bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Query Covering for Fast Approximate Document Retrieval
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Aris , Becchetti Luca , Bordino Ilaria , Leonardi Stefano , Mele Ida , Sankowski Piotr
Published: February 2015

We design algorithms that, given a collection of documents and a distribution over user queries, return a small subset of the document collection in such a way that we can efficiently provide high-quality answers to user queries using only the selected subset. This approach has applications when space is a constraint or when the query-processing time increases significantly with the size of the collection. We study our algorithms through the lens of stochastic analysis and prove that even though they use only a small fraction of the entire collection, they can provide answers to most user queries, achieving a performance close to the optimal. To complement our theoretical findings, we experimentally show the versatility of our approach by considering two important cases in the context of Web search. In the first case, we favor the retrieval of documents that are relevant to the query, whereas in the second case we aim for document diversification. Both the theoretical and the experimental analysis provide strong evidence of the potential value of query covering in diverse application scenarios.
A Confluent Rewriting System Having No Computable, One-Step, Normalizing Strategy
Authors: Simonsen Jakob Grue
Published: February 2015

A full and finitely generated Church-Rosser term rewriting system is presented that has no computable one-step, normalizing strategy; the system is both left- and right-linear. The result provides a negative answer to a question posed by Kennaway in 1989: Number 10 on the List of Open Problems in Rewriting.
TOC
Authors: Shu Yuanchao , Cheng Peng , Gu Yu , Chen Jiming , He Tian
Published: February 2015

The wireless rechargeable sensor network is a promising platform for long-term applications such as inventory management, supply chain monitoring, and so on. For these applications, sensor localization is one of the most fundamental challenges. Different from a traditional sensor node, a wireless rechargeable sensor has to be charged above a voltage level by the wireless charger in order to support its sensing, computation, and communication operations. In this work, we consider the scenario where a mobile charger stops at different positions to charge sensors and propose a novel localization design that utilizes the unique
Time of Charge
(TOC) sequences among wireless rechargeable sensors. Specifically, we introduce two efficient region dividing methods,
Internode Division
and
Interarea Division
, to exploit TOC differences from both temporal and spatial dimensions to localize individual sensor nodes. To further optimize the system performance, we introduce both an optimal charger stop planning algorithm for the single-sensor case and a suboptimal charger stop planning algorithm for the generic multisensor scenario with a provable performance bound. We have extensively evaluated our design by both testbed experiments and large-scale simulations. The experiment and simulation results show that by as less as five stops, our design can achieve sub-meter accuracy and the performance is robust under various system conditions.
Optimized Cooperative Dynamic Coverage in Mixed Sensor Networks
Authors: Lambrou Theofanis P.
Published: February 2015

This article considers the problem of improving the dynamic coverage and event detection time of mixed wireless sensor networks (WSNs). We consider mixed WSNs that consist of sparse static sensor deployments and mobile sensors that move continuously to monitor uncovered (vacant) areas in the sensor field. Mobile sensors move autonomously and cooperatively by executing a path planning algorithm. Using a simplified scenario, the article derives the optimal path strategy for a single mobile sensor to search two nonconnected uncovered regions with the minimum average detection delay or with the maximum dynamic coverage. The resulting optimal strategy confirms that it is better to search areas that are less likely to hide a target but are located closer to the mobile node, rather than heading toward the most likely area. Based on the insights gained from the simplified scenario and the theory of coverage processes, the article proposes a surrogate method to approximate the best searching neighborhood radius (a design parameter of the path planning algorithm) that optimizes the dynamic coverage and event detection time capabilities of mixed WSN deployments. Extensive simulation results indicate that this approach can achieve very good results, both for a single and for multiple collaborating mobile sensors.
Toward Stable Network Performance in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Multilevel Perspective
Authors: Lin Shan , Zhou Gang , Al-Hami Mo’taz , Whitehouse Kamin , Wu Yafeng , Stankovic John A. , He Tian , Wu Xiaobing , Liu Hengchang
Published: February 2015

Many applications in wireless sensor networks require communication performance that is both consistent and of high quality. Unfortunately, performance of current network protocols can vary significantly because of various interferences and environmental changes. Current protocols estimate link quality based on the reception of probe packets over a short time period. This method is neither efficient nor accurate enough to capture the dramatic variations of link quality. Therefore, we propose a link metric called
competence
that characterizes links over a longer period of time. We combine competence with current short-term estimations in routing algorithm designs. To further improve network performance, we have designed a distributed route maintenance framework based on feedback control solutions. This framework allows every link along an end-to-end (E2E) path to adjust its link protocol parameters, such as transmission power and number of retransmissions, to ensure specified E2E reliability and latency under dynamic link qualities. Our solutions are evaluated in both extensive simulations and real system experiments. In real system evaluations with 48 T-Motes, our overall solution improves E2E packet delivery ratio over existing solutions by up to 40% while reducing transmission energy consumption by up to 22%. Importantly, our solution also achieves more stable and better transient performance than current approaches.
Querying Discriminative and Representative Samples for Batch Mode Active Learning
Authors: Wang Zheng , Ye Jieping
Published: February 2015

