bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B17: Inhibition of lung tumor progression in a metastatic mouse model following intravenous delivery of siRNA nanocomplexes
Authors: Fewell Jason G. , Anwer Khursheed , Polach Kevin , Matar Majed , Rice Jennifer , Rea-Ramsey Angela , Sparks Jeff , McClure Diane , Pence Casey , Brunhoeber Elaine , Wilkinson Leslie
Published: April 2013

Exploiting the RNAi pathway offers the potential to advance the treatment of many diseases through highly specific and efficient silencing of gene products. Unfortunately, the requisite safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acids to target cells remains a fundamental problem for the development of RNA and DNA based therapeutics. We have developed a versatile lipopolyamine based delivery system that has been optimized for in vivo delivery by incorporating functional groups onto the core cationic lipopolyamine structure. The direct modification of the core structure (named Staramine) allows for the generation of nanoparticle formulations with a wide range of physicochemical properties and does not require the co-formulation of commercial helper or pegylated lipids. We have previously reported safe, efficient and persistent siRNA mediated transcript knockdown specifically in the lung endothelium using the Starmaine delivery system. Here we extend those observations by administering a siRNA that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2; KDR/Flk-1) in an animal model of metastatic lung cancer. VEGFR-2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, has been shown to be mainly expressed on endothelial cells and plays a critical role in cell proliferation and differentiation and consequently is also important in angiogenesis associated tumor growth and metastasis. Repeated intravenous administration of nanocomplexes comprised of Staramine formulated VEGFR-2 siRNA (~2 mg/kg/dose) resulted in a significant (40%) reduction of VEGFR-2 transcript levels in isolated tumors from the lungs of mice compared to control injected animals. Similar levels of transcript knockdown were not achieved in tumors when using siRNAs against targets not having the high level of endothelial cell restriction that is seen with VEGFR-2. Immunohistopathology of the lungs of tumor bearing mice administered VEGFR-2 siRNA indicated a significant decrease in vascular density in lung tumors and was consistent with an overall reduction in tumor burden in the mouse lungs. These results support the continued evaluation of using Staramine to deliver siRNAs and other similar molecules as potential therapies for diseases of the lung where the vascular endothelium may be involved.

Citation Format: Jason G. Fewell, Khursheed Anwer, Kevin Polach, Majed Matar, Jennifer Rice, Angela Rea-Ramsey, Jeff Sparks, Diane McClure, Casey Pence, Elaine Brunhoeber, Leslie Wilkinson. Inhibition of lung tumor progression in a metastatic mouse model following intravenous delivery of siRNA nanocomplexes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B17.
Abstract B20: Breast cancer progression suppressor miR-290 targets breast cancer biomarker Arid4b
Authors: Goldberger Natalie , Walker Renard , Kim Chang Hee , Hunter Kent
Published: April 2013

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been classified as metastasis regulators in breast cancer, yet few studies have examined how germline variations may promote metastasis via miRNA dysregulation. To explore this concept, highly metastatic MMTV-PyMT mice were crossed with 25 AKXD (AKR/J × DBA/2J) recombinant inbred strains to produce F1 progeny with varying metastatic indices. All mammary tumors in the F1 progeny were evaluated by miRNA microarray and correlated with metastatic index to produce miR-290 (containing mature miR-290-3p and miR-290-5p) as one of the top candidates. Further analysis showed miR-290-3p was downregulated in normal lung and breast tissue from highly metastatic AKR/J strains versus less metastatic DBA/2J strains, thereby supporting a germline component to miR-290 regulation. Next, when miR-290 was ectopically expressed in Mvt-1 and 6DT1, and orthotopically injected into FVB/N mice, a significant reduction in both mammary tumor burden and the number of pulmonary metastases was observed. Computational analysis identified breast cancer biomarker Arid4b as a top target of miR-290-3p, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. In conclusion, these results suggest germline genetic changes may reduce miR-290 expression, in turn increasing Arid4b expression, to create a predisposition towards breast cancer progression.

Citation Format: Natalie Goldberger, Renard Walker, Chang Hee Kim, Kent Hunter. Breast cancer progression suppressor miR-290 targets breast cancer biomarker Arid4b [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B20.
Abstract IA12: Long-term, efficient inhibition of miRNA function in mice using Tough Decoys delivered by Adeno-associated virus vectors
Authors: Zamore Phillip D.
Published: April 2013

Understanding the function of individual miRNA species in mice would require the production of hundreds of loss-of-function strains. To accelerate analysis of miRNA biology in mammals, we combined recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors with miRNA ‘Tough Decoys’ (TuDs) to inhibit specific miRNAs. Intravenous injection of rAAV9 expressing anti-miR-122 or anti-let-7 TuD depleted the corresponding miRNA and increased its mRNA targets. rAAV producing anti-miR-122—but not anti-let-7—TuD reduced serum cholesterol by 40% for 18 weeks in wild-type mice. High throughput sequencing of liver miRNAs from the treated mice confirmed that the targeted miRNAs were depleted and revealed that TuD RNAs induce miRNA tailing and trimming in vivo. rAAV-mediated miRNA inhibition thus provides a simple way to study miRNA function in adult mammals and a potential therapy for dyslipidemia and other diseases caused by miRNA deregulation.

