bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse Auto-Calibration for Radar Coincidence Imaging with Gain-Phase Errors
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Wang Hongqiang , Cheng Yongqiang , Qin Yuliang
Published: November 2015

Radar coincidence imaging (RCI) is a high-resolution staring imaging technique without the limitation of relative motion between target and radar. The sparsity-driven approaches are commonly used in RCI, while the prior knowledge of imaging models needs to be known accurately. However, as one of the major model errors, the gain-phase error exists generally, and may cause inaccuracies of the model and defocus the image. In the present report, the sparse auto-calibration method is proposed to compensate the gain-phase error in RCI. The method can determine the gain-phase error as part of the imaging process. It uses an iterative algorithm, which cycles through steps of target reconstruction and gain-phase error estimation, where orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) and Newton’s method are used, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed method can improve the imaging quality significantly and estimate the gain-phase error accurately.
A Mixed Approach to Similarity Metric Selection in Affinity Propagation-Based WiFi Fingerprinting Indoor Positioning
Authors: Caso Giuseppe , De Nardis Luca , Di Benedetto Maria-Gabriella
Published: November 2015

The weighted k-nearest neighbors (WkNN) algorithm is by far the most popular choice in the design of fingerprinting indoor positioning systems based on WiFi received signal strength (RSS). WkNN estimates the position of a target device by selecting k reference points (RPs) based on the similarity of their fingerprints with the measured RSS values. The position of the target device is then obtained as a weighted sum of the positions of the k RPs. Two-step WkNN positioning algorithms were recently proposed, in which RPs are divided into clusters using the affinity propagation clustering algorithm, and one representative for each cluster is selected. Only cluster representatives are then considered during the position estimation, leading to a significant computational complexity reduction compared to traditional, flat WkNN. Flat and two-step WkNN share the issue of properly selecting the similarity metric so as to guarantee good positioning accuracy: in two-step WkNN, in particular, the metric impacts three different steps in the position estimation, that is cluster formation, cluster selection and RP selection and weighting. So far, however, the only similarity metric considered in the literature was the one proposed in the original formulation of the affinity propagation algorithm. This paper fills this gap by comparing different metrics and, based on this comparison, proposes a novel mixed approach in which different metrics are adopted in the different steps of the position estimation procedure. The analysis is supported by an extensive experimental campaign carried out in a multi-floor 3D indoor positioning testbed. The impact of similarity metrics and their combinations on the structure and size of the resulting clusters, 3D positioning accuracy and computational complexity are investigated. Results show that the adoption of metrics different from the one proposed in the original affinity propagation algorithm and, in particular, the combination of different metrics can significantly improve the positioning accuracy while preserving the efficiency in computational complexity typical of two-step algorithms.
From Indicators to Policies: Open Sustainability Assessment in the Water and Sanitation Sector
Authors: Iribarnegaray Martín , D’Andrea María , Rodriguez-Alvarez María , Hernández María , Brannstrom Christian , Seghezzo Lucas
Published: November 2015

A water and sanitation sustainability index (WASSI) was developed and estimated in four cities of the province of Salta, in northern Argentina. The index was built with nine descriptors and fifteen indicators that covered all essential aspects of the sustainability of local water and sanitation management systems. Only one of the cities studied obtained a sustainability value above the acceptability threshold adopted (50 of 100 points). Results indicate that the water company needs to address some environmental and social issues to enhance the sustainability of the systems studied. The WASSI was conceptually robust and operationally simple, and could be easily adapted to the case studies. The index can be followed and updated online on a web site specially developed for this project. This website could be useful to promote participatory processes, assist decision makers, and facilitate academic research. According to local stakeholders, a more open sustainability assessment based on sustainability indices and supported by virtual tools would be relevant and highly feasible. It would help decision makers improve the sustainability and transparency of water and sanitation management systems, and promote more sustainable water policies in the region and beyond.
Acupoint Injection of Onabotulinumtoxin A for Migraines
Authors: Hou Min , Xie Jun-Fan , Kong Xiang-Pan , Zhang Yi , Shao Yu-Feng , Wang Can , Ren Wen-Ting , Cui Guang-Fu , Xin Le , Hou Yi-Ping
Published: November 2015

Onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNTA) has been reported to be effective in the therapy for migraines. Acupuncture has been used worldwide for the treatment of migraine attacks. Injection of a small amount of drug at acupuncture points is an innovation as compared to traditional acupuncture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of fixed (muscle)-site and acupoint-site injections of BoNTA for migraine therapy in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial extending over four months. Subjects with both episodic and chronic migraines respectively received a placebo (n = 19) or BoNTA (2.5 U each site, 25 U per subject) injection at fixed-sites (n = 41) including occipitofrontalis, corrugator supercilii, temporalis and trapeziue, or at acupoint-sites (n = 42) including Yintang (EX-HN3), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Baihui (GV20), Shuaigu (GB8), Fengchi (GB20) and Tianzhu (BL10). The variations between baseline and BoNTA post-injection for four months were calculated monthly as outcome measures. BoNTA injections at fixed-sites and acupoint-sites significantly reduced the migraine attack frequency, intensity, duration and associated symptoms for four months compared with placebo (p < 0.01). The efficacy of BoNTA for migraines in the acupoint-site group (93% improvement) was more significant than that in the fixed-site group (85% improvement) (p < 0.01). BoNTA administration for migraines is effective, and at acupoint-sites shows more efficacy than at fixed-sites. Further blinded studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of a low dose toxin (25 U) introduced with this methodology in chronic and episodic migraines.
Honeybee Venom Proteome Profile of Queens and Winter Bees as Determined by a Mass Spectrometric Approach
Authors: Danneels Ellen , Van Vaerenbergh Matthias , Debyser Griet , Devreese Bart , De Graaf Dirk
Published: November 2015

Venoms of invertebrates contain an enormous diversity of proteins, peptides, and other classes of substances. Insect venoms are characterized by a large interspecific variation resulting in extended lists of venom compounds. The venom composition of several hymenopterans also shows different intraspecific variation. For instance, venom from different honeybee castes, more specifically queens and workers, shows quantitative and qualitative variation, while the environment, like seasonal changes, also proves to be an important factor. The present study aimed at an in-depth analysis of the intraspecific variation in the honeybee venom proteome. In summer workers, the recent list of venom proteins resulted from merging combinatorial peptide ligand library sample pretreatment and targeted tandem mass spectrometry realized with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS/MS). Now, the same technique was used to determine the venom proteome of queens and winter bees, enabling us to compare it with that of summer bees. In total, 34 putative venom toxins were found, of which two were never described in honeybee venoms before. Venom from winter workers did not contain toxins that were not present in queens or summer workers, while winter worker venom lacked the allergen Api m 12, also known as vitellogenin. Venom from queen bees, on the other hand, was lacking six of the 34 venom toxins compared to worker bees, while it contained two new venom toxins, in particularly serine proteinase stubble and antithrombin-III. Although people are hardly stung by honeybees during winter or by queen bees, these newly identified toxins should be taken into account in the characterization of a putative allergic response against Apis mellifera stings.
Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue on Plant Toxins
Authors: Tumer Nilgun
Published: November 2015

Plants express a variety of toxic proteins which are thought to have a role in defense against pathogens and insects. [...]
The challenges of sustainability in business: how governments may ensure sustainability for offshore firms
Authors: AL-AMIN Abul Quasem , FILHO Walter Leal , KABIR M. A.
Published: November 2015

This study illustrates some of the challenges of sustainability for businesses and the probable causes of these challenges in relation to Malaysian offshore firms. This study highlights the possible links between business sustainability in the existing types of offshore outsourcing business environments and their failure to transform themselves to adopt best practices. The results of the statistical techniques used to quantify long-term business sustainability indicate that the age of firms has a weak relationship with sustainability and environmental practices (–0.075) and offshore outsourcing issues (0.074). Our study simulations suggest that government support amounting to 5% of export earnings would ensure offshore investment sustainability in the long term, compared to existing situations. The findings also highlight that this percentage could gradually be increased by 10%, 15% or even 20%, subject to different levels of offshore operations, outsourcing prospects, export earnings, performance and economic development.
Accelerometer Quantification of Physical Activity and Activity Patterns in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Population Controls
Authors: van Genderen Simon , Boonen Annelies , van der Heijde Désirée , Heuft Liesbeth , Luime Jolanda , Spoorenberg Anneke , Arends Suzanne , Landewé Robert , Plasqui Guy
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To compare the total amount of physical activity (TPA) and time spent in various activity intensities of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and population controls, and to explore factors related to physical activity (PA).

Methods.

Subjects were asked to wear a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days and to complete a series of questionnaires. Multivariable regressions were used to assess generic determinants of TPA in patients and controls, and in patients to explore demographic and disease-specific determinants of various PA intensities.

Results.

One hundred and thirty-five patients [51 ± 13 yrs, 60% men, body mass index (BMI) 26.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2] and 99 controls (45 ± 12 yrs, 67% men, BMI 25.1 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were included. Patients did not differ from controls regarding TPA (589 vs 608 vector count/min, p = 0.98), minutes/day spent in sedentary (524 vs 541, p = 0.17), and light PA (290 vs 290 p = 0.95), but spent fewer minutes/day in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; 23 vs 30 min/day, p = 0.006). Perceived functional ability (physical component summary of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36) and BMI were associated with TPA independent of having AS (p interaction = 0.21 and 0.94, respectively). Additional analyses in patients showed that time spent in MVPA was negatively influenced by BMI, physical function (Bath AS Functional Index), and disease duration. In patients ≥ 52 years old, a higher Bath AS Disease Activity Index was associated with less time spent in sedentary and more time spent in light activities.

Conclusion.

