bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electric field assisted motion of a mercury droplet
Authors: Holló Gábor , Suematsu Nobuhiko J. , Ginder Elliott , Lagzi István 
Published: February 2021

AbstractField-assisted self-assembly, motion, and manipulation of droplets have gained much attention in the past decades. We exhibit an electric field manipulation of the motion of a liquid metal (mercury) droplet submerged in a conductive liquid medium (a solution of sulfuric acid). A mercury droplet moves toward the cathode and its path selection is always given by the steepest descent of the local electric field potential. Utilizing this unique behavior, we present several examples of droplet motions, including maze solving, electro-levitation, and motion on a diverted path between parallel electrodes by controlling the conductivity of the medium. We also present an experimental demonstration of Fermat's principle in a non-optical system, namely a mercury droplet moving along a refracted path between electrodes in a domain having two different conductivities.
Algorithmic and human prediction of success in human collaboration from visual features
Authors: Saveski Martin , Awad Edmond , Rahwan Iyad , Cebrian Manuel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs groups are increasingly taking over individual experts in many tasks, it is ever more important to understand the determinants of group success. In this paper, we study the patterns of group success in Escape The Room, a physical adventure game in which a group is tasked with escaping a maze by collectively solving a series of puzzles. We investigate (1) the characteristics of successful groups, and (2) how accurately humans and machines can spot them from a group photo. The relationship between these two questions is based on the hypothesis that the characteristics of successful groups are encoded by features that can be spotted in their photo. We analyze >43K group photos (one photo per group) taken after groups have completed the game—from which all explicit performance-signaling information has been removed. First, we find that groups that are larger, older and more gender but less age diverse are significantly more likely to escape. Second, we compare humans and off-the-shelf machine learning algorithms at predicting whether a group escaped or not based on the completion photo. We find that individual guesses by humans achieve 58.3% accuracy, better than random, but worse than machines which display 71.6% accuracy. When humans are trained to guess by observing only four labeled photos, their accuracy increases to 64%. However, training humans on more labeled examples (eight or twelve) leads to a slight, but statistically insignificant improvement in accuracy (67.4%). Humans in the best training condition perform on par with two, but worse than three out of the five machine learning algorithms we evaluated. Our work illustrates the potentials and the limitations of machine learning systems in evaluating group performance and identifying success factors based on sparse visual cues.
A new framework for MR diffusion tensor distribution
Authors: Magdoom Kulam Najmudeen , Pajevic Sinisa , Dario Gasbarra , Basser Peter J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ability to characterize heterogeneous and anisotropic water diffusion processes within macroscopic MRI voxels non-invasively and in vivo is a desideratum in biology, neuroscience, and medicine. While an MRI voxel may contain approximately a microliter of tissue, our goal is to examine intravoxel diffusion processes on the order of picoliters. Here we propose a new theoretical framework and efficient experimental design to describe and measure such intravoxel structural heterogeneity and anisotropy. We assume that a constrained normal tensor-variate distribution (CNTVD) describes the variability of positive definite diffusion tensors within a voxel which extends its applicability to a wide range of b-values while preserving the richness of diffusion tensor distribution (DTD) paradigm unlike existing models. We introduce a new Monte Carlo (MC) scheme to synthesize realistic 6D DTD numerical phantoms and invert the MR signal. We show that the signal inversion is well-posed and estimate the CNTVD parameters parsimoniously by exploiting the different symmetries of the mean and covariance tensors of CNTVD. The robustness of the estimation pipeline is assessed by adding noise to calculated MR signals and compared with the ground truth. A family of invariant parameters and glyphs which characterize microscopic shape, size and orientation heterogeneity within a voxel are also presented.
Impact of root-associated strains of three Paraburkholderia species on primary and secondary metabolism of Brassica oleracea
Authors: Jeon Je-Seung , Carreno-Quintero Natalia , van Eekelen Henriëtte D. L. M. , De Vos Ric C. H. , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Etalo Desalegn W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeveral root-colonizing bacterial species can simultaneously promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance. How these rhizobacteria modulate plant metabolism to accommodate the carbon and energy demand from these two competing processes is largely unknown. Here, we show that strains of three Paraburkholderia species, P. graminis PHS1 (Pbg), P. hospita mHSR1 (Pbh), and P. terricola mHS1 (Pbt), upon colonization of the roots of two Broccoli cultivars led to cultivar-dependent increases in biomass, changes in primary and secondary metabolism and induced resistance against the bacterial leaf pathogen Xanthomonas campestris. Strains that promoted growth led to greater accumulation of soluble sugars in the shoot and particularly fructose levels showed an increase of up to 280-fold relative to the non-treated control plants. Similarly, a number of secondary metabolites constituting chemical and structural defense, including flavonoids, hydroxycinnamates, stilbenoids, coumarins and lignins, showed greater accumulation while other resource-competing metabolite pathways were depleted. High soluble sugar generation, efficient sugar utilization, and suppression or remobilization of resource-competing metabolites potentially contributed to curb the tradeoff between the carbon and energy demanding processes induced by Paraburkholderia-Broccoli interaction. Collectively, our results provide a comprehensive and integrated view of the temporal changes in plant metabolome associated with rhizobacteria-mediated plant growth promotion and induced resistance.
