bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data‐Driven Shape Interpolation and Morphing Editing
Authors: Gao Lin , Chen Shu‐Yu , Lai Yu‐Kun , Xia Shihong 
Published: September 2016

AbstractShape interpolation has many applications in computer graphics such as morphing for computer animation. In this paper, we propose a novel data‐driven mesh interpolation method. We adapt patch‐based linear rotational invariant coordinates to effectively represent deformations of models in a shape collection, and utilize this information to guide the synthesis of interpolated shapes. Unlike previous data‐driven approaches, we use a rotation/translation invariant representation which defines the plausible deformations in a global continuous space. By effectively exploiting the knowledge in the shape space, our method produces realistic interpolation results at interactive rates, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art methods for challenging cases. We further propose a novel approach to interactive editing of shape morphing according to the shape distribution. The user can explore the morphing path and select example models intuitively and adjust the path with simple interactions to edit the morphing sequences. This provides a useful tool to allow users to generate desired morphing with little effort. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using various examples.
Tracking Multiple Statistics: Simultaneous Learning of Object Names and Categories in English and Mandarin Speakers
Authors: Chen Chi‐hsin , Gershkoff‐Stowe Lisa , Wu Chih‐Yi , Cheung Hintat , Yu Chen 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTwo experiments were conducted to examine adult learners' ability to extract multiple statistics in simultaneously presented visual and auditory input. Experiment 1 used a cross‐situational learning paradigm to test whether English speakers were able to use co‐occurrences to learn word‐to‐object mappings and concurrently form object categories based on the commonalities across training stimuli. Experiment 2 replicated the first experiment and further examined whether speakers of Mandarin, a language in which final syllables of object names are more predictive of category membership than English, were able to learn words and form object categories when trained with the same type of structures. The results indicate that both groups of learners successfully extracted multiple levels of co‐occurrence and used them to learn words and object categories simultaneously. However, marked individual differences in performance were also found, suggesting possible interference and competition in processing the two concurrent streams of regularities.
Naturally occurring compounds acting as potent anti‐metastatic agents and their suppressing effects on Hedgehog and WNT/β‐catenin signalling pathways
Authors: Farahmand L. , Darvishi B. , Majidzadeh‐A K. , Madjid Ansari A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDespite numerous remarkable achievements in the field of anti‐cancer therapy, tumour relapse and metastasis still remain major obstacles in improvement of overall cancer survival, which may be at least partially owing to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Multiple signalling pathways have been identified in EMT; however, it appears that the role of the Hedgehog and WNT/β‐catenin pathways are more prominent than others. These are well‐known preserved intracellular regulatory pathways of different cellular functions including proliferation, survival, adhesion and differentiation. Over the last few decades, several naturally occurring compounds have been identified to significantly obstruct several intermediates in Hedgehog and WNT/β‐catenin signalling, eventually resulting in suppression of signal transduction. This article highlights the current state of knowledge associated with Hedgehog and WNT/β‐catenin, their involvement in metastasis through EMT processes and introduction of the most potent naturally occurring agents with capability of suppressing them, eventually overcoming tumour relapse, invasion and metastasis.
Development of a patient‐reported outcome measure for upper limb function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: DMD Upper Limb PROM
Authors: Klingels K , Mayhew A G , Mazzone E S , Duong T , Decostre V , Werlauff U , Vroom E , Mercuri E , Goemans N M ,   The Upper Limb Clinical Outcome Group
Published: September 2016

AimTo develop a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) assessing upper limb function related to activities of daily living (ADL) that cannot be observed in a clinical setting, specifically for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) across a wide age range, applicable in the different stages of the disease.MethodThe developmental process was based on US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. This included item generation from a systematic review of existing tools and expert opinion on task difficulty and relevance, involving individuals with DMD. Cultural aspects affecting ADL were taken into consideration to make this tool applicable to the broad DMD community. Items were selected in relation to a conceptual framework reflecting disease progression covering the full range of upper limb function across different ADL domains.ResultsAfter pilot testing and iterative Rasch analyses, redundant or clinically irrelevant items were removed. The final questionnaire consists of 32 items covering four domains of ADL (food, self‐care, household and environment, leisure and communication). Test–retest reliability was excellent.InterpretationA DMD‐specific upper limb PROM was developed on the basis of clinical relevance and psychometric robustness. Its main purpose is to document the patient self‐reported natural history of DMD and assess the efficacy of interventions.
