bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial prediction of optimal final stand density for even-aged plantation forests using productivity indices
Authors: Watt Michael S. , Kimberley Mark O. , Dash Jonathan P. , Harrison Duncan
Published: December 2016

Surfaces that describe spatial variation in optimal stand density following final thining (Sopt) are likely to be of considerable use to forest managers. Using a comprehensive series of growth model simulations, the aim of this research was to (i) develop a model of Sopt that maximises volume of large-diameter, small-branched sawlogs (S27) for unpruned New Zealand radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) stands, (ii) use this model to examine how site productivity and tree morphology influence Sopt, and (iii) generate a map of Sopt for New Zealand. A model predicting Sopt from clearfell age and two productivity indices, Site Index (SI) and 300 Index (I300), was found to predict optimal stand density with a high degree of accuracy. Optimal stand density was found to increase with I300 and clearfell age but decrease with SI. Within New Zealand plantations, the mean predicted Sopt for clearfell age 28 years was 614 stems·ha−1. The proportion of plantations predicted to have Sopt greater than 400, 500, and 600 stems·ha−1 was 0.99, 0.88, and 0.61, respectively. The predicted Sopt was found to exceed the actual mean final crop stand density in stands managed under unpruned sawlog regimes of ca. 500 stems·ha−1 within most plantation areas in New Zealand. This disparity highlights the potential of this approach for increasing crop value in New Zealand P. radiata plantations.
Hydrogen absorption in palladized MCM-41
Authors: Guthrie Colin P. , Reardon Eric J.
Published: December 2016

Hydrogen absorption by palladium (Pd) in Pd/MCM-41 was studied at 298.2 ± 0.1 K and between 0.5 and 1.0 atm [Formula: see text]. Mass percent Pd loadings of 0.81%, 1.10%, 1.16%, and 2.30% of total Pd/MCM-41 were used. Absorption was measured in gas-tight stainless steel cells equipped with computer-logged pressure transducers. The average maximum hydrogen absorption for all samples was 0.85 ± 0.18 H/Pd. An apparent trend of increasing hydrogen absorption as the mass percent loading of Pd increased was determined to be non-significant. Similar experiments using Pd black showed a lower absorption of 0.79 ± 0.09 H/Pd.
Processing Over Encrypted Data
Authors: Saleh Eyad , Alsa'deh Ahmad , Kayed Ahmad , Meinel Christoph
Published: December 2016

Data encryption is a common approach to protect the confidentiality of users' data. However, when computation is required, the data must be decrypted before processing. The decryption-for-processing approach causes critical threats. For instance, a compromised server may lead to the leakage of data or cryptographic keys. On the other hand, data owners are concerned since the data is beyond their control. Thus, they look for mechanisms to achieve strong data protection. Accordingly, alternatives for protecting data become essential. Consequently, the trend of processing over encrypted data starts to arise along with a rapidly growing literature. This paper surveys applications, tools, building blocks, and approaches that can be used to directly process encrypted data (i.e., without decrypting it). The purpose of this survey is to provide an overview of existing systems and approaches that can be used to process encrypted data, discuss commercial usage of such systems, and to analyze the current developments in this area
Survey on Keyword Search over XML Documents
Authors: Le Thuy Ngoc , Ling Tok Wang
Published: December 2016

Since XML has become a standard for information exchange over the Internet, more and more data are represented as XML. XML keyword search has been attracted a lot of interests because it provides a simple and user-friendly interface to query XML documents. This paper provides a survey on keyword search over XML document. We mainly focus on the topics of defining semantics for XML keyword search and the corresponding algorithms to find answers based on these semantics. We classify existing works for XML keyword search into three main types, which are tree-based approaches, graph-based approaches and semantics-based approaches. For each type of approaches, we further classify works into sub-classes and especially we summarize, make comparison and point out the relationships among sub-classes. In addition, for each type of approach, we point out the common problems they suffer
Renin-angiotensin system transgenic mouse model recapitulates pathophysiology similar to human preeclampsia with renal injury that may be mediated through VEGF
Authors: Denney J. Morgan , Bird Cynthia , Gendron-Fitzpatrick Annette , Sampene Emmanuel , Bird Ian M. , Shah Dinesh M.
Published: December 2016

Using a transgenic cross, we evaluated features of preeclampsia, renal injury and the sFlt1/VEGF changes. Transgenic hAGT and hREN, or wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6 mice were cross-bred: female hAGT × male hREN for preeclampsia (PRE) model and female WT × male WT for pregnant controls (WTP). Samples were collected for plasma VEGF, sFlt1, and urine albumin. Blood pressures (BP) were monitored by telemetry. Vascular reactivity was investigated by wire myography. Kidneys and placenta were immunostained for sFlt1 and VEGF. Eleven PRE and 9 WTP mice were compared. PRE more frequently demonstrated albuminuria, glomerular endotheliosis (80% vs. 11%; P = 0.02), and placental necrosis (60% vs. 0%; P < 0.01). PRE group demonstrated declining BPs with advancing gestation. Plasma sFlt1 increased across pregnancy in PRE; VEGF did not vary. IHC demonstrated the presence of sFlt1 in glomeruli, lymphatics, and collecting tubules of PRE kidneys, suggesting excretion. VEGF immunostaining was increased specifically in the glomeruli of PRE kidneys. Placenta in PRE showed marked immunostaining for sFlt1. We conclude that this transgenic model of preeclampsia recapitulates human preeclamptic state with high fidelity, and that, vascular adaptation to pregnancy is suggested by declining BPs and reduced vascular response to PE and increased response to acetylcholine. Placental damage with resultant increased release of sFlt1, proteinuria, deficient spiral artery remodeling, and glomerular endotheliosis were observed in this model of PRE. Increased VEGF binding to glomerular endothelial cells in this model of PRE is similar to human PRE and leads us to hypothesize that renal injury in preeclampsia may be mediated through local VEGF.
Late Diagnosed Left Coronary to the Pulmonary Artery Large Fistulae: An Interesting and Incidental Cath Lab Finding
Authors: Oliveira Marcos Danillo P. , de Melo Pedro H. M. Craveiro , Abreu-Silva Érlon O. , Coura Fernando Barbiero , Rios Gleyson Moraes , Potério Daniel Izzet
Published: December 2016

