bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enfortumab Vedotin Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting Nectin-4 Is a Highly Potent Therapeutic Agent in Multiple Preclinical Cancer Models
Authors: Challita-Eid Pia M. , Satpayev Daulet , Yang Peng , An Zili , Morrison Karen , Shostak Yuriy , Raitano Arthur , Nadell Rossana , Liu Wendy , Lortie Dawn Ratay , Capo Linnette , Verlinsky Alla , Leavitt Monica , Malik Faisal , Aviña Hector , Guevara Claudia I. , Dinh Nick , Karki Sher , Anand Banmeet S. , Pereira Daniel S. , Joseph Ingrid B.J. , Doñate Fernando , Morrison Kendall , Stover David R.
Published: March 2016

The identification of optimal target antigens on tumor cells is central to the advancement of new antibody-based cancer therapies. We performed suppression subtractive hybridization and identified nectin-4 (PVRL4), a type I transmembrane protein and member of a family of related immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules, as a potential target in epithelial cancers. We conducted immunohistochemical analysis of 2,394 patient specimens from bladder, breast, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, head/neck, and esophageal tumors and found that 69% of all specimens stained positive for nectin-4. Moderate to strong staining was especially observed in 60% of bladder and 53% of breast tumor specimens, whereas the expression of nectin-4 in normal tissue was more limited. We generated a novel antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) enfortumab vedotin comprising the human anti-nectin-4 antibody conjugated to the highly potent microtubule-disrupting agent MMAE. Hybridoma (AGS-22M6E) and CHO (ASG-22CE) versions of enfortumab vedotin (also known as ASG-22ME) ADC were able to bind to cell surface–expressed nectin-4 with high affinity and induced cell death in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of mouse xenograft models of human breast, bladder, pancreatic, and lung cancers with enfortumab vedotin significantly inhibited the growth of all four tumor types and resulted in tumor regression of breast and bladder xenografts. Overall, these findings validate nectin-4 as an attractive therapeutic target in multiple solid tumors and support further clinical development, investigation, and application of nectin-4–targeting ADCs. Cancer Res; 76(10); 3003–13. ©2016 AACR.
miR-146b-5p within BCR-ABL1–Positive Microvesicles Promotes Leukemic Transformation of Hematopoietic Cells
Authors: Zhang Hong-Mei , Li Qing , Zhu Xiaojian , Liu Wei , Hu Hui , Liu Teng , Cheng Fanjun , You Yong , Zhong Zhaodong , Zou Ping , Li Qiubai , Chen Zhichao , Guo An-Yuan
Published: March 2016

Evidence is accumulating that extracellular microvesicles (MV) facilitate progression and relapse in cancer. Using a model in which MVs derived from K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells transform normal hematopoietic transplants into leukemia-like cells, we defined the underlying mechanisms of this process through gene-expression studies and network analyses of transcription factors (TF) and miRNAs. We found that antitumor miRNAs were increased and several defense pathways were initiated during the early phases of oncogenic transformation. Later, oncomiRs and genes involved in cell cycle, DNA repair, and energy metabolism pathways were upregulated. Regulatory network analyses revealed that a number of TFs and miRNAs were responsible for the pathway dysregulation and the oncogenic transformation. In particular, we found that miR-146b-5p, which was highly expressed in MVs, coordinated the regulation of cancer-related genes to promote cell-transforming processes. Notably, treatment of recipient cells with MV derived from K562 cells expressing mimics of miR-146b-5p revealed that it accelerated the transformation process in large part by silencing the tumor-suppressor NUMB. High levels of miR-146b-5p also enhanced reactive oxygen species levels and genome instability of recipient cells. Taken together, our finding showed how upregulation of oncogenic miRNAs in MVs promote hematopoetic cells to a leukemic state, as well as a demonstration for TF and miRNA coregulatory analysis in exploring the dysregulation of cancers and discovering key factors. Cancer Res; 76(10); 2901–11. ©2016 AACR.
JPO2/CDCA7L and LEDGF/p75 Are Novel Mediators of PI3K/AKT Signaling and Aggressive Phenotypes in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Chan Tiffany Sin Yu , Hawkins Cynthia , Krieger Jonathan R. , McGlade C. Jane , Huang Annie
Published: March 2016

Substantial evidence links Myc–PI3K/AKT signaling to the most aggressive subtype of medulloblastoma and this axis in medulloblastoma therapy. In this study, we advance understanding of how Myc–PI3K/AKT signaling contributes to this malignancy, specifically, in identifying the Myc-interacting protein JPO2 and its partner binding protein LEDGF/p75 as critical modulators of PI3K/AKT signaling and metastasis in medulloblastoma. JPO2 overexpression induced metastatic medulloblastoma in vivo through two synergistic feed-forward regulatory circuits involving LEDGF/p75 and AKT that promote metastatic phenotypes in this setting. Overall, our findings highlight two novel prometastatic loci in medulloblastoma and point to the JPO2:LEDGF/p75 protein complex as a potentially new targetable component of PI3K/AKT signaling in medulloblastoma. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2802–12. ©2016 AACR.
Human Helicase RECQL4 Drives Cisplatin Resistance in Gastric Cancer by Activating an AKT–YB1–MDR1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Mo Dongliang , Fang Hongbo , Niu Kaifeng , Liu Jing , Wu Meng , Li Shiyou , Zhu Tienian , Aleskandarany Mohammed A. , Arora Arvind , Lobo Dileep N. , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Balajee Adayabalam S. , Chi Zhenfen , Zhao Yongliang
Published: March 2016

