bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmogenic 32Si as a tracer of biogenic silica burial and diagenesis: Major deltaic sinks in the silica cycle
Authors: Rahman S. , Aller R. C. , Cochran J. K.
Published: June 2016

Measurements of natural cosmogenic 32Si (t1/2 ~ 140 years) in tropical deltaic sediments demonstrate for the first time that most 32Si is present in rapidly formed authigenic clays and not biogenic opaline silica (bSi). The burial of bSi in deltaic and continental margin sediments has likely been greatly underestimated because of diagenetic alteration of bSi to clay, little of which dissolves in the classically used operational bSi leach. Rapid reverse weathering reactions during early diagenesis must be considered as a significant pathway of reactive Si storage in deltaic deposits. Based on 32Si, actual storage may be 2–3 times the best recent estimates extrapolated from diagenetic models or attempts to modify operational bSi methods to include authigenic clay (~900 µmol/g versus ~250 µmol/g). Measurements of natural 32Si inventories in sediments and initial specific activities in biogenic silica provide a means to independently constrain the marine Si cycle.
Geomagnetic disturbance intensity dependence on the universal timing of the storm peak
Authors: Katus R. M. , Liemohn M. W. , Keesee A. M. , Immel T. J. , Ilie R. , Welling D. T. , Ganushkina N. Yu. , Perlongo N. J. , Ridley A. J.
Published: June 2016

The role of universal time (UT) dependence on storm time development has remained an unresolved question in geospace research. This study presents new insight into storm progression in terms of the UT of the storm peak. We present a superposed epoch analysis of solar wind drivers and geomagnetic index responses during magnetic storms, categorized as a function of UT of the storm peak, to investigate the dependency of storm intensity on UT. Storms with Dst minimum less than −100 nT were identified in the 1970–2012 era (305 events), covering four solar cycles. The storms were classified into six groups based on the UT of the minimum Dst (40 to 61 events per bin) then each grouping was superposed on a timeline that aligns the time of the minimum Dst. Fifteen different quantities were considered: seven solar wind parameters and eight activity indices derived from ground‐based magnetometer data. Statistical analyses of the superposed means against each other (between the different UT groupings) were conducted to determine the mathematical significance of similarities and differences in the time series plots. It was found that the solar wind parameters have no significant difference between the UT groupings, as expected. The geomagnetic activity indices, however, all show statistically significant differences with UT during the main phase and/or early recovery phase. Specifically, the 02:00 UT groupings are stronger storms than those in the other UT bins. That is, storms are stronger when the Asian sector is on the nightside (American sector on the dayside) during the main phase.
Spatiotemporal model of Kīlauea's summit magmatic system inferred from InSAR time series and geometry‐free time‐dependent source inversion
Authors: Zhai Guang , Shirzaei Manoochehr
Published: June 2016

Kīlauea volcano, Hawai‘i Island, has a complex magmatic system including summit reservoirs and rift zones. Kinematic models of the summit reservoir have so far been limited to first‐order analytical solutions with predetermined geometry. To explore the complex geometry and kinematics of the summit reservoir, we apply a multitrack wavelet‐based InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) algorithm and a novel geometry‐free time‐dependent modeling scheme. To map spatiotemporally distributed surface deformation signals over Kīlauea's summit, we process synthetic aperture radar data sets from two overlapping tracks of the Envisat satellite, including 100 images during the period 2003–2010. Following validation against Global Positioning System data, we invert the surface deformation time series to constrain the spatiotemporal evolution of the magmatic system without any prior knowledge of the source geometry. The optimum model is characterized by a spheroidal and a tube‐like zone of volume change beneath the summit and the southwest rift zone at 2–3 km depth, respectively. To reduce the model dimension, we apply a principal component analysis scheme, which allows for the identification of independent reservoirs. The first three PCs, explaining 99% (63.8%, 28.5%, and 6.6%, respectively) of the model, include six independent reservoirs with a complex interaction suggested by temporal analysis. The data and model presented here, in agreement with earlier studies, improve the understanding of Kīlauea's plumbing system through enhancing the knowledge of temporally variable magma supply, storage, and transport beneath the summit, and verify the link between summit magmatic activity, seismicity, and rift intrusions.
Manipulations of Dual Beams with Dual Polarizations by Full‐Tensor Metasurfaces
Authors: Wan Xiang , Chen Tian Yi , Zhang Qian , Yin Jia Yuan , Tao Zui , Zhang Lei , Chen Xiao Qing , Li Yun Bo , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2016

Recently, scalar (or isotropic) and vector (or uniaxially anisotropic) metasurfaces have been investigated intensively to control the propagations and/or polarizations of reflected, transmitted, and radiated electromagnetic waves. Here, an inhomogeneous tensor (or fully anisotropic) metasurface is proposed to manipulate two independent beams with independent polarizations. Direct holographic method is employed to modulate tensor surface impedance of a metasurface, which is designed and realized using anisotropic metamaterial particles. Both simulations and measurements prove the capabilities of the proposed tensor metasurface in controlling the directions of dual beams and their polarizations independently. The presented structure has very low profile, indicating potential applications in radar detections, satellite, and wireless communications.
Testing the equivalence of modern human cranial covariance structure: Implications for bioarchaeological applications
Authors: von Cramon‐Taubadel Noreen , Schroeder Lauren
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Estimation of the variance‐covariance (V/CV) structure of fragmentary bioarchaeological populations requires the use of proxy extant V/CV parameters. However, it is currently unclear whether extant human populations exhibit equivalent V/CV structures.

