bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cdk5-mediated Drp1 phosphorylation drives mitochondrial defects and neuronal apoptosis in radiation-induced optic neuropathy
Authors: Rong Rong , Xia Xiaobo , Peng Haiqin , Li Haibo , You Mengling , Liang Zhuotao , Yao Fei , Yao Xueyan , Xiong Kun , Huang Jufang , Zhou Rongrong , Ji Dan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRadiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) is a devastating complication following external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) that leads to acute vision loss. To date, no efficient, available treatment for this complication, due partly to the lack of understanding regarding the developmental processes behind RION. Here, we report radiation caused changes in mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the mitochondrial fission proteins dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and fission-1 (Fis1). Concurrent with an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both neuronal injury and visual dysfunction resulted. Further, our findings delineate an important mechanism by which cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-mediated phosphorylation of Drp1 (Ser616) regulates defects in mitochondrial dynamics associated with neuronal injury in the development of RION. Both the pharmacological inhibition of Cdk5 by roscovitine and the inhibition of Drp1 by mdivi-1 inhibited mitochondrial fission and the production of ROS associated with radiation-induced neuronal loss. Taken together, these findings may have clinical significance in preventing the development of RION.
ASC modulates HIF-1α stability and induces cell mobility in OSCC
Authors: Wu Chi-Sheng , Chang Ian Yi-Feng , Hung Jui-lung , Liao Wei-Chao , Lai Yi-Ru , Chang Kai-Ping , Li Hsin-Pai , Chang Yu-Sun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHigh-level expression of ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) leads to lymph node metastasis in OSCC, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that HIF-1α participates in ASC-induced metastasis. We identified 195 cell-motion-associated genes that were highly activated in ASC-overexpressed SAS_ASC cells; of them, 14 representative genes were found to be overexpressed in OSCC tissues in our previously reported RNA-seq dataset, OSCC-Taiwan. Nine of the 14 genes were also upregulated in OSCC-TCGA samples. Among the nine genes, RRAS2, PDGFA, and VEGFA, were correlated with poor overall survival of patients in OSCC-TCGA dataset. We further demonstrated that the promoters of these 14 ASC-induced genes contained binding motifs for the transcription-regulating factor, HIF-1α. We observed that ASC interacted with and stabilized HIF-1α in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus under normoxia. Molecules involved in the HIF-1α pathway, such as VHL and PHD2, showed no difference in their gene and protein levels in the presence or absence of ASC, but the expression of HIF-1α-OH, and the ubiquitination of HIF-1α were both decreased in SAS_ASC cells versus SAS_con cells. The migration and invasion activities of SAS_ASC cells were reduced when cells were treated with the HIF-1α synthesis inhibitor, digoxin. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the novel ASC-HIF-1α regulatory pathway contributes to lymph node metastasis in OSCC, potentially suggesting a new treatment strategy for OSCC.
In vitro generation of functional murine heart organoids via FGF4 and extracellular matrix
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Sutani Akito , Kaneko Rin , Takeuchi Jun , Sasano Tetsuo , Kohda Takashi , Ihara Kensuke , Takahashi Kentaro , Yamazoe Masahiro , Morio Tomohiro , Furukawa Tetsushi , Ishino Fumitoshi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOur understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of cardiogenesis is hindered by the difficulties in modeling this complex organ currently by in vitro models. Here we develop a method to generate heart organoids from mouse embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies. Consecutive morphological changes proceed in a self-organizing manner in the presence of the laminin-entactin (LN/ET) complex and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4), and the resulting in vitro heart organoid possesses atrium- and ventricle-like parts containing cardiac muscle, conducting tissues, smooth muscle and endothelial cells that exhibited myocardial contraction and action potentials. The heart organoids exhibit ultrastructural, histochemical and gene expression characteristics of considerable similarity to those of developmental hearts in vivo. Our results demonstrate that this method not only provides a biomimetic model of the developing heart-like structure with simplified differentiation protocol, but also represents a promising research tool with a broad range of applications, including drug testing.
Structural Luneburg lens for broadband cloaking and wave guiding
Authors: Zhao Liuxian , Yu Miao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the concept of structural Luneburg lens (SLL) as a design framework for performing dynamic structural tailoring to obtain a structural wave cloak and a structural waveguide. The SLL is a graded refractive index lens, which is realized by using a variable thickness structure defined in a thin plate. Due to the thickness variation of the plate, the refractive index decreases radially from the centre to the outer surface of the lens. By taking advantage of the unique capabilities of SLL for flexural wave focusing and collimation, we develop a structural wave cloak and waveguide based on SLLs. The SLL design enables the integration of functional devices into thin-walled structures while preserving the structural characteristics. Analytical, numerical, and experimental studies are carried out to characterize the performance of the SLL cloak and the SLL waveguide. The results demonstrate that these SLL devices exhibit excellent performance for structural wave cloaking and waveguiding over a broadband operating frequency range.
Dietary intake and nutritional status of patients with phenylketonuria in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Hui-Ling , Yang Feng-Jung , Chen Pey-Rong , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Lee Ni-Chung , Chien Yin-Hsiu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPhenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency leads to phenylalanine accumulation and results in phenylketonuria (PKU). Phenylketonuria can contribute to severe inability such as mental impairment. Early diagnosis and dietary intervention can have beneficial effects on maintaining normal neural and cognitive function in patients with PKU. However, a long-term low phenylalanine diet may put children at risk of malnutrition. A food supplement was therefore used for children with PKU under dietician supervision according to dietary reference intakes (DRIs). In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled patients with PKU and age-matched controls to compare their anthropometry data [weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)], and correlated it with their dietary intake based on 24-h dietary recall. For continuous parameters, the data were expressed as median ± standard deviation (SD), and the Mann–Whitney U test was used to test the difference among the groups. Correlation by natural proteins, body fat, and fat-free mass were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Twenty-two participants diagnosed with PKU (ages 8–27 years; mean 15.23 ± 5.23) and a control group of 22 non-PKU participants (ages 8–39 years; mean 19.73 ± 10.6) were recruited for this study. Between the two groups of participants, no significant difference was found in height, weight, BMI, muscle mass, or fat mass. The percentage of natural protein has no effect on body composition. We found a significant positive correlation between the total protein intake percentage of DRIs and muscle mass (r = 0.491, p = 0.020) and a significant negative correlation in the total protein intake percentage of DRIs and fat mass (r = -0.475, p = 0.025) in participants with PKU. There were no significant differences in body composition and nutrition intake between patients with PKU (under metabolic control) and healthy subjects. Thus, giving proper nutrition treatment may have beneficial effects on body growth and nutrition status in patients with PKU in Taiwan.
Lidar observations of large-amplitude mountain waves in the stratosphere above Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Authors: Kaifler N. , Kaifler B. , Dörnbrack A. , Rapp M. , Hormaechea J. L. , de la Torre A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLarge-amplitude internal gravity waves were observed using Rayleigh lidar temperature soundings above Rio Grande, Argentina ($$54^\circ \; \hbox {S}$$

