bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiomics nomogram based on MRI for predicting white matter hyperintensity progression in elderly adults
Authors: Shu Zhen‐Yu , Shao Yuan , Xu Yu‐Yun , Ye Qin , Cui Si‐Jia , Mao De‐Wang , Pang Pei‐Pei , Gong Xiang‐Yang
Published: June 2019

Background

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is widely observed in aging brain and is associated with various diseases. A pragmatic and handy method in the clinic to assess and follow up white matter disease is strongly in need.

Purpose

To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for the prediction of WMH progression.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Brain images of 193 WMH patients from the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) database in the A Medical Center (Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital). MRI data of 127 WMH patients from the PACS database in the B Medical Center (Zhejiang Lishui People's Hospital) were included for external validation. All of the patients were at least 60 years old.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐fluid attenuated inversion recovery images were acquired using a 3T scanner.

Assessment

WMH was evaluated utilizing the Fazekas scale based on MRI. WMH progression was assessed with a follow‐up MRI using a visual rating scale. Three neuroradiologists, who were blinded to the clinical data, assessed the images independently. Moreover, interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility were performed for the regions of interest for segmentation and feature extraction.

Statistical Tests

A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC was calculated, along with sensitivity and specificity. Also, a Hosmer–Lemeshow test was performed.

Results

The AUC of radiomics signature in the primary, internal validation cohort, external validation cohort were 0.886, 0.816, and 0.787, respectively; the specificity were 71.79%, 72.22%, and 81%, respectively; the sensitivity were 92.68%, 87.94% and 78.3%, respectively. The radiomics nomogram in the primary cohort (AUC = 0.899) and the internal validation cohort (AUC = 0.84). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed no significant difference between the primary cohort and the internal validation cohort (P > 0.05). The AUC of the radiomics nomogram, radiomics signature, and hyperlipidemia in all patients from the primary and internal validation cohort was 0.878, 0.848, and 0.626, respectively.

Data Conclusion

This multicenter study demonstrated the use of a radiomics nomogram in predicting the progression of WMH with elderly adults (an age of at least 60 years) based on conventional MRI.

Level of Evidence:3

Technical Efficacy:Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:535–546.
Evaluation of evapotranspiration estimates from observed and reanalysis data sets over Indian region
Authors: Purnadurga G. , Kumar T.V. Lakshmi , Rao K. Koteswara , Barbosa Humberto , Mall R.K.
Published: June 2019

In this study, we have computed the evapotranspiration (ET) from the input variables of India Meteorological Department (IMD) for different stations in Monsoon Core Region (MCR) of India and Indian Peninsular Region (IPR) and compared with the ERA Interim (ERA‐I) and CRU ET data sets. While studying the discrepancies among the data sets, rainfall (source: IMD gridded), relative humidity (source: ERA Interim gridded), air temperature (source: IMD gridded) and soil moisture (source: TRMM/LPRM/TMI‐Model) were made use to illustrate the ET variations. When compared with IMD ET, our results show the CRU ET is underestimated but maintained the close pattern over MCR and IPR during South West (SW) monsoon (June–September) and North East (NE) monsoon (October–December) period, respectively. ERA‐I ET bounded to have mixed response over MCR and are higher than the IMD ET over IPR. Daily comparison of the IMD and ERA‐I ET data sets shows a large bias during the beginning of SW monsoon (June month) compared to other months. Site wise correlations show the substantial positive correlations between IMD and CRU ET over MCR than IPR. Overall analysis shows the monsoon features were better explained by the variations in IMD ET compared to CRU and ERA‐I ET data sets. The reported disparities among the data sets play an important role in the choice of selection for different applications such as water resource assessments, crop water requirements, monitoring of droughts etc.
Intraseasonal variability of the genesis potential index and its relationship with tropical cyclogenesis over the western North Pacific
Authors: Zhang Wei , Gao Jianyun , Cheung Kevin K. W. , Chen Jau‐Ming , You Lijun
Published: June 2019

The intraseasonal variability (ISV) of the genesis potential index (GPI) and its relationship with tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the western North Pacific (WNP) are examined for the summer (May–October) during 1982–2016. The distribution of GPI is separated into three sub‐regions as South China Sea (SCS), western part of WNP (WWNP) and eastern part of WNP (EWNP). All three regions have a statistically significant power spectrum peak in the 10–20‐day period, associated with 20–30‐ and 50–70‐day signals in SCS and 20–30‐day signal in WWNP. The ISV of GPI in the SCS is the most intense among these three regions, whereas the weakest one is in the EWNP. On average, ISVs of GPI (including 10–20‐day, 20–30‐day and 30–70‐day components) account for about 28% of the total variance of GPI. About 83% of TCs form when at least one ISV component is in its wet phase. We further examine the spatial patterns of GPI intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) through empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis performed on the 10–90‐day filtered GPI data. There are 61% of TC formations in the first three spatial modes during the typical phases with anomalous PC. The ISV of GPI can indicate the TC sub‐seasonal genesis on both frequency and location. Regression analysis on different time‐scales, which is based on either the three sub‐regions or statistical spatial modes, is able to conclude that oscillations of GPI are associated with ISO signals from different regions: 10–20‐day from WNP; 30–70‐day from Indian Ocean; 20–30‐day from both WNP and Indian Ocean. In the boreal summer, the northward propagation of ISO accompanied with anomalous convection and circulation influences GPI ISO in the WNP, which can be a good indicator for TCs genesis. Such relationship can be applied to develop extended‐range forecasting of tropical cyclogenesis.
Barbed palatoplasty vs. expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty with anterior palatoplasty
Authors: Babademez Mehmet Ali , Gul Fatih , Teleke Yagmur Canan
Published: June 2019