Coronary artery anomalies are congenital changes in their origin, course, and/or structure. Most of them are discovered as incidental findings during coronary angiographic studies or at autopsies. A coronary artery fistulae involve a communication between a coronary artery and a chamber of the heart or any segment of the systemic or pulmonary circulation. We present herein the case of a 67-year-old man with a recent history of exertional angina and dyspnea to usual daily activities whose coronary angiogram revealed an interesting and incidental coronary-pulmonary artery large fistulae.
Healing of the Acutely Injured Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Functional Treatment with the ACL-Jack, a Dynamic Posterior Drawer Brace
Authors: Jacobi Matthias , Reischl Nikolaus , Rönn Karolin , Magnusson Robert A. , Gautier Emanuel , Jakob Roland P.
Published: December 2016

Background. The injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has a limited healing capacity leading to persisting instability.Hypothesis/Purpose. To study if the application of a brace, producing a dynamic posterior drawer force, after acute ACL injury reduces initial instability.Study Design. Cohort study.Methods. Patients treated with the ACL-Jack brace were compared to controls treated with primary ACL reconstruction und controls treated nonsurgically with functional rehabilitation. Measurements included anterior laxity (Rolimeter), clinical scores (Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC), and MRI evaluation. Patients were followed up to 24 months.Results. Patients treated with the ACL-Jack brace showed a significant improvement of anterior knee laxity comparable to patients treated with ACL reconstruction, whereas laxity persisted after nonsurgical functional rehabilitation. The failure risk (secondary reconstruction necessary) of the ACL-Jack group was however 21% (18 of 86) within 24 months. Clinical scores were similar in all treatment groups.Conclusion. Treatment of acute ACL tears with the ACL-Jack brace leads to improved anterior knee laxity compared to nonsurgical treatment with functional rehabilitation.
Modern Treatments and Stem Cell Therapies for Perianal Crohn’s Fistulas
Authors: Al-Maawali Alghalya Khalid Sulaiman , Nguyen Phuong , Phang P. Terry
Published: December 2016

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex disorder with important incidence in North America. Perianal fistulas occur in about 20% of patients with CD and are almost always classified as complex fistulas. Conventional treatment options have shown different success rates, yet there are data indicating that these approaches cannot achieve total cure and may not improve quality of life of these patients. Fibrin glue, fistula plug, topical tacrolimus, local injection of infliximab, and use of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are newly suggested therapies with variable success rates. Here, we aim to review these novel therapies for the treatment of complex fistulizing CD. Although initial results are promising, randomized studies are needed to prove efficacy of these approaches in curing fistulizing perianal CD.
Study of the Dynamic Strain-Induced Transformation Process of a Low-Carbon Steel: Experiment and Finite Element Simulation
Authors: He Lei , Ruan Ruijie , Lin Chen , Dai Ting , Hu Xianjun , Krakauer Bruce W. , Zhu Mingfang
Published: December 2016

The microstructures and mechanical properties of a low-carbon steel, hot-rolled by a six-pass dynamic strain-induced transformation (DSIT) process, with different start rolling temperatures, are studied by combining experiments and finite element simulations. The start rolling temperatures of the last three passes are about 10°C higher and 20°C lower than theAr3temperature, for Processes 1 and 2, respectively. The results show that as the rolling process proceeds, rolling forces increase, while slab temperatures decrease. Before starting Pass 4, the temperature of the slab center is higher than that of the slab surface. During Pass 4 to Pass 6, however, the temperatures of the slab center and surface are nearly identical but fluctuate remarkably due to the large reduction rate. The simulated maximum rolling force and start rolling temperature of each pass agree reasonably with the experimental measurements. It is found that the simulated start temperatures of the slab center in the last three passes are about 5~25°C higher than theAr3temperature for Process 1, and the DSIT condition is better satisfied for Process 2. As a result, Process 2 produces finer grain sizes and higher yield strengths than Process 1.
Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid by 2-Hexenal Oxidation Using Gold Catalysts Supported on MnO2
Authors: Alshammari Hamed
Published: December 2016