Citation Format: Phillip D. Zamore. Long-term, efficient inhibition of miRNA function in mice using Tough Decoys delivered by Adeno-associated virus vectors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA12.
Abstract IA13: MicroRNA control of muscle development and disease: from new biology to new therapeutics
Authors: Olson Eric N.
Published: April 2013

We seek to define the gene regulatory networks that govern muscle and cardiovascular development and disease. The signaling pathways and transcriptional networks that control these processes are intertwined with a collection of microRNAs (miRNAs) that act as negative regulators of gene expression. We have identified miRNAs associated with muscular dystrophy and diverse cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and angiogenesis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in mice have revealed striking functions for these miRNAs in numerous processes, such as the control of muscle regeneration, nerve-muscle interactions, myosin expression, fibrosis, hypoxia, myocyte survival, and metabolism. Identification of miRNA targets has revealed new mechanisms and regulators of development and disease. Disease-inducing miRNAs can be persistently silenced in vivo through systemic delivery of miRNA inhibitors, allowing for therapeutic modulation of disease mechanisms. Opportunities for manipulating miRNA biology in the settings of muscle disease will be discussed.

Citation Format: Eric N. Olson. MicroRNA control of muscle development and disease: from new biology to new therapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA13.
Abstract IA16: The ceRNA hypothesis and the non-coding revolution in cancer research and therapy
Authors: Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: April 2013

The central dogma of molecular biology, as proposed by Francis Crick, demonstrates that genetic information is transferred from DNA in our genomes to the generation of functional proteins, through a messenger RNA (mRNA) intermediate. This suggests that the key function of each mRNA is to encode for protein.

We have demonstrated that mRNAs can exert a biological activity that is independent of the protein for which they encode. Since this phenomenon is dependent on sequences contained in RNA transcripts, this phenomenon applies to protein-coding genes, pseudogenes, of which 19,000 have been predicted in the genome as well as long non-coding RNAs that have been recently identified to be pervasive in the cell and in biology.

This new function is brought about by the ability of mRNAs—and RNAs in general—to bind and sequester microRNA molecules. microRNAs specifically repress the expression levels of many genes and have consequently been shown to play important roles in diseases including cancer. We show that any messenger RNA and RNA molecule can sequester microRNA molecules acting as a “competitive endogenous RNAs.” We therefore term them ceRNAs. Given that microRNAs can bind to multiple mRNAs, we argued that mRNAs compete for the binding to a given microRNA. We originally tested this hypothesis and proved its validity by studying the interaction between the mRNA encoding for the PTEN tumor suppressor gene and its closely related pseudogene, PTENP1, which we show to act as a tumor suppressor through this new mechanism. We therefore identify PTENP1 as well as the several thousand uncharacterized RNA molecules as potential human disease genes.

We have now expanded this analysis to the whole transcriptome. Our findings therefore defines a new biological dimension that will allow for the rapid identification and functional characterization of new disease genes.

Citation Format: Pier Paolo Pandolfi. The ceRNA hypothesis and the non-coding revolution in cancer research and therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA16.
Abstract IA19: New therapeutic strategies for lymphomas inspired by functional and structural genomics
Authors: Staudt Louis M.
Published: April 2013

Seeking an unbiased method to discover therapeutic targets in cancer, we developed a loss-of-function genetic screen using genomic-scale libraries of small hairpin RNAs that mediate RNA interference. These “Achilles heel” screens are designed to reveal genes essential for cancer cell proliferation and survival. In a parallel structural genomics approach, we are using RNA-seq to globally identify somatic mutations and other structural abnormalities in cancer. RNA-seq also provides an unprecedented view of gene expression that provides more accurate quantitative data than traditional microarray approaches. The intersection of the RNA interference and RNA-seq data sets has helped us to discover novel pathogenetic pathways that control the proliferation and survival of the aggressive lymphoma subtypes. The malignant phenotype is seen as an aberrant regulatory network that includes oncogene-induced microRNAs, deregulated transcription factors and aberrant signaling from cell surface receptors. This view suggests several therapeutic opportunities using targeted agents that might initially augment and eventually supplant the more toxic chemotherapeutic regimens used to treat these cancers today.