Size distribution dependence of collective relaxation dynamics in a two-dimensional wet foam
Authors: Yanagisawa Naoya , Kurita Rei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFoams can be ubiquitously observed in nature and in industrial products. Despite the relevance of their properties to deformation, fluidity, and collapse, all of which are essential for applications, there are few experimental studies of collective relaxation dynamics in a wet foam. Here, we directly observe how the relaxation dynamics changes with increasing liquid fraction in both monodisperse and polydisperse two-dimensional foams. As we increase the liquid fraction, we quantitatively characterize the slowing-down of the relaxation, and the increase of the correlation length. We also find two different relaxation modes which depend on the size distribution of the bubbles. It suggests that the bubbles which are simply near to each other play an important role in large rearrangements, not just those in direct contact. Finally, we confirm the generality of our experimental findings by a numerical simulation for the relaxation process of wet foams.
Effects of marathon race on selected myokines and sclerostin in middle-aged male amateur runners
Authors: Śliwicka Ewa , Cisoń Tomasz , Pilaczyńska-Szcześniak Łucja , Ziemba Andrzej , Straburzyńska-Lupa Anna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn recent years, there has been increasing interest in the homeostatic response to extreme exercises, especially in the integrated function of muscle and bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a marathon race on selected myokines and sclerostin in 10 male recreational runners (mean age 41 ± 7.7 years). Body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and the serum concentration of myostatin, irisin, sclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), high-sensitivity interleukin-6 (hsIL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and myoglobin, were determined 24 h before and 24 h and 72 h after a marathon race. Post-marathon increases were observed in the levels of myostatin (1.2-fold), OPG (1.5-fold), and PTH (1.3-fold), hsIL-6 (1.9-fold), myoglobin (4.1-fold), hsCRP (fivefold), TNFα (2.6-fold), after 24 h; and in myostatin (1.2-fold), irisin (1.1-fold), sclerostin (1.3-fold), OPG (1.3-fold), and PTH (1.4-fold), hsIL-6 (1.4-fold), TNFα (1.9-fold), after 72 h compared to the baseline level. The results show that in response to the marathon run, a complex network of endocrine interactions is initiated. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term impact of prolonged high intensity exercise on the human body.
Functional traits explain crayfish invasive success in the Netherlands
Authors: van Kuijk Tiedo , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , van der Hoorn Berry B. , Verdonschot Piet F. M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBiological invasions by nonindigenous species can have negative effects on economies and ecosystems. To limit this impact, current research on biological invasions uses functional traits to facilitate a mechanistic understanding of theoretical and applied questions. Here we aimed to assess the role of functional traits in the progression of crayfish species through different stages of invasion and determine the traits associated with invasive success. A dataset of thirteen functional traits of 15 species currently occurring or available for sale in the Netherlands was evaluated. Six of these crayfish appeared invasive. Important traits distinguishing successful from unsuccessful invaders were a temperate climate in the native range, a medium to high egg count and producing more than one egg clutch per year. The most successful invaders had different functional trait combinations: Procambarus clarkii has a higher reproductive output, can migrate over longer distances and possesses a higher aggression level; Faxonius limosus is adapted to a colder climate, can reproduce parthenogetically and has broader environmental tolerances. Using a suit of functional traits to analyse invasive potential can help risk management and prevention. For example, based on our data Procambarus virginalis is predicted to become the next successful invasive crayfish in the Netherlands.
