bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A content-driven framework for geolocating microblog users
Authors: Cheng Zhiyuan , Caverlee James , Lee Kyumin
Published: February 2013

Highly dynamic real-time microblog systems have already published petabytes of real-time human sensor data in the form of status updates. However, the lack of user adoption of geo-based features per user or per post signals that the promise of microblog services as location-based sensing systems may have only limited reach and impact. Thus, in this article, we propose and evaluate a probabilistic framework for estimating a microblog user's location based purely on the content of the user's posts. Our framework can overcome the sparsity of geo-enabled features in these services and bring augmented scope and breadth to emerging location-based personalized information services. Three of the key features of the proposed approach are: (i) its reliance purely on publicly available content; (ii) a classification component for automatically identifying words in posts with a strong local geo-scope; and (iii) a lattice-based neighborhood smoothing model for refining a user's location estimate. On average we find that the location estimates converge quickly, placing 51% of users within 100 miles of their actual location.
On the formal verification of component-based embedded operating systems
Authors: Ludwich Mateus Krepsky , Fröhlich Antônio Augusto
Published: February 2013

The increasing complexity of embedded systems is pushing their design to System-Level, thus leading to a convergence between software and hardware. Consequently, operating systems in this realm are also being required to deliver their services both as software and as hardware. In such a scenario, it is desirable to verify system properties regardless of whether its components are instantiated at software or hardware. In this paper, we describe an approach to formally verify functional correctness and safety properties of such system-level component. The approach is illustrated by a case study of EPOS' scheduler, whose implementation can be driven to yield both a software instance compiled by the GCC C++ compiler or a hardware instance synthesized by the CatapultC ESL tool. We demonstrate that the scheduler follows its specification regardless of the domain for which it is instantiated. We also demonstrate that the proposed approach causes no run-time overhead, since the adopted Software Model Checking techniques are deployed at compile-time.
Ubiquity symposium: The science in computer science
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: February 2013

In the third installment of this symposium, which originally appeared in the
Communication the ACM
, we go back to 1981. More than 30 years ago, I called on ACM members to employ more experimental methods and avoid confusing hacking (tinkering) with true science. Joining a long tradition of ACM Presidents speaking up about computing as science.
A New Iterative Method for Solving a System of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems for a Countable Family of Generalized Quasi-ϕ-Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Deng Wei-Qi
Published: February 2013

By using a specific way of choosing the indexes, we introduce an up-to-date iterative algorithm for approximating common fixed points of a countable family of generalized quasi-ϕ-asymptotically nonexpansive mappings and obtain a strong convergence theorem under some suitable conditions. As application, an iterative solution to a system of generalized mixed equilibrium problems is studied. The results extend those of other authors, in which the involved mappings consist of just finite families.
On the Performance of Quasiorthogonal STBC with Relay Selection and Phase Rotation Techniques for Decode and Forward Cooperative Communications
Authors: Sutthisangiam Nikorn , Pirak Chaiyod , Ascheid Gerd
Published: February 2013

The performance of quasiorthogonal space-time block code with relay-selection and phase-rotation techniques applied to cooperative communications for four communication nodes is investigated. Specifically, by applying relay-selection and phase-rotation techniques, a diversity gain of four can be achieved. In addition, a symbol error rate (SER) performance analysis with closed-form expression and power allocation are investigated and compared with simulation results. The results show that theoretical SER curves are close to the simulation results. In addition, a code rate of the proposed scheme is two times higher than ordinary cooperative communications. The computer simulation results also show a significant probability of error improvement of about 2.8 dB over the conventional decode-and-forward protocol.
Semiholonomic Second Order Connections Associated with Material Bodies
Authors: Hrdina Jaroslav , Vašík Petr
Published: February 2013

The thermomechanical behavior of a material is expressed mathematically by means of one or more constitutive equations representing the response of the body to the history of its deformation and temperature. These settings induce a set of connections which can express local properties. We replace two of them by a second order connection and prove that the holonomity of this connection classifies our materials.
mTOR Inhibitors Block Kaposi Sarcoma Growth by Inhibiting Essential Autocrine Growth Factors and Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Roy Debasmita , Sin Sang-Hoon , Lucas Amy , Venkataramanan Raman , Wang Ling , Eason Anthony , Chavakula Veenadhari , Hilton Isaac B. , Tamburro Kristen M. , Damania Blossom , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: February 2013

Kaposi sarcoma originates from endothelial cells and it is one of the most overt angiogenic tumors. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV and the Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are endemic, Kaposi sarcoma is the most common cancer overall, but model systems for disease study are insufficient. Here, we report the development of a novel mouse model of Kaposi sarcoma, where KSHV is retained stably and tumors are elicited rapidly. Tumor growth was sensitive to specific allosteric inhibitors (rapamycin, CCI-779, and RAD001) of the pivotal cell growth regulator mTOR. Inhibition of tumor growth was durable up to 130 days and reversible. mTOR blockade reduced VEGF secretion and formation of tumor vasculature. Together, the results show that mTOR inhibitors exert a direct anti-Kaposi sarcoma effect by inhibiting angiogenesis and paracrine effectors, suggesting their application as a new treatment modality for Kaposi sarcoma and other cancers of endothelial origin. Cancer Res; 73(7); 2235–46. ©2012 AACR.
New Data Supporting Modified RECIST (mRECIST) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lencioni Riccardo
Published: February 2013

The modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) guideline has introduced specific amendments to standard RECIST to address the unique complexities involved in the evaluation of tumor response in hepatocellular carcinoma. A growing amount of data suggests that mRECIST, designed for response assessment in clinical trials, may translate into a tool for clinical practice. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1312–4. ©2013 AACR.
The Glandular Resection and Central Embedding Modification (GRACE) in Duckett and Barcat Hypospadias Repair
Authors: Ardelt Peter U. , Cederquist Marco , Schoenthaler Martin , Miernik Arkadiusz , Frankenschmidt Alexander
Published: February 2013

Introduction: We recently reported a novel modification of the Barcat technique termed glandular resection and central embedding (GRACE). Here, we report results from a large patient population and apply this modification also to Duckett hypospadias repair. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 488 patients who had undergone primary or secondary hypospadias repair by Barcat or Duckett using the GRACE modification. Results: For all GRACE repairs, cosmetic appearance was favorable regarding meatal position, shape and overall appearance. Maximum and average flow were above the 5th percentile in at least 95%. In Barcat and Duckett repairs, urethrocutaneous fistulas occurred in 5 and 30.7%, urethral strictures in 3 and 20.8%, and meatal strictures in 5 and 25.3%, respectively. Conclusions: The initially reported favorable cosmetic and functional results were confirmed both for Duckett and Barcat repair using the GRACE modification. Complication rates were favorably low for Barcat and higher, but consistent with published results, for Duckett repair.
Warning about Warnings: Weighing Risk and Benefit When Information Is in a State of Flux
Authors: Laventhal Naomi T. , Shuchman Miriam , Sandberg David E.
Published: February 2013

In 2010, new data about the safety of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) resulted in warnings and subsequent pronouncements by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its European counterpart [the European Medicines Agency (EMA)] regarding its use in children and adolescents as an elective treatment for short stature. However, opinions about these new data are divergent: the FDA did not change the label of the drug and experts have argued for further research on the safety of rhGH. In this situation of an evolving scientific controversy, it is unclear how questions about benefit and risk are communicated to patients and their parents. Social biases and misperceptions about the deleterious effects of short stature and the benefits of added height influence decisions to prescribe rhGH and may affect discussions of the warnings by regulators. Fully supporting a model of shared decision-making involving children and adolescents requires sharing risk-benefit information, including evolving information from drug regulators, with patients and parents.
Silver Diamine Fluoride and Education to Prevent and Arrest Root Caries among Community-Dwelling Elders
Authors: Zhang W. , McGrath C. , Lo E.C.M. , Li J.Y.
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims: Root caries among elderly communities is of growing public health concern globally. This controlled clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride and oral health education in preventing and arresting root caries. Methods: Two hundred sixty-six elderly subjects who had at least 5 teeth with exposed root surfaces and did not have serious life-threatening medical diseases were allocated to 3 groups according to a computer-generated random list: group 1 (the control group) received oral hygiene instructions (OHI) annually; group 2 received OHI and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application annually, and group 3 was given OHI and SDF application annually, plus an oral health education (OHE) programme every 6 months. Results: Two hundred twenty-seven elderly subjects were followed for 24 months. The mean numbers of new root caries surfaces in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 1.33, 1.00 and 0.70, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Group 3 had fewer root surfaces with new caries than group 1 (Scheffé multiple-comparison test, p < 0.05). The mean numbers of arrested root caries surfaces in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 0.04, 0.28 and 0.33, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Group 3 and group 2 had a greater number of active root caries surfaces which became arrested than group 1 (Scheffé multiple-comparison test, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Annual application of SDF together with biannual OHE was effective in preventing new root caries and arresting root caries among community-dwelling elderly subjects.
De-SUMOylation Enzyme of Sentrin/SUMO-Specific Protease 2 Regulates Disturbed Flow–Induced SUMOylation of ERK5 and p53 that Leads to Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Heo Kyung-Sun , Chang Eugene , Le Nhat-Tu , Cushman Hannah , Yeh Edward T.H. , Fujiwara Keigi , Abe Jun-ichi
Published: February 2013

Rationale:

Disturbed flow induces proinflammatory and apoptotic responses in endothelial cells, causing them to become dysfunctional and subsequently proatherogenic.

Objective:

Although a possible link between SUMOylation of p53 and ERK5 detected during endothelial apoptosis and inflammation has been suggested, the mechanistic insights, especially under the proatherogenic flow condition, remain largely unknown.