Elevation of the DNA-unwinding helicase RECQL4, which participates in various DNA repair pathways, has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenicity of various human cancers, including gastric cancer. In this study, we addressed the prognostic and chemotherapeutic significance of RECQL4 in human gastric cancer, which has yet to be determined. We observed significant increases in RECQL4 mRNA or protein in >70% of three independent sets of human gastric cancer specimens examined, relative to normal gastric tissues. Strikingly, high RECQL4 expression in primary tumors correlated well with poor survival and gastric cancer lines with high RECQL4 expression displayed increased resistance to cisplatin treatment. Mechanistic investigations revealed a novel role for RECQL4 in transcriptional regulation of the multidrug resistance gene MDR1, through a physical interaction with the transcription factor YB1. Notably, ectopic expression of RECQL4 in cisplatin-sensitive gastric cancer cells with low endogenous RECQL4 was sufficient to render them resistant to cisplatin, in a manner associated with YB1 elevation and MDR1 activation. Conversely, RECQL4 silencing in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells with high endogenous RECQL4 suppressed YB1 phosphorylation, reduced MDR1 expression, and resensitized cells to cisplatin. In establishing RECQL4 as a critical mediator of cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells, our findings provide a therapeutic rationale to target RECQL4 or the downstream AKT–YB1–MDR1 axis to improve gastric cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 76(10); 3057–66. ©2016 AACR.
Integrative Analysis of DCE-MRI and Gene Expression Profiles in Construction of a Gene Classifier for Assessment of Hypoxia-Related Risk of Chemoradiotherapy Failure in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Fjeldbo Christina S. , Julin Cathinka H. , Lando Malin , Forsberg Malin F. , Aarnes Eva-Katrine , Alsner Jan , Kristensen Gunnar B. , Malinen Eirik , Lyng Heidi
Published: March 2016

Purpose: A 31-gene expression signature reflected in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MR images and correlated with hypoxia-related aggressiveness in cervical cancer was identified in previous work. We here aimed to construct a dichotomous classifier with key signature genes and a predefined classification threshold that separated cervical cancer patients into a more and less hypoxic group with different outcome to chemoradiotherapy.

Experimental Design: A training cohort of 42 patients and two independent cohorts of 108 and 131 patients were included. Gene expression data were generated from tumor biopsies by two Illumina array generations (WG-6, HT-12). Technical transfer of the classifier to a reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) platform was performed for 74 patients. The amplitude ABrix in the Brix pharmacokinetic model was extracted from DCE-MR images of 64 patients and used as an indicator of hypoxia.

Results: Classifier candidates were constructed by integrative analysis of ABrix and gene expression profiles in the training cohort and evaluated by a leave-one-out cross-validation approach. On the basis of their ability to separate patients correctly according to hypoxia status, a 6-gene classifier was identified. The classifier separated the patients into two groups with different progression-free survival probability. The robustness of the classifier was demonstrated by successful validation of hypoxia association and prognostic value across cohorts, array generations, and assay platforms. The prognostic value was independent of existing clinical markers, regardless of clinical endpoints.

Conclusions: A robust DCE-MRI–associated gene classifier has been constructed that may be used to achieve an early indication of patients' risk of hypoxia-related chemoradiotherapy failure. Clin Cancer Res; 22(16); 4067–76. ©2016 AACR.
Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 Protein Level in Breast Cancer Cells Predicts Therapeutic Application of a Cytotoxic Peptide
Authors: Bassiouni Rania , Nemec Kathleen N. , Iketani Ashley , Flores Orielyz , Showalter Anne , Khaled Amr S. , Vishnubhotla Priya , Sprung Robert W. , Kaittanis Charalambos , Perez Jesus M. , Khaled Annette R.
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Metastatic disease is a leading cause of death for patients with breast cancer, driving the need for new therapies. CT20p is a peptide previously discovered by our group that displays cancer-specific cytotoxicity. To design the optimal therapeutic use of the peptide, we identified the intracellular target of CT20p in breast cancer cells, correlating expression patterns of the target with susceptibility to CT20p.

Experimental Design: Using polymeric nanoparticles to deliver CT20p, we assessed cytoskeletal changes, cell migration, adhesion, and viability in cells treated with the peptide. Protein pull-down experiments, coupled to mass spectrometry, enabled identification of the peptide's intracellular target. Biochemical and histologic techniques validated target identity in human cell lines and breast cancer tissue microarrays and revealed susceptibility patterns to CT20p.

