bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Blast Exposure on Protein Deimination in the Brain
Authors: Attilio Peter J. , Flora Michael , Kamnaksh Alaa , Bradshaw Donald J. , Agoston Denes , Mueller Gregory P.
Published: May 2017

Oxidative stress and calcium excitotoxicity are hallmarks of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While these early disruptions may be corrected over a relatively short period of time, long‐lasting consequences of TBI including impaired cognition and mood imbalances can persist for years, even in the absence of any evidence of overt injury based on neuroimaging. This investigation examined the possibility that disordered protein deimination occurs as a result of TBI and may thus contribute to the long‐term pathologies of TBI. Protein deimination is a calcium‐activated, posttranslational modification implicated in the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, where aberrant deimination creates antigenic epitopes that elicit an autoimmune attack. The present study utilized proteomic analyses to show that blast TBI alters the deimination status of proteins in the porcine cerebral cortex. The affected proteins represent a small subset of the entire brain proteome and include glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin, proteins reported to be involved in autoimmune‐based pathologies. The data also indicate that blast injury is associated with an increase in immunoglobulins in the brain, possibly representing autoantibodies directed against novel protein epitopes. These findings indicate that aberrant protein deimination is a biomarker for blast TBI and may therefore underlie chronic neuropathologies of head injury.
Focal Mechanisms of Mw 6.3 Aftershocks from Waveform Inversions, Phayao Fault Zone, Northern Thailand
Authors: Saetang Kasemsak
Published: May 2017

The focal mechanisms of Mw 6.3 aftershocks, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand, were determined by using a multistation waveform inversion. Three aftershocks were selected and their waveforms were inverted for moment tensor calculation. Waveform inversions were derived from three broadband stations with three components and epicentral distances less than 250 km after all seismic stations were considered. The deviatoric moment tensor inversion was used for focal mechanism calculations. Band-pass filtering in the range of 0.03–0.15 Hz was selected for reducing low- and high-frequency noise. Source positions were created by using a single-source inversion and a grid-search method computed to optimize the waveform match. The results showed stable moment tensors and fault geometries with the southwest azimuth in the northern part of the Payao Fault Zone (PFZ) with depths shallower than 10 km. Left-lateral strike-slip with a reverse component was detected. The tectonics of the PFZ is constrained by fault-plane solutions of earthquakes. WSW directional strikes are observed in the northern part of the PFZ.
Development of an Omnidirectional-Capable Electromagnetic Shock Wave Generator for Lipolysis
Authors: Chang Ming Hau , Lin San Yih
Published: May 2017

Traditional methods for adipose tissue removal have progressed from invasive methods such as liposuction to more modern methods of noninvasive lipolysis. This research entails the development and evaluation of an omnidirectional-capable flat-coil electromagnetic shock wave generator (EMSWG) for lipolysis. The developed EMSWG has the advantage of omnidirectional-capable operation. This capability increases the eventual clinical usability by adding three designed supports to the aluminum disk of the EMSWG to allow omnidirectional operation. The focal pressures of the developed EMSWG for different operating voltages were measured, and its corresponding energy intensities were calculated. The developed EMSWG was mounted in a downward orientation for lipolysis and evaluated as proof of concept. In vitro tests on porcine fatty tissues have been carried out. It is found that at a 6 kV operating voltage with 1500 shock wave exposures, a 2 cm thick subcutaneous hypodermis of porcine fatty tissue can be ruptured, resulting in a damaged area of 1.39 mm2. At a 6.5 kV operating voltage with 2000 shock wave exposures, the damaged area is increased to about 5.20 mm2, which can be enlarged by changing the focal point location, resulting in significant lipolysis for use in clinical applications.
Hepatotoxicity in Rats Induced by Aqueous Extract of Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Root of Polygonum multiflorum Related to the Activity Inhibition of CYP1A2 or CYP2E1
Authors: Li Deng-Ke , Chen Jing , Ge Zhen-Zhen , Sun Zhen-Xiao
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the hepatotoxicity induced by Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR, root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., He Shou Wu) and the activity of CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 in the rat liver. Levels of rat serum transaminases ALT and AST were not altered but the activity of CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 in the rat liver was significantly inhibited after oral administration of aqueous extract of PMR under the experimental dosage. However, levels of ALT and AST were significantly increased and the activity of CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 was significantly decreased after injection of specific inhibitor for CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 combined with oral administration of aqueous extract of PMR, especially under the repeated treatment over interval times. Liver histopathological observation showed that a moderate liver injury occurred in rats receiving PMR treatment with the activity of CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 inhibited, but there was no significant liver damage in rats receiving PMR treatment or CYP inhibitor alone. These suggested that low level activity of CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 from genetic polymorphism among people might be one of the important reasons for the hepatotoxicity induced by PMR in clinical practice.
Natural Language Processing and Fuzzy Tools for Business Processes in a Geolocation Context
Authors: Truck Isis , Abchir Mohammed-Amine
Published: May 2017