54
∘

S

, $$68^\circ \; \hbox {W}$$

68
∘

W

), in the period 16–23 June 2018. Temperature perturbations in the upper stratosphere amounted to 80 K peak-to-peak and potential energy densities exceeded 400 J/kg. The measured amplitudes and phase alignments agree well with operational analyses and short-term forecasts of the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), implying that these quasi-steady gravity waves resulted from the airflow across the Andes. We estimate gravity wave momentum fluxes larger than 100 mPa applying independent methods to both lidar data and IFS model data. These mountain waves deposited momentum at the inner edge of the polar night jet and led to a long-lasting deceleration of the stratospheric flow. The accumulated mountain wave drag affected the stratospheric circulation several thousand kilometers downstream. In the 2018 austral winter, mountain wave events of this magnitude contributed more than 30% of the total potential energy density, signifying their importance by perturbing the stratospheric polar vortex.
Mapping QTL for summer dormancy related traits in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)
Authors: Talukder Shyamal K. , Bhamidimarri Suresh , Chekhovskiy Konstantin , Saha Malay C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSummer dormancy is an important stress avoidance mechanism of cool season perennial grasses to persist well under harsh summer conditions. QTL associated with summer-dormancy related traits in tall fescue has significant breeding implications. An F1 pseudo testcross population was developed by crossing a Mediterranean (103-2) to a Continental parent (R43-64). The population was genotyped using 2,000 SSR and DArT markers. Phenotyping was done in growth chambers and in two Oklahoma, USA locations. Total length of R43-64 and 103-2 maps were 1,956 cM and 1,535 cM, respectively. Seventy-seven QTL were identified in the male and 46 in the female parent maps. The phenotypic variability explained by the QTL ranged between 9.91 and 32.67%. Among all the QTL, five summer dormancy related putative QTL were identified in R43-64 linkage groups (LGs) 4, 5, 12, 20 and 22 and two in 103-2 LGs 5 and 17. All the putative summer dormant QTL regions in male map showed pleiotropic responses and epistatic interactions with other summer dormant and stress responsive QTL regions for plant height, new leaf and dry biomass weight. The flanking markers related to the QTL reported in this study will be useful to improve tall fescue persistence in dry areas through marker-assisted breeding.
Comparison of paraspinal muscle degeneration and decompression effect between conventional open and minimal invasive approaches for posterior lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Fu Chen-Ju , Chen Wen-Chien , Lu Meng-Ling , Cheng Chih-Hsiu , Niu Chi-Chien 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLaminotomy and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is usually used to treat unstable spinal stenosis. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can cause less muscle injury than conventional open surgery (COS). The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of postoperative fatty degeneration in the paraspinal muscles and the spinal decompression between COS and MIS based on MRI. Forty-six patients received laminotomy and TLIF (21 COS, 25 MIS) from February 2016 to January 2017 were included in this study. Lumbar MRI was performed within 3 months before surgery and 1 year after surgery to compare muscle-fat-index (MFI) change of the paraspinal muscles and the dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCAS) change. The average MFI change at L2–S1 erector spinae muscle was significantly greater in the COS group (27.37 ± 21.37% vs. 14.13 ± 19.19%, P = 0.044). A significant MFI change difference between the COS and MIS group was also found in the erector spinae muscle at the caudal adjacent level (54.47 ± 37.95% vs. 23.60 ± 31.59%, P = 0.016). DSCSA improvement was significantly greater in the COS group (128.15 ± 39.83 mm2 vs. 78.15 ± 38.5 mm2, P = 0.0005). COS is associated with more prominent fatty degeneration of the paraspinal muscles. Statically significant post-operative MFI change was only noted in erector spinae muscle at caudal adjacent level and L2–S1 mean global level. COS produces a greater area of decompression on follow up MRI than MIS with no statistical significance on clinical grounds.