Empirical risk minimization (ERM) provides a principled guideline for many machine learning and data mining algorithms. Under the ERM principle, one minimizes an upper bound of the true risk, which is approximated by the summation of empirical risk and the complexity of the candidate classifier class. To guarantee a satisfactory learning performance, ERM requires that the training data are i.i.d. sampled from the unknown source distribution. However, this may not be the case in active learning, where one selects the most informative samples to label, and these data may not follow the source distribution. In this article, we generalize the ERM principle to the active learning setting. We derive a novel form of upper bound for the true risk in the active learning setting; by minimizing this upper bound, we develop a practical batch mode active learning method. The proposed formulation involves a nonconvex integer programming optimization problem. We solve it efficiently by an alternating optimization method. Our method is shown to query the most informative samples while preserving the source distribution as much as possible, thus identifying the most uncertain and representative queries. We further extend our method to multiclass active learning by introducing novel pseudolabels in the multiclass case and developing an efficient algorithm. Experiments on benchmark datasets and real-world applications demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed method compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Unraveling the Swine Genome: Implications for Human Health
Authors: Schook Lawrence B. , Collares Tiago V. , Darfour-Oduro Kwame A. , De Arun Kumar , Rund Laurie A. , Schachtschneider Kyle M. , Seixas Fabiana K.
Published: February 2015

The pig was first used in biomedical research in ancient Greece and over the past few decades has quickly grown into an important biomedical research tool. Pigs have genetic and physiological traits similar to humans, which make them one of the most useful and versatile animal models. Owing to these similarities, data generated from porcine models are more likely to lead to viable human treatments than those from murine work. In addition, the similarity in size and physiology to humans allows pigs to be used for many experimental approaches not feasible in mice. Research areas that employ pigs range from neonatal development to translational models for cancer therapy. Increasing numbers of porcine models are being developed since the release of the swine genome sequence, and the development of additional porcine genomic and epigenetic resources will further their use in biomedical research.
The Genome 10K Project: A Way Forward
Authors: Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Paten Benedict ,   the Genome 10K Community of Scientists, O’Brien Stephen J.
Published: February 2015

The Genome 10K Project was established in 2009 by a consortium of biologists and genome scientists determined to facilitate the sequencing and analysis of the complete genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species. Since then the number of selected and initiated species has risen from ∼26 to 277 sequenced or ongoing with funding, an approximately tenfold increase in five years. Here we summarize the advances and commitments that have occurred by mid-2014 and outline the achievements and present challenges of reaching the 10,000-species goal. We summarize the status of known vertebrate genome projects, recommend standards for pronouncing a genome as sequenced or completed, and provide our present and future vision of the landscape of Genome 10K. The endeavor is ambitious, bold, expensive, and uncertain, but together the Genome 10K Consortium of Scientists and the worldwide genomics community are moving toward their goal of delivering to the coming generation the gift of genome empowerment for many vertebrate species.
In Situ Test Study of Characteristics of Coal Mining Dynamic Load
Authors: He Jiang , Dou Lin-Ming , Cai Wu , Li Zhen-Lei , Ding Yan-Lu
Published: February 2015

Combination of coal mining dynamic load and high static stress can easily induce such dynamic disasters as rock burst, coal and gas outburst, roof fall, and water inrush. In order to obtain the characteristic parameters of mining dynamic load and dynamic mechanism of coal and rock, the stress wave theory is applied to derive the relation of mining dynamic load strain rate and stress wave parameters. The in situ test was applied to study the stress wave propagation law of coal mine dynamic load by using the SOS microseismic monitoring system. An evaluation method for mining dynamic load strain rate was proposed, and the statistical evaluation was carried out for the range of strain rate. The research results show that the loading strain rate of mining dynamic load is in direct proportion to the seismic frequency of coal-rock mass and particle peak vibration velocity and is in inverse proportion to wave velocity. The high-frequency component damps faster than the low-frequency component in the shockwave propagating process; and the peak particle vibration velocity has a power functional relationship with the transmitting distance. The loading strain rate of mining dynamic load is generally less than class 10−1/s.
Improved Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity for TiO2 Nanomaterials by Codoping with Zinc and Sulfur
Authors: Xu Qianzhi , Wang Xiuying , Dong Xiaoli , Ma Chun , Zhang Xiufang , Ma Hongchao
Published: February 2015

S/Zn codoped TiO2 nanomaterials were synthesized by a sol‐gel method. X‐ray diffraction, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology, structure, and optical properties of the prepared samples. The introduction of Zn and S resulted in significant red shift of absorption edge for TiO2‐based nanomaterials. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading reactive brilliant red X‐3B solution under simulated sunlight irradiation. The results showed S/Zn codoped TiO2 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2 and commercial P25, due to the photosynergistic effect of obvious visible light absorption, efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers, and large surface area. Moreover, the content of Zn and S in the composites played important roles in photocatalytic activity of TiO2‐based nanomaterials.
Etanercept-Induced Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Echeverri Andrés F. , Vidal Andrés , Cañas Carlos A. , Agualimpia Andrés , Tobón Gabriel J. , Bonilla-Abadía Fabio
Published: February 2015