Compared with controls, patients with AS had similar TPA, but may avoid engagement in higher intensities of PA. Lower levels of functional ability and higher BMI were associated with lower TPA in both patients and controls.
Association of Body Mass Index Categories with Disease Activity and Radiographic Joint Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: Vidal Celine , Barnetche Thomas , Morel Jacques , Combe Bernard , Daïen Claire
Published: November 2015

Objective.

Obesity and overweight are increasing conditions. Adipose tissue with proinflammatory properties could be involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity and radiographic progression. This study aims to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on RA activity and severity.

Methods.

We conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess the association of body mass index (BMI) categories with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), functional disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)], and radiographic joint damage in patients with RA. We searched Medline through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for all studies assessing DAS28, HAQ, or/and radiographic damage according to predefined BMI groups.

Results.

Among the 737 citations retrieved, 58 articles met the inclusion criteria and 7 were included in the metaanalysis. DAS28 was higher in obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) than non-obese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2) patients (mean difference 0.14, 95% CI 0.01–0.27, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%). HAQ score was also higher among obese patients (mean difference 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.19, p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). Radiographic joint damage was negatively associated with obesity (standardized mean difference −0.15, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.02, p = 0.03, I2 = 38%).

Conclusion.

Obesity in RA is associated with increased DAS28 and HAQ score and with lower radiographic joint damage. These associations mainly result from an increase of subjective components of the DAS28 (total joint count and global health assessment) in obese patients. Conflicting results were reported concerning inflammation markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
CanVasc Recommendations for the Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody-associated Vasculitides
Authors: McGeoch Lucy , Twilt Marinka , Famorca Leilani , Bakowsky Volodko , Barra Lillian , Benseler Susan M. , Cabral David A. , Carette Simon , Cox Gerald P. , Dhindsa Navjot , Dipchand Christine S. , Fifi-Mah Aurore , Goulet Michelle , Khalidi Nader , Khraishi Majed M. , Liang Patrick , Milman Nataliya , Pineau Christian A. , Reich Heather N. , Samadi Nooshin , Shojania Kam , Taylor-Gjevre Regina , Towheed Tanveer E. , Trudeau Judith , Walsh Michael , Yacyshyn Elaine , Pagnoux Christian ,   for The Canadian Vasculitis Research Network
Published: November 2015

Objective.

The Canadian Vasculitis research network (CanVasc) is composed of physicians from different medical specialties and researchers with expertise in vasculitis. One of its aims is to develop recommendations for the diagnosis and management of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) in Canada.

Methods.

Diagnostic and therapeutic questions were developed based on the results of a national needs assessment survey. A systematic review of existing non-Canadian recommendations and guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AAV and studies of AAV published after the 2009 European League Against Rheumatism/European Vasculitis Society recommendations (publication date: January 2009) until November 2014 was performed in the Medline database, Cochrane library, and main vasculitis conference proceedings. Quality of supporting evidence for each therapeutic recommendation was graded. The full working group as well as additional reviewers, including patients, reviewed the developed therapeutic recommendations and nontherapeutic statements using a modified 2-step Delphi technique and through discussion to reach consensus.

Results.

Nineteen recommendations and 17 statements addressing general AAV diagnosis and management were developed, as well as appendices for practical use, for rheumatologists, nephrologists, respirologists, general internists, and all other healthcare professionals more occasionally involved in the management of patients with AAV in community and academic practice settings.

Conclusion.

These recommendations were developed based on a synthesis of existing international guidelines, other published supporting evidence, and expert consensus considering the Canadian healthcare context, with the intention of promoting best practices and improving healthcare delivery for patients with AAV.
Safety and Efficacy of Belimumab to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Academic Clinical Practices
Authors: Hui-Yuen Joyce S. , Reddy Arthi , Taylor Jennifer , Li Xiaoqing , Eichenfield Andrew H. , Bermudez Liza M. , Starr Amy J. , Imundo Lisa F. , Buyon Jill , Furie Richard A. , Kamen Diane L. , Manzi Susan , Petri Michelle , Ramsey-Goldman Rosalind , van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , Wallace Daniel J. , Askanase Anca
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To evaluate the use and efficacy of belimumab in academic practices. Belimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits soluble B lymphocyte stimulator and has been approved for the treatment of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

Invitations to participate and complete a 1-page questionnaire for each patient prescribed belimumab were sent to 16 physicians experienced in SLE phase III clinical trials. The outcome was defined as the physician’s impression of improvement in the initial manifestation(s) being treated without worsening in other organ systems.

Results.

Of 195 patients treated with belimumab at 10 academic centers, 96% were taking background medications for SLE at initiation of belimumab, with 74% taking corticosteroids. The main indications for initiation of belimumab were arthritis, rash, and/or worsening serologic activity, with 30% of patients unable to taper corticosteroids. Of the 120 patients taking belimumab for at least 6 months, 51% responded clinically and 67% had ≥ 25% improvement in laboratory values. While numbers are limited, black patients showed improvement at 6 months. In a subset of 39 patients with childhood-onset SLE, 65% responded favorably at 6 months, and 35% discontinued corticosteroids.

