bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive imaging of c(RGD)2‐9R as a potential delivery carrier for transfection of siRNA in malignant tumors
Authors: Chen Xue Qi , Liu Meng , Wang Rong Fu , Yan Ping , Zhang Chun Li , Ma Chao , Zhao Qian , Yin Lei , Zhao Guang Yu , Guo Feng Qin
Published: April 2017

The purpose of our study was to develop and evaluate a novel integrin αvβ3‐specific delivery carrier for transfection of siRNA in malignant tumors. We adopted arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) motif as a tissue target for specific recognition of integrin ανβ3. A chimaeric peptide was synthesized by adding nonamer arginine residues (9‐arginine [9R]) at the carboxy terminus of cyclic‐RGD dimer, designated as c(RGD)2‐9R, to enable small interfering RNA (siRNA) binding. To test the applicability of the delivery carrier in vivo, c(RGD)2‐9R was labeled with radionuclide of technetium‐99m. Biodistribution and γ‐camera imaging studies were performed in HepG2 xenograft‐bearing nude mice. As results, an optimal 10:1 molar ratio of 99mTc‐c(RGD)2‐9R to siRNA was indicated by the electrophoresis on agarose gels. 99mTc‐c(RGD)2‐9R/siRNA remained stable under a set of conditions in vitro. For in vivo study, tumor radioactivity uptake of 99mTc‐c(RGD)2‐9R/siRNA in nude mice bearing HepG2 xenografts was significantly higher than that of control probe (P < .05). The xenografts were clearly visualized at 4 hours till 6 hours noninvasively after intravenous injection of 99mTc‐c(RGD)2‐9R/siRNA, while the xenografts were not visualized at any time after injection of control probe. It was concluded that c(RGD)2‐9R could be an effective siRNA delivery carrier. Technetium‐99m radiolabeled‐delivery carrier represents a potential imaging strategy for RNAi‐based therapy.
Current trends in quantitative proteomics – an update
Authors: Li H. , Han J. , Pan J. , Liu T. , Parker C. E. , Borchers C. H.
Published: April 2017

Proteins can provide insights into biological processes at the functional level, so they are very promising biomarker candidates. The quantification of proteins in biological samples has been routinely used for the diagnosis of diseases and monitoring the treatment. Although large‐scale protein quantification in complex samples is still a challenging task, a great amount of effort has been made to advance the technologies that enable quantitative proteomics. Seven years ago, in 2009, we wrote an article about the current trends in quantitative proteomics. In writing this current paper, we realized that, today, we have an even wider selection of potential tools for quantitative proteomics. These tools include new derivatization reagents, novel sampling formats, new types of analyzers and scanning techniques, and recently developed software to assist in assay development and data analysis. In this review article, we will discuss these innovative methods, and their current and potential applications in proteomics. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase fragmentations of N‐methylimidazolidin‐4‐one organocatalysts
Authors: Schmidt M. L. , Engeser M.
Published: April 2017

N‐methylimidazolidin‐4‐one organocatalysts were studied in the gas phase. Protonated and sodium‐cationized (sodiated) molecules are conveniently accessible by electrospray mass spectrometry. Protonation enables three different closed‐shell paths of ring cleavage leading to iminium ions. The fragmentation pattern is largely unaffected by exocyclic substituents and thus is valuable to characterize the substance type as N‐methylimidazolidin‐4‐ones. Sodiated species show a distinctly different fragmentation that is less useful for characterization purposes: apart from signal loss due to dissociation of Na+, the observation of benzyl radical loss is by far predominant. Only in absence of a benzyl substituent, an analogue of the third ring cleavage (loss of [C2H5NO]) is observed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel quadratic polynomial expansion of nonlinear scattering function for RF power amplifier modeling
Authors: Zheng Zong‐Hua , Sun Ling‐Ling , Liu Jun , Zhang Shengzhou , Su Jiangtao
Published: April 2017

The design of high‐performance radio frequency power amplifiers requires accurate and simple characterization of power transistors. Behavioral modeling technique provides an efficient and convenient way to tackle this issue. This study presents a novel behavioral model, which is based on quadratic polynomial expansion of nonlinear scattering function with high‐order components included. This method was implemented in Computer Aided Design (CAD) program with the help of the frequency‐domain defined device component. The comparisons of the output voltage are presented and discussed under different load impedance and input power on a practical circuit operating at 20 GHz, and the results show that the model is capable of accurately characterizing the strong nonlinear behavior the device expressed while the fundamental and harmonic frequency load impedance located anywhere inside the Smith Chart.
Recombinant overexpression of dihydroneopterin aldolase catalyst potentially regulates folate‐biofortification
Authors: Pandey Dhananjay K. , Kumar Atul , Rathore Jitendra S. , Singh Nagendra , Chaudhary Bhupendra
Published: April 2017

We aim to investigate the prospects of increased production of folate through the overexpression of heterologous dihydroneopterin aldolase catalyst. The gene encoding aldolase catalyst was cloned into an expression vector and the induced recombinant protein was purified through metal‐affinity chromatography which appeared at 14 kDa position on polyacrylamide‐gel. Remarkably, a periodic increase in the extracellular and intracellular folic acid concentration was observed at 4 h growth of induced recombinant DHNA samples than control in a pH‐dependent manner. Maximum folate concentration was observed with at least twofold increase in induced recombinant samples at pH8.0 compared to the significant decline at 6 h growth. Consistently, heterologous overexpression of bacterial aldolase through Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation of tobacco led to more than 2.5‐fold increase in the folate concentration in the transgenic leaves than control tissues. These data are veritable inspecting metabolic flux in both bacterial and plant systems, thus providing directions for future research on folate agri‐fortification.
Formation of oxysterols during thermal processing and frozen storage of cooked minced meat
Authors: Sabolová Monika , Pohořelá Barbora , Fišnar Jakub , Kouřimská Lenka , Chrpová Diana , Pánek Jan
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol is susceptible to oxidation and the formation of oxysterols, which could have a negative health effect. The formation and distribution of oxysterols was investigated in meatloaves prepared under different baking regimes with an increased temperature or prolonged time. The effect of frozen storage and marjoram addition on the level of oxysterols was also investigated.

RESULTS

The effect of baking regime on the content and distribution of oxysterols was determined. Temperature was the most important factor affecting 7‐ketocholesterol formation in baked meatloaf. Its content was significantly higher after baking at 250 °C compared to at 180 °C. The content of 7‐ketocholesterol increased from the centre (87 µg kg−1) to the surface (122 µg kg−1) of baked meatloaves prepared under standard conditions. The level of α‐tocopherol and its distribution was also affected by the baking regime. A higher level of 7‐ketocholesterol was found in baked meatloaves after their frozen storage. The addition of marjoram did not change this level.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate culinary conditions used for preparation of baked meat can contribute to an increased oxysterol intake in the diet. Frozen storage did not stop oxysterol formation. The inhibition effect of marjoram on sterols oxidation was not confirmed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: A survival analysis of 159 cases from the SEER database (2001‐2011)
Authors: Strotman Patrick K. , Reif Taylor J. , Kliethermes Stephanie A. , Sandhu Jasmin K. , Nystrom Lukas M.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a rare malignancy with reported 5‐year overall survival rates ranging from 7% to 24%. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the overall survival of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma in a modern patient series and how it is impacted by patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical treatment factors.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2001 to 2011. Kaplan Meier analyses were used for overall and disease‐specific survival. Univariable and multivariable cox regression models were used to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Five year overall‐ and disease‐specific survival was 18% (95% CI: 12‐26%) and 28% (95% CI: 18‐37%), respectively. Individuals with extremity tumors had a worse prognosis than individuals with a primary tumor in the chest wall or axial skeleton (HR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.56; P = 0.002 and HR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36‐0.99; P = 0.04, respectively). Patients with AJCC stage III or IV disease (HR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.50‐4.20; P = 0.001), tumors larger than 8 cm (HR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.11‐4.27; P = 0.046), metastatic disease at diagnosis (HR 3.25, 95% CI: 1.98‐5.33; P < 0.001), and those treated without surgical resection (amputation: HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23‐0.80; P = 0.01; limb salvage/non‐amputation resection: HR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24‐0.69; P = 0.001) had a significant increase in risk of mortality.

Conclusions

The overall prognosis of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is poor with a 5‐year overall survival of 18%. Patients with a primary tumor located in the chest wall had a better prognosis. Tumors larger than 8 cm, presence of metastases at diagnosis, and treatment without surgical resection were significant predictors of mortality.
Mapping bald eagle activity shadows around communal roosts
Authors: Watts Bryan D. , Turrin Courtney
Published: April 2017

We assessed diurnal activity patterns associated with communal roosts (n = 26) by tracking nonbreeding bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus; n = 58) within the upper Chesapeake Bay, USA, 2008–2013. We used daytime locations (n = 54,165) to map activity shadows (using home range analytics, 90% kernel) around communal roosts, to evaluate the spatial structure and to delineate diurnal activity centers. We overlaid a range (100–3,200 m) of buffers around the perimeter of each roost to estimate the benefits of management scenarios in extending protection to daytime activities. Activity shadows around roosts varied from 1.5 km2 to 116 km2 ( = 30.3 ± 5.48 [SE]), reflecting landscape context. Roosts with small (<10 km2) activity shadows tended to have simple shapes with roosts centrally located and positioned along primary shorelines. Roosts supporting large (>50 km2) activity shadows tended to have complex shapes with roosts not centrally located and set back from primary shorelines. Daytime locations were highly concentrated in areas near communal roosts (76% of locations within 2 km of roost perimeters). Diurnal activity centers (n = 38) included areas surrounding roosts and secondary activity centers that were primarily located along prominent shorelines. Communal roosts play a more significant and multi‐faceted role in the eagle life cycle than we previously understood. Many of the roosts positioned along the shoreline provided resting places during the night and day, served as social gathering places during the day, and functioned as feeding locations. Evaluation of management buffers supports current management guidelines that recommend the establishment of 800‐m buffers. Establishment of 800‐m buffers within the study area would enclose 54% of all daytime locations, 66.7% of the area enclosed within activity centers associated with roosts, and 12.1% of the area enclosed in secondary activity centers. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Distribution and migration chronology of Eastern population sandhill cranes
Authors: Fronczak David L. , Andersen David E. , Hanna Everett E. , Cooper Thomas R.
Published: April 2017

The Eastern Population (EP) of greater sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis tabida; cranes) is expanding in size and geographic range. Little information exists regarding the geographic extent of breeding, migration, and wintering ranges, migration chronology, or use of staging areas for cranes in the EP. To obtain these data, we attached solar global positioning system (GPS) platform transmitting terminals (PTTs) to 42 sandhill cranes and monitored daily locations from December 2009 through August 2014. On average, tagged cranes settled in summer areas during late‐March in Minnesota (7%), Wisconsin (29%), Michigan, USA (21%), and Ontario, Canada (38%) and arrived at their winter terminus beginning mid‐December in Indiana (15%), Kentucky (3%), Tennessee (45%), Georgia (5%), and Florida (32%). Cranes initiated spring migration beginning mid‐February to their respective summer areas on routes similar to those used during fall migration. Twenty‐five marked cranes returned to the same summer area after a second spring migration, of which 19 (76%) settled <3 km from the estimated mean center of the summer area of the previous year. During the 2010–2012 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Cooperative Fall Abundance Survey for cranes in the EP, we estimated that approximately 29–31% of cranes that summered in both Wisconsin and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan were not in areas included in the survey. The information we collected on crane movements provides insight into distribution and migration chronology that will aid in assessment of the current USFWS fall survey. In addition, information on specific use sites can assist state and federal managers to identify and protect key staging and winter areas particularly during current and future recreational harvest seasons. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Development of cognitive screening test for the severely hearing impaired: Hearing‐impaired MoCA
Authors: Lin Vincent Y. W. , Chung Janet , Callahan Brandy L. , Smith Leah , Gritters Nils , Chen Joseph M. , Black Sandra E. , Masellis Mario
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To develop a version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to be administered to the severely hearing impaired (HI‐MoCA), and to assess its performance in two groups of cognitively intact adults over the age of 60.

Study Type

Test development followed by prospective subject recruitment.

Methods

The MoCA was converted into a timed PowerPoint (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) presentation, and verbal instructions were converted into visual instructions. Two groups of subjects over the age of 60 were recruited. All subjects passed screening questionnaires to eliminate those with undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment. The first group had normal hearing (group 1). The second group was severely hearing impaired (group 2). Group 1 received either the MoCA or HI‐MoCA test (T1). Six months later (T2), subjects were administered the test (MoCA or HI‐MoCA) they had not received previously to determine equivalency. Group 2 received the HI‐MoCA at T1 and again at T2 to determine test–retest reliability.

Results

One hundred and three subjects were recruited into group 1, with a score of 26.66 (HI‐MoCA) versus 27.14 (MoCA). This was significant (P < 0.05), but scoring uses whole numerals and the 0.48 difference was found not clinically significant using post hoc sensitivity analyses. Forty‐nine subjects were recruited into group 2. They scored 26.18 and 26.49 (HI‐MoCA at T1 and T2). No significance was noted (P > 0.05), with a test–retest coefficient of 0.66.

Conclusion

The HI‐MoCA is easy to administer and reliable for screening cognitive impairment in the severely hearing impaired. No conversion factor is required in our prospectively tested cohort of cognitively intact subjects.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 127:S4–S11, 2017
Analysing Spatial and Statistical Dependencies of Deforestation Affected by Residential Growth: Gorganrood Basin, Northeast Iran
Authors: Shirvani Zeinab , Abdi Omid , Buchroithner Manfred F. , Pradhan Biswajeet
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to examine deforestation and residential growth trends and their spatial dependencies from 1972 to 2010 in Northeast of Iran. First, change rates of forests and residential areas were mapped using Landsat satellite images in 1972–1987, 1987–2000 and 2000–2010. Then, the forest change patterns were interpreted using univariate local Moran's I (local univariate spatial autocorrelation), and the spatial autocorrelation between deforestation and residential growth was tested through bivariate local Moran's I (bivariate local spatial autocorrelation). Furthermore, the spatial relationships between deforestation and residential growth rates were quantified by ordinary least squares, spatial lag (SL) and geographically weighted regression. Results indicated that approximately 25% of forests have been converted to other land‐use types in the span of 38 years, since 1972. Local univariate spatial autocorrelation maps showed that significant values of high–high cluster scattered in all locations in the first span, in the east and south aspects in the second duration, and in the eastern part in the third span. Bivariate local spatial autocorrelation indicated a meaningful Moran's I values of −0·12, −0·26 and −0·20 between deforestation and residential growth, chronologically. Analyses of spatial regression models showed that geographically weighted regression performed better than SL and ordinary least squares in the first (R2 = 0·315, AIC = 6,160) and third periods (R2 = 0·27, AIC = 6,351), whereas, the validity of SL was the highest in the second period (R2 = 0·36, AIC = 6,288). However, the overall trends of deforestation and residential growth have decreased, but the rate of deforestation induced by residential growth is still significant. Spatial exploration of residential growth in deforestation leads to determine its influences in local scale for better conservation of these valuable natural resources. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semifluorinated PMMA Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Nanostructure, and Thin Film Properties
Authors: Pospiech Doris , Jehnichen Dieter , Eckstein Kathrin , Scheibe Philipp , Komber Hartmut , Sahre Karin , Janke Andreas , Reuter Uta , Häußler Liane , Schellkopf Leonard , Friedel Peter , Voit Brigitte
Published: April 2017

Diblock copolymers (BCP) with poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl methacrylate) (PsfMA) blocks prepared by anionic polymerization in tetrahydrofuran at −78 °C and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) at 60 °C, respectively, with stepwise varied composition over a wide range in the phase diagram are compared with respect to synthesis limits, phase separation behavior in bulk, and properties of thin films. Both methods yield BCPs with low dispersity (1.1–1.2) at molar masses below 100 kg mol−1. Higher semifluorinated contents can be achieved by ATRP in 1,3‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene which ensured solubility of PsfMA. BCPs obtained by anionic polymerization show a more distinct phase separation, that is, more regular nanostructures. Additionally, self‐organization of the semifluorinated side chains occurs generating smectic layers which alters in turn the BCP morphology especially in thin films as compared to non‐semifluorinated BCP. All BCPs show amphiphilic behavior and form micelles in organic solvents which can be used to deposit nanoparticles.

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ABA and BAB Triblock Copolymers Based on 2‐Methyl‐2‐oxazoline and 2‐n‐Propyl‐2‐oxazoline: Synthesis and Thermoresponsive Behavior in Water
Authors: Zahoranová Anna , Mrlík Miroslav , Tomanová Katarína , Kronek Juraj , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the well‐known amphiphilic block copolymer platform known as Pluronics or poloxamers, a small library of ABA and BAB triblock copolymers comprising hydrophilic 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (A) and thermoresponsive 2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline (B) is synthesized. These novel copolymers exhibit temperature‐induced self‐assembly in aqueous solution. The formation and size of aggregates depend on the polymer structure, temperature, and concentration. The BAB copolymers tend to agglomerate in water, with the cloud point temperature depending on the length of poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline) chain. On the other hand, ABA copolymers form smaller aggregates with hydrodynamic radius from 25 to 150 nm. The dependence of viscosity and viscoelastic properties on the temperature is also studied. While several Pluronic block copolymers are known to form thermoreversible hydrogels in the concentration range 20–30 wt%, thermogelation is not observed for any of the investigated poly(2‐oxazoline)s at the investigated temperature range from 10 to 50 °C.

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Photoresponsive Passive Micromixers Based on Spiropyran Size‐Tunable Hydrogels
Authors: ter Schiphorst Jeroen , Melpignano Giuseppe G. , Amirabadi Hossein Eslami , Houben Menno H. J. M. , Bakker Sterre , den Toonder Jaap M. J. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: April 2017

Microfluidic devices allow the manipulation of fluids down to the micrometer scale and are receiving a lot of attention for applications where low volumes and high throughputs are required. In these micro channels, laminar flow usually dominates, which requires long residence times of the fluids, limiting the flow speed and throughput. Here a switchable passive mixer has been developed to control mixing and to easily clean microchannels. The mixer is based on a photoresponsive spiropyran based hydrogel of which the dimensions can be tuned by changing the intensity of the light. The size‐tunable gels have been used to fabricate a passive slanted groove mixer that can be switched off by light allowing to change mixing of microfluidics to non‐mixed flows. These findings open new possibilities for multi‐purpose microfluidic devices where mixers and valves can be tuned by light.

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The nuclear orphan receptor NR4A1 regulates β1‐integrin expression in pancreatic and colon cancer cells and can be targeted by NR4A1 antagonists
Authors: Hedrick Erik , Lee Syng‐ook , Safe Stephen
Published: April 2017

β1‐Integrin is highly expressed and is a negative prognostic factor for colon and pancreatic cancer patients and the gene plays a functional role in cell migration and invasion. In this study, we demonstrate that β1‐integrin expression is regulated in pancreatic and colon cancer cells by the pro‐oncogenic orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77, TR3) and knockdown of this receptor by RNA interference decreases β1‐integrin protein and mRNA expression, α5‐integrin, and also expression of β1‐integrin‐dependent phosphorylation of FAK (pFak). Knockdown of NR4A1 also decreased migration and fibronectin‐induced adhesion in pancreatic (Panc1, L3.6 pL, and MiaPaCa2) and colon (RKO and SW480) cancer cells. 1,1‐Bis(3′‐indolyl)‐1‐(p‐substituted phenyl)methane (C‐DIM) compounds containing p‐hydroxy (DIM‐C‐pPhOH) and p‐carbomethoxy (DIM‐C‐pPhCO2Me) groups are NR4A1 ligands that act as antagonists for this receptor. Treatment of pancreatic and colon cancer cells with DIM‐C‐pPhOH or DIM‐C‐pPhCO2Me mimics the effects of NR4A1 knockdown and decreases β1‐integrin expression, β1‐integrin regulated genes and responses including migration and adhesion. The results demonstrate a novel method for targeting β1‐integrin in colon and pancreatic cancer cells and indicate possible clinical applications for C‐DIM/NR4A1 antagonists for pancreatic and colon cancer therapy.
A cell edge‐based linearity‐preserving scheme for diffusion problems on two‐dimensional unstructured grids
Authors: Luo Longshan , Gao Zhiming , Wu Jiming
Published: April 2017

We propose a new finite volume scheme for 2D anisotropic diffusion problems on general unstructured meshes. The main feature lies in the introduction of two auxiliary unknowns on each cell edge, and then the scheme has both cell‐centered primary unknowns and cell edge‐based auxiliary unknowns. The auxiliary unknowns are interpolated by the multipoint flux approximation technique, which reduces the scheme to a completely cell‐centered one. The derivation of the scheme satisfies the linearity‐preserving criterion that requires that a discretization scheme should be exact on linear solutions. The resulting new scheme is then called as a cell edge‐based linearity‐preserving scheme. The optimal convergence rates are numerically obtained on unstructured grids in case that the diffusion tensor is taken to be anisotropic and/or discontinuous. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpha‐2 macroglobulin as a region‐specific secretory protein in male reproductive tract, and its dynamics during sperm transit toward the female spermatheca in the blue crab
Authors: Senarai Thanyaporn , Vanichviriyakit Rapeepun , Miyata Shinji , Sato Chihiro , Sretarugsa Prapee , Weerachatyanukul Wattana , Kitajima Ken
Published: April 2017

A 250‐kDa protein was isolated from fluid in the middle spermatic duct (MSD) of the blue crab (Portunus pelagicus). N‐terminal and partial amino acid sequences revealed that this MSD‐specific protein is highly similar to the plasma‐enriched protein Alpha‐2 macroglobulin (α2M). The P. pelagicus ortholog (Ppα2M) is a large glycoprotein possessing mannose and N‐acetylglucosamine residues. Ppa2m mRNA was detected in the spermatic duct, androgenic gland, and hematopoietic tissue, whereas the protein was primarily observed in the apical cytoplasm of MSD epithelium and in the matrix of the acrosome of MSD sperm; distally within spermatic duct, Ppα2M was lost from the sperm membrane but remained in the sperm acrosome. These results suggest that Ppα2M is expressed and glycosylated in the epithelium of spermatic ducts, secreted into MSD fluid, taken up by sperm in the MSD, and removed from the surface of sperm during its transit towards the female spermatheca. Given that Ppα2M also exhibits protease inhibitor activity, we hypothesize that acrosome localized Ppα2M may suppress premature acrosome reaction during post‐testicular sperm maturation in this crab.
Splitting methods for tensor equations
Authors: Li Dong‐Hui , Xie Shuilian , Xu Hong‐Ru
Published: April 2017

The Jacobi, Gauss‐Seidel and successive over‐relaxation methods are well‐known basic iterative methods for solving system of linear equations. In this paper, we extend those basic methods to solve the tensor equation
, where
is an mth‐order n−dimensional symmetric tensor and b is an n‐dimensional vector. Under appropriate conditions, we show that the proposed methods are globally convergent and locally r‐linearly convergent. Taking into account the special structure of the Newton method for the problem, we propose a Newton‐Gauss‐Seidel method, which is expected to converge faster than the above methods. The proposed methods can be extended to solve a general symmetric tensor equations. Our preliminary numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
An analysis on the efficiency of Euler's method for computing the matrix pth root
Authors: Ling Yonghui , Huang Zhengda
Published: April 2017

It is shown that the matrix sequence generated by Euler's method starting from the identity matrix converges to the principal pth root of a square matrix, if all the eigenvalues of the matrix are in a region including the one for Newton's method given by Guo in 2010. The convergence is cubic if the matrix is invertible. A modification version of Euler's method using the Schur decomposition is developed. Numerical experiments show that the modified algorithm has the overall good numerical behavior.
Modulus‐based multigrid methods for linear complementarity problems
Authors: Bai Zhong‐Zhi , Zhang Li‐Li
Published: April 2017

By employing modulus‐based matrix splitting iteration methods as smoothers, we establish modulus‐based multigrid methods for solving large sparse linear complementarity problems. The local Fourier analysis is used to quantitatively predict the asymptotic convergence factor of this class of multigrid methods. Numerical results indicate that the modulus‐based multigrid methods of the W‐cycle can achieve optimality in terms of both convergence factor and computing time, and their asymptotic convergence factors can be predicted perfectly by the local Fourier analysis of the corresponding modulus‐based two‐grid methods.
New delay‐dependent exponential stability for neutral Markovian jump systems with mixed delays and nonlinear perturbations
Authors: Ma Yuechao , Zhang Jingsha
Published: April 2017

This paper deals with the problem of delay‐dependent
exponential stability for neutral Markovian jump systems with mixed delays and nonlinear perturbations. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequality method, some new
exponential stability criteria are presented. The difference between this paper and other existing results is that the lower bounds of the neutral delay, the upper bounds of the neutral delay and discrete delay are considered, which will obtain some less conservative stability analysis results. Numerical examples are given to show that the proposed criteria improve the existing results.
FTY720 elevates smooth muscle contraction of aorta and blood pressure in rats via ERK activation
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Wang Jinxin , Huo Zhijun , Wang Zhiyong , Mei Qibing
Published: April 2017

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is an important signaling sphingolipid involved in the pathogenesis of various cardio cerebral vascular diseases such as ischemic stroke. In particular, the S1P mimetic FTY720 is protective for brain against ischemic conditions. However, whether and how FTY720 can modulate vascular tone and blood pressure remains to be determined. We showed that FTY720 (1 mg/kg) enhanced the contractile response of rat thoracic aortic rings induced by high potassium and phenylephrine, respectively. This enhancement involves the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) since ERK phosphorylation was also enhanced and application of PD98059 (10 μmol/L), an inhibitor of ERK activation abrogated the aforementioned enhanced response by FTY720. In parallel, FTY720 (1 mg/kg) led to a modest elevation of blood pressure in rats, effects also being prevented by PD98059. In contrast, FTY720 decreased the high potassium‐induced contractile response in basilarartery preparations from rabbits, an effect blocked by PD98059. Together, FTY720‐induced an enhanced response of artery contractility in aorta and in arterial pressure involving ERK activation, with an attenuation in basilarartery contractility. This action property of FTY720 would be endowed with a potential of facilitating more blood flow perfusion to the brain and improving blood supply to the ischemic brain region and could be useful as an adjuvant in the treatment of ischemic stroke in the clinics.
Run sum X¯ control chart with estimated process parameters
Authors: Saha Sajal , Khoo Michael B. C. , Teoh W. L. , Lee Ming Ha
Published: April 2017

The run sum
control chart is usually investigated under the assumption of known process parameters. In practice, process parameters are rarely known and they need to be estimated from an in‐control Phase I dataset. However, different practitioners use different numbers of Phase I samples to estimate the process parameters. As a result, the commonly used performance measure, ie, the average run length becomes a random variable. In this study, we present a run sum
control chart with estimated process parameters and use the standard deviation of the average run length to evaluate the average of the average run length performance of the run sum
chart when process parameters are estimated. Based on the standard deviation of the average run length criterion, the number of Phase I samples required by the estimated process parameter–based run sum
chart to have an average of the average run length performance close to that obtained under the assumption of known process parameters is recommended.
Multimodal imaging findings in an adult case of Swyer‐James‐MacLeod syndrome
Authors: Kawasuji Hitoshi , Suzuki Kensuke , Furuse Hideaki , Tsuda Takeshi , Masaki Yasuaki , Taniguchi Hirokazu
Published: April 2017

Swyer‐James‐MacLeod syndrome (SJMS) is an uncommon obliterative lung disease that is radiologically characterized by hyperlucency of a part of or the entire lung. A 33‐year‐old man presented to our hospital for chest tightness. A chest X‐ray revealed unilateral hyperlucency of left lower lung, and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the chest disclosed a hyperlucent left lung without vascularity. Three‐dimensional CT reconstruction and ventilation–perfusion scan findings were concordant with SJMS. We herein report a case of SJMS in a patient who showed the characteristic multimodal imaging findings.
Periodic event‐triggered observation and control for nonlinear Lipschitz systems using impulsive observers
Authors: Etienne Lucien , Di Gennaro Stefano , Barbot Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we investigate the observation and stabilization problems for a class of nonlinear Lipschitz systems, subject to network constraints, and partial state knowledge. In order to address these problems, an impulsive observer is designed, making use of the event‐triggered technique in order to diminish the network communications. Sufficient conditions are given to ensure a milder version of the separation principle for these systems, controlled via an event‐triggered controller. The proposed observer ensures practical state estimation, while the corresponding dynamic controller ensures practical stabilization. The sampling and the data transmission are carried out asynchronously. The dynamic controller is tested in simulation on a flexible joint. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotic moving object tracking with trajectory tracking extension: A homography‐based approach
Authors: Zhang Kaixiang , Chen Jian , Jia Bingxi
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a homography‐based visual servo controller is developed for a rigid body to track a moving object in three‐dimensional space with a fixed relative pose. Specifically, a monocular camera is mounted on the rigid body, and the desired relative pose is expressed by a pre‐recorded reference image. Homography is exploited to obtain the orientation and scaled position for controller design. Considering the unknown moving object's velocities and distance information, a continuous nonlinear visual controller is developed using the robust integral of the signum of the error methodology. To facilitate the stability analysis, the system uncertainties regarding the moving object's velocities and distance information are divided into the error‐unrelated system uncertainties and the error‐related system uncertainties. After that, the upper bounds of the error‐related system uncertainties are derived with composited system errors. An asymptotic tracking of the leading object is proved based on the Lyapunov methods and the derived upper bounds. In addition, the proposed controller is extended to address the trajectory tracking problem. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output‐based disturbance rejection control for 1‐D anti‐stable Schrödinger equation with boundary input matched unknown disturbance
Authors: Zhou Huacheng
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we are concerned with the output feedback control design for a system (plant) described by a boundary controlled anti‐stable one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation. Our output measure signals are the displacements at both side. An untraditional infinite‐dimensional disturbance estimator is developed to estimate the disturbance. Based on the estimator, we propose a state observer that is exponentially convergent to the original system and then design a stabilizing control law consisting of two parts: The first part is to compensate the disturbance by using its approximated value and the second part is to stabilize the observer system by applying the classical backstepping approach. The resulting closed‐loop system is shown to be exponentially stable with guaranteeing that all internal systems are uniformly bounded. An effective output‐based disturbance rejection control algorithm is concluded. An application, namely, a cascade of ODE–wave systems, is investigated by the developed control algorithm. Numerical experiments are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control law. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A flexible family of transformation cure rate models
Authors: Koutras M. V. , Milienos F. S.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we introduce a flexible family of cure rate models, mainly motivated by the biological derivation of the classical promotion time cure rate model and assuming that a metastasis‐competent tumor cell produces a detectable‐tumor mass only when a specific number of distinct biological factors affect the cell. Special cases of the new model are, among others, the promotion time (proportional hazards), the geometric (proportional odds), and the negative binomial cure rate model. In addition, our model generalizes specific families of transformation cure rate models and some well‐studied destructive cure rate models. Exact likelihood inference is carried out by the aid of the expectationŰmaximization algorithm; a profile likelihood approach is exploited for estimating the parameters of the model while model discrimination problem is analyzed by the aid of the likelihood ratio test. A simulation study demonstrates the accuracy of the proposed inferential method. Finally, as an illustration, we fit the proposed model to a cutaneous melanoma data‐set. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the impact of selection bias on test decisions in trials with a time‐to‐event outcome
Authors: Rückbeil Marcia Viviane , Hilgers Ralf‐Dieter , Heussen Nicole
Published: April 2017

If past treatment assignments are unmasked, selection bias may arise even in randomized controlled trials. The impact of such bias can be measured by considering the type I error probability. In case of a normally distributed outcome, there already exists a model accounting for selection bias that permits calculating the corresponding type I error probabilities. To model selection bias for trials with a time‐to‐event outcome, we introduce a new biasing policy for exponentially distributed data. Using this biasing policy, we derive an exact formula to compute type I error probabilities whenever anF‐test is performed and no observations are censored. Two exemplary settings, with and without random censoring, are considered in order to illustrate how our results can be applied to compare distinct randomization procedures with respect to their performance in the presence of selection bias. © 2017 The Authors.Statistics in MedicinePublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Gender composition of the occupation, sexual orientation, and mental health in young adulthood
Authors: Ueno Koji , Vaghela Preeti , Nix Amanda N.
Published: April 2017

The gender composition of the occupation has important implications for work conditions, rewards, and experiences, but little is known about whether it impacts workers' mental health. The present study seeks to answer this question by focusing on depressive symptoms and drug dependence symptoms as mental health outcomes and young adulthood as the life course context. The study further examines whether the association varies by sexual orientation, considering that occupational gender composition affects levels of stress exposure and social support availability in different ways for heterosexuals and sexual minorities. The analysis of the U.S. data, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), shows that among heterosexuals, working in a more female‐typical occupation is associated with lower levels of drug dependence symptoms for women and higher levels of depressive symptoms for men. Sexual minorities show a diverging pattern—working in a more female‐typical occupation is associated with worse mental health for sexual minority women and better mental health for sexual minority men.
Toward the Dark Matter of Natural Products
Authors: Wakimoto Toshiyuki
Published: April 2017

Considering the dynamic features of natural products, our access toward exploring the entire diversity of natural products has been quite limited. It is challenging to assess the diversity of natural products by using conventional analytical methods, even with tandem chromatographic techniques, such as LC‐MS and GC‐MS. This viewpoint is supported by the sequencing analyses of microbial genomes, which have unveiled the potential of secondary metabolite production far exceeding the number of isolated molecules. Recent advancements in metabolomics, in concert with genomics analyses, have further extended the natural product diversity, prompting growing awareness of the existence of reactive or short‐lived natural molecules. This personal account introduces some examples of the discoveries of hitherto elusive natural products, due to physico‐chemical or biological reasons, and highlights the significance of the dark matter of natural products.
Benefits of knowing the costs of disturbance to hibernating bats
Authors: Boyles Justin G.
Published: April 2017

Management of caves where bats hibernate generally consists of limiting access by humans. This management strategy was successful in the 20th century, when the main conservation concern for most cavernicolous bats species was disturbance during hibernation. However, the conservation landscape of the 21st century is different. Currently, the most pressing concern for hibernating bats, at least in North America, is the high mortality rate associated with White‐nose Syndrome (WNS). It is unclear if traditional management strategies that greatly limit researcher access are still the most appropriate balance between costs of disturbances and benefits of knowledge gained about WNS. Regulatory agencies must base management strategies on the best available science. Unfortunately, the best available science pertaining to the costs of disturbance to hibernating bats is often decades old and lags far behind our understanding of other aspects of hibernation physiology and ecology. I suggest research aimed at fully understanding costs of disturbance and benefits of research in hibernation sites should be a priority for biologists and regulatory personnel alike. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
The impact of low education and poor health on unemployment varies by work life stage
Authors: van Zon Sander K. R. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Mendes de Leon Carlos F. , Bültmann Ute
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine associations and interactions of education, and physical and mental health with unemployment in early, mid, and late work life.

Methods

This cross-sectional study uses data from 69,118 respondents from Lifelines. Health status was measured with the RAND-36, education was self-reported, and participants working <12 h per week or indicating to be unemployed were considered unemployed. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was calculated to measure interaction on the additive scale.

Results

Interactions of low education and poor mental health were found in early [RERI: 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63, 3.65], mid (1.41; 0.61, 2.20) and late (0.63; 0.09, 1.17) work life. Interaction between low education and poor physical health was only found in mid-work life (1.27; 0.61, 1.93).

Conclusions

Low education and poor physical and mental health exacerbate each other’s impact on unemployment varying by work life stage. Policies addressing unemployment may become more effective if they better account for the physical and mental health status of adults in certain stages of their work life.
Setting an evolutionary trap: could the hider strategy be maladaptive for white-tailed deer?
Authors: Chitwood M. Colter , Lashley Marcus A. , Moorman Christopher E. , DePerno Christopher S.
Published: April 2017

An evolutionary trap occurs when an organism makes a formerly adaptive decision that now results in a maladaptive outcome. Such traps can be induced by anthropogenic environmental changes, with nonnative species introductions being a leading cause. The recent establishment of coyotes (Canis latrans) into the southeastern USA has the potential to change white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population dynamics through direct predation and behavioral adaptation. We used movement rate and bedsite characteristics of radiocollared neonates to evaluate their antipredator strategies in the context of novel predation risk in a structurally homogeneous, fire-maintained ecosystem. Neonate bedsites had greater plant cover values compared with random sites (t = 30.136; p < 0.001), indicating bedsite selection was consistent with the hider strategy used to avoid predation. We determined selection gradients of coyote predation on neonate movement rate and plant cover and diversity at bedsites during the first 10 days of life. Interestingly, neonates that moved less and bedded in denser cover were more likely to be depredated by coyotes, meaning that greater neonate movement rate and bedsites located in less dense cover were favored by natural selection. These results are counter to expected antipredator strategies in white-tailed deer and exemplify how an adaptive response could be maladaptive in novel contexts.
Sometimes noise is beneficial: stream noise informs vocal communication in the little torrent frog Amolops torrentis
Authors: Zhao Longhui , Zhu Bicheng , Wang Jichao , Brauth Steven E. , Tang Yezhong , Cui Jianguo
Published: April 2017

Many kinds of environmental noise can interfere with acoustic communication and efficient decision making in terrestrial species. Here we identified an exception to this generalization in a streamside species, the little torrent frog (Amolops torrentis) which communicates in a stream noise environment. To determine whether stream noise can act as a cue regarding the microhabitat characteristics of senders, we performed phonotaxis experiments using stimulus pairs constructed with synthetic male calls (high or low dominant frequency) and stream noise with varied signal-to-noise ratios. We found that females prefer calls with high amplitude stream noise added compared to those with low amplitude stream noise added for both high and low dominant frequency stimulus pairs; however, stream noise itself was not attractive in the absence of calls. These results show that stream noise can function as a cue that may be used by females for enhancing the attractiveness of calls. Stream noise associates closely with rocks, topographies and vegetation and may thus provide useful microhabitat information for signal receivers, thereby acting on sexual selection. These data therefore contribute to our understanding of how the perception of mate attractiveness in heterogeneous ecological environments can evolve.
Resting‐state network dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Badhwar AmanPreet , Tam Angela , Dansereau Christian , Orban Pierre , Hoffstaedter Felix , Bellec Pierre
Published: April 2017

Introduction

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) literature to examine consistency of functional connectivity alterations in AD dementia and mild cognitive impairment, using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Studies were screened using a standardized procedure. Multiresolution statistics were performed to assess the spatial consistency of findings across studies.

Results

Thirty‐four studies were included (1363 participants, average 40 per study). Consistent alterations in connectivity were found in the default mode, salience, and limbic networks in patients with AD dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or in both groups. We also identified a strong tendency in the literature toward specific examination of the default mode network.

Discussion

Convergent evidence across the literature supports the use of resting‐state connectivity as a biomarker of AD. The locations of consistent alterations suggest that highly connected hub regions in the brain might be an early target of AD.