MR imaging of venous malformations: sciatic nerve infiltration patterns and involved muscle groups
Authors: Goldann Constantin , Helm Maximilian , Uller Wibke , Fellner Claudia , Hammer Simone , Deistung Andreas , Gussew Alexander , Rosendahl Jonas , Wildgruber Moritz , Wohlgemuth Walther A. , Brill Richard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to provide an MRI-based examination framework of venous malformations (VMs) infiltrating the sciatic nerve and determine the frequency of nerve infiltration patterns and muscle involvement in correlation to the patients’ quality of life. Pelvic and lower limb MR images of 378 patients with vascular malformations were examined retrospectively. Pain levels and restriction of motion were evaluated with a questionnaire. Cross-sectional areas of affected nerves were compared at standardized anatomical landmarks. Intraneural infiltration patterns and involvement of muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve were documented. Sciatic nerve infiltration occurred in 23/299 patients (7.7%) with VM. In all cases (23/23; 100%), gluteal or hamstring muscles surrounding the nerve were affected by the VM. Infiltrated nerves were enlarged and showed signal alterations (T2-hyperintensity) compared to the unaffected side. Enlarged nerve cross-sectional areas were associated with elevated pain levels. Three nerve infiltration patterns were observed: subepineurial (12/23; 52.2%), subparaneurial (6/23; 26.1%) and combined (5/23; 21.7%) infiltration. This study provides a clinically relevant assessment for sciatic nerve infiltration patterns and muscle involvement of VMs, while suggesting that VMs in gluteal and hamstring muscles require closer investigation of the sciatic nerve by the radiologist.
MiR-489 aggravates H2O2-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via inhibiting IGF1
Authors: Tang Shan , Zhong Hongyan , Xiong Ting , Yang Xinquan , Mao Yongqing , Wang Daxin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major type of cardiovascular disorder worldwide. In the present study, we established a new microRNA (miRNA)–mRNA cross-talk network by integrating data obtained from The National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI GEO). In addition, functional assays, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses, were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integration Discovery (DAVID). In our study, we generated a new differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiRNA)-differentially expressed gene (DEG) cross-talk network of MI composed of three miRNA (miR-489, miR-375, and miR-142-3p) nodes and 163 mRNA nodes. In vitro experiments demonstrated that miR-489 expression was increased in H2O2-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes in vitro, mimicking myocardial injury. We observed that down-regulation of miR-489 reduced H2O2-induced apoptosis, while overexpression of miR-489 had the opposite effects, as revealed by flow cytometry and Western blot analyses. Furthermore, we confirmed the relationship between miR-489 and IGF1 through double luciferase reporter gene assays, which partly explains the antiapoptotic mechanism of miR-489. In conclusion, the experimental results of the present study could provide important clues for investigating the mechanism of MI.
Cognitive and Linguistic Contributions to Masked Speech Recognition in Children
Authors: McCreery Ryan W. , Miller Margaret K. , Buss Emily , Leibold Lori J. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose
The goal of this study was to examine the effects of cognitive and linguistic skills on masked speech recognition for children with normal hearing in three different masking conditions: (a) speech-shaped noise (SSN), (b) amplitude-modulated SSN (AMSSN), and (c) two-talker speech (TTS). We hypothesized that children with better working memory and language skills would have better masked speech recognition than peers with poorer skills in these areas. Selective attention was predicted to affect performance in the TTS masker due to increased cognitive demands from informational masking.