Results: Chaperonin containing TCP-1 (CCT) was identified as the intracellular target of CT20p. Cancer cells susceptible to CT20p had increased CCT, and overexpression of CCTβ, a subunit of the CCT complex, enhanced susceptibility to CT20p. Susceptible cells displayed reduced tubulin, a substrate of CCT, and inhibition of migration upon CT20p treatment. CCTβ levels were higher in invasive ductal carcinomas than in cancer adjacent tissues and increased with breast cancer stage. Decreased breast cancer patient survival correlated with genomic alternations in CCTβ and higher levels of the chaperone.

Conclusions: Increased CCT protein in breast cancer cells underlies the cytotoxicity of CT20p. CCT is thus a potential target for therapeutic intervention and serves as a companion diagnostic to personalize the therapeutic use of CT20p for breast cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4366–79. ©2016 AACR.
A Review on Development and Operational Strategy of Fault Current Limiters
Authors: Priyadharshna S.P. Janani , Venkatesan T.
Published: March 2016

Distributed Generation (DG) plays a major role in existing power system. When such distributed generation system is interconnected with micro-grid improves voltage profile, power quality but at the same time results in fault conditions. Among various faults occurring in the power system, short circuit faults are the most predominant case. This results in the increase in flow of the fault current in the line. Also the equipments installed in such a line get damaged internally due to flow of excess fault current. Therefore in order to improve the transient conditions and limit the fault current to a manageable level, a device called Fault Current Limiters (FCLs) are being used in recent trend. This paper reviews about various fault current limiters, their development, characteristics and operating performance in the system. It gives a detailed knowledge about various operations performed by fault current limiters that is compared with other conventional techniques.
Power Transformer Incipient Faults Diagnosis Based on Dissolved Gas Analysis
Authors: E. Gouda Osama , M. Saleh Saber , El-hoshy Salah Hamdy
Published: March 2016

Incipient fault diagnosis of a power transformer is greatly influenced by the condition assessment of its insulation system oil and/or paper insulation. Dissolved gas-in-oil analysis (DGA) is one of the most powerfull techniques for the detection of incipient fault condition within oil-immersed transformers. The transformer data has been analyzed using key gases, Doernenburg, Roger, IEC and Duval triangle techniques. This paper introduce a MATLAB program to help in unification DGA interpretation techniques to investigate the accuracy of these techniques in interpreting the transformer condition and to provide the best suggestion for the type of the fault within the transformer based on fault percentage. It proposes a proper maintenance action based on DGA results which is useful for planning an appropriate maintenance strategy to keep the power transformer in acceptable condition. The evaluation is carried out on DGA data obtained from 352 oil samples has been summarized  into 46 samples that have been collected from a 38 different transformers of different rating and different life span.
Design and Implementation of Robust Controllers for an Intelligent Incubation Pisciculture System
Authors: Ganesh D. , Naveed S.MD. Saleem , Chakravarthi M. Kalyan
Published: March 2016

Aquaculture is major occupation for the humans living at coastal areas. The fresh water cultivation of the certain species is prominent in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Here the proposed work shows the relation-ship between the growth of the certain species of marine habitats and the factors affecting their growth with respect to the medium of their living. Advancement of embedded systems in aquaculture leads to new innovations of monitoring and controlling the various parameters. Here the embedded system based application is used, through which the monitoring and controlling of the light is done with the help of LabVIEW based PI controller as well as Fuzzy controller for the effective and healthy growth of the marine habitat. The Designed controllers are energy efficient based controller for controlling the Light Source (LS) via appropriate lighting control levels. The controlling and managing of the system is based on the present light intensity with the help of virtual controller. The proposed work involves the designing and implementation of PI controller and the fuzzy controller for the real time setup to monitor and control the process for optimal and feasible solution.
Localization schemes in Underwater Sensor Network (UWSN): A Survey
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtiar , Salleh Mazleena
Published: March 2016

Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) is much more attractive area for the researchers due to its versatile applications like tactical surveillance, assisted navigation, equipment monitoring, oceanography data collection, pollution monitoring, offshore exploration, disaster prevention and seismic monitoring. The researchers are also collecting the scientific data from underwater environment for observing mission. Due to the continuous node movement in underwater environment creates the majority of the problems for localization. Localization is one of the major issues in underwater environment. This survey paper focuses the different valuable localization schemes which focus the open issues and challenges for researchers. 
Blind Channel Estimation Using Wavelet Denoising of Independent Component Analysis for LTE
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Gamal Mabrouk , S. Saad Reham
Published: March 2016

