bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tough egg to crack: recreational boats as vectors for invasive goby eggs and transdisciplinary management approaches
Authors: Hirsch Philipp E. , Adrian‐Kalchhauser Irene , Flämig Sylvie , N'Guyen Anouk , Defila Rico , Di Giulio Antonietta , Burkhardt‐Holm Patricia
Published: January 2016

Non‐native invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity, especially in freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems are naturally rather isolated from one another. Nonetheless, invasive species often spread rapidly across water sheds. This spread is to a large extent realized by human activities that provide vectors. For example, recreational boats can carry invasive species propagules as “aquatic hitch‐hikers” within and across water sheds. We used invasive gobies in Switzerland as a case study to test the plausibility that recreational boats can serve as vectors for invasive fish and that fish eggs can serve as propagules. We found that the peak season of boat movements across Switzerland and the goby spawning season overlap temporally. It is thus plausible that goby eggs attached to boats, anchors, or gear may be transported across watersheds. In experimental trials, we found that goby eggs show resistance to physical removal (90 mN attachment strength of individual eggs) and stay attached if exposed to rapid water flow (2.8 m·s−1for 1 h). When exposing the eggs to air, we found that hatching success remained high (>95%) even after eggs had been out of water for up to 24 h. It is thus plausible that eggs survive pick up, within‐water and overland transport by boats. We complemented the experimental plausibility tests with a survey on how decision makers from inside and outside academia rate the feasibility of managing recreational boats as vectors. We found consensus that an installation of a preventive boat vector management is considered an effective and urgent measure. This study advances our understanding of the potential of recreational boats to serve as vectors for invasive vertebrate species and demonstrates that preventive management of recreational boats is considered feasible by relevant decision makers inside and outside academia.
The use of an unsupervised learning approach for characterizing latent behaviors in accelerometer data
Authors: Chimienti Marianna , Cornulier Thomas , Owen Ellie , Bolton Mark , Davies Ian M. , Travis Justin M.J. , Scott Beth E.
Published: January 2016

The recent increase in data accuracy from high resolution accelerometers offers substantial potential for improved understanding and prediction of animal movements. However, current approaches used for analysing these multivariable datasets typically require existing knowledge of the behaviors of the animals to inform the behavioral classification process. These methods are thus not well‐suited for the many cases where limited knowledge of the different behaviors performed exist. Here, we introduce the use of an unsupervised learning algorithm. To illustrate the method's capability we analyse data collected using a combination of GPS and Accelerometers on two seabird species: razorbills (Alca torda) and common guillemots (Uria aalge). We applied the unsupervised learning algorithm Expectation Maximization to characterize latent behavioral states both above and below water at both individual and group level. The application of this flexible approach yielded significant new insights into the foraging strategies of the two study species, both above and below the surface of the water. In addition to general behavioral modes such as flying, floating, as well as descending and ascending phases within the water column, this approach allowed an exploration of previously unstudied and important behaviors such as searching and prey chasing/capture events. We propose that this unsupervised learning approach provides an ideal tool for the systematic analysis of such complex multivariable movement data that are increasingly being obtained with accelerometer tags across species. In particular, we recommend its application in cases where we have limited current knowledge of the behaviors performed and existing supervised learning approaches may have limited utility.
Amplification system for concentrated and distributed energy dissipation devices
Authors: Baquero Mosquera J. Sebastián , Almazán José Luis , Tapia Nicolás F.
Published: January 2016

Recent analytic, experimental, and practical studies are developing energy dissipation devices combined with amplifying mechanisms (AM) to enhance structural behavior. This research presents the theoretical and experimental development of the eccentric lever‐arm system (ELAS), a new system generically called amplified added damping (AAD), which is a combination of an AM with one or more dampers capable of supporting large deformations. The proposed AM device is a variant of the well‐known lever‐arm system. This work is divided in four parts: (1) kinematics of the ELAS and definition of an equivalent AAD; (2) parametric analysis of a linear single‐story structure with ELAS; (3) numerical analysis of a multi‐degree‐of‐freedom structure with frictional damping with and without AM; and (4) pseudo‐dynamic tests of a full scale asymmetric one story steel structure with and without frictional AAD. Parametric analyses demonstrate that using high‐amplification ratios and low supplemental damping could be a good practice. On the other hand, similar to systems without AMs, dissipation efficiency increases conformably with the stiffness of the secondary structure. As expected, it was observed that deformation was highly concentrated in the flexible edge of the asymmetric test model without damper. Conversely, the structure with frictional AAD clearly showed uniform plane deformation. The implemented AM, which has a large amplifying ratio of α≈11, performed with close accordance with numerical simulations and a high mechanical efficiency (≈95%) using a frictional damper with a very low force capacity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of functional outcomes of temporalis muscle transfers for patients with longstanding facial paralysis
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Verdini Federica , Marchesini Andrea , Neuendorf Alexander Dietrich , Coccia Daniele , Leo Tommaso , Riccio Michele
Published: January 2016

Background

Usually, clinical evaluation of facial reanimation provides accurate information about contraction of the mimetic muscles and phonation but fails to identify smile recovery and to quantify the motility of the lower third of the face during a smile. The purpose of this study was to verify that, in longstanding facial palsy, the modified temporalis muscle transfer (MTMT) can result in the ability to smile, not only voluntarily with chewing, but also spontaneously with a sudden emotional stimulus, and to confirm that a symmetric smile can be obtained.

