cause bleeding disorders, but it is unknown if variation within the normal range relates to intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) risk. It was our objective to assess the prospective associations of haemostasis biomarkers with ICH risk. The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study (REGARDS) recruited 30,239 U. S. individuals aged ≥45 years. ICH was ascertained through biannual telephone contact and review of deaths followed by medical record evaluation. Haemostasis biomarkers (factor VIII (FVIII), factor IX (FIX), factor XI (FXI), fibrinogen, protein C, and D-dimer) were measured in a case cohort study consisting of ICH and a 1,104 person cohort random sample. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) by biomarker were estimated using Cox models and adjusted for ICH risk factors. Individuals with a prior history of stroke, ICH or on warfarin were excluded. Over a median 5.8 years 66 ICH occurred. Fibrinogen, FVIII, FXI, and protein C were not associated with ICH risk in any analysis. Lower FIX increased risk of ICH with the bottom versus the top tertile of FIX associated with an HR of 5.68 (95 % CI 2.30, 14.05). D-dimer demonstrated a non-linear relationship with a potential threshold effect with increased risk only in the top 5th percentile (HR 3.22; 95 % CI 1.01, 10.31; pnon-linear = 0.04).In conclusion, low FIX levels within the normal range were associated with increased ICH risk. These data suggest non-pathologic alterations in haemostasis impact intracranial bleeding risk.
Environmental Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bhatnagar Aruni
Published: July 2017

Many features of the environment have been found to exert an important influence on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, progression, and severity. Changes in the environment because of migration to different geographic locations, modifications in lifestyle choices, and shifts in social policies and cultural practices alter CVD risk, even in the absence of genetic changes. Nevertheless, the cumulative impact of the environment on CVD risk has been difficult to assess and the mechanisms by which some environment factors influence CVD remain obscure. Human environments are complex, and their natural, social, and personal domains are highly variable because of diversity in human ecosystems, evolutionary histories, social structures, and individual choices. Accumulating evidence supports the notion that ecological features such as the diurnal cycles of light and day, sunlight exposure, seasons, and geographic characteristics of the natural environment such as altitude, latitude, and greenspaces are important determinants of cardiovascular health and CVD risk. In highly developed societies, the influence of the natural environment is moderated by the physical characteristics of the social environments such as the built environment and pollution, as well as by socioeconomic status and social networks. These attributes of the social environment shape lifestyle choices that significantly modify CVD risk. An understanding of how different domains of the environment, individually and collectively, affect CVD risk could lead to a better appraisal of CVD and aid in the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies to limit the increasingly high global burden of heart disease and stroke.
Calcium and Excitation-Contraction Coupling in the Heart
Authors: Eisner David A. , Caldwell Jessica L. , Kistamás Kornél , Trafford Andrew W.
Published: July 2017

Cardiac contractility is regulated by changes in intracellular Ca concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
). Normal function requires that [Ca
2+
]
i
be sufficiently high in systole and low in diastole. Much of the Ca needed for contraction comes from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and is released by the process of calcium-induced calcium release. The factors that regulate and fine-tune the initiation and termination of release are reviewed. The precise control of intracellular Ca cycling depends on the relationships between the various channels and pumps that are involved. We consider 2 aspects: (1) structural coupling: the transporters are organized within the dyad, linking the transverse tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum and ensuring close proximity of Ca entry to sites of release. (2) Functional coupling: where the fluxes across all membranes must be balanced such that, in the steady state, Ca influx equals Ca efflux on every beat. The remainder of the review considers specific aspects of Ca signaling, including the role of Ca buffers, mitochondria, Ca leak, and regulation of diastolic [Ca
2+
]
i
.
Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Moresoli Paola , Habib Bettina , Reynier Pauline , Secrest Matthew H. , Eisenberg Mark J. , Filion Kristian B.
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

There is no consensus on the comparative efficacy and safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. To evaluate CAS versus CEA in asymptomatic patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods—

We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing CAS to CEA in asymptomatic patients using a pre-specified protocol. Two independent reviewers identified randomized controlled trials meeting our inclusion/exclusion criteria, extracted relevant data, and assessed quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random effects models with inverse-variance weighting were used to estimate pooled risk ratios (RRs) comparing the incidences of periprocedural and long-term outcomes between CAS and CEA.