Preliminary evaluation of child self‐rating using the Child Tourette Syndrome Impairment Scale
Authors: Cloes Kelly Isaacs , Barfell Kara S Francis , Horn Paul S , Wu Steve W , Jacobson Sarah E , Hart Kathleen J , Gilbert Donald L 
Published: September 2016

AimTo evaluate and compare how children with Tourette syndrome and parents rate tic and non‐tic behavioral related impairment in home, school, and social domains; to compare these with clinician tic ratings; and to identify factors that may predict greater impairment.MethodIn a sample of 85 Tourette syndrome and 92 healthy control families, the Child Tourette Syndrome Impairment Scale, designed for parent‐report and which includes 37 items rated for tic and non‐tic impairment, was administered to parents and, with the referent modified, to children ages 9 to 17 years. Tic severity was rated using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS). Analyses utilized descriptive and multivariate statistics.ResultsTourette syndrome children's and parents' impairment ratings were higher than HC (p<0.001) and correlated moderately (r=0.46 to 0.54; p<0.001). Children's and parents' tic impairment ratings correlated with YGTSS (r=0.36 to 0.37; p<0.001). Parents' average ratings were higher than children's for 19 tic and all 37 non‐tic impairment items. For 29 items, children self‐rated impairment higher for tics than non‐tics. Diagnoses of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder and obsessive‐compulsive disorder had larger effects on parent impairment ratings.InterpretationThe Child Tourette Syndrome Impairment Scale appears informative for child self‐rating in Tourette syndrome.
Changes in flow and transport patterns in fen peat following soil degradation
Authors: Liu H. , Janssen M. , Lennartz B. 
Published: September 2016

The preferential movement of water and transport of substances play an important role in soil, but they are not yet fully understood, especially in degraded peat soil. In this study, we aimed to deduce changes in flow and transport patterns with titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a dye tracer during the course of soil degradation resulting from peat drainage. The dye tracer experiments were carried out on columns of eight types of differently degraded peat soil from three sites taken in both vertical and horizontal directions. The titanium dioxide suspension (average particle size of 0.3 µm; 10 g l−1) was applied in a pulse of 40 mm to each soil core. The cores were subsequently cut into six slices, photographed and the images were analysed for the extent of dye cover and number of pores. In addition, the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was determined. Preferential flow occurred in all of the peat types investigated. From the stained soil structural elements, we concluded that undecomposed plant remains are the major preferential flow pathways in less degraded peat. For more strongly degraded peat, bio‐pores, such as root and earthworm channels, operated as the major transport network. Results show thatKsand the effective pore network in less degraded peat soil are anisotropic. With increasing peat degradation,Ksand the cross‐section of effective pores decreased in the predominant direction only and the anisotropy of both properties decreased. TheKswas closely related to the number of macropores and pore continuity. Therefore, we conclude that changes in flow and transport pathways andKswith increasing peat degradation result from the disintegration of the peat‐forming plant material and the decrease in number and continuity of macropores.HighlightsWe aimed to deduce changes in flow and transport patterns during peat degradation.TiO2(dye tracer) was used to visualize the flow and transport patterns in degraded peat soil.The preferential flow paths,Ksand pore structures changed with peat degradation.Changes in flow and transport paths andKsrelate to peat‐forming plant materials and pore structure.