Methods

Ten patients of the treated group (group T; 4 women and 6 men) were randomly selected from a population of 24 patients with longstanding facial palsy treated by MTMT. Five normal subjects of the control group (group C; 3 women and 2 men) were enrolled as the control population. Functional outcomes after transposed temporalis muscle were examined and measured through clinical assessment by using a scored smile symmetry grading system, video recording, and surface electromyography (sEMG). In addition, the voluntary smile test (VST) and the not‐voluntary smile test (NVST) were performed to study voluntary and spontaneous smiling.

Results

Subjects in the VST group (group T) were able to smile voluntarily and the expression was characterized by symmetry. In the NVST group, they were able to smile spontaneously and the symmetry of the smile was maintained for 8 subjects and only partially for 2 subjects. During both tests, the temporalis muscle of the treated side and the orbicularis oris muscle of the not‐treated side were activated during smiling, indicating spontaneous activity of the transposed temporalis muscle with an emotional stimulus. For the control group, smiles during VST and NVST were symmetric and the temporalis muscles were not activated during smiling, whereas the orbicularis oris muscles were.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the Morrison MTMT is able to restore the voluntary smile ability. Particularly, this technique allows for recovery of the spontaneous smile with symmetry. This assessment would seem to suggest that the transposed temporalis muscle might adapt from a chewing to a mimetic muscle. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1535–E1543, 2016
CHD1L promotes lineage reversion of hepatocellular carcinoma through opening chromatin for key developmental transcription factors
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Leilei , Ma Ning‐Fang , Chow Raymond Kwok Kei , Li Yan , Song Yangyang , Chan Tim Hon Man , Fang Shuo , Yang Xiaodong , Xi Shaoyan , Jiang Lingxi , Li Yun , Zeng Ting‐Ting , Li Yan , Yuan Yun‐Fei , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: January 2016

High‐grade tumors with poor differentiation usually show phenotypic resemblance to their developmental ancestral cells. Cancer cells that gain lineage precursor cell properties usually hijack developmental signaling pathways to promote tumor malignant progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. In this study, the chromatin remodeler chromodomain‐helicase‐DNA‐binding‐protein 1‐like (CHD1L) was found closely associated with liver development and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor differentiation. Expression of CHD1L decreased during hepatocyte maturation and increased progressively from well‐differentiated HCCs to poorly differentiated HCCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high‐throughput deep sequencing found that CHD1L could bind to the genomic sequences of genes related to development. Bioinformatics‐aided network analysis indicated that CHD1L‐binding targets might form networks associated with developmental transcription factor activation and histone modification. Overexpression of CHD1L conferred ancestral precursor‐like properties of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of CHD1L reversed tumor differentiation and sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib treatment. Mechanism studies revealed that overexpression of CHD1L could maintain an active “open chromatin” configuration at promoter regions of estrogen‐related receptor‐beta and transcription factor 4, both of which are important regulators of HCC self‐renewal and differentiation. In addition, we found a significant correlation of CHD1L with developmental transcriptional factors and lineage differentiation markers in clinical HCC patients. Conclusion: Genomic amplification of chromatin remodeler CHD1L might drive dedifferentiation of HCC toward an ancestral lineage through opening chromatin for key developmental transcriptional factors; further inhibition of CHD1L might “downgrade” poorly differentiated HCCs and provide novel therapeutic strategies. (Hepatology 2016;63:1544‐1559)
Time Variation in Macro‐Financial Linkages
Authors: Prieto Esteban , Eickmeier Sandra , Marcellino Massimiliano
Published: January 2016

We analyze the contribution of credit spread, house and stock price shocks to the US economy based on a time‐varying parameter vector autoregressive model. We find that the contribution of financial shocks to gross domestic product growth fluctuates from about 20% in normal times to more than 50% during the Great Recession. The Great Recession and the subsequent weak recovery can largely be traced back to negative housing shocks. Housing shocks have become more important for the real economy since the early 2000s, and negative housing shocks are more important than positive ones. Unexpected increases in credit spreads have not been deflationary recently. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DPSC colonization of functionalized 3D textiles
Authors: Ortiz Marine , Rosales‐Ibáñez Raúl , Pozos‐Guillén Amaury , De Bien Charlotte , Toye Dominique , Flores Héctor , Grandfils Christian
Published: January 2016

