bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Autoantibodies against Ezrin in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Lan , Liu Ming , Lin Jian-Bang , Hong Xin-Bin , Chen Wen-Xia , Guo Hong , Xu Li-Yan , Xu Yi-Wei , Li En-Min , Peng Yu-Hui
Published: February 2017

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the most common malignancies worldwide, is a highly aggressive and homogeneous entity occurring in esophageal squamous epithelium, and a reliable noninvasive test for early detection is needed. A recent study showed that serum autoantibodies against Ezrin could be detected in patients with pancreatic cancer. Here, we assessed whether autoantibodies against Ezrin could have diagnostic relevance for early ESCC. We analyzed autoantibodies against Ezrin in sera of 98 normal controls and 149 patients with ESCC. Ezrin autoantibodies levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that higher levels of autoantibodies against Ezrin were observed in serum samples from patients with ESCC than in serum from normal controls (P<0.0001). Based on a cutoff value of 0.319, the sensitivity and specificity of autoantibodies against Ezrin for diagnosis of ESCC were 27.5% and 95.9%, respectively. Compared with normal controls, the positive rate of autoantibodies against Ezrin was significantly elevated in patients with early-stage ESCC (P<0.0001). Moreover, there was no significant difference of positivity of autoantibodies against Ezrin in ESCC patients categorized according to age, gender, tumor size, tumor invasion depth, tumor site, histological grade, lymph node status, or tumor stage. Our study indicates that the presence of autoantibodies against Ezrin is significantly associated with ESCC.
A Survey on Wireless Transmitter Localization Using Signal Strength Measurements
Authors: Nurminen Henri , Dashti Marzieh , Piché Robert
Published: February 2017

Knowledge of deployed transmitters’ (Tx) locations in a wireless network improves many aspects of network management. Operators and building administrators are interested in locating unknown Txs for optimizing new Tx placement, detecting and removing unauthorized Txs, selecting the nearest Tx to offload traffic onto it, and constructing radio maps for indoor and outdoor navigation. This survey provides a comprehensive review of existing algorithms that estimate the location of a wireless Tx given a set of observations with the received signal strength indication. Algorithms that require the observations to be location-tagged are suitable for outdoor mapping or small-scale indoor mapping, while algorithms that allow most observations to be unlocated trade off some accuracy to enable large-scale crowdsourcing. This article presents empirical evaluation of the algorithms using numerical simulations and real-world Bluetooth Low Energy data.
A Time Modulated Printed Dipole Antenna Array for Beam Steering Application
Authors: Gahley Ruchi , Basu Banani
Published: February 2017

This paper presents time modulated beam steered antenna array without phase shifters. The beam steering is analyzed considering a two-element time modulated antenna array (TMAA) of printed dipoles with microstrip via-hole balun. The proposed array resonates at the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio bands, 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz, and offers wide bandwidth inherited due to modified structure of ground plane. Array elements are excited by complex exponential excitation signal through broadband power divider and radio frequency (RF) switches to achieve amplitude and phase variation without phase shifters. Differential Evolution algorithm is used to modify the time sequences of the RF switches connected to the antennas to generate radiation pattern with optimum dynamic efficiency by suppressing sideband radiations. Also switch-on time instant of RF switch connected to the subsequent element is modulated to steer the beam towards different directions. The proposed prototype is fabricated followed by parametric optimization. The fabrication results agree significantly well with simulated results.
Image Classification Using Biomimetic Pattern Recognition with Convolutional Neural Networks Features
Authors: Zhou Liangji , Li Qingwu , Huo Guanying , Zhou Yan
Published: February 2017

As a typical deep-learning model, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) can be exploited to automatically extract features from images using the hierarchical structure inspired by mammalian visual system. For image classification tasks, traditional CNN models employ the softmax function for classification. However, owing to the limited capacity of the softmax function, there are some shortcomings of traditional CNN models in image classification. To deal with this problem, a new method combining Biomimetic Pattern Recognition (BPR) with CNNs is proposed for image classification. BPR performs class recognition by a union of geometrical cover sets in a high-dimensional feature space and therefore can overcome some disadvantages of traditional pattern recognition. The proposed method is evaluated on three famous image classification benchmarks, that is, MNIST, AR, and CIFAR-10. The classification accuracies of the proposed method for the three datasets are 99.01%, 98.40%, and 87.11%, respectively, which are much higher in comparison with the other four methods in most cases.
Therapeutic Potential of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Anna Zadroga , Katarzyna Jezierska-Woźniak , Joanna Czarzasta , Barczewska Monika , Joanna Wojtkiewicz , Wojciech Maksymowicz
Published: February 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that affects individuals worldwide, significantly reducing quality of life, for both patients and their families. In recent years there has been a growing interest in cell therapy potential in the context of spinal cord injuries. The present review aims to discuss and compare the restorative approaches based on the current knowledge, available spinal cord restorative cell therapies, and use of selected cell types. However, treatment options for spinal cord injury are limited, but rehabilitation and experimental technologies have been found to help maintain or improve remaining nerve function in some cases. Mesenchymal stem cells as well as olfactory ensheathing cells seem to show therapeutic impact on damaged spinal cord and might be useful in neuroregeneration. Recent research in animal models and first human trials give patients with spinal cord injuries hope for recovery.
Semiquantitative Evaluation of Extrasynovial Soft Tissue Inflammation in the Shoulders of Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis by Power Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Yoshida Ryochi , Okamoto Akiko , Seri Yu
Published: February 2017