In the geolocation field where high-level programs and low-level devices coexist, it is often difficult to find a friendly user interface to configure all the parameters. The challenge addressed in this paper is to propose intuitive and simple, thus natural language interfaces to interact with low-level devices. Such interfaces contain natural language processing (NLP) and fuzzy representations of words that facilitate the elicitation of business-level objectives in our context. A complete methodology is proposed, from the lexicon construction to a dialogue software agent including a fuzzy linguistic representation, based on synonymy.
A Case Report: Gastric Mixed Neuroendocrine-Nonneuroendocrine Neoplasm with Aggressive Neuroendocrine Component
Authors: Pham Quang Duy , Mori Ichiro , Osamura Robert Y.
Published: May 2017

Mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) is defined as mixed epithelial neoplasms composed of both neuroendocrine and nonneuroendocrine components with variable proportions for each component. Neuroendocrine component can show morphological features including well- or poorly differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms and nonneuroendocrine component can present different tumor types depending on the site of origin. Recently, studies of tumors have shown that MiNENs are not as rare as our traditional belief, due to the wide application for immunohistochemistry. However, our knowledge of MiNENs is still limited. There is no universal consensus about nomenclature, classification, and guideline of treatment. Hereby, we would like to present a case report of gastric MiNEN with aggressive neuroendocrine component to contribute a small part towards common understanding of gastric MiNENs.
Persistent Immune Stimulation Exacerbates Genetically Driven Myeloproliferative Disorders via Stromal Remodeling
Authors: Tripodo Claudio , Burocchi Alessia , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Chiodoni Claudia , Portararo Paola , Cappetti Barbara , Botti Laura , Gulino Alessandro , Isidori Alessandro , Liso Arcangelo , Visani Giuseppe , Martelli Maria Paola , Falini Brunangelo , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Colombo Mario P. , Sangaletti Sabina
Published: May 2017

Systemic immune stimulation has been associated with increased risk of myeloid malignancies, but the pathogenic link is unknown. We demonstrate in animal models that experimental systemic immune activation alters the bone marrow stromal microenvironment, disarranging extracellular matrix (ECM) microarchitecture, with downregulation of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) and collagen-I and induction of complement activation. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in Treg frequency and by an increase in activated effector T cells. Under these conditions, hematopoietic precursors harboring nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) mutation generated myeloid cells unfit for normal hematopoiesis but prone to immunogenic death, leading to neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. NET fostered the progression of the indolent NPM1-driven myeloproliferation toward an exacerbated and proliferative dysplastic phenotype. Enrichment in NET structures was found in the bone marrow of patients with autoimmune disorders and in NPM1-mutated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients. Genes involved in NET formation in the animal model were used to design a NET-related inflammatory gene signature for human myeloid malignancies. This signature identified two AML subsets with different genetic complexity and different enrichment in NPM1 mutation and predicted the response to immunomodulatory drugs. Our results indicate that stromal/ECM changes and priming of bone marrow NETosis by systemic inflammatory conditions can complement genetic and epigenetic events towards the development and progression of myeloid malignancy. Cancer Res; 77(13); 3685–99. ©2017 AACR.
Development and Validation of an Ultradeep Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Testing of Plasma Cell-Free DNA from Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Janku Filip , Zhang Shile , Waters Jill , Liu Li , Huang Helen J. , Subbiah Vivek , Hong David S. , Karp Daniel D. , Fu Siqing , Cai Xuyu , Ramzanali Nishma M. , Madwani Kiran , Cabrilo Goran , Andrews Debra L. , Zhao Yue , Javle Milind , Kopetz E. Scott , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Kim Hyunsung J. , Gnerre Sante , Satya Ravi Vijaya , Chuang Han-Yu , Kruglyak Kristina M. , Toung Jonathan , Zhao Chen , Shen Richard , Heymach John V. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Mills Gordon B. , Fan Jian-Bing , Salathia Neeraj S.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma can be used for molecular testing and provide an attractive alternative to tumor tissue. Commonly used PCR-based technologies can test for limited number of alterations at the time. Therefore, novel ultrasensitive technologies capable of testing for a broad spectrum of molecular alterations are needed to further personalized cancer therapy.

Experimental Design: We developed a highly sensitive ultradeep next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay using reagents from TruSeqNano library preparation and NexteraRapid Capture target enrichment kits to generate plasma cfDNA sequencing libraries for mutational analysis in 61 cancer-related genes using common bioinformatics tools. The results were retrospectively compared with molecular testing of archival primary or metastatic tumor tissue obtained at different points of clinical care.

Results: In a study of 55 patients with advanced cancer, the ultradeep NGS assay detected 82% (complete detection) to 87% (complete and partial detection) of the aberrations identified in discordantly collected corresponding archival tumor tissue. Patients with a low variant allele frequency (VAF) of mutant cfDNA survived longer than those with a high VAF did (P = 0.018). In patients undergoing systemic therapy, radiological response was positively associated with changes in cfDNA VAF (P = 0.02), and compared with unchanged/increased mutant cfDNA VAF, decreased cfDNA VAF was associated with longer time to treatment failure (TTF; P = 0.03).