A new proposal of blind channel estimation method for long term evoluation (LTE) based on combining advantages of denoising property of wavelet transform (WT) with blind estimation capability of independent component analysis (ICA) called wavelet denoising of ICA (WD-ICA) was presented. This new method increased the spectral efficiency compared to training based methods, and provided considerable performance enhancement over conventional ICA methods. The conventional blind channel estimation methods based on ICA were performed individually for each orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier. To reduce complexity of implementation of WD-ICA method, channel interpolation was used. This method was presented for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) downlink LTE system. WD-ICA method was compared to conventional ICA methods and the Performance was evaluated by calculating normalized mean square error (NMSE) and bit error rate (BER). WD-ICA method as compared to the other known ICA channel estimation methods has lower complexity, lower value of NMSE, and lower value of BER, which indicates the superiority of the proposed method.
Bit Error Rate Analysis of MC-CDMA Systems with Channel Identification Using Higher Order Cumulants
Authors: Zidane Mohammed , Safi Said , Sabri Mohamed , Boumezzough Ahmed
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to contribute to study the problems of the blind identification and equalization using Higher Order Cumulants (HOC) in downlink Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) systems. For this problem, two blind algorithms based on HOC for Broadband Radio Access Network (BRAN) channel are proposed. In the one hand, to assess the performance of these approaches to identify the parameters of non minimum phase channels, we have considered two theoretical channels, and one practical frequency selective fading channel called BRAN C, driven by non gaussian signal. In the other hand, we use the Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) equalizer technique after the channel identification to correct the channel distortion. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results, in noisy environment and for different signal to noise ratio (SNR), are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed methods.
Big Data Platforms and Techniques
Authors: Borodo Salisu Musa , Shamsuddin Siti Mariyam , Hasan Shafaatunnur
Published: March 2016

Data is growing at unprecedented rate and has led to huge volume generated; the data sources include mobile, internet and sensors. This voluminous data is generated and updated at high velocity by batch and streaming platforms. This data is also varied along structured and unstructured types. This volume, velocity and variety of data led to the term big data. Big data has been premised to contain untapped knowledge, its exploration and exploitation is termed big data analytics. This literature reviewed platforms such as batch processing, real time processing and interactive analytics used in big data environments. Techniques used for big data are machine learning, Data Mining, Neural Network and Deep Learning. There are big data architecture offerings from Microsoft, IBM and National Institute of Standards and Technology. Big data potentials can transform economies and reduce running cost of institutions. Big data has challenges such as storage, computation, security and privacy
An improved Mamdani Fuzzy Neural Networks Based on PSO Algorithm and New Parameter Optimization
Authors: Meng Lei , Yin Shoulin , Hu Xinyuan
Published: March 2016

As we all know, the parameter optimization of Mamdani model has a defect of easily falling into local optimum. To solve this problem, we propose a new algorithm by constructing Mamdani Fuzzy neural networks. This new scheme uses fuzzy clustering based on particle swarm optimization(PSO) algorithm to determine initial parameter of Mamdani Fuzzy neural networks. Then it adopts PSO algorithm to optimize model's parameters. At the end, we use gradient descent method to make a further optimization for parameters. Therefore, we can realize the automatic adjustment, modification and perfection under the fuzzy rule. The experimental results show that the new algorithm improves the approximation ability of Mamdani Fuzzy neural networks.
An Adaptive Adjustment Mechanism for Carriage in ATTN Network
Authors: Xian Yongju , Yi Huailiang , Zhang Qili
Published: March 2016

Internet based on TCP/IP is now faced with the problem of scalability, security, management and energy consumption, while the patch to Internet doesn’t solve the drawback of IP network essentially, which further intensifies the complexity of the network. In this paper, based on the research of ATTN network, an adaptive adjustment mechanism is proposed aiming at the problem of data retention and low resource utilization rate in the automatic configuration of the carriages. In which by the forecast of data retention and resource utilization, the carrier routes are dynamically adjusted. Finally, the scheme is further optimized, and tested on ATTN simulation platform, which shows the performance of ATTN network is improved.
One Layer Object Separation Algorithm in Binary Image
Authors: Atmaja Ratri Dwi , Susanto Erwin , Halomoan Junartho , Ary Murti Muhammad
Published: March 2016

We propose an algorithm to separate black object in binary image. The algorithm is designed to perform vertical separation first, then followed with horizontal separation. This process is done only once (one layer). Results showed that the algorithm potentially could be developed into n-layer separation in a recursive function. The algorithm also potentially could be developed in adaptive to determine when to use a vertical or horizontal separation first. It could be expected to reduce the recursive number.
A Review on Voltage Balancing Solutions in Multilevel Inverters
Authors: Ranjitha M. , Ravivarman S.
Published: March 2016

Multilevel inverters are used in high power and medium voltage applications. Employing multilevel inverter with renewable energy alone, the voltage balance cannot be made because the number of level increases in multilevel inverter the control gets complexity. So voltage imbalance problems are introduced. The voltage imbalance problems can be classified into two types; Midpoint unbalance and the central capacitor discharge. These problems can be solved by using voltage balancing solutions. The solutions are hardware based; software based, and combined solutions. By using these types of solutions the voltage balancing problems can be solved and the efficiency of multilevel inverter could be high. This paper reviews about various voltage balancing solutions in multilevel inverter.
Electrical Vehicle Modeling and Backstepping Control
Authors: Mohammed Mekkaoui , Meguenni Kada Zemalache , Abdel Hafid Omari , Motefai Lotfi
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, the development of electric vehicles has become a general trend. Electrical vehicles have improved their performance, and have been made suitable for commercial and domestic use during the last decades. The proportional–integral–differential (PID) controller has been widely used in the industrial ﬁeld. It has a simple structure, and can be easily realized. The recursive backstepping design methodology is originally introduced inadaptive control theory to systematically construct the feedback control law, the parameter adaptation law and the associated Lyapunov function for a class of nonlinear systems satisfying certain structured properties. the backstepping control (BKC)  is used to improve the robustness and real-time performance of the electrical vehicle system. Numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of this approach.
Scattering Parameters prediction for 433MHz SAWR with Minimum Insertion loss
Authors: Elsherbini M. M. , Elkordy M. F. , Gomaa A. M.
Published: March 2016

