bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fat tails and spurious estimation of consumption‐based asset pricing models
Authors: Toda Alexis Akira , Walsh Kieran James 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe standard generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation of Euler equations in heterogeneous‐agent consumption‐based asset pricing models is inconsistent under fat tails because the GMM criterion is asymptotically random. To illustrate this, we generate asset returns and consumption data from an incomplete‐market dynamic general equilibrium model that is analytically solvable and exhibits power laws in consumption. Monte Carlo experiments suggest that the standard GMM estimation is inconsistent and susceptible to Type II errors (incorrect nonrejection of false models). Estimating an overidentified model by dividing agents into age cohorts appears to mitigate Type I and II errors.
Fkbp10 Deletion in Osteoblasts Leads to Qualitative Defects in Bone
Authors: Lietman Caressa D , Lim Joohyun , Grafe Ingo , Chen Yuqing , Ding Hao , Bi Xiaohong , Ambrose Catherine G , Fratzl‐Zelman Nadja , Roschger Paul , Klaushofer Klaus , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Schmidt Ingo , Fratzl Peter , Rai Jyoti , Weis MaryAnn , Eyre David , Keene Douglas R , Krakow Deborah , Lee Brendan H 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, displays a spectrum of clinical severity from mild (OI type I) to severe early lethality (OI type II), with clinical features including low bone mass, fractures, and deformities. Mutations in the FK506 Binding Protein 10 (FKBP10), gene encoding the 65‐kDa protein FKBP65, cause a recessive form of OI and Bruck syndrome, the latter being characterized by joint contractures in addition to low bone mass. We previously showed that Fkbp10 expression is limited to bone, tendon, and ligaments in postnatal tissues. Furthermore, in both patients and Fkbp10 knockout mice, collagen telopeptide hydroxylysine crosslinking is dramatically reduced. To further characterize the bone specific contributions of Fkbp10, we conditionally ablated FKBP65 in Fkbp10fl/fl mice (Mus musculus; C57BL/6) using the osteoblast‐specific Col1a1 2.3‐kb Cre recombinase. Using μCT, histomorphometry and quantitative backscattered electron imaging, we found minimal alterations in the quantity of bone and no differences in the degree of bone matrix mineralization in this model. However, mass spectroscopy (MS) of bone collagen demonstrated a decrease in mature, hydroxylysine‐aldehyde crosslinking. Furthermore, bone of mutant mice exhibits a reduction in mineral‐to‐matrix ratio and in crystal size as shown by Raman spectroscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering, respectively. Importantly, abnormalities in bone quality were associated with impaired bone biomechanical strength in mutant femurs compared with those of wild‐type littermates. Taken together, these data suggest that the altered collagen crosslinking through Fkbp10 ablation in osteoblasts primarily leads to a qualitative defect in the skeleton. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Optimal conditions of acid‐catalysed steam explosion pretreatment of banana lignocellulosic biomass for fermentable sugar production
Authors: Guerrero Ana Belén , Ballesteros Ignacio , Ballesteros Mercedes 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDBanana is one of the most cultivated fruit crops around the world. After its harvest, it generates large amounts of agricultural wastes. The objective of this study was to optimise the operational conditions of steam explosion pretreatment of the two main banana lignocellulosic residues, rachis and pseudostem, in order to achieve high overall sugar yields.RESULTSA response surface statistical model (22 + star points with triplicate at central point) was used for the optimisation, considering the enzymatic hydrolysis yield and the overall yield of glucose and xylose as main criteria. The optimal conditions of steam explosion pretreatment for pseudostem were established at 177 °C, 5 min and 2.2% H2SO4 (v/v), presenting a high overall glucose yield of 91.0%. For rachis, the optimal conditions were 198 °C, 5 min and 1.5% H2SO4 (v/v) with an overall glucose yield of 87.1%.CONCLUSIONOptimal conditions for steam explosion pretreatment of agricultural banana wastes were determined. An acid‐catalysed pretreatment was needed due to the low presence of acetyl groups in both feedstocks. After rachis pretreatment, extractives, soluble ashes and hemicellulose were solubilised causing an enrichment of cellulose in the insoluble fraction. However, due to the high amount of starch in pseudostem, a significant amount of glucose was recovered in the liquid fraction. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance enhancement and optimization of photocatalytic cyanide degradation in aqueous solution using Zn (II) and Fe (III) oxides as nanostructure supported on activated carbon
