bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustaining crop production in China's cropland by crop residue retention: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Bing‐Yang , Liu Sheng‐Li , Qi Jian‐Ying , Wang Xing , Pu Chao , Li Shuai‐Shuai , Zhang Xiong‐Zhi , Yang Xiao‐Guang , Lal Rattan , Chen Fu , Zhang Hai‐Lin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCrop residue retention (RR) is a recommended practice in China and globally. However, comprehensive assessment of changes and mechanisms affecting crop production and soil processes with RR and thus identifying systems of sustainable residues management are not widely studied. A national meta‐analysis was conducted to assess changes in 24 indicators (related to soil quality, soil nutrients, crop yield, and environmental impacts) along with their relationships under RR through 4,910 comparisons from 278 publications across China's croplands. Positively, RR significantly increased crop yield (7.8%), soil organic carbon (SOC) pool (12.3% to 36.8%), soil nutrient reserves (1.9% to 15.2%), soil temperature (6.7%), and water contents (5.9%) and improved soil structure when compared with residue removal (P < .05). Negatively, RR may increase soil acidification and significantly increase emissions of greenhouse gases (by 31.7%, 130.9%, and 12.2% for CO2, CH4, and N2O). Nonetheless, the negative effects can be alleviated, and the positive effects can be strengthened by adopting RR in conjunction with appropriate crops, specific farming practices, and avoiding more than 10 years of consecutive use. The results indicated that a higher decomposition of native and newly added organic matters, induced by RR and attendant changes in soil physical properties, could enhance the dynamics of SOC, microbial biomass, soil nutrients, and the final increase in crop yield and greenhouse gases emissions. Thus, the sustainability of RR‐based system could be enhanced by a careful choice and adoption of integrated farming practices. Proper RR management strategies could offer a climate‐smart solution to ensure food security and sustain soil productivity.
Gradation characteristic analysis of vegetation‐type porous concrete
Authors: Zhang G. , Yin J. , Li S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPorosity acts as a key role in realizing the planting function of vegetation‐type porous concrete. However, the porosity depends on the aggregate gradation characteristic. Then, compared with the gradation characteristic of normal concrete, the gradation characteristic of vegetation‐type porous concrete is discussed. Furthermore, the porosity calculation of vegetation‐type porous concrete with three kinds of grain‐size‐ranges (9.5 mm‐16 mm, 16 mm‐19 mm and 19 mm‐26.5 mm) is deduced. Results present that the stacking theory is more suitable than the filling theory to describe the aggregate accumulation pattern. Besides, the calculation formula is deduced, which can effectively calculate the porosity of vegetation‐type porous concrete.
HDQLIFE and Neuro‐QoL Physical Function Measures: Responsiveness in Persons with Huntington's Disease
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Boileau Nicholas R. , Chou Kelvin L. , Ready Rebecca E. , Cella David , McCormack Michael K. , Miner Jennifer A. , Dayalu Praveen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundHuntington's disease (HD) is a neurological disorder that causes severe motor symptoms that adversely impact health‐related quality of life. Patient‐reported physical function outcome measures in HD have shown cross‐sectional evidence of validity, but responsiveness has not yet been assessed.ObjectivesThis study evaluates the responsiveness of the Huntington Disease Health‐Related Quality of Life (HDQLIFE) and the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro‐QoL) physical function measures in persons with HD.MethodsA total of 347 participants completed baseline and at least 1 follow‐up (12‐month and 24‐month) measure (HDQLIFE Chorea, HDQLIFE Swallowing Difficulties, HDQLIFE Speech Difficulties, Neuro‐QoL Upper Extremity Function, and/or Neuro‐QoL Lower Extremity Function). Of the participants that completed the baseline assessment, 338 (90.9%) completed the 12‐month assessment, and 293 (78.8%) completed the 24‐month assessment. Standardized response means and general linear models evaluated whether the physical function measures were responsive to self‐reported and clinician‐rated change over time.ResultsSmall to moderate effect sizes for the standardized response means supported 12‐month and 24‐month responsiveness of the HDQLIFE and Neuro‐QoL measures for those with either self‐reported or clinician‐rated declines in function. General linear models supported 12‐month and 24‐month responsiveness for all HRQOL measures relative to self‐reported declines in health, but generally only 24‐month responsiveness was supported relative to clinician‐rated declines in function.ConclusionsLongitudinal analyses indicate that the HDQLIFE and the Neuro‐QoL physical function measures are sensitive to change over time in individuals with HD. Thus, these scales exhibit evidence of responsiveness and may be useful outcome measures in future clinical trials. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