Synthesis of carboxylic acid can be achieved by the oxidation of aldehyde using air as an oxidant in the presence of a potential catalyst. We demonstrated that 2-hexenal can be oxidized to carboxylic acid by Au, Pd, and Au-Pd catalysts and investigated the effects of catalyst support (graphite, TiO2, MgO, SiC, MnO2, CeO2, and Al2O3), preparation method for supported catalyst (sol immobilization, impregnation, and deposition precipitation), and choice of catalyst components. Analysis of conversion% and selectivity% for 2-hexenoic acid showed that MnO2-supported gold nanoparticles are the best catalysts for 2-hexenal oxidation. Moreover, catalysts prepared by sol immobilization are the most active possibly due to the much smaller gold nanoparticle size. Selectivity for 2-hexenoic acid is a major pathway of oxidation of 2-hexenal.
Kriging Surrogate Models for Predicting the Complex Eigenvalues of Mechanical Systems Subjected to Friction-Induced Vibration
Authors: Denimal E. , Nechak L. , Sinou J.-J. , Nacivet S.
Published: December 2016

This study focuses on the kriging based metamodeling for the prediction of parameter-dependent mode coupling instabilities. The high cost of the currently used parameter-dependent Complex Eigenvalue Analysis (CEA) has induced a growing need for alternative methods. Hence, this study investigates capabilities of kriging metamodels to be a suitable alternative. For this aim, kriging metamodels are proposed to predict the stability behavior of a four-degree-of-freedom mechanical system submitted to friction-induced vibrations. This system is considered under two configurations defining two stability behaviors with coalescence patterns of different complexities. Efficiency of kriging is then assessed on both configurations. In this framework, the proposed kriging surrogate approach includes a mode tracking method based on the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) in order to follow the physical modes of the mechanical system. Based on the numerical simulations, it is demonstrated by a comparison with the reference parameter-dependent CEA that the proposed kriging surrogate model can provide efficient and reliable predictions of mode coupling instabilities with different complex patterns.
Spinor Quintom Cosmology with Intrinsic Spin
Authors: Dil Emre
Published: December 2016

We consider a spinor quintom dark energy model with intrinsic spin, in the framework of Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory. After constructing the mathematical formalism of the model, we obtain the spin contributed total energy-momentum tensor giving the energy density and the pressure of the quintom model, and then we find the equation of state parameter, Hubble parameter, deceleration parameter, state finder parameter, and some distance parameter in terms of the spinor potential. Choosing suitable potentials leads to the quintom scenario crossing between quintessence and phantom epochs, or vice versa. Analyzing three quintom scenarios provides stable expansion phases avoiding Big Rip singularities and yielding matter dominated era through the stabilization of the spinor pressure via spin contribution. The stabilization in spinor pressure leads to neglecting it as compared to the increasing energy density and constituting a matter dominated stable expansion epoch.
The Functional Haplotypes ofCHRM3Modulate mRNA Expression and Associate with Bladder Cancer among a Chinese Han Population in Kaohsiung City
Authors: Wang Chiang-Ting , Chen Tsung-Ming , Mei Chien-Tai , Chang Chun-Feng , Liu Li-Lian , Chiu Kuo-Hsun , Wu Tsung-Meng , Lan Yu-Ching , Liu Wen-Sheng , Chen Ya-Huey , Lin Yi-Mei Joy
Published: December 2016

Bladder cancer is one of the major cancer types and both environmental factors and genetic background play important roles in its pathology. Kaohsiung is a high industrialized city in Taiwan, and here we focused on this region to evaluate the genetic effects on bladder cancer. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (CHRM3) was reported as a key receptor in different cancer types.CHRM3is located at 1q42-43 which was reported to associate with bladder cancer. Our study attempted to delineate whether genetic variants ofCHRM3contribute to bladder cancer in Chinese Han population in south Taiwan. Five selected SNPs (rs2165870, rs10802789, rs685550, rs7520974, and rs3738435) were genotyped for 30 bladder cancer patients and 60 control individuals and genetic association studies were performed. Five haplotypes (GTTAT, ATTGT, GCTAC, ACTAC, and ACCAC) were found significantly associated with lowCHRM3mRNA level and contributed to increased susceptibility of bladder cancer in Kaohsiung city after rigid 10000 consecutive permutation tests. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic association study that reveals the genetic contribution ofCHRM3gene in bladder cancer etiology.
A Novel Accuracy and Similarity Search Structure Based on Parallel Bloom Filters
Authors: Shuai Chunyan , Yang Hengcheng , Ouyang Xin , Li Siqi , Chen Zheng
Published: December 2016

In high-dimensional spaces, accuracy and similarity search by low computing and storage costs are always difficult research topics, and there is a balance between efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, we propose a new structure Similar-PBF-PHT to represent items of a set with high dimensions and retrieve accurate and similar items. The Similar-PBF-PHT contains three parts: parallel bloom filters (PBFs), parallel hash tables (PHTs), and a bitmatrix. Experiments show that the Similar-PBF-PHT is effective in membership query and K-nearest neighbors (K-NN) search. With accurate querying, the Similar-PBF-PHT owns low hit false positive probability (FPP) and acceptable memory costs. With K-NN querying, the average overall ratio and rank-i ratio of the Hamming distance are accurate and ratios of the Euclidean distance are acceptable. It takes CPU time not I/O times to retrieve accurate and similar items and can deal with different data formats not only numerical values.
Impacts of Climate Variability and Human Activities on the Changes of Runoff and Sediment Load in a Catchment of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Tian Peng , Mu Xingmin , Liu Jianli , Hu Jinfei , Gu Chaojun
Published: December 2016

