Showing papers by "Macquarie University published in 2017"
Michael R. Blanton1, Matthew A. Bershady2, Bela Abolfathi3, Franco D. Albareti4 +412 more•Institutions (91)
TL;DR: SDSS-IV as mentioned in this paper is a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs: the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA), the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), and the Time Domain Spectroscopy Survey (TDSS).
Abstract: We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median $z\sim 0.03$). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between $z\sim 0.6$ and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGNs and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5 m Sloan Foundation Telescope at the Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5 m du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in 2016 July.
1,200 citations
University of Sydney1, Alfred Hospital2, German Cancer Research Center3, University of Queensland4, Freeman Hospital5, University of Oslo6, University of Bordeaux7, French Institute of Health and Medical Research8, Sheba Medical Center9, University of Kiel10, University of Zurich11, Novartis12, Macquarie University13, University of Pittsburgh14
TL;DR: Adjuvant use of combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib resulted in a significantly lower risk of recurrence in patients with stage III melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations than the adjuvantUse of placebo and was not associated with new toxic effects.
Abstract: BackgroundCombination therapy with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib plus the MEK inhibitor trametinib improved survival in patients with advanced melanoma with BRAF V600 mutations. We sought to determine whether adjuvant dabrafenib plus trametinib would improve outcomes in patients with resected, stage III melanoma with BRAF V600 mutations. MethodsIn this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 870 patients with completely resected, stage III melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations to receive oral dabrafenib at a dose of 150 mg twice daily plus trametinib at a dose of 2 mg once daily (combination therapy, 438 patients) or two matched placebo tablets (432 patients) for 12 months. The primary end point was relapse-free survival. Secondary end points included overall survival, distant metastasis–free survival, freedom from relapse, and safety. ResultsAt a median follow-up of 2.8 years, the estimated 3-year rate of relapse-free survival was 58% in the combination-therapy group a...
1,017 citations
University of Sydney1, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute2, University of Queensland3, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine4, Los Alamos National Laboratory5, Pompeu Fabra University6, Children's Medical Research Institute7, Children's Hospital at Westmead8, University of Melbourne9, La Trobe University10, Macquarie University11, Royal North Shore Hospital12, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre13, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies14, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital15
TL;DR: Analysis of whole-genome sequences from cutaneous, acral and mucosal subtypes of melanoma reveals diverse carcinogenic processes across its subtypes, some unrelated to sun exposure, and extends potential involvement of the non-coding genome in its pathogenesis.
Abstract: Melanoma of the skin is a common cancer only in Europeans, whereas it arises in internal body surfaces (mucosal sites) and on the hands and feet (acral sites) in people throughout the world. Here we report analysis of whole-genome sequences from cutaneous, acral and mucosal subtypes of melanoma. The heavily mutated landscape of coding and non-coding mutations in cutaneous melanoma resolved novel signatures of mutagenesis attributable to ultraviolet radiation. However, acral and mucosal melanomas were dominated by structural changes and mutation signatures of unknown aetiology, not previously identified in melanoma. The number of genes affected by recurrent mutations disrupting non-coding sequences was similar to that affected by recurrent mutations to coding sequences. Significantly mutated genes included BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS and TP53 in cutaneous melanoma, BRAF, NRAS and NF1 in acral melanoma and SF3B1 in mucosal melanoma. Mutations affecting the TERT promoter were the most frequent of all; however, neither they nor ATRX mutations, which correlate with alternative telomere lengthening, were associated with greater telomere length. Most melanomas had potentially actionable mutations, most in components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositol kinase pathways. The whole-genome mutation landscape of melanoma reveals diverse carcinogenic processes across its subtypes, some unrelated to sun exposure, and extends potential involvement of the non-coding genome in its pathogenesis.
880 citations
TL;DR: The strong correlations of identified resistance genes with known mobile elements, network analyses and partial redundancy analysis all led to the conclusion that human activity is responsible for the abundance and dissemination of these ARGs.