From a variant of unknown significance to pathogenic: Reclassification of a large novel duplication in BRCA2 by high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: van Luttikhuizen Jana Lisa , Bublitz Janin , Schubert Stephanie , Schmidt Gunnar , Hofmann Winfried , Morlot Susanne , Buurman Reena , Auber Bernd , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Steinemann Doris 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundGermline mutations in BRCA1/2 significantly contribute to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer. Here, we report a novel BRCA2 duplication of exons 22–24 in a female patient with bilateral breast cancer at age 35 and 44. The duplicated region was initially detected by gene panel sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. However, the location and orientation of the duplicated region was unknown. Therefore, it was initially classified as a variant of unknown significance.MethodsThe spatial directional characterization of the BRCA2 duplication was achieved by targeted enrichment of the whole‐genomic BRCA2 locus including exons and introns, and subsequent high‐throughput sequencing. Subsequently, bioinformatics tools and a breakpoint‐spanning PCR were used for identification of location and orientation of the duplication.ResultsThe duplicated region was arranged in tandem and direct orientation (Chr13(GRCh37):g.32951579_32960394dup; NM_000059.3 c.8754 + 651_9256+6112dup p.(Ala3088Phefs*3)). It is predicted to result in a frameshift and a premature stop codon likely triggering nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. Consequently, it is regarded as pathogenic.ConclusionThis case study demonstrates that a comprehensive characterization of a structural variant by breakpoint assessment is crucial for its correct classification. Therefore, sequencing strategies including non‐coding regions might be necessary to identify cancer predispositions in affected families.
Characterizing a deformable registration algorithm for surface‐guided breast radiotherapy
Authors: Meyer Juergen , Smith Wade , Geneser Sarah , Koger Brandon , Kalet Alan M. , Young Lori A. , Cao Ning , Price Ryan G. , Norris Chris , Horton Tony , Womeldorf Jeff , Alexandrian Ara N. , Wootton Landon S. 
Published: November 2019

PurposeSurface‐guided radiation therapy (SGRT) is a nonionizing imaging approach for patient setup guidance, intra‐fraction monitoring, and automated breath‐hold gating of radiation treatments. SGRT employs the premise that the external patient surface correlates to the internal anatomy, to infer the treatment isocenter position at time of treatment delivery. Deformations and posture variations are known to impact the correlation between external and internal anatomy. However, the degree, magnitude, and algorithm dependence of this impact are not intuitive and currently no methods exist to assess this relationship. The primary aim of this work was to develop a framework to investigate and understand how a commercial optical surface imaging system (C‐RAD, Uppsala, Sweden), which uses a nonrigid registration algorithm, handles rotations and surface deformations.MethodsA workflow consisting of a female torso phantom and software‐introduced transformations to the corresponding digital reference surface was developed. To benchmark and validate the approach, known rigid translations and rotations were first applied. Relevant breast radiotherapy deformations related to breast size, hunching/arching back, distended/deflated abdomen, and an irregular surface to mimic a cover sheet over the lower part of the torso were investigated. The difference between rigid and deformed surfaces was evaluated as a function of isocenter location.ResultsFor all introduced rigid body transformations, C‐RAD computed isocenter shifts were determined within 1 mm and 1˚. Additional translational shifts to correct for rotations as a function of isocenter location were determined with the same accuracy. For yaw setup errors, the difference in shift corrections between a plan with an isocenter placed in the center of the breast (BrstIso) and one located 12 cm superiorly (SCFIso) was 2.3 mm/1˚ in lateral direction. Pitch setup errors resulted in a difference of 2.1 mm/1˚ in vertical direction. For some of the deformation scenarios, much larger differences up to 16 mm and 7˚ in the calculated shifts between BrstIso and SCFIso were observed that could lead to large unintended gaps or overlap between adjacent matched fields if uncorrected.ConclusionsThe methodology developed lends itself well for quality assurance (QA) of SGRT systems. The deformable C‐RAD algorithm determined accurate shifts for rigid transformations, and this was independent of isocenter location. For surface deformations, the position of the isocenter had considerable impact on the registration result. It is recommended to avoid off‐axis isocenters during treatment planning to optimally utilize the capabilities of the deformable image registration algorithm, especially when multiple isocenters are used with fields that share a field edge.
