bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Placement and Sizing of Active Power Line Conditioners for Minimizing Power Quality Problems
Authors: M Swathisriranjani , K Mohananthini , M Ranjitha , S Baskar , D Kavitha 
Published: May 2017

<p>In this paper, a problem of allocation and sizing of multiple active power-line conditioners (aplcs) in power systems is handled with novel formulation. The utilized objective function comprises two main factors such as reduction of total harmonic distortion and the total cost of active power-line conditioners (aplcs). The formulated problem is solved by optimization technique SHUFFLE FROG LEAP ALGORITHM(SHFLA) using MATLAB. To evaluate the competence of the proposed formulation, the IEEE 18-bus distorted distribution test system is employed and investigated with various number of aplcs placement. These cases are based on the discrete and limited size for aplcs, requiring the optimization method to solve the constrained and discrete nonlinear problems. The comparison of results in this paper showed that the proposed SHFLA is the most effective result among others in determining optimum location and size of APLC in distribution systems.</p>
Prevalence of Tibial Artery and Pedal Arch Patency by Angiography in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia and Noncompressible Ankle Brachial Index
Authors: Randhawa Mandeep Singh , Reed Grant W. , Grafmiller Kevin , Gornik Heather L. , Shishehbor Mehdi H. 
Published: May 2017

Background—
Approximately 20% of patients undergoing ankle brachial index testing for critical limb ischemia have noncompressible vessels because of tibial artery calcification. This represents a clinical challenge in determining tibial artery patency. We sought to identify the prevalence of tibial artery and pedal arch patency by angiography in these patients.

Methods and Results—
One hundred twenty-five limbs (of 89 patients) with critical limb ischemia and ankle brachial index ≥1.4 who underwent lower extremity angiograms within 1 year were included. Reviewers of angiography were blinded to results of physiological testing. Tibial artery vessels were classified as completely occluded, significantly stenosed (≥50%), or patent (<50% stenosis). The sensitivity of toe brachial index and pulse volume recording to predict tibial artery disease was also determined. Of 125 limbs with noncompressible ankle brachial index, 72 (57.6%) anterior tibial and 80 (64%) posterior tibial arteries were occluded. Another 23 (18.4%) anterior tibial and 13 (10.4%) posterior tibial arteries had ≥50% stenosis. Pulse volume recording was moderate to severely dampened in 54 of 119 (45.4%) limbs. Toe brachial index <0.7 was found in 75 of 83 (90.4%) limbs. Moderate to severe pulse volume recording dampening was 43.6% sensitive, whereas toe brachial index <0.7 was 89.7% sensitive in diagnosing occluded or significantly stenotic tibial artery disease. The pedal arch was absent or incomplete in 86 of 103 (83.5%) limbs.

Conclusions—
Among patients with critical limb ischemia and noncompressible ankle brachial index results, the prevalence of occlusive tibial and pedal arch disease is very high. Toe brachial index <0.7 is more sensitive in diagnosing occluded and significantly stenotic tibial artery disease in these patients compared with ankle pulse volume recording.
Peripheral Artery Disease Prevalence and Incidence Estimated From Both Outpatient and Inpatient Settings Among Medicare Fee‐for‐Service Beneficiaries in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Kalbaugh Corey A. , Kucharska‐Newton Anna , Wruck Lisa , Lund Jennifer L. , Selvin Elizabeth , Matsushita Kunihiro , Bengtson Lindsay G. S. , Heiss Gerardo , Loehr Laura 
Published: May 2017

Background

Outpatient ascertainment of peripheral artery disease (
PAD
) is rarely considered in the measurement of
PAD
clinical burden; therefore, the clinical burden of
PAD
likely has been underestimated while contributing to a decreased awareness of
PAD
in comparison to other circulatory system disorders.

