bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low genetic diversity in captive populations of the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi) revealed by a panel of novel microsatellites
Authors: Chen Guoling , Zheng Chenqing , Wan Nelson , Liu Daoqiang , Fu Vivian Wing Kan , Yang Xu , Yu Yat-tung , Liu Yang 
Published: July 2018

Background. Understanding genetic diversity and population structure is critically important for the conservation and management of endangered species. These factors are particularly relevant for species with small populations and/or restricted ranges, such as the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, Garrulax courtoisi, which has only two wild populations left in Wuyuan, Jiangxi and Simao, Yunnan, China.
Methods. In this study, novel microsatellites markers were developed using whole-genome sequencing of the target species. We genotyped 14 and nine individuals from the Oceanic Park of Hong Kong, which are of unknown origin, and the Nanchang Zoo, which were introduced from the wild Wuyuan population, respectively, using the novel microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity of captive Blue-crowned Laughingthrush populations was estimated based on genetic polymorphisms revealed by a new microsatellite data set and mitochondrial sequences.Then, we characterised the population structure using STRUCTURE, principal coordinates analysis, population assignment test using the microsatellite data, and haplotype analysis of mitochondrial data. Additionally, we quantified genetic relatednessbased on the microsatellite data with ML-Relate.
Results. This is the first study to describe this novel set of 12 microsatellite markers for Blue-crowned Laughingthrush. Our results based on the microsatellite dataset and mitochondrial sequences showed equally low levels of genetic diversity of the two captive Blue-crowned Laughingthrush populations. The population structure analysis, population assignment test using the microsatellite data, and haplotype analysis of the mitochondrial data showed some population structuring between these two populations. The average pairwise relatedness coefficient was not significant, and their genetic relatedness was quantified.
Discussion. This study provided a genetic tool which allowed the first estimate of captive population genetic diversity and relatedness for a critically endangered bird species. Furthermore, our results indicate that we cannot exclude the possibility that the origin of the Hong Kong captive population was the wild Wuyuan population. These results provide valuable knowledge that can help improve conservation management and planning for both captive and wild Blue-crowned Laughingthrush populations.
Integrated analysis of differentially expressed profiles and construction of a competing endogenous long non-coding RNA network in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xing Qianwei , Huang Yeqing , Wu You , Ma Limin , Cai Bo 
Published: July 2018

Background
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by competing in binding to miRNAs, and related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks have been constructed in several cancers. However, the coexpression network has been poorly explored in RCC.

Methods
We collected RCC RNA expression profile data and relevant clinical features from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A cluster analysis was explored to show different lncRNA expression patterns. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to analyze the functions of the intersecting mRNAs. Targetscan and miRanda bioinformatics algorithms were used to predict potential relationships among RNAs. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to determine the RNA expression levels and survival times.

Results
Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the expression profiles of hundreds of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were significantly changed between different stages of tumors and non-tumor groups. By combining the data predicted by databases with intersection RNAs, a ceRNA network consisting of 106 lncRNAs, 26 miRNAs and 69 mRNAs was established. Additionally, a protein interaction network revealed the main hub nodes (VEGFA, NTRK2, DLG2, E2F2, MYB and RUNX1). Furthermore, 63 lncRNAs, four miRNAs and 31 mRNAs were significantly associated with overall survival.

Conclusion
Our results identified cancer-specific lncRNAs and constructed a ceRNA network for RCC. A survival analysis related to the RNAs revealed candidate biomarkers for further study in RCC.
Single channel informed signal separation using artificial‐stereophonic mixtures and exemplar‐guided matrix factor deconvolution
Authors: Al‐Tmeme Ahmed , Woo W. L. , Dlay S. S. , Gao Bin 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a method is proposed to tackle the problem of single channel audio separation. The proposed method leverages on the exemplar source is used to emulate the targeted speech signal. A multicomponent nonnegative matrix factor 2D deconvolution (NMF2D) is proposed to model the temporal and spectral changes and the number of spectral basis of the audio signals. The paper proposes an artificial auxiliary channel to imitate a pair of stereo mixture signals, which is termed as “artificial‐stereophonic mixtures.” The artificial‐stereophonic mixtures and the exemplar source are jointly used to guide the factorization process of the NMF2D. The factorization is adapted under a hybrid framework that combines the generalized expectation–maximization algorithm with multiplicative update adaptation. The proposed algorithm leads to fast and stable convergence and ensures the nonnegativity constraints of the solution are satisfied. Adaptive sparsity has also been introduced on each sparse parameter in the multicomponent NMF2D model when the exemplar deviates from the target signal. Experimental results have shown the competence of the proposed algorithms in comparison with other algorithms.