Renal dysfunction can occur in advanced‐stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Motoki Takahiro , Shimizu‐Motohashi Yuko , Saito Isao , Komaki Hirofumi , Ishiyama Akihiko , Aibara Kaori , Jogamoto Toshihiro , Tezuka Yuko , Kawabe Mika , Makino Akira , Nagatani Koji , Tatara Katsunori , Kuwabara Kozue , Kikuchi Chiya , Fukuda Mitsumasa , Ishii Eiichi , Eguchi Mariko 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionWith improved treatments, patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can survive far beyond adolescence. However, advanced‐stage DMD patients are at risk of developing renal dysfunction. In this study, long‐term renal function outcomes and associated risk factors in advanced stage DMD were analyzed.MethodsFifty‐one patients were classified into three different age groups (<20, 20–29, and ≥30 years of age), and cystatin C (CysC) levels were compared among groups.ResultsMedian serum CysC levels were 0.74 mg/L, 0.63 mg/L, and 0.76 mg/L in the age groups of <20, 20–29, and ≥30 years, respectively (P = .003). Five of the nine patients in the ≥30 years age group showed elevated serum CysC and decreased cardiac function compared with the other four in the group (P = .014).DiscussionOur results indicate an association between cardiac and renal dysfunction in patients with advanced‐stage DMD.
Standardized serum hepcidin values in Dutch children: Set point relative to body iron changes during childhood
Authors: Donker Albertine E. , Galesloot Tessel E. , Laarakkers Coby M. , Klaver Siem M. , Bakkeren Dirk L. , Swinkels Dorine W. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundUse of serum hepcidin measurements in pediatrics would benefit from standardized age‐ and sex‐specific reference ranges in children, in order to enable the establishment of clinical decision limits that are universally applicable.ProcedureWe measured serum hepcidin‐25 levels in 266 healthy Dutch children aged 0.3‐17 years, using an isotope dilution mass spectrometry assay, standardized with our commutable secondary reference material (RM), assigned by a candidate primary RM.ResultsWe constructed age‐ and sex‐specific values for serum hepcidin and its ratio with ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Serum hepcidin levels and hepcidin/ferritin and TSAT/hepcidin ratios were similar for both sexes. Serum hepcidin and hepcidin/ferritin ratio substantially declined after the age of 12 years and TSAT/hepcidin ratio gradually increased with increasing age. Serum hepcidin values for Dutch children <12 years (n = 170) and >12 years (n = 96) were 1.9 nmol/L (median); 0.1‐13.1 nmol/L (p2.5‐p97.5) and 0.9 nmol/L; 0.0‐9.1 nmol/L, respectively. Serum ferritin was the most significant correlate of serum hepcidin in our study population, explaining 15.1% and 7.9% of variance in males and females, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis including age, blood sampling time, iron parameters, ALT, CRP, and body mass index as independent variables showed a statistically significant negative association between age as a dichotomous variable (≤12 vs >12 years) and log‐transformed serum hepcidin levels in both sexes.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that serum hepcidin relative to indicators of body iron is age dependent in children, suggesting that the set point of serum hepcidin relative to stored and circulating iron changes during childhood.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B: Frequency of physical stigmata—Results of the GPOH‐MET registry