Citation Format: Louis M. Staudt. New therapeutic strategies for lymphomas inspired by functional and structural genomics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA19.
Abstract IA20: Targeting of microRNAs for therapeutics
Authors: Kauppinen Sakari
Published: April 2013

microRNAs act as important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression by mediating mRNA degradation and translational repression. Moreover, there is ample evidence that perturbations in the levels of individual or entire families of miRNAs are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of human diseases. Besides cancer, miRNAs have also been implicated in viral infections, cardiovascular and muscle diseases and CNS disorders. Thus, disease-associated miRNAs represent a potential new class of targets for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, which may yield patient benefits unobtainable by other therapeutic approaches.

LNA is a bicyclic high-affinity RNA analogue, in which the ribose ring is locked in an RNA-like, N-type (C3′-endo) conformation by the introduction of a 2′-O,4′-C methylene bridge. Transfection of LNA-modified antimiR oligonucleotides into cells results in potent and specific inhibition of miRNA function with concomitant derepression of direct target mRNAs. In addition, systemically delivered, unconjugated LNA-antimiRs with a phosphorothioate backbone show high metabolic stability and uptake in many tissues in mice, coinciding with long-term miRNA silencing in vivo. These findings support the utility of LNA-modified antimiR oligonucleotides in the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at pharmacological inhibition of disease-associated miRNAs. We will describe recent progress in targeting of disease-implicated miRNAs for therapeutics using LNA-antimiRs and present an update on the clinical development of antimiR-122 for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection.

Citation Format: Sakari Kauppinen. Targeting of microRNAs for therapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA20.
Abstract IA6: Elucidation of enhancer-like RNAs
Authors: Shiekhattar Ramin
Published: April 2013

Spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression is achieved through the instruction provided by the distal transcriptional regulatory elements known as enhancers. How enhancers transmit such information to their targets has been a subject of intense investigation. Recent advances in high throughput analysis of the mammalian transcriptome have revealed a surprising result indicating that a large number of enhancers are transcribed to non-coding RNAs. While long non-coding RNAs were initially shown to confer epigenetic transcriptional repression, recent studies have uncovered a role for a class of such transcripts in gene-specific activation often from distal genomic regions. We will discuss the recent findings on the role of long non-coding RNAs in transcriptional regulation with an emphasis on new developments on the functional links between long non-coding RNAs and enhancers.

Citation Format: Ramin Shiekhattar. Elucidation of enhancer-like RNAs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA6.
Abstract PR1: BRAFV600E remodels the melanocyte transcriptome and induces BLNCR1 to regulate melanoma cell migration
Authors: Flockhart Ross J. , Webster Dan E. , Qu Kun , Mascarenhas Nicholas , Kovalski Joanna , Kretz Markus , Khavari Paul A.
Published: April 2013

Aberrations of protein-coding genes are a focus of cancer genomics, however, the impact of oncogenes on expression of the ~50% of transcripts without protein-coding potential, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is largely uncharacterized. Activating mutations in the BRAF oncogene are present in 60% of melanomas, 90% of which produce active mutant BRAFV600E. To define the impacts of oncogenic BRAF on the melanocyte transcriptome, massively parallel cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on genetically matched normal human melanocytes with and without BRAFV600E expression. To enhance potential disease relevance by verifying expression of altered genes in BRAF-driven cancer tissue, parallel RNA-Seq was also undertaken on two BRAFV600E-mutant human melanomas. BRAFV600E regulated expression of 1,027 protein-coding transcripts and 39 annotated lncRNAs, as well as 70 un-annotated, potentially novel, intergenic transcripts. Coding potential analysis of these 70 transcripts suggested that most may represent newly identified non-coding RNAs. BRAF-regulated long non-coding RNA 1 (BLNCR1) was identified as a recurrently, highly expressed, previously un-annotated 693 bp transcript on chromosome 9 with a potential functional role in melanoma cell migration. Combining RNA-Seq of oncogene-expressing normal cells with RNA-Seq of their corresponding human cancers may represent a useful approach to discover new oncogene-regulated RNA transcripts of potential clinical relevance to cancer.

This abstract is also presented as Poster A11.

