bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Multidomain Green‐Ampt Infiltration Model
Authors: Stewart Ryan D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractShrink‐swell soils possess dynamic hydraulic properties, which may limit the applicability of traditional models for simulating infiltration and overland flow. This study incorporates Green‐Ampt infiltration concepts into a multidomain porosity framework to account for variations in pore size distributions and saturated hydraulic conductivities caused by soil shrinkage and swelling. The model requires three input variables (initial water content, rainfall rate, and time) and up to 15 parameters to simulate infiltration and overland flow, though most of the parameters are universal constants or can be estimated from auxiliary measurements. In comparison, the classic Green‐Ampt model, which assumes constant hydraulic properties and a single domain, requires the same three inputs and up to seven parameters to use. Performance of the proposed multidomain model was verified with two data sets. The first came from a study in Mexico where time to ponding and soil matrix infiltration were quantified under simulated rainfall, and the second came from a study in Chile where overland flow was measured during irrigation experiments on runoff plots. By tuning two (Chile) or three (Mexico) parameters, the multidomain model provided accurate estimations of infiltration/runoff partitioning at multiple scales. Compared to the classic single‐domain model, the multidomain model had lower root‐mean‐square deviations (reducing simulated infiltration errors by 2–3 times) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) scores (ΔAIC ~100), thus providing better simulations of infiltration, ponding, and runoff. These results demonstrate that modeling hydrological processes in shrink‐swell soils necessitates separating soil properties mediated by the matrix from those associated with interblock shrinkage cracks.
A fully defined static suspension culture system for large-scale human embryonic stem cell production
Authors: Li Xia , Ma Ruoyu , Gu Qi , Liang Lingmin , Wang Lei , Zhang Ying , Wang Xianning , Liu Xin , Li Zhongwen , Fang Jinhui , Wu Jun , Wang Yukai , Li Wei , Hu Baoyang , Wang Liu , Zhou Qi , Hao Jie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHuman embryonic stem cells (hESCs) play an important role in regenerative medicine due to their potential to differentiate into various functional cells. However, the conventional adherent culture system poses challenges to mass production of high-quality hESCs. Though scientists have made many attempts to establish a robust and economical hESC suspension culture system, there are existing limitations, including suboptimal passage methods and shear force caused by dynamic stirring. Here, we report on an efficient large-scale culture system, which enables long-term, GMP grade, single-cell inoculation, and serial expansion of hESCs with a yield of about 1.5 × 109 cells per 1.5-L culture, while maintaining good pluripotency. The suspension culture system was enlarged gradually from a 100-mm dish to a 1.8-L culture bag with methylcellulose involvement to avoid sphere fusion. Under the optimal experimental protocol, this 3D system resolves current problems that limit mass production and clinical application of hESCs, and thus can be used in commercial-level hESC production for cell therapy and pharmaceutics screening in the future.
Long non-coding RNA SNHG5 promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating miR-26a-5p/GSK3β signal pathway
Authors: Li Yarui , Guo Dan , Zhao Yan , Ren Mudan , Lu Guifang , Wang Yun , Zhang Juan , Mi Chen , He Shuixiang , Lu Xinlan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidence have suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) had malfunctioning roles in the development of human cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression using human tissues and cell lines. The quantitative real-time PCR results showed that SNHG5 was up-regulated in both HCC tissues and hepatoma cell lines and was closely associated with tumor size, hepatitis B virus infection, histologic grade, TNM stage, and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in HCC patients. Knockdown of SNHG5 induced apoptosis and repressed cell cycle progression, cell growth, and metastasis in hepatoma cell lines, whereas overexpression of SNHG5 had the opposite effects. In vivo functional assay, xenograft tumors grown from SNHG5-knockdown cells had smaller mean volumes than the tumors grown from negative control cells. Further investigations showed that SNHG5 may act as a competing endogenous RNA by competitively binding miR-26a-5p and thereby modulating the derepression of downstream target GSK3β, which were further confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Functionally, SNHG5 promotes tumor growth and metastasis by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, SNHG5 promotes HCC progression by competitively binding miR-26a-5p and regulating GSK3β and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