Authors: Redlich Antje , Lessel Lienhard , Petrou Artemis , Mier Pascal , Vorwerk Peter 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMultiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2B is characterized by early development of aggressive medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), visible physical stigmata, and associated symptoms. In most cases, de novo mutations are revealed. There are premonitory symptoms and stigmata that enable early diagnosis, before an inoperable MTC develops. The German Society for Paediatric Oncology and Haematology (GPOH)—Malignant Endocrine Tumours (MET) registry maintains records of children with MTC in Germany since 1997.MethodsChildren with a diagnosis of MTC in MEN 2B recorded in the GPOH‐MET study were analyzed retrospectively. Stigmata and symptoms associated with MEN 2B were examined.ResultsFrom inception through 2017, 24 patients aged 0.2‐17.3 years were included. Symptoms affecting the oral/dental (88.0%), musculoskeletal (79.2%), and gastrointestinal (70.8%) systems were recognized most frequently. Gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms preceded symptoms of MTC. Twelve patients had short stature. Regarding the prevalence of single symptoms, neuromas of the lips and the oral cavity were mentioned most frequently. Five patients died from MTC. Patients diagnosed by tumor symptoms showed more advanced disease than those with disease detected by other means. Children diagnosed via associated stigmata and symptoms or positive family history had significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared to children diagnosed via symptoms of MTC (OS 100% vs 53.3%).ConclusionsIn children with MEN 2B, oral/dental, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal symptoms are most common. If children are diagnosed via associated symptoms and stigmata, OS is improved. Most of the children were diagnosed with growth disturbances; this finding requires verification and ranging in other patient cohorts.
Treatment of children with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia with mitoxantrone, vincristine, pegaspargase, dexamethasone, and bortezomib
Authors: August Keith J. , Guest Erin M. , Lewing Karen , Hays J. Allyson , Gamis Alan S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children is challenging and new treatment options are needed. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with activity in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Adding bortezomib to standard reinduction chemotherapy in relapsed and refractory pediatric ALL has produced very good response rates in prior studies.MethodsWe evaluated bortezomib in combination with reinduction therapy (ALL R3) in 10 children with relapsed or refractory ALL. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2/dose) was administered to patients on days 1, 4, 8, and 11. In addition, patients received mitoxantrone, dexamethasone, pegaspargase, vincristine, and intrathecal methotrexate over 4 weeks.ResultsOf the 10 patients, eight (80%) achieved a complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete recovery (CRi). Of the patients in CR, two had undetectable minimal residual disease by flow cytometry (<0.01%). Five patients were subsequently treated with a stem cell transplant. All eight patients that achieved CR or CRi eventually relapsed. One patient remains alive following treatment with tisagenlecleucel after relapse. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in four out of 10 patients, and other toxicities commonly associated with bortezomib were not seen.ConclusionsIn children with relapsed or refractory ALL, the addition of bortezomib to reinduction chemotherapy that includes mitoxantrone produces a complete response in the majority of cases and does not lead to excessive toxicity.