Methods and Results:

SUMOylation of p53 and ERK5 was induced by disturbed flow but not by steady laminar flow. To examine the role of the disturbed flow–induced p53 and ERK5 SUMOylation, we used de-SUMOylation enzyme of sentrin/Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO)-specific protease 2 deficiency (
Senp2
+/−
) mice and observed a significant increase in endothelial apoptosis and adhesion molecule expression both in vitro and in vivo. These increases, however, were significantly inhibited in endothelial cells overexpressing p53 and ERK5 SUMOylation site mutants.
Senp2
+/−
mice exhibited increased leukocyte rolling along the endothelium, and accelerated formation of atherosclerotic lesions was observed in
Senp2
+/−
/
Ldlr
−/−
, but not in
Senp2
+/+
/Ldlr
−/−
, mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. Notably, the extent of lesion size in the aortic arch of
Senp2
+/−
/
Ldlr
−/−
mice was much larger than that in the descending aorta, also suggesting a crucial role of the disturbed flow–induced SUMOylation of proteins, including p53 and ERK5 in atherosclerosis formation.

Conclusions:

These data show the unique role of sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 2 on endothelial function under disturbed flow and suggest that SUMOylation of p53 and ERK5 by disturbed flow contributes to the atherosclerotic plaque formation. Molecules involved in this newly discovered signaling will be useful targets for controlling endothelial cells dysfunction and consequently atherosclerosis formation.
Reversal of Genetic Salt-Sensitive Hypertension by Targeted Sympathetic Ablation
Authors: Foss Jason D. , Fink Gregory D. , Osborn John W.
Published: February 2013

The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in some forms of human hypertension as well as the Dahl salt-sensitive rat model of hypertension; however, the sympathetic targets involved remain unclear. To address this, we examined the role of the renal and splanchnic sympathetic nerves in Dahl hypertension by performing sham surgery (n=10) or targeted sympathetic ablation of the renal nerves (renal denervation, n=11), the splanchnic nerves (celiac ganglionectomy, n=11), or both renal and splanchnic nerves (n=11) in hypertensive Dahl rats. Mean arterial pressure increased from ≈120 mm Hg, while on a 0.1% sodium chloride diet, to ≈140 mm Hg after being fed a 4.0% sodium chloride diet for 3 weeks. At that point, rats underwent sham or targeted sympathetic ablation. Four weeks after treatment, mean arterial pressure was lower in renal denervated (150.4±10.4) and celiac ganglionectomized (147.0±6.1) rats compared with sham rats (165.0±3.7) and even lower in rats that underwent both ablations (128.4±6.6). There were no differences in heart rate or fluid balance between sham and renal denervated rats; however, rats that underwent either celiac ganglionectomy or both ablations exhibited marked tachycardia as well as sodium and water retention after treatment. These data suggest that targeted sympathetic ablation is an effective treatment for established hypertension in the Dahl rat and that the kidneys and the splanchnic vascular bed are both independently important targets of the sympathetic nervous system in this model.
Genome-Wide Association Study on Plasma Levels of Midregional-Proadrenomedullin and C-Terminal-Pro-Endothelin-1
Authors: Verweij Niek , Mahmud Hasan , Leach Irene Mateo , de Boer Rudolf A. , Brouwers Frank P. , Yu Hongjuan , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Struck Joachim , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Munroe Patricia B. , Hillege Hans L. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van Gilst Wiek H. , Silljé Herman H.W. , van der Harst Pim
Published: February 2013

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and adrenomedullin (ADM) are circulating vasoactive peptides involved in vascular homeostasis and endothelial function. Elevated levels of plasma ET-1 and ADM, and their biologically s
table
surrogates, C-terminal-pro-endothelin-1 (CT-pro-ET-1) and midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-pro-ADM), are predictors of cardiac death and heart failure. We studied the association of common genetic variation with MR-pro-ADM and CT-pro-ET-1 by genome-wide association analyses in 3444 participants of European ancestry. We performed follow-up genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that showed suggestive or significant association in the discovery stage in additional 3230 participants. The minor variants in KLKB1 (rs4253238) and F12 (rs2731672), both part of the kallikrein-kinin system, were associated with higher MR-pro-ADM (
P
=4.46E-52 and
P
=5.90E-24, respectively) and higher CT-pro-ET-1 levels (
P
=1.23E-122 and
P
=1.26E-67, respectively). Epistasis analyses showed a significant interaction between the sentinel SNP of F12 and KLKB1 for both traits. In addition, a variant near the ADM gene (rs2957692) was associated with MR-pro-ADM (
P
=1.05E-12) and a variant in EDN-1 (rs5370) was associated with CT-pro-ET-1 (
P
=1.49E-27). The total phenotypic variation explained by the genetic variants was 7.2% for MR-pro-ADM and 14.6% for CT-pro-ET-1.
KLKB1
encodes plasma kallikrein, a proteolytic enzyme known to cleave high-molecular-weight kininogen to bradykinin and prorenin to renin. We cloned the precursors of ADM and ET-1 and demonstrated that purified plasma kallikrein can cleave these recombinant proteins into multiple smaller peptides. The discovery of genetic variants in the kallikrein-kinin system and in the genes encoding pre-pro-ET-1 and pre-pro-ADM provides novel insights into the (co-)regulation of these vasoactive peptides in the vascular system.
Agreement About Intervention Plans By Probation Officers
Authors: Bosker Jacqueline , Witteman Cilia , Hermanns Jo
Published: February 2013