Authors: Eskandari Parisa , Farhadian Mehrdad , SolaimanyNazar Ali Reza 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCyanide is a toxic compound used in gold mining, steel, electroplating and chemical industries. In this research, different mole ratios of Fe3+/ZnO supported on powder activated carbon (PAC) in the presence of H2O2 under UV irradiation were used to degrade cyanide contamination. The photocatalyst was characterized by XRD, XRF, FESEM, TEM and BET and response surface methodology was applied to assess the individual and interaction effects of several operating factors on cyanide degradation efficiency and to determine the optimization conditions.RESULTSThe results indicated that the average particle size of catalyst ranged from 20 to 60 nm. pH had the largest effect on response and there was interaction between initial cyanide concentration and pH. Decreasing the initial cyanide concentration and pH, while increasing the catalyst dosage, hydrogen peroxide concentration and irradiation time improved the cyanide degradation efficiency. The experimental result of cyanide degradation efficiency under optimum conditions ([CN]− = 250 mg L−1, photocatalyst = 1.4 g L−1, irradiation time = 180 min, pH=10, mole ratio of Fe3+/ZnO=6% and [H2O2] = 300 mg L−1) was about 98%. Photocatalytic activity was maintained even after seven successive cycles.CONCLUSIONThe synthesized reusable high activity nanostructure photocatalyst can be considered an applicable and environmentally friendly catalyst for the decontamination of cyanide‐polluted water. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of repetition time on metabolite quantification in the human brain in 1H MR spectroscopy at 3 tesla
Authors: Knight‐Scott Jack , Brennan Patricia , Palasis Susan , Zhong Xiaodong 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo examine the effects of repetition time (TR) on metabolite concentration measurements in the human brain in 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 Tesla (T).Materials and MethodsSpectra were acquired from the posterior cingulate of five healthy adults at repetition times of 1.5 s, 3.0 s, 4.0 s, 6.0 s, and 8.0 s on a 3T MRI system. Relaxation data were also acquired for the water signal in the voxel of interest to separate tissue water and cerebrospinal fluid signal contributions. All data were quantified relative to total creatine and relative to the tissue water signal.ResultsOn average, the variance for absolute metabolite concentrations was smaller than that of ratio concentrations (P = 0.003). Metabolite ratio concentrations calculated from a short TR of 1.5 s significantly differed (P < 0.05) from their “true” ratios, i.e., ratios corrected for T1‐weighting. In comparison, absolute metabolite concentrations exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) up to a 4‐s TR.ConclusionTo minimize potential TR‐dependent concentration differences at 3T, a minimum TR of 2.5 s is suggested for ratio concentration measurements, and a 5‐s TR for absolute concentrations. When possible, preference should be to perform absolute concentration measurements.Level of Evidence: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:710–721.
Liver imaging reporting and data system v2014 categorization of hepatocellular carcinoma on gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI: Comparison with multiphasic multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Joo Ijin , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Dong Ho , Ahn Su Joa , Lee Eun Sun , Han Joon Koo 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo investigate the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) v2014 categorization of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd‐EOB‐MRI) in comparison with multiphasic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).Materials and MethodsOur Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. We included 182 high‐risk patients with 216 pathologically confirmed HCCs who underwent both Gd‐EOB‐MRI at 1.5 or 3T and multiphasic MDCT. Two independent radiologists assessed the presence or absence of major HCC features and assigned LI‐RADS categories before and after considering ancillary features on both MRI and MDCT. Finally, sensitivities of LR‐5/5v and frequencies of major HCC features were compared between MRI and MDCT using the McNemar test.ResultsSensitivities of LR‐5/5v were not significantly different between MRI and MDCT (63.4% [137/216] vs. 64.4% [139/216], P = 0.831; 60.6% [131/216] vs. 60.6% [131/216], P = 0.868, for reviewers 1 and 2, respectively). Among major HCC features seen on consensus review, washout and capsule appearance were less frequently observed on MRI than on MDCT (69.0% [149/216] vs. 87.0% [188/216], P < 0.001 and 17.1% [37/216] vs. 31.5% [68/216], P < 0.001), while no significant differences were found for arterial hyperenhancement (88.9% [192/216] vs. 84.7% [183/216], P = 0.081). Ancillary features led to category changes in 18.1% (39/216) of nodules on MRI (all, LR‐3 to LR‐4), while no changes were seen on MDCT.ConclusionUsing LI‐RADS, Gd‐EOB‐MRI showed comparable sensitivity to multiphasic MDCT for the diagnosis of HCCs, and ancillary features of MRI frequently led to the upgrade of nodules from LR‐3 to LR‐4.Level of Evidence: 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:731–740.