Materials and Methods

Random skewers (RS) and hierarchical analyses of common principal components (CPC) were applied to a modern human cranial dataset. Cranial V/CV similarity was assessed globally for samples of individual populations (jackknifed method) and for pairwise population sample contrasts. The results were examined in light of potential explanatory factors for covariance difference, such as geographic region, among‐group distance, and sample size.

Results

RS analyses showed that population samples exhibited highly correlated multivariate responses to selection, and that differences in RS results were primarily a consequence of differences in sample size. The CPC method yielded mixed results, depending upon the statistical criterion used to evaluate the hierarchy. The hypothesis‐testing (step‐up) approach was deemed problematic due to sensitivity to low statistical power and elevated Type I errors. In contrast, the model‐fitting (lowest AIC) approach suggested that V/CV matrices were proportional and/or shared a large number of CPCs. Pairwise population sample CPC results were correlated with cranial distance, suggesting that population history explains some of the variability in V/CV structure among groups.

Discussion

The results indicate that patterns of covariance in human craniometric samples are broadly similar but not identical. These findings have important implications for choosing extant covariance matrices to use as proxy V/CV parameters in evolutionary analyses of past populations.
Stepwise Unfolding of Single‐Chain Nanoparticles by Chemically Triggered Gates
Authors: Fischer Tobias S. , Schulze‐Sünninghausen David , Luy Burkhard , Altintas Ozcan , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: June 2016

The orthogonal, stepwise, and order‐independent unfolding of single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) is introduced as a key step towards actively controlling the folding dynamics of SCNPs. The SCNPs are compacted by multiple hydrogen bonds and host–guest interactions. Well‐defined diblock (AB) and tetrablock (ABCD) copolymers are equipped with orthogonal recognition motifs via modular ligation along the lateral chain. Initially, single‐chain folding of the diblock copolymer was induced by the host–guest complexation of benzo‐21‐crown‐7 (B21C7, host) and a secondary ammonium salt (AS, guest), representing an efficient avenue for single‐chain collapse. Next, both orthogonal Hamilton wedge (HW) and cyanuric acid (CA) as well as B21C7–AS motifs were employed to generate SCNPs based on the ABCD polymer system. Subsequently, the stepwise dual‐gated and order‐independent unfolding of the SCNPs was investigated by the addition of external stimuli. The folding and unfolding were explored by 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY).
A Synthesis of (±)‐Aplydactone
Authors: Meier Robin , Trauner Dirk
Published: June 2016

Aplydactone is an unusual brominated sesquiterpenoid isolated from the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela. Its highly strained skeleton contains two four‐ and three six‐membered rings and features three adjacent quaternary carbon atoms. Although it is most likely of photochemical origin, attempts to generate it from a chamigrane precursor have failed thus far. In this work, we present a total synthesis of aplydactone that relies on two photochemical key steps that are not biomimetic but highly effective in establishing the two cyclobutane rings. Our synthesis also features an unusual Barbier‐type cyclization and culminates in new radical conditions to install the sterically hindered secondary bromide of the natural product.
Magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles: efficient, heterogeneous and reusable catalyst for synthesis of acetylferrocene chalcones and their anti‐tumour activity
Authors: Abu‐Dief Ahmed M. , Nassar Ibrahim F. , Elsayed Wafaa H.
Published: June 2016

A robust synthesis of magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles via a hydrothermal technique was investigated. The prepared magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. XRD and TEM analyses confirmed the formation of single‐phase ultrafine nickel ferrite nanoparticles with highly homogeneous cubic shape and elemental composition. Moreover, the prepared magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were used as an efficient, cheap and eco‐friendly catalyst for the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction between acetylferrocene and various aldehydes (aromatic and/or heterocyclic) yielding acetylferrocene chalcones in excellent yields, with easy work‐up and reduced reaction time. The products were purified via crystallization. The structures of the produced compounds were elucidated using various spectroscopic analyses (1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC–MS). The catalyst is readily recovered by simple magnetic decantation and can be recycled several times with no discernible loss of catalytic activity. Furthermore, the prepared chalcone derivatives were evaluated for their anti‐tumour activity against three human tumour cell lines, namely HCT116 (colon cancer), MCF7 (breast cancer) and HEPG2 (liver cancer), and showed a good activity against colon cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FLUID AND ION SECRETION BY MALPIGHIAN TUBULES OF LARVAL CHIRONOMIDS, Chironomus riparius: EFFECTS OF REARING SALINITY, TRANSPORT INHIBITORS, AND SEROTONIN
Authors: Zadeh‐Tahmasebi Melika , Bui Phuong , Donini Andrew
Published: June 2016