Methods and Results

The purpose of this study was to estimate the age‐standardized annual period prevalence and incidence of
PAD
in the outpatient and inpatient settings using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study linked with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims. The majority (>70%) of all
PAD
encounters occurred in the outpatient setting. The weighted mean age‐standardized prevalence and incidence of outpatient
PAD
was 11.8% (95%
CI
11.5–12.1) and 22.4 per 1000 person‐years (95%
CI
20.8–24.0), respectively. Black patients had higher weighted mean age‐standardized prevalence (15.6%; 95%
CI
14.6–16.4) compared with white patients (11.4%; 95%
CI
11.1–11.7). Black women had the highest weighted mean age‐standardized prevalence (16.9%; 95%
CI
16.0–17.8). Black patients also had a higher incidence rate of
PAD
(31.3 per 1000 person‐years; 95%
CI
27.3–35.4) compared with white patients (25.4 per 1000 person‐years; 95%
CI
23.5–27.3).
PAD
prevalence and incidence did not differ by sex alone.

Conclusions

This study provides comprehensive estimates of
PAD
in the inpatient and outpatient settings where the majority of
PAD
burden was found.
PAD
is an important circulatory system disorder similar in prevalence to stroke and coronary heart disease.
Atrial Fibrillation Genetic Risk and Ischemic Stroke Mechanisms
Authors: Lubitz Steven A. , Parsons Owen E. , Anderson Christopher D. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Malik Rainer , Weng Lu-Chen , Dichgans Martin , Sudlow Cathie L. , Rothwell Peter M. , Rosand Jonathan , Ellinor Patrick T. , Markus Hugh S. , Traylor Matthew 
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading cause of cardioembolic stroke, but the relationship between AF and noncardioembolic stroke subtypes are unclear. Because AF may be unrecognized, and because AF has a substantial genetic basis, we assessed for predisposition to AF across ischemic stroke subtypes.

Methods—
We examined associations between AF genetic risk and Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment stroke subtypes in 2374 ambulatory individuals with ischemic stroke and 5175 without from the Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium 2 using logistic regression. We calculated AF genetic risk scores using single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with AF in a previous independent analysis across a range of preselected significance thresholds.

Results—

There were 460 (19.4%) individuals with cardioembolic stroke, 498 (21.0%) with large vessel, 474 (20.0%) with small vessel, and 814 (32.3%) individuals with strokes of undetermined cause. Most AF genetic risk scores were associated with stroke, with the strongest association (
P
=6×10
−
4
) attributed to scores of 944 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (each associated with AF at
P
<1×10
−
3
in a previous analysis). Associations between AF genetic risk and stroke were enriched in the cardioembolic stroke subset (strongest
P
=1.2×10
−
9
, 944 single-nucleotide polymorphism score). In contrast, AF genetic risk was not significantly associated with noncardioembolic stroke subtypes.