Objective/Hypothesis

To compare the functional outcomes and complication rates in patients who underwent expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty with anterior palatoplasty (ESPwAP) versus barbed pharyngoplasty (BP).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A medical database was used to retrieve the records of 129 patients who had an isolated palatoplasty surgery between January 2014 and July 2018. Patients who had mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea without a history of revision surgery and underwent ESPwAP or BP in addition to traditional tonsillectomy were included in the study. Pre‐ and postoperative polysomnography and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was evaluated in the patients who completed at least a 6‐month follow‐up period.

Results

Forty‐five and 53 patients met the inclusion, and were comprised of BP and ESPwAP groups, respectively. ESPwAP and BP significantly improved mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) from 28.5 to 9.1 (P = .000) and 25.9 to 7.4 (P = .000), respectively. No significant statistical difference was found between the mean AHI scores of two groups. Selecting a threshold of a 50% reduction in AHI and AHI less than 20 events/h, success rates were 86.6% in BP group and 84.9% in ESPwAP group.

Conclusions

Our study showed that both types of surgeries are effective with comparable results. The BP technique may be preferred when possible to avoid soft tissue excision and seems to be a less invasive procedure with a similar success rate when compared to ESPwAP.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E275–E279, 2020
Introducing “The Integrator”: A novel technique to monitor environmental flow systems
Authors: González‐Pinzón Ricardo , Dorley Jancoba , Regier Peter , Fluke James , Bicknell Kelsey , Nichols Justin , Khandelwal Aashish , Wolf Emily , Caruana Sarah N. , Van Horn David J.
Published: June 2019

We introduce “The Integrator,” a novel technique to quantify transport and reaction metrics commonly used to characterize flow systems. This development consists of two products: (1) The Integrator sampling device and (2) its supporting mathematical framework, which is compatible with semi‐continuous sensor data. The use of The Integrator device simplifies the logistics of sample collection and greatly reduces the number of samples needed, making it ideal to characterize systems that are: (1) difficult to access, (2) large and thus intractable or highly heterogeneous, and (3) highly instrumented otherwise but where a more holistic, mechanistic understanding may be gained by monitoring one or more currently untracked elements. We tested and validated The Integrator technique using experimental data collected from a heart rate monitor (high‐quality, high‐frequency data in response to known excitation events) and solute tracer experiments conducted in two contrasting (fourth and seventh order) rivers. In the Supporting Information, we provide details concerning the design of The Integrator device used in our field case studies and provide insight into potential improvements. Despite our case studies focus on the analysis of conservative and reactive transport of solutes in rivers, the principles behind The Integrator technique can be used to monitor water quality in hyporheic zones, aquifers, wetlands, swamps, karsts, oceans, wastewater treatment plants, pipe networks, and air quality. Furthermore, special arrangements of Integrator devices can be used to gather data at spatial and temporal resolutions that are currently unattainable due to high transportation and/or personnel costs.
Alkyne–Azide Click Polymerization Catalyzed by Magnetically Recyclable Fe3O4/SiO2/Cu2O Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Yizhao , Cheng Tianyu , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2019

The Cu(I)‐catalyzed click polymerization fully meets the trend of developing powerful and economic tools for facile synthesis of functional polymers. However, the use of Cu(I) catalyst generally results in polymers with high copper residuals, which complicate the polymer purification and limit their applications. Moreover, these catalysts can only be used one time. Inspired by the report that Fe3O4‐based nanoparticles can be used as magnetically recyclable catalysts, these magnetic nanoparticles are used to produce Fe3O4/SiO2/Cu2O catalysts. These magnetic nanoparticles can efficiently catalyze the azide–alkyne click polymerization under mild reaction conditions, producing 1,4‐regioregular polytriazoles with high molecular weights in excellent yields. The copper residuals in the polymer products are much lower than those catalyzed by the conventional Cu(I) catalysts. Moreover, the Fe3O4/SiO2/Cu2O can be recycled and reused for at least 12 times. Introducing aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active tetraphenylethylene unit into the polymer main‐chains endows the resultant polymer with AIE feature, too. Thus, this work not only simplifies the polymer purification procedures, but also provides a general strategy to reduce the copper residues in the polymers.
Fractional Crank–Nicolson–Galerkin finite element scheme for the time‐fractional nonlinear diffusion equation
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Chaudhary Sudhakar , Srinivas Kumar V.V.K.
Published: June 2019