Automated digital TIL analysis (ADTA) adds prognostic value to standard assessment of depth and ulceration in primary melanoma
Authors: Moore Michael R. , Friesner Isabel D. , Rizk Emanuelle M. , Fullerton Benjamin T. , Mondal Manas , Trager Megan H. , Mendelson Karen , Chikeka Ijeuru , Kurc Tahsin , Gupta Rajarsi , Rohr Bethany R. , Robinson Eric J. , Acs Balazs , Chang Rui , Kluger Harriet , Taback Bret , Geskin Larisa J. , Horst Basil , Gardner Kevin , Niedt George , Celebi Julide T. , Gartrell-Corrado Robyn D. , Messina Jane , Ferringer Tammie , Rimm David L. , Saltz Joel , Wang Jing , Vanguri Rami , Saenger Yvonne M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAccurate prognostic biomarkers in early-stage melanoma are urgently needed to stratify patients for clinical trials of adjuvant therapy. We applied a previously developed open source deep learning algorithm to detect tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images of early-stage melanomas. We tested whether automated digital (TIL) analysis (ADTA) improved accuracy of prediction of disease specific survival (DSS) based on current pathology standards. ADTA was applied to a training cohort (n = 80) and a cutoff value was defined based on a Receiver Operating Curve. ADTA was then applied to a validation cohort (n = 145) and the previously determined cutoff value was used to stratify high and low risk patients, as demonstrated by Kaplan–Meier analysis (p ≤ 0.001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed using ADTA, depth, and ulceration as co-variables and showed that ADTA contributed to DSS prediction (HR: 4.18, CI 1.51–11.58, p = 0.006). ADTA provides an effective and attainable assessment of TILs and should be further evaluated in larger studies for inclusion in staging algorithms.
Systematic review with network meta-analysis of antivascular endothelial growth factor use in managing polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Chi Sheng-Chu , Kang Yi-No , Huang Yi-Ming 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPolypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a vision-threatening disease common in Asian populations. However, the optimal treatment for PCV remains under debate. We searched the databases with optimal searching strategy. The study included randomized clinical trials and prospective studies that recruited patients with active PCV who had received interventions, including PDT, anti-VEGF, or a combination of PDT and anti-VEGF. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used for rating the quality of evidence. Our study included 11 studies involving 1277 patients. The network meta-analysis of RCTs revealed the anti-VEGF group, early combination group, and late combination group had significant BCVA changes compared with the PDT group. Early combination therapy led to a significant decrease in CRT compared with PDT, anti-VEGF, and late combination therapy. Additionally, the early combination group had a significantly higher complete polyp regression rate than the anti-VEGF group. No significant differences were detected in the analysis of the number of anti-VEGF injections and safety profile. This network meta-analysis revealed that early combination therapy exhibited better efficacy related to anatomical outcomes than other therapies. Nonetheless, no significant differences related to BCVA change could be detected between anti-VEGF and late combination therapy.
Discordant phenotypes in twins with infantile nystagmus
Authors: Aamir Abdullah , Kuht Helen J. , McLean Rebecca J. , Maconachie Gail D. E. , Sheth Viral , Dawar Basu , Purohit Ravi , Sylvius Nicolas , Hisaund Michael , Zubcov-Iwantscheff Alina , Proudlock Frank A. , Gottlob Irene , Thomas Mervyn G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInfantile nystagmus (IN) may result from aetiologies including albinism and FRMD7 mutations. IN has low prevalence, and twins with IN are rare. Whilst discordant presentation has been previously reported for IN, we present for the first time the comprehensive assessment of diagnostically discordant monozygotic twins. From a cohort of over 2000 patients, we identified twins and triplets discordant for nystagmus. Using next-generation sequencing, high-resolution infra-red pupil tracking and optical coherence tomography, we characterised differences in genotype and phenotype. Monozygotic twins (n = 1), dizygotic twins (n = 3) and triplets (n = 1) were included. The monozygotic twins had concordant TYR variants. No causative variants were identified in the triplets. Dizygotic twins had discordant variants in TYR, OCA2 and FRMD7. One unaffected co-twin demonstrated sub-clinical nystagmus. Foveal hypoplasia (FH) was noted in four of five probands. Both co-twins of the monozygotic pair and triplets displayed FH. In three families, at least one parent had FH without nystagmus. FH alone may be insufficient to develop nystagmus. Whilst arrested optokinetic reflex pathway development is implicated in IN, discordant twins raise questions regarding where differences in development have arisen. In unaffected monozygotes therefore, genetic variants may predispose to oculomotor instability, with variable expressivity possibly responsible for the discordance observed.