Prognostic impact of complications after resection of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Margonis Georgios Antonios , Sasaki Kazunari , Andreatos Nikolaos , Nishioka Yujiro , Sugawara Toshitaka , Amini Neda , Buettner Stefan , Hashimoto Masaji , Shindoh Junichi , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDResection is the most effective treatment for HCC. However, postoperative morbidity is common and its impact on long‐term oncological outcome remains unclear.METHODSLong‐term outcomes of 774 patients who underwent curative resection for early stage HCC at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Toranomon Hospital were investigated after stratifying by the development of postoperative overall and infectious complications.RESULTSA minor or major postoperative complication developed in 281 and 65 patients, respectively, while postoperative mortality was 1.3% (n = 10). The 5‐year cumulative recurrence and overall survival(OS) rates were 57.2% and 76.4%, respectively. Overall postoperative complications independently predicted worse OS in multivariable analysis (HR = 1.42, P = 0.021). Complication severity did not correlate with OS (P > 0.05). While infectious complications were not independent predictors of OS, the combination of blood transfusion and infectious complications led to significantly worse OS (66.3% vs. 44.9%, P = 0.008). Postoperative complications also correlated with increased recurrence risk, but only in patients with non‐cirrhotic parenchyma (55.0% vs. 47.7%, P = 0.035) or non‐viral hepatitis (55.6% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONSPost‐operative morbidity independently predicted poor OS following hepatectomy for early stage HCC. A similar effect on recurrence was noted only in patients with favorable etiopathologic factors. Finally, the combination of peri‐operative transfusion and subsequent infectious complications was associated with a synergistic negative effect on prognosis.
Responses of Vegetation Activity to Drought in Northern China
Authors: Hua Ting , Wang Xunming , Zhang Caixia , Lang Lili , Li Hui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWith the third‐generation normalized difference vegetation index and a multiple‐timescale drought index [standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index (SPEI)], the relationships between vegetation activity in the growing season and drought occurrences during various seasons and at different timescales were investigated in northern China. Although poorly understood previously, knowledge of these relationships is crucial for climate, vegetation and hydrological studies. Our results show that over the past three decades, vegetation activity during the growing season was significantly correlated (p < 0⋅05) with drought occurrences over 78⋅5% of northern China and highly significantly correlated (p < 0⋅001) in semi‐arid regions. In addition, there were spatially variable responses of vegetation activity to the seasonality of drought events across northern China. When drought events occurred in pre‐season in the northern part of Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, parts of Shaanxi and Shanxi, and the western part of Xinjiang, they appear to have impacted vegetation activity, as indicated by the short and medium timescales of the drought indices (SPEI‐3 and SPEI‐6, with 3 and 6 months of accumulation, respectively). In the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, eastern part of Gansu and Qinghai, and southern parts of Ningxia, droughts during the growing season played a key role in vegetation growth, as recorded by the drought indices at all four timescales (SPEI‐3, SPEI‐6, SPEI‐12 and SPEI‐24). In addition, we also observed spatial variations in the responses of vegetation activity to droughts in northern China. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can an injured nerve be used as a donor nerve for distal nerve transfer?—An experimental study in rats