This article presents a finite element scheme with Newton's method for solving the time‐fractional nonlinear diffusion equation. For time discretization, we use the fractional Crank–Nicolson scheme based on backward Euler convolution quadrature. We discuss the existence‐uniqueness results for the fully discrete problem. A new discrete fractional Gronwall type inequality for the backward Euler convolution quadrature is established. A priori error estimate for the fully discrete problem in L2(Ω) norm is derived. Numerical results based on finite element scheme are provided to validate theoretical estimates on time‐fractional nonlinear Fisher equation and Huxley equation.
Study on Interaction Mechanism between the Shaped Charge Jet and Thick Moving Target
Authors: Jia Xin , Huang Zheng‐Xiang , Xu Meng‐Wen , Xiao Qiang‐Qiang , Liu Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Chen , Yin De‐Shuai
Published: June 2019

The traditional anti‐aircraft and anti‐missile warhead mainly hit the target by fragments or MEFPs. However, these killing elements are only effective for thin‐shell ammunition (10–30 mm), but not for thick‐shell ammunition (>100 mm). This paper proposes an attacking method towards thick moving target by shaped charge jet. Through the analysis of the whole penetrating process between the shaped charge jet and the thick moving target, the paper divides the process into two stages: undisturbed jet penetration and disturbed jet penetration. Based on virtual origin theory, this paper carried out detailed theoretical analysis for each stage and established theory algorithms of changes of cavity when shaped charge jet penetrates the thick moving target, penetration depth of undistributed jet, the lateral velocity of jet and penetration depth contributed by distributed jet. Since the current experimental method cannot accurately analyze the dynamic penetration process of each jet element, in order to verify the theoretical model, a diameter of 66 mm shaped charge was designed, and through the LS‐DYNA software, the jet penetrates steel target with the transverse velocity of 0∼600 m/s was calculated. The study also carried out detailed analysis of the jet tip and tail velocity, the shape of the penetration hole, the lateral velocity of the disturbed jet and the total depth of penetration. At the same time, we combine with the experimental data of E. Marmor et al.[22], to compare with the theoretical results. The calculations are in good agreement with the E. Marmor's experimental datas. The results indicate that shaped charge warhead is an effective method to tackle high speed thick moving target. The theoretical model established in this paper can effectively guide the structural design of the warhead.
Near‐Surface [Ga]/([In]+[Ga]) Composition in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin‐Film Solar Cell Absorbers: An Overlooked Material Feature
Authors: Félix Roberto , Witte Wolfram , Hariskos Dimitrios , Paetel Stefan , Powalla Michael , Lozac'h Mickael , Ueda Shigenori , Sumiya Masatomo , Yoshikawa Hideki , Kobayashi Keisuke , Yang Wanli , Wilks Regan G. , Bär Marcus
Published: June 2019

The chemical and electronic structures in the near‐surface region of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cell absorbers are investigated using nondestructive soft and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition to a pronounced surface Cu‐depletion, the [Ga]/([In]+[Ga]) composition indicates that the topmost surface is Ga‐poor (or In‐rich). For the studied depth region, common depth profiling techniques generally fail to provide reliable information and, thus, the near‐surface chemical and electronic structure profiles are often overlooked. The relation between the observed near‐surface elemental compositions and the derived electronic properties of the absorber material is discussed. It is found that the surface band gap energy crucially depends on the Cu‐deficiency of the absorber surface and suggests that it is, in this region, only secondarily determined by the [Ga]/([In]+[Ga]) ratio.
Preparation Techniques for Cross‐Section Transmission Electron Microscopy Lamellas Suitable for Investigating In Situ Silicon–Aluminum Alloying at Grain Boundaries in Multicrystalline Silicon
Authors: Flathmann Christoph , Spende Hendrik , Meyer Tobias , Peretzki Patrick , Seibt Michael
Published: June 2019

Herein, advanced preparation methods of cross‐section samples suitable for site‐specific studies of alloying processes are reported. To follow alloying processes in real time with the highest possible spatial resolution, in situ heating transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is conducted. As an industrially relevant model system, aluminum (Al) on multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) is chosen. Despite the tremendous advantages of in situ TEM compared with ex situ techniques, the development of suitable sample preparation recipes is a challenging task. As the standard focused ion beam (FIB) lift‐out fails for this preparation, three alternative methods are implemented. They show significant improvements compared with the widely used standard lift‐out and are described and evaluated in terms of contamination and overall lamella quality. Moreover, further improvements are discussed, leading to the conclusion that the new methods allow the reproducible preparation of lamellas suitable for site‐specific, in situ TEM alloying experiments.
Preparation of Ga‐ZnO Nanoparticles Using Microwave and Ultrasonic Irradiation, and the Application of Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) Hybrid Thermoelectric Films
Authors: Hata Shinichi , Taguchi Kazuki , Oshima Keisuke , Du Yukou , Shiraishi Yukihide , Toshima Naoki
Published: June 2019