The objectives of this study are to investigate the changes of runoff and sediment load and their potential influencing factors in the Huangfuchuan catchment. The Mann-Kendall test and accumulative anomaly methods were, respectively, applied to examine the changing trends and abrupt changes. Both annual runoff and sediment load demonstrated significant reduction (p<0.05) with decreasing rates of −3.2 × 106 m3/a and −1.09 Mt/a, respectively. The abrupt changes were detected in 1979 and 1996 for the runoff and sediment load. All the runoff and sediment indices (runoff, sediment load, runoff coefficient, and sediment concentration) exhibited remarkable reduction (p<0.01). The climate variability contributed 24.4% and 25.1% during 1980–1996 and 1997–2010 to annual runoff decrease, respectively, and human activities accounted for the remaining 75.6% and 74.9%. In contrast, changes in precipitation accounted for 43.5% and 20.2% of sediment load reduction during 1980–1996 and 1997–2010, whereas the human activities contributed 56.5% and 79.8%, respectively. The relative contributions from climate variability and human activities to runoff and sediment load changes at annual scale were different from that at flood season scale. Results suggested the dominant role of soil and water conservations in the variation of runoff and sediment load in the catchment.
Dynamic Vibration Absorber with Negative Stiffness for Rotor System
Authors: Yao Hongliang , Chen Zidong , Wen Bangchun
Published: December 2016

To suppress the vibration of a rotor system, a vibration absorber combining negative stiffness with positive stiffness together is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the negative stiffness producing mechanism using ring type permanent magnets is presented and the characteristics of the negative stiffness are analyzed. Then, the structure of the absorber is proposed; the principles and nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the absorber-rotor system are studied numerically. Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the numerical conclusions. The results show that the proposed vibration absorber is effective to suppress the vibration of the rotor system, the nonlinearity of the negatives stiffness affects the vibration suppression effect little, and the negative stiffness can broaden the effective vibration control frequency range of the absorber.
Significant Associations of SOX9 Gene Polymorphism and Gene Expression with the Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in a Han Population in Northern China
Authors: Song Yang , Du Zhenwu , Ren Ming , Yang Qiwei , Sui Yujie , Wang Qingyu , Wang Ao , Zhao Haiyue , Wang Jincheng , Zhang Guizhen
Published: December 2016

Sex determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) is a key transcription factor involved in cartilage formation during the embryonic development stage and cartilage growth and repair after birth. To explore the roles of polymorphism and expression of the SOX9 gene in the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), we analyzed the polymorphism of rs12601701 [A/G] and rs1042667 [A/C] and the serum protein expression of the SOX9 gene in 182 patients with ONFH and 179 healthy control subjects. Results revealed that the A-A haplotype of SOX9 gene as well as the GG and AA genotypes of rs12601701 was significantly associated with increased ONFH risk (P=0.038) and the risk of bilateral hip lesions of ONFH (P=0.009), respectively. The C-A, A-A, and A-G haplotypes were also statistically associated with the decreased and increased risk of bilateral hip lesions of ONFH (P=0.03,P=0.048, andP=0.013), respectively, while the A-A haplotype closely related to the clinical stages of ONFH (P=0.041). More importantly, the serum SOX9 protein expression of the ONFH group was greatly decreased compared to control group (P=0.0001). Our results first showed that the gene polymorphism and gene expression of SOX9 were significantly associated with the risk and clinical phenotypes of ONFH and also indicate that the SOX9 gene may play a key role in the development of ONFH.
COPD in a Population-Based Sample of Never-Smokers: Interactions among Sex, Gender, and Race
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Chisholm Rachel S. , Brennenstuhl Sarah
Published: December 2016

This observational epidemiological study investigates sex/gender and racial differences in prevalence of COPD among never-smokers. Data were derived from the 2012 Center for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The sample consisted of 129,535 non-Hispanic whites and blacks 50 years of age and older who had never smoked. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted, with the latter using a series of logistic regression models predicting COPD status by sex/gender and race, adjusting for age, height, socioeconomic position (SEP), number of household members, marital status, and health insurance coverage. Black women have the highest prevalence of COPD (7.0%), followed by white women (5.2%), white men (2.9%), and black men (2.4%). Women have significantly higher odds of COPD than men. When adjusting for SEP, black and white women have comparably higher odds of COPD than white men (black women OR = 1.66; 99% CI = 1.46, 1.88; white women OR = 1.49; 99% CI = 1.37, 1.63), while black men have significantly lower odds (OR = 0.62; 99% CI = 0.49, 0.79). This research provides evidence that racial inequalities in COPD (or lack thereof) may be related to SEP.
Quantum Treatment of Kinetic Alfvén Waves Instability in a Dusty Plasma: Magnetized Ions
Authors: Rubab N. , Jaffer G.
Published: December 2016

Kinetic Alfvén wave instability is examined rigorously in a uniform nondegenerate quantum dusty plasma. A linear dispersion relation of kinetic Alfvén wave in inertial regime is derived by incorporating Bohm potential in the linearized Vlasov model. It is found that the quantum correctionCQappears due to the insertion of Bohm potential in Vlasov model and causes the suppression in the Alfvén wave frequency and the growth rates of instability. A number of analytical expressions for various modes of propagation are derived. It is also found that the system parameters, that is, streaming velocity, dust charge, number density, and quantum correction, significantly influence the dispersion relation and the growth rate of instability.
Effect of Chloride on Tensile and Bending Capacities of Basalt FRP Mesh Reinforced Cementitious Thin Plates under Indoor and Marine Environments
Authors: Xie Yan , Guan Kunhua , Lai Lin
Published: December 2016