New insights in the expression of stromal caveolin 1 in breast cancer spread to axillary lymph nodes
Authors: Scatena Cristian , Fanelli Giovanni , Fanelli Giuseppe Nicolò , Menicagli Michele , Aretini Paolo , Ortenzi Valerio , Civitelli Sara Piera , Innocenti Lorenzo , Sotgia Federica , Lisanti Michael P. , Naccarato Antonio Giuseppe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that a loss of expression of caveolin in the stromal compartment (sCav-1) of human invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) may be a predictor of disease recurrence, metastasis and poor outcome. At present, there is little knowledge regarding the expression of sCav-1 at the metastatic sites. We therefore studied sCav-1 expression in IBCs and in their axillary lymph nodes to seek a correlation with cancer metastasis. 189 consecutive invasive IBCs (53 with axillary lymph node metastases and 136 without) were studied by immunohistochemistry, using a rabbit polyclonal anti-Cav-1 antibody. In IBCs sCav-1 was evaluated in fibroblasts scattered in the tumor stroma whereas in lymph nodes sCav-1 was assessed in fibroblast-like stromal cells. For the first time, we observed a statistically significant progressive loss of sCav-1 from normal/reactive axillary lymph nodes of tumors limited to the breast to metastatic axillary lymph nodes, through normal/reactive axillary lymph nodes of tumors with axillary metastatic spread. These data indicate that Cav-1 expressed by the stromal compartment of lymph nodes, somehow, may possibly contribute to metastatic spread in IBC.
Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of mass and spaced learning in microsurgical procedures using computer aided assessment
Authors: Teo Wendy Z. W. , Dong Xiaoke , Yusoff Siti Khadijah Bte Mohd , Das De Soumen , Chong Alphonsus K. S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpaced-learning refers to teaching spread over time, compared to mass-learning where the same duration of teaching is completed in one session. Our hypothesis is that spaced-learning is better than mass-learning in retaining microsurgical suturing skills. Medical students were randomized into mass-learning (single 8-h session) and spaced-learning (2-h weekly sessions over 4 weeks) groups. They were taught to place 9 sutures in a 4 mm-wide elastic strip. The primary outcome was precision of suture placement during a test conducted 1 month after completion of sessions. Secondary outcomes were time taken, cumulative performance, and participant satisfaction. 42 students (24 in the mass-learning group; 18 in spaced-learning group) participated. 3 students in the spaced-learning group were later excluded as they did not complete all sessions. Both groups had comparable baseline suturing skills but at 1 month after completion of teaching, the total score for suture placement were higher in spaced-learning group (27.63 vs 31.60,p = 0.04). There was no statistical difference for duration and satisfaction in either group. Both groups showed an improvement in technical performance over the sessions, but this did not differ between both groups. Microsurgical courses are often conducted in mass-learning format so spaced learning offers an alternative that enhances retention of complex surgical skills.
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer has distinctive, non-prostatic HOX code that is represented by the loss of HOXB13 expression
Authors: Cheng Siyuan , Yang Shu , Shi Yingli , Shi Runhua , Yeh Yunshin , Yu Xiuping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHOX gene-encoded homeobox proteins control body patterning during embryonic development; the specific expression pattern of HOX genes may correspond to tissue identity. In this study, using RNAseq data of 1019 human cancer cell lines that originated from 24 different anatomic sites, we established HOX codes for various types of tissues. We applied these HOX codes to the transcriptomic profiles of prostate cancer (PCa) samples and found that the majority of prostate adenocarcinoma (AdPCa) samples sustained a prostate-specific HOX code whereas the majority of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPCa) samples did not, which reflects the anaplastic nature of NEPCa. Also, our analysis showed that the NEPCa samples did not correlate well with the HOX codes of any other tissue types, indicating that NEPCa tumors lose their prostate identities but do not gain new tissue identities. Additionally, using immunohistochemical staining, we evaluated the prostatic expression of HOXB13, the most prominently changed HOX gene in NEPCa. We found that HOXB13 was expressed in both benign prostatic tissues and AdPCa but its expression was reduced or lost in NEPCa. Furthermore, we treated PCa cells with all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and found that the reduced HOXB13 expression can be reverted. This suggests that ATRA is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of NEPCa tumors by reversing them to a more treatable AdPCa.
Smile dimensions affect self-perceived smile attractiveness
Authors: Horn Simone , Matuszewska Natalia , Gkantidis Nikolaos , Verna Carlalberta , Kanavakis Georgios 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFacial expressions play a leading role in human interactions because they provide signaling information of emotion and create social perceptions of an individuals’ physical and personality traits. Smiling increases socially perceived attractiveness and is considered a signal of trustworthiness and intelligence. Despite the ample information regarding the social importance of an attractive smile, little is known about the association between smile characteristics and self-assessed smile attractiveness. Here we investigate the effect of smile dimensions on ratings of self-perceived smile attractiveness, in a group of 613 young adults using 3D facial imaging. We show a significant effect of proportional smile width (ratio of smile width to facial width) on self-perceived smile attractiveness. In fact, for every 10% increase in proportional smile width, self-perceived attractiveness ratings increased by 10.26%. In the present sample, this association was primarily evident in females. Our results indicate that objective characteristics of the smile influence self-perception of smile attractiveness. The increased strength of the effect in females provides support to the notion that females are overall more aware of their smile and the impact it has on their public image.