The addition of inorganic materials with high thermoelectric properties is a popular approach to modulate the performance of Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT‐PSS), but, the representative hybridization of PEDOT‐PSS and toxic Te or Bi is not practical considering safety. Here, we report a PEDOT‐PSS film including Ga‐ZnO (GZO) nanoparticles, which has higher reproducibility and thermoelectric properties. Interestingly, the PEDOT‐PSS film containing GZO nanoparticle of 1 atom% Ga exhibited a higher in‐plane thermoelectric power factor (38.4 μW m−1 K−2) than the pure PEDOT‐PSS (27.4 μW m−1 K−2), which is one of the highest values when compared to previous metallic oxide/PEDOT‐PSS or PEDOT system. The present results suggest a simple approach for electrical conductivity improvement of PEDOT‐PSS film: the Zn and Ga components are an efficient carrier promoter for improving the crystal growth and conformation of PEDOT.
State of the Art in the Control of Inclusions in Tire Cord Steels and Saw Wire Steels – A Review
Authors: Chen Changyong , Jiang Zhouhua , Li Yang , Zheng Lichun , Huang Xinfeng , Yang Guang , Sun Meng , Chen Kui , Yang Hao , Hu Hao , Li Huabing
Published: June 2019

Non‐metallic inclusions in tire cord steels and saw wire steels often act as breakage source during cold drawing and standing process. In this work, the control of inclusions in tire cord steels and saw wire steels in the production process are extensively reviewed. On the one hand, the new perspectives on the problems left over in the past have been discussed comprehensively, include the new understanding of the origins of SiO2‐CaO‐Al2O3 system inclusions, the new found of evolution of inclusions in cord steel and saw wire steel during rolling and drawing process, and the new understanding of controlling the plasticity of inclusions. On the other hand, the new approaches of controlling inclusions in tire cord steels and saw wire steels have also been discussed, include alkali oxides treatment, boron treatment, Mg treatment and cerium treatment. R2O (R = K, Rb, Cs) containing refining slag can significantly improve the cleanliness of saw wire steels and saw wire steels. Adding alkali oxides, boron or Mg into molten steel can dramatically improve the deformability of inclusions through expanding the acreage of the region with low melting points. The basicity of top slag at the range of 1.1–1.2, and ωAl2O3 in top slag around 3 wt% in order to control the composition of inclusions in the region with low melting points when ZrO2‐based refractory be used to reduced the pure Al2O3 inclusions in tire cord steel. Finally, the unsolved problems are summarized.
The Gender of Innovation: The Ascendancy of Assessment and Technologies in Educational Development
Authors: Niemi Nancy S. , Schwarz Sarah L.
Published: June 2019

This chapter considers the relationship between pedagogical support offered by centers for teaching and learning (CTLs) and newer services such as assessment and educational technologies through the lens of gender, arguing that changes to the structure, mission, and staffing of CTLs may have unintended consequences if these unexamined, gendered patterns continue.
Systematic construction of basis invariants in the 2HDM
Authors: Trautner Andreas
Published: June 2019

Abstract

A new systematic method for the explicit construction of (basis-)invariants is introduced and employed to construct the full ring of basis invariants of the Two-Higgs-Doublet-Model (2HDM) scalar sector. Co- and invariant quantities are obtained by the use of hermitian projection operators. These projection operators are constructed from Young tableaux via birdtrack diagrams and they are used in two steps. First, to extract basis-covariant quantities, and second, to combine the covariants in order to obtain the actual basis invariants. The Hilbert series and Plethystic logarithm are used to find the number and structure of the complete set of generating invariants as well as their interrelations (syzygies). Having full control over the complete ring of (CP-even and CP-odd) basis invariants, we give a new and simple proof of the necessary and sufficient conditions for explicit CP conservation in the 2HDM, confirming earlier results by Gunion and Haber. The method generalizes to other models, with the only foreseeable limitation being computing power.
Placento-Cranial Adhesion: A New Syndromic Association
Authors: Chander Bal , Dwivedi Daisy , Thakur Sita , Yadav Suman
Published: June 2019

Cases of placento-cranial adhesion are rare and most of them are incompatible with life. A few case reports in the literature have included such cases under the overarching rubric of amniotic band syndrome. We present autopsy findings of four cases with gestation period ranging from 16 to 21 weeks. All of them displayed placenta-cranial adhesion, low weight for gestation, absence of flat bones of skull, anencephaly, dysmorphic facial features, short umbilical cord and limb/digit amputation with oligohydrambios. Three out of four showed nasal groove. We propose that there are grounds for syndromic association of the features mentioned above. Furthermore, it is important that whenever such cases are identified termination of pregnancy should be considered. The article also underscores the importance of fetal autopsies.
The Equity Collection: Analysis and transformation of the Monash University Design Collection
Authors: Manuell Romany , McEntee Kate , Chester Marcus
Published: June 2019

Collection development at Monash University Library aims to fulfil the research and curriculum needs of university staff and students. To support the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA), collection development operates as a collaboration between academic faculty and the Subject Librarian. In order to further develop this collaboration and to encourage the selection and use of design resources by authors from diverse backgrounds, design lecturers and library staff have initiated The Equity Collection project. The aim of the project is to investigate the diversity of the collection in its current state and to improve its ability to reflect and extend the multicultural nature of the university community. The project includes a campaign to collect and promote books from the design world authored by under-represented groups, including Indigenous Australians, people of colour, and female and non-binary authors. This project is unique in its utilisation of the expertise of the design faculty who have extensive knowledge of authors, small publishers and less widely distributed publications.
Expanding our reach: Special Collections and Archives of the NGA Research Library
Authors: Blessing Peta Jane , Underschultz Simon
Published: June 2019