This paper presented a durability experimental study for thin basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) mesh reinforced cementitious plates under indoor and marine environment. The marine environment was simulated by wetting/drying cycles (wetting in salt water and drying in hot air). After 12 months of exposure, the effects of the chloride on the tensile and bending behaviors of the thin plate were investigated. In addition to the penetration of salt water, the chloride in the thin plate could be also from the sea sand since it is a component of the plate. Experimental results showed that the effect of the indoor exposure on the tensile capacity of the plate is not pronounced, while the marine exposure reduced the tensile capacity significantly. The bending capacity of the thin plates was remarkably reduced by both indoor and marine environmental exposure, in which the effect of the marine environment is more severe. The tensile capacity of the meshes extracted from the thin plates was tested, as well as the meshes immersed in salt solution for 30, 60, and 90 days. The test results confirmed that the chloride is the reason of the BFRP mesh deterioration. Moreover, as a comparison, the steel mesh reinforced thin plate was also tested and it has a similar durability performance.
A Parallel Nonrigid Registration Algorithm Based on B-Spline for Medical Images
Authors: Du Xiaogang , Dang Jianwu , Wang Yangping , Wang Song , Lei Tao
Published: December 2016

The nonrigid registration algorithm based on B-spline Free-Form Deformation (FFD) plays a key role and is widely applied in medical image processing due to the good flexibility and robustness. However, it requires a tremendous amount of computing time to obtain more accurate registration results especially for a large amount of medical image data. To address the issue, a parallel nonrigid registration algorithm based on B-spline is proposed in this paper. First, the Logarithm Squared Difference (LSD) is considered as the similarity metric in the B-spline registration algorithm to improve registration precision. After that, we create a parallel computing strategy and lookup tables (LUTs) to reduce the complexity of the B-spline registration algorithm. As a result, the computing time of three time-consuming steps including B-splines interpolation, LSD computation, and the analytic gradient computation of LSD, is efficiently reduced, for the B-spline registration algorithm employs the Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient (NCG) optimization method. Experimental results of registration quality and execution efficiency on the large amount of medical images show that our algorithm achieves a better registration accuracy in terms of the differences between the best deformation fields and ground truth and a speedup of 17 times over the single-threaded CPU implementation due to the powerful parallel computing ability of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
PPAR Gamma and Angiogenesis: Endothelial Cells Perspective
Authors: Kotlinowski Jerzy , Jozkowicz Alicja
Published: December 2016

We summarize the current knowledge concerning PPARγfunction in angiogenesis. We discuss the mechanisms of action for PPARγand its role in vasculature development and homeostasis, focusing on endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and bone marrow-derived proangiogenic cells.
A Survey on Smartphone-Based Crowdsensing Solutions
Authors: Zamora Willian , Calafate Carlos T. , Cano Juan-Carlos , Manzoni Pietro
Published: December 2016

In recent years, the widespread adoption of mobile phones, combined with the ever-increasing number of sensors that smartphones are equipped with, greatly simplified the generalized adoption of crowdsensing solutions by reducing hardware requirements and costs to a minimum. These factors have led to an outstanding growth of crowdsensing proposals from both academia and industry. In this paper, we provide a survey of smartphone-based crowdsensing solutions that have emerged in the past few years, focusing on 64 works published in top-ranked journals and conferences. To properly analyze these previous works, we first define a reference framework based on how we classify the different proposals under study. The results of our survey evidence that there is still much heterogeneity in terms of technologies adopted and deployment approaches, although modular designs at both client and server elements seem to be dominant. Also, the preferred client platform is Android, while server platforms are typically web-based, and client-server communications mostly rely on XML or JSON over HTTP. The main detected pitfall concerns the performance evaluation of the different proposals, which typically fail to make a scalability analysis despite being critical issue when targeting very large communities of users.
The NCI-60 Methylome and Its Integration into CellMiner
Authors: Reinhold William C. , Varma Sudhir , Sunshine Margot , Rajapakse Vinodh , Luna Augustin , Kohn Kurt W. , Stevenson Holly , Wang Yonghong , Heyn Holger , Nogales Vanesa , Moran Sebastian , Goldstein David J. , Doroshow James H. , Meltzer Paul S. , Esteller Manel , Pommier Yves
Published: December 2016

A unique resource for systems pharmacology and genomic studies is the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel, which provides data for the largest publicly available library of compounds with cytotoxic activity (∼21,000 compounds), including 108 FDA-approved and 70 clinical trial drugs as well as genomic data, including whole-exome sequencing, gene and miRNA transcripts, DNA copy number, and protein levels. Here, we provide the first readily usable genome-wide DNA methylation database for the NCI-60, including 485,577 probes from the Infinium HumanMethylation450k BeadChip array, which yielded DNA methylation signatures for 17,559 genes integrated into our open access CellMiner version 2.0 (https://discover.nci.nih.gov/cellminer). Among new insights, transcript versus DNA methylation correlations revealed the epithelial/mesenchymal gene functional category as being influenced most heavily by methylation. DNA methylation and copy number integration with transcript levels yielded an assessment of their relative influence for 15,798 genes, including tumor suppressor, mitochondrial, and mismatch repair genes. Four forms of molecular data were combined, providing rationale for microsatellite instability for 8 of the 9 cell lines in which it occurred. Individual cell line analyses showed global methylome patterns with overall methylation levels ranging from 17% to 84%. A six-gene model, including PARP1, EP300, KDM5C, SMARCB1, and UHRF1 matched this pattern. In addition, promoter methylation of two translationally relevant genes, Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) and methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT), served as indicators of therapeutic resistance or susceptibility, respectively. Overall, our database provides a resource of pharmacologic data that can reinforce known therapeutic strategies and identify novel drugs and drug targets across multiple cancer types. Cancer Res; 77(3); 601–12. ©2016 AACR.
The SWI/SNF Complex Protein Snr1 Is a Tumor Suppressor in Drosophila Imaginal Tissues
Authors: Xie Gengqiang , Chen Hanqing , Jia Dongyu , Shu Zhiqiang , Palmer William Hunt , Huang Yi-Chun , Zeng Xiankun , Hou Steven X. , Jiao Renjie , Deng Wu-Min
Published: December 2016