Responses of invertebrates to herbicide in Salix cinerea invaded wetlands: Restoration implications
Authors: Watts Corinne , Thornburrow Danny , Cave Vanessa 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe use of herbicides to control weeds, particularly large invasions, has now become an essential management tool in many ecological restoration projects. The herbicide glyphosate is routinely used to control the invasive weed, Grey Willow (Salix cinerea), within New Zealand wetlands. However, little is known about the effects of glyphosate on invertebrates. We determine the short‐term effects of glyphosate on the abundance and composition of the nontarget canopy invertebrate community in wetlands invaded by Grey Willow in New Zealand. Initially, the application of glyphosate and a surfactant showed no detectable effect on the canopy invertebrates examined in this study. However, 27 days after herbicide application, significant Grey Willow canopy loss caused dramatic decreases in the abundance of invertebrates in the glyphosate‐treated plots compared with the unsprayed plots. Invertebrates appeared to be sensitive to changes in vegetation structure, such as canopy loss. These results agree with previous studies that have shown that the negative impacts of glyphosate on invertebrate communities are related to indirect effects via habitat modification as the herbicide‐treated vegetation dies. From a terrestrial invertebrate perspective, this study suggests that the use of glyphosate herbicide is suitable for the control of invasive weeds within wetland restoration projects as it appears to have negligible impact on the canopy invertebrate assemblage.
Large‐scale pest control in New Zealand beech forests
Authors: Elliott Graeme , Kemp Josh 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIn 2014, baits laced with the poison sodium fluoroacetate (1080) were sown over 694 000 ha of mostly native beech forests in New Zealand to control rats, stoats and possums – a landscape‐scale pest control programme called ‘Battle for our Birds’. This large pest control operation was necessitated by the mast seeding of beech trees which led to irruptions of rodent and stoats which were predicted to lead to decreases in vulnerable native wildlife. In this article, we describe why and how this extensive pest control programme was developed and implemented. We describe the seedfall monitoring that was used to determine the need for large‐scale rodent and stoat control and the response of these predators to this control. We also provide a summary of the bird monitoring that was undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness or otherwise of the programme.
A strategy to expeditious invasive treatment improves clinical outcome in comatose patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Hoogmoed J. , van den Berg R. , Coert B. A. , Rinkel G. J. E. , Vandertop W. P. , Verbaan D. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundIn patients with poor clinical condition after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH), treatment is often deferred until patients show signs of improvement. Early external ventricular drainage and aneurysm occlusion may improve prognosis also in poor grade patients. The clinical outcome of an expeditious approach was compared with that of a conservative approach.MethodsIn all, 285 consecutive World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade V aSAH patients admitted to three university hospitals between January 2000 and June 2007 were included. Two hospitals followed an expeditious approach, one a more conservative approach. Groups were compared with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics and outcome. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the associations with good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale scores 4–5), using logistic regression models.ResultsGood outcome was seen more often in expeditiously treated patients [22% vs. 11%; odds ratio (OR) 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–4.27]. Expeditiously treated patients more often underwent aneurysm occlusion than conservatively treated patients (64% vs. 27%; OR 4.86, 95% CI 2.93–8.05) and placement of an external ventricular catheter (82% vs. 31%; OR 10.05, CI 5.72–10.66). There was no significant difference in rebleeding between patient groups. Occlusion of the aneurysm was the only variable that remained significant in the multivariable model with an OR of 43.73 (95% CI 10.34–184.97).ConclusionsAn expeditious invasive treatment strategy in WFNS grade V aSAH patients can lead to a better outcome. Hesitance in the early stages seems a self‐fulfilling prophecy for a poor outcome.
