bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sparse random compressive sensing based data aggregation in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Yin Li , Liu Cuiye , Guo Songtao , Yang Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the volume of data is increasing at an unpredictable rate, which inevitably leads to high spatial‐temporal correlation. To eliminate data redundancy, some researchers have proposed many data aggregation methods. However, a few of aggregation approaches can handle energy consumption and latency simultaneously. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm, called Delay‐Minimum Energy‐Balanced (DMEB) data aggregation, which benefits from the superiority of the sparse random measurement matrix and minimum delay algorithm. Owing to the sparsity characteristics of the measurement matrix, only the nodes whose corresponding elements in the matrix are non‐zero take part in the measurement. Each measurement can form an aggregation tree with minimum delay. After a sink node receives all the measurements, original readings can be recovered precisely. In addition, we adopt a novel scheduling method to avoid information interference. Experiment results demonstrate that, under recovering the original data accurately, the proposed data aggregation algorithm can not only shorten delay in data collection process but also reduce communication cost and prolong network lifetime during data transmission process.
Spatio‐temporal query contextualization for microtext retrieval in social media
Authors: Park Jae‐Hong , Lee O‐Joun , Jung Jai E. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryGenerally, texts on the social media (eg, Twitter and Facebook) are too short (microtexts) to understand the meaning and to search for relevant texts. It is difficult for the conventional information retrieval systems to conduct the searching tasks. Thereby, in this paper, we propose a novel approach on query contextualization by integrating all possible microtexts by considering spatio‐temporal contexts. The proposed approach consists of two steps, which are (i) to understand and process microtexts in social media and (ii) to reformulate the queries for searching for relevant microtexts in these social media. To evaluate the performance of the query contextualization approach, microtexts from Twitter have been collected during 4 months.
Tumor‐Targeting Anti‐MicroRNA‐155 Delivery Based on Biodegradable Poly(ester amine) and Hyaluronic Acid Shielding for Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yang Yi , Jia Yanpeng , Xiao Yao , Hao Ying , Zhang Lan , Chen Xiaoxin , He Jian , Zhao Yongxiang , Qian Zhiyong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAnti‐microRNA‐155 (anti‐miR‐155), an oligonucleotide with a complimentary sequence to microRNA‐155, holds great promise for lung cancer therapy, and thus some cationic materials have been used to deliver anti‐miR‐155 into lung tumors. Although the gene delivery capacity in vitro was favorable, the application in vivo was limited by rapid removal and significant cytotoxicity, which were mainly caused by the positive charge of the gene complexes. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a novel carrier to decrease the positive charge and increase the gene delivery capacity into the tumor site. In this paper, biodegradable poly(ester amine) (PEA) was used to condense anti‐miR‐155 into PEA/anti‐miR‐155 complexes, and natural anionic polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) was modified with a lung tumor cell targeting peptide and then coated on the surface of gene complexes. The formed hyaluronic acid shielding, PEA/anti‐miR‐155/HA–peptide complexes were monodispersed, and the particle size and zeta potential were 362.7 nm and −10.17 mV, respectively. In addition, the PEA/anti‐miR‐155/HA–peptide complexes had good biocompatibility and stability in vitro, and the lung tumor growth inhibitions of PEA/anti‐miR‐155/HA–peptide in vitro and in vivo were also excellent. The PEA/anti‐miR‐155/HA–peptide complexes play an active role in tumor growth inhibition and could be useful for lung cancer therapy.