A proposed schematic design for surface acoustic wave resonator (SAWR) is introduced in this paper. A simplified equivalent model for both one and two port 433MHz SAWR is built. Scattering parameters of the proposed design is extracted and compared with a commercial one of the same resonant frequency. Advanced system design tool is nominated to give the main parameters like Impedance and Admittance with their real and imaginary response. The insertion loss predicted mathematically and recorded from simulation then compared with the measured value. The proposed design tool introduced adequate results with minimum hardware procedure specifications.
Tuning of PID Controller for Load Frequency Control Problem via Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Omar M. , Ebrahim M. A. , Abdel Ghany A. M. , Bendary F.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a new artificial intelligence technique, Harmony Search (HS), will be used for the optimization of a classical order PID for a two-area load frequency control (LFC) model using the participation factor concept. The HS has four main variants, these variants had been used for the optimization of classical order PID controllers in case of centralized control scheme, the results had been compared to select and recommend the best HS variant. Then, this best HS variant had been used for the tuning of PID controllers in case of decentralized scheme.
Travel Angle Control of Quanser Bench-top Helicopter based on Quantitative Feedback Theory Technique
Authors: Mohd Hairon A. H. , Mansor H. , Gunawan T. S. , Khan S.
Published: March 2016

A three degree of freedom (3-DOF) bench-top helicopter is a simplified aerial vehicle which is used to study the behaviors of the helicopter as well as testing multiple flight control approaches for their efficiency. Designing helicopter’s dynamic control is a challenging task due to the presence of high uncertainties and non-linear behavior. The main objective of this research is to achieve robust control over the helicopter model regardless parameter variation and disturbances using robust control technique, Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT). QFT utilizes frequency domain methodology which ensures plant’s stability by considering the feedback of the system and thus removing the effect of disturbances and reducing sensitivity of parameter’s variation. The proposed technique is tested against LQR-tuned PID controller in both simulation and real hardware environment to verify its performance. The results obtained shown us that QFT algorithm managed to reduce settling time and steady state error of about 80% and 33% respectively over the classical PID controller.
Nonlinear Servomotor in Single Pulse Simulation of Electrical Discharge Machining System Modeling
Authors: Lee Hassan , Yahya Azli , Khamis Nor Hisham , Samion Shahrullail
Published: March 2016

Electrical Discharge Machining, EDM is a nonconventional and high precision machining.  EDM system is considered a combination of servo system and EDM process. The servo system precisely controls the gap between electrode and workpiece for the continuous electrical discharges occurrence. Machining performance and stability depend on the performance of servo system. The EDM servo system usually modeled as a linear system, which ignores the nonlinearities of the motor. An assumption that the nonlinearities are insignificant in EDM system model may leads to modeling errors and result in poor control performance. In this study, nonlinear EDM servo system model was presented and the dynamic response of the model was analyzed and compared with the linear model. Simulation result shows a slightly difference in system response and a controller used in linear model is less efficient for a nonlinear EDM servo system model. The results are very useful for control strategy and can contribute to a better machining performance and stability of EDM applications.
On Sparse Compression Complexity of Speech Signals
Authors: Omara Ahmed , Hefnawy Alaa , Zekry Abdelhalim
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we have addressed the issue of the sparse compression complexity for the speech signals. First of all, this work illustrated the effect of the signal length on the complexity levels of Matching Pursuit (MP) and Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithms. Also, this paper introduced a study of possibility to reduce that complexity by exploiting the shared atoms among the contiguous speech compressions. By comparing the shared atoms levels and a threshold level induced by an analytic model based on the both the central and non-central hyper-geometric distributions, we proved the ability of the shared atoms criterion to detect if there is biasing towards a subspace of atoms or not, and to decide if the biasing occurs due to the redundancy in the dictionary of atoms, or due to the redundancy in the signal itself.
Moreover, we suggested a subspace bias-based approaches for complexity reduction called "Atoms Reuse" and "Active Cluster". Both methods exploits the higher levels of the shared atoms to reduce the compression complexity by reducing the search space during the pursuit iterations.
The Performance of Dynamic-static Spectrum Access Based on Markov Transfer Model
Authors: Xu Changbiao , Zhu Lianjun
Published: March 2016