Components of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex are among the most frequently mutated genes in various human cancers, yet only SMARCB1/hSNF5, a core member of the SWI/SNF complex, is mutated in malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT). How SMARCB1/hSNF5 functions differently from other members of the SWI/SNF complex remains unclear. Here, we use Drosophila imaginal epithelial tissues to demonstrate that Snr1, the conserved homolog of human SMARCB1/hSNF5, prevents tumorigenesis by maintaining normal endosomal trafficking-mediated signaling cascades. Removal of Snr1 resulted in neoplastic tumorigenic overgrowth in imaginal epithelial tissues, whereas depletion of any other members of the SWI/SNF complex did not induce similar phenotypes. Unlike other components of the SWI/SNF complex that were detected only in the nucleus, Snr1 was observed in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Aberrant regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including Notch, JNK, and JAK/STAT, was responsible for tumor progression upon snr1-depletion. Our results suggest that the cytoplasmic Snr1 may play a tumor suppressive role in Drosophila imaginal tissues, offering a foundation for understanding the pivotal role of SMARCB1/hSNF5 in suppressing MRT during early childhood. Cancer Res; 77(4); 862–73. ©2017 AACR.
RB Loss Promotes Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Thangavel Chellappagounder , Boopathi Ettickan , Liu Yi , Haber Alex , Ertel Adam , Bhardwaj Anshul , Addya Sankar , Williams Noelle , Ciment Stephen J. , Cotzia Paolo , Dean Jeffry L. , Snook Adam , McNair Chris , Price Matt , Hernandez James R. , Zhao Shuang G. , Birbe Ruth , McCarthy James B. , Turley Eva A. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Feng Felix Y. , Dicker Adam P. , Knudsen Karen E. , Den Robert B.
Published: December 2016

RB loss occurs commonly in neoplasia but its contributions to advanced cancer have not been assessed directly. Here we show that RB loss in multiple murine models of cancer produces a prometastatic phenotype. Gene expression analyses showed that regulation of the cell motility receptor RHAMM by the RB/E2F pathway was critical for epithelial–mesenchymal transition, motility, and invasion by cancer cells. Genetic modulation or pharmacologic inhibition of RHAMM activity was sufficient and necessary for metastatic phenotypes induced by RB loss in prostate cancer. Mechanistic studies in this setting established that RHAMM stabilized F-actin polymerization by controlling ROCK signaling. Collectively, our findings show how RB loss drives metastatic capacity and highlight RHAMM as a candidate therapeutic target for treating advanced prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 77(4); 982–95. ©2016 AACR.
Glioblastoma Therapy Can Be Augmented by Targeting IDH1-Mediated NADPH Biosynthesis
Authors: Wahl Daniel R. , Dresser Joseph , Wilder-Romans Kari , Parsels Joshua D. , Zhao Shuang G. , Davis Mary , Zhao Lili , Kachman Maureen , Wernisch Stefanie , Burant Charles F. , Morgan Meredith A. , Feng Felix Y. , Speers Corey , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Lawrence Theodore S.
Published: December 2016

NADPH is a critical reductant needed in cancer cells to fuel the biosynthesis of deoxynucleotides and antioxidants and to sustain stress-survival responses after radiation-induced DNA damage. Thus, one rational strategy to attack cancer cells is to target their heavy reliance on NADPH. Here, we report that the isocitrate dehydrogenase IDH1 is the most strongly upregulated NADPH-producing enzyme in glioblastoma (GBM). IDH1 silencing in GBM cells reduced levels of NADPH, deoxynucleotides, and glutathione and increased their sensitivity to radiation-induced senescence. Rescuing these metabolic restrictions was sufficient to reverse IDH1-mediated radiosensitization. In a murine xenograft model of human GBM, we found that IDH1 silencing significantly improved therapeutic responses to fractionated radiotherapy, when compared with either treatment alone. In summary, our work offers a mechanistic rationale for IDH1 inhibition as a metabolic strategy to improve the response of GBM to radiotherapy. Cancer Res; 77(4); 960–70. ©2016 AACR.
Biological and Clinical Relevance of Associated Genomic Alterations in MYD88 L265P and non-L265P–Mutated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Analysis of 361 Cases
Authors: Dubois Sydney , Viailly Pierre-Julien , Bohers Elodie , Bertrand Philippe , Ruminy Philippe , Marchand Vinciane , Maingonnat Catherine , Mareschal Sylvain , Picquenot Jean-Michel , Penther Dominique , Jais Jean-Philippe , Tesson Bruno , Peyrouze Pauline , Figeac Martin , Desmots Fabienne , Fest Thierry , Haioun Corinne , Lamy Thierry , Copie-Bergman Christiane , Fabiani Bettina , Delarue Richard , Peyrade Frédéric , André Marc , Ketterer Nicolas , Leroy Karen , Salles Gilles , Molina Thierry J. , Tilly Hervé , Jardin Fabrice
Published: December 2016

Purpose: MYD88 mutations, notably the recurrent gain-of-function L265P variant, are a distinguishing feature of activated B-cell like (ABC) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), leading to constitutive NFκB pathway activation. The aim of this study was to examine the distinct genomic profiles of MYD88-mutant DLBCL, notably according to the presence of the L265P or other non-L265P MYD88 variants.