We present a 74-year-old female patient who developed a pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) during etanercept therapy. This association is not described in the literature and might be considered in the spectrum of cutaneous adverse reactions of etanercept.
The Influence of Specimen Size and Distance to a Surface on Resistive Moisture Content Measurements in Wood
Authors: Fredriksson Maria , Claesson Johan , Wadsö Lars
Published: February 2015

The moisture content of wood is commonly determined by measuring the electrical resistance between two electrodes inserted in the wood. However, problems using this method close to wood surfaces were reported in a previous study. In the present study, the effect of the distance to a surface and the specimen size on the measured electrical resistance was studied analytically as follows. The two electrodes create an electrical potential in the wood specimen. The boundary condition for the electrical potential is that the electrical current across all specimen surfaces is zero, which is achieved by using a suitable array of mirror sources. The analytical solution for the electrical potential was used to analyse the influence of the distance from the electrodes to the specimen surface as well as the size of the specimen. In addition, the error in moisture content was evaluated. The effect of the distance to a surface and the specimen size depended on the equivalent radius of the electrodes; if large electrodes are used in small specimens or close to surfaces, there is a risk that a higher resistance is measured which results in slightly lower measured moisture content than the actual moisture content of the specimen.
Topically Applied Connective Tissue Growth Factor/CCN2 Improves Diabetic Preclinical Cutaneous Wound Healing: Potential Role for CTGF in Human Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing
Authors: Henshaw F. R. , Boughton P. , Lo L. , McLennan S. V. , Twigg S. M.
Published: February 2015

Aims/Hypothesis. Topical application of CTGF/CCN2 to rodent diabetic and control wounds was examined. In parallel research, correlation of CTGF wound fluid levels with healing rate in human diabetic foot ulcers was undertaken.Methods. Full thickness cutaneous wounds in diabetic and nondiabetic control rats were treated topically with 1 μg rhCTGF or vehicle alone, on 2 consecutive days. Wound healing rate was observed on day 14 and wound sites were examined for breaking strength and granulation tissue. In the human study across 32 subjects, serial CTGF regulation was analyzed longitudinally in postdebridement diabetic wound fluid.Results. CTGF treated diabetic wounds had an accelerated closure rate compared with vehicle treated diabetic wounds. Healed skin withstood more strain before breaking in CTGF treated rat wounds. Granulation tissue from CTGF treatment in diabetic wounds showed collagen IV accumulation compared with nondiabetic animals. Woundα-smooth muscle actin was increased in CTGF treated diabetic wounds compared with untreated diabetic wounds, as was macrophage infiltration. Endogenous wound fluid CTGF protein rate of increase in human diabetic foot ulcers correlated positively with foot ulcer healing rate (r=0.406;P<0.001).Conclusions/Interpretation. These data collectively increasingly substantiate a functional role for CTGF in human diabetic foot ulcers.
Transformation of an Unclassified Myeloproliferative Neoplasm with a RareBCR-JAK2Fusion Transcript Resulting from the Translocation (9;22)(p24;q11)
Authors: Chamseddine A. N. , Etancelin P. , Penther D. , Parmentier F. , Kuadjovi C. , Camus V. , Contentin N. , Lenain P. , Bastard C. , Tilly H. , Jardin F.
Published: February 2015

BCR-ABL1negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are known to contain alterations of the tyrosine kinase JAK2 (located on 9p24) that result in constitutive activation of the encoded protein. JAK2 fusions are reported in acute and chronic leukemias of myeloid and lymphoid phenotypes. Here, we report an unclassified case of MPN (MPN-U) showing a t(9;22)(p24;q11), which generates aBCR-JAK2fusion gene by fusing theBCRat intron 13 toJAK2at intron 17 on the derivative chromosome 22. Most reported JAK2 fusions cases reveal an aggressive clinical course and long-term remissions have only been achieved after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). To the best of our knowledge, this is the thirteenth case reported worldwide to describe aBCR-JAK2fusion transcript in MPN-U. The present report revealed a sustained complete clinical, hematologic, and cytogenetic remission 35 months after diagnosis and ~24 months after ASCT. RegardingBCR-ABL1  negativeMPN patients this case report provides strong support for a role ofJAK2activation in the oncogenesis and suggests a possible diagnostic and therapeutic target that should be investigated.
On Generalized Fractional Kinetic Equations Involving Generalized Bessel Function of the First Kind
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Purohit S. D. , Secer A. , Atangana A.
Published: February 2015

We develop a new and further generalized form of the fractional kinetic equation involving generalized Bessel function of the first kind. The manifold generality of the generalized Bessel function of the first kind is discussed in terms of the solution of the fractional kinetic equation in the paper. The results obtained here are quite general in nature and capable of yielding a very large number of known and (presumably) new results.
Spatial Approach of Artificial Neural Network for Solar Radiation Forecasting: Modeling Issues
Authors: Kashyap Yashwant , Bansal Ankit , Sao Anil K.
Published: February 2015