Abstract: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have moved from the environmental resistome into human commensals and pathogens, driven by human selection with antimicrobial agents. These genes have increased in abundance in humans and domestic animals, to become common components of waste streams. Estuarine habitats lie between terrestrial/freshwater and marine ecosystems, acting as natural filtering points for pollutants. Here, we have profiled ARGs in sediments from 18 estuaries over 4,000 km of coastal China using high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and investigated their relationship with bacterial communities, antibiotic residues and socio-economic factors. ARGs in estuarine sediments were diverse and abundant, with over 200 different resistance genes being detected, 18 of which were found in all 90 sediment samples. The strong correlations of identified resistance genes with known mobile elements, network analyses and partial redundancy analysis all led to the conclusion that human activity is responsible for the abundance and dissemination of these ARGs. Such widespread pollution with xenogenetic elements has environmental, agricultural and medical consequences. A survey of sediments from 18 estuaries over 4000 km of coastal China reveals diverse and abundant antibiotic resistance genes. Analyses of socio-economic factors suggest that the presence of antibiotic resistance genes correlates with human activity.
767 citations
TL;DR: The notion of self-branding has drawn myriad academic responses over the last decade as mentioned in this paper, and has been criticised by some academic researchers, such as the authors of this article.
Abstract: The notion of self-branding has drawn myriad academic responses over the last decade. First popularised in a provocative piece published in Fast Company, self-branding has been criticised by some o...
708 citations
Oklahoma State University–Stillwater1, Macquarie University2, University of Sydney3, University of Utah4, Max Planck Society5, University of Alberta6, University of California, Irvine7, University of New Mexico8, University of Nebraska–Lincoln9, United States Geological Survey10, University of Washington11, University of Arizona12, University of Sheffield13, University of Tasmania14, ETH Zurich15, University of California, Davis16, Los Alamos National Laboratory17, Nanchang Institute of Technology18, University of Wyoming19, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences20, University of Coimbra21, Northern Arizona University22, United States Forest Service23, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research24, University of São Paulo25, University of Oxford26, University of California, Santa Cruz27, Humboldt State University28, Fordham University29, Centre national de la recherche scientifique30, University of Edinburgh31, Hobart Corporation32, Spanish National Research Council33, University of Chile34, Idaho State University35, University of Basilicata36, United States Department of Agriculture37, Colorado State University38, University of Montana39, University of Delaware40, University of Western Ontario41, Duke University42, Sonora Institute of Technology43, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory44
TL;DR: It is shown that, across multiple tree species, loss of xylem conductivity above 60% is associated with mortality, while carbon starvation is not universal, indicating that evidence supporting carbon starvation was not universal.
Abstract: Widespread tree mortality associated with drought has been observed on all forested continents and global change is expected to exacerbate vegetation vulnerability. Forest mortality has implications for future biosphere-atmosphere interactions of carbon, water and energy balance, and is poorly represented in dynamic vegetation models. Reducing uncertainty requires improved mortality projections founded on robust physiological processes. However, the proposed mechanisms of drought-induced mortality, including hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, are unresolved. A growing number of empirical studies have investigated these mechanisms, but data have not been consistently analysed across species and biomes using a standardized physiological framework. Here, we show that xylem hydraulic failure was ubiquitous across multiple tree taxa at drought-induced mortality. All species assessed had 60% or higher loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity, consistent with proposed theoretical and modelled survival thresholds. We found diverse responses in non-structural carbohydrate reserves at mortality, indicating that evidence supporting carbon starvation was not universal. Reduced non-structural carbohydrates were more common for gymnosperms than angiosperms, associated with xylem hydraulic vulnerability, and may have a role in reducing hydraulic function. Our finding that hydraulic failure at drought-induced mortality was persistent across species indicates that substantial improvement in vegetation modelling can be achieved using thresholds in hydraulic function.
651 citations
TL;DR: These engineered nanocrystals offer saturation intensity two orders of magnitude lower than those of fluorescent probes currently employed in stimulated emission depletion microscopy, suggesting a new way of alleviating the square-root law that typically limits the resolution that can be practically achieved by such techniques.