Conclusions—
Comprehensive AF genetic risk scores were specific for cardioembolic stroke. Incomplete workups and subtype misclassification may have limited the power to detect associations with strokes of undetermined pathogenesis. Future studies are warranted to determine whether AF genetic risk is a useful biomarker to enhance clinical discrimination of stroke pathogeneses.
Hurricane Fred (2015): Cape Verde’s First Hurricane in Modern Times: Observations, Impacts, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Jenkins Gregory S. , Brito Ester , Soares Emanuel , Chiao Sen , Lima Jose Pimenta , Tavares Benvendo , Cardoso Angelo , Evora Francisco , Monteiro Maria 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDuring 31 August 2015, Hurricane Fred traversed through the Cape Verde islands, passing near Boa Vista and possibly making landfall over São Nicolau during the evening hours. Hurricane Fred was a category 1 storm with maximum winds of 75 kt and a sea level pressure of 986 hPa during 31 August. The African easterly wave associated with Tropical Cyclone (TC) Fred emerged from Guinea on 29 August and was named Tropical Storm Fred on 30 August. Prior to impacting Cape Verde, the storm caused the sinking of a ship and the loss of seven lives off the coast of Guinea-Bissau and damage along coastal zones of Senegal. In Cape Verde, there was no loss of life but there was damage on 7 of the 10 islands. Station data show tropical-storm-force winds in Boa Vista and Sal and hurricane-force winds in São Nicolau. Heavy precipitation with amounts in excess of 200 mm occurred on the islands of Santiago, São Nicolau, and Santo Antão. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and Global Forecast System (GFS) were used as primary guidance several days prior to the formation of TC Fred. Challenges for protecting populations from tropical cyclones can be addressed through annual hurricane awareness and preparedness programs in several languages. This is also an adaptation strategy related to anthropogenic climate change as warming tropical oceans may increase the risk of damage and threaten populations. Radar and buoy observations are needed now, and the movement of vulnerable populations and other adaptation strategies will need to be implemented in the coming decades.
Coupled Dynamic–Thermodynamic Forcings during Tropical Cyclogenesis. Part I: Diagnostic Framework
Authors: Tang Brian H. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
A diagnostic framework to investigate the role of processes around and during tropical cyclogenesis is presented. The key framework metric is the ratio of bulk differences of moist entropy over differences of angular momentum between an inner and outer region of a tropical disturbance or cyclone. This ratio is hypothesized to decrease and become negative as both the high-entropy core and low-level vortex in the inner region amplify during tropical cyclogenesis. The time tendency of this ratio can be split into two forcings: a moist entropy forcing and an angular momentum forcing. Each forcing can be further divided into components comprising differences in net advective fluxes and nonadvective boundary fluxes of moist entropy or angular momentum between each region. The framework provides a comprehensive way to compare the relative importance of processes leading to tropical cyclogenesis in a tractable, consistent manner. Suggestions on how to apply the framework to numerical model output are given.
Spatiotemporal Hydroclimate Variability in Finland: Past Trends
Authors: Lindgren Ville , Guillaume Joseph H. A. , Räsänen Timo A. , Jakkila Juho , Veijalainen Noora , Kummu Matti 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Over the past decades, Finland has experienced changes in its climate: temperature and precipitation have increased, resulting in varying runoff patterns. These trends are well studied, but the changes in interannual variability are less known, despite their importance for understanding climate change. This research aims to assess spatiotemporal changes in variability of temperature, precipitation, and runoff for 1962–2014 at the subbasin scale in Finland. Temporal changes in variability were analyzed by constructing moving-window median absolute deviation time series at annual and seasonal scales. Subbasins with similar patterns of temporal variability were identified using principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering. Presence of monotonic trends in variability was tested. Distinct areas with similar patterns of statistically significant changes in variability were found. Decreases in annual, winter, and summer temperature variability were discovered across Finland, in southern Finland, and in northern Finland, respectively. Precipitation variability increased in autumn in northern Finland. It also decreased in winter and spring in northern and central parts of Finland. Runoff variability increased in winter in most parts of Finland and in summer in the central parts, but decreased in spring in southern Finland. Comparison with existing studies illustrates that trends in mean climate and its variability do not necessarily match, highlighting the importance of addressing both aspects. The findings of this study provide new information on hydroclimatic variability in Nordic conditions and improve the possibility to adapt and predict the changes in hydroclimatic conditions, including weather extremes.
University entrance language tests: A matter of justice
Authors: Deygers Bart , Van den Branden Kris , Van Gorp Koen 
Published: May 2017

University entrance language tests are often administered under the assumption that even if language proficiency does not determine academic success, a certain proficiency level is still required. Nevertheless, little research has focused on how well L2 students cope with the linguistic demands of their studies in the first months after passing an entrance test. Even fewer studies have taken a longitudinal perspective. Set in Flanders, Belgium, this study examines the opinions and experiences of 24 university staff members and 31 international L2 students, of whom 20 were tracked longitudinally. Attention is also given to test/retest results, academic score sheets, and class recordings. To investigate the validity of inferences made on the basis of L2 students’ scores, Kane’s (2013) Interpretation/Use Argument approach is adopted, and principles from political philosophy are applied to investigate whether a policy that discriminates among students based on language test results can be considered just. It is concluded that the receptive language requirements of university studies exceed the expected B2 level and that the Flemish entrance tests include language tasks that are of little importance for first-year students. Furthermore, some of the students who failed the entrance test actually managed quite well in their studies – a result that entails broad implications concerning validation and justice even outside the study’s localized setting.
Accelerated Age-Dependent Hippocampal Volume Loss in Parkinson Disease With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Schneider Christine B. , Donix Markus , Linse Katharina , Werner Annett , Fauser Mareike , Klingelhoefer Lisa , Löhle Matthias , von Kummer Rüdiger , Reichmann Heinz ,   LANDSCAPE consortium, Storch Alexander 
Published: May 2017