Citation Format: Ross J. Flockhart, Dan E. Webster, Kun Qu, Nicholas Mascarenhas, Joanna Kovalski, Markus Kretz, Paul A. Khavari. BRAFV600E remodels the melanocyte transcriptome and induces BLNCR1 to regulate melanoma cell migration [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR1.
Abstract PR2: Functional characterization of p53-regulated long intervening non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs
Authors: Dimitrova Nadya M. , Jacks Tyler
Published: April 2013

LincRNAs (long intervening noncoding RNAs) constitute a novel class of long, noncoding RNAs that have been implicated in regulating gene expression in diverse biological processes by modulating the activity of chromatin-modifying complexes. In collaboration with the Rinn laboratory at the Broad Institute, we have identified a set of lincRNAs that appear to be direct transcriptional targets of p53. These lincRNAs contain p53 binding elements in their promoter regions and are strongly upregulated in a p53-dependent manner upon DNA damage and in response to oncogenic stress. We have hypothesized that these lincRNAs may be new components of the p53 network and may contribute to p53 tumor suppressor function by regulating the expression of genes in cancer-relevant pathways. Using a combination of molecular genetic studies, cell biology, biochemistry, as well as gene targeting in the mouse, our aim is to dissect the biological function of these lincRNAs in vivo and in isolated cells.

To date, we have generated a conditional knockout mutant for lincRNA-p21, one of the p53-regulated lincRNAs, which was recently shown to mediate gene repression in the p53 transcriptional network. Using this genetic tool, we plan to characterize the consequences of lincRNA-p21 loss in mice and in isolated mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Our goal is to identify genes that are regulated by lincRNA-p21 and to map out interactions between lincRNA-p21 and the p53 transcriptional network. We will also focus on dissecting the mechanism by which lincRNA-p21 may regulate the expression of target genes.

We have also identified a lincRNA, linc9, which is induced by DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. Even though the expression of linc9 appears to be p53-independent, our preliminary experiments indicate that linc9 may influence the outcome of p53 activation by promoting apoptosis in response to high levels of DNA damage.

In sum, by studying the function and mechanism of p53-regulated and DNA damage-induced lincRNAs, we hope to achieve a better understanding of the role of long noncoding RNAs in modulating the p53 pathway and more broadly in regulating cancer-related processes.

This abstract is also presented as Poster B19.

Citation Format: Nadya M. Dimitrova, Tyler Jacks. Functional characterization of p53-regulated long intervening non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR2.
The Basic Principles of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Design
Authors: Sadelain Michel , Brentjens Renier , Rivière Isabelle
Published: April 2013

Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are recombinant receptors that provide both antigen-binding and T-cell–activating functions. A multitude of CARs has been reported over the past decade, targeting an array of cell surface tumor antigens. Their biologic functions have dramatically changed following the introduction of tripartite receptors comprising a costimulatory domain, termed second-generation CARs. These have recently shown clinical benefit in patients treated with CD19-targeted autologous T cells. CARs may be combined with costimulatory ligands, chimeric costimulatory receptors, or cytokines to further enhance T-cell potency, specificity, and safety. CARs represent a new class of drugs with exciting potential for cancer immunotherapy.

Significance: CARs are a new class of drugs with great potential for cancer immunotherapy. Upon their expression in T lymphocytes, CARs direct potent, targeted immune responses that have recently shown encouraging clinical outcomes in a subset of patients with B-cell malignancies. This review focuses on the design of CARs, including the requirements for optimal antigen recognition and different modalities to provide costimulatory support to targeted T cells, which include the use of second- and third-generation CARs, costimulatory ligands, chimeric costimulatory receptors, and cytokines. Cancer Discov; 3(4); 388–98. ©2013 AACR.
A Comparison of Scan and Focal Sampling for the Description of Wild Primate Activity, Diet and Intragroup Spatial Relationships
Authors: Amato Katherine R. , Van Belle Sarie , Wilkinson Brianna
Published: April 2013

We used data collected during two concurrent studies of black howler monkeys(Alouatta pigra)in Palenque National Park, Mexico, to compare systematically three methods of behavioral data collection [group activity scan sampling (group scans), instantaneous focal individual sampling (instantaneous focals) and continuous focal individual sampling (continuous focals)] and three methods of proximity data collection [group proximity scan sampling (group proximity scans), focal individual proximity scan sampling (focal proximity scans) and instantaneous focal individual nearest neighbor sampling (focal nearest neighbor samples)]. We conducted pairwise comparisons of data among methods using Pearson correlations and one-sample t tests. A series of Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare the activity and proximity patterns of adult males, adult females and juveniles described by each method. The three behavioral data collection methods generally provided similar information about activity and diet. However, important differences for both activity and proximity data existed among methods. Instantaneous focals overestimated the percentage of time spent in social interactions, while group scans overestimated time spent moving and underestimated time spent feeding. Group proximity scans and focal proximity scans provided similar spatial data, while focal nearest neighbor samples were more appropriate for determining the influence of one individual on another at any given moment. These biases suggest the importance of deliberate method selection during project design and highlight the need for taking methods into account when comparing studies.
T1 Measurements Identify Extracellular Volume Expansion in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Sarcomere Mutation Carriers With and Without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Ho Carolyn Y. , Abbasi Siddique A. , Neilan Tomas G. , Shah Ravi V. , Chen Yucheng , Heydari Bobak , Cirino Allison L. , Lakdawala Neal K. , Orav E. John , González Arantxa , López Begoña , Díez Javier , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Kwong Raymond Y.
Published: April 2013