This study presented a non-synchronized random access mechanism that supports dynamic-static spectrum. Generally, the authorized users of two networks (network A and network B) with different frequency bands communicate with each other by using static spectrum. When congestion happened, spectrum holes in their networks can be detected by the opposite networks and then utilized to communicate. Based on queuing theory and Markov transfer model, a user behavior characterized by dynamic-static spectrum access was proposed, and the feasibility of this theoretical model was validated through analog simulation. Thereafter, the theoretical parameters of system performance, like blocking possibility, forced drop-call possibility, and throughput, were measured and compared between dynamic-static mode and unconjugated mode.
Inset Feed Toppled H-Shaped Microstrip Patch Antenna for PCS/WiMAX Application
Authors: Aneesh Mohammad , Siddiqui Mohd. Gulman , Ansari Jamshed Aslam , Singh Ashish , Kamakshi Km.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, an inset feed toppled H-shaped microstrip patch antenna with grounded plane is investigated for triple band operation. The simulation of proposed antenna geometry has been performed using IE3D simulation software based on method of moment. The prototype of the proposed antenna has been fabricated and tested to validate the simulation work. The measured results indicate that the reflection coefficient is better than -10dB for 1.8 GHz (PCS), 3.5 GHz (WiMAX), and 5.5 GHz (WiMAX) frequencies.
Prolonging the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks using LPA-star Search Algorithm
Authors: A. Alkathmawee Ahmed , Feng Lusong , S. Alshawi Imad
Published: March 2016

Since sensors have limited power resources, energy consumption has become a critical challenge to Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Most of the routing protocols proposed to transmit data packets through paths which consume low energy aim simply to reduce battery power consumption. This can lead to lead to network partition and reduce network lifetime.Therefore, to balance energy consumption and extend network lifetime while minimizing packet delivery delay; this paper proposes a new energy-routing protocol using the lifelong planning A-star (LPA-star) search algorithm. This algorithm is used to find an optimum forwarding path between the source node and the sink. The optimum path can be selected depending on highest residual sensor energy, the shortest distance to the sink and lowest traffic load. Simulation results indicate that the proposed protocol increased the lifetime of the network compared with the A-star routing (EERP) protocol.
The Actin-Binding Protein Drebrin Inhibits Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Stiber Jonathan A. , Wu Jiao-Hui , Zhang Lisheng , Nepliouev Igor , Zhang Zhu-Shan , Bryson Victoria G. , Brian Leigh , Bentley Rex C. , Gordon-Weeks Phillip R. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Freedman Neil J.
Published: March 2016

Objective—

Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration is regulated by cytoskeletal remodeling as well as by certain transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, nonselective cation channels that modulate calcium influx. Proper function of multiple subfamily C TRP (TRPC) channels requires the scaffolding protein Homer 1, which associates with the actin-binding protein Drebrin. We found that SMC Drebrin expression is upregulated in atherosclerosis and in response to injury and investigated whether Drebrin inhibits SMC activation, either through regulation of TRP channel function via Homer or through a direct effect on the actin cytoskeleton.

Approach and Results—

Wild-type (WT) and congenic
Dbn
−/+
mice were subjected to wire-mediated carotid endothelial denudation. Subsequent neointimal hyperplasia was 2.4±0.3-fold greater in
Dbn
−/+
than in WT mice. Levels of globular actin were equivalent in
Dbn
−/+
and WT SMCs, but there was a 2.4±0.5-fold decrease in filamentous actin in
Dbn
−/+
SMCs compared with WT. Filamentous actin was restored to WT levels in
Dbn
−/+
SMCs by adenoviral-mediated rescue expression of Drebrin. Compared with WT SMCs,
Dbn
−/+
SMCs exhibited increased TRP channel activity in response to platelet-derived growth factor, increased migration assessed in Boyden chambers, and increased proliferation. Enhanced TRP channel activity and migration in
Dbn
−/+
SMCs were normalized to WT levels by rescue expression of not only WT Drebrin but also a mutant Drebrin isoform that binds actin but fails to bind Homer.

Conclusions—

Drebrin reduces SMC activation through its interaction with the actin cytoskeleton but independently of its interaction with Homer scaffolds.
New Prothrombin Mutation (Arg596Trp, Prothrombin Padua 2) Associated With Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Bulato Cristiana , Radu Claudia Maria , Campello Elena , Gavasso Sabrina , Spiezia Luca , Tormene Daniela , Simioni Paolo
Published: March 2016

Objective—

Two different prothrombin variants, p.Arg596Leu and p.Arg596Gln, conferring antithrombin resistance to patients with venous thromboembolism have been recently reported. Here, we describe a novel substitution affecting Arg596 of prothrombin molecule (Arginine596 to Tryptophan or p.Arg596Trp or Arg221aTrp in the chymotrypsinogen numbering system or prothrombin Padua 2) in 2 Italian families with venous thromboembolism.

Approach and Results—

Prothrombin Padua 2 has been characterized either in plasma of carriers or using Arg596Trp recombinant prothrombin. Routine coagulation tests, thrombin generation, and antithrombin resistance tests were performed, as well as measurement of the levels of thrombin–antithrombin complexes. All carriers were heterozygotes and presented with a mild reduction of the prothrombin activity. Thrombin generation in carriers showed only a markedly prolonged decay. This finding was confirmed in plasma reconstituted with Arg596Trp recombinant prothrombin mimicking a homozygous condition, which showed longer decay and higher endogenous thrombin potential in thrombin generation than wild-type recombinant prothrombin reconstituted plasma. Patient’s plasma as well as Arg596Trp recombinant prothrombin showed a clear thrombin resistance to antithrombin inactivation. These findings were supported by the assessment of thrombin–antithrombin complexes formation, which was strongly reduced for Arg596Trp recombinant prothrombin as compared with wild-type recombinant prothrombin. In a series of 400 unrelated consecutive patients with venous thromboembolism, 2 carriers of prothrombin Padua 2 were found (estimated prevalence of 0.5%).