Larvae of Chironomus riparius respond to ion‐poor and brackish water (IPW, BW) conditions by activating ion uptake mechanisms in the anal papillae and reducing ion absorption at the rectum, respectively. The role that the Malpighian tubules play in ion and osmoregulation under these conditions is not known in this species. This study examines rates of fluid secretion and major cation composition of secreted fluid from tubules of C. riparius reared in IPW, freshwater (FW) and BW. Fluid secretion of tubules from FW and BW larvae was similar but tubules from IPW larvae secrete fluid at higher rates, are more sensitive to serotonin stimulation, and the secreted fluid contains less Na+. Therefore in IPW, tubules work in concert with anal papillae to eliminate excess water while conserving Na+ in the hemolymph. Tubules do not appear to play a significant role in ion/osmoregulation under BW. Serotonin immunoreactivity in the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract of larval C. riparius was similar to that seen in mosquito larvae with the exception that the hindgut was devoid of staining. Hemolymph serotonin titer was similar in FW and IPW; hence, serotonin is not responsible for the observed high rates of fluid secretion in IPW. Instead, it is suggested that serotonin may work in a synergistic manner with an unidentified hormonal factor in IPW. Ion transport mechanisms in the tubules of C. riparius are pharmacologically similar to those of other insects.
Connecting rating migration matrices and the business cycle by means of generalized regression models
Authors: Pfeuffer Marius , Fischer Matthias
Published: June 2016

The modeling of macroeconomic influence on rating migration matrices plays an important role in credit risk management, especially in stress testing. In contrast to approaches, which separately condition migration matrices by a qualitative assessment of the state of the business cycle, we promote the use of generalized regression models, which directly allow to consider macroeconomic covariates. We systemize, extend, and critically discuss different regression approaches and put an emphasis on violations of model assumptions as well as on sufficient treatment of such problems, an aspect, which has not been focused on to a satisfactory extent in the recent literature. Moreover, we introduce a framework for model evaluation and variable selection, which is based on the concept of out‐of‐sample forecasting, in order to avoid overfitting. Finally, we illustrate the concepts outlined by practical examples based on Standard & Poor's global corporate ratings data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameter redundancy in discrete state‐space and integrated models
Authors: Cole Diana J. , McCrea Rachel S.
Published: June 2016

Discrete state‐space models are used in ecology to describe the dynamics of wild animal populations, with parameters, such as the probability of survival, being of ecological interest. For a particular parametrization of a model it is not always clear which parameters can be estimated. This inability to estimate all parameters is known as parameter redundancy or a model is described as nonidentifiable. In this paper we develop methods that can be used to detect parameter redundancy in discrete state‐space models. An exhaustive summary is a combination of parameters that fully specify a model. To use general methods for detecting parameter redundancy a suitable exhaustive summary is required. This paper proposes two methods for the derivation of an exhaustive summary for discrete state‐space models using discrete analogues of methods for continuous state‐space models. We also demonstrate that combining multiple data sets, through the use of an integrated population model, may result in a model in which all parameters are estimable, even though models fitted to the separate data sets may be parameter redundant.
CUREs in biochemistry—where we are and where we should go
Authors: Bell Jessica K. , Eckdahl Todd T. , Hecht David A. , Killion Patrick J. , Latzer Joachim , Mans Tamara L. , Provost Joseph J. , Rakus John F. , Siebrasse Erica A. , Ellis Bell J.
Published: June 2016

Integration of research experience into classroom is an important and vital experience for all undergraduates. These course‐based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have grown from independent instructor lead projects to large consortium driven experiences. The impact and importance of CUREs on students at all levels in biochemistry was the focus of a National Science Foundation funded think tank. The state of biochemistry CUREs and suggestions for moving biochemistry forward as well as a practical guide (supplementary material) are reported here. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(1):7–12, 2017.
Projections of cancer incidence and cancer‐related deaths in Germany by 2020 and 2030
Authors: Quante Anne S. , Ming Chang , Rottmann Miriam , Engel Jutta , Boeck Stefan , Heinemann Volker , Westphalen Christoph Benedikt , Strauch Konstantin
Published: June 2016

Past patterns of cancer disease and future changes in the demographic structure have a major influence on the projected incidences of human malignancies. In Germany, nearly a quarter of men and 20% of women die of cancer, and it is estimated that in Germany around 51% men and 43% women will develop cancer during lifetime. Here, we project the cancer incidence case number as well as the number of deaths for the most common cancers in the German population for the years 2020 and 2030. By 2030, prostate cancer will be the most common malignancy, surpassing breast cancer. Lung cancer will rank third most frequent cancer and will remain the most common cause of cancer‐related mortality. Additionally, our projections show a marked increase in liver cancer cases with a continuous rise in liver cancer‐related deaths. Finally, we project a constant increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer. Based on our projections, pancreatic cancer will surpass colorectal and breast cancer to rank as the second most common cause of cancer‐related deaths in Germany by 2030.
Biotransformations of Bile Acids with Bacteria from Cayambe Slaughterhouse (Ecuador): Synthesis of Bendigoles
Authors: Costa Stefania , Maldonado Rodriguez Maria Elena , Rugiero Irene , De Bastiani Morena , Medici Alessandro , Tamburini Elena , Pedrini Paola
Published: June 2016