Design of neural networks architecture has been done on setting up the number of neurons, delays, and activation functions. The expected model was initiated and tested with Indian solar horizontal irradiation (GHI) metrological data. The results are assessed using the effect of different statistical errors. The effort is made to verify simulation capability of ANN architecture accurately, on hourly radiation data. ANN model is a well-organized technique to estimate the radiation using different meteorological database. In this paper, we have used nine spatial neighbour locations and 10 years of data for assessment of neural network. Hence, overall 90 different inputs are compared, on customized ANN model. Results show the flexibility with respect to spatial orientation of model inputs.
Assessment of Water Pollution Signs in the Brazilian Pampa Biome Using Stress Biomarkers in Fish (Astyanax sp.)
Authors: Nunes Mauro , da Silva Fabio Wacker , Costa-Silva Dennis , Luz Wallau Gabriel , Posser Thais , Franco Jeferson Luis
Published: February 2015

Located in southern Brazil, the Pampa biome has been under constant threat due to improper management of human effluents and use of pesticides. These contaminants accumulate mainly in water resources resulting in chronic poisoning of aquatic biota. Up to date, no studies on the assessment of environmental quality in the Brazilian portion of Pampa biome have been undertaken. Thereby, our main goal in this study was to investigate the ecotoxicological risks caused by human activity in the Santa Maria River, a major water course in the Brazilian Pampa biome. Brain and muscle tissues were used for determining oxidative stress and cholinesterase biomarkers in fish (Astyanax sp.) exposed to urban and agricultural effluents. A substantial decrease in fish muscle acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in exposed animals, compared to controls (kept under laboratory conditions). In parallel, increased lipid peroxidation and significant changes in stress-responsive antioxidant enzymes (GST, CAT, GPx, and TrxR) were detected. In the fish brain, a significant increase in GST activity is reported. In conclusion, our results showed significant changes in biomarkers of water contamination in Astyanax captured in Santa Maria River, pointing to important levels of water pollution in the region and validating the use of Astyanax in biomonitoring programs within the Pampa biome borders.
Effects of Catastrophic Insect Outbreaks on the Harvesting Solutions of Dahurian Larch Plantations
Authors: Jin Qi , Valsta Lauri , Heliövaara Kari , Li Jing , Luo Youqing , Shi Juan
Published: February 2015

Optimal harvesting under pest outbreak risk was studied on a set of even-aged Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) stands in northeastern Inner Mongolia, China. The effects of catastrophic pest outbreaks caused by the Siberian moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus) on the economic harvesting plan are compared through both deterministic and stochastic cases. Stand simulation is based on an individual-tree growth system. A scenario approach is applied when simulating the effects of catastrophic pest outbreaks. Insect damage is assumed to be a Poisson process with an average rate of 0.1 per year. One hundred scenarios of insect damage are created using the Poisson process to simulate the distribution of bare land value of each of the optimal regimes. Numerical results show that the optimal rotation is shortened with an increasing probability of a catastrophe. The average bare land values in the stochastic case are approximately 14.8% to 22.9% lower. Numbers of thinnings are decreased for most plots when seeking a highest bare land value, compared to the deterministic optima. If given a constant thinning rate, increasing risk-taking shortens the optimum rotation, as the model set used.
Ultra‐Sensitive Colorimetric Plasmonic Sensing and Microfluidics for Biofluid Diagnostics Using Nanohole Array
Authors: Ameen Abid , Gartia Manas Ranjan , Hsiao Austin , Chang Te-Wei , Xu Zhida , Liu Gang Logan
Published: February 2015

Colorimetric techniques provide a useful approach for sensing application because of their low cost, use of inexpensive equipment, requirement of fewer signal transduction hardware, and, above all, their simple‐to‐understand results. Colorimetric sensor can be used for both qualitative analyte identification as well as quantitative analysis for many application areas such as clinical diagnosis, food quality control, and environmental monitoring. A gap exists between high‐end, accurate, and expensive laboratory equipment and low‐cost qualitative point‐of‐care testing tools. Here, we present a label‐free plasmonic‐based colorimetric sensor fabricated on a transparent plastic substrate consisting of about one billion nanocups in an array with a subwavelength opening and decorated with metal nanoparticles on the side walls, to bridge that gap. The fabrication techniques of the plasmonic sensor, integration to portable microfluidic devices for lab on chip applications, demonstration of highly sensitive refractive‐index sensing, DNA hybridization detection, and protein‐protein interaction will be reviewed. Further, we anticipate that the colorimetric sensor can be applied to point‐of‐care diagnostics by utilizing proper surface functionalization techniques, which seems to be one of the current limiting factors. Finally, the future outlook for the colorimetric plasmonic sensors is discussed.
Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Monitoring the Lower Tear Meniscus in Dry Eye after Acupuncture Treatment
Authors: Lin Tong , Gong Lan , Liu Xiaoxu , Ma Xiaopeng
Published: February 2015