Background—

Myocardial fibrosis is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a potential substrate for arrhythmias and heart failure. Sarcomere mutations seem to induce profibrotic changes before left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops. To further evaluate these processes, we used cardiac magnetic resonance with T1 measurements on a genotyped HCM population to quantify myocardial extracellular volume (ECV).

Methods and Results—

Sarcomere mutation carriers with LVH (G+/LVH+, n=37) and without LVH (G+/LVH−, n=29), patients with HCM without mutations (sarcomere-negative HCM, n=11), and healthy controls (n=11) underwent contrast cardiac magnetic resonance, measuring T1 times pre- and postgadolinium infusion. Concurrent echocardiography and serum biomarkers of collagen synthesis, hemodynamic stress, and myocardial injury were also available in a subset. Compared with controls, ECV was increased in patients with overt HCM, as well as G+/LVH− mutation carriers (ECV=0.36±0.01, 0.33±0.01, 0.27±0.01 in G+/LVH+, G+/LVH−, controls, respectively;
P
≤0.001 for all comparisons). ECV correlated with N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide levels (r=0.58;
P
<0.001) and global E’ velocity (r=−0.48;
P
<0.001). Late gadolinium enhancement was present in >60% of overt patients with HCM but absent from G+/LVH− subjects. Both ECV and late gadolinium enhancement were more extensive in sarcomeric HCM than sarcomere-negative HCM.

Conclusions—

Myocardial ECV is increased in HCM sarcomere mutation carriers even in the absence of LVH. These data provide additional support that fibrotic remodeling is triggered early in disease pathogenesis. Quantifying ECV may help characterize the development of myocardial fibrosis in HCM and ultimately assist in developing novel disease-modifying therapy, targeting interstitial fibrosis.
Taxonomy and conservation status of Tripogandra warmingiana (Seub.) Handlos (Commelinaceae), a previously obscure taxon from Brazil
Authors: PELLEGRINI MARCO OCTÁVIO DE OLIVEIRA , AONA-PINHEIRO LIDYANNE YURIKO SALEME , FORZZA RAFAELA CAMPOSTRINI
Published: April 2013

Tripogandra warmingiana is one of many poorly known and infrequently collected taxa of Commelinaceae in Brazil, and previously was known exclusively from the type collection and few historical collections from Minas Gerais. It is reported here for the first time for the states of Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, where it occurs exclusively in the Atlantic Rainforest, between 50–800 elev. A new description is provided to better characterize the species. A newly revised key for the Brazilian species of the genus is presented that includes the new data presented here for T. warmingiana and some overlooked species. Commentaries on IUCN conservation status are also presented.
‘The Season of Light’: Optics in Measurement and Control
Authors: Grattan K T V
Published: April 2013

Optical methods and techniques have had a profound effect upon the field of measurement and control in recent years. With the use of fibre-optics and components ‘spun-off’ from the optical communications industry, a number of important systems have been developed. A range of fibre-optic sensor systems and their applications were discussed by Prof Grattan in his President's Address, and the future potential of the field outlined.
Neural Network Applications in Non-Linear Modelling of (Bio)Chemical Processes
Authors: Renotte C. , Vande Wouwer A. , Bogaerts Ph. , Remy M.
Published: April 2013

In recent years, neural networks have attracted much attention for their potential to address a number of difficult problems in modelling and controlling nonlinear dynamic systems, especially in (bio) chemical engineering. The objective of this paper is to review some of the most widely used approaches to neural-network-based modelling, including plain black box as well as hybrid neural network — first principles modelling. Two specific application examples are used for illustration purposes: a simple tank level-control system is studied in simulation while a challenging bioprocess application is investigated based on experimental data. These applications allow some original concepts and techniques to be introduced.
A Neural Network Perspective to Extended Luenberger Observers
Authors: Erdogmus Deniz , Genç A. Umut , Príncipe José C.
Published: April 2013