The National Gallery of Australia Research Library and Archives (NGARL&A) offers unique collections and provides vital services within the contemporary Australian art world, but there has been a seismic shift in their users and use. This paper will explore the impact this change has had on our roles as art archivists and provide insight into new ways these collections are being used.
Audio extras at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Authors: Jones Tim
Published: June 2019

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū re-opened in 2015 with a new type of audiotour. Out went commentary from our own curators and in came poetry, music, personal reminiscence, field trips and voices from the archives. All professionally recorded, edited and directed. This decision was made after fixing on a few basic rules, foremost of which was that looking at the ART in an ART gallery must come first and that anything that detracts from that is to be deprecated. Rule two was only to use audio when there is something to say. This presentation is a report on what we did, how visitors reacted and what we hope to do next. Our collection is small and our means limited, so our methods could be easily copied at other museums and galleries.
MoKnow your museum: Using simple websites for internal resource-sharing
Authors: Hawthorne Lucy
Published: June 2019

This paper will demonstrate the way low-cost WYSIWYG websites can be used as a method of storing and disseminating information in a museum context, as illustrated by the internal website – MoKnow – developed by the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) library. Websites like Google Sites can be used to share resources with a range of in-house users – from curators to front of house staff – in an easy-to-access manner. Quick to set up, these sites can be used to share text and bibliographic information, store PDFs and other documents, and link to images, videos and websites, thereby providing users with an intuitive and quick method of accessing information relevant to the institution and its collection. As Mona library manager, Mary Lijnzaad notes, the website MoKnow, “started as a digital version of the old school vertical filing cabinets… it was simply a way of not having to store vast amounts of physical information.” However, six years after the original site's creation, the website's purpose and scope continues to evolve in response to the changing nature of online resources and the demands of the institution. The paper will also examine some of the challenges and restrictions associated with using such sites, including copyright, ownership, changing technologies, and confidentiality concerns.
A Sensitivity Analysis of the Application of Integrated Species Distribution Models to Mobile Species: A Case Study with the Endangered Baird’s Tapir
Authors: Schank Cody J , Cove Michael V , Kelly Marcella J , Nielsen Clayton K , O’Farrill Georgina , Meyer Ninon , Jordan Christopher A , González-Maya Jose F , Lizcano Diego J , Moreno Ricardo , Dobbins Michael , Montalvo Victor , Cruz Díaz Juan Carlos , Pozo Montuy Gilberto , de la Torre J Antonio , Brenes-Mora Esteban , Wood Margot A , Gilbert Jessica , Jetz Walter , Miller Jennifer A
Published: June 2019

Species distribution models (SDMs) are statistical tools used to develop continuous predictions of species occurrence. ‘Integrated SDMs’ (ISDMs) are an elaboration of this approach with potential advantages that allow for the dual use of opportunistically collected presence-only data and site-occupancy data from planned surveys. These models also account for survey bias and imperfect detection through the use of a hierarchical modelling framework that separately estimates the species–environment response and detection process. This is particularly helpful for conservation applications and predictions for rare species, where data are often limited and prediction errors may have significant management consequences. Despite this potential importance, ISDMs remain largely untested under a variety of scenarios. We performed an exploration of key modelling decisions and assumptions on an ISDM using the endangered Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) as a test species. We found that site area had the strongest effect on the magnitude of population estimates and underlying intensity surface and was driven by estimates of model intercepts. Selecting a site area that accounted for the individual movements of the species within an average home range led to population estimates that coincided with expert estimates. ISDMs that do not account for the individual movements of species will likely lead to less accurate estimates of species intensity (number of individuals per unit area) and thus overall population estimates. This bias could be severe and highly detrimental to conservation actions if uninformed ISDMs are used to estimate global populations of threatened and data-deficient species, particularly those that lack natural history and movement information. However, the ISDM was consistently the most accurate model compared to other approaches, which demonstrates the importance of this new modelling framework and the ability to combine opportunistic data with systematic survey data. Thus, we recommend researchers use ISDMs with conservative movement information when estimating population sizes of rare and data-deficient species. ISDMs could be improved by using a similar parameterization to spatial capture–recapture models that explicitly incorporate animal movement as a model parameter, which would further remove the need for spatial subsampling prior to implementation.
The long non-coding RNA SNHG1 promotes glioma progression by competitively binding to miR-194 to regulate PHLDA1 expression
Authors: Liu Liang , Shi Yan , Shi Jia , Wang Haiyang , Sheng Yujing , Jiang Qianqian , Chen Hua , Li Xiaojian , Dong Jun
Published: June 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in tumourigenesis, including that of glioma. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) is a relatively novel lncRNA that is involved in the development of multiple human tumours. However, its underlying molecular mechanism in glioma has not been completely clarified. In this study, we show that SNHG1 is overexpressed in glioma tissues and cell lines. A series of functional assays suggested that SNHG1 promotes glioma progression in vitro and in vivo. Next, through online databases, a luciferase reporter assay and an RNA pull-down assay, we confirmed that SNHG1 functions as a sponge for miR-194, which acts as a suppressor in glioma. We also verified that pleckstrin homology like domain family A, member 1 (PHLDA1) is the functional target of miR-194. Moreover, rescue experiments demonstrated that SNHG1 regulates PHLDA1 expression in a miR-194-dependent manner. Taken together, our study shows that SNHG1 promotes glioma progression by competitively binding to miR-194 to regulate PHLDA1 expression, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for glioma.
Activation of PTEN by inhibition of TRPV4 suppresses colon cancer development
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Peng , Xie Chuanming , Sham Kathy W. Y. , Ng Simon S. M. , Chen Yangchao , Cheng Christopher H. K.
Published: June 2019