Conclusions—

Our study showed that prothrombin Padua 2 induces antithrombin resistance and is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Codon 596 (CGG) of prothrombin is a hot spot for mutations, which constitute a new and relatively frequent cause of inherited thrombophilia.
Coenzyme Q10 and Heart Failure
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Fonarow Gregg C. , Butler Javed , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Felker G. Michael
Published: March 2016

Heart failure (HF) with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Evidence-based therapies are often limited by tolerability, hypotension, electrolyte disturbances, and renal dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may represent a safe therapeutic option for patients with HF. CoQ10 is a highly lipophilic molecule with a chemical structure similar to vitamin K. Although being a common component of cellular membranes, CoQ10’s most prominent role is to facilitate the production of adenosine triphosphate in the mitochondria by participating in redox reactions within the electron transport chain. Numerous trials during the past 30 years examining CoQ10 in patients with HF have been limited by small numbers and lack of contemporary HF therapies. The recent publication of the Q-SYMBIO randomized controlled trial demonstrated a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events with CoQ10 supplementation in a contemporary HF population. Although having limitations, this study has renewed interest in evaluating CoQ10 supplementation in patients with HF. Current literature suggests that CoQ10 is relatively safe with few drug interactions and side effects. Furthermore, it is already widely available as an over-the-counter supplement. These findings warrant future adequately powered randomized controlled trials of CoQ10 supplementation in patients with HF. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the literature about the mechanisms, clinical data, and safety profile of CoQ10 supplementation in patients with HF.
Regulation of Caveolin-1 Expression Determines Early Brain Edema After Experimental Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Choi Kang-Ho , Kim Hyung-Seok , Park Man-Seok , Kim Joon-Tae , Kim Ja-Hae , Cho Kyung-Ah , Lee Min-Cheol , Lee Hong-Joon , Cho Ki-Hyun
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Most patients with cerebral infarction die of brain edema because of the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in ischemic tissue. Caveolins (a group of proteins) are key modulators of vascular permeability; however, a direct role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in the regulation of BBB permeability during ischemic injury has yet to be identified.

Methods—

Cav-1 expression was measured by immunoblotting after photothrombotic ischemia. A direct functional role of Cav-1 in cerebral edema and BBB permeability during cerebral ischemia was investigated by genetic manipulation (gene disruption and re-expression) of Cav-1 protein expression in mice.

Results—

There was a significant correlation between the extent of BBB disruption and the Cav-1 expression. In Cav-1–deficient (Cav-1
−/−
) mice, the extent of BBB disruption after cerebral ischemia was increased compared with wild-type (Cav-1
+/+
) mice, whereas the increase in cerebral edema volume was ameliorated by lentiviral-mediated re-expression of Cav-1. Furthermore, Cav-1
−/−
mice had significantly higher degradation of tight junction proteins and proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase than Cav-1
+/+
mice. Conversely, re-expression of Cav-1 in Cav-1
−/−
mice restored tight junction protein expression and reduced matrix metalloproteinase proteolytic activity.

Conclusions—

These results indicate that Cav-1 is a critical determinant of BBB permeability. Strategies for regulating Cav-1 represent a novel therapeutic approach to controlling BBB disruption and subsequent neurological deterioration during cerebral ischemia.
Environmental factors associated with amphibian breeding in streams and springs: effects of habitat and fish occurrence
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Pennati Roberta
Published: March 2016

Streams are among the most threatened aquatic habitats for amphibians. Amphibians often demonstrate a complex community structure and investigations are mainly performed on pond-dwelling species, whereas data regarding stream-dwelling species is still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of stream features and the effects of the occurrence of predatory fish on the community structure of amphibians. To assess the occurrence of breeding among amphibians (in Northern Apennine streams), sampling was performed on 57 stream and spring sites between early March and late May 2014. The research process recorded the presence of four breeding species (Salamandra salamandra, Salamandrina perspicillata, Bufo bufo, and Rana italica) and discovered that the community structures of amphibians were significantly connected to different habitat features. The investigation showed that fish presence is the primary habitat feature that affects the communities of amphibians: B. bufo was the only amphibian species not affected by fish presence, while the other species avoided sites with fish. Sun exposure, depth of water and slope inclination played important roles in affecting amphibian breeding. Our study confirms that fish presence in small streams can be detrimental for different amphibian species.
The first case of natural spontaneous triploidy in the family Bombinatoridae
Authors: Litvinchuk Spartak N. , Rosanov Juriy M.
Published: March 2016

A triploid specimen of the diploid anuran species Bombina orientalis was identified by means of DNA flow cytometry. The finding is interpreted as a case of natural spontaneous autotriploidy. The incidence of triploidy was 1.8% per species (n = 55) and 11.1% per sample (n = 9).
A survey of Lab Tests Online-UK users: a key resource for patients to empower and help them understand their laboratory test results
Authors: Leyland Rebecca , Freedman Danielle B
Published: March 2016

Background

Lab Tests Online-UK celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014 and to mark the occasion the first comprehensive survey of website users was undertaken.