Conclusion.

Our data demonstrate favorable clinical and laboratory outcomes in patients with SLE at 6 months across all racial and ethnic groups, with similar improvement seen among patients with childhood-onset SLE.
Clinical and Economic Burden of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–associated Vasculitis in the United States
Authors: Raimundo Karina , Farr Amanda M. , Kim Gilwan , Duna George
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To describe the prevalence of major relapse and healthcare costs among patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA); to find patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in administrative databases, because no MPA diagnosis code exists; and to describe the clinical and economic burden associated with MPA.

Methods.

Adults (≥ 18 yrs) with ≥ 2 diagnoses of GPA [International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM 446.4)] during 2009–2013 were extracted from the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases. Evidence of major relapse (based on the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) and healthcare costs were collected during 12-month and 24-month followup periods. Adults with ≥ 2 diagnoses of unspecified arteritis (ICD-9-CM 447.6) were found as potential patients with MPA and additional criteria based on clinical input were applied to refine the sample. Major relapse-associated conditions and healthcare costs in the 6 months pre- and post-diagnosis were measured. Costs were inflated to 2013 US$.

Results.

A total of 2784 patients with GPA were found and 18.7% experienced a major relapse in the 12-month followup period. The patients with a major relapse incurred higher average all-cause (12-month: $88,065 vs $30,682; p < 0.0001) and GPA-related costs (12-month: $61,636 vs $15,748; p < 0.0001) than patients without a relapse. Trends were consistent over the 24-month followup period. There were 612 incident patients with MPA. Following MPA diagnosis, healthcare costs nearly doubled ($30,166 vs $56,642; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

In a real-world setting, patients with GPA who experience major relapse have higher economic burden, compared to patients without a relapse. MPA diagnosis was associated with nearly a 2-fold increase in healthcare costs.
A STRATEGY FOR ENERGY PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AT THE EARLY DESIGN STAGE: PREDICTED VS. ACTUAL BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Authors: Aksamija Ajla
Published: November 2015

Developments in information technology are providing methods to improve current design practices, where uncertainties about various design elements can be simulated and studied from the design inception. Energy and thermal simulations, improved design representations and enhanced collaboration using digital media are increasingly being used. With the expanding interest in energy-efficient building design, whole building energy simulation programs are increasingly employed in the design process to help architects and engineers determine which design strategies save energy and improve building performance. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential of these programs to perform whole building energy analysis during the early stages of architectural design, and compare the results with the actual building energy performance. The research was conducted by simulating energy usage of a fully functional research laboratory building using two different simulation tools that are aimed for early schematic design. The results were compared with utility data of the building to identify the degree of closeness with which simulation results match the actual energy usage of the building. Results indicate that modeled energy data from one of the software programs was significantly higher than the measured, actual energy usage data, while the results from the second application were comparable, but did not correctly predict monthly energy loads for the building. This suggests that significant deviations may exist between modeled and actual energy consumption for buildings, and more importantly between different simulation software programs. Understanding the limitations and suitability of specific simulation programs is crucial for successful integration of performance simulations with the design process.
ASSESSING THE LINK BETWEEN PUBLIC OPINION AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN BUILDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Authors: Valentin Vanessa , Bogus Susan M.
Published: November 2015

Increasing the use of social sustainability in the decision-making process for building and infrastructure projects requires that it be defined such that it can be evaluated objectively. One potential indicator of social sustainability in infrastructure projects is public opinion, which can provide a means to evaluate the level of social sustainability on a project based on personal values. Public opinion includes both support and opposition for a project. In this study, the causes or triggers for public opposition to a construction project are identified and then compared to principles of social sustainability to determine if they are related. Eight case study projects were used to identify common triggers of public opposition. The results suggest that common triggers of public opposition are related to land acquisition, escalating construction costs and the presence of endangered species on the project site. Eight of the twelve principles of social sustainability that were identified were determined to be related to public opposition. The results of this study suggest that public opposition could be used as a measure for some elements of social sustainability but that further research into other measures for social sustainability is necessary.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO TENANT ORGANIZATIONS' WILLINGNESS-TO-PAY FOR THE INTANGIBLE VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS: CASE STUDY IN SINGAPORE
Authors: Lee Irene Y. L. , Chen Huiyu , Tiong Robert L. K.
Published: November 2015