Experimental Design: A cohort of 361 DLBCL cases (94 MYD88 mutant and 267 MYD88 wild-type) was submitted to next-generation sequencing (NGS) focusing on 34 genes to analyze associated mutations and copy number variations, as well as gene expression profiling, and clinical and prognostic analyses.

Results: Importantly, we highlighted different genomic profiles for MYD88 L265P and MYD88 non-L265P–mutant DLBCL, shedding light on their divergent backgrounds. Clustering analysis also segregated subgroups according to associated genetic alterations among patients with the same MYD88 mutation. We showed that associated CD79B and MYD88 L265P mutations act synergistically to increase NFκB pathway activation, although the majority of MYD88 L265P–mutant cases harbors downstream NFκB alterations, which can predict BTK inhibitor resistance. Finally, although the MYD88 L265P variant was not an independent prognostic factor in ABC DLBCL, associated CD79B mutations significantly improved the survival of MYD88 L265P–mutant ABC DLBCL in our cohort.

Conclusions: This study highlights the relative heterogeneity of MYD88-mutant DLBCL, adding to the field's knowledge of the theranostic importance of MYD88 mutations, but also of associated alterations, emphasizing the usefulness of genomic profiling to best stratify patients for targeted therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2232–44. ©2016 AACR.
Predicting MEK Inhibitor Response in Lung Cancer: A Proper Signature Is Required
Authors: Xue Yaohua , Lito Piro
Published: December 2016

The ERK signaling pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in cancer. Assays that accurately measure ERK signaling output in clinical specimens would be extremely helpful not only in determining the pharmacodynamic effects of drug treatment but also in selecting those patients most likely to respond to therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1365–7. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Brant et al., p. 1471
Bortezomib Relieves Immune Tolerance in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma via STAT1 Suppression and Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Downregulation
Authors: Jiang Guan-Min , Wang Hong-Sheng , Du Jun , Ma Wei-Feng , Wang Hui , Qiu Yu , Zhang Qiu-Gui , Xu Wei , Liu Hui-Fang , Liang Jian-Ping
Published: December 2016

Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients with intermediate and advanced stage NPC receiving only radiotherapy have limited survival, so newer immunotherapeutic approaches are sought. The major impediment to better clinical outcomes is tumor immune tolerance. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an IFNγ-inducible enzyme, is a major inducer of immune tolerance during tumor development; therefore, inhibition of the IDO pathway is an important modality for cancer treatment. We show that bortezomib, a proteasomal inhibitor, inhibited the pathways leading to STAT1 and IRF-1 activation, both of which are necessary for IDO expression. Bortezomib downregulated IFNγ-induced IDO expression via inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby suppressing STAT1-driven IDO transcription in NPC cells. Bortezomib also promoted IκB-α phosphorylation-ubiquitination, which released NF-κB from IκB-α. However, the released NF-κB could not enter the nucleus to conduct its biological effects and accumulated in the cytoplasm. Negative feedback inhibited the transcription of NF-κB, which is important for activating IRF-1 expression. IDO expression is regulated by two important transcription factor binding sites, ISREs, which bind STAT1 and IRF-1, and GASs, which binds STAT1. Bortezomib upregulated IRF-1 protein by inhibiting its proteasome-dependent degradation, but it also inhibited STAT1 phosphorylation, which directly inhibited the activation of GAS and indirectly inhibited the activation of ISRE, which needs both STAT1 and IRF-1. These discoveries provide a mechanism for the antitumor action of bortezomib and have implications for the development of clinical cancer immunotherapy for preventing and treating NPC. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(1); 42–51. ©2016 AACR.
Association of MYH9 Polymorphisms with Hypertension in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in China
Authors: Liu Liping , Wang Caili , Mi Yan , Liu Dan , Li Li , Fan Junying , Nan Lei , Jia Niya , Du Yu
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: This study explored the correlation between hypertension and non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) gene polymorphisms in Chinese chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: This case-control study included 301 patients with CKD and 293 healthy controls. The E1 haplotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3752462 and rs4821480 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The association between MYH9 polymorphisms and high systolic blood pressure (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg) susceptibility in CKD patients was analysed. Results: The cases and controls had similar genotype and allele distributions at rs3752462 and rs4821480. No GG genotype at rs4821480 was observed. Patients with SBP < 140 mmHg were more likely to have the CC genotype (17.1%) than patients with SBP ≥ 140 mmHg (4.3%) (P = 0.001). Creatinine clearance (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.10, P = 0.01) was associated with SBP in patients with CKD. The risk of SBP ≥ 140 mmHg was 0.24-fold greater among patients with the CC genotype than among patients with the TT genotype (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The rs3752462 polymorphism of MYH9 is associated with SBP in patients with CKD. The T allele in the dominant model was associated with an elevated risk for high SBP.
Transthoracic Echocardiography to Assess Aortic Regurgitation after TAVR: A Comparison with Periprocedural Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Goncalves Alexandra , Nyman Charles , Okada David R. , Singh Avinainder , Swanson Jeffrey , Cheezum Michael , Steigner Michael , Di Carli Marcelo , Solomon Scott , Shah Pinak B. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Shook Douglas , Blankstein Ron
Published: December 2016