Conclusions: Ultradeep NGS assay has good sensitivity compared with conventional clinical mutation testing of archival specimens. A high VAF in mutant cfDNA corresponded with shorter survival. Changes in VAF of mutated cfDNA were associated with TTF. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5648–56. ©2017 AACR.
Dual Inhibition of NOX2 and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase by BJ-1301 Enhances Anticancer Therapy Efficacy via Suppression of Autocrine-Stimulatory Factors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Gautam Jaya , Ku Jin-Mo , Regmi Sushil Chandra , Jeong Hyunyoung , Wang Ying , Banskota Suhrid , Park Myo-Hyeon , Nam Tae-gyu , Jeong Byeong-Seon , Kim Jung-Ae
Published: May 2017

NADPH oxidase–derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) potentiate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis and tumor growth. In this study, we report that BJ-1301, a hybrid of pyridinol and alpha-tocopherol, exerts anticancer effects by dual inhibition of NADPH oxidase and RTK activities in endothelial and lung cancer cells. BJ-1301 suppresses ROS production by blocking translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunits to the cell membrane, thereby inhibiting activation. The potency of RTK inhibition by BJ-1301 was lower than that of sunitinib (a multi-RTK inhibitor), but the inhibition of downstream signaling pathways (e.g., ROS generation) and subsequent biological changes (e.g., NOX2 induction) by BJ-1301 was superior. Consistently, BJ-1301 inhibited cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cell proliferation more than sunitinib did. In xenograft chick or mouse tumor models, BJ-1301 inhibited lung tumor growth, to an extent greater than that of sunitinib or cisplatin. Treatments with BJ-1301 induced regression of tumor growth, potentially due to downregulation of autocrine-stimulatory ligands for RTKs, such as TGFα and stem cell factor, in tumor tissues. Taken together, the current study demonstrates that BJ-1301 is a promising anticancer drug for the treatment of lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(10); 2144–56. ©2017 AACR.
Aurora Kinase A Promotes AR Degradation via the E3 Ligase CHIP
Authors: Sarkar Sukumar , Brautigan David L. , Larner James M.
Published: May 2017

Reducing the levels of the androgen receptor (AR) is one of the most viable approaches to combat castration-resistant prostate cancer. Previously, we observed that proteasomal-dependent degradation of AR in response to 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) depends primarily on the E3 ligase C-terminus of HSP70-interacting protein (STUB1/CHIP). Here, 2-ME stimulation activates CHIP by phosphorylation via Aurora kinase A (AURKA). Aurora A kinase inhibitors and RNAi knockdown of Aurora A transcript selectively blocked CHIP phosphorylation and AR degradation. Aurora A kinase is activated by 2-ME in the S-phase as well as during mitosis, and phosphorylates CHIP at S273. Prostate cancer cells expressing an S273A mutant of CHIP have attenuated AR degradation upon 2-ME treatment compared with cells expressing wild-type CHIP, supporting the idea that CHIP phosphorylation by Aurora A activates its E3 ligase activity for the AR. These results reveal a novel 2-ME→Aurora A→CHIP→AR pathway that promotes AR degradation via the proteasome that may offer novel therapeutic opportunities for prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 1063–72. ©2017 AACR.
Current Research on the Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Eaton Simon , Rees Clare M. , Hall Nigel J.
Published: May 2017

Despite decades of research on necrotizing enterocolitis, we still do not fully understand the pathogenesis of the disease, or how to prevent or how to treat it. However, as a result of recent significant advances in the microbiology, molecular biology, and cell biology of the intestine of preterm infants and infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, there is some hope that research into this devastating disease will yield some important translation into effective prevention, more rapid diagnosis, and novel therapies.
What Should We Do about Low Blood Pressure in Preterm Infants
Authors: Dempsey Eugene M.
Published: May 2017

The management of preterm infants with low blood pressure soon after birth remains unresolved. The definition of what constitutes low blood pressure is uncertain. At birth, mean blood pressure appears to be gestation specific and increases in the first few days of life. Antenatal steroids, delayed cord clamping, and the avoidance of mechanical ventilation are all associated with higher mean blood pressure and less hypotension after birth. Rates of hypotension of 15-50% have been reported in various studies of extremely preterm infants. However, only about 10% of all extremely preterm infants receive inotropes, suggesting that clinicians take into account other factors such as clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic findings before deciding to intervene. The exact role of functional echocardiography in assessing the need for treatment of low blood pressure in extremely preterm infants remains to be determined. Near- infrared spectroscopy to assess cerebral perfusion may also have a role to play. Volume expansion (usually 10 mL/kg of saline) remains the most commonly used intervention for low blood pressure but evidence of benefit is lacking and there may be safety concerns. Whilst dopamine is the most commonly used inotropic drug, dobutamine, epinephrine, corticosteroids, milrinone, and vasopressin have also been utilised in preterm infants with low blood pressure. Clinical trials with long-term outcomes are needed to determine the most suitable inotrope and when to use it. Early hypotension differs from late hypotension with regard to cause, treatment, and outcome. A number of recent studies aimed at improving the evidence base for the treatment of early hypotension in extremely preterm infants have been terminated early because of poor recruitment. Currently, the answer to the question of what to do about low blood pressure in preterm infants remains unclear.
Leakage of Hepaticojejunal Anastomosis: Radiological Interventional Therapy
Authors: May Katharina , Hunold Peter
Published: May 2017