Physiological and functional changes in the stratum corneum restored by oestrogen in an ovariectomized mice model of climacterium
Authors: Chen Yue , Yokozeki Hiroo , Katagiri Kazumoto 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSignificant decreases in hormonal levels at menopause induce physiological and functional discomfort in the skin. Representative changes at menopause are based on so‐called dry skin. However, there is no evidence to explain the mechanism, even though hydration of the stratum corneum (SC) in women at menopause is comparable with that at premenopause but is enhanced by hormone replacement therapy. This study objective was to evaluate structural and functional changes in the SC in ovariectomized mice model of menopause. Hydration of the SC, recovery of the permeability barrier function, integrity and cohesion of the SC, and irritant dermatitis were analysed in mice that underwent ovariectomy with or without replacement of 17ß‐estradiol. In ovariectomized mice, hydration of the SC was reduced, recovery of permeability barrier function after acute disruption was impaired, and integrity of the SC was weakened and was associated with increased cohesion and increased levels of irritant dermatitis. Oestrogen replacement treatment restored all changes. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced levels of expression of desmoglein‐1 and differentiation markers of epidermis in ovariectomized mice compared with control mice and mice with oestrogen replacement treatment. These changes might be directly associated with weakened integrity and impaired permeability barrier function of the SC in ovariectomized mice. This study results reveal that so‐called dry skin at menopause is caused by not only lower hydration of the SC but also complicated structural and functional changes in the SC and skin.
The genetic basis of pigmentation in alopecia areata
Authors: Zheng Min , Ren Yunqing 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is a common hair loss disorder characterized by discrete, well demarcated areas of non‐scarring terminal hair alopecia, with the calculated lifetime risk of ~2%. In past decades, linkage and GWA studies have implicated dozens of susceptibility genes/loci that are linked to the development of AA. Fischer et al performed a genome‐wide CNV analysis of 585 AA patients and 1,340 controls in a European population. This is the first genome‐wide study of CNV to be performed in AA samples, and the association finding in the MCHR2 gene region further underscores the potential role of pigmentation in AA development.
Two‐photon microscopy for intracutaneous imaging of stem cell activity in mice
Authors: Huang Sixia , Rompolas Panteleimon 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe adult skin is a typical example of a highly regenerative tissue. Terminally differentiated keratinocytes are shed from the external layers of the epidermis or extruded from the skin as part of the growing hair shaft on a daily basis. These are effectively replenished through the activity of skin‐resident stem cells. Precise regulation of stem cell activity is critical for normal skin homoeostasis or wound healing and irregular stem cell proliferation or differentiation can lead to skin disease. The scarcity and dynamic nature of stem cells presents a major challenge for elucidating their mechanism of action. To address this, we have recently established a system for visualizing stem cell activity, in real time or long term, in the intact skin of live mice using two‐photon microscopy. The purpose of this review was to provide essential information to researchers who wish to incorporate two‐photon microscopy and live imaging into their experimental toolbox for studying aspects of skin and stem biology in the mouse model. We discuss fundamental principles of the method, instrumentation and basic experimental approaches to interrogate stem cell activity in the interfollicular epidermis and hair follicle.
TLR4 acts as a death receptor for ultraviolet radiation (UVR) through IRAK‐independent and FADD‐dependent pathway in macrophages
Authors: Zhou Hua , Harberts Erin , Fishelevich Rita , Gaspari Anthony A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUVR‐induced apoptosis in cutaneous antigen presenting cells (APC) causes systemic immune suppression and is dependent on TLR4/MyD88 signalling, but the apoptotic signalling pathways have not been defined. Macrophages pretreated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were unresponsive to subsequent LPS treatment, however, but were susceptible to UVR‐induced apoptosis. Macrophage survival and apoptotic events after UVR were also unaffected by treatment with TLR4 antagonists, a blocking IgG or a TLR4 analog antagonist, suggesting that UVR cell death is independent of a soluble ligand. After UVR, IRAK4KDKI (catalytically inactive IRAK4) and wild‐type (WT) macrophages show equivalent levels of survival, as measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis, as measured by cleaved caspase‐3. Furthermore, in macrophages from both mice, UVR activated caspase‐8 and PARP, while inactivating Rip3. This finding is supported by a lack of IRAK1 degradation after UVR, compared to treatment with TLR2 or TLR4 agonists. UVR induced association of MyD88 with FADD, an extrinsic apoptotic pathway protein, but not IRAK4. UVR‐induced migration of FADD to the cell membrane of WT macrophages, but not MyD88−/− macrophages, was observed (confocal microscopy). Co‐immunoprecipitation using an epitope‐tagged MyD88 revealed that FADD, but not TRADD, was recruited to MyD88 within 30 minutes of UVR exposure. UVR engages TLR4/MyD88 as a death signalling complex, rather than the classical inflammatory signalling pathway triggered by PAMP recognition of TLR4. These studies provide the rationale for the future development of topical TLR4 modulating therapies to interfere with this UVB‐mediated apoptosis and the associated negative consequences of immune suppression.