Introducing instruments to structure risk assessment has been shown to improve agreement between probation professionals about the assessment of offenders’ risks and needs. The subsequent decisions about intervention plans, however, are to a large extent still unstructured. This article addresses the question of whether probation officers agree about intervention plans and whether agreement differs between experienced and less experienced probation officers. A group of 44 Dutch probation officers wrote intervention plans for four cases in which the risk and needs assessment was given. Results showed that the overall agreement about the intervention plan is poor. Looking at the different domains of an intervention plan, agreement about the advice on the sanction, conditions, criminogenic needs to be addressed, and programs is fair. On all other domains (instructions, control, intensity of supervision, and goals), agreement is poor. Experience of the probation officers did not influence the agreement about the intervention plans substantially.
Complete neurological recovery after delayed onset resuscitation in a normothermic witnessed arrest
Authors: Puri GD , Shyam KST , Mishra AK , Madhavan JS
Published: February 2013

Cardiac arrest following aortic dissection carries high morbidity and mortality, primarily due to poor neurological outcomes. Most efforts are directed towards perfusing vital organs and replenishing oxygen and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores during and immediately after arrest. Methods of reperfusion (including external cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), open CPR, extracorporeal life support and ventricular assist devices) and other ATP preservation methods, such as pharmaceutical agents and hypothermia, are maximally beneficial only if started early during cardiac arrest. We describe a case of aortic rupture with arrest on the table which was re-perfused after 20 minutes, using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but still managed to recover without neurological sequelae.
Energy and exergy analysis of a recuperative gas turbine with steam injection: a parametric study
Authors: Kazerouni Vahab , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: February 2013

Simultaneous energy and exergy analysis of power generation systems is essential for better understanding of the power generation processes, identification of inefficiency sources and effective utilization of energy resources. In this work, a detailed analysis of a standard gas turbine power plant system is presented from energy and exergy perspectives. The effect of various parameters such as inlet air conditions to the compressor, inlet fuel conditions to the combustion chamber, air preheating before the combustion chamber, steam injection to the combustion chamber and cycle temperature ratio were examined. Modeling results have indicated that lower inlet air temperature enhances the exergy and energy efficiencies and a higher net power output is achieved. It was also found that the steam injection to the combustion chamber increases the net power output and exergy efficiency and reduces NOx emissions considerably. The effects of fuel inlet temperature, pressure loss in the compressor air intake and gas turbine temperature ratio on the cycle performance are also investigated. The results of the present work highlight the direction in which engineers should concentrate their efforts to improve the performance of power generation systems.
Graduate Attributes and the Internationalized Curriculum
Authors: Jones Elspeth , Killick David
Published: February 2013

Internationalization of the curriculum attracts considerable interest, yet often remains in the hands of enthusiasts or is relegated to the periphery of personal skills modules. While academics may be “happy to ‘tinker around the edges’ of their course content and classroom pedagogy” they still frequently ask, “What does it really mean for me and my classroom?” This article outlines the experience of one U.K. university, which has been seeking to internationalize the curriculum through two phases. The overarching development framework of the first phase (Jones & Killick, 2007) is now being embedded through the university’s adoption of a global outlook as a graduate attribute. This attribute interlinks inclusivity and global relevance and connects equality and diversity with internationalization to form a cohesive construct for graduate development. The authors describe the process of working with academics across the institution to design and implement learning outcomes at modular and program levels within disciplines, to support student achievement of this attribute through the process of constructive alignment.
Mini-invasive Mitchell-Kramer Method in the Operative Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Gądek Artur , Liszka Henryk
Published: February 2013

Background:

The mini-invasive Mitchell-Kramer procedure is a new method of operative correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. The aim of this study was to describe the technique and evaluate the results of the procedure.

Methods:

We evaluated 54 patients who underwent mini-invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy of the first metatarsal with preservation of the lateral cortex of the distal fragment. We did percutaneous 2-mm K-wire stabilization of the osteotomy and did not use cast immobilization with postoperative offloading of the forefoot. We used anteroposterior and lateral foot standing X-rays, visual analog scale (VAS), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for the clinical assessment at 18 months’ follow-up.

Results:

Preoperatively, mean hallux valgus angle was 33.9 degrees; intermetatarsal angle, 14.8 degrees; VAS, 8.9; and AOFAS, 37.0. At follow-up period, hallux valgus angle was 14.2; intermetatarsal angle, 9.7; VAS, 2.6; and AOFAS, 90.7. The average first metatarsal shortening was 2.7 mm. No transfer metatarsalgia was noted at 18 months’ follow-up. We found 1 superficial infection, but all patients were satisfied.