Background: Patients with Parkinson disease are at high risk of developing dementia. During the course of the disease, a substantial number of patients will experience a cognitive decline, indicating the dynamics of the underlying neuropathology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly useful for identifying structural characteristics in radiological brain anatomy existing prior to clinical symptoms. Whether these changes reflect pathology, whether they are aging related, or both often remains unclear. We hypothesized that aging-associated brain structural changes would be more pronounced in the hippocampal region among patients with Parkinson disease having mild cognitive deficits relative to cognitively unimpaired patients. Methods: Using MRI, we investigated 30 cognitively healthy patients with Parkinson disease and 33 patients with nondemented Parkinson disease having mild cognitive impairment. All participants underwent structural MRI scanning and extensive clinical and neuropsychological assessments. Results: Irrespective of the study participants’ cognitive status, older age was associated with reduced cortical thickness in various neocortical regions. Having mild cognitive impairment was not associated with an increased rate of cortical thinning or volume loss in these regions, except in the hippocampus bilaterally. Conclusion: Patients with Parkinson disease having mild cognitive impairment show an accelerated age-dependent hippocampal volume loss when compared with cognitively healthy patients with Parkinson disease. This may indicate pathological processes in a key region for memory functioning in patients with Parkinson disease at risk of developing dementia. Structural MRI of the hippocampal region could potentially contribute to identifying patients who should receive early treatment aimed at delaying the clinical onset of dementia.
Pulse dose steroids in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Cody , Elwing Jean 
Published: May 2017

Objective: The pulmonary vascular targeted treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension is similar to other connective tissue disease–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. In addition, there also appears to be a role for immunosuppression in the overall management. However, the optimal immunosuppressive regimen and what patients will respond to treatments are currently not clearly elucidated given the lack of randomized controlled trials on the subject. Our objective is to highlight the importance of early immunosuppression in systemic lupus erythematosus–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension and the role of pulse dose steroids in management. Methods: This case describes a 23-year-old woman who presented with pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosed by right heart catheterization with mean pulmonary artery pressure of 74 mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 12 mmHg, and a pulmonary vascular resistance of 1908 dyne s cm−5. Due to the aggressive nature of her disease, she declined despite management with epoprostenol and sildenafil. Because of coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus with hemolytic anemia and worsening pulmonary arterial hypertension, intensive immunosuppressive therapy with pulse dose steroids was initiated. Results: Shortly after initiation of pulse dose steroids and maintenance immunosuppression, she had a dramatic symptomatic and hemodynamic response with a decrease in her pulmonary vascular resistance from 1908 to 136 dyne sec cm−5 and improvement in her mean pulmonary artery pressure from 74 to 27 mmHg on repeat right heart catheterization. Conclusion: Early immunosuppression is important to consider in those with systemic lupus erythematosus–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Limited studies are available, but most have focused on the use of cyclophosphamide. Pulse dose steroids may be a potentially less toxic but equally effective manner to aid in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus–pulmonary arterial hypertension when intensive immunosuppression is being considered.
Selective inhibition of nuclear export with selinexor in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kuruvilla John , Savona Michael , Baz Rachid , Mau-Sorensen Paul Morten , Gabrail Nashat , Garzon Ramiro , Stone Richard , Wang Michael , Savoie Lynn , Martin Peter , Flinn Ian , Jacoby Meagan , Unger Thaddeus J. , Saint-Martin Jean-Richard , Rashal Tami , Friedlander Sharon , Carlson Robert , Kauffman Michael , Shacham Sharon , Gutierrez Martin 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. We evaluated selinexor, an orally bioavailable, first-in-class inhibitor of the nuclear export protein XPO1, in this phase 1 trial to assess safety and determine a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Seventy-nine patients with various NHL histologies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Richter’s transformation, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, were enrolled. In the dose-escalation phase, patients received 3 to 80 mg/m2 of selinexor in 3- or 4-week cycles and were assessed for toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity. In the dose-expansion phase, patients were treated with selinexor at 35 or 60 mg/m2. The most common grade 3 to 4 drug-related adverse events were thrombocytopenia (47%), neutropenia (32%), anemia (27%), leukopenia (16%), fatigue (11%), and hyponatremia (10%). Tumor biopsies showed decreases in cell-signaling pathways (Bcl-2, Bcl-6, c-Myc), reduced proliferation (Ki67), nuclear localization of XPO1 cargos (p53, PTEN), and increased apoptosis after treatment. Twenty-two (31%) of the 70 evaluable patients had an objective responses, including 4 complete responses and 18 partial responses, which were observed across a spectrum of NHL subtypes. A dose of 35 mg/m2 (60 mg) was identified as the RP2D. These findings suggest that inhibition of XPO1 with oral selinexor at 35 mg/m2 is a safe therapy with encouraging and durable anticancer activity in patients with R/R NHL. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01607892.
Safety and efficacy of the choline analogue SAR97276 for malaria treatment: results of two phase 2, open-label, multicenter trials in African patients
Authors: Held Jana , Supan Christian , Salazar Carmen L. Ospina , Tinto Halidou , Bonkian Léa Nadège , Nahum Alain , Sié Ali , Abdulla Salim , Cantalloube Cathy , Djeriou Elhadj , Bouyou-Akotet Marielle , Ogutu Bernhards , Mordmüller Benjamin , Kreidenweiss Andrea , Siribie Mohamadou , Sirima Sodiomon B. , Kremsner Peter G. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains one of the most important infectious diseases. Treatment options for severe malaria are limited and the choline analogue SAR97276A is a novel chemical entity that was developed primarily as treatment for severe malaria. Before starting clinical investigations in severely ill malaria patients, safety and efficacy of SAR97276A was studied in patients with uncomplicated malaria. Here, we summarize two open-label, multi-center phase 2 trials assessing safety and efficacy of parenterally administered SAR97276A in African adults and children with falciparum malaria.

Results
Study 1 was conducted in Burkina Faso, Gabon, Benin and Tanzania between August 2008 and July 2009 in malaria patients in an age de-escalating design (adults, children). A total of 113 malaria patients received SAR97276A. Adults were randomized to receive a single dose SAR97296A given either intramuscularly (IM) (0.18 mg/kg) or intravenously (IV) (0.14 mg/kg). If a single dose was not efficacious a second adult group was planned to test a three dose regimen administered IM once daily for 3 days. Single dose SAR97276A showed insufficient efficacy in adults (IM: 20 of 34 cured, 59%; and IV: 23/30 cured, 77%). The 3-day IM regimen showed acceptable efficacy in adults (27/30, 90%) but not in children (13/19, 68%). SAR97276A was well tolerated but no further groups were recruited due lack of efficacy. Study 2 was conducted between October 2011 and January 2012 in Burkina Faso, Gabon and Kenya. SAR97276A administered at a higher dose given IM was compared to artemether–lumefantrine. The study population was restricted to underage malaria patients to be subsequently enrolled in two age cohorts (teenagers, children). Rescue therapy was required in all teenaged malaria patients (8/8) receiving SAR97276A once daily (0.5 mg/kg) for 3 days and in 5 out of 8 teenaged patients treated twice daily (0.25 mg/kg) for 3 days. All patients (4/4) in the control group were cured. The study was stopped, before enrollment of children, due to lack of efficacy but the overall safety profile was good.

Conclusions
Monotherapy with SAR97276A up to twice daily for 3 days is not an efficacious treatment for falciparum malaria. SAR97276A will not be further developed for the treatment of malaria.
Trial registration at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00739206, retrospectively registered August 20, 2008 for Study 1 and NCT01445938 registered September 26, 2011 for Study 2.