Fiber scaffolds are attractive materials for mimicking, within a 3D in vitro system, any living environment in which animal cells can adhere and proliferate. In three dimensions, cells have the ability to communicate and organize into complex architectures similar to those found in their natural environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in terms of cell reactivity, a new in vitro cell model: dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in a 3D polymeric textile. Scaffolds were knitted from polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polydioxanone (PDO) fibers differing in surface roughness. To promote cell adhesion, these hydrophobic fabrics were also functionalized with either chitosan or the peptide arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD). Cell behavior was examined 1, 10, and 21 days post‐seeding with a LIVE/DEAD® Kit. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) highlighted the biocompatibility of these materials (cell survival rate: 94% to 100%). Fiber roughness was found to influence cell adhesion and viability significantly and favorably. A clear benefit of polymeric textile functionalization with chitosan or RGD was demonstrated in terms of cell adhesion and viability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 785–794, 2017.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Alone Improves Skeletal Growth, Microarchitecture, and Strength in a Murine Model of XLH, Despite Enhanced FGF23 Expression
Authors: Liu Eva S , Martins Janaina S , Raimann Adalbert , Chae Byongsoo Timothy , Brooks Daniel J , Jorgetti Vanda , Bouxsein Mary L , Demay Marie B
Published: January 2016

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by impaired renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate owing to increased circulating FGF23 levels, resulting in rickets in growing children and impaired bone mineralization. Increased FGF23 decreases renal brush border membrane sodium-dependent phosphate transporter IIa (Npt2a) causing renal phosphate wasting, impairs 1-α hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and induces the vitamin D 24-hydroxylase, leading to inappropriately low circulating levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). The goal of therapy is prevention of rickets and improvement of growth in children by phosphate and 1,25D supplementation. However, this therapy is often complicated by hypercalcemia and nephrocalcinosis and does not always prevent hyperparathyroidism. To determine if 1,25D or blocking FGF23 action can improve the skeletal phenotype without phosphate supplementation, mice with XLH (Hyp) were treated with daily 1,25D repletion, FGF23 antibodies (FGF23Ab), or biweekly high-dose 1,25D from d2 to d75 without supplemental phosphate. All treatments maintained normocalcemia, increased serum phosphate, and normalized parathyroid hormone levels. They also prevented the loss of Npt2a, α-Klotho, and pERK1/2 immunoreactivity observed in the kidneys of untreated Hyp mice. Daily treatment with 1,25D decreased urine phosphate losses despite a marked increase in bone FGF23 mRNA and in circulating FGF23 levels. Daily 1,25D was more effective than other treatments in normalizing the growth plate and metaphyseal organization. In addition to being the only therapy that normalized lumbar vertebral height and body weight, daily 1,25D therapy normalized bone geometry and was more effective than FGF23Ab in improving trabecular bone structure. Daily 1,25D and FGF23Ab improved cortical microarchitecture and whole-bone biomechanical properties more so than biweekly 1,25D. Thus, monotherapy with 1,25D improves growth, skeletal microarchitecture, and bone strength in the absence of phosphate supplementation despite enhancing FGF23 expression, demonstrating that 1,25D has direct beneficial effects on the skeleton in XLH, independent of its role in phosphate homeostasis. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Management of systemic unfractionated heparin anticoagulation during therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Kaplan Alesia , Raut Prachi , Totoe Grace , Morgan Shanna , Zantek Nicole D.
Published: January 2016

Background:

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may remove medications from the patient's plasma. Data is limited on the effect of TPE on unfractionated heparin (UFH). Study Design and Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients receiving TPE and continuous IV infusion UFH from 1/1/2008 to 6/30/2010. TPE with plasma or 5% albumin for replacement fluid and pre and post anti‐Xa levels within approximately six hours were analyzed. Results: Three patients had 15 TPE with plasma replacement. Anti‐Xa levels decreased 47% (mean, −0.25 IU/mL) for two TPE when UFH was not changed, 78% (−0.35 IU/mL) for one TPE when the UFH rate was decreased 25%; and 61% (mean −0.72 IU/mL) for two single volume TPE and 87% (−0.65 IU/mL) for one 1.5 plasma volume TPE when UFH was stopped. During nine TPE, the UFH rate was increased by 65% resulting in a mean increase in the anti‐Xa level (mean 0.06 IU/mL, 30%). One patient had five single plasma volume TPE with 5% albumin. Anti‐Xa levels decreased when the UFH was not changed (−0.06 IU/mL, 38%) and increased when UFH was increased by 30% (0.19 IU/mL, 61%) and 69% (mean 0.04 IU/mL, 15% in three TPE). The PTT increased with all albumin procedures, with more marked increases observed when the UFH rate was increased, while the antithrombin level decreased (mean 65%). Conclusion: Heparin was removed from the patient's plasma during TPE. Adjustment of the dose during TPE may be necessary to maintain therapeutic drug levels. Methods for monitoring UFH therapy may not agree. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:507–515, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eriodictyol Inhibits RANKL‐Induced Osteoclast Formation and Function Via Inhibition of NFATc1 Activity
Authors: Song Fangming , Zhou Lin , Zhao Jinmin , Liu Qian , Yang Mingli , Tan Renxiang , Xu Jun , Zhang Ge , Quinn Julian M.W. , Tickner Jennifer , Huang Yuanjiao , Xu Jiake
Published: January 2016

Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) induces differentiation and function of osteoclasts through triggering multiple signaling cascades, including NF‐κB, MAPK, and Ca2+‐dependent signals, which induce and activate critical transcription factor NFATc1. Targeting these signaling cascades may serve as an effective therapy against osteoclast‐related diseases. Here, by screening a panel of natural plant extracts with known anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, or anti‐oxidant properties for possible anti‐osteoclastogenic activities we identified Eriodictyol. This flavanone potently suppressed RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in a dose‐dependent manner without detectable cytotoxicity, suppressing RANKL‐induced NF‐κB, MAPK, and Ca2+ signaling pathways. Eriodictyol also strongly inhibited RANKL‐induction of c‐Fos levels (a critical component of AP‐1 transcription factor required by osteoclasts) and subsequent activation of NFATc1, concomitant with reduced expression of osteoclast specific genes including cathepsin K (Ctsk), V‐ATPase‐d2 subunit, and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP/Acp5). Taken together, these data provide evidence that Eriodictyol could be useful for the prevention and treatment of osteolytic disorders associated with abnormally increased osteoclast formation and function. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1983–1993, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial and temporal changes of subchondral bone proceed to articular cartilage degeneration in rats subjected to knee immobilization
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Zhe , Lei Lei , Zhou Yue‐Zhu , Deng Song‐Yun , He Yong‐Bin , Ni Guo‐Xin
Published: January 2016

This study was aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal changes of subchondral bone and its overlying articular cartilage in rats following knee immobilization. A total of 36 male Wistar rats (11–13 months old) were assigned randomly and evenly into 3 groups. For each group, knee joints in 6 rats were immobilized unilaterally for 1, 4, or 8 weeks, respectively, while the remaining rats were allowed free activity and served as external control groups. For each animal, femurs at both sides were dissected after sacrificed. The distal part of femur was examined by micro‐CT. Subsequently, femoral condyles were collected for further histological observation and analysis. For articular cartilage, significant changes were observed only at 4 and 8 weeks of immobilization. The thickness of articular cartilage and chondrocytes numbers decreased with time. However, significant changes in subchondral bone were defined by micro‐CT following immobilization in a time‐dependent manner. Immobilization led to a thinner and more porous subchondral bone plate, as well as a reduction in trabecular thickness and separation with a more rod‐like architecture. Changes in subchondral bone occurred earlier than in articular cartilage. More importantly, immobilization‐induced changes in subchondral bone may contribute, at least partially, to changes in its overlying articular cartilage. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:209–218, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High level of persistent liver injury is one of clinical characteristics in treatment‐naïve acute onset autoimmune hepatitis: experience in a community hospital
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Seza Katsushi , Saito Masaya , Yasui Shin , Nakano Masayuki , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: January 2016

Background

There is, as yet, no gold standard for making the diagnosis of acute onset autoimmune hepatitis (A‐AIH). Novel histological characteristics have been reported, but etiologies other than AIH could show similar histological pattern. We attempted to determine what clinical characteristics we should consider as A‐AIH different from other etiologies, and to whom histological characteristics should be applied for the diagnosis.

Methods

Clinical, biochemical, immunological and pathological features of 46 patients (35 women, mean age 55.9 ± 14.2 years) with non‐severe A‐AIH admitted to a community hospital between 2001 and 2015 were analyzed.

Results

Immunoglobulin G level was normal in 28%, and anti‐nuclear antibody titer was < × 80 in 28%. Liver histology of 49% showed acute form and 51% chronic one. Centrilobular necrosis/collapse and/or plasma cell accumulation, rosette formation were characteristic for A‐AIH. High levels of alanine aminotranferase persisted in 21 patients who could be observed for equal to or more than 4 weeks before the start of treatment.