Abstract: Super-resolution optical microscopy based on stimulated emission depletion effects can now be performed at much lower light intensities than before by using bright upconversion emission from thulium-doped nanoparticles. Improvements in super-resolution optical microscopy based on stimulated emission depletion (STED) effects have a problem: they are typically limited by a 'square-root law' regarding the number of photons required to achieve a gain in resolution. Yujia Liu and colleagues have found a way to bypass this troublesome law. As others have done before them, they adopt lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles as the emitting species used to achieve high-resolution imaging. The difference this time is that the laser-like absorption and emission properties of these nanoparticles are engineered to facilitate STED-like microscopy at much lower light intensities. Lanthanide-doped glasses and crystals are attractive for laser applications because the metastable energy levels of the trivalent lanthanide ions facilitate the establishment of population inversion and amplified stimulated emission at relatively low pump power1,2,3. At the nanometre scale, lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) can now be made with precisely controlled phase, dimension and doping level4,5. When excited in the near-infrared, these UCNPs emit stable, bright visible luminescence at a variety of selectable wavelengths6,7,8,9, with single-nanoparticle sensitivity10,11,12,13, which makes them suitable for advanced luminescence microscopy applications. Here we show that UCNPs doped with high concentrations of thulium ions (Tm3+), excited at a wavelength of 980 nanometres, can readily establish a population inversion on their intermediate metastable 3H4 level: the reduced inter-emitter distance at high Tm3+ doping concentration leads to intense cross-relaxation, inducing a photon-avalanche-like effect that rapidly populates the metastable 3H4 level, resulting in population inversion relative to the 3H6 ground level within a single nanoparticle. As a result, illumination by a laser at 808 nanometres, matching the upconversion band of the 3H4 → 3H6 transition, can trigger amplified stimulated emission to discharge the 3H4 intermediate level, so that the upconversion pathway to generate blue luminescence can be optically inhibited. We harness these properties to realize low-power super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and achieve nanometre-scale optical resolution (nanoscopy), imaging single UCNPs; the resolution is 28 nanometres, that is, 1/36th of the wavelength. These engineered nanocrystals offer saturation intensity two orders of magnitude lower than those of fluorescent probes currently employed in stimulated emission depletion microscopy, suggesting a new way of alleviating the square-root law that typically limits the resolution that can be practically achieved by such techniques.
595 citations
TL;DR: A thorough analysis of the challenges and the enabling technologies in developing an IoT middleware that embraces the heterogeneity of IoT devices and also supports the essential ingredients of composition, adaptability, and security aspects of an IoT system is conducted.
Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) provides the ability for humans and computers to learn and interact from billions of things that include sensors, actuators, services, and other Internet-connected objects. The realization of IoT systems will enable seamless integration of the cyber world with our physical world and will fundamentally change and empower human interaction with the world. A key technology in the realization of IoT systems is middleware, which is usually described as a software system designed to be the intermediary between IoT devices and applications. In this paper, we first motivate the need for an IoT middleware via an IoT application designed for real-time prediction of blood alcohol content using smartwatch sensor data. This is then followed by a survey on the capabilities of the existing IoT middleware. We further conduct a thorough analysis of the challenges and the enabling technologies in developing an IoT middleware that embraces the heterogeneity of IoT devices and also supports the essential ingredients of composition, adaptability, and security aspects of an IoT system.
573 citations
TL;DR: Over an 11-year time-series, this study examines how inter-annual variability in sea ice concentration and advance affect the foraging behaviour of a top Antarctic predator, the southern elephant seal.
Abstract: Contrasting regional changes in Southern Ocean sea ice have occurred over the last 30 years with distinct regional effects on ecosystem structure and function. Quantifying how Antarctic predators respond to such changes provides the context for predicting how climate variability/change will affect these assemblages into the future. Over an 11-year time-series, we examine how inter-annual variability in sea ice concentration and advance affect the foraging behaviour of a top Antarctic predator, the southern elephant seal. Females foraged longer in pack ice in years with greatest sea ice concentration and earliest sea ice advance, while males foraged longer in polynyas in years of lowest sea ice concentration. There was a positive relationship between near-surface meridional wind anomalies and female foraging effort, but not for males. This study reveals the complexities of foraging responses to climate forcing by a poleward migratory predator through varying sea ice property and dynamic anomalies.
520 citations
Macquarie University1, University of Reading2, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières3, Imperial College London4, National University of Cordoba5, Southern Methodist University6, University of Queensland7, Estonian University of Life Sciences8, University of Minnesota9, University of Sydney10, University of California, Los Angeles11, University of Córdoba (Spain)12, Northwest A&F University13, Pennsylvania State University14
TL;DR: It is shown that daytime and nighttime leaf-to-air temperature differences are key to geographic gradients in leaf size, which can enrich “next-generation” vegetation models in which leaf temperature and water use during photosynthesis play key roles.