Method
A group of 60 children in two age groups (5- to 6-year-olds and 9- to 10-year-olds) with normal hearing completed sentence recognition in SSN, AMSSN, and TTS masker conditions. Speech recognition thresholds for 50% correct were measured. Children also completed standardized measures of language, memory, and executive function.

Results
Children's speech recognition was poorer in the TTS relative to the SSN and AMSSN maskers. Older children had lower speech recognition thresholds than younger children for all masker conditions. Greater language abilities were associated with better sentence recognition for the younger children in all masker conditions, but there was no effect of language for older children. Better working memory and selective attention skills were associated with better masked sentence recognition for both age groups, but only in the TTS masker condition.

Conclusions
The decreasing influence of vocabulary on masked speech recognition for older children supports the idea that this relationship depends on an interaction between the language level of the stimuli and the listener's vocabulary. Increased cognitive demands associated with perceptually isolating the target talker and two competing masker talkers with a TTS masker may result in the recruitment of working memory and selective attention skills, effects that were not observed in SSN or AMSSN maskers. Future research should evaluate these effects across a broader range of stimuli or with children who have hearing loss.
Improved detection method for traffic signs in real scenes applied in intelligent and connected vehicles
Authors: Du Luyao , Ji Jun , Pei Zhonghui , Zheng Hongjiang , Fu Shuaizhi , Kong Haiyang , Chen Wei 
Published: September 2020

