A Model Based on Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for Monitoring Recurrence of HCC after Hepatectomy

Background There is no satisfactory indicator for monitoring recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study aimed to design and validate an HCC monitor recurrence (HMR) model for patients without metastasis after hepatectomy. Methods A training cohort was recruited from 1179 patients with HCC without metastasis after hepatectomy between February 2012 and December 2015. An HMR model was developed using an AdaBoost classifier algorithm. The factors included patient age, TNM staging, tumor size, and pre/postoperative dynamic variations of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The diagnostic efficacy of the model was evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). The model was validated using a cohort of 695 patients. Results In preoperative patients with positive or negative AFP, the AUC of the validation cohort in the HMR model was .8877, which indicated better diagnostic efficacy than that of serum AFP (AUC, .7348). The HMR model predicted recurrence earlier than computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging did by 191.58 ± 165 days. In addition, the HMR model can predict the prognosis of patients with HCC after resection. Conclusions The HMR model established in this study is more accurate than serum AFP for monitoring recurrence after hepatectomy for HCC and can be used for real-time monitoring of the postoperative status in patients with HCC without metastasis.

The Recorded Brahms Corpus (RBC): A Dataset of Performative Parameters in Recordings of Brahms's Cello Sonatas

This report describes the open-source Recorded Brahms Corpus (RBC) dataset, as well as the methods employed to extract and process the data. The dataset contains (micro)timing and dynamic data from 21 recordings of Brahms's Cello Sonatas, Opp. 38 and 99, focusing on note and beat onsets and duration, tempo fluctuations, and dynamic variations. Consistent manual annotation of the corpus in Sonic Visualiser was necessary prior to automatic extraction. Data for each recording and measurement unit are given as TXT files. Scores in various digital formats, the original SV files and diamond-shaped scape plots visualizations of the data are offered too. Expansion of the corpus with further movements of the sonatas, further recordings thereof and other compositions by Brahms is planned. The study of the data may contribute to performance studies and music theory alike.

Evapotranspiration and Quantitative Partitioning of Spring Maize with Drip Irrigation under Mulch in an Arid Region of Northwestern China

To examine evapotranspiration (ETc), soil evaporation (Es), and transpiration (Tr), and partitioning of ETc, a two-year field experiment was carried out in a maize field with drip irrigation under mulch in an arid region of northwestern China in 2017 and 2018. In the experiment we designed two treatments with full irrigation (T1) and growth stage-based strategic regulated deficit irrigation (T2). The applied irrigation of T2 was 40% of the T1 during both late vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Based on the measurements of soil water content (SWC) and Tr, a dual crop coefficient model (SIMDualKc) was calibrated and validated, and daily ETc, Es, and Tr were estimated. The model can simulate well the dynamic variations of SWC and Tr. The calibrated basic crop coefficient at the initial, mid-season, and end growth stages was 0.2, 1.15, and 0.75, respectively. The ETc was 507.9 and 519.1 mm for the T1 treatment, and 428.9 and 430.9 mm for the T2 treatment. The ratios of Tr to ETc were higher for the two treatments, ~90%, for two years. Collectively, both drip irrigation under mulch and strategic deficit irrigation after canopy covering of the ground can significantly reduce the ineffective proportion of ETc and Es.

Dynamic Variations of 3′UTR Length Reprogram the mRNA Regulatory Landscape

This paper concerns 3′-untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of mRNAs, which are non-coding regulatory platforms that control stability, fate and the correct spatiotemporal translation of mRNAs. Many mRNAs have polymorphic 3′UTR regions. Controlling 3′UTR length and sequence facilitates the regulation of the accessibility of functional effectors (RNA binding proteins, miRNAs or other ncRNAs) to 3′UTR functional boxes and motifs and the establishment of different regulatory landscapes for mRNA function. In this context, shortening of 3′UTRs would loosen miRNA or protein-based mechanisms of mRNA degradation, while 3′UTR lengthening would strengthen accessibility to these effectors. Alterations in the mechanisms regulating 3′UTR length would result in widespread deregulation of gene expression that could eventually lead to diseases likely linked to the loss (or acquisition) of specific miRNA binding sites. Here, we will review the mechanisms that control 3′UTR length dynamics and their alterations in human disorders. We will discuss, from a mechanistic point of view centered on the molecular machineries involved, the generation of 3′UTR variability by the use of alternative polyadenylation and cleavage sites, of mutually exclusive terminal alternative exons (exon skipping) as well as by the process of exonization of Alu cassettes to generate new 3′UTRs with differential functional features.