Conclusions

Long persistence of high levels of alanine aminotransferase would be one of clinical features for considering A‐AIH along with conventional features. Histological diagnostic features should be applied for such patients. Guidelines for diagnosing A‐AIH should be urgently drawn up.
Indigenous Charcoal and Biochar Production: Potential for Soil Improvement under Shifting Cultivation Systems
Authors: Coomes Oliver T. , Miltner Benjamin C.
Published: January 2016

Biochar offers potential for enhancing the agricultural productivity of degraded lands in the humid tropics. This paper reports on charcoal and biochar production among peasant farmers who practise shifting cultivation in the Peruvian Amazon. Using wood from secondary forest fallows, farmers produce charcoal for market in earthen mound kilns, also yielding biochar, as charcoal fines, which becomes incorporated into kiln site soils. Data were collected in a riverside community near Iquitos through interviews with farmers/charcoal producers, an inventory of kiln sites, a kiln audit of the charcoal production process, and soil sampling of kiln sites and adjacent paired control sites (depth: 15 cm). Our results indicate that kilns incorporate substantial quantities of biochar into local soils (Ultisols), as much as 30 tonnes each year on 0·4–0·8 ha of kiln sites. Additions of biochar and ash significantly enhance soil fertility by increasing organic C content, raising P and other nutrient concentrations, reducing acidity and exchangeable Al, and increasing soil porosity and friability. Organic C, N, Mg, Ca, and effective cation exchange capacity did not decrease significantly with increasing kiln site age, suggesting that heightened levels may persist for more than a decade after kilns are used. Farmers recognize the elevated fertility of kiln sites and cultivate in them annual and perennial crops, as well as use kiln soil and biochar off‐site, in home gardens, nursery beds, and planting holes. Our findings point to the potential of biochar to ameliorate soils and enhance forest recovery under shifting cultivation systems that integrate charcoal production into forest fallow‐based rotations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demonstration of local teleportation using classical entanglement
Authors: Guzman‐Silva Diego , Brüning Robert , Zimmermann Felix , Vetter Christian , Gräfe Markus , Heinrich Matthias , Nolte Stefan , Duparré Michael , Aiello Andrea , Ornigotti Marco , Szameit Alexander
Published: January 2016

Teleportation describes the transmission of information without transport of neither matter nor energy. For many years, however, it has been implicitly assumed that this scheme is of inherently nonlocal nature, and therefore exclusive to quantum systems. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that the concept of teleportation can be readily generalized beyond the quantum realm. We present an optical implementation of the teleportation protocol solely based on classical entanglement between spatial and modal degrees of freedom, entirely independent of nonlocality. Our findings could enable novel methods for distributing information between different transmission channels and may provide the means to leverage the advantages of both quantum and classical systems to create a robust hybrid communication infrastructure.

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Soil water stress co‐efficient for estimating actual evapotranspiration of maize in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Lyra Gustavo Bastos , de Souza José Leonaldo , da Silva Eduardo Cabral , Lyra Guilherme Bastos , Teodoro Iedo , Ferreira‐Júnior Ricardo Araújo , de Souza Renan Cantalice
Published: January 2016

Several of the methods used to estimate actual evapotranspiration (ETa) consider the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) to be affected by a soil water stress co‐efficient (Ks) such that ETa = Ks ETc. The aim of this study was to assess the ETa estimation in maize in Alagoas State (09 ° 38 ′ S and 36 ° 40 ′ W; 260 m msl) in northeastern Brazil using the method of the single crop co‐efficient from the FAO‐56 paper, combined with three different approaches to determine Ks. The Ks was expressed as either a linear (Ks,lin) or a logarithmic (Ks,log) function of the soil water depletion. Additionally, the method proposed in the FAO‐56 (Ks,FAO) was used when the impact was linear, but it was switched on after only one offset. Meteorological and soil water measurements were conducted in a maize crop from July to October 2005. The estimates of ETa were compared with the ETa determined from soil water balance. The ETa estimated with Ks,lin had the highest precision (r2 = 0.67) and accuracy (d = 0.89 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.67 mm d−1). However, the ETa determined from Ks,log (r2 = 0.41, d = 0.57 and RMSE = 1.69 mm d−1) or Ks,FAO (r2 = 0.46, d = 0.62 and RMSE = 1.73 mm d−1) was not estimated successfully. When the parameters of Ks,FAO were fitted to the local edaphoclimatic conditions, the precision (0.67) and accuracy (0.89 and 0.82 mm d−1) were similar to the estimates with Ks,lin but with a better performance for ETa > 3.0 mm d−1.
Capture‐based next‐generation sequencing reveals multiple actionable mutations in cancer patients failed in traditional testing
Authors: Xie Jing , Lu Xiongxiong , Wu Xue , Lin Xiaoyi , Zhang Chao , Huang Xiaofang , Chang Zhili , Wang Xinjing , Wen Chenlei , Tang Xiaomei , Shi Minmin , Zhan Qian , Chen Hao , Deng Xiaxing , Peng Chenghong , Li Hongwei , Fang Yuan , Shao Yang , Shen Baiyong
Published: January 2016

Background

Targeted therapies including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors have dramatically changed the treatment of cancer over past 10 years. Their therapeutic advantages are more tumor specific and with less side effects. For precisely tailoring available targeted therapies to each individual or a subset of cancer patients, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been utilized as a promising diagnosis tool with its advantages of accuracy, sensitivity, and high throughput.