Conclusions:

The mini-invasive Mitchell-Kramer method was indicated in mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. Cast immobilization was unnecessary, and full weightbearing was allowed early. Using the minioscillating saw allowed for reduced surgical exposure. The technique of the osteotomy also allowed for rotational stability of the osteotomy.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Adverse events after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ghezzi A , Annovazzi P , Amato MP , Capello E , Cavalla P , Cocco E , Falcini M , Gallo A , Patti F , Perini P , Rodegher ME , Rovaris M , Rottoli MR , Comi G ,   the MS Study Group-Italian Society of Neurology
Published: February 2013

Although it is debated whether chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) plays a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development, many patients undergo endovascular treatment (ET) of CCSVI. A study is ongoing in Italy to evaluate the clinical outcome of ET. Severe adverse events (AEs) occurred in 15/462 subjects at a variable interval after ET: jugular thrombosis in seven patients, tetraventricular hydrocephalus, stroke, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia, hypertension with tachicardia, or bleeding of bedsore in the remaining seven cases. One patient died because of myocardial infarction 10 weeks after ET. The risk of severe AEs related to ET for CCSVI must be carefully considered.
Predictors of indoor absolute humidity and estimated effects on influenza virus survival in grade schools
Authors: Koep Tyler H , Enders Felicity T , Pierret Chris , Ekker Stephen C , Krageschmidt Dale , Neff Kevin L , Lipsitch Marc , Shaman Jeffrey , Huskins W Charles
Published: February 2013

Background

Low absolute humidity (AH) has been associated with increased influenza virus survival and transmissibility and the onset of seasonal influenza outbreaks. Humidification of indoor environments may mitigate viral transmission and may be an important control strategy, particularly in schools where viral transmission is common and contributes to the spread of influenza in communities. However, the variability and predictors of AH in the indoor school environment and the feasibility of classroom humidification to levels that could decrease viral survival have not been studied.

Methods

Automated sensors were used to measure temperature, humidity and CO2 levels in two Minnesota grade schools without central humidification during two successive winters. Outdoor AH measurements were derived from the North American Land Data Assimilation System. Variability in indoor AH within classrooms, between classrooms in the same school, and between schools was assessed using concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Predictors of indoor AH were examined using time-series Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity models. Classroom humidifiers were used when school was not in session to assess the feasibility of increasing indoor AH to levels associated with decreased influenza virus survival, as projected from previously published animal experiments.

Results

AH varied little within classrooms (CCC >0.90) but was more variable between classrooms in the same school (CCC 0.81 for School 1, 0.88 for School 2) and between schools (CCC 0.81). Indoor AH varied widely during the winter (range 2.60 to 10.34 millibars [mb]) and was strongly associated with changes in outdoor AH (p < 0.001). Changes in indoor AH on school weekdays were strongly associated with CO2 levels (p < 0.001). Over 4 hours, classroom humidifiers increased indoor AH by 4 mb, an increase sufficient to decrease projected 1-hour virus survival by an absolute value of 30% during winter months.

Conclusions

During winter, indoor AH in non-humidified grade schools varies substantially and often to levels that are very low. Indoor results are predicted by outdoor AH over a season and CO2 levels (which likely reflects human activity) during individual school days. Classroom humidification may be a feasible approach to increase indoor AH to levels that may decrease influenza virus survival and transmission.
Cellulosic ethanol production using a yeast consortium displaying a minicellulosome and β-glucosidase
Authors: Kim Sujin , Baek Seung-Ho , Lee Kyusung , Hahn Ji-Sook
Published: February 2013

Background

Cellulosic biomass is considered as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, but its recalcitrant nature and high cost of cellulase are the major obstacles to utilize this material. Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), combining cellulase production, saccharification, and fermentation into one step, has been proposed as the most efficient way to reduce the production cost of cellulosic bioethanol. In this study, we developed a cellulolytic yeast consortium for CBP, based on the surface display of cellulosome structure, mimicking the cellulolytic bacterium, Clostridium thermocellum.

Results

We designed a cellulolytic yeast consortium composed of four different yeast strains capable of either displaying a scaffoldin (mini CipA) containing three cohesin domains derived from C. thermocellum, or secreting one of the three types of cellulases, C. thermocellum CelA (endoglucanase) containing its own dockerin, Trichoderma reesei CBHII (exoglucanase) fused with an exogenous dockerin from C. thermocellum, or Aspergillus aculeatus BGLI (β-glucosidase). The secreted dockerin-containing enzymes, CelA and CBHI, were randomly assembled to the surface-displayed mini CipA via cohesin-dockerin interactions. On the other hand, BGLI was independently assembled to the cell surface since we newly found that it already has a cell adhesion characteristic. We optimized the cellulosome activity and ethanol production by controlling the combination ratio among the four yeast strains. A mixture of cells with the optimized mini CipA:CelA:CBHII:BGLI ratio of 2:3:3:0.53 produced 1.80 g/l ethanol after 94 h, indicating about 20% increase compared with a consortium composed of an equal amount of each cell type (1.48 g/l).