Detecting traffic signs is an essential task for intelligent and connected vehicles. In this study, a modified model based on the method of You Only Look Once (YOLO) is proposed for detecting different types of Chinese signs, including mandatory, prohibitory, danger warning, guide, and tourist signs. Images of Chinese traffic signs are collected in real scenes and a new dataset is established. The modified model combines the DenseNet method with the YOLOv3 network. Dense blocks are used to strengthen feature propagation and promote feature reuse in those feature layers with low resolution in the YOLOv3 network. Experimental results on the test dataset reveal that the average precision of the modified model, the original YOLOv3, and the YOLOv2 networks are 95.92, 94.59, and 89.39%, respectively. Further comparative analyses that give more detailed experimental evaluation results are conducted on the designed model, including (i) the performance of the designed model based on five categories; (ii) the influence of training set size on the designed model; (iii) the performance of the designed model on occlusion and no object conditions in real scenes. The experimental results show that the modified model is effective at fast and accurate Chinese traffic sign detection in real scenes.
Fundamental grid impedance estimation using grid‐connected inverters: a comparison of two frequency‐based estimation techniques
Authors: Mohammed Nabil , Ciobotaru Mihai , Town Graham 
Published: September 2020

With the continuous increase in distributed energy resources that are being integrated into the utility grid, it becomes necessary for inverters to estimate the grid impedance online to be used for several applications. Despite the fact that online grid impedance estimation techniques using grid‐connected inverters gained more attention recently, no comprehensive study has been evaluating the performance of different estimation techniques under several grid conditions. This study proposes an extensive comparison to assess the accuracy of two online frequency‐based grid impedance estimation techniques at the fundamental frequency. These two techniques are based on the 75 Hz frequency injection technique and pseudo‐random binary sequence injection, respectively. Results from MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS RT Box present the advantages and disadvantages of these estimation techniques and the required trade‐offs. This comparison study analyses the effects of disturbance magnitude and its injection time, the variation of grid impedance and non‐ideal grid voltage. Furthermore, solutions are proposed to enhance the estimation accuracy of both techniques for non‐ideal grid voltage containing inter‐harmonics and sub‐harmonics. The study concludes with recommendations regarding the best use of these two frequency‐based grid impedance estimation techniques to suit a particular low voltage grid scenario.
Transarterielle periartikuläre Embolisation (TAPE): klinischer Einsatz und erste Erfahrungen in Deutschland
Authors: Katoh Marcus , Schott Peter , Freyhardt Patrick , Feyen Ludger , Ziegler Henrike-Renate , Kraft Clayton 
Published: September 2020

Ziel Anhand von Fallbeispielen sollen die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten, Technik und initialen Ergebnisse der transarteriellen periartikulären Embolisation (TAPE) dargestellt werden.
Material und Methoden Die TAPE wurde bei 3 Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen an unterschiedlichen Gelenken angewendet. Im ersten Fall lag eine aktivierte Arthrose des Schultergelenks, im zweiten Fall eine Epicondylitis humeri ulnaris („Golfer-Ellenbogen“) und im dritten Fall ein Patellaspitzensyndrom („Jumpers Knee“) vor.
Ergebnisse Bei allen 3 Patienten konnte die TAPE technisch erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. Dabei wurden entweder durch einen transradialen oder transfemoralen Zugang die Endäste der entsprechenden Gelenkarterien superselektiv mittels Mikrokatheter sondiert und mit in Kontrastmittel aufgelöstem Imipenem/Cilastatin embolisiert. Postinterventionell kam es bei der Behandlung des Kniegelenks zu einer Hautrötung, die sich innerhalb einer Woche wieder zurückbildete. Weitere Komplikationen traten nicht auf. Bei allen Patienten zeigte sich bereits am ersten postoperativen Tag eine Linderung der Beschwerden, die anhand von klinischen Tests und der subjektiven Einschätzung der Schmerzen auf einer visuellen Analogskala dokumentiert werden konnte.
Schlussfolgerung Die initialen Erfahrungen, die in unserer Klinik mit der TAPE gemacht werden konnten, sind ermutigend und zeigen, dass das Verfahren das Potenzial zur Erweiterung der gering invasiven Therapieoptionen bei Patienten mit therapierefraktären chronischen Gelenkschmerzen und Enthesiopathien hat.
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