Objectives. To develop a scoring system for evaluating the extrasynovial soft tissue inflammation of the shoulders in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis with PMR-like onset (pm-EORA) using ultrasound.Methods. We analyzed stored power Doppler (PD) images obtained by the pretreatment examination of 15 PMR patients and 15 pm-EORA patients. A semiquantitative scoring system for evaluating the severity of PD signals adjacent to the anterior aspect of the subscapularis tendon was designed.Results. A four-point scale scoring for the hyperemia on the subscapularis tendon was proposed as follows in brief: 0 = absent or minimal flow, 1 = single vessel dots or short linear-shape signals, 2 = long linear-shape signals or short zone-shape signals, or 3 = long zone-shape signals. This scoring system showed good intra- and interobserver reliability and good correlation to quantitative pixel-counting evaluation. By using it, we demonstrated that inflammation in PMR is dominantly localized in extrasynovial soft tissue as compared with pm-EORA.Conclusions. We proposed a reliable semiquantitative scoring system using ultrasound for the evaluation of extrasynovial soft tissue inflammation of the shoulders in patients with both PMR and pm-EORA. This system is simple to use and can be utilized in future investigations.
Integration of an Adaptive Infotainment System in a Vehicle and Validation in Real Driving Scenarios
Authors: Galarza Miguel Angel , Bayona Teresa , Paradells Josep
Published: February 2017

More services, functionalities, and interfaces are increasingly being incorporated into current vehicles and may overload the driver capacity to perform primary driving tasks adequately. For this reason, a strategy for easing driver interaction with the infotainment system must be defined, and a good balance between road safety and driver experience must also be achieved. An adaptive Human Machine Interface (HMI) that manages the presentation of information and restricts drivers’ interaction in accordance with the driving complexity was designed and evaluated. For this purpose, the driving complexity value employed as a reference was computed by a predictive model, and the adaptive interface was designed following a set of proposed HMI principles. The system was validated performing acceptance and usability tests in real driving scenarios. Results showed the system performs well in real driving scenarios. Also, positive feedbacks were received from participants endorsing the benefits of integrating this kind of system as regards driving experience and road safety.
Neuroplasticity Changes on Human Motor Cortex Induced by Acupuncture Therapy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yang Yi , Eisner Ines , Chen Siqi , Wang Shaosong , Zhang Fan , Wang Linpeng
Published: February 2017

While neuroplasticity changes measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation have been proved to be highly correlated to motor recovery and have been tested in various forms of interventions, it has not been applied to investigate the neurophysiologic mechanism of acupuncture therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate neuroplasticity changes induced by a single session of acupuncture therapy in healthy adults, regarding the excitability change on bilateral primary motor cortex and interhemispheric inhibition. Ten subjects took a 30-minute acupuncture therapy and the same length relaxing phase in separate days. Transcranial magnetic stimulation measures, including resting motor threshold, amplitudes of motor-evoked potential, and interhemispheric inhibition, were assessed before and 10 minutes after intervention. Acupuncture treatment showed significant changes on potential amplitude from both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres to acupuncture compared to baseline. Also, interhemispheric inhibition from the contralateral motor cortex to the opposite showed a significant decline. The results indicated that corticomotoneuronal excitability and interhemispheric competition could be modulated by acupuncture therapy on healthy subjects. The following question about whether these changes will be observed in the same way on stroke patients and whether they correlate with the therapeutic effect on movement need to be answered by following studies. This trial is registered with ISRCTN13074245.
Biological Characteristics of Fluorescent Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Labeled Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Ma Liang , Li Ming-wei , Bai Yu , Guo Hui-hui , Wang Sheng-chao , Yu Qing
Published: February 2017

Tracking transplanted stem cells is necessary to clarify cellular properties and improve transplantation success. In this study, we investigate the effects of fluorescent superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) (Molday ION Rhodamine-B™, MIRB) on biological properties of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and monitor hDPSCs in vitro and in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Morphological analysis showed that intracellular MIRB particles were distributed in the cytoplasm surrounding the nuclei of hDPSCs. 12.5–100 μg/mL MIRB all resulted in 100% labeling efficiency. MTT showed that 12.5–50 μg/mL MIRB could promote cell proliferation and MIRB over 100 μg/mL exhibited toxic effect on hDPSCs. In vitro MRI showed that 1 × 106cells labeled with various concentrations of MIRB (12.5–100 μg/mL) could be visualized. In vivo MRI showed that transplanted cells could be clearly visualized up to 60 days after transplantation. These results suggest that 12.5–50 μg/mL MIRB is a safe range for labeling hDPSCs. MIRB labeled hDPSCs cell can be visualized by MRI in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate that MIRB is a promising candidate for hDPSCs tracking in hDPSCs based dental pulp regeneration therapy.
Intelligent Learning for Knowledge Graph towards Geological Data
Authors: Zhu Yueqin , Zhou Wenwen , Xu Yang , Liu Ji , Tan Yongjie
Published: February 2017