Background: Hepaticojejunostomy is an established procedure accompanying liver resection as well as hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. Typical complications requiring radiological intervention are abscesses and anastomosis leakage. Biliary obstruction and strictures are less frequent indications for interventional radiology since many of them can be treated endoscopically. Methods: Depending on anatomic location, underlying etiology, and complication of leakage, different procedures of interventional radiology are performed: treating abscesses through percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD), handling biliary leakage by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) after percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), or rarely performed percutaneous stent implantation and internalization after PTC and PAD to treat biliary strictures or to cover the leak. A selective literature search was performed, taking into account recent papers of radiological interventions concerning leakage of hepaticojejunostomy. Results: Different radiological interventions for the treatment of potentially devastating complications after hepaticojejunostomy are recommended. PAD and PTBD serve either as a definite treatment or as bridging therapy until re-surgery is performed. Complications mainly concern uncontrollable bleeding during the intervention. Conclusion: Radiological interventions are safe and usable if the indication is meticulously chosen. PAD is one of the most commonly performed procedures by interventional radiologists and a well-established and safe procedure. PTC, PTBD, and biliary stent implantation are important procedures which are required if endoscopic interventions failed or cannot be performed due to postoperatively changed anatomical structures.
Leakage of Hepaticojejunal Anastomosis: Reoperation
Authors: Wellner Ulrich F. , Keck Tobias
Published: May 2017

Background: Leakage of a hepaticojejunal anastomosis is a rare event with potential major morbidity. Surgeons must be aware of the technical armamentarium and pitfalls in revisional surgery for hepaticojejunal anastomosis leakage. Methods: Review of the available literature and discussion of technical details based on experience and expert opinion. Results: Early bile leaks as well as failed interventional therapy are indications for reoperation. Almost all reports only mention rates of leakage as a secondary endpoint but do not report details of treatment and outcome. Few authors have compared outcome after reoperation versus interventional approaches in observational studies, with the latter resulting in lower morbidity. The complex and individual situation of the complication makes evidence-based argumentation difficult; this is why personal expert opinions have to be taken into account in this review. The technical aspects and pitfalls of revisional surgery are outlined but represent anecdotal evidence as comparative studies are lacking. Conclusion: Bile leak after bilioenteric anastomosis is a rare condition that requires differentiated workup and therapy. Early leaks usually result from technical problems and are amenable to repair by reoperation. Reoperation technique can only be discussed on a low evidence level.
The Significance of Glandular Cells on Conventional Cervicovaginal Smears: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Coastal India
Authors: Suresh Pooja K. , Kini Hema , Minal Jessica , Dhavalpure Neha , Basavaiah Sridevi H. , Adiga Deepa S. , Maben Laveena
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Glandular lesions of the female genital tract (FGT) are quite uncommon compared to squamous lesions. Their cytological diagnosis is difficult because of their architectural and cytological complexity, as well as the lack of experience of many cytopathologists in this field. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in the diagnosis of glandular FGT lesions. Methodology: All Pap smears reported during the period of January 2012 to December 2013 were retrieved. Cytohistopathological correlation was done. Results: Among 7,609 Pap smears, squamous epithelial abnormalities were seen in 110 cases (1.5%) and glandular cell abnormalities in 32 cases (0.42%). Among the glandular abnormalities, we encountered 18 cases of atypical glandular cells (AGC) not otherwise specified, 4 cases of endocervical-type AGC and 4 cases favoring neoplastic-type AGC, 2 cases of adenocarcinoma of the endocervical type, 3 cases of adenocarcinoma of the endometrial type, and 1 case of extrauterine adenocarcinoma. Histopathological correlation was available in 12 cases (37.5%). Eighty-three percent showed premalignant or malignant lesions on histopathology. Conclusion: As glandular epithelial lesions are associated with premalignant and malignant FGT lesions, in patients with cytological diagnosis of glandular epithelial abnormalities, it is mandatory to undergo colposcopic examination with endocervical and endometrial curettage.
Self-Directedness Predicts Quality of Life in Individuals with Psychotic Experiences: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Alminhana Letícia Oliveira , Farias Miguel , Claridge Gordon , Cloninger C. Robert , Moreira-Almeida Alexander
Published: May 2017