Methods

We developed and validated a NGS‐based cancer genomic diagnosis targeting 115 prognosis and therapeutics relevant genes on multiple specimen including blood, tumor tissue, and body fluid from 10 patients with different cancer types. The sequencing data was then analyzed by the clinical‐applicable analytical pipelines developed in house.

Results

We have assessed analytical sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the NGS‐based molecular diagnosis. Also, our developed analytical pipelines were capable of detecting base substitutions, indels, and gene copy number variations (CNVs). For instance, several actionable mutations of EGFR, PIK3CA,TP53, and KRAS have been detected for indicating drug susceptibility and resistance in the cases of lung cancer.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that NGS‐based molecular diagnosis is more sensitive and comprehensive to detect genomic alterations in cancer, and supports a direct clinical use for guiding targeted therapy.
Some subgradient extragradient type algorithms for solving split feasibility and fixed point problems
Authors: Vinh Nguyen The , Hoai Pham Thi
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we consider the split feasibility problem (SFP) in infinite‐dimensional Hilbert spaces and propose some subgradient extragradient‐type algorithms for finding a common element of the fixed‐point set of a strict pseudocontraction mapping and the solution set of a split feasibility problem by adopting Armijo‐like stepsize rule. We derive convergence results under mild assumptions. Our results improve some known results from the literature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Legendre spectral method for solving mixed boundary value problems on rectangle
Authors: Wang Tian‐jun
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we develop a spectral method for mixed inhomogeneous Dirichlet/Neumann/Robin boundary value problems defined on rectangle. Some results on two‐dimensional Legendre approximation in Jacobi‐weighted Sobolev space are established. As examples of applications, spectral schemes are provided for two model problems with mixed inhomogeneous boundary conditions. The spectral accuracy in space of proposed algorithms are proved. Efficient implementations are presented. Numerical results demonstrate their high accuracy and confirm the theoretical analysis well. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exponential stabilization and L2‐gain for uncertain switched nonlinear systems with interval time‐varying delay
Authors: Dong Yali , Li Tianrui , Mei Shengwei
Published: January 2016

This paper is concerned with the exponential stabilization and L2‐gain for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems with interval time‐varying delay. Based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method, novel delay‐dependent sufficient conditions of exponential stabilization for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear delay systems are developed under an average dwell time scheme. Then, novel criteria to ensure the exponential stabilization with weighted L2‐gain performance for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear delay systems are established. Furthermore, an effective method is proposed for the designing of a stabilizing feedback controller with L2‐gain performance. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotical stability for memory‐type porous thermoelastic system of type III with constant time delay
Authors: Hao Jianghao , Wang Peipei
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we consider a one‐dimensional porous thermoelastic system of type III with viscoelastic damping and constant time delay on boundary. Using the energy method, we prove the general stability of the system under suitable assumptions on the relaxation function and the time delay. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimension of invariant measures for continuous random dynamical systems
Authors: Bielaczyc Tomasz , Horbacz Katarzyna
Published: January 2016

We consider continuous random dynamical systems with jumps. We estimate the dimension of the invariant measures and apply the results to a model of stochastic gene expression. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the surface affinity of water in three biochars using fast field cycling NMR relaxometry
Authors: Bubici Salvatore , Korb Jean‐Pierre , Kučerik Jiří , Conte Pellegrino
Published: January 2016

Many soil functions depend on the interaction of water with soil. The affinity of water for soils can be altered by applying soil amendments like stone meal, manure, or biochar (a carbonaceous material obtained by pyrolysis of biomasses). In fact, the addition of hydrophobic biochar to soil may increase soil repellency, reduce water‐adsorbing capacity, inhibit microbial activity, alter soil filter, buffer, storage, and transformation functions. For this reason, it is of paramount importance to monitor water affinity for biochar surface (also referred to as ‘wettability’) in order to better address its applications in soil systems. In this study, we propose the use of fast field cycling NMR relaxometry technique with the application of a new mathematical model for data interpretation, as a valid alternative to the traditional contact angle (CA) measurements for biochar wettability evaluation. Either NMR or CA results revealed the same wettability trend for the biochars studied here. The advantage of NMR relaxometry over CA measurements lies in the possibility to obtain at the microscopic level a variety of different information in only one shot. In fact, while CA provides only wettability evaluation, NMR relaxometry also allows achievement of the mechanisms for water molecular dynamics on biochar surface, thereby leading to the possibility to understand better, in future research, the role of biochar in increasing soil quality and plant nutrition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The age dependence of T2 relaxation times of N‐acetyl aspartate, creatine and choline in the human brain at 3 and 4T
Authors: Jiru F. , Skoch A. , Wagnerova D. , Dezortova M. , Viskova J. , Profant O. , Syka J. , Hajek M.
Published: January 2016

Knowledge of the T2 age dependence is of importance for MRS clinical studies involving subject groups with a wide age range. A number of studies have focused on the age dependence of T2 values in the human brain, with rather conflicting results. The aim of this study was to analyze the age dependence of T2 values of N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) in the human brain using data acquired at 3T and 4T and to assess the influence of the macromolecule (MM) baseline handling on the obtained results.