In this paper we investigate the use of adaptive extended Luenberger state estimators for general nonlinear and possibly time-varying systems. We identify the connection between the extended Luenberger observer and Grossberg's additive model for dynamic neural networks. The association between dynamic neural networks and the Luenberger observer leads to an obvious modification on the proposed observer scheme that would allow handling state estimation for those systems whose dynamic equations are partially known or not known at all. The performance of the adaptive observer is demonstrated on a number of systems including an LTI system, the Van der Pol oscillator, the Lorenz attractor and a realistic partial gasoline engine model.
In-Situ Oxygen Analyser for Pressurised Combustor
Authors: Horton J. L. , Perez J. , Sanders J. Sadler , Stewart J. , Rogers M.
Published: April 2013

Due to the increasingly stringent environmental regulations placed on the power generation industry, new methods of generating power utilising the abundant availability of coal are being developed. Included in this development is the Power Systems Development Facility's (PSDF) processes of applying pressurised combustion and gasification to increase efficiency while eliminating many of the environmentally unfriendly emissions.

As with any combustion process, the measurement of oxygen in the flue gas is vitally important. The availability of the zirconium oxide in-situ oxygen analyser several years ago was a welcome change to those who had tried to maintain a real-time, accurate flue gas oxygen measurement. The zirconium oxide in-situ oxygen analyser is now the chosen method for measuring flue gas oxygen at virtually all power boiler outlets.

During the detail design stages of the PSDF in the early 1990s, an in-situ oxygen analyser could not be found that would operate at the required combustor pressures of 150–300 psig. Recently, following numerous inquiries of various vendors around the world, a vendor was found who has developed a sensor that will act as a pressure boundary to 170 psig and an electronics unit that will accept a 4–20 mA input from a pressure transmitter for oxygen partial pressure compensation.

This analyser has been successfully tested in the combustor outlet of the PSDF at a process pressure of 130 psig. The performance of the analyser is presented.
A Distributed Surveillance System for Improving Security in Public Transport Networks
Authors: Velastin Sergio A. , Vicencio-Silva Maria Alicia , Lo Benny , Sun Jie , Khoudour Louhadi
Published: April 2013

Automated surveillance in public transport networks is highly desirable to improve safety and security and thus to effect sustainable changes. This paper describes some of the work that has been done in a EU-funded project, focusing on how the important aspects of scalability and usability have been addressed with a distributed and flexible system.
Air Traffic Surveillance — Building Capacity and Enhancing Safety
Authors: Rose Andrew
Published: April 2013

Surveillance of aircraft is a key requirement of any effective air traffic control system. Classical methods of surveillance, both ground-to-air and air-to-air, have their limitations depending upon the environment in which they are used. These limitations primarily manifest themselves in terms of cost and capacity, with surveillance capability already being a limiting factor in the growth of air traffic in certain regions.

Various methods and applications are being developed to overcome surveillance limitations on air traffic growth, the primary objective of which is to enable increased traffic flows whilst enhancing the existing levels of safety. Developments underway in various regions of the world are considering both near-term and longer-term enhancements to surveillance capability as part of a more effective air traffic management system.

One prime focus of these developments is a shift away from classical ‘active’ surveillance to a ‘passive’ surveillance based system where the aircraft is responsible for providing the necessary surveillance data rather than the interrogating system. Such an approach can provide significant enhancements in terms of cost and capacity but also brings potential safety risks that need to be effectively managed, particularly during the transition.

The objective of this paper is to outline the benefits that such a transition could provide whilst highlighting some of the key safety issues and how they could be addressed. The paper concludes with a vision of a future air traffic surveillance system and a safe transition towards it.
A Real-time Visual Servo Architecture for a Golden Fish Catching System
Authors: Ho Chao-Ching , Shih Ching-Long
Published: April 2013

Designing a real-time visual tracking system to catch golden fish is a complex task due to difficulties involved in the precise determination of a fish's relative 3D positions in the water tank. In this paper we present a new visual servo control system using stereo vision to acquire the 3D positions of the golden fish. The continuously adaptive mean shift (CAMSHIFT) algorithm and optical flow vision tracking methods are applied to provide, at a high frame-rate, the real-time feedback of the position and motion trajectory of the fish being tracked. A visual servo architecture for controlling two low-cost, well calibrated cameras for tracking the golden fish and a 5-axis robot manipulator for catching a specified golden fish are constructed using standard off-the-shelf hardware and open source software. The designed visual tracking and servo system is less sensitive to lighting influences and thus performs more efficiently. Experiments of the proposed method yielded very good results as the real-time 3D vision was able to successfully track two fish and guide the manipulator to catch one of them with a net attached to the manipulator's end-effector.
Where on Earth Am I?: Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Authors: Cornwall M G , Lewes  , Sussex E
Published: April 2013

Measuring your absolute global position to within a few centimetres or relative changes in position anywhere on Earth to within a millimetre or so, seemed impossible just a decade or so ago.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has made this not just possible but routine. In addition everyone is familiar with the fact that ‘Satnavs’ will guide you with uncanny accuracy to any selected destination.