Abstract: Leaf size varies by over a 100,000-fold among species worldwide. Although 19th-century plant geographers noted that the wet tropics harbor plants with exceptionally large leaves, the latitudinal gradient of leaf size has not been well quantified nor the key climatic drivers convincingly identified. Here, we characterize worldwide patterns in leaf size. Large-leaved species predominate in wet, hot, sunny environments; small-leaved species typify hot, sunny environments only in arid conditions; small leaves are also found in high latitudes and elevations. By modeling the balance of leaf energy inputs and outputs, we show that daytime and nighttime leaf-to-air temperature differences are key to geographic gradients in leaf size. This knowledge can enrich “next-generation” vegetation models in which leaf temperature and water use during photosynthesis play key roles.
510 citations
TL;DR: The results open the possibility of diamond lasers based on NV− centres, tuneable over the phonon sideband, which broadens the applications of NV− magnetometers from single centre nanoscale sensors to a new generation of ultra-precise ensemble laser sensors, which exploit the contrast and signal amplification of a lasing system.
Abstract: Stimulated emission is the process fundamental to laser operation, thereby producing coherent photon output. Despite negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centres being discussed as a potential laser medium since the 1980s, there have been no definitive observations of stimulated emission from ensembles of NV− to date. Here we show both theoretical and experimental evidence for stimulated emission from NV− using light in the phonon sidebands around 700 nm. Furthermore, we show the transition from stimulated emission to photoionization as the stimulating laser wavelength is reduced from 700 to 620 nm. While lasing at the zero-phonon line is suppressed by ionization, our results open the possibility of diamond lasers based on NV− centres, tuneable over the phonon sideband. This broadens the applications of NV− magnetometers from single centre nanoscale sensors to a new generation of ultra-precise ensemble laser sensors, which exploit the contrast and signal amplification of a lasing system. Here Jeskeet al. show both theoretical and experimental evidence for stimulated emission from negatively charged nitrogen vacancy centres using light in the phonon sidebands around 700 nm, demonstrating its suitability as a laser medium.
TL;DR: EcoCyc now supports running and modifying E. coli metabolic models directly on the EcoCyc website, and new SmartTable tools allow users to browse collections of related Eco Cyc content.
Abstract: EcoCyc (EcoCyc.org) is a freely accessible, comprehensive database that collects and summarizes experimental data for Escherichia coli K-12, the best-studied bacterial model organism. New experimental discoveries about gene products, their function and regulation, new metabolic pathways, enzymes and cofactors are regularly added to EcoCyc. New SmartTable tools allow users to browse collections of related EcoCyc content. SmartTables can also serve as repositories for user- or curator-generated lists. EcoCyc now supports running and modifying E. coli metabolic models directly on the EcoCyc website.
TL;DR: Depression is two to three times more likely in people with multimorbidity compared to people without multim orbidity or those who have no chronic physical condition and greater knowledge of this risk supports identification and management of depression.
University of Newcastle1, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research2, University of Queensland3, Princess Alexandra Hospital4, Royal Adelaide Hospital5, University of Adelaide6, University of Western Australia7, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital8, The George Institute for Global Health9, Macquarie University10, University of New South Wales11, Flinders University12
TL;DR: Children and adults with persistent symptomatic asthma experience fewer asthma exacerbations and improved quality of life when treated with oral azithromycin for 48 weeks, suggesting it might be a useful add-on therapy in persistent asthma.
TL;DR: This critical review provides an overview of the history of male EDs and synthesizes current evidence relating to the unique characteristics of male presentations across the diagnostic spectrum of disordered eating to suggest better accommodation male ED presentations are needed.
TL;DR: In this article, the lattice parameter of the β phase in the (α+β) lamellae falls into a specific range of 3.18-3.21 A. The lattice parameters can serve as an indicator to predict whether significant martensite decomposition has taken place in situ in Ti-6Al-4V made by SLM.
TL;DR: A meta-analysis to compare occurrence and recurrence of HCC in patients receiving either DAA or interferon (IFN) therapy found there is no evidence that HCC occurrence or recurrence is different between patients receiving DAA and IFN therapy.
Utah State University1, University of Queensland2, Griffith University3, University of Dammam4, Deakin University5, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology6, Ikerbasque7, Macquarie University8, Spanish National Research Council9, Edith Cowan University10, University of Western Australia11, Southern Cross University12, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation13
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present global baseline estimates of mangrove soil C stocks enabling countries to begin to assess their manglove soil C stock and the emissions that might arise from manglobve deforestation.
Abstract: This research presents global baseline estimates of mangrove soil C stocks enabling countries to begin to assess their mangrove soil C stocks and the emissions that might arise from mangrove deforestation.