Derivation of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Ovine Bone Marrow
Authors: Vivas Daniel , Caminal Marta , Oliver‐Vila Irene , Vives Joaquim 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn the field of orthopedics, translational research of novel therapeutic approaches involves the use of large animal models (such as sheep, goat, pig, dog, and horse) due to the similarities with humans in weight, size, joint structure, and bone/cartilage healing mechanisms. Particularly in the development of cell‐based therapies, the lack of manageable immunocompromised preclinical large animal models prevents the use of human cells, which makes it necessary to produce equivalent homologous cell types for the study of their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. The methods described herein allow for the isolation, expansion, manipulation, and characterization of fibroblastic‐like ovine bone marrow–derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSC) that, similar to human BM‐MSC, adhere to standard plastic surfaces; express specific surface markers such as CD44, CD90, CD140a, CD105, and CD166; and display trilineage differentiation potential in vitro. Homogeneous cell cultures result from a 3‐week bioprocess yielding cell densities in the range of 2–4 × 104 MSC/cm2 at passage 2, which corresponds to ∼8 cumulative population doublings. Large quantities of BM‐MSC resulting from following this methodology can be readily used in proof of efficacy and safety studies in the preclinical development stage. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Direct Conversion of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Osteoblasts With a Small Molecule
Authors: Kang Heemin , Shih Yu‐Ru V. , Varghese Shyni 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which exhibit unlimited self‐renewal ability and can differentiate into all cell types in the human body, are a promising cell source for cell‐based therapies and regenerative medicine. Small molecules hold great potential in the derivation of tissue‐specific cells from hPSCs owing to their cost‐effectiveness and scalability. Here, we describe a protocol for deriving osteoblasts from hPSCs by using a single, natural small molecule: adenosine. This simple and effective experimental protocol allows one to obtain large numbers of osteoblasts or osteoprogenitor cells, with the ability to form functional bone tissues, from hPSCs, including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. This protocol could potentially enable studies of tissue regeneration and skeletal diseases. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CRISPR‐Cas9‐Based Genome Editing of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Giacalone Joseph C. , Sharma Tasneem P. , Burnight Erin R. , Fingert John F. , Mullins Robert F. , Stone Edwin M. , Tucker Budd A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHuman induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the ideal cell source for autologous cell replacement. However, for patients with Mendelian diseases, genetic correction of the original disease‐causing mutation is likely required prior to cellular differentiation and transplantation. The emergence of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system has revolutionized the field of genome editing. By introducing inexpensive reagents that are relatively straightforward to design and validate, it is now possible to correct genetic variants or insert desired sequences at any location within the genome. CRISPR‐based genome editing of patient‐specific iPSCs shows great promise for future autologous cell replacement therapies. One caveat, however, is that hiPSCs are notoriously difficult to transfect, and optimized experimental design considerations are often necessary. This unit describes design strategies and methods for efficient CRISPR‐based genome editing of patient‐ specific iPSCs. Additionally, it details a flexible approach that utilizes positive selection to generate clones with a desired genomic modification, Cre‐lox recombination to remove the integrated selection cassette, and negative selection to eliminate residual hiPSCs with intact selection cassettes. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
hPSC‐derived Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Generated in a Scalable 3‐D Biomaterial
Authors: Adil Maroof M. , Schaffer David V. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)–derived midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons may facilitate the development of therapies for Parkinson's disease via disease modeling, drug screening, and cell replacement therapy. However, large numbers of cells are typically needed for these applications, and 2‐D culture–based approaches typically used for mDA differentiation are difficult to scale up and require a long time for mDA maturation. Here we present a protocol to rapidly generate functional mDA neurons in a fully defined, scalable, thermoresponsive 3‐D biomaterial. Resource‐efficient and accelerated differentiation of large numbers of mDA neurons may thus facilitate studying and treating PD. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibition assay for rapid detection of erectile dysfunction drugs and analogs in sexual enhancement products
Authors: Santillo Michael F. , Mapa Mapa S.T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractProducts marketed as dietary supplements for sexual enhancement are frequently adulterated with phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which are erectile dysfunction drugs or their analogs that can cause adverse health effects. Due to widespread adulteration, a rapid screening assay was developed to detect PDE5 inhibitors in adulterated products. The assay employs fluorescence detection and is based on measuring inhibition of PDE5 activity, the pharmacological mechanism shared among the adulterants. Initially, the assay reaction scheme was established and characterized, followed by analysis of 9 representative PDE5 inhibitors (IC50, 0.4–4.0 ng mL–1), demonstrating sensitive detection in matrix‐free solutions. Next, dietary supplements serving as matrix blanks (n = 25) were analyzed to determine matrix interference and establish a threshold value; there were no false positives. Finally, matrix blanks were spiked with 9 individual PDE5 inhibitors, along with several mixtures. All 9 adulterants were successfully detected (≤ 5 % false negative rate; n = 20) at a concentration of 1.00 mg g–1, which is over 5 times lower than concentrations commonly encountered in adulterated products. A major distinction of the PDE5 inhibition assay is the ability to detect adulterants without prior knowledge of their chemical structures, demonstrating a broad‐based detection capability that can address a continuously evolving threat of new adulterants. The PDE5 inhibition assay can analyze over 40 samples simultaneously within 15 minutes and involves a single incubation step and simple data analysis, all of which are advantageous for combating the widespread adulteration of sex‐enhancement products.