This research aims to understand the demand for sustainable buildings by investigating the tenant organizations' willingness-to-pay (WTP) behavior towards the value-added benefits (VABs). Tenant organizations refer to tenants operating in office buildings on tenancy agreement. Six groups of factors of tenant organizations' WTP for the VABs are identified: (1) Organization Characteristics, (2) Current Premises, (3) Building Characteristics, (4) Satisfaction of the VABs Experienced, (5) Perception, and (6) Knowledge of Sustainability Issues, Building Sustainability Rating Systems and Building Impacts. A survey was conducted on the tenant organizations operating in office buildings located in the city area of Singapore. The hypothesized relationship between the tenant organizations' WTP for the VABs and its factors were tested using a series of statistical techniques on the data collected from the survey. It is found that older tenant organizations tend to have lower WTP for the VABs of improved health and comfort of their employees. Generally, tenant organizations also have demand for sustainable buildings mainly due to the positive organizational image that sustainable buildings help to project. In addition, it is found that the current building sustainability rating systems are inadequate for communicating the sustainability benefits to building occupants and for achieving building sustainability. Lastly, the investigation reveals that the use of sustainable technologies is not as important as how the building is being managed during its operational stage for ensuring building sustainability performance. The findings from this study are useful for channeling the sustainability efforts of the building industry to more effective areas.
Foreign bodies in dried mushrooms marketed in Italy
Authors: Schiavo Maria Rita , Manno Claudia , Zimmardi Antonina , Vodret Bruna , Tilocca Maria Giovanna , Altissimi Serena , Haouet Naceur M.
Published: November 2015

The presence of physical contaminants in mushrooms affects marketability of these products and may result in health risk. Entomological contaminations were investigated by macro and microscopic analytical methods so called filth-test. Ten samples of dried mushrooms collected in supermarkets were examined for a total of 49 determinations (15 g of the vegetable matrix). The selection on the imported product already dried, by visual examination, it is not sufficient to ensure a selection of product free of contaminants whereas microscopic method resulted to be more effective to detect impurities. In our study filth test confirmed an irregular distribution of physical contaminants within the repeated determinations of the same sample. The inspection of fresh or dried mushrooms today plays an important role as a result of the significant increase in the consumption of this kind of food: a more appropriate EU regulations and labelling of these products is today recommended.
A Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis foodborne outbreak after consumption of homemade lasagne
Authors: Vencia Walter , Gariano Grazia Rosaria , Bianchi Daniela Manila , Zuccon Fabio , Sommariva Marco , Nguon Bovannrith , Malabaila Aurelio , Gallina Silvia , Decastelli Lucia
Published: November 2015

In the latest year, and also in 2013, Salmonella was the most frequently detected causative agent in foodborne outbreaks (FBOs) reported in Europe. As indicated in EFSA report (2015) the serotypes mostly associated to FBOs are S. Typhimurium and Enteritidis; while Salmonella Typhimurium is generally associated with the consumption of contaminated pork and beef, FBOs due to Salmonella Enteritidis are linked to eggs and poultry meat. In this study it is described the investigation of a domestic FBO involving four adults and linked to homemade lasagne. Investigations were performed to determine the relatedness of Salmonella strains, identify the sources of infection, and trace the routes of Salmonella contamination in this FBO. Salmonella strains were isolated in 3 out of 4 patient stool samples and from lasagne and all of them were serotyped as S. Enteritidis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed the genotypical similarity of the all the strains. Although serotyping and PFGE analysis identified the common food source of infection in this FBO, it was not possible to determine how or at what point during food preparation the lasagne became contaminated with Salmonella.
25th National Congress of the Italian Association of Veterinary Food Hygienists | Sorrento, 28-30 October 2015
Authors: Cortesi Maria Luisa , De Santis Enrico Pietro Luigi , Giuffrida Alessandro , Ianieri Adriana
Published: November 2015

This abstract book contains the abstracts presented at the 25th National Congress of the Italian Association of Veterinary Food Hygienists | Sorrento, Italy, 28-30 October 2015
A Perspective of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer: Lessons Learned and Forward Directions for All Cancers
Authors: Nahas George R. , Walker Nykia D. , Bryan Margarette , Rameshwar Pranela
Published: November 2015

Immunotherapy for cancer has been a focus 50 years ago. At the time, this treatment was developed prior to cloning of the cytokines, no knowledge of regulatory T-cells, and very little information that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (originally colony forming unit-fibroblasts [CFU-F]) could be licensed by the inflammatory microenvironment to suppress an immune response. Given the information available at that time, mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood were activated ex vivo and then replaced in the patients with tumor. The intent was to harness these activated immune cells to target the cancer cells. These studies did not lead to long-term responses because the activated cells when reinfused into the patients were an advantage to the resident MSCs, which can home the tumor and then become suppressive in the presence of the immune cells. The immune suppression caused by MSCs would also expand regulatory T-cells, resulting instead in tumor protection. As time progressed, these different fields converged into a new approach to use immunotherapy for cancer. This article discusses these approaches and also reviews chimeric antigen receptor in the context of future treatments for solid tumors, including breast cancer.
Using Disease-Associated Coding Sequence Variation to Investigate Functional Compensation by Human Paralogous Proteins
Authors: Miura Sayaka , Tate Stephanie , Kumar Sudhir
Published: November 2015