Knowledge graph (KG) as a popular semantic network has been widely used. It provides an effective way to describe semantic entities and their relationships by extending ontology in the entity level. This article focuses on the application of KG in the traditional geological field and proposes a novel method to construct KG. On the basis of natural language processing (NLP) and data mining (DM) algorithms, we analyze those key technologies for designing a KG towards geological data, including geological knowledge extraction and semantic association. Through this typical geological ontology extracting on a large number of geological documents and open linked data, the semantic interconnection is achieved, KG framework for geological data is designed, application system of KG towards geological data is constructed, and dynamic updating of the geological information is completed accordingly. Specifically, unsupervised intelligent learning method using linked open data is incorporated into the geological document preprocessing, which generates a geological domain vocabulary ultimately. Furthermore, some application cases in the KG system are provided to show the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed intelligent learning approach for KG.
H∞ Networked Cascade Control System Design for Turboshaft Engines with Random Packet Dropouts
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Sun Xu
Published: February 2017

The distributed control architecture becomes more and more important in future gas turbine engine control systems, in which the sensors and actuators will be connected to the controllers via a network. Therefore, the control problem of network-enabled high-performance distributed engine control (DEC) has come to play an important role in modern gas turbine control systems, while, due to the properties of the network, the packet dropouts must be considered. This study introduces a distributed control system architecture based on a networked cascade control system (NCCS). Typical turboshaft engine distributed controllers are designed based on the NCCS framework with H∞ state feedback under random packet dropouts. The sufficient robust stable conditions are derived via the Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequality approach. Simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Free Gingival Graft to Increase Keratinized Mucosa after Placing of Mandibular Fixed Implant-Supported Prosthesis
Authors: Marin Danny Omar Mendoza , Leite Andressa Rosa Perin , Nícoli Lélis Gustavo , Marcantonio Claudio , Compagnoni Marco Antonio , Marcantonio Elcio
Published: February 2017

Insufficiently keratinized tissue can be increased surgically by free gingival grafting. The presence or reconstruction of keratinized mucosa around the implant can facilitate restorative procedure and allow the maintenance of an oral hygiene routine without irritation or discomfort to the patient. The aim of this clinical case report is to describe an oral rehabilitation procedure of an edentulous patient with absence of keratinized mucosa in the interforaminal area, using a free gingival graft associated with a mandibular fixed implant-supported prosthesis. The treatment included the manufacturing of a maxillary complete denture and a mandibular fixed implant-supported prosthesis followed by a free gingival graft to increase the width of the mandibular keratinized mucosa. Free gingival graft was obtained from the palate and grafted on the buccal side of interforaminal area. The follow-up of 02 and 12 months after mucogingival surgery showed that the free gingival graft promoted peri-implant health, hygiene, and patient comfort.Clinical Significance. The free gingival graft is an effective treatment in increasing the width of mandibular keratinized mucosa on the buccal side of the interforaminal area and provided an improvement in maintaining the health of peri-implant tissues which allows for better oral hygiene.
Ovarian Mature and Immature Teratomas in Monozygotic Twins: A Case Report of Simultaneous Presentation
Authors: Shigemi Daisuke , Kawai Naoki , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: February 2017

Mature cystic teratoma is one of the most common kinds of ovarian tumor, and immature teratoma is a rare tumor, representing less than 1% of all ovarian teratomas. Although there are some reports about familial occurrences of ovarian tumors, literature concerning the clinical cases of monozygotic twins is rare. We report the 5-year clinical courses of a 12-year-old Japanese girl with a recurrent bilateral ovarian mature teratoma and her monozygotic twin with a unilateral ovarian mature teratoma and contralateral ovarian immature teratoma. This is the first clinical report on mature and immature teratomas of the ovary in monozygotic twins. Our cases support future clarification of the molecular mechanism and pathogenesis of teratoma.
A Wireless Location System in LTE Networks
Authors: Liu Qi , Hu Rongyi , Liu Shan
Published: February 2017

Personal location technologies are becoming important with the rapid development of Mobile Internet services. In traditional cellular networks, the key problems of user location technologies are high-precision synchronization among different base stations, inflexible processing resources, and low accuracy positioning, especially for indoor environment. In this paper, a new LTE location system in Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN) is proposed, which makes channel and location measurement more available, allocation of baseband processing resources more flexible, and location service capability opening. The location system contains more than two antenna clusters, and each of them gets time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) of sounding reference signals (SRSs) from different antennas. Then, based on data provided by location measurement units (LMUs), the location information server calculates TDOAs and derives the users’ position. Furthermore, a new location algorithm is raised which can achieve distributed antennas collaboration and centralized location computing. And an improved optimized algorithm with the best TDOA selection is proposed. Finally, simulations are given out to verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in this LTE location system.
Neural Energy Supply-Consumption Properties Based on Hodgkin-Huxley Model
Authors: Wang Yihong , Wang Rubin , Xu Xuying
Published: February 2017