Dry eye is highly prevalent and has a significant impact on quality of life. Acupuncture was found to be effective to treat dry eye. However, little was known about the effect of acupuncture on different subtypes of dry eye. The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of tear meniscus assessment by Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of acupuncture treatment response in dry eye patients and to explore the effect of acupuncture on different subtypes of dry eye compared with artificial tear treatment. A total of 108 dry eye patients were randomized into acupuncture or artificial tear group. Each group was divided into three subgroups including lipid tear deficiency (LTD), Sjögren syndrome dry eye (SSDE), and non-Sjögren syndrome dry eye (Non-SSDE) for data analysis. After 4-week treatment, the low tear meniscus parameters including tear meniscus height (TMH), tear meniscus depth (TMD), and tear meniscus area (TMA) in the acupuncture group increased significantly for the LTD and Non-SSDE subgroups compared with both the baseline and the control groups (allPvalues < 0.05), but not for the SSDE. Acupuncture provided a measurable improvement of the tear meniscus dimensions for the Non-SSDE and LTD patients, but not for the SSDE patients.
Mixed Cutaneous Infection Caused byMycobacterium szulgaiandMycobacterium intermediumin a Healthy Adult Female: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Singh Amresh Kumar , Marak Rungmei S. K. , Maurya Anand Kumar , Das Manaswini , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Dhole Tapan N.
Published: February 2015

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous and are being increasingly reported as human opportunistic infection. Cutaneous infection caused by mixed NTM is extremely rare. We encountered the case of a 46-year-old female, who presented with multiple discharging sinuses over the lower anterior abdominal wall (over a previous appendectomy scar) for the past 2 years. Microscopy and culture of the pus discharge were done to isolate and identify the etiological agent. Finally, GenoType Mycobacterium CM/AS assay proved it to be a mixed infection caused byMycobacterium szulgaiandM. intermedium. The patient was advised a combination of rifampicin 600 mg once daily, ethambutol 600 mg once daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily to be taken along with periodic follow-up based upon clinical response as well as microbiological response. We emphasize that infections by NTM must be considered in the etiology of nonhealing wounds or sinuses, especially at postsurgical sites.
NLOS Path Loss Model for Low-Height Antenna Links in High-Rise Urban Street Grid Environments
Authors: Lee Juyul , Kim Myung-Don , Chung Hyun Kyu , Kim Jinup
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a NLOS (non-line-of-sight) path loss model for low-height antenna links in rectangular street grids to account for typical D2D (device-to-device) communication link situations in high-rise urban outdoor environments. From wideband propagation channel measurements collected in Seoul City at 3.7 GHz, we observed distinctive power delay profile behaviors between 1-Turn and 2-Turn NLOS links: the 2-Turn NLOS has a wider delay spread. This can be explained by employing the idea that the 2-Turn NLOS has multiple propagation paths along the various street roads from TX to RX, whereas the 1-Turn NLOS has a single dominant propagation path from TX to RX. Considering this, we develop a path loss model encompassing 1-Turn and 2-Turn NLOS links with separate scattering and diffraction parameters for the first and the second corners, based on the Uniform Geometrical Theory of Diffraction. In addition, we consider the effect of building heights on path loss by incorporating an adjustable “waveguide effect” parameter; that is, higher building alleys provide better propagation environments. When compared with field measurements, the predictions are in agreement.
Real-Time Human Motion Capture Driven by a Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Chen Peng-zhan , Li Jie , Luo Man , Zhu Nian-hua
Published: February 2015

The motion of a real object model is reconstructed through measurements of the position, direction, and angle of moving objects in 3D space in a process called “motion capture.” With the development of inertial sensing technology, motion capture systems that are based on inertial sensing have become a research hot spot. However, the solution of motion attitude remains a challenge that restricts the rapid development of motion capture systems. In this study, a human motion capture system based on inertial sensors is developed, and the real-time movement of a human model controlled by real people’s movement is achieved. According to the features of the system of human motion capture and reappearance, a hierarchical modeling approach based on a 3D human body model is proposed. The method collects articular movement data on the basis of rigid body dynamics through a miniature sensor network, controls the human skeleton model, and reproduces human posture according to the features of human articular movement. Finally, the feasibility of the system is validated by testing of system properties via capture of continuous dynamic movement. Experiment results show that the scheme utilizes a real-time sensor network-driven human skeleton model to achieve the accurate reproduction of human motion state. The system also has good application value.
The Impact of Changed Strategies for Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma in This Millenium
Authors: Lindnér Per , Rizell Magnus , Hafström Lo
Published: February 2015