Limits of control performance for distributed networked control systems in presence of communication delays
Authors: Yan Guoyang , Liu Jinfeng , Huang Biao 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn terms of computational complexity and fault tolerance, distributed networked control systems (DNCSs) is favorable for large‐scale processes. However, it poses additional limitations on the achievable control performance, especially when communication delay is present. The conventional minimum variance (MV) benchmarks mainly consider the limitations caused by the system itself and can give overly estimates of achievable performance when applied to the systems under distributed networked control. This paper proposes a solution to the MV benchmark for DNCSs considering both system time delays and time‐invariant communication delays. Furthermore, lower and upper bounds of the MV benchmark are proposed to assess the performance of DNCSs when there are time‐varying communication delays. These results are useful for evaluating the potential performance improvement if a DNCS is implemented to replace a decentralized control system. The proposed results are illustrated by a simulation example.
Aggressive Man‐Made Red Blood Cells for Hypoxia‐Resistant Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Liu Wen‐Long , Liu Tao , Zou Mei‐Zhen , Yu Wu‐Yang , Li Chu‐Xin , He Zu‐Yang , Zhang Ming‐Kang , Liu Miao‐Deng , Li Zi‐Hao , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractExtreme hypoxia of tumors represents the most notable barrier against the advance of tumor treatments. Inspired by the biological nature of red blood cells (RBCs) as the primary oxygen supplier in mammals, an aggressive man‐made RBC (AmmRBC) is created to combat the hypoxia‐mediated resistance of tumors to photodynamic therapy (PDT). Specifically, the complex formed between hemoglobin and enzyme‐mimicking polydopamine, and polydopamine‐carried photosensitizer is encapsulated inside the biovesicle that is engineered from the recombined RBC membranes. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin of AmmRBCs reaches about tenfold as high as that of natural RBCs. Owing to the same origin of outer membranes, AmmRBCs share excellent biocompatibility with parent RBCs. The introduced polydopamine plays the role of the antioxidative enzymes existing inside RBCs to effectively prevent the oxygen‐carrying hemoglobin from the oxidation damage during the circulation. This biomimetic engineering can accumulate in tumors, permit in situ efficient oxygen supply, and impose strong PDT efficacy toward the extremely hypoxic tumor with complete tumor elimination. The man‐made pseudo‐RBC shows potentials as a universal oxygen‐self‐supplied platform to sensitize hypoxia‐limited tumor treatment means, including but not limited to PDT. Meanwhile, this study offers ideas to the production of artificial substitutes of packed RBCs for clinical blood transfusion.
A Liquid‐Metal‐Based Magnetoactive Slurry for Stimuli‐Responsive Mechanically Adaptive Electrodes
Authors: Ren Long , Sun Shuaishuai , Casillas‐Garcia Gilberto , Nancarrow Mitchell , Peleckis Germanas , Turdy Mirzat , Du Kunrong , Xu Xun , Li Weihua , Jiang Lei , Dou Shi Xue , Du Yi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractElectrical communication between a biological system and outside equipment allows one to monitor and influence the state of the tissue and nervous networks. As the bridge, bioelectrodes should possess both electrical conductivity and adaptive mechanical properties matching the target soft biosystem, but this is still a big challenge. A family of liquid‐metal‐based magnetoactive slurries (LMMSs) formed by dispersing magnetic iron particles in a Ga‐based liquid metal (LM) matrix is reported here. The mechanical properties, viscosity, and stiffness of such materials rapidly respond to the stimulus of an applied magnetic field. By varying the intensity of the magnetic field, regulation within a factor of 1000 of the Young's modulus from ≈kPa to ≈MPa, and the ability to reach GPa with more dense iron particles inside the LMMS are demonstrated. With the advantage of high conductivity of the LM matrix, the functions of the LMMS are not only limited to the soft implanted electrodes or penetrating electrodes in biosystems: the electrical response based on the LMMS electrodes can also be precisely tuned by simply regulating the applied magnetic field.
Integrated Circuits Comprising Patterned Functional Liquids
Authors: Prasad Bhagwati , Pfanzelt Georg , Fillis‐Tsirakis Evangelos , Zachman Michael J. , Kourkoutis Lena F. , Mannhart Jochen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSolid‐state heterostructures are the cornerstone of modern electronics. To enhance the functionality and performance of integrated circuits, the spectrum of materials used in the heterostructures is being expanded by an increasing number of compounds and elements of the periodic table. While the integration of liquids and solid–liquid interfaces into such systems would allow unique and advanced functional properties and would enable integrated nanoionic circuits, solid‐state heterostructures that incorporate liquids have not been considered thus far. Here solid‐state heterostructures with integrated liquids are proposed, realized, and characterized, thereby opening a vast, new phase space of materials and interfaces for integrated circuits. Devices containing tens of microscopic capacitors and field‐effect transistors are fabricated by using integrated patterned NaCl aqueous solutions. This work paves the way to integrated electronic circuits that include highly integrated liquids, thus yielding a wide array of novel research and application opportunities based on microscopic solid/liquid systems.