Electrical activity is the foundation of the neural system. Coding theories that describe neural electrical activity by the roles of action potential timing or frequency have been thoroughly studied. However, an alternative method to study coding questions is the energy method, which is more global and economical. In this study, we clearly defined and calculated neural energy supply and consumption based on the Hodgkin-Huxley model, during firing action potentials and subthreshold activities using ion-counting and power-integral model. Furthermore, we analyzed energy properties of each ion channel and found that, under the two circumstances, power synchronization of ion channels and energy utilization ratio have significant differences. This is particularly true of the energy utilization ratio, which can rise to above 100% during subthreshold activity, revealing an overdraft property of energy use. These findings demonstrate the distinct status of the energy properties during neuronal firings and subthreshold activities. Meanwhile, after introducing a synapse energy model, this research can be generalized to energy calculation of a neural network. This is potentially important for understanding the relationship between dynamical network activities and cognitive behaviors.
Cardioprotection of Electroacupuncture for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery on Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized Control Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Fangxiang , Yu Xiangdi , Xiao Hong
Published: February 2017

We attempted to investigate cardioprotection of electroacupuncture (EA) for enhanced recovery after surgery on patients undergoing heart valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass. Forty‐four patients with acquired heart valve replacement were randomly allocated to the EA group or the control group. Patients in the EA group received EA stimulus at bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Ximen (PC4), Shenting (GV24), and Baihui (GV20) acupoints twenty minutes before anesthesia induction to the end of surgery. The primary end point was cardioprotection effect of electroacupuncture postoperatively and the secondary endpoints were quality of recovery and cognitive functioning postoperatively. The present study demonstrated that electroacupuncture reduced the occurrence of complications and played a role of cardioprotective effect on patients after heart valve replacement surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and it benefits patients more comfortable and contributes to recovery after surgery. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-IOC-16009123.
Direction-of-Arrival Estimation for Coprime Array Using Compressive Sensing Based Array Interpolation
Authors: Liu Aihua , Yang Qiang , Zhang Xin , Deng Weibo
Published: February 2017

A method of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation using array interpolation is proposed in this paper to increase the number of resolvable sources and improve the DOA estimation performance for coprime array configuration with holes in its virtual array. The virtual symmetric nonuniform linear array (VSNLA) of coprime array signal model is introduced, with the conventional MUSIC with spatial smoothing algorithm (SS-MUSIC) applied on the continuous lags in the VSNLA; the degrees of freedom (DoFs) for DOA estimation are obviously not fully exploited. To effectively utilize the extent of DoFs offered by the coarray configuration, a compressing sensing based array interpolation algorithm is proposed. The compressing sensing technique is used to obtain the coarse initial DOA estimation, and a modified iterative initial DOA estimation based interpolation algorithm (IMCA-AI) is then utilized to obtain the final DOA estimation, which maps the sample covariance matrix of the VSNLA to the covariance matrix of a filled virtual symmetric uniform linear array (VSULA) with the same aperture size. The proposed DOA estimation method can efficiently improve the DOA estimation performance. The numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Spontaneous Regression of Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations with Conservative Management
Authors: Mekaru Keiko , Oishi Sugiko , Akamine Kozue , Heshiki Chiaki , Aoki Yoichi
Published: February 2017

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can cause massive hemorrhage and is often treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE), which may lead to ovarian insufficiency. Thus, avoiding UAE should be considered, particularly in women undergoing fertility treatments. We present three women diagnosed with postmiscarriage AVM on color Doppler by transvaginal ultrasound imaging. They had no genital bleeding and a small mass, measuring 16–22 mm. If estradiol was >300 pg/mL when AVM was diagnosed, then a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was administered. All three women underwent follow-up observation, revealing spontaneous mass disappearance. To avoid ovarian insufficiency risk with UAE, conservative management and close follow-up observation should be considered in patients with AVM without bleeding, particularly during the fertility treatment.
Enhancement of Thermal Stability and Cycling Performance of Lithium-Ion Battery at High Temperature by Nano-ppy/OMMT-Coated Separator
Authors: Yang Shuo , Qin Huiya , Li Xuan , Li Huijun , Yao Pei
Published: February 2017

Nanopolypyrrole/organic montmorillonite- (nano-ppy/OMMT-) coated separator is prepared by coating nano-ppy/OMMT on the surface of polyethylene (PE). Nano-ppy/OMMT-coated separator with three-dimensional and multilayered network structure is beneficial to absorb more organic electrolyte, enhancing the ionic conductivity (reach 4.31 mS·cm-1). Meanwhile, the composite separator exhibits excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. The strong covalent bonds (Si-F) are formed by the nucleophilic substitution reaction between F−from the thermal decomposition and hydrolysis of LiPF6and the covalent bonds (Si-O) of nano-ppy/OMMT. The Si-F can effectively prevent the formation of HF, POF3, and LiF, resulting in the inhibition of the disproportionation of Mn3+in LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2material as well as reducing the internal resistance of the cell. Therefore, the nano-ppy/OMMT-coated separator exhibits outstanding capacity retention and cycling performance at 80°C.
The Earliest Maya Farmers of Peten: New Evidence from Buenavista-Nuevo San José, Central Peten Lakes Region, Guatemala
Authors: Castellanos Jeanette E. , Foias Antonia E.
Published: February 2017