Two distinct groups of young and elderly controls have been measured at 3T (TE = 30–540 ms, 9 young and 11 elderly subjects) and 4T (TE = 10–180 ms, 18 young and 14 elderly subjects) using single‐voxel spectroscopy. In addition, MM spectra were measured from two subjects using the inversion‐recovery technique at 4T. All spectra were processed with LCModel using basis sets with different MM signals (measured or simulated) and also with MM signals included for a different TE range. Individual estimated T2 values were statistically analyzed using the R programming language for the age dependence of T2 values as well as the influence of the MM baseline handling.

A significant decrease of T2 values of NAA and Cr in elderly subjects compared with young subjects was confirmed. The same trend was observed for Cho. Significantly higher T2 values calculated using the measured MM baseline for all studied metabolites at 4T were observed for both young and elderly subjects.

To conclude, while the handling of MM and lipid signals may have a significant effect on estimated T2 values, we confirmed the age dependence of T2 values of NAA and Cr and the same trend for Cho in the human brain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Alluring Are Dark Personalities? the Dark Triad and Attractiveness in Speed Dating
Authors: Jauk Emanuel , Neubauer Aljoscha C. , Mairunteregger Thomas , Pemp Stephanie , Sieber Katharina P. , Rauthmann John F.
Published: January 2016

Dark Triad traits (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) are linked to the pursuit of short–term mating strategies, but they may have differential effects on actual mating success in naturalistic scenarios: Narcissism may be a facilitator for men's short–term mating success, while Machiavellianism and psychopathy may be detrimental. To date, little is known about the attractiveness of Dark Triad traits in women. In a speed–dating study, we assessed participants‘ Dark Triad traits, Big Five personality traits, and physical attractiveness in N = 90 heterosexual individuals (46 women and 44 men). Each participant rated each partner's mate appeal for short– and long–term relationships. Across both sexes, narcissism was positively associated with mate appeal for short– and long–term relationships. Further analyses indicated that these associations were due to the shared variance among narcissism and extraversion in men and narcissism and physical attractiveness in women, respectively. In women, psychopathy was also positively associated with mate appeal for short–term relationships. Regarding mating preferences, narcissism was found to involve greater choosiness in the rating of others‘ mate appeal (but not actual choices) in men, while psychopathy was associated with greater openness towards short–term relationships in women. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Porous shape memory polymers: Design and applications
Authors: Hasan Sayyeda M. , Nash Landon D. , Maitland Duncan J.
Published: January 2016

Porous shape memory polymers (SMPs) exhibit geometric and volumetric shape change when actuated by an external stimulus and can be fabricated as foams, scaffolds, meshes, and other polymeric substrates that possess porous three‐dimensional macrostructures. These materials have applications in multiple industries such as textiles, biomedical devices, tissue engineering, and aerospace. This review article examines recent developments in porous SMPs, with a focus on fabrication methods, methods of characterization, modes of actuation, and applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1300–1318
Choosing the best cropping systems to target pleiotropic effects when managing single‐gene herbicide resistance in grass weeds. A blackgrass simulation study
Authors: Colbach Nathalie , Chauvel Bruno , Darmency Henri , Délye Christophe , Le Corre Valérie
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Managing herbicide‐resistant weeds is becoming increasingly difficult. Here we adapted the weed dynamics model AlomySys to account for experimentally measured fitness costs linked to mutants of target‐site resistance to acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides in Alopecurus myosuroides. We ran simulations to test how effectively cultural practices manage resistance.

RESULTS

Simulations of an oilseed rape/winter wheat/winter barley rotation showed that, when replacing one of the seven applied herbicides with an ACCase‐inhibiting one, resistant mutants exceeded 1 plant m−2, with a probability of 40%, after an average of 18 years. This threshold was always exceeded when three or four ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides were used, after an average of 8 and 6 years respectively. With reduced herbicide rates or suboptimal spraying conditions, resistance occurred 1–3 years earlier in 50% of simulations. Adding spring pea to the rotation or yearly mouldboard ploughing delayed resistance indefinitely in 90 and 60% of simulations respectively. Ploughing also modified the genetic composition of the resistant population by selecting a previously rare mutant that presented improved pre‐emergent growth. The prevalence of the mutations was influenced more by their associated fitness cost or benefit than by the number of ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides to which they conferred resistance.