Gene duplication enables the functional diversification in species. It is thought that duplicated genes may be able to compensate if the function of one of the gene copies is disrupted. This possibility is extensively debated with some studies reporting proteome-wide compensation, whereas others suggest functional compensation among only recent gene duplicates or no compensation at all. We report results from a systematic molecular evolutionary analysis to test the predictions of the functional compensation hypothesis. We contrasted the density of Mendelian disease-associated single nucleotide variants (dSNVs) in proteins with no discernable paralogs (singletons) with the dSNV density in proteins found in multigene families. Under the functional compensation hypothesis, we expected to find greater numbers of dSNVs in singletons due to the lack of any compensating partners. Our analyses produced an opposite pattern; paralogs have over 35% higher dSNV density than singletons. We found that these patterns are concordant with similar differences in the rates of amino acid evolution (ie, functional constraints), as the proteins with paralogs have evolved 33% slower than singletons. Our evolutionary constraint explanation is robust to differences in family sizes, ages (young vs. old duplicates), and degrees of amino acid sequence similarities among paralogs. Therefore, disease-associated human variation does not exhibit significant signals of functional compensation among paralogous proteins, but rather an evolutionary constraint hypothesis provides a better explanation for the observed patterns of disease-associated and neutral polymorphisms in the human genome.
Serum Biopterin and Neopterin Levels as Predictors of Empty Follicles
Authors: Hamuro Akihiro , Tachibana Daisuke , Misugi Takuya , Katayama Hiroko , Ozaki Koji , Fujino Yuji , Yoshihiro Nakamura , Shintaku Haruo , Koyama Masayasu
Published: November 2015

Objective

This study measured serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of biopterin, neopterin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in patients receiving mild ovarian stimulation for oocyte retrieval.

Patients and Methods

Infertile patients who underwent ovarian stimulation were divided into the following: Group 1, no oocyte retrieval ( n = 12), and Group 2, retrieval of more than four oocytes ( n = 13). Median total gonadotropin dose in both groups was 150 IU. Biopterin and neopterin levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. VEGF and M-CSF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Compared to Group 2, serum and FF levels of neopterin and VEGF and serum levels of M-CSF were significantly increased, and serum and FF levels of biopterin were significantly decreased in Group 1 ( P < 0.05 each).

Conclusion

Biopterin and neopterin levels showed similar differences in FF and serum of patients with empty follicles. Decreased biopterin and increased neopterin in serum could predict poor oocyte retrieval.
Большая теорема Эмха и комбинаторное доказательство теоремы Понселе
Authors: Avksentyev Evgeny Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2015

Исследуется взаимосвязь классических теорем о замыкании (Понселе, Штейнера, Эмха, о зигзаге) и некоторых их обобщений. Известно, что наиболее общей из них является теорема Эмха, остальные следуют из нее в виде частных случаев. В работе доказано обобщение теоремы Эмха на пучки окружностей, которое (по аналогии с большой теоремой Понселе) можно назвать большой теоремой Эмха. Показано, что большие теоремы Эмха и Понселе равносильны и выводятся друг из друга средствами элементарной геометрии и что обе эти теоремы верны в плоскости Лобачевского. Также получена новая теорема о замыкании, в которой конструкция замыкания устроена несколько сложнее: замыкание происходит на переменной окружности, касающейся двух фиксированных. В заключительной части работы приводится комбинаторное доказательство теоремы Понселе - вывод принципа замыкания для произвольного числа шагов из принципа для трех шагов средствами комбинаторики и теории чисел.
Библиография: 20 названий.
Кольца коэффициентов формальных групп
Authors: Buchstaber Victor Matveevich , Ustinov Alexey Vladimirovich
Published: November 2015

Описаны кольца коэффициентов универсальных формальных групповых законов, которые играют важную роль в алгебраической геометрии, алгебраической топологии и их приложениях в математической физике. Построены гомоморфизмы этих колец, соответствующие редукциям одного вида группового закона к другому. Доказательства опираются на теоретико-числовые свойства биномиальных коэффициентов.
Библиография: 37 названий.
El Laboratorio de Virtualización 3D de Idaho
Authors: Holmer Nicholas A. , Clement Nicholas , Dehart Kaitlyn , Maschner Herbert , Pruitt Jesse , Schlader Robert , Van Walsum Myriam
Published: November 2015

Three dimensional (3D) virtualization and visualization is an important component of industry, art, museum curation and cultural heritage, yet the step by step process of 3D virtualization has been little discussed. Here we review the Idaho Virtualization Laboratory’s (IVL) process of virtualizing a cultural heritage item (artifact) from start to finish. Each step is thoroughly explained and illustrated including how the object and its metadata are digitally preserved and ultimately distributed to the world.
Fuentes de color mejoradas para el modelado tridimensional de artefactos arqueológicos de tamaño medio localizados in situ.
Authors: Apollonio Fabrizio I. , Ballabeni Massimo , Gaiani Marco
Published: November 2015