The origins and cultural affiliations of the first sedentary agricultural and pottery-producing communities in the southern Maya lowlands remain hotly debated. Here, we describe the discovery of a new early farming settlement at the small site of Buenavista-Nuevo San José on Lake Peten Itza in northern Guatemala. Evidence for a pre-Mamom occupation (1000–700 BC) at this site was found in the deepest fill layers overlying bedrock, including pottery diagnostic of this time period and the remains of a post-in-bedrock dwelling. Because the evidence for this early settlement is from secondary contexts and because four radiocarbon dates cover a broad chronological range, the best evidence for the pre-Mamom occupation consists of the ceramics recovered in the excavations. The closest links of the pre-Mamom pottery at Buenavista-Nuevo San José are with the Eb complex at Tikal and the Cunil complex of Cahal Pech, Belize, suggesting strong interactions between these early groups. The discovery of pre-Mamom pottery at Buenavista also suggests that the early farmers were more widespread than previously suggested. Furthermore, the presence of Olmecoid symbols incised on the pre-Mamom pottery at Buenavista-Nuevo San José indicates that these early communities were immersed in broad pan-Mesoamerican spheres of interaction.
Epoxidation of Ethylene by Whole Cell Suspension of Methylosinus trichosporium IMV 3011
Authors: Xin Jia-Ying , Xu Ning , Ji Sheng-Fu , Wang Yan , Xia Chun-Gu
Published: February 2017

Methane monooxygenase (MMO) has been found in methanotrophic bacteria, which catalyzes the epoxidation of gaseous alkenes to their corresponding epoxides. The whole cell suspension of Methylosinus trichosporium IMV 3011 was used to produce epoxyethane from ethylene. The optimal reaction time and initial ethylene concentration for ethylene epoxidation have been described. The product epoxyethane is not further metabolized and accumulates extracellularly. Thus, exhaustion of reductant and the inhibition of toxic products make it difficult to accumulate epoxyethane continuously. In order to settle these problems, regeneration of cofactor NADH was performed in batch experiments with methane and methanol. The amount of epoxyethane formed before cosubstrate regeneration was between 0.8 and 1.0 nmol/50 mg cells in approximately 8 h. Combining data from 7 batch experiments, the total production of epoxyethane was 2.2 nmol. Production of epoxyethane was improved (4.6 nmol) in 10% gas phase methane since methane acts as an abundant reductant for epoxidation. It was found that the maximum production of epoxyethane (6.6 nmol) occurs with 3 mmol/L methanol. The passive effect of epoxyethane accumulation on epoxyethane production capacity of Methylosinus trichosporium IMV 3011 in batch experiments was studied. Removal of product was suggested to overcome the inhibition of epoxyethane production.
Atomic Force Microscopy for Collagen-Based Nanobiomaterials
Authors: Stylianou Andreas
Published: February 2017

Novel nanobiomaterials are increasingly gaining ground in bioengineering research. Among the numerous biomaterials, collagen-nanobiomaterials, such as collagen thin films, are of great interest since they present a wide range of applications in the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biomedicine. Collagen type I is the most abundant protein within extracellular matrix and, due to its unique characteristics, is widely used as biomaterial. A thorough characterization of the structure and properties of nanomaterials can be achieved by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM is a very powerful tool which can be used to obtain qualitative or quantitative information without destroying the collagen fibrillar structure. This mini review covers issues related to the use of AFM for studying the structure and mechanical properties of collagen-based nanobiomaterials, collagen-substrate interactions during the formation of collagen thin films, collagen-cells interactions, and the collagen-optical radiation interactions.
Measurement of the Industrial Collaboration of the Diversified Coal Industry: China Coal Energy Company as an Example
Authors: Li Chong-Mao , Cui Tao , Nie Rui , Yan Xin-Yu
Published: February 2017

With the diversified development of coal enterprises in China, the industries related to coal, including coal chemical, electric power, transportation, and building materials, have witnessed rapid development. There is a collaboration relation between the coal industries and most of the aforementioned industries. Based on the synergy theory and the theory of industrial cooperation, the collaboration among coal industries is assessed in this research. Examining China Coal Energy Company as an example, this research divides the compound enterprise system into subsystems such as coal‐electric, coal‐chemical, and coal‐equipment. Next, collaboration indices, including market, scale, and management, are created for each subsystem. Then, the overall collaboration degree of the China Coal Energy Company since it was listed was calculated by standardizing data and estimating the order degree of order parameters and subsystems. Thus, a model measuring the industrial collaboration degree of coal enterprises was established to quantitatively reflect the collaboration degree between various industries. At the same time, the factors influencing the collaboration effect between various industries were analyzed so as to improve this effect, which then can provide a decision basis for enterprises.
Comparative Effects of Food Preservatives on the Production of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin I from Staphylococcus aureus Isolate
Authors: Zhao Yanying , Zhu Anni , Tang Junni , Tang Cheng , Chen Juan
Published: February 2017