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel that is known to be an osmosensor and thermosensor. Currently, limited evidence shows that TRPV4 plays opposite roles in either promoting or inhibiting cancer development in different cancer types. Furthermore, the precise biological functions and the underlying mechanisms of TRPV4 in carcinogenesis are still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that TRPV4 is upregulated in colon cancer and associated with poor prognosis. Contrary to the reported cell death-promoting activity of TRPV4 in certain cancer cells, TRPV4 positively regulates cell survival in human colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of TRPV4 affects the cell cycle progression from the G1 to S phase through modulating the protein expression of D-type cyclins. Apoptosis and autophagy induced by TRPV4 silencing attenuate cell survival and potentiate the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapeutics against colon cancer cells. In addition, PTEN is activated by inhibition of TRPV4 as indicated by the dephosphorylation and increased nuclear localization. Knockdown of PTEN significantly abrogates TRPV4 silencing induced growth inhibition and recovers the capability of clonogenicity, as well as reduced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Thus, PTEN regulates the antigrowth effects induced by TRPV4 inhibition through both phosphatase-dependent and independent mechanisms. In conclusion, inhibition of TRPV4 suppresses colon cancer development via activation of PTEN pathway. This finding suggests that downregulation of TPRV4 expression or activity would conceivably constitute a novel approach for the treatment of human colon cancer.
Transcriptomic profiling reveals p53 as a key regulator of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: McSweeney K. Melodi , Bozza William P. , Alterovitz Wei-Lun , Zhang Baolin
Published: June 2019

Doxorubicin is an important anticancer drug in the clinic. Unfortunately, it causes cumulative and dose-dependent cardiotoxic side effects. As the population of cancer survivors who have been exposed to treatment continues to grow, there is increased interest in assessing the long-term cardiac effects of doxorubicin and understanding the underlying mechanisms at play. In this study, we investigated doxorubicin-induced transcriptomic changes using RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) and a cellular model comprised of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Analyses of predicted upstream regulators identified the p53 protein as a key regulator of transcriptomic changes induced by doxorubicin. Clustering and pathway analyses showed that increased death receptor (DR) expression and enrichment of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway are significantly associated with doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Increased expression of p53 and DRs were confirmed via immunoblotting. Our data pinpoints increased DR expression as an early transcriptomic indicator of cardiotoxicity, suggesting that DR expression might function as a predictive biomarker for cardiac damage.
LncRNA-p21 alters the antiandrogen enzalutamide-induced prostate cancer neuroendocrine differentiation via modulating the EZH2/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Luo Jie , Wang Keliang , Yeh Shuyuan , Sun Yin , Liang Liang , Xiao Yao , Xu Wanhai , Niu Yuanjie , Cheng Liang , Maity Sankar N. , Jiang Runze , Chang Chawnshang
Published: June 2019

While the antiandrogen enzalutamide (Enz) extends the castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients’ survival an extra 4.8 months, it might also result in some adverse effects via inducing the neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). Here we found that lncRNA-p21 is highly expressed in the NEPC patients derived xenograft tissues (NEPC-PDX). Results from cell lines and human clinical sample surveys also revealed that lncRNA-p21 expression is up-regulated in NEPC and Enz treatment could increase the lncRNA-p21 to induce the NED. Mechanism dissection revealed that Enz could promote the lncRNA-p21 transcription via altering the androgen receptor (AR) binding to different androgen-response-elements, which switch the EZH2 function from histone-methyltransferase to non-histone methyltransferase, consequently methylating the STAT3 to promote the NED. Preclinical studies using the PDX mouse model proved that EZH2 inhibitor could block the Enz-induced NED. Together, these results suggest targeting the Enz/AR/lncRNA-p21/EZH2/STAT3 signaling may help urologists to develop a treatment for better suppression of the human CRPC progression.
Feedback inhibition of cAMP effector signaling by a chaperone-assisted ubiquitin system
Authors: Rinaldi Laura , Delle Donne Rossella , Catalanotti Bruno , Torres-Quesada Omar , Enzler Florian , Moraca Federica , Nisticò Robert , Chiuso Francesco , Piccinin Sonia , Bachmann Verena , Lindner Herbert H , Garbi Corrado , Scorziello Antonella , Russo Nicola Antonino , Synofzik Matthis , Stelzl Ulrich , Annunziato Lucio , Stefan Eduard , Feliciello Antonio
Published: June 2019