Using ideal distributions of the time since habitat was disturbed to build metrics for evaluating landscape condition
Authors: Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , McDonald Jane , Cosier Peter , Sbrocchi Carla , Stein John , Lindenmayer David , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDeveloping a standardized approach to measuring the state of biodiversity in landscapes undergoing disturbance is crucial for evaluating and comparing change across different systems, assessing ecosystem vulnerability and the impacts of destructive activities, and helping direct species recovery actions. Existing ecosystem metrics of condition fail to acknowledge that a particular community could be in multiple states, and the distribution of states could worsen or improve when impacted by a disturbance process, depending on how far the current landscape distribution of states diverges from pre‐anthropogenic impact baseline conditions. We propose a way of rapidly assessing regional‐scale condition in ecosystems where the distribution of age classes representing increasing time since last disturbance is suspected to have diverged from an ideal benchmark reference distribution. We develop two metrics that (1) compare the observed mean time since last disturbance with an expected mean and (2) quantify the summed shortfall of vegetation age‐class frequencies relative to a reference age‐class distribution of time since last disturbance. We demonstrate the condition metrics using two case studies: (1) fire in threatened southwestern Australian proteaceaous mallee‐heath and (2) impacts of disturbance (fire and logging) in the critically endangered southeastern Australian mountain ashEucalyptus regnansforest on the yellow‐bellied gliderPetaurus australis. We explore the effects of uncertainty in benchmark time since last disturbance, and evaluate metric sensitivity using simulated age‐class distributions representing alternative ecosystems. By accounting for and penalizing too‐frequent and too‐rare disturbances, the summed shortfall metric is more sensitive to change than mean time since last disturbance. We find that mountain ash forest is in much poorer condition (summed shortfall 38.5 out of 100 for a 120‐yr benchmark disturbance interval) than indicated merely by loss of extent (84% of vegetation remaining). Proteaceaous mallee‐heath is in worse condition than indicated by loss of extent for an upper benchmark interval of 80 yr, but condition almost doubles for the minimum tolerable time since last disturbance interval of 20 yr. To fully describe ecosystem degradation, we recommend that our summed shortfall metric, focused on habitat quality and informed by biologically meaningful baselines, be added to existing condition measures focused on vegetation extent. This will improve evaluation of change in ecosystem states and enhance management of ecosystems in poor condition.