The paper describes a color enhanced processing system - applied as case study on an artifact of the Pompeii archaeological area - developed in order to enhance different techniques for reality-based 3D models construction and visualization of archaeological artifacts. This processing allows rendering reflectance properties with perceptual fidelity on a consumer display and presents two main improvements over existing techniques: a. the color definition of the archaeological artifacts; b. the comparison between the range-based and photogrammetry-based pipelines to understand the limits of use and suitability to specific objects.
Reconstrucción visual (gráfica, ilustrada y digital) del Templo Hampi
Authors: Natampally Meera
Published: November 2015

The existing temple complex in Hampi, Karnataka, India was extensively studied, analyzed and documented. The complex was measured-drawn and digitized by plotting its edges and vertices using AutoCAD to generate 2d drawings. The graphic 2d elements developed were extended into 3 dimensional objects using Google sketch-up. The tool has been used to facilitate the visual re-construction to achieve the architecture of the temple in its original form. 3D virtual modelling / visual reconstruction helps us to visualize the structure in its original form giving a holistic picture of the Vijayanagara Empire in all its former glory. The project is interpreted graphically using Auto-CAD drawings, pictorially, digitally using Sketch-Up model and Kinect.
Restitución virtual de la muralla romana de León: una visión diacrónica
Authors: Morillo Ángel , Mendo Oihan , Prieto Diego , Duprado Gema , Bonacasa Silvia
Published: November 2015