Circulating tumor DNA in patients with colorectal adenomas: assessment of detectability and genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Myint Ni Ni Moe , Verma Ajay M. , Fernandez-Garcia Daniel , Sarmah Panchali , Tarpey Patrick S. , Al-Aqbi Saif Sattar , Cai Hong , Trigg Ricky , West Kevin , Howells Lynne M. , Thomas Anne , Brown Karen , Guttery David S. , Singh Baljit , Pringle Howard J. , McDermott Ultan , Shaw Jacqui A. , Rufini Alessandro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractImproving early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a key public health priority as adenomas and stage I cancer can be treated with minimally invasive procedures. Population screening strategies based on detection of occult blood in the feces have contributed to enhance detection rates of localized disease, but new approaches based on genetic analyses able to increase specificity and sensitivity could provide additional advantages compared to current screening methodologies. Recently, circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has received much attention as a cancer biomarker for its ability to monitor the progression of advanced disease, predict tumor recurrence and reflect the complex genetic heterogeneity of cancers. Here, we tested whether analysis of cfDNA is a viable tool to enhance detection of colon adenomas. To address this, we assessed a cohort of patients with adenomas and healthy controls using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and mutation-specific assays targeted to trunk mutations. Additionally, we performed multiregional, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of adenomas and unmasked extensive heterogeneity, affecting known drivers such as APC, KRAS and mismatch repair (MMR) genes. However, tumor-related mutations were undetectable in patients’ plasma. Finally, we employed a preclinical mouse model of Apc-driven intestinal adenomas and confirmed the inability to identify tumor-related alterations via cfDNA, despite the enhanced disease burden displayed by this experimental cancer model. Therefore, we conclude that benign colon lesions display extensive genetic heterogeneity, that they are not prone to release DNA into the circulation and are unlikely to be reliably detected with liquid biopsies, at least with the current technologies.
Improvement of osteogenesis by a uniform PCL coating on a magnesium screw for biodegradable applications
Authors: Kim Yu-Kyoung , Lee Kwang-Bok , Kim Seo-Young , Jang Yong-Seok , Kim Jin Hyeok , Lee Min-Ho 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA polymer coating as polycaprolactone (PCL) is applied to improve the initial corrosion resistance of biodegradable magnesium. In addition, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is performed to increase adhesion between the polymer and the metal. However, when a complex-shaped material such as a screw is implanted in a bone, the surface coatings are locally damaged, and the protective role of the coating is not sufficiently maintained. In this study, the optimal conditions for producing a polymer coating on a screw were determined by varying the concentration of the PCL and the coating cycles, and were examined in vitro and in vivo. Among various the PCL coating conditions of 2∼6 cycles with 5∼7 wt.% concentrations, the 6 wt.% + 4 cycles group was applied uniformly to the screw thread. In the case of the non-uniform PCL layers, oxides and gases were present between the Mg and the PCL layer because internal magnesium corrosion and the layer peel off. The 6 wt.% + 4 cycles group had a high corrosion resistance due to the low wear on the thread. Denser and thicker bone formed around the PCL-coated screw in rat femur. This difference was due to the high corrosion resistance, which provided sufficient time for bone healing and promoting new bone growth.
Characterization of a lung epithelium specific E-cadherin knock-out model: Implications for obstructive lung pathology
Authors: Post S. , Heijink I. H. , Hesse L. , Koo H. K. , Shaheen F. , Fouadi M. , Kuchibhotla V. N. S. , Lambrecht B. N. , Van Oosterhout A. J. M. , Hackett T. L. , Nawijn M. C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe airway epithelium regulates responses to aeroallergens, acting as a physical and immunological barrier. In asthma, epithelial barrier function and the expression of adherens junction protein E-cadherin is compromised, but it is unknown whether this is cause or consequence of the disease. We hypothesized that airway epithelial loss of E-cadherin is a critical step in the development of manifestations of asthma. We generated a transgenic mouse model with conditional loss of E-cadherin in lung epithelial cells at birth and onwards. We observed normal lung development at the time of birth in mice lacking E-cadherin in the lung epithelium. However, E-cadherin deficiency led to progressive epithelial damage in mice growing into adulthood, as evidenced by airway epithelial denudation, decreased zonula occludens (ZO)-1 expression, loss of ciliated cells, and enlarged alveolar spaces. In addition, spontaneous goblet cell metaplasia with mucus production was observed. These epithelial changes were accompanied by elevated levels of the epithelial-derived chemokine CCL17, infiltration of eosinophils and dendritic cells, and mucus production. In conclusion, loss of E-cadherin induces features in the lung reminiscent of those observed in asthma, indicating that the disruption of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts may play a key role in the development of asthma manifestations.