Results—

We identified 11 reports of 5 randomized controlled trials for inclusion (n=3019) asymptomatic patients. The pooled incidences of any periprocedural stroke (RR, 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–3.40), periprocedural nondisabling stroke (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 0.98–3.89), and any periprocedural stroke or death (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.95–3.11) trended toward an increased risk after CAS. We could not rule out clinically significant differences between treatments for long-term stroke (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.76–2.03) and the composite outcome of periprocedural stroke, death or myocardial infarction, or long-term ipsilateral stroke (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.21).

Conclusions—

Although uncertainty surrounds the long-term outcomes of CAS versus CEA, the potential for increased risks of periprocedural stroke and periprocedural stroke or death with CAS suggests that CEA is the preferred option for the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
P-Wave Indices and Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: He Jinli , Tse Gary , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Ali-Hasan-Al-Saegh Sadeq , Kamel Hooman , Li Guangping , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Liu Tong
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

Atrial cardiomyopathy is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. P-wave terminal force in lead V
1
, P-wave duration, and maximum P-wave area are electrocardiographic parameters that have been used to assess left atrial abnormalities related to developing atrial fibrillation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine their values for predicting ischemic stroke risk.

Methods—

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched until December 2016 for studies that evaluated the association between P-wave indices and stroke risk. Both fixed- and random-effects models were used to calculate the overall effect estimates.

Results—

Ten studies examining P-wave terminal force in lead V
1
, P-wave duration, and maximum P-wave area were included. P-wave terminal force in lead V
1
was found to be an independent predictor of stroke as both a continuous variable (odds ratio [OR] per 1 SD change, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.25;
P
<0.0001) and categorical variable (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10–2.28;
P
=0.01). P-wave duration was a significant predictor of incident ischemic stroke when analyzed as a categorical variable (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.37–2.52;
P
<0.0001) but not when analyzed as a continuous variable (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.98–1.13;
P
=0.15). Maximum P-wave area also predicted the risk of incident ischemic stroke (OR per 1 SD change, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17).

Conclusions—

P-wave terminal force in lead V
1
, P-wave duration, and maximum P-wave area are useful electrocardiographic markers that can be used to stratify the risk of incident ischemic stroke.
Mendelian Genes and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Small-Vessel Ischemic Stroke in Sporadic Cases
Authors: Chong Michael , O’Donnell Martin , Thijs Vincent , Dans Antonio , López-Jaramillo Patricio , Gómez-Arbeláez Diego , Mondo Charles , Czlonkowska Anna , Skowronska Marta , Oveisgharan Shahram , Yusuf Salim , Paré Guillaume
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

Mendelian strokes are rare genetic disorders characterized by early-onset small-vessel stroke. Although extensively studied among families with syndromic features, whether these genes affect risk among sporadic cases is unknown.

Methods—

We sequenced 8 genes responsible for Mendelian stroke in a case–control study of sporadic stroke cases (≤70 years). Participants included 1251 primary stroke cases of small-vessel pathology (637 intracerebral hemorrhage and 614 small-vessel ischemic stroke cases) and 1716 controls from the INTERSTROKE study (Study of the Importance of Conventional and Emerging Risk Factors of Stroke in Different Regions and Ethnic Groups of the World).

Results—

Overall, the prevalence of canonical disease-causing mutations was 0.56% in cases and 0.23% in controls (odds ratio=1.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–7.57;
P
=0.33). CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathies with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathies) mutations were more frequent among cases (0.48%) than controls (0.23%) but were not significantly associated with stroke risk (odds ratio=2.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–8.02;
P
=0.27). Next, we included all rare nonsynonymous mutations to investigate whether other types of mutations may contribute to stroke risk. Overall, 13.5% of cases and 14.2% of controls were carriers of at least one rare nonsynonymous mutation among the 8 Mendelian stroke genes. Mutation carriers were not at elevated risk of stroke (odds ratio=0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–1.16;
P
=0.55).

Conclusions—

In the absence of syndromic features and family history of stroke, screening for Mendelian mutations among small-vessel stroke patients is unlikely to have high diagnostic utility.
Self-determination and Autonomy: Between Secession and Internal Self-determination
Authors: Hilpold Peter
Published: July 2017