Biochemical testing for neuroblastoma using plasma free 3‐O‐methyldopa, 3‐methoxytyramine, and normetanephrine
Authors: Peitzsch Mirko , Butch Elizabeth R. , Lovorn Elizabeth , Mangelis Anastasios , Furman Wayne L. , Santana Victor M. , Hero Barbara , Berthold Frank , Shulkin Barry L. , Huebner Angela , Eisenhofer Graeme 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, produces catecholamines that are metabolized within tumor cells. Homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), the end products of catecholamine metabolism, have limited accuracy for testing of the tumors. This study assessed whether metabolites produced in earlier steps of catecholamine metabolism might offer improved diagnostic accuracy over urinary HVA and VMA.ProcedurePlasma concentrations of 3‐methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine were measured in two pediatric cohorts: (i) 96 children with confirmed neuroblastoma and (ii) 41 children with signs and symptoms of a catecholamine‐producing tumor or other neoplasms and in whom neuroblastoma was excluded. Additional measurements of plasma 3‐O‐methyldopa and relationships of metabolites to MYCN amplification were examined in patient subgroups.ResultsOverall, 94 of the 96 patients with neuroblastoma had concentrations of 3‐methoxytyramine or normetanephrine above age‐specific upper limits of reference intervals, providing a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.9% that was higher (P < 0.0001) than that of 82.2% for HVA and VMA. One of the two patients with normal plasma results showed an elevation of plasma 3‐O‐methyldopa. Diagnostic specificities were, respectively, 95.1% and 84.8%. Areas under receiver‐operating characteristic curves confirmed the superior diagnostic power of the plasma than the urinary test (0.994 vs 0.945; P = 0.0095). Ratios of plasma 3‐methoxytyramine to normetanephrine were 7.2‐fold higher (P < 0.0001) for patients who had neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification than without MYCN amplification.ConclusionsMeasurements of plasma 3‐methoxytyramine and normetanephrine provide a highly accurate diagnostic test for neuroblastoma and also offer potential for prognostic risk stratification.
Gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and oxaliplatin (GEMPOX) in the treatment of relapsed/refractory intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors
Authors: Perez‐Somarriba Marta , Moreno‐Tejero Maria Luisa , Rozas Maria Isabel , Pelaez Irene , Madero Luis , Lassaletta Alvaro 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntracranial germ cell tumors (GCT) account for less than 5% of all central nervous system tumors in children in Western countries. Approximately 40% are nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT). Despite correct treatment, 16% to 47% of the patients will relapse. There are no standard approaches in case of recurrence, and treatment in this situation remains a challenge.We report three patients diagnosed with relapsed intracranial NGGCT treated with gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and oxaliplatin, in whom the tumor showed a remarkable response with normalization of tumor markers.
Impact of academic psychological capital on academic achievement among university undergraduates: Roles of flow and self‐handicapping behavior
Authors: Adil Adnan , Ameer Sadaf , Ghayas Saba 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe present research explored the mediating roles of flow and self‐handicapping behaviors in the relationship between academic psychological capital (PsyCap) and academic achievement in a purposive sample of university undergraduates (N = 300). Components of academic PsyCap were measured with the Perceived Self‐efficacy subscale of the Student Approaches to Learning Scale, the Life Orientation Test – Academics, the Academic Hope Scale, and the Academic Resilience Scale. Flow and self‐handicapping behaviors were measured with the Flow Short Scale and the Self‐handicapping Scale Revised, respectively. Students' cumulative grade point averages (CGPAs) in the previous semester were taken as an index of their academic achievement. The measurement model of the study revealed a good fit to the data and the structural model indicated the positive direct effects of academic PsyCap and flow and the negative effect of self‐handicapping behaviors on academic achievement. Both flow and self‐handicapping behaviors demonstrated a parallel mediation between academic PsyCap and CGPA such that academic PsyCap decreased self‐handicapping behaviors, which in turn resulted in improved CGPA; on the other hand, academic PsyCap enhanced the flow experience, which led to improved academic achievement. Implications of the study and recommendations for future research are reflected upon.
“Sensors Everywhere!”
Authors: Pozo Jose 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this article, Jose Pozo, EPIC's CTO talks to Remco Nieuwland. Remco is the mind and soul behind the development of the NORIA system: the first world‐wide tool to manufacture fiber Bragg gratings. Remco is now CTO of Somni Solutions, a Dutch company that designs, develops and manufactures high‐end fiber optic sensors and sensor systems.