Evidence for a large Paleozoic Impact Crater Strewn Field in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Kenkmann Thomas , Sundell Kent A. , Cook Douglas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe Earth is constantly bombarded by meteoroids of various sizes. During hypervelocity collisions a large amount of energy is coupled to the Earth’s atmosphere leading to disruption of decimeter to hundred meter-sized meteoroids. Smaller meteoroids may form meteorite strewn fields while larger initial bodies and high-strength iron meteoroids may form impact crater strewn fields. Impact crater strewn fields are ephemeral and none documented to date are older than about 63,500 years. Here we report on a newly discovered impact crater strewn field, about 280 Myr old, in tilted strata of the Rocky Mountains near Douglas, Wyoming. It is the oldest and among the largest of impact crater strewn fields discovered to date, extending for a minimum of 7.5 km along a SE-NW trajectory. The apparent width of the strewn field is 1.5 km, but the full extent of the crater strewn field is not yet constrained owing to restricted exposure. We probably see only a small section of the entire crater strewn field. The cascade of impacts occurred in an environment that preserved the craters from destruction. Shock lithification aided this process.
Cxcr1 mediates recruitment of neutrophils and supports proliferation of tumor-initiating astrocytes in vivo
Authors: Powell Davalyn , Lou Meng , Barros Becker Francisco , Huttenlocher Anna 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNeutrophils are first-responders to sites of infection and tissue damage including the inflamed tumor microenvironment. Increasing evidence suggests that crosstalk between tumors and neutrophils can affect the progression of established tumors. However, there is a gap in our understanding of the early events that lead to neutrophil recruitment to oncogene-transformed cells and how these pathways alter tumor progression. Here, we use optically transparent zebrafish larvae to probe the early signals that mediate neutrophil recruitment to Kras-transformed astrocytes. We show that zebrafish larvae with impaired neutrophil function exhibit reduced proliferation of transformed astrocytes supporting a critical role for tumor-associated neutrophils in the early progression of tumorigenesis. Moreover, using mutants and pharmacological inhibition, we show that the chemokine receptor Cxcr1 promotes neutrophil recruitment, proliferation of tumor-initiating cells, and neoplastic mass formation. These findings highlight the power of the larval zebrafish system to image and probe early events in the tumor-initiating microenvironment and demonstrate the potential for neutrophil recruitment signaling pathways such as Cxcl8-Cxcr1 as targets for anti-cancer therapies.
Perceived Voice Quality and Voice-Related Problems Among Older Adults With Hearing Impairments
Authors: Hengen Johanna , Hammarström Inger Lundeborg , Stenfelt Stefan 
Published: August 2018

The auditory system helps regulate phonation. A speaker's perception of their own voice is likely to be of both emotional and functional significance. Although many investigations have observed deviating voice qualities in individuals who are prelingually deaf or profoundly hearing impaired, less is known regarding how older adults with acquired hearing impairments perceive their own voice and potential voice problems.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate problems relating to phonation and self-perceived voice sound quality in older adults based on hearing ability and the use of hearing aids.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study, with 290 participants divided into 3 groups (matched by age and gender): (a) individuals with hearing impairments who did not use hearing aids (
n
= 110), (b) individuals with hearing impairments who did use hearing aids (
n
= 110), and (c) individuals with no hearing impairments (
n
= 70). All participants underwent a pure-tone audiometry exam; completed standardized questionnaires regarding their hearing, voice, and general health; and were recorded speaking in a soundproof room.