Development of EpiRisk: An online clinical tool for estimating the risk of major congenital malformations in pregnant women treated for epilepsy
Authors: Davis Jones Gabriel , Hitchcock Alison , Vajda Frank , Craig John , O'Brien Terence J. , Sen Arjune 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are known to associate with an increased risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) in children born to women who become pregnant while taking them. As the indications for AEDs continue to diversify, novel AEDs emerge, and polytherapy becomes more prevalent, the volume and complexity of the information relating to teratogenic risk can become unmanageable for the clinician. This in turn makes accurate education of pregnant women treated with AEDs regarding the risk of MCMs challenging. To enable clinicians to provide better information regarding the potential teratogenic risk of AEDs, we outline here the method we have employed to underpin a new system of real‐time risk analysis, “EpiRisk.” When launched, EpiRisk will offer a user‐friendly, online clinical tool, compatible with all modern Internet browsers, smart phones, and personal computers. Using the most current published data, as well as “real world” data from the UK and the Australian Pregnancy Registers, EpiRisk will enable clinicians to quickly and accurately assess the teratogenic risk of AEDs in mono‐ and polytherapy. EpiRisk may thus provide a future‐proof central hub for empowering patients, clinicians, and registries by delivering evidence‐based information on the teratogenic risk of the AEDs in pregnant women with epilepsy through an easily accessible platform.
Gully and soil and water conservation structure densities in semi‐arid northern Ethiopia over the last 80 years
Authors: Guyassa Etefa , Frankl Amaury , Zenebe Amanuel , Poesen Jean , Nyssen Jan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGullies have been a common phenomenon in semi‐arid northern Ethiopia for the last centuries. However, soil and water conservation (SWC) structures have been implemented for a long time to curb soil erosion. Though, like most of the affected areas worldwide, density and distribution of gullies and SWC structures, their causes and interrelations are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to develop a technique for mapping these densities of gullies and SWC structures, to explain their spatial distribution and to analyze changes over the period 1935–2014. Aerial photographs from 1935 to 1936 and Google Earth images from 2014 of the 5142 km2 Geba catchment were used. Transect lines were established to count gullies and SWC structures in order to calculate densities. On average, a gully density of 1.14 km km−2 was measured in 1935–1936 of which the larger portion (75%) were vegetated, indicating they were not very active. Over 80 years, gully density has significantly increased to 1.59 km km−2 with less vegetation growing in their channel, but 66% of these gullies were treated with check dams. There was c. 3 km km−2 of indigenous SWC structures (daget or lynchets) in 1935–1936 whereas a high density (20 km km−2) of introduced SWC structures (mainly stone bunds and terraces) were observed in 2014. The density of gullies is positively correlated with slope gradient and shrubland cover and negatively with cropland cover, whereas the density of SWC structures significantly increased with increasing cropland cover. Density maps of gullies and SWC structures indicate sensitive areas to gully formation and priority areas for the implementation of SWC structures in Geba catchment. The obtained results illustrate the feasibility of the methods applied to map the density of gullies and SWC structures in mountainous areas. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Logic Underlying a Research‐Based College Access Program: Depicting the Theory of Change of the Princeton University Preparatory Program
Authors: Millett Catherine M. , Saunders Stephanie R. , Kevelson Marisol J. C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a high‐touch, intensive college access program aimed at providing a multiyear college preparation experience to high‐achieving, low‐income students in the Princeton, New Jersey, area. This report presents the theory of change and logic model of PUPP, detailing the theoretical basis for the expectation that PUPP inputs, resources, and activities will lead to the expected program outcomes, which include that program participants gain admittance to and graduate from selective colleges and universities providing comprehensive financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships.
A Simulation Study to Compare Nonequivalent Groups With Anchor Test Equating and Pseudo‐Equivalent Group Linking
Authors: Lu Ru , Guo Hongwen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this paper we compare the newly developed pseudo‐equivalent groups (PEG) linking method with the linking methods based on the traditional nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design and illustrate how to use the PEG methods under imperfect equating conditions. To do this, we proposed a new method that combines the features of PEG linking and NEAT equating (referred as PEGAT) and compared it with NEAT and PEG. PEG mainly uses test takers' background variables to create PEG and then links scores on different forms whereas NEAT equating adjusts group differences in ability through the anchor test scores. The proposed method, PEGAT, uses background variables and anchor scores to adjust group ability differences. Using simulated data, these 3 linking methods were compared in 2 equating scenarios: small and large group difference in ability. The simulation design was based on real data on a test in operation. The test scores and the background variables were assumed to have a multivariate multinomial distribution. A log linear model was used to manipulate and produce simulated data. For PEG and PEGAT linking, 3 different sets of background variables were manipulated to study the impact of correlation strength of background variables to the total scores. Our results showed that NEAT linking outperformed PEG linking when the group ability difference was large, but that NEAT linking could be improved by incorporating the PEG adjustment procedure based on background variables. When the groups were similar in ability, PEG linking produced comparable results to NEAT. This finding justifies the use of PEG linking when a good anchor test is not available as well as the use of PEGAT when a good anchor is available but needs to be strengthened by background variables.