Staphylococcal enterotoxin I (SEI) is associated with staphylococcal food poisoning, but little is known about different food preservatives on the production of SEI. In this study, the effect of different food preservatives (sodium nitrite, polylysine, chitosan, and tea catechin) on the bacteria growth, sei gene expression, and extracellular SEI production of Staphylococcus aureus isolate H4 was detected in tryptone soya broth (TSB) culture. Our results showed that all of these preservatives depressed S. aureus H4 growth and the order of inhibitory effect was 0.8 g/L tea catechin > 6 g/L chitosan > 0.25 g/L polylysine > 0.4 g/L tea catechin > 0.15 g/L sodium nitrite. Furthermore, 0.25 g/L polylysine or 0.15 g/L sodium nitrite did not significantly alter sei gene transcription, while 6 g/L chitosan obviously increased the relative mRNA level of sei gene expression. 0.4 g/L tea catechin remarkably inhibited sei gene transcription. In addition, 0.15 g/L sodium nitrite and 6 g/L chitosan significantly enhanced SEI secretion. 0.25 g/L polylysine, especially 0.4 g/L tea catechin, sharply inhibited the level of SEI secretion. The results indicated that tea catechin not only suppressed Staphylococcus aureus growth, but also inhibited SEI production and secretion, suggesting that tea catechin may be better than sodium nitrite, polylysine, or chitosan for keeping the food from the contamination of SEI. These investigations would be useful for food industry to provide safer food products due to S. aureus enterotoxins-related control strategy.
Assessment of Rainfall Intensity Equations Enlisted in the Egyptian Code for Designing Potable Water and Sewage Networks
Authors: Awadallah Ayman G. , Magdy Mostafa , Helmy Ehab , Rashed Ehab
Published: February 2017

The design of combined sewage system networks is based on the sanitary discharge (domestic, industrial) and the runoff generated by rainfall. The Egyptian code of practice for designing potable water and sewage networks gives two Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) equations to calculate the intensity of rainfall to be applied to all cities of Egypt. The purpose of this research is to study and assess the adequacy of the rainfall intensity equations suggested by the aforementioned Egyptian code. This is carried out taking into consideration the available rainfall ground station measurements and remote sensing Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) satellite rainfall estimates. This assessment leads to the following results. For the Mediterranean coastal cities, the code of practice equations significantly underestimates the rainfall intensities for all storm durations, which may lead to road networks damage and accidents due to hydroplaning and road flooding. On the contrary, for many other southern cities along the Nile Valley, the code equations significantly overestimate the rainfall intensities, which affects the economical aspect of the sewage network. Consequently, the current research suggests new rainfall intensity equations instead of the code equations.
Ultrasonic Adaptive Detection for Aerospace Components with Varying Thickness
Authors: Xiao Zhen , Xu Chunguang , Xiao Dingguo , Peng Genyue , Li Xinliang
Published: February 2017

Automatic inspection of microdefects located in the aerospace components is difficult due to the imprecise scanning trajectory, especially for those specimens with varying thickness. In this paper, a new ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) system using the robotic scanning trajectory is constructed for inspecting turbine blades. Additionally, an approach based on the analysis of ultrasonic signals is proposed to calibrate the trajectory; the ultrasonic image based on the threshold function represents the distribution of inner defects when the following gate is used to track the flaw echo. Therefore, the characteristic parameters of the flaw echo signals are easy to be discriminated if the reflection waves are stable in the time domain. Experimental result verified the effective and feasibility of the proposed approach; the distribution of inner defects can be shown with a higher resolution than other NDT methods when robotic orientation is correct at each point of scanning trajectory. Furthermore, the feature signals can be tracked more accurately during the ultrasonic signal processing if the ultrasonic distance was considered as a calibration coefficient of positional matrix. The proposed ultrasonic adaptive detection is adapted to complex geometric structure with a minimum resolution of equivalent diameter of the inner flaw being 0.15 millimeters.
Radiation Resistance in KRAS-Mutated Lung Cancer Is Enabled by Stem-like Properties Mediated by an Osteopontin–EGFR Pathway
Authors: Wang Meng , Han Jing , Marcar Lynnette , Black Josh , Liu Qi , Li Xiangyong , Nagulapalli Kshithija , Sequist Lecia V. , Mak Raymond H. , Benes Cyril H. , Hong Theodore S. , Gurtner Kristin , Krause Mechthild , Baumann Michael , Kang Jing X. , Whetstine Johnathan R. , Willers Henning
Published: February 2017

Lung cancers with activating KRAS mutations are characterized by treatment resistance and poor prognosis. In particular, the basis for their resistance to radiation therapy is poorly understood. Here, we describe a radiation resistance phenotype conferred by a stem-like subpopulation characterized by mitosis-like condensed chromatin (MLCC), high CD133 expression, invasive potential, and tumor-initiating properties. Mechanistic investigations defined a pathway involving osteopontin and the EGFR in promoting this phenotype. Osteopontin/EGFR–dependent MLCC protected cells against radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks and repressed putative negative regulators of stem-like properties, such as CRMP1 and BIM. The MLCC-positive phenotype defined a subset of KRAS-mutated lung cancers that were enriched for co-occurring genomic alterations in TP53 and CDKN2A. Our results illuminate the basis for the radiation resistance of KRAS-mutated lung cancers, with possible implications for prognostic and therapeutic strategies. Cancer Res; 77(8); 2018–28. ©2017 AACR.
Role of Megakaryocytes in Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone
Authors: Jackson Walter , Sosnoski Donna M. , Ohanessian Sara E. , Chandler Paige , Mobley Adam , Meisel Kacey D. , Mastro Andrea M.
Published: February 2017