Results
The hearing aid users surpassed the benchmarks for having a voice disorder on the Voice Handicap Index (VHI; Jacobson et al., 1997) at almost double the rate predicted by the Swedish normative values for their age range, although there was no significant difference in acoustical measures between any of the groups. Both groups with hearing impairments scored significantly higher on the VHI than the control group, indicating more impairment. It remains inconclusive how much hearing loss versus hearing aids separately contribute to the difference in voice problems. The total scores on the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Ventry & Weinstein, 1982), in combination with the variables gender and age, explained 21.9% of the variance on the VHI. Perceiving one's own voice as being distorted, dull, or hollow had a strong negative association with a general satisfaction about the sound quality of one's own voice. In addition, groupwise differences in own-voice descriptions suggest that a negative perception of one's voice could be influenced by alterations caused by hearing aid processing.

Conclusions
The results indicate that hearing impairments and hearing aids affect several aspects of vocal satisfaction in older adults. A greater understanding of how hearing impairments and hearing aids relate to voice problems may contribute to better voice and hearing care.
Maximising energy efficiency for direct communication links in wireless body area networks
Authors: Ramgoolam Kheesheshta , Bassoo Vandana 
Published: August 2018

Energy efficiency is a fundamental aspect for wireless body area networks (WBANs) due to the limited battery capacity and miniaturisation of sensor nodes. Prolonging the lifespan of a WBAN depends mostly on maximising the energy efficiency. WBAN systems operate under conflicting requirements of energy and spectrum efficiency. In this study, the two metrics of energy and spectrum efficiency for direct communication links for in‐body and on‐body sensor nodes are analysed. A general device‐to‐device communication model was adapted to WBAN. Optimal transmission power values to achieve maximum energy efficiency for in‐body and on‐body communication links are found. With reference to a maximum power level of 1.5 W compliant with the Federal Communications Commission for WBAN, it is also deduced that for on‐body communication, decreasing maximum possible spectrum efficiency by 33% for medical devices operating in 400–450 and 950–956 MHz would improve energy efficiency by 75 times. Moreover, by decreasing spectrum efficiency by 38.3 and 48% leads to an increase in energy efficiency by 45.3 and 39.3 times in 2.4–2.5 and 3.1–10.6 GHz frequency bands, respectively. This trade‐off is significant for medical applications having strict energy requirements.
Application of human motion energy harvesters on industrial linear technology
Authors: Lamprecht Lukas , Ehrenpfordt Ricardo , Zoller Tobias , Zimmermann André 
Published: August 2018

Energy autonomous sensors for I4.0 applications powered by kinetic energy harvesters (KEHs) are widely discussed – especially in terms of vibration harvesting. Typically, industrial linear stages offer weak vibrations, so other inertia‐based harvesting methods are investigated. This study investigates the usability of human motion energy harvesters in industrial linear motion technology for the first time. Two KEHs – harvesting swing or shocks, respectively – are tested while controlling the parameters velocity, acceleration, and jerk‐limitation according to the real applications’ parameter ranges. The swing‐KEH and the shock‐KEH harvested up to 106 and 124 mW, respectively. Furthermore, a parameter study is performed assuming constant driving lengths with optimised stroke rates to obtain a generalised power and energy profile for each harvester. The analytically obtained overall average power is 22 mW for the swing‐KEH and 14 mW for the shock‐KEH. The analytical investigation revealed that a reciprocal dependency of performance and velocity exists for both KEHs, respectively. Both experimental and analytical parts show that the wireless sensor node for I4.0 on industrial linear stages can be powered by harvesters made for human motions.
Radio continuum emission in the northern Galactic plane: Sources and spectral indices from the THOR survey
Authors: Wang Y. , Bihr S. , Rugel M. , Beuther H. , Johnston K. G. , Ott J. , Soler J. D. , Brunthaler A. , Anderson L. D. , Urquhart J. S. , Klessen R. S. , Linz H. , McClure-Griffiths N. M. , Glover S. C. O. , Menten K. M. , Bigiel F. , Hoare M. , Longmore S. N. 