Activation of G-protein coupled receptors elevates cAMP levels promoting dissociation of protein kinase A (PKA) holoenzymes and release of catalytic subunits (PKAc). This results in PKAc-mediated phosphorylation of compartmentalized substrates that control central aspects of cell physiology. The mechanism of PKAc activation and signaling have been largely characterized. However, the modes of PKAc inactivation by regulated proteolysis were unknown. Here, we identify a regulatory mechanism that precisely tunes PKAc stability and downstream signaling. Following agonist stimulation, the recruitment of the chaperone-bound E3 ligase CHIP promotes ubiquitylation and proteolysis of PKAc, thus attenuating cAMP signaling. Genetic inactivation of CHIP or pharmacological inhibition of HSP70 enhances PKAc signaling and sustains hippocampal long-term potentiation. Interestingly, primary fibroblasts from autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 16 (SCAR16) patients carrying germline inactivating mutations of CHIP show a dramatic dysregulation of PKA signaling. This suggests the existence of a negative feedback mechanism for restricting hormonally controlled PKA activities.
Polymer-tetrodotoxin conjugates to induce prolonged duration local anesthesia with minimal toxicity
Authors: Zhao Chao , Liu Andong , Santamaria Claudia M. , Shomorony Andre , Ji Tianjiao , Wei Tuo , Gordon Akiva , Elofsson Hannes , Mehta Manisha , Yang Rong , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: June 2019

There is clinical and scientific interest in developing local anesthetics with prolonged durations of effect from single injections. The need for such is highlighted by the current opioid epidemic. Site 1 sodium channel blockers such as tetrodotoxin (TTX) are extremely potent, and can provide very long nerve blocks but the duration is limited by the associated systemic toxicity. Here we report a system where slow release of TTX conjugated to a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly(triol dicarboxylic acid)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) (TDP), is achieved by hydrolysis of ester linkages. Nerve block by the released TTX is enhanced by administration in a carrier with chemical permeation enhancer (CPE) properties. TTX release can be adjusted by tuning the hydrophilicity of the TDP polymer backbone. In vivo, 1.0–80.0 µg of TTX released from these polymers produced a range of durations of nerve block, from several hours to 3 days, with minimal systemic or local toxicity.
Metal-organic framework crystal-glass composites
Authors: Hou Jingwei , Ashling Christopher W. , Collins Sean M. , Krajnc Andraž , Zhou Chao , Longley Louis , Johnstone Duncan N. , Chater Philip A. , Li Shichun , Coulet Marie-Vanessa , Llewellyn Philip L. , Coudert François-Xavier , Keen David A. , Midgley Paul A. , Mali Gregor , Chen Vicki , Bennett Thomas D.
Published: June 2019

The majority of research into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) focuses on their crystalline nature. Recent research has revealed solid-liquid transitions within the family, which we use here to create a class of functional, stable and porous composite materials. Described herein is the design, synthesis, and characterisation of MOF crystal-glass composites, formed by dispersing crystalline MOFs within a MOF-glass matrix. The coordinative bonding and chemical structure of a MIL-53 crystalline phase are preserved within the ZIF-62 glass matrix. Whilst separated phases, the interfacial interactions between the closely contacted microdomains improve the mechanical properties of the composite glass. More significantly, the high temperature open pore phase of MIL-53, which spontaneously transforms to a narrow pore upon cooling in the presence of water, is stabilised at room temperature in the crystal-glass composite. This leads to a significant improvement of CO2 adsorption capacity.
Characteristic fast H− ion conduction in oxygen-substituted lanthanum hydride
Authors: Fukui Keiga , Iimura Soshi , Tada Tomofumi , Fujitsu Satoru , Sasase Masato , Tamatsukuri Hiromu , Honda Takashi , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Hosono Hideo
Published: June 2019

Fast ionic conductors have considerable potential to enable technological development for energy storage and conversion. Hydride (H−) ions are a unique species because of their natural abundance, light mass, and large polarizability. Herein, we investigate characteristic H− conduction, i.e., fast ionic conduction controlled by a pre-exponential factor. Oxygen-doped LaH3 (LaH3−2xOx) has an optimum ionic conductivity of 2.6 × 10−2 S cm−1, which to the best of our knowledge is the highest H− conductivity reported to date at intermediate temperatures. With increasing oxygen content, the relatively high activation energy remains unchanged, whereas the pre-exponential factor decreases dramatically. This extraordinarily large pre-exponential factor is explained by introducing temperature-dependent enthalpy, derived from H− trapped by lanthanum ions bonded to oxygen ions. Consequently, light mass and large polarizability of H−, and the framework comprising densely packed H− in LaH3−2xOx are crucial factors that impose significant temperature dependence on the potential energy and implement characteristic fast H− conduction.
Directed propulsion of spherical particles along three dimensional helical trajectories
Authors: Lee Jin Gyun , Brooks Allan M. , Shelton William A. , Bishop Kyle J. M. , Bharti Bhuvnesh
Published: June 2019