There is a high prevalence of psychotic-like experiences in nonclinical patient cohorts from Brazil. This study aimed to test whether personality dimensions, as well as schizotypy, are important predictors of quality of life (QoL) in individuals with psychotic experiences (PE). Method: 115 participants were recruited from Spiritist Centers in Brazil. At the 1-year follow up, 90 participants (78%) were reassessed. Instruments were the SCID-I (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV), TCI-R 140 (Revised Temperament and Character Inventory), OLIFE-R (Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences), and WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization QoL Instrument). Results: Mean age (±SD) was 36.8 (±12.5) years; 70% were female. Participants reported 74.4% of PE at time 1 and 72.3% at time 2. At time 1, temperament and character explained 47% of the psychological QoL variance; self-directedness was the strongest predictor of higher QoL, while harm avoidance and introverted anhedonia predicted worse QoL. At the 1-year follow-up, self-directedness remained the most important predictor of psychological QoL. Conclusion: Individuals reporting PE can show psychological QoL when they are high on self-directedness. Those with high levels of introverted anhedonia and cognitive disorganization can have a lower QoL and may be at risk for mental health problems.
Current Developments in Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells and Their Interaction with Niches in Bone Marrow
Authors: Richter Rudolf , Forssmann Wolfgang , Henschler Reinhard
Published: May 2017

The clinical application of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) has evolved from a highly experimental stage in the 1980s to a currently clinically established treatment for more than 20,000 patients annually who suffer from hematological malignancies and other severe diseases. Studies in numerous murine models have demonstrated that HSPCs reside in distinct niches within the bone marrow environment. Whereas transplanted HSPCs travel through the bloodstream and home to sites of hematopoiesis, HSPCs can be mobilized from these niches into the blood either physiologically or induced by pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, this review aims to give a synopsis of milestones defining niches and mobilization pathways for HSPCs, including the identification of several cell types involved such as osteoblasts, adventitial reticular cells, endothelial cells, monocytic cells, and granulocytic cells. The main factors that anchor HSPCs in the niche, and/or induce their quiescence are vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM)-1, CD44, hematopoietic growth factors, e.g. stem cell factor (SCF) and FLT3 Ligand, chemokines including CXCL12, growth-regulated protein beta and IL-8, proteases, peptides, and other chemical transmitters such as nucleotides. In the second part of the review, we revise the current understanding of HSPC mobilization. Here, we discuss which mechanisms found to be active in HSPC mobilization correspond to the mechanisms relevant for HSPC interaction with niche cells, but also deal with other mediators and signals that target individual cell types and receptors to mobilize HSPCs. A multitude of questions remain to be addressed for a better understanding of HSPC biology and its implications for therapy, including more comprehensive concepts for regulatory circuits such as calcium homeostasis and parathormone, metabolic regulation such as by leptin, the significance of autonomic nervous system, the consequences of alteration of niches in aged patients, or the identification of more easily accessible markers to better predict the efficiency of HSPC mobilization.
Dialysis Therapy and Conservative Management of Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in the Elderly: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wongrakpanich Supakanya , Susantitaphong Paweena , Isaranuwatchai Suramath , Chenbhanich Jirat , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Jaber Bertrand L.
Published: May 2017

Background: Dialysis in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and comorbidities may not be associated with improved life expectancy compared to conservative management. To inform clinical practice, we performed a systematic review of all available studies examining this hypothesis. Methods: We performed a systematic review of retrospective and prospective cohort studies of older adults with stage-5 CKD who chose dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) or opted for conservative management (including management of complications of CKD and palliative care). Outcomes of interest included hospitalizations and mortality. Results: Twelve cohort studies (11,515 patients) were identified with most of them focusing on older adults. Patients choosing dialysis were younger compared to those opting for conservative management and were less functionally impaired. Patients opting for conservative management received care in a multidisciplinary setting focusing on palliative care and management of complications of CKD. Patients choosing dialysis and conservative management had a median survival time of 8-67 and 6-30 months, respectively. In a subset of studies of patients 65 years and older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, and where the multivariable analyses included age and comorbidities, by meta-analysis, patients choosing dialysis had a pooled adjusted hazard ratio for mortality of 0.53 (95% CI 0.30-0.91, p = 0.02) relative to those opting for conservative management; however, significant heterogeneity precluded definitive conclusions. Conclusions: When caring for older adults with advanced CKD who are contemplating dialysis therapy vs. conservative management, efforts must focus on promoting patient values and preferences, shared decision-making, and symptom burden alleviation.
Characterization of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene for 3D Printed Patch Antenna
Authors: Abdul Malek Norun , Mohd Ramly Athirah , Sidek Atiah , Yasmin Mohamad Sarah
Published: May 2017

3D printing is one of the additive manufacturing technology that has gain popularity for time saving and complex design. This technology increases a degree of flexibility for potential 3D RF applications such as wearable and conformal antennas. This paper demonstrates a circular patch antenna fabricated on 3D printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament. The main reason of using a 3D printer is that it is accurate, easy to fabricate of a complex geometry and the ability to create new antennas that cannot be made using conventional fabrication techniques. The ABS material has a tangent loss of 0.0051 and the relative permittivity is 2.74. The thickness of the substrate is 1.25 mm. The simulation has been performed using Computer Simulation Technology (CST). The return loss from simulation software is in good match with measurement which is 12.5dB at 2.44GHz. Hence, from the results obtained, the ABS could be used as a substrate for an antenna.
Artificial Neural Network for Non-Intrusive Electrical Energy Monitoring System
Authors: Khazin Kaman Khairell , Faramarzi Mahdi , Ibrahim Sallehuddin , Amri Md Yunus Mohd
Published: May 2017