N2 non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma promotes wound healing in vitro and in vivo: Potential modulation of adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinase‐9
Authors: Kang Sung Un , Choi Jae Won , Chang Jae Won , Kim Kang il , Kim Yeon Soo , Park Ju Kyeong , Kim Yang Eun , Lee Yun Sang , Yang Sang Sik , Kim Chul‐Ho 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAdvances in physics and biology have made it possible to apply non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) in the biomedical field. Although accumulating evidence suggests that NTP has various medicinal effects, such as facilitating skin wound healing on exposed tissue while minimizing undesirable tissue damage, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, NTP generated from N2 optimized wound healing in the scratch wound healing assay. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 expression and enzyme activity increased and the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) system was activated after NTP treatment. We also showed that NTP treatment increased Slug and TCF8/ZEB1 expression and decreased that of E‐cadherin, suggesting induction of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The effect of N2 NTP was verified on rat wound model. Taken together, these results suggest that N2 NTP promotes wound healing by inducing the EMT and activating the MMP‐9/uPA system. These findings show the therapeutic potential of NTP for skin wound healing.
Microbial contributions to subterranean methane sinks
Authors: Lennon J. T. , Nguyễn‐Thùy D. , Phạm T. M. , Drobniak A. , Tạ P. H. , Phạm N. Ð. , Streil T. , Webster K. D. , Schimmelmann A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSources and sinks of methane (CH4) are critical for understanding global biogeochemical cycles and their role in climate change. A growing number of studies have reported that CH4 concentrations in cave ecosystems are depleted, leading to the notion that these subterranean environments may act as sinks for atmospheric CH4. Recently, it was hypothesized that this CH4 depletion may be caused by radiolysis, an abiotic process whereby CH4 is oxidized via interactions with ionizing radiation derived from radioactive decay. An alternate explanation is that the depletion of CH4 concentrations in caves could be due to biological processes, specifically oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria. We theoretically explored the radiolysis hypothesis and conclude that it is a kinetically constrained process that is unlikely to lead to the rapid loss of CH4 in subterranean environments. We present results from a controlled laboratory experiment to support this claim. We then tested the microbial oxidation hypothesis with a set of mesocosm experiments that were conducted in two Vietnamese caves. Our results reveal that methanotrophic bacteria associated with cave rocks consume CH4 at a rate of 1.3–2.7 mg CH4 · m−2 · d−1. These CH4 oxidation rates equal or exceed what has been reported in other habitats, including agricultural systems, grasslands, deciduous forests, and Arctic tundra. Together, our results suggest that depleted concentrations of CH4 in caves are most likely due to microbial activity, not radiolysis as has been recently claimed. Microbial methanotrophy has the potential to oxidize CH4 not only in caves, but also in smaller‐size open subterranean spaces, such as cracks, fissures, and other pores that are connected to and rapidly exchange with the atmosphere. Future studies are needed to understand how subterranean CH4 oxidation scales up to affect local, regional, and global CH4 cycling.