Light‐Induced Anomalous Resistive Switches Based on Individual Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Micro‐/Nanofibers
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Shujun , Tong Wenchao , Chen Guanwen , Xiao Yanhe , Lei Shuijin , Cheng Baochang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOrganic–inorganic halide perovskite (OHP) materials have attracted remarkable attention for the great promise of optoelectronic applications. Unfortunately, hysteresis in the current–voltage response links to the stability and reliability assessment of OHP photovoltaic device that must be addressed. Here, light‐induced antipolar resistive switching (RS) effect is demonstrated in an individual MAPbI3 micro‐/nanofiber–based two‐terminal device after aging for 4 d. The antipolar RS is attributed to reversible electrochemical reactions in the vicinity of Ag electrode, where Ag serves as the work electrode and MAPbI3 acts as the solid electrolyte. That makes conductive behavior of antipolar RS similar with cyclic voltammetry curves of capacitances. Concomitantly, the antipolar RS shows slow dissipation kinetics, which is employed to realize the application of nonvolatile memories. This work establishes the potential for the versatile solid state devices that can efficiently couple interface reaction, charge migration, and photoelectrical effects in an individual micro‐/nanodevice.
Serum free light chain measurements to reduce 24‐h urine monitoring in patients with multiple myeloma with measurable urine monoclonal protein
Authors: Tschautscher Marcella , Rajkumar Vincent , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha , Gertz Morie , Buadi Francis , Dingli David , Hwa Lisa , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Hayman Suzanne , Zeldenrust Stephen , Lust John , Russell Stephen , Leung Nelson , Kapoor Pranshant , Go Ronald , Lin Yi , Gonsalves Wilson , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Kyle Robert , Kumar Shaji 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDetection of myeloma progression (PD) relies on serial 24‐h urinary M protein measurements in patients without measurable serum M spike. We examined whether serial difference free light chain (dFLC) levels could be used as a surrogate for serial 24‐h urine M protein measurements in monitoring for PD in patients with baseline measurable urine M protein. We studied 122 patients who had serial measurement of urine M protein and serum FLC and had demonstrated PD. The median increase in dFLC with progression as defined by urine M spike was 110% (IQR: 55‐312) and median absolute increase was 74 mg/dL; while 89% of patients had dFLC increase ≥ 25%, 94% had absolute increase in dFLC > 10 mg/dL, and 98% met at least 1 of these 2 criteria at PD. In patients with baseline measurable serum FLC (n = 118), 89% had increase in dFLC ≥ 25%, 97% had dFLC increase of > 10 mg/dL, and 98% had 1 of the 2. We conclude that serial dFLC assessments can be used in place of serial 24‐h urine protein assessments during myeloma surveillance to monitor for PD. Once patients have an absolute increase in dFLC of >10 mg/dL from the nadir, a 24‐h urine collection can then be assessed to document PD as per the International Myeloma Working Group criteria.
The Charcot–Marie–Tooth Health Index: Evaluation of a Patient‐Reported Outcome
Authors: Johnson Nicholas E. , Heatwole Chad , Creigh Peter , McDermott Michael P. , Dilek Nuran , Hung Man , Bounsanga Jerry , Tang Wan , Shy Michael E. , Herrmann David N. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveThe development of a disease‐specific patient‐reported outcome for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease is an important step in the preparation for therapeutic trials. This study describes the development of the Charcot–Marie–Tooth Health Index (CMTHI).MethodsInherited Neuropathy Consortium Contact Registry participants were queried on the symptoms that most impacted their lives. The CMTHI was developed based on these responses. Factor analysis, assessment of test–retest reliability, known group validity, and patient interviews were utilized to refine the instrument.ResultsThe final CMTHI contains 18 themes that capture Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) burden. The CMTHI has a high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The CMTHI was able to discriminate between patient groups expected to have different disease burden. The CMTHI was able to discriminate levels of disability as measured by the CMT examination score and the mobility‐Disability Severity Index.InterpretationThe CMTHI represents a valid and reliable outcome to assess patient‐reported disease burden in CMT. Ann Neurol 2018;84:225–233
Clinical validation of blood/brain glutamate grabbing in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: da Silva‐Candal Andrés , Pérez‐Díaz Amparo , Santamaría María , Correa‐Paz Clara , Rodríguez‐Yáñez Manuel , Ardá Ana , Pérez‐Mato María , Iglesias‐Rey Ramón , Brea José , Azuaje Jhonny , Sotelo Eddy , Sobrino Tomás , Loza M. Isabel , Castillo José , Campos Francisco 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveBlood/brain‐glutamate grabbing is an emerging concept in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, where essentially the deleterious effects of glutamate after ischemia are ameliorated by coaxing glutamate to enter the bloodstream and thus reducing its concentration in the brain. Aiming to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of blood glutamate grabbers in patients with stroke, in this study, we resorted