Active colloids are a class of microparticles that ‘swim’ through fluids by breaking the symmetry of the force distribution on their surfaces. Our ability to direct these particles along complex trajectories in three-dimensional (3D) space requires strategies to encode the desired forces and torques at the single particle level. Here, we show that spherical colloids with metal patches of low symmetry self-propel along non-linear 3D trajectories when powered remotely by an alternating current (AC) electric field. In particular, particles with triangular patches of approximate mirror symmetry trace helical paths along the axis of the field. We demonstrate that the speed and shape of the particle’s trajectory can be tuned by the applied field strength and the patch geometry. We show that helical motion can enhance particle transport through porous materials with implications for the design of microrobots that can navigate complex environments.
Duets recorded in the wild reveal that interindividually coordinated motor control enables cooperative behavior
Authors: Hoffmann Susanne , Trost Lisa , Voigt Cornelia , Leitner Stefan , Lemazina Alena , Sagunsky Hannes , Abels Markus , Kollmansperger Sandra , Maat Andries Ter , Gahr Manfred
Published: June 2019

Many organisms coordinate rhythmic motor actions with those of a partner to generate cooperative social behavior such as duet singing. The neural mechanisms that enable rhythmic interindividual coordination of motor actions are unknown. Here we investigate the neural basis of vocal duetting behavior by using an approach that enables simultaneous recordings of individual vocalizations and multiunit vocal premotor activity in songbird pairs ranging freely in their natural habitat. We find that in the duet-initiating bird, the onset of the partner’s contribution to the duet triggers a change in rhythm in the periodic neural discharges that are exclusively locked to the initiating bird’s own vocalizations. The resulting interindividually synchronized neural activity pattern elicits vocalizations that perfectly alternate between partners in the ongoing song. We suggest that rhythmic cooperative behavior requires exact interindividual coordination of premotor neural activity, which might be achieved by integration of sensory information originating from the interacting partner.
The structural basis for release-factor activation during translation termination revealed by time-resolved cryogenic electron microscopy
Authors: Fu Ziao , Indrisiunaite Gabriele , Kaledhonkar Sandip , Shah Binita , Sun Ming , Chen Bo , Grassucci Robert A. , Ehrenberg Måns , Frank Joachim
Published: June 2019

When the ribosome encounters a stop codon, it recruits a release factor (RF) to hydrolyze the ester bond between the peptide chain and tRNA. RFs have structural motifs that recognize stop codons in the decoding center and a GGQ motif for induction of hydrolysis in the peptidyl transfer center 70 Å away. Surprisingly, free RF2 is compact, with only 20 Å between its codon-reading and GGQ motifs. Cryo-EM showed that ribosome-bound RFs have extended structures, suggesting that RFs are compact when entering the ribosome and then extend their structures upon stop codon recognition. Here we use time-resolved cryo-EM to visualize transient compact forms of RF1 and RF2 at 3.5 and 4 Å resolution, respectively, in the codon-recognizing ribosome complex on the native pathway. About 25% of complexes have RFs in the compact state at 24 ms reaction time, and within 60 ms virtually all ribosome-bound RFs are transformed to their extended forms.
Transcriptomic profiles conducive to immune-mediated tumor rejection in human breast cancer skin metastases treated with Imiquimod
Authors: Rozenblit Mariya , Hendrickx Wouter , Heguy Adriana , Chiriboga Luis , Loomis Cynthia , Ray Karina , Darvishian Farbod , Egeblad Mikala , Demaria Sandra , Marincola Francesco M. , Bedognetti Davide , Adams Sylvia
Published: June 2019

Imiquimod is a topical toll-like-receptor-7 agonist currently used for treating basal cell carcinoma. Recently, imiquimod has demonstrated tumor regression in melanoma and breast cancer skin metastases. However, the molecular perturbations induced by imiquimod in breast cancer metastases have not been previously characterized. Here, we describe transcriptomic profiles associated with responsiveness to imiquimod in breast cancer skin metastases. Baseline and post-treatment tumor samples from patients treated with imiquimod in a clinical trial were profiled using Nanostring technology. Through an integrative analytic pipeline, we showed that tumors from patients who achieved a durable clinical response displayed a permissive microenvironment, substantiated by the upregulation of transcripts encoding for molecules involved in leukocyte adhesion and migration, cytotoxic functions, and antigen presentation. In responding patients, Imiquimod triggered a strong T-helper-1 (Th-1)/cytotoxic immune response, characterized by the coordinated upregulation of Th-1 chemokines, migration of Th-1 and cytotoxic T cells into the tumor, and activation of immune-effector functions, ultimately mediating tumor destruction. In conclusion, we have shown that topical imiquimod can induce a robust immune response in breast cancer metastases, and this response is more likely to occur in tumors with a pre-activated microenvironment. In this setting, imiquimod could be utilized in combination with other targeted immunotherapies to increase therapeutic efficacy.