Background: We aimed to compare periprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with postprocedural transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the diagnosis of aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods and Results: TEE and TTE images of 163 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients (mean age 81 ± 8 years; 56% men) were reviewed separately and blinded to each other as well as to all clinical data. The median time between TEE during TAVR (TEE/TAVR) and TTE was 4 days (IQR 2-10 days). After TAVR, 48% of the patients had at least trace AR by TEE, 56% by angiography and 67% by TTE. The majority of AR was paravalvular (78%). More patients were classified with mild-to-moderate AR by TTE than by TEE (44 vs. 22%, p < 0.01). When examining the 46 patients with AR by TTE which was not at TEE/TAVR, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were significantly higher during TTE than during TEE (mean ΔSBP = 9 ± 4 mm Hg and mean ΔDBP = 6 ± 2 mm Hg, p < 0.01 for both). No differences in BP between TEE and TTE were found among patients with no AR or among those who had AR in both studies. At a median follow-up of 185 days (IQR 39-424 days), the overall mortality was 17%, but this was not associated with the presence of AR on TTE or TEE. Conclusions: Patients' hemodynamic conditions may result in underdiagnosis of paravalvular regurgitation in periprocedural TEE. Our findings suggest that a postprocedural evaluation for AR by TTE could serve as a reasonable alternative to TEE for the evaluation of AR.
Cranioplasty after Craniectomy in a Pediatric Population: Single-Center Experience from a Developing Country
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Ujjan Badar , Hadi Yousaf Bashir , Najmuddin Faizuddin , Laghari Altaf Ali , Khalid Swaleha , Bari Muhammad Ehsan , Bhatti Umar Farooq
Published: December 2016

Cranioplasty is a frequently performed procedure in neurosurgery. The pediatric population for this procedure is distinct from the adult one because of the growing skulls and thinner bones of the calvarium. A paucity of data on the outcomes of this procedure in the pediatric population has been identified repeatedly. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the outcomes in a pediatric population that underwent cranioplasty after craniectomy at our institute in a developing-world country. Our cohort showed no association of complication rate or cosmetic outcomes with the timing of cranioplasty, area of skull defect, type of implant used, or method of storage.
Sildenafil in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Maternal Tolerance and Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Dunn Liam , Greer Ristan , Flenady Vicki , Kumar Sailesh
Published: December 2016

Introduction: This systematic review evaluates maternal tolerance and obstetric and perinatal outcomes following sildenafil citrate (SC) use in human pregnancy. Data Sources: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched. Relevant full-text studies including case series and reports in English were included. Publications were excluded if the pregnancy was terminated or if SC was used only at conception. Results: Sixteen studies were included (n = 165). Indications for use and outcomes were variably reported. Maternal outcomes reported were headache (45.8%, 49/107), visual disturbances (17.3%, 14/81), dyspepsia/epigastric pain (15.8%, 15/95), and hypotension (0%, 0/39). There were more caesarean (83.3%, 55/66) than vaginal deliveries (16.7%, 11/66) and postpartum haemorrhage occurred in 3.9% (3/76) of women exposed to SC. Neonatal outcomes including nursery admission (67.3%, 35/52), Apgar scores <7 at 5 min (7.1%, 4/56), and cord arterial pH <7.1 (0%, 0/17) were reported. Stillbirths (4.3%, 3/69) and neonatal deaths (3.9%, 5/129) were comparable to SC-naïve groups. There were no congenital malformations (0%, 0/35). Conclusions: Despite limited data, overall there does not appear to be any severe adverse maternal side effects nor any increase in the rate of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or congenital anomalies attributed to SC.
The PI3K Pathway: Background and Treatment Approaches
Authors: Lux Michael P. , Fasching Peter A. , Schrauder Michael G. , Hein Alexander , Jud Sebastian M. , Rauh Claudia , Beckmann Matthias W.
Published: December 2016

Two-thirds of all breast cancer patients with metastases have a hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative subtype. Endocrine therapy is the treatment of choice in these patients since in addition to its effectiveness it can also maintain the patients' quality of life over a longer term. However, 44-62% of postmenopausal patients with metastatic breast carcinoma have primary tamoxifen resistance. After 3-5 years, 30-40% of the patients receiving tamoxifen treatment develop secondary resistance. Understanding the way in which resistance develops is therefore essential for developing treatment approaches that can prevent or reverse endocrine resistance. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a central role here. As a result of the numerous interactions involved, complex issues arise that need to be taken into account in the development and use of therapeutic agents. In addition, this signaling pathway is the one that most frequently undergoes mutations in breast cancer. The prognostic and predictive significance of individual mutations has not yet been fully explained, but it might provide a basis for patient selection in clinical studies. Initial research results on the use of PI3K inhibitors suggest that this may be a highly promising therapeutic approach, with an acceptable side effect profile.