Conclusions

We produced cellulosic ethanol using a cellulolytic yeast consortium, which is composed of cells displaying mini cellulosomes generated via random assembly of CelA and CBHII to a mini CipA, and cells displaying BGLI independently. One of the advantages of this system is that ethanol production can be easily optimized by simply changing the combination ratio of the different populations. In addition, there is no limitation on the number of enzymes to be incorporated into this cellulosome structure. Not only cellulases used in this study, but also any other enzymes, including cellulases and hemicellulases, could be applied just by fusing dockerin domains to the enzymes.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for borderline pancreatic adenocarcinoma: report of two cases
Authors: Galindo José , Gabrielli Mauricio , Guerra Juan Francisco , Cassina Juan Carlos , Garrido Marcelo , Jarufe Nicolás , Borghero Yerko , Madrid Jorge , Zoroquiain Pablo , Roa Juan Carlos , Martínez Jorge
Published: February 2013

Pancreatic cancer remains as one of the most aggressive human neoplasms, with overall poor survival rates. Radical surgery of the primary lesion is the best option for treatment. Borderline resectable pancreatic tumors (BRPT), defined as partial involvement of peripancreatic vasculature, may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy. We report on the first two BRPT cases treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation at our institution. Preoperative CT and MRI demonstrated pancreatic tumors encasing the porto-mesenteric confluence suggestive of BRPT. Patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin), followed by radiochemotherapy. After treatment, follow-up images demonstrated tumor downsize, allowing for the tumors to be considered then as resectable. They underwent partial pancreatoduodenectomies (Whipple procedure). In case 1, histopathology revealed a complete, margin-free resection, whereas in case 2 there was a complete pathological response, with no evidence of residual tumor. According to the literature, our initial experience using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on BRPT allowed us to downsize the tumor and, subsequently, to perform a curative surgery.
SMO expression level correlates with overall survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Zhang Yi , He Jianxing , Zhang Fang , Li Hui , Yue Dongsheng , Wang Changli , Jablons David M , He Biao , Lui Natalie
Published: February 2013

Background

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive, treatment-resistant tumor arising from mesothelium of pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Despite current combined regimen, its prognosis remains dismal, calling for more effective targeted therapies. We investigated whether aberrant Hh activation may play a role in mesothelioma.

Methods

SMO and SHH expression levels were analyzed in 46 mesothelioma tissue specimens with real-time RT-PCR, and correlation with survival was analyzed with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and the log-rank test. We also examined multiple mesothelioma cell lines for SMO expression and the effect of Hh inhibition by a specific SMO antagonist on cell proliferation by MTS assay.

Results

We observed strong correlation between higher SMO and SHH expression levels with poorer overall survival. Remarkably, Hh inhibition by a specific SMO inhibitor significantly suppressed cell proliferation in the mesothelioma cell lines examined.

Conclusion

Our data strongly support that Hh signaling deregulation plays critical roles in proliferation of mesothelioma, and consistently exerts significant impact on prognosis of the disease. Therefore our findings revealed the hitherto unappreciated role of Hh activation in mesothelioma, and pinpointed Hh signaling antagonist as a potential new therapy against this devastating disease.
Biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma: progression in early diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized therapy
Authors: Zhu Kai , Dai Zhi , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Currently, surgical resection, liver transplantation, and local ablation are considered curative therapeutic practices for HCC. The diagnosis of HCC without pathologic confirmation is achieved by analyzing serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels combined with imaging techniques, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography. Although progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of HCC, its prognosis remains dismal. Various new technologies have identified numerous novel biomarkers with potential diagnostic as well as prognostic value, including Dickkopf-1 and Golgi protein 73. These biomarkers not only help in the early diagnosis and prediction of prognosis, but also assist in identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions. In this article, we provide an up-to-date review of the biomarkers that are used for early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and personalized treatment of HCC.
De novo truncating mutations in ASXL3 are associated with a novel clinical phenotype with similarities to Bohring-Opitz syndrome
Authors: Bainbridge Matthew N , Hu Hao , Muzny Donna M , Musante Luciana , Lupski James R , Graham Brett H , Chen Wei , Gripp Karen W , Jenny Kim , Wienker Thomas F , Yang Yaping , Sutton V Reid , Gibbs Richard A , Ropers H Hilger
Published: February 2013

Background

Molecular diagnostics can resolve locus heterogeneity underlying clinical phenotypes that may otherwise be co-assigned as a specific syndrome based on shared clinical features, and can associate phenotypically diverse diseases to a single locus through allelic affinity. Here we describe an apparently novel syndrome, likely caused by de novo truncating mutations in ASXL3, which shares characteristics with Bohring-Opitz syndrome, a disease associated with de novo truncating mutations in ASXL1.

Methods

We used whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing to interrogate the genomes of four subjects with an undiagnosed syndrome.

Results

Using genome-wide sequencing, we identified heterozygous, de novo truncating mutations in ASXL3, a transcriptional repressor related to ASXL1, in four unrelated probands. We found that these probands shared similar phenotypes, including severe feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, and neurologic abnormalities with significant developmental delay. Further, they showed less phenotypic overlap with patients who had de novo truncating mutations in ASXL1.