CONCLUSION

Simulations allowed us to rank weed management practices and suggest that pleiotropic effects are extremely important for understanding the frequency of herbicide resistance in the population. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Rhodiola rosea L. and Alzheimer's Disease: From Farm to Pharmacy
Authors: Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Braidy Nady , Orhan Ilkay Erdogan , Badiee Arash , Daglia Maria , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2016

Rhodiola rosea L. (roseroot) is a common member of the family Crassulaceae, known as one of the most important popular medicinal plants in the northern region of Europe. The roots of R. rosea possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects that are because of the presence of different phytochemicals such as phenols and flavonoids. In addition, the presence of salidroside, rosavins, and p‐tyrosol are responsible for its beneficial effects for the treatment of on depression, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. A plethora of studies report that R. rosea has potent neuroprotective effects through the suppression of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity in brain tissues and antagonism of oncogenic p21‐activated kinase. However, to our knowledge, no review articles have been published addressing the neuroprotective effects of R. rosea. Therefore, the present article aims at critically reviewing the available literature on the beneficial effects of R. rosea on as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases where oxidative stress plays a major role in disease development and progression. We also discuss the cultivation, phytochemistry, clinical impacts, and adverse effects of R. rosea to provide a broader insight on the therapeutic potential for this plant. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate Process Capability Index Based on Data Depth Concept
Authors: Ciupke Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide a multivariate process capability index, which could be used regardless on data distribution and also on data correlation. Such an index could be defined because of application of non‐parametric methodology that utilizes a data depth concept. Based on this concept, a two‐phase methodology was developed. In the first phase the modified tolerance region is estimated, while in the second one, a current process is assessed using the proposed three‐component index. Estimation of a modified tolerance region on the basis on historical data allows applying the methodology not only for bilateral quality characteristics but also for unilateral ones, where often in practice, the modified tolerance region could be defined as a closed region. The performance of the proposed index was evaluated using bilateral and unilateral examples. The obtained results showed that the proposed index performs satisfactorily for all the considered cases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of pre‐eruptive intracoronal resorption on cone‐beam computed tomography: A retrospective study
Authors: Demirtas Omer , Tarim Ertas Elif , Dane Asim , Kalabalik Fahrettin , Sozen Emre
Published: January 2016

Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pre‐eruptive intracoronal resorption (PIR) in unerupted permanent teeth in a Turkish population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Method: A total of 1,317 CBCT images were screened. In all the images, the following were recorded: the number of unerupted teeth, number of teeth with intracoronal resorption, affected tooth type and number, and location of radiolucent defects. Demographic data were also obtained. Results: The prevalence of intracoronal resorption in the study group was 15.1%, with a prevalence in teeth of 3.5%. The prevalence of intracoronal resorption using CBCT was much higher than that recorded previously using panoramic or bitewing radiographs intracoronal resorption was more common in males (57%) than females (43%). Twenty‐three cases were located in the maxilla (48%), and 25 were located in the mandible (52%). The mandibular third molar was the most affected tooth type, followed by maxillary third molars and supernumerary teeth. Conclusion: CBCT can be useful for diagnosing PIR defects because it provides an accurate representation of internal dental anatomy. SCANNING 38:442–447, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of ultrasound, CaCl2 and STPP on the ultrastructure of the milk goat longissimus muscle fiber observed with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Gao Junpeng , Wang Ying , Liu Lu , Li Kaiyue , Zhang Sheqi , Zhu Jie
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of ultrasound bath intensity, CaCl2 and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentration on the ultrastructure of longissimus muscle fiber from milk goats. The sarcomere length was measured by atomic force microscopy. According to the results of AFM images, the sarcomere length is longest when the conditions were an intensity of 100 W ultrasound bath (42.77% increment), a concentration of 300 mM CaCl2 injection (44.68% increment) or 90 mM STPP injection (19.41% increment). Apart from the sarcomere length, the study put forward a potential index (roughness) to represent tenderness of meat which was treated by ultrasound bath. Among different methods, ultrasound bath was chosen as the preferred tenderization method. SCANNING 38:545–553, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust anonymous two‐factor authenticated key exchange scheme for mobile client‐server environment
Authors: Lu Yanrong , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Yang Yixian
Published: January 2016

With the greatest advancement of information technology, mobile communication has become more widespread and prevalent. When a mobile user intends to enjoy the services offered by a remote server, he needs to be authenticated before constructing a session key with the corresponding server. Numerous authentication schemes have been provided with the purpose of validating the legitimacy of a mobile user. Recently, Xieet al.presented a modified two‐factor authenticated key exchange to eliminate the security flaws of Chenet al.Xieet al.claimed that the enhanced design was more secure than the design of Chenet al.Unfortunately, we identified that the proposed scheme by Xieet al.was insecure against user impersonation, insider and trace attacks and did fail to provide verification in login phase. To enhance the security and efficiency, we then proposed an anonymous authenticated key exchange scheme for mobile client‐server environment. We demonstrated that the proposed scheme was immune to many attacks including attacks observed in the scheme of Xieet al.We also use a formal proof, namely Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic, to analyze the proposed scheme. In addition, the proposed scheme possesses a lower computation overheads than the other related schemes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.