to a drug‐repositioning strategy for the discovery of new glutamate‐grabbing drugs.MethodsThe glutamate‐grabbing ability of 1,120 compounds (90% of which were drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration) was evaluated during an in vitro high‐throughput screening campaign. Subsequently, the protective efficacy of the selected drugs was probed in an ischemic animal model and finally tested in stroke patients.ResultsRiboflavin (vitamin B2) was identified as the main hit compound. In ischemic animal models treated with riboflavin (1mg/kg), it was confirmed that blood glutamate reduction was associated with a significant reduction of infarct size. These results led to a randomized, double‐blind, phase IIb clinical trial with patients with stroke. Fifty patients were randomized to 1 of the 2 study arms: the control group (placebo) and the experimental group (20mg of riboflavin [vitamin B2 Streuli@). Decrease in glutamate concentration was significantly greater (p < 0.029) in the treated group. Comparative analysis of the percentage improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge was slightly higher in the riboflavin‐treated group than in the placebo group (33.7 ± 43.7 vs 48.9 ± 42.4%, p = 0.050).InterpretationThis translational study represents the first human demonstration of the efficacy of blood glutamate grabbers in the treatment of patients with stroke, paving the way for the development of a promising novel protective therapy. Ann Neurol 2018;84:260–273
Natural History of Vanishing White Matter
Authors: Hamilton Eline M. C. , van der Lei Hannemieke D. W. , Vermeulen Gerre , Gerver Jan A. M. , Lourenço Charles M. , Naidu Sakkubai , Mierzewska Hanna , Gemke Reinoud J. B. J. , de Vet Henrica C. W. , Uitdehaag Bernard M. J. , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit I. ,   VWM Research Group, van der Knaap Marjo S. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo comprehensively describe the natural history of vanishing white matter (VWM), aiming at improving counseling of patients/families and providing natural history data for future therapeutic trials.MethodsWe performed a longitudinal multicenter study among 296 genetically confirmed VWM patients. Clinical information was obtained via disease‐specific clinical questionnaire, Health Utilities Index and Guy's Neurological Disability Scale assessments, and chart review.ResultsFirst disease signs occurred at a median age of 3 years (mode = 2 years, range = before birth to 54 years); 60% of patients were symptomatic before the age of 4 years. The nature of the first signs varied for different ages of onset. Overall, motor problems were the most common presenting sign, especially in children. Adolescent and adult onset patients were more likely to exhibit cognitive problems early after disease onset. One hundred two patients were deceased. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a positive relation between age at onset and both preservation of ambulation and survival. Absence of stress‐provoked episodes and absence of seizures predicted more favorable outcome. In patients with onset before 4 years, earlier onset was associated with more severe disability and higher mortality. For onset from 4 years on, disease course was generally milder, with a wide variation in severity. There were no significant differences for sex or for the 5 eIF2B gene groups. The results confirm the presence of a genotype–phenotype correlation.InterpretationThe VWM disease spectrum consists of a continuum with extremely wide variability. Age at onset is a strong predictor for disease course. Ann Neurol 2018;84:274–288
Plasma urate and risk of Parkinson's disease: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Kobylecki Camilla J. , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Afzal Shoaib 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveUrate is a potent antioxidant, and high plasma urate has been associated with lower incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in epidemiological studies. We tested the hypothesis that high concentrations of plasma urate are associated with low incidence of PD.MethodsWe performed observational and genetic analyses using plasma urate and the urate SLC2A9 rs7442295 and ABCG2 rs2231142 genotype in >102,000 individuals from the CGPS (Copenhagen General Population Study). Information on PD and mortality was from national patient and death registries. Incidences of PD were calculated using Cox regression, Fine and Gray competing‐risks regression, and instrumental variable analyses.ResultsIn total, 398 individuals were diagnosed with PD, of which 285 were incident cases. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for PD was 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.77) for the highest versus the lowest tertile of plasma urate (p for trend across 3 groups, 8 × 10–5). Each one‐allele increase in the combined allele score was associated with 19μmol/l (95% CI, 18.5–19.9) higher plasma urate. In observational analyses, a 50μmol/l higher plasma urate was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.85 (0.77–0.92) for PD; in instrumental variable analyses, 50μmol/l higher plasma urate was associated with an odds ratio of 1.20 (0.85–1.71) for PD.InterpretationHigh plasma urate was associated with lower risk of PD in observational analyses; however, in instrumental variable analysis, high plasma urate was not associated with low risk of PD. Thus, our data do not support a causal relationship between high plasma urate and low risk of PD. Ann Neurol 2018;84:178–190