Conclusion

We have identified truncating mutations in ASXL3 as the likely cause of a novel syndrome with phenotypic overlap with Bohring-Opitz syndrome.
The neutrophil in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Schreiber Adrian , Kettritz Ralph
Published: February 2013

Necrotizing, small-vessel vasculitis develops in patients with circulating ANCAs. Neutrophils and monocytes harbor the two major ANCA antigens, PR3 and MPO. A whole body of in vitro experiments implicated ANCA-activated neutrophil effector functions in the pathogenesis of vasculitis, whereas the role of monocytes is less well-characterized. Mouse models for anti-MPO-induced vasculitis were developed to study ANCA–neutrophil interactions in complex in vivo situations. We not only discuss the significance of ANCA–neutrophil interactions for disease induction but also how a detailed understanding of these interactions helps to identify novel treatment targets for ANCA vasculitis.
Learning Through Industry Interface Projects
Authors: Aserkar Rajiv
Published: February 2013

Industry interface projects are an integral part of the curriculum of the Global Masters of Business Administration (GMBA) program at S.P. Jain School of Global Management, which has campuses in Singapore and Dubai. The GMBA is a one-year full-time residential program, where students spend six months each in Singapore and Dubai, completing one project at each location. The first project, which is undertaken in Singapore, is called the Applied Research Project (ARP) and is an “inquiry based” field research project. It provides an opportunity to the students to apply their knowledge of market research, quantitative techniques, and other subjects that they learn in the first semester. This is an independent project without any involvement of a client organization. The second project, which is undertaken in Dubai, is called the Action Learning Project (ALP). Fresh teams are formed to undertake this client-based project, and there is no relationship between the topics and teams of ARPs and ALPs. Over a period of the last seven years, more than 250 students have undertaken about 100 ARPs and 100 ALPs with 50 client organizations in the areas of logistics and supply chain management. In this paper I discuss the structure of these projects and learnings from undertaking these projects at two locations.
Almost harmonic Maass forms and Kac–Wakimoto
characters
Authors: Bringmann Kathrin , Folsom Amanda
Published: February 2013

We resolve a question of Kac and explain the automorphic properties of characters due to Kac–Wakimoto pertaining to

s
ℓ

(
m
|
n
)

∧

${s\ell (m|n)^{\wedge }}$

highest weight modules, for n ≥ 1. We prove that
the Kac–Wakimoto characters are essentially holomorphic parts of certain generalizations of harmonic weak Maass forms which we call “almost harmonic Maass forms”. Using a new approach, this generalizes prior work of the first author and Ono, and the authors, both of which treat only the case n = 1. We also provide an explicit asymptotic expansion for the characters.
Recollements induced from tilting modules over tame hereditary
algebras
Authors: Chen Hongxing , Xi Changchang
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we consider the endomorphism algebra
of an infinitely generated tilting module of the form R
𝒰 ⊕ R
𝒰/R over a tame hereditary k-algebra R
with k an arbitrary field, where R
𝒰 is the
universal localization of R at an arbitrary set 𝒰 of
simple regular R-modules. We show that the derived module category
of this endomorphism algebra is a recollement of the derived module
category 𝒟(R) of R and the derived module category 𝒟(𝔸𝒰) of the adèle ring 𝔸𝒰
associated with 𝒰. When k is an algebraically closed
field, the ring 𝔸𝒰 can be precisely
described in terms of Laurent power series ring k((x)) over k. Moreover, if 𝒰 is a union of finitely many cliques, we
give two different stratifications of the derived category of this
endomorphism algebra by derived categories of rings such that the
two stratifications are of different finite lengths.
The regulation, localization, and functions of oxygen-sensing prolyl hydroxylase PHD3
Authors: Jaakkola Panu M. , Rantanen Krista
Published: February 2013

The prolyl 4-hydroxylase domain protein 3 (PHD3) belongs to 2-oxoglutarate and iron-dependent dioxygenases. Together with the two closest paralogues, PHD1 and PHD2, these enzymes have been identified as cellular oxygen sensors that can mark the hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF-α) for von Hippel-Lindau protein-mediated proteasomal destruction. Although having overlapping functions with PHD1 and PHD2, PHD3 markedly differs from the two isoforms. PHD3 shows a different expression pattern and subcellular localization as well as activity under low oxygen tension. Moreover, it has the widest range of non-HIF targets underlying its diverse functions. The functions of PHD3 differ depending on the cell type and also partially on the microenvironmental conditions it is expressed at. Under normoxia, PHD3 has been shown to be proapoptotic, but under hypoxia, it can have cell survival or proliferation-supporting functions. Here we discuss the regulation, targets, and functions of PHD3.
Study on Glass Defect Inspection Based on Projecting Grating Method
Authors: Jin Yong , Wang Zhaoba , Zhu Linquan , Yang Jiliang , Wei Bo
Published: February 2013

An inspection method based on transmission-mode projecting grating for glass defects has been proposed and verified by experiments. Sinusoidal fringe on the glass is collected using a linear CCD. The fringe curve can be corrected through the Fourier series fitting method to eliminate the constant non-uniformity of the light intensity of a light-emitting diode. The one-dimensional Fourier transform is applied to the corrected fringe curve; the Gaussian band-reject filter is designed to attenuate the first-order spectrum, and a Gaussian band-pass filter having the opposite characteristic attenuates other frequencies (except those in the first-order spectrum). In this way, the defect image and the phase map are obtained. A double threshold segmentation algorithm is applied to get a ternary-value image of the defects, with judgment of the defects’ size and position based on the connected region. Based on the phase map, a calculation method of diopters is proposed. A method for defect type judgment is raised. The results show that the resolution of the real-time testing can reach 0.1 mm × 0.1 mm.
Advances in Amblyopia: What Have We Learned From PEDIG Trials?
Authors: Gunton Kammi B.
Published: February 2013