The biotransformations of cholic acid (1a), deoxycholic acid (1b), and hyodeoxycholic acid (1c) to bendigoles and other metabolites with bacteria isolated from the rural slaughterhouse of Cayambe (Pichincha Province, Ecuador) were reported. The more active strains were characterized, and belong to the genera Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus. Various biotransformation products were obtained depending on bacteria and substrates. Cholic acid (1a) afforded the 3‐oxo and 3‐oxo‐4‐ene derivatives 2a and 3a (45% and 45%, resp.) with P. mendocina ECS10, 3,12‐dioxo‐4‐ene derivative 4a (60%) with Rh. erythropolis ECS25, and 9,10‐secosteroid 6 (15%) with Rh. erythropolis ECS12. Bendigole F (5a) was obtained in 20% with P. fragi ECS22. Deoxycholic acid (1b) gave 3‐oxo derivative 2b with P. prosekii ECS1 and Rh. erythropolis ECS25 (20% and 61%, resp.), while 3‐oxo‐4‐ene derivative 3b was obtained with P. prosekii ECS1 and P. mendocina ECS10 (22% and 95%, resp.). Moreover, P. fragi ECS9 afforded bendigole A (8b; 80%). Finally, P. mendocina ECS10 biotransformed hyodeoxycholic acid (1c) to 3‐oxo derivative 2c (50%) and Rh. erythropolis ECS12 to 6α‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐23,24‐dinor‐5β‐cholan‐22‐oic acid (9c, 66%). Bendigole G (5c; 13%) with P. prosekii ECS1 and bendigole H (8c) with P. prosekii ECS1 and Rh. erythropolis ECS12 (20% and 16%, resp.) were obtained.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with hereditary spherocytosis and splenectomy in a patient with a mutation in the BMPR2 gene
Authors: Baloira Adolfo , Bastos María , Pousada Guillermo , Valverde Diana
Published: June 2016

Key Clinical Message

There is some question about the relationship between hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and pulmonary arterial hypertension, even associated with splenectomy. The finding of BMPR2 mutations in our patient suggests that other factors are necessary for the development of the disease, and perhaps, the incidence of pulmonary hypertension is not increased in patients with HS.
Impact of Switching From a Vitamin K Antagonist to Rivaroxaban on Satisfaction With Anticoagulation Therapy: The XANTUS‐ACTS Substudy
Authors: Coleman Craig I. , Haas Sylvia , Turpie Alexander G.G. , Kuhls Silvia , Hess Susanne , Evers Thomas , Amarenco Pierre , Kirchhof Paulus , Camm A. John ,   on behalf of the XANTUS Investigators
Published: June 2016

Background

The efficacy, safety, and ease of use of rivaroxaban may reduce anticoagulation‐treatment burden and improve nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patient satisfaction compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs).

Hypothesis

Transitioning from a VKA to rivaroxaban improves treatment satisfaction in routine practice.

Methods

Xarelto for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (XANTUS) is a prospective, noninterventional study in patients with NVAF prescribed rivaroxaban for prevention of stroke in routine practice. Patients receiving a VKA 4 weeks prior to the initial XANTUS study visit and switched to rivaroxaban were asked to complete the Anti‐Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS). Changes from the initial visit to the first follow‐up visit at ∼ 3 months (corresponding to a comparison of rivaroxaban vs prior VKA) for ACTS burden and benefit scores were calculated using and reported as least squared mean differences (LSMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The study included 1291 NVAF patients with prior VKA treatment. The mean baseline ACTS burden and benefit scores were 50.51 ± 8.42 and 10.30 ± 2.70, respectively. After ∼ 3 months of rivaroxaban treatment, LSMDs were 4.38 points (95% CI: 2.53‐6.22, P < 0.0001) for the burden and 1.01 points (95% CI: 0.27‐1.75, P = 0.0075) for the benefit score. Fifty‐four percent and 48% of patients reported experiencing at least a minimally important clinical difference in burden and benefit scores, respectively.

Conclusions

Within this XANTUS cohort, switching from a VKA to rivaroxaban yielded statistically and clinically significant improvements in ACT burden and benefit scores.
Sugar‐Based Arylsulfonamide Carboxylates as Selective and Water‐Soluble Matrix Metalloproteinase‐12 Inhibitors
Authors: Nuti Elisa , Cuffaro Doretta , D'Andrea Felicia , Rosalia Lea , Tepshi Livia , Fabbi Marina , Carbotti Grazia , Ferrini Silvano , Santamaria Salvatore , Camodeca Caterina , Ciccone Lidia , Orlandini Elisabetta , Nencetti Susanna , Stura Enrico A. , Dive Vincent , Rossello Armando
Published: June 2016

Matrix metalloproteinase‐12 (MMP‐12) can be considered an attractive target to study selective inhibitors useful in the development of new therapies for lung and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, a new series of arylsulfonamide carboxylates, with increased hydrophilicity resulting from conjugation with a β‐N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine moiety, were designed and synthesized as MMP‐12 selective inhibitors. Their inhibitory activity was evaluated on human MMPs by using the fluorimetric assay, and a crystallographic analysis was performed to characterize their binding mode. Among these glycoconjugates, a nanomolar MMP‐12 inhibitor with improved water solubility, compound 3 [(R)‐2‐(N‐(2‐(3‐(2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl)thioureido)ethyl)biphenyl‐4‐ylsulfonamido)‐3‐methylbutanoic acid], was identified.
Co‐precipitation of DEAE‐dextran coated SPIONs: how synthesis conditions affect particle properties, stem cell labelling and MR contrast
Authors: Barrow Michael , Taylor Arthur , García Carrión Jaime , Mandal Pranab , Park B. Kevin , Poptani Harish , Murray Patricia , Rosseinsky Matthew J. , Adams Dave J.
Published: June 2016