Authors: Tzou Chieh Han , Lu Chuieng‐Yi Johnny , Chang Tommy Nai‐Jen , Chuang David Chwei‐Chin 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundDistal nerve transfer has proven efficacy. The purpose of this study was to investigate if an injured nerve can be used as a donor nerve for transfer, and to determine the threshold of injury.Materials and MethodsRat's left ulnar‐nerves in the axilla with different degrees of injury were selected as the donor nerves for transfer, and the musculocutaneous‐nerves the target nerves for being re‐innervated. Six rats each served as positive and negative controls: Group A, intact ulnar‐nerve transfer; and Group E, the ulnar‐nerve was cut but no transfer. Ten rats each were assigned to Group B to Group D with 25%, 50%, and 75% transected ulnar‐nerve, respectively and all were transferred to the musculocutaneous‐nerve. After a 12‐week recovery period, outcomes were evaluated.ResultsBiceps muscle weight measurements showed all experimental groups—D 0.28 ± 0.02 g/72%, C 0.28 ± 0.03 g/73%, B 0.29 ± 0.04 g/74%, and A 0.29 ± 0.04 g/80%—were lighter than group H 0.36 ± 0.04 g, which were all statistically significant (P < 0.001). Muscle tetanus contraction force measurements were the lowest in group D35 ± 8.6 g/69%. Groups C and B measured 41 ± 8.5 g/75% and 40 ± 2.2 g/77% and group A 41 ± 9.4 g/95%, respectively. Group H showed muscle contraction force of 52 ± 7.2 g, which was statistically significant when compared to experimental groups (P < 0.05–0.001). EMG measurements of the biceps muscles showed: group D was 3.6 ± 0.7 mV/69%, group C was 3.6 ± 0.6 mV/75%, and group B was 4.2 mV ± 0.7/81%. Group H was5.1 ± 0.7 mV and statistically significant different when compared with experimental groups (P < 0.05–0.001).Axon counts of healthy ulnar‐nerve (Group H) were 1849 ± 362. Axon counts of the injured ulnar‐nerve were in group B 1447 ± 579/78%, group C 1051 ± 367/57% and group D 567 ± 230/31%.ConclusionThe donor nerve should be healthy in order to provide optimal result. A big nerve (e.g., ulnar nerve) but injured with at least 75% axon spared is still potentially effective for transfer. In contrast, a small nerve (e.g., intercostal nerve) once injured with 75%axon spared would be considered a suboptimal donor nerve.
Exploration micromechanism of VP35 IID interaction and recognition dsRNA: A molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Jun , Ding Jing‐Na , Zhong Hui , Han Ju‐Guang 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTMultifunctional viral protein (VP35) encoded by the highly pathogenic Ebola viruses (EBOVs) can antagonize host double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensors and immune response because of the simultaneous recognition of dsRNA backbone and blunt ends. Mutation of select hydrophobic conserved basic residues within the VP35 inhibitory domain (IID) abrogates its dsRNA‐binding activity, and impairs VP35‐mediated interferon (IFN) antagonism. Herein the detailed binding mechanism between dsRNA and WT, single mutant, and double mutant were investigated by all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding energy calculation. R312A/R322A double mutations results in a completely different binding site and orientation upon the structure analyses. The calculated binding free energy results reveal that R312A, R322A, and K339A single mutations decrease the binding free energies by 17.82, 13.18, and 13.68 kcal mol−1, respectively. The binding energy decomposition indicates that the strong binding affinity of the key residues is mainly due to the contributions of electrostatic interactions in the gas phase, where come from the positively charged side chain and the negatively charged dsRNA backbone. R312A, R322A, and K339A single mutations have no significant effect on VP35 IID conformation, but the mutations influence the contributions of electrostatic interactions in the gas phase. The calculated results reveal that end‐cap residues which mainly contribute VDW interactions can recognize and capture dsRNA blunt ends, and the central basic residues (R312, R322, and K339) which mainly contribute favorable electrostatic interactions with dsRNA backbone can fix dsRNA binding site and orientation. Proteins 2017; 85:1008–1023. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concise analysis of current text automation and watermarking approaches
Authors: Alkawaz Mohammed Hazim , Sulong Ghazali , Saba Tanzila , Almazyad Abdulaziz S. , Rehman Amjad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWith ceaseless utilization of web and other online advances, it has turned out to be amazingly simple to imitate, discuss, and convey digital material. Subsequently, confirmation and copyright assurance issues have been emerged. Text is the most widely used media of communication on the web as compared with images and videos. The significant part of books, daily papers, websites, commercial, research papers, reports, and numerous different archives are just the plain text. Therefore, copyrights protection of plain text is a critical issue that could not be accepted at all. This paper presents a concise analysis on information hiding techniques and their consequences. Various watermarking systems properties are highlighted along with different types of attacks and their possible defenses. Additionally, the current applications for text document watermarking and the reasons for the problems of text document watermarking are described. Finally, attacks characteristics are discussed including types of attacks, volumes, and nature on text. Current watermarking approaches are reviewed in depth, and consequently, their advantages and weaknesses are highlighted. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quaking Is a Key Regulator of Endothelial Cell Differentiation, Neovascularization, and Angiogenesis