 This paper discusses non-intrusive electrical energy monitoring (NIEM) system in an effort to minimize electrical energy wastages. To realize the system, an energy meter is used to measure the electrical consumption by electrical appliances. The obtained data were analyzed using a method called multilayer perceptron (MLP) technique of artificial neural network (ANN). The event detection was implemented to identify the type of loads and the power consumption of the load which were identified as fan and lamp. The switching ON and OFF output events of the loads were inputted to MLP in order to test the capability of MLP in classifying the type of loads. The data were divided to 70% for training, 15% for testing, and 15% for validation. The output of the MLP is either ‘1’ for fan or ‘0’ for lamp. In conclusion, MLP with five hidden neurons results obtained the lowest average training time with 2.699 seconds, a small number of epochs with 62 iterations, a min square error of 7.3872×10-5, and a high regression coefficient of 0.99050.
Self-Healing Properties of Silicone Rubber Against Relative Humidity and Nanofiller
Authors: Hazirah Zakaria Izzah , Taufik Kamaruddin Muhammad , Z. Arief Yanuar , Hafizi Ahmad Mohd , Azlinda Ahmad Noor , Asiah Muhamad Nor , Adzis Zuraimy
Published: May 2017

A well-prepared abstract enables the reader to identify the basic content of a document quickly and accurately, to determine its relevance to their interests, and thus to decide whether to read the document in its entirety. The Abstract should be informative and completely self-explanatory, provide a clear statement of the problem, the proposed approach or solution, and point out major findings and conclusions. The Abstract should be 100 to 150 words in length. The abstract should be written in the past tense. Standard nomenclature should be used and abbreviations should be avoided. No literature should be cited. The keyword list provides the opportunity to add keywords, used by the indexing and abstracting services, in addition to those already present in the title. Judicious use of keywords may increase the ease with which interested parties can locate our article.
X-band Operations Metamaterial Absorber with Extended Circular Ring Topology for Size Reduction
Authors: M. Gajibo M. , K. A. Rahim M. , A. Murad N. , Ayop O. , D. Bala B. , A. Majid H.
Published: May 2017

A metamaterial electromagnetic wave absorber consisting of a big circular ring patch with four smaller suppression circular rings is presented in this report. The metamaterial electromagnetic wave absorber introduces the concept of size reduction by suppressing the resonance frequency. An FR4 substrate was used and the incidental wave angles were varied from 00 to 600. Simulations results shows peak absorption of 100% was achieved at 10.7 GHz by the absorber for both TE and TM polarization incident waves. Minimum absorption for both TE and TM mode of 90.6% was achieved under TE mode. The metamaterial absorber was being tested with and Ultra-wide band antenna and the results were reported.
Synthesis of Germanium Dioxide Microclusters on Silicon Substrate in Non-aqueous Solution by Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Shafinaz Zainal Abidin Mastura , Shahjahan Shahjahan , Manaf Hashim Abdul
Published: May 2017

We report the formation of crystalline germanium dioxide (GeO2) microclusters on n-Si (100) electrodeposited in non-aqueous electrolyte (a mixture of 5 vol.% germanium tetrachloride (GeCl4) and dipropylene glycol (C6H14O3) ) at current density of 20 mA/cm2 for 200 sec. Pt, C and Ge are used as an anode while Si acts as a cathode. Field- emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images show that the deposited GeO2 microclusters are having rounded-mushroom-shaped particles with the smallest size of 660 nm. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectra reveal that the particles are only composed of Ge and O elements. Raman spectra confirm the formation of crystalline GeO2 with trigonal bonding structures in all samples. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra show two significant emission peaks in visible range at 2.27 eV and 2.96 eV, which seems to be attributed by GeO2 and Si defects. C6H14O3 seems to contribute to the formation of GeO2 due to its hygroscopic nature. Such microcluster structures shall provide some potential applications for electronic and optical devices on Si platform.
Fouling Prediction using Neural Network Model for Membrane Bioreactor System
Authors: Mahmod Nurazizah , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza
Published: May 2017

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is a new method for water and wastewater treatment due to its ability to produce better and high-quality effluent that meets water quality regulations. MBR also is an advanced way to displace the conventional activated sludge (CAS) process. Even this membrane gives better performances compared to CAS, it does have few drawbacks such as high maintenance cost and fouling problem. In order to overcome this problem, an optimal MBR plant operation need to be developed. This can be achieved through an accurate model that can predict the fouling behaviour which could optimise the membrane operation. This paper presents the application of artificial neural network technique to predict the filtration of membrane bioreactor system. The Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) is applied to model the developed submerged MBR filtration system. RBFNN model is expected to give good prediction model of filtration system for estimating the fouling that formed during filtration process.
A New Methodology of Hierarchical Image Fusion in Framework for Hyperspectral Image Segmentation
Authors: Raviteja B. , Surendra Prasad Babu M. , Venkata Rao K. , Harikiran Jonnadula
Published: May 2017