ETH Zurich1, Buck Institute for Research on Aging2, University of Zurich3, Institute for Systems Biology4, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine5, University of California, San Francisco6, University of Toronto7, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute8, Washington University in St. Louis9, Kumamoto University10, Macquarie University11
TL;DR: This study demonstrates that the acquisition of reproducible quantitative proteomics data by multiple labs is achievable, and broadly serves to increase confidence in SWATH-mass spectrometry data acquisition as a reproducible method for large-scale protein quantification.
Abstract: Quantitative proteomics employing mass spectrometry is an indispensable tool in life science research. Targeted proteomics has emerged as a powerful approach for reproducible quantification but is limited in the number of proteins quantified. SWATH-mass spectrometry consists of data-independent acquisition and a targeted data analysis strategy that aims to maintain the favorable quantitative characteristics (accuracy, sensitivity, and selectivity) of targeted proteomics at large scale. While previous SWATH-mass spectrometry studies have shown high intra-lab reproducibility, this has not been evaluated between labs. In this multi-laboratory evaluation study including 11 sites worldwide, we demonstrate that using SWATH-mass spectrometry data acquisition we can consistently detect and reproducibly quantify >4000 proteins from HEK293 cells. Using synthetic peptide dilution series, we show that the sensitivity, dynamic range and reproducibility established with SWATH-mass spectrometry are uniformly achieved. This study demonstrates that the acquisition of reproducible quantitative proteomics data by multiple labs is achievable, and broadly serves to increase confidence in SWATH-mass spectrometry data acquisition as a reproducible method for large-scale protein quantification. SWATH-mass spectrometry consists of a data-independent acquisition and a targeted data analysis strategy that aims to maintain the favorable quantitative characteristics on the scale of thousands of proteins. Here, using data generated by eleven groups worldwide, the authors show that SWATH-MS is capable of generating highly reproducible data across different laboratories.
TL;DR: This paper categorizes the work on wearable flexible sensors according to the materials used for designing the system, the network protocols, and different types of activities that were being monitored.
Abstract: This paper provides a review on some of the significant research work done on wearable flexible sensors (WFSs). Sensors fabricated with the flexible materials have been attached to a person along with the embedded system to monitor a parameter and transfer the significant data to the monitoring unit for the further analyses. The use of wearable sensors has played a quite important role to monitor the physiological parameters of a person to minimize any malfunctioning happening in the body. This paper categorizes the work according to the materials used for designing the system, the network protocols, and different types of activities that were being monitored. The challenges faced by the current sensing systems and future opportunities for the WFSs regarding its market values are also briefly explained in this paper.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated physiological and structural mechanisms underpinning the leaf economics spectrum (LES) by analysing a novel data compilation incorporating rarely considered traits such as the dry mass fraction in cell walls, nitrogen allocation, mesophyll CO2 diffusion and associated anatomical traits for hundreds of species covering major growth forms.
Abstract: The leaf economics spectrum (LES) represents a suite of intercorrelated leaf traits concerning construction costs per unit leaf area, nutrient concentrations, and rates of carbon fixation and tissue turnover. Although broad trade-offs among leaf structural and physiological traits have been demonstrated, we still do not have a comprehensive view of the fundamental constraints underlying the LES trade-offs. Here, we investigated physiological and structural mechanisms underpinning the LES by analysing a novel data compilation incorporating rarely considered traits such as the dry mass fraction in cell walls, nitrogen allocation, mesophyll CO2 diffusion and associated anatomical traits for hundreds of species covering major growth forms. The analysis demonstrates that cell wall constituents are major components of leaf dry mass (18-70%), especially in leaves with high leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and long lifespan. A greater fraction of leaf mass in cell walls is typically associated with a lower fraction of leaf nitrogen (N) invested in photosynthetic proteins; and lower within-leaf CO2 diffusion rates, as a result of thicker mesophyll cell walls. The costs associated with greater investments in cell walls underpin the LES: long leaf lifespans are achieved via higher LMA and in turn by higher cell wall mass fraction, but this inevitably reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis.
Brookhaven National Laboratory1, University of Western Sydney2, Purdue University3, National Center for Atmospheric Research4, Australian National University5, Boston University6, Max Planck Society7, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign8, University of Exeter9, Estonian University of Life Sciences10, Macquarie University11, Imperial College London12, Duke University13, University of Western Ontario14
TL;DR: This work compared the representation of photosynthesis in seven TBMs by examining leaf and canopy level responses of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation to key environmental variables: light, temperature, CO2 concentration, vapor pressure deficit and soil water content.