How does GPS achieve such precision? This short review will explain the basic geometrical principles, the practical implementation and some of the burgeoning applications of GPS.

But first a word about nomenclature. Although the ‘GPS’ is often used to describe the satellite based global location system, there are in fact several other systems in development which provide or will provide equal or even enhanced precision within the next few years. The generic description for these is Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), but like ‘Hoover’ and ‘Biro’, ‘GPS’ has become the generic acronym often casually used to refer to the overall system. Throughout this article the information and examples refer to the GPS. More about the proliferating rivals to GPS later.
Foundation Fieldbus Digital Technology: Today and the Future
Authors: Verhappen Ian
Published: April 2013

Foundation Fieldbus technology has been in use for over a decade, yet the uptake within the United Kingdom lags other regions of the world. In part this is due to where construction is occurring and another reason may be a lack of understanding of the technology. This article will help you reduce your anxiety and reluctance to start taking advantage of industrial networks technology such as Fieldbus, Ethernet and Wireless.
Characteristics of Dust Cloud Formation
Authors: Li Xinguang , Shi Jianye , Radandt Siegfried
Published: April 2013

Dust concentration and turbulence measurements are basic and important measurements in process industry for dust explosion prevention and protection. In this paper' principles of measurement, measured data of dust concentration and flow field from large scale test site and factories under real working conditions, dust concentration and turbulence patterns are presented, and a method of determination of characteristics of dust cloud formation was introduced.
Forensic Science: Roadside Drug Testing
Authors: Carlin Michelle
Published: April 2013

With drug abuse proving to be a continuing problem in society, it is no surprise that the detection of such abuse is an issue of importance. No more so than in the case of detection of drug impaired driving where the lives of many people may be placed at risk. With established method detection procedures and devices in place for alcohol, analytical chemists and other scientists are focussing their efforts on establishing analytical cut-offs and devices for the detection of drugs at the roadside. In this paper, the challenges faced in such a search are discussed. The main concerns arise from the choice of biological sample, the sampling methods employed, the device used for detection, and the cut-offs or detection limits for the devices. With many commercially available kits on the market, and none meeting the required standards at this time, a search for alternative methods is on going. Microfluidic devices may prove useful in this search however, more research is required in this area.
Forensic Science: The Future of Body Fluid Identification
Authors: Carr Sophie
Published: April 2013

At present, the scientific techniques and tests available to locate and identify particular body fluids are both time consuming and destructive in nature. Technological advances have led the way to rapid, miniaturised, DNA analysis with the ability to obtain a DNA profile from a small number of cells. Forensic science is calling for assistance to develop current body fluid detection capabilities in line with the advances of DNA and the requirements of the criminal justice system.
Energy and Exergy Measurement for Papermaking Processes
Authors: Tao Jinsong , Li Jigeng , Liu Huanbin , Yin Yongjin , KongPulp Lingbo
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a three-phase energy model for the measurement and analysis of energy system in papermaking processes. A new classification and implementation procedure is made for the three-phase modelling. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modelling technique, a paper mill has been taken as an example where the energy and exergy efficiencies have been obtained and the potential production units for energy saving have been identified and the improvement on the efficiency of energy usage in the mill is presented. The result shows that the proposed three-phase model can provide a quantitative analysis tool for the assessment of the energy system in papermaking.
Quality Standards and Regulation: Challenges for Digital Forensics
Authors: Marshall Angus M.
Published: April 2013

Concern over the quality of science and scientists has led to a number of recommendations from the judiciary and government bodies. The Forensic Science Regulator, appointed within the Home Office, has produced a draft Code of Practice for Forensic Science Providers to the criminal justice system (CJS) with accompanying annexes for guidance in specific disciplines. All Forensic Science Providers (FSPs) are required to comply with the code of practice by 2013.