Hyperspectral imaging system contains stack of images collected from the sensor with different wavelengths representing the same scene on the earth. This paper presents a framework for hyperspectral image segmentation using a clustering algorithm. The framework consists of four stages in segmenting a hyperspectral data set. In the first stage, filtering is done to remove noise in image bands. Second stage consists of dimensionality reduction algorithms, in which the bands that convey less information or redundant data will be removed. In the third stage, the informative bands which are selected in the second stage are merged into a single image using hierarchical fusion technique. In the hierarchical image fusion, the images are grouped such that each group has equal number of images. This methodology leads to group of images having much varied information, thus decreasing the quality of fused image. This paper presents a new methodology of hierarchical image fusion in which similarity metrics are used to create image groups for merging the selected image bands. This single image is segmented using Fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm. The experimental results show that this framework will segment the data set more accurately by combining all the features in the image bands. 
Comparative Analysis of Time and Physical Redundancy Techniques for Fault Detection
Authors: Arya Namita , Prakash Singh Amit
Published: May 2017

The integration level in today’s world is continuously increasing in VLSI chips. VLSI circuit verification is a major challenge in these days. Integration capacity of VLSI circuits mimics the testing complexity of circuits. There is a significant chunk of the testing cost with respect to the whole fabrication prices. Hence it is important to cut down the verification cost. Time required during testing is a main factor for the cost of a chip. This time is directly proportional to the number of testing in the circuitry. So the test set should be very small. There is one way to generate a small test set is to compact a large test set parameters. The main drawback of the compaction results on the quality of the original test set. This aspect of compaction has motivated the work present here with some methods of fault detection and avoidance techniques via redundancy logic as Time redundancy and physical redundancy.
Intelligent Control for Visual Servoing System
Authors: Pebrianti Dwi , Ying Peh Ong , Samad Rosdiyana , Mustafa Mahfuzah , R.H Abdullah N. , Bayuaji Luhur
Published: May 2017

This paper presents intelligent control for visual servoing system. The proposed system consists of a camera placed on a Pan Tilt Unit (PTU) which consists of two different servo motors. Camera and PTU are connected to a personal computer for the image processing and controlling purpose. Color threshold method is used for object tracking and recognition. Two different control methods, PID and Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) are designed and the performances are compared through simulation. From the simulation result, the settling time of PID controller is 40 times faster than FLC. Additionally, the rise time of PID is about 20 times faster than FLC. However, the overshoot percentage of PID controller is 4 times higher than FLC. High overshoot value is not preferable in a control system, since it will cause the damage to the system. Real implementation of FLC on a home-built visual servoing system is conducted. Two different types of FLC, 9 and 11 rules of FLC are designed and implemented on the system. The experimental result shows that FLC with different total number of rules give different system performance. The settling time of FLC with 11 rules is 2 times faster than FLC with 9 rules. Additionally, the overshoot percentage of FLC with 11 rules is 2 times lower than FLC with 9 rules.
Layout Effects on High Frequency and Noise Parameters in MOSFETs
Authors: Nur Aqilah Zainal Badri Asmaa , Mohd Noh Norlaili , Bin Korakkottil Kunhi Mohd Shukri , Abd Manaf Asrulnizam , Marzuki Arjuna , Tafir Mustaffa Mohd
Published: May 2017

This study reviews related studies on the impact of the layout dependent effects on high frequency and RF noise parameter performances, carried out over the past decade. It specifically focuses on the doughnut and multi- finger layouts. The doughnut style involves the polygonal and the 4- sided techniques, while the multi-finger involving the narrow-oxide diffusion (OD) and multi-OD. The polygonal versus 4-sided doughnut, and the narrow-OD with multi-fingers versus multi-OD with multi- fingers are reviewed in this study. The high frequency parameters, which are of concern in this study, are the cut- off frequency (fT) and the maximum frequency (fMAX), whereas the noise parameters involved are noise resistance (RN) and the minimum noise figure (NFmin). In addition, MOSFET parameters, which are affected by the layout style that in turn may contribute to the changes in these high frequency, and noise parameters are also detailed. Such parameters include transconductance (Gm); gate resistance (Rg); effective mobility (μeff); and parasitic capacitances (cgg and cgd). Investigation by others has revealed that the polygonal doughnut may have a larger total area in comparison with the 4- sided doughnut. It is also found by means of this review that the multi-finger layout style with narrow-OD and high number of fingers may have the best performance in fT and fMAX, owing partly to the improvement in Gm, μeff, cgg, cgd and low frequency noise (LFN). A multi-OD with a lower number of fingers may lead to a lower performance in fT due to a lower Gm. Upon comparing the doughnut and the multi-finger layout styles, the doughnuts appeared to perform better than a standard multi-finger layout for fT, fMAX, Gm and μeff but are poorer in terms of LFN. It can then be concluded that the narrow-OD multi-finger may cause the increase of cgg as the transistor becomes narrower, whereas a multi-OD multi-finger may have high Rg and therefore may lead to the increase of fT and fMAX as the transistor becomes narrower. Besides, the doughnut layout style has a higher Gm and fT, leading to larger μeff from the elimination of shallow trench isolation (STI) stress.
Maintenance and Safety Requirements of Flameproof and Intrinsically Safe Equipment for Coal Mines
Authors: Ahirwal B. , Singh Arvind Kumar , Vishwakarm Rajendra Kumar
Published: May 2017