Methods

A pop-up box with a link to Survey Monkey was used to offer website users the chance to participate in the survey, which was live from 4 March 2014 to 11 April 2014.

Results

Six hundred and sixty-one participants started the questionnaire and 338 completed all of the demographic questions. Although the website is designed and aimed at patients and the public, a significant number of respondents were health-care professionals (47%). The majority of survey participants found the Lab Tests Online-UK website via a search engine and were visiting the site for themselves. The majority of participants found what they were looking for on the website and found the information very easy or fairly easy to understand. The patient respondents were keen to see their laboratory test results (87%), but the majority did not have access (60%) at the time of the survey.

Conclusions

This survey provides good evidence that the Lab Tests Online-UK website is a useful resource for patients and health-care professionals alike. It comes at a poignant time as the release of results direct to patients starts with access to their medical records. The Lab Tests Online-UK website has a key role in enabling patients to understand their lab test results, and therefore empowering them to take an interest and engage in their own healthcare.
Site-Specific Neutrophil Migration and CXCL2 Expression in Periodontal Tissue
Authors: Greer A. , Irie K. , Hashim A. , Leroux B.G. , Chang A.M. , Curtis M.A. , Darveau R.P.
Published: March 2016

The oral microbial community is the best-characterized bacterial ecosystem in the human host. It has been shown in the mouse that oral commensal bacteria significantly contribute to clinically healthy periodontal homeostasis by influencing the number of neutrophils that migrate from the vasculature to the junctional epithelium. Furthermore, in clinically healthy tissue, the neutrophil response to oral commensal bacteria is associated with the select expression of the neutrophil chemokine CXCL2 but not CXCL1. This preliminary study examined the contribution of commensal bacteria on neutrophil location across the tooth/gingival interface. Tissue sections from the root associated mesial (anterior) of the second molar to the root associated distal (posterior) of the second molar were examined for neutrophils and the expression of the neutrophil chemokine ligands CXCL1 and CXCL2. It was found that both the number of neutrophils as well as the expression of CXCL2 but not CXCL1 was significantly increased in tissue sections close to the interdental region, consistent with the notion of select tissue expression patterns for neutrophil chemokine expression and subsequent neutrophil location. Furthermore, mice gavaged with either oral Streptococcus or Lactobacillus sp. bacteria induced a location pattern of neutrophils and CXCL2 expression similar to the normal oral flora. These data indicate for the first time select neutrophil location and chemokine expression patterns associated with clinically healthy tissue. The results reveal an increased inflammatory load upon approaching the interproximal region, which is consistent with the observation that the interproximal region often reveals early clinical signs of periodontal disease.
Roll rate perceptual thresholds in active and passive curve driving simulation
Authors: Nesti Alessandro , Nooij Suzanne , Losert Martin , Bülthoff Heinrich H , Pretto Paolo
Published: March 2016

In driving simulation, simulator tilt is used to reproduce sustained linear acceleration. In order to feel realistic, this tilt is performed at a rate below the human tilt rate detection threshold, which is usually assumed constant. However, it is known that many factors affect the threshold, such as visual information, simulator motion in additional directions, or the driver’s active effort required for controlling the vehicle. Here we investigated the effect of these factors on the roll rate detection threshold during simulated curve driving. Ten participants reported whether they detected roll motion in multiple trials during simulated curve driving, while roll rate was varied over trials. Roll rate detection thresholds were measured under four conditions. In the first three conditions, participants were moved passively through a curve with the following: (i) roll only in darkness; (ii) combined roll/sway in darkness; (iii) combined roll/sway and visual information. In the fourth (iv) condition participants actively drove through the curve. The results showed that roll rate thresholds in simulated curve driving increase, that is, sensitivity decreases, when the roll tilt is combined with sway motion. Moreover, an active control task seemed to further increase the detection threshold, that is, impair motion sensitivity, but with large individual differences. We hypothesize that this is related to the level of immersion during the task.
Using Antenarrative to Uncover Systems of Power in Mid-20th Century Policies on Marriage and Maternity at IBM
Authors: Petersen Emily January , Moeller Ryan M.
Published: March 2016

In this article, we use extant International Business Machines' internal communications to demonstrate how Boje’s notion of “antenarrative” can serve as a methodology for feminist historiography and as a way of uncovering forgotten and unchallenged systems of power and legitimacy in technical and professional communication. The antenarrative fragments of any official, sanctioned story give us insight into the ways in which power has been distributed throughout an organization and where agency can be claimed in real time. We also see that a methodology that considers the untold and unofficial stories of women in the workplace works to explain current distributions of power. This can be done by investigating the antenarratives that threaten to disrupt the prepackaged grand narrative of organizations; we show this specifically through a case study of International Business Machines' archival memos in contrast with the company’s website and public relations documents.