The 20th century can be qualified as the century of self-determination. Both politically as legally, the concept of self-determination formed the most important justification for quests for territorial changes. In the present contribution, the many meanings of self-determination and its relationship with the concept of autonomy and with minority rights shall be examined. It shall be shown that although no right to secession outside the colonial context can be discerned the claims for secession to be heard in several parts of Europe are nonetheless of considerable relevance for international law. And contrary to what is mostly held to allow such claims to be expressed may eventually even strengthen state sovereignty.
The Dual Legality of the Rules of International Organizations
Authors: Gasbarri Lorenzo
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the legal nature of the ‘rules of international organizations’ as defined by the International Law Commission in its works on the law of treaties and on international responsibility. Part 1 introduces the debate with an example concerning the nature of un Security Council anti-terrorism resolutions. Part 2 challenges the four theories of the rules envisaged by scholarship. Part 3 is an attempt to examine the characteristics of the legal system produced by international organizations taking advantage of analytical jurisprudence, developing a theory of their legal nature defined as ‘dual legality’. Part 4 concludes by appraising the effects of the dual legality looking at the law of treaties, international responsibility and invalidity for ultra vires acts.
Revision of Dobodura Darlington (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Odacanthini): Diversification on accreted terranes of northern New Guinea
Authors: Liebherr James K.
Published: July 2017

The Papuan endemic genusDoboduraDarlington is taxonomically revised, with five newly described species —Dobodura alildablldooyasp. n.,D. hexaspinasp. n.,D. obtusasp. n.,D. svensonisp. n., andD. toxopeisp. n. — complementing the type species,D. armataDarlington. The sympatricDobodura alildablldooyaandD. svensoniare described from Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea. Known distributions of the other three new species are:D. hexaspina, Madang Province, P.N.G.;D. obtusa, Olsobip, Fly River, Western Province, P.N.G.; andD. toxopei, Bernhard Camp, Papua, Indonesia.Dobodurais the sole precinctive Papuan genus in an Australian-Papuan clade also includingClarenciaSloane,DicraspedaChaudoir, andEudaliaLaporte. Phylogenetic analysis ofDoboduraplaces its known earliest divergence event on the northern New Guinea margin of the Australian craton. Later divergence events result in species occupying island-arc terranes progressively incorporated into present-day northern New Guinea, commencing in the Miocene.
A re-appraisal of Gegenes Hübner, 1819 (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) based on male and female genitalia, with the description of a new genus, Afrogegenes
Authors: de Jong Rienk , Coutsis John G.
Published: July 2017

Examination of male and female genitalia as well as external characters of all species of the current genus Gegenes Hübner, 1819 (Hesperiidae, Lepidoptera) led to the observation that two well-marked groups can be distinguished, differing in external characters as well as in male and female genitalia. For one of the two groups a new genus is erected, Afrogegenes. Conventionally, the group for which the new genus is erected contains two species, Gegenes letterstedti (Wallengren, 1857) and G. hottentota (Latreille, 1823), but G. hottentota ocra
Evans, 1937, has been given full species rank here, raising the number of species in Afrogegenes to three. G. letterstedti has long been known in the literature as G. niso (Linnaeus, 1764), but this is based on an incorrect lectotype designation. Male and female genitalia are described and figured for all taxa, in some cases for the first time.
Brachymeria mochica, a new Neotropical species of Chalcididae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) discovered on the archaeological site of Huacas de Moche, Peru with a review of related species
Authors: DELVARE GÉRARD , HUCHET JEAN-BERNARD
Published: July 2017

Two parasitoid wasp species of the Brachymeria minuta species group are studied. The specimens were collected in Peru at the archaeological site of Huacas de Moche, the former capital of the Mochica culture between 400–600 A.D. Brachymeria mochica Delvare sp. nov. (Chalcididae) is described and illustrated while B. podagrica (Fabricius, 1787) is reviewed with an update of the nomenclature and a summary of knowledge regarding its hosts and biology. The morphology and biology of both species are newly defined and characterized. Brachymeria brevicornis (Klug, 1834) stat. rev., previously synonymized with B. minuta (Linnaeus, 1767), is re-established as a valid species and a lectotype is designated. The following names are synonymised with B. podagrica: Chalcis ferox Kieffer, 1905 and its variety C. ferox coxalis Kieffer, 1905, Chalcis spilopus Cameron, 1905, Chalcis capensis Cameron, 1905, Chalcis transvaalensis Cameron, 1911, Chalcis neglecta Masi, 1916, Chalcis sodalis Masi, 1917, Brachymeria Fonscolombei var. gananensis Masi, 1938, Chalcis vulcani Schmitz, 1946, and Brachymeria fonscolombei f. neglecta Masi, 1951 new synonymies. Brachymeria amenocles (Walker, 1846) stat. rev. is re-established as a valid species with Chalcis varipes Walker, 1871 and Brachymeria Beccarii Masi, 1929 as junior synonyms syn. rev. Lectotypes are designated for the above names except for C. sodalis and C. vulcani.