In the generation of the new technology segment, new explosionproof (Ex) equipment are being installed to make systems suitable for use in hazardous areas of mines. Generally, 80-90% equipment having flameproof (Exd) and intrinsic safety (Exi) methodology of protection are used in the mines for safe operation. The maintenance and safety are two vital parameters to improve the system efficiency of installation in the mines. These parameters are also responsible for the productivity of the mines. The minimum breakdown and maximum safety are the prime concerns of the mines to increase the production. Many observations and basic knowledge are necessary of safety parameters of Ex protections while doing maintenance because micro joules energy is sufficient to ignite the hazardous areas of mines. Trained and skilled personals having good knowledge of Ex protections are required to maintain the limitations of ignition energy sources of Ex equipment to prevent explosion in the mines. A regular and organized scheme of inspection and maintenance may ensure continued, satisfactory and safe operation of Ex electrical equipment in mines. The important points for safety and maintenance of Exd and Exi equipment are pondered in this paper.
Molecular and clinical profile of VWD in a large cohort of Chinese population: application of next generation sequencing and CNVplex® technique
Authors: Liang Qian , Qin Huanhuan , Ding Qiulan , Xie Xiaoling , Wu Runhui , Wang Hongli , Hu Yiqun , Wang Xuefeng
Published: May 2017

Von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder, is characterised by a variable bleeding tendency, heterogeneous laboratory phenotype and race specific distribution of mutations. The present study aimed to determine the correlation of genotype and phenotype in 200 Chinese individuals from 90 unrelated families with VWD. Next generation sequencing (NGS) of the whole coding VWF, copy number analysis of VWF by CNVplex® technique as well as a comprehensive phenotypic assessment were carried out in all index patients (IPs). We identified putative mutations in all IPs except five mild type 1 (85/90, 94.4%). In total, 98 different mutations were detected, 62 (63.3% of which were reported for the first time (23 missense mutations, 1 regulatory mutation, 12 splice site mutations and 26 null mutations). Mutations p.Ser1506Leu and p.Arg1374His/Cys/ Ser were the most frequent mutations in 2A (33% of cases) and 2M VWD (67% of cases), respectively. In addition, mutation p.Arg816Trp was detected repeatedly in type 2N patients, while mutation p.Arg854Gln, extremely common in Caucasians, was not found in our cohort. Thirty-three patients had two or more putative mutations. Unlike most cases of type 1 and type 2 VWD, which were transmitted dominantly, we presented seven severe type 1, two type 2A and one type 2M with autosomal recessive inheritance. Here the phenotypic data of patients with novel mutations will certainly contribute to the better understanding of the molecular genetics of VWF-related phenotypes.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Predicting Domain-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life Using Acute Infarct Volume
Authors: Lin Chen , Lee Jungwha , Chatterjee Neil , Corado Carlos , Carroll Timothy , Naidech Andrew , Prabhakaran Shyam
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Limited data exist on the relationship between acute infarct volume and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures after ischemic stroke. We evaluated whether acute infarct volume predicts domain-specific Neuro-Quality of Life scores at 3 months after stroke.

Methods—

Between 2012 and 2014, we prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with ischemic stroke and calculated infarct volume. Outcome scores at 3 months included modified Rankin Scale and Neuro-Quality of Life
T
scores. We evaluated whether volume organized by quartiles predicted modified Rankin Scale and HRQOL scores at 3 months using logistic and linear regression as appropriate, adjusting for relevant covariates. We calculated variance accounted for (
R
2
) overall and by volume for each domain of HRQOL.

Results—

Among 490 patients (mean age 64.2±15.86 years; 51.2% male; 63.3% White) included for analysis, 58 (11.8%) were disabled (modified Rankin Scale score of >2) at 3 months. In unadjusted analysis, the highest volume quartile remained a significant predictor of 1 HRQOL domain, applied cognition–general concerns (
R
2
=0.06;
P
<0.001). Our fully adjusted prediction model explained 32% to 51% of the variance in HRQOL: upper extremity (
R
2
=0.32), lower extremity (
R
2
=0.51), executive function (
R
2
=0.45), and general concerns (
R
2
=0.34).

Conclusions—

Acute infarct volume is a poor predictor of HRQOL domains after ischemic stroke, with the exception of the cognitive domain. Overall, clinical and imaging variables explained <50% of the variance in HRQOL outcomes at 3 months. Our data imply that a broad range of factors, some known and others undiscovered, may better predict poststroke HRQOL than what is currently available.