Amblyopia is the most common cause of preventable visual loss in children. This article reviews treatment options, durations, and efficacy in randomized multicentered trials conducted by the Pediatric Eye Disease and Investigator Group in the last decade. Parents and patients should be counseled that many forms of treatment are efficacious, allowing the option of choice of best-tolerated treatment method. Compliance is key to successful treatment. The course of treatment is likely at least 6–12 months, with yearly follow-up suggested once amblyopia has been treated to monitor for regression.
Preparation of Small Silicon Carbide Quantum Dots by Wet Chemical Etching
Authors: Beke D. , Szekrényes Zs. , Balogh I. , Veres M. , Fazakas É , Varga L. K. , Czigány Zs. , Kamarás K. , Gali A.
Published: February 2013

Luminescence nanocrystals or quantum dots give grate potential for bio-analysis as well as optoelectronics. Here we report an effective and non-expensive fabrication method of silicon carbide nanocrystals, with diameter below 10 nm, based on electroless wet chemical etching. Our samples show strong violet-blue emission in the 410-450 nm region depending on the used solvents and particle size. Raman and infrared measurements suggest the varied nature of surfaces of silicon carbide nanocrystals which elucidate the behavior of the silicon carbide colloid solvents and also give opportunity to modify the surface easily for specific biological, medical or other application.
Anisotropy and inhomogeneity measurement of the transport properties of spark plasma sintered thermoelectric materials
Authors: Jacquot A. , Rull M. , Moure A. , Fernandez-Lozano J.F. , Martin-Gonzalez M. , Saleemi M. , Toprak M.S. , Muhammed M. , Jaegle M.
Published: February 2013

We report on the development and capabilities of two new measurement systems developed at Fraunhofer-IPM. The first measurement system is based on an extension of the Van der Pauw method and is suitable for cube-shaped samples. A mapping of the electrical conductivity tensor of a Skutterudite-SPS samples produced at the Instituto de Microelectrónica de Madrid is presented. The second measurement system is a ZTmeter also developed at the Fraunhofer-IPM. It enables the simultaneous measurement of the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity up to 900 K of cubes at least 5x5x5 mm3 in size. The capacity of this measurement system for measuring the anisotropy of the transport properties of a (Bi,Sb)2Te3SPS sample produced by KTH is demonstrated by simply rotating the samples.
A Detailed Study of the Synthesis of Bismuth Thin Films by PVD-Methods and their Structural Characterization
Authors: Camps Enrique , Rodil Sandra E. , Salas J. Antonio , Estrada Horacio V.
Published: February 2013

A comprehensive and rather complete study for the synthesis of Bismuth thin-films using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques aimed at identifying key features of their crystallographic structure and morphology/topography, as a function of the synthesis method is presented. These films were deposited on oxidized and non-oxidized polished silicon substrates, glass-plates and polyimide flexible films, by thermal evaporation (resistive boat and e-beam) DC- and RF-magnetron assisted sputtering, and pulsed laser (ablation) deposition (PLD). The synthesis was performed controlling the main deposition parameters of these methods.

XRD-spectra conclusively indicate that the films can be preferentially oriented along the [003] or [012] Bi-structure’s directions, depending on the source-to- substrate (STS)-distance, sputtering power, substrate’s temperature and PLD ion’s kinetic energy. It is also concluded that a relatively short STS-distance results in a rather polycrystalline structure, near independent to the used sputtering power.
Carrier Dynamics and Defects in Bulk 1eV InGaAsNSb Materials and InGaAs Layers with MBL Grown by MOVPE for Multi-junction Solar Cells
Authors: Sin Yongkun , LaLumondiere Stephen , Foran Brendan , Lotshaw William , Moss Steven C. , Kim Tae Wan , Ruder Steven , Mawst Luke J. , Kuech Thomas F.
Published: February 2013

Multi-junction III-V solar cells are based on a triple-junction design that employs a 1eV bottom junction grown on the GaAs substrate with a GaAs middle junction and a lattice-matched InGaP top junction. There are two possible approaches implementing the triple-junction design. The first approach is to utilize lattice-matched dilute nitride materials such as InGaAsN(Sb) and the second approach is to utilize lattice-mismatched InGaAs employing a metamorphic buffer layer (MBL). Both approaches have a potential to achieve high performance triple-junction solar cells. A record efficiency of 43.5% was achieved from multi-junction solar cells using the first approach [1] and the solar cells using the second approach yielded an efficiency of 41.1% [2]. We studied carrier dynamics and defects in bulk 1eV InGaAsNSb materials and InGaAs layers with MBL grown by MOVPE for multi-junction solar cells.