Little is known about how megakaryocytes may affect metastasis beyond serving as a source of platelets. In this study, we explored the functional implications of megakaryocyte accumulation in the femurs of mice after injection of metastatic or non-metastatic breast cancer cells in 4T1.2 BALB/cJ and MDA-MB-231 nude mouse models. At bone metastatic sites, but not primary growth sites, tumor growth was associated with increased megakaryopoiesis in both model systems. In the orthotopic BALB/cJ model, extramedullary hematopoiesis occurred in the spleen, resulting in a four-fold increase in megakaryocytes. In support of the hypothesis that reducing megakaryocytes may reduce metastasis, we found that thrombopoietin-deficient mice exhibited a 90% relative decrease in megakaryocytes, yet they developed more aggressive metastasis than wild-type hosts. In human clinical specimens, we observed an increase in megakaryocytes in the bone marrow of 6/8 patients with metastatic breast cancer compared with age- and gender-matched controls. Taken together, our results suggested that an increase in megakaryocytes occurring in response to metastatic cells entering the bone marrow confers some measure of protection against metastasis, challenging present views on the role of megakaryocytes in this setting. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1942–54. ©2017 AACR.
Ex Vivo Explant Cultures of Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Enable Evaluation of Primary Tumor Responses to Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Karekla Ellie , Liao Wen-Jing , Sharp Barry , Pugh John , Reid Helen , Quesne John Le , Moore David , Pritchard Catrin , MacFarlane Marion , Pringle James Howard
Published: February 2017

To improve treatment outcomes in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), preclinical models that can better predict individual patient response to novel therapies are urgently needed. Using freshly resected tumor tissue, we describe an optimized ex vivo explant culture model that enables concurrent evaluation of NSCLC response to therapy while maintaining the tumor microenvironment. We found that approximately 70% of primary NSCLC specimens were amenable to explant culture with tissue integrity intact for up to 72 hours. Variations in cisplatin sensitivity were noted with approximately 50% of cases responding ex vivo. Notably, explant responses to cisplatin correlated significantly with patient survival (P = 0.006) irrespective of tumor stage. In explant tissue, cisplatin-resistant tumors excluded platinum ions from tumor areas in contrast to cisplatin-sensitive tumors. Intact TP53 did not predict cisplatin sensitivity, but a positive correlation was observed between cisplatin sensitivity and TP53 mutation status (P = 0.003). Treatment of NSCLC explants with the targeted agent TRAIL revealed differential sensitivity with the majority of tumors resistant to single-agent or cisplatin combination therapy. Overall, our results validated a rapid, reproducible, and low-cost platform for assessing drug responses in patient tumors ex vivo, thereby enabling preclinical testing of novel drugs and helping stratify patients using biomarker evaluation. Cancer Res; 77(8); 2029–39. ©2017 AACR.
Sodium Channel Subunit SCNN1B Suppresses Gastric Cancer Growth and Metastasis via GRP78 Degradation
Authors: Qian Yun , Wong Chi Chun , Xu Jiaying , Chen Huarong , Zhang Yanquan , Kang Wei , Wang Hua , Zhang Li , Li Weilin , Chu Eagle S.H. , Go Minnie Y.Y. , Chiu Philip W.Y. , Ng Enders K.W. , Chan Francis K.L. , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Si Jianmin , Yu Jun
Published: February 2017