The annex for digital evidence adopts existing principles of good practice and extends them to include a requirement for demonstration of fitness for purpose in the context of the CJS. The industry, however, has identified that a proper definition of purpose is likely to be quite complex and must embark on a programme of research in order to fully define this before fitness can be demonstrated.
Dryer Section Energy System Measurement and Energy-Saving Potential Analysis for a Paper Machine
Authors: Li Jigeng , Kong Lingbo , Liu Huanbin
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a detailed dryer section audit was conducted on a paper machine to evaluate its energy performance. The methodology and instruments used for field measurements are introduced as an important part of dryer audit. The deficiency points which limit drying performance of the paper machine are identified based on the tested data. It was found that significant energy savings can be achieved in the studied paper machine.
HiTeMS: A Pan-European Project to Solve High Temperature Measurement Problems in Industry
Authors: Machin Graham
Published: April 2013

In my previous article [1] I discussed some of the innovations that are taking place at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in improving high temperature measurement. Starting with the current defined temperature scale ITS-90 [2, 3], I introduced the concepts of high-temperature fixed points [4], new types of thermocouple for use to 1500°C [5, 6] and developments in self-validation for contact thermometry sensors [7] and showed that high temperature measurement is undergoing a quiet revolution throughout the measurement chain. Here I want to set the work at NPL in a broader context of developments in the European Union (EU), again led from NPL, through the European Metrology Research Programme project “HiTeMS: High Temperature Measurement Solutions for Industry”.
Aviation and a Widening of the Institute's Interests
Authors: McLean Donald
Published: April 2013

The Learned Society Board of the Institute has recently authorised the establishment of a new Aviation Panel for a period of three years. It has been felt for a number of years that the Institute has not been sufficiently prominent in the advancement of the considerable use and application of measurement techniques and control technology which is made in aviation. Here Professor McLean — the Chairman of the new Aviation Panel — provides an insight into the nature of aviation today; indicates what is likely to happen in this important field in the next ten years; and goes on to discuss the objectives, proposed membership and activities of the Institute's new Panel.
Capturing the pupil voice of secondary gifted and talented students who had attended an enrichment programme in their infant school
Authors: Houghton Chris
Published: April 2013

The study was conducted during the Easter holidays of 2010 at Rawmarsh City Learning Centre with 16 students from school years 8 to 11 who had participated, during their infant years, in a gifted and talented Key Stage One Enrichment Cluster. The students represented a wide range of backgrounds, and five were identified as being on the autistic spectrum. The Enrichment Cluster was known as original ways of learning through enrichment technology and socialisation (OWLETS). OWLETS aimed to address the lack of provision for exceptionally able young children, while supporting them in overcoming any weaknesses in relation to socialisation or engagement. The cluster design was inspired by Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The study investigated the students’ perspective of key features of their experiences at OWLETS and throughout their subsequent education, examining their views on learning and teaching, and was facilitated by the production of a video with student voices spoken by avatars. Findings showed that those with additional special needs preferred primary school and described struggles in secondary; the other 11 students were more positive about secondary education than primary. All the students viewed opportunities for personalised learning and effective teacher–student relationships as key, and they suggested that children who demonstrate exceptional ability benefit from opportunities to socialise and work collaboratively with similarly gifted peers throughout all stages of education. The study indicated that Renzulli’s model, in this simple format, has the potential to enrich a whole-school approach, meeting the needs of all children including the exceptionally able.
ACL Reconstruction in Patients Aged 40 Years and Older
Authors: Brown Christopher A. , McAdams Timothy R. , Harris Alex H.S. , Maffulli Nicola , Safran Marc R.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee in older patients remains a core debate.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of studies that assessed outcomes in patients aged 40 years and older treated with ACL reconstruction and to provide a new methodological scoring system that is directed at critical assessment of studies evaluating ACL surgical outcomes: the ACL Methodology Score (AMS).

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed from 1995 to 2012 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria for studies were primary ACL injury, patient age of 40 years and older, and mean follow-up of at least 21 months after reconstruction. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria from the 371 abstracts from MEDLINE and 880 abstracts from Scopus. Clinical outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Lysholm, and Tegner activity scores), joint stability measures (Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and instrumented knee arthrometer assessment), graft type, complications, and reported chondral or meniscal injury were evaluated in this review. A new methodology scoring system was developed to be specific at critically analyzing ACL outcome studies and used to examine each study design.

Results:

Nineteen studies describing 627 patients (632 knees; mean age, 49.0 years; range, 42.6-60.0 years) were included in the review. The mean time to surgery was 32.0 months (range, 2.9-88.0 months), with a mean follow-up of 40.2 months (range, 21.0-114.0 months). The IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores and knee laxity assessment indicated favorable results in the studies that reported these outcomes. Patients did not demonstrate a significant difference between graft types and functional outcome scores or stability assessment. The mean AMS was 43.9 ± 7.2 (range, 33.5-57.5). The level of evidence rating did not positively correlate with the AMS, which suggests that the new AMS system may be able to detect errors in methodology or reporting that may not be taken into account by the classic level of evidence rating.

Conclusion:

Patients aged 40 years and older with an ACL injury can have satisfactory outcomes after reconstruction. However, the quality of currently available data is still limited, such that further well-designed studies are needed to determine long-term efficacy and to better inform our patients with regard to expected outcomes.