The Roman wall, of rectangular plan and rounded corners, following the canonical military model, is the major evidence of the fortress built by the Legion VII Gemina in León in 74 AD. The archaeological interventions developed throughout the decades have confirmed that the defensive system consists of two adjacent walls: the first one dates back to the Low Empire, while the other, attached to the previous one by its external face, is dated Late Third to Early Fourth century AD. We, too, must add an internal rampart (agger) corresponding to a previous defensive system. The 3D virtual restitution we have undertaken allows us to contemplate, with further detail, the features of this almost 20 meters wide constructive complex that has conditioned the urban development of the city of León.
Biotic stress accelerates formation of climate-relevant aerosols in boreal forests
Authors: Joutsensaari J. , Yli-Pirilä P. , Korhonen H. , Arola A. , Blande J. D. , Heijari J. , Kivimäenpää M. , Mikkonen S. , Hao L. , Miettinen P. , Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa P. , Faiola C. L. , Laaksonen A. , Holopainen J. K.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Boreal forests are a major source of climate-relevant biogenic secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) and will be greatly influenced by increasing temperature. Global warming is predicted to not only increase emissions of reactive biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from vegetation directly but also induce large-scale insect outbreaks, which significantly increase emissions of reactive BVOCs. Thus, climate change factors could substantially accelerate the formation of biogenic SOAs in the troposphere. In this study, we have combined results from field and laboratory experiments, satellite observations and global-scale modelling in order to evaluate the effects of insect herbivory and large-scale outbreaks on SOA formation and the Earth's climate. Field measurements demonstrated 11-fold and 20-fold increases in monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions respectively from damaged trees during a pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) outbreak in eastern Finland. Laboratory chamber experiments showed that feeding by pine weevils (Hylobius abietis) increased VOC emissions from Scots pine and Norway spruce seedlings by 10–50 fold, resulting in 200–1000-fold increases in SOA masses formed via ozonolysis. The influence of insect damage on aerosol concentrations in boreal forests was studied with a global chemical transport model GLOMAP and MODIS satellite observations. Global-scale modelling was performed using a 10-fold increase in monoterpene emission rates and assuming 10 % of the boreal forest area was experiencing outbreak. Results showed a clear increase in total particulate mass (local max. 480 %) and cloud condensation nuclei concentrations (45 %). Satellite observations indicated a 2-fold increase in aerosol optical depth over western Canada's pine forests in August during a bark beetle outbreak. These results suggest that more frequent insect outbreaks in a warming climate could result in substantial increase in biogenic SOA formation in the boreal zone and, thus, affect both aerosol direct and indirect forcing of climate at regional scales. The effect of insect outbreaks on VOC emissions and SOA formation should be considered in future climate predictions.
Comparison of Vaisala radiosondes RS41 and RS92 at the ARM Southern Great Plains Site
Authors: Jensen M. P. , Holdridge D. , Survo P. , Lehtinen R. , Baxter S. , Toto T. , L. Johnson K.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In the fall of 2013, the Vaisala RS41-SG (4th generation) radiosonde was introduced as a replacement for the RS92-SGP radiosonde with improvements in measurement accuracy of profiles of atmospheric temperature, humidity and pressure. In order to help characterize these improvements, an intercomparison campaign was undertaken at the US Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Facility site in north Central Oklahoma USA. During 3–8 June 2014, a total of 20 twin-radiosonde flights were performed in a variety of atmospheric conditions representing typical midlatitude continental summertime conditions. The results suggest that the RS92 and RS41 measurements generally agree within manufacturer specified tolerances with notable exceptions when exiting liquid cloud layers where the "wet bulbing" effect is mitigated in the RS41 observations. The RS41 measurements also appear to show a smaller impact from solar heating. These results suggest that the RS41 does provide important improvements, particularly in cloudy conditions, but under most observational conditions the RS41 and RS92 measurements agree within the manufacturer specified limits and so a switch to RS41 radiosondes will have little impact on long-term observational records.
Impact of the Three Gorges Dam, the South–North Water Transfer Project and water abstractions on the duration and intensity of salt intrusions in the Yangtze River estuary
Authors: Webber M. , Li M. T. , Chen J. , Finlayson B. , Chen D. , Chen Z. Y. , Wang M. , Barnett J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This paper assesses the impacts of the Three Gorges Dam, the South–North Water Transfer Project and other water abstractions on the probability of long-duration salt intrusions into the Yangtze River estuary. Studies of intrusions of saltwater into estuaries are typically constrained by both the short duration of discharge records and the paucity of observations of discharge and salinity. Thus, studies of intrusions of saltwater into estuaries typically seek to identify the conditions under which these intrusions occur, using detailed observations for periods of 20–60 days. The paper therefore first demonstrates a method by which to identify the conditions under which intense intrusions of long-duration occur and then applies that method to analyse the effect of the three projects. The paper constructs a model of the relationship between salinity and discharge and then employs Monte Carlo simulation methods to reconstruct the probability of observing intrusions of differing intensities and durations in relation to discharge. The model predicts that the duration of intrusions with chlorinity ≥ 250 mg L−1 (or ≥ 400 or 500 mg L−1) increases as the number of consecutive days with discharge ≤ 12 000 m3 s−1 (or ≤ 8000 m3 s−1 increases. The model predicts that in 1950–2014, the number of consecutive days with chlorinity ≥ 250 mg L−1 averaged 21.34 yr−1; if the three projects operate according to their normal rules, that average would rise to 41.20 yr−1. For a randomly selected year of discharge history from the period 1950–2014, under normal operating rules for these projects the probability of an intrusion rises from 0.25 (for 30-day intrusions) or 0.05 (for 60-day intrusions) to 0.57 or 0.28, respectively.
Railway deformation detected by DInSAR over active sinkholes in the Ebro Valley evaporite karst, Spain
Authors: Galve J. P. , Castañeda C. , Gutiérrez F.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Subsidence was measured for the first time on railway tracks in the central sector of Ebro Valley (NE Spain) using Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) techniques. This area is affected by evaporite karst and the analysed railway corridors traverse active sinkholes that produce deformations in these infrastructures. One of the railway tracks affected by slight settlements is the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed line, a form of transport infrastructure highly vulnerable to ground deformation processes. Our analysis based on DInSAR measurements and geomorphological surveys indicates that this line shows dissolution-induced subsidence and compaction of anthropogenic deposits (infills and embankments). Significant sinkhole-related subsidence was also measured by DInSAR techniques on the Castejón–Zaragoza conventional railway line. This study demonstrates that DInSAR velocity maps, coupled with detailed geomorphological surveys, may help in the identification of the railway track sections that are affected by active subsidence.
Elevation change of the Greenland Ice Sheet due to surface mass balance and firn processes, 1960–2014
Authors: Kuipers Munneke P. , Ligtenberg S. R. M. , Noël B. P. Y. , Howat I. M. , Box J. E. , Mosley-Thompson E. , McConnell J. R. , Steffen K. , Harper J. T. , Das S. B. , van den Broeke M. R.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Observed changes in the surface elevation of the Greenland Ice Sheet are caused by ice dynamics, basal elevation change, basal melt, surface mass balance (SMB) variability, and by compaction of the overlying firn. The last two contributions are quantified here using a firn model that includes compaction, meltwater percolation, and refreezing. The model is forced with surface mass fluxes and temperature from a regional climate model for the period 1960–2014. The model results agree with observations of surface density, density profiles from 62 firn cores, and altimetric observations from regions where ice-dynamical surface height changes are likely small. In areas with strong surface melt, the firn model overestimates density. We find that the firn layer in the high interior is generally thickening slowly (1–5 cm yr−1). In the percolation and ablation areas, firn and SMB processes account for a surface elevation lowering of up to 20–50 cm yr−1. Most of this firn-induced marginal thinning is caused by an increase in melt since the mid-1990s and partly compensated by an increase in the accumulation of fresh snow around most of the ice sheet. The total firn and ice volume change between 1980 and 2014 is estimated at −3295 ± 1030 km3 due to firn and SMB changes, corresponding to an ice-sheet average thinning of 1.96 ± 0.61 m. Most of this volume decrease occurred after 1995. The computed changes in surface elevation can be used to partition altimetrically observed volume change into surface mass balance and ice-dynamically related mass changes.