Abstract: Accurate representation of photosynthesis in terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) is essential for robust projections of global change. However, current representations vary markedly between TBMs, contributing uncertainty to projections of global carbon fluxes. Here we compared the representation of photosynthesis in seven TBMs by examining leaf and canopy level responses of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (A) to key environmental variables: light, temperature, CO2 concentration, vapor pressure deficit and soil water content. We identified research areas where limited process knowledge prevents inclusion of physiological phenomena in current TBMs and research areas where data are urgently needed for model parameterization or evaluation. We provide a roadmap for new science needed to improve the representation of photosynthesis in the next generation of terrestrial biosphere and Earth system models.
Université Paris-Saclay1, Institut Gustave Roussy2, University of California, Los Angeles3, University of California, San Francisco4, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center5, University of Toronto6, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center7, University of South Florida8, University of Pennsylvania9, Mayo Clinic10, University of Pittsburgh11, Westmead Hospital12, Macquarie University13, University of Sydney14, Merck & Co.15, Harvard University16
TL;DR: Patients with metastatic melanoma can have durable complete remission after discontinuation of pembrolizumab, and the low incidence of relapse after median follow-up of approximately 2 years from discontinuation provides hope for a cure for some patients.
Abstract: PurposePembrolizumab provides durable antitumor activity in metastatic melanoma, including complete response (CR) in about 15% of patients. Data are limited on potential predictors of CR and patient disposition after pembrolizumab discontinuation after CR. We describe baseline characteristics and long-term follow-up in patients who experienced CR with pembrolizumab in the KEYNOTE-001 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01295827).Patients and MethodsPatients with ipilimumab-naive or -treated advanced/metastatic melanoma received one of three dose regimens of pembrolizumab. Eligible patients who received pembrolizumab for ≥ 6 months and at least two treatments beyond confirmed CR could discontinue therapy. Response was assessed every 12 weeks by central Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. For this analysis, CR was defined per investigator assessment, immune-related response criteria, and potential predictors of CR were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsOf...
TL;DR: In this paper, an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005 is presented, where surgeons are used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain.
Abstract: Background
Surgery is used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management, such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005.
University of Melbourne1, Australian Institute of Marine Science2, James Cook University3, University of Sydney4, Southern Cross University5, Agricultural Research Service6, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration7, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority8, Macquarie University9, State University of New York at Purchase10
TL;DR: The necessity for consideration of alternative (e.g., hybrid) ecosystem states is highlighted, traits of resilient corals and coral reef ecosystems are discussed, and a decision tree for incorporating assisted evolution into restoration initiatives to enhance climate resilience of coral reefs is proposed.
Abstract: Many ecosystems around the world are rapidly deteriorating due to both local and global pressures, and perhaps none so precipitously as coral reefs. Management of coral reefs through maintenance (e.g., marine-protected areas, catchment management to improve water quality), restoration, as well as global and national governmental agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., the 2015 Paris Agreement) is critical for the persistence of coral reefs. Despite these initiatives, the health and abundance of corals reefs are rapidly declining and other solutions will soon be required. We have recently discussed options for using assisted evolution (i.e., selective breeding, assisted gene flow, conditioning or epigenetic programming, and the manipulation of the coral microbiome) as a means to enhance environmental stress tolerance of corals and the success of coral reef restoration efforts. The 2014–2016 global coral bleaching event has sharpened the focus on such interventionist approaches. We highlight the necessity for consideration of alternative (e.g., hybrid) ecosystem states, discuss traits of resilient corals and coral reef ecosystems, and propose a decision tree for incorporating assisted evolution into restoration initiatives to enhance climate resilience of coral reefs.
TL;DR: In this article, a broad set of options to inform future time series decoding studies from a cognitive neuroscience perspective are described, where the aim is to decode different perceptual stimuli or cognitive states over time from dynamic brain activation patterns.