Background. Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer with a poor prognosis. In this millennium there are new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these patients. Aim. The aim of this study was to find if these changes influenced survival of individuals with proximal cholangiocarcinoma. Material. 627 individuals with a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (not including distal common duct cancer) during the period from 2000 to 2011 were registered in Sweden’s Western Region. The material was divided into three consecutive time periods. Results. The overall survival curves for individuals with cholangiocarcinoma improved over the three time periods (n=627) (P=0.0013). Median survival increased from 2.6 months in the first period (2000–2003) to 3.6 months in the final four years (2008–2011). Patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) had longer median survival than those with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC): 6.8 versus 3.2 months (P=0.0003). An improvement in the survival curves over time was seen for those with IHC (P=0.034) but not for patients with PHC (P=0.38). Nine percent of the patients with IHC had potential curative surgical therapy. The three-year survival rate after liver resection for patients with IHC was 35% and 60% after liver transplantation. Among patients with PHC, 15.3% had potential curative bile duct resection with a concomitant liver resection and 6.1% bile duct resection alone. The three-year survival rate for these two groups was 32% and 20%, respectively. Conclusion. Overall survival for individuals with PHC was better than for those with IHC. Over time survival in IHC patients improved but not in those with PHC.
Fas Ligand DNA Enhances a Vaccination Effect by Coadministered DNA Encoding a Tumor Antigen through Augmenting Production of Antibody against the Tumor Antigen
Authors: Zhong Boya , Ma Guangyu , Sato Ayako , Shimozato Osamu , Liu Hongdan , Li Quanhai , Shingyoji Masato , Tada Yuji , Tatsumi Koichiro , Shimada Hideaki , Hiroshima Kenzo , Tagawa Masatoshi
Published: February 2015

Interaction of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses by inducing apoptosis of activated cells; however, a possible role of FasL in DNA vaccination has not been well understood. We examined whether administration of DNA encodingFasLgene enhanced antitumor effects in mice that were vaccinated with DNA expressing a putative tumor antigen gene,β-galactosidase(β-gal). Growth ofβ-gal-positive Colon 26 tumors was retarded in the syngeneic mice immunized withβ-gal and FasL DNA compared with those vaccinated withβ-gal or FasL DNA. We did not detect increased numbers ofβ-gal-specific CD8+T cells in lymph node of mice that received combination ofβ-gal and FasL DNA, but amounts of anti-β-gal antibody increased with the combination but not withβ-gal or FasL DNA injection alone. Subtype analysis of anti-β-gal antibody produced by the combination ofβ-gal and FasL DNA orβ-gal DNA injection showed that IgG2a amounts were greater in mice injected with both DNA than those withβ-gal DNA alone, but IgG2b amounts were lower in both DNA-injected thanβ-gal DNA-injected mice. These data suggest that FasL is involved in boosting humoral immunity against a gene product encoded by coinjected DNA and enhances the vaccination effects.
Discrimination and Content Analysis of Fritillaria Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Meng Yu , Wang Shisheng , Cai Rui , Jiang Bohai , Zhao Weijie
Published: February 2015

Fritillaria is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine which can be used to moisten the lungs. The objective of this study is to develop simple, accurate, and solvent-free methods to discriminate and quantify Fritillaria herbs from seven different origins. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) methods are established for the rapid discrimination of seven different Fritillaria samples and quantitative analysis of their total alkaloids. The scaling to first range method and the partial least square (PLS) method are used for the establishment of qualitative and quantitative analysis models. As a result of evaluation for the qualitative NIR model, the selectivity values between groups are always above 2, and the mistaken judgment rate of fifteen samples in prediction sets was zero. This means that the NIR model can be used to distinguish different species of Fritillaria herbs. The established quantitative NIR model can accurately predict the content of total alkaloids from Fritillaria samples.
Hunting Increases Phosphorylation of Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type II in Adult Barn Owls
Authors: Nichols Grant S. , DeBello William M.
Published: February 2015

Juvenile barn owls readily adapt to prismatic spectacles, whereas adult owls living under standard aviary conditions do not. We previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of the cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) provides a readout of the instructive signals that guide plasticity in juveniles. Here we investigated phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKII) in both juveniles and adults. In contrast to CREB, we found no differences in pCaMKII expression between prism-wearing and control juveniles within the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICX), the major site of plasticity. For prism-wearing adults that hunted live mice and are capable of adaptation, expression of pCaMKII was increased relative to prism-wearing adults that fed passively on dead mice and are not capable of adaptation. This effect did not bear the hallmarks of instructive information: it was not localized to rostral ICX and did not exhibit a patchy distribution reflecting discrete bimodal stimuli. These data are consistent with a role for CaMKII as a permissive rather than an instructive factor. In addition, the paucity of pCaMKII expression in passively fed adults suggests that the permissive default setting is “off” in adults.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Polymorphisms in Iron Homeostasis Genes: New Insights from a Case-Control Study
Authors: Castiglione Alessandro , Ciorba Andrea , Aimoni Claudia , Orioli Elisa , Zeri Giulia , Vigliano Marco , Gemmati Donato
Published: February 2015