Published: August 2018

Context Radio continuum surveys of the Galactic plane can find and characterize H II regions, supernova remnants (SNRs), planetary nebulae (PNe), and extragalactic sources. A number of surveys at high angular resolution (≤25″) at different wavelengths exist to study the interstellar medium (ISM), but no comparable high-resolution and high-sensitivity survey exists at long radio wavelengths around 21 cm.
Aims. Our goal is to investigate the 21 cm radio continuum emission in the northern Galactic plane at < 25″ resolution.
Methods We observed a large percentage of the Galactic plane in the first quadrant of the Milky Way (l = 14.0−67.4° and |b| ≤ 1.25°) with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in the C-configuration covering six continuum spectral windows (SPW). These data provide a detailed view on the compact as well as extended radio emission of our Galaxy and thousands of extragalactic background sources.
Results We used the BLOBCAT software and extracted 10 916 sources. After removing spurious source detections caused by the side lobes of the synthesized beam, we classified 10 387 sources as reliable detections. We smoothed the images to a common resolution of 25″ and extracted the peak flux density of each source in each SPW to determine the spectral indices α (assuming I(ν) ∝ να). By cross-matching with catalogs of H II regions, SNRs, PNe, and pulsars, we found radio counterparts for 840 H II regions, 52 SNRs, 164 PNe, and 38 pulsars. We found 79 continuum sources that are associated with X-ray sources. We identified 699 ultra-steep spectral sources (α < −1.3) that could be high-redshift galaxies. About 9000 of the sources we extracted are not classified specifically, but based on their spatial and spectral distribution, a large percentage of these are likely to be extragalactic background sources. More than 7750 sources do not have counterparts in the SIMBAD database and more than 3760 sources do not have counterparts in the NED database.
Conclusions Studying the long wavelengths centimeter continuum emission and the associated spectral indices allows us to characaterize a large percentage of Galactic and extragalactic radio sources in the area of the northern inner Milky Way. This database will be extremely useful for future studies of a diverse set of astrophysical objects.
Dominant SCN2A Mutation Causes Familial Episodic Ataxia and Impairment of Speech Development
Authors: Becker Kerstin , Herkenrath Peter , Düchting Christoph , Körber Friederike , Landgraf Pablo , Nürnberg Peter , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Koy Anne , Liebau Max , Simon Thorsten , Dötsch Jörg , Fazeli Walid , Cirak Sebahattin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMutations in SCN2A are associated with a heterogeneous clinical spectrum including epilepsy and autism. Here, we have identified a peculiar phenotype associated with vaccination related exacerbations of ataxia. We report the first family with three individuals affected by SCN2A-associated episodic ataxia (EA) with impaired speech development. The index patient manifested his first episode of subacute cerebellar ataxia at the age of 12 months, 3 weeks after vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion of the left cerebellar hemisphere, which was first considered as a potential cause of the ataxia. The patient fully recovered within 3 weeks, but developed three very similar episodes of transient ataxia within the following 24 months. Whole exome sequencing of the index patient revealed a heterozygous autosomal-dominant mutation in SCN2A (NM_021007, c.4949T > C; p.L1650P), which was confirmed in the likewise affected mother, and was then also identified in the younger brother who developed the first episode of ataxia. We hereby extend the recently described spectrum of SCN2A-associated neurologic disorders, emphasizing that SCN2A mutations should also be considered in familial cases of EA. Coincidental imaging findings or other associated events such as immunizations should not protract genetic investigations.
A Case of Split Cord Malformation with Triple Bony Spur in a Single Dural Sleeve—A Classification Dilemma
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Sridhar Madakasira , Garg Manish 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSplit cord malformation-I (SCM-I) is characterized by the presence of double dural sacs, with rigid extradural bony/cartilaginous spur leading to symmetrical or asymmetrical division of the cord. In split cord malformation-II (SCM-II), there is a single dural sac with a nonrigid fibrous spur and symmetrical division of the cord. SCM-II are slightly more common than SCM-I, constituting around 50 to 60% of SCMs. The authors report a unique case of SCM with triple bony spurs lying both intra- and extradurally in a single dural sleeve. At the time of submission of this report, to the best of authors’ knowledge, no case of SCM with triple bony spurs in single dural sleeve has been reported anywhere in the world literature.