There remains a paucity of functional biomarkers in gastric cancer. Here, we report the identification of the sodium channel subunit SCNN1B as a candidate biomarker in gastric cancer. SCNN1B mRNA expression was silenced commonly by promoter hypermethylation in gastric cancer cell lines and primary tumor tissues. Tissue microarray analysis revealed that high expression of SCNN1B was an independent prognostic factor for longer survival in gastric cancer patients, especially those with late-stage disease. Functional studies demonstrated that SCNN1B overexpression was sufficient to suppress multiple features of cancer cell pathophysiology in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SCNN1B interacted with the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, GRP78, and induced its degradation via polyubiquitination, triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR) via activation of PERK, ATF4, XBP1s, and C/EBP homologous protein and leading in turn to caspase-dependent apoptosis. Accordingly, SCNN1B sensitized gastric cancer cells to the UPR-inducing drug tunicamycin. GRP78 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of SCNN1B on cell growth and migration, whereas GRP78 silencing aggravated growth inhibition by SCNN1B. In summary, our results identify SCNN1B as a tumor-suppressive function that triggers UPR in gastric cancer cells, with implications for its potential clinical applications as a survival biomarker in gastric cancer patients. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1968–82. ©2017 AACR.
Tankyrase-Binding Protein TNKS1BP1 Regulates Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangement and Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Ohishi Tomokazu , Yoshida Haruka , Katori Masamichi , Migita Toshiro , Muramatsu Yukiko , Miyake Mao , Ishikawa Yuichi , Saiura Akio , Iemura Shun-ichiro , Natsume Tohru , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Tankyrase, a PARP that promotes telomere elongation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, has various binding partners, suggesting that it has as-yet unidentified functions. Here, we report that the tankyrase-binding protein TNKS1BP1 regulates actin cytoskeleton and cancer cell invasion, which is closely associated with cancer progression. TNKS1BP1 colocalized with actin filaments and negatively regulated cell invasion. In TNKS1BP1-depleted cells, actin filament dynamics, focal adhesion, and lamellipodia ruffling were increased with activation of the ROCK/LIMK/cofilin pathway. TNKS1BP1 bound the actin-capping protein CapZA2. TNKS1BP1 depletion dissociated CapZA2 from the cytoskeleton, leading to cofilin phosphorylation and enhanced cell invasion. Tankyrase overexpression increased cofilin phosphorylation, dissociated CapZA2 from cytoskeleton, and enhanced cell invasion in a PARP activity–dependent manner. In clinical samples of pancreatic cancer, TNKS1BP1 expression was reduced in invasive regions. We propose that the tankyrase-TNKS1BP1 axis constitutes a posttranslational modulator of cell invasion whose aberration promotes cancer malignancy. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2328–38. ©2017 AACR.
CD40 Signaling Drives Potent Cellular Immune Responses in Heterologous Cancer Vaccinations
Authors: Nimanong Supot , Ostroumov Dmitrij , Wingerath Jessica , Knocke Sarah , Woller Norman , Gürlevik Engin , Falk Christine S. , Manns Michael P. , Kühnel Florian , Wirth Thomas C.
Published: February 2017

Antagonistic antibodies targeting coinhibitory receptors have revolutionized the treatment of cancer by inducing durable immune responses and clinical remissions in patients. In contrast, success of agonistic costimulatory antibodies has thus far been limited because of the insufficient induction of adaptive immune responses. Here, we describe a novel vaccination method consisting of a primary dendritic cell (DC) immunization followed by a composite vaccination, including an agonistic CD40 antibody, soluble antigen, and a TLR3 agonist, referred to as CoAT. In mice, DC/CoAT prime-boost vaccinations targeting either MHC class I or II neoantigens or tumor-associated antigens rendered up to 60% of the total T-cell population specific for a single tumor epitope. DC/CoAT induced durable and complete remissions of large subcutaneous tumors without detectable side effects. Thus, booster vaccinations with agonistic costimulatory antibodies represent an ideal means to amplify DC vaccinations and induce robust T-cell immune responses while providing maximum flexibility regarding the choice of antigen. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1918–26. ©2017 AACR.
Tumor-Associated Neutrophils and Macrophages Promote Gender Disparity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Zebrafish
Authors: Yan Chuan , Yang Qiqi , Gong Zhiyuan
Published: February 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs more frequently and aggressively in men than women, but the mechanistic basis of this gender disparity is obscure. Chronic inflammation is a major etiologic factor in HCC, so we investigated the role of cortisol in gender discrepancy in a zebrafish model of HCC. Inducible expression of oncogenic KrasV12 in hepatocytes of transgenic zebrafish resulted in accelerated liver tumor progression in males. These tumors were more heavily infiltrated with tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) versus females, and they both showed protumor gene expression and promoted tumor progression. Interestingly, the adrenal hormone cortisol was predominantly produced in males to induce Tgfb1 expression, which functioned as an attractant for TAN and TAM. Inhibition of cortisol signaling in males, or increase of cortisol level in females, decreased or increased the numbers of TAN and TAM, respectively, accompanied by corresponding changes in protumor molecular expression. Higher levels of cortisol, TGFB1, and TAN/TAM infiltration in males were also confirmed in human pre-HCC and HCC samples, features that positively correlated in human patients. These results identify increased cortisol production and TAN/TAM infiltration as primary factors in the gender disparity of HCC development in both fish and human. Cancer Res; 77(6); 1395–407. ©2017 AACR.
Amplification of EGFR Wild-Type Alleles in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Confers Acquired Resistance to Mutation-Selective EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Nukaga Shigenari , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Hamamoto Junko , Masuzawa Keita , Kawada Ichiro , Naoki Katsuhiko , Matsumoto Shingo , Mimaki Sachiyo , Ikemura Shinnosuke , Goto Koichi , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Soejima Kenzo
Published: February 2017

EGFR-mutated lung cancers account for a significant subgroup of non–small cell lung cancers overall. Third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are mutation-selective inhibitors with minimal effects on wild-type EGFR. Acquired resistance develops to these agents, however, the mechanisms are as yet uncharacterized. In this study, we report that the Src–AKT pathway contributes to acquired resistance to these TKI. In addition, amplification of EGFR wild-type alleles but not mutant alleles was sufficient to confer acquired resistance. These findings underscore the importance of signals from wild-type EGFR alleles in acquiring resistance to mutant-selective EGFR-TKI. Our data provide evidence of wild-type allele-mediated resistance, a novel concept of acquired resistance in response to mutation-selective inhibitor therapy in cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 77(8); 2078–89. ©2017 AACR.