Background. Even if various pathophysiological events have been proposed as explanations, the putative cause of sudden hearing loss remains unclear.Objectives. To investigate and to reveal associations (if any) between the main iron-related gene variants and idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Study Design. Case-control study.Materials and Methods. A total of 200 sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients (median age 63.65 years; range 10–92) were compared with 400 healthy control subjects. The following genetic variants were investigated: the polymorphism c.−8CG in the promoter of the ferroportin gene (FPN1;SLC40A1), the two isoforms C1 and C2 (p.P570S) of the transferrin protein (TF), the amino acidic substitutions p.H63D and p.C282Y in the hereditary hemochromatosis protein (HFE), and the polymorphism c.–582AG in the promoter of theHEPCgene, which encodes the protein hepcidin (HAMP).Results. The homozygous genotype c.−8GG of theSLC40A1gene revealed an OR for ISSNHL risk of 4.27 (CI 95%, 2.65–6.89;P=0.001), being overrepresented among cases.Conclusions. Our study indicates that the homozygous genotypeFPN1−8GG was significantly associated with increased risk of developing sudden hearing loss. These findings suggest new research should be conducted in the field of iron homeostasis in the inner ear.
AP1000 Shield Building Dynamic Response for Different Water Levels of PCCWST Subjected to Seismic Loading considering FSI
Authors: Lu Daogang , Liu Yu , Zeng Xiaojia
Published: February 2015

Huge water storage tank on the top of many buildings may affect the safety of the structure caused by fluid-structure interaction (FSI) under the earthquake. AP1000 passive containment cooling system water storage tank (PCCWST) placed at the top of shield building is a key component to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities. Under seismic loading, water will impact the wall of PCCWST, which may pose a threat to the integrity of the shield building. In the present study, an FE model of AP1000 shield building is built for the modal and transient seismic analysis considering the FSI. Six different water levels in PCCWST were discussed by comparing the modal frequency, seismic acceleration response, and von Mises stress distribution. The results show the maximum von Mises stress emerges at the joint of shield building roof and water around the air inlet. However, the maximum von Mises stress is below the yield strength of reinforced concrete. The results may provide a reference for design of the AP1000 and CAP1400 in the future.
Radiofrequency Transoral Microsurgical Procedures in Benign and Malignant Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Lesions (Institutional Experiences)
Authors: Somogyvári Krisztina , Gerlinger Imre , Lujber László , Burián András , Móricz Péter
Published: February 2015

Besides cold‐steel and laser instruments, the use of radiofrequency (RF) devices in transoral microsurgery is getting increasing popularity mainly due to its minimal thermal effect on the collateral soft tissue. Authors summarize their surgical technique, results, and experience gained with RF applied during laryngeal interventions at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Medical School, University of Pécs. Transoral microsurgery using radiofrequency was carried out in 23 cases in total between 1 January 2011 and 1 March 2013. Fourteen histopathologically different benign lesions and 9 malignant planocellular carcinomas of the larynx were removed using different Micro‐Larynx RF Probes powered by Surgitron Dual 4.0 MHz Frequency RF (Ellman International, Oceanside, NY, USA) device. No major bleeding event occurred during or after the procedures and neither laryngeal oedema nor significant postoperative pain was recorded. Authors also reviewed the international literature in this topic while detailing some of their most interesting cases.
Interleukin-5 Facilitates Lung Metastasis by Modulating the Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Zaynagetdinov Rinat , Sherrill Taylor P. , Gleaves Linda A. , McLoed Allyson G. , Saxon Jamie A. , Habermann Arun C. , Connelly Linda , Dulek Daniel , Peebles R. Stokes , Fingleton Barbara , Yull Fiona E. , Stathopoulos Georgios T. , Blackwell Timothy S.
Published: February 2015

Although the lung is the most common metastatic site for cancer cells, biologic mechanisms regulating lung metastasis are not fully understood. Using heterotopic and intravenous injection models of lung metastasis in mice, we found that IL5, a cytokine involved in allergic and infectious diseases, facilitates metastatic colonization through recruitment of sentinel eosinophils and regulation of other inflammatory/immune cells in the microenvironment of the distal lung. Genetic IL5 deficiency offered marked protection of the lungs from metastasis of different types of tumor cells, including lung cancer, melanoma, and colon cancer. IL5 neutralization protected subjects from metastasis, whereas IL5 reconstitution or adoptive transfer of eosinophils into IL5-deficient mice exerted prometastatic effects. However, IL5 deficiency did not affect the growth of the primary tumor or the size of metastatic lesions. Mechanistic investigations revealed that eosinophils produce CCL22, which recruits regulatory T cells to the lungs. During early stages of metastasis, Treg created a protumorigenic microenvironment, potentially by suppressing IFNγ-producing natural killer cells and M1-polarized macrophages. Together, our results establish a network of allergic inflammatory circuitry that can be co-opted by metastatic cancer cells to facilitate lung colonization, suggesting interventions to target this pathway may offer therapeutic benefits to prevent or treat lung metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(8); 1624–34. ©2015 AACR.
K562-Derived Whole-Cell Vaccine Enhances Antitumor Responses of CAR-Redirected Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes In Vivo
Authors: Caruana Ignazio , Weber Gerrit , Ballard Brandon C. , Wood Michael S. , Savoldo Barbara , Dotti Gianpietro
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Adoptive transfer of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–specific and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL) genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) induces objective tumor responses in clinical trials. In vivo expansion and persistence of these cells are crucial to achieve sustained clinical responses. We aimed to develop an off-the-shelf whole-cell vaccine to boost CAR-redirected virus-specific CTLs in vivo after adoptive transfer. As proof of principle, we validated our vaccine approach by boosting CMV-specific CTLs (CMV-CTLs) engineered with a CAR that targets the GD2 antigen.