Abstract: Multivariate pattern analysis MVPA or brain decoding methods have become standard practice in analyzing fMRI data. Although decoding methods have been extensively applied in brain-computer interfaces, these methods have only recently been applied to time series neuroimaging data such as MEG and EEG to address experimental questions in cognitive neuroscience. In a tutorial style review, we describe a broad set of options to inform future time series decoding studies from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. Using example MEG data, we illustrate the effects that different options in the decoding analysis pipeline can have on experimental results where the aim is to "decode" different perceptual stimuli or cognitive states over time from dynamic brain activation patterns. We show that decisions made at both preprocessing e.g., dimensionality reduction, subsampling, trial averaging and decoding e.g., classifier selection, cross-validation design stages of the analysis can significantly affect the results. In addition to standard decoding, we describe extensions to MVPA for time-varying neuroimaging data including representational similarity analysis, temporal generalization, and the interpretation of classifier weight maps. Finally, we outline important caveats in the design and interpretation of time series decoding experiments.
TL;DR: Higher-surface-area textured implants have been shown to significantly increase the risk of breast implant–associated ALCL in Australia and New Zealand and the authors present a unifying hypothesis to explain these observations.
Abstract: Background:The association between breast implants and breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has been confirmed. Implant-related risk has been difficult to estimate to date due to incomplete datasets.Methods:All cases in Australia and New Zealand were identified and analyze
TL;DR: These meta-analyses of 60+ years of social comparison research focused on the choice of a comparison target (selection) and the effects of comparisons on self-evaluations, affect, and so forth (reaction), finding contrast was, by far, the dominant response to social comparison.
Abstract: These meta-analyses of 60+ years of social comparison research focused on 2 issues: the choice of a comparison target (selection) and the effects of comparisons on self-evaluations, affect, and so forth (reaction). Selection studies offering 2 options (up or down) showed a strong preference (and no evidence of publication bias) for upward choices when there was no threat; there was no evidence for downward comparison as a dominant choice even when threatened. Selections became less differentiable when a lateral choice was also provided. For reaction studies, contrast was, by far, the dominant response to social comparison, with ability estimates most strongly affected. Moderator analyses, tests and adjustments for publication bias showed that contrast is stronger when the comparison involves varying participants' standing for ability (effect estimates, -0.75 to -0.65) and affect (-0.83 to -0.65). Novel personal attributes were subject to strong contrast for ability (-0.5 to -0.6) and affect (-0.6 to -0.7). Dissimilarity priming was associated with contrast (-0.44 to -0.27; no publication bias), consistent with Mussweiler (2003). Similarity priming provided modest support for Collins (1996) and Mussweiler (2003), with very weak assimilation effects, depending on the publication bias estimator. Studies including control groups indicated effects in response to upward and downward targets were comparable in size and contrastive. Limitations of the literature (e.g., small number of studies including no-comparison control conditions), unresolved issues, and why people choose to compare upward when the most likely result is self-deflating contrast are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
TL;DR: The mechanisms by which ocean sprawl may modify ecological connectivity, including trophic connectivity associated with the flow of nutrients and resources are reviewed, revealing the paucity of studies directly addressing the effects of artificial structures on ecological connectivity in the marine environment, particularly at large spatial and temporal scales.
TL;DR: GASP (GAs Stripping Phenomena in galaxies with MUSE) as discussed by the authors is a new integral field spectroscopic survey at the VLT aiming at studying gas removal processes in galaxies.
Abstract: GASP (GAs Stripping Phenomena in galaxies with MUSE) is a new integral-field spectroscopic survey with MUSE at the VLT aiming at studying gas removal processes in galaxies. We present an overview of the survey and show a first example of a galaxy undergoing strong gas stripping. GASP is obtaining deep MUSE data for 114 galaxies at z=0.04-0.07 with stellar masses in the range 10^9.2-10^11.5 M_sun in different environments (galaxy clusters and groups, over more than four orders of magnitude in halo mass). GASP targets galaxies with optical signatures of unilateral debris or tails reminiscent of gas stripping processes ("jellyfish galaxies"), as well as a control sample of disk galaxies with no morphological anomalies. GASP is the only existing Integral Field Unit (IFU) survey covering both the main galaxy body and the outskirts and surroundings, where the IFU data can reveal the presence and the origin of the outer gas. To demonstrate GASP's ability to probe the physics of gas and stars, we show the complete analysis of a textbook case of a "jellyfish" galaxy, JO206. This is a massive galaxy (9 x 10^10 M_sun in a low-mass cluster (sigma ~500 km/s), at a small projected clustercentric radius and a high relative velocity, with >=90kpc-long tentacles of ionized gas stripped away by ram pressure. We present the spatially resolved kinematics and physical properties of gas and stars, and depict the evolutionary history of this galaxy.