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely used as contrast agents for stem cell tracking using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The total mass of iron oxide that can be internalised into cells without altering their viability or phenotype is an important criterion for the generation of contrast, with SPIONs designed for efficient labelling of stem cells allowing for an increased sensitivity of detection. Although changes in the ratio of polymer and iron salts in co‐precipitation reactions are known to affect the physicochemical properties of SPIONs, particularly core size, the effects of these synthesis conditions on stem cell labelling and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast have not been established. Here, we synthesised a series of cationic SPIONs with very similar hydrodynamic diameters and surface charges, but different polymer content. We have investigated how the amount of polymer in the co‐precipitation reaction affects core size and modulates not only the magnetic properties of the SPIONs but also their uptake into stem cells. SPIONs with the largest core size and lowest polymer content presented the highest magnetisation and relaxivity. These particles also had the greatest uptake efficiency without any deleterious effect on either the viability or function of the stem cells. However, for all particles internalised in cells, the T2 and T2* relaxivity was independent of the SPION's core size. Our results indicate that the relative mass of iron taken up by cells is the major determinant of MR contrast generation and suggest that the extent of SPION uptake can be regulated by the amount of polymer used in co‐precipitation reactions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manycore GPU processing of repeated range queries over streams of moving objects observations
Authors: Lettich Francesco , Orlando Salvatore , Silvestri Claudio , Jensen Christian S.
Published: June 2016

The ability to timely process significant amounts of continuously updated spatial data is mandatory for an increasing number of applications. Parallelism enables such applications to face this data‐intensive challenge and allows the devised systems to feature low latency and high scalability. In this paper, we focus on a specific data‐intensive problem concerning the repeated processing of huge amounts of range queries over massive sets of moving objects, where the spatial extent of queries and objects is continuously modified over time. To tackle this problem and significantly accelerate query processing, we devise a hybrid CPU/GPU pipeline that compresses data output and saves query processing work. The devised system relies on an ad‐hoc spatial index leading to a problem decomposition that results in a set of independent data‐parallel tasks. The index is based on a point‐region quadtree space decomposition and allows to tackle effectively a broad range of spatial object distributions, even those very skewed. Also, to deal with the architectural peculiarities and limitations of the GPUs, we adopt non‐trivial GPU data structures that avoid the need of locked memory accesses while favouring coalesced memory accesses, thus enhancing the overall memory throughput. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that exploits GPUs to efficiently solve repeated range queries over massive sets of continuously moving objects, possibly characterized by highly skewed spatial distributions. In comparison with state‐of‐the‐art CPU‐based implementations, our method highlights significant speedups in the order of 10 − 20×, depending on the dataset. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personalized extended (α, k)‐anonymity model for privacy‐preserving data publishing
Authors: Liu Xiangwen , Xie Qingqing , Wang Liangmin
Published: June 2016

General (α, k)‐anonymity model is a widely used method in privacy‐preserving data publishing, but it cannot provide personalized anonymity. At present, two main schemes for personalized anonymity are the individual‐oriented anonymity and the sensitive value‐oriented anonymity. Unfortunately, the existing personalized anonymity models, designed for any of the aforementioned schemes for privacy‐preserving data publishing, are not effective enough to meet the personalized privacy preservation requirement. In this paper, we propose a novel personalized extended scheme to provide the personalized services in general (α, k)‐anonymity model. The sensitive value‐oriented anonymity is combined with the individual‐oriented anonymity in the new personalized extended (α, k)‐anonymity model by the following two steps: (1) The sensitive attribute values are divided into several groups according to their sensitivities, and each group is assigned with its own frequency constraint threshold. (2) A guarding node is set for each individual to replace his/her sensitive value if necessary. We implement the personalized extended (α, k)‐anonymity model with a clustering algorithm. The performance evaluation finally shows that our model can provide stronger privacy preservation efficiently as well as achieving the personalized service. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Performance Ru1/CeO2 Single‐Atom Catalyst for CO Oxidation: A Computational Exploration
Authors: Li Fengyu , Li Lei , Liu Xinying , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Chen Zhongfang
Published: June 2016

By means of density functional theory computations, we examine the stability and CO oxidation activity of single Ru on CeO2(111), TiO2(110) and Al2O3(001) surfaces. The heterogeneous system Ru1/CeO2 has very high stability, as indicated by the strong binding energies and high diffusion barriers of a single Ru atom on the ceria support, while the Ru atom is rather mobile on TiO2(110) and Al2O3(001) surfaces and tends to form clusters, excluding these systems from having a high efficiency per Ru atom. The Ru1/CeO2 exhibits good catalytic activity for CO oxidation via the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, thus is a promising single‐atom catalyst.
Ecosystem size matters: the dimensionality of intralacustrine diversification in Icelandic stickleback is predicted by lake size
Authors: Lucek Kay , Kristjánsson Bjarni K. , Skúlason Skúli , Seehausen Ole
Published: June 2016

Cases of evolutionary diversification can be characterized along a continuum from weak to strong genetic and phenotypic differentiation. Several factors may facilitate or constrain the differentiation process. Comparative analyses of replicates of the same taxon at different stages of differentiation can be useful to identify these factors. We estimated the number of distinct phenotypic groups in three‐spine stickleback populations from nine lakes in Iceland and in one marine population. Using the inferred number of phenotypic groups in each lake, genetic divergence from the marine population, and physical lake and landscape variables, we tested whether ecosystem size, approximated by lake size and depth, or isolation from the ancestral marine gene pool predicts the occurrence and the extent of phenotypic and genetic diversification within lakes. We find intralacustrine phenotypic diversification to be the rule rather than the exception, occurring in all but the youngest lake population and being manifest in ecologically important phenotypic traits. Neutral genetic data further indicate nonrandom mating in four of nine studied lakes, and restricted gene flow between sympatric phenotypic groups in two. Although neither the phenotypic variation nor the number of intralacustrine phenotypic groups was associated with any of our environmental variables, the number of phenotypic traits that were differentiated was significantly positively related to lake size, and evidence for restricted gene flow between sympatric phenotypic groups was only found in the largest lakes where trait specific phenotypic differentiation was highest.
Efficient spectrum leasing in cognitive radio networks: Disjoint secondary user selection and protocol selective relaying
Authors: Haqiqatnejad Ali R. , Shahtalebi Kamal , Forouzan Amir R.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we propose an efficient spectrum leasing scheme for cognitive radio networks in which the leasing process is carried out by employing two generally non‐identical secondary users. The first secondary user is selected for cooperating with the primary network, and the second one is offered the released spectrum to perform the secondary transmission. The two mentioned secondary users are selected independently. Both the decode‐and‐forward and the amplify‐and‐forward relaying protocols are considered in this paper. Moreover, a protocol selective relaying scheme named decode‐ or amplify‐and‐forward (DAF), which smartly switches between the two protocols, is applied. We show that the disjoint secondary user selection and the protocol selective relaying result in an enhanced outage performance for both the primary and secondary networks as well as an increased achievable transmission rate for the secondary network. Numerical and simulation results are presented to evaluate the performance improvement of the proposed scheme. Using the simulation results, we also investigate the effect of disjoint secondary user selection on fairness considerations of the secondary network. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zinc finger protein 191 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through discs large 1‐mediated yes‐associated protein inactivation
Authors: Wu Di , Liu Guoyuan , Liu Yufeng , Saiyin Hexige , Wang Chenji , Wei Zhen , Zen Wenjiao , Liu Danyang , Chen Qi , Zhao Zhonghua , Zou Liping , Huang Haojie , Jiang Songmin , Yu Long
Published: June 2016

Interplay between cell polarity module Scribble‐Lethal Giant Larvae‐Discs Large 1 (DLG1) and Yes‐associated protein (YAP) appears critical in tumor metastasis. We identified zinc finger protein 191 (ZNF191) as a metastasis suppressor acting through DLG‐YAP crosstalk in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Overexpression of ZNF191 in HCC cells impaired cell motility, while ZNF191 depletion promoted cell migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo through triggering YAP signaling. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing revealed that ZNF191 specifically bound to the promoter of DLG1, a cell polarity maintainer and a negative regulator of YAP. The binding sequence of ZNF191 at the DLG1 promoter is a seven‐repeat of TCAT motif. Double‐knockdown experiments inferred that DLG1 was not only the mediator of the function of ZNF191 to suppress migration but also a link between ZNF191 and YAP signaling. Decreased expression of ZNF191 in human metastatic HCC specimens correlated positively with DLG1 levels but inversely with YAP activation. Our findings illustrate a YAP‐targeting, antimetastasis function of ZNF191, thereby representing a possible prognostic marker and a potential target for metastasis therapy. Conclusion: ZNF191 directly binds to the DLG1 promoter at a typical TCAT repeating motif and activates the expression of DLG1; through up‐regulating DLG1, ZNF191 inhibits cell migration and YAP activation in HCC cells and eventually inhibits metastasis. (Hepatology 2016;64:1148‐1162)
Programmed death ligand 1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: Relationship With clinical and pathological features
Authors: Calderaro Julien , Rousseau Benoît , Amaddeo Giuliana , Mercey Marion , Charpy Cécile , Costentin Charlotte , Luciani Alain , Zafrani Elie‐Serge , Laurent Alexis , Azoulay Daniel , Lafdil Fouad , Pawlotsky Jean‐Michel
Published: June 2016

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor, with only one third of patients eligible for curative treatments and very limited survival benefits with the use of sorafenib, the current standard of care for advanced disease. Recently, agents targeting the programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1)/programmed death receptor 1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint were shown to display impressive antitumor activity in various solid or hematological malignancies, including HCC. PD‐L1 immunohistochemical expression is thought to represent a biomarker predictive of drug sensitivity. Here, we investigated PD‐L1 expression in a series of 217 HCCs and correlated our results with clinical and histological features and immunohistochemical markers (PD‐1, cytokeratin 19, glutamine synthetase, and β‐catenin expression). PD‐L1 expression by neoplastic cells was significantly associated with common markers of tumor aggressiveness (high serum alpha‐fetoprotein levels, P = 0.038; satellite nodules, P < 0.001; macrovascular invasion, P < 0.001; microvascular invasion, P < 0.001; poor differentiation, P < 0.001) and with the progenitor subtype of HCC (cytokeratin 19 expression, P = 0.031). High PD‐L1 expression by inflammatory cells from the tumor microenvironment also correlated with high serum alpha‐fetoprotein levels (P < 0.001), macrovascular invasion (P = 0.001), poor differentiation (P = 0.001), high PD‐1 expression (P < 0.001), and the so‐called lymphoepithelioma‐like histological subtype of HCC (P = 0.003). Conclusion: PD‐L1 expression by either neoplastic or intratumoral inflammatory cells is related to tumor aggressiveness and suggests that the response to treatments targeting the PD‐L1/PD‐1 immune checkpoint could be restricted to particular HCC variants; thus, enrichment of these tumor subtypes in future clinical trials should be considered. (Hepatology 2016;64:2038‐2046)
Comparison of outcomes after umbilical cord blood and unmanipulated haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mo Xiao‐Dong , Tang Bao‐Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Zheng Chang‐Cheng , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhu Xiao‐Yu , Wang Yu , Liu Hui‐Lan , Yan Chen‐Hua , Chu Xian‐Deng , Chen Huan , Geng Liang‐Quan , Liu Kai‐Yan , Sun Zi‐Min , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: June 2016

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective therapy for children with high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT) or umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) are both important alternative sources of stem cells for those without an HLA‐identical sibling donor or unrelated matched donor. We aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of single UCBT and unmanipulated haplo‐HSCT in high‐risk ALL children (n = 129). Hematopoietic recovery was significantly faster in haplo‐HSCT recipients than in UCBT recipients. The 2‐year cumulative incidences of relapse in the haplo‐HSCT and UCBT groups were 16.1% and 24.1%, respectively (p = 0.169). The 2‐year cumulative incidences of non‐relapse mortality in the haplo‐HSCT and UCBT groups were 12.8% and 18.8%, respectively (p = 0.277). The 2‐year probabilities of overall survival in the haplo‐HSCT and UCBT groups were 82.0% and 69.6%, respectively (p = 0.071), and the 2‐year probability of disease‐free survival in the haplo‐HSCT group was higher than in the UCBT group (71.0% vs. 57.2%,p = 0.040). However, several variables (such as leukocyte count and cytogenetics at diagnosis) were different between the groups, and a possible center effect should also be considered. In addition, only mild and moderate chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was associated with significantly improved survival compared to those without chronic GVHD in multivariate analysis. Thus, our results show that both unmanipulated haplo‐HSCT and UCBT are valid for high‐risk ALL children lacking a HLA matched donor, and both strategies expand the donor pool for children in need.
Activation of Wnt Signaling by Mechanical Loading Is Impaired in the Bone of Old Mice
Authors: Holguin Nilsson , Brodt Michael D , Silva Matthew J
Published: June 2016

Aging diminishes bone formation engendered by mechanical loads, but the mechanism for this impairment remains unclear. Because Wnt signaling is required for optimal loading-induced bone formation, we hypothesized that aging impairs the load-induced activation of Wnt signaling. We analyzed dynamic histomorphometry of 5-month-old, 12-month-old, and 22-month-old C57Bl/6JN mice subjected to multiple days of tibial compression and corroborated an age-related decline in the periosteal loading response on day 5. Similarly, 1 day of loading increased periosteal and endocortical bone formation in young-adult (5-month-old) mice, but old (22-month-old) mice were unresponsive. These findings corroborated mRNA expression of genes related to bone formation and the Wnt pathway in tibias after loading. Multiple bouts (3 to 5 days) of loading upregulated bone formation–related genes, e.g., Osx and Col1a1, but older mice were significantly less responsive. Expression of Wnt negative regulators, Sost and Dkk1, was suppressed with a single day of loading in all mice, but suppression was sustained only in young-adult mice. Moreover, multiple days of loading repeatedly suppressed Sost and Dkk1 in young-adult, but not in old tibias. The age-dependent response to loading was further assessed by osteocyte staining for Sclerostin and LacZ in tibia of TOPGAL mice. After 1 day of loading, fewer osteocytes were Sclerostin-positive and, corroboratively, more osteocytes were LacZ-positive (Wnt active) in both 5-month-old and 12-month-old mice. However, although these changes were sustained after multiple days of loading in 5-month-old mice, they were not sustained in 12-month-old mice. Last, Wnt1 and Wnt7b were the most load-responsive of the 19 Wnt ligands. However, 4 hours after a single bout of loading, although their expression was upregulated threefold to 10-fold in young-adult mice, it was not altered in old mice. In conclusion, the reduced bone formation response of aged mice to loading may be due to failure to sustain Wnt activity with repeated loading. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bone Mineral Density Is Positively Related to Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: Findings From a Population-Based Study in Adolescents and Premenopausal Women
Authors: Frysz Monika , Deere Kevin , Lawlor Debbie A , Benfield Li , Tobias Jon H , Gregson Celia L
Published: June 2016

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are both common causes of morbidity and mortality. Previous studies, mainly of people older than 60 years, suggest a relationship between these conditions. Our aim was to determine the association between bone characteristics and CVD markers in younger and middle-aged individuals. Women (n = 3366) and their adolescent offspring (n = 4368) from the UK population-based cohort study, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), were investigated. We measured total body (TB) and hip bone mineral density (BMD), TB bone area (BA) and bone mineral content (BMC) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by high-resolution ultrasound. Arterial distensibility was calculated as the difference between systolic and diastolic arterial diameters. Linear regression determined associations between bone exposures and cIMT (in adolescents) and both cIMT and arterial distensibility (in women), generating partial correlation coefficients. Mean (SD) age of women was 48 (4.2) years, body mass index (BMI) was 26.2 (5.0) kg/m2, and 71% were premenopausal. In confounder-adjusted analyses (age, height, lean mass, fat mass, menopause, smoking, estrogen replacement, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, and education) TB and hip BMD were both positively associated with cIMT (0.071 [0.030, 0.112], p = 0.001; 0.063 [0.025, 0.101], p = 0.001, respectively). Femoral neck BMD and TB BMD, BMC, and BA were positively associated with arterial distensibility. Mean (SD) age of adolescents was 17 (0.4) years, BMI was 23 (4.1) kg/m2, and 44.5% were male. Total hip and TB measurements were positively associated with cIMT, with similar magnitudes of association to those found in their mothers. In contrast to most published findings, we identified weak positive associations between BMD and cIMT in predominantly premenopausal women and their adolescent offspring. We found greater femoral neck BMD and TB DXA measurements to be associated with reduced arterial stiffness. Rather than a relationship with preclinical atherosclerosis, in these relatively young populations, we speculate our associations between BMD, cIMT, and arterial distensibility may reflect a shared relationship between bone and vascular growth and development. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Targeted Transcriptional Profiling of Microdissected Biopsy Specimens Representing Early Colonic Neoplasia
Authors: Mo Allen , Jackson Stephen , Devers Thomas J. , Rosenberg Daniel W.
Published: June 2016

Our incomplete understanding of the critical changes that accompany the earliest stages of tumor initiation provides a substantial hurdle for the development of novel intervention strategies for cancer prevention. Premalignant lesions are inherently difficult to characterize given their diminutive size, creating technical obstacles for accurate genetic profiling. Here, we describe an approach combining laser‐capture microdissection (LCM) with targeted RNA‐sequencing to study the transcriptional state of epithelial and stromal cells during the earliest detectable stage of human colorectal neoplasia, the aberrant crypt foci (ACF). We provide a robust and reproducible workflow for RNA isolation, library preparation, and expression profiling of laser‐captured cells from frozen OCT‐embedded tissue specimens. It is anticipated that the methodological approach outlined in this report will provide a framework for a broad range of microgenomics analyses that can be routinely applied to many other premalignant tissues. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2677–2681, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐scale Enrichment of Sulfur‐containing Acid in Acetonitrile Using Triazine Analog as the Derivatizing Reagent for Desorption from Humic‐fraction‐modified Silica Gel
Authors: Hu Shun‐Wei , Chen Shushi
Published: June 2016

The analog of triazine is used as the derivatizing reagent for enriching large‐scale acid (e.g. amino acid) containing a sulfur atom on the humic‐fraction‐modified silica gel in acetonitrile and desorbing from the adsorbent in hexane, respectively. The percent yield of the chemical derivatization under alkaline conditions, ranging from about 8 to almost 100 %, is pH dependent, and varies significantly among these examined analytes, believed to be due to the structure of the analyte, not the derivatizing reagent. The percentage of enrichment, not reproducible under an aqueous environment and independent of the type of triazine analogs, reaches almost 100 % in all cases. The force leading to the adsorption is the complexation between carboxyl groups on analyte and a humic‐fraction‐modified adsorbent based on the adsorption equilibrium results. Consequently, these results are not reproducible under ethyl ether or methanol environments due to the competition for binding sites from solvent molecules.
Evaluating the Effect of Radiation Damage on the Photocatalytic Performance of H2+‐implanted Hematite Electrodes
Authors: Qin Kun , Chen Chien‐Hsu , Li Jianrong , Hsieh Yi‐Kong , Wang TsingHai , Wang Chu‐Fang
Published: June 2016

The content of oxygen vacancy in hematite is known to play an important role in photocurrent enhancement. We found that implanting high energy H2+ to hematite photoelectrodes indeed injected additional oxygen vacancy and thus the conductivity of hematite was increased. However, inevitable radiation damage on the other hand distorted hematite lattice structure. Although post annealing will relax the lattice distortion to a certain degree, most implanted and post annealed hematite photoelectrodes exhibited deteriorated photocatalytic activities than the one without implantation. It seems that structure engineering is more effective in photocurrent enhancement than the injection of additional oxygen vacancy.