Authors: Cochrane Amy , Kelaini Sophia , Tsifaki Marianna , Bojdo James , Vilà-González Marta , Drehmer Daiana , Caines Rachel , Magee Corey , Eleftheriadou Magdalini , Hu Yanhua , Grieve David , Stitt Alan W. , Zeng Lingfang , Xu Qingbo , Margariti Andriana 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The capability to derive endothelial cell (ECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds huge therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease. This study elucidates the precise role of the RNA-binding protein Quaking isoform 5 (QKI-5) during EC differentiation from both mouse and human iPSCs (hiPSCs) and dissects how RNA-binding proteins can improve differentiation efficiency toward cell therapy for important vascular diseases. iPSCs represent an attractive cellular approach for regenerative medicine today as they can be used to generate patient-specific therapeutic cells toward autologous cell therapy. In this study, using the model of iPSCs differentiation toward ECs, the QKI-5 was found to be an important regulator of STAT3 stabilization and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) activation during the EC differentiation process. QKI-5 was induced during EC differentiation, resulting in stabilization of STAT3 expression and modulation of VEGFR2 transcriptional activation as well as VEGF secretion through direct binding to the 3′ UTR of STAT3. Importantly, mouse iPS-ECs overexpressing QKI-5 significantly improved angiogenesis and neovascularization and blood flow recovery in experimental hind limb ischemia. Notably, hiPSCs overexpressing QKI-5, induced angiogenesis on Matrigel plug assays in vivo only 7 days after subcutaneous injection in SCID mice. These results highlight a clear functional benefit of QKI-5 in neovascularization, blood flow recovery, and angiogenesis. Thus, they provide support to the growing consensus that elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying EC differentiation will ultimately advance stem cell regenerative therapy and eventually make the treatment of cardiovascular disease a reality. The RNA binding protein QKI-5 is induced during EC differentiation from iPSCs. RNA binding protein QKI-5 was induced during EC differentiation in parallel with the EC marker CD144. Immunofluorescence staining showing that QKI-5 is localized in the nucleus and stained in parallel with CD144 in differentiated ECs (scale bar = 50 µm).
Concise Review: Increasing the Validity of Cerebrovascular Disease Models and Experimental Methods for Translational Stem Cell Research
Authors: Boltze Johannes , Nitzsche Franziska , Jolkkonen Jukka , Weise Gesa , Pösel Claudia , Nitzsche Björn , Wagner Daniel-Christoph 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Interspecies differences, anatomical and physiological aspects, as wells as simplified study designs contribute to an overestimation of treatment effects and limit the transferability of experimental results into clinical applications. Confounders of cell therapies for cerebrovascular disorders (CVD) include common CVD comorbidities, frequent medications potentially affecting endogenous and transplanted stem cells, as well as age- and immune-system–related effects. All those can contribute to a substantial modeling bias, ultimately limiting the prospective quality of preclinical research programs regarding the clinical value of a particular cell therapy. In this review, we discuss the nature and impact of most relevant confounders. We provide suggestions on how they can be considered to enhance the validity of CVD models in stem cell research. Acknowledging substantial and sometimes surprising effects of housing conditions, chronobiology, and intersex differences will further augment the translational value of animal models. We finally discuss options for the implementation of high-quality functional and imaging readout protocols. Altogether, this might help to gain a more holistic picture about the therapeutic impact of a particular cell therapy for CVD, but also on potential side and off-site effects of the intervention.