Experimental Design: We generated the whole-cell vaccine by engineering the K562 cell line to express the CMV-pp65 protein and the immune stimulatory molecules CD40L and OX40L. Single-cell–derived clones were used to stimulate CMV-CTLs in vitro and in vivo in a xenograft model. We also assessed whether the in vivo boosting of CAR-redirected CMV-CTLs with the whole-cell vaccine enhances the antitumor responses. Finally, we addressed potential safety concerns by including the inducible safety switch caspase9 (iC9) gene in the whole-cell vaccine.

Results: We found that K562-expressing CMV-pp65, CD40L, and OX40L effectively stimulate CMV-specific responses in vitro by promoting antigen cross-presentation to professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Vaccination also enhances antitumor effects of CAR-redirected CMV-CTLs in xenograft tumor models. Activation of the iC9 gene successfully induces growth arrest of engineered K562 implanted in mice.

Conclusions: Vaccination with a whole-cell vaccine obtained from K562 engineered to express CMV-pp65, CD40L, OX40L and iC9 can safely enhance the antitumor effects of CAR-redirected CMV-CTLs. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 2952–62. ©2015 AACR.
A Large-Scale Analysis of Genetic Variants within Putative miRNA Binding Sites in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Stegeman Shane , Amankwah Ernest , Klein Kerenaftali , O'Mara Tracy A. , Kim Donghwa , Lin Hui-Yi , Permuth-Wey Jennifer , Sellers Thomas A. , Srinivasan Srilakshmi , Eeles Rosalind , Easton Doug , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Amin Al Olama Ali , Benlloch Sara , Muir Kenneth , Giles Graham G. , Wiklund Fredrik , Gronberg Henrik , Haiman Christopher A. , Schleutker Johanna , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Travis Ruth C. , Neal David , Pharoah Paul , Khaw Kay-Tee , Stanford Janet L. , Blot William J. , Thibodeau Stephen , Maier Christiane , Kibel Adam S. , Cybulski Cezary , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Brenner Hermann , Kaneva Radka , Teixeira Manuel R. ,   PRACTICAL Consortium,   Australian Prostate Cancer BioResource, Spurdle Amanda B. , Clements Judith A. , Park Jong Y. , Batra Jyotsna
Published: February 2015

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among men worldwide. Genome-wide association studies have identified 100 risk variants for prostate cancer, which can explain approximately 33% of the familial risk of the disease. We hypothesized that a comprehensive analysis of genetic variations found within the 3′ untranslated region of genes predicted to affect miRNA binding (miRSNP) can identify additional prostate cancer risk variants. We investigated the association between 2,169 miRSNPs and prostate cancer risk in a large-scale analysis of 22,301 cases and 22,320 controls of European ancestry from 23 participating studies. Twenty-two miRSNPs were associated (P < 2.3 × 10−5) with risk of prostate cancer, 10 of which were within 7 genes previously not mapped by GWAS studies. Further, using miRNA mimics and reporter gene assays, we showed that miR-3162-5p has specific affinity for the KLK3 rs1058205 miRSNP T-allele, whereas miR-370 has greater affinity for the VAMP8 rs1010 miRSNP A-allele, validating their functional role.

Significance: Findings from this large association study suggest that a focus on miRSNPs, including functional evaluation, can identify candidate risk loci below currently accepted statistical levels of genome-wide significance. Studies of miRNAs and their interactions with SNPs could provide further insights into the mechanisms of prostate cancer risk. Cancer Discov; 5(4); 368–79. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Yousef, p. 351

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 333
Towards Detecting Open Spina Bifida in the First Trimester: The Examination of the Posterior Brain
Authors: Kappou Dimitra , Papastefanou Ioannis , Pilalis Athanasios , Kavalakis Ioannis , Kassanos Dimitrios , Souka Athena P.
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Our aim was to examine the value of indirect signs of open spina bifida in the mid-sagittal view of the posterior brain at the 11-13 weeks' ultrasound examination and to summarize the current evidence for the first-trimester diagnosis of spina bifida. Methods: This was a prospective study in routine obstetric population. The presence of four almost parallel lines (four-line view) in the posterior brain was recorded. Biparietal diameter (BPD), intracranial translucency (IT) and cisterna magna (CM) were measured. The ratio of IT to CM (R ratio) was calculated. Results: 2,491 pregnancies were examined prospectively. Updated reference ranges for IT and CM were constructed. There were 3 cases with open spina bifida, and the four-line view was abnormal in 2 of them. The abnormal fetuses had smaller BPD as well as pronounced reduction in the CM and increase in the R ratio. Discussion: Examination of the posterior brain was feasible in all fetuses in the setting of the routine 11-13 weeks' ultrasound examination. Indirect signs of spina bifida are visible in the mid-sagittal view of the posterior brain, and the assessment of these structures can be a reliable tool in the early identification of this abnormality.