Facile separation of cinnamyl acetate and cinnamaldehyde based on host–guest complexation with β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Chai Kungang , Xu Zhijun , Zheng Lu , Zhou Liqin , Tong Zhangfa , Ji Hongbing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA selective inclusion of cinnamyl acetate (CAc) is observed during the complexation of CAc and cinnamaldehyde (CA) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) in aqueous solution. To demonstrate the potential application of β‐CD for the separation of CAc and CA, the preferential affinity of β‐CD for CAc over CA was studied from conformational and thermodynamic points of view. Determination of the complexation geometries, performed by 1H and 2D (XRD), confirmed the inclusion capacity of the β‐CD cavity for CAc and CA. From the stability constants measured by ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and thermodynamic parameters measured by isothermal titration microcalorimetry, it was found that compared to CA, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions jointly promote CAc to form a more stable β‐CD binding complex with 1:1 stoichiometry. Furthermore, the higher binding affinity of β‐CD for CAc (over CA) was investigated theoretically in terms of binding energy and inclusion geometries. The separation of the equimolar CAc–CA mixture was achieved by inclusion complexation in β‐CD aqueous solution. The effects of the experimental conditions, such as the polarity of the solvent and guest/host molar ratio, on separation performance were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the selective inclusion procedure exhibited a CAc/CA separation factor of 3.5, which remained stable after five cycles, indicating that β‐CD is a highly reusable host material.
Enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage‐based rations, with nutrition modeling of diet outcomes
Authors: Benbrook Charles M. , Davis Donald R. , Heins Bradley J. , Latif Maged A. , Leifert Carlo , Peterman Logan , Butler Gillian , Faergeman Ole , Abel‐Caines Silvia , Baranski Marcin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractConsumer demand for milk and meat from grass‐fed cattle is growing, driven mostly by perceived health benefits and concerns about animal welfare. In a U. S.‐wide study of 1,163 milk samples collected over 3 years, we quantified the fatty acid profile in milk from cows fed a nearly 100% forage‐based diet (grassmilk) and compared it to profiles from a similar nationwide study of milk from cows under conventional and organic management. We also explored how much the observed differences might help reverse the large changes in fatty acid intakes that have occurred in the United States over the last century. Key features of the fatty acid profile of milk fat include its omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio (lower is desirable), and amounts of total omega‐3, conjugated linoleic acid, and long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. For each, we find that grassmilk is markedly different than both organic and conventional milk. The omega‐6/omega‐3 ratios were, respectively, 0.95, 2.28, and 5.77 in grassmilk, organic, and conventional milk; total omega‐3 levels were 0.049, 0.032, and 0.020 g/100 g milk; total conjugated linoleic acid levels were 0.043, 0.023, and 0.019 g/100 g milk; and eicosapentaenoic acid levels were 0.0036, 0.0033, and 0.0025 g/100 g milk. Because of often high per‐capita dairy consumption relative to most other sources of omega‐3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, these differences in grassmilk can help restore a historical balance of fatty acids and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases. Although oily fish have superior concentrations of long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids, most fish have low levels of α‐linolenic acid (the major omega‐3), and an omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio near 7. Moreover, fish is not